Book Review-Provoked by Rebecca Zanetti

Provoked by Rebecca Zanetti
Also in this series: Claimed, Marked, Shadowed, Vampire's Faith, Demon's Mercy, Alpha's Promise
Series: Dark Protectors #5
Published by Kensington Books on November 1st 2012
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Vampires
Pages: 261
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased

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…

Summary 

Amber is content with her quiet and sane life, living with her grandmother, and taking care of their land, and being pro earth. But when her grandmother gets injured in an accident, she finds a job as a waitress to pay for medical bills, and a man walks in and watches her for five long hours. Amber has no idea who this stranger is, gorgeous and quite a strong attraction, but she doesn’t know what his deal is, and is forced to kick him out at closing time. As she leaves for home, she gets kidnapped by two men that want to force her and her grandmother to sell their land and will do anything to make sure she cooperates. Through a turn of events she is being rescued.taken by her mysterious stranger, who drags her into a world of vampires, witches and demons and much more, her head is spinning, and when he tells her that she is the “destroyer of demons” she thinks he belongs in an asylum for the mentally insane. He must be crazy, because that could never be her. But Amber is about to face some truths about herself, that her grandmother kept from her, and dragged into a world of danger and passion she isn’t sure she is ready for but will do anything to protect those she loves…

The Hero 

Our hero, Kane, is the logical and whiz of the Kayrs brothers. He has about a hundred degrees, and his favorite pastime is spending it in his lab and working on formulas to aid his people. But lately he has been on the hunt for his youngest, carefree brother Jace. A brother who is the most jovial of the bunch, has been held in captivity by the demons for four long years, and every time they find a clue to his location…they end up at a dead-end, but he knows the “destroyer of demons” is his last hope to finding his brother, and he will sacrifice anything for him. But he isn’t ready for the feelings that Amber evokes in him, he never thought himself capable of love, until he mates Amber and his world tilts on its axis and changes forever. What I loved about Kane is his logical brain…he is one smart geek here, loves his experiments and his lab, which he guards with his life. He is the least emotional of the brothers, and I enjoyed seeing him go a bit down under with emotions upon meeting Amber. Quite one of the highest highlights of the story was seeing Kane try to work everything out in a practical scientific way…but when it comes to love there is nothing practical about it.

The Heroine 

Our heroine was quite fun and so far off kilter from what I was expecting…I have never met a heroine like her before. And I have read quite a bit, but she was such a unique character that added a bit more freshness to the book and the series as well. Amber is obsessed with saving the “earth”, she is pro green, save the environment, eat tofu and veggies…and hates meat, and refuses to be friends with anyone that has real leather or fur rugs in their homes. Despite all that (which I am all for the environment…but I do love my protein so I am not sure how well we would get along in real life) she was quite a hoot. Some of her actions are quite hilarious and crazy and I just loved her even more for her pranks especially (Spoiler: the scene where his lab gets a bit worked over by Amber…and boy does he get mad and what lovely payback too.

Plot and Story Line 

Provoked is the fifth installment, and I was very impressed with this story. Of course I always know I will have a jolly good time with Rebecca Zanetti being the author. But this is such a wonderful paranormal series, and she creates a world of not just vampires, but witches and demons and her world building is quite astounding at times, as I have progressed in the series, you start to see certain pieces fall into place. We also see what Jace is going through with the demons, and oh my heart aches for this playful brother. I really loved seeing his strength and determination to survive but the demons are definitely putting him through hell, and it was difficult at times to read those scenes instead of skimming, but since his book is next, I knew I should read them,,,,but not easy be forewarned. But what was most fun was the romance that builds between Amber and Kane. Now Amber is all about love and flowers…she won’t mate Kane without his heart. Now Kane wants a mating and views it in a practical way…like a arranged marriage, where both parties get something in return. He refuses to let love in, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. I love the way we see that change in Kane, Another aspect that makes Provoked even better…is the action and adventure…and the search for Jace. It is the edge of your seat thrilling, and the pace is quite engaging. A must read for paranormal lovers….who love a good mix of danger and love.

The Cover 

Not my favorite cover of the series…but oh boy look at those delicious abs, and I do adore the background setting, with the dark hues of orange and black….adds a hint of danger and supsense…makes me want to go on a walk through those woods with a sexy vampire of my own.

Overall View 

Provoked is another fantastic installment that this author has created for us. A tale that has an edge of passion and danger, a story of fighting for those you love and never giving up on them…no matter how bleak the circumstances seem. A fast paced, thrilling romance….A PAGE TURNER TO EXCITE!!