Heat: A Dark Kings Novel by Donna Grant is a good fit for readers looking for a fast-paced romance with a focus on characters overcoming loss and discovering their true selves, with a touch of magical realism.

This book was so entertaining. I was drawn into the story from the beginning and was involved until the end. The characters were complex and interesting. I found the story to be well paced and engrossing throughout the whole book. I was invested in the couple throughout the book and felt all the emotions through both the highs and lows of the story.The side characters were such an integral part of this story as well. This is the love story i needed to read at this time. If you want an entertaining and well written book this is it for you

I was so excited to receive this on netgally but if I am being honest, I was delaying my review because I wanted to read the .......11 preceding books. The writing style, pace, and subject matter is so much in my wheelhouse that I was kind of destined to love it. Really well fleshed out and I'm a fan of this level of "steam". Donna is definitely in regular rotation in my house now, thanks for the opportunity!

Love and tension abound…

I can’t believe this is the twelfth book in the series already! Dragon Kings should really be old hat by now but Nikolai’s story – and Esther’s – was as unique as all that came before it. Yes, there is a common thread but even at the end of this anxiety and tension-filled courtship, there is still a lot more to learn…

My heart ached for the young Nikolai and again when he was faced with a terrible choice as an adult. Haunted by both events, they shaped him into what he became – a strong, moral, powerful Dragon King… Esther was analytical and smart but even she was drowning in the mystery that became her life. Together, they were going to solve the riddle plaguing her and at the same time fall in love…

Full of intrigue galore and a host of characters I still need a list to keep track of, this series is compelling as it was from the very first story with Esther and Nikolai’s romance my latest favourite…

This is the 12th book in a series and best enjoyed when you've read several of the more recent releases, I think.

To sum up, Dragon Kings are fighting a battle for survival in modern times. They have the ability to shift from human to dragon form, and once ruled the earth, but went into hiding to prevent annihilation from the primitive humans who populated the lands. This decision created a huge rift in the community, and a war ensued. Constantine, the kink of all kings banished Ulrik, another dragon king, for inciting the war.

Nikolai was raised by Ulrik, and he's always felt it was a deep betrayal to fight against Ulrik to protect humanity. He's long had issues with his decision, and he wants to make peace with Ulrik. It's a dangerous time, however, with Light and Dark Fae having devious plots, and a rogue dragon trying to destroy Ulrik, Constantine and the rest of the dragons to assume supreme power over earth and humanity.

Esther is a former MI5 agent whose brother has worked to keep the dragon's identities secret from society. Esther got tangled up in the midst, having her mind controlled by a powerful Druid. She's desperate to learn what happened in the three weeks that are missing from her memories. Nicolai has a special gift of sight--he can pluck images from people's consciousness, even if they can't remember. He and Esther head to Dublin to trace her paths and see if any patterns develop. In the thick of this they admit they have a ton of chemistry, and are likely to be fated mates.

I've really enjoyed the series, and this book in particular is really good. There is convergence between several plotlines at this point so that we can see the impending conflict. Many of the characters have found love, but Con and Ulrik are still single. So I'm expecting some page time to them finding love, as well as defeating the threats from Fae and others. The love story was slower to unfold than I had expected considering Esther and Nikolai have had some close encounters before they set out on their mission. I did love how some of the mystery surrounding the Druid has been cleared up, and it's clear that most of our "bad guys" aren't what they seemed to be, at first. Happy endings abound, and the end is clearly near. Looking forward to the next book!

The Dark World series is addictive... In Heat, Nikolai, the Dragon King of the Ivories claims his mate. Nikolai had remained asleep since the battle with Ulrik so many millennia ago. It was Ulrik who had saved, then raised Nikolai, when his parents were murdered by Nikolai's own clan. The king of the silvers had been like a father than a friend and brother to him. When Ulrik was betrayed by his fiancé, Nikolai followed his heart and stood with Constantine. Although Nikolai knew he did the right thing back then, he still felt guilty for now standing by Ulrik. After Sebastian came back from Venice, Nikolai knew he needed to make amends with his former friend. Then there was Esther... Ever since they met, Nikolai has been smitten with Esther North. She is Henry North's sister and an MI5 agent, who is missing her memories. From the moment she learned that her mind had been taken over by a druid, she's been desperate to recover the gaps in her memory. The unknown is slowly killing her. Nikolai's power is to create images. The stronger his link to Esther, the easier he sees her memories. Together they go back to London to retrace her missing days and find the druid that took her peace of mind. In their search for Esther's lost memories, they will find a love that will bind them together forever. But that is not all that happens in Heat, there is soooooo much more! Rhi, Con, Balladyn, the king of the dark and the queen of the light, Michael, Ileesh, the reapers... Heat is packed is secrets, battles, magic, and change... Can't wait to read what happens next!

I've read a couple of Grant's Reaper series, but this is the first I'm reading of the Dark Kings series and I've really enjoyed both! My emotional connection to the characters from this book may have been a bit better if I had read all of the previous books in this series, but I still really liked this book and didn't feel lost. There are some characters that are in both series, so that's a bit of a problem because you have to read from both series to get the full series; I kind of wish that it was all one series, but I do enjoy the whole world that these series take place in. The premise isn't exactly original, but Grant adds a lot of touches that make both series unique. I also love that each book focuses on a different couple.

Heat is about Nikolai and Esther. Esther had her memories tampered with in one of the previous books in this series, so she asks for help from Nikolai. They set out to look for the Druid that messed with Esther. They have great chemistry, and I loved how much Nikolai is there for Esther. Loved all the magical elements and I always love a great dragon shifter romance! There were some slow moments, and for an MI5 agent, Esther didn't quite have the confidence I'd expect of an agent. Overall, I really enjoyed their story.

There's also more with some of the other characters in the 2 series; Rhi, Con, etc. There's still tons of story to be had for Rhi, which I wish would hurry! I want to know! There's major issues in the Fae courts, so there's bound to be some chaos.

If possible, I'd actually recommend starting from the beginning because there's a lot of story going on at once. I'll probably do that at some point too. I'm really looking forward to seeing where these series end up!

Another captivating release from Ms. Grant! Her characters truly leap off the page and become real. It's exciting, sensual and truly page turning. Well done! (again)

ARC received as review

Nikolai maybe my favorite dragon so far, and probably because his name sounds Russian. He was perfect for Esther both in and out of the bed while they search for the Druid.

My heart went out to Rhi. Can the Fae not catch a break?

Ulrik came through for Nikolai. Is there a chance he's not all bad? But will the other Dragon Kings ever forgive him if he repents?

I started Heat without reading any of the other books in this series. I was lost, but sucked into the world Donna created. It took focus to keep up and figure out what was going on. This is not a standalone and ends in a cliffhanger.
I very much enjoyed reading Heat. The writing is great and the story flows well. It's told in multiple POV's.

Fantasy romance books are not really my cup of tea, and although I didn't immediately realize that's what this was - I quickly learned. Given that, I do like Donna Grant and I enjoy her writing style. While the content was not something I loved, her writing is engaging and brings the reader into the story and engages the reader to care and be invested in the characters. I felt a little tired of reading this at times, but I think that may be attributed to the story genre, which for me is difficult to really get into.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As much as i love Donna Grant this book series was starting to get exhausting. I very much enjoyed this book but it left more questions than answers.

Heat is a scorching romance that is sure to melt any heart! The passion, devotion, and longing within this magnificent story will leave you in awe and wonder. Nothing will take your breath away like the exquisite characters of this beautiful masterpiece! They will never fail to surprise and leave you with a happy heart. The revelations revealed will leave you gasping and in shock at the incredible twists and turns that you will encounter. Heat is Donna Grant at her finest!

The Dragon King Nikolai is well acquainted with loss on a massive scale. He also know what it feels like to be an outsider even among friends. Esther is an MI5 agent who has been plunged into Nikolai’s world of magic only to be left changed in the most terrible way. Esther would give anything to have her life returned back to normal except she isn’t sure what normal is anymore.
When Esther asks Nikolai to help her on her journey to claim her life back, he doesn’t hesitate to accompany her. What Esther doesn’t anticipate is that her life is never going to be the same again. Can Nikolai help Esther to embrace her new normal, or will Esther forever be a shadow of herself?

Watching Nikolai fall in love with Esther is almost as breathtaking as watching Esther realize that what she has in front of her is everything that she will ever need or want. These two amazing characters become entwined long before they acknowledge their feelings. Fate doesn’t wait until they are ready to show them that opening their heart to love and magic is the only life transforming revelation that they will ever need

Donna Grant is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with! Her brilliant mind and amazing heart continues to create a world with many complex layers that weave their way into your very soul. She knows how to deeply touch her readers in a lasting way that brings them back again and again for more of her stunning genius! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary epic adventure!

Received complimentary copy from NetGalley~

Okay so wrap ur head around this:

<i>Nikolai is the main male character in this tale and is the Dragon King.

Ulrik is the male king of the Silvers.

August is the male king of the Ivories (THESE guys are responsible for Nikolais' parents deaths!!).

Taraeth is the Dark Fae King.

Usaeil is the Light Fae Queen. FYI those last two HATE eachother...and the dark fae feed off humans souls!!!

Balladyn is a Dark Fae lieutenant and Rhi is his girl.
<i/>

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l3UceqoLtjSvOZC8w/giphy.gif"/>

<i>
Esther is the main female character and a human agent for MI5.

Henry is Esthers brother and also an agent for MI5.

There's also Sebastian...well I'm still trying to figure that one out but I do know his girl is Gianna!!

Then there's Mikkel who is Ulricks uncle.
<i/>


<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l0Exdm9UbTHAFcJi0/giphy.gif"/>

<i>
YES! There's also Isla, Kinsey, Ryder and Broc.

Kellan is also an MI5 agent and keeper of the History of the Dragons. Kellans' girl is Denae and she too is an agent.

There's this Dating Doom posts that are hilarious, but back to the characters...

Eilish I think is a druid, but I forgot to mention Tristan the New Dragon King...whom has a twin brother Ian Kerr.

Although Constantine (or Con) is THE King of Kings!
<i/>

<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/E80WDLrvzeaMo/giphy.gif"/>

<B>No offense to Ms. Grant or the readers but I just wished I had Prince Xplain it to me! <B/>


<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/RsgaFTzDjTuvK/giphy.gif"/>

<i>I tried really HARD to get through [bookcover:Heat|33574153] but this puppy is getting shelved until I get the chance to delve into the other previous ELEVEN books~The World she created sounds complex but so Xciting!!~HINT TO SELF: pay attention to what u request 'DA' !<i/>


<img src="https://media.giphy.com/media/127JeHZl15PRII/giphy.gif"/>

The longer this series runs the more interesting it gets and the more the characters continue to amaze me. If you are a longtime reader of Ms. Grant’s work you know what I mean when I say, I cannot follow who is the villain anymore! I love reading all Donna’s work, but I admit I am kinda partial to these seriously sexy sort-of Scottish guys that can turn into huge fire breathing dragons. While this series began with a clear direction and made readers think they knew right away who the bad guys were as the story has continued and evolved over the years, there have been revelations and spin-off series that are closely related and lead readers into different directions. Nikolai and Esther’s story was a major turning point in the series I think and I am looking forward to seeing where the overall storyline takes us in the end. Nikolai is determined to help Esther uncover the memories that were stolen from her by a mage working against the Kings and, while he lusts after her intensely, he doesn’t believe he is the type of dragon to take a mate. Esther is willing to take help from anyone to try to get back to her true self, but the delicious Nikolai certainly seems the best option. He pulls her like no other and there is no denying that she would love to be able to spend nights in his arms while they work to find a way to recover her lost time. Sadly they soon find themselves in deeper than either ever imagined they could be, not just in their relationship but also in the danger that stalks them. Nikolai was a very interesting male, his special power making him all the more coveted among the dragons and even more crucial to winning against their enemies and protecting mankind. His alpha personality doesn’t keep him from being seriously sweet to Esther though and showing her every moment how important she is to him, and not just as an ally to the Kings. I loved seeing him transform from the sensual and calm artist to the dangerous and deadly warrior in the blink of an eye when anyone dared to threaten his woman. Even when her world begins to fall apart around her he is there to give her everything she needs. My favorite of his traits though was his devotion to his friends, even Ulrik, and his determination to prove that while his friend has done some shady things over the millennia he is still the same essentially good man. Esther was just the type of woman I love to read about, soft on the inside and squishy when it comes to her man, but a seriously kickass woman on the outside who is not afraid to do whatever is needed to get the job done. Her strength and resiliency made her one of the best heroines of the series and I felt she was perfectly matched to the calm but deadly Nikolai. I felt the passion between Nikolai and Esther from the very beginning, but it was always tempered with the emotions that they were already beginning to feel for one another. Overall this was one of my favorite stories in the last few of the series and I can say for sure there were some MAJOR leaps in the overall storyline that lead me to think we are going to have some resolutions to a few questions soon. Of course we still have no more hints on who Rhi’s dragon King is, but I keep hoping for a subtle hint. For any reader that loves some action and a paranormal bent on their romance you can never go wrong with a Donna Grant novel and Heat lives up to that standard, no question. Keep the magic coming, Donna!

What a great book that will keep you hooked from the beginning to the end! You will fall in love, you will be angry, lusty, happy, sad, everything!

Upon requesting this review courtesy of NetGalley (in exchanges for an honest review), i wasn’t aware that it was part of an ongoing series, let alone the twelfth book. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, as Grant was able to smoothly intergrate the ongoing storyline well with the new couple she focused on in this book.

Grant focuses each book on the formation of a separate couple and I feel that I may have been more invested in the way the relationship between Nikolai and Esther formed if I’d already read the previous 11 books. From just reading book 12, I found the pace of their relationship was quite quick; going from stares across rooms and drawing your past, to let’s stay in bed all day having sex because it’s raining, in the blink of an eye really did not do it for me at all. Though, I suppose it would have if I’d watched how the two were before their own feature book.

And the sex. I’ve read a lot of romance, I have expectations in certain genres for what happens and Grant did not disappoint in delivering. If only the writing of it didn’t make me want to cringe every time I read it – I found myself skimming a lot of it because it sounded a bit underwhelming.

I did enjoy the storyline though, particularly the incorporation of the series major storyline and subplots. Plot twists weren’t quite as jarring as a lot of other stories, but they didn’t really need to be in this book because things were always happening to make the story move forward.

Despite initial confusion about character background and previous books, I did enjoy this book and will one day pick up the series from book 1. I think I might have appreciated a lot of the character development more if I’d done that in the first place.

•

3.5/5

I was invited to read this book from its publisher, not knowing it was book 12 in a series. Please keep in mind that I have't read any of the previous books.

The Good:
* I loved Nikolai and Esther's chemistry! This was a romance couple that I could stand behind! They fed off of each other and you could see them both grow as people while they were together.
* Nikolai's loyalty to Ulrik. The fact that he kept to his own morals, but at the same time never betrayed his mentor and friend.
* Ellish and Rhi. No further explanation required.

The Bad:
* Some of the references were hard to keep up with, but I'm attributing that to not having read the previous books.
* Donna Grant seemed to forget that she had just stated something before she would make a character ask a question about it. This happened more than once, and it was beyond irritating.
* Balladyn actually pissed me off. I really liked him, but his ending just ruined everything.
* The Epilogue. Everything except for Von visiting the Silvers seemed ridiculous to me, and didn't keep in with ANY of the story the author just told us.

SO GOOD! I love Donna Grant. I love this series. I love all the dragons. ALL OF THEM. I want them all.

This series is building up to the end games. Reading this series out of order will work for most readers as Ms. Grant gives enough recap of previous events to bring a reader up to date. It is recommended to read at least a few of the prior books to understand the minor characters and subplots. In this one, we focus on Nikolai. Nikoli's history is a sad one and it is what makes him such a good Dragon King. When he has to go against his adoptive father, Ulrik who later becomes one of his most trusted friend and confidante, it breaks him.
The problem with immortals or supernaturals who live a long life, is that things can change. Relationships have to change because it won't last forever. This makes Nikoli very hesitant to get involved with Ester even if she attracts him like no one has in centuries. Their love is slow to start and seems to be even slower to materialize. This works for me because this story finally brings together many of the other subplots that have been dragged out across multiple books.

Finally we see movement between Rhi and Balladyn from the Fae world. It is not the direction I was hoping. There are so many star cross lovers and betrayals in this series, I can't keep up. Including the crazy supernaturals, I am hard pressed to believe this world will survive the different factions fighting. What keeps me on edge is the King of Kings, Con. What is his end game? How is he going to fix all of this? Is he going to fix it? All I see is a huge hundred plus car pileup. As pawns are moved into place or destroyed, knights and rooks are closing in on the Queen. Except, I kind of want the Queen to be taken out in this complicated warfare because she is an evil, evil creature. On top of the Fae fight Dragons and infighting within each of the groups, there are Druids! Druids are blindsided by a female who is coming out of the blue with her powers. Is this a new threat or a possible ally?

At one point, I'm wondering if we even need a romance plot because learning that Ester and her brother are more than what they thought is just as riveting and I want to know more. Uncovering hidden secrets is what this group seems to do best. And what they find out may not be what they really wanted to know. It does enhance the storylines and build a more complex world.

This paranormal romance is recommended to dragon and fae lovers who enjoy fantasy as much as they do romance.