A Dragon Romance (Dark Kings Book 1) - Darkest Flame

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Kellan has been in a long deep sleep as a way to escape the humans that he detests. So imagine how he must have felt when it was a couple humans that finally woke him.

MI5 agent, Denae, was on a reconnaissance mission with her partner to discover what those at Draegon are hiding. Little did she know that her death was part of the endgame. But Denae is a tough cookie and was able to fight off and kill her partner, but not without sustaining injuries of her own. Beings as all of this took place inside Kellan’s cave, he did what he must, and took Denae to Con to save her. Try as he might to ignore and forget her, he just couldn’t. And now that both MI5 and the Dark Ones are after Denae, he will stop at nothing to protect her.

This is the first full-length Dark Kings novel, and I was hoping for a much better installment than the three novellas before it, but sadly I just couldn’t get into it! I’ve been in quite the reading funk lately so that could have something to do with it. This book just didn’t grab my interest and I really struggled to read more than a chapter at a time throughout most of the novel.

Kellan and Denae were ok enough characters, but they just don’t stand out in a genre and even a series of characters just like them! I would have enjoyed hearing Kellan’s backstory and more of the reasons he hates humans so, and I think it would have given him more depth. Obviously he hates humans due to the loss of his dragons and some unknown betrayal, but I want to know more!!

Denae can surely kick butt, but for her I’d like to see a softer side, a glimpse of the girl that hides behind that hard shell. Then maybe she would seem more believable and likeable to me!

This story takes the series deeper into the supernatural world, bringing the Fae right to the Dragon Kings’ doorstep. An impending war just around the corner.

We also got to see a few of our beloved warriors from the Dark Warriors series that started it all for me!!

Fire Rising is the next installment of the Dark Kings series, and I just hope it’s more gripping than this tale was!

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
REVIEW:
Kellen has been asleep for a very long time. So when he is woken up by a pair of humans fighting to say that he is not happy would be a major understatement. But when he sees the female take down the male even being hurt he is intrigued. But his hatred for humans makes the choice of saving or not saving the female hard. But once his choice is made he knows that his life will never be the same.

Being used as bait was not in the cards on this mission. But that is exactly what happened when Denea was assigned to this mission. But had she known the lengths & deeps of what this mission was or the trouble that would find her she may have refused to go on this mission.

Kellen & Denae are great together. I loved them. I am convinced that there is not much better then a Dragon shifter. Darkest Flame is an amazing start to Donna Grant’s new series, now granted there are 4 novella’s that can be found in Dark Heat. But Darkest Flame is the first book in the Dark King’s series. I so can’t wait to learn more about Tristan and the rest of the Dragon Kings!!! Oh and Rhi!!! I can’t wait to learn all of her secrets :)

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & St. Martins in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

If you’ve read Donna Grant’s Warrior series, then you are already familiar with the Dragon Kings and their dynamic. They are an ancient race. Each Dragon King ruled a specific set of dragons… the Blues, the Reds, the Silvers, etc. Thee Kings had to make the sacrifice and send their dragons away for their own safety when man began hunting them down. In the centuries that have passed man has forgotten dragons ever existed and relegated them to myth and folklore. But there are few that know otherwise.

Hence begins the series of the Dragon Kings, ancient beings that have isolated themselves from humanity, up in their mountain, watching over mankind but not really getting personally involved. Well, not technically the beginning. Although this is marked as the first book in the series, one must note that the true beginning of the series is actually Dark Craving, which combined with the two following prequels were bound into the book Dark Heat. I only mention this so that it is understood how some of the Kings came to already be mated to humans. This however will not impede anyone’s reading of Darkest Flame. Each of the books can be read as a standalone story.

Kellan has no love for the humans. All he and his Bronze dragons had wanted to do was protect the humans. Yet the humans didn’t want the dragons’ protection. Instead the humans betrayed their protectors, killing off as many as they could. Now, Kellan finds himself reluctantly admiring one particular human and not quite sure what to do about it. Denea knew from the moment she got her mission that something was not right. It felt wrong to trespass on Dreagan land. But she had orders and she dare not refuse MI5 orders. These two unlikely people find a lot more to tie them together than either expected and this makes for an action packed story.

There are a couple of things to note with this book. Kellan has an understandable apathy for humans. What I don’t get is how easily he could forget what humans did to his bronze dragons after meeting Denea. I understand love. I just felt that it was too smooth a change for him to suddenly fall for a human. That one issue aside, Grant’s way with words draws you in to Scotland and the world of Dragons and Fae. You can’t help the sudden desire to see it some day in person.

Reviewed by Iris for Cocktails and Books

I stumbled across this series by reading book 11 first and liked it so much that I decided to read the series from the beginning. I liked the storyline and the characters, there was plenty of sexual tension between Denae and Kellan, lots of action and mystery. It seems to me that this series is a spin off from the Dark Warrior series since there appears to be some cross over references, so I will be looking into getting my hands on them as well. I am always happy when I stumble across a good read in the paranormal genre. Very entertaining with hot dragons and strong female heroines.

Darkest Flame by Donna Grant has everything a great paranormal should have: hot supernatural heroes, equally strong enticing heroines, a captivating story with mystery, suspense and passion. The supporting characters were many from earlier books who make appearances to help Kellan and Danae. Even though, I have not read all the Warrior or Dark King books but I was never confused or felt that I was missing something while reading this one. Therefore, I think it is safe to say it is easily a stand-alone book. Donna Grant is an author that delivers a wonderful read. There is no disappointment this time either. She has given us a marvelous story of Kellan and Danae. It is worth the time and the money to read.
Highly recommend to paranormal fans.

Copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

When Denae LaCroix went on her latest mission for MI5, she didn’t know what she was looking for only that she would know when she found it. She definitely didn’t know that it would be her last mission.

Kellen could not get past the betrayal of the humans and instead chose to spend countless centuries sleeping in his cave at Dreagan rather than deal with the world and what it has become. All of that changes when he is awakened by Denae fighting for her life against her partner.

Something or someone has an axe to grind against the Dragon Kings and has gone to great lengths to capture one of them in hopes of finding a mysterious object that few know exist. The Dragon Kings will depend on all of their allies to help them defeat the danger that is knocking on their door.

Donna Grant has given the paranormal genre a burst of fresh air by deviating outside the typical types of shape-shifters like werewolves by giving us dragons. While there isn’t a lot of detail about the world of dragons she has created there is quite a bit of potential for it in future installments. This is a great read for those who enjoy books about shifters who are looking for a new twist.

Spotlight & Review: Darkest Flame (Dark Kings) by Donna [...]
Publication Date: April 29, 2014
Reviewed by: Reading In Pajamas/ Cori
Rated: 4.5 Stars

REVIEW:
Darkest Flame is the first book in Donna Grant's new dragon paranormal romance series, Dark Kings. I devoured it! Donna Grant created a sexy and exciting world of dragons who protect humanity. It kept me on edge and flipping the pages from start to finish. I loved Kellan and Denae's story! Denae is a strong female character who changes the way Kellan feels about humans. Their chemistry together was explosive! Their story was filled with action, suspense, emotion and sizzling romance. I highly recommend this new series and will be anxiously awaiting the next book. I think the Dark Kings Series will quickly become one of my favorite paranormal series.

*Review copy provided by St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review.

Darkest Flame takes you to a world where Dragon Kings roam the skies on stormy days and the dark of night, hidden from the human eye. It is a world with realms containing dark fae and light fae, a world in which most humans remain unaware of these magical beings.

I liked Darkest Flame. It is very well written, fast paced and entertaining. The world is nicely fleshed out and the characters are believable. There is danger, action and romance. I liked the main characters of Kellan and Denae and enjoyed them together. Kellan’s hatred of humans drove him to sleep through the last thirteen hundred years. That’s a strong hate, so when he finds himself drawn to and attracted to Denae, a human, he doesn’t know how to handle it. Eventually, after spending some time with Denae, she shows him that not all humans are bad. It was nice to see Kellan let go of some of the bitterness and hatred that had been consuming his thoughts for so long.

Darkest Night has a lot side characters, both good guys and bad guys. The stage is definitely set for futures stories. I really liked Rhi, the light fae friend, but I found myself despising Con, the King of Kings. I have a feeling there is a reason he acts the way he does.

Overall, Darkest Flame is quite good. It takes you on an adventure to an exciting world with interesting characters. I would recommend it to fans of paranormal romance.

*Free review copy received from the publisher via netgalley

Darkest Flame
Donna Grant
St. Martin's, Apr 29 2014, $7.99
ISBN: 9781250041364

M15 sends agents Denae Lacroix and Matt “the prick” to breach Dreagan Industries in Scotland. Though Denae does not know the objective, inside a cave the American operative carries on the mission until her partner tries to wound her. Matt explains she is bait to lure those residing on Dreagan Land out into the open; but instead she kills him although Denae is severely hurt.

The furor wakes up Kellen the long dormant Bronze Dragon King, who uses his human form to investigate. Kellen finds the injured Denae and takes her to his manor house though centuries of loathing her kind since a betrayal wants him to leave her dead in spite of his attraction to the intruder; she feels the strong desire too. Neither trusts one another due to her failed mission as she realizes he and his community were M15 targets for some unknown reason and he believes her trespassing and killing of her partner were for a nefarious goal to harm his kind.

This delightful Dark Kings romantic fantasy (see Dark Heat anthology) is a wonderful entry in the Grant universe that saga fans (see the Dark Sword and Dark Warrior series) will enjoy as the Dark Fae uses M15 to expose and destroy their enemies The Dragon Kings. The star-crossed romance seems doomed by mutual distrust yet also longing gives it a longshot’s chance.

Harriet Klausner

Viviana's Review:
Okay, so this is officially the fist book I've read from Donna Grant. Gasp, I KNOW!!! And what a way to start!!! Kickass heroine who is independent and literally kicking ass from the very beginning! Throughout the book the females are strong and independent yet, still have the vulnerability needed for you to like them!
"Darkest Flame" is the first book in the Dark Kings series, however, there are three (technically four if you count the bonus material in the box set) prequel novellas. With this said.... do you have to read the novellas to read "Darkest Flame"? Well, technically no! The book can be read as a stand alone book. However, I'm sure you'll get curious as how the mated couples came about so you'll end up clicking this link here to read more about them as I did.. Oh and let me know if, like me, you're about to hit the "One-Click"/buy button.

Back to "Darkest Flame"... Donna has created a mythical and unique world where dragons once ruled the land and sky but now no longer can. While I love the traditional shifter world (wolves, panthers, cheetahs, etc.), I'm extremely glad that Dragons are now being added to this genre. A breathe of fresh air!!

I mentioned at the beginning that the heroine is smart, independent and can kick ass. Denae works MI5 ( and just in case you don't know what MI5 is.... The Security Service, commonly known as MI5 (Military Intelligence, Section 5),[2] is the United Kingdom's domestic counter-intelligence and security agency and is part of its intelligence machinery alongside the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS; also known as MI6) focused on foreign threats, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and Defence Intelligence (DI). All come under the direction of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC). More here)). Sent on a mission with little to now details or information as to why, she does any good soldier does and follows orders. However, things do not go as plan and the truth begins to unveil before her.

The hero is hot... you did see the cover right? He has a deep rooted hate for humans and his reasons are valid ones. I can't take that away from him. That being said... you sort of want to smack in across the head for lumping all humans in the same category. Thankfully, he wises up. He fights against the connection he has with Denae and we all know where that can lead. He is also determined, loyal and will stand up for what's right. You definitely root for him and the Dragon Kings.

There is an enemy that everyone is trying to figure out who he is. The Dragon Kings seem to believe they know who it is, yet, I'm wondering if Donna has not other plans laid out for us, readers. It will be interesting to see where this all leads.

I feel in love with a character that is currently a secondary one, but I'm hoping will get her story told. Rhi is a Light Fae and seems to have an "interesting" hate towards one particular Dragon King. That's not the reason I fell for her. She's sassy and sarcastic and keeps up with the bad attitude of the Dragon Kings. She's a blast! Love her!! Again, hoping her story will be told.

Overall, I fell for this series. I couldn't put it down and when I did have to, I wanted to run home to finish reading it. Oh and I jumped right into reading book two!!

ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Darkest Flame is one steamy paranormal romance. Dragons have never been so alluring, throw in the Fae, and a secret spy agency, MI5. What more could you ask for?

Denae Lacroix is an American MI5 agent. She is sent on a dangerous mission to gather information on Dreagan Industries based in the Scottish Highlands. Denae's mission quickly turns deadly. Kellan has been asleep for centuries. Disturbing a sleeping dragon can be dangerous! Denae will soon find out how dangerous. Can she trust the mysterious man that comes to her rescue?

Denae is a well trained agent that won't stop till the job is done. Kellan is a Dragon King. He has used his strength and integrity to protect dragons and humans alike. Denae and Kellan have sizzling chemistry. I thought the characters and plot were well written. My only problem with this story was that there were continued references to things that happened in the past that weren't fully explained. Despite this confusion, I really enjoyed this book and plan to continue this series.

This was the first book I have read byDonna Grant and it was a great read. I was apprehensive about at first, but as I read I got more into it. Denae and Kellan's story has a rough start. Waking up a sleeping dragon after years of sleep, Denae has no idea what she is in for. Kellan isn't exactly what she was expecting after he helps her. If anything he is instantly intrigued by her, where she is confused by him all the way around. Fighting for her life, she is also trying to figure him out throughout the story. He helps her, protects her, and has issues of his own to deal with. Denae is strong willed, feisty, and has Kellan all mixed up.

This was an excellent addition to the Dragon Kings series. The first full length novel and I loved Kellen's story. Absolutely loved Denae and she was just what he needed. Together they were wonderful and could do really neat things.I go between loving and hating Constantine the King of Kings. I think I am beginning to see what he is afraid is happening. If it is what I think he has a reason not to want all the mating that is happening.Loved Rhiannon the Light Fae would love to find out who her King lover was and why her and Con hate each other..The rest of the series was in e book form and it was nice holding a book this time. Looking forward to Tristan's story in the next book.

This was the first book I have read byDonna Grant and it was a great read. I was apprehensive about at first, but as I read I got more into it. Denae and Kellan's story has a rough start. Waking up a sleeping dragon after years of sleep, Denae has no idea what she is in for. Kellan isn't exactly what she was expecting after he helps her. If anything he is instantly intrigued by her, where she is confused by him all the way around. Fighting for her life, she is also trying to figure him out throughout the story. He helps her, protects her, and has issues of his own to deal with. Denae is strong willed, feisty, and has Kellan all mixed up.

This was an excellent addition to the Dragon Kings series. The first full length novel and I loved Kellen's story. Absolutely loved Denae and she was just what he needed. Together they were wonderful and could do really neat things.I go between loving and hating Constantine the King of Kings. I think I am beginning to see what he is afraid is happening. If it is what I think he has a reason not to want all the mating that is happening.Loved Rhiannon the Light Fae would love to find out who her King lover was and why her and Con hate each other..The rest of the series was in e book form and it was nice holding a book this time. Looking forward to Tristan's story in the next book.

Wow this book really drew me in. Romance, dragons, suspense...I love this book. The world building is so intricate and unique. I really like the characters, especially strong, bad ass female leads. The side characters also play important roles and I'm looking forward to reading about them in the rest of this series.

Not my normal read ... I believe I have read Donna's books before ... I think? I know I have promoted her books before. This was a Goodreads Giveaway win for me ... finally got some extra time to read this beauty. Love the cover. If you are one who loves paranormal or that genre ... you should totally check out this beauty. Must read!! Enjoyed it for a change. ( ;

Scotland and Dragons! A winning combination!

This was a FABULOUS read with sexy, macho DRAGONS and FAE. It's loaded with espionage and sizzling, awesomely hot romance!

The Darkest Flame was originally published as a four-part serialized story. The 1st three parts leave the reader with major cliffhangers. I am NOT a fan of serialized books and I avoid cliffhangers if I can. Fortunately, The Darkest Flame is now available all together - that's the way I read it - and I inhaled the book all in one day! I absolutely could not put it down once I started it. My review is for the whole book.

My full review has been published at Reading Between the Wines Book Club. Check it out at: [...]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I missed the Dragon Kings soo much since I read the 3 novellas before this!! Denae was a strong kick-ass woman and Kellan was a wonderfully aloof male (well he wished he could stay that way). He was protective but also showed he had confidence in Denae to handle herself.

I really want to read the next in the series, BUT I feel that I must read the Dark Warrior series first. I found out that this was a spin off from the warrior series, but didn't think it would matter too much. However during this book, I found too much was being given away and would potentially ruin/Spoil some of the Warriors stories for me. So before I read the next in this book I will go read those!

Big mistake reading this first book in the series after reading Amanda Bouchet's books. I found the best character to be Rhi. The others pale in comparison. Two thumbs up for the dragon theme though.

A full length story featuring another dragon king who is not happy eith having to share. Secret service, dark fea banding together with secret humam organization. Dragons, steam, magic, adventure. This story has all.

I enjoyed this book. There were many parts where i was squealing for my favorite characters and other times i was mad at characters for stupid decisions. But overall the book was great and i recommend if your like shifter romances. And dragons..

This story rocked. Donna never fails to describe the setting in her stories...as though I were right there with Denae when she had to make a mad swim in and then proceed to beat down her male partner when he tries to use her as bait. Denae was no damsel in distress, she could hold her own. Kellen was no regular hero. This story paced just right, adventurous, sexy and mythical. Dragons are my favorite mythical creature and Donna has spun an amazing and mystic story.

I'm rating this despite not having finished it, b/c I made it nearly halfway through before calling it quits. I'm more of an UF person than a PNR person, but I do enjoy PNR occasionally . . . if it's not stuff and nonsense:

"What was it about Kellan that made her open up? Was it his virile magnetism? His irresistible eyes? His finely honed body?
His mind-blowing kisses?"

This was, however, stuff and nonsense, so moving on.

The book on audio...the narrator Antony Ferguson for this book....oh my goodness is terrible. I could not finish listening to the book it was that terrible. The next book I purchase that Donna Grant writes, will be in ebook form.

Thank you for the next series to your amazing books. The suspense had me on my seat as the twists and turns had me holding my breath. What could happen next I kept asking myself. So many unexpected things. can't wait to catch up to my friend so we can talk on and on about these treasures you write. thank you

Darkest Flame arrived yesterday. Couldn't wait to get it read. Just finished it and loved it. After having read all the other Dark Kings I have been waiting for the new ones. I love reading about magic and dragons, throw in some serious romance, have it written by Donna Grant and it can't miss.

A full length story featuring another dragon king who is not happy eith having to share. Secret service, dark fea banding together with secret humam organization. Dragons, steam, magic, adventure. This story has all.

Wow this book really drew me in. Romance, dragons, suspense...I love this book. The world building is so intricate and unique. I really like the characters, especially strong, bad ass female leads. The side characters also play important roles and I'm looking forward to reading about them in the rest of this series.