He’d never felt safer, more cared for, than in that moment.
Kiki Clark
The Alpha and His King
Format:
Audiobook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
When Kai flies out of a shed, swinging a rake, Rick’s life flips upside down.
As alpha, Rick’s dedication to his pack has never wavered—until Kai. The pull he feels toward the younger man is more than a simple distraction, but Rick won’t let himself lose focus. Not while a hidden enemy is drawing near.
Moving in with the grumpy alpha who saved him is a big change for Kai, and it isn’t long before he begins to ache for something he can’t have. As a half-human shifter responsible for his three younger siblings, he knows he can never be Rick’s mate.
Pushing aside their doubts and insecurities, they grow closer. But when the pack’s enemies strike, bringing their fears to fruition, Rick and Kai have to decide if they’re willing to risk it all to be together.
Point of view:
3rd person. Alternating between Rick & Kai.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
This was my first experience with Kiki Clark and Kirt Graves and I really enjoyed it. Clark has created a really unique world here – shifters but without the typical fated mates aspect, though it’s definitely instant attraction. While each book in the series follows the relationship of a couple giving them an HEA, there’s also a series story arc that runs throughout the books, so you’ll want to listen to them all and in order.
There’s a lot of world building going on but Clark does a good job of keeping it interesting and I didn’t feel like the pace was affected by it. While Rick & Kai are wolf- shifters – the Kincaid Pack is made up of various animals as well as seers and witches. I’m a fan of books with kids in them and while not exactly a “single dad” trope – Kai’s responsibility for his younger siblings definitely brings all of those feels to the story. I also like that the kids are not just convenient props, Clark has made them an integral and believable aspect.
There are some heavy elements in here such as abuse, violence, and some relationship angst. Tempered by a little bit of humor and new found family. I love the secondary characters as much as the main couple. While Rick and Kai get their HFN, the mystery surrounding attacks on the pack are just revealing themselves to be larger than anyone thinks. I’m definitely looking forward to Keiran & Bennett’s book, The Second and His Bonded.
Narration:
This is my first time listening to a narration by Kirt Graves and I’m absolutely in love with his style and voices. There are a LOT of characters in this book and Graves gives them all unique voices and personalities. My favorite part is that he performs each chapter in a voice corresponding to that character which makes it easy to keep track of perspective. He’s definitely being added to my “find more!” list of narrators.
About the author:
A small town Michigan girl, Kiki has enjoyed reading since she first picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as a child. After that, she devoured everything she could get her hands on and dreamed of one time writing her own books that touched people’s hearts. In her early twenties, she discovered LGBTQ romances and had a realization: these were her people and this was where she belonged. Nearly ten years later, she’s proud to finally join the ranks of authors releasing character-driven, emotionally satisfying books showcasing that everyone deserves to find love.
You can connect with Kiki Clark here:
About the narrator:
Kirt Graves spent 15 years teaching young people how to interpret drama, poetry, and literature. He has voiced over 80 audiobooks spanning contemporary romance, sci-fi, urban fantasy, young adult, and non-fiction. His passion is for telling queer stories, the types of stories he wishes he had while growing up. A tenor by training, Kirt easily moves between characters of any age, genre, and gender. In addition to his work as an audiobook narrator, Kirt is a graphic artist, a podcast host, and an award-winning speech coach.
You can connect with Kirt Graves here:
My Favorite Quotes
It felt like someone had shoved their fist into his chest and was squeezing his heart, making it so he was unable to breathe. – The Alpha and His King by @kikiclark_ #Audiobook narrated by @KirtGraves #MM #Romance #Shifter #KincaidPack
Tweet
I don’t know how… to not be afraid. – The Alpha and His King by @kikiclark_ #Audiobook narrated by @KirtGraves #MM #Romance #Shifter #KincaidPack
Tweet
He’d never felt safer, more cared for, than in that moment. – The Alpha and His King by @kikiclark_ #Audiobook narrated by @KirtGraves #MM #Romance #Shifter #KincaidPack
Tweet
“Do you trust me?” “Of course” – The Alpha and His King by @kikiclark_ #Audiobook narrated by @KirtGraves #MM #Romance #Shifter #KincaidPack
Tweet
Rellim Reads 