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Fog City #3
A New Empire
Legacies were made to be rewritten.
Assassin Hawes Madigan wants to do right—by his family, his organization, his city, and the man he’s falling for, ATF agent Christopher Perri. But Hawes’s rules are being challenged by someone willing to kill for the old ways. To save his soul and his empire, Hawes must make an impossible decision: fight from the outside or bend the knee to win back his throne from within.
Chris is used to being the inside man, the one undercover. Now, he’s on the outside marshaling forces in support of the man and the ring of assassins he was supposed to take down. His mission shifted when he found something that’s been missing for ten long years—a home, with Hawes.
As Hawes and Chris make a dangerous play for control, the lines between allies and traitors blur. Trusting the wrong person could destroy the legacy Hawes envisions for the Madigans. But not trusting anyone, or each other, could mean lights out on their love and lives forever.
The King and King Slayer fight together in this thrilling conclusion to the Fog City Trilogy!
Assassin Hawes Madigan wants to do right—by his family, his organization, his city, and the man he’s falling for, ATF agent Christopher Perri. But Hawes’s rules are being challenged by someone willing to kill for the old ways. To save his soul and his empire, Hawes must make an impossible decision: fight from the outside or bend the knee to win back his throne from within.
Chris is used to being the inside man, the one undercover. Now, he’s on the outside marshaling forces in support of the man and the ring of assassins he was supposed to take down. His mission shifted when he found something that’s been missing for ten long years—a home, with Hawes.
As Hawes and Chris make a dangerous play for control, the lines between allies and traitors blur. Trusting the wrong person could destroy the legacy Hawes envisions for the Madigans. But not trusting anyone, or each other, could mean lights out on their love and lives forever.
The King and King Slayer fight together in this thrilling conclusion to the Fog City Trilogy!
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2019
97 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Layla Reyne
57 books1,031 followersLayla Reyne is the author of What We May Be and the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Perfect Play series. She writes sexy, intense LGBTQIA+ romance featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, car chases, and other high-stakes situations. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled suspense, rival athletes, vampires and shifters in alt-realms, or love mixed with mouth-watering foodie goodness, queer folks finding happily-ever-afters is guaranteed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
November 9, 2019
This is the third book in the
Fog City
trilogy by Layla Reyne. The books must be read in order. I'm glad other readers will be able to read them in a row, and will better enjoy the story.
Both previous books ended with big cliffhangers. The second book's ending was the worst! It made me want to scream. It was shocking and painful. To say I was dying to read this final book... is a big understatement. Unfortuntely I had too high expectations, so it pains me to say it, but this last book didn't really work for me. I think I'll be in the minority here, but I can't say I loved it. I liked it, but I didn't love it.
As much as I loved the fist two books, here I just couldn't enjoy it to the fullest. I expected to be glued to the pages, but I wasn't. And I will try to explain why. I will refrain from giving too much away, but I will mention what didn't work for me:
There are many descriptions, but I couldn't wait for the action to speed up. We get a lot of strategies, memories, a lot of talking with/between many side characters, but in the end I wanted more action.
There is too much plotting than actual actions. The characters discuss, plan, plot A LOT, but in the end it felt like they needed a whole book to organize the final operation that didn't take too long. Or so it felt to me.
I would have wanted more suspense. Yes, they didn't know who to trust, but I can't say it kept me on the edge of my seat as I expected. I wasn't scared for them, I wasn't gutted or emotional while reading it.
Now, to get to the parts I did like. One of them would be the chemistry between the main characters! We get some super hot scenes and the romance was higher here than in the previous books. And we get a sweet ending.
There are some side characters I enjoyed, and I am super curious about the tension between Holt and Kane. I would definitely read a story about them!
Overall I enjoyed this one, just not as much as I expected and there were some things that bugged me. But I'm sure many readers will love it. So enjoy!
Both previous books ended with big cliffhangers. The second book's ending was the worst! It made me want to scream. It was shocking and painful. To say I was dying to read this final book... is a big understatement. Unfortuntely I had too high expectations, so it pains me to say it, but this last book didn't really work for me. I think I'll be in the minority here, but I can't say I loved it. I liked it, but I didn't love it.
As much as I loved the fist two books, here I just couldn't enjoy it to the fullest. I expected to be glued to the pages, but I wasn't. And I will try to explain why. I will refrain from giving too much away, but I will mention what didn't work for me:
There are many descriptions, but I couldn't wait for the action to speed up. We get a lot of strategies, memories, a lot of talking with/between many side characters, but in the end I wanted more action.
There is too much plotting than actual actions. The characters discuss, plan, plot A LOT, but in the end it felt like they needed a whole book to organize the final operation that didn't take too long. Or so it felt to me.
I would have wanted more suspense. Yes, they didn't know who to trust, but I can't say it kept me on the edge of my seat as I expected. I wasn't scared for them, I wasn't gutted or emotional while reading it.
Now, to get to the parts I did like. One of them would be the chemistry between the main characters! We get some super hot scenes and the romance was higher here than in the previous books. And we get a sweet ending.
There are some side characters I enjoyed, and I am super curious about the tension between Holt and Kane. I would definitely read a story about them!
Overall I enjoyed this one, just not as much as I expected and there were some things that bugged me. But I'm sure many readers will love it. So enjoy!
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
November 6, 2019
I honestly didn't think Layla would go there but she did and while this will be a no spoilers review, let's just say hold onto your hats because the action is all-encompassing.
I was sold by two minutes into reading this book when a certain kick-ass take no prisoners person arrived on page, followed shortly by another quick guest appearance from another of my fave Layla characters.
This book was going to be all ends up awesome and it delivered in spades. From the first moments when Hawes is dealing with what went down at the end of book two, through to the four months later epilogue at the end, this is all I wanted it to be.
Hawes and Chris are better than ever, finally realising they've met the one other person they can truly rely on. There's schemings, a jailbreak that wouldn't be out of place on screen in a big Ocean's Eleven style heist movie, there's all the usual suspects turning up with one bringing a secret I would never have guessed in a million years.
And, at the heart of it, are the three Madigans. Hawes, Holt and Helena, proving that family comes first in everything.
I absolutely LOVED this book and I love how it really felt like three episodes in a long-running action-adventure with cliffhangers and to be continued plot lines dropping all over.
Now bring on the spin-offs and let's get Holt and Kane sorted out please Layla (and I'd love to see Helena and Celia explore that interesting family dynamic too!)
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
The over-excited gushing and total fangirling over a certain kick-ass character is all my own work.
I was sold by two minutes into reading this book when a certain kick-ass take no prisoners person arrived on page, followed shortly by another quick guest appearance from another of my fave Layla characters.
This book was going to be all ends up awesome and it delivered in spades. From the first moments when Hawes is dealing with what went down at the end of book two, through to the four months later epilogue at the end, this is all I wanted it to be.
Hawes and Chris are better than ever, finally realising they've met the one other person they can truly rely on. There's schemings, a jailbreak that wouldn't be out of place on screen in a big Ocean's Eleven style heist movie, there's all the usual suspects turning up with one bringing a secret I would never have guessed in a million years.
And, at the heart of it, are the three Madigans. Hawes, Holt and Helena, proving that family comes first in everything.
I absolutely LOVED this book and I love how it really felt like three episodes in a long-running action-adventure with cliffhangers and to be continued plot lines dropping all over.
Now bring on the spin-offs and let's get Holt and Kane sorted out please Layla (and I'd love to see Helena and Celia explore that interesting family dynamic too!)
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
The over-excited gushing and total fangirling over a certain kick-ass character is all my own work.
November 19, 2019
3.5
Sweet, a little bit sexy and definitely action packed end to the series.
There weren't a whole lot of surprises in the finale and that was fine by me! I loved all the action sequences and there is a certain cerebral quality that has been simmering in this series that went next level in A New Empire.
Hawes and Chris have made a good team since the beginning so it was very enjoyable and gratifying to watch them solidify their relationship and truly join forces. It was clear to me early on that a spinoff would be happening and not only am I looking forward to seeing where those go but also catching up with Chris and Hawes and where they've taken the business as well as their relationship.
I may fumble this a bit, but what will stick with me about this series and in particular this installment is the careful handling of the gun violence issue. I don't want to get too soap-boxy but I appreciated the restraint and wanted to give kudos for it.
If you're looking for an entertaining and fun romantic suspense read then you should give Fog City a visit.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Sweet, a little bit sexy and definitely action packed end to the series.
There weren't a whole lot of surprises in the finale and that was fine by me! I loved all the action sequences and there is a certain cerebral quality that has been simmering in this series that went next level in A New Empire.
Hawes and Chris have made a good team since the beginning so it was very enjoyable and gratifying to watch them solidify their relationship and truly join forces. It was clear to me early on that a spinoff would be happening and not only am I looking forward to seeing where those go but also catching up with Chris and Hawes and where they've taken the business as well as their relationship.
I may fumble this a bit, but what will stick with me about this series and in particular this installment is the careful handling of the gun violence issue. I don't want to get too soap-boxy but I appreciated the restraint and wanted to give kudos for it.
If you're looking for an entertaining and fun romantic suspense read then you should give Fog City a visit.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Patt On The Back For Finishing*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Hmmm, I still don't feel the connection between the two main characters. Like, I even skim their sex scenes as I'm not invested in them. Two weeks in total (without the last chapter) are the timeline between all three books. I felt no nervousness, no excitement, no joy, no sadness... nothing for the three books. Well, I did start to feel a little something something for Kane and Holt though..... Overall, I'm proud I finished the series, even though I didn't like it. If you're wondering why I continued, then it was because I hate leaving things unfinished. Btw there was no development in the characters in the whole series. At least not in my eyes.
The Characters:
The list is a bit long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Three.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Kane?
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Not really.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 stars.
March 19, 2020
3,5 stars*
The curse of the ‘last book in a series’ strikes again.
Darn.
I wanted to love this. And it was okay, but for some reason the final instalment in this series left me a bit luke-warm. Thank God for the few hot spots inbetween that kept me going.
I was a bit surprised to find Hawes and Chris more or less rock-solid, in their feelings and their trust for each other. I probably did expect way more heart and conscience searching on both their parts.
Saying that – the author did a very good job explaining their emotions and their increasing levels of trust. But unfortunately, that left very little to resolve between the two men, and I felt that the book is way more plot rather than relationship based.
And the plot is where most of my niggles lie.
a. For me, there is ‘too much’ of it. (Sorry!) I wanted more of Hawes and Chris instead.
b. There are too many people and names involved.
c. The situation gets so complex with who is playing who, my head started humming (that’s on me, I guess, but I did have trouble following some of it.)
d. My eyebrows shot up quite a few times when things felt illogical or unreal.
e. What I said in my previous review is truer here than in the first two books – you have to suspend belief BIG time.
That last comment also goes for the time frame of the whole series which is – if I’m correct – about three weeks. Everything happens too fast. Plot and relationship development. Why all the hurry???
All in all I enjoyed the series. There’s no doubt that Layla Rayne is a talented writer who knows how to draw you in and create characters you care about. (I LOVED Irish and Whiskey!)
I am sorry I didn’t like this one more.
The curse of the ‘last book in a series’ strikes again.
Darn.
I wanted to love this. And it was okay, but for some reason the final instalment in this series left me a bit luke-warm. Thank God for the few hot spots inbetween that kept me going.
I was a bit surprised to find Hawes and Chris more or less rock-solid, in their feelings and their trust for each other. I probably did expect way more heart and conscience searching on both their parts.
Saying that – the author did a very good job explaining their emotions and their increasing levels of trust. But unfortunately, that left very little to resolve between the two men, and I felt that the book is way more plot rather than relationship based.
And the plot is where most of my niggles lie.
a. For me, there is ‘too much’ of it. (Sorry!) I wanted more of Hawes and Chris instead.
b. There are too many people and names involved.
c. The situation gets so complex with who is playing who, my head started humming (that’s on me, I guess, but I did have trouble following some of it.)
d. My eyebrows shot up quite a few times when things felt illogical or unreal.
e. What I said in my previous review is truer here than in the first two books – you have to suspend belief BIG time.
That last comment also goes for the time frame of the whole series which is – if I’m correct – about three weeks. Everything happens too fast. Plot and relationship development. Why all the hurry???
All in all I enjoyed the series. There’s no doubt that Layla Rayne is a talented writer who knows how to draw you in and create characters you care about. (I LOVED Irish and Whiskey!)
I am sorry I didn’t like this one more.
November 12, 2019
Maybe more of a 3.5.
This was a good finale with lots of drama and angst but it was also pretty predictable (not that I minded it much). I raced through it in just a few hours and had fun.
I have somehow never felt very connected to these characters like I did with the characters from the Irish and Whiskey or Trouble Brewing trilogies by this author. So, the best part in this book was seeing my favorites from those older series showing up for little cameos or just being mentioned. Totally made me wanna reread them.
Also couldn’t stop laughing at the dedication page of this book. I love my lovable assassin Ethan too 😍😍
The author mentioned that there would be spinoffs of Fog City. I can guess whom they are going to be about and while I feel pretty uninterested right now, I’ll probably read them too. However, I really wish the author would write spinoffs for Lauren or Garrett instead.
This was a good finale with lots of drama and angst but it was also pretty predictable (not that I minded it much). I raced through it in just a few hours and had fun.
I have somehow never felt very connected to these characters like I did with the characters from the Irish and Whiskey or Trouble Brewing trilogies by this author. So, the best part in this book was seeing my favorites from those older series showing up for little cameos or just being mentioned. Totally made me wanna reread them.
Also couldn’t stop laughing at the dedication page of this book. I love my lovable assassin Ethan too 😍😍
The author mentioned that there would be spinoffs of Fog City. I can guess whom they are going to be about and while I feel pretty uninterested right now, I’ll probably read them too. However, I really wish the author would write spinoffs for Lauren or Garrett instead.
November 13, 2019
3.5 Stars
November 9, 2019
The conclusion to Hawes and Chris's story is finally here! From filthy docks and prison cells to posh clubs and high end board rooms the Madigans rule the city! But who will be the King in the end and who is the traitor? This time it's all hands on deck, and each and every one has to choose where their loyalties lie and what drives them - greed or integrity. I loved the non-stop pace, the constant edge and the race against time. Told from dual POV this time Chris aka Dante finally finds direction and new purpose in life and Hawes receives the absolution he sought for so long.
The book starts right where the second left off, and it's blow after blow for Madigan siblings. But they are relentless and not so easily defeated. Hawes together with Chris, Helena and Holt set out to bring back their empire under control and safety to their city. Despite the stress and tough time Hawes and Chris finally acknowledge their feelings, and those tender and passionate moments between them are few but so heartfelt. I liked how Hawes gave his burdens to Chris, surrendered himself to his care, and how Chris considered it a gift and cherished it as such.
Trust is difficult to come by, and when push comes to shove Madigans show just what the family means to them. The victory is hard won, but with the new day come new rules and new direction, one Madigans are proud to lead others in. Thrilling suspenseful journey for justice, love and a right to be true to themselves. Love this series! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
The book starts right where the second left off, and it's blow after blow for Madigan siblings. But they are relentless and not so easily defeated. Hawes together with Chris, Helena and Holt set out to bring back their empire under control and safety to their city. Despite the stress and tough time Hawes and Chris finally acknowledge their feelings, and those tender and passionate moments between them are few but so heartfelt. I liked how Hawes gave his burdens to Chris, surrendered himself to his care, and how Chris considered it a gift and cherished it as such.
Trust is difficult to come by, and when push comes to shove Madigans show just what the family means to them. The victory is hard won, but with the new day come new rules and new direction, one Madigans are proud to lead others in. Thrilling suspenseful journey for justice, love and a right to be true to themselves. Love this series! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
April 25, 2021
Reread April 2021: Audiobook = ***3 Stars***
Story: ***4 Stars*** like the first time around (November 2019)
Story: ***4 Stars*** like the first time around (November 2019)
December 4, 2019
A fitting end to Hawes & Chris’s story. Loved the pace and the twists ...no doubt the spin off will be great ❤️❤️❤️
May 5, 2024
3'5/5✨
Lo he disfrutado mucho. Tiene un montón de acción, de hecho continuamente están pasando cosas y hay alguna que otra revelación que me ha dejado muerta. Aún así, ha habido cosas que no me han acabado de convencer, ya que se han solucionado demasiado rápido (lo malo de cuando son libros tan cortitos). Aunque el final ha sido maravilloso, sin duda, el cierre perfecto para la trilogía y la historia de Hawes y Dante.
Estoy deseando ponerme con los spin-offs.
Lo he disfrutado mucho. Tiene un montón de acción, de hecho continuamente están pasando cosas y hay alguna que otra revelación que me ha dejado muerta. Aún así, ha habido cosas que no me han acabado de convencer, ya que se han solucionado demasiado rápido (lo malo de cuando son libros tan cortitos). Aunque el final ha sido maravilloso, sin duda, el cierre perfecto para la trilogía y la historia de Hawes y Dante.
Estoy deseando ponerme con los spin-offs.
August 9, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/06/05/...
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
Rating: 3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it
December 24, 2019
One day I will review this book! Today is not the day though!
Should you read the series? YES! (Just make sure you have all 3 books at hand before starting)
Should you read the series? YES! (Just make sure you have all 3 books at hand before starting)
November 12, 2019
4.5 stars!
A lovely ending to this series that I've come to love so much. No more cliffhangers, it all gets taken care of in this.
While I do think after all that build up that the climax was a little quick - thus part of taking off .5 stars from the total - this was still an interesting, engaging finale installment. The "big bad" so to say wasn't a surprise after the end of the last novel, but it was a welcome change from what we usually see about the "big bad" and it made sense for the story and didn't feel out of left feel or like it didn't make sense - it made perfect sense to me, the motivations of the character, all the characters.
It was interesting to get the last little bit of mystery with Isabella out of the way, and almost like a last little barrier between Hawes and Chris lifted off their shoulders so they could be fully happy together.
While I wish we had gotten a tad bit more of these two wonderful characters who work so well together and have such great chemistry, I think once the dust settled we got a good ending for them, that I put as happy for now only because it's been just 4 and a half months since they met, basically, by the end of this and so they're still only boyfriends. But I have no doubt they'll get married one day ;)
Also yes, I'm totally interested in what is going on between Holt and Kane - which I didn't see before, but am definitely seeing something now after this book. Also I wonder if we'll get a spin off series with Scotty Wheeler, Chris' ATF partner, as well. My spidy-senses are saying yes, though, so I hope I'm right.
Definitely recommend, a very great way to end the series and get these two to their HFN/HEA. These two deserve it.
Two thumbs up from me! <333
A lovely ending to this series that I've come to love so much. No more cliffhangers, it all gets taken care of in this.
While I do think after all that build up that the climax was a little quick - thus part of taking off .5 stars from the total - this was still an interesting, engaging finale installment. The "big bad" so to say wasn't a surprise after the end of the last novel, but it was a welcome change from what we usually see about the "big bad" and it made sense for the story and didn't feel out of left feel or like it didn't make sense - it made perfect sense to me, the motivations of the character, all the characters.
It was interesting to get the last little bit of mystery with Isabella out of the way, and almost like a last little barrier between Hawes and Chris lifted off their shoulders so they could be fully happy together.
While I wish we had gotten a tad bit more of these two wonderful characters who work so well together and have such great chemistry, I think once the dust settled we got a good ending for them, that I put as happy for now only because it's been just 4 and a half months since they met, basically, by the end of this and so they're still only boyfriends. But I have no doubt they'll get married one day ;)
Also yes, I'm totally interested in what is going on between Holt and Kane - which I didn't see before, but am definitely seeing something now after this book. Also I wonder if we'll get a spin off series with Scotty Wheeler, Chris' ATF partner, as well. My spidy-senses are saying yes, though, so I hope I'm right.
Definitely recommend, a very great way to end the series and get these two to their HFN/HEA. These two deserve it.
Two thumbs up from me! <333
May 9, 2021
3.5 stars but I round up
Not the strongest finish
It did have a lot of action but I got lost in all the convolutions in this part of the plot. It was too complicated, too busy with names, details and one scene just felt unnecessary. The villain honestly didn’t seem like the right character fit either. But the story mostly tied things up and gave them a happy ending.
Not the strongest finish
It did have a lot of action but I got lost in all the convolutions in this part of the plot. It was too complicated, too busy with names, details and one scene just felt unnecessary. The villain honestly didn’t seem like the right character fit either. But the story mostly tied things up and gave them a happy ending.
February 11, 2020
Audiobook review4,5 stars
Here we are (again). Another ending, another goodbye. On the one hand I hate goodbyes, hate leaving interesting stories and characters. On the other, I also really appreciate series that does end – there are too many never-ending series out there that should have ended long ago. Where the magic is gone, but that you still read in the hops for something to have changed. And every time you are left with an empty and disappointed feeling. Layla Reyne has a clear vision for her stories, her characters. She tells their stories beautifully, and she sticks to a plan, she doesn’t draw things out for the sake of it. So while I hate goodbyes, I love a well-crafted story even more – and Reyne brings us that once more with the Fog City series.
A New Empire starts off the moment after King Slayer ended, and if you read or listened to it, you know it ended with a huge cliff-hanger – and that waiting for this book to find out what happened next was tough. Really tough. Not everyone in the Madigan organisation is happy with the new ways and they are trying to overthrow Hawes and take over control. There are many players in this coup, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy. There are many hidden agendas, plotting and planning to tie everything together and find all the answers – because knowledge is power and our people still have things to learn.
Hawes and Chris have come a long way since we first met them. Their journey has been a bumpy one with many layers of secrets and lies. But it was all worth it. I can’t imagine they’ll have an easy go of it going forward, seeing what they do for a living, but I do know that they will stand together in all things to come.
This book was expertly performed by Tristan James, who made you feel the agony when Chris went down. The uncertainty of trusting the wrong person in the wrong moment, the heart pounding in the showdowns and negotiations. He made you feel it all – and with a smile on your face. Add in his wonderful voice and it’s definitely something worth listening to.
A New Empire was a great conclusion of this series and I’ve enjoyed listening to these books. I think there’s a spin-off in the works for some of the side characters and I can’t wait to listen to their story.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 3, 2021
3.75 stars rounded up
“Yes, it had only been two weeks, but Hawes knew. Chris was it for him, not just some fling.”
A New Empire is another strong showing in the Fog City series, which concludes Hawes Madigan's and Chris Perri's saga. (Two more books remain in the series, but these deal with secondary characters.)
The shadowy mastermind who has been threatening Hawe's leadership as the King of Assassins is unveiled. This, however, was not the big reveal anticipated since the mastermind's identity had been strongly hinted at at the end of book 2. Chris finally learns the full scope of the Machiavellian plot behind his partner's murder, whose death he'd been on a mission to avenge for several years. The book ends with the emergence of a new leader of the Madigan empire.
• romantic suspense
• leader of assasins/federal agent
• insta-love
• strong secondary characters
• OTT plot
• fast-paced action
• MCs's relationship solidifies
• new relationship hints (Helena/Celia)
• King of Assassins abdicates/queen is crowned
• moderately steamy
“Yes, it had only been two weeks, but Hawes knew. Chris was it for him, not just some fling.”
A New Empire is another strong showing in the Fog City series, which concludes Hawes Madigan's and Chris Perri's saga. (Two more books remain in the series, but these deal with secondary characters.)
The shadowy mastermind who has been threatening Hawe's leadership as the King of Assassins is unveiled. This, however, was not the big reveal anticipated since the mastermind's identity had been strongly hinted at at the end of book 2. Chris finally learns the full scope of the Machiavellian plot behind his partner's murder, whose death he'd been on a mission to avenge for several years. The book ends with the emergence of a new leader of the Madigan empire.
• romantic suspense
• leader of assasins/federal agent
• insta-love
• strong secondary characters
• OTT plot
• fast-paced action
• MCs's relationship solidifies
• new relationship hints (Helena/Celia)
• King of Assassins abdicates/queen is crowned
• moderately steamy
August 23, 2020
Such a great third installment in the series. To be honest, the whole series feels like one long book just conveniently divided into three parts. Each book before had a cliffhanger/twist ending of sorts. The one before this hinted at the identity of who was behind the attempted overthrow of the King (Hawes) and it was a shock for sure. The three siblings continued to demonstrate a strong and loyal friendship and book 3 saw lots of testing to that relationship. Hawes and Dante/Chris are thankful the whole situation brought them together. It was quite an ending. I loved how much Hawes and Dante were
attracted to one another and cared for one another.
attracted to one another and cared for one another.
December 16, 2019
a satisfying conclusion to a great series - although I am not sure if it is as good as the first two books.
what really bugged me was the time frame. I think it would have been possible to build it so that Hawes and Dante at least know each other longer than 2 weeks!
so I tried to imagine that it was longer and that worked better for me.
would love another book in this world, especially with Hawes and Dante ... but maybe even more with Holt ;-)
what really bugged me was the time frame. I think it would have been possible to build it so that Hawes and Dante at least know each other longer than 2 weeks!
so I tried to imagine that it was longer and that worked better for me.
would love another book in this world, especially with Hawes and Dante ... but maybe even more with Holt ;-)
November 19, 2019
Loved this series and these characters.
This author never seems to disappoint.
Always the right amount of action, suspense and steamy hot sex with steamy hot men
Can't wait for the spin off. Little H and Kane seems intense!!!
This author never seems to disappoint.
Always the right amount of action, suspense and steamy hot sex with steamy hot men
Can't wait for the spin off. Little H and Kane seems intense!!!
Read
October 20, 2019😍
March 8, 2021
The third and last instalment in this series is a thrilling end to an fantastic series and the answering the question of the person who is fighting against the King and his siblings. But also the reasons why this person is trying to prevent Hawes from making changes in their company.
But to confirm their suspicions and gathering evident against them and put a definite stop to them, it is imperative for the Madigan siblings to pretend to be able to fight from the inside. Meanwhile, they have the trust of the ATF, Chris and the SFPD.
With Hawes working hard to take back the reigns of the Madigan empire, while eliminating the threat on his life, it is Chris who gives him the strength to keep going.
I loved Hawes and Chris's story and am looking forward reading the spin-offs of the other people.
Part of the Fog City Series and must be read in order:
May 5, 2020
2.5 stars..?
The series started out great. Book one was awesome and super exciting. Book two... I didn’t know what to say about it so I didn’t. It was exciting and there was air of mystery there and you really didn’t know who was trustworthy.
But this book.... was kinda perplexing and convoluted...? I don’t know what the right word for it. You kinda know who it was from the beginning. And that’s where it all started unraveling, for me. I didn’t understand the motives or the double-crossing at all. I didn’t understand why they needed to do what they did and stuff.
Seemed like the author tried to wring another book out of the series but just made a huge convoluted mess instead? I don’t understand the nightclub scene. I don’t understand the last big scene. I don’t understand even the last scene with the villain at all! 😖
Suffice to say, this book confused the hell out of me 😅
The series started out great. Book one was awesome and super exciting. Book two... I didn’t know what to say about it so I didn’t. It was exciting and there was air of mystery there and you really didn’t know who was trustworthy.
But this book.... was kinda perplexing and convoluted...? I don’t know what the right word for it. You kinda know who it was from the beginning. And that’s where it all started unraveling, for me. I didn’t understand the motives or the double-crossing at all. I didn’t understand why they needed to do what they did and stuff.
Seemed like the author tried to wring another book out of the series but just made a huge convoluted mess instead? I don’t understand the nightclub scene. I don’t understand the last big scene. I don’t understand even the last scene with the villain at all! 😖
Suffice to say, this book confused the hell out of me 😅
December 11, 2019
Will try and write a review soon. 😀
February 27, 2020
Narration: 2 (I am just not a huge fan of Tristan James)
Story: 3
I honestly wonder if I would have liked this series better if it I hadn't listened to it. There would have still been holes and some seriously cheesy dialogue (which was made more cheesy by the narrator) but I might have been able to get past that. Each book was less than 6 hours long and it could have been more. I think there needed to be much more story to do it justice.
Story: 3
I honestly wonder if I would have liked this series better if it I hadn't listened to it. There would have still been holes and some seriously cheesy dialogue (which was made more cheesy by the narrator) but I might have been able to get past that. Each book was less than 6 hours long and it could have been more. I think there needed to be much more story to do it justice.
November 13, 2019
4.5 stars
I hate to see this series come to a close. Chris and Hawes are great together and can't wait to see what they will get up to in the spin off just like our other San Francisco natives. Also I really, really hope the first book is about Holt and Kane. The tension between those two. Wow! I need that back story. Then maybe Scotty and last but not least Jax. Looking forward.
I hate to see this series come to a close. Chris and Hawes are great together and can't wait to see what they will get up to in the spin off just like our other San Francisco natives. Also I really, really hope the first book is about Holt and Kane. The tension between those two. Wow! I need that back story. Then maybe Scotty and last but not least Jax. Looking forward.
November 13, 2019
✮4 Stars✮
November 26, 2019
*A copy of this book was provided for free by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
It's a nice wrap up to the series, I won't say I'm 100% percent satisfied but I think I'm in a weird mood and there's nothing I can point at and say doesn't work so it's okay. The big bad is who I suspected. It was heartbreaking for Hawes. I do say I had to roll my eyes at the "victimization" of you know who. While, she's not the worst, she's not some naive girl that was taken advantage of. But she helps and I'm rooting for assassins so you know...gray areas. I still love the couple and their connection. It's solid and unwavering here. I love that. I enjoyed seeing the cameos by the other characters from LR's other series. I wouldn't say you need to read those to read this, but it adds a little something if you have. I am still DYING for a book for Holt and the cop. The hints were even stronger in this book. I need it. So I was happy to read at the end that there will be more books coming. I can't wait.
It's a nice wrap up to the series, I won't say I'm 100% percent satisfied but I think I'm in a weird mood and there's nothing I can point at and say doesn't work so it's okay. The big bad is who I suspected. It was heartbreaking for Hawes. I do say I had to roll my eyes at the "victimization" of you know who. While, she's not the worst, she's not some naive girl that was taken advantage of. But she helps and I'm rooting for assassins so you know...gray areas. I still love the couple and their connection. It's solid and unwavering here. I love that. I enjoyed seeing the cameos by the other characters from LR's other series. I wouldn't say you need to read those to read this, but it adds a little something if you have. I am still DYING for a book for Holt and the cop. The hints were even stronger in this book. I need it. So I was happy to read at the end that there will be more books coming. I can't wait.
November 12, 2019
4.5 stars - This is the final installment of his exciting series, and it does not disappoint! The twists and betrayals continue as Hawes and Chris try to get to the bottom of things while trying to salvage their relationship along the way.
Trust is still the biggest factor for them, and that spreads out into the other characters as well. They must now trust people who have already proven not trustworthy, but hopefully their motives have changed enough to make a difference. Family members are the biggest gamble, but it also spreads out to those in law enforcement as well. The main gist of this series has been Hawes wanting to take the family business into a different, more non-violent direction, and that has ruffled some major feathers. There are a lot of things at play as this story unfolds, but everything ends up tying together.
What seemed like a side dish of mystery surrounding Isabella's death, the details go much deeper and involve a lot more people than what previously seemed to be the case. As with most everything here, nothing is cut and dried. Through it all, Chris and Hawes work toward a final goal of being able to have a life together with Chris being a member of Hawes' family. I would have liked to have seen a little more of Chris and Hawes actually together. I loved their chemistry and banter throughout this, even when they were at odds, so I would not be unhappy to see more of them in the future.
The main mystery was not a huge reveal for me, although it still made for an exciting ride watching it play out. I do wish the ending hadn't felt quite so rushed. Things were moving along quite steadily until the last 25% where everything seemed to hit warp speed. However, this was a really enjoyable series that I gobbled up, and I was really excited to learn there will be a spinoff. I'm dying to see more of the Kane/Holt play out - it was unexpected until it was front and center, and then it was completely obvious and had me jonesing for more of their story. Highly recommend.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
November 12, 2019
3.75 Stars
The final book of Hawes and Dante's story—though not the series since spin-offs have been confirmed (yay!)—and I'm feeling lukewarm about how things ended. Despite the "yay" about the spin-offs.
Unfortunately, the villain was the really obvious one. But the book didn't drag the reveal out. It was done in the first chapter, and the rest of the book was about figuring out how to take her down. The author even managed to sell the, seemingly ridiculous, plan of trying to convince the woman who'd tried to kill Hawes multiple times that he had a sudden change of heart; that he wanted to go back to the "traditional" ways of the organization. The chemistry between Hawes and Dante was as explosive as ever. And I liked the side-characters. The issue is that the book felt too dramatic.
Maybe that's something I didn't see, or want to see, in previous books, but the author injects a lot of angst and tension into every scene. It's like Light eating a potato chip. I think that if I hadn't started this book right after finishing Red Rising, it wouldn't have been as big a deal to me. Because the brutality in that book makes the Madigans look like children. Ironic, right?
Still, complaining aside, I did enjoy the book. Layla Reyne's writing needs work when it comes to action scenes, but she writes memorable characters and killer cliffhangers (which is bad for me because I have zero patience). I'm looking forward to more of her books. I really hope she writes more contemporary romances as well because, for me, Dine With Me was her best book in terms of consistency in all facets. But for now, I'll take the promised spin-offs, please. Three of them.
The final book of Hawes and Dante's story—though not the series since spin-offs have been confirmed (yay!)—and I'm feeling lukewarm about how things ended. Despite the "yay" about the spin-offs.
Unfortunately, the villain was the really obvious one. But the book didn't drag the reveal out. It was done in the first chapter, and the rest of the book was about figuring out how to take her down. The author even managed to sell the, seemingly ridiculous, plan of trying to convince the woman who'd tried to kill Hawes multiple times that he had a sudden change of heart; that he wanted to go back to the "traditional" ways of the organization. The chemistry between Hawes and Dante was as explosive as ever. And I liked the side-characters. The issue is that the book felt too dramatic.
Maybe that's something I didn't see, or want to see, in previous books, but the author injects a lot of angst and tension into every scene. It's like Light eating a potato chip. I think that if I hadn't started this book right after finishing Red Rising, it wouldn't have been as big a deal to me. Because the brutality in that book makes the Madigans look like children. Ironic, right?
Still, complaining aside, I did enjoy the book. Layla Reyne's writing needs work when it comes to action scenes, but she writes memorable characters and killer cliffhangers (which is bad for me because I have zero patience). I'm looking forward to more of her books. I really hope she writes more contemporary romances as well because, for me, Dine With Me was her best book in terms of consistency in all facets. But for now, I'll take the promised spin-offs, please. Three of them.
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