I was invited to read this book from its publisher, not knowing it was book 12 in a series. Please keep in mind that I have't read any of the previous books.

The Good:
* I loved Nikolai and Esther's chemistry! This was a romance couple that I could stand behind! They fed off of each other and you could see them both grow as people while they were together.
* Nikolai's loyalty to Ulrik. The fact that he kept to his own morals, but at the same time never betrayed his mentor and friend.
* Ellish and Rhi. No further explanation required.

The Bad:
* Some of the references were hard to keep up with, but I'm attributing that to not having read the previous books.
* Donna Grant seemed to forget that she had just stated something before she would make a character ask a question about it. This happened more than once, and it was beyond irritating.
* Balladyn actually pissed me off. I really liked him, but his ending just ruined everything.
* The Epilogue. Everything except for Von visiting the Silvers seemed ridiculous to me, and didn't keep in with ANY of the story the author just told us.

SO GOOD! I love Donna Grant. I love this series. I love all the dragons. ALL OF THEM. I want them all.

This series is building up to the end games. Reading this series out of order will work for most readers as Ms. Grant gives enough recap of previous events to bring a reader up to date. It is recommended to read at least a few of the prior books to understand the minor characters and subplots. In this one, we focus on Nikolai. Nikoli's history is a sad one and it is what makes him such a good Dragon King. When he has to go against his adoptive father, Ulrik who later becomes one of his most trusted friend and confidante, it breaks him.
The problem with immortals or supernaturals who live a long life, is that things can change. Relationships have to change because it won't last forever. This makes Nikoli very hesitant to get involved with Ester even if she attracts him like no one has in centuries. Their love is slow to start and seems to be even slower to materialize. This works for me because this story finally brings together many of the other subplots that have been dragged out across multiple books.

Finally we see movement between Rhi and Balladyn from the Fae world. It is not the direction I was hoping. There are so many star cross lovers and betrayals in this series, I can't keep up. Including the crazy supernaturals, I am hard pressed to believe this world will survive the different factions fighting. What keeps me on edge is the King of Kings, Con. What is his end game? How is he going to fix all of this? Is he going to fix it? All I see is a huge hundred plus car pileup. As pawns are moved into place or destroyed, knights and rooks are closing in on the Queen. Except, I kind of want the Queen to be taken out in this complicated warfare because she is an evil, evil creature. On top of the Fae fight Dragons and infighting within each of the groups, there are Druids! Druids are blindsided by a female who is coming out of the blue with her powers. Is this a new threat or a possible ally?

At one point, I'm wondering if we even need a romance plot because learning that Ester and her brother are more than what they thought is just as riveting and I want to know more. Uncovering hidden secrets is what this group seems to do best. And what they find out may not be what they really wanted to know. It does enhance the storylines and build a more complex world.

This paranormal romance is recommended to dragon and fae lovers who enjoy fantasy as much as they do romance.

Nikolai would do anything to protect Esther. Righting the wrongs of her past and helping her regain her memories was a thought that run rampant in his actions. Regaining what the Druid took from her would allow her the peace to sleep instead of being he;d prisoner by the fear that would consume her. Light and Dark fight for power and betrays come to light. Great story!

Wow! I think this is one of my favourite Dragon King books, this far. So much happened and yet so much remains unheard and seen yet. I learned do much about Nikolai and Ulrik that I did not know. The bond these two had and still seem to have is amazing. I've really liked Esther's character and I loved her fight, determination and grit. These two are an amazing duo and a force to be reckoned with! I am on edge wait for the next book on this series!

As always a fantastic read by Donna Grant. Thus book and series is among my favorites and certainly a favorite in the paranormal genre.

Having never read any of this series, I had a hard time following the storyline. What I read was good and held my attention. Definitely need to read from the beginning.

Love the dragon king series. It keeps getting better and better. I recommend this book to all my friends.

Nikolai and Esther's tale of love and suspense definitely keeps the reader turning those pages to the end. Enjoyed this author's Dark King book. Will be reading more of her books.

Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

This is the first book I have picked up of Donna Grant's and I just couldn't get into it. I'm sorry.

I voluntarily read an advanced reviewers copy of this book

I want to start by saying that I usually am not a dragon shifter romance fan but after 12 books I have to give it up to Donna Grant for keeping things interesting and ever changing.

Esther and Nikolai were great together because he was willing to go on a crazy journey with her, that made no sense to me, to help her solve an almost impossible mystery. While I have been waiting for Esther's story, Rhi has always been my motivation to read one book after another.

Overall not a bad addition to the overall series.

Donna Grant immediately throws you into a world full of fantasy and lore with this book. Immediately welcomed by many characters, the book takes off running. There are so many storylines in addition to the main one. This isn't to say that the main story line isn't given attention, the author makes sure that the side characters aren't just cardboard characters. They are filled with emotions, their own opinions, and their lives while still adding to the depth of the story. If you love dragons and romance and Ireland (!) and myth and lore and fantasy and just a damn good time....pick up this book.

I have read a couple of this author's books with the dragon ones being some. So when I came across that she had another one out I decided to look inside and ended up staying for awhile. In this one it centers around Nikolai and Esther who capture your attention. He wraps around your heart quickly with sticking close to him. Talk about heat he does have it and so does this story. When she needs help the intrigue factor has already begun with you also wanting to know the same answers. This author is good at keeping you into this series with this one. You will burn right along with these two being consumed until the very end.

Published 2/8/2018:

“It’s raining,” she said with a glower out the window.
He rose and walked around the island to stand next to her. “Shall we spend the day before a roaring fire making love?”

Heat by Donna Grant is a captivating paranormal urban fantasy romance and so much more! Returning to Donna Grant’s Dark Kings’ world is a treat that I always look forward to. This entry is the twelfth installment in her series featuring hot kilted dragon shapeshifters, fae and druids set amidst a plethora of back-stabbing shenanigans.

I cannot imagine reading this installment as a standalone. The earlier books could be read that way, but, as we are careening towards the grand finale, a newbie would be lost with the reveals within. We’re talking about multiple chapters addressing the series’ arc and not directly related to the self-contained romance and danger plot – not just a few lines here and there. If you are new to this entire series, you should know that you do not need to read any of the author’s other series before jumping into her Dark Kings. However, reading Donna’s Reapers’ series would be a good move as it takes place alongside this series and includes some of the same characters.

Heat is the HEA story of Nikolai, Dragon King of the Ivories, and M15 agent Esther, Henry’s sister. I really liked both main characters even though their romance was a low-angst given from the beginning since their attraction was mutual. That is not to say, though, that I didn’t enjoy their chemistry and sexy times. I inhaled every scene!

As the story opens, we learn that Esther’s memories are fragmented thanks to a powerful druid who stole them in a previous installment. Esther prides herself on being a woman in control and she cannot stop worrying about what atrocities she may have committed while a puppet for this druid. Nikolai volunteers his services to help her track down the druid and her previous movements and interactions. His power of projected thermography is unique. It allows him to position himself at a scene, but not be involved in it or present when it occurred. His talent proves to be quite useful as Esther and Nikolai pair up to travel to Ireland from Scotland in search of the elusive druid and Esther’s lost past.

Of course, there’s some juicy aberrants. Nikolai’s and Ulrik’s close connection in the past shows us a totally different side of Ulrik as we are treated to snippets from Ulrik’s past in which he’s not the angry, raging psychopath he’s seemed to be to-date. In addition, readers will be blown away by disclosures regarding Rhi, Con, Henry, Death, the Reapers, Usaeil, Balladyn and the druids. Poor Rhi! Her world is turned upside down in more ways than one. I want her to find her King and happiness so much! Just know that every turn of the page is exciting with so many unveilings.

Following please find a few of my favorite excerpts from Heat:

“The excitement that filled Usaeil could barely be contained. She knew it wouldn’t take Taraeth long to corner Rhi.

As she walked past a mirror on her way to the movie set, she paused and looked at herself. Perfection. There was no way Con would refuse her. He was making a show of it, but she knew he’d cave.

It didn’t matter how long it took, the King of Kings would be hers.

That was something else she’d tell Rhi right before the pesky meddler breathed her last. The need to have Rhi wiped from existence consumed her.

Usaeil wouldn’t be able to concentrate on anything else until Rhi was gone. Forever. No one would stand between the Queen of the Light and what she wanted. Especially not someone like Rhi.”
---

“It’s been a while since I’ve wanted to smile.”
“So all you needed was sex?” he teased.

Finally! Everything starts to come together! It’s amazing that twelve books into the series, the installments are still imaginative, original and soooo addictive. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves romantic paranormal urban fantasies with great characters that will pull at your heartstrings. Heat is fast-paced and action-packed. The puzzle pieces are starting to come together and, oh my, not everything is black and white. Far from it as readers should expect twists and turns galore herein. The ending is a biggie! The next book can’t come soon enough! It is coming in May 2018 and is Ulrik’s book!!!!! I cannot wait!!!!!



Suggested Reading Order:
The Dark Kings series is a spin off Donna's Dark Warriors Series and Dark Sword Series.
DARK CRAVING (Book # 0.1)
NIGHT'S AWAKENING (Book # 0.2)
DAWN'S DESIRE (Book # 0.3)
DARK HEAT (Books # 0.1 - 0.3 plus a bonus story)
DARKEST FLAME (Book #1)
FIRE RISING (Book #2)
BURNING DESIRE (Book #3)
HOT BLOODED (Book #4)
NIGHT'S BLAZE (Book #5)
SOUL SCORCHED (Book #6)
DRAGON KING (Book # 6.25)
PASSION IGNITES (Book #7)
SMOLDERING HUNGER (Book #8)
SMOKE AND FIRE (Book #9)
DRAGON FEVER (Book #9.5)
FIRESTORM (Book #10)
Blaze (Dark Kings, #11)
Heat (Dark Kings, #12)

Heat is book 12 in the “Dark King” series. Though I did not, you are going to want to read this series from the beginning. While each book focuses primarily on one couple at a time with a continuous story line, I felt the author did a great job with her writing, so that I was able to pick up the story quickly even without reading all the others in this series. This book does have characters from previous books; I will have to pick those up so I know how they got together and get those pieces of the puzzle from those stories as well. With that said I still enjoyed reading this book. Nikolai is a Dragon King looking for answers to help him and Esther remember her past. With his special skills and her determination for answers of the truth they set out on their quest. I loved these two together as a couple and a team. I felt their relationship was very well written and the quest to find the truth just brought on a bigger plot and more questions for me and the other Dragon Kings. I loved the characters in this story, good or bad? Not too sure all the characters that are written as bad, are bad at all. But then again that’s just my opinion, you’ll have to read and see for yourself if you’d feel the same way. I give this book 4.5 stars.

***I voluntarily reviewed this ARC for an honest review via NetGalley, this is my honest opinion and has not been influenced by the author, Publishers or NetGalley in anyway.*** Thank you!

Book Review
Title: Heat
Series: Dark Kings #12
Author: Donna Grant
Genre: Paranormal – Shifter Romance
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Cliff Hanger: No

4 Stars

*This story is for mature audiences only. Contains explicit scenes and language intended for adults 18+

Synopsis:
Nikolai is a dragon shapeshifter who knows well the meaning of loss. Orphaned and raised to be a Dragon King, he never accepts defeat. Now, Nikolai prefers his solitude . . .until a beautiful, irresistible woman calls upon him for help—and Nikola’s whole word goes up in flames.

Ever since MI5 agent Esther woke to discover her mind taken over with magic, she feels like stranger to herself. She looks to a notorious dragon, one who has the power to help her find her memory. But as she and Nikolai come closer to discovering what really happened to her, a dangerous passion ignites between them. Can this lone Dragon King help the woman he’s grown to love to uncover the truth about her past—or will a deep and fiery danger tear them both apart?

My Thoughts:
I have fallen in love with dragon shifters and Nikolai is at the top of the heap. That man is quiet strength that is sexy as hell. He and Esther have some crazy chemistry that they both feel but have tried to push away.

I loved the beginning when Ulrik found Nikolai as an orphaned hatchling and he took him under his wing (no pun intended) even though Ulrik was a Silver King and Nikolai belonged to the Ivories. His parents were just murdered by rogue Ivories and he had a gut feeling to stay with Ulrik rather than going back to his clan. It wasn’t until he had grown into his powers that Nikolai challenged the King and become King of the Ivories.

When Esther, an M15 agent, goes on a quest to find the druid that stole her memories, she wants Nikolai by her side. Since she has been living in the castle, she and Nikolai both feel a connection. Nikolai with his powers of with just one look he can create on paper what Esther experienced. “She filled his mind like no other had before.”

Their quest takes them to London and Ireland. Their time alone allows them the time they need to fall in love and discover so much about Esther’s lost memories and much more. There is so much mystery, suspense, intrigue involved that it kept me turning those pages fast and furious. I don’t want to give anything away because there is so much that goes on with everyone! Wow this is really getting good! I can’t wait for more!

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an honest review.

Nikolai is a dragon shifter who has a special gift of instant memorization. Because of that, he is very solitary. There is one person he doesn’t want to stay away from and when Esther asks for his help, everything in his world will change.
This was the next novel in Donna Grant’s Dark Kings series. As with the others, it didn’t disappoint. I loved it. I loved Nikolai and really loved Esther’s journey. She had appeared in other books, so I was happy she got an HEA. Giving us a different perspective of Ulrik makes me want his book to hurry up and get here! Poor Rhi! She has been my favorite character throughout all of these books and this one had me wanting to punch something for her. It’s driving me nuts not knowing her dragon! I can’t wait for the next book.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Provocative and entertaining paranormal romance book. I would definitely recommend this book as well as author.

DNF at 7%

When I requested this one on NG, I didn't realize that it was part of an ongoing and CONNECTED series. As a result, I have been very confused and trying to catch up the entire time that I've been reading this novel. I thought I could power through, but my heart's just not in it. So now on to happier reading!

I loved this book! Great characters. The world-building was so rich and interesting, the story kept me hooked from page one. I recommend this book.

- - Received copy through NetGalley - -
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