Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti Series: #1 Realm Enforcers
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Published by Lyrical Press on June 23, 2015
Pages: 279
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher 
When The Dark Protectors, a favorite series ended, I was comforted by the thought that there would be a spin-off series set in the same world with familiar characters making up the secondary cast. I was eager for the special brand of sassy romance, strong personalities, witty dialogue and keen action. Thankfully, this first in series lived up to expectation and then some.
As I said, this is a spin-off series. There is a bit of assumption that the reader started with the other series, but for the most part new readers can jump in here without too much trouble.
The story starts out with Kellach Dunne out on the streets of Seattle investigating the mysterious new drug hitting the streets made up of a mineral that is devastating to witch powers and deadly to the humans who take it. He and his fellow enforcers are trying to determine the source and trail it back to the manufacturer because they are certain this is a plot to take down the Coven leaders. Into the middle of his latest tracking mission, he encounters a tough, smart, and pesky human cop who won’t be put off or brushed aside. And on top of this, he is inexplicably drawn to the stubborn female.
Alexandra Monzelle works hard as a cop with a compelling need to get drugs and the people who peddle it off the streets. As the daughter of a convicted drug lord, she is dedicated to this and no big, mysterious, alpha male motor cycle club enforcer will intimidate her and put her off track. She doesn’t believe him further than she can throw him even if everything in her tells her that he speaks truth that he’s on her side and he did save her life more than once. She will do her job no matter what even if it means going up against criminals who might not be human because yeah, Kellach has convinced her in a startling way that humans aren’t alone in this world.
This was an exciting, hot read from cover to cover. The new story arc is dangerous and suspenseful. I loved how it played out in this first story and leaves some questions at the end even though it resolved the main conflict of this story. I am entertained by the possibilities of several future character and romantic threads, too. The pacing was really good never once lagging and the fight scenes were gritty and intense.
The main characters were actually a lot alike when it came to control which led to some sizzling action and passion. Kellach is powerful, resourceful and sinfully sexy. He’s a long-time established enforcer and witch warrior. He is so good that he doesn’t have to prove himself with a confidence that is down right swoon-worthy. He has a job to do and is distracted constantly by the determined woman who is dedicated to her job.
Alexandra is capable and well-trained as a human cop. She can bring down men effortlessly and coolly. She has a ‘don’t mess with me’ vibe that made her a lethal opponent and worthy partner of her witch warrior. That said, it is Lex who throws up the barriers in the romance. She struggles hard with trust and strikes out impulsively while jumping to conclusions as a result. She is good about being fair minded much of the time, but struggles when it comes to Kellach because of the way her dad deceived her mother. She’s not stupid, but she is the ‘bring a knife to a gun fight’ sort of human who must have her part in the fight involving supernaturals even if her chances slim to none.
As to the romance, I enjoyed the bantering, the intensity and the partnership they formed that encompassed more than the romance. I would have liked to see the romance teased out better considering her issues caused by her past, but I recognize that this is an action-driven more than character-driven story and reflects that. Needless to say, these two were great together and I hope to see more of them as the series continues.
Oh and yes, folks, there is a Kayrs sighting and some second gen Kayrs action. That was awesome.
All in all, this was a great start to the new series with its sizzling and intriguing action-based plot and sensual romance and strong characters. Paranormal romance fans should give it a go.
My thanks to Kensington for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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About Rebecca Zanetti
New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner – only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a Juris Doctorate from the University of Idaho.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family who inspire her every day-or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.
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