This was my first novel by this author and it was just okay for me. Of all the BDSM books I've read, this one seemed too rushed and not as fleshed out when it came to the sex scenes. I guess the relationship also felt that way to me and it kind of threw a blanket over the entire story. It wasn't bad, though, and I will continue the series as it comes out.

This is book one in the Deviant Kings series. I loved the intermingling of the modern Vegas and the Fae. I can say how good this book is without giving too much away. Just read and love it too. Can’t wait for the next book. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story

This was so much fun to read. I started this as my first read to get in the fall mood, and the mix of fantasy and scorching-hot romance just made it an absolute delight. It was the perfect book to start my fall TBR with. Highly recommend if you like a side of plot with your spice.

I have always been a romance reader, but recently I have been turning to more and more fantasy romance. The Dark King is a highly entertaining seductive story about Caiden, the Dark King, who is also the King of Vegas, and the unexplained bond he forms with his mate, Bryn. The story has a cast of secondary characters that are just as charming and interesting as the main characters. The banter between not only Caiden and Bryn, but the other characters will make you smile. I thought Maxwell also did a great job with world building and back story that helped the reader understand what was going on.

Overall, The Dark King is an intriguing, enticing, passionate tale that has just the right amount of mystery, sex, witty characters, and dominate alpha vibes to keep you engaged to the very end. I can't wait to read Tiernan and Fiona's story in the 2nd book, The Rebel King.

I'm a big fan of sexy Fae's and this book delivered. Bryn is a sweet (and incredibly naive!) midwestern girl and Caiden is a hot Fae king who owns most of Vegas. He's a billionaire with some dark dominant tastes. :). Very spicy, Lots of room to expand side characters and expand the series. I love that it's set in Vegas, because of course Caiden and his crowd hang out there!

❛ Somewhere, there's a romance reader swooning at the very idea. But I'm no romance heroine, and I have no idea what the hell is going on. ❜

4 STARS ✨

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of The Dark King from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Dark King is great for fans of:
• Fae
• Scorching level of spice
• Grumpy x sunshine
• Enemies to lovers
• And they were soulmates !

This is the first time I have read Gina L. Maxwell but it certainly will not be the last. Since reading, Bryn and Caiden have been living in my head rent free. Exiled in the human realm, King of the Night Court, Caiden Verran, who has dedicated his lifetime to becoming the King of Vegas in all but name gets swept into an evening of whirlwind romance with Bryn Meara, a Midwestern girl who won a weekend away at one of his hotels. In true Vegas style, the fae who has sworn off of any romantic connection (let alone a relationship) wakes up and finds him married to our female protagonist Bryn in a fae-mate-bounded way that neither of them has a recollection of.

I definitely enjoyed the story; it was a refreshing change to the demon-dominated supernatural spin on Vegas you'll often see in paranormal romances. I enjoyed reading both Bryn and Caiden's perspectives and, in general, did find it an enjoyable read. However, I do feel as if the world-building could have been expanded upon and the book could have been longer. The spice and romance that dominated the novel were fantastic, and I loved it, but it did leave some plot points that were rushed to allow the romance to take the starring role. It probably would have taken an extra fifty pages or so, but would have been really effective and probably boosted it to a five-star for me. The ratio just didn't completely fit.

Secondly, I was disappointed at the ending. I'm not going to spoil it, and I completely respect how the author is making each book in the series a standalone that focuses on different characters, so, therefore, had to write it in the way she did, but I would have loved to see more of Bryn and Caiden. I feel as if a trilogy, or even a duology, of Bryn and Caiden fighting through the issues presented towards the end of the book leading into the second would have really worked well, rather than the path that it did take.

However, regardless of my personal opinions regarding sections of the plot, I did still really enjoy The Dark King. It helped me out of a reading slump and was easy to get through. I would strongly recommend it to those who love a good, spicy fae read with characters who are easy to root for.

This book was first introduced to me by a small scene that was from the book. Instantly I knew I had to read it, I was lucky enough to be sent an arc by NetGalley. I read this book so fast and enjoyed it. I couldn’t wait to know what was going on and figure out who caused all the chaos. I wouldn’t give this book 5 stars, because I wouldn’t read it again, but I enjoyed it very much.

The dark king
The Dark King feels like a Beauty & the Beast retelling. Bryn is lured to Las Vegas, Nevada, by the promise of a free vacation where she meets Caiden. Caiden is not only Dark Fae, but he is also the King of The Dark Court.

After a night of drinks, Caiden awakens married to a human, Bryn. He finds himself sharing a bond that only seemed possible with another fae. He’ll hold Bryn captive until he can figure out how to undo the bond. The writing is smooth! Very easy to read. This book combines A Court of Thorns and Roses, 365 Days and Fifty Shades of Grey.

Caiden is a hot fae king into bdsm. He’s like a combination of Mr. Grey meets Rhysand. ❤️‍🔥

The first in a series and I cannot wait to read more! We start our story off with being introduced to Caiden Verran. He is not only the King of Sin City, but Fae King to the Night Court as well. Very quickly in our opening scene we learn that Caiden has control in all aspects of his life and runs a tight ship. Enter, Bryn Meara who is about to shake things up. She’s down on her luck and hoping her free trip to Vegas will change all of that for her and give her the reset she needs so badly. Little do these two know, they are about to embark on a wild journey neither of them expected.

I love the way the “waking up married in Vegas” trope was handled in this story. It was so fun and irritating in all the right ways. I loved rooting for our couple through everything that was thrown their way. The mystery of finding out who constructed this whole fiasco and is out to get our newlyweds was a fun journey. Bryn and Caiden had great chemistry and I loved all the banter between characters. My one complaint is that I wanted more between our two main characters. Caiden and Bryn are together for a few months in total over the span of this book, but lots of their one-on-one time takes place off page and is mentioned just in passing. I felt like I needed more scenes with them over time to build on their relationship and connection to one another during their time spent at Midnight Manor. Without those scenes, it seemed as if they had only been together for a couple of weeks and the depth of their connection wasn’t as believable as it should have been. Bryn’s relationships with his guard and brothers are also built off page which I would have loved to have read about to feel how close they had become like we were told they had.

I cannot wait to find out what happens next after that bombshell of an ending!

This book was seductive and steamy. I really enjoyed this read. Bryn and Caiden were pure fire, and I was more than happy to burn! This was an easy read that read smoothly and pulled me in quickly. The story was fun and intriguing, and it left me very excited to read more of this series. If you love sizzle, kink and swoon, you are going to want to check this out!

I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had no clue what to expect going into this book, but wow! I’m so glad I read it. This is my first time reading a book by this author and I loved every second of it. This was such a refreshing read and one that I truly needed. The great world building and the spicy-hot chemistry between Caiden and Bryn made this book incredibly enjoyable. Caiden and Bryn are one for the books! Such a great couple. I loved the back and forth banter between the both of them, especially how sassy Bryn is. This was such an easy book to read and get caught up in. Everything in this world was fascinating and left me wanting so much more. I seriously can't wait for book two!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

3.75 STARS—THE DARK KING IS THE FIRST INSTALMENT IN GINA L MAXWELL’S CONTEMPORARY, ADULT DEVIANT KINGS EROTIC, FANTASY/PARANORMAL, BDSM ROMANCE SERIES. THIS IS LAS VEGAS BILLIONAIRE CAIDEN VERRAN, THE KING OF THE DARK FAE, AND TWENTY-SIX YEAR OLD PR SPECIALIST BRYN MEARA’S STORY LINE.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bryn and Caiden) THE DARK KING follows in the wake of a free trip to Vegas, and the fall-out of a night of drinking, landing Caiden Verran and Bryn Meara in the hotel’s honeymoon suite. Neither Caiden nor Bryn remembers anything about the night before but Caiden is the King of the Dark Fae, and as far as anyone knows, Bryn Meara is a human female, who is about to upset the world between the Light and the Dark Fae. Someone is targeting our story line couple, and death is the only way to separate the bonded pair. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Bryn and Caiden, and the potential fall-out as separation threatens the life of the King, and an assassin takes aim at our story line heroine.

The relationship between Bryn and Caiden begins as a manipulation but quickly turns into something more. Caiden is the Dark Fae King; a Dominant who enjoys the BDSM lifestyle, and Bryn, as his mate, is his perfect submissive but Bryn is something ‘other’; not a natural submissive, and in this, Caiden struggles with a mate who refuses to obey outside of the bedroom. Very reminiscent of the Fifty Shades of Grey premise and story line, Caiden doesn’t do relationships, and rejecting his mate, threatens both of their lives. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with scenes of bondage, spanking, D/s role play, as well as punishment and withholding.

We are introduced to Caiden’ brothers Finnian and Tiernan; hotel assistants Fiona, as well as several humans, and Fae (both Light and Dark). The requisite evil has many faces. There may be a relationship developing between Fiona and Tiernan.

THE DARK KING is a familiar tale wrapped in a fantasy story line of Dark and Light Fae. From billionaire businessman to sexual playrooms, punishments, restraints and submission, the similarities to the aforementioned Fifty Shades series are numerous and recognizable, right down to several business practises, and the unfolding of the story time line. The fast paced premise is entertaining and enjoyable; the romance struggles in the face of perceived betrayal and manipulation; the characters are charismatic, captivating and strong. THE DARK KING ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned.



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I'm not obsessed, you're obsessed!! Ok never mind it is me ;)

I cannot believe that this was the first time I read this author. I've been missing out if all their books is like this.

This one was steamy, spicy & oh so delicious. I absolutely loved the world that was woven between sin city and the hidden world of the Fae. A world hidden from the humans.

After winning a trip to Vegas Bryn is ready to let loose before she starts job hunting. Little did she know that she would soon be thrust directly into the path of the King of Vegas, Caiden Verran and before the night was over she would be wearing his ring. Things go from weird to weirder as she soon learns that the Fae are not part of a fairytale and her new husband is the Dark King.

I've been in such a reading slump and this book completely pulled me out of it.

I cannot wait for Prince Tiernan's story next which I'm sure will definitely please.

**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**

I enjoyed this new series. I found the world building and characters intriguing and I love they were all flawed in some way. This story was steamy and plenty of twist and turns to keep it I interesting. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Rating: 4/5
Spice: 4/5
Storyline: 4/5
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, captor-captive, age gap, some fade-to-black, roommates/forced proximity, Beauty and the Beast
Content Warnings: bondage, dub con

Bryn Meara gets an all-exclusive trip to the Nightfall hotel, an ultra-luxe casino in Vega. The reclusive billionaire hotel owner, Caiden Verran, spots Bryn in his lobby and the two are immediately drawn to each other. As the fae king of the Night Court, Caiden doesn't get involved with humans, but this one he can't resist.

A fantasy erotica with multiple POV, filled with witty banter and steamy spice. The book was fast-paces and hard to put down. I enjoyed all the characters, and I'll definitely read the other Deviant Kings books. I loved getting to know Bryn and Caiden. Reading their romance unfold kept me reading until (too) late into the night.

I wish the worldbuilding was more elaborate, but this is more a romance than a fantasy, so I guess that's why there was minimal explanation on the Dark and Light fae and their world. I felt the ending was a little rushed and it left me wanting more, regarding Caiden and Bryn relationship. Though I'm sure we'll get updates on them in the other books.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'd give it a 4/5

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Gina L. Maxwell for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bryn and Caiden's story is an erotic fantasy PNR romance, the story was very entertaining, I loved the fact of a FAE King in Las Vegas, it was fun, hot and interesting to read, the plot is good, it kept me reading from start to finish non-stop. The characters are well built, I really liked the dynamics and interactions, Caiden is a very interesting book boyfriend, but Bryn certainly stole the story, she is a confident and sassy woman that will have Caiden wondering what happened to him. The dual POV in the story gave a better perspective of what was going on, giving all twists and turns. I am really looking forward to see where the series is heading and finding the rest of the Verran brothers stories.

I’m fairly new to the fantasy/paranormal genre but this book was everything! The steam was perfection and the storyline kept me flipping the pages until I finished. I loved the characters and the way they were with each other. The chemistry was fire and there was even some humor thrown in, which I loved. The side characters were also super interesting. I can’t wait to see where this series goes with the revelation at the end of the book!! Miss Gina, you have a new fan and I look forward to having a physical copy of this to put on my shelf. That cover is gorgeous!!

NEON GODS junkies - we got your next fix. THE DARK KING, a paranormal romance, is your jam AND butter baby!!!!
"SEX SELLS", the opening line, is sooo my delicious chi. Girl bye. Don't disturb me until I am finished!!!!
Bryne is a jobless small-town girl on a fully paid Vegas getaway. A one-night stand turns into a marriage with the King of Vegas - Caiden. The owner of Nightfall, the uber super exclusive hotel and casino on the strip. She finds herself caught in the middle of two powerful supernatural factions and bound by magic. Now the Verran brothers' world is no longer a secret and it was fun seeing her navigate her introduction to the supernatural.
I was so happy to escape into a different reality and imagine what it would be like to have special powers. It's a sexy read with everything I love in a good book – chance encounters, sexy alpha male in a suit, romance, and hot sex. Oh yeah, excellent storytelling and pace, witty dialogue, and secondary characters to leave you craving more from those damn Verran brothers: Tiernan and Finn.
Oh yeah, Tiernan's special power seems to be running his mouth in ways to provoke more trouble. Can NOT wait for his story with Fiona, their housekeeper.

I received this ARC from Netgalley for a honest review.

The waking up married trope was given a pleasant and original fantasy twist in this exciting, seductive story.

It couldn't have come at a better moment for Bryn Meara when she got a letter in the mail offering a complimentary weekend stay at the Nightfall resort in Las Vegas. She recently lost her PR position, and she is unsure about what to do next. She meets the hotel owner as she waits to check in, and she has no idea how one encounter will alter the course of her life.

In addition to owning Nightfall and numerous other buildings in Vegas, the secretive millionaire Caiden Verran also reigns as the fae monarch of the Night Court. After being driven from their homeland by a vengeful queen, the fairies established Vegas, where they have grown in power and fortune through the years. That evening, Caiden pursues a woman he is immediately drawn to in his lobby. One thing leads to another, which neither of them can recall. In addition, it results in some other utterly shocking events, such as getting married.

Caiden and Bryn had a special chemistry and were having the perfect first date when things started to go wrong. Neither of them can recall the specifics of what happened. It was entertaining to see them unravel the events of the previous night and all the damage they inflicted. The real fun starts after that, when Caiden's true identity and regular tendencies are revealed. Bryn is intrigued and wants to investigate instead of wanting to flee, as he had anticipated. They went together like a glove, and it was thrilling and beautiful to watch them find it out. It was also really hot.

I thought Caiden's brothers were great, and I can't wait to read Tiernan's novel after that. Fiona was a wonderful character and Bryn's best friend and confidante. She works for Caiden at his home. I really enjoyed the suspense of their lost night together, learning who was responsible, and learning what the long-term effects would be.

Given how it was set up at the conclusion of this book, I'm looking forward to book 2 because I truly liked this one. I believed the book had a new perspective on fae stories because it was set in the mythical underbelly of our real world. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Bryn Mearahas won an all inclusive trip to the deluxe Nightfall hotel and casino in Vegas! She needs this trip badly after being fired from her job and still grieving the death of her parents prior to that, what she doesn't bargain for is Caiden Verran. Caiden is the sexy billionaire and owner of Nightfall who she seems drawn to. After an alcohol fueled night of fun, she and Caiden are married, but that's not all Fae are real and Caiden's the King of the Night Court and their lives are now far hotter and more complicated than either are ready for.

I read a startling amount of Romance and Erotic Romance novels and this was way hotter than I assumed it would be. Well done Gina Maxwell! I could feel my cheeks flushing for a few of these scenes, and had to fan myself, dang! While the spiciness was awesome, there was also a good plot. Caiden has massive trust issues and that is written into the story well. Bryn has a backbone, which is great, and the inter play of both characters figuring out how to communicate when both are super independant was well written! I will always enjoy the big broody male who is secretly a cinnamon bun trope and a woman who occasionally makes rash decisions because of miscommunication trope and this totally delivered. I cannot wait for the next novel in the series!

My only gripe is small and a personal peeve, could there please be a heroine in romance with not blonde or red hair that isn't long and *checks notes* "a curtain of silk"?