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Genre/tropes: paranormal, fae, fantasy romance
CW/TW: BDSM, xenophobia, human & paranormal trafficking

Book 2 in the Deviant Kings series picks up after Caiden steps down from the throne in order to keep him and his wife, Bryn safe. Tiernan is now next in line. Always the party guy, he’s never had any interest, neither was he prepared for this role. Also as the new king-to-be he has to act more responsibly, and follow the rules, and live up to expectations. Meaning he has to discontinue his secret dalliances with Fiona, his brother’s housekeeper. Fiona’s lineage is looked down on because she’s part human. She comes into her own secrets which turns things upside down for her, and further complicates things with Tiernan. However, with vicious forces looking to destroy the dark fae, Fiona could be just who helps save their world.

There’s more mythology between the light and dark fae world that’s explored here which I quite liked. We get more backstory with regards to Fiona and Bryn. They’re puzzle pieces coming together. There’s also plenty of spice, if you’re craving it - steamy interludes, some BDSM. The latter isn’t something I’m into much so I’m grateful the story isn’t heavy on it. Weirdly, I wasn’t as interested in Tiernan and Fiona as I was in Caiden and Bryn. Not sure why. I was intrigued by Tiernan’s vampire friend, though. The political maneuvering, and flushing out of the villains were more what held my attention here.

I’m enjoying this series, and I love the world-building that continues to expand with each book. I’m so looking forward to the next one - 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 which will be out in 2024. So that gives you plenty of time to catch up!

Thank you @netgalley & @entangled_pub for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

*This review originally posted on August 16,2023.

The Rebel King is the second book in the Deviant Kings saga and what a fabulous ride this was. This is the story of Tiernan Verran who never thought he would be king, but when his brother steps down it is now his. He didn't need to marry or have an heir but now so much has changed. Fiona is the housekeeper at the estate, and she is also half human half fae. She is also the tryst of Tiernan but now that he is king this too shall pass, or will it? This was a nonstop journey with twists turns, truths, secrets, and so many discoveries. Loved it!!
~~Michele McMullen~~

The second book in the Deviant Kings series, set in Las Vegas and straddling the world of high powered casinos, hotels, and businesses of men with the Fae world is Tiernan's time to shine. Next in line to be the Night Court King after his brother Caiden abdicates means Tiernan has specific duties to fulfill, and they don't include a dalliance with Fiona, a maid at Midnight Manor. But that hasn't stopped them from carrying on an affair in secret. This is a forbidden love story with lots of twists and turns, secrets, deception and lies - not to mention steamy sex! There are some intriguing secondary characters (such as sexy vampire Dmitri “D’yavol” Romanov) and I hope to see stories for them all. Looking forward to more in this exciting series!

This was such a good read! I loved the book and was waiting for it since finishing the dark king! Tiernan and Fiona’s story was both dark and filled with humor.

I loved the chemistry between the two MCs and Gina’s writing is some of my fav 😍

You definitely need to read the first book in this series but I enjoyed this one alittle more. Tiernan is the typical middle brother but when he needs to step up he definitely does. We already knew who the love interest would be and we knew they had great chemistry. It continues the overall story from the first one and I can't wait to find out what happens in the next one!

I loved the first book and I was excited to start The Rebel King and carry on with the series. I had a hard time connecting right from the get-go, after several stops and starts, I skimmed until the end because I wanted answers but it all ended up just being okay and fell flat. It wasn't executed well and just felt different from the first book. It didn't flow well and seemed disjointed. Tiernan and Fiona's chemistry felt off to me, like I was being told not shown. There were just so many little things that I found off-putting that I just didn't care by the end. I'm sorry to say this didn't work for me.

Book 2 of a fantasy romance series that can be read as a stand-alone, but is better read as part of the series. There are some details that come from book 1.
Loved the dual POV, they overlap a little, but allowed to truly see both sides of the stories and each characters thoughts throughout the book.
Story is dark and gripping, explosive and sexy. Everything you could want from a fantasy romance.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This series is so interesting! The Rebel King follows Tiernan and Fiona. I absolutely LOVED Fiona and the whole world that Maxwell creates is just so unique. I found the first book in the series at my local bookstore and I honestly can't wait to get my hands on the third one! I should have waited to binge this entire series but I couldn't...

These books are seriously spicy too. Whew. I think I read them both within a day and a half. Highly recommend!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RB96ZQ6W0VWJ8?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp

Great follow up to Dark King
I really enjoyed this sequel! Gina does a great job of drawing you into this world and I'm excited to see how the series continues. Definitely

I finally read the Rebel King by Gina King and it did not disappoint.

I hadn't read the previous book in this series, but I felt the story belonged to Tiernan and Fiona, even though the main protagonists from book 1 featured heavily,

Tiernan is the black sheep, the party prince, the one no one wants to become king to the Dark Fae, the spare so to speak. When his brother Abdicates the throne to protect his mate, Tiernan is next in line to continue their family legacy.

Fiona is a housekeeper in the princes home, placed their because he likes to play with her in more ways than one. However as far as rankings go Fiona is the lowest of the low, half fae and half human.

When a right wing organisation starts attacking and killing Dark Fae, things hit close to home when Fiona's mother is attacked which brings with it secrets that will change her life as she knows it, but can Tiernan balance the weight of the Night Court on his shoulders while falling for the one girl he cant have according to their outdated laws.

As a second son in the royal fae family, Tiernan Verran was never trained to take over as king. He's lived his life partying, gambling, going home with a different woman every night. But lately his obsession has been with Fiona, a feisty redhead maid in his household. When his older brother abdicates the throne to protect his new wife, responsibility for their people falls to Tiernan along with the need to take a consort and provide an heir. As prince regent, his fun and games are over along with any hope of a future with Fiona. The dark counsel will never accept a female of lower caste as an acceptable mate. With war looming between light and dark fae and his people being targeted by an anti-fae group, Tiernan must accept his new reality.
I didn't like this book as much as the first book but it was close. I was curious how Tiernan would settle down from his personality in the first book to take over the throne and I love how he used his rebel side to fight for his HEA. I'm really looking forward to the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was so so excited for the second book in this series, obsessed with Tiernan! And while I was 'uncertain' about the coupling because they seemed to be f-buddies in the previous book, and they were so 'opposite' in terms of 'social class' and to be honest I was blaming the characters from the first book for why Tiernan and Fiona couldn't. be together, but THE TENSION. HOLY SMOKES!!!

🌶3.5

- can't be together/forbidden relationship
- f*ck buddies to forbidden lovers
- fast paced
- fast burn
- spicy AF
- k!nky
- touch her and die
- playboi to king

I was so so so so so melting <3

This was my first Gina Maxwell book and I was quite impressed by it and totally understand the hype. I look forward to checking out more of her books.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

Faeries, and werewolves and vamps, oh my!

‘I’m still Dark Fae; deviance is in our very nature.’

We were so ready for to dive into another Deviant King instalment, after loving the first book, The Deviant King. How did Teirnan’s story stack up in The Rebel King? It was every as good, or dare we say, even better, which had a lot to do with the divine sexy, dominant Fae reformed playboy, Tiernan. Who doesn't love a sexy protective Fae King?

Something is afoot in Las Vegas, the playground for Tiernan Verran, the man known as The Rebel King among the Fae. He's been a party guy for too long, but with the abdication of his brother Caiden to protect his wife, Teirnan has now been thrust into the role of the next Night Court King, ruler of the Dark Fae. A role he wasn’t born to play.

“I know it doesn’t seem possible, but his ego can get bigger, it has no limit.”

Tiernan has so much on his plate. Fae hunted and slaughtered, he's in lust with Fiona Jewel, with feelings that are becoming a lot more, but theirs is a forbidden tryst – after all, he’s due to be King, and Fiona is a low-key Faerie, but the heart wants, what the heart wants!

‘And suddenly I want to wipe it all off, to get rid of anything that disguises the real her. So that for the first time in her life, she doesn't have to hide who she is, because who she is naturally is perfect.’

We are absolutely loving this series. Faerie fantasy romance is one of our favourite tropes, and Gina L Maxwell has nailed it. Fabulously atmospheric, vivid and we adore all the characters and the banter. What better way to escape than with a sexy, suspenseful fun-filled, spicy read? The Rebel King delivers all this and more! Now, to try and patiently await the release of book three, The Vicious King, in December. Finnian book promises to tantalise and entertain us once again. We cannot wait for more!

I absolutely love the 2nd book in this series! I read the Dark King earlier this year and I couldn't even put that book down and when I finally got my hands on this book to follow another brother I devoured the book as quick as possible. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!

This book was sooo well done I am shocked. The chemistry between Fiona and Tiernan was absolute fire. I loved the story line and the changes Tiernan made as king! Not only was the spice good but this book had a great plot and I cannot wait for the last book!!

my absolute favorite part of the book is the super steamy love story between Tiernan and Fiona. In a forbidden romance, the pair can’t be together for so many reasons. And with the crown on the line for his family, Tiernan is bound by duty. But oh my word, these two have it bad for each other! It’s electrically charged and spicy, and the forbidden nature of their relationship just adds to the intensity of their romance. Regardless of the dangers they face, Tiernan and Fiona’s deep love for each other, which neither wants to admit to, is incredible. And did I mention steamy? That’s definitely worth mentioning twice because – whew!

Some other things I really love about this series are the awesome banter, the humor, and the myriad of relationships that are explored. I adore the relationship between Tiernan and his brothers, his wonderful connection to their mentor, and the relationship between Fiona and her mother. Friendships, family bonds, and new relationships are all explored and create nuanced and layered characters and side stories that I really enjoyed. And some of the conversations are laugh-out-loud funny, which I appreciated, especially after some of the intense and darker scenes.

I thought this was a great addition to the series. It’s entertaining and suspenseful, and the romance is super steamy.

I am really enjoying the Verran brothers. They are fierce, strong leaders with heart. The story of Fiona and Tiernan is addictive, their chemistry electric. The ongoing battle with the light faerie king is building and I can’t wait for the expected battle in Finn’s story. This series will keep you on the edge of your seat and hungry for more. It is packed with heat, intrigue and otherworldly delights.

When I read the first book, I was pleasantly surprised. This was an author that was new to me. The blurb drew me in and I became a fan. I was eager for the second book. What I wasn't expecting was for this book to put the first book to shame, in a manner of speaking, but somehow she has done just that.

This world is amazing. Regardless of whether the characters are primary or secondary, they are exceptional. Add in the actual story, banter, and steam balanced together and this series is quickly becoming a favorite. Even more than just the brothers in this series, I'm mesmerized by the possibility of other characters as well (looking at you Dimitri) which has me hoping that this world continues or has a spin-off.

Spice level is high
Tiernan never thought he would be king but after his brother abdicates he must figure out is role.
Is it possible to love a human?
This is a good series.