Under His Rule by Davidson King
Series: Part of the In The Spotlight multi-author series
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Romance/Psychological Thriller
Release: May 1, 2026
Under his rule, nobody is safe
Prince Julian Davaros is heir to the throne of the Lamdera Islands. He’s gorgeous, rich, famous… and just happens to be a serial killer. His family and bodyguard know his murderous proclivities, but to everyone else, he’s simply the heir apparent, loved by many. In reality, Julian can’t stand most people, he doesn’t have relationships, and if he’s alone with you it usually means you’re his next victim. However, once Wynn Carter catches his attention in a small café, Julian’s new obsession isn’t one he wants to kill but instead wants to own.
Wynn Carter has always wanted to visit the Lamdera Islands, and he’s using his thirtieth birthday as the perfect excuse. His plan is to soak up some sun, drink in the culture, and make memories with his friends. His agenda didn’t include catching the eye of the future king. Now Wynn finds himself swept up in a sort of fairytale of lavish dinners, intimate nights, and even some media attention. He doesn’t know what he did to deserve the prince’s interest, but he’s certainly not upset about it.
Unfortunately, secrets don’t stay hidden no matter how powerful you are, and when someone decides to push Julian out of the shadows by hurting the one person he wants more than anything, the quiet monster that lies within him bursts free. Julian’s and Wynn’s lives erupt into chaos, and Wynn finally discovers who Julian truly is. If he can’t live with it, the prince needs to decide whether to surrender everything… or get rid of his obsession.
Under His Rule is part of the multi-author series, In the Spotlight. 14 authors bring you 14 original stories of killers in the public eye. Where everyone is dying to be in the spotlight. Every book can be read as a standalone.
Trigger/Content Warnings: Violence and torture from one MC to his victims.
Start reading today: http://getbook.at/UnderHisRule_DK
EXCERPT
“Where are we going?” Wynn asked that evening as I told him to follow me.
“To the basement.”
His steps faltered, but I caught him and prevented him from going face first into the door. “Basement?”
“Did you or did you not say you wanted to know all of me?” I spun and faced him. “Is this not what you now want?”
“I do, just…” He eyed the door that led to the basement. There was a small box I had to open with a key, then put in the code, then my thumbprint.
“Speak now, or forever hold your peace.” I smirked. This was all about marriage and forever, and I found humor in that. Wynn’s glare said he did not.
“What’s down there, Julian?”
I didn’t want Wynn to fear me, but he did and in a few short hours, he’d be petrified. I could only hope that at some point, he’d accept me and maybe even love every part of who I was.
“The answers to your questions.”
“Why are you being so vague?”
“Wynn.” I cupped his cheek and gave him a chaste kiss. “I could tell you, but I think you’ll question if what I say is true. If you see it, that’ll be it, you’ll know. You will know everything about me.” I slid my other hand behind his neck and squeezed. “But remember what I said—after you know, you can never leave.”
“You can’t keep me.”
“Wynn, staying will keep you safe. If you see the secrets in the dark and run, my family will find you simply to protect our legacy. I would try to keep you safe but…” I sighed. “This is your last chance.”
His gaze flickered to the door and then back to me. He licked his lips, and I followed the movement with my eyes.
“Show me,” he whispered.
Under His Rule by Davidson King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Julian is a psychopathic serial killer. He is also a prince which puts some constraints on his proclivity’s. His family knows and accepts him for what he is. Wynn is on the vacation of his lifetime when the prince crosses his path. Julian is instantly smitten. Wynn calls to something in him that feels like it might be peace.
The peripheral people added a bit to the story. Julian’s family and Wynn’s friends were pleasant but not too intrusive. I think Julian’s bodyguard Edward needs a story.
I liked that Wynn didn’t instantly fall for Julian. His spidey sense tingled, but he gave in anyway (it is a romance after all). His support of Julian was sweet. I liked that Julian cherished Wynn and wasn’t afraid to tell him.
All that said..I think Julian may be the first of this author’s characters I just didn’t warm too. I’ve read characters that were darker and liked them so that isn’t it. Being a man of power he was respectful to those around him. Can’t really say why he just didn’t appeal to me. But I did enjoy the book.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Davidson King, always had a hope that someday her daydreams would become real-life stories. As a child, you would often find her in her own world, thinking up the most insane situations. It may have taken her awhile, but she made her dream come true with her first published work, Snow Falling.
She managed to wrangle herself a husband who matched her crazy and they hatched three wonderful children.
If you were to ask her what gave her the courage to finally publish, she’d tell you it was her amazing family and friends. Support is vital in all things and when you’re afraid of your dreams, it will be your cheering section that will lift you up.
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