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Black Arrowhead #1
The Vow
SPARKS FLY IN THIS RIVETING NEW SERIES BY USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR DANNIKA DARK.
Book 1 of the Black Arrowhead series.
Melody is an ambitious entrepreneur who has always loved the thrill of a new adventure, but she’s about to get more than she bargained for when the only way to save her business is to secure a deal with a powerful tribal leader. Running Horse, Oklahoma, isn’t on the map, and Mel is about as lost as a Shifter can get. When she unexpectedly runs into her best friend’s brother, her friendly visit quickly turns treacherous.
Lakota Cross is a man with secrets. While tracking a killer, he reunites with Melody, and their friendship sparks into a passionate affair. But if he doesn’t quell the fire soon, it might burn out of control. Once again, fate brings these two Shifters together in a moment of need. But will the sacrifice be greater than the reward?
“It hardly matters if you’ve known someone a lifetime or a minute. Our wolves always know who they belong to.”
The exclusive hardcover designs are a wonderful addition to any bookshelf!
Book 1 of the Black Arrowhead series.
Melody is an ambitious entrepreneur who has always loved the thrill of a new adventure, but she’s about to get more than she bargained for when the only way to save her business is to secure a deal with a powerful tribal leader. Running Horse, Oklahoma, isn’t on the map, and Mel is about as lost as a Shifter can get. When she unexpectedly runs into her best friend’s brother, her friendly visit quickly turns treacherous.
Lakota Cross is a man with secrets. While tracking a killer, he reunites with Melody, and their friendship sparks into a passionate affair. But if he doesn’t quell the fire soon, it might burn out of control. Once again, fate brings these two Shifters together in a moment of need. But will the sacrifice be greater than the reward?
“It hardly matters if you’ve known someone a lifetime or a minute. Our wolves always know who they belong to.”
The exclusive hardcover designs are a wonderful addition to any bookshelf!
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
661 people are currently reading
7576 people want to read
About the author
Dannika Dark
65 books6,209 followersDannika 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
April 23, 2022
4.5 Stars
I just loved this one! 🖤🐺🖤
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
I just loved this one! 🖤🐺🖤
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
October 7, 2021
Reread October 2021: I reread this so I could get the most out of book #2! It turns out I was very excited for a series revolving around Lakota that isn't going to happen. He's probably going to be a part of future books in this series but it won't revolve solely around him. This is giving off Seven Series vibes and I'm not mad at it. I'm still very excited for the next book and will be jumping right into it shortly ♡
P.S. Reading all my conspiracy theories back at me a year or so later was very fun! I was completely off the track but still very fun!
__________________
Originally posted at:
We have a Lakota book! Not only ONE book but a SERIES of BOOKS that are coming! Stans We. Have. Succeeded! This book was everything I wanted and imagined for Lakota and SO much more. I'm ecstatic about where this is going and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
Melody is a sassy, spunky woman who knows what she wants and will be very direct about it. I loved that she could make Lakota blush! It was so sweet and adorable and I just wanted to hug them and protect them from the big bad author who still has a few more books to drag them through.
I was expecting Lakota to be straightforward and speak his mind but not to the degree that actually happened in the book. The book just made that personality trait of his SO much better. I was in tears at one point at the almost end with how much I was laughing! It was amazing. He's also such a good, honorable, and sweet guy but can turn into a killing machine if someone he loves is in danger.
The ending was tear-worthy and so, so, so sweet! I don't know what will happen from here but I'm very excited to be on this journey!
A Note: I want to throw some conspiracy theories out there in regards to where this book may be going. I think that Lakota will end up out of retirement and embroiled in a high-stakes case with the characters in the Crossbreed series. We all know that this author likes to leave little hints and do subtle crossovers within her already complex storylines. My reasoning for this is because she's started this series while still releasing books in the Crossbreed series simultaneously considering her usual MO is to start and finish a series before moving onto a different set of characters in the same world. Please take everything in this paragraph with a big grain of salt!
P.S. Is it just me or is a paranormal romance series set on the tribe members finding their mates sounding better and better? #PrettyPlease
The Audio Book:
Nicole Poole is my favorite narrator of all time! Love, love, love her narrations! Every character was distinguishable from each other.
P.S. Reading all my conspiracy theories back at me a year or so later was very fun! I was completely off the track but still very fun!
__________________
Originally posted at:
We have a Lakota book! Not only ONE book but a SERIES of BOOKS that are coming! Stans We. Have. Succeeded! This book was everything I wanted and imagined for Lakota and SO much more. I'm ecstatic about where this is going and I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
Melody is a sassy, spunky woman who knows what she wants and will be very direct about it. I loved that she could make Lakota blush! It was so sweet and adorable and I just wanted to hug them and protect them from the big bad author who still has a few more books to drag them through.
I was expecting Lakota to be straightforward and speak his mind but not to the degree that actually happened in the book. The book just made that personality trait of his SO much better. I was in tears at one point at the almost end with how much I was laughing! It was amazing. He's also such a good, honorable, and sweet guy but can turn into a killing machine if someone he loves is in danger.
The ending was tear-worthy and so, so, so sweet! I don't know what will happen from here but I'm very excited to be on this journey!
A Note: I want to throw some conspiracy theories out there in regards to where this book may be going. I think that Lakota will end up out of retirement and embroiled in a high-stakes case with the characters in the Crossbreed series. We all know that this author likes to leave little hints and do subtle crossovers within her already complex storylines. My reasoning for this is because she's started this series while still releasing books in the Crossbreed series simultaneously considering her usual MO is to start and finish a series before moving onto a different set of characters in the same world. Please take everything in this paragraph with a big grain of salt!
P.S. Is it just me or is a paranormal romance series set on the tribe members finding their mates sounding better and better? #PrettyPlease
The Audio Book:
Nicole Poole is my favorite narrator of all time! Love, love, love her narrations! Every character was distinguishable from each other.
Read
January 3, 2024Thank you to all my readers who have supported these books, and especially to those who waited for Mel and Lakota's love story. It is not necessary to read the Seven series before this series, but it does make it more fun.
Melody is strong, fiercely independent, and a warrior who knows how to use her bow. Lakota is a skilled bounty hunter with good instincts and a big secret. These childhood friends bump into each other in the most unexpected place, and sparks fly. These two have all the chemistry and all the great banter. They are every bit each other's equals. The only trouble? Melody has cold feet when it comes to love.
This book contains:
- Shifter romance
- Friends to lovers
- Best friend's brother
- Found family
- Afraid to commit
- Strong heroine
- Male virgin
Melody is strong, fiercely independent, and a warrior who knows how to use her bow. Lakota is a skilled bounty hunter with good instincts and a big secret. These childhood friends bump into each other in the most unexpected place, and sparks fly. These two have all the chemistry and all the great banter. They are every bit each other's equals. The only trouble? Melody has cold feet when it comes to love.
This book contains:
- Shifter romance
- Friends to lovers
- Best friend's brother
- Found family
- Afraid to commit
- Strong heroine
- Male virgin
December 2, 2020
By far not the best in the Mageri universe but not the worst either. It’s been five years since the original Seven series published so it was hard to remember many of the characters and back-story that led to and inhabited this 2nd generation. I had to do some digging and re-acquaint myself a bit. Once I figured out who was who, though, it was much more enjoyable to read.
I loved Lakota’s character - have since he first graced the pages in the previous series (he is one I never forgot!) Melody was a harder character to really get into, though. While Lakota expressed his love for her in both deed and in words repeatedly, she was ridiculously wishy-washy. Even when he laid his heart out for her at the end, she kept quiet and never stood proudly to do the same. His character deserved a mate that is just as proud of him and his love as he is for hers.
I loved Lakota’s character - have since he first graced the pages in the previous series (he is one I never forgot!) Melody was a harder character to really get into, though. While Lakota expressed his love for her in both deed and in words repeatedly, she was ridiculously wishy-washy. Even when he laid his heart out for her at the end, she kept quiet and never stood proudly to do the same. His character deserved a mate that is just as proud of him and his love as he is for hers.
April 16, 2025
Dannika Dark's books are a guilty pleasure for me. And I am reading them "wrong," because I haven't read much of anything published before the Crossbreed series.
There are two major problems with Dannika Dark books.
1) She intersperses her own made-up magical species alongside the kind of typical, standard species you regularly see in urban fantasy novels. It's not that weird that she includes her own personal take on vampires; literally hundreds, if not thousands, of authors already do that. No, what's weird is that she has her vampires and shifter characters interact with "Chitahs" and "Relics." These are species that are entirely unique to Dannika Dark's universe. Chitahs don't really appear in this novel beyond a few offhand references to a character living in another town. They're a species of super-chivalrous, tall, blond people with a lot of animal DNA, and I guess some sort of venom that is dangerous to mages? Because I didn't start reading anything in this universe until the Crossbreed series, I face an uphill battle-- Dannika Dark does not do a good job of explaining her made-up species to new fans. She just takes for granted that you can follow along as she casually refers to a Chitah character "flipping his switch."
2) This author really wants to embrace "Paranormal Romance," so she is obsessed with sex and relationships. And right alongside that, she has some really chauvinistic attitudes, unhealthy relationships, and outdated ideas of what constitutes "romance." (And ridiculously heteronormative, too; after reading about 10 of her books so far, I have yet to see a single same-sex couple.) This novel featured an honest-to-God serial killer, who went around kidnapping and murdering young women, and somehow that was NOT the primary plot point.
This novel was about a perky young woman's romance with a shapeshifter guy, and the question of whether she can have it all-- both the sexy, Native man and her boutique clothing store.
Seriously.
The romance wasn't even terribly complicated. Our protagonist, Melody, wasn't competing against any other potential girlfriend. The greatest obstacle to the relationship was Melody's refusal to believe that a man could possibly fall in love with the first woman he had sex with. Because this yummy Native dream of a man (I am actually married to a mixed-blood Native man myself, so I have no room to mock the author for fantasizing about that) was a virgin until she came along.
Without going into spoilers, this wish-fulfillment heterosexual relationship then became VERY "traditional." I mean, in the sense that a hundred years ago there was an expectation that young people who cast doe eyes at each other must be married off immediately.
Seriously. There was a discussion of marriage before there was a serious conversation about a dating relationship.
Along the way the author confused the rules of her own universe. Because early on we learned that nudity is not taboo to shifter culture, because it's a natural consequence of shapeshifting all the time. Okay. But despite the fact almost every character in this story was some kind of shifter, and they were in "shifter territory," we still had ridiculous scenes of embarrassment nudity. I think they were meant to excite the reader. Melody spent nearly half the book in a state of undress because she lost her clothes after changing to wolf form. We watched her argue with Lakota about how she was saving her naked form for her mate, and the two fought about how they were going to get into town with only one set of clothes between them.
... So many problems. Especially the part where Melody was talking like a Puritan about saving the sight of her naked form for her mate, I nearly retched. I think the author thinks nudity is not only taboo, but she includes scenes where characters find themselves naked as a bit of light erotica. This sort of thing has happened in other books she has written in this universe, and it always reads like 1970s porn. "Oops! I somehow dropped the towel I was holding as I was standing naked in the middle of the bar, and I didn't shift to wolf form in time. Male wolf, describe how aroused you are now!" This also wasn't limited to Melody feeling more ashamed of her body than most shifter women; there was of course an obligatory scene where she saw Lakota naked, and had to admire his ass.
Melody and her best friend Hope were supposed to be something of feminist champions in misogynistic shifter culture because they wanted to open a clothing/jewelry store. ... That was it. It was considered transgressive that they wanted to own their own business (but a non-threatening one, after all; they just sell girly stuff) without the involvement of a man. In 2020. And the women were seriously worried about their safety, because shifter men were likely to target them for rape, just because they were unmated and not bound to a particular "pack." (Everything about pack culture sounds awful; women's roles sound like something pre-1950s, and characters in the pack are obsessed with racial purity and trying to breed an "Alpha" male.)
Not to dispute the very real plight all modern American women face with the risk of sexual assault, but this felt particularly exploitative. The author had to make up these facts and contrive this culture. She wants readers to fantasize about a culture in which female shapeshifters are pressured to mate with a man of their species and join his family, lest she leave herself vulnerable to gangrape.
This author would have no idea what to do with a male same-sex couple. Especially if the men truly did think that nudity was no big deal (as Dannika Dark likes to claim characters feel, but then they never actually do). There doesn't seem to be a lot of room in these books for characters who want to date casually without immediately becoming formally "mated." Or for gay characters. Or for characters to date members of other species (with the Crossbreed series as something of a weird exception to this). Or even for characters (whether straight or gay) to buck expected gender roles. God forbid Lakota be the one to spend all his time sewing clothes.
There are two major problems with Dannika Dark books.
1) She intersperses her own made-up magical species alongside the kind of typical, standard species you regularly see in urban fantasy novels. It's not that weird that she includes her own personal take on vampires; literally hundreds, if not thousands, of authors already do that. No, what's weird is that she has her vampires and shifter characters interact with "Chitahs" and "Relics." These are species that are entirely unique to Dannika Dark's universe. Chitahs don't really appear in this novel beyond a few offhand references to a character living in another town. They're a species of super-chivalrous, tall, blond people with a lot of animal DNA, and I guess some sort of venom that is dangerous to mages? Because I didn't start reading anything in this universe until the Crossbreed series, I face an uphill battle-- Dannika Dark does not do a good job of explaining her made-up species to new fans. She just takes for granted that you can follow along as she casually refers to a Chitah character "flipping his switch."
2) This author really wants to embrace "Paranormal Romance," so she is obsessed with sex and relationships. And right alongside that, she has some really chauvinistic attitudes, unhealthy relationships, and outdated ideas of what constitutes "romance." (And ridiculously heteronormative, too; after reading about 10 of her books so far, I have yet to see a single same-sex couple.) This novel featured an honest-to-God serial killer, who went around kidnapping and murdering young women, and somehow that was NOT the primary plot point.
This novel was about a perky young woman's romance with a shapeshifter guy, and the question of whether she can have it all-- both the sexy, Native man and her boutique clothing store.
Seriously.
The romance wasn't even terribly complicated. Our protagonist, Melody, wasn't competing against any other potential girlfriend. The greatest obstacle to the relationship was Melody's refusal to believe that a man could possibly fall in love with the first woman he had sex with. Because this yummy Native dream of a man (I am actually married to a mixed-blood Native man myself, so I have no room to mock the author for fantasizing about that) was a virgin until she came along.
Without going into spoilers, this wish-fulfillment heterosexual relationship then became VERY "traditional." I mean, in the sense that a hundred years ago there was an expectation that young people who cast doe eyes at each other must be married off immediately.
Seriously. There was a discussion of marriage before there was a serious conversation about a dating relationship.
Along the way the author confused the rules of her own universe. Because early on we learned that nudity is not taboo to shifter culture, because it's a natural consequence of shapeshifting all the time. Okay. But despite the fact almost every character in this story was some kind of shifter, and they were in "shifter territory," we still had ridiculous scenes of embarrassment nudity. I think they were meant to excite the reader. Melody spent nearly half the book in a state of undress because she lost her clothes after changing to wolf form. We watched her argue with Lakota about how she was saving her naked form for her mate, and the two fought about how they were going to get into town with only one set of clothes between them.
... So many problems. Especially the part where Melody was talking like a Puritan about saving the sight of her naked form for her mate, I nearly retched. I think the author thinks nudity is not only taboo, but she includes scenes where characters find themselves naked as a bit of light erotica. This sort of thing has happened in other books she has written in this universe, and it always reads like 1970s porn. "Oops! I somehow dropped the towel I was holding as I was standing naked in the middle of the bar, and I didn't shift to wolf form in time. Male wolf, describe how aroused you are now!" This also wasn't limited to Melody feeling more ashamed of her body than most shifter women; there was of course an obligatory scene where she saw Lakota naked, and had to admire his ass.
Melody and her best friend Hope were supposed to be something of feminist champions in misogynistic shifter culture because they wanted to open a clothing/jewelry store. ... That was it. It was considered transgressive that they wanted to own their own business (but a non-threatening one, after all; they just sell girly stuff) without the involvement of a man. In 2020. And the women were seriously worried about their safety, because shifter men were likely to target them for rape, just because they were unmated and not bound to a particular "pack." (Everything about pack culture sounds awful; women's roles sound like something pre-1950s, and characters in the pack are obsessed with racial purity and trying to breed an "Alpha" male.)
Not to dispute the very real plight all modern American women face with the risk of sexual assault, but this felt particularly exploitative. The author had to make up these facts and contrive this culture. She wants readers to fantasize about a culture in which female shapeshifters are pressured to mate with a man of their species and join his family, lest she leave herself vulnerable to gangrape.
This author would have no idea what to do with a male same-sex couple. Especially if the men truly did think that nudity was no big deal (as Dannika Dark likes to claim characters feel, but then they never actually do). There doesn't seem to be a lot of room in these books for characters who want to date casually without immediately becoming formally "mated." Or for gay characters. Or for characters to date members of other species (with the Crossbreed series as something of a weird exception to this). Or even for characters (whether straight or gay) to buck expected gender roles. God forbid Lakota be the one to spend all his time sewing clothes.
November 18, 2023
3.75 stars
I recall enjoying the Seven series so when I stumbled upon this, I thought I'd give it a try.
I enjoyed it and the family visit at the end.
I recall enjoying the Seven series so when I stumbled upon this, I thought I'd give it a try.
I enjoyed it and the family visit at the end.
December 6, 2020
The Vow by Dannika Dark is the first book in the Black Arrowhead series. It is a spin-off from the author’s Seven series. I three of her books from the Seven series, but never had the chance to complete the series. The thing I remembered most about both books was the ability to read them as standalones. Therefore, when the opportunity came for me to listen to the Vow, I did not hesitate.
The author did an excellent job in developing and explaining the world, so readers new to the author’s work would have no difficulty following.
Melody Cole is shifter and a businesswoman. She, along with her best friend, Hope, is in preparation mode for the commencement of their new business. A business which caters only to shifters. However, their plans hit a snag when one of their suppliers tried to take advantage of them. Securing another supplier meant taking a trip, and Melody opted to go to Oklahoma to secure a deal with a well-known jewellery maker. While making pit stop, she came face to face with Lakota, the boy who saved her life years ago. The problem though, he was no longer a boy but a sexy as hell, adult male. Despite their intense connection, they pretended not to know each other because of Lakota’s job as a bounty hunter.
The Vow not only delivered a hot and steamy romance between the hero and the heroine, but it also brought a suspenseful murder mystery to the table. Wow! What a ride, and Melody found herself smack dab in the middle of it all.
Told for alternate POVs, the story gave me insight into each of the character’s feelings. Melody is a strong, independent and determined woman, but she was a big coward when it came to commitment. Lakota on the other hand struggled with the circumstances of his birth, which made him avoid relationships.
I enjoyed the mystery element of the story. I loved how it unfolded and I like the fact it wasn’t easily solvable case. Aspects of it had me on the edge of my seat, and I was eager to learn who was behind the murders.
Narration
I have seen rave reviews about the narrator, Nicole Poole. This is my first time listening to her and I see why she is a favourite among avid audio book listeners. She brought life to the story and the characters. One could easily distinguish between the voices for each of the characters, which enhanced the listening experience for me. I would definitely listen to more of her work.
Overall, The Vow was an entertaining story. If you are a fan of paranormal romance and shifters, then you will want to give yourself a treat by grabbing this book.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The author did an excellent job in developing and explaining the world, so readers new to the author’s work would have no difficulty following.
Melody Cole is shifter and a businesswoman. She, along with her best friend, Hope, is in preparation mode for the commencement of their new business. A business which caters only to shifters. However, their plans hit a snag when one of their suppliers tried to take advantage of them. Securing another supplier meant taking a trip, and Melody opted to go to Oklahoma to secure a deal with a well-known jewellery maker. While making pit stop, she came face to face with Lakota, the boy who saved her life years ago. The problem though, he was no longer a boy but a sexy as hell, adult male. Despite their intense connection, they pretended not to know each other because of Lakota’s job as a bounty hunter.
The Vow not only delivered a hot and steamy romance between the hero and the heroine, but it also brought a suspenseful murder mystery to the table. Wow! What a ride, and Melody found herself smack dab in the middle of it all.
Told for alternate POVs, the story gave me insight into each of the character’s feelings. Melody is a strong, independent and determined woman, but she was a big coward when it came to commitment. Lakota on the other hand struggled with the circumstances of his birth, which made him avoid relationships.
I enjoyed the mystery element of the story. I loved how it unfolded and I like the fact it wasn’t easily solvable case. Aspects of it had me on the edge of my seat, and I was eager to learn who was behind the murders.
Narration
I have seen rave reviews about the narrator, Nicole Poole. This is my first time listening to her and I see why she is a favourite among avid audio book listeners. She brought life to the story and the characters. One could easily distinguish between the voices for each of the characters, which enhanced the listening experience for me. I would definitely listen to more of her work.
Overall, The Vow was an entertaining story. If you are a fan of paranormal romance and shifters, then you will want to give yourself a treat by grabbing this book.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
August 22, 2021
Unfortunately, I can't say that I'm especially wowed by this book.
I don't think there was much chemistry between the main characters and it also felt like I barely knew anything about them besides the basic background. Although it's been said that I don't need to read the Seven Series beforehand, for this story I think I should have (or at least have a look at the book(s)? where Lakota and Melody made an appearance). Lakota once saved Mel when they were younger and it was mentioned a few times but not really elaborated on it. It felt a bit like there was this whole backstory that I was missing, especially in a story where the main characters knew each other since they were little. Incorporating a bit from their past might have helped me feel the chemistry between them more.
Other than that, I think this is a decent story. It was super interesting to see racism in reverse (our heroine Melody experiences it). I was also pleasantly surprised that I couldn't figure out who the killer was, and, even though I haven't read the Seven Series, I really liked the get-together family moment at the end. I can only imagine how fans of this series will freak out about the cameo appearances.
The narration by Nicole Poole is very pleasant to listen to but somehow I've never been able to connect the characters with her voice. Her voice sounds a bit older and more sophisticated than I imagine the characters to be but that could just be my personal preference. Setting my personal preference aside, she is a fantastic narrator. I especially like her male voices, they sound incredibly authentic.
**ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I don't think there was much chemistry between the main characters and it also felt like I barely knew anything about them besides the basic background. Although it's been said that I don't need to read the Seven Series beforehand, for this story I think I should have (or at least have a look at the book(s)? where Lakota and Melody made an appearance). Lakota once saved Mel when they were younger and it was mentioned a few times but not really elaborated on it. It felt a bit like there was this whole backstory that I was missing, especially in a story where the main characters knew each other since they were little. Incorporating a bit from their past might have helped me feel the chemistry between them more.
Other than that, I think this is a decent story. It was super interesting to see racism in reverse (our heroine Melody experiences it). I was also pleasantly surprised that I couldn't figure out who the killer was, and, even though I haven't read the Seven Series, I really liked the get-together family moment at the end. I can only imagine how fans of this series will freak out about the cameo appearances.
The narration by Nicole Poole is very pleasant to listen to but somehow I've never been able to connect the characters with her voice. Her voice sounds a bit older and more sophisticated than I imagine the characters to be but that could just be my personal preference. Setting my personal preference aside, she is a fantastic narrator. I especially like her male voices, they sound incredibly authentic.
**ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 7, 2020
I love when stories tie together, or should I say moments. It is unnecessary to have listened to Dark’s other series, but I have a feeling you’ll add them to your TBR pile if you begin this.
Melody and Hope are opening up a shop and preparing for their grand opening in just a few short weeks. Their stone supplier tries to take advantage, and they set out to secure another supplier. Hope goes one way, and Melody heads to Running Horse, Oklahoma. A rainstorm and vague directions soon have her lost and pulling into a bar promising burgers. Right away Melody senses tension and is shocked when Hope’s brother, a bounty hunter, walks in. She pretends not to know him, but oh boy has he grown up.
The tale that unfolds has a bit of a suspenseful murder-mystery, a look into tribal clans and prejudice that exist even between the shifters. It also delivers a snarky, sweet, oh so hot romance that fans and newcomers will swoon over.
Melody is strong, independent, and smitten. Can she trust a man not to smother her? Can she come to an agreement with the stone dealer? Will she be able to get home in time for the grand reopening? Will she lose her heart to the boy who once saved her? Eep…you’ll need to listen to find out!
Nicole Poole narrates and I adore her, but Melody’s voice sounded like Raven’s to me. Despite that, she delivered an excellent narration and picks up on all the little nuances of each character.
Whether you listen or read it, fans of shifters, romances and fantasy need to grab this series and slip into this world Dark has created. You won’t be sorry! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Melody and Hope are opening up a shop and preparing for their grand opening in just a few short weeks. Their stone supplier tries to take advantage, and they set out to secure another supplier. Hope goes one way, and Melody heads to Running Horse, Oklahoma. A rainstorm and vague directions soon have her lost and pulling into a bar promising burgers. Right away Melody senses tension and is shocked when Hope’s brother, a bounty hunter, walks in. She pretends not to know him, but oh boy has he grown up.
The tale that unfolds has a bit of a suspenseful murder-mystery, a look into tribal clans and prejudice that exist even between the shifters. It also delivers a snarky, sweet, oh so hot romance that fans and newcomers will swoon over.
Melody is strong, independent, and smitten. Can she trust a man not to smother her? Can she come to an agreement with the stone dealer? Will she be able to get home in time for the grand reopening? Will she lose her heart to the boy who once saved her? Eep…you’ll need to listen to find out!
Nicole Poole narrates and I adore her, but Melody’s voice sounded like Raven’s to me. Despite that, she delivered an excellent narration and picks up on all the little nuances of each character.
Whether you listen or read it, fans of shifters, romances and fantasy need to grab this series and slip into this world Dark has created. You won’t be sorry! This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 22, 2020
*I received a free copy of The Vow from Tantor Media. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
The Vow is set in the Magiverse, which means that I was familiar with the universe and some of the side characters as I started listening. It is completely possible to start this novel without having read or listened to any other books set in this universe, though.
There is a mystery, and there is action, as well as romance and some paranormal characters. I love Dannika Dark's novels, and The Vow was no different. Nicole Poole is the perfect narrator for the series, too, and I really enjoyed my listening experience.
The Vow is set in the Magiverse, which means that I was familiar with the universe and some of the side characters as I started listening. It is completely possible to start this novel without having read or listened to any other books set in this universe, though.
There is a mystery, and there is action, as well as romance and some paranormal characters. I love Dannika Dark's novels, and The Vow was no different. Nicole Poole is the perfect narrator for the series, too, and I really enjoyed my listening experience.
January 16, 2021
3 to 3.5 stars. An enjoyable enough book about the Seven series: next generation. I liked the Seven series, but for me, this one wasn't quite as good. The leads, Lakota and Melody, both wolf shifters, are quite likeable characters, but I wasn't really rapt in the serial killer storyline. I also felt the ending was weak. It somehow felt tacked on.
Still, it was overall an easy read and I will no doubt read the next in in the series when it's released. Maybe Hope's story?
Still, it was overall an easy read and I will no doubt read the next in in the series when it's released. Maybe Hope's story?
November 24, 2020
Loved this audiobook!
Dannika Dark is one of my favorite PNR authors, and she didn't disappoint with Melody and Lakota's story.
Narration was great, although I would love to hear different narrators, because Dark has used Poole for each one of her books, so everyone sounds the same.
Dannika Dark is one of my favorite PNR authors, and she didn't disappoint with Melody and Lakota's story.
Narration was great, although I would love to hear different narrators, because Dark has used Poole for each one of her books, so everyone sounds the same.
November 30, 2020
The Vow is the first book in the Black Arrowhead series and a continuation/spin-off of the Seven series. Melody is the daughter of Jericho and Lizzy the couple from Five Weeks (Seven #3) and Lakota is the son of Ivy the heroine of Four Days (Seven #4) and the adopted son of a couple in the novella, The Gift (Mageri #5.5). All of Dark's series are linked by a character or two and The Vow meshes two of her previous series with Melody, Lakota, and Hope (Melody's BFF and Lakota's half-sister). With all that being said, Dark does a great job explaining the world and you could easily pick up with The Vow as your first Dark novel but I highly recommend all her novels. You can find a reading order at Dannika Dark's website if you want to experience these characters and the world from the beginning.
I knew if Dannika Dark was to ever revisit Melody and Lakota it would be in the form of their HEA. There was a connection between them when they were younger. He was a few years older and Melody had a crush on him and he saved her life. The Vow brings us to the pair as adults who have stayed in contact over the years through their relationship with Hope, Lakota's sister, and Melody's best friend and now business partner. The two may not have seen each other much during the years but they always ask Hope about each other when they speak with her. It's the business Melody and Hope is starting that brings Melody and Lakota face to face.
Hope makes jewelry and has lost her contact for gemstones within the Breed world, leaving her looking for a new supplier. She has three leads but only time to meet with two of the three who are in Texas. The third and the one who Hope really wants to work with is in Oklahoma. Melody agrees to meet with the one in OK. That's where she runs into Lakota, on the tribe land where the gemstone dealer lives. But because Melody is not of Native blood he will not agree to work with the girls.
Lakota is a bounty hunter and is working a case on the tribe's land. It took him a while to get into the good graces with the tribe because he only has Native American blood from his mother. His blue eyes remind the others he is not part of the tribes. Melody and Lakota agree to act as though they don't know each other so Lakota's undercover status is not blown.
There is a serial killer loose killing shifter women and at first, all the clues point to someone within the tribe Lakota has befriended. As the case gets more dangerous for Melody, it becomes apparent someone is trying to frame the tribe in order to start a war between shifters who are not tribe members and the tribe.
The Vow is chock-full of action, mystery, romance, and a sexy hero who has been in love with the strong heroine since they first met all those years ago and a heroine who tries to deny the fact she too is in love with the hero. Fans of Dark's Seven series will enjoy the ride to their HEA and the cameos from the earlier books. I look forward to more stories within the Black Arrowhead series, I can only guess we will get more HEA for the kids from the Seven series who are now adults, like Hope and Melody's twin brothers Lenon and Hendrix (yes they are named after the real-world musicians because their dad was a rock star).
Poole is the reason Dark is an audio-only author for me. I cannot rave enough about Nicole Poole’s narration performance for all of Dark's titles and she brought her A-game for the first book in the Black Arrowhead series. She masterly voices all the characters from the female to the male.
I knew if Dannika Dark was to ever revisit Melody and Lakota it would be in the form of their HEA. There was a connection between them when they were younger. He was a few years older and Melody had a crush on him and he saved her life. The Vow brings us to the pair as adults who have stayed in contact over the years through their relationship with Hope, Lakota's sister, and Melody's best friend and now business partner. The two may not have seen each other much during the years but they always ask Hope about each other when they speak with her. It's the business Melody and Hope is starting that brings Melody and Lakota face to face.
Hope makes jewelry and has lost her contact for gemstones within the Breed world, leaving her looking for a new supplier. She has three leads but only time to meet with two of the three who are in Texas. The third and the one who Hope really wants to work with is in Oklahoma. Melody agrees to meet with the one in OK. That's where she runs into Lakota, on the tribe land where the gemstone dealer lives. But because Melody is not of Native blood he will not agree to work with the girls.
Lakota is a bounty hunter and is working a case on the tribe's land. It took him a while to get into the good graces with the tribe because he only has Native American blood from his mother. His blue eyes remind the others he is not part of the tribes. Melody and Lakota agree to act as though they don't know each other so Lakota's undercover status is not blown.
There is a serial killer loose killing shifter women and at first, all the clues point to someone within the tribe Lakota has befriended. As the case gets more dangerous for Melody, it becomes apparent someone is trying to frame the tribe in order to start a war between shifters who are not tribe members and the tribe.
The Vow is chock-full of action, mystery, romance, and a sexy hero who has been in love with the strong heroine since they first met all those years ago and a heroine who tries to deny the fact she too is in love with the hero. Fans of Dark's Seven series will enjoy the ride to their HEA and the cameos from the earlier books. I look forward to more stories within the Black Arrowhead series, I can only guess we will get more HEA for the kids from the Seven series who are now adults, like Hope and Melody's twin brothers Lenon and Hendrix (yes they are named after the real-world musicians because their dad was a rock star).
Poole is the reason Dark is an audio-only author for me. I cannot rave enough about Nicole Poole’s narration performance for all of Dark's titles and she brought her A-game for the first book in the Black Arrowhead series. She masterly voices all the characters from the female to the male.
January 15, 2025
I wasn't sure about this novel since I'm not a big fan of books featuring a romance with people we were introduced to when they were children. I really did love this novel. It took everything I loved about the Seven series and removed the things I didn't. I liked the glimpses of Dakota's family as I grew to know them in the Mageri series, and Melody as parents were by far my favorites from Seven. Although they aren't really in this novel, it was nice seeing touches of them in Melody and Lakota. I liked how sure Melody was in herself and how Lakota knew the man he wanted to be.
And now I am one step closer to reading about Christian, who has always reminded me of Cassidy from the Preacher tv show.
And now I am one step closer to reading about Christian, who has always reminded me of Cassidy from the Preacher tv show.
December 21, 2023
This is book one in the “Black Arrowhead” series and can be read as a stand alone.
Wow! First of all it has been way too long since I read a shifter book. I forgot how much I love them!! AND one of my favorite series is by this same author, it is her “Seven” series.
So, I got this book from the library as an audiobook. I haven’t listened to an audiobook since the only option was cassette tape. Actually, I tried one the day before this one and hated it. So I said I will give it one more shot. I saw this book and knew this would be the one! Boy, was I right. This book is one you never want to end.
Lakota and Melody are the most amazing couple. Melody is one hell of a woman. I was so proud of her. Lakota such a beautiful soul. Not only is he amazing but so sexy! His wolf is gorgeous. I love the entire crew of characters. I can’t wait to read the next book which is about Hope and Tak, two of my favorites.
The book flows effortlessly. It creates this movie in your head that you never want to end. But what a beautiful ending it was. I like the little bit of spice she threw in as well. Not only was it an amazing love story but it was a mystery. I was on the hunt and had no clue who we were hunting. I love all the Native American knowledge as well. My ancestors are Native and I love reading books that paint them in a wonderful light. Also, this book was quite funny. At one point I was sitting at a light and started cracking up laughing. People probably thought I was crazy.
This is a book that you think about even when you can’t read/listen. I wanted more. I listened every chance I could. This is a book you will definitely want to check out.
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Wow! First of all it has been way too long since I read a shifter book. I forgot how much I love them!! AND one of my favorite series is by this same author, it is her “Seven” series.
So, I got this book from the library as an audiobook. I haven’t listened to an audiobook since the only option was cassette tape. Actually, I tried one the day before this one and hated it. So I said I will give it one more shot. I saw this book and knew this would be the one! Boy, was I right. This book is one you never want to end.
Lakota and Melody are the most amazing couple. Melody is one hell of a woman. I was so proud of her. Lakota such a beautiful soul. Not only is he amazing but so sexy! His wolf is gorgeous. I love the entire crew of characters. I can’t wait to read the next book which is about Hope and Tak, two of my favorites.
The book flows effortlessly. It creates this movie in your head that you never want to end. But what a beautiful ending it was. I like the little bit of spice she threw in as well. Not only was it an amazing love story but it was a mystery. I was on the hunt and had no clue who we were hunting. I love all the Native American knowledge as well. My ancestors are Native and I love reading books that paint them in a wonderful light. Also, this book was quite funny. At one point I was sitting at a light and started cracking up laughing. People probably thought I was crazy.
This is a book that you think about even when you can’t read/listen. I wanted more. I listened every chance I could. This is a book you will definitely want to check out.
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March 19, 2021
Boom goes the Dynamite! other reviewers have mentioned this line and though it comes at the end of the book from a voice we haven't heard from for quite some time - it made me laugh and smile! That's one of the things about Ms. Dark's writing - she's got great catchphrases for many of her characters.
Yes, I'm a Dannika Dark fan. Yes, I will read anything she writes. Yes, I've read Mageri, Crossbreed, and Seven series so I'm well emersed in this world. So I understand why readers new to this world might have been a bit confused by some of the backstories in this particular book. Though I'm not sure it takes away from Lakota and Melody's story. The storyline is quite similar to the romances and story in the Seven series and her stories can be dark, but that's what they are and I love them.
If the Black Arrowhead series is similar to Seven, then I'll be disappointed that we won't see much more of Lakota and Melody because I think there is a lot more that can be done with their storyline. I enjoyed the Seven series because I love the family, romance, and stories of the shifters, but I prefer the long romance storyline of Mageri and Crossbreed. But I have no doubt I'll read the next one - whichever way the series goes.
I listened to this on Audible and I'm a Nicole Poole fan. It did take me a chapter to get the feel of the voice with Melody only because, as some other reviewers stated, Ms. Poole is the go-to narrator for all the books in this world. But I also read/listen to other authors who also use Ms. Poole (LOL - she's great!) so you just have to let it go and enjoy the read because the narration is spectacular and you'll get used to it.
The fast-paced romances in the Seven series have been believable because most of the romances have been between people who have a history, and The Vow is no different. Lakota and Melody are childhood friends and we first met them as kids (if you've read all the series). I liked the way these two came together again. That first meet-up, the inner-conflict, and while she might have some issues with accepting that someone can love her, this wolf can handle herself in any situation.
The love story plot was fairly simple but woven nicely between the mystery of murders in a rural shifter community filled with some family/friend tension, racial tension, greed, heartbreak, and good-old pack disagreements and while all that might sound heavy...it's not. There is enough romance, honor, nobility, and cohesiveness sprinkled with a solid ending that pretty much encapsulates a Dannika Dark novel.
If you're a fan---you'll enjoy this read. If you're new to Ms. Dark's Magiverse world - give this a try - or start from the beginning with the Seven series - if you love shifters - you'll be glad you did!
And I'll admit - I listened twice - just because I could - and couldn't get enough of Lakota!
Yes, I'm a Dannika Dark fan. Yes, I will read anything she writes. Yes, I've read Mageri, Crossbreed, and Seven series so I'm well emersed in this world. So I understand why readers new to this world might have been a bit confused by some of the backstories in this particular book. Though I'm not sure it takes away from Lakota and Melody's story. The storyline is quite similar to the romances and story in the Seven series and her stories can be dark, but that's what they are and I love them.
If the Black Arrowhead series is similar to Seven, then I'll be disappointed that we won't see much more of Lakota and Melody because I think there is a lot more that can be done with their storyline. I enjoyed the Seven series because I love the family, romance, and stories of the shifters, but I prefer the long romance storyline of Mageri and Crossbreed. But I have no doubt I'll read the next one - whichever way the series goes.
I listened to this on Audible and I'm a Nicole Poole fan. It did take me a chapter to get the feel of the voice with Melody only because, as some other reviewers stated, Ms. Poole is the go-to narrator for all the books in this world. But I also read/listen to other authors who also use Ms. Poole (LOL - she's great!) so you just have to let it go and enjoy the read because the narration is spectacular and you'll get used to it.
The fast-paced romances in the Seven series have been believable because most of the romances have been between people who have a history, and The Vow is no different. Lakota and Melody are childhood friends and we first met them as kids (if you've read all the series). I liked the way these two came together again. That first meet-up, the inner-conflict, and while she might have some issues with accepting that someone can love her, this wolf can handle herself in any situation.
The love story plot was fairly simple but woven nicely between the mystery of murders in a rural shifter community filled with some family/friend tension, racial tension, greed, heartbreak, and good-old pack disagreements and while all that might sound heavy...it's not. There is enough romance, honor, nobility, and cohesiveness sprinkled with a solid ending that pretty much encapsulates a Dannika Dark novel.
If you're a fan---you'll enjoy this read. If you're new to Ms. Dark's Magiverse world - give this a try - or start from the beginning with the Seven series - if you love shifters - you'll be glad you did!
And I'll admit - I listened twice - just because I could - and couldn't get enough of Lakota!
December 4, 2020
I am a huge Dannika Dark fan - so this review may be a little biased - but I have honestly been hoping for a book like this for what feels like forever. Melody and Lakota are characters from the Seven Series and Mageri Series. If you haven't read those series - you can 100% start with this book because it does stand apart from those books. Reading those series is totally worth the investment because they are awesome and will give you an even greater appreciation for this book - but this book can be read as a starting point as well.
Melody is definitely a free spirit - she is 25, incredibly creative and talented. She and her best friend Hope are trying to open a boutique but have run into a major issue with their supplier of gemstones for Hope's work. As a result Melody has to travel to Oklahoma to meet with a dealer. Melody is very brave - and maybe a little bit reckless - but she is also a pretty smart business woman. When she gets to Oklahoma she gets drawn in to a major drama involving the locals - and Lakota is at the center of it all.
Lakota has been working as a bounty hunter and is working a case undercover when Melody appears back in his life. The two have always been connected - any time one has needed saving, the other appears. This is definitely a case where fate keeps bringing them together.
Seeing them together is pretty awesome. There is really never any question - from an outside perspective - that they are meant to be together. The only question is can they get out of their own heads to see that for themselves. Or at least for Melody to see it. The storyline is fast paced and even though the villain isn't really too hard to guess - it is still a good mystery.
Overall - I definitely recommend this for fans of urban fantasy/paranormal romance and especially for other Dannika Dark fans like me! I listened to the Audio version of this book - and I love Nicole Poole as a narrator for this and for the other series. She always brings me right back into this world.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Melody is definitely a free spirit - she is 25, incredibly creative and talented. She and her best friend Hope are trying to open a boutique but have run into a major issue with their supplier of gemstones for Hope's work. As a result Melody has to travel to Oklahoma to meet with a dealer. Melody is very brave - and maybe a little bit reckless - but she is also a pretty smart business woman. When she gets to Oklahoma she gets drawn in to a major drama involving the locals - and Lakota is at the center of it all.
Lakota has been working as a bounty hunter and is working a case undercover when Melody appears back in his life. The two have always been connected - any time one has needed saving, the other appears. This is definitely a case where fate keeps bringing them together.
Seeing them together is pretty awesome. There is really never any question - from an outside perspective - that they are meant to be together. The only question is can they get out of their own heads to see that for themselves. Or at least for Melody to see it. The storyline is fast paced and even though the villain isn't really too hard to guess - it is still a good mystery.
Overall - I definitely recommend this for fans of urban fantasy/paranormal romance and especially for other Dannika Dark fans like me! I listened to the Audio version of this book - and I love Nicole Poole as a narrator for this and for the other series. She always brings me right back into this world.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
December 6, 2020
Wow what a great beginning to a new story
I actually count out this book down had me hook line and sinker
Perfectly written and exciting so much passion in all the right ways. Loved this book so very much well worth the read
I actually count out this book down had me hook line and sinker
Perfectly written and exciting so much passion in all the right ways. Loved this book so very much well worth the read
June 21, 2022
I loved this story about Lakota and Melody!!! Ever since he saved her years ago, I had a feeling about them. I’m so glad the Author decided to write their story. It was perfect!!!
December 4, 2020
Story 4.5 stars rounded up. Dannika Dark has given us Lakota and Melody’s love story-finally. It was everything that I wanted for their story. It’s a romance, but also a mystery. It’s also about best friends, family and fulfilling a dream. Indian shifter lore and world building only added to the story and kept me interested and reading.
If you don’t already know, Lakota first shows up in the Mageri world book, The Gift. Melody first shows up in the Seven series as the daughter of one of the shifter brothers. Lakota is a small part of the Seven series as well. I think Dark’s readers have always known that Lakota and Melody would end up together. And with this book a new series, Black Arrow, has begun. I’m really excited about it.
Dark at times, exciting, romantic and sensual at others, I really enjoyed this book as I have always with a Dannika Dark story. As long as she continues to write her wonderful stories, I will be reading them. Highly recommended to adult paranormal romance readers. It can stand alone but also is just one story in Dark’s Breed World where all her books take place.
If you don’t already know, Lakota first shows up in the Mageri world book, The Gift. Melody first shows up in the Seven series as the daughter of one of the shifter brothers. Lakota is a small part of the Seven series as well. I think Dark’s readers have always known that Lakota and Melody would end up together. And with this book a new series, Black Arrow, has begun. I’m really excited about it.
Dark at times, exciting, romantic and sensual at others, I really enjoyed this book as I have always with a Dannika Dark story. As long as she continues to write her wonderful stories, I will be reading them. Highly recommended to adult paranormal romance readers. It can stand alone but also is just one story in Dark’s Breed World where all her books take place.
dnf
January 6, 2021Setting this one aside for now. Narrator is great, but the story isn't gripping me for some reason. Might return to it when i am in a different reading mood.
December 4, 2020
Awesome
Yet another great book from Dannika. I've loved the Seven series and I'm so glad that we get to experience all the characters again in this new series/off shoot. This book like all the ones before, will keep your interest with humor, romance and action, oh and sometimes even tears...... I'm not ashamed to admit I've shed a few before. Lakota and Melody have featured in previous books (Seven series) and you could feel their connection even then, so I was very happy when they finally got their story.
Dannika Dark is one of very few authors I will buy books from without question because I know, without fail, that I will not be disappointed.
Yet another great book from Dannika. I've loved the Seven series and I'm so glad that we get to experience all the characters again in this new series/off shoot. This book like all the ones before, will keep your interest with humor, romance and action, oh and sometimes even tears...... I'm not ashamed to admit I've shed a few before. Lakota and Melody have featured in previous books (Seven series) and you could feel their connection even then, so I was very happy when they finally got their story.
Dannika Dark is one of very few authors I will buy books from without question because I know, without fail, that I will not be disappointed.
December 1, 2020
"And boom goes the dynamite"-Wheeler
No this book isn't about Wheeler but if you've read the book, you know exactly why I quoted him.
I loved this book so so much! I loved being back in the Mageriverse. I am going back and rereading all the books now. I think we have all wanted to know more about Lakota from the second he popped up in this story. I am so glad that the author gave us his story. Melody is the daughter of one of the couples from the Seven series... and I loved her. She was so down to Earth and she loved with her whole heart. These two characters had a connection because Lakota saved Melody when she was a girl. I knew from that moment that if Dark every wrote about Lakota that Melody would be his HEA and I am 100% not mad about it. They fit.
The narration was good. Poole always does a fantastic job.. I do kind of wish that Dannika Dark would pick someone else just because Poole has done all her books and the characters kind of blend together with the audiobooks. BUT that didn't take away from the story.. just an observation.
I received an early copy of the audiobook from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
No this book isn't about Wheeler but if you've read the book, you know exactly why I quoted him.
I loved this book so so much! I loved being back in the Mageriverse. I am going back and rereading all the books now. I think we have all wanted to know more about Lakota from the second he popped up in this story. I am so glad that the author gave us his story. Melody is the daughter of one of the couples from the Seven series... and I loved her. She was so down to Earth and she loved with her whole heart. These two characters had a connection because Lakota saved Melody when she was a girl. I knew from that moment that if Dark every wrote about Lakota that Melody would be his HEA and I am 100% not mad about it. They fit.
The narration was good. Poole always does a fantastic job.. I do kind of wish that Dannika Dark would pick someone else just because Poole has done all her books and the characters kind of blend together with the audiobooks. BUT that didn't take away from the story.. just an observation.
I received an early copy of the audiobook from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 28, 2021
Brilliant first instalment for the Black Arrowhead series.
Really loved this.
Dannika Dark is brilliant in crossing over other characters from the other amazing series that makes reading about these characters like you know them and can connect with them on a more personal level.
The main characters are Melody and Lakota. Both of these characters are now grown up children from family's in the Seven Series and Lakota is also connected to the Mageri Series. These two are obviously the start for the next series and I can't wait to see where this leads!
Dannika stories are always well written and heartfelt with a mix of magic..action..humor..and romance that pull you in.
You don't need to read the other series before you read this but if you want to get a greater understanding of their journey before hand I would RECOMMEND you read the Seven Series and what the hell ....read the Mageri series too! You wont regret it!
Really loved this.
Dannika Dark is brilliant in crossing over other characters from the other amazing series that makes reading about these characters like you know them and can connect with them on a more personal level.
The main characters are Melody and Lakota. Both of these characters are now grown up children from family's in the Seven Series and Lakota is also connected to the Mageri Series. These two are obviously the start for the next series and I can't wait to see where this leads!
Dannika stories are always well written and heartfelt with a mix of magic..action..humor..and romance that pull you in.
You don't need to read the other series before you read this but if you want to get a greater understanding of their journey before hand I would RECOMMEND you read the Seven Series and what the hell ....read the Mageri series too! You wont regret it!
Want to read
August 20, 2020Yay!!! Part of the Seven series/world!!!!!!!
December 6, 2020
I'm a fan of this author's Seven series and while Seven Years (the first book in the series) is one of my favourite Shifter romances and, in my humble opinion, the best book in the series, The Vow is on par with it. A big call, I know, but it was that good. The story line was relatively simple and the romance took place in a short amount of time, not including the fact that the couple have known each other since childhood, but the world building that this author does so well gave the book depth. This not only brought the characters and plot to life, but made Melody and Lakota's story meaningful and really beautiful in parts. The author has taken a familiar, paranormal theme and turned it on its head just enough to make it its own, including a virgin Hero (who saw that coming? Excuse the pun lol). Just a quick FYI, although this book does refer to some events from the Seven series, you can certainly get away with reading it as a standalone. I haven't read the latter books for a while and have forgotten a lot of details but didn't feel as though I needed to go back and refresh my memory as the writing and story between the couple made the novel stand on its own two feet.
Lakota is thirty and Melody is twenty-four (or thereabouts). The latter is starting her own business venture with her best friend, Hope, who also happens to be Lakota's younger sister. This is their first big opportunity to stand on their own two feet and show their family they can be successful after leaving their packs. When Hope's jewellery supplier falls through, the women are forced to try and come up with a solution in a short amount of time as their grand opening is fast approaching. Melody volunteers to meet with Shikoba, a tribal leader in rural Oklahoma notorious for not dealing with outsiders. Shortly after arriving, she runs into Lakota who's a bounty hunter. He pretends not to know her and they part ways, but of course, fate has other ideas and they're quickly reunited. In this neck of the woods, tensions between tribal and white Shifters run high with a lot of animosity and outdated notions, not to mention blatant racism. With a serial killer on the loose and Shikoba's tribe possibly shielding the killer, Lakota and Melody's lives are thrown together but are there too many obstacles in the way of their connection and deep attraction to each other?
This book ticked a lot of boxes for me. A bit of a slow burn relationship, great character and plot development, good dialogue, some humour, an intense, steamy romance and a bit of suspense with a who dunnit thrown in for good measure. I loved the depth Shikoba's Shifter tribe added to the story and I hope they're revisited in future novels. I loved Melody and Lakota as main characters. As mentioned above, Lakota was a virgin and while this wasn't a huge focus in the book, I loved that the author did this as too often its the other way around. He's protective and just all-round delicious throughout the book - a perfect mix of tough and sweet. Melody was also a solid character. She had a strong character without being obnoxious and her insecurities and free spirit shone. There were a few scenes between the couple that were hot as Hades and super intense, adding to the story rather than just being chucked in for gratuitous steam.
If you're a fan of the Seven series, you'll get to catch up with familiar characters, some more than others. Naturally, I would have liked a bit from some of them, but even if the book was saturated with cameos it still wouldn't have been enough for me lol. They didn't detract from Melody and Lakota's story, which was great. I found it a bit strange that Lakota's adoptive father was mentioned a bit but not his mother. Just a small thing. Without spoiling too much, I found the premise for the happy couple's relationship to progress a bit ridiculous and bordered a bit too closely to a fake fiancee romance, but again, that was just a personal preference.
This story really grabbed me. I thought the writing was almost perfect with its fluency and from the first couple of chapters, it pulled me under. It's hard to describe, but some parts were old-worldly and almost had a spiritual essence, maybe because it was set in a rural location amongst tribes where time had moved more slowly? I'm not sure but whatever it was, I really enjoyed it. The twist towards the end was great and I didn't pick it. I finished the book not being entirely sure what the Vow was which made me laugh a bit to myself (it's subtlety has obviously been lost on me and gone straight over my head unless it's referring to declarations between the couple?). This was a cracker of a first book for a new series from this author and I can't wait for the next one (while she's furiously writing more Crossbreed books, of course ;) It'll be getting filed in my Favourites folder to be reread for sure.
Lakota is thirty and Melody is twenty-four (or thereabouts). The latter is starting her own business venture with her best friend, Hope, who also happens to be Lakota's younger sister. This is their first big opportunity to stand on their own two feet and show their family they can be successful after leaving their packs. When Hope's jewellery supplier falls through, the women are forced to try and come up with a solution in a short amount of time as their grand opening is fast approaching. Melody volunteers to meet with Shikoba, a tribal leader in rural Oklahoma notorious for not dealing with outsiders. Shortly after arriving, she runs into Lakota who's a bounty hunter. He pretends not to know her and they part ways, but of course, fate has other ideas and they're quickly reunited. In this neck of the woods, tensions between tribal and white Shifters run high with a lot of animosity and outdated notions, not to mention blatant racism. With a serial killer on the loose and Shikoba's tribe possibly shielding the killer, Lakota and Melody's lives are thrown together but are there too many obstacles in the way of their connection and deep attraction to each other?
This book ticked a lot of boxes for me. A bit of a slow burn relationship, great character and plot development, good dialogue, some humour, an intense, steamy romance and a bit of suspense with a who dunnit thrown in for good measure. I loved the depth Shikoba's Shifter tribe added to the story and I hope they're revisited in future novels. I loved Melody and Lakota as main characters. As mentioned above, Lakota was a virgin and while this wasn't a huge focus in the book, I loved that the author did this as too often its the other way around. He's protective and just all-round delicious throughout the book - a perfect mix of tough and sweet. Melody was also a solid character. She had a strong character without being obnoxious and her insecurities and free spirit shone. There were a few scenes between the couple that were hot as Hades and super intense, adding to the story rather than just being chucked in for gratuitous steam.
If you're a fan of the Seven series, you'll get to catch up with familiar characters, some more than others. Naturally, I would have liked a bit from some of them, but even if the book was saturated with cameos it still wouldn't have been enough for me lol. They didn't detract from Melody and Lakota's story, which was great. I found it a bit strange that Lakota's adoptive father was mentioned a bit but not his mother. Just a small thing. Without spoiling too much, I found the premise for the happy couple's relationship to progress a bit ridiculous and bordered a bit too closely to a fake fiancee romance, but again, that was just a personal preference.
This story really grabbed me. I thought the writing was almost perfect with its fluency and from the first couple of chapters, it pulled me under. It's hard to describe, but some parts were old-worldly and almost had a spiritual essence, maybe because it was set in a rural location amongst tribes where time had moved more slowly? I'm not sure but whatever it was, I really enjoyed it. The twist towards the end was great and I didn't pick it. I finished the book not being entirely sure what the Vow was which made me laugh a bit to myself (it's subtlety has obviously been lost on me and gone straight over my head unless it's referring to declarations between the couple?). This was a cracker of a first book for a new series from this author and I can't wait for the next one (while she's furiously writing more Crossbreed books, of course ;) It'll be getting filed in my Favourites folder to be reread for sure.
December 6, 2020
The Vow was thoroughly entertaining.
Melody and her best friend Hope are opening a store together. They have just separated from their packs (a rite of passage) and are embarking on a huge goal for themselves. When Hope finds her gem supplier is price-gouging she starts a desperate search for a new supplier. Mel offers to help with the supplier interviews and to travel to a small nowhere town in Oklahoma to meet one of the potential new sources. She never expected to run into Hope's half-brother Lakota. She also never expected to walk into such a backwoods small town with so much racist/speciesist/nativist? goings ons.
Lakota is a bounty hunter on assignment in Running Horse, Oklahoma. There is a serial killer on the loose and shifter women are the target. He is undercover in the town's native pack trying to sus out the culprit when a blast from the past, Melody shows up. Soon there are multiple murders on both sides. Can he solve the mystery of who is behind the deaths while keeping Mel safe and out of harm's way?
Now, just a little disclaimer here, this is my first book by Dannika Dark. Yes, yes. I know. I am late to the party. I keep meaning to start the Seven series and this was just the kick in the pants I needed. I will say this can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. While I'm sure that once I read the Seven series I will get more of the background crossreferences but I didn't feel left out. Maybe because this was the first in the series? But either way, you should be fine.
Nicole Poole on narration was fab. I really dug her voices and her intonations and inflections were just on point.
The relationship between Mel and Lakota was a fairly slow burn and I quite enjoyed that the paranormal mystery aspect was at the forefront versus the side story. I honestly didn't know the culprit until way farther into the story than normal. I was just entertained. I do wish we had maybe a bit more romance between Lakota and Mel but maybe that would have detracted from the story itself. I definitely wanted more of a long-term HEA between the two but maybe that will shake out more in later books.
The Vow is definitely a great start to a new series and I am absolutely looking forward to more in the Black Arrowhead series!
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Melody and her best friend Hope are opening a store together. They have just separated from their packs (a rite of passage) and are embarking on a huge goal for themselves. When Hope finds her gem supplier is price-gouging she starts a desperate search for a new supplier. Mel offers to help with the supplier interviews and to travel to a small nowhere town in Oklahoma to meet one of the potential new sources. She never expected to run into Hope's half-brother Lakota. She also never expected to walk into such a backwoods small town with so much racist/speciesist/nativist? goings ons.
Lakota is a bounty hunter on assignment in Running Horse, Oklahoma. There is a serial killer on the loose and shifter women are the target. He is undercover in the town's native pack trying to sus out the culprit when a blast from the past, Melody shows up. Soon there are multiple murders on both sides. Can he solve the mystery of who is behind the deaths while keeping Mel safe and out of harm's way?
Now, just a little disclaimer here, this is my first book by Dannika Dark. Yes, yes. I know. I am late to the party. I keep meaning to start the Seven series and this was just the kick in the pants I needed. I will say this can absolutely be read as a stand-alone. While I'm sure that once I read the Seven series I will get more of the background crossreferences but I didn't feel left out. Maybe because this was the first in the series? But either way, you should be fine.
Nicole Poole on narration was fab. I really dug her voices and her intonations and inflections were just on point.
The relationship between Mel and Lakota was a fairly slow burn and I quite enjoyed that the paranormal mystery aspect was at the forefront versus the side story. I honestly didn't know the culprit until way farther into the story than normal. I was just entertained. I do wish we had maybe a bit more romance between Lakota and Mel but maybe that would have detracted from the story itself. I definitely wanted more of a long-term HEA between the two but maybe that will shake out more in later books.
The Vow is definitely a great start to a new series and I am absolutely looking forward to more in the Black Arrowhead series!
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
December 9, 2020
I will admit that I would have loved more of the book told from Lakota's point of view since I adore dual narration in my romance stories. Maybe a handful of times the story was narrated from Lakota and I would have loved more (like equal amounts as Melody) or none at all since this tiny taste just made me want more.
I really enjoyed the narrator, she did a great job of giving all the character's their own voices and personalities while at the same time making sure that Melody was the focus of the story as the main character. Keep in mind that regular speed was too slow for me and I listened to the book at 1.75x speed which was just about perfect (I usually listen anywhere from 1.5x to 2x).
Overall this was a fast paced paranormal romance that had equal parts heat and mystery which helped keep the plot moving at a good pace. I would pick up another book in this series (which I guess this is the first in this series but part of a bigger series) in the future.
I really enjoyed the narrator, she did a great job of giving all the character's their own voices and personalities while at the same time making sure that Melody was the focus of the story as the main character. Keep in mind that regular speed was too slow for me and I listened to the book at 1.75x speed which was just about perfect (I usually listen anywhere from 1.5x to 2x).
Overall this was a fast paced paranormal romance that had equal parts heat and mystery which helped keep the plot moving at a good pace. I would pick up another book in this series (which I guess this is the first in this series but part of a bigger series) in the future.
October 11, 2021
4.5 stars
December 1, 2020
I’m a devoted fan of this author’s work. I’ve read everything and each time, I decide that particular book to be my favorite. Not that I am fickle but, they are all so endearing. The characters of Lakota and Melody were introduced long ago in the Seven Series. It is not necessary to have read that series previously but it will enhance and enrich your enjoyment of this book. Melody is ambitious and driven. She is the co-owner and best friend of Lakota’s sister and needs a business arrangement with a tribal leader to supply gems for their boutique. Lakota is working a mission as an undercover bounty hunter when they encounter each other again. Danger, intrigue and mystery bring them together. Readers will fall in love with this couple and their journey!
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