I have been eagerly awaiting this story ever since I dove into the middle of the Reapers series! I am pleased to say that it didn't disappoint!

This story was action packed, if a little rushed at times, which made the story suffer a bit for me. The recap and origins story at the beginning of the book didn't help much either. When things got going, though, they hit big! I loved how much of the plot lines got resolved, while adding new mysteries and trials for the characters!

Speaking of the characters, I loved that Cael and Erith finally got together and how they did so! Cael demonstrated that he was Erith's equal in every way, and never lost sight of his love for her. I loved that Erith stopped denying that she had also had fallen for Cael. I liked the fact that Erith wound up a bit of a submissive in the bedroom, as it was something I had trouble reconciling in my mind regarding her.

If the series ended right now, I think it would be in a good place to do so, as long as the lingering plot lines would be tied up in other Dragon Kings books, but I'm hoping to see a few more books from this series yet!

The Reapers are an elite group of Assassins. They are lead by Erith who is also called Death.She is facing her most dangerous enemy. Bran, one of her Reapers is filled with hatred toward Erith and wants to kill her. He has been stealing her powers. She’s dying. Will she be able to defeat Bran with all that’s happening? I couldn’t put down Dark Alpha’s Awakening. I needed to see how Erith would deal with this untenable situation. I was glad that Cael stood beside her. Their love and desire is apparent. They deserve to be together. Unfortunately it’s not to be. Or is it? Their passion and commitment are so powerful. The setting and the dialogue help add drama to the series. I wondered if the Mistress of War and the Reapers would be victorious. In my opinion this is the most powerful book in the Reaper series. I’m looking forward to the next story. I want to know what happens to Xaneth.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

RC received for review

Ding, Dong the witch is dead...I mean Bran. Yes, I know that was a spoiler, but I had to do it.

Cael and Erith finally, after centuries, hook up. Great ending battle, and man, what Cael goes through before...wow. Loved seeing all the previous peeps. Some bad guys are actually good guys, and of course, some are just bad.

Yes, there are more books planned with the second group of reapers. There's a teaser at the end of this one for a future couple.

Yes, there will be a new bad guy now that Bran's history, but can we please not drag this one's demise out through another 7 books.

Holly Molly! How come I never stumbled across this author before? That was my thought while I read through this book.

Dark Alpha's Awakening, though it was 7th in the series, I picked it up because of the intriguing blurb and I'm glad I did.

Cael serves for Erith, the death or otherwise called the Mistress of War. Someone is stealing the Death's magic along with her life source. Cael is focused to track down the enemy and stop him before he can succeed in killing Death herself. Cael had been serving Death for thousands of years, but she never let anyone close. He is secretly in love with her, but he was in no position to tell her that. But with her life at stake, things might take a turn.

Cael... is just wow! He's tall, dangerous and handsome. And the romance between the main characters will set your screens on fire. I don't know what was more appealing, the bad ass heroine or the male that renders her speechless with just a look. Their forbidden romance has so much fire to it. It'll make your toes curl.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Though I read from the middle of the series, it served as a standalone on its own. I was able to follow the plot without feeling lost and I loved the author made it that way.

The action scenes were so good and the magical elements are a treat to a fantasy lover. This book had all the element I expect in a book. I'd soon be hunting down other books in the series.

I highly recommend this book if you love a mature dark fantasy.

I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cael has been servicing Death for centuries and when a foe, Bran is bent on destroying her and everything she has created, he’s willing to risk everything for her survival. Unbeknownst to Cael, she had lied to Carl by not revealing she knew exactly how to defeat Bran by destroying a few realms to rebuild the last of her power, she concludes that she must become the Mistress of War again.

In the midst of Bran betrayal, her affection and love for her Reaper Cael almost becomes too overwhelming and she fears he may end up in the crossfire. She'd lost Reapers in the past, but she couldn’t lose Cael. To have love so close yet so far away that it could never be hers was a crushing blow and it would destroy her more quickly and savagely than anything Bran thought to do to her. In the process of regaining her strength and withholding dire information, she might very well destroy Earth and everyone she holds dear, including Cael.

I know many reviewers will be shock to learned that I do at times venture off to other genres besides romance. “Dark Alpha's Awakening” blurb about serving Death and becoming Reapers instantly drew me in. The descriptive wording, the in-depth details of Erith and Cael backgrounds, the roles that they play in the battle with Bran and his army. I have never come across a series that was built on some a strong foundation. It has all the great components that make astounding novel. “Dark Alpha's Awakening” is highly recommended action packed novel that is filled with phenomenal paranormal romance that intertwines exponentially well with the other books in in the “Reaper” series.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Erith aka Death has made mistakes in her life. She regrets her past as the Mistress of War when her bloodlust caused her to destroy realms. Since that time she is in constant fear of reverting back to that vicious creature. And after a night with the man she’s lusted for since the moment she saw him, hundreds of years ago, one of her biggest regrets is waiting so long to be with him. However, her most recent mistake may be her most detrimental. Instead of killing Bran like her Reapers wanted after he killed Theo, she imprisoned him. He escaped and now has found a way to drain her of her powers and life source. She is slowly dying and she won’t be able to defeat Bran until they can figure out how he’s siphoning off her power and put an end to it!

Cael is over the moon to finally have Erith in his arms. However, it all may be short-lived when his Reapers fall into one of Bran’s traps. Cael offers himself in exchange for Neve and Talin, and Bran greedily accepts. He tortures Cael with a poisonous magic that Cael has never seen, but causes him unimaginable pain.

Erith gathers her Reapers, embraces her Mistress of War side, and starts to form a plan to save Cael and end Bran’s reign of terror once and for all. But will they make it in time to save him?

I’ve really struggled with all these interconnecting series for some time now. So, I didn’t have high expectations for this book. And, the storyline did drag quite a bit. However, by the end, it was slightly better than the last several books have been. That may not be a glowing endorsement, but I suppose it’s progress.

I did find it odd that they kept putting off looking for Xaneth. They were supposedly going to look for him after the battle, but it didn’t cross Erith’s mind until three days later. Then, she starts gathering everyone to search for him only to be distracted by another big event and nobody went looking for him. I actually enjoyed Xaneth and I would be interested in reading his story. This book also brought me back to Balladyn a bit. After I wrote him off a book or two ago, Grant keeps pulling me back to him. Hopefully he will eventually be able to find his happily ever after, even if it’s not with the one he loves currently.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

I was so excited when I saw this book was coming out. I love Donna Grant’s books. However, since there was a second set of reapers introduced in a previous book, I was afraid we wouldn’t get a conclusion to the main enemy across the series. I also wasn’t expecting Death to get her HEA! The only other Fae book that would’ve made me happier would’ve been Rhi’s. If you can’t tell, this book didn’t disappoint me at all. I tore through it as quickly as possible and loved every page. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

The seventh book in the Reaper series is an explosive thrilling read that readers don’t want to put down. Finally, the one that readers have been eagerly awaiting, Death and Cael’s romance is packed full of sizzling chemistry with a magnetic pull that defies gravity. The relationship is not an easy one that’s for sure and readers cannot possible imagine the heat and the passion that explodes from the pages when this couple finally give in to the attraction that they have denied for so long, in fact that passion singes readers with its intensity and the emotional depth of their relationship is one that captures readers hearts forever.

The fast paced and smooth flowing plot gets the adrenaline pumping right from the start and keeps readers biting their nails and holding their breath in expectation and anticipation of what will happen. The thrilling events and the suspense filled story keeps the excitement flowing throughout and there is never a dull moment to be found anywhere in this book. Not only is the Reapers going up against their enemy in a major way but they are joining forces with unexpected allies and things are happening that one would never have expected would happen which really makes the story more realistic as the group gear up for this huge battle that they know may just cost them their lives, a battle that is fantastically depicted by the way. Donna Grant always spins her tales in a way that ensnares readers and keeps them spectacularly entertained but Dark Alpha’s Awakening is so much more that there is just no way that readers can remain detached during the unfolding events that take place throughout this gripping, explosively thrilling and memorable story.

Admittedly, I have popped in and out of this and the related dragon series, leaving some gaps in my history with the Reapers. This book delivers a story that appears to have been a long time coming – Death.

Death has been leading the Reapers for quite a long time. Her past is a bit of a mystery, even to herself, but she has managed to build a sort of family along the way. With Bran slowly stealing her power, the time is ticking away for her to engage her Reapers and face her hidden demons. We learn a lot of information about how Death came to form her Reapers, how each of the allies out there are progressing in their own individual wars, and where the key players are.

The other large storyline shows the softer side of Death, as she and her lifelong secret love finally address their feelings. What should have been a no-brainer ends up being the best weapon Death has in her arsenal. Have no fear – the battle actually finally happens in this book and it is very satisfying. Even though it was sad to see this storyline end, it was a well-deserved HEA.

Dark Alpha’s Awakening by Donna Grant
A Reaper Novel #7

This book begins with the beginning...the beginning of Death or Erith or sometimes SHE...it tells of her past and how she came to be and why the sword was hidden and then picked up again. From there we move to a dream Cael is having of how Death came to him and turned him into a Reaper. From there we move on to dealing with Bran...once a Reaper but definitely fallen from Grace. He must be thwarted and to do so Erith has to pick up her sword again. Cael and the other Reapers (now two teams of them) will be there at her side as she makes her move.

Cael and Erith have danced around one another for...well...almost forever. In this book the dancing pace picks up and moves on to and beyond seduction and...it was well worth waiting for. Cael and Erith SO belong together.

There are fights and captures and torture and pain and angst and drama and...LOVE...getting to see the other reapers and their women and hearing about the first birth of a Reaper child was so much fun! I am not sure where this series will go next and having NOT read all the other threads dealing with this marvelous world filled with dragons and warriors and kings and reapers and faeries and...probably other beings I am unaware of it made me wish I had started with book one of the series and not book one of the Reapers to really immerse and know everyone mentioned in this book. That said...this was a superb read and well worth waiting for!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press-Swerve and InkslingerPR for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars.

Dark Alpha's Awakening (Reaper, #7)
by Donna Grant
BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!!!
What a fantastic read. While I have been awaiting this book, I can not say I thought it would be so incredibly good. This author is superb. One that writes in my mind as she draws pictures and creates a movie I can see. I was totally enthralled by this one and just wanted more with each page I turned. Escaping into this book was easy, emerging back into reality was very difficult. For a read that will sweep you into another world, that will touch you and make you think and long for more, this is definitely one to buy and to enjoy. The author is one I just cannot seem to get enough of. This genre is not my normal preference, however, because of this author, I keep coming back for more. You must really read this series and just enjoy each and very line of a great work. I was given the ARC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions written and expressed here are my own and voluntarily given. Buy the book and enjoy. Regards, Anna

Cael is a reaper and works for Erith (Death) as an assassin. Death has a painful past and is also losing her powers. Cael will do whatever needs to be done to save her. Will these two be able to come together to save each other?

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

DARK ALPHA'S AWAKENING will have you absorbing every word in the hopes of answers that fans still have questions for. I can't tell you all the answers are here but I can say, if you want an amazingly well-written storyline, with characters that you already love and are thrilled that they finally have their time together, steamy sweet romance and some good old sword play action then this is exactly the book you want to get your hands on.

Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction

My complete review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=67758

Having read Donna Grant before, I had high expectations for this book - even these high expectations were blown away.

The storyline is original, the book stunningly written and the characters are stunning. Prepared to have your mind blown with how this book holds your attention from the first page.

The book's description and blurb accurately describes the storyline, but nothing crucial is revealed. I could go into detail about the superior character interactions and how the plot twists to pull emotions from your very soul, but that may reveal too much. So, suffice to say, this book is a five out of five recommendation from me.

The Mistress of War has spent hundreds of years killing warriors with her sword she made from magic but she doesn’t want to do that anymore so she saves fallen warriors that she decides are worthy and calls them Reapers. The Mistress of War has hidden her sword and goes by Death now or Erith but lately she has been getting weaker ever since Bran escaped. Cael has been in love with Death since she saved him but when he sees how weak she’s becoming he goes to her to convince her to become the Mistress of War again. When the battle finally comes you will get so wrapped up because Bran is more powerful then ever and Death is trying to hold on to herself but if Cael can keep her grounded maybe she can hold on. If you have read any of the prior books in this series you will notice the author incorporated some of them into the story which I love.

I'm not going to give a synopsis of the book. You could read that before you purchase it.
YOU WANT TO PURCHASE THIS ONE.

I cried, I laughed, I was intrigued. I yelled at the characters, I cheered the characters.
The emotions that Donna Grant puts you through with this series is intense.
I am not usually into series that last more than 3 books. I think I am on 17 with this group. Granted its the Warriors, Kings, Reapers. I am here till the end whenever that may be.

Another fabulous book in Donna Grant's Reaper series. I wasn't sure Cael and Eriith (Death) would every be able to come together (even though they clearly had feelings for each other but we're trying to hide them) but they found a way. Love all rhe characters, danger, and heat in this series.
The danger continues as one enemy is destroyed and another is in their sights. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias.

This is the first book I have read in the Reapers series and I LOVED it! I now have to go back and read the whole series. I will say that I was able to enjoy the whole story but I do think that you need to read the rest of the books for the full picture. Cael and Erith have had feelings for each other for a long time and finally give in! Though I have not read the series I could still feel the angst of two lovers who have had to resist their feelings and know that fans of the series must be excited. I don’t want to give to much of the story away but there is action, romance, suspense and a page turning plot! Donna Grant has build an amazing paranormal world that is a joy to delve into with each book!

Oh Donna has done it again! Dark Alpha's Awakening is the story of Cael and Death. As we have seen both sides of the story grow and develop, their love for one another is completely undeniable in book 7. Cael's unwavering faith in Death and his Reapers defines him as a strong and remarkable character. Not just in this book but throughout the series. Death is faced with some significant challenges, as she struggles to deal with her emotions, past and future. She makes a perfect heroine. I want to say so much more about the story, but I don't want any spoilers. You must read the story, especially if you have been reading the series all along! Enjoy!

I will admit, Touched is still my all time favorite, however Dark Alpha's Awakening is pretty fantastic in it's own right!

Wow, what a ride. Prepare, you're in for a fast paced, breathtaking journey through time and space.

Erith is Death, literally and she build an army of Reapers around her. Cael is one of them and this is their story.
Erith is traveling realms, worlds, planetrs and lands in the fae world to judge. And her Reapers are at her side to take the souls to their destiny.
The storyline is set in Ireland/Scotland, deep in a PNR world and to be hoonest it took me some time to get into the story. But then oh boy, what a rid it was. The writing is excellent and the characters are fantastic. 4,5 stars.