The Thief

Black Arrowhead #4

by Dannika Dark, Nicole Poole (narrator)

Loving her in secret was becoming his new favorite thing.

The latest installment in the Black Arrowhead series will keep you up all night!

Mercy Breedlove is hardworking, spirited, and eager to find a job. After receiving a trial offer for a position, she's determined to win over her cantankerous boss, who thrives in absolute chaos. When a stranger from her past shows up and threatens her with an ultimatum, Mercy finds herself in serious hot water.

Food isn't the only thing simmering in Bear's kitchen. Over the past two months, the shy but gentle giant has been falling for the most gregarious wolf in the house. Because of pack rules, he keeps that insatiable desire under lock and key. But when someone from Mercy's past threatens to steal her future, Bear vows to protect her at any cost.

A forbidden romance blooms between two packmates, but can it survive a secret so big it could start a war?

Love takes courage.

Opposites attract in this forbidden romance between two shifters who couldn't be more different in age, size, and personality. Can the cinnamon-roll hero love a woman with a past as dark as his own?

Genres: Audiobook, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Vampires

11 pages, Audible Audio

First published April 6, 2024

About the author

Dannika Dark is a nine-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, APA Audie Awards Finalist, and AudioFile Earphones Award winner. Her pulse-pounding urban fantasies and paranormal romances are an addiction that has thrilled readers for more than a decade. She does not support the use of AI.




ABOUT THE BOOKS
All Dannika Dark novels are written in the same universe (Mageriverse). Characters in this flawed world (much like our own) confront prejudice, constraints, and societal problems as they search for purpose or love. Diverse characters building a found family are at the heart of every story. Villains get their just deserts, and love conquers all.

THE MAGERI SERIES Urban Fantasy Romance
When a young woman unwittingly receives the gift of immortality from a Mage, she must leave everything behind. But her conviction is put to the ultimate test when she falls for her mortal enemy.
Enemies to lovers, found family, hidden magic, forced proximity, soul mates, protective mate, diverse supernaturals.
Primary genre: Fantasy
Start reading STERLING


THE SEVEN SERIES Paranormal Romance
Austin Cole and his brothers are forming a pack, and the last thing on their minds is getting tethered to a mate. But the more they resist, the harder they fall.
Found family, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, rock star romance, tortured hero, grumpy/sunshine, biker romance, alpha hero, cinnamon roll hero, multicultural
Primary Genre: Romance
Start reading SEVEN YEARS


THE CROSSBREED SERIES Urban Fantasy Romance
Raven Black is a rogue who hunts criminals for fun. But when a secret organization offers her a job, she’ll need to rise to the challenge. Half-Mage, half-Vampire, she’s caught between two worlds. Will desire become her biggest distraction when she’s paired up with a Vampire?
Found family, wicked banter, morally grey characters, slow burn, emotional scars, "I would burn down the world for you," diverse characters, who hurt you?
Primary Genre: Fantasy
Start reading KEYSTONE


THE BLACK ARROWHEAD SERIES Paranormal Romance
Brave women and fiercely loyal men form an unconventional pack in this edge-of-your-seat paranormal romance with plenty of twists and turns.
Found family, friends to lovers, anxiety/disability rep, past trauma, multicultural, different worlds
Primary Genre: Romance
Start reading THE VOW

Reviews

[Mikky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series so far! Getting to know this new group of characters has been so fun! Bear and Mercy's story was pretty entertaining. I like some characters better than others though. I'm hoping I'll change my opinions when we get their book. I'm still sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for Lucian's and *maybe* Catcher's story. I would really really really appreciate catching up with the chitahs again ♡

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5.0

LOVE Bear and Mercy! Both their characters and personalities are just my cuppa. There isn’t a whole lot going on in this book, though. Mercy’s past comes back for vengeance, but that isn’t much of a focus at all until the showdown at the end (which Ms. Dark always writes superbly). The majority of the story is just catching readers up on each of the members of the pack and its couples, as Mercy learns of her past and decides how to move forward. For those of us who have loved all the Mageriverse series, it’s a lovely stroll - just not anything riveting or can’t-put-down.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full RTC

[Hannah Avendaño · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Dannika Dark’s Mageriverse. She had created some truly unique supernatural beings. The Seven series is my favorite and I love that in this Arrowhead series we’re getting a spinoff of the next generation. My complaints might be mostly based on having to read one at a time as books are released rather than binging the series like I did the Seven and Mageri series. Every time I start a new book, I can’t remember any of the characters and I’m so lost for a while until I can get enough background to re-establish characters, personalities and story lines from past books. I’m getting more invested in the other pack mates as I learn more about them, but I also feel like it’s missing a little something that Seven had. Again, it could just be because I can’t binge and fully immerse myself the same way, but it might also be that these characters don’t have the same magnetism as the other series. I still love these books and am obsessed with the world, but I will absolutely do a re-read of all the series in order once this one is complete.

[Zen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was my least favorite book in this series. It picks up towards the end, but things just took too long. The whole story felt like it was afraid to commit to anything.

[Yusra M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this 0 stars I would.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series it’s so heartfelt and has such amazing characters. I love seeing the pack grow and side characters finding love. I loved the nods to past characters even tho they didn’t make an appearance it was wonderful to hear about them again. I can’t wait for the next book I’m hooked for life!

[Allie Felix · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story: 2 ⭐️
Steam: 3 🔥
Audio: 5 🎧

I’m a bit bummed. I was looking forward to this book.

Though I love Dannika’s world building and keep coming back for more of the breed world, the romances have felt lackluster recently.

This romance started as what seemed like a slow burn, friendship building into more, but then it was just such an abrupt turn into romance; it was jarring. They were getting closer and, apart from a mutual attraction that was not vocalized, they were just friends; they didn’t even really flirt. And then one conversation sharing intimate life stories and BAM I’m falling for you, lets fuck. It just felt very weirdly out of place. I don’t know if it was just the way that was written but it felt like I missed the part where it got romantic rather than just friendly lol

The plot had some good portions but mostly it was a little boring.

I think I’ll just start having to adjust my expectations going into the rest of this series. I’ll try viewing it more as an urban fantasy/paranormal book with some romance.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just wasn't feeling it between Bear & Mercy not after the pairing of Robyn & Montana in book 3.

Mercy Breedlove & Bear no name joined the Arrowhead Pack together and there was an instant connection that both at first didn't act upon. They became friends in Mercy's time of need and then they became more. I'm going to be honest here I'm a bit torn on the plot of the book when it comes to Mercy. So with this against the rating and the previous book being amazing I can only go with three stars here.

I enjoy Ms. Dark's writing and will continue with the next in the series which is The Sinner I wonder who it will be about. I seriously hope it isn't Virgil, he's short a few cards of a playing deck.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 5 stars. Narration 5 stars
This was an excellent addition to this series and Dannika Dark’s Breed world. I’m always excited when this author has a new book release. Not once have I been disappointed. I certainly can say there’s none by her I didn’t like. They are filled with romance and even thriller aspects at times.

This time it was Mercy Breedlove’s turn to find love with her fellow pack member, Bear. Mercy is missing a part of her life and really wants to know why. Meanwhile she’s the fun one of the group, the one everyone likes and has fun with. She gets a job at a breed bar as a waitress. About this same time someone from her old life comes to town wanting something from her. Bear is the cook for the group. He is pretty stoic and keeps to himself. He’s also been smitten by Mercy almost since the minute he met her. He wants to protect her.

I really enjoyed this listen. Thankfully Nicole Poole is still narrating for Dark’s books. Her voices and accents are perfectly done and never take me out of the story because something sounds wrong. Hopefully, she will continue voicing Dark’s Breed world.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dannika never disappoints - Another great book!

[Dime's Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder if the physical book has a bonus chapter about returning the diamond. I really want to know what happened when it was returned. That's the only reason it's getting 4 stars lol.

[Malissa Milstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Dannika delivers a fantastic read

Dannika never fails to deliver. This book has the turns you do not expect, and the ones you are hoping for. I'm still very worried about what Hamish is up to..... If you are new to this series or new to Dannika Dark DO NOT MISS OUT on this amazing author!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy Breedlove is hardworking, spirited, and eager to find a job. After receiving a trial offer for a position, she’s determined to win over her cantankerous boss, who thrives in absolute chaos. When a stranger from her past shows up and threatens her with an ultimatum, Mercy finds herself in serious hot water.

I love Montana. He is from the third book, but wow, what a man—the ultimate bad boy.
This is a fun series.
Great stuff.

[Mettesknit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook narrated by
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sigh, I didn't want this book to end.
Some writers have that ability.
They are few and far between.
Dannika Dark is one of them.

I'm already longing for the next book...

[Scratch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll give the author credit-- for a change, the romance was NOT the primary focus of her story.

This author usually favors romance plots over serious plots. An earlier book in this series treated catching a SERIAL KILLER as the B-plot to a romance.

Here, Mercy's romance with "Bear" (aptly named for his body type, not his animal form as a shapeshifter) felt incidental. They had a couple conversations, slept together a couple times, and boom! I guess we're mated now, by default?

This author, for all her obsession with romance, rarely writes love triangles. In this installment, there simply were no impediments to the romance. The main plot was instead about Mercy's memory problems, as she somehow had 70 years of her very long life wiped away.

We see Mercy force her way into a small town bar and make a bunch of suggestions to improve business. As usual for this author, there is no respect for education. Characters have rarely had any sort of higher education, or even mention school. We see Mercy display business acumen (and, later, accounting skills) based on pure attitude alone.

All of this is on top of my usual problems with this universe. "Shifters" are racist, homophobic misogynists who for some reason are addicted to living in "packs." Even though Dannika Dark keeps claiming that shifters don't think nudity is taboo, the characters still actually treat nudity as taboo anyway. In this installment, a sister proclaims that she shouldn't have to bear the sight of her naked brother. (They are both shapeshifters, so often lose clothing when changing forms. And there are brothers and sisters who are casual about nudity in real life. But, sure. Let's have this woman freak out about nonsexual nudity from her brother, even though the author explicitly claims these characters aren't supposed to care.) We see in this installment that the pack is a social club, designed as some sort of communal living arrangement with an "alpha" in charge.

The alpha has no higher education that we know of. No real skills, actually. In fact, I think he's unemployed? But, he has the authority to decide who is allowed to date, and force everyone to put their paychecks into a communal pot.

... Why would anyone want this...?

All the characters are supernatural. Most of them are "shifters." An antagonist in this novel is a mage, gunning for Mercy because of something from her past she can't remember. But, the supernatural elements don't have THAT much effect on the plot. This could have been written as realistic fiction, with a protagonist on the run from her past, trying to make a fresh start of it with her new, communal living situation. The fact our protagonist can turn into a wolf was largely irrelevant to the plot, and rarely came up.

I have no idea why the characters make such a big deal about an "alpha." If some uneducated prick tried to order me around and tell me who I was allowed to date, I would immediately shapeshift and rip his fucking throat out.

Yeah, Dannika Dark, I know that you gave alphas two additional powers: mind control through their voice, and penis thickening.

(What is wrong with you?)

But I don't care how big of a dick he is. I would rather die than have my mind fucked with.

Also, fuck you. I am going to go to college and collect a nice paycheck that I earned myself. Again, I would rather die than grout tile for free for some uneducated asshole who thinks he has authority over me because of the size of his dick.

[Tami Bucholtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book but I was kind of disappointed in the ending I mean it was a happy ending but I just yeah I think you're just left with more questions at the end for me anyway but I really it's funny I was kind of neutral on Mercy breedlove's Character but with this book I mean it's something I can definitely relate to being somebody with a brain injury and I wish I could just say that a vampire stole my memories but it's not quite that simple but I think the book also kind of has a message that don't judge someone on their past and I think that's true I think there's there's even murderers who you know end of being good people later in life after they've realized what they done and and I'm not saying that they're the still the same bad people I'm saying that they've changed for the better and you know for themselves and for others so I think it's definitely possible but I think you'll find in the book like the theme is kind of like there's trust issues with other pack members but I definitely like that message I think that someone's past shouldn't Define who they are and they need to reinvent a new person of how they really want to live and kind of taking control of your life and irresponsible for your actions and just doing the best you can for yourself and others I think is the best thing in those situations and bear is very interesting I really love his wolf I thought he was an actual bear but I guess his wolf is just huge like a bear but I you know it's really interesting and the wolf is like a red fur but I think he really teaches a lot of other people in the pack that you know you can be feel guilty on some decisions that you've made and I think actually a lot of people in the pack actually that seems to be a theme that everybody has made poor decisions in their past but now they're doing the right thing and you know take the pack leader for example I mean he was a recovering alcoholic who made horrible decisions while using alcoholics so I think it's it's a really great message to say that yeah you may you may be in a horrible situation and you've done horrible things to people but you can change your life you can become a better person and your life isn't over just because you've made some really horrible decisions it's kind of like forgiving yourself and you know just forgiving people you know as long as they do the right thing I think you know if they're keep doing the bad things then yeah it's going to be difficult to trust the person but if they really try hard at being a better person I think it's definitely possible it's hard work though I'm sure

[Rynns Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG! Dannika Dark has done it again!

I have read multiple series from this author but her Black Arrowhead Series is by far my favorite. The characters she has in this series are absolutely amazing. You fall in love with them right away. "The Thief" was no exception. I already liked Bear and Mercy, the two main characters of this book, who were introduced in the 3rd book. Getting to know them better was an absolute treat! I like how authentic they are, how even though they are a little afraid to be themselves because of their past, they break through the barriers and overcome their nerves. Being part of an amazing pack/family is what allowed them to do that. Oh, and of course their love for one another. This was the first book where I had a cinnamon roll hero trope and I LOVE it so much. Bear is so tender and gentle and kind and uplifting. Mercy is like a little smooth talking spitfire. Their personalities are far different from one another which is what makes them such a good pairing, and an interesting read.

This book is full of little twists, inside jokes from the other books, and just overall entertaining writing. I would definitely recommend reading this book, but read the other 3 first as they are not standalone books and quite often reference something that happened in one of the first 3.

Dannika Dark is a wonderful writer who captures her readers from page one, if this particular series isn't for you, she has others that you might enjoy. Check her out!

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, Mystery, and Found Family!💘🤔🥰
The Thief: (Black Arrowhead, Book 4)
By: Dannika Dark
🎧 Audiobook Narrated by: Nicole Poole
Length: 10 hrs and 35 mins
📖 Ebook

A wonderfully narrated and produced audiobook with Nicole Poole at it's helm, as you'd expect.⭐️👏

Mercy, with her pink scooter, outgoing personality, and kindness is at the centre of this story. She's determined to ensure she is useful to her pack so sets out, with permission from Tak, to get a job. She suggests many changes to the local bar owner. To all of her Pack's surprise, Calvin reluctantly agrees, and starts to improve his bar, its image, and his earnings! His patron's love it, and Mercy for getting them started.🤩 Unfortunately, she has a dark past even she can't remember!😱

Bear, the giant of a chef and ex bodyguard, with a heart of gold, and softness his size defies, is quietly falling for the happy and charming Mercy.💘 When trouble comes knocking for her he stands in its way with his body, his heart, and his integrity!💪

I do so enjoy this authors writing.⭐️ I don't quite know what to make of Virgil. I hope he's genuine.🤔

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth installment in the Black Arrowhead series. I liked this one but not as much as the others in the series. I love Mercy and all her unknowns and Bear as well with his chef abilities but I did not feel their connection. Their first kiss? I was thinking “What is happening here?” these two seem more friendly than future lovers. As the story progressed I kind of got over it but again never really felt their connection.

Mercy is a super friendly character that could charm anyone with her winsome smile. She is the light hearted wolf that evens out the pack. She has an unknown past that slowly comes to the forefront. I did adore Calvin as her grouchy boss.

The remaining characters of the pack are a fun bunch to watch. We are learning more and more about them as the series move along. Seeing Lucian and Virgil go all protective(with a side of humor on Virgil behalf) over Mercy is adorable.

I listened to this on audio. Nicole Poole does an amazing job portraying all these different characters. I certainly look forward to more in this series as there is still a lot of uncover.

[Jenny Delandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a little while to get into this book..
But once the characters clicked everything happens very quickly..
Mercy is a new member to Tak’s pack, but she has had a memory wipe and does not know half of her life.. a mage comes looking for her, calls her his progeny, but she is a wolf.. she doesn’t know him..
She walks into a bar and claims a job that didn’t exist before she walked in. Calvin becomes a friend and her instincts are spot on and the bar starts to make money, she even gets Bear a job in the kitchen that is not being used before.
Bear claims her in front of the pack😍, Hope is pregnant😉, Joy is still a mystery, and Ian and Serena are still in town.
Hamish behaves like a prat, bragging he will keep Luna(Tak’s horse) if she runs onto his property again and he bought a $6000 bottle of scotch in the bar but left one penny tip..
Mercy is made pack accountant and Tak buys a safe and it is placed in a secure room beneath the house which becomes her office. She returns an item taken with good intentions.

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Bear & Mercy

Bear and Mercy both come from heartbreaking backgrounds but are trying to overcome the pain and start fresh with a new pack.

Bear is a gentle giant who just wants to feed people and is very self conscious about his appearance. He’s always found women who thought he should be tough and rough with them due to his size.

Mercy is his other half, she loves his tenderness and all the things about him that he hates about himself. Her past haunts her and she isn’t sure he can overlook the things she’s done.

Bear loves her for who she is now, not what she’s done. These two complete each other. Their love story was beautiful in the imperfections they saw in themselves being something the other was okay with. This was truly a couple who loved each other for what was on the inside. They made the perfect match. Soul mates.

Looking forward to the next book!

[Silver James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thief Well...alrighty then. This one has a couple of twists that I was not expecting. The new pack is starting to gel but these are all strangers and they all seem to have secrets. Bear is called bear because his human form is more evocative of a grizzly than the wolf that is his inner animal. Mercy is an country girl and reminds me a bit of Dolly Parton when she was young. (And yes, I AM old enough to remember when she first got started.) They both have secrets. Big ones. But, there's one secret they aren't very good at hiding from their packmates--their attraction to each other. This is a lively tale with intrigue, action, gentleness, goofiness, and lots of secrets. Dannika has done it again. I'm looking forward to the next one later this summer!

[Connie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving her in secret was becoming his new favorite thing.
The latest installment in the Black Arrowhead series is a page-turner that will keep you up all night!

Mercy Breedlove is hardworking, spirited, and eager to find a job. After receiving a trial offer for a position, she’s determined to win over her cantankerous boss, who thrives in absolute chaos. When a stranger from her past shows up and threatens her with an ultimatum, Mercy finds herself in serious hot water.

Food isn’t the only thing simmering in Bear’s kitchen. Over the past two months, the shy but gentle giant has been falling for the most gregarious wolf in the house. Because of pack rules, he keeps that insatiable desire under lock and key. But when someone from Mercy’s past threatens to steal her future, Bear vows to protect her at any cost.

A forbidden romance blooms between two packmates, but can it survive a secret so big it could start a war?

Love takes courage.

[Shelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 10%. Maybe it is more interesting after the first three chapters, but I have never read so much boring, mundane life, and these are shifters. Fixing up the pack house, her getting dressed, convincing a bar owner to give her a job, talking about how she’s going to increase his revenue, talking to the pack leader about where to store everyone’s money, because you don’t actually need a bank (have you heard about interest rates? Going to put it in suitcases and stick it under someone’s bed?) This is the most boring filler. Can we get to a plot line? This is the third Dannika Dark book I have tried to read, and I’ve decided her writing style is not for me.

[Heidi H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dannika's books are an automatic buy for me. This story continues in her amazing world of magic. Bear and Mercy’s love story is a medium burn that started building in a previous story but was a flash burn when they got together. As always, Dannika weaves in mystery, love, danger, and support through the entire book and kept me intrigued and wanting more.

Audiobook:
Nicole Poole's narration is unbelievable. Her ability to do different voices and accents is stunning. I will always listen to Nicole's narration.

Overall rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)

[Diane Heffner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love this world

I love this world that Dannika has created. And the black Arrowhead series is no different. This story has some suspense it has laughs it has some steamy times it has it all. It even has a grumpy old man in it. I just love the story how she put it together I can't wait to hear the other people in The house's stories these are just great you can't put the book down you have to continue in fact it makes me want to start from the very beginning and go through the mall all over again because I just love this world I highly recommend this read.

[Tameka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chances series is deep. Mercy's sins come back to haunt in an unconventional way. When a conniving snake enters the property to threaten her, she has two problems to solve. 1. What did she do in her past that was so awful that this idiot comes after her and 2. What in the dickens does she have that he wants. We get a glimpse of what it is like to walk in Bear's shoes and why he is constantly in long sleeve shirts. If I didn't know better, I would start to believe our leader is a master match maker.

[David Everett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, but she left the story unfinished.

After reading most of her books, I have learned to trust her revealing characters in different ways. It is always new, and fun to watch the unfolding of her story. I have almost given up on anticipating the story outcome. Dannika has ways of story telling that are very entertaining. What I really like about Dannika's books is the progression from one part and main character to another. She sprinkles old characters throughout her series. Her world is so emersive it's almost real.

[WonderWomanNZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Dannika Dark you are going to love this book.
This is the 4th book in the Black Arrowhead series and it all about Mercy and Bear.
As the blurb says, Mercy's past catches up with her, but she finds love within the pack, with Bear, plus she finds a new home and a new pack.
Nicole Poole (narrator) did a great job as always.
Romance was there but spice lvl seemed a little lower than normal (3/5)