He knew her round eyes and the deep shade of brown along with the band of black that encircled her irises. He knew the slope of her breasts, the indent of her waist, and the flare of her hips. He knew the way she preferred to wear muted colors to help her blend in with a crowd. It had taken one look to put all that to memory, but he found his eyes going to her again and again, as if he couldn’t … couldn’t get enough.
Nikolai is a dragon shapeshifter who knows well the meaning of loss. Orphaned and raised to be a Dragon King, he never accepts defeat. Now, Nikolai prefers his solitude. . .until a beautiful, irresistible woman calls upon him for help–and Nikolai’s whole world goes up in flames.
Ever since MI5 agent Esther woke to discover her mind taken over with magic, she feels like a stranger to herself. She looks to a notorious dragon, one who has the power to help her find her memory. But as she and Nikolai come closer to discovering what really happened to her, a dangerous passion ignites between them. Can this lone Dragon King help the woman he’s grown to love to uncover the truth about her past–or will a deep and fiery danger tear them both apart in Heat, the next Dark Kings novel by New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant.
The Dark Kings series is:
“Provocative [and] sizzling.”
–RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
“This series is a must-read.”
–Night Owl Reviews
more
I’m a massive fan of Donna Grant’s Dragon Kings, and this book did not disappoint me in the slightest.
Nikolai has a great backstory, it is heartbreaking but intriguing at the same time. And the thought of him as a baby dragon is just so cute.
The way Ms Grant brings Esther and her brother’s, Henry’s, story to the forefront of the book is genius as well. You don’t see it coming, and it makes Esther and Nikolai one of my favourite couples in the series. I see so many strengths in them as they fight for the truth together.
The storyline that runs through all the books is there and goes from strength to strength. I don’t want to say too much, but I love Rhi and boo hiss to Usaeil and Balladyn.
I understand that Ulrik’s book is next and I can’t wait.
This is a must read series. There is so much talent in the writing, and that draws you into a mystical world of shifters, fae and magic like no other series I’ve read.
Esther is a former MI5 agent whose memory was messed with by a Druid. Esther then requests help from Nikolai, a hot Dragon King, to help her track down the Druid and recover her memories.
There are several story lines happening in this book. I had a hard time following along with parts because I haven’t read any of the previous books.
I am glad I read this anyway. I also really liked the story line with the light and dark fae quite a bit, too. I want Rhi to reunite with her Dragon King. Whoever that may be. That alone is enough reason to start at the beginning and get all my questions answered. So, really, this book has made me want to read the whole series and that makes it a darn good book.
I received this ebook from NetGalley. This review is completely my opinion.
The showdown with Ulrik is coming. Nikolai and Esther are on a mission to find the Druid that took her memories and controlled her and Kinsey. I liked how for once no one fought the relationship. Nikolai, Esther and even Con and Henry accepted that there was something between them. The only issue I have is with the very ending. I got to the lsat page and literally screamed no because there was nothing more.
4.25 stars– HEAT is the twelfth full-length instalment in Donna Grant’s adult, DARK KINGS paranormal / fantasy romance series focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. This is dragon Nikolai the ivory, and MI5 agent Esther North’s story line. HEAT can be read as a stand-alone but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order. There is a war approaching between the dragons, the fae and humankind, and the build-up has been on-going for several installments.
SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. The Dark Fae and their King Taraeth, along with the Ulrik the Silver Dragon King and his uncle Mikkel have declared war on the Dragon Kings by exposing the dragon’s existence to humankind. The last wars between man and the world of the paranormal saw a great loss of life on all sides-but Ulrik wants revenge against King Constantine of the Dragon Kings; Mikkel wants to become King of the Silvers, and the Dark Fae want the Dragon’s hidden weapon and to rule Scotland and the rest of the world. HEAT overlaps with Donna’s new spin off series THE REAPERS who may be a potential ally with the Dragons Kings in their war with the Dark Fae and Mikkel, the silver.
Told from several third person perspectives including Nikolai and Esther HEAT continues the build-up towards war as Esther goes in search of her memories, stolen by a Druid working for the other side. Esther’s memories buried deep within her mind are her only connection to the who and what of her recent excursion where she posed a danger to the Dragon Kings and the women they love. For weeks, Esther has suffered with unimaginable nightmares that threaten to destroy the person she once was but nightmares that warn of what was and things to come. Partnered with Nikolai, the Ivory King, he and Esther go on a European tour searching for the truth only to discover that the truth has been buried for far too long. What ensues is the building relationship between Nikolai and Esther; Nikolai’s reconnection with the Dragon who raised him as his own; and the discovery that Esther, and her brother Henry are not whom they believe themselves to be.
Like all of the previous story lines HEAT continues to build towards war-a war the Dragon Kings are desperately trying to avoid. The Light Fae Rhi discovers that helping a friend inevitably helps the other side- a lesson learned too late for the fate of humankind. Mikkel continues to plot the demise of Ulrik and the other dragons, while Ulrik’s motives are no longer clear, or whose side he is on.
Once again there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the Dragon Kings, druids and witches, dark and light Fae, as well the return of the Reapers.
HEAT advances the series but a few weeks in time but reveals the potential for new alliances, and the fall out between Rhi and the fae. We have yet to discover the identity of Rhi’s Dragon King-the man who broke the Light Fae’s heart-I am hoping the identity is soon revealed. The premise is intriguing and revealing; the romance is fated and passionate; the characters are numerous, eclectic and colorful. HEAT is an informative, revealing and welcome addition to the Dark Kings.
I fell in love with the men in this series. Great story line. Read one right after the other.
Things are heating up for the Dragon Kings. Nikolai has slept away the centuries after sending his dragons away. Guilt for not standing up for the dragon king that saved him leaves him with little desire to wake. How can he stand against Ulrich after what he did for him? Constantine has awoken all kings and he must answer the call.
Ester has been used against the kings, against her brother. A druid took over her brain, controlling her, slowly destroying her, destroying everything. She did something unexpected. Something that will put Ester and Nikolai on the druid’s trail and a confrontation with Ulrich.
I had read most of the Dragon Kings books but for some reason I stopped. I can only assume I was overwhelmed and just didn’t’ have time. Audiobooks to the rescue. I am loving this series again. I am devouring this series again. I am purchasing audio after audio wanting to know what happens next.
4.5 stars
Nikolai and Esther head to London to see if they can recover Esther’s lost memories. While searching for clues they finally admit their attraction to each other. I quite enjoyed their relationship. Nikolai gave Esther a chance to become herself again and supported her during all the changes. He really was a great hero and partner for her.
There was quite a few big changes and revelations in this book. The truth about Usaeil finally comes out, Ballydin finally makes a move, and the druid is finally located. So much in such a short time and I loved it. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
My Thoughts – 5 out of 5 Unicorns – I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I think I want to collect this series in paperback!!
The cover is WOW! Love it, and you know why!
This is the 12th book in the series, and it is for adults only due to steamy content and violence. You can definitely read this book on its own, but I highly suspect that it would be so much better if each book was read in order. I want to collect them all in paperback when I can. This is only the 2nd book I’ve read in this series.
This is an awesome world full of Dragon Kings, Dark Fae, Light Fae, Reapers, Druids (both mies and droughs), magic, mates, and more! I love complex worlds where you don’t see how everything is going to work out. Surprises around corners and action galore made it impossible to put this book down. I love how well Nikolai and Ester work together and come together. They are a great pair! Still wondering what will happen with Rhi especially with what happens in this book. All sorts of drama, treachery, and more to leaving me wondering how things will go next. I really want Ulrik to come around, but who knows!
I highly recommend to any paranormal fans who loves adventure, action, and romance! I love this series, and I want more!!
If you’re into Paranormal genre, Donna Grant should be #1 on your MUST read list! I’ve read every book in this series and am anxiously waiting the next release in May.
Nikolai and Esther’s tale of love and suspense definitely keeps the reader turning those pages to the end. Enjoyed this author’s Dark King book. Will be reading more of her books.
Ebook from Netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.
Heat is book 12 in the “Dark King” series. Though I did not, you are going to want to read this series from the beginning. While each book focuses primarily on one couple at a time with a continuous story line, I felt the author did a great job with her writing, so that I was able to pick up the story quickly even without reading all the others in this series. This book does have characters from previous books; I will have to pick those up so I know how they got together and get those pieces of the puzzle from those stories as well. With that said I still enjoyed reading this book. Nikolai is a Dragon King looking for answers to help him and Esther remember her past. With his special skills and her determination for answers of the truth they set out on their quest. I loved these two together as a couple and a team. I felt their relationship was very well written and the quest to find the truth just brought on a bigger plot and more questions for me and the other Dragon Kings. I loved the characters in this story, good or bad? Not too sure all the characters that are written as bad, are bad at all. But then again that’s just my opinion, you’ll have to read and see for yourself if you’d feel the same way. I give this book 4.5 stars.
***I voluntarily reviewed this ARC for an honest review via NetGalley, this is my honest opinion and has not been influenced by the author, Publishers or NetGalley in anyway.*** Thank you!
Esther may be a former MI5 agent but nothing really prepares you for when a Druid takes over your mind! She may have been rescued but she still feels that something is…off with her mind. There are huge gaps and she is sure things have been rearranged somehow. She also worries that the very people who took her in look at her sideways…is she still a threat to them, is she the weak link in their protection?
Nik may by a Dragon King but he is also a bit of an artist. When Ether finds his room covered in pictures of her, instead of being scared that he is a stalker, she realises he can see past her fears and into her memories. Maybe together they can sort through her failing memory and find what is lurking within her sub-conscious.
Another great book in the series. Esther is perfect as the emotionally damaged Esther, frantically trying to make sense of the gaps in her head. Nik is both Alpha male and sensitive soul, an unusual mix. Great pace to the book and nice to check in on the previously mated couples.
This is a series you really have to read from the beginning ig you don’t want to get lost!
I have read some books by this author and I confess that her writing is addictive.
I do not follow this series here, I got lost among so many characters. All are strong, alpha male.
As a romance, about the main couple, the book is very good, but not recommended as a stand alone. I’d get more out of it if I had known precious characters and their stories.
5 stars
I have fallen in love with dragon shifters and Nikolai is at the top of the heap. That man is quiet strength that is sexy as hell. He and Esther have some crazy chemistry that they both feel but have tried to push away.
I loved the beginning when Ulrik found Nikolai as an orphaned hatchling and he took him under his wing (no pun intended) even though Ulrik was a Silver King and Nikolai belonged to the Ivories. His parents were just murdered by rogue Ivories and he had a gut feeling to stay with Ulrik rather than going back to his clan. It wasn’t until he had grown into his powers that Nikolai challenged the King and become King of the Ivories.
When Esther, an M15 agent, goes on a quest to find the druid that stole her memories, she wants Nikolai by her side. Since she has been living in the castle, she and Nikolai both feel a connection. Nikolai with his powers of with just one look he can create on paper what Esther experienced. “She filled his mind like no other had before.”
Their quest takes them to London and Ireland. Their time alone allows them the time they need to fall in love and discover so much about Esther’s lost memories and much more. There is so much mystery, suspense, intrigue involved that it kept me turning those pages fast and furious. I don’t want to give anything away because there is so much that goes on with everyone! Wow this is really getting good! I can’t wait for more!
Dragon King Nikolai has a gift for drawing. He only needs to see something once and he can reproduce it in great detail. There is also a little magic that helps him take his drawing just a bit further.
Esther North is now working with the Dragon Kings, but is suffering the after effects of a druid invading her mind. Maybe Nikolai can help her. Our characters have several problems to solve. Lots of different villains all with their own agenda.
This is a series that should be read in order. The underlying story carries on through each book although they each have a different hero and heroine.
Lots of magic , danger and intrigue.
A very exciting and magical series.
If you haven’t read the others you might be a little confused, like me. It was an excellent story though with dragons and other paranormal creatures. The sex was hot. The characters were both good and evil. It doesn’t just tell the main characters sides but several more views. They don’t argue or fight, it’s just a love story between a dragon and human.
Esther is a MI5 agent who had some of her memories erased by a Druid. She is staying in Dreagan, the dragons castle, while trying to find out who took her memories and what she did in the time she doesn’t remember. Nikolai is a dragon king who was orphaned by some of his own people. He has the power to look at a person and see where they have been. Then he sketches it. He helps Esther find the Druid that stole her memories, so they travel to London where she was last at. There they discover secrets of Esther’s and who she truly is. Nikolai knew she was his mate when she walked into his room and saw his drawings. But he will wait until her memories are back before telling her, meanwhile Esther has fallen in love with him too. First they have to get her life back on track before they start talking about a future.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed for Netgalley *
This is not a standalone book. I would highly recommend reading this whole series. This is Nikolai and Esther’s story. We do find out some interesting things in this book. We always find out answers to some of our questions whenever Donna comes out with a new book in this series. We also start asking many more questions but that’s what makes reading this books so great. Someone who should have died awhile ago finally does. What is Con upto? It was great seeing some of the Warriors and Druids in this book (I miss them). It is always great to be able to read these books early but then it feels like I have to wait long for the next book, lol.
*Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this for my honest opinion*
I’m usually all for a good dragon story, so when I received this one from NetGalley, I was anxious to dive in. That excitement quickly turned to confusion as I read when I kept trying to figure out what I was missing with these characters and their story. To be fair, the info on NetGalley didn’t mention a series, let alone that it was book twelve in that series! I did keep at it, but with minimal world building and only snippets of info here and there, I was left with more questions than answers. I can only assume that many of my questions were answered in previous books, but after the struggle to get through this one, I don’t feel a pressing need to explore this series any further. As far as the characters are concerned, Nikolai is interesting enough, but Esther became rather tedious with her angst and whining. Had I been familiar with the world of the Dragon Kings, this one may have been more enjoyable, but as it stands, it was just too easy to set aside.
Heat by Donna Grant
Dark Kings #12
Another dragon king finds his mate in this book 🙂
Esther North, having lost part of her memory and feeling tense and worried about what lurks in her mind, has talked Nikolai, Dragon King of the Ivories, into going with her to locate the druid that took over her mind in the past. Off the two go to Ireland and Scotland to visit places that might trigger memories and help Esther achieve her goal. They have interactions with Fae, druids, dragons and others as they learn that Esther has a purpose and that her parents are not who she thought they were. While their story is taking place side stories occur in which the king of the dark fae is killed, the light fae queen’s evil is exposed even more to those she has harmed in the past, more chess pieces are moved toward an ultimate conclusion for the series, characters from previous books make appearances and the set-up for book 13 is put in play.
I enjoyed this book and believe The Dark World series would make a brilliant series for TV or the big screen. I will say that having only read three books from this series, the Reaper series from the beginning and few if any other books in this series it is not always easy to follow what has happened in the past or figure out where the story might go in the future. In spite of not having all of the backstories I am eager to keep reading this series and look forward to what will happen in this marvelous paranormal world that is so wonderfully created. I LOVED when Esther flew through the sky on the back of Nikolai while he was in dragon form…what a wonderful thing that would be to do! I would recommend reading from the beginning (if you can) and found a listing of the order to read the books should you decide to do so: http://www.motherofdragonsbooks.com/category/books/?series=dark-world
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Once again the Dark Kings series brings suspense, excitement and romance into the lives of readers.
Nikolai and Esther are strong, captivating characters that grabs reader’s attention and refuse to let go as they charm and delight readers throughout their story. Nikolai and Esther both capture the heart and has brings out some strong empathic feelings from readers during their story and their romance sizzles with electricity that practically leaps off the pages.
Heat is a fast paced story full of suspense and thrills that keep readers on the edge of their seat and glued to the pages throughout. The story not only has Nikolai facing his past with Ulrik which gives readers better insight into Ulrik, but the story also has our characters on a journey that full of danger and excitement as well as emotional turbulence. Let’s not forget about the light fae and the dark fae who are also causing quite a bit of mayhem and interest throughout the story with quite a few changes are in their worlds as well.
As always, Donna Grants Dark Kings series enthralled me from beginning to end and there was no way I could put it down once I started reading it and since Heat revealed a few secrets and brought about quite a few changes, I am eagerly awaiting the next book.