Merciless Kings, book one in the Boneyard Kings trilogy from Becca Steele and C Lymari is now available! If you are a fan of dark college romances featuring enemies to lovers, bully, and reverse harem tropes, then you need to check out this book.
As the story opens, we meet Everly Walker. She is starting her junior year at Blackstone University, and just going about her life while also trying to appease her uncle. He's all she has left since her parents died, and he's one of the higher ups at the school. While walking around campus Everly has an interaction with Saint Devin. Everyone knows who Saint is, and he is a member of the Boneyard Kings with his brothers Matteo and Callum. Everly is unsettled by this brief conversation with Saint. It's left her on edge. What she doesn't know is that these three guys have put a target on her back. Why? We don't really know as of yet, but it's sounding like it has something to do with things her uncle is dabbling in.
When I read the description for Merciless Kings I was intrigued. The stage was set for a spectacular story to be told. That being said, this trilogy opener left me a little wanting. Everly came across as a bit immature, yet confident in her skills and abilities. I can't fully explain it. I was a bit annoyed when she didn't push for a reason as to why the guys were pursuing her. All they would tell her is "you know why". Well if she knew why, she wouldn't be inquiring. It really sounds like a case of the guys not having all their information correct. Speaking of the guys, I'm not sold on them yet. They are arrogant, and think very highly of themselves. I haven't figured out what their game plan is. To be honest I don't think they know yet either. What I do know is that each of them are attracted to Everly, and well Everly is also attracted to them. So there's that. There is non-con in this book, so if that's a trigger for you, make note. There were a few scenes in the book that captivated me. I wanted more of that. (Everly searching the churches, Everly and Saint together, and the fight.) This book ends on a cliffhanger, and it's a doozy of a cliffhanger too. My curiosity is what will keep me around, and has me ready to read Vicious Queen. I just need to wait for March in order to do so.
Merciless Kings left me with more questions than answers. Parts of the story were more interesting than others. Also there was a lot of flashbacks. Which I can kind of see the purpose of them, especially as it relates to Callum, Matteo, and Saint. At times though it's a bit much. Maybe that's just me though. On Goodreads I marked it as 3 stars, but in the review I said 3.5 stars. In my opinion the story could have been flushed out a bit better. Or perhaps the boys backstory could have been a novella vs being filler for the book. Don't get me wrong, this trilogy has great potential. It just didn't vibe with me the way it did other reviewers.
Remember, these are just my thoughts on the book. Everyone is going to have different thoughts and opinions. That's part of the joy of reading. I do suggest giving it a read though. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Merciless Kings.
Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura
