The continuation of the Dark Protectors series, now in audio, from Rebecca Zanetti. These are stories that are best consumed (for that is what you will do) in order, and today I bring you
Provoked
Kane is the ‘logical brother’, tightly controlling his emotions and edge to apply logic to situations to emerge with carefully laid plans that will aid the Realm in the war. With Jase still being held by the Demons, suffering unimaginable torture, Kane has been sent out to find the most elusive of them all, a Demon Destroyer. Not quite sure that any actually exist, he has been drawn by the power signatures to a honky tonk bar. Amber is the one sending off the signals – pushing at Kane with her power, although her control and knowledge of who he is, and what she is are limited. Kane finds her attractive and intriguing, if wholly frustrating, and the two butt heads almost instantly.
Kane was the least ‘present’ of the Kayrs brothers throughout the earlier books: sure he popped in, but his scientific leanings, his solid belief in logic and the hoops he’d seen his brothers jump through because of their enhanced human women leave him delightfully perplexed and give us plenty of information about how his mind works and his personality. Amber was the first female in this series that I didn’t instantly like, and found her difficult. She’s a vegan, a preachy one, and her environmental stance would have been a better point of conflict / compromise in their story had she not taken every opportunity possible to give a lecture on veganism, the environment and her beliefs. All that aside, you could see how her illogical approach intrigues Kane, and how they work toward a relationship, with Amber finally learning the depth and scope of her powers…
Mixed in with Amber and Kane are moments with Jase and the tortures the Demons are inflicting – it just brings the reader deeper into the urgency that the Kayrs brothers feel, and the stakes for this war become apparent with these scenes. Further along in the story, we have been waiting for Janie’s full story, and with some lovely insets her growth and the choices between Kalin and Zane become more muddled in her head and ours. There is a certainty in this storyline- the war won’t end until Janie has her story, but the events along the way are one hell of a ride.
Narration in the entire series is provided by Karen White, and I don’t think I have anything new to say…her work is terrific. Characters from earlier books that pop in here are instantly recognizable with distinct voices, delivery patterns and tiny quirks. Amber and Kane have clearly been imbued with overriding personality traits (Kane’s struggle for a logical explanation with a touch of puzzlement is wonderfully done) and emotional moments made clearer and more impactful with pauses, hesitations and tone variations. The moments that build tension are vocally presented with rushed or hushed moments, forcing the listener to sit up and pay attention – something big is happening. The dictionary would take on new meaning if White were to narrate it – she adds greatly to the don’t miss this series statement.
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 5 Story 4.5

Title: Provoked
Author: Rebecca Zanetti
Series: Dark Protectors #5
Also in this series: Fated, Claimed, Tempted, Hunted, Consumed, Shadowed
Genre: Paranormal Romance with Erotic Elements, Urban Fantasy
Narrator: Karen White
Published by: Kensington, Audible Studios
ISBN: 1601831412
Published on: 20 May, 2015
Format:Audiobook
Source: Audible Communications Team
Pages: 336
Audio Length: 21 Hours: 30 minutes
Rated:

Heat:




A TIME FOR WAR…
A casualty of the war between the demons and the vampires, Jase Kayrs has been missing for six long years. His older brothers want answers—but they’re going to have to get them from an unlikely source. For when Kane Kayrs tracks down Amber Freebird, what he finds is a blonde, vegan pacifist who has no intention of using her skills in his war…
A TIME FOR LOVE…
Amber enjoys her life of chaotic freedom and has no intention of falling in line just because a sexy-as-sin vampire insists on order. Unfortunately, he discovers she may be the only hope they have of finding his brother, and there’s no way he’s going to let her go—even if it means mating her to gain her cooperation. The two are as different as can be, yet when the dominant Kane and the untamed Amber finally unite to rescue Jase, they just may find that opposites really do attract…
See the Dark Protectors Series on GoodReads
A copy of this title was provided via Audible Communications Team for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

So glad you’re still enjoying this series – and you’re right, they really build to Janie’s story, but I think you’ll like Jase’s as well…such a tortured soul.
Wanted to let readers know that I have a giveaway that ends today (Friday 7/31 at 5pm EST) for this series. Five people will win their choice of any book from the series. You just have to answer the question – which would you rather be, a vampire, shifter or witch? in the comment section.
Karen White recently posted…GIVEAWAY: DARK PROTECTORS by Rebecca Zanetti
Oooh- fab – I want to be like Moira! What a great opportunity! I’m liking the backbone that Jase shows – it will be interesting to see what everyone else does with him back.
Gaele recently posted…AudioBook Review: Watch the Lady: The Tudor Trilogy #3 by Elizabeth Fremantle