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Dark Kings #0.3

Dawn's Desire

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THIRD IN THE EXCLUSIVE E-BOOK SPIN-OFF by the author of the Dark Sword and Dark Warrior novels.

A Dark King Story
For centuries, the immortals known as the Dragon Kings have hidden their shapeshifting powers from the world. But when a mortal enemy threatens to expose them, the warrior Banan must leave his secret lair in the Highlands, risk his life for the dragons within--and resist the temptations of human love...

Jane Holden has never considered herself beautiful. But when the impossibly handsome Banan casts his gaze upon her, smoldering with sensuality, she feels like the sexiest woman on earth. Banan, however, is a man on a mission. He refuses to succumb to this modern woman's charms--or his own desires. Two of his warrior brethren have already surrendered to forbidden love. But as the danger closes in, Banan realizes that he needs to possess Jane--mind, body, and soul. For she is more than his match. She is his destiny...

Don't miss the Dark Sword and Dark Warrior novels by Donna Grant--also set in this scintillating world of Highland magic and legendary lovers.

***More Dark King books to come!***

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2012

70 people are currently reading
1587 people want to read

About the author

Donna Grant

299 books4,766 followers
Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.

She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.

Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.

Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.

You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.

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5 stars
1,146 (44%)
4 stars
891 (34%)
3 stars
448 (17%)
2 stars
76 (2%)
1 star
20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,164 followers
December 1, 2015
Another great novella, and I can't wait to start the first full book of the series.
This is a great series for readers who love paranormal romances..
Review To Come..
Profile Image for Annie .
2,506 reviews940 followers
September 24, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers

As a secretary for PureGems, Jane Holden is just simply living her life. She dislikes her boss, Richard Arnold. But who doesn’t hate their bosses anyway, right? It is only when she overhears her boss talking on the phone with someone about something suspicious that causes goose bumps rise on her arms. Has she overheard something to do with Sloan’s death and Elena’s accident while caving?

Before I continue, I should say that If you haven’t read the previous books in this series, I highly suggest you do. I especially suggest you read NIGHT’S AWAKENING at least because the events in that last book very much connects to the events in this book. Someone is following Jane and Banan is there to protect her, yet readers are still left in the dark and Grant teases us with bits of information. It is only later on in this novella that readers really see Grant’s intentions when all is revealed.

Grant packs this book is a ton of action. Out of all the novellas in this series, I felt that this one had the most action. Rife with suspense, Grant will take readers on a thrill ride with this book! I would have liked to see more of the dragon mythology played out, but of course the epic scene of them flying was amazing to read. Grant always does an amazing job at worldbuilding. So vivid and unique, her worlds are always interesting to visit.

I felt that the romance bloomed a little too quickly in this one. This novella seemed much more shorter than the others, rounding out to 99 pages yet Grant is still able to keep readers interested. It’s possible that I wanted to read more about Jane and Banan together, which is why I felt that this book seemed to fly by. Everything happened too quickly that I simply want more.

I will mention that Banan is my favorite hero of the Dark Kings so far. He seemed the most relatable, the most down-to-earth and I loved his sense of possessiveness when it came to Jane.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to hear that Grant is writing full-length novels set in this world. It will be a series to look forward to!

*ARC provided by publisher
3,480 reviews46 followers
July 26, 2021
3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars.
Profile Image for Tami.
113 reviews
October 25, 2012
3.5 again.

So the story continues from the previous book. Girl, Elena, goes back to London to find out who's behind sending her and her boss to the caves. Then we meet American girl #3 (Jane).. And what, can I ask, is with all the females being American.? Not that I have anything against it, of course... Just wondering..

Anyway.. Jane gets dragged into the investigation for the simple fact that she's the head honcho's assistant. Another dragon boy falls for Jane while trying to find out how involved she is. Jane falls for Dragon and thus the rounds start all over again. There's a bit more action in this book. Getting closer to what's going on and to finding out who's really behind it.. I Myself, would like to know why they're all so sure it's NOT they're buddy that they basically destroyed forever ago.. Seems like the obvious choice, which is probably why it's not him.. sigh..

well, the story was entertaining and the men were dreamy. When the next book comes out I will be continuing the journey with the Dragon Kings.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
October 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this novella - for me Donna Grant's books are like a guilty pleasure that I love to read - I thought that this one was great! This book may only be short and novella length but the story was great and I really enjoyed the plot. Working my way through her books (not that there are many left now that I haven't read!) - 5 stars from me for this one!!
Profile Image for Tracie R.
2,143 reviews
August 10, 2019
Elena will risk everything to save the Dragon Kings. Banan will leave his lair to keep Elena safe while they try to discover who is behind the threat to the Kings. What he doesn't expect is to find is Jane a woman who makes his heart beat out of his chest, but is she friend or foe.
Profile Image for Angel Padillo.
1,296 reviews10 followers
September 24, 2020
Dawn’s Desire was enjoyable and I really liked Banon and Jane. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
218 reviews
November 15, 2012
Great third novella of the Dragon Kings! Look forward to others in this series!

Jane Holden works for PureGems. It's a great job, but her boss is a nightmare. When she overhears one her boss' phone calls, she begins to wonder if he might have something to do with the accident that took the life of her former co-worker Sloan and that her other co-worker, Elena Griffin barely made it out of.

Banan has come to London with Guy, Elena & Rhys to try to discover why someone at PureGems was behind trying to secretly get on Dreagan land and uncover their secrets. When he sees Jane, Banan feels an immediate connection to her that he has never felt before. With two of his fellow Kings already having fallen for women in the past few months when they thought it could never happen - Banan is understandably cautious. Soon, he is unable to keep himself away from Jane!

Jane has always considered herself a "plain" Jane and can't believe that a man such as Banan would truly be interested in her. She thinks Banan is just trying to get her to help them to discover what's going on at PureGems and what it has to do with the secret the men are keeping about Dreagan. Soon, passions arise between Jane & Banan that they can not deny.

When Jane ends up in a life or death situation, Banan breaks all the rules to save the woman he has fallen in love with. Will Jane be able to still feel the same about Banan when she discovers what he's been hiding?
Profile Image for Wealie.
433 reviews48 followers
June 19, 2018
A 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 read, pulling together the open plot threads of the novella trilogy into a satisfying conclusion, whilst still leaving enough exposition for the main series.

Dawn’s Desire is the third in the trilogy of novella prequels in the Dark Kings series by Donna Grant.

The love story between Banan and Jane was very enagaging and yet still realistic, it felt natural the way they gravitated towards each other and was nice to see the mighty Banan fall for the ditzy Jane. Banan’s fear for Jane’s safety and willingness to do anything for her was a nice romantic touch.

The plot of the novella was well rounded and engaging as it culminated the threads sewn in the previous two novellas. It nicely trod the line between satisfactorily tying up enough lose ends to make it a satisfying read, but leaving enough unanswered questions to whet your appetite to read the the full series. The story contains the recurring characters from the first two novellas and follows on directly from Night's Awakening. To get the best reading experience I recommend reading this story in the series order to avoid spoilers and get the most out of the plot arcs.
Profile Image for Glittergirl.
938 reviews16 followers
October 7, 2012
While investigation who knows about Dreagan and sent Sloan and Guy's Elena, Bannan, King of the Midnight Blue Dragons, meets Jane Holden, secretary to PureGem's CEO Richard Arnold. She overhears info on Sloan and finds herself helping Elena and her "company" driver Banan discover who's controlling Richard. Banan & Jane have huge chemistry and she discovers he is so much more than a bodyguard/driver when his dragon rescues her from the mystery man.
Profile Image for Krissys Bookshelf Reviews.
1,640 reviews81 followers
November 13, 2014
I waited til the third book to write a review since I sat down and devoured them in one sitting. Donna has completely blown me away with her Dark Kings. How much can you put into words when an author has the capability to make you forget the rest of the world spinning and existing around you when you're so caught up living the world inside the pages of her book? There aren't any words to describe it. Donna Grant is phenomenal.
Profile Image for Sillylittlefishey.
930 reviews29 followers
May 30, 2013
I found this one a bit disappointing. I never believed in the romance and found the story too repetitive. Please quit explaining the origins of the Dark Kings in EVERY installment.... PLEASE!
Profile Image for Frances Koledoye.
38 reviews
July 11, 2015
Dragon Kings

I enjoyed the story. However, I don't feel it was as well developed as the first two stories in the series. I am looking forward to the next story in the series.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,589 reviews37 followers
June 25, 2020
Re-listened on 3/1-2020.
First listened on 2/12-2019.


I listened to this as a part of the audio book collection Dark Heat on Audible Escape.
Profile Image for Me Like Reading.
359 reviews3 followers
May 23, 2021
Another captivating read from the ‘Dark Kings’ series that offers even more backstory to the dragon shifters and their mates. At this point, I’m very much looking forward to reading the first full length novel of the series.

Yes, there is more instant attraction, an apparent anomaly even to the Dark Kings who for centuries have utilized magic to prevent close bonds with any humans. And, well, the book is a novella. There’s only so much space and time to cram in adequate romance and spicy scenes into so few pages. With that being said, I was still able to feel the romantic connection between Jane, an awkwardly shy yet resilient heroine, and Banan, an alpha hero with an air of mystique and who I adore.

Jane and Banan weren’t the only ones written with depth; the other Dark King characters seem to be evolving into more prominent figures with unique personalities. Not to say that they’ve been one dimensional up to this point, but that they’re developing distinguished traits and are, therefore, all that much more memorable. Even an element of humour is also becoming noticeably present.

Look, was this the best novella I’ve ever read? No. At the end of the day, however, I was entertained by a well written paranormal romance that had sexy dragon shifters, suspense and a happy ending. What more can I ask for?

Other than to be so lucky as someone like Jane and get my very own Banan, of course.
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,564 reviews9 followers
August 20, 2019
I love Banan! The dragon king of the blues didn't believe he would ever follow in the footsteps of his brethren Hal and Guy. Now as he is faced with the most clumsy yet remarkable woman he has ever met, Banan knows it is just a matter of time before he's a goner too. Jane Holden sees herself as a plain Jane. Yet when Banan looks at her she feels beautiful. His sexuality is intoxicating and around him, she becomes the wanton woman she knows she was meant to be. When her secretarial job becomes more of a spy gig than the boring 9 to 5 she was used to, Jane finds herself deep in to trouble. With a new enemy determined to hurt the dragon kings, it will be up to Banan, Con, Hal, and Guy to save Jane and keep the world from ever knowing their most sacred secret. With another binding in the horizon, how will the mystical dragon kings fair? A fun read for sure!
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,952 reviews94 followers
February 4, 2020
La historia de la torpe de Jane con Ban, siendo Jane la secretaria ejecutiva del presidente de PureGems, se encuentra en una posicion increible para conocer que se trae entre manos su jefe.
Elena, Ban y Rhys, le piden que espie para ellos buscando algo que pueda relacionar a su jefe con Dreagan y porque queria investigarlos. Por supuesto, la torpesa de Jane la hace sospechosa con su jefe y consigue atraer la atencion del "malvado" principal (que en este libro asuminos que es Ulrik), y ahi es donde entra en accion las conexiones de Ban con el MI5 y su transformacion en dragon.
Ya con este libro vemos mas al Con que conocemos, el del traje impecable y los gemelos de dragon, ademas de el Rhys bromista y el Henry los ayuda sin ni siquiera saber cual es su secreto.
Un libro introductorio que nos ayudara a entender mucho mejor el primer libro de la serie Darkest Flame.
Profile Image for Shayay.
2,797 reviews54 followers
July 29, 2019
Really enjoy this series! Cool world and love the dragon shifter aspect. Each book features a different couple to focus on, but there are side storylines going on. This book features Jane and Banan. I liked that there was more action in this short story than the previous, but I would've liked for Jane to have more confidence. She kept going on about being a plain Jane, but her looks are definitely not a plain Jane. Maybe her personality is the plain Jane. She's still okay though. I also didn't quite feel the connection between Banan and Her, but they are sweet together. Liked the suspense of finding out who is messing with the dragons and that some past characters were all working together. Fun short story!
Profile Image for Paola Garcia.
268 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2021
3/5

Mejora ligeramente respecto a los anteriores, se siente más creíble.

Conocimos a Banan en las historias anteriores, un Rey Dragón quien se encuentra en Londres investigado PureGems [Empresa donde trabajaba Elena], allí conocerá a Jane secretaria de Richard un directivo de la compañía.

Hay una atracción instantánea y su romance es un tanto rápido para mi gusto. Se ven y aunque hay algo de resistencia se enamoran. Llegando incluso a transformarse para salvarla cuando se encuentra en peligro.

Hay un misterio por resolver, que aún existe y que me tiene intrigada. Tiene también un final abierto ¿Quedaran juntos?

Espero que pronto acaben las historias introductorias y los siguientes libros mejoren notablemente.
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
3,361 reviews181 followers
September 13, 2019
This book picks right up where the previous book, Night's Awakening, left off but from Banan's POV. Elena, Guy, Banan, and Rhys are trying to find out who knows their secret and is targeting them. Jane, Elena’s coworker, becomes a part of the group and instantly is attracted to Banan. When things get dangerous Banan risks their secret being exposed to save Jane.

I really liked Banan and Jane. Their relationship was quick, sweet, and perfect. I don’t always love instant-attraction/love stories but I am really loving these.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,010 reviews154 followers
September 17, 2017
Banan & Jane find that things are not always as they seem. While fighting their attraction they have more to contend with than suspicious character watching from dark doorways. They have a suspicious phone call to the boss. A mysterious figure with vengeance on his mind. There are many things that need to be uncovered in this one.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
177 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2024
3.5-4 stars. Very well done book. Lots of information stuffed in a short book. I really kind of wish the first three books or novelas as they are, we're full length novels. It was just a little too much information for such a short book but it was enjoyable. Now on to read book 1 which is Killian story.
Profile Image for Teresa.
645 reviews
July 15, 2017
Absolutely loved this book! It was good from start to finish and left me excited to read more from this series.
Hot alpha males like Banan who love their women without abandon is always a win for me, but throw in a likeable female main character like Jane, then it's even better!!
Profile Image for TinaMarie.
3,513 reviews38 followers
May 22, 2018
Banan comes to London to find the threat to Draegan and finds clutzy Jane. Her boss is nasty but she endures, thinks of herself as plane Jane. Story moves a touch too fast for me but it is a quick short story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,523 reviews132 followers
August 8, 2019
This picks up right where the last novella ended. The storyline for this series has me hooked! I liked Jane and Banan. Jane was really level-headed. I'll give it to Donna Grant, the heroines I've read so far have been strong, likeable characters.

On to the next novella....
Profile Image for Laurla2.
2,603 reviews9 followers
Read
April 29, 2020
"apparently being a klutz had been programmed into her DNA."

"i'd say you're a half bubble off plumb."

"this just keeps getting weirder and weirder. i feel like my brain is going to explode any minute."
213 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2023
The plot thickens with the threat that hangs over Dreagan & the Dark Kings. We "see" the mastermind of it in the shadows. We hear him speaking, but we don't know anything about him, yet. I'm enjoying watching the story unfold and look forward to more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

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