There is no escaping a Reaper. I am an elite assassin, part of a brotherhood that only answers to Death. And when Death says your time is up, I’m coming for you… Carrying Death’s orders is my sole duty. I’ve never had reason to question her, even if I disagreed. But Kyra’s fierceness and willpower sheds light on my mission. She drives the darkness of my world away. The answers to the Others’ … answers to the Others’ goals lie in her past. For Kyra, I will risk going against Death’s wishes. For her…I will battle the past and the future itself.
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Kyra has been following a Reapers since she saw him fight at the Light Castle. She can’t stop thinking about him. Dubhan knows he is being followed but doesn’t know why. When he confronts Kyra he finds a beautiful woman, both inside and out, who is curious about him. They team up to uncover the meaning behind a mysterious symbol which leads back to the Others.
Kyra and Dubhan were a cute couple. Dubhan has always been the mysterious and quiet character but he really opens up with Kyra. We finally learn about his past and why he has always been distant. Kyra was smart, beautiful, and full of hope. I really love her positive attitude and outlook on life. She really helps Dubhan open his eyes and change his thinking on life. I also thought her gift was very interesting and wonder if it will pop up in future books.
The war with the Others is continuing to ramp up. The Reapers are preparing to help the Kings to defeat them. I can’t wait to see where this war is going to go.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
Title: Dark Alpha’s Temptation
Author: Donna Grant
Genre: Fantasy Romance
**RECEIVED ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW**
I came late to this series and the companion series of the Dragon Kings. I am thrilled to finally read about the Reapers. I fell for their unique brand of darkness while reading about the Dragon Kings.
I really like how this book continues the story of the last Dragon King book. So this is a standalone in a companion series and yet takes place as a contemporary to the existing storyline in the Dragon Kings world.
The Fae characters Grant creates, the characters in general, you can tell are trying to find their place in the world Fate chose for them. But, I have some issues here. In this book it takes forever to flesh our two main characters out. It doesn’t feel natural as we get to know them. It takes forever just to find out Kyra’s “job”. She talks about being different constantly and needing to be who she is and her job is part of that but it takes until the middle of the book before we know what she does or why she is “different”.
The other thing I really don’t like is the insta-love. Two days together and you are head over heels? Sure Dubhan and the Reapers are fighting the good fight and you have a connection to each other but to want to spend eternity together? But that is more a personal preference so no biggie.
Yet a biggie to Kyra’s and Dubhan’s personal story, each of their family’s involvement with the Others, Kyra’s family secrets. I really think these things needed to be explored more and not just glossed over.
As usual Grant wrote a steamy book 4/5****
Characters need work 3/5 ***
Storyline 3.5/5 so rounded to 4/5 ****
Overall 4/5 ****
This was short enough for me to get through on a 2 hour train ride and still left me wanting more, even though these particular characters story had been seen through to the end. Yes it’s a brand new set of characters stories in this author’s overall series, as we see familiar faces and learn more news about the Others, the Kings etc.
I liked Kyra, her character really called to me and while she was not a warrior she had inner strength and the backbone to say it the way she sees it, this is done a few times in this novel and throws light onto an old situation. Both characters didn’t fight this pairing and yes it did feel fast with the love declarations etc, but it worked.
Dubhan one of the reapers seven, yes he didn’t know how to take her at first, but he came around quickly and for him she eased some of his past hurts. Light and dark, this worked and i liked it totally.
Each book usually uncovers something new that leads us towards the future battle that is going to happen with the Others and the Dragon Kings. What we learn in this book is a bit frustrating. I really hope what they think is not what really is.
However, I did like this pairing. I like that there was no resistance from Dubhan, and I like how smart Kyra is. She may not be a warrior but she has the mind of a leader. She thinks of things others haven’t, which looks like it will help in many ways.
I’m actually getting anxious to get to the battle. It’s going to be epic and it’s getting harder and harder to be patient.
Kyra has always felt like the odd one out in her family. She didn’t want to conform to their ideals and she was lucky enough that her aunt took her in and nurtured her. But her aunt went missing decades ago and Kyra is searching for her. But during her search she stumbles into the magic bubble that was thrown over the Light Castle and she witnessed the Reapers in action!
Now she seems to call a certain tall, dark deadly Reaper to her area, just by thinking about him. That’s new!!!
Dubhan, like all Reapers, was betrayed in life and Death (aka Erith) then saved him and made him a Reaper. Now he is drawn to a strange Fae, who does all the little things like a human ?!?!
Dubhan thinks he is all dark, deadly and duty but he has a streak of passion that will not quit! When they find out how is hunting Kyra and why, they realise they had more in common than they thought!
OMG what a fabulous blend of action, suspense, magic, passion and a strong dose of family dysfunction! Another great read in the series, which goes from strength to strength!
Kyra is a light Fae and is living her life the way she wants. She is searching for her aunt that disappeared years ago. She sees the fight between the Reaper and the Queen, and gets sort of obsessed with one. Dubhan is a dark fae and a Reaper who is searching for a man who helped them one time. When he realizes Kyra is following him, he confronts her. She volunteers to check out a symbol Dubhan found on a doorway at a bookstore. This starts a investigation into the Others who are against the Dragon Kings and what they know about the reapers. Time is running out until another war starts.
Good story with a little cliffhanger. I don’t want to give too much away. A little sexy.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
If you have been following the Dark Kings & Reapers this is a must read.
Kyra Kavanaugh knows something the other Fae’s aren’t sure of, Reapers do exist! They are as skilled as legend tells of them. But no one told her one would capture her attention and ultimately her heart.
Dubhan is still out on his assignment to locate Xaneth. He knows he’s being followed but can’t figure out who and why.
Kyra had originally started following Dubhan to ask about her missing aunt, Eva. Thinking that if something had happened to her a Reaper would know right? But she finds herself more and more drawn to the handsome Dark turned Reaper. Ever since she saw him in battle against the Trackers he’s held her attention.
When Dubhan finally finds out who his stalker is he can’t believe she used no magic to find him….she just thought about him and was able to locate him. She helps him find out the meaning of a mysterious symbol AND more about the Others.
There is mention of a book of spells that Eva brought back from the Fae realm, I don’t know why but I’m thinking this is going to mean something in the future. Also when you find out just who Kyra is and why her aunt “disappeared” it’s going to floor you.
I can’t wait until the next book to find out a little more about what we learned in this one!
This book is an absolute must read! The characters are well rounded and I love Kyra’s personality. So many new pieces to the puzzle in this book and so many new questions. FANTASTIC BOOK!!
I was really excited for another glimpse into the world Donna Grant has created, but found Dark Alpha’s Temptation to be a little lackluster. Based on the blurb, I was expecting tension & drama. Instead, this book was a very low-angst story, with neither of the main characters making much of an impression. The heroine is searching for a long-lost relative, but also drawn to a particular Reaper after seeing him in a battle that was supposed to have been veiled. I found this part of the story to be the most interesting, and would have loved to read more about how this particular heroine’s family and their unique powers. Likewise, I’d have loved to read more about how the hero was betrayed, resulting in his becoming a Reaper. It was sort of mentioned in passing, but not much detail was given. I think how he dealt with that betrayal would have made for a very interesting character development.
Not much was offered in the way of new information regarding the Reapers, or the Light and Dark Fae. There was mention of something that had occurred in a previous book that had left me wondering what could be next in regards to who will take the throne. (Sorry for the vague reference, but I don’t want to spoil anything for readers of the series.) However, the information brought to light just confirmed my questions and didn’t actually provide any answers.
I think that had the story been more focused on the hero and heroine, I’d have found it to be more enjoyable. Instead, the story felt as though it jumped around a little disjointedly, attempting to cover lots of ground in a small number of pages. While I didn’t love this particular story, I am still a fan of the series and I’m anxious to see how everything eventually plays out.
Dark Alpha’s Temptations is the next book in the incredible Reapers series by Donna Grant. This isn’t a stand-alone book, but part of an incredible tale of Fae, Death, Reapers, Druids, Dragons and Dragon Kings. It reads in sync with her Dragon Kings series. If you haven’t started either series, I can’t recommend them enough.
Kyra is a Fae with a secret. One that could put her very life in danger. She has seen something she wasn’t meant to see and now is in search for answers. She has a very strong talent for finding answers.
Dubhan is a Reaper in search of a lost friend of the Reapers.
Together they are unstoppable. Once again Donna Grant has given us a strong independent female lead and swoon-worthy male lead.
Highly recommend this series and the Dragon Kings series.
Dark Alpha’s Temptation is a fantastic journey into the heart and mind of yet another Reaper. I don’t know about anyone else, but I seriously love these guys! They are fierce and strong and determined and yet when love crosses their path, they soften and accept as any man would who recognizes the incredible gift that love is. I seriously can’t get enough of this stunning world and its fascinating characters. I look forward to many more amazing stories that are sure to entertain and delight!
Kyra just wants to live life on her terms. She has been told what to do and how to act growing up and now she just wants to savor and enjoy what life has to offer. She doesn’t put demands on life, and yet one day she finds herself inexplicably pulled toward another being who endlessly fascinates her and pulls her in at every turn. Dubhan knew what he life as a Reaper would entail. He doesn’t ask for more or different. He is content to do what Death has asked of him. In one breath, he finds that Fate has altered his life. Not sure what to think of is, he hesitantly explores this new possibility. When he discovers the truth and depth of what has been given to him, he grabs hold of it and savors it for as long as he can. Can two lost and hurting souls find shelter and healing in each other, or will this new dream quickly turn into a nightmare of epic proportions?
I had no idea which Reaper we would be getting to know better, but I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Dubhan. He is an intriguing character with a dark and mysterious past and yet not to be outdone by his lady love whose past is just as mysterious as his. Together they explore, discover, and attempt to turn the tide for good. Not only do they try to accomplish Dubhan’s task, but they find themselves entangled on a much more fundamental level. Oh what a fun and thrilling adventure that I found myself on!
Donna Grant gives us yet another tightly woven and magnificently written work of art that digs deeper and reveals just a little more of her massively brilliantly multiple threaded plot. Her books whisk me away into a world of fantasy, love, adventure, and danger. I couldn’t ask for more, and I always long to return soon after. Grant is a fabulous author that has won my heart and reading devotion, and I hope to read more of her for many years to come!
3.5 stars
Kyra and Dubhan were great as newbie friends, but fell short as long term lovers. Kyra was intelligent and had a good grasp of thinking outside the box with some very good ideas the Reapers hadn’t considered in the fight with the Dragon King’s and the Others. Then there’s Dubhan… okay, so he didn’t really leave an impression on me. Kyra really dominated the story and Dubhan sort of took a back seat to everything happening. Maybe that’s why he didn’t stand out for me?
At any rate, I liked the progression the Reapers have made and loved the deets being set up for the brewing battle, but I didn’t connect with the Kyra, Dubhan, nor their romance.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley/St. Martin’s Press and this is my honest review.
Kyra Kavanaugh is a Light Fae, one who brokers in information. She has been fascinated with a certain Reaper since witnessing him at the Light Castle. Kyra hopes Dubhan and the Reapers can help locate her missing aunt. She offers to help him figure out a particular symbol’s meaning; however, the knowledge puts Kyra’s life at risk. Will Kyra find her aunt? And what secrets will she unearth for the Reapers?
Dubhan is a Dark Fae and a Reaper, an executioner and solider for Death. He is on assignment to search for the former Light Fae Queen’s nephew. However, Dubhan senses he is being followed and confronts his Light Fae stalker. To his surprise, Kyra wants to help him decipher a certain symbol’s meaning. The couple learn the symbol is linked to the Others, a secret band on Druids and Fae. Which side will the Reapers join in the upcoming war? The Dragon Kings? Or the Others?
Kyra is a pleasant surprise. She may not be a warrior, but she is a strong woman who is not afraid to march to her own beat. I like Kyra’s attitude towards life. She equally accepts the bad with the good. Kyra also refuses to allow pessimism to rule her life. What I adore the most about Kyra is how she prefers to do mundane things like a mortal. She does not rely heavily on her magic unlike the rest of her race.
I have always liked Scottish and Gaelic names. Dubhan’s name is no exception. It is both different and unusual. Plus, I have a rudimentary understanding of its pronunciation. The only complaint I have about Dubhan is his lack of presence in the story. I wanted more of his personality and his back story to help me connect with him. What I adore the most about Dubhan is his show of support for Kyra. He actually listened to her input without naysaying her. Also, Dubhan was there when Kyra needed him the most.
DARK ALPHA’S TEMPTATION is book nine in Donna Grant’s paranormal romance series, REAPERS, a spin off from her DRAGON KING series. I have not read the previous eight books because I am not a big fan of novellas. I do know this series intersects heavily with the author’s DRAGON KING’s world. To better understand the overall plot, it is necessary to read the prior book in both series.
DARK ALPHA’S TEMPTATION is an engaging tale of two soulmates finding and helping one another. Thanks to this story, I have a better understanding on how a Fae, both Dark and Light, become a Reaper. I cannot wait to read what happens next in this world.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies