I was lucky enough to receive this as an ARC and shoot I'm glad I did! Amazing characters, interesting human/fae story - already can't wait for book 2! (The Dark King release date: 9/27/2022)

"Something inside me shifted, changing me irrevocably and tying my should to you in a way I couldn't possible understand in that moment....."

Bryn Meara is a sassy, bratty human from Wisconsin enjoying her free trip to Las Vegas when she encounters gruff billionaire, Caiden Verran. As soon as their eyes meet, their worlds clash in the most unexpected way. Neither asked for the course of events that they are set on, but both are thrust in the middle of far more than love at first sight drama. Caiden is all alpha and I enjoyed every minute of it. Bryn's all in when trying new "things" (insert memories of hot BDSM scenes here) with Caiden. (Check TW)

Every character in this book was enjoyable, some had more "screen time" than others. Some offer loose comedic relief and one made a sacrifice I never saw coming due to some relationship dynamics. (I'm secretly hoping Gina gives us his/her book at some point in the future.) I've strayed from Fantasy/Fae books lately, but this has really gotten me interested again. I'm already looking forward to reading The Rebel King (Book 2) when it comes out. (Amazon has it listed for release in July 2023 - far too long for me to wait, IMO.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled/Amara Publishing for this arc!

The Dark King was everything I was hoping that it would be!

Caiden is the official king of the Night Court and the proverbial king of Las Vegas. He has everything perfectly running and likes it that way.

Bryn has lost her parents and her job. But when she gets an email telling her she has won a trip to the famous Nightfall Hotel in Las Vegas she decides that she needs a reset.

When Bryn and Caiden meet the on Bryn's first night in Vegas there is an instant connection. When they wake up the next day married however it surprises everyone. And that is just the beginning.

I loved both Caiden and Bryn individually. But them together is seriously soo much better.

Caiden and Bryn's story is so good. The story is good and the spicy scenes are so good although I do wish there had been a few more.

I am already looking forward to reading The Rebel King.

Great start to a new series by Gina. The character development was just right. The world building wasn’t too much. Gina gave just enough information to the reader that it leaves them wanting more and i can see the world expanding past the 3 brothers that the series was initially constructed around. This is right up the alley of those that loved Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series. It’s more paranormal romance than Fantasy. I loved the big twists of who the heroine was and Gina did a great job storytelling and keeping the reader engaged and not wanting to put it down. The level of spice in this book was great and not detracting from the story. I cant wait to read the next book!

The Dark King is another HEA that balances some found family, steamy romance, and fantasy by Gina L. Maxwell. This is my first book by Maxwell, but I will definitely continue this series and check out her backlist. She knows the right balance of fantasy & steamy.
The book starts out with Bryn Meara winning a free trip to Vegas after she lost her job in Wisconsin. In Vegas, she meets Caiden Verran and has a fun night of gambling, flirting, & lust-filled adventure. Unfortunately, she doesn't remember a few details about the previous night with Caiden, like getting married. And Caiden owns the hotel and most of the city. He's not only the Fae King, but Bryn finds him dark and sexy.
They have some will they, won't they moments as to whether or not they fall for each other. But I was totally sucked into the story. It's a quick read. The chapters alternate in Caiden & Bryn's POV. The back and forth between the 2 main characters was believable, but maybe a little too cute at the end. In the beginning, the author made Caiden dark and broody then at the end he was a little lovestruck and mushy, That was the only thing I found hard to believe. Trigger Warnings: This book contains open door scenes and violence.
I'm new to the Fantasy genre, but I did enjoy this one as it was also a romance. If you are a fan of books with Fae and the badboy type this book is for you. The only books I can really compare this to is the A Court of Thorn & Roses series mixed with Fifty Shades of Gray. If you like the Fantasy world mixed with some BDSM this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gina L Maxwell (Entagled Amara Publishing) for providing me with and ARC. This book releases 9/27/22.

A deliciously dark mix of Neon Gods and Fifty Shades!

Bryn is a PR manager between jobs when she gets an offer to visit Vegas. There, she runs into the King of Vegas, Caiden. Bryn gets unwilling pulled into Caiden’s world, leaving hers turned upside down. As Caiden and Bryn try to navigate their relationship, darker forces are at play that could destroy Bryn and everything Caiden has worked to build.

This is my first Gina Maxwell book and it will not be my last. She knows how to write an intimate scene!! Bryn and Caiden’s chemistry was *chef’s kiss*. There was angst and turmoil and sweet moments along with darker scenes.

Plus, there’s an actual plot around fae politics that was well paced and thought out. The ending fave the HEA everyone wants while segueing flawlessly into the next book. The Rebel King is already on my TBR and I’ll be waiting (im)patiently got it to come out!

Bryn and Caiden's story was rocky, spicy, and mildly suspenseful. I wanted to love the story, but I just didn't. I feel like there wasn't enough world building and towards the end it felt a bit rushed.. and incomplete. How the two characters even ended up together felt rushed and even though its later explained as to why, it still doesn't help the reader feel the connection and bond that had supposedly developed.

On a side note, I will probably read the next book, since it will likely be about 2 characters who actually might have a storyline and build-up.

*Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this ARC. This review with all its opinions are entirely my own.*

This book has so much to draw you in from the very start. Caiden Verran is the dark, brooding, sexy King and he takes charge of those around him, especially in the bedroom. And when he's faced with the unexpected he will stop at nothing to find the truth and protect those in harms way.

Bryn was hoping to relax after upheaval in her life she's looking forward to a surpise vacation to Vegas. But nothing is as it seems and she's about to be way over her head and completly out of the normal realm. And the one thing that keeps drawing her in is Caiden. Fighting that battle of attraction proves to be dangerous and inevitable for the outcome. As you can't fight fate.

THE DARK KING is a fascinating beginning and will leave readers impatiently waiting for more!

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=79505

50 shades meets faeries 😍😍

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was steamy from start to finish! I fell completely in love with both main characters! Caiden and Bryn hold a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to see more of them! Bryn’s attitude elevated the whole story 😂 I couldn’t get enough!

I definitely felt like we were missing big pieces in some of the time jumps between chapters. I felt like this story could have benefited from being a little longer and giving us some more details. I would have loved to see the relationships between Bryn and some of the minor characters more in depth instead of the small glances we got.

Overall, this was a great read. I completely devoured it. The whole time I was sitting at work I was wishing I could read this book!!!

This isn’t my usual type of book but I throughly enjoyed this book. Caiden and Bryn! They both made me laugh, cry, and melted my heart. No spoilers. Highly recommend this book! I was given advance copy for a voluntary review.

Thank you Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the #gifted eARC of THE DARK KING!

*fans self* This book y’all…. It’s HOT.

Picture a mashup of ACOTAR, The Dark Olympus series and 50 Shade of Grey and you’ve got THE DARK KING.

After a wild night in Vegas, Bryn Maera wakes up to discover she’s married to a stranger. A stranger who is incredibly sexy and who just so happens to be the fae king of the Night Court…

This book is dark and sexy and I couldn’t put it down. And after the ending I’m now dying to get my hands on a copy of the sequel that comes out July 2023!

If you love fantasy, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, found family and witty banter, definitely add this one to your list!

THE DARK KING is out on September 27, 2022!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4980327561
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CikqsM0pHGz/

I finally have a book to recommend to cure the ACOTAR hangover! Fae in a modern setting but, dare I say, sexier?

The Dark King was an extremely easy read and a fun/different take on spicy fae romance. I really enjoyed the Vegas setting, and the banter between the main characters was infectious!

Bryn is a quirky FMC who is unapologetically herself and not afraid to stand up to anyone, including the King of The Night Court. Caiden is the suave, broody monarch who falls to pieces in the presence of one unlikely female, we love a grumpy cinnamon roll. The push and pull/cat and mouse dynamic between these two had me struggling to put the book down and go back to the real world.

The supporting cast was full of fun and endearing characters that I can't wait to learn more about in future books. I'm also chomping at the bit to learn more about their world and the political dynamics of the dark fae. I'm intrigued by the BDSM in this book and the books to come - can't wait to see what the differences are between characters' tastes. I'm not a huge BDSM romance reader, but this was well done and didn't make me uncomfortable.

Though, I really enjoyed the character and relationship development we got in this book, I did feel like right when we were REALLY digging deep, the book was over. My only complaint is that I wanted more. I think it really could've benefitted from a handful of additional chapters, but I am still very much looking forward to book two.

If you're looking for a spicy, fae romance, page turner, look no further!

Thank you Entangled and Gina Maxwell for the e-arc! As always, all opinions are my own.

What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.....

Or should I paraphrase … After what happened in Vegas, you should stay in Vegas.

After she gets fired from her job as public relations specialist, Bryn Meara decides to take advantage of the free trip to the most luxurious hotel in Vegas for a short fun vacation before she hit the track running for a new job.

All of her plans for a casual trip flew out the window when she wakes up married to a billionaire who owns not only the hotel she stays in, but also most of the city.

And the cherry on top, he's the fae king of the Night Court - Caiden Verran.

Too much too fast, she involuntarily got involved in a complex fae schemes for power.

Interesting combination of Fifty Shades meets with fae folklore in Sin City setting… I mean, who could resist that combination.

Deliciously smutty and hot (not for the faint-hearted), with numerous humorous moments and witty back and forth, we follow the story from multiple POV's.

Loved how, at first glance, he's the one commanding and dominating…but in reality, even then, she is the one who has him under her thumb in all the ways.

It was hilarious to witness all his schemes to drive her away, how they backfire spectacularly and leaving him speechless.

Had a ton of fun reading this fiery and entertaining story.

*Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own and not influenced by others.*

This was very charming and well written, and (mostly) a standalone. Things I appreciated:

* the snark and banter
* the world building! It was established early, and then fleshed out through the book
* an engaging background plot to hold together the romance
* honestly, a well rounded romance
* really enjoyable romantic leads.

Bryn is cheery and intelligent and driven. She allows herself submission, but never is a pushover. She feels well rounded. Caiden is so grouchy (to hide his soft squishy heart of feelings), and he really thinks his role as Dark King (as the king of the Dark Fae) means he's so dark and broody. Spoiler, he isn't (and the characters make that joke a lot).

My one minor complaint? The idea of kink somehow being dark, and the fact the book tries to be Dark and Broody (tm) too hard. This isn't a dark romance, it is a fluffy semi kinky romance. And there's nothing wrong with that! I loved it! I want more of that!

I will also add, every time Caiden tried to insist his sexual interests were sooooo dark and deviant, I had to laugh. We got a lot of good bondage and dom/sub scenes, but they were pretty standard. One scene maybe got more in to deeper kink, and it brushed up against dubcon, but Bryn knew what was happening and chose to not use her safe word. So for me, Caiden was less dark broody hero, and more golden retriever who thinks everyone thinks he's a Doberman. He isn't. He's just a sweet meatball dork.

Thanks to NetGalley for this eARC, given for an honest review.

This was the first book I read by Gina L. Maxwell and definitely won’t be my last. I went in blind with this book and was pleasantly surprised. It was in my opinion the perfect mix of fantasy and dark romance. Bryn and Caiden were wonderful and their relationship was absolutely perfect. I am such a sucker for a good groveling and this was top notch.

The introduction into this world was done really well without a ton of information dumping. This does end without solving all the problems they are facing but it wasn’t a cliffhanger. I’m definitely excited to see what happens in this series.

'One of the best erotic novels I've read in a very long time. Riveting as it is raunchy, I happily kneel before this King!' -TheBritishBibliophile_

When a book says or mentions--either on the cover or on the inside--Fifty Shades, I'm as intrigued as I am curious. Usually I read 'if you like Fifty Shades, you're going to love this', or 'better than Fifty Shades'. During these moments, I usually walk away from a read. Why? Because I don't believe in using the name of another book/author, or running down another book/author to bring more attention to the upcoming or released book. A book should be able to stand on its own merit, in my opinion.

However... The Dark King seems to be an exception to my rule. On the cover for this novel is a quote by Helen Hardt. It reads; 'Neon Gods meets Fifty Shades... Delicously dark and sexy!' . Where this is an obvious mention to Fifty Shades and regardless of if either author is a fan or not, I was intrigued as Helen is an author who's opinions I take in high regard and as a lover of both Katee Robert, author of Neon Gods and Erika L James, author of all things Fifty Shades, I was more than lured to give this read a chance, and to finally read my first Gina L Maxwell novel.

Time to meet the King.

As quoted on the cover, we were promised a story which is a mix of Neon Gods and Fifty Shades. Before opening the book, I broke this down in my mind as a story of supernatural-like creatures-meets-kinky fuckery, touching along the lines of BDSM in some way. Given how we know more about the latter, thanks to the continued success of the franchise. This, however, could always change once reading the contents of the book that promised a heady mix of these two already legendary reads. Will it live up to what has been quoted about it? Or will it do the opposite? Gentle readers, I'm very pleased to inform you that Ms Hardt was correct in her summing up of The Dark King.

Where we weren't exactly transported to a world like we were in Neon Gods, the supernatural came to us here on Earth. This is where the fun begins, for these beings are not what they seem. Especially The King and owner of Las Vegas' most prestigious casino & hotel. There is a man with many hidden secrets, AND hidden desires.

Caiden Verran--King of the 'Night Court' and fae--is a man not to be trifled with. Like Christian Grey, Caiden is a man--a fae--who gets what he wants and all who walk behind him or have the pleasure of seeing him, are simply filled with awe at his presence. Though alpha males like Caiden are usually full of swagger and arrogance, this alpha male is proud, passionate and stubborn. For he is not like other men--certainly not like any other leading book men--, he not only has to think about his life in the mortal realm, but the consequences and the domineering world in which he came from. He and his kind may no longer be in the fae world, but their lineage--and its curses--follow them every step they make. Like Bryn, I fell under Caiden's spell the moment I first read about him and from his first chapter POV. Although at times frustrating as alpha males go, Caiden is a very likeable character whom people--such as myself--easily warm to. Yet despite what we first know about him, there is more deep down that we discover as the chapters pass. Slowly unwound is the image projected into this fiction world that is Caiden Verran, and revealed is the man inside whom very few get to see but as a reader, we are privy to seeing him in all his shades of grey.

Standing beside him as fellow novel lead as previously mentioned, is Bryn Meara. As human as humans can get, she is dropped into this world by very unforeseen and unusual circumstances. It seems as almost as if 'fate' has dropped this young, driven lady into the world of kings, queens, and all things fae. Considering her backstory and past--which you'll discover when reading this book--, Bryn is a determined, headstrong young woman who knows her worth and value. In a world full of otherworldly creatures, situations and unexpected events, she is a diamond in the ruff who shines through and is much tougher than she looks. Bryn is every equal to Caiden, in terms of her personality and character. She is his equal. Which he will soon--or rather, eventually--realise.

Where this isn't a story which rivals the ACOTAR series in terms of all things fae and Night Court in terms of detail and complexity, The Dark King is its own brilliant entity. Whereas I did like the ACOTAR series, the detail and complexity of the books, especially stretching into several full-length novels, can be somewhat overwhelming at times. This novel's fae and Night Court kept things much simpler, easy to understand, and not at all complex. I'm confident that anyone can and will be able to pick this book up and not struggle to understand any of its content.

The Dark King was a pleasantly surprising romantically-steamy novel which isolates you from the real world, as the characters themselves have been, taking you on a journey that will test what the characters think they know about themselves, what they'll realise about themselves, and just what true hand fate has to offer them as after all, enemies are often kept closer than friends. And our beloved King has more than his fair share of enemies.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who has any taste in romance, the supernatural, for the steamier book among the bunch, and for those who are looking for their next 'must read' novel. I, for one, am glad to have taken up The Dark King as I not only have found a 'must read' novel, but a top read of 2022.

Hail to the King!

Thank you Entangled Publishing, LLC and NetGalley for this eArc in an exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this new take on Fae, aspect of banishment, dark and light. I wasn't in love with this, every time our heroine got called Beauty my eyes rolled, I think :D that to say it was cringe here and there. But now to eat my own words, I will continue this series. For all bits that were predictable, maybe even overused parts of Fae modern lore, I did find myself wanting to know what happens and i do love forced proximity even if in a form of a curse.

The Dark King gives you everything it promises... fae, oppsie marriage/marriage of convenience, spice, billionaire, Las Vegas, Human girl meets Fae, banter, found family, forced proximity... It is a fun read that is full of spice and has interesting plot. I can see where this book will fit well into the work of IPB, 50 Shades of Grey, & Neon Gods.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I managed to read it in less than 3 days. There are some plot devices (mainly miscommunication, H using sex to get information from h, and the many pop culture references) that werent completely for me but did not stop me from finishing the book. The author provides a ton of trigger warnings at the beginning so I never felt misinformed about what I was reading. Interesting premise, loved the side characters and the end left you interested for the next book.

Rating: 3.5 stars
Spice Rating: 4 peppers (mostly for the BDSM)

Thank you to Net Galley & Entangled Publishing for sending me this arc!

I often break up some of my heavier reads with a good smut and/or fantasy book and this hit ALL the marks for me. FYI, spice rating 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Maxwell successfully created a contemporary world that perfectly meshed fantasy and reality. The presence of fae in the human world was seamless and she put in just enough fantasy without it coming off as cheesy or unbelievable. I really felt as though fae could be walking among us.

The accidental marriage trope gave me It Happens In Vegas vibes, which I loved. And the peek into the dom/sub world was done really well, especially for those that aren't sure if that's something they want to read about.

I enjoyed this book so much, I read it in one day and now I will be VERY impatiently waiting for the 2nd book in the series.

This was such a fun read. The spicy scenes were fantastic and so hot. I haven't read a fae romance in a while so this was so good and just what I needed. I loved the author's writing style. It was very easy to read and very entertaining. I loved the plot and how involved the plot was with the romance. There was a good balance between the plot and the romance which is something that I love in fantasy romances. I can't wait to read more from this author!