The Royal Flush

Knights of the Darkness Chronicles #3

by D.N. Simmons

Simmons is an author on the fast track to becoming the ultimate paranormal princess " -A Romance Review ----------------------------------------------------------- It's The Royal Flush is the third novel in the edgy, action-packed, sexually-charged, Knights of the Darkness Chronicles.

In the third installment of this tale, the hunt is on! The coven, Pack and Pride must join forces to stop a group of big game hunters by any means necessary! Hold on to your seat as the Knights take you on yet another wild ride that will not let you go until the last word is read and the book is closed!

Original, sexy and gritty, the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles will suck you in and take you for a ride you won't forget!

This book has been previously published and has been substantially revised from its original release.

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Mystery, Adult, Fantasy

268 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2006

About the author

D. N. Simmons lives in Chicago IL., with a rambunctious German Shepherd that's too big for his own good and mischievous kitten that she affectionately calls "Itty-bitty". Her hobbies include rollerblading, shooting pool, bowling, reading, watching television and going to the movies. She has been nominated at Love Romances and More, winning honorable mention for best paranormal book of 2006. She has won "Author of the Month" at Warrior of Words. She was voted "New Voice of Today" at Romance Reviews and "Rising Star" at Love Romance and More.

To learn more, and have the opportunity to speak with the author personally, please visit the official website and forum at www.dnsimmons.com . D.N. is always interesting in meeting new and wonderful people.

Reviews

[Kirsty Bicknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third edition of The Knights of the Darkness Chronicles focused on Darian and his relationships, and the mystery which needed to be solved gave the reader the opportunity for his humanity to be uncovered a little more.
In The Royal Flush a member from Xander and Elise's prides plus Darian's coven have gone missing and they enlist the help of Natasha to connect to the victims. It takes some time to realise that they are being held as part of a hunt and the responsibility for them being rescued falls to Darian. Whilst this is taking place Darian is trying to progress his relationship his relationship with Natasha and meeting her parents, along with Xavier, and we discover more information about his life.
The author builds the suspense of her story for her reader, whilst all the time developing her characters and ensuring that there is some interest, yet we still have the steamy sex scenes and humour, which encourage me to admire her as an author even more!
I think this is my favourite book of the series so far as we see everyone work together and though the HEA may seem over the top to some I think it fits the plot. There is still plenty of evil and action to balance this and I am definitely anticipating reading 'Hostile Territory' next.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 is, yet again, more of the same things we expect from reading the first two. The same characters with the same issues of where they belong in sharing the same city. Natasha's character is beginning to take a nosedive for me in this book. Kysten's coming into the picture was a little interesting, but I'm afraid Darian is starting to soften a little too much now. What I loved about him was his kick ass, strongest, almost ruthless attitude when dealing with things, including Xavier, though he was understandably more lenient with him. I don't like that this dynamic seems to be changing, but I will continue to stick with the story for now.

[Jacquie Talento · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy from the author for an honest review.
I’ve been following this series and I’m addicted. This is the next book in the series that takes you on the journey that Natasha, Darian, and Xavier are on.
A hunt is set and 12 high -class, rich, well known men and women are making the plans and placing their bets for the so-called fun they plan on having. They have decided to capture a vampire, wolf, tiger, and leopard and set it up as a personal hunt just for their own enjoyment. What they didn’t expect was that other supers would notice their own missing and work together as a team to find them. The story also tells of histories of our favorite characters as new loves form and old passions come to life as well as new friendships are made.

[sjoyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Coven, The Pack and The Pride

The Royal Flush is the third book in the Knights of Darkness and possibly the best one to date. Elise, Queen of the Pride, Xander, Alpha of the Pack and Darian, Master Vampire if the Coven come together to fight and destroy a common enemy. We also meet Kysen Mesah, Darian's Master.

A member from the Pack, the Pride and the Coven all come up missing. The leaders of each group consult with each other and Natasha, the psychic and star. They determine that their members were kidnapped by the same humans who intend to use them for a hunt. The group follow the leads to Montana which is under the control of the Master Vampire, Kysen Mesah. Darian is the most powerful vampire any of the group had ever met until they find out that his Master is Mesah, who is more powerful and even more beautiful than Darian. He requires a homage before he allows them to help their kidnapped members. What does Mesah require and will Darian pay the homage?

Each book introduces new characters as well as brings back ones from previous book/s. It's interesting to see how old characters have developed in relationships and who formed new ones. It's confusing to keep members of the Pack and members of the Pride separate, especially with them falling in love with each other - wolves with leopards and vampires. New characters added with each book without complete backstories. There are homosexual relationships as well as bisexual and M/F/M relationships. The sex in the book was even more erotic than the previous two but it easily seen how important it is to the plot. In spite of how I feel about M/M relationships, I see how integral their development is to the storyline.

There's plenty of drama and intrigue and sexual attractions. The book builds on the strengths and weaknesses of the characters. Will they be able to work together to save their kidnapped members? Will any of them be hurt or killed in the daring rescue? Again, if you're opposed to M/M relationships or the erotic sex that comes with those, this book is not for you. However, the action, intrigue and seeing developments between vampires, leopards and wolves more than overcome any objections to the sex.

[Diana (Offbeat Vagabond) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/05/excerpt-review-royal-flush-knights-of.html

Simmons is a freaking genius! I can not and will not get enough of this series. I am 100% addicted. The characters get better and better and the story They are impossible not to love. I would love to be best friends with Natasha. Not only is she comfortable with vampires now, especially her two lovers, but she is comfortable around all paranormals. What is even better is that she brings them all together because they are friends she will bend over backwards for.

Not only do we get some of Natasha, but we get plenty of those in Natasha's life. Darian and Xavier were incredible as always. I loved the thressome. I am especially loving Darian more and more. He was still him, but he has softened a bit. I love that we have seen such a playful side to him. It made me love him more because I didn't think he could be playful. I also love that we finally know when he was turned and how. What a great backstory. Natasha finally has some steamy scenes with Darian. It was so worth the wait. I loved it. I love all the relationships in this series. I love that Simmons writes relationships of all kinds. It isn't just male/female. I love that she covers it all and I love even more that I care about each and every one of these characters.

The story, as always, was amazing. Natasha is called up by the weres and the vampires, given her abilities, to find those who have been kidnapped. She has visions when she touches someone's personal belongings. Her visions work when she falls asleep. She has visions of the the missing people being trapped in concrete cells. It soon comes to light that they are being taken for a high-stakes hunting game. Twelve very rich and powerful people are gathering supes and placing bets on their hunt. But Simmons doesn't stop there. She does throw some amazing twists for us. Wow, just wow. Simmons can do no wrong. I will be jumping on book 4 immediately.

This series is truly one of my favorite series ever. I am going to say this given the latest release, this is what the Sookie Stackhouse series should have been like. There are aspects of this series that remind me of classic Sookie, not the current Sookie. But that is a rant saved for another day or month. I am reeling. Nonetheless, this is a must-read series. Put Simmons on your must buy list. You will thank me, trust me. Oh and thank you again Simmons for another incredible ending. This was just as sexy as the last one, actually it was even more sexy. I am in Heaven right now. Thank you

[Two Nerds With Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewer: Brittany
Rating: 5 out of 5 Fairies

Oh how much I ducking love reading these books. I have enjoyed each character, each word, each and every single book. For The Royal Flush I had a smile on my face from Walter to feet (a.k.a. very first word to the very last ). I laughed so much at points that my husband told me that a person should not laugh that much from a book. And I responded with “Shush it, Mister.” I literally lost time; I was so entranced in this story. Hours flew by and I didn’t even realize it until I was running late getting ready for work. So far from this series, this one was my favorite.

Darian is this character that everyone knows, but no one really knows. You not only learn so much more about his past, but you also learn about his Maker, Kysen, and his past as well. Darian’s past created who he has become as a vampire. And I was very grateful what his history consisted of. It helped me understand the characteristics that I, as well as Natasha, didn’t really agree with, and hoped to see changed. He cares so much for Natasha and it shows throughout the whole story. The idea that she has to celebrate his birthday is so naïve, but he indulges her fantasy whole-heartedly. Even Xavier found the idea hilarious, but no one would dare say no to that girl. Just as she states in the novel, she truly is a Princess and they are her Princes.

The action in this book kept me on my toes. I had no doubt that everyone would be rescued, but I couldn’t imagine the steps that were established to make this mission a success. I don’t know how good of an idea it was to have Natasha’s abilities “enhanced” but she thinks it’s a good idea so I stand by her decision. I just hope that Darian is going to help her out on learning how to control these new aspects of her gift. Speaking of Darian, Natasha, and gifts….

I absolutely LOVE his birthday gift from her. From the long-debated decision that she makes to the sex that they have, I absolutely love these characters and their story. When this series comes to a close, I hope all of my aspirations for it come to light and that I’m not going to be let down. However, I think that the fact that it’ll be an ending will be a let-down. I want to hold on to this series with the grasp of an iron fist and never let go. I don’t want it to end, but alas, all good things must come to an end. Five golden stars for The Royal Flush, however I wish I could give it five-hundred. Job well done and I think I’ve found my new favorite author.

Oh and I almost forgot….it’s about time Warren and Matthew got together. That’s one HOTT partnership! YUMM!!!

Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.

[Lissette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since she met Darian Alexander, Natasha Hemingway's life has been anything from normal. Where once she swore that she'd wanted nothing do with all things supernatural, she's now had a profound change of mind. Immersed in a world she never could have imagined being a part of, she's content with the protection and affection that Darian and his lover, Xavier, lavish on her. Her wish is their every desire, and they'd do anything to make her happy. Unfortunately, everything isn't as good as it can be.

Natasha still feels the loss of her beloved best friend, Annette. She knows there's nothing she can do to bring her back, yet she can't help but to wish that things were different. Deep inside, she understands that the circumstances that brought about her friend's demise was not of her doing. Yet she can't help but to blame herself, none-the-less.

Determined to make the most of the life she now has, Natasha immerses herself in all things surrounding Darian and Desires Unleashed. She's grateful to him for the fact that he's provided her with a home, and a means to keep herself busy. Her new world might be a little mind-boggling, but she knows it's the only one she now has. One, she'll make the most of.

When it becomes apparent that someone has started to kidnap supe's, Natasha hops on board in the hopes of discovering who's committing the atrocious acts. The thought of losing someone close to her is something she does not want to consider. If she can prevent the loss of further life, she'll gladly do so. To do that, she'll need to delve deeper into the world Darian and the rest of the supernaturals reside. Deep inside, she knows she'll do what's necessary. The question is, can she remain firm in her beliefs, and still come out unscathed?

This was another lovely addition to the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles. Granted, I do need to catch up on book two, but each story can be read as a standalone, while still giving insight to past actions/occurrences that have taken place in previous books. D. N. delivers a story that pulls you in from the very beginning, full of a myriad of characters that leave you wondering as to what will happen next. There were a couple things I never saw coming, but that's the beauty of a well-told tale. It leaves you wanting more by the time you get to the very end.

[a_tiffyfit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series certainly isn’t losing any momentum! Usually in a longer series, book 3 is the flop where things are starting to drag or become redundant. That is NOT the case here. This time, the pride, the coven, and the pack are each missing one member, one of their younger ones. Our main characters soon find out that it’s a rich man’s hunt: the prey is the supernaturals that were kidnapped.

Lots of action and a plot that keeps rolling forward, the only blips were one or two grammatical/spelling issues (his versus he’s, vain versus vein). I’m used to spelling kidnapped with double Ps, but kidnaped is an acceptable spelling.

Natasha’s visions are increased in power although we only see a few of them. This increase is thanks to Darian’s decision to have her drink more blood to strengthen them, to help track down the missing members.

I love how this book is bringing together pride, pack, and coven as they work together more and more, all because of Natasha. She is one special character as they keep stressing. She genuinely cares for others, more than herself, is incredibly feisty, and doesn’t take shit from anyone.

The most exciting development in this series is WE GET TO MEET DARIAN’S MASTER, KYSEN! Ohhhhh yes you do! =) So you have kidnapping, strategizing, banter between the pack/pride/coven, relationship development between Warren & Matthew & Adrian as well as Natasha & Xavier & Darian. The former is not what you think; the latter IS. The sex is still hot and still present in the books and again, as an extension of the characters and their personalities instead of gratuitous. It’s for comfort, for demonstrations of love, for celebration of living through something that ought to have killed them etc.


Natasha’s surprise for Darian’s birthday is awesome and I’m hoping that by the end of the series…we see this to completion! ON TO BOOK FOUR!

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simmons hits the ball out of the park again. With each segment in this series I get drawn further and further into the series and into the world itself.

This is one of those books that won’t get time locked based on descriptions and props. The main character listens to ‘her favourite R&B song’ rather than to a specific song. It is the small descriptive techniques such as these that keeps the story in the reader’s present. Everything could all happen last week, today, or in 10 years. It makes this phenomenal paranormal world easier to immerse yourself in.

Simmons embraces sexuality in all forms in her novels. There are very few (if any) stereotypically normal couples in this novel. At the same time, Simmons never slights any form of sexual orientation. Everyone is accepted and loved for who they are. Families and friends are accepting of relationships that lay outside the norm. it’s very reassuring and interesting to read about.

You really get to know the main characters better in this sequel. You no longer just know who they are, but also who they were. Simmons has painted such a complete picture of these individuals that you can also see who they may become. It’s cute how these characters who have lived longer than many Empires slip back into the speech patterns from their birth era. It adds an extra layer to the characters. Simmons has a very interesting way of bringing new characters to light and telling us all about them, making them instantly real in your mind.

As a whole, this was a phenomenal story that I couldn’t put down, even for a moment. I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. I need to get back into this world with these phenomenal characters who I’ve come to love and know so well.

Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Royal Flush By D.N Simmons

I give this book 4 stars

This book didn't turn out like I expected it would and all of the surprises that happen keep you interested. I think I laughed more is this book than I did in the other two. God that dress scene almost brought tears to my eyes. In the story there is multiple kidnappings but they are almost second stage to everything else that happens. At least that's how it seems to me and oddly it works. The author does a good job tying everything together.

This book dives into the relationship of Natasha and Darian. Xavier I felt was on the back burner in this book( he was in it he just came in second to Darian) We learn more about all of there early years and the guys get to me Natasha's parents and boy was that a meeting. LOL I love how the author focuses on Darian the most because out of everyone he seems the most closed off. But as the book progresses and you hear from everyone you see how much he has opened up to Natasha. You can see him getting in touch with humanity again. We also get to meet Darian's maker/master/ex-lover and I was all prepared to hate this guy just because of the challenges he represented to Natasha and Xavier's relationship to Darian. But as I read and got to know him a little I kind of started to feel sorry for him.

Now on to Warren and Adrian's relationship (oh boy) All I can say with out giving it away is that Warren really hurt and humiliated Adrian in front of the pack. I felt so bad for Adrian he didn't deserve to get treated like that and Warren should have know better( I expected better from him). But that's really all I can say about that. Now I know there are three more books after this one and I can wait to see what happens in everyone life but I do know this that no matter what challenges they face they will be there for each other doing what they can to help.

[Carin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming in as book 3 of the Knights of Darkness Chronicles The Royal Flush should be read in order as it really is as much a continuation in the ongoing relationships of the characters as it is a stand alone story. Yes the story is told completely however to understand the relationships between the characters it would be best to have read the first two. 




The Royal Flush has a new twist with powerful humans collecting and hunting some of the coven, pride and den. Once again our heroine Natasha is the human filling in a hot vampire sandwich they and the leopard pride and the wolves all work together to mount a rescue and take out the bad guys. 




We are once again treated to action, suspense, hot guys and sexual tension like crazy. Ms. Simmons doesn't shy away from m/m or menage however it isn't explicit or vulgar in anyway.  Some new relationships are forged others are abandoned, we meet new players and learn some history of some of the characters and as always we have a fantastic suspense filled mystery to sink our teeth into. 




With a fun twist in one of the major relationships in the series I am excited to see how it plays out.      

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Inara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I´m sorry but these series doesn´t get better in my opinion. Although the world the author has created and the plot of this book is quite interesting (hence the two stars), some of the characters are not! Was Natasha in the previous books at least bearable I started to dislike her in this volume. She doesn´t exactly DO anything special in this book except giggling silly all the time but we read constantly how amazing Natasha is (why?) and how everybody loves her (again why?). I think she´s plain stupid and I got annoyed with her attitude and her tries to make her two vampires more "human". When Kysen, Darian´s master (and former lover) appeared on the scene I was cheering, hoping he would be able to free Darian from the clutches of his giggling love interst or at least give her a hard time but of course I was disappointed! Nobody can compare with Natasha..big sigh!
I still have one volume left to read because I stupidly bought the whole series (that taught me something, be assured!) but I think I will defer reading the next book indefinitely! I need some time to recover from Natasha´s brilliance.

Website of the author: http://www.dnsimmons.com/

[Billy Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three of the Knights of the Darkness Chronicles is another spectacular mouth watering read. Join Natasha and her bisexuals vampire lovers,Darian and Xavier, as they bond with pack and pride members to rescue their family members from humans.
Detailed thrilling twists and turns abound in this fast paced and very well written book. I couldn't have enjoyed it more. Action packed and easy to read with hot romantic sex scenes thrown in.
Every time I thought I knew what would happen next it changed direction.
The characters are vivid and fun and developed just enough for you to fall in love with the good and hate the evil.
Very enjoyable and thought provoking reading that grabs you from the start and holds you until the very last page.
Lots of love and romance!
Lots of bloody violence and hot sex!
What more could you ask for?
Be as surprised as I was with Natasha's request to Darian and Xavier. That by itself, has me dying to read the next book to see how it turns out.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! I enjoyed the sweet aspect of it and how Natasha was able to bring vampires, pride and pack members together to all work together! This book was definitely action packed and held my interest all the way through! Natasha has two Vampire boyfriends, Darian and Xavier!! Both have fallen deeply in love with Natasha, Natasha has even managed to tame Darian some! Darian is a 1600 year old vampire, who has seen a lot, as well as being very powerful! Powerful humans take a member of each group! Natasha has Visions of them all! The vampires, the pride members as well as the pack members all rally together to save their 3 friends before it is too late! This book took twists and Turns I never saw coming, and filled with Romance! I enjoyed and will be looking forward to more by D.N. Simmons!!

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The hunt is on. Several members of the preternatural community have been kidnapped as prey for a twisted safari. Can Natasha and their leaders find them in time?

I am impressed with this series. The story is enjoyable, the characters are well developed, and there is enough heat to make me blush (18+ folks, but it is well handled and very tastefully done). I have even found that I do not like some of the characters, which is a sure sign of a well-written book.

If you haven’t read any of this series, start with Desires Unleashed, but you may want to just get them all now. I actually just purchased books five and six for myself.

Knights of the Darkness Chronicles

Desires Unleashed
The Guilty Innocent
The Royal Flush
Hostile Territory
The Lion’s Den
Unholy Alliance

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Royal Flush was the first in the Knights of Darkness Chronicles that I have had the pleasure of reading, but it most certainly won’t be the last. I really loved the story and the characters. It was quite a bit more erotic than I expected. I thought it would primarily be paranormal but it really mixed the erotic with the story very well. I loved Darian, Natasha and Xavier’s relationship. Only in a book like this does a relationship like that work and seem feasible for anyone. Well, I guess anyone who is a vampire, shape-shifter or mind reader. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is open to M/M and M/F/M sex in their books. It is very well written and highly enjoyable. I truly can’t wait to go back and see how they got to this point. I will definitely read any books in the future of this series.

[Jennifer Erwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, this vampire soap opera still has my interest. They keep calling it "edgy, action-packed, sexually charged", and I agree with 2 out of 3 of those statements. It's what I consider edgy & action packed, but I don't really agree with the sexually charged statement. Of course, what I think and what someone else thinks could be totally different.

Anyways...I'm still liking all these characters and what they are going through and overcoming. I'm looking forward to more in this saga.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I loved book 1, but book 2 was just as good or even better. I loved the growing relationship between Natasha and Darian and Xavier. So sexy. The hunt (see excerpt) was a thrilling addition.
I give this book 4.5 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another great book from D. N. Simmons. This book has action, romance, mystery, and great sex. What more could you ask for in a good book? There is so much detail in her characters that pulls you into there minds and actually feel what they are feeling. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down until the end. I just love her books.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.N. Simmons pens "The Royal Flush" in a plot filled with action, mystery, steamy hot sex and some really good twists and turns that I didn't see coming. In this 3rd book, I saw good character development and much better chemistry. A must read and one that you will find hard to put down.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good edition. I am interested in seeing where the next installment will take the series.

[Rowan Marx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm horrid at reviews. I truly enjoyed this book! So far, this has been my favorite book in the series. I cannot wait to start the next book. I'm hooked!