Book Review-Darkest Flame by Donna Grant

Darkest Flame
Dark Kings (1)
Donna Grant
St. Martins Paperbacks
Paperback
Published April 29 2014
364 Pages
Paranormal Romance
ISBN: 978-1-250-04136-4
Authors Website

Synopsis
The Dark Kings have fought for centuries to preserve their dragon magic. But one of the most powerful warriors of his kind will be put to the ultimate test. Is he strong enough to resist his greatest temptations? Or will he be forced to surrender - body and soul?

Her beauty is a weapon

Denae Lacroix is a beautiful MI5 agent on a deadly mission. Sent to the Scottish Highlands to spy on the mysterious Dreagan Industries, she discovers too late that she’s been set up - as human bait. She is an irresistible lure for a man who has not seen or touched a woman for centuries. He is a man with a destiny - and a desire - that could destroy them both...

His passion is a curse...

It’s been twelve hundred years since Kellan has walked among humans - and there’s no denying the erotically charged attraction he feels for Denae. But as a Dragon King, he is sworn to protect his secrets. Yet the closer he gets to this smart, ravishing woman, the more her life is in danger. All it takes is one reckless kiss to unleash a flood of desire, the fury of dragons…and the fiercest enemy of all.

My Review

Denae, even though American, is a MI5 agent and she is sent on a dangerous mission. She is told to go to the Highlands, and spy and gain information on Dreagan Industries. When she and her partner arrive at some caves, her partner attacks her, saying that she is the "bait", and as she fights him she kills him. But then she ends up injured and wakes up in a strange place, a place that will change her fate. Kellan, is a Dragon King, and has been sleeping for twelve hundred years, and has stayed away from humans. But then he gets awakened by Denae, a woman of passion and intelligence, and even though he despises humans, he can't resist a yearning for her. When a rogue group from MI5 with dark fae, threaten her, Kellan discovers he will do everything in his power to protect her, but they will both discover a hidden passion that will consume them...will Kellan and Denae be able to fight their enemies and gain a future together...

Darkest Flame is the first book of the series, and over the years since reading romance, I have seen high rating sand reviews for this author. But this is the first chance to read it. When I was browsing through my local library, trying to decide where to start, the idea of dragon shifter kings...well that really got me to pick this one up, and the cover....I just want to drool all day. This series is connected to the Dark Warrior and Dark Sword series (which I plan on reading as soon as I finish this series off). And its primary focus is on a group of Dragon Kings, who had to give up their dragons and place them in a another realm, while they battle their enemies...the fae, and keep everything from the human world.

The story started off a bit slow for me, even though there is plenty of action and steamy attraction between Denae and Kellan, the story doesn't really start to pick up until your about a third of the way through the story. The beginning sets the stage for the main sequences of the plot. There is quite a intense heat level in this story, the chemistry between Kellan and Denae is SUPER hot and sexy!! They definitely can create their own heat source...each other. Who needs a heater or the sun right? I admit I have a weakness for shifter romances...but you throw in dragon kings..well that totally does it for me...I do love my dragons. There is something so fierce, protective and intense about them that fascinates me and Donna Grant does a fabulous job with her world building in this story.  Even though there are some previous kings that have their stories already (which I already am planning another trip to the library just to read their books :p) , the author did a tremendous job at setting up the background of the story, so you aren't too lost or confused. Even though I wished I had read some of the other connecting series, I didn't feel like I needed more, Grant does a good job at balancing everything out.

Overall a captivating mixture of sensual romance, intoxicating characters, interwoven plot that will keep you on edge, and enough steam to keep you warm for days. Perfect for a warm cold night with a cup of tea. BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED!!

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
Dark Heat
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Night's Blaze
Soul Scorched