King's Treasure

King's Creek #3

by Marie Johnston

Broke, jobless, and stranded in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day, I am forced to call my parents for a bailout. Again. A pampered princess and wannabe environmentalist, I know I’m a cliché and would do anything to change it. So when I meet Xander, a struggling photojournalist with absolutely nothing in common with my domineering, millionaire parents, I know just where to go next: A wedding chapel.

But when I wake up the next day, my matrimonial rebellion comes with an unpleasant surprise. My husband is no penniless globetrotter—Xander King is the son of a billionaire oil tycoon, and my parents couldn’t approve of the match more. Now the only thing that could shock them would be a quickie divorce…except my new husband has a proposition for me.

***

I take one look at Savvy and know I could spend the rest of my life with her. The feeling is mutual…until she figures out who I am. I didn’t mean to hide my identity, and I thought a desire to get out from under the weight of familial baggage was something we had in common. But with Savvy just moments from proposing divorce, I offer her the one thing I’d been ready to walk away from: A trust fund worth millions.

All Savvy has to do is stay married to me for a year and then she’ll get half—except I have no intention of letting her go after 365 days. I’ve spent a decade running from my father’s disapproval and my brothers’ successes. Now I’m willing to spend a lifetime convincing the woman I love to stay put by my side.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Marriage Of Convenience, Amazon, Audiobook, Small Town Romance

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2021

About the author

Marie Johnston is an award-winning, best-selling paranormal and contemporary romance writer. She grew up in the upper Midwest and planned to go to college for English. Didn't happen. She started college in accounting and was awful! Grabbing her inner science geek by the pocket protector, she changed to microbiology and medical technology where her only writing involved scientific articles and procedures.
Eventually, she left full-time work for full-time baby raising but kept thinking, "one day, I'd like to write a book." Finally, before any more time passed, Marie decided to buckle down and write. She loves it!

Reviews

[Rellim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in Marie Johnston’s Oil Kings series. While each book follows a different couple, these are best enjoyed in order.

I love Xander & Savvy as characters and their personal growth throughout the story. This one was much angstier than the first two because these two got drunk hitched in Vegas after knowing each other for a few hours. There was a lot to learn about each other and two people who are still figuring themselves out doesn’t make for a solid foundation.

There were several different experiences that helped them mature and find direction as well as learn about each other. While I wish there was a bit more to solidify their HFN/HEA, I was so happy they worked out everything. I’m hoping to catch more of Xander & Savvy over the next two books.

My biggest problem now is deciding whether to read the last two books or wait for them to hit audio. I really, really want Dawson & Bristol’s story and I’m not sure I have the patience to wait. 😉

Narration:
I enjoyed Felicity Munroe & Scott Rose’s performances. Great fit for their characters as well as complimenting each other well. These have been perfect to binge.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

AH, my third and final read in my binge of the Oil Kings … Xander! It is going to be impossible for you not to fall head over heels for both Xander and Savvy! I was already half in love with Xander going into this story so for me it was a no brainer :)

This was the most fun story of all three. Hands down. These two! They made me happy! Their meet-cute made me happy. The family’s (both sides) meet-cute made me laugh out loud like a lunatic! The story started with a good vibe and continued that way even thru the conflicts and shenanigans! Xander’s story is the bumpiest so far but also the best. LOL

I am really impressed with this author and can’t wait to read more Oil Kings.

Sidebar: I still have zero love for these covers but at least this one kinda sorta fits Xander, maybe ... kinda...not really, no. #help

[Marie Johnston]

I can't believe I'm on book 3 already! It feels like yesterday that I sat and mapped out a series idea. Oil Kings because I live on the edge of oil country.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't take long to fall in love with Savvy and Xander. Fate brings them together in Las Vegas where they enter into a quickie marriage. They're two lost souls burdened with parental approval issues from wealthy parents. . He's smitten the minute he sees her and knows she's the one woman he wants for a lifetime. She wants him because she thinks he's poor and it will irritate her parents. The characters are fun and full of surprises. Their marriage is not without conflict, turmoil and twists. But the passion and chemistry are there. This is a cute romance that will keep your interest from the quirky beginning to the end. I read a free advance copy via Booksprout and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

One day in Vegas and a chance meeting between Sapphire (Savvie aka FMC) and Xander ends up with one unexpected marriage. What struck me about both of them was how similar their background situations were. They both struggled to live up to their families expectations (or what they perceived they were) and they were out of their depths with the prestige and money their families had. They couldnt fit into the boxes other people expected of them. Trying to do things their way. Which i actually liked about them. They had a gentle, subtle romantic story i thought where they got married first and fell for each other instead of the other way around. I genuinely wanted them to work their issues out and get a HEA ending. A sweet read

I also loved Dawson's Epilogue. I cant wait for his book

[E.G. Manetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I loved the first book in Oil Kings and thoroughly enjoyed book 2. I wasn't keen on Xander from the blurb or references from the other books, but I knew I was going to want to read about Dawson and Bristol in book 4, so I went in order. As I suspected this one was a little overly angsty for my taste with both characters needing to grow-up into the adults they claimed to be.

Saavy wasn't as annoying--fresh out of college it's fair she's looking to find her feet. At pushing 30, Xander was getting long-in-the-tooth to be Peter Pan.

That said, it was still a fun read and I enjoyed the page devoted to the characters from book 1, Gentry & Kendall.

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun, sweet and sexy story. Xander and Sapphire first met in Las Vegas and got married. They like each other very much. However, she is shocked to find out who he really is. Their relationship then goes through many challenges, ups and downs as they try to make their life together work.

I really enjoyed their story and their chemistry is undeniable, which makes it so fun and hot to read.

[Shawn-Joy Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually it's the chick in the story that grates my nerves but holy crap I wanted to smack Xander through the ENTIRE book. Maybe since I'm an oldest I have not tolerance for "Middle Child" bull shit.

Worked out in the end though.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We continue the King Family Saga with the family meeting in Las Vegas for one of the son's anniversary. Everyone was there including Xander with his twenty-ninth birth being just around the corner with no wife in sight. Xander escaped early on during the celebration as he did not want be cornered by his father. Savvy Abbott and her friend Brady worked for a non-profit that had sent them to Vegas to meet with Mr. King regarding renewable energy sources, but the company was shut down as soon as they got there leaving them stranded and responsible for all charges. Savvy had to choice but to call her dad to get money to pay the hotel bill and airfare home only to find out, her dad, Chief had gotten their meeting time to pitch his security company, so he would be coming to Las Vegas to get them. Savvy was so bummed after that, she had gobe to the bar, where she met Xander. They got to talking and one thing lead to another and they really liked each other, so they decided to get married. Neither one knew the other came from a moneyed family until the next day. When Savvy found out who Xander was she wanted a divorce immediately, but he wanted to stay married because he really wanted to be with her. They decided to give it a go. The chemistry was electrical, but neither of these two had a clue what they wanted to do and no place to live except with family. Neither felt they had family support. Their lives were like living on a roller coaster. The emotions always up and down. One fantastic read you will not want to put down.

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

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held my attention right from the first page to the last. It was easy to become caught up into Xander and Savvy’s story, to really want them to work things out and become part of the happily married club. Their story is fascinating, sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes exasperating and always captivating.

Xander and Savvy both have parental issues. They feel they are big disappointments to their parents and have rebelled against their control. Xander has spent much of the past decade roaming the world taking photographs and odd jobs here and there. His desire to be a photojournalist has never really materialized. He has made it his mission to elude or avoid his father during his infrequent visits back to to the family ranch in Montana. Savvy is an environmentalist much to her father’s dismay. Her father is former military and owns a security firm, while her mother is from a very wealthy family herself. In their eyes, Savvy is always making poor choices and changing her mind about her decisions. It doesn’t help that the company she worked for, a non-profit environmental consulting firm, just folded and now she is stranded in Vegas and she doesn’t have money of her own. Forced to call her father for assistance, she must also resign herself to working for him, and living at home once again. But she refuses to accept his choice of suitable husband material.

Xander and Savvy meet by chance in Vegas, and after a few drinks and some conversation decide to have a quickie wedding. A gloriously passionate wedding night is followed by some serious regrets, at least on Savvy side especially when she discovers to whom he is related. His father is Gentry King of King Oil, the client she was supposed to meet while in Vegas. Her father is furious at her marriage until he realizes he now has an in with the company he hopes to snag as a client. To say both fathers are surprised is an understatement. Xander is determined to hold on to his new wife and discloses the family secret. Now that they are married just before his 29th birthday, if they can stay married until after his 30th birthday, he will receive his trust of 100 million dollars which he will split with her. To him, it is not about getting the money, but rather it is getting the time to woo her and keep her as his wife.

Neither have money now or a place to live so the newlyweds end up at her parents’ residence. Instead of getting closer as he hoped, Savvy is working constantly, even traveling with her father, leaving Xander alone at her parents’ house. Their marriage becomes a series conflicts, retreats where they are both left devastated, and advances when they think they have everything figured out. They also are forced to confront their parental issues, their own feelings of unworthiness and guilt, and just what they really want in life and in marriage. Will they stay married and collect a fortune? Will their marriage end in divorce or can they make it work?

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

She had to be crazy to ask...
by and1515

Savvy truly wished people were more environmental friendly yet here she was in a big city that consumed resources like a never ending buffet.
No she didn't see herself as some tree hugging environmentalist nor was she an extremist but even the smallest changes could make big impacts on the earth.
Okay so her career choice wasn't one either of her parents would have chosen for her but they hadn't kicked her to the curb unlike her friend who's parents dumped him quicker then a blue light special.
She knew the company they were working for was just the first stepping stone of hopefully many more.
Then of course there was their awesome meeting at one of the biggest companies in town.
Savvy hadn't expected the call that from there boss that left them unemployed.
Now my only option isn't something I wanted but beggers can't be choosers.
Xander wandered around taking random shots while his phone kept distorbing his thoughts.
Family meant many things to many people he couldn't live without his but it didn't mean he had to live with either.
Especially his brothers who would do anything to lure him back like an unsuspecting fish.
Through his camera lens he saw something that made him stop to catch his breathe she had the bluest eyes he'd ever seen.
Savvy had had quite a day especially knowing help was on its way to bail her out once again.
Crazy didn't even begin to explain the words that came next.
With a few quick I do's and a kiss they were off to celebrate as only newlyweds can.
The following morning was filled with quite a few surprises that she never saw coming.
And now she was in a bigger pickle then ever before she'd jumped from disaster to disaster like she changed shoes.
Xander had the feeling she was ready to call it quits but he had other ideas.
Now the path to forever wasn't by any means a smooth one it had full of plenty of doubts.
but in the end he could only hope and pray she would change her mind one last time.

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

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the series and it easily stands alone as Xander has not been seen much in the other books in the series and Savvy/Sapphire is a brand new character. This book also starts in Vegas with Xander and all his King family and it is one year later from the previous book.

Savvy is in Vegas for work but while there she finds out her company has no money and so its dead. She is from a wealthy DC family and her father is the Chief and he hears that she needs a job so he hires her and has plans to meet with Gentry, Xander's dad in Vegas the next day.

In the midst of that Xander and Savvy meet and get hitched and my absolute favorite scene was where the two marry and think their parents will hate the reunion and instead they love it. But the bride and groom have no idea whose family they have married into and its one fun breakfast the next morning. This was the best scene on the book.

Xander is penniless and an aimless photographer as he travels the world, but if she stays married until he turns 30, he and Savvy will each get 50 million from his trust. This is a convenience marriage of sorts but also a instalust/love story too. Both characters are very naive and immature when this story starts and they really grow up in the story. The story takes place in Vegas, Washington DC, Montana and Sarajevo.

I wish we had seen more of the King family, though I loved Savvy's family and sisters as well. Aside from that it was an awesome story about love, family, commitment and growing up and taking responsibility for your successes and also your failure. I am loving this series and cannot wait for more in this series.

I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author so I can review this series and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most rebellious thing she's ever done - marry him in Vegas on a whim - turns out to be the thing that impresses her father the most. Savvy can't leave her family. Xander can't get away from his fast enough. He wants forever with her, but their marriage may not survive. They both come from wealthy families, but were raised differently - she's a pampered princess; he did manual labor on the ranch. I loved seeing the change in Savvy and Xander as the story progressed. They both grow up so much in this book, learning to face their families with candor, wanting very much to not feel like a disappointment to their parents. I didn't like her dad at all, and it's telling that she and her sisters call him Chief. I wasn't sure about her mother - she seemed to be a fluffy woman for so much of the book, but she turned into a great ally, giving Savvy advice and strength when she thought she couldn't go on. Her sisters were wonderfully supportive; I had some doubts about Em in the beginning, but I can see Savvy and Pearl being partners in crime. Of course, his family is more supportive that he ever thought, and they accepted Savvy as one of their own right away. I truly enjoyed this book, and a looking forward to Dawson's story.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savvy is broke, jobless, and stranded in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day, having to call her parents for help again. She is an environmentalist who does not care about her wealthy DC family money. Xander King is a photographer and the son of a billionaire oil tycoon who does not care about his family money either. When the two of them meet, there is an instant love connection. She thinks he is a struggling photographer who would have nothing at all in common with her millionaire parents. Neither of them had talked about their family finances, so that surprise is coming.

They marry thinking that the other is the answer to their issues with their families. Savvy could not have been more wrong when she learns he is from a hugely wealthy family, which will absolutely delight her parents, and she wants out of the marriage. Xander just wants to keep her any way he can and proposes a deal with her where they stay married for a year and she will get half his trust fund. The plan won’t be easy, with many obstacles in the way before they complete the deal. But the feelings they have for each other expand and they both start to grow up a bit. Can he convince her to stay married to him? Can she give them a chance to make a go of their marriage?

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars I admit that the start of this book didn’t grab me like most of Marie’s do – I just did not love Savvy. She seems shallow and insecure to an extent that bothers me. However, I am glad I continued to read, because the growth that she, in particular, experiences is dramatic and very satisfying. Xander is a bit more of an enigma, in some ways: he starts out seeming nearly perfect. Having found and recognized in Savvy qualities that her nearest and dearest have overlooked or minimized, he determines to keep her no matter what – but only later does it become clear that he has a tremendous amount of baggage he needs to deal with too, before he can commit to a successful relationship. It also raises the issue of perception of others’ opinions of us, and how that can influence our lives. Xander and Savvy both have issues with their families, but it becomes clear that all is not as it seems. The storytelling in this isn’t quite as smooth as I’m used to from Marie, but the character development is spot-on, in the end, and the deeper themes running through the story are my catnip. I received an advance copy in return for my honest review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going to the chapel of love...but what happens in the cold light of the morning and beyond

King's Treasure is the third book in the Oil Kings series and is another wonderful addition to this series. This is the story of Xander King and Sapphire "Savvy" Abbott. Both are from wealthy families but each have their own issues with it, along with rebelling against certain pressures and expectation from their parents. For Savvy she was trying to make it on her own and was dedicated to environmentalism. Xander was trying to make it as a photojournalist. When their paths cross in Las Vegas they each have a reason to visit the little chapel of love, even if it has nothing to do with love. Things get interesting the next day and a deal is proposed which will see them both getting a huge amount of money. But in the end is it all about the Benjamin's or will they visit the chapel again...only this time for real love?

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series all set in the oil industry and Savvy and Xander are a thoroughly funs tory that I am sure you will enjoy

Neither of them are interested in the jobs their wealthy families do Savvy is a bit if a environmentalist she isn't a tree hugging hippy but believes that every little bit done helps the environment Xander is a freelance photojournalist after walking away from his oil tycoon family They meet and the connection between them is instant so instant that they wake up the next morning married Savvy is only interested in getting a divorce but Xander likes her and sees his chance he suggests they stay together for one year that means he will get his inheritance from his grandmother and he will give her half if she agrees Really he wants to keep her for ever What happens when you then throw in two families who are delighted with the fact that they are together .

[One Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a bloody adorable story and I thought it was a drunken mistake and they would regret it. NOPE they were drunk but they don't regret it!! Both had there own reasons for it...you have to read the book to find out why🤭

Savvy & Xander are perfect, you can not love this couple. They both have the same passion for the world and they both have similar problems with family. I DO NOT LIKE Savvy dad a.k.a Chief. She doesn't call him dad, it Cheif this sequel prick. I love the Kings and I can not wait for Dawson 😍
I love how they both motivate each other but like every relationship they has to be some maturity...I generally thought that they weren't going to get back together. Like Xander said he got some wisdom from his Dad's 'Bank of Wisdon'

He definitely found his treasure 😍❤🥰

Really recommend
Sweet Sexy ❤ Story

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savvy gets Xander to marry her in a quickie Vegas wedding because she thinks it will upset her wealthy family, but it does just the opposite, it delights them because while Xander doesn't have two nickels to rub together, he comes from a wealthy family. He doesn't care about the money, but once they do get married, things are set in motion if they stay married for a length of time. Of course it will be in name only, but the best laid plans right?! They both kept things secret from the other apparently, but will it make a difference at the end of the day?! They have too much chemistry to stay in name only for long but how long will they hold out?! And in that time will they actually catch feelings?! I believe you'll fall in love with Savvy & Xander like I did so you know what to do! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this awesome series and is Xander and Savvy’s story. Xander is a penniless photographer who travels the world, and while in Vegas he meets Savvy, and they end up getting married. Savvy though that her wealthy father would hate this marriage and her little act of rebellion, however, her loves the idea as she did not know that Xander is from a wealthy family. They come to an agreement that they will stay married for 1-year for Xander to get his inheritance, and then Savvy will receive half when they divorce. But what happens when they both want more? This is another well written seamless story, which is fun, entertaining, humorous, and with twists, passion, and love. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend for all.

[Susanh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen to your mother

Environmentalist Savvy has always fallen back on her family’s help. She really needs it when her company goes out of business, stranding her in Las Vegas. But she has a backbone. Especially when she feels someone is being taken advantage of. And that’s just what she thinks a photographer is doing to a group of earth-loving people. And she lets him know about it. Little does she know that encounter would change her life.

Photojournalist Xander is really aimless. He left his family when he left college with his tuition money and has rarely been home since. He hates the disappointment he thinks he sees in his father’s eyes. But is it disappointment he sees or something else? And just who is this passionate girl that tells him off in the streets of Las Vegas?

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another King finds his queen?
Savvy grew up rich but wants to make it on her own. When she and her friend and colleague are stranded in Las Vegas by their company, she meets Xander, they have a wonderful night. She decides to marry him to spite her father. But instead of the ner do well photographer she thought Xander was, he’s actually the son of one of the richest oil men in the country. Now does she stay married to him for a year and split his inheritance, or continue to try to make it on her own. But before she can make it on her own she has to work for her controlling father for a while to earn money. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Savvy and Xander. He's the middle son in the King family and lives to travel, he's restless and can't settle. Savvy lives in DC and works as an environmentalist. She's in DC with Brady to present to King Oil when their company goes under. Savvy needs to find a way to change her life. She meets Xander in Vegas on the street where he's taking pictures. She actually tells at him. But they hit it off and get married. So image their surprise when they meet both of their dads for a meeting and lunch. Both need to learn how to depend on each other and themselves. Great HEA with lots of learning.

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

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

King's Treasure by Marie Johnston is an intriguing,entertaining,intersesting and steamy romance story of Xander and Savvy/Sapphire..Xander is a goergeous,man,son of an oil tycoon,a free lance photojournalist and lost..Savvy is a sweet,pamred princess who always wanted to please her parents and a wannabe environmentalist, they've met in Vegas and woke up the next day married to him for matrimonial rebellion but they been attractive to each other,and new husband has a proposition for her.stay married to him in a year and shes going to have half of trust fund but Xander want Savvy forever and one year is enough time for him for Savvy to learn how to love him..

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

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hours after meeting Xander in Vegas, Savvy asks him to marry her, hoping it’ll get her father off her back about who she should be with. But this plan backfires in the most epic way. Not only does Xander end up being the son of a major tycoon that her father wholeheartedly approves of, but Xander also needs this marriage to get his trust fund. This was the best quickie Vegas marriage book I’ve read. You see everything from both characters’ point of view and how they see and feel about their marriage and what they’re willing to do for it. Not to mention the underlying sexual chemistry that is constant. 

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savvy and Xander find each other at the right time. They both want the marriage to work but Xander tends to get up and leave when things get difficult. Their chemistry is undeniable. They like each other very much. Savvy follows him to Kosovo. They are both working through some immense issues. Savvy grows up and becomes more confident in herself. Xander and his inability to commit and communicate are finally too much for Savvy. She packs her bags and goes home. They have to both work their way to their HEA.

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

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this is a very entertaining story. They are both rich and want to get out from their family obligations, or the running of their lives. Savvy is broke and calls for help instead she gets Xander. I give Savvy credit for trying to do something with her life and she is such a free spirit. Xander also wants to get out from under his parents. They marry and have a wonderful honeymoon and then she finds out who Xander is. He is something her parents would love. They strike up a bargain, but he wants forever. This is a wonderful story and it progressed really well.

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

[Karen L Ledee · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5***** stars. Savvy and Xander tie the knot in Vegas and are in for some surprises the morning after. Regret? He desperately does not want to work in the family oil business and she wants her parents to be proud of her decision to work for the environment. Rather than annul their marriage, he offers to share his inheritance when it comes payable to him. They have significant growing pains in this relationship. Will they be able to go the distance? will they gain the freedom from family interference? Well written grabbing your attention from the start. Poignant, angsty and love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate this book 4.5 stars.

This full-length novel was so entertaining! I love how Savvy and Xander met, and that Xander knew from the start that she was the one. This romance is full of angst, turmoil and demons from the past. However, Savvy and Xander basically grew up in this story, and became stronger for it. Though this was a series, it truly is a standalone as it is easy to follow without reading any of the previous books.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens in Vegas... doesn't always stay in Vegas. Savvy's biggest issue is courage. She wants to be independent and follow her dream of environmental conservationist but is tied to family restrictions of rules and deadlines. Will Xander's more laissez-faire lifestyle encourage her in her pursuit, or will his family name tie her even tighter to society? Will Savvy take her future in her own hands and boldly follow her heart, or will her spirit of adventure be stifled under obligations?