King’s Pawn

The Kings of Men MC #4

by Ki Brightly, M.D. Gregory

Badass Biker Bodyguard

Fresh from behind bars, Bishop, a Kings of Men MC member, settled into his old life. He made his way through a parade of men, and he was left completely unsatisfied, despite his warm welcome home. In prison, Bishop had been Destiny’s protection, and Destiny paid for his safety—in physical favors. If Bishop had known then how fond he would become of Destiny, he might not have approached him to begin with. Now, nobody filled the Destiny-shaped hole in his bed or heart.

Messed-Up Life

Destiny left a real cell for one his parents controlled. Upon his release from prison, Destiny’s abusive, police captain father took him back to the house where he grew up, and he made it clear Destiny would never leave again. With little choice in the matter, and even though it broke his heart, Destiny did the smart thing and cut ties with Bishop to keep him safe from his father’s far-reaching influence. The last thing Destiny wanted was to cause trouble for the best man he’d ever been with.

First Time, Helter-Skelter Love

Hurt, but finally finding his strength, Destiny fled is father’s abuse and went looking for the only person he trusted to keep him safe, Bishop. The biker gladly helped, but out in the real world, Bishop and Destiny had no idea how to treat each other. Between Destiny’s father sending half the police force to hunt for him, and the brewing problems with a rival motorcycle club, will Bishop be able to keep Destiny safe and free?

Genres: M M Romance, Crime, Romance, Dark, Abuse, Action, Queer

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 24, 2020

About the author

I spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.

A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.

Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Destiny salió de la cárcel hace unos meses, y todo ese tiempo ha estado encerrado en su casa, otra prisión pero esta mucho mas letal, y sin nadie quien pueda protegerlo. Ahí, su padre intenta quitarle lo que lo hace único, intenta hacer que se comporte como Eugene, y todo por mantener su propia imagen de buen policía. Pero ya Destiny tuvo suficiente y junto con su hermana huyen de casa para buscar de nuevo, la protección de Bishop y de su Club.
Bishop esta dolido que Destiny no lo haya buscado cuando salió de la cárcel, pero después de enterarse por todo lo que ha pasado, lo acepta con los brazos abierto y le promete su protección y la del Club para alejarlo de su familia.
Pero el Club también tiene otros problemas, una guerra inminente con otro de los Club MC de la zona, los Warriors, puede causar muchos mas dolores de cabeza. Así que en medio de todo, Destiny y Bishop tienen que volver a conocerse y aceptar que su relación es mucho mas que solo por protección.

Este libro es un romance mucho mas sencillo y sin muchos dramas. Me pareció que podían haberle sacado mucho mas provecho al personaje de Destiny y no me gusto la muerte de ese otro personaje, creo que se perdieron muchas oportunidades para esos personajes. En cuanto a Bishop, todavía sigue siendo un misterio, sino hubiera leído una de las novelas spin-off (con el hermano de Bishop y el abogado) casi no conocería nada del personaje ni el porque llego a unirse a los King.
En fin, me gusto que viéramos mas del Club, que conociéramos a las mascotas, y empezara a explorarse el personaje de King. Me gusto, como comenzamos a conocer a los otros "hermanos" y que trabajo hacen de día. Por eso, voy a seguir con la serie, quiero conocer mas sobre este universo.

[Santy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

For some reason this book really worked for me. It might not be for everyone but it really worked for me. I'm just a bit sad that due to how "meh" the first two books of the series were, people might probably miss out on this but what can I do? Nothing except do my part in telling you guys about how much I enjoyed this! Lol!

The reason I enjoyed this so much has a name:Destiny. I loved Destiny right from his first scene in the previous book. He had such a Bright spirit and managed to keep up this spirit despite the horrors he faced. Trigger warning for past child abuse/ rape . It was mentioned, not described but still a warning for those who need it.

Bishop was okay and annoyed me a bit initially, but I guess I understood where he was coming from and bonus points to him for helping despite all his erroneous assumptions about Destiny.

The only thing I didn't like was how the baddies went free in this book but with how King was speaking in the last chapter, I'm sure they'll be getting what they deserve soon enough in the next couple of books!

[AussieMum]

DNF 16%

[Rocken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had potential, but unfortunately the plot didn't hold my interest. And it's not that there wasn't anything going on, on the contrary, there were a few interesting subplots, but at 60% I still didn't feel like any of them are going anywhere.

Another problem for me was Destiny. I'm all for a femme MC, and a sassy one too, but Destiny just came off as hysterical most of the time. He "screeched" and "shrieked" and cried, omg, he cried all the time. It just wasn't sexy, not for a moment.
And even though his referring to himself in the third person supposedly stemmed from trauma, it was still cringey.
Bishop was totally wasted on him.

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed that one.

Ki Brightly and M.D. Gregory have built an interesting series with their The Kings of Men stories. I do recommend reading this series in order as the characters build over the course of the story.

Bishop is an interesting character, whom I really liked. And Destiny's story is complex, and will tug on your heartstrings.

I do recommend this series, just be aware of the dark themes. But if you're in the mood for a good series about bikers and bad guys, with steamy hot romancin' then go for Brightly and Gregory's The Kings of Men series.

an audiobook copy of King's Pawn was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own

[Kelli D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better the the first

This is the second book I've read in this series. Better then the first, def pulling me further into the series.
Would have been a higher rating but 3 things.
Spoilers




1.) I'm not patient enough towait for Destiny's mom and dad to get what's coming to them.
2.) I felt like Mabel's death didn't need to happen. Could have been hwr mom and dad locked her up and Bishop found her beaten or whatever, death seemed a little extreme and needless.
3.) I absolutely hate when people talk about themselves in third person. I get in the beginning why Destiny did it but once he changed his name or even had the courage to run away he should have owned Destiny and dropped the third person speech.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

So heartbreaking it made me cry at times
WOW WHERE DO I START???? THERE ARE A FEW STORY LINES IN THIS BOOK SO GRAB A CUPPA AND BE READY TO GO THROUGH EVERY EMOTION.
Bishop is a member of the Kings of Men MC. He had recently got out of prison. While he was In prison Bishop met Destiny. This small little man who needed protection. Destiny had a massive heart and boy was he sassy. Bishop knew he was only with him for protection but for Bishop it was more and even after he got out of prison he tried to stay in touch. But he lost touch with him but he was never out of him mind.
Destiny was put in prison by his father who is a police Captain because he is gay. He wants to further his career and having a gay son who wears make up and nail polish was not what he wanted. SO he set out to make him straight. But that didnt stop him from abusing his son and daughter. Mabel is a great sister who set out to protect her brother at every turn but sometimes that just wasn't enough. When he met Bishop he saw someone who could always be there for him but he knew that staying in touch would only bring his father down on Bishop and his MC.
But one night when his father went off the charts and started to attack Destiny, Mabel stopped him. Destiny and Mabel knew they needed to get out of there because the only thing that was going to happen was their father putting them in prison. And Destiny only knew of one man he could trust. SO they make there way to the Kings MC.
Bishop couldnt believe who he saw when he walked into Kings office, but straight away he knew he would protect Destiny and he wanted to hurt the person who put the bruises on his face but Destiny wasn't telling him much. But he doesn't care what trouble that is coming his way to protect Destiny and his sister.
But the Kings were also at War with another MC. The Warriors. But that didnt stop the President of the Kings Mc from agreeing to protecting Destiny and Mabel.
This is a brilliant read that had me hooked. The storyline was addictive, I couldnt wait to turn the page to read more. I went through every emotion reading this book. I laughed at the sass I cry at the heartache for the pain that Destiny and Mabel went through, I got scared for them and I was so happy for Bishop and Destiny but I also wanted to bang their heads together and to trust what they were feeling but that would be a short read lol. I just wanted to start this book from the beginning once I finished. I cant wait for the next book in the series . Amazing read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

King's Pawn is the first book I've read in the series and that may be the reason why I didn't enjoy it as much as expected. The characters were real, well developed and make no apologies for who they are. Destiny has had a truly horrific childhood from being abused by his father and having a psycho as a mother that it's perfectly understandable that he refers to himself in the third person to try and distance himself from the person he was forced to be. Bishop is the strong biker who offers his protection to Destiny in prison and after. The story was gritty and kept my interest, but it also left too many unanswered questions. King's Pawn is at war with a rival gang and that story was secondary, but the reader is never fully involved in it. The author also never explains how Mabel got back to Bishop's apartment and removing the evidence was a bit convoluted. 3.5 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loving this series. It's dirty, violent, emotional, hilarious and romantic.This story in particular is about a troubled young man(an absolute diva) and the biker Brit he shared a special bond with in prison. They are now out of prison and find themselves in need of each other for different reasons. Eugene/Destiny is looking for protection from his horrible/sadistic cop father. He runs to Hayden/Bishop, a King, who always there for him. Secrets and misunderstandings are between the two but a horrible tragedy brings the two together and they developed a stronger bond of trust and love. Destiny went through so much and it was nice to see him finally free to love and a life/family with Bishop and the MC brothers. Very good read and I am hooked on the series and the crossover series that brings these stories together. I highly recommend if you like biker bad/good guys in love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable...Says It All...
by and1515

I will be honest the first chapter was very hard to read it was horrible the way their father abused them and their mother acted like that was perfectly normal and acceptable way to live. But the sad truth is this is only a small glimpse into what happens to many unfortunate people around the world.
Destiny was quite a character with his vibrant personality and his flair for clothes, make up and pretty things.
Now Bishop is the complete opposite he's big and hard as nails wear's a leather jacket and rides in motorcycle gang he's the quintessential bad man. But the way he cares for Destiny says everything he doesn't judge or degrade him for being who he truly is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Swan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in the series!

It was great to be able to follow up with Bishop and Destiny in this continuation of the series. This book focuses on their relationship – on the rocks since Destiny froze Bishop out after his release from prison. They worked so well behind bars together – even if it was for ‘protection,’ but how can it work in the real world? Destiny definitely has some serious problems and challenges, and Bishop is part of the MC, of course, so he has resources that some others don’t. Bishop is also so patient with Destiny’s personality and quirks – I love the way they mesh together.

Well written, well plotted both in the book and in the overarching series, great chemistry, and a fun opportunity to see how other favorite characters are doing. This was a great read for me.

[Nile Princess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read a number of books in this series three, possibly 4 times, yet always avoided Destiny's book because I knew it would be an uphill battle. I was right. Parts of it are fine, but by about 60% I had started skimming. I finally threw in the towel at 85% (yes that close to the end) because I literally couldn't endure another second. I really liked Bishop, and the interesting twist of him being worried about his 'size', in comparison to Scar, was cute and different. Destiny was ok in the beginning too, even if he was over the top, but after a while the whole third person reference thing got old. Sir, YOU are Destiny. 'Don't tell Destiny what to do.'Arggggg, head desk. No. By the time he was getting sassy with River, who had just literally gotten him out of jail, I was like nope. No, thanks. No more.

[Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Bishop and Destiny. Bishop was Destiny's protection in prison. When Bishop was released Destiny cut off all ties. Bishop is back out and back at the MC Bikers club. No person seems to fulfill him like Destiny had. Destiny has secrets. His controlling father is powerful and dangerous. He doesn't want to involve Bishop in his mess. Until one day his father goes too far and Destiny is on the run with his sister. Bishop is glad to help Destiny though he was hurt by him. It takes time for them to get used to one another again, Bishop knows Destiny isn't telling him everything. Love how the trust grows between them and they slowly develop their relationship. Great love story with lots of action.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two talented authors have written an excellent MM/MC romance with a well-written, outstanding plot & remarkable well-developed characters that are realistically flawed.
There is: a young man (Eugene Johnson aka Destiny aka Bunny) & his sister (Mabel) goes to a man (Hayden Paxton aka Bishop) a “Kings of Men MC” rider whom he met in prison-in the hope that he might be able to protect them, Destiny’s abusive father & police captain (Dorian Johnson), various MC gangs, rivalry, law enforcement, twists & turns, intrigue, drama, suspense, secrets, friendship, action, confrontations, abuse, danger, violence, threats, conflict, death, injuries, desperation, fear, verbal conflict, defensiveness, protectiveness, blackmail, compromises, some steam, camaraderie & a satisfying conclusion.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to read Destiny and Bishop’s story!

I loved them in Scar/Charley’s book. Destiny was a unique character and I really wanted to learn more about him.

Overall, I did enjoy this book.

I wish we could have seen Bishop open up a bit more. Him not saying he loves Destiny was a bit weird for me, and I still don’t quite get where their relationship left off.

Did they get married, or did Destiny just take his last name??

I surprisingly loved that Bishop called Destiny the pet name “Bunny”. I am not usually a pet name type of person but it really worked for them. It was quite endearing and sweet.

Anyway, I enjoyed seeing these two outside of the prison walls. Just wish the author nailed down their relationship a bit more.

[J. Calamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cheap thrills

I’m a sucker for these bad boy MC series. Some are good, some are terrible. This series is a good one.
This is an interesting volume because the love interest, Destiny, that we met in the last book- is non binary. He uses male pronouns but does not conform to norms. He comes close but never quite goes into cliche or stereotype. Probably because we get his POV and so the reader sees how he engages with himself and the world.
It’s a tragedy. And I really hope the larger story carries on in the next book.

Tl:dr this book, and this series, are sweet, HEA, perfect romances but they also manage to deal with much heavier issues with kindness and thought.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Bishop and Destiny were is prison they had a thing. It was advantageous for both of them. Bishop offered him protection while they were in prison and Destiny made sure that he took care of Bishop's needs sexually. Unfortunately for Destiny things did not get better for him once he left prison. He left a precarious position in prison for a crazy family situation with a set of rotten parents. He still needs Bishop. This is a gritty love story in a gritty series that I have enjoyed each installment of.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eboni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

I fell in love with Destiny and Bishop in Criminals, so I was so happy they got their own story. To say Destiny has a troubled life is an understatement, with no spoilers, take the worst you can imagine and you are probably correct. Believing he will never be free he cuts Bishop out of his life. Bishop doesnt understand and isnt happy but follows his wishes. Hard to write a truly good review of this one with no spoilers. It's well written, heartfelt and mostly believable. Leaves somethings unresolved but doesnt make the story feel any less complete.

**BoyzClub Review **

[CJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

oh my god Destiny talking about himself as a second person grrrrrr

This story had so much potential but just flopped, just sort of glazed over everything and bang it was finished. Destiny was annoying as all f$&k, talking about himself as a second person, I just wanted to throw the book. His story is sad and he had hidden strength, but he had me me me syndrome and I felt so sorry for Bishop especially at the start of the book, where most of this me me me syndrome was. Bishop was so real and manly and sweet and strong I adored him. So two stars for Bishop and one for the plot and zero for Destiny grrrrrrrr.

[Cafe Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright

The characters in this one were ok, mostly. Maybe it's just me, but I couldn't force myself to really feel anything for Bishop and Destiny.
Bishop didn't have a set personality. He went between happy and carefree to jealous rage to quiet to outgoing and friendly with everyone to flying off the handle enough for a puppy to growl and snarl at him... It gave me whiplash.
Destiny.. is he timid and in need of protection or not? Honestly, I imagine him like the one femm on Con Air but with lighter hair. I hate hate hate that he refers to himself in the third person constantly.

[Justine Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a well written story and I couldn't put it down. It's intense, tragic, and full of so much emotion. Hard issues are covered in this book and it might not be for everyone. Destiny and his sister, Mabel, find themselves in need of protection as they flee their dangerous home. They go to find Bishop, a member of the Kings of Men MC. Bishop gladly agrees to take them in and help them. I love how Bishop let's Destiny be exactly who he is.
This is an amazing series and I can't wait for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

British Twist

I didn't realize this book would have a British bloke in it, Bishop, but what a nice surprise. I loved all the British slang used. It brought a different touch from the previous books. Also Destiny talking about himself in the third person was weird but again added to the story. Never saw the mom angle coming at all. I hope Destiny's parents get what's coming to them in this series at some point. Can't wait for more of Hunters story and Caspers too, but first Undertakers. I highly recommend this series. Onto book 5 now. Happy reading.

[Amos24601 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Destiny for the win

One of the things I like about this series is that I can skip a book and not feel too lost. Reading Destiny and Bishop’s after skipping two books didn’t make me feel like I was missing out.

This was a heart breaking story. Reading about Destiny’s life was difficult at times. I definitely wanted to smack Bishop when he was being stupid.

I really enjoyed these two. Bishop was just the right amount of macho and Destiny had sass for days. I was so happy that they got their HEA.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad and beautiful mm story

This book continues the tale of what is going on in New Gothenburg. This is one of my favorite mm biker series and I really enjoyed this story that continues the relationship between Bishop and Destiny that started in jail in the previous book. There are some really sad and heartbreaking things that come out about why Destiny was in jail and they are written with the skills that these two writers have brought to this whole series. Long may this partnership last. More New Gothenburg please.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was intense and my heart was pounding away like crazy. This was just a glimpse of what poor Destiny and Mabel lived through and it was truly horrifying.

Bishop and Destiny were an interesting couple. Both of them made me laugh when they got possessive or jealous.

I really enjoyed this one. Destiny deserved to be loved and protected and Bishop gave him it to in spades.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. While in prison Bishop and Destiny had an agreement. Bishop kept Destiny safe and Destin kept Bishop happy sexually. When Bishop left prison Destiny told him it was over. Unbeknownst to him, Destiny had a horrific childhood and it was just carrying on. Mentally and physically abused, once he and his sister decided to escape, the only place he knew to head was to Bishop. Bishop is a tough biker, but Destiny melts his heart.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by M.D. Gregory; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of books her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[LaTasha Streets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep

I'm completely satisfied that they've produced yet another literary masterpiece. However this book is a bit different from the others by just the extremely emotional aspects that had me crying for hours. But it definitely made up for it in the otherwise beautiful content that lead to the usual HEA that Kind Brightly and M. D. Gregory is known to produce. I truly love these guys. I believe that you'll love this book. Happy Reading my good people.

[Annie Elm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous 4.5 stars

We met both Destiny and Bishop in Scar and Charleys book since they all did time together and it was clear that something was going on between them.
Now outside there hasn't been any contact until Destiny shows up battered and bruised with his sister.

I really, really love Destiny and his sass and personality and Bishop finds himself falling fir someone for the first time. But there's some secrets that won't stay in the past and it will follow Destiny.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angsty, violent but swoony af.

I loved the story and both characters. There is angst and lack of communication but not just for the sake of drama but for the character's growth.

Destiny and Bishop were made for each other but they are not perfect. I was glad we also got a scene that switches their bed roles.
Loved seeing other characters from the series. And there is an overarching plotline and character growth.