Nanny for the Dark Elf King

Secret Babies for Prothekan Dark Elves #5

by Celeste King

Dark elves can be beautiful, cruel, monsters.
But they can also be…

Dads.

The dark elf king, Grymlok, brought me to his court as a nanny for his children.
He knew how to make war and cast magic.

But no amount of magic can match a screaming toddler.

So he brought me to care and play with his children by day.

And be his toy by night.

My brain tells me that one day I’ll be free.
But I know that’s a lie.
Because my heart knows that I’ve found my family.
And even if Grymlok gave me the key to go out…

I’d just lock myself inside.

Genres: Fantasy, Elves

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2023

About the author

Celeste King is the author behind the Worlds of Protheka, a collection of interconnected series that promise dark fantasy, intense romance, and washboard abs. When it comes to her stories, there are sure to brooding alphas, sassy humans, and plenty of spice to look forward to.

With the ever growing fantasy worlds, the 'what ifs' are endless, and that is what excites her the most. Even she doesn't know just how far these characters will go, but she's gladly along for the ride.

You can always find her fearlessly diving into an adventure (in this world or another), typically with her husband, and partner in crime, at her side.

She helps keep the excitement alive for the rest us with each of her Prothekan works, where there are no heroes coming to save you and being kidnapped...isn't so bad when your captor is this hot.

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark elf King Grymlok, used to order and control in his life, journeys to Liiandor to take on his young orphaned niece and nephew, Zyrvi and Kyvok. He finds that the two feisty toddlers are beyond his abilities and when his path crosses with Rory (h), a human dock worker, he convinces her to become the children’s nanny. As the relationship between Rory and the children grows, Grymlok finds himself drawn to her, even as he struggles with balancing his role as uncle and king. But not all dark elves are pleased with the king’s new employee and Grymlok will have to step up to protect what’s his. The pair face a bit of relationship drama and dark elf prejudice before they can reach their HEA. A sweet dark elf romance with a side of heat and two sweet, rambunctious children.

[BookishAnya]

Nothing wrong with the writing at all but I just didn’t jel with the story and was progressing abit slow for my liking so I stopped reading around 30%

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grymlok is King of the dark elves of Vhoig. He is the first Sorcerer-King to allow humans and dark elves to mate. His brother the Archduke Kral is mated to the human Amelie, the first human-dark elf mating. While working together regarding the kingdom, they receive a letter from Lisandro. Their middle brother, Ivahi has died. His mate had predeceased him, so now their two children needed Grymlok. So the King tells Kral to watch the kingdom while Grymlok sails to Liiandor to get the two young children. Rory, is a human dockworker, and due to the fact that her parents were useless, she raised her younger siblings and now they are all adults and on their own. Her father had died and her mother, well, you’ll see. I’m so happy that it is finally Grymlok’s turn!

Kral teased Grymlok before he leaves that being a parent is a lot of work as his daughter Bremi has taught him. Zyrvi is Ivahi’s daughter and is 4 going on 24 and is a bossy bit of a thing. Kyvok is his son and is two and yes, he is in his terrible twos. Yowsers! I laughed at the kids’ antics because kids do all of those things. My niece and nephew sure did! Lol

While bringing the kids back to his ship, Grymlok loses Kyvok’s h and and the boy speeds off and almost gets hurt. Rory is the one who stops that from happening and calms the kids down as she knows how to handle them. Poor Grymlok, he is so clueless when it comes to the kids. I laughed a lot at the kids’ antics especially since Kyvok is pure havoc and Zyrvi is an instigator. Lol

Since Grymlok is so clueless, he hires Rory to be the kids’ nanny. She knows that he is well to do by his clothes but she doesn’t realize who he is, until they are pretty much off the boat. lol

I really like how Rory teaches Grymlok that he needs to be in the kids’ lives and that they need him as well as her. I also like how they are drawn to each other. However, not everywhere is as progressive as Vhoig. Problems arise in other kingdoms that don’t feel the way that Vhoig does. Then it gets a bit scary, but so is Grymlok when he is angry. Heh, I loved when the brothers work together, they get stuff done! BAM! I loved this book, it was an awesome read and I loved seeing Kral and Amelie again as well as little Bremi. I can’t wait to see who is in the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting read that I thoroughly enjoyed, the characters and plot were so well written
This is a simply wonderful read and I guarantee that you will find the interaction between the Dark Elf King and his two offspring and the Nanny that he has had to find to care for them which is a very important responsibility.
It is fair to say that when there is a screaming toddler or upset older sibling no amount of magic will help, they need to feel that the individual that is caring for the actually cares and wants to see the happy and in this story the Nanny he has chosen is human and has a kind and caring heart.
The Elf King has a difficult situation as he loves his children but is also responsible for his people and knows that there are some that are not loyal and would see harm to his family, this is why he has to trust the individual caring for their needs.
I guarantee that once you begin this book you will, be captivated by this story, you will love every moment and will not be able to put it down until you reach the end and discover the final outcome.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grymlok is a dark elf king who needs to take care of his dead brother's two small children. Rory is a human female who lived in the slums and worked on the docks. When she accidentally comes across the children Grymlok hires her to be the nanny. She gives him a hard time about spending more time with the kids, saying how important family ties are. But Rory had some family members of her own that she just left to their own devices, never to be seen again. There is some unpleasantness about antagonists who disapprove of dark elf- human matings.

It was OK, rather formulaic.The characters and their emotions didn't strike me as real, particularly the children whose behavior ranges from entirely feral to rather precocious. The romantic development is rather quick as the couple spends very little time together. There is some violence as in this world dark elves treat both humans and their dark elf enemies rather cruelly although in the end Grymlok is hopeful that things might be about to change. (He's a king, seems like he'd be in a position to change some things...?)

Regarding editing, the character names are frequently misspelled. I think it would be a good idea to name them something that you can remember.

I received a booksprout copy and this is a voluntary review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rory and the Dark Elf King . . .

Dark elf King Grymlok is about to take on his biggest challenge – children! His niece and nephew are orphans now and he is taking the responsibility of raising them. But Zyrvi and Kyvok are typical rambunctious toddlers and he is completely out of his comfort zone. He recruits the assistance of Rory, a human, to be their nanny. She and the children bond, and Grymlok finds that he is attracted to her as well. Unfortunately not all of his subjects go along with his choice of hiring the human. How much does she mean to him? What lengths will he go to in order to keep her safe? Is a HEA possible for his new family?

I really enjoy this kind of story. The King who rules his people is overwhelmed by two small children… and that is thoroughly believable! The visual gets me chuckling every time. But it’s wonderful to see how they all come together as a family. Grab your copy and see whether the dark elves will adjust to having a human around or whether there will have to be further struggles along the way.

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another enjoyable read and I loved how the main characters learned different lessons that would see them as a perfect couple. Grymlok is a dark elf King who’s brother has died and has left two young children behind and so he goes to get them and now at the docks his nephew breaks free and runs away but he is saved by a human female working on the docks before he can get hurt and she calms him down and now she is to be there nanny and she knows he is well to do by his clothes but doesn’t know he is a King but it doesn’t stop the attraction they feel growing between them but there are some who are against Elves and human being together and will do everything he can to break them up. Do they get their HEA or does it all fall apart and does Rory return to her dock job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read that's about Grymlok, King of the Dark Elves of Vhoig and Rory the human that he hires as the nanny to his dead brother's children. Grymlock who lives by an orderly life goes to pick up Ivahi's children in Liiandor. Now he has two rambunctious kids, Zyrvi a four-year-old girl and Kyvok a two-year-old boy. Rory works unloading the ships at the docks and hears about a magnificent ship and goes to see it. This leads her to meet Grymlok who is having trouble controlling the children which Rory helps that leads to her being hired. What occurs as Grymlock encounters resistance about the treatment of humans from his people and the other Royals as he falls for Rory is an engaging romantic story with likable characters that I received and volunteer to read and review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There are things that are out of our control. And it is easy for us to feel as though we should have been in control... But the only thing we can do is control what happens afterwards.”

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. After his brother's death, King Grymlok travels to retrieve his two orphaned children, Zyrvi and Kyvok. They are immediately a handful and Grymlok is out of his element and knows it. When Rory saves one of the children from getting hurt, Grymlok offers her a job to be their nanny. Zyrvi is definitely a challenge! I liked seeing Rory bond with the children and how Grymlok's relationship changes- both with her and the children. A fun read, that also had some danger and suspense. 5 stars.

[TheQuietBookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the most amazing story to start the series off!
With that being said, the beginning pulled at the heartstrings, by the time he got the letter his brother had already passed leaving his children parentless. Our MMC decides to take them in as his own and raise them which I swooned at, not going to lie. After he goes and collects the children he hires Rory, a human nanny to help him care for them and as you can imagine their feelings begin to grow as they spend more time together.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy romance with spice!

[Cristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, as with the other dark elf stories by Celeste this is the one that is #1 in my book.
Grymlok and Rory create the perfect harmony for his brother's orphaned children.
The world building is exceptional and of course we have to have an evil character added to the plot.
Rory's patience and understanding for these children go above and beyond. Not only is she falling in love with the children but also their uncle too. But unfortunately with this feeling comes pain and suffering for her.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great series opener, but saying that, it's still part of the Prothekan world so it may not seem like it's a series opener ;P Taking guardianship of his niece and nephew turned out to be tougher than King Grymlok expected and he ended up convincing human gal, Rory, to take on the role of nanny for them. As they spent more time together, they developed feelings for each other but Protheka is still full of prejudice for humans. You can expect a well paced story with a sweet and steamy romance, along with two cute kids when you dive into this one ;D

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, we get to meet the King of Vhoig and he is unexpected. I've read the other elves and they were the exception but after reading this, it seems that I am wrong in my assumptions. Change is coming.

I liked the story, I watched how our King learned to be a father and fell in love with the nanny. But there were instances where I do not support the actions of the nanny. Her saving grace is that she truly loves the kids.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[SiriRainbow · Rating 4 out of 5]

On je Král. Ona přístavní dělnice, která získá pozici chůvy.
Když jede král osobně, bez slouzicich, vyzvednout děti zemreleho bratra, netusil co vyvedl. Najme tedy prvni osobu, kterou potka. Ackoliv se mu docela libi, jakekoliv projevy si zakazuje. Stejne tak ona odmita byt postelova spolecnice. Ovsem po par dnech se zacnou cim dal vice pritahovat. On je zodpovedny za sve mestske kralovstvi, ma vychovu a dobre mravy. Ona je vztahovacna a zacne si prikladat mnohem vetsi vahu, nez jeji pozici nalezi. Intimnost je zde jedna a to jeste ji doslova nechava udelat prvni krok jako souhlas, ze jej opravdu chce. O par kapitol dal mu vmete, ze si zacal on. Krvavy kratky konflikt, nebot ne vsichna majestatnost souhlasi s parovanim lidi a elfu. Nakonec zustanou spolu, protoze proc vlastne ne.
Charakter krale Grimroka je mnohem prijemnejsi a je skoda ze jako král si nasel takovou vztahovacvnou uplakanou husicku, ktera si priklada nadmernou dulezitost. Take je zde trocha starych znamych - Kral, ktery z nejakeho duvodu neni takovy magicky machr jako v prvni knize.
Oddechove, relaxacni, mile, starostlive, ukrivdene cteni.

[Sara Gomez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nanny for the Dark Elf King

Rory spends her days working hard as where she lives the dark elves think of humans as nothing more than dirt.

Grymlok is one of the dark elf kings but in his kingdom the humans are treated a little better. Getting news that his little brother has passed away leaving his two children behind Grymlok takes the kids but without help he would be lost, that’s where Rory come in.

Grab you copy today and happy reading!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Brides to Prothekan Dark Elf Nobles series is well written with a great storyline. This is Dark elf King Grymlok, his young orphaned niece and nephew, Zyrvi and Kyvok and Rory the human he hires as a nanny. Their is suspense, drama, dark elf prejudice and romance. The story was well worth reading.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nanny For The Dark Elf King #5

The book started off sadly, but in the end it had a happy ending. MS King has again written another great story. Her characters are so realistic that most of the time I'm right there with them. It's like I'm standing over them watching their every move.

[Shirley Klohr-Ricci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love has a way of sneaking up on you

Story of a lost brother,bringing home two children, a nanny and a whole new world of family,laughter,love, and happiness.Thank you for sharing another wonderful read ♥️♥️

[Deeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story😊

This story was entertaining, exciting and so moving!!!. Celeste is a fantastic storyteller and is a PHENOMENAL writer!!!. Can't wait to continue reading this series!.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in a new series, this book revisits some previous characters. This time Grymlock, king if Vhoig, gets a letter stating his brother has passed, leaving his niece and nephew orphans. He decides to collect them to care for them. They are quite the handful and he enlists the human Rory as a nanny. Spending time together, their feelings grow. Unfortunately, society isn't too accepting of human and elf relationships. I usually don't read sci fi romance with children involved, but I enjoyed this book. Sweet romance. Mild spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Beatrice Gleaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this author's different series

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting world

This is my first read in this world. Something in the blurb or email caught my attention.
I enjoyed how willing Grymlock became to change to fit his new family.

[Mary Roya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nanny for the Dark Elf King

This was an interesting story. The children,the King adopted, would have sent me out the door and never to return. Great story and a very happy ending.

[Jane Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

😁😁😁1/2

Good, fast-paced story. Lots of action and excitement. Will the Dark Elf king actually fall for a human? Say it isn't so!!! LOL
(Lost stars for editing.)

[Chesias · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected more spicy scenes to be honest. The story itself was too shallow and rushed. There was no real time to let the characters develop and shine through.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

story is great

The concept is great. The writing leaves a little to be desired, and there's a lot of typos that make things a little confusing. Needs better editing