Title: Fire Rising
Author: Donna Grant
Series: Dark Kings
Publisher: St. Martins Paperbacks
Release Date: June 3 2014
Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Acquired: Library
Genre: Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 978-1-250-04137-1
Blurb
Sammie Miller, pub owner in Oban, has been scorned by her business partner—and former lover. Used as a front for money laundering with the mob, Sammie is in great danger once she realizes what has happened. Barely escaping, she plans to rest at Dreagan for only a day before going back on the run. When Tristan swears to protect her, Sammie thinks his efforts will be in vain—the mob is too powerful, and it will take more than the average man’s devotion to keep her safe. But the closer she gets to Tristan, and the more he learns his secrets, Sammie can’t deny that having a Dragon King who worships you, body and soul, isn’t such a bad thing…
My Review
Summary
Sammi Miller, has always lived a
tame life, a bar owner in Scotland. She loves doing what she does, and it
honors her mother who is gone. But when she learns that her partner, best
friend, and ex lover, had stolen money from a mob to support the bar, she ends
up seeing him killed, her bar blown apart, shot in the shoulder and on the run
from the mob. After a while of being on the run, she knows she needs to find a
place of safety, even just for a few days. And there is one place that she has
in mind...Dreagan Industries. She has a half sister, Jane, and she knows that
she will be safe. But when she arrives, she meets the stunning Tristan. He is
gorgeous, sexy and has a past that haunts him. Tristan and Sammi end up together,
when Sammi's enemies increase, and the mystery of why become more pronounced.
Tristan knows he will do everything in his power to keep his mate safe from
their enemies, but will their love be enough to save them...
The Hero
Tristan, is the newest member of the
Dragon Kings. He has a past, but he has no knowledge of his past, or how to
interact with his twin. The truths that are revealed in this story, connect to
Dark Sword series. Tristan is a strong hero, despite the fact he has no idea
who he really is, he knows where he belongs...with the Dragon Kings. He is part
of a brotherhood. His reaction to Sammi is intense, he knows that she is
something special, but he can't pinpoint why. What I loved most about Tristan,
is the way he is about Sammi. He has alpha male tendencies...the need to protect
and fight for what is his. And even though his character is still struggling
because of issues of his past. He is the type of hero, that doesn't focus on
the past so much as the present and future. He is a fighter, gorgeous in his
dragon form, and very sensual. I loved seeing the connection to the other
series. Although I am not sure how I liked the way he was with his twin. I felt
so bad for Ian, and there were moments in this story that it was just heartbreaking.
But you also see how Tristan develops as a character and the way he changes is
very engaging.
The Heroine
Sammi Miller, is a business owner, and in the beginning quite innocent of anything that exists other than humans. Sammi, even though she has a half sister, doesn't know what to make of their relationship. She misses her mother, who raised her and started the pub. At the beginning you see how close she was to her. Sammi's world is torn apart and now is running for her life. Sammi is reluctant to go to her sister, because she doesn't want to risk her safety. Sammi is independent and stubborn, and is adamant that this fight is her own. But the moment she enters Dragan Industries, that all changes. Despite being injured and battle worn from running for a whole month with a bullet in her shoulder...this woman has fortitude. I came to admire her character. She did have some flaws, I felt she was being a bit too hardheaded about some things. And I wanted to shake her and call her "idiot", but I could also see where she was coming from. If I was in her place, I might have done the same thing. What I liked about her character was her fighting spirit and how she never gives up. Sammi is put through the ringer, and what courage she has. I loved how she wants to make her own way and not lean on the hero. Although with Tristan...as sexy as he is...it would be the highest temptation. Sammi was a fascinating character and she had many qualities that I look for in a heroine.
Plot and Story Line
Now first I want to say that if you plan on reading this series, you need to start with the Dark Sword series. I would highly recommend it. There are many connections to that series. You don't have to, but it will make more sense if you do. Now it is a historically based series, but has the same tone of paranormal elements as the Dark Kings have. It is very well done, so I would recommend it. And who can resist Donna Grant? Because I can't. :) Now about the plot of Fire Rising...it was exciting and thrilling. There was so much going on here that if you knew it all, you might become overwhelmed at the beginning. But Grant has a wonderful way of weaving together a story and the way she blends in scenes, characters, climaxes and attention to detail, you won't be overwhelmed in any way. This has everything you need for a stunning paranormal romance that will you have on edge from beginning to end. There is no end to the action. I loved the tone of the story, which is full of suspense and unique plot twists. The romance itself is wonderful, and we see as the characters grow....so does their relationship. The steam isn't super hot, but it is plenty sexy, and I loved seeing how these two come together. There is quite a depth to the story as well, and the villains of the story, oh my...they were written so well. They definitely prove themselves as matches for the Dragon Kings...only the Dragon Kings are experienced, talented, and nothing can stop them. Loved how they band together to fight off the latest threat. The ending...I enjoyed it, as for Sammi and Tristan there is no cliffhanger. But there is a small one, so I hope it continues off in the next book. I can hardly wait...
Cover
I have really enjoyed the covers of this series. They are what drew me to this author and this series. On Fire Rising, we have a image of the hero (Tristan) and what a gorgeous model this is. Oh yeah I could put this on my wall, frame it and gaze at it all day. The imprint of the red dragon on the center, is simply delightful. I never know how I will feel about tats, some are good and some aren't. But this cover...is HOT!!. I really also liked the swirling mist, which goes with certain aspects of the story. They did great with this cover, because it goes with the story hand in hand. Hot Cover...Sexy book...perfect match!
Overall View
Donna Grant brings to us another great installment to the Dark Kings. Fire Rising is a intensely weaved story that is full of compelling characters, steamy action, fast paced scenes, and a love story that is deliciously sexy.
Favorite Quotes
He walked like a predator, a conqueror. A king who ruled and commanded all. He was sex and sin, decadence and sensuality.
He was, simply put, spectacular
My Rating
5 Blossoms
Heat Level
Steamy
Series Order
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