A little over a week until DARK ALPHA'S CARESS releases. This story was so fun to write, and I can't wait for everyone to read it. Want the correct reading order for the Reapers? Or perhaps the reading order for the entire Dark Word? Head to www.MotherofDragonsBooks.com.
Ballycastle, Ireland
July
She had officially lost her mind. That was the only thing she could think of that would have taken her from her home on the Isle of Skye and brought her to Northern Ireland. Sorcha wasn’t exactly courageous. In fact, she considered herself a hermit.
But because she preferred to be alone, it made it easier for her to do precisely what she was currently doing.
“Rhona, you owe me big for this,” she mumbled to herself as she walked the hilly landscape toward the coast.
The wind whipped her hair from its braid and into her eyes. She pulled the strands out of her lashes and tucked them behind her ears, but it did no good as the next gust tugged them free and put them right back.
Sorcha’s heart pounded more erratically with every step she took. She was the last person who should be here. She was a horrible liar. Not only that, but she also caved under pressure. Always. There was a reason she liked her solitude. She didn’t have to answer to anyone, and no one looked to her for anything.
Which meant she couldn’t let anyone down.
But this was bigger than her. It was bigger than the Skye Druids. That’s why she was here. No longer could she turn a blind eye to what was going on. What Usaeil had done to Corann, the leader of the Skye Druids, was enough to convince Sorcha to get off her arse.
It had been no surprise when Sorcha learned that Rhona had taken over as leader of the Druids. As soon as she heard the news, she went to Rhona and offered to do anything to help. It’d never entered her mind that Rhona might send her off on a dangerous mission that could very well get her killed.
Sorcha stopped walking. Her thighs burned from the incline. The sky had grown darker from an incoming storm. She turned and looked back the way she’d come. There hadn’t been anyone around, and that’s how this had been planned. The only way this would work was if she remained unseen. Even so, she and Rhona had come up with a story in case she was stopped.
She drew in a deep breath and zipped up her raincoat. Every fiber of her being wanted to return to Skye and the safety of her cottage. For so long, she had buried her head in the sand and let others handle things. All because she was too scared to actually live.
Bracing herself for whatever was to come, Sorcha began walking again. The climb up to the summit was for skilled climbers only. Spray from the sea coated everything in a fine mist, making the rocks and the grass slippery. She had to watch every step she took. And she wasn’t even to the most dangerous part yet.
Climbing such cliffs and mountains had been something Sorcha had grown up doing with her mother and sister. She was an expert, but that didn’t mean she liked what was happening. She didn’t know these cliffs like she did the ones on Skye.
A crack of lightning followed closely by a boom of thunder made her jump. Loose sediment slipped
beneath her feet and caused her to slide. She quickly grabbed hold of an outcropping of rock and a clump of grass to stop herself.
“Bloody hell,” she murmured and paused long enough to gather herself.
Then she continued. She didn’t look back again. Little by little, she progressed over the terrain. She covered a lot of ground before the first raindrop landed on her. Sorcha ignored it as the path became narrower. She glanced up and saw a group of people ahead. The moment she saw them, she ducked down, afraid that they might have seen her, as well.
When no shout of warning or the sound of anyone coming for her followed, Sorcha slowly rose up enough to see ahead. Only then did she continue on. The fat raindrops came down more readily. She lifted up the hood of her raincoat as she inched closer, using the footholds and handholds to keep herself anchored to the cliff. Then—finally—she was there.
Sorcha pressed her forehead to the damp rocks of the cliff and let out a relieved breath. She’d worry about getting back once she was finished here. She strained her ears to listen, but she couldn’t make out any of the words being said by the group. She had come this far. There was no way she would leave without something.
She reached up and grabbed a rock before she set her foot on another and climbed. It was only a meter’s difference, but it allowed her to hear. The only problem was that she needed to hang off the side of the cliff to do it.
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Dark Alpha's Caress © 2020 Donna Grant
DARK ALPHA'S CARESS is here November 16, 2020
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Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10) DARK ALPHA’S CARESS is the tenth instalment in Donna Grant��s contemporary, adult THE REAPERS paranormal, romance / fantasy series focusing on Death’s Reapers. This is Reaper Cathal, and Halfling Sorcha’s story line. The REAPERS is a spin off from Donna’s DARK KINGS series which is a spinoff from Donna’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. You do not have to have read any of the previous series to understand the premise but many of the events overlap with the events of the Dark Kings. DARK ALPHA’S CARESS is the beginning of a new series arc and can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.
SOME BACKGROUND: The Reapers (believed to be a folk lore amongst the Fae) are a group of Dark and Light Fae, selected by Death (aka Erith), on their own deathbed, to do her bidding-Death is the judge and jury; the Reapers are the executioners. The Reapers are not harbingers of death, but are tasked with destroying the Light and Dark Fae who have crossed a line from which there is no return. All Reapers must follow two rules: never to fall in love; and never to reveal their existence to anyone.
Told from third person perspective DARK ALPHA’S CARESS focuses on Halfling Sorcha as she has become the target of a number of fae. Reaper Cathal is tasked with uncovering the who and why of the influx of fae near the Isle of Skye but it is Sorcha who reveals there is something more dangerous developing within the fae community. As Cathal remains cloaked in an effort to follow our story line heroine, Sorcha struggles with ten years of guilt, and her refusal to use the magic with which she was born. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sorcha and Cathal, and the potential fall-out when the couple discover there is a bounty on our story line heroine’s head, a bounty connected to sins of the past.
Sorcha has been in virtual seclusion for close to ten years since the death of her mother and sister. Blaming herself for the loss of her family, Sorcha battles between head and heart but a request from her cousin finds our heroine stepping out of her comfort zone to uncover the truth about a potential threat to the Isle of Skye. Cathal had been following a group of fae and in this he will come up close and personal with our story line heroine. Having no idea if Sorcha is involved in the potential threat to the supernatural world, Cathal and fellow Reaper Aisling begin to uncover the truth about Sorcha, the influx of fae, and a new threat to the supernatural world.
Meanwhile, the Reapers continue to search for Xaneth, former Fae queen Useail’s nephew, a light Fae who went missing as the war between the Light and Dark Fae, and the Dragon Kings came to fruition.
The relationship between Sorcha and Cathal is one of immediate attraction but Cathal knows that to fall in love goes against the Reaper’s code. As guardian and protector of our story line heroine, Cathal finds himself falling for a woman who is unaware of her true nature, and the power she is able to wield. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Erith (Death) and her mate Cael, Aisling, Rordan, Eoghan, and Sorcha’s cousin Rhona. The requisite evil has many faces.
DARK ALPHA’S CARESS is a story of family, betrayal and vengeance; relationships, friendships and love. The premise intriguing, imaginative and entertaining; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are strong, energetic and colorful.
www.thereadingcafe.com Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10) Oh my, this book made me tear up. All the things this couple went through in their lives and and their journey to sharing their love and lives. On to the mystery of the new enemy. Great story. Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10) Cathal and Sorcha: This one was particularly more exciting. I enjoyed the mystery behind why Sorcha was being targeted and Cathal's unwavering loyalty to her even when he didn't understand it. There is still so much to learn and that's why keeps me coming back to this series book after book. Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10) 4.5 stars
The Others may have been destroyed by the Dragon Kings, but possible new enemies are trying to come out of the ashes. Picking up where events in Inferno left off, the latest Reaper entry kicks things off with an intriguing opening, as well as introducing another group of Reapers.
Cathal was a quiet one, lethal when necessary, but devoted and loyal to those he cares for. His second chance at life as a Reaper has brought many opportunities, but meeting Sorcha is fast becoming the most important one for living. Sorcha locked herself away from life and my heart broke for her when all was revealed. I enjoyed watching her stretch her emotional muscles with Cathal, but moreover, I really cheered her on for taking control and getting her life in order.
Dark Alpha’s Caress was an enjoyable read, equally balancing Cathal and Sorcha’s sweet and smexy romance with new snippets of information for the Reapers to pursue. Once again, Grant sums up events fairly quick, so if you haven’t read previous books, don’t be deterred. You’ll be up to date in no time!
I also wanted to mention Cathal’s partner, Aisling. She was a total trip! Sarcastic, direct, and just as lethal as Cathal...I am hoping her story is coming soon. I cannot wait for the chance to delve in to her background and secrets.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and this is my honest review. Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10)
Dark Alpha’s Caress ARC Review every time I start reading one of Donna Grants books I can not put them down! Donna Grant’s amazingly wonderful imagination takes us on Cathal’s investigation into a mysterious halfling who has caught the attention of Death/Erith and this lethal Reaper!
With The Others destroyed and unrest within the Fae and Druids why all of a sudden has the Fae turned their attention to a Halfling? Throughout this book there are twists and turns to discover the mystery of Sorcha and why she is so important! With a possible new set of problems for the Fae, Druids and Reapers will Cathal find out the answers he seeks? Will Cathal fall for the beautiful halfling who has caught his attention from the first time he laid eyes on her?
This is book 10 in the Reapers series and will leave you reaching for the caffeine to keep you awake and read the whole book! This amazing book takes us on an adventure with these 2 characters and their undeniable attraction. The question in this book with a Halfling why is she so important and can they find the answers behind why Dark and Light Fae are so interested in getting to her. Is her heart safe with Cathal or because he is a Reaper will he have to leave her you will have to read and find out!!!
All I can say is Donna Grant you are an amazing Author you have nailed it again. Now a lot more of the puzzle pieces are coming together and we get a slight glimpse of what’s going to happen in the next book. I am giving this book 5 stars Donna Grant’s books are so easy to read and if you haven’t read her books before this one it will certainly leave you wanting more. Pre order or buy now you will not be disappointed I am so looking forward to all the future novels as the stories continue.
Thank you so much Donna Grant for taking our imaginations on this new adventure. Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10) This is book 10 the Reaper's series and I would absolutely read the previous books in this series along with the Dark King's series as they have become intertwined in the greater story ARC in the later books. Sorcha lives a quiet life on Skye. After losing the people she loved the most, she vowed to not use magic again or to leave her quiet cottage and land. Until she asked to go on a mission that she seems to be perfect for. Cathal is a Reaper whose mission has just diverged into figuring out why a halfling was watching the same group that he was. And finding a mystery that he was never expecting, that leads to him making the choice to keep her safe when he least expected it.
I always know that when I pick up this author's book to read it that I will love it, and this book was no exception! I was sucked in right from the start and wanted to know more about Sorcha's background and the things that made her decide to live the way she does. Especially knowing what we know about Druids and the Fae from previous books. I loved the interactions not only between Sorcha and Cathal but also between Cathal and his team. The level of trust and the feeling of family between them after everything that they have gone through just made me like them even more. I wish we could have know more about what happened to Cathal's family after he became a Reaper especially because his story was so heartbreaking. But then so was Sorcha's in ways that I definitely wasn't expecting. I don't know if these stories are already in the works but I really hope that we get more stories for the Druid's on Skye (like Sorcha's cousin) and a certain female Reaper because I definitely want to know her story after reading this one!! Another great read by a great author! Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10) This book was received as an ARC from Donna Grant’s ARC Angels, the following opinions and commentary are my own and no way reflect the greater DG Groupie Community. Dark Alpha’s Caress is a Reaper book, and is a part of the Greater Dark World—Fae, Druids, Warriors and Dragon Kings. This book is a part of series of books and really should not be read as a stand-alone book, long story arcs and character dynamics have been building over this sub-series and in the main series.
Sorcha is not just any halfling, she a hybrid of Fae and Druid. Extremely powerful and highly secretive, she is wanted by a powerful Fae for what at first is unknown reasons. Cathal takes notice of this halfling when she spies on a meeting of Druids. He takes her under his wing to protect her, then he falls for her.
This book takes place after the battle for the Light Throne. The Others are gone, and there is a power vacuum. The wheels are turning to start the next story arc, but where it is going is up in the air at the moment. This novella isn’t a must read, but a you really really want to read it. More of the second group of Reapers characters are shown. Five stars- Donna Grant doesn’t disappoint.
Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10) Original review posted at Rantings of a Reading Addict
Dark Alpha's Caress comes after Inferno of the Dark Kings series. Since I did not read these in order, and it's been a long time since I read Inferno, there are a few things I'm kind of behind on. For instance, I think something happens in Inferno that makes Dark Alpha's Caress start off on another story arc. I can sort of guess what happened, so I'm just going to flow into this story.
We start off with the Skye Druids. We have seen them here and there along the series, but Dark Alpha's Caress will really bring them out. Sorcha is a halfling who has been in her house alone for the last 10 years. She does not practice her magic at all since she blames herself for the loss of her mother and sister. Rhona, her cousin has heard some things about Druids forming their own group like the Others. She really needs someone to investigate. Rhona believes the best way to spy on these Druid's meeting is to have Sorcha climb up the ridge and listen in. She has some trouble coming down because of a storm, but a big, handsome guy just happens to be at the bottom of the ridge to catch her.
The Reapers have also heard the rumors about the Druids and therefore send Cathal out to investigate. He spies Sorcha and has the pull to follow her. He blames it on the need to find out what she knows. But he becomes very protective of her. Aisling makes an appearance to try and help Cathal be able to keep watch over Sorcha without questions.
As he watches, interesting things happen, besides the attraction between them. Fae seem to be coming from everywhere with this weird attraction to Sorcha. The story that evolves from this phenomenon really had me glued. Little by little Sorcha's world is blown apart by revelation after revelation. During one skirmish Cathal & Aisling find themselves in dealing with what seems to be a new threat.
I truly enjoyed Dark Alpha's Caress. Everything was so new to Sorcha. She is tough though and I feel like a great match for Cathal. I loved the way everything played out throughout the book. It built step by step each it's own revelation. Great way to keep me from putting the book down. Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10) This is the story of Sorcha, a halfling, and Cathal, a Reaper. This story tells of Sorcha’s guilt over the deaths of her mother and sister 10 years ago. She became a recluse because she feels that she caused their deaths. Forced by her cousin to make a trip to Ireland to look for information that the Skye druids need, she draws the attention of not only Cathal, but the Fae. Cathal feels the need to follow her, and in the course of the story, they fall in love with each other. But not all is flowers and sunshine. The Fae want to make Sorcha a pawn in their machinations. Donna Grant fills her stories with twists and turns, and each of these series of books, Warriors, Dragon Kings, and Reapers builds on the previous books. This book is no different, Sorcha and Cathal must resolve several things before the end of the book, and the resolution of their problems brings back a question of a missing Fae, whom they have been searching for, one who has been missing for months. And the hints of a new enemy are scattered through the story. All of these books could be read as a stand-alone story, but Ms. Grant has produced an all-consuming story line that once you start, you have to keep reading. I’ve read many books, but found that the world created by the author has brought me back again and again to enjoy all her many books. I was given an ARC by the author to read, and this is my honest opinion. Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10)
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’m coming for you…
Reborn to serve, I have never once questioned Death’s directives. Until my mission leads me to a Halfling who stirs things within me that I’ve never felt before. Sorcha’s past intrigues me, but not as much as the gorgeous and stubborn Halfling herself. Though the Others are no more, our enemies still lurk around every corner. I can feel it. But for her, I will battle whatever comes my way—be it present dangers or ghosts of the past. Dark Alphas Caress (Reaper #10)