Resist by K. Bromberg is the first novel in the Wicked Ways series. The story follows the explosive interactions and chemistry between Vaughn, a server and escort service manager and Ryker, a high-powered divorce attorney. This novel is filled with twists and turns, angst, intense emotion, and all of the other wonderful elements that define K. Bromberg novels. If you are unfamiliar with other K. Bromberg book series—take note: it ends in a cliffhanger.   If readers are fans of K. Bromberg novels, they will thoroughly enjoy Resist.

Consent, companionship, power and control. Vaughn is tough, determined and tenacious. 

When one of her girls needs to take a sudden break, Vaughn will step up and protect her company from ruin. What she doesn't anticipate is falling for the one man she can't have.

Will she give in to her desires and let down her guard to open her heart?

Don't miss this compelling and electric read.  

Note this book continues in the second installment.

Absolutely loved book one in this duet. I loved the strength and courage in the characters.  Loved how Kristy drew me in and left me hanging.

4.5 Stars

I hate spoilers. And I really hate reviewing cliffhanger titles as I'm always afraid by saying some small thing, I'm going to give something away for someone else.

So, I am going to tell you what I thought about this book. I loved it. It was different than I was expecting (nope, not telling you why) and the fact that it went totally not the way I thought it would kept me on my toes as a reader. Not only was I invested in the story as a reader, I wanted to know what was happening. I was dying to see where it was going to go.

And, isn't that what we want in a book? To be so drawn in that you just MUST know what is going to happen next...it's great when a book draws you in so totally.

I can't wait for the next one!! I enjoyed and recommend this title.

This book was original and well written. Vaughn and Ryker have great chemistry, but I feel like the pacing could improve to sustain my interest for 55 chapters plus another book (I assume of a similar length).

It was a good book and  I need the second book right now! Because it ends with a cliffhanger! 
I love K. Bromberg and I liked this book but I can't say it's my favorite book written by the author. Maybe I feel this way because of the cliffhanger? Maybe I'm angry because I don't know what will happen? 😁
 How far would you go to protect the one you love? To the ends of the earth.
It's a unique story. A love story between a madam and a hot lawyer. First I didn't really liked Vaughn. She was a badass (too badass for my liking, or it seemed), a strong woman, who had an 'escort agency', Wicked Ways. But she was not just this woman, she was a complex character and while I was reading the story and became to know her more, I became to like her more. I liked her vulnerable side more than her badass businesswoman side.
Ryker... I liked him. He was a hot and a heartless lawyer or it seemed. He was a rich barchelor who didn't want a serious relationship, he just wanted sex so he went to Vee's agency, Wicked Ways. But he met Vaughn, he wanted her. First he liked the challenge but slowly he started to like Vaughn. 
Vaughn had secrets and these secrets made her character more interesting and likable.
 Sometimes it's the onew you wait forever for who mean the most.
Honestly I liked Vaughn and Ryker together, they were both strong characters and they were perfect for each other. I loved the chemistry between them, there were a lot of hot scenes.
 ...most people look for love in the sunrise, when they don't realize for them it can be found in the sunset.
I loved that the story was written in alternate POVs.
And the ending - despite the fact that it made me angry - was fantastic, it made me want to read the second book right now! 4*

Uhm wow, can't believe I waited so long to start this series! I binged this duet, hard, but first let me start with book 1 in the Wicked Ways Duet, Resist.

The one thing that I loved about this one was that we're given two very strongly-independent characters, but underneath that, is vulnerability and just an entire world of the unknown.

Vaughn was definitely a heroine that you have to wrap your mind around especially with the type of business she runs and the people she deals with. There's a whole other side to her that really highlights her character, someone who fights for those she loves.

Ryker is everything you'd expect from a wealthy domineering man. I'll definitely say that he's a character we've read about, but guess what, I love these kinds of characters and will never tire of them. Because my favorite thing is watching them fall in love.

I love that we're sucked into their story almost instantly, I couldn't put my kindle down. And I was a bit thankful that I was behind on this read because I had Reveal waiting for me in the end.

Yes, there's a cliffhanger and knowing Ryker and how he's prone to reacting before thinking, I saw it coming. And to be honest, I didn't think he'd go through it.

Loved this read and I can't wait to get into the conclusion!

4 Stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog

I could not resist reading K. Bromberg's newest book. I was not disappointed. Resist is book one in the Wicked Ways series and I am loving it!! K. Bromberg has upped her game with this one. The depth of the characters is mind-blowing, the situations are stronger and as the story unfolds, the layers that are revealed are at a pace that makes you want to shake the book and yell 'hurry up"! I was dying to know what's next!!

One of the many things I enjoyed while reading this book is that even though there is depth to this book, there is also banter between the characters that just grabbed me and caught my attention. This has to be one of my favorite enemies to lovers stories.

Vaughn and Ryker are two of the most stubborn, alphas that I have read in a while.

Vaughn is at a breaking point in life and a drunken conversation changes her path to one that is toeing the line but, she is willing to risk it all for the end game. Life has not been easy for her and being headstrong and passionate makes her take the risk for the reward. She just has to stick to the plan and everything will work out.

Ryker is on top of the world and hiring certain people makes his world that much easier. Being on top and having money can attract some questionable people into his life. Guarded as he is, he is struck by lighting when Vaughn steps in his view.

As you read this story and as their story unfolds, you keep wondering until you get to the end, and BAM!! Holy cow! I didn't see that coming. I hope book two comes out asap.

As a long time fan of Ms. Bromberg, this story just shows her amazing ability of storytelling. From an opening of a story that pulls you in straight away and will keep you reading the paged until the very end. You will not be disappointed.

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.***

I really enjoyed this book. The romance was very engaging and I really enjoyed the way the characters interacted with each other.

I would recommend this book if you enjoy a good romance that keeps your attention,

Another K. Bromberg hit! Resist is the first of a contemporary romance duet! Vaughn and Ryker are so much fun to watch. It's sexy and emotional. Bromberg's books are never just one dimensional. The cliffhanger will leave you demanding book two!

Wow. Just wow. I loved this book so freaking much! And then it went and killed me at the the end there. 
The characters are incredible in this one. 
Vaughn is a madam. At first I was like wtf? Am I supposed to care for a person like that? But after I got to know her and what her motives are,I loved her so much. Vaughn is strong, loyal, brave and so fiercely loving that I couldn't help but love her.
Ryker is a client who hires one of Vaughn's girls. Only the girl is not available. And so Ryker pretty much blackmails Vaughn into seeing him. Again, I was like wth? He is despicable! And boy,was I wrong! These characters do what they have to in order to survive and get what they want. Even if what they do is quite questionable morally speaking. And I just wanted them to be happy and safe and protected at all costs. 
The chemistry between these two was off the charts. The sex scenes- fire. It takes a while to get to them but they are so worth it. 
Also,there's diversity with Vaughn's niece who is an adorable cinnamon roll and I want more of her in the next book. 
Be warned though, that the cliffhanger is a killer in this one. How in the world am I supposed to wait for the next book???
Huge thank you to netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Such a fun and sexy read. Great story from one of my favorite authors. You cant go wrong one clicking this book. Enjoy!

I normally love this author, but this book just didn’t do it for me. It was super slow, which made the end feel rushed. I also did not like the way the book ended. I know this is a duet, but still everything just felt rushed.

Ahhhh I can't handle it! Kristy what have you done to me? Again. K. Bromberg is the master at bringing us a cliffy's and Resist leaves you with one hell of a cliffhanger! I can't believe  I have to wait for the next book. I need it NOW. Regardless, cliffy or not, Kristy writes this story with passion and has you on edge. It's angsty but sweet, our main characters both have baggage. The heroine (Vaughn) has some terrible demons she's trying to face, but can't quite understand, all while working hard and trying to do what is best for her family.  Then Ryker the hero, is so diluted on love because his job has his head all messed up. He can't understand the reaction and interest he has in Vaughn.

They both have great banter and chemistry, but they both need to focus on themselves. I love these flawed characters and Kristi delivers every time!

This was another great story, and I can't wait to to get more of these two. Now excuse me while I cry in a corner.

Vaughn has good reasons for running an escort agency, and those reasons aren't what you might think. No, but they are really the best kind of reasons. There's really only one thing she loves, lives for, and then Ryker swoops into her life and disrupts that life. Despite her sky-high walls that are thicker than Fort Knox, he somehow manages to get past them. The question is, will she escape from whatever it is they have with her heart intact? If I go by the cliffhanger, then I'd say, MOST DEFINITELY NOT!

I absolutely loved Resist!!! and it's all because of one word - Vaughn. She's amazing. She's strong. She's independent. And she loves Lucy. I can't wait for Reveal so I can get more of Lucy. But let's not forget Ryker. I have to admit I didn't like him much at first. He's arrogant and cocky and a bit of an asshole. But I could tell feelings were creeping up on him and that he really didn't know what to do with those feelings. Typical male...and at the end, after that devastating cliffhanger, he was much worse than a BIT of an asshole, he was a full on douchnozzle, twatwaffle, and all the other bad terms you can think of for someone who'd betray Vaughn that way. But...there's a big but, I have hopes that all is not as it seems and that Ryker has an agenda for what he did that broke Vaughn's heart. All I know is that I expect some serious ass kissing in Reveal before (if) Vaughn deigns to give him the time of day, or I will be very disappointed.

Resist is full of secrets and head games and a push and pull that will drive you mad! The tension, the chemistry between Vaughn and Ryker is so electric that my Kindle damn near melted from it. Whew! If you are the type of reader that revels in alphaholes being brought to their knees like I am, then I highly recommend you download your own copy of Resist. It's delicious, absolutely addicting, and I cannot wait for the conclusion! Like I said, I expect some serious groveling and I am pretty sure K. Bromberg won't let me down.

Dark and light clash, past and present collide, lies and secrets abound as Ryker and Vaughn discover each other in a push and pull power struggle as they grapple with trusting each other enough to show their true selves. Intriguing and tempestuous with a cliffhanger that will have you gasping for more.

Dynamite! One word that encapsulates this story to a tee.  Having gone into this story a bit blind, I was surprised at the depth and the complexity of the issues its characters, Ryker and Vaughn, face.

As the characters reveal more layers of themselves to one another, and the reader alike, it seems the deeper we all travel down the rabbit hole and into uncharted territory, leaving vulnerabilities open for the taking.  

I was completely engrossed in this story.  By the time I reached the very last few pages I felt as though I wanted to scream and throw my book, hurt and confused for its characters.  

It takes a talented writer to invoke such strong emotions; emotions to hold an audience, and keep them wanting for more, Bromberg does just this in Resist and I for one cannot wait for this story’s conclusion when the duet concludes in  Reveal.

As Always, Happy Reading!

“5/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind

Loved this story ... not happy with the ending and having to wait for Reveal..  K. Bromberg knows how to write a tantalizing, exciting story that just draws you in and keeps you captive.  Ryker and Vaughn are electric together.  Unfortunately, after much cajoling and determination to get her into his life, he messes up ... big time.  Now, we have to wait for Reveal to find out how and if he can get her back.
I love Lucy and her story line.  I loved the interactions and how she is really the center of everything, why Vaughn is doing what she's doing and that Ryker totally understood and wanted to be there for her as well as Vaughn.  
I'm excited to see how everything plays out.  But, it's K. Bromberg so I know that there will be more twists and turns, more surprises and I can't wait.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
When I saw this book come across my computer screen up for review in the group, I automatically requested it because of the author. I have loved each and every book I have read that she has written. I didn't really know what this book was about because I didn't even read the synopsis beforehand.

Vaughn is trying to do the right thing in her life and pay off her sister's medical bills. To do that, she starts Wicked Ways, an escort service for the rich and powerful. And at night she works at an elite club. When a new client wants one of her girls to be at his beck and call, she knows which girl would be perfect. But when Lola has a rough time with a client, she can't meet the new client and Vaughn goes instead. Knowing all along that it is a big mistake.

Ryker needs a woman to be at the ready when he needs her, and Wicked Ways escort service was recommended to him. When he calls the madam and she tries to refund his money because the girl isn't going to be available, Ryker wants to meet the woman on the phone. He likes the way she sounds and the way she tries to control the situation. And he wonders how she would be in his bed.

While Vaughn and Ryker clash most of the time, they also sizzle the pages even more. I wanted to thump them both on the head at times because they were so frustrating to me. She wanted to control all aspects of her life and he wanted her to let go and then he wanted to be in control all the time.

While I loved the story and the idea of Ryker and Vaughn, their pain from the past was hard to read but it was part of the story and made sense after learning what they went through. And the ending and cliffhanger had me throwing my hands up and screaming NO! YOU CANNOT END THERE!

So I cannot wait for book two to see what happens between these two and find out if they get a happily ever after.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
Oh, this is a really good start to what is no doubt going to be another fabulous Bromberg series. As soon as I reached the last page I was looking at when the next book is released... because... yep, there is a cliffhanger!

There are some serious boundaries pushed in this book – Ryker pushes Vaughn and she pushes her own. Sometimes you have to believe that the end justifies the means, and here, you will have to be patient and believe in Bromberg's skill as an author to bring you around to her way of thinking. I had every confidence and certainty that she would achieve that sweet spot. For me, the vulnerability of Vaughn is matched by her absolute devotion and strength for her niece. Once Ryker gets that, the whole scenario changes... or does it?

I love the mystery, and in fact had a couple of theories which didn't quite pan out as I expected and have a few which probably will... in September. (How many days away is that exactly? Just asking for a friend!) Oh, I need the next book, like yesterday!

Highly recommended, but if you really do dislike waiting for the next book, you might want to delay a few weeks – me, well I have made sure that I treat myself to a reread of this just before Reveal is due, so that I get a repeat of the goodness herein and the next stage of the saga.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Romance

So, let me just start out by saying that this is a cliffhanger.

Vaughn is a madam who is trying to earn enough money to get out of that business and just care for her niece. A niece who is in the foster care system because Vaughn’s sister committed suicide and her niece’s dad is a drug addict who will stop at nothing to extort the system and Vaughn.

Then you have Ryker. He is a ruthless divorce attorney who only represents men. His family life was less than fantastic growing up and he represents the men in the relationship, no matter if they are deemed good or bad.

This started out quite rocky for me. It was full of uncomfortable situations, blackmail, and so much arrogance that you couldn’t fit it on to the pages. It almost made me stop reading... almost.

Vaughn lets Ryker into her world and in return, Ryker shows a less ruthless side. Seeing the chemistry between these two is a lot like in Driven. There is a push and pull between them and you can’t help but want them to both succeed and fail at their relationship.

I am very interested in what happens next, because right now, I want to throttle a few people. Let’s hope the questions are answered and love wins out.

Potential Triggers: Abuse, Blackmail

I have enjoyed every single book from this author, and this was no exception. Great writing and great storyline made for a one sitting read!