He’s supposed to be the ruler of this kingdom.The prince poised to take his rightful place on the pitch.Instead, he plays the jester, shunning his legacy.Only I am privy to his lion heart.Kingston Phillips is the heir to England’s football dynasty. The offspring of two of the world’s greatest players, the expectations set on his shoulders could crush the universe. But the golden-haired Adonis … golden-haired Adonis chooses to live his life as a game; a series of nightclubs, brawls, pranks and different kit chasers parading through his sheets.
I’m the last woman he should chase, and I’ve told him so. My cheeky mouth and icy demeanor guard the secret no one can learn. But when the Casanova I’ve been avoiding becomes the bloke next door, he quickly begins to thaw the frost around my heart. Kingston shows me the ferocious, loyal, protective side of himself that no one else gets to witness.
I begin to realize that he’s just as damaged as I am.
That as much as I try to deny it, we’re the same.
And … that might just be our undoing.
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The Lion Heart is book two of the Rogue Academy series. I love almost everything that Carrie writes and this book is no different. When I read Jude’s book The Second Coming, I knew this couple would be in the next book. But I really didn’t like Kingston very much–an arrogant, privileged, selfish jerk who takes everything and everyone for granted including his gift and natural ability in football or soccer. Kingston has never known anything but soccer. He kicked his first ball shortly after learning how to walk due to both parents being former soccer superstars. Since his parents are soccer royalty that also gave him certain privileges and advantages in life including attendance to the Rogue Academy at the ripe age of seven. His upbringing was more of a disadvantage to him–high expectations and his father’s verbal and sometimes abusive nature closed his heart off to others. To say he’s damaged is an understatement. Which is why he keeps his relationships casual, no one can hurt or touch his heart.
Poppy Raymond is an international supermodel; her life appears to be picture perfect. She attends the most exclusive clubs and parties. She flies all over the world for exotic photo shoots. It’s anything but. She returns to an empty flat with only her cat to keep her company. She never takes an interest in the opposite sex–not after what happened when she was 15. Something that changed her forever. When she met the arrogant soccer player at the pub, something changed. A spark. She still wanted to smack his smug face, but he also made her feel things she never felt before. She wanted things and him. But she doesn’t get close to anyone. Her past taught her lessons.
Can two damaged hearts heal each other?
I knew without a doubt that I was going to love both Poppy and Kingston when we met them in The Second Coming. I just wasn’t prepared for how much I was going to love them. I liked each one of them individually for different reasons, but the two of them together is where they belong. After fighting their own demons separately, they knew that fighting them together would make them both much stronger. This is easily my new favorite Carrie Aarons book and she absolutely blew me away with how amazing it was. In my opinion, it is the best book in the series and I can’t see what she gives us when we get Vance’s book!
Carrie Aarons is a genius and master of words. She makes me swoon with her descriptions. She makes me pant for the main alpha male character. She never lets me down when it comes to her stories. I highly recommend her with any book she comes out with.
She writes scenes that you feel like you’re part of and actively involved with. I absolutely adore her words, characters, scenes and overall theme of this one in particular.
Kingston and poppy are instant chemistry. They maneuver through this amazing love story that has you unsure which way you turned. It is a must read to find out what happens and Carrie will not let you down!!
Kingston and Poppy seem to have it all. At least on the outside. He is the playboy football player from a privileged life. The man who didn’t have to work for his spot on the team. She is the model every woman wants to be. And after much work, Kingston gets the girl who’d originally turned him down. But there are reasons in it all why he doesn’t try and she didn’t want him.
Where The Lion Heart is a romance of two people with tragic pasts, it’s also a powerful story on the current climate of rape culture, consent, and victims’ rights. Carrie went on a limb with a subject many authors don’t write and she did it with care.
Kingston and Poppy story was such a good read, they are both looking for something, they both have careers in the public eye, one in fashion, the other in football. They both have their personal issues, their mistrusts and family problems. I liked how they overcome everything together. This is my first book in the series and I am so going to read The Second Coming.
I love a good football romance and this one met all my expectations. The tension and banter were so much fun to read and keep up with. The characters were so much fun and easy to relate with throughout this story
The Lion Heart is the second book in the Rogue Academy Series. I first book, The Second Coming featuring Jude and Aria was heavy with football. The Lion Heart picks up right where the Second Coming leaves off and deals more with the pressure of fame and fortune surrounding top tier athletes and the inherent problems that come along with celebrity.
Kingston and Poppy’s story is a slow burn that I enjoyed. He’s football royalty and he’s dealing with the pressure by not dealing. He’s a party boy with a wobbly work ethic, he is gifted athletically due to his deep gene pool. Poppy has been a top model for years and she’s got glamorous acquaintances but she’s really a loner. The pair travel in the same circles of the London elite and run into each other often at local hot spots.
I enjoyed the personal transformation that Kingston makes throughout the book. Poppy has some personal issues to deal with as well. Aaron’s deals with difficult issues carefully. The flirting and pranks the neighbors play on each other were cute. It was refreshing to see Poppy not want to give Kingston any time when he’s so caught up in being a jerk and seeing the change in hm. I enjoyed the cameos from Aria and Jude as well as their other Rogue brother who will be the third book.
Really enjoyed reading every second. Love Carrie’s books they never disapoint. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
So we finally see the happiest, funniest, jokester of the Rogue Academy and boy it is far from what we expected him to be. Carrie Aarons created Kingston Phillips as the sexy, suave, funny devil yet there is so much more than what he shows to his people. In a way I felt kind of sad for him, the life he is leading and the charade he plays everyday to the world. Then we have Poppy, the one woman who is not falling for his charms like other skirt chasers in his life. These two are in a way the same yet fight to be different in every way. Carrie Aarons not only brings this sport to life but shows us not to judge people right away. Seeing Poppy with Kingston and showing him to be real was just awesome in a way that Carrie Aarons can bring to life so easily. This is one academy full of hot, sexy players yet are unique in their own ways like the lion himself, Kingston Phillips. Loved it.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
Kingston Phillips has only ever been shot down by one woman, Poppy Raymond, and he’s finally done what she said he had to do to get her attention. He’s finally made it to the elites, as part of Rogue Football Club’s team Kingston should be able to do anything, but just as Poppy shoots him down he shoots himself down too. Poppy makes Kingston question what it is about football, and being on top, that he loves so much and he’s put to the test to prove he belongs there. Along the way he discovers a little challenge never hurt anybody and Poppy, the ice queen, is the best prize he could ask for. As Poppy and Kingston see in one another the darkness they keep within themselves, sparks could fly or they could go up in flames.
“If you believe you’re untouchable, you take risks. Risk that the public can see, and ones you’re not afraid of answering for.”
We first met Kingston Phillips in The Second Coming, a certain scene in that novel with a certain model actually is the kick off to his own story. Kingston is all good looks, charm, and sexual appetite, he’s never wanted or needed more. He’s the bad boy with an attitude and in The Lion Heart we learn why. It’s hard not to like Kingston’s swagger and antics, but Poppy Reynolds putting him in his place and then proceeding to draw out a side of him no one has ever seen before is what makes this book so good. The growth they experience and the impact these two characters make on one another is unexpected. It’s lust and sexual tension and a heaping pile of humility for Kingston. In The Lion Heart we learn about the dark side to wealth and notoriety. We learn about the secrets, lies, and ugly truths the two swallow to remain on top and what an expensive price it is to pay. I loved reading about them peeling back their layers for one another, each hiding behind beautiful masks and finding love despite it.
“Oh, you’ll see. This girl is going to be the end of Kingston Phillips. I can see it already.”
It was so nice to visit the Rogue Academy boys, this trio of men have so much to give and their unique stories make the series really stand out. Yes, they’re romance novels, but beyond that they aren’t predictable. In The Second Coming the sports aspect really led the story, in The Lion Heart we dive into the deep end of fame and fortune, and now we wait for the next. I personally cannot wait to see where Vance’s story will take him. The ladies of this series don’t take anything lying down and the transformation from the trio of single men to taken men is so entertaining. Carrie Aarons has created a sports romance series with heart.
The Lion Heart is the second novel in the Rogue Academy series by Carrie Aarons and I absolutely adored this story!! The title is absolutely perfect!!
Kingston is football royalty. Both of his parents were football superstars and put intense pressure on Kingston to eb the best. So when they find that their son is a jokester and doesn’t take anything seriously, to say they are disappointed is an understatement.
Poppy is an international supermodel and has the reputation as a prude. When she gives back sass to Kingston at the pub where they first meet, he is intrigued to say the least. And she does a wonderful job of hiding what she is feeling.
I was very excited to read Kingston’s story since we met him and experience he and Poppy’s first interaction in The Second Coming. Kingston is a true sweetheart once he gets past his issues and starts to work on himself. Poppy is amazing, strong, and independent. Can Kingston break through her walls? Is it worth it for Poppy to let him in? This was a truly sweet story that I loved and honestly couldn’t put down. I hope Vance’s story is coming soon!!
When Poppy describes Kingston as, “loyal and fiercely passionate about what you want to protect”, she is talking about his Lion Heart. She needs someone who can protect and cherish her as much as he needs to protect and cherish. The have both been hurt by others who should have known better; who should have had their best interests as part of who they are in their lives. This is a story that is heartbreaking and inspirational all at once. It shows how the most damaged heart can be the most loyal and loving. For those who love a slow-burn love story that shows how people can overcome adversity and become stronger and better people because of it, this book is for you. This is a true LOVE story that is written from the beautiful heart of Carrie Aarons.
I love a bad boy transformation into a protective LION!
This story was a much more emotional read than the first. It covers some very difficult topics in a way that was impactful but also filled with grace. These two characters are real and have flaws that aren’t often present in romance novels.
Poppy is a famous model and Kingston is a famous English football player. She is the first girl to turn him down. This makes him instantly more attracted to her and wants to unravel the mystery of who she really is. Neither of them have the best family life or upbringing and as they become closer to each other, they realize they have more in common than they thought.
I loved watching them overcome their pasts and grow together into who they were meant to be.
I’m so glad we got to see more of Aria and Jude, the couple I fell in love with in the first book. I can’t wait to see who gets the next book in the Rogue Academy series.
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
5 STARS
I was so excited to read Kingston and Poppy’s story! They may be famous but they are both a little lost and lonely. I’ve loved all the characters introduced in the Rogue Academy Series thus far. The chemistry between Kingston and Poppy is hot. This story is well written and I can’t wait for more.
This book is an EPIC read that I highly recommend! The Lion Heart by Carrie Aarons will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
I highly suggest reading The Second Coming prior to reading this book. They are standalone but interconnected and you get to see the beginning of the banter between Poppy and Kingston.
When your life has expectations based off of your family, how do you live up to them? Kingston comes from a football dynasty and has to decide what role he wants to play based off of that dynasty. He loves to live the life that comes along with this status.
Poppy is a supermodel and has her own set of expectations placed on her due to her life and profession. She holds herself in high regard to keep from getting hurt and Kingston comes in to try to break down her walls because hello, he’s Kingston Phillips!
The journey these two go on is heartbreaking and wonderful. Carrie writes with just the right amount of angst. Everyone deserves a HEA and no one can help who their family is.
I have loved Carrie’s books from the first word I ever read that she wrote. This book is no exception. While I don’t typically pick up the sports romance books, I made the exception for Carrie.
This is book two in the Rogue Academy series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I loved Kingston and Poppy and all they went through on their unique journey. The bad boy turned protector made me swoon and made it nearly impossible to put down!
Can’t wait for more!
The Lion Heart is the second book in the ‘Rogue Academy’ soccer series. Football for us in the UK. This is the story of Poppy a high rising model and footie sensation Kingston.
Kingston has the world at his feet. Literally. He lives life in the fast lane and cares little for anyone else other than close friends and family.
Poppy also has everything she could ever want, she’s in the limelight, has paparazzia chasing but still, all is not as it seems.
Both Poppy and Kingston have jagged edges. They’re not the perfect idols everyone thinks they are. They are human, pure and simple. They make mistakes just like anyone else. These two should have been two broken to mend each other, but once they got to know one another it all just fell into place.
This story had all the feels you’d expect from Carrie Aarons. It was emotional, gritty and just simply, a really great read.
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I really felt for Kingston and Poppy. Their family life has never been loving and supportive. I enjoyed the banter between them and the fact that Poppy challenged him. He needed someone who wasn’t going to put up with his antics. They both were truly what made the other a better person.
I wrote this review based on an advance reading copy that the publisher sent me.
Kingston is THE Guy. You know the one, talks a lot, acts the fool, manwh@re, with terrible ideas. The guy who regularly does idiotic things… yeah, that guy.
He’s the natural born player. He has football in his veins. And yet, he’s the biggest joke in the country. Kingston’s life is going down the drain.
I simultaneously want to hug and shake the ever loving shite out of Kingston. (P.S. I truly hope they do an audiobook of this because I would swoon and possibly need back up panties!) He stays true to his F the world philosophy until a certain super model wakes his smarmy arse up!
The fighting, the bickering, and the push and pull of these two heats up the pages in a delightful form of foreplay. The Lion Heart is serious in nature with just enough shenanigans to keep it from being depressing. Don’t get me wrong- the serious nature of both Poppy and Kingston’s trauma is not made light of. Carrie Aarons has brought a positive light to terrible behaviors. I appreciate her contribution to encourage others to speak up. I respect her for taking her characters on that journey.
Back to The Lion Heart, Kingston may have been up second in this series but he is no one’s second. This charismatic sex symbol is just what Poppy needed even if it took her forever to admit it! I hope that our man Vance has similar results in his bumpy ride. I can’t wait for his tale.
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
My #BookReview for #TheLionHeart by @carrie Aarons
I wasn’t for sure what to expect coming into this book. I had read Aria and Jude’s story in which I loved, but I found it lacking something. But with The Lion Heart, that’s what it was. ALL HEART, and I loved it so much!!
I really enjoyed the storyline, and the writing for this story!!! I loved them both so much in their own ways.
I knew that Kingston was a loveable guy and big softie under that party boy attitude he had (following on from The Second Coming). I wanted to know more about him in that book, and Carrie delivered! THANK YOU!
Kingston and Poppy’s story was something else. What she went through growing up in the “industry” was very similar to what Kingston had gone through in the world of “football, and his family”.
Poppy did annoy me at first how she was playing games with Kingston, but then again Kingston was only after one thing and one thing only with her. S-E-X. LOL!
Poppy really hadn’t told ANYONE what had happened to her when she was 15. Kingston never really let anyone know what he went through growing up in the shadowing of his father.
This was written so well, that I couldn’t put it down. I wanted Poppy to be honest and open with Kingston, and again I knew that he was just a big teddy bear and was waiting for Poppy to bring it out in him. It took him getting knocked down a peg or two with football, and sent to a 4th tier league, and he realised he was missing in the game, and in life.
I LOVED IT SO MUCH I CAN’T STOP SAYING IT. I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS STORY SO MUCH!!!
Some of my fave quotes from the book:
1. “Kingston Phillips is nothing more than a randy swine.” – Poppy seen him for what he wanted to portray to the world.
2. “I want to tell you. I couldn’t before, but …..I trust you, Kingston” – This broke my heart. Poppy was realising that he was someone she could trust to hear her story, and to take things further in their relationship.
3. It’s a whirlwind, and there are about a hundred things to think about, but I’ll never forget what those blokes have done for me. – Kingston now realised what he was missing, and knew he needed to fix it.