Member Reviews
Holy hotness! This was my first Gina L. Maxwell book but not my last. Caiden and Bryn are attraction personified - from first glance across a hotel lobby, their fates are all but sealed. Gina weaves a new fae world in the human realm, in none other than the desert and sin of Las Vegas. This story has it all the sordid fae history, Las Vegas debauchery, and a mafia vibe that is so on point for this tale. Add in some very spicy BDSM play and wowsers. The BDSM isn’t something I normally seek out in books but it was so fitting in telling this story. I love the secondary characters in this book also. Excited to see what’s next for Tiernan, Finn, and hopefully the Woulfe twins too
Thank you to Net Galley, Gina L. Maxwell, and publisher for the eArc. All opinions here are my own
The Dark King is a sexy and entertaining read that will captivate readers and leave them dying for more!
From the moment I picked up this book, I was hooked. When we first meet up with Bryn, she’s lost her job and has been offered a dream vacation. When she arrives in Vegas, it’s like all the stars are aligned and luck is finally on her side. But when she wakes up the next morning, Bryn gets more than she bargained for…
I was pulled into Bryn and Caiden’s story from the very first page. I loved their meet-cute and spellbinding chemistry. This story was filled with lots of great fantasy elements as well as humor and a take-no-prisoners female lead character. Bryn totally gave Caiden a run for his money and certainly brought out that dominant alpha male side. Together these two not only steamed up the pages but kept me on my toes as their story unraveled.
The Dark King is sexy, fun, and entertaining. I loved the plot and the easy flow of the story. The characters were equally flawed, intriguing, and frustrating all at the same time, and I mean this in the best possible way. I loved the world this author has created. It not only delivered on the steam but also gave me lots of good twists to keep me to glued to the pages. I can’t wait to discover more of this world that this author has created.
This books starts out with the cliché of the woman going to Las Vegas, going out to the club, and waking up married. But the story goes in a lot of different directions after that. Bryn’s groom, Caiden is the King of the Dark Faes, a fairy-like group and the owner of a luxurious hotel in Las Vegas. Bryn is not a Fae, but Caiden feels a connection with her. As he deals with what he has done, Bryn soon discovers that she was lured to Las Vegas by the Light Fae to try to overturn Caiden’s rule. Fantasy is not really my thing, but this was light enough to make it somewhat believable. The book ends with a a cliffhanger and I want to find out what happens next.
"Then show me," she says, using a finger to brush a wet curl away from my eyes. "Make me yours. Claim me as only my king can."
Wow, what a book. I enjoyed it. The world building is incredible and the chemistry between the main characters is SIZZLING. The author described this as "Neon Gods meets Fifty Shades" and I agree with that description completely. There's love, mystery, betrayal, suspense- everything you could ask for in a book. I recommend it.
I grasp her jaw as I growl against her temple. '' That is not the proper way to address your king, Beauty. Try again.'' '' Yes, Your...'' She pauses, and just when I'm about to berate her, she whispers, '' Yes, my king.''
400 years ago fae from two different courts were exiled from their true home. The Dark Fae of the Night Court came to nothing but desert and sand, and built one of the greatest places on earth. After previous ruler of the Dark Fae died, his three sons aka Verran Kings of Vegas, are now continuing their fathers work. And Caiden is now their current king. After night of whimsical, angsty and careless moments with human Bryn, the morning comes and... they find themselves in bit of a pickle. Bryn is now married to Caiden Verran, the reclusive billionaire. He blames her for trickery, she is confused and they both have gaps in memory. How will they find out truth? Were those feelings real? How many bottles of whiskey can Caiden drink before he is high? And how many Martini's for Bryn? I guess you will need to read this book to find out answers.
This was a quick, spicy and entertaining read! I really enjoyed it! And I agree with others about hints of Neon Gods x Fifty Shades x ACOTAR. I was curious to see how whole setting in Las Vegas will be presented and I was glad to find out that Gina made it work. Fae in Sin City? There must be a story in there and what a delicious story it was.
If you are looking for full on world-building and complexity, this is not the case. But it is entertaining, intriguing, angsty and fun read. With spice that is sprinkled all over this story. For me, it was a page turner.
In this story you will find:
* Forced proximity
* Hidden identity
* Sassy, funny and upfront FMC
* Sexy, sharp wit and dry sarcasm MMC
* Found family
* Magic x curse
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* BDSM playtime (dom x sub, praise, pet names)
* Witty and sexy banter
* Modern day references
* Interesting side characters
* Characters > World-building
* Check TW's
Each book in the Deviant Kings series is STANDALONE:
- The Dark King
-The Rebel King
Thank you to Gina L. Maxwell, Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
I did love this book and the storyline. It was well thought out and read extremely well! The author did an excellent job of painting a picture and I felt I could see this world in my mind and couldn't help but get sucked in! The only negative impression I have if they the ending was somewhat disappointing, but no doubt a set up for the next book!
This was so good! I could not stop reading and was so upset that the book ended. It is totally ACOTAR meets Neon Gods/BDSM. And I am here for it! I cannot wait for the next book!
Can someone get me a cold glass of water? Shewww, this book was hot 🔥!! I'm talking put 50 Shades to shame hot! I had such a great time reading this book. I devoured this in two days and the best part is, that this is book one in a series 👏 🙌.
I loved this dynamic of Bryn and Caiden, they make you laugh and also hold your breath sometimes. Then when things get super spicy 🌶 with those two, it had me blushing. I loved it and it ended great too.
If you enjoy fantasy, Fae, loads of spice with some humor and romance thrown in you should definitely check this out!!
You will love this if you loved:
Neon Gods
50 Shades of Gray
The Black Dagger Brotherhood Series
#netgalley #thedarkking
The Dark king is a really great story! It was a little too spicy for my likes, especially as I mostly read to recommend books for my high schoolers. Which is a shame because the main plot line was excellent. I was immediately drawn into the mystery of who exactly Bryn was. Great story just go in knowing what you are getting.
While this is a fantasy/paranormal and is not a regular genre for me, I liked the book. Ms. Maxwell made her characters and storyline believable. The premise may be the same as many books out today, the story was told that kept my attention from beginning to end. Without hesitation, I will be reading the next one.
▪ "Then show me," she says, using a finger to brush a wet curl away from my eyes. "Make me yours. Claim me as only my king can." ▪
Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC for an honest review.
Oooh mama mia, I think I just fell head over heels in love with everyone and everything. This, this, it is good. Really good. 😏
My heart swelled, I cried, I laughed, I swooned.
Bryn and Caidens romance is such a treat to read. Bryn is smart, sexy, sassy and has so much love to give. Also she is human. Caiden is dark, brooding, scary, hot as sin, closed off and protective of his family and subjects. Ooh and he is fae. The King of Vegas or also the Dark King. 😏 And trust me, he lives up to his reputation.
The scenes between Bryn & Caiden are sexy and steamy and ooh how she gives it back to him! Probably the only who does it and he sure isn't used to it. You feel their energy coming off the pages and it just keeps you sucked in the book.
Betrayal, love, mystery, found family/heritage, everything comes past. I couldn't stop reading and dreaded finishing this book. So yes, put it on your wishlist as it is so damn worth it! •
Tall, dark, and handsome mysterious male lead who is fae king and Vegas millionaire with no emotions fall for the country girl. I honestly really enjoyed this book !
I loved this book. I feel like the plot is original, the FMC was likeable, the stakes were just high enough and the spice was *chefs kiss*. It had some really creative spicy scenes that I really enjoyed. Also that ending! 😱 I can’t wait for the next one! If you like spicy modern fantasy with a healthy plot to spice ratio, this book is for you!
loved this! I loved the main characters so much but I hope to see more of the supporting characters in future books
Just finished the Dark King by Gina Maxwell.
This was a fun and steamy book.
It had all the hot bits you like to read but surprisingly, it actually had a very good story.
There were lots of unexpected plot twists and a set-up for a sequel.
I enjoyed it thoroughly and would recommend it to those who like their fantasy on the wild side.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an eARC of The Dark King in return for my honest opinion.
Fifty shades meets Neon Gods is definitely accurate.. The Dark King gives us a fantasy twist on sin city through the eyes of the Fae. I absolutely loved this book. Bryn and Caiden's love story is dark, twisted and sexy. Gina Maxwell brings us into the world of BDSM in a way that feels respectful and safe of the main character. The spice was brilliant and the chemistry was off the charts. Really enjoyed this book and ended up absolutely binging it. If you like forced proximity, miscommunication and BDSM this book is for you.
Fun read that accomplishes what it sets out to do. Very minimal story building, tbh but at least there was an attempt at a story line. Personally not a huge fan of reading BDSM though but if that’s what you’re into then this is for you. I feel like this was a fifty shade of grey x acotar fan fic.
Thanks Netgalley, and Gina L. Maxwell for the ARC. I liked this book a lot. There were some moments that just didn't make enough sense, but they were minor. It was a great, and quick read. A 3 on the spice scale. I would recommend it to spice lovers
(I will be posting on goodreads, and tik tok)
Thank you! May i some more!
I so fully enjoyed this story. I loved Brynn’s personality and heart. For some of it, I wish she’d share more of what was going on but then loved how the story unfolded. Just dit back and let Gina Maxwell take you through her story.
Thank you, Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. This review is based on my honest views of the book.
3.5/5 stars.
If you want a modern day ACOTAR set in Sin City Vegas this is your book. We have Caiden hailing from the Night Court as the Dark King everybody loves and our femme fatale, Bryn, from small town Wisconsin. She flies out to Vegas on a whim after receiving a free trip to Vegas’ hottest hotel. She got the vacation of a lifetime in a manner of speaking.
This book had enemies to lovers, a sweet redemption arc, snarky brothers, shifters, and fae.
It was a great read with plenty of spice. (There is some BDSM in here so if that isn’t your thing turn back now.) however, my failure to give it 5 or even 4 stars is because much of the plot was predictable. The Woulfe brothers……pleaseeeeeee let’s give them some sort of original name. The overall villain was glaringly obvious.
I enjoyed it….but it isn’t one I’d reread.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.