No indiscriminate killing. There are rules that make being Fog City’s Prince of Killers bearable.The rules Hawes Madigan lives by.Soon, he’ll be king—of an organization of assassins—and the crown has never felt heavier. Until the mysterious Dante Perry swaggers into his life. No collateral damage. Dante looks like a rock god and carries himself like one too.But there’s more than meets the eye … damage.
Dante looks like a rock god and carries himself like one too.
But there’s more than meets the eye beneath those loose limbs and casual confidence.
He also carries a concealed weapon, a private investigator’s license, and a message for the prince—someone inside Hawes’s organization is out to kill the future king.
No unvetted targets.
In the chaos that follows the timely warning, Hawes comes to depend on Dante.
On his skills as an investigator, on the steadiness he offers, and on their moments alone when Hawes lets Dante take control.
As alliances are tested and traitors exposed, Hawes needs Dante at his back… and in his bed. But if the PI ever learns Hawes’s darkest secret, it’s not heartbreak he’ll have to worry about—but a bullet to the brain instead.
There’s no shortage of twists and turns in this MM romantic suspense trilogy from Layla Reyne. Prince of Killers is book one of three. Fair warning: buckle up, cliffhangers ahead!
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Loved the twists and turns in this book! Layla writes great romantic suspense.
This was a bit of a departure from what I’ve come to expect from Layla Reyne and that’s definitely not a bad thing! It’s got Layla’s signature character and plot development, a well-woven mystery, and awesome side characters, but it’s a bit grittier, a bit darker, a bit more intense. There are twists and turns I didn’t see coming, I never knew what to expect, and I was confused about where my loyalties should lie until the very end. And even then I felt like I still didn’t know!
Speaking of the end, this is the best, jaw-dropping ending I’ve read recently. One half of me wants to curse Layla to the ends of the Earth and the other half of me is all [insert slow clap]. It takes a lot of guts for an author to end things like that but it worked for this book and left me wanting so. Much. More.
I really loved Hawes and Dante’s relationship. It’s not insta-love, but it’s definitely insta-connection and insta-lust and there’s no denying that they were hot together. Dante is a huge mystery and I’m looking forward to finding out more about him, and watching how their relationship evolves through the challenges that I’m sure are yet to come.
Fantastic read and highly recommended!
A soap opera in book format, Prince of Killers is the first book in the Fog City series, and sets the stage immediately. There is a traitor within the organization, and nothing is what it seems. The drama is dialed UP and there are some very theatrical moments. Nothing about the law enforcement or plot is realistic, but it is entertaining. My suggestion, is just to buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Wow… This is my first book by Layla Reyne and it will not be my last. Actually I am listening to book 2 as I write this review. I enjoyed this book so much. I connected with Hawes and Dante. I love the chemistry between Hawes and Dante. The suspense kept me on my toes throughout the whole book. I did not see the twist and the ending coming. I enjoyed the audiobook. Tristan James did a wonderful job of keeping me interested. I am looking forward to continuing this series. I highly recommend this book.
Extremely intriguing and complex story with brilliant plot twists. Cops, robbers and good guys duking it out on the streets of the City on the Bay. Passion grows but the great heat is slowly approached. And … cliffhanger.
Characters are fleshed out carefully and thoroughly, mini-plots woven to a crescendo of a climax. Stage drawn well. First of a trio that begs for the next.
I ended up liking this book…but not loving it. The last 25% or so had me hooked but it took me longer to get there than it should have. I’m sticking with the series because I definitely want to know what happens and I loved his author’s other two suspense series. I didn’t like the direction with Dante even though I suspected it after meeting him. The jury is still out on most of the characters for me. I was confused quite a bit at the beginning, enough to make me go back to the synopsis to make sure this wasn’t a spin-off or the second book of a series. There are several twists and turns, a couple of surprises and of course the cliffhanger the author mentioned.
I’m assuming our questions will be answered as we go. The entire family business is confusing to me still…as are the family dynamics. Is Cruz who I think it is? What is the police chief’s relationship with this family and why is he so trusted? I’m sure I’ll think of more later, but this is what comes to mind quickly.
Here’s to waiting for the next one!
A great read if you enjoy your characters and situations a little intense and fraught.
Layla Reyne is a new to me author and I really enjoyed the first book in this Fog City series.
It’s action packed and engaging from the very first page and full of great characters.
Get ready for a gut wrenching twist and a cliffie to be sure, but the good news, the series is complete so no waiting to find out what happens.
Is this the best book I’ve ever read, probably not, but the entertainment value alone is worth the read.
This is where everything started. The beginning of this action-packed, page-turner series, that had wonderful main characters, Hawes and Dante (a.k.a Chris) and how they met and started their adventure together. The plot is interesting and full of twists and turns on every chapter until a cliffhanger ending. Thrilling and captivating start of this great series. Loved it!!
I want to get lost in the fog
I love assassins and ones with morals are drop-dead sexy. Plus, I fully support their agenda. Hawes is all sharp edges and so much weight rests on his shoulders; whereas, Dante is shrouded in mystery. I just know there’s more to him than what he shares. They have a strong connection but can and should Hawes trust it?
I’m with Hawes’ stance on motorcycles, and Iris is super cute. It’s amusing how Hawes has trouble discussing female anatomy. I want to be part of Hawes’ family, seems like there’s never a dull moment, but I wouldn’t want to be on their bad side. I like the nickname the family uses for Dante and it’s accurate.
Hawes has so much depth and feeling to him. I just want wrap in a warm blanket; then, hide him from the world. So much sexual tension and heat with Dante and Hawes. I want to smush them together all the time. “Let go for me.” So beautiful watching Hawes give in and trust in Dante, but always with that little extra push and pull between them. I love it when both MCs are smart and clever. Hawes and Dante have that in spades plus so much more. Hawes is stuck in my type of rock and hard place.
Layla Reyne sure knows how to build suspense and keep a reader on edge. Also, she wasn’t kidding about twists, turns and one hecka of a cliffhanger. I don’t know who to trust or if I should trust anyone. I have a feeling we are just getting started with unraveling all the secrets. An absolutely amazing, suspenseful and spellbinding book. Now on to King Slayer.
What I Think: So, we all know that this Authoress sips the tears of her readers like vintage whiskey and we love her for it! Every inch of the Irish and Whiskey series hurt so good and I knew this one would too but could I resist? Must be a bit of masochism in there somewhere. A beautiful introduction to a world that should be ghastly yet comes of as so damn humane, this is a foundation that could spawn a hundred tales. A family of killers is trying to do the right thing and correct their legacy led by their very own prince who picked up the mantle prematurely because he was the only person strong enough to do so. And he’s just about to become the King, this time because he is the face that’s already known and will do anything to protect his family. I simply love the Madigans. Their loyalty, love, and courage to aim for the otherwise impossible turn the family business into something that really taps into our more primal nature.
Yet, Hawes is searching for a love like some of his loved ones have found. His debut into his current role seems cold-hearted yet underneath all that ice he’s pure, molten passion that needs a steadying force as he strives to smoothen the transition to a new era. Dante is gorgeous, arrogant and cocky, refreshingly honest yet every time he turns that laser focus on Hawes, I ping with desire and fear. This one can cause irrevocable harm. Both men are a delicious mix of contrasts. I mean, Mme. Layla gives us a lethal assassin who’s a devoted family man that burns in the fog. Then, delivers a lethal rock star with a penchant for reading paperbacks. Can all bookworms take a second to appreciate this fantasy come to life? The attraction between Hawes and Dante flows so naturally that it’s organic even as the steadiness that Hawes gets from Dante is so damn heady. But knowing how this Authoress loves to torture her favorite characters, I read this tale with my heart in my mouth as I imagined what she had for in store for Hawes. The opening credits that warned about cliffhangers ahead did nothing to calm me down either. The truth when it came, ripped through the Clan and my shock was so great that my mind stuttered. I must have read those lines about 6 times before I could accept and continue.
Because of what I went through, I have a couple of things I need to know, Dear Mme. Layla. If I didn’t know better, I can see something buzzing between Kane and Holt. Will the sequel prove me right or is it too soon? Next, please give Hena a female partner and give us the tale. Colored partner if possible because I’m so in love with her. Pretty please, with an African honey melon on top?
Now, my own warning – fucking cliffhanger is going to make you loco! Ladies, gentlemen and those of you yet to make up your mind, welcome to the Fog City series!
Verdict? The fog has never been so enticing nor has the heart of the throne ever been in more danger. Do not start this tale without the sequel within your grasp. Ditch the whiskey and go for iced loaded lemonade. You’ll need it!
Intrigue, Betrayal, Mayhem! An Assassin’s Life!
Now, I am someone who has always love stories that has characters who are police officers, military teammates, protector-protectees, and the bad boy-good boy genre, so this new book of Ms. Layla Reyne is totally right up my alley. A story where the head of an organization of Assassins is being targeted from within his organization. Someone appears to help flush out those who want to oust the Prince, but can he be trusted? Does he have another hidden agenda? Trust is a very expensive commodity to have in their kind of business.
What follows this discovery are twists and turns that’ll make your guts clenched anticipating what could happen next. Amidst all the doubts and unsurety, the attraction between Dante and Hawes are undeniable, even Hawes’ siblings can see that, but again, because of the kind of business they are in, it is difficult to ascertain who’s a friend and who’s the enemy. Can they trust each other enough to depend on each other? And more importantly, can they entrust their hearts to someone who might be the enemy?
The start of the story was just right, it brings us to the crux of the main plot instantly. How and where the two MCs met and their unusual conversation set up the background that brings us to the main part of the whole story. The turn of events that follow will lead us to uncover secrets, conspiracy, greed and ultimate betrayal. Hawes and his siblings did not expect the direction from which the betrayal came from, never expected from who it came from.
The sequence in which the story unfolds was just right in its pace, I can say it’s action-packed, non-stop twists and turns, and I didn’t even see the betrayal coming from someone totally unexpected. The plot was already well-placed at the beginning of the story and it just got better as we turn it page after page. As it is a story with lots of action, the emotions are always running high, so I did expect the sexual tension between Dante and Hawes, but the mysterious Dante provides the added intrigue throughout the story, it keeps you on the edge, waiting for the other shoe to drop, as they say.
Overall, the first installment to this new series is very promising and it will make you excited for the next book. Ms. Layla Reyne has come up with an amazing start to a new series full of action, intrigue and of course mayhem. I am eagerly anticipating the next installment. If you are into this genre, then you should definitely check this one out! I will give A Prince of Killers for totally engaging me as a reader and a lover of this genre!
4 Stars
“When Justice failed, Hawes and his family righted the balance.”
This is the first book in the Fog City series by Layla Reyne. As I enjoyed both her previous series: Agents Irish and Whiskey and Trouble Brewing I was really excited about this new series.
Prince of Killers introduces us to Hawes Madigan, Holt – his twin and Helena – their sister. They are very close, but Howes becomes the king of an organization of assassins that live by some strong rules: “No indiscriminate killing. No collateral damage. No unvetted targets.”
From the beginning of the book, Hawes is warned that someone wants him killed. I had some theories, but I am pretty glad I didn’t guess who it was. I don’t like predictable stories. At first, this story was a little slow paced, but then we get action, a little suspense and some surprises on the way.
Dante Perry was a mystery. I enjoyed his silent presence, even if I wondered many times about his true motives. The attraction between both main characters is undeniable and we get some hot scenes. Wish I could share more, but I will let you discover the surprises on your own.
In the end, I must mention the really painful cliffhanger!!! Now I am dying to read more. Right after I finished this one I went searching for the next book’s release. And I was SO disappointed that we don’t have a release date yet. The author does give us a warning in the blurb: “Prince of Killers is book one of three. Fair warning: buckle up, cliffhangers ahead!”
Again, I will mention I am looking forward to reading the next book and see how the author will be able to reconnect the main characters. Something tells me it’s going to be nearly impossible for Hawes to trust again with all his heart…But we’ll see.
I highly recommend!
DBO~Review by Dia
I think I just met one of my favorite couples in MM romantic suspense. On the outside Hawes Madigan and Dante Perry couldn’t be more different, but they have a lot more incommon than anyone would suspect including some dark secrets that could break one or both of them. The writing sucks you right in from the first page and doesn’t let you go until mind blowing granddady of all cliffhangers at the end. It’s a good thing that book two is already written and we won’t have to wait too long until is published. This book has it all. Great mystery with so many twists and turns that will have your head spinning, great chemistry between the MC’s, action, angst, strong and very well fleshed out side characters including some strong females. It’s written from Hawes’ POW so Dante and what’s driving him, mostly stays a mystery, which I’m sure will be uncovered in the next installment of this series. I want it now!
Wow, that was quite a ride. From the beginning to the very last paragraph it threw surprises, explosions, and twists at the reader. I thought I knew who the mole was, then I didn’t. I questioned everyone’s loyalty. This was a well written and fun read but beware it is book 1 of 3 and it ends on a cliffhanger for both the story and the relationship.
I wouldn’t say this book has a cliffhanger but for me it has a cliffhanger cause I want book 2 now..not later.
suspense, action, and deceit are the only some of the things that will draw you in, family, love and trust are the others.
this book is honestly hard to review because everything can or will be spoiler to someone.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 3.5
Layla, what have you done!?!
Thrilling and suspenseful chase to find the person undermining their organization and trying to find who wants him dead. Hawes doesn’t know who he can trust and Layla will keep you guessing till the end and leave you on the edge of your seat with a cliffhanger of an ending!!!! You have been warned!
This story follows Hawes, his life and his organization in this somewhat “mob-boss-esque” story about trust, truth, and family! The story was a little slow to start and getting into the world Layla has created was a little bit of a struggle for me but once I understood the family dynamics and Hawes as a person I was hooked! I enjoyed the give and take between Hawes and PI (Rock God look-a-like) Dante and they lust and attraction nearly flew off the page. All the characters in Hawes family were fantastic and each had their own personality that Layla let shine through. Once I hit about 30% I couldn’t put the book down and I was in a race to find out who was behind it all and Layla shocked me twice which I absolutely LOVED! I loved that she kept me guessing and endeared me to the whole family and situation. While I’m not a fan of cliffhangers this one was fantastic and I can not wait for book 2!!! I need to know more!!! Definitely still a one-click winner from the Queen of Romatic Suspense!!!!
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I was already a fan of the two FBI series by Layla Reyne. This foray into the criminal side is wonderfully plotted and planned out. So many twists and turns to keep you guessing. The characters are compelling. The family dynamics are heartwarming. Hawes is a compelling leader. Dante his love interest is mysterious.
Great beginning to the series. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Prince of Killers by Layla Reyne is the first book in the Fog City series. This is a well written and interesting story filled with suspense, thrilling action, twisty turns, betrayals, emotional moments, steamy heat and romance. The characters are great… both main and secondary characters had me wrapped up in their story. I’m excited for the next book to come out because wow, that dang cliffhanger.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Consider Me Hooked–
Master of the long game, nobody does romantic suspense quite like Miss Reyne. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this author’s other series, so naturally I was eagerly anticipating the start of her newest series, Fog City. Given the exciting start with Prince of Killers, it comes as no surprise that I’m already hooked and ready to see what’s in store next. The action scenes in Prince of Killers were well done with a good, fast pacing throughout the book that kept the book’s energy level elevated and me engrossed with the story and interesting cast of characters, including a family of vigilante assassins. This author favors the slow reveal, and as such Prince of Killers ends on a cliffhanger. That said, there were plenty of unexpected revelations and developing subplots to keep me satisfied rather than frustrated by the close of the book.
With the author’s other series, the first books left me intrigued but not completely invested in the characters or couple. I’m not sure if it’s because I know the Fog City books will just keep getting better, or if the characters in Prince of Killers were simply more developed and flushed out, but I loved Dante and Hawes. They both had a bit of mystery to keep me guessing, especially Dante, but I also felt like I had a decent read on them and what motivates their pursuit of justice. As a couple, their chemistry ignites early on, delivering a surprising level of heat and establishing a connection between Hawes and Dante that will undoubtedly grow over the next two books. If the twists, reveals, and foreshadowing in Prince of Killers are anything to go by, readers of the Fog City series are in for an exciting rollercoaster of a ride.
*Reviewed eARC for Alpha Book Club*