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Lost Kings MC #19

Crown of Ghosts

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It’s a long road to redemption. I sacrificed fifteen years for a crime I didn’t even commit. In my absence, the world kept on turning. The one dream I held onto burned to ashes. Everything’s changed, except my love for the Lost Kings Motorcycle Club. As soon as I met her, the darkness recedes. A new dream takes shape. Her touch restores me. Her broken soul is mine to fix. But I can’t shake the déjà vu sensation every time we touch. History wants a repeat and all I want is peace.

404 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2021

166 people are currently reading
1127 people want to read

About the author

Autumn Jones Lake

58 books3,541 followers
Autumn is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the popular Lost Kings MC and Hollywood Demons series. Autumn firmly believes that true love stories never end and that is reflected in the stories she tells.

Her past lives include baking cookies, slinging shoes, and practicing law.

She was born and raised in upstate New York, where most of her books are set. Autumn still enjoys all four seasons there with her very own alpha hero.

You can ask Autumn questions on Goodreads and easily find her on Facebook.

Sign-up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bTSNkn

Join the Autumn's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LostK...

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Visit Autumn here:
http://www.autumnjoneslake.com

Email Autumn: AutumnJLake@gmail.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
Profile Image for Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️.
2,095 reviews36.2k followers
February 21, 2022
3.5 - 3.75 Stars

I have been a fan of Autumn Jones Lake and this series since I first read book one in 2014. Since then, I have read and re-read my favorites in the series numerous times and impatiently waited for almost every single new release. I just love this world and these characters.

Tangent: I will say that, for some reason, I have no interest in Rooster and Shelby's story at this point in time...which means I have yet to read books 16-18; however, I have no doubt I will read them eventually. (I did the same thing with Miles and Heidi's story arc...I had no interest for a year or so and then came back and read them).

But I digress.

As a longtime reader and re-reader of the series, I was excited when I saw that Grinder was getting his own story. And I enjoyed this installment. I loved just being back in this world with characters that feel like they are "my people."

I will say, however, that Grinder and Serena's relationship felt vert insta-love (which is very out of character for AJL in my opinion). As such, I has a hard time buying into their feelings and story.

I also feel like not much really happened in this book in general. If you are a fan of the series (like me), this probably won't bother you as you will simply be giddy as hell to be with your favorites, but I feel like it's definitely worth mentioning as it might be an issue for some.

And, honestly, a 3+ AJL star is like gold in my book. And I always love a good age gap.
Profile Image for ✰ Liz ✰ .
1,433 reviews1,338 followers
August 15, 2021
"Maybe I've lost my mind, but damn, if I'm not ready to hunt down her ghosts and slay every one of them."
description

Crown of Ghosts is the nineteenth book in the Lost Kings MC Series. Although the series is best read from the beginning, Crown of Ghosts can be read as a stand-alone. It is the first book featuring Grinder and a very special heroine. Grinder has just been released from prison and is ready to start living again. After visiting his ex and coming to terms with the end of his former life, he is free and ready to start fresh. After meeting an intriguing younger woman, a spark is ignited deep in his soul. However, even with the promise of a new relationship, Grinder has a parole officer and many demons chasing him down. It will take strength and determination from the entire LOKI Crew to help Grinder and his new love find their way!

description
"I love your fire."
Told in dual POV, Crown of Ghosts is a dynamic contemporary romance with an intricate plot and complex characters. The writing is fluid, and as always, the cast of characters draws you in from the first word on the first page to the last. Grinder and the heroine are perfectly matched, and the passion and tenderness between the two had me swooning the entire read. It's no secret that I am a huge fan of all things LOKI, but Grinder has always had a special place in my heart which made this read even more endearing. Witnessing the transformation of these characters is breathtaking and unforgettable.
"She's mine."
Overall, Crown of Ghosts will appeal to MC Romance Fans who enjoy the age-gap trope. When it comes to LOKI, I will never get enough. Grinder is a unique hero matched with a sassy heroine, and together they are extraordinary. Autumn Jones Lake has crafted another beautiful installment to the LOKI Series, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next for Grinder and his Old Lady! Crown of Ghosts is an explosive read that is definitely on the top of my Favorites of 2021 Shelf!





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Profile Image for Heroesinbooks.
1,163 reviews348 followers
August 10, 2021
Beyond 5 Grayson Stars

I loved this book. Loved it.

Quick Review with no spoilers....

This is the nineteenth book in the series and it's one of my most favourites. Grayson has been released from Prison after serving 15 years for a crime he did not commit but loyalty to the M.C is paramount so he did the time. Shortly after release he falls hard for a woman who we have met previously. I would not have paired them up but they actually go perfectly together. This is a passionately intense read which is HOT and also will pull at your heart strings. It's an age gap / fairly insta love romance. It ends on a major cliffhanger and Throne of Scars doesn't release until January 20 , 2022...


Far more enthusiastic review WITH spoilers....


Grayson 'Grinder' Lock (50) used to be Sergeant At Arms for the NY charter of LOKI , but after 15 years in prison , he has to get used to a world that moved on without him. Gray is a really , really likeable hero. He's edgy , brooding , loyal to the nth degree and he's tough - he had to be to survive prison. Now he's out and with the added aggravation of the Parole Officer from Hell, he is finding his way on the outside.

This is how I envisage Gray...



Whilst in Prison he was injured and he needs therapy for his shoulder , especially if he intends to get back on his bike soon. He's referred and his therapist is Serena Cargill (28). Serena has been a recurring character in the LOKI series and is perhaps most memorable as being the girl Murphy was with before he finally sorted things with Heidi in More Than Miles. I have always liked Serena very much and I hated the way some people treated her.
It was heartbreaking seeing her fall hard for Murphy in previous books when we as readers knew his heart only ever loved Heidi. He didn't treat her badly and I think he always felt a little guilty knowing that she felt more for him. She moved on too but not to better things. Serena has not been all that visible in the last few books , but let me tell you ...she is back and she is pretty awesome as a heroine.




She definitely has Trinity vibes for me. I loved seeing the girl that had been rejected by people all her life , finally find someone who truly wanted her.

Warm and content, I snuggle into the protection of his arms and one thought throbs through my mind—I’ve never felt so cherished in my life.


It was really heartwarming to watch Gray find peace in finally being free. AJL does a really good job of describing all the little things that make a massive difference when you don't have them anymore.


I finally peer up at the sky. Darkness surrounds the house, providing me with a clear view
through the panels of glass. Dark blue velvet sky. Soft white moonlight peeking out from the clouds. Twinkling spots of light. So many stars. I’ve longed for this exact moment for years.


Initially our Hero is a little wary as he and Serena have a huge age gap. He is 22 years older than her. But the heart wants what the heart wants and it didn't feel off at all. I am a reader who used to avoid age gap romances but this here is a partnership that works so well. They have a similar , dry sense of humour. They've both been to dark places in their lives but in each other, they may just have found their soulmate.

“How old are you?”
Heat creeps over my cheeks.
“Twenty-eight.”
“Fuck,” he mutters. He blows out a long, slow breath.
“I feel like I never moved past the age I was when I went inside. So, really, I’m only about seven years older than you.”



Along with the gorgeously passionate romance simmering and roaring to life between our H/h , we also find ourselves back with the upstate Empire chapter of LOKI - the original Lost Kings. And OMG , it was good to be back!
I devour every word AJL writes. She is in my Top 5 authors of all time. I haven't yet read a book of hers that I haven't enjoyed and Wrath and Trinity , Tattered on My Sleeveand White Knuckles are my Top Book Couple of all time. I would say that , for me, when Z left to go downstate , the feel of the books changed and I really missed Z being with the guys. Rooster and Jigsaw are the two Downstate bikers who feel naturally like Upstate LOKI men. They fit perfectly. In this book , Z, Jiggy and Rooster are Upstate a lot and it is so, so, good. Together they are solid , funny , heart stoppingly gorgeous and so loyal to each other. Gray deserves their loyalty 100%

Rock’s expression hardens to steel.
“Like fuck are any of those scumbags threatening you,” he spits out. His hands curl into fists.
“We might not have been able to protect you inside, but—”
“We will fucking slaughter any motherfucker who tries to come after you,” Z finishes.


And it's not just the LOKI Men. It was like being with old friends having all the girls together and also welcoming Serena in. The scene when they all re tell fairy tales was hilarious.

Grinder is definitely up there in my Hero Hall of Fame. Passionate , bad ass good guy....

He sighs and glances down at his plate.
“I don’t know. I probably have no business with you. You’re too damn young. You have a career. I’m still trying to adjust and figure my shit out. I’m an ex-con with not a lot to offer you.”
I swallow and take a long sip of my water.
“But?”
A confident, bordering on cocky smile curls his lips. “Obviously, I’m very bad at doing the right thing.”




And Serena is my kind of heroine. I was cheering for her from the sidelines of my Kindle.

“I’ve never cried from an orgasm before.”
Not happy tears, anyway. He swipes his thumb over my cheeks.
“You’re bright red.”
“I think my soul left my body.” I point to the ceiling. “She’s up there watching and saying, ‘get it, girl.’”






Oh , I'm just so happy to have read this book. Yes, it ends on one hell of a cliffy but I trust AJL with my delicate heart. The countdown is on for part two and this girl is on the edge of her seat.....



2,906 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2021
Ghost and Serena

I swear I did not know this was a cliffhanger! If I did, I would not have read it. It’s a shame cause this author really knows how to write good stories. It is just not necessary to write a cliffhanger after I have just read this great story for 7 hours. Every book should get a HEA or a HFW and if an underlying theme carries through to several books in a series, then great. But readers don’t deserve to have to wait six to seven months to get the tail end of a story. It’s not like her loyal readers are not anxiously awaiting her next book no matter what it’s about. Well, maybe not this reader, not anymore.
Profile Image for Martha Navarrete.
20 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2021
The Wait was Worth it!!!

Autumn Jones Lake has created yet another masterpiece!! Grinder's story was unbelievable!!! And, even more incredible was who his lady love turns out to be!!! This was a turn pager from beginning to end. And, I love how Autumn always incorporates all are favorite LOKI characters!!
I cannot wait for Grinder's second book. And knowing Autumn she will definitely not disappoint. She never does!!
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,308 reviews361 followers
July 16, 2021
I liked this one.
There is an age difference.
Hero is not interested in club girls etc, only the heroine.
He has to clear up some history with his ex first.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Cliffhanger ending.
Profile Image for Melissa Machado.
512 reviews8 followers
July 15, 2021
This book was voted as the most anticipated romance release for July, and for good reason. If you've been following the series you know Grinder's freedom has been long awaited, long deserved, and long overdue. This is book one of his journey, so it does end in a cliff hanger.

Their journey is a slow, emotinal, burn. Grinder and his woman have complicated pasts. It's soul-stirring and touches many real life topics such as adjusting to post incarceration, low self-esteem, mental and physical abuse, divorce, loss, and so much more. Your heart will break reading about all they've suffered.

Both have so much in common, having endured personal traumas, dealing with a lot of insecurities, and trying to overcome obstacles that are getting in the way of their happiness and healing. Grinder's trying to close the chapters of his past and get closure so he can move forward but his ghost of prison past keeps coming for him. Meanwhile, Grinders woman is fighting to not let her own past rule her or let fear dictate her future.

These two have great chemistry and a long road ahead of them, but I have no doubt they'll get it all sorted and ride into the sunset with their happily ever after. Every time I read a LOKI book, it gives me that feeling of coming home, and this book was no different. We get the classic LOKI banter that we always love with their much needed comic relief. And we meet some old and new characters along the way. Autumn may or may not have some surprises up her sleeve, but only time will tell!

#RockisMYfox 👑
#ForeverRocksgirl 💙💚
#LostKings4Life 💚💙
#Chaserschick ❤💜
Profile Image for Jennifer (SunnySkiesReads).
545 reviews42 followers
July 15, 2021
Crown of Ghosts by Autumn Jones Lake is FANTASTIC. Grinder's story felt like the old school LOKI books that made me fall in love with the entire series. As much as I loved the past few books, Crown of Ghosts felt like going home. It brought me back to the roots of the series and I just couldn't get enough. I DEVOURED IT. ​

Grinder is incredibly sweet and sexy. He knows who he is and is just so damn confident. He's in a tough spot and I just wanted to reach into the books to give him a hug on multiple occasions. Spoiler free, Autumn Jones Lake's choice for his love interest is shockingly amazing. I gasped! I have always liked her and just knew there was so much more to her than what meets the eye. They both deserve a happy ending.

Crown of Ghost opens the door to a whole new set of drama in a series that already has its fair share of unresolved issues. I cannot wait for more!

Other notables: possibly a standalone, age gap romance, super steamy of the good kind, cliff hanger
Profile Image for AussieMum.
1,392 reviews55 followers
July 21, 2021
I love this series but Grinder has been in the background for a long time, having spent the past 15 years (and all the previous 18 books) in jail. So, I wasn’t sold on having him be the MC…yet.

But, I love an age gap. And Grinder is 50 ( if my calculations are correct), and Serena is 28. Delicious. At first.

Honestly, I had issues with this one but I still read it in two sittings. I’m yet to find out if this pairing deserves two books. Have to wait till next year to find out.

Not much of a review, I know. But I’ll read this series till every member is dead and buried so…
Profile Image for NAT.orious reads ☾.
966 reviews415 followers
August 21, 2023
I thought the beginning was super cute and I generally loved the relationship between Gray and Serena. The first 20% definitely had me intruiged. After that, however, the 'thrill' was all communication issues and insecurity on Serena's part and that really annoyed me.

(Also, for everyone who is interested in such weird life goals, I vow to read any book with this dude on the cover.)
Profile Image for hopelesslyinlovewith_books.
817 reviews19 followers
March 4, 2022
I did not see that coming! I’ve been waiting for what feels like forever for Grinder to finally be free! And I would’ve never thought his women would be Sabrina!!! I love this match up! I’ve always liked Sabrina. She may have been a club girl but she was always so nice and although I wanted Heidi and Murphy together, Murphy really did Sabrina dirty in More Than Miles. This book was so good! Grinder had some injuries from prison fighting and I do remember Sabrina was saying she was going to school to be a physical therapist. I should’ve put two and two together! Grinder was sweet on her right from the beginning and claimed her so fast your head could spin. I’m so excited for what’s to come with their next book!
Profile Image for Jann.
726 reviews7 followers
August 2, 2021
Wtf?! Cliffhanger?! Really?
Profile Image for Sue.
1,945 reviews25 followers
July 14, 2021
It will be very difficult to review this book without spoilers, so excuse the vagueness of my review. Let me just say that the homecoming after getting out of prison for an OG Loki member after 15 years was emotionally charged. There is quite the reunion we get to witness when so many favorites (and not so much) show up and inject their own particular "welcome back" scenes and some new faces get added to the mix. As with all of the books in this series, there is a wonderful mix of biker brother drama and tension, to go along with the violence and threats from outside sources. The women of the club are the glue that holds the men together and the kids really soften up their hard-edged biker dads.
An old face reappears in her second chance at life way, and from there begins an age gap romance that is at times sweet when it isn't being playful or emotionally gutting. Outside sources of course threaten the new couple's happiness even as we think all might be well, but it is not. All in all I really enjoyed this newest addition to the series, but of course as usual (grrr) I need the next book like I really need a drink of water in the desert!!

***** 5 ***** "where do they go from here?" stars
1,574 reviews27 followers
July 13, 2021
The infamous Grinder finally gets his story....
And there's no denying that Grinder is the ultimate Silver Fox or is it a Silver Wolf 😘
Throughout the Lost Kings series, we hear of Grinder, Rocks mentor who went inside the same time as Rock but had an extra 13 years added onto his sentence! He's finally out and this is him trying to deal with life on the outside...
Can you imagine that? Spending all that time locked up, on a schedule, having nothing but time that isn't your own, constantly having to look over shoulder, knowing that any day could be your last and when you finally get out - this is the world you step into!

Anyway, Grinder is out and I swear he makes me swoon! He's definitely complex, yet still a simple man - that sounds so backwards but you'll soon see what I mean. Although he's starting over completely, and the Club has his back, he won't accept charity! He still has his dignity - and stubbornness - What he doesn't seem to realise though is that the club have always kept him in mind. From everything from club earnings, to having a place to stay or a ride, you name it and they've considered it. Damn I love those kings 🥰
I'm getting side tracked!! Back to Grayson, he's hot! And although he's spent 15years inside, he's a good guy, honest and loyal. Still has a sense of humour although it takes a while for it show through, he's considerate and I have to say I wouldn't mind being his ole lady!! And who is the lucky lady you ask?....only one way you're going to find out and it ain't through me 😘 🤐

It's full of feels, of respect, fear, insecurities and new beginnings, it also has that typical Autumnness where you become completely and utterly engrossed in that world where you're not just reading a story, you're part of that world, you're catching up with old friends, you're feeling what they're feeling, wanting that they want and wishing so freaking hard that books could become a reality!
I loved it! Yet again and I know I say this every single time, but yet again, Autumn has smashed it!!!

Top marks and five stars will never ever be enough.
Thank you for sharing your genius mind with me, and I look forward to reading more and more about this world xx


*I voluntarily received an arc from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kathryn Linke .
2,116 reviews24 followers
August 27, 2021
Crown of Ghosts is the nineteenth title in the Lost Kings MC series. Honestly, I thought I would be getting bored of a series, by the nineteenth book, but each book is so unique that I find myself eager for each release. The characters in this title are complex, with pasts they are struggling to outrun. Their story is a sweet and sexy, passionate, yet tender age gap romance with an older man and younger woman.
Grinder has been mentioned in so many Lost Kings titles, and I was incredibly eager to read his story. He’s finally been released from many years behind bars, and is acclimating back to life on the outside, but ghosts from his past seem intent on interfering with his future. He’s an endearing character who is resilient, yet stubborn, honest, loyal and a good guy despite the choices of his past.
The heroine is an intriguing younger woman who has endured her fair share of pain. She’s patient, kind, loyal and the perfect match for Grinder, despite the difference between their ages.
This title does end in a cliff-hanger, and I can’t wait to discover the conclusion to Grinder’s story.
Profile Image for Shirl.
1,024 reviews46 followers
October 20, 2022
2 1/2 star's and rounding up to 3 only because I've loved this series but not this book. It's my least favorite out of 19 books.

One is because I hate big age gap romance and because there's too much thoughts that are repetitive.... "I'm not good enough for him"....."I'm too old for her"..... "I've never been liked... nobody ever paid attention to me". Yeah that gets old very quickly.

This is the second of 3 books about Grinder and Serena's book. Hopefully the next will be better. Serena has been attacked but before that Someone else came to see Grinder about something the new head guy in the prison system wants him to take care of. He owes nobody.

Grinder is trying to put everything behind him and lead a new normal life. Can he do that with Serena?
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,331 reviews146 followers
July 15, 2021
Yet another fantastic read from this talented author.
Grinder has more than earnt his story, so it was nice getting to know him properly. It was never going to be easy after what he went through. But he handles himself well and treats his woman right. I'm actually shutting up now, as much as I want to sing more praises, I'm scared I'll give anything away and the closely guarded secret of who "she" is. Think many, like myself, will be pleasantly surprised.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for wrkatreading.
1,248 reviews27 followers
July 20, 2021
3.5 rounded up

I hate to give a LOKI book anything less than a five but I had to this time. I have read the first 18 books of this series. I started this with trepidation. My wariness was from wondering who the h would be. I won’t give spoilers. The H, Grinder is a well loved character that was mentioned in just about every book and he sacrificed greatly for the club. The h was featured in a few books and she was seen more with another H from a previous book. I would have liked to hear the thoughts from the wife of the H I just mentioned. I was mostly upset it was a cliffhanger. The author once again had the great camaraderie between club members which I enjoy and is very consistent with her storyline. Still a great read and if you only read Grinders installments you won’t have the issues I had.
Profile Image for ~*~Happy Hour Prez~*~.
1,898 reviews
October 13, 2021
I'm giving this book 4.25 stars... despite the fact I really HATE cliffhangers (I did end up knocking off ¼ star afterall). I REALLY wish these, (this book & the next) were released at the same time OR maybe very close to, the same time. I REALLY *REALLY* HATE having to wait half a year to read the second half of a story I only JUST got really invested in. REALLY!
Profile Image for Ginz.
38 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2021
AJL strikes again.

The universe of LOKI is by far the best MC series ever... The characters are all amazing in their own way... The writing is flawless... The plot twists are gripping...

There's not much I can say about Crown of Ghosts without spoiling except that it was worth the wait (even though we still have to wait).

Just awesome!
Profile Image for domestic_godess_reads.
743 reviews26 followers
February 24, 2022
Torn

I normally love this series but this book just didn't do it for me. Very slow moving and once it got good it ended. Ill still read the next book but I think it could have been combined into one book.
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,701 reviews111 followers
August 25, 2025
The couple: Grinder (Grayson) and Serena

Romance genre: MC
Series: Lost Kings MC
Length: 404 pages

Plot: Finally, Grinder's story! We've seen mentions of Grinder throughout the rest of the series: he's the older club member who's been in prison for the past 15 years. set up for a crime he didn't do. He's out now, and his first inclination is to go visit his ex-wife. But the guys get him set up first - a place to stay a job, a meeting with his parole officer, and an appointment with a physical therapist. Turns out the physical therapist is also someone we know from previous books - Serena (of the mighty crush on Murphy). Serena's made some changes in her life, and one of those is staying away from MC parties - she's not a club whore anymore. But her new patient Grayson is appealing, and she can't stay away. And for him, the past doesn't seem worth visiting anymore when the future is so pretty and soft and accepting of him as he is. But they both come with their baggage, and in the end, that baggage might just drive them apart.

Commentary: Serena as the heroine was a big reveal, and I approve so much! I always liked Serena - she couldn't help it that Murphy and Heidi couldn't get themselves together (I doubt she was privy to the inside scoop on that since so much of that relationship was built before Heidi was even legal). It didn't matter what was happening, though; Serena was always sweet and kind. She was always looking for acceptance and approval, and that's part of what makes her so great for Grinder. He needs his girl to understand how important those qualities are. On his end, he wants to take care of her, and she needs to be taken care of. They match in that regard, more than anyone since Rock and Hope, I think (and I say that as a rabid Rooster/Shelby fan!).

But as I mentioned, they each came into this (unexpected) relationship with baggage. Grinder is having to learn about life outside of prison. Imagine going from 2005 to 2020 with no outside contact. Think of how much technology has changed in that time. Just seeing him try to understand things like smartphones and Instagram highlights the challenges in catching him up to speed with the new world. He has a curfew and has to check in with other people just to live a normal life. And his problems have followed him from prison to his new life. On the other hand, Serena has one of the most shocking secrets later in the story; we know that Shadow was rough with her, and of course Z put an end to that, but we didn't know even the beginning of his misdeeds. Oh, Serena!
I know that Grinder's not going to let their past define them or keep them from being together, though. He's learned to be patient in prison, but I think that now is his time to fight, and he has something worth fighting for. This was such a great book - I can't wait until the next one comes out to find out how their story ends!

Miscellaneous:
*Rock says "simmer down" 3 times
*I love how Grinder gives Rock so much advice at the very beginning (when Rock is leaving prison and Grinder is staying) and mentions all of the brothers - Sparky (as a prospect!), Dex, Wrath, Z, Teller, Murphy - and tells Rock to find a good woman

Previous book in the series: Diamond in the Dust
Next book in the series: Throne of Scars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
285 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2021
Got to the end to find, it’s not the end.

If you’re after thrilling, dynamic drama this isn’t it.

But an easy read with not much action, then you’re in luck.

Serious insta-love and insta-pregnancy. What’s the rush?

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tas.
24 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2025
This is my review for the entire standalone duology, including Crown of Ghosts AND Throne of Scars.

I don’t know where to begin with this duology, it has everything I look for in romance books, and I am not talking about tropes.

Firstly, the MMC and FMC as individuals. Grayson, the MMC, is an ex-convict, and the duology begins with his release but I absolutely adored him right from the beginning. He’s respectful, stern with his own values, and oh-so-sweet to our FMC. He’s much older than the FMC, so he’s got a few more of those traditional values in place (not in a misogynist or sexist way), he enjoys providing for our FMC, or at least trying to because she doesn’t let him. He’s loyal to the Lost Kings MC, arguably to a fault - considering they’re the reason he was convicted in the first place, but he never lets his loyalty to the MC supersede his loyalty to Serena.

Moving on to the FMC, Serena: I genuinely love her. She’s a sweetheart, and an extremely likeable FMC. She works hard, is loyal to those close to her, kind but at the same time, not a pushover. She finds it hard to accept Graysons desire to provide for her, because she’s had very bad experiences in the past and doesn’t want to be left stranded as she has been before - but she lets him in eventually.

Other things I enjoyed:
- The found family dynamic of the Lost Kings MC. I haven’t had much experience with the books in the series released before this duology, but holy fuck the conversations we see from the side characters (formerly main characters in their own novels) is hilarious. I was genuinely in bed chuckling away from some of the character interactions.
- The balance between being plot-based and character-driven. There is a plot, but it doesn’t take up too much of your attention whilst reading. I personally don’t like it when book plots stress me out, and this plot didn’t stress me out at all. This is of course subjective, so reviews outside of mine will say differently.
Profile Image for Emma.
957 reviews6 followers
October 2, 2024
Updated: I love reading about Grinder and his special lady. I get so emotional for them because of everything they have been through. They are just so good and this story is just amazing!

I can’t believe it’s already over! I loved this book so much, Grinder and his special lady was just amazing together and I am so glad that Autumn chose that woman for him. I can see them being so good together! Now “patiently” waiting for the next book!
Profile Image for Marta.
414 reviews13 followers
December 17, 2025
Not bad, not bad at all but infuriating in parts where Grinder is called an old man or a grandpa. From what I worked out he's 50 and being treated like a 70 y.o. Because of that it felt like a teenager wrote it.

Apart from that I enjoyed it, although I wish it delved deeper into Serena's mind. I just get why would she become a club girl...
Profile Image for Jon Vincent.
6 reviews8 followers
May 8, 2021
When I read the book, I didn't realize it would be so underrated on Goodreads. Definitely deserves more attention.
Profile Image for Kristen Lindtvedt.
318 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2021
A Haunting, Deeply Affecting Story of Second Chances...

Two years ago I wrote on my blog about how Autumn Jones Lake was one of only a few authors whose insight into the human soul is so astute she is able to create literary worlds that crack open your very being and lay it bare. Lake through her Lost Kings MC characters portrays elements of extreme trauma and violence, eloquently portraying people deeply pained and broken. She humanizes what most others within this genre merely stereotype, and this book, “Crown of Ghosts”, the long awaited tale of Grinder, is a perfect example of why she is an author beyond compare.

Since first discovering her Lost Kings MC series, his is the story I have longed for most. The enigma of a man who haunts the club like a specter, this unseen force pushing Roch, Wrath, and the others forward. And the tale Lake provides is beyond anything I'd hoped for as here she chooses a very personal seldom seen point of view for an MC book. She takes an unapologetic, unyielding look at the emotional aftermath of his incarceration. The heavy toll fifteen years behind bars has had on his soul as he struggles to repair the damage done to both mind and body, a burden weighing him down in ways he is unable to describe to others or even fully admit to himself. This man, who to the older brothers is a reminder of their early failures; a man they staunchly admire because of his sacrifice to the club. Yet after fifteen long years he is also a living ghost, someone many of the younger brothers within LOKI know only through their Prez and club lore. A man respected but not actually known beyond myth, and a man struggling intensely to assimilate back into a brotherhood he deeply loves but also no longer recognizes.

It is a haunting, deeply affecting story of a man coming to grips with a world that has moved on without him, while simultaneously having to fight demons from behind bars still trying to keep a hold on his person and dictate how he molds his new found freedom.

This one will pluck the hell out of your heart strings!  It will also offer you many surprises and revelations. The main one being who Lake chooses as Grinder’s woman, the one who, through her own traumatic past, helps Grinder forge ahead with carving out a new future. A future he never thought possible for himself but with her understanding and support is determined to create.

So surprised was I by Lake’s choice I will not offer the main character synopsis I normally would here. Who she is, what she offers Grinder, and why her past trauma is as important to helping him heal, as his is to her own healing needs to be read, not prematurely revealed, as so unexpected was her identity to me I do not in any way want to spoil any ounce of her reveal. However, I will say this. I was initially shocked and not at all sure whether this was a good match, until I searched my mind and fully remembered what the club has actually put this woman through. Once I remembered fully who she was and all she has been through I saw the logic and fully embraced the pairing. And as I read further I realized there could have been no other woman for Grinder as no one else on the current LOKI landscape would have been able to fully understand him, love him, in the way he needs to be understood and loved, and vice-versa.   

And the ending of this one, while I’m sure it will infuriate the “no cliff hanger” bittys of the world, is magnificent and left me salivating for the second half of this couple’s story.

This book was absolutely stunning. A gritty yet beautiful portrayal of the damage life can inflict on people. How such traumas can cause fear, and false beliefs in one’s own worth to take deep root within, leaving a desperate need for healing, for emotional tools to learn to live again, trust again, love again, and everything in-between.  It is a powerful account that will haunt your dreams and provoke bottomless thought about not only this couple’s future and the remaining hurdles left to clear, but also all the ways this man has single handedly shaped the LOKI universe and all the brothers within it. I cannot wait to read the next installment of their story!
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