Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
All it took was four little words…

“Um, hi. Achilles right?”

The moment I turned at the sound of her voice, my world shifted.
Nervous, sweet, and completely off-limits, Harley Jacobs, was standing there, eyeing me with purpose.
Once the fiery beauty claimed me, I didn’t stand a chance.
She became my siren, a constant that kept away my darkness. Gave me a shot at a beauty I’d never thought possible.
The day I left her behind, my purpose was clear.
Become the man worthy of her.

Now, I’m back.
The rebellious teenage bad-boy is long gone.
I’ve fought wars, saved lives, lost friends, and mourned the deaths of brothers. During this time, one thing never changed.
My obsession with Harley.
Nothing prepared me for what happens when the insanely breathtaking bombshell rocks my world again. The sweet, shy girl I left years ago is now all woman, testing my iron-clad restraint every chance she can.
Harley is impossible to resist, obliterating my plans and self-control with a single glance.
I walked away once, taking the biggest risk of my life.
My name is Achilles Kingston.
And it’s finally my time.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2022

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Ahren Sanders

33 books1,655 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author Ahren spent her formative years living in an active volcano. There her family made collectible lava art. She studied rock collecting at the Sorbonne in France. There she met the love of her life-her pet pig Sybil. She returned to the states and started writing. She is happily married to a guy who used to live under a bridge and she met while pole-dancing.

Now, meet the real me. I grew up in the south and consider myself a true “Southerner”. Most of the special locations mentioned in my books are reflections of my favorite places. Living on the Florida coast, my family spends a lot time at the beach which is where I usually can be found with a book in my hand.

Visit me online:
Facebook➜ www.facebook.com/authorahrensanders
Twitter➜ @Ahrensanders
Instagram➜/Ahrensanders
Amazon➜http://amzn.to/1eejSKy
mailing list➜ http://bit.ly/1RrWAR4
Website➜www.ahrensanders.com

FB Fan Page➜ https://www.facebook.com/groups/14405...
Bookbub➜https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ahren...




Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
319 (48%)
4 stars
185 (28%)
3 stars
106 (16%)
2 stars
27 (4%)
1 star
22 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Sonia.
1,049 reviews1,345 followers
Shelved as 'not-for-me'
October 25, 2022
Spoilers ahead on the separation…
X
X
X
X
X
X
The H is in the military and he hoooars it around. The h is celibate, of course😐. Not for me. Oh and the h is the love of his life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hart's Reader Group.
822 reviews38 followers
January 6, 2022
I enjoyed this beautiful story of patient, lasting love. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Casanova Club's stories.

*One issue I had with this book is that Ace, while waiting to claim Harley, was still having sex with other women. While Harley was back home waiting for Ace to come back. If he really loved her as much as he's supposed to, he could have kept his dick in his pants. I also wish there was more back and forth between Ace and Harley. Their romance seemed so emotionally easy. He comes back, they fall into a relationship, and boom...easy street. There wasn't a critical moment where I feared they might not make it. Yeah, there was drama in South America, but that wasn't relationship drama, that was plot drama, which isn't the same.

Still, I liked the story and will read it again.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,633 reviews450 followers
January 14, 2022
4.5 Once a Marine always a Marine stars

This series is properly named because these Men are definitely full of Action, SPEED KING is Achilles (Ace) and Harley's story. This story is not an insta-love story Ace and Harley have loved one another for over 10 years but nothing was ever done about it until now....Let the fun begin!

Harley is one of those characters I think most of us can find a little of ourselves in, she's a hard worker with a determined personality, she has a couple of close friends but only one that she confides everything to, she has also secretly (to him anyway) loved her high school crush for years...even after he entered the Marines and hardly spoke to him for years.

Achilles, Ace, has returned home after serving ten years in the Marines and is now working on the Nashville Police Force with his eyes set on making SWAT. When Ace left for the Marines after graduating high school he did it with the promise to himself to become the man Harley deserved to have by her side throughout life....silly guy he was perfect for her in high school.

Ace and Harley had great chemistry together and I really enjoyed watching them fall completely and totally in love with one another, even if it was a decade in the making. I also loved their friends, Jewls, Major, Talon, and Ford, and cannot wait until each of the guys gets their own HEA. The author gifted us with some Easter Eggs, and I was SOOO HAPPY to see some of my past favorites couples - if you've read some of her previous work I think you'll enjoy this too.

If you enjoy Steamy New Adult Contemporary Romances, Military Romances, Law Enforcement Romances, or the Friends-to Lovers Trope I would recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading!!!

Find out more here ➡ http://bit.ly/NBReviewSK1

speed king by ahren sanders

**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
I also preordered a kindle copy
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
8 reviews
January 16, 2022
the hero claim to be inlove with the heroine yet can’t keep his dick in his pants from other women, while the heroine stayed virgin.. I hate men like this 😒

the hero slept with other women while being inlove with the heroine while the heroine stayed virgin..that’s cheating on my book

Profile Image for Megan Lowe.
Author 17 books135 followers
January 13, 2022
3.5 stars.

This was a solid book.
I did feel the pacing was a little off, with things starting off super fast, slowing down in the middle, racing towards the end, then the end just kind of stopped dead.
I also felt Achilles was perhaps a *tad* too aggressive and possessive for my taste. It was romantic to a point, slightly too bossy and demanding.
I like the core group of guys, Major especially and can see how the rest of the series will play out. But I felt the side characters that came in half, to two-thirds of the way in got so complicated and confusing. I have no idea who belongs to whom and how they fit. It didn’t entirely feel necessary to the story either.
But I liked the story and how different it was for ahren. I would’ve liked to have seen more going on with the police force, but I think that will come in in future books.
Still, a solid book but not my favourite.
Profile Image for Tessa.
692 reviews67 followers
July 28, 2023
Wanna know what I love about Ahren Sanders? She is not afraid to bring the angst and drama into her stories. I live for that shit🤣

So this is Achilles AKA Ace and Harley's story. Ace to put it bluntly was a dumbass but he was dumbass that absolutely adored Harley. I enjoyed their banter and watching Harley stand up for herself. I was a little annoyed with how quickly she forgave her mom and dad, though.

This is a solid read, and I'm looking forward to starting Jewels' and Majors' book next.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,352 reviews516 followers
March 3, 2022
Achilles "Ace " Kingston knew the minute he met Harley Jacobs that she was it for him. He was not ready for her though, he was not the man he needed to be for the next step though. Forging a plan it took ten years later for Ace to be back in Harley's life and with that he has sent some mixed signals doing some damage along the way. He has a plan though and making Harley his is number one, but he also has some commitments that he has to honor as well. Friends to lovers with a learning curve along the way, sets up for a highly entertaining read.

I liked the fact that the author took time to let these two clash at times. They both have matured and they have to learn to navigate from what they were as friends in high school to a couple. Ace is pure alpha male and at times buts heads with Harley. Chemistry off the charts.
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,384 reviews202 followers
January 13, 2022


Amazon / iBooks / Kobo / BN



Ace (Achilles) has come home. It's time he claims the woman he's always loved. But is Harley still there for him? Or has she moved on the way her father has implied she may be doing? It's been a long time since he left, but he had to go fix himself, go figure out if he could become the man Harley deserved. But he's back, and he's about to find out if the kiss he laid on her years ago left her with enough promise that she has kept him in her heart all this time.



I loved Harley. She's sassy and sweet, and gives the very, very alpha, Achilles, a run for his money. Sometimes (A LOT of the time) he was too alpha and bossy for my tastes, but Harley kept the man on his toes, and I loved it, and so did he. There's some action, serious heat, and some side characters whose stories I am seriously waiting for (hello Major and Ford!) now.



ARC provided by author for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

Blog | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bookbub
Profile Image for Phyl.
1,441 reviews17 followers
January 8, 2022
When I saw the name Achilles Kingston I signed up based on that alone. Cool name has to have a cool story, right. The author has created a great world. Men of action, marines.
Achilles aka Ace has been best friend with Harley his whole life. They are destined to be together however he’s holding back, dangerous occupation and all. I liked the premise of the story but felt it dragged in some places. The story could have stand to be a little shorter. I thought with the title Speed King this was about car racing but it is something he is called. You will see in the book. All in all, I did like this read and look forward to the rest of the men’s stories.




Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,304 reviews17 followers
January 16, 2022
Best friends to lovers. Ace and Harley have been friends forever but they part ways, Ace headed for the military and Harley stays back and finishes her schooling. Never wanting to drift apart but it does happen. Harley would do anything to have him in her life, but insecurities make him stay away for a long time. But, it’s time for him to wake up and show his love for her or lose her. These two were HOT HOT HOT together.

This was more than just Harley and Ace. It’s a new series and it follows Ace and his military buddies. Looking forward to their stories. They have a special bond and will do anything for each other. I enjoyed their story.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
3,936 reviews39 followers
January 14, 2022
5 FREAKING FANTASTIC STARS!! Wow, I was addicted to this story all the way through. Ace and Harley will touch your heart...these two were perfect together. I could not put this book down and neither will you, so go ahead and download it.
Profile Image for Renee.
4,239 reviews58 followers
January 14, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

All it took was four little words. "Um, hi. Achilles, right?". The moment I turned at the sound of her voice, my world shifted. Nervous, sweet, and completely off-limits, Harley Jacobs, was standing the eyeing me with purpose. Once the fiery beauty claimed me, I didn't stand a chance. She became my siren, a constant that kept away my darkness. Gave me a shot at the beauty I'd never thought possible. The day I left her behind, my purpose was clear. Become a man worthy of her. Now I'm back. The rebellious teenage bad-by is long gone. I've fought wars, saved lives, lost friends, and mourned the deaths of brothers. During this time, one thing never changed. My obsession with Harley. Nothing prepared me for what happens when the insanely breathtaking bombshell rocks my world again. The sweet, shy girl I left years ago is now all woman, testing my iron-clad restrain every chance she can. Harley is impossible to resist, obliterating my pans and self-control with a single glance. I walked away once, taking the biggest risk of my life. My names is Achilles Kingston. And it is finally my time.

Oh goodness I don't even know where to start because I lost my heart in this book. I am so in love with Harley and Achilles!!! If you have never read an Ahren Sanders book this is a perfect one to start with. If you have you are in for a treat because your about to see some people from previous books in this one and that was so exciting to me. I have to say too that Achilles and Harley are one of those couple that you probably wished you were back in the days of dating or if you possibly had a huge crush on your very best male friend in the world then you are so going to relate. Achilles and Harley have been best friends since high school. But the time has come for Achilles to leave and go to the military and he grows into on pretty amazing man that really goes through a lot. But when he returns home his intention is to build a career in law enforcement with four of his very best friends. He knows that he also still has a thing for Harley and she never gave his heart back once she had it. But she also has grown and come into her own all the time that Achilles was away. What happens when the girl you left has turned into the most beautiful woman out there and you just know that if you don't make your move someone else is going to steal her away before you even get the chance. Well...you have to read to find that out but I promise you, you will love this book so much. Don't even hesitate to one-click this amazing beautiful story.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
10.2k reviews87 followers
January 14, 2022
Ace and Harley have been best friends since they were teenagers and their feelings for each other ran much deeper. After high school he chose to leave Harley and his hometown and has spent the last decade serving his country. He has recently returned home and wants a future with the only woman he has loved and now he needs to convince her.

When Ace left all that remained was a huge hole in Harley’s life and heart. She has created a new life for herself but will the adults they have become love each other the same way the teenagers they used to be did?

The journey between Ace and Harley is emotional, heartwarming and oh so fulfilling as two people who have always belonged together find their way back to each other.
1 review1 follower
January 4, 2022
I just completed an ARC review of Speed King. This book was amazing. In true fashion for this author, characters and the storyline was strong and entertaining. I enjoyed the fact that many of the characters from previous books and series were brought back to life in this book. I have been awaiting this new series and was not disappointed. I have read every book by this author And this book lived up to the hype and the high standards that she has set for romantic fiction. You will not be disappointed. I can’t wait for the second book in the series. This is a “must buy”
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,698 reviews45 followers
January 13, 2022
I have been waiting anxiously for this one from Ahren Sanders - my original romance author obsession. Her writings have been my go to when I need solace or steam.

In this new series we meet Achilles/Ace. In his wild younger teen years, he was considered to be a bad boy of sorts, a real scrapper. One day he was approached by Harley Jacobs, daughter of a cop and therefore off limits. Harley didn't care and pursued a friendship with Ace. The two were inseparable and remained steadfast friends until Ace left for boot camp.
Fast forward more than ten years, Ace has returned to capture the heart and respect of the woman he loves. What Ace is not prepared for is the truly strong, intelligent and self reliant woman she has grown to become. The real question now is whether or not Harley has actually outgrown Ace.
Buckle up your seat belts for this wild ride and be prepared with tissues for tears and fans for steam.

Of course, those of you, like me, who have read Ahren Sanders in the past are about to receive the most amazing surprise/gift. I highly suggest you read along with me. I am looking for more of Ace and Harley and the gang. It will become a homecoming of sorts for you as well.
January 14, 2022
My favorite by Ahren Sanders!!!!!!

This book was so so very good! It is actually my top favorite by Ahren Sanders! I loved Ace and Harley's friendship from the start! Then seeing their friends kind of talk them into spying on each other because they both liked one another as more than friends, and the way Ace was just so....TERRITORIAL towards her..GAHHH I LOVED IT I also just love it when an author can take a trope that I typically dont love, which is friends to lovers and military, and make me LOVE them. Both of those tropes are two of my least FAVES, but if an author I like a lot writes it, I will take a chance, and this is the 2nd author that has blown me away with this.
Ok lets start with one thing. HELLO PIERCING! Godddd Achilles was just, everything. He was a total alpha babe, possessive, he sure had a mouth on him, he was a good man but he could be BAD too.
"I made a promise to become a better man before I came back for you"
Ahren Sanders is such a good tease. That shower scene had me on edge then POOF, NOTHING! She had me waiting! I think I had "bluer" balls than Ace. But when the time actually came it was perfect. I love how Ace was all barbaric when it came to Harley but he was always looking out for her needs and when it came to this he didnt want to just throw her against the wall the first time. Never fear though, after that first time they were like animals with the sex. IT WAS HOT. Like when he seen her in that dress and threw her over his shoulder and they just went crazy against the wall? OMGGG YASSSS
"I love the rough and untamed Achilles." GIRL, SAMESIES!!!!
I also LOVED the side characters and knowing that this is a standalone that is in a series and these characters will be in the future books makes me EXTREMELY happy.
I was also dealing with some heavy anxiety with what was happening during the whole ordeal after that night. But all in all it was a fantastic read and the epilogue was SO GREAT!
Profile Image for Mary.
70 reviews10 followers
February 13, 2022
3.5 Stars!!

I absolutely loved this book, it was filled with all the butterflies and sweetness.
Harley and Ace together, were just swoon worthy and I loved the pace of it, even though it was relatively fast, it still sort of made sense.
It got me out of my reading slump although there were a few things that made me drop 1.5 stars from rating...
The first 50% of the book was perfect and then...

Profile Image for Sheila Schoenauer.
890 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2022
What a perfect feel good story! I just adored Harley and Ace. These two were the couple that you dreamed about being when you were younger. Yeah it took them over a decade to finally get their HEA but it was worth it in the end.

I loved Harley's fierce attitude and determination. I loved how she supported Ace in everything no matter what. Being a military spouse I know how difficult that sacrifice can be and how you just want to pull your hair out and scream at times. The one thing about Harley that drove me crazy though was her need for proper etiquette. What I mean, for example, is how she had to make sure it was okay for her to stay over with all the guys. I mean it was a sweet thought and all. But Ace lived there too. He wanted her to stay and that's all that should have mattered.

I loved Ace but man, I seriously wanted to smack him for taking so damn long to confess his love and desires. I personally would have made him fight harder. Especially for ghosting Harley after their kiss three. years. Ago..... though I did love his neanderthal ways (now that is a true alpha male!).

This was a great sweet romance with a little edgy drama but no mean ex's or nasty secondary characters. It was just that sweet, full of smiles and swoons, romance that I needed. I'm now hoping the other three members of the "Casanova Club" get a story.

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review*
Profile Image for ~lil maso~.
1,695 reviews41 followers
January 12, 2022
When I saw the name Achilles Kingston I signed up based on that alone. The cool name has to have a cool story, right. The author has created a great world. Men of action, marines.

Achilles aka Ace has been best friends with Harley his whole life. They are destined to be together however he’s holding back, dangerous occupation and all.

I liked the premise of the story but felt it dragged in some places.
The story could have stood to be a little shorter.

I thought with the title Speed King this was about car racing but it is something he is called. You will see it in the book. All in all, I did like this read and look forward to the rest of the men’s stories.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*



For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
Instagram
323 reviews3 followers
January 5, 2022
A-freaking-mazing! I’m totally nursing a book hangover because I could not put this book down. It was that good. Achilles, or Ace to his friends, was alpha perfection.

If you are looking for some sexy as hell OTT alpha possessive vibes, Achilles is your man. I highly recommend going all Usain Bolt and reading this bad boy (pun intended). It has the 4 S’s in plethora… Sweet, Sexy, Swoony and Steamy!

I seriously loved this story. It is beautifully written. The characters have so much depth, you really feel for Achilles and Harley. Definitely have a tissue on hand, because the story gets intense. I really look forward to reading about the rest of Achilles’ brothers.

The Gist: Achilles has been in love with his best friend Harley since High School. After 10 years away rocking it in the military, Achilles returns home to build a career in law enforcement with his four best friends. His plan is to have everything in order before he claims Harley’s heart. But Harley isn’t just the sweet pretty girl he knew, she’s a gorgeous grown woman that could easily be swept off her feet by another. Achilles decides that's not a chance he wants to take, so he goes all in to win her over.

I received an ARC of this book and the only thing I got from reading this book was ABSOLUTE satisfaction!
Profile Image for Lisa Petty (Book Bangers Blog).
1,802 reviews19 followers
January 13, 2022
This is the first book I have read by this author and it sure as heck won't be the last. I loved Speed King and the characters in this book. Achillies (Ace) left the one girl who has always had his back to join the military and make something of himself. He did not have the best life growing up and this story tells that. He does have amazing friends in his unit and the friendship of Harley and her family. When Ace finally comes home he has to take a look at things and decide if he is going to let Harley go or move forward and claim her. Harley has always loved Ace, but sometimes that is not enough and she's working hard to make a life for herself. When the men in her life come back full force well she's about to get more than she bargained for. Something I loved about this book is that I knew how Harley felt being the wife of a military man. Even though they weren't married she still worried about her best friend when he was away. Sometimes it takes years, a strong friendship, and the future to see things clearly. Will Ace get his butt in gear and claim Harley before she finds someone else? I can say so much more but I don't want to spoil it. This book was beautifully written and the story just flowed.
Profile Image for Jeananne.
101 reviews8 followers
January 10, 2022
Speed King is the first book in the new series: Men of Action by Ahren Sanders. Speed King is an amazing read hitting you right in the heart and the soul. With a warm smile, laugh out loud moments and even some tears we meet Achilles “Ace” Kingston in this friends to lovers story.
After ten years in the Marines, Ace feels he has become the man he needs to be to start his life with the only woman who owned is heart, Harley Jacobs. Harley gave her heart to Achilles when she was in high school and while he kept her at a distance for a decade their hearts were already imprinted with each other’s love that neither time nor distance could not simmer the fire and passion they felt within themselves for each other. Speed King takes you on their journey of reconnecting and finding what they dreamed about in each other and what of their dreams are real. This is one journey you do not want to miss.
Ahren Sanders writing is like a cup of hot cocoa for your heart on a cold winter’s night. Make yourself happy and pour yourself one and enjoy this read….
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,234 reviews96 followers
January 18, 2022
I am going to love this series

I am in LOVE!!! I really didn’t think you could beat my love for Declan but Achilles I believe just took too spot. I cannot wait for the rest of these “brothers” stories. And to be able to get snippets of all my favorite past couples is an added bonus! ~Jen


"
This is my first book from Ahren Sanders, but it for sure won’t be my last.

I loved this book, a fun and sexy friends to lovers romance, I am such a sucker for this genre. Ace and Harley did not disappoint, the low angst and intense chemistry will not let you put their story down. Your in for a journey of love and understanding and going home to the only woman that owned his heart completely. " ~Stephanie
January 9, 2022
Speed King (Men Of Action #1) can be read as stand-alone and what a great way to start off the series. This friends to lovers book is a solid read with a great storyline. Ace is one hot alpha dude (however sometimes I felt he was a little over the top with his bossiness) and Harley with her sassy attitude is the perfect woman to reel him in. Their story is sweet, spicy and intense at times with just the right amount of intrigue. Although I did feel the pace of the book could’ve been faster, that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s good read. I’m looking forward to reading the other books from the Casanova Club.
Profile Image for Tania's Book Blog.
1,642 reviews19 followers
January 22, 2022
The history and chemistry between Ace and Harley were off the charts. They’ve had feelings for each other since high school but she was a bit younger and Ace didn’t feel worthy of her at the time. Harley was amazing because she always saw the good in Ace. Several years later when he returned she was patiently waiting. He still didn’t think he was worthy of her but she showed him otherwise. Her parents and his friends which were like brothers knew that he was worthy of her. Together they were on fire. They had moments of suspense but everything he did he did for her. And he was such a caveman lol. Their friends were amazing and I can’t wait to read on the others.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,472 reviews142 followers
January 12, 2022
3.5 Stars

Several things drew me to this book the cover and the hero's name Achilles. I mistakenly thought based on the title that this was going to involve car or motorbike racing. The story introduces us to a group of marines who formed a deep bond.

I enjoyed the premise of the story where Achilles and Harley had been lifelong friends but he was hesitant to take it further because of his job. To me parts of the story seemed to drag and were repetitive and Achilles possessiveness and temper a bit much at times. I also felt the pacing was off in places it started off fast then slowed and the ending felt abrupt. The guys are now in the police force and I would have liked more time spent on that aspect. As this is the first book we are introduced to a large group of characters who will be getting their own books who I am intrigued to learn more about.
Profile Image for Gail Stroker.
472 reviews8 followers
January 14, 2022
Another fantastic read by Ahren Sanders! This is the first book in this new series. It’s a friends to lovers story. At first I wanted to hit Ace upside the head for taking so long to tell Harley how he’s felt about her since they were teenagers. Thankfully I didn’t have to wait too long.;) Ace is one bossy man but Harley doesn’t take it she knows how to put him in his place. She’s one cool woman. I loved all the characters in this book and LOVED that some of my favorites from Ahren’s other series made appearances and boy was I one happy lady! I can’t wait to see what Ahren comes up with for the others in this series.
January 13, 2022
Omg Harley and Achilles (dreamy sigh) i really loved this book. I loved that they were friends first so there was already an established love. The supporting characters really added to the live and friendship between everyone. This book is truly amazing. If you love an Alpha male and a take no s***t girl than this is definitely for you. I love this book so much that i went back and bought the other books from Ahren!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.