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trish_beautifulchaosreviews's review
4.0
Finally, we are getting the rest of Benicio and Chantal's story after a doozy of a cliffhanger in Dark Ruler. Dark Reign is such an appropriate title for so many reasons in this book. Benicio needs to find out who questioned his reign as head of his domain to take his fiance. He needs to re-establish his reign as the ruthless "Butcher," as he is known. Finally, he needs to rain (reign) down vengeance on whoever tried to cross him. He accomplishes all of this with his fierce warrior Chantal, his best friend Miko, and the rest of his loyal family.
This book is dark, but fun dark, if you can imagine that. The banter between Miko and Benicio, and Chantal is priceless. The handling of the Italian is smooth and does not distract from the story. And the plot moves along at a nice pace. I immensely enjoyed this duet, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a little dark spice in their life.
This book is dark, but fun dark, if you can imagine that. The banter between Miko and Benicio, and Chantal is priceless. The handling of the Italian is smooth and does not distract from the story. And the plot moves along at a nice pace. I immensely enjoyed this duet, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a little dark spice in their life.
thelovelybooknerd's review
5.0
UGH, THIS WAS SOOOOO GOOD!!!! I loved it so much! The strength showed in this story was powerful and I just couldn't put the book down.
Chantal is the best fighter in this book! She grew exceptionally well as the story progressed and I was so proud on how brave she was!
Beni is a fierce character and you do not get in the way of what is his, EVER! He would burn the earth down for the ones he loves and that is sooo swoon worthy. He is still the controlling bastard from the first one, but he does evolve a lot and you can't help but love him with all of his faults.
GO READ THIS BOOK NOW! I Promise you WILL NOT be disappointed!
Must read book 1 and some themes can be triggering.
Chantal is the best fighter in this book! She grew exceptionally well as the story progressed and I was so proud on how brave she was!
Beni is a fierce character and you do not get in the way of what is his, EVER! He would burn the earth down for the ones he loves and that is sooo swoon worthy. He is still the controlling bastard from the first one, but he does evolve a lot and you can't help but love him with all of his faults.
GO READ THIS BOOK NOW! I Promise you WILL NOT be disappointed!
Must read book 1 and some themes can be triggering.
jamies_bookreads's review
5.0
Love this couple!
What a great wrap up! It answered so many questions that I had. It gave me such joy in watching the future unfold for these characters. I love the “Beni & Chantal” banter, chemistry, fire, and passion. I also love Miko as a side character. He is amazing and I don’t know that the story would be the same without him. There is also the grit and rawness in the overall Mafia theme that gives such great suspense. Highly recommend this duet! TW/18+ 4.5/stars
What a great wrap up! It answered so many questions that I had. It gave me such joy in watching the future unfold for these characters. I love the “Beni & Chantal” banter, chemistry, fire, and passion. I also love Miko as a side character. He is amazing and I don’t know that the story would be the same without him. There is also the grit and rawness in the overall Mafia theme that gives such great suspense. Highly recommend this duet! TW/18+ 4.5/stars
sandizzlereads's review
5.0
What a perfect way to wrap up this duet. We start off right where Dark Ruler leaves us hanging. You are transported right back into Xavier Neal’s world and you aren’t going to want to leave.
Benicio and Chantal’s romance isn’t for everyone, there are some scenes that might trigger some, this is a dark gritty story that will keep you intrigued and sometimes a little shell shocked, but it won’t stop you from reading this until the very last word.
I am so happy I got the chance to read this duet, it was simply phenomenal and I can not wait to read more by Xavier Neal’
Benicio and Chantal’s romance isn’t for everyone, there are some scenes that might trigger some, this is a dark gritty story that will keep you intrigued and sometimes a little shell shocked, but it won’t stop you from reading this until the very last word.
I am so happy I got the chance to read this duet, it was simply phenomenal and I can not wait to read more by Xavier Neal’
the_novel_reader's review
5.0
"Dark Reign" is book 2 in "The Bennet Duet" and must be read in order.
This epic conclusion will answer all your burning questions. It is pulse-pounding, heart-racing, and heartbreaking all rolled into one book. We get to see Beni become vulnerable and lose control, something that isn't familiar to him. We also meet his mother, who plays an integral part in this story. Chantal is so very lost and broken but she rises from the pits and becomes such an amazing heroine! She is one my favorites! Her arc in this book was truly remarkable. I hope to be as strong as she is. Oh, Miko! I love this man. I love his banter with both Beni and Chantal. I love his wit and sense of humor. I'm so excited for his book!!
Overall, this was simply an exceptional book, a perfect ending to this mafia duet. This book/duet needs to be read by everyone! It was as close to perfection as I've ever read!! If you've never read Xavier Neal, start with this duet. You won't regret it.
This epic conclusion will answer all your burning questions. It is pulse-pounding, heart-racing, and heartbreaking all rolled into one book. We get to see Beni become vulnerable and lose control, something that isn't familiar to him. We also meet his mother, who plays an integral part in this story. Chantal is so very lost and broken but she rises from the pits and becomes such an amazing heroine! She is one my favorites! Her arc in this book was truly remarkable. I hope to be as strong as she is. Oh, Miko! I love this man. I love his banter with both Beni and Chantal. I love his wit and sense of humor. I'm so excited for his book!!
Overall, this was simply an exceptional book, a perfect ending to this mafia duet. This book/duet needs to be read by everyone! It was as close to perfection as I've ever read!! If you've never read Xavier Neal, start with this duet. You won't regret it.
camelien's review
5.0
After the end of book 1 and that cliffhanger I was dying to know what happens. I was glad I picked this book and you’ll love the twists and turns.
After the things that happened to Chantal, she will show her stronger side which I loved. This may come as a trigger warning, but trust me when I say the author writes the angst of Chantal’s kidnapping perfectly and keep in mind this is a DARK romance so if you’re in doubt, you have been warned.
Beni will turn the world upside down in order to find his woman, his queen. He will have to gather up the strength and find whoever took her and seek retribution. He will be patient and will be whatever Chantal needs.
The story has a HEA and you’ll not be disappointed.
After the things that happened to Chantal, she will show her stronger side which I loved. This may come as a trigger warning, but trust me when I say the author writes the angst of Chantal’s kidnapping perfectly and keep in mind this is a DARK romance so if you’re in doubt, you have been warned.
Beni will turn the world upside down in order to find his woman, his queen. He will have to gather up the strength and find whoever took her and seek retribution. He will be patient and will be whatever Chantal needs.
The story has a HEA and you’ll not be disappointed.
eurydiceh's review
3.0
A Good End
Benicio Bennett’s fiancée has been kidnapped, and he will tear the world apart to find her. But when Chantal Brooks is finally returned, will the two of them be able to go back to how things were, or will they have to start anew?
All things considered, I thought this was a good end to the story started in the first book. I’m still not a fan of the sex, but it’s my fault for getting involved in a book that I didn’t realize the full scope of.
Xavier Neal’s fictional universe seems to be filled with all types of stories, but I feel like reading the Synful Syndicate’s book after this one is unnecessary. I’m not invested enough in Miko and Shay to read about the journey when I already know the outcome. Someone else will probably love it though.
Just like the first, I’d recommend this for the BDSM and Dark Romance fans. It has a great plot, but those sex scenes are really only good for people who would actually enjoy them.
Benicio Bennett’s fiancée has been kidnapped, and he will tear the world apart to find her. But when Chantal Brooks is finally returned, will the two of them be able to go back to how things were, or will they have to start anew?
All things considered, I thought this was a good end to the story started in the first book. I’m still not a fan of the sex, but it’s my fault for getting involved in a book that I didn’t realize the full scope of.
Xavier Neal’s fictional universe seems to be filled with all types of stories, but I feel like reading the Synful Syndicate’s book after this one is unnecessary. I’m not invested enough in Miko and Shay to read about the journey when I already know the outcome. Someone else will probably love it though.
Just like the first, I’d recommend this for the BDSM and Dark Romance fans. It has a great plot, but those sex scenes are really only good for people who would actually enjoy them.
savaburry's review
3.0
This book suffered from an issue that a lot of series (mainly duologies, sometimes trilogies) suffer from and that’s bad pacing. The first book ended on a cliff hanger which made sense in context, but then this book had about 3.5 different plot lines going on, and the story only hastily concluded with the original cliffhanger at the 90% mark.
There’s nothing worse than having to read a bunch of time jumps to get to the finish line, especially when the last one is years in advance and doesn’t really explain or show how anything happened except by saying “it happened, and they’re all happy”.
I honestly feel this would’ve been a better story if it had been longer. More time to address all the new plot lines that were introduced.
There’s nothing worse than having to read a bunch of time jumps to get to the finish line, especially when the last one is years in advance and doesn’t really explain or show how anything happened except by saying “it happened, and they’re all happy”.
I honestly feel this would’ve been a better story if it had been longer. More time to address all the new plot lines that were introduced.
morebooksforever's review
5.0
Beni and Chantel's ending was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. Beni's love and devotion to Chantel really comes through in Dark Reign. Beni will burn the entire world to the ground for Chantel. Chantel in her own right is every bit the ruthless Queen that Beni needs standing by his side. She is fierce, independent, stunningly gorgeous and brings that calming, centering balance to Beni. But don't get it twisted she can be as ruthless and cut throat as she needs to be when the situation arises which makes me love her even more. Chantel is one bad ass woman and she gives as good as she gets when it comes to Beni.
We get to meet so many new characters and family members this time around and we get to see how much FAMILY means in this world.
Can we just take a second to appreciate how freaking amazing Miko is and not only is he Beni's best friend and cousin but how much he loves and adores Chantel right along side Beni and that he would go to the ends of the earth for her. The bond that Chantel and Miko have rivals his bond with Beni. Not to mention his banter with both of them and how hilarious he is through out the entire story. I absolutely adore him. There are some very special moments that brought literal tears to my eyes and I can't wait for you all to experience them as well.
Dark Reign was everything you want in a dark romance and I can't wait for more from this author! This is definitely a MUST READ!! Be aware this is a duet and you need to read Dark Ruler first.
We get to meet so many new characters and family members this time around and we get to see how much FAMILY means in this world.
Can we just take a second to appreciate how freaking amazing Miko is and not only is he Beni's best friend and cousin but how much he loves and adores Chantel right along side Beni and that he would go to the ends of the earth for her. The bond that Chantel and Miko have rivals his bond with Beni. Not to mention his banter with both of them and how hilarious he is through out the entire story. I absolutely adore him. There are some very special moments that brought literal tears to my eyes and I can't wait for you all to experience them as well.
Dark Reign was everything you want in a dark romance and I can't wait for more from this author! This is definitely a MUST READ!! Be aware this is a duet and you need to read Dark Ruler first.
booksatnightfall's review
5.0
I can't believe its over. Thats all my brain can fathom right now because their story is over!!
Thank you so much for giving me an ARC to read and review and again sorry this is late
Thank you so much for giving me an ARC to read and review and again sorry this is late