The Reluctant King (The Reluctant King Novels Book 1)

The King family is one of the most influential families in New York City, regarded as modern-day royalty in political circles. Led by a politically connected father, Chancellor, and a socialite mother, the family appears to be the ideal all-American household—but harbors dark secrets. Shadow, the youngest of three children, differs from his siblings. Unlike his older brother Ghost or his sister Lolli, Shadow lacks strong leadership qualities and ruthless tendencies. He prefers spending time with his best friends, Fresh and Pain, rather than accepting his role in the "Monarchy" his father has created. Shadow remains largely unaware of the dangers that come with his family name until trouble arrives unexpectedly. At their mother's fiftieth birthday gala, Chancellor plans to announce his intention to pursue higher political office beyond his current position on the city council. The family's future appears promising—until unforeseen circumstances threaten to unravel everything Chancellor has built. To survive the coming crisis, each member of the royal family must make sacrifices, including those reluctant to assume their place in the crown.