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When love is the only play that matters…

Agents Bishop and Marshall know:
The clock is ticking.
They control the most dangerous pieces on the board.
Sacrifices will be required to win the game.

Levi and Marsh need to:
Get home to each other and their son.
Fall asleep in each other’s arms again.
Start living the happily-ever-after the rings on their fingers promise.

What began as a marriage of convenience is now the rock Marsh and Levi cling to as they enter the endgame.
But defeating two kings is no easy feat.
They’ll have to make all the right moves and lure their enemies to their side of the board where they have the advantage.
But winning may cost them everything—their careers, their lives, and the love that’s become the center of their world.

King Hunt is the final book of the Perfect Play trilogy and should be read after Dead Draw and Bad Bishop. This swoony, single dad, marriage of convenience romance matches two mature, competent men and delivers the happily-ever-after they both so deeply deserve.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2023

38 people are currently reading
263 people want to read

About the author

Layla Reyne

56 books1,031 followers
Layla Reyne is the author of What We May Be and the Agents Irish and Whiskey, Fog City, and Perfect Play series. She writes sexy, intense LGBTQIA+ romance featuring competent adults in kitchens, sports arenas, car chases, and other high-stakes situations. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled suspense, rival athletes, vampires and shifters in alt-realms, or love mixed with mouth-watering foodie goodness, queer folks finding happily-ever-afters is guaranteed.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,004 reviews440 followers
May 21, 2023
Now that's how you wrap up a three book story arc in style!

Layla never ceases to surprise me with the twists and lengths her plots will take to produce something that's not only an adrenalin-rush encounter, but which is also grounded in time and place to give a gravitas to the proceedings and an outcome that makes you go how didn't I see that coming!

With some notable guest appearances from Layla's expanded Whiskeyverse, this book also meets fan expectations for favourite characters in cameo roles.

But, at the heart of it, as they have been since the off, are Marsh and Levi, two consummate professionals who are driven by their desire to see the baddies behind bars and crimes answered for.

There's a complexity to Layla's stories which always have me smiling as she takes the narrative into unusual places that you can't see the need for - until later - when it becomes clear she's had something set up from a much earlier point.

The stakes are always high, with both Marsh and Levi afraid of having to separate and work different threads in the investigation. With threats already coming too close to home, we also see the Madigans on hand to provide back-up and a helping of truly dangerous foes with which to confront the villains.

As the hunt splits off into a European venture with Levi trying to turn Catherine against her family, Marsh is left behind to try and collate all the other threads into a recognisable pattern.

Not all goes according to plan, but you'll not have any spoilers from me, let's just say you're going to be biting your nails or any other nervous habit you might deploy, as the tension rises the closer to the mastermind the play reaches.

With its clever Chess analogies, Layla deftly moves her pieces around the board for a final time, before delivering on a truly satisfactory Checkmate.

There are some loose ends which didn't get tied up, I still need to know what happened to some of Madigan's crew who were hurt in one showdown and now I'm also wondering (pleading!) for when we're going to get the spin-off for Levi's boss Sutton's hopefully second-chance romance!

Please Layla you can't leave me hanging with that number of breadcrumbs :D

Overall this series has been an absolute delight. I fell in love with Marsh the first time he appeared in the Whiskeyverse in the Fog City series, and his journey to happiness with Levi and his son David has been a joy to follow.

And it's always a pleasure watching villains get their comeuppance!

ARC kindly received from the author via Valentine PR. I am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Mirjam.
1,892 reviews112 followers
June 29, 2024



Marsh and Levi's marriage of convenience turned real marriage will be tested as the two agents make a dangerous play to bring down their enemies once and for all.









The final book of the trilogy, Marsh and Levi have to divide and conquer, with one goal in the long haul to end the empire of human and gun traffickers. The FBI agents will have to part, working different angles in the investigation.







As usual Layla Reyne manages to expertly weave the plot to a coherent end, with some unexpected twists.
Whit the hunt taking the team to Europe, Levi leaves to escort a major pawn in an effort to turn the stakes into their play and nerd Marsh stays put, trying to collect, understand and incorporate all the different leads into their chess board.







There are cameo's from other Layla Reyne's characters, with the Madigan's providing much needed protection for Levi and Marsh's families.
With all the loose threads weave into one thick solid braid, the chess game comes to a satisfactory check mate for the Eder Capital Group.

With Levi finally joining Marsh and David home, their reunion is emotional and equally hot and sexy.






This was a perfect ending to the trilogy. The twist and turns were equally unexpected as brilliant. I've loved every minute of this page turner, and hope we'll be getting Sutton's story, soon!



ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.



Part of the Perfect Play Series and must be read in order:
Dead Draw (Perfect Play, #1) by Layla Reyne Bad Bishop (Perfect Play, #2) by Layla Reyne King Hunt (Perfect Play, #3) by Layla Reyne Best Play (Perfect Play #3.5) by Layla Reyne
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,698 reviews154 followers
June 6, 2023
The story picks up where the second book ended with both Marsh and Levi setting everything up for the big finale. I found I liked the sequence or events with some intimate moments interspersed in between. There were happy big family scenes as well as a bit of suspense. I liked the characters and the pace of the story. That said, the ending left me slightly underwhelmed. The resolution didn't live up to the hype of the entire build up that started in the first book. Plus all the side characters that appear here are from the author's previously written books and made it hard to keep up who was who. Overall, this was a decent book with slight caveats and a good conclusion to the trilogy.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,462 reviews104 followers
May 29, 2023
I was really looking forward to the final book in the Perfect Play series becuase I love Marsh and Levi . Unfortunately I found the mission boring and the cameos from the authors other series was just too much. This is the only series I've read by the author and while there was cameos in the first two books it was not enough to make me feel left out . This time there seemed to be so freaking many and obvious that I should have cared about them being there but I didn't . Pretty much if you've read the authors other series you'll probably love this one 😂
Profile Image for Caz.
3,279 reviews1,183 followers
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July 16, 2023
I've given this a B- at AAR, so 3.5 stars rounded up.

With Marsh, Levi and their allies finally closing the net around the arms-dealing/people-trafficking/money-laundering organisation they’ve been working to bring down, King Hunt is a flurry of fast-talk and high-stakes action featuring a dizzying array of characters and a lot of moving parts. This final book in Layla Reyne’s  Perfect Play  series follows directly on from the events in book two, and as this is essentially a single story being told across three instalments, you really need to have read Bad Bishop and Dead Draw if you’re going to make any sense of King Hunt.

The overarching suspense plot began in Dead Draw when Special Agent Emmitt Marshall realised that the group of terrorists he was tracking through Europe was linked to the people trafficking gang being investigated by Special Agent Levi Bishop in San Diego. Several weeks later, after getting married, falling in love, chasing the bad-guys across Europe and uncovering corruption at the highest level, Marsh and Levi are ready to move on to the endgame. They’ve discovered that the organisation is being run under the cover of Eder Capital, a company that purports to be a philanthropic venture but which is instead a massive money-laundering operation. At its head is Charles Sanders, one of the world’s richest men, and his two lieutenants, nephew Stefan and niece Catherine, who maintains a cover as a London-based investment banker. Stefan was apprehended at the end of Bad Bishop – now it’s time for Levi and Marsh to manouevre the queen into position so they can checkmate the king. (Yes, there are a lot of chess metaphors in this series!)

Marsh and Levi decided upon a bold move to target Catherine Saunders and try to get her to turn on her uncle. By signalling to Catherine that he might be open to changing sides, Levi accompanies her to London – via Munich and Paris – where she meets up with a number of different contacts, clearly making plans of her own. Marsh, meanwhile, is left anxiously behind in Salzburg, together with the other members of the team, in order to make sure everything else is in place before they all head back to the US where they’ll rendezvous with Levi and spring the trap for Catherine. These plans pull in back-up from the San Francisco-based Madigans (Fog City) who, thanks to Marsh’s friendship with Brax, now regard Marsh and Levi as part of their extended family.

King Hunt wraps up the  Perfect Play  series with a flourish, pulling together all the different plot points and steadily building the tension as we head towards a high-stakes, adrenaline-fuelled finale – and a final twist which requires our guys to do some fast thinking when things don’t quite to go plan.

As seems to be Layla Reyne’s pattern in her three-part series, she kind of cements the romance in book two so that the suspense plot can take precedence in book three, and that’s pretty much what happens here, too. By the end of Bad Bishop, Marsh and Levi have admitted their feelings for each other and made it clear they’re in it for the long haul, so in King Hunt, the focus is more on their fears for each other’s safety, their longing to be together and for the case to be over so they can go home – along with their son, David – to begin making a real life together. It’s clear they care deeply for one another and their chemistry is as strong as ever, as is their admiration for and faith in each other to what needs to be done.
I’ve said before that reading a Layla Reyne book is like watching a slick, fast-moving TV show – lots of action, lots of banter, lots of characters zipping in and out of scenes – although the plots are more complicated and you’re not likely to get the same amount of steam in a TV show, even one on HBO! But I have to admit that I struggled to get into the story this time around; I didn’t have time to re-read Bad Bishop before reading this, and I was a bit lost for the first few chapters. There is no real recap of the story so far and we’re plunged straight into the events that follow Levi’s departure at the end of the previous book. I suppose it’s a danger of splitting one story into three parts – not every reader is going to recall what happened last time or have time to re-read the previous book (which I’d strongly advise, by the way.) The book is also – again – overflowing with cameo appearances, although not quite as many as last time. Some are integral to the plot – like Hawes Madigan – but others – like his husband Chris – get one line and it’s hard to see why his presence was necessary other than for some sort of fan service. I haven’t counted this time, but the cameos, plus the new secondary characters created for this series adds up to too many to keep track of easily.

But there’s no denying that the  Perfect Play  series is an entertaining action/adventure yarn with a sexy and emotional romance at its heart. If you’re a fan of the author’s then you’ll know what to expect; if you haven’t read her before and like the sound of an action movie in book form, be sure to start with Dead Draw – or even go back to the beginning and her Whiskeyverse books.

This review originally appeared at All About Romance .
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,031 reviews109 followers
June 12, 2023
So, I love Layla Reyne and her series, and this one is no different.

It is great to see the different characters from other books ... and brought back great memories. Maybe a binge reading of "Irish and whisky," followed by "Fog City" and "Trouble Brewing," is in order.

Nevertheless, I was not so enamoured with this book as I was with the first two of this series or the series mentioned above.
It is a good ending to the events but seemed a bit lacklustre .

But I enjoyed this series and this book and now really want Suttons book ... which cries second-chance. It's not my favourite troupe, but I am sure Layla Reyne will pull it off perfectly.
Profile Image for Devoted❤️Reader.
1,615 reviews31 followers
May 30, 2023
Bingo

Marsh. Is. Mine. I love that man, love him to the moon and back, and fought right alongside him for his true happy ever after.

“He would do whatever it took to bring his husband home. To make sure they both kept their promises.”

The ups and downs, all the times I held my breath—because let’s face it, nobody writes suspense with twists like Layla—the sweet and teary—again see the above—the unyielding love he and Levi have, the amazing family they have, and the found family they’ve formed, it’s all so utterly perfect.

This is the ultimate culmination we’ve been waiting for and Levi, how I love him for the ways he loves Marsh, and Marsh, who is the chess-playing cowboy of my dreams, exceed all my imagination. I could happily live off of the vibes these two have forever, and when you add in the cameos from the amazing Whiskeyverse, call me complete. A gambit you won’t want to miss, with delicious hints for more, and all the spicy danger you need, it’s your move but I guarantee you’ll happily become a pawn to this world.
Profile Image for Raven and Chris.
3,304 reviews30 followers
May 28, 2023
I have been waiting for this book! I was anxiously waiting to see how Bishop and Marshall can solve this case and come out on top. What started out as a marriage of convenience has become so much more and it has been breathtaking! They just need to solve this so that they can get back to life with each other! I love Levi and Marsh so much!!! This series has kept me on the edge of my seat and I can’t get enough. It caught me off guard when Marsh mentioned how much had happened in 5 weeks. The roller coaster ride of this series has been something else and I have loved every word! I love Marsh. He is such a big softie at heart and he would do anything for Levi. I am going to have to go back and reread this whole series and then go and read the related ones too. (I haven’t read the entire Fog City series yet).
Profile Image for TheSassyNerdBlog.
1,100 reviews435 followers
October 1, 2023
I've only read a couple of books by Layla's and I have liked each one of them. She packs them with a punch. I like a good M/M romance when written right and she knows how to write them.. They are easy to read and hard to put down.
It was amazing to see how much growth Marsh and Levi made since book one and I think King Hunt was the perfect ending for them... The author had me second guessing myself til the very end. This is a fantastic book... it's action packed, gripping, thrilling and addictive as hell and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through!

This was an amazing read!

5 STARS!

Profile Image for Crystal P.
734 reviews10 followers
February 1, 2024
I enjoyed the close of the case and the time with so many awesome characters. Marsh and Levi are the cutest, especially in the way they feel about David (Levi’s son). This was a good series and I continue to want more of all of these characters!
Profile Image for Beth.
2,917 reviews27 followers
May 25, 2023
This third book in the Perfect Play series is an exciting and perfect way to wrap up the trilogy and another thrilling and entertaining entry in the Whiskeyverse. As such, it features a number of cameos from some of our favorite Whiskeyverse denizens, particularly the Hawes clan. It also reinforces one of my favorite tropes of chosen family in the best possible way.

In this book Marsh and Levi are putting their final play into motion to bring down the major players in a trafficking/smuggling/gun running/money laundering/crooked politician crime spree they have been chasing and trying to put an end to for five weeks. As they near the end of their journey and take the steps to figure out the players and their roles so they can put their sting in place, they call on friends with connections both inside and outside the law.

As we get closer to resolution, and things get more complicated and dangerous, Marsh and Levi’s faith in each other helps them get through. Their goal of making real their fake marriage and building a family with Levi’s son David as well as bonding with their real and chosen families makes for wonderful and heart tugging reading.

I enjoyed the intrigue and the twists and turns, something where Reyne continually shows her mastery. Likewise, the multiple appearances by characters we already know and love allows us to bask in the chosen family trope that is a foundation of the Whiskeyverse. All the chess metaphors were fun as well.

While I am sad to see this series end, I am sure there is more to come in the Whiskeyverse and we will see all of these characters again. (I’m still holding out hope for the West Coast crew to all travel and meet up with the East Coast crews, both north and south, for dinner at Miller’s restaurant!!)

**I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.**
668 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2023
This was a great series. When I finished one book, I wanted to pick up the next immediately. It's amazing how much the relationship between Marsh and Levi has changed since the first book. There is so much that goes on in this book and this series. It pulls you from page one. This book tied up the story without it being forced.

I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was fantastic. The books need to be read in order.
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,259 reviews26 followers
June 10, 2023
Great Ending

This is a great ending to a series that had me hooked from the start. Marsh and Levi may have started of as a fake relationship for an investigation but things have progressed to so much more. I was not disappointed with how things finished. I see myself going back to this series again.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
Profile Image for Pam _P who cusses A Lot.
788 reviews17 followers
June 23, 2023
I didn't really read it, skipped and skipped. More espionage blah blah I love you forever blah blah bad guys caught blah blah Levi's incomprehensible mother blah blah more sex blah blah
And so cheesy and corny and mushy. I skipped to the 3rd to last paragraph and still got it
Profile Image for Melissa.
635 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2025
This is probably one of the most solid trilogies I’ve read in years. Reyna kept me on my toes because I was expecting a double-crossing agent and I was wrong. I love when I can’t anticipate the next move in a thriller. I’m excited to read more books by this author.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,247 reviews23 followers
June 6, 2023
Layla Reyne knows how to spin a tale, and keep you searching for answers to the very end.This is a fantastic book that you certainly won't want to miss! It's awesome, gripping, thrilling, and sleep depriving, (I couldn't put it down). I loved, loved the whole story arc, and what a fantastic ending to the whole thing! I loved how the characters worked together, their interactions were skillfully written, with each having a part to play in the 'Hunt'. Levi and Marsh manipulated the villains brilliantly, but with so many unexpected twists and turns to keep them and the reader on their toes! I also enjoyed the way in which characters from the Whisky books and the Fog City books were weaved into the story, especially the Madigans, I love Hawes. I've been reading Layla's stories since the start, and you are always guaranteed a cleverly written plot and wonderful characters. The ending made me smile so much. If you love wonderful good vs evil stories, and fabulous characters you will love this lady's work.
Profile Image for Lyndsay TC.
2,248 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2023
I liked how this trilogy ended. All the pieces came together with a few twists and turns thrown in to keep it interesting. The story pace moved quickly which I enjoy in these more action packed romances. I loved when Levi and Marsh were able to come together during the mission as they worked tirelessly to close this case. A really satisfying and happy ending for this couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,100 reviews520 followers
June 8, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars


King Hunt is the final book in Layla Reyne’s Perfect Play trilogy and concludes the ongoing story started in Dead Draw. This series reads as one long story and the books build upon one another, so you definitely are going to want to read these in order. I enjoy the marriage of convenience trope, so I have really liked following along with Marsh and Levi’s journey. We have seen such a nice progression for the men, starting out as adversaries, then getting married for the sake of the case and some much needed funds for Levi, and ultimately genuinely falling for one another. Reyne really showcases the connection these men have in this last story and we can see how hard Marsh and Levi have fallen for each other.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

488 reviews7 followers
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August 19, 2023
this was a perfect ending. all twisty and turny and got there in the end. though i wans't so sure about the happy ending. at least from the suspense side of things. i knew Levi and Marsh were going ot go the distance. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time listening to this. 10/10 would recommend the whole series.
Profile Image for Lindsay Hardin.
746 reviews
Read
June 14, 2024
The thrilling conclusion to the Perfect Play series is upon us. This is not a standalone book and must be read as the third and final book in the Trilogy. Marsh and Levi are closing in on their interconnected cases that involve human trafficking, gun running and other assorted crimes. The two have been all over the Central and Western US as well as many parts of Europe trying to solve the mystery at hand. The two have joined forces with their friends and found family to take down a crime ring that has no desire to be brought down. The ongoing romance between Levi and Marsh continues to strengthen and the two must fully trust and depend on one another to finally apprehend their suspects. This last book will keep you tearing through the pages to see how it all ends. There are plenty of twists and turns. Justice will be served and then Levi, Marsh and David can finally get on with their forever.
Profile Image for Melissa Polk.
Author 11 books70 followers
December 24, 2024
What a great ending to the series! At about a third through I started panicking because.. it seemed like everything was going to wrap up nicely any second but there was just so much left of the book! I enjoyed every page, though. I'll definitely be rereading this series just as often as Fog City. Can't wait to also read Irish and Whiskey (and any other related books/series I may have missed).

this and all future re-reads: this. series. is. the. best. I want to know about Sutton, though.
Profile Image for Jess.
102 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2025
marsh is currently my favorite cowboy.

this was action packed & a satisfying ending to the mess that started in dead draw. i fully realize you need a team to complete these missions but lord it was so. many. names. maybe that’s what i get for starting with this series though instead of starting with irish & whiskey. didn’t matter cuz i just kept reading lol.

i would like to see sutton’s second chance happen though. overall it was a good time.
Profile Image for Lauren loves llamas.
849 reviews108 followers
June 17, 2023
Wow, has this series been a journey! And this book is most suspenseful of them all, a high stakes, twisty ride that leads the series to a satisfying and unexpected conclusion. As a note, this is the third book in a series and can’t be read as a standalone. There are spoilers for the previous two books in the series in this review.

“He’d been setting up this king hunt for three plus years, had critical pieces on the board he hadn’t even moved yet, not to mention the pieces already in the middle. Pieces he was still assessing.”


The last book ended on a cliffhanger with Marsh and Levi separated, one man trying to turn Catherine against her family and the other continuing to investigate the events of the party and trying to pin down more info they can use against Charles and Stewart, the real brains of the trafficking operation they’ve been trying to take down. Playing Catherine against her uncle is a dangerous game – if they’re even able to to trust her – but with the help of some old friends, can Marsh and Levi finally clear the board?

It’s hard to say much about the plot without going into too many spoilers or rehashing too much of the previous books. Suffice it to say that it’s chockfull of suspense – and some very surprising plot twists – and it’s exactly what you’d expect to wrap up this series. The pacing is excellent, with a good balance between the action and the more tender moments.

“Trust your partner. Your husband. I can handle this.”


Because of course there’s that whole crooked politician suspense plot, but there’s also the way Marsh ha been folded into Levi and David’s family, and the same in reverse. It may be unrealistic to judge a relationship based on five weeks (the amount of time it’s been since the events of the first book), but they’ve built a bedrock of trust and respect that shines through all of their interactions. The way both men work hard to keep David safe while respecting his feelings, the ease with which each of them can imagine fitting into each other’s lives… it’s so very heartwarming and a nice counterpoint to all the *waves hands* grittiness of the rest of the plot.

And there there’s the friends. Like most of the author’s Whiskeyverse books, there’s a lot of cameos, including some major parts with characters from the Fog City novels. It’s one of the few of her Whiskeyverse series that I haven’t read, and it did leave me feeling like I was missing nuances. I like the interconnectedness, but this isn’t the first time I’ve wished for some sort of spoilery guide of which book each character is from and why they’re important (this is probably an indication I should just do it myself…). I do wonder how much of a barrier this is to new readers trying to pick up one of these series.

“The board can’t have two kings.”


Overall, though, an excellent resolution to this trilogy. There’s some tantalizing hints as to where the Whiskeyverse may go next, and as always, I’ll be eagerly awaiting that next story!

I received an advance review copy of this book from Valentine PR. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Content notes:
Profile Image for MJLovestoRead.
2,277 reviews58 followers
May 30, 2023
Layne Reyne did a wonderful job tying up this intense and at times very complicated storyline. All I wanted was for Levi and Marsh to find that HEA they both deserved and although this author puts us all through the proverbial wringer more than once, I am thrilled these two stayed the course and ended up in each other's arms and hearts.

Once again, there is a ton at play as Levi and Marsh work separately and together in a race against time to bring down a crooked politician and his equally evil partners. The trust that has been built up in the 5 short weeks in which our men have known each other and have been married is strong. Stronger than either one could have ever imagined but Levi and Marsh have to play their parts even when it means being separated, in order for this years-long mission to finally be put to an end.

The adoration and pride both Levi and Marsh have for one another are almost too incredible for each man to fathom. But you can hear it in their voices, see it in their eyes and most importantly, feel it in their touch that they were meant to be. Stolen moments are all they have throughout most of this book but they are never wasted nor are they taken for granted.

Levi's son David and Marsh's spunky moms add the right amount of normalcy and comfort when everything continues to threaten to go sideways and backward. I loved how everyone has become this crazy-good family in such a short period of time and can be there for one another no matter what. That knowledge definitely helped our guys continue on even when they would have rathered been together either in Texas or San Diego.

There is danger at every turn and the way Reyne describes the reactions on Levi's part, in particular, felt real and potent. You could tell how much the near misses and brutal surprises took a toll on the various team members and although it was at times hard to read what they endured, it made the book that much more credible. These scenes also gave Marsh the chance to prove to his husband just how much he was invested in their relationship and how much he needed Levi in his life.

There are plenty of steamy scenes to make this book complete. The trysts, even when somewhat rushed because Levi and Marsh were needed elsewhere, were still filled with a passion that neither man ever wanted to live without again. They made every minute count and it showed. Their bond was unmatched and everyone around them, even those who were on the wrong side of the law could see it, too.

I do have to say that there were definitely moments when I was a bit overwhelmed by all that was going on in order to get that much-needed closure to this complicated case. But I did thoroughly enjoy getting to see Levi and Marsh in their official elements as the perfect balance to their time alone when they could worship the other and simply feel the love between them. In addition, there are sweet gestures like a hand on a knee or intertwined digits that always gave the other the strength needed to forge on even when it was hard. Making their relationship truly beautiful.

All in all, this is a great conclusion to a well-crafted storyline. To say I'm happy our man Marsh finally got his happy is a sincere understatement and with that said I joyfully give King Hunt a big 4 stars!!
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
June 6, 2023


Check out our full post for KING HUNT on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series and really must be read in order. There are, as fans of Reyne will know, links across other of her series, and especially Fog City. I have had the great pleasure of reading them all, and so this tied in many plot lines and got me caught up with previous leads. I liked that I could anticipate some of the probable plays for that reason!

Marsh and Levi are exhausted from the intercontinental complexities, and the double- and triple-crossing which keeps them alert and concerned for each other's safety. Thankful that David should be out of the game, they concentrate on finally bringing this nightmare to a close.

Here's hoping they can now start to enjoy the happily ever after they have found together!


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
KING HUNT, the final instalment of Layla Reyne’s Perfect Play trilogy, picks up right where book two, BAD BISHOP, finished. Levi and Marsh are separated from each other as they work different angles of the case. I loved the action, and I was torn between wanting to see Levi and Marsh bring down the bad guys and wanting the men to be back in each other's arms so I could have more of their hot and loving romance. I found the action and romance equally thrilling.

I was excited to see Marsh call on help from the Madigans, a family the subject of previous books by Reyne, to help in the operation to bring down the criminals. The bonus of having an author write multiple books and series is getting to spend more time with characters that you already love and adore.

KING HUNT was an exciting conclusion to the trilogy, and I was so happy to see Marsh get his happily ever after. It has been a long time coming and well worth the wait.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Jenny Saul-Avila.
541 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2023
This review is for the audiobook - the edition isn't up on GR yet.
It is not possible to read this book w/o reading the previous two. (I also had to reread the second book of this series before starting this one to refresh my memory). Honestly, reading the multiple series that came before would add to its enjoyment, even if understanding the central plot of the Perfect Play series isn't dependent on those earlier series. So in brief, if you enjoyed the first two Perfect Play novels, you should totally read/listen to this one.
Perhaps this last one wasn't my absolute favorite Reyne book, though I did enjoy it. I found it to be one of the most unrealistic contemporary mystery/action romance novels I've ever read that is not urban fantasy, clearly intentionally far-fetched, and/or some other alternate reality. Known criminals and civilians who are just friends with people in law enforcement/FBI are totally included in busts & various maneuvers in ways that just blow the mind, (and would blow any chance at a conviction holding up against these villains). I'd find myself shaking my head or just confused as to "How are these people just there helping to investigate & apprehend suspects?" But hey, FICTION, right?

So yes, this world Reyne created in the Irish & Whiskey series, continuing in Trouble Brewing, Fog City, What We May Be, and Perfect Play, is unrealistic. The conspiracy and criminal connections in this trilogy are sometimes convoluted, (probably less difficult to follow for people with a really good short-term memory, which I do not have). BUT I found the characters and their interactions interesting, often loveable, funny and/or sexy. I also enjoyed villains who were scary in a menacing psycho/sociopath way, and good guys/women who scared everyone with their "you mess with me and mine, I will very competently end you" manner. I was sucked in from start to finish and would read more in this world.

As far as the audio, I am continually glad that Christian Leatherman has been the narrator for the last handful of books Reyne's released on audio. Sure, it's very possible that some of his foreign accents were not 100% accurate, but this book has a huge cast with many different accents from all over the US & Europe. I give Leatherman kudos for managing as well as he did and still giving the emotion and pacing its due. I hope he continues to expand the library of audiobooks he narrates.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,799 reviews40 followers
June 6, 2023
I'm still processing this story!

I have to start out by saying that I absolutely loved this book; but boy is there a lot going on. Now that’s not a bad thing at all because it’s a fantastic conclusion to the series. It just means that I’m not sure where to start or what all to say about it. I’m really looking forward to the audiobook so that I can get another crack at digesting this story.

Marsh captured my interest from the first time I met him in What We May Be as a side character. I understand he also appeared in at least one other story previous to that one. You don’t need to have read What We May Be to enjoy King Hunt.

From the first time we see Levi and Marsh together they strike sparks off of each other. They are now completely in love and are devoted to each other and their family, including Levi’s son David who Marsh has really bonded with.

This book was another edge of my seat thrill ride. The case they are working on must be finished but there are more twists and turns than Lombard Street in San Francisco has. Things don’t always go according to plan and they have to be ready for anything that can happen by preparing for multiple scenarios. I honestly can’t recount what all happened – and it would be too spoiler-y if I did – but suffice to say that everything worked out for Levi and Marsh and their family.

Besides the thrilling suspense there is also a lot of romance and love in this story. Marsh does something so romantic at the end but I can’t tell you what that is. I know, I’m being a big tease. Epilogues are one of my favorite things in a book but King Hunt doesn’t have one. And you know what – it didn’t matter. There was a more than satisfying conclusion to the story. In fact, in the last chapter Marsh and Levi get up to some really hot stuff and that was pretty epic!

This is the third book in a trilogy and you really do need to read the books in order. I understand that there were a lot of cameo appearances from people in Layla’s other series. Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of them. There were a few places where I kind of felt left out because I didn’t know that back-story for some of these characters but it didn’t really impact my enjoyment of the book. I’m sure fans of her Whiskey-verse will be very happy to get another glimpse of some beloved characters.

A copy of this book was provided to me at my request and my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Profile Image for Shirahase.
54 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2023
The final instalment of the Perfect Play trilogy, bringing a well-deserved HEA. I really enjoyed Marsh and Levi together, their interactions with both their families, especially Marsh's moms and David, and how much they have come to mean to each other. The author managed to build a solid, believable relationship from a fake marriage in crazy circumstances, which is an accomplishment in and of itself, because my reaction to Marsh's opening gambit in Dead Draw was 'oh hell no' and I seriously considered dropping this series altogether. So I buy the romantic part. The suspense... not so much.

To be fair, it is a genre that sometimes requires going with the flow instead of asking questions and I'm not very good at it. Also, I don't really like when the supposed criminal masterminds believe every lie told to them, and the first third of the book simply dragged for me. However, in the last third the pace really picked up and when the twists and turns started coming, I finally got invested in the plot and began enjoying the action. I still have some doubts about the way the whole case was brought to a close, but if your suspension of disbelief is sturdier than mine, you probably won't have that problem.

On a side note, King Hunt definitely isn't a standalone and should be read after the first 2 Perfect Play books, but I also have some doubts on how well this series stands on its own outside the Whiskey Verse. There's a lot, and I mean a lot of guest appearances from characters previously featured in the Fog City, Agents Irish and Whiskey and Trouble Brewing series. Even having read them all, now and again I still needed a refresher on who is who, so I'm not sure if someone unfamiliar with those stories won't feel a little lost at times.

That being said, the whole Perfect Play trilogy is a good choice for those who enjoy the marriage of convenience and found family trope. Not my favorite series by this author, but well worth a read.

ARC provided by the author, I have chosen to read and write an honest review.
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