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Dark Kingdom #5
Bones
BONES
I got my name from breaking the bones of a kid who picked on my younger brother, but that’s only where it started. My black heart craves violence, and being a King gives me plenty of opportunities.
When a friend comes to me for help because someone he loves is in danger, I’m happy to do so. After all, my friends are few, and they are my family.
Once I have her, I do what I have to in order to protect her. She thinks she’s in hell, but this is child’s play compared to what she would have faced.
She’s an innocent through and through and completely off-limits. But that’s not enough to stop me from doing what I do best—taking what’s mine.
MIA
I was born into a deadly Mafia family, yet I’m a nobody. To the world, I don’t exist.
Shuffled from Vegas as a child and sent to Italy for my protection, I became invisible. Until they found a use for me. Now I’m a card my father can play. A chance to cash in on the family name to the highest bidder.
Taken from my home, I’m sold to a King. His hard blue eyes take no prisoners. He’s just another pretty face to hide the evil and in no way my savior.
Now I know what hell looks like because I’m living it. But just when I think I can finally be free, it all comes crashing down, and the King I thought would end me is the only one who can save me.
All I wanted was to be somebody, but now I wish I’d stayed the nobody.
BONES is the fifth book in The Dark Kingdom Series and can be read as a standalone. Due to mature content and themes this book is recommended for readers aged eighteen and over. This novel may contain triggers.
I got my name from breaking the bones of a kid who picked on my younger brother, but that’s only where it started. My black heart craves violence, and being a King gives me plenty of opportunities.
When a friend comes to me for help because someone he loves is in danger, I’m happy to do so. After all, my friends are few, and they are my family.
Once I have her, I do what I have to in order to protect her. She thinks she’s in hell, but this is child’s play compared to what she would have faced.
She’s an innocent through and through and completely off-limits. But that’s not enough to stop me from doing what I do best—taking what’s mine.
MIA
I was born into a deadly Mafia family, yet I’m a nobody. To the world, I don’t exist.
Shuffled from Vegas as a child and sent to Italy for my protection, I became invisible. Until they found a use for me. Now I’m a card my father can play. A chance to cash in on the family name to the highest bidder.
Taken from my home, I’m sold to a King. His hard blue eyes take no prisoners. He’s just another pretty face to hide the evil and in no way my savior.
Now I know what hell looks like because I’m living it. But just when I think I can finally be free, it all comes crashing down, and the King I thought would end me is the only one who can save me.
All I wanted was to be somebody, but now I wish I’d stayed the nobody.
BONES is the fifth book in The Dark Kingdom Series and can be read as a standalone. Due to mature content and themes this book is recommended for readers aged eighteen and over. This novel may contain triggers.
338 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2022
1967 people are currently reading
13455 people want to read
About the author
Shantel Tessier
66 books34k followersShantel is a USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. She lives in Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband and their two daughters. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book. Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her.
Email her at: Shanteltessierassistant@gmail.com
Email her at: Shanteltessierassistant@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,156 reviews
August 17, 2022
Dillan “Bones” Reed is enlisted to help save his friend, Luca’s sister, Mia Bianchi, when she’s slated to be sold at auction. Immediately entranced by her, he goes above and beyond to ensure her safety. When she escapes the trappings of her new gilded cage and returns to Las Vegas, all bets are off.
The fifth installment of Dark Kingdom gave series fans everything they wanted plus everything they didn’t know they needed.
As a cloistered mafia princess, Mia has been through some of the worst situations that life has to offer, yet was the perfect dichotomy of innocent and strong – the ultimate queen to Bones’ king. Besides being sėxx on a stick, the broody Bones is a fierce protector and loyal friend cloaked in mystery. With perfectly paced character growth, Bones was action-packed, suspenseful, and, of course, spicy, an all-around satisfying conclusion.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶🌶
Range of Emotions: 😢😫😳🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Alphahole Hero, Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, Age Gap (6), Band of Brothers/Found Family, M/Billionaire, Kidnap/Captive, Forced Proximity, Forbidden, Virgin h,
🫦 Kinks: n/a
⛔️ Warning: The angst in this medium-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
⚠️ Safety Squad: There are some triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Bones is part of the Dark Kingdom series, but can be read as a standalone. However, these books will be best enjoyed when read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
The fifth installment of Dark Kingdom gave series fans everything they wanted plus everything they didn’t know they needed.
As a cloistered mafia princess, Mia has been through some of the worst situations that life has to offer, yet was the perfect dichotomy of innocent and strong – the ultimate queen to Bones’ king. Besides being sėxx on a stick, the broody Bones is a fierce protector and loyal friend cloaked in mystery. With perfectly paced character growth, Bones was action-packed, suspenseful, and, of course, spicy, an all-around satisfying conclusion.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶🌶
Range of Emotions: 😢😫😳🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨ Tropes: Alphahole Hero, Mafia/Bratva/Crime Family, Age Gap (6), Band of Brothers/Found Family, M/Billionaire, Kidnap/Captive, Forced Proximity, Forbidden, Virgin h,
🫦 Kinks: n/a
⛔️ Warning: The angst in this medium-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
⚠️ Safety Squad: There are some triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: Bones is part of the Dark Kingdom series, but can be read as a standalone. However, these books will be best enjoyed when read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
August 3, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: heroine in peril, forced proximity
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕."
Fan-fucking-tastic! Bones is the 5th book in the Dark Kingdom series by Shantel Tessier and is told in first person, from dual perspective. Bones is a complete standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order. You know when you start a series and an author does a such a great job with all the character development that you can't help but CRAVE other character's stories? Yeah, that was Bones for me. The one I've been waiting for since the beginning - and Shantel did NOT disappoint! Bones gets roped into helping a friend "save" his sister by bidding on her at auction and setting her up to disappear - but she doesn't stay gone, she ends up back on his doorstep, with danger and destruction on her heels.
Bones was seriously everything I wanted it to be! The storyline was awesome - it was fast paced and had tons of action with a bit of suspense thrown in. The real story though is Bones and Mia and their relationship development. Good Lordy, lol. Talk about some on page combustion! Bones is OTT hero perfection. Dark, domineering, and totally "touch her and 🔪" given off all around. But he's also a protector and it's wonderful to see how he slowly becomes more and more vulnerable to her despite his upbringing and lessons drilled into him by his father. Mia is literally everything he is not. Sheltered. Innocent. Unmarked. He's completely fascinated by her and her innocence which is ironic considering that scene in Titan 🥵🥵. "She's my trophy. Something only I have ever had. No one else has ever touched her, kissed her, or fucked her." Totally not throwing shade on more "adventurous" heroines, but still, lol. I LOVED to watch her grow and gain her own power. Absolutely recommend this book - especially if you're a fan of the series. Can't wait to see where Shantel is going to take us next!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
Trope: heroine in peril, forced proximity
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕."
Fan-fucking-tastic! Bones is the 5th book in the Dark Kingdom series by Shantel Tessier and is told in first person, from dual perspective. Bones is a complete standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order. You know when you start a series and an author does a such a great job with all the character development that you can't help but CRAVE other character's stories? Yeah, that was Bones for me. The one I've been waiting for since the beginning - and Shantel did NOT disappoint! Bones gets roped into helping a friend "save" his sister by bidding on her at auction and setting her up to disappear - but she doesn't stay gone, she ends up back on his doorstep, with danger and destruction on her heels.
Bones was seriously everything I wanted it to be! The storyline was awesome - it was fast paced and had tons of action with a bit of suspense thrown in. The real story though is Bones and Mia and their relationship development. Good Lordy, lol. Talk about some on page combustion! Bones is OTT hero perfection. Dark, domineering, and totally "touch her and 🔪" given off all around. But he's also a protector and it's wonderful to see how he slowly becomes more and more vulnerable to her despite his upbringing and lessons drilled into him by his father. Mia is literally everything he is not. Sheltered. Innocent. Unmarked. He's completely fascinated by her and her innocence which is ironic considering that scene in Titan 🥵🥵. "She's my trophy. Something only I have ever had. No one else has ever touched her, kissed her, or fucked her." Totally not throwing shade on more "adventurous" heroines, but still, lol. I LOVED to watch her grow and gain her own power. Absolutely recommend this book - especially if you're a fan of the series. Can't wait to see where Shantel is going to take us next!
⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes contain spoilers
August 5, 2022
We've waited for this one. Finally, we get Bones! The alpha protector is everything you'd hope for and more. This cover is what hot dreams are made of... That's exactly how I picture him!
Mia Bianchi is a caged bird that has been forced into a life she never asked for. One only her last name brings. Women are not cherished, but instead used as pawns for greed. Despite all this she has grown into a strong and sassy young lady.
Bones is a powerful, but mysterious man and feared by most. Together with the other Kings, he is unstoppable. Living the life they do they are bound to have enemies. One is ready to rage a war they didn't see coming.
Who will be left standing when the dust settles? Cause ya know, a queen only makes her King stronger.
My review is short and sweet because I can't give anything away. You're gonna want to melt for Bones all on your own.
Mia Bianchi is a caged bird that has been forced into a life she never asked for. One only her last name brings. Women are not cherished, but instead used as pawns for greed. Despite all this she has grown into a strong and sassy young lady.
Bones is a powerful, but mysterious man and feared by most. Together with the other Kings, he is unstoppable. Living the life they do they are bound to have enemies. One is ready to rage a war they didn't see coming.
Who will be left standing when the dust settles? Cause ya know, a queen only makes her King stronger.
My review is short and sweet because I can't give anything away. You're gonna want to melt for Bones all on your own.
Want to read
November 18, 2021When is the book coming out ?
July 27, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
July 31, 2022
“Show me a man in love, and I’ll show you his greatest weakness.”
I wished so much that this book would be about Mia and Bones and my prayers were answered!
I just flew through this story and loved every page very much.
It was very dark, exciting and hot. 🔥
I love Bones as a character and have always found him interesting.
I wish there was a little more drama between Mia and Bones. There were many different ways to do this.
But all in all, this book definitely did not disappoint me. ❤️
Thanks to Shantel Tessier’s Review Team for sending me a copy of Bones!
I wished so much that this book would be about Mia and Bones and my prayers were answered!
I just flew through this story and loved every page very much.
It was very dark, exciting and hot. 🔥
I love Bones as a character and have always found him interesting.
I wish there was a little more drama between Mia and Bones. There were many different ways to do this.
But all in all, this book definitely did not disappoint me. ❤️
Thanks to Shantel Tessier’s Review Team for sending me a copy of Bones!
August 5, 2022
(ARC review)
The 5th instalment in the Dark Kingdom Series.
This is Bones and Mia's story. We definitely see more of the protective alpha side of Bones in this book. Mia (Mafia Princess) grew on me as the story progressed, and I was quite impressed with her at end of the book. Great character development. Very entertaining read.
Loved catching up with the other Kings and there Queens.
The cover artwork used in this series....is very hot!!!!
I would love to get Nite's story. 😁
The 5th instalment in the Dark Kingdom Series.
This is Bones and Mia's story. We definitely see more of the protective alpha side of Bones in this book. Mia (Mafia Princess) grew on me as the story progressed, and I was quite impressed with her at end of the book. Great character development. Very entertaining read.
Loved catching up with the other Kings and there Queens.
The cover artwork used in this series....is very hot!!!!
I would love to get Nite's story. 😁
November 3, 2022
I’m uncertain about how exactly to write this review. I absolutely love Shantel the imagery and character development she writes are top tier. I always know I can effortlessly fall into any story she creates and become submersed in it from beginning to end. And honestly this book is no different. I did read it very quickly and I enjoyed the story. I’ve been desperately waiting for Bones since the very beginning. His character has always intrigued me, and I needed to see what kind of Queen he was going to end up with. But because of this anticipation at least on my part that might be why this book didn’t quite hit all the marks for me. If I didn’t have 4 other books to build him up, I think my review would have been different. I did enjoy this book though and Shantel remains a one-click author for me without a doubt.
So, the first thing that I just could not get over was unfortunately Mia. I know she was sheltered and kept away from everybody for her safety. But she’s a Mafia Princess I feel like I needed her to be tougher. She repeatedly claimed to be strong but didn’t really show it. Even at the end when she chose to do something the execution wouldn’t have worked even if her plan had succeeded so all she really did was put herself in a dangerous situation with no way out. I guess I wanted more for her, and her character didn’t really grow or mature throughout she was very stagnant. For bones I guess I pictured a submissive in the bedroom for him but someone who’s stronger than what Mia portrayed. There’s a way to be both and she just didn’t meet the mark for me. I needed his Queen to usurp Emilee to be honest. I always felt their connection I don’t know if it’s because they dated from senior year into college. But you could feel it between them. So, I needed Bones Queen to come in and just wreck him. I feel like it was headed that way but didn’t’ quite reach it.
For Bones I was a little disappointed we didn’t’ see more of his dominate side. That scene in Titan lives rent free in my mind and we didn’t’ get that part of him in this. It was built up so much he has a membership to Kink in NY he is the silent partner for the one they are building in Vegas and the one scene we got that could have rivaled Titan’s just fell flat. I know Mia is sheltered but this is a huge part of who Bones is, I think there could have been more built into the scene. It was a little too much insta-love for me, especially in relation to a character such as Bones. Additionally, I also didn’t quite understand his reasonings behind certain things he did, they honestly didn’t make any sense and were unnecessary there were quite a few of these scenes that just left me confused. I wanted more action, more unaliving, more alpha, more dominance, just more! There were also some storyline angles that didn’t quite work and were just confusing. I feel like I needed the story to be flesh out a little better and to be more cohesive. But none the less it was still an entertaining read.
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Complimentary Copy
So, the first thing that I just could not get over was unfortunately Mia. I know she was sheltered and kept away from everybody for her safety. But she’s a Mafia Princess I feel like I needed her to be tougher. She repeatedly claimed to be strong but didn’t really show it. Even at the end when she chose to do something the execution wouldn’t have worked even if her plan had succeeded so all she really did was put herself in a dangerous situation with no way out. I guess I wanted more for her, and her character didn’t really grow or mature throughout she was very stagnant. For bones I guess I pictured a submissive in the bedroom for him but someone who’s stronger than what Mia portrayed. There’s a way to be both and she just didn’t meet the mark for me. I needed his Queen to usurp Emilee to be honest. I always felt their connection I don’t know if it’s because they dated from senior year into college. But you could feel it between them. So, I needed Bones Queen to come in and just wreck him. I feel like it was headed that way but didn’t’ quite reach it.
For Bones I was a little disappointed we didn’t’ see more of his dominate side. That scene in Titan lives rent free in my mind and we didn’t’ get that part of him in this. It was built up so much he has a membership to Kink in NY he is the silent partner for the one they are building in Vegas and the one scene we got that could have rivaled Titan’s just fell flat. I know Mia is sheltered but this is a huge part of who Bones is, I think there could have been more built into the scene. It was a little too much insta-love for me, especially in relation to a character such as Bones. Additionally, I also didn’t quite understand his reasonings behind certain things he did, they honestly didn’t make any sense and were unnecessary there were quite a few of these scenes that just left me confused. I wanted more action, more unaliving, more alpha, more dominance, just more! There were also some storyline angles that didn’t quite work and were just confusing. I feel like I needed the story to be flesh out a little better and to be more cohesive. But none the less it was still an entertaining read.
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Complimentary Copy
August 11, 2022
***4,5 "No one!!!" stars***
Bones's story was the one I was craving the most in the "Dark Kingdom" series and of course, it was the last one, but the most beautiful!!!!
Bones were always intriguing me, but in here, I met a softer side of him, Dillan, and I liked what I saw!!!
Add to that a mafia princess who has never been pampered in her life and you are having an explosive combination!!!
Bones is known as a ruthless business who doesn't afraid to get blood in his hands...
His family and friends means the world to him and he can do anything for them...
When a friend is in need for his help, he has no choice than to help him and that brings in his doorstep, Mia.... A princess mafia who wasn't nothing more than a pawn and she is about to be sold to the highest bidder...
Bones is saving her for that ugly fate, but their problems haven't ended yet!!!!
And the fact that there is brewing attraction between them doesn't help either!!!
This was a very complicated story....
My heart was aching for Mia's fate!!! She was supposed to be cherished and instead of that, she was constantly in hide until the time to fullfill her purpose and I hated this life for her!!!
Dillan came unexpectendly in her life like someone bad, but he turned out to be her lifeline and the only one who make her feel somebody....
I liked Bones in here very much!!!
He was so protective and kind... Yes, he never stop being him, but he had a softer side in Mia's presence and I liked what I saw...
I won't deny that I was waiting something more extreme of him with everything that I have gathered in the previous books of the series, but I liked how Shantel had surprised me with this side of him!!!
Mia and Dillan were so good together, but they had enemies that were lurking in the dark to separate them once and for all!!!
Another one great addition to this series and honestly, I am going to miss this bunch, unless Shantel will decide to finally give us Nite's story cause I am sooo intrigued by this man and his vow of silence...
I also liked all the cameos of the characters of the previous books and that heartbreaking scene between Bones and Grave will always stay in my mind!!!
I love this series and I totally recommend to you to have a taste of it!!!
**I recieved an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Bones's story was the one I was craving the most in the "Dark Kingdom" series and of course, it was the last one, but the most beautiful!!!!
Bones were always intriguing me, but in here, I met a softer side of him, Dillan, and I liked what I saw!!!
Add to that a mafia princess who has never been pampered in her life and you are having an explosive combination!!!
Bones is known as a ruthless business who doesn't afraid to get blood in his hands...
His family and friends means the world to him and he can do anything for them...
When a friend is in need for his help, he has no choice than to help him and that brings in his doorstep, Mia.... A princess mafia who wasn't nothing more than a pawn and she is about to be sold to the highest bidder...
Bones is saving her for that ugly fate, but their problems haven't ended yet!!!!
And the fact that there is brewing attraction between them doesn't help either!!!
This was a very complicated story....
My heart was aching for Mia's fate!!! She was supposed to be cherished and instead of that, she was constantly in hide until the time to fullfill her purpose and I hated this life for her!!!
Dillan came unexpectendly in her life like someone bad, but he turned out to be her lifeline and the only one who make her feel somebody....
I liked Bones in here very much!!!
He was so protective and kind... Yes, he never stop being him, but he had a softer side in Mia's presence and I liked what I saw...
I won't deny that I was waiting something more extreme of him with everything that I have gathered in the previous books of the series, but I liked how Shantel had surprised me with this side of him!!!
Mia and Dillan were so good together, but they had enemies that were lurking in the dark to separate them once and for all!!!
Another one great addition to this series and honestly, I am going to miss this bunch, unless Shantel will decide to finally give us Nite's story cause I am sooo intrigued by this man and his vow of silence...
I also liked all the cameos of the characters of the previous books and that heartbreaking scene between Bones and Grave will always stay in my mind!!!
I love this series and I totally recommend to you to have a taste of it!!!
**I recieved an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
January 14, 2022
I hope this book is with Emilee & Titan!!! A reverse harem!!!
January 17, 2026
“𝐿𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓈 𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝓌𝑒𝒶𝓀. 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝒾𝓃 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓇𝒶𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓈𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝒽𝒾𝓂𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻.”
˖ . ݁𝜗☠︎︎𝜚. ݁₊ ☠︎︎ ✃𓄧꒷꒦⌖ ˖ . ꩜˚₊‧⁺⋆♱⋆ ݁𝜗☠︎︎𝜚. ݁₊ ☠︎︎ ✃𓄧꒷꒦⌖ ꩜
Bones has shot right to the top to be my favorite MMC.🥰 That was an exceptional ending to the series! I don’t know what Shantel puts in her books, but 𝓭𝓪𝓶𝓷 is it addicting. I was SAT until the very last sentence.
I 😍 seeing the character development.
𝕭𝖔𝖓𝖊𝖘 has come such a long way since the beginning. & Mïå got her revenge in the end. 😈 Karma is a 🐶!!
My only question is:: are we【ＥＶＥＲ】getting a
ℕ𝕚𝕥𝕖 + 𝕁𝕒𝕤𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖 storyline? 😫
˖ . ݁𝜗☠︎︎𝜚. ݁₊ ☠︎︎ ✃𓄧꒷꒦⌖ ˖ . ꩜˚₊‧⁺⋆♱⋆ ݁𝜗☠︎︎𝜚. ݁₊ ☠︎︎ ✃𓄧꒷꒦⌖ ꩜
“𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝒹, 𝑀𝒾𝒶. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉.”
˖ . ݁𝜗☠︎︎𝜚. ݁₊ ☠︎︎ ✃𓄧꒷꒦⌖ ˖ . ꩜˚₊‧⁺⋆♱⋆ ݁𝜗☠︎︎𝜚. ݁₊ ☠︎︎ ✃𓄧꒷꒦⌖ ꩜
Bones has shot right to the top to be my favorite MMC.🥰 That was an exceptional ending to the series! I don’t know what Shantel puts in her books, but 𝓭𝓪𝓶𝓷 is it addicting. I was SAT until the very last sentence.
I 😍 seeing the character development.
𝕭𝖔𝖓𝖊𝖘 has come such a long way since the beginning. & Mïå got her revenge in the end. 😈 Karma is a 🐶!!
My only question is:: are we【ＥＶＥＲ】getting a
ℕ𝕚𝕥𝕖 + 𝕁𝕒𝕤𝕞𝕚𝕟𝕖 storyline? 😫
˖ . ݁𝜗☠︎︎𝜚. ݁₊ ☠︎︎ ✃𓄧꒷꒦⌖ ˖ . ꩜˚₊‧⁺⋆♱⋆ ݁𝜗☠︎︎𝜚. ݁₊ ☠︎︎ ✃𓄧꒷꒦⌖ ꩜
“𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝓂𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒𝒹, 𝑀𝒾𝒶. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝑜𝓃𝑒, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉.”
May 17, 2025
I love it , I devoured it 🥰♥️
Every fuckin scenes in it.
Bones was perfect , he was reasonable,responsible and loving
I waited for his book and it was worth the wait 🥰
Mia was so good i wanted more for her 🥺. Even from Luca
The way her family treated her. Like she is a no one, made me wants to cry
I hated her brothers and father even crave ,
How she kept calling him Dillan (by his real name ) made it more intimate for them
I loved them
I can’t believe i finished it in one day. , in 5 hours tbh
I feel so empty now the dark kingdom is done 🥺🥹♥️
Every fuckin scenes in it.
Bones was perfect , he was reasonable,responsible and loving
I waited for his book and it was worth the wait 🥰
Mia was so good i wanted more for her 🥺. Even from Luca
The way her family treated her. Like she is a no one, made me wants to cry
I hated her brothers and father even crave ,
How she kept calling him Dillan (by his real name ) made it more intimate for them
I loved them
I can’t believe i finished it in one day. , in 5 hours tbh
I feel so empty now the dark kingdom is done 🥺🥹♥️
August 4, 2023
The Kings are back- and long last we have the love story of the most elusive and intriguing King, and a heroine I’ve been desperate to see! I have long since been awaiting Bones’ story- the hard edged brother who battled with Graves to help him get sober, the king who got his name as a teen for savagely breaking so many of a bully’s bones, the man that used women and had crazy hot sexy time with Titan and his lady. He was always a bit more mysterious than the others- his baggage a little bit less transparent, a more serious and stable presence, so I was just salivating to dig into our final King and discover just what made him tick. And to pair him with the mafia princess (from my favorite Shantel story), rescue her from the sex trade, and she’s an innocent no less?! Holy moly- my catnip, I was salivating for it. But alas, this story didn’t end up being what I expected it to be.
That certainly doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy it - it’s a fast paced, action-packed, steamy, and jam packed full of fan favorites (hello my darling Grave! Hi Jasmine! OMG LUCA!). I flew through this in one sitting- and it’s loads of dramatic fun with many surprises. Shantel nailed weaving together all of the various characters in meaningful ways- and I got some very important moments that I’d been excited about. Learning more about Bones past with Titan’s queen, some Jasmine fun, we get way more Luca and Nite than in some of the prior books thanks to our heroine being a mafia princess, and OMG some HUGE moments. SO all in all, entertaining. But, not quite as satisfying as I anticipated.
Bones himself surprised me the most- and truth be told, I felt like he fell a bit flat compared to the other kings. Perhaps it was because of my anticipation, how much I’ve built him up, but he just seemed to lack the edge I anticipated. Overall, the series has gotten a little bit less dark and taboo- or perhaps some of Shantel’s books have gotten MORE so, so this one just feels less twisted. We certainly have twisted and disturbing things around these characters, but their romance itself felt more sweet than anything. Not a bad thing, just what I expected from Bones. I wanted a bit more grit and dominance, and he felt a bit watered down. Of course, I still loved him- but he was cast mostly in the devoted protector role, reluctantly but his feelings were pretty transparent soon.
I actually really liked Mia- she was a good contrast of moments of incredible vulnerability and fragility and strength and sass. Truthfully, unlike Bones, I don’t think Mia knows who she is yet- after being sheltered and manipulated for most of her life. So I get how at times she felt inconsistent in her strength. And personally, I like that- it showed me a bit more substance than I got from Bones, and I think because she is more vulnerable initially, we get more into her trauma than we do with our hero’s. I prefer a more tender and gentle heroine usually, especially in the mafia world, because it brings out what I like to call dark swoon- edgy and rough heroes who dominate and possess, push the heroine to the limits, but also coddle them a bit. Bones does a lot more coddling than pushing with her, though they are certainly steamy together. Their chemistry felt mostly physical and danger focused- which makes sense, there is a lot of danger. I just wish we got more of an emotional connection- and that we dug into some of Bones’ issues a bit more.
We have a really powerful moment with Grave that made this book for me- I wish I’d felt more connected to Bones in that scene, because Grave stole the show for me yet again. But his story has been my favorite, and I loved how Shantel showed the work that happens even after you’re “better” and seeing the impact on the characters. And Nite- HOLY MOLY, another scene stealer. So much to dig into there. I lived for those two scenes, and they made the whole book for me.
Like I mentioned there is a lot of action here, and it’s twisting, but the dots didn’t always connect for me. Perhaps it’s my own brain, but I’m not quite sure all the pieces clicked with the broader storyline- even more context by the end. The motivations didn’t quite make sense in places- both our enemies and our kings, but they are a mysterious bunch, so I’ll just go along for the ride. It’s certainly edge of your seat, and again, always fun to spend time with the Kings.
That certainly doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy it - it’s a fast paced, action-packed, steamy, and jam packed full of fan favorites (hello my darling Grave! Hi Jasmine! OMG LUCA!). I flew through this in one sitting- and it’s loads of dramatic fun with many surprises. Shantel nailed weaving together all of the various characters in meaningful ways- and I got some very important moments that I’d been excited about. Learning more about Bones past with Titan’s queen, some Jasmine fun, we get way more Luca and Nite than in some of the prior books thanks to our heroine being a mafia princess, and OMG some HUGE moments. SO all in all, entertaining. But, not quite as satisfying as I anticipated.
Bones himself surprised me the most- and truth be told, I felt like he fell a bit flat compared to the other kings. Perhaps it was because of my anticipation, how much I’ve built him up, but he just seemed to lack the edge I anticipated. Overall, the series has gotten a little bit less dark and taboo- or perhaps some of Shantel’s books have gotten MORE so, so this one just feels less twisted. We certainly have twisted and disturbing things around these characters, but their romance itself felt more sweet than anything. Not a bad thing, just what I expected from Bones. I wanted a bit more grit and dominance, and he felt a bit watered down. Of course, I still loved him- but he was cast mostly in the devoted protector role, reluctantly but his feelings were pretty transparent soon.
I actually really liked Mia- she was a good contrast of moments of incredible vulnerability and fragility and strength and sass. Truthfully, unlike Bones, I don’t think Mia knows who she is yet- after being sheltered and manipulated for most of her life. So I get how at times she felt inconsistent in her strength. And personally, I like that- it showed me a bit more substance than I got from Bones, and I think because she is more vulnerable initially, we get more into her trauma than we do with our hero’s. I prefer a more tender and gentle heroine usually, especially in the mafia world, because it brings out what I like to call dark swoon- edgy and rough heroes who dominate and possess, push the heroine to the limits, but also coddle them a bit. Bones does a lot more coddling than pushing with her, though they are certainly steamy together. Their chemistry felt mostly physical and danger focused- which makes sense, there is a lot of danger. I just wish we got more of an emotional connection- and that we dug into some of Bones’ issues a bit more.
We have a really powerful moment with Grave that made this book for me- I wish I’d felt more connected to Bones in that scene, because Grave stole the show for me yet again. But his story has been my favorite, and I loved how Shantel showed the work that happens even after you’re “better” and seeing the impact on the characters. And Nite- HOLY MOLY, another scene stealer. So much to dig into there. I lived for those two scenes, and they made the whole book for me.
Like I mentioned there is a lot of action here, and it’s twisting, but the dots didn’t always connect for me. Perhaps it’s my own brain, but I’m not quite sure all the pieces clicked with the broader storyline- even more context by the end. The motivations didn’t quite make sense in places- both our enemies and our kings, but they are a mysterious bunch, so I’ll just go along for the ride. It’s certainly edge of your seat, and again, always fun to spend time with the Kings.
August 5, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 5/5
Tropes:
Touch her & I'll unalive you Vibes ✔️
Morally Grey MMC ✔️
Bad Ass Heroine ✔️
Bad Boy/Virgin ✔️
Dillan (rhymes with villain and most likely the reason why I fell for him!) Reed is Bones. One of the 4 Kings that run Kingdom. Bones is the 5th book in the Dark Kingdom series but can be read as a standalone (which I did).
Sometimes, you're told you can read a book as a standalone but then become lost with all the characters but I did not. Shantel wrote it so beautifully that I was able to know each couple and their devotion to their respective Queens.
Bones' goes all in, he's ruthless and his black heart craves the violence. His loyalty lies within the kingdom so when he's friend asks him for a favor, he doesn't hesitate to help him out. What he didn't realize was that he would need to save an innocent soul, that's hard to do when he's far from innocent yet be craves her & knows instantly that he wont let her go.
Mia is a mafia princess but has been treated nothing like royalty. She has lived as a nobody and as far as the world is concern, she doesn't even exist. She doesn't NEED to be saved, she only WANTS to be loved.
After spending a life in the dark, this King will show me that it's like to be seen for who I am- his
When I tell you I fuckin DEVOURED this book, I AM NOT LYING!
I was going to wait until the beginning of the month to start it but said.. let me just start it and see what I think?! UMMM BITCHHHH!! I plain out REFUSED to sleep & was instantly hooked!
The prologue literally starts with "Show me a man in love, and I'll show you his greatest weakness."
AND SHIT! that line right there literally made me SCREAM and say to myself "buckle in bitchh you're in for a wild ride." & let me tell you I was fxckn right!
I loved Bones & Mia's dynamic from the fxckin start.
"I half expect her to throw the ice pack at my face. and that turns me on.Fight me, beautiful."
" 'Be very careful about what you say, Mia.' he warns. It just makes those butterflies intensify."
I got obsessed with them instantly, their back and forth, is what made me fall for these characters. He pushed her but didn't want to break her. & Mia? That girl didn't take shit lying down and she's a fxckin bad ass bitch.
Mia
I fxckn' felt for her. The shit she had to go through was fxckn unreal & when it came time to get down to business, she handled it and I was fxckn proud of her!
She fit right in with the other queens & honestly, she was made to be one.
A scene between her & Jasmine, had me just cackling! Jasmine is explaining something to her & Bones is listening to their convo & looking at Jasmine with a WTF?😳 face as if he doesn't do worse shit on a daily.🤣
M I A! YOU ARE A FXCKN QUEEN ! & I will GLADLY kneel for you🧎🏻♀️
Now to my new favorite Morally Grey Character, Mr. Dillan Reed.
Look, Booktok, I am here to fuckin' say it LOUDLY and BOLDLY.. Meet our new book boyfriendB O N E S.
I'll share him but he is my book husband so stop it!
He's everything we love in a fictional book husband:
1. Possessive? ✔️
2. Alpha? ✔️
3. Dominant? ✔️
4. Multi-Billionaire? ✔️
5. Reeks of "Touch her & I'll unalive you vibes"? ✔️
6. Vulnerable side only shown to his Queen? ✔️
I mean you get it, he's fuckin IT!
Bones: " 'You're not going anywhere, Mia.' My eyes meet hers. 'You belong to me.' "
Ok, I can literally go ON & ON & ON about how amazing Bones is but just fxckn go read it! You'll love.
ALSO... STANDING OVATION FOR MS. Shantel Tessier, you fuckin did that!
*Thank you to Shantel Tessier & Team for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 5/5
Tropes:
Touch her & I'll unalive you Vibes ✔️
Morally Grey MMC ✔️
Bad Ass Heroine ✔️
Bad Boy/Virgin ✔️
Dillan (rhymes with villain and most likely the reason why I fell for him!) Reed is Bones. One of the 4 Kings that run Kingdom. Bones is the 5th book in the Dark Kingdom series but can be read as a standalone (which I did).
Sometimes, you're told you can read a book as a standalone but then become lost with all the characters but I did not. Shantel wrote it so beautifully that I was able to know each couple and their devotion to their respective Queens.
Bones' goes all in, he's ruthless and his black heart craves the violence. His loyalty lies within the kingdom so when he's friend asks him for a favor, he doesn't hesitate to help him out. What he didn't realize was that he would need to save an innocent soul, that's hard to do when he's far from innocent yet be craves her & knows instantly that he wont let her go.
Mia is a mafia princess but has been treated nothing like royalty. She has lived as a nobody and as far as the world is concern, she doesn't even exist. She doesn't NEED to be saved, she only WANTS to be loved.
After spending a life in the dark, this King will show me that it's like to be seen for who I am- his
When I tell you I fuckin DEVOURED this book, I AM NOT LYING!
I was going to wait until the beginning of the month to start it but said.. let me just start it and see what I think?! UMMM BITCHHHH!! I plain out REFUSED to sleep & was instantly hooked!
The prologue literally starts with "Show me a man in love, and I'll show you his greatest weakness."
AND SHIT! that line right there literally made me SCREAM and say to myself "buckle in bitchh you're in for a wild ride." & let me tell you I was fxckn right!
I loved Bones & Mia's dynamic from the fxckin start.
"I half expect her to throw the ice pack at my face. and that turns me on.Fight me, beautiful."
" 'Be very careful about what you say, Mia.' he warns. It just makes those butterflies intensify."
I got obsessed with them instantly, their back and forth, is what made me fall for these characters. He pushed her but didn't want to break her. & Mia? That girl didn't take shit lying down and she's a fxckin bad ass bitch.
Mia
I fxckn' felt for her. The shit she had to go through was fxckn unreal & when it came time to get down to business, she handled it and I was fxckn proud of her!
She fit right in with the other queens & honestly, she was made to be one.
A scene between her & Jasmine, had me just cackling! Jasmine is explaining something to her & Bones is listening to their convo & looking at Jasmine with a WTF?😳 face as if he doesn't do worse shit on a daily.🤣
M I A! YOU ARE A FXCKN QUEEN ! & I will GLADLY kneel for you🧎🏻♀️
Now to my new favorite Morally Grey Character, Mr. Dillan Reed.
Look, Booktok, I am here to fuckin' say it LOUDLY and BOLDLY.. Meet our new book boyfriendB O N E S.
I'll share him but he is my book husband so stop it!
He's everything we love in a fictional book husband:
1. Possessive? ✔️
2. Alpha? ✔️
3. Dominant? ✔️
4. Multi-Billionaire? ✔️
5. Reeks of "Touch her & I'll unalive you vibes"? ✔️
6. Vulnerable side only shown to his Queen? ✔️
I mean you get it, he's fuckin IT!
Bones: " 'You're not going anywhere, Mia.' My eyes meet hers. 'You belong to me.' "
Ok, I can literally go ON & ON & ON about how amazing Bones is but just fxckn go read it! You'll love.
ALSO... STANDING OVATION FOR MS. Shantel Tessier, you fuckin did that!
*Thank you to Shantel Tessier & Team for this ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 28, 2025
Bones, this man... this man had me feeling some type of way throughout this whole series. I loved him and then I low key hated him. And then I read his book and I'm in love him! Hands down him and Grave, the Reed brothers, are in fact my favorite in the Dark Kingdom.
Go figure, Bones is the one king who is allergic to commitment. I mean they all are allergic to commitment but he was the one who was adamant about not settling down. And leave it up to the one who wants nothing to do with a romantic relationship to be the one to fall in love the hardest. And on top of it, he falls in love with his best friend Luca's baby sister!
I straight devoured Bones and Mia's story. Story line was everything I wanted and so much more. Mia is the mafia princess who was brought up to be a nobody. She was in hiding her whole life, which made her slightly naive. But when her bother kidnaps her and sells her off, her only saving grace is the ruthless King. But don't let Mia fool you, she is a snippy little thing that will try with all her might to make a name for herself in this world.
I'm not going to lie, I am low key sad that there are no more books in this series. I know we are still waiting on Nite's book. Which his book is a NEED because I have so many questions. And let's not fail to mention, Jasmine. She NEEDS to be an FMC. I loved her more and more with each book. With that being said, I am left with more questions than I do have answers after reading this series with what is to come with the LORDS world....
Go figure, Bones is the one king who is allergic to commitment. I mean they all are allergic to commitment but he was the one who was adamant about not settling down. And leave it up to the one who wants nothing to do with a romantic relationship to be the one to fall in love the hardest. And on top of it, he falls in love with his best friend Luca's baby sister!
I straight devoured Bones and Mia's story. Story line was everything I wanted and so much more. Mia is the mafia princess who was brought up to be a nobody. She was in hiding her whole life, which made her slightly naive. But when her bother kidnaps her and sells her off, her only saving grace is the ruthless King. But don't let Mia fool you, she is a snippy little thing that will try with all her might to make a name for herself in this world.
I'm not going to lie, I am low key sad that there are no more books in this series. I know we are still waiting on Nite's book. Which his book is a NEED because I have so many questions. And let's not fail to mention, Jasmine. She NEEDS to be an FMC. I loved her more and more with each book. With that being said, I am left with more questions than I do have answers after reading this series with what is to come with the LORDS world....
August 10, 2022
3.5 star
"Let him use me. It feels nice to be needed for once. To help someone rather than cause pain."
This book has been the one I've been waiting for since Titan. Me and many other readers have waited so long for this book.
I have to be honest this book didn't live up to my expectations. Compared to the other books this book felt different. Bone came across more softer than I thought he was going to be and Mia story isn't what I thought it would be. I thought that there story would be a forbidden love story. As Mia is Lucas sister and she been hidden away for so many years and Bone is the dark brother who goes off to NYC all time. No one has know what he's been up to when he goes there. We didn't really get any answers to why he goes to NYC constantly?
The way he comes across in other books is very different to how he is in this book.
I didn't know Mia and Luca had other brothers I didn't really like that side of the story. Shantel tries to make it dark but for me it was a bit messy, like it was rushed.
I just thought there plot would be different. I understand this is how she wanted the story to be and I respect that. Maybe because we waited so long for this book it affected my reading experience.
Saying this I did love the characters and being back in this world. It one of my favorite series ever. And I'm so excited for Nites and Jasmine's book I really hope it will be what I hope it to be.
This book just felt so different.
"Let him use me. It feels nice to be needed for once. To help someone rather than cause pain."
This book has been the one I've been waiting for since Titan. Me and many other readers have waited so long for this book.
I have to be honest this book didn't live up to my expectations. Compared to the other books this book felt different. Bone came across more softer than I thought he was going to be and Mia story isn't what I thought it would be. I thought that there story would be a forbidden love story. As Mia is Lucas sister and she been hidden away for so many years and Bone is the dark brother who goes off to NYC all time. No one has know what he's been up to when he goes there. We didn't really get any answers to why he goes to NYC constantly?
The way he comes across in other books is very different to how he is in this book.
I didn't know Mia and Luca had other brothers I didn't really like that side of the story. Shantel tries to make it dark but for me it was a bit messy, like it was rushed.
I just thought there plot would be different. I understand this is how she wanted the story to be and I respect that. Maybe because we waited so long for this book it affected my reading experience.
Saying this I did love the characters and being back in this world. It one of my favorite series ever. And I'm so excited for Nites and Jasmine's book I really hope it will be what I hope it to be.
This book just felt so different.
August 5, 2022
If you are looking for an action-packed steamy romance with characters that you just love and need more of then… this book is for you.
Stars: 4/5
Spice: 2/5
Having lived since she was little in hiding, Mia was used to not being of value to her family. Until an opportunity came up and they decided to sell her. Her brother turns to the only one he can, to ask for help, Bones. Having earned his nickname and having no intentions beyond getting her out of her current situation, Bones is unprepared to deal with the chemistry that brews between them.
Although significantly lower in spice to The Ritual, it was no less compelling or less of an amazing read. I loved how the author was able to grab my attention from the beginning and just not let me go. It’s full of enough twists and action to make a fun and compelling experience.
This is the fifth book in an interconnected series but at no point did I feel lost or that I was missing something. It just made me eager to read all the previous books in this series.
Stars: 4/5
Spice: 2/5
Having lived since she was little in hiding, Mia was used to not being of value to her family. Until an opportunity came up and they decided to sell her. Her brother turns to the only one he can, to ask for help, Bones. Having earned his nickname and having no intentions beyond getting her out of her current situation, Bones is unprepared to deal with the chemistry that brews between them.
Although significantly lower in spice to The Ritual, it was no less compelling or less of an amazing read. I loved how the author was able to grab my attention from the beginning and just not let me go. It’s full of enough twists and action to make a fun and compelling experience.
This is the fifth book in an interconnected series but at no point did I feel lost or that I was missing something. It just made me eager to read all the previous books in this series.
August 13, 2022
Dillan "Bones" has my heart!
It's official. I think this is one of my favorite books from this author! What I loved the most was the chemistry between Bones and Mia and amazing character development!!!!
And let's not forget the steam. Wow. This author knows how to make your heart beat faster.
I loved, loved the pacing, the dialogue and Bones' character arch. Incredible!
It's official. I think this is one of my favorite books from this author! What I loved the most was the chemistry between Bones and Mia and amazing character development!!!!
And let's not forget the steam. Wow. This author knows how to make your heart beat faster.
I loved, loved the pacing, the dialogue and Bones' character arch. Incredible!
August 17, 2022
Kind of a snoozefest. I was really hoping for more with Bones. I skipped Cross’ book because he was the least interesting to me. It’s all just too convenient and everything moved pretty quick and easily for someone with no emotions and not looking for a relationship much less more.
September 10, 2022
Wow
Omg i love Bones. The is one big Alpha male. When he falls damn he stubborn about it. I enjoyed reading how Mia was a fighter and only got stronger. Those two are going to be a major power couple.
Omg i love Bones. The is one big Alpha male. When he falls damn he stubborn about it. I enjoyed reading how Mia was a fighter and only got stronger. Those two are going to be a major power couple.
August 6, 2022
Maybe I need to read the book again, because I feel like I didn't read the same book as everyone else, I was kinda disappointed. Bones story was the one I was looking forward to the most.
I felt his personality in this book didn't fit with what was foreshadowed in the other books. Maybe that was goal to have Mia tame Bones and bring a softer side to him. Yes he was controlling and possessive but to me it felt more like how a big brother would be.
Their relationship timeline didn't make sense at times. Mia was alone eating ice cream because Bones was trying to avoid her for the last week, yet they had sex over 10 times in the last week? They seemed to spend more time apart then together.
The plot was good but had the potential to be great. I love Shantel's books especially the spice in them and this one didn't have it. Would I recommend it maybe but I would say its not her best.
I felt his personality in this book didn't fit with what was foreshadowed in the other books. Maybe that was goal to have Mia tame Bones and bring a softer side to him. Yes he was controlling and possessive but to me it felt more like how a big brother would be.
Their relationship timeline didn't make sense at times. Mia was alone eating ice cream because Bones was trying to avoid her for the last week, yet they had sex over 10 times in the last week? They seemed to spend more time apart then together.
The plot was good but had the potential to be great. I love Shantel's books especially the spice in them and this one didn't have it. Would I recommend it maybe but I would say its not her best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2022
Bones has been my fav from the beginning and I was so excited to get him in my hands.
I devoured this. It was full of drama and angst and everything you’ve come to expect from the Kings. Watching Bones fall for his Queen was something else! And Mia, she went through some tough times, but she comes out stronger, a fighter and worthy of her crown.
Loved watching Bones softer side show for Mia and his possessive, protective side grew too.
Such a brilliant read
I devoured this. It was full of drama and angst and everything you’ve come to expect from the Kings. Watching Bones fall for his Queen was something else! And Mia, she went through some tough times, but she comes out stronger, a fighter and worthy of her crown.
Loved watching Bones softer side show for Mia and his possessive, protective side grew too.
Such a brilliant read
September 19, 2022
This is my first book by Shantel and never again! The women were written so pathetically and the men so disgusting and then I wonder people are giving this book 5 stars and calling this a dark romance? I am sorry for them because then they don't know what dark romance books are. This was just plain bad and so stupid. I don't even want to waste my time writing this review but I am because if there are people like me reading then they would know to avoid a book like this.
August 6, 2022
Mann I was so excited for Bones, only to be let down so bad. Mia was such a boring and pathetic character . Her character’s naivety was just too much, it bordered immature and childish and definitely a poor fit for crazy bones . I couldn’t stand reading her parts so after a few hours , I gave up. Couldn’t even get through this book. Sigh… what a Shame
January 15, 2025
Once again Shantel sucked me in. I read this entire series in like a week and a half and I liked it a lot. Not as much as the L.O.R.D.S BUT still good.
Bones was easily the best book in the series. Most of the stars are for the FMC which is actually rare for me I usually am not an FMC girlie 🙈 Everything Mia had to go through her whole damn life was just absolutely heartbreaking. Being treated like she was literally a nobody UGH. The whole Bianchi family was just disgusting (besides Luca and I wanted to hurl him many times too) the fact that because she’s a girl she’s useless is sickening. Mafia books are wild man 😆🥴 she deserved revenge and the world and I’m glad she got both.
Bones took a second to grow on me. Through the first couple books I honestly wasn’t a fan. Mainly because of the way he treated Emilee like he didn’t really care about her when they were basically together for years which I know is not the case now after reading them all but damn did he piss me off a lot. Also Grave is my favorite King hands down and I felt like Bones wasn’t always the best brother to him. He grew on me through the series though once you got his whole backstory. He had a lot of pressure on him and like all Shantel books (Shantel you ok babe?!) 🫢 his dad was a POS. I loved loved LOVED the way he was with Mia though. He made her feel important and cherished which she deserved. It was a great ending to the series (for now) OH speaking of which…if Jasmine and Nite do not end up together I will rage!! I know some people want her with a Spade brother (Adam or Kash) I personally don’t feel that connection now that I’ve read both she HAS TO be with Nite. Period. The end. 🥹
Bones was easily the best book in the series. Most of the stars are for the FMC which is actually rare for me I usually am not an FMC girlie 🙈 Everything Mia had to go through her whole damn life was just absolutely heartbreaking. Being treated like she was literally a nobody UGH. The whole Bianchi family was just disgusting (besides Luca and I wanted to hurl him many times too) the fact that because she’s a girl she’s useless is sickening. Mafia books are wild man 😆🥴 she deserved revenge and the world and I’m glad she got both.
Bones took a second to grow on me. Through the first couple books I honestly wasn’t a fan. Mainly because of the way he treated Emilee like he didn’t really care about her when they were basically together for years which I know is not the case now after reading them all but damn did he piss me off a lot. Also Grave is my favorite King hands down and I felt like Bones wasn’t always the best brother to him. He grew on me through the series though once you got his whole backstory. He had a lot of pressure on him and like all Shantel books (Shantel you ok babe?!) 🫢 his dad was a POS. I loved loved LOVED the way he was with Mia though. He made her feel important and cherished which she deserved. It was a great ending to the series (for now) OH speaking of which…if Jasmine and Nite do not end up together I will rage!! I know some people want her with a Spade brother (Adam or Kash) I personally don’t feel that connection now that I’ve read both she HAS TO be with Nite. Period. The end. 🥹
October 28, 2025
Bro Mia fucking Bianchiiii! I didn’t see that coming at all! I swear I thought Bones and Jasmin would finally have their moment. Boy was I wrong. Now Bones didn’t just buy her once for 10 mil, no he bought her twice! He will do anything to keep her safe even if it costs him. Her sick family had her trafficked and her brother Luca was the only one that cared for her, not even her damn mother which by the way good riddance because that was bad ass how Mia killer her and her father!
“You haven’t had a chance to see the world, Mia. To experience what other women have. But I promise you I will show it to you.”
“Give me the chance to do what I should have done eight years ago.” “What was that?” “Show you that you are someone.”
“I want everyone to see how much you’re loved, Mia. You are my someone, and I wanted the world to know that.”
She has lived in darkness, not being able to live a life in public or know what it’s like to be loved and seen until Bones!!!!!
“After spending a life in the dark, this King will show me what it’s like to be seen for who I am—his.”
Ahhhh I love them together! I’m so sad this series is over! I wish that Jasmin and Nite had their own book though. I was really invested in their story
“You haven’t had a chance to see the world, Mia. To experience what other women have. But I promise you I will show it to you.”
“Give me the chance to do what I should have done eight years ago.” “What was that?” “Show you that you are someone.”
“I want everyone to see how much you’re loved, Mia. You are my someone, and I wanted the world to know that.”
She has lived in darkness, not being able to live a life in public or know what it’s like to be loved and seen until Bones!!!!!
“After spending a life in the dark, this King will show me what it’s like to be seen for who I am—his.”
Ahhhh I love them together! I’m so sad this series is over! I wish that Jasmin and Nite had their own book though. I was really invested in their story
April 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Omg this one was by far my favorite!! I’ve been waiting for Bones book since I started this series and it didn’t disappoint. His story was worth the wait. Bones was everything. He is selfless and will do anything for the people he loves. I loved how he treated Mia even if he was a little crazy sometimes. Who would have thought he had a soft spot. Mia has gone through so much. I loved watching her confidence grow and watch her get her revenge. I loved all the characters so much. I’m officially on the Jasmine and Nite bandwagon. Overall this was the perfect ending to the series and everything really came full circle in the end.
Omg this one was by far my favorite!! I’ve been waiting for Bones book since I started this series and it didn’t disappoint. His story was worth the wait. Bones was everything. He is selfless and will do anything for the people he loves. I loved how he treated Mia even if he was a little crazy sometimes. Who would have thought he had a soft spot. Mia has gone through so much. I loved watching her confidence grow and watch her get her revenge. I loved all the characters so much. I’m officially on the Jasmine and Nite bandwagon. Overall this was the perfect ending to the series and everything really came full circle in the end.
November 11, 2023
4 stars ⭐️ finished strong with Bones book! I started the Dark Kingdom series after finishing Carnage and realized there was cross over between the two series. I’m sooo glad I did because I got so much background information that I didn’t even know I needed. I have my fingers crossed that Jasmine is in the next Lords book (I so want that text to be from one of the Spade Brothers iykyk 😏).
Anyways, I actually enjoyed this storyline the most out of the five books. I thought the slow(er) burn was perfect and I was hooked from the very first chapter. From the other books I did think Bones was going to be a little more…ruthless? But I’m glad Mia brought out the soft side of him. The Grave/April side story continues to break my heart.
I expected a little more spicy with this whole series tbh…especially after reading the Lords. Shantel obviously stepped it up major with her more recent books.
If you are a fan of the Lords, I recommend trying this one out while we wait for the next book 🙇♀️
Anyways, I actually enjoyed this storyline the most out of the five books. I thought the slow(er) burn was perfect and I was hooked from the very first chapter. From the other books I did think Bones was going to be a little more…ruthless? But I’m glad Mia brought out the soft side of him. The Grave/April side story continues to break my heart.
I expected a little more spicy with this whole series tbh…especially after reading the Lords. Shantel obviously stepped it up major with her more recent books.
If you are a fan of the Lords, I recommend trying this one out while we wait for the next book 🙇♀️
January 26, 2024
”Show me a man in love, and I’ll show you his greatest weakness.”
The Dark Kingdom books are SOOO underrated. These were better than ALL of the Legacy of Gods books but they do not get the credit they deserve! PLEASE READ THESE! (But start with the 2nd) they are GOLD!
November 12, 2025
I need more of the kings stories
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