(4,5)
Well well well, this was delicious! I absolutely flew through this. Silly me was expecting this to be mostly steam with very little plot but I actually enjoyed the plot a lot and found myself VERY invested in our main characters and actually all of the side characters as well. I felt the world was very well built and explained but enough mystery for a sequel (which I am hoping there will be?!?!). This is a perfect introductory fantasy read for readers new to the genre, but be warned, this isn't light steam. It's got a healthy dose of BDSM. Is it wrong to say I almost expected more steam? For sure not a fault, and does not at all affect my rating or anything, just a personal thought. It's a moden fantasy set in Las Vegas but filled with Fae, enemies, and curses. I really enjoyed this and I'm going to need another book, please!

Bryn recently lost her job and when she receives a letter in the mail for an all-paid stay at an exclusive Las Vegas hotel, she decides to give herself and break and take it before hitting the ground running and applying for new jobs. When she arrives, luck continues to go her way. The hotel is owned by the Dark King of Vegas, Caiden Verran. When their eyes meet, there's a charge there neither can explain. In typical Vegas fashion, Bryn goes out to have a little fun. But in the morning not only is she hungover, but shes also married. Married to who? The one and only Caiden Verran. Now the two find themselves in a sticky situation that is anything but easy to get out of. Bryn is about to learn about what really happens in Vegas and find out just why her new husband is called The Dark King.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the early access to this title! Can't wait for book 2!

**Please please check trigger warnings before going into this one and know that there is BDSM involved but always consent & safe words**

This novel is to be commended f0r its content and its capacity to thoroughly amuse and preoccupy the readers imagination and mind. It has targeted the audience fittingly and has ticked all the boxes for me as a reader. It was an thoroughly entertaining read for me and I encourage others to read this novel as I am sure they will be pleasantly surprised.

The dark king is book one in the series by Gina L. Maxwell
a free trip to the exclusive and ultra luxury nightfall hotel and casino in Vegas for Bryn Meara should’ve been the perfect way to escape the debris of her crumbling career but waking up from a martini and lust fuelled night to find herself married to Caiden Verran the reclusive billionaire who owns the hotel and most of the city isn’t the jackpot one would think it seems her dark and sexy new husband is actual royalty the fae king of the night city and there’s an entire world beneath the veil of Vegas whether light or shadow the fae are a far cry from fairy tales and now they’ve made Bryn a pawn in their dark games for power
I couldn’t put this down a really good dark erotic romance totally gripping totally recommend
Can’t wait for book 2 the rebel king
Thank You NetGalley and Entangled publishing LLC
I just reviewed The Dark King by Gina L. Maxwell. #TheDarkKing #NetGalley

The Dark King is about Bryn, a human woman, and Caiden, a fae king, who wake up married with no memories of their evening together.
I don’t typically read faerie based fantasy, and I’m not a huge fan of MF erotica, so I must have been in a ~mood~ when I requested this one from NetGalley, but I ended up really liking this book. I enjoyed Bryn’s character, she was no nonsense and funny. Caiden was mysterious and aloof, and Bryn brought out his gentler side. The relationship building throughout, and the background drama of the plot came together in a book I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of The Dark King in exchange for my honest review.

For a book described as Fifty Shades meets Neon Gods, I was honestly expecting more sex haha. Either way, the story was a great and fun, and sultry read. I demand the next book!!!

3.5 ⭐️

fun, sexy read but it was just ok. I didn't really like either of the main characters. The worldbuilding was definitely an interesting set up for the series and maybe I'll continue with it.

A story that will leave you breathless and wanting for more!

This book had me so engrossed that I could not put this down! I mean I had to at one point cause I had some other things I had to do but I didn't let it go willingly! Anyway, this is my first time reading a book by Gina Maxwell, so after reading this one, I will definitely be checking out her other books cause this was way too good for my own good, but here I go anyway!😂 Ok so Bryn is the absolute best such a badass! The way she is able to handle the situation that goes on in the book is way better than I ever could! I love her whole personality and clearly, Caiden does too!😂 Caiden was/is such a romantic in the beginning like I'm here swooning at 5 in the morning cause ugh so cute! But then his asshole side comes out because he married Bryn and has no recollection of doing that. Eventually, Caiden and Bryn come up with a compromise but he still has his asshole/ never been in a meaningful relationship but I'm trying moments. But then he messes up big time and Bryn doesn't want to talk to him but can I blame her? No cause I would have been the same if something that big was kept from me but something that Caiden's brother tells Bryn is that she has experienced several relationships where she could realize the importance of communication in a relationship whereas Caiden has never had a relationship that truly meant something to him so, of course, he's going to make mistakes so she should remember that he is still learning and it's something Caiden eventually understands in the end. But still, be on the lookout for what is toxic and what is meant to hurt you because there are people who will try to pass it off as a mistake but that isn't what happened so just keep an eye for that too. Anyway so this book was the best and you should definitely check it out! I am curious how book 2 is going to go cause the way this book ended was jaw-dropping!!!

Thank You Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for the eARC!!!

Also, read this book if you love the Crave series- but in an Adult Version - cause this book has a lot of "it's just the mating bond" moments.

When I read the description Neon Gods meets Fifty Shades, I had to see what this book was all about. Previously unfamiliar with Gina Maxwell's work, I went into this with that description alone and man was I surprised by just how delicious this book is., however, I would describe this more of Sookie Stackhouse meets Fifty Shades of Gray as Bryn is Sookie Stackhouse at her best in the Southern Vampire stories.

Her midwestern charm had just the right amount of sass to make me really connect with that character and Caiden is about as broody as they come but not in the tortured soul brood but the I'm the king and I know it type of brooding that I always loved in characters like Eric Northman.

The build-up in this storyline is so well earned and I devoured this book in like 3 days. My only regret, this being an ARC is that it means the next book is that much further away.

Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing, Ms Maxwell, and Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy. I can't wait to see what's next for these characters

This book was hot hot hotttt…. This is not my normal style of book, however, these characters had me hooked. I read this in one sitting, because I could not put it down. There were a few, “I am not sure how I feel about this” moments, but the inner dialogue of the characters kept me feeling comfortable in that there were feelings of love and trust. The actual plot of this story was phenomenal. I love all things Fae, and this certainly did not disappoint. The supporting characters I absolutely adored as well. The only thing that felt underdeveloped was the villain. Not enough back story or explanation on the whys and how’s of it all. So the threat felt insignificant. I still did not feel that this took away from the story a to impact my rating. I definitely recommend this book to those who like their steam with a dose of action and adventure.

4.5 stars. This is the perfect combination of ACOTAR and 50 Shades of Grey (if 50 Shades were done right). Bryn Meara, "normal girl," gets a promotional stay in Vegas, which she jumps on when unexpectedly let go from her job. The unexpected continues after a night with one of the Kings of Vegas, the absolute snack that is Caiden Verran, when they both find themselves on a journey neither could have foreseen.

I loved that this book was not all about the spice. While this work served as my introduction to Gina Maxwell's work, a few glances at her backlist prepared me to read another smutty romp in dark fantasyland. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the intrigue, the relationship-building, and how much I grew to care about the main characters as well as the supporting cast, consisting mainly of Caiden's brothers and housekeeper. That's not to say that the spice was lacking. Warring kings, a curse that exiled fae from their homeland, nasty side effects of said curse, and deception/betrayal make for a compelling plot.

While not overly prevalent in the story, the spicy scenes that are present are gifts. Caiden is deliciously dominant, and Bryn finds herself eager to learn how to navigate subspace. I did feel like the D/S dynamic escalated a little quickly, with Bryn being (I felt) unrealistically eager to escalate the nature of their scenes, but the scenes themselves are written with a clear awareness of a healthy kink relationship.

Half a star was lost because I felt like the climax was too convenient - the quick emergence, the too-dramatic clashing of enemies, and then the sudden disappearance of any opposing forces. Other than that, however, this book was such a joy to read, and I cannot wait for the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Bryn is having a stream of good luck--winning a free trip to Las Vegas just as she's fired, even getting a free room upgrade when her reservation is misplaced.

She even catches the eye of the hotel's owner, Caiden Verran the "King" of Las Vegas, who also happens to be, unbeknownst to her, the king of the Dark Fae.

He's immediately drawn to her (and her to him) and they spend an evening getting drunk and getting to know each other, only to end up somehow getting married, though neither of them can remember it. Caiden sends her away, putting his lawyers on getting the marriage annulled, but it's not so easy.

The sex is kinky and very hot, though explained maybe a bit too much instead of just letting the reader enjoy it. I liked the evolution of it, the clear consent and mutual pleasure. They were a well-matched couple.

This is the kind of fated mate story that I enjoy, because it doesn't use that to shorthand the relationship. They really grow together, with great chemistry and some good banter. I like the worldbuilding, though the explanation of the curse didn't make much sense to me within that world, though it was a good plot device.

As in most good stories like this, there is more to Bryn than meets the eye, and I liked that development in the story. The story is a quick read and really grabbed me, making me stay up late to finish it. I liked that the ending ended, but then opened up for another story. Very satisfying.

Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. Gina L. Maxwell knows how to bring the humor, heart, and heat, and I greatly enjoyed this one.

The Dark King has some paranormal goodness wrapped in the mystery of who Bryn is, the attraction between the fae king and a human drawn to his hotel by mysterious happenings, as well as who is behind things when attacks start happening against the king. I adored Bryn. She was funny and spunky and didn't take no crap. Her fierceness gave me life, and let me tell you, I'm here for it!

Caiden was delightfully kinky and commanding, but he also had some doozy of romantic lines. I will say, however, that he didn't really earn forgiveness, in my opinion, for something he uses against Bryn.

**SPOILER***
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There's a big consent issue wrapped in the even bigger issue of using a kink scene into manipulating Bryn. Total douche move. Though there was some good groveling, him being in such a consent-driven kink lifestyle really made it unforgiveable in my opinion. No matter what Caiden's feeling. And he refuses to talk to Bryn for much of the book.
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**END SPOILER**

That said, I truly loved the world Maxwell brings, and I'm super excited for book two! Bring it on!

4 stars.

Bryn won a free trip to Vegas, what can be better after loosing job, than a Vegas.
Caiden is a Dark King, a fae.
Both of them see each other and they can't stop thinking about each other.
Fate helps and they meet again, but what happen when the next morning they get more than they bargain for?
The story is absolutely amazing, loved the storyline and all characters in it.
It is a must read book.

Bryn Maera is just a normal, average human looking to have the most normal vegas experience a person can have. Upon arriving at the most gorgeous hotel she's ever stepped into... her life changes before she even knows it. When Caiden Verran, Fae King of the Night Court, and richest man in Vegas, spots her in a crowd, he can't keep himself away from her. She's beautiful, perfect, witty, and not afraid to stick up for herself. The two are perfect together. After many drinks and black-out sex... the two wake up to find themselves married! to make things better or for worse... with Marriage comes a Fae bond. If Bryn leaves his side more than 100 yards...his body will start to shut down. The two are left in a tailspin of chaos, romance, and sex that will leave you reeling. Caiden must learn to let go of the walls he's built around his heart and Bryn must come to terms with a change that will alter her life forever.

Where do I begin with this book?! This was absolute perfection. I did not want this book to end! It was fun, fast-paced, and beyond sexy! The characters were well thought out and brilliant. The storyline is spectacular and easy to follow. I genuinely could not put this book down. I accidentally read over 50% of the book in one sitting. I had to physically pull myself away from reading the rest. The Dark King is exactly as described. ACOTAR + Fifty Shades of Grey. I could not be happier with this book. I absolutely loved Bryn and her sharp "tell it like it is" demeanor. Caiden is sexy and diligent. Every scene with the two together had me on the edge of my seat. I loved reading about them! I'm so sad that this book is over. I was genuinely surprised by the last chapter! so it has me thinking that there may be a sequel!!! I am already dying for the next book!
Thank you, Gina L. Maxwell, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!!

A drunken, whirlwind night in Vegas… seems pretty typical until you realize that… you’re married. And that’s not all, Caiden, the mega hottie you hooked up, er, got hitched to is the King of the Night Court of Faerie. And there are several reasons why he’s earned the title ‘The Dark King.’ What’s Bryn gonna do? Let’s find out.

Read if you like: Dual POV, urban fantasy, fae, paranormal romance, Vegas craziness, BDSM, spice with a plot, grumpy/sunshine, only nice to her, sassy leading ladies, and deliciously dark yet king heroes.

Caiden Verran and his Night Court of fae have been in Vegas since they were exiled from Faerie. In the many years on earth the family has built up not only the Night Court but also their business holdings in Las Vegas. Now even the humans call him ‘king’ of the city where he controls most of the business. And business is good. There’s nothing that can stand in his way. Until… a woman uncharacteristically snags his attention.
Bryn Meara just lost her PR job, but in a wild stroke of luck won a free trip to Las Vegas. What better way to regroup than a weekend away? Upon her arrival she finds herself inexplicably drawn to the owner of the hotel. The proverbial ‘king’ of Vegas who just happens to be ridiculously hot. Caiden has tracked her down in the casino and he seems to be a gamble she’s willing to take.

This book was a super, fun, spicy, quick urban fantasy read. I love urban fantasy. I love spice. I prefer my spice to not overwhelm the plot and, baby… this was a perfect balance. It’s a solid 4.5 stars for me.
The characters were great and helped with the worldbuilding. In romance, and especially fantasy romance, I often feel like I don’t get as much of the male perspective as I want. This book starts off with two Caiden chapters and provides a great footing in the fantasy aspect of the book. LOVE. I’m just so tired of just following the poor, unsuspecting human girl that gets caught up in a fantasy web and then us readers have to figure out the worldbuilding as our leading lady flounders around ignorant and helpless. Not here friends. It’s like you get a ‘you are here’ sign setting your journey off on solid ground.

Caiden is your typical dark king type and I’m not mad. He’s got that scary authority vibe and very specific bedroom tastes and he’s everything you expect. Including his warm, gooey heart that only Bryn truly unlocks. I like that the Night Court isn’t outright shadowy, evil incarnate and we get a more moon and earth focus… when we get it.

Bryn is also your typical sassy ‘no-one-talks-to-him-like-that’ type of gal. She’s adorably midwestern and her PR skills lend give her the ability to read most people and situations including The Dark King himself. She rolls with all the Vegas and fae craziness thrown her way with kindness that doesn’t impede on her self-preservation. She’s the breath of fresh air that everyone needs around the Night Court.

As far as character development and worldbuilding goes… I just wanted more. It was so good I could have easily read 100 more pages about the fae and the courts and what happened with the exile and that whole shebang. I wanted a longer history for Caiden and his family as well as more info about Bryn the events leading up to her trip to Vegas. But I’m a greedy lore nerd so don’t listen to me if you don’t need this in a dark romance.

The spice… is pretty spicy. I’m going with maybe a 4 on the pepper scale for content; because, the number of scenes isn’t overwhelming. I for one, do not read spice for the sake of spice. I don’t want the plot to play second chair to the ahem, romance. I also don’t really go for ‘dark romance’ most of the time. This is a great blend. The BDSM has a very technical and cognizant feel that I hadn’t found in the few other books where it was utilized. It somehow made it better for me mentally, but was as the same time made me more aware that it’s still not my favorite when it comes to romance. For contrast, Neon Gods was less technical and had a far greater number of scenes, but the treatment of BSDM gave it more of a fantasy feel than truly understanding what is physically happening during a session or scene. The Dark King provided more information as to how and why things work during and after a scene. Basically, my technical brain was activated instead of my fantasy brain. Thanks grad school…

So besides wanting more lore and not being my favorite romance genre, it was a really great read. I was a little tired of the word ‘preternatural’ by the end of the book and I think we need to ban the use of ‘hole’… in all romance scenes. But now I’m just being picky.

I cannot wait for the second book in the series, The Rebel King. I have a feeling that this next installment will be even more fun than the first.

The Dark King

“Sex sells.” This is the first line in the book and you know that had me hooked. Caiden is your morally grey main guy & Bryn is our blonde bombshell. The beginning is giving me vibes of acotar because the courts are the same & he is the king of the Night Court & has an inner circle. But when you start getting more into the story you notice that it’s just similarities, like most books, that you see.

Not knowing what happened when they went upstairs is actually killing me. I wish we could have heard those details cause with the other sex scenes in this book I can only imagine how good that scene would have been.

You also get 50 Shades vibes like some blurbs I saw before reading this. Caiden is Fae and definitely into the BDSM/Kinks lifestyle. Bryn has not experienced that lifestyle till all of a sudden she wakes up & is married to the hottest guy she’s ever seen who does everything he can to keep her at a distance while trying to get the bond severed between them.

I truly loved this book. It was dark, sexy, & entertaining. I could have gone for another 200 pages of Bryn & Caiden since they are truly perfect together.

I look forward to reading the next ones in the series following the other brothers!

Excellent read. Dark, erotic, thrilling mystery. Nice contribution to the genre as a billionaire fae king meets his match. Great story that was engrossing enough to keep me up til 2am. Side characters were as interesting as the h/H. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

"I feel as though I started loving you the moment I took my first breath, and I'll love you more each night until I take my last. You are forever my king, in this life and the next."❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Simply unputdownable.

Need something to get you out of your reading slump? Get this book. I cannot stress enough. GET THIS BOOK!!

Plot-4/5🌟
Spice-5/5🌶️

✔️Fantasy erotica
✔️Multiple POV
✔️Forced proximity
✔️Found family
✔️BDSM (wasn't really a fan of it- elaborated further)
✔️Witty Banter

Caiden, the king of the Night court finds himself mystified by a human- Bryn. Things take a turn when the two wake up in a hotel room...married and bonded by Fae magic.

The book is fast paced and is a page turner. Characters are interesting, and full of personality and charm.

Caiden is downright sexy, humorous and did I mention charming? He's the kind of king who respects his subjects and wants women to be empowered. The man just have to say 'Hi' to me and I would SWOON🥵🥵 (Got a little carried away, but you get what I mean 👀). He's a total romantic at heart but presents a tough exterior.

"And as I listen to her breaths grow deep and even and feel her heart beating near mine, I lose another little piece of myself to my mate."😍🔥

Bryn is tough, upfront and equally charming. The two make up such an iconic duo it's hard not to root for them. There are times when I wished Bryn would have stood up more to Caiden but I can see why she didn't. Towards the end, her character had a massive development and I really wanted MORE of that. Like Caiden, Bryn is equally if not more, in love with our king.

"Make me yours. Claim me as only my king can." 👀🥵

The supporting characters are pretty good as well, especially Finn. He's a sweetheart.

Some of the things that I wish could have been better were-
1. World building. We get some perspective of it from Caiden's POV but I wish it could've been more elaborate. Also, if Bryn's POV could've explored it a bit more that would've been chef's kiss.
2. The ending. Although it was pretty good, it left me wanting more. I felt like the book could've used an extra six to ten chapters, especially regarding Bryn's development.
3. I found the Twilight reference to be quite funny but the Marvel one felt a bit out of place.
4. Am not really a fan of extreme submissive - dominant play. Reading it once or twice was fine, but I felt it was a bit much. (While this didn't work for me, it might work for you so feel free to read it).

I went in reading the book with an open mind and wasn't disappointed. The blurb calls it "Neon gods meet Fifty shades of grey"; I had not read either🙈😂 And it worked out pretty well. This book can be read as a standalone.

This was my first book by Gina L Maxwell and I'll definitely keep an eye out for her other works. Am curious to read the Rebel King and what the author has to present.

eARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

Hello Dark Fae King!! I really had fun with this book!! It was sexy, hilarious all throughout, suspenseful, and mysterious. I literally lol’d quite a few times!!! The banter and the sas from the characters was great!!! The Spicy scenes were definitely steamy!!! I absolutely loved Caiden and Bryn!!! Hoping there is more to this world!

Thank you to the Author, publisher and Netgalley for sending me an advance readers copy for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
When I saw this, I got so excited and couldn't wait to read it once I got the copy! I can totally see why it is compared to neon gods and why Katee Roberts recommended this! If you are a fan of her work you will definitely love this as well! I loved the fae romance and can definitely see a lot of other people enjoying this. I also enjoy this because of how easy it is to read and it's pretty quick as well. If you're looking for a really entertaining romance but this is definitely a great option!