Cover Image: Rebel's Karma

Rebel's Karma

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Taken from her human family, Karma was wed to a man she didn't know. Now, as a widowed mate in a fiercely patriarchical society, she survives by doing everything she can to protect the innocent and the children. Vampire-Demon hybrid Benjamin Reese is dedicated to his brotherhood and to their mission to protect the enhanced females and to rescue those who have been taken by Benjamin's enemies. During one such rescue he finds Karma and his protective instincts kick in. Forced to leave her behind, he hasn't stopped looking for her. Now that he's found her, he won't stop until she's his.

I loved Benny. He makes the protection of his brothers and their mates his mission, carrying a heavy weight of responsibility. He feels deeply, but covers it with humor and sarcasm. He's surprised by the gentle side Karma brings out in him. Karma is innocent and unsure, especially when she finds Benjamin and his friends are not the monsters she's been told they are. Now a part of them, Karma learns she's so much more than she's been led to believe. And in finding her strength, she teaches Benjamin that there's no shame in needing someone.

This is a great addition to the Dark Protectors series. While Benny and Karma's story stands on it's own, readers may benefit from reading earlier Dark Protectors books for back story. The story adds to the puzzle of what the future holds for Benjamin and his brothers and what's next in the war between the Realm and the Kurjans. I know it's left me hungry for more.

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REBEL'S KARMA is author Rebecca Zanetti's Dark Protectors series at its best.

Reviewed by Annetta Sweetko for Fresh Fiction

Complete review: https://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=73963

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Benny and Karma's love story was everything we had hoped for. Things are heating up in the Dark Protector's series. We can see the confrontation between Ulric & his Kurjan's and the Realm coming to a head soon. We see major confrontations between the Kurjan/Cyst forces and the Seven with Benny & Karma's mating. We get glimpses of Hope-Pax-Libby & Drake as teens and the chemistry heating up as they are on the cusp of adulthood. We see the virus work breaking mating bonds. There is so much packed in this book it's hard to not give anything away! Wow, just wow this is a full active book! I loved every minute of it and couldn't tear myself away given I finished it in 2 days.

Benjamin Horatio Laurence Reese has been looking for Karma for 3 years since his mating mark appeared on his palm rescuing some of the enhanced women & children from the Kurjans. He allows himself to be captured to gain intel and her location. In bold moves, he breaks out of prison and takes her back to the Realm to safety. The Realm don't know she has an implant that allows the Kurjan's to hear and see out of her eyes. Their plan is for her to gather intel and take the mating virus so Terre, the Kurjan #2, can mate her. Karma was mated 200 years ago and her mate died the first year. She's basically a servant and has adopted twin girl toddlers who are enhanced. She quickly finds what she's been told about the Realm cruelty is a lie and is drawn to them with their gentle kindness.

Benny is one of the elite Seven who will ultimately bring down Ulric, the evil Cyst spiritual leader. He never has planned to mate and fully expects to die in the battle saving his people. He's so drawn to Karma who is a real old school lady, but plans to set her up and keep her safe but not mate her. It's really amazing to see the flip side of crazy Benny. Who knew the gentle, patient and kind man lurked behind his crazy and unpredictable demeanor. I loved watching these two fall in love. It was fabulous how Karma grew under the Realm's friendship and kindness to her. She discovered who she was, and that she had a core of steel under her submissiveness. She grew to be a terrific woman.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I absolutely loved this! I couldn’t wait for Benny’s story. After the sneak peek we got of him and Karma in the previous book, I needed to know how they would come together. I was surprised by the little twists (yep, more than one) that Rebecca threw at us. Each book becomes my new favorite and this is no exception. The ending was awesome!
5 stars!!

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Benny and Karma's story. It has taken three years for Benny to find Karma again. Mated to a Kurjan who dies shortly after they married, Karma has been alone for centuries under the abusive care of the Kurjans. She does what she can to help the enhanced humans that the Kurjan kidnap and tries to stay away from the others.

Benny rescues her, however, the Kurjan is using her to help spy on the Seven and the others. Karma is an unwilling participant and she is quickly learning that everything the Kurjan teaches them is a lie.

Good story. Always nice to touch bases and see what is happening with the other couples.

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Benny had let himself get captured so he could find Karma. When she finds him in one of the holding cells and tries to help him, he let's her know that he's been looking for three years for her. He wants to save her from the Kurjans but she's not sure she can trust him. Karma had once been mated to a Kurjan and now can't be touched by any other males or they will both develop a rash. Benny is a demon vampire hybrid and he tells her that he came back for her because the mating mark appeared on him three years ago when he touched her and tried to save her but she doesn't believe him at first.

Once back with his people, Karma thinks that Benny is bringing her with him so she can be killed or so that the queen can do experiments on her. But even though she slowly begins to accept that they aren't going to kill her, she has a huge secret. When Benny and the others realize what her secret is, they aren't too happy but they don't know if she's in on it or being coerced. They also don't know that the dead mother of the twin girls she left behind keeps badgering her to go back and save them from the Kurjans.

I really liked how Benny is with Karma and how Karma finally finds herself among all of them. Benny is my favorite of the seven so far. He's such a warrior and he knows that the final battle is going to happen before the others think it's going to happen but he really proved that he was worthy of someone like Karma.

This book was interesting since we get to see the Kurjan's from Karma's perspective. The Kurjan's and Ulric are crazy dangerous and now we know that they have to be taken out and hopefully the seven will be able to do it soon.

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Normally I'd avoid book 13 in an ongoing series. There just tends to be so much backstory that you're missing no matter how well the author recaps. Many writers recap too much which is cumbersome. Zanetti did an amazing job of giving the reader just the right view into the character's histories without retelling previous stories. I'm sure I'd have enjoyed the story even better as a reader of the series but the book actually stood alone well.

Karma has been basically a slave to the Kurjans since her husband died more than 200 years ago. One especially violent warrior has his eyes set on her but the long ago mating that lasted only briefly still protects her from Terre. She's left to adopt twin girls who've lost their mother far too early. She loves the girls with all the fierceness of a biological mother and thoughts of escape are now complicated with the need to get the girls out too..

For some reason Benny's been marked from his first touch with Karma. He can't actually mate her but he feels compelled to rescue her and forever protect her from her evil captors. He allows himself to be captured with the sole purpose of saving Karma. She comes to heal his impossibly damaged body but isn't ready to be saved without the girls. When he gets her free the story gets even more complicated. The Kurjans allowed her to leave with their own plans to gather intel, get her the mating antidote and for Karma to return to mate Terre.. The girls are their insurance for her return.

Add to this the ongoing struggles between the Seven and well, basically, everyone else and there's tons of great tension and stress in this book. During which Karma and Benny find out just how compatible they are. Sexually and emotionally.

Zanetti has built an amazing world that exists within current days and geography yet the humans are completely unaware of what surrounds them. The characters were so rich and unique. For example, I loved Emma and will have to go back and find her story. Karma is terrified of the evil Queen of the Realm. She's known to sadistically torture people, especially Kurjans, in her scientific endeavors. Or so Karma's been told. Instead of a heartless monster she finds a quirky, sassy (especially to her husband, the King of the Realm) kind, compassionate woman brimming with curiosity and the desire to help others. Benjamin has been nothing but kind and gentle with her too. Wait? Was everything she's been told a lie? With the growing realization that life is actually very good with the Seven and the Realm, Karma would easily just stay. Except for the girls.

What ensues is a cataclysmic clash between two groups of immortals. Much damage is wrought and many die. But in the end things work out better for Karma, Benny, the girls and really all involved except the Kurjans. Just as it should be.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and anyone who likes a hot love story with tons of action and suspense will too.

Thanks to Lyrical Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

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This is book 13 in the Dark Protectors series and while it could be read as a stand alone I would at least read the last few books starting with Vampire's Faith as that book started this newest larger story ARC. With that being said, we finally get a book for Benny!!! Benjamin Reese has always hidden things about himself with his humor. He protects his family and his friends fiercely and without mercy. But when he finds one fragile blonde (who used to be mated to a Kurjan) every instinct he has comes to life. When the mating mark shows on his hand when he meet's her, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe and making her his own. Karma wishes she could remember more of her past-including her last name. All she has in this world is protecting the innocent if she can. And that means she has to destroy Benjamin and all he holds dear, which seems like an impossible task for her. Can she do what she thinks needs to be done or can she trust Benny to not only keep her safe but the ones she tries to help as well?

I absolutely loved Benny's story! I have wanted a story for him ever since first seeing him in his nephew's book and this story in no way disappointed! Benny is still just as crazy as ever but you learn that while it may seem crazy to people the things he is willing to do, it actually plays into his own plans. I loved that about him! He has such hidden depths that I definitely wasn't expecting, but they drew me in and made me love him even more! Karma has been through so many things that would have broken most people. And she was just struggling not only to survive but to do what she knows is the right thing to do. I don't want to say a lot because it really is a spoiler. But let me just say, I loved how strong this woman truly is. And just what she is willing to do for what she believes in. These two share this phenomenal chemistry that draws you in from the first but they also are just plain likable characters! There is, of course, the bigger story line happening. And this book definitely pushed that even further along. We say glimpses of Hope, Pax, and Drake along with Libby. So we know they will be a major part of that story line. And while their relationships remind me a little of Zane and Janie and what they dealt with-I honestly don't think that Pax and Hope are going to be the ones for each other. I really hope Pax doesn't end up completely distorted due to his uncle but I also don't feel like Drake is this totally bad guy either. I could see Hope and Drake ending up together and actually ending the conflict totally and bringing them all together for good. Gah, this whole series has sucked me in so much! And I really can't wait for the next! I really need Sam and Garret's books though! I have loved their characters as much as Benny so I need to see how their respective stories play out and how they affect the bigger storyline!

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I loved this book I've been waiting years for Benny's book, It was worth the wait. I can't wait for the next book in the series, or any book from rebecca Zanetti.
Benny and Karma were great together and it's always nice to everyone from the previous books too.

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This is one series from Ms Zanetti that i don't read so the 3 star is based on my enjoyment of the book and not the quality of the book. The characters were well developed. Benny has been in the series for awhile so i think the readers of the series will enjoy this story. The author did a good job of explaining so that it can be enjoyed as a standalone .The scenes of Karma with the queen were hilarious. Karma and Benny's interactions and how attentive he was to her situation were romantic.

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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the thirteenth book in the series, but I have to admit to being quite new to the world – having read a couple of novellas in the 1001 Dark Nights family of books. I also love the Deep Ops series by the very talented Zanetti, so was happy to get the chance to read and review the latest book.

What I loved about this book was the clear message that what you are told need not be true. Karma had been fed multiple lies about the behaviour of the The Realm and The Seven and preferred to stay in an evil world than face one reputedly far worse. It was a revelation to her that the queen who was meant to experiment on all strangers would turn into a friend. That Benjamin would give her a choice about the mating mark he had for her. It was powerful and yet gently written – a message many may need to hear in these days of media control.

I love that there is an underlying aim and goal which seeps through the story, but that the plot gives us a rich and caring romance, even when all around is destruction and chaos. It provides extra clues to the ultimate goal and the lengths to which characters will go to become all powerful – whatever the cost to other lives. It was fun to see Karma blossom and to even find some of her unknown powers when she needed them the most.

I am definitely going to have to get up to speed with the whole series as I can see that the next book will bring together many strands that I need to understand!

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I really enjoyed this action filled and tense story with Benny and Karma. Karma is part of the evil race and when Benny realizes she is his mate, he does everything to rescue her. I love seeing Benny fall hard for Karma and her girls. I love seeing Karma get strong and become the perfect mate for Benny. This series is just gets better and better.

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Years ago, Benjamin Reese escaped from the Kurjans while trying to save some women, including Karma. Karma had been mated with a Kurjan general 200 years earlier, but he died the first year they were together. Still being mated, when Benny clasped Karma’s hand it burned, but then the mating mark appeared on Benjamin’s hand. She escaped from Benny, but he never forgot her. Now he is back in Kurjan custody, his only plan is to rescue Karma, who doesn’t seem to want to be rescued.

This is the oddest couple in the series, and it was funny seeing Karma’s expectations of what it would be like in the hands of the enemy. She was so certain she was going to be experimented on and tortured; imagine her shock when she finally meets the frightening Queen of the Realm only to find Emma in jeans and acting like a regular person. And then seeing how the other women were treated was an eye-opener. She learns everything she’d been told was a lie. Watching her gain self-confidence, and finally learning to trust those who had been the dreaded enemy, was a wonderful journey. She went from being a cautious, docile acting woman, to a woman not afraid to go after what she wanted.

Benny is a very old warrior who never planned on finding a mate, or wanting to mate. He is so protective of Karma, while basically saying he’d give her money, send her someplace safe, and that was the end of things. But life is never that simple.

I really enjoyed seeing Hope, Drake and Paxton together again in the dream world. It was like looking back at Hope’s mother, Janie, when Janie used to go the dream world to meet with Zane and Kalin. I’m really looking forward to see who Hope ends up with.

The original couple (Talen and Cara) are now grandparents to Hope; the alliances are collapsing; and the kurjans now have advanced technologies. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a digital advanced reader copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley and this is my honest review.

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I have so enjoyed each book in this series! Benny is a bit complex. Benny hides his serious side behind laughter. Thinking he will never mate, that all changes with Karma. Twists and turns and lots of steam. Kind of a slow burn with the romance. A mother will do anything for her children. Benny and Karma overcome a lot to find their HEA.

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My Review of Rebels Karma

Excellent, and emotional read. Benjamin Reese meets his mate Karma 3 years earlier during a rescue mission. Karma refuses to leave because she's become adopted mother to twin girls. It takes 3 years for Benny to find Karma, and rescue her. Benny, along with the Seven are unaware the the Kurjans have implanted a listening, and seeing device in Karen's head, and want her to take the virus which will break the mating bond from her dead Kurjan mate. Will Benny be able to convince Karma to be his mate, before she claimed by a violent Kurjan male that's been obsessed with her for centuries?

We see old favorites return, and get an update and see the growing tension between Hope, Pax and Drake, who are now teenagers. I'm looking forward to the continuing battles between the Seven, the Cyst, and the Kurjans.

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Rebel's Karma is the latest release in the wonderful Dark Protectors series. If you enjoy paranormal romance, intricate (but easy to follow) plots and well-developed characters, this is the series for you!

Rebecca Zanetti is a fantastic writer and has created yet another great book in the Dark Protectors series. If you haven't read any of the previous books, don't stress. While it's a fantastic series to start from the beginning (and you'll definitely want to go back and read the previous books), Rebel's Karma can be read as a standalone with minor confusion surrounding the different species (especially the Kurjans). Zanetti has created a story that immediately hooked me in and left me wanting more. The characters, at once, felt familiar in their personalities and actions - like a long-lost friend, and just like a friend, I couldn't help cheering them on with every victory and achievement.

One of the other great things with this series is Zanetti perfectly balances the central storyline between the MCs with important glimpses into the lives of secondary characters. I say 'important' because they're all part of a bigger overall story arc and with the reveal of each puzzle piece, I just know this series is going to get better and better.

Overall, I love this series and its author. Rebecca Zanetti is one of my favourite authors and proves herself a fantastic author with each new release. I've read multiple books in this series so far (and plan to read the rest) and I've loved each and every one. Dark Protectors is definitely one of my go-to series when I'm in the mood for a good paranormal romance and I'd recommend it to everyone.

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He’s always had Karma😍

Benny’s story is the one I’ve been patiently waiting for and it does not disappoint❣️Benny finds his mate in Karma at a Kurjan camp upon rescuing enhanced females but it takes him approximately three years to find her and free her from them….unfortunately there are things he doesn’t know about her and what the Kurjans have done😳

Suffice to say I absolutely loved this story and the ending was absolutely hilarious with a good glimpse at their future😁 Super excited for more of this series as I cannot get enough of these immortals🤩 I received an advanced copy via Netgalley and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️

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I love the Dark Protectors series so much. I'm always excited for each new book to release. This is book 13, which features Benny and Karma.
I enjoyed spending time with them. They were so good together. I loved how Benny tried to curb some of his crazy, while helping Karma realize she can kick butt with the best of them. It was good to see Karma come of her shell (being with the enemy Kurjans and Cysts would beat anyone down). Plus we got to see someof the other characters in the series - including Hope, Pax, and Drake.
The only thing I missed in this book was some backstory on Benny. I wanted to know a little bit more about what makes him who he is.

We're moving ever closer to the final showdown between the Dark Protectors and the Kurjans/Cysts. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

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Another great read by Rebecca Zanetti. Zanetti writes the best alpha heroes and pairs them with strong women who keep them on their toes. Benny is stubborn and sweet at the same time. He really works hard to help Karma develop her self confidence. The plot continues with the Kurgans and Cysts. We learn more about Hope and her friends. Dage, Emma and Bear make an appearance but we did not get to visit with the rest of the gang from previous books. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series. Zanetti’s books keep getting better. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. Zanetti is an auto buy author for me and I highly recommend her books to anyone.

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Mated centuries ago, Karma was turned immortal. When her mate died just a few years after, she was left with his race, who believe women are property. Thankfully, being mated means that any man that touches her for too long will get a burning rash.
When she is rescued/kidnapped by Benjamin, Karma sees there is a different way to live. She can have choices and determine her own destiny. But first, she must get her girls back.
Opinion
I jumped into this book not realizing it is number 13 in a series. Usually when you are that far into a series, there are a lot of situtations that are presumed you would you understand. I had no issues throughout this book understanding any situtation. If it was needed, it was done quickly and consisely.
The story offers a great mix of romance, action and suspense. The book is very fast paced yet mesmerizing enough that you do not notice how long you have been reading. I feel that I could sit down and read through the whole series within a short span of time.
This book is not from my typical genre. It did call to me though and I absolutely loved it. Well done.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

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