Played: Manhattan Ruthless

Manhattan Ruthless #4

by Sadie Kincaid

Are you ready for Mason's story? The fourth standalone billionaire romance in Sadie's bestselling Manhattan Ruthless series, Enemies to LoversSecond chance Found familyWorkplace romance

Genres: M M Romance, Second Chance, Romance, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Billionaire Romance

468 pages, Paperback

Published October 12, 2025

About the author

I'm a bestselling author of dark mafia, billionaire, and paranormal romance. I love to read and write about hot, filthy talking alphas that would burn the world down for the women they love.

I love chatting to readers about my books, or books in general, so please get in touch! You can follow me on Facebook and instagram as well as on here as Sadie Kincaid Author.

Amazon: author.to/SadieKincaid
Facebook Reader group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16et...

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️.5/5 (extra .5 for Goodreads & due to Sadie-verse characters popping up)

I had higher hopes for this one, and it was just okay. I'd say if you're just getting into MM romances, this isn't a bad one to go with, but not the best of the trope and not the best in the Sadie-verse.

Please don't shoot me! I'm a big fan of all her books, but this one just didn't hit for me and I'll explain why.

Spoilers ahead!


Pros:
- Mason was way less of a douchebag than I expected him to be, I mean sure he still had his moments, but not as bad as the playboy/perpetual bachelor type is usually portrayed. I really loved the convo he had with Amber, who I still believe never got her full apology from that entire family for the way they treated her all those years.
- I thought the handling of sexuality and homophobia was handled well, and sadly people like Papa Kyngston run rampant - the rich homophobic a*holes.
- I loved seeing references & appearances not only by others in the James clan/Manahatten Ruthless series, but the entire Sadie-verse - Morettis and the Ryans showing up was an 'Ariana what are you doing here!' meme moment and I loved it.

Cons:
- The entire plot. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Sorry, but the leak at Jamestech being some random chick in development needing money for her cat's surgery? The entire time I was hoping it was going to lead to Hayden, or even if it was Olivia (I think that was her name) and Olivia and Hayden conspiring. And then end with some big drama. But nope.
If I were writing it, Papa Kyngston would have been working with the AI bro on the promise of a big payday when his stuff went big, and they paid Olivia & Hayden to leak the info. Then the stripper girl (sorry can't remember her name, that's how insignificant I found that part of the story line) could have still been murdered by King's Mom & Dad when she threatened to go to the press about Papa Kyngston and their relationship and his working with AI Bro.
But the fact that none of the leak at Jamestech, which King was hired to do and brought him closer to Mason, had anything to do with anything besides getting King hired, felt so weak. And especially when the girl was just called into the office and told "get your shit and go". Like tf? I can understand this book/series isn't dark, but that was so Hallmark/Lifetime levels of "tense".

- I wish we would have seen Mason going to the support group more than once in the entire book. Like it felt like he was like okay I talked about it with more than just a therapist, I'm cured. Not to mention, King DEFINITELY needed more therapy over that 18 years they were apart from each other, my god.

- Also you truly can't tell me that for how rich and popular and famous, especially in New York rich people circles the James family is, Papa Kyngston would have gone all those years NOT recognizing Mason. Maybe he didn't know his name when he SA'd him, sure fine. But even at one section they talk about how they both ran in rich kid adjacent circles, and I very much doubt his face would have changed that much even in 10-15 years since that incident.

[Olena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot, emotional, and deeply healing. This book had everything I love in a romance — complicated emotions, painful pasts, second chances, and two characters trying to find their way back to themselves and to each other. 💔

Mason and King once meant everything to one another. They were each other’s first kiss, first love, and first heartbreak, and you could truly feel the weight of that history throughout the entire story. Their connection never lost its intensity, even after everything that happened between them.
One of my favorite things about this book was Mason. He has such a kind and compassionate heart, and it was incredibly touching to see how deeply he cares for the people around him despite carrying his own emotional wounds. He was patient, supportive, and understanding in a way that made me love him even more with every chapter.
At the same time, reading about everything King went through was genuinely heartbreaking. Seeing how his trauma shaped his fears, his relationships, and even his ability to fully be himself added so much emotional depth to the story. His journey felt raw and vulnerable, and I loved watching him slowly learn that he deserved love and happiness too.
The relationship development was one of the strongest parts of the book for me — passionate, messy, emotional, but ultimately healing. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but what made this story stand out was the emotional connection underneath all the tension and heat.

I’ve genuinely enjoyed every book in this series so far, and this one was no exception. The James family dynamic continues to be one of my favorite parts of the series, and now I’m even more excited to read the next book. 💘

✨Tropes✨
💔 Second Chance
🧡 MM Romance
💳 Billionaire Romance
🔥 Steamy Romance
🩹 Past Trauma
🥺 Hurt/Comfort
💞 First Love Never Forgotten
⚡ Angst & Emotional Tension
🏡 Found Family
❤️‍🩹 Healing Together
👀 Protective MMC

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I have been waiting for Mason's story forever! I knew going into this, that I would love it. Not only because it is my favorite trope, MM, but also by one of my absolute favorite authors! Sadie, you never, ever disappoint! I devoured every inch of Mason and King's story in less than 24 hours! I wish I would have read it slower, because I am sad it is over!

This is the fourth book in the Manhattan Ruthless series and just when I thought another James brother couldn't steal my heart, well, here came Mason! Known as the billionaire Playboy, Mason is not one to settle down. Maybe he had someone special once, but it was a long time ago and that someone left him heartbroken and alone. That is, until a hotshot PI shows up at Jamestech to help the family find a leak in the company and his past stares him right in the face.

King is once again thrown back into Mason's life after ghosting him eighteen years ago. Each man has suffered some trauma and the tension is so strong. Despite how angry Mason is, he can't keep away from King and together they overcome their pasts and the deep rooted hurt each of them has carried all these years. And the spice? Well, let's just say it had my panties melting off several times 🫠😈 This story was absolutely beautiful and I cried a couple times throughout. Also, loved the surprise pop up from some other characters from another series! Iykyk 😏

[Prateekshya · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐️😒
I’m absolutely not a fan of second-chance stories where the characters keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again. It feels less like growth and more like a never-ending cycle of poor decisions.

A second-chance plot is already a very sensitive and delicate concept, but instead of handling it with depth, the story gets stuck in an insane, frustrating loop. Just when you expect development—boom, back to square one. Again. And again.

Honestly, I’m completely over it. This was exhausting rather than engaging.

[Lorna Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Phenomenal ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I've adored Mason throughout the Manhatten series and to finally read his book was everything I was hoping for and more.

Mason and King's story takes you through an emotional rollercoaster and it does talk about subjects which could be trigger for some, so please check the warning before proceeding.

I love how we got a small piece of meeting the Ryan brothers again (massive fan girl moment) with Shane and Conor!

One of my favourite scenes was when Mason spoke with Amber (wife of Elijah, their book is called Rebound, a must read) She said the following words..

"We can’t always choose who we fall in love with, but we can choose who we allow to let into our hearts. Only you can decide whether he gets to be a part of your life. That power is all yours. If he stomps all over that, or if it fails because of some other reason, it doesn’t mean you failed. And if it does fail, what have you lost? A little time? A little pride? A little piece of your heart? But god, wouldn’t it all be worth it for a few days, weeks, or years of the kind of happiness that lights you up from the inside?”

As with all Sadies books I have no doubt I will pick it up again to do a re-read and also listen to it on audible as the two amazing narrators will be voicing Mason and King will be Corvin King & Grayson Owens 😍

👔 MM
🧎‍♂️ Workplace Romance
👔 Second chance Romance
🧎‍♂️ Enemies to Lovers
👔 Grovelling
🧎‍♂️ Found Family
👔 Tension
🧎‍♂️ Past Trauma

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

Happy Reading 📚

[SinfulReadsByV · Rating 4 out of 5]

CRYING. The backstory of Mason & King just pulled at my heartstrings-ugh, tears! Some people just need to go to a cliff and you know, fall off.
King and his grandpa’s relationship was everything warm & fuzzy. I just wanted to hug Grandpa. And that gaydar part? Too cute! Mason & his family moments are just a little icing on this story, because we love the James family.
Chapter 18… YES. Me clapping & yelling, do it! That desk moment was 👌🔥
Both of them are broken in their own ways because of their pasts, and Sadie laid out those shattered pieces, gluing them back together, flawed but beautiful nonetheless. You can feel the tension from the beginning chapters, which makes for such a great story, right? The way these two keep trying to top each other was priceless.
Add in the betrayal, a bit of workplace drama, and yeah, I devoured this in one day.
Loved the cameos (mmm, give me a sec while I drool over the ones who love getting their hands dirty 😏). And seeing those not-so-great people finally get what they deserve? Chef’s kiss. My moods went from 🤬😭😏😤🥵🥰👏🏼 all the way through.
This was a great second-chance story that had me rooting for them to finally get their shot again after everything they’ve been through. It made it all the more worth it, I say. And I’ll zip it now, I can’t tell you too much and spoil it for you!

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I just love broken boys. Mason and King's past is emotional and ends way too soon. It's been almost two decades since they've seen each other when King shows up to Mason's family business. Their past collides with their present and feelings come right back. They go through so much but together they find love and support.

[𝓐⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC!!🥹

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Caitlin Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie, you killed it with this one! This was my first MM book and I feel like I have been changed!

Mason and King’s story had me laughing one minute and crying the next. I am completely obsessed with their story. I’m so ready for Maddox’s story 😏

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Please check the triggers!


Thank you Sadie and Kate for the ARC opportunity

[Kare · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read from this series, and I was disappointed. Mason and King's back-and-forth was honestly so tiring; they truly got nowhere. King's reaction to finding out what his dad did to Mason was so disappointing; he was more worried about if Mason saw King's dad when he looked at him.

The only good thing to come out of this book was King's grandpa.

[Rinea .° ༘🎧⋆🖇₊˚ෆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad rating this a 2😔not my fav of the series

[Clairsreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Whewwww Queen Sadie has done it again 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 and let me tell you this story not only packed yearning, love and punches but also spice off the charts 📈

Mason James has been the elusive playboy brother for many years after young love was ripped away from him in the most devastating way. When that same person comes crashing back into his life Mason realizes that things with King have never fully resolved and maybe they weren’t all they seemed to be back then. As King has to navigate life with his abusive and vindictive parents in the wake of a tragic loss, finding Mason again not only revitalizes him but makes him realize everything he missed out on so many years ago.

The push and pull between these two did not disappoint!!! I love a second chance where the couple gives in to their attraction (even if its a little bit of hate f*cking). These two were both absolute firecrackers and I loved their love SO MUCH. Mason is such a sweet baby and seeing him open up to King and vice versa was some of the most beautiful work I’ve read from Sadie. I absolutely loved these two and the journey they took me on. Not only was it heart wrenching and powerful but sweet and beautiful and spicy and just about everything in between.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Thank you so much to Sadie + team for the eARC for review! 
Played releases 10/16 🩶✨

[Raquel.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me on a wonderful emotional ride

It's not often that l am taken on a roll coaster of emotions like I was while reading Played.

I am very particular about my MM reads and this one went way beyond my expectations. I loved the little snippets we were given of Mason in each book of this series and was so intrigued that to say I had been eagerly awaiting Masons story is an understatement.

I loved how Sadie interweaved the dynamic of Mason and King having to work together years after King brutally broke Masons heart. Both are broken and with their own baggage and still the tension and hate were so prevalent that I knew the second they caved it would be explosive. And boy was I correct. The chemistry between them was so delicious to read and Played became a read in one sitting for me. I just couldn't put it down.

To complete this perfection of a book we get a little view of the Ryan brothers. Sadie Kincaid is one of the few authors that I'll instantly grab, no questions asked. I can't wait for the next
one.

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly this book didn't meet my expectations. So far I loved all books in this series but this somehow came up short.
From start to end I had trouble connecting with Mason and King. I felt detached and couldn't relate to them. I didn't feel their connection and it was hard for me to feel their chemistry most oft the time.

I'm sad to state that I struggled with most of the story.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading this book, especially the last 20%. Because the James brothers have an incredible bond that carries each of their stories.

I know this book deals with some heavy and important topics, that might be triggering for some. And IMO these have been handled sensibly.

Now I'm patiently waiting for Maddox's story :-)

[Erika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie can write a heartbreak like no one other. Gosh this one hits the feels in rapid fire multiple times. I loved how this story took the past and brought it forward in a way that it was still being "honored" but also erased because *trauma*. Mason and King were high school sweethearts with the whole world and big plans ahead of them, but homophobic parents and time will tear everything to shreds. The fact that these two had so much heart individually and were so scared about restarting their relationship that they would each try and sabotage it over and over again was wild. But I am glad that they came together by the end of things. If you love a great heart warming second chance mm romance, then this book is for you! Definitely recommend!

[stackedwithsteph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when everyone gets therapy :)

[megs · Rating 4 out of 5]

ate and left no crumbs. absolutely loved this. fave of the series so far!!

[Kiandra 🦋]

….forgot to review and I fear I cannot remember if I liked it or not.

[Kirsten_BookRants · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Getting back on Sadie Kincaid's ARC team was definitely one of the highlights of 2025.

Played didn't disappoint. I started reading it and was so engrossed with Mason and King that I was late for work. And if I didn't have said job (grateful I do of course), this would have been a one sitting read. Because I didn't want to put this book down. Another great addition to the series!

As a therapist Maddox story is going to change my brain chemistry I just know it. His parts of this book already gave me insightful information to use with patients .

Nathan James congratulations you have half way redeemed yourself from how you acted in book 3 😅.

The perfect blend of angst, spice and banter. I cried real tears at the nail salon, and I regret nothing. Sadie Kincaid please never stop writing. Your books always touch my soul in a profound way. I never fail to feel all the emotions.

Amanda definitely deserved some of King's inheritance. And I certainly hope she got something off screen.

The double epilogues were chef's kiss.

A solid MM Romance, not my favorite book in this series. However Sadie does an excellent job at making it difficult it pick a favorite.

Something was missing in Mason and King's story, and I can't put my finger on it. A lot was happening, but at the same time the story was slow moving. And when I had 100 pages left, I felt there was still so much that needed to be unpacked. So unfortunately it was rushed. Of course Mason and King's past traumas couldn't be solved with a penis. But I still felt some of the sex should have been conversations about the past and their feelings. Because there was a lot of I'm sorry, have sex, jealousy, arguments, more sex, and repeat.

Favorite Quotes:

“Often the most sensitive souls hide behind humor.”

"My dick is just going to have to get with the program. King Blackthorn’s perfect body and monster cock don’t negate the fact that he’s a giant douchebag and therefore totally off- limits."

“From the day you were born, you have been the light of my life.”

"my dick is a fucking idiot. I mean it. Not a single brain cell in his head.”

“Eres un diablo envuelto en el cuerpo de un dios, mi amor.”

[tessheartsbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

These two should not have gotten together. There is so much trauma, and the plot seems bizarrely put together. It was nice to get a little glimpse into how the other couples were doing, but overall, I would give this a solid 2 stars. The back and forth felt repetitive. There were insane plot lines because what do you mean you committed a FEDERAL crime because you did not have enough money for your cat's surgery???? Make it make sense. Anyhoo, I've not been enjoying the books in these series; hopefully, Maddox's story saves it.

[Kay Foresy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m usually on the same general wavelength as GoodRead’s ratings. But I have no clue how this book has over 4 stars.

I came across this gem on TikTok and was pretty disappointed. I think this sentence sums up why:

« His dark-gray eyes hold mine, and we assess each other the way most alpha males would in this situation. »

(Dad, come pick me up, I’m scared)

I feel like the premise had promise but everything went wrong. Onwards and upwards!

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Being called baby boy at 36 years old is such an ick for me. Same for being called baby girl. I felt like king couldn't understand why he didn't immediately forgive him and move on. Everyone was always crying too. Not for me.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by Sadie Kincaid and Kate Johnson in exchange for honest review.

Played is the latest instalment in the series of the James brothers. Mason is gay, and a total commitment-phobe, keeping things strictly casual after an entanglement ended badly when he was younger. The object of his affections at the time, King, turned on him after they were caught by his homophobic dad. 18 years later, their paths cross again. Will the secrets of their past mean there's no way forward for them?

I have loved all of the Manhattan Ruthless series so far, and Played was no different. This was my first MM novel, and it hit hard! Sadie Kincaid is a master at writing strong characters that hide pain, and the paths they tread that help heal that pain. Mason has walls a mile high, and is determined not to allow himself to fall in love again, despite his obvious capacity for it, as demonstrated with his family. But he hasn't dealt with the trauma of his breakup with King, and the terrible assault that happened in the fallout of that breakup. On the surface, he has it all - he's a super handsome billionaire playboy, who lives life to the full, but just before King reappears in his life, he's starting to question whether it is enough. The reintroduction of King into his life brings it all to the fore again, and amidst their blossoming relationship, there is a realisation that it is time to deal with the ghosts of his past.

King has spent the last 18 years hiding out in Chicago, away from the demons in his past and any chance of bumping into Mason again, but a bit of sad family news brings him back to New York. Still firmly in the closet, he agrees to a job with Nathan James, despite knowing the risks of seeing Mason again. He is battling with so much - deeply ingrained inward homophobia, disgust at the way he treated Mason, hatred of his horrendous family, grief for the one member of his family he did love, but most of all, the love he still holds for Mason. He wants to make all of it right, but doesn't know how. Their meeting again amplifies all of those feelings, and leaves you wondering if he is capable of getting past/through any of it and successfully partnering up with Mason.

Their chemistry sizzles right off the page from the moment they lay eyes on each other again, and the spice is off the charts hot! However, underneath the passion, both men have to overcome a lot of fear and possessiveness as they undertake their journeys (both individual and together) to find the best versions of themselves, after so many years of repression and pent up emotions.

The supporting cast of the wider James family are like a warm hug, familiar faces amongst the torment the two MMCs are going through. Cameos from some of Sadie's other leading men also light up the page, however brief. Played is another very well paced novel, peaks and troughs of action, spice, and emotional tornados, and it has a super satisfying conclusion, with two enjoyable epilogues. The James brothers have never failed to disappoint, and Mason is no exception!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!

[Sarah Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie Kincaid absolutely never disappoints, Mase and King have risen to the top of my favorite reads of the year list and absolute to the top of my favorite Sadie Kincaid Couple List.

Mason King has everything he could possible need in life. An incredible family, a company that he has helped build into a powerhouse, and the kind of love life that is works best for him. No attachments, no deep emotions, fun and flirty. But he knows what he’s missing, a crucial piece from his past that shattered him and stole his heart all in the same night.

King Blackthorn is a shell of a man. Going through the motions, existing just to exist. His work as a PI gives him something to do on a day to day basis, but there’s nothing deeper than that. He has not true connections, no relationships to keep him tethered to anything. Until his grandfather, and his failing health, need him to go back to New York - the one place he’s been avoiding like the plague. And all the memories and emotions that come with it. Along with the man he destroyed.

Mason and King are absolutely top tier Sadie Kincaid characters on their own and a couple together.

The emotions, the need, the love that is packed into this book that makes it impossible to put down.

Mase and King shattered my heart, put it back together, destroyed it again, and then patched it up before handing it back to me. Mason and his playboy ways truly hide the depth of the caring, kind, emotionally intelligent man that he is. The man that only a few people get to see. Watching him work through his own emotions and traumas was painful, heartbreaking, and healing all on its own.

King absolutely broke me. The gruff exterior he shows to the world is the perfect camouflage for the soft man that he truly is. The moments of his past that he shared, the pain and trauma were absolutely devastating. But they were handled with such care and honesty by Sadie, and I can’t give her enough credit for that. His journey was hard fought and watching him embrace himself and love Mason, so honestly and purely was everything.

Mason and King did not have an easy story. They had to fight for themselves and each other. They learned to trust and love all over again, after intense heartbreak that nearly broke them. Getting to see their love evolve and grow into something perfect that they both deserved was an epic journey. One that Sadie absolutely nailed in the best ways possible.

Mase and King are going to be in my heart and on my mind for a long time.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Sadie wants to emotionally wreck me tbh. the way King and Mason both were hurt and couldn't stay away from each other once they found one another again was so cute, perhaps toxic, but in the best way. also amber giving some much needed advice for the world by not giving actual advice was incredible.
"And if it does fail, what have you lost? A little time? A little pride? A little piece of your heart? But god, wouldn’t it all be worth it for a few days, weeks, or years of the kind of happiness that lights you up from the inside?”
this is basically the vibes of the whole book. yeah it might hurt you if it turns out bad, but it could turn out well and that it did. I think King was such an interesting character for all he went through and the mental gymnastics for lack of a better way to think of the way he had to get past the trauma that is the people who gave life to him. that whole story line was heartbreaking yet empowering that he wanted to be who he wanted to be in the end no matter what they thought. do I think introducing me to Arthur then having his story line go the way it did was a cruel and unusual punishment? absolutely. if I cried easily I would have. I love that he was able to casually state what he knew, let him know, and then go back to schedule without it being anything. THE WAY IT SHOULD BE CAUSE WHO CARES anywho. love Mason, his family was incredible as always. his story line was sad but important. obviously as a woman I can't speak on it but he has the support he needs to get through it for sure.
obviously the spice was hot and also tender? feels weird to say but it was.
I for once have no idea what Maddox is going to bring. which way he's going to go. he could come back in a throuple!
thank you to sadie for having me on the ARC team!

[Reading is escaping reality · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Phenomenal! Sadie has done it yet again and I don’t know how they just keep getting better and better each time!!!

I don’t think Mason’s book could have been any better! I’m still reeling with emotions from this story. From his childhood trauma (outside his family) to everything King went through — both of them came out the other side as incredible men who share nothing but love… even when that love once looked a lot like hate. They broke me in the best way possible, only to piece my heart back together again.

The bond between the James brothers is something truly special. The way they always show up for each other, no matter what, is just amazing.

And oh, the fire between Mason and King! The chemistry, the passion, the way they’d go to any lengths for each other — even in the bedroom 🔥 — is pure heat. I absolutely love how possessive King gets with Mason!

I have a feeling Maddox’s story is going to be full of surprises and heartbreak, but I can’t wait to see what���s in store for him.

Played can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend starting from the beginning with Broken to truly experience the depth of these brothers’ stories.

And if you’re curious about the Ryans and Jessie, start with Ryan Rule!

📚 Please make sure to check the trigger warnings before reading.

[Trinket Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason & King’s story completely owned me! I knew going in that this would be a second chance romance but I didn’t expect some of the heart wrenching moments that kept them apart and the silent scars they’ve both been wearing after all these years. This book shook me, I laughed but my goodness did I cry, and I swooned pretty hard too! After working in Chicago for years, King is brought back to New York to care for his Grandfather and finds himself a job at none other than JamesTech, with Mason as his boss. When they are both reunited the tension is palpable. They are both harbouring so much pain towards the other and for Mason it is bringing back a lot of repressed trauma. But it seems nothing and no one can stop the chemistry and connection that they have for one another and it’s not long before those sparks ignite into explosive spice. Whilst trying to remain in the closet, King is also contending with her horrendous money grabbing parents, and trying to look into an unresolved disappearance for a client. This search leads to some very shady suspicions, and we meet up with some of my absolute fave characters from Sadie’s NY Ruthless series
Check your TW’s and dive into this beautiful story where two people that were so meant to be, find their way back to one another and support one another to be brave and fight they’re demons.
Thank you so much to Sadie & Katie for this ARC opportunity, I’m beyond grateful

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a gifted advance review copy of this book and I loved it so much. This was the first book I’ve read in this series, so I can confirm that it truly is a standalone in a series of interconnected standalones. I had no trouble understanding the dynamics or the characters starting here.

Immediately, I fell in love with the James family and with these two main characters. Mason was charismatic and likable, and King was endearing. The way their history was revealed, the pain and heartbreak each of them experienced… this book was so much more than a spicy billionaire romance. At its core, this was a story about second chances, redemption, forgiveness, and healing.

The thing I enjoyed the most was seeing the dynamic between the brothers. There’s something about seeing the bond between brothers that hits me right in my heartstrings. The love and acceptance Mason experienced in his family and the dichotomy of that experience with King’s, was one of my favorite parts of this story.

Put simply, I loved this book. Now I’ve gotta go back and read all the other brothers’ stories!

Thank you to the author for the gifted digital copy. All opinions are my own.