Buy: Kindle Ebook
Also included as a bonus in Wicked Burn (Realm Enforcers, #3)
Review
4 Talen-loving stars!
As a mad fan of the Dark Protectors series, I was so happy to pick up this novella, which takes us back to the couple that started it all – Talen and Cara. This is definitely not a standalone, and takes place after book #7, Marked, so be warned that this review will be a bit spoilery for the series.
The war is over. Talen and Cara have both faced death and illness which has defined their 25 years together, and now that they are both finally healthy it’s time for them to rediscover each other all over again.
Cara is wanting to explore her immortality. She feels that she has so much to offer, and she’s ready to find her place in the world. But Talen is a huge alpha, and not only that, he is the strategic genius of the Realm and he expects to be obeyed. Cara’s feisty spirit is part of what made him fall for her, and now that she is well and wanting to get back out in the world, Talen is having trouble reigning in the over-protective beast inside of him that wants to treat his mate like she is fragile.
The book begins with Talen and Cara taking a trip together. A quick stop for Realm business, and then on to Hawaii to spend some time together. But things don’t go according to plan, and they find themselves the target of an attack which pushes Talen’s protective instincts into overdrive, triggering a much-needed confrontation between these two as they figure out their way forward.
“I love you, you know,” she said slowly.
“I know. You’re everything to me,” he said softly.
It’s a beautiful journey for Talen and Cara, and I just love how crazy in love they still are. After more than 20 years together (in less-than-ideal circumstances) their love and passion for each other is just as intense as it always has been – possibly even more so. The sex is absolutely sizzling, and the strong emotional connection between them only adds to the intensity – especially when Talen flexes his dominance, taking his conflict resolution ‘skills’ into the bedroom.
“You should never run from a vampire, baby,” he whispered.
Her sex clenched. “Why not?” she breathed.
“We can’t help but chase, and when we catch, we’re not gentle.”
I loved catching up with these characters that I love so much. This series is really inclusive of all of the characters that have featured so they’ve always been a part of the story, but I loved being right back in their lives and seeing them so happy together. You can feel the bond between them, and I love how functional they are, knowing that they are together forever and just making it happen.
“My soul is yours, baby.”
The involvement of Garrett and Logan was a definite bonus. I love those two, and can only hope that they get their own books as the series progresses.
I loved this novella. It’s fast-paced, exciting, romantic, and super sexy. The action is great as always, though I thought the resolution of the danger element was a bit anti-climactic. But the focus of this book is the further development of Talen and Cara’s relationship, and that is beautifully explored.
A great addition to the series. 4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
See our Dark Protectors/Realm Enforcers series page for info on the series
Check out our Rebecca Zanetti Author Spotlight for more of Rebecca’s work