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Review: Prince of Darkness by Rebecca Zanetti
Prince of Darkness
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 17
Unknown to humans, beyond daylight lies a world of intoxicating darkness where deadly creatures prowl with insatiable desires and unbelievable power: vampires, demons, witches, shifters. When vulnerable humans find themselves thrust into that realm, they’ll never be the same. . .
In the aftermath of war, a fragile peace hovers between the Kurjan nation and the Dark Protector coalition. Yet amid labyrinthine politics and intrigue, Vero Phoenix, a Kurjan, stands apart. He has lived devoid of legacy or lineage—until the day he backed his newly found brother as king, putting himself into the treacherous position of enforcer and shield. Yet there is another thorn in his side, no less vexing, undeniably captivating—and all-too-human . . .
Lyrica Graves was once ensnared by Kurjan captors and now embodies defiance and freedom as she guides other women to independence and modernity. She is particularly amused—and breathtakingly fearful—by her tangles with Vero. But their clashing also belies a sizzling connection, a dark attraction between supernatural and fully human that threatens their chosen destinies and makes them a target for far too many enemies . . .
4,5 Stars
A fantastic beginning to a new chapter of the Dark Protector series.
Vero is a Kurjan, a prince and in charge of trying to integrate his people into a new way of life. Diplomacy is something that he doesn’t have and patience he has even less of. Trying to rebuild a broken nation, avoiding assassination attempts and trying to get everyone on the same page, Vero feels that weight of responsibility on his shoulders. Although the presence of a certain female keeps Vero off his balance, just a bit. Whether he feels that she is a thorn in his side or that’s just his excuse for something he’s not quite ready to admit.
Lyrica is an enhanced human female, an empath who was kidnapped during the previous ruler, but yet has been given a job that she has taken very seriously. Lyrica has been put in charge of helping those who have been kidnapped relocate or re-oriented with society however they wish. Lyrica is a modern woman in all sense of the word and wants all the females to be able to experience anything they should desire. She does have a bit of a hard time understanding why any of them would want to stay. She’s a strong woman and willing to stand toe to toe with anyone. Even with that Kurjan who makes her blood boil, but for so many different reasons.
I love this new chapter that Rebecca Zanetti has given us on her dark protector for. This is the first book within the 17 book series that has been primarily of a kurjan point of view. That is one of the reasons that this series stays so fresh and interesting. Vero and Lyrica are a perfect opposites attract match. I love their tension, their banter and how hard they fight their attraction. In places it’s comical and others you just want to shake them both and hope they get with it. They are so opposites of one another it’s but it so works for them. He is in all sense a warrior built for battle, but truly would rather be in a lab and she is a foot shorter than him and has enough sass for all of them. I very much enjoyed their story. And I’m very excited for what will be happening within this new arc of the dark protector’s world.
Review: Warrior’s Hope by Rebecca Zanetti
Warrior’s Hope
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 16
257 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 3, 2023
An explosive love triangle comes to its passionate conclusion and decides the fate of battling nations in award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s Dark Protectors . . .
As the only female vampire ever born, and the heir to two powerful immortal families, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood has always felt the weight of fate and destiny. Now her heart is torn between two men and two different futures. It’s a choice between duty and love, peace and war, with the fate of everyone she loves hanging in the balance.
As the leader of the Kurjan nation, Drake has always known that mating Hope is the best path to avoiding war. He’s counting on her to know the same. . . . Paxton has been Hope’s best friend and protector since they were children. He would kill and die for her without a second thought. In fact, he’s always known that would be his path . . .
With deadly factions at her heels, Hope must decide whom to trust and where her loyalty lies—before the choice is taken away from her . . .
5 Stars
Hope has always known she’s been destined to bring peace. She knows it will be a choice that not everyone will agree with, but knows it will be right to bring about peace. Hope it’s unique in many ways. Not only is she the only female vampire. She is also a component known as the lock. A critical piece of the puzzle to destroying their greatest evil.
The time to make choices upon her, Hope is seeing things in a very different light as many secrets are starting to become known. Forever brave and always willing. Hope will do whatever it takes for peace.
It is no secret that I am a Rebecca Zanetti fan. You will find many reviews of her books on this blog. Her imagination, world building, and honestly just the way she rides have provided me many many hours of entertainment over the years. It could be paranormal or contemporary, and Rebecca Zanetti knows how to catch and keep your attention. The Dark Protectors series spans over 25 stories, including four novels and novelas. This could be read as a standalone novel. However, I would highly recommend reading at least a few of the other books in the series. This is one I have been highly anticipating.
Warrior’s Hope is one of those books that has been building up for many years and was everything the book needed to be and more. Spectacular in so many ways. Rebecca Zanetti concludes this particular.arc of the series with a vivid bang. We have page turning actio and suspense. A romance triangle that finally comes to ahead. Secrets revealed and tough choices are made. Warrior’s Hope had many layers and revealed many things that I’m sure I’m not the only one who was happy to discover. The book had me captivated from beginning to end. I read the book in one sitting, truly getting lost for an entire day.
Warrior’s Hope is in my top five read of the year.
Review: Garrett’s Destiny by Rebecca Zanetti
Garrett’s Destiny
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 15
Love and danger . . .
For most of his life, Vampire-Demon Garrett Kayrs, nephew of the King of the Realm, has carried a heavy mantle of responsibility with ease and control. Fate declared him heir to the throne, Fortune marked him with the power of the mysterious circle of Seven, and Chance promised more surprises to come. Nothing deterred him from his path. Until the nightmares began–agonizing dreams of having a female, the female, his mate, on the back of his motorcycle—only to have her torn away from his protection. He feels the menace around her, the danger she’s in, and he can’t rest until he finds her . . .
Duty and desire . . .
Destiny Applegate bears the weight of her name with a respectful balance of fear and purpose. She has been given some direction, but not nearly enough to truly understand her duty, what she was born to do. Even as a child, she had a sense of him. The him, her mate. A dream moment or two with him that might have saved her—or possibly cursed her. So now, when he finds her, she has no choice but to jump on the back of his bike and do her best to hold on until she discovers her path—even if that means ending his.
Garrett’s Destiny is one of those books that is extremely hard for me to be able to give any kind of justice with a review. I feel like this is a very big moment within the series and going into too many details even slightly would give away something that I was very excited to read. With that being said, I absolutely loved this book.
Garrett is a character we have seen grow up throughout the series. His devotion and loyalty are some of the things that we absolutely love about him. Not to mention he is all alpha, he’s sexy as hell and what can I say? I wouldn’t mind riding on the back of his bike. He’s fierce, all alpha, but yet gentle, compassionate and cares so deeply.
Destiny was a mystery from the get-go. I found her extremely intriguing. Everything about her was mysterious, but yet the shining light came from within her and proved that something good lies within.
From the moment that Garrett and Destiny met it was intense. From needing to save her to wondering if she was out to get him. It’s an interesting roller coaster ride that all I’m gonna say is I enjoyed reading as they were experiencing it. Destiny and Garrett are well matched for each other. Their story has many ups and downs, but in the end they have each other.
As for the overall story arc of our beloved, Dark Proctors hang onto your hat readers, this is a big one. And with that I highly recommend if you like this series at all, you should definitely dive in quickly and hang on for the ride.
Review: Immortal’s Honor by Rebecca Zanetti
Immortal’s Honor
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 14
First comes danger . . .
When Vampire-Demon Sam Kyllwood discovers he’s the keeper of some mysterious circle, he laughs it off. When he finds out that his younger brother is supposed to fight to the death in said circle, he snaps right to furious. And that’s before he starts uncontrollably making things explode —it turns out it’s never too late to develop deadly new immortal abilities. But even those explosions are nothing compared to what happens when he tries to handle a very suspicious, brilliant and beyond sexy human female whose piercing eyes ignite a heat that rages deliciously outside even his unbreakable control…
Then comes desire . . .
Honor McDovall is one of the best interrogators Homeland Security has ever had. But no matter how well she appears to fit in, her mystical gifts are slowly driving her mad. She doesn’t understand them, she doesn’t want them, but for now, she’ll use them to detect and defeat danger until she completely loses her mind. Unfortunately, her job brings her face to face with the deadliest man she’s ever met—and she senses Sam is even more gifted than she is. Yet once they kiss, she realizes he’s also more dangerous than the enemies suddenly coming from every direction. Good thing they both like to play with fire . . .
Rebecca Zanetti keeps readers on the edge of her seats while making them laugh with Immortal’s Honor.
Sam is a vampire-demon hybrid and middle brother to a king and one of the seven. He’s the keeper, part of something much bigger than himself and yet he’s the calm one of the lot. He’s the keeper of the piece, kind of zen, if there is such a thing in his world. Sam was so much more than what I would have ever guessed him to be. What a hero!!!! And when he fell I loved him that much more!
Honor is the best at what she does yet can’t quite seem to him her place. She had gifts and doesn’t understand them. It’s getting to the point of making her crazy. Yet with the even more crazy things going on in her life, She keeps an open mind and allows herself to become familiar with her gifts. Her job puts her in the line of danger but she may have just run into the most dangerous man she’s ever met. With gifts to rival her own or even maybe exceed some thing about this man stirred all kinds of feelings inside of her, and those feelings are not bad at all.
Rebecca Zanetti amazes me with every book. Immortal’s Honor. Sam and Honor are totally perfect for each other but yet neither one of them can make it easy on the other. They fight themselves just as much as they fight their attraction until neither one of them can hold back. The banter, the back-and-forth with each other and the intense chemistry. Danger, intensity and passion are the name of the game for these two. I really loved the amount of humor that was within the story. With so much going on and things coming from all directions it’s nice to be able to laugh right along with the characters. Ms. Zanetti cleared up some questions for us within the pages of this chapter of the Dark Protectors series and gave us more, firing up this reader to know what’s gonna happen next.
Review: Guardian’s Grace by Rebecca Zanetti
Guardian’s Grace
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protector Series, Book 12
Duty—or desire?
Vampire soldier Adare O’Cearbhaill’s default setting is cranky. Or irritated. Or down-right hostile. Still, as a Highlander of honor and duty he stepped up to save an enhanced and special human female by mating her—with merely a bite and a brand. The last person he wants in his life is a fragile human, yet he can’t get her out of his mind as she regains her strength before taking off for parts unknown. And when he discovers she is in danger, nothing can stop him from hunting her down—whether she likes it or not.
There’s only one way to find out . . .
Photographer Grace Cooper has had it with vampires, demons, and the rest of an immortal world she was happier not knowing about. She also doesn’t believe she’s destined for some great battle because of an old birthmark. Forget the fact that her mate is the sexiest thing on two stubborn feet, or that her brand is fading along with her health. She’ll handle things on her own—until an old enemy reappears and she learns the only way to stay alive is to actually mate, wild sex and all, with that ripped and dangerous Adare—a powerful, captivating Highlander who demands nothing less than everything . .
4 Stars
Grace got thrown into the supernatural world to safe her life. Determined to have nothing to do with that world and way of life, Grace has kept her distance. As iron willed and stubborn as she is, there are things she can’t control and with her life on the line again, steps back through a door that never really closed on her.
Adare is warrior alpha, one of the seven and a protector to the core. Adare saves Grace’s life yet lost a mate. As typical of most men it takes them a long time to be able to express their feelings and he allowed her to walk away years ago. He may have expressed what he did as a sense of duty, but deep down, in my mind, he knew she was for him.
We have a fiercely strong and protective alpha warrior and a highly independent woman who can stand her ground. A duty may have brought them together, yet they have kept themselves apart. Five years pass and Grace finds herself in a predicament and Adare is more than willing to do what it takes to protect her and to convince her give into the bond of matting this time.
Guardians Grace is an action packed, sizzling hot read. Ms. Zanetti gave readers a different kind of story with Adare and Grace. These two Razzle each other up like no other. Their banter was on point. The chemistry was beyond the boiling point yet as stubborn kept them away. Which made me want to slap them both upside the head at different point through out their story. What I can say is this- the battles are intense, the lovin’ is hot and two very strong and hardheaded people were able to find their way back to each other.
Review: Hero’s Haven by Rebecca Zanetti
Hero’s Haven After years of struggling, Haven Daly has finally accepted that she’s nuttier than a fruitcake. Why else would she see visions of a beautiful but tormented male every night . . . and actually believe she can talk to him, even feel his touch? But thanks to those dream journeys, she can paint images nobody else on earth can duplicate. In each brush stroke, she captures the blatant masculinity and raw desire in his eyes that promise he’s coming for her…and soon.
She’s the light that keeps him going. . .
Quade Kayrs has already suffered a lifetime of pain and torture. Completely isolated, he kept his sanity thanks to one beautiful female, a vision with kind emerald eyes. In the end, her soft voice led him out of hell. Now, naked and alone, he’s in a strange world that bears little resemblance to the one he left behind. All he knows is Haven. All he wants is Haven. His final mission? To protect her from the evil hunting them both—whether she likes it or not . . .
4 Stars
Quade Kayrs has spent more than a few lifetimes living and dying in pure hell. The only thing that seems to keep him going are those few moments, those glimpses of a beautiful woman invading his realm. Haven Daly thinks she’s crazy but unique is a more appropriate way to describe her. A fiercely independent woman, an amazing artist and a girl on the run.
Driven by visions and a pull Haven and Quade start the wheels of motion on something that makes epic look small. Through an action packed, fast paced, dangerous story Haven and Quade build a sexual tension that practically just off the pages. The banter between these two is top notch. Their chemistry is intense as is everything else going on in the book. The depths they easily went to for one another made every bit of craziness so worth.
Hero’s Haven is a true on the edge of your seat read. Once I started, I couldn’t stop reading until I was done. Strong characters and fabulous world building are just the start of why I enjoyed. The action scenes are spot on and engaging. And let’s just say those hot moments are definitely on fire. Ms. Zanetti kept Haven and Quade’s story moving yet nothing felt rushed or unnatural for the story. A true heart pounding, blood pumping read.
Review: Alpha’s Promise by Rebecca Zanetti
Alpha’s Promise
Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors Series, Book 10
Lyrical Press, Published June 25, 2019
To hell and back . . .
Though he has vampire, demon, and Viking blood rushing through his veins, Ivar Kjeidsen’s soul-crushing trip to hell broke him in ways he can barely fathom. One vow keeps the deadly immortal standing: To rescue the vampire brother who had sacrificed freedom for him. To do that, Ivar needs the help of a brilliant physicist with wary brown eyes, fierce brilliance, and skin that’s way too soft.
Dr. Promise Williams understands the underpinnings of the universe but has never figured out the human beings inhabiting it. Her function is to think—and not feel—until she’s touched by a vampire who’s nowhere near human. The primal hunger in his eyes awakens feelings in her that defy calculation. As she shows him the way to step between worlds, he brands her with a pleasure that could last more than a lifetime . . .
4 Stars
Ivan Kjeidsen make the average person shake in their shoes. He is a vampire-demon hybrid after all. Having seen hell with his own eyes leaves Ivan not quite right. He may be damaged in ways but not broken. Ivan made a promise, that is his driving force. The man is primal and determined. Not to mention sexy and hard headed, like many of the alpha that we love. Ivan sets himself on a mission to save a friend and in turn gets blindsided by something he didn’t see coming.
Promise Williams trusts numbers and science. Facts, that can be explained and seen. It’s a matter of logic. She was raised not to feel only to think. Mathematics is her world. A very lonely kind of world. Promise is beyond smart. Dr. Williams is an extremely talented physicist who just may hold the knowledge to be able to travel to worlds not her own. Promise is a bit quirky and takes some time to get used to, however in the end I truly enjoyed her character. Don’t let the smarts fool you Dr. Williams has some sass and spunk.
Ms. Zanetti rocked it hard with Alpha’s Promise. Excellent world building, great story, intricate plot and deep characters. Promise and Ivan get pushed into each other’s worlds and get more than their asking for. A talent physicist teaming up with a vampire-demon hybrid who on a mission to keep a promise and protect something precious. I very much enjoyed the banter between these two and the way the played to each other strength. They captivated this reader! Now I would like to note that I have not read every book in this series, but I was able to follow along with the overall plot of the series fairly well. I will also say I could tell I was I miss out on something but that didn’t take away from the story of Alpha’s Promise. It just makes me want to go back to the beginning of the series and learn more of this world and the interesting characters within it.
People will think I’m crazy when I say I have not read many books by Ms. Zanetti. Yes, I know. I’m smashing myself on this one. Paranormal is what brought me into the world that is Romance reading. Ms. Zanetti checks off everything I love in a paranormal while delivering a story that keep you going until the end. Alpha’s Promise is a fantastic read that I highly recommended.
Netgalley provided an ARC for an honest review.
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