Loved this

I absolutely loved this steamy opposites attract romance.

Such a great book with a solid storyline and great characters.

I eagerly look forward to reading more from this author.

A definite recommend!

3 people found this helpful

Austin Jay finishes the series in fine fashion! 😍

This series is awesome and I love the consistencies that existed all over the place especially with the narrator. Austin Jay did his part with vocal consistencies for all the characters in the series. That is exceptional work for a reader especially for those of us who value/prefer the audio format! But the writers deserve a big pat on the back, too! It would have been easy for them to forget the aspect of King's gang life instead of doing what they did--tackle it head-on with the gang strengthening their position in Chicago with the might of the police department and expect to reinsert themselves in King's life. Dang, they handled that aspect of the narrative beautifully but consistently. With King's overriding expectation to always manage the tough stuff to keep everyone else safe. How glorious it was when everyone else wanted to, needed to join in to save King who was always trying to save everyone else. The writers were righteous in maintaining the characters' behaviors while showing characters' development and growth and this can be seen with several of the secondary characters. Awesome to expend the effort (in terms of words that add to the story) on more than just the principal players! The pacing was strong in that the writers continue to keep the readers engaged from scene to scene. Then the balance that allows readers a peek into the kinder, gentler moments of the characters' lives--the self-think/talk, sex scenes, dialog with secondary or tertiary players... All just beautifully done. This is one of the best series I've had the pleasure of experiencing! Yay, authors!

1 person found this helpful

Great conclusion

I have enjoyed this series so much! It was so much fun to listen to and get to experience the development of the characters and their relationships. King and Rory were such fleshed out characters and felt so real. I wanted their relationship to go so well and I also wanted to hug them at times. The ending made me really happy. I really love their chosen family and hope we get to see more of these characters in the future.

An lovely new addition

Let me just say that I went Gaga for the narrator, he’s voice is lovely and made the story much more enjoyable. As always Bates and Lyda did an amazing job on another addition to the series.

A Final Showdown & Satisfying End to Series

This conclusion to the Road to Redemption trilogy is a test of King and Rory's ever-deepening (and steamy and surprisingly sweet) relationship, with the couple facing external threats from the Jackals, led by King's older brother. The whole King's Gambit crew goes on the offensive, as what's been building for three books comes to a final showdown and satisfying conclusion.

It has been a little while since I listened to Books 1 & 2, and I'd suggest listening to all three in short order for maximum enjoyment since it's basically one continuous storyline. And here's to hoping King's younger brother Elias and ex-con Thomas get their own HEA spin-off story.

I can't claim to be the biggest fan of this narrator, as I never feel (or hear) much emotion in his performances, but he has a pleasant enough voice and provides fairly distinct character voices here. I received this free review copy audio book by request and have left this honest review voluntarily.

King and Rory's Romance Trilogy Concludes

‘King’s Checkmate’ wraps up a trilogy of books that follow former gang member King and ersatz Irish mafia heir Rory as they fall in love and face their pasts in order to create their happy ending. Books 1 & 2 should be read before this one in order to enjoy the full experience.

Rory’s Irish mob troubles are behind him, but now the entire found family at King’s Gambit nightclub face danger from King’s gang leader brother, Drake. What will it take to break free from King’s past and live out a happily ever after?

While I feel the suspense elements of the story are a little implausible, I do enjoy Rory and King’s relationship. There’s light angst sprinkled in at times, but it resolves itself quickly when it tries to rear its ugly head. The ending leaves the reader satisfied with the outcome (including for Elias and Thomas).

This 3rd book is my favorite of the series in terms of the narration by Austin Jay. The various character voices are distinct and the interpretations match Bates and Lyda’s storytelling.

I received a complementary copy of this audiobook at my request. This review represents my voluntary opinion of it.

Recommended.

One of my favorite series

I was unsure when I started this series as it’s not my normal genre but I am SO glad I did. I could not get enough and was so sad when it was over. Rory snd King are the very definition of opposites attract and both have more baggage that any one person should. The narrator of this series makes you feel like you are sitting in the room with the characters making this a completely immersive experience. Aiden and Ali hit another one out of the park!!!

Chosen Family and Learning The Hard Way

What I have loved about this series and this book most was the way life lessons are expertly woven though the gritty plot. King and Rory show tremendous growth as individuals and a couple. On top of the real life aspects of the story is plenty of steam/sexy times and a few laughs. Austin Jay does a good job with the narration but I would like to see his character range grow as many of the characters in this series sounded the same.

Good Finish

This is not a stand alone it's a continuing series featuring 1 main couple but has a great cast of characters. I reall loved how it progressed and the ending was perfect for the series. Jay does a good job giving life to these characters and it has a nice solid narration that made it a pleasant listen.

End of Trilogy - Good ending :)

This is the 3rd book in the trilogy. I had to go back and listen to the first two to make sure I understood what was going on here. I’m happy to say Rory and King finally get their HEA. :) Rory and King have an issue with King’s brother that they must deal with to be together. King tries to handle everything on his own, but he learns he must seek help from others to be successful. This books ends with the much needed HEA that Rory and King deserve. The narrator made this story come to life. :D I voluntarily reviewed a gifted copy of this audio book.