You should always be prepared for things to get worse. That's what he'd told me. I didn't listen. I should have known how things were going to turn out. From the first moment I looked into Lucas King's angry baby blues, filled with torment and vengeance, and aimed straight for me.
Lucas
Her first mistake was she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Her second mistake was she didn't listen. I'd warned her. I'd told her I was going to take everything from her. I did. Things she could only give once. All of it was mine. She belonged to me the instant I saw her. She was a good girl. Too bad I was going to ruin her.
This isn't a fairy tale. It's a story about a boy who made himself king, and his obsession.
"I am just a woman, like many of you, who has lived through beauty and ugliness, happiness, (sometimes extreme), and sadness, (sometimes heart wrenching), and have grown to love life and myself even more. I write because I love the characters, I am madly and hopelessly in love with them and want to share them with you. Life is beautiful and is meant to be enjoyed day by day, sometimes you have to pick out the good stuff with a magnifying glass like a needle in a haystack, but enjoyed none the less. The stories that I put on paper, I think, help us to find that enjoyment a little bit more."
This is a disgusting book. The H is a dirty manwhore. He is thief or drug dealer of some kind. He meets the h at the diner he eats daily. She is waitressing. He is an asshole to her. She gives him back by spilling coffee on him. Now he wants revenge. When she loses her job he offer her a job. She takes it reluctantly as she have no options. The job is to run his errands
He even purposely calls the h to meet at his house when he just got a bj from an ow. Yuck.
Then she makes him jealous by going on a date with his friend.
This is a duet. There’s some suspense at the end (boring), which will be concluded in the second book. No thanks.
I wanted so much to read this duet!!! But I struggled really hard to finish chapter seven! Lucas King was handsome, arrogant, arsehole, ruthless, womaniser, a devil! He was extremely well connected and almost knew everyone in high and right places. Whatever someone wanted, King was the man to be contracted. He met the pure and innocent Evelyn and made her life a living hell!
And guess what! He was only 18 years old!!!! 😱😱😱😱 18!!!!!!!! 😲😲😲😲😲 Unbelievable!!!!!! Inconceivable!!!!!! The way he was portrayed, a mentally healthy reader would assume his age would be 27-30. Not 18!!!!!!!
As you have realised, I couldn’t connect with the hero and I thought my head would explode!!! Dnf @ 58%
This 1st book in this series was so good. Lucas King is a provider of many services, that's how he makes his money. But then a storm blows into his life called Evelyn and decides he has to have her in every way. This story continues around the characters crazy love/hate relationship with a very dramatic ending.
I've been waiting to read this book since I first saw that incredible, sexy as hell cover. And it did not disappoint!! N.M.Catalano has woven all the best aspects of any engrossing story into a dark, sexy, suspenseful tapestry that leaves you feeling every emotion possible, except for disappointment. That feeling is not possible with this novel. King is everything. You love him, hate him, lust him, detest him, desire him. But above it all, you want to hold him and make his world a better place. And Evie is just the woman to do all of that. She is responsible, funny, feisty, irreverant, maternal, beautiful. She is everything you'd want in a best friend, or a big sister. Everyone in this book is interesting. And the various storylines leave just enough room for wild speculation, and exciting conspiracy theories galore!! So, bring on Book 2!! If you love the the angst riddled High School aged dark romances from LJ Shen, and Tijan, you will absolutely LOVE The Making Of A King. It is definitely one of this years must read books
A hurricane that has the power to shift his cold and calloused heart... N.M. Catalano does NOT write fairy tales.... Oh No! She will NOT pamper her readers with a sweet story about love and romance. In "The Making Of A KING (The KING Duet #1) " she will introduce you to a young, aspiring A-hole who has powerful connections with some shady individuals... a poor kid who will do anything to make it big... stepping over anyone who will stand in his way. Having the socialization capabilities of a great white shark he finds his obsession with Evelyn , a mouthy, sassy, ball-busting waitress, very disturbing. From wanting to destroy her he ends up wanting her desperately. An intense story of going after what you want but not always getting it. 5 hurricane-Swept Stars for "The Making Of A KING (The KING Duet #1) "... when you are devoid of any emotion and you suddenly find yourself obsessed.
I absolutely loved this book! At the beginning I disliked Lucas for his behaviour to Evie. I did not understand why Evie would allow Lucas to treat her so badly. I have zero tolerance for weak females. As I read more of the book the behaviour and attitude of both pieced together where this story was hwading! The brief interlude of being in each other's lives impacted their futures. I look forward to reading the next book!
If I could give it ten stars I would. Evil is a young girl dealt a bad hand. Luke is an arrogant a**hole. What he wants he gets. He wants Evie but tells himself he doesn’t. These two are phenomenal characters. The roller coaster ride this takes you on is unbelievable. The ending is something you will gasp at. Enjoy this wonderful read.
Holy hell in a hand basket! I had to take a night to digest this amazing book. Right now I am having a withdrawal from Evie and Lucas. This book absolutely took me out of my comfort zone in one chapter but honestly I absolutely loved it. Lucas and Evie drove me insane but I love a book that will do that. This book will take you on a journey that you will never expect and you will love every twist and every turn. I loved how Evie stood up for herself, I wish she would done more in a certain part of the book but she is one strong and amazing woman. I loved Lucas as well but he needed a good ass kicking. So many more questions to see where it all goes and I am looking forward to the next one. Is it September yet? I am in need STAT!!!
I voluntarily read this as an advanced readers copy.
I found myself completely enthralled by Lucas and Evie's story. Dark, dramatic, suspenseful, intense and full of twists, the story line will pull you under and just not let go. The attraction between these to opposites is potent and the love/hate tango that they engage in will have you on the edge of your seat with anticipation of the next turn or dip in their fierce dance. Evie was so easy to like and feel for, while Lucas (in all his jerk-ish glory) fell into the hate-to-love-him-but-just-can't-help-yourself catagory. I thought this was an amazing start to this two book duet and I can not wait for more! This is my frank, freely posted review.
This is my first novel read by N.M Catalano, and it won't be my last Five star novel , oh what a story Lucas and Eve
what can I say , very emotional story Lucas has a don't care attitude, don't trust no one and don't care who likes him or not Treat people like crap, and says what he feels , there is bad blood between him and his father, Eve speaks her mind and has a temper, she is trying to control, she looks after her brother, because their Mother has passed away, well eve and Lucas have this weird connection , This is a must read novel I can't wait for book 2
I was totally captivated by Lucas and Evie’s journey. I was completely riveted to every single word. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished. I’m left reeling and wanting more of their story. I can’t wait for the next book. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an amazing read
Lucas is that anti-hero. The one we absolutely despise. The one who's darkness calls to us. The one we believe we can save.
Forged by the immorality of humanity - Angry at a world that plays favorites - Betrayed by the petty and greedy - He takes all that hate and rage and bottles it. Uses it to fuel his retribution. He has a plan. It is perfect. Until Evelyn. Until the day a Storm tears apart his very foundation.
Evelyn The perfect sister. The perfect caretaker. The perfect daughter. Despite all the tragedy that had befallen her world she still radiates a kindness, an innocence that seems to encompass those around her. And her laughter - She was the perfect Storm ~ and she needed to be quelled.
I loved and loathed Lucas all at the same time. He was so angry at the world. I understood his pain a bit more as the story progressed and the layers that were Lucas were peeled away. It by no means justified the cruelty and debasement that he dealt out like candy, but it did give motive. Evelyn, my heart truly broke for her. She was trying so hard to be so many things. At first for me, she came across as a bit naive but I was wrong. So wrong. She is the Storm that Lucas touts her to be.
Catalano sets the foundation with The Making of a King. Lucas' need to destroy the light that is Evelyn. The acts of jealousy that would fuel the betrayals (this is a tissue moment!) The one decision that would rip apart their world birthing the monster that Lucas would become. We get to meet the key players. Some on a very personal level, others we only get glimpses of, not enough to know if they are part of the problem or part of the solution.
As I have come to expect from Catalano's writing we are left dangling on a precipice of needing more. One taste just wasn't enough. This is a wine (I required Vodka, just saying) and tissue read. It takes the reader beyond the darkness. I have so many questions Need book two now! I read a comp copy
I loved the first instalment of The Kings Duet and am eagerly awaiting All The Kings Men. Lucas King is the product of his upbringing and the influence of others. He is brutally honest, but only tells you what he wants to, he hold his cards close to his chest. Evelyn has made a deal with her father, she is trying to be a mother, sister, hold down a job and finish school. The duress is getting to her, but she can’t afford to drop any balls. Evie may well be a fraction of her former self but she still has that spitfire personality. After a rather embarrassing run in with Lucas King, she can’t get him off her mind...just like every other girl who’s ever heard of him. Lucas is interrupted whilst in a clandestine meeting, he didn’t need a witness to. When the little storm comes raging into the diner, his interest is peaked. However he doesn’t have a heart, no he wants to destroy her. He’s going to teach her a lesson...she’s just like a storm in a teacup and he’s waiting for the china to crack.
Lucas can have whatever he wants whenever he wants. His cold closed demeanor has helped him become the powerful man he is today. Evie is a strong willed woman who happens to get the attention of Lucas one morning at her job. Now I'd love to say that sparks fly but immediately Lucas treats Evie like she has some how wronged him.
Shortly after their first meeting Lucas gives Evie a job offer she can't refuse. When the first day in the job leads to Evie accepting a date by Lucas's friend Preston you know Lucas will be super jealous. One thing leads to another and Lucas's obsession with Evie interferes with his business.
Will Evie and Lucas be able to withstand the story outcome?
I highly recommend this book for anyone who does love an angsty romance with an ending you didn't see coming. Can't wait for the second installment of this series! I need more Lucas and Evie in my life.
I have QUESTIONS, lots of questions. This story drew me in from the beginning but left me with so many unanswered questions. I want to know all the things. Of course, I can't ask them in detail because it would ruin the book for others and I can't have that on my conscience. This author always writes books with characters that just grab you. Her men don't politely take your arm and show an interest in you, but grab you from behind by the throat and whisper "got you". I need to know who is Lucas King, what happened to the boy, what was the plan, why pick this girl, did he get some revenge and can he have it all? Seriously, get busy woman, because I need the second book in this duet. This writer is a one click author for me.
Lucas King is a provider of services. He was a poor boy out to make it on his own and now he has it all. He is on his way until he meets Evelyn. Evie becomes his obsession with a love/hate relationship that will leave you breathless. Evie didn't listen when King promised to take it all from her. The push and pull between these characters is electric and you just can't look away. Now awaiting the next book to find out how things will turn out for this couple.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am leaving a review.
DNF at 50% Too much telling, not enough showing. Storyline and characterisation seemed forced. The H seemed trying too hard to be “dark and assholy” and h seemed to be trying too hard to hate the H and be all “strong and take no shit”. Lost interest halfway through.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
OMG--what a cliffhanger! I can’t believe it ended so quickly…the anticipation of the next book will be really succulent and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!! Lucas King is very handsome, arrogant, ruthless, manipulative, vindictive, and an a**hole. Everyone seems to be afraid of Lucas, but not Evelyn (Evie/Storm) Monroe. Evie is new to the small town, and her father is a lawyer in DA’s office. Lucas saw Evie at a diner, and he was enthralled with her, but at the same time he wanted to possess her. When ‘king’ Lucas wants something or someone—he normally gets what he wants. When things start to get intense and suspenseful, this book was impossible to put down. I wasn't expecting the turn this story just took; it has quite an unexpected surprise that is jaw-dropping good! There are so many twists and turns with intense elements to this story that you cannot highlight on just one. Wait until you read what happens at the end—you will be flabbergasted and appalled. This is the first time I read a book by N.M. Catalano, but I assure you, it will not be the last. N.M. Catalano you did it with this twisted, steamy, and suspenseful romance with deep and troubled characters. The storyline is fluid, and the characters are extremely well developed. You won’t regret reading this book! I can’t wait to read Book 2.
His Royal Prickness has arrived! I’ve been looking forward to reading this book since NM Catalano first started teasing us about Lucas King and let me tell you it was worth the wait!
Lucas King has worked his way out of his past by becoming the “go to” man. He wanted a better life, he wanted everything he never had and he went out and got it. What Lucas King wants. Lucas King gets. That’s how he’s built his kingdom. You want it, he can get it, no matter what it is...for a price, of course. His life is smooth sailing until a hurricane by the name of Evie makes landfall at the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Evelyn Monroe is a good girl. Does what she can to help her dad and brother and works hard to save enough money to go to college. When events spiral out of her control she finds herself in Lucas King’s sights and what she sees in his angry baby blue glare scares and excites her all at once...
He warned her, she should have listened. He wants to ruin her but he also just wants her.
“Then he slowly turns to face me, his gaze piercing and focused. I stop breathing, and I know instantly I am in so much trouble.” ~ Evie
Lucas and Evie’s hate/love relationship will take you on an amazing journey in this first part of The King duet. I can not wait for the second book to find out what happens with Lucas and Evie!
Lucas is a young man making his way in a world of the rich and untouchables. He is the King of his world even though he didn't come by his money their way. Lucas meets the new waitress at the diner where he eats everyday and decides he wants her, he wants to destroy her and makes her life hell. But will he succeed or will she bring him to his knees? Evie is the sweet and innocent girl who is trying to help her father raise her younger brother and finish school so she can get away and go to college. Once she is fired from her job at the diner she is offered a job with Lucas who has captivated her. But why is he giving her this chance and will she be safe around him or will he ruin her? This story was a little twisted with all the people involved and all the goings on in this small town. It will sure keep you intrigued and on your toes waiting to see what happens next and how it will effect everyone. Can't wait to finish this story that left me hanging on for dear life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is fabulous theres no words good enough I loved every thing about this book from the very first page, God the emotions and intensity was off the charts and the character development was outstanding. We have Lucas King and let me tell you he is a first class jerk with absolutely nothing nice to say but arrogant selfish words that hurt deeply and are shocking what comes out of his mouth and he always gets what he wants and his sights are on a feisty hurricane of a woman Evie who is responsible in every way and is beautiful inside and out and she just met her devil. the vibes between these two are explosive with just one look that sets the pages on fire. I loved King you just want to squeeze him and not let go he is one hot A-Hole and how can you not be attracted to that. I really cannot wait for the next one I crave it oh and that ending just wow!!!
This story is dark, intense and at times very suspenseful. There are little twists and turns that keep you completely enthralled with these characters. The love/hate relationships are so well thought out that there are times that you don't know who to route for.
I absolutely loved Lucas King but he was just so infuriating at times. You love him, then you loath him, but you can't get enough of him! Evie at times was also infuriating but unlike some girls, she actually has a backbone and knows just how to use it. I loved all of Lucas and Evie's interactions - they were explosive and on fire. AMAZING!
Fantastic writing and storytelling. I can't wait to see what's next.
This is a wonderful read from the very beginning. I was captivated by this book and continuously found myself drawn to the characters. Nice plots and easy to follow. The characters had such chemistry that you could feel the sparks. In true N.M. Catalano form the characters and their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balance out perfectly. The chemistry between the main characters is sizzling. I loved they way they came together so smoothly. The scenes are so graphic and vivid it's easy to picture each scenario as it plays off one another beautifully. N. M. Catalano did an excellent job bringing these stories to life flawlessly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a must read! It's an intensely powerful story, full of debauchery and hidden agendas. You have to meet Lucas, all-around alphahole and resident bad boy. He's rude and crude, with absolutely no apologies. But he's also so much deeper than that. Finding out what made him tick was an emotional test of boundaries and fortitude. He's sexy and smart, full of confident swagger and grit.
And Evie, his Storm, was as lost as they come, but she still held her own against the onslaught of all that was Lucas. Her story was a hard one, and she but I loved how she stood her ground when she needed to. I didn't want this to stop! I SO need part 2 now!
AHHHH!!!! I can't wait for more of Evie and Lucas!!! I was totally sucked into this book. Loved the forbidden attraction between these two. Many twists and turns with lots of questions left unanswered. Lucas is a complete A, so I'm happy that we get in his head to hear him battle with himself over Evie. I'm beyond ready to see what N.M. Catalano has in store for us with the next book.
Loved it!! Dark, dramatic, suspenseful, intense and full of twists, the story line will pull you in. Loved the forbidden attraction between these two. Many twists and turns with lots of questions left unanswered. Now we just wait for more!
When your book sista has a shout-out for a new author and you read it and you're like dayyum! Guess what, this one is hot, and damn so so good! The ending, blew me away! I loved loved it!