King of Durabia by Naleighna Kai-a review

King of Durabia (Knights of the Castle #1) by Naleighna Kai-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 28, 2020

When the reward for a good deed results in a gracious offer of marriage, all Ellena Kiley wants to do is throw that “prize” back into that proverbial sea which has “plenty of fish.”
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Kamran, the handsome and wealthy former Crown Prince of Durabia, realizes he has a secret weapon in a fiery, sultry American and is unwilling to let such a wonderful gift escape his grasp. Ellena is the sister of the Kings of the Castle and right-hand woman to Dro Reyes and their whirlwind courtship puts other forces in play, thrusting this unlikely couple into the center of a nefarious plot to ensure Kamran never regains his former position, or the favor of the Sheikh.
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He has no choice but to bring in the Kings, knowing that when her nine American brothers storm into Durabia, nothing in Kamran’s kingdom will never be the same.

•••••••••

REVIEW:KING OF DURABIA by Naleighna Kai is the first instalment in the multi-authored, multi-cultural contemporary, adult KNIGHTS OF THE CASTLE romance series-a spin off from the Kings of the Castle series. This is Afircan-American Ellena Kiley, and former Durabian Crown Prince Kamran’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Ellena and Kamran KING OF DURABIA focuses on the quick building romance and forbidden relationship between African-American Ellena Kiley, and former Durabian Crown Prince Kamran. A trip to Durabia for her high school reunion found our heroine, Ellena Kiley, rescuing the young, errant child of the King of Durabia. When said king offered Ellena anything she wanted, Ellena said she wanted a husband, and in the ensuing melee, Ellena found herself with the King’s eldest son, Kamran, as her current consort. Several touristy type trips with her class-mates and Prince Kamran, would quickly culminate in a proclamation of love but a relationship forbidden by Islamic law. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kamran and Ellena, and the potential fall-out as Ellena becomes of the target of jealousy, discrimination and hatred in a country where racism and misogyny are rampant and excepted.

Having never produced an heir with his two previous wives, Crown Prince Kamran has been removed from the line of succession but meeting Ellena Kiley meant a chance at love for our story line hero but all is not well in the within the confines of the Durabian castle as threats against Ellena force Kamran to reveal to truth about what was and what may never be. Ellena Kiley knew she would struggle within the confines of Islamic laws so living in the free zone was going to be her only option but living in the free zone did not keep our heroine safe, as she would soon discover.

The relationship between Kamran and Ellena is one of immediate attraction. Ellena is quick to come to Kamran’s defense when his father, all but, throws his son to the wolves. Never expecting a union, the King and his sons quickly discover that Kamran’s love for Ellena, now includes the Kings of the Castle-Ellena’s pseudo family. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several of Ellena’s former classmates: Kamran’s large extended family of brothers and sisters, their husbands and wives; and the Kings of the Castle we previously met in the aforementioned series.

KING OF DURABIA is a story of family, betrayal, discrimination and love; a story of racism, sexism, religion and faith; an emotional and intense story of perseverance and love. The premise is dramatic and impassioned; the romance is captivating and seductive; the characters are energetic and strong.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

reviewed by Sandy

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King of Devon (Kings of the Castle #4) by Naleighna Kai-a review

King of Devon (Kings of the Castle #4) by Naleighna Kai-a review

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 6, 2019.

When a coma patient becomes pregnant under mysterious circumstances, Jai’s medical facility and employees come under intense government, media, and law enforcement scrutiny. During the investigation, he receives a mysterious call summoning him to The Castle following an attempt on his mentor’s life. Soon, Jai is thrust into a position and a brotherhood that will require more of him than he’s prepared to give. With it, a dark family secret explodes that has the potential to destroy the people he loves most.

Temple Devaughn survives a horrific ordeal that lands her in a year-long coma. She finally awakens, only to find she’s been violated and now has a child. The police are investigating the men who cared for her at a medical center that employs “controversial” but highly successful methods. Yet, she has no choice but to trust Jai after she learns the lengths her family has gone to get their hands on a fortune they’ve kept hidden all this time. Complications arise, and Jai is forced to step in to protect Temple from the revenge-seeking perpetrator while showing that he can guard her heart as well.

Will Jai be able to fend off their enemies, fulfill his destiny at The Castle, and navigate a relationship with Temple that is marred by betrayal, mystery, and deadly attempts to silence her once and for all?

•••••••

REVIEW:KING OF DEVON by Naleighna Kai is the fourth instalment in the multi-authored/multi-cultural KINGS OF THE CASTLE romance series focusing on nine nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is King of Devon and holistic healer Jaidev ‘Jai’ Maharaj, and Temple Devaughn’s story line. KING OF DEVON can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading KINGS OF THE CASTLE (Book one) for backstory.

NOTE: Due to the nature and content of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Jai and Temple, following numerous intersecting pathways KING OF DEVON is a detailed and complex addition to the Kings of the Castle. Jai Maharaj owns and operates a nursing facility where it is discovered that one of his young comatose clients, Temple Devaughn, have become pregnant while under his care at the Chetan Healing Center. An investigation into the staff throws shade at all of Jaidev’s employees but none more so than the man himself. Meanwhile several people with connections to Temple, to the Center, to law enforcement, and with the Castle elite all have an axe to grind or are looking for a pay out at the end of the day. But the birth of Temple’s daughter India finds our hero taking full responsibility for the little child, a responsibility that will come with feelings and emotions for Temple, herself. What ensues is the investigation, research and revelations about the who, how, and why, as the betrayal, secrets, lies, and greed slowly bleed the life and power from more than one person hell-bent on destroying them all.

Temple Devaughn has survived not one, not twice but three times against the abusive powers of the people sworn to love and protect. Sexually abused as a child, then again while under the care of the Chetan Healing Center, our heroine is made stronger but that which did not kill her or destroy. Jaidev Maharaj knows to fall in love with Temple goes against everything he has sworn to protect but something about Temple calls to our hero, something he is unable to resist or defend. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

Meanwhile Vikkas Germaine prepares to marry the love of his life but family secrets threaten to throw everything into disarray. From his father’s secret past to betrayal and lies, Vikkas will come face to face with the siblings he has never known, siblings who remained hidden to protect them from the fall-out and collateral damage of numerous affairs, marriage, threats and greed.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including all of the Kings of the Castle and their significant others, Khalil Germaine, and his son Vikkas, as well as the introduction of a new generation of Kings known as the Knights including Hiram Fosten and his girlfriend, Bureau investigator Marilyn Spears . We are introduced to Donald Amos, and Big Red, Temple’s mother Sharon Liscell, and Temple’s ex ‘fiance’ Curtis Burnside.

KING OF DEVON is a captivating, intricate, revealing and meticulous instalment in the Kings of the Castle series. The world building continues to expose a little more about Khalil Germaine, the man who mentored the nine boys from the streets of Chicago, a mentor whose own life what barely under control. The premise is intriguing, fast paced and engaging; the romance is seductive and intense.

Previous reviews and reading order
KINGS OF THE CASTLE
King of Chatham
King of Evanston
King of Devon
King of Morgan Park
King of South Shore
King of Lincoln Park
King of Hyde Park
King of Lawndale

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kings of the Castle /King of Chatham 1 & 2 by Naleighna Kai – reviews

Kings of the Castle /King of Chatham 1 & 2 Naleighna Kai and London St. Charles – reviews

KINGS OF THE CASTLE
(Kings of the Castle #1)
by Naleighna Kai and S.L. Jennings
Release Date:November 19, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2019

Fate made them brothers. Protecting the Castle, each other, and the women they love will make them Kings.

When their mentor and founder of The Castle ends up on the business end of an assassination attempt, Grant, Alejandro, Shaz, Mariano, Vikkas, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, and Dwayne are snatched from their daily lives and successful businesses in order to right old wrongs and track down the men responsible for the attempt on his life.

However, The Castle, which was built on humanitarian purposes and has amassed a substantial amount of wealth, is now overrun with dirty politicians, the Russian mafia, American crime lords, and businessmen with their own sordid agendas. They have every intention of keeping the current state of things intact. Even if they have to increase Chicago’s body count to do so.

Calling in his former students and two outsiders is the beginning of a series of dangerous challenges that will alter the path of their lives forever. Not to mention, it will also draw the ire and deadly intent of current Castle members who wield major influence across the globe. Powerful men unexpectedly brought together by their pasts and current circumstances will become a force to be reckoned with.

•••••••••

REVIEW: KINGS OF THE CASTLE is the first instalment in the multi-authored / multi-cultural KINGS OF THE CASTLE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on nine ‘brothers’ (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago.

Told from several third person perspectives KINGS OF THE CASTLE follows in the aftermath of an attempted assassination of Khalil Germaine, founder of The Castle, a restrictive and exclusionary institution, an institution currently on a downward spiral of crime, immoral and unethical practices in the absence of its leader and owner. The attempt on his father’s life finds Vikkas Germaine contacting his father’s former students as he and his father endeavor to persuade the nine to take over, and remake The Castle into what is was always meant to be…but each new member of The Castle is facing an uphill battle in both their personal and professional lives, a battle that began on the cusp of their mentor’s assassination.

KINGS OF THE CASTLE introduces the players and Kings of the Castle, once boys, plucked from the streets of Chicago who have developed into strong and learned young men: Head master and mentor Khalil Germaine: Reno (King of Chatham) is responsible for rescuing the trafficking victims filtered through The Castle: Grant (King of Lincoln Park) is responsible for untangling The Castle’s properties from illegal deals; Jai (King of Devon) is responsible for the health and well being of The Castle and its Kings: Daron (King of Morgan Park) responsible for vetting members, contractors and the security of The Castle; Dro (King of Hyde Park) responsible for special assignments; Shaz (King of Evanston) responsible for all legal documents and systems for The Castle;Vikkas (King of Wilmette) responsible for the international holding of The Castle;Kaleb (King of South Shore) responsible for development projects in the underprivileged neighborhoods in Chicago; Dwayne (King of Lawndale) responsible for the IT specialities. Each member of the nine has a story to tell; a woman to love; and the responsibility to remain strong in the face of threats by a number of The Castle members who struggle with the emergence of a new family of leaders. The premise is complex with a large amount of exposition and information that reveals just enough clues to keep the reader in suspense; the characters are numerous, energetic, strong and capable.

Own a copy

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KING OF CHATHAM
(Kings of the Castle #2)
by London St. Charles
Release Date: November 26, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic suspense

ebook only 99¢ Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 26, 2019

Mariano “Reno” DeLuca uses his skills and resources to create safe havens for women who find themselves in dangerous situations. Unfortunately, a surge in criminal activity in the Chatham area threatens the women’s anonymity and security, including the mysterious beauty who landed on the doorstep of The Second Chance at Life Women’s Shelter right before an all hands on deck call that summons him to The Castle.

When Zuri Okusanya, an exotic Tanzanian Princess, arrives seeking refuge from an arranged marriage and its deadly consequences, Mariano is now forced to relocate the women in the shelter to an even more secluded place. He is striving hard not to lose his heart to the forbidden goddess, all while fighting an enemy who’s supposed to be an ally and fending off immoral attempts by men who covet his seat on The Castle’s board.

Will Mariano have the power to defeat his adversaries before they destroy him and the woman he loves?

••••••••

REVIEW: KING OF CHATHAM by London St. Charles is the second instalment in the multi-authored / multi-cultural contemporary, adult KINGS OF THE CASTLE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on nine ‘brothers’ from the streets of Chicago (Vikkas, Reno, Shaz, Jai, Daron, Kaleb, Grant, Dro and Dwayne) mentored and taught by the mysterious Khalil Germaine at the exclusive Macro International Magnet School in Chicago. This is King of Chatham, Mariano ‘Reno’ DeLuca, and Tanzanian Princess Zuri Okusanya’s story line. KING OF CHATHAM can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion. Some of the events in King of Chatham run parallel to and cross over with the events of book one Kings of the Castle.

SOME BACKGROUND: Nine men, all ‘brother’s in arms from the mean streets of Chicago, have been called together by their former mentor Khalil Germaine in an effort to re-make and reclaim the restrictive and exclusionary THE CASTLE, an institution now involved with illegal activities including drug trafficking, human sexual slavery and more.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Reno and Zuri) KING OF CHATHAM focuses on the safety of Tanzanian Princess Zuri Okusayna. Several years earlier, Zuri’s mother and the women of Zuri’s tribe helped rescue our heroine by sending her to the USA to avoid female genital mutilation, and the forced marriage to a man as brutal as her father. Zuri’s father Godfrey had sold his daughter to an older man, for money and prestige, money with which Godfrey wasn’t willing to part. But the death of her mother found Zuri back in her homeland facing down her father and the man who claimed Zuri as his own. Once again, Zuri would need the help of the women in the community in an effort to remain free of the absolute rule and abuse of the men of her tribe in Tanzania. Enter King of Chatham, Mariano ‘Reno’ DeLuca, and the man with whom Zuri would fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Zuir and Reno, and the potential fall-out as all attempts to protect Zuri fail when her father, and the older members of The Castle, battle to prove they are still in control.

King of Chatham, Mariano ‘Reno’ DeLuca, is a wealthy Italian American who knows racism and prejudices first hand having witnessed his father’s attacks against anyone he deems unworthy including men and women of color. Mariano DeLuca runs a private clinic for abused and battered woman, and will find his happily ever after in the guise of Tanzanian Princess Zuri Okusayna, a client with whom he has no business getting involved.

Meanwhile the Kings of the Castle begin to unravel some of the horrendous crimes of their predecessors including human trafficking when a series of young, Russian girls are brought into Reno’s sister’s medical clinic.

The relationship between Reno and Zuri is one of immediate attraction but forbidden by the rules and ethical issues of Reno’s position as owner of the women’s centre where Zuri has been placed. Zuri knows Reno is the man that calls to her heart but her past is determined to reclaim what is not his to own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually explicit language and text.

All of the Kings of the Castle play secondary and supporting roles including the quick reappearance of their mentor Khalil Germaine. We are introduced to Zuri’s mother Suby and father Godfrey; Reno’s sister Sofia, and their parents Giacomo and Emma DeLuca; women’s shelter receptionist and Reno’s assistant Skyler Pierson ; Mama Winnie; Djimon, the man to whom Zuri was sold; Detective Carter and Detective Xavier Sharpe; several women living and working at the shelter including Olga Smirnov and her son Yvengy; and Frank Maddox, a man deep into the trafficking and demoralization of women and girls.

KING OF CHATHAM is a story of family and betrayal; sacrifice and love. The fast paced premise is engaging and captivating; the characters are numerous, energetic and dynamic; the romance is seductive and tender.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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