This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
About The Book
Dark Alpha’s Claim is the first in an exclusive new series from New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant!
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…
My whole existence is based on taking what Death wants. Born to eliminate Fae guilty of unforgivable crimes, my reckless, wild nature makes me the perfect assassin to carry out Death’s bidding. I’ve seen more sinister and violent dealings than anyone could ever imagine. But it was the sight of her face that stopped me cold. I’ve never wanted a woman-never mind a human-so badly; never felt my heart, hardened by death, burn brighter and hotter until it burst into flames. She is everything I desire. The kind of woman that compels you to stake your claim on her, to let the world know that she’s yours. A Reaper saving her life will only attract danger, but I vow to protect her at all costs from the Fae that hunt her, and keep safe the woman who has claimed me, body and soul.
One night. That’s all Baylon was allowed, but it wasn’t enough. Forever would never be enough.
My Review
Dark Alpha’s Claim is a fiery hot urban fantasy romance. To be honest I have no idea where to categorize this but the setting feels very fantasy although the connecting series has dragons but it has a strong “fae” presence in it so that is definitely fantasy. And it has a similar setting to that of “KMM Fever Series”. But the romance is highly present which I love. I do enjoy a urban fantasy setting. I also hadn’t realized how SHORT these books are and I am kinda sad about it haha once I read this one I am now realizing I should have read the Dark Kings fully before jumping into this one. Because while I didn’t see much of the Dark Kings, they were referred to and we do have some interaction and I have a feeling we will see much more of them as I delve deeper in the series so I am highly debating if I should finish the Dark Kings. If any of you have read both series, let me know if I should continue or go back and finish up the Dark Kings.
I am really fascinated with how Donna Grant wrote this book and I was hooked from the beginning and what a quick fun read this turned out to be. Its only 150 pages, so the romance builds quickly, its one of those forbidden themes. The hero is a reaper and is forbidden to have any intimate romantic relationship, and his job is to hunt evil dark fae. But he and Jordyn quickly fall for each other in one night (and yes its instant love) but they can’t be together or they could both die. But we see them both go on a journey as our heroine is being hunted by Dark Fae, and her only hope of survival is by standing with the reapers.
I absolutely adored how the plot developed and it kept me on the edge all the way through. I was so intrigued by how this author would implement this one and seeing how she would develop this story and while it happened quickly, I became so invested with these characters. The combination of all the elements and seeing how this one really sets the stage for all the others was such a treat to read. I really just wanted more and more of this one and seeing how this wrapped up but also gave you a teaser of what was to come has me eager to read more into this fantastical world that Donna Grant has built.
Title: Dark Alpha’s Claim
Author: Donna Grant
Genre: Fantasy-Paranormal Romance
Format: eBook
Source: Library
Length: 156 Pages
Book Links
Amazon| Goodreads| LibraryThing| StoryGraph| Literal Club
Book Evaluation
Storytelling Quality: 4
Story Itself: 4
Character Development: 4
Writing Style: 4
World Building 4.5
Feels + The Romantic Heart 4
Pacing 5
Plot 4
Cover Art 5
Ending 4
Book Ratings
Overall Rating of the Book
Steam Level
Simmering—soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warm- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin’ up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Series Order
Reapers
Dark Alpha’s Claim-Pub 2015 #1 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Embrace-Pub 2016 #2 In the Series
Dark Alpha’s Demand-Pub 2016 #3 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Lover-Pub 2017 #4 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Night-Pub 2018 #5 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Hunger-Pub 2018 #6 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Awakening-Pub 2019 #7 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Redemption-Pub 2019 #8 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Temptation-Pub 2020 #9 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Caress-Pub 2020 #10 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Obsession-Pub 2021 #11 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Need-Pub 2021 #12 in the Series
Dark Alpha’s Silent Night-Pub 2021 #13 in the Series
About The Author
Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
I might have to check this one out! I loved the Fever series so I am definitely interested.
Lovely review, as always! xo
I’ve been meaning to read more of Donna Grant. I’ve got a bunch of her books on my shelves 🙂
Love the premise for this one. I have to catch up on Donna Grant’s books but I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read by her. Her world-building is always on point, and it sounds like it is in this novella as well. I’m glad the instalove worked for you in this case–for me it typically has to be a quick-moving storyline or something with a lot of suspense.