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4.75 Hearts As a fan of Rebecca Zannetti I look forward to every book that comes out but honestly I have waited for what seems like forever for Benny’s story. And I was not disappointed.
Benny and Karma are meant for each other but they do now know it… Well, maybe they do but Zanetti doesn’t make it easy on them.
I could tell you the synopsis and give you a short view but you can read that in other reviews. What I want to say is this series is on #13 with more planned but Zanetti has not let this series go stale. Each character is one that begins to live with you and the reader will automatically recall her characters when someone asks you your go to PNR series. Talon, who has a cameo in this book, is a favorite of many fans.
I will say you can read each story as a stand alone but I am not sure why you would. You need the background to really appreciate each story.
If you are a fan of PNR then you probably already know this author and series but if not you will not be disappointed.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
Benjamin Reese hides his lethality behind his good-natured sense of humor and fierce loyalty. He’s a warrior, charged with defending his brothers and defeating their enemies at all costs. When he meets a lovely, delicate woman on one of his missions to enemy territory, a woman once mated to a Kurjan no less, every primitive instinct he has demands he claim her. With his mating mark now strong on his hand, Benny is determined to ensure her safety.
Karma has lived a long time as a widow among hostile people and doesn’t even remember her life before. She’s determined to do all she can to protect the innocent women kidnapped by the Kurjans. Right now, that means going against Benny even as she feels herself falling for him. But if she’s to save her adopted twin girls, she has little choice but to act the spy for the Kurjans, all the while her heart is in danger from Benny.
This book was fast paced and full of action and battle scenes, yet it somehow still wound up being a slow burn. There was a distinct cycle of attack à kidnap à rescue that got a bit repetitive for me and the romance definitely took a backseat. I also felt like Karma had more connection with her adopted daughters than she really did with Benny and their relationship came just a little too late for me to really love it. Benny was sweet and I liked seeing him gain confidence in his own lovability. Karma was frustrating for me with how sheltered she was, but this did show her character growth nicely. Overall, I did enjoy this story, but I wanted more from the romance aspect than we really got.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. There is a lot of action, suspense, and heartfelt moments. I loved Benny! He is protective, funny, a little crazy, and an all-around good guy. I really liked the character arc for Karma. It was great to see her find her strength throughout the book. This is my first read in the Dark Protectors series and I didn't feel lost in the story line. I was able to understand what was happening in the major story line of the series. I do plan to start from the beginning though, so I can catch up with all of the couples that were in the story. Overall this was a fantastic and entertaining read!
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
What a great series but I keep hoping that they will get closer to the final showdown! They know that the seven are needed, along with the three keys, and the lock but not the exact ritual so there is still some mystery involved.
Three years ago, Benny tried to rescue Karma but she resisted. Can you blame her? She has been brainwashed into believing that the Realm warriors are worse than the Kurjan and she has already lived in misery with them for hundreds of years.
There are lots of twists and turns as Karma was supposed to be rescued and be a spy but that doesn't really work out then things explode - literally. Another HQ gets demolished and they are on to the next one.
So many things are going on as we see Hope, Pax, and Drake and their strange friendship. Then, Sam is having visions of a woman so he feels like he must find her. So, getting closer to the end but still need to find that other Key and Sam is the last one of the seven without a mate - so maybe his mate??
Looking forward to the next one in the series and if it is like this one, I could not put it down!
It's finally Benny's turn to find his mate. Though he tries everything in his power to not be with Karma, to you know protect her it doesn't work. Like with all things Fate seems to have a different idea for both Benny and Karma. After reading the last book I am happy to know that Karma is safe now. It is great to see that Karma can look past crazy Benny to see the real him. This book is a wild ride but also a fun one to read. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent a free book.
REBEL’S KARMA is the thirteenth full-length instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS paranormal romance series. This is vampire/demon hybrid Benjamin Reese, and Karma’s story line. REBEL’S KARMA can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order or at the very least, this particular arc of the series focusing on the group of Seven beginning with book eight VAMPIRE’S FAITH, as there is a on-going premise throughout.
SOME BACKGROUND: A thousand years earlier, a number of immortal warriors went through a ritual that, if they survived, hardened their bodies against attack, a ritual meant to create a group of Seven known as The Shield. The Shield was created to protect the world from an evil race of vampires known as the Kurjans, their sect group known as the Cysts, and ultimately a rogue warrior once considered a friend- Ulric-a male of immense power. To protect the human race, Ulric was captured, and along with two of the Seven, was encapsulated in one of three spheres for all eternity but the spheres are no longer capable of holding the ‘Seven’, and the warriors have returned to Earth. As the warriors search for the ‘Keys’ to perform the ritual, the ‘Lock’ must be protected in order to take down the evil that is hoping to take over the world.
Told from third person perspective REBEL’S KARMA follows the search and rescue of Benjamin Reese’s mate Karma. Three year earlier, having touched our heroine, Benjamin, one of the Seven, discovered that Karma was his mate when the mating mark appeared on his hand but Karma was in the custody of the Kurjan army, and it would take several attempts to rescue the woman with whom he would fall in love. Karma knew it was only a matter of time before one of the Kurjan’s would take her as his mate but our heroine was previously mated, and therefore no supernatural male would be able to lay claim to someone’s else’s mate. Upon her rescue by Benjamin, Karma would receive the virus that removed a previous mating, and in this our heroine would become fair game for any male wanting to claim her as his own. As the Kurjans attempted to steal back Karma, Karma continued to worry about the who and what she left behind. What ensues is the building relationship between Karma and Benjamin, and the potential fall-out as Karma is determined to rescue the people she left behind.
Karma sees spirits, and as such, she is often in communication with the ghosts who have yet to move beyond the physical world but Karma has been brainwashed and fears for her life and that of the future. Falling for Benjamin Reese means placing the man that she loves in the direct line of fire, and Karma believes that to return to her prison means safety for everyone concerned. Benjamin Reese knows that as one of the Seven means that he will always face death and danger at a moment’s notice therefore claiming a mate could mean the ultimate betrayal but falling in love meant a possible happily ever after.
Meanwhile, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood and her besties Libby and Paxton return but Hope’s ability to dream walk begins to reveal a potential betrayal with someone she once called friend. Kurjan teen Drake, who has befriended Hope in her dreams, proves to be more of a danger than a protector of her heart.
The relationship between Benjamin and Karma is fated by DNA and the supernatural; a love affair threatened by power, betrayal, obsession and control; by promises, secrets, lies and loss. Benjamin refuses to claim Karma to protect her from another possible future alone but Karma knows that it is only a matter of time before someone else demands Karma’s return. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters with plenty of back and forth teasing, sass, snark and humorous moments between the Seven and their mates. The requisite evil has many faces including Cyst Jaydon, and Kurjan Terre, who wants Karma for his own.
REBEL’S KARMA is a story of obsession, secrets and lies, betrayal and revenge. The fast paced premise is intriguing, engaging and edgy; the romance is tender and intimate; the characters are dynamic, intense and spirited. REBEL’S KARMA is a wonderful addition to the Dark Protectors series.
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YESSSSSSS! Finally, Benjamin Reese gets his story! He is my favorite character and has been from the very beginning and his heroine, his mate, Karma is a perfect choice. I absolutely adore this man and the fact that he met his mate, a former Kurjan soti, to boot, was priceless in my opinion, Lol. Benjamin Reese is the epitome of funny, seriousness, and a deep family-binding love all rolled into one and when he met his mate three years ago, he has been doing everything since to get her and bring her back home with him. If you have been reading this wonderful, awesome, and spectacular series then you know that the Seven are on a quest to stop Ulric (evil guy) from coming back and basically decimating life as we know it. Karma has her own story as well, a former Kurjan's mate, who died shortly after being mated to her, has been in the Kurjan stronghold for a very long, long long time. The fact that she is still indeed sweet and strong in her won right is a testimony to how wonderful she is. Benjamin does not believe in their relationship as he believes his life will be forfeit soon, due to the Seven's upcoming battle, but Karma fights for their relationship and in the end, true love wins. There is so MUCH MORE to tell but I won't give away every morsel. Suffice it to say, that YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! Ms. Zanetti is an absolutely great writer and her books only get better, and better, and better!
******I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley*****
Rebel’s Karma by Rebecca Zanetti is the thirteenth book in the Dark Protectors series and Benny is a character we have grown to love through his fun and crazy antics and his devotion to the men he calls brothers. And while Benny has always appeared to be easy going, and slightly irresponsible in his blasé attitude towards most occurrences, there is also a deep side he keeps successfully hidden. I’m so very happy that Benny found his “Karma” and that she was strong of heart with an intelligent and honest persona.
As with all these fabulous books, Rebel’s Karma is packed with danger and intrigue and a whole lot of Kurjan and Cyst interference. But this story contains light-hearted and humorous elements too that would definitely be missed if they weren’t included in Benny’s travels. There are so many words to describe this story, but fascinating, exciting, sensual, addictive and entertaining are just a few that come to mind, so make sure to put aside some uninterrupted time, as Benny and Karma will grab your attention and demand total immersion in their story till the last page is turned.
Rebel's Karma is wildly addictive and an incredible addition to the Dark Protector series. I never get enough of this author’s intense and all-consuming storylines, strong and courageous characters and the depth of world building that bring it all together. So, bring on the next one! I can’t wait to read the another of Ms Zanetti’s exhilarating stories!
Another phenomenal book written by Rebecca Zanetti! I couldn't wait to read Benny's book and it sure didn't let me down!! Yes, Benny is 'crazy' but WOW, he is someone you want on your side. He is funny as heck, lovable, crazy, and fiercely loyal. As I've said in previous reviews I don't give the whole plot away, I just write my feelings about the characters/story and this story has tons of 'feels' in it, however, I had so much fun reading this book and truly enjoyed Benny's sense of humor... he really is a big softie in some ways (just don't tell him that). I mean when he says.... “I’m Benny. You can call me Benny, Ben, Benjamin, or butthead." I was laughing so hard it wasn't even funny!! I wasn't sure what type of woman would be good enough for Benny and I ended up absolutely loving Karma! She just fits Benny in such a perfect way. I like how she's a little old fashioned, yet, she is full of strength she doesn't even know she possesses. Benny & Karma are truly 2 halves of a whole and compliment each other in such a perfect way. Their fierce love and loyalty is what makes them strong. When reading this I highlighted so many awesome lines (which I normally don't do) AND I've already started a 'reread' by listening to the story through Audible (I bought the Kindle version, Audible, and paperback... that's just how much I love this story). One of the quotes that I truly love in this book is when Benny says "Family is everything to me, and I protect family with everything I have and everything I am. Even if it makes mad or they think it's unfair." I believe that is how Karma is too and that is why the two of them are perfect together and what makes this such a great book... FAMILY!! We get to see other people from the Dark Protectors world and those characters add to the story to just make this another phenomenal book. I can't wait to read the next book, although, it does make me a little sad because I know that soon the series will end. I look forward to seeing how everything will go. I also must give Rebecca Zanetti high praise for her writing, she is truly a gifted writer and the way she interacts with her fans is beyond compare. She creates worlds that I wish I could live in, characters that I wish I could be friends with, and always leaves me fulfilled and happy that I took the time to read one of her books. In my honest opinion, if you haven't picked up a book written by Rebecca Zanetti you are robbing yourself of a great experience... so pick up one now and you won't be disappointed!!
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?
Okay.... So I might have swore in my review of Fated (Book 1) that I would NOT skip ahead to Zane and Janie's (Book 7)..
And I did not break that vow....sort of..
I skipped right past book 7 and jumped to book 13!
I really wasn't going to. But then the ARC came up and seriously, YOU CAN NOT TURN DOWN A REBECCA ZANETTI ARC!!
And luckily this worked out because I loved this book and like usual in my crazy head, seeing all the couples happy and crazy together has me even more excited to go back and reading the other books.
Benny might be one of my new favorite heroes. He has all my favorite traits.
1. Alpha
2. Overprotective
3. Overpossessive
But he has more that most sadly don't have. HE IF FUCKING HILARIOUS, with a generous helping of crazy.
This man did so many things to help Karma feel comfortable and get used to this new world she found herself in.
Karma was stuck doing something she really didn't want to do to save her adopted kids, in a world that seemed to be completely different than what she had been taught over the centuries.
This book seriously had me laughing and then thinking about how much sarcasm we use. Sarcasm is one of my best traits personally. My kids are constantly looking at me trying to figure out if I'm being serious or fucking with them.
I know that most of your have read every book in this series, but I know there are some people who love to start in the middle of a series because a book sounds so good and they don't have the patience to read 13 or 22 books before they get to it...
I can say having read the first book only, I wasn't too confused. There is a storyline that runs through the entire thing, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything. In this book all you have to know is that these immortals can send healing cells to injuries and can only die if they are decapitated (I believe - see you don't really need to know anything).
Other than craving certain couples previous books, I did not feel like starting here took away from the story for me. But I know that having read the whole series I would have loved this even more.
Anyways, back to the beginning of the series I go! I found the audios starting at book 8 on the library (#free)! Now I have to decide...... Do I read in order or cherry pick the couples I am craving.
Rebel’s Karma is the 13th long novel in the long Dark Protectors series by Rebecca Zanetti. As a reminder, it’s also the 6th volume of the new arc.
As much as I was super fan of this new arc’s first volumes, the more I progress in the series the less it attracts me. At this point I can’t wait to finally be told Garrett’s story to stop definitively.
What doesn’t appeal to me:
-the heroes and the group of Seven who find themselves too often alone facing the world
-the division between the different paranormal groups (shapeshifters, vampires, demons, witches – and even inside those groups) when they could stay united against the series’ big bad guys from the start: the Kurjans
-the love triangle that takes shape in the next generation of heroes, which is a plot I really dislike
-Hope, next generation of heroes, is quite useless when the first volumes foretold something great for her
-and the worst: the virus that ends the mating (for now it only works when one of the two mates has been dead for a long time but…). And I don’t care the author tries to justify herself in Rebel’s Karma by featuring an unknown character in a current heroine’s vision.
Problem with this series I thought was going to end soon: when the next story should have been Garrett’s to finish this arc, we will have the story of another character, which makes the series drags out. Of course, Sam Kyllwood, the next hero, is interesting, but I really wanted to move on.
Fortunately the author succeeded in interesting me in the story enough for me to read it in one go. It has humor, all in all likeable characters, and ever-present action. This explains my medium rating. However, if my rating goes down again for the next volume, arc finished or not it’s possible I’ll stop… Wait and see.
I’m still going to talk about the context (lol): the story takes place three years after the end of Guardian’s Grace. At the end of the previous volume, Benjamin Reese, our current hero, met his soulmate Karma. But two big problems I won’t reveal were waiting for him and he’ll have to overcome them.
About that, concerning one of those problems, I’m quite disappointed about their lack of clarity concerning the heroine, knowing the context of impending war between the Kurjans and the others.
In any case, the attraction between our heroes is very present from the beginning but with everything going on, they take time before yielding to it, which is very understandable.
To conclude, a volume that doesn’t really manage to keep intact my interest in the series, of which I am eagerly awaiting the end of the arc. Unfortunately.
The continuation of the Dark Protectors is very interesting and unpredictable. The Seven are full of surprises and Benny was great as usual. I really liked Karma as well. There was a good mix of funny, suspense, and action. Highly recommended and looking forward to what's next.
Was I hooked by that book? Yes. The plot thickens. Great writing, fast action, and many new plot lines to be explored. I can't wait.
The Dark Protectors continue with book 13. Don't you just love long series?
I really liked Benny. He is fun and has a great sense of humour. He is loyal and fairly laid-back. Well, if you compare him to his friends and fellow members of the Seven. Karma is sweet and a little bit naïve. But she has this steely determination that drives her to protect those she loves and to get what she wants. Karma is also interesting as she isn't a modern woman thrown into this world all of sudden. She has been with the Kurjans for a very long time and she has seen and experienced so much.
The action and intrigue is delivered with the same excellent writing that you can always expect from Rebecca Zanetti. Apart from Benny and Karma's story, there are so many other plotlines going. And I can't wait to follow them to the end.
Out of all these characters, Emma and Dage are still my favourites. And Logan and Mercy are not too far behind.
This entire series is highly recommended if you are interested in the world of the paranormal, lots of steamy romance, hunky, possessive, stubborn men, and equally stubborn, strong women.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We're back with another installment of the Seven and this time we get crazy Benny's story!
I've been faithfully following this series since the Seven were first introduced and each one is unique in it's own way. Benny and Karma' story continues in the same pattern but with it's on twist.
In the last book, Benny touches a Kurjan woman and his mating mark appears. Fast forward three years later and Benny has tracked down the mystery woman. A once enhanced female, who was turned immortal centuries ago when she mated a Kurjan. An empath who speaks to spirits that can't pass over.
Karma is a unique heroine who already knows about the supernatural world and isn't a newbie like some of the other mates females. She's also been taught to distrust the the supernatural that make up the Realm.
This had the feel of a enemies to lovers vibe going for it except that Karma never is able to see Benny as the enemy and although she's lived with the Kurjan for years, she doesn't blindly follow them. She sees the good and the bad and retains her own thoughts and opinions.
Benny and Karma have to learn to trust each other and risk their hearts for a chance at a HEA but there is a few obstacles they have to overcome. An obsessive Kurjan male, a few ghosts and a looming battle of epic proportions, to name a few.
I've loved each couple in this series (even though I did feel a little let down about Grace and Adare story!) and it was easy to fall for Karma and Benny too. Karma and her dedication to the twins she adopts was admirable and I loved watching her let her guard down and let Benny in. At first it seemed these two might be mismatched but Karma needed Benny's teasing and outrageousness to teach her to laugh again.
Benny's devotion to her and later to the girls was heartwarming and gave me all the warm fuzzy feels. He was definitely the life of the party here :) He was wacky when he needed to break the ice and endearing and romantic when he was around Karma. There's something about a big tough guy like Benny going all warm and cuddly over his woman that gets me every time.
Overall, I loved the book and the MCs were great. I deducted one star because I don't like side stories that take away from the MCs's page time and this one (like a few of the previous books) kept taking you out of Benny and Karma's story to build on the adventures of the teenage Lock and her posse. Overall I liked this latest part of the Seven’s story but I want the adults to be the main focus. Hope definitely deserves her own story but not at the cost of the MCs I signed up to read about.
This book was an amazing read that I had to finish in one sitting. It moves along at the perfect speed to make for an enjoyable read. It has interesting characters that you want to know more about and no matter what you will fall in love with them. The story will grab you and keep you reading till you reach the end and then you are wanting more. This book needs to be read.
This is my first Dark Protector's book and I loved it. Such a fun world that she has created. I very much enjoyed getting to know the world in which they live and the love story between Benny and Karma. Despite not having read one of these before, and it's the thirteenth in the series, I had no problem following along and definitely plan to dive into the series from the beginning!
The book starts off dropping you right into the action - Benny has been captured by his enemies in order to rescue Karma, whom he recognized as his mate when he met her several years before. I think part of what helped me follow along in this new world, was that Benny's world was also somewhat new to Karma as well, so I was able to learn some of the backstory as she learns it. Both Benny and Karma had a lot of interesting layers to them. Benny seems to be very lighthearted and funny, but incredibly serious when it comes to anything to do with Karma. Karma has a lot of layers to her, she is holding secrets and finding her way in the world and with Benny. I loved seeing how both of them grew as their relationship moved forward. I'm definitely planning to start the series from the beginning!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the Advanced Reader Copy. I have voluntarily left an honest review.
Benny! I love loved Benny from day one, he’s a little crazy but a lot of hero. For series lovers you’ll be happy to see the continuation and development of the Kurjan Cyst plot and I’m anxious to see how it plays out. I was pleasantly surprised by Karma, she wasn’t what I was expecting but she worked for Benny. There is plenty of intense moments, from battles to the bedroom. This is most definitely best read as part of the series and believe me when I tell you, you’ll never be disappointed to dive into the Realm starting with Talen. Sounds like maybe Garrett’s story is up next and I think most of us have had a soft spot for him since he was a young character on the sidelines.
This was a complimentary advanced reader copy provided by the author or publisher via netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Benny it seems like we've been waiting for since he made his appearance in the Reese Brothers series in the 1000 dark night series.
And after so much teasing we fans always wondered what kind of mate would finally get Benny to settle.
Well her name is Karma! What a fitting name for the mate of the man who always waited for some kind of Karma to get him.
Karma for intents and purposes just wanted to do what she did, which was to live her life without being seen. Until two little girls needed her to protect her. And her better than Benny.
A story that started off with a rescue leaded to a live story that involved trust, loyalty and love.
Can't wait for the next installment
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fast-paced, held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.