Book 5, Blackout: Crossbreed Series

Seriously, I'd pay to read anything written by Ms. Dark. I'd read her grocery list, her honey-do list, heck is read the heck out of a dear john letter. I just love her. This is another great follow up to Gaslight. I can't wait for the next book. Great job as always Ms. Dark!

After finishing book 4, I was anxiously awaiting this book. I will say that this book brought some much needed resolution to a few open plot lines. I enjoyed how all the characters have grown and developed with each new story. I hope that future books will expand more with Blue and Kira. They each have an interesting history that would be fun to get a bigger peak into.

Once again Dannika Dark delivers another amazing book!!! So many characters you will fall in love with and amazing revelations! I’m literally going on 3 hours of sleep and running on caffeine because I could not put the book down!!! Completely captivating!! Never a disappointment when reading her books!! I can not wait for the next!!!

Dannika Dark is my favorite Author by far. This book as all of her books pull you in like you are right there with the characters. The story line to this series is so relatable, I feel like I am right there for Raven's journey. Do not let this series pass you by, it is amazing journey to go on WARNING: DANNIKA DARK IS ADDICTIVE!

I love all books and all series❤️!! This book was like a hot and cold shower.. maybe I am more of a romantic person, but I would love to see a more love twist to this story. Maybe Nico and Gem can have a love story or Kira and Shepard.. and lots of Raven and Christian❤️ Can’t wait for the next book!!!

I love this series and all the others Dannika has written. I am a big fan. I hope Christian and Raven get together permanently in the next book but cannot wait for the next chapter to begin in this story.

After having devoured Gaslight, I've been anxiously awaiting the release of Blackout. It doesn't disappoint! We see progress in Christian and Raven's relationship, and hear more about Shepherd and his ongoing conflict with a member of the higher authority. I can't wait until the next book is released!

Man what an ending....Christian better not do any irreparable damage to his and Ravens relationship. The whole reason I even started reading this series was to see if Christian could get his HEA and if he doesn’t well...I may have to cut this one loose.

Enjoyed the other characters somewhat, like Shep getting his son back, couldn’t care less about Gem’s character for some reason I don’t connect with her. Niko is so-so, Claude I like and Viktor and Blue I’m super happy not much was wasted on them, I always end up skimming over their parts.

Can’t say I’m love with this series but I do want to find out if Christian and Raven get together for realz, it seems very drawn out over 5 books so I’m thinking if it doesn’t happen by book 6, I don’t feel like wasting any more money to learn about characters other then the ones I’m truly interested in (Christian and Raven). Oh yeah I forgot about Wyatt well I guess that speaks for itself then.

No such thing as a panther. White leopard or white jaguar.

People who harvest mushrooms generally know what they're looking for and aren't picking random ones.

But other than that, this book tells a good story. The author is very good with giving each of her characters their own personality. I'm sure the next one will be even better ?

I waited with great anticipation for this book so maybe that cause and effect had weighed heavy on the outcome of this read. I really love the humor as I am not a Egar A Poe fan since he was a pedophile and August Burger had an affair with his sister-in-law Molly, also Dante was incestuous with his sister. The only thing they had in common was the story of Lenore and Sweet William, beside all their sordid lives. Christian kinda resembles the story in the tale of his s.i.s.t.e.r C.a.s.s.i.e! Then you have Raven who just show up like a new member even though she is central to keystone. Does it have something to do with Hooper? Who knows as the mystery is spiraling out of control. Also, why the reference to the Tomb of Martha Cleavy? Is it Raven's Alias or Bank? It would be nice to close some of the loop holes. Since I don't have ESP I can only assume. I really love the humor of Dannika's books and will wait faithfully for the next book in the series, hopefully she will clarify the mystery since it extends thru two series at least. I really wanted more about Christian and Raven. I guess in Dannika's world eyes are a path to various powers and not the soul or is it just contacts? I can not stand when authors play games with words. It is terrible for the young readers and can make you cross eyed. I personally find it takes from the total read when you have to stop and figure out annoying references such as M.a.r.t.h.a. C.l.e.a.v.y. and many others. I think the Mageri Series and the Crossbreed Series got a little out of Control with all crossword puzzles. K.e.y.s.t.o.n.e. I will change my rating to 4 stars and hope the next book is not just another investigation without revealing truthfulness of relationships and people.

Blackout is Dannika Dark’s latest in her Crossbreed series about a paranormal group that does work for an organization called Keystone that work for the Breed higher authority. They are tasked with anything regulators, otherwise known as Breed police, either can’t or won’t do when supernatural beings cause major problems or messes. They live in the city of Cognito, the place that attracts supes like bees are attracted to honey. Humans know nothing about the Breed world for the most part.

This time Dark takes heroine, Raven(hybrid vampire/mage) and her partner(vampire) and hero, Christian on the hunt for whoever is murdering members of the Breed higher authority. The author introduces the case in a surprising way, thereby pulling me into the book immediately as is Dark’s usual. It’s also not long before other members of Keystone enter the story. I am so loving all the characters that have been fleshed out more and more with each book. This time around we learn a lot more about Gem, a rollerskating(adult) Mage, Nico an ancient, blind mage that can see energy, and even more about Shepherd, a sensor, and his secret son. Of course, all my other favorites(and they are all favorites) are there as well.

As if the murders aren’t bad enough, a blackout happens during a romantic Valentine’s tryst between Raven and Christian, leaving them stuck far away from their home and without a vehicle or phone. The chemistry between Raven and Christian is still there in a major way, however after Raven’s mind was wiped previously, she can’t remember falling for Christian in the first place. That doesn’t stop them from having a smoldering hot time during their date. The blackout ruins the rest of the date to say the least. Imagine navigating a city about the size of New York City in the dark. During looting, burning and all manner of people and/or Breed being delinquents, murder and mayhem ensues. And that’s all I am telling about the actual events.

My favorite thing about this series is the relationship between Raven and Christian. Both of them have snark for days and the banter is so much fun between them. As is their major chemistry together! I also love the relationships that have been formed between all the members of the organization. They all live in a castle type structure on the outskirts of Cognito and since some of the group are immortals or long lived, this fits with some of their early lives. They are also forbidden to form romantic relationships, leaving Raven and Christian to sneak around. I am really hoping for another relationship to form and we might? have started one in this book. If not, let’s just say I am hoping for one.

Dark’s Breed world continues to amaze me with each book. She has featured it in all of her three series now and I hope that continues. One thing though. She has never written a cliffhanger in all her books so this one came out of left field for me. It was done in the epilogue and is setting up the next book so that made it a bit better. But still-I’m not a fan of them. I wasn’t as happy with the ending of this book as I usually am either, and it wasn’t just the cliffhanger. Have to be honest here. That being said, it was still very well written, with fantastic characters and I loved it-as usual.

Narration? Nicole Poole is the queen of accents and breathing life into both male and female voices while making each one have their own distinctive tone and personality. I’ve really not found many female narrators that compare and I listen to a lot of different narrators. Of course, I have other favorite female narrators, it’s just that I have a special place in my heart for Poole. To me she’s just a winner anytime she narrates a Dark book. 5 Stars!

I’m literally chomping at the bit for the next book in this series and I highly recommend this and all of Dark’s series to adult paranormal/urban fantasy readers that like romance as well. 4.5 stars
(Originally posted on Delighted Reader)

* This review may contain spoilers for past books in this series.

This book was bittersweet in the best way possible! Every time I thought I knew what to expect I had the pleasure of having the rug pulled out from under me. Don't get me wrong, I was loving every minute of it! I also adored how well interlaced the storylines are. There are quite a few small tidbits that were presented in past books that are just now growing into complex plot points. I can't wait to see where this goes!

I don't know how this author does it but she's succeeded in making me care about every single main character in the Keystone group. I'm too invested in everyone's happily ever after and I don't know what to do with myself until that happens.

Just when I thought things were going too well with Christian and Raven things went 50 steps bad in the span of one conversation. Why can't they be happy and stay happy? Christian has proven time and time again that he actually cares about Raven in more than a fling kind of way. Raven reciprocates his feelings, but they're doomed to be apart. I will riot. They need a happily ever after. And none of this "all in good time" BS.

I jokingly predicted the Patrick twist at 1 am while I was listening to the audio book and slightly delirious. I was so proud of myself for that one! I loved the solution Shepherd's dilemma came to thought. It was sweet and imperfect. Just like the Keystone group/family.

Had I known the epilogue would drop that bomb I would have probably held off on reading it until the next book released. Things were bad until then between Raven and Christian, but I can imagine that thanks to that twist it's going to get much worse before it gets better.

The Audio Book:

I have nothing but amazing things to say about the narration! Nicole Poole continues to do a fantastic job. The number of different accents and tones (both male and female) she can realistically do is mind-blowing!

Blackout is another thrilling adventure with the Keystone gang. I love this series and I’m running out of new things to say in my reviews.

My thoughts
• This had the action, suspense, mystery and romance that I’ve grown to expect from Dannika Dark. I also love the banter between the characters, which is a definite sign they’ve become a family and care for each other.
• The backstories of all the Keystone members share the spotlight, and I enjoy learning more about each character. Blackout tugged at my heart and I was so happy to see one of the characters reunion (I’m not going to spoil it for you but grab a tissue!).
• Christian is sexy as hell and made me melt (again). I love that he is letting his guard down and showing how much he cares about Raven.
• Raven is a great heroine, she is tough and has street smarts. With Blackout, as usual, Raven follows her intuition into trouble but also helps to solve their case. I love her but there were times she irritated me. Raven allows her insecurities and fears of having a broken heart sabotage her relationships, and it’s frustrating to watch. I love romance, so I want Christian and Raven together, but there is always something keeping them apart. Now with another cliffhanger the author is clearly punishing me, and I’m left having to anxiously wait for the next book.
• Narrator Nicole Poole does another excellent performance. She perfectly brings all the characters to life. With the combination of her performance and Dannika Dark’s talented storytelling, I’m addicted to this series and can’t wait for the next book.

I highly recommend this series to all paranormal urban fantasy fans. You will love the suspense, action and romance.

Dannika Dark continues to amaze me, torture me and further endear me to the motley crew of misfit breed who make up the Keystone organization. A new character, Raven’s maker and secrets made for an explosive storyline.

Confession, I adore Christian. Sure he is flawed and has made some serious mistakes, but dang it the man has owned my heart since the Mageri series. He hasn’t given up, despite Raven’s memory loss and I swooned at his efforts. Their chemistry is sizzling, and the way he protects her could be he downfall.

Raven has had a rough life and has finally found a home within the walls of Keystone. As a member of the team she is sharp, intuitive and someone I’d want covering me… but when it comes to her personal life. Ugh! Her relationship with her creator makes me nuts and I wish she had a little more faith in Christian.

The intense storyline had me holding my breath and biting my nails. Dark really has me emotionally invested in these characters, and I like that with each novel, we learn more about different team members and their personalities. Raven seeks help from two sources and both have chain reactions. I will let you decide if it was good or not.

Nicole Poole continues to narrate. She is the jelly in Dark’s peanut butter sandwich. Her voices, pacing and ability to capture the emotions of scenes was music to my ears.

I was hoping for resolution after a surprise turn of events..but alas Dark left us hanging. Now I am left waiting once again for the next Crossbreed audio.

***Listened to the audiobook
I love this series so much! Please start at the beginning of the series, Keystone, it’s much better that way!
I loved getting more Shephard, he is a great character and we got to really see the soft side and a glimpse of the man he was before Maggie, his love died while pregnant with their son. I loved the ups and downs of Raven and Christian’s relationship. I adore them! I loved the way the Keystone team worked on restoring order when there is a blackout and lives are at stake. The way the story goes from 1st to 3rd party POV gives you the intimacy of Raven’s stream of consciousness while still seeing what the other characters are doing and thinking as well, even when Raven doesn’t.
As always, Nicole Pool’s narration is flawless. She has such a fantastic range, you sometimes forget it’s not a full cast recording! She is brilliant.
Happy reading!

Holy freaking cow! Just when I think Dannika can't tug at our hearts or make us laugh out loud more... she does it again! The fifth installment in the Crossbreed series, BLACKOUT does not disappoint!

BLACKOUT is filled with action, mystery, laughs, sexiness and moments that will have you doing the "ugly cry". Then when you're done.... you just want to know 1.) when the next title releases and 2.) how you're supposed to listen/read another book now? Every single time I finish one of Dannika's books, I need time ... to recoup!

Oh and Nicole!! Again, a stellar performance. Providing each of the characters with their own unique voices/tones! When a book is narrated by Nicole, its like getting a full cast!!

If you haven't listened/read the series, its a must! Heck, all of Dannika's books are must have!

Once again a gripping, thrilling story full of action and emotion.

I love Christian so I am not a big fan of Raven at the moment but that may change any time, and the other members of Keystone have embedded themselves deep in my heart and I can't get enough of them, even mysterious Kira. And Shephard, oh my... my heart broke and broke and broke again.

I am not quite sure how I like the end... but one thing I am one hundred percent sure of is that I want the sequel. Right now!

The drama of Keystone keeps going with this fifth book. You feel like the characters are old friends at this point. The intrigue is deep and intense. I was in no hurry to finish this book yet at the same time I couldn't put it down. Some things find closure and somethings are still in the works leaving room for the series to continue.

Another great installment! The more you think you know about Christian Poe the less you really know. I have a weird hate/fascination with Houdini and hope to learn more about him in the next book as he plays such a significant (if not sneaky) role in Raven's life. Can't wait for the next one.
Happy Reading!