To hell and back . . .Though he has vampire, demon, and Viking blood rushing through his veins, Ivar Kjeidsen’s soul-crushing trip to hell broke him in ways he can barely fathom. One vow keeps the deadly immortal standing: To rescue the vampire brother who had sacrificed freedom for him. To do that, Ivar needs the help of a brilliant physicist with wary brown eyes, fierce brilliance, and skin … brilliance, and skin that’s way too soft.
Dr. Promise Williams understands the underpinnings of the universe but has never figured out the human beings inhabiting it. Her function is to think—and not feel—until she’s touched by a vampire who’s nowhere near human. The primal hunger in his eyes awakens feelings in her that defy calculation. As she shows him the way to step between worlds, he brands her with a pleasure that could last more than a lifetime . . .
“Spicy romantic interplay; highly recommended.”
—Library Journal on Vampire’s Faith
“Sizzling sex scenes and a memorable cast.”
—Publishers Weekly on Claimed
“A fast-paced, excitement-filled explosion of action… Zanetti keeps getting better.”
—RT Book Reviews on Marked, 4.5 Stars Top Pick
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OMG!!! Loving the whole Seven storyline. Pleeeaaassseee tell me the next book is the continuation of getting Quade out. Please Ms. Zanetti, don’t make us wait a year to find out if Quade gets out. Hopefully, Haven is found to help too. My guess is that she’s the third key – right???
Alpha’s Promise by Rebecca Zanetti is part of the Dark Protectors series. I am quite fond of a good supernatural urban fantasy/ romance, and this one grabbed my attention. It is optional to read the previous books all pertinent information becomes available when necessary. I, however, went back to the beginning in anticipation of reading an early copy of Alpha’s Promise, and I am glad I did. Knowing first hand is well worth it.
The Dark Protectors series has a varied preternatural population. Fae, Demons, Vampires, and Shifters all share an alliance. I enjoy varied species working together against a common adversary. I feel things are more exciting that way it keeps things from getting stagnant. All the male characters in Alpha’s Promise are charming and witty, with a healthy dose of dominance. Some might find that dominance a little over the top, but I find it fits them perfectly. Ivar and Promise are an entertaining couple with great chemistry. I found Promise’s emotional awakening intriguing and unique. The mystery/ thriller aspect of the plot plays out very well. The path to their end game is enjoyable, and the next installment sets up nicely. I eagerly await the continuation of these stories.
***4.5 Stars***
This was a fun read, it did drag for me at times ~ though it could just be a whole “it’s not you, it’s me” situation ~ but overall it really was a great read. Sweet, smexy, cerebrally challenging at times, but fun.
I ADORED Promise and Ivar. Promise is calm, cool, collected and even though she takes the more logical route, she has a huge heart when it comes down to it. Ivar has been put through the wringer and though he’s not as close to the edge of insanity as he once was, he’s still dealing with the after affects of his hellish journey. But regardless of all the chaos inside him, he protects those he calls his own and has honor and loyalty etch on his very soul.
As for their journey to their HEA. From the moment they first collided ~ which was definitely NOT your usual meet cute ~ to their mating to where we leave them at the end of the book, I enjoyed the entire ride. Part of it was that the angsty/drama was low and that stemmed from the fact that Ivar and Promise actually communicated, whether it was verbally or with other methods ~ which were hella smexy ~ there were no major mind games going on. They were also perfectly matched in practically every way and where they didn’t match up, well it just made it that much more fun and I loved watching as they fell in love with each other.
Lots happened in this baby and I really like the direction the whole Quade/Ulric/Key/possible world destruction thing is going. But, what I really love about this series are the characters and getting to hang out and watch them all interact with each other. Logan and Garrett are still my fav’s ~ and I cannot wait to watch Garrett finally fall and get a mate ~ but Benny isn’t too far behind because he was hilarious. And as for Adare and Grace…I want to see what it will take for them to see what everyone else already has. Then there is Hope and Pax and Drake and the revelations that happened in this one has me wanting to know just what the future holds for them.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
This is the first book of this series I have read, and I am hooked! This book has all the components of a
book you can’t put down. Ivar and Promise are perfect for each other. They are each hyper-focused on what they perceive to be their purpose in life until they realize how much they need each other. Together they are one step closer to bringing Quade home. This book has a great cast of characters, both hero and villain. I love the plot with all its twists and turns. I cannot wait for the next book.
Another stunner from Rebecca. Who knew scientific/mathematical talk could be so sexy and funny….
Ivar a part demon/vampier has been through hell and back when he attempts to kidnap Promise,a brilliant scientist, also with special abilities . Rebecca brings back all our favorite kick butt hunky heroes and their mates along with our favorite villains.Loads of funny,sexy, twist and turns we come to expect from Rebecca.
Alpha’s Promise by Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors #10
What does it say about me that I find myself more invested in fictional paranormal characters and the series they populate than in fictional human characters that have what some might believe “more real” plots in the books they exist in? I mean…I stopped reading another book that didn’t “click” with me at all then picked up this book and could not put it down! I get the protectors and the women they fall for and can’t wait to read the next book when it comes out…that’s me…eagerly awaiting Dark Protectors book eleven…oh yeah!
In this book Ivar has been back for three months and has been mending after finally getting out of an existence that was one torturous situation after another. He was helping to balance a situation that so far has kept evil Kurjan Ulric captive in a bubble world. He had to leave Quade, another protector, behind and vowed he would return to save him or take his place. To make this happen he needs a physicist that will be able to come up with a mathematical solution that will allow him to save Quade but keep Ulric in prison. When he meets up with Promise, a physicist, he realizes he needs to protect her as a few other physicists have already met an untimely painful end. Getting her on board is not easy but eventually does happen.
This story had me from t he very beginning. The meet-cute was…intriguing. I absolutely adored Promise’s logical take on life and her ability to be forthright in stating what she was thinking, desired and was willing to do. Ivar was definitely not human but on board with and understood just what Promise was talking about most of the time. Their relationship was HOT and interesting and perfect in so many ways. In the mix were other characters that are keeping the long-range plot in motion. The Kurjans and Cysts and their evilness are shown again, Quade was visited, Haven Daly is brought in and my gut feeling is that she will be instrumental in getting Quade out of his unbearable situation, the keys are mentioned, the role of the lock (still a child) and her friends was again mentioned and the question of how the four will eventually be part of the solution…it is just a finely tuned wonderful epic journey of a series that has this one book in it that made me very happy from beginning to end. That said…when is book eleven due?
Thank you to NetGalley and Kengington Lyrical Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
I love this series!!! Ivar and a Promise are so cool. It’s all about the math.
Ivar’s journey to the hell dimensions has left him a tad bit on the crazy side. And his dominance even stronger. When he meets Promise his crazy takes a left hand turn into kidnapping. Crazy man finds love in a scientist who pushes all his tender buttons and brings out even more of that alpha man.
Together they find a way back into the hell dimensions and he’s off to find Quade. Can he find his way back to her? Save his brother? Or is this a suicide mission?
Promise is good, through and through. She loves him with her whole being but give her something to figure out, and she’s lost in numbers and equations. She trusts him implicitly, but if the math did not lie, Ivar will be unable to return, lost in the hell dimensions.
I got lost in this story. Ivar and Promise have something unique. And watching Adare and Grace? Their story will be amusing and so rewarding. But Quade? He and the demon-fae will find their way someday.
Alpha’s Promise by Rebecca Zanetti is book is book 10 in the Dark Protectors Series. This is the story of Promise Williams and Ivar Kjeidsen.
Ivar is out to save his fellow brother who had helped him which leads him to Promise. Promise is a scientist who thinks logical and never learned to think with emotions. So when Ivar comes to her he is throwing her out of her normal interactions…he makes her feel. Ivar feels that with Promise’s scientific out look that she can help with transporting, which could lead to getting his friend back. But he too is thrown with emotions so strong toward Promise.
So enjoyed their story and hope to read more from this author!!
OMG I just love the Dark Protectors series and each time I read a book I think I can’t enjoy a character more than the last book….and every time I am proven wrong. Oh Ivar, poor, broken, Ivar. Our hero has been through hell, literally, and back and boy did I feel for him. I enjoyed his character and I wanted him to have his happy ending. Promise/Missy was a little harder for me, she was so logical. But then I started thinking of her as Temperance (Bones) Brennan from the TV show Bones…and I got her character. You know how logical Bones always is…that’s our Promise. Logical, analytical and thoughtful. Promise and Ivar growing together was awesome. I felt the characters grew together…and that was fantastic.
The story is getting great, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Of course always getting to see the old characters is awesome! What I really can’t wait for is Andare and Grace… oh and Benny, he is a hoot!! I guess I have just fallen for all these characters and I am thoroughly invested in these fictional lives. So as far as a review goes… this book has steam, suspense, great characters, a great storyline, basically it has it all! I don’t think Rebecca Zanetti can write a bad book….just not possible, pick this up and hopefully you will fall for the characters just like me. I am at the point where Ms. Zanetti is a once click, must read anything she writes author for me! (Btw look up her other series too they are awesome!)
Emotionally thrilling, action packed romantic adventure filled with danger, magic, mystery and undeniable passion…. really enjoyed every heart pounding twist and exciting turn in this engaging journey. A great reading experience filled with intriguing charters.
Ivar Kjeidsen has been to hell and back, quite literally and is filled with the burning desire to return to the hell dimension he just barely escaped to save his “brother” Quade, who was barely holding on. Dr Promise Williams is perhaps one of the most brilliant minds of her time, able to understand the workings of the multiverse in a way unheard of for a human woman. Can Dr. Williams help Ivar get to Quade before his dimension crumbles completely around him? … and will she WANT to help Ivar once she finds out this Viking she’s come to care about plans to replace Quade in hell?
4.25 stars–ALPHA’S PROMISE is the tenth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s DARK PROTECTORS paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is hybrid demon/vampire Ivar Kjeidsen, and theoretical physicist Dr. Promise Williams’ story line. ALPHA’S PROMISE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion, especially this particular arc of the series focusing on the group known as the Seven.
SOME BACKGROUND: A thousand years earlier, a number of immortal warriors went through a ritual that, if they survived, hardened their bodies against attack, a ritual meant to create a group of Seven known as The Shield. The Shield was created to protect the world from an evil race of vampires known as the Kurjans, their sect group known as the Cysts, and ultimately a rogue warrior once considered a friend- Ulric-a male of immense power. To protect the human race, Ulric was captured, and along with two of the Seven, was encapsulated in one of three spheres for all eternity. As the warriors search for the ‘Keys’ to perform the ritual, the Lock must be protected in order to take down the evil that is hoping to take over the world.
Told from several third person perspectives including Promise and Ivar, following several intersecting paths, ALPHA’S PROMISE follows the building relationship between hybrid demon/vampire Ivar Kjeidsen, and theoretical physicist Dr. Promise Williams. Someone, or more specifically, the Kurjans have been targeting enhanced female physicists, and Dr. Promise Williams is next on their list. In an effort to protect the enhanced human female, Ivan Kjeidsen volunteers to act as guardian but goes about his job all wrong. Hoping to discover the truth behind their ability to teleport, the Seven bring Promise Williams into their fold, in an effort to use her knowledge and her mind. As the Kurjans continue to target enhanced female physicists, Promise begins to unravel the secret behind temporal dimensions, worlds and the ability to teleport. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ivar and Promise, and the potential fall-out as Promise and Logan’s mate Mercy find themselves, once again, taken hostage by the Kurjan vampires
Promise Williams doesn’t do relationships; math is her lover but meeting Ivar Kjeidsen stirs something deep within our story line heroine. Promise’s enhanced abilities allows her to detect what others cannot, an ability that makes her a target in the war between the demons and vampires. Ivar Kjeidsen’s goal is to return to the h*ll world in order to rescue his brother and friend but Quade doesn’t want rescuing, in fact, he wants the Seven to leave him alone. But Quade has a secret, that the Seven has discovered, and in this Quade is desperate for the Seven to cease and desist.
Meanwhile, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood continues to dream walk with the young Kurjan male Drake, dream walking that pushes Hope to make plans for a meet and greet in real life. But things don’t go according to plan when Hope’s whereabouts and plans are discovered, with the potential of leading the Demons to war.
The relationship between Ivar and Promise is one of immediate attraction but neither one is looking for a permanent mate. Promise’s enhanced abilities are like a beacon to those whose powers she is able to detect, and in this Ivar is desperate to claim the woman as his mate. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Logan and Mercy, Ronan and Faith, Quade Kayrs, Benjamin Reese, Garrett Kayrs, Adare O’Cearbhaill and Grace, Hope Kayrs-Kylwood and her bestie Paxton; Dayne, leader of the Kurjan nation, and his son Drake; Promise’s university co-worker Dr. Mark Brookes; and fae/demon hybrid Haven Daly. Quade and Haven’s story is next in Hero’s Haven.
The world building continues to focus on the fight against the Kurjans and the Cysts; the protection of the Realm from the prophet Ulric; and Hope’s ongoing journeys into the Dreamworld. As the Seven try to rescue one of their own, Ivar is willing to sacrifice himself in an effort to bring his brother home. With the introduction of Promise Williams, the addition of mathematics and theoretical physics ups the game to a what if and how.
ALPHA’S PROMISE is a story of heart break, secrets, betrayal, vengeance. The premise is detailed, complex and entertaining; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are sassy, colorful, energetic, and bold. ALPHA’S PROMISE is a wonderfully intricate and elaborate addition to Zanetti’s world of the Dark Protectors.
Dark Protectors #10, I enjoyed this one for the most part. I’m excited for the direction this is going, The Seven working with the Demon Nation and The Realm to stop the big bad from being released and destroying everything they hold dear. I like the side story with little Hope Kylwood and her friends. What I didn’t like was the romance, not romance sex, I like Ivar and I like Promise I just didn’t like them together or I should say when they got it on. I guess I’m just over the whole dominance thing, ya know been there done that now it just triggers me. But the actual story was great.
Dr. Promise Williams is just the scientist they have been looking for and she’s an enhanced. She’s someone who can figure out how the transporting works and figure out a way to bring home safely their missing brother. Ivar Kjeidsen demon vampire hybrid survived jumping through countless hell worlds before finally finding his way home and it just made him all the more determined to bring back his brother, Quade, before his world collapses, literally not figuratively, in fact the prison world they trapped their big bad on is colliding with Quade’s world. It’s crunch time and the Kurjans aren’t helping matter because it’s their religious figure they are trying to release so they will stop at nothing to prevent the Seven from completing their tasks.
I liked Promise, she’s logical and everything is math and very analytical. Half the time I figured she was a high functioning autistic with how she was around other people but with the parents she had it’s no wonder she’s that way. She was rational and listened when it came to her own protection she is Sooo not the TSTL heroine, that is probably what I liked the most. I’m however getting bored with Grace and Adare’s bickering I wish their book was next but no it’s not, frustrated sigh. Overall, it was a good read. Not really meant to be a stand alone I would suggest at least starting at Vampire’s Faith for this story arc.
I try and get to open one of this author’s books every chance I get. This one was a good one that should not be missed. Oh that Viking blood sent it to another level found it interesting. Ivar and Promise are the ones you follow in this one. When she crosses paths with him her world is changed with us being the delighted readers that get to see just how and the outcome. He needs her in more ways than one which keeps us amped also. The drama will also cause your heart to race a time or two. Delighted for sure with this one and sucked it down to the last drop.
5 Stars
Review by Leah
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Alpha’s Promise by Rebecca Zanetti, starring Ivar the Viking and Promise, brings out my inner math and science geek. I wanted to sit by her and watch her work. The connection between these two is more than just sexual angst or suspense. It adds intellectual angst. You can see the wheels turning when they put their heads together. I also feel like Ivar is a closet nerd, haha! At some points in the book, it seemed like Ivar was waiting for Promise to figure out the problem on her own even though he already knew the answer. Then there is Promise’s excitement when it comes to solving the next problem. I was getting just as excited for her.
The support Ivar gives when Promise goes into one of her zones while working on the next equation is heartwarming. You would think this would be a rough and tumble, me Tarzan you Jane, throughout the book because let’s face it, Ivar is a Viking turned Vampire. Come on, if that does not spell out Alpha, I do not know what would. There are also some freaking sexy Alpha moments but it also shows a side of Ivar that he does not share with many. That is what really hooked me. I love the depth of the characters Rebecca builds in her stories. There are so many layers and dimensions. If you read the book you will understand.
The Dark Protector series by Rebecca Zanetti is one of my favorite and I really enjoyed the little twist in this one with the heroine. Not saying all the other heroines are bad just that Promise is the introverted nerd in high school everyone passed by. Which I can relate a little too, HA! Promise allowed Alpha’s Promise to be its own story but still a continuation of the series.
Alpha’s Promise continues the story of the seven demon hybrids whose mission are to save the world. This book would definitely not be a good starting place in this story and should be read as part of the sexy and exciting series. Dr. Promise Williams is a genius in the field of physics and may be the answer to the Seven’s quest for dimension hopping .Ivar Kjeidsen is scared physically and mentally from his journey through multiple hell dimensions and leaning towards being more animal than man. A first mistaken meeting and a failed kidnapping/ rescue attempt put Promise and Ivar at odds. But the sexy Viking finds himself drawn to the brainy physicist and Promise logically sees the potential in the mating bond. The scientist teaches the Viking a thing or two about math while the Viking teaches Promise about faith and love. Sizzling with a touch of humor and a great big heap of loyalty, the mates take on Kurjans and hell dimensions while trying to save the last of the Seven. All the usual cast of characters make appearances and the youngest generation flirts with an inter-species war for loads of action and excitement. Heroines that are brilliant and strong and alpha male heroes keep you coming back for more in this addicting series in a 4 and 1/2 stars read. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.
The task continues to rescue Quade before his dimension explodes or before Ulric escapes.
Promise has a mind for math. Her brain could be the key to achieving all the demon nation has been trying to accomplish. The only problem, the Kurjan’s also know how close she is. And they want her to save Ulric.
It’s a race against time with her very own dark protector, Ivar helping her navigate this new world she finds herself in. But it will be a true test of her math mind to keep everyone she loves safe.
5 stars!!!
This book has quite the interesting start. It’s designed to grab your attention. And for me, it worked!
Before I get more into the people in this story I just need to mention something. Although a lot of the science and math ideas escaped me, there still was some great world-building. Especially what Ivar called, ” Hell Worlds” I might not understand the science of it but the author still did a great job of showing just how bad some of those were. Showed how they earned that title.
Promise was all brain for most of her life. It seemed like that’s all her parents demanded from her. Any imagination or even fun seemed to be ground right out of her by them. Emotion was NOT a priority in their life and didn’t seem to see the need for it in hers. It didn’t take long for Ivar to see what a lonely little girl she had been. I liked how Ivar saw more than just her very intelligent brain. Oh, he liked how smart she was and got a big kick out of watching her attack a problem. But he also brought out the passion in her, helped her get in touch with her feelings and even gave her a nickname. Towards the end of the book she began to realized that he had taught her that emotions and intelligence could make her smarter and stronger.
It’s pretty clear that Ivar has suffered some horrific things. But he also wants to honor his vow to Quade to rescue him from that Hell World. Even if he has to take his place again.
Ivar is quite the fighting machine but also proves to be quite the love machine when it comes to Promise. So, yes there will be quite a few HOT times between the two of them. Promise thinks that a logical decision would be to mate with Ivar. She likes him, the sex rocks her world. She also wants forever to work on all the things that her mind wants to solve. Ivar knows she only thinks she knows what that would be like being his mate.
They have plenty of time to think about it as there is a lot of dangers, and actions and problems going on.
Some pretty good supporting people in the story as well. Ivar has a lot of good people in his corner. He also has more than a couple of villains that want him dead too.
Just to let you know, not all of the problems are solved in this book but they are making headway!
There is a quick look into another book by Rebecca Zanetti. It’s a Deep Ops novel called, “FALLEN.”
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Anyone who knows me even a little, knows I’m a crazy Rebecca Zanetti Fan-girl. Dark Protectors is one of my top 5 favorite series ever. So every time I get a DP book I’m in heaven. In the years I have been reading her work, Rebecca has yet to let me down. Alpha’s Promise was an awesome read. I loved Ivar and Promise together. I love the world and I really love all the old couples and past favorites popping in and out of the stories. I have mini fan-girl attacks every time. It’s like coming home.
Ivar has been through hell… literally. It left him more beast than man. Holding onto his sanity by a thin thread. He made a promise to a brother and he planned on keeping it, even if it killed him. I loved how loyal Ivar was. He had suffered so much. I was glad that he got his HEA. Promise was a super smart physicist that didn’t understand emotions. She was raised in a cold, sterile home with two parents that didn’t show love or affection. Science, Math, facts, they were her friends and her way of life. Then Ivar crashed into her life filling it emotions, love, and passion. I loved that they both were so different, but went together very well. They also accepted each other fully.
The continuation of the ongoing plot was really good. I found myself freaking out, wondering how they’re going to save the world and Quade. I loved the Hope,Pax, and Drake story line and I really felt bad for Pax. Can someone please step in and take him away from his pos dad? Maybe give his dad a little of what he gives to Pax. The parts with Kane, Dage, Emma, Zane, Janie, and the kids omg Sooooooooooo good. I need more of that. A lot more. Like were was Talen???? I love me some Talen and I got none in this book!! None! Just sayin’. Everything is better with Talen. Although Garrett is like a mini Talen. I can’t wait for Garrett to get his story. Also, really like what’s going on with Adare and Grace, can’t wait to see what happens with them. Great story, I’m so excited for the next one!
Alpha’s Promise is a relatively fast-paced paranormal suspense in this author’s Dark Protector’s world. While each book is about a different character, I would not consider this a standalone seeing as there is a larger, underlying storyline that continues through each book in this series. Iva is a hybrid demon-vampire member of the Seven. I loved him as a character as he is admirably loyal to his brothers, protective of Promise, and is trying hard to reintegrate into society after going through a hell dimension. Promise is a genius scientist and while I liked her curiosity, she is very analytical and socially awkward. All of this author’s heroines tend to be scientific and intelligent, which is something I tend to love in a heroine, but I couldn’t related to Promise at all as she was just too clinical and seeming to lack the ability to truly feel. I didn’t sense much chemistry between her and Ivar.
It was great to see some of my favorite characters from the Seven and there mates and a few from the early books in this series. There are a few chapters from 7 year-old Hope, Janie and Zane’s child, but her story seems to be trending towards a repeat of Janie’s journey. I am hoping that the author takes her down a different path in the future.
I enjoyed learning more about the dimensions with a focus on how to save Quade, but it seems like there was too much astrophysics / cosmology speak. As with the previous books, the author does a magnificent job crafting a unique storyline with great world building. Alpha’s Promise is full of suspense, action, and revelations which is what kept me entertained until the very end. I received Alpha’s Promise for free and while this book isn’t my favorite book by this author, I am definitely looking forward to the next installment. 3.5/4 stars