Showing posts with label Rebecca Zanetti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rebecca Zanetti. Show all posts

Frostbitten by Rebecca Zanetti

January 26, 2024

Frostbitten by Rebecca Zanetti

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon



Frostbitten by Rebecca Zanetti

Frostbitten by Rebecca Zanetti


Rating - 1/2
Standalone - Deep Ops #6
Release - January 2, 2024
Genre/Trope - Romantic Suspense / pseudo-friends-to-lovers
POV - Dual 3rd person
Heat - descriptive scenes
Source - eARC provided by publisher
Length - 328 pages

Enigmatic. With a wildly gifted mind, and an untamed head of hair to match, petite powerhouse Millicent Frost is brilliant when it comes to gadgets and electronics—less so with people. After an attempt to bust a bank scam goes awry, Millie is in hot water with Homeland Security and targeted by lethal enemies. In the midst of the trouble, she heads home to help out with the family hunting and fishing business. But when their rival competitor and Millie’s ex is murdered, she’s the number one suspect . . .

Irresistible. Former Marine turned lawyer Scott Terentson devotes himself to getting his clients out of tricky binds. A loner, the last thing he wants is to belong to any team, yet the Deep Ops group considers him one of their own—and he pays the price by getting shot at by their enemies. Now Millie is seeking his help—just as he’s dealing with a brutal fail regarding a recent trial. Both are a headache, yet he’s drawn to Millie in spite of himself. They’re opposites, but maybe the old adage is true . . .

Electric. Working together, Millie and Scott soon have more on their hands than they bargained for as the danger escalates—along with the sizzling heat between them. And when a disappearance is thrown into the mix, all bets are off . . .

A lock of his hair fell over his forehead, giving him more of a rebel look than a boyish one. There didn't seem to be anything boyish about the badass ex-marine turned lawyer.


Previous books in the series:
Hidden * Taken * Fallen * Pivot * Broken * Driven * Unforgiven



This better not be the last book of the series!!

Scott was so much more than I expected him to be and I loved him for it. He gave me the edgy, dark, and dangerous vibes I needed and looked forward to in this series. Millie was no slouch. A gadget genius, she definitely gave me Q vibes like Scott suggested.

There was almost a pseudo-enemies quality to the beginning of their relationship, more because of Millie's aversion to lawyers, but I was so glad to see all of her assumptions and misconceptions about this man be smashed to dust. And what grew once she gave him a real chance... I enjoyed every moment of it.

I've found something truly special about this Deep Ops team, and no matter what case, what city, or what horrifying trouble finds them, together they make magic happen. I'm a huge fan of found family and these characters have got that in spades.


Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com for more information!

Review // One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti

December 31, 2023

One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon



One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti

One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti


Rating -
Standalone - Grimm Bargains #1
Release - June 25, 2024
Genre/Trope - Paranormal Romance / enemies-to-lovers / retelling
POV - Dual 1st person
Heat - explicit scenes
Source - eARC provided by NetGalley
Length - 400 pages

Information is power, and those who control it live like gods.
In my world, billionaires play deadly games of insult and influence where magic is the dirtiest weapon of all. Here, even a powerful princess can be swallowed by the darkest of shadows . . .

My name is Alana Beaumont, and due to a recent tragedy, I’m the sole heir to Aquarius Social, a family business being systematically dismantled by an unseen enemy. My father’s solution is to give me in marriage and create a coalition with a competing family, so I’m torn between my thirst for revenge and my duty. Now I just have a week to finish my hunt before the wedding.

There’s nothing like an assassination attempt to cut short the best of plans—even worse is my unwanted rescue by Thorn Beathach, the Beast whose social media empire is driving Aquarius under. The richest, most ruthless of them all, he protects his realm with an iron rule: no one sees his face. When he shows himself to me, I know he’ll never let me go.

Thorn may think he can lock me in his castle forever, but I’m not the docile Beauty he expects. If the Beast wants to tie me up, I’m going to take pleasure from every minute of it . . .and we’ll just see who ends up shackled.


Anyone who pays attention to my reading habits knows that Rebecca Zanetti is an author I HAVE to read. No joke. Anything she writes, I want it. Hearing about a dark romance from one of my favourite authors? You know I had to get my hands on it. So here's what I liked:

Beauty and the Beast... twisted and screwed.
rivals to lovers plot. You know it's going to be hot when their relationship starts off with animosity, defiance, and misunderstandings.
Thorn's a stalker. Watching his prey's every move, but never really getting to know her... until he kidnaps her!
a stunning AND smart heroine. Alana was so much more than she seemed and I enjoyed watching her embrace her power.
the fantastical elements with the gems. I still don't really understand the power that these stones have, but I'm very interested in learning more.
the bond that grew between our protagonists. It may have been a tad unorthodox, especially with the way Thorn courted Alana, but it was entertaining.

My only issue with this story — aside from the missing information about the gems, their power, and how and why they're relied upon — was the fact that I was promised a dark romance and this wasn't it. Aside from the kidnapping, the captivity, the killing of people (by Thorn), and the mystery surrounding some other deaths, there wasn't anything really dark. It was more suspenseful than anything else. It did read differently than anything I've read from this author before. I had to remind myself a time or two about who actually wrote this story because the tone felt very new.

I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys suspense with a splash of the supernatural in their love stories.


Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com for more information!

Review // Warrior's Hope by Rebecca Zanetti

September 11, 2023

Warrior's Hope by Rebecca Zanetti

He was tired of watching her flounder and put herself in danger.


Warrior's Hope by Rebecca Zanetti

Warrior's Hope by Rebecca Zanetti


Standalone (kinda) - Dark Protectors #16
Genre/Trope - Paranormal Romance / fated mates
POV - Multiple 3rd person
Heat - descriptive (not very steamy)
Source - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 257 pages

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.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


My Two Cents

My Rating - ★★★★1/2

Going into this, I knew I'd be a wreck. Fifteen previous books were leading me here, to the final showdown. Would all of the characters I grew to know and love survive? Would love really conquer all?

Hope is the only one of her kind. She's a mix of basically every bit of paranormal DNA in existence. She's also a prophet. Her life hasn't really ever been her own and she just tries to make the most of it. On one hand, she believes destiny is telling her to mate with Drake to unite the realms. On the other hand, her heart keeps trying to pummel some sense into her. Paxton is the one for her, the male who truly gets her, her best friend, her strongest ally. Which will she choose: fate or faith?

I loved the way the author revealed the secrets of Paxton. He isn't just an accessory for Hope. He's a warrior, as fierce and determined and as brilliant as our leading lady. Together, they're story gave me the ending I was hoping for. I will admit that some events that took place took me by surprise, some deaths weren't expected, but I am NOT complaining.

Sadness doesn't begin to describe how I feel at the end of this series. It's a bittersweet feeling to know that all of the turmoil these characters faced is now over... I think. That there are no more books, no more adventures, in this incredible world Zanetti created. My only real solace is knowing that this author will deliver something else for me to fall in love with.

Please Note:
I only had one issue with this book and it was so small that I didn't want to mention it, but you know I had to...
Hope is hailed as this 'master strategist' and all I kept thinking is that she couldn't strategize herself out of a five door room.
There were so many times, throughout this series, that I wondered when Hope would lose her naivete. To know that it still existed in her adulthood, especially after everything all of these characters faced and endured... it really bothered me. Why weren't these events seen as teaching moments? Why wasn't this great prophet able to wise the frig up?
It was my only issue and if the author had left out the whole 'master strategist' part, I wouldn't have had an issue. But should someone who couldn't find her own shadow have a say in the way the world works for the rest of us?

The Author

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com for more information!

Review // Garrett's Destiny by Rebecca Zanetti

July 24, 2023

Garrett's Destiny by Rebecca Zanetti

"Did you get a look at him? If asked, the table would've grown girl parts
and gone out back with him."

Garrett's Destiny by Rebecca Zanetti

Garrett's Destiny by Rebecca Zanetti


My Rating - ★★★★★


Standalone - Dark Protectors #15
Genre/Trope - Paranormal Romance / fated mates
POV - Multiple 3rd person
Heat - descriptive
Source - ebook from the library
Length - 336 pages

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.

Find it here: Goodreads * Amazon


Garrett's Destiny by Rebecca Zanetti

My Two Cents

For years, Garrett dreamed of his fated mate. He was told and shown that his female would try to kill him. So why does his mind, heart and body yearn for the pretty little package that Destiny presents. She was the furthest thing from dangerous and all he wanted to do was bundle her up and protect her.

What happens when forces beyond their control force them to confront the truth?


Garrett Karys was a good man. Or male. He was strong and sure, and he loved his family. There was a gentleness about him that called to her, but if she were honest, it was the edge in him that made her knees weak. The hint of danger and the whisper of violence, both of which she knew he'd never use on her.

Each one of these books brings me closer and closer to the final showdown with the Kurjans, the Cyst, and my favorite immortal heroes. With Garrett's Destiny, I wasn't just on the precipice of the big fight, I was quickly caught up in the middle of it. It was just there and I. Was. Not. Prepared!!

I loved how every chapter seemed to take me in a new direction. One minute I'd be enjoying the growth of the bond growing between Garrett and Destiny, the next I was watching someone killing or dying. There was plenty of romance and action and the author created a fine balance. I still can't get over one of the deaths in this book and I'm excited to see how it factors in the book to come.

Destiny was so much more than expected and I loved how her character had so many layers. Garrett was obviously my favorite in this book (as all the heroes are in their books), but I definitely developed a soft spot for his lady.

There is a HUGE twist in this story and I'm both eager and terrified to read Hope's book, which is next. If you haven't started this series yet, you need to start already!!

Other Books in This Series:

Fated * Claimed * Tempted * Hunted * Consumed * Provoked * Twisted * Shadowed * Tamed * Marked * Teased * Tricked * Tangled * Talen * Vampire's Faith * Demon's Mercy * Vengeance * Alpha's Promise * Hero's Haven * Vixen * Guardian's Grace * Vampire * Rebel's Karma * Immortal's Honor * A Vampire's Kiss

Garrett's Destiny by Rebecca Zanetti

The Author

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com for more information!

Review // You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti

July 11, 2023

You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti

Set against the atmospheric snowy backdrop of rural Pacific Northwest, New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s edgy, page-turning thriller will have readers guessing until the very end as rising star FBI profiler Laurel Snow navigates her career as a serial killer hunter with her complicated family life. Now she’s in pursuit of a killer with a chillingly bitter M.O. – one that hits far too close to home…


You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti

You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti


My Rating - ★★★★
Release - July 25, 2023
Standalone - Laurel Snow #3
Genre - Thriller
POV - Multiple 3rd person
Heat - 2 out of 5
Format - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 354 pages

Men are dying in the Pacific Northwest, their bodies found near churches, charities, and counselling centers—each with valentine candy hearts shoved down their throats. They’re good men with families and community ties—or so they seem until Laurel Snow and her team begin to investigate. Then the case takes a shockingly personal turn when the father she’s never met, a former pastor, is attacked in exactly the same way.

Now, besides solving the case, Laurel is on the hunt to discover where her father has been. Complicating things is Laurel’s troubled half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant sociopath determined to prove that they’ve both inherited their father’s malignant narcissism.

Assisting Laurel is Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, a dangerous loner whose reliance on gut instinct puts him at odds with Laurel’s coolly analytic approach. But the choice may be moot when the killer hones in on Huck’s own dark secrets—putting him and Laurel squarely in the crosshairs.

My Two Cents

How does a story that was feeding me answers a crumb at a time, leave me with so many questions in the end? That’s the wonder of Zanetti’s writing and why I consider all of her books must-reads. Whether it’s romantic suspense, paranormal romance, or thriller/mysteries such as You Can Die, I’m guaranteed a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.

A killer is targeting men, stabbing them multiple times and leaving them choking on Valentine’s candy. It makes for a macabre scene set by the author, but I was utterly fascinated. Each clue led to another question, another victim, another link, and honestly… I really was kept in the dark until the end. I had an inkling, shrugged it off, and then realized I should have trusted my instincts!

So I have questions and I’m guessing they’ll be fed to me in any book to come for this series. Dr. Abigail Caine is definitely an enigma, as well as Zeke Caine. They may be Laurel’s family (her sister and father), but she doesn’t know them. She lived her whole life without them and if it were up to her, she’d live the rest of her life the same way.

Is Abigail a killer? Is she as wicked as she seems through Laurel’s eyes? And will Zeke feature in some way in the future?

Honestly, all I really want for Laurel is some true happiness with Huck (I LOVE this man) and a semblance of peace. Is that too much to ask?

The Author

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com/ for more information!

Review // You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti

February 17, 2022

You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti

Part of what pushed her every day in this job was her need to answer that impossible-to-fathom question. Who would do that, and more importantly, why would anybody cause such pain and destruction?

────── ♔ ──────


You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti

You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti


Standalone - Laurel Snow #1
Release - January 25, 2022
Genre - Thriller
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3 out of 5 / it surprised and delighted me that the author included this
Format/Source - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 400 pages
Publisher - Zebra Books


Laurel Snow wouldn’t call hunting a serial killer a vacation, but with a pile of dead bodies unearthed near her Genesis Valley, WA, hometown, she’ll take what she can get. Yet something about this case stirs her in unexpected ways. Like the startling connection she feels to Dr. Abigail Caine, a fiercely intelligent witness with a disturbing knack for making Laurel feel like she has something on her. Then there’s Laurel’s attraction to Huck Rivers, the fish and wildlife officer guiding her to the crime scene—and into the wilderness…

A former soldier and a trained sniper, Huck’s thirst for blood is rivaled only by his fierce pursuit of Laurel. He’s been burned by love, wounded by the government, and betrayed before, and to say he has trust issues is the ultimate understatement. Plus, he might be closer to this killer than anybody knows…

Once in the heart of darkness with Huck, Laurel must negotiate her distracting desire for him, her complex rapport with Abigail—and her mission to find a serial killer among a growing list of suspects and a danger that’s far too close to home. So close in fact, Laurel fears she will never find her way back to the woman she once was…

My Two Cents

4.25 "I'm really excited about this series" stars

Laurel has just finished a case when she gets the call — a serial killer is hunting in her hometown and her uncle is a suspect. So of course she hurries home to find out what's going on and possibly solve the case. With little resources, she relies heavily on Huck and his 'team' and some new friends. And through their investigation, one name keeps popping up... Dr. Abigail Caine. Is she friend? Is she foe? And is she their best lead to catch the killer?

I really enjoyed the way this story twisted and turned. It was thrilling and scary and horrifying, but there were also elements of friendship, camaradie, humor, and warmth. I loved seeing Laurel's connection with her family. Her mom gave me such joy. And don't even get me started on what was happening between Laurel and Huck. Gimme more of that please!

The killer gave me chills, not gonna lie and I can always count on Zanetti to keep me guessing. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series!

About the Author

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com/ for more information!

Review // Fated by Rebecca Zanetti

November 06, 2021

Fated by Rebecca Zanetti

Her mind, impressive as it might be, was no match for the combination of her heart and body and their willingness to give everything she had, everything she was, to another being. To Talen.

────── ♔ ──────


Fated by Rebecca Zanetti

Fated by Rebecca Zanetti


Standalone - Dark Protectors #1
Release - March 1, 2011
Genre - Paranormal Romance / Fated Mates
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3.5 out of 5 / several scenes
Format/Source - ebook borrowed from the library / I own the paperback
Page Count - 336
Publisher - Brava

Marry Me! Cara Paulsen does not give up easily. A scientist and a single mother, she's used to fighting for what she wants, keeping a cool head, and doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter Janie. But "whatever it takes" has never before included a shotgun wedding to a dangerous-looking stranger with an attitude problem.

Or Else! Sure, the mysterious Talen says that he's there to protect Cara and Janie. He also says that he's a three-hundred-year-old vampire. Of course, the way he touches her, Cara might actually believe he's had that long to practice. . .

Purchase Links


My Two Cents

Although I kind of dabbled before, I truly started my love affair with the Dark Protectors when I read Vampire's Faith. I read that story, fell in love with the world and characters this author created, and knew that I wanted more.

Reading about the next gen made me want to get to know the original heroes better. I went out, bought the paperbacks, and here we are!

And how could I not fall in love with Talen!

Alpha to the extreme, all he wanted to do was keep Cara and her daughter safe. Seriously, what guy puts his life on the line, dedicates his life to protecting someone he doesn't know... when it's not his job? And not only did he take on this duty, but he treated and cared for these two females as if they always belonged to his life. Janie was Cara's daughter, but now she was his. And nothing and no one was going to hurt them on his watch.

I really liked how this story evolved. Now that I know so much, it was fun to see these characters floundering. It's the start of the new war against the Kurjans and I had a blast seeing the Karys brothers unmated and fancy-free.

My only hangup was Cara. She drove me nuts! She was constantly fighting Talen for dominance and supremacy. Babe, you are not stronger or more capable than an immortal. Especially not an immortal who has been dealing with these enemies for centuries!!

"I can keep my daughter safe." Her eyes widened as he laughed. He actually laughed.


Just shut up dummy.

Overall, Fated gave me just what I was looking for — more depth, more plot, more action, more characters, more love.

Fated by Rebecca Zanetti

Excerpt

Cara shook her head, dread pooling in her stomach as Janie left with the director. A slow anger began to burn away the dread. She glared at Talen. “So talk.”
He took a deep breath. “The discovery of your daughter has ended nearly four centuries of peace between my people and the Kurjus.”
“Janie? What people? The Kurjus?”
Talen pursed his lips, a frown settling between his eyes. Shrugging, he yanked a brown contact out of one eye, then the other.
“What the—” she gasped. Luminescent gold eyes glowed like molten lava. She pushed away from the table only to have Talen grasp her wrist, flattening her hand under his.
“Stay. There’s a lot more.” He smirked and rolled her chair closer.
“This is a trick.” She glared at the impossible golden hue, the heat of his hand overpowering the coolness of the table beneath her own.
“No trick, Cara. I am a protector of the Sanguisuga race.”
“Sanguisuga? Isn’t that Latin?” She’d only taken two semesters of the language.
“Yes.”
“For what?”
His grip tightened on her wrist. “Vampire.”
Cara coughed out a laugh. “You’re a vampire?” Her gaze swung to the door. Where was Janie?
Issuing another deep sigh she started to equate with him, he smiled. Two sharp canines instantly emerged.
“Oh God.” Cara struggled to yank back her hand.
“Do I need to bite you for you to believe me?” Interest and something darker wove through him, into her. She fought to block herself from his emotions.
“No. No biting.” Her mind reeled while reality spun away. “This can’t be true.” She shook her head. “But you were out in the sun. It was early, but the sun was out.” This wasn’t happening.
“The sun only bothers the Kurjans, Cara. We’re fine with a day at the beach.”
“They’re vampires, too?”
Talen shrugged. “No. They’re monsters.” His canines retracted.
“But they have fangs and drink blood?”
“Yes.”
“And you drink blood?”
“Only in extreme situations.”
“Extreme?” This couldn’t be happening.
“During a fight or sex.” He voice lowered to the growl he’d uttered just before deepening their earlier kiss. Something skittered through her belly in response.
“Oh.” Her mind flashed, unbidden, to his fangs. And sex. Her heart thumped once. Hard. “Why?” She stopped fighting. For the moment.
“Why what?” His thumb traced heated circles on the pulse point of her wrist, his golden gaze dropping to her neck.
“Why Janie? Why do they want women with odd abilities?”
Talen ran a hand over his jaw, his eyes returning to her face. “Janie’s special. You know that. Her psychic abilities are the strongest we’ve ever seen.”
Cara straightened her spine. As fear cascaded down it. “But how do you know? How did they find her?”
Talen scowled. “Both races can sense such abilities in humans, but we need to be in close proximity to do so. We don’t know how they found Janie. It could’ve been a fluke, but I doubt it.”
“How did you find us?”
“We have sources in the Meridoze gang, we heard about the extraction plan just in time.”
Cara stamped down on the panic fighting to rise. “Your peace has ended?”
“Yes. We were at war for hundreds of years until we both suffered too many losses. A treaty was signed prohibiting any contact with humans.” Talen shrugged. “Peace lasted much longer than anyone predicted.”
Cara narrowed her eyes. “You don’t sound sorry peace is over.”
Deceptively normal canines flashed in a grin. “We were made to fight. Plus, living amongst you, yet having no contact has been difficult. We need humans.” Golden heat ran over her face.
“For blood.” Nausea rose within her.
“That too.” His voice lowered.
Everything in her stilled, and even her heart may have stopped for a second. She lacked the focus to block the feelings coming from him now. “What else?” Her voice cracked.
“Both races are born male. Only. Our mates are human. And Cara,” his voice dropped to a rumble, “you’re mine.”

About the Author

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com/ for more information!

Review // Immortal's Honor by Rebecca Zanetti

September 23, 2021

Immortal's Honor by Rebecca Zanetti

There was something about him she couldn't nail down, something that had never happened to her. His allure was magnetic, and the hunger to solve the puzzle he represented shocked her in its intensity.

────── ♔ ──────


Immortal's Honor by Rebecca Zanetti

Immortal's Honor by Rebecca Zanetti


Standalone - Dark Protectors #14
Release - December 7, 2021
Genre - Paranormal Romance / fated mates
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3.5 out of 5 / a few scenes
Format/Source - eARC provided by the publisher
Page Count - 328
Publisher - Lyrical Press

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 . . .

Purchase Links


Immortal's Honor by Rebecca Zanetti

My Two Cents

Was this book supposed to be as hilarious as I found it to be?

Immortal's Honor was Sam Kyllwood's story. Yeah, yeah. Honor was there too, but it was Sam who definitely stole the show.

As The Keeper, a title Sam absolutely hated, he and the Seven, the three keys and the lock were responsible for stopping the unstoppable. It seems that Ulric has only gotten more powerful, able to summon people to his prison world and do some pretty serious psychological (and eventually physical) damage.

And remember... not everyone wants to stop Ulric. The Kurjans believe he has served his time. You know, because killing 100 innocent women is an act you can find redemption for. The Cyst seem to be following their wayward general, Jaydon, who had his own plan — replicating the same ritual Ulric did so he could be just as untouchable. All of the 'bad guys' had their own agenda and it appeared that they all wanted to kill Sam.

Then there was Honor. This lady made me laugh so freaking much! From the moment she met Sam, she gave him a hard time. I think she was the first heroine that I've seen in this series who maimed her fated mate and basically left him for dead. How could I not find the humor in that? As an enhanced female, her power was at once powerful and mysterious. I'm still not sure exactly what she can do, but I know that what I've seen so far is amazing. That scene where she amplified the other enchanced women's powers... with her mind... such a unique touch!

It was pretty clear that the chemistry between these characters couldn't be denied, despite how hard they tried. I loved how everyone and their mama were pushing these two together. Shoot, I just loved seeing everyone up in the place. I enjoyed seeing how the shifter community had completely embraced Sam and Garrett, how devoted Bear and Nessa are to each other, how Flynn was such a great brother, how the truth has finally been shared with Sam's family... This book gave me everything!

There was plenty to love about this story and here at the end, I can't wait until the next book in this series. It's Garrett's turn!!

My Notes

When will Hope stop being so reckless and naive? This thing she has with Drake is driving me nuts, especially because we know that he isn't the good guy she makes him out to be. Dude just tried to kill her favorite uncle. WTH?! And her swinging between Pax and Drake is annoying. Oh and Pax's whole The Defenders plot has me both curious and infuriated. I'm super excited to see these kids really get their chance to shine and tell their story.

Quick Peek

"I appreciate your attempts to get to know me, so let me give you this. This challenge from you, this stubborn fight inside you, does nothing but turn me on." He waited until his words sank in and her eyes widened before continuing. "Your being pliant and obedient bores me. So you have a choice to make. Do you want to bore me or arouse me?"

She blinked. "How about I rip off your head and shove my socks down your headless corpse?"

Amusement grabbed him so quickly he couldn't help a quick bark of laughter. "Aroused it is, then." He slamed the door and crossed around the car to retake his seat. Oh, he couldn't keep her, but she was making that reality look bleak. Maybe someday when he took care of his problems, he could look her up.


About the Author

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com/ for more information!

Review // Mercury Striking by Rebecca Zanetti

July 15, 2021


He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster.

And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.


- Friedrich Nietzsche

Mercury Striking by Rebecca Zanetti


Standalone - Scorpius Syndrome #1
Release - January 26, 2016
Genre - Romantic Suspense / post-apocalyptic
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 4
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 384 pages
Publisher - Zebra Books

Buy it here: https://amzn.to/3ialOqW


After a killer outbreak, a doctor searches for the one man who can help her find a cure.

The deadly Scorpius Syndrome has decimated North America. Now the few remaining survivors struggle to avoid infection and rebuild society. Dr. Lynne Harmony believes she can find a cure—but she knows she can’t do it alone. With nothing but rumors to lead her, Dr. Lynne Harmony has trekked across a nightmare landscape to find one man—a mysterious, damaged legend who protects the weak and leads the strong.

Former military man Jax Mercury is more than muscle and firepower—and in post-plague L.A., he’s Lynne’s only hope. But with powerful forces searching for Lynne, and some in Jax’s camp desperate enough to betray him, they’ll have to keep close if they want to survive.

I wondered how a story about post-apocalyptic horrors and zombies could be wrapped around a love story. However, I wasn't worried. Rebecca Zanetti is one of my favorite authors for a reason and with this introduction to The Scorpius Syndrome, she's shown a whole new side to what she can create and I'm impressed!

Jax Mercury was a military man. Once a gangbanger, he was now the protector of so many survivors. He was just trying to keep everyone alive, defending against other territories and gangs who wanted to take the meager supplies they had. He became a hero without intention. Oh... and he was delicious!
She'd seen good-looking men before. This one took handsomeness to deadly in a way that stirred her blood too much.

...tall and powerful, strength among ruin. Sexy and masculine, and just as damaged as she.
Then there's Lynne. Once the head of her department at the CDC, she was seen as the reason why the human race was becoming extinct. With a distinctive blue heart due to the Scorpius bacteria, she was viewed as either the harbinger of death... or the cure. Hunted, she believed that her only hope was finding Jax and taking advantage of his legendary heroics.
Lynne Harmony was stunning as well as desperately wounded. Delicate and fierce.
There was plenty of action and intrigue to be found here. One particular death scene left me stunned. I hate when a character I adore ends up dead 😭😭😭

There was no love lost between Lynn and I for most of this story. She kept secrets, tried to manipulate Jax, and turned me off in too many ways. It took me a while to warm up to her, however, I did by the end. I absolutely loved Jax! He was in denial about so many things, including the hero he had become. He was sexy, protective, dominant, brave, and determined. There's just something about an alpha ex-military hero done right that really does it for me. And Zanetti did it right here.


Despair hungered in the darkness, not lingering, not languishing . . . but waiting to bite. No longer the little brother of rage, despair had taken over the night, ever present, an actor instead of an afterthought.
Lynne picked her way along the deserted twelve-lane interstate, allowing the weak light from the moon to guide her. An unnatural silence hung heavy over the barren land. Rusting carcasses of vehicles lined the sides; otherwise, the once-vibrant 405 was dead.
Her months of hiding had taught her stealth. Prey needed stealth, as did the hunter.
She was both.
The tennis shoes she’d stolen from an abandoned thrift store protected her feet from the cracked asphalt, while a breeze scented with death and decomposing vegetation lifted her hair. The smell had saturated the wind as she’d trekked across the country.
The world was littered with dead bodies and devoid of souls.
A click echoed in the darkness. About time. Predators, both human and animal, crouched in every shadow, but she’d made it closer to what used to be Los Angeles than she’d hoped.
A strobe light hit her full on, rendering sight impossible. The miracle of functioning batteries brought pain. She closed her eyes. They’d either kill her or not. Either way, no need to go blind. “I want to see Mercury.” Since she’d aimed for the center of Mercury’s known territory, hopefully she’d find him and not some rogue gang.
Silence. Then several more clicks. Guns of some type. They’d closed in silently, just as well trained as she’d heard. As she’d hoped.
She forced strength into her voice. “You don’t want to kill me without taking me to Mercury first.” Jax Mercury, to be exact. If he still lived. If not, she was screwed anyway.
“Why would we do that?” A voice from the darkness, angry and near.
She squinted, blinking until her pupils narrowed. The bright light exposed her and concealed them, weakening her knees, but she gently set her small backpack on the ground. She had to clear her throat to force out sound. “I’m Lynne Harmony.”
Gasps, low and male, filled the abyss around her. “Bullshit,” a voice hissed from her left.
She tilted her head toward the voice, and then slowly, so slowly they wouldn’t be spooked, she unbuttoned her shirt. No catcalls, no suggestive responses followed. Shrugging her shoulders, she dropped the cotton to the ground, facing the light.
She hadn’t worn a bra, but she doubted the echoing exhales of shock were from her size Bs. More likely the shimmering blue outline of her heart caught their attention. Yeah, she was a freak. Typhoid Mary in the body of a woman who’d failed. Big time. But she might be able to save the men surrounding her. “So. Jax Mercury. Now.”
One man stepped closer. Gang tattoos lined his face, inked tears showing his kills. He might have been thirty, he might have been sixty. Regardless, he was dangerous, and he smelled like dust combined with body odor. A common smell in the plague-riddled world. Eyeing her chest, he quickly crossed himself. “Holy Mary, Mother of God.”
“Not even close.” A silent overpass loomed a few yards to the north, and her voice echoed off the concrete. The piercing light assaulted her, spinning the background thick and dark. Her temples pounded, and her hollow stomach ached. Wearily, she reached down and grabbed her shirt, shrugging it back on. She figured the “take me to your leader” line would get her shot. “Do you want to live or not?”
He met her gaze, his scarred upper lip twisting. “Yes.”

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com/ for more information!

Rebel's Karma by Rebecca Zanetti // ARC Review + Excerpt

June 13, 2021

Rebel's Karma by Rebecca Zanetti

There she was. Light exploded inside of him and he relaxed into it.


Rebel's Karma by Rebecca Zanetti

Rebel's Karma by Rebecca Zanetti


Standalone - Dark Protectors #13
Release - June 8, 2021
Genre - Paranormal Romance
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3.5 out of 5
Format/Source - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 320 pages
Publisher - Lyrical Press

There’s no denying destiny . . .

For too long, Benjamin Reese has masked his deadly skills and temper with loyalty and humor. A vampire-demon hybrid, he fiercely protects his family, guards his brothers, and destroys the enemy without mercy. But when he discovers one fragile, beautiful blonde—a woman once mated to a Kurjan, no less—every primal instinct he has buried for centuries roars to life. With the mating mark she roused on his hand entwining their fates, no one will prevent him from keeping her safe and making her his, forever . . .

Or desire . . .

Karma wishes she could remember her last name. Or if she even had one. All she has in this confusing new world is a desperate duty to save the innocent. That means destroying the dark, dangerous, and desirable Benjamin Reese and everything he loves—an impossible task even before his touch arouses a passionate hunger she can’t afford. She’s certain a deadly enemy watches her every move, but it’s not until Benny kisses her that she tastes true danger…


I'm still pretty new to the Dark Protectors series, only joining in the fun since Vampire's Faith, but I can say that this is a journey not to be missed. Zanetti knows how to write a paranormal romance that grips you by the throat, leaving you dangling with your feet off the ground, and I love it!! It's probably why I have all of these books in paperbacks on my shelves :)

I've been looking forward to Benny's book for what feels like forever. He's the funny one, the crazy one, the one who seems to be the most carefree. Rebel's Karma gave me the many dimensions of this character. I got to see his huge heart, his compassion, his vulnerabilities. If I didn't already love him, I would after reading this story.

I don't want to give anything away, but there were many moving parts to this instalment of the series...
        ⭐ There was a time when I believed that Hope and Drake were destined for each other. Who wouldn't dream of peace by uniting warring nations? But for the last two books, my dreams of the future have changed. Then again, the author has introduced a twist that changes things. Maybe Hope and her best friend, Paxton, are fated. What are Drake's true motives? What is Paxton up to with his uncle? And why is Hope so blindly believing?
        ⭐ I know that Sam is Logan's older brother and that he has a big part to play in the Seven ritual, but beyond that I realize I know nothing about him. Please tell me I'll be getting more of his story.
        ⭐ Although what is going on with Garrett seems minor, I'm sure it will play a big part in the future and my heart already hurts for him. I need to know what the fates have in store for him and when I will be getting his book!

Seriously, when is the next book coming out?


My Note(s)


I can't be the only one who wanted to punch Karma in the chest. I just can't! She gave me so many reasons to be compassionate and understanding towards her, but she bothered me too much to care.
        * she made horrible assumptions about anyone who wasn't Kurjan or Cyst. Obviously she was brainwashed or suffering from some form of Stockholm Syndrome, but I can't really get onboard with that. See, she was able to point out the horrors she witnessed and suffered at their hands... the fact that they lied all the time, and yet... she couldn't see beyond her programming. I can't respect that.
        * she was deceitful, even after figuring out that the Seven and the Realm were the good guys. Could she not write? I'm just saying, what stopped her from writing a note explaining her situation with her eyes closed? She was just too intent on doing the bidding of the Kurjan despite knowing that they weren't trustworthy.
           * I was so over her whole damsel-in-distress who can do bad all by herself routine. She's never been able to fend for herself. Nothing about her would lead anyone, not even herself, to believe that she could accomplish anything much less more than the warriors she was surrounded by. Her words: "I'll do whatever I have to in order to save them. Just stay out of my way." Are you freaking serious???

The smell of the earth, deep and true, centered her as she traversed the hastily created tunnel. It probably said something about Karma that she preferred darkness, muddy walls, and being underground to any other circumstance. Battery-operated lanterns had been dropped haphazardly along the trail, their artificial light dancing across the packed dirt walls, highlighting minerals she couldn’t name as she descended quickly, the swish of her skirt the only sound she made.

She bent her head, trying to stay in the moment and not panic at the job to come. One she was no more prepared for than she had been for mating a Kurjan general nearly two centuries ago. Or was it closer to three?

Taking a deep breath, she turned the corner and faced the cell. The cell that had been dug just the day before, in case it might be needed.

It was.

She swallowed.

The male was sprawled across the ground, so large he could probably spread his arms and reach the cement blocks on one side and the steel bars on the other. If he’d been conscious. Bruises mottled his face and neck, while a wound bled freely beneath his jaw. Blood ran past his ear to pool on the dirt beneath him.

She couldn’t breathe.

It really was him. Despite the bruises, blood, and dirt covering his face, she recognized him from more than three years ago. He’d tried to pull her into a helicopter with him after he’d attacked the Kurjan stronghold where she lived. He was bad, he was the enemy, and yet…he’d saved several kidnapped human females from the Kurjans. The Kurjans were an immortal species more powerful than any other. It had been a miracle that the male before her had succeeded in taking those gifted human females away from the Kurjan nation. He’d almost taken her at the same time, but she’d fought him.

Had he thought he was saving her? Had he hurt those human females? Were they now in worse danger than they’d faced when captives of the Kurjan nation?

She waited patiently, as she’d been taught. The guard would get to her when he had time. The medical supplies in her pack became heavy, so she set them down, stepping closer to the bars to study the male.

Benjamin Horatio Lawrence Reese. He was a vampire-demon hybrid, large even for his kind. At about six-foot-seven, or maybe eight, he was as tall as many Kurjans. The wideness of his torso tapered down at his waist, matched by the length of his legs. His boots had to be a size eighteen, and his hands were big enough to cause colossal damage. Oh, she’d been hit before, but one punch from him and she’d be dead.

He could never learn how much she already knew about him. How she’d been preparing for this day for three years—since he’d tried to take her from another Kurjan holding. Her home. With the Kurjans, since she’d mated one centuries ago and thus had become immortal, even though she’d started out as a human female.

A see-through figure hovered behind the male.

Karma sighed. “Loti? I thought you’d moved on.” She’d helped the Kurjan spirit accept his fate after he’d been killed in a training accident, or so she had thought.

The kid, his hair black yet see through, rolled his eyes like any teenager. “I’m going now. Just wanted to say goodbye.” Then he stiffened. “The guards are coming. Good luck.” He wisped out of sight, and hopefully out of this world to the next one.

The air changed, and Karma stiffened as the guard made his way down the tunnel, his white hair glowing as he came closer. He was a Cyst: one of the elite soldiers and spiritual leaders of the Kurjan nation. A single line of white hair bisected his pale scalp, leading down to a long braid. His eyes were a deep purple tinged with red, and he spared her not a glance as he unlocked the cell and then stepped back.

She took a deep breath and entered, wincing as the coppery smell of blood assaulted her nostrils. Then she dropped to her knees and reached inside the pack for the materials that would clot the bleeding wound. The hybrid must’ve been badly injured in the skirmish if he was still bleeding.

A ghost popped up in the other cell, and she ignored him. He was wavering in and out of her sight and would soon cross over; there wasn’t time to help him.

The second she touched Benjamin’s head, his eyes opened.

He was fully alert in a second, his deep eyes a strange metallic color. “Karma,” he murmured.

She drew back. He remembered her name? Nobody remembered her name.

“Do you need blood?” she whispered, leaning closer, even as the guard locked the cell door and disappeared down the hallway, leaving her alone with the enemy. Right now she was useless to the Kurjans, so if the prisoner killed her, they’d find a plan B.

“No.” Benjamin sat up, looked around, and put his back to the cement brick wall. His impressive body seemed to take up all the space in the cell.

She shook her head, her lips trembling. “You must be badly injured, or you would not have been captured. You need blood.” It would hurt if he bit her, and he’d have to be quick to avoid touching her skin for long.

“I let them take me. I’ve been searching for you for three years.”

God. The Kurjans had been correct. He really had been looking for her. He’d been caught twice and both times had asked about her, so it wasn’t like he was keeping it a secret. “The baby? Rose?” Karma held her breath. When Benjamin’s people had attacked the Kurjan holding, she’d gone with her instincts and forced him to take a toddler who had been kidnapped by the Kurjans—and she’d paid for that decision. “Is Rose well?”

Benjamin nodded. “Rose is fine. She’s at Realm Headquarters with a nice family.”

Relief and fear made an odd combination in Karma’s body. “Realm Headquarters?” The Realm was the enemy of the Kurjans. Its people were evil, or so she’d been taught. She’d always wondered, because lies were everywhere. She held out bandages and antibiotics, although the wound beneath his jaw was already closing as he sent healing cells where they were necessary. “I don’t need those,” he murmured, studying her with an intensity that shot tremors through her abdomen.

“I don’t understand why you would come looking for me,” she said, sitting back and keeping her knees covered with her dress. The Kurjan leaders had noted that this male kept showing up in different attacks, and he took ridiculous risks for a soldier with his experience. They’d been sure he was coming, based their plan on that knowledge, but she hadn’t believed it. Why would this male put himself in danger for her? “You let them take you hostage?”

“Yes.” Benjamin’s voice was low and rough, hinting at demon ancestry.

She rested her hands on the thin material over her knees. “I don’t understand.”

A bone snapped loudly into place somewhere in his body, but he didn’t even flinch. “Let’s start here. I’m Benny Reese.” He held out a hand the size of a frying pan, as if they were meeting at a village game instead of in a cell.

She hesitated and then slid her palm against his. “Karma.”

His hold and shake were gentle, and he released her before the mating allergy could hurt either of them. She’d been mated centuries ago to a Kurjan, and no other male could touch her for long without both of them developing terrible rashes.

“What’s your last name?” he asked. Another bone popped into place.

She jerked at the sound. “I do not have a last name.”

“Oh.” He looked beyond her at the steel bars securing the cell. “I was out for a while. Where are we?”

“In a temporary holding area where you will be kept until you are transported to a more secure location.” She coughed. “For questioning.”

His smile nearly knocked her over. Even the slight tipping of his lips turned his rugged face from dangerously hard to nearly boyish with charm. Amusement glimmered in his eyes for a moment. “Darlin’, I’ve been tortured before. You don’t need to trouble yourself about that.”

She had bigger things to worry about than the life of this massive hybrid. She allowed herself one moment to stare into his unusual eyes. Oh, many immortals had metallic-silver eyes, gold eyes, even copper or purple. But his were a combination of all argent colors, mingling into a hard-edged glint, even with the humor lurking there. In another time, she might’ve thought him beautiful. She’d learned long ago that beauty could mask the darkest of evils.

Vampires were bad, demons were bad, and this male was a hybrid of both. When he decided to kill her—and he would at some point—she wouldn’t stand much chance of surviving. Yet she still couldn’t comprehend why he’d come for her. “Why are you here?”

“For you. To rescue you because I couldn’t last time.” He stretched out his arms and healed a broken finger in his left hand.

His words didn’t make any sense. “Why?” Surely his ego wasn’t such that he’d risked his life just because she’d rejected his help last time. She wasn’t worth that.

He sighed. “I’d hoped to ease you into the truth, but here it is.” He held up his right hand, showing a demon marking with a jagged R in the center. The R was a crest representing his surname: Reese. Demons mated with a branding and a bite—the marking was transferred from the demon to the mate during sex.

Her mouth dropped open, and she hurried to shut it. “You’re mated?” Why did that thought nauseate her? How odd.

“No. The brand appeared when I touched you three years ago.” His chin lowered, and he studied her, towering over her even as he sat. “When you shoved me away and refused to get into that helicopter with me.” He didn’t sound happy.

She snorted and then quickly recovered. “Impossible. I’m already mated.” Well, she had been mated a couple of centuries ago, although her Kurjan mate had died shortly thereafter. Sometimes she forgot what he had looked like, and that was fine with her. “Your brand must have appeared for someone else.”

“No.” Benjamin looked down at the dark marking. “The mark hasn’t faded a bit, and it’s pulsing like a live wire now that you’re near.”

Oh, Lord. Her research on Benjamin suggested he might be insane. Dangerous and unstable? There was no way she could succeed in this mission. “Benjamin—”

“Benny. Might as well get cozy with me now.” His smile held charm and determination that warmed her in an unexpected way.

For the second time in her life, she let her instincts take over. “Just leave. Take an opening and find freedom,” she whispered tersely, her stomach cramping. “Forget about me.”

“Not a chance.” His gaze ran over her face like a physical touch.

Movement sounded down the tunnel, and she stiffened.

Benjamin tensed and set his jaw. “Get ready, darlin’. We’re about to escape this place.”

Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.

Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com/ for more information!