Cruel King

By: K.A. Linde

Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Joe Arden

Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

A new stand-alone fake-relationship romance set in the glitz and glamour of the Cruel world from USA Today best-selling author K.A. Linde....

The most eligible bachelor in New York City just asked me to be his fake fiancé.

Gavin King is six and a half feet of delectable billionaire with a devil’s smile that says he knows exactly what he’s going to do to me later. Because he has.

Three years ago, I caught him in the shower and promptly fell into his bed. But neither of us were relationship material. Not to mention I’d just broken up with his best friend.

Now, I’m back in the city and he has a plan:

• Go to his cousin’s wedding.
• Convince his family that he’s not an eternal bachelor.
• Post a huge elaborate breakup later.

With those big puppy-dog eyes begging me to agree, claiming I’m the only one who can pull it off, I say yes. What could go wrong? Other than pulling it off so successfully that the line between real and fake blurs.

When my family flips the whole script, I can’t see a way out. And I’m starting to wonder if I even want one.

©2023 K.A. Linde (P)2023 K.A. Linde

❤️ A SWEET & SAVORY DELIGHT ❤️

This is the seventh book in the Cruel series and I enjoyed them all.. but, unfortunately it was way way back in 2019/20 since they were released on Audible. This is a stand-alone but, to get the history, the backstories and the most from this series, they are best listened to one after another. They are a group of thirty-something friends who muddle their way through their romances, are slow to realize and miscommunicate their feelings when Cupid’s arrow strikes. Definitely get Cruel Kiss - the Prequel to this and the start where it went so sizzles and steam good for them.. to bad.. to this.

I enjoyed this entertaining friends-to-lovers fake-to-forever listen and the great narration by Erin brought Whitney’s tentative steps forward, her emotional mixed-up feelings, her fears of getting hurt and her ‘flight’ instincts to life. There just wasn’t enough Joe for me (only a third or so 😢😉) but he did bring Billionaire ex Playboy Gavin’s friendship, determination, understanding, acceptance, heart and love with him. There was good banter, some sex and two characters who needed a slow-burn to fix their broken made in heaven match.

Worth a credit? It’s a cute story - a light and airy end to a series - a fun and flirty friends-to-fake-to-forever romance with a slice of sad - a final leap for Gavin and Whitney who get their second chance to make it happen. And yes, creditworthy.

Loved the Story and Narrators!

Gavin just became my favorite!! I always wanted a little more of him... And now, with his own story, I got it!!

Gavin is one that you will love instantly because of his big heart! I couldn't put this one down. The audio is done so wonderfully!! Joe and Erin are the perfect two to bring this book to life.

This is a fake dating in the world of money and privilege. But this story had me feeling some big feelings, especially towards the end. I adored this couple and the surrounding characters in this story.

This is definitely one of my favorites of the series.

Short and Sweet

This was a great short pre-view of their love story. Whitley and Gavin are hot, makes me want to read Cruel King again!

Such a great listen!

I've been wanting to experience this story again and as soon as this audiobook was announced i knew it'd be the perfect chance to do so! I started looking forward to it immediately and started listening right away. I was so happy to be back in the Cruel world with this audoiobook. I enjoyed this listen so very much!

Fun, sexy & raw🖤

Who knew that, life of the party, Whitney and playboy Gavin could make me tear up…I mean “Love me Tender”😢 iykyk!

Kyla said their HEA wouldn’t be an easy road but boy was it fun, sexy & raw at times! It takes a lot to own up to your shortcomings & mistakes and I think Gav, Whit & her parents all handled them with grace…eventually😉

One of my most favorite Elvis songs is “Love me Tender” and Kyla could not have picked a better song for Gav & Whit… and Whit & her dad😭

I absolutely love Kyla’s Gossip Girl universe and the epilogue was a perfect glimpse into everyone’s HEAs.

💕fave quotes📖

“I used to drive a truck.” I leaned my chin on my fist on the center console. “Was it lifted?” He winked at me. “Not a true West Texas boy without a lifted truck, Bowen.”😍 love it! Gavin King in a big truck with a cowboy hat to boot 🥰

“Mom,” I whispered, slowly closing the lid, “would you have given me this if I were marrying someone else?” She bit her lip and looked down at the box still in my hand. “If you’re asking about Safia, then … yes.” She met my gaze, and I saw tears there.—-same! Whit & her mom definitely got me in my feels

Such a fun listen!

I adored this audiobook! I was so excited for the rest of Gavin and Whitley's story after listening to Cruel Kiss and I loved every minute of it! I enjoyed these characters so much. I loved the fake engagement and dynamic between Gavin and Whit. The story was just such a fun ride. I haven't listened to anything else in the Cruel world by Linde, but this audiobook makes me want to listen to all of the character's stories! The narrators were perfect for Gavin and Whit. I loved listening to this book!

Whitley and Gavin!

Whitley has never forgotten the fling that she shared with Gavin but when things became complicated, she decided to pursue other career opportunities and leave town. Three years later she is back and before she knows what happens circumstances unfold, and she is about to become his pretend fiancé.

Although he wasn’t interested in a commitment with anyone in the past he also knows that he and Whitley are unfinished business. Pretending to be a couple only reignites the chemistry and connection between them but this time when complications arise will he be able to convince her to stay?

Whitley is vibrant and vivacious while Gavin understands her like no one else. He is determined to win her heart and isn’t about to let anyone stand in their way including her. The narrators were a perfect match for the characters as well as the emotions and romance of the story.

Nothing cruel about this King

I just finished Gavin and Whitley's rollercoaster story in Cruel Kiss. Despite their strong friendship, they faced challenges that tested their relationship. Whitley's self-doubt about being a good girlfriend was countered by Gavin's smart approach and their fun dynamic, showcasing their deep connection. Gavin's unwavering support through life's ups and downs was heartwarming. Chaos ensued when their secret was revealed, but Gavin's mature and thoughtful approach melted my heart. Joe and Erin's narration added to my enjoyment, and the reintroduction of the fake fiance trope was refreshing. Filled with love, support, and entertaining banter, this heartfelt romance left me with warm fuzzies. Highly recommended for those who enjoy drama-filled romances!

The narration was so good!!

I just finished this audiobook and loved it. The narrators were perfect for these characters. This story is angsty, hilarious and steamy. I loved Gavin and Whitley. After listening to the prequel, I was convinced they would make it work. I was shocked how it all ended up. This is a perfect fake fiancée story and I adored the way this couple hashed things out. This story is so well written, with characters you can’t help but like and root for. Definitely a great audiobook. Loved it!

Fabulous listening

I knew that Gavin and Whitley's story wasn't going to be all sunshine and roses. Although they had always been great friends, after listening to Cruel Kiss I knew there would be some drama.
However, this story just proved how right they were for each other.

I really enjoyed the friend phase of this book. With Whitley still not believing in herself—still believing herself to be a bad girlfriend—it was a smart approach for Gavin to take. Fun and flirty friends always came easily to these two and this story highlighted that beautifully.
I really enjoyed watching her bond with his family, seeing how well she fit into his life, and also how well they fit together - in every way.

When things got muddled, he was there to show her that he wanted more than just her body. When life threw her a curveball, he was there to hold her hand. When she wasn't sure what to do, he gave her a little nudge to guide her in the right direction
With every nudge from Gavin, you could see Whitley slowly admitting to herself that perhaps this could be real.

Then their secret was let loose and chaos ensued.

Cue the drama, the running, the pain. It wasn't pretty.
What I really admired was the way that Gavin approached the challenge. He didn't go off half-cocked and ready to blow, nor did he resort to his previous behaviour. He manned up, took a chance and made things right.

Cue the swoon. Cue the warm fuzzies. Cue the sigh of relief.
And that ending? Gah...it hit me right in my feels.

Joe and Erin narrated this story beautifully, and once I started listening I didn't stop (except to change my headphones).

4. 5 stars