This is the second in the Deviant Kings series and while they are standalones, reading in order gives a better picture.

I loved Tiernan and Fiona’s story. I really enjoyed that we got to delve more into the Vegas underworld and meet more creatures of the supernatural order. I also really enjoyed we still got a lot of Bryn, Caiden and more previews of Finnian’s story.

Gina’s writing feels authentic while she builds parallel worlds and dives into the kink community. It’s fun and playful while still creating a complex and intriguing story.

ALL THE STARS! This series just gets better and better. I freaking loved it. Tiernan is so freaking hot. He's going to make the best king. I cant wait to see more of what he gets up to in the third book. I loved Fionas story line so much and her character development was great. I didn't see any of it coming. And then the spice. IT WAS SPICIN. I couldn't put this book down. Gina Maxwell, you are a freaking Queen. The Spice Queen if I may, mistress ;). Just go read this! Haha

Thank you netgalley and Entangled publishing for the earc in exchange for an honest review.

If you love fantasy romance, you will love this book. It’s the second in the Deviant King series by Gina Maxwell, but can be read as a stand-alone. This is Tiernan and Fiona’s story and the drama and heat ensue. There are some very spicy hot scenes with a bit of kink as well as more history between the light and dark fae - dark and sexy, yes I agree. Great read.

Fae, Flames and Forbidden Love

Well, well, well, buckle up, folks, because Maxwell done it again in the realm of fae romance! We’re back in the fae underworld of Las Vegas, where it’s not just the dice that’s sizzling, if you catch my drift.

Meet Tiernan Verran, the “rebel prince” who’s got more reluctance than a Monday morning alarm clock. He’s suddenly in line for the Night Court throne, and let’s just say he’s about as enthusiastic as a cat getting a bath. But hey, he’s got reasons! His brother pulled a fast one by marrying some woman he’s head over heels for, leaving Tiernan with the royal duties. Family drama, am I right?


Enter Fiona Jewel, our feisty redhead. She’s got a bit of a mix in her blood, being part fae and part human, and trust me, fae society isn’t giving her high-fives for it. But don’t let that get you down; she’s got some spunk! And guess what? Our boy Tiernan has the hots for her. Cue the awkward “I’m heir to a throne, but I just wanna be with you” situation.

Hold on to your enchanted hats, because things get complicated when the royal council starts meddling. They’re all like, “Hey Tiernan, why don’t you marry a pure-blooded fae? It’s good for power consolidation, bro.” Yeah, right. As if love ever cared about political alliances.

Speaking of love, Fiona discovers some secret family history that shakes her to her fae core. Just when you thought being part fae, part human was enough drama, here comes the plot twist express!

Hold on tight, because when the magical war RSVPs, Tiernan whips out a risky plan that’ll make your head spin faster than a roulette wheel. Brace yourselves for life-changing consequences, because that’s how we roll in the fae world.

Now, if you thought your heart was racing like a rabbit on energy drinks before, just wait until you experience the tight plotting and snappy dialogue in this book. The pages will flip faster than you saying, “Just one more chapter!” And as if that wasn’t enough, let’s talk about the steaminess factor. Oh, it’s there. The taut sexual tension is like a heatwave in the desert, and you won’t be reaching for a glass of water, let me tell you.

By the time you finish, you’ll be raising your hands and demanding the next entry in this series like a true fae rebel. So, get ready to dive back into the world of magic, intrigue, and romance that’ll make your heart race. Maxwell, you’ve done it again, and we’re here for it!

A worthy second installment of the Deviant Kings series. It was fun and hot. I can’t wait for the next one!

The Rebel King is a dark, erotic, entertaining read. I enjoyed it much like the first in the series. Fiona and Tiernan are interesting and complex. The plot is full of intrigue and strife, hidden motives and plays for power. I hated that Fiona was put through so much but loved how it all turned out. The distance these two were forced to maintain for much of the story was torturous but added to the sweetness of their HEA.

The story was a pleasurable way to spend a few hours and I'll be interested to see how this all turns out in the next book.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC.

Gina L. Maxwell's "The Rebel King," the second installment in the Deviant Kings series, is a tantalizing blend of forbidden romance and dark fantasy, set against the vibrant backdrop of Sin City. Let's dive into the world of Tiernan, the reluctant king, and Fiona, the fiery redhead who captures his heart, and explore what makes this novel a compelling read.

Tiernan, the Rebel Prince of the Verran brothers, is a character who revels in his freedom and dark pleasures. But destiny has other plans, thrusting him into a role he never wanted: king of the Dark Fae. The transition from carefree prince to responsible king is a journey filled with conflict, and Tiernan's struggle is palpable. His relationship with Fiona, once a source of joy, becomes a forbidden temptation, adding layers of complexity to the story.

Fiona, a half-fae employee of the Verran family, evolves from a fun companion to a trusted ally. Her role in Tiernan's life deepens as the kingdom's weight falls on his shoulders. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their banter is top-notch, making their relationship one of the highlights of the book.

While "The Rebel King" is a delightful romance, it also serves as a crucial piece in the overarching plot of the series. It's not just about Tiernan and Fiona's love story; it's about the survival of the Dark Fae and the unfolding war in the shadows of Vegas. Maxwell's ability to interweave romance with a broader narrative is commendable, creating a well-rounded story that contributes to the series' universe.

The character development, especially Tiernan's transformation and Fiona's unexpected backstory, is engaging. The introduction of new characters, like the intriguing vampire, adds freshness to the plot. The blend of paranormal and contemporary elements with a touch of BDSM creates a unique flavor that's both exciting and entertaining.

However, compared to "The Dark King," the first book in the series, "The Rebel King" might not be as spicy or edge-of-your-seat thrilling for some readers. The focus on setting up the overall series plot might overshadow the individual romance at times. But these are minor critiques, and they don't take away from the enjoyment of the book.

The cliffhanger ending is a double-edged sword, leaving readers both exhilarated and impatient for the next installment. It's a testament to Maxwell's storytelling prowess that she can evoke such strong emotions.

"The Rebel King" is a satisfying read that balances romance, fantasy, and intrigue. It's a testament to Maxwell's skill that she can craft a story that's both part of a larger universe and a standalone adventure. Whether you're a fan of forbidden love, dark fantasy, or just looking for a well-crafted tale, this book won't disappoint.

I enjoyed this, it was fast and easy and I'm a sucker for all things supernatural. Although the publisher says it can be a standalone book, I don't think it really is, I was able to follow along well enough but I think reading the first one would have been better.

THis book was everything. Gina Maxwell writes some amazing characters and the story was epic. I will continue to love Gina’s writing.

Second book in the Deviant Kings series, "The Rebel King" follows middle brother Tiernan as he prepares for his ascension to the thrown. Not only does he not really want to be king, but he doesn't want to courtship that comes along with it. Enter Fiona, a half fae employee of the Verran family. Her role in Tiernan's life was strictly fun until the kingdom was put on his head. Now she's one of the only people he can trust to help save the dark fae.

While not quite as spicy or edge of your seat as "The Dark King", this book definitely plays a big role in the series. Tier and Fi's story is fun, but the book definitely does more to set the plot of the overall series than tell a single couple's story. I'm enjoying that more authors are building universes within series instead of just sprinkling side plots in each romance. Maxwell does a great job of interweaving the two to make a well rounded story.

I knew after reading The Dark King, that Tiernan was going to be my favorite! He's so cocky and the banter is top notch! He and Fiona suit each other perfectly and the chemistry between them had me binging this baby in a day! And that ending has me anxiously awaiting The Vicious King!

This ending has me unwell..the joys and pains of a great cliffhanger!

Book 2 in the Deviant Kings series was just as exciting and spicy as the first. I do think there was quite a bit more plot movement in this book and it’s interesting seeing all the different creatures in this world. I also love that Vegas is the main location so I can envision the setting.

Tiernan and Fiona are a fun duo, testing each other’s limits and building their relationship. I was so nervous in certain scenes, especially since I never know if an author is the type to kill off MCs!

Overall, it was great! I’m excited for the next book to see what happens with everyone, I’m wondering who will be the star characters!

The Rebel King is a delicious combination of paranormal and contemporary with a BDSM twist. The second interconnected standalone in Gina L. King’s Deviant Kings series, this book follows the second Verran brother, Tiernan as he is set to ascend the Dark throne.

The only thing standing is his way are his feelings for Fiona, who is more than what she seems. This book brings the action, and the, well, action and throws in some mild BDSM just for good measure. Add in forbidden romance and star-crossed lovers vibes, and you've got a thoroughly entertaining novel.

If you haven’t read the first book in the series, do that first, and then enjoy the heck out of this book. I cannot wait to read book three.

Thank you to Entangled and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to love this book but it just wasn’t for me. The murder mystery plot took the series in a strange direction and ultimately overshadowed the character/relationship development, to the point that I found myself not really caring about either. I found myself skimming a bunch and toward the end, skipping chapters. There were several things that pulled me out of the story when reading, the most glaring was the excessive use of slang and pop references in addition to weird kitschy phrasing like, “Your need an eggplant in your taco, STAT, girl”.🤢 I really wanted to root for Tiernan and Fiona but ultimately this book fell short of my expectations coming from loving The Dark King.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘎𝘪𝘯𝘢 𝘔𝘢𝘹𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘦-𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

4⭐, 3🌶️

Book two of the Deviant Kings series, you definitely need to read book #1 - The Dark King, before opening this up! The spice is spice (even included some kink exploration) and while the forbidden romance was interesting to follow, the excitement and mystery of Tiernan using his kingly duties to track down the fae killings. It kept me gripped the whole book! AND THEN THE CLIFFHANGER FOR BOOK THREE!? (we have to wait til next year...July 2024)

If you love Katee Robert's Neon Gods series or Scarlett St. Clair's Hades x Persephone's series, this series is similar in the fantasy, mystery, and spice!

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC, for an eARC of The Rebel King, written by Gina L. Maxwell.

OMG! I loved this book! Gina Maxwell has an amazing pen and I’m a huge fan of her stories.
I don’t usually read fantasy books but I couldn’t stop reading this one. So good! Hot, with the right amount of aghast. The sexy times are amazing! Gina never disappoints. It was great to see this new brother and fall in love with these two. I highly recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of The Rebel King. This was such a cute and swoony worthy sequel to the first book. I can't wait to check out more and I have noticed the hype around this book.

This is book 2 in the Deviant Kings series and I would absolutely read book 1 before reading book 2. All work and no wicked play makes Tiernan a very unsatisfied king. Of all the Verran brothers, Tiernan is the least suited to wear the Night Court crown. The Rebel Prince is happy with no responsibilities or accountability―just the freedom to pursue his own dark, lush pleasures in Sin City. Including his secret hunger for a certain smart-mouthed, fiery redhead. Only, the possibility of having Fiona is stripped away when Tiernan is thrust into the one role he never king . As king of the Dark Fae, wanting―let alone pursuing―anything with a lower-caste fae like Fiona would shift from fun…to forbidden. Now war is emerging from the shadows of Vegas, and Tiernan is caught between who he’s meant to be and who he wants . And somewhere in this maelstrom of lust, love, and rebellion is the key to the Dark Fae’s survival…even if the cost is more than he can imagine.

The first book drew me into this world in a way that I was never expecting and this book just sucked me in even more! I loved Tiernan in the 1st book and I loved him even more in this book. There is so much more to him than I was expecting, and I loved that! Not only does he step up to be the King but he has things that are outside of what I thought he would be like. From his outside friendship to how much he truly has the capacity to care about others. And then you throw in Fiona and her backstory that I was NEVER expecting!!! I never saw that coming but I honestly loved it, and her mom!! And on top of all their drama, you throw in a new sexy vampire character?? I really hope this author plans to have a story for him! Because let me tell you, he had me intrigued!! I can't wait for Finn's story next and the little twist of how his story is going to begin!

The Dark King was one of my favorite books of last year, but unfortunately I just didn't enjoy this one quite as much. I'm not really sure why. I just didn't connect with this one as much and didn't care about the characters as much.

This book was kind of confusing at times. There are multiple instances of believing something about someone, but it turns out that's not true at all and it's actually something else. The ending kind of left my head spinning as well.

I listened to the audio version of this book, narrated by JF Harding and Kelsey Navarro. This was my first time listening to both of these narrators and I enjoyed their performances. They did a good job of changing their voices for all of the different characters.

The Rebel King by Gina L. Maxwell is book Two in the Deviant Kings Series. This is the story of Tiernan Verran and Fiona Jewel. This is a sort of forbidden romance in the sense that Tiernan is considered to be similar to royalty where Fiona is a maid with lower connections. Enjoyed their story and I hope to read more from this author.