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Dark Kings #1B

Darkest Flame: Part 2: A Dark King Novel in Four Parts

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The exclusive e-serial continues! From New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant comes the second sensual installment of Darkest Flame.

Ambushed while on their way to safety, Kellan must make an impulsive choice in order to protect Denae—even if it means revealing his deepest secret. And once he's let her see the depth of his soul, Kellan knows there is no turning back from the woman who has set his heart on fire…

When Denae sees Kellan's true self, she is completely drawn in by his strength and power. As desire flares between them, Denae and Kellan finally succumb to their passion that refuses to be denied…in Darkest Part 2.
"Time travel, ancient legends, and seductive romance are seamlessly interwoven into one captivating package."— Publishers Weekly on the Dark Warrior series
"Once again, Donna Grant has given the readers a great story." —Night Owl Reviews Top Pick on MIDNIGHT'S PROMISE

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2014

13 people are currently reading
297 people want to read

About the author

Donna Grant

309 books4,775 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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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for KathyAnne.
570 reviews97 followers
January 5, 2015
Part 2 of the Darkest Flame novellas... these are not stand alones! Please refer to my review of part one for the release schedule and when the full book will be available... Darkest Flame Part 1 (Dark Kings) by Donna Grant

In part two we meet the Dark Fae. The Dark Fae are determined to capture a Dragon King for an unknown purpose and they have their eyes fixed on capturing Kellan. They also want Denae... they enjoy toying with humans and will no doubt use her as a tool to get what they want from Kellan. Kellan and Denae finally give in to their desire for each other and conjur up some major steam together! Dragon Kings have unlimited stamina apparently (wink wink). I also really like all of the supporting characters. And, still hoping to find time to read the Dark Kings... Dark Heat The Dark Kings Stories (Dark Kings, #0.1-0.3) by Donna Grant
This is only part two... there are two more to go... but so far I really like this story. Has everything I like in a paranormal romance series.
Stay in tuned for my reviews of the last two installments in the upcoming weeks.

ARC was provided by St. Martins Press

www.ktbookreviews.com
Profile Image for DelAnne Frazee.
2,027 reviews25 followers
July 11, 2017
Title: Darkest Flame - A Dragon Romance - Dark Kings Part 2
Author: Donna Grant
Publisher: St Martin's Press
Published: 4-8-2014
Pages: 80
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: Gothic; Paranormal; Shifters: Dragons
ISBN: 9781466852549
ASIN: B00HOUT6N0
Reviewed For NetGalley and St Martin's Press
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.75 Stars


Ambushed while on their way to safety, Kellan must make an impulsive choice in order to protect Denae—even if it means revealing his deepest secret. And once he's let her see the depth of his soul, Kellan knows there is no turning back from the woman who has set his heart on fire…


When Denae sees Kellan's true self, she is completely drawn in by his strength and power. As desire flares between them, Denae and Kellan finally succumb to their passion that refuses to be denied…in Darkest Flame: Part 2.


Cassie is shock when she sees Kellan's true self, but shows her inner strength when she accepts his secret and keeps it. Kellan shows Cassie she is the most important thing in his world when he transforms in her presence. Their personalities are evolving and we get to watch their relationship grow.


As always Donna Grant gives us characters we can enjoying getting to know. The scenes are well described and vivid. A short read to be enjoyed on a bus ride or at the doctor's office.


My rating of "Darkest Flame - Part 2 is 4.75 out of 5 stars.


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B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dark...

GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

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18 reviews
January 11, 2018
Great story line for this series. Love it!

Questions keep coming. Just catching up before the next book is out. Can't wait. Keeps a reader hooked and coming back for more.
Profile Image for Twin Sisters Rockin' Book Reviews.
884 reviews93 followers
April 24, 2014
Darkest Flame Part 2 (Dark Kings) by Donna Grant

***Received an ARC of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review***

Overall Rating: 5 Rockin’ ★★★★★

Denae had wanted Kellan from the first moment she saw him. It did not matter that he was a Dragon King, that they were being pursued by the Dark Fae and M15. He had promised to keep her safe and she believed him.

Denae didn’t know what it was about Kellan that triggered her heart to beat faster or why she was drawn to him in ways she couldn’t begin to discern. All she knew was that she wanted his arms around her, wanted his lips on hers.


Kellan knew that the path Denae had chosen was not easy. M15 and the Dark Fae would not stop hunting her. She almost wished that he had left her to die in his cave.

“Your choice is life or death, Denae,” he said. “Death is easy. Life is hard. But you have the ability to choose what kind of life you’ll have.”


When the Dark Fae and M15 track them to the pier where Denae was to leave and start a new life, she is fatally wounded. Kellan and Con use their dragon magic to save her life. Even though Kellan has hated humankind for thousands of years, he feels something different for Denae.

“I took responsibility for her. Because I gave Denae my word that she wouldna die this day. Because…I have to do this for her.” Suddenly Rhi gave him a wink. “Just what I wanted to hear, stud.”


Escaping from the trap they head for a safe place to stay until they can find out who is behind the attempt to kidnap a Kellan and Denae. Still not completely trusting each other a tentative amity is reached. They need to focus on why the dark fae want Kellan. Does it have something to do with his position as the Keeper of the History?

Kellan had to agree with her. “There’s only one reason they would want me. As Keeper of the History, they want something from our past.” And Kellan had an idea of exactly what that was. If the Dark got their hands on it, he wasn’t sure the Kings could save the humans, much less themselves.


She had thought she knew what evil was until she looked into the eyes of the Dark Fae. Denae was not afraid of most things, but the Dark Fae scared her. They reminded her of how alone she felt since losing her family. Denae knows that her career is over and that she will need to find another way…maybe it will be with Dragon King named Kellan.

She instinctively knew the flare of attraction, of undeniable longing between them was rare and special. Whatever gripped them, held them was both wonderful and frightening.
She didn’t recognize her body because it was no longer hers. It was Kellan’s.


Kellan and Denae are taking captive by the Dark. The last two Dragon Lords ended up dead. Humans are sucked dry and only a husk is left. Will they survive?

Hero –Kellan: 5 stars
Heroine –Denae Lacroix: 5 stars
Steam: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Cliffhanger: Yes

Would I recommend this book: Yes! Dragons, Dark Fae, Light Fae, and humans…Oh my! Immortal beings living with and protecting humans, what’s not to like. This book is a mystery, Sci-Fi, love story that just keeps getting better as you read each page.

Would I read other books by this author: Yes! I have to find out if our Hero and Heroine escape and defeat the bad guys.

Darkest Flame: Part 2
Donna Grant
Profile Image for Meigan.
1,382 reviews77 followers
September 9, 2015
This installment of the Darkest Flame continues literally where part one "ended". Part one ended on a major cliffhanger, and this picks up where that left off.

Denae and Kellan are still on the run, along with several other members of the Dark Kings. Not only are they trying to escape M15, but are also now in peril from the Dark Fae, who have joined forces with M15 The Dark Ones are a force to be reckoned with and a true threat to the dragons - the Dark Fae use their captives, men and women alike, as sex slaves. A dragon king has the most to lose if ever he is captured and "used", because despite being alive, he is broken and unable to be fixed.

In this second part of the Darkest Flame serial, we see Denae and Kellan make progress in the relationship they are both trying to fight. Kellan is fighting it more so than Denae because of his outlook on the human race as a whole. He loathes them and is struggling with his hatred of mortals because one mere mortal in particular has imbedded herself in his mind. Unbeknownst to her, of course, since she wasn't trying :) I love the "forbidden" type of relationship, such as what we see here. And the steam was pretty steamy, although suspension of disbelief is needed. Nobody walks, let alone runs, after a sex marathon like they had.

As with the last book, this one also follows form and ends on a major cliffhanger. I don't mind it because it adds some suspense and excitement for the next one, but if this is something that bothers you, you're in luck: all 4 parts will also be published together in full-novel form, where you can enjoy it in its entirety without those pesky cliffies :) Also - this isn't one of those short stories that you can read in any order you choose. Because of the serial nature, they need to be read chronologically in order to understand the events. This also ties in to a series already published by Grant - Dark Kings. You don't need to read those in order to comprehend this serial, although I'm sure it would add some details to some of the characters. I fully intend to go back and read those once I finish this 4 part story.

**eARC received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,865 reviews210 followers
April 23, 2014
Second part of this serialisation and please don't read out of order. In the last instalment we met Denae a young woman who had been recruited by MI5 and now works as a "spook". She had been cruelly used as bait to try and uncover the secrets of the Dragon Kings and now she's on the run and finding herself having to trust Kellan a Dragon King with no love for mere mortals . The plan was to remove Denaes memories and give her a new identity but the corruption within MI5 goes deep and it's not just humans targeting Denae and the Dragons.
Forced to travel together Kellan struggles to ignore the bizarre attraction he feels for Denae but something about her just calls to him . Denae is far more than what he thought in fact she's a woman who could change his world . Sadly danger is stalking them and sometimes there's nowhere to hide.
So this is part two and things are really hotting up! Kellan and Denae set the page on fire but it's a very sensual read as the passionate Dragon King makes his move! Yes it's very passionate but what I'm really enjoying is the strength that Denae shows. You would expect a lesser human to run kicking and screaming from all the things that are being thrown at her but no she is stoic and brave. I thought that Kellan behaved like a total armpit at times as he's obsessed by his own sense of loss and hatred . Denae has suffered greatly in her own life and he really needed a good long hard shake! Luckily he has redeeming qualities and it's still quite early as far as this story is going so I do have high hopes for them.
What really surprised me though was the amount of personality and individuality given to the supporting characters. Each of the Dragon Kings is different and I thought the author did an amazing job of bringing them to life in such a short read . The bad guy has still not come out int the open but the reader can easily follow the clues and it's setting up to be a cracking plot.
Well that's two instalments read now and that means there will be two more. Fabulous fun to read and great for lovers of paranormal romance . An ending that leaves this reader wanting more , well done Ms Grant.
Profile Image for SammieSue .
507 reviews15 followers
May 6, 2014
'I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review'

This is part two of the Darkest Flame.
This book picks up where part one left off. The Dark Fae are after both Kellen and Danae. The Kings can't figure out why the Fae want Kellen. They assume that they want Danae to use against him. They try to keep Danae of the Dark Fae's clutches but that plan does not pan out. Danae and Kellen are trapped somewhere cold, dark and wet and The Fae have not even begun to have their fun.

Danae and Kellen soon realize that The Dark Fae not only want to use Danae against him, but they want her for themselves. Danae will not give in easily. She fights them at every turn and perplexes them because she does not have an attraction to them no matter how much power they throw at her. So they try to invade her mind and make her weak that way.

My Opinion: As with part 1 I could not put this book down. I am very much enjoying Kellen and Danae's story. I love Danae's fighting spirit and that she does not give in to them. I found it funny that one Dark Fae in particular thought he would be so irresistible to Danae and didn't know what to think when she did not react to him at all. Donna Grant is definitely becoming one of my new favorite authors. I love when an author can write a book that drags me in from the very beginning and I can't seem to put it down. I'm definitely looking forward to part three to see how Danae continues to hold out against the Dark Fae and to see if they will be able to get away. I highly recommend reading.

'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'
Profile Image for Lisa.
225 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2015

Can I give it a 10?
Couldn't wait to get this as an ARC. Now I'm mad because I finished it too soon.

You really need to get this as soon as it is available.
I was so excited to get it and so upset when I finished it.
I honestly wouldn't have loved it in parts 1, 2, 3, 4 unless they were all released together. I dont like books that are "part" of a story. While this is the 4th in the series the excitement of what is coming next isn't diminished.
You get closure in the story but its still open for the next book because it isn't done. You don't feel bad because the story is to continue. Your waiting for the next "chapter" in the form of another complete book.
I liken it to a really good TV series. Each book is a "Season" and they all are complete stories but end in a cliff hanger.

I want the next one please.
But because I cant have it I will just have to go back and read them again!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,128 reviews54 followers
May 30, 2014
Scotland and Dragons! A winning combination!

This was a FABULOUS read with sexy, macho DRAGONS and FAE. It's loaded with espionage and sizzling, awesomely hot romance!

The Darkest Flame was originally published as a four-part serialized story. The 1st three parts leave the reader with major cliffhangers. I am NOT a fan of serialized books and I avoid cliffhangers if I can. Fortunately, The Darkest Flame is now available all together - that's the way I read it - and I inhaled the book all in one day! I absolutely could not put it down once I started it. My review is for the whole book.

My full review has been published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Check it out at: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...
4,172 reviews21 followers
April 28, 2014
Darkest Flame, Part Two continues the story from Part One. You really need to read the first one to follow the story line. I think the author and publisher have done a good job making that clear before you purchase.
The plot really thicken is this second installment. The chemistry between Kellan and Denae heat up and so does the danger. The Fae, which are just briefly seen in the first part, play a major role in this part. The author does a great job portraying the Fae not as the kind, gentle creatures some have done but as very dark and fight-dirty beings with a little evil twist. Don’t think that good thoughts will save Kellan and Danae from them. The head villain is still a mystery. Very compelling read, ready to start Part Three now.

Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,802 reviews46 followers
May 25, 2014
WELCOME TO THE SECOND INSTALLMENT. This finds Kellan and Denae on the run from the Dark Fae. This installment is full of sex and more sex. They finally let dow n their guard for five minutes and both have feelings they can not deny anymore. As they fall into each other and have sex forever. They don't realize that the Dark Fae are on to them . They are taken and now are in the presence of the dark. Its a matter of if they will survive and be free.
Donna did it again, She took us to the edge of our seats. I cheered when Kellan finally realized that Denae means something to him The way they are in the dungeon when Denae was starting to doubt herself , is what you want any alpha man do . Take control even though he is chained to the wall.They are destined to be together
Profile Image for Ryan.
5,778 reviews33 followers
May 8, 2014
Just fair warning, I am writting the same review for parts 2, 3, and 4. This is because I was so engrassed that I had to do one after another with out stopping until I reached the end. First off, I like how the book is serialized. I find I read them much faster because it feels like a short story. I also like where the author chose to put her breaks. They make sense in the way that the story moves. I have many other Donna Grant books on my ereader that I have downloaded but have yet to read, and I can garentee that will not stay that way long. I like the mix of romance, action, and supernatural. I too now want to date a dragon king.
Profile Image for Melinda.
2,144 reviews20 followers
July 21, 2016
More reviews at www.melenasreviews.com
Past reviews at http://melenasreviews.wordpress.com/

Kellan must do everything he can to protect his woman. He has no idea when it happened but Denae Lacroix is his no matter what happens. Hard to believe a dragon like him would start to have feelings for a human. Dena however, is becoming to be more than a human but one who is not afraid to fight with him and for his family’s protection. He knows showing his real self is going to change everything but in Denae’s eyes all he sees is love. Can they survive this battle?

Read the full review at www.melenasreviews.com/DarkestFlame.htm
Profile Image for Samantha.
2,696 reviews21 followers
April 26, 2014
In the second part we meet the Dark Fae. They are working with MI5 and are after a Dragon King. Why we don’t really know, but they want one and most importantly they want Kellan. Kellan is the keeper of history.
We also get to see Denae and Kellan give into each other. I truly enjoyed this story so far. Makes me want to read it all at once.
Profile Image for Marie33 .
680 reviews30 followers
April 26, 2014
Book provided by the publisher.

Another brilliantly written fast paced read with an exciting plot I couldn't put down. We learn more about Kellan and Denae in this once and see their attraction for each other grow. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next
34 reviews
April 17, 2014
OMG!!! I am so seriously hooked!!! This wasn't just hot.... It was nuclear!!
1 review
April 18, 2014
Love it



I can hardly wait for the next installment. Very honest and shows how strong someone can be. Keep it up.
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