King: Hybrid/Monster romance

Spliced Love #2

by Natalie Starkoss

She has a secret that will take her away from him, he'll fight til his dying breath to keep her.

Sara
Two minutes in a bathroom stall is all I have to convince my twin to trade places - If she’s allowed back from her classified military job. My fear and bruises convince her, but her warning doesn’t make sense. Not until I see them. Rescued Hybrids, lab-made for war.
One inhale and my sister's stalker knows what we’ve done. He says I’m his, and now that he has me he’ll break every rule to keep me, even if it starts a war. His obsession should terrify me, but for the first time in a long time, I finally feel safe.

King
I’m obsessed with her. From the moment I see Kara, my instincts demand I claim her. But when I’m near enough to scent her? She doesn’t smell like mine. One of my senses is deceiving me, and it’s driving me insane.
Until she returns from her Mothers funeral. One inhale and I know. She’s not Kara, she’s Kara’s twin, and if anyone else discovers their subterfuge, they’ll take her away from me.
Too bad I’ll kill every single one of them who tries.Stalking. Swapped identities. Forced Proximity. F*ck the Rules. Touch her & Die, and so much more...

The Military ‘found’ them. Hybrid super soldiers lab made for war. Recovering on a secret compound, they're about to face their next battle - meeting the women their primal sides demand they claim!

Genres: Romance, Paranormal

Paperback

Published March 1, 2026

About the author

Natalie Starkoss is an Australian (Tasmania) Indie Author writing Spicy Human/Other Romance. Don't worry - she's a sucker for HEA's, so love will always conquer all by the end of every book.

Things to know: She's a self proclaimed caffeine addict, loves reading Alien & Monster smut, her shadow is in the shape of a mini dachshund named Pippa, and if she's ever forced to choose, doughnuts will always win over chocolate (not that eating chocolate is ever a hardship!)

Her books are written in British (Aussie) English, so there will be extra letters (we're looking at you, letter U) and assorted punctuation that differs from the USA.

Reviews

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

King’s Claim: A Hybrid Romance with Bite



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: 😋😀😍☺️

📖 Book Review: King (Spliced Love, #2)

Author: Natalie Starkoss
Genre: Paranormal Romance / Genetically engineered hybrids

🦸🏻‍♂️ The Hero: King

King steps into the spotlight as the commanding presence among the three lion‑hybrid brothers. Scarred by years of captivity and cruel experimentation, he shoulders the weight of leadership with a mix of ferocity and vulnerability. His protective instincts extend not only to his brothers but also to the cubs rescued alongside them, revealing a softer, paternal side beneath the alpha exterior. Yet King is far from invincible — his own inner battles simmer beneath the surface. His fascination with Kara is immediate and undeniable; he recognizes her as his mate, but her scent unsettles him, hinting at secrets that will unravel their connection in unexpected ways.

🦸🏼‍♀️ The Heroine: Kara (a.k.a. Sara)

Kara arrives on the island under contract, determined to endure her two years in silence and solitude. Her fear of men is visceral, shaping her every move. But fate intervenes when tragedy strikes — her mother’s death reunites her with her twin sister Sara, whose abusive marriage has left her desperate for escape. Their decision to switch places is both daring and heartbreaking, setting the stage for Sara to step into Kara’s shoes. Unlike her sister, Sara carries warmth and resilience; she opens herself to friendships and dares to meet the hybrids’ gaze. Her courage draws her straight into King’s orbit, sparking a chemistry that is immediate, magnetic, and impossible to ignore. King, ever perceptive, knows instantly that this woman is not Kara — and that realization changes everything.

📚 The Plot

The narrative blends survival, secrecy, and simmering romance. Sara’s adjustment to island life is smoother than Kara’s, her openness breathing new energy into the community. Her growing bond with King is charged with attraction and tension, while the looming conflict with the military raises the stakes beyond personal desire. The hybrids’ fight for autonomy — and for the right to keep their mates even after contractual obligations end — adds a compelling layer of political and emotional urgency.

🌟 What Worked

• The central conflict between the hybrids and the military injects momentum and raises the emotional stakes.
• The “fated mate” dynamic is cleverly twisted: though humans lack the same instinct, the pull between hybrid and human feels primal, irresistible, and deeply romantic.
• World‑building shines here, with vivid descriptions of the island base, its rules, and the rhythms of daily life. These details ground the fantasy in a believable setting.

💔 What Fell Short

• At just 185 pages, the story feels compressed. The brevity limits deeper exploration of King’s inner struggles and Sara’s transformation.
• While the world‑building improved from book one, richer character development could have elevated the emotional resonance and made the romance even more powerful.

💬 Final Thoughts

This installment delivers a stronger sense of place and a sharper conflict than its predecessor, weaving together themes of survival, freedom, and love against impossible odds. King and Sara’s connection is both tender and electric, offering readers a romance that feels fated yet fraught with danger. Though the short length leaves you wanting more, the story succeeds in expanding the series’ world and deepening its emotional stakes. It’s a quick but satisfying read for fans of hybrid romance, with just enough intrigue to keep you hungry for the next chapter. Natalie explains at the end of the book why it was so short, and that she plans many more for this series and I can’t wait.

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[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of ‘King’ by Natalie Starkoss.

Oehhhh this series is 🔥. King is the second installment of this 3-book series of the lion hybrid brothers.
We now follow King into finding his mate.
Sara swaps places with her twin to escape her loose handed ex, and she is the total opposite and not afraid of the hybrids. The moment she lays her eyes on King, she knows there’s simething there.
King serves his name right, fierce protector, really having that regal stance somehow.
Sara and King instantly know they are mates and their connection is 🌶️. The graphic explanation of ‘King jr’ during their 🌶️ time is 🤯. Talk about getting all the feels🫣🫣 Their 🌶️ is really 🌶️-ing! The world building and side characters continue to expand. I truly loved all the other hybrids coming up in the book.
So it is now starting to get really interesting!

Yes! This is a wonderful, yet shorter book, because apparently It has a companion book coming out soon! Oehhh what would that be??!!
I cannot wait to read them all!
5/5⭐️

[Tanisha FantasyBooksandBudgets · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved how seamlessly Natalie wrote Kings story and how it weaved into Prowls timeline, then extended beyond where Prowls book left off.

I loved learning more about every single hybrid in this book and can not wait to see more about each and every one of them while also furthering the main plot and conflict.

The way Natalie weaves little tidbits about spice readers in this series always makes me giddy and kick my feet. please never stop those little references!!

[Reanna Sheridan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novel.

I read Prowl a few weeks ago and it's definitely longer than King, but the author does explain why. Things feel a bit more rushed but I don't mind. I would have wanted more spice, personally. But I do enjoy the characters, chemistry, and set up for future novels.

[Tonika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara, FMC abused by her cop boyfriend and her twin Kara, FMC who works at the gov’t hybrid facility and Kara absolutely hates it and is terrified of everyone.

They switch places hoping to help both of their situations.

We meet Claw Panther hybrid
King Lion hybrid
Sarge Orangutang Hybrid

And a new partner for Dr. Jer-off to bounce bad intentions and ideas off of. And I thoroughly dislike them both.

Key points in no particular order:
-Parent Trap but with work
- hybrid super soldiers
- Fated Mates
- Gov’t Compound
- non-violent rebellion
- Short and Sweet
- Spicy scenes! 3/5

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God.

If you loved Prowl you will love King.

While there is less spice in the second Spliced Love Series book, it was a welcome change as we learn more about King and Kara/Sara.

The true meaning of fighting to protect something/someone you can’t live without.

I thoroughly enjoyed the brief meetings with other Hybrids as well and can’t wait to find out more about them and their potential mates.

This book ended with a happily ever after feel for King and Sara (and in turn Prowl and Daff).

[Kirsten Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
I devoured this book!

King is the biggest goofy (not on purpose sweet protector!

Sara is the kindest soul who deserves this love so much!

I cannot wait for Rage I’m foaming at the bit.

[Samantha Steel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What else could you ask for in King? A super possessive, dominant, protective beast of a lion hybrid! YES PLEASE!!! And Thankyou!

I'm obsessed with this series after reading Prowl, and this book did not disappoint! except for the fact that I wish it was longer and I want to read more and more and never stop!

But this was fast paced, critical thinking mode activated in Sara and all the hybrids- tensions are high, the control of the government is slipping and it makes for some suspenseful reading to immerse yourself in, hell throw in some wishful thinking of wanting to be shipped off to this facility to be amongst all the hybrids.

Please read triggers, as there is some DV in this but we know King would treat a girl the way they deserve ;)

Now, the hardest part is trying to gain some patience while waiting for the next book to hurry up and come out!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series this is book two. I couldn't put this book down and read it all in one sitting. King a hybrid man has started to fall for someone he believes is his mate. Sara a woman who works at the compound working in the kitchen can't believe her eyes when she sees King. There are so many twists in this book that your jaw will be left on the ground. I can't wait for more from this author.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A secret island filled with genetically engineered hybrids trying to find their place in the world - and the women who come to love them. This is King…book two of the Spliced Love series.

This novella picks up immediately after the end of book one. One of the workers, Kara, is off the island for her mother’s funeral. Her twin Sara has begged her to swap places to help her escape an increasingly abusive boyfriend. After a *very* quick run down on her new job, Sara is off to her new home.

King, a lion hybrid, has been waiting for her return. He has always felt drawn to Kara, but her scent is wrong. They are not mates. On her return though, something is different. This is definitely *not* Kara…but she is absolutely his mate.

Far more than just a story about mates and growly men with different anatomy, this series is about a group of people demanding their right to live freely, in peace, with the people they love. It is about willing to stand up for those rights for themselves and others, knowing they may not survive. It is about challenging assumptions regarding those who are ‘other’, opening yourself up to love in an unexpected place.

This series is only just beginning, but there’s plenty more to come for the residents of the Compound. While you could probably read this book as a standalone, I’d encourage you to read Prowl’s story first for best enjoyment.

The book is an open door, slow burn romance where he has special equipment and no experience. I still adore the fact that the hybrids learn about physical intimacy by reading romance books.

Thematically - intimate partner violence is discussed, but does not occur on page. Parental death, scientific experiments (historic)and control of a people group are potential triggers.

I really enjoyed this book and I am so excited for the rest of the series. If you’re a fan of PNR, do yourself a huge favour and add this series to your T

[ogmombooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

About the book:
At their mother’s funeral, identical twins, whom haven’t seen each other in months switch places. Kara who works on a secret Island where Animal/Human hybrid males are being kept has quickly switched places with her sister Sara to save her life from an abusive boyfriend. Sara had no idea what she was getting into but all she knew was she couldn’t let anyone find out she wasn’t Kara, otherwise both their lives would be in danger. One issue with their plan, Kara’s stalker on the Island knows Sara isn’t Kara.



My review:
Natalie Starkoss has created such a cute, fun, spicy fantasy world that every girl that fell in love with the Beast when she was little, will love.

This is the second book in the series and again it did not disappoint. It begins with action and ends with action and leaves you wanting to know what is going to happen next.

The storyline is VERY fast paced as tensions are high within the hybrid community due to the government wanting to take control of the compound. This left me wanting more! More build-up, banter and SPICE between King and Sara. I did like how the author made Sara feel empowered with King, which she lost while in an abusive relationship.

This book is very short, per author was done by design. But….

A dominant, protective, possessive hybrid lion man, that calls you his little mate and MINE. What else could a girl ask for?

Natalie Starkoss

[Cyndi Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild, fun ride this book was! 🖤

The setup had me hooked straight away—twin sisters Kara and Sara show up for their mum’s funeral, and Sara decides to secretly swap places with Kara to escape her abusive relationship. Once she’s on the island, she’s doing her best to blend in… even though she’s nothing like her twin. The twist? Everyone just assumes grief changed her personality—except King. And when he figures out the truth? Whew. That’s when things really heat up. 🔥🔥🔥

King whisks Sara off to a secluded cabin in the wild zone and let me tell you, that’s where the book goes from intriguing to utterly unputdownable. The chemistry is off the charts, the spice is deliciously intense, and the tension had me flipping pages like crazy.

I also loved how the spliced guys come together to fight for their mates—it added this strong brotherhood vibe alongside all the swoony spice.

It’s a quick read, but absolutely addictive. If you love twin swap drama, protective heroes, and cabin-in-the-woods steam that will make you blush in the best way, this is your book. Natalie Starkoss did not disappoint—I devoured it and already want more!

[Loumarcise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Natalie Starkoss for the chance to read an arc of this book. Those opinions are still my own.

King is book 2 in the Spliced Love series and continues the main plot started in book 1, with a new couple.

I liked the main plot. The fight for the hybrids' freedom is taking a new turn without being completely resolved and I am really excited to see what happens next.

We were introduced to King in book 2 and I was really eager for his book. I loved how possessive he was of Kara, even when he didn't understand why her smell bothered him. And how meeting Sara was his dreams finally coming true.

Sara was a really interesting character, fleeing her abusive partner. She felt immediately at home at the compound and I really liked her friendship with Haily.

Their relationship felt a bit rushed imo. We don't get to witness them interact that much between their meetings and the twist. But once they were together, it felt really natural, like they had been together forever. And the spicy scenes were delicious.

It was quick, fun and spicy read and I am really excited for the next instalment in the series.

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely disappointed with this book BECAUSE it is only 136 pages (according to my Kobo) 😭🤣😅🫣. All jokes aside, Natalie shows us how great a short narrative can be. STORIES don’t need five whole books that takes you round in circles.

1. As always, I seriously love that Natalie has to write a ‘heads up’ page saying that she writes in Australian/British English. Sorry to anyone who doesn’t use this form of English but it does exist and it’s not wrong! I’m All for it!

2. Prowl left us with questions… I was wondering how King would follow on and it’s done brilliantly. Through different perspectives, we’re given a new and more detailed explanation.

3. The development of other characters, including Rage’s was telling. I’m so keen to learn more about him and his mate. But the book also gives hints for some other potential mates.

4. The camaraderie between all the hybrids is heart jerking and awe-inspiring.

My only fault is that I wish we had more detailed spice a bit earlier on.

[Eren Valentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

King was beyond adorable with this one. These poor MMCs. We end the previous book with finding out that King kidnapped and is holding his mate captive in the Wild Zone. Now we're finding out what's really happening. Kara is terrified of the hybrids and she takes the opportunity to save her sister and make some new changes. Little did they know that this slight change in who went back to the compound was gonna bring about a whole new situation. I loved learning more about Kara and Sara and definitely about King. I do love that Prowl wasn't just pushed to the side, he still has his moments but he's no longer the frontman for this story. I loved watching King and in watching everything with him we also get to learn a bit more about other characters like Rage. I'm excited to be able to continue this series. They are fun and quick reads. The moments are adorable. Things also start to escalate between Prowl's story and King's and I cannot wait to read the rest of these when they are available!

[Kamiye · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded 4
Book 2 of the Spliced Love Series. Even if the book focuses on one couple, I would recommend reading the previous one. This one is a bit shorter than Prowl, but it's still packed with everything you need.

I liked the characters, but I didn't love them. I preferred Prowl and Daff's story (book 1). This one did the job, but felt a bit flat for me. I'm not sure why, maybe because the book was a bit shorter, or maybe because I already knew many things from Prowl. I'm not sure. Still, it was enjoyable, and I recommend it to anyone who needs a Lion.

Pick it up if you like:
- Monster/hybrid romance (open-door)
- Us against the world vibe
- Fated mates

I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I'm weak AF for these hybrids finding love.

Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. This review is my own, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.

[Chappy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped right into this book after finishing Prowl.
It's very good but was a little less filled out then the first story. I read the author's comments at the end and she agrees that it's a shorter book as it was supposed to have a companion book called "Night" that would complete the story...as they both happen at the same time.

However, I don't yet see the book "Night"...only a pre-release for "Rage" is listed as upcoming in 2026. Maybe the companion book will show up eventually.

We got to know King in the first book as he was Prowl's pair bonded "brother". He's always the responsible one taking care of the other lions and the cubs. He's also supporting Sarge with their plans for equal rights for hybrids.

King has always felt drawn to Kara but something isn't right. She smells strange and she seems terrified of all hybrids. Nothing makes sense; until Sara shows up.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and so far I am loving all of the characters and how Natalie has built this series to occur. This book follows Lion hybrid King and his Mate. The book is quite short under 200 pages and I read it so fast!

There wasn't much room for build up as the world was already in full swing, and I felt like the spice was ramped up a lot faster in this book as we were already introduced to the concepts of mates and human/hybrid relations in book 1 so it was non stop from start to finish drama and action.

We got a peek at some of the other hybrids too in this book which sets us up for other storylines in future books. The book ends with a few of those storylines teased and left me wanting more. I loved it, can't wait to read the next one.

[Kate Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a unique kind of romance that I was unable to put it down. It's a shorter book, working more in the instalove fated mates realm but the world that Natalie has built is fantastic.

𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆.

I loved the dynamic, the world the author has created, and the way she describes the characters so I feel like I can picture what they look like.

The romance was written very well, and the research I know she must have conducted for this, is just incredible.

I would have liked it to be longer, that's just how fantastic the story is.

Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Spice: 2 🌶️

[Kait Malik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me just preface this to say 3 stars, in my rating world, means "I like the plot, I would reread the book, I'll definitely be reading the next books and I would even recommend this book to others given if it is up their alley of genre. BUT I also see where the writing style can be improved/I wish the story had a bit more detail".

Onward to the review!

I can honestly say that while this book is shorter than the first because it is going to tie directly into the next book, I genuinely enjoyed the characters in the fact that this book had a plot bloom that will be a huge thing for the rest of the books. Ive already recommended these books and am so excited for the upcoming Rage!

[Amara F · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*

I think I just like this series in general. There’s a lot I like about it. The characters are likable. I do feel like it could be longer, I would love to have more time getting them to know each other than just instant love, I love to see the connection. It’s just feels utterly rushed, I finished this in like 3 hours. Again, I wanted more. This story has so much promise. I was hooked when it came to prowl and with King, I like it, I just can’t love it because it’s missing so much.

2.5-3 stars

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5⭐️

One thing I will always love is how a group/community will band together to protect and help one of their own. Warms my heart every time! Honestly my favorite part about this book.

King and Sara are very cute together, I loved how protective King was and how kind and accepting Sara was. I just wished they had more time to interact and get to know each other a bit before getting together. I know he watched from afar and she knew, but I would of loved a bit more convo between the two.

Other than that I loved their story and can't wait to see who's next!
Rage??👀

[Neen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I freaking LOVE this series and this is only book 2! 🤣

It's a quick read with:
Fated mates
'Mine!' 🥵
Spice
Hybrids and humans
A purring kitty!
A peen ribbed for her pleasure 🤣
Forced proximity and
Little one liners that had me smirking

This was just the book I needed right now! I can't wait for more!

I'm hoping this book, like Prowl, comes out in a special edition because I'll be needing my shelf trophy! 😆

[Peta Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series so far. This book was short and didn't have much of an indepth story line on its own, but it has a companion book coming which I imagine would create a full bodied story. This is definitely a long haul type of series.

The couple in this book were great, they fit and get each other. Had hot smexy time and are obsessed with each other.

I love the fact that the whole compound is getting in and standing up for their rights in a healthy way too.

[Bookbingewithdebbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to Natalie Starkoss for the ARC of King.

Our FMC Sara is fleeing domestic abuse and swaps places with her twin sister at the compound with hybrids. Our MMC King has been stalking Kara(twin) and feels she looks like his mate but doesn't smell like it. This is insta love mixed with some conflict at the compound. There is also an ongoing conflict over the series. .This has open door spice and the spice is spicy.

this is a fun quick read

[Brenda Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad that I’m part of Natalie’s ARC team because these books keep me waiting in anticipation for the next one. I have been waiting for King’s book since finishing Prowl.

I find King to be a compelling character. As a lion hybrid King has a strong presence that demand respect without being overbearing . He’s sweet, treats everyone with care, especially his mate, brothers and the cubs. I enjoyed this book and now need book 3 ASAP.

[Stacey Nadine Smiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great continuation from Prowl!

I cannot wait to read this series entirely because in the POVs of each character is amazing!!

King and Sara work so well!!!

I absolutely loved Kara and Sara switching... how King new Kara was right yet wrong and then along came Sara... who was perfectly right! 🥰

A Short, Spice filled, Wholesome Story

Bring on Rage and the Companion books 😍😍 I need to see this to the end 😭🫣

[Owen Hera-Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching Kara for months, and seeing Prowl and Daff becomes mates, King wants nothing more than the for himself. His eyes know she’s his. Her scent doesn’t.

Then suddenly, Kara is off base. Why? What happened? How will she react when she returns?

I loved this, and I can’t wait for Night & Haily’s story!

[Liz Attard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as awesome as the first Prowl. It’s so sad to get to the end of the book, and my first instinct is to email Natalie and tell her to hurry up with the next one. It was short but was not rushed. I resented having to put it down to adult. Spicy but story rich, I would definitely recommend this book to those who like a spicy read.

[Tess Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I loved the lore of Prowl, and it was built on so successfully in King. I ate it up! My main disappointment was that it was so short, I know the author explained it – that future books cross the timeline – but I would have liked more somehow. I can’t wait for Rage, and hope the lore continues to build.