Dawn's Desire: A Dark King Story (Dark Kings)

Reviewed by ANN & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog

As a secretary for PureGems, Jane Holden is just simply living her life. She dislikes her boss, Richard Arnold. But who doesn't hate their bosses anyway, right? It is only when she overhears her boss talking on the phone with someone about something suspicious that causes goose bumps rise on her arms. Has she overheard something to do with Sloan's death and Elena's accident while caving?

Before I continue, I should say that If you haven't read the previous books in this series, I highly suggest you do. I especially suggest you read NIGHT'S AWAKENING at least because the events in that last book very much connects to the events in this book. Someone is following Jane and Banan is there to protect her, yet readers are still left in the dark and Grant teases us with bits of information. It is only later on in this novella that readers really see Grant's intentions when all is revealed.

Grant packs this book is a ton of action. Out of all the novellas in this series, I felt that this one had the most action. Rife with suspense, Grant will take readers on a thrill ride with this book! I would have liked to see more of the dragon mythology played out, but of course the epic scene of them flying was amazing to read. Grant always does an amazing job at worldbuilding. So vivid and unique, her worlds are always interesting to visit.

I felt that the romance bloomed a little too quickly in this one. This novella seemed much more shorter than the others, rounding out to 99 pages yet Grant is still able to keep readers interested. It's possible that I wanted to read more about Jane and Banan together, which is why I felt that this book seemed to fly by. Everything happened too quickly that I simply want more.

I will mention that Banan is my favorite hero of the Dark Kings so far. He seemed the most relatable, the most down-to-earth and I loved his sense of possessiveness when it came to Jane.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to hear that Grant is writing full-length novels set in this world. It will be a series to look forward to!

*ARC provided by publisher

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Dawn's Desire picks up where the previous Dark Kings installment, Night's Awakening, left off. Guy, Banan, Rhys, and Elena have arrived in London so Elena can return to work at PureGems and try to determine who knows about Dreagan and the Dragon Kings, and do whatever they must to protect their secret.

Jane Holden also works at PureGems, as the office klutz, she envies Elena's beauty and easy grace and finds a day that she just fades in the background is a good day. But when she overhears her jerk of a boss on the phone one day, she quickly becomes a target by the very person the kings are looking for. Banan makes it his personal mission to keep Jane safe, while quickly falling for her in the process!

I want to start this review off by saying that I love Donna Grant's books, the ones I've read at least, but this one has actually been my least favorite. And, a lot of the problem could just be with it being a short story and not having enough time to really connect with the characters.

I had a hard time investing myself in Banan and Jane's relationship. Something about it just didn't ring true for me and I found them hard to believe as a couple. Maybe it was them falling for each other so quickly after meeting?

Also, I found this story to have a lot of repetition. I'm getting a little bored with the kings explaining the story of their existence to their love interest in each story and I think when these first three books are combined into one installment, it will be a huge negative for the readers. But on the plus side at least Con didn't force Banan to show Jane his dragon, but it came out in a more natural way this time; a situation that made it necessary.

This book was a bit disappointing, but I'm not ready to give up on this series yet. I still find the Dragon Kings to be an interesting concept and I'm curious to see what Grant does with the upcoming full-length novels of the series!

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As with the first two, the relationship development is lacking as is character development. Short story yes, still can have a bit more on both ends. It was still a good story though, better than the first two. I was disappointed to find yet another woman, knowing she was in danger and told not to leave her home and go to her office, still do so for the stupid reason as the file of her half-sister? Why would she keep such a private file at the office? Not realistic. And this is the reason she goes to the office and ends up being snatched. We do get a bit more on the villian, but I'm sick of the Dragon Kings dismissing Ulrich as a possibility. They are watching him is their excuse. They don't see him 24/7 and no indication they have his home or job bugged or his phones bugged to know what calls he's making, they're not that close to know whether or not a customer at is job is one of the silvers they didn't catch and having covert contact with Ulrich. It may not be him, but one of the many other Dragon Kings who did not like Con's decision, but come on. And I don't like the hidden villian storyline to go on and on and on. 3 books now done and over and villian is still out there. There's no information as to when the next installment will be out. I have the feeling we're not going to know until Con and Rhys get mates and there's still something to know about Tristan.

I really enjoyed this novella - for me Donna Grant's books are like a guilty pleasure that I love to read - I thought that this one was great! This book may only be short and novella length but the story was great and I really enjoyed the plot. Working my way through her books (not that there are many left now that I haven't read!) - 5 stars from me for this one!!

I love this series...I found this in the stores recommendations for me...my only thing with these books is that they could be a little longer and they incorporate all of the previous characters instead of mentioning them .I have read all of them so far and I can't wait for the next installment of the dark kings comes out.