Delayed

by Nathan Kingsly

There’s a reason they name storms after people.

Liam’s sister calls, begging him to come home. He hasn’t been home in six years, but with things starting to unravel, he feels he has no choice but to face his demons.

Missing his connecting flight, a hurricane raging, and the hotels full, he’s stuck at the airport. Taking a woman’s offer to share a hotel room is the least of his problems, or so he thinks. Sometimes, the right person shows up, only to leave.

Liam never understood the thrill of chasing storms, until he found one in Emma. Despite him wanting to go after her, the only way to save his future is to fix his past. Will he catch up to her before his past does?

Genres: Contemporary Romance

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 24, 2021

About the author

Creating happy endings-because life doesn't guarantee them...

Nathan Kingsly is a male romance author whose debut novel won The Most Anticipated Read of 2021 from the Redheads Book Blog & Nominated for the April 2021 Most Anticipated Romance Book Releases on Goodreads.com.
He is ever the gentleman with the predilection for watching Sci Fi, getting hooked on one song at a time, and sitting on his porch drinking coffee with a good book.

Flowpage:
https://flow.page/authornathankingsly
Join my Readers Group -
Kingsly Crossing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/28439...

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 5 out of 5]

ღ What a Spectacular debut novel for Nathan Kingsly!





‘The record books will call this one Helen; I call mine Emma.’’
To say that Liam Marone is such an intense character, is putting it mildly, I believe he suffers from PTSD
… But than of course after what he has seen and has been through it is understandable

Sadly, it has been six long years since Liam hasn’t been back to his home town

Liam lives in the state of limbo since that day so many years ago….. now it’s time for him to head back home to face all his demons … After frantic call from his sister, Liam is force to book a flight back home

Emma & Liam are delayed together on their layover, they are caught in the path of hurricane Helen; Liam has done so much in the past years to distance himself from everyone, but he finds himself feeling a connection to Emma he can’t explain. Yet, every minute he spends with her makes it harder to remember why he has lived that way.

In those 4 blissful days, Liam realizes that they might be strangers to one another in almost every sense, yet, he feels she knows what’s inside him

This story has some many elements to it… romance, suspense, second chance and trust me when I say plenty of Heated passion…. Also, few Lol moments …… I just loved Mia.. that girl has spirit and also plenty of spunk

[Corinne [hiatus] · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this is my first romantic suspense from a male author and it was a solid read even more so as this is a debut novel.
Told from the male character's POV, it was a fair mix of romance and thriller and had it not been for that insta-love trope, I would have rated it higher.

Tropes:
- insta-lust / insta-love / soul mates
- one night stand (four actually)
- anxiety/PTSD
- suspense / thriller

Liam has been living like a recluse away from his family for the past 6 years after a very traumatic event. Forced to go back home, he meets Emma in an airport as their connecting flights are cancelled due to a tropical storm. They have instant chemistry and end up sharing the same hotel room for 4 nights. For anxiety riddled Liam, this is highly unusual and he finds himself starting to live again during his short time with fun and sassy Emma.
When Emma leaves him with only a good bye note, Liam has to go back to his family to make amends and only a chance meeting reunites him with Emma again.

What I liked:
- very realistic depiction of anxiety and PTSD
- although many, the sex scenes written from a male perspective felt fresh and less cringy than what I've been reading for a while
- the suspense plot twists
- the fact that there was a lot of dialogue

What I didn't like:
- the whole soul mates / insta-love trope - sorry but I don't buy into it
- some of the writing felt flat and rushed, especially in the last 10% but seeing as this is a debut novel, I was pretty happy overall.

I would like to read Liam's mom and dad story.

Safety: quite a few explicit/semi-explicit scenes in the first 30% of the book
TWs: loss of a parent in the past, PTSD, anxiety/panic attacks, assault, murder in self defense.

[Yasmin Gallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam is having some bad years in his life, he has secrets and he lives with lots of guilt on his shoulders. He has been away from his family for 6 years and now that he finally decided to go home for a visit, a storm happens and he gets stuck in the airport. 

Emma is a happy and excited girl and she's traveling to her brother's wedding when she also gets stuck at the same airport as Liam and as soon as their eyes lay on each other, their chemistry comes to life.  

This was a really fresh reading. I had never read a M/F romance book written by a man and it was definitely different to see a book just from the hero's POV, but I really enjoyed it. 

Liam's character was real and I was interested in the story during the whole time. I liked the family dynamic, there were some funny moments and I was surprised by the end of the book. 

So I truly recommend this book and I definitely need to read more romantic suspense books like this one.

[Andrea Wimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a captivating, heartfelt and romantic story! What an amazing debut and what a beautiful and inspiring journey for Liam and Emma. A tragic backstory, a redemptive walk towards healing and a beautiful happy ending. I couldn't put it down and if I could have, I would've read it in one sit.

First, I need to highlight how much I enjoyed the single POV from the hero's perspective. It made me appreciate every detail of the book in a different way and also allowed me to fall in love with Liam the way I did. He was such a complex and deep character, had so many wounds and demons that had taken over his life from the point where the story starts, my heart broke for him several times as he slowly revealed details of his past.

The author did an incredible job building the intrigue for Liam's past at the same time he showed his beautiful heart and kind person he was. His grief and inner battle were heart wrenching and moving and his anxiety and paranoia felt real to me. I really loved the way he evolved through the story from being a dark, lonely soul running away from himself to a strong man who fights for who and what he loves and wants. I loved how the insecurities, fears and anxiety were written, they were brought to the surface in every page as the plot slowly forced him to face them, deal with them and fight them in a way that felt so natural to his character and his personality. I am in awe with how much he grew while finding his well deserved happy ending by learning to accept what he couldn't change, forgiving himself and finding his way back to Emma.

I really enjoyed meeting Emma through Liam's eyes. She might've gotten into his life suddenly and unexpectedly but their relationship felt so natural and their chemistry was explosive. I loved how patient and understanding she was with him and how she allowed him to protect her from the very start because she understood the root of his protective heart. She taught him in just a little time how worthy he was of being happy and that he deserved much more than being so lonely in life and I loved how Liam was so aware of that and all other details about her and the beauty she was bringing to his life, this is why his descriptions of her were some of my favorite aspects of the book.

"Her smile is bright and innocent, her touch as warm as her smile. With her hand in mine, I can almost forget my ever-present weariness of my surroundings."

The sex scenes were written to perfection, they experienced a very satisfying connection that was deeper than I was expecting since they had agreed to just have a fling when they started things and even though I was hurt for Liam when things got hard between them, it only made me root for them to get back together.

I really enjoyed the suspense in this book, the intrigue, the secrets, the dangers and all the action packed scenes had me biting my nails the entire time. It was an intense and smart storyline that made me gasp several times and it blew my mind with a couple of twists that I didn't see coming. It really added to the romance storyline and to the growth of every character in the story, the ending was exactly what I was hoping to read and it made me feel every single feeling I could think of.

If you're a fan of Romantic Suspense or if you love a swoony story of redemption, healing and true love and happiness, you need to add Delayed to your list. I'm still in shock with how good it was and how much I loved it and I can't recommend it enough!

A million thanks to Nathan Kingsly for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review. I cannot wait to read more of your books and for more people to enjoy your amazing writing!

[Zoe_isreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book is one hell of a ride! An incredible debut novel!

Well, what can I say about this book? It has everything you'd want in a book - romance, suspense, steamy sex scenes, drama and moments that will leave you sitting there going Oh My God!!

Liam is such an intense character, after everything he's been through within the story it's definitely clear to see why. Emma is a beautiful tough love kinda woman. They have an instant attraction and while reading, it's clear to see why these two are perfect for eachother.

I'm so glad I read this, it was insane and I'll definitely be checking more books out by Nathan whenever he does more! :)

[Christie Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this read. The name alone intrigued me to read. I absolutely loved it, it sucked me in from start to finish and gave me all the feels. Liam and Emma's connection wasn't love at first sight, but the attraction was strong, physical, caring and more than the expected stay to weather a storm. Their stories were completely opposite one another and it's those attractions that can be the best relationships. Nathan knocked it out of the park with his debut release.

[Dena Akbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a really good book and It is really interesting.

[Julia Taggart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, great job Nathan Kingsley! ‘Delayed’ was amazing! Romance, suspense and twists and turns I never would have guessed. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Rosemary Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What an excellent debut novel for Nathan Kingsly! Who would have thought that a first-time author could produce a book full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, indirect humour, and romance that would keep me, the reader, turning the page wanting more!

Twenty-six-year-old Liam Marone is content living a life of blah-ness. Not ecstatic, but complacent. His night-shift job of stacking boxes and driving forklifts is leading him no place. His friendship with Brian, whom he lives next door to and works with, is ho-hum; his love-life is nil, yet he seems to lead a curious and mysterious life. He keeps a nine-millimeter close by; he continuously checks his immediate surroundings; he always makes sure that the doors are locked. It seems that paranoia has set in, but he is satisfied to lead this lonely existence; the fewer people he has to contend with, the better.

He gets an angry call from his twin sister, Mia, to come home and help her deal with their mother, who is in hospital under protection. He hasn’t left LA to visit his home in Georgia for years and tells Mia that he will hop the first plane out.

Events Planner, Emma Christine Baker, is flying home for her brother’s wedding when she holds the rail door for Liam. She is not Liam’s type--too short, not blonde enough, although he is immediately attracted to her physically. Before he can make any headway with her, she gets off the rail. When he gets to the gate, he discovers that he was late for the plane, and because of the upcoming storm, there is not another scheduled. There are no available hotel rooms, so he goes to sit in the bar where he again meets up with Emma, and she invites him to share her hotel room. They spend the next three days locked in their room, getting to know each other, and so their adventure of romance begins. But on the fourth day, Liam wakes to find Emma gone with only a note left behind, a note that gives him no indication of how to find her, and before he can even think about how and if he will find her, he has to get his act together; he has to fix his problems.

This book is an excellent debut novel for Nathan Kingsly. He has an easy and calm writing style, using subtle humour and quirky language to engage his readers in his story. His word choice and sentence structure allow us to see that his characters have flaws, just like real people. His phrasing is rhythmic and smooth, and his words tantalize us as he writes those seductive and passionate scenes that are so over-the-top hot and steamy.

The author has introduced two excellent characters. Liam is a complex and moody young man who sometimes appears dark and melancholy, keeping his problems upfront and centre although hidden. Emma is a feisty, no-nonsense, bright woman who realizes that Liam has demons that he struggles with, and until he wins that battle, he will never be able to move on with his life.

I especially like how the airplane theme continues throughout the story, especially at the end, where there are so many clever references to an airplane ride, and I am not saying anymore because I don’t want to give any spoilers.

I commend you, Nathan Kinglsy, for your first novel. You have written a book that is absorbing and stimulating, a story that is vivid and fascinating. It engages the reader to stop and put their own lives into perspective. Well done! So looking forward to reading more from you.

[KKEC Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published: April 24, 2021
Nathan Kingsly
I received a copy of this book for free, and leave my review voluntarily.

Nathan Kingsly writes romance. He’s not an expert on the subject, though who is. He doesn’t have a single credential unless you count several years of state-required English classes. He hasn’t won a single writing award or appeared on anyone's bestseller list unless you count the woman that raised him. So, why would you read Mr. Kingsly’s work? He has been in love. He’s had the kind of love that’s all-consuming. He also understands what it is to live without it when it’s gone. He writes to have a happy ending, isn’t that why you read?

“But I’ve had a shit week, and you’re looking like a good decision.”

Liam carries a lot of secrets and guilt on his shoulders. And when he finally decides to go home for a visit, a tropical storm puts a halt to his travel plans. That’s when he sees her sitting in the bar. Little did either of them know, but this storm was about to intensify. When an innocent conversation and flirty invitation leads to a whirlwind romance, Liam finds himself wanting things he never thought possible until he wakes up alone.

I have never read a romance book written by a man, so this was a whole new experience. The steamy scenes are different. As are the way scenes build up. But the difference in perspective was exciting, and I appreciated the genuine emotion conveyed.

This book had a very “Forces of Nature” vibe to it. I enjoyed the storyline. The character development was good, but I would have liked seeing Liam fleshed out a bit more. The trauma he is holding on to could have been explored more, and I think that could have added a lot to his character.

I loved Emma. She was so vibrant; she jumped off the pages. Her character was well done, and I enjoyed how she added to the overall story. I also really enjoyed Mia. Her sass was a very little sister. The relationship between Liam and Mia was excellent. The siblings have a bond that connects them in that familial way.

The build-up was pretty solid, and the twist was unexpected. I found the growth Liam experiences refreshing. I loved that Liam is very human in his feelings and emotions, and the struggle he has internally with his guilt is very realistic.

There was a vulnerability to the characters that I found incredibly charming. There is such a raw honesty to the struggle of each character that humanized them for me.

Overall, there were a few continuity issues I found confusing. Liam’s flashbacks weren’t introduced clearly, so at first, it didn't seem very clear, but they make sense by the end of the scene. There were some areas I would have loved to have had filled out a bit more, but overall the story was good. The plot was interesting; the characters are memorable. And it’s a unique and well-played story.

I loved the play on travel that was interwoven into Liam and Emma’s journey. And I loved their dynamic. The possibility that you can find what you didn’t even know you were looking for is pretty incredible. Relationships are such fickle things, and this book did a fantastic job of exploring all aspects of romantic, platonic, and family relationships.

In the end, I am a fan of this story. The brooding male lead finds he forever loves in an unlikely place. And together, they go through some hellacious circumstances. The bond shared is beautifully written, and the connection feels real. Sigh. And they lived happily ever after.

[Marianne | Petite.BumbleBeeBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75) Delayed by Nathan Kingsly

After being a ghost to his family for the past 6 years, Nathan received a call from his sister and rushes home. But, missing his connecting flight because of a storm might be the best thing that ever happened to him. Until she leaves him behind. But the only way to ensure his future with her, is to go back home and fix his past.

CW: Murder of parents (by stalker, serial rapist, murderer), attempted rape (not by MC), violence.

This book was captivating, from the first page we are immerged in Liam's life, and problems, and guilt over his past. I usually have a tough time identifying with men-written romances. But this one, written in only Liam's point of view felt exactly right. Even if yes, their relationship is rooted in their physical chemistry and was very sexual from the beginning. But, it worked fantastically, they connected and you can feel that bond growing over their time together. Nathan's relationship with his family was messy, and painful, and when he finally goes back to a life he's been running from it's chaotic. With being absent this long, betrayal is at the forefront of Liam's sister reaction, it still felt a bit extreme and a little "crazy sister" cliche. But, I did love how she didn't forgive him all at once for disappearing, it's a lot of hurt to heal in a short time. As for the guilt over his dying father, Liam is definitely suffering from survivor’s guilt. I wish we had just a little more mental health awareness about it, him going to see a therapist, someone suggesting it. However, this author has definite talent, and I'll be reading more from him in the future.

+ Chef’s kiss to that cover!

Thank you so much Nathan for gifting me a copy of your book. As always all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

[Brittany (happy.ending.always) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, this beautiful amazing book! It made me swoon wicked hard, laugh, cry and had me on the edge of my seat! Nathan’s writing is fantastic! I can’t believe this is his first book? He writes with so much heart and passion. His characters stories are well thought out and detailed.

Liam and Emma were like a puzzle. Individually they were lost and not sure where they fit in life. But together, together they make a beautiful picture! Liam and Emma have both been through some tough in their past. They end up meeting in a fun and interesting way. Instantly they hit it off. Their attraction was explosive and steamy! I was routing for their happiness throughout the entire book!

One big thing that drew me to Nathan Kingsly in the first place is that, he promised a happy ending with his stories! We know in life happy endings aren’t guaranteed but in our books they are sort of expected, even if it takes a bit to get there. And holy thank you Nathan, you sure did deliver that. At times I wasn’t sure where the story was going, but so was begging for Liam and Emma’s happiness! The latter end of this beautiful book had me sobbing. Sobbing for how suspenseful it was, not knowing where the story was going, but so badly wanting everyone to be ok. However, wishing and praying for Liam and Emma to be ok, they had to be! This book is fantastic, moving and beautiful! I am so here for Nathan Kingsly’s writing journey! I can’t wait to see what awesomeness he creates next!!!

[Amanda McCalip · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a debut! Delayed is going to put Nathan Kingsly on the map to a wonderful career ahead! This book had me on the edge of my seat flipping those pages as quickly as I could. It had romance, it had mystery, it had amazing world building, fantastic characters and it was absolutely entertaining from page one to the very last page!

Liam and Emma are two characters who are going to draw you in and have you pulling for them from the beginning. These two create fireworks together and I absolutely loved reading about them. Not a lot of debut authors nail it with their very first book, but Nathan Kingsly did just that and I cannot wait to see what journey I am brought on next!

Job well done!!

[Nathan Kingsly]

Today is release day! April 24, 2021 is finally upon us.
I'm so excited to share with you Liam & Emma's story. I hope you fall in love with them and their story.

Want to see it on your Kindle>
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0933GZK5S

Want to have it in your hands>
https://www.amazon.com/Delayed-Nathan...
Or feel free to contact me and I can send you a signed and personalized copy!

I'm excited to read your reviews, and hope you enjoy the book!

A thank you to those of you that made this book possible. The members of my street team that were instrumental to helping me make this a success.
Of course thank you to those that have, and will read Delayed.

[The Bosnian · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRAND NEW author to me, this was a great read, as always FULL REVIEW & MORE on my Blog -> CLICK HERE

[Jen ODonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed was amazing from the start. I love Liam and Emma, whose chemistry is off of the charts. Once you start reading you won’t want to stop until the end. There is so much that draws you in: Heated passion, suspense, action, excitement. Nathan Kingsly gives us an addictive, spine-tingling emotional and spectacular debut novel. You will read this over and over again, wanting more. Get your copy and experience a story that will touch and light your kindle up. I cannot recommend this enough.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY thoughts

It was such a well written book, I read it in one night because I couldn't put it down , can't wait to see what others he comes up with, he will be around for a long time and icknow I will enjoy more of his work when he comes out with more.

I look forward to what else he comes out with in the future, 🙂

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed is a great start to a promising career in writing. This book has it all: romance, mystery, unique characters and an interesting storyline. Liam and Emma have an intense relationship and you’re rooting for them from the start. I would love for the author to write a follow up to let us know what the future has in store for Liam and Emma. I look forward to more books by Nathan Kingsly.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Kingsley did an amazing job with his debut novel, Delayed. The book is filled with love, romance, mystery and hot sex scenes. Liam and Emma are made for each other. If you believe in fate then this book is for you. You will not be disappointed. I loved this story. Nathan has a promising career and I look forward to reading his next book.

[Lorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author, Nathan Kingsly, knows how to write a story! Delayed contains all the "good" stuff: suspense, romance, hot sex, and characters who are engaging. This story is amazingly well-written and paced. Liam is the swoon-worthy hero. Emma the cheeky heroine. Together they create a sensational, must-read story that gripped me from beginning to end.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read for this author's first book. It had your mystery, suspense, romance and of course your steamy sex scenes. The characters Liam and Emma had chemistry and were made for each other. This story kept me turning the pages to see what happens next.
I am so looking forward to see what Nathan Kingsly writes next. Definitely following this author.

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam and Emma’s story had me turning the pages. It also had me on the edge of my seat. Their story had a bit of suspense, their chemistry was off the charts, mystery and its scorching hot. I can’t believe this is a debate story. The writing was phenomenal and I can not wait to see what this author comes up with next. Well done

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than expected

This is a story of a true love that beat down doors to find its way. Liam and Emma seemed to be ships passing in the night, Who could have expected the voyage to come? Nathan most definitely did not disappoint with his debut as an author. 5-stars from me.

[Adina Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delayed was a fantastic read. I loved the cover and the blurb made me look forward to this book. I was not disappointed and I'm sure it will be one of the author's many hits. You will fall in love with Emma and Liam.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense romance isn’t my favorite sub-genre and I started the book not knowing, but that’s not the author’s fault. I still enjoyed it for the most part. It’s a well thought out storyline, so if you do like romantic suspense books, you’ll probably really enjoy it.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Great debut 👍🏻🌠😊💕

[Lue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would love to read more from you 💖💖💖💖it was a great book the kind of love we hope an long to find thank you

[Turn The Page Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm disappointed in myself for letting Delayed hangout on my Kindle for so long without opening it because this story was amazing. The writing in the Hero's POV was refreshing, it's something I feel like we see more in duel POV's or all in the Heroine's POV. With the story in Liam's perspective it was really entertaining, having more of a males perspective on everything in a romance, from thoughts, the steamy scenes, to day to day life was a bit of fresh air.
Emma and Liam's story is a whirlwind from their meet cute, to their HEA. It was well written, a page turner, and the plot twist? I ddi not see that coming!
My review is all over the place because I just read The End, But basically I really loved reading Liam and Emma's journey and I'm looking forward to more books from this Author.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, steamy, romantic suspense!

Nathan Kingsly has written a gripping romantic suspense that grabbed me in first few chapters. Written from the hero’s point of view, he really pulled me into Liam’s
thoughts, fears, and emotions, without giving away where those feelings came from, keeping me completely invested in the story in the process. The heroine, Emma, is a strong, feisty, yet lovable character and the chemistry between her & sexy tattooed Liam just sizzled! You can’t help but root for their happily ever after and will swoon when they get there. I’m now super excited to read Nathan Kingsly’s contribution, Borrowed Scraps, in the upcoming Merciless Few MC anthology!

[Lisa Menor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam is needed at home and he's not looking forward to what's waiting there for him. Too many memories that still haunt him remain and made him the man he is today. But, short of an Act of God, that's where he'll be soon, if his sister has a say in the matter.
On his way home Liam meets Emma. Due to a, huh, Act of God, their flights are grounded and they spend the night together. Due to the storm, one night turns into...more. With some paranoia mixed with his need to protect, Liam becomes instantly protective of Emma. Even though they haven't known each other for long, they seem to already have a familiarity about them. Will Liam be able move forward? Will the past continue to haunt him, or will the past come back with a vengeance?
THE STORY OF THESE TWO, THE MYSTERY & SUSPENSE, I LOVED IT ! ! !
IT DEFINITELY KEPT MY ATTENTION ! INTRIGUING AS WELL AS DESCRIPTIVE WITH LOTS OF ATTENTION TO DETAIL, MADE THIS ORIGINAL STORY FLOW EFFORTLESSLY !
A CHANCE MEETING THAT RESULTED IN INSANE ATTRACTION AND SCORCHING HOT CHEMISTRY ! NATHAN KINGSLY'S DEBUT NOVEL HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AND CONTINUED UNTIL THE VERY LAST PAGE !
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK !