King of My Scars

The Kingdom #1

by Abby North

"He’s kryptonite to my intentions. The exception to all my self-imposed rules. The one to have stolen my heart and the man who I willingly give my body."
An exciting blend of spice and thrill marks the beginning of The Kingdom series

Arianna has left everything her past and the men who broke her. She seeks refuge in Las Vegas, determined never to trust anyone again.

Until she meets Denham King.
He is dangerous, yet her safest haven. Dark, yet the light that pulls her out of the shadows. For the first time, Arianna doesn't run away – she runs towards him.

But her past won't lie dormant.
Old enemies catch up with her, secrets are revealed, and her love for King becomes her greatest risk. Can you trust a man even though you've learned that closeness can be deadly?

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

Reviews

[Bookishness · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

A story about a woman trying to escape unhealthy relationships, finally finding the courage to run away only to find herself in another bad one. The book was entertaining and easy to get through, but I never felt emotionally connected to the characters. I also felt like there was a lack of real character growth and development throughout the story. Also the side characters were just there!

The ending left me a bit confused, and I wish it had delivered more of a shocking twist. The whole time I kept expecting Jonny to show up in some dramatic way but not like that.

Overall, it was a decent read, but I wanted a little more depth and emotional impact.



~Pre-read~ ARC received..

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book called, King of My Scars. This is about a woman named Arianna and she's running away, again. She hasn't had the best of luck when it comes to men, which is why when she meets Denham King she is very untrusting and cautious, despite how safe she actually feels when she's near him. But as she gets to know him she begins to let her guard down and finally relax for the first time in so long, but danger and her past are lurking much closer than she thinks.
Wow, this was such an easy and enjoyable read! I was hooked on this romantic suspense story from the start and absolutely flew through it! Arianna's character development despite all she had been through was really well done, I was so happy for her to finally find the love she deserves with Denham. The chemistry between them was instant, but I love that he gave her all the time she needed to feel safe and ready to open her heart again. But OMG that cliffhanger ending had me reeling!! 🤯 I was totally not expecting the story to end in that moment and I absolutely NEED to read the next story as soon as humanly possible! 💜📚

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of King of My Scars, in exchange for an honest review.

[Charley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️ Trigger warning: references to domestic violence in the prologue.
Book Review: King of My Scars
This book hooked me from the very first chapter. The tension is immediate and it pulls you straight into the story — the kind of opening that makes you think “okay, I need to know what happens next.” And honestly? It’s one of those books that lives rent-free in your head when you’re not reading it… which is always the sign of a good one.
One of my favourite things about this story is the strong female empowerment theme running throughout it. Watching the FMC grow and take control of her story made the romance feel even more satisfying.
And can we talk about the chemistry for a second? Because the sexual tension in this book is THICK. The push and pull between the characters had me completely invested the whole time.
I also didn’t expect to enjoy the millionaire trope as much as I did, but this one really worked for me. It didn’t feel overdone and I ended up thoroughly enjoying the dynamic it created.
Then that ENDING.
The cliffhanger completely caught me off guard and now I need the next book.
Also, the bonus MMC POV content was such a fun extra. Getting inside his head added another layer to the story and made the experience even better.
✨ If you like:
• intense chemistry
• powerful FMCs
• millionaire romance
• high tension and dramatic endings
…this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Brogan Plot Twist & Chill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book literally was so good I couldn’t put it down, I ate it up in literally 24 hours and am jumping right into the second book today. This book follow Adrianna who has never been able to find real love or a real man until Denham King comes along. Running from one past, giving another man a chance and now running from that has left her definitely in fear for herself and future but when she meets King, she slowly starts to put her guard down and maybe to soon. This book will definitely have you from page one with the funny best friend banter to the abusive ex-fiancé and basically fake marriage.

Tropes:
Touch Her & Die
Bad Boy
Multiple New Beginnings
Love-Triangle

Thank you DP for allowing me to voluntarily read and review.

[Ana GLdeC · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the moment we meet Arianna, she’s on the run. By chapter two, we learn she’s escaped an abusive relationship and is now leaving another that could become just as bad. With help from a friend, she hides out in a Las Vegas hotel to process everything and figure out her next move. Just as she decides she’s done running and ready for freedom, she meets Denham King (the hotel owner), who shows her what real love can be. But nothing stays perfect for long, and her past soon comes back to haunt her, both emotionally and physically.

What I enjoyed about this book, and why I continued reading, was the way North intertwines plotlines. In the end, everything seems to connect in a way that does not feel forced and definitely has the potential to add tension to the dynamics between characters. For example, the fact that Arianna's last ex seems to have some sort of connection to Denham raises big questions about whether her current love interest is trustworthy, which—considering her past—is a major concern for Arianna.

That being said, I wish North had spent more time developing her characters, particularly Arianna. We have a woman escaping from a terrifying past, and she constantly reminds us she cannot trust Denham immediately because of it. On top of that, Denham is somehow involved with Arianna's most recent ex-husband, making their relationship more layered and complicated. Yet Arianna's actions show that she trusts Denham blindly. Even though she tells us this relationship is complicated, what we are presented with on the page is a fast-paced romance between two characters who jump into a deeply loving relationship right away, with no real friction or opportunity for character growth at any point.

This issue does not only apply to Arianna. To me, most of the characters fell flat, feeling more like stock figures ticking off a checklist of generic traits to fulfill their roles in the novel. This also means that some of the dialogue falls into clichés (nothing wrong with them, but they should be used sparingly). Therefore, even though there are interesting plot points that keep the book entertaining, weaknesses in the character writing take away from the overall reading experience.

I would give the second book in this saga a chance because, as I said at the beginning, the plot is genuinely interesting. I do think Abby North has laid a great setup for a compelling romance. However, if the characters remain the same—with little to no tension, growth, or depth—I think I will have to pass on the series altogether.

[Melisa Gümüstepe · Rating 4 out of 5]

„King of my Scars“ ist ein fesselnder Auftakt, der sich unglaublich leicht lesen lässt. Der Schreibstil ist flüssig, zugänglich und sorgt dafür, dass man sofort in die Geschichte eintaucht. Besonders Arianas Vergangenheit zieht einen direkt in den Bann: Ihre Traumata, die Flucht vor häuslicher Gewalt und die emotionale Last, die sie mit sich trägt, verleihen der Geschichte eine spürbare Intensität.

Im Mittelpunkt steht ihr Wunsch, endlich nicht mehr davonzulaufen und sich ihrer Vergangenheit zu stellen – und genau auf diesem Weg begegnet sie Denham King. Ab diesem Moment nimmt die Story richtig Fahrt auf.

Die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Ariana und Denham entwickelt sich schnell im Sinne von „Love at first sight“. Das kann für manche etwas überstürzt wirken, passt aber gut zur Dynamik der Geschichte. Denn auch wenn ernste Themen angesprochen werden, bleibt das Buch insgesamt eher leicht zugänglich und weniger tiefgehend, als man vielleicht erwarten könnte.

Denham ist dabei der Inbegriff eines Dark-Romance-Helden: charismatisch, unberechenbar und beschützend – genau die Art von Mann, die sowohl fasziniert als auch gefährlich wirkt. Die Chemie zwischen ihm und Ariana ist von Anfang an spürbar, voller Spannung und unterschwelliger Leidenschaft, während gleichzeitig eine konstante Bedrohung über allem liegt.

Trotz der düsteren Themen bleibt die Geschichte emotional greifbar, ohne sich zu sehr in psychologischer Tiefe zu verlieren. Das Ende fühlt sich dabei weniger wie ein Abschluss und mehr wie ein emotionaler Absturz an – und macht Band zwei praktisch unverzichtbar.

Ein packender, leidenschaftlicher und sehr unterhaltsamer Auftakt, der definitiv Lust auf mehr macht.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚King of My Scars
✍🏻Abby North
Blurb:
"He’s kryptonite to my intentions. The exception to all my self-imposed rules. The one to have stolen my heart and the man who I willingly give my body."
An exciting blend of spice and thrill marks the beginning of The Kingdom series

Arianna has left everything her past and the men who broke her. She seeks refuge in Las Vegas, determined never to trust anyone again.

Until she meets Denham King.
He is dangerous, yet her safest haven. Dark, yet the light that pulls her out of the shadows. For the first time, Arianna doesn't run away – she runs towards him.

But her past won't lie dormant.
Old enemies catch up with her, secrets are revealed, and her love for King becomes her greatest risk. Can you trust a man even though you've learned that closeness can be deadly?
My Thoughts:
King of My Scars is an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish. Abby North captures Arianna’s trauma, fear, and fierce determination with so much emotional clarity that you feel every beat of her journey. This girl has survived horrors, and yet she keeps fighting—keeps choosing herself—even when it costs her everything. And then Denham King walks in. Dangerous, magnetic, and unexpectedly safe, he becomes the one person she stops running from.A gripping blend of spice, danger, and raw vulnerability.
Thanks NetGalley, dp books and Author Abby North for the complimentary copy of "King of My Scars" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#dpBooks
#AbbyNorth
#KingofMyScars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lilith's_Library_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

King of My Scars is the kind of book that grabs you by the heart and doesn’t let go. Abby North has a rare talent for weaving together danger, desire, and emotional depth into a story that feels both darkly intense and irresistibly seductive. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world of high stakes, power struggles, and characters whose chemistry could ignite a room.

The romance is scorching—full of tension, longing, and moments so intimate they made my heart race. But it’s not just about the heat; there’s a raw emotional undercurrent that gives every connection depth, making each interaction feel both thrilling and real. The protagonist’s journey, balancing scars—both literal and metaphorical—with ambition and vulnerability, is compelling and heart-wrenching.

Abby North doesn’t shy away from making her characters flawed, powerful, and achingly human, and the way she layers the romance with danger and intrigue keeps the pages turning long into the night. I was captivated by every twist, every whispered secret, every heated glance, and every moment that left me breathless.

If you crave a story that’s spicy, darkly romantic, and emotionally gripping, King of My Scars is an absolute must-read. I finished it with my heart pounding and my mind already racing toward the next book in the series. This one will haunt you, seduce you, and leave you utterly addicted.

[lesemama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zum Buch:

Arianna hat alles hinter sich gelassen. Ihre Heimat in der Nähe von Las Vegas, ihre Mutter, ihre beste Freundin, sogar ihren Namen. Und das alles nur, um ihrem gewalttätigen Verlobten zu entkommen. Jetzt, eineinhalb später, hat sie einen anderen Namen, ein anderes Leben und einen Ehemann. Als dieser die Hand gegen sie erhebt, flieht sie zurück nach Vegas und kommt in dem Hotel von Denham King unter. Und plötzlich könnte sie ein ganz anderes Leben haben.



Meine Meinung:

Es beginnt mit Ariannas Ehe. Mit ihrem Mann, der sich verändert hat und sie bedroht. Also geht sie zurück in ihre Heimat, in ihr altes Leben, in der Hoffnung, dass ihr ehemaliger Verlobter die Suche mittlerweile aufgegeben hat. Im Hotel von Denham King wollte sie nur kurz luftholen, aber es knsitert dermaßen zwischen den beiden.

Soweit, so normal. Zwei Menschen treffen aufeinander, vergucken sich und bauen eine Beziehung auf. Es ist heiß, was die beiden füreinander empfinden, die Chemie stimmt. Abwechslungsreich erzählt, eigentlich total süß aber dann kommt eine Wendung, mit der ich nicht gerechbet hatte. Und das Buch ist zuende. Zu. Glück lag das zweite schon bereit

[Sally (bookishbursnoll) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I travelled to the Kingdom, but I’m unsure I’ll go back 🥴

Okay, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this book and even though it was a good read, there were a number of things I didn’t like which then affects the overall rating.

Firstly I looooooved Denham, billionaire hotel owner, yes pls ✅ and I liked the slow burn between him and Natalie/Arianna, but she drove me absolutely wild. She manages to escape two terrible relationships (TW for domestic abuse), starts to figure out how she’s going to be single etc….but then meets Denham and within a few days, she’s in love!? We listen and we don’t judge, but girl, maybe just take a breather and have a few days, a week tops, to yourself to get over the HORRENDOUS men in your past?

It also felt very monologue-y, I skimmed a lot because I was kinda bored of being in her head 😅 I woulda paid good money to have had Denham’s POV alongside hers, and maybe his is there in the next book but unfortunately I don’t think I’ll be continuing!

I will say this though - the spicy scenes were tremendous 🥵👏🏻👏🏻

Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an easy, addictive read—I was hooked from the start and flew through it! The romantic suspense element really pulled me in, and I loved watching Arianna’s character grow despite everything she’s been through. Seeing her slowly open herself up again and find love with Denham was so satisfying.
Denham definitely fits the brooding, damaged MMC perfectly, but what I appreciated most was his patience with Arianna. He never rushed her, and that made their connection feel more genuine, even with the instant chemistry between them.
That being said, the pacing felt a bit uneven at times, and some character decisions were frustrating enough to take me out of the story here and there. While the tension and chemistry were there, it didn’t always hit as deeply as I wanted it to.
But that ending?? The cliffhanger completely caught me off guard—I was not ready for it to end there, and now I absolutely need the next book.
Overall, this is a strong start to the series. If you enjoy darker romance with emotional tension, complicated characters, and a touch of suspense, this is definitely worth picking up.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rezensionsexemplar

Von Anfang an habe ich sehr gut ins Buch gefunden. Der Schreibstil ist angenehm und bereits am Anfang baut sich eine gute Spannung auf, die einen förmlich zum weiterlesen zwingt. Dadurch habe ich das Buch in nur wenigen Stunden durchgelesen gehabt.

Die Beziehung zwischen Denham King und unserer Protagonistin Arianna baut sich langsam und stetig auf. Die Spannung zerreißt einen beinahe, bevor es sich (endlich) auflöst und die beiden ihren Gefühlen nachgeben. Der Spice war genau richtig platziert und passte gut in die Geschichte. Mir persönlich hat es fast ein bisschen zu lange gedauert, aber das liegt mehr an meiner Ungeduld 😂

Das Ende war krass und ich hab nicht damit gerechnet. Es hat sich zwar vorher schon ein paar Mal etwas angekündigt, dass da etwas im Argen ist und von Denham verborgen wird, aber trotzdem hab ich da so nicht mit gerechnet. Werde wohl zeitnah mit der Reihe fortfahren und mir Buch 2 schnappen, denn ich möchte unbedingt wissen, wie es weitergeht.

[SubconsciousShelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

King of My Scars is an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish. Abby North captures Arianna’s trauma, fear, and fierce determination with so much emotional clarity that you feel every beat of her journey. This girl has survived horrors, and yet she keeps fighting—keeps choosing herself—even when it costs her everything.

And then Denham King walks in. Dangerous, magnetic, and unexpectedly safe, he becomes the one person she stops running from. Their slow burn is electric, the kind that makes you hold your breath because you know the fall is coming. And that ending? I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I did NOT expect that. Completely unhinged in the best way.

A gripping blend of spice, danger, and raw vulnerability. I’m already desperate for book two.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cassy’s library · Rating 2 out of 5]

On retrouve Arianna, une jeune femme de 26 ans qui a traversé des épreuves très dures — violences conjugales et psychologiques. Pour se sauver, elle a tout quitté. Deux ans plus tard, elle décide de revenir là où tout a commencé… ou presque, à Las Vegas.

Là-bas, elle rencontre Denham. Très vite, il tombe sous son charme et fait tout pour lui prouver qu’elle peut lui faire confiance. Arianna commence alors à se sentir de nouveau en sécurité, à croire en l’avenir…

Mais le passé finit toujours par ressurgir.

Alors alors alors… malheureusement, je m’attendais à une dark romance, mais ce tome reste assez soft à mon goût. Peut-être que le tome 2 sera un peu plus sombre, à voir ! Pour l’instant, je reste un peu sur ma faim, je ne suis pas vraiment emballée

[Désirée · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book.
It perfectly matched my current taste.
A young woman with terrible secrets and a hidden identity, on the run. She meets a mysterious man who captivates her.
A very promising start to more.
The writing style is very pleasant, fluid, and easy to follow. Always to the point, never lengthy explanations or boring.
The main character, Ari, completely won me over. I could understand her thoughts, wanted to nudge her in the right direction, and simultaneously pull her back. Her development was more than evident.
I found the mutual influence and development of both main characters very enjoyable and not at all absurd.
A terrifyingly exciting and, for me, now agonizing ending, but a very clever move with the cliffhanger.
I'm now eagerly awaiting the sequel.

[Hazel Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

King of My Scars by Abby North is a dark romance that leans heavily into angst, power dynamics, and emotional turmoil.

The premise is intriguing, with a brooding, damaged male lead and a heroine trying to navigate a world filled with control and secrets. There are definitely moments where the chemistry hits and the tension feels real, pulling you deeper into the story.

However, the pacing felt uneven at times, and some character choices were frustrating, making it harder to fully connect with the journey. While it has its addictive moments, it didn’t quite hit as hard as I hoped.

Overall, it’s a decent start to the series—perfect for readers who enjoy darker themes and complicated, messy relationships.

[Riette Beling · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster this was! @abby.north.author captures Ariannna's emotions so well. This girl has been through some horrifying events and she is scared out of her mind and yet she is brave and she will survive and that is exactly what she does. When Denham King enters her life its almost too good to be true... I loved how she did not stop fighting and kept standing up for her self. And the slowburn was just incredible, I was going absolutely bonkers!!! What a crazy crazy end!!!!! I was waiting for the other shoe to drop i just didn't think that was going to happen! Amazing read! Loved the characters! So looking forward to the next one!!

[Lexi Leseherz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich war so neugierig diesen Auftakt und was soll ich sagen, damit habe ich nicht gerechnet. Die Spannung war von Beginn an greifbar – ein gefährlicher Drahtseilakt zwischen absolutem Misstrauen und Verlangen. Ich habe Ariannas inneren Kampf bei jedem Wort gespürt; dieses verzweifelte Festhalten an ihren eigenen Regeln, während King sie mit einer Dominanz und Sanftheit zugleich um den Verstand bringt.

Es ist ein packender Mix aus dunklem Nervenkitzel und tiefer Leidenschaft, der mich völlig gefesselt hat. Ein Buch wie ein Rausch, das mich emotional komplett gefordert zurücklässt. Ich bin sehr auf Teil 2 gespannt.

[chloe bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. I cannot put it down. I was hooked in the first chapter!

The MFC was such a strong woman after everything she goes through and still she keeps on fighting. It was really nice to watch her grow throughout the book.

The chemistry between the MFC and MMC was just mind blowing, he really seemed to know what she needed without asking.

The cliffhanger really caught me off guard, I was just not expecting it. I loved hearing from the MMC I just wish there was more from him!

It was well paced and beautifully written. I cannot wait to read book 2.

Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this as an arc.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding Aces is an emotional, empowering dark romance that starts with heartbreak and ends with hope. Abby North writes a heroine you want to root for and a hero who’s everything her past wasn’t: protective, patient, and genuinely kind. *Cue the swoon

The Vegas setting glitters against the darker themes of survival and healing, and when the chemistry finally erupts, it’s passionate, vulnerable, and SO worth the slow build.

A story about finding safety in love and strength in yourself. Really sensitively written and SO HOT!!!! Can't wait for the next one!!

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got hooked on this instantly, the characters were likeable and I wanted to learn more about them. I immediately felt invested in them as they seemed very believeable.

It does take a while for stuff to actually happen but I feel like this is done well, you learn about the characters. There’s an anticipation that builds too because you know something is going to happen and you’re just waiting for that moment. The cliffhanger ending had me screaming at my kindle, I wanted more immediately.

Definitely want to read the next installment in this story

[Mouse Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arianna’s struggle to escape her past abuse is gripping and telling. I’m glad the author didn’t make light of her past. Arianna’s connection with Denham King is electric and irresistible. It feels like they formed a connection almost immediately. While The chemistry between them sparks with danger and desire in every chapter. It sometimes feels as if they are moving too fast but I can say it feels real and genuine. While old enemies are resurfacing and long-hidden secrets are unraveling, the tension between these two never lets up. A perfect blend of spice, emotion, and high-stakes thrill. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

[Patricia Witt · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first started reading the book I was left wondering if the first relationship was where Arianna was married or not. I did have to re-read the prolog to know that she was only engaged. It did start off slow and then the pace picked up where I found that I didn't want to put the book down. Its a slow burn book in the romance side, but on a bit of a mystery side there is also a slowness there too. The book does cover a lot of topics from abusive relationships, to great relationships, to a bit of a what if.

[Joy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captured from the beginning with King of My Scars and I absolutely cannot wait to dive into the rest of the series.

You've got a FMC that is badass.

You've got a dangerously badass MMC.

Abby captures so many emotions and portrays trauma, determination, and fear BEAUTIFULLY. This was my first Abby North book and it definitely will not be my last because now I need the rest of this series.

[Janisse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book as an ARC and began to read while getting ready for work. Well that was a mistake, I was hooked from chapter 1 and I had to stop to be an adult and I was not happy about it. The story just grabs you and you feel for the FMC. The MMC is so dreamy lol. It ends in a cliffhanger so I already purchased the second book and I’m starting it tonight. I rated it a 4.75⭐️s. I would 10/10 recommend.

[Melanboog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very well written. The fmc and mmc have fantastic chemistry. I was routing for them the moment they met. I hope we continue to learn the fmc’s back story. This book ends on a huge cliffhanger, so I cannot wait to get into the next book. The story progresses at a great pace for how short it is.
I received this book as an arc from the publisher.

[Stephanie deslaurier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a good read, the start of the book as fast and into the story already. Is about a women escaping a unhealthy relationship, then falling in a another interesting relationship. If you like a romantic that as alot of sexual tension, but a patient MMC and he is a millionaire. If you do its a good read. You have been warned, there is a cliffhanger.

[Samyuktha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!! Even though there was so much trauma involved, it really hooked me on, and I finished it within hours. The attention to detail, the characters, the storyline up until the very end, it was beautiful. I can just tell the second one is going to be just as good, and it is always refreshing to see the point of view from other characters. Arianna's character is truly remarkable. I just know she's gonna be a fighter and Denham will always be there for her, supporting her, cherishing her, making her happy. I can't wait to read more :))

[Shaniya Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent and very well written, I loved the way the main characters were written and how amazing the story line worked with the story. Would definitely read again and I’m very excited to read the next book in the series. 100% recommend this book and this author.

[Jo Wyld · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick easy to read spicy romance!

The characters are likeable particularly Denham 🤩 In fact he's lovvveeellyyyy!

Fair warning though, this book has a massive cliff hanger ending designed to make you want to dive into book 2!