Tag Archives: multi-cultural

King of Hyde Park / King of Lawndale by Lisa Watson & Janice M. Allen

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King of Hyde Park/King of Lawndale(Kings of the Castle 8 & 9) by Lisa Watson & Janice Allen-reviews

 

KING OF HYDE PARK
(Kings of the Castle #8)
by Lisa Watson
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters/Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 20, 2019

Alejandro “Dro” Reyes has been a “fixer” for as long as he could remember, which makes owning a crisis management company focused on repairing professional reputations the perfect fit. The same could be said of Lola Samuels, who is only vaguely aware of his true talents and seems totally oblivious to the growing attraction between them. His company, Vantage Point, is in high demand and business in the Windy City is booming. Until a mysterious call following an attempt on his mentor’s life forces him to drop everything and accept a fated position with The Castle which blindsides him with an enemy he never saw coming.

Public relations maven, Lola Samuels, has just been given an impossible task to fix the tarnished image of longtime bad boy, Shawn Mayhew. She reaches out to Dro for assistance, unaware of the underlying tension between the Mayhews and Reyes families. What starts out as a cut and dry working arrangement becomes complicated by danger, ulterior motives, and a fierce heat that won’t be denied.

When Alejandro discovers the lengths that the Mayhews will go to unseat him and ruin his family who has a decades long affiliation to The Castle, he calls in a few reinforcements of his own from his brother Kings. But there’s a hidden agenda that Alejandro doesn’t see coming who threatens his life, his woman, and his throne.

••••••••

REVIEW:KING OF HYDE PARK by Lisa Watson is the eighth instalment in the multi-authored/ multi-cultural KINGS OF THE CASTLE romantic, suspense series focusing on nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is fixer Alejandro ‘Dro’ Reyes, and PR agent Lola Samuels’ story line. KING OF HYDE PARK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading KINGS OF THE CASTLE (Book one) for backstory and history.

Told from several third person perspectives including Dro and Lola KING OF HYDE PARK continues to focus on the threats against the Kings of the Castle. Alejandro ‘Dro’ Reyes is a fixer, and is desperate to uncover the people behind the attack on his mentor Khalil Germaine, an attack that recalled Dro and his ‘brothers’ back home. Hoping to get closer to Lewis Wingate and Alistair Mayhew, current and former members of the Castle, Dro begins a slow seduction of Alistair’s PA Lola Samuels, only to find himself quickly falling for the woman herself. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Dro and Lola, and the potential fall-out as Lola becomes collateral damage in the war between The Castle, and its’ former members.

The relationship between Lola and Dro is a rapid building affair of insta-lust to love. Dro knows immediately that Lola is the woman that calls to his heart but Lola struggles in the face of potential betrayal knowing Dro was using her to get close to the Mayhew clan. 

KING OF HYDE PARK is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and control. Once again, several of the Kings of the Castle play secondary and supporting roles including Daron, Jai, Grant and Shaz; Khalil and Vikkas Germaine; Grayson and Travers. We are introduced to Dro’s blood family including brother Esteban and Raul, as well as their parents Victor and Valentina Reyes, and uncle Santiago; Lola’s mother Maggie; Alistair Mayhew and his son Shawn; and security specialist Alexa King.

KING OF HYDE PARK is another fast pace and entertaining instalment in the Kings of the Castle series. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is passionate; the characters are numerous and dynamic.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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KING OF LAWNDALE
Kings of the Castle #9
by Janice M. Allen
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters/Indigo /

Release Date: December 23, 2019

Dwayne Harper’s passion is giving disadvantaged boys the tools to transform themselves into successful men. Unfortunately, the minute he steps up to take his place among the men he considers brothers, two things stand in his way: a political office that does not want the competition Dwayne’s new education system will bring, and a well-connected former member of The Castle who will use everything in his power—even those who Dwayne mentors—to shut him down.

Tiffany Mason is harboring a dark secret that can shatter Dwayne’s dream, not to mention his heart. While he is everything she could want in a handsome, intelligent, and driven man, her past makes her second guess the acceptance of his recent proposal. But while she’s searching for a way to disengage from the best relationship she’s ever had, a mutual female friend goes full throttle in an undercover mission to help Dwayne fight those who oppose him. Things become complicated for everyone involved when Tiffany’s past becomes part of a blackmail scheme with the ultimate goal of another woman wanting Dwayne all to herself. Now Tiffany wishes she had been honest with Dwayne from day one so she wouldn’t become a weapon that could be used against him on more than one level.

One of these women holds the key to Dwayne’s success. The other can cause his downfall. Dwayne must choose the right queen, fend off his powerful enemies, and forge toward the success that’s due him as a King of the Castle.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: KING OF LAWNDALE by Janice M. Allen is the ninth and final instalment in the multi-authored/ multi-cultural KINGS OF THE CASTLE romantic suspense series focusing on nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is Dwayne Harper, and Tiffany Mason’s story line. KING OF LAWNDALE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading KINGS OF THE CASTLE (Book one) for backstory and history. There is a slight cross-over with the author’s THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY TO DO A WRONG THING where the reader is first introduced to Uncle Bubba and Dwayne. You do not have to have read the aforementioned story in order to understand or follow the current time line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Tiffany and Dwayne KING OF LAWNDALE follows several converging paths including the building relationship between Tiffany and Dwayne, as well as the ongoing struggle with the attempts to destroy and discredit Dwayne Harper, and his Excel Charter School on Chicago’s Westside. Dwayne Harper has always been about the education of the under privileged, and starting his own charter schools gave Dwayne a chance to pay back to the community but Alderman Eduardo Sanchez sees competition and trouble from Dwayne Harper, and does everything in his power to take down Dwayne Harper including going after the woman with whom Dwayne is in love. Enter Tiffany Mason, whose own three year battle with her soon to be ex, is draining the life out of our story line heroine. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tiffany and Dwayne, as Dwayne and the Kings of the Castle forge closer to the people h*ll bent on taking it all.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples, Khalil Germaine and his large extended family; Alderman Eduardo Sanchez, and several of his goons; as well as a number of boys who attend Dwayne’s Excel Charter School.

KING OF LAWNDALE is the culmination of nine story lines, each focusing on one of the ‘Kings’ of Chicago, Kings who work tirelessly to bring positivity, and abundance to the out of control, gang infested neighborhoods of Chicago’s crime riddled streets and homes. As each King wages battle in his own district, the men are pulled together in an effort to ferret out the people responsible for trying to kill their mentor and friend Khalil Germaine. The premise is engaging, entertaining and exciting; the romance is clean and sweet; the characters are numerous, energetic and colorful.

Previous reviews and reading order
KINGS OF THE CASTLE
King of Chatham
King of Evanston
King of Devon
King of Morgan Park
King of South Shore
King of Lincoln Park
King of Hyde Park
King of Lawndale

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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King of Lincoln Park by Martha Kennerson-a review

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KING OF LINCOLN PARK (Kings of the Castle #7) by Martha Kennerson-a review

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

Grant Khambrel, a sexy, successful architect, worked hard to build a thriving business only to have it threatened by mistake that someone has laid at his door. The man who raised Grant after his parents died, made arrangements for Grant to receive the funds necessary to start a lucrative construction company. Soon Grant learns the money came from questionable means with strings attached; strings that took him years to cut and bury. After winning a multi-million dollar contract to renovate the United Center in Chicago, his bid comes under fire when rumors of improper business ethics arise. Grant is blackmailed by a powerful local politician for access and control of something money can’t buy, but will cost him everything if he gives in.

Autumn Knight, the beautiful Administrative Director of the United Center, grew up around both sides of Chicago politics. Her father, a local real estate tycoon and powerful Alderman, believes he should financially benefit from the good works he provides to his community. Autumn loves her father, but disagrees with how he operates and refuses to follow his path. Her career requires interaction with the new architect selected by her father’s committee. When Grant and Autumn meet, their chemistry is overwhelming, and they’re eager to explore their romantic possibilities. Unfortunately, lies and secrets threaten the future they both believe is possible.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: KING OF LINCOLN PARK by Martha Kennerson is the seventh instalment in the multi-author / multi-cultural KINGS OF THE CASTLE romantic, suspense series focusing on nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is King of Lincoln Park, architect Grant Khambrel, and twenty-eight year old, administrative director of the United Center Autumn Knight’s story line. KING OF LINCOLN PARK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: For fans of Martha Kennerson, there is a cross-over with the characters Meeks Montgomery and the Blake Sisters from the author’s Protecting the Heiress, Seducing the Heiress, and Tempting the Heiress.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grant and Autumn) KING OF LINCOLN PARK follows architect Grant Khambrel in the wake of winning the bid to renovate and upgrade the United Center, a win that places Grant in the direct line of fire when a dirty alderman, and his goons, threaten the vendors Grant is hoping to hire. Enter Autumn Knight, the administrative director of the United Center, as well as the daughter of the James Knight, the alderman in question. As Grant embarks on hiring his team, the Kings will come under a different kind of threat, when the historical society demands control of the Castle.

Autumn Knight is aware of her father’s questionable ethics but is shocked to learn, to what depths, he is willing to secure his power. From threatening would-be admirers or choosing the men with whom Autumn can date, Alderman James Knight is a force to be reckoned, a force that stands in the way of Grant current plans.

The relationship between Grant and Autumn is one of instant attraction but an attraction tempered by issues of trust, and Alderman Knight’s unethical control. Grant knows that Autumn is his happily ever after but Autumn has yet to realize to what depth her father controls everything he touches. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the Kings of the Castle play secondary and supporting roles including Daron and Jai, and several of the young Knights (Hiram , Falcon, Michael, Ryan, Kevin). We are introduced to Grant’s uncle Ben and his partner Sam, Autumn’s administrative assistant Jenna Lowe, community activist Mark Nadler, Alderman James Knight and his right hand man Richmond Kane, as well as security specialist Meeks Montgomery.

KING OF LINCOLN PARK is a fast paced, intriguing and revealing story line wherein not only does Grant struggle to regain control but the Castle, itself, is threatened by an outside source. The premise is engaging and captivating; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are colorful and energetic. KING OF LINCOLN PARK is a wonderful addition to the Kings of the Castle series.

Previous reviews and reading order
KINGS OF THE CASTLE
King of Chatham
King of Evanston
King of Devon
King of Morgan Park
King of South Shore
King of Lincoln Park
King of Hyde Park
King of Lawndale

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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King of Morgan Park by Karen Bradley/King of South Shore by MarZeScott

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King of Morgan Park by Karen Bradley/ King of South Shore by MarZe Scott-reviews

KING OF MORGAN PARK
(Kings of the Castle #5)
by Karen D. Bradley
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 10, 2019

Two things threaten to destroy several areas of Daron Kincaid’s life—the tracking device he developed to locate victims of sex trafficking and an inherited membership in a mysterious outfit called The Castle. The new developments set the stage to dismantle the relationship with Cameron, the woman he loves, as well as the new life he’s building outside of an Interpol and FBI sting that brought down his former enemies. Coming out of the shadows could have dangerous consequences that affect everyone around him.

Marquise Sinclair, a crime boss over an international theft ring, is determined to take Daron’s position in the Castle by leveraging Cameron’s life against a project worth billions. Unfortunately, he is unaware that his lovely target was fiercely trained to make men weak or put them on the wrong side of the grave. The secrets Daron keeps from Cameron and his inner circle only complicates an already tumultuous situation that wasn’t of his own making.

Can Daron take on Marquise, manage his secrets and loyalty to the Castle without permanently losing the woman he loves??

••••••••••••

REVIEW: KING OF MORGAN PARK by Karen D Bradley is the fifth instalment in the multi-authored/ multi-cultural KINGS OF THE CASTLE romantic suspense series focusing on nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is King of Morgan Park tech whiz Daron Kincaid, and Cameron Stone’s story line. KING OF MORGAN PARK can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the author’s TRANSITION OF POWER for backstory and cohesion, where Daron and Cameron’s story line begins.

NOTE: KING OF MORGAN PARK runs parallel to crosses over with several of the previous instalments in The Kings of the Castle series.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cameron and Daron) KING OF MORGAN PARK follows Daron Kincaid as he struggles with his membership in The Castle, a position he ‘inherited’ from a former crime lord, a position coveted by Marquise Sinclair. Threats against his life, and that of the woman he loves finds Daron trying to protect Cameron Stone, a woman who is able to protect herself. The fall-out of Daron’s life and connections to crime push Cameron to the periphery where she refuses to become collateral damage.

KING OF MORGAN PARK is a fast paced, entertaining, well written and intriguing story line but in all honesty, I was confused throughout most of the story line as the author continues to build upon previous story lines bringing together several characters from her other stories and series including Mia and Calvin from The Confection Assignment. Many of the characters were unfamiliar -you have to have read the author’s Transition of Power in order to follow or understand several of the references to previous events. As well, The Kings of the Castle story line takes a back seat to the author’s previous stories and characters thusly feeling disconnected from the overall premise.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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KING OF SOUTH SHORE
(Kings of the Castle #6 )
by MarZe Scott
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense

ebook ONLY 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2019.

Award-winning real estate developer, Kaleb Valentine, is known for turning failing communities into thriving havens in the Metro Detroit area. Kaleb’s business investments always brought excellent returns and put him on track for multi-million-dollar status. That is, until five bodies are found in a house fire in one of the properties he purchased on the South Side of Chicago. This puts Kaleb deep in the middle of an intense criminal investigation led by a detective who has a personal vendetta. Not to mention, Kaleb is forced to revisit a life he barely escaped as a teen which threatens a new love interest before the relationship lands on solid ground.

Skyler Pierson has no time for romance, let alone love. So, it’s unexpected that when Kaleb shows up to volunteer at her place of employment, the walls around her heart begin to crumble. Working as the transition coordinator for The Second Chance at Life Women’s Shelter, Skyler secures sanctuary for women and children who have been abandoned by their families or are survivors of domestic violence. When Kaleb asks Skyler for what seems to be a simple favor, she soon discovers that asking one too many questions puts her in the kind of danger she thought she’d managed to distance herself from years before.

The circumstances surrounding Kaleb’s background brings up his past and threatens his success, his life, and his new love. How far will Kaleb’s enemies go to take him down?

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: KING OF SOUTH SHORE by MarZe Scott is the sixth instalment in the multi-authored / multi- cultural KINGS OF THE CASTLE romantic suspense series focusing on nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is King of South Shore real estate developer Kaleb Valentine, and women’s shelter worker Skyler Pierson. KING OF SOUTH SHORE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading KINGS OF THE CASTLE (Book one) for backstory. Skyler Pierson was first introduced to the reader in the King of Chatham, book two.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kaleb and Skyler) KING OF SOUTH SHORE follows Kaleb Valentine, a former gang banger who turned evidence years before, as he endeavours to reinvigorate and revitalize the South Side of Chicago but all does not according to plan when the former gang known as the Sovereign Kings, attempts to recruit the one time member, in an effort to take over the territory Kaleb is trying to uplift. When a fire at one of Kaleb’s properties results in the death of five young women, Kaleb becomes the number one suspect in the eyes of the law. Kaleb’s reputation as a former gang banger precedes his return to Chicago and his re-introduction to the Kings of the Castle, a reputation that pits Kaleb against the ‘brothers’ who are struggling to trust our story line hero. Meanwhile Kaleb has fallen for Skyler Pierson, the woman who works side by side with Reno DeLuca, but a woman who will be come collateral damage when Kaleb asks Skyler to help with a young runaway who is refusing to talk. What ensues is the building relationship between Skyler and Kaleb, and the potential fall-out as the Sovereign Kings are determined to take control of Chicago’s South Side.

Kaleb Valentine fell in love with Skyler Pierson from their first introduction but Kaleb found himself pulled back into the world of the South Side gangs, a world of which he was hoping to take down. Skyler Pierson is fiercely protective of the clients at the local women’s shelter and thusly struggles with the unscheduled appearances of Kaleb Valentine. As Kaleb begins a slow seduction of the woman with whom he will fall in love, Skyler will be targeted when threats against Kaleb become personal and dark. The $ex scenes are intimate and limited, but I had to roll my eyes at the cringe-worthy ‘sexy talk’.

Most of the Kings of the Castle play secondary and supporting roles. We are introduced to Skyler’s extended family, including her daughter’s and feisty mother; Sovereign Kings leader Jeremiah ‘Killa’, and Zephyr and Aisha from the author’s previous release Gemini Rising.

KING OF SOUTH SHORE is an intriguing and entertaining story with a colorful and energetic cast of characters.

Previous reviews and reading order
KINGS OF THE CASTLE
King of Chatham
King of Evanston
King of Devon
King of Morgan Park
King of South Shore
King of Lincoln Park
King of Hyde Park
King of Lawndale

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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King of Devon (Kings of the Castle #4) by Naleighna Kai-a review

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King of Devon (Kings of the Castle #4) by Naleighna Kai-a review

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2019.

When a coma patient becomes pregnant under mysterious circumstances, Jai’s medical facility and employees come under intense government, media, and law enforcement scrutiny. During the investigation, he receives a mysterious call summoning him to The Castle following an attempt on his mentor’s life. Soon, Jai is thrust into a position and a brotherhood that will require more of him than he’s prepared to give. With it, a dark family secret explodes that has the potential to destroy the people he loves most.

Temple Devaughn survives a horrific ordeal that lands her in a year-long coma. She finally awakens, only to find she’s been violated and now has a child. The police are investigating the men who cared for her at a medical center that employs “controversial” but highly successful methods. Yet, she has no choice but to trust Jai after she learns the lengths her family has gone to get their hands on a fortune they’ve kept hidden all this time. Complications arise, and Jai is forced to step in to protect Temple from the revenge-seeking perpetrator while showing that he can guard her heart as well.

Will Jai be able to fend off their enemies, fulfill his destiny at The Castle, and navigate a relationship with Temple that is marred by betrayal, mystery, and deadly attempts to silence her once and for all?

•••••••

REVIEW:KING OF DEVON by Naleighna Kai is the fourth instalment in the multi-authored/multi-cultural KINGS OF THE CASTLE romance series focusing on nine nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is King of Devon and holistic healer Jaidev ‘Jai’ Maharaj, and Temple Devaughn’s story line. KING OF DEVON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading KINGS OF THE CASTLE (Book one) for backstory.

NOTE: Due to the nature and content of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Jai and Temple, following numerous intersecting pathways KING OF DEVON is a detailed and complex addition to the Kings of the Castle. Jai Maharaj owns and operates a nursing facility where it is discovered that one of his young comatose clients, Temple Devaughn, have become pregnant while under his care at the Chetan Healing Center. An investigation into the staff throws shade at all of Jaidev’s employees but none more so than the man himself. Meanwhile several people with connections to Temple, to the Center, to law enforcement, and with the Castle elite all have an axe to grind or are looking for a pay out at the end of the day. But the birth of Temple’s daughter India finds our hero taking full responsibility for the little child, a responsibility that will come with feelings and emotions for Temple, herself. What ensues is the investigation, research and revelations about the who, how, and why, as the betrayal, secrets, lies, and greed slowly bleed the life and power from more than one person hell-bent on destroying them all.

Temple Devaughn has survived not one, not twice but three times against the abusive powers of the people sworn to love and protect. Sexually abused as a child, then again while under the care of the Chetan Healing Center, our heroine is made stronger but that which did not kill her or destroy. Jaidev Maharaj knows to fall in love with Temple goes against everything he has sworn to protect but something about Temple calls to our hero, something he is unable to resist or defend. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Meanwhile Vikkas Germaine prepares to marry the love of his life but family secrets threaten to throw everything into disarray. From his father’s secret past to betrayal and lies, Vikkas will come face to face with the siblings he has never known, siblings who remained hidden to protect them from the fall-out and collateral damage of numerous affairs, marriage, threats and greed.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including all of the Kings of the Castle and their significant others, Khalil Germaine, and his son Vikkas, as well as the introduction of a new generation of Kings known as the Knights including Hiram Fosten and his girlfriend, Bureau investigator Marilyn Spears . We are introduced to Donald Amos, and Big Red, Temple’s mother Sharon Liscell, and Temple’s ex ‘fiance’ Curtis Burnside.

KING OF DEVON is a captivating, intricate, revealing and meticulous instalment in the Kings of the Castle series. The world building continues to expose a little more about Khalil Germaine, the man who mentored the nine boys from the streets of Chicago, a mentor whose own life what barely under control. The premise is intriguing, fast paced and engaging; the romance is seductive and intense.

Previous reviews and reading order
KINGS OF THE CASTLE
King of Chatham
King of Evanston
King of Devon
King of Morgan Park
King of South Shore
King of Lincoln Park
King of Hyde Park
King of Lawndale

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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