Plots and Secrets Are Enough To Drive Readers Into A Fevered Frenzy While Reading "Smoke And Fire"

Title:  Smoke and Fire
Series:  (Dark Kings #9)
Author:  Donna Grant
Format:  eARC
Length:  384 pages
Publisher:  St. Martin's Paperbacks
Rating:  5 Stars

-She wanted to touch him. There had always been something about being in his arms that made her feel as if she could tackle anything and the world wouldn't dare get in her way...

SWORN TO PROTECT
A dragon shapeshifter and a computer mastermind, Ryder is sent to guard Glasgow after a devastating Dark attack. But when memories of an explosive affair come back to him-in the flesh-Ryder cannot help but want to protect the woman who haunts his dreams. Even if means shifting into the dragon he was never supposed to reveal...

DRIVEN TO DESIRE
Kinsey could never get enough of Ryder. His every touch only left her wanting more. But now that she's seen him in his true form, Kinsey's world is rocked to the core. She knows that to stay-and feel-alive, she must be with Ryder. But is Kinsey's passion worth the risk of danger that comes with being a part of Ryder's dark and fierce world?  -Goodreads



My Thoughts
Reading the newest offering from Donna Grant's Dark Kings series, while truly an endeavor of the heart; is one bound to leave readers with many more questions than answers.
The reason for this?
The great number of reveals and revelations peppering this read with their explosive plot twisting goodness.
When you add in the new Reaper element, coupled with the heartrending story of love lost and rediscovered, (as embodied by Ryder and Kinsey) and not one but two...yes two power struggles.
One is never quite sure where to look first plot wise. 

With all of the hidden agendas, betrayals, and revelations going on in everyone's camps, the complete absence of any physical combat on the part of either the Dragon Kings or the Dark Fae barely garners notice.
Especially when one comes to realize that this new and decidedly more cerebral approach to battle, allows the reader a panoramic view of every player's hand.

All of the goings on with Ulrik, The Dark Fae, and both Con and Rhi's personal lives, also have the unexpected effect of overshadowing Kinsey and Ryder's story for the major portion of the book.
Not to worry though.
Ryder and Kinsey may be the tech geeks of Dragaen, but there can be no doubt that their definition of nerdy is definitely HAWT!  

In an effort to remain on the non-spoilery side of things.  This review will not contain the usual narrative insights and armchair play-by-plays that have become a hallmark of the reviews found on my blog.
What I will do is to provide you with a road map of sorts, to the must-see parts of this read.
  
Ulrik and Mikkel's lopsided power struggle.
Revelations about Con
Rhi, her watcher, and her decisions.
The deal with Henri.
WTF is going on with the Dark Fae?
Is Kinsey who and what she claims?
Dragons?
Reapers and the Dark Fae.
  
The real questions that this book leads one to ask, are ones best left to the author.
Like:

With the entrance of The Reapers into the last two books of the Dark Kings series, and no book 10 in sight.  Are we to infer that answers to the Dragon King dilemma are to be addressed in the new Reaper series?

Here's hoping that the thrill ride that is Dark Kings #9 doesn't mark the end of this bastion of dragony, swoon-worthy, pretzel plotted, sensationally sexy, faefelly fierce reading wonderment!   

Reviewers' Note:  Smoke and Fire is the 9th novel in the Dark Kings series.  Though the majority of the novels published early on in the series may be read in any order.  It is very strongly suggested that novels #6, #7, and #8 be read in their intended order.  As they set the stage for events occurring in book #9.
  
 *Reviewer's Note:  I was provided with copies  of the above referenced literary works for the express purpose of review.  All opinions expressed therein are mine, and have been in no way influenced by St. Martin's Press or those acting on their behalf.

  About Donna
 Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty novels and novellas spanning multiple genres of romance.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Her childhood dream was to become a professional ballet dancer and study under the amazing Mikhail Baryshnikov. Though she never got to meet Baryshnikov, she did make it to New York City and performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Later, Donna’s love of the romance genre and the constant stories running through her head prompted her to sit down and write her first book. Once that book was completed, there was no turning back.

Donna sold her first book in November 2005 while displaced from Hurricane Rita, a storm that destroyed portions of the Texas Gulf Coast. Since then, Donna has sold novels and novellas to both electronic and print publishers. Her books include several complete series such as Druids Glen, The Shields, Royal Chronicles, Sisters of Magic, Dark Sword, Dark Warriors, and her new series, Dark Kings.

Despite the deadlines and her voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two young children, four cats, three fish, and one long haired Chihuahua. She’s blessed with a proud, supportive husband who loves to read and travel as much as she does.
You can contact Donna any time.

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