Great follow up book to "The Dark King" and the story picks up right after the cliff hanger of book 1. Really enjoyed Tiernan and Fiona's love story also just seeing Tiernan grow up and grow into his responsibilities and role of King of Dark Fae while still staying true to his rebellious nature. Loved the twist with Fiona's backstory which just deepened her connection and bond to Bryn from the first book. The Light King scum is still our big bad in this story and isn't going anywhere yet. Also be prepared for another cliff hanger that sets up the events to book 3 which I am excited for. Only thing that takes me out of this story is the consistent pop culture references.

I could not put The Dark King down and The Rebel King was no different. Before Tier (Tiernan) was named the next to take the crown, he had a delish time with his favorite fiery redhead, Fi (Fiona). Once the weight of the crown was placed on his shoulders his sexcapades with Fi started to become more of a secrecy.

There was a lot I enjoyed about this story. The political suspense with murdered and missing Fae was an exciting backdrop against the stress Tier faces as countdown to being king presses down. I was intrigued by the closer look at his past and how a BDSM scene gone wrong plagues his ability to get closer with Fi in a way he obviously desires. I'll admit I wanted more dungeon dancing in this book. Call my readerly heart sexually frustrated but I was so ready for more down and dirty. Now don't get me wrong, there is smut ... I'm just greedy. 😏

Fi became even more loveable in this book. I absolutely adore the dynamic between her and Bryn that carries over from the first book. The amount of revelations Fi gets hit with in this book is enough to make you want to hug her. Shoutout to well written support systems and Bryn is right there for her. Along with Tier when his possessive nature isn't growling through. 🔥

I laughed, I got a smidge misty eyed at the end with happiness, I fanned my face and to top it off, this sexy little number ends on a cliffhanger that has me SO ready for the next book.

Thank you Entangled Pub for the gifted digital all thoughts are my own.

Love, love, Loved!!!

The Rebel King outdid what I had imagined.
Maxwell has sucked me into the Magical Realm of Faerie and I am already ready to go back!

Suspense, Spice, Mystery & More.

It was a perfect middle book that didn’t feel like a middle book. Loved the characters, their relationships and how it left me wanting more.
Couldn’t have asked for a better story for Tier & Fiona.

4.5 ⭐ 4🌶️

Tiernan, the second oldest Verran brother, is not interested in being the king. Being the rebel prince that everyone sees in him is fine with him. Fate hasn’t the same thought. He is forced to take on the same role he did not want. A role that keeps him away from a smart-mouthed redhead he desires fiercely. Now it’s forbidden. Will he be able to solve the fae's murders that occur in Vegas? What will he choose: tradition or his own rule?

This is the second book in the Deviant Kings series, and it’s even better than the first. It’s a game of chess sexy and forbidden. I love how the author shows in this book that a king is nothing without a Queen, without someone you can trust deeply. In this book, we also read about BDSM (whip) and it was really hot to read.

Tiernan seems sure of himself, but he has his own insecurities. The character isn’t perfect and I love that about him. Maybe I have a thing for the broken puppy, but I’m sure after reading this book, you will feel the same way. Fiona is a smart mouth, but she also cares deeply and wants to help even after the recent revelation.

My favorite moment is when Fiona is infiltrating a strip club and Tiernan is angry because he can only hear what happens inside while she is dancing probably half-naked. I giggle so much.

Gina, you scare me at the end. I cried, and for a moment, I thought it would not have a HEA.😭Those two deserve to be together. I’m also looking forward to seeing more of Dmitri.

You can find in this book:

🐺 Modern Fantasy
😜 Friends with benefits
🚫Forbidden romance
🔍Murder Mystery
✌️Dual POV
🔗BDSM
🌶️Spice
🧝Fae

Thank you to Entangled Publishing (AMARA) for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this one so much. It had all the spice I needed and it kept me hella entertained while I read it. Tiernan and Fiona had so much fire between the two and that banter was SO GOOD. If you’re looking for a spicy fantasy read, you gotta check this one out! I am so excited to read the next one!

Tiernan Verran is next in line to rule over the Dark Fae. This was never something that he wanted, but will accept. Fiona is hiding her true self from everyone. Working as a maid at Midnight Manor, the home of the Night Court King, she has been trying to keep her relationship with Tiernan strictly professional after a few secret dalliances. They are drawn to each by a strong pull. As things begin to heat up, everything starts to unravel. Secrets are revealed, and there is danger at every turn. As Fiona and Tiernan navigate the danger, they are brought closer together. I really enjoyed this story and finding out what makes them tick. So happy that everything turned out for them in the end. Looking forward to next installment.

I don’t think it’s this book. I’m sure it’s me. I don’t think I’m in the right headspace to read this book. Unfortunately, I’ll have to DNF (for now) at 25%. I hope to come back to this book someday since I really loved book one in this series!

Rated 4.5 Stars

The Rebel King was amazing. I loved it and couldn't devour it fast enough. This is definitely my fave of the series but that will probably change when I read The Vicious King. This series just keeps getting better and better. Tiernan and Fiona's journey was interesting, intriguing and spicy. I loved the suspense element to it as well as the action, twists and turns. What a ride this was and that ending has me chomping at the bit so to speak to get at the next book. I definitely recommend this book.

This is the second book in the deviant King series. At the end of the last book Tiernan was made king so his brother could protect his mate. The problem is that this is not a role that Hira never thought he would have being that. He’s kind of the bad boy among the brothers. Also, his newest conquest is the half they made Fiona Who he now has a sneak around with because he is cake. It was fun to see all the politics again between the dark Fais and the light Fais. All of the characters have such depth to them, and the chemistry between Tiernan and Fiona is fire on the page , this is a steamy book that keeps you interested from start to finish. Background info about Fiona also comes out, but she still tries to help by going undercover. The relationship between Tiernan and Fiona is fiery and you are rooting for them from start to finish. I can’t wait until the next book.

I admit that I requested this book before I had even read the 1st in the series, but I was really excited about the first book in this series. I didn't love the first book, but I knew I would give the second book a try anyways, because I did really like Tiernan's character in the first book.

I'm glad I gave this one a read! Tiernan and Fiona are fun characters and I enjoyed their romance. There is something about these stories that, while I enjoy them, I'm not huge into BDSM, so that part isn't for me, though I'm sure there are some people who really enjoy that part of these stories.

I'm intrigued to see what Finnian's story brings.

Thank you #NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

The Rebel King is the second book f the Deviant Kings series of interconnected standalones but I highly recommend reading The Dark King first to get a better understanding of this world. I couldn’t wait for Tiernan and Fiona’s story and it did not disappoint! Tiernan is thrown into a position that he never wanted and in doing so he knows he can’t have the one person he loves, Fiona! I absolutely loved the banter and heat between these two! Both had a lot of personal growth throughout the story and I loved every second of it. Tiernan will do anything for those he loves even if it means putting his own wants to the side. Fiona’s sassiness and strength was fun to read…again, her banter with Tiernan! This book is full of action, twists and turns, spice, suspense, and secrets. It is one that I didn’t want to put down and would definitely read again! Now I can’t wait for Finnian’s story next!

Going into The Rebel King, I had high expectations. The Dark King was one of my favorite reads in 2022 and I learned very quickly that Gina can do no wrong.

When the opportunity to read an arc of The Rebel King came through, you better bet I raced to download the e-arc on my kindle!

Just when I thought Gina hit her writing stride, she created Tiernan—an incredibly alluring and compelling character that had me begging for more!

Tiernan is everything I love in a male character; he’s spicy, a playboy, loving, and has a dark past that he’s never been able to fully escape from.

Let’s be honest, my favorite shade is morally grey and Gina delivered!

I absolutely LOVED The Rebel King and am left salivating and frothing at the mouth for The Vicious King.

Gina has quickly become one of my favorite authors and her books have given me life!

I have made it a mission of mine to introduce and include romance titles at my library. There is simply not enough variety and inclusivity when it comes to the genre. Romance is by far, an incredibly powerful genre. It is with gratitude that I am able to read ARCs and order them for our patrons. I am happy to say Gina Maxwell’s Deviant Kings series will continue to be a part of our community!

I can not wait to see what other surprises Gina has in store for readers with The Vicious King!

Tiernan was never meant to be a king, yet that is the future he is currently facing. Instead of pursuing entertainment and pleasure with Dark Fae and humans alike, he is instead considering how to fit into his new life with purpose. But what he really wants is Fiona, the passionate and quick-witted lower Fae who he can no longer pursue. When trouble comes to the Dark Fae in Vegas, Tiernan and Fiona must each face truths about their lives they never expected, and risk it all to save their community.

I read the first book in the series, The Dark King, while on a vacation in Las Vegas last year (truly the best location to read this novel), and have been looking forward to the sequel for months! I adore Tiernan, and he makes an excellent MMC, but Fiona is an even better lead, and I loved seeing her face challenges head-on throughout this book. With mystery, tension, and spice, this can be read as a standalone, but I think it’s even better after reading the first book!

Thank you TLC Book Tours, NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I was wondering where the author would go next with this series. In my opinion, she did even better with Tiernan’s story than she did with Caiden.

After Caiden abdicated in the previous book, his younger brother Tiernan is supposed to be crowned. Which makes his relationship with Fiona, the half-human housekeeper, a forbidden one. At first, Fiona and Tier are mostly friends with benefits–without being really friends either. They even banter quite a lot. But it’s clear from the beginning that there’s a bit more than just attraction between them: there’s respect and admiration. And yeah, a lot of attraction. I found it very telling and sweet that the things Fiona was the most insecure about were also the things Tiernan liked the most. As a dominant lover, Tiernan was quite selfless and attentive. Even the scenes they both participated in were different than most BDSM scenes written in romance.

If Beauty and the Beast was in the background of the first book, this time the author references Little Red Riding Hood. But not a lot. The fact that Fiona has red hair explains her nickname, Little Red, and that’s pretty much it. Tiernan is far from a big bad wolf–though there are some in the story–and there’s no grand-mother in sight. There are patterns of concealing one’s identity, though.

The other recurring metaphore is chess, as seen on the cover, and I guess it sums up the story pretty well too.

Besides the romance, the story revolves once again around the rivalry between the Dark and the Light faes. But the author added another surprising element: a human faction fighting against the faes. The racist subtext behind their actions was obvious too.

Politics and diplomacy were also a big part of the story. It was an interesting element, as Tiernan is introduced as a rebel, and you’d imagine that negociation and following rules wouldn’t be among his skills.

I could complain that some decisions they make while looking for the bad guys don’t make a lot of sense, but they bring Tiernan and Fiona together. So in the end, I won’t complain. It’s a sexy, entertaining paranormal romance, and that’s already a lot.

Quickie

- Series: Deviant kings #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #paranormal romance #billionaire romance #dark romance #forbidden romance #royal romance #fae #BDSM #erotica
- Triggers: BDSM, violence, death, injuries, sexual abuse
- Main couple: Fiona Jewell & Tiernan Verran
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + I loved the kinky side of the story, it had meaning
- – such a complicated plot… interesting, but still complicated

Second book in the series, and oh boy it does not disappoint .
I thought it will be hard for Ms. Maxwell to top first book, but she did it.
I loved storyline, learning the real Tiernan.
Awesome read.

Tiernan and Fiona were so hot! It was forbidden and the way they were so hot for each other. Just everything. This had banter and humor and was such a fun, and hot, read. I can't wait for the next!

'Royal by blood, not royal by choice, The Rebel King by Gina L. Maxwell delivers what it says in the title. A rebellious King on the throne of Sin City. Hot, delicious & fae-ry sinful!' - The British Bibliophile

NOTE: This review will not contain spoilers but will touch upon aspects mentioned in the blurb. If you don't want to know anything about this book, even the blurb, please scroll away from my review....now :)

The Rebel King is book two in Gina L. Maxwell's Deviant Kings series. A series which kicked things off with a bang--or two--with book one, The Dark King. Each book in the series, to which I'm thrilled will be a trilogy of standalone reads, features a different Verran brother as the fae ruler of Sin City also known as Las Vegas. Book one followed the eldest Verran, Caiden, and his accidental wedding to Bryn Meara. This is where we got our first taste of Tiernan as one of the supporting characters. Here in book two is where he and his story will really shine and in book three, The Vicious King , everything will come to an epic conclusion but for now, let's dive deeper into The Rebel King.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and it's just landed on the head of the Verran brother who wanted it the least. Tiernan knows and admits publicly that he is the least suitable for the job of King of the Fae and for the seat on the throne, as he is more than happy with his life which has earned him as such, the nickname of the 'Rebel' prince. He had the freedom to pursue his own sinfully dark, lust-filled pleasures that all of Sin City--and its residents--had to offer. The latter includes a certain, fiery redhead whose mouth comes ready with smart-mouthed comments ready to be unleashed upon him at their own pleasure.

That woman is Fiona.

Any future or stolen moments of pleasure with her are swiftly nixed when the crown lands upon his head. Any privileges and freedoms that came with being Prince, soon were taken away upon the impending bestowment of the title of 'King', including the rendezvous he shared with Fiona. You see, higher caste and lower caste fae do not mix or run in the same circles and even as King--with all the privileges and rights that come with it--, he is not exempt from this rule. This law.

This, however, is not Tiernan's only worry and concern. Impending war within their city means that he his caught between finding out and trying to be who he wants to be--while resisting the call of the throne--and Fiona. The woman he wants more than anything. Despite all happening around them, he still strives to keep her and his soon-to-be Fae kingdom, safe. But at what price?

A maelstrom of love, lust and rebellion surrounds the Verrans and all within the Fae and supernatural circle and above all else, the survival and future of the Fae must be protected at all costs. Just as with the price that will be paid for ensuring Fiona is kept safe, the cost of keeping everyone under his Kingdom safe is considerably higher than Tiernan ever imagined it to be.

I first read The Rebel King back in the March of this year and have left my review up until the day before release day for a very specific reason. To prove just how much this book had an impact on me even months after first reading it. Very few books stay in immediate memory with the sheer amount that is released per month by many authors we follow, but Gina and her work is simply so amazing that it is as unforgettable as she is.

Not in the habit of reading romances based around the supernatural, it was first with The Dark King in which I found myself falling back in love with the genre, but it was here in The Rebel King that again thanks to Gina's outstanding storytelling capabilities, that I fell even harder for the genre, the tropes she's chosen and for the story that was told. We all love a bit of a bad boy rebel, and we were certainly given that here in abundance with Tiernan. His and Fiona's story from start to finish was nothing short of a continuous sizzling fire that even when threatened with a torrent of water, was never put out. Gina gave it her all for this second instalment and it has paid off in dividends with a story that you never knew which way it would go, and was happily strapped in and watching as the ride played out.

This book and series has to be up there with the best, and I couldn't give it any less than the five stars that it, and Gina, so rightly deserve.

Counting down the days till book three! I need more from this legendary woman!

The Rebel King is the next amazing installment in the paranormal Deviant Kings series. Gina L. Maxwell creates an incredible story that is suspenseful, humorous, and, of course, super hot.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tiernan always thought his brother Caiden would be King of the Dark Fae, until Caiden abdicated, which put Tiernan up next to rule. The Rebel Prince doesn’t think he’s prepared. Besides, he has a good thing going with half-fae Fiona, and she’s not considered a suitable mate for the King. But, Fae are being attacked and abducted in Las Vegas, and he needs to find out why. After Fiona and her mother are attacked, she ends up going undercover at a strip club to help him figure out what’s going on. But even if Fiona helps save the missing fae, is there a way that she and Tiernan can still be together?

This book is a hot hot hot paranormal. In addition to tons of sizzling chemistry, Tiernan and Fiona hilariously banter and quip their way through the suspenseful story. I also love Tiernan as a secret cinnamon roll, even when his attitude toward Fiona is “touch her and die.” It’s a great combination that contrasts nicely with his role as a BDSM dom.

I can’t wait to read youngest brother Finnian’s book next. It looks like vampire Dimitri, one of my favorite new characters, will play a role in his journey too. And, if Dimitri happened to get his own story at some point, I’d read that in a hot second. No pressure, just saying.

If the phrase “hot BDSM paranormal with hilarious banter” makes you want to pick up a book, read The Rebel King immediately. Gina L. Maxwell does a great job balancing fae intrigue and suspense with sizzling hot moments. These characters know they are responsible for the fate of the faerie world, but can deliver a great quip too. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’ve been dying for The Rebel King ever since I finished The Dark King, and boy did this book NOT disappoint!!!!

The Rebel King was about Tiernan, the middle bad boy brother! When I tell you that Tiernan had me on the edge, it’s because he truly did! I love him beyond words. Tiernan is not what or who we thought he was, he’s someone with a big heart and someone who is trying to not only prove to everyone that he is capable of being the king, but he’s also trying to prove it to himself.

Fi was simply the BEST! Secrets are spilled, secrets I NEVER SAW COMING!!!! I was literally screaming at some scene wanting to know what was going to happen.

Fiona and Tiernan truly has my kindle on fire! The tension between these two was unbelievable! It was truly hard to put this book down for even a second! ALL. THE. STARS!!!

I love this series. The fae are one of my favorites. The spice was perfect! I love the story and the set up for the next book. Fiona is such a feisty fun character. Seeing Bryn again in this one was awesome too. I cannot wait to read the next book. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest review.