Gina L. Maxwell’s The Dark King is a spellbinding journey into a world brimming with fantasy, romance, and intrigue. Maxwell captures readers’ attention from the first page with her masterful storytelling and richly developed characters. At the heart of the novel is a compelling hero who struggles with both his royal duties and his own desires. His journey is both emotional and exhilarating, driven by a chemistry with the leading lady that is intense and authentic. This dynamic adds depth and keeps readers invested throughout. Maxwell’s world-building is impressive, creating a vivid and immersive setting filled with mythical lore and political intrigue. The plot is skillfully crafted, blending action and romance in a way that feels both thrilling and satisfying. What makes The Dark King truly stand out is Maxwell’s elegant yet accessible prose. Her dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the pacing of the story is spot-on, ensuring that readers are engaged from start to finish.In essence, The Dark King is a captivating read that combines magical escapades with heartfelt moments. Gina L. Maxwell has delivered a remarkable fantasy romance that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next work.

This is a dark fae romance that has a POV from the FMC and MMC- which I always enjoy. Caiden is are typical dark romance boyfriend- he’s filthy rich, grumpy, doesn’t want to admit he has feelings, and into BDSM. Bryn is charismatic, bratty, and all to eager to fall for her dark romance boyfriend.

The story follows Bryn, who won a free trip to a fancy hotel in Vegas, where she meets the king of the Dark Fae and owner of the hotel, Caiden. After a drunken night together… they end up married (what happens in Vegas, right). This night binds them together in a way neither is prepared for….

Tropes: touch her and die, grumpy/sunshine

It’s spicy, but there are some fade to black scenes

"The Dark King" by Gina Maxwell is a captivating journey into a world of mystery and passion. Maxwell skillfully weaves together a gripping plot with well-developed characters, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The intense chemistry between the protagonists adds an extra layer of excitement. A solid four-star read for those seeking a thrilling romantic escape.

I wasn't quite connecting with this one and I had to DNF with the possibility of picking up in the future. Thank you for the opportunity to read the book and I apologize for the inconvenience.

I did DNF this book however… I will go back and read at another point. I think another romantasy put me in a slump which could have affected my rating

This book kept me intrigued from start to finish. It was spicy and definitely gives Katee Roberts a run for her money! Though I love both authors so who can choose?!

I would definitely read this author again. Love the writing style and the words flowed perfectly. Had me reading it within a few days!

Oh, this book was a nice treat. I loved the dark and broody Caiden, and I loved how Bryn didn't care who he was, that she wasn't going to take his crap. They paired well together, even with all the miscommunications. I also loved the plot, even though some of it was predictable, the banter of the characters and the spicy scenes made up for all the predictableness. I can't wait to finish the series now.

I flew through this book! That’s how good it was. I could not put it down. The audiobook is excellent as well!

The MCs, Bryn and Caiden, are just what I want from dark romance. You get broody, sexy, tempting AF, which paired great with a decent plot. The biggest twist I saw was a bit predictable, but still enjoyable and sets up for a bigger story. I love that a lot of my questions got answered without a huge cliffhanger.

On to the next book that just released!

Yes! Love “wake up married in Vegas with no memory of the night before”…. but with a dark fae king, ok that's new.
These two trying to scare each other off only made them want each other more. And trying to figure out who set all of this into motion and who she really was fast paced. I couldn’t put it down.
Loved how Bryn was a PR specialist and just charmed everyone.
That ending though! Luckily I had the second book handy which came out this week!

Thank you entangledpub for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

5/5 ⭐
4/5 🌶️

I got hooked into this story from the very start, it was absolutely captivating. I loved our Dark King and his whole attitude and when Bryn hits the stage I fell even more in love. These two had wicked chemistry and their spice was fireeee. Add in some intriguing fae lore and I was a goner.

I loved how strong both of these characters were. Bryn held her own from the very start, giving Caiden some high level snark that probably would have gotten most people unalived, but she just had this way about her and knew just how to push Caiden's buttons to the perfect point. Their banter was just delicious.

This was also some of the best BDSM I've read in a while (admittedly I don't read a ton, but I do love it) and I loved how focused on aftercare Caiden's was, bringing Bryn out of her subspace was a highlight for me for sure. So were the cuffs, bondage, spankings and crosses *starry eyes*

While I called the mystery fairly early on, it did not detract from the story since so much more surrounding it was unexpected. I really loved the overall plotline and the world that Gina built in this book and I'm so excited to see it continue in The Rebel King. I'm so ready for my guy, Tiernan.

Where do I even begin? There is sooo much going on, and it had me so engrossed in the story I didn't even realize my plane ride was ending. It felt as if we had just taken off, and it was five hours later. Seriously, I was so happy I downloaded the audiobook. I just plopped on my headphones, tuned everything else out, and got lost in Aiden Snow and Avery Reid's voices as they brought Caiden Verran and Bryn Meara to life.

Bryn won a free trip to Las Vegas with a complimentary stay at one of the most sought-after hotels and casinos, Nightfall; little did she know that this trip would change her entire life.

Caiden spotted Bryn from across the lobby of his hotel and felt such a connection to her he needed to seek her out later that evening. With too much alcohol in their systems, they wake only to find they got married the night before. And that my friends are just the beginning of their problems.

This story has it all, from a Dark Fae King to an FMC whose entire life is turned on its head, Steamy scenes as well as BDSM play, Blood Curses, and so much more. I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy Steamy Paranormal Romances.

Happy Reading!!!

Okay, a little late on reviewing what was an ARC (thank you to the author and NetGalley), but this was a fun little read! The plot was decent, I liked the characters, and I enjoyed the background/history of the fae themselves. Plus, who could go wrong with a bit of magic in a spicy novel?

There were definitely some really cheesy lines, but some really lovely ones as well, and I look forward to reading the next in the series when I have the time,

It included:
- Fantasy erotica
- Multiple POV (always a favorite for me)
- Found family
- Sassy characters
- BDSM (not really my thing, but the author didn't go overboard, so it didn't hurt my rating)

Billionaire King of Vegas who is also he is Fae... sold! I really enjoyed this urban fantasy romance by Gina L Maxwell.
4/5 Stars
3/5 Flames for steam
It was an all new take on the accidental Vegas Wedding.
- Ancient Curses and Fae politics in the modern world
- Action packed from start to finish
- Great MMC and so many funny side characters
- The plot was fairly predictable but still enjoyable to read.
Will definitely be reading future books in this series and by Maxwell.

I'm always down for a Hades and Persephone retelling -- they are some of my favorites! Such a fun read! Caiden is dark and sexy and I just love him.

The Dark King is the first book of the Deviant Kings series of interconnected standalones. I’m not usually one that enjoys fantasy but I loved that this book is set in modern day Las Vegas and the Fae are hidden in with humans. Caiden is the Fae Dark King who also rules most of Vegas. Bryn wins a weekend trip to Vegas and after losing her job, decides to let loose a little before job hunting again. Her fun relaxing weekend away turns into more than she bargained for when she wakes up to find that she is now married to Caiden and neither of them has any memory of it.

I don’t want to give too much away and give spoilers but this was such a fun read! The character growth with both Caiden and Bryn was wonderful to read and the connection between these two was undeniable! I loved Bryan’s sassiness and that she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself. And I loved Caiden’s grumpiness and his protectiveness for Bryn and his people. I can’t wait to read the second book of this series and get more of this world!

Oh my, I am not sure there is anything I can say that would fully capture the excellence of this book! The characters, the story, the fantasy, it is oh so good. Do yourself a favour and get your hands on a copy.

<b>My new book boyfriend obsession is here! Caiden Verran is someone I will dream about for a long long time because this man is just epic perfection. I am sorry if I am gushing but this man just ruined me for other book boyfriends for the next foreseeable future! Alpha. Dark. Dominant. Edgy. And a total goner for his mate.
.
Bryn is definitely his match in every sense. She challenged him with her sass and her fearless fire and her beauty. Damn the tension was killing me slowly and I am here for it! This fated mate fantasy was full of twists and secrets. But the best part was definitely the chemistry and the emotional dynamics. It was the best kind of enemies to lovers, forced proximity, opposites attract perfection! Deviant. Heartaching. Swoony. The full spectrum is here!</b>
.
Bryn considered her lucky when she got a free trip to Vegas and it's most exclusive hotel Nightfall..and more so when she meets the owner and Vegas' king Caiden Verran and their chemistry is clicked instantly. She woke up with an wedding ring in her finger and finds out that Caiden is actually the King of Dark Court, the banished fae court living in this world. And they are mates. Caiden has to find a way to end this because of the curse on the royal family that the king will die if he is separated physically from his mate. They are stuck. And Bryn has secrets she doesn't know herself.
.
<b>This plot was fabulous. I was hanging on to every word as the author builds the fantasy part and the emotional part. Caiden has the fitting reputation of Dark King. He is ruthless and merciless for his enemies. He runs his empire with iron fists. And he needs control over everything. Bryn just stormed into his life and messed everything and he couldn't understand why he is obsessed with a human beyond his burning sexual desires. I absolutely love the fated mate trope because there is something so satisfying to read about larger than life and otherworldly and intense emotional connection between two Souls. It always brings so much angst and tension in the story. Caiden was switching between wanting to get Bryn out of his life as soon as possible and never letting her leave his eyesight and it was so sweet torture! Bryn deliberately pushed him and she didn't back down when Caiden challenged her with his dark dominance. I loved how the puzzle pieces fit together so beautifully. I was holding breath in last few chapters as secrets unveiled. Caiden went from an ahole antihero despising his mate bond to jealous possessive overprotective partner who finally gave up everything to keep Bryn safe. When he went down on his knees..oh my heart! I am so looking forward to his brother Tiernan's story!</b>

I reviewed a complimentary copy through Netgalley and Entangled Amara

So good! And that ending! My jaw was on the floor!

Bryn Meara received a free trip to the exclusive and ultra-luxe Nightfall hotel and casino in Vegas. It was supposed to be the perfect escape from her crumbling life. She wakes up the next morning married to the reclusive billionaire owner of the hotel and most of Vegas, Caiden Verran. Neither remember most of the night and he is definitely not happy to find himself in this position.

As the fae king of the Night Court, he knew marriage was around the corner for him. But the plan was to treat the marriage like a business arrangement and that is definitely not happening with Bryn. The attraction he feels convinces him that he's under some type of spell.

He's keeping her close until they can figure out what forces are at play.

Thank you so much to the author, Entangled and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Entangled for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

Well, this puts a whole new spin on the drunk in Vegas wedding story. Bryn wins a weekend getaway to Las Vegas. But it's a much different world than she knows. Vegas is actually home to the Night Court, an exiled group of fae. And the billionaire brothers who own much of Vegas are fae royalty.

Caiden Verran is the fae king, and he is incredibly hot and totally gone for Bryn. This is a fun and steamy book with a bit of a dark twist.

I really enjoyed the spin on fae lore that this series takes. The fae didn't have wings because of their exile. Additionally, fae have to tell the truth but can get around that with some interesting vague wording and loopholes.

I really enjoyed the start of this series. But it felt this book ended a bit too quickly before transitioning to a set up for the next book. My hope is that we'll revisit Bryn and Caiden for a more complete finish as the series continues.

Rounded up to 4 stars

Okay, this was the spicy book that I needed, holy crap.

Bryn wins a trip to Las Vegas and her luck isn't done there. She then meets Caiden, and sparks freaking fly. They fly enough to get married in Vegas drunkenly, and now Bryn finds herself in the world of fae. A very dangerous world.

As soon as I started reading, I was sucked into the narrative. I loved having both POVs because Bryn was kept in the dark a little bit, and I needed more info. Bryn and Caiden worked very well together (when Caiden wasn't being an ass) and I loved seeing Bryn suck everyone into her world and charm them all.

The pacing was good, the fantasy/storyline was riveting, and the spice was life.

I'm really excited to read the next book!