King of Masters

The Four Families #4

by Brynn Ford

He's going to make her the reluctant queen of his criminal empire… whether she wants it or not.

★★★★★ "One of the best dark romances I have read! Brynn Ford has delivered an amazing story of passion and depravity." -Deborah, Amazon Review-

Stella
I'm a proudly independent woman.
I'm tough, single, and I run my own business.
But Murphy stumbled into my tattoo shop one night and knocked me right off my feminist feet.
We had a one-night stand, but it turned into a long-distance affair of the heart.
I'm falling for him.
I'm losing myself for a man I hardly know.
But I want him so much that I overlook all the secrets he's keeping.

Murphy
I'm the born leader of the O'Shea family.
We make a living stealing women and selling them to new masters.
I've acquired my own plaything, but I have little interest in her easy submission.
I want a challenge.
I want a woman who will stand by my side and make me stronger.
I don't want a pet… I want a wife.

I'm meant to have an arranged marriage in five years, but I'm not waiting.
I met my match when I found Stella.
I want her… and I'm going to take her.


This dark romance book involves many triggering elements which may be upsetting for some readers. A complete list of tropes and triggers can be found on the author's website.

This book is a spin-off from the Four Families trilogy. It can be read as a standalone, but the author highly recommends reading the trilogy first. This book contains major spoilers from the Four Families trilogy—this is your spoiler warning!

RECOMMENDED READING ORDER
Anya & Ezra's Story
Book 1: Counts of Eight
Book 2: Dance with Death
Book 3: Pas de Trois

SPIN-OFF
Murphy & Stella's Story
Book 4: King of Masters

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Enemies To Lovers

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2021

About the author

🖤💀 Dark Romance for Daring Readers 💀🖤

Trigger Warnings: www.brynnford.com/triggers
Website: www.brynnford.com
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BookBub: bit.ly/BBbrynnford

Brynn Ford is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark romance for daring readers. She writes emotionally heavy love stories that will twist your soul and shatter your heart before pulling you back together with a hopeful happily-ever-after.

Brynn's books are dark, sometimes disturbing, and often overwhelming. But they're always brightened by an insistent, spicy romance that will live rent-free in your head long after you've turned the final page.

When Brynn isn't obsessively writing, you may find her binge-watching favorite shows while eating far too much junk food or fanatically reading, always seeking to lose herself in the emotional roller coaster of a damn good story. She's a firm believer that her characters continue to live outside the pages in the minds of her readers. Stories don't end just because there aren't any more pages to turn.

Reviews

[gena_bookish_reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐ ⭐

Okay. This book is definitely NOT for me.

I gave this a lot of thought before I write this review. You see..I thought of not writing a review because in my mind only positive reviews matter. In the end though I decided to write why I didn't like this.

This story is something else. Something I don't want to put a title on.

I did not finish this book. I managed to reach page 24 though. This hasn't happened to me before. You see, I like intense stories. Fucked up stories. This book though it was more than fucked up.

Murphy is the head of the O'Shea family. The O'Shea family has a "business". What is that business..? They sell women. They consider them products and as they say, they purchase them, bring them to their "factory", process them and then distribute them to clients that intend to use them. At this point right there I thought that the author was talking about a piece of meat and not a human being.

These women do not want to be there but Murphy's father says that their fate is chosen for them. They do not have a choice. Bullshit if you ask me.

When one of these women asks help from Murphy his father gets angry. He gets angry because one of these "whores" dared to talk to his son. He said that "a woman who is willing to do anything to save her own skin is a whore."
Well..who put her in that position so that she needs to save her own skin asshole?

Up until that moment I was still reading the book. As I've mentioned quite some times..I do not get triggered easily. But then what happened is what made me stop.

The O'Shea family has a "tradition" of killing old "slaves". When one of the female "products" reaches the age of 50+ they say thank you and stuff and then all of them stab her. I mean..what the hell!?

Maybe I'm over reacting. I don't know. What I know is that these scenes right there made me feel bad.

If you have the stomach for this shit then by all means..read it. I want my stories to be sexy, smutty, intense..not sick. The only reason I give this 2 ⭐ is because I respect the author's effort to write what she has in her mind. I always respect that even when a book is not for me.

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

King of Masters is a spin off book from the Four Families trilogy and this is Murphy & Stella's story.

As we have seen in the previous trilogy Murphy is the born leader of the O'Shea family, who family deal in human trafficking. They make their living stealing women and selling them to new masters.
Stella is a single independent woman who owns her own tattoo business. Murphy and her brothers stumble into her shop late one night and the firworks between the two started. A one night stand turns into a long distance affair via the phone until Murphy decides Stella must be by his side.

Murphy doesn't mind telling lies to Stella to get her to Ireland and once Stella finds out what his family is into then all hell breaks loose. Stella is disgusted with Murphy and his family but she also cannot deny the undeniable bond they have. Stella sets out to show Murphy what he is doing is wrong and tries to get through his stubborness.

Will Murphy allow his Queen to put an end to it all and allow them to build an honest life for themselves, If you want to know then you best download this book and read it.

I loved this book and I love this author, however I felt the end came to quick and we could have been given more information on what Murphy was intending to do.

[Abstract ♥ Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS



Star Rating : 5/5 Stars

POV : Dual

Cliffhanger : None

Hero : Murphy

Heroine : Stella

Pace of the story : Moderate

Angst Rating : 6/10

Heat Rating : 7/10

Triggers Involved : Kidnapping , Betrayal Trafficking scenes

Plot Summary :
Stella is living a pretty plain life. Her life takes a turn when she meets Murphy. He quickly sweeps her off her feet and before she knows she is crazy in love with the dark and dangerous man who won’t leave her alone but makes her love every moment of it. All it takes is for one evening for things to turn dark . She realizes the man she loves is not what he says. He is the stuff made of nightmares and now there is nowhere for her to go because he is not letting her no matter how much she begs.

Murphy knows the danger of falling in love with him. But he just can’t stay away from stella. There is only one way for her to be with him, and that is to become the unwilling queen to his kingdom. He knows she will hate it and him but he doesn't care because she will be his. She is the one light thing in his dark world and there is no way he is letting her go no matter how much she hates him for it.

Overall Opinion :
OMG. I have been crazily waiting for this book ever since I read the four families trilogy! Murphy and Stella have been on my radar for ages and am so glad that I got to read them! This book is a freaking masterpiece!

Stella is one the best heroines ever because she fights back! She is sassy and that is the one thing Murphy loves about her even though she puts one hell of a fight with him. She hates him but never stops loving him all the while he is destroying her whole world. I am just so addicted to this world by this author! I really hope that we will get more books by this author from this world because I am loving it!

I am screaming at you all to read this book. It's one hell of a dark romance standalone with themes that might make a few people uncomfortable but trust me when I say that it’s pretty amazing.

Website | Bookstagram | Facebook Page | Newsletter

[Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! OMG! I have to say, this is my absolute, all time favorite book of Brynn Ford's and I am EXCITED to see her top this!!! Every book this author writes gets better and better!!! This trope is one of my favorites and tie in the fact that Brynn Ford just masters the dark romance genre so perfectly and you have yourself a FANTASTIC BOOK RIGHT HERE! Murphy and Stella were a dream!! A DREAM I TELL YOU!!!
Stella is a great character written for Murphy, she was strong and fierce and if anyone could take him on it was her.
Gawdd I cannot get Murphy out of my head now that I am writing this review and thinking of that man all over again. Can we just say POSSESSIVE ALPHA AT ITS FINEST!!!
I am trying to be as vague as possible while trying to still entice you enough to get you to one click this bad boy right here. JUST READ THIS RIGHT AWAY. THIS AUTHOR IS A MASTERMIND!!!!

[Faiza Daudo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And I’m standing here with my mouth gaping open in shock, realizing I’m an absolute moron—the name of my next client is John Smith. John Smith. The fakest of fake names I’ve ever heard.”

Phew.

What a crazy ride. This whole world took a life out of me.

The Four Families Trilogy was one of the most tragic stories I've read. Much like a certain Fanfic if you can catch my drift. And it feels like Brynn decided to give us this book to heal our souls.

All of the questions that I had and were left unanswered even after finishing The four Families were answered here and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Stella and Murphy's story is as precious to me as Anya and Ezra's.
What I love about this story is that it is painfully realistic. Hear me out first.
Knowing that Murphy, a man that is the head of one of the biggest human trafficking rings, was able to present himself as this regular super rich guy, that's scary. And that's what made me love this book even more.

This book is the definition of arranged forced marriage. I don't think any book could top this one in that department.

Murphy O'Shea is the King of Masters. He is one of the main leaders of The Four Families.
He was spending a few days with his brothers in a vacation, when they stumbled upon a tattoo shop. That's when he first laid eyes on Stella.

“She’ll remain safe so long as you remain compliant.”
“I’m not fucking compliant! I never have been! Why the fuck did you choose me for this? If you wanted an obedient wife, that’s what you should’ve chosen!”

Stella Scott is not interested in men. When Murphy and his brothers came into her shop, she had no plans of getting involved with him, despite the undeniable chemistry they had going for each other.
When they go to the same club, she decides to hell with everything and just enjoy him for a night since he was there for just one night and they would never have to see each other again. Or they?

Slowly, she starts falling for this nonexistent version of Murphy. The regular, charming, rich and little dominant version.
But soon she finds herself being kidnapped to Ireland, learning about Murphy's "craft" and The Four Families type of business, and ultimately forced to marry him.

Murphy was ruthless. He saw something he wanted and he wasted no resources to get it.

I loved the push and pull between these two, I loved how snarky Stella is, and how she never stopped fighting and mostly I loved how she was able to help Murphy see that what he was doing, what he believed in was monstrous.

The ending was so satisfying. It was exactly as I wanted it to be.

If you want to give this book a try, first you must do two things: check the triggers and content warning list and read The Four Families trilogy for a more comprehensive experience.

[Paracosm · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is one of those books where the woman is way hotter and cooler than the man. I would date Stella anytime. Fuck Murphy.
I give the book 2 Stars just for Stella. 💗

* Spoiler *
I'm mad that Murphy and Stella ended up getting together. The story would have been much more interesting if Stella had killed Murphy and destroyed the business.
I have a personal hatred for Murphy. I have no idea how Stella could fall in love with him.
Murphy did the bare minimum and Stella immediately went soft for him?? For example he defended a woman once... wow... that's really just the bare minimum. (At least Stella has noticed how toxic he is and that he only does the bare minimum)
It also annoyed me that the book kept saying how misunderstood he is. You can't tell me that someone can sell humans just because they're misunderstood and they're actually soft.
I also wish Stella had made more choices. It feels like Murphy drove the whole plot and Stella just ran after him. Stella is described as a strong and independent woman. So it would have been nice if she did more than just crack cheeky jokes.
It amazes me why her friends immediately believed her when she lied about being happy. My friends would have noticed immediately if something is wrong.

I was extremely upset by the following quote:
"You know your soul was never lost (...) It was only searching for mine so you could heal me."
Can someone tell Murphy that a woman's soul isn't there to fix a man??

I found it weird that Murphy suddenly felt empathy for the last 50 pages because Stella ✨ changed him ✨ How can someone sell women for years and suddenly decide it's wrong?
I also didn't like how Murphy was portrayed as a victim at the end. He was still selling innocent women and should face more consequences.
The ending also felt very rushed. Stella suddenly got stabbed with a knife and on the next page it says it's not that bad. And then on the last few pages it is only briefly explained how they manage to destroy the Four Houses. I have no idea how they do it...
I hate the trophy that the woman has to have a child to have a happy ending *crying*

Sorry but there is nothing attractive in a man who is a human trafficker, rapist and misogynist.

[Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, blackmail and forced marriages are sure to provide a good time in dark romance, and this book did not disappoint! Stella and Murphy started with intense passion and chemistry, and it continued to blaze into a raging inferno as their story progressed. I believe that this is marketed as a standalone, but in my opinion, the reader might feel confused about a few events that happen in the Four Families trilogy that are referenced in this book if they haven’t already read them. If you’ve read the trilogy, don’t sit on this book for too long - it’s my new favorite novel from Brynn Ford!

This book is very dark. Please check trigger warnings before diving in. Human trafficking is a central focus of the plot in this story (and in the trilogy that precedes it).

[Tai Nelson-Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

King of Masters is the 4th and final book in The Four Families series. I am going to say that I devoured the first three books in The Four Families series. So when Brynn came out with this story, I was so excited until it was time to read it. Do you ever get so excited about something and then think, Oh God, what if....? Well, that is what happened; every time I saw it on my Goodreads list, I was like, I want to read, but what if. Finally, I couldn't put it off anymore, and I went for it. I am so mad at myself for waiting.

I should know better than to wait on a Brynn Ford book! That is the first lesson. King of Masters was unbelievably wonderful. Murphy is a misunderstood man that has a disgusting family. I won't go into details because I do want you to read this book. But know that no matter what he does, it is for the better good of his soul. When he finds Stella, he becomes selfish and makes her his. He does know what he is doing; that is why he asks for permission from the families. Murphy knows he will have to fight for every ounce of love from Stella. But he is willing to do it.

Stella has fallen in love with a man that doesn't exist. He is kind, sexy, and rich. But when she finally gets to meet his family, things change drastically. She is drugged, kidnapped, and hidden away. Stella will fight Murphy every minute of every day for the love she thought she had from him. She will try to find the man she thought she had. But little did she know that Murphy is a king among men.


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[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella and Murphy's story was perfect on so many levels. Murphy is dark, commanding and so demanding but Stella is no ones wallflower and she definitely kept him in his toes. Loved it

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no words

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooooh yes!

King of Masters is the exact kind of dark novel that I love to read. I want the hero to have the traits of a villain but still have enough qualities to be redeemable in my eyes. Murphy was that perfect balance of gentleman and powerful crime lord.



If you’ve read The Four Family trilogy you know Murphy was a fascinating side character! Not only was he a powerful mysterious man but the moment Brynn mentioned he was Irish…. I was SOLD!! The few glimpses we got of his and Stella’s relationship had me very curious too. I desperately wanted to know more about them as individuals but also how their relationship first started.

So glad Brynn Ford decided to write their romance because I was over the moon excited to get more of Murphy!!

What I especially enjoyed about this is that the heroine, Stella was such a badass!! I love that she didn’t realize she was falling in love with a powerful man. I usually don’t like characters being deceived (I mean who does?) but it made sense that Murphy wouldn’t be 100% honest with her in the beginning. However, once Stella finds out oh this book becomes a complete addiction!! Just the way she finds out is incredible!! Get ready to read this one seating! The chemistry between those two was so freaking hot!!



Overall, King of Masters is a must read! It was exquisitely written and was completely sexy and complex.

[Micheala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy received from the author. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.

After reading The Five Families trilogy this is the story I didn’t realize I needed nor wanted. In the trilogy we’re shown Murphy, but I never got a full feel on him until this one. Turns out, he’s quite the determined, obsessive, intriguing person. After travelling to the US he meets and connects with tattoo artist Stella. After a whirlwind couple of months, she agrees to travel to see him

For her, it’s a trip. For him, it’s forever.

This story provided another perspective into The Five Families world. The original trilogy focused only on slavery while this one touched on it little. It was all about Murphy’s determination to get Stella into his life, as his wife, and bring the outsider into the dark circle.

It’s also Stella who proves to be the driving force behind the end of book 3 of the original trilogy, we learn, and also the after. What happens after is answered through this book in a very well thought out way.

I really enjoyed this story. More than the original trilogy? I’m not sure. It held a different sense of magic. It’s less dark, since we don’t get to see much of the gritty slave stuff, and Murphy isn’t a bad guy. As Stella eventually learns he’s a guy driven by circumstance and family. He is who he is because he knows nothing else.

Very enjoyable read!

[Maria Reynoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though King of Masters is a stand alone book, I highly recommend ready the Four Families Trilogy to fully be engulfed in the whole story and characters. Stella and Murphy finally get their story in King of Masters. Stella is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants and will not settle for less. Murphy is a dominant alpha who not only controls his slice of the world, but he's also tenacious and ruthless when it comes to getting what he wants and desires. When Stella and Murphy meet, their chemistry ignites and their independence and priorities clash at times, but they also when when to bend slightly and when to continue full-force. When Murphy's hidden truth is realized/learned by Stella, Murphy realizes that not only does he have his hands full, but he will also have to win her over again.

I absolutely loved this book and whole series! The chemistry, suspense, secrets, and how the underworld works is extremely well written. The characters come to life, and I found myself completely enthralled. Even though King of Masters is not as dark as the Four Families Trilogy, please take in mind that these are a dark romance and have many triggers. Thank you Ms. Ford for gifting me a copy of your book. I am going to happily purchase your set soon. This was my honest opinion.

[Darkreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

This was quite a ride! This book takes place in the four families world and, if you're planning to read the series, you should do so before starting this book as it has massive spoilers. This is the story of Murphy O'Shea, the new head of the O'Shea family and Stella, an unwitting outsider. These two meet and fall for each other with Stella being none the wiser about who it is she is falling for. Murphy isn't above using lies, manipulation and force to make sure that he can have Stella by his side. This was an explosive tale of toxic love and obsession. It was burtal at times and I felt for both Stella and Murphy. But there are glimpses of real love, tenderness and devotion. I'm normally not a huge fan of in your face kick butt heroines, but it really worked here. Stella is not a pushover and that's what made it possible for her to not only be the right partner for Murphy but also survive the situation she finds herself in. I loved Murphy. He perfectly straddled the line of ruthlessness and caring. While he was willing to do whatever it takes ot make Stella his and took away her choices, he was never abusive and took care of her. The steam in this book was both plentiful and exceptionally well done. I enjoyed the side characters and wouldn't mind getting to know some of them better. Up until about 80% I was absolutely gripped by the story and couldn't wait to see how it would all play out. And this is where the book lost half a star for me. I felt like I needed more details to believe that ending. I enjoy a happy ending as much as the next girl, but it was just a bit too neat for me to find it believable. Despite that, King of Masters is an outstanding dark romance that will appeal to fans of the genre.

[Lilith *EUPHORIA_READS_* · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊: KING OF MASTERS.
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: DARK CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE.
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: STANDALONE.
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: BRYNN FORD.
𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST-PERSON: DUAL PERSPECTIVE.
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒: VIOLENCE.
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓:🤠🤠🤠🤠
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:🌏🌏🌏🌏
𝐄𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:🦋🦋🦋🦋

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄:
Will you let go of your true love for saving her from the darkness residing within? Well, Murphy didn't but it doesn't make his love any less.
He proved that the selfish kind of love is what we all want.

Murphy had more of the darkness in him than humanity. In the business of Trafficking people, he has lost any humanity left in him. Everyone obeys him as the head of O'Shea family. But one look at Stella reminds him of what he is missing in his life. The thrill of catching your prey. But what happens next was unexpected to them both, the prey becomes the predator and its bloodbath allover.

As soon as I came to know that Murphy was getting his own book, I was on cloud 9. I mean, come on! If you have read THE FOUR FAMILIES series by Author Ford then you know how just the glimpse of both Murphy and Stella is enough for us to crave for them.

Stella was exactly what I expected, I love her attitude and how she didn't take shit from anyone, even Murphy. The four families as always pulled me in their chaos. Not everything is as normal in the foru families as the outside world. They have their own rules and traditions. The wedding night😛🔥❤!!!

Author Ford writes the best kind of dark Romance that just sucked me in. The plot is filled with action and steam. Love how it wasn't instalove, the story developed in a very well paced. I am just hoping for more books in the same world. It's darkness is never-ending and gives the best thrill.

[DanielleAndHerSmutBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell to the yes!!!
Once I finished the Four Families trilogy, I told Brynn that we needed Murphy and Stella's story. Thankfully...they told Brynn the same thing and here it is!!!

Let me preface this first by saying...while this book is a standalone...you REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY need to read the Four Families trilogy first. Not only is it amazing, but King of Masters will spoil things for Four Families, and many things will just make that much more sense to have read the trilogy first.

Okay, so...Murphy and Stella. HOLY ISH.
Murphy is a hot, demanding, dominating, alpha that you can't help to love to hate and hate to love. Oh how I wish I knew if you as reading this review had read FF previously...there is so much I want to say that I'm afraid to because I don't want to spoil things. He's hot...he's ruthless...he's met his match in Stella.

Now Stella...oh she is QUEEN. Like OMG, I LOVE her. Total girl crush here. She gives Murphy a run for his money. She brings him to his knees. She kicks ass and takes no shit. She speaks her mind and speaks out and tests Murphy to the brink of thinking she has done lost her mind. She is Murphy's perfect match in so many ways.

King of Masters is a spin-off "standalone" (again...see my recommendation)...that is dark and captive. It is sexy as hell. It is sassy. It is exactly what I was hoping to get from Murphy and Stella...I expected no less.

[Terka · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually couldn't finish it. The beginning was good but as the story progressed found it predictable and boring.

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Spoilers Ahead❗️

Although King of Masters is marketed as a standalone, it is a spin-off of the Four Families Trilogy. It contains major spoilers for the events in that trilogy, so if you haven’t read it and don’t want the ending spoiled, I highly recommend reading the trilogy first! You’ll also likely feel a bit lost on the world-building and side character moments without that background.

I read the Four Families Trilogy before this, so while I understood the context, I kept thinking—how would this feel if I read it as a standalone? 🤔 Honestly, while the love story between Murphy and Stella is super strong, if you go in blind without having read the trilogy, you’ll definitely feel like you’re missing out. 😬 Their character arcs and their love story can stand alone, but the world-building, plot points, and side characters are so connected to the Four Families that without it, a lot of depth is lost. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Here’s a twist: not only does King of Masters spoil the Four Families Trilogy, but the Four Families Trilogy also spoils the ending of this book! 😅 The epilogue of Pas De Trois basically gives away Murphy and Stella’s fate, which takes away a lot of the tension and angst. I love a good HEA, but knowing how it all ends beforehand definitely softens the blow. 🤦🏻‍♀️

What I did love was how strong the book started from the prologue. Seeing Murphy at just 8 years old, before he was fully sucked into his family’s twisted world, was something I really appreciated. You get a real sense of how he was groomed from a young age, thrust into this life by the very people who loved and protected him. His journey—trying to keep some shred of humanity in such a sick, sadistic world—was gripping. Even though he comes off as the villain at first, you can’t help but see him as a victim of severe abuse and grooming. His story is complex and heartbreaking, and I loved watching him fight his way toward redemption.🖤

Murphy and Stella’s relationship? Whew. 😏 I loved their dynamic. The tension, the banter, the constant push and pull—two strong-willed characters colliding. That’s what made their relationship exciting. The smut? 🔥 Yeah, every scene between them worked for me. That said, I’d give it a one🌶️ out of five. It’s more rough, than dark kinks, but it suits their personalities perfectly. 🫶🏼 The darkness in their story comes from their toxic relationship and emotional trauma, rather than the physical and psychological abuse we saw with Anya and Ezra.

Now, let’s talk Stella. In the beginning, she really grated on my nerves. 😖 We were introduced to her in both the Four Families Trilogy and this book as a headstrong, bold woman, but in King of Masters, she throws that out the window too easily for Murphy early on. Trusting him blindly, going against her friends and instincts? Girl, what are you doing?! 😩 After the truth came out, she regained that strength I loved, but it was tough to watch her drop her guard so fast. Falling for Murphy, I get it—but the trust came way too quickly. 🙅🏻‍♀️

While the book started strong, the pacing felt off toward the end. It was rushed, and I would’ve loved more conflict as Murphy began dismantling the Four Families empire. There were missed opportunities for deeper struggles, especially with the other heads of the families. Murphy’s road to redemption felt too easy at times. The time jumps threw me off, and the story began to drag, making the ending predictable and less satisfying than I hoped. 😕

That said, Brynn Ford does a great job of building characters with depth and personality. The banter between Murphy and Stella, and even Anya and Ezra, was spot on. Their interactions gave the characters life and made me want even more from them. While some of the dialogue was a little cringey, Murphy’s emotional complexity still hit hard. I especially loved him in the beginning, watching his humanity slowly melt through. Even with all the terrible things he’s done, you feel for him because of the war raging inside him.🥺

All in all, despite the pacing issues and rushed conclusion, I still really enjoyed the book. Murphy’s complexity and his overall arc kept me hooked. The author knows how to write emotions and characters well. While there was potential for more depth, especially with characters like Nikolai (I wanted so much more from him too! 😭), I was still satisfied with what we got from Murphy’s story, and seeing the depravity of the Four Families up close was intense.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murphy was just a young child when his parents told him it was time for him to learn about the family business as he would be Head of House for the O'Shea family after his father. He didn't understand why these girls were behind bars and his father bent down in front of him to tell him they were sacrifices to keep the monsters away. They were products needed to keep the women in their family safe and to ensure the wealth to feed all the O'Shea family.

Murphy is on his way to the O'Shea Castle in Ireland with his talent slave Fiona. He has been her secret benefactor for ten years, but now it is time to accept his place as Head of Family as his father has retired. So he is here for the transfer of power and the centuries long tradition of decommissioning his parent's talent slave Esmerelda. He has to hide the sliver of humanity that he still holds onto in order get through this macabre act where each of the immediate family members sink the family dagger into her until she bleeds to death on the tiles below her.

The other members of the Four Families, a secret global conglomerate of human traffickers, the Mikhailvovs, the Vittoris and the Campbells each have their own ways of welcoming new talent. Not all of the four families kill their old talent, but this ritual solidifies their family’s brutality. His family spills blood together...no one's hands remain clean.

Murphy bends down to remove the blade left by his parents. The dagger that is passed to him from his father and those before him. He is now the king of masters and Fiona is the new family talent slave. Each of the Four Families has their own talent slave and each quarter before their meeting the hosting family has a talent reception with each family determined to outshine the other.

Stella owns a tattoo shop in New York and as she and one of her tattoo artists are closing up a drunken man stumbles through the door followed by two men who were luckily sober. When they were told they were here from Ireland for just another day Cora talked her into meeting them next door for dancing and a perfect chance for a one-night stand.

One of the best dark romances I have read! Brynn Ford has delivered an amazing story of passion and depravity. Books 1-3 of the Four Families Series is about Anya and Ezra, but you really need to read these books in order to truly understand Murphy and the life he was born into.

Murphy is the perfect anti-hero. Despite being trained from a very young age to take his place as the O'Shea's Head of House, he was able to keep a sliver of humanity and a sliver is all that Cora needs to get through to this heart. There are traditions to be held as a Head to one of the Four Families including the women of the families picking their wives when they reach forty years of age, but Murphy is determined to have one choice in his life and that is his wife.

This book is action packed from cover to cover and hits all of your emotions. Despite the monster that Murphy has been trained to be I love him. His emotional growth and moral compass alter drastically after one night with Cora. Their passion and love for each other is all consuming and you can feel it through the pages.

Decommissioning slaves is not the only archaic tradition within the O'Shea family and it will blow your mind and take you back to medieval times. There are a wide range of secondary characters and they are so fully developed you feel they are standing next to you. You can feel their evil coming through the pages.

I absolutely loved this series and can't wait to read more by Brynn Ford. She is definitely a master of dark romance and brings these characters to life in all their deviant ways. Highly recommend!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Murphy is the born leader of the O'Shea family, on of four families in conglomerate of traffickers. They make their living stealing women and selling them to new masters...masters among which, he is a king. When he acquires a new slave meant to be his plaything, he finds he has no interest in her easy submission. He wants a challenge. He wants a woman who will stand by his side and make him stronger. He doesn't want a pet...he wants a wife.
Stella is the epitome of an independent woman. She's tough, single and runs her own business. On a chance encounter, she meet Murphy, and their instant physical chemistry is undeniable. A one night stand turns into a long-distance affair of the heart, except Stella doesn't know the real Murphy O'Shea. She's falling for him, but she doesn't know he's a ruthless criminal. Murphy is meant to have an arranged marriage in five years, only now he's met Stella. He wants her...and he's going to take her. He's the king of masters and she'll be made his reluctant queen.

First of all this is a dark romance and a spin off of the Four Families trilogy. While this can be read as a standalone, you are so going to want to read the Four Families Trilogy. I will go ahead and warn you if you read this first your going to get a major spoiler into how the end of the Four Families books go. I've read that series and loved every single second of it. It is not a series that you want to miss nor is it a ending that you want spoiled. This is the story of Murphy and he is the born leader of the O'Shea family. This is not your average family but one that deals in human trafficking. Yep they make their living off stealing girls and selling them to their new masters. Not the greatest job in the world and sure it is highly illegal but the O'Shea family is really good at what they do. Stella is a strong independent woman and is the owner of her onw tattoo parlor. Late one night Murphy along with her brothers stumble into the tattoo parlor and the sparks fly hot and heavy between her and Murphy. Soon they find themselves in a long distance affair over the telephone until Murphy decides he wants her by his side. Murphy doesn't mind telling Stella whatever he wants her to hear to get her to Ireland and when she finds out what the O'Shea family does she is high disturbed and disgusted with him and the whole ordeal. But that still doesn't stop the bond they have from burning bright. And Stella is determined to make sure that he knows that he is doing is wrong . Will this even work or will the man listen to the girl he has wanted for his Queen?? You have to read the book to find out. But I promise it is a thrill ride you will never want to get off of. It certainly is a workout for your heart that's for sure.

[Madalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was expecting Murphy's story since I have read The Four Families Trilogy, which I recommend to be read before reading King of Masters.

Murphy and Stella have met on a starry night in New York, while Murphy was celebrating his brother Cormac up coming nuptials. They had a connection from the start and even though they live in different countries and continents they still kept in touch, and developed feelings for each other. Stella doesn't have any idea about Murphy's life and family business, but he still wants her and makes everything possible to have her forever. But is Stella going to accept Murphy and his family, after she finds out the truth?

I liked this story quite a lot I would say. Stela is such a feisty, tell what's on her mind kind of girl, and this has drawn Murphy to her, he found a challenge in her personality. They both crave to have the power so it was good to see how they surrender and how they fight for it. It was thrilling to see her reaction and she embraced Murphy's life and family. Murphy is a good man at heart, but he was breed from a young age to take the place of head of the family, so he new only this life. When he met Stella the spark has lightened for him and found a purpose, maybe there is more than the family business

Their relationship was easy at first, but got so complicated after the truth came out. Sometimes I didn't like Stella, because she focused so much on the present, that she forgot to really try to know Murphy, or get the things into perspective. But in the end she figured out that she can have the power to change something and help Murphy become the man that she wanted.

I liked this story and the ending, and how their future life progressed. I really recommend it, but be aware that there might some triggers, so check those out first.

[Little monster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good forced marriage, kidnapping story and this book had me from page one!! I've not read any of the series that this is a spin off from but I will be downloading them soon as.. if they are anything like this book then I know I love them.

Stella is living a pretty boring life, she is a tattoo artist with her own shop in New York had plenty of douchcanoe ex boyfriends but is happy being single.....till she meets Murphy!!!! He's older, dark, and dangerous but boy can she feel the electricity when they meet, when him and his brothers go on holiday there from Ireland for his brothers stag do. Murphy can't stop thinking about Stella, and her him too so they begin to see each other even though there is an ocean between them they make it work.......only thing is Murphy isn't who he seems and is hiding a side from Stella that he knows he has to tell her at some point but of course he waits till it's too late. Stella now realizes he's not the man she fell in love with, he's a monster and he won't let her go no matter how much she begs and how much she tries to escape.

Murphy knows that falling in love with Stella was dangerous, but he knew he had to have her no matter the cost to his family! She is to become his Queen albeit unwilling....but he needs her by his side and be the light in his dark life. He will never let her go no matter the hatred she feels for him, he won't give up!!!

I honestly loved this book from start to finish and devoured it in one sitting!! Stella has my heart she is AMAZING!!!! she stands her ground and boy is she feisty and she will fight back so hard against Murphy she had me all the way through. The sex is off the scale hot, I mean wow!!!!! Yes it's a dark romance book and does have some triggers but trust me when I say this book is amazing.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

King of Masters is a spin off of the Four Families trilogy and it was utter perfection Brynn, is a master at creating something beautiful out of such dark beginnings.

Stella is a lost soul, battling her demons in the big bad apple. She is isolated without family but has an inner strength and light that has made her successful in her own right. She has built a strong business and a small, close friendship group but she is closed off from life and love. Her walls are thick and high and no one is allowed in to her heart.

Murphy is the O'shay is the Head of House, he is cold, he is calculating and he is ruthless. He sees assist everywhere and takes what he wants, when he wants and no one will stop him or save them. The family business is trafficking and Murphy is the product of his upbringing, groomed to perfection by his Father from an innocent child to the man he is today.

Their worlds collide one night and they feel instinctively drawn to one another and even though they plan to part ways, their souls call to each other. Their journey is a dark, twisted betrayal of trust. Murphy believes his actions are the only route as he pulls Stella into his world without a second though or choice.

She is the light in his darkness. Her light is the flame that pulls his humanity form the depths of the abyss of unending darkness he's been living in. Together they have the power to change the world, to grow, to heal beyond measure. It is not without pain, blood or suffering but it is what two lost souls needed to cement their love for one another.

This book is a brilliant read, definitely read the Four Family's and bathe in the darkness that is their world.

[Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before we dive into how amazing this book was I want to say that if you have not read The Four Families Trilogy I HIGHLY recommend that you do. While King of Masters is a spin off and can be read as a stand alone it does have spoilers from the trilogy.

Murphy and Stella GAHHHHHH I love them together. Stella is a strong alpha female that doesn’t take crap from anyone she feisty and has an attitude that rivals my own LOL. This is why she is completely perfect for Murphy she really does give him a run for his money. I would marry her in an instant! Murphy is everything you could ever want and need in an Alpha male he is obsessive, a bit off the rails and crazy possessive of what he deems his. Murphy has so many layers to him and as much as I love his ruthless side the softer more caring side he gives to Stella has me swooning, that man would walk through the depths of hell come out on top and burn the world to the ground for Stella. The chemistry between these two is explosive and when they come together hold onto your panties ladies!!! Our of the four books this was by far my favorite, completely blew my mind and even after I finished I had a book hangover for days!! Absolute must read!!!

If you love Dark Romance at its finest then you definitely need to get your hands on King of Masters.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

DAMN! This was an absolutely thrilling and highly entertaining story that had me gripping my kindle tightly and glued to my seat the whole way through. It’s dark, gritty, emotional and damn right sexy.

HOLY HELL! I have never had a character make my ovaries scream and my panties literally explode as much as Murphy O’Shea did when ever he opened his mouth. That man’s dirty talk abilities and his alpha manliness had me oozing into a puddle of mush! I think I bit my lip off and stopped breathing a few times. He’s demanding, domineering, sexy and fierce.

Stella is one hell of a fierce queen and is able to give Murphy a run for his money. She definitely keeps him on his toes and doesn’t cave easily. I loved her strength and resiliency in the face of life threatening doom.

Murphy and Stella together are explosive! They have such raw chemistry that was utterly undeniable. Their push and pull for dominance and power was filled with such intense sexual tension that you knew these two were going to explode at any given time. It was exciting, riveting and extremely passion filled. I knew that if these two could work together they would burn it all down.

Brilliantly written with outstanding characters that make you squirm on your seat, and a storyline that is explosive, suspenseful, dark, twisted and HOT!

I can’t wait to read what this amazing author comes up with next.

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

Speechless from beginning to end! King of Master is a darky dark and so twisted! You won't believe what goes on behind closed doors with his family! Sick? Yes but I loved it!!
Murphy Head of the House of the O'Shea crime family. They traffic women. My heart broke for Murphy as a child. He had no choice.
When Murphy met the little spitfire who took nothing from Murphy he knew she would become his Queen.
"There was never a choice for me to be yours," I whisper as we pant together, as he finds a steady rhythm that quickly drives us both toward a perfect release. "Not from the moment we met each other."
Murphy's family is one messed up family especially what Murphy and Stella had to endure on their wedding night in bed. Yep! Let your mind wander. It's nothing you would expect.
"Lost souls collide and shatter lives."

"You shattered my life ," he whispers , kissing my cheek and petting my hair, "and I shattered yours. I want to pick up what's left of our two lost souls and make one together . You and me, king and queen."
"We never stood a chance," he breathes, kissing the top of my head. "We were made to save each other."
I haven't had the pleasure of reading the Four Families Trilogy but my interest is piqued.
Highly recommend!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to the author and all I can say is book hangover, wow! The book is intense and amazing and you are brought into the book with each of the characters as you fight to find out how things will actually end for Murphy and Stella. Will the King get his Queen?

Murphy is the oldest in the O’Shea family which results in him being the born leader in one of the four families in the business. What business is that you ask? Well trafficking of course. As his time has come to get a new slave he finds that as King he doesn’t want someone that bows to his every command, no he wants someone that challenges him at every turn.

Stella is a business owner. She is tough and speaks her mind. As a chance encounter brings her face to face with Murphy, the chemistry is instant. Though Murphy is supposed to have an arranged marriage he finds that the only person he wants is Stella. However, she doesn’t want anything to do with the man and his business. His decision is to make her his Queen no matter what. The tug of war between love and hate is everything and you wonder what in the world is going to win in the end.

“There never was a choice for you. Not from the moment we met each other.”

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good!!! When I heard Brynn was covering Murphy and Stella's story I was so excited and as expected Brynn did not disappoint!
I loved how Murphy and Stella meet, how their relationship unfolds...their chemistry was so hot!!! Murphy is definitely one of the best anti-heroes I've read in a while! Stella never stood a chance once she was in his sights!
Stella was such a strong character, I loved her fighting spirit, not only fighting for her freedom, but for what was right and ultimately for Murphy himself.....it truly was brilliant!!!

The plot itself was well thought out, full of intense situations, loads of action, violence, emotion and some very steamy sex scenes! I didn't want it to end!

If you like your anti-heroes dark, possessive and dangerous and your heroines strong and determined, with a sinister and suspense filled plot then you need to read this book!!
I suggest reading the Four Families trilogy first to give the best reading experience as the storylines do cross over!

I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

[Whispered Secrets · Rating 4 out of 5]

King of Masters by Brynn Ford is darker than dark. Of coarse if you read the Four Families Trilogy then you expected that. I am not into controlling and selling people…but this story was one I couldn’t put down. I love a dark bully romance throw in a bit of mafia and I’m putty. Murphy and Stella were made for each other. He’s a pure alpha hole that was born to be the O’Shea family and he never loses when he wants something. When he meets Stella he knows…he wants her and not just for one night. Stella is falling fast for Murphy, problem is she doesn’t know who he REALLY is and when she finds out the shiitake hits the fan. Stella is strong, independent and refuses to be controlled by anyone, especially a man trying to take away all her free will. The spice is hot, the pain pleasurable, the love undeniable. Their story swallowed me up and spit me out a different person. So good. But beware there are triggers. This is a very dark stand-alone spin off book. I received a free advanced copy to read and review.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Oh boy is this dark dark. I wasn't surprised though since there is a content warning as well as it being a mafia romance. We meet Murphy at the age of eight when he is introduced into the family "business." As the oldest he is set to take over when his dad retires or passes whichever comes first. We then jump to the day he takes over before going to New York on a trip with his brothers. That is where he meets Stella. She is a woman full of fire and attitude knowing what she wants. They are instantly drawn to one another but I doubt either of them expected all they would have to go through for it all to work out. Makes a darkly intense romance that ill keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what is coming next. A fantastic read for fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.