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Road to Redemption #3
King's Checkmate
Can this bad boy live happily ever after?
King is the bad boy who stole my heart. It’s his and I don’t want it back. All I want is to put the past behind us so we can build a life together in Chicago.
Then King’s brother turns up on our doorstep, threatening to pull King back into the gangster world he’s turned his back on. If his brother succeeds, it could destroy everything we’ve worked so hard for, and I’m not going down without a fight . . .
Will my demons destroy us or set us free?
I can’t ignore my past anymore. Not if I ever want a chance at redemption and a life with Rory. But it means bringing down my own brother, and in the process, becoming someone I vowed never to be again. Someone who Rory wouldn’t recognize.
But if I don’t? Neither of us may live to tell the story . . .
King is the bad boy who stole my heart. It’s his and I don’t want it back. All I want is to put the past behind us so we can build a life together in Chicago.
Then King’s brother turns up on our doorstep, threatening to pull King back into the gangster world he’s turned his back on. If his brother succeeds, it could destroy everything we’ve worked so hard for, and I’m not going down without a fight . . .
Will my demons destroy us or set us free?
I can’t ignore my past anymore. Not if I ever want a chance at redemption and a life with Rory. But it means bringing down my own brother, and in the process, becoming someone I vowed never to be again. Someone who Rory wouldn’t recognize.
But if I don’t? Neither of us may live to tell the story . . .
- GenresM M RomanceLGBTRomance
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2021
61 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 13, 2022
Wonderful ending!!!
September 2, 2021
King and Rory are back, and things look like they may be going right, at least for about 5 minutes or so. But, of course it's not that easy. That's because King's brother is really going to be a problem now.
I got really frustrated at times with King. He is a little "I'll fix everything myself" sometimes. He needs to stop trying to save everyone's bacon all by himself, and keep in mind that he has partners that he can lean on. Rory is more than willing to step in and help King out.
These guys had a good story and a lot of problems to get to their HEA.
I got really frustrated at times with King. He is a little "I'll fix everything myself" sometimes. He needs to stop trying to save everyone's bacon all by himself, and keep in mind that he has partners that he can lean on. Rory is more than willing to step in and help King out.
These guys had a good story and a lot of problems to get to their HEA.
October 20, 2021
**Audio Review**
Despite how much King and Rory had already been through, I'm glad the authors chose to go back and tie up the last loose ends of their story. This audio definitively settled the question of whether or not King had grown past his self-sacrificing ways, and finally after finishing this book I can say I'm confident that he and Rory can weather anything life throws at them next. With plenty of sweet romantic moments, tense situations with the Jackals, and an action-packed fight for justice at the end, there was a lot to love about the way this series ended. I was secretly hoping Elias and Thomas would get their own book, but even without that it was adorable to see glimpses of their happiness through King and Rory's eyes.
If the last book was all about Rory overcoming his fear of settling down, this book was a redemption story for King. After falling back into old coping mechanisms again and again, King started to seem like the kind of guy who wan't capable of changing his ways. That's part of why it was so satisfying to see the lightbulb turn on in his brain, though I wish it hadn't taken such a devastating series of events as a catalyst. It's not that King will ever stop being a protector, because that's part of who he is, but seeing him learn how to balance that with trusting his friends and family to have his back was a huge breakthrough. I thought the storyline involving the Jackals was really engaging, and despite having some idea of how cruel they were I never imagined them going to such lengths to seek revenge on King. It was really cool to see the way Rory and the rest of the club family banded together to rescue King for once, and I was proud of the way they handled the Jackals when it would have been easy to let the heat of the moment influence their actions.
Between the threat of the Jackals being eliminated and closure about what King and Rory's future careers looked like, I couldn't have been happier with the ways things left off for these guys. I was thrilled to get a tiny peek at the next chapter of their life together, and though I could have easily read another hundred pages of their happily-ever-after, I'm content in the knowledge that no new threat is on the horizon.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Despite how much King and Rory had already been through, I'm glad the authors chose to go back and tie up the last loose ends of their story. This audio definitively settled the question of whether or not King had grown past his self-sacrificing ways, and finally after finishing this book I can say I'm confident that he and Rory can weather anything life throws at them next. With plenty of sweet romantic moments, tense situations with the Jackals, and an action-packed fight for justice at the end, there was a lot to love about the way this series ended. I was secretly hoping Elias and Thomas would get their own book, but even without that it was adorable to see glimpses of their happiness through King and Rory's eyes.
If the last book was all about Rory overcoming his fear of settling down, this book was a redemption story for King. After falling back into old coping mechanisms again and again, King started to seem like the kind of guy who wan't capable of changing his ways. That's part of why it was so satisfying to see the lightbulb turn on in his brain, though I wish it hadn't taken such a devastating series of events as a catalyst. It's not that King will ever stop being a protector, because that's part of who he is, but seeing him learn how to balance that with trusting his friends and family to have his back was a huge breakthrough. I thought the storyline involving the Jackals was really engaging, and despite having some idea of how cruel they were I never imagined them going to such lengths to seek revenge on King. It was really cool to see the way Rory and the rest of the club family banded together to rescue King for once, and I was proud of the way they handled the Jackals when it would have been easy to let the heat of the moment influence their actions.
Between the threat of the Jackals being eliminated and closure about what King and Rory's future careers looked like, I couldn't have been happier with the ways things left off for these guys. I was thrilled to get a tiny peek at the next chapter of their life together, and though I could have easily read another hundred pages of their happily-ever-after, I'm content in the knowledge that no new threat is on the horizon.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 19, 2021
So, I have to confess I was not really so enthusiastic about reading this one as I was a bit disappointed with King for pulling the same shit all the time.
And when I started, I had reeal troubles getting into the story and getting back to Rory and King. But fortunately that didn't last long and I was able to enjoy the story.
I was slso happy for Elias ... this story would make a sweet novella *hinthint*
My troubles getting into the story may be partially because I listened to the audio book.
Austin Jay is not one of my favourite narrators, so it took me some time to get into it.
But at the end I liked listening to him.
All in all a solid third book in this series
And when I started, I had reeal troubles getting into the story and getting back to Rory and King. But fortunately that didn't last long and I was able to enjoy the story.
I was slso happy for Elias ... this story would make a sweet novella *hinthint*
My troubles getting into the story may be partially because I listened to the audio book.
Austin Jay is not one of my favourite narrators, so it took me some time to get into it.
But at the end I liked listening to him.
All in all a solid third book in this series
August 29, 2021
Rating: 3.5 stars
I was a bit let down by the conclusion of this trilogy. I felt that stupid mistakes that the MCs made bothered me more as the series went on. Overall, I enjoyed it but it wasn’t my favorite out of the series.
I was a bit let down by the conclusion of this trilogy. I felt that stupid mistakes that the MCs made bothered me more as the series went on. Overall, I enjoyed it but it wasn’t my favorite out of the series.
April 18, 2022
Unfortunately, this series just didn't work for me. It started great in the first book, but quickly went downhill. I didn't believe or buy into anything with Rory and his dad. Not to mention, Rory's dad is the head of the Irish mob and has been looking for him his WHOLE life, but yet as soon as he finds him, he just lets him go and disowns him. LOL Yeah, I didn't buy it. Then we go back to all the issues King had with Blake from book 1. This book didn't need to happen. And again, I didn't buy into the conflict. Not to mention, King is supposed to be this big, bad guy but yet comes across as weak in a lot of areas. Didn't work for me.
Glad it's over.
Glad it's over.
November 25, 2021
Damn, but I picked a good one to start with!
(This is a review of the Road To Redemption boxset and covers all three novels)
This is the first book I have read by either of these authors and boy, did I choose well. King and Rory grabbed me by my (non-existent!) balls and never let go. They are every woman's dream as gay book boyfriends. Hurting, alone, caring, wanting, traumatised but stoic in the face of all that each had suffered in their lives, they deserved so much more. They deserved each other.
King protects everyone he cares about, trying to keep them safe from the horrors of their pasts, doing whatever it takes so they don't have to. His guilt about his past life maks it difficult to let anyone in but looking at Rory from behind his one-way mirrored office window is his favourtie passtime. There's something about the red-haired fireball that occupies his mind and his emotions for most of his waking hours.
Rory tends bar at King's Gambit, so friendly and outgoing that everyone loves him. He knows his boss watches him, when he thinks Rory isn't looking, and he shouldn't like that at all but he does. He is drawn to King, cannot help his attraction to him even though he should run a mile from a man like that, even though he knows it can never amount to anything.
Both men are used to keeping their own council and it's not easy for them to share the secrets of their past. Even when they do open up, it's only partially as they are trying to protect the other while feeling guilty that they are putting them at risk. Their need to shelter each other from all the bad in their pasts and the present lead to questionable decisions by both of them that could have catastrohic outcomes. The road to complete honesty between them was hard won, but so satisfying.
Right from the start, King and Rory's chemistry exploded onto the page, and the attraction, lust, love that they shared was a thing of beauty to behold. The steamy scenes are sexy and sensuous, and there are lots of them to enjoy. Every time they were together I felt their love and connection, but even more so when they were in the bedroom.
Through the three books, King and Rory's love story plays out against a backdrop of fear, violence, retaliation, retribution, all from outside their immediate sphere but too close to home nonetheless. Family is not always about blood but who you choose to love and cherish as your nearest and dearest. King and Rory have a wonderful chosen family to support them, great characters that could all have their own books, and they make the book even richer for their presence.
I enjoyed their story from first page to last, and the ending left me very happy, seeing them happy and settled in their life together.
(This is a review of the Road To Redemption boxset and covers all three novels)
This is the first book I have read by either of these authors and boy, did I choose well. King and Rory grabbed me by my (non-existent!) balls and never let go. They are every woman's dream as gay book boyfriends. Hurting, alone, caring, wanting, traumatised but stoic in the face of all that each had suffered in their lives, they deserved so much more. They deserved each other.
King protects everyone he cares about, trying to keep them safe from the horrors of their pasts, doing whatever it takes so they don't have to. His guilt about his past life maks it difficult to let anyone in but looking at Rory from behind his one-way mirrored office window is his favourtie passtime. There's something about the red-haired fireball that occupies his mind and his emotions for most of his waking hours.
Rory tends bar at King's Gambit, so friendly and outgoing that everyone loves him. He knows his boss watches him, when he thinks Rory isn't looking, and he shouldn't like that at all but he does. He is drawn to King, cannot help his attraction to him even though he should run a mile from a man like that, even though he knows it can never amount to anything.
Both men are used to keeping their own council and it's not easy for them to share the secrets of their past. Even when they do open up, it's only partially as they are trying to protect the other while feeling guilty that they are putting them at risk. Their need to shelter each other from all the bad in their pasts and the present lead to questionable decisions by both of them that could have catastrohic outcomes. The road to complete honesty between them was hard won, but so satisfying.
Right from the start, King and Rory's chemistry exploded onto the page, and the attraction, lust, love that they shared was a thing of beauty to behold. The steamy scenes are sexy and sensuous, and there are lots of them to enjoy. Every time they were together I felt their love and connection, but even more so when they were in the bedroom.
Through the three books, King and Rory's love story plays out against a backdrop of fear, violence, retaliation, retribution, all from outside their immediate sphere but too close to home nonetheless. Family is not always about blood but who you choose to love and cherish as your nearest and dearest. King and Rory have a wonderful chosen family to support them, great characters that could all have their own books, and they make the book even richer for their presence.
I enjoyed their story from first page to last, and the ending left me very happy, seeing them happy and settled in their life together.
August 17, 2021
This is the third installment of Road to Redemption.
When we last saw Rory and King, they had just defeated Rory's dying father who happened to be the head of the Irish mob. We learned that King's brother, head of the Jackals, had teamed up with the mob in an effort to gain favor and exact revenge on King. Disgusted by their lack of discretion and no longer interested in his son's existence, Rory's father cut ties with the Jackals. Confident this would render their attempts to encroach on Chicago null and void, King took a breath. That was until he received a call from his brother warning him that the Jackals were going to take over Chicago with or without the help of the Irish mob. Which brings us to our present-day situation.
In this story, we see King and Rory on their way to a HEA; however, King's brother has other plans. King and Rory have faced many demons together and in this last hurrah, we see King learn to lean more heavily on his friends and his partner. This book is filled with all of the insecurities and miscommunication of past books with the added component of a storyline revolving around gun smuggling and sibling rivalry. Rory is bound and determined to prove he is a worthy partner, and no just a burden, and King is bound to prove that being in a relationship with him will not be the death of Rory. Needless to say, all is resolved and they do indeed get their happy ending, as do a few other characters :-) but the road is far from smooth. Enjoy this latest installment, I certainly did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When we last saw Rory and King, they had just defeated Rory's dying father who happened to be the head of the Irish mob. We learned that King's brother, head of the Jackals, had teamed up with the mob in an effort to gain favor and exact revenge on King. Disgusted by their lack of discretion and no longer interested in his son's existence, Rory's father cut ties with the Jackals. Confident this would render their attempts to encroach on Chicago null and void, King took a breath. That was until he received a call from his brother warning him that the Jackals were going to take over Chicago with or without the help of the Irish mob. Which brings us to our present-day situation.
In this story, we see King and Rory on their way to a HEA; however, King's brother has other plans. King and Rory have faced many demons together and in this last hurrah, we see King learn to lean more heavily on his friends and his partner. This book is filled with all of the insecurities and miscommunication of past books with the added component of a storyline revolving around gun smuggling and sibling rivalry. Rory is bound and determined to prove he is a worthy partner, and no just a burden, and King is bound to prove that being in a relationship with him will not be the death of Rory. Needless to say, all is resolved and they do indeed get their happy ending, as do a few other characters :-) but the road is far from smooth. Enjoy this latest installment, I certainly did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2021
Fighting for Their Future . . .
These authors are an amazing duo who always give the reader a wonderful story that has so much more going on behind the scenes.
Rory and King have become a strong couple as their relationship holds them together in love and continues to flourish. Both broke from difficult pasts, Rory’s roots in the Irish mafia and King’s gangster involvement. The two of them want to move forward into a better future together, but King’s brother Drake wants to take him back into the dark world he pulled away from. Neither Rory nor King are willing to let him destroy what they have already built, and both will fight to hold on to what they have together.
So now King must face off against his brother and bring him down permanently. It will change him, but if he doesn’t make his stand now, there will be nothing left for them. Will the love he and Rory have for each other give them what they need to win this fight?
The story line is fast-paced and suspenseful. The characters have been through so much already and are prepared to do what they must to stay outside of the lives they lived in the past. But some troubles must be dealt with. King can’t do it alone, but he doesn’t have to anymore. This won’t be easy, but they will fight for each other and hopefully move forward together with a clean break from the past this time.
These authors are an amazing duo who always give the reader a wonderful story that has so much more going on behind the scenes.
Rory and King have become a strong couple as their relationship holds them together in love and continues to flourish. Both broke from difficult pasts, Rory’s roots in the Irish mafia and King’s gangster involvement. The two of them want to move forward into a better future together, but King’s brother Drake wants to take him back into the dark world he pulled away from. Neither Rory nor King are willing to let him destroy what they have already built, and both will fight to hold on to what they have together.
So now King must face off against his brother and bring him down permanently. It will change him, but if he doesn’t make his stand now, there will be nothing left for them. Will the love he and Rory have for each other give them what they need to win this fight?
The story line is fast-paced and suspenseful. The characters have been through so much already and are prepared to do what they must to stay outside of the lives they lived in the past. But some troubles must be dealt with. King can’t do it alone, but he doesn’t have to anymore. This won’t be easy, but they will fight for each other and hopefully move forward together with a clean break from the past this time.
August 19, 2021
This is the third and final book in the Road to Redemption Series. It is the continuation of Rory and King's story. Rory and King are in a relationship. Rory used to be the head bartender at King's club. King is the sole owner of the club. Both these men have had difficult lives up to this point. They have a lot to overcome. Rory and his mother are finally free of the Irish mob. King put his gangster days behind him but his brother Drake is determined to drag him back in. King knows that it will destroy everything that he has built to date and ignores his brother. However, when Drake and his gang target King's adopted family, decisive action has to be taken. This is King and Rory's story and their fight for a happy life together. As with the previous books, there is chemistry galore between King and Rory. You can tell by their interactions that they obviously love each other. As those around him slowly start finding their own happiness Drake attempts to destroy it all. King feels responsible for his brother's actions and tries to solve the problem without help. Needless to say, he is about to learn that you are stronger together. This is a great wrap up for this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2021
Performance: 3.5 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
This conclusion to the Road to Redemption trilogy is a test of King and Rory's ever-deepening (and steamy and surprisingly sweet) relationship, with the couple facing external threats from the Jackals, led by King's older brother. The whole King's Gambit crew goes on the offensive, as what's been building for three books comes to a final showdown and satisfying conclusion.
It has been a little while since I listened to Books 1 & 2, and I'd suggest listening to all three in short order for maximum enjoyment since it's basically one continuous storyline. And here's to hoping King's younger brother Elias and ex-con Thomas get their own HEA spin-off story.
I can't claim to be the biggest fan of this narrator, as I never feel (or hear) much emotion in his performances, but he has a pleasant enough voice and provides fairly distinct character voices here. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Story: 4 Stars
This conclusion to the Road to Redemption trilogy is a test of King and Rory's ever-deepening (and steamy and surprisingly sweet) relationship, with the couple facing external threats from the Jackals, led by King's older brother. The whole King's Gambit crew goes on the offensive, as what's been building for three books comes to a final showdown and satisfying conclusion.
It has been a little while since I listened to Books 1 & 2, and I'd suggest listening to all three in short order for maximum enjoyment since it's basically one continuous storyline. And here's to hoping King's younger brother Elias and ex-con Thomas get their own HEA spin-off story.
I can't claim to be the biggest fan of this narrator, as I never feel (or hear) much emotion in his performances, but he has a pleasant enough voice and provides fairly distinct character voices here. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.
August 18, 2021
Get out of your way! Rory, is finding success with his yoga studio. He is relatively content with his relationship with King. He just needs a better apartment! King is content with his life, within the bounds he sets for himself. Then King gets a call from his brother, Drake trying to bully him back to the jackal environment. Typically, King expects to handle the problem on his own. Circumstances escalate and King is no longer able to handle his brother on his own. You wonder if King will get out of his own way. Will Rory’s insecurities provide a roadblock? Does King share his problem with Rory? Does Drake really have malevolent intent? Will King turn to his found family? Is Rory’s Dad really gone? Does Drake succeed? Great story! The family is still going strong and supportive of each other. Rory is doing well. King is King! Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2021
I loved reading the third book to this series. Rory and King are still together, their relationship growing stronger. Their love is tested once again when King’s past collides unexpectedly with his brother Drake who is making demands to King. King’s past keeps knocking on his door, but he’s a fighter with Rory by his side.
Rory’s strong-willed in this book and not letting King deal with his brother alone. They are a great couple, with great chemistry, and many steamy moments. Aiden and Ali keep things humming right along with plenty of action and a lot of love. The two want a life together and they are willing to fight for it.
This is a wonderful series and I highly recommend reading the whole series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rory’s strong-willed in this book and not letting King deal with his brother alone. They are a great couple, with great chemistry, and many steamy moments. Aiden and Ali keep things humming right along with plenty of action and a lot of love. The two want a life together and they are willing to fight for it.
This is a wonderful series and I highly recommend reading the whole series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2021
King and Rory are looking forward to their future together now that Rory’s family drama seems to have been handled.
However their happiness is short lived when King’s brother wants to move his business into Chicago threatening to drag King back into the gang world.
King refuses to go back to that life. He loves the life he built in Chicago and he won’t let anyone, especially his brother destroy what he’s built. He knows he has to stop his brother but he’s afraid if he does what Rory will think of him.
King’s brother makes the decision for him when he goes after his people and his club. It’s time to end this. He just hopes that Rory won’t hate him for doing it alone.
I love this series. Not sure how many books are planned but I hope to get books on the other characters. Another great read from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
However their happiness is short lived when King’s brother wants to move his business into Chicago threatening to drag King back into the gang world.
King refuses to go back to that life. He loves the life he built in Chicago and he won’t let anyone, especially his brother destroy what he’s built. He knows he has to stop his brother but he’s afraid if he does what Rory will think of him.
King’s brother makes the decision for him when he goes after his people and his club. It’s time to end this. He just hopes that Rory won’t hate him for doing it alone.
I love this series. Not sure how many books are planned but I hope to get books on the other characters. Another great read from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
August 21, 2021
The drama and difficulties for King and Rory never seem to end. Rory escaped from the drama of his father and the Irish mob in the last book, and he and King were looking forward to that HEA. It's never that easy, though, with pasts like theirs. Now King's brother is back, and wants to drag King back into the business. King left that life behind and wants his past to stay in the past, but his brother won't take "no" for an answer. Will King be able to preserve his new life and the club, with he be able to keep his friends and Rory safe? This is another action-packed, suspenseful, exciting read. No spoilers here, but if you've read the other books and rooted for King and Rory's HEA, you won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2021
Wow, what an ending
I thoroughly enjoyed not just this book but the whole series, well written with a lot of drama and a lot of love.
King faces his brother after a threat against him, Rory and Rory's mother, but things don't go to plan.
I love these characters so much. But Austin Jay brought these characters to life with excellent narration.
Well narrated, clean and clear. Austin Jay was a joy to listen to. I sped up to 1.50 on Audible, which is typical for me.
King's Checkmate
Road to Redemption, Book 3
By: Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Narrated by: Austin Jay
Series: Road to Redemption, Book 3
Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.40 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed not just this book but the whole series, well written with a lot of drama and a lot of love.
King faces his brother after a threat against him, Rory and Rory's mother, but things don't go to plan.
I love these characters so much. But Austin Jay brought these characters to life with excellent narration.
Well narrated, clean and clear. Austin Jay was a joy to listen to. I sped up to 1.50 on Audible, which is typical for me.
King's Checkmate
Road to Redemption, Book 3
By: Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda
Narrated by: Austin Jay
Series: Road to Redemption, Book 3
Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall
🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration
📚📚📚📚 Story
Read at 1.40 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
October 17, 2021
M/M
Established couple
3rd and final part of a continued Story
HEA
I was given a free audio copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.
Story = 3.5 stars
Audio = 5 stars
The narrator had a very pleasant reading voice and kept a good pace, though I have mine set to 1.60x. He expressed the emotions well and did different character voices.
Not a standalone. Read the first 2 books first. This was a nice conclusion to the trilogy. I love these 2 MCs. They have fantastic chemistry. This was fairly low angst but pretty steamy. I did find the plot less interesting and anti climatic. It seemed like the majority of the book was planning and waiting for something to happen. I am glad I listened to it though to get the full story and the ending was sweet. If you loved the previous books then you will enjoy hearing this one as well.
Established couple
3rd and final part of a continued Story
HEA
I was given a free audio copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.
Story = 3.5 stars
Audio = 5 stars
The narrator had a very pleasant reading voice and kept a good pace, though I have mine set to 1.60x. He expressed the emotions well and did different character voices.
Not a standalone. Read the first 2 books first. This was a nice conclusion to the trilogy. I love these 2 MCs. They have fantastic chemistry. This was fairly low angst but pretty steamy. I did find the plot less interesting and anti climatic. It seemed like the majority of the book was planning and waiting for something to happen. I am glad I listened to it though to get the full story and the ending was sweet. If you loved the previous books then you will enjoy hearing this one as well.
August 17, 2021
The third installment of the Road to Redemption series, we continue to follow King and Rory.
It hasn't been easy for either man to leave their past behind.
Rory being a part of the Irish mafia and King's life deeply rooted in a gangster world. Unfortunately, life isn't that simple. Especially when King's brother comes knocking, trying to drag his brother back into the fray.
More than ever, they need the strength of one another to have that life both truly deserve.
Their relationship has really developed and endearing to read. Lots of action- as you can come to expect from Bates and Lyda.
Reader's Note: This series should be read in order as it follows the same couple.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
It hasn't been easy for either man to leave their past behind.
Rory being a part of the Irish mafia and King's life deeply rooted in a gangster world. Unfortunately, life isn't that simple. Especially when King's brother comes knocking, trying to drag his brother back into the fray.
More than ever, they need the strength of one another to have that life both truly deserve.
Their relationship has really developed and endearing to read. Lots of action- as you can come to expect from Bates and Lyda.
Reader's Note: This series should be read in order as it follows the same couple.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
August 17, 2021
Totally put through the ringer
I just don’t know how much these two can take. Just when Rory thinks he can have a normal life with King with the Mob behind him, Kings brother decides to make a threat. If he doesn’t get his way he’ll make King pay. Is it all talk or could he really hurt King and his family??
This is pure action my heart went out to King he helps everyone but when he needs help it’s like he feels he can’t let anyone put themselves out there for him, and sadly that includes Rory. He’ll do anything to protect him even put his own safety at risk but I’ll tell you something Rory is not gonna stand for it. This is another fantastic book and series by Aiden Bates and Ali Lyda.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I just don’t know how much these two can take. Just when Rory thinks he can have a normal life with King with the Mob behind him, Kings brother decides to make a threat. If he doesn’t get his way he’ll make King pay. Is it all talk or could he really hurt King and his family??
This is pure action my heart went out to King he helps everyone but when he needs help it’s like he feels he can’t let anyone put themselves out there for him, and sadly that includes Rory. He’ll do anything to protect him even put his own safety at risk but I’ll tell you something Rory is not gonna stand for it. This is another fantastic book and series by Aiden Bates and Ali Lyda.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2021
Rory and King have almost gotten past all there issues Kings former gang life Rory's past with the Irish Mob and things are good then one more last piece of drama comes into play when there not looking. King is happy his club is good his relationship is good then his brother thinks he can set up shop in Chicago in his neighborhood hes not willing to let his brother distroy everything he's fought hard to achieve he just hopes Rory can forgive him for the things he's about to do. And Kings brother should have just stayed away sometimes your friends are better family then the one your born into.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
August 16, 2021
Rory has been able to convince his father that he is not interested in taking over his Irish Mafia empire. King thought he was done with his gang past until his brother comes calling with another offer that will lead to the destruction of all he has built. Both Rory and King want to protect the other but they go about it in different ways. This is installment three in a series and is best if read in order. Well-drawn characterizations help the reader become engaged in the struggles of Rory and King and their band of misfits the make up their new family. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2021
This is the third book in this series and you need to read the previous two as it’s about the same couple and won’t make sense otherwise.
I have enjoyed this series and this was a great instalment. It’s a romantic suspense but the couple are well established by now so there is no angst, just a fair amount of action.
I love the world that’s been created and all the supporting characters.
I’m hoping we get to see their stories at some point. But if we don’t then I think the ending pretty much rounded everything up this time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have enjoyed this series and this was a great instalment. It’s a romantic suspense but the couple are well established by now so there is no angst, just a fair amount of action.
I love the world that’s been created and all the supporting characters.
I’m hoping we get to see their stories at some point. But if we don’t then I think the ending pretty much rounded everything up this time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2021
This book rocks! I love this next chapter of Rory and King’s story. Things have settled down with Rory’s mob father but there will be no rest for them. King’s brother, Drake, wants to expand his gang into King’s territory and it will be a fight to keep him away. King will push away all his friends and try to fix this issue on his own but it will be Rory to the rescue when King gets in over his head. They will lose something dear to them but it will give them the chance to start over again, with all of their past behind them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2021
Rory and King finally get their HEA! This is the third in the series and definitely have to be read in order to get the full story. Rory and King have one final big hurdle to overcome to really be free and get their HEA, and that hurdle is King's brother. King is so protective of everyone and tries to handle everything on his own so as not to get anyone else hurt, but I'm glad he finally learns that getting support and help from those closest to you is the best way to overcome adversity. King and Rory are perfect together and get the perfect HEA for them! The narrator did a great job with the story and the characters. I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audio book.
October 20, 2021
Checkmate....
This is the third book in the series, all three were full of hot times with our characters. I don't like giving out times, because... Well you have to read it to enjoy the storyline. But I will say all the characters are well written, and well rounded for their place in the three books. Of the three books this one was my favorite. There was a lot of personal growth for the many characters and it brought the series to a good place when it ended. I would highly recommend all three. If you can swing it the Audible versions are great too. The narrator gives the characters depth even more. Great choice.
This is the third book in the series, all three were full of hot times with our characters. I don't like giving out times, because... Well you have to read it to enjoy the storyline. But I will say all the characters are well written, and well rounded for their place in the three books. Of the three books this one was my favorite. There was a lot of personal growth for the many characters and it brought the series to a good place when it ended. I would highly recommend all three. If you can swing it the Audible versions are great too. The narrator gives the characters depth even more. Great choice.
August 16, 2021
The third book in the Road to Redemption series is just as good as the first two! King and Rory are holding strong as well as the rest of their “family”! King has past troubles catching up with him and tries to protect those he loves. He learns a hard lesson about asking for help but I believe he’s finally learned! This is a very well written story with amazing characters and wonderful storyline! Very enjoyable and I highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2021
The third installment of the Road to Redemption series finds King dealing with his brother Drake trying to pull him back into the gang life he has fought so hard to break free from. Rory and King are a great couple with a lot left to learn as they navigate their way through building a new life together while dealing with Kings in past that doesn’t want to let him go. A great book and an excellent story to complete the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 27, 2021
This finale was pretty great. The authors took a book that probably could have finished after the first book and made it an epic trilogy. It’s nice to see a story be stretched out to see that lives aren’t always wrapped up into cute little bow. Lives have pain and ups and downs. King and Rory show you that. Once their issues with his father are fixed King’s brother comes back to mess everything up! So hang on because their story isn’t finished!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2021
Well Written HEA.
This is the third and final installment of the Road to Redemption Series. After Everything King and Rory have gone through to be together they have one final hurdle, King's brother Drake.
The characters in the stories are as lively as ever. They are well written and relateable. The story over all is a good wrap up for the series with my only observation being it could have used a little more, for lack of better term, umph in one or two places. The series as well as this book is recommended by me If you enjoy a sweet redemption piece.
This is the third and final installment of the Road to Redemption Series. After Everything King and Rory have gone through to be together they have one final hurdle, King's brother Drake.
The characters in the stories are as lively as ever. They are well written and relateable. The story over all is a good wrap up for the series with my only observation being it could have used a little more, for lack of better term, umph in one or two places. The series as well as this book is recommended by me If you enjoy a sweet redemption piece.
August 17, 2021
It is no secret, Rory and King are one my favorite couples this year! Two strong, emotional, dedicated men who fall in love against all odds! In this book it is time for King to face his past and work with others to defeat his enemies. There is action, steamy times, family and love! I received an ARC of this book I recommend you read this entire series if you love seeing men grow together to move forward to create a beautiful future after troubled pasts!
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