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Dark Kings #1
Darkest Flame
In Darkest Flame by Donna Grant, the Dark Kings have fought for centuries to preserve their dragon magic. But one of the most powerful warriors of his kind will be put to the ultimate test. Is he strong enough to resist his greatest temptations? Or will he be forced to surrender—body and soul?
HER BEAUTY IS A WEAPON.
Denae Lacroix is a beautiful MI5 agent on a deadly mission. Sent to the Scottish Highlands to spy on the mysterious Dreagan Industries, she discovers too late that she's been set up—as human bait. She is an irresistible lure for a man who has not seen or touched a woman for centuries. He is a man with a destiny—and a desire—that could destroy them both…
HIS PASSION IS A CURSE…
It's been twelve hundred years since Kellan has walked among humans—and there's no denying the erotically charged attraction he feels for Denae. But as a Dragon King, he is sworn to protect his secrets. Yet the closer he gets to this smart, ravishing woman, the more her life is in danger. All it takes is one reckless kiss to unleash a flood of desire, the fury of dragons…and the fiercest enemy of all.
"Time travel, ancient legends, and seductive romance are seamlessly interwoven into one captivating package."—Publishers Weekly on the Dark Warrior series"Once again, Donna Grant has given the readers a great story." —Night Owl Reviews Top Pick on MIDNIGHT'S PROMISE
HER BEAUTY IS A WEAPON.
Denae Lacroix is a beautiful MI5 agent on a deadly mission. Sent to the Scottish Highlands to spy on the mysterious Dreagan Industries, she discovers too late that she's been set up—as human bait. She is an irresistible lure for a man who has not seen or touched a woman for centuries. He is a man with a destiny—and a desire—that could destroy them both…
HIS PASSION IS A CURSE…
It's been twelve hundred years since Kellan has walked among humans—and there's no denying the erotically charged attraction he feels for Denae. But as a Dragon King, he is sworn to protect his secrets. Yet the closer he gets to this smart, ravishing woman, the more her life is in danger. All it takes is one reckless kiss to unleash a flood of desire, the fury of dragons…and the fiercest enemy of all.
"Time travel, ancient legends, and seductive romance are seamlessly interwoven into one captivating package."—Publishers Weekly on the Dark Warrior series"Once again, Donna Grant has given the readers a great story." —Night Owl Reviews Top Pick on MIDNIGHT'S PROMISE
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 29, 2014
545 people are currently reading
7076 people want to read
About the author
Donna Grant
307 books4,771 followersDonna 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.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 441 reviews
May 7, 2014
There's basically 3 reasons why I give this 2 stars. (Although I must say, I LOVE the cover!)
1. I feel like I should know more about the characters than I do. Obviously there are characters here from her other books, and many aren't well explained and I sit there, looking like a lost kid, not knowing who is what and what is were.
2. Pussy whipping. The worst I've read inn all my pnr history. *mad* Here it goes:
3. How easily Kelland would
(4.) The over-use of the "whiskey-eyes" and "celadon eyes" and "whatnot-eyes". I don't need a description that close everytime eyes are mentioned.
1. I feel like I should know more about the characters than I do. Obviously there are characters here from her other books, and many aren't well explained and I sit there, looking like a lost kid, not knowing who is what and what is were.
2. Pussy whipping. The worst I've read inn all my pnr history. *mad* Here it goes:
3. How easily Kelland would
(4.) The over-use of the "whiskey-eyes" and "celadon eyes" and "whatnot-eyes". I don't need a description that close everytime eyes are mentioned.
January 22, 2018
1.5 stars
I'm sorry but this book was just terrible. Awful. The plot was okay. I kind of liked the mythology of it, but it was just so badly written.
Sorry to be so blunt, but I don't know how else to say it.
Plot: Kellan is a dragon shifter who hates humans. Hates them. So much so that he decided he'd rather hibernate in a cave for 1500 hundred years than live among humans and their evil, greedy, selfish, violent ways. Denae is an MI5 agent who was mysteriously sent to a random cave (that wasn't so random) with a partner, Matt. Stuff goes down and Denae ends up bleeding out in the cave where Kellan is sleeping. Denae being in Kellan's cave wakes him up and he shifts into human form and saves her for his own reasons. Denae is then introduced into his supernatural world which includes other dragons, Light Fae, Dark Fae, Druids, and a bunch of other supernatural beings. Everyone finds out that Dark Fae are working with corrupt MI5 and a mysterious someone else who has various nefarious deeds in mind, including taking over the human realm. Or something like that. While all of this is happening Kellan is busy fantasizing about Denae and reminding himself how much he hates humans.
Where to start with this book.
Kellan was the worst. The problem wasn't that he was rude, conceited, stubborn, prejudiced, or completely without a romantic bone in his body, it was that it was so badly written. In many ways, he was a classic PNR alpha. They are usually stubborn, conceited, and prejudiced in one way or another (The H/h are often supernaturals that hate each other). But it was just written all wrong. It was really hard to take him seriously when he was thinking things like, Nor was he able to push aside the enticement her amazing body offered. Everything with him was physical. Her taut muscles. Her heart-shaped ass. Her body was made for him. He always wanted to be inside her. He wanted to be with her forever because he'd always have her body. Even when Denae was unconscious from an attack and everyone was wondering if she'd ever wake up, he looked at her and thought,"Just thinking of sliding into her tight body had him hard and aching."
Gross.
It didn't matter what was going on around him, he was either hating Denae and all other humans, thinking about banging Denae, or hating himself for wanting to bang Denae. It went on for way too long. Even at the 95% mark, he was thinking to himself how loving Denae had brought his hatred of humans down to an annoyance, he didn't hate them, just disliked them. Seriously Denae? Good idea, permanently bind yourself to someone who only kinda hates humans.
There should have been a moment when Kellan realized that a bunch of shitty humans who did terrible horrific things almost two thousand years ago might not represent the human race as a whole. But that moment never came. Whatever.
Denae should have been the perfect heroine to take on such a monumental asshat like Kellan but once again, she was badly written. Kellan gave hervery little nothing and she was happy to accept it. And when she had trouble accepting it, she'd tell herself "Well, he didn't let me die. So there is that." For a badass secret agent, she was incredibly stupid.
The sex was just terrible. I'm sorry. All of the romance was.
"All that potent virility about Kellan was unleashed fully upon her. She was no match for his commanding potency, his masterful touch."
"He couldn't get enough of Denae's delightful lips, her sweet taste, and most assuredly her passionate responses."
"This, she said as she ran her hands down his chest until she wound a hand around his engorged rod, is my turn."
THERE WERE SO MANY RODS AND EVEN MORE TURGID NIPPLES.
I don't know guys, I just expected so much more. Donna Grant isn't an unheard of, debut author. She's written dozens of books. What happened? There was so much telling and zero showing. A super convoluted plot. And certain things just didn't make sense. Kellan had been sleeping for 1500 years but said things like "dangly earring" and "tat" (for tattoo). He had the misogynistic attitude of someone who was up and around 1500 years ago but his speech just didn't match. Not to mention
Everyone else seems to love this book but I just didn't. I was actually really excited to start this because there are a bazillion books in this series. Alas, I will not be continuing these books. And I'm really glad I got this book on sale.
I'm sorry but this book was just terrible. Awful. The plot was okay. I kind of liked the mythology of it, but it was just so badly written.
Sorry to be so blunt, but I don't know how else to say it.
Plot: Kellan is a dragon shifter who hates humans. Hates them. So much so that he decided he'd rather hibernate in a cave for 1500 hundred years than live among humans and their evil, greedy, selfish, violent ways. Denae is an MI5 agent who was mysteriously sent to a random cave (that wasn't so random) with a partner, Matt. Stuff goes down and Denae ends up bleeding out in the cave where Kellan is sleeping. Denae being in Kellan's cave wakes him up and he shifts into human form and saves her for his own reasons. Denae is then introduced into his supernatural world which includes other dragons, Light Fae, Dark Fae, Druids, and a bunch of other supernatural beings. Everyone finds out that Dark Fae are working with corrupt MI5 and a mysterious someone else who has various nefarious deeds in mind, including taking over the human realm. Or something like that. While all of this is happening Kellan is busy fantasizing about Denae and reminding himself how much he hates humans.
Where to start with this book.
Kellan was the worst. The problem wasn't that he was rude, conceited, stubborn, prejudiced, or completely without a romantic bone in his body, it was that it was so badly written. In many ways, he was a classic PNR alpha. They are usually stubborn, conceited, and prejudiced in one way or another (The H/h are often supernaturals that hate each other). But it was just written all wrong. It was really hard to take him seriously when he was thinking things like, Nor was he able to push aside the enticement her amazing body offered. Everything with him was physical. Her taut muscles. Her heart-shaped ass. Her body was made for him. He always wanted to be inside her. He wanted to be with her forever because he'd always have her body. Even when Denae was unconscious from an attack and everyone was wondering if she'd ever wake up, he looked at her and thought,"Just thinking of sliding into her tight body had him hard and aching."
Gross.
It didn't matter what was going on around him, he was either hating Denae and all other humans, thinking about banging Denae, or hating himself for wanting to bang Denae. It went on for way too long. Even at the 95% mark, he was thinking to himself how loving Denae had brought his hatred of humans down to an annoyance, he didn't hate them, just disliked them. Seriously Denae? Good idea, permanently bind yourself to someone who only kinda hates humans.
There should have been a moment when Kellan realized that a bunch of shitty humans who did terrible horrific things almost two thousand years ago might not represent the human race as a whole. But that moment never came. Whatever.
Denae should have been the perfect heroine to take on such a monumental asshat like Kellan but once again, she was badly written. Kellan gave her
The sex was just terrible. I'm sorry. All of the romance was.
"All that potent virility about Kellan was unleashed fully upon her. She was no match for his commanding potency, his masterful touch."
"He couldn't get enough of Denae's delightful lips, her sweet taste, and most assuredly her passionate responses."
"This, she said as she ran her hands down his chest until she wound a hand around his engorged rod, is my turn."
THERE WERE SO MANY RODS AND EVEN MORE TURGID NIPPLES.
I don't know guys, I just expected so much more. Donna Grant isn't an unheard of, debut author. She's written dozens of books. What happened? There was so much telling and zero showing. A super convoluted plot. And certain things just didn't make sense. Kellan had been sleeping for 1500 years but said things like "dangly earring" and "tat" (for tattoo). He had the misogynistic attitude of someone who was up and around 1500 years ago but his speech just didn't match. Not to mention
Everyone else seems to love this book but I just didn't. I was actually really excited to start this because there are a bazillion books in this series. Alas, I will not be continuing these books. And I'm really glad I got this book on sale.
August 1, 2019
4 1/2 stars
I really enjoyed the novellas that started this series so I was excited to get to read this one. Certainly wasn't disappointed!
Kellan has some issues. He's a dragon king that has been sleeping for centuries. The presence of man in this realm has caused some problems that he just can't get past. In his grief for his bronze dragons and the betrayal of a human, he finds endless sleep easier to deal with. That's all interrupted when an MI5 mission lands Denae and her partner Matt in his cave.
Denae is a highly skilled operative but her partner Matt sneers at her seeing her as less than him. That sneer may have been wiped off his face as he faced Denae with a knife in her hand. Yeah, I was pleased she put that boy in his place. And she needs to be strong to get through what's facing her. Wounded and betrayed by her employer, she needs to figure out how to get out of this mess alive.
I loved that Denae is one strong women. Kellan under estimates her a few times but he learns. And if anyone can melt his angry heart, it's her. These two are great together. Kellan thinks to protect her. She doesn't get why she can't stand up to Fae magic on her own. Both are stubborn and willful. They are perfect for each other.
I do love Kellan. He knows from the beginning what Denae is to him but he refuses to even think the thought. Tough and emotionally scarred, he needs to work through some issues. Denae does a good job of surprising him. Humans aren't all what he believed they were. Together these two are combustible. Definitely yummy.
The questions grow as it becomes clear that the dark Fae are part of those targeting the Kings. But who is behind it? We still don't know but things continue to get more and more interesting. There was some infighting between the kings in this one. Con tries to protect his Dragon Kings but it's not clear who the real threat is.
The writing is good, the characters well developed, and I want to read more! This is good paranormal!
I really enjoyed the novellas that started this series so I was excited to get to read this one. Certainly wasn't disappointed!
Kellan has some issues. He's a dragon king that has been sleeping for centuries. The presence of man in this realm has caused some problems that he just can't get past. In his grief for his bronze dragons and the betrayal of a human, he finds endless sleep easier to deal with. That's all interrupted when an MI5 mission lands Denae and her partner Matt in his cave.
Denae is a highly skilled operative but her partner Matt sneers at her seeing her as less than him. That sneer may have been wiped off his face as he faced Denae with a knife in her hand. Yeah, I was pleased she put that boy in his place. And she needs to be strong to get through what's facing her. Wounded and betrayed by her employer, she needs to figure out how to get out of this mess alive.
I loved that Denae is one strong women. Kellan under estimates her a few times but he learns. And if anyone can melt his angry heart, it's her. These two are great together. Kellan thinks to protect her. She doesn't get why she can't stand up to Fae magic on her own. Both are stubborn and willful. They are perfect for each other.
I do love Kellan. He knows from the beginning what Denae is to him but he refuses to even think the thought. Tough and emotionally scarred, he needs to work through some issues. Denae does a good job of surprising him. Humans aren't all what he believed they were. Together these two are combustible. Definitely yummy.
The questions grow as it becomes clear that the dark Fae are part of those targeting the Kings. But who is behind it? We still don't know but things continue to get more and more interesting. There was some infighting between the kings in this one. Con tries to protect his Dragon Kings but it's not clear who the real threat is.
The writing is good, the characters well developed, and I want to read more! This is good paranormal!
February 5, 2017
Despite the rave reviews, I'd go 3 stars tops, but this author has a lot of potential. This dragon-shifter erotic romance includes several explicit m/f sex scenes, several battle scenes (not gory), no offensive language (no crude terms for females, little or no swearing or profanity). This is the first book in the series, but it contains some characters from a related series (which I haven't read). The audiobook Dark Heat: The Dark Kings Stories provides the backstory.
Good narration by Antony Ferguson.
Lovers: Kellan the immortal dragon-shifter (king of the bronze dragons) and secret agent Denae Lacroix, a Texan working for British MI-5.
Setting: Scotland and Ireland in contemporary times.
Plot: A few rogue MI-5 agents join forces with an outcast dragon-shifter (Ulric, king of the silver dragons) and the Dark Fae, attempting to overthrow the other dragon kings and all mankind. The Light Fae play a big role, too.
The story is told in 3rd person POV, shifting among varied characters. The author's writing style is okay for light entertainment, but stands improvement. The world-building is sketchy in places, but I liked the idea of dragon species varying by metallic scales (silver, gold, bronze, copper, etc). Decent dialogue. Interesting description of the dragon keep. Some vivid action scenes. Too much time is spent in thinking, but the guilt-trip trope is not a driver here (thankfully). We get the thoughts of Denae, Kellan, Rhi, Phelin, Con. The POV bounced all over. A promising author, but not 5-star calibre yet. I grew tired of certain overused phrases: "his celadon gaze" (green eyes, big hairy whoop). "Her whiskey eyes" (whatever), "the king of kings" (a lordy phrase in more ways than one — better to just refer to him as Con, or Constantine, or King of the Golds). Like so many romance authors, too much focus on what the characters are wearing. Who cares? Tell me a story about what they do.
The story started off really strong, with suspense surrounding two MI-5 agents entering the cave of a sleeping dragon-shifter. However, all too soon the main characters (Kellan and Denae) begin to act illogically and out of character, to drive the plot towards sex at unwise (unsafe) times and places. Plot contrivances bug me. Have sex where it's safe, unless you want me to think you're too stupid to live. I was annoyed at that all-night sex binge on the Island of Raasay when they knew Dark Fae were hunting them. Not once did they come up for air to check on their safety. There are other obvious character breaches, like when Kellan knew Denae had left the dragon keep and was vulnerable to the Dark Fae, but he decided to have a personal "engagement" with Con before going to find her. He did not first ensure her safety. That was obviously out of character and unlikely. It bugged me. Also, the scene where Denae went freely into the jail, with NO escape plan. And how exactly did they escape — the means made little sense.
Not a cliffhanger at the end, since everyone is safe for now, but some unresolved issues and questions point towards the sequel.
-----------------
Excerpt, when Kellan first encounters Denae. She's fighting for her life in his cave in Scotland.
"Kellan shifted his head. It had been many centuries since he’d seen a human, and quite frankly, he could go through eternity without seeing another. How he despised them.
He didn’t like his sleep being disturbed either. Yet, he knew Constantine wouldn’t be happy if he made himself known in his dragon form and ate the two intruders. As tempting as that might be.
His only other option would be to shift into human form and confront them. And that was too distasteful to even consider.
Kellan stayed in his spot and watched as the two circled each other. Nothing’s changed. Humans always fighting.
No matter how many centuries passed, no matter what country he visited, the humans were all the same. Selfish, belligerent, arrogant, greedy bastards."
Good narration by Antony Ferguson.
Lovers: Kellan the immortal dragon-shifter (king of the bronze dragons) and secret agent Denae Lacroix, a Texan working for British MI-5.
Setting: Scotland and Ireland in contemporary times.
Plot: A few rogue MI-5 agents join forces with an outcast dragon-shifter (Ulric, king of the silver dragons) and the Dark Fae, attempting to overthrow the other dragon kings and all mankind. The Light Fae play a big role, too.
The story is told in 3rd person POV, shifting among varied characters. The author's writing style is okay for light entertainment, but stands improvement. The world-building is sketchy in places, but I liked the idea of dragon species varying by metallic scales (silver, gold, bronze, copper, etc). Decent dialogue. Interesting description of the dragon keep. Some vivid action scenes. Too much time is spent in thinking, but the guilt-trip trope is not a driver here (thankfully). We get the thoughts of Denae, Kellan, Rhi, Phelin, Con. The POV bounced all over. A promising author, but not 5-star calibre yet. I grew tired of certain overused phrases: "his celadon gaze" (green eyes, big hairy whoop). "Her whiskey eyes" (whatever), "the king of kings" (a lordy phrase in more ways than one — better to just refer to him as Con, or Constantine, or King of the Golds). Like so many romance authors, too much focus on what the characters are wearing. Who cares? Tell me a story about what they do.
The story started off really strong, with suspense surrounding two MI-5 agents entering the cave of a sleeping dragon-shifter. However, all too soon the main characters (Kellan and Denae) begin to act illogically and out of character, to drive the plot towards sex at unwise (unsafe) times and places. Plot contrivances bug me. Have sex where it's safe, unless you want me to think you're too stupid to live. I was annoyed at that all-night sex binge on the Island of Raasay when they knew Dark Fae were hunting them. Not once did they come up for air to check on their safety. There are other obvious character breaches, like when Kellan knew Denae had left the dragon keep and was vulnerable to the Dark Fae, but he decided to have a personal "engagement" with Con before going to find her. He did not first ensure her safety. That was obviously out of character and unlikely. It bugged me. Also, the scene where Denae went freely into the jail, with NO escape plan. And how exactly did they escape — the means made little sense.
Not a cliffhanger at the end, since everyone is safe for now, but some unresolved issues and questions point towards the sequel.
-----------------
Excerpt, when Kellan first encounters Denae. She's fighting for her life in his cave in Scotland.
"Kellan shifted his head. It had been many centuries since he’d seen a human, and quite frankly, he could go through eternity without seeing another. How he despised them.
He didn’t like his sleep being disturbed either. Yet, he knew Constantine wouldn’t be happy if he made himself known in his dragon form and ate the two intruders. As tempting as that might be.
His only other option would be to shift into human form and confront them. And that was too distasteful to even consider.
Kellan stayed in his spot and watched as the two circled each other. Nothing’s changed. Humans always fighting.
No matter how many centuries passed, no matter what country he visited, the humans were all the same. Selfish, belligerent, arrogant, greedy bastards."
March 23, 2014
Dragon shifters are always a magical read. Donna Grant has mastered creating sexy dragon shifters in a Scottish world filled with magic. Her Dark Kings are just as intriguing as her Dark Warriors. They are in the same world and those warriors that we’ve loved for so long still play a large role in this series.
The Dragon Kings have two main goals in life. The goals seem simple enough. They are to protect the human race, and remain a secret from all. This should be simple. It appears that the Dragon Kings have a new set of problems to worry with and a freshly woken Dragon who is caught up in the middle of an attempt to expose the Dragons to the world. Kellan was enjoying his sleep as much as his hate of humans. His hate of all beings non-dragon is part of the reason he has no issues with watching the humans that have invaded his cave attempt to kill themselves.
Denae realizes that there is more going on with her current assignment than appears. She knows that she was told the absolute minimum about the investigation. She realizes the trap that has been put into motion almost too late. The trap puts her exactly where M15 wanted her. The trap puts her where Kellan wants no human to ever be. The same trap also thrusts her into the center of the beginnings of a war among beings she never knew existed.
I’ve loved this magical world that Donna created since I read Midnight’s Master. I’m loving the world from a different beings view. The Dragons are in this under new circumstances and they are fighting a different foe with different motives. The fresh look to a known verse is exhilarating. There are so many possibilities presented with Darkest Flame I am beyond excited about where it is all going. The fact that I get to take this journey on the wings of a dragon is just an added lagniappe.
The Dragon Kings have two main goals in life. The goals seem simple enough. They are to protect the human race, and remain a secret from all. This should be simple. It appears that the Dragon Kings have a new set of problems to worry with and a freshly woken Dragon who is caught up in the middle of an attempt to expose the Dragons to the world. Kellan was enjoying his sleep as much as his hate of humans. His hate of all beings non-dragon is part of the reason he has no issues with watching the humans that have invaded his cave attempt to kill themselves.
Denae realizes that there is more going on with her current assignment than appears. She knows that she was told the absolute minimum about the investigation. She realizes the trap that has been put into motion almost too late. The trap puts her exactly where M15 wanted her. The trap puts her where Kellan wants no human to ever be. The same trap also thrusts her into the center of the beginnings of a war among beings she never knew existed.
I’ve loved this magical world that Donna created since I read Midnight’s Master. I’m loving the world from a different beings view. The Dragons are in this under new circumstances and they are fighting a different foe with different motives. The fresh look to a known verse is exhilarating. There are so many possibilities presented with Darkest Flame I am beyond excited about where it is all going. The fact that I get to take this journey on the wings of a dragon is just an added lagniappe.
July 22, 2014
I'm rating this despite not having finished it, b/c I made it nearly halfway through before calling it quits. I'm more of an UF person than a PNR person, but I do enjoy PNR occasionally . . . if it's not stuff and nonsense:
This was, however, stuff and nonsense, so moving on.
What was it about Kellan that made her open up? Was it his virile magnetism? His irresistible eyes? His finely honed body?
His mind-blowing kisses?
This was, however, stuff and nonsense, so moving on.
February 6, 2019
4 stars - Paranormal Romance
September 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I wish I would have read Dark Heat first though because I felt lost with some of the other characters stories. Kellen is a great hero but a little too stubborn for my liking. Love the heroine! Can’t wait to continue this series.
June 25, 2020
Re-listened on 6-7/1-2020.
First listened on 2-4/12-2019.
Review from 4/12-2019:
I'm really enjoying this series so far. I really like the narrator as well, especially his accent, but I'm not a huge fan of when he's doing the female voices/povs for some reason. I can't quite put my finger on why. But the male pov's are perfect. I especially like the Scottish accent lol.
I've already started listening to the next one!
First listened on 2-4/12-2019.
Review from 4/12-2019:
I'm really enjoying this series so far. I really like the narrator as well, especially his accent, but I'm not a huge fan of when he's doing the female voices/povs for some reason. I can't quite put my finger on why. But the male pov's are perfect. I especially like the Scottish accent lol.
I've already started listening to the next one!
February 23, 2020
4 "Dragons, and Warriors, and Faries..." Stars!
Oh my! I'm excited for this series. Rtc...
Oh my! I'm excited for this series. Rtc...
April 28, 2016
I started with novellas, and then jumped right into this book. I am still on the fence because again, the characters were underdeveloped and the plot wasn’t as engaging as I had hoped. This book felt more like erotica than paranormal romance.
Secret agent Denae LaCroix was sort of forced into assisting the Dragon Kings since her M15 group set her up and abandoned her. The dragons were unknown to most humans but now there is a group trying to expose their existence.
Now Denae is caught up in a war and found that she was attracted to Dragon King Kellan. Problem is that Kellan doesn’t like humans and certainly not as a romantic partner. The push and pull finally gives way to passion and then Kellan begins to have a change of heart towards humans.
I found the writing to be sexy but uneven. There was a good amount of sex but I still believe this series has potential. Anthony Ferguson the narrator did a great job in bringing the story to life. I will continue on with book 2 before I make my final decision on whether or not this series is a keeper.
*Special thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
Secret agent Denae LaCroix was sort of forced into assisting the Dragon Kings since her M15 group set her up and abandoned her. The dragons were unknown to most humans but now there is a group trying to expose their existence.
Now Denae is caught up in a war and found that she was attracted to Dragon King Kellan. Problem is that Kellan doesn’t like humans and certainly not as a romantic partner. The push and pull finally gives way to passion and then Kellan begins to have a change of heart towards humans.
I found the writing to be sexy but uneven. There was a good amount of sex but I still believe this series has potential. Anthony Ferguson the narrator did a great job in bringing the story to life. I will continue on with book 2 before I make my final decision on whether or not this series is a keeper.
*Special thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2020
AUDIBLE EDITION NARRATED BY ANTHONY FERGUSON
Poor Narration!! The narrator wasn't good at accents. He used a Deep Southern Drawl for a Texan accent. It was annoying! I guess that would only be noticeable to an American. But he also, used British Slang while using a Scottish dialect.
The Story of Dragon King Kellan and a MI5 Agent Daenae was fast paced. It had a good plot line but at times I felt like this wasn't the first story written in the Dark Kings series. It felt like I was missing some of the other characters backstories. Which made the storyline not make sense. But when sticking to the main storyline it was good and quick read. sensuous and lots of action!!
Poor Narration!! The narrator wasn't good at accents. He used a Deep Southern Drawl for a Texan accent. It was annoying! I guess that would only be noticeable to an American. But he also, used British Slang while using a Scottish dialect.
The Story of Dragon King Kellan and a MI5 Agent Daenae was fast paced. It had a good plot line but at times I felt like this wasn't the first story written in the Dark Kings series. It felt like I was missing some of the other characters backstories. Which made the storyline not make sense. But when sticking to the main storyline it was good and quick read. sensuous and lots of action!!
September 9, 2015
I actually read this in serial form, but I would definitely recommend the novel version. Each installment ends on a major cliffhanger (except the fourth), which many people find annoying and bothersome. I actually liked the cliffhangers, it added a bit of suspense for me :)
In the Darkest Flame, we meet Denae and Kellan. Denae works as an operative for the British Government in a branch called M15. She is assigned to a cryptic mission where she and her partner have to infiltrate and gather "evidence" on Dreagon Industries. Things don't go as planned.
My favorite part of this book was the Dragon Kings, especially Kellan (naturally, since this was *his* story). Kellan was an interesting one - due to something that happened way far back in time, he loathes humans and chose to sleep away millennia. Until he receives a wake-up call in the form of a feisty human named Denae. I loved their relationship, it was of the "forbidden" variety, where at least one party fights like mad to deny their feelings because they loathe "whatever" the other person is. In this case, it was Kellan. He hates mortals, Denae is one. The best part was watching Kellan go from hatred to acceptance and finally, to understanding.
This particular story is part of the Dark Kings series. You don't need to read the previous books in order to fully comprehend this one, but I intend to go back and start at the beginning with Dark Heat (which is similar to this installment, where it's published in both novella form with 3-4 smaller stories, or collectively in one full novel). There were some characters that already had established relationships, and I want to see each of them from the beginning. Not to mention, Rhi, the Light Fae, is one of the best parts of this story. I want to go back and see if she appears in any earlier parts of this series. I also fully intend to continue the series with the newest Dark Kings novel, Fire Rising. That one centers around Tristan, the newest King, who we were introduced to through this book.
**Book received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
In the Darkest Flame, we meet Denae and Kellan. Denae works as an operative for the British Government in a branch called M15. She is assigned to a cryptic mission where she and her partner have to infiltrate and gather "evidence" on Dreagon Industries. Things don't go as planned.
My favorite part of this book was the Dragon Kings, especially Kellan (naturally, since this was *his* story). Kellan was an interesting one - due to something that happened way far back in time, he loathes humans and chose to sleep away millennia. Until he receives a wake-up call in the form of a feisty human named Denae. I loved their relationship, it was of the "forbidden" variety, where at least one party fights like mad to deny their feelings because they loathe "whatever" the other person is. In this case, it was Kellan. He hates mortals, Denae is one. The best part was watching Kellan go from hatred to acceptance and finally, to understanding.
This particular story is part of the Dark Kings series. You don't need to read the previous books in order to fully comprehend this one, but I intend to go back and start at the beginning with Dark Heat (which is similar to this installment, where it's published in both novella form with 3-4 smaller stories, or collectively in one full novel). There were some characters that already had established relationships, and I want to see each of them from the beginning. Not to mention, Rhi, the Light Fae, is one of the best parts of this story. I want to go back and see if she appears in any earlier parts of this series. I also fully intend to continue the series with the newest Dark Kings novel, Fire Rising. That one centers around Tristan, the newest King, who we were introduced to through this book.
**Book received on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 14, 2018
Trigger warning for assault.
The world has been overwhelming in a holy-crap-they're-doing-what-now way, and at times like this I turn to romance. And not just any romance but over the top, steamy, fantastical romance, the crazier the better. When I'm like this I'm willing to forgive almost anything. Instalove? Go for it! Poor characterization? Whatever, bring on a pinball plot! I'm actually more likely to knock a book for not being crazy enough. (Exhibit A: that time a cop went undercover as a slave on a BDSM planet and fell in love with an alien was a bit too tame.)
This book, though, I can't forgive, because the heroine is sexually assaulted by the bad guy in front of the hero. She's tied up, stripped naked, and forced to orgasm against her will.
Oh, hell no.
She does have the feelings you would expect after being assaulted, so a point for that, but as soon as the coast is clear she and the hero have sex to clear her system or something. Gah.
After that all of the other faults grated, including those I was inclined to overlook - instalust, bad phonetic renditions of accents, a fae deus ex machina, and three HEA couples even though this is book one (??) come immediately to mind. Ugh.
Why Darkest Flame is so highly rated I do not know. Stay far away, even if you're in the mood for some crazy.
The world has been overwhelming in a holy-crap-they're-doing-what-now way, and at times like this I turn to romance. And not just any romance but over the top, steamy, fantastical romance, the crazier the better. When I'm like this I'm willing to forgive almost anything. Instalove? Go for it! Poor characterization? Whatever, bring on a pinball plot! I'm actually more likely to knock a book for not being crazy enough. (Exhibit A: that time a cop went undercover as a slave on a BDSM planet and fell in love with an alien was a bit too tame.)
This book, though, I can't forgive, because the heroine is sexually assaulted by the bad guy in front of the hero. She's tied up, stripped naked, and forced to orgasm against her will.
Oh, hell no.
She does have the feelings you would expect after being assaulted, so a point for that, but as soon as the coast is clear she and the hero have sex to clear her system or something. Gah.
After that all of the other faults grated, including those I was inclined to overlook - instalust, bad phonetic renditions of accents, a fae deus ex machina, and three HEA couples even though this is book one (??) come immediately to mind. Ugh.
Why Darkest Flame is so highly rated I do not know. Stay far away, even if you're in the mood for some crazy.
Read
May 10, 2018I'm baffled at how to rate this. I've been meaning to read Donna for ages, especially since I've gotten back into reading paranormal romance. The book started off great but I got confused early on. There are so many characters and so many species and so much history that has happened before this book starts. Many of their stories have already been told in previous books and series. It really felt like I'd been dropped in a forest with no clue and direction. I don't mind reading long series, but when a book is labeled as #1 and multiple references are made to other books, I don't think a book should be labeled as the first in a series. And part of this may also be my fault because I didn't read the blurb, I just saw #1 on the side of my paperback and went for it.
Other than this, the story is really interesting. The world building is great even if it took me a while to put all the pieces together. Kellan and Denae have great chemistry and I may have to re-read this book once I've started from the beginning and make my way back here.
Other than this, the story is really interesting. The world building is great even if it took me a while to put all the pieces together. Kellan and Denae have great chemistry and I may have to re-read this book once I've started from the beginning and make my way back here.
August 8, 2018
Loved this book, though I should have read Dark Heat, first...oh, well.
July 2, 2014
Note: Though I read this book in its series parts (1-4), I couldn't figure out a way to review those parts individually without making myself nuts, so this review is for the book as a whole.
More Flash than Substance
When MI5 agent Denae Lecroix was sent on a mission to infiltrate Draegan Industries, she knew something was off with the assignment. She just didn't know how off it was until her partner turned on her and tried to kill her after they'd pushed deep into Draegan's land. That betrayal cut almost as deeply as the knife wound she took before she...ended the partnership.
Waking up from a sleep that spanned over a thousand years to find two humans battling to the death in his cave, Dragon King Kellan was so surprised by their trespass that he was able to curb the instinct to kill the interlopers.
And he remembered his responsibility. Good thing for the surviving female that he did, too. No matter how much he loathed humans, a race full of murderous, wretched betrayers, his word was a bond, obligating him to take the surviving human female to the King of Kings before he could wash his hands of the race and sleep once more.
What Kellan learns when he takes Denae to his King changes everything. With old enemies allying with humans and the Dragon Kings being targeted in a way they have never been before, their fate could very well rest in the hands of one not-quite-dead MI5 spy and her willingness to embrace a world that she couldn't have ever dreamed existed alongside her own.
~*~
It was nice reading a spin-off series opener that truly didn't require me to have read the series from which it spun. Grant did a really nice job introducing the Dragon Kings and their world in such a way that gave a nod to what came before, but didn't depend on it too heavily. There were a few scenes that would probably have had more of an emotional impact on me if I'd been familiar with their backstory, but nothing that confused me or made me feel lost.
There were several elements of Denae and Kellan's story that I liked quite a lot, and a couple of characters (Rhi especially) who endeared themselves quickly and deeply. I also thought the world and backstory were well-conceived, the history of the dragons tragic but, odd as it may sound, believable, and the dynamic between Dragon Kings, humans, and Fae - both Light and Dark - was fascinating. It all meshed together well and provided a solid framework for the story's foundation.
Plus, dragon shifters. I'm a sucker for dragon shifters.
Those were all lovely pieces of the story puzzle, but I can't say I was completely won over by the way it all came together. There wasn't quite enough focus on a cohesive plot for me and too much of the story got hung up on Denae and Kellan's attraction to one another to the exclusion of other necessary story elements.
Instead of laying groundwork for the arc of the series, or offering a sophisticated evolution of characters and story, too much of the narrative was spent telling me again and again how smart, strong, independent, gorgeous, etc. Kellan found Denae (despite his hatred of humans) and how unimaginably sexy and fierce and amazing Denae found Kellan. Unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot in the story that evidenced either of those things to me as a reader, so it came off as a repetitive Tell versus Show situation unsupported by the reality of the content.
There were a few opportunities for plot progression, and scenes that made me think the book was getting into the nitty-gritty, especially during battle scenes or moments of suspense and tension. Instead of broadening and expanding on those points of conflict, though, the scenes tended to start and end quickly and were very sparse in description or definition. And far, far too many elements were introduced as teasers that never got anything even approaching explanation, let alone resolution.
Rhi's former relationship with a Dragon King. Con's hatred of Ulrick. And Rhi. His questionable actions in the past and conflicted ones now. The Silvers. The identity of the Bad Guy. Why that Bad Guy wanted Kellan. The MI5/Dark Fae alliance. Tristan's transition into a Dark King. The impact of human mates on the dragons. The dissension in the Kings' ranks.
And that's just off the top of my head. There were more things, sources of conflict or questions raised, that added to the pile of things that remained completely unresolved or unanswered by the end. The only thread that was resolved, in fact, was the relationship between Denae and Kellan.
Unfortunately, as characters, I couldn't quite garner much more than ambivalence for either of them. Their story just didn't give me enough reason to do so. Denae was too inconsistent. She kept reminding Kellan that she could handle herself and was a well-trained spy, but I don't recall many instances after the initial fight with her partner where she acquitted herself well in that regard. In fact, she had to rely almost exclusively and more than once on Kellan's help just to survive with both mind and body intact.
Kellan, on the other hand, was perfectly consistent...a perfectly consistent jerk. Between his oft-mentioned hatred of the human race and his unmitigated sense of superiority, I found him hard to take in the first half of the book and only marginally more palatable in the second.
There was a scene where he completely dismisses Denae's grievous personal losses because, as a dragon, his are so much more significant - then he jumps her for some wild monkey sex. That pretty much slammed the door closed on any lingering feelings of sympathy I had for him, and it severely damaged my respect for Denae's strength of character, because though she called him on his insensitivity, she sure doesn't hold him off or demand an apology for his galling opinions. He's apparently just too awesomely male to resist, regardless of his crappy attitude.
Adding in my issue with the too-abrupt (for my tastes) relationship timeline, and the romance elements of the story didn't work so well for me.
There were definitely parts of this book that shined brightly, but they just weren't given enough room to really gain a toehold in the narrative. Those good parts were fresh, original, and eminently entertaining, but neither the romance between Denae and Kellan nor either character individually worked well enough for me to convince me to stick around to see if all those teasers eventually get explained or all the unresolved issues eventually get their resolution. At best, this was an okay read for me overall, but not one I wish to follow up on with future books.
Disclosure: An ARC of parts 1-3 of this book were provided to me by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
More Flash than Substance
When MI5 agent Denae Lecroix was sent on a mission to infiltrate Draegan Industries, she knew something was off with the assignment. She just didn't know how off it was until her partner turned on her and tried to kill her after they'd pushed deep into Draegan's land. That betrayal cut almost as deeply as the knife wound she took before she...ended the partnership.
Waking up from a sleep that spanned over a thousand years to find two humans battling to the death in his cave, Dragon King Kellan was so surprised by their trespass that he was able to curb the instinct to kill the interlopers.
And he remembered his responsibility. Good thing for the surviving female that he did, too. No matter how much he loathed humans, a race full of murderous, wretched betrayers, his word was a bond, obligating him to take the surviving human female to the King of Kings before he could wash his hands of the race and sleep once more.
What Kellan learns when he takes Denae to his King changes everything. With old enemies allying with humans and the Dragon Kings being targeted in a way they have never been before, their fate could very well rest in the hands of one not-quite-dead MI5 spy and her willingness to embrace a world that she couldn't have ever dreamed existed alongside her own.
~*~
It was nice reading a spin-off series opener that truly didn't require me to have read the series from which it spun. Grant did a really nice job introducing the Dragon Kings and their world in such a way that gave a nod to what came before, but didn't depend on it too heavily. There were a few scenes that would probably have had more of an emotional impact on me if I'd been familiar with their backstory, but nothing that confused me or made me feel lost.
There were several elements of Denae and Kellan's story that I liked quite a lot, and a couple of characters (Rhi especially) who endeared themselves quickly and deeply. I also thought the world and backstory were well-conceived, the history of the dragons tragic but, odd as it may sound, believable, and the dynamic between Dragon Kings, humans, and Fae - both Light and Dark - was fascinating. It all meshed together well and provided a solid framework for the story's foundation.
Plus, dragon shifters. I'm a sucker for dragon shifters.
Those were all lovely pieces of the story puzzle, but I can't say I was completely won over by the way it all came together. There wasn't quite enough focus on a cohesive plot for me and too much of the story got hung up on Denae and Kellan's attraction to one another to the exclusion of other necessary story elements.
Instead of laying groundwork for the arc of the series, or offering a sophisticated evolution of characters and story, too much of the narrative was spent telling me again and again how smart, strong, independent, gorgeous, etc. Kellan found Denae (despite his hatred of humans) and how unimaginably sexy and fierce and amazing Denae found Kellan. Unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot in the story that evidenced either of those things to me as a reader, so it came off as a repetitive Tell versus Show situation unsupported by the reality of the content.
There were a few opportunities for plot progression, and scenes that made me think the book was getting into the nitty-gritty, especially during battle scenes or moments of suspense and tension. Instead of broadening and expanding on those points of conflict, though, the scenes tended to start and end quickly and were very sparse in description or definition. And far, far too many elements were introduced as teasers that never got anything even approaching explanation, let alone resolution.
Rhi's former relationship with a Dragon King. Con's hatred of Ulrick. And Rhi. His questionable actions in the past and conflicted ones now. The Silvers. The identity of the Bad Guy. Why that Bad Guy wanted Kellan. The MI5/Dark Fae alliance. Tristan's transition into a Dark King. The impact of human mates on the dragons. The dissension in the Kings' ranks.
And that's just off the top of my head. There were more things, sources of conflict or questions raised, that added to the pile of things that remained completely unresolved or unanswered by the end. The only thread that was resolved, in fact, was the relationship between Denae and Kellan.
Unfortunately, as characters, I couldn't quite garner much more than ambivalence for either of them. Their story just didn't give me enough reason to do so. Denae was too inconsistent. She kept reminding Kellan that she could handle herself and was a well-trained spy, but I don't recall many instances after the initial fight with her partner where she acquitted herself well in that regard. In fact, she had to rely almost exclusively and more than once on Kellan's help just to survive with both mind and body intact.
Kellan, on the other hand, was perfectly consistent...a perfectly consistent jerk. Between his oft-mentioned hatred of the human race and his unmitigated sense of superiority, I found him hard to take in the first half of the book and only marginally more palatable in the second.
There was a scene where he completely dismisses Denae's grievous personal losses because, as a dragon, his are so much more significant - then he jumps her for some wild monkey sex. That pretty much slammed the door closed on any lingering feelings of sympathy I had for him, and it severely damaged my respect for Denae's strength of character, because though she called him on his insensitivity, she sure doesn't hold him off or demand an apology for his galling opinions. He's apparently just too awesomely male to resist, regardless of his crappy attitude.
Adding in my issue with the too-abrupt (for my tastes) relationship timeline, and the romance elements of the story didn't work so well for me.
There were definitely parts of this book that shined brightly, but they just weren't given enough room to really gain a toehold in the narrative. Those good parts were fresh, original, and eminently entertaining, but neither the romance between Denae and Kellan nor either character individually worked well enough for me to convince me to stick around to see if all those teasers eventually get explained or all the unresolved issues eventually get their resolution. At best, this was an okay read for me overall, but not one I wish to follow up on with future books.
Disclosure: An ARC of parts 1-3 of this book were provided to me by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
July 12, 2018
I enjoyed this book, I always enjoy reading about romance between a mythological male and a strong heroin.
Kellan is a dragon king that hates humans so when he meets Denae (woman) he wants to walk away without looking back, but Con that is the king of dragon kings, asks him to get near her...
Therefore Kellan gets to spend time with her and is surprised to discover that not all humans are evil...
There's a lot of action and some hot scenes in this book, if you enjoy this gender then you should give this a try.
Kellan is a dragon king that hates humans so when he meets Denae (woman) he wants to walk away without looking back, but Con that is the king of dragon kings, asks him to get near her...
Therefore Kellan gets to spend time with her and is surprised to discover that not all humans are evil...
There's a lot of action and some hot scenes in this book, if you enjoy this gender then you should give this a try.
November 10, 2024
*3.75* I really didn’t enjoy the writing at first but I got used to it. If it wasn’t for the 100 page (I’m not exaggerating) length of that one event, this could’ve been a full 4 star. Also, the romance at the end kinda fell flat for me. I felt it more in the beginning/middle.
June 7, 2018
I’m still hovering between 3.5-4 Stars.
February 17, 2025
all the covers are super cringy but this book was so (surprisingly) damn good i’m invested
June 2, 2024
Denae, even though American, is a MI5 agent and she is sent on a dangerous mission. She is told to go to the Highlands, and spy and gain information on Dreagan Industries. When she and her partner arrive at some caves, her partner attacks her, saying that she is the “bait”, and as she fights him she kills him. But then she ends up injured and wakes up in a strange place, a place that will change her fate. Kellan, is a Dragon King, and has been sleeping for twelve hundred years, and has stayed away from humans. But then he gets awakened by Denae, a woman of passion and intelligence, and even though he despises humans, he can’t resist a yearning for her. When a rogue group from MI5 with dark fae, threaten her, Kellan discovers he will do everything in his power to protect her, but they will both discover a hidden passion that will consume them…will Kellan and Denae be able to fight their enemies and gain a future together…
Darkest Flame is the first book of the series, and over the years since reading romance, I have seen high rating sand reviews for this author. But this is the first chance to read it. When I was browsing through my local library, trying to decide where to start, the idea of dragon shifter kings…well that really got me to pick this one up, and the cover….I just want to drool all day. This series is connected to the Dark Warrior and Dark Sword series (which I plan on reading as soon as I finish this series off). And its primary focus is on a group of Dragon Kings, who had to give up their dragons and place them in a another realm, while they battle their enemies…the fae, and keep everything from the human world.
The story started off a bit slow for me, even though there is plenty of action and steamy attraction between Denae and Kellan, the story doesn’t really start to pick up until your about a third of the way through the story. The beginning sets the stage for the main sequences of the plot. There is quite a intense heat level in this story, the chemistry between Kellan and Denae is SUPER hot and sexy!! They definitely can create their own heat source…each other. Who needs a heater or the sun right? I admit I have a weakness for shifter romances…but you throw in dragon kings..well that totally does it for me…I do love my dragons. There is something so fierce, protective and intense about them that fascinates me and Donna Grant does a fabulous job with her world building in this story. Even though there are some previous kings that have their stories already (which I already am planning another trip to the library just to read their books :p) , the author did a tremendous job at setting up the background of the story, so you aren’t too lost or confused. Even though I wished I had read some of the other connecting series, I didn’t feel like I needed more, Grant does a good job at balancing everything out.
Overall a captivating mixture of sensual romance, intoxicating characters, interwoven plot that will keep you on edge, and enough steam to keep you warm for days. Perfect for a warm cold night with a cup of tea. BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED!!
Darkest Flame is the first book of the series, and over the years since reading romance, I have seen high rating sand reviews for this author. But this is the first chance to read it. When I was browsing through my local library, trying to decide where to start, the idea of dragon shifter kings…well that really got me to pick this one up, and the cover….I just want to drool all day. This series is connected to the Dark Warrior and Dark Sword series (which I plan on reading as soon as I finish this series off). And its primary focus is on a group of Dragon Kings, who had to give up their dragons and place them in a another realm, while they battle their enemies…the fae, and keep everything from the human world.
The story started off a bit slow for me, even though there is plenty of action and steamy attraction between Denae and Kellan, the story doesn’t really start to pick up until your about a third of the way through the story. The beginning sets the stage for the main sequences of the plot. There is quite a intense heat level in this story, the chemistry between Kellan and Denae is SUPER hot and sexy!! They definitely can create their own heat source…each other. Who needs a heater or the sun right? I admit I have a weakness for shifter romances…but you throw in dragon kings..well that totally does it for me…I do love my dragons. There is something so fierce, protective and intense about them that fascinates me and Donna Grant does a fabulous job with her world building in this story. Even though there are some previous kings that have their stories already (which I already am planning another trip to the library just to read their books :p) , the author did a tremendous job at setting up the background of the story, so you aren’t too lost or confused. Even though I wished I had read some of the other connecting series, I didn’t feel like I needed more, Grant does a good job at balancing everything out.
Overall a captivating mixture of sensual romance, intoxicating characters, interwoven plot that will keep you on edge, and enough steam to keep you warm for days. Perfect for a warm cold night with a cup of tea. BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED!!
March 2, 2016
Meine Empfehlung
Wie der Klapptext schon verrät spielt die Geschichte zur heutigen Zeit und nicht - wie so viele andere die ich gelesen habe - im Mittelalter oder in einem anderem Universum. Die MI5-Agentin Denae Lacroix gerät während einer Mission in Kontakt mit den Drachen und lernt eine ganz andere Welt kennen, von der sie bis dahin nichts gewusst hat. Der MI5 und die Bösewichte versuchen den Drachen zu schaden, dabei ist ihnen jedes Mittel recht.
In erster Linie ist mir das Cover für "Dunkle Flamen" aufgefallen, vor allem das schöne Tattoo setzt sich durch die Serie, in kräftigen Farben, durch! Der Klapptext klang ganz interessant, der Plot hat mich auch fasziniert, aber ein paar Kleinigkeiten haben mir die Stimmung dann doch noch ein wenig vermiest. Mir wäre es lieber gewesen, wenn die blumige Liebe und Leidenschaft nicht so im Vordergrund gestanden hätte. Die Geschichte ist viel zu sehr darauf ausgelegt, ich hätte lieber mehr über die Drachen und das Paranormale im Allgemeinen erfahren. Die ein oder andere Formulierung fand ich dann doch etwas gekünstelt. Auf Dauer hatte ich auch mit einigen Wiederholungen ein Problem, es nervt einfach nur noch, wenn die Augenfarbe und der gleichen ständig wiederholt werden! (Ich muss mir nicht auf jeder zweiten Seite anhören, was für eine Augenfarbe die Charaktere haben.)
Einerseits stehen die Drachen mit ihrem Erzfeind hier im Mittelpunkt, jedoch sind sie nicht die einzigen Wesen aus der paranormalen Welt. In "Dunkle Flammen" lernen wir noch helle und dunkle Elfen kennen, was auch eine nette Abwechslung darstellt. Darüberhinaus konnte ich das Verhalten des Hauptprotagonisten Kellan nicht ganz nachvollziehen, der nach seinem sehr langen Schlaf als Drache, seinen Hass viel zu schnell unterdrücken konnte. Wie tief kann der Hass in ihm schon gebrodelt haben, wenn er sich so schnell auf die Menschen wieder einlässt und besonders eine Menschen Frau als Gefährtin nimmt? Okay, in seinen Augen ist sie recht ungewöhnlich Willensstark, taff und beeindruckend schön für einen Menschen. Wahrscheinlich ist sie auch mit unter der einzige Grund, warum er sie gerettet hat und nicht einfach wieder schlafen gegangen ist.
Ansonsten finde ich den Schreibstil von Donna Grant gut gelungen, die Charaktere haben ihrer jeweiligen Stellung nach ausreichend Tiefgang und unterscheiden sich recht facettenreich, so wie die malerisch beschriebene Landschaft. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir eine Nebenprotagonistin: die helle Elfe Rhi, sie hat das Herz am rechten Fleck und erlaubt sich sehr gerne die Drachen hin und wieder zu ärgern. Sobald sie auftaucht, steigt die Spannung und sie sorgt auf jeden Fall für gute Unterhaltung.
Fazit - Bewertung: 4 Sterne
Obwohl die Autorin schon so viele Bücher geschrieben hat, ist "Dunkle Flammen" mein erstes Buch von ihr. Ich werde mir auf jeden Fall die anderen Bänder aus der Drachenkönige Serie vorknöpfen.
"Dunkle Flammen" ist für jeden - der vor Drachen, Elfen und erotischen Szenen nicht zurück schreckt - wärmstens zu empfehlen!
Wie der Klapptext schon verrät spielt die Geschichte zur heutigen Zeit und nicht - wie so viele andere die ich gelesen habe - im Mittelalter oder in einem anderem Universum. Die MI5-Agentin Denae Lacroix gerät während einer Mission in Kontakt mit den Drachen und lernt eine ganz andere Welt kennen, von der sie bis dahin nichts gewusst hat. Der MI5 und die Bösewichte versuchen den Drachen zu schaden, dabei ist ihnen jedes Mittel recht.
In erster Linie ist mir das Cover für "Dunkle Flamen" aufgefallen, vor allem das schöne Tattoo setzt sich durch die Serie, in kräftigen Farben, durch! Der Klapptext klang ganz interessant, der Plot hat mich auch fasziniert, aber ein paar Kleinigkeiten haben mir die Stimmung dann doch noch ein wenig vermiest. Mir wäre es lieber gewesen, wenn die blumige Liebe und Leidenschaft nicht so im Vordergrund gestanden hätte. Die Geschichte ist viel zu sehr darauf ausgelegt, ich hätte lieber mehr über die Drachen und das Paranormale im Allgemeinen erfahren. Die ein oder andere Formulierung fand ich dann doch etwas gekünstelt. Auf Dauer hatte ich auch mit einigen Wiederholungen ein Problem, es nervt einfach nur noch, wenn die Augenfarbe und der gleichen ständig wiederholt werden! (Ich muss mir nicht auf jeder zweiten Seite anhören, was für eine Augenfarbe die Charaktere haben.)
Einerseits stehen die Drachen mit ihrem Erzfeind hier im Mittelpunkt, jedoch sind sie nicht die einzigen Wesen aus der paranormalen Welt. In "Dunkle Flammen" lernen wir noch helle und dunkle Elfen kennen, was auch eine nette Abwechslung darstellt. Darüberhinaus konnte ich das Verhalten des Hauptprotagonisten Kellan nicht ganz nachvollziehen, der nach seinem sehr langen Schlaf als Drache, seinen Hass viel zu schnell unterdrücken konnte. Wie tief kann der Hass in ihm schon gebrodelt haben, wenn er sich so schnell auf die Menschen wieder einlässt und besonders eine Menschen Frau als Gefährtin nimmt? Okay, in seinen Augen ist sie recht ungewöhnlich Willensstark, taff und beeindruckend schön für einen Menschen. Wahrscheinlich ist sie auch mit unter der einzige Grund, warum er sie gerettet hat und nicht einfach wieder schlafen gegangen ist.
Ansonsten finde ich den Schreibstil von Donna Grant gut gelungen, die Charaktere haben ihrer jeweiligen Stellung nach ausreichend Tiefgang und unterscheiden sich recht facettenreich, so wie die malerisch beschriebene Landschaft. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir eine Nebenprotagonistin: die helle Elfe Rhi, sie hat das Herz am rechten Fleck und erlaubt sich sehr gerne die Drachen hin und wieder zu ärgern. Sobald sie auftaucht, steigt die Spannung und sie sorgt auf jeden Fall für gute Unterhaltung.
Fazit - Bewertung: 4 Sterne
Obwohl die Autorin schon so viele Bücher geschrieben hat, ist "Dunkle Flammen" mein erstes Buch von ihr. Ich werde mir auf jeden Fall die anderen Bänder aus der Drachenkönige Serie vorknöpfen.
"Dunkle Flammen" ist für jeden - der vor Drachen, Elfen und erotischen Szenen nicht zurück schreckt - wärmstens zu empfehlen!
May 1, 2014
This story has recently been published as a serialisation and happily is now available to read in one book. This author writes intense stories that set the page on fire and Darkest Flame is no different. If you have read her Warrior stories then be prepared to be equally riveted by her Dragon Kings which are set in the same world .
Denae is an agent for MI5 and is sent on a fact finding mission to Scotland but unknown to her she's actually being sacrificed as bait! MI5 have been infiltrated by old enemies of the Dragon Kings and Denae is about to face her wildest dreams and her darkest nightmares.
Kellan has no love for humans as they lie, they cheat and they have betrayed his kind but when he sees Denae mortally wounded he feels he has to act . Something about the brave woman awakens his curiosity but her life is in danger . The Dragon Kings try to relocate Denae without her fellow agents discovering her whereabouts but there's more than humans tracking her. What should be straightforward turns into a dangerous journey with their oldest enemy making a move. If Denae thought Dragons are dangerous what will she think of the Dark Fae? Unfortunately she's about to find out!
I really enjoyed this story full of magic and adventure. I loved the strong heroine but she's a woman who has depths and understands loss . At first I wanted to shake Kellan as his anger and sorrow made him bitter but luckily he has redeeming qualities and he truly will do anything for those he cares about. Theirs is a passionate relationship that will see readers needing a cold shower but it's heartwarming too as Kellan and Denae open up to each other.
What I particularly enjoyed were the supporting characters . The author brings them vividly to life with unique personalities and quirks . There's mystery surrounding Tristan one of the Dragon Kings who surely must get his own book as this reader is beyond curious! Although the character I most need information about is Rhi a Light Fae whose quixotic and exuberant personality stole every scene she was in! She's a fantastic character but constantly rubs up Con the king of kings the wrong way, (hmmm more mystery!)
This book is set in the same world as other books by Ms Grant and characters do cross over but it's not essential to have read the previous novels. Although I will recommend them particularly if you enjoy hot Scotsmen or fiercely protective Dragons! There's such a lot going on in this book and it was a wonderful beginning to this new series. A Dragon and a Spook, well I never!
Denae is an agent for MI5 and is sent on a fact finding mission to Scotland but unknown to her she's actually being sacrificed as bait! MI5 have been infiltrated by old enemies of the Dragon Kings and Denae is about to face her wildest dreams and her darkest nightmares.
Kellan has no love for humans as they lie, they cheat and they have betrayed his kind but when he sees Denae mortally wounded he feels he has to act . Something about the brave woman awakens his curiosity but her life is in danger . The Dragon Kings try to relocate Denae without her fellow agents discovering her whereabouts but there's more than humans tracking her. What should be straightforward turns into a dangerous journey with their oldest enemy making a move. If Denae thought Dragons are dangerous what will she think of the Dark Fae? Unfortunately she's about to find out!
I really enjoyed this story full of magic and adventure. I loved the strong heroine but she's a woman who has depths and understands loss . At first I wanted to shake Kellan as his anger and sorrow made him bitter but luckily he has redeeming qualities and he truly will do anything for those he cares about. Theirs is a passionate relationship that will see readers needing a cold shower but it's heartwarming too as Kellan and Denae open up to each other.
What I particularly enjoyed were the supporting characters . The author brings them vividly to life with unique personalities and quirks . There's mystery surrounding Tristan one of the Dragon Kings who surely must get his own book as this reader is beyond curious! Although the character I most need information about is Rhi a Light Fae whose quixotic and exuberant personality stole every scene she was in! She's a fantastic character but constantly rubs up Con the king of kings the wrong way, (hmmm more mystery!)
This book is set in the same world as other books by Ms Grant and characters do cross over but it's not essential to have read the previous novels. Although I will recommend them particularly if you enjoy hot Scotsmen or fiercely protective Dragons! There's such a lot going on in this book and it was a wonderful beginning to this new series. A Dragon and a Spook, well I never!
March 23, 2016
Re-read 3/23/3016
Okay.. It most defiantly makes a difference if you have read Donna Grant's Warrior series. Like a huge difference. This time around I really did love the book. I wasn't confused once! Woot! That's always a plus. Killeen didn't get on my nerves.. I mean there was that one little bitty part where instead of going straight to get his woman back, he decides he's going to kill Con, his leader/friend. I think that's a little crazy. But whatever. A man has to do what a mans gotta do. And I actually liked Denae a lot better this time around.
So I would suggest that you read the Warrior books first because the characters all cross over. I am almost done with Fire Rising and again the Warriors are in play ALOT in this book as well. Everything kind of clicks together if you've read about the Warriors first.
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I liked this book.. But I did feel a little lost at times. I haven't read any of Donna Grant's other books so I don't know any of her other characters or their stories and some of whats going on in this book I think relates to those other books. I thought I would be okay because this is the first book of the series but I guess not.. I mean it's not huge things just little things that as an obsessive reader annoy me that I don't know.
Once I got over that little annoyance and focused on THIS actual story I loved it. Denae is an okay female lead.. and Kellan was an ok male lead. I was a little put off by him just because after he found out Denae left he immediately went for his sword instead of figuring out exactly what happened... You just met the girl. I get that you love her and she is your mate but you are going to kill your leader/friend of idk a million years because he suggested she leave. REALLY? Up until that point I loved him but then I was just like ehh..
When we are married for 100 years are you going to kill me if I break a cup? because I tend to do that. I just thought it was a slight over reaction to what happened. Was Con a complete bastard? Absolutely. Would I break his face? Absolutely. After I went and got the girl. Would I kill Con? Hell no because I am not a psycho.
Okay dokey. Now that I have ranted about like one page of the whole book... Sorry. It is a good book! Worth reading. I am just going to go back and read her other series first. I don't think it will really make that much of a difference but I am just weird like that.
Okay.. It most defiantly makes a difference if you have read Donna Grant's Warrior series. Like a huge difference. This time around I really did love the book. I wasn't confused once! Woot! That's always a plus. Killeen didn't get on my nerves.. I mean there was that one little bitty part where instead of going straight to get his woman back, he decides he's going to kill Con, his leader/friend. I think that's a little crazy. But whatever. A man has to do what a mans gotta do. And I actually liked Denae a lot better this time around.
So I would suggest that you read the Warrior books first because the characters all cross over. I am almost done with Fire Rising and again the Warriors are in play ALOT in this book as well. Everything kind of clicks together if you've read about the Warriors first.
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I liked this book.. But I did feel a little lost at times. I haven't read any of Donna Grant's other books so I don't know any of her other characters or their stories and some of whats going on in this book I think relates to those other books. I thought I would be okay because this is the first book of the series but I guess not.. I mean it's not huge things just little things that as an obsessive reader annoy me that I don't know.
Once I got over that little annoyance and focused on THIS actual story I loved it. Denae is an okay female lead.. and Kellan was an ok male lead. I was a little put off by him just because after he found out Denae left he immediately went for his sword instead of figuring out exactly what happened... You just met the girl. I get that you love her and she is your mate but you are going to kill your leader/friend of idk a million years because he suggested she leave. REALLY? Up until that point I loved him but then I was just like ehh..
When we are married for 100 years are you going to kill me if I break a cup? because I tend to do that. I just thought it was a slight over reaction to what happened. Was Con a complete bastard? Absolutely. Would I break his face? Absolutely. After I went and got the girl. Would I kill Con? Hell no because I am not a psycho.
Okay dokey. Now that I have ranted about like one page of the whole book... Sorry. It is a good book! Worth reading. I am just going to go back and read her other series first. I don't think it will really make that much of a difference but I am just weird like that.
April 24, 2018
Dragons, alpha males, testosterone... A lot of action, hot scene, a great adventure full of twists, turns and a great plot with just the perfect amount of love.
Donna Grant can be a guarantee for a good read, so just go and buy it. You know, you need it.
Ps.: Did I mention they are Scots? I mean... scot deliciousness... plaids...
You can read my full review here:
https://dreamsnbooks.wordpress.com/
Donna Grant can be a guarantee for a good read, so just go and buy it. You know, you need it.
Ps.: Did I mention they are Scots? I mean... scot deliciousness... plaids...
You can read my full review here:
https://dreamsnbooks.wordpress.com/
November 11, 2014
3 stars
Kellan (Dragon King of Bronze, Keeper of the Dreagan History) + Denae (human, former MI5)
SPOILER ALERT. This is an honest and highly subjective review, proceed with caution. You have been warned.
If you read my previous status updates about this book, you know that I was having a hard time.
What I disliked.
One. Some of the characters' names. If only the author provided how-to-pronounce the ones with difficult names and spellings, it would be an utmost welcome!
Two. Felt no chemistry between main characters. It was rather dull romance, boring intimate moments. Felt forced most like it. In fact, I skipped most of it. I just didn't bother. I rather indulged reading the action scenes.
Three. I didn't impress the way things ended. It makes me question more about it. Too many unanswered questions. As intense as the battle should be, I felt it was too easy at which ended saying, "What? That's it?" You see, something's definitely missing and I hated it.
Four. Too many introduced characters I forgotten most of them. I forgot what dragon of which character and what are the colour of their dragons too. The none-dragon too.
Five. Stop with the repeating of Dragon Kings' history for the love of @#$%!
Six. Kellan is hot, yes. But he's annoying. 'nuff said.
What I liked.
One. The female lead is a kickass one. She's deadly, can take care of herself, she's resilient, and she's one not expecting from something or someone.
Two. I liked this Rhi character. She's funny and fiesty. And she's evil for teasing readers with her secret. I wonder why she kept it a secret. Guess have to wait until she has her own book.
Three. Pretty cover.
Four. It's dragon-shifter, something new to me because I got bored with vamps, werecats, werewolves.
Five. Combat scenes.
......
Am I going to continue this series? Yes. I've got no choice as Dark Kings is by far the best dragon-shifter I've ever read unless some of you out there recommend to me dragon-shifter book with guaranteed the satisfaction exceeds this one, I'll be happy to read it and say nice things about it or spite.
Read on your own peril.
Kellan (Dragon King of Bronze, Keeper of the Dreagan History) + Denae (human, former MI5)
SPOILER ALERT. This is an honest and highly subjective review, proceed with caution. You have been warned.
If you read my previous status updates about this book, you know that I was having a hard time.
What I disliked.
One. Some of the characters' names. If only the author provided how-to-pronounce the ones with difficult names and spellings, it would be an utmost welcome!
Two. Felt no chemistry between main characters. It was rather dull romance, boring intimate moments. Felt forced most like it. In fact, I skipped most of it. I just didn't bother. I rather indulged reading the action scenes.
Three. I didn't impress the way things ended. It makes me question more about it. Too many unanswered questions. As intense as the battle should be, I felt it was too easy at which ended saying, "What? That's it?" You see, something's definitely missing and I hated it.
Four. Too many introduced characters I forgotten most of them. I forgot what dragon of which character and what are the colour of their dragons too. The none-dragon too.
Five. Stop with the repeating of Dragon Kings' history for the love of @#$%!
Six. Kellan is hot, yes. But he's annoying. 'nuff said.
What I liked.
One. The female lead is a kickass one. She's deadly, can take care of herself, she's resilient, and she's one not expecting from something or someone.
Two. I liked this Rhi character. She's funny and fiesty. And she's evil for teasing readers with her secret. I wonder why she kept it a secret. Guess have to wait until she has her own book.
Three. Pretty cover.
Four. It's dragon-shifter, something new to me because I got bored with vamps, werecats, werewolves.
Five. Combat scenes.
......
Am I going to continue this series? Yes. I've got no choice as Dark Kings is by far the best dragon-shifter I've ever read unless some of you out there recommend to me dragon-shifter book with guaranteed the satisfaction exceeds this one, I'll be happy to read it and say nice things about it or spite.
Read on your own peril.
June 14, 2014
3.5 Stars
Darkest Flame takes you to a world where Dragon Kings roam the skies on stormy days and the dark of night, hidden from the human eye. It is a world with realms containing dark fae and light fae, a world in which most humans remain unaware of these magical beings.
I liked Darkest Flame. It is very well written, fast paced and entertaining. The world is nicely fleshed out and the characters are believable. There is danger, action and romance. I liked the main characters of Kellan and Denae and enjoyed them together. Kellan’s hatred of humans drove him to sleep through the last thirteen hundred years. That’s a strong hate, so when he finds himself drawn to and attracted to Denae, a human, he doesn’t know how to handle it. Eventually, after spending some time with Denae, she shows him that not all humans are bad. It was nice to see Kellan let go of some of the bitterness and hatred that had been consuming his thoughts for so long.
Darkest Night has a lot side characters, both good guys and bad guys. The stage is definitely set for futures stories. I really liked Rhi, the light fae friend, but I found myself despising Con, the King of Kings. I have a feeling there is a reason he acts the way he does.
Overall, Darkest Flame is quite good. It takes you on an adventure to an exciting world with interesting characters. I would recommend it to fans of paranormal romance.
Darkest Flame takes you to a world where Dragon Kings roam the skies on stormy days and the dark of night, hidden from the human eye. It is a world with realms containing dark fae and light fae, a world in which most humans remain unaware of these magical beings.
I liked Darkest Flame. It is very well written, fast paced and entertaining. The world is nicely fleshed out and the characters are believable. There is danger, action and romance. I liked the main characters of Kellan and Denae and enjoyed them together. Kellan’s hatred of humans drove him to sleep through the last thirteen hundred years. That’s a strong hate, so when he finds himself drawn to and attracted to Denae, a human, he doesn’t know how to handle it. Eventually, after spending some time with Denae, she shows him that not all humans are bad. It was nice to see Kellan let go of some of the bitterness and hatred that had been consuming his thoughts for so long.
Darkest Night has a lot side characters, both good guys and bad guys. The stage is definitely set for futures stories. I really liked Rhi, the light fae friend, but I found myself despising Con, the King of Kings. I have a feeling there is a reason he acts the way he does.
Overall, Darkest Flame is quite good. It takes you on an adventure to an exciting world with interesting characters. I would recommend it to fans of paranormal romance.
November 28, 2016
Ok I don't know why I took forever to write a review for this one since I finished it couple of weeks ago XD
I have to say I liked this couple very much but they aren't my favorite since I favor the cute ones more XD this couple however was very reliable and resourceful since he's the recorder of history and she an MI5 agent XD
- At first I thought this book will have very misunderstandings and distrustfulness since she came to spy on them then turned to them for help but surprisingly not much, since some trusted her from early on.
- I have to say I liked the hero, he follows his leader but not by the letter since he knows everything and die at take shit from anyone. And since everyone always fights with Con and later on the bad guy with try to makes them doubt him but I will trust whatever this hero decides since he knows whatever happens so he won't be mislead
- I really felt bad for the hero and heroine when they were captured by the dark cause those guys were seriously are assholes
- I'm really curious about Rhy's Dragon King lover since at first I thought it was Con but when their animosity seemed real not misunderstandings I started to wonder but I don't think he was ever mentioned so far
- I liked the entrance of the Warriors here and it seemed that in the Warriors series the Dragon Kings made an appearance since some scenes indicate previous actions with their United efforts
Overall, *thumbs up*
I have to say I liked this couple very much but they aren't my favorite since I favor the cute ones more XD this couple however was very reliable and resourceful since he's the recorder of history and she an MI5 agent XD
- At first I thought this book will have very misunderstandings and distrustfulness since she came to spy on them then turned to them for help but surprisingly not much, since some trusted her from early on.
- I have to say I liked the hero, he follows his leader but not by the letter since he knows everything and die at take shit from anyone. And since everyone always fights with Con and later on the bad guy with try to makes them doubt him but I will trust whatever this hero decides since he knows whatever happens so he won't be mislead
- I really felt bad for the hero and heroine when they were captured by the dark cause those guys were seriously are assholes
- I'm really curious about Rhy's Dragon King lover since at first I thought it was Con but when their animosity seemed real not misunderstandings I started to wonder but I don't think he was ever mentioned so far
- I liked the entrance of the Warriors here and it seemed that in the Warriors series the Dragon Kings made an appearance since some scenes indicate previous actions with their United efforts
Overall, *thumbs up*
February 16, 2017
They sure talk a lot during battles.
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