I admittedly have been hopping in and out of this series and I'm not sure why. Every time I dive back in, I love these books. There is just the right blend of action, romance, and smutty goodness.

This story follows a newly awakened dragon warrior who, sorry, is named Reaper. The person who ends up discovering him upon waking is Greer, the pack's healer. These two are unlikely on paper, but completely sizzling together. Something about the blunt, predator nature that Reaper has was the perfect temptation for the loner healer. This, coupled with a bit of big bad machinations, makes for a completely engaging and addictive read.

While Greer does her best to fight the attraction, she ends up getting dragged into life with a warrior, complete with battles, politics, and huuuuuuuuuge changes to the world. It was a little shocking how much changed after a sudden attack, and now they are living in a completely different world than they started in. Lucky for these two, there are some wonderful happy years to come.

4.5/5.0
Another great addition to the Darkness series! Reaper is SO much fun to read! He is an ancient with all the centuries old opinions and chivalry. Greer is a modern woman and healer. Obviously the sparks fly in all kinds of yummy ways as they fight a common evil on their way to happily-ever-after.

Reaper wakes from his long slumber to a new world. He wake to find his mate. Greer does not need someone to protect her, he tries.

While the last book in the Darkness series, Darkness Rising turns Ms. Reus’s world of shifters and vampires on its head. I did enjoy the direction the author takes the series; however, I didn’t care for how suddenly the entire world changed. I don’t recall any indications that the series was headed in this direction in previous books, and the magnitude of these alterations is so large that it felt rushed and almost too easy. I suppose I would have preferred the final book focus more on closing out the series, although there really weren’t any outstanding plot threads from earlier titles. I was glad to see that at the conclusion of the book, the author notes she will be writing a spinoff series, because honestly, the story opened more doors than it closed.

The romance between dragon healer Greer and newly awakened ancient Reaper builds slowly over the course of the book. Reaper knows almost immediately that Greer is his mate, whereas Greer doesn’t want to be bothered with the sexy alpha male. I enjoyed the pace of the romance, which allows Reaper some time to adjust to this new world and Greer to accept the changes that mating with Reaper would have on her world. It’s a “fated mate” situation, so there doesn’t need to be a long “getting to know you” phase of the courtship, but the author does make the time.

I did have an issue with the inconstancy with which Reaper understands the modern world. The male has been asleep for at least a millennia, so he’s given a “gift” to understand modern English; however, that does not mean he understands idioms and context. At times, he’s rightly confused, not understanding the world around him. Yet at other times, he’s got no issues with technology and context. I felt it was completely out of place each time Reaper referred to Greer’s “ass” and used other more modern language.

Overall, I’ve enjoyed the Darkness series - one of the last remaining paranormal series I still read. Ms. Reus has created an interesting set of supernatural creatures, to include magnificent dragon shifters, in an exciting world. I look forward to discovering what she has in store for the future.

My Rating: B- Liked It, but I had a few small issues
Series Rating: B, Liked It

Reaper had the kind of reputation that sent chills down the spines of his enemies. One of the fiercest warriors of their kind, he went into hibernation eons ago. Now he has been awoken and when he emerges from the earth, the first being he meets is one of his own kind. But to say Reaper is out of touch is an understatement! He is going to have to take a crash course in 21st-century living before every female he comes across decided to take a bite out of him (and not in a nice way!)

Greer is stunned when this huge dragon warrior dives into her life. She is a healer, not a warrior, but doesn't mean she is defenceless. Pity this stupid-ass ancient dragon won't listen to her. But when she realises that he was awoken with a particular task in mind and that he just so happens to b her mate - well that's a game changer!

Well, there is a whole lot going on in this final book of the Darkness series. There are heartbreaking moments and lots of swearing, especially with Reper's attitude towards Greer! However, in all, it's a great read with twists and turns and although there is a HEA for out leads, the same cannot be said for the rest of the world!

Great to see the obnoxious, out-of-date ancient warrior falling for a very capable, Healer who had a trick or two up her sleeves!

This is how an amazing series goes out with a bang! I loved everything about Darkness Rising. Greer and Reaper were amazing, the secondary characters - some old and some new - kept the story flowing in a direct that was exciting and totally unexpected. To say I was blown away by the ending would be an understatement. It was brilliant.

Darkness Rising had a slow burn but smoking hot romance, cute moments, sweet scenes and exhilarating action that made this read completely memorable. If you're a fan of the opposites attract trope, Greer and Reaper will charm you hands down.

A healer and the Dragon of War? Trust me, it was a perfect match :)

I’ve really enjoyed this series, and I was kind of bummed to see this is the last book in the series…until I read the author’s note at the end. This may be the last book in the Darkness series, but it looks like there will be a spin-off series set in the same world with some familiar faces, but with many new faces too. I’m so freaking excited!

This book begins with Greer enjoying a day in the snow alone and relaxing when out of the blue the earth tremors and a giant dragon emerges from beneath. Luckily Greer is also a dragon so she’s not as freaked out as say, I might be.

She bops him on his nose for his bad manners (which I loved), and he shifts to human form. But when he speaks, his language is so old, that Greer doesn’t understand it.

Greer’s no youngling at 1500 years old or so, but Reaper is ancient. Literally. He’s woken up from his very long Hibernation because his instincts are telling him war is coming. Blood, fire, war. He’s ready. But he’s not ready for Greer.

Reaper is a dragon of war. Not just a warrior, but like, the dragon of war. It’s his name. Greer is a healer, and the last time she dated a warrior, it didn’t work out for her. He tried controlling her, and she’s figured she needs some gentle guy. Reaper has always been with warriors as well, never once looking at a healer as a bed mate, let alone, his one mate. But he’s never met anyone like Greer before.

I think Greer tried to hold out against recognizing Reaper as someone she could be with just because of the chip on her shoulder about arrogant warriors, however, I liked her a lot, and her personality worked for me. Reaper was a big bad alpha male who tried everything he could to figure Greer out. A confused Reaper was a cute Reaper. The two of them worked well together both as mates and as partners. I was really invested in their relationship.

I enjoyed the plot, and the action, which never overshadowed the romance. This author is very good at balancing the action and the romance without sacrificing plot for romance, or romance for plot. I will say I was very surprised at the direction this book took the series, but not in a bad way. I am excited to see what happens in the world Ms. Reus has created, and I can’t wait to discover what she’ll do next.

***ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley

What can I say: I really like Katie Reus' Darkness series. And the best part: you don't have to read all the parts to understand the storyline. I've read Guardian of Darkness (#7) and Sentinel of Darkness (#8) and now I kind of devoured Darkness Rising (#9). In this book we meet Reaper, a dragon (ancient dragon) who wakes up after thousand of years of hibernation. You can imagine he needs to adjust a little to the modern world (and the fact that women indeed have opinions nowadays...). As a warrior, Reaper is used to attack first, ask questions later. He also is arrogant (like: really arrogant) and is used to women throwing himself at his feet. Therefore he doesn't understand why Greer is so appalled by him. Greer is a healer and a shapeshifting dragon as well. But contrary to Reaper, she tries to heal and mend things. Not kill and avenge. And she definitely thinks that Reaper is an arrogant jerk and she is not afraid to tell him so.
Their dialogues are hilarious and Reaper has to learn a lot. Fortunately, he gets help from Mira and Prima, an ancient twin, who have been awake for a little longer than Reaper. When newly awoken dragons start disappearing, Reaper realizes he has to find out who is targeting the ancients and why. And he certainly doesn't want to get Greer caught in the cross-hairs, because his dragon screams 'mine' . However, Greer doesn't seem to get that message...
A wonderful last book in the series and I'm very happy that Katie announced that there will be a spin-off of this series. I'll keep my eyes open. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

This is the last book in the Darkness series, which makes me sad, but it definitely goes out with a bang!
Reaper is centuries-old dragon who has recently awoken from hibernation. He's trying to adjust to this new world he find himself in. He's drawn to Greer, the dragon clan's healer and realizes she's the one for him. Greer, however, doesn't seem to be on board with his plans. Reaper will have to work hard to get Greer to come around....especially amidst all the danger around them.

With its fast-paced plot and show and steady build up of suspense, this book held my attention and I found myself flipping pages as fast as I could. Until I got to the very end, sat back and thought, "Wow!! What a ride!"
I will miss this series but I'm happy knowing there's going to be a spin-off series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias.

5 Dragon Reaper Roaring, You're Mine, Fire Breathing, Stars****
Where there are DRAGONS, I am there!!! I LURRVVEEEE DRAGONS!!! in this beautiful masterfully written book we meet an ancient, a War Dragon, named Reaper who has awakened and his mate is none other, than our beloved Greer, from the Petronilla Clan! Loved it, loved it, loved it!!! Filled action, suspense, a whole new world and the manifestation of the mating call for Greer and Reaper made for a thrilling ride! Though I am a bit saddened to see this series end, there is good news that a spinoff is on the horizon and I am happy to know that. There are so many characters that need their story told, especially Prima and Arthur, then Mira and August, which is the one story I want to read the most! I simply cannot wait!!!

****I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*****

This is the last book in the Darkness series, and it completely changed the whole series universe. No spoilers, but this book changes everything and I can’t wait to read what comes next.

Reaper, the warrior, was both menacing and awkward when it comes to Greer and i loved it. Asleep for a very long time, Reaper awakens because he senses something coming, right in front of Greer. Greer, the healer, funny, compassionate and not taking anything from Reaper.

I think it was Greer’s fear of the possibilities with Reaper that made her stubborn. But don’t worry Reaper, slowly got to her bed, then her heart. He was already firmly hers.

~ “Because she felt impossible safe – which sounded insane even in her own head. The world had completely gone mad, but with Reaper, she felt protected.
Treasured. Safe.” ~

Prima was a great addition, can’t wait to read her novel! There were also some great action sequences.

I think this book is a necessary read as Reus moves to the next series spin-off.

Thanks NetGalley for the advanced read!

Darkness Rising is the last book in the Darkness series and Katie Reus has definitely gone out with a bang. Reaper is an ancient dragon who has been asleep for thousands of years but premonitions of coming fire and destruction have caused him to stir.

Greer is the healer of her pack and the first person Reaper sets eyes on after coming out of his hibernation and, even though he is unable to communicate vocally with her, there is no hiding the attraction he feels towards Greer. After all, one look is worth a thousand words. The road to their eventual mating will be rocky however. First of all they have to deal with whatever it is on the horizon that had the power to rouse not only the Dragon of War but other ancients as well.

I did enjoy the second half of this book more than I did the first half which I felt was a bit slow. I loved the whole caveman attitude of Reaper towards Greer and how he took everything anyone said quite literally with colloquialisms going right over his head. I should feel sad that this is the end of a fantastic series but I’m not. I know we’ll catch up with everyone and find out how they’re coping in this ‘new earth’ as well as meet new characters in the spin off series hopefully coming soon.

Reaper, an ancient warrior dragon, has awakened from hibernation, as have other ancients. Now they are being murdered. Who is responsible? What is the enemy trying to accomplish? As Reaper adjusts to his new world, he's drawn to Greer. She's a healer. I enjoyed seeing how Reaper tries to control his dominant nature. He wants to impress his female. Greer is strong and feisty. She won't be a pushover. Watching their interaction made me smile. Their battle of wills pulled me into their romance. The dialogue reflects their powerful natures. I, also, liked all the other characters. Prima's wild personality adds to the action. I was shocked by all the unexpected action and drama. Suddenly there's a new world for the Humans and the Shifters to adjust to. Katie Reus wrote an exciting story filled with compelling characters and intense action. I'm sorry that the Darkness series is ending but excited to read the upcoming spinoff.

Review posted along with Blog Tour on my Blog, all social media and retailers

http://gisspotreviews.com/index.php/2019/06/08/blog-tour-review-gis-fav-darkness-rising-darkness-9-by-katie-reus/

Thank you so much for allowing me to read the last of the Darkness, one of my all time fav PNR series. Can't wait for the spin off!

xoxo

Gi

Darkness Rising
by Katie Reus

WELL..... for a series finale I was pleasantly surprised! I really enjoyed this story, couldn’t put the book down. BUT..... I was also pleased to find out that this storyline has a spin-off! And I can’t wait.

Imagine standing in the woods and the hunkiest man pops up out of the ground! Hot-darn, right! Well almost, it was a dragon and your a dragon sooooo yup hot-darn indeed! Reaper aka Dragon of War woke after hibernation and burst from the ground next to Greer the local clans’ healer. He’s a rough and tough guy who’s ready to kill and she’s the opposite, she’s a healer.

The plot has a slow but gradual storyline of suspense as Reaper comes to term with the new world and preparing for the war he feels is coming. But the biggest challenge is his feelings for the healer Greer.

Greer liked the simple life of a healer. She found comfort, life purpose, and she needed and loved her clan. After Reaper appeared, she could see his interest in her, but, she knew he was not the one for her. Although he did kinda peek her interest.

You’ll have to read for yourself the battle that ensues and the progress of the romance. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next series that comes from this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#Netgalley

Here’s to hoping it’s just me and the advanced reader copy I received was not the final version of this book. I’m a HUGE fan of this author and this particular series, but this storyline did not seem to have the same mojo I’m used to when it comes to Ms. Reus’s writing style. Once the dragon shifter hero, Reaper, appeared very early on, the writing on and off took a turn to the stilted, mechanical side. This dragon’s being laying deep down beneath the dirt for a l-o-n-g time, so I shrugged off the way he spoke. I chalked it up to him being disoriented, speaking a different language at first, and not knowing the lingo of the present day. However, by the end, I realized there was more to it than just that.

By 30% into it, Greer’s protesting too much about why Reaper just wouldn’t be right for her was granting on my nerves. By 60%, it was downright extremely annoying. It is hard to root for a main couple, folks, when the leading lady isn’t on board. He was off the charts lusting and in love with her from first glance. At least he got that part right in her eyes. Don’t get me wrong. She wanted him, too, but just didn’t think they would ever work as a couple.

I definitely did not get the reasoning to insert a blurted out, obscene name Greer hurled at Reaper, shortly after meeting him. It felt like a lame attempt to interject some potty, dirty thoughts, and imagery into it. I found it crude, crass, completely unnecessary, and out of character for her. I’m still mildly miffed at Greer for being so immature and petulant enough to do that. I even found myself mentally asking, “Did she really just say that?”

The out of the blue, graphic smexy scene featuring two sub-characters (that obviously have been flirting/circling each other for some time in previous books) proved others had more going on than this main couple. It’s kind of sad when I didn’t really see what Reaper saw in Greer.

By the conclusion, I realized the bad guy plot was overly done and the cast of characters was overly crowded. I skimmed through most of this book, folks.

Anyway, a spin off series seems to be in the works. This one just ended with a fizzle and not a big bang for me, despite the apocalyptic type drama. Again, overly done comes to mind. That’s just how the literary cookie crumbles sometimes, my fellow romance book loving friends. Here’s to hoping others like it. I certainly wish this author continued writing success. But I simply did not particularly enjoy this book at all.

Title: Darkness Rising, Series: Darkness (Book 9), Author: Katie Reus, Pages: 251, stand-alone but part of a series, the final book, good guy hero, annoying stubborn heroine. Rating: 2.5 stars

(I voluntarily read and reviewed a free 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.)

This is the last book in Darkness series.
Reaper has been hibernating for thousands of years and when he awakens, he discovers a whole new world; something he had to adapt to. He met Greer. He knew immediately that she was his destiny. Wheter he like it or not.

This was a fast-paced, action-filled book. Definitely interestimg book

Dragon warrior Reaper is ready to fulfill his destiny…until one glimpse of Greer irrevocable changes everything. She’s the polar opposite of Reaper and thinks he’s obnoxious and annoying, until Greer sees how fierce, protective, magnificent and mate worthy he is. With a menace threatening to tear the city apart, Greer and Reaper can only hope to live long enough to find out if opposites attract.

The final book in the ‘Darkness’ series is a ‘Wykedly Wild,’ stunning and nail biting read that has really gets readers blood pounding. The characters are strong and full of energy with some magnetic chemistry that pulls readers into their story. The romance between these two is a bit rocky but that just makes their relationship so much more spicy because the sparks fare flying and the heat is building.

The plot is faced past with lots of thrilling suspense, exhilarating action and magnificent battles that has readers’ jaws dropping in disbelief. The suspense steadily builds throughout the story so that readers are edge as they know something big is going to happen and then BAM! it happens and the readers is in no way prepared for the world changing events that has readers’ hair standing on end. The New Orleans setting for this major twist in the ‘Darkness’ series is a perfect back drop that really adds to the stupendous reading experience, so while readers are sad that it is ending, they are thoroughly pleased with Reaper and Greer’s story.

I'm sad to see this series end. I've loved every book in it, including this one. The characters and their stories grab me from the first page and don't let go. I'm so glad there'll be a spin off.

I have been trying to find the proper words to express my feelings for DARKNESS RISING. Wow and OMG doesn't do it justice at all.

I am left with saying that DARKNESS RISING will blow you away! It begins simply enough - an ancient rises from hibernation, adding a couple of unintentional hysterical moments and moves on to the world forever changed. In between these things we watch as Reaper and Greer come to terms with their feelings, fight with and for one another as well as facing the new world.

Annetta Sweetko, reviewer for Fresh Fiction

Complete review may be found at: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=68558