What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Queen
He was my boss.
Rich, ambitious, dominating.
I was a waitress, struggling to pay the fees for ballet school.
Poor, talented, desperate.
He needed to marry to appease his dying father, to inherit the family empire.
It wasn’t supposed to be real, or forever.
Until he changed the rules.
What Mafia king Luca Leto wants, he gets, and he’s crowned his queen.
Me.
I’m under his rule now.
And his reign is cruel and toxic.
They call him the dark king and to gain my freedom I’m going to have to become a dark queen.
#Standalone Mafia romance.
Rich, ambitious, dominating.
I was a waitress, struggling to pay the fees for ballet school.
Poor, talented, desperate.
He needed to marry to appease his dying father, to inherit the family empire.
It wasn’t supposed to be real, or forever.
Until he changed the rules.
What Mafia king Luca Leto wants, he gets, and he’s crowned his queen.
Me.
I’m under his rule now.
And his reign is cruel and toxic.
They call him the dark king and to gain my freedom I’m going to have to become a dark queen.
#Standalone Mafia romance.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2021
118 people are currently reading
1888 people want to read
About the author
Ker Dukey
74 books4,809 followersKer Dukey is an International bestselling author based in the United Kingdom.
Genres include:
Dark Romance, Psychological Thriller, New Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Erotic Romance. Ker, is an international bestselling author, with over thirty titles published. Her titles have held multiple #1 bestseller banners and have had rights sold to numerous countries.
In addition to being an author, Ker is an annoying wife and a mother of three children + one dog (who thinks he's human.) She has a passion for reading and binge-watching crime documentaries.
Find her on social media, where she loves interacting with her readers.
My readers' group: http://bit.ly/darKERgroup
My newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KerDukeyauthor
Website: http://kerdukeyauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerdukey/
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kuKWJl
Bookbub: https://tinyurl.com/y68uazav
PA: terriesin@gmail.com
REPRESENTATION:
lbla
lorella belli literary agency
54 Hartford House
35 Tavistock Crescent
Notting Hill
London W11 1AY
tel. + 44 (0) 20 7727 8547
fax. + 44 (0) 870 787 4194
info@lorellabelliagency.com
Genres include:
Dark Romance, Psychological Thriller, New Adult Romance, Romantic Suspense, and Erotic Romance. Ker, is an international bestselling author, with over thirty titles published. Her titles have held multiple #1 bestseller banners and have had rights sold to numerous countries.
In addition to being an author, Ker is an annoying wife and a mother of three children + one dog (who thinks he's human.) She has a passion for reading and binge-watching crime documentaries.
Find her on social media, where she loves interacting with her readers.
My readers' group: http://bit.ly/darKERgroup
My newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KerDukeyauthor
Website: http://kerdukeyauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerdukey/
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kuKWJl
Bookbub: https://tinyurl.com/y68uazav
PA: terriesin@gmail.com
REPRESENTATION:
lbla
lorella belli literary agency
54 Hartford House
35 Tavistock Crescent
Notting Hill
London W11 1AY
tel. + 44 (0) 20 7727 8547
fax. + 44 (0) 870 787 4194
info@lorellabelliagency.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews
June 25, 2021
Whatever this author writes I will jump on it, and this was one I was anticipating more than anything so as soon as it landed on my kindle, life over with.
Alyssa Phoneix and Luca Leto come from two opposite worlds, their paths should never have crossed, but when they did there was no turning back.
Leaving her small town behind her without a backward glance or a lingering thought in her mind she's set her dreams on getting accepted at the 'Swan Academy of Dance' where the elite attend and costs an arm and a leg. But with her heart set on making it big she heads off for an open audition they are offering five students the chance to train with them for a year and comes with a special scholarship programme.
Luca has an arrogance surrounding him which oozes off the pages, he's untouchable with how he goes about his business but in life he's got to not allow ones to get too close to him as bodies seem to be piling up around him.
As soon as their paths crossed the push and pull of sexual tension could be felt with every interaction which occurred between them even if it was unwanted they couldn't deny the undeniable attraction building up each encounter.
This was such a suspenseful, nail biting swoony kind of read which had me begging for more. These two were perfect for each other, her sassy attitude and his take no prisoners attitude they were bound to clash.
June 29, 2021
With a title like Dark Queen, it shouldn't surprise you that my favorite thing about this book is our heroine, Alyssa Phoenix. She's a fucking firecracker, and I loved every second she was on the page! Alyssa goes after what she wants at all times, especially when it comes to a certain Mafia king, Luca Leto.
Luca is a powerful man used to getting what he wants. From the second he lays eyes on Alyssa, he is mesmerized by her. Unfortunately, the women connected to him and his family have been being murdered, so he can't act on his desires until he discovers who's behind the nefarious acts and deals with them accordingly.
Alyssa has no idea why he's holding back, but she feels their intense connection. She tempts him at every turn and challenges him like no other human would dare. This only makes him want her more, and his resistance is torturous to them both as well as the reader.
I loved that Alyssa wasn't the typical soft, more moral heroine I'm used to reading in mafia romance. She's as morally gray as they come, and her determination and strength are both admirable and risky af. She is obviously a perfect match from Luca from start, and I longed for the moment Luca stopped resisting and put us all out of our misery.
My only complaint is that when it finally happened, things were wrapped up shortly after, and I wanted more of them together. They have amazing chemistry, complimentary personalities, awesome banter and amazing sex! Who wouldn't want more of that?
The romantic suspense aspect of the book partially made up for it with an exciting and violent ending complete with a surprise twist! It honestly made me wish we could get a certain other character's story even more, but I don't know if that's at all possible at this point. If it is though, I would totally read it!
Overall, I had a good time reading this one! I finished it in one sitting, loved the characters, and enjoyed the plot. Ker Dukey is one I will never hesitate to pick up, and I hope you don't either.
Dark mafia romance and romantic suspense fans, this one's for you!
Luca is a powerful man used to getting what he wants. From the second he lays eyes on Alyssa, he is mesmerized by her. Unfortunately, the women connected to him and his family have been being murdered, so he can't act on his desires until he discovers who's behind the nefarious acts and deals with them accordingly.
Alyssa has no idea why he's holding back, but she feels their intense connection. She tempts him at every turn and challenges him like no other human would dare. This only makes him want her more, and his resistance is torturous to them both as well as the reader.
I loved that Alyssa wasn't the typical soft, more moral heroine I'm used to reading in mafia romance. She's as morally gray as they come, and her determination and strength are both admirable and risky af. She is obviously a perfect match from Luca from start, and I longed for the moment Luca stopped resisting and put us all out of our misery.
My only complaint is that when it finally happened, things were wrapped up shortly after, and I wanted more of them together. They have amazing chemistry, complimentary personalities, awesome banter and amazing sex! Who wouldn't want more of that?
The romantic suspense aspect of the book partially made up for it with an exciting and violent ending complete with a surprise twist! It honestly made me wish we could get a certain other character's story even more, but I don't know if that's at all possible at this point. If it is though, I would totally read it!
Overall, I had a good time reading this one! I finished it in one sitting, loved the characters, and enjoyed the plot. Ker Dukey is one I will never hesitate to pick up, and I hope you don't either.
Dark mafia romance and romantic suspense fans, this one's for you!
July 7, 2021
*** 3.5 Stars!!!***
Even though this fell a little flat for me, I did enjoy it for the most part. My main problem with the story was that it felt rushed at times. When the mystery comes to light, and we figure out who the true villain is, things get fixed way too quickly. Also, there was another character whom was a bigger part of some of the suspense, and he just kind of left off into the sunset… there was no conclusion for his part in the story. Even in saying all that though, the book did still hold my interest.
I have always been a big fan of Ker Dukey, and even though this isn’t my favourite one of hers; I still think very highly of her dark suspenseful romances! I never know what I’m going to get when I crack open one of her intriguing stories! I do recommend her work when you are looking for a dark and twisted read!!!!
Even though this fell a little flat for me, I did enjoy it for the most part. My main problem with the story was that it felt rushed at times. When the mystery comes to light, and we figure out who the true villain is, things get fixed way too quickly. Also, there was another character whom was a bigger part of some of the suspense, and he just kind of left off into the sunset… there was no conclusion for his part in the story. Even in saying all that though, the book did still hold my interest.
I have always been a big fan of Ker Dukey, and even though this isn’t my favourite one of hers; I still think very highly of her dark suspenseful romances! I never know what I’m going to get when I crack open one of her intriguing stories! I do recommend her work when you are looking for a dark and twisted read!!!!
July 5, 2021
3 STARS
I have a confession...
*whispers* this was my first Ker Dukey book *hides*
I know, okay? Clearly I've been living under a rock for some time. But in my defense, the second I read the blurb for this book, I knew I would be introduced to this author. I'm a sucker for a dark mafia romance and when that romance is between a down on her luck and trying to make something of herself ballerina and the bad boy mafia king determined to resist her? SIGN. ME. UP.
I love the fact that we're given a young female heroine that isn't a naive virgin. This is a female that knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Though I will say I didn't particularly love her choices in the very beginning. After the death of her mother, Alyssa escapes her small town to chase her dreams to become a ballerina. The prestigious ballet school having a scholarship position for her is step one, but trying to afford her life in the big city is another. A job at a gentleman's club is the solution she's been looking for, but the mercurial and hot and cold owner is nothing she expected.
Luca is determined to fight the chemistry between them and the push and pull element had me hooked. Unfortunately, and I can't quite put my finger on the why, the characters and their relationship failed to really draw me in. I just never fully connected to them. It felt surface level and something just always felt missing for me. What ultimately fell short was the extremely rushed ending, and particularly the strange bit at the end. I appreciated the twist that I didn't see coming, but I really wished it was more fleshed out. As it was it felt like the story dragged for about 90% to ultimately feel like it was quickly wrapped up in one chapter that didn't feel satisfying in the least.
But all that aside it was still an entertaining read and had me hooked on the author's writing to want to read all her other books.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
You’re how villains are made, little ballerina,” I growl. “Tempting fate, wanting to play with the wicked.”
I have a confession...
*whispers* this was my first Ker Dukey book *hides*
I know, okay? Clearly I've been living under a rock for some time. But in my defense, the second I read the blurb for this book, I knew I would be introduced to this author. I'm a sucker for a dark mafia romance and when that romance is between a down on her luck and trying to make something of herself ballerina and the bad boy mafia king determined to resist her? SIGN. ME. UP.
I love the fact that we're given a young female heroine that isn't a naive virgin. This is a female that knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Though I will say I didn't particularly love her choices in the very beginning. After the death of her mother, Alyssa escapes her small town to chase her dreams to become a ballerina. The prestigious ballet school having a scholarship position for her is step one, but trying to afford her life in the big city is another. A job at a gentleman's club is the solution she's been looking for, but the mercurial and hot and cold owner is nothing she expected.
Luca is determined to fight the chemistry between them and the push and pull element had me hooked. Unfortunately, and I can't quite put my finger on the why, the characters and their relationship failed to really draw me in. I just never fully connected to them. It felt surface level and something just always felt missing for me. What ultimately fell short was the extremely rushed ending, and particularly the strange bit at the end. I appreciated the twist that I didn't see coming, but I really wished it was more fleshed out. As it was it felt like the story dragged for about 90% to ultimately feel like it was quickly wrapped up in one chapter that didn't feel satisfying in the least.
But all that aside it was still an entertaining read and had me hooked on the author's writing to want to read all her other books.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
August 3, 2021
★3.5★ 
Dark Queen is a dark and twisted contemporary romance full of non-stop passion and suspense. Alyssa Phoenix is a ballerina who is desperate to break away from her small-town life and succeed in the big city. Luca Leto is a powerful Mafia King who isn't afraid of anyone or anything. When Luca and Alyssa's worlds collide, both of them find themselves on a roller coaster full of danger and intrigue.
This was read as part of our July Shhlutty Read!
• Shhlutty Read: https://bit.ly/Jul21SR
• About Shhlutty Read: http://bit.ly/SRAbout
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
"Chemistry can't be faked or manufactured-and love isn't negotiable."
Dark Queen is a dark and twisted contemporary romance full of non-stop passion and suspense. Alyssa Phoenix is a ballerina who is desperate to break away from her small-town life and succeed in the big city. Luca Leto is a powerful Mafia King who isn't afraid of anyone or anything. When Luca and Alyssa's worlds collide, both of them find themselves on a roller coaster full of danger and intrigue.
"We all harbor a darker self-most are too afraid to ever tap into."Told in dual POV, Dark Queen is a dark read that is set in a world where the stakes are high. Although I felt both main characters were complex and interesting, I would have liked more complexity and depth in their relationship. The pacing of the read is intense, and the ensemble of characters was strong and played a pivotal role in the plot of this read!
"We all have to get our hands a little dirty now and then."Overall, Dark Queen would appeal to readers looking for a "lighter" dark read set in a Mafia world. Ker Dukey is a truly gifted storyteller, and I look forward to reading more, Dukey goodness to come!
This was read as part of our July Shhlutty Read!
• Shhlutty Read: https://bit.ly/Jul21SR
• About Shhlutty Read: http://bit.ly/SRAbout
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
June 25, 2021
Genre: Dark Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Alyssa Phoenix came to the city with a big dream with nothing but talent. Unfortunately, that alone wasn’t enough at the highly competitive dance school. Refusing to give up, she entangled herself in the dark and dangerous world of Luca Leto but could potentially find herself in deeper trouble than she already was.
Initially, this book ticked all the right boxes when it comes to what I look for in Dark Romance. However, as the story progressed, I felt detached from the characters and the story. It seemed more like an unconvincing facade for me. Fortunately, there was an element I didn’t expect that made the conclusion more engaging.
Dark Queen is a story of power and ambition. It might appeal to readers who enjoy a mafia Dark Romance.
🔪❌🔪. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . .🔪❌🔪
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Alyssa Phoenix came to the city with a big dream with nothing but talent. Unfortunately, that alone wasn’t enough at the highly competitive dance school. Refusing to give up, she entangled herself in the dark and dangerous world of Luca Leto but could potentially find herself in deeper trouble than she already was.
Initially, this book ticked all the right boxes when it comes to what I look for in Dark Romance. However, as the story progressed, I felt detached from the characters and the story. It seemed more like an unconvincing facade for me. Fortunately, there was an element I didn’t expect that made the conclusion more engaging.
Dark Queen is a story of power and ambition. It might appeal to readers who enjoy a mafia Dark Romance.
🔪❌🔪. . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . .🔪❌🔪
For more reviews/interviews/promo visit:
May 31, 2022
1.5 Stars
DNF and Skim
The sister double dipping alone is 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮 and him having been exclusive with the sister before she died, and how much the book is about the aftermath of the sisters death, is a huge turn off.
Hero is also way too immature to be a mafia boss. The only bright side is the heroine isn't some naive virgin 🙌
DNF and Skim
The sister double dipping alone is 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮 and him having been exclusive with the sister before she died, and how much the book is about the aftermath of the sisters death, is a huge turn off.
Hero is also way too immature to be a mafia boss. The only bright side is the heroine isn't some naive virgin 🙌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2021
3★
In search of what she believes to be her dream, Alyssa Phoenix heads to the big city but she soon discovers a man that calls to her in ways she would never admit before. Luca Leto runs his empire with ruthless intimidation. Violent to his core, Luca protects his family and his assets without compromise. Yet, he sees his dark soul mirrored in Alyssa and it intrigues him.
This book has many elements that I usually enjoy, but I had a problem connecting with Luca and Alyssa, individually and as a couple, due to a lack of foundation and underdeveloped plot points. While some scenes were entertaining and full of action, it just wasn’t enough to sustain the overall story.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
In search of what she believes to be her dream, Alyssa Phoenix heads to the big city but she soon discovers a man that calls to her in ways she would never admit before. Luca Leto runs his empire with ruthless intimidation. Violent to his core, Luca protects his family and his assets without compromise. Yet, he sees his dark soul mirrored in Alyssa and it intrigues him.
This book has many elements that I usually enjoy, but I had a problem connecting with Luca and Alyssa, individually and as a couple, due to a lack of foundation and underdeveloped plot points. While some scenes were entertaining and full of action, it just wasn’t enough to sustain the overall story.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
July 11, 2021
** Arc received in exchange for an honest review **
***4 estrelas***
[...]
O caminho de Luca e Alyssa se cruzam nos corredores da Academia Swan de Dança, e daí por diante não param mais de se cruzar. A atração e tensão sexual é instantânea entre eles, Luca até tenta afastar Alyssa e vice versa, mas ambos pareciam um imã sempre se conectando.
Alyssa foge das mocinhas submissas de livros de máfia, ela tem personalidade e não abaixa a cabeça para Luca, muito pelo contrário, ela enfrenta ele sem um pingo de medo.
Alyssa assim como Luca tem seu lado obscuro e cada dia que passa ela conhece ainda mais esse lado.
Alyssa é o tipo de mocinha que amo em livro de máfia e Luca por mais que tenha sido arrogante algumas vezes com ela eu já tenho meus panos prontos para ele, afinal ele é o príncipe da máfia e não podia abaixar a cabeça rápido para ninguém, nem para ela, mas quando ele cede para Alyssa se torna o mocinho que amo.
Dark Queen foi uma grata surpresa, um livro de máfia com tudo aquilo que temos direito, suspense, ação e cenas hot para ninguém botar defeito, sem dúvidas quero mais livro nesse universo da Ker Dukey.
Resenha Completa no Instagram
***4 estrelas***
[...]
O caminho de Luca e Alyssa se cruzam nos corredores da Academia Swan de Dança, e daí por diante não param mais de se cruzar. A atração e tensão sexual é instantânea entre eles, Luca até tenta afastar Alyssa e vice versa, mas ambos pareciam um imã sempre se conectando.
Alyssa foge das mocinhas submissas de livros de máfia, ela tem personalidade e não abaixa a cabeça para Luca, muito pelo contrário, ela enfrenta ele sem um pingo de medo.
Alyssa assim como Luca tem seu lado obscuro e cada dia que passa ela conhece ainda mais esse lado.
Alyssa é o tipo de mocinha que amo em livro de máfia e Luca por mais que tenha sido arrogante algumas vezes com ela eu já tenho meus panos prontos para ele, afinal ele é o príncipe da máfia e não podia abaixar a cabeça rápido para ninguém, nem para ela, mas quando ele cede para Alyssa se torna o mocinho que amo.
Dark Queen foi uma grata surpresa, um livro de máfia com tudo aquilo que temos direito, suspense, ação e cenas hot para ninguém botar defeito, sem dúvidas quero mais livro nesse universo da Ker Dukey.
Resenha Completa no Instagram
August 1, 2021
I was ready for Luca to be crazy, and violent, and dripping in blood and for his queen to be equally as unhinged but for them to be sweet for each other. Unfortunately, I feel like Luca and Alyssa fell short. I didn't dislike either of them but I also didn't love them. I was kind of indifferent toward them. I was hoping they'd be a bit more bloodthirsty than they were and I was also hoping they'd have some explosive time together in the bedroom. There were moments when I felt like Ker was building up to some HOT scenes but then they were over so quickly!!
In the end, I didn't hate this story but I also didn't love it. This was maybe a nicer introduction to Ker's books if you've never read any. I think they give a peak into how she writes and this one is kind of straddling the dark and sexy line so she's got stuff that gets darker and hotter if you're looking to dive deeper into her books.
Also, I feel like this may be my own picky reader thing, but there were some typos in this that were just driving me up the wall. There weren't a ton, maybe 20 or so, but they were almost perfectly spaced throughout the book that every time you forgot about one you stumbled on the next. It was driving me crazy!!
JULY Shhlutty Read & Giveaway is now open!
• July 1-31: https://bit.ly/Jul21SR
• About Shhlutty Read: http://bit.ly/SRAbout
In the end, I didn't hate this story but I also didn't love it. This was maybe a nicer introduction to Ker's books if you've never read any. I think they give a peak into how she writes and this one is kind of straddling the dark and sexy line so she's got stuff that gets darker and hotter if you're looking to dive deeper into her books.
Also, I feel like this may be my own picky reader thing, but there were some typos in this that were just driving me up the wall. There weren't a ton, maybe 20 or so, but they were almost perfectly spaced throughout the book that every time you forgot about one you stumbled on the next. It was driving me crazy!!
JULY Shhlutty Read & Giveaway is now open!
• July 1-31: https://bit.ly/Jul21SR
• About Shhlutty Read: http://bit.ly/SRAbout
June 29, 2021
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This was definitely an intriguing and smexy book and I really loved seeing the characters interact. It had a lot of things I loved in it and I'm certainly glad I read it but there were times that I couldn't easily connect with it. Some scenes lacked detail and it made it easy to disconnect from the story. I was still captivated and finished fairly quickly because I just didn't want to put it down but it's one of those books that once I finished I still felt like I was missing something and didn't have a full sense of closure.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
This was definitely an intriguing and smexy book and I really loved seeing the characters interact. It had a lot of things I loved in it and I'm certainly glad I read it but there were times that I couldn't easily connect with it. Some scenes lacked detail and it made it easy to disconnect from the story. I was still captivated and finished fairly quickly because I just didn't want to put it down but it's one of those books that once I finished I still felt like I was missing something and didn't have a full sense of closure.
July 10, 2021
Dark Queen was a pretty good read. It has everything you want in a mafia story. There's violence, murder, betrayal, and sexy times. I’d like how Alyssa who became her own woman, thinks rationally and confronts her weaknesses. Luca appears to be ruthless, yet shows a softer side at times. The book had a lot of potential because the plot had some twists and turns. I felt the ending is rushed and there are more annoying characters that deserve that kind of ending.
JULY Shhlutty Read & Giveaway is now open!
• July 1-31: https://bit.ly/Jul21SR
• About Shhlutty Read: http://bit.ly/SRAbout
July 16, 2021
When her mother "dies" Alyssa Phoenix, 18, is eager to leave her childhood best friend and hometown behind. Heading for the big city she wants to score a scholarship for the elite Swan Academy of Dance, A year of studying at their academy, and you have a golden ticket to any ballet production company you want, anywhere you want.
Luca Leto, 32, head of the Leto Crime Empire is A killer. A monster. A dark king. Luca is a powerful man, his hands are filthy, fucking rotting in corruption, blackmail, murder, trafficking, and every other illegal activity men him were born into. Luca rules with a cruel and iron fist and is used to getting what he wants and he wants Alyssa.
But someone is targeting Luca through the women in his life, which means that he needs to keep Alyssa safe.
The story is told in the first person POV alternating between Alyssa and Luca. Reading the blurb I got the impression that this was gonna be an epic mafia read. But somehow the story felt a bit flat, the culprit I had picked out in the first 30% of the book, and Hannah's situation too.
Still, I could have rated this a solid 4⭐, but the rushed ending and the utterly useless ending had me knocking off one. The ending solidified my opinion about Luca being a utter psychopath, who kills without reason or remorse.
For more about Shhlutty Reads, go to: http://bit.ly/SRAbout
July 3, 2021
Review to come.
July 5, 2021
oh well...
This was a half-half mix of like/dislike...
I didn't get their world, other than it was a weird and twistedly kinky co-habitation for them both!
And as such, I could only sit aside and watch without even a hint of anything...
there were some loopholes in the story and I didn't really dig why there would be unfinished/undetermined issues left, in the first place...it's NOT that kind of a story to begin with...you don't really need to be a genius to figure what this whole world is about...
I just didn't feel anything for them NOR did I think at any point that I was supposed to... :/
so, there...it is what it is...
It was well written BUT distractingly cold and surgical
This was a half-half mix of like/dislike...
I didn't get their world, other than it was a weird and twistedly kinky co-habitation for them both!
And as such, I could only sit aside and watch without even a hint of anything...
there were some loopholes in the story and I didn't really dig why there would be unfinished/undetermined issues left, in the first place...it's NOT that kind of a story to begin with...you don't really need to be a genius to figure what this whole world is about...
I just didn't feel anything for them NOR did I think at any point that I was supposed to... :/
so, there...it is what it is...
It was well written BUT distractingly cold and surgical
June 28, 2021
The more I read from this author, the deeper my appreciation becomes for her. She truly is one of the most unpredictable authors I have ever read. My experience with her work has thus far has run a gamut of styles and every story is ridiculously well paced, plotted and just uniquely hers. She also goes all in with her stories. That means when she writes a dark story, it is pitch black. When she writes a mafia story, you can bet it will be suspenseful and violent to the point you might think you’re reading a thriller. That is my favorite aspect of her as an author. She never taps around anything; it is in your face!
Luca and Alyssa’s story was everything I crave and have come to expect from Ker Dukey. I was so into the story that it was madness to my brain. I could not stop. I lost a lot of sleep that night and I don’t care because these two were seductive and their story was powerful! I felt the pull between Luca and Alyssa and I’m just reading the story! It’s like I was right there and the chaos was happening all around me. Magic. I don’t like to give away storylines at all, so this is about all you will get from me except this: If you’re looking for an all consuming read full of friction and delicious kinky passion with strong characters and a story that will enrapture you, go do the thing right now!
DO.IT.
http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenUS
http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenUK
http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenCA
http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenAU
Luca and Alyssa’s story was everything I crave and have come to expect from Ker Dukey. I was so into the story that it was madness to my brain. I could not stop. I lost a lot of sleep that night and I don’t care because these two were seductive and their story was powerful! I felt the pull between Luca and Alyssa and I’m just reading the story! It’s like I was right there and the chaos was happening all around me. Magic. I don’t like to give away storylines at all, so this is about all you will get from me except this: If you’re looking for an all consuming read full of friction and delicious kinky passion with strong characters and a story that will enrapture you, go do the thing right now!
DO.IT.
http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenUS
http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenUK
http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenCA
http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenAU
Read
July 13, 2021"You're how villains are made, little ballerina, " I growl. "Tempting fate, wanting to play with the wicked." ~ Luca
"I am the wicked." ~ Alyssa
Dark Queen by Ker Dukey is LIVE!
AVAILABLE in KU
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenUS
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenUK
Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenCA
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenAU
"I am the wicked." ~ Alyssa
Dark Queen by Ker Dukey is LIVE!
AVAILABLE in KU
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenUS
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenUK
Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenCA
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/KerDukeyDarkQueenAU
July 4, 2021
This story was unfortunately a huge disappointment for me. I kinda felt like the sypnosis made the book sound like a totally different book than how the plot actually turned. The sypnosis emphasized some things like they were going to be a huge part of the story when in reality they were not. I could here mention "He needed to marry to appease his dying father, to inherit the family empire. It wasn’t supposed to be real, or forever." when in reality the proposal was thrown out there by the heroine almost at the end of the book and it really didn't have anything to do with the hero needing it to inherit the empire.
I couldn't really connect to the main or secondary characters at all and didn't really find any of them likeable. I felt like the story was all over the place with a lot of different storylines and characters and a whole lot of them left unfinished. Especially the end of the story felt rushed and the declaration of love between the main characters fell flat, cause there really was no developement in their relationsship. After reading this story i really couldn't tell you what the point of the author writing this book was.
I couldn't really connect to the main or secondary characters at all and didn't really find any of them likeable. I felt like the story was all over the place with a lot of different storylines and characters and a whole lot of them left unfinished. Especially the end of the story felt rushed and the declaration of love between the main characters fell flat, cause there really was no developement in their relationsship. After reading this story i really couldn't tell you what the point of the author writing this book was.
June 29, 2021
Dark Queen is everything you hope for in a dark Mafia romance...... intense, deadly, suspenseful and downright scorching page after page!
Luca Leto is abrasive, intimidating and just sexy as hell but he's met his match with Alyssa Phoenix! Alyssa is the fiesty, tell-you-how-it-is-and-take-no-shit ballerina who definitely gets under Luca's skin. These two were fire, their sexual tension and chemistry was nothing short of consuming, seductive and enthralling! I was so addicted to this story I didn't want it to end!
Do you love.....Dark romance??? Mafia Romance??? Age Gap Romance??? If you answered yes to all of these questions then you absolutely need to read this heart pounding, UNPUTDOWNABLE page turner!!
Luca Leto is abrasive, intimidating and just sexy as hell but he's met his match with Alyssa Phoenix! Alyssa is the fiesty, tell-you-how-it-is-and-take-no-shit ballerina who definitely gets under Luca's skin. These two were fire, their sexual tension and chemistry was nothing short of consuming, seductive and enthralling! I was so addicted to this story I didn't want it to end!
Do you love.....Dark romance??? Mafia Romance??? Age Gap Romance??? If you answered yes to all of these questions then you absolutely need to read this heart pounding, UNPUTDOWNABLE page turner!!
June 29, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS
Dark Queen by Ker Dukey is a MUST read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
Dark Queen by Ker Dukey is a MUST read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
June 24, 2021
As a huge fan of Dark Mafia romance and never read Dukey before, I was eager to read this.
Dukey did not disappoint, I read this within 24 hours, and I'm eager to read more of her work.
Meet Alyssa, A ballerina desperate to get into dancing school. After a brief encounter with a stranger and an audition at the school, her life changes quickly.
Luca, alpha male and alpha hole, meet Alyssa unexpectantly as she leaves the dance school where she auditioned.
The race to see who is killing people is on, with Luca looking in every direction to see who it is.
The attraction between these two is slow-burning thermostat hotness.
The way the characters and plot are written I felt like I was right there with them.
Dark Mafia Romance at its finest, and Luca has found his match in Alyssa.
Dukey did not disappoint, I read this within 24 hours, and I'm eager to read more of her work.
Meet Alyssa, A ballerina desperate to get into dancing school. After a brief encounter with a stranger and an audition at the school, her life changes quickly.
Luca, alpha male and alpha hole, meet Alyssa unexpectantly as she leaves the dance school where she auditioned.
The race to see who is killing people is on, with Luca looking in every direction to see who it is.
The attraction between these two is slow-burning thermostat hotness.
The way the characters and plot are written I felt like I was right there with them.
Dark Mafia Romance at its finest, and Luca has found his match in Alyssa.
May 10, 2022
3 Stars
This book started off strong with a resilient female character and an alpha male character. I felt that as the book went one, that dynamic was lost. The romance and plot was very disconnected. The romance felt extremely forced.
This book started off strong with a resilient female character and an alpha male character. I felt that as the book went one, that dynamic was lost. The romance and plot was very disconnected. The romance felt extremely forced.
June 28, 2021
Dark Romance lovers will enjoy Dark Queen, this intriguing story about a penniless ballerina and her mafioso boss.
Danger and lust rule this mysterious story that I read in one setting.
“You’re playing with fire, little girl. Do you know how easy it would be for me to just make you go away?”
Alyssa shows a determination made of steel, never backing off and fighting her battles with brio.
“Are you making threats, little ballerina?”
Luca is your typical asshole, no, in fact scratch that, he incarnates the A-grade jerk when it comes to Alyssa. I loved that he stayed himslef all along, even when we realized why he was acting this way. “Luca Leto is king, and his rules are law."
Mrs Duke wrote a story where darkness lurks at every corner, which style I recognize. She gave us characters who never recoiled from violence. In that bloody atmosphere, they found each other.
"How can it end like this? I was a queen— his queen— and it will be his kingdom that kills me."
Their story, though lacked of depth, the love story being a slow burn I would have expected more development of the emotional involvement and love.
Danger and lust rule this mysterious story that I read in one setting.
“You’re playing with fire, little girl. Do you know how easy it would be for me to just make you go away?”
Alyssa shows a determination made of steel, never backing off and fighting her battles with brio.
“Are you making threats, little ballerina?”
Luca is your typical asshole, no, in fact scratch that, he incarnates the A-grade jerk when it comes to Alyssa. I loved that he stayed himslef all along, even when we realized why he was acting this way. “Luca Leto is king, and his rules are law."
Mrs Duke wrote a story where darkness lurks at every corner, which style I recognize. She gave us characters who never recoiled from violence. In that bloody atmosphere, they found each other.
"How can it end like this? I was a queen— his queen— and it will be his kingdom that kills me."
Their story, though lacked of depth, the love story being a slow burn I would have expected more development of the emotional involvement and love.
July 1, 2021
3.75 Dark and twisty stars
June 27, 2021
𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊: DARK QUEEN.
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: CONTEMPORARY MAFIA ROMANCE.
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: STANDALONE
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: KER DUKEY.
𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST-PERSON: DUAL PERSPECTIVE.
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋:🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓:🤠🤠��🤠
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:🌏🌏🌏🌏
𝐄𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:🦋🦋🦋🦋
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄:
I am like 100% sure now that Author Ker Dukey can do no wrong with any genres...This Mafia Romance Standalone was one of a kind with it secual tension and mind blowing chemistry which palpable and pouring through the pages.
Luca and Alyssa, a Mafia Prince and a ballerina, their world were never meant to cross with each other but one bloody encounter started the game of cat and mice between them where the judge is fate...
Allyssa's character was a breath of fresh air for me... she was not an innocent, run over rug type of gal...She Harbour dark secrets...she craves darkness as much as Luca craves her light. And she was not a girlnto be messed with...even Luca knew her worth in the end...A true Queen who not only stand beside her king but also rule with him.
Luca has experience so much loss in one life time that he fears getting close to anyone...and this fear has transformed him into an aloof and cruel man. But this Ballerina has him entranced...and there story will only end with blood spilling...now let's see of its the enemies or them...
I really enjoyed the plot of this book...a little slow paced in the start but still it took up its speed in the middle then it refused to let go of me...
I wish we get more of Luca and Ally...their story is worth more and I would love to read more of them.
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: CONTEMPORARY MAFIA ROMANCE.
𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐄: STANDALONE
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: KER DUKEY.
𝐏𝐎𝐕: FIRST-PERSON: DUAL PERSPECTIVE.
𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋:🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓:🤠🤠��🤠
𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆:🌏🌏🌏🌏
𝐄𝐘𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑:🦋🦋🦋🦋
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄:
I am like 100% sure now that Author Ker Dukey can do no wrong with any genres...This Mafia Romance Standalone was one of a kind with it secual tension and mind blowing chemistry which palpable and pouring through the pages.
Luca and Alyssa, a Mafia Prince and a ballerina, their world were never meant to cross with each other but one bloody encounter started the game of cat and mice between them where the judge is fate...
Allyssa's character was a breath of fresh air for me... she was not an innocent, run over rug type of gal...She Harbour dark secrets...she craves darkness as much as Luca craves her light. And she was not a girlnto be messed with...even Luca knew her worth in the end...A true Queen who not only stand beside her king but also rule with him.
Luca has experience so much loss in one life time that he fears getting close to anyone...and this fear has transformed him into an aloof and cruel man. But this Ballerina has him entranced...and there story will only end with blood spilling...now let's see of its the enemies or them...
I really enjoyed the plot of this book...a little slow paced in the start but still it took up its speed in the middle then it refused to let go of me...
I wish we get more of Luca and Ally...their story is worth more and I would love to read more of them.
June 28, 2021
Dark Queen by Ker Dukey is a standalone dark mafia romance with romantic suspense elements. It was my first read by this author. Luca and Alyssa meet by happenstance when they crash into each other while Luca is visiting her ballet studio. The chemistry sizzles between them immediately when she gets in his face. Luca’s cousin thinks it will be funny to throw them together by offering her a job at one of their clubs. When his grandfather demands that it’s time for Luca to settle down and get married, kismet, desire, and duty seem to collide.
What a great read! The storyline was great and the romantic suspense elements kept you hooked to the end. Luca was great as the super sexy alphahole mafia boss. What he wants, he gets… and he’s decided he wants Allysa. Allysa is definitely not the wilting heroine you thought you were going to get in a ballerina story. You find out pretty quickly that’s she’s a girl that does what needs to get done and has a core of steel. Luca seems to drive her crazy and her sassiness does the same for him. There chemistry between the two of them sizzled right from the beginning, despite him trying to stay away. The story is a bit of a slow burn, but the push and pull between the two of them was fantastic. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Enemies to lovers
Angst: 😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥
What a great read! The storyline was great and the romantic suspense elements kept you hooked to the end. Luca was great as the super sexy alphahole mafia boss. What he wants, he gets… and he’s decided he wants Allysa. Allysa is definitely not the wilting heroine you thought you were going to get in a ballerina story. You find out pretty quickly that’s she’s a girl that does what needs to get done and has a core of steel. Luca seems to drive her crazy and her sassiness does the same for him. There chemistry between the two of them sizzled right from the beginning, despite him trying to stay away. The story is a bit of a slow burn, but the push and pull between the two of them was fantastic. I’ll definitely be reading more by this author!
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Enemies to lovers
Angst: 😰😰
Smexy: 🔥🔥
June 30, 2021
4.5 Dark Stars🖤
Alyssa feels stifled by her small town and family.
She goes to the city for open tryouts at the premiere ballet school.
She has a run-in with Luca there, and she makes quite an impression.
He runs his family’s mafia organization and he has a taste for blood and violence.
Little does he know that the young ballerina from a small town may share that lust/taste.
She’s not the innocent that’s bought or manipulated.
She’s very much driving her own life. She may be stumbling a bit, but she’s still making her own decisions.
I LOVE that aspect, she’s different than a lot of heroines in mafia romance. She’s strong and has darkness in her.
I love some of the violent and bloody thoughts the characters have casually.
They are jarring in the best way!
My dark loving heart gobbles them up!
This author does that so well and I absolutely adore that about her books!
This isn’t as dark as some of her books, but I definitely put it in the grey to dark romance category.
It’s a hot and fiery slow burn 🔥They are dancing around each other. It’s dark, kinky and violent.
There’s great banter and push and pull between Luca and Alyssa.
They have great chemistry!
The secondary characters are important to the story as well.
There’s a mystery of sorts happening throughout the book, it comes to a Big Bang towards the end.
One secondary character kind of fizzles, I feel like he got forgotten at the end. I thought he’d play a more nefarious part of the plot I guess.
Otherwise I loved it, completely enjoyed it and read it in record time because I was so absorbed in this world and characters.
Alyssa feels stifled by her small town and family.
She goes to the city for open tryouts at the premiere ballet school.
She has a run-in with Luca there, and she makes quite an impression.
He runs his family’s mafia organization and he has a taste for blood and violence.
Little does he know that the young ballerina from a small town may share that lust/taste.
She’s not the innocent that’s bought or manipulated.
She’s very much driving her own life. She may be stumbling a bit, but she’s still making her own decisions.
I LOVE that aspect, she’s different than a lot of heroines in mafia romance. She’s strong and has darkness in her.
I love some of the violent and bloody thoughts the characters have casually.
They are jarring in the best way!
My dark loving heart gobbles them up!
This author does that so well and I absolutely adore that about her books!
This isn’t as dark as some of her books, but I definitely put it in the grey to dark romance category.
It’s a hot and fiery slow burn 🔥They are dancing around each other. It’s dark, kinky and violent.
There’s great banter and push and pull between Luca and Alyssa.
They have great chemistry!
The secondary characters are important to the story as well.
There’s a mystery of sorts happening throughout the book, it comes to a Big Bang towards the end.
One secondary character kind of fizzles, I feel like he got forgotten at the end. I thought he’d play a more nefarious part of the plot I guess.
Otherwise I loved it, completely enjoyed it and read it in record time because I was so absorbed in this world and characters.
January 7, 2022
DNF at 19 %
“Alyssa’s bloodied lip creeps into my thoughts. Her wide eyes drinking me in. Flushed cheeks. Needy breaths. Her fat fucking lips bleeding shouldn’t have turned me on, but I’m a cruel bastard.
All I wanted was to see tears leak from her eyes so I could lick them clean.
Her tits are bigger than most ballerinas, heavy as she fought to catch her breath, the nipples poking through the fabric, begging to be teased.
I wanted to wrap her hair in my fist and force her to her knees. “
^^^ H’s thought of h
Uhh what
The h has a boyfriend who is soft and nice but she says how she wants a brutal savage men .
Okay
Hand me over that nice guy . 🤲
I think it’s not the book but me
“Alyssa’s bloodied lip creeps into my thoughts. Her wide eyes drinking me in. Flushed cheeks. Needy breaths. Her fat fucking lips bleeding shouldn’t have turned me on, but I’m a cruel bastard.
All I wanted was to see tears leak from her eyes so I could lick them clean.
Her tits are bigger than most ballerinas, heavy as she fought to catch her breath, the nipples poking through the fabric, begging to be teased.
I wanted to wrap her hair in my fist and force her to her knees. “
^^^ H’s thought of h
Uhh what
The h has a boyfriend who is soft and nice but she says how she wants a brutal savage men .
Okay
Hand me over that nice guy . 🤲
I think it’s not the book but me
June 28, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 4/5 Stars
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : None
Hero : Luca
Heroine : Alyssa
Pace of the story : Moderate
Angst Rating : 4/10
Heat Rating : 5/10
Triggers Involved : Dark past
Plot Summary :
Alyssa has a darkness inside of her that she does not know what to do with. Leaving her hometown and it’s suffocating presence is the only thing she looks forward to. Joining her Dance academy is one of her dreams and the one thing that is keeping her grounded. That is until she has the displeasure of meeting one of the most obnoxious jerks ever, Luca Leto. A rich prick who thinks others are his servants and treats them so. But she is not someone who will ever bow to him and there is nothing he can do about it.
Luca is used to getting his own way. The spitfire who showed him sass is one of the limited people who amused him to no end. But now she is working for him and he knows that there is no way he can stay away from the one woman who owns his dreams and thighs. He will make her his no matter what happens .
Overall Opinion :
I loved this dark romance! It has this chilling darkness element right from the start that just grips you and does not let you go. I loved the characters and Luca especially. He was one hell of an anti hero .
The ending of this book was simply marvelous. I am someone who is amazing at guessing twists and turns but I definitely did not see that coming!! The plot twist took me by surprise and that rarely happens so I loved the ending a lot.
But there is one thing that I did not like in this book and that was the descriptive portion. There were a lot of questions not answered and that felt like a cliffhanger to be honest. Alyssa never told luca about her mother and other stuff too. Her past was never mentioned and neither was Luca's. Because of this their connection sort of seemed artificial to me and I did not like that. I kept on waiting for that confession to come but it never did.
Other than that I loved this book and I hope that we see more of these characters by this author! Definitely recommended to all the dark romance loving people out there!
Website | Bookstagram | Facebook Page | NewsletterDisplaying 1 - 30 of 283 reviews