This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Published by Kensington
Released on December 22, 2014
Pages: 279
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Anticipation and dread have warred equally as I waited for this one final book. Janie, Zane and Kaylin have known each other since children and they have grown up as this series progressed. I have wanted Janie’s story from the beginning after all the dream world meet-ups between these three and the prophecies surrounding Janie. I tried so hard to not let my anticipation become so great that even a fabulous book would have been a let down. But now, after closing the cover on the ending, all I feel is sadness that it was the end because I will miss this series and all the wonderful characters so much. This book exceeded my hopes in many ways giving me closure in ways that I didn’t realize I even needed even while it provided one of the most edge of my seat and emotional plots that I’ve read in a long time. This was a truly grand Grand Finale.
This book should absolutely not be picked up out of order or any of the books in the series for that matter. This is not even just a smidge standalone. It is 100% series spoiler and confuser if you don’t get all the rest before it.
The story opens with the beginning of the peace talks amongst all the paranormal races of the world with each race represented by their leadership. Also in attendance are the prophets and Janie, the prophesied child now adult who is destined to be involved in grave, great and exciting things in this her twenty-fifth year. Janie is nervous, but determined to do her part to achieve lasting peace amongst the races. She sits at the table next to her Uncle Dage the Vampire King and her father as guard, but nearly falls off her chair in shock to come face to face with the boy turned man of her dreams, literally. Zane is all grown up and a lethal warrior…for the wrong race. The gut punch hurts and infuriates her.
Zane is playing a deep game now as he has for his whole mixed racial life. He has so many balls in the air trying to protect everyone he cares about including the beautiful woman who hates him now that the truth is known. Janie’s reaction will not stop him from finally taking what is his. They were meant to be even if he suspects that the latest plots of powerful leaders will leave him dead in the near future. Nobody knows exactly what Janie’s big part in the affairs of all the races will be, but the majority don’t want to find out either. She is either on the kill list of those who would just eliminate the risk or the mating list of those who would try to gain her strong psychic powers for their own. Zane doesn’t care about all that. He just wants Janie the woman. She is his.
That begins the personal battle as Zane tries to protect his female who doesn’t want to be protected and Janie tries to teach Zane that he doesn’t have to go it alone. Meanwhile, the virus killing all the mates of vampires, demons, and witches has grown stronger and faster. Time is running out.
The story is Janie and Zane’s, but in a way it is the story of the whole Kayrs clan because of the final moves on the chess board are happening. The author did something a bit different with this book. Just before the final gripping sequence of events, the author puts pause to the mad pace of the story to let the reader through Janie make the round of good-byes with all the series characters from before. The pace really slows down and some might be chomping at the bit if you prefer more active scenes, but it picks up soon enough. I confess to filling a tissue as a result of this and did a lot of muttering about sadistic authors. That series of ending scenes felt like lots of hard punches to the gut as I read on just hoping for a way out for all the characters I loved. One of the sacrifices made sense and I knew it was coming, but yet I didn’t want it (sort of a fairytale lover here). The ending and epilogue left me smiling and laughing through my tears. I shall really miss this series though maybe the author will give little peek-ins from time to time.
My final thoughts involve a lot of superlatives and adjectives crowing about how fantastic this book was to read. I heartily recommend this series to those who enjoy steamy paranormal romance particularly when the males are alpha and the gals are sassy.
My thanks to Kensington Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one in exchange for an honest review.
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 do need to read this author and this series ! Her books are moving up my to-read pile, slowly but surely. Great review, Sophia !
Thanks, Iza! This is definitely a series I push to those who like alpha heroes and gritty action in their PNR.
I need to try this series. I just started the Sin Brothers in 2014 and really liked it.
I am a monstrous fan of both series. Honestly, her character types are about the same just swap out the world. I’m hoping the spin-off series that debuts this year will be a hit too especially since Dark Protectors is done except maybe a few follow-up novellas and Sins Brothers is done this year too. Haven’t tried her cowboys yet, but I’ve heard they’re good too.
You are on fire with recommendations this week..I actually have book one of her other series Sin something and plan to try her this year 🙂
LOL! I’ve had several good reads in a row it seems which I don’t take for granted b/c I can go through spells of the opposite too.
Shari and I both adore the Sins Brothers so I hope you have a good time with it.
I love the combination of alpha males and sassy females…they are so good together. I read the first book and I really loved it and I need…need…NEED to get back to it. I do love this authors writing style. Awesome review hun. Hope you are enjoying your week so far.
This series combine so many things I love. You really do need to read these, Renee. All that alpha hero sassy gal loving and excitement is too good.
Weeks is going well. Thanks!
Oh I’d heard that. Not to read this out of order for anything. I love her other series so one day will get to these. I think I have book one on my kindle. Will have to check 🙂
You’re right, this is a proceed in order series. I love her other stuff too. Hope you get a chance to read them. I think you would like them for the most part.
Hmmm . . . you know, this is a PNR series that I actually haven’t heard much about, but if it’s still going strong at book 7, I’d say it’s worth checking it 😉
Absolutely, Jessica! It flew below the radar b/c of all the strong series in this genre, but it is no less good.
WOW! I’m sorry I didn’t pick this one up from NetGalley when I had the chance! I should have downloaded it. I’m excited to read this one! Excellent review, Sophia!
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Yeah, this was pretty awesome. I kick myself once in a while too when I pass up a book and see how awesome it is for other readers. Thanks, Alyssa!