I really couldn’t resist the cover and I wasn’t disappointed by the story I love a good interesting story about two people defying the odds and anything in between them to find their way to being together. My first read from this author but definitely won’t be my last I’ll continue with the series.

King of Durabia is a fantastic book. The storyline has a perfect flow to it and you will fall in love with all the characters.
Kamran is the next in line to take the throne in Durabia. Ellena is just an average girl, but when she saved his nephew. The King was very grateful and when Ellena joked about wanting a husband. The King offers his son Kamran.

A must-read! Perfect romance book that will take you "away"

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Naleighna Kai has done it again!. Her book King of Durabia blew me away. From page one I was drawn into this romantic suspense tale.

No good deed goes unpunished, or that’s how Ellena Kiley feels after she rescues a child and the former Crown Prince of Durabia offers to marry her.

Kamran learns of a nefarious plot to undermine his position with the Sheikh and jeopardize his ascent to the throne. He’s unsure how Ellena, the fiery American seductress, fits into the plan but she’s a secret weapon he’s unwilling to relinquish.

The Kings of the Castle Series isn't my first encounter with Ms. Kai's work. Slaves of Heaven, Open Door Marriage, and My Time in the Sun solidified her talents as a gifted storyteller. She continues on with this tradition with the King of Durabia.




Stephanie M. Freeman
Author of the Diamonds, Blood and Shadows Series

This is the beginning of a new series. Ellena is and American visiting Durabia when she is involved with rescuing a small child at the airport luggage conveyer belt. Come to find out he is the grandson of the Sheikh and he wants to reward her. She doesn’t want anything, but makes a joke about not having a husband (you know where this is going!) and next thing you know the Sheikh has “given” his oldest son to her to marry! Even though she tries to backtrack the request, that’s a no go. Intrigue, politics and family dynamics all play a part in the interesting read by Naleighna Kai. Will they come together in the end? Who ae the Knights of the Castle? Only way to find out is to read!
Thanks to netgally and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest opinion.

King of Durabia is a great introduction to the Knights of the Castle Book Series. Kamran and Ellena have become one of my new favorite couples. Despite their cultural differences and his conniving family members, they managed to persevere in the end. There are some intriguing twists and turns and I love the fact that the Kings of the Castle make appearances throughout the book.

If you haven't read the Kings of the Castle, I would highly recommend that you do so. It will help you to identify those characters and realize how relevant their presence is in Durabia. However, if you happen to read this amazing book first, then you are definitely in for a literary treat. Happy Reading!

U.M. Hiram, Finally

"Knights of the Castle" is the first book in the newest series. While this is a stand-alone, I would recommend reading the Kings of the Castle as well. This one captures you from the very beginning to the end.

An act of kindness and sacrifice has landed Ellena before the Sheikh of Durabia and it changes everything. Having saved his grandson from severe injuries, she is rewarded a gift more precious than gold. Kamran, due to his inability to father children, has been removed from rightful heir to the throne.

Ellena could sense the treatment of Kamran and stands in the gap defending his worth. Culturally, this couple was worlds apart but they complimented each other beautifully. Their journey was one of deception, betrayal, jealousy, love, and family.

I recommend grabbing this book and looking forward to the next one.

This book and the entire series was recommended on all of my social media platforms. I also interviewed the authors.

King of Durabia was packed full of love and laughter. Kamran and Ellena meet under unusual circumstances and are put together due to even more bizarre cultural norms. He courts her as he teaches her his culture. She suffers through ridicule of his family and some of her friends. This story is action-packed and filled with so much drama. I felt like I was watching an action movie. I loved every minute.

King of Durabia by Naleighna Kai is a multicultural literary feast. This is book one of the nine book Knights of the Castle series. This series is a spinoff of the Kings of the Castle series. The books in both series are standalones penned by various authors and can be read in any order.

American Ellena Kiley is vacationing in Durabia when her quick actions in an emergency situation earn her a reward from Sheikh Aayan Khan, ruler of Durabia. The reward forces Ellena into an unusual relationship with Kamran Ali Khan, the handsome and wealthy former Crown Prince of Durabia, eldest son of Sheikh Aayan. Political machinations lead to a dangerous situation for Ellena and makes it necessary for Kamran to seek help from Ellena’s brothers, the nine Kings of the Castle.

King of Durabia is a more than suitable beginning for another series that promises to be a standout. Naleighna Kai is a master literary talent and she starts this series (Knights) off as explosively as she did the last (Kings). The story grabs your attention on the first page and keeps it until the last. The characters are rich and vibrant with complete backstories. The dialogue is vivid and engaging, and the plot is compelling with exciting twists. I am compelled to rate it an easy 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys multicultural romantic suspense, or anyone who enjoys good fiction. There is some sexual content that may be offensive to some readers, but it is still a must-read.

My thanks to Independent Publishers Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

KING OF DURABIA by Naleighna Kai is the first instalment in the multi-authored, multi-cultural contemporary, adult KNIGHTS OF THE CASTLE romance series-a spin off from the Kings of the Castle series. This is Afircan-American Ellena Kiley, and former Durabian Crown Prince Kamran’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ellena and Kamran KING OF DURABIA focuses on the quick building romance and forbidden relationship between African-American Ellena Kiley, and former Durabian Crown Prince Kamran. A trip to Durabia for her high school reunion found our heroine, Ellena Kiley, rescuing the young, errant child of the King of Durabia. When said king offered Ellena anything she wanted, Ellena said she wanted a husband, and in the ensuing melee, Ellena found herself with the King’s eldest son, Kamran, as her current consort. Several touristy type trips with her class-mates and Prince Kamran, would quickly culminate in a proclamation of love but a relationship forbidden by Islamic law. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kamran and Ellena, and the potential fall-out as Ellena becomes of the target of jealousy, discrimination and hatred in a country where racism and misogyny are rampant and excepted.

Having never produced an heir with his two previous wives, Crown Prince Kamran has been removed from the line of succession but meeting Ellena Kiley meant a chance at love for our story line hero but all is not well in the within the confines of the Durabian castle as threats against Ellena force Kamran to reveal to truth about what was and what may never be. Ellena Kiley knew she would struggle within the confines of Islamic laws so living in the free zone was going to be her only option but living in the free zone did not keep our heroine safe, as she would soon discover.

The relationship between Kamran and Ellena is one of immediate attraction. Ellena is quick to come to Kamran’s defense when his father, all but, throws his son to the wolves. Never expecting a union, the King and his sons quickly discover that Kamran’s love for Ellena, now includes the Kings of the Castle-Ellena’s pseudo family. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several of Ellena’s former classmates: Kamran’s large extended family of brothers and sisters, their husbands and wives; and the Kings of the Castle we previously met in the aforementioned series.

KING OF DURABIA is a story of family, betrayal, discrimination and love; a story of racism, sexism, religion and faith; an emotional and intense story of perseverance and love. The premise is dramatic and impassioned; the romance is captivating and seductive; the characters are energetic and strong.



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From the first paragraph this book grabbed me. I found myself wishing I was Ellena, Durabia take me away! King of Durabia is definitely on my list of books to recommend. Naleighna Kai delivers again!

I cannot believe people rated this book so highly. It’s absolutely ridiculous. It reads like terrible online wanna be fiction. It starts off with no real explanation and a fantastical premise of a king gifting gorgeous husbands. I was laughing at the insanity of it and barely made it through the book. Don’t waste your time!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

From the first page, the story took me to places that allowed my imagination to roam. From the unconventional circumstances that brought Ellena and Kamran together, to the drama and suspense that was weaved throughout the story arc, this introduction to the Knights of the Castle series is highly recommended, especially for those who enjoy a unique perspective in a region that is not known for such points of view. If you have an open mind, give this book a chance. I promise you will not be disappointed.

While Traveling with her high school classmates while on a reunion in Durabia, quick thinking on Ellena Kiley's part brings her in front of the Sheik's, and as a reward he gives her one of his sons, Kamram for a husband. After she stands up for him, Kamram is convinced this is the woman for him and is determined to marry her, although she doesn't want to stay in their country because of how they treat women. Kamram has convinced Ellena to give him 9 days to prove they are right for each other. At the end of the 9 days, Ellena has to make a choice, but what will she decide to do.

If I were to use a couple of words or phrases to describe this book, they would be woah, what the hell, wow and damn. Those were the words I used throughout this story. I especially fell in love with the people who weren't biologically related to Ellena and they were so protective of her (And these characters are found in the previous Kings of the Castle Series). The book was exciting and romantic all rolled into one. I am so excited for the next book in the series

Will their love be doomed by his position in his family...

While this book is a standalone and first in a series, it is a sequel from another series, and I do think having read the first one could offer a bit more insight about this new one.
After, as it looks like it is set in a new place, it was only when the supportive characters show up that I came to understand there were related series.
I must confess I found the courtship period a bit confusing, unable to understand how they could have been so instantly smitten for one another.
But once the wooing was behind them, I liked them and their very accurate talk about religions, slavery, women’s rights.
Ellena is no common person, she is survivor having faced a horrific tragedy. She for some time was seeking a new path for herself, it made her a stronger and very thoughtful person.
Kamran having been denied his rightful legacy found himself relegated to a honorary role, thus offered on a plate as a thank-you gift.
While he is a good man at heart, he accepts without really questioning the world he lives in.
Ellena will challenge him but also disrupt his family’s sense of security.
After her, events will go cascading, unraveling betrayal and treachery.

A very interesting and entertaining read, I had just occasionally some struggles to catch up with some jumps in time.
But do not let that stop you, from one side is an story with quite some actions and then a reflexion about one’s place and role.
4 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Macro Publishing Group, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

“Nine days for me to show you Durabia, to answer any questions you may have. To let you explore the place, the people, the culture. Then you decide.”

On a holiday to Durabia, Ellena Kiley saves Sheikh’s grandson and as a reward, the Sheikh offers Ellena a place in Durabia and his eldest son, Kamran, as her husband. Kamran and Ellena fall in love but Ellena refuses to stay in Durabia because of the cultural differences and the deeply rooted social issues. After the King grants Ellena liberties that common Arabian women don’t get, she decides to make Durabia her home. Ellena is the sister of the Kings of the Castle, right-hand woman to Dro Reyes, and so her mere presence in Durabia brings significant changes in various aspects of the Kingdom. In fear of losing the crown, several members of the Sheikh’s royal family make schemes to eradicate the unlikely couple. Will they succeed?

“He stepped over the threshold and moved from the foyer and into the throne room and an uncertain future. One where he would not be with the woman he had come to love.”

The main characters are worlds apart and the plot seemed quite far-fetched but brilliantly executed. Ellena Kiley is the heart of this novel. She is feisty, tough, and wise. Ellena stands up for what she believes in. Her badass nature is conveyed through her responses to the attacks put forth by the ruling family. Kamran Ali Khan, also the royal advisor to the ruling Sheikh of Durabia is calm, humble, and loyal. He is far from the typical, arrogant, spoiled prince portrayed in pop culture. Ellena and Kamran complimented each other and they communicated well. They had subtle chemistry. Ellena’s huge powerful American family was intriguing. The ethnic diversity in the characters is praiseworthy as well. Amir, Salman, Karman’s half-brothers, and their wives felt repetitive. A smaller ensemble cast that contains thorough characters with vivid shades would’ve worked better for this story.

The author conveys themes of gender, racial discrimination through different third-person perspectives. The story was quick-paced with no unnecessary details. It was straight to the point. There was comedy in grave situations. Witty, dark humor with simple diction.

“Tears are orgasms for the eyes.”

Naleighna Kai flabbergasted me as much as Ellena Kiley had to the people of Durabia. A brave attempt to tell a story with an unconventional plotline. A unique, refreshing read. ‘King of Durabia’ is recommended to all open-minded readers. Do give this novel a chance, it is to be read in one sitting.

Triggers: Human Trafficking, violence.
ARC provided by the Marco Publishing Group and NetGalley. Thank you. #KingofDurabia#NetGalley
Spoiler Quote: "...And if I am going to be a queen, then the first command is that I will hold space for you in your anger and you will hold the same for my pain. We will get through this together."
Full review: https://www.inabookshell.com/2020/07/king-of-durabia-by-naleighna-kai-review.html

I enjoyed King of Durabia. Kamran and Ellena’s relationship was a thing of beauty and strength as they fought through all the obstacles and differences from a cultural standpoint together. The story kept my interest as it moved from one event to the next. Although a stand-alone in its own right, it was a nice introduction for what’s to come.

This first book of the new Knights of the Castle standalone book series is just as good if not better than The King’s of the Castle standalone book series. I love the main characters Ellena Kiley and Kamran formerly known Crown Prince of Durabia. They meet when Ellena had saved Kamran’s father, Sheikh Aayan’s grandson when he fell onto the airport conveyor belt. So as a reward he offers Ellena what ever she needs and wants. Ellena tells Sheikh that since she doesn’t have a husband, that she would like an apartment in the free zone of Durabia. The Sheikh then tells Ellena she shall have both his oldest son Kamran as her husband and a place to live.
I don’t want to give any spoilers but there is a lot of drama, romance, revenge plots, backstabbing, kidnapping and more to where this storyline is a page turner and will have you holding on to the edge of your seat. Your emotions will on a rollercoaster ride.
I highly recommend this book to read and look forward to reading the other Knights of the Castle storylines. If you have not read any of the Kings of the Castles standalone book series, I suggest you go and read those too.
Cassandra H.

I received a ARC from Netgalley for review and this review is of my own honest opinion and review.

I received an ARC of “King Of Dubaria” from the author “Naleighna Kai” via NetGalley.

If you enjoyed the previous books of “Kings Of The Castle” you’re in for a awesome treat. Best-selling author Naleighna Kai and some of the previous authors of “Kings Of The Castle” and some new authors have joined forces again to bring forth the knights and queens for our reading enjoyment. Can’t wait for the remaining books in this series.

There’s a new King of the castle and oh yeah he is all that and some. He’s handsome, wealthy and a former crown prince of his native land Durabia and his name is Kamran the royal advisor to his father the Sheikh.

Ellena Kiley is mentioned In “King Of Hyde Park” book #8 Kings Of The Castle. She works at Vantage Point for Alejandro “Dro” Reyes known as the “fixer” and she is his right hand. She is in Durabia for a class reunion vacation and is at the airport when the great grandson of the royal family gets onto the conveyor belt and Ellena sees him and immediately jumps onto the conveyor belt to save him. The Sheikh wants to reward Ellena for saving his great grandson and Ellena jokingly says she wants a husband, a home in Durabia where she can come and go as she pleases. The Sheikh offers up is oldest son and a home.

Ellena is feisty, speaks her mind and can hold her own. There is mystery, family jealousy, family rivalry, lovable characters and some not so lovable characters etc. Oh and did I mention we get a chance to read about Khalil, Vikkas and Jai and there connection to Durabia along with Grant, Alejandro, Shaz, Mariano, Daron, Kaleb, and Dwayne is was great catching up with them and their queens.
Don’t forget to pick up your copy, you’re in for a “Royal Treat”.
#KingofDurabia #NetGalley

This is an exquisitely written tale of forbidden love. Powerfully developed characters and crisp prose has this story levitating from the pages.

I was drawn in by the captivating cover.

In all her literary brilliance, Ms. Kai has taken a familiar trope and created a feel-good tale of black love!

I didn't want it to end!

Highly recommended to all black romance lovers!