Love is impossible. Hate is an open game.
Kimberly
He was once my best friend, now he’s my worst enemy.
Xander Knight is heartbreakingly beautiful.
Ridiculously popular.
Brutally cruel.
He’s a knight but won’t do any saving.
Xander
We started as a dream, now we’re a nightmare.
Kimberly Reed is pathetically fake.
Terribly innocent.
Secretly black.
She can hide but never from me.
Black Knight is … me.
Black Knight is part of Royal Elite Series but could be read on its own. For better understanding of the world, you might want to read the previous books first. This is a high school bully romance, mature new adult, and contains visceral mental health situations that some readers can find triggering.
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I have been anxiously waiting for Knight and Kim’s story and I was not disappointed. I could not out this down. Xander and Kimberly were the best of friends until one childish prank turned Xander to push Kimberly away and become mean and cold. This is one is an emotional story as both characters are are emotionally damaged and it is heartbreaking to read how they chose to deal it. This one had me in tears. I love this series and can’t wait to read more. This book does deal with some heavy issues that may be triggers.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.
TRIGGER WARNING PLEASE BE AWARE
My eyes are puffy and red. I have never cried so much while reading a book. Honestly I have never cried so much in my 21 years of life. Kim. Kimberly. Kimberly Reed. I want to give her a big tight hug, actually I want to hug her and never let her go. That girl owns both me and Xander. So far she is my favorite character from the entire series and right next to her is Ronan. I’m just going to say I CAN NOT WAIT for his book. That boy deserves the whole fucking world, just like Kimberly.
When Rina promised us angst? She really meant it.
Xander, I don’t blame him for his hatred towards Kim. Yes, he pissed me off so much during the first half of the book because he knew how much Kimberly was being affected by his behavior, he should have been there for her, especially after leaning about certain stuff. But I did understand his point and in the end of the day he was the one who saved her. Plus he surprised both me and Kimberly with a secret of his own that finally stopped me from crying and made me smile like a Cheshire Cat. So all was forgiven.
And obviously let’s not forget the rest of the gang, Aiden being Aiden. I just love the psycho possessive side of him It will honestly never get old. Xander not being too far behind….. I already expressed my love for Ronan and teal omg I can not wait to read more about her. Cole and Silver are a huge question mark for me and are the most mysterious couple and I can not wait to read about them. LETS NOT FORGET KIRIAN, HE DESERVES ALL THE BROWNIES IN THE WORLD! THAT SWEET LITTLE POTATO!
I’m trying to keep this review spoiler free because trust me, you don’t want to know ANYTHING about this story before starting it. What idea you have in your head regarding the plot? Trust me it’s not even close to what the actual story is, maybe 30%? But for the rest? grab a fucking tissue box and get ready for the ride.
But I’m just going to say again PLEASE be aware of the trigger warning. If you are sensitive to certain topics, dm me and I’ll let you in on the warning because I believe it’s a huge spoiler, that’s why I’m not mentioning it here. But like I said feel free to DM me if you have any worries.
I just knew that Xandor and Kim’s story was going to be emotional and epic and I was right but I was blown away with how amazing it truly was. The hatred that they had for each other was so real that my heart hurt for Kim every time Xandor lashed out at her and to see Xandor suffering tore me up too. Kim had issues that were so tragic but so real and I cried for her because so many people deal with this serious situations, it felt so real and heartbreaking. Xandor had his own problems and at first, in previous books I thought it was just him being a priveleged jerk but we soon find out the issues are rooted deeper than we ever thought. These two have so much that they have to work out and try to navigate many situations, but can they look past their hurts and come to a understanding or will they let the hatred fester and destroy them? There were so many different twists and turns that I never expected, I couldn’t stop reading because I needed to know what happened between these two who grew up inseperable, and what tore them down and made them hurt each other. I loved that we got to see the rest of the guys and Elsa, I also love the dynamic the guys have even if it can be twisted they still have each other’s backs. I can’t wait for more stories from the guys and I just know Ronan and Cole’s stories will be just as epic as Xandor’s and Aiden’s have been.
Since Rina announced the release of Xander and Kim’s book, I was crazy creating theories in my head to explain their relationship based on the little I had read of them in previous books and I wasn’t able to come up with anything close to this. As expected, I devoured this book like everything I read from Rina before, starving to finally understand both and get to know them better. I have to say that their story was a delightful surprise, I didn’t expect it to touch me emotionally as it did but when I found myself sobbing and my heart beating so fast I knew I was totally wrong. If I’m being honest, despite my curiosity, they weren’t one of the couples I was anticipating the most but they certainly left their mark.
I was able to finally understand beyond Kim’s surface and everything she was dealing with, that’s when I saw myself admiring this girl’s strength. My chest was filled with pride every time she stood up for herself, faced her own demons and yet remained to be . There were many times that I wanted to protect her from the entire world, Kim just felt so real, she could be someone I know dealing with all these struggles and it touched my soul.
Xander was a mystery with many façades for me and when I thought I had finally unraveled a layer of it, there was a deeper one to be solved. I got really mad at him many times but when his deepest layer was unveiled, I could truly understand him and notice that – for my relief -, he had his reasons, definitely good ones, to act the way he did. Then it came to that point in the book that I was completely shocked. Totally stunned as if something had hit me and I didn’t know what it was and where it came from. Rina did it again. She completely surprised with an unexpected plot that I didn’t see coming, she’s really good at it. When I thought things were going to one direction she turned everything all the way to the other side.
Their relationship development was amazing, each one of them had personal battles to fight and still managed to support each other and still fight for their love together. The fact that all their problems weren’t solved just because they were in love was, once again, . I loved Kir so much, the kid strengthened the line that bound them together for all these years and he’s the cutest little man. I enjoyed so much the dynamic of the Horsemen and their girls as well, no doubt these guys are trying to drive each other crazy and still, I think that’s their way to keep one another sane. There was a great introduction to Ronan and I have to say that I managed to be even more obsessed with him than I was before, I’m so ready for his book that’s coming next! Last but not least, the parents, that as usual had their parts messing up their kids lives. I guess the children always end up paying for the parents’ actions.
Everytime I finish a book of Rina, the regret of reading it too fast comes, but I’m never able to help myself. Black Knight wasn’t different and surely was way above my expectations, it was heartbreaking and overwhelming, but mainly a story.
First, this book does deal with heavier subjects and contains triggering situations for some readers that Rina Kent explains in the beginning of this book. So please proceed with caution. But if you believe you can handle that, this book will not let you down.
I am not exaggerating when I say I’ve read this book a million times over since I received it in my kindle.
I absolutely LOVED both Xander and Kimberly. I’ve been waiting forever for this story and it was Worth. The. Wait. Rina Kent did not disappoint. In fact, she just raised the bar for every New Adult book out there. This is a story that will steal your heart, break it & put it back together again. Rina Kent has puts words to feelings many people, including myself, can identify with. I can’t even express the wild rollercoaster ride this book took me on. I dove in and never once stopped. This story will put you through every emotion possible.
I can’t spoil this because it truly would be doing an injustice to this book. But if you’ve read the first four books of this series, you know how anticipated Kim and Xander’s relationship was and now we’re finally here unraveling it all. I went in as blind as could be considering this is a couple we’ve already been introduce to if you’ve been following this series and I usually don’t do that but I do for Rina Kent’s books because for me, I trust her when it comes whether or not I could continue reading a book. Her books are dark and steamy yet realistic and heavy at times. Perfect combo for this reader. Five huge stars, I’d give it ten if I could.
Xander and Kimberly’s relationship ran the gauntlet of emotions that kept me turning pages as fast as possible. They had me soaking my Kindle to tears. The emotion, the heartache, the romance, it was everything. God…the way these two felt about each other just….I couldn’t get enough. I loved Levi and Astrid, Elsa and Aiden but Kim & Xander were absolutely perfect for how imperfect they were. Their journey was not easy and that’s what made it all the more satisfying to read. This was more than a five star read, this just ticked all my boxes. Honest and emotional, vulnerable but strong & brave heroine and the jealous, possessive bully complex alpha who sees her. Second chance romance. Best friends to enemies to loves. Check, check, and CHECK. Amazing.
The rawness of Xander and Kim’s emotions, their struggles, their conflicts, and their love was so powerfully described I felt right there with them, not only in their heads, but their hearts. The craving and longing for one another and their own individual journeys was so REAL that made me teary eyed more than one.
I loved every word, every moment of this story. It was truly the epic kind of love story. There are just many layers to these characters as individuals and as a couple. We get a incomparable introspection inside a friends to enemies relationship and the two sides of the whole that left me in awe with its twists and heart touching, soul healing therapeutic depth while at the same time breaking my heart.
& While this does gives us a sneak peek at both of the other horsemen, laying the groundwork for what is to come— I’ve gotta say, I still don’t have a clue! I do know that I am one hundred percent invested in all of these characters.
Rina, you were already one of the best out there but with each book, you’re just getting better and better. Black Knight was everything I wanted and never knew I needed. You’ve outdone yourself Rina Kent proved once again the talented and creative story teller that she is, always giving us new and oh so fresh stories. Black Knight is unmoving proof of it, Kim and Xan’s story is EPIC story material all the way. These two tore me apart and put me back together piece by piece throughout different parts of this book. Not only one of my top reads of the years, BK went straight to my ALL TIME FAV list, I won’t soon forget these two’s story.
I don’t think there’s anything more satisfying than anticipating something so much and not only does it deliver but exceeds expectations. I highly recommend this book.I was reading as fast as I could and then started all over again when I reached the end. I can’t even imagine where this author is going to take us with Ronan’s story.
& Above all else, before I go and reread Black Knight once again….to anyone who reads this review…
Please take care of yourself, mental health is just as important as everything else.
OMG Rina has done it again written something that i could not put down until the very end, words cannot express how i feel about this book. I’ve had a soft spot for Xander from the start but this made me love him even more.
This story does have a trigger warning as it does deal with some heavy issues like eating disorders and depression and cutting and even suicide. I adored the first three books but this really left a lump in my throat, this one was so much more raw and heartbreaking than the first three, don’t get me wrong it still had all the hot hot hotness and passion and drama and the secrets and the lies oh and lets not forget the ass wipes of parents that i swear should not be parents lol but it was so much more.
From start to finish it leaves you at the edge of your seat wanting to know what happens next. Both Kimberly and Xander are lost souls and have things going on that none of us could comprehend. But together they were like ying and yang they belonged together and were drawn together no matter how much they didnt want it.
When all the secrets are revealed will the damage be already done? will they ever be what they were when they were young? can they forgive and forget? your going to have to read it and see what happens .
This book is not for the faint hearted as it really does deal with some tough life issues which makes it so much more amazing. Rina has a way of drawing you in and pulling you along for the ride no matter how bumpy the ride is, and when its all over it will leave you with a lump in your throat and make you want to reread it all over again. Cant wait to get this on paperback.. Cannot wait for Ronan’s story im hoping its with a certain someone but am not mentioning names atm ill wait and see what Rina writes lol If you haven’t started the series start it you will not regret it.
I have been so intrigued by Xander & Kim ever since I first read about them in Deviant King. i just knew they are going to win my heart and boy was I right!
I have to say this book is one of the most emotional one by Rina. The way she so delicately wrote the emotions made me feel everything along with the characters. This is the beauty of Rina’s writing.
Xan & Kim were best friends when they were kids. They were completely inseparable. But one fateful event shattered their lives and made them drift apart. And now they can’t stand each other’s presence while in their heart they still long for each other.
Kimberly Reed is a beautifully broken character but she is, in no way, weak. Her agony, her pain & her suffering was captured beautifully. At times I could relate so much to her. The way she persevered was so inspiring. I especially loved how she took care of her little brother, Kirian.
Xander Knight was a complex character. He is bound by his demons. I loathed him for being such an ass to Kimmy but as the story progressed and his vulnerable side came out, I could understand his behaviour so much better. In scenes where he dropped his facade and was absolutely raw, made me cry!
Their love story was so beautiful. Rina wrote a whirlwind of emotions in this one. These two belonged together in every which way.
Once again the side characters impressed me to no end. I am so pumped for Ronan & Cole’s book.
This story took a completely different turn to what I predicted – and I really enjoyed it!
Kimberley and Xander have been neighbours and close friends since childhood. Till one bad day when they’re 11 years old, Xander cuts all ties with Kimberley without any explanation.
Flash forward 7 years later, and Kimberley is still fighting her feelings for her forever best friend and wants to get to the bottom of why he keeps pushing her away – when it is clear he feels something for her too.
Please beware this book does feature a suicide. To be read by R18+.
When I read the Author’s Note, I completely dismissed it. I’ve read book upon book of trigger warnings, and nothing happened inside this black hole of darkness I call a brain.
But this book was different.
I don’t know if it was the sleep deprivation from reading this series so obsessively or if it was the perfect storm of raw details surrounding “the event”, but it broke through my defenses and I actually broke down crying. And that’s a good thing!
I fell in love with the RES crew in the first book of the series and this continuation of Kent’s awesome world was even better than the start. I think part of the reason for this relates to how well she has developed Xander and Kimberly as flawed characters that are more relatable for me. She also threw in some serious plot twists and enough hot tension to burn a house down.
If you enjoyed the first 3 RES books, I highly recommend reading this one.
Whew, this book… sooo good and it made me tear up a few times. Kimberly and Xander’s story is a beautiful & at times heartbreaking. Of all the books in this series, this book is likely the sweetest though purely sweet is not an accurate description. It’s the love story I found the most sweet of the series. The bond between Kimberly and Xander is beyond solid, for worse or better. It’s a book about sacrifice, secrets, and longing well told.
Oh, how I have loved this series and I have to say that this book completely broke me. So much emotional angst that I couldn’t help but feel lost and heartbroken right along with them. Such a great series with fantastic writing and absolutely amazing narration.
After all the set up for Xander and Kim’s story in the previous Royal Elite books, I was desperate to figure out what their deal was. What did Kim do to make Xander hate her so much? Why does it seem like he doesn’t hate her as much as he wants it to appear as though he does? I was flipping these pages waiting for the revelation, each chapter making me more and more puzzled. After how Xander treated Kim, I was thinking ‘this better be good pal’. Although I can’t say I would have made the same choices, after figuring it out, I get why Xander acted the way he did.
Kim’s story was so heartbreaking. I got it. I really did. The fact that she suffered alone, that she believed she really was alone and unloved… It’s real. It’s triggering because it’s real. It was cathartic watching her wake up, surrounded by truth and love. It was overdue. But I’m glad that when it came to it, she had her friends, her father and brother, and Xander to remind her that the fog lies.
Xander and Kim had to heal themselves. They each had issues and they had to confront them to finally be free like they always should have been. But Xander and Kim have always been better together, seeing the good in each other and reminding one another. Simply being together is a medicine of it’s own.
Black Knight
Royal Elite, Book 4
By: Rina Kent
Narrated by: Shane East, Keira Stevens
Kimberly and Xander. This book is more than a romance, it’s relevant to our times and understated to say the least. Rina Kent has a talent for bringing this type of story to our attention. While it resides in the bully trope, it brings out so many more truths in our youth. Kimberly and Xander have been friends since birth, until one day, Xander just dumps her and begins to treat her terribly. Not only does she deal with this with her best friend, but her mother incessantly degrades her. Xander has secrets, ones that are tearing him apart. And together, years later, these two find their way through the darkness. It deals with depression, addiction, love, degradation, and so many more issues. Kent rips our hearts out and slowly puts them back together and creates a beautiful love story. It is simply fantastic.
Narrated by Keira Stevens and Shane East, the story is extraordinary. These two breathe life into the characters. Stevens as Kimberly is realistic, letting us feel the gut wrenching pain she feels. Her emotions are raw and we know it. East finds the heart of Xander, and gives us his agony. Then the two turn it around and we can feel the love. It’s an amazing listen and one you cannot do without.
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This is the fourth book in the Royal Elite Series, a Dark High School Bully Romance. I love this Series! Kimberly and Xander’s story is emotional, and captivating! The storyline is well written, and intricate. Shane East and Keira Stevens did an outstanding job with the narration. I love their voices together. I like Shane East’s beautiful and perfect French accent! I HIGHLY recommend this Series. #AudiobookObsession
Audio Review:
Black Knight (Royal Elite, Book 4) starts a new chapter with a new couple who’s story reads in one book. I loved how detailed the background is with these books in this series. I’m glad we met Kim and Zander in earlier works in this series and got to know tem better now. The writing style continues to flow and captivate you. Oodles of plot twists and explosive secrets providing exceptional entertainment. I loved the ending epilogue. Already jumped into book and look forward to see what it brings to the next couple. I loved Kim and Zander’s characters and lovestory.
Shane East, Keira Stevens duet narration is just what this series needs. The characters come alive and y get emerse nto their love saga. I love love Shane East. He is a top notch narrator. His inflection is perfect. Keira Stevens is a talented narator. I love ht inflection. Together these two perfected the story.
Black Knight by Rina Kent is a dark high school bully romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Shane East and Keira Stevens. This is the forth book in the Royal Elite series.
This book does come with a warning “This is a high school bully romance, mature new adult, and contains visceral mental health situations that some listeners can find triggering.”
I absolutely love this series! Rina is an amazing writer! She pulls me into the story and makes me fall in love with the characters. I loved the relationship between Kimberly and Xander. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series Vicious Prince so I can get Ronan and Teal’s story.
Shane and Keira did an amazing job on the narration! I absolutely love duet narration it just brings the story to life.
I would highly recommend this book if you love dark romance or bully romance.
AudiobookObsession
AudiobookObsessionReviewer
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Captured by the Black Knight! 5 stars
My heart broke within reading the first few pages, and I knew right then that that this book was going to take me on an emotional journey. Kim and Xander were friends as kids, turned enemies. We learn that Kim did something Xander felt was unforgivable, so I was riveted to the pages to find out what it was. As the book went on, it became a raw portrait of darkness. It was painful but beautiful at the same time, and the warning was there for a reason. Parts of this book were so hard to read that I couldn’t stop crying and had to hold the Kleenex box. Both Kim and Xander are broken and flawed and need to work on themselves, but they tilt each other’s world upside down and felt like soulmates. When secrets were revealed, I was floored. Can they turn from enemies to something more? Read this book that captured my attention from beginning to end, and find out! This book made me cry, made me gasp, made me smile and made me swoon, so it absolutely took me on that emotional journey I knew it would. I loved it (like I have this whole series) and highly recommend it!
*Read through Kindle Unlimited.*
Raw, Emotional, Angsty, Unforgettable.
I was so curious about Xander and Kimberly’s dynamics whilst reading Aiden and Elsa’s story. I wasn’t sure how their story would play out, the push and pull tension was there even from the outside and Rina Kent DID NOT DISAPPOINT with Black Knight!!
I loved the sweet build up and oh how my heart crashed when the first wave hit.
Don’t we all just want to be seen? Even when we hide our true selves?
“ ’ , ’ , . *% .“
Rina Kent did not let up- she was relentless with the rawness of her bared emotions- her angsty heart wrenching words battered me, wave after wave, I was pulled under and pulled apart… left drowning in my own blood…
“ *% , . , ’ .“
I clung to every bit of debris -anything- just for a measure of hope and an emotional life raft of sorts.
For both Kimberly and Xander, their broken pieces cut me soul deep- ALL THE FEELS never felt more appropriate. I saw them, and I loved their journey and such a scarred and beautiful story with a HEA.
*Can be read as a standalone but it is recommended that you read the prior interconnected books for added effect.
** Again, this is a Dark Bully Romance. Please read the possible trigger warnings by the author.
5 I SEE YOU STARS
Oh my poor breaking heart. I mean, its not broken. The ending was great. But this story was raw and heartbreaking from the start. Both Xander and Kimmy suffered extreme disappointment from their parents their whole lives. And Kimmy even torturing her body inside and out for years because of it. My soul was shattering reading that. I have totally been witness to that pain. But the twists in this book I did NOT see coming. The anguish, pain and love between the two for so many years was so pulsing. When they finally gave into it, I just LOVED IT. What a great story. I cant wait to read/listen to the next installment.