#Review: Dark Alpha's Embrace by Donna Grant - 4 Wine Glasses

Title: DARK ALPHA'S EMBRACE
Series: Reaper #2
Author: Donna Grant
Format: Kindle, 158 Pages
Published: Swerve (February 16, 2016)
ISBN: ASIN:B016VIVLAW
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

There's no escaping a Reaper. I'm 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...

I'm a warrior. My unbreakable determination, my backbone of steel define me. As a Reaper who does Death's bidding, weakness is a word I don't understand. Until a stunning librarian stirs emotions deep within me I've never felt before. Her soft curves blunt the sharp edges of my soul, crushing my defenses - yet make me stronger. But underneath those wide eyes and fierce femininity, she has a weapon, one she won't hesitate to use. And when the Dark begin their deadly descent, we'll need each other's love and protection...or risk fracturing apart. 

Linda's Thoughts:
Kyran was a Dark Fae, but that's not what she saw when she loo9ked at him. She saw a man who was devoted to his friends and his cause. She saw a man who was haunted by his past.
She saw a man who made her think of the future.

DARK ALPHA'S EMBRACE by Donna Grant is a daring and emotional second installment in the author' Reaper series. It is the story of dark fae reaper Kyran and half-fae River. River rates as one of my favorite heroines as she's a librarian with a special affinity for books. This series is connected to Donna's Dark Kings series.

The Reapers are light and dark fae warriors who have died and been recruited by Death to serve her in anonymously exacting karma within the fae world. In the first installment, we met a powerful ex-Reaper who was thought to be dead and who has vengeance against Death and her Reapers on his agenda. In this installment, the danger level exponentially rises. To make matters worse, something is happening with Death's powers potentially tilting the balance of power.

This book opens as the Reapers are searching for clues as to why their nemesis is so strong, why he is targeting the half-fae and what is happening with Death's powers. Their quest leads them to a library in Edinburgh which is purported to hold a selection of books from the set of thirty they require. Their task to retrieve the books is complicated as the Reapers come face-to-face with River, who defends the books as if they belong to her, utilizing impressive fighting skills to do so.

Both primary characters are engaging and realistic. River is feisty, determined and smart. Kyran is a tortured, intense entity. Both River and Kyran have very sad back stories. (Kleenex-time!) Neither were seeking a relationship. Even so, their relationship is passionate and steamy. They were great together - but, their relationship is doomed for a myriad of reasons.

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from this exciting read:

Death's head cocked to the side. "I can be very ... persuasive ... when needed."
---

As he stared down at River's lips, swollen from his kisses, there was no question she would be his. The fire within her matched his.
---

"Dark Fae are evil. They do evil things to each other, but there is an unspoken rule that you never harm family."
She held him tighter, wishing she could take away his pain with a hug. "Families hurt each other all the time."

Even though this is the second book in the series, DARK ALPHA'S EMBRACE could be enjoyed as a standalone if that is your preference as the romantic relationship is fully contained within this novel. The danger plot was introduced in the first book, but Donna seamlessly includes the necessary background from it so a new reader will not be lost. However, for full enjoyment, I would go back and read the first book first.

As with all of Donna's books, her writing is wonderfully imaginative and solidly plotted with touches of mystery and a scintillating romance. This tale had me holding my breath one minutes and swooning the next. Dangerous perils lurk at every turn of the page. Be aware that the epilogue will make you want the next book, DARK ALPHA'S DEMAND, ASAP! I know I can't wait to get my hands on it! I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys addictive, fast-paced paranormal romances.


Suggested Reading Order: 
DARK ALPHA'S CLAIM (Book #1)
DARK ALPHA'S EMBRACE (Book #2)
DARK ALPHA'S DEMAND (Book #3) - expected to be published May 2016!