Firstly thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with this Arc in return for an honest review.

Having read Rising Storm I had prior knowledge of the world which made it easier to head back into this second book of the series spin off. I've actually really come to enjoy reading the authors writing and find it well paced and descriptive.

I really enjoyed the focus on dark elves in this book- the plot focussing on the slavery/trafficking as well as the characters dealing with betrayal, secrets and lies. I enjoyed the characters for the most part - although Priya did grate on me a fair amount. Who doesn't love to hate a villain though. I also felt it might have been useful to include some flashback chapters in order to see the MCs relationship in its initial glory. This would have helped us to root a little more for their romance.

Without any spoilers- this book has action and drama in buckets, high stakes, fantastic world building and character development, enemies to lovers, twists you don't see coming at all and a cliffhanger which will make you desperate for the next installment. The overall theme is the struggle between good and evil.

Although it had a few minor issues I'd still be very excited to read the next book!

Big thanks to Donna Grant and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for a review.

This is the second in the series (and yes, this time I did make an effort to read the first one). This one maybe could be a stand alone, it's a sort of spin off on characters from the first book. They make an appearance but are not MC's at all.

The plot felt holy - as in... some of the characters were making things harder on them selves by not doing something they could easily do, to advance the plot.. You have magic that instantly transports you anywhere you want... but the entire story is set on a boat on the most dangerous river anyone could travel on.

I did enjoy the story, but it felt a rushed and not as intriguing as it could have been.

3 stars.

The kingdom of Elves, unfortunately, didn’t captivate me. Although the story of Arya and Jai is interesting, I feel it is overshadowed by the abundance of other plotlines, which pushes the romance into the background.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Themes/Genre: Fae, Elves, Dark Fae, Romantasy, Magic, Betrayal
Author: Donna Grant
Book Publication date: November 12, 2024
Page Count: 406
Book Cover first thoughts: Love the cover even more than Rising Sun

Story Review / Summary:
Just as in Rising Sun the Map and image depictions are the best I’ve seen in all fantasy books. 7 Races of Elves page was a good refresher I looked over. All appreciate this and I don’t know why it is not common especially with complex world building.

I felt like this story is missing a little of a backstory, I would like to have more of Arya’s backstory. This book seemed darker than Rising Sun especially between Priya and Jai storyline. I enjoyed the writing, characterizations of the story which has a little mystery, romance and even dark themes with plot twists.
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Thank you to #NetGalley and DL Grant LLC for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of #DarkHeart All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was November 12, 2024. This review is being shared on NetGalley and Goodreads

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Wow, each book just keeps getting better and better!

This time Arya is featured as she pines for her lost love, Jai. Unfortunately, Jai is not dead like she thinks and is under the impression that she betrayed him. So, he is fine kidnapping her to turn her over for a bounty and doesn't care what happens to her.

There is so much drama and action in this book, as Jai finally has his eyes opened and learns the truth. Their road forward is not easy and very dangerous as they fight for their lives. Good thing that Arya has good friends to help her!

Can't wait for more with Dain and Reva. When are we going to find out what mysterious powers Reva has and why??!

A Captivating Read

I picked up Dark Heart by Donna Grant without having read the first book in the series, and while I felt a little lost at times, it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment. The story draws you in with its richly imagined world and well-rounded characters, even if you’re jumping in midstream like I did.

One of the standout aspects of this book was the incredible cast of characters. Donna Grant has a way of making them feel dynamic and compelling, and I found myself deeply invested in their lives and relationships. It’s rare to find a book where every character feels this vibrant, and it’s one of the reasons I’m now eager to go back and read the first installment to fully grasp the nuances of the story.

Book 2 in the Elven Kingdoms Series, Dark Heart is an action-packed ride. Arya and Dain are on a mission to rid the Elven world of their enemies, The Masters, while Jai seeks vengeance on Arya for betraying him. Assisted by his friend Priya, Jai is on a collision course with Arya’s group as questions arise about who the true villains are and who can be trusted. Along the way, we get a closer look at the many types of Elves living on Zora, which adds depth and richness to the story’s world-building. The ending perfectly sets the stage for the next installment in the fight against The Masters, leaving me eager for what’s to come.

The pacing was a bit uneven at times, with moments where the plot felt rushed or where I wished for more backstory to ground certain events. This might have been due to my lack of context from missing book one, but I think a little more recap or clarification could have made it easier for new readers to follow along.

Overall, Dark Heart is an enjoyable read that delivers romance, action, and intrigue in a beautifully crafted world. While I can’t give it a full five stars due to the occasional confusion and pacing issues, it’s a solid book that makes me excited to dive deeper into the series. If you love strong characters and a touch of magic, this one is worth a try—just start at the beginning if you can!

I’ll definitely be picking up book one soon to complete the experience

After Rising Sun I expected a story about Dain. And in a way, it was. But this one was more about his employee, Arya and her former assignment (and crush) Jai. As with Rising Sun, Donna keeps you on edge due to the fast pace of the story and the large number of characters.

I loved to see Yasmin, Ravi and Dain for yet another story. And also “One” made another appearance. I do wonder what he is up to and whose side he is really on. Donna just keeps you guessing.

A story, definitely not for the faint of heart. But highly enjoyable although I would suggest you read Rising sun first. And now we await the next part in the series, because I really, really need to know what the masters are up to. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Once again, Donna Grant gives us an amazing installment of the Elven Kingdoms. There are so many elves, but the Dark Elves Arya and Jai are looking for vengeance. The author continues to weave her intricate web and draws the reader deep into the underlying plot. This was an exciting addition to the Elven Kingdoms, sharing with us more of the intricacies of Donna Grant's Dark Universe.

How far would you go to be free? Jai had no choice but to go along with Priya as he would have done anything to save her. But now he knows the truth about Priya and her plans for their future. And he can’t alliw ger to destroy the only woman that he has ever loved. Even if it means duping in her place. Arya has kept many secrets from those that she loves as she has only wanted them safe. She would do anything to keep Jai safe even if it means dying. But her friends won’t allow that to happen they have to stop the evil that has kidnapped elves & humans alike. But what will the cost be?
A great read full of adventure & intrigue. Love the descriptions of the different worlds the light & dark. Great characters that only add to the storyline.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC copy. This is my voluntary review.

Thank you Netgalley and DL grant CC for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.

I have read the first book of Elven kingdoms and I really liked it. I had liked both the main protagonists Ravi and Yasmin. Just as I had finished that book, I saw blurb of this one and as soon as it was available here on Netgalley I requested it.

It was a pleasant experience reading Yasmin, Ravi and Dain all my favourite characters making an important appearance in this book. Sadly I had thought this book would be about Dain but it is about Arya. I didn't care much about her as there's no much character development not even in the first book and not even in this one. Same goes for Jay. I did not care for either.

The plot too was not so great. There's some other place like shaldorn so why was shaldorn described as single hell I do not understand. Shaldorn was unreachable, not enterable to common folks. But when there's some place even worse than shaldorn I feel it watered down the whole concept of it.

I would have given it 2 stars but giving it 3 stars coz I didn't expect to get so much of my favourite characters, it just felt more nostalgic. So 3 stars it is. I hope third book is about Dain.

This is the 2nd installment to the Elven Kingdoms series. Honestly, I enjoyed the first book more. I wish the writing showed us more detail instead of just telling it to the reader. This story is about Jai and Arya, and man, the back and forth emotions of both really gave me whiplash. There is not nearly enough backstory on their connection with one another. We know that they met 4 years prior and immediately had feelings for each other, but had to keep it secret due to their jobs. We know they wrote letters to one another and had made plans together. But I needed more. A POV from that time would've really solidified their romance for me. Not to mention how random the spice was. I normally look forward to it in a romantasy, but honestly this could've done without it. Or at least not been 5+ pages of the same sex scene?! I was still rooting for things to work out in the end, however it was hard to actually root for THEM. I'm still curious where the next book will take us - the ending definitely leaves you wondering what's next. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

I love Donna Grant's writing. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Everything I have read so far has been addicting. This story continues on from the Rising Sun book that followed Yasmin and Ravi. This book focuses more on Arya and Jai's story.

Arya is one of the agents that took down Shaldorn in the first book. It delves into her past more where she once fell in love with a man named Jai who she met when she was undercover. She waited for him after warning him about a raid and he never showed. Jai works for the masters as a slave. He sees the the bounty on Arya's head and finally gets to put his revenge fantasies into motion. Jai believes Arya put him in the path of the masters. He wants his hatred for her to fuel his plan but things don't work as he wants them to because he still has feelings for her.

This story was captivating. I loved seeing Ravi and Yasmin again. And after reading the Bastard King is was so nice to see Kendrick too. Seeing all the twists and turns of this series was making me feral. Priya is one crazy woman. Seeing all the steps she took to secure her love left me reeling because holy shit, that was another level of obsessed.

Arya and Jai were so amazing. I felt every struggle and ounce of their emotions. They really are made for each other.

But, I still have so many questions. I still don't know what to make of One. And that book?! I have so many theories my head is spinning. All of which will go unanswered until I can get my hands on the next book. Which I am now counting down the days until it releases!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. I highly suggest you read this book. But this isn't a standalone so if you do make sure to check out Rising Sun first.

Buckle up, folks! Dark Heart isn't just a book; it's a high-stakes, elf-packed rollercoaster with more twists than a bowl of spaghetti. Donna Grant yanks us into the chaos of the Elven Kingdoms, where betrayal and secrets are as common as questionable fashion choices at a middle school dance.

The story kicks off at a sprint—no leisurely world-building strolls here—and plunges us headfirst into Arya's mission to find her old flame, Jai. But wait, there’s more: Jai thinks Arya betrayed him (ouch), Arya's walking into a trap (double ouch), and there's a side plot of slave trafficking masterminded by some seriously sketchy elf overlords. Just another day in Zora, right?

The ensemble cast feels like a fantasy soap opera you didn’t know you needed. Arya’s team includes her mentor Dain and mates Yasmin and Ravi, who bring just the right mix of loyalty and sass. On the other side, Jai has his brooding angst and bestie Priya, who’s harboring a "love Jai, hate Arya" grudge so intense it might as well be her full-time job. Throw in some Dragon Kings, evil elves, and a map to keep you from getting totally lost, and you’ve got a recipe for chaos—in the best way.

The action? Non-stop. The drama? Off the charts. The love-hate relationship between Arya and Jai is so convincing you’ll need popcorn to get through their scenes. And yes, the limited steamy moments are tasteful, for those of you who prefer your romance without a side of cringy euphemisms.

If Dark Heart were a theme park ride, it’d be one of those coasters that hurls you into the air, flips you upside down, and leaves you both exhilarated and slightly queasy. By the end, you’ll be begging for another turn—or, in this case, the next book in the series.

Warning: May cause sleep deprivation and irrational distrust of evil elves. Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy, drama, and tormented romance.

PS.... Donna, I still need my Dain book..... 😅🤣😅

I did not enjoy this book at all and to be honest my eyes glazed over while reading. However that is partially my fault because I had no clue this book was a sequel. Oops. However, even from the first page the writing just felt extremely bland. Apologies, I wish I had more to say, but this book just kind of was a snooze fest for me. However, thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access.

Donna Grant delivers another nonstop, action, packed page Turner of a story from beginning to
end with Dark Heart.

Arya is a dark elf working for the counter corruption division. Years ago, while undercover, she lost the man she loved and has since been searching for him. While it is believed that she betrayed the love of her life that is far from the truth, Trying to fight the corruption of the people that are ruining her home and hoping to get back that treasured person.

Jai feels the betrayal of someone who loved him. He sets out to extract revenge and deliver the betrayer to the council of masters. Just when he thinks he has all the pieces in place and his trap is said he realizes that not everything is the way he thought it was.

Arya and Jai find themselves as two pieces in this crazy puzzle. As the truth of lies and betrayal come to the surface as the darkness and lies begin to be exposed, and the pieces of this intricate plot start to fall together. Donna Grant has once again proven that she is a master at world building and knows how to write a story to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Intricate world building and ever weaving plot Dark Heart ticks off all the boxes for a paranormal romance read.

Dark Heart is the second instalment of the Elven Kingdom series. If you love fantasy, Dark romance type of books- This a must read. Donna Grant ha put so much effort into this book which you can clearly see from page to page. The plot twists, action and characters will have everyone ( including myself ) captivate to read more & more!
The book can be read as a stand alone nd follows the female lead character Arya who is a dark elf and her romantic interest Jai. If you love enemies to lovers, this book is definitely for you!.

I do enjoy a book with characters that aren't what they seem, betrayals and loyalties that are questionable, lots of unseen to be revealed at the worst times, and lots of stressful situations. This book was all that.

I enjoyed the imaginative world that Donna Grant has created here (and in all her books!). The characters are immediately embroiled in one life-threatening situation after another. They don't even have time to unravel misinformation, potential betrayals and true motives because the scary situations come one after another.

I found the characters complex and well-written. The action fast-paced and intense. The story compelling. Grant almost gives us too much to keep up with. Almost. This book is fun and interesting.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.

4.25stars-DARK HEART is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s adult ELVEN KINGDOMS paranormal / fantasy romance series, a spin off, set in the author’s numerous interconnected series including Dark Kings and Dragon Kings. This is Dark elves Arya and Jai’s story line. DARK HEART can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives DARK HEART follows Dark Elf Arya as she goes in search of the man she loves. Approximately four years earlier, while working undercover for the CCD, the Dark’s Counter Corruption Division, Arya is thought to have betrayed the man that she loved, pushing Jai out of her life and into the arms of someone else. Having spent several years searching with her partner Dain, in the hopes of finding Jai, Arya is about to walk into a trap, setting into motion, her capture and torture at the hands of the people in charge but Arya will quickly discover that the betrayal by someone else sparked Jai’s hatred towards our story line heroine, and a ransom for her capture was only the beginning of her spiral out of control.

The world building is complex and detailed, focusing on the trafficking and torture of slaves, and Jai was once at the centre of the destruction of so many lives. There is a council of Masters seemingly battling for control including the capture of our story line heroine, but Arya’s love for Jai is threatened by a lifetime of lies and betrayal.

The relationship between Arya and Jai goes from enemies to friends to lovers but someone else is waiting impatiently for Arya to be pushed out of Jai’s life. Jai believes Arya betrayed him and their love, and therefore is determined to make Arya pay for years of heart break and pain. The limited $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters including Jai’s childhood best friend Priya, Arya’s CCD partner Dain, the not quite human female Reva, as well as the return of Yasmin and Ravi (Rising Sun 1), and Dragon King Kendrick and his mate Esha. The requisite evil has many faces.

DARK HEART is a story of secrets and lies, jealousy and obsession, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, forgiveness and love. The premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is predicated upon a past relationship; the characters are lively, determined and dangerous.



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Donna Grant’s *Dark Heart* is the second installment in her *Elven Kingdoms* series, and if you thought she couldn’t possibly top the first book, think again. *Dark Heart* is a masterclass in world-building, character complexity, and storytelling that will have you hanging on for dear life, praying your heart doesn’t get ripped out in the process. Spoiler alert: it might. But that’s why we love her, isn’t it?

In this dark, seriously dark sequel, we’re plunged headfirst into a plot so twisted, with villains so sinister they make Darth Vader look like a choirboy. These antagonists are so devoid of light, they probably have coal for hearts. And the betrayals? Let’s just say they’re deep enough to scar even the sturdiest stone. Grant doesn’t shy away from putting her characters through the wringer, and it’s in these trials that we truly see her skill as a storyteller. With every chapter, just when you think you’ve got a handle on the plot, she flips the script again. Prepare for whiplash, because *Dark Heart* will have you spinning like you’re caught in a tempest of emotions and unexpected twists.

As always, Grant’s world is lush, immersive, and dangerously addictive. The line between good and bad becomes deliciously blurred as we follow Arya and Jai, two characters who are fighting tooth and nail for their happiness. But the cards they’ve been dealt? Let’s just say it’s like playing poker with a stacked deck — and this game is far from over. You’ll be on the edge of your seat, wondering if these two can ever find the peace they deserve, or if the fates have conspired against them in a way that will leave them shattered.

And just when you think the ride might slow down, Grant hits you with a cliffhanger that’ll make you yell, “No, she didn’t!” It’s the kind of ending that will leave you impatiently tapping your fingers, waiting — no, *begging* — for the next installment.

If you’re looking for a paranormal series that combines heart-pounding action, intricate plotting, and enough emotional turmoil to make even the toughest readers tear up, *Dark Heart* delivers in spades. Grant has once again proven that she’s a force to be reckoned with in the realm of fantasy romance.

So yes, Ms. Grant, I’m ready for what’s to come — though I’m not sure I’ll be emotionally prepared for the wild ride you’re about to take us on next.

good read. loved this world. loved these characters. enjoyable read from beginning to end. donna grant is an amazing author.