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House of Kings #2
King's Promise
The sexy King brothers own a successful bachelor-party-planning business and a string of upscale clubs across the country. What could be better than living the single life in some of the world's most glamorous cities?Finding a woman worth giving it up for…A promise of ecstasy…Bartender Cheryl Shepherd has just done the unthinkable—she has shot down Xavier King. Repeatedly. Now the handsome club owner is on a mission to seduce her. And when he finally succeeds, he's blown away by their wild chemistry.For a notorious player, a sexy, confident woman like Cheryl is a risky proposition.Xavier has no idea how right he is. An undercover cop, Cheryl is really investigating alleged criminal activity in his club. Yet every time she's alone with her boss, Cheryl starts to lose her head along with all her inhibitions. But when the case grows dangerous, can Xavier be trusted with her heart…and her life?
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 21, 2011
23 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Adrianne Byrd
60 books280 followersNational Best-selling author Adrianne Byrd has always preferred to live within the realms of her imagination where all the men are gorgeous and the women are worth whatever trouble they manage to get into. As an army brat, she traveled throughout Europe and learned to appreciate and value different cultures. Now she calls Georgia home.
Looking back, Adrianne believes her passion for writing began at the ripe old age of thirteen. It was also the age when she was introduced to romance novels by a most unlikely source: her fifteen-year old brother. The book was probably given to keep her out her brother’s hair, but it was a gift that changed her life.
In books, Adrianne found a way out of her awkward teenage years and into a world of fictional friends that would stay with her for a lifetime. It wasn’t long before her imagination took flight and she was writing her own love stories. Within a year, she completed her first book, which she vowed would never see the light of day.
Writing remained a hobby until 1994 when a co-worker approached her with an article on Romance Writers of America. Who knew there was an organization of women just like her? By 1996 she sold her first novel, Defenseless, to Kensington Publishing.
Her first release received rave reviews by Romantic Times and fans. Her other novels were consistently selected as the Magazine’s Top Pick. In 2001 Slam Jam nominated, Say You Love Me, for best romance. Her 2003 release Comfort of a Man won Romantic Times Best Multicultural Romance, Romance in Color’s Readers Choice Awards for Favorite Book, Favorite Hero, and Favorite Heroine; Shades of Romance’s Best/Arabesque Romance Book; Slam Jams Emma Award for Favorite Traditional Romance; Romance in Color’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Author of the Year, Book of the Year and Best BET/Arabesque Book. And lastly Comfort of a Man was a 2003 Georgia Romance Writers Maggie finalist for best Contemporary. In 2004 she released her first romantic suspense novel, If You Dare, with HarperCollins. In 2006 her novel Measure of a Man was nominated for Best Multicultural Romance while her Harper Torch novel Deadly Double was nominated for an Emma. In 2007 she won an eharlequin.com Joey Award.
In 2006 Adrianne along with fellow writer Niobia Bryant penned her first Urban Novel, DESPERATE HOODWIVES, writing as De'nesha Diamond. The book is set for release February 2008 from Simon and Schuster. For more information, visit http://www.deneshadiamond.com.
Ms. Byrd has been featured in many national publications, including Today’s Black Woman, Upscale, and Heart and Soul. She has also won local awards for screenwriting. For the future, she looks forward to continue creating characters that make people smile, laugh, and fall in love.
Looking back, Adrianne believes her passion for writing began at the ripe old age of thirteen. It was also the age when she was introduced to romance novels by a most unlikely source: her fifteen-year old brother. The book was probably given to keep her out her brother’s hair, but it was a gift that changed her life.
In books, Adrianne found a way out of her awkward teenage years and into a world of fictional friends that would stay with her for a lifetime. It wasn’t long before her imagination took flight and she was writing her own love stories. Within a year, she completed her first book, which she vowed would never see the light of day.
Writing remained a hobby until 1994 when a co-worker approached her with an article on Romance Writers of America. Who knew there was an organization of women just like her? By 1996 she sold her first novel, Defenseless, to Kensington Publishing.
Her first release received rave reviews by Romantic Times and fans. Her other novels were consistently selected as the Magazine’s Top Pick. In 2001 Slam Jam nominated, Say You Love Me, for best romance. Her 2003 release Comfort of a Man won Romantic Times Best Multicultural Romance, Romance in Color’s Readers Choice Awards for Favorite Book, Favorite Hero, and Favorite Heroine; Shades of Romance’s Best/Arabesque Romance Book; Slam Jams Emma Award for Favorite Traditional Romance; Romance in Color’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Author of the Year, Book of the Year and Best BET/Arabesque Book. And lastly Comfort of a Man was a 2003 Georgia Romance Writers Maggie finalist for best Contemporary. In 2004 she released her first romantic suspense novel, If You Dare, with HarperCollins. In 2006 her novel Measure of a Man was nominated for Best Multicultural Romance while her Harper Torch novel Deadly Double was nominated for an Emma. In 2007 she won an eharlequin.com Joey Award.
In 2006 Adrianne along with fellow writer Niobia Bryant penned her first Urban Novel, DESPERATE HOODWIVES, writing as De'nesha Diamond. The book is set for release February 2008 from Simon and Schuster. For more information, visit http://www.deneshadiamond.com.
Ms. Byrd has been featured in many national publications, including Today’s Black Woman, Upscale, and Heart and Soul. She has also won local awards for screenwriting. For the future, she looks forward to continue creating characters that make people smile, laugh, and fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 6, 2011
www.romancenoveljunkies.com
This is turning out to be the most bad *bleep* series, don't want to offend anyone but that's my emotions right now and that's how I feel at this present moment. When you read Arianne Byrd's books it's like talking to a girlfriend who is telling you a story about someone from the neighborhood. You can relate to the language and phrases that the author uses. The one that had me smiling (tell the truth and shame the devil) ok that sounds like something one of my girlfriends would say to me.
With this brother, Xavier, he was different in the sense of how he went after his woman, it wasn't immediate as his oldest brother Eoman. You were reading and waiting but it was worth it when they came together. The way he is being described physically through out the book HOT doesn't even come close; the things that man can do and did do, gosh *shaking my head*. Xavier was a nice guy that run the dollhouse in Atlanta. He just renovated the club and is preparing for it's re grand opening as well as hiring new workers which brings us to Cheryl. Cheryl is an undercover cop posing as a bartender looking for a job. Her department believes there is drug trafficking happening at the dollhouse. The way Cheryl is described had me laughing because she must of had an unbelievable junk in the truck. Just the moment when Xavier and Cheryl met had me alert, their chemistry throughout the book was fire and don't even get me started on the love/sex scenes. I said it once and I'll say it again Adrianne Byrd knows how to write a dirty, steamy, sexy and inventive love scene.
Loved the book, the story, characters and as always Q is a trip, that guy needs a wife real bad lol. But though at times you sense his sadness he is still a great guy. I can't wait for the other brother, depressing though it feels like it will be a long wait.
**********************
www.romancenoveljunkies.com
This is turning out to be the most bad *bleep* series, don't want to offend anyone but that's my emotions right now and that's how I feel at this present moment. When you read Arianne Byrd's books it's like talking to a girlfriend who is telling you a story about someone from the neighborhood. You can relate to the language and phrases that the author uses. The one that had me smiling (tell the truth and shame the devil) ok that sounds like something one of my girlfriends would say to me.
With this brother, Xavier, he was different in the sense of how he went after his woman, it wasn't immediate as his oldest brother Eoman. You were reading and waiting but it was worth it when they came together. The way he is being described physically through out the book HOT doesn't even come close; the things that man can do and did do, gosh *shaking my head*. Xavier was a nice guy that run the dollhouse in Atlanta. He just renovated the club and is preparing for it's re grand opening as well as hiring new workers which brings us to Cheryl. Cheryl is an undercover cop posing as a bartender looking for a job. Her department believes there is drug trafficking happening at the dollhouse. The way Cheryl is described had me laughing because she must of had an unbelievable junk in the truck. Just the moment when Xavier and Cheryl met had me alert, their chemistry throughout the book was fire and don't even get me started on the love/sex scenes. I said it once and I'll say it again Adrianne Byrd knows how to write a dirty, steamy, sexy and inventive love scene.
Loved the book, the story, characters and as always Q is a trip, that guy needs a wife real bad lol. But though at times you sense his sadness he is still a great guy. I can't wait for the other brother, depressing though it feels like it will be a long wait.
**********************
www.romancenoveljunkies.com
July 5, 2012
I love how Adrianne Byrd creates these interesting, atypical heroines. In this story, the heroine is a cop working undercover in a gentleman's club. Not only is the book sexy, but there's plenty of comic relief when the brothers and their cousin, Quentin, get together. By the way, Quentin either needs to find a woman fast or go straight to the loony bin - stat.
Excellent story!
Read my review for King's Passion: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Excellent story!
Read my review for King's Passion: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
July 7, 2011
I loved King's Promise, but King's Passion really moved me. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
July 15, 2022
So this was a re-read for me, I owned 2 & 3, and had checked out 1 from the library to go back and read also, which will be next because well that's just how I roll sometimes...reading mess outta dang order.....and apparently re-reading it outta order too!!! LOL
Anyway, the dynamics of their relationship from the start was cute, and their "struggle" for honesty and being upfront was pretty solid plot. If this was a movie somehow, I can see homegirls ex playing his part to a tee(in my mind while I was reading it)…..because he truly was an a-whole, but in other words, perfectly written IMO.
Q's struggle and talks with his therapist was hilarious as usual...I vaguely remember how his story finally ended, so I guess I will move on and find out. Like I said I am reading this series outta order so it will be a couple books before I get to HIS ending(Book #1 & then back to Book #3). I hope my local library has Q's books or if not I hope I can find it on Amazon for a descent paperback price.
Anyway, this one was a cute story, and I like the heat, and attraction they had for each other.....even the conflict between them was well written, it wasn't too much, and just the right amount of resolution without seeming to drag on as sometimes resolutions seem to do in some books.
Anyway, the dynamics of their relationship from the start was cute, and their "struggle" for honesty and being upfront was pretty solid plot. If this was a movie somehow, I can see homegirls ex playing his part to a tee(in my mind while I was reading it)…..because he truly was an a-whole, but in other words, perfectly written IMO.
Q's struggle and talks with his therapist was hilarious as usual...I vaguely remember how his story finally ended, so I guess I will move on and find out. Like I said I am reading this series outta order so it will be a couple books before I get to HIS ending(Book #1 & then back to Book #3). I hope my local library has Q's books or if not I hope I can find it on Amazon for a descent paperback price.
Anyway, this one was a cute story, and I like the heat, and attraction they had for each other.....even the conflict between them was well written, it wasn't too much, and just the right amount of resolution without seeming to drag on as sometimes resolutions seem to do in some books.
July 20, 2017
Good
Good book I can't wait to read,book three I liked book one better. We will see how the next installment reads.
Good book I can't wait to read,book three I liked book one better. We will see how the next installment reads.
February 21, 2020
Wow!!! Persistance wins this one. I enjoyed the differents elements of love, deception, and therapy.
August 28, 2015
Policewoman Cheryl Grier has been assigned to go undercover to investigate potential drug-trafficking at The Dollhouse, an upscale gentleman’s club, operated by Xavier King, and his so-called “silent” partner, Quentin Hinton. Xavier is giving Quentin and his brother, Jeremy, the grand tour of the newly renovated club, when Cheryl walks through the door to apply for a bartending position. Ex-fighter Xavier feels a sucker-punch to his gut like none he has ever known, the minute he lays eyes on Cheryl, and three words come to his mind as he recognizes the perfume Cheryl is wearing – sophisticated, sensual, and bewitching. Despite it being the wrong day for job applications, Xavier is cajoled into allowing Cheryl to audition for the position, and the curveous beauty wins the position with her winning personality, and bartending skills, but left her wondering how she did it when all she was thinking about was sensual thoughts of Xavier. Their attraction quickly heats between them, and the sexual chemistry cannot be denied. But, then there is the investigation, and other secrets both are hiding about their pasts. Will their love be strong enough for their personal and professional ambitions once the truths are revealed?
In the second in the House of Kings Trilogy, readers will this time be taken to The Dollhouse club in Atlanta, and gifted story teller, Adrianne Byrd, provides a deliciously entertaining read. Once again an ultra-sexy alpha male is matched up with an ultra-sexy female, but with both Cheryl and Xavier there is much more than what meets the eye, and it is their complex personalities and inner turmoil that adds an element of intrigue to their relationship. The passion between Cheryl and Xavier is electrifying, but both will have to learn how better to communicate with each other outside of the bedroom if their relationship is going to survive. But, like a lot of things in life, learning the lesson the hard way is the only way to appreciate love and trust, and Cheryl and Xavier will both need to let their guard down to fully understand the meaning of love.
The hero and heroine are surrounded by a well-written cast of unique characters. Quinton has a larger role in this book, and his continuing transformation intertwined within this story. The secondary storylines allows the reader to get inside of the character’s head and to know more than what is revealed to the other characters. The suspense element provides a journey filled with danger, treachery and murder, and provided another layer of intrigue beside the love story, that kept me turning the pages.
KING’S PROMISE is a wonderful book with non-stop action, saucy dialogue, unexpected plot twists, and a satisfying love story. While KING’S PROMISE can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend also read KING’S PLEASURE. I cannot wait to read the next book, Jeremy’s story.
In the second in the House of Kings Trilogy, readers will this time be taken to The Dollhouse club in Atlanta, and gifted story teller, Adrianne Byrd, provides a deliciously entertaining read. Once again an ultra-sexy alpha male is matched up with an ultra-sexy female, but with both Cheryl and Xavier there is much more than what meets the eye, and it is their complex personalities and inner turmoil that adds an element of intrigue to their relationship. The passion between Cheryl and Xavier is electrifying, but both will have to learn how better to communicate with each other outside of the bedroom if their relationship is going to survive. But, like a lot of things in life, learning the lesson the hard way is the only way to appreciate love and trust, and Cheryl and Xavier will both need to let their guard down to fully understand the meaning of love.
The hero and heroine are surrounded by a well-written cast of unique characters. Quinton has a larger role in this book, and his continuing transformation intertwined within this story. The secondary storylines allows the reader to get inside of the character’s head and to know more than what is revealed to the other characters. The suspense element provides a journey filled with danger, treachery and murder, and provided another layer of intrigue beside the love story, that kept me turning the pages.
KING’S PROMISE is a wonderful book with non-stop action, saucy dialogue, unexpected plot twists, and a satisfying love story. While KING’S PROMISE can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend also read KING’S PLEASURE. I cannot wait to read the next book, Jeremy’s story.
April 13, 2012
This is the second book by Adrianne Bryd that I've read. I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series but I was a bit disappointed with the story and the author.
These stories are fiction but as readers we read them because of the possibility that this could happen to us. We could have this fantasy as a reality. I've noticed that a lot of authors are irresponsible in the message they give readers.
It seems as though once the hero decides to have unprotected sex with a woman, that's when he knows she's THE ONE. Everything that Xavier knows about Cheryl is a lie and yet he falls in love with her. Even Cheryl has to question why he loves her?
At the end we are left hanging regarding Xavier and Cheryl's relationship. The story should have ended with them, not Quentin. Does Cheryl go back to being a cop in a different city? Does she continue to work at the club as a bartender even though Xavier has sold his share in the business? Does she work with him at the gym as a fitness instructor?
P.S. I'm reading all three books back to back and I have to say that Eamon, Xavier, and Jeremy are all brothers and the cover models should reflect the similarities. Every time I look at the cover model for Eamon, I cringe. He does not compare with the models for the other two books IMHO.
These stories are fiction but as readers we read them because of the possibility that this could happen to us. We could have this fantasy as a reality. I've noticed that a lot of authors are irresponsible in the message they give readers.
It seems as though once the hero decides to have unprotected sex with a woman, that's when he knows she's THE ONE. Everything that Xavier knows about Cheryl is a lie and yet he falls in love with her. Even Cheryl has to question why he loves her?
At the end we are left hanging regarding Xavier and Cheryl's relationship. The story should have ended with them, not Quentin. Does Cheryl go back to being a cop in a different city? Does she continue to work at the club as a bartender even though Xavier has sold his share in the business? Does she work with him at the gym as a fitness instructor?
P.S. I'm reading all three books back to back and I have to say that Eamon, Xavier, and Jeremy are all brothers and the cover models should reflect the similarities. Every time I look at the cover model for Eamon, I cringe. He does not compare with the models for the other two books IMHO.
July 8, 2012
I didn't think it was possible to make King's Promise as good and King's Passion, but as usual Ms. Byrd proved me wrong. I loved the story. Cheryl and Xavier were so good together and I simple love the way she has Quentin telling the stories. It just has be anticipating his story more. The King's and Hinton's series are packed full of sexy alpha men, and the strong and sexy independent women they fall in love with. I'm not sure who Quentin love interest will be, maybe hasn't been introduced yet. I can't, but think she has been introduced in the previous books. In the last book thought maybe Dr. Turner, but in this book I kind of saw Johnnie as his unknown kindred spirit. Man when he falls its gonna be HUGE, but before that can happen we've got to get ready for Jeremy's story. King's Pleasure is next and I can't wait, but with so many interesting supporting characters I can easily see this turning into a Doll House series, a Gym series, a Restaurant series and who knows what else. The sky's the limited because the stories keep getting better. If you haven't taken out a little time to read about the King's you really should, but it wouldn't hurt to check out the Hinton's too.
June 20, 2011
I really enjoyed the 2nd installment of the King brothers. Xavier was a goner from the moment he laid eyes on Cheryl, and so was she, although she tried her hardest to fight it. These 2 were smoking hot together, and the love scenes were very steamy...key phrase "on the bar". I love how Cheryl chose love over a career that she absolutely loved. I just wished Xavier would have listened to her side and given her a chance instead of cutting things off so quickly. And what can I say about Quentin, he is just so hilarious. He is the perfect side kick for his cousins in these books. I just want to see him get his happy ending as well. Anxiously awaiting the release of the 3rd book! Gr8 job Ms. Byrd.
July 25, 2012
I enjoyed this book as well as the first one, it was also HOT and steamy, and I loved that Xavier went after what he wanted with Cheryl. I also enjoyed the little twist of drama with kendrick, although I didn't like his character.
I hate to say but I felt like she left me hanging a bit at the end. I wanted to know more about what happened with Xavier after becoming part owner of the gym and what did Cheryl do as far as her career is concerned. I would have loved to see what happened when Jason found out that his little evil confession didn't work.
I was also looking forward to reading about Eamon and Victoria in this installment...:-(
I am soooooo looking forward to reading Quentin's story!!
I hate to say but I felt like she left me hanging a bit at the end. I wanted to know more about what happened with Xavier after becoming part owner of the gym and what did Cheryl do as far as her career is concerned. I would have loved to see what happened when Jason found out that his little evil confession didn't work.
I was also looking forward to reading about Eamon and Victoria in this installment...:-(
I am soooooo looking forward to reading Quentin's story!!
December 11, 2015
Xavier King, former golden gloves champ now gentlemen's club owner, hires Cheryl, sexy bartender who is an under cover cop investigating club for illicit drug activity.
Just when I thought Q's take on Eamon and Victoria couldn't get any better, his rendition of what went down between Xavier and Cheryl had me LMAO. This story was funny and cute. Cheryl's nephew, Thaddeus, was hilarious. The whole breakfast scene at the kitchen table was too funny. Just like a kid to ask grown-ups unexpected questions that put them on the spot.
Just when I thought Q's take on Eamon and Victoria couldn't get any better, his rendition of what went down between Xavier and Cheryl had me LMAO. This story was funny and cute. Cheryl's nephew, Thaddeus, was hilarious. The whole breakfast scene at the kitchen table was too funny. Just like a kid to ask grown-ups unexpected questions that put them on the spot.
March 14, 2012
The first King book had me hot and bother. Now, Book 2 in the King series has be hot, wet, and desperate for more. The words were a vivid picture in my head.
Cheryl Shepard/Grier may have gotten herself in to more than she bargained for. Xavier King got a lot more that he was use to handling."Undercover" was were all the magic exploded, but not where it ended. Cheryl is not the only one keeping secrets. But who is holding the grudge. Hot matting session around each corner.
Cheryl Shepard/Grier may have gotten herself in to more than she bargained for. Xavier King got a lot more that he was use to handling."Undercover" was were all the magic exploded, but not where it ended. Cheryl is not the only one keeping secrets. But who is holding the grudge. Hot matting session around each corner.
May 15, 2013
Surprisingly King's Promise really kept my interest and was very interesting story. Byrd's delivery, the narration by Quinton as told to his therapist, however, was a bit irritating...readers are forced to rely on the truthfulness of the character Quinton, who is, to put it simply, insane.
Anyway, I would recommend this book. I'm a fan of Byrd's romance novels.
Anyway, I would recommend this book. I'm a fan of Byrd's romance novels.
March 20, 2015
A laugh-out-loud- page turner. Xavier and Cheryl are both engaging characters. He is a successful nightclub owner and she is an undercover cop. Problem: Xavier does not know that Cheryl, his sexy bartender is hiding a big secret. It would have been nice to find out how they ended up at the end of the story. The story ended very abruptly.
December 13, 2012
Absolutely love this series! Xavier and Cheryl had a connection from Day 1. This story held my attention and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen in the end. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 14, 2016
I love the chemistry between Cheryl and Xavier from the jump. They found love in the most unusual way, but it worked for them. I wished Q's story line was wrapped up, but I look forward to reading more about the King brothers and cousins.
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March 11, 2017Miniseries: House of Kings
September 4, 2011
Another hit. Xavier and Cheryl have some serious chemistry going on. If Jeremy is anything like his brother's...Oh My! Can't wait for his book in November. Definetely reccomend this book.
July 3, 2011
I can't wait for the third in this series
February 25, 2012
Xavier King meets his match when he hires Cheryl Shepard to work in his club. The playboy and the cop give new meaning to the words hot romance.
July 4, 2011
Loved Xavier and Cheryl's story. It had romance, comedy and drama. I loved the twist and turns in their love affair.
June 7, 2013
Wow! Mr. Xavier King was a surprising character! I admire the fact that the couple was able to let down both of their guards, forgive and find their way to love. A must read!
June 15, 2013
This was a very exciting love story between Xavier and Cheryl. If love is going to work, trust is the foundation and something that both Xavier and Cheryl had to acknowledge. Awesome read!
September 7, 2014
This book is HOT!!!!
November 12, 2015
I am enjoying the King's series about the Hinton brothers. The plot has more substance than the typically romance novel.
March 24, 2016
A good read. Not as good as first book, but entertaining. She is one of my favorite authors and I'm sure Quentin's story will be good - - can't wait for that one.
October 12, 2016
Wow these books just keep getting better.
May 15, 2015
I enjoyed the book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews