King's Gambit

Road to Redemption, Book 1

By: Aiden Bates, Ali Lyda

Narrated by: Thomas Hart

Old crimes never wash away....

I can never make up for the things I did while deep in the gang life. It doesn’t matter how much I've changed. Rory will never see past it.

Things burn hot between us, but he's far too good for a bad guy like me.

I don't date, and Rory is the kind of guy that deserves more than one night. But for him, I might be ready to change my rules. If he can ever accept my past.

I'm done with falling for bad boys....

I've got a simple plan: bartend at King's Gambit until I have enough cash to start my own yoga studio. I'm not supposed to fall for King in the process.

Whoops.

I'm over bad boys, and ex-gangster King is badder than most, but I can't resist.

When trouble at the bar threatens what we're building together, I will stand by King through thick and thin. But he's not the only one haunted by his past.

All this time, he’s been worried he'll bring me down. But I could be the pawn that brings down the king.

©2021 Special Fiction Books (P)2021 Special Fiction Books

Another must listen!!!

Whenever a book by these two authors together comes out it immediately moves itself to the top of my must read/listen list. Kings gambit is no different. Rory and King both have shady pass but when Rory starts to bartend at King’s club sparks fly. However neither of them feels worthy enough for the other until they both accept they are better together than apart even with their past. I’m excited that this is a new series from these authors and can’t wait to see who’s story is told next. Minor cliffhanger at the end of book one which makes me crave book 2 even more. Thomas Hart is a wonderful narrator that immerses you into the story in a way many narrators can’t

Great Start To Series

I love redeeming stories and this was that and more. Well written and good narration. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Long road ahead

This is a great look into kings life I enjoyed this story and think it is a wonderful start to a new series. Rory is a perfect fit for King and when they finally get to get there is a wonderful relationship ahead for them. The narration was great can’t wait to hear the next story.

I LOVE to see an audiobook written by these two!

Yes, indeed! The start of new series by dynamic duo Aiden Bates and Ali Lyda! Dang! I just knew I was in for a good time and I was right! In the book, we meet Kingston ex-gangster club owner of the popular King's Gambit nightclub whose attraction to bartender Rory is just so adorable. Yes, adorable! The writers are careful in developing an ex-gangster that we can like immediately and fall in love with long before we finish reading the book. His tenderness and care are on full display throughout the narrative but we are treated to his harder, more violent side when those he cares about are threatened. Rory works as a bartender in King's club in hopes of saving money to open his own yoga studio and it's obvious that he is committed to his work in the club. The two dance around their desire for each other, both knowing that the other represents more than what the other has had in relationships--an authentic, loving, and committed relationship! Each carries baggage from a past that is less than ideal. It's obvious what King's past is all about. The gangster wears it like clothing in the form of tattoos and scars on his skin. But it seems that Rory's past is less than pristine, too. The writers were willing to move the book along without rushing things. Readers were able to enjoy the pace in the relationship between the protagonists that didn't result in exasperation or frustration. They moved forward, then balked for good reason, then regained momentum in their union. The book ends on a bearable cliffhanger that was nothing short of perfect. I'm so looking forward to the continuation of this series. Goodness, I love when these two writers collaborate!

Not a stand alone

So it ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger and I am excited to see what happens next. I really enjoyed this story. It was intriguing and I really liked the dynamics between King and Rory. Hart is a new to me Narrator and I really enjoyed his performance.

Terrific start to a new series.

Terrific start to a new series.  I am hooked on this new series and am excited to see where it goes.  I found the story-line was solid and kept me engaged and turning the page to the very end.  I really loved the characters, both the MC's and the supporting characters that we meet in this book. This is a bit of a slow burn and we get to know the characters and to fall in love with each of them. 

The narrator's voice was okay, but he only changed voices during dialog, which was very disappointing and sometimes confusing during the different point of views of the characters. 

Rory and King are flawed and deliciously vulnerable, yet strong and willing to fight for what they want. These men will draw you in as the reader and you will enjoy the story as they grow closer and find acceptance and love.  The ending left us with a bit of intrigue into the next book and into Rory's back-story which we didn't learn a lot about.  I will be getting the next book as soon as I can. 

This is book one of the Road To Redemption series and I am so looking forward to the next book.  

That Ending.......

First off that ending why? Why? Even though there is a cliffhanger, the story is super good I can't wait to see what happens next.

Awesome

Great book, kept my attention all the way to the end, amazing audio delivery, loved it. Will be reading again, every chapter was received amazingly do recommend you give it a read.

Great Beginning to a New Series

This is the first book in a new series by Bates& Lyda, all based out of King's Gambit. A nightclub owned by King. This nightclub is King's path to redemption. In his youth he,his brother and best friend were members of the Jackals gang. King did despicable things in his youth but did the unthinkable. He torched his present and those around him and broje free of the gang.
Rory is a bartender for King and even though he's attracted to King he's not one to break his rule about bad boys. Except in this case he does but only a friends with benefits kind of thing.
The give and take between the two was interesting to watch so was the back and forth.
The cast of characters were well written and added to the depth of the overall story.
This is a HFN is going to continue into book two with a new character getting their spotlight. I look forward to book two.

Exciting

Another amazing book! I was excited to see the story of King and Rory are hott hott hott - a story about redemption for ones past, strangth & love for themselves and their future. Now onto book 2