REVIEW: Darkest Flame by Donna Grant

In Darkest Flame (Dark Kings #1) by Donna Grant, Dragon King Kellan has spent centuries sleeping protected in his cave in Scotland until he is woken by two humans fighting. From the moment he lays eyes on Denae Lacroix, Kellan’s life changes dramatically. She is human. And thanks to a betrayal many millennia ago he has no trust for any human, despising their reprehensible ways. But he’s drawn to Denae for some unknown reason. She’s beautiful, clever and a fierce warrior who works for MI5. Kellan comes to her rescue when she is wounded by another MI5 agent, knowing that her presence in his cave means someone knows the secret he and his fellow Dragon Kings have been hiding: that dragons are real and a few are still among humans today. They will protect their secret at any cost. But when Denae and Kellan both become the target of an evil ancient race, their deeply passionate connection may be the only thing that can save them.

“I was set up, my own people turning on me.”
“It’s no’ a good feeling, is it?”
The way he said it, the fury-laced words and bone-deep resentment told her that something similar had been done to him. “The feeling is enough to change someone forever,” she said and watched him closely.
“More than you know,” he murmured before he took a deep breath.

MI5 agent Denae Lacroix is on a mission that doesn’t sit well with her. The information provided was vague and minimal at best. Plus she’s been teamed up with the golden boy of her department who seems to have his own agenda. When her worst fears are realized and she becomes the target, she fights for her life, becoming seriously wounded in the process. She awakens to a rugged Scotsman at her bedside ready to question her for trespassing into Draegan. Denae can no longer trust MI5 and isn’t sure if she can trust Kellan and his friends either. They begin to let her in on some of the secrets of their past…and who they really are. Afraid she’ll be killed for knowing their true identities, Denae’s problems are compounded when she also has to fight her instant attraction to Kellan. There is an all-encompassing draw to him that she’s never felt before. She doesn’t ever let her emotions cloud her decisions when it comes to her job. But his presence is overwhelming. With their lives and the lives of humans at stake, Denae is unsure if she can trust herself not to let her heart rule over her mind.

“I want you,” he whispered.
Denae smiled, because she knew that was as close to a profession of affection as she would ever get from Kellan. And oddly, it was enough.

Darkest Flame is a wonderfully complex and dramatic Paranormal/Fantasy where dragons are real and humans have no idea of their existence.

This new Dark Kings series is a spinoff of the popular Dark Sword series, which was about Highlander warriors. You should still be able to follow along with the characters and the world Donna Grant has created here even if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading anything from Dark Sword yet. There is a lot to take in and understand with the dragons, the Dragon Kings and their human mates, the Light Fae and the Dark Fae. But I found it fascinating and extremely engaging. The writing is smart, with action scenes that are easy to picture, having just the right amount of detail given. And the characters were vivid, complete and worked well for the roles in the storyline they were given.

I enjoyed how much of a kickass heroine Denae turned out to be. She was emotionally, physically and mentally strong, which came in handy given her line of work as an operative. Life had dealt her a lot of blows but she tried to always have hope for the future and a steady focus on what she needed to do. I found that very admirable. And hunky Kellan with the sexy accent remained a powerful King, but his outlook on humans softened during his interactions with her. The fact that neither Denae nor Kellan initially trusted each other proved to be quite interesting–and entertaining–throughout the story. Through Ms. Grant’s writing I was able to feel that magnetic draw Kellan and Denae had for each other right away. No matter how hard they denied what they were feeling, they always ended up together. Their romance was full of fire and constant need. I loved that they were so powerful when they were together, truly working as though they had forever been a team.

Darkest Flame is a book that fits into a few categories: Shifter, Paranormal Romance and Fantasy. So if you’re a fan of any of these genres, I would highly recommend checking out Kellan and Denae’s epic story.

Book Info:

Publication: April 29th 2014 by St. Martin’s Paperbacks | (Dark Kings #1)

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.