4.5 Stars I have been wanting to read this new book since learning of Katee Robert new series. Roberts has been on a roll with her last series of the O'Malley's. She has the talent to create a world, characters and challenges which will keep you turning pages.
This first book was no different... she laid out the ideas, the people and their conflicts and showed Extremely Well... their chemistry- A Robert Solid -
Looking forward to the next entry.

ARC received for an honest review

This is the first in a new series by Ms Robert, and I am hooked.

Right from the start, I was drawn into Beckett and Samara's story. Lust, lies, betrayals - it has bit of it all. It is like an episode of Dynasty that never ends!

Blood does not make a family, and money does not make people happy - just ask this family. Sheesh, talk about dysfunction!

And unlike Gordon Gecko said, greed is not good!

I freaking adore Beckett and Samara together. Fighting their attraction, fighting for what is right, fighting for each other. And oh my when things get down and dirty - turn up the air conditioning because things are hot hot hot!

The Last King is a great start to a new series from a favourite author. I can't wait to see what happens next!

The first book in a new series always carries the burden of how the whole set would be received. It usually lays the groundwork for the overarching story, introduces characters that include the main protagonists and future ones for the next books. The tone is set by this first book and despite the fact that it has its own story line, it has to be able to make readers curious about the succeeding ones. The Last King is definitely not the last book. It is in fact the first book in Katee Robert's newest series about the King family and their empire which deals with oil set in Texas. And yes it gives off a sort of Dallas/Dynasty vibe without the shoulder pads and big hair. The Last King is centered around Samara and Beckett King. She works for his biggest rival, his aunt who also happens to have it in for him and his father. It's a constant battle in the workplace for this two, but one night changes everything between them. Now six months later, Beckett can't forget Samara and their night together. He wants a repeat but he's also aware that his aunt could be using Samara as a pawn to get his company especially now that his father is dead. Samara has her own issues that make it impossible to act on whatever it is between Becket and her. Six months ago she did what her heart wanted. Now it's her career or his that's on the line. But when Becket's life is threatened, Samara realizes she may be backing up the wrong person. The Last King starts out hot and heavy but continues on with some suspense/thriller action, still a lot sex and of course a worthy romance. It's a more poignant and bittersweet family driven plot as opposed to Ms. Robert's previous series, The O'Malleys, but it is nevertheless a book that holds your attention. I do like that Samara is an independent, career oriented and ambitious woman that still takes into consideration her future separate from what she could have with Beckett and that he respects her for it. The Last King has also successfully made me curious about the rest of the Kings and what their story is going to be like.

4.5 stars

The Last King by Katee Roberts an intense, thrilling and passionate read.
From the first few pages I was hooked. I couldn't get enough of Beckett and Samara!
I loved watching them together, they were strong passionate characters that knew what they wanted and went after it. The road to being together was full of road blocks but with honest communication, trust and a little help from a few trusted friends they were able to find a way to make it happen.
This was such a good read, it's well written, the characters are likable, relatable and the storyline will keep you turning the pages late into the night as you won't want to put it down.

Another awesome read by the talented author Katee Robert.

The Last King is a fab start to the The Kings series, looking forward to the next book coming in early 2019. Journey and Frank's sexual tension in The Last King has set the next book up to be a must read, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it! lol

**The Last King is now LIVE**
Amazon: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingAmazon
B&N: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingBN
iTunes: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingiTunes
Kobo: http://bit.ly/TheLastKingKobo

*I received an advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts*

4.5 Stars

The King family may be Texas royalty, but they are one seriously dysfunctional and splintered family too! Beckett and his father have never really been close since Beckett's mom died when he was a child, but he has still been groomed to take over his family's oil company from the moment he was old enough to get involved in even the smallest of ways. His father's sister, Beckett's aunt Lydia, holds a serious grudge that she was passed over for the role of CEO in favor of Beckett's father though, and she started her own rival company years ago. Over the years each company has done battle for contracts around the world with each one winning skirmishes along the way. Beckett is the go-to man for his family empire, but Lydia's secret weapon is her assistant and right-hand woman Samara. She and Beckett each have a serious competitive streak and they find themselves pitted against each other time and time again, but one night in a foreign country they finally give in to the rising sexual tension for one seriously hot encounter. What happens in Norway stays in Norway... maybe.

Six months later, Beckett's father has died after being behind the wheel in a drunk driving accident and Beckett's world is descending into chaos. For some reason his father changed his will right before he died and deeded his family home to Lydia despite the fact they hated each other intensely. There is a major government contract up for grabs that both Beckett and Samara are competing for, and in the middle of it all Lydia appears to declare full-on war on her nephew. Corporate intrigue, threats and dirty tricks ensue as the companies - and family members- battle for dominance.

Through it all, Samara is torn. Giving into Beckett for a night only proved how explosive they could be together, but she was raised to have a strong distrust of any powerful man. Her mother gave up all her hopes and dreams to raise Samara after her sperm donor chose his rich and powerful family's future over acknowledging his daughter and the mother who was not part of society's elite. Samara has worked hard and sacrificed for years to build a successful career and a future where she only needs to rely on herself to get by, but Lydia is the key to it all. Samara doesn't want to believe that Beckett may be right about his aunt, but it slowly becomes more and more obvious that Samara's employer may not be the woman Samara believed her to be.

Samara and Beckett have serious chemistry, and there is plenty of hot and sexy time in this story to prove it, but Samara is a woman torn. She doesn't want to fall in love with the enemy, and he is everything her mother raised her to be wary of. Yet Samara can see for herself that Lydia may just be the devil incarnate, and her best friend Journey (who also happens to be Lydia's daughter and Beckett's estranged cousin) doesn't seem to be too shocked when Samara finally breaks down and confides in her.

The Last King was one seriously hot and wild ride, and I loved it! From the first pages where the gauntlet is thrown down between Samara and Beckett to the sprint to discover the truth behind the threats to both Beckett's life and his company, Ms. Robert crafted a well written, sexy enemies-to-lovers tale with a side of corporate espionage, danger and a little trip into crazy town along the way too! I can't wait for more in this series, and I have a feeling Journey's story is going to be just as awesome based on the little glimpses into her life that we are granted in this story.

Wow! This book set a pace that gave me no choice but to hang on for the ride, and what a ride it was!

You'll love Beckett King - the new heir to a family business he isn't prepared to take over just yet. He's also attracted to a woman that logic and his past dictate he shouldn't want, yet he is prepared to damn all the consequences to hell for her. His innate goodness draws you in, as does the way he is determined to topple all of Samara's walls.

Samara Mallick is running scared because she doesn't want to perpetuate her past. She has more to lose than Beckett, so she's prepared to get rid of any feelings he stirs in her. She often comes across as cold, but she genuinely is afraid of handing over control to a man, especially one who makes her feel as deeply as Beckett does. The author did a great job in transforming her into a warmer - but still strong & tenacious - person.

Originally on opposite side due to a decades-long, bitter family feud, Samara & Beckett suddenly find themselves fighting a common enemy when things turn out not to be the way they originally seemed. Pride and trust war with lust and love in a story rife with danger and suspense. Though the romance story is what originally drew me to request this book, the suspense angle generated just as much interest for me to enjoy it. The villain in the story was always clear, but Katee Robert took us on an entertaining, complicated, yet well-written journey to connect the dots.

I cannot wait for the next in this series. The way that this story was written - and ended - made sure of that, though 2019 is a long time from now to wait :(

The Last King opens up a new series from bestselling author, Katee Robert. The King family's past is rife with hatred and betrayal. When Beckett King inherits the family company, Morningstar Enterprise, his aunt, and head of a rival company, sets out to take it from him. Samara Mallick, Lydia King's go-to woman, isn't willing to believe that her boss will risk everything just to take revenge upon the family that disowned her. But the more Samara is pulled into Beckett's orbit and sees the vicious attacks mounting against him, she realizes she may not know her boss as well as she thinks.

I love this cast of complex characters with complicated relationships. The Kings are a dysfunctional family whose issues go deeper than the past. Even Samara's past has a direct impact on the decisions she makes throughout the story. Their fears hinder their path to happiness under the guise of protecting themselves from hurt, but when Samara and Beckett put their professional rivalry aside they also find a semblance of peace. Beckett and Samara have an interesting courtship starting with a secret tryst that turns into a smoldering relationship once Beckett breaks down all her barriers. Their relationship is about trust and I loved seeing them learn to trust each other despite doubt and insecurities.

The Last King has Katee Robert's signature style of getting to the point of the story while giving readers every bit of sexy along the way. Throw in a little corporate intrigue and this becomes an engaging read for romance readers of all kinds. Readers will not be disappointed in this new series at all!
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

WOW another 5 star book from Katee!! I am a huge fan of hers so I was super excited to start a new series from her! She did it again! Not that I am surprised! Seriosuly Katee is one of my top favorite writes...EVER!
WOW and lets talk about my new love.... Beckett. Swoon he is seriously perfect! The story between him and Samara was AMAZING!!!
I can not wait to read more in this series!!! Dude who am I kidding??! I would read anything and everything the talented Katee Robert writes!

Beckett King should be able to trust his family, but for years there's been a family feud. So, when his father dies and Beckett inherits the family company, he knows he's going to have to watch his back. However, there may be someone he can trust, even though they've been rivals for years, and that's Samara Mallick. Will Samara be willing to help him or will they lose their chance at happy ever after because the King family secrets put them in more danger than they could have ever possibly imagined?

Ms. Robert never fails to impress me with her writing and this first book of her Kings series is absolutely brilliant and completely hot right from the prologue, as Beckett is full of charm and Samara is hopeless in resisting him. However, in saying that, she knows better than to trust him because their rivals. Will she begin to realize that her loyalty lies with a woman that will do anything to get what she wants, even if it means breaking the law?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the hero because of the family feud that puts him at odds with the rest of the King family. Luckily though, he has one person on his side, especially when Samara begins to realize how ruthless her boss is and how far the woman is willing to go to get what she wants. Will Samara go along with the woman's plans when it comes to the contract she wants the heroine to secure? Furthermore, both the main characters are compelling and I loved the interactions between them, as she doesn't want to end up like her mother in falling for a rich man and then things don't work out. Will things work out for Beckett and Samara?

With the main characters, I absolutely loved Beckett. He's confident, faces quite the challenge in winning over the heroine, and I liked that he didn't back down when things became more and more dangerous for him. I also liked how protective Beckett was of the heroine, as she may become a target someone can use against him because she's come important to him. While the heroine, she's strong, independent, smart and I liked that she gave the hero a chance, despite her fears of abandonment. I also liked that the heroine was just as protective of Beckett as he was of her, especially when she realizes how much she has to lose.

Overall, Ms. Robert has delivered a wonderful read in this book, which encompasses the perfect combination of steamy romance and intense suspense that had me on the edge-of-my-seat with every bit of danger this couple face, even though Beckett seems to be the target. Yet, what I liked most of all about the ending of this story is the way things worked out for the best for Beckett and Samara and that they were willing to fight for their future. I would recommend The Last King by Katee Robert, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope or books by authors Avery Flynn, Nina Croft, Kristen Proby and Tessa Bailey.

THE LAST KING is the first instalment in Katee Robert’s contemporary, adult THE KINGS erotic, romance series focusing on the King siblings and cousins. This is businessman Beckett King, and Samara Mallick’s story line.

Told from several third person points of view including Beckett and Samara THE LAST KING follows the building relationship between business rivals Beckett King, and Samara Mallick. With the recent, and questionable death of his father Nathaniel King, Beckett King was now CEO of Morningstar Enterprises but a change to his late father’s will found the family owned Villa went to his father’s estranged sister Lydia King- CEO of Kingdom Corp, and a woman whose reputation in the business was as fierce as his father’s. With a bid for a large oil contract on the horizon, Beckett King will come face to face with the woman who has starred in all of his fantasies since their one-night stand six months earlier- Samara Mallick-his aunt’s employee and overly protective assistant. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Beckett and Samara; and the increasing threats against Beckett King’s life as he begins looking into the events surrounding his father’s demise.

Samara Mallick is good at her job and her earlier hunger to win comes across as cold and malevolent but her attraction to Beckett is complicating her relationship with Lydia King-an attraction that Lydia is determined to use against her grieving nephew. Lydia is a power hungry CEO who will do anything to get back what she thinks she deserves, and gaining control of the Morningstar empire is on the top of the list. Beckett King knows that not all is well with the King family dynamics but his investigation into his father’s death reveals an inside connection that has targeted Beckett himself. Beckett is captivated by Samara Mallick, a captivation that could go horribly wrong, if Samara becomes collateral damage in the family feud.

The relationship between Beckett and Samara is one of immediate attraction; a forbidden romance between competitors in the high-stakes world of oil and finance. Beckett suspects that Samara has become a puppet and a pawn but Samara refuses to be controlled by anyone including the man with whom she is falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and intense. The chemistry is palpable between our leading couple.

We are introduced to Beckett’s best friend, business owner and security expert Frank Evans, as well as Beckett’s cousins Anderson and Journey (Samara’s best friend), and Beckett’s aunt Lydia King. Journey and Frank’s story line is next.

The world building focuses on the fractured family dynamics of the King family that go back several generations affecting each successive generation in its wake. Jealousy and rivals; infidelity and threats mar relationships that would have been better off never existing.

THE LAST KING is an exciting, suspense filled story of betrayal and vengeance; a broken family cursed by jealousy, hatred and greed but a story that is all too predictable about the who, how and why. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are charismatic, enchanting and intelligent; the romance is seductive and provocative.

Copy supplied for review

THE READING CAFÉ: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/the-last-king-the-kings-1-by-katee-robert-review-excerpt-giveaway/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2343951406


AMAZON.COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3IG2YAVNHWMU8/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B074M69QLF


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2246712808


B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted

CHAPTERS/INDIGO (Sandy_At_The_Reading_Cafe) posted

GOOGLE PLAY: (Sandy S) posted

5 HOT BECKETT STARS!! Fantastic start to this new series. Wow, I am in love with Beckett, he is the perfect man in every way. This story between Beckett and Samara was sexy hot and phenomenal to watch unfold. Katee Robert is such amazing storyteller, she keeps in locked it until the last word. I can't wait for the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book from publisher via NetGalley.

I was really looking forward to this new series! I love Katee Robert, her writing is extremely addicting. This sultry story was filled with angst, emotion, antagonism and smoking hot romance. With a trope that I enjoy, enemies to lovers, this book is a suspenseful, steamy read that had me hooked from the very start.

Beckett King is the heir to one of Houston wealthiest business dynasty. He seems to have it all but he has experienced the kind of loss and negativity no one should ever endure. He was never good enough for his father and survived a very dysfunctional relationship with him. Beckett is equally sexy, cocky and self-confident. And yet he would be a very lonely character, if not for the constant presence of his childhood friend, real estate mogul Frank Evans.

Beckett has inherited his family company and he feels responsible for the hundreds of thousands of people depending on his business decisions for their employment. He is tired of the games and manipulations that go hand in hand with being a King. But he can’t afford to forget that his devious aunt is willing to do anything to sink his company.

Samara works for Beckett’s aunt, she is his business enemy. And yet, his attraction to her is palpable. The way their relationship started was simply just about the desire they had for each other, but they didn’t manage to keep their distance and Samara got caught in the middle of the King’s family conflict. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. The push and pull between them is so strong.

I adored Samara, her no-nonsense attitude was just what Beckett needed. He is protective of her, her role is very challenging, with lots of roadblocks, untested waters and power games.

A chemistry that radiated off the pages and a forbidden romance gave this book all the ingredients to be a fabulous read and I was not disappointed. With a great plot to keep you guessing and some fantastic supporting characters who will get their own book, this new series is off to a great start!

After the passing of his father Beckett now finds himself in control of Morningstar Enterprises however the car accident is starting to look not so accidental after all. His father had no friends, only rivals, and his only family was Beckett so the possibilities about who could be behind it are endless and now someone is after him as well.

Samara is his business rival as she works for his competitor Kingdom Corp which is owned by his estranged aunt, Lydia. She and Beckett are frequently at odds due to the rivalry between them personally and the companies but that doesn’t decrease the chemical attraction between them. Lydia is not above the attraction between Samara and Beckett to her advantage but Samara knows when it comes to a battle between Lydia and Beckett she is the one who will be caught in the crossfire.

Beckett may come across as arrogant but he is also protective will not allow Samara to be used by anyone and that includes him. Samara comes from humble beginnings and because of her mother’s past she doesn’t believe she would ever be more than a fling to Beckett but he is about to prove her wrong. I really enjoyed the beginning of this new series and look forward to seeing the secondary characters get their own stories. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

I’m always happy to be offered a copy of a new release from Katee Robert. Her books are usually well-written and properly written. The Last King is no exception. I fell in love with Beckett from the beginning. He seems to be the only member of the King family with a conscious, and he’s hot to boot! I didn’t like Samara at the start. She’s trying so hard to prove herself that she’s forgotten that she’s more than just a worker. But once we learn about Samara’s past, I could sympathize and understand her better.

Although I enjoyed the novel, the constant powerplays were exhausting. If you are unsure as to why pride is a sin, pick up this book and you’ll quickly figure it out. I also felt there was too much introspection and not enough action. The action picks up at the end, however, and will have you flipping the pages as quick as your fingers allow.

If you love an enemy to lovers story with drama with a capital D, this book’s for you.

Some books just work, and they work well. All of the pieces are in place and the characters work, the actions are believable and you like the people...well, the ones you are supposed to like.

This was one of them.

Beckett and Samara are rivals, and they are not supposed to be friends, or attracted to one another. But, they are and they are.

Katee Robert has a talent for writing titles that are twisty and that you really do worry that the characters aren't going to make it through the story in one piece. I was worried about both of them. As this is the beginning of the Kings novels, there was a part of it that I thought was a little predictable, but it worked and the book was plotted in a way that made it realistic and work.

I also loved that Samara was from India. I loved that she was not the traditional heroine of a romance novel. This added a dimension to the novel that I enjoyed and appreciated.

This was an excellent start to a series and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

katee robert kicks off a new series set in texas, where instead of boston mobsters, in the last king you've got texas oilmen (and women) facing off. the king family is fractured. and it all began when lydia king was cast aside by her father in favor of her brother. she's built a rival business, but she still wants morningstar. and she will do anything and everything to get it.

beckett king has just lost his father. losing his family home is a cut too deep. everything about this is wrong. and he knows that lydia is somehow behind this. even worse, he knows that lydia knows that he feels more than he's willing to admit for her sexy employee samara mallick.

samara has had to fight and scrap her way to the top. there were no silver spoons. she doesn't have the power and leverage that the king family name provides. her loyalty should belong to lydia. but the longer she's in the middle, the more she sees that all is not right with her boss. when the danger gets too close to him, she realizes that there are more important things than her career. and that if she gives beckett a real chance, he might surprise her. and he might also help leverage her to greater heights.

we'll see more of the king family in future books, and seeing how these family dynamics play out and settle down while trying to avoid the toxicity of previous generations taints will most certainly be entertaining.

**the last king will publish on april 3, 2018. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.

The Last King is the first book in Katee Robert's The Kings series. I have been looking forward to reading this series for a while. I have read and enjoyed many books written by her. The Last King did not disappoint me. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series!

The Last King is a steamy, enemies to lovers romance with a little mystery thrown in. The two main characters work for rival companies. Beckett King is the heir to his father’s company. His father and he never really had a good relationship. The King family is known for messed up family relationships. Samara Mallick works for their rival company that is actually owned by Beckett’s aunt. I believe family, the good, the bad, and the ugly, is going to be an important theme in this series. I am so into it.

Beckett is a hunk. I enjoyed every minute being in his mind. He is book boyfriend goals. I love Samara. She has really worked hard to make her single mom proud. She doesn’t want a hero to come save her, but she is her own hero. Beckett and Samara have a very steamy, fun relationship. I can’t wait to get glimpses of them in the other books in the series.

The Last King kicked off this series with a bang. I am already getting excited to dive back into this world with the next book, The Fearless King.


ARC provided in exchange for an honest review

With the unexpected death of his father, Beckett King has inherited the entire empire built by the King family. Except for one glaring piece, the family home in which all his childhood memories belong. Not only are things just not adding up with his fathers death, but Beckett finds himself being at the center of some destructive and dangerous unexplained incidents.

Samara Mallick's career has centered on being Beckett's biggest rival. Working for competing companies, it makes perfect sense for them to be at odds... except when they aren't... 

Beckett is all alone now that his father is gone. And then Samara, the one woman who he can't fight his attraction to, gets pulled into the mess that his life has become. It is now more imperative than ever that they find who is behind the systematic attacks in Beckett's life...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and she had to fight tooth and nail for everything she has accomplished. Working for Beckett's biggest competition, Samara feels that any fraternization with him would tank her career. But eventually, their rivalry  and sexual tension gets to the point where she just can't resist the pull any longer...

Beckett has always wanted Samara, but he understands the reason why she refuses to give in to their attraction. Now, he has to prove that he isn't like any other man who will tear apart Samara's life and never look back. 

Though Beckett and Samara couldn't be more opposite, they soon realize that with the danger that has found them, trusting each other may be their only option...

This was a really great read, and a fantastic introduction to the Kings series! In between Beckett and Samara's red hot sex and the unknown danger that is looming, this competitive couple may find the one thing that has been elusive for them both... someone they can rely on and call their own...

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

4.5

Six months ago business rivals Beckett King and Samara Mallick gave in to the tension between them and slept together. Just one night to blow off some steam, no big deal. It can't happen again because not only are Beckett and Samara business rivals, but the rival business that Samara works for is the estranged half of the King family tree. Specifically, Samara works for Beckett's aunt.

Fast-forward six months and Beckett is dealing with the unexpected death of his father. Beckett is certainly feeling the loss, not because they were close, but because, now, Beckett feels alone and adrift in the world, with no true family. It stings ever more when he learns that his father left his aunt Beckett's childhood home in the will. Beckett is drawn to the connection to Samara even more, but Samara, not wanting to repeat the same mistakes her mother made in the past, is hesitant to start something with someone in which she would be considered the subordinate. Added to this: It seems someone wants to take Beckett out of the family business permanently.

Before they can decide on a future, Beckett and Samara will have to find out who's targeting Beckett first.

Hot off of her series, The O'Malleys, Katee Robert starts a new series with a different family dynamic. I immediately liked the deviation from it being family loyalty first to not being able to trust your family. It's a great divide and Katee Robert explores the rift really well.

The mild suspense of who is targeting Beckett and why drew me into the story for sure, but the relationship between Samara and Beckett is definitely the mainstay. The twists and turns as we figure out who is behind the attacks and what exactly the endgame is made this one hard to put down.

I loved how Katee Robert dealt with the differing levels of power between Samara and Beckett, not only in business, but in the way they grew up too. The Kings are Texas royalty who never want for anything, whereas Samara was raised by a single mother who had to scrimp and save just to make ends meet. They essentially come from different worlds, but I loved seeing how Samara made her way into that other world despite the fact that she still doesn't feel like she belongs there at times. I really liked that even though this is important to Samara it's not something that Beckett is even remotely concerned about, but he still respects her feelings however and doesn't just write them off.

The chemistry and the romance are spot on and undeniable, but I really loved that Katee Robert included the sometimes elusive female friendship between Samara and Beckett's cousin, Journey. I always think it's important to show female friendships and I love to read about them. It's clear that Journey is going to have her own story. It's also pretty clear about who her HEA will be with, and I look forward to reading it, I just hope we keep that female friendship intact, that we keep getting those moments.

Overall, this is a great new start to a new series. I didn't expect anything less from Katee Robert. She's become one of my romance go-to's.

What’s it About? After his father’s sudden death, Beckett King finds himself in charge of a fortune, a successful company, and facing very powerful enemies. Someone familiar is gunning for his company and while she’s his rival, Beckett knows he can trust Samara Mallick to help him. For Sarmara’s part she’s convinced herself that she despises Beckett but when he asks her for help she can’t seem to refuse. Their undeniable attraction to one another is just a side perk of figuring each other out but when Beckett’s enemies start upping their game, it puts him and Samara in danger and the more they investigate, the more dark King family secrets keep popping up.


Overall reaction to the story? Reading The Last King is like going to a favorite restaurant and being surprised by a new dish that is one of the best things you’ve ever tasted. I’ve been reading Katee Robert’s books for the past three or so years and she just keeps surprising me with each new series she does. I didn’t think anything could entrance me like the O’Malleys series but I’m so glad to see I was wrong. The Last King took me hostage and I loved it! I think romances should feature more women like Samara Mallick. She’s had to fight hard and work harder to get where she’s at professionally and she doesn’t shame herself or let anyone else shame her for her ambition. She may not have been at the top of the food chain professionally but by the end of the book I had no doubt that if she wanted to she could conquer anything and anyone if she set her mind to it. Samara wasn’t perfect but she didn’t have to be because she was confident and intelligent in a way that made her a well rounded character.


Beckett was a surprise too. Sure he was arrogant, why wouldn’t he be? He came from a legendary family, has more money than he knows what to do with, and he’s an excellent businessman. Normally that would be a huge turn off for me but the one thing I noticed straight away is that Beckett didn’t try to “buy” Samara by throwing his money at her like some idiot rich guy. He never made her feel like less because he was rich and the CEO of his family’s company and she worked for his enemy. He honestly respected her and even admired her skills in the tough industry that they were in. He never used his status as a King or as the CEO of a powerful company to intimidate her into capitulating (Again like most idiot rich guys would do). He definitely enjoyed going head-to-head with Samara professionally because she was more than a match for him.


As for their romance? Well “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe Beckett and Samara. Their chemistry sets the pages on fire and that’s just when they’re in the same room. These two are both strong and passionate characters and Katee Robert didn’t waste time in showing just how hot Beckett and Samara are together. All I can say is brace yourselves readers, and as a precaution you might want to grab some ice water. Maybe a fan or two because not only does this couple turn up the heat just by looking at one another, they bring some major romance too. Beckett is surprisingly vulnerable emotionally while Samara takes on the role of rescuer that is usually given to the man. That was a reversal that put a great spin on their relationship and changed the dynamics that I know I’m used to (and bored of) in romances. Robert proves that a hero can be the emotionally vulnerable character who wants more than just sex with the heroine while still maintaining his alpha male badass-ness and that a heroine can ride to his rescue, be strong and ambitious while still maintaining her femininity. Through the ups and downs of their modern day courtship, I found myself falling in love with both characters. And I could totally hear Zayn's Dusk Till Dawn playing in the background for their romance.


Of course the plot of The Last King just wouldn’t work without supporting characters who complicate matters. Beckett comes from a powerful family that fractured when his grandfather named Beckett’s father Nathaniel as CEO of the company over Beckett’s aunt Lydia. Beckett has four cousins that he only knows professionally and has a healthy dose of mistrust towards and one of those cousins is best friends with Samara. Then there’s Beckett’s only friend, the enigmatic, powerful Frank Evans. Let’s just call him Mr. Delicious shall we? He’s got an intense interest in Beckett’s cousin Journey but that woman loathes him even as she’s attracted to him. Hmm, I have a feeling that is going to be one heck of a book. That King family though, sheesh. Without giving anything away I’ll just say that the King family is fifty kinds of messed up but I’m sure that as shady and surprising as things were in The Last King, that was just the tip of the iceberg.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. Do not pass this book up especially if you like red hot romance, and complicated family dynamics mixed with money, power, and secrets. BRING ON FRANK AND JOURNEY’S BOOK!