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Dark Dynasty #2
Vicious King
The Dark Dynasty trilogy continues – step into the dark, scandalous world of America’s elite and discover their sinful secrets, twisted lies, and dirty desires...
I’m his captive. His toy. Sold into his possession to pay for my wicked deeds.
I tell myself I hate him, but every time he steps into my cage, my body betrays me. I fear him and want him at the same time.
I don’t even recognize myself anymore, and I can’t tell what’s real. Can’t tell where the lies end and the truth begins. All I know for sure is that I’m trapped with him.
I don’t want to show weakness. I don’t want to surrender to the darkness. I want to make it out of his clutches and expose him to the world. But something is becoming clearer to me with every day that passes…
He’ll never be done with me.
Note: This novel contains disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers.
Vicious King is the second book in the Dark Dynasty trilogy. The story concludes in Twisted Empire.
I’m his captive. His toy. Sold into his possession to pay for my wicked deeds.
I tell myself I hate him, but every time he steps into my cage, my body betrays me. I fear him and want him at the same time.
I don’t even recognize myself anymore, and I can’t tell what’s real. Can’t tell where the lies end and the truth begins. All I know for sure is that I’m trapped with him.
I don’t want to show weakness. I don’t want to surrender to the darkness. I want to make it out of his clutches and expose him to the world. But something is becoming clearer to me with every day that passes…
He’ll never be done with me.
Note: This novel contains disturbing content that may be offensive to some readers.
Vicious King is the second book in the Dark Dynasty trilogy. The story concludes in Twisted Empire.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2019
737 people are currently reading
893 people want to read
About the author
Stella Hart
33 books302 followersStella Hart is the dark romance pen name of Alessandra Hart. She loves animals, red wine, and rainy days where she can curl up inside and plot new books instead of having to go out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
May 14, 2020
Oh so good!
Such a twisted thriller. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book to come out in a month. The storyline about this morally corrupt secret society is so awesome. First level members get benefits like money, power, homes, good jobs and such. Second level members are get more benefits and are involved in the more hedonistic pleasures the society can offer.
The society won’t even consider a member for the third level unless their morals, or lack thereof are in sync with the rest of the third levels. At that level the member learns all the society secrets and if they betray any secrets or try to leave, they are killed or at the very least followed and wiretapped for life.
Elias suspects some bad things are happening but the only way he can find out for certain and protect Tatum is to make it to level 3 and find out all the secrets. How much danger will he be in when he tries to protect her though? I have to say, I really get frustrated getting this far in a series and finding the next book isn’t out yet. Though I am glad I only have to wait another few weeks.
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Such a twisted thriller. I loved it and can’t wait for the next book to come out in a month. The storyline about this morally corrupt secret society is so awesome. First level members get benefits like money, power, homes, good jobs and such. Second level members are get more benefits and are involved in the more hedonistic pleasures the society can offer.
The society won’t even consider a member for the third level unless their morals, or lack thereof are in sync with the rest of the third levels. At that level the member learns all the society secrets and if they betray any secrets or try to leave, they are killed or at the very least followed and wiretapped for life.
Elias suspects some bad things are happening but the only way he can find out for certain and protect Tatum is to make it to level 3 and find out all the secrets. How much danger will he be in when he tries to protect her though? I have to say, I really get frustrated getting this far in a series and finding the next book isn’t out yet. Though I am glad I only have to wait another few weeks.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
January 12, 2019
4 1/2 stars
This book picks up right where the author left off in Heartless Prince (note that this is not a standalone -- you absolutely must have read the first book to understand what is happening in this one), and part 2 did not disappoint! The story of this secret society committing atrocities "in plain sight" continues with Elias initially still believing that Tatum is a willing slave, but he starts to see holes in the tales he has been told by his father and other "level three" members of the club. Both start to feel more for each other than master/slave, but can they possibly ever trust one another after all that has happened between them?
What I liked:
--- the chemistry between the two is super hot (when consensual)
--- as the story unfolds, the layers to this secret society start to peel back and reveal things more heinous than anyone could have anticipated
What I didn't like as much:
--- a lot of shift of behavior and feelings with respect to the MCs in this that was a little hard to reconcile at times, but they ultimately worked themselves out for the most part
Another gripping installment that makes the reader feel disgusted, sympathetic, angry, and in need of a cold shower! Eagerly anticipating the next (and final!) installment!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5 (love to "hate" most of them!)
Steam Level --- 4/5
Violence --- contains possible triggers
Language --- yep
POV --- Dual
This book picks up right where the author left off in Heartless Prince (note that this is not a standalone -- you absolutely must have read the first book to understand what is happening in this one), and part 2 did not disappoint! The story of this secret society committing atrocities "in plain sight" continues with Elias initially still believing that Tatum is a willing slave, but he starts to see holes in the tales he has been told by his father and other "level three" members of the club. Both start to feel more for each other than master/slave, but can they possibly ever trust one another after all that has happened between them?
What I liked:
--- the chemistry between the two is super hot (when consensual)
--- as the story unfolds, the layers to this secret society start to peel back and reveal things more heinous than anyone could have anticipated
What I didn't like as much:
--- a lot of shift of behavior and feelings with respect to the MCs in this that was a little hard to reconcile at times, but they ultimately worked themselves out for the most part
Another gripping installment that makes the reader feel disgusted, sympathetic, angry, and in need of a cold shower! Eagerly anticipating the next (and final!) installment!
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5 (love to "hate" most of them!)
Steam Level --- 4/5
Violence --- contains possible triggers
Language --- yep
POV --- Dual
January 19, 2019
Secret society…elite privilege playground, fraternities. We’ve all heard of them; some by more refined names while others in creepy headline news. But have you ever wondered what the wealthy, entitled upper-crust emerging society members do at the do not ask and do not tell events?
Lets just say I could feel the erotic rhythmic beating drums, hear the dark sinister chants. My heart hammered wildly in my chest as I was as much a captive as Tatum Marris. The suspense and mind fuckery exploded with every printed word.
Stella Hart went above and beyond capturing their allure, encompassing their enigma and mysticism. In all truth I have been on a reading marathon. This series was too good to read one book and then hunt down pictures for the collage and teasers and then write up a hasty review just so I could move on to the next.
Ooooooh hell no! Like a true gluttonous….I started with Wild Elite: A Dark Captive Romance Dark Dynasty Prequel and eviscerated the pages one page at a time. Blowing through the series like a starved bookworm seeing a banquet for the first time.
All three books were a straight up five star reads! This was my introduction to Stella Hart and I damn sure wish I could give her more stars because she’s earned them…..but noooooo I can’t! Anymore than I can get my greedy little hands on Twisted Empire until February 13th 2019…..man that just sucks!
Yeah, listen closely I’m throwing a big humongous fit. You know rolling around on the floor; pounding my fists into the carpeted flooring as I’m kick my feet uncontrollably. If you love dark romance like I do…..suspense, lies, deception, backstabbing villains, rock solid story line with blurred realism, then I highly…...highly recommend!
January 15, 2019
It was a beautiful cage… but it was still a cage.
Once again Stella Hart has given us another wild ride through the dark dynasty of Crown and Dagger. In this book we have Tatum at her lowest points, but she also has some strong moments. She’s building herself up mentally and slowly finding ways to get herself out of this captivity. We read Elias still being blinded by the lies he’s been fed, but also asking questions. He’s working his way up the levels in the Crown & Dagger society, much to his fathers delight, but his motives aren’t exactly what dear old dad probably wants. Tatum and Elias have had an undeniable connection from the start even though it probably shouldn’t have been that way considering the circumstances. Now these two have deepened this connection with each other that shouldn’t be possible, but it’s also what brings more and more to light in the story. I don’t want to say too much, because it could spoil the happenings in this book, BUT I will say that Hart does a fantastic job keeping the reader turning pages. I NEED to know what’s going to happen next. I NEED to know what secrets will be revealed. I NEED to know whether or not these characters will stay strong or do what’s right. Agh! So good.
Vicious King does end with a cliffhanger, and I’m already DYING for the next book. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?
https://instagram.com/p/BsqkmFJlnTg/
^fan edit on IG
Once again Stella Hart has given us another wild ride through the dark dynasty of Crown and Dagger. In this book we have Tatum at her lowest points, but she also has some strong moments. She’s building herself up mentally and slowly finding ways to get herself out of this captivity. We read Elias still being blinded by the lies he’s been fed, but also asking questions. He’s working his way up the levels in the Crown & Dagger society, much to his fathers delight, but his motives aren’t exactly what dear old dad probably wants. Tatum and Elias have had an undeniable connection from the start even though it probably shouldn’t have been that way considering the circumstances. Now these two have deepened this connection with each other that shouldn’t be possible, but it’s also what brings more and more to light in the story. I don’t want to say too much, because it could spoil the happenings in this book, BUT I will say that Hart does a fantastic job keeping the reader turning pages. I NEED to know what’s going to happen next. I NEED to know what secrets will be revealed. I NEED to know whether or not these characters will stay strong or do what’s right. Agh! So good.
Vicious King does end with a cliffhanger, and I’m already DYING for the next book. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?
https://instagram.com/p/BsqkmFJlnTg/
^fan edit on IG
February 16, 2019
4 🖤🖤🖤🖤🌟🌟🌟🌟s
February 5, 2021
Wow this story is really good, i can't leave it i just want to read and read and read to the end of it👌
January 18, 2020
Reviewed by Puss'n'Books
PussnBooks.net Reviewing the darkest, most erotic, taboo reads we can find.
At the end of book 1, it looked like Tatum had finally flipped her bitch switch and some shit was gonna go down but sadly that doesn’t seem to be the case.
The book picks up exactly where it left off at the end of book one. After Tatum stabbed Tobias in the neck (and in my opinion, he deserved that and so much more) she went back to constantly feeling bad about what she’d done.
TATUM - Arg! She went a full 180 degrees away from what I wanted her to do. She started to believe everything that Elias accused her of!
She starts to believe that she must have killed Ben and that she must have signed the contract but just can’t remember doing it. I was so disappointed. I really wanted her to fight back.
When a huge storm threatens the safety of the girls they have to be moved to The Lodge before they’re considered “ready”. There they are all told to make sure no one ever finds out that they are there against their will etc. and Mellie gleefully tells Tatum that a couple of girls have attempted an escape before but wound up being found dead in a forest somewhere.
After a close brush with death, Tatum does finally snap out of her sad little world and remember that she most definitely did not do those things. However, she still doesn’t have enough fight in her for my liking and I quickly lost interest again.
ELIAS - So this time Elias actually grows a couple of brain cells and realises that all may not be as it seems.
He finally suspects his father is hiding many things from him and is on a mission to make the third level of the secret society so that he can find out what those things are. I’m not sure why he would ever have believed some of the far fetched stories he’s been told by his father and friends, I mean he doesn’t come across as a stupid man really, so why not have an original thought of his own?
I'll be honest. I still don’t find him appealing. There is nothing that he has done so far that makes me gasp or wriggle a little while I’m reading. It’s all just...missing.
FINAL THOUGHTS - I don’t like giving bad reviews because I know how much work goes into writing any book and I am glad to see that there are quite a few 5-star reviews but it just didn’t do it for me.
The writing was good but the story just couldn’t keep my attention.
I might try a different series at a later date but for now, it’s a no.
2.5 Stars
PussnBooks.net Reviewing the darkest, most erotic, taboo reads we can find.
At the end of book 1, it looked like Tatum had finally flipped her bitch switch and some shit was gonna go down but sadly that doesn’t seem to be the case.
The book picks up exactly where it left off at the end of book one. After Tatum stabbed Tobias in the neck (and in my opinion, he deserved that and so much more) she went back to constantly feeling bad about what she’d done.
TATUM - Arg! She went a full 180 degrees away from what I wanted her to do. She started to believe everything that Elias accused her of!
She starts to believe that she must have killed Ben and that she must have signed the contract but just can’t remember doing it. I was so disappointed. I really wanted her to fight back.
I shouldn’t exist. I’m nothing. Nothing but a contemptible, unworthy girl. My life is pitiful, unjustifiable, valueless.
When a huge storm threatens the safety of the girls they have to be moved to The Lodge before they’re considered “ready”. There they are all told to make sure no one ever finds out that they are there against their will etc. and Mellie gleefully tells Tatum that a couple of girls have attempted an escape before but wound up being found dead in a forest somewhere.
After a close brush with death, Tatum does finally snap out of her sad little world and remember that she most definitely did not do those things. However, she still doesn’t have enough fight in her for my liking and I quickly lost interest again.
ELIAS - So this time Elias actually grows a couple of brain cells and realises that all may not be as it seems.
He finally suspects his father is hiding many things from him and is on a mission to make the third level of the secret society so that he can find out what those things are. I’m not sure why he would ever have believed some of the far fetched stories he’s been told by his father and friends, I mean he doesn’t come across as a stupid man really, so why not have an original thought of his own?
I'll be honest. I still don’t find him appealing. There is nothing that he has done so far that makes me gasp or wriggle a little while I’m reading. It’s all just...missing.
FINAL THOUGHTS - I don’t like giving bad reviews because I know how much work goes into writing any book and I am glad to see that there are quite a few 5-star reviews but it just didn’t do it for me.
The writing was good but the story just couldn’t keep my attention.
I might try a different series at a later date but for now, it’s a no.
2.5 Stars
September 8, 2019
This story is getting better, hotter and more thrilling as it continues!!! Review to come...
November 15, 2020
More 👑Crown and Dagger🔪
Dark Adult Abduction Romance💔 with Cult and strong BDSM👋 Elements
This is the second book in the series and continues the hate/ love relationship between Elias🐺🍆🌋👋, the son of the wealthy cult leader, Tobias, and his abducted slave girl Tatum💃💔.
In The first book Tatum💃💋 gets a scholarship to an exclusive college, only to find out a BDSM and Murder cult uses it to abduct young women for slavery and trafficking.
If you are into BDSM👋 tactics and humiliation, you may like this book.
Elias🐺🍆🌋👋 is definitely his father's cruel son, but he finds out his mother is not who he thought she was. Dad won't tell, so Elias🐺🍆🌋👋 will have to find out on his own. Will it make a difference?
After months of BDSM torture by Elias🐺🍆🌋👋, Tatum💃💔 begins to believe she really is a bad girl that deserves all the punishments Elias🐺🍆🌋👋 gives her. Dubious consent abounds in This book because Tatum💃💔 is coerced into going along with the BDSM👋.
Finally, Elias🐺🍆🌋👋 finds out that breaking Tatum💃💔 and making her into a basically lifeless doll, isn't really what he wanted. It's no fun anymore. Now what? How is he going to fix the toy he's broken?
This is not my favorite kind of book and I won't be reading any more of them, even though there is another book coming soon. I find them creepy and demeaning. I also 👎dislike cliffhangers. Loss of one 🌟 for the cliffhanger.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book with KU.
Dark Adult Abduction Romance💔 with Cult and strong BDSM👋 Elements
This is the second book in the series and continues the hate/ love relationship between Elias🐺🍆🌋👋, the son of the wealthy cult leader, Tobias, and his abducted slave girl Tatum💃💔.
In The first book Tatum💃💋 gets a scholarship to an exclusive college, only to find out a BDSM and Murder cult uses it to abduct young women for slavery and trafficking.
If you are into BDSM👋 tactics and humiliation, you may like this book.
Elias🐺🍆🌋👋 is definitely his father's cruel son, but he finds out his mother is not who he thought she was. Dad won't tell, so Elias🐺🍆🌋👋 will have to find out on his own. Will it make a difference?
After months of BDSM torture by Elias🐺🍆🌋👋, Tatum💃💔 begins to believe she really is a bad girl that deserves all the punishments Elias🐺🍆🌋👋 gives her. Dubious consent abounds in This book because Tatum💃💔 is coerced into going along with the BDSM👋.
Finally, Elias🐺🍆🌋👋 finds out that breaking Tatum💃💔 and making her into a basically lifeless doll, isn't really what he wanted. It's no fun anymore. Now what? How is he going to fix the toy he's broken?
This is not my favorite kind of book and I won't be reading any more of them, even though there is another book coming soon. I find them creepy and demeaning. I also 👎dislike cliffhangers. Loss of one 🌟 for the cliffhanger.
ARC Received from Booksprout🌱
I also got the book with KU.
July 28, 2023
Fast pace, spicy, multiple romances, mafia, kidnapping, enemies to lovers. Everything that I love! I did not read the first book but i was able to put all the pieces together!
After running away from the mafia and starting her life over, she thought it was all behind her. Until her wedding day is ambushed, her father murdered and shes kidnapped. Injured, scared and confused she tries to fight off her kidnappers, until she realizes it’s her childhood friends, Hale, Zade, Lucas and Ciro. Now all grown up these men are different than she remembered and she is torn between escaping or falling into the trap of her attraction to all four men.
“Maybe I should be afraid of the dark promise in his voice, but I’m beyond being frightened of the violence these men exude. There’s something familiar, almost comforting about it. And maybe I’ve got some of that same violence inside me, because I find myself hoping they get their shot at vengeance.”
After running away from the mafia and starting her life over, she thought it was all behind her. Until her wedding day is ambushed, her father murdered and shes kidnapped. Injured, scared and confused she tries to fight off her kidnappers, until she realizes it’s her childhood friends, Hale, Zade, Lucas and Ciro. Now all grown up these men are different than she remembered and she is torn between escaping or falling into the trap of her attraction to all four men.
“Maybe I should be afraid of the dark promise in his voice, but I’m beyond being frightened of the violence these men exude. There’s something familiar, almost comforting about it. And maybe I’ve got some of that same violence inside me, because I find myself hoping they get their shot at vengeance.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2019
Wtf?!!!
I don't even know where to begin this series has me hooked. I was deceived into thinking the third book was going to be released along with the second book. Someone's very cruel joke. Hahaha I'm not laughing though. I have to wait another month for the third book! So very cruel! Yes it's a damn good series. A must read. Hopefully you wait until after the third book is released to read. I hate cliffhangers! Elias has been played by his sick and twisted father. "Doll" has been played by Tobias, Elisa' father. He's so sick and twisted! Five stars even though I'm angry I was tricked. I knew I should have double checked before I started reading the second book. I should have made sure the third book was released. I couldn't put this book down. Go ahead read away at your own risk!
I don't even know where to begin this series has me hooked. I was deceived into thinking the third book was going to be released along with the second book. Someone's very cruel joke. Hahaha I'm not laughing though. I have to wait another month for the third book! So very cruel! Yes it's a damn good series. A must read. Hopefully you wait until after the third book is released to read. I hate cliffhangers! Elias has been played by his sick and twisted father. "Doll" has been played by Tobias, Elisa' father. He's so sick and twisted! Five stars even though I'm angry I was tricked. I knew I should have double checked before I started reading the second book. I should have made sure the third book was released. I couldn't put this book down. Go ahead read away at your own risk!
December 27, 2020
4.5 "really, really liked it" stars
I couldn't put it down! This series has me glued to the pages! Suspense, secrets, lies, intrigue, heat... it has it all!
There is a considerable amount of back and forth between the two main characters- so much angst. Both are being lied to, and time and again they believe those lies. Still, eventually there comes a time where things start to not add up.
The moments I was waiting for from the previous book happened in this installment and the secrets were revealed. So satisfying!
I'm definitely continuing to the next book, and recommend this series to fans of dark romance, captivity, kidnapping, etc.
I couldn't put it down! This series has me glued to the pages! Suspense, secrets, lies, intrigue, heat... it has it all!
There is a considerable amount of back and forth between the two main characters- so much angst. Both are being lied to, and time and again they believe those lies. Still, eventually there comes a time where things start to not add up.
The moments I was waiting for from the previous book happened in this installment and the secrets were revealed. So satisfying!
I'm definitely continuing to the next book, and recommend this series to fans of dark romance, captivity, kidnapping, etc.
March 13, 2019
-1.5 stars
I don’t understand how I ever gave this series a good rating because this is actually horrible. No offense to anyone that likes this-to each their own- but this was just not for me at all, and I didn’t think the first book was even that bad. If you’re going to read this series, I would say proceed with caution
I don’t understand how I ever gave this series a good rating because this is actually horrible. No offense to anyone that likes this-to each their own- but this was just not for me at all, and I didn’t think the first book was even that bad. If you’re going to read this series, I would say proceed with caution
January 30, 2019
Holy smokes!!!!! I need book three like YESTERDAY!
While book one made me crazy and teeter totter between pure enjoyment and rage, this book made my heart break. I can’t wait for book three to come out so I can see how it all ends.
While book one made me crazy and teeter totter between pure enjoyment and rage, this book made my heart break. I can’t wait for book three to come out so I can see how it all ends.
January 5, 2020
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars!
September 18, 2024
Oh my goodness! Elias and Tatum had me at the edge of my seat! I can’t believe all that’s happening to them! But I’m glad that Elias finally on her side! Can’t wait to see how it all ends for them! 🖤
January 20, 2019
A sexy ride ,a fitting Anti hero..a ..cliffhanger but book 3 soon to follow!
As a dark captive romance aficionado of many years ,it is hard for me to be truly surprised by a storyline. But the devil is in the details and this author tied loose ends intriguingly to the minutia,so when I thought I had figured the fate of the storyline a surprise did indeed await me. Even as my dark experience led me to comprehension of much of the events,I enjoyed the ride never the less and look forward to book 3 as I am without clue as to how the Elias and Tatum will extricate themselves from the extreme scenario to which they had become entangled.
As a dark captive romance aficionado of many years ,it is hard for me to be truly surprised by a storyline. But the devil is in the details and this author tied loose ends intriguingly to the minutia,so when I thought I had figured the fate of the storyline a surprise did indeed await me. Even as my dark experience led me to comprehension of much of the events,I enjoyed the ride never the less and look forward to book 3 as I am without clue as to how the Elias and Tatum will extricate themselves from the extreme scenario to which they had become entangled.
August 31, 2025
No trigger warnings!
have no idea how Kindle lets these books be printed without trigger warnings. Here are a few excerpts from the book that is supposed to be a romance
I shrieked as the nipple clamps turned live again, and the book flew off my back as I jerked on the floor. You feel it going inside your tight little virgin a##hole?” “Yes,” I whimpered. “Please, Master, it hurts….” my wrist were spread wide but still immobilized in a wooden restraining device which resembled a medieval stock.My feet were restrained on the floor with chains and my back was stinging from the lashings of a whip he used on me earlier. I was marked and shackled, with no possible hope for escape.rape, torture, abuse, sexual degradation as deprived and clearly its only for people that have been sold or captured Her eyes were hollow and her skin was marked with bruises.The women had black collars around their necks. Several of them were wearing gold filigree domino masks as well. Some of them were on their hands and knees or bent over furniture with men f**cking them from behind, eyes scrunched with either pleasure or pain. Others were upright, being f**cked in standing positions as they clutched at the walls or curtains. Still more were slinking around the room, letting men grope them or finger them with their free hands as they sipped at drinks and smoked cigars. Braided black whips, wooden paddles, ropes and mean-looking sex toys were on display on one of the walls, lying in stark contrast against the classically-patterned wallpaper behind them. A couple of wide swings were also suspended from the ceiling with golden chains, along with black harnesses hanging nearby. On top of that, there were crosses, cages, stocks, benches, and leather spanking horses this is just the first 30 pages! I don't mind a dark romance with a few triggers but how this considered a romance. I did could not finish it. The author should have enough respect for her readers to live good trigger warnings in case these kinds of situations can be upsetting.
have no idea how Kindle lets these books be printed without trigger warnings. Here are a few excerpts from the book that is supposed to be a romance
I shrieked as the nipple clamps turned live again, and the book flew off my back as I jerked on the floor. You feel it going inside your tight little virgin a##hole?” “Yes,” I whimpered. “Please, Master, it hurts….” my wrist were spread wide but still immobilized in a wooden restraining device which resembled a medieval stock.My feet were restrained on the floor with chains and my back was stinging from the lashings of a whip he used on me earlier. I was marked and shackled, with no possible hope for escape.rape, torture, abuse, sexual degradation as deprived and clearly its only for people that have been sold or captured Her eyes were hollow and her skin was marked with bruises.The women had black collars around their necks. Several of them were wearing gold filigree domino masks as well. Some of them were on their hands and knees or bent over furniture with men f**cking them from behind, eyes scrunched with either pleasure or pain. Others were upright, being f**cked in standing positions as they clutched at the walls or curtains. Still more were slinking around the room, letting men grope them or finger them with their free hands as they sipped at drinks and smoked cigars. Braided black whips, wooden paddles, ropes and mean-looking sex toys were on display on one of the walls, lying in stark contrast against the classically-patterned wallpaper behind them. A couple of wide swings were also suspended from the ceiling with golden chains, along with black harnesses hanging nearby. On top of that, there were crosses, cages, stocks, benches, and leather spanking horses this is just the first 30 pages! I don't mind a dark romance with a few triggers but how this considered a romance. I did could not finish it. The author should have enough respect for her readers to live good trigger warnings in case these kinds of situations can be upsetting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
MFC: Tatum
MMC: Elias King
Picking up from book 1, which should be read first, to really understand and enjoy this book.
Elias saves her, realizes he loves her. Everyone is flown from the island to the Lodge due to a hurricane. The Lodge is a party mansion for members of the society. It's where the captive girls are brought to service their Masters.
Tobias survived the stabbing and continues to manipulate his son and Tatum, pitting them against one another, and pushing his son to be like him and rise to level 3 of the society.
Tatum is an emotional wreck and goes back and forth between hating and falling for Elias. She starts to become "blank"/robotic. She tries to escape again, drugging Elias with allergy medicine in his wine. She makes it to the road, gets a ride to the police, and Tobias shows up. The cops are in his pocket. As punishment, he brings her to the catacombs under the lodge and locks her in a coffin in the middle of a moat. Elias saves her again. He doesn't share her at the parties like other members do with their girls, raising questions among the members.
In another attempt to escape, she decides to win Party Hostess, which promises the winner a way out - one master, outside of the Lodge for life. While she works on winning, Elias works on reaching level 3.
He is moved to level 3 and learns all of the societies secrets, including the true nature of the Party Hostess - the winner is the prey in the societies' annual hunt. They are cremated and turned into dolls that are displayed in the lodge. Before he can tell Tatum, Tobias does. He also tells Tatum the truth about Ben (the cousin) - he knows Tatum didn't kill Ben - he was the secret witness all along.
Book ends on a cliffhanger.
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️
MFC: Tatum
MMC: Elias King
Picking up from book 1, which should be read first, to really understand and enjoy this book.
Elias saves her, realizes he loves her. Everyone is flown from the island to the Lodge due to a hurricane. The Lodge is a party mansion for members of the society. It's where the captive girls are brought to service their Masters.
Tobias survived the stabbing and continues to manipulate his son and Tatum, pitting them against one another, and pushing his son to be like him and rise to level 3 of the society.
Tatum is an emotional wreck and goes back and forth between hating and falling for Elias. She starts to become "blank"/robotic. She tries to escape again, drugging Elias with allergy medicine in his wine. She makes it to the road, gets a ride to the police, and Tobias shows up. The cops are in his pocket. As punishment, he brings her to the catacombs under the lodge and locks her in a coffin in the middle of a moat. Elias saves her again. He doesn't share her at the parties like other members do with their girls, raising questions among the members.
In another attempt to escape, she decides to win Party Hostess, which promises the winner a way out - one master, outside of the Lodge for life. While she works on winning, Elias works on reaching level 3.
He is moved to level 3 and learns all of the societies secrets, including the true nature of the Party Hostess - the winner is the prey in the societies' annual hunt. They are cremated and turned into dolls that are displayed in the lodge. Before he can tell Tatum, Tobias does. He also tells Tatum the truth about Ben (the cousin) - he knows Tatum didn't kill Ben - he was the secret witness all along.
Book ends on a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2019
Oh my days, this series just gets better and better!
Picking up exactly where the previous book, Heartless Prince, left off, you are plunged right into the heart of the action.
Tatum is hellbent on escaping, no matter the cost. When she realises it’s impossible, she breaks. She starts to believe all of the lies told about her. That she’s there voluntarily, that she deserves her treatment, she wants it.
Whereas Elias initially wanted her to come around to his way of thinking, he doesn’t like this new version. She’s blank, unfeeling, accepting her fate. He realises he misses her spark, her fight.
Tatum and Elias have a hard time trusting each other. Both have been fed so many lies throughout their lives, it’s hard to spot the truth. Their words are constantly twisted and misrepresented by members of the Crown and Dagger, all to suit their Machiavellian games.
Finally, finally, they seem to get to a place of tentative trust when the rules of the game are changed again. Tatum’s world is once again ripped from under her and she, and you, are left gaping in horror at the truth of the situation.
This book is just masterful storytelling by Stella Hart. Her imagination knows no bounds, and the story keeps you spellbound. This is dark romance at its very best. She is rapidly becoming a one-click, ask-no-questions author. I’ll read anything she puts her name to. I eagerly await the conclusion to this trilogy, Twisted Empire.
Picking up exactly where the previous book, Heartless Prince, left off, you are plunged right into the heart of the action.
Tatum is hellbent on escaping, no matter the cost. When she realises it’s impossible, she breaks. She starts to believe all of the lies told about her. That she’s there voluntarily, that she deserves her treatment, she wants it.
Whereas Elias initially wanted her to come around to his way of thinking, he doesn’t like this new version. She’s blank, unfeeling, accepting her fate. He realises he misses her spark, her fight.
Tatum and Elias have a hard time trusting each other. Both have been fed so many lies throughout their lives, it’s hard to spot the truth. Their words are constantly twisted and misrepresented by members of the Crown and Dagger, all to suit their Machiavellian games.
Finally, finally, they seem to get to a place of tentative trust when the rules of the game are changed again. Tatum’s world is once again ripped from under her and she, and you, are left gaping in horror at the truth of the situation.
This book is just masterful storytelling by Stella Hart. Her imagination knows no bounds, and the story keeps you spellbound. This is dark romance at its very best. She is rapidly becoming a one-click, ask-no-questions author. I’ll read anything she puts her name to. I eagerly await the conclusion to this trilogy, Twisted Empire.
January 16, 2019
And what a Vicious King he is!!!
First, please make sure to read the prequel, Wild Elite and book one, Heartless Prince, before reading this book. This is not a standalone and you will be lost if you don't read them first.
This book is absolutely captivating and exciting. I just finished reading it and there are so many different emotions running through me right now, I truly feel breathless. Elias King is still working on getting the truth from Tatum regarding her situation. To him something is just not feeling kosher and there are so many lies, secrets and dark truths it's hard to wade through it all. Tatum has come to realize that she must play the game in order to win the war and that is just what she sets her mind to do. Tobias wants to get Elias into the third level of the Crown and Dagger society so he can prove to everyone the Elias is just like Tobias, a monster. That would make Tobias a very proud father. Things are getting down right scary for Tatum, she doesn't know what the truth is or if it's all just part of the sick game. When she hears a truth she can't deny, will it truly break her? Will she have lost the war before it even started? This book ends on one heck of a cliffhanger and I'm dying for the next book. Grab this one today to find out what terrible fate awaits Tatum and if she has anything at all left to believe in or fight for!!!!! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First, please make sure to read the prequel, Wild Elite and book one, Heartless Prince, before reading this book. This is not a standalone and you will be lost if you don't read them first.
This book is absolutely captivating and exciting. I just finished reading it and there are so many different emotions running through me right now, I truly feel breathless. Elias King is still working on getting the truth from Tatum regarding her situation. To him something is just not feeling kosher and there are so many lies, secrets and dark truths it's hard to wade through it all. Tatum has come to realize that she must play the game in order to win the war and that is just what she sets her mind to do. Tobias wants to get Elias into the third level of the Crown and Dagger society so he can prove to everyone the Elias is just like Tobias, a monster. That would make Tobias a very proud father. Things are getting down right scary for Tatum, she doesn't know what the truth is or if it's all just part of the sick game. When she hears a truth she can't deny, will it truly break her? Will she have lost the war before it even started? This book ends on one heck of a cliffhanger and I'm dying for the next book. Grab this one today to find out what terrible fate awaits Tatum and if she has anything at all left to believe in or fight for!!!!! .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2020
I honestly don't know what to say about this book. I think I need I don't know, honestly.
It was I hate, I love, omg anxiety. Those three.
It was full of suspension. So much that my hands were damp, my hewrt was racing. I was hooked.
It started so well. Tatum finally broke and as I usually love strong characters I love also broken ones. But then it went shit as she randomly decided over.
That made me frustrated. Then the book picked up and threw off again and again.
Gosh, I felt like bipolar reading it.
What annoyed me most was both main characters were incredibly naive and honestly I get it, they are young. I mean h is 19 and H is 23. Naive children yet but I mean cmon, that's a bit stretch.
Tatum should have been more, like way more paranoid as her parents for fucks sake sold her out. I would be basically walking around tin hat on.
Elias was also naive, there were all those red signs twinkling. Saying " yo dude truth is here", but no he didn't see any of then.
So this could have gone way smarter route but nope. It was that classical horror story. Where the character runs towards the danger, rather than away.
Besides that I loved it, it kept my heart rate up, I think I sweated like being in sauna and hello anxiety attack here.
Ending with a cliffhanger and I mean wow, didn't see that coming.
It was I hate, I love, omg anxiety. Those three.
It was full of suspension. So much that my hands were damp, my hewrt was racing. I was hooked.
It started so well. Tatum finally broke and as I usually love strong characters I love also broken ones. But then it went shit as she randomly decided over.
That made me frustrated. Then the book picked up and threw off again and again.
Gosh, I felt like bipolar reading it.
What annoyed me most was both main characters were incredibly naive and honestly I get it, they are young. I mean h is 19 and H is 23. Naive children yet but I mean cmon, that's a bit stretch.
Tatum should have been more, like way more paranoid as her parents for fucks sake sold her out. I would be basically walking around tin hat on.
Elias was also naive, there were all those red signs twinkling. Saying " yo dude truth is here", but no he didn't see any of then.
So this could have gone way smarter route but nope. It was that classical horror story. Where the character runs towards the danger, rather than away.
Besides that I loved it, it kept my heart rate up, I think I sweated like being in sauna and hello anxiety attack here.
Ending with a cliffhanger and I mean wow, didn't see that coming.
April 11, 2024
I honestly don't know what to say about this book. I think I need I don't know, honestly.
It was I hate, I love, omg anxiety. Those three.
It was full of suspension. So much that my hands were damp, my hewrt was racing. I was hooked.
It started so well. Tatum finally broke and as I usually love strong characters I love also broken ones. But then it went shit as she randomly decided over.
That made me frustrated. Then the book picked up and threw off again and again.
Gosh, I felt like bipolar reading it.
What annoyed me most was both main characters were incredibly naive and honestly I get it, they are young. I mean h is 19 and H is 23. Naive children yet but I mean cmon, that's a bit stretch.
Tatum should have been more, like way more paranoid as her parents for fucks sake sold her out. I would be basically walking around tin hat on.
Elias was also naive, there were all those red signs twinkling. Saying " yo dude truth is here", but no he didn't see any of then.
So this could have gone way smarter route but nope. It was that classical horror story. Where the character runs towards the danger, rather than away.
Besides that I loved it, it kept my heart rate up, I think I sweated like being in sauna and hello anxiety attack here.
Ending with a cliffhanger and I mean wow, didn't see that coming.
It was I hate, I love, omg anxiety. Those three.
It was full of suspension. So much that my hands were damp, my hewrt was racing. I was hooked.
It started so well. Tatum finally broke and as I usually love strong characters I love also broken ones. But then it went shit as she randomly decided over.
That made me frustrated. Then the book picked up and threw off again and again.
Gosh, I felt like bipolar reading it.
What annoyed me most was both main characters were incredibly naive and honestly I get it, they are young. I mean h is 19 and H is 23. Naive children yet but I mean cmon, that's a bit stretch.
Tatum should have been more, like way more paranoid as her parents for fucks sake sold her out. I would be basically walking around tin hat on.
Elias was also naive, there were all those red signs twinkling. Saying " yo dude truth is here", but no he didn't see any of then.
So this could have gone way smarter route but nope. It was that classical horror story. Where the character runs towards the danger, rather than away.
Besides that I loved it, it kept my heart rate up, I think I sweated like being in sauna and hello anxiety attack here.
Ending with a cliffhanger and I mean wow, didn't see that coming.
January 10, 2019
Heartless and vicious? For sure dark, gritty and filthy... Insanely fantastic!
Will Heartless Prince become the Vicious King? What's really going on in the secret society? Will Tatum succeed and flee?
I devoured this book in one sitting. Already after prequel and first part I knew that when I start to read I won't be able to stop. There were moments when I was acting like watching most twisted psychological thrillers. I wanted to cover my eyes and didn't want for main characters to go through the motions of the scene but curiosity was stronger and I was peaking through the fingers to check what will happen next. It was dark, intense and raw read. Sometimes I cried, sometimes I bite my nails and some moments juts made me sit at the end of my bed just ready to bolt. I almost could feel what Tatum was going through. The writing style was doing that to me. I could feel her anger, her being anxious and her being broken, hollow and devastated. I won't spoil this book for you fellow reader. If you read prequel and first book you know this is must read if you didn't give it a try. I knew there will be a cliffhanger but right now I just can't wait for next part, I'm feeling anxious to put my hands on it.
Will Heartless Prince become the Vicious King? What's really going on in the secret society? Will Tatum succeed and flee?
I devoured this book in one sitting. Already after prequel and first part I knew that when I start to read I won't be able to stop. There were moments when I was acting like watching most twisted psychological thrillers. I wanted to cover my eyes and didn't want for main characters to go through the motions of the scene but curiosity was stronger and I was peaking through the fingers to check what will happen next. It was dark, intense and raw read. Sometimes I cried, sometimes I bite my nails and some moments juts made me sit at the end of my bed just ready to bolt. I almost could feel what Tatum was going through. The writing style was doing that to me. I could feel her anger, her being anxious and her being broken, hollow and devastated. I won't spoil this book for you fellow reader. If you read prequel and first book you know this is must read if you didn't give it a try. I knew there will be a cliffhanger but right now I just can't wait for next part, I'm feeling anxious to put my hands on it.
March 11, 2019
Third Level Secrets Disclosed
One wonders whether evil, like that portrayed by the Crown and Dagger Society, can really exist here? Initially you think that can't possibly be so. But then the mind ruminates. The Nazis during Hitler's regime, news of woman and child sex trafficking worldwide, and stories of regimes and terrorists in third world countries overrunning towns and raping and abducting women. You start to think about entitled sociopaths, current leaders of countries like our own, and realize how easily they can make other people believe in their amorality. And suddenly it all gets way too real. It's no longer just fiction. And stories like this one take on a whole new meaning.
Elias starts to question all the lies he's been told and all the truths he's avoided seeing. He comes to realize the depravity and malevolence of the third level society members, as well as the insidious reach of their connections. Is there any possible way for him to arrange to take it all down and save the captive women, especially Tatum, whom he's fallen in love with?
I know Elias will, but have no idea how. So on to the third volume to see if the outcome matches the intensity of the setup. Fingers crossed that it does.
One wonders whether evil, like that portrayed by the Crown and Dagger Society, can really exist here? Initially you think that can't possibly be so. But then the mind ruminates. The Nazis during Hitler's regime, news of woman and child sex trafficking worldwide, and stories of regimes and terrorists in third world countries overrunning towns and raping and abducting women. You start to think about entitled sociopaths, current leaders of countries like our own, and realize how easily they can make other people believe in their amorality. And suddenly it all gets way too real. It's no longer just fiction. And stories like this one take on a whole new meaning.
Elias starts to question all the lies he's been told and all the truths he's avoided seeing. He comes to realize the depravity and malevolence of the third level society members, as well as the insidious reach of their connections. Is there any possible way for him to arrange to take it all down and save the captive women, especially Tatum, whom he's fallen in love with?
I know Elias will, but have no idea how. So on to the third volume to see if the outcome matches the intensity of the setup. Fingers crossed that it does.
January 12, 2019
With More Revelation and Dark Secrets, Vicious King is a Page Tuner
OMG, The book just blew my mind away. Vicious King, the second book in Dark Dynasty Series by Stella Hart is really a goer with the dark secrets and brutal truths. Previously when I finished reading the Heartless Prince (The First Book in Dark Dynasty Series), I thought Elias would be the Vicious King towards Tatum for her murderous act at his father. But as the story takes the Heartless Prince has an heart and it feels for Tatum and the actual Vicious person is someone else. This had kept me at edge while reading with it's fast moving storyline and back to back occurrence of twist. The author had done a great work in handling the main leads' emotions as they struggle through the feeling for each other, especially where Elias's struggles to gain Tatum's trust and Tatum's confusion in believing him. I was waiting for this book and the author has not let her readers down.Now I have wait for the release of Twisted Empire to know, how Elias saves Tatum from the society.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OMG, The book just blew my mind away. Vicious King, the second book in Dark Dynasty Series by Stella Hart is really a goer with the dark secrets and brutal truths. Previously when I finished reading the Heartless Prince (The First Book in Dark Dynasty Series), I thought Elias would be the Vicious King towards Tatum for her murderous act at his father. But as the story takes the Heartless Prince has an heart and it feels for Tatum and the actual Vicious person is someone else. This had kept me at edge while reading with it's fast moving storyline and back to back occurrence of twist. The author had done a great work in handling the main leads' emotions as they struggle through the feeling for each other, especially where Elias's struggles to gain Tatum's trust and Tatum's confusion in believing him. I was waiting for this book and the author has not let her readers down.Now I have wait for the release of Twisted Empire to know, how Elias saves Tatum from the society.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2019
This is the second book in the Dark Dynasty trilogy with the story picking up where Heartless Prince left off as Tatum and Elias continue their power struggle. In Elias’ enthusiasm for Tatum’s admission of her sins and her complete submission, his treatment of her becomes both vicious and violent. I confess that Tatum’s continuous waffling between ‘I’m a bad girl and need punishing’ and ‘I’m strong and I can resist’ became quite tedious at times, along with her laments of hating Elias but also craving and needing him. I would have preferred her to be guided by her head more often than her hormones. As Elias gets closer to the third level within the Crown and Dagger society, some things just aren’t adding up. Who can he ultimately believe though? – Tatum, who’s proving to be quiet adept at game playing or his Father, who he should trust beyond all doubt. The story is well written with plenty of drama, secrets, lies, betrayals and several plot twists I hadn’t anticipated. The resolution of this storyline should prove quite interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2019
I'm pretty disappointed in this book. I really liked the first book and this story had such potential, however I found this story to be quite predicting. I saw quite abit of this happening before I even read it to be honest it sounds alot like another story I read a few years ago cant remember what it as called. The main character annoys me abit shes abit back and forth. It really annoyed me that she all of a sudden believed what was told to her even tho she knew the truth. I suppose its understanding considering her situation however she was such strong willed in the first story I just didnt see her character going in that direction. I knew that the ending would end that way before the father even told her what would happen. I mean idk why but I just had this feeling when the dolls were brought into the picture and I thought hmm I bet it is replcacas of past girl's. The main guy is so Gullible it's not even funny he really got on my nerves in this story so much I didnt even want to finish it.
January 10, 2019
This book follows on from where the first ended, and continues along the same dark, twisted path of lies and secrets. It was difficult at times to read, however easier than the first because the darkness is more balanced with some development between the characters of Tatum and Elias. The book itself left me in a tangled web of conflicting emotions, which though difficult and chilling at times to read was also strangely compelling and addictive, leaving me feeling very emotionally drained. Secrets and truths are gradually being revealed about last events and the Crown and Dagger society.
The book is well written with a unique and different storyline. I couldn't put it down and it stayed with me after I had finished reading. It takes a talented author and some pretty powerful writing to do all this. I do want/need to read the next book and I can't wait for it so I can find out what happens. I need Tatum to get her happy ending and for Elias to continue to redeem himself.
The book is well written with a unique and different storyline. I couldn't put it down and it stayed with me after I had finished reading. It takes a talented author and some pretty powerful writing to do all this. I do want/need to read the next book and I can't wait for it so I can find out what happens. I need Tatum to get her happy ending and for Elias to continue to redeem himself.
January 11, 2019
We pick up right where we left off and boy did their story take off. This is the second book in the series and Stella takes on the ride of our lives, their story is suspenseful, action packed, full of lust and want, sexy and deliciously hot! You will be grabbed from the start, wanting answers and you will get some, but not everything which I love, I like to be on the edge of my seat in suspense trying to figure it all out. Tatum and Elias have a ways to go, they are learning and growing together, but in the deepest deep part there are always secrets lingering somewhere. Tobias, well what can I say about him, he’s twisted, crazy? I guess you will need to read this for yourself to get all the sinister details. I’m loving Stella’s books and can’t wait to see how this is all going to end. I highly recommend it.
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