The breathtaking conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant's HOT BLOODED e-series! Iona's heart pounded in her ears like a drum. Her life was being dismantled one piece at a time. What was she going to be when it was all said and done? Laith squatted beside her and cupped her face in his hands. "Look at me. Look into my eyes. What do you see?" "You," she said. "I see you." "Remember that, Iona Campbell," he whispered before he kissed her.
A DARK KING AND HIS MATE In HOT BLOODED: Part IV, the situation goes from bad to worse. Laith, Iona and the Dark Kings are preparing for a showdown. Winner takes all, but neither Laith nor Iona can stand to lose, especially if it means losing each other. Read all four parts of this sensational e-series—and look for the full volume of Hot Blooded from St. Martin's Paperbacks.
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.
This review is a combined review for all four parts! Full book will be released December 30th...Hot Blooded
Hot Blooded is definitely one of my favorites in the Dark Kings series so far... and, the way it ended has me dying for the next book! Looks like Rhys and Lily are finally going to get their book... Can't wait... :)) It goes without saying that I love all of the dragon kings, but I particularly loved the pairing of Laith and Iona. She is such a strong female character. As a soldier and a traveling photographer, she lives simply and always on the road never setting down roots in any one place. And love, nope... she's not a fan of that concept. She comes back to Scotland to re-connect with her father only to find out that he had died. Iona had an image of her father that turns out to be completely wrong as she gets to know all of the friends he left behind. What she doesn't know is that she has inherited a pact that has been handed down their bloodline for many generations. The land that she has inherited must be guarded and the kings have to find a way to ensure that the land stays in Campbell hands. Laith has been put to the task of making sure Iona stays to take over the responsibility of the pact. When he meets Iona... well... let's just say the flames were lit! Along with the blooming love story between Laith and Iona, we also get to see a new side of Rhi, the light fae. My heart went out to her so much. She is no longer the same fae that she was before she was tortured by the dark. It will be interesting to see how her character evolves from this point on... she is definitely more powerful than anyone realized. Rhys, unfortunately, is not recovering well from the attack by the Dark fae in the last book. I was so sad for him. His injuries lead to something that every dragon king fears. But, perhaps he can lick his wounds a little in the next book where hopefully he will finally find his true mate. And, of course, we are still awaiting the impending war with the Dark Fae and the undiscovered Dragon King who apparently is holding a grudge. Is it Ulrik?? I am not convinced... but, the author is doing a really good job of keeping us guessing.
Great series so far and I'm looking forward to more time with these hot and steamy dragon kings.
ARC's were provided by St. Martin's Press
Here is a link to the reading order of this series:
A slow build, this wasn't just about sex, although the sex scenes were perfect. It was about developing a relationship. About bringing two totally different people (ok, person and dragon) together. It was about falling in love.. and then learning to deal with the outside world.. not that's not right, it was about learning to deal with each other's baggage and still falling in love. It was good vs evil, it was powerful and passionate.
Iona and Laith have come together, determined to save the doorway to Dreagan. Only their enemies have evolved as well. They have managed to wrap Dragon and Dark Fae magic together, making it extremely difficult to defeat. Sadly Rhys bears the worst scars of this battle and has to make a choice NO Dragon King should have to.. to remain dragon at all times or shift one last time to human and remain human for all eternity.
Rhi bears the scars of the war as well. No longer a being of joyful light, she has moments of darkness and wants to succomb on occasion. She is also slightly uninformed as to who exactly saved her.. she has a difficult path ahead of her I am sure.
The Warriors have begun to merge with the Dragon Kings more and more.. in Hot Blooded we find an interesting connection.. yeah Donna for keeping these wonderful characters relevant.
Con.. yeah he is still interesting.. What is going on with him? Why does he not want the Dragons to find their human mates? It's not like they can find dragon ones, they have all been sent away. And is he Rhi's mysterious former lover? The Dragon who still holds her heart?
And of course Ulrik, all paths lead to Ulrik, at least the evil ones. And yet I don't see him as the traitor. Yes, he has regained some of his magic and yes he is furious at Con and to a lesser extent all of the rest of the Kings but I just get this feeling. I know, I am going to have an awfully red face when he turns out to be the traitor.. but I just see it differently...
If I didn't know that there was so much more going on with this series I would be heartbroken that this book ended.. Fortunately for us there is more to come.. starting with Night's Blaze in March.
The best news about this book? The entire thing is out! Yep you can read it in serial format or you can read the entire book! Either way it's a win/win.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Hot Blooded: Part 4, provided by netgalley
Oh boy this was so good, but still so many unanswered questions. My heart just broke for Rhys and the decision he made. I want Ulrich to be the bad guy, but I'm just not sure. I think I know who Rhi's dragon lover was, but I guess I will have to wait and see if I'm right.
NOTE: Hot Blooded is a four-part book, and should be read in sequence, and the four parts will be published as one single book in January 2015.
This review is for all the four parts and will be the same for all four books.
The battle between good and evil, human and demon is a never-ending war waged for centuries and shall continue into the future with destructive consequences, as power and control take precedence over everything. And as history shows, for every act of evil, there will be reacting to maintain the balance and for every demon that steps on an innocent, there will be a protector to mete out justice.
Donna Grant’s latest in her paranormal dragon saga “Hot Blooded”, brings Laith, a Dragon King face to face with Iona Campbell, daughter of the caretaker of the vast lands that safeguard the secrets of the Dreagan Industries. Estranged from her father for twenty years, photojournalist Iona makes the decision to reunite with her father in Scotland, but unfortunately ends up coming to his funeral instead. Strange things seem to happen as the beauty of the vast lands hide secrets that put her life in danger and test her integrity, loyalty and intelligence.
Guarded by the Campbell estates, the Dreagen Industries nestle the Dragon Kings and their kingdom, as they man the vast skies protecting the innocent and taking care of their own. Laith, as one of the Dragon Kings and protector, is drawn to Iona at first sight. The attraction between them kindles a passion that cannot be ignored, even as danger surrounds Iona, and Laith puts all his magical resources and allies to defend Iona and his kingdom.
Hot Blooded is another brilliant story, further taking the readers on a ride of passion, secrets and betrayal. For new readers, this book can be read as a stand-alone, and can be a good start, as it gives a detailed description into the history of the paranormal dynamics of the Dragon Kings, Warriors, Fae and others, and the ensuing war. And as Laith unveils the secrets of the Campbell lands and the Dreagen Industries to Iona, he puts himself and his love at risk.
Another passionate “Dark Kings” story by the fabulous Donna Grant, of a Dragon King finding his mate, a brilliant continuation of the Dragon King saga as it chronicles the past bringing us with the current, a thrilling ride of a mortal with her Dragon King, as he takes her on a fiery ride high above the skies, and an evil that is lurking in the shadows, biding it’s time, waiting for the perfect time to strike.
Received an ARC from St. Martins Press via Netgalley for an honest review.
A DARK KING AND HIS MATE. In HOT BLOODED: Part IV, the situation goes from bad to worse. Laith, Iona and the Dark Kings are preparing for a showdown. Winner takes all, but neither Laith nor Iona can stand to lose, especially if it means losing each other
~~~~~~
REVIEW: Part 4 find the Dragon Kings in a battle with the Dark Fae. Con believing Ulrik is behind the attack against Iona set about to gather more information as it pertains to Ulrik’s use of magic and who is pulling the strings. As the secret behind the doorway to Dreagan is revealed, the Kings are on high alert for anyone entering the realm without permission.
The relationship between Laith and Iona becomes one of love and understanding. Iona’s past and experience with love has hardened her belief against the possibility but Laith is a dragon who is determined to make Iona his mate-forever.
I read HOT BLOODED as a four part serial.
HOT BLOODED is a revealing storyline in the Dark Kings series as Donna Grant builds towards a showdown between the Dragon Kings, their one time friend and fellow Silver Dragon King Ulrik, and the Dark Fae. The Campbell family and their lineage have protected the secret gateway to Dreagon for millennia but with modern technology and a little bit of ingenuity, the Dragon King’s secret is about to be revealed. While the Dark Fae continue their hunt for the location of a mysterious weapon known only to a few, someone behind the scenes is choreographing a war that will destroy the Dragon Kings-once and for all.
Donna Grant perfects the serial and series format by recounting the history, the detail and the previous storyline information so that readers are reminded of what happened and what is to come. The ensemble cast of Dragon Kings, Druids, Warriors, Light and Dark Fae are colorful villains and traitors, friends and allies, lovers and mates. No one is safe when the Dark Fae work their magic but black magic is darker than most. HOT BLOODED is a story of suspense, mystery, action and romance. There is a war on the horizon and the Dragon Kings had better be prepared.
In a Flutter: Awesomesauce! Fluttering Thoughts: Worldbuilding: So in love with the Dark Kings world! Characters: Yesss, the HEA for Iona and Laith, and it made me so freaking happy :D Their love isn’t the insta-love kind, and despite being drawn to each other since the first time they see one another, it felt like a slow burn wove story. They both changed due to their growing feelings, they evolved, took chances together, became stronger together. Much love! Plot: With the romantic resolve came a healthy serving of action, the resolve of the Ulrik versus Dragon Kings conflict of this novel (though it’s obvious the man is up to something even bigger, can’t wait to find out what!), and another instance of the Dragon Kings versus Dark Fey, which ends in a very fun way, though the whole war thing is nowhere near done. Writing: Third person, past tense narrative, mostly his and her POV (Iona and Laith). Curb Appeal: As with previous parts of the serial, smexeh cover, hooking blurb, instant-buy author name.
I will confess I read all of these babies in one go, not with one week pauses between them. I started out reading the first, determined to only read the first, and then next thing I knew it was 6 am and I’d read the night away :D That’s how fun these novels are, and that’s how badly you just have to read them too! Fully recommended.
In this conclusion to the Hot Blooded serial, an epic showdown has saved the day once again and in this case, the secret doorway to Dregan… for now. Seems as if their hidden enemy is biding his time but for what we don’t know. Is the enemy Ulrich? Has Deidre somehow figured out a way to come back from the dead? After all she managed it once before. Or is it a still unknown mystery enemy that we will meet later on? Is there yet another Dragon King on this plain those those at Dregan are unaware of? These are the questions that plague me and make me anxious for the next story in the Dragon King series.
Rhys has made an irreversible decision, which if I am to be honest, broke my heart. Of course we all hope that Grant is magnanimous and the decision can be reversed somehow once Rhys gets his own story. Rhi is firmly in the Dragon King world again however unwillingly it seems. By process of elimination I can determine that Rhi’s Dragon King lover is one of two Dragon Kings and to be honest now I am dying for that book.
Although I would definitely not categories this as a cliffhanger, after all, our main characters, Laith and Iona do face adversity, over come it and have their happily ever after, I must mention that in the end there are still so many questions unanswered. Questions that we will have to wait until the next book to hopefully get answers to. Overall, I absolutely loved Hot Blooded and would recommend it to romance and paranormal lovers a like.
'I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review'
In parts 1-3 we have seen Laith and Iona's journey. Iona had to come back to Scotland for the reading of his will after his death, which she later finds out was no accident. She meets Laith and the other Dragon Kings and now they find that she was basically set up to look like she was spying on them and she finds that most of her life the past few years has been nothing but a lie. With people trying to kill her and the Dragon Kings she will have to put full trust in what her and Laith have as well as the other Kings and Warriors. She learns that she and Laith are mates and has to make a decision on what course she wants to take. Rhys makes a huge decision concerning his dragon when Lily is in danger and everyones favorite light Fae has to rediscover who she is.
I absolutely love Donna Grants books. I started reading her druid books long before The Kings series and I was a fan then. The kings series has made me even more so. I love her writing style and imagination. I love all of the characters. I think that Iona was a strong character and had an interesting backstory. I thought that with all parts combined this was a great book! I definitely recommend reading. If you are going to read it in parts you do need to read parts 1-3 first!
"John Campbell was found dead this morning." He was murdered...
The Campbells had owned the fifty acres bordering Dreagan for countless generations...
"Who's going to guard the land?" Laith asked....
"John has a daughter, Iona."
HOT BLOODED by Donna Grant is another mesmerizing read in Donna's Dark Kings series. I read it as a four-part serialized story. I inhaled each installment as it was published and then couldn't wait for the release of the next! This review is a combined review of all four parts. The full book was released December 30, 2014. I had never been a fan of serialized books before I started reading this series that way, but Donna's Dark Kings are slowly, but surely, converting me. :-)
I simply cannot get enough of Donna's sexy Scottish dragons! They're fierce, strong, fearless and delicious! While this is the fourth book in the series, it can be fully enjoyed as a standalone if that is your druthers. However, I recommend reading the whole series in order as there are interconnected characters and a common theme. I bet that once you read one, you'll be dying to read the rest!
Hot Blooded: Part 4 ends with Donna Grant giving Laith and Ione a satisfying happily ever after. However, many of the supporting charters did not fair as well. Rhys is damaged and Lilly is in danger. Also, it is unclear if Rhi will land on the dark or light side. The internal battle within her has not been decided by the end of this book. I will admit the light seems to be winning. Which leaves the question that looms the largest- Who is the one against the Dark Dragons? He is so powerful he can weld Dark Fae magic and Dragon magic together. I know everyone thinks it is Ulrik, but the evidence is circumstantial. It is revealed in this book that the evil villain hates all Fae. So if it is Ulrik why did he bring Rhi out of the dungeon if he hates them all so much? It’s time for him to be revealed.
Not sure if this is a true review since it really show the many questions that I have. Nonetheless, it shows a book that is so well written that I have continued to ponder on the plot, trying to piece together all the facts big and small that are given
The situation has gone from bad to worse and the Dragon Kings are preparing for war while Iona struggles to accept her attraction to Laith in this exciting conclusion of Hot Blooded serial.
With a fast pace, the conclusion keeps readers on their toes with lots of action and romance. Iona struggles with her attraction to Laith, to accept everything that she’s learned and just how much she’s been betrayed and the reader can’t help but get caught up in all the excitement of battle as the Dark attack Dreagan and the Kings.
Spine tingling anticipation builds throughout the well written scenes and details brought to life with vivid imagery that makes the reader feel as if they are part of the action taking place. The well orchestrated suspense draws the reader deeper into the story and ensures that the reader comes back for more as the Kings are beginning to accept that Ulrik just might really be the one behind the conflicts that are besieging them.
I was completely spellbound by this thrilling conclusion to Laith and Iona’s story. There was never a dull moment and the magical battle was exciting and of course I can’t wait to read the next Dragon King’s story.
YES! The conclusion is epic!! It was done perfectly. We've fallen in love with Laith and Iona, and they've fallen for each other. They will fight together against evil, and make some hard decisions. Iona has come into herself, she's a strong woman, and Laith is learning that a mate is more important than he even thought. And together they are gunna save the doorway to Dreagan, while keeping their enemies from exposing them to the world. And now, one of the other dragons, Rhys, pays a heavy price for that. Rhi is also struggling with her heavy prices. I liked her, and I loved her little rescue story the previous book. And the warriors are gunna help with the drgaon's mission to defeat the evil. And we still have some questions left, like what's Con hiding, and what's up with the mate thing for him. And who was Rhi's famous former lover. And Ulrik, he needs to stop being the traitor we don't want him to be. I really am liking this series and I need to catch up on all the previous books soon!! I loved the writing and I can't wait wait what's to come!
Sigh. This ‘ending’ of Hot Blooded in 4 parts was a disappointment after part 3 – and yet nothing more than I expected at the beginning. The buildup to the fight, which was circumvented by a human? (sigh) And it wasn’t even the real fight. That is yet to be had in a future installment of the Dark Kings series. The fact the series is titled Dark Kings makes me wonder just who the heroes are in the author’s mind. Too many half plot lines thrown in the air, too many points of view, and too much angst. The best part had to be the Warriors, in my opinion. It was clean of typos and the author definitely seems to know where she’s going with the tale. Thus, the 3 stars. I won’t be reading any more of the Dark Kings series, but – if you are looking for an epic type read, somewhat reminiscent of Lord of the Rings in the multiple plot points, this series might be for you.
Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers *Copy provided for review*
A copy was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
This review is for all the four parts and will be the same for all four books.
Hot Blooded is a book released in four parts, the four parts will be released as a novel in January 2015. I had not read any of Donna Grant’s books before, and I gotta say, I was missing out. I have just recently taken interest in paranormal/fantasy romance. I had only read one dragon shifter book in the past and I was not all that interested. These highland dragon shifters are beyond fascinating, add in the witches, fae and all of the other mythical beings and you have me stuck swiping through each part uninterrupted. I really got into the progression of Iona and Laith’s story as well as the Dreagons as a whole as Iona tried to come to terms with the loss of her father. I will be reading more of Donna Grant.
I feel like I'm hanging on the edge of a cliff now. Talk about a cliffhanger ending! What a great continuation of book 3. I have really enjoyed reading about Laith and Iona's journey through the tumultuous trials and tribulations scattered throughout the plot of the story. The only difficult issue I have with this wonderful, heart warming series, is that now I want to read about Lily and Rhys. I have not checked to see if it's out yet, but I hope if it isn't, that it arrives soon. Too bad writing and publishing these can't proceed as quickly as we can read them. I would highly recommend all of Donna Grants series. Luckily, I began reading about the Warriors and Druids first.. I truly hope, and suspect, that you will enjoy all the stories/series and come to love all the characters as I have.
From the second I finished part 3 I was begging for this one. however I feel like I missed something or it just was so anti-climatic. Iona and Laith are making their way still, however now Iona is meeting her family, and the Warriors and Druids.
Rhys is still falling apart, Con's ways of dealing with things are making all the Kings nervous, and Rhi is still not herself. WE still have the unidentified person working with the Dark Fae, and the Dark still having issues on the pact they have made.
More questions not enough answers and really lacking on the closer to me. I still loved the book as a whole and can't wait for the next one to come out.
I liked every part of this series (and this installment). The only thing that frustrates me is that it is obviously a very small part of an ongoing story, and I hate waiting for each book to come out, lol! I guess that's a good thing because it means I am totally caught up in the story and characters. And with the large cast of characters and the complexities of each person/group/world this story could go on and on. Overall, I really liked it, and will continue reading more by this author and in this series.
Well, everything Pops in this episode. Iona has major problems with her camera. Spoiler. She is fighting getting closer to Laith. They have a battle at the Dreagon gate with many Dark casualties. They were after Iona and were sent off the property. Spoiler. The best part is Iona meeting the Dragon for the first time. I want a Dragon! Enjoy this book! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
Absolutely loved this series. I feel there are still some questions that need to be answered and things wrapped up. Other than that it was very good. The characters are great and so is the writing. I love how open and honest Iona and Laith are with each other.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the story of Laith and Iona. What can I say I love dragons. Another chapter in the series of Dragon Kings their war with the Fae,the humans,and the other Dragon King. I also enjoy how the author brings characters from other books and other series and blends them in. I look forward to the next book in the series, to see how each Dragon finds his mate.
Part books usual arent my favorite to read, I dont like cliffhangers, but with Donna Grants books I look forward to them, once again this a fast read, well developed characters, plot line is amazing. Once again I am blown away.
Fantastic end to a great book. I'm not a fan of reading books in parts but since I had all four parts to begin with, I'm not complaining. Very sexy, fun read.