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King's Creek #1
King’s Crown
I lost my job and got kicked out by my roommate, who happens to be my ex-husband, on the same day.
If I nail one interview, I can get my life back on track. I even get to fly on a private jet with my prospective boss's dad Gentry King, a widowed oil company CEO. We'll make one stop and once Mr. King's business is done, we'll continue on to Denver where I'll hopefully land a high paying job that'll keep me from moving back in with my parents. I'm not even thirty, I can't go backwards in life.
Mr. King is unbelievably attractive and intimidating, but it's a short flight and I never have to see him again after it's done. Only we don't make it to Denver. A snow storm strands us in Wyoming where the only hotel room available has one bed. Unlike me, Mr. King remains undaunted and continues to work remotely at the desk in the room, otherwise ignoring my existence. Until the power goes out and there's nothing for us to do but get to know each other.
Between our age difference, his adult kids, and his former mother-in-law who's still in control of the company, what happens in Wyoming might have to stay in Wyoming.
If I nail one interview, I can get my life back on track. I even get to fly on a private jet with my prospective boss's dad Gentry King, a widowed oil company CEO. We'll make one stop and once Mr. King's business is done, we'll continue on to Denver where I'll hopefully land a high paying job that'll keep me from moving back in with my parents. I'm not even thirty, I can't go backwards in life.
Mr. King is unbelievably attractive and intimidating, but it's a short flight and I never have to see him again after it's done. Only we don't make it to Denver. A snow storm strands us in Wyoming where the only hotel room available has one bed. Unlike me, Mr. King remains undaunted and continues to work remotely at the desk in the room, otherwise ignoring my existence. Until the power goes out and there's nothing for us to do but get to know each other.
Between our age difference, his adult kids, and his former mother-in-law who's still in control of the company, what happens in Wyoming might have to stay in Wyoming.
212 pages, ebook
First published February 24, 2020
1189 people are currently reading
2307 people want to read
About the author
Marie Johnston
100 books1,060 followersMarie Johnston is an award-winning, best-selling paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn't happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
October 22, 2022
Snowed in!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: ☺️😉😀😘
The heroine: Kendall Brinkley - she was married for nearly two years before her and her husband became roommates more than lovers. She still lived with her ex-husband, Darrin because they wanted to pay off their student loans and she didn’t want to move home with her family. Her ex worked nights and she worked days, so it sort of worked out.
The Hero: Gentry King - a year ago he was quite the player, but he would never bring a woman home. He was father to four grown boys and his wife was murdered years ago. He was left to raise the boys and run the oil company that wasn’t his family legacy but his wife’s. Gentry’s wife and her mother left a strange legacy, leaving the company to the four boys but only if they got married by a certain age. This caused his oldest son Aiden to marry a woman he might not love. Since then Gentry has given up women.
The Story: When Kendall’s job gets downsized she has to scramble for a new one. Her job was the only thing keeping her from moving back home and she was the oldest kid, she didn’t want to do that. A friend gives her a heads up on a job with Beckett King that his sister just resigned from.
Kendall is kicked out of her house the same day by her ex and his new girlfriend. She also has a bunch of family issues including parents that work too much and 5 siblings that she raised and is still basically raising. Kendall decides to give a call to see if she can get the job her friend told her about. She ends up on a private plane to Denver with Gentry King and ends up stranded in Wyoming due to a snowstorm. They ended up with the last room in town and it only has one bed.
Narrated by Kelsey Navarro and Tor Thom, this book is told in dual points of view via dual narration. Tor Thom has a super deep voice which I really like. Kelsey has a strong and intelligent sounding voice which is pleasing to listen to. The story is a bit of a May-December romance, but I was glad that Kendall wasn’t just out of school or anything like that. She is a 28 year old college graduate who has been married and divorced, so she has both education and world experience.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Romance: 💚🖤💙❤️💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌎
Character development: ☺️😉😀😘
The heroine: Kendall Brinkley - she was married for nearly two years before her and her husband became roommates more than lovers. She still lived with her ex-husband, Darrin because they wanted to pay off their student loans and she didn’t want to move home with her family. Her ex worked nights and she worked days, so it sort of worked out.
The Hero: Gentry King - a year ago he was quite the player, but he would never bring a woman home. He was father to four grown boys and his wife was murdered years ago. He was left to raise the boys and run the oil company that wasn’t his family legacy but his wife’s. Gentry’s wife and her mother left a strange legacy, leaving the company to the four boys but only if they got married by a certain age. This caused his oldest son Aiden to marry a woman he might not love. Since then Gentry has given up women.
The Story: When Kendall’s job gets downsized she has to scramble for a new one. Her job was the only thing keeping her from moving back home and she was the oldest kid, she didn’t want to do that. A friend gives her a heads up on a job with Beckett King that his sister just resigned from.
Kendall is kicked out of her house the same day by her ex and his new girlfriend. She also has a bunch of family issues including parents that work too much and 5 siblings that she raised and is still basically raising. Kendall decides to give a call to see if she can get the job her friend told her about. She ends up on a private plane to Denver with Gentry King and ends up stranded in Wyoming due to a snowstorm. They ended up with the last room in town and it only has one bed.
Narrated by Kelsey Navarro and Tor Thom, this book is told in dual points of view via dual narration. Tor Thom has a super deep voice which I really like. Kelsey has a strong and intelligent sounding voice which is pleasing to listen to. The story is a bit of a May-December romance, but I was glad that Kendall wasn’t just out of school or anything like that. She is a 28 year old college graduate who has been married and divorced, so she has both education and world experience.
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February 8, 2021
I’m an age-gap junkie so of course I jumped at the chance at reading this story as part of the blog tour for book 3 in this series, King’s Treasure. I just met this author’s writing no more than about 5 or 6 months ago so I don’t have a whole lot of experience with her writing but what I do have has been really great and so far, the first three King books are following that same path!
I enjoyed Gentry and Kendall’s journey even though it was drama fueled, and when I say drama, I mean DRAMA. It came from all sides. And you know what? I was okay with all of it because it was expected. This particular story needs the drama in order to be an effective, well thought out plot. So props to Marie Johnston for accomplishing that with me rolling my eyes or wanting to stab someone. Okay, it’s possible I maaaay have wanted to stab one or two people along the way but maybe just like a shallow stab LOL There are already a ton of reviews that in my opinion give away too many plot points of the story so I’m not going into any more detail than that. I just wanted to make the point sometimes, soap opera (ish) storylines are necessary for not just the story to make sense, but also to set up future books. Okay, that’s it on that. Let’s move on.
So Gentry and Kendall were a great match as far as I’m concerned. They may have had a rather sizeable age-gap, but Kendall was all grown up before it was time for her to even be a grown-up. Life circumstances made sure she matured rather quickly, which matured her past her age. I felt their connection in the story and I loved their chemistry!
Sidebar: I do have to mention one thing because it's a thing with me, but nobody's winning any prizes with this cover LOL That guy doesn't look anywhere near 50ish and I don't know what's happening with that very long scarf blowing in the wind .... #help LOL
I enjoyed Gentry and Kendall’s journey even though it was drama fueled, and when I say drama, I mean DRAMA. It came from all sides. And you know what? I was okay with all of it because it was expected. This particular story needs the drama in order to be an effective, well thought out plot. So props to Marie Johnston for accomplishing that with me rolling my eyes or wanting to stab someone. Okay, it’s possible I maaaay have wanted to stab one or two people along the way but maybe just like a shallow stab LOL There are already a ton of reviews that in my opinion give away too many plot points of the story so I’m not going into any more detail than that. I just wanted to make the point sometimes, soap opera (ish) storylines are necessary for not just the story to make sense, but also to set up future books. Okay, that’s it on that. Let’s move on.
So Gentry and Kendall were a great match as far as I’m concerned. They may have had a rather sizeable age-gap, but Kendall was all grown up before it was time for her to even be a grown-up. Life circumstances made sure she matured rather quickly, which matured her past her age. I felt their connection in the story and I loved their chemistry!
Sidebar: I do have to mention one thing because it's a thing with me, but nobody's winning any prizes with this cover LOL That guy doesn't look anywhere near 50ish and I don't know what's happening with that very long scarf blowing in the wind .... #help LOL
September 19, 2021
Ehhhhh another underwhelming read:( I may give the next book in this series a try but I wasn't completely taken in with this book sadly!
May 5, 2022
4/29/2022 - This is the first book in the Oil Kings series. While each book covers a couple and can be read on its own, the series is best experienced in order.
Having never read anything by Marie Johnston before, I was a little nervous. However, I absolutely loved King’s Crown beginning to end.
From the way Johnston set up enough background to intrigue me and maneuvered Gentry & Kendall up to meet. Then there was a forced proximity, where they are snowed in to “the only hotel room (with one bed!) in town”. Except they’ve just met and as conversations unfold they’re committed not to let any superficial attraction go wild. So they have a lot of fun getting to know one another. After the trip they end up working together. Then dating. The only angst was responding to Gentry’s grown children and his deceased wife’s mother being upset about the new relationship.
Johnston did such a fantastic job of building a solid foundation for Kendall & Gentry as individuals and as a couple. While a 20 year age gap (49 & 29) could have been a huge issue – Kendall has a number of life experiences, education, & work history to prove she’s no helpless ingénue. It’s also not often that authors create characters that don’t want children and I appreciated how that played out here. I loved and totally believed in their HEA. Perfect couple.
I’m looking forward to Beck’s story in King’s Ransom.
Narration:
I loved Kelsey Navarro as Kendall. Her spunkiness, dedication, and self-confidence really shown through. I also loved Tor Thom as Gentry. Deep and sexy voice. Gentry’s awe at discovering Kendall was “the one” really came through. Navarro & Thom compliment each other well. I know this is one I’ll be listening to over and over.
11/28/2021 - $2.99 audio on Kobo. Age gap. Kelsey Navarro & Thor Tom. 🥰
Having never read anything by Marie Johnston before, I was a little nervous. However, I absolutely loved King’s Crown beginning to end.
From the way Johnston set up enough background to intrigue me and maneuvered Gentry & Kendall up to meet. Then there was a forced proximity, where they are snowed in to “the only hotel room (with one bed!) in town”. Except they’ve just met and as conversations unfold they’re committed not to let any superficial attraction go wild. So they have a lot of fun getting to know one another. After the trip they end up working together. Then dating. The only angst was responding to Gentry’s grown children and his deceased wife’s mother being upset about the new relationship.
Johnston did such a fantastic job of building a solid foundation for Kendall & Gentry as individuals and as a couple. While a 20 year age gap (49 & 29) could have been a huge issue – Kendall has a number of life experiences, education, & work history to prove she’s no helpless ingénue. It’s also not often that authors create characters that don’t want children and I appreciated how that played out here. I loved and totally believed in their HEA. Perfect couple.
I’m looking forward to Beck’s story in King’s Ransom.
Narration:
I loved Kelsey Navarro as Kendall. Her spunkiness, dedication, and self-confidence really shown through. I also loved Tor Thom as Gentry. Deep and sexy voice. Gentry’s awe at discovering Kendall was “the one” really came through. Navarro & Thom compliment each other well. I know this is one I’ll be listening to over and over.
11/28/2021 - $2.99 audio on Kobo. Age gap. Kelsey Navarro & Thor Tom. 🥰
September 10, 2021
Not bad but not great. While I appreciate that the Hero's past dalliances were in the past I do think he needed some on page heart to heart talks with his children as they were affected - especially Beck. The heroine boarder-lined a doormat.
I'm glad they found each other, the Hero reconnected with his son's, and they got an HEA.
I'm glad they found each other, the Hero reconnected with his son's, and they got an HEA.
February 6, 2021
CURRENTLY FREE ON AMAZON (2/5/21)
This story had a vibe in the beginning but once the snow cleared, so did the story.
When I stumbled upon King's Crown, I just wanted a new set of characters in a setting I haven't read before.
Though Gentry and Kendall's story is far from original, I enjoyed the characters and how they deviated from the expected, for the most part.
Gentry has a strained relationship with his adult sons who hate him for how soon he started to have sex after the death of their mother and their grandmother acts as the grand puppeteer, ensuring that by the age of 30, they are all married.
Kendall was sexy but shy and I equally loved her confidence like I did the moments she was uncertain of where her life was headed.
I found the dialogue to be easy-going and the banter light and fun but I would have loved to explore Gentry's past. I could have even done with a flashback or two.
Written in dual POV, I loved being able to see both sides of the spectrum.
Unfortunately, I felt this story wanted more. After being stuck in a hotel room for four days, I wanted more upon their return. I would have also like to see more dialogue and actions around the trust fund.
It would have made for a more believable epilogue.
Not bogged down with sex, we got to know and appreciate the characters as they built their relationship and incorporated family and work life.
I just wanted to go deeper on a few issues.
This story had a vibe in the beginning but once the snow cleared, so did the story.
When I stumbled upon King's Crown, I just wanted a new set of characters in a setting I haven't read before.
Though Gentry and Kendall's story is far from original, I enjoyed the characters and how they deviated from the expected, for the most part.
Gentry has a strained relationship with his adult sons who hate him for how soon he started to have sex after the death of their mother and their grandmother acts as the grand puppeteer, ensuring that by the age of 30, they are all married.
Kendall was sexy but shy and I equally loved her confidence like I did the moments she was uncertain of where her life was headed.
I found the dialogue to be easy-going and the banter light and fun but I would have loved to explore Gentry's past. I could have even done with a flashback or two.
Written in dual POV, I loved being able to see both sides of the spectrum.
Unfortunately, I felt this story wanted more. After being stuck in a hotel room for four days, I wanted more upon their return. I would have also like to see more dialogue and actions around the trust fund.
It would have made for a more believable epilogue.
Not bogged down with sex, we got to know and appreciate the characters as they built their relationship and incorporated family and work life.
I just wanted to go deeper on a few issues.
December 30, 2022
We love the age gap; we love the drama!
(Audio Review)
After Kendall loses her job, she’s set up on a job interview with Gentry’s son, which facilitates Gentry and her meeting. However, on the way to this job interview, Kendall and Gentry are snowed in a hotel room (with only one bed)! This forced proximity forces them to get to know each other and they end the trip not only working together, but slowly eventually dating each other. But dating each other does not come easy as there is a 20-year age gap and Gentry has full grown kids which complicates matters further.
‘King’s Crown’ is book 1 of the ‘Oil Kings’ series but can be read as a standalone. Johnston did amazingly establishing the life experiences and background of both characters that showed their compatibility with each other despite the 20-year age gap! I really enjoyed this book!
I listened to audio version of this book which was narrated by Kelsey Navarro & Thor Tom. They complimented each other very well, and the characters came to life with their narration!
(Audio Review)
After Kendall loses her job, she’s set up on a job interview with Gentry’s son, which facilitates Gentry and her meeting. However, on the way to this job interview, Kendall and Gentry are snowed in a hotel room (with only one bed)! This forced proximity forces them to get to know each other and they end the trip not only working together, but slowly eventually dating each other. But dating each other does not come easy as there is a 20-year age gap and Gentry has full grown kids which complicates matters further.
‘King’s Crown’ is book 1 of the ‘Oil Kings’ series but can be read as a standalone. Johnston did amazingly establishing the life experiences and background of both characters that showed their compatibility with each other despite the 20-year age gap! I really enjoyed this book!
I listened to audio version of this book which was narrated by Kelsey Navarro & Thor Tom. They complimented each other very well, and the characters came to life with their narration!
January 24, 2021
3.5 stars for this one. It was an age-gap romance with meddling kids, mother-in-law and co-workers. Kendall and Gentry get stranded together during a snow storm. She is supposed to be interviewing for a job in Denver with his son.
They actually start getting to know each other and like what they see. He is concerned about the age difference and she isn't. A meddling grandmother/mother-in-law is the catalyst for a majority of the drama.
The heat level was 🔥🔥🔥. This was a freebie and a decent read. I'm intrigued enough to check out book 2.
They actually start getting to know each other and like what they see. He is concerned about the age difference and she isn't. A meddling grandmother/mother-in-law is the catalyst for a majority of the drama.
The heat level was 🔥🔥🔥. This was a freebie and a decent read. I'm intrigued enough to check out book 2.
April 30, 2020
I liked Kendall and Gentry well enough. The problem is the soap opera premise for the series, with his four sons being pressured to marry by age 29 by their mother’s will and by their grandmother. Also the grandmother is seriously annoying. I don’t know if I have the patience for another one in this series.
Want to read
March 3, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/22/2021)! 🎁
April 12, 2025
This was a great couple. They were realistic enough that you could feel connected to the characters but I didn't feel weighed down by their issue.
At first I worried Kendall would be a bit of a pushover or character came across as weak but she wasn't.
It looked to both Kendall and me that Gentry was just going to give in to the whims of his family, but he proved he had a backbone.
I don't prefer the dead spouse trope, sometimes authors don't put the work into transitioning from the previous relationship to the new one or rely on tropes without flushing them out but it was done really well here. you could feel the genuine love and respect and friendship he had with Sarah but it didn't ever interfere with believing the love he had for Kendall.
I enjoy age Gap and surprise baby but I'm glad that's not what happened here.As someone who has been a caregiver for other people's children since I was in my early teens I understand a little bit of how she felt in terms of raising her siblings. I (D.I.N.K) also love kids but am not having any. It was nice to see that the couple discussed having kids, they took each other's feelings into account and they kept checking in with each other.
I appreciated it wasn't a long drawing out relationship. if you found the person that you want to be with for the rest of your life and especially for the two of them it wasn't anything stopping them for moving ahead and sealing the deal.
I'm actually looking forward to reading some of the other books in the series.
At first I worried Kendall would be a bit of a pushover or character came across as weak but she wasn't.
It looked to both Kendall and me that Gentry was just going to give in to the whims of his family, but he proved he had a backbone.
I don't prefer the dead spouse trope, sometimes authors don't put the work into transitioning from the previous relationship to the new one or rely on tropes without flushing them out but it was done really well here. you could feel the genuine love and respect and friendship he had with Sarah but it didn't ever interfere with believing the love he had for Kendall.
I enjoy age Gap and surprise baby but I'm glad that's not what happened here.As someone who has been a caregiver for other people's children since I was in my early teens I understand a little bit of how she felt in terms of raising her siblings. I (D.I.N.K) also love kids but am not having any. It was nice to see that the couple discussed having kids, they took each other's feelings into account and they kept checking in with each other.
I appreciated it wasn't a long drawing out relationship. if you found the person that you want to be with for the rest of your life and especially for the two of them it wasn't anything stopping them for moving ahead and sealing the deal.
I'm actually looking forward to reading some of the other books in the series.
June 4, 2021
MY RATING: 2.5*
RELEASE DATE: 01 June 2021
CLIFFHANGER: No
ARC was kindly provided for an honest review
The moment I read the blurb to this book I knew I had to get into it, because I’m a sucker for all things naughty, and nothing beats a good age-gap, forbidden romance.
I won’t get too much into the plot because to be honest, the blurb is a summary of it. From the beginning of the book, I was here for it. I was getting good vibes from the characters, and it had the hallmarks of a good “what the fuck” story. Admittedly, it fell short of my expectations in a few places.
While Gentry is struggling with his relationships with his adult sons, I wish there would have been some flashback to the past and get into his head a bit more about his state of mind after Sarah’s death. Anything from the past really would have been ideal to get a better understanding of the characters.
Kendall on the other hand was sweet, self-less to a point of self-destruction/idiocy when it came to her family. But I did love how loyal she was, and her level of integrity was admirable.
Having said that, I really would have loved more drama. Especially around the trust. While Gentry tried to priorities his relationship with his son, I really would have loved to see the internal struggle about letting each other go play out with some back and forth. Some more emotional turmoil would have really gone a long way here.
November 28, 2022
“Never apologize for it. Not for helping your family, not for loving to work.”
Oh Gentry. Your previous behavior…. You needed therapy. He’s a young widower with strained relationships with his adult children and his mother-in-law. His late wife wrote that his children had to marry by the time they turned 30 for at least one year and then the inheritance would be split 50/50, no exceptions. So his MIL is trying to find suitable women for one of his older sons, hiring Kendall as his executive assistant. However, Gentry starts to notice her too.
Kendall is the sole caretaker of her younger siblings and is over, finally being able to focus on herself and not her family. So she accepts a job as an EA for an oil CFO. However, his father keeps coming around. And he’s good looking. Almost 20 years her senior, Kendall can’t help being attracted to him. But she can’t act on her feelings for the CEO. Nope. Not at all…
❤️🎧📖❤️
Book: King’s Crown
Couple: Gentry and Kendall
Series: Oil King Series, Book 1, standalone
Author: Marie Johnston
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro and Tor Thom
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kindle Unlimited: ❌
Audio Whispersync: ✅
🗣 Narration 🗣: Found this book searching for books narrated by my beloved Kelsey!! Fantastic! Tor did a great job as well, but what else is new!
📚 Tropes 📚: single dad with adult children, around 18 year age gap, boss/employee, small town, rich hero, steam is low/moderate
⚠️ Safety Squad ⚠️: yes! Steam is low/moderate, no future children between the two
🎵 Katie’s Song Rec 🎵: Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life
Oh Gentry. Your previous behavior…. You needed therapy. He’s a young widower with strained relationships with his adult children and his mother-in-law. His late wife wrote that his children had to marry by the time they turned 30 for at least one year and then the inheritance would be split 50/50, no exceptions. So his MIL is trying to find suitable women for one of his older sons, hiring Kendall as his executive assistant. However, Gentry starts to notice her too.
Kendall is the sole caretaker of her younger siblings and is over, finally being able to focus on herself and not her family. So she accepts a job as an EA for an oil CFO. However, his father keeps coming around. And he’s good looking. Almost 20 years her senior, Kendall can’t help being attracted to him. But she can’t act on her feelings for the CEO. Nope. Not at all…
❤️🎧📖❤️
Book: King’s Crown
Couple: Gentry and Kendall
Series: Oil King Series, Book 1, standalone
Author: Marie Johnston
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro and Tor Thom
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kindle Unlimited: ❌
Audio Whispersync: ✅
🗣 Narration 🗣: Found this book searching for books narrated by my beloved Kelsey!! Fantastic! Tor did a great job as well, but what else is new!
📚 Tropes 📚: single dad with adult children, around 18 year age gap, boss/employee, small town, rich hero, steam is low/moderate
⚠️ Safety Squad ⚠️: yes! Steam is low/moderate, no future children between the two
🎵 Katie’s Song Rec 🎵: Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life
February 22, 2020
“King’s Crown” Book 1 of Marie Johnston’s new series The Oil Kings, is a delicious, drama free, sexy, engrossing, and entertaining read. I absolutely loved everything about it.
Gentry King is one hell of a complicated man. Married straight out of high school, father to four sons, pawn in his mother in laws hands and left a widower all before his thirtieth birthday. Fast forward twenty years and he is a sexy as sin silver fox, running an oil empire alongside his mother in law and oldest son and a certified playboy until the moment that changes everything.
Kendall Brinkley is 29, divorced and newly unemployed. She’s an old soul in a young woman’s cute and sexy body. Being one of six siblings forced her to grow up fast and her sense of responsibility towards her youngest brothers and sister a breaking point for past men she’s been involved with.
Gentry and Kendall meet and it’s a match made in romance book heaven except for all the baggage that comes with it. A twenty year age gap, an interfering MIL, sons who don’t forgive or forget easily and workplace politics to name a few. But overcome these obstacles they do, making their happily ever after an incredible one. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading Beckett’s story and all the other King’s stories. TBR and Enjoy. (I read an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
Gentry King is one hell of a complicated man. Married straight out of high school, father to four sons, pawn in his mother in laws hands and left a widower all before his thirtieth birthday. Fast forward twenty years and he is a sexy as sin silver fox, running an oil empire alongside his mother in law and oldest son and a certified playboy until the moment that changes everything.
Kendall Brinkley is 29, divorced and newly unemployed. She’s an old soul in a young woman’s cute and sexy body. Being one of six siblings forced her to grow up fast and her sense of responsibility towards her youngest brothers and sister a breaking point for past men she’s been involved with.
Gentry and Kendall meet and it’s a match made in romance book heaven except for all the baggage that comes with it. A twenty year age gap, an interfering MIL, sons who don’t forgive or forget easily and workplace politics to name a few. But overcome these obstacles they do, making their happily ever after an incredible one. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading Beckett’s story and all the other King’s stories. TBR and Enjoy. (I read an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
February 27, 2020
Kendall finds herself not in the position she expected to be either personally or professionally so the out of town job opportunity could be just the fresh start she was looking for. She now finds herself on a plane with her potential employer’s father, but she wasn’t expecting the feelings he would raise in her or that dismal weather would bring them together.
Gentry is a widower and the CEO of the family business. He is attracted to Kendall, but he knows that he needs to keep his distance not only because of the fact that she could become his employee but also the fact that the personal assistant job for his son is actually something quite different.
As they spend time together the chemistry between them ignites but overcoming the opinions of others may be the biggest challenge of all. Although they may not be what you consider a traditional couple there is no doubting that they belong together.
Gentry is a widower and the CEO of the family business. He is attracted to Kendall, but he knows that he needs to keep his distance not only because of the fact that she could become his employee but also the fact that the personal assistant job for his son is actually something quite different.
As they spend time together the chemistry between them ignites but overcoming the opinions of others may be the biggest challenge of all. Although they may not be what you consider a traditional couple there is no doubting that they belong together.
December 9, 2022
Yes, we have an age gap. Yes, we have drama. Yes, there’s some angst. But it’s alllllll worth the hassle, I promise!
Gentry and Kendall have a chance meeting and both feel sparks. But she’s on her way to an interview, or so she thinks, and he’s not interested in another empty time. Then the weather conspires against them. And they become almost friends for a second. But reality invades after Kendall proves just how useful she is in an office, she gets a job she didn’t know she wants, and then loses it due to drama and nonsense. But through it all, she and Gentry communicate. They both upend beliefs and expectations about them. They support each other. And they find love.
I’ve enjoyed my time getting to know these two and now wonder if Beckett might find his match with Emilia’s help, or if he’s got enough game to figure it out on his own.
Gentry and Kendall have a chance meeting and both feel sparks. But she’s on her way to an interview, or so she thinks, and he’s not interested in another empty time. Then the weather conspires against them. And they become almost friends for a second. But reality invades after Kendall proves just how useful she is in an office, she gets a job she didn’t know she wants, and then loses it due to drama and nonsense. But through it all, she and Gentry communicate. They both upend beliefs and expectations about them. They support each other. And they find love.
I’ve enjoyed my time getting to know these two and now wonder if Beckett might find his match with Emilia’s help, or if he’s got enough game to figure it out on his own.
February 14, 2021
This one was an unexpectedly enjoyable read for me.
What worked:
> the age gap. I’m not usually a fan .. but this one had the younger woman being a smart and sensible character, as opposed to ditzy and only looking for love.
> the sense of family for both sides
> communication. So many books these days still have a theme of miscommunication and they are so frustrating! Given the ages of the MC’s here if they weren’t communicating it would have been so unbelievable.
What I wanted to see:
> I wanted to see the cranky old mother in law held a little more accountable.
> acknowledgement from the wider family about Kendall’s commitment to them.
On this first instalment, I’d definitely read more of this about Gentry’s sons.
What worked:
> the age gap. I’m not usually a fan .. but this one had the younger woman being a smart and sensible character, as opposed to ditzy and only looking for love.
> the sense of family for both sides
> communication. So many books these days still have a theme of miscommunication and they are so frustrating! Given the ages of the MC’s here if they weren’t communicating it would have been so unbelievable.
What I wanted to see:
> I wanted to see the cranky old mother in law held a little more accountable.
> acknowledgement from the wider family about Kendall’s commitment to them.
On this first instalment, I’d definitely read more of this about Gentry’s sons.
August 15, 2023
Book: Kings Crown
Read By: Ebook
Author: Marie Johnson
Narrator: NA
Genre: Romance
Main Characters: Gentry and Kendall
Recommend: yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
For a member of the over 30s club I loved this book!
Where are all the silver foxes at!
This book is perfect for someone looking to read something within the over 30, early 40s groups where it could possibly happen… I mean give me a widowed millionaire anyway:)
“Kendall Brinkley, will you marry me?” My lungs stopped working as I waited for her answer. She pressed a hand to her chest, the other waving in front of her face. “Yes. Oh my God, yes!”
Read By: Ebook
Author: Marie Johnson
Narrator: NA
Genre: Romance
Main Characters: Gentry and Kendall
Recommend: yes
Spice: 🌶️️ 🌶️️
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
For a member of the over 30s club I loved this book!
Where are all the silver foxes at!
This book is perfect for someone looking to read something within the over 30, early 40s groups where it could possibly happen… I mean give me a widowed millionaire anyway:)
“Kendall Brinkley, will you marry me?” My lungs stopped working as I waited for her answer. She pressed a hand to her chest, the other waving in front of her face. “Yes. Oh my God, yes!”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2023
1000/10. I could not believe the development of the book. It is a little steamy and has a smut scene or two. The audio book is phenomenal. It is worth reading or having it read to you. I would recommend to any who likes age gap loves and millionaire romance's. The way the narrators in make the Characters come to life is amazing and phenomenal. The conflict in the book is so relatable for me and I think a lot of people could relate to whether it be with their relationship or how others felt about it. I loved it and will relisten to it again and again.
I received a free copy and am willing giving this review.
I received a free copy and am willing giving this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
You know, I am a little surprised on how much I liked this book. I was a little hesitant because the MMC works in oil and I thought it was gonna be a pro-oil propaganda. Which low key is but I can ignore it cause it wasn't talked much about. But any who, the story is good. Kendall is a smart and strong family oriented person. Gentry is a hardworking person who is trying to better himself for his kids. They are good together. Even though there is a 20 year age gap, they respect each other as equals. They actually got to know each other as people instead of just sleeping with each other.
February 9, 2021
Gentry and Kendall
Start of a decent series. I like the book. I don't have an issue with older man younger woman but 20 years is hard for me to handle and get into the characters. I will say Kendall was 29 and had a old soul and I really liked her and Gentry's chemistry. The writing was good so I'll read the next one
Start of a decent series. I like the book. I don't have an issue with older man younger woman but 20 years is hard for me to handle and get into the characters. I will say Kendall was 29 and had a old soul and I really liked her and Gentry's chemistry. The writing was good so I'll read the next one
August 31, 2023
I really enjoyed Kendall & Gentry’s story. Highly recommend if you like an age gap romance that makes sense. These two are at similar points in their life despite the 20 year age difference. It just works. Marie Johnston is really good at making me like tropes that I don’t normally.
November 21, 2025
A very satisfying age-gap/snowed-in-with-the-billionaire story.
I like Marie Johnston's writing. She's got a great style that's easy to read, but still gives deep feels.
28-year-old Kendall is having a terrible day. She's just been downsized from her marketing job, and her ex-husband/housemate has told her to move out so his much younger girlfriend can move in.
Kendall is smart and kind, and has been acting as a surrogate parent to her 3 younger siblings for many years, as her parents are engrossed in operating their family's small businesses. She knows that if she moves back home, she will become subsumed by family responsibilities, so she jumps at the opportunity to interview for work as a PA for a successful tech CEO.
Gentry King is 48. He's father to 4 grown sons (eldest 29), and has been widowed for many, many years. He is the CEO of King's Oil and has a reputation as a playboy billionaire.
We discover there is a complex, hidden proviso in his late wife's will in which his sons must be married for a year by their 30th birthdays to access their 100 million dollar trusts. Gentry discovers that Kendall has been selected by his interfering mother-in-law as a potential bride for his tech genius son. So when he offers to share the company plane with her to attend her interview in Denver, he is predisposed to believe she's a grasping gold-digger.
When their flight is grounded in a small-town thanks to a snowstorm, Gentry and Kendall are forced to spend four days sharing a very modest motel room. He soon discovers her obliviousness to the marriage scheme, and they share details of their lives over games of cards and PB&Js.
There is immediate attraction on both sides, but too many obstacles between them. Kendall decides not to interview once she understands what was planned for her, but Gentry offers her a marketing job in his company instead (knowing she is talented, and also needs the money).
What follows is a sweet love story with Gentry finally falling for someone who loves him, not his money. There is angst caused by the workplace dynamic, family pressures, and of course, the age gap, but I liked how it was handled.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
I like Marie Johnston's writing. She's got a great style that's easy to read, but still gives deep feels.
28-year-old Kendall is having a terrible day. She's just been downsized from her marketing job, and her ex-husband/housemate has told her to move out so his much younger girlfriend can move in.
Kendall is smart and kind, and has been acting as a surrogate parent to her 3 younger siblings for many years, as her parents are engrossed in operating their family's small businesses. She knows that if she moves back home, she will become subsumed by family responsibilities, so she jumps at the opportunity to interview for work as a PA for a successful tech CEO.
Gentry King is 48. He's father to 4 grown sons (eldest 29), and has been widowed for many, many years. He is the CEO of King's Oil and has a reputation as a playboy billionaire.
We discover there is a complex, hidden proviso in his late wife's will in which his sons must be married for a year by their 30th birthdays to access their 100 million dollar trusts. Gentry discovers that Kendall has been selected by his interfering mother-in-law as a potential bride for his tech genius son. So when he offers to share the company plane with her to attend her interview in Denver, he is predisposed to believe she's a grasping gold-digger.
When their flight is grounded in a small-town thanks to a snowstorm, Gentry and Kendall are forced to spend four days sharing a very modest motel room. He soon discovers her obliviousness to the marriage scheme, and they share details of their lives over games of cards and PB&Js.
There is immediate attraction on both sides, but too many obstacles between them. Kendall decides not to interview once she understands what was planned for her, but Gentry offers her a marketing job in his company instead (knowing she is talented, and also needs the money).
What follows is a sweet love story with Gentry finally falling for someone who loves him, not his money. There is angst caused by the workplace dynamic, family pressures, and of course, the age gap, but I liked how it was handled.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
October 21, 2024
#AgeGap #Billionaire #SnowedIn #OneBed
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this book can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
Kendall is 28, newly unemployed, and lost her house due to unfortunate circumstances. Moving back home with her parents is not what she wants to do but it is necessary. Flying to Denver on a private jet to interview for a new job, she gets snowed in to a single bed hotel room in Wyoming for 4 days with Gentry King (49), the CEO of King’s Oil. When the power is out, they are able to get to know each other playing cards and board games. I loved how they shared things with each other and formed a friendship of sorts. Even though there is mutual attraction and a shared bed, I loved that they don’t get it on just because.
When they return to real life, it doesn’t stop their attraction and they must decide if they will pursue a relationship. I appreciated that though they have a large age gap, it isn’t really an issue. Because of Kendall’s life experiences and maturity, there isn’t the disparity between them that could have been there. I also appreciated that Gentry’s sons, who are close to Kendall’s age, aren’t won over right away. Gentry has a reputation to overcome, and relationships with his sons to repair.
This was a fun read. I loved the chemistry between Kendall and Gentry. I loved how comfortable they became with each other. A lot of characters are introduced to set up the series. Emelia and Kendall’s parents were difficult characters for me, but they serve a purpose to the story. I am interested to read more and see how the plot of the sons having to marry before 29 plays out.
Written in first person from an alternating dual POV, this book can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA.
Kendall is 28, newly unemployed, and lost her house due to unfortunate circumstances. Moving back home with her parents is not what she wants to do but it is necessary. Flying to Denver on a private jet to interview for a new job, she gets snowed in to a single bed hotel room in Wyoming for 4 days with Gentry King (49), the CEO of King’s Oil. When the power is out, they are able to get to know each other playing cards and board games. I loved how they shared things with each other and formed a friendship of sorts. Even though there is mutual attraction and a shared bed, I loved that they don’t get it on just because.
When they return to real life, it doesn’t stop their attraction and they must decide if they will pursue a relationship. I appreciated that though they have a large age gap, it isn’t really an issue. Because of Kendall’s life experiences and maturity, there isn’t the disparity between them that could have been there. I also appreciated that Gentry’s sons, who are close to Kendall’s age, aren’t won over right away. Gentry has a reputation to overcome, and relationships with his sons to repair.
This was a fun read. I loved the chemistry between Kendall and Gentry. I loved how comfortable they became with each other. A lot of characters are introduced to set up the series. Emelia and Kendall’s parents were difficult characters for me, but they serve a purpose to the story. I am interested to read more and see how the plot of the sons having to marry before 29 plays out.
April 22, 2025
I took a long time to finish this after putting it down two months ago in favor of reading other things. I've often really liked Johnston's work under her other pen name, Walker Rose, and the second half of this book certainly felt in the same vein: a large family sets up the series romance arc. This one is a 20-year age-gap romance, and while I was reading the first half in February, it was making me a tad uncomfortable, because the MMC's kids are the same age as the FMC. Johnston did some work to compensate for the age gap: the FMC was basically mother to all her younger siblings and is divorced, lending her a maturity that compensates for the cringe factor. Johnston also does some work to make the fact that the MMC is an oil company CEO okay...
I do often look the other way in "billionaire" type romances - to me they're just fantasy so I'm not bothered by the real-world implications, but this one did make me raise my eyebrows a bit. It also seems like there's not a lot of diversity to be had in her books, which isn't a deal-breaker for me, but my liberal heart cringes a bit at that combined with the questionable element of oil tycoon...
Anyway, I think Johnston/Rose is quite a skilled writer. She builds place and character well, and seems to know enough about the occupations of her characters to make them interesting. I think I'm going to stick with her work under Rose, however.
I do often look the other way in "billionaire" type romances - to me they're just fantasy so I'm not bothered by the real-world implications, but this one did make me raise my eyebrows a bit. It also seems like there's not a lot of diversity to be had in her books, which isn't a deal-breaker for me, but my liberal heart cringes a bit at that combined with the questionable element of oil tycoon...
Anyway, I think Johnston/Rose is quite a skilled writer. She builds place and character well, and seems to know enough about the occupations of her characters to make them interesting. I think I'm going to stick with her work under Rose, however.
June 29, 2024
This book started out great. I was enjoying it, and the writing was pretty good, as well. I have had this book on my list, so I finally decided to go ahead and read it.
Let me tell you, I was just... whelmed. The first half was great, as they got to know each other. Then, when they got back home and started seeing each other, it was just a little bland. Nothing really happened. There were some points where his family members had issues, but it never really felt like such an issue, and didn't feel like just an obstacle that they overcame.
I just felt like they talked to the people who had issues, were accepted, and then that was it.
While I do feel that sometimes people may want a nice, gentle, easy romance story, I am apparently not one of them. I want to feel more from it. I didn't get much emotion out of it enough for me to fully connect.
I won't read this ont again, and I probably wouldn't recommend it to others. Unless they are wanting something simple.
I'm not going to continue this series, either.
Let me tell you, I was just... whelmed. The first half was great, as they got to know each other. Then, when they got back home and started seeing each other, it was just a little bland. Nothing really happened. There were some points where his family members had issues, but it never really felt like such an issue, and didn't feel like just an obstacle that they overcame.
I just felt like they talked to the people who had issues, were accepted, and then that was it.
While I do feel that sometimes people may want a nice, gentle, easy romance story, I am apparently not one of them. I want to feel more from it. I didn't get much emotion out of it enough for me to fully connect.
I won't read this ont again, and I probably wouldn't recommend it to others. Unless they are wanting something simple.
I'm not going to continue this series, either.
September 2, 2024
Even though age-gap romances aren't usually my go-to, I found myself enjoying the book. The story, centered around Gentry King and Kendall, offers a refreshing take on the age-gap trope, with less focus on angst and more on the gradual development of their relationship.
Gentry’s journey in moving on from his past and dealing with his complicated relationship with his sons also added a bit depth to the story, but still felt surface level overall.
While the romance was sweet and the pacing just right, it did feel more like an introduction to what’s to come in the series rather than a standalone story with its own complete arc. However, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment—if anything, it made me curious about the upcoming books.
Overall, King's Crown is a nice read, especially if you’re interested in exploring the dynamics of the King family in future installments.
Gentry’s journey in moving on from his past and dealing with his complicated relationship with his sons also added a bit depth to the story, but still felt surface level overall.
While the romance was sweet and the pacing just right, it did feel more like an introduction to what’s to come in the series rather than a standalone story with its own complete arc. However, this didn’t detract from my enjoyment—if anything, it made me curious about the upcoming books.
Overall, King's Crown is a nice read, especially if you’re interested in exploring the dynamics of the King family in future installments.
February 14, 2025
This was much better than I anticipated. I thought it would be the run of the mill girl gets stuck sharing a hotel room and bed with boss, has hot sex and gets pregnant kind of story. Newsflash: it wasn't. Yes, they did get stuck in a hotel room (during a snowstorm and no power) with only one bed, but instead of having hot sex, they talked, played cards and got to know each other. They both acknowledged the attraction but fought it, although for different reasons. It was a really well told story. The only issue I had was that the h was one of those characters who knew how to do everything and did it better than anyone else. Minor, in the grand scheme of things. Anyway, it's a great book and I highly recommend it!
June 12, 2025
Gentry King is the protagonist of this love story with Kendall, a young woman 20 years his junior who was destined for his son Beckett. His mother-in-law is the one who arranged for them to pair up, but a storm prevents Kendall and Beckett from meeting, forcing her to spend several days locked up in a hotel with Gentry. Gentry has some problems with his children, especially because after becoming a widower, he immediately sought out the company of other women, and his children think she's just another woman after his money. But Kendall sees the real Gentry. During those days at the hotel, he opens up to her more about things that even his own family doesn't know about, and she finds in him the perfect companion.
Very beautiful. I'm actually dying to read the story of the children.
Very beautiful. I'm actually dying to read the story of the children.
January 28, 2025
Gentry and Kendall
I listened to the audio through Bookfunnel. The narrators did a good job. Poor Kendall is having I would say the worst day ever not only does she get fired, she comes home to find her ex husband who she shared a place with signed up for a new lease and there was another signature besides his. This is a older man/younger woman romance. The story revolves around not only their relationship, their families and their work status. I enjoyed listening to this.
I listened to the audio through Bookfunnel. The narrators did a good job. Poor Kendall is having I would say the worst day ever not only does she get fired, she comes home to find her ex husband who she shared a place with signed up for a new lease and there was another signature besides his. This is a older man/younger woman romance. The story revolves around not only their relationship, their families and their work status. I enjoyed listening to this.
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