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Three Kings #2
Drama King
Stuck with her off-limits, taciturn, hunky movie star client during a sudden snowstorm on Christmas Eve, an extremely capable and highly professional bodyguard must keep him alive and warm without letting the tension building between them get too hot.
Bathsheba (Beth) Ryan can’t thank her best friend enough for helping her land the job of her dreams. After being relegated to second-string security for politicians in DC, being hired as an undercover personal security specialist by a giant Hollywood studio is exactly the kind of action she’s always wanted.
Until she meets her first assignment.
Cyrus Malcom can’t thank his agent enough for arranging a blind date with seemingly the woman of his dreams. After spending the past several years playing all the parts and climbing all the ladders, the lonely mega movie star finds himself actually enjoying a night on the town for the first time in ages when he meets the gorgeous, funny, and genuine Ryaine O’Rourke.
Until she shows up at his studio meeting the next day with a completely different name.
A world-wide press tour and too many late-night parties later, Beth simply needs to get through a short, one-day visit during the Christmas holiday, and then she’ll be free of Cyrus Malcom’s confusing hot looks and cold shoulders for good.
But just as they leave the airport, it starts to snow . . .
‘Drama King’ is the second book in the Three Kings Series, is a full-length, contemporary romantic comedy, and can be read as a complete standalone.
Bathsheba (Beth) Ryan can’t thank her best friend enough for helping her land the job of her dreams. After being relegated to second-string security for politicians in DC, being hired as an undercover personal security specialist by a giant Hollywood studio is exactly the kind of action she’s always wanted.
Until she meets her first assignment.
Cyrus Malcom can’t thank his agent enough for arranging a blind date with seemingly the woman of his dreams. After spending the past several years playing all the parts and climbing all the ladders, the lonely mega movie star finds himself actually enjoying a night on the town for the first time in ages when he meets the gorgeous, funny, and genuine Ryaine O’Rourke.
Until she shows up at his studio meeting the next day with a completely different name.
A world-wide press tour and too many late-night parties later, Beth simply needs to get through a short, one-day visit during the Christmas holiday, and then she’ll be free of Cyrus Malcom’s confusing hot looks and cold shoulders for good.
But just as they leave the airport, it starts to snow . . .
‘Drama King’ is the second book in the Three Kings Series, is a full-length, contemporary romantic comedy, and can be read as a complete standalone.
Unknown Binding
First published December 13, 2022
524 people are currently reading
10220 people want to read
About the author
Penny Reid
92 books22.4k followersSign up for the newsletter of awesome: www.pennyreid.ninja/newsletter
Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
FOLLOW PENNY:
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Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.
FOLLOW PENNY:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pennyreidwriter
Twitter: www.twitter.com/reidromance
Instagram:www.instagram.com/reidromance
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December 13, 2022
★★Now Live★★
It’s here!! Drama King is alive and well all across the internets! Get ready to get snowed-in with Cyrus and Beth!
Here’s what reviewers are saying…
★★★★★”I was super excited for this book but I was not prepared! I WAS NOT PREPARED for the level of love I have for Cyrus!! ♥️“
–Allie Rambles, 5 star review
★★★★★”Perfect as a holiday story but amazing any time of year!”
— Book Addict, 5 star review
★★★★★”The book was so smooth to fall into and I consumed it in one sitting. “
— Jill’s Book Nook, 5 star review
★★Grab your copy TODAY!★★
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3KCgM2D
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09ZBGDZ24
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09ZBGDZ24
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09ZBGDZ24
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3cOg2Mo
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Nook: https://bit.ly/3PJW1Fm
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Audiobook: Coming early 2023!
★★Blurb★★
Stuck with her off-limits, taciturn, hunky movie star client during a sudden snowstorm on Christmas Eve, an extremely capable and highly professional bodyguard must keep him alive and warm without letting the tension building between them get too hot.
Bathsheba (Beth) Ryan can’t thank her best friend enough for helping her land the job of her dreams. After being relegated to second-string security for politicians in DC, being hired as an undercover personal security specialist by a giant Hollywood studio is exactly the kind of action she’s always wanted.
Until she meets her first assignment.
Cyrus Malcom can’t thank his agent enough for arranging a blind date with seemingly the woman of his dreams. After spending the past several years playing all the parts and climbing all the ladders, the lonely mega movie star finds himself actually enjoying a night on the town for the first time in ages when he meets the gorgeous, funny, and genuine Ryaine O’Rourke.
Until she shows up at his studio meeting the next day with a completely different name.
A world-wide press tour and too many late-night parties later, Beth simply needs to get through a short, one-day visit during the Christmas holiday, and then she’ll be free of Cyrus Malcom’s confusing hot looks and cold shoulders for good.
But just as they leave the airport, it starts to snow . . .
‘Drama King’ is the second book in the Three Kings Series, is a full-length, contemporary romantic comedy, and can be read as a complete standalone.
November 30, 2023
5 stars
Bodyguard romance, forced proximity, a baddie heroine and a hero who was everything- Drama King was another win by Penny Reid! I adored the first book in this series and I was worried I wouldn’t love this one as much but I shouldn’t have been worried. I loved this one just as much!
Cyrus and Beth have the most hilarious meet-cute. Even though it wasn’t their first meeting, Cyrus thought it was. Then, the next day, Beth shows up as one of Cyrus’s new bodyguards. He recognizes her and is confused, but it all gets cleared up. Mostly. These two have so much chemistry and a connection but Beth isn’t willing to go there.
Cyrus has such a fun personality. He’s a famous movie star, yet seems so relatable and is just such a great guy. Beth takes her job seriously and has lots of admirable qualities. She’s honest to a fault and cares very much about doing a good job. This leads to a lot of tension in her work field.
Just as you wonder if things will ever progress we get to the forced proximity, stuck in a snowstorm part of the book and I was here for it! Honestly, the wait, the buildup, the slow-burn… it just made them being together all the sweeter! I had such a good time reading this book and I highly recommend!
Bodyguard romance, forced proximity, a baddie heroine and a hero who was everything- Drama King was another win by Penny Reid! I adored the first book in this series and I was worried I wouldn’t love this one as much but I shouldn’t have been worried. I loved this one just as much!
Cyrus and Beth have the most hilarious meet-cute. Even though it wasn’t their first meeting, Cyrus thought it was. Then, the next day, Beth shows up as one of Cyrus’s new bodyguards. He recognizes her and is confused, but it all gets cleared up. Mostly. These two have so much chemistry and a connection but Beth isn’t willing to go there.
Cyrus has such a fun personality. He’s a famous movie star, yet seems so relatable and is just such a great guy. Beth takes her job seriously and has lots of admirable qualities. She’s honest to a fault and cares very much about doing a good job. This leads to a lot of tension in her work field.
Just as you wonder if things will ever progress we get to the forced proximity, stuck in a snowstorm part of the book and I was here for it! Honestly, the wait, the buildup, the slow-burn… it just made them being together all the sweeter! I had such a good time reading this book and I highly recommend!
January 24, 2023
3.5 stars
ok, my love for Penny Reid goes deep, but this one was lacking a little something. i really adored the characters, which is why i rounded it up to 4 stars. the banter between the characters here is funny, at times very smart, and just-the-right level of romantic. Penny’s real gift is writing characters that you feel like you know. this book was no different. but this story seemed to lack a true conflict. i mean, there was a conflict, but it didn’t really feel like a conflict. when the end came and i realized it had been resolved i actually was surprised that that was the big conflict of the story. soo i enjoyed the story, but it lacked real meat.😃✌🏻
p.s i can't wait for Alaric's book because he seems like grumpy good guy and i would like that please 🫶🏻
ok, my love for Penny Reid goes deep, but this one was lacking a little something. i really adored the characters, which is why i rounded it up to 4 stars. the banter between the characters here is funny, at times very smart, and just-the-right level of romantic. Penny’s real gift is writing characters that you feel like you know. this book was no different. but this story seemed to lack a true conflict. i mean, there was a conflict, but it didn’t really feel like a conflict. when the end came and i realized it had been resolved i actually was surprised that that was the big conflict of the story. soo i enjoyed the story, but it lacked real meat.😃✌🏻
p.s i can't wait for Alaric's book because he seems like grumpy good guy and i would like that please 🫶🏻
December 16, 2022
I have seen so many gushing reviews of this book saying that it was, everyone's favorite Penny Reid book of all time and I just... what...?
But seriously. What?
𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗔 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 is 350+ pages of two people avoiding each other, lots of personal security logistics, and truly endless internal monologs.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These two leads have a handful of interactions. Interactions in which each refuse to make eye contact with the other. Interactions in which they purposefully avoid speaking to each other. And then they think about each other. A LOT. Pages and pages on thinking.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
About 40% into 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗔 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 I got to a scene where Beth had to guard Cyrus in close proximity in a dance club. I thought, "Finally...FINALLY...something is going to happen! Some forced bump and grind? Will she save his life? A lust-fueled slow dance?" And then Cyrus placed his hand over another woman's hand and....that was it. Then, we got an entire chapter of internal monolog about the low-key jealousy Beth felt about it. I just... what???
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why others absolutely adored this book. I loved the first in this series, but 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗔 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 did absolutely nothing for me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: Accidental drug interactions, past parent, past death of a parent, past fatal car accident
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
But seriously. What?
𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗔 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 is 350+ pages of two people avoiding each other, lots of personal security logistics, and truly endless internal monologs.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
These two leads have a handful of interactions. Interactions in which each refuse to make eye contact with the other. Interactions in which they purposefully avoid speaking to each other. And then they think about each other. A LOT. Pages and pages on thinking.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
About 40% into 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗔 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 I got to a scene where Beth had to guard Cyrus in close proximity in a dance club. I thought, "Finally...FINALLY...something is going to happen! Some forced bump and grind? Will she save his life? A lust-fueled slow dance?" And then Cyrus placed his hand over another woman's hand and....that was it. Then, we got an entire chapter of internal monolog about the low-key jealousy Beth felt about it. I just... what???
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why others absolutely adored this book. I loved the first in this series, but 𝗗𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗔 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 did absolutely nothing for me.
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: Accidental drug interactions, past parent, past death of a parent, past fatal car accident
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 3/5 - You will definitely feel some feels.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
👇🏻𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗠𝗘 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
December 17, 2022
Drama King is a lovely, feel-good read, with the sweetest romance! It's Cyrus' turn to get his book, and this man is a lovable, cuddly sweetheart who deserves all the love. This big movie star falls for his new bodyguard(!!) in the months leading up to the holidays. It's slow and great for a winter/holiday read.
Cyrus is an actor who's risen to fame with his superhero role, which means he needs some good bodyguards, stat. The night before he's introduced to them, he goes on a blind date with a fellow celebrity, but what he doesn't know is that instead of Ryainne showing up, her friend Beth takes her place. Due to a mistaken drug + alcohol combo, Beth is way too drunk to tell Cyrus who she really is. Cyrus is totally charmed by Beth though, and after he drops her home to sleep off her intoxication, he's looking forward to seeing more of who he thinks is Ryainne.
One mistaken identity and one bodyguard introduction later, Cyrus now knows that the woman he met and wanted to pursue things with is now completely off limits to him. Beth herself wants to keep things professional because she takes her job seriously, but there's something about Cyrus that makes him impossible not to fall for.
The romance is very slow and filled with a ton of longing on both sides. If you love some good (mutual) pining, you'll love Beth and Cyrus! I though Cyrus was such a fascinating hero because of how... different he is from your typical romance hero. He's charming, odd, touchy-feely, spontaneous, incredibly giving, and loves to deal out silly one-liners. But the best part about him is how determined he is to win Beth's heart.
My only complaint is that it takes a while to actually reach the part of the blurb that has Beth and Cyrus stranded together on Christmas Eve in the middle of a snowstorm. So if you're expecting the book to jump right into that, don't. That being said, this part of the romance was so heartfelt because we finally see both our main characters with all their walls down.
You don't have to read Homecoming King before reading Drama King, but I would recommend it because both books are great! We get to see a little cameo of Rex and Abby here, so that was fun. Once again, Penny Reid has given us a unique romance with endearing characters, and I already can't wait for her next one!
Cyrus is an actor who's risen to fame with his superhero role, which means he needs some good bodyguards, stat. The night before he's introduced to them, he goes on a blind date with a fellow celebrity, but what he doesn't know is that instead of Ryainne showing up, her friend Beth takes her place. Due to a mistaken drug + alcohol combo, Beth is way too drunk to tell Cyrus who she really is. Cyrus is totally charmed by Beth though, and after he drops her home to sleep off her intoxication, he's looking forward to seeing more of who he thinks is Ryainne.
One mistaken identity and one bodyguard introduction later, Cyrus now knows that the woman he met and wanted to pursue things with is now completely off limits to him. Beth herself wants to keep things professional because she takes her job seriously, but there's something about Cyrus that makes him impossible not to fall for.
The romance is very slow and filled with a ton of longing on both sides. If you love some good (mutual) pining, you'll love Beth and Cyrus! I though Cyrus was such a fascinating hero because of how... different he is from your typical romance hero. He's charming, odd, touchy-feely, spontaneous, incredibly giving, and loves to deal out silly one-liners. But the best part about him is how determined he is to win Beth's heart.
My only complaint is that it takes a while to actually reach the part of the blurb that has Beth and Cyrus stranded together on Christmas Eve in the middle of a snowstorm. So if you're expecting the book to jump right into that, don't. That being said, this part of the romance was so heartfelt because we finally see both our main characters with all their walls down.
You don't have to read Homecoming King before reading Drama King, but I would recommend it because both books are great! We get to see a little cameo of Rex and Abby here, so that was fun. Once again, Penny Reid has given us a unique romance with endearing characters, and I already can't wait for her next one!
December 13, 2022
So good <3 <3 This is why I love Penny Reid ❤️❤️ it was amazing!!
August 10, 2025
I am shocked and sad because this is Miss Reid' book. I do not like Drama King. The characters, the plot and the banter are all wrong for my taste.
I do not like Beth. Her hot and cold character is just too much. And the plot surrounding her character is not dramatic enough to understand her hot and cold persona.
2 stars
I do not like Beth. Her hot and cold character is just too much. And the plot surrounding her character is not dramatic enough to understand her hot and cold persona.
2 stars
January 22, 2023
A whole lot of years ago I read my very first Penny Reid book and unfortunately, it didn’t really click with me at the time. Back then, I read a few of her Winston Brothers stories, but again nothing was really clicking for me, so I put her name aside for a while.
That was then, and this is now and NOW, I just cannot stop devouring her words and they are ALL clicking! This year has been a fantastic Penny Reid year for me and I could not have asked for a better story to end the year with than Drama King!
That was then, and this is now and NOW, I just cannot stop devouring her words and they are ALL clicking! This year has been a fantastic Penny Reid year for me and I could not have asked for a better story to end the year with than Drama King!
December 21, 2022
Wonderful story!
Great characters!
I really enjoyed this slow-burn story!
Great characters!
I really enjoyed this slow-burn story!
December 11, 2022
Drama King by Penny Reid
‘Wait a whole damn minute.
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and I didn’t know where to look first. If any sound existed in the room or beyond it, it faded to nothing as I stared at her, dawning realization striking me like a hammer to the temple.
She wants me.
And not alpha-cave-woman-choking want, or whatever that business was in the gym earlier. This was altogether different, and I would bet my future Best Actor Oscar that her feelings weren’t new. She struggled.’
Can I just say that I am totally here for the unapologetically strong-minded, physically capable, super resilient, badass heroines? I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to be gifted a character of Beth’s complexity. She didn’t need to be hemmed in by any one title, she encompasses them all. She’s assertive and fierce, but utterly vulnerable in other ways. Stubborn, yet kind and tender-hearted. Determined, but also a little self-sabotaging and rigid in her thinking. She’s funny, sweet, and awkward, and a stand-out personality amongst other romance heroine characters of her calibre. I loved every nuance, contrast and contradiction to her character, just when I thought I had her figured out, she would surprise me once more. I found her to be endlessly fascinating, and a beautiful pairing to the charming and addictive oddity that is Cyrus Malcolm.
Cyrus Malcolm, our hero, is a truly phenomenal, energetic whirlwind of charisma, sex appeal, quippy one-liners and undiscovered depths. He also happens to harbour an unrealised need to be understood and wanted for himself. How can any romance reader resist that allurement? The contrast between the extroverted, fawned over movie star and his inner self, who feels lonely in a crowded room, and utterly enamoured with the one woman who is determined to keep him at arm’s length.
‘Drama King’, ironically doesn’t rely on overly-dramatic plot devices to shake up the equilibrium, it doesn’t need to, it has a cast of mesmerising and adorably quirky characters to charm its audience and keep them hooked right to the very end. This story has it all, movie stars, female security detail, oodles of sexual tension, deadly deer, forced proximity and a gorgeous happy-ever-after love story. It was impossible not to be completely in love with Cyrus, Beth and this whole swoony romance by the end of that epilogue. Drama King' is slow-burn romance at its finest
‘Wait a whole damn minute.
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and I didn’t know where to look first. If any sound existed in the room or beyond it, it faded to nothing as I stared at her, dawning realization striking me like a hammer to the temple.
She wants me.
And not alpha-cave-woman-choking want, or whatever that business was in the gym earlier. This was altogether different, and I would bet my future Best Actor Oscar that her feelings weren’t new. She struggled.’
Can I just say that I am totally here for the unapologetically strong-minded, physically capable, super resilient, badass heroines? I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to be gifted a character of Beth’s complexity. She didn’t need to be hemmed in by any one title, she encompasses them all. She’s assertive and fierce, but utterly vulnerable in other ways. Stubborn, yet kind and tender-hearted. Determined, but also a little self-sabotaging and rigid in her thinking. She’s funny, sweet, and awkward, and a stand-out personality amongst other romance heroine characters of her calibre. I loved every nuance, contrast and contradiction to her character, just when I thought I had her figured out, she would surprise me once more. I found her to be endlessly fascinating, and a beautiful pairing to the charming and addictive oddity that is Cyrus Malcolm.
Cyrus Malcolm, our hero, is a truly phenomenal, energetic whirlwind of charisma, sex appeal, quippy one-liners and undiscovered depths. He also happens to harbour an unrealised need to be understood and wanted for himself. How can any romance reader resist that allurement? The contrast between the extroverted, fawned over movie star and his inner self, who feels lonely in a crowded room, and utterly enamoured with the one woman who is determined to keep him at arm’s length.
‘Drama King’, ironically doesn’t rely on overly-dramatic plot devices to shake up the equilibrium, it doesn’t need to, it has a cast of mesmerising and adorably quirky characters to charm its audience and keep them hooked right to the very end. This story has it all, movie stars, female security detail, oodles of sexual tension, deadly deer, forced proximity and a gorgeous happy-ever-after love story. It was impossible not to be completely in love with Cyrus, Beth and this whole swoony romance by the end of that epilogue. Drama King' is slow-burn romance at its finest
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December 23, 2022
3.5 stars
This was cute and I liked it more than book 1 in this series. The H, Cyrus, was definitely not your typical romance hero. He was hosting wine tasting nights, going to the spa, getting his eyebrows waxed, cuddling everyone. He was basically the human embodiment of a golden retriever which isn’t usually my favorite for an H, but he was so adorable and ridiculous I couldn’t help liking him. So the book starts off with Cyrus who is a movie star needing increased security, enter our h, Beth (Bathsheba), a badass female bodyguard who’s incognito as his new stylist on a team of 6 female bodyguards. Their meet-cute was the day before her job started, she was a bit loopy on an accidental drug interaction and neither of them knew they’d be working together, but this was Cyrus’ first impression:
In general Cyrus is a bit irreverent, impulsive, unlucky in love, ridiculous and charming all wrapped up in one beautiful movie star package and it’s hard not to love him. This book was sold to me by having forced proximity in a snowstorm and that didn’t happen until nearly the end of the book, but I love me some forced proximity so it was worth the wait. I will say I wish the danger to Cyrus which was harped on at the beginning of the book had gone anywhere. I wanted to see Beth in action defending him in an interaction with a crazy stalker or taking a bullet for him or something, but nothing too bad ever really goes down and not from the angle they were worried about when hiring the new bodyguards so that was a little disappointing. In general though this book really kept my interest, I liked the kind of flipped roles of a more sweet H and hardened, tough h. That said both Cyrus and Beth had childhood trauma to work through and the co-worker impropriety/miscommunications keeping them apart for much of the book. But once they finally do get together they’re very cute and Cyrus is immediately all in as is his nature. So anyway I enjoyed this one 👍🏻
This was cute and I liked it more than book 1 in this series. The H, Cyrus, was definitely not your typical romance hero. He was hosting wine tasting nights, going to the spa, getting his eyebrows waxed, cuddling everyone. He was basically the human embodiment of a golden retriever which isn’t usually my favorite for an H, but he was so adorable and ridiculous I couldn’t help liking him. So the book starts off with Cyrus who is a movie star needing increased security, enter our h, Beth (Bathsheba), a badass female bodyguard who’s incognito as his new stylist on a team of 6 female bodyguards. Their meet-cute was the day before her job started, she was a bit loopy on an accidental drug interaction and neither of them knew they’d be working together, but this was Cyrus’ first impression:
“This woman was so wonderfully weird. I’d gone from completely enchanted to hovering on the precipice off swiftly smitten. Eccentric women were, admittedly, a weakness.”
In general Cyrus is a bit irreverent, impulsive, unlucky in love, ridiculous and charming all wrapped up in one beautiful movie star package and it’s hard not to love him. This book was sold to me by having forced proximity in a snowstorm and that didn’t happen until nearly the end of the book, but I love me some forced proximity so it was worth the wait. I will say I wish the danger to Cyrus which was harped on at the beginning of the book had gone anywhere. I wanted to see Beth in action defending him in an interaction with a crazy stalker or taking a bullet for him or something, but nothing too bad ever really goes down and not from the angle they were worried about when hiring the new bodyguards so that was a little disappointing. In general though this book really kept my interest, I liked the kind of flipped roles of a more sweet H and hardened, tough h. That said both Cyrus and Beth had childhood trauma to work through and the co-worker impropriety/miscommunications keeping them apart for much of the book. But once they finally do get together they’re very cute and Cyrus is immediately all in as is his nature. So anyway I enjoyed this one 👍🏻
December 14, 2022
This might be my favorite Penny Reid book of all time, which is saying something because she’s already my favorite author. I just finished and immediately wanted to reread it. Beth and Cyrus are THE BOMB!
I love that Penny can make you laugh out loud on one page and reach for the tissues on the next. Beth and Cyrus are amazingly deep, even if Cyrus prides himself on being a bit shallow and Beth covers her vulnerability in control.
I loved how the book started out with the blind date where the roles are reversed and Cyrus takes care of Beth while she is “extra friendly” with him.
Cyrus is a super fun character and likens himself to a puppy, which I totally agree with. He is very “live in the moment” while Beth has life planned to the minute, as evidenced in the “BRB” scene. Loved it!!
This is a slow burn as Beth takes her role of professional protector very seriously. But a snowstorm, snake killing competency and forced proximity is all it takes…
I could not be more happy that this one was dual POV, because I LOVED being in Cyrus’s brain. Especially for the naughty thoughts.
This can totally be read as a standalone, but there are few mentions of the friends from Homecoming King and small character Easter egg from Grin & Beard It that my friend Amanda made me look up on my phone. She has a mind like a steel trap.
Run, don’t walk to read this one. Cannot recommend it enough!!
I love that Penny can make you laugh out loud on one page and reach for the tissues on the next. Beth and Cyrus are amazingly deep, even if Cyrus prides himself on being a bit shallow and Beth covers her vulnerability in control.
I loved how the book started out with the blind date where the roles are reversed and Cyrus takes care of Beth while she is “extra friendly” with him.
Cyrus is a super fun character and likens himself to a puppy, which I totally agree with. He is very “live in the moment” while Beth has life planned to the minute, as evidenced in the “BRB” scene. Loved it!!
This is a slow burn as Beth takes her role of professional protector very seriously. But a snowstorm, snake killing competency and forced proximity is all it takes…
I could not be more happy that this one was dual POV, because I LOVED being in Cyrus’s brain. Especially for the naughty thoughts.
This can totally be read as a standalone, but there are few mentions of the friends from Homecoming King and small character Easter egg from Grin & Beard It that my friend Amanda made me look up on my phone. She has a mind like a steel trap.
Run, don’t walk to read this one. Cannot recommend it enough!!
December 19, 2022
She's a bodyguard, he's a celebrity. It starts with mistaken identity and moves onto mutual pining and eventually a serendipitous Christmas Eve snowstorm.
It had the humor, heart, endearing characters and fun that I've come to appreciate from Reid. It was just so good, so romantic, so captivating. Beth and Cyrus were so easy to root for.
This story was a perfect read for the holiday season. I cozied up by the fire and read the entire thing in less than 24 hours (which is typical for me and Penny Reid books). The only thing missing was some Malcom family 100-year old whiskey.
It had the humor, heart, endearing characters and fun that I've come to appreciate from Reid. It was just so good, so romantic, so captivating. Beth and Cyrus were so easy to root for.
This story was a perfect read for the holiday season. I cozied up by the fire and read the entire thing in less than 24 hours (which is typical for me and Penny Reid books). The only thing missing was some Malcom family 100-year old whiskey.
December 13, 2022
Drama King is a wonderful, dreamy slow burn with lots of steamy chemistry and quirky characters that I immediately fell in love with.
Cyrus is now one of my top favorite Penny Reid heroes (nobody tell Drew).
Cyrus is now one of my top favorite Penny Reid heroes (nobody tell Drew).
December 15, 2022
After loving Homecoming King last holiday season, I was so excited for Cyrus’s story. This story was an easy read and made me laugh but I thought the overall romantic storyline fell flat.
Cyrus Malcolm is a movie star, the leading man in a huge new franchise and the object of everyone’s affections and obsessions. He’s a people pleaser and he loves his fans, always talking with them, taking pictures, signing autographs and giving hugs, even though it’s not the smartest thing to do for his security. Cyrus is hilarious - he’s funny, irreverent, a little dirty, unconcerned with societal norms and truly lives on his own schedule which leaves him running late time and time again. Even though he’s so successful, he’s also lonely - he has a lot of acquaintances but not many close friends and fills his time with parties to avoid being home alone.
Bathsheba (Beth) Ryan is a security expert who is making a name for herself among celebrities after working with her best friend for years. She’s driven to make a name for herself and show that she’s the best at keeping those around her safe. Beth is grumpy around Cyrus, keeping her personality underwraps and constantly getting annoyed by his antics and changes to the schedule. She wants to take care of the people around her, making sure they’re safe and going out of her way to make things happen for them.
Cyrus and Beth first meet under some strange circumstances in LA, but it’s not actually their first meeting - they’re both from the same small town in Texas and he dated her sister. Beth ends up working as part of Cyrus’s security team and things between them are awkward to say the least. Things are tense when they’re in a room together everywhere they go and they try to avoid being alone together whenever they can. They both have feelings for each other but none of it really comes out until they’re forced together during a Texas snowstorm, figuring out ways to survive and coming to terms with their feelings, even when things get complicated.
I enjoyed many parts of this story, but thought a few things didn’t totally work. While I really enjoyed Cyrus, his quirks and his irreverent personality, I just couldn’t connect with Beth. She’s a consummate professional for 75% of the book, not showing much personality but obsessing over doing her job well. That lack of personality made it hard for me to root for her and even harder for me to picture her with Cyrus. They’re both interested in each other but I felt like Cyrus didn’t know much about her other than what he heard from her interactions with other people and their initial meeting. I didn’t feel much chemistry between them and their relationship felt a bit like it came out of nowhere.
Really interested in Alaric’s story and can’t wait for next holiday season to get my hands on it!
Cyrus Malcolm is a movie star, the leading man in a huge new franchise and the object of everyone’s affections and obsessions. He’s a people pleaser and he loves his fans, always talking with them, taking pictures, signing autographs and giving hugs, even though it’s not the smartest thing to do for his security. Cyrus is hilarious - he’s funny, irreverent, a little dirty, unconcerned with societal norms and truly lives on his own schedule which leaves him running late time and time again. Even though he’s so successful, he’s also lonely - he has a lot of acquaintances but not many close friends and fills his time with parties to avoid being home alone.
Bathsheba (Beth) Ryan is a security expert who is making a name for herself among celebrities after working with her best friend for years. She’s driven to make a name for herself and show that she’s the best at keeping those around her safe. Beth is grumpy around Cyrus, keeping her personality underwraps and constantly getting annoyed by his antics and changes to the schedule. She wants to take care of the people around her, making sure they’re safe and going out of her way to make things happen for them.
Cyrus and Beth first meet under some strange circumstances in LA, but it’s not actually their first meeting - they’re both from the same small town in Texas and he dated her sister. Beth ends up working as part of Cyrus’s security team and things between them are awkward to say the least. Things are tense when they’re in a room together everywhere they go and they try to avoid being alone together whenever they can. They both have feelings for each other but none of it really comes out until they’re forced together during a Texas snowstorm, figuring out ways to survive and coming to terms with their feelings, even when things get complicated.
I enjoyed many parts of this story, but thought a few things didn’t totally work. While I really enjoyed Cyrus, his quirks and his irreverent personality, I just couldn’t connect with Beth. She’s a consummate professional for 75% of the book, not showing much personality but obsessing over doing her job well. That lack of personality made it hard for me to root for her and even harder for me to picture her with Cyrus. They’re both interested in each other but I felt like Cyrus didn’t know much about her other than what he heard from her interactions with other people and their initial meeting. I didn’t feel much chemistry between them and their relationship felt a bit like it came out of nowhere.
Really interested in Alaric’s story and can’t wait for next holiday season to get my hands on it!
December 20, 2022
Drama King is book 2 of the Three Kings series by Penny ReidIt is a standalone holiday romance, told from both POV with a HEA.
Tropes:
✔️ forced proximity
✔️ billionaire hero
✔️ opposites attract / reverse grumpy sunshine
Beth Ryan has just been hired by a Hollywood studio to protect their actors and she’s thrilled about her new assignment… until she figures out it’s Cyrus Malcom, the actor she had a fake blind date with the night before.
Cyrus had loved spending time with the woman he thought was Ryanine O’Rourke even if she had been a bit drunk. But then he finds out the gorgeous woman was stand in and is now tasked to guard his body and he wants nothing more than to make the taciturn female laugh.
Drama King hooked me with its cast of captivating and quirky characters. Cyrus was absolutely adorable. He made me smile and laugh. He was the life of the party, but I also felt his character was skin deep and it was proven when at the end he spends a couple of months working on himself.
In general, I felt like I didn’t know him nor Beth and was therefore not able to connect with their romance. Especially since they had a handful of interactions during most of the story and then went from 0 to 60 at the very end.
By the numbers quick review:
★ Hero: 👤👤👤👤
★ Heroine: 👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author via Social Butterfly. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
Tropes:
✔️ forced proximity
✔️ billionaire hero
✔️ opposites attract / reverse grumpy sunshine
Beth Ryan has just been hired by a Hollywood studio to protect their actors and she’s thrilled about her new assignment… until she figures out it’s Cyrus Malcom, the actor she had a fake blind date with the night before.
Cyrus had loved spending time with the woman he thought was Ryanine O’Rourke even if she had been a bit drunk. But then he finds out the gorgeous woman was stand in and is now tasked to guard his body and he wants nothing more than to make the taciturn female laugh.
Drama King hooked me with its cast of captivating and quirky characters. Cyrus was absolutely adorable. He made me smile and laugh. He was the life of the party, but I also felt his character was skin deep and it was proven when at the end he spends a couple of months working on himself.
In general, I felt like I didn’t know him nor Beth and was therefore not able to connect with their romance. Especially since they had a handful of interactions during most of the story and then went from 0 to 60 at the very end.
By the numbers quick review:
★ Hero: 👤👤👤👤
★ Heroine: 👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥
★ I received an ARC of this title from the author via Social Butterfly. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
December 21, 2022
I am a huge fan of Penny Reid’s book. But this one definitely missed the mark. Where are the quirky characters? The banter? The rhythm in the storytelling?
I don’t need books to be 100% realistic. Superstar meets commoner? I’m game. Crazy meet cute? Count me in! But I need a minimum of plausibility to be hooked on a story. And the following elements made it very hard for me to dig in:
- who needs round the clock security by 6 females guards? (Former Libyan dictators excluded of course)
- What actual ADULT would dare to derail a professional engagement he is already late to because he wants a sandwich? ( ever heard of personal assistant? Or even better: suck it up?)
- How come Beth is so worried her crush on Cyrus is “unprofessional”… but seems to deem acceptable being moody on the job for MONTHS because of said “crush”? 🤔
- What kind of purpose has Cyrus in his life besides clubbing twice a week and hugging random people? I’m not sure I’m getting any kind of substance from this character.
And this is without even taking into account internal monologues for more than 80% of the book, tue extensive « security techniques » considerations and the lack of back story… period…
I found zero connection to those overgrown children. And I can’t say I felt any chemistry between them. And it’s a shame, because at the beginning, they had the potential for becoming those amazing weird, charming and grumpy characters, full of wit and nuance that Penny Reid is so great at writing.
I don’t need books to be 100% realistic. Superstar meets commoner? I’m game. Crazy meet cute? Count me in! But I need a minimum of plausibility to be hooked on a story. And the following elements made it very hard for me to dig in:
- who needs round the clock security by 6 females guards? (Former Libyan dictators excluded of course)
- What actual ADULT would dare to derail a professional engagement he is already late to because he wants a sandwich? ( ever heard of personal assistant? Or even better: suck it up?)
- How come Beth is so worried her crush on Cyrus is “unprofessional”… but seems to deem acceptable being moody on the job for MONTHS because of said “crush”? 🤔
- What kind of purpose has Cyrus in his life besides clubbing twice a week and hugging random people? I’m not sure I’m getting any kind of substance from this character.
And this is without even taking into account internal monologues for more than 80% of the book, tue extensive « security techniques » considerations and the lack of back story… period…
I found zero connection to those overgrown children. And I can’t say I felt any chemistry between them. And it’s a shame, because at the beginning, they had the potential for becoming those amazing weird, charming and grumpy characters, full of wit and nuance that Penny Reid is so great at writing.
March 7, 2023
I wrote a long, thoughtful and incisive review on this but then my sausage fingers hit the wrong bit of the screen when I hit post and the whole thing vanished into the tinterwebs, never to be seen again. How irritating.
Anyhow, this was right up my street, the forced proximity, the naïve woman who is clever in some ways but painfully unaware of her own attractiveness and the witty banter, I loved that. In my head I was getting strong Henry Cavill vibes from the H which made for a pleasant few hours spent reading this. It was also so typical of this author to tip this overused genre of alpha bodyguard on its head and have a woman providing the protection.
I loved the characters, reading this was like going into a friendly place with witty people doing eccentric things. It was also a delight that the H (Cyrus) wasn’t some vacuous man dawg either. That said, I didn’t love this quite as much as Homecoming King, I felt the ending in this was delayed for no sensible reason. But, I still kind of loved it.
Recommended, can be read as a standalone but definitely more enjoyable if you read Homecoming King first.
**My thanks to the author for my arc.**
Anyhow, this was right up my street, the forced proximity, the naïve woman who is clever in some ways but painfully unaware of her own attractiveness and the witty banter, I loved that. In my head I was getting strong Henry Cavill vibes from the H which made for a pleasant few hours spent reading this. It was also so typical of this author to tip this overused genre of alpha bodyguard on its head and have a woman providing the protection.
I loved the characters, reading this was like going into a friendly place with witty people doing eccentric things. It was also a delight that the H (Cyrus) wasn’t some vacuous man dawg either. That said, I didn’t love this quite as much as Homecoming King, I felt the ending in this was delayed for no sensible reason. But, I still kind of loved it.
Recommended, can be read as a standalone but definitely more enjoyable if you read Homecoming King first.
**My thanks to the author for my arc.**
June 19, 2023
Ok, it’s never explicitly stated that Cyrus has ADHD, but he is practically a textbook example of someone with ADHD who has managed to create/find a life that works *with* his ADHD (instead of trying to force himself into an NT career/life).
And I love him so much for it!
That might be why the book spends more time in Cyrus’s pov than Beth’s (who let’s be honest, comes across as an Autistic woman who didn’t *quite* hit the diagnostic threshold).
For the readers who felt like they didn’t connect with one or both of them, this *might* be one of the reasons why.
And I think the neurodivergence is a big reason why this HAD to be a slow burn romance — Beth needed time to trust the devotion under Cyrus’s surface chaos, and Cyrus needed time to trust that Beth wouldn’t run as soon as she saw behind the masking.
I do wish the book had gone into more detail about Beth’s obsession with designer fashion though. That’s my one nitpick.
Also, both narrators do an excellent job on the audiobook, if that’s your jam.
Highly recommended, especially for folks who like a little neuro spicy with their spicy romances.
And I love him so much for it!
That might be why the book spends more time in Cyrus’s pov than Beth’s (who let’s be honest, comes across as an Autistic woman who didn’t *quite* hit the diagnostic threshold).
For the readers who felt like they didn’t connect with one or both of them, this *might* be one of the reasons why.
And I think the neurodivergence is a big reason why this HAD to be a slow burn romance — Beth needed time to trust the devotion under Cyrus’s surface chaos, and Cyrus needed time to trust that Beth wouldn’t run as soon as she saw behind the masking.
I do wish the book had gone into more detail about Beth’s obsession with designer fashion though. That’s my one nitpick.
Also, both narrators do an excellent job on the audiobook, if that’s your jam.
Highly recommended, especially for folks who like a little neuro spicy with their spicy romances.
December 17, 2022
Bodyguard Beth Ryan goes on a blind date...that isn't meant for her. Her famous friend asks her to scope out her date to gauge whether or not he is date-worthy material. Beth is surprised that the date is with movie star Cyrus Malcolm. After an interesting night, they go their separate ways, only to find out the next morning that Beth has been assigned to Cyrus' undercover protection team. Cyrus is not the easiest person to protect, but Beth can't help but fall for him. Can they push their attraction and infatuation for one another aside and keep things professional?
I dig stories about female bodyguards! I find any kind of story that has a badass woman who excels in a traditionally male role intriguing. Beth is an exceptional bodyguard, putting in the extra work to make sure that Cyrus receives the best service possible. Her attraction towards him makes her extra vigilant and conscientious of his needs and wants. I appreciate her desire to keep things professional and hesitancy to allow any flirtation between them. At the same time, I wanted to scream at her to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for love. Her resistance to their coupling made this book a super slow burn, which was the perfect pacing for the book.
And Cyrus. OH CYRUS! He joins my list of favorite Penny Reid characters, despite being a complete opposite from me. Cyrus is fun-loving, charming, friendly, and never serious. He is spontaneous and lives in the moment. Cyrus is pure FUN and I couldn't stop smiling while reading his scenes. He made me laugh out loud with his cleverness and quirkiness.
Beth and Cyrus had amazing chemistry from the moment they met and the tension that built between them was yummy. And when they finally gave into the temptation, it was *chef's kiss*. And that last scene with the handcuffs - that was a pleasant surprise!
Pick up this book for a slow-burn fun workplace romance that features a badass female bodyguard!
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥
⚠️: mention of death of a parent and a fatal car accident
I received a complimentary eARC from the author.
I dig stories about female bodyguards! I find any kind of story that has a badass woman who excels in a traditionally male role intriguing. Beth is an exceptional bodyguard, putting in the extra work to make sure that Cyrus receives the best service possible. Her attraction towards him makes her extra vigilant and conscientious of his needs and wants. I appreciate her desire to keep things professional and hesitancy to allow any flirtation between them. At the same time, I wanted to scream at her to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for love. Her resistance to their coupling made this book a super slow burn, which was the perfect pacing for the book.
And Cyrus. OH CYRUS! He joins my list of favorite Penny Reid characters, despite being a complete opposite from me. Cyrus is fun-loving, charming, friendly, and never serious. He is spontaneous and lives in the moment. Cyrus is pure FUN and I couldn't stop smiling while reading his scenes. He made me laugh out loud with his cleverness and quirkiness.
Beth and Cyrus had amazing chemistry from the moment they met and the tension that built between them was yummy. And when they finally gave into the temptation, it was *chef's kiss*. And that last scene with the handcuffs - that was a pleasant surprise!
Pick up this book for a slow-burn fun workplace romance that features a badass female bodyguard!
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥
⚠️: mention of death of a parent and a fatal car accident
I received a complimentary eARC from the author.
December 22, 2022
MAJOR BOOK HANGOVER INCOMING!
Before you pick up this book, ask yourself— Do I like feeling happy? Do I enjoy laughing? Am I searching for a new book boyfriend that will give my favorite a run for his money? If the answers are yes, then you will love this book.
Cyrus is a hero that is unlike others I have read, sure he’s charismatic and hilarious but she creates such a real character you forget you’re reading a book about a fictional character! Penny Reid’s ability to create such vivid and amazing characters never fails to amaze me. Her story lines have humor and empathy without being contrived. I honestly haven’t had this big of a book hangover since ACOTAR. Until I find my book hangover cure I’ll just be happily dreaming of my new book boyfriend Cyrus! Happy Reiding!
Before you pick up this book, ask yourself— Do I like feeling happy? Do I enjoy laughing? Am I searching for a new book boyfriend that will give my favorite a run for his money? If the answers are yes, then you will love this book.
Cyrus is a hero that is unlike others I have read, sure he’s charismatic and hilarious but she creates such a real character you forget you’re reading a book about a fictional character! Penny Reid’s ability to create such vivid and amazing characters never fails to amaze me. Her story lines have humor and empathy without being contrived. I honestly haven’t had this big of a book hangover since ACOTAR. Until I find my book hangover cure I’ll just be happily dreaming of my new book boyfriend Cyrus! Happy Reiding!
December 30, 2022
This was delightful. Great characters and a sweet storyline, it was never boring, I had a great time reading this book!
Liked it more than the first book in the series.
I'm sure I'll reread it sooner or later.
5 stars.
Liked it more than the first book in the series.
I'm sure I'll reread it sooner or later.
5 stars.
December 18, 2022
Penny Reid has a crazy talent for creating heroes that make me melt and Cyrus is the perfect example! I love this man! He is funny and excessively handsome of course, but he is also extremely honest and immensely generous. And behind all his hugs and his joie de vivre and his repeated parties, hides a great vulnerability, a wound, a lack. I loved his wit, his grunts, the way he offers his friendship, his respect for others, but also the fact that he was 100% himself and 100% sincere in his feelings for Beth, in his desire for a real serious relationship with her.
Cyrus is a successful actor, loved by every women, who seduces everyone, and yet who wants a real relationship and not just having a good time. I totally understand Beth's reservations though. Although I wish they had gotten together sooner, our heroine's doubts and communication issues perfectly explain the time elapsed. Penny Reid offers us a sublime slow burn, a love story that is created over several months. It would be simplistic to say that it is a Christmas romance but the story begins well before the end of the year celebrations.
I particularly loved the meeting which is very original, funny and which immediately puts us in the atmosphere of the novel.
Beth is a very touching character and yet, we admire her for her profession, her integrity, her honesty... A bodyguard woman who gives her all in her work, who takes the protection of her clients very seriously and who always prefers to say the truth to her boss. She too has her wounds.
Our two protagonists have phantom wounds in their hearts. Wounds from the past that still have repercussions in the present but that they have learned to overcome together to afford the future they deserve. Together but also separately, because sometimes you also have to know how to work on yourself, know who you are, what you are capable of...
As always, i loved reading the writing of the author that I admire so much. With her wisdom and her craziness.
In short, this book is wonderful, I can only recommend it to you!
Cyrus is a successful actor, loved by every women, who seduces everyone, and yet who wants a real relationship and not just having a good time. I totally understand Beth's reservations though. Although I wish they had gotten together sooner, our heroine's doubts and communication issues perfectly explain the time elapsed. Penny Reid offers us a sublime slow burn, a love story that is created over several months. It would be simplistic to say that it is a Christmas romance but the story begins well before the end of the year celebrations.
I particularly loved the meeting which is very original, funny and which immediately puts us in the atmosphere of the novel.
Beth is a very touching character and yet, we admire her for her profession, her integrity, her honesty... A bodyguard woman who gives her all in her work, who takes the protection of her clients very seriously and who always prefers to say the truth to her boss. She too has her wounds.
Our two protagonists have phantom wounds in their hearts. Wounds from the past that still have repercussions in the present but that they have learned to overcome together to afford the future they deserve. Together but also separately, because sometimes you also have to know how to work on yourself, know who you are, what you are capable of...
As always, i loved reading the writing of the author that I admire so much. With her wisdom and her craziness.
In short, this book is wonderful, I can only recommend it to you!
December 11, 2022
It starts as more of a double-blind date, with Beth Ryan filling in for her friend and popular star Ryaine O’Rourke on Ryaine's blind date with big screen sensation Cyrus Malcom. Except Beth's nothing if not blatantly honest, and inadvertently mixing allergy medicine with alcohol removes any filter she might otherwise have. After too much over sharing and an accidental liberty or two taken, Cyrus manages to get Beth home.
But imagine their surprise when he shows up for a meeting at the studio to find that Beth is part of his new all-female security team. Awkward. And it only gets worse from there. Despite them both being from the same small Texas town and having friends in common, Beth is determined to be the consummate professional. She'll just have to ignore her charming employer's compelling smiles and the butterflies he stirs up inside her.
Once I got a taste of this talented wordsmith’s bearded heroes, I couldn’t wait to follow her to tinsel town and see how the one percenters do romance. There’s plenty of insta-lust, but a stubborn, “professional" heroine makes for a very slow burn romance. Witty and charming, with its own small-town feel, this fun, enticing romance practically reads itself. Perfect as a holiday story but amazing any time of year, you won’t want to miss this delightful, heartfelt read!
But imagine their surprise when he shows up for a meeting at the studio to find that Beth is part of his new all-female security team. Awkward. And it only gets worse from there. Despite them both being from the same small Texas town and having friends in common, Beth is determined to be the consummate professional. She'll just have to ignore her charming employer's compelling smiles and the butterflies he stirs up inside her.
Once I got a taste of this talented wordsmith’s bearded heroes, I couldn’t wait to follow her to tinsel town and see how the one percenters do romance. There’s plenty of insta-lust, but a stubborn, “professional" heroine makes for a very slow burn romance. Witty and charming, with its own small-town feel, this fun, enticing romance practically reads itself. Perfect as a holiday story but amazing any time of year, you won’t want to miss this delightful, heartfelt read!
December 19, 2022
Cyrus is a successful actor who has realized that fame has its drawbacks both when it comes to his security and finding a woman to share his life with. He thought the tide had turned and was having a wonderful time on his blind date with Ryainne however he never expected that the next time he would see her was when she being introduced as his bodyguard and that her name was Beth.
Beth is looking forward to starting her assignment as a bodyguard the next day but first she is convinced by her friend Ryainne to go on a blind date in her stead and give her an honest opinion of the man. She didn’t expect the feelings she would have for him in their short time together or that he was about to become her next assignment and that is when the fun really begins.
The banter between them is humorous, the chemistry is intense, and we soon realize that there is so much more to both these characters than first appears. Both Cyrus and Beth are looking for something in their lives seeing them open their hearts to each other is everything you could want and more.
Beth is looking forward to starting her assignment as a bodyguard the next day but first she is convinced by her friend Ryainne to go on a blind date in her stead and give her an honest opinion of the man. She didn’t expect the feelings she would have for him in their short time together or that he was about to become her next assignment and that is when the fun really begins.
The banter between them is humorous, the chemistry is intense, and we soon realize that there is so much more to both these characters than first appears. Both Cyrus and Beth are looking for something in their lives seeing them open their hearts to each other is everything you could want and more.
December 29, 2022
What a delightfuly weird book!
If you're a fan of romantic comedies, you'll definitely want to check out Drama King by Penny Reid! This book follows the unlikely love story of Beth, a smart and sassy undercover security specialist, and Cyrus, a charming and handsome actor.
From the moment these two characters meet, the chemistry is electric. Beth is fiercely independent and unapologetic about her career and her intelligence, while Cyrus is a hopeless romantic who is ready to find the woman of his dreams. Their banter is witty and their chemistry is off the charts.
But as with any good romance novel, there are plenty of obstacles in their way. Cyrus has a reputation as a bit of a drama king, and Beth is determined to keep her professional life separate from her personal life. And as they get closer, they must also confront the secrets they've been keeping from each other.
Overall, Drama King is a charming and fun read that is sure to put a smile on your face. If you're looking for a feel-good romance with relatable characters and plenty of heart, this book is definitely worth checking out!
If you're a fan of romantic comedies, you'll definitely want to check out Drama King by Penny Reid! This book follows the unlikely love story of Beth, a smart and sassy undercover security specialist, and Cyrus, a charming and handsome actor.
From the moment these two characters meet, the chemistry is electric. Beth is fiercely independent and unapologetic about her career and her intelligence, while Cyrus is a hopeless romantic who is ready to find the woman of his dreams. Their banter is witty and their chemistry is off the charts.
But as with any good romance novel, there are plenty of obstacles in their way. Cyrus has a reputation as a bit of a drama king, and Beth is determined to keep her professional life separate from her personal life. And as they get closer, they must also confront the secrets they've been keeping from each other.
Overall, Drama King is a charming and fun read that is sure to put a smile on your face. If you're looking for a feel-good romance with relatable characters and plenty of heart, this book is definitely worth checking out!
February 8, 2023
Get me a man like Cyrus Malcom! He’s so precious and such a simp. 🥺
December 14, 2022
5 “my hero” stars!!
The Three Kings series is back with Drama King and it was fantastic. It has the perfect combination of humor and heart, slow burn goodness, sizzling sexual tension, and smoking hot chemistry, and I couldn’t put it down.
Cyrus and Beth’s initial meeting is hilarious and I loved their interactions. It’s so funny but also a bit of a train wreck as the night goes on especially since Cyrus continues to think Beth is his blind date, Ryaine, while Beth was just scoping Cyrus out for her friend. However, when they officially meet again, Cyrus is surprised that woman he met is not actually Ryaine, but instead Beth, one of the new members of his personal security team.
Beth and Cyrus are forced into close proximity and it makes things strained. From their embarrassing first encounter to the attraction that consumes them, she desperately tries to focus on her job as he trying to understand why they don’t seem to get along. The sexual tension skyrockets but there doesn’t seem to be a way to relieve it. I just wanted them to figure things out early on but they needed to work through things and it wasn’t exactly clear what needed to be done.
There are things about Cyrus that pulled at my heart strings and I adored him. He shows the world the fun, cuddly side of him and doesn’t let anyone see his serious side. There is a reason he is the way he is but we don’t get to see it until the end and I just wanted to hug him. He had a lot of growing to do on a personal level and I love that he goes all in to find himself.
Beth lives her life the opposite of Cyrus. She is serious and organized. She puts one hundred percent into her job and doesn’t let anyone get close to her. Being in the same vicinity of Cyrus challenges her and she doesn’t know what to do with the feelings she’s having. Finally, she can’t stand it anymore and makes the decision to distance herself.
She thinks a little time is all she needs to get over Cyrus but when she’s needed to guard Cyrus once more as a last resort, she can’t refuse. Suddenly, with snow falling around them they find themselves stranded all alone in a cabin and they are finally forced to confront their feelings. Even that proves to be difficult and it seems like these two will never be on the same page.
Overall, I adored Drama King. Cyrus and Beth are fantastic and their story shows us the different ways people cope with the things that happened in their past and the way those particular things shape them into the people they are today. They change so much over the months that they know each other and I loved that there was give and take on both sides. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, and loved that it was a group of women bodyguards protecting the man instead of the other way around.
*ARC generously provided by the author and Social Butterfly PR*
The Three Kings series is back with Drama King and it was fantastic. It has the perfect combination of humor and heart, slow burn goodness, sizzling sexual tension, and smoking hot chemistry, and I couldn’t put it down.
Cyrus and Beth’s initial meeting is hilarious and I loved their interactions. It’s so funny but also a bit of a train wreck as the night goes on especially since Cyrus continues to think Beth is his blind date, Ryaine, while Beth was just scoping Cyrus out for her friend. However, when they officially meet again, Cyrus is surprised that woman he met is not actually Ryaine, but instead Beth, one of the new members of his personal security team.
Beth and Cyrus are forced into close proximity and it makes things strained. From their embarrassing first encounter to the attraction that consumes them, she desperately tries to focus on her job as he trying to understand why they don’t seem to get along. The sexual tension skyrockets but there doesn’t seem to be a way to relieve it. I just wanted them to figure things out early on but they needed to work through things and it wasn’t exactly clear what needed to be done.
There are things about Cyrus that pulled at my heart strings and I adored him. He shows the world the fun, cuddly side of him and doesn’t let anyone see his serious side. There is a reason he is the way he is but we don’t get to see it until the end and I just wanted to hug him. He had a lot of growing to do on a personal level and I love that he goes all in to find himself.
Beth lives her life the opposite of Cyrus. She is serious and organized. She puts one hundred percent into her job and doesn’t let anyone get close to her. Being in the same vicinity of Cyrus challenges her and she doesn’t know what to do with the feelings she’s having. Finally, she can’t stand it anymore and makes the decision to distance herself.
She thinks a little time is all she needs to get over Cyrus but when she’s needed to guard Cyrus once more as a last resort, she can’t refuse. Suddenly, with snow falling around them they find themselves stranded all alone in a cabin and they are finally forced to confront their feelings. Even that proves to be difficult and it seems like these two will never be on the same page.
Overall, I adored Drama King. Cyrus and Beth are fantastic and their story shows us the different ways people cope with the things that happened in their past and the way those particular things shape them into the people they are today. They change so much over the months that they know each other and I loved that there was give and take on both sides. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, and loved that it was a group of women bodyguards protecting the man instead of the other way around.
*ARC generously provided by the author and Social Butterfly PR*
December 15, 2022
Penny Reid always delivers sweet and swoony romances brimming with charism and eccentric charm, and Drama King is just a delight! I loved being back in the Three Kings series.
I love how Penny always subverts trope- here with a celebrity/bodyguard style romance between celebrity Cyrus and a member of his security crew, Beth. Theirs is slow burning romance, one from typical Penny quirky beginnings courtesy of an odd blinddate snafu. But a little winter magic…well a snowstorm….finally gets them to act on their burgeoning romantic tension. But can these two make it work?
Truth be told, I dont always love the famous person/celebrity character trope, but I should have trusted Penny. She always makes her characters so endearing and unique, and I fell madly in love with the adorably sweet Cyrus, who basically is the antithesis of the arrogant, selfish celebrity archetype. He’s kind, he’s loving, he’s sympathetic and sincere. He cares deeply about others, though he’s fearful of deep connections courtesy of a loss that his heart hasn’t ever quite healed from. I simply adored him as a character- his thoughtfulness makes him the most charming book boyfriend ever. And my goodness, the way he respects Beth and honors their connection by his actions….SWOON. And of course, I loved Beth as our heroine. She has her own abandonment issues and baggage, which make her hesitant to take a gamble on a man whose heart she’s not sure she can keep- a celebrity no less. But she’s so stoic and strong, but also gentle and kind. Their chemistry is classic Penny, and so captivating. The perfect mixture of sexual tension, steam, heart, and humor between them. And I love how Penny used the advancing timeline of this story to really immerse us in their evolving romance - their obstacles and missteps as well as their complicated feelings. I don’t always love miscommunications or “unpsoken feelings” that led to prolonged longing, but I didn’t quite chafe here under it how I usually would. Plus, we have plenty of entertaining secondary cast to keep the story light.
I’m loving this series- some of my favorites from Penny Reid, and bring in the fun from it being winter/Christmas, and it’s the perfect holiday read.
I love how Penny always subverts trope- here with a celebrity/bodyguard style romance between celebrity Cyrus and a member of his security crew, Beth. Theirs is slow burning romance, one from typical Penny quirky beginnings courtesy of an odd blinddate snafu. But a little winter magic…well a snowstorm….finally gets them to act on their burgeoning romantic tension. But can these two make it work?
Truth be told, I dont always love the famous person/celebrity character trope, but I should have trusted Penny. She always makes her characters so endearing and unique, and I fell madly in love with the adorably sweet Cyrus, who basically is the antithesis of the arrogant, selfish celebrity archetype. He’s kind, he’s loving, he’s sympathetic and sincere. He cares deeply about others, though he’s fearful of deep connections courtesy of a loss that his heart hasn’t ever quite healed from. I simply adored him as a character- his thoughtfulness makes him the most charming book boyfriend ever. And my goodness, the way he respects Beth and honors their connection by his actions….SWOON. And of course, I loved Beth as our heroine. She has her own abandonment issues and baggage, which make her hesitant to take a gamble on a man whose heart she’s not sure she can keep- a celebrity no less. But she’s so stoic and strong, but also gentle and kind. Their chemistry is classic Penny, and so captivating. The perfect mixture of sexual tension, steam, heart, and humor between them. And I love how Penny used the advancing timeline of this story to really immerse us in their evolving romance - their obstacles and missteps as well as their complicated feelings. I don’t always love miscommunications or “unpsoken feelings” that led to prolonged longing, but I didn’t quite chafe here under it how I usually would. Plus, we have plenty of entertaining secondary cast to keep the story light.
I’m loving this series- some of my favorites from Penny Reid, and bring in the fun from it being winter/Christmas, and it’s the perfect holiday read.
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