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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First I’m going to say that I’ve been waiting for this book since I read deviant King back in November, I was excited af and there was a time in which I was scared, because even if I love all the books I’ve read by Rina this trope always gives me a migraine, so I was really surprised about how everything was perfectly executed.
I want to start talking about the characters they surprised me so much, I always found Kim interesting, but I had no idea the depth of her character, what she’s willing to do for the people who love, her friends and family on the top of being the one raising her brother she also has to deal with so much, she’s one of the strongest characters I’ve read about.
Xan, I’m going, to be honest, and said I wasn’t as interested in him as I was with the rest of the 4 horsemen, but he also surprised me a lot, he was not what I was expecting at all and all his reasoning and motivations were interesting to read, I didn’t know what to expect from him, but I fell in love with him since the prologue.
And the plot… again I’m looking like a fool because I keep doing completely wrong theories, I wasn’t expecting the twist and the revelations, I even had to pause for minutes to think about the things that were happening.
This series keeps surprising me with every book and I keep loving it more and more
Black Knight has been the book that I have most awaited for since reading Deviant King, Kim and Xander and their mysterious back story has intrigued me since.
This book took me by surprise as it is gritty, intense and at times very dark, it revolves around the strife between Kim and Xander both who can’t get enough of each other no matter how much they try to push the other away. Xander Knight is full of anger and has pent up resentment which has grown for Kim since they were 11-years old. Having been best friends during their childhood, no-one knows the other and their demons than each other. Both have demons that they try to mask through unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Kimberly Reed will make your heart bleed and cry for all that she has had to suffer, her pain is extremely raw and sensitive. You can’t help but fall in love with her and her resilience. Her strength is inspiring, despite everything she goes through she still values and puts everyone else’s needs ahead of her own and loves wholeheartedly.
Xander Knight is an asshole who cares so much that no matter how nonchalant he pretends to be towards Kim, it doesn’t slip the watchful eyes of Aiden and Cole, their chemistry is undeniable. Both Xan and Kim share emotional trauma related to their parents which led them to lean on each other and comfort one another, but one secret changed all of that. Their journey back to each other is everything that we have waited for, it’s touching and real, so very real. There is nothing fake about them when they’re together. They’re the perfect balance and get their happy ever after that they truly deserved.
. , ‘ . . .
Since we first met Xander and Kim in Deviant King I have been dying to know their story. Rina Kent made you become invested in them before even reading their story. You just knew that the pain an issues ran deep with these two but you were left clueless as to the reasoning.
Black Knight gave so much more than I was expecting. Xander and Kim stomped all over my heart and left me gasping for breath while feeling their pain. And oh my god the twists! I did not see those coming! They still had their back and forth banter that we loved in the rest of the series but now you were able to see just how laced with pain their comments really were. They were both hurting and trying to survive without each other. While they held so much hatred towards each other (or so they want everyone to believe) there is also still these underlying feelings of need, want, and love that stem from a young age.
‘ .
Their story was so powerful and dealt with some deeply emotional issues. Not everything is always as it seems and just because it may look like someone has a good life, doesn’t mean they aren’t dying on the inside while plastering a fake as fuck smile on their face every single day. Kim faced issues of self-doubt, eating disorders, and self-harm. Her emotions bled through the pages, splintering my heart along with hers every time something or someone tried to break her down. And while I wanted to hurt Xander sometimes, I was able to feel his struggle while he grappled with his feelings. And after learning the reasoning, I somewhat understood but still wanted to smack him.
This book bled my heart dry. I felt such an array of emotions and would go from smiling and happy to crying and wanting to scream at them (mostly Xander) but still left me wanting more. I wasn’t sure I could be as invested in Xander and Kim as a was for Aiden and Elsa but I’m pretty sure Xander just stole Aiden’s place in my harem. Kim is just going to have to learn how to share.
Kimberly and Xander’s story has so many layers! If you are easily triggered Rina’s advised you at the very beginning to approach this story with caution.
I was excited about this story since I always wondered why Xander seemed like a stalker towards Kimberly but never said anything nice to her. Why were they close as young kids but then seemed to hate each other as teenagers? Why does Kim always have this look of longing for Xander but barely say a word to him?
This story…Wow!!! There will be tears! This story is twisted…as usual, but also it is real, raw, dynamic.
Rina Kent weaves this story exceptionally well!
Black Knight 4.2
Knight and Kimmberly were once best-friends but somewhere along the way they turned to enemies and she lost herself so will he stop hating her to save her from herself? or will they both burn down in the name of memories?
Oh where do i start i sobbed and smiled and laughed and gasped throughout this book, Rina does it again with her incredible writing and her ability to plot twist like no other, the history they had was amazing, the chemistry was impeccable and the book was an intense page turner, the way the struggles were written and handled was amazing and i found myself falling in love with both Kimberly from start to finish. Knight on the other hand didn’t do enough groveling for me and his reasons weren’t the best but i still loved him but found myself loving Ronan 10 times more in this book. Seeing other characters was also so nice to read and just makes the coming books even more anticipating i for one can’t wait for Ronan’s story because i’m sure he will be my favorite.
Favorite Quotes
“I want to be your first and last and fucking everything.”
“For her i want to free fall to hell.”
“Xander is the fire and I’m the gasoline waiting to burn. He’s the ocean in his eyes and all I want to do is drown.”
This is the 4th book in this phenomenal series and Kimberly and Xander’s story is dark, intense, and emotional roller coaster journey throughout. These two are broken souls and yet so perfect together. This is a well written tale which is a poignant and beautiful and filled with angst, drama, heartbreak, and twists which all lead to a raw, gritty, unpredictable, and all-consuming story which had me totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner. I cannot wait to read more from this gifted author and I highly recommend for all. This is a truly brilliant masterpriece!!
This book was absolutely amazing! I LOVE Kim and Xander’s story. Rina Kent is an amazing author and anyone looking for a dark romance book needs to read this book. Kim and Xander left me speechless, the twists was amazing and surprising. I LOVE this book and will definitely be rereading Kim and Xander’s story again.
Excited to be back in The Royal Elite world. Have seen hints of Xander and Kim throughout the other books, so knew it would be a doozey but was not expecting this.
Kim, oh Kim… Her struggles with self worth and self care thanks to pressure and bullying break my heart. Xander for most of the beginning of the book is still a broody mystery, but that’s a good thing, as it’s Kim’s time to truly be seen so that she can finally shine.
This is definitely not a pretty love story tied up with a pretty bow. It’s dark, raw and gritty that will send you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Watching them both break and heal together and alone, more than once was heart breaking but beautiful to witness as each time made them a little bit stronger, but is it too late? Will they be able to mend each other to build a life together, or has too much been broken?
Read to find out..
Black Knight is book 4 in the Royal Elite series by Rina Kent and boy is it hard hitting! The story focuses Kimberly and Zander. Kimberly used to be best friends with Zander when life tore them apart and now, they seem to be like strangers in the dark, seeking each other out but never touching. Kimberly’s story is tragic in the sense that she has a facade that keeps people away; following along we see how she view’s herself and how others view her, from her mother, brother and friends. Yet Zander sees the real her and although he can be cruel, dark and cutting when it comes to Kimberly, you can actually see that he cares for her in his own twisted way.
To say Zander has his own demons is an understatement. He is a complex character that for most of the book you really abhor, but as the book moves along you see that he has his own scars and secrets which are bleeding out into how he copes with life and how it influences the way he treats Kimberly.
This book has so many twists and turns going on, not least Kimberly’s mental health issues which you have a front row view. Often it is harsh, heart-breaking and sad to read her story and the book does leave you wondering how she is going to get through the next day carrying all of this really heavy baggage around. The scenes between Zander and Stephanie are oftentimes hard to read, especially when you find out what the secrets are, but you see the genuine love/hate relationship they have for each other and how they are two pieces of one whole.
This story hurts to read, but you want to keep on going which is something I love about Ms. Kent’s writing, the total investment you have in the characters and their stories, it is like they are literally speaking to your soul!
As always, I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series and see what the characters have been up too! Warning: this book may have triggers for some readers!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
This is hands down one of the most emotional, gut-wrenching, raw, and gritty books I have ever read. Rina delivered a story that was brutally honest, unique, and unforgettable. To say this book came as a shock is the understatement of the year. This story was nothing like I expected in the best way and to be honest there are not enough stars or words to accurately describe how phenomenal this book is. This is one of those stories that worms it way under your skin and into your heart and soul, leaving you changed from the inside out. It’s the kind of story that gives you perspective and hope even in the darkest moments of your life. Rina delivered a story that was brutally honest, unique, and unforgettable. I’m not sugar coating my review because this book is dark and deals with some very sensitive subject matter that is not for everyone. But if you take the leap to jump into the darkness, I promise there is so much beauty in the darkness. This is my new top read of 2020 and an absolutely must read!
Read this book in a matter for hours and I feel like something that a tornado would pick up, then spit out. This book made me crying from the depth of my soul. As someone who suffers from severe depression and anxiety this book hurt.
This book was so deep, so unapologetic in how it dealt with mental illness and I couldn’t possibly love these characters and more. This book was not dark like the other books in this series, it was beautifully written. The world in which the author built is an amazing thing to behold this book has a lot of triggers but by now you should know this amazing authors name well enough to know… she don’t play. Don’t read if you don’t like dark books.
With this book there are dark themes yes, triggering themes yes, but what a ride, what a scary yet needed and fantastic journey these two take. There’s so serious twists I didn’t see coming and should have, I was too blinded by the brilliant writing to see it until smacked in the face. A must read for anyone that loves a sob fest. This book is the pure definition of angst
Cruel king review
All imma say is Rina’s books are like webs in the dark, you don’t see it till the very last minute and then your TRAP.
1 year I’ve waited for Black Knight. 1 year. And through out that year I’d come up with theory’s and ideas as the what it would be like and what would happen. But when I opened The book and read the first pages everything from over the year had been washed away.
The tears this book brought me and the reality of life, it was all so heartbreakingly beautiful.
It showed how people hide secrets so far down because they’re scared. They don’t want to hurt others. They need to protect themselves.
It showed that a bond from the beginning of their life’s, no matter how long seperate will always stay strong.
It showed that your Knight in shining armour may have flaws and cracks but he will still always be there for you to protect you from the wars that battle on around you.
Rina showed me that behind every fake smile is a secret that needs unleashed. Rina showed me that f*ck, she can write like a queen and make me cry like a lil bebe.
Rina you did an ABSOLUTLY amazingly, outstanding job on this book and I’m so just amazed. Thank you for sharing Knight and his green’s story in the perfect way that you did
I don’t just feel like I’ve missed out I know I have because I haven’t read the previous books in the series. This book left me an emotionally broken mess something I wasn’t expecting. Kimberly Reed is a beautiful soul who feels worthless. As a character she made me hurt, she made me cry and THEY made me angry and full of vengence. I know it’s not real but I really felt like I was a participant and not a bystander to her story and that’s because Rina wrote it with realism. Xander had me conflicted because I really didn’t want to like him in fact he makes it hard to do so. He is a very deep almost closed off young man who is the keeper of many secrets.
This was a book of surprises and touches on some very sensitive subjects. I laughed much more than I thought I would reading a bully romance. There is a very powerful message in these pages and it’s not a book I will forget and will read often.
Book four in the Royal Elite proves that this series just keeps getting better! Now, the first three books are about Aidan and Elsa and boy what a story that was, but we do get to see Xander and Kimberly through out; in fact we get all kinds of clues that get a reader intrigued and ready for their story. Xander and Kimberly’s story is not easy light reading, in fact its just the opposite. This is such a brutal read! This story deals with issues that are hard limits and trigger warnings for some. They have been a huge part of each others lives for as long as they can remember, until one day that friendship just stopped. Now they are almost mortal enemies, can barely tolerate being in the same space as each other, but they have the same friends so that makes it a bit hard in the avoidance factor. What happens when they can no longer avoid each other? When their issues come to light and secrets are revealed?
Holy hell, was this a good story, brutal but sooo freaking good! Seeing what they both go through sheds the light on why they are both so broken but yet so right for each other. Major drama, some really good naughty bits, some really hard parts, parts that absolutely hurt your heart when you read them. This was an amazing journey and I give it 5 stars.
Kimberly and Xander are broken souls, both have endured a lot in their young lives, and it has shaped the way they live and treat others. Keeping everyone at an arm’s length, scared to let anyone get too close for fear of being hurt again. But then they find one another, recognize the pain in each other’s eyes and it begins to bond them.
They despise one another, can’t really stand the sight of one another, but they crave one another too. It’s a confusing battle for both of them, but they are forced to run in the same circles due to their friends relationships, and as much as they try to push one another away, their secret attraction to one another constantly pulls them back in.
Black Knight is dark and heart-wrenching tale that will break your heart in a million pieces. It’s young couple has faced more pain in their young lives than most, and they carry it as a shield, warding off others, keeping them from getting to close. But that very pain is also the thing that unites them, they have a past, one that has left them at odds, so this isn’t an easy fall, they have a lot to sort out first before they can fully fall for one another. The chemistry they have keeps them circling around one another and keeps the steam rising from the pages, but there is also a a lot of heart torturing emotion there too… this one wrecked me!! This was my first in the series and I enjoyed every last word… it had me swimming in feels from start to finish. Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
I Give this Book a 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as 5!!
Updated Review: 07/23/20
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 5/5!!
I Can’t Express enough, that if you need to try out one specific book from this series IN Audiobook – THIS IS THE ONE!
This is by far the best audio in the entire series, even though the narrators are the same (which is perfect!).
It’s just that.. this book NEEDED to be heard in Audio.
The Narrators did such a fantastic job with Xander & Kimberly, they made this book even more emotional and heck even MORE HOTTER!!
This is an Unforgettable Audio!!
Older Review:
I Preordered This Book! I Love It!!
HEA(?): Yes!!!
Romance: 4-4.5/5
Heat: 4/5
Drama: 4-4.5/5
Suspense: 4.5-5/5
Dark(?): 2.5-3/5 (This is MY Rating, others readers opinion may differ)
Bully: 3/5 (To me)
I Will NOT Give Away Spoilers!
I’m so glad I read this book and I love it so much!
It was even better than I was anticipating!
There’s so much I want to say but then I’ll give away too much to I’m just gonna zip the lips XD!
I’ve cussed you so many times while reading BK. Not only have I’ve cussed you more times than I can count, Ive also had to shut my phone off and walk away. The emotional roller coaster you put me through with this book is well worth the wait and everything I look for in a book. Rina, this book is by far my favorite from you and my favorite read of 2020.
I loved this book and after seeing Xander and Kim’s interactions in Deviant King I couldn’t wait for there book to come out. Xander and Kim used to be best friends until certain events in there lives changed the course of there friendship forever. Kim pretends to be happy and everything is okay in her life but it isn’t and she is hiding a secret from everyone including her friends. Xander likes making Kim’s life miserable and tearing her down every chance that he gets. Will Xander make things right with Kim before its too late. This book is dark, emotional, tear-jerker and a roller coaster ride of emotions. Add this book to your TBR and you won’t be disappointed with this book.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rina takes us back to the Elite world where the reader is slammed into a world that is full of darkness.
This book really takes the reader into the darkness that is mental health. Kimberly has been battling her mental health issues for a long time, and attempting to hide the pressure that is put on her by her family. Her dad is her biggest supporter, but he just can’t be around all the time. She has a younger brother who is her world, and she will do anything to keep her Mom’s bad influence away from him.
Xander was Kimberly’s best friend when they were younger, but an event caused him to rip his friendship away. This forced Kimberly even further into the shadows as she became his biggest target.
Will they be able to find their way back to one another, or are they doomed to stay a part????
This author does it again in creating an engaging, raw, and gritty romance that is sure lead you on a powerful journey complete with heartbreak and healing, tears and laughter, and most of all a sense of hope and love between two broken characters with a tangible connection. Having read the previous books in this series, I had been most intrigued by Kimberly’s and Xander’s history and the author definitely does them justice in this bully romance. Clear your schedule and settle in with a box of tissues as their story is one that you don’t want to miss!
This book is not for the faint at the heart. Kimberly and Xander are both complex characters, each battling their own demons. They were childhood best friends, but now Xander is Kimberly’s tormentor. Kimberly’s story, at times, was completely devastating and shattered my heart. The author did a remarkable job with character growth and making her seem relatable. Xander has many layers to him which become much more apparent in the second half of the book. While this damaged bad boy is cruel towards Kimberly, he is the only one that truly “sees” her. While I wanted to shake at him at times, the author threw in some remarkable plot twists that made me see him in a new light. While the reasons for his actions became understandable, I do feel that Kimberly forgave him a little too quickly. Still, these two had an unbreakable connection and I enjoyed how the story unfolded.
This author tackles some heavy and pertinent topics in this novel with great sensitivity, awareness, and respect all while also incorporating hope and healing.
While I was at times an emotional mess while reading it, I do feel that these experiences made the characters seem more real.
As for the secondary characters, it was a treat to see appearances by the other horsemen and Elsa. Ronan, as always had me cracking up with his humorous monologues and over the top antics. Black Knight is book 4 in this author’s Royal Elite series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, I do recommend starting at the beginning because this series is just that good!