4 Wine Glass #Review of Dark Alpha's Lover by Donna Grant

Title: Dark Alpha’s Lover
Series: Reaper #4
Author: Donna Grant
Format: Kindle, 183 pages
Published: April 18, 2017 (St. Martin's Paperbacks)
ISBN: ASIN: B01NB100TI
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Linda
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 4 out of 5 Wine Glasses

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 am coming for you…

I answer to no one but Death. I am impenetrable, impervious, immortal. I exist to do Death’s bidding and no one–not Reaper nor human nor Fae–can stand in my way. Except for the bewitching half-Fae, Catriona. She swears the magic in her family passed her by, but I know better. This woman is strong. This woman is powerful. And when her abilities surge forth, no one will be able to stop the Dark Fae from coming for her. Except for me. I want to keep her close. I want to keep her safe. I want lose myself to her, again and again…

Linda's Thoughts:
The first time her grandfather had told her of her heritage, she’d laughed, thinking it was a jest. But as they’d walked down the streets of Galway, he began pointing out the Fae.
That was the day her life changed. At eight years old, she’d felt the weight of the world drop upon her shoulders.

Dark Alpha’s Lover by Donna Grant is another engrossing installment in her Reaper series. This is the fourth entry in the series which is connected to and running concurrently with her Dark Kings series. If you are a fan of her dragon kings, you need to be reading both series to fully understand all the behind-the-scenes political shenanigans going on. If you are not following either series, this tale can work as a stand alone as the romance and the danger plot herein are self-contained. I’m a fan of Donna’s works and am really enjoying both series. I greedily look forward to each new release - not only for the awesome story that will be told – but, also for any juicy tidbits she may disclose regarding my favorite characters and the story arc extending throughout the Reaper series and that of her Dark Kings.

Dark Alpha’s Lover is the story of fae halfling Catriona 'Cat' Hayes and dark fae Fintan, a Reaper who works for Death. Reapers are in charge of ensuring the fae follow the rules. Both light and dark fae are taught as youngsters that they must follow the rules or suffer the consequences courtesy of the Reapers. In the series arc, Fintan and his fellow Reapers are in the midst of a war with Bran, a former spurned Reaper, who has somehow managed to weaken Death and who is targeting halflings. Up till this installment in the series, Fintan has never had an issue strictly following Death’s rules.

Cat has experienced much tragedy in her life; her entire family has been wiped out by the fae and she fears that she is next even though she possesses no magic. When Cat witnesses Fintan killing a fae, she is fascinated as she did not think it possible to defend herself against a fae. Unfortunately, Fintan notices that Cat saw him snuffing out the fae and Death’s rules decree that, if they are spotted, they must also take out the witness. He follows her home only to find an atypical scene with a slew of fae outside her home keeping watch and decides to first investigate further how she’s managed to stay alive when others like her have fallen victim.

Cat and Fintan are both likable and believable. Fintan is known for being unemotional as he’s never known any type of love in his life. Cat shakes his world as he finds himself caring about her and trusting her when he’s only ever trusted Death and his fellow Reapers. Cat is an enigma. She’s strong, resilient and brilliant with phenomenal puzzle-solving abilities. They share a common mission in that the rogue ex-Reaper needs to be taken out – Cat because he’s targeting her kind for extinction, and Fintan because he’s targeting Death and the balance in the Universe that the Reapers are sworn to maintain. I liked the dynamics between them, but can they trust each other enough to work together for a common goal?

No spoilers – but, fans will be enthralled by the possible future ramifications of a quick walk-on by Dark Kings Constantine, Roman and Cain within. In addition, we also get to catch up with the other Reapers and Death, who rocks a ball gown. Who would have thought?

Following please find a few of my favorite quotes from Dark Alpha’s Lover:

“We know her days are numbered, so we watch and wait.”
---

She turned back to him. “I’ve never seen a Fae like you.”
“Because there is no other like me.”
She suspected no truer words had ever been spoken.
---

Her thoughts drifted to Fintan. His voice was deep and so captivating that she wondered if he used it on purpose. Almost like a weapon, but one of silk and seduction instead of steel and blood.

Dark Alpha’s Lover packs a punch. It’s sexy, exciting and fast-paced. Newbies will enjoy it and fans will inhale it. It really moves the plot with Bran forward and weaves in some Dark Kings’ intrigue too. If you enjoy paranormal urban fantasy romances with awesome characters and a well-plotted storyline, I’d encourage you to put this series on your radar.



Suggested Reading Order: 
DARK ALPHA'S CLAIM (Book #1)
DARK ALPHA'S EMBRACE (Book #2)

DARK ALPHA'S DEMAND (Book #3)

Dark Alpha's Lover (Reaper, #4)

Dark Alpha's Night (Reaper, #5)