Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Dark Kings #8

Smoldering Hunger

Rate this book
TEMPTING FATE
Darius is back. Edinburg thought it had seen the last of this seductive Dragon King, but that was before Darius found something worthwhile. He just can't stay away from the impossibly beautiful Dr. Sophie Martin-even though he knows that a passion this strong could prove detrimental...for them both.

CRAVING DESIRE
Sophie tried to forget her encounter with smoking-hot Darius to no avail. He's in her dreams, tempting her. But her association with Darius catches the attention of another, putting her
in mortal danger. . .and Darius, who has vowed to protect her, is her only hope. But can she trust the notorious dragon shapeshifter? The only thing she knows for sure is that she cannot resist him...

334 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 29, 2015

110 people are currently reading
1745 people want to read

About the author

Donna Grant

297 books4,765 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
820 (48%)
4 stars
609 (35%)
3 stars
234 (13%)
2 stars
26 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
Profile Image for XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy.
1,563 reviews506 followers
January 8, 2016
The story seemed to cover Sophie and Darius on a level close to the surface. There was SO much about everything and everybody else that I still have no clue who the MCs are and why they belong together. They shared very few important moments/information with each other. Their relationship was almost entirely physical. The story was too "busy" that the details were lost. I know am fairly confident I know who Rhi's King is.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Annie .
2,505 reviews940 followers
December 27, 2015


It’s been two weeks since Sophie and Darius had a quick romp outside of the hospital that Sophie works at. But now trouble seems to be finding the good doctor when Ulrik enters the hospital, searching for Sophie. Instead of keeping his distance, Darius protects her but it’s at a cost. He’s becoming more and more drawn to her. Until he is unable to stay away.

I really loved the romance between Sophie and Darius. It’s right up front and centre of this story and becomes the driving force. Grant conveyed the perfect amount of longing and passion to create a believable romance. The only thing I would have liked to see more of is attention to detail. While Grant’s writing is still good, I missed the way she used to elaborate on certain things to make the experience feel richer. This is by no means a simple book, but because it’s so clean cut and straight forward, it does feel less complicated.

Grant also builds on other characters, giving readers greater insight into Rhi, Balladyn and Con. All of these side characters are becoming more and more important to the series. I find Rhi to be more of a complicated character. She’s kind of stuck between two men and in this book, she almost seems to be hiding from them. Meanwhile the men are doing all they can to bring her back safely. As for Balladyn, I quite like his character. He brings something very special to the series and although he isn’t portrayed as all good, he does create some good tension with Rhi’s character. Con, on the other hand, might be my favorite so far. He’s the King of Kings and his power is very evident on the page. I like how straight forward he is. I think it’ll give the series something new to explore.

Once again, Grant pens a beautiful romance while also further building on her world. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for her readers next!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,512 reviews85 followers
March 27, 2019
ARC received for review

Dragon King Darius and the lovely Dr. Sophie who we met in the previous book when she helps Lexi. Darius should have paid more attention to who was watching. Con really has a stick up his arse, but is willing to help his Kings.

Still not liking Rhi or V...and can the bad guy die already, all of them.
Profile Image for Lisa Marie.
150 reviews10 followers
November 19, 2019
I love this book!! Darius. Sweet broken Darius, you have my heart! I wish he didn’t didn’t fight his love for Sophie as much as he did but I can understand why...On to the next! 🖤
Profile Image for Nicole.
312 reviews41 followers
January 10, 2016




ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

4^^^^ passionate stars from me

These dragons can't fail you!! Smoldering hunger is the eighth story of Dark King series. In this story we have the sweet Dr Sophie Martin and Darius, well i can say that it was very enjoyable with a lot of passion and attraction between the hero and heroine.

After some passionate moments with Darius, Sophie promised never let a man close to her heart again..but days later Darius is back, threatening to make her break that promise because she simply can't resist him. The same goes for Darius but unfortunately can't have her, then Ulrik that sneaky man figured that something is going on between them and now Sophie is in his radar and that's something Darius doesn't want and will do anything in his power to protect the human creature that excites his heart & body.

This story had really intense and hot moments, clearly a Dragon Shifter like Darius brings a bold, Alpha air in the book but i'm so frustrated when a man wants a woman (he already has a First taste) and he can't have her because something forbids him....No, no go get her...Love conquers all...



Yeah, i can understand that isn't only that he doesn't want a mate for the fact that something really bad happened in his past and he won't make the same mistakes. Fortunately love doesn't ask and it's really difficult for him to stay away from Sophie and we see that by his actions, you really don't do things like he is done for sex no strings attach. I really loved the way he spoke to Ulrik he was so fierce and demanding...



As for Sophie well she neither could stayed away from him and keep her promise and she didn't know that he is a dragon shifter. From the beginning i couldn't wait to see her reaction. I wasn't so fund of her character, she was ok but i was drawn to Darius and Ulrik who by the way has become on of my favorite characters. The war and mystery of what will happen next were also the highlights in this story.

A great story indeed, the only thing that i wanted to see more was action but overall was very enjoyable and really i could say many more things but i don't wanna spoil. I'm looking forward to the next story with these Sexy Dragon Shifters!!




Profile Image for Vanessa theJeepDiva.
1,257 reviews118 followers
December 20, 2015
The ending of Passion Ignites has Darius and Sophie enjoying some intimate time together. This moment is also mentioned in Dark Alpha’s Claim. It is no secret that Darius is interested in repeating the events of that evening. Sophie has sworn never to let anyone get close to her again has no qualms about relishing Darius’s body again. Darius is not worried about finding his mate as so many of his fellow Dragons has. Something that has happened in his past reminds his that a mate is not something his future hold. They both go into what is supposed to be hot no stings sex with their eyes open to any future for them.

A Dragon showing any type of interest in a female will inevitably put her on Ulrik’s radar. It doesn’t take him long to sniff her out. Ulrik being the wizened man he is also figures out the easiest way to get to her and cause her the most pain thus poking the Dreagan Dragons and their King. Sophie is soon swept up into a war with beings that she never fathomed could possibly exist. She also soon finds herself doing something she swore she would never do again, trust another enough to let them in and fall in love.

I’m at the point in the Dark Kings series where I need something to happen to push the world further along, something BIG. It seems to me that the deeper we go into this series that there is less advancement in the big picture. Ulrik is going to go after the female main character to hurt the male main character. Con is going to give half-truths to his Dragons while hoping they don’t fall in love. Readers are going to be reminded that the Dragon lover Rhi once had is very present and still forever nameless. The weapon that the Dark once sought is still hidden and a secret. I’m getting a feeling of too much repetition here. I’m still wildly curious about it all though so it must not be a bad thing.

Balladyn and Ulrik are seriously becoming my favorite characters though. I was so flipping happy for something that happens to Ballydyn here. I’m wondering if it means something I’ve been hoping for all along. I’m secretly wishing for Ulrik to kill Con. Con is going to have to have some really good reasons behind all of his actions and thoughts to ever be redeemable in my eyes.
Profile Image for mer.
1,520 reviews65 followers
February 14, 2016
HONEST & MAY CONTAIN SPOILER REVIEW.

To be honest, I mostly skimmed on reading the main characters because it is just same old dragon + human dull lusty love story - I cared less.

I, however, do pay attention to these:

The war is still progress although with pretty much little action. Reading the kill of the Dark Fae is just same old same old with the previous books *sighing deeply* admittedly, boring.

I can't believe I said this; Rhi's gone pathetic over love and her Dragon King. She has a plenty guys flocking around her, expressing great interest on her, and oh well, there is one who is crazy in love with her. Not to forget another guy, the new addition, who knows maybe develop feelings for her.

What I want for the series is start with the revelations already; the war, who is the good and the bad guy, the secrets, and preferable the wholesome. Understandable that the human played huge role in the series but I no longer wish to read dragon human match, I don't want to read flat romance, and I don't want to read damsel in distress human heroine -- ANYMORE.

Luckily, I can't seem to find other GOOD dragon-shifter books to read or I would've give up on this series sooner. My hope for this series is that a big-time progress is needed. Otherwise, it's a goodbye for good.

Main characters: Darius (Dragon King of Purple) + Sophie (human)
Profile Image for Paraphrodite.
2,670 reviews51 followers
August 28, 2016
After 8 books, I think we've been teased long enough about the great BIG fight between Ulrik and Con. Hope Ms Grant brings it on soon... That teaser between them in this book is just mean!
Profile Image for WTF Are You Reading?.
1,309 reviews94 followers
April 5, 2016
* Reviewer's Note: Characters appearing in Smoldering Hunger are continuing a story line directly related to (Bk. 7) Passion Ignites. Therefore it is strongly suggested that one reads Passion Ignites, in order to fully understand the interrelationship of both stories to each other, and to the overall series.


Smoldering Hunger marks a definite change in tempo on all fronts, from the unexpected lull that readers were treated to in its predecessor, Passion Ignites.
While embers of both story and passion may have found a spark in book seven. It is quite clear from the outset, that things in book eight have been allowed to reach 5-alarm fire proportions!

With Thorn newly mated to the fiery Lexi, and happily ensconced back at Dreagan. The fight to keep the streets of Edinburgh safe from the deadly desires of the Dark Fae has been left to Violet Dragon King, Darius.

Reveling in his newly found solitude, Darius longs for little more than the pleasure that he finds when facing and defeating legions of Dark Fae in battle.
A pleasure that is now eclipsed in new and overpowering ways by the sheer intensity that is her.

Dr. Sophie Martin!

Readers and Darius were first introduced to the intriguing Dr. Martin, when she was sent to tend to Lexi in Passion Ignites. A story which allowed her a very low key role in said book. A role which is then revisited and expanded upon in a big way in Smoldering Hunger.
The fact that this leading lady and her irresistible leading dragon have found a way to become closer than close between books, is further evidenced by the scorching sex scene/dream sequence that greets readers in this story's opening pages.


Sophie and Darius's exhibitionist sexual tendencies aren't the only goings on singing this book's pages. It seems that things with the Dark Fae are taking a turn for the...absent?
That's right!
The Dark Fae are being killed right and left, and no one has a clue as to who is responsible.

Things in Rhi-land are more up in the air than ever. With Rhi still unsure where she belongs. Balladyn laying on the charm thicker than the snowfall of a Canadian blizzard, and Constantine still unwilling to trust that she has the best interest of the Dragon Kings and their mates at heart. There is also a bittersweet link between Rhi's past with the kings and Darius that is not to be missed.

This book is an awesome reminder of the reasons that Donna Grant inspires such a fierce and unwavering loyalty in her readers.
A perfect mix of characters and stories that readers know and have become invested in, and plot twists character additions, and story elements so new that they still have their tags on.

Darius stands out among the Dragon Kings because of his "down and dirty" persona. You know right from the start that he is the type of man tailor-made for all action, and no regrets.
The fun comes in finding that the straight-laced Dr. Martin has more than a little raunchy kink in her bedside manor. At least where a certain someone is involved.

The only negative to be found in this story is the glaring disconnect between Ulrik's story line, and that of Sophie and Darius. But this is not something to fret over, given that Smoldering Hunger appears to be a gateway to a dramatic climax in the coming Smoke and Fire.

*Reviewer's Note: I was provided with copies of the above referenced literary works for the express purpose of review. All opinions expressed therein are mine, and have been in no way influenced by St. Martin's Press or those acting on their behalf.
Profile Image for Valerie.
927 reviews438 followers
November 10, 2017
4 1/2 stars!

Darius is irresistible! The lovely Dr. Sophie Martin certainly can't resist him. And the way their smokin' hot relationship starts is telling of their chemistry. No way these two can stay apart.

As I've come to expect, I love the writing and world this series is set in. My only issues has been how slow the over arching story moves. I love that each book is about a different king and his mate so I'm trying to be patient with the coming (hopefully) demise of certain dragons. I dislike the advantage that keeps going in their favor. But my hope and dreams hold firm to my kings and their mates.

I adore all the characters (well...the kings and mates). There are some characters that I want to do in but that just shows that they get to me. As for Darius and Sophie, I love them both. I was offended (on their behalf) of what a certain dragon who shall not be named watched. Major jerk move right there. No, I'm not telling you. You need to read this series to find out. I love it and if you love paranormal shifter books, then you need to get started on this one. I'm definitely stuck in this series!

It's got great writing, great characters and hot sexy times! Doesn't that sound like your next read? Should be.
Profile Image for Deannie.
703 reviews12 followers
February 4, 2016
Oh what a ride!!!!!!!! This is the eighth installment of the Dark King Series and its a HOME RUN!!!!!!!!! I just came off reading the first two of Reapers and right into this one and I mean Donna Grant doesn't miss a beat in writing laterally with her series. I love these characters, their life and how she keeps them all in each book and even manages to introduce more as she goes.

This book is about Darius. He is the King that told Rhi her lover no longer wanted her years and years ago. He is seduction with his own past.......... he is a protector and you will love his story as well as the continuation of this magical series. Get that bottle of wine, music and solitude and be entertained like you have never before.

This one is AWESOMNESS!!!!!!!!!!!! Is that a word, who cares? You get it right?

Profile Image for Janet.
3,304 reviews24 followers
March 28, 2016
I received a free copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Hot and sexy paranormal romance that's sure to get your pulse pounding! These Highlander heroes are everything you could want and more. Darius and Sophie's story is going to be a tough act to follow for future books, but I am extremely curious to get the full story on Rhi since we get just enough tidbits about her to wet our appetites. Darius is one Dragon King who will make you sigh and wish for one of your own.
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
1,940 reviews93 followers
January 22, 2020
Desde el primer libro de esta serie (Darkest Flame), aunque habia siempre un romance entre un Dragon King y una humana (o un Fae), nunca habia sido mas del 30% del libro en escenas eroticas o encuentros sexuales entre la pareja, sin embargo este libro era mas del 50% en eso, pareciera que la guerra con los Fae, o las maquinaciones de Ulrick o los problemas de Rhi, no eran lo suficientemente importantes.
Y si, aunque la historia de Darius y Sophie, tiene sus momentos "heartbreaking", realmente me parecio que fue demasiado "meh", y los otros personajes, que son los que me tienen enganchada a esta serie, no cumplen ninguna funcion o no avanzan a ningun lugar. Y, aunque quiero saber que pasa con Con, Ulrick, Rhi, Los Reapers, La reina Fae, Balladyn y los otros personajes, este libro me hizo perder la emocion con la que estaba leyendo y preguntarme si vale la pena seguir.
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
3,338 reviews180 followers
October 7, 2019
Darius and Sophie had a quick and steamy relationship that started when he came to the hospital to ask for help with Lexi. After that they meet on and off for and tried to hide their growing feelings. Ulrik pushed them together and made them admit their feelings.

I liked Sophie. She was very career driven and is a healer at heart. I liked her friend Claire a lot too. Darius is the strong silent type who has been sleeping away the years. He denies his feelings, like most of the Kings do, for as long as he can. I liked that he came out of his depressed shell that he has held for thousands of years.

Rhi is getting better and letting go but will this be a good thing or bad? I can't wait to see what is going to happen next
Profile Image for Micheal.
192 reviews11 followers
February 13, 2020
This novel is #8 in the series, "Dark Kings" by author; Donna Grant. This novel starts out Hot and Steamy! WOWza! Another GREAT addition to this series! I was totally enthralled in this novel that I literally could not put it down!! The story about that HOT Scottish Alpha male that's able to shift into his natural form as a Dragon is just so compelling! The plot twist are still building like crazy with each novel bringing just a taste of what's to come! It has A LOT of unexpected action, yes I said unexpected because I certainly didn't see certain parts coming, lots of passion, heartbreak, healing and some closure. This is a GREAT series so if you are in a book rut then this series and author are worth a try! You won't be disappointed!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,128 reviews53 followers
March 10, 2016
An ultra intense installment featuring Darius, the dragon king of the purples and the Doc!

She'd come across a few Highlanders while in Edinburgh, but none compared to Darius. She didn't even have to ask if he was a Highlander.
It was in the way he held himself, the way he spoke. It was a look that couldn't be faked or copied. Whatever made a man a Highlander was in his blood, in his very soul.

SMOLDERING HUNGER by Donna Grant is an ultra intense installment in Donna's fantastic Dark Kings series! I'm addicted to the series and have to say that this cover is my favorite-to-date as I absolutely love the purple, which is the color of the featured dragon king's banished dragons. This story was so good that I had to stay up till the wee hours of the morning finishing it. This is the story of recently-awakened dragon king Darius and human doctor Sophie Martin.

Darius and Sophie were great. Their attraction was hot and steamy from the get-go. They were each passionate, strong and compelling characters. Add in to the mix dark and light fae political intrigue, fascinating dragon kings' behind-the-scenes espionage, catching up with previous favorite characters and I was captivated.

You could read SMOLDERING HUNGER as a standalone if that is is preference as the romance and danger plot are self-contained within this novel. However, I wouldn't recommend it. Someone jumping into this one without having read the previous installments, would not be cognizant of the historical details as far as the Ulrik/Con showdown - which is pervading all the characters' lives at this point, though Donna is very good about filling in what is absolutely needed from previous installments. This whole series has been wonderfully entertaining and reading it from the beginning would be preferred.

Rhi has been one of my favorite characters in this series from the beginning and, happily, there is LOTS of Rhi in this. I plan to pick up Donna's new Reaper's books next as Rhi's watcher and the mysterious goings-on in Edinburgh with light and dark and the white-haired man, have my interest piqued. I'm dying, of course, to learn who her mystery dragon king lover was and more about her and Con. I was cheering her on when she gave Con some much-deserved comeuppance herein.

I hope that Sophie's friend, Claire, gets her own HEA in a future book. Claire has stated that Bob, aka her battery-operated-boyfriend, is losing steam... so she's in need and I like Claire's spunkiness. She's a fun character.

Donna's writing is mesmerizing and just plain amazing, as always. I simply could not put SMOLDERING HUNGER down once I started reading it and can't wait for the next installment, SMOKE AND FIRE, due to release April 2016! Donna's sexy Scottish dragon kings rock my boat and I look forward to each new installment as, one by one. they're finding their mates. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys hot, suspenseful, action-packed paranormal romances.

My full review is posted at Reading Between The Wines Book Club. Please check it out there: http://www.readingbetweenthewinesbook...

4 Wine Glasses!
Profile Image for Eva Millien.
3,115 reviews45 followers
January 26, 2016
Endinburg thought it had seen the last of the seductive Dragon King but Darius has found something worthwhile, something that could prove detrimental for him and the beautiful Dr. Sophie Martin in this electrifying Dark King novel.

Sophie tried to forget her encounter with the smoking-hot Darius but he’s in her dreams, tempting her and the reader can’t help but enjoy the electric passion that fills this romance as Sophie discovers that she can’t resist him even as her association with him puts her in mortal danger. Sizzling chemistry rocks these strong captivating characters’ foundations but the relationship is a sneaky one, one that ensnares each other’s hearts when they aren’t looking while navigating all the emotional pitfalls the their psyches during this fast paced and smooth flowing plot full of suspense, action and romance.

Ulrik’s got another step in his vendetta all mapped out and unfortunately for Darius and Sophie they just became the target which has adrenaline pumping excitement building throughout the story with the Dark ramping the danger and excitement while spine tingling tension is still building in regards to Rhi and what’s happening in her life. Oh and let’s not forget the focus on Dreagan, now that the world has seen that video which adds to the pressure that all the Dragon Kings are under, but most especially to Con. The intriguing events, manipulations and surprising twists in this well written series guarantees that readers are going to come back for more as things become more complicated in the war between the Kings and Ulrik and the Dark.

I fall more in love with the Dragon Kings with every read and I never want to leave their world when the story ends and well, Darius certainly stole a big chunk of my heart because he’s a purple dragon…awesome, right? But you know I am so fascinated with them that my family seems a bit upset with me, I don’t understand why they can’t see that the Kings are calling me and I must answer…kind of like they are now…gotta go, bye!
Profile Image for Dayreader Reviews.
791 reviews63 followers
January 11, 2016
Smoldering Hunger is the eighth book in Donna Grant's Dragon King series, and it has quite a following. You would think after so many books, that the world she has created would lose it's luster. But it's just the opposite. Her writing is impeccable and her imagination knows no bounds.

What makes Donna Grant's paranormal world so different - it's grounded in human emotions. Donna has created a world where dragons are real, where fae are real, a world where real monsters do exist, and supernatural fighting is occurring all around us. Where the lines between good and evil are drawn and secrets have been in hiding for thousands of years.

This book continues the battle between Con and Ulrik and Rhi, while focusing on bringing together Darius and Sophie. And bring them together she does - the first chapter alone explains why this book is called Smoldering Hunger.

This paranormal series keeps getting better and better and why it has not been picked up for a TV Series yet is beyond me. Are you listening Josh Whedon - we're talking paranormal in today's world. 5-stars!!!
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,578 reviews37 followers
November 1, 2020
Re-listened on 10-11/1-2020.
First listened on 14-18/12-2019.

Review from 18/12-2019:

I'm so glad I started listening to this series. I'm really enjoying it! I'm trying not to listen to the books too fast because all the books aren't available on Audible Escape but it's hard because I want to listen to more lol.

The whole mystery with Rhi and her DK is frustrating me more and more with each book. It is mentioned all the time and I honestly don't understand why the author made the decision to keep this such a secret? I know that it hasn't been revealed who Rhi's DK is yet in any of the published books BUT I have my own little theory.. I think (and hope) that Con is her DK. BUT I'm starting to think that, somehow, he doesn't remember that he is. That either he made the decision to use magic on himself to protect Rhi or that someone used magic on him to make him forget. Or that he knows but for some reason, maybe to protect Rhi from something, that he pretends not to love her. Or something. Haha I'm gonna feel so stupid when everything finally has been revealed.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews161 followers
January 5, 2016
Darius could be daft at times but it was funny when he doesn't get a certain meaning, “protection?” Darius was confused. Was she asking him to protect her from Ulrik?" Darius is a passionate dragon man and I loved that, “you have me. All of me.” He pressed his arousal into her sex. “All the time.” She laughed and kissed him." I enjoy this series I love these dragon men.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
279 reviews
May 23, 2018
Real review 3.8. I actually enjoyed this book a lot but the reason it was not a full four is because the last chapters I was more interested in Rhi's story than the main couple. I do also agree that each story of this series tends to be repetitive, which does get old but since I think the series is almost done, I will continue to read the books.
Profile Image for OpenBookSociety.com .
4,097 reviews134 followers
January 20, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/sm...


Smoldering Hunger
Dark Kings, Book #8
By Donna Grant
ISBN# 9781250071958
Author’s Website: http://www.donnagrant.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

We met Dr. Sophie Martin in the previous installment of the series, Passion Ignites, when she came to treat Lexi when she was ill. She also had quite the intimate encounter with Dragon King, Darius! Now Darius is back in Edinburgh and can’t quite get the good doctor out of his mind!

But Ulrik and his Dark are also in town and Ulrik has taken an interest in Sophie, ever since he saw her and Darius having sex! He knows she could very well be Darius’s mate and he wants to cause as much pain as possible to the Kings. Darius lost the woman he thought was his mate during childbirth and sadly his son didn’t survive either. And, Ulrik would love nothing more than to watch Darius lose another woman. Ok he would love to see Con taken down more, than this…. However, seeing Darius hurt still ranks pretty high for him! I keep thinking Ulrik has some redeeming quality, but he’s proving me wrong on that score.

Now it’s up to Darius to protect Sophie as the battle between Con and Ulrik quickly approaches!

This is another one of those books in this series that I really wanted to love, but honestly just fell flat for me. It wasn’t terrible by any means, but I didn’t think it was that good either. It seemed to be a song with just one flat note all the way through, and the book was just too easy to put down. It just lacked the spark I’ve grown to expect from Grant, which is saying a lot considering how many sex scenes there were in this one!

These last few mates have just been really boring to me. Sophie was a goody two-shoes and just went along with whatever happened. She was also quick to give up everything in her life to be with Darius, even though she *just* met him. I really just had no interest in this couple, sadly.

I’m much more interested in Rhi, especially after the end of this book!!! I hope the next installment of the series really turns it around for me so I can go back to really enjoying these books!
Profile Image for Joy.
81 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2017
Darius is still in Edinburgh hunting down Dark Fae but his mind is on something more than taking down the vermin that plague the streets of the Scottish city. His mind is focused on the passionate interlude he had with the good Doctor Sophie Martin two weeks ago and how much he would love to repeat that moment. However, his past ways heavily on his mind and he’s not interested in sparking up any type of relationship with a human but when Ulrik decides to play a game using Sophie as an instrument to hurt Darius in order to play out his plan to destroy Con, Darius is forced to spend more time with Sophie in order to protect her.

Sophie and Darius were hot from the very first moment they gave into their lust for one another and that heat grew each time they met up. It was almost too much passion and it overshadowed at times the emotional connection they felt for one another. However, once the two finally opened up beyond the physical and talked about their pasts and truths the emotional connection became the highlight of the relationship and helped build up the idea that the two were much more than mates put together by the hand of destiny. They became that once in a lifetime love that many dream about.

I appreciated Sophie’s independence and I loved how Darius placed emphasis on her not giving the career she adored so much. He saw that part of Sophie as one of the things that made her an admirable person. That adoration for her talent of healing made for an equal stance in the relationship, which I found lovely and refreshing.

As much as I liked Sophie and Darius’s story I have to admit my mind was far more focused on my favorite character, Rhi. There was so much going on with Rhi in this book I could hardly contain myself. The change in Balladyn, the watcher’s turn from neutral viewer to someone reaching out to comfort Rhi, and the angry confrontation with Con. I can’t wait to find out what all this means and WHO Rhi is destined to be with in the end and what side will she choose!


Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
32 reviews
August 9, 2020
Oh my geez?! Did that really just happen? I'm sitting here in shock with all kinds of cuss words running through my head, that I don't even know what to say. Okay, that's a lie. I know exactly what to say.

Darius and Sophie have a hot and heavy relationship pretty much from the start of this book. This is where it veers off from her previous books because the relationship forms from their physical relationship. Which, in my opinion, is relief from an insta-love relationship. I still love those, but, this story line makes it more believable in this day and age. Because of their relationship, Ulrik gets wind of it and tries to lure Sophie to work for him and use her against the Kings. Darius protects her, endangering his restraint to not get attached. Okay, that was it in a nut-shell, BUT it was so much more complicated than that! I loved their relationship from the start. Sophie is an independent and confident woman who doesn't need a man in her life. Darius is perfectly content in his life without any complications. Both have very tragic pasts which affect the choices they are making in their lives now and even their relationship. But the relationship worked for me, it made it believable.

There are several other storylines going throughout this book. We have Ulrik, Con, Rhi, and Balladyn to name a few. The upcoming altercation between Ulirk and Con is heating up! And this books contains alot of scenes with Con. Like, more than any other book. I think we are getting to see a different side to him in this book and hopefully many more. He is one of favorite characters in this series, even if I want to smack him sometimes. Rhi is being pulled in several directions. She is a wild card but it's obvious she's trying to put her life back together. She's letting go of the old and trying to move on. Add Balladyn to the mix and you have some juicy drama going on! Balladyn is becoming someone I want to see more of, even if I hated him in the beginning. There is something about him that tells me he's going to be around for quite awhile, I hope anyway. I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,564 reviews9 followers
September 14, 2019
Darius is back. After Thorn left Edinburgh with his mate, it was up to Darius to return and continue tracking and killing the dark fae. The Dragon Kings, Rhi, warriors and druids had some progress cleaning the city streets of the evil fae, but there was something or someone else destroying the dark fae too. Reapers? As less and less dark fae wondered the streets, Darius found himself drifting towards the hospital where the captivating Dr. Sophie worked. Darius couldn’t help himself and sought her out. After an incredibly combustible encounter against a wall in an ally near the hospital, Darius knew he would not be able to stay away from her. But his attraction to the beautiful and smart doc puts her in danger. Ulrik wants revenge against the kings and if hurting their mates will do the job, so be it. Sophie knows that Darius is dangerous. He told her himself that he was not a good man. But there is nothing she can do to stop wanting more with the gorgeous highlander. She dreams of him every night and wants him every moment of every day. They both have secrets, but Darius’ just might get her killed... another intense dragon king tale of love, betrayal, revenge and unexpected things. My very favorite? Rhi! I find that I’m cheering for Baladine more and more with each new book I read!
Profile Image for Renee.
52 reviews
November 8, 2021
I have to admit that this book was difficult to finish. I felt like I had to in order to keep up with the series but the simpering female love interest waiting for the big handsome male to come and rescue her is getting a bit old and beyond tired!! This author took a self assured professional woman who was independent and self-reliant and practical and reduced her to the proverbial damsel in distress. And what educated doctor is going to buy the whole dragon story without some definitive proof?!

And if I have to continue to watch the only halfway strong heroine in this series pine away over some Dragon King (I think we all know its Con by now) who dumped her centuries ago then I won't make it not 1 more book. She has been so pathetic with this that I don't even want them to get back together!! This type of 1-sided love is pathological & just not healthy!!

Its obvious that this author is either male or "of a certain age", like the 1950s before women were seen as strong entities outside of a male who could stand on their own. Unless some of her future books get with the present century, I'm not going to make it much further through this series. This book was nearly the last straw!
Profile Image for Lacy.
407 reviews13 followers
July 12, 2018
I love love loooooved this book! I was agitated for nearly two weeks because I could barely get through more than 1-4 chapters at a time a day with schoolwork, and it nearly killed me. I’m serious. I was dying to pick it up constantly because I NEEDED Darius! So, in Passion Ignites, I really fell for Darius while he and Thorn were partnered up, taking on the Dark Fae. He is so honest, open, and real. He was utterly breathtaking in his refreshing warrior ways with an obvious heart of gold and an extreme sense of loyalty to his brothers, to Dreagan. So, when I finally got to read about him and Sophie (who’s story I could relate to on many levels), I was just so happy. There are some twists and new developments as well. Ulrik and Con. We finally get more depth and see the tension firsthand between them. The action was great and some of the scenes were....brutal, but Donna always strives for realism in her fantasy where every day horrors happen even if the perpetrators aren’t of this world. I love her for it. Also Rhi. What the hell? ***sigh*** Things are getting more interesting with each new installment, and I can’t wait to FINALLY dive into the next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.