While Bennie and Karma aren't a favorite couple for this series, I did enjoy the book overall. Bennie was great as we got to see his softer side as well as his more serious side and not just the crazy. He was gentle and understanding with Karma, tamping down his alpha he-man tendencies so as not to scare or overwhelm her and tried to encourage both her self esteem and confidence regularly. As for Karma, it was nice to watch her overcome her fears, concerns and grow more comfortable with the freedom she had been denied for so long and wasn't aware was possible. It was a nice change to have the heroine familiar with the immortal world (having been 1st mated & shortly after widowed by a Kurjan 300 earlier) but only having a limited view since all her knowledge was via the Kurjan (and their propaganda) and having had little exposure to the modern world under their more restrictive rule. While could see some romance blooming between the two, they didn't have the same spark that between most of Zanetti's couples. There was action, visits with prior couples and some movement on the series plot. I wouldn't recommend this so much as a starting point for the series but it is another good installment for fans of the series.

Kudos to Rebecca Zanetti for being able to bringing us something new and fresh in the 13th installment of the series.

Benjamin "Benny" Reese has been one of the standout characters in the continuing Dark Protector series.  I was excited to see him get his HEA.  Problem is I keep getting thrown off every time it is mentioned that Benny is a vampire/demon hybrid because everything about Benny's personality makes me think of him as a bear shifter. Benny is so laid back. He is always looking for the fun in any situation. He is always ready with a wiseass remark or a joke in a tense situation. But his "claws" are always ready to come out if his Brothers are threatened. I have truly had to remind myself several times in the last six books that, like the others, he is a vampire/demon.

In Guardian's Grace, Benny was helping to evacuate some Enhanced females who were being held by the Kurjans and when he reached to help one woman, he ended up with a mating brand on his hand. A mating brand for a woman who was a Kurjan's mate.  Of course, Benny can't do anything easily.   In  Rebel's Karma, Benny has been trying to find Karma for three years and allows himself to be captured by the Kurjans so we can get closer to her.   He, of course, escapes but he basically kidnaps Karma who doesn't want to leave. First, because she has been raising twin girls (both Enhanced) after their parents were murdered by the Kurjans;  secondly, because she is trying to help other Kurjan mates and any Enhanced female that are being captured and held against their will; and finally, because she doesn't know any better.   At first, I found myself annoyed at Karma's fear of Benny and lack of trust for the Realm, but then as we spent more time with Karma, it really began to make sense. Karma is about 300 years old. She was raised is a small village in Sweden and when a man came and offered for her hand, it was not unusual for a family to  be happy to have one less mouth to feed and they married her off to a man they obviously knew little about.   Karma found herself mated to a Kurjan who was shortly killed in a past war (there are a lot of wars between the immortals) and this was Karma's introduction into this previously unknown world.

Even 300 years later, Karma isn't allowed to watch TV and/or get news of the outside world but even is she were, it's not like she would be getting any information about the other factions. Karma's first introduction to this world is by being mated to a Kurjan and she only knows about the Realm, the demons, vampires, witches, etc. based upon what the Kurjans have told her.  She wasn't given an encyclopedia of  immortals. Of course, the Kurjans want her afraid of them.   You don't run away if you are more afraid of the unseen threat.  When she first meets Emma, she is terrified because she was told that the Queen of the Realm enjoyed torturing prisoners and ripping off their flesh just to hear them scream.   She, of course, has no reason to doubt the information that she was given.

Karma's mating virus kept her safe for several centuries from being mated off again to another Kurjan, except that Terre, the second in command of the Kurjans, has had his eye on her for awhile. What I didn't realize is that although the Kurjans created the virus as a way to hurt the Realm, it is the Realm that re-engineered the virus to use to safely release mates from their mating bond after a mate has died. So when Benny "rescues" Karma from the Kurjans, Terre makes sure they get away safely because he wants the Realm to give her their injection to break her mating bond so that he can finally have her  for himself and he is holding her adopted children as leverage.

The continuing kindness of the people around her finally wins over Karma, especially Bennie Reese who tries to play it casual with Karma while that mating brand burns on his hand.  But Karma still needs to risk returning to the Kurjan camp in order to rescue her girls.

This was the first time we have had a glimpse into the life in the Kurjan camps.  I would have enjoyed meeting a few more of the women there to see if any of them were happy or are they all prisoners of their forced matings.   Most of the Enhanced females who stumble into this world are thrown by what they learn, and even Mercy, who is a fae and who knew about this world, reacted with anger rather than fear.   Poor fun-loving Benny had the most uphill battle to win his mate.

This is the first time we have had a main character come in from the enemy camp whose knowledge of our favorite characters is based on lies and propaganda. It made for an interesting new twist.

Loved it! Great book. I really love this series and can't wait to see what happens in the next book. These characters and their stories and their adventures always make for a good, fun read.

ARC REVIEW
Rebel’s Karma by Rebecca Zanetti

Benjamin Reese, a vampire-demon hybrid, came across Karma three years ago and has looked for her since. And with an “R” etched on his hand, which can only mean one thing, he won’t stop until he’s found Karma and secured her protection. But, Karma has lived amongst the Kurjans, a group known for their vile practices, for decades. Once Karma is thrust into Benjamin’s world, she begins to question everything she’s ever been told. Karma might be falling for Benjamin, but she has something bigger than herself to protect that has her following through with her role on behalf of the Kurjans.

Once I started this book, I simply couldn’t put it down. And although this is number 13 in the series, the world Rebecca Zanetti has created still remains utterly captivating (it can also be read as a standalone). I loved watching their relationship bloom and Karma come into her own sense of self with every interaction she and Benjamin had. And watching characters from previous books in the series appear and interact fostered a sense of familial kinship that sprinkled some pure lighthearted moments throughout the book. This book kept such a great pace with a good balance of action, character/plot growth, and spice! Overall, I really enjoyed it and I will be waiting (not so patiently) for the next one.

I will leave a review on Amazon or B&N on June 8th

I sort of came into this series pretty late considering this is my first book I have read. Although I am sure the book would have been better if I had read the previous books, I had no problem reading it as a stand alone either. I found the book to be action packed, full of humor and I fell in love with both Benny and Karma. I will most definitely go back and read the previous books, I would recommend this book to those that enjoy this genre of books.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and in publisher, in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Wow!

Karma and Benny defy the odds and overcome great obstacles to find their HEA. A fantastic story!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Love this series so much! Benny and Karma’s story is just amazing and I love how everything turns out for them. Karma is so sweet and also so strong and Benny is a goner before too long. He doesn’t think he is the kind of man who can have a family but with her he wants it all.
I love the additional info we get about the ritual and Ulric and who will play roles in that. That story always continues in the background as each of these warriors find their mates and it is cool how everyone and everything seems to tie in.

Another brilliant read in this wonderful series and like all of its predecessors it is the perfect combination of suspense drama and angst.

Benny a member of the seven met his mate Karma and had a mating mark to prove it the only problem been he had to find her before he could claim her Now she has to learn that the seven are not what the Kurzon have taught her and that in fact her mate will not be killing her unless it is with rapture Can these two find a way to be together and both forget what has gone before You will have to read to see

Four and a half
This time it's the slightly crazy but ever so dependable Benny who steps into the limelight. If you recall he previously met Karma, a female who had been Mated to a long dead Kurzon soldier and boy did that leave a lasting impression ! Yep poor Benny suddenly found himself with a Mating Mark and now he's finally tracked her down.
Karma has led a sheltered life and has no idea about the lies she's been told. Now she finds herself with the dreaded Seven and knows she's about to die a painful death. Yet things just are not what she expected but then again she's not exactly been honest herself !
I absolutely loved Benny as he's just such a hoot. He may be big, bad and brawny but he's also sweet, loyal and I have to say a touch blind at times ! He's determined to give Karma a happier, safer life but its one that doesn't include him. Karma has a lot to learn about being away from the Kurzon nation and she's always going to be a little self effacing but everything about goofy Benny just calls to her. It's just too bad that things don't exactly go to plan.
I truly enjoyed being back in this world and it was a joy briefly seeing what feels like old friends. For this reader it was especially joyful because my favourite Bear featured in all his grumpy, ursine glory ! Full of action and hot steamy moments but there's also humour and adorable sweetness but my lips are sealed.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my comments and thoughts are honest and I believe fair

Benny beats all of fans expectations. You can't help but fall for him. Karma was great. Complex and a perfect balance to Benny. There's action, suspense, and sexy romance. Things are building to the conclusion of the series and this author knows how to keep fans coming back for more. She never disappoints!

Benjamin Reese takes one look at Karma and his mating mark is invoked, she's his mate and a prisoner in his enemy's stronghold. Nothing will hold him back from venturing back into the maw of the lion to rescue his mate. But......
Karma has lived for so long that she's forgotten her origins for the most part. She was briefly mated but her mate died and she's lived ever since in the Kurjan stronghold treated like a servant. She's caught the eye of one of the leaders of her people who is determined to possess her and sire strong sons with her. When Benjamin comes to rescue her she escapes with him so that her mating marks from her first mating can be removed using technology that Benjamin's people possess. She's also embedded with spyware that allows her to see and hear what's happening in Ben's environment.
Life however is rarely simple. What Karma sees is so far from the Kool aid that she's been fed by the Kurjans that she wishes she could make her home with the immortal guardians. However she has two children that she cares for that are hostage for her good behavior and guaranteed return. The story is an interesting mix of prophecies and a vast cast of characters. While I have only read one of the earlier books in the series and was able to follow along with this story I believe I might have enjoyed this much more if I could have understood some of the character references etc.
All in all this is a fast paced action story which I enjoyed very much. I'm hooked, I want to see how it all will finally come together in the end.

4.5 - "All of me and all of you…" Stars!

Thirteen books and however many novellas on I still love the Dark Protectors series. It is my #1 PNR series, and I don’t think that will ever change. Rebel’s Karma finally gives us Benny Reece’s story. As one of the seven, this is a vampire-demon hybrid that has more than a little going on at the moment, but a chance meeting years ago in a Kurjan stronghold bought Karma into his universe, it also bought out his the mating mark.

"You’re crazy…"

"…That has been said more than once."

Three years on and he is ready to make his move and make sure she is freed from the Kurjans although he is not sure that he can offer everything she deserves in regards to love and relationships. His chosen path leads to almost certain death, and he isn’t sure it’s fair to claim her and then expect her to live an immortal life potentially without him.

"It’s nice to trust somebody…"

Benny and the rest of the Realm clan are nothing like Karma expected. So-much-so that she starts to wonder if everything the Kurjans have told her over the decades is a lie. Problem is she’s got ties back with them that she cannot just ignore, and in order to get back to them she has to betray the very people she is starting to see are not the enemy.

"I’m done holding back… I’m not nice or easy or casual… I’m just me."

I think I have used every compliment I can about this series in all of my other reviews, my opening paragraph highlights just how much I enjoy these adventures, the author still manages to keep things fresh, interesting as well as fast-flowing, and the characters, past, present (and future) are what keep you reading, I think Talen popped up for a couple of paragraphs in this one and I still had that same stoopid grin on my face as I had way back when I read Fated. I feel a re-read coming on, its well past time to be honest. And it will keep me out of trouble while I wait for Immortal’s Honor to drop in December.

"You please me by just existing."

I love Rebecca Zanetti's works. Her writing style, her ability to weave mystery into storytelling is simply amazing. Rebel's Karma was no different. I enjoyed reading every second of it.

The heroine, Karma was simply great. She was a strong lead and was the perfect mate for Benny. Even after going through all the things with the Kurjans, she never let them break her.

And I'm so glad to announce that I found a new book-boyfriend in Benny. He was funny, sweet and crazy. I absolutely adored him.

Overall I loved the book. Rebecca Zanetti is a great writer, and I'd recommend everyone to read this book.

Benny has been one of my favorite characters sim the beginning. And hai story is so sweet. The craziest of them being tamed by the most delicate of characters. And the way he builds Karma up and supports her is awesome. Man, where are guys like him IRL?

Advanced review copy provided for voluntary review consideration

Hot humorous hybrid alert! Karma is about to kick Benny's keister in the best kinda way!
*****
Rating: 5 stars
Flames: 2 flames
Genre: PNR
*****
I knew Benny was going to be some kind of special, but he was so incredibly special that he almost stole my heart from Quade... almost.

Benny is on a mission to find the woman that triggered the mating mark during a daring rescue of enhanced females from the Kurjans. Three years he has been searching and finally he has found her but what he finds may shock him.

Karma has been under Kurjan control for centuries, and untouchable since her mate died. Thankfully due to the mating allergy she has been spared Kurjan male advances, but she hasn't been spared cruelty, threats, beatings and lies. When Benny is captured and brought to the Kurjan stronghold she is charged with helping him heal so the Kurjans can torture him. She expects to find a broken, scared, evil demon vampire hybrid, but what she finds is far from it. Come on folks, it’s Benny… she instead finds a sarcastic, and more than a little crazy, funny, kind, and considerate immortal!

Karma is not a modern woman; she has never been given choices and she is suspicious of everyone. The Kurjan’s have spewed propaganda to their people to ensure that all Kurjans and females are scared of The Realm and the Seven. Karma expects nothing shy of Satan himself when meeting Benny.

With each of the Dark Protector's I feel a sense of contentment. Like coming home to a warm fire, huckleberry pancakes, and a nice glass of wine with friends. With each book, I know that I will never be disappointed, and that the storyline is going to be engaging, keep me on the edge of my seat, and fall in love with new characters. Rebel's Karma exceeded all my expectations and Benny is now my second fave member of the Seven.

This book is filled with twists, turns, love, healing, growth, and so much more. If you enjoy books that are exceptionally well-written, strong storylines, fantastic characters, and suspense that keeps you on edge… PICK UP THIS SERIES! A must read, all the stars recommendation from me!

I’m really loving this series, and although I haven’t read all the books in the series it hasn’t affected my understanding of the characters, so in my opinion it can be read as a standalone. Book 13 has vampire-demon hybrid Benjamin Reese going into Kurjan territory, guns blazing, to rescue Karma who is being held captive by her own choice. She is the protector to two adorable little girls, and does not want to leave them unprotected. When Benny rescues her things start heating up in more ways than one. Chemistry, drama, action, and lots of little twists to keep you on your toes. Highly enjoyable and extremely additive. I can’t wait for more from the Seven and the Realm, so many side stories in each book, all in anticipation for future books. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

I have loved this series! I couldn’t wait to read about Benny given his description and actions in the other books. This story did not disappoint. While every book in this series has centered around the same general plot, none of them have felt repetitive. Karma was an awesome female character. I’d highly recommend.

Rebecca Zanetti continues her Dark Protectors series with Rebel’s Karma, a steamy, high octane romantic paranormal suspense.

For the past three years, vampire-demon hybrid Benjamin Reese has been looking for the woman who provoked his mating mark to appear. The fact that she’s living with Kurjans, his sworn enemies, because centuries ago she was mated to one is not even the main problem, convincing her to leave with him once he gets to her so he can protect her was.

Karma needs to complete her mission in order to save the innocent. Even though she’s more of a servant than a spay for the Kurjans, it should have been easy to do except Benjamin not only demonstrate endless patience and care, his kisses are too tempting and dangerous.

If there was ever a happy go lucky vampire-demon hybrid it would be Benny Reese. He’s a member of the Seven so his deadly skills should never be underestimated, nor should his alpha male protectiveness.

To make him even better in the romance hero scale, I LOVED how he was continually building Karma up. The scene where he puts on a skirt to show her that she can fight and defend herself even in a skirt… ovary explosion!

Even though Karma and Benny were definitely not looking to get into a relationship, because let’s face it, none of these immortals really are, they two made a sweet and adorable couple.

Rebel’s Karma is exciting as things between the Seven and the Kurjans/Cyst are coming to a head faster than expect. I’ve enjoyed this series so much and I can’t wait to read about Garrett whose book is hopefully next, but the Pax, Hope, Drake subplot is killing me.

Rebel’s Karma is book #13 of the Dark Protectors series by author Rebecca Zanetti. It is an exciting standalone paranormal romance, told from various points of view with a happy ending. Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rebel's Karma is the thirteenth book in the Dark Protectors series by Rebecca Zanetti. A paranormal romance that is action-packed, steamy, and heartfelt goodness on every page.

Rebels Karma by Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors book 17. Paranormal romance. Best read as part of the full Dark Protector series. Benny in particular can be found in the 1001 Dark Nights novellas (Teased, Tricked, Tangled, Vengeance, Vixen and Vampire). Those books do not need to be read before this book.

“I’m Benny. You can call me Benny, Ben, Benjamin, or butthead.”
Benny has been searching for Karma for three years. He’s known since the beginning that they are destined to be mated but he’s willing to let her be free to live her life however she wants. Karma is terrified when she is first brought to Realm headquarters. She’s been told about the Queen’s experiments and when she hears the men joking about being chased with a needle, she takes it literally. Karma is also brave and willing to do whatever is needed to return to the Kurjans and her adopted daughters, even if it means betraying these people being so nice to her.
Karma emerges from her cocoon in this story from beaten servant to empowered woman. It’s wonderful that Benny finally gets his happy connection.

This story also continues the connections between Hope, Pax and Drake (mid teens) as they grow older and closer to their key roles in the ultimate and final battle between the nations.
I’m looking forward to where the storyline goes in the next few books and in the meantime, loving these matings that make the couples so deliriously happy in each other’s arms.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy of this to keep.