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King: Darker Than Romance

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His head lolled forward; he pressed his forehead to mine. Our lips were inches apart. His breath smelled like cigarettes and expensive whiskey.“ You’re determined to make me ruin your life.” It sounded as if he felt sorry for me. He reached up, gripped my neck, applying enough pressure to spike my adrenaline. I liked it. I raised my head, daring him to squeeze harder.
“Like you could,” I taunted
“I can. And I very well might.”
He drew his bottom lip into his mouth.
“Keep playing, little sister, and I’m going to give you the nine inches of heartache you keep begging for.” It was a warning I would later wish I would have taken heed of. He used his thumb to trace my lips once, then his hand dropped to his side.

Not a love story- A f*cking story.
Triggers.
Standalone

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2020

246 people are currently reading
693 people want to read

About the author

Shantel Davis

47 books324 followers

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5 stars
277 (36%)
4 stars
170 (22%)
3 stars
183 (24%)
2 stars
82 (10%)
1 star
41 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
Profile Image for Simran ..
Author 22 books1,355 followers
June 24, 2020
3-3.5 King & Eden stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️

He leaned in and trailed his thick tongue down my neck then back up again. I moaned when his teeth nipped at me ear.
“One day you’ll look back on this moment, and I want you to remember, you asked for this. Begged for me to wreck you,” he rasped out.


I went into this blindly but once I started reading it, my eyes were wide open and devouring all the craziness that was happening. I enjoyed the writing. It was exactly how I enjoy fast-paced, so angsty, steamy and lots of action and suspense too. This was my second interracial romance read which I don’t read often and only found out after starting the book.

There were few triggers like cheating and murder and abuse which might not make everyone comfortable so keep that in mind.

The story is about Eden who comes into Ashford King’s life when her mother marries his rich father and they move into their house. She has always been neglected by her mother who has mostly ignored her or belittled her and never really cared about as a mother should. Eden always made rash decisions which changed the course of her life for worse.

I gnashed my teeth in frustration because saying no to her was turning out to be the hardest obstacle I’d ever faced. But I knew I had to. If she gave herself to me, that would be it. She would be mine, forever and always. I was possessive and jealous. I would want to be her one and only. I would want to own her.

The first ever mistake she made was seducing her four years older stepbrother King. She could feel the danger around him but it never stopped her. Not even his warnings. Eventually King gave in and it was scorching.

We were toxic to each other and everyone around us. We caused each other pain as well as caused pain to the people who got in between us. All for nothing. In the end we had imploded. He’d gone to jail, and I had ended up living in a gilded cage with the man he hated.

The book picks up few years later when King gets out of prison and also for revenge on Eden since he feels betrayed that she left him for another man who he hates. What he doesn’t expect is her being abused by the same man and that her life has not exactly been sunshine and roses and he’s partly to blame for that too.

King was a over the top possessive and a little psycho alpha. He kept a lot of secrets. I liked that he always embraced his dark side and even warned Eden that once she slept with him, there’s no going back. I never knew what exactly he did only the fact it was something illegal. Eden was no doormat either, she was a spitfire and gave back as good as she got.

The book is told in past and preset. They both met when they were teenagers. There relationship was reckless from the beginning. They both acted rashly and hurt each other, they either fucked or fought. It was filled with angst but somehow they still ended up in love. Their personality definitely matched but it was the lies and the secrets which kept them away.

”You’re still mine. I can feel it.” He groaned, sending chills down my spine.
His thrust picked up, going deep.
“To do with as I please.”
His grip on my arms got rougher.
“To do to what I please.”
He pushed impossibly deep inside of me.


Now that they have grown up and their paths have crossed again, all the secrets have finally been revealed which really shook me cause I didn’t really see them coming. They undoubtedly still have sexual chemistry and all these years apart have only ignited them more. King stole the show for me in this book. Who knew I’d end up enjoying his crazy and possessive antics.

The reason behind my rating was that the drama got a little too much and some triggers I wasn’t even comfortable with. I wanted more sweet and caring interactions between them. Despite all of it, I loved these two and happy to see them get their HEA.

If you guys love a good twisted story and stepbrother trope with twists and turns you won’t see coming and the steamy intimate scenes, then do check this one out. 💕
Profile Image for Chahat Kalra.
26 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2020
Dear god what the fuck did I read and I have no idea how I completed the book!!! I hoped it would get better as I kept reading but what I will conclude from this very horrible read is that, King and Eden are in a toxic relationship. King is attracted to Eden when she is fifteen, hence ignores her for the remaining years before she turns eighteen and Eden is also no good, she watches King fucking a girl and gets turned on and there begins their fucked up relation. She begs and begs and begs and finally, he gives in with all his toxicity and possessiveness god I wouldn’t wish that on any girl, its just messed up. The secondary character of Ellis is the highest level of messed up and their not love story gets more and more complex. The way they used sex to overcome problems in their relation is just painful and unhealthy. So basically, King is a manwhore who the author gives her all to redeem but fails miserably. During separation, for a damn good reason i must say, King continues to fuck girls after girls to show Eden that he can but one such attempt on Eden’s part sets him off and there goes his redemption once again. I kept waiting where their relationship would be a wee bit non-toxic but after the epilogue I don’t think there’s any chance of that. No other books from this author please. Please Shantel, give some credit to your gender and don’t write these kind of books in the future.

Thanks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for PIONEER.
800 reviews9 followers
October 4, 2020
What the dumpster fire did I just read, and how do I get my hour back?

There’s so much here to unpack, but I’ll try to do my best to put forward my experience.

Let’s start with the relationship of King and Eden. One word: yikes. No, make it two: fucking yikes. Ah, hell, just make it three: big fucking yikes. I’ve read plenty of toxic relationships. Trust me; it’s nothing new. But holy fuck, this one tries to top the list.

Let’s start with King. He’s a literal piece of shit.

Finally, together. Their toxic-ass relationship is like nuclear fumes. Eden did things she knew would hurt Ashford. Ashford definitely did things he knew would hurt Eden. What kind of love is that? Hurting the one you love for no reasonable reason? Hurting them in that particular way?

I mean, yeah, this is dark. This is definitely dark. A mind-fuck. And I think in another time—a year or two ago—I might’ve loved this. Though I know I’ve matured in the way I look at books. I think it’s for the better. I wanted a good dark one that made me question myself. This wasn’t it. This was just disgusting.



Ashford can eat my crusty shit. And Eden can feed it to him while I count the brain cells I’ve lost. I’m so done. Can I also have my thirty minutes back for writing this review?
Profile Image for Courtxneyburns.
59 reviews11 followers
February 2, 2021
Damn, I have no idea what the hell i’ve just read. Like honestly, no idea!

King is a step sibling dark romance (if you can even call it a romance). Eden and King are very toxic for each other, their relationship is full of mistrust and hate. Eden’s mother is bat-shit crazy! Like she full on needs locking up. Actually, the whole family needs locking up. Haha

I did really enjoy this short book, being only 100 pages. It was an easy read, full of twist & turns. Noticed a few punctuation errors, but nothing that takes away from the story. They are easy to ignore.

I would recommend not having any triggers when reading this book, there was a few things that could cause distress.

5 star read 🌟 - Just know if you start this book, it will mess with your head and leave you thinking “What the hell?” 😂😱

212 reviews12 followers
June 24, 2020
The only difference between Eden's relationship with King and her relationship with Ellis was that the sex with Ellis was bad. That's it. That's the only thing. Both were super abusive, manipulative and pretended to love her to get their way. Both hindered her personal growth, both didn't want her to become an independent individual.

Just the sex set them apart. But I guess that was enough for Eden?

Eden was the classic product of life long abuse. Abuse and neglect from her parents and the people around her had conditioned her to remain in this cycle of abuse. She never once stood up for herself. Not against her mother, not against Ellis and certainly not against Ashford.

In the end she became the one person she hated the most. Her mother.

P.S.- The epilogue was a big fucking waste of time. It made everything even more fucked up.
Profile Image for B*tchy.
270 reviews53 followers
September 4, 2020
WTF is wrong with me?

This was actually enjoyable. Ludicrous in many parts, and there was a lot of telling vs. showing, but it worked for some reason. King aka Ashford has to be the DUMBEST names I’ve read in a while. And get this... he smells like sandlewood and Newports. LOL!!!! But that didn’t stop me from reading this all the way through. HOT MESS and author delivers on what she describes. 4 stars!
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,652 reviews32 followers
June 21, 2020
When King meets Eden at their parents (his father, her mother) wedding, he does have an appreciative gleam in his eye because she's well developed for her age which he doesn't know at the time. Once he learns her age, he ignores her for the next 2.5 years. When Eden sees him having sex in the shed, she wants some of that. He is reluctant and tries to dissuade her, but her teenage hormones (she's now 18, he's 23) is not having it. He finally gives her what she wants and he tells her she's his. He doesn't want the relationship to be a secret, so he does blindside her a couple of times by telling lies to force her hand--which fail.

King is into some shady business dealings and Eden doesn't want any part of that kind of life. These two cannot stay away from one another until King is taken away from her and Eden moves on with her life. Can Eden and King ever be together without killing one another or others? Only time will tell! This story is highly erotic and will set your kindle on fire. You've been warned.

The Maid is still my favorite from this author.
Profile Image for Adrian Pohe.
51 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2023
no idea what I just read but why did I kinda like it 💀
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,525 reviews320 followers
September 24, 2022
This was a dark twisted read that I wished it was longer. Ashford aka King is a sick twisted man who will stop at nothing to keep Eden. She is a pawn she is being played by people she cares about she is young. This book had a lot of hot sex scenes in it and a lot of action. Eden's mother and step father were a real piece of work. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
8 reviews
June 24, 2020
Shaking My Head!! LOL!

Eden and King were on some crazy a** sh*t!! But I loved their chemistry and crazy love they had for each other. King is the business honey......but I don't think that I would be able to handle all of that! That man has more than a few screws loose......I love Eden and was happy that she was able to escape Ellis abusive ass. Her Mom was ruthless but ultimately karma came back for her. I absolutely love the books that Shantel brings to life and this one was no different. Eden made King's a** BEG and he deserved it! 😈😏 Ms Shantel Davis when will your next creation be coming out?!?!
Profile Image for EroticaAfterDark (Lilith).
2,780 reviews957 followers
Want to read
June 22, 2020
NEW RELEASE
→ Just released! Grab your copy now! ←

dark


→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←

Blurb:
His head lulled forward; he pressed his forehead to mine. Our lips were inches apart. His breath smelled like cigarettes and expensive whiskey.“ You’re determined to make me ruin your life.” It sounded as if he felt sorry for me. He reached up, gripped my neck, applying enough pressure to spike my adrenaline. I liked it. I raised my head, daring him to squeeze harder.
“Like you could,” I taunted“
I can. And I very well might.”
He drew his bottom lip into his mouth.
“Keep playing, little sister, and I’m going to give you the nine inches of heartache you keep begging for.” It was a warning I would later wish I would have taken heed of. He used his thumb to trace my lips once, then his hand dropped to his side.

Not a love story- A f*cking store.
Triggers.
Standalone


Merged review:

NEW RELEASE
→ Just released! Grab your copy now! ←

dark


→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←

Blurb:
His head lulled forward; he pressed his forehead to mine. Our lips were inches apart. His breath smelled like cigarettes and expensive whiskey.“ You’re determined to make me ruin your life.” It sounded as if he felt sorry for me. He reached up, gripped my neck, applying enough pressure to spike my adrenaline. I liked it. I raised my head, daring him to squeeze harder.
“Like you could,” I taunted“
I can. And I very well might.”
He drew his bottom lip into his mouth.
“Keep playing, little sister, and I’m going to give you the nine inches of heartache you keep begging for.” It was a warning I would later wish I would have taken heed of. He used his thumb to trace my lips once, then his hand dropped to his side.

Not a love story- A f*cking store.
Triggers.
Standalone
1,015 reviews17 followers
June 21, 2020
Not my cup of tea

I disliked all the characters of this book. King had serious issues. He was a criminal but we didn’t know exactly what he did. Eden, yes she was young but she was also a gold digger like her mother. She was manipulative and unfortunately for her she met her matches in both King and Ellis. If she really wanted to go to Spelman and needed 5k, what about finding a job like most students? Instead she decided to lead Ellis on, until he turned on her. She had reservations about King so what about having a discussion with him and taking birth control? As for her mother, well, calling her that is a stretch.
The writing style with “visions” was also difficult for me because a lot of details fell by the wayside.
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,325 reviews148 followers
August 8, 2020
Damm this book was one hell of a unexpected ride loved every second of it
Profile Image for CaroMommie.
668 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2020
This story was so doggone goooooood! King and Eden are drama personified. They are a week’s worth of rollercoaster 🎢 rides.

The plot, the twists, the turns, the ups & downs the ins and outs are everythiiiing. This book is so beautifully dark that I sat like this the whole time 😮😮😱.

The supporting cast are just so wicked 😏. I couldn’t hate them because I was too enthralled with their dysfunction to do anything else 😊.

One other very important thing, Ms. Davis is a MASTER at humanizing complicated and damaged heroes, she is the GOAT at it 💪🏾💪🏾🖤. Keep that in mind as you speed through her catalogue 🙂.

Enjoy.

Profile Image for Morgan.
636 reviews17 followers
July 23, 2020
Holy hell!

King and Eden are so volatile that they become deadly. Like the cover warns ....this is not a love story.

Eden had absolutely no idea what she was getting herself in to. And, honestly, neither did I. I thought this was going to be some taboo goodness. So freaking wrong!

Shantel held no punches and she made sure to keep her readers way off base. I thought I could figure out the truth. I thought I had a good handle on King and Eden's story.

I didn't.
I still don't really.

But I enjoyed it all the same.
Profile Image for Valerie Foley.
94 reviews
August 3, 2020
Wow wtf

Roller coaster crazy. Everybody is crazy. King and Eden are a match made in crazy Hell. Lol but I was here for it. All the twists and turns and and ups and downs and the love/ hate relationship was the best. Too say this is a romance/erotic novel, there’s a good bit of suspense to keep it more than your average lovey dovey sexy crazed romance novel. I’ve read other books by the author, Shantel Davis, and I’m looking forward to reading more by her. 👏🏾👍🏾
12 reviews
June 19, 2020
Couldn’t put it down

Okay keep writing them like this Girl!! I gotta he’ll work to do today but I had to read this first. Thank you for this amazing story! Great twist and turns and supernatural add in I loved it!! Even with the second chance she still made the right decision!! Girl this was soooooo good I can wait for the next book!!
14 reviews
December 10, 2020
Dark Love

I feel like Eden acted like she was somehow less messed up than King but they where both as crazy as each other. I believe he loved her more tha she loved him but ultimately she loved him enough to be with him. I think she wanted to be normal but was too messed up to ever make a good decision. Loved it, I love a twisted love story.
Profile Image for Mary.
38 reviews
April 7, 2021
Welp, I was not prepared

Just WOW at this book. I read and finished this book in one day, that is how good and deranged this story was all at the same time. King and Eden: step siblings, lovers and extremely toxic, but I couldn't get enough. Just really phenomenal and on the edge of my seat writing. I can not wait to read more from Shantel Davis.
Profile Image for Tranese.
1,795 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2020
I love it!!

First book to be read by Shantel Davis. Oh my word I am officially a fan!! I did not put this book down!! Every page there was a new betrayal laying on it. The intensity between Eden and King was astounding!! Shantel will draw you in and keep you until the very end
Profile Image for Onyx Vixen.
Author 4 books1 follower
June 24, 2020
Not for the faint at heart

Very suggestive, heavy sex and drama. Just the way I like my books. This dark romance has left my utterly speechless with its hidden secrets, forbidden fruit, and wild thoughts.

781 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2020
Dark and Twisted!

Everyone in this story was twisted with a capital "T!" Eden should have been "Lolita," Ashton was a mixture of Scarface (Tony Montana) and Ike Turner.Their parents both should have been spayed and neutered because neither were fit...all in all, I LOVED this story!
81 reviews
July 2, 2020
This is my second time reading this author

And it only gets better and better! This is so good it could be made into a Netflix film! King is so bad a*s. Really enjoyed this book. On to the next one!
21 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2020
Wow!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥

This is my first time reading a book by this author, so let me say to anyone reading this review Please , please read this is Truly A Must Read... I can't make this up, this book was small That Then Some. I will be read more by MS. Chantal Davis
Profile Image for Angie .
223 reviews2 followers
July 5, 2020
Wow

A rollercoaster ride! Shantel please keep writing these dark/bully romance! I wish it was longer; couldn't put it down. The drama.....the betrayal....the obsession. Wow...wow what a story.  The ending was....I'm speechless. 

Profile Image for Kali.
301 reviews
July 29, 2020
Soooo good

This was an awesomely written dark romance. I adore King and all his craziness. Eden worked my nerves but I imagine the mental games, she experienced caused a lot of her whiny issues.

Profile Image for Kellane Ayanna Mitchener.
451 reviews9 followers
July 31, 2020
Forever: King+Eden

I loved this book, I'm trying to rack my brain as to why I waited so long to buy and then read this book. It was darn hot the sex was hot and Eden and King were made for each other. They were just the right amount of twisted for each other. Shantel I will be a fan for life. @😘😍😉
145 reviews
June 23, 2020
Really good

This was good a nice short read about some really twisted people. There is a happily ever after but it still feels unfinished like you want to know more. I really enjoyed reading this and I hope we get more of the same just longer.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
64 reviews
June 27, 2020
Wow!!

This is one of the best stories I've read in a long time! King was crazy!! He said he would ruin her and he meant it. Other than some minor editing it's a great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews

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