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Riley

I didn’t need friends, but I found a family.
I didn’t need a man, but I fell head over heels for the devil.

All I needed was to keep my little sister safe, but all I ended up doing was putting her in harm's way.

Kai made a promise to bring her home to me, and I knew that once he did, I had to get her far, far away from Hollows Bay.

But how could I walk away from him without my heart imploding?


Kai

I was King of Hollows Bay.
I had it all, money, power, and control over the city.

And then I found my Star. The girl who made my black heart beat again.

But everything changed when I was betrayed by someone I thought I could trust, and with new enemies knocking at my door, I knew I had to let Riley go to keep her safe.

But how could I let her go when she had become my reason for breathing?

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2023

112 people are currently reading
397 people want to read

About the author

E.K. Hunter

9 books173 followers

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5 stars
309 (55%)
4 stars
175 (31%)
3 stars
62 (11%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,051 reviews
August 21, 2023
HOLY GOODNESS. You will experience ALL THE EMOTIONS. Book three needs to come out asap because the ending?? I need more!!

I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are fully my own!
Profile Image for Laura.
594 reviews6 followers
August 22, 2023
Arc copy recieved for a honest review

Oh wow if you love a fiesty female who can hold her own against a hot alpha male then this is a trilogy for you.
Book 1 started off slow and took me a few chapters to get into but wow book 2 just hit the floor from the first page right until the last page.
Riley amd kei are perfect for eachother and there story is told perfectly. The twist and turns you just wont see coming and thats only for starters.
If i could give this book more than 5 stars then i would as it deserves a hell of a lot more best mafia book ive read in years.
Grab this book but make sure you sit down hold on as your in for a hell of a ride.
Profile Image for Libby.
312 reviews16 followers
October 22, 2023
Wow!!!

This was such a roller coaster of emotions. The first book left you wondering if people were who they thought. This one will answer that question. Then leaves you with so many more!

There are also moments of pure love and fireworks. This book may cause you to need tissues, for more than just tears. Please make sure you have them on hand. Kai and his Star are so destructively beautiful. With that being said, I NEED the 3rd book NOW!
Profile Image for Krystina  Boozer.
15 reviews5 followers
August 20, 2023
That was one heck of a wild ride!
The emotions and banter between the MCs is so raw and real, I felt it. I enjoyed every moment of the book. Never once did I feel anything was “filler” or pointless. A lot of little details mentioned in the first book come into play in the second.

My first book by E.K Hunter and I’m a fan! I can’t believe I have to wait for book 3, I’m dying over here 😫
Profile Image for read_with_twink.
200 reviews22 followers
August 19, 2023

Well we were promised a rollercoaster….. and my god did EK Hunter produce that

I laughed
I cried
I was angry
I was shocked

But most of my husband had to console me with that ending 🤯😭

I may never forgive you for that ending but my god I am counting down the days until book 3!!

If you haven’t already read Collide do it now so you can read Implode
Profile Image for Micronova.
206 reviews55 followers
August 23, 2023
Implode is the second book and sequel to Collide of the Hollows Bay Trilogy by E. K Hunter.

This book picks up right where we left off at the end of Collide, with the epic story of Kai and Riley. Once again the plot is killer and the pace is fast and frenzied. There is drama, plot twists, action, lies, deceit, heartbreak, love and that steamy spice that the author writes so well. The evolution of the characters and relationships in this novel were on point. I was again just as invested in the support characters as I was with the main characters. They really do add so much to this novel. The found family trope hits hard in this book and I was loving all of it.

There were a few key moments where I really just wanted to slap Riley upside her head and I am livid, LIVID with the way this installment ended. Once again, E. K Hunter took me through a roller coaster of emotions, even managing to make my eyes water. A teensy bit. Oftentimes I worry that a sequel will not be as good as the original book but I was not disappointed. Implode is every bit as good as Collide was. I will now be suffering from a book hangover while I eagerly wait for the final installment of this trilogy to be completed.

I received an advanced reader copy and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Profile Image for  Jackie.
519 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2023
OH MY GOD!!! No! Just no! How dare you do that to me!!! I am not okay with that ending!

This book was phenomenal and I can’t believe it’s over! I loved this second instalment of Kai & Riley’s story, I honestly don’t know how to process that book. The writing was excellent it kept me hooked from the first page and the more I turned the pages the more invested in the story I became, my heart was ripped out and stomped all over multiple times (in the best way).

The way the characters relationship developed as well as the spice was fantastic and believable and I cannot wait to read the next book! I have to know what happens and I can’t believe I have to wait 😂.

I’m off to sit in a dark corner to see if I can recover from it all!
Profile Image for Leilani Noack.
443 reviews11 followers
September 1, 2023
Holy! This book definitely took you on a roller coaster especially with emotions! Definitely had some twists but man I finished this book in a day and I love it! I can’t wait to see what book 3 brings us and what other twists it has. Definitely a good mafia story and everything.
Profile Image for Emily.
359 reviews12 followers
October 13, 2023
I refuse to believe that this is going to end the way it did knowing there is a 3rd book. There has to be something in the works because I need Kai and Riley to get their happily ever after.

With that being said, this book immediately picks up where Collide ends and it is a roller coaster of emotions from start to finish. There is not a moment in this story that doesn't keep you on the edge of your seat, wanting to either throttle or scream at Kai or cry for Riley. With everything that happens in this story, my mind will be spinning until book 3 comes out, wanting to know if the cliffhanger ending that I read is really true or if there is more at work and I didn't just sob hysterically for nothing.

I loved that in this story as the reader you really get to learn a lot more about Kai, and learn we do because there are certainly some moments that I could have never seen coming and secrets that need to be discussed. In Collide, I feel like we only just got to see the potential of Kai opening up and loving someone but it was never fully discovered and explored. In Implode, we really get to see Kai come to some realizations about Riley and what he wants out of life apart from running Hollows Bay that really help to enrich his character and show a softer, more human side to him- one that has the potential to be loved and love deeply in return.

I also really loved Riley's growth in this story. She has always put Angel first and this story is no different. Riley really does come into her own and find her voice when it comes to things that she isn't willing to give up or negotiate on but the one piece of growth that hit me was her growth in her relationship with her sister. Angel isn't naïve and there is a moment in the book, a very pivotal one at that, where you really see just how much Angel has grown due to everything Riley has done for her. It sounds cliché, but it was certainly the student is now the teacher moment and it really warmed my heart to see how that played out and what opportunities it afforded all of our characters.

FANTASTIC read, one that has left me without words or the ability to stop crying. I'm not sure how I am going to survive until the next book comes out but I can't wait to see how this all ends
Profile Image for Nicole  Henderson.
1,321 reviews23 followers
September 12, 2023
This book picks up right where book one left off. Riley has not woken up yet after the car wreck. Kai has not told her that Angel is missing. When she wakes up all hell breaks loose. She is not trying to deal with Kai. This is his fault, right? He started all of this and they are trying to take him down. She and Angel were just stuck in the middle of his mess. She's not lying but will those feeling overcome how much she loves Kai? How much Kai loves her?

Everything readers thought they knew in book one is turned around in this book. Danny is still on the run with Angel. We know why, right? Some players come back into the picture that we thought were gone. This book is crazy. The stuff that comes out will blow readers’ minds. The action is steady with this one. Everyone's focus is on trying to find Angel. Will Kai let Riley go once Angel is back?

This book was even better than the first book. The first book was crazy good so I was not expecting this one to exceed my expectations. The things that happen are unexpected. The ending is one for the record books. Please do yourself a favor and read this series. You will not be disappointed. I cannot even imagine what book three will have in store for readers.
Profile Image for Em.
156 reviews25 followers
June 14, 2024
This review has taken me 15 minute to start typing…. I have just sat here staring in to space processing this after shouting NO! At my kindle and having my 6 year old looking at me like I’m some kind of psychopath….. That ending has broke me!!! 😭😭.

What a wild ride that was! One of my thoughts from the first book ended up being true! This was fast paced, carried on straight away from the first book. There was no messing about in this. One of the main plot elements of this book I didn’t see coming, as soon as it did it made total sense.

I loved everything about this book! I loved the first one but this one was something else, I’ve practically inhaled it. I can’t wait to get stuck in to book 3!!

This may actually be one of my favourite series of the year and life! I’m just in love! E.K. Hunters writing style is just incredible. Love, love, love!
Profile Image for Allison Comis.
754 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2023
This book had a lot happening. First off Danny. I was like no way. So I’m glad it turned out the way it did. He was protecting Angel. I knew he couldn’t have done that. I never liked Hendrix but I didn’t see that coming. He was a creep but I still didn’t see that coming. I was sad when Riley left to protect Angel but when she came back with Miles I was happy. What happened next between her and Kai was a great things. I loved it. I wish she would have stayed put in the safe room but I understand why she didn’t. I love Miles as well. I don’t like how the book ended. Why did you do that??? I don’t want that to be the end but I’m sure Riley will get her revenge. She is a fighter and she will be even more now after what happened. Im sure Miles is going to stick by her side. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Neshaisabookworm’s Book Review.
840 reviews62 followers
September 18, 2023
What the absolute fuck!

This book is definitely going to make you ragey! Be prepared to throw your kindle or whatever format you read on and scream in range, sadness, and despair MULTIPLE TIMES!

Talk about a feels trip, an emotional rollercoaster, being fucked emotionally, an emotional mindfuck, it allllllll applies to this book.

Logically I know this is categorized as a romance so that implies an HEA but I’m struggling hard to see how that fuck that’s going to happen.

WHAT THE FUCK EK HUNTER!!!

WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS TO US?!

I need the final book of the trilogy ASAP!


P. S. Sending you my therapy bill via instagram. 😆 JK…kinda…send me spoilers for book three and I’ll call it even. 😝
1,084 reviews19 followers
September 24, 2023
I Need the Next Book NOW!!!

E.K. Hunter, you have ripped my heart out, taken a hammer to it and then danced and stomped on it. You did this while you laughed and drank some expensive whiskey or a nice sangria, but girllll, let me tell you it’s a long time afterwards that I am writing this and my heart still is not right.

This is one of the best mafia series I have ever read. Implode starts off where Collide ends and the twists and turns in this book will make you dizzy! The connection between these two characters could be felt as it flew off the pages and all the deceit and backstabbing - I felt it all!!!

I need book 3, it’s not fair that you are making me wait! I believe you when you say you are going to piece me back together but in the mean time, I am suffering in one of the best ways possible!! These books will be stories I carry with me for a long, long time. If you are looking for an amazing mafia series, one click this now!
Profile Image for Nyxie.
267 reviews14 followers
August 28, 2023
This book!!! WOW
This was such an amazing read !

I think this is one of the best books I've read this year.
The first book was amazing, but this one is so much BETTER!

Fave quotes:

"From the minute I saw you, Star, I knew I
wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.


"I remember everything about you, Riley, every
second I've ever spent with you will live with
me until I take my last breath."

Kai is Riley's perfect other half. The love they have for each other is simply beautiful.

This book is an absolute roller-coaster - I was not prepared for that cliffhanger!

I desperately need book 3 NOW, please & thank you!
Profile Image for Library.of.linds.
617 reviews31 followers
September 4, 2023
oh. my. god.

This is book two in the Hollows Bay trilogy, and book one absolutely needs a to be read before this one. If you haven’t read book one, this review will contain spoilers for book one.

We pick up where book one left off. After being kidnapped along with her sister, Riley is unconscious after her and Angel are on a horrible car wreck. Danny has kidnapped Angel before Kai rescues Riley.

Not having her sister with her, she absolutely hates Kai. She blames him for everything bad that’s happening in her life, however she still has feelings for him.

Now she has to try to distance herself from the love of her life, figure out some way to find and rescue her sister, and also figure out what her future will look like.

This book is filled full of suspense and all of the feelings. I read it in one sitting and I can’t put it down. Once again, we’re left on a cliffhanger and I cannot wait for the next one!

“I wanted so badly to echo the words, because I did love Kai. I loved every single thing about him, even the darkness, but if I said those words to him, there was no way either of us were getting out of this unscathed. It was a cowardly thing to do, and I knew I was kidding myself, but if I kept those words in, maybe neither of us would break as much as we seemed destined to.”

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
September 11, 2023
A deviously dark romance read

Riley, a girl stripping to get by, developed feelings for Kai, the head baddie in charge of everything illegal in Hollows Bay, and finds out a little too late the downside of this at the end of Collide. As the story progresses depression sets in, war begins, and there may be too many sacrifices before it all ends. Implode is a deviously dark romance read. This book does end on a cliffhanger and is book two of the trilogy, I have a little bit of hate going on for the author at this point and hope that they will redeem themselves in book three.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Profile Image for Kristina Gehrls.
277 reviews
October 2, 2023
This is book two in the Hollows Bay trilogy. This book picks up right where book one left off.

Riley has not woken up yet after the car wreck. Kai has not told her that Angel is missing and when she does finally wake up, all hell breaks loose. Everything readers thought they knew in book one is turned around in this book. Danny is still on the run with Angel. Everyone's focus is on trying to find Angel.

Aside from the fact that Riley hates Kai, she struggles with her strong intimate feelings for him. Now Riley has to try and distance herself from the love of her life, figure out some way to find and rescue her sister and also figure out what her future will look like. She is a fighter and she continues to be even more now after what happened. I’m sure Riley will get her revenge and I’m sure Miles is going to stick by her side.

There is a lot that happens in this book. The action is steady with this one. The things that happen are unexpected. This book is filled with suspense and all of the feelings. This book was just as amazing as the first book. Once again, we’re left on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read book three to see how it all ends. Please do yourself a favor and read this series. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Lisa.
469 reviews16 followers
September 1, 2023
This author has done it again in book 2
Riley wakes up in hospital confused and in pain she can’t remember what happened
Kai is beside himself with worry not only is Riley hurt but Angel her sister has been kidnapped and one of his men Danny has betrayed him
Once Riley finds out everything and is back home with Kia she refuses to have anything to do with him due to Angel kidnapping she receives a call from Danny claiming his been set up and Angel is safe but he need the proof before he can get Angel back home or himself home because Kia out for his blood
112 reviews15 followers
September 9, 2023
I was so excited to dive into this book after the cliffhanger from book one! I was happily shocked with the new curves that were thrown at us. At one point all I could think was “well done E. K. Hunter.” The middle sent me on a wild ride that included laughs, tears, swooning, and maybe a blush or two. But that ending. I. Am. Not. Okay.

A few of my fav aspects from this book to entice you to read this series:

❣️Strong FMC and strong MMC leading to explosive conflicts and resolutions
❣️Sulking
❣️HOT Spice
❣️ Surprise wedding

Book 3 is in the works and I am preparing now for the emotional rollercoaster I know is coming!

If you have not read Collide or Implode I highly recommend you do!
Profile Image for Susan .
900 reviews
September 14, 2023
nooooooo say it isn’t so

A roller coaster of events! So suspenseful. I was right about the ending of book one leading into two. 🫣😬 I was not expecting that well most of that. We do learn more in this book about who is targeting Kai.

Such a great book can’t wait for the final book! The beginning of book two kinda givers a recap but of what happened in book 1. Horrible cliffhanger.

If I could give 10 ⭐️s that is what I would give these books.
Profile Image for Marlene.
23 reviews
January 29, 2024
Listen!!!!!! It definitely took a whole complete TURN from the first book "Collide".. Implode made up for it. My little heart was shattered when I finally got attached to a character. There was no way he got ripped out that quickly from this whole book (I still can't shake my head off from Danny being gone like that).
Some part of me still feel uneasy on how everything played out in the end, I still have so many unanswered questions. I hope Explode explains everything. I just can't turn my head and move on. I was just getting into this whole "Riley & Kai" thug love story.
Profile Image for Dusty Shirley.
853 reviews11 followers
September 18, 2023
Intense bawling

Implode is beyond correct. EK literally just blew up everything. My heart, along with Riley's. I thought halfway through the book that it couldn't get any worse, and it did. I honestly don't know how I will recover from this. If you loved book 1. You will love and hate book 2. I can't even form words.
Profile Image for Rosa Dunahue.
1,322 reviews24 followers
September 24, 2023
Our journey with Kai and Riley picks up where book one left us. Kai feels betrayed by Danny for what he did and Riley is now recovering from her accident only to learn that her sister is taken by the a person she thought she could trust. But not everything is as appeared as in most cases. We learn secrets and feel the heartbreak the characters goes. But what is most heartbreaking is the huge cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait to see where the next book brings us.
1,462 reviews20 followers
September 12, 2023
This series is so good!

So this series is really good and there's so much action. Kai and Star's chemistry is amazing and they can't be separated. You need to read it! It does end in a cliff hanger, just FYI, but I guarantee it'll be worth the wait.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Natasha.
77 reviews5 followers
September 3, 2023
It’s taken me a couple of days to write this review and not because this book was awful.. the opposite. Actually this book was absolutely amazing. From the first page it took me on a rollercoaster of emotions, I laughed, cried, wanted revenge and was heartbroken..

This books picks up 3 weeks after collide ends and we see the fall out from Riley’s little sister being taken and how that effects both her and Kai’s relationship..
I love how each character has grown and the emotional development each one displays, E. K Hunter was able to trust us
Back into this dark world but also reminds us that what in the outside isn’t always what’s going on inside..

Their are moments where I was sobbing my eyes out so please have tissues ready..
then the ending made me cry out and then I had to just…. Take it all in!!
I am excited for book 3 and can not wait!!
The spice in the books is amazing so sexy and so hot!!!

Please read the trigger warnings before reading this book!
It’s a dark as it is beautiful
Profile Image for Gail Williams.
433 reviews17 followers
September 10, 2023
What a rollercoaster of a book. One minute they’re happy, and the next they’re deep in anger or despair. I’m just glad they have such amazing ‘sizzles’ 😂.
Beautifully written story, it’s like an intricate web of secrets/mystery, and we keep getting closer and closer to the ‘spider’ for all the answers. No spoilers here just read the book 😉. You seriously won’t be disappointed.
954 reviews51 followers
September 13, 2023
This picks up where book 1 ended but also has a cliffhanger. This was so good tho I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read back 3. It was well written
Profile Image for Beverly.
261 reviews4 followers
August 26, 2023
This book left me with what, who, how, and why on my lips. The author of this book slowly breaks your heart into 1000 little tiny pieces, then slowly puts it together with gorilla glue only to take a 12 gauge shot gun and blow it to pieces once again.....and she does it with a smile on her face. She leaves you hanging by that small piece of thread you had when you started book 2, and you just knew there was no way of putting it down. Know this book will put you tears, will leave you wanting with an everlasting ache in your heart while waiting out book 3 like a kid waiting for his birthday. But still, you will want to read the book like an addiction you just can't stop.
Profile Image for Arielle stahl.
689 reviews10 followers
September 5, 2023
This book is full of emotions and has a pretty feisty fmc. If you love books that start off slow gut then hook you in, you will want to read this one. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
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