King

by Hana Blue C.

Maria has nothing left to lose, but everything left to gain. When the future of her career and excellent name is up in the air because of her recent release from prison. Maria finds that her only hope for salvation comes from the hands of an arrogant and mysterious billionaire. Ace Richardson. Who has his own set of demons following him?After a slaughter takes place in the home of this high profile Stock Broker, Maria takes his case. Opening the door to one of the best-kept secrets in New York. Other than her own. All she has to do it solve the case, clear her name, and play clean-up crew. The catch? It forces her to go against all of her morals to play dirty cop. Catering to a man who has set out to push her demons to the surface to conceal his own.All she had to do is solve the case, keep quiet, and keep things professional to save her reputation. Can she do that, though?

532 pages, ebook

Published November 27, 2020

Reviews

[Rieka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I say anything else I have to say this is a must read!! I absolutely love this book!! There was so much drama, action, and romance throughout the book and it flowed just right! Each thing unraveled into another that I wasn't expecting. King takes being the black sheep of the family to a whole other level. Through the ups and downs Maria never loses who she is. The ending of this book just takes the cake and it ended perfectly. By that I mean the ending then the extended ending per say.

Maria comes off strong right off the bat even when she has her down moments when she second guesses herself. Being the baby of the family and one of the only two daughters makes growing up within the Reyes/King family a not so easy childhood. Leave it to Maria to undermine her father in the most unforgettable way. Ace is also just as amazing. We get the tough act but Maria gets his layers pulled back one by one until she uncovers just who he is on the inside. Without giving spoilers I just wanna say that Enzo and Maggy are amazing and that one Maggy/Maria scene took my whole heart.....IYKYK

[Myria Candies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so, I loved this book! My copy had a few grammatical errors but that was before the author fixed everything.

Hana Blue has done it again!

Before I had only read her works in fantasy. And this thriller mafia love story did not disappoint. There was a lot to unravel but it was done beautifully. I felt so much for Maria and her past. Especially being the unwanted daughter of a kingpin. I think the one thing I adored about this book was the chapter titles and the names. It was soooo perfectly put together. The ending broke me when Maria was shot but the TRUE ending fixed me up and left me with questions!!! I'm not sure if there will be a book two but it definitely feels set up for one and I would LOVE to see Enzo and Maggy grow up and of course see the cycle continue. Though it also works as is a complete ending in this way too because the Mafia cycle is never ending.

Bravo Hana! I can't decide now which one of your books is my favorite now. 😅

[Cali Mafiaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaahhhh I freak’n love this book!! It’s soooo damn good!! I didn’t wanna put it down!! It had me hooked at the very beginning & I just couldn’t get enough!! The action & suspense… Sooo sooo good!!

Ace is just everything!! Sexy dangerous alpha hole but also sooo freak’n sweet but only to those he cares about.. Aahhh just loved him!! & oh my gosh Maria is a freak’n bad azz & I freak’n love her character soo much!! She’s so dang strong & just amazing!! You definitely don’t wanna f¥€£ with her!! 😅

You definitely gotta go read this book!! Must freak’n read!!♥️🖤

[bookishfrag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was so good. I loved the storyline and all the characters. I did go in blind-ish so it was a pleasant surprise to get to know who Maria actually was. I loved the dynamics between all the characters though I wasn't expecting the betrayal from the precinct.

Maria was a typical badass heroine, and I loved her wit so much. I loved how she always stood up for herself. As it's said, Revenge is best served cold! I loved that she got her revenge and closure. I was also glad to see that she didn't fight her feelings too much. This is a common theme in Mafia romances usually. The characters fight their feelings for so long but I liked that it wasn't how this one worked.

Ace, the epitome of a handsome a-hole. I was pleased that he liked strong women, and also believed in love. I have seen a lot of books where the Mafia Don wants to break their woman's spirit in the start and don't believe in the concept of love.

This book was not like any other Mafia book I've read which made me feel so engaged with the story. Highly recommended to all the Mafia lovers out there. You need this book in your Mafia arsenal.

[Mahoganie Gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up! I will start by saying this is a long book, however I am glad the author was intentional on not rushing the story and tying things up.

So right off the jump we met Maria King, a COP recently released from prison. What was her crime? Away for three years, Maria or should I say Detective King is seeing how somethings have changed and some stayed the same. Buy has she changed. In order to reclaim herself, she must take in the case of Ace Richardson, the wealthy and very attractive businessman. But when a detour on birthday has their lives crossing, their lives are tipped on their axis.

This book has mystery, love, lust, whew…the betrayal it has it all. And I will be honest and say I was hesitant because sometime mafia stories are too much with unrealistic plots but this book had me by a chokehold! I just hope this isn’t the last of this family!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

King, by Hana Blue C, is a mafia romance and crime drama. She is also thicccck, coming in at 588 pages. I thought for sure I wouldn’t make it through because my ADD has been fierce. This is worth the read, 100%.

The book focuses on Maria King, one of the strongest female MCs I’ve read in ages. Recently released from doing a three-year stint in prison and is now labeled Killer Cop. Returning to her old life, she discovers she may not be the same person she once was. Welcomed back to the police force as a Detective, she takes on a case that leads her down a dark path. Will she question her morals and become a dirty cop? This book is packed full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, spice, action, and betrayal.

Thank you to Hana Blue C for gifting me an eARC of the re-release of King. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

KING by Hana Blue is the first book I’ve read by this author. After reading the blurb I knew I would have to check it out and I’m so happy that I did! It exceeded every expectation that I had. This is an incredibly written mafia romance that was thrilling and exciting. The plot, pace and flow were fantastic to the point I didn’t want to lower my kindle. The worldbuilding was on fire, I could clearly picture everything as I read because of how well everything was described. I really loved the characters as each had such depth and emotions. I could easily understand motivations and decisions. I really enjoyed Maria’s attitude but I really felt for her and everything in her past. This was definitely an amazing Mafia read and is top tier. I hope there will be more! So recommend this book. Time to check out the author’s other books now!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Shea Rosen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry, this book was so bad. The plot was rushed, and the FMC was essentially “not like other girls” but In mafia/cop form.

It started strong than went down hill. It was like we were at the end of the book and there was still 20% left, let’s Throw in every trope to make it work! Pregnancy, betrayal, gun shot, coma all in the last 5-7%
They said I love you and got married practically in the same chapter, and some how it’s a son but we never know?
Oh and her best friends suddenly hate her over night enough for her to kill them? Make it make sense

Plus the grammar and all the Italicized mistakes was so confusing.

The idea behind the book? So amazing which is why I wanted to read it but execution didn’t work for me

[Ayana Guerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It kept me wanting more. I love this book do much. If you love mafia with action packed book this is one. Right from the start I knew I loved this book. I can't wait to see more from this author. Give this author a try and read it. You will not be disappointed.

[ThatBookishWriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m seriously obsessed with this book!!! I love how bada$$ Maria is. Seeing her battle with two different sides of herself. Her dark self and her detective self.

It had everything that I want in a book. Action, drama, romance and some suspense. I was sucked in instantly and had to know what was going to happen next! I was sitting at the edge of my seat and my mind was blown!

Maria is truly one of my favorite Female main characters! She is a total baddie. For the most part she is confident and in total control and then there are moments of her self doubt and fear. I love seeing her growth through the book! I love seeing a strong and powerful woman in books!

Just love learning about who she really was and where she came from and how a bit of different things in her life finally come together.

I love Ace! How instantly he was hooked on her. Seeing how much he needed to know about her and having her help him figure out who did him wrong. I love how he quickly accepted her and loved everything about her! I love them together!!

Honestly I love the ending. It ended and closed the story so well but also gives me a feel that there is possibly more to be told in the future. Maybe with the kids!! I hope and pray there will be more!!

[Grace Willows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is 🔥🔥🔥! The writing is absolutely fantastic! It will keep you on the edge of your seat with all of the action and romance!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up to read during my commute it had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. It has Enemies to lovers, Crime families, lots of action and drama the perfect mix. Maria is such an amazing strong woman and so bad ass. If you haven’t read this yet, what are you waiting for!!! You will not be disappointed

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first. This is a must read if Mafia books are your thing. Especially Mafia books with a strong female lead. Maria is an exceptionally independent women that does things on her own accord. If even if means going against her family and that is probably the part I loved the most. Blood does not need to dictate how you choose to live your life and I’m here for Maria’s carefree F you attitude.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ace and Maria!!!

There are no words to convey how much I love this story! I've read it multiple times, and will probably read it multiple times more!!! 🥰