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Advantage Play #2
Dark King
It is highly recommended you enjoy Wild Card before diving into Dark King. Blurb contains spoilers.
Rule #5: Don’t allow distractions. They’ll only break you.
In the blink of an eye, Kingston Romano’s entire world has fallen apart. His sister is in the hands of a rival mafia family, and his only hope of getting her back is by making a wager that includes the mysterious Acely Mezzerich.
Unfortunately for King, his feelings for Ace only escalate the longer he’s around her, muddling his conscience as well as his arrangement with the enemy. And if has any hope of saving his sister and keeping Ace, he needs to execute it perfectly.
As the pieces start to fall, he’ll have to learn who he can trust and who needs to be eliminated before it’s too late.
*Recommended for audiences +18
Rule #5: Don’t allow distractions. They’ll only break you.
In the blink of an eye, Kingston Romano’s entire world has fallen apart. His sister is in the hands of a rival mafia family, and his only hope of getting her back is by making a wager that includes the mysterious Acely Mezzerich.
Unfortunately for King, his feelings for Ace only escalate the longer he’s around her, muddling his conscience as well as his arrangement with the enemy. And if has any hope of saving his sister and keeping Ace, he needs to execute it perfectly.
As the pieces start to fall, he’ll have to learn who he can trust and who needs to be eliminated before it’s too late.
*Recommended for audiences +18
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2020
228 people are currently reading
1550 people want to read
About the author
Kelsie Rae
57 books8,550 followersKelsie is a sucker for a love story with all the feels. When she's not chasing words for her next book, you will probably find her reading or, more likely, hanging out with her husband and playing with her three kiddos who love to drive her crazy.
She adores photography, baking, her yorkie, Bob, and her devon rex, Mara. And now that she's actively pursuing her writing dreams, she's set her sights on someday finding the self-discipline to not binge-watch an entire series on Netflix in one sitting.
She adores photography, baking, her yorkie, Bob, and her devon rex, Mara. And now that she's actively pursuing her writing dreams, she's set her sights on someday finding the self-discipline to not binge-watch an entire series on Netflix in one sitting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
October 7, 2019
Dark King is the conclusion to the Advantage Play series. It was just as dark and grueling as the first book. I would recommend this series.
December 1, 2020
Find my thoughts HERE!
October 10, 2019
Contemporary Romance, Adult, Mafia
First Person, multiple-POV
Book #2 of the Advantage Play series. It is the end of the duet, but the series will continue with different characters.
To win the tournament, all you need to do is know the rules, know the strategies, and know your opponents.
by Ace
Addictiveness: 4/5 This story was fast paced with a perfect amount of suspense that had me reading it in one sitting. As addictive as pizza!!!
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 4/5, real 4/5 Characters were well constructed and not one dimensional. They were very likable and easy to connect.
Kingston was a good antihero. That man is no hero, he lived by a totally different code of honor than the norm, but inside their out of ordinary world he was really good. In the first book Kingston was afraid to show Ace his real persona. This time, he couldn't hide it from her. He was darker and meaner than in the first book, but he was still a softie with Ace.
Ace was a great heroine. She not only overcame all the hurdles that life threw at her, but she also learned compassion and loyalty along the way. When she accepted Kingston and his world, she accepted everything that came with him. She showed a bit of a badass too.
Several interesting secondary characters that I know will get their book in the future. With that ending we already know what comes next in the series, and I can't wait to read it. I would love a book of Jack. I have to throw it out there. :)
Villains… they were easy to hate and easy to discover who they were. Even though there was a mystery for the series, they have a rat, but they don't know who it is.
All characters were easy to love, connect and understand.
Cover: art 5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. I love how this cover has being made for this particular story. We can see Kingston at the cover, that is read, like blood. We can see the cards, a king, his queen and death. The font, it's color and placement of the writing at the cover works really well. I would easily buy this book by its cover, without needing to read the blurb!
Freshness: 4/5 I like it. It is a bit different than most mobster's romance, which gives an original vibe. As fresh as ice cream.
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 4/5, dialogue 4/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 4/5, opening 4/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Good opening and amazing end. The conflict, subplot and twists were better explored in this book. They felt believable. I also have enjoyed how the author has built the next few books of the series. High level of enjoyment!
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 4/5, development 4/5, steam4/5 Yes. The couple finally made it. :) The build up from the first book was good and they had the perfect description on this one to make every thing believable. The smut was good and the chemistry between characters really worked. Passionate love!
Writing Style: 4/5 This book had a great plot, with good characters and cute romance. Perfect pace with an original concept that had me wanting more at the end. Looking forward to read more! Good writing!
I guess this is a suspenseful series and there are always going to be a few mysteries for the next book. So, I have to say not all of my questions were answered and a few new ones were added, but I can't wait to read the next book to look for clues.
The pace of this story was so good, that it kept the suspense going and the tension flowing.
I also loved how the author used multiple point-of-view that made it easier for us to understand what was going on.
The mobster scenes were a bit more gritty here, but still soft compare to most mobster stories.
I ended the book wanting more and can't wait to read Gina and Jack's books (I know it won't be together)
31/35 STARS – 4 STARS (between 28 stars and 31 stars)
Addictiveness: 4 Character: 4.5 Cover: 5 Freshness: 4 Plot: 4.5 Romance: 5 Writing Style: 4
Action 4/5
Angst 2/5
Darkness 2/5
Humor 0/5
Romance 5/5
Suspense/Mystery 5/5
Would I recommend? Sure. If you are looking for a sweet mafia romance.
Would I re-read this book/series? I will definitely follow the series, but I guess I would only need to reread the book if the wait between books from the series is too long.
Would I read more from the author? Yes.
You may read this because you like the author; you SHOULD read this because you enjoy mafia romance; you MUST read this for great romance with a dash of suspense!!!
August 30, 2019
Kelsie Rae what are you doing to me? This book is completely messing with me. So now you’ve answered the who, what, where, why and how....somewhat, but again I have those same questions. I don’t feel comfortable yet. Let me tell you that is a compliment. Just when you think you have it all sorted out (and I’m proud to say I did have something figured out. I consider myself a sleuth...just kidding) you throw me curveballs, sliders and everything else. So now I’m waiting on book 3. You need to hurry because I am stumped as to what’s to come.
Usually the second book answers a lot of questions and you figure the third book will resolve and tie up things in an exciting way. In this book things were tied up, we got excitement and resolution but once I again have the original questions in new matters.
I said it before Kingston has more sides than a three dimensional triangle. He’s a paradox. He can change his mood on a dime. He’s also sexy, smart fierce and sweet.
Ace is just as smart, and also caring and devoted to her friends.
The secondary characters are as crucial to the story as the main characters. I think they will play a vital role in the upcoming story.
One of the best parts of this story is getting to see beyond the surface.
Don’t worry you’ll get everything you’re looking for, the intrigue, the mystery, the sweet, the fierce, the drama, the heat.
Patience is not my strong suit Kelsie Rae but I enjoy this story so much I’m willing to try to endure. Also I have no other choice.
So in conclusion I totally enjoyed this book but I am extremely intrigued by what is to come next! Kudos, Kelsie Rae, you got me right where you want me! Well played. I’m all in!
Usually the second book answers a lot of questions and you figure the third book will resolve and tie up things in an exciting way. In this book things were tied up, we got excitement and resolution but once I again have the original questions in new matters.
I said it before Kingston has more sides than a three dimensional triangle. He’s a paradox. He can change his mood on a dime. He’s also sexy, smart fierce and sweet.
Ace is just as smart, and also caring and devoted to her friends.
The secondary characters are as crucial to the story as the main characters. I think they will play a vital role in the upcoming story.
One of the best parts of this story is getting to see beyond the surface.
Don’t worry you’ll get everything you’re looking for, the intrigue, the mystery, the sweet, the fierce, the drama, the heat.
Patience is not my strong suit Kelsie Rae but I enjoy this story so much I’m willing to try to endure. Also I have no other choice.
So in conclusion I totally enjoyed this book but I am extremely intrigued by what is to come next! Kudos, Kelsie Rae, you got me right where you want me! Well played. I’m all in!
September 22, 2019
‘Dark King’ is the second book in the ‘Advantage Play’ series by Kelsie Rae, and what a journey I have been on with these books.
I read this all in one sitting, with the fast paced action and an addictive plot that had my heart racing in excitement of the outcome, I was completely immersed in this Dangerous fictional world.
Ace and King are trying to figure out a way of taking Burlone down, but this time the stakes are higher than just a game a poker, especially when King’s sisters life depends on it. It’s a time to stick together, strategies and try to know your enemies, and it brings the Romano clan closer together. But in a world of underground dealings and high stake gambling, it’s hard to know who is a good guy and who can and should be trusted.
I loved seeing a softer side to Ace, in book one she was very badass and tough - and she still is, but it’s also nice to see a softer layer to her character, and see how she completely trusts Kingston to get them through it all.
Kingston however, appears to have softened a little after meeting Ace, and this time he needs to return to the brutal ‘Dark King’ that earned him his title. He is cunning, brutal and is determined to do everything within his power to keep his family safe, and bring down Burlone. But this time, it’s personal.
Amazing world building in this book, it was all well thought out, realistic and kept me page turning to the brutal end. Lots of unexpected twists, and a lot of my questions from book one were answered. I adored the chemistry between King and Ace, and loved how they become each other’s backbones in times of need.
Thrilling and exciting read which is ideal for not only mafia romance lovers, but those who want to read something fast paced and addictive.
I read this all in one sitting, with the fast paced action and an addictive plot that had my heart racing in excitement of the outcome, I was completely immersed in this Dangerous fictional world.
Ace and King are trying to figure out a way of taking Burlone down, but this time the stakes are higher than just a game a poker, especially when King’s sisters life depends on it. It’s a time to stick together, strategies and try to know your enemies, and it brings the Romano clan closer together. But in a world of underground dealings and high stake gambling, it’s hard to know who is a good guy and who can and should be trusted.
I loved seeing a softer side to Ace, in book one she was very badass and tough - and she still is, but it’s also nice to see a softer layer to her character, and see how she completely trusts Kingston to get them through it all.
Kingston however, appears to have softened a little after meeting Ace, and this time he needs to return to the brutal ‘Dark King’ that earned him his title. He is cunning, brutal and is determined to do everything within his power to keep his family safe, and bring down Burlone. But this time, it’s personal.
Amazing world building in this book, it was all well thought out, realistic and kept me page turning to the brutal end. Lots of unexpected twists, and a lot of my questions from book one were answered. I adored the chemistry between King and Ace, and loved how they become each other’s backbones in times of need.
Thrilling and exciting read which is ideal for not only mafia romance lovers, but those who want to read something fast paced and addictive.
October 8, 2019
Dark King is the 2nd book in the Advantage Play series by Kelsie Rae.
Book 2 picks up where the book 1 cliffhanger ending left off. Let me say , we get to see the real Kingston in this book. He has the ones he love in danger and he can only depend on himself so he lets himself out to "play" so to speak. There is so much twisted, raw, masterful, intense, dirty, vengeful, powerful, emotional, unexpected, mixed with heat, drama, angst, love and hate.
"Ace" and King's story is epic. The plot is fantastic and their chemistry is sizzling hot. Without giving anything away, the twists and turns will keep the reader on the edge until the very end. Will Kingston be the ultimate winner? Whose's Ace mom?
Oh there's so many twists that are coming and people that are who they aren't who they seem... I just want book 3 now. I enjoyed reading book 2 and enjoyed this dark romance that deliciously tempting and swoon-worthy.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
Book 2 picks up where the book 1 cliffhanger ending left off. Let me say , we get to see the real Kingston in this book. He has the ones he love in danger and he can only depend on himself so he lets himself out to "play" so to speak. There is so much twisted, raw, masterful, intense, dirty, vengeful, powerful, emotional, unexpected, mixed with heat, drama, angst, love and hate.
"Ace" and King's story is epic. The plot is fantastic and their chemistry is sizzling hot. Without giving anything away, the twists and turns will keep the reader on the edge until the very end. Will Kingston be the ultimate winner? Whose's Ace mom?
Oh there's so many twists that are coming and people that are who they aren't who they seem... I just want book 3 now. I enjoyed reading book 2 and enjoyed this dark romance that deliciously tempting and swoon-worthy.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
October 10, 2019
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:
Dark, intense, brilliant characters and a spectacular, action packed storyline that got even better and hotter and more tempting in book 2 of the Advantage Play series!
Kelsie Rae blew my ever loving mind with Dark King! I thought Wild Card was amazing but this one...this one shocked me and twisted me up in the best way. Talk about intense! This story put Kelsie Rae on THE MAP of MUST FOLLOW AUTHOR for me! The characters are hotter than ever and the way the story was told kept me on alert and anxious for the next chapter. I loved it!
Dark King gets a MIND BLOWING FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
Dark, intense, brilliant characters and a spectacular, action packed storyline that got even better and hotter and more tempting in book 2 of the Advantage Play series!
Kelsie Rae blew my ever loving mind with Dark King! I thought Wild Card was amazing but this one...this one shocked me and twisted me up in the best way. Talk about intense! This story put Kelsie Rae on THE MAP of MUST FOLLOW AUTHOR for me! The characters are hotter than ever and the way the story was told kept me on alert and anxious for the next chapter. I loved it!
Dark King gets a MIND BLOWING FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
August 27, 2019
What a great finale to Ace and Kingston’s story!! King is a mob boss that showed he could be sweet for the right girl. Ace is a street smart girl who’s sole purpose is to get revenge and answers about her mom’s disappearance. I found myself trying to read slower so I could try to make the book last longer. I was so sad when I got to the last page. This series is a bit different than Kelsie’s previous books. She knocked it out of the park!! I hope she continues to surprise us with different facets of her awesomeness!
August 29, 2019
What a fantastic ending to Ace and King’s story. Well what can I say! An incredible book from Kelsie from the start to the finish. This book has all the feels of an amazing story. Interesting characters, interesting story line, thrills, suspense and love. If there is any book you need to read by Kelsie you need to read this series. This book rivals some of the best authors in this genre. Well done!! Loved Ace and King together and their journey through this book but also especially lived the other loyal people in their lives. You will not be disappointed.
October 11, 2019
Dark King by Kelsie Rae takes us to entirely new level from the first book, Wild Card, which must be read first. Full of surprises and twists at every turn, we are taken on one wild ride. This books starts where we left off and is full of suspense. With danger at every turn, King and Ace are in right in the middle of it. Can they make it to the other side together? I want to share so much, but this is one story you just have to experience. This author is definitely showing us the versatility in her writing!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
August 27, 2019
Loved this Conclusion to “Ace” and King’s dark romantic relationship. Fast paced, well written, suspenseful and filled with graphic raw scenes.
I loved the intense passion that was a mixture of love, hate, vengeance and retribution.
Kudos to the author for having the strong immovable Kingston admitting his need for Ace.
Everything I love in a dark romance!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the intense passion that was a mixture of love, hate, vengeance and retribution.
Kudos to the author for having the strong immovable Kingston admitting his need for Ace.
Everything I love in a dark romance!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2019
The end of Ace and Kingston story, but just the beginning of this series. This series is a totally new direction for Kelsie Rae and she knocks the mafia boss book out of the park! There is so much emotion throughout this book I fell hard for the Dark King and how soft he can be one minute and cold hearted the next. A fantastic new series and I can’t wait to see how all of the characters play out! True five star read!
August 30, 2019
Well, she’s done it again! The second book in the Advantage Play series was as good as the first! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of both books! Wasn’t sure where things would go in this book considering the cliffhanger at the end of book 1, but I was not disappointed! Both Ace and Kingston have evolved as characters and it was great see they ways they changed. A great read.
August 31, 2019
The second in the Advantage series and it was awesome!!! Not normal Kelsie Rae but really good...this book is a continuation of Wild Card following Ace and Kingston. After his sister is kidnapped, Kingston has to decide whether to save his sister or Ace or try to save both. Kingston, Ace and the Ramano family receive help from an unlikely source.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2019
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off and kept the suspenseful action going. Ace and King are a perfect match. The book has great supporting characters that are just as enjoyable to read about as the main ones. A good conclusion to the story between Ace and King but I want, no NEED more, I'm hooked. A definite re-read that's going on my favorites list.
September 5, 2019
Gosh I freaking devoured Dark King in less then a day! Dark king blew me out of the water with the twists and turns. All of the Kelsie Rae books I've read are light and playful, Dark king is totally opposite of that, there is still playfulness weaved through with King and Ace. I loved watching their relationship grow!
September 6, 2019
I was so happy with this book! It was stoked to see how it would play out and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s dark enough to be interesting but not so dark to be super disturbing. The sexy scenes were subtle but hot! Bet book three will be just as great too!! Hope this genre stays in her writing future!
September 7, 2019
The conclusion to Wild Card (you must read Wild Card to read Dark King).
In Dark King, we get to see the real Kingston come out to play. With his sister and Ace's lives on the line, he must come up with a way to keep them safe while also taking down Ace's enemy #1.
Great book full of action and steaminess.
In Dark King, we get to see the real Kingston come out to play. With his sister and Ace's lives on the line, he must come up with a way to keep them safe while also taking down Ace's enemy #1.
Great book full of action and steaminess.
October 21, 2019
I really enjoyed King & Ace's story. Great characters. I love my mafia books. This was a newer author for me & she didn't disappoint. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 11, 2020
Good but teasing
It was definitely a good ending to the story, with a few small things left open ended (these will be concluded in the next book but don’t affect Kingston’s and aces love story, which concluded in this book). Honestly, I really did like the storyline, all though it was predictable. The only thing I didn’t like was the lack of “steamy” scenes. I guess I just expected more in that sense? I mean, if the author can write about sex trafficking, murder, torture, etc, she should be able to give us a good bedroom scene, but it glazed over them. Kingston has some major alpha male vibes that can get you hot and bothered, but I was just left bothered by the lack of physical contact, and that’s just a personal preference so I don’t want to take stars off for that. I just felt teased lol the author did a great job of showing the attraction and lust between the characters, and even wrote scenes showing foreplay, but the moment it would actually be time to get down and dirty... the scene ended. WHAT. A. TEASE. Not everyone wants to read a bedroom scene, I get that. So again, I’m not gonna take off stars for that, but my recommendation for this author is to not leave us hanging like that again lol
It was definitely a good ending to the story, with a few small things left open ended (these will be concluded in the next book but don’t affect Kingston’s and aces love story, which concluded in this book). Honestly, I really did like the storyline, all though it was predictable. The only thing I didn’t like was the lack of “steamy” scenes. I guess I just expected more in that sense? I mean, if the author can write about sex trafficking, murder, torture, etc, she should be able to give us a good bedroom scene, but it glazed over them. Kingston has some major alpha male vibes that can get you hot and bothered, but I was just left bothered by the lack of physical contact, and that’s just a personal preference so I don’t want to take stars off for that. I just felt teased lol the author did a great job of showing the attraction and lust between the characters, and even wrote scenes showing foreplay, but the moment it would actually be time to get down and dirty... the scene ended. WHAT. A. TEASE. Not everyone wants to read a bedroom scene, I get that. So again, I’m not gonna take off stars for that, but my recommendation for this author is to not leave us hanging like that again lol
February 19, 2020
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)
After the ending in book one, Kingston's world is starting to unravel. The night was going so well and has now ended horribly. His sister now missing, his girl hurt; a power play has been made and now he has to figure out how to retaliate, while keeping everyone that he holds close safe. Will he be able to keep his world from falling apart even more? Can he rescue his sister from the hands of a madman, without losing Ace in the process?
Book two was just as entertaining, and didn't let us down in the action department. Once again loaded with drama, danger, and violence; I will say that I was let down with how tame the spicy moments were, all the chemistry from book one and it was more fade to black style than what I was expecting. I give this 4 stars.
(4 stars)
After the ending in book one, Kingston's world is starting to unravel. The night was going so well and has now ended horribly. His sister now missing, his girl hurt; a power play has been made and now he has to figure out how to retaliate, while keeping everyone that he holds close safe. Will he be able to keep his world from falling apart even more? Can he rescue his sister from the hands of a madman, without losing Ace in the process?
Book two was just as entertaining, and didn't let us down in the action department. Once again loaded with drama, danger, and violence; I will say that I was let down with how tame the spicy moments were, all the chemistry from book one and it was more fade to black style than what I was expecting. I give this 4 stars.
May 9, 2022
Dark King is the third book in this series and follows the story of Dex's brother Diese and his beloved Q. This again was another enjoyable yet average mafia story, the themes and elements were there, but it was still missing something. This had the potential to be edgier and darker yet, the author decided just to scrape the surface with this series on these themes. The romance connection was much better in this book, I felt that people could see that the romance was developing well throughout the entire story. Overall this book was good and if you like a quick and easy mafia story read, then this is the series for you.
July 3, 2020
Ace and Kingston had the pages burning and the anticipation high. Their continuing journey in this second book of the series held me captive, questioning who do I trust? Can she accept his darkside as he is the Dark King. She's only seen his softer side. I'm enjoying this Darkly delicious and gritty series.
May 21, 2020
Still mad at you BUT
DAMN! You write one hell of a story! Just put it one big book so I can devour it ALL!
THESE stories are amazing. Well-written, they flow and keep you wrapped into them. That's an awesome talent.
I've already got the next one downloaded and yes, I know 4 isn't finished yet! You're killing me with this!!
Thank you for your time, talent and THE STORY!!
DAMN! You write one hell of a story! Just put it one big book so I can devour it ALL!
THESE stories are amazing. Well-written, they flow and keep you wrapped into them. That's an awesome talent.
I've already got the next one downloaded and yes, I know 4 isn't finished yet! You're killing me with this!!
Thank you for your time, talent and THE STORY!!
June 23, 2020
Mafia romance
Great finish to Ace and Kingston’s story. Filled with suspense, drama and romance. Great plot and easy to read. LookinG forward to more in the series.
Great finish to Ace and Kingston’s story. Filled with suspense, drama and romance. Great plot and easy to read. LookinG forward to more in the series.
June 12, 2020
Ok ok ok Kingston TOTALLY redeemed himself !!!!!! I lurrrrrve him.... Ace god that poor girl , having to face the monster of her past again... Its bloody, it's full of OMG moments, I promise it will keep you on the edge of whatever you may be sitting on, and i promise redemption for a woman more courageous than many men. She may have been broken as a young girl, but with her fierce determination and her King by her side she is a total bad@$$ ... i didnt want it to end but WOW what an ending .....
April 29, 2020
this is my first mafia romance series and I just can’t put it down. I love that Kingston is so in love with save but still family oriented and powerful. This is a series that you can’t help but binge read. I strongly suggest starting with book one and reading the whole series because it is well written and full of characters that even though they are “bad” you can’t help but root for.
October 15, 2019
What a fantastic conclusion to Ace and Kingston's tumultuous story. Kelsie Rae has quickly become one of those authors that I automatically read every single book she writes. I have yet to read a story of hers that I didn't love. Her heroes and heroines are so beautifully written and their stories crafted in such a way that draws the reader into each and every story.
The Advantage play series is a departure from Rae's usual stories but it is one that I am so excited for. Ace and King have both been damaged and shaped by their pasts so much so that it has defined their entire lives. They have to overcome the things in their pasts in order to build a future together. Both Ace and Kingston are such interesting characters. When Ace sees first hand how much power and in control Kingston really is, she has a hard time with him dictating what she can do and where she can go. She has been protecting and taking care of herself for so long that the thought of her life being out of her hands, is very daunting. Kingston is trying to do what is best, not only for Ace but for his kidnapped sister and his family's organization. He doesn't have the time to coddle Ace to make sure she is okay. Ace, however, won't let Kingston get away with that kind of behavior. She learns how to respectfully get her opinions across regarding his attitude and personal business without taking away his need for complete control. Together they find the perfect balance for the two of them to maintain a healthy relationship.
I had an extremely hard time putting the book down as I was so enthralled. This book was such a good read even for someone who has no idea about the world of high stakes poker, or even poker in general! The mafia aspect was very well-written and I enjoyed Rae's take on a young man struggling to find his place at the head of the family following his father's death.
The next book I the series will focus on King's sister and I can't wait for it to release. The Advantage play series is definitely high on my list of recommendations. It will be fun to see with Kelsie Rae takes us to next in this exciting new series!
The Advantage play series is a departure from Rae's usual stories but it is one that I am so excited for. Ace and King have both been damaged and shaped by their pasts so much so that it has defined their entire lives. They have to overcome the things in their pasts in order to build a future together. Both Ace and Kingston are such interesting characters. When Ace sees first hand how much power and in control Kingston really is, she has a hard time with him dictating what she can do and where she can go. She has been protecting and taking care of herself for so long that the thought of her life being out of her hands, is very daunting. Kingston is trying to do what is best, not only for Ace but for his kidnapped sister and his family's organization. He doesn't have the time to coddle Ace to make sure she is okay. Ace, however, won't let Kingston get away with that kind of behavior. She learns how to respectfully get her opinions across regarding his attitude and personal business without taking away his need for complete control. Together they find the perfect balance for the two of them to maintain a healthy relationship.
I had an extremely hard time putting the book down as I was so enthralled. This book was such a good read even for someone who has no idea about the world of high stakes poker, or even poker in general! The mafia aspect was very well-written and I enjoyed Rae's take on a young man struggling to find his place at the head of the family following his father's death.
The next book I the series will focus on King's sister and I can't wait for it to release. The Advantage play series is definitely high on my list of recommendations. It will be fun to see with Kelsie Rae takes us to next in this exciting new series!
October 7, 2019
Dark King is the 2nd book in the Advantage Play series, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that YOU MUST READ Wild Card (Book 1) FIRST, especially since this is the conclusion to Ace & Kingston's story! I have to tell you, Kelsie Rae is really messing with my head right now, and what's worse, I can't even tell you why because I don't believe in spoilers. There's so much going on in this book, not to say that there wasn't in Wild Card, but anyone who reads experiences any series, knows exactly what I'm talking about. Book 1 left me with so many questions, as the twists were INSANE! Like you don't know your a** from a hole in the ground insane, so that means that I was totally dropping f-bombs right & left, with some extra colorful metaphors for good measure. However, with that being said, Dark King is next level with the twists, and I couldn't even speak to drop my beloved f-bombs for real. It seemed like every time a question was answered from the first book, 5 more popped up which had my heart racing trying to get to the end. King's a complicated hero, who can change moods in the blink of an eye, so he seriously kept me on my toes. Crap is hitting the fan for him, and it only makes him more dangerous in my opinion. Ace is his equal, and they're racing to take down Burlone (the big baddie) down, but in their world, it's hard to tell friend or foe. I have to add that the secondaries play a part, so don't discount them at all. The pace of Dark King was lighting quick, and it was hard to breathe at times from the intensity, but I couldn't put it down for anything. Like the house could have come down my ears, and I would still be turning pages. Now, as I said above, this is King & Ace's conclusion, but there are still questions left sitting out in my opinion, so I'm totally going to need more of this series IMMEDIATELY. And that's all from me, but in order to find out how it all played out, you have to one click this off the charts EPIC conclusion to do so, and if you haven't started Advantage Play series yet, get to it! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 10, 2019
IT’S SOOOOO GOOOOOOD! *Yes, all caps are necessary* I quite literally flew through Dark King. The ending of Wild Card left me with soooo many questions, that when I got my hands on the second book nothing else mattered but finding out what happened with Ace & Kingston. Let me tell you, that cliffy was absolutely worth it.
Kelsie put so much work into getting all the details in, that I almost felt like I was at the table getting a poker lesson from Ace, instead of Kingston. Her passion for this world is truly felt, as is the desire between Ace & Kingston. For characters who play it close to the chest in life, both learn to lean and trust in each other, even when everything is on the table. You could really see the difference between Ace’s outside world and Kingston’s dark, seedy one, where he is a law unto himself, and answers to no man. Taking down those that mess with what’s his.
It’s a perfect transition into this new series that Kelsie has created. I already can’t wait to find out what happens next, as I know that she won’t disappoint!
Be sure you read Wild Card, cause you are going to NEED to read Dark King. *Again, it’s a necessity*
Kelsie put so much work into getting all the details in, that I almost felt like I was at the table getting a poker lesson from Ace, instead of Kingston. Her passion for this world is truly felt, as is the desire between Ace & Kingston. For characters who play it close to the chest in life, both learn to lean and trust in each other, even when everything is on the table. You could really see the difference between Ace’s outside world and Kingston’s dark, seedy one, where he is a law unto himself, and answers to no man. Taking down those that mess with what’s his.
It’s a perfect transition into this new series that Kelsie has created. I already can’t wait to find out what happens next, as I know that she won’t disappoint!
Be sure you read Wild Card, cause you are going to NEED to read Dark King. *Again, it’s a necessity*
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