Kings Rising

"*SPOILER WARNING* I’m so heartbroken that I finished this series. I usually try to put off finishing series I love for as long as possible. But I just couldn’t stop reading! This book has me slamming the book, and doing laps around the room. I was so squealing so much my sister asked if I was ok because she thought I was crying. They way I gasped when Damen got up when Laurent told the other slave to get something. This series is the best books I have read this year! And they are definitely in my top of my favorite books! I do recommend this series however PLEASE make sure that you are aware of ALL the warnings this book/series before you read. The only thing I wish is that the ending was a little longer. I think it would have been better if there was an epilogue showing how Laurent and Damen acted together after the war was settled. I felt kinda empty handed when the book ended and wish we got a peak into how their lives were together a while later. What their normal would have been? "

"This was one of my favorites. It started off so heartbreakingly numb because of the revelation and distance the protagonist put between them. I felt the emptyness aching at the edges of the whole this put in my chest when Laurent told him he knew. Though it was also another stepping stone to their characters. We got to see how they fair in command when faced with impossibilities.<br/><br/>The two waring countries had a hard time facing their differences. Honestly to me it seemed Damen was just gutted and moving through everyday life to keep breathing. Only pure loyalty kept his comrades with him I surmise. Laurent was just so cold, I blindly read, shell-shocked. Everything was very intense, their kingdoms as even their relationship balanced on the edge of a knife. <br/><br/>'A Kingdom or this?'<br/><br/>Things slowly turned for the better. Damens constant goodness broke Laurent's defenses. The silent question of what could have been had me wishing for another future. Especially when they talked about Auguste and if he would still like Damen after courting Laurent. My heart melted in that moment because I could picture them so happy with Auguste stubbornly watching in the background. No one would be good enough for his little brother. Though Auguste could not deny Damen's good nature. He would soon love and respect him as a brother. Though still get mad at Damen's affectionate displays in public. I wished things could have been different. It wasn't fair to give me a glimpse of it though I cherished the dream all the same.<br/><br/>The Okton (King's game) was unbelievable. I went wild with the crowd. And the scene were a servant caught them in the act. Damen was so embarrassed even though he just wrestled naked in front of everyone in the games haha I was rolling. You really began to feel the comradery of the waring kingdoms after that along with their differences. Laurent's pov was a nice touch but it made me realize what I was missing and I wanted more. I don't feel we quite got the entire scope of his character.<br/><br/>‘I’ll take care of the sentries,’ said Laurent. <br/>‘You left the dress in the wagon,’ said Damen. <br/>‘Thank you, I do have other ways of getting past a sentry.’<br/><br/>Laurent was so complex I couldn't keep up. He was still a wounded animal. I felt as though he lashed out to see anyone would stay. Damen was so strong and sure of himslef. Though the lines seemed to blur in public when he needed to keep up appearances. He wanted to take care of Laurent but not as a slave as himself. Also Damen's blackout rage was so strange to see. You really felt the depth of his emotions for his lover. Even the wrong word to Laurent and you might end up with your guts on the floor and Damen wondering how they got there.<br/><br/>Talks of their would be courtship had my heart blooming. I could picture it all. Laurent's scornful glare while Damen lavishes him with everything imaginable. Damen always reaching out even after getting bit. He could always see thru Laurent and I would guess he would have still have been able to in another life. He would be on Laurent's coattails while the blonde youth ticked and fowl mouthed him. I would think Damen even more intrigued. Laurent would soon realize Damen in earnest and their would be no hope for him....again.<br/><br/>Like everyone else I'm sure, I was worried about the conclusion of the story. Of course I wanted more than I got but it still lit a glow in my chest. Also yes I think it is only fair to receive an extra chapter on their 'Summer Place' retreat. Now if you'll excuse me I need to make a pinterest board with ALL THE FAN ART!"

""a kingdom, or this?""

"4.75 stars"

"Incredibly slow burn with high intrigue. Well done pacing and world building. Due to themes and triggers, not for everyone. Must read entire series. "

"<strong>A slow burn that gives you everything in the end</strong><br/><br/>Believe the hype. This series is that good. It's the definition of slow burn. If you're looking for action it won't happen until you are halfway done with the second book, but really it's good when it happens. This book was so well plotted. The end.. Well it gives you everything."

"If you liked king's rising you might enjoy The Scottish Boy. A loosely historic middle ages m/m romance with a revenge plot. "

"😍"