It is highly recommended you enjoy Wild Card before diving into Dark King. Blurb contains spoilers. Rule #5: Don’t allow distractions. They’ll only break you. In the blink of an eye, Kingston Romano’s entire world has fallen apart. His sister is in the hands of a rival mafia family, and his only hope of getting her back is by making a wager that includes the mysterious Acely Mezzerich.… mysterious Acely Mezzerich.
Unfortunately for King, his feelings for Ace only escalate the longer he’s around her, muddling his conscience as well as his arrangement with the enemy. And if has any hope of saving his sister and keeping Ace, he needs to execute it perfectly.
As the pieces start to fall, he’ll have to learn who he can trust and who needs to be eliminated before it’s too late.
*Recommended for audiences +18
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Dark King: A Mafia Romance
Advantage Play, Book 2
By: Kelsie Rae
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro, Aaron Shedlock
I could not wait to start this second book of the Advantage Play series! This is my kind of listen! Romance, suspense, a little angst, a lot of action, the perfect story for my ears! You have to listen to book one to understand what is happening, so grab that if you haven’t yet. Kingston has a lot on his plate. He is watching his rivals, but now it’s personal. His sister is gone and as it should be, family comes first. He will do whatever it takes to bring his sister home. And with the help of some unlikely candidates, and the love of a good woman, he is geared up and ready to go. Plot twists and turns keep the suspense high, and surprises coming. And such sweet revenge! Rae has a knack for writing this kind of story, and I am looking forward to what she has coming next with Little Bird.
Aaron Shedlock and Kelsey Navarro continue their incredible narration. These two compliment each other well and hone in on the characters so believably that it’s like a movie playing. Loved this book!
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Brilliant Story & Narration A Riveting Thrill!
Dark King: A Mafia Romance Advantage Play, Book 2
By: Kelsie Rae
Narrated by: Kelsey Navarro, Aaron Shedlock
Wow, just wow, this is one amazing story and series! Kelsie Rae does not disappoint in her second book of her “Advantage Play” series. This book follows “Wild Card” be sure read or listen to that before this, this book picks up right where that leaves off, with Kingston having to make a tough decision. Family always came first but will he have to sacrifice the woman who not only intrigues but is starting to fall for. Ace is fearless and willing to do what she has to do to get back at the monster who stole her life and now her best friend too. I loved how everything plays out in this series, all the great plot twists, the drama, the angst, the thrilling suspense and the great romance that developed between Ace and Kingston. I highly recommend this book and series, it will take you to the edge of your seat at times, have you rooting for Ace to not only rid the evil Burlone but for her relationship with the Dark King. Kelsie Rae thank you for this awesome book and series, I loved every word of it.
I listened to the Audible edition, Kesey Navarro and Aaron Shedlock are fantastic narrators and voice artists. They continue to bring these characters and their story to life and their portrayal of them is perfection, sounding exactly as I picture them. They set the perfect tone for the story, capture the characters emotions, their passion and attitude, which is heard in their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen
What an amazing series!!!!! These characters are amazing, the story line is intense and the author knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!
I have to warn you though, this series deals with some dark topics and you really need to make sure you are reading it in order so that you fully understand what is going on.
I don’t normally read dark, mafia featured stories but I decided to give this one a shot and I was not disappointed. There is drama, suspense and some serious chemistry between Kingston and Ace that can not be ignored.
A must read for sure!
By Alisa
Kingston and Ace story continues and concludes here. It’s dark, gritty, action-packed and I just couldn’t put it down. We are introduced to other characters that had me wishing would get stories too.
Kingston’s world started crumbling when his sister Regina was kidnapped by his nemesis Burlone who deals in human trafficking.
Ace and Gigi are best friends. When Gigi is missing Ace knows Burlone is behind it.
Burlone enjoys playing games especially poker. An average player Kingston must somehow come up with a plan to beat Burlone or he loses Ace and Regina to human trafficking.
Ace and Kingston balance each other. Wild Card has only seen the soft side of Kingston. Will she be able to handle the Dark King?
This series is soooo addicting! Can’t wait for Little Bird.
I find it incredibly sexy and so consuming that the sex is minimal. I am so wrapped up in the craziness that is happening that normally I would need a little more action but I have plenty of “action” to keep me occupied from start to finish!
I love Ace even more during this book because you can clearly see her growth 10x more. She’s an incredible woman who’s overcome so much and it just makes her that much more sexier! Her heart makes my heart explode! So many characters that I need more of and I can’t wait to see how Kingston’s leadership holds up.
I thought completely wrong about a few characters and I’m excited to see more but I’m worried I’m running through these books too fast! This family and these dramatic moments make my life seem not so bad so it’s helping calm me more. I love the dark, the consuming and intoxicating moments you can’t stop thinking about even long after the book! This book has many of them!!
Perfection! This book starts at the same place the first ended and then we get so much more of this amazing story. These two are so full of emotions and strength that t overwhelmed me. I love this book as much if not more than the first and I just need to have more of this group.
The suspense continues along with the sizzling heat
Dark King is the second book in the Advantage Play series by Kelsie Rae. It continues the story of Ace and Kingston in this suspenseful mafia romance picking up where the first book, Wild Card, ends. Their relationship keeps getting deeper and more complex as more facets of each are revealed. I really enjoyed this second book and the continued story-line that has been well plotted and concise, but with lots of twists and turns. Add in the additional character development and depth which have resulted in a well written book.
This duet is a definite recommend read if you like your mafia romance on a bit of the darker side of things.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Such a great continuation of the series. Once again it was a very well written entertaining mafia romance. Ace and Kingston must use every weapon in their arsenal to dig out the Romano family from the predicament they found themselves at the end of the first book, Wild Card.
I loved Ace’s strenght and the way she accepted the dark side of her King. I loved how Kingston treated Ace with love, respect and trust.
Dark King was a great story by Kelsie Rae. I liked the writing, the alternationg POVs.
I can’t wait to find out what happens in Little Bird.
After the ending in book one, Kingston’s world is starting to unravel. The night was going so well and has now ended horribly. His sister now missing, his girl hurt; a power play has been made and now he has to figure out how to retaliate, while keeping everyone that he holds close safe. Will he be able to keep his world from falling apart even more? Can he rescue his sister from the hands of a madman, without losing Ace in the process?
Book two was just as entertaining, and didn’t let us down in the action department. Once again loaded with drama, danger, and violence; I will say that I was let down with how tame the spicy moments were, all the chemistry from book one and it was more fade to black style than what I was expecting. I give this 4 stars.
I loved the next installment of this series. I can’t get enough of Ace and Kingston but now it gets even more intense. I so want to dive into the next book.
Love Ace and Kingston. They are perfect for each other. I loved how he was sweet to Ace. This was the conclusion to their story but not the end of the series. Looking forward to what the author has in store for us in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You really need to read book one in this series called “Wild Card” prior to reading this book and you shall want to read book 3 afterwards. This story kept me on my toes with it’s twists and turns and it was a delight to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dark King is the second book in the Advantage Play series, and continues with Ace and Kingston’s story. I have loved reading and following their story. I love how Kelsie Rae added suspense to to her book as well as romance to her book. I highly recommend reading book one before starting book two. I look forward to reading more from this author.
When Kelsie Rae decides to go in a different direction, she means business. This sequel to Wild Card is as different from her first books as you can get!
Kingston needs Ace’s help to play a truly winner takes all game of poker, and the stakes have never been higher. Family comes first for more than one person, but who will King and Ace be able to trust?
While different in tone from Kelsie’s earlier books, the story is still character and relationship driven. The heart of the story remains truly that, the heart.
This is the second book in the Advantage Play Series, an amazing Mafia Romance and Romantic Suspense. I loved the first book so much! and this book is as great as the first book in the Series. I love Ace and King together! They are great strong characters. The secondary characters are also great and intriguing. They have an important part in this story. This story is very well written, suspenseful, fast-paced and captivating. Now, I can’t wait for the next book in the Series, Little Bird! I’m looking forward for more books written by Kelsie Rae. I HIGHLY recommend this Series.
Contemporary Romance, Adult, Mafia
First Person, multiple-POV
Book #2 of the Advantage Play series. It is the end of the duet, but the series will continue with different characters.
“To win the tournament, all you need to do is know the rules, know the strategies, and know your opponents.”
by Ace
WHAT HAS REALLY WORKED FOR ME
Addictiveness: 4/5 This story was fast paced with a perfect amount of suspense that had me reading it in one sitting. As addictive as pizza!!!
Character: hero 5/5, heroine 5/5, secondary characters 5/5, growth 4/5, real 4/5 Characters were well constructed and not one dimensional. They were very likable and easy to connect.
Kingston was a good antihero. That man is no hero, he lived by a totally different code of honor than the norm, but inside their out of ordinary world he was really good. In the first book Kingston was afraid to show Ace his real persona. This time, he couldn’t hide it from her. He was darker and meaner than in the first book, but he was still a softie with Ace.
Ace was a great heroine. She not only overcame all the hurdles that life threw at her, but she also learned compassion and loyalty along the way. When she accepted Kingston and his world, she accepted everything that came with him. She showed a bit of a badass too.
Several interesting secondary characters that I know will get their book in the future. With that ending we already know what comes next in the series, and I can’t wait to read it. I would love a book of Jack. I have to throw it out there.
Villains… they were easy to hate and easy to discover who they were. Even though there was a mystery for the series, they have a rat, but they don’t know who it is.
All characters were easy to love, connect and understand.
Cover: art 5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. I love how this cover has being made for this particular story. We can see Kingston at the cover, that is read, like blood. We can see the cards, a king, his queen and death. The font, it’s color and placement of the writing at the cover works really well. I would easily buy this book by its cover, without needing to read the blurb!
Freshness: 4/5 I like it. It is a bit different than most mobster’s romance, which gives an original vibe. As fresh as ice cream.
Plot: believable 4/5, conflict 4/5, dialogue 4/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 4/5, opening 4/5, pace 5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 5/5, twists 5/5 Good opening and amazing end. The conflict, subplot and twists were better explored in this book. They felt believable. I also have enjoyed how the author has built the next few books of the series. High level of enjoyment!
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 4/5, development 4/5, steam4/5 Yes. The couple finally made it. The build up from the first book was good and they had the perfect description on this one to make every thing believable. The smut was good and the chemistry between characters really worked. Passionate love!
Writing Style: 4/5 This book had a great plot, with good characters and cute romance. Perfect pace with an original concept that had me wanting more at the end. Looking forward to read more! Good writing!
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
I guess this is a suspenseful series and there are always going to be a few mysteries for the next book. So, I have to say not all of my questions were answered and a few new ones were added, but I can’t wait to read the next book to look for clues.
MY THOUGHTS
The pace of this story was so good, that it kept the suspense going and the tension flowing.
I also loved how the author used multiple point-of-view that made it easier for us to understand what was going on.
The mobster scenes were a bit more gritty here, but still soft compare to most mobster stories.
I ended the book wanting more and can’t wait to read Gina and Jack’s books (I know it won’t be together)
31/35 STARS – 4 STARS (between 28 stars and 31 stars)
Addictiveness: 4 Character: 4.5 Cover: 5 Freshness: 4 Plot: 4.5 Romance: 5 Writing Style: 4
Action 4/5
Angst 2/5
Darkness 2/5
Humor 0/5
Romance 5/5
Suspense/Mystery 5/5
Would I recommend? Sure. If you are looking for a sweet mafia romance.
Would I re-read this book/series? I will definitely follow the series, but I guess I would only need to reread the book if the wait between books from the series is too long.
Would I read more from the author? Yes.
You may read this because you like the author; you SHOULD read this because you enjoy mafia romance; you MUST read this for great romance with a dash of suspense!!!
Dark King by Kelsie Rae takes us to entirely new level from the first book, Wild Card, which must be read first. Full of surprises and twists at every turn, we are taken on one wild ride. This books starts where we left off and is full of suspense. With danger at every turn, King and Ace are in right in the middle of it. Can they make it to the other side together? I want to share so much, but this is one story you just have to experience. This author is definitely showing us the versatility in her writing!
Happy reading!
Ace gets her revenge and justice is served!
by sewsummore
Having read the previous book in the series I was eager to read the next book and I was not disappointed. Ace and King work together to bring his sister’s kidnapper to justice and at the same time place four of the underworld’s key flesh traders in the hands of the FBI. The dramatic scene where Burlone gets his just deserts was inspired. The characters in this story displayed both fierce determination and unwavering loyalty to the ones they loved and cared about which only made the enjoyment of this story even better. There is another book in the series after this one which I am eager to read when it is released.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
IT’S SOOOOO GOOOOOOD! *Yes, all caps are necessary* I quite literally flew through Dark King. The ending of Wild Card left me with soooo many questions, that when I got my hands on the second book nothing else mattered but finding out what happened with Ace & Kingston. Let me tell you, that cliffy was absolutely worth it.
Kelsie put so much work into getting all the details in, that I almost felt like I was at the table getting a poker lesson from Ace, instead of Kingston. Her passion for this world is truly felt, as is the desire between Ace & Kingston. For characters who play it close to the chest in life, both learn to lean and trust in each other, even when everything is on the table. You could really see the difference between Ace’s outside world and Kingston’s dark, seedy one, where he is a law unto himself, and answers to no man. Taking down those that mess with what’s his.
It’s a perfect transition into this new series that Kelsie has created. I already can’t wait to find out what happens next, as I know that she won’t disappoint!
Be sure you read Wild Card, cause you are going to NEED to read Dark King. *Again, it’s a necessity*