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MASON KING
It's not easy playing second best in one of the most powerful families on the planet, however that's my lot in life, and the price I have to pay for being born into the world of privilege and power. It's no secret I want out, however, there's a girl who calls to me. A girl I'm helplessly, and hopelessly in love with. Melody.
My brother's sister in law.
Trapped because of love, I spend years with my head down, meeting every expectation asked of me. However, in my climb to prove my worthiness to my family, I have also garnered the attention of one of the deadliest mafia Don's in the country who calls in his favor for saving Hendrix's wife.
The price?
Me.
Straddling the criminal world and the expectations of my family seem easy at first, but the closer I get to Melody, the more secrets come out, and the higher the stakes become.
One things for sure, the once revered King Dynasty isn't what it seems.

488 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2025

5 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

About the author

S.K. Presley

14 books203 followers
S.K. resides in the midwest with an adorable rescue beagle. Drawn to writing steamy dark romances with love interests who are infatuated with one another, it has always been her dream to share with the world her ideas and stories, and she hopes that you enjoy her work just as much as she enjoys creating it.
Happy reading!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Keri M.
451 reviews42 followers
May 8, 2025
I am in love with this series! Book was one amazing and book 2 is even better! You get to see Melodys wild side and it is amazing! The drama is stepped up a notch in this one and I am here for it!
Profile Image for Tracy Booktalk.
316 reviews18 followers
April 30, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ My review is coming. Let me say the ending left me shuddering and screaming in my head “what did I just read”. SK I need Book 3 NOW!!!

💖 It is April 27 and SK Presley has released this work of perfection to all her arc readers. I loved Hendrix and Isobel in The Heir but, oh my goodness, Mason and Melody will have you glued to the pages of The Spare.
💖 This is a love story that I have yearned to read for as long as I can remember. It’s a story that makes you feel there is a mate for you out there. Your other half! The very minute Mason sees Melody he knows this is the love of his life. No one and nothing will sway him from this path.
💖 There is romance, yes, but there will also be treachery, ride or 💀 friendships, suspense, family, and tragedy. Family - you can choose your friends but not your family. Well, in this book the characters will realize your family knows and loves you more despite mistakes you have in your past.
💀 🔥 Now after all my comments about the sweet romance, well let me just warn you, please 🙏 read those content warnings twice. From jealousy, honour, revenge, power and greed you will read how far characters will fall when they believe a life worth living comes from the wealth you hold! Friendship and Family ties are the biggest wealth you should hold close to your heart. You cannot buy those, they are priceless!
💟 💜 I absolutely recommend this five star dark romance story, 💯 percent!
Profile Image for Bexs Book Blog.
116 reviews5 followers
June 6, 2025
Taking inspiration from the story of Harry and Megan, this is the book for you if you love drama with your spice.

The first half of the book focuses on Mason and Melody's relationship, as their love goes from forbidden to inevitable in a delicious explosion of passion.

Then bam, here comes the second half when all the family secrets come to light, bringing unexpected twists and turns.

Like the first book, it ends with a HEA for the main pair, but the ending teases the next book, which I can't wait to read and see what unfolds next.
Profile Image for Kathrine.
47 reviews
May 10, 2025
better than the first book, but the plot is missing a thread to hold everything together. it's like there's three different books happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for melody  Colyer.
31 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2025
This book really got me! The emotional growth that Mason and Melody both go through is beautiful, especially Mason. Bro has me in a chokehold! They have such a real emotional growth together and also with their family members. I didn’t expect to get so attached to these characters but here I am!! 😍
Profile Image for Cheryl Sims.
218 reviews21 followers
April 18, 2025
ok why did you do this to me I need book three ASAP ma'am!!! this book is absolutely amazing and mind blowing I need more people to read this author's books she is fu**ing brilliant and I can't wait to read everything she writes 🥰🥰🥰🥰 go check your trigger warnings and then read this book ASAP but start with book one first lol
Profile Image for Emily Doll.
170 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2026
MASON KING!!!!!! MY GAWD! If you think Hendrix is a fire MMC, just wait until you get to Mason.... holy shiiiiiiiiiit!

This book was pure intimacy and passion in the deepest of ways. Mason has been waiting for Melody, Isobel's little sister, for years! YEARS! Dedicatedly so, too. No other female has existed since they day he met her when she was 16 and told Hendrix, "I want her." When he proclaimed that in book one, I knew his energy was going to be just my type in his book, and I wasn't wrong. This man is pure obsession in all the best ways. His focus is Mel in all things and in all ways, and the way he makes her the center of his world when she doesn't even really realize it yet is addicting. His care and devotion from day one is such a pure love for her. From her well being to her happiness to her safety, he cares for her above all else and in doing so it sets his life on a path that it's been needing to be on for a long time.

Mason is the youngest brother of the dynasty and has been trying to keep up with his older brother while also having past demons of his father's held heavily against him. He's navigating so much weight being unfairly put on his shoulders, all while being so heavily disrespected and disregarded in his abilities and atonomy. This is a big reason why him and Mel connect. They understand one another on such a deep level, and from day one, they see that reflected. Both go through major growing pains within families that never give them the chance to have a say or a thought in their choices, wants, and opinions. It becomes heavily suffocating for both of them, which turns them into one another even more. The family pains in this book that both of them face as the younger bodies in their family trees show so heavily in these pages, especially for Mason. There were a few moments where he was just begging to be seen by his father, and it made me cry. The pain in this young man and how he's been dealing with it so much alone is gut-wrenching. But the redemption of the relationship between him and his older brother as the story moves forward is truly beautiful. While izzy and Mel navigate their own sisterhood of suffocation as Melody is trying desperately to take the reigns of her life as a new 20 year old, but growing up in a family dynasty such as the King's, proves that although she is now an adult, she is no closer to making the big choices in her own life that an adult would, and the walls are closing in fast for her. There is a lot of emotional rollercoaster riding going on in this book for both Mason and Melody, and together, they prove to be the catalyst that is much needed for not only themselves but everyone else as well.

This book is one of the most delicious slow burns for a while. As Melody is a very untouched and well preserved virgin, by Mason's own hand mind you, as she has no idea our boy has been her keeper for four years when he promised Hendrix he would give her time before unleashing the family tradition of taking her as his wife. But this time, it's a lot different than in book one because Mason and Mel have a very close and established relationship. A Deep friendship that has been building for years now as he does his best to keep his hands to himself, let her come of age, let her get some college behind her, and pay off any guy who shows even the smallest interest. Although their friendship started when Mel was 16, it's quickly coming to a head as new feelings start to rise and she no longer can ignore the innocent crush she's developed that is turning into a burn of passion that is begging for a match to finally start a fire these too have been slowly stoking for years. Mason can't take it anymore, and he's ready to take her, and when he does.... MY GAWD!!!

The spice in this book is insane. So well placed like all S.K. Presley books. It doesn't become repetitive or overwhelm the emotional depth of the plot but deepens the intimacy in the most delicious ways. Mason has made sure to be Mel's first, and much like her older Sister Izzy, Mel is a firecracker. But only with Mason. This shy little angel may be soft-spoken, but her comfortablility with Mas makes her but him through his paces when truths start to unfold and her trust and boundaries are pushed. She definitely pushes back. The scene on her birthday when she has her first drink, I WAS SCREAMING!!! These two go through a dance leading up to their first time together, and it is so addicting and satisfying. I was in a chokehold with these twos intimacy. The scenes just kept coming! And coming! And coming! Much like Mel, lol. Mason connects heavily through intimacy, and he is obsessed with her in every capacity, and her newfound sexual awakening is like a wild fire! But it's also the sweetest thing. The way he cares for her and the way you can feel it is amazing. But these scenes!!! Seriously, never forgetting. The entry table scene when they get home!!!! Omg. But the "Nothing" scene when she gets home from a night out.... that scene... that scene is living rent-free in my head forever. I love Mason King. Full stop.

I could go on and on and on about this book. It's easily one of my favorites now. The dynamic between Mel and Mason and their true devotion to one another is such a ride or die type of connection. These two love each other. You can feel it. The pain that is felt within the family politics and the underlying plot is so deep at times that you ache for them.

The plot twist at the end slapped the taste out of my mouth once again. Although not as dark, which I was thankful for, honestly, I didn't want dark for these two, not my babies!! Lol. But it definitely took the emotions even higher and put our couple into yet another place of needing one another, and they didn't falter.

Don't sleep on this series!!! Book 3 is currently underway, and you will want to be ready for it! I know I am!!!!
Profile Image for Kelcey Norris.
19 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2025
After reading The Heir, I was incredibly excited to read the story of Mason King, the spare to the King Dynasty, and Melody, Isobel's younger sister. When they met, Mel was 16 and Hendrix tells Mason he has to wait 4 years to pursue Mel, while also working in the family business. Hendrix wanted to make sure Mason was serious about Mel, but he and Isobel are protective of Mel, which annoys her. She wants freedom and for Mason to pursue her now that she's 20, but their siblings get in the way, at first.

It could have been so much easier for Mason to quit in this long pursuit, find someone else less complicated and call it a day. I'm so glad Mason waited for his butterfly! Their honesty with each other and ability to show their real selves is so refreshing and I love their dynamic. She challenges him and he protects her.

I can't wait to read more of SK Presley!! The first book of The King Dynasty reminded me of an episode of Law and Order where there's a family that abducts young women to join them.. I was instantly hooked by the books!
Profile Image for Rosalyn Butler.
136 reviews4 followers
May 21, 2025
I was completely captivated when their connection was first hinted at in The Heir, and Presley does not disappoint in bringing their relationship to life. The chemistry between Mason and Melody crackles on every page, and their journey is filled with just the right mix of slow-burn tension, heart-pounding twists, and emotional depth.

This book has it all—family drama, gripping mystery, and enough romantic tension to keep you turning pages late into the night. Presley masterfully builds on the world introduced in the first book while deepening the stakes and emotional payoff in this second installment.

And the ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. You’ll be counting down the days until book three. So buckle up, grab some tissues, and prepare to be swept away—The Spare will hold you in its grasp and refuse to let go.
6 reviews
May 4, 2025
The long awaited sequel to “The Heir” the brilliant first book in the King Dynasty series by SK Presley DOES NOT disappoint!! “The Spare” follows Mason and Melody’s love story from a friendship to a burning fire of passion and intrigue. I was obsessed with the possibility of Mason and Melody’s story when it was hinted at in first book and I was so excited to follow along on their adventure. This book has everything, family drama, mystery, and a whole lot of passion! I can’t say enough about how much I love this book! And the end? It’ll leave you begging for the 3rd installment of the series. Buckle up and grab some tissues, this story will hold you in its grasp and won’t let you go!
Profile Image for Kris.
214 reviews27 followers
April 28, 2025
oh my goddess!!!

The first book was amazing and had me demanding book two as soon as I was done with book one. I wanted a book about Mason and Melody and this book delivered. It more then delivered. It blew the doors off the rating system. It is better then 5 out of 5 stars. This book gave me everything I could ask for and things I didn't even know i needed.

And then the epilogue, fucking hell, how am I going to wait for book 3.

I am completely invested in the king family and everything that is going on with all of them.
Profile Image for Summer.
27 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2025
I loved the premise of the King Dynasty taking their spouses. However, in the Spare, the execution didn’t work for me. Because the MMCs already loved each other, it was hard to see the spouse-napping. I loved seeing some of the familial relationship testing, but there were so many different issues, it was hard to keep up with what was happening to who and how each was resolved, or if they even were. Remember, I read an ARC, so the final story may include some edits. Although this book had too many moving parts for my liking, SK Presley is a bombastic writer.
Profile Image for Mandy Brocklehurst.
274 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2025
Loved this book and dare I say more than book one. I loved the devotion Mason had for Mel
It was just swoon worthy he wanted her to have the world and he was obsessed and had the she’s mine attitude as soon a
He meet her. I want all the secrets though that are still coming out. It’s been a journey and I hope there is a book 3. If you like mafia elements, obsessed male, she’s mine, sexy alpha male that’s also patient and waits and bides his time. You’ll luv this book lots of hot scenes and drama.
Profile Image for Diana Trevino.
7 reviews
May 25, 2025
5⭐️
“The Spare” is the sequel to “The Heir” by S.K. Presley and the King Dynasty Series is my favorite from the author!

After reading “The Heir” I could not wait to get my hands on “The Spare” and I was not disappointed at all! Now after reading “The Spare” I’m anxiously waiting to read book 3

We saw the interest of Mason and Melody’s love story in book 1 (the heir) but it plays out during (the spare) and you can just feel the love between the character by the actions and words written.

If you enjoy mafia style books and where the MMC’s are obsessed with their woman pick up the series!
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,392 reviews73 followers
May 24, 2025
The Spare is book 2 in the King Dynasty series and my first read by this author. It's Mason and Melody's story and completely enjoyable. It's an insta love story and you feel the depth of that love down to your soul. It's not without trouble (doesn't that come for everyone) but it doesn't hinder their end goal. I didn't read book 1 which I definitely will be doing while I anticipate book 3 in this journey.
10 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2025
I loved the second story with Mason and Melody! I think I loved it more than the first book lol. I really did connect more emotionally with these two main characters. I even teared up and wanted to cry at times during their feelings of not being understood/loved by family members, abandonment, unsure about if the other loved them…truly a good emotional roller coaster! Not sure what’s next for this family of characters but I hope some of these things can be further healed in the next book!
Profile Image for Alex Barker.
98 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2025
Why is the next book not out yet? This book was so fun and engaging to read. I love the tension between how the characters feel towards each other versus what they think the other is feeling. Watching them face the hurdles of their families and positions in the family business was great. It showed that no matter how you present yourself, no one really knows what goes on behind closed doors. This was a fun book to read and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the family.
Profile Image for Johanna.
2,341 reviews46 followers
May 27, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and really drove the story. Plot was original and intriguing. World building continues to be spot on. Overall a great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Evelyn Herrera.
16 reviews
May 31, 2025
As one of the ones that often gets overlooked I was deeply invested in the emotions of Mason and Melody. Their bond was great but the plot was a bit lacking. The book did feel a bit long yet somehow left so many more questions. I did enjoy the passion and connection between the MCs. For those looking for something similar to part one this does not quite follow the abduction theme and is more sweet than the first book.
Profile Image for Tanya Pratt-Dubois.
70 reviews6 followers
November 4, 2025
I absolutely love this series! I love the unique way the King men get their wives is unhinged and I love it!! I loved book 1 and could not wait for Mason and Melody’s book!! Love the characters and their development! It was a slow burn up until about 1/2 way through the book but when the romance hit it was hot and 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️! Like the first book left wanting the second book ASAP. This one did the same! I need book 3 now lol.
Profile Image for Ashley.
471 reviews16 followers
May 4, 2025
This was full of emotion and action. You get to follow the ups and downs of Mason and Melody separately and together. Karissa is annoying for sure but not nearly as annoying as Melody's sister. I adore the King brothers. I can't wait to read more about this family and let it all unfold like an old note.
Profile Image for Paula K Hargis.
11 reviews
May 5, 2025
Wow!! This one is a must read. It picks up after The Heir and does not disappoint. It drew me in and kept me reading. I literally could not put it down. The spice is sweet and off the charts. The characters draw you in leaving you wanting more of their story. I hope there is another sequel as I want to know more about The King Dynasty. Thank you for this amazing read.
Profile Image for Tori Rey.
158 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2025
After the first book I couldn’t wait for the second book. It did not disappoint!!! I couldn’t wait for the next book and to read Mason and Melodys story. I found myself unable to put the book down as soon as I picked it up. The drama, the mysteries, and all the spice, this book has it all for the Dark Romance readers of the world.
Profile Image for shelbi wise.
40 reviews
May 20, 2025
From the first page I was clenching pearls that I was not wearing! The feelings and spice in this book will have you making faces of OMG and WHAT. I really enjoyed the main characters and how they flowed together and also the love the love was off the hook 100%. I would recommend this book to anyone I know that loves Mafia/Spice! This author has for sure hit this one out of the park!
13 reviews
August 29, 2025
pretty much DNF

I got about half way in and I really hate the virgin FMC trope and was unwilling to go through the sex scenes. I skipped to the end and scanned through the last chapter and first epilogue. I read the entirety of the second epilogue and am intrigued about book three. I really like The Heir and admire S K on socials. This book was just not my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Beth.
71 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2025
"I've waited for you. Starved for you."

I do not think I could love a fictional couple more than Mason and Melody.

I was laughing so hard during the shower scene and loved seeing that spunkier side of Melody.

If you are looking for spice, plot, and LOTS of family drama, then the Spare is for you. Mason is the second son and Melody is the little sister of Mason's sister in law. Mason was warned to stay away but he can't. He has to wait years to even be able to act like he has interest in Melody. This is a semi slow burn that turns to fiery passion. 🔥


🖤Mason Antonio King and Melody Rachael King forever!🖤
Profile Image for Melissa Melmch.
105 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2025
I so loved this book mason and melody are such an amazing couple the wait was worth it! This story is about love growth family and it’s spicy! I loved book one and book 2 hasn’t missed it is so good I cannot wait to continue reading this series when book 3 comes out.
Profile Image for ♥︎Obsidian°Scorpio°Reads♥︎.
343 reviews7 followers
May 14, 2025
S.K Presley, this ruined me & put me back together all in one.

this book will leave you in tears full of heartbreak 💔. this is raw an should not be read by the faint of heart. please read the Triggers before reading. I absolutely can't wait to see what's next in store 😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
💔💔💔💔.⁴/5
Profile Image for Nate.
24.4k reviews19 followers
June 4, 2025
I really enjoyed the spare which was Mason and Melody’s story. It was a drama filled, gripping story. Great chemistry between the characters. I received an early copy of the book. And voluntarily leaving this review.
2,455 reviews
August 27, 2025
Mason and Melody have another dark and twisty story in this series full of passion and billionaire family drama. Worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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