What do you think?
Rate this book
Underground Kings #1
Assumption
as·sump·tion: a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof They say when you assume that you make an ass out of you and me. Kenton Mayson learned this lesson firsthand when he made assumptions about Autumn Freeman and the kind of woman she is based on what little information he had. What he finds out is she’s not only beautiful, but also smart, funny, a fighter, and exactly the kind of woman he wants to share his life with. Autumn made assumptions of her own about Kenton, and now he needs to prove her wrong in order to protect her and their future.
277 pages, ebook
First published August 23, 2014
889 people are currently reading
10026 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Rose Reynolds
82 books17.2k followersAurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground Kings and Shooting Stars.
Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,456 reviews
September 16, 2017
4 Stars!
Entertaining, sexy and sweet. That is what I’ve come to know and love about Aurora Rose Reynolds books. I was excited when I heard she was expanding on the Mayson bothers series and couldn’t wait to pick up her first Underground Kings book. I liked all the glimpses I got of Kenton in the other stories so I couldn’t wait to read his book. It was just as I expected. Entertaining, sexy and sweet. But it had a little something extra. Kenton is a little more alpha in a dangerous way and I liked it!
Autumn is a nurse/stripper who is used to being judged. Judged by her looks, her job etc. So she keeps to herself. Doesn’t let people in. It’s how she copes. When she witnesses something she shouldn’t on the job, she gets sent from Vegas to Tennessee to stay with a friend of a friend… who happens to be Kenton Mayson.
Autumn and Kenton’s story shows us that it isn’t wise to make assumptions about other people based on their looks, their job etc. Judging a book by it’s cover isn’t always the brightest thing to do. As Kenton gets to know Autumn, he realizes that she isn’t what she seems. That his assumptions were way off base. And I think he has a little of the Mayson curse. He starts to fall hard.
I love that Autumn busted through all the stereotypes thrown her way. And of course I love that she is a nurse, because all nurses pretty much kick ass. Anyway- she was a heroine who had a back bone. She may of been innocent and sweet, but she didn’t let Kenton walk all over her. She stood her ground when he screwed up and made him work for it. I liked that about her.
Kenton wasn’t exactly like the other Mayson boys. He was much more of a badass. He’s not a law abiding good guy. He does what he needs to do. He protects those he loves and does what he feels is right, not what is necessarily right. He’s sexy, dominated and I loved that mouth he had on him!
Of course things couldn’t be easy for Kenton and Autumn. There was some drama, some suspense, and some serious ass kicking on Kenton’s part.
Aurora Rose Reynolds has this fantastic formula that works for me. Bad ass alpha men with a soft side for their woman, heroines who aren’t weak and annoying, and very sweet and fulfilling happily ever afters. There may be a little over the top drama at times, but it works. They are sexy, sweet and easy reads. This one was a little more intense than some of her others, but it still had that great formula. I really enjoy her writing and love her characters. If you’re a fan of her ‘Until’ series, I would recommend this book! It’s great to see a Mayson boy with a little more grit.
Entertaining, sexy and sweet. That is what I’ve come to know and love about Aurora Rose Reynolds books. I was excited when I heard she was expanding on the Mayson bothers series and couldn’t wait to pick up her first Underground Kings book. I liked all the glimpses I got of Kenton in the other stories so I couldn’t wait to read his book. It was just as I expected. Entertaining, sexy and sweet. But it had a little something extra. Kenton is a little more alpha in a dangerous way and I liked it!
Autumn is a nurse/stripper who is used to being judged. Judged by her looks, her job etc. So she keeps to herself. Doesn’t let people in. It’s how she copes. When she witnesses something she shouldn’t on the job, she gets sent from Vegas to Tennessee to stay with a friend of a friend… who happens to be Kenton Mayson.
Autumn and Kenton’s story shows us that it isn’t wise to make assumptions about other people based on their looks, their job etc. Judging a book by it’s cover isn’t always the brightest thing to do. As Kenton gets to know Autumn, he realizes that she isn’t what she seems. That his assumptions were way off base. And I think he has a little of the Mayson curse. He starts to fall hard.
She’s not what I expected. She’s not what I wanted, but fuck me if she’s not what I needed.
I love that Autumn busted through all the stereotypes thrown her way. And of course I love that she is a nurse, because all nurses pretty much kick ass. Anyway- she was a heroine who had a back bone. She may of been innocent and sweet, but she didn’t let Kenton walk all over her. She stood her ground when he screwed up and made him work for it. I liked that about her.
Kenton wasn’t exactly like the other Mayson boys. He was much more of a badass. He’s not a law abiding good guy. He does what he needs to do. He protects those he loves and does what he feels is right, not what is necessarily right. He’s sexy, dominated and I loved that mouth he had on him!
“Every time you fuck with me, it makes me wanna fuck you. One day, we’re gonna get to a point in our relationship where you’ll say something to set me off, and I’ll bend you over right where you stand and punish you for misbehaving or talking back.”
“Keep up with that smart mouth and I’ll fit it with something that will keep you quiet.”
Of course things couldn’t be easy for Kenton and Autumn. There was some drama, some suspense, and some serious ass kicking on Kenton’s part.
Aurora Rose Reynolds has this fantastic formula that works for me. Bad ass alpha men with a soft side for their woman, heroines who aren’t weak and annoying, and very sweet and fulfilling happily ever afters. There may be a little over the top drama at times, but it works. They are sexy, sweet and easy reads. This one was a little more intense than some of her others, but it still had that great formula. I really enjoy her writing and love her characters. If you’re a fan of her ‘Until’ series, I would recommend this book! It’s great to see a Mayson boy with a little more grit.
“Anything for you, babe.”
“Anything for you too. You know that, right? "
“You’ve already given me everything.”
August 29, 2014
3.5 Stars
Now let's be honest here, shall we? If you've read any other book by this author, you probably notice a certain formula to her work. There's the OTT possessive yet still somehow incredibly hot while doing it hero. There's the kinda flighty, one fuck away from being virginal heroine. Then there the "Mine" thing, followed fairly quickly by marriage, babies and a HEA. This would never work for me in any other book, but for some reason it just does it for me with Aurora Rose Reynolds. Her books are my guilty pleasure, there's not much thinking that'll be involved, they're entertaining and hot, and it just works for me.
This book was a little bit different from her Until series, however. Kenton is a little more badass, there's more action and a little suspense, but the original formula is definitely still present.
Meet Autumn Freeman
Autumn has the woe-is-me routine down pat. Girl definitely takes wallowing in her misery verra seriously, and yet I somehow found that endearing. How this happened? I have not a clue. Such is the magic of Aurora's writing I suppose. She was quick to tears, emotional, or and a born-again virgin stripper. Well she's really a nurse that's putting herself through school by stripping.
When Autumn is a sole witness to what seems to be a hired hit at the strip club she works at, she's forced to go into hiding. Her friend and bouncer at the club sends her to his buddy's place, Kenton Mayson. Kenton takes one look at the beautiful Autumn, and knowing what she does for a living (yet not the rest of it) makes an assumption. (Get it?) So you don't get that instant BOOM moment here. Kenton is a lot stubborn and a whole lot of asshole in the beginning. But once he begins to see the error of his ways, he goes after Autumn with the subtlety of a mac truck.
The relationship between them is a slow built at first. Well, what I mean by that is it takes a bit of time for Kenton to get his head out of his ass. But once he does? Well it's a straight road to marriage and HEA of course. And I'd be lying if I told you I didn't love each part.
There was also the crazy ex...and I do mean crazy, who I was very happy to never hear of again.
Though I have to admit that the parts with her felt pretty random. Like she was just added in to stir shit up. I can't say I hated it, but I definitely think I could have done without her.
The second half was a lot more enjoyable for me, and you really get to see the bad ass side of Kenton come out. I couldn't put it down after the 72% mark. I can't say I saw any of that coming. There was some crazy shit that happens.
The one thing that I really wish we got and it's the biggest reason for this not being a solid 4 stars for me? Lack of character development for Kenton. What I mean is, we get very little about him. While he gets a POV and you get to know him through his actions in the present, there's not much of his history here. Nothing about his old womanizing ways or why he would make the assumptions he does about Amber(or even how the crazy ex came into the picture). I just needed more for him. Yes, he's introduced in the Until series but I had hoped that his own book would also give us more of his back story. Sadly, as delicious as he was, I really needed a little more.
As a whole, I really enjoyed it. Sure I could nitpick at a few things here and there, but I don't expect these books to be literary perfection. They're entertaining and sexy and that's what I love them for.
The epilogue was super sweet with a side of cheese, but that really worked for me too. I was happy to see the author address all the questions I still had from the book in the epilogue.
Then there was the chapter teaser for the next book...
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
She's not what I expected. She's not what I wanted, but fuck me if she's not what I need.
Now let's be honest here, shall we? If you've read any other book by this author, you probably notice a certain formula to her work. There's the OTT possessive yet still somehow incredibly hot while doing it hero. There's the kinda flighty, one fuck away from being virginal heroine. Then there the "Mine" thing, followed fairly quickly by marriage, babies and a HEA. This would never work for me in any other book, but for some reason it just does it for me with Aurora Rose Reynolds. Her books are my guilty pleasure, there's not much thinking that'll be involved, they're entertaining and hot, and it just works for me.
This book was a little bit different from her Until series, however. Kenton is a little more badass, there's more action and a little suspense, but the original formula is definitely still present.
Meet Autumn Freeman
Autumn has the woe-is-me routine down pat. Girl definitely takes wallowing in her misery verra seriously, and yet I somehow found that endearing. How this happened? I have not a clue. Such is the magic of Aurora's writing I suppose. She was quick to tears, emotional, or and a born-again virgin stripper. Well she's really a nurse that's putting herself through school by stripping.
When Autumn is a sole witness to what seems to be a hired hit at the strip club she works at, she's forced to go into hiding. Her friend and bouncer at the club sends her to his buddy's place, Kenton Mayson. Kenton takes one look at the beautiful Autumn, and knowing what she does for a living (yet not the rest of it) makes an assumption. (Get it?) So you don't get that instant BOOM moment here. Kenton is a lot stubborn and a whole lot of asshole in the beginning. But once he begins to see the error of his ways, he goes after Autumn with the subtlety of a mac truck.
The relationship between them is a slow built at first. Well, what I mean by that is it takes a bit of time for Kenton to get his head out of his ass. But once he does? Well it's a straight road to marriage and HEA of course. And I'd be lying if I told you I didn't love each part.
There was also the crazy ex...and I do mean crazy, who I was very happy to never hear of again.
Though I have to admit that the parts with her felt pretty random. Like she was just added in to stir shit up. I can't say I hated it, but I definitely think I could have done without her.
The second half was a lot more enjoyable for me, and you really get to see the bad ass side of Kenton come out. I couldn't put it down after the 72% mark. I can't say I saw any of that coming. There was some crazy shit that happens.
The one thing that I really wish we got and it's the biggest reason for this not being a solid 4 stars for me? Lack of character development for Kenton. What I mean is, we get very little about him. While he gets a POV and you get to know him through his actions in the present, there's not much of his history here. Nothing about his old womanizing ways or why he would make the assumptions he does about Amber(or even how the crazy ex came into the picture). I just needed more for him. Yes, he's introduced in the Until series but I had hoped that his own book would also give us more of his back story. Sadly, as delicious as he was, I really needed a little more.
As a whole, I really enjoyed it. Sure I could nitpick at a few things here and there, but I don't expect these books to be literary perfection. They're entertaining and sexy and that's what I love them for.
The epilogue was super sweet with a side of cheese, but that really worked for me too. I was happy to see the author address all the questions I still had from the book in the epilogue.
Then there was the chapter teaser for the next book...
**ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
August 28, 2014
3.5--Assuming--Stars!!!
Let's face it....Aurora Rose Reynolds's books are simply a
They are entertaining, feature heroes that are possessive and alpha. The MCs always fall in love overnight, get married a week later and start having babies that night.
Autumn works at a strip club to pay the bills while she is getting her nursing degree. She witnesses a shooting at the club and is forced to go live with Kenton until the shooter can be found.
Kenton was just like all of the other Mayson boys when it came to his "one"...
Kenton takes his role of protector very serious. He will stop anyone that gets in his way of protecting Autumn. I must say, Kenton was a bit ruthless...
All seems to be well in rainbow and unicorn land until it isn't. Of course whatever Autumn was running from would find her. Sadly, I found all of that a bit OTT.
The last chapter and the epilogue...
...completely full of cheesy goodness!
I know these books aren't for everyone. They don't have a lot of depth. But they're sweet, entertaining and fun and just work for me!
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
"I see you judging me. I know what you're thinking. She has to be a slut; she works at a strip club and takes off her clothes for money."
Let's face it....Aurora Rose Reynolds's books are simply a
They are entertaining, feature heroes that are possessive and alpha. The MCs always fall in love overnight, get married a week later and start having babies that night.
Autumn works at a strip club to pay the bills while she is getting her nursing degree. She witnesses a shooting at the club and is forced to go live with Kenton until the shooter can be found.
Kenton was just like all of the other Mayson boys when it came to his "one"...
Kenton takes his role of protector very serious. He will stop anyone that gets in his way of protecting Autumn. I must say, Kenton was a bit ruthless...
All seems to be well in rainbow and unicorn land until it isn't. Of course whatever Autumn was running from would find her. Sadly, I found all of that a bit OTT.
The last chapter and the epilogue...
...completely full of cheesy goodness!
I know these books aren't for everyone. They don't have a lot of depth. But they're sweet, entertaining and fun and just work for me!
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 16, 2019
Audiobook review. The best one in the series! Kenton isn't perfect by a long shot but this growly, possessive alpha is tempered by just enough sweet to tempt the feisty Autumn.
The plot was interesting and it blends well with the previous series. It follows Autumn through a traumatic experience and subsequent need for protection. She has made the best of the challenges brought on by life and not all of her choices can be considered conventional. At first Kenton makes assumptions and messes up, but Autumn knows just how to handle him. Their connection was strong, even as they were fighting it.
The story allowed for growth and development of the characters. I was hooked and consistently entertained. There was a fluctuation in pace and energy that transitioned well. The narrators were excellent. Great inflections, pacing, and tone.
Safety: No others, though an ex causes major (but seriously hilarious) drama. No rape. Yes to abuse.
The plot was interesting and it blends well with the previous series. It follows Autumn through a traumatic experience and subsequent need for protection. She has made the best of the challenges brought on by life and not all of her choices can be considered conventional. At first Kenton makes assumptions and messes up, but Autumn knows just how to handle him. Their connection was strong, even as they were fighting it.
The story allowed for growth and development of the characters. I was hooked and consistently entertained. There was a fluctuation in pace and energy that transitioned well. The narrators were excellent. Great inflections, pacing, and tone.
Safety: No others, though an ex causes major (but seriously hilarious) drama. No rape. Yes to abuse.
![Profile Image for [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1388500902i%2F22427047._UY200_CR8%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 19, 2014
4 stars
A turn of event in Autumns life has her living with Kenton temporarily. But what happens when he makes assumptions about her? Can he keep her safe?
This book gave me a cheesy grin for half the book. I totally have a girl crush on Autumn. But it never quite reached that 5 star feeling. Also the ending fell a bit flat for me and I felt it was perhaps too neatly wrapped up.
I enjoyed this. Awesome banter, kickass heroine, bossy hero. These type books cant go wrong with me.
ARC provided by the Author
A turn of event in Autumns life has her living with Kenton temporarily. But what happens when he makes assumptions about her? Can he keep her safe?
This book gave me a cheesy grin for half the book. I totally have a girl crush on Autumn. But it never quite reached that 5 star feeling. Also the ending fell a bit flat for me and I felt it was perhaps too neatly wrapped up.
I enjoyed this. Awesome banter, kickass heroine, bossy hero. These type books cant go wrong with me.
ARC provided by the Author
September 13, 2014
This follows the same formula as all her other books, although I felt this one was a little more choppy in terms of time passage and scene changes.
Kenton is pretty interchangeable with Nico and her other heroes...and Autumn is pretty interchangeable with all her other female leads...
You definitely know what you are getting with this author when you pick up her books.
While that may be boring to some, I like knowing that when I'm in the mood for this formula, Reynolds always delivers; however, if you are looking for something oh-my-god-this-is-so-original and groundbreaking, this probably isn't for you.
Kenton is pretty interchangeable with Nico and her other heroes...and Autumn is pretty interchangeable with all her other female leads...
You definitely know what you are getting with this author when you pick up her books.
While that may be boring to some, I like knowing that when I'm in the mood for this formula, Reynolds always delivers; however, if you are looking for something oh-my-god-this-is-so-original and groundbreaking, this probably isn't for you.
August 31, 2014
3.5 Liked but Not Loved Stars
”I’m not fearless,” I tell him, resting my forehead against his. “I’m afraid all the damn time.”“Nah,” he shakes his head. “You’re a fucking warrior.”
Did I love this one? No. But I certainly enjoyed it enough to not be pissed off at the time or money spent reading it. That’s more than I can say for most of the books I’ve managed to finish lately. Score!
Autumn needs to get out of Vegas FAST! After witnessing a professional hit at the strip club that makes her future RN career possible and being the only survivor to that hit, a friend of a friend provides a safe escape and before she knows it, Autumn’s in Tennessee until life finally calms down. Who’d ever guess our born again virgin stripper would fall for the insanely hot, orgasm-producing Kenton? Not this girl. Yep.
The first twenty five percent of the book was about Kenton fighting his assumptions (get it?) about Autumn’s life as a former Vegas stripper. He didn’t ask questions, he didn’t delve deeper, he just pretended to know what was going on without any real evidence to support his messed up, jack assery-style behavior. In spite of all this, his character did eventually grow on me.
Autumn has led a life where a series of fucked up events have shaped her. She doesn’t trust easy and shows it. That fact made it a little more difficult to warm up to her character. Do I understand it? Hell, yes! But I don’t like feeling like EVERYTHING is a struggle when I’m reading a book and this one gave me a huge dose of that without a whole lot of time to adapt to a softer, sweeter side of things.
I truly enjoyed this book, it just didn’t have the spark I wanted. While I probably won’t be doing a reread any time soon, I did enjoy the time I spent with these characters.
”I’m not fearless,” I tell him, resting my forehead against his. “I’m afraid all the damn time.”“Nah,” he shakes his head. “You’re a fucking warrior.”
Did I love this one? No. But I certainly enjoyed it enough to not be pissed off at the time or money spent reading it. That’s more than I can say for most of the books I’ve managed to finish lately. Score!
Autumn needs to get out of Vegas FAST! After witnessing a professional hit at the strip club that makes her future RN career possible and being the only survivor to that hit, a friend of a friend provides a safe escape and before she knows it, Autumn’s in Tennessee until life finally calms down. Who’d ever guess our born again virgin stripper would fall for the insanely hot, orgasm-producing Kenton? Not this girl. Yep.
The first twenty five percent of the book was about Kenton fighting his assumptions (get it?) about Autumn’s life as a former Vegas stripper. He didn’t ask questions, he didn’t delve deeper, he just pretended to know what was going on without any real evidence to support his messed up, jack assery-style behavior. In spite of all this, his character did eventually grow on me.
Autumn has led a life where a series of fucked up events have shaped her. She doesn’t trust easy and shows it. That fact made it a little more difficult to warm up to her character. Do I understand it? Hell, yes! But I don’t like feeling like EVERYTHING is a struggle when I’m reading a book and this one gave me a huge dose of that without a whole lot of time to adapt to a softer, sweeter side of things.
I truly enjoyed this book, it just didn’t have the spark I wanted. While I probably won’t be doing a reread any time soon, I did enjoy the time I spent with these characters.
November 23, 2014
4,5 Alpha Stars.
Autumn saw something she shouldn't have and now that something it’s after her. So her friend provide her the only way he knows she will be safe: living under the protection of his friend Kenton.
Initially he has some preconceived ideas about her and is very clear about them. But he soon sees her for who she is and starts to fall. And when a member of this family falls, he falls hard and fast.
But Autumn isn’t safe and when what’s after her starts to get closer, will Kenton be able to keep her safe or will he loose a war for the first time?
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Storyline: Another sexy and addictive story with a great alpha male character. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 starts is just because of its predictability. We always know almost exactly what’s going to happen next in these books. But that’s the beauty of it. Aurora Reynolds books are my reading guilty pleasure: I know exactly what I’m going to get and yet I can’t get enough of it.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. Well written, funny, sexy and completely addictive.
Character Development: Autumn was a pretty good heroine. She was strong, fierce, she didn’t let being put down by anyone and she wasn’t whiny. And believe, she had every reason to be. Kenton was the perfect alpha male that we always love in these books. It was impossible not to fall in love with him.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
Autumn saw something she shouldn't have and now that something it’s after her. So her friend provide her the only way he knows she will be safe: living under the protection of his friend Kenton.
Initially he has some preconceived ideas about her and is very clear about them. But he soon sees her for who she is and starts to fall. And when a member of this family falls, he falls hard and fast.
But Autumn isn’t safe and when what’s after her starts to get closer, will Kenton be able to keep her safe or will he loose a war for the first time?
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Storyline: Another sexy and addictive story with a great alpha male character. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 starts is just because of its predictability. We always know almost exactly what’s going to happen next in these books. But that’s the beauty of it. Aurora Reynolds books are my reading guilty pleasure: I know exactly what I’m going to get and yet I can’t get enough of it.
Writing Style: First person. Dual POV. Well written, funny, sexy and completely addictive.
Character Development: Autumn was a pretty good heroine. She was strong, fierce, she didn’t let being put down by anyone and she wasn’t whiny. And believe, she had every reason to be. Kenton was the perfect alpha male that we always love in these books. It was impossible not to fall in love with him.
Steam: Hot.
HEA:
November 20, 2015
Sweet And Predictable
This was a good book with a sweet love story. I liked it, but didn't love it. At times it felt a little forced, but for the most part, it flowed from one part to the next with a predictable ease.
Autumn is working as a stripper in Vegas, while completing her clinical hours for nursing school. While working one night, she witnesses a multiple murder and is the only living witness. Fleeing Vegas for her safety, a friend arranges for her to stay with his childhood friend, Kenton, in Tennessee.
Kenton agrees to let Autumn stay with him as a favor to his best friend. He is acutely aware of the danger she is in. After all, this type of danger is nothing new to him. He makes a career out of vigilante justice, offering his special skills to buyers and often aiding law enforcement efforts.
Initially, these two get off to a rough start. The physical attraction is there, but Kenton just can't seem to quit putting his foot in his mouth. He seems to have confused strippers with prostitutes and made some pretty nasty judgments, which didn't sit well with Autumn. When he realizes just how far off-base his assumptions were, he'll have to do a lot of groveling to win Autumn over.
Eventually, Autumn's past catches up to her. Again, their world seems to have flipped on it's axis. In the end, Kenton and Autumn come out with everything that matters most.
Overall, this was a sweet, cute and likable story. It was predictable and sometimes a little cheesy, but mostly just cute and sweet. It was a good story to pass a little time. It isn't one that will probably stand out in my mind a month from now, but I liked it.
This was a good book with a sweet love story. I liked it, but didn't love it. At times it felt a little forced, but for the most part, it flowed from one part to the next with a predictable ease.
Autumn is working as a stripper in Vegas, while completing her clinical hours for nursing school. While working one night, she witnesses a multiple murder and is the only living witness. Fleeing Vegas for her safety, a friend arranges for her to stay with his childhood friend, Kenton, in Tennessee.
Kenton agrees to let Autumn stay with him as a favor to his best friend. He is acutely aware of the danger she is in. After all, this type of danger is nothing new to him. He makes a career out of vigilante justice, offering his special skills to buyers and often aiding law enforcement efforts.
Initially, these two get off to a rough start. The physical attraction is there, but Kenton just can't seem to quit putting his foot in his mouth. He seems to have confused strippers with prostitutes and made some pretty nasty judgments, which didn't sit well with Autumn. When he realizes just how far off-base his assumptions were, he'll have to do a lot of groveling to win Autumn over.
Eventually, Autumn's past catches up to her. Again, their world seems to have flipped on it's axis. In the end, Kenton and Autumn come out with everything that matters most.
Overall, this was a sweet, cute and likable story. It was predictable and sometimes a little cheesy, but mostly just cute and sweet. It was a good story to pass a little time. It isn't one that will probably stand out in my mind a month from now, but I liked it.
September 7, 2014
Title: Assumption (Underground Kings #1)
Series: (Underground Kings)
Author: Aurora Rose Reynold
Release Date: 25th August, 2014
Rating: 3.75 " Warrior" Stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Aurora Rose Reynolds knows how to serve up hot, possessive, caring men and if you think Kenton Mayson is more of the same, your right...and wrong! Kenton has a much rougher edge to him that the other Mayson Men and when pushed has no qualms in proving it.
Autumn is one of my favourite heroine's from any of the previous books, she's hard working, determined and kind of cray (in a good way). Working in a strip club, while she goes to school to become a Registered Nurse, she's involved in an dangerous incident one night. On the advice and arranging of a friend, she finds herself on a plane to the safety that is Kenton Mayson until things calm down.
When they first meet she's immediately weary of the fact that she's attracted to him and disappointed when like most others, he makes assumptions about her. Rather than clear up any misunderstandings she determines to keep herself to herself and bide her time until she can return home. There was a moment I was afraid Autumn was becoming "Woe is me" but that quickly passed.
When they both eventually decide to give the other a chance, the mutual attraction is ignored until they ignore no more. Like the other books the intensity is there and things more quickly between the pair.
“Anything for you, babe.”
“Anything for you too. You know that, right? "
“You’ve already given me everything.”
There are some real laugh out loud moments in this and it's a nice balance to the drama. On a whole I found it an enjoyable read. If you're after a non-offensive, steamy, cheesy & fun read, you're definitely in luck.
Copy provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
February 11, 2015
I get strippers get a bad rap and that a lot of people see beauty as an empty vase, but it really perturbs me when an author/character takes a subject and twists it in a knot to try and garner empathy, sympathy where none is needed. I'm not going to feel sorry for her because she's soooo beautiful, sorry just not happening.
This chick is working as a stripper, you know that job where Mf'ers come in and pay to see how 'beautiful' naked women look shaking their asses, and has the gumption to complain about being objectified & judged for being so f'ing beautiful. Really? No, really?!?!? Nothing wrong with earning a living as a stripper, but don't try and make me empathize with being objectified as beautiful when you know damn well that men ain't going to look at your naked ass in a strip club and try to discover what your favorite food, color, and school subject might be, okay!
Female Mc: "Some people complain about being overweight or having acne; I hate being beautiful. I know it sounds stupid. I mean why would anyone complain about being attractive, right? Here's why: Men see me as an object and women see me as competition. No one is ever willing to give me a chance. They all judge me but what's outside, never taking a second to find out even the smallest detail about who I am."
Again, don't try to make me empathize with her not wanting to be beautiful; make me empathize that she has had the misfortune of only meeting tools that see her as beautiful vase, but don't twist shit like this chick would say to give her an extra helping of ugly if given the choice between being ugly or beautiful!
Fact is that all people are judged outwardly, whether that's an overweight woman judged as desperate, a nerdy girl judged as prudishly naive, or a beautiful woman viewed as shallow.
Here's a clue: Judgment, or rather lack thereof, is about the eyes that are looking, not what they're looking at!
Then the female MC gives us this little gem: "I get up there (strip stage) to earn enough money so I can change my life in order to never be objectified again."
^ Yeah, tell that to the secretaries that have their asses five fingered by their bosses, the nurses that get cornered by doctors with a God complex, and the waitresses that get called "sugar" by a bunch of suits that assume her IQ is akin to the poundage of a bag of Domino. Strippers don't have a monopoly on objectification lol.
The female MC leaves a bad taste in my mouth from jump. I continued onward because I think no way this shit can get any worse.
Ah, hell yeah it can and it does. We meet the male MC, Kenton.
All the female MC's beauty ramblings are to set up the scene for the biggest jackass male character that ever thought about being typed out.
Upon entry, this guy is grade A duchebag. He's judgmental, hypocritical, crass, & narcissistic. He constantly sticks his foot in his mouth all while he wants to stick his dic* in her mouth. He's insulting & rude. He goes from looking at this chick like dirt on the bottom of his shoe to cooing "baby" at her. He goes from gently holding and comforting her one minute to saying that if her "reward" (aka sex) wasn't worth it that he wouldn't put up with her bullshit (aka her getting pissed when he sticks his foot in his mouth.)
Like the female MC, he leaves a sour taste in my mouth out of the gate that just never fully went away:(
Just because a dude opens car doors for a woman, coos "baby," and is protective doesn't negate the stupid shit that comes out of his mouth. So, by the time the author gets his mouth under control and places him in his nice suit of steel, it's just too late for me to really appreciate his good qualities:(
The romance here, especially given her initial 'I hate being beautiful, judged, and objectified' intro and his clearly judgmental behavior, made me laugh at the hypocrisy and absurdity of it all.
There are some little tidbits of info that scream "hey look at me" but then are never expounded upon once the reader looks... Wtf? Her bizarre reaction to being tickled is a perfect example.
The male MC's job is another example of questionable shit that doesn't make a lot of sense. He hunts people down, protects them... ?!? Idk? He works with cops on one hand and has in's with the mob on the other... He's okay with torture and killing who he deems deserves it without batting a damn eye... Wtf?
Wait! There is a Silver lining~
The author is very talented in several areas. No, I swear I'm not bipolar! I've tore her shitty characters to shreds, but there's a reason that I finished this book instead of throwing it in the kindle garbage.
~ Humor!
Despite awful characters and some f'd up schematics, there are actually some fairly funny moments within the story. The aunt and mama were cute every time they made appearances. The whole bed throwing scene was freaking hilarious, and when she kicked the jackass in the shin, hell I almost wanted to high-five her~almost! The dog scene was precious.
~ Pacing!
There aren't any lulls in this story. I didn't find myself skipping pages or grunting disgust at ramblings on the trivial crapolla. The author packed the story with something interesting toward the plot or the MC's history, and made sure that the mundane moments had a touch of humor, romance, action, angst, or something to piss me off.
~ Set up for standalone sequels!
F me running but the author managed to put a lot of secondary characters in this story & they were all interesting enough to pique my interest in what their stories might be. Justin and Kai, albeit limited exposure, were hotter than the male MC here any day of the week!
~ Thorough wrap up!
The author made sure that all the t's were crossed and i's were dotted in wrapping up Kenton and Autumn's romantic story.
Also, a tender moment 10 years later was particularly touching and, despite my dislike for her, I'm glad that Autumn was able to get closure the things that plagued her from her truly tragic past.
My bottom line:
I really, really got off on the wrong foot with the characters and it ruined what I would call a 3 1/2 star book based on merit, not character flaws. So, if you're a romantic with an easily forgiving heart, then you'll probably really like this book.
May 11, 2019
audio " reread "
Listening to these stories remind me why I love this author!
Listening to these stories remind me why I love this author!
January 20, 2015
ASS-U-ME 4 STARS
Autumn & Kenton ♥
Aurora Rose Reynolds.. I swear this woman knows her men. She ALWAYS creates AMAZING book boyfriends. I can't name one that Ihaven't fallen in love with. Kenton .. oh Kenton!
Do not assume mister but that whole Vanderbilt-VanderBELT thing was hilarious (STILL LAUGHING).
It was a shorter read as oppose to her other books. There was characters from my other favorites written by Ms. Reynolds (FIST PUMP). I adored this novel and can't wait to see more in this series.
AssumptionAurora Rose Reynolds
- Sleepless, Readmore.
Autumn & Kenton ♥
She’s not what I expected.
She’s not what Iwanted,
but fuck me if she’s not what I needed.."
Aurora Rose Reynolds.. I swear this woman knows her men. She ALWAYS creates AMAZING book boyfriends. I can't name one that I
Do not assume mister but that whole Vanderbilt-VanderBELT thing was hilarious (STILL LAUGHING).
It was a shorter read as oppose to her other books. There was characters from my other favorites written by Ms. Reynolds (FIST PUMP). I adored this novel and can't wait to see more in this series.
Anything for you, babe.
Anything for you too. You know that, right?
You’ve already given me everything.
AssumptionAurora Rose Reynolds
- Sleepless, Readmore.
February 29, 2016
I can't believe I've kept this book on my TBR list for this long...
Aurora Rose Reynolds...
I love you're writing, I loved your story, I absolutely adored the characters and I can't wait to read more from you...
So I'm moving on to the next book in this series...
Aurora Rose Reynolds...
I love you're writing, I loved your story, I absolutely adored the characters and I can't wait to read more from you...
So I'm moving on to the next book in this series...
September 30, 2015
Oh this one started out so strong. I love how Kenton immediately assumed Autumn was a stripper, I love how he acted like he was above his feelings for her. Honestly this one started out so incredibly strong and I just wanted more.
I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. You can't beat Aurora's sexy alpha's and insta-love, it's a fun combination!
I still thoroughly enjoyed the story. You can't beat Aurora's sexy alpha's and insta-love, it's a fun combination!
March 20, 2017
OMG! I have got to re-read this soon. I loved it the first time around and feel the need for a re-up.
September 14, 2022
5 Stars
Kenton Mayson is cousin to the brothers in the Until series. He's happy with his life. He's successful businessman with a bounty hunter company. Great friends and family.
When his childhood friend Link calls him from Vegas asking him to take in a friend, Autumn Freeman, to keep her safe from something she witnesses, he's ambivalent about it. He knows what type of women work in strip clubs and his preconceived "assumptions" are only the beginning.
Autumn Freeman hates being beautiful. According to her...
Autumn has had an abusive upbringing and the only person she's ever loved was ripped from her. So she's closed off. Never letting anyone get close to her. That is until she meats Kenton. She hasn't had feelings like this for a man in years. She doesn't know what to do with them and believes that all caring leads to is hurt. So it takes Kenton, with several missteps, a lot of work to break down her walls.
Many other people in town, weasel their way into Autumn life and heart. Justin, who works for Kenton, Nancy and Viv, Kenton's mom and aunt, respectively. Soon she has the family she's always wanted, made up of friends and relatives of Kenton's and her new job.
But just when things are starting to look up and happiness is in hand, Autumn's past catches up with her and takes Kenton down a dark path of revenge with determined drive to keep her safe.
I loved this book. It was great in every way. There were moments I laughed my ass off, especially when Kenton's ex, Cassie, was involved.
All I can say is "Furniture"!
And then there were moments so sweet and tender that made me cry.
Loved everything about Kenton and Autumn and their journey to be with each other. Kenton's alpha ways were so yummy, I would have to read some of what he said over again.
LOVED IT!
Kenton Mayson is cousin to the brothers in the Until series. He's happy with his life. He's successful businessman with a bounty hunter company. Great friends and family.
When his childhood friend Link calls him from Vegas asking him to take in a friend, Autumn Freeman, to keep her safe from something she witnesses, he's ambivalent about it. He knows what type of women work in strip clubs and his preconceived "assumptions" are only the beginning.
Autumn Freeman hates being beautiful. According to her...
Men see me as an object and women see me as competition. No one is ever willing to give me a chance. they all judge me by what's on the outside, never taking a second to find out even the smallest detail about who I am.~Autumn
Thats why I don't date. The first thing guys do is look at me and see a pretty face, a nice body, and an empty space where my brain's supposed to be. They have no interest in getting to know the person I am on the inside.
Autumn has had an abusive upbringing and the only person she's ever loved was ripped from her. So she's closed off. Never letting anyone get close to her. That is until she meats Kenton. She hasn't had feelings like this for a man in years. She doesn't know what to do with them and believes that all caring leads to is hurt. So it takes Kenton, with several missteps, a lot of work to break down her walls.
Many other people in town, weasel their way into Autumn life and heart. Justin, who works for Kenton, Nancy and Viv, Kenton's mom and aunt, respectively. Soon she has the family she's always wanted, made up of friends and relatives of Kenton's and her new job.
But just when things are starting to look up and happiness is in hand, Autumn's past catches up with her and takes Kenton down a dark path of revenge with determined drive to keep her safe.
I loved this book. It was great in every way. There were moments I laughed my ass off, especially when Kenton's ex, Cassie, was involved.
All I can say is "Furniture"!
And then there were moments so sweet and tender that made me cry.
Loved everything about Kenton and Autumn and their journey to be with each other. Kenton's alpha ways were so yummy, I would have to read some of what he said over again.
"This is mine. I get to play with it any time I want, any way I want."~Kenton
LOVED IT!
September 11, 2014
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED :::
Sexy, action-packed, Alpha male fun!!
Teehee!!! I really enjoyed this!! The hero was a total Alpha male (bossy, possessive, bit of an ass, huge heart) and the heroine was hiding out at his house because she’d witnessed a mob hit which naturally brought out his uber-protective side ;) But, as per the title, they both made assumptions about each other that got them off to a rocky start. They both judged. He assumed she was a stripper. She assumed he was an asshole. Neither of them were completely wrong but they also did not have the right idea either. And the fun process of seeing them untangle their assumptions from reality began…. ;)
I loved the whole set up of the story. This was one of those books where I tested out a chapter to see if I liked it and then I just never put it down and kept flipping those pages right through ’til the end!
Some scenes had me laughing out loud for pages on end, and others would hit right in the feels. Lots of sexy hot steaminess, sweetness, ‘omg-he-did-not-just-say-that’ moments, all mixed in with a healthy dose of badass action. Roll all that together with great dialogue and a fast-paced plot and you’ve got a really fun read!
Kenton Mayson was about as badass as they come. Dangerously protective. That man was willing to go to any lengths to protect his woman and was way more concerned with justice than he was with the law. But he loved her completely and you could see that in all his actions towards her. It was seriously endearing.
Autumn was the kind of girl who didn’t let life get her down. She had some hilarious moments (that bed/balcony scene? LOL!!) and I liked that she wasn’t afraid to stand up to Kenton no matter what he did.
Most of the story is from Autumn’s POV but we also get key scenes/chapters from Kenton's side of things. And I really loved that we had a nice, long epilogue at the end!! — There were a few things here and there that I wanted a little ‘more’ or a little ‘less’ of, but overall, I really enjoyed it!
If you’re in the mood for a fun, Alpha male romance with a badass hero, a feisty heroine, and a great blend of action, steam, and romance, give this a try!! :)
This can be read as a standalone.
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Twitter
Sexy, action-packed, Alpha male fun!!
Teehee!!! I really enjoyed this!! The hero was a total Alpha male (bossy, possessive, bit of an ass, huge heart) and the heroine was hiding out at his house because she’d witnessed a mob hit which naturally brought out his uber-protective side ;) But, as per the title, they both made assumptions about each other that got them off to a rocky start. They both judged. He assumed she was a stripper. She assumed he was an asshole. Neither of them were completely wrong but they also did not have the right idea either. And the fun process of seeing them untangle their assumptions from reality began…. ;)
I loved the whole set up of the story. This was one of those books where I tested out a chapter to see if I liked it and then I just never put it down and kept flipping those pages right through ’til the end!
Some scenes had me laughing out loud for pages on end, and others would hit right in the feels. Lots of sexy hot steaminess, sweetness, ‘omg-he-did-not-just-say-that’ moments, all mixed in with a healthy dose of badass action. Roll all that together with great dialogue and a fast-paced plot and you’ve got a really fun read!
“You should never judge, sweet cheeks. I was a sniper. I know how to kill someone with one finger, and I guarantee nothing will happen to you while I’m here.”
Kenton Mayson was about as badass as they come. Dangerously protective. That man was willing to go to any lengths to protect his woman and was way more concerned with justice than he was with the law. But he loved her completely and you could see that in all his actions towards her. It was seriously endearing.
Autumn was the kind of girl who didn’t let life get her down. She had some hilarious moments (that bed/balcony scene? LOL!!) and I liked that she wasn’t afraid to stand up to Kenton no matter what he did.
Most of the story is from Autumn’s POV but we also get key scenes/chapters from Kenton's side of things. And I really loved that we had a nice, long epilogue at the end!! — There were a few things here and there that I wanted a little ‘more’ or a little ‘less’ of, but overall, I really enjoyed it!
If you’re in the mood for a fun, Alpha male romance with a badass hero, a feisty heroine, and a great blend of action, steam, and romance, give this a try!! :)
This can be read as a standalone.
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
August 25, 2014
DON'T SHOOT ME, BUT Aurora Rose Reynolds, YOU HAVE BECOME MY NÚMERO UNO AUTHOR... This book, has made you my ALL TIME FAV AUTHOR (and yes, you have pushed Kristen Ashley to number 2!!!). I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Kenton, and I CAN'T WAIT for Kai's story now!!!!!!
October 19, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Assumption was another amazing winner by one of my favorite authors. Aurora knows how to bring me exactly what I want in a romance. Her stories bring passionate and emotional plots to us with climatic and breathtaking suspense. Romance that leaves you breathless and characters you finish with a feeling of adding a new friend to your life. These people feel so real to me and that might make me crazy but I totally own up to that anyway. From the moment I picked up my Kindle and started this story I couldn't put it down. I read it straight freaking through!
I love bossy and possessive alphas. While the romance was slow building it didn't lack in these qualities. Both characters were drawn to each other and each fought a battle against this attraction. Well they lost! But in the end both won something amazing. A beautiful romance slowly developed and I fell hard for not only Kenton but for this couple in general. Autumn was used to being treated like an object and had turned off the sensual part of herself which was very ironic since she was in the business of sensuality as a stripper. This was job that was meant to be a stepping stone to what she was wanted to do with her life. A dangerous encounter derails things and sends her into the care of Kenton and things
progress in a way that she is able to let down walls that have been up high for over a decade.
Kenton didn't give up and in true Aurora Alpha fashion he didn't take no for an answer but in a way that was passionate and emotional. He saw the fighter in Autumn and pushed her to be stronger.
I loved this story and saw the differences immediately from the Until series. Kenton was rough in ways that took my breath away and also made me want to just squeeze him to death. For every single moment he is ruthless..he has another that he is just the most sensitive and romantic and most of all HOT alpha of them all.
This would not be authentic Aurora if Kenton didn't bless us with a filthy mouth. So yes ..I have to say that is another reason I was hooked!
Also you know it's not a true Aurora read without a sweet loveable pet.
.and and amazing epilogue or 3 ..LOL. Adore seeing into the future of the Mayson's. Just freaking LOVE IT
I was left eagerly anxious and hungry for the next installment.
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Email: sizzlingpages@gmail.com
Assumption was another amazing winner by one of my favorite authors. Aurora knows how to bring me exactly what I want in a romance. Her stories bring passionate and emotional plots to us with climatic and breathtaking suspense. Romance that leaves you breathless and characters you finish with a feeling of adding a new friend to your life. These people feel so real to me and that might make me crazy but I totally own up to that anyway. From the moment I picked up my Kindle and started this story I couldn't put it down. I read it straight freaking through!
I love bossy and possessive alphas. While the romance was slow building it didn't lack in these qualities. Both characters were drawn to each other and each fought a battle against this attraction. Well they lost! But in the end both won something amazing. A beautiful romance slowly developed and I fell hard for not only Kenton but for this couple in general. Autumn was used to being treated like an object and had turned off the sensual part of herself which was very ironic since she was in the business of sensuality as a stripper. This was job that was meant to be a stepping stone to what she was wanted to do with her life. A dangerous encounter derails things and sends her into the care of Kenton and things
progress in a way that she is able to let down walls that have been up high for over a decade.
Kenton didn't give up and in true Aurora Alpha fashion he didn't take no for an answer but in a way that was passionate and emotional. He saw the fighter in Autumn and pushed her to be stronger.
I loved this story and saw the differences immediately from the Until series. Kenton was rough in ways that took my breath away and also made me want to just squeeze him to death. For every single moment he is ruthless..he has another that he is just the most sensitive and romantic and most of all HOT alpha of them all.
She’s not what I expected. She’s not what I wanted, but fuck me if she’s not what I need.
This would not be authentic Aurora if Kenton didn't bless us with a filthy mouth. So yes ..I have to say that is another reason I was hooked!
“Open.” His eyes lock on my mouth as I open for him. The second the head of his cock touches my tongue, I moan. “I think you love sucking me off more than I like it, and I like it a whole hell of a lot.”
Also you know it's not a true Aurora read without a sweet loveable pet.
.and and amazing epilogue or 3 ..LOL. Adore seeing into the future of the Mayson's. Just freaking LOVE IT
I was left eagerly anxious and hungry for the next installment.
September 8, 2014
3.5 stars
Title:Assumption
Series:Underground Kings #1
Author:Aurora Rose Reynolds
Release date: September 5, 2014
Rating:3.5 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
If you're looking for a quick read with a strong alpha hero and a few laughs, you've come to the right place. If you're looking for a book with lots of surprises and unpredictability...not so much. In typical ARR style, this new Underground Kings series begins with (no surprise) an alpha hero who is hot, controlling and possessive, and yes, is an ass on more than one occasion. I actually liked Kenton a lot. He's one of those play-by-your-own-rules types of guys. He takes justice into his own hands, and if he wants something, well, he just takes it.
The heroine Autumn wasn't bad either. She was independent and opinionated, which you pretty much have to be if you hook up with anyone in the Mayson family. She had a little wild side to her as well if you made her angry and if you did, you'd better look out! There was one scene with her and one of Kenton's exes that had me laughing out loud at her temerity. She really has some lady balls-she does not put up with disrespect.
As we're told in the lead-in in Until Nico, Autumn is the witness of a murder in the strip club where she works. The hit man is MIA and she is sent to Kenton for a temporary place to stay and protection. Kenton is an under the radar kind of guy who handles various security and bounty hunter types of things. But if you expect him to do things by the books, you'd be wrong. When they meet at the airport there's an instant attraction, but Kenton makes his first bonehead move: prejudging her based on her strip club job. What he doesn't know is that she's also a nurse and just biding her time until she can pay the bills with her real career. She doesn't take too kindly to his Assumptions and they begin their dance of attraction and avoidance.
Kenton quickly finds that he's ready to try to win Autumn over. She's sassy, intelligent, and in the weeks they've been living together their lust for each other has only multiplied. He's determined to make her see things his way.
She's not what I expected. She's not what I wanted, but fuck me if she's not what I need.
"I know you've been hurt." I close my eyes, turning my face away from him. "I know you don't want to hear it, but I won't stop until I have you."
Once he finallyinforms her she's going out with him convinces her to go on a date with him, all bets are off. The sexual tension that's been sizzling under the surface is getting ready to blow up. They had some great chemistry and I enjoyed their sexy times.
While the hit man/mob conflict added some necessary drama to the plot, there weren't really any surprises there for me. I wish I could have been left guessing a little bit more but maybe that's just me. As common with other ARR books, the pace and action really picked up in the last 25%, family and past characters are very involved, and the epilogue ties everything together nicely. While I didn't love this one, I can't say I didn't enjoy it. ARR has a way of making her books so addictive. The hero was perfectly alpha and though he had some bonehead moments, he made up for them and protected her with his life. I also thought that the heroine was decent. She wasn't a pushover, she spoke her mind, and though she was stubborn at times, she was a likable and relatable girl. Kai's story is next up in the series and I am sufficiently curious enough to check it out.
**ARC provided for blog tour in exchange for an honest review.**
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
Title:Assumption
Series:Underground Kings #1
Author:Aurora Rose Reynolds
Release date: September 5, 2014
Rating:3.5 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
If you're looking for a quick read with a strong alpha hero and a few laughs, you've come to the right place. If you're looking for a book with lots of surprises and unpredictability...not so much. In typical ARR style, this new Underground Kings series begins with (no surprise) an alpha hero who is hot, controlling and possessive, and yes, is an ass on more than one occasion. I actually liked Kenton a lot. He's one of those play-by-your-own-rules types of guys. He takes justice into his own hands, and if he wants something, well, he just takes it.
The heroine Autumn wasn't bad either. She was independent and opinionated, which you pretty much have to be if you hook up with anyone in the Mayson family. She had a little wild side to her as well if you made her angry and if you did, you'd better look out! There was one scene with her and one of Kenton's exes that had me laughing out loud at her temerity. She really has some lady balls-she does not put up with disrespect.
As we're told in the lead-in in Until Nico, Autumn is the witness of a murder in the strip club where she works. The hit man is MIA and she is sent to Kenton for a temporary place to stay and protection. Kenton is an under the radar kind of guy who handles various security and bounty hunter types of things. But if you expect him to do things by the books, you'd be wrong. When they meet at the airport there's an instant attraction, but Kenton makes his first bonehead move: prejudging her based on her strip club job. What he doesn't know is that she's also a nurse and just biding her time until she can pay the bills with her real career. She doesn't take too kindly to his Assumptions and they begin their dance of attraction and avoidance.
Kenton quickly finds that he's ready to try to win Autumn over. She's sassy, intelligent, and in the weeks they've been living together their lust for each other has only multiplied. He's determined to make her see things his way.
She's not what I expected. She's not what I wanted, but fuck me if she's not what I need.
"I know you've been hurt." I close my eyes, turning my face away from him. "I know you don't want to hear it, but I won't stop until I have you."
Once he finally
While the hit man/mob conflict added some necessary drama to the plot, there weren't really any surprises there for me. I wish I could have been left guessing a little bit more but maybe that's just me. As common with other ARR books, the pace and action really picked up in the last 25%, family and past characters are very involved, and the epilogue ties everything together nicely. While I didn't love this one, I can't say I didn't enjoy it. ARR has a way of making her books so addictive. The hero was perfectly alpha and though he had some bonehead moments, he made up for them and protected her with his life. I also thought that the heroine was decent. She wasn't a pushover, she spoke her mind, and though she was stubborn at times, she was a likable and relatable girl. Kai's story is next up in the series and I am sufficiently curious enough to check it out.
**ARC provided for blog tour in exchange for an honest review.**
FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:
June 2, 2016
***3.5 Stars***
Another entertaining and enjoyable ARR book to add to the tally!
There's just something about her Alpha guys and insta-love/lust formula that just works for me. Her books are effortless and entertaining and I eat them up with pleasure.
Unfortunately, there were two things that kind of irked me and kept me from rating this higher. The first being the awkward transition between scenes. There were moments when a time jump of a few hours, days and sometimes a few weeks would happen from one sentence to the next. The quick transition would disconnect me from the story and pull me out of my reading flow, and because of that, I don't feel like I connected with Kenton and Autumn as much as I should have.
That brings me to my other disappointment...I wish there was more development of Kenton's character. I don't really feel like I knew him. There wasn't much provided when it came to his history or his life. What exactly does he do? How old is he? Is he close to his dad and brother like he is with his mom? How much about his work does his family know about? How many men does he have working for him? They're mentioned randomly in the story like we're supposed to know who they are?
However, I will say that I'm glad there wasn't any unnecessary drama. Sometimes with a storyline dealing with a misconception or incorrect assumption, the author could drag it out for chapters...but ARR did no such thing and for that I'm thankful. Autumn didn't play any stupid games or hold stubborn grudges, and that will always be a big plus for me.
The epilogue was perfection and tied a big, ol' happy bow on Kenton and Autumn's HEA, which had me closing the book with a huge smile on my face. So even though I had some issues, this book was a win for me. I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for Kai and Sven...and because I'm greedy, I would love a book for Justin too!!
August 26, 2014
3 Stars for me, I enjoyed reading about Kenton and Autumn I think I was just expecting something a bit darker. Don't ask me why though!
Autumn gets caught up in the middle of a shooting at the Gentleman's club where she works and so gets to stay with Kenton who is a friend of a friend. Kenton is also the cousin of the Maysons from the Until series.
At first Kenton makes assumptions about Autumn because she worked at a strip club but this gets cleared up pretty quick and they soon realise they are attracted to each other. Kenton is a typical ARR character - alpha male, protective, sweet and generous, with a really enthusiastic family.
It was a nice story but I felt some things were too far fetched, for example when Autumn manages to push a queen sized bed over a balcony
Also, the storyline involving Autumn's past could have been expanded on.
Overall a pretty easy read.
April 20, 2018
Meh. I chose this because it was listed under mafia/love hate relationship on a certain website. Let’s just say I will never trust that website again, because this was SLIGHT mafia adjacent... and the love to hate was more reluctant romance than anything else.
It was a good read. It just wasn’t what I was wanting, and I never really got that invested in the characters.
It was a good read. It just wasn’t what I was wanting, and I never really got that invested in the characters.
October 19, 2014
4.0- 4.25 Assuming Stars
I "Assumed" Aurora Rose Reynolds would bring it and she did!
Now Kenton Maysen, that is exactly what I needed! Thank you Aurora Rose Reynolds for bringing the badass back to your alpha! It was Asher that had previously been my fave Maysen Man, but NOPE, there is no better than Kenton!
Ummmm, HELL YES! This man is direct, he is tough, and he is off the charts HOT! Where I wanted Nico to act the badness that he looked, Kenton completely made up for it! Let's just say that one should not mess with what is his, the consequences are deadly!
Such a good thing for the natural beauty Autumn Freeman...nurse by day, gentleman's entertainer by night. She is way more than the average pretty girl. A night of violence puts her on the run and into the protection of Kenton Maysen! YAY for her...I mean just the simple way he says "Baby" *le sigh*
So this coupling is inevitable! Don't look into this too much. It is instant attraction, instant lust, and quite a bit of instant love...but don't forget that Maysen BOOM! I hated that I had to wait til over the 60% mark for all the heat...but for me it was quite worth the wait! Because Kenton gave a whole bunch of rough talking, sweet and hard lovin goodness...
For me, this worked. It was a fast read with completely likeable characters. It also had great interaction and banter that had some KA familiarity. So I was lovin' that! The angst is a bit turned up, the violence is definitely high, and the heat, although stretched out...so good! Honestly, I could have read 100 more pages of their story...I wanted more!
I "Assumed" Aurora Rose Reynolds would bring it and she did!
Now Kenton Maysen, that is exactly what I needed! Thank you Aurora Rose Reynolds for bringing the badass back to your alpha! It was Asher that had previously been my fave Maysen Man, but NOPE, there is no better than Kenton!
Ummmm, HELL YES! This man is direct, he is tough, and he is off the charts HOT! Where I wanted Nico to act the badness that he looked, Kenton completely made up for it! Let's just say that one should not mess with what is his, the consequences are deadly!
Such a good thing for the natural beauty Autumn Freeman...nurse by day, gentleman's entertainer by night. She is way more than the average pretty girl. A night of violence puts her on the run and into the protection of Kenton Maysen! YAY for her...I mean just the simple way he says "Baby" *le sigh*
So this coupling is inevitable! Don't look into this too much. It is instant attraction, instant lust, and quite a bit of instant love...but don't forget that Maysen BOOM! I hated that I had to wait til over the 60% mark for all the heat...but for me it was quite worth the wait! Because Kenton gave a whole bunch of rough talking, sweet and hard lovin goodness...
For me, this worked. It was a fast read with completely likeable characters. It also had great interaction and banter that had some KA familiarity. So I was lovin' that! The angst is a bit turned up, the violence is definitely high, and the heat, although stretched out...so good! Honestly, I could have read 100 more pages of their story...I wanted more!
January 29, 2016
You should never judge a book by its cover. In life for some people it is a matter of survial and nothing else.
We met Kenton in the Until Series now he gets his own book. The Underground Kings Series is darker than the Until Series.
Autumn Freeman works in a Stripclub in Las Vegas to pay for her bills and to get her Nursing Degree. Unfortunately she sees the hit that occurs in the club and can identify the killer. She gets shipped off to Kenton so that she is protected.
Kenton judges Autumn on what is friend Linc told him and assumes the worst. I loved the banter between the two and I always love this author as I can lmao off.
Kai's story sounds interesting.
We met Kenton in the Until Series now he gets his own book. The Underground Kings Series is darker than the Until Series.
Autumn Freeman works in a Stripclub in Las Vegas to pay for her bills and to get her Nursing Degree. Unfortunately she sees the hit that occurs in the club and can identify the killer. She gets shipped off to Kenton so that she is protected.
Kenton judges Autumn on what is friend Linc told him and assumes the worst. I loved the banter between the two and I always love this author as I can lmao off.
Kai's story sounds interesting.
May 29, 2020
Kenton was really hard for me to attach to in the beginning because he was just so mean to Autumn. I mean she was sent by his childhood friend so wouldn’t it be safe to think that he wouldn’t send a flake or a floozy. And I don’t find it believable to assume that Link didn’t pass on any information. And I also don’t find it realistic that Kenton wouldn’t ask at least basic things about her considering she was going to be living with him and watching out for her. I do find it believable that a bunch of men stood around and watched her struggle with her luggage and never attempted to offer any kind of assistance. That is totally believable.
I don’t trust her ex boss though Sid. I feel like he knew what was coming when he went to the hospital that night and that’s why he helped her. I feel like he knew more than the story showed.
Good story. Good book.
I don’t trust her ex boss though Sid. I feel like he knew what was coming when he went to the hospital that night and that’s why he helped her. I feel like he knew more than the story showed.
Good story. Good book.
July 1, 2019
I re-read this book for the 3rd time and loved it as much as when I read it the first time around. I think the only reason why I gave this book only 4 stars was because I wanted it to be longer. But I loved both of the MC characters and they were both quirky and funny.
August 28, 2014
3.5-4 stars. I enjoyed Kenton and Autumn's story but for some odd reason I just can't put my finger on why I didn't fall in love with it.
I adored Autumn. She was a great heroine. She stood up for herself and didn't let Kenton roll over her like some alpha men try to do in stories. I liked that she showed her vulnerable side and didn't run away from situations.
Kenton was the typical hot alpha bossy man but I think it's my own fault that I kept trying to compare him to those delicious Mayson brothers. He definitely has a darker side to him but when He'd say stupid sh$t he would rally quickly and own it when he pushed autumn too far. I appreciated that since I usually want to kick the hero in his junk when he steps over the line too much.
While the chemistry was totally hot between Autumn and Kenton the story moved slowly for me and felt choppy towards the end and I felt the resolution was a bit anticlimactic.
The introduction of new characters was great. Kenton's mother and aunt were a Hoot. I definitely want more of those two. Nice to see Sven again - I want his story and Kai has peaked my interest.
Having said that, if you are a fan of this series I encourage you to read Kenton's book.
I adored Autumn. She was a great heroine. She stood up for herself and didn't let Kenton roll over her like some alpha men try to do in stories. I liked that she showed her vulnerable side and didn't run away from situations.
Kenton was the typical hot alpha bossy man but I think it's my own fault that I kept trying to compare him to those delicious Mayson brothers. He definitely has a darker side to him but when He'd say stupid sh$t he would rally quickly and own it when he pushed autumn too far. I appreciated that since I usually want to kick the hero in his junk when he steps over the line too much.
While the chemistry was totally hot between Autumn and Kenton the story moved slowly for me and felt choppy towards the end and I felt the resolution was a bit anticlimactic.
The introduction of new characters was great. Kenton's mother and aunt were a Hoot. I definitely want more of those two. Nice to see Sven again - I want his story and Kai has peaked my interest.
Having said that, if you are a fan of this series I encourage you to read Kenton's book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,456 reviews