This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Published by Lyrical Press
Released on October 13, 2020
Pages: 346
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
The Delight
It’s always a delight to go back into the Dark Protector world, but do it in order! Adare is as sexy as ever even while cranky pants and Grace needs to wise up to the fact she is special. We move the story forward as the end is approaching this battle that was cast many years ago.
Review
While Grace was in a coma after being attacked, Adare bit and marked her in a mating bond without sex. She is one of three keys that will somehow be pivotal in a battle to end all battles. Adare feels he has forced the mating bond onto Grace and leaves her alone for years. But leaving her alone and keeping an eye on her are two different things. When Grace’s health starts to falter, Adare must step in again to do what is best for her.
Adare is what I would call a typical man. Grumpy doesn’t talk much, likes his solitude, and is a warrior at heart. Reliable when the chips are down, he gets things done, but everyone thinks he is pining for the one true love that he can never have. Thus marking Grace was not anything hard for him. He didn’t feel the pull to a female human, let alone feeling forced to mate her. Both are “key” to the end battle, but both aren’t on the same page.
Grace doesn’t remember much of her life before her coma. This often puts her in danger as she tries to figure out what led to her being in a coma. The one true thing is she fights for the underdog, like when she tries to get blood for an ailing child. This draws Adare back to her, and he senses she is deteriorating and slowly dying. Bad for the mission, bad for the mating.
The two fight their growing feelings as Adare tries to protect Grace even from herself. One of those too stupid to live kinds of action. The plot at times is very transparent, even as the author tries to lead you away. Despite Adare’s help, Grace is losing her battle to live, and a medical mystery ensues.
The children we have seen growing up make their appearances as Hope believes she is on the same path her parents found themselves in backstories. Pax also finds a new path that may be the best thing to happen to him.
Overall, this was an interesting addition to the Dark Protector’s series. I loved Adare and all his cranky pants, grew to like Grace even if I shook my head a lot, and adored seeing past characters come and go throughout the story.
Series
About the book
GUARDIAN’S GRACE BY REBECCA ZANETTI
Duty—or desire?
Vampire soldier Adare O’Cearbhaill’s default setting is cranky. Or irritated. Or down-right hostile. Still, as a Highlander of honor and duty he stepped up to save an enhanced and special human female by mating her—with merely a bite and a brand. The last person he wants in his life is a fragile human, yet he can’t get her out of his mind as she regains her strength before taking off for parts unknown. And when he discovers she is in danger, nothing can stop him from hunting her down—whether she likes it or not.
There’s only one way to find out . . .
Photographer Grace Cooper has had it with vampires, demons, and the rest of an immortal world she was happier not knowing about. She also doesn’t believe she’s destined for some great battle because of an old birthmark. Forget the fact that her mate is the sexiest thing on two stubborn feet, or that her brand is fading along with her health. She’ll handle things on her own—until an old enemy reappears and she learns the only way to stay alive is to actually mate, wild sex and all, with that ripped and dangerous Adare—a powerful, captivating Highlander who demands nothing less than everything . . .
Preview
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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I quit reading these probably 5 or 6 books back. I remember that one was supposed to be the end of the series. I really don’t think I knew she had written more of them.
Haha, yes, he’s a crabbypants. I encountered him when I was listening to Vixen the novella before this one. Have gotten behind on the series and listened to that one out of order.
I love this series and agree, this was such a good book.
I like grumpy characters. I can relate to them 😉