The Darkest King

Dark Kings of NYC #1

by Juliette N. Banks

A previous cover edition for this ASIN can be found here

Will he avenge his family or acknowledge the woman he loves is no longer his enemy?

Fifteen years ago, the mafia murdered my family. I’m Connor Barrett - the most powerful man in NYC. I fund politicians, sleep with beautiful women and my enemies don’t know I exist. Yet.

I’ve been single-minded in my revenge until a woman with sinful curves pours a drink down the front of my Armani tux. When I learn her surname, and discover she is a mafia princess, I have a decision to make. Use her or toss her.
But I’m not keeping her.

When I agree to become her fake fiancé to get close to her father – my enemy – the last thing I expected was to find myself saving Mia’s life.

The Darkest King is the first book in The Dark Kings of NYC, a dark billionaire mafia romance. If you enjoy dark spicy romances with twists, battling mafia families, and dominant, protective heroes, then you’ll love this love story with a happy ever after.

Genres: Romance, Dark Romance, Dark, Ebooks, Mafia Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

479 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2023

About the author

Juliette N. Banks is a romance author who has taken the genre by storm with her steamy contemporary (mafia and billionaire) and paranormal romances.

If you're looking for sexy books with alpha heroes you'll fall in love with, then grab one of Juliette's free books and adopt a new book boyfriend today!

Juliette has a vast background in consumer marketing and was previously published with Random House. She lives in New Zealand with Tilly, her Maine Coon kitty, and travels frequently.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part 1

2,5 🤔🤔⭐️s

There were a lot of repetitions and some things were underdeveloped in this steamy mafia story.

The hero’s family was murdered and all he was left with was his father’s key on a chain and a box with his father’s files.
It astonished me that after all those years the hero had never opened the box or tried to find out the use of that key, since he was too adamant to avenge his slaughtered family.

While the mcs found their hea, there was no closure with the hero’s murdered family mystery.

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Smut Scale Stars

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something about a billionaire that's just 🥵 AND HE WAS POSSESSIVE! He's a billionaire, and she's a mafia princess, and they end up agreeing to a fake engagement together! THE TENSION! The hot scenes!! Also, I really enjoyed the plot as well. I was dying to see how things would turn out between her and her brother!

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to put down.

I didn't expect to like the book I was only going to read a few chapters but it was a lot better than I thought. Some bits were repetitive but they were easily skimmed over. I had to keep reading to see what happened and it was definitely worth it.

[meg *ੈ✩‧₊˚ (semi ia) · Rating 2 out of 5]

wasn't amazing but wasn't bad.

seemed a bit underdeveloped and repetitive a lot of the time.

[Izzy SM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great surprise

I didn't expect anything from this book, but how was I surprised!

The plot is really super original and the pace is amazing. And it was well done and developed.

I absolutely loved the characters!!! The total asshole alpha male who turn out to be a cinammon roll and the sweet mafia princess who turns out to be tough as nails.
No miscommunication, no stupidity.
Lovely done

And the smexy? HOT 🔥

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mafia romance is my latest obsession, and JNB makes herself a contender for the title,of Queen of Mafia Romance with this first offering in the Dark Kings Series. I really didn’t know what to expect, but this story quickly drew me in, held me captive, and left me wanting more from the Dark Kings!

Connor Barrett is a self-made man with one goal in mind: revenge. When he meets Mia Mancini, he realizes she can be a means to an end, and they enter into a marriage of convenience. He soon learns that she's not a simple party planner, but a mafia princess, which plays right into Connor's plans. What he didn’t count on was Mia breaching the walls around his cold, dark heart.

Holy mafia mayhem, what a wild ride! With twists and surprises at every turn, this nail-biting read kept me on the edge of my seat as I flew through the pages. Full of delicious darkness with just the right touches of heart, this one is sure to please the romantic heart in all of us.

[2TNWalkers · Rating 3 out of 5]

FMC tottered in and out of the TSTL category…wants out of the mafia life but is too naive to figure out only death or marriage to MMC is only way out..Usually the MMC is the unlikeable one and redeems himself…FMC is unlikeable deserves to be married off to a hairy oaf of her precious family’s choosing.hell she did not even tell her BFF the truth about herself been lying for years.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Mafia Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Dark Kings of NYC series. I got pulled into this story from the beginning, and I also loved the characters in this book. Connor and Mia had a connection that was just so sweet and steamy. I really loved Connor's character. I cannot wait to read the second book in this series.

[Dear Reader (Taylor's Version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh? haha I'm gonna be honest for the leader of the "Dark Kings" and this guy who acts like he is the most powerful person ever he kinda just seems like a true crime girly? Like hes got that PLL string map in a secret office and like 25 years he basically has no solid leads just what ifs? Don't get me started on the lack of action. While it could've been good the problem was basically solved within 2 chapters and it was just a bunch of wishy washy will they wont they

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows Connor Barrett a wealthy, powerful businessman women fawn over. Fifteen years ago the mafia took my family and whoever is responsible will pay. That's until long-haired beautiful brunette tipped a drink on my expensive tux. I can’t get her out of my head but she may be the key to the answers I need.

This was a fantastic read. I loved Connor and Mia together. How they met was like an accidental meet cute. This man is possessive and protective with a dominant side who needs control. I enjoyed how you think he would initiate the fake marriage but I was pleased when it turned out she did and he went along with it. The spice was brilliant and the way he gave into feeling and falling in love was beautiful. I did feel the ending was quick to pop the question but I do love the story and characters! I highly recommend this mafia read!

If you love:

🔹Dark Romance
🔹Mafia (Italian)
🔹Billionaire
🔹Age Gap (9yrs)
🔹Fake Fiancé
🔹Delicious Spice

Genre/Type: Adult Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle Read
Pages: 300
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book One In The Dark Kings Of NYC Series
Tropes or Themes: Mafia (Italian) Billionaire, Age Gap (9yrs), Fake Fiancé, Meet Cute, Secret Identity, Protective and Possessive MMC, Family Drama, Revenge, Fainting, Panic Attack, Drugged Situation, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Praise, Dom, Sub, Bondage, Shower Scene and Bath Scene.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to give this a 4 ⭐️ solid but I just can’t find myself doing it.

This novel IMO had so much potential, I considered DNFing but it was entertaining for the most part. There were a few plot holes that I just couldn’t look pass through and also the unsolved sort of ending had me 🤔

Are we not getting closure as to what was on the boxes left by his father? Do we never get to use that key?

His team was deep in vengeance for their own personal reasons and suddenly we move on without closure..?

Besides that I felt the ending so rushed and no justice for Connor? Also, Cade’s POV felt unnecessary..

Overall, it was a good palette cleanser. Sometimes you need this type of books 👀

[Nikkii · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is so wild. It's so bad, but I just can't stop reading it.
I've heard some of the wildest things ever😂😂
"Without my eyeball"
"I'm a mafia princess."

[alina boop · Rating 2 out of 5]

“I want to lick her pussy, taste her, then tie her up on my bed and see which of my toys her body likes the most”.

Conner and Mia… Conner is an asshole. I’m sorry why did he have a character swap all of a sudden… the book was entirely rushed and underdeveloped like he literally went from ordering in girls to being swooned by his “wife”. Who out there in this fantasy world believes this???

Also like just the premise of him being a playboy, there’s a difference between having a rotating orgy flowing through your doors and a couple girls you call up when ur lonely…

Huge difference.

Also what was the ending??? Didn’t make sense to me.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @35%

[Olivia Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars your honor 🫡

[CK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. What a book!!! Completely unexpected and I sooooo loved this book! If you like dark mafia romance with a twist- u will devour this one like I did!

[Isa caneee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book i m reading from this author and , I think this is justt not for meee!!!


DNF’ed at 30%


This could have been so betterrr but its really so poorly written
The way cade is soo self obsessed with himself and seriously did u really need to mention p*rn for jacking????
I mean cadeee calm the fuck down ??? We know your goodlooking !


The characters are soo disorganised there is no built its really so tacky
If one is like this the other can be good and sober enough ,but here these both are so dumb af


I mean come on wtf is going on ? I M MAFIA PRINCESS !! Okayy ?? I got it ?? Why tf is it repeated so many timesssa

Also the number of times she took cade’s name in a single chapter is irritating as fuck
Its seriously sooo irritating to read the same thing over and over again like okay we got ? Why the fuck is there a need to repeat so many times ??


THE I KNOW I M PRETTY WITH BLUE EYES AND BRUNETTE
Okay I really like people when they are shown confident in their skin but here it was absolutely cringe


I might try reading it againn but i m not too sure about this


I have read my share of mafia romance and i have to say this is the most poor one i just couldn’t go through with it after reading such amazing mafia content obviously my levels are higher but i do understand every author has their own way of representing things and I respect that but i so wished the characters were better here and not so cringey

I wish the best to the author i hope she brings some changes to her characters and it will be bomb , hoping to read soon fromm you ❤️

[Baels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the (🔥) pleasure of beta reading The Darkest King and y'all!! Hunter Dufort and Connor Barrett need to be in the same room as me for like... Like... I think I need a whole day. Solid 24hrs, because Connor is HOT.

The book has a fantastic plot, is action-packed where it needs to be, but also has delightful character building. And fake dating. And y'all know when I say character development and fake dating I mean seggsy times out the window! *fans face* 🔥🔥

But seriously, get this book because you NEED to meet Connor! Once you go Connor, you'll never go back 😉

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mia knew time was running out she was a mafia princess and her father had given her two years freedom before she had to join the family. When she meets Conner, who is the whole package and a billionaire, she figures why not she’s only got two more weeks.
Conner can’t believe what he and Mia had, she looked panicked at one stage but soon they had the best night of passion he’s ever had.
Pushed into a corner by her family Mia lets them know that she’s engaged to Conner, panicked by what she’s done she lets Conner know surprised he agrees to a fake wedding.
Conner can’t believe his luck that Mia is a mafia princess, and they might finally make some leads on who killed his family. He never expected to have feelings for or including jealousy.
What happens when Mia finds out what Conner is really up to, they both have to make a decision on what they want family or love, or can they find a way to have both.

[Nicola Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

What starts with an innocent faux pas - seeing Mia Mancini accidentally spilling bourbon over the millionaire playboy, Connor Barrett’s designer tux, quickly spirals into a marriage of convenience situation. Though, in principle it appears to work for both parties - Mia gets freedom from her mafia family obligations, and Connor’s one step further to discovering the identity of the man who ordered his family’s massacre.

The Darkest King was an exciting introduction to the Dark King’s of NYC series. With a compelling storyline line, and likeable characters. It’s definitely whet my appetite for more from The Dark Kings.

[JessicaA Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

i swear Juliette Banks hasn't disappointed. i have ALL of her books. she has proven that not only can she write paranormal books, but normal spicy romance AND dark romance. i bought this book on Friday and finished it today. i was with family over the weekend and any spare time i had i read. she really outdid herself on this series, seriously left me hanging wanting more. now i have to wait for book 2 in this series. luckily we don't have to wait too long. THE DARKEST KING was not only suspenseful, it was funny, romantic, spicy hot and a whole lot more. Connor Barrett has made my top 5 list of book boyfriends.

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Connor and Mia were absolutely perfect! I loved these two so much! I couldn’t wait to see how everything was to going to be played out! I’m so glad they had each other! Can’t wait to read more of this series! 💛

[Franki3W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Love it!
Story pulled me in from page one and I couldn't put it down.
Great story plot and brilliant writing.
The author really knows what she is doing...
If you need some spice in your life, this series is for you!

[Taylor Culverhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not to dark!

This is definitely geared to more of a beginners dark romance as there isn't much in there. Other than that it was a decent book I just find it leaves me wanting.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never read anything by this author but they did amazing writing this book!

[Eline Johanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 og 1/5 nådd ikke helt opp til 4 den her altså. I likt den altså men det ble litt forhasta og forutsigbar.. klart ikke heeelt å connecte med den

[Amber ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speechless wtf

[twisted. reading. romantic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Random find but oh I loved it😍 Conner is hot asf

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A self - made man seeking retribution for his family and a mafia princess who wants nothing more than to live her life, freedom from mafia family obligations,

One spilt drink, thats all it takes to put Mia in Connor’s path and when they share an unforgettable night, Mia never strays far from Connor’s thoughts, for he knows he will never see her again.

Mia, has been requested by her father to return to the family fold, when she thought she had more time, however, Mia’s brother Cade has other ideas, for his own selfish gain, Mia takes matters into her own hands at a family gathering, drops a bombshell, not realising the consequences of her actions, there is one thing she failed to do, tell Connor.

And when Connor learns the truth, he has mixed feelings about the situation, but internally he is elated, because he knows how to work this fake engagement to his advantage, because Mia just gave him the in that he needs, in which to find the truth about what happened to his family.

They come to an amicable agreement that will benefit the both of them. But with that comes the scrutiny of the media, and the revelation of who Mia is. Her friends feel disheartened when they learn the truth, but understand why she did what she did, because all she ever wanted to be was her own person.

Then comes the hard test, Connor’s face to face with her father. The tension is palatable between both men, which is to be expected given they both come from different social backgrounds. But Connor and Mia have to tread very carefully, as not to arouse any suspicion with her father, but he is astute in his observations and knows that Connor is not it love with his daughter.

Connor knows that Mia is a means to an end, their marriage of convenience just that, convenience. But the more time they spend together, Mia feels conflicted of her feelings for him, yet Connor know he can’t give in, but she is a walking distraction he cannot deny.

One thing he didn’t count on was Mia forcing her way through the walls around his cold, dark heart and then he finally admits that he is in love with her, but that was before Mia discovered the truth, about him, causing her to flee.

But then Mia finds herself in a situation, at the machinations of her brother, and when the situation is about to turn dire, does Mia’s father show up, Cade’s plan thwarted, but at a great personal cost to Connor, who now has the blessing of her father to marry.

For Connor, he has to confront his own personal struggles, and when Mia asks for the truth, he lays it all out for her, despite what he wants, he puts his endeavours on hold, for the one thing he wants is Mia, having now declared her love for him, now that he has her, claimed her as his, he is never letting her go, for she belongs to him and him to her.

If mafia romance is your jam, you’re definitely in for a treat. With twists and surprises at every turn, this book will have you on the edge of your seat. It was delicious, dark and decadent, and those blazing hot bedroom scenes were nothing short of panty melting, wicked and down right dirty.

Highly recommend both author and book!

I received an ARC. Therefore I am leaving a voluntary review.