What do you think?
Rate this book
5th Circle Guardians MC #3
King: 5th Circle Guardians MC, Book 3
I’m the president of the 5th Circle Guardians MC, with two grown sons and a couple of grandkids running around. Not much surprises me, and I rarely second-guess myself. But, if I had known that my day would include a brunette bombshell threatening me with a knife, I probably would have done a few things differently. Of course, then I would have missed out on a woman so sweet that I crave her, kisses that make my knees weak, and enough heat in the bedroom to burn up my sheets.
I also would have avoided her deadbeat ex, an arrest for murder, and stupid mistakes that hurt the woman I love. I never dreamed I would meet a woman like her. Now, I just have to figure out how to keep her.
I’m a divorced, single mom trying to raise two teenagers. I’ve had to toughen up and become more self-reliant. But, if I had known that my day would include pulling a knife on a badboy biker, I probably would have stayed in bed. Of course, then I would have missed out on a man so hot that I crave him, kisses that melt my panties, and enough heat in the bedroom to start a three-alarm fire.
I also would have avoided his crazy ex, a police interrogation, and more heartache than I’ve ever known. I never dreamed I would meet a man like him. Now, I just have to figure out how to live without him.
Author's The 5th Circle Guardians aren't a hard-core, 1% club, but they do have their own code of conduct that they live by. The live hard, love harder, and know that rules, laws, and hearts are bound to be broken along the way.
This is the third book in the series, with each book following a different couple in the club. Although there are some underlying story arcs woven throughout the series, this is a standalone story with an HEA and no cliffhanger. There is no cheating between our hero and heroine. It is intended for mature audiences due to language, explicit scenes, violence, murder, and mentions of illegal activity including drug abuse by others.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2024
About the author
E.K. Hart
5 books39 followersI've been an avid reader since I was a little girl. When I was nine years old, I cried buckets after reading Bridge to Terabithia, which led to an intense love of books that rip my heart out before putting me back together again.
I can vividly remember 12-year-old me discovering my grandmother's Harlequin Romances, which I snuck out of her room to read. I also vividly remember getting caught by my mother, who had already told 12-year-old me that I was too young to read those books. I was grounded for a month, but my love of romance books was born.
Since then, I've gone on to devour books from many genres but I always come back to romances. Whether they are sweet and funny, or dark and angsty, I love them all.
Born and raised in the Midwestern US, I've been married for over thirty years, and am the mother of two incredible people. When I'm not reading or writing, you can most likely find me browsing through antique stores or eating chocolate.
Connect with me!
https://www.linktr.ee/e.k.hart
Hang out with me in my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/60493...
Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@author_ekhart
Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.k.hartaut...
Happy reading!
I can vividly remember 12-year-old me discovering my grandmother's Harlequin Romances, which I snuck out of her room to read. I also vividly remember getting caught by my mother, who had already told 12-year-old me that I was too young to read those books. I was grounded for a month, but my love of romance books was born.
Since then, I've gone on to devour books from many genres but I always come back to romances. Whether they are sweet and funny, or dark and angsty, I love them all.
Born and raised in the Midwestern US, I've been married for over thirty years, and am the mother of two incredible people. When I'm not reading or writing, you can most likely find me browsing through antique stores or eating chocolate.
Connect with me!
https://www.linktr.ee/e.k.hart
Hang out with me in my Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/60493...
Follow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@author_ekhart
Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.k.hartaut...
Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 10, 2024
4.5 stars
“Don’t worry. I’ll be more than happy to corrupt you.”
King (Dante) is a genuinely loving (crude-talking, but also passionate) man who apologizes when he has effed up (and he does quite a lot), but he is not used to a normal relationship - and she is not used to dating an MC Prez. The story is the ups-and-downs of two older people (40s) from different lifestyles trying to have a relationship with each other, with misunderstandings, miscommunications, jealous bunnies, rude ex-husbands, a club traitor and suspicious goings-on. I liked this couple; the only issues I had with the book is the ending was a little abrupt (she took him back awfully quickly) but I enjoyed their story for the most part.
Tropes:
* MF Contemporary
* MC Romance
* small town Indiana
* both main characters over 40+ yrs
* both have teen or adult children
* both have mean ex-spouses who are also terrible parents
* manho-ish MC Prez
* divorced 40 something FC graphic designer
* she's his father's neighbor
* her teen children live with her
* his adult children also in MC
* MC not a 1% club, but do some illegal things
* misunderstanding- meet-not-so-cute
* immediate attraction for both
* one-hour stand
* club business interferes with their relationship
* he's hunting club traitors and drug dealers in his businesses
* she's hurt and wary over misunderstandings involving the club
* he explains/ woos her with every day flowers, cards and texts
* club bunny insinuations
* no cheating
* perceived cheating/ misunderstanding again
* overheard cruel remarks (lies to throw off enemy)
* he is remorseful and apologizes
* murder mystery/ police action
* she's his alibi
* she takes him back too quickly
* HEA with wedding, adoption of her teen kids
“Don’t worry. I’ll be more than happy to corrupt you.”
King (Dante) is a genuinely loving (crude-talking, but also passionate) man who apologizes when he has effed up (and he does quite a lot), but he is not used to a normal relationship - and she is not used to dating an MC Prez. The story is the ups-and-downs of two older people (40s) from different lifestyles trying to have a relationship with each other, with misunderstandings, miscommunications, jealous bunnies, rude ex-husbands, a club traitor and suspicious goings-on. I liked this couple; the only issues I had with the book is the ending was a little abrupt (she took him back awfully quickly) but I enjoyed their story for the most part.
Tropes:
* MF Contemporary
* MC Romance
* small town Indiana
* both main characters over 40+ yrs
* both have teen or adult children
* both have mean ex-spouses who are also terrible parents
* manho-ish MC Prez
* divorced 40 something FC graphic designer
* she's his father's neighbor
* her teen children live with her
* his adult children also in MC
* MC not a 1% club, but do some illegal things
* misunderstanding- meet-not-so-cute
* immediate attraction for both
* one-hour stand
* club business interferes with their relationship
* he's hunting club traitors and drug dealers in his businesses
* she's hurt and wary over misunderstandings involving the club
* he explains/ woos her with every day flowers, cards and texts
* club bunny insinuations
* no cheating
* perceived cheating/ misunderstanding again
* overheard cruel remarks (lies to throw off enemy)
* he is remorseful and apologizes
* murder mystery/ police action
* she's his alibi
* she takes him back too quickly
* HEA with wedding, adoption of her teen kids
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2024
Unfortunately this did not hit the mark. It was boring and just too long to be honest. The supposed angst was nothing to write home about. I actually really liked King, and really disliked Ella. She irritated the crap out of me. I'm having trouble with a lot of author's FMCs atm. I know this series is ongoing and I'm hoping Trick's book will be good.
Overall just ok, but considering we have a 40yr old FMC, and a 47yr old MMC having miscommunication problems, and not even listening to what the other person's explanation is instead of flying off the deep end just doesn't make for good reading. Also, Ella not understanding club business and forcing King to talk about club business just didn't sit right with me. I prefer the characters that even though they may not like it, they still understand it.
*No cheating.
Overall just ok, but considering we have a 40yr old FMC, and a 47yr old MMC having miscommunication problems, and not even listening to what the other person's explanation is instead of flying off the deep end just doesn't make for good reading. Also, Ella not understanding club business and forcing King to talk about club business just didn't sit right with me. I prefer the characters that even though they may not like it, they still understand it.
*No cheating.
August 9, 2024
This book had so much potential but unfortunately, it fell short for me even though the “overheard” trope is one of my favourites. Dante said such terrible things about Ella but because we knew he was going to say them and we knew that he didn’t mean them, the “gut punch” moment just wasn’t there. It would have so much more effective if we’d heard him say the things he did about her and think that he was going to cheat with DD and then found out about his plan later, the way Ella did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
🌶️: 2.5
MC romance, moderate raw grittiness. OW drama, overheard if you like that trope. The FMC is a divorced mom of two who meets the MMC, who happens to be the president of the local MC. They start dating but he messes up by what she believes is him ghosting her, so he has to grovel to get back in her good graces. Thanks to her horrible ex husband, she has lots of walls up. Eventually the MMC works his way back into her heart and they get pretty serious. A situation at the club involving a threat to her safety has the MMC doing something that he believes to be in her best interest but absolutely devastates the FMC and once again, the MMC is in the dog house and tries to explain everything but the FMC is still struggling with how to believe him and forgive him. One more thing at the end of the book has her realizing her true feelings for the MMC and she finally forgives him so they can get their HEA.
I loved this book. I loved the main characters, all the secondary characters, the grovel, and I really loved the comeuppance to her ex and his wife/aka former mistress. I laughed and cried with this book and definitely recommend.
MC romance, moderate raw grittiness. OW drama, overheard if you like that trope. The FMC is a divorced mom of two who meets the MMC, who happens to be the president of the local MC. They start dating but he messes up by what she believes is him ghosting her, so he has to grovel to get back in her good graces. Thanks to her horrible ex husband, she has lots of walls up. Eventually the MMC works his way back into her heart and they get pretty serious. A situation at the club involving a threat to her safety has the MMC doing something that he believes to be in her best interest but absolutely devastates the FMC and once again, the MMC is in the dog house and tries to explain everything but the FMC is still struggling with how to believe him and forgive him. One more thing at the end of the book has her realizing her true feelings for the MMC and she finally forgives him so they can get their HEA.
I loved this book. I loved the main characters, all the secondary characters, the grovel, and I really loved the comeuppance to her ex and his wife/aka former mistress. I laughed and cried with this book and definitely recommend.
August 13, 2024
I loved everything about this book! Ella was very much relatable as a 40 year old single mom of two teens. The book was incredibly funny at times, when King was referencing his manscape woes, when the brothers put up a list for King on how to get his woman, the nicknames Ella’s best friends had for her ex and his new wife, and all the funny phrases in between (ie. “butter my butt and call me a biscuit” 😂).
Ella brought the best out in King and he was swoon worthy when reflecting on his feelings for her and yet, he was also great with talking dirty. I found there was just the right amount of 🌶️ in this book!
I appreciated that Ella was a strong FMC (who made King work for it) and that she had great ride or die best friends, Kim and Camille.
I also thought it was very clever that while Ella was shopping, she bought a psychological suspense novel with the gruesome murder of the cheating male. (Could that be Drowning In Lies? 😉)
This story couldn’t have been complete without comeuppance for dear Clayton and I was beyond happy to read that he got what he deserved!
Ella brought the best out in King and he was swoon worthy when reflecting on his feelings for her and yet, he was also great with talking dirty. I found there was just the right amount of 🌶️ in this book!
I appreciated that Ella was a strong FMC (who made King work for it) and that she had great ride or die best friends, Kim and Camille.
I also thought it was very clever that while Ella was shopping, she bought a psychological suspense novel with the gruesome murder of the cheating male. (Could that be Drowning In Lies? 😉)
This story couldn’t have been complete without comeuppance for dear Clayton and I was beyond happy to read that he got what he deserved!
August 29, 2024
This series is one of my favorite MC’s. I’m fairly new to EK Hart, but I’m obsessed w/her writing & this series. I first read Rome’s story & was very hesitant because lately I haven’t been a fan of cheating in books. But I thought she did a great job at really portraying how remorseful Rome was, & how much he truly regretted that one mistake that happened out his drinking issue. Since that book I’ve been hooked. I loved Jagger & couldn’t wait for King. And just as I thought, I loved it! King & Ella were so perfect. They had a couple of rough bumps, but got through them. I loved how King was her kids, & I got a kick out Camille & Kim. That whole conversation when Kim was trying to convince them about her wild time at Sturgis had me laughing. And I loved how they rallied around Ella when she needed them.
I honestly can’t say enough about how EK writes her characters, they’re such a joy to read. I can’t wait to see whose story comes next, there’s still a few guys I’m really curious about & would love to see get their story!
I honestly can’t say enough about how EK writes her characters, they’re such a joy to read. I can’t wait to see whose story comes next, there’s still a few guys I’m really curious about & would love to see get their story!
September 27, 2024
oh WTH I'm going to be really generous and give this 4* cause it's one of the best written biker romances I've read in a loooooooong time (maybe w/the exception of D. Kayn). Both MCs were likeable, and while King fucked up big time, and my heart broke for Ella, there was no real cheating tho there was Ow drama. Really, the only thing that annoyed me to no end is that nobody doesn't realize they don't have their cellphone and then let's it go for days and days w/out listening to any messages or reading texts. I guess it was to let the drama drag on - had to take away 1/2* for that.
Also, could've been a bit more smex TBH, and while I don't mind "curvy" stop with the descriptions of saggy tummys & boobs - was she curvy or fat? Stop using curvy as a metaphor for fat (another 1/2* removed)! As if being slender & tight-bodied is an impossibility for women - esp over 40 (yes even after kids, not all of us let our bodies go)!
I did appreciate that this author knows correct grammar and spell checks for the most part. I'm going to try her other books, and see how it goes.
Also, could've been a bit more smex TBH, and while I don't mind "curvy" stop with the descriptions of saggy tummys & boobs - was she curvy or fat? Stop using curvy as a metaphor for fat (another 1/2* removed)! As if being slender & tight-bodied is an impossibility for women - esp over 40 (yes even after kids, not all of us let our bodies go)!
I did appreciate that this author knows correct grammar and spell checks for the most part. I'm going to try her other books, and see how it goes.
August 12, 2024
Ella and King!
Really been enjoying this series by e.k.hartauthor, and can we get an "amen!" for over 40 characters.
King is Jagger and Rome's dad and the Prez of the 5th Circle Guardians MC. He's a 47 year-old silver fox with an eye for the ladies. Until a hilarious misunderstanding with the 40-year-old, divorced, single mum living next to his dad has his head turning.
He's never wanted another woman more than he wants Ella. But with her heart and self-esteem eviscerated by her cheating ex, she has no energy for time-wasters. No matter how good his butt looks in tight jeans.
Although this series can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend starting from book 1. There is an overarching storyline regarding Mc biz, which keeps you hooked as well, but EK Hart does a good job catching you up. Can't wait for the next read!
Really been enjoying this series by e.k.hartauthor, and can we get an "amen!" for over 40 characters.
King is Jagger and Rome's dad and the Prez of the 5th Circle Guardians MC. He's a 47 year-old silver fox with an eye for the ladies. Until a hilarious misunderstanding with the 40-year-old, divorced, single mum living next to his dad has his head turning.
He's never wanted another woman more than he wants Ella. But with her heart and self-esteem eviscerated by her cheating ex, she has no energy for time-wasters. No matter how good his butt looks in tight jeans.
Although this series can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend starting from book 1. There is an overarching storyline regarding Mc biz, which keeps you hooked as well, but EK Hart does a good job catching you up. Can't wait for the next read!
August 12, 2024
King and Ella
I had been looking forward to reading about the father of the twins and holy cow I was not disappointed. King was a cocky self assured and loyal. I loved him even though he was a tad bit slow with women. Lol
Ella was a hoot and loved her kids fiercely, that's what had her pull a knife on King. Lol She stood her ground on the misunderstanding, and it ends well. As they get to know each other they have more miscommunication! Like the stubborn people that they are and finally hear each other out. But none communication is the one that really hurt the both of them.
Club business and deciding on what should be heard and a dumb plan all backfire on King.
I really enjoyed this story and how it played out for both Ella and King. They are good together. I can't wait for more of this series!
I had been looking forward to reading about the father of the twins and holy cow I was not disappointed. King was a cocky self assured and loyal. I loved him even though he was a tad bit slow with women. Lol
Ella was a hoot and loved her kids fiercely, that's what had her pull a knife on King. Lol She stood her ground on the misunderstanding, and it ends well. As they get to know each other they have more miscommunication! Like the stubborn people that they are and finally hear each other out. But none communication is the one that really hurt the both of them.
Club business and deciding on what should be heard and a dumb plan all backfire on King.
I really enjoyed this story and how it played out for both Ella and King. They are good together. I can't wait for more of this series!
September 9, 2024
Mewsings
Oh, this book was so good! I think it’s great when an older couple gets together, and these two have energy from the moment she pulls a knife on him. I liked both the hero and heroine and found both easy to connect to. And the spice! Rrowl!
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- King and Ella
Genre- MC Romance Lite
Length- novel
Heat- ☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️ with yoga poses!
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- discussion of pregnancy termination, discussion of cheating by secondary characters, violence, language, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Dysfunctional Family FTW, Midlife Love, Single Parenting, Club Ho-Ho-Ho Drama, Club Prez
Oh, this book was so good! I think it’s great when an older couple gets together, and these two have energy from the moment she pulls a knife on him. I liked both the hero and heroine and found both easy to connect to. And the spice! Rrowl!
Cat’s Stats
MMC/FMC- King and Ella
Genre- MC Romance Lite
Length- novel
Heat- ☢️☢️☢️☢️☢️ with yoga poses!
Series? Y
Safety? Y
Triggers- discussion of pregnancy termination, discussion of cheating by secondary characters, violence, language, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Dysfunctional Family FTW, Midlife Love, Single Parenting, Club Ho-Ho-Ho Drama, Club Prez
September 29, 2024
Be Still my Heart
This story definitely made me want to believe in love again. Ok yes I know it exists it’s just been crappy for me, but I digress. The MEN of all three of these stories are so in tune with themselves, their families and their emotions/feminine side are at the most MASCULINE men I’ve ever read about!! Can I please find one like them?? King was basically just existing for himself and his family and the club but when he met Ella, helped him live and he wasn’t always of that. PLEASE don’t let this be the end!! I can definitely see a story for Trick and lucky, even cowboy. I also need to see the downfall of Ace and what he’s really up to!
This story definitely made me want to believe in love again. Ok yes I know it exists it’s just been crappy for me, but I digress. The MEN of all three of these stories are so in tune with themselves, their families and their emotions/feminine side are at the most MASCULINE men I’ve ever read about!! Can I please find one like them?? King was basically just existing for himself and his family and the club but when he met Ella, helped him live and he wasn’t always of that. PLEASE don’t let this be the end!! I can definitely see a story for Trick and lucky, even cowboy. I also need to see the downfall of Ace and what he’s really up to!
September 25, 2024
While I liked this book, I’m getting tired of reading about the same type of heroine in each installment. I know there are certain authors that always write about a “curvy” heroine and I guess this writer is one of them. It gets redundant. What also gets redundant are the clueless MC heroes who don’t see the club whore drama from a mile away. At a certain point it just makes them look dumb. Speaking of dumb… the way King tried to divert attention from Ella was very dumb. He did do a reasonable grovel though out the book, but if he wasn’t so clueless he would have never of had to.
August 13, 2024
King, a sexy grandpa and MC Prez meets his dads neighbour Ella, a divorced single mum with teenagers when she threatens him with a knife. The attraction is immediate, but she isn’t used to MC life and club business and King isn’t familiar with dating, which is a recipe for misunderstanding, miscommunications, mistakes and club bunny interference.
There is also plenty of danger, action, tension, toxic ex’s, drama and heartache. I was hooked and read this in one sitting.
There is also plenty of danger, action, tension, toxic ex’s, drama and heartache. I was hooked and read this in one sitting.
August 16, 2024
A good read
I enjoyed having an older FMC!! Nice to have one that wasn’t late teens/early twenties for a change. King and Ella’s relationship seemed to start very quickly but then slowed down. I think Ella was very reasonable in her concerns in their relationship. The ending seemed to happen very quickly.
I enjoyed having an older FMC!! Nice to have one that wasn’t late teens/early twenties for a change. King and Ella’s relationship seemed to start very quickly but then slowed down. I think Ella was very reasonable in her concerns in their relationship. The ending seemed to happen very quickly.
August 10, 2024
a fantastic read!
This book was such a good read, loved King/Dante my favorite of the three books, it had so many laugh out loud moments as well as teary ones to! So glad Dante and Ella got their HEA…hope to read many more books by this Author!
This book was such a good read, loved King/Dante my favorite of the three books, it had so many laugh out loud moments as well as teary ones to! So glad Dante and Ella got their HEA…hope to read many more books by this Author!
August 12, 2024
Excellent Read
I thoroughly enjoyed King's story. There was a good little amount of OW drama without any cheating. The relationship development between King and Ella was pretty realistic and had a good amount of growing pains. I appreciated Ella's strength and King's willingness to put in the work. Excellent read.
I thoroughly enjoyed King's story. There was a good little amount of OW drama without any cheating. The relationship development between King and Ella was pretty realistic and had a good amount of growing pains. I appreciated Ella's strength and King's willingness to put in the work. Excellent read.
August 17, 2024
Good story. Just enough conflict to keep it interesting. The “crucial” moment cameKind of late so there wasn’t a lot of time for the grovel so for me it wasn’t as satisfying as it could be. Overall this was a good book that I recommend.
August 24, 2024
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
What a great read. I love that these two are older and have lived a life already when they meet. Mistakes are still made but they are wiser and can work through them better. MC drama and craziness completes the book so well. I loved it.
What a great read. I love that these two are older and have lived a life already when they meet. Mistakes are still made but they are wiser and can work through them better. MC drama and craziness completes the book so well. I loved it.
August 10, 2024
Awesome
Awesome book !!! Awesome series!!! I loved King with Ella. I can't wait to see what's next!!!!! Hope Hunter and Mina gets books
Awesome book !!! Awesome series!!! I loved King with Ella. I can't wait to see what's next!!!!! Hope Hunter and Mina gets books
August 10, 2024
awesome
Strong h, empathetic H. Had angst, suspected betrayal and cheating (but wasn’t). Great grovel, revisited previous book characters too. Loved it and look forward to more from the author.
Strong h, empathetic H. Had angst, suspected betrayal and cheating (but wasn’t). Great grovel, revisited previous book characters too. Loved it and look forward to more from the author.
August 11, 2024
Great addition to the series
Another great book in the series. I'm so glad King got his HEA. His and Ella's story was not without drama....but easily forgiven. This is such a great series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading the first two books before King's story.
Another great book in the series. I'm so glad King got his HEA. His and Ella's story was not without drama....but easily forgiven. This is such a great series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading the first two books before King's story.
August 26, 2024
Reader 50
Enjoyed all 3 books in this series. Hope to see more. Always looking for another author to try and a series to enjoy.
Enjoyed all 3 books in this series. Hope to see more. Always looking for another author to try and a series to enjoy.
September 2, 2024
great read
Another great book. You have Ella threatening King with a falay knife to hold drama, laughter and love equals a great book
Another great book. You have Ella threatening King with a falay knife to hold drama, laughter and love equals a great book
August 16, 2024
💕
Holy.. this was a good book. I loved that they are older than most books, being in their forties with kids and even grandkids. I love me a good MC book and this one didn’t disappoint.
I think this is my favorite in the 5th circle guardians series, or maybe first place with Rome because that books made me feel everything.
I love the connection between King and Ella, how they are mature in their way about the relationship, their interaction with their family.
I really hope Hunter becomes a prospect someday and that there is a next generation with the kids. I think Mia is gonna be lethal to any guy in the MC and Hunter seems like a great candidate for a member. 🖤
Holy.. this was a good book. I loved that they are older than most books, being in their forties with kids and even grandkids. I love me a good MC book and this one didn’t disappoint.
I think this is my favorite in the 5th circle guardians series, or maybe first place with Rome because that books made me feel everything.
I love the connection between King and Ella, how they are mature in their way about the relationship, their interaction with their family.
I really hope Hunter becomes a prospect someday and that there is a next generation with the kids. I think Mia is gonna be lethal to any guy in the MC and Hunter seems like a great candidate for a member. 🖤
August 12, 2024
mild MC story
Very mild MC story. SAFTY readers will be happy with this one. Very little OW drama and the OW drama there was was resolved quickly.
Very mild MC story. SAFTY readers will be happy with this one. Very little OW drama and the OW drama there was was resolved quickly.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews