Member Reviews
very good story.. mystery and drama.. paranormal and romance.. it was all amazing.. the characters were sexy and fun.. i enjoyed this a lot.
This is Book 6 in the Reaper Series. It’s the first one of the series that I have read. It was a little hard to understand in the beginning, but I soon got caught up in the story after a couple of chapters. The Reapers are Death’s Executioners and Bran used to be a member. Things happened, and he was kicked out. Now he’s back and looking for revenge against Death. He must find Ettie and her sisters first because they have something that he needs because it can kill him. Daire is a Reaper who has been sent to check on Ettie and her family. He is drawn to Ettie from his first sight of her. There are so many exciting things happening in this story. I really enjoyed reading it but now I have to go back and read the first books in the series so I can find out everything that happened to cause Bran to hate the Reapers. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book that I received from Netgalley.
The was a fun and fast paced PNR. The action and adventure picks up right from the first page and although I haven’t read any of the books prior to this one (#5 in this series) I didn’t feel lost while reading. There is a nice short intro to the other side characters, we get a bit of background regarding the villain, Bran and things pretty much take off from there.
What I liked:
Ettie and Daire were amazing together. She was strong and opinionated and he was honest and straightfoward. Bran plays a lot of mind tricks and Ettie held her own (way more than I would have tbh) and even though some of the lies and manipulation did play right into Bran’s hands, she didn’t stay down for long and Daire always had her back – sometimes literally – Lol! This was a quick read and I was sad to see it end. I was just settling in for the long hual when things started to really pick up. It ends on a sort of cliff hanger, only because this is a continuing series.
Would I recommend?
Yes, it was a short read but packed with great characters and a fast moving plot.
Having not read the previous books in this series felt kind of like showing up at the last minute at a wedding reception and not knowing the bride, groom, or any of their family and friends. There were a sea of faces and names associated with past events, some of whom were romantically linked to another character that likely played a prominent role in an earlier book. Some of them felt they were still on a destined collision course with a key character that has yet to play out. It was a lot to keep track of, my fellow romance book loving friends. So much so I really couldn’t.
Though some may consider it a stand-alone, I honestly feel you need to read the books in order to keep a grasp on the continuing, paranormal, multi-pronged, unfolding dramas. There is a hierarchy of characters/past events that set the stage for Daire, the hero, to seek out Ettie and her two sisters and sway them to his side before Bran, the nemesis of the world, who just happens to be handsome himself but packing a mighty lethal grudge, binds them to his. This bad guy also wants something they unknowingly have in their possession.
At 40% into it, there has been little to no main couple time, because Bran has been slowly making his move on Ettie, while Daire’s been trying to track him and his descendants down. Plus, time is spent trying to briefly explain what has happened in previous books and on other issues. What is unmistakable is the feeling Bran is a nefarious threat, and the fate of the world sets in stopping him in his tracks. Death can’t even stop him, and that is saying something, folks. In fact, he is sucking the ever loving life out of Death, so to speak.
Yeah, I started to get the gist of things, but this is only a 156 page book. Feeling like the odd man out made me want to make a gracious exit instead. I simply don’t feel that qualified to give a review on whether this book is doing an adequate job continuing the series, as I feel like I’m in the dark on too many things. But, hey, I’m trying my best here and did see it through to the end.
I’ll wrap this up by commenting it did feel too rushed for Ettie to get so graphically hot and heavy with Daire considering she barely knew him. They basically had just met, and she had been attracted to Bran, his enemy, a blink of an eye ago. Despite also being weary of him and wandering what he was really after. She was taking it slow with Bran but hopped in the sack with Daire. It seemed like a character contradiction. But it certainly very quickly left no doubt in who she now chose to be with.
I’m also still puzzled as to whether or not Ettie is related to Bran, because if she is, well, that just feels wrong, folks. Thankfully, Ettie and Bran kept things at first base, despite him pushing for more. Daire sure didn’t wait though. In fact, I wasn’t a big fan of their first sex scene. It felt too scripted/slow motion, and overly drawn out.
At 75%, I realized I didn’t really want to continue. Mainly, because I figured out by then this book isn’t going to come close to wrapping things up. Also, I didn’t feel the main couple spent enough time together to have a genuine emotional connection to be a believable destined for one another couple. But I’m glad I didn’t give up, because I’m even more curious now how the final book is going to play out, especially Death’s situation.
Maybe it’s because I’m an avid mafia romance reader and partial to seeing a bad guy turn out to be good after all, but I found myself holding my breath hoping Bran would turn over a new leaf. Even eventually find peace, redemption, and his own lady love. His wife and children were ripped from him, if I’m not mistaken, so he’s got a pretty big beef to settle with who he considers his enemies. However, the way he was going to throw Ettie and her sisters to the wolves changed my mind. Burn in Hades now buddy for all I care.
Don’t get me started on the female top of the heap character Death’s dilemma. I sense a love triangle has been going on there. Something about a Dragon King and one of the reapers obviously wants her for himself, whether he realizes it now or not. Again, I’m so far in the dark maybe I misread that situation. It’s likely going to take center stage sooner rather than later though.
What I do know is I am intrigued by the premise of this paranormal series. Goodness gracious, it must be a lengthy one because this is book #5. Maybe they are all under 200 pages like this one though. I would like to start with the first book and read them in order. Time and availability are against me at the moment. So here’s to hoping avid fans are happy with Daire and Ettie’s addition to the drama. I wish the author all the best. Maybe someday I’ll get to read them all. If so, I’ll adjust this review accordingly.
Title: Dark Alpha’s Night, Series: Reaper (Book 5), Author: Donna Grant, Pages: 158, part of a series best read in order, paranormal, feuding sides/enemies, very detailed/graphic smexy scenes.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Paranormal
Hmm, this is the first book that I've read in the series and I would suggest that people read the previous books because I definitely felt that I was missing nuances within the story.
Daire and Ettie are a strange couple. Daire is on a mission from death and when they figure out what their rival is searching for, the mission changes drastically. Daire has seen a lot of his fellow Reapers find love and settle down. It's a little disheartening because he sees what he could have.
Ettie and her sisters are always prepared, but since they never really know what for, their background is very mysterious. I liked how protective she was of her family, but also thought that when she was given the chance to have happiness for herself, she was almost too trusting.
Daire and Ettie are a strange couple. Their relationship is a whirlwind and yet, it somehow kind of works with how the story flows. It's a shorter story with a lot going on. Overall, it was a good story with a good love connection.
When life gets stressful, I tend to escape into books. I have enjoyed the Reaper series, so was exceedingly glad I had a new one to take my mind off some things. Except in this instance, I had a hard time getting into the book. This usually isn’t a problem for me no matter how discombobulated I am, so although I’m a little worried this may be an “It’s me, not the book” situation, I’m not so sure that’s the case. A word of caution, this is a series you need to read in order or you’ll be lost.
Things are looking rather bleak for the Reapers. Death is fading away while Bran is gaining strength and they have no idea how to stop him. For the first time, they are wondering if they can actually win, Daire especially, but Cael, the Reaper’s leader, has a plan.
Ettie is the oldest of three sisters. She sacrificed everything to raise them when they lost their father. He was a bit odd, but he taught his daughters to fight the fae and told them to “be ready” although they were never sure why. This is fixing to change and not in a good way.
I really liked Ettie and her sisters, although I thought she had spoiled them a bit. Ettie was pretty badass, had a strong personality, and was willing to do the hard things when it came to keeping her little family intact. Approached by Bran first, she let him in just a bit, falling for his tricks, but she knew something wasn’t right so he didn’t get too far. What threw me was that when Daire showed up, she just believed him. I felt this was a situation where caution should have had her questioning everything. Of course, Daire’s side was the right side, but still.
I also liked Daire but for some reason, I didn’t love him. He was everything he was supposed to be: hot, dominant, caring, sexy…but, and I can’t really put my finger on why he just didn’t melt my butter. And he really should have, it was weird.
The good news is we do get a bit of insight as to why Death has been acting like a sheep waiting for slaughter lately. She has a history and parts of it are not good. I still don’t get why she’s not being as proactive in fighting Bran as I think she should be. I’m also intrigued as to who Ettie is to Death and what the connection is. It will be interesting to see this play out.
Dark Alpha’s Night had some sweet parts, it had some serious parts and it had some sexy parts. I wasn’t as wowed as I wanted to be, but I did like that the overall plot line got some momentum here and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this one! As per this book is filled with mysteries and there is also suspense , keeping your interest till the end!Daire is a a reaper working with his friends to help keep order and to try to take out the bad guy that has been working against them and hurting others. Daire tries to help Ettie and her sister who are Half Fae and are in trouble.Interesting story, fast paced and enjoyable!
The story is getting closer to an end. Is the Reaper war and the Dragon King War going to be one and the same? Is Rhi more powerful than they all know? Is Death going to die? Is Bran going to take over? Are the Reapers going to be able to win? Will the Reapers ask the Kings to help?
Each book in the series answers questions and then once you’re done it starts you thinking of more questions. I wouldn’t suggest you read this as a standalone as you won’t enjoy it as much as you will if you know the backstory of the other characters.
In all of Donna Grant’s stories family and protecting those they love is the common thread. Even if characters are fighting they still will stand up for family. Ms. Grant takes you “out of this world” to a place you can see in your mind and get to know the characters. You fall in love with one and you then feel like family. As the series progresses I find myself longing for my favorite characters to be mentioned. When they are, it makes my heart smile.
Pick up a book by Donna Grant, sit down but don’t have plans for a few hours because you will get lost in a sensual, magical world and not want to put the book down.
Another amazing story by Donna Grant. Enjoyed it and couldn’t get enough. Can’t wait to read the next one! Amazing storyline and captivating tale! The story keeps the reader interested and wanting to read more.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi
The Reapers are still trying to figure out how they can stop Bran, who is determined to kill them and Death. It’s hard to fight an enemy when you can’t harm them and now Death is unable to help as Bran has found a way to drain her of her power.
River found something in one of the ancient texts about Bran’s descendants. The Reapers set out to find the remaining living members of Bran’s line, which leads Daire to Killarney, Ireland, and the three O’Byrne sisters.
Daire has an instant attraction to the oldest sister, Ettie, but Bran is already in Killarny and is trying his hardest to woo her. They know that Bran wants something, but they have to figure out what before it’s too late and before he can gain any more power or advantages over the Reapers.
This was a short book, but it was an okay read all in all. It was novella length and so everything happened rather quickly.
I’ve always enjoyed Daire so I was happy to see this was his book! I couldn’t help, but feel bad for him in the beginning of the story when he was annoyed at being surrounded by couples! So, of course we knew he’d find his woman in this book!
Ettie has trained her whole life to battle the Fae, her father always told her to be ready. She kind of reminded me of…
But, her dad never told her what she needed to be ready for. Now that they have finally met some Fae, she’s learning that there is no way she can defeat them without possessing any magic of her own!
This was an okay read, nothing all that exciting really happens though. It was a pretty one-dimensional read. And for someone who felt betrayed by Daire, Ettie sure forgave him rather quickly! Daire was pretty sweet with her though and I enjoyed their scenes when they were alone.
We’re almost though all the Reapers though so I have to wonder if this series is coming to an end. Cael hasn’t found love yet, but I suspect he will end up with Erith. I guess we’ll find out soon enough!
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
DARK ALPHA'S NIGHT is another winner! The storyline follows author Donna Grant's Reaper series of Death vs. Bran vs. Reapers but in this one there is an even bigger magical vibe that had me reading it in one sitting. I had wondered who Daire would be matched with and I enjoyed getting to know Ettie and her sisters a little before they met. I was also thrilled that though the other sisters were considered "beautiful" Daire saw Ettie and was a goner. I enjoyed the gentleness and patience that he showed her while she worked it out that there really are Fae and they can be trouble depending on whether they are Light or Dark. Then she was ready to face down Bran. I was a little saddened by Erith's decision to go into hiding, though you will have to read the book to find out why, because I thought of her as a fighter. I guess Ms. Grant knows what she is doing with this fantastic series.
If you are looking for a really good romance, with a lot sweet and steamy love happening, fighting that includes good vs. evil, and a series that will hold your interest so well that you won't want to read "the end" then DARK ALPHA'S NIGHT is just what you want!
Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction
The complete review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=65188
Great addition to this series. Be advised I do recommend reading them in order. Daire and the Reapers are looking for Bran’s descendants who may be a danger to the Reapers and the woman they love. Ettie and her sisters have always been preparing for a fight with the Fae. This is a fast-paced read with loads of drama and suspense. The chemistry is steamy and the story draws you into another world. I was hooked from beginning to end.
As I've stated before, this is not a series you want to just jump into having not read any of the previous stories. It is heavily intertwined with the previous stories so it's a good idea to just start from the beginning.
I really enjoyed this one! As per this book is filled with riddles, mysteries and untold truths. The suspense is almost unbearable because you know it's not really going to be resolved in this story. You get drip fed minute pieces of the puzzle.. enough to keep you interested, engaged but not significant enough for you to have a clue where the author is taking this plot in the long run. It's fucking smart. The writting is so tightly woven and seamlessly connected to previous stories that you forget it's separate books. The characters are great additions! Extremely likeable with substance. Ettie and Daire are just yummy together! Great chemistry throughout making for some real steamy encounters.It's creative and something different from the usual pnr romance. Another fabulous read!.
I can't wait for Caels story! And death... she got me all kinds of curious. But I'm betting he'll be left still the end just to tease us.
I kindly received this ARC from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don't know what it is about the Reapers vs. Dark Kings books, but I always seem to prefer the Reapers over the Dark Kings, and this book was no exception. The story had a bit of Insta-Love going for it, which is not a trope I enjoy, so the book lost a star for that. I liked that Ettie was both plain and an exceptional warrior. I think it made her more realistic for me. Daire was a good Reaper, but we just don't get too in depth with him, which didn't make him easy to connect with. I liked that this was a shorter jaunt that referenced the Dark Kings series, but wasn't too confusing to read. I really need to make time to read the previous installments in this series!
My first story in this particular series and I am eagerly looking for more. Excitement, action and mystery followed by romance, emotion and strength. Danger and disbelief and faith and hope are all intertwined to create a tale that leads you to one conclusion but throws a curve to keep you guessin
Dark Alpha's Night by Donna Grant is part of the Reaper Series. The Reapers were introduced in the Dark Dragon Kings Series. While it is not necessary to have read that series I would recommend that this series be read in order. For me it helps to see the overarching theme as it develops. This addition has clue reveals, so a new reader may be lost or confused. As far as Daire, Ettie and their romance aspect of the story, it is contained in this one book with no cliffhanger.
These stories are not to long so when Daire finds Ettie, it is almost instant lust/love. In the fae world and paranormal in general, this works out fine. If you have read any of Ms. Grant’s series, you know that the big theme, which will be dangerous and filled with enemies as strong as the heroes, will not be solved easily. The enemies to the Reaper and their boss, Death is slowly revealed along the stories. Then the solution is all tied up within the romances as the leads find or solve piece by piece their dilemma. Daire and Ettie’s story is no different.
A unique series with two passionate, strong characters in its fifth addition Dark Alpha's Night. Extremely enjoyable read, but one best read in order.
Reapers are Fae who have died but have been brought back by Death to do her bidding. Don’t be fooled into thinking that Death is a dark, ugly, scary monster who is out to indiscriminately take lives. She is a beautiful ethereal being who is losing her power day by day to the dark Fae Bran. What’s more, neither her nor her army of reapers can kill Bran. So far only one hafling has been able to harm him. The reapers are now on the trail of Bran’s ancestors, believing that Bran will be after them. The reaper’s research has let them to Killarney, Ireland to the O’Byrne sisters.
Ettie, along with her two younger sisters Carrie and Jamie have always been told by their father that they needed to be prepared. For what, Ettie isn’t sure, but she believes that it may have something to do with the stories of Fae that their father told them their whole lives. Even though they have never gotten any evidence to their existence, it seems that things are about to change and Ettie is about to discover just how real those stories are...
Daire, along with his fellow reapers, is on the trace of Bran. What he didn’t expect to find was a stunning blonde who has spent her whole life protecting and taking care of her two sisters and who happens to be an exceptional fighter.
The chemistry between Ettie and Daire is instant and intense and my only regret is that we didn’t get to witness it enough. I only wish that the Reaper novels could be longer or that they could be released in shorter periods of time because I truly can’t get enough!!!! Love this series!
I have a problem with this review. As World and story Like were interesting, but I had a Great problem with getting into The story as it's my First meeting with this Series and this author.
For fans, it will be a Great pleasure!
For others: start with book 1! I read this one as There was no mentioning it Would be hard to read without previous books.
This story, the fifth in the Reaper series is great, it has a fantastic paranormal element, including the Fae. I couldn't put it down.
I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion
Wow, Donna Grant has been giving us some pretty amazing books lately. She's dropping hints and details that are obviously getting us ready or some those books and reveals we have all been waiting for and I for one am super excited. But, all that comes with a downside and it's SPOILERS! Something I refuse to give away so talking about all the little details about this book won't be happening here, I am not even going to talk about book characters much except for in some general terms, because I went into this book not knowing who the hero was going to be and I think that made it all the more amazing and exciting when it was revealed to me once I began reading. Sometimes there truly some joy in not knowing what you are getting yourself into as a reader and I want you to find that joy like I did. With this I would also like to warn you that if you do want the suprises I had, don't go looking at reviews other places because you will get 'spoiled' and that's a total bummer. I personally felt like if Donna wanted us to know who the hero was prior to you reading the book she would have put his name i the description...just think on that a little.
Anywho, this book is more than just the surprise of who is in it, it's also the little details coming together to really move the story along. I will say that over the last several books, mainly in the Dark Kings series, which has close ties to this one, I have been feeling a little stagnant but BAM, Donna starts putting it all out there with Dark Night's Alpha. Everything is changing and in ways I am a little afraid of. Bram is still out there causing havoc and mayhem, no surprise...and that guy needs to go, but it's the little behind the scenes events that have me biting my nails and worrying about what is to come for our Reapers, Dragons, and most especially Death and Rhi!
I loved Ettie and her sisters. These are some amazingly strong women who have grown up 'in the know' about the Fae, something that was a bit refreshing since often times the heroine is getting her first introduction when she meets the hero. I loved that they carried on a family legacy, one that they didn't fully understand but fully valued because....family is everything, even the family that is not yours by blood. Which brings me to another point and it bugged me but probably won't bug anyone else, hahaha. but EWWWW Bram, she's like your great, great, great, great.....grand daughter or something. It made me a little squeamish if I thought too hard about it, haha. I am really hopeful that we will see Ettie's sisters in later books, I think that Donna gave us a good set up to end up bringing them into the fold either through a romance or just as the family of our heroine. I loved them each though for their different personalities, their desire to be helpful, and their strength both individually and as a team.
The Reapers still are on the search for their missing brother, though Bram and his machinations keep getting in the way. The mated couples are stronger than ever and a true team is beginning to form between all the Reapers and the mates, it was a joy to get to see how things are fairing for each of them. I half wonder if with Bram we will get a bit of a Ulrik moment where he has a time of redemption coming. It's clear that he is the villain and is doing some horrible things but like Ulirk (though there is some debate there, ha) did he do them because of the pain he was feeling from losing love?
As with Donna's other series I don't suggest starting this series out of order. I suppose that you could read this as a standalone, but I think you will find yourself really missing out and wondering how we got to where we are. I'd even suggest starting with the Dark Kings...heck maybe going all the way back to Dark Sword. I know it's a lot but you will love the way all of these storylines tie together and how the this paranormal world and it's characters evolve over the centuries. If you do start from the beginning let me just say, the books slow down in the middle, don't give up. There are wonderful stories of family and love in each of them but we do kind of lose track (until recently, woot) of where things are headed I think. Each book plays it's part but for a while there isn't the strong build up to the finale. That's why I am so in love with this one, we are back on track and we are going somewhere and it's going to be amazing!