Cover Image: Dark Alpha's Redemption

Dark Alpha's Redemption

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Dark Alpha's Redemption: A Reaper Novel is the eighth book in the Reaper series by Donna Grant and can easily be read as a standalone. I am a fan of Grant's books and have read all the books in the Reaper series. Grant has an easy to read writing style that makes it easy to get lost in the story. The characters are well written and complex with intriguing backstories. Dark Alpha's Redemption is a captivating story that draws you in from the beginning and I was desperate to find out what would happen next. I could not turn the pages fast enough. I look forward to reading the next book in the Reaper series.

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So, what did I like about it?
I am a fan of Ms Grant’s books and have read all of the books in this series. I find her writing style easy to read and I like the way she paces the development of the plot. I love the fantasy world that Ms Grant has created and that her characters are not black or white, good or evil but allowed to be complex souls with a multifaceted mix of positive and negative traits.

I connect to a story more if the lead female character is intelligent, resilient and can look after herself; I wasn’t disappointed here. Maeve is an amazing woman and I loved learning about her life and getting to know her in this story. I liked the way that we learnt more about existing characters in this tale too; none of the characters in this series are flat 2-dimensional creations, they all feel very real even though most are mythical species.
Ms Grant loves the romantic aspect between her lead couple to be concluded by the end of each book; I love Happy Ever After endings too. Woop! Woop! But Dark Alpha’s Redemption isn’t just about the romance between Maeve and Bradach, there are various aspects weaved together in this tale and I liked that we were a fly on so many walls, getting to learn what drives the characters to do what they do while trying to piece everything together.

Dark Alpha’s Redemption managed to surprise me a few times, had me reaching for a tissue or two *sniff*, growling in anger and holding my breath on the edge of my seat worried what would happen next but fear not dear reader there was also plenty of banter to put a smile on my face and enough building passion to titillate anyone’s fancy. I found myself desperate to find out what would happen next, staying up late to finish just one more chapter, in other words I was gripped!

So, ummm, was there anything I disliked about it?
I really loved Dark Alpha’s Redemption but here’s where I have to be completely honest and tell you why my rating was 4 stars rather than 5.

You may think I’m being mean, but it’s mainly regarding the background stories; I didn’t feel as though any of my questions were answered. Dark Alpha’s Redemption features a few existing background story arcs that have been ongoing through this series and that of the Dragon Kings series – most of which can be blamed on the Queen of the Light Fae, Usaeil. These threads are left open wide to continue to the next book and I don’t feel as though we’ve gained any ground in resolving them but rest assured, dear reader, I can say that Dark Alpha’s Redemption didn’t end on a life-or-death cliffhanger.

So, basically what I’m saying is...
I really enjoyed this novel; it was a tale that kept me reading from start to finish – I was hooked! Dark Alpha’s Redemption has everything that I look for in a good story; adventure, mystery, action, great characters, some humour, romance and a sprinkling of passion.

Due to the graphic nature of the violence and sex scenes, I would only recommend this book to adults who are not offended by this sort of content. If you enjoy paranormal romance tales with a multi-layered “against-the-clock” backstory that keeps you turning the pages from start to finish with honourable alpha heroes and heroines with plenty of gumption, lots of action alongside beautiful romance, oh and enough titillation to make you blush on the bus, then this novel is definitely one for you.

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Dark Alpha's Redemption starts with the search for Xaneth. Bradach (a reaper) is the one assigned to look for Xaneth. To do this he must use Maeve who is a Dark and he hates Darks. I love that through trying to find Xaneth they fall in love. What I love is that Donna really gets you involved in a crazy world with some unbelievable characters and you'll definitely have to read more to learn more of the story and world as it continues to unfold.

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Fast paced and full of suspense! The weaving of the story is intense and you will be drawn into this world immediately! Great job!

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I love paranormal stories so I was predisposed to enjoy the Dark Alpha's Redemption. I, however, didn't really get into it. There was almost no plot and the characters didn't wow me. Grant writes well and the story was imaginative but it fell short.

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Firstly, this is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I know, I double-checked before I requested it.
However, for the full experience, I seriously recommend that you read some of the other books. I found myself lost with a bit of the history (which was assumed that you should know—I assume this was written that way to minimise spoilers for the other books—and carried on like you were in the know) and all the characters. Wow there are so many characters, so many names and different relationships and species and—
I repeat, I recommend reading a few of the other books.

It's been about a week since I read this and I have to be completely honest, but it was not a story that stuck with me. For me, there was an air of predictability (it was that kind of cliche that I did not want to read) that laced with a lot of confusion (because of the assumption of knowledge).

Unfortunately, this was simply a case of "this is not for me but it could be for you." Especially if you enjoy paranormal romances and intricately layered worlds and fantasy elements.

2.5/5

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Argh! What a totally frustrating ending of this book! I was so certain that Rhi and Usaeil would finally get to battle in this book. But noooo, the Ubitch (love that name) still has Xaneth and Con captivated (or so is the assumption of the Dark Kings) and nobody knows where they are. So Bradach is the Reaper who is sent to the Dark King to find out whether he can connect Bradach to Maeve the Merciless. She is a Dark Fae, known for her association with Usaeil.
And while this story evolves around the chemistry between Maeve and Bradach, we also see glimpses of Usaeil and Xaneth. Bradach loathes the Dark, but his attraction to Dark Fae Maeve has him shocked. What a cruel twist of fate. But maybe Maeve isn't so Merciless as everyone thinks and maybe the differences between Light and Dark are not so big...
If you haven't read the previous books, this story will be a little difficult to follow. But since all of Donna Grant's Dark King and Reaper series are awesome, it is no hardship. Hopefully the escalation between Usaeil and Rhi will take place in the next Dark King or Reaper story, because I really, really want to see how that goes down. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

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This is the newest book in the Reaper's series and you absolutely need to read the books before this one or you will be lost! This one is about Bradach, who is a part of the secret group of Reaper's and Maeve. Bradach doesn't trust anything to do with a Dark Fae, no matter what other's may tell him. But when his mission forces him into the Dark court to attempt to get help from Maeve the Merciless, he may have to revise his thoughts and feelings. Especially as she may hold the key to bringing down their enemy.

I absolutely love Maeve! She comes across as this big, hardcore, Dark Fae when in reality she only does what she must in order to survive. And I love that about her! Bradach has issues with all Dark Fae, and I understand his reasoning but to read about him finally getting that they are not all the same was refreshing. There was an instant attraction between them and they just seemed more realistic. I love how this pushed the bigger story ARC that has been happening not only with them but with the Dragon Kings series as well further along. I love that they are interconnected!! It just makes the bigger story more realistic to me! I can't wait for the next one! Of course I am also impatiently waiting on Rhi's story!!! I need to know who her King is!!

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This was the first book I have read by this author and my first impression was a load of characters that I could not place in context. As I continued with the book things became clearer and I enjoyed the story. I thought the characters were interesting and the story had many elements to hold the readers attention. I enjoyed the premise on which the story was founded, I now know from other sources that this is part of a series and it would have benefitted me to know what had gone before. I found the book a little lightweight hence the rating.

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The continuing saga of the Dark and Light just keeps getting better. The way Donna intertwines her characters from various series is amazing. I can't wait to find out what happens to Usaeil.

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Bradach, a Fae Reaper for Death, is looking for Con, the Dragon King and, Usaeil's cousin, Xaneth'. He is tasked with finding Maeve, another Fae who managed, somehow, to become "friends" with Usaeil!
Little do either of them know that they are both going to be immediately attracted to each other and, that would make them working together much more difficult..
They both have secrets that could cause some serious problems but, can't seem to stay away from each other!
This is part of an ongoing series that I have been fascinated with since book 1.
Another book that you don't want to put down until you're finished!

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Ok, Maeve was awesome! I've mentioned many times before that I love the heroines who can really kick butt, and Maeve can kick some serious butt. She is going to make a great addition to the upcoming war. I also like the mystery surrounding her.

Bradach is part of the Reaper group that was kept secret for awhile so he's fairly new. He has a hatred for the Dark Fae, and for him to work with the Dark Fae King and Maeve was not done lightly. I like that his reaction to her was instant despite how he feels about the dark and he didn't really fight it.

I'm getting anxious to get to the final battle. I'm ready to see how this is all going to come together. There is so many players to this that it seems like one big chess game. I don't know how to play chess and I don't know how where this is going next.

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With the original Reapers having defeated Bran, it's time for the New Kids on the Block to take up the reins!

This new team of Reapers are continuing with Erith's orders and keeping tabs on a certain Ubitch and looking for Xaneth. But Ubitch is keeping off the radar and Bradach finds himself wrapped up in the mystery which is Maeve.

They are opposites that don't really want to attract but keep finding themselves doing just that. Lots of humour and a great way to bridge the gap between the two Reaper teams. Great writing, superb characterisation and witty banter!

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So now the 2nd team of Reapers have their stories... And Bradach is next to fall for a dark fae, a race he swore never to trust let alone fall for. Maeve the Merciless is a dark fae who has been brutal in keeping and growing her family's empire...and is in a unique position to help them seek the Usaeil and Xanath and Con.

Bradach is recruited to get Maeve to help them without revealing what he is. Reluctant he is to trust Balladyn and ultimately Maeve, he nonetheless follows orders. And he realizes that not all is simply black or white, or in this case, dark or light fae. Maeve is a strong character, more than able to hold her own against Bradach and is naturally mistrustful of anyone. She earned the title Merciless. And is curious about Bradach enough to help.

The two do find each other but have to get beyond their pasts and Death (Erith) before they find their HEA. Which they do, thank goodness.

And the overall arc of the series is moving... I almost thought...they were nearly there! I guess we have to wait for the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book!!

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This a well written story that I immensely enjoyed. Bradach and Maeve appear to be total opposites. As the book evolves the differences disappear. Maeve is such a strong character but betrayal shakes her up. Being a fighter she recovers and goes in for the kill. Great characters with an unusual plot makes this a must read.

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A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin s Press for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I like Ms. Grants work but I am not a fan of the Dark King or Fae series. I get confused and frustrated because they seem so connected. I truly feel u need to read them in order. To be honest, I skimmed the book. Th he characters Madge and Bradach are both interesting, and I liked their story, it's the other stuff that I don't enjoy. I rate this a 3, but I know that the fans of this series will love this book.

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This is Reaper story connecting the worlds of the Dragon Kings and the Fae (Light and Dark).
You would be well checking out previous stories to see how the story has progressed to this point. Reapers are assassins brought back to life to fight for Death. Bradach is a Reaper who has to get the help of Maeve the Merciless (a Dark Fae) to find the enemy (Fae Queen Usaeil). This is a love story of two people who can see through the glamour used as protection against getting hurt to the real people underneath. There is a continuation of a war to come that runs through this story and the characters that will play a large part.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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I really liked this book even though it felt a little bit like a filler in for between the last book and the next one. I thought that the main characters could have done with a little bit more "screen time" or something because they are characters that we haven't seen much before.

Having said all that - the book was still a very good read and definitely holds it own among the series as a whole.

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Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review.

A short and sweet romance novel that perfectly sets the stage for the coming major battles.

This is definitely a tale of redemption. Both Meave and Bradach both have lived and breathed darkness; it's something they haven't managed to escape. But through each other it seems that the both may find their way out of the darkness

Meave and Bradach are two halves of the same coin. Honorable, intelligent, strong, and extremely capable. It's not often you find an MC couple so seamlessly suited for each other.

Meave is everything Bradach hates (I know, weird to say) This stark contrast that battles both their inner demons. Bradach wants nothing to do with Dark fae and Meave knows nothing but the Dark. It's a tenuous attraction - unthinkable for both - but it forces them to face their fears.

Although I find them seamlessly compatible, I did find the romance a bit rushed and their attraction too instantaneous. However, it is a short read - only 200+ pages - so that's not a lot of wiggle room.

All the missed chances within the story are adding to the anticipation. I thought certain conflicts would take place but, no, you'll have to wait longer.

I do like that all the players are coming together. It's clear that monumental change is about to happen. I don't know who will be the next MC couple, but they will be in for a whirlwind. I hope book 9 comes out soon! I love this world that Grant has created.

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This book was amazing- as always. You get a lot more information about Usaeil in this book. I don’t feel like a lot of progress was made but you finish the book with more knowledge. If you don’t mind spoilers you can see my full review here: https://escaperealitybyreading.wordpress.com/2019/07/15/dark-alphas-redemption/

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