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Fog City #2
King Slayer
Never fall for a mark. Mission fail.
Christopher Perri--a.k.a. Dante Perry--infiltrated the Madigan organization with one vengeance for his murdered partner. Falling for the assassin at the head of the table wasn't part of the plan, but Hawes Madigan is not the cold, untouchable Prince of Killers Chris expected. Everything about the newly crowned king is hot, and every inch of him eminently touchable... and off-limits once Chris's cover is blown.
Exposure couldn't come at a worse time. Hawes's throne is threatened, and Chris suspects the same person who killed his partner is behind the coup. Working with Hawes benefits them both, but Chris's employer has other ideas. Dismantling criminal organizations is what Chris does best, and his boss expects the King Slayer to deliver.
But Hawes is taking the Madigans in a new direction, one Chris can get behind, and the two men form a shaky alliance strengthened by the irresistible attraction between them... until Chris learns who killed his partner. Once he knows the truth, the King Slayer is unleashed, and Chris will stop at nothing to destroy those who betrayed him, including the king who stole his heart.
Twists and turns--and cliffhangers--continue in book two of the Fog City Trilogy. Read at your own risk!
Christopher Perri--a.k.a. Dante Perry--infiltrated the Madigan organization with one vengeance for his murdered partner. Falling for the assassin at the head of the table wasn't part of the plan, but Hawes Madigan is not the cold, untouchable Prince of Killers Chris expected. Everything about the newly crowned king is hot, and every inch of him eminently touchable... and off-limits once Chris's cover is blown.
Exposure couldn't come at a worse time. Hawes's throne is threatened, and Chris suspects the same person who killed his partner is behind the coup. Working with Hawes benefits them both, but Chris's employer has other ideas. Dismantling criminal organizations is what Chris does best, and his boss expects the King Slayer to deliver.
But Hawes is taking the Madigans in a new direction, one Chris can get behind, and the two men form a shaky alliance strengthened by the irresistible attraction between them... until Chris learns who killed his partner. Once he knows the truth, the King Slayer is unleashed, and Chris will stop at nothing to destroy those who betrayed him, including the king who stole his heart.
Twists and turns--and cliffhangers--continue in book two of the Fog City Trilogy. Read at your own risk!
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2019
136 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Layla Reyne
53 books1,030 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 231 reviews
April 22, 2021
Reread April 2021: Audiobook = ***3 - 3.5 Stars***
********************
Original review October 2019:
***4 - 4.5 Stars***
Yep, so not your smartest idea, Chris or Dante or whatever. Especially because Hawes is apparently keeping more secrets than the Vatican, but the magnetic pull that draws Chris to the other man - and vice versa - is undeniably there and threatens to throw over all of his plans and everything he stands for. Until... yeah, until he figures out Hawes's biggest secrets of all...
Not that Hawes fares any better... As if finding the traitor who randomly pulls all the strings and moves all parties involved like pawns in a chess game in order to "dethrone" the former Prince now King of Killers and snuffing out all possible leaks is not hard work enough, realizing your new won ally is actually your worst enemy makes it all the more harder. And realizing that this guy could destroy not only everything you are trying to accomplish, but even more so your heart isn't helping much either...
No worries, you'll find out if both guys break down all barriers that try to rip them apart and thwart the traitor's plans... possibly... hopefully... IN THE NEXT INSTALMENT, GAHHHHHH!!!!!
Ugh, could somebody puhlease issue a restraining order to keep me from starting unfinished series????? *grrr* And here I thought the cliffy at the end of book #1 was bad... Well, at least then I had book #2 at the ready and could dive right into it. :(
It took me a bit to get into this book, though, because the POV switched to Chris/Dante and at the beginning I had to remind me sometimes that I'm in his head now, but I'm totally hooked on these guys and I loved finding out more about Chris's past and also getting to know Hawes better through his eyes.
Now all that's left is the wait for book #3 and I hope by then my fingers won't have a cramp from thrumming on my desk...
********************
Original review October 2019:
***4 - 4.5 Stars***
Like the fog he loved so much, Hawes was a creature of shadow and light, playing in the corners, at the edges, until the wispy, indefinable mist slunk in all around and was too overpowering to see your way out of. You could fear it, fear the uncertainty, or let go and accept it. In this city, there was no escaping it. So you grew to love it. Like Hawes had the fog, like Chris had the man.
Fuck, he'd totally fallen for the mark.
Yep, so not your smartest idea, Chris or Dante or whatever. Especially because Hawes is apparently keeping more secrets than the Vatican, but the magnetic pull that draws Chris to the other man - and vice versa - is undeniably there and threatens to throw over all of his plans and everything he stands for. Until... yeah, until he figures out Hawes's biggest secrets of all...
Not that Hawes fares any better... As if finding the traitor who randomly pulls all the strings and moves all parties involved like pawns in a chess game in order to "dethrone" the former Prince now King of Killers and snuffing out all possible leaks is not hard work enough, realizing your new won ally is actually your worst enemy makes it all the more harder. And realizing that this guy could destroy not only everything you are trying to accomplish, but even more so your heart isn't helping much either...
No worries, you'll find out if both guys break down all barriers that try to rip them apart and thwart the traitor's plans... possibly... hopefully... IN THE NEXT INSTALMENT, GAHHHHHH!!!!!
Ugh, could somebody puhlease issue a restraining order to keep me from starting unfinished series????? *grrr* And here I thought the cliffy at the end of book #1 was bad... Well, at least then I had book #2 at the ready and could dive right into it. :(
It took me a bit to get into this book, though, because the POV switched to Chris/Dante and at the beginning I had to remind me sometimes that I'm in his head now, but I'm totally hooked on these guys and I loved finding out more about Chris's past and also getting to know Hawes better through his eyes.
Now all that's left is the wait for book #3 and I hope by then my fingers won't have a cramp from thrumming on my desk...
October 16, 2022
Audiobook - 3 stars
Story - 3.5 stars
The jury is still out on this series. I feel like this should have been maybe book one.
I am still not sold on the Chris/Dante, Hawes relationship. I am told they have chemistry, they are already in love but I can't feel it. It's just not there.
I am enjoying all the other parts, the mafia/crime story line going in. That is more interesting than the relationship stuff.
Anyhoo, it was okay.
Story - 3.5 stars
The jury is still out on this series. I feel like this should have been maybe book one.
I am still not sold on the Chris/Dante, Hawes relationship. I am told they have chemistry, they are already in love but I can't feel it. It's just not there.
I am enjoying all the other parts, the mafia/crime story line going in. That is more interesting than the relationship stuff.
Anyhoo, it was okay.
February 26, 2021
So good, just jam-packed with adrenaline filled bursts of action and smoldering hot encounters between Hawes and Dante.
I knew there would be another cliffhanger, there's a warning on the blurb and I knew Layla was planning this to be another three book epic like the earlier Agents Whiskey and Irish and Trouble Brewing series'.
Even so, I still yelped and gasped when I got to the end and even more secrets were revealed.
It's a rush reading the plotting, especially when we're inside Dante/Christopher's head for book two and I love the way Layla uses this trick in her series' to switch between both MCs for a single POV narrative.
I'm so confused over where this one is going to go and just what's a red herring and what isn't, there's as many twists and turns as you get on a Grand Prix circuit!
Absolutely LOVED the guest appearance of our favourite FBI boss's bum and there's another couple of Easter eggs from the previous series' to find too.
Can't wait for book three and to finally find out who's been pulling all the strings.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
I knew there would be another cliffhanger, there's a warning on the blurb and I knew Layla was planning this to be another three book epic like the earlier Agents Whiskey and Irish and Trouble Brewing series'.
Even so, I still yelped and gasped when I got to the end and even more secrets were revealed.
It's a rush reading the plotting, especially when we're inside Dante/Christopher's head for book two and I love the way Layla uses this trick in her series' to switch between both MCs for a single POV narrative.
I'm so confused over where this one is going to go and just what's a red herring and what isn't, there's as many twists and turns as you get on a Grand Prix circuit!
Absolutely LOVED the guest appearance of our favourite FBI boss's bum and there's another couple of Easter eggs from the previous series' to find too.
Can't wait for book three and to finally find out who's been pulling all the strings.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
August 24, 2019
4.25
The second in the Fog City series was packed to the gills with twists and turns and told from Chris/Dante's perspective. King Slayer kept me guessing and turning the pages which is something of a rarity for me these days so hat tip to Ms. Reyne on that front. But this book hooked me right away with the thriller/whodunit storyline then sealed the deal with the weapons grade UST.
Chris and Hawes are "on the outs" in this one. Deeeee-lish-cious! I love it when couples who aren't "supposed" to be together can't stay away from each other. Hawes and Chris definitely cannot. Against everyone's wishes, though I think most of them understand that they are inevitable so it's a weak protest at best, they keep colliding in the sexiest of fashions. Once in an alley even! 🙌🙌
Bonus points continue to be awarded for the the kinky adjacent-ness that they've got happening between them.
Not to discount the action/thriller aspects which are on point so if you are a fan of action, this is a book for you. Multiple high octane action sequences keep the pacing brisk and all of these encounters come with the added benefit of basically ensuring Chris and Hawes have to at least cooperate if not full on collaborate on uncovering the culprit. The baddie isn't outright revealed but I thought it seemed pretty obvious who it is so... cliffhangerish? At any rate, watching it unfold in the finale should be a fun ride. And hopefully a sexy one too. 🙏
In short, it's shaping up to be one helluva finish and I am here for it!
Recommended!
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Lively and sexy!
The second in the Fog City series was packed to the gills with twists and turns and told from Chris/Dante's perspective. King Slayer kept me guessing and turning the pages which is something of a rarity for me these days so hat tip to Ms. Reyne on that front. But this book hooked me right away with the thriller/whodunit storyline then sealed the deal with the weapons grade UST.
Chris and Hawes are "on the outs" in this one. Deeeee-lish-cious! I love it when couples who aren't "supposed" to be together can't stay away from each other. Hawes and Chris definitely cannot. Against everyone's wishes, though I think most of them understand that they are inevitable so it's a weak protest at best, they keep colliding in the sexiest of fashions. Once in an alley even! 🙌🙌
Bonus points continue to be awarded for the the kinky adjacent-ness that they've got happening between them.
Not to discount the action/thriller aspects which are on point so if you are a fan of action, this is a book for you. Multiple high octane action sequences keep the pacing brisk and all of these encounters come with the added benefit of basically ensuring Chris and Hawes have to at least cooperate if not full on collaborate on uncovering the culprit. The baddie isn't outright revealed but I thought it seemed pretty obvious who it is so... cliffhangerish? At any rate, watching it unfold in the finale should be a fun ride. And hopefully a sexy one too. 🙏
In short, it's shaping up to be one helluva finish and I am here for it!
Recommended!
A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2019
4,5 stars
This is the second book in the Fog City series by Layla Reyne. I was dying to get my hands on it!! Thank God we didn't have to wait too long!
The first book ends in a huge cliffhanger and the second one isn't much different.
We get Dante/Chris's POV and I am super glad we finally get his motives, we get his past and we understand him better.
He fell in love with his target, even if he went into this operation with only his vengeance in mind. To find his ex partner's killer punished. And he was in for a ride. Howes was so different from the man he pictured him to be. He was protecting his family with a passion. He was HOT, but he was also ruthless and cold when he had to be.
This second book is full of action. There are many scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. We also get some smoking hot scenes, but Chris is determined to bring down the killer.
I was a bit taken aback by Howes's resignation, but in the end, I was pleasantly surprised by how things worked out.
I am really looking forward to the last book! I am ready for another high dose of action, bullets and suspense, and I have a feeling we'll be getting a sweet happy ending for our men.
This is the second book in the Fog City series by Layla Reyne. I was dying to get my hands on it!! Thank God we didn't have to wait too long!
The first book ends in a huge cliffhanger and the second one isn't much different.
We get Dante/Chris's POV and I am super glad we finally get his motives, we get his past and we understand him better.
He fell in love with his target, even if he went into this operation with only his vengeance in mind. To find his ex partner's killer punished. And he was in for a ride. Howes was so different from the man he pictured him to be. He was protecting his family with a passion. He was HOT, but he was also ruthless and cold when he had to be.
This second book is full of action. There are many scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. We also get some smoking hot scenes, but Chris is determined to bring down the killer.
I was a bit taken aback by Howes's resignation, but in the end, I was pleasantly surprised by how things worked out.
I am really looking forward to the last book! I am ready for another high dose of action, bullets and suspense, and I have a feeling we'll be getting a sweet happy ending for our men.
This review is posted on DirtyBooksObsession
August 5, 2020
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Still Not For Me*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I started this one, even though I didn't like the first book in the series, simply because I needed to know what would happen. I'm one of those who HATES leaving things unfinished. It's like a burden on my shoulders. So I somewhat skimmed through the book - I'm a fast reader so I'm lucky there. Overall, I don't like the timeline. Everything is too fast. The timeline of book one and two combined is a week and a half. And the connection between the two main characters are too deep for knowing each other so little. At least in my eyes. I hate insta-love.
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 Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - None.
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.
August 8, 2019
I think I know who "she" is. I guess we'll all find out later this year.
July 28, 2019
Woohoo! What a roller coaster this book was! I loved it! More intrigue, more secrets, more emotions - it was absolutely fantastic! One of the things that I found interesting with this series was that the author decided to tell each story from a single POV. First book allowed me to learn more about Hawes and the Madigans, but this book was completely devoted to Dante! I finally heard him! Wow! There were things I didn't see coming.
The book starts right where the first finished. And right away Dante comes off as conflicted man - both as ATF agent and as a man since all that he knew about Madigans have been completely shattered within a week. He quickly scrambles to salvage his investigation and try to restore the broken trust between him and Hawes because there was something between them that needed a closer look at. From that point it's a constant battle to get one step ahead instead of three steps back. With all the goings on, I got to see where Dante came from, and exactly what drove him hard to solve the murder of Isabella Costa, his partner in the ATF.
The Perri family is not without its bad apples as well as heart-warming moments. Dante is finally ready to come home but he needs to avenge Isabella, he needs to keep Hawes alive. Knowing more than Dante about the killer's identity from the first book, every exchange is more tension filled, more charged and more delicious. Everything is ready to implode and collapse the fragile foundation of trust. But the heart wants what it wants, and despite the hate and anger both men can't stay away.
The mystery of the Madigan Organization coup gets bigger and more complicated. Both sides keep their cards close to their vests. Traitors are on both sides, and no one knows who to trust. It's one huge puzzle that needs to be solved, or everybody will die. The climax of the story is poignant in a sense that both Hawes and Dante have their suspicions, and if they are right, it will be a devastating blow to everyone. But while the bullets are flying, Dante and Hawes make a promise to find their way home to each other no matter what - despite the hurt, despite the fear and despite the distance. I read this nonstop. It was freaking awesome. Ms Reyne delivered stunningly suspenseful story with diverse characters that kept me on my toes till the very end! I highly recommend it. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
The book starts right where the first finished. And right away Dante comes off as conflicted man - both as ATF agent and as a man since all that he knew about Madigans have been completely shattered within a week. He quickly scrambles to salvage his investigation and try to restore the broken trust between him and Hawes because there was something between them that needed a closer look at. From that point it's a constant battle to get one step ahead instead of three steps back. With all the goings on, I got to see where Dante came from, and exactly what drove him hard to solve the murder of Isabella Costa, his partner in the ATF.
The Perri family is not without its bad apples as well as heart-warming moments. Dante is finally ready to come home but he needs to avenge Isabella, he needs to keep Hawes alive. Knowing more than Dante about the killer's identity from the first book, every exchange is more tension filled, more charged and more delicious. Everything is ready to implode and collapse the fragile foundation of trust. But the heart wants what it wants, and despite the hate and anger both men can't stay away.
The mystery of the Madigan Organization coup gets bigger and more complicated. Both sides keep their cards close to their vests. Traitors are on both sides, and no one knows who to trust. It's one huge puzzle that needs to be solved, or everybody will die. The climax of the story is poignant in a sense that both Hawes and Dante have their suspicions, and if they are right, it will be a devastating blow to everyone. But while the bullets are flying, Dante and Hawes make a promise to find their way home to each other no matter what - despite the hurt, despite the fear and despite the distance. I read this nonstop. It was freaking awesome. Ms Reyne delivered stunningly suspenseful story with diverse characters that kept me on my toes till the very end! I highly recommend it. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
August 10, 2019
4 Stars!
I was looking forward to this book since the first book in this series left us hanging on the cliff. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers because I hate waiting. Yet, I found myself unable to not pick this one up because the need to know what happened was too strong. I will admit that this one did not hold my attention as well as the first book had. But it was still a good read.
Dante the biker also known as Chris Perri the ATF agent gets his voice heard in the second book. We find out his true motive has never been about the explosives and taking down the Madigan organization, as he's suppose to be doing, but finding out who killed his partner, Isabella. In order to do that he needs the Madigan's help. But the trust between him and Hawes has been broken and he's gonna need a little help convincing Hawes and his family to help him. Both men are finding it hard to stay away from each other even in the chaos of the investigation and their mistrust for one another. Then when more truths are told and more lies are revealed it becomes uncertain if these two men will make it out alive, not in prison, or even together.
Now we wait for the third and final book to find out who "she" is. I'm pretty sure I know. The cliff-hanger didn't feel as big as it did in the last book so the wait doesn't feel that bad.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I was looking forward to this book since the first book in this series left us hanging on the cliff. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers because I hate waiting. Yet, I found myself unable to not pick this one up because the need to know what happened was too strong. I will admit that this one did not hold my attention as well as the first book had. But it was still a good read.
Dante the biker also known as Chris Perri the ATF agent gets his voice heard in the second book. We find out his true motive has never been about the explosives and taking down the Madigan organization, as he's suppose to be doing, but finding out who killed his partner, Isabella. In order to do that he needs the Madigan's help. But the trust between him and Hawes has been broken and he's gonna need a little help convincing Hawes and his family to help him. Both men are finding it hard to stay away from each other even in the chaos of the investigation and their mistrust for one another. Then when more truths are told and more lies are revealed it becomes uncertain if these two men will make it out alive, not in prison, or even together.
Now we wait for the third and final book to find out who "she" is. I'm pretty sure I know. The cliff-hanger didn't feel as big as it did in the last book so the wait doesn't feel that bad.
Happy reading dolls! xx
August 6, 2019
I was obviously eagerly awaiting for this sequel because Price of Killers had a monster cliffhanger and I just had to know what happened next. And it was (and wasn’t) what I was expecting.
It was both exciting and very different to completely shift to Dante’s (Chris’s) POV in this novel and it finally gave me the chance to get to know him better. He has lost a lot in life and is single minded in his dedication to find justice for his partner. I could totally empathize with his struggle to keep his feelings for Hawes in check while also being able to do his job. Hawes on other hand seemed to handle it all reasonably well. The chemistry and angst between them was scorching hot. But the story also quickly moved into a bit of instalove territory - which was a little unrealistic but also kinda understandable because of all the high stakes and adrenaline fueled situations they find themselves in.
The writing is fast paced and full of evolving situations where we can’t guess what’s gonna happen next and that was a lot of fun. There’s not much action this time around though and I really wanted some of that. We also hardly got to know the Madigan siblings more and I thought that was a missed opportunity. The main suspense throughout the two books has been about finding out who is the person ultimately pulling the strings and I think it was pretty easy to guess this time around and I think I’m right, which was actually disappointing because I wanted to be devastated by the revelation. The ending was kinda unexpected but cool and I can’t even guess what’s gonna happen next.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I did the first book but it was still fun and interesting and I’m very much looking forward to more explosive shenanigans in the finale.
It was both exciting and very different to completely shift to Dante’s (Chris’s) POV in this novel and it finally gave me the chance to get to know him better. He has lost a lot in life and is single minded in his dedication to find justice for his partner. I could totally empathize with his struggle to keep his feelings for Hawes in check while also being able to do his job. Hawes on other hand seemed to handle it all reasonably well. The chemistry and angst between them was scorching hot. But the story also quickly moved into a bit of instalove territory - which was a little unrealistic but also kinda understandable because of all the high stakes and adrenaline fueled situations they find themselves in.
The writing is fast paced and full of evolving situations where we can’t guess what’s gonna happen next and that was a lot of fun. There’s not much action this time around though and I really wanted some of that. We also hardly got to know the Madigan siblings more and I thought that was a missed opportunity. The main suspense throughout the two books has been about finding out who is the person ultimately pulling the strings and I think it was pretty easy to guess this time around and I think I’m right, which was actually disappointing because I wanted to be devastated by the revelation. The ending was kinda unexpected but cool and I can’t even guess what’s gonna happen next.
Overall, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I did the first book but it was still fun and interesting and I’m very much looking forward to more explosive shenanigans in the finale.
August 10, 2019
King of assassins falls for fed agent, and vice versa.
It’s a great trope and it’s complicated, but maybe not as much as it could be.
Hawes and Chris (Dante) are drawn to each other like flies to the light, and despite all the major trust issues (they have for obvious reasons) they can’t keep their hands off each other. And they are really hot and urgent together, and definitely click.
After Chris revealed his true identity at the end of book 1, it’s his turn to find out Hawes’s secret. Both issues are huge and need to be resolved before they can move on and even think of being together.
And they do. Maybe with less drama than I anticipated and hoped for, but Layla Reyne resolved it all to satisfaction and in her usual entertaining and suspenseful style.
I did enjoy the second instalment in this series (and another one of those gorgeous covers!), but still find the plot a bit too much on the unrealistic side. However, if you take a deep breath and are happy to suspend your belief, you will be fine. VERY fine indeed.
Looking forward to number 3!
It’s a great trope and it’s complicated, but maybe not as much as it could be.
Hawes and Chris (Dante) are drawn to each other like flies to the light, and despite all the major trust issues (they have for obvious reasons) they can’t keep their hands off each other. And they are really hot and urgent together, and definitely click.
After Chris revealed his true identity at the end of book 1, it’s his turn to find out Hawes’s secret. Both issues are huge and need to be resolved before they can move on and even think of being together.
And they do. Maybe with less drama than I anticipated and hoped for, but Layla Reyne resolved it all to satisfaction and in her usual entertaining and suspenseful style.
I did enjoy the second instalment in this series (and another one of those gorgeous covers!), but still find the plot a bit too much on the unrealistic side. However, if you take a deep breath and are happy to suspend your belief, you will be fine. VERY fine indeed.
Looking forward to number 3!
August 2, 2019
I had to read this twice, I enjoyed it so much! What a worthy sequel to book one as the plot becomes even more mind-bending and emotionally challenging. The narrative picks up exactly in the moment after the cliffhanger ending and it’s as damaging to Hawes and Dante/Chris’s fledgling connection as you’d think. Still needing to work together serves to ramp up the UST again although the heat in this volume is not as high, naturally. This is top notch suspense, with even more complexity than revealed in book one. It’s also very, very hard to review without spoilers! I think I might have guessed the person behind everything from hints revealed right before another cliffhanger ending, more shocking than the last. Layla Reyne at least has some pity for her poor beleaguered readers and has promised the next book release is coming soon. I’ll be expecting a great deal from the finale and if it lives up to the promise of these first two installments, I may never recover.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
February 17, 2020
2.7 stars. My issue with insta-love books is that the romance doesn’t feel earned. I don’t feel emotionally invested in any of the arguments, emotions, or drama because it feels superficial. The two main characters haven’t even known each other a full week & a half yet but are willing to die for each other and are saying things like “Baby, I can’t kill you. I think I might love you.” The plot line is just way too rushed for me to suspend my disbelief. I get the attraction some have towards insta-love, I’m just not one of those people.
August 7, 2019
I am adoring this series so much, and Hawes and Chris (Dante). While this book also ended on a cliffhanger, it feels less "omg omg how dare you I need the next book now!" because Hawes and Chris got to a better place by the end of this. I mean they're in the middle of a shit storm and everything and their burgeoning relationship is put through a lot in this one, but they are fairly solid at the end of this.
I'm more just excited for the third one now, because I know that now most of the personal, inside hurdles in their relationship have been worked through - at least enough for them to be in a better place with each other - and the last book will probably be them solidifying their relationship and taking down the person trying to attempt a coup once and for all. I can't wait for it!
Also, I totally think I know who it is, the mastermind behind it all. If I'm wrong I'll be shocked, but also I'm just excited to see who it is once and for all.
I loved Hawes and Chris in this. Getting things from Chris' perspective was awesome and seeing Hawes through Chris' eyes was all I wanted throughout the first book. Now I bet the last book will be from both of their POVs, which will be awesome.
There actually isn't much sex in this one, less than in the first one, but I completely understood why there wasn't much sex so it didn't bother me. I mean, the aftermath from the first cliffhanger made Hawe s and Chris being together...well, not a thing haha, and then they get close again, only for Chris to find out some truths...and then they finally get to a good place at the end when ahh man, another cliffhanger! So, yeah, not a lot of sex, but what we do get is totally steamy and hot.
These two men are totally gone for each other and it is so evident in everything they do.
Loved this, absolutely loved this. This series is so so good, definitely worth a read. Even better, I might say, then her Irish & Whiskey series...I just adore this. Two BIG thumbs up from me! Highly recommend this <333
I'm more just excited for the third one now, because I know that now most of the personal, inside hurdles in their relationship have been worked through - at least enough for them to be in a better place with each other - and the last book will probably be them solidifying their relationship and taking down the person trying to attempt a coup once and for all. I can't wait for it!
Also, I totally think I know who it is, the mastermind behind it all. If I'm wrong I'll be shocked, but also I'm just excited to see who it is once and for all.
I loved Hawes and Chris in this. Getting things from Chris' perspective was awesome and seeing Hawes through Chris' eyes was all I wanted throughout the first book. Now I bet the last book will be from both of their POVs, which will be awesome.
There actually isn't much sex in this one, less than in the first one, but I completely understood why there wasn't much sex so it didn't bother me. I mean, the aftermath from the first cliffhanger made Hawe s and Chris being together...well, not a thing haha, and then they get close again, only for Chris to find out some truths...and then they finally get to a good place at the end when ahh man, another cliffhanger! So, yeah, not a lot of sex, but what we do get is totally steamy and hot.
These two men are totally gone for each other and it is so evident in everything they do.
Loved this, absolutely loved this. This series is so so good, definitely worth a read. Even better, I might say, then her Irish & Whiskey series...I just adore this. Two BIG thumbs up from me! Highly recommend this <333
October 18, 2019
3.5 stars
I think I know who the big bad is, and have suspected it for a while so I'm probably wrong. LOL
I was glad for the change in POV in this book. Right now I'm more invested in the mystery/suspense storyline than the actual romance, but I'm hoping it will all gel for me in the final installment.
I think I know who the big bad is, and have suspected it for a while so I'm probably wrong. LOL
I was glad for the change in POV in this book. Right now I'm more invested in the mystery/suspense storyline than the actual romance, but I'm hoping it will all gel for me in the final installment.
October 21, 2021
3.8 stars rounded up
"Chris took a mental picture, the essence of Hawes Madigan captured in a single shot. Like the fog he loved so much, Hawes was a creature of shadow and light, playing in the corners, at the edges, until the wispy, indefinable mist slunk in all around and was too overpowering to see your way out of. You could fear it, fear the uncertainty, or let go and accept it. In this city, there was no escaping it. So you grew to love it. Like Hawes had the fog, like Chris had the man."
• m/m romantic suspense
• leader of assassins/federal agent
• King of Killers/King Slayer
• Prince of Killers has become the king
• PI Dante turns out to be an undercover federal agent
• Hawe's and Chris's relationship is severely tested
• Thrilling plot twists
King Slayer is book 2 in the Fog City series and cannot be read a standalone. The action continues as Hawes Madigan fights to consolidate his power as king of a shadowy organization of killers while facing external threats. His budding relationship with Dante is now in tatters with the discovery that the man he thought was a PI is actually Chris Perri, an undercover federal agent. Hawes no longer trusts Chris, but at the same time can't stay away from him.
Chris is convinced that Hawes is not only the key to avenging his murdered partner, but may also be more intimately connected to his partner's killer than he initially suspected. There is a reason Chris is known as the King Slayer—he’s the best at dismantling criminal organizations and his boss expects the King Slayer to deliver.
Both men know that their relationship is untenable, but they can't resist their mutual attraction and sparks continue to fly.
Relationship
• Their relationship suffers severe tests.
• They're forced to continue to work together despite their mutual distrust.
• Their relationship frays as betrayals mount.
• Yet they can't resist their physical attraction.
• Relationship moves tentatively forward before a cliffhanger ending.
• Moderately steamy.
Final Verdict
I still liked this, but I enjoyed book 1 more. The balance in this book is weighted more heavily on the suspense side than the romance, but I’ll definitely continue with the series.
"Chris took a mental picture, the essence of Hawes Madigan captured in a single shot. Like the fog he loved so much, Hawes was a creature of shadow and light, playing in the corners, at the edges, until the wispy, indefinable mist slunk in all around and was too overpowering to see your way out of. You could fear it, fear the uncertainty, or let go and accept it. In this city, there was no escaping it. So you grew to love it. Like Hawes had the fog, like Chris had the man."
• m/m romantic suspense
• leader of assassins/federal agent
• King of Killers/King Slayer
• Prince of Killers has become the king
• PI Dante turns out to be an undercover federal agent
• Hawe's and Chris's relationship is severely tested
• Thrilling plot twists
King Slayer is book 2 in the Fog City series and cannot be read a standalone. The action continues as Hawes Madigan fights to consolidate his power as king of a shadowy organization of killers while facing external threats. His budding relationship with Dante is now in tatters with the discovery that the man he thought was a PI is actually Chris Perri, an undercover federal agent. Hawes no longer trusts Chris, but at the same time can't stay away from him.
Chris is convinced that Hawes is not only the key to avenging his murdered partner, but may also be more intimately connected to his partner's killer than he initially suspected. There is a reason Chris is known as the King Slayer—he’s the best at dismantling criminal organizations and his boss expects the King Slayer to deliver.
Both men know that their relationship is untenable, but they can't resist their mutual attraction and sparks continue to fly.
Relationship
• Their relationship suffers severe tests.
• They're forced to continue to work together despite their mutual distrust.
• Their relationship frays as betrayals mount.
• Yet they can't resist their physical attraction.
• Relationship moves tentatively forward before a cliffhanger ending.
• Moderately steamy.
Final Verdict
I still liked this, but I enjoyed book 1 more. The balance in this book is weighted more heavily on the suspense side than the romance, but I’ll definitely continue with the series.
August 9, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2019/10/20/...
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
August 5, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Note: King Slayer follows immediately upon the end of Prince of Killers where there was a major series plot reveal. As a result, this review will spoil the ending of book one and should only be read after Prince of Killers — which is excellent and you all should be reading it!
Oh, I was so eagerly awaiting this story and Layla Reyne did not disappoint. Prince of Killers ended on such an exciting and delicious cliffhanger that it was all I could do to wait and see how things would unfold here. King Slayer is a wonderful follow up that builds an exciting and romantic story, while also propelling the trilogy forward in so many interesting ways.
From a suspense end, this story is quite the thrill ride. It is twisty and clever and nicely advances the plot from the first book. We know that someone is out to take down the Madigans, as well as that the explosives they were trying to get rid of are now in danger of falling into the wrong hands. Although Amelia has been caught, it is clear early on that there are others pulling the strings and we begin to untangle that web here. Expect the usual twists and turns as each time we think we know what is happening, there is a new angle, and the story is exciting and fast paced. I continue to love watching the Madigan siblings work together and the way they always seem to think one step ahead. There are some great breathless moments here and some exciting discoveries that kept me totally engrossed throughout the story. As with the first book, this one gives us an open ending. It isn’t nearly the gasping reveal of book one, but don’t expect all the loose ends tied up here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Note: King Slayer follows immediately upon the end of Prince of Killers where there was a major series plot reveal. As a result, this review will spoil the ending of book one and should only be read after Prince of Killers — which is excellent and you all should be reading it!
Oh, I was so eagerly awaiting this story and Layla Reyne did not disappoint. Prince of Killers ended on such an exciting and delicious cliffhanger that it was all I could do to wait and see how things would unfold here. King Slayer is a wonderful follow up that builds an exciting and romantic story, while also propelling the trilogy forward in so many interesting ways.
From a suspense end, this story is quite the thrill ride. It is twisty and clever and nicely advances the plot from the first book. We know that someone is out to take down the Madigans, as well as that the explosives they were trying to get rid of are now in danger of falling into the wrong hands. Although Amelia has been caught, it is clear early on that there are others pulling the strings and we begin to untangle that web here. Expect the usual twists and turns as each time we think we know what is happening, there is a new angle, and the story is exciting and fast paced. I continue to love watching the Madigan siblings work together and the way they always seem to think one step ahead. There are some great breathless moments here and some exciting discoveries that kept me totally engrossed throughout the story. As with the first book, this one gives us an open ending. It isn’t nearly the gasping reveal of book one, but don’t expect all the loose ends tied up here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
July 31, 2019
Okay, so I will freely admit that while I loved the first book in the series, Prince of Killers, there was something that prevented it from being a five-star read, but I couldn't put my finger on what. After reading King Slayer, which is a five-star read, I figured it out: while Hawes and Dante had a connection in Prince of Killers, I wanted a little bit more emotional connection between them on top of all the lust.
And boy, did I get that here!
I LOVED King Slayer! Given how book one ended, and given how much I loved Hawes, I didn't expect Dante/Chris to redeem himself here to the point where I fell in love with him. I loved getting to know Chris, and seeing his point of view of everything was hella interesting.
It was a hard read though, especially because you, as the reader, know more (from book one) than Chris does. So the entire time Chris is having feelings for Hawes, I'm cringing inside because I know the truth is going to come out sooner rather than later and everything's going to go to hell in a hand basket. It's like watching a Christmas parade expecting Santa Claus and getting a horde of zombies instead. WARNING: DANGER AWAITS. I wanted to wrap Chris in a blanket and sit him somewhere he couldn't get hurt.
There are twists and turns I didn't see coming, including some new characters and a new story angle, some super sexy times, and über romance that I simply swooned over. I loved everything about this book and I am dying for book three! I can't wait to get these in paperback and add them to my keeper shelf.
And boy, did I get that here!
I LOVED King Slayer! Given how book one ended, and given how much I loved Hawes, I didn't expect Dante/Chris to redeem himself here to the point where I fell in love with him. I loved getting to know Chris, and seeing his point of view of everything was hella interesting.
It was a hard read though, especially because you, as the reader, know more (from book one) than Chris does. So the entire time Chris is having feelings for Hawes, I'm cringing inside because I know the truth is going to come out sooner rather than later and everything's going to go to hell in a hand basket. It's like watching a Christmas parade expecting Santa Claus and getting a horde of zombies instead. WARNING: DANGER AWAITS. I wanted to wrap Chris in a blanket and sit him somewhere he couldn't get hurt.
There are twists and turns I didn't see coming, including some new characters and a new story angle, some super sexy times, and über romance that I simply swooned over. I loved everything about this book and I am dying for book three! I can't wait to get these in paperback and add them to my keeper shelf.
August 8, 2019
LOVED IT!!!
October 6, 2024
3.5★'s Rounded Up
Ok, let me think. The end, I’ll admit, had me a bit confused and I had to read it a couple of times to make sense of it (this, was probably due to the many drinks I had while finishing up the book). Probably. Anyway, so I think I get it, at least I think I get where it is going and maybe even kind of have a guess who the big baddie is. But just maybe.
I was real iffy with how I felt about the first one, and I think I feel the exact same about this one. I still don’t feel like Hawes is a bad ass. Maybe because we are getting to see him real, I just don’t see him as scary. I mostly liked getting Dante’s POV but his whole family dynamic was confusing because it felt like I should know something that I did not know. More about that below.
There are a lot of players and a lot of name switches. Sometimes they are called by their first names and sometimes by their last names. This is driving me crazy. I feel like I’m stopping and flipping back or searching to figure out who is being talked about which just completely pulls me out of the story. There are a lot of people in this book. A lot.
I still feel the same way I did about the cop as I did in my review of the Prince of Killers so I’ll just copy and paste this here and hope someone can help me out.
‘The cop. Who is this guy and why are we supposed to know he’d never let anything happen to the family, especially Holt? I swear I missed something huge with this part of the story. For some reason I pictured him as an old guy but I read a review where someone thinks he could be a love interest? I need some help here. I think I totally missed something.’
The whole thing with the Sister at the end I just don’t get at all. My brain just can’t wrap itself around how it makes sense.
It seems mostly, I have a difficult time reading this series. I’ve read a bunch by this Author and I don’t know if it is always like this, I don’t really recall, but this series has been a bit of a struggle reading wise for me. I feel like I have to do a lot of re-reading and I constantly feel like I’ve missed something only to find out I haven’t been told yet. It is throwing me off. The voice for these guys is just awkward reading for me.
But, I’m a little bit more excited about the finale now. We shall see how it ends up. I’ll keep my rating the same for both I think.
Ok, let me think. The end, I’ll admit, had me a bit confused and I had to read it a couple of times to make sense of it (this, was probably due to the many drinks I had while finishing up the book). Probably. Anyway, so I think I get it, at least I think I get where it is going and maybe even kind of have a guess who the big baddie is. But just maybe.
I was real iffy with how I felt about the first one, and I think I feel the exact same about this one. I still don’t feel like Hawes is a bad ass. Maybe because we are getting to see him real, I just don’t see him as scary. I mostly liked getting Dante’s POV but his whole family dynamic was confusing because it felt like I should know something that I did not know. More about that below.
There are a lot of players and a lot of name switches. Sometimes they are called by their first names and sometimes by their last names. This is driving me crazy. I feel like I’m stopping and flipping back or searching to figure out who is being talked about which just completely pulls me out of the story. There are a lot of people in this book. A lot.
I still feel the same way I did about the cop as I did in my review of the Prince of Killers so I’ll just copy and paste this here and hope someone can help me out.
‘The cop. Who is this guy and why are we supposed to know he’d never let anything happen to the family, especially Holt? I swear I missed something huge with this part of the story. For some reason I pictured him as an old guy but I read a review where someone thinks he could be a love interest? I need some help here. I think I totally missed something.’
The whole thing with the Sister at the end I just don’t get at all. My brain just can’t wrap itself around how it makes sense.
It seems mostly, I have a difficult time reading this series. I’ve read a bunch by this Author and I don’t know if it is always like this, I don’t really recall, but this series has been a bit of a struggle reading wise for me. I feel like I have to do a lot of re-reading and I constantly feel like I’ve missed something only to find out I haven’t been told yet. It is throwing me off. The voice for these guys is just awkward reading for me.
But, I’m a little bit more excited about the finale now. We shall see how it ends up. I’ll keep my rating the same for both I think.
December 10, 2019
And we are back in San Francisco, aka Fog City.
I love San Francisco when it's draped in fog. Oh I don't like driving in it but from far away or when I'm there and don't have to drive, it's beautiful and almost haunting. Which makes it the perfect setting for our favorite Prince, now King, of Killers; Hawes and our King Slayer; Dante.
Yes, I'm reading this series fast because I can't put them down! Basically I'm getting nothing accomplished besides things absolutely required of me, like work. And work has been slow-I work from home-so you know what that means? More reading time! (And also being totally caught off guard when work does come in. Oops!)
So book one ended on the cliffiest of cliffhangers. I don't think cliffiest is a word but I'm making it one. Naturally I had to start book two right away.
Book two did not disappoint. Even though it ended with another...you guessed it...cliffhanger.
Luckily for me, because I was unintentionally smart and hadn't read these before they were all available, book three was waiting in the wings.
King Slayer was every bit as good as book one. The suspense portion was engaging and the romance part knocked my socks off. Like the first one, this isn't what I would call a high steam book. And yet it kind of is. The frequency of steamy scenes is low. But the intensity of the existing scenes is electric. Add in all the wanting and pining and two people who know they shouldn't be together but just can't help themselves and I was a happy camper on that end.
I continued to grow attached to Hawe's family. (And am still shipping Holt and Kane. It's going to happen. I can feel it.) And because this book was from Dante's POV, you get to meet his family too which was fun. It was nice being in his head for this book. Book one was only told from Hawe's POV so Dante had been kind of a mystery. I liked seeing things from his side. It balanced things out.
Book three here we come! Confession: I'm already 40% done with book three. I just got so into it, I forgot to update!
I love San Francisco when it's draped in fog. Oh I don't like driving in it but from far away or when I'm there and don't have to drive, it's beautiful and almost haunting. Which makes it the perfect setting for our favorite Prince, now King, of Killers; Hawes and our King Slayer; Dante.
Yes, I'm reading this series fast because I can't put them down! Basically I'm getting nothing accomplished besides things absolutely required of me, like work. And work has been slow-I work from home-so you know what that means? More reading time! (And also being totally caught off guard when work does come in. Oops!)
So book one ended on the cliffiest of cliffhangers. I don't think cliffiest is a word but I'm making it one. Naturally I had to start book two right away.
Book two did not disappoint. Even though it ended with another...you guessed it...cliffhanger.
Luckily for me, because I was unintentionally smart and hadn't read these before they were all available, book three was waiting in the wings.
King Slayer was every bit as good as book one. The suspense portion was engaging and the romance part knocked my socks off. Like the first one, this isn't what I would call a high steam book. And yet it kind of is. The frequency of steamy scenes is low. But the intensity of the existing scenes is electric. Add in all the wanting and pining and two people who know they shouldn't be together but just can't help themselves and I was a happy camper on that end.
I continued to grow attached to Hawe's family. (And am still shipping Holt and Kane. It's going to happen. I can feel it.) And because this book was from Dante's POV, you get to meet his family too which was fun. It was nice being in his head for this book. Book one was only told from Hawe's POV so Dante had been kind of a mystery. I liked seeing things from his side. It balanced things out.
Book three here we come! Confession: I'm already 40% done with book three. I just got so into it, I forgot to update!
August 6, 2019
Red herrings, dead herrings. Surprisingly, more twists and turns than a ruminants digestive system once again and yet...my suspicion as to who is behind everything grows stronger with every death that occurs. There is only one person it can really be...but my lips are sealed 🤐. Liked the development of the connection between Dante/Chris and Hawes, but how sad and frustrating is it that the Madigans find that they can trust no-one and nothing other than Chris/Dante and some of the alphabet agencies??
November 9, 2023
He is a prince, not a king. Besides the regent would make decisions until the prince receives his crown.
Besides, dude...following along while Oak figures out who shot his partner on the mean streets. Well the reason Chris was setup. Has me on the edge of my seat.
Besides, dude...following along while Oak figures out who shot his partner on the mean streets. Well the reason Chris was setup. Has me on the edge of my seat.
August 3, 2019
OMG. This was a single sitting read. I literally didn't put the book down until it was over.
Major tip: This is NOT a stand alone read. You have to read the first book to understand this one, but, honestly, you HAVE to read the first book anyway. This series had me at the cover and wrapped me up in adrenaline and anxiety and romance.
Chris and Hawes are back, new secrets and old mysteries surfacing and weaving through their families and common connections. It's a roller coaster of craziness between an undercover agent and the head of a crime organization fueled with want and lust and needy chemistry.
Layla Reyne has proven that she can write a masterful story full of action and suspense and hot sexy scenes that leave you panting for more. And I am... I need the next book!
Major tip: This is NOT a stand alone read. You have to read the first book to understand this one, but, honestly, you HAVE to read the first book anyway. This series had me at the cover and wrapped me up in adrenaline and anxiety and romance.
Chris and Hawes are back, new secrets and old mysteries surfacing and weaving through their families and common connections. It's a roller coaster of craziness between an undercover agent and the head of a crime organization fueled with want and lust and needy chemistry.
Layla Reyne has proven that she can write a masterful story full of action and suspense and hot sexy scenes that leave you panting for more. And I am... I need the next book!
August 25, 2019
Far out. Trying to keep up with all the intrigue in this was a full-time job but I enjoyed the push/pull here. They have so much chemistry together but they don’t/can’t/won’t trust each other.
The end has me hopeful that they’ll eventually get their HEA. But there’s sure to be other surprises in store first. It’s gonna be a long wait to the next one.
The end has me hopeful that they’ll eventually get their HEA. But there’s sure to be other surprises in store first. It’s gonna be a long wait to the next one.
November 24, 2019
Woah do things get exposed here! Loved this!
This is also a cliffhanger so read overall trilogy review in my review for the last book!
This is also a cliffhanger so read overall trilogy review in my review for the last book!
May 16, 2021
THIS SERIES 🖤🔥 But OMG that ending though!😱
On to book 3....
On to book 3....
November 30, 2024
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off, with Hawes handcuffed to his bed and Chris holding a gun on him, with an offer “You need to know who is trying to unseat you. I need to know who killed my partner.”
Working separately, Chris & Hawes manages to find more and more pieces of the big picture but are unable to correctly put them together. Unable to pinpoint the culprit Hawes does have trouble trusting “I don’t trust you.” and Chris wanted that trust back, maybe more than he’d ever wanted anything.
In the midst of their mission, Hawes and Chris are unable to stay away from each other, but the guilt and grief they've being carrying around for years, and both taking their familial responsibilities very serious, it looks like the chasm between them gets bigger and bigger.
“I was thinking I was tired of playing defense. That I wanted to go on offense.”
Book two is told from Chris's POV and this too ends on a hefty cliffhanger and I can't wait to get into the conclusion of their story.
Part of the Fog City Series and must be read in order:
March 21, 2021
AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! OMG. I loved the first book and was going nuts for this book at the end, but this book was SUPERB. Now, I want MORE MORE MORE. This was such a good continuation. We ended the first with Dante (Chris) making the big reveal that he was a fed. I knew they would have to somehow get past that and get together, but the journey was so good. There was a lot of doubt and feelings of betrayal that weren't glossed over, and we got to see the guys struggle with their feelings for the other despite the lies. Their feelings really grew by the end, and although we have another OMG cliffie ending, I feel good about where Hawes and Chris are. I can't wait for the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
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