Warrior’s Hope by Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors #16

Growing up knowing you are the key to a prophecy and that your choices impact an entire realm – or more – making decisions about what direction to take and what man to choose is a big choice to make. Hope’s story and who she ends up with has been awaited through the reading of several books. She has spent time with Libby, Paxton, and dream-time with Drake of the Kurjan Nation. She feels her “time” has arrived and is ready to take that final step to keep her realm safe, believes she knows what that step is, and then…wonders if she is right or got things wrong.

I was looking forward to finding out how this segment of the story and the prophecy was handled and did find out although I had a bit of letdown. I am not sure if it was Hope being so “young” and seeming rather immature or that one character became even darker than he had leaned previously, or something else. I had a feeling, after the last book, that I knew which man Hope would end up with but still wanted to find out for sure.

This book provides the answer of which man, Drake or Paxton, Hope will be mated to, gives a hint of the work she and her mate will face in the future, if there are more books that they show up in. And my guess is that there will be more books as there were plenty of loose ends left to tie up if the author chooses to stay with this series. What loose ends? Well, enhanced women have a blood issue, the Kurjan Nation has a lot of repair work to be done by their new king and queen, and there are issues I wonder about like the Seven and what they will do now…and then all of the OTHER realms and beings and such.

The author mentioned 21 books written in this world though this is book 16 in the Dark Protectors Series. The books don’t have to be read in order but this book would benefit from knowing the backstory of Hope, Paxton, and Drake.

Did I enjoy this book? Not as much as I thought I would
Will I read more by this author? If the synopsis appeals – yes
Rating: 3 overall
Enjoyment: 2-3
5 because it needed to be written
Averaged to: 3

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Press for the ARC – this is my honest review. ( )

In the conclusive book of the DARK PROTECTORS series, it's finally the turn for the heroine's happy ending. In this case, leading a small group of warriors against those who are intent in destroying the world. There are two men linked with the heroine in vastly different ways. Yet the heroine must choose the one who will bring peace to the world and be the partner that she rightly deserves in the battle against evil.

This is a highly anticipated book in this Rebecca Zanetti paranormal romance series. The three main characters had grown up throughout the series after their first introduction. Each are uniquely different and shows growth in various ways in this series. Though the book provided enough information about the overall series plot, for a whole image of the main characters, the series should be read in order and/or at least in the books that they make appearances in. The book does have some memorable secondary characters that makes the story better, especially the heroine's father with his protective instincts. This is an enjoyable read with action, suspense, and romance mixed together in a supernatural setting, though I would have liked some more details in certain areas of the book. Overall, a satisfying conclusion to the DARK PROTECTORS series and I look forward to reading more books from the author in the future.

** Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. ** ( )

Warrior’s Hope by Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors series #16. Conclusion of the second arc between Vampire’s Faith this book. Best read as part of the series in order. Paranormal romance.
Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood has always known that she is the key to a specific destiny. As a proffet, she believes her job is to somehow bring the two nations together. Her choice is between duty and love, peace and war, with the fate of everyone she loves hanging in the balance.
Drake is the leader of the Kurjan nation. Hope and Drake have known each other since they were children when Hope was able to create a dream world. He believes that taking Hope as a mate will be the ultimate win for their collective future.
Paxton has been Hope’s best friend and protector their whole lives. He will kill and die for her without a second thought. It’s his path.
It’s time for Hope to make life altering choices. Can she love one or the other exclusively or can sh bring the warring nations together in peace?

It’s time. Hope feels she must be the link to bring everyone together for the future.
She’s the only female vampire ever born. Her bloodline includes demon, vampire, witch and has yet to manifest any powers. She might just have to face the fact that she’s more human than anything else.
Hope is caught in the middle between duty and love. Can she turn duty into love? For the good of the Realm and Kurjan nations?

My heart has been bleeding for Hope for years. I was always silently hoping she wouldn’t have to make a choice.
Pax is so loyal and protective. And hot! He will do anything for Hope. Beat him up and put him in a cell and his thoughts are “is Hope ok? Did she get a warmer coat? Did someone heal her arm and take her pain away?”
I admit the fighting/battle was sometimes a bit too much for me.
The drama, and choices, and love were explosive and satisfying. And so heart-clenching!
I wasn’t sure what to expect in the conclusion but it doesn’t disappoint in the least.
Loved this so much. All the stars.
(So hard to write this without spoilers!)

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I’ve also bought multiple copies to share and all formats to keep. ( )