4.4 stars

This is the first time I have read this author, but it will not be my last if this book is inclined to what this author is like. I was impressed by the blurb and had to read it. It was original and totally different from what is out there in vampire romance. The Bdsm elements were well done. It did not seem cheesy or just thrown in because of the influence of a certain Gray Trilogy. I appreciated that a lot. I liked the banter between the characters and the history. Were there a couple of parts that were cheesy or that made me roll my eyes. However, it was not enough to stop me from devouring this book and staying up way too late because I had to see what would happen.

I loved the sneak peek of what is to come. I will definitely be reading the next book when it comes out.

★”..,what’s life without taking a few risks now and again, am I right?”★

—>>> “I don’t really do anything by half measures. I’m an all-or-nothing kind of girl, so it was either not play or lean into the risk. And what’s life without taking a few risks now and again, am I right?”

A promotional offer for a free weekend stay at the popular hotel and casino Nightfall in Las Vegas has Bryn gliding through the hotel doors, and she discovers things get even better…a free VIP suite due thanks to a reservation mixup AND a necklace! A sighting of the owner, Caiden Verran, one of the “Verran Kings of Vegas” has her heart sighing, but when he pursues her at the casino soon thereafter, an amazing night morphs into a very hazy and hungover morning with wedding rings shining from a night neither remember. I loved the Fae history and realm described, and the Dark and smoldering Fae lord meets his true match in Bryn, a regular little human (or is she…)? I can’t wait to read what is in store next for this series!

The Dark King by Gina L. Maxwell is the First book in the Deviant Kings Series.
I really enjoy this book. When I started reading it I couldn't put it done. I hope to read more from this author.

Urban fantasy with high doses of romance and eroticism. Sparks definitely flew when I read it.

Bryn is human, beautiful, intelligent, strong... and in case I didn't make myself clear, let's repeat it, human. Caiden is incredibly powerful, possessive, king of the dark fae... and her husband. It is a dangerous game, there is a lot at stake; but apparently nothing compares to the irresistible attraction between them.

Don't be fooled because you read fantasy and faes; this is SPICY🌶🔥 Fifty Shades of Grey lacked at least a couple of shades to play along.
Double POV, found family, forced proximity, BDSM, mates, humor... Yeah, I devoured it in one sitting.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure.

~••~••~••~••~••~••~

Fantasía urbana con altas dosis de romance y erotismo; definitivamente saltaron chispas mientras leía.
Bryn es humana, hermosa, inteligente, fuerte... y por si no se entendió, lo repito, humana.
Caiden es increíblemente poderoso, posesivo, rey de los faes oscuros... y su esposo.
Es un juego peligroso, hay mucho en riesgo; pero aparentemente nada se compara a la irresistible atracción entre ellos.

No te dejes engañar porque leíste fantasía y faes; esto es SPICY🌶🔥 A Fifty Shades of Grey le faltó, al menos, un par de sombras para seguirle el juego.
Doble POV, familia encontrada, proximidad forzada, BDSM, mates, humor... Te lo devoras en una sentada.

I enjoyed this title, though I wouldn't recommend it to younger audiences. The story was compelling and I enjoyed many elements of the story which all tied together satisfactorily. The characters were intriguing, the world-building was just right, and all-in-all, it was a decent read.

It’s been a while since I’ve read Gina L. Maxwell. As a result, I forgot what her stories were like and how she draws me into her books.

I was not prepared for The Dark King, the first book in her Deviant Kings series. Holy hotness. I’m an open-door with descriptions reader. The Dark King is open-door, with descriptions but also includes some risque play. Translation, there’s BDSM involved. This story was so good. There’s even the added bonus of a little mini-mystery. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

Caiden Verran is the billionaire owner of Nightfall, a luxury hotel and casino in Las Vegas. In fact, he and his younger brothers, Tiernan and Finnian, own half of Vegas. Collectively, the trio known as the Verran Kings of Vegas are something of an enigma. They’re all attractive, rich, and single. Wherever they go, all eyes are on them. Caiden is somewhat of a recluse, preferring to work in the background from his home or office for maximum privacy.

Bryn Meara is a Wisconsinite who finds herself unemployed, in need of a vacation, and a little excitement in her life. She gets them both when she unexpectedly wins an all-inclusive paid trip to Vegas and a weekend at Nightfall. Bryn’s luck just keeps getting better when there’s a mixup with her reservation resulting in her being upgraded to VIP status and she manages to catch the eye of Caiden.

After drinks and a little flirting, the two wake up the next morning to discover they’re married, with no recollection of the ceremony or honeymoon activities. Thinking they can just return to their normal pre-married life and get an annulment, they soon discover it’s not that simple. Their getting married sets off a chain of events neither expects, resulting in their lives hanging in the balance. While Caiden is known as one of the Verran Kings of Vegas, he is in fact an actual king. Caiden is King of the Dark Fae of the Faerie Night Court and there is nothing sweet or innocent about him.

The Dark King was a steamy fun read. I loved all the characters. You definitely see that Bryn and Caiden care about each other, though they have a hard time admitting so. Bryn isn’t afraid to ask questions or speak her mind and honestly, for Caiden that’s probably one of the reasons he falls so hard for her. Tiernan and Finnian added some insight and comic relief. As I mentioned, there’s a little mystery in this story. Part of it was surprising, but not all of it. The ending was definitely a surprise and sets up the next book in the series. My only problem is the series is called Deviant Kings meaning it's about Caiden and his brothers. But I’m already thinking the co-leaders of Caiden’s security team, Night Watch, need their own stories as well. I can’t wait to read The Rebel King. It promises to be fun and just as hot and steamy.

This book is probably the best of those that I have read in a while.

As an avid fantasy romance reader, I have come to realize that most of these books focus too much on either on the fantasy part or the romance. I have not found a book that combined the two genres so well as Gina L. Maxwell has in this book. I love the arranged marriage/enemies to lovers tropes in this book as well. It was not so basic and predictable as most books tend to be.

Along with that, the amazing plot and the really steamy erotica in this book might have just made this one of my favorite books of all time. Gina, please let me know when you are publishing your next book because I am dying to know what happens next.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author. Loved the spice level!

The Dark King was surprisingly fun and sexy. A great forced arrangement romance that crafts a unique and interesting world. Bring on book two!

Thanks to Netgalley, Entangled Publishing and the author for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review Voluntarily.

Well gosh darn it - now I have another obsession to add to my list and it’s this series. A bit darker than what I usually go for but the writing is so good that I didn’t really notice the foray past my usual comfort zone. I absolutely cannot wait for the next one. Chomping at the bit (and yes, that comment is a little tongue in cheek).

Loved it!

Title: The Dark King
Author: Gina L. Maxwell
Source: 📳 eBook Netgalley ARC

Genre: Fiction, novel, romance, fantasy,


Summary 📚 What happens in Vegas can make you Vegas stay in Vegas…literally. That was the slogan and reality for Byrne Meara. The girl next door from Wisconsin on a decompress mission courtesy of a free trip to Night Fall Casino. Caiden Verran, king of Las Vegas and the Dark Fae, has no clue how his luck is about to change.


Experience 🤔
A bad luck season pivots into a positive turn of luck and free trip, lobby stare down with a millionaire to a night of mystery. Byrne and Caiden wake up with an intense mystery to solve. WTH happened last night?

This fairie fantasy land had me all in. The setting was based in a real human city…LAS VEGAS, which did not require much imagination. The author did a good job of blending the Human and Fae worlds. I was excited how she was able to educate new readers to the Fae world without boring experienced Fae readers.

The dynamics between Caiden and Byrne was good and intense. The blend of BDSM showing the Dom/Sub dynamic was entertaining. 🔥 Their relationship flowed until the secrets and mistrust stilted communication.

The mystery of why they were tricked was suspenseful even though the culprit and motive was guessable before the reveal, and sooner than the confrontation.

The ending was a surprise and gives the impression that there is more to come. This is a good read, with some really hot scenes.

Thank you to the author and publisher for granting me this advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

The Dark King by Gina L. Maxwell was a really crazy ride. Fae King Caiden Verran is enjoying life. He slips easily in to debauchery that is Las Vegas. Bryn Meara is in Vegas to have some after losing her job. When these two meet the sparks fly and the story gets very interesting. There are things happening in the fae world and they are not opposed to using Bryn to get to Caiden. Danger lurks around every corner, but somehow they make their relationship work. I really adored the Verran brothers and their close relationship. Bryn is a smart ass and really gives it to Caiden. This just makes him want her more. Loved everything and cannot wait for the next book!

Dark and delicious the Dark King pulls you in from the beginning! Its focus is the spice and has some good world building, but I wanted it to dive deeper into the characters.

The Dark King is a book that will keep you reading page after page. Bryn wins a free trip to the hottest hotel in Vegas, and after losing her job she thinks it is a great way to escape before having to start looking for a new job. While she is checking into the hotel she notices the hotel owner, Caiden and instantly feels a connection. Later that night she is surprised to meet him at the Rolette table. They have a wonderful start of night having a few drinks, laughing, and enjoying being together. But everything changes when they wake up the next day to find that not only did, they have too many martinis and lustful sex, but some how they ended up married also.
Caiden is not only a reclusive billionaire running and empire in Vegas, but he is also the Fae Dark King of the Night Court. Bryn is hungover and angry that Caiden first assumption is that she must have drugged him. Bryn is also shocked to slowly discover that there is an entire world beneath the veil of Vegas. Bryn finds herself a pawn in the Fae world dark games for power.
It is possible Bryn is in over her head. Caiden is sexy, powerful, and dangerous, and Bryn relies on her instincts to navigate this new situation. But when you add in a Curse and someone trying to kill you, Bryn wonders maybe she should not have come to Vegas.
This is a steamy story, with characters that will have you laughing at the banter, a mystery to solve, an effort to keep Bryn alive. I enjoyed this story so much that I instantly looked to see if there was another book in this series.
Thank you netgalley for complimentary copy.

I have seen this book around and I knew I needed to check it out. Plus, it is the type of book I enjoy reading of pnr dark romance. Yep, the hype is correct that you need to check out this book. What happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas; especially when you marry a fae king. As a dark romance reader, this book had the right amount of spice to satisfy my heat level cravings.

Just like Caiden, I instantly felt the connection between him and Bryn. Which only intensified the longer they were in each other's company. I love that Bryn is a strong woman that could hold her own with Caiden. Yet at the same time knew when to give up control. Caiden is definitely a dom. I am really looking forward to book two. The Dark King by Gina L. Maxwell is a winner!

Oh my god, this book was deliciously dark. I was hooked, and couldn’t get enough of it. It set my pulse racing that’s for certain! Highly recommend if you’re a dark romance fan.

3.75 ⭐️.
*arc via netgalley*
as a whole this book was good i really liked it and it reminded me of the crave serie by tracy wolff especially with the mate trope.
the 🌶 was okay i guess but i wasn’t really into it.
now the only thing that really gave me the ick is some of the dialogues that were a little cringe and gave me second hand embarrassment but yeah in general it was a good read and i liked caiden and how sweet he became with bryn.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Gina Maxwell is an author I was very eager to read because I've heard great things about her previous work. I fell in love with the premise and cover of this, so I did have high hopes going into this. Very glad I loved this one!

Bryn & Caiden were HOT. I absolutely loved their banter and chemistry. I loved the Vegas backdrop and setting of this, and it honestly made me want to travel there more than I already do.

Great side characters and a plot that kept me hooked throughout the whole thing. Bring on book 2!

All is fair in marriage and war.

The Dark King was an extremely seductive tale about the Fae living in our world. With adult flawed characters, an enemies to lovers premise, a captive situation, and death constantly around the corner, this book was such a quick read! The Dark King was a memorable story that fantasy lovers will devour!

“I’d rather be sorry for taking a thousand risks than be safe for never taking any.”

Bryn Meara ended up with a free trip to the city of sin, Las Vegas. I adored her happy go lucky personality and how she could find so much positive even when the world knocked her down. Upon meeting Caiden Verran, a billionaire who owned the hotel she was staying at, there were sparks. And after a wild night with Caiden, they ended up married. But what Bryn didn't realize was that he was Fae. And the king of the Night Court. Bryn found herself trapped and part of a deadly game. But are you truly trapped if a part of your heart wanted to stay?

I’m a selfish fucking bastard who wants to keep what he’s not supposed to have.

Caiden Verran was a multi-faceted man. He showed us he had compassion for his employees and to keep them safe. That he loved his brothers. But he also showed us how he had no problem being dark, controlling and an asshole. Caiden's court was banished to the human world, and they made Vegas what it is today. And his court was also cursed. I loved watching how that played out as the story progressed. The Fae were so tricky, especially with their words! Caiden was sex appeal, danger and control all rolled into a beautifully powerful man. So when he showed us his heart or when he opened up to Bryn, it was impossible not to fall for him.

“So I was thinking, since I’m your prisoner—”
“Guest.”
“Hostage—”
“Roommate.”
She sighs.

Caiden and Bryn together were electric with their enemies to lovers romance. I loved how she had no problem standing her ground when it came to him. He definitely wasn't used to that lol. But at the same point, they were trapped together. So Bryn became a hostage. One who still had feelings and a wild attraction to her captor. Yet her captor felt so much towards her too, even if he didn't want to. Their moments together were beyond erotic. Sooooooo why didn't I gave this book a higher rating, since I loved so much of it? It's because the BDSM was way too much for me. I would have been fine with it once, but that was not how the story unfolded. Butt plugs, being called a slut, spanking, nipple clamps etc just aren't my preferences when reading a book. Just like the moment below, I flinched when reading ugh.

As her next orgasm builds and twists inside her, tears overflow and cause her mascara to run. I use the fingers of my free hand and smear the black drops into messy streaks down her face, then I grip the front of her throat and apply pressure on either side. Lips and nipples both swollen and red, cheeks painted in black tears…

Mysteries, secrets, and fabulous twists filled this story. And there was a sacrifice that was beautiful! Plus the side characters, oh I have way too many lovely words for them to write it all here, but readers will be excited to learn that this world will continue with those other characters. I absolutely loved the story-line and the characters, I just personally couldn't handle the BDSM. Not even a little bit. I read the synopsis on Goodreads, but lesson learned to also look at Amazon because on Amazon it states the book is similar to Fifty Shades. I wish I would have seen that. But here's hoping my friends who love their fantasy with all the spice enjoy this book!

I really enjoyed the PNR. Bryn and Caiden are two striking characters that have a sizzling chemistry together. This was a fast-paced book for me because the intriguing fantasy world and characters sucked me in and I couldn’t stop reading. I will be anxiously waiting to return to this wonderful land in book two.