Nevermore Crossbreed 6 by Dannika Dark

ABOUT THE BOOK

Raven Black risks it all for loyalty and love in this stunning continuation in the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series.

Raven returns to her childhood home to rebuild her severed relationship with her father. After a long year of capturing violent criminals and thwarting assassination plots, she could use a vacation.

But trouble is brewing on the home front. When Raven discovers her father is in financial peril, she’s determined to set things right even if it means sacrificing her heart in the process. Meanwhile, her relationship with Christian is on shaky ground when a skeleton falls out of his closet. Will they be able to leave the past behind, or is the trust between them dead and buried?

When the bonds of love are put to the test, only the courageous will prevail.

AMAZON (US): https://amzn.to/2VRB4ga

APPLE BOOKS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/nevermore/id1436506897…

BARNES & NOBLE: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130100815…

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/…/e…/nevermore-crossbreed-series-book-6

GOOGLE PLAY: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=IpSDDwAAQBAJ

AUDIBLE: https://www.audible.com/pd/Nevermore-Audiobook/B07MMWS5TR

REVIEW 

The Crossbreed books can be read independently, but I always advocate reading each book in a series. Nevermore is book six, and many of the storylines gain more depth when you experience them all. I love the Keystone group. They are a diverse family of supernatural beings, all trying to overcome painful pasts. This book veers away from the case per week format while the group spends some long needed vacation time.

Since the introduction of Raven's father Crush a few books back, I have been eager to spend some time with him. Raven has been dealing with a great deal of guilt about how she left things with Crush. This book was Raven's second chance to show Crush how much he means to her. They have some poignant moments, ones that honestly brought me to tears. Having lost both of my parents this past decade, I understand Raven's desire to make things right with Crush. When a sudden event takes away the ability to see those you love every day, it magnifies prior interactions. The desire to make sure they know how you feel can be overwhelming. What Raven discovers is that Crush knows. Nothing changed the love he has for her, or his desire to see her safe and happy. It was cathartic for me.

I enjoyed getting to see some of Christian's history in this book. Difficulties from Christian's past feel authentic to my perception of him. Sufficiently putting his issues to rest might prove difficult, but at least they are in the open.

Raven and Christian come a long way by the end of Nevermore. The start of the book finds them at a crossroads in their relationship. It worried me that by the end a decision would not come to pass. But one did. And I am fully satisfied with what occurred. When Niko and Claude acknowledge seeing past the secret Raven and Christian were trying to keep, it cracked me up. Guess they weren't as sneaky as they thought. Which was, in all actuality, apparent before being stated.

The rest of the gang continue to grow. Niko finally realizes the benefit of coming clean about his current predicament with Cyrus. Shephard bonding with Hunter is another moment of deep emotion for me. The two of them went through so much they deserve some peace and comfort. It is nice everyone has begun to see Keystone as a place of safety for them. The secrets they hold are no longer something they have to shoulder all alone.

Some random, spoilery thoughts:
Lenore is not done with Christian, and I think that could be very bad. I am a little scared about what Houdini is going to do next. We have never seen him truly mad before, and I think he is pretty perturbed with Raven. We have not seen the last of Switch, I hope. With his background issues, Keystone could be a good fit for him. Okay, Kira is a mystery that must be solved. Speculating about her is driving me crazy.

I highly recommend any book written by Dannika Dark, but the Crossbreed series is my favorite. They are good for anyone who enjoys Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance novels. Read them all, you will not be disappointed. Then tell your friends to read them too!

**NEW RELEASE** DRAGON CLAIMED by Donna Grant just went live!

       

**NEW RELEASE** DRAGON CLAIMED by Donna Grant just went live!

Purchase your copy now: 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2SItG54

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2SJ7GXC

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2SNQZdq

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2SBLSNG

Watch the trailer: https://video214.com/play/1YF633MhbdD6Nb33tB42dg/s/dark

BLURB:

New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant brings you another sizzling Dark Kings novella. 

Born to rule the skies as a Dragon King with power and magic, Cináed hides his true identity in the mountains of Scotland with the rest of his brethren. But there is no respite for them as they protect the planet and the human occupants from threats. However, a new, more dangerous enemy has targeted the Kings. One that will stop at nothing until dragons are gone forever. But Cináed discovers a woman from a powerful, ancient Druid bloodline who might have a connection to this new foe. 

Solitude is sanctuary for Gemma. Her young life was upended one stormy night when her family disappears, leaving her utterly alone. She learned to depend solely on herself from then on. But no matter where she goes she feels…lost. As if she missed the path she was supposed to take. Everything changes when she backs into the most dangerously seductive man she’s ever laid eyes. Gemma surrenders to the all-consuming attraction and the wild, impossible love that could destroy them both – and finds her path amid magic and dragons. 

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.** 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41882458-dragon-claimed 

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About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant has been praised for her "totally addictive" and "unique and sensual" stories. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Kings, features a thrilling combination of dragons, Fae, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her two children and an assortment of animals in Texas. Visit Donna at www.DonnaGrant.com

Website - http://www.donnagrant.com/ 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dgauthor/ 

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1141209.Donna_Grant 

Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-grant 

Necromancer's Bride by Brianna Hale

I ran across this story on Goodreads. A group I recently joined recommended it on a best paranormal romance list of theirs. I figured I would give it a shot. The story is quite short, 66 pages I believe. I just needed a little time out, and I finished this in one sitting.

The author gives readers a warning.

This story is a dark fantasy romance with scenes of non-consent and dubious consent. Additionally, Meremon is a necromancer and enjoys unusual things. Some sex scenes might be strange or creepy for some readers.

Heed the warning, as this story does not mess around.

Holy crow. That is the first thing that comes to mind. But in a good way. Yes, there's kink, and weird stuff, and dubious consent, but it is done well. And it is sexy. As long as you can envelop in their world, which I could, and see Meremon for what he is and accept it, which I do, you should have a good time. The romance was quite sweet, as was the ending. But again, I would caution to pay attention to the warning.

It's a shame the story isn't a full-length novel. I could have easily spent a few more hours with Meremon and Rhona, and been okay with it. So, I enjoyed my time out. If this type of erotica sounds like your thing, I recommend giving it a read. 

When I was a child he brought me back from the brink of death. Since that day I have borne his mark, a black star in the center of my left palm. The villagers say it brands me as evil. I think it means something far worse. It marks me as his.

The disease that nearly killed me has returned to the village and children are dying. I’m the only one who dares to climb the mountain and learn his secrets. In exchange, I’m to clean his house and help with his strange experiments, but Meremon wants more. He wants me. And it isn’t long before I discover that his demands are as twisted as his experiments.

As always with Brianna Hale books, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily ever after. THE NECROMANCER’S BRIDE is a novella of 16,000 words.

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An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen centers on makeup artist Jessica. She receives word about a well-paid study on ethics and morality and enters the study. Approached a few sessions in about the study moving to a real-world setting, Jessica agrees to participate. She trusts Dr. Shields but soon finds herself in some uncomfortable scenarios.

The book made me sensitive to personal ethics and morality. Becoming so focused on this made me a bit emotional. At one point, Jessica had a moment of realization that brought me to tears.

Subtle nuances would adjust whose point of view I trusted. Just when I figured things out, the reveal of more deceit changed my perception. I spent a good deal of the book trying to anticipate how Jessica would come out of the book unscathed. I never did figure it out beforehand.

When the plot progresses, and Jessica understands the threats surrounding her, it was so tense I never could quite relax while reading. I consider any book that can draw those responses from me well above average.

A strong theme here is how secrets can condemn in the end. By the book's climax, every character pays in some way for the truths they did not share. Although, ironically, a lie helps one of them in the end.

There is a logic behind the character's reactions. However, the worst offender of them didn't receive the right type of justice. A part of me feels sorry for the way things turned out. The manipulation perpetrated by one individual wasn't well punished in my eyes.

An Anonymous Girl is one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read. Not only does it immerse you in an intense web of manipulation, but it also makes you evaluate on a personal level. St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley, gave me a copy of this book for my honest opinion. I suggest all readers come to their own conclusions.

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Heartaches: Bad Boy Vibes Part One by H.R. Irwing

Overall, Anna and Rafe's journey is compelling.  I finished it in nearly one sitting. This book is a good fit for those who enjoy a dark romance. The story-line, however, could have an adverse effect on those sensitive to sexual violence. Both main characters are victims, with the subject matter described in full.

While attending a vocational college, Anna feels like an outsider. She begins dating Matt Preston, and he makes her feel less like an outcast. Six months after their relationship begins, the couple attends a rave with Matt's brother Jason. Dosing Anna with an aphrodisiac date drug, the Preston brothers rape her, take her home, and continue the act with their father.

The assault on Anna comes out of nowhere. The scene begins to play out like an exhibitionist threesome. When it is clear the brothers drugged, and are violating Anna, the sensuality still lingers. I don't mind erotica, I prefer it to the euphemisms in other novels, but the narrative here was uncomfortable. If the author's purpose was to place the reader in the lead's shoes, bravo to the method, it worked well. I understand how making the reader experience both passion, and degradation in the act could help them empathize. I know taboo fantasies exist, but a deed this far from the safe zone isn't anything but distressing.

Anna isolates herself for weeks. Hoping to coax her out of the house, her mother takes Anna to see some old family friends. During the outing, Anna and Rafe reconnect. Her behavior indicates to him she is an abuse survivor. When questioned, Anna shares with him details of her attack. Rafe promises to help her receive legal justice, something he never had after his sexual violation.

Tess, who heads the police investigation, treats Anna like she doesn't deserve support or due process. She doesn't care about Anna, which draws Anna deeper into her anguish. Even though Rafe has no interest in her, Tess acts like a jealous girlfriend. If nothing else, the way Tess treats Anna is unprofessional. When not behaving like Anna is a threat to her romance, Tess belittles her. It is infuriating, and her character's actions are appalling.

Hired on at a military school several hours away, Rafe asks Anna go with him to make a new start. She agrees, eager to put her ordeal behind her. Anna, with Rafe close by, feels safe as she learns to defend herself. From the beginning, it is clear Anna and Rafe have strong feelings for one another. The lust Anna continues to have for the Prestons prevents her from being honest with Rafe.

A few weeks later, Matt and Jason enroll in the military school. Anna rushes to Rafe, explaining her belief that if they are together, she will no longer feel any desire for the Prestons. Anna's thoughts on the matter are reasonable, but perhaps not healthy. Rafe is in no position to give her the mental peace she needs. He can barely keep his own emotions in check. They begin a string of sexual encounters as angry as they are passionate.

Rafe's abuser arrives at the school as well. His superior during his tour in Syria, Eric seems determined to keep Rafe under his thrall. Eric desires Rafe, and he won't give him up peacefully. With Eric's declaration of this to Anna, the book ends.

Written in a third person omniscient point of view, it is insightful seeing inside Anna and Rafe's psyche.  However, at times, their thoughts become jumbled, and it is hard to tell one from the other. I was still able to enjoy the book, despite the occasional confusion. The Heartache novels contain a continuing narrative. I find myself curious to see how the relationship turns out, and anticipate continuing with the series.

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