I really enjoyed this as a seventeenth entry in the Dark Protectors series, it does a great job in creating that world and concept that I was expecting from the genre. The characters worked well in this setting and thoroughly enjoyed the concept and how they were used. Rebecca Zanetti has a strong writing style and am excited for more.

I loved Ms. Zanetti's latest installment in the Dark Protectors series. Vero is a great character. The Kurjans have been the bad guys for so long and he is totally different from prior Kurjans we have seen.

Adding Vero's mate, Lyrica, to the mix definitely brought out his protective instincts, which were already showing in how he interacted with Paxton.

I can't wait to read the next story in this series.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing/Lyrical Press cod the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book.This is part of a very large series, and with patience can be read as a stand alone (there are a lot of names). This is Vero Phoenix and Lyrica Graves story. This is a fun read full of previously unanswered questions. Lots is suspense, well worth a read. Enjoy. 4 stars

This one’s on me—I didn’t realize Prince of Darkness was book 17 in a long-running series when I picked it up. Once I saw how deep into the world it was, I decided not to dive in, since I knew I wouldn’t get the full experience or understand the character arcs without all the context.

I’m sure longtime fans of the series will get a lot more out of it, but for newcomers, I’d recommend starting at the beginning if you want to really follow the story.

There is nothing I love more than a villain redemption story. Rebecca Zanetti 100% delivers with Vero and Lyrica. I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Vero as we have seen bits and pieces of him over the course of the series. But the way Zanetti weaves his tale and takes him from being enemy to the hero we’re all rooting for? It’s brilliant. Lyrica is also a gem of a character. Filled with all the defiance and independence Rebecca Zanetti is known for giving her female main characters, Lyrica has that little bit more that gives her everything she needs to stand up to our anti-hero and be both strong enough to stand next to him but also his soft place to land. I wasn’t sure how Rebecca Zanetti was going to make it work but color me converted to the dark side. I can’t wait to see where else this part of the series will take us.

I was a little surprised that this series has started to pair off Kurjan characters with this installment, but I should have trusted the author. These books never disappoint and this book is no exception.

Vero is the brother of the new king, which I still am not done reacting to from the previous book. He is trying to merge his world with the rest of the “realm” to various degrees of success. Lyrica is both a help and a hinderance in this respect. She is a distraction to him, as you’d expect in this type of book, but she is also leveraging her modern skill set to reach out to the Kurjan mates to make sure they are there of their own choice (mating was not exactly a fair decision to them all the time). While Vero always seems to assume the mates are there happily, Lyrica is equally wrong for assuming they all want to leave. Navigating this only brings them closer together, though, so yay!

All while this is going on, there are political machinations working against the new king, in the form of traitors, attempts on his life, and attempts at sabotaging the historic peace talks. Oh, and we get to watch Vero and Lyrica navigate an unorthodox relationship. Loved all of these things - the only frustration was Lyrica’s determination to throw herself into harm’s way at every turn. Again, expected but frustrating. We get some really great happy ending here in all ways - surprising again, but in a fantastic way. I am loving watching this world grow and evolve as we continue to watch folks pair off. I hope we get some shifter romance next!

Prince of Darkness by Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors #17

It was interesting to pick up book seventeen in the Dark Protectors series and find the Kurjans now in alliance with the Realm and to have a Kurjan one of the main characters who finds his eternal mate. Why was interesting? Because for most of the series the Kurjans have been the bad guys and now things have changed.

What I liked:
* Vero: Paxton’s brother, scientist, warrior, Kurjan, protective, lethal, abused as a child, learns something new about himself, attracted to Lyrica
* Lyrica: human, enhanced, kidnapped by Kurjans but now free, working to improve the lives of human women captured by Kurjans, attracted to Vero
* Finding out what Hope is doing now and how Paxton is coping with being King
* The underlying issue of securing an alliance between the Kurjans and the breakaway Cysts (spiritual leaders and warriors) within a specific timeframe
* Thinking about what it might be like for a human to become immortal and live forever with the same partner…would they keep in step with time or remain anchored to the original time of birth
* The mystery of who was killing human women and how it was solved
* The world building that has taken place throughout the series and returning to this imagined place
* Watching the relationship develop between Vero and Lyrica
* The medical issue that had to be solved and what might have caused it.
* Thinking about whether Jonathan or another Kurjan might end up with Hope and Paxton’s friend, Libby
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* The serial killer who was so callous
* The misguided group that called themselves The Defenders
* Knowing that though this is fiction there are too many humans that like to do evil things

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley a nd Kensington Books – Lyrical for the ARC- This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

This is part of a series but this was my first book that I have read in the series and I wasn't lost at all. We got all the information we needed to start this new arc in the series so it is great place to jump in if you haven't read the prior books.

I loved Vero and Lyrica and the story pulled me right into their world. It is an interesting twist for this kind of romance and had plenty of action to keep you turning pages. I love the banter and the balance of Vero and Lyrica. Even though they are both different in their approach, they both care deeply about keeping others safe.

I'm very intrigued about the next installment in the series. Now I'm hooked!

Prince of Darkness (Dark Protectors Book #17) by Rebecca Zanetti carries the Dark Protectors Series to the Kurjan nation. After backing his brother to be king of the Kurjan nation, Vero becomes his enforcer. There is a lot of dissent with this king and some believe that Vero is a traitor. This sets the stage for all the turmoil in the book.

Lyrica was captured by the Kurjans. The new king with his brother are trying to modernize the nation with Lyrica’s help. She has a strong personality and there is a lot of friction with an underlying strong attraction to Vero.

Combine a sizzling relationship with murder, intrigue, betrayal and the establishment of a new king, you have a fantastic book from Rebecca Zanetti. The hardest part of reading this book is trying not to peek at the ending. This is a page turner.

This author is a great writer who brings her characters to life and writes stories that are captivating. It is going to be difficult to wait for the next book in this series.

I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

Most of this series of paranormal creatures, Dark Protectors, the Kurjans were the enemy. Now with the alliance, we get the story from a Kurjan perspective through Vero Phoenix. He's stepped out of his comfort zone in the lab to back his half brother Pax as king and become his protector and enforcer. To add to his trouble, he's forced to work with Lyrica, an empath human who's helping the women who'd been kidnapped adjust to normal life. Vero and Lyrica clash at every turn and their fights and banter mask the attraction they both feel.
This is a great new installment to the series. It can be read as a standalone but the backstory makes more sense if you read the other books first. It's been awhile since I've read one but it only took a few chapters to fall back into the Dark Protector world. I loved Vero and Lyrica!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I tried to read this and I just don't think her writing style is for me. I couldn't get invested and I just wasn't interested in the plot. I was finding every reason to not pick up the book and that is how i know i am going to dnf because I never cared about the plot or the characters.

This was a great continuation of the series and I really enjoyed the perspective of the Kurjan nation, it humanised them and showed that they weren't just mindless soldiers only intent to cause harm.

Vero is a fascinating character who comes across a little cold but you soon realise that bubbling under the surface is someone who feels things very deeply, with a sense of honour. He is steadfast in his protection of Paxton and it was good to see the relationships that were opening up to him, not just with Lyrica but with his brother and Hunter who he felt betrayed by but was working towards getting back to their friendship.

Lyrica was a strong character who wanted to make sure that the women or the Kurjan nation were accepted, protected and considered as valuable members of the world. She wanted to ensure that every woman had everything they could want or need and was happy to go up against the nation to achieve that. Over the course of the story it became clear that a lot of the wives were happy either their relationships and were actually cherished by their husband's even if that hadn't always been the way with all the marriages.

Vero and Lyrica together were combustible, it was obvious that they were perfect for each other and even though they both believed it to be temporary at the start, I was happy they figured out everything to enable them to stay together.

This is another fantastic edition to the Dark Protectors and is a great step in to the new story arc, I can't wait to see what happens next!

SYNOPSIS
Beyond the human world lies a realm of intoxicating darkness—home to powerful, deadly beings like vampires, demons, witches, and shifters. When humans are pulled into this hidden world, they’re never the same.

THOUGHTS
THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS, the latest installment in Rebecca Zanetti’s DARK PROTECTORS series, delivers on the promise of its synopsis—and then some. The Kurjans have long been the series' primary antagonists, so watching Pax, their newly crowned king, attempt to lead them toward peace marks a bold and satisfying shift. Zanetti handles this transition with nuance. The Kurjans may no longer be at war, but they remain far from trusted, and that lingering suspicion keeps the tension high and the stakes even higher.
While part of the broader DARK PROTECTORS narrative, THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS stands out as Vero’s story. His arc brings back the emotional depth that felt absent in the previous installment, WARRIOR’S HOPE. With a serial killer on the loose and assassins targeting King Pax, Vero must navigate political peril while protecting those he’s come to care about.
Lyrica emerges as one of Zanetti’s most compelling heroines. Introduced as a former Kurjan captive, she now helps other women—both recently freed and long-time prisoners—make decisions about their futures. Whether they choose to return to the human world or remain among the Kurjans, Lyrica insists the choice must be theirs.
Yet she remains unsure about her own path. Having spent much of her life alone—even before her captivity—Lyrica is only beginning to understand what it means to belong. Her newfound purpose is empowering, but her growing connection with Vero is what truly catches her off guard.
Together, Vero and Lyrica make a surprisingly authentic pair. Zanetti avoids the overused tropes that can turn paranormal romance into fairy tale fantasy. Vero isn’t a perfect alpha, and Lyrica isn’t waiting to be rescued. Their bond—built on shared burdens, mutual respect, and undeniable chemistry. Their "will they/won’t they" tension feels real and earned.

RECOMMENDATION 4 Stars

THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS is a strong, layered addition to Rebecca Zanetti’s DARK PROTECTORS series.With a surprisingly layered murder mystery, high-stakes political intrigue, and a romance that thankfully steers clear of clichés, this installment is a wonderful addition to the series. Vero and Lyrica are a refreshingly real duo whose story feels both timely and timeless. A great pick for longtime fans and new readers alike.

RECOMMENDATION 4 Stars

Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC for an unbiased review. NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #PrinceofDarkness

Wow, just amazing!! Loved Vero & Lyrica!! I was hooked from the first page & what a twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting. Once again this author has proven why she is one of my favorite authors, I have yet to be disappointed by one of her books and this one blew me away!! I can’t wait for the next one, I want Jonathan to get his book next. I highly recommend you read this, it will keep guessing & so entertained.

I realized that this book is the 17th book in this world, and while it’s not necessarily a series that has to be read up to this point, I do think I missed out on the dynamics of the world building because I am jumping in at this point. Either way, I was able to pick up what seemed relevant to the story along the way. I think. But I also feel a bit like I’m missing some foundational elements. So if you’ve read other books in this series your enjoyment of this book might be higher.
Overall, it was a good book. It felt like the writer has a sort of groove for the pacing and interactions with characters that she likes to follow that did make it seem a bit.. rehearsed? Or at least I got the feeling that the writing was formulaic and that her other books would likely follow a certain routine. That didn’t necessarily detract from the book, but it did make it feel a bit predictable and took the edge off the book that would’ve make it really thrive. I can’t really complain about anything in particular, the writing was fine, the story was fine, it just didn’t particularly hook me and keep me engaged and wanting to stay up to read it. That could also be a result of the number of books I read so with this one having that more rehearsed tone to it, I just didn’t find myself falling into the world and characters like I would’ve hoped to.

3.5 stars

Book #17 in the Dark Protectors series, and it’s the beginning of a brand new story arc! Longtime fans will love the new direction that the series is taking, and newbies can jump in to the world without feeling lost. It’s a great story set in one of my favourite paranormal worlds, and I really enjoyed this book.

The Kurjan nation have been the long-time enemies of the Realm of supernatural races that make up this series (vampires, demons, shifters and witches). Now, things are changing. The war is over, there is a tentative peace, and with new leadership, the Kurjans are trying to strengthen their nation and adjust to their new reality. Leading the way is Vero, who is the half-brother of the new Kurjan king, and who is in the heart of the political turmoil as he fights for peace and stability for his people as they struggle to adjust to the real (modern) world.

Lyrica is a human woman who was kidnapped by the Kurjans as a potential mate. She was freed with the change of leadership, and she has stayed on to help other women who were taken like she was. Her role sees her dealing daily with Vero, who is grumpy and broody and who seems to barely tolerate her existence.

One of his dark eyebrows rose. “You just shoved me.”
Huh. Good point. “I didn’t think I could hurt you” The idea seemed ridiculous. He stood twice her size and remained immortal.
“My feelings are devastated.”

It’s an enemies-to-lovers romance set within a rapidly changing world, and not everybody is happy with the new direction for the Kurjans. While Lyrica is organising speed-dating events to help break the ice between the humans and the Kurjans, women are being murdered, and Vero is dealing with a series of attacks on their new home. It’s exciting and action-packed, and as Vero works hard to protect his people and rebuild, he and Lyrica find themselves drawn closer and closer together until their attraction explodes and they find themselves in a relationship that neither of them expected.

"Of all people, the enforcer for the entire Kurjan nation could not be her safe place to land."

It's fun and fast-paced, and I really enjoyed Vero and Lyrica’s story. The grumpy/sunshine element is lots of fun (I do love me a grumpy hero), and the love story is slow-building but passionate. I didn’t feel a lot of emotion between these two, but I did enjoy watching them come together.

“Take all the time you need to learn this,” he said, his voice rough, his thumb brushing her jaw. “You’re mine, Lyrica. I won’t let anybody harm you – whether you like that fact or not.”

I loved being back in this world and seeing glimpses of characters from previous books as the second-generation of the Dark Protectors kids make their way out in the world. I remain hopelessly addicted to the series, and can’t wait for more.

Cool world, interesting characters, and some fun action. Good steamy sweet romance too! Interesting that the Kurjans are now not just seen as an enemy to many; Vero is doing what he can to show that the Kurjans want peace. There helping things along is human Lyrica. Lyrica was kidnapped by the Kurjans, but with the change in the Kurjan leadership, she has been freed. Instead of going her own way, she has decided to stay with the Kurjans and help others. Vero and Lyrica work together at times and begin to grow closer, but it’s a tough thing since they haven’t always been on the same side of things. Overall, an entertaining story. A fun series!

Vero has always had that special something, hasn’t he? The quintessential 'good guy in a bad guy's clothing'—he’s the kind of character who could charm the scales off a dragon. Now, with his brother Paxton at the helm of the newly reformed Kurjan nation, there’s a real push to prove that the Kurjans are more than just misunderstood villains.

Enter Lyrical, the fierce former prisoner with a heart as big as her mission. As she navigates the delicate task of ensuring that every woman who was once a captive finds their place—be it within the Kurjan fold or back with their families—she inevitably crosses paths with Vero. Their chemistry is electric, and honestly, I think I felt a little spark while reading!

The tension between Vero’s gruff exterior and Lyrical’s fierce determination creates explosive moments that kept me glued to the pages. I must say, I enjoyed this story much more than I anticipated—it’s hard not to root for a couple where the sparks are practically flying off the page!

If you haven't had a chance to dive into this one yet, I highly recommend it. I promise, you won't be disappointed

Soooo I requested this book w/o realizing it was 17th in the series!! Because I am someone that NEEDS to read books in order, no matter if they intertwine or not, I haven't made it to this one. I am still on book 1, so far I am enjoying this authors work!! I will update when I make it here. Just wanted to say thank you for the ARC read!!!

If you haven't read any of the prior novels/novellas in the author's Dark Protector series/world, this is a great place to step in and give it a try. If you're already a fan of the series, you won't be disappointed either. This book starts a new arc for the series, with the focus shifting over to a different one of the immortal races than prior books -- the Kurjan, often the antagonist/villain to date, as the new leadership moves to take them into a new era of peace, hope and change. Of course change doesn't come easy to centuries of "tradition" and violence. While some events from prior books are mentioned, the author does a good job of giving the relevant information without bogging down the current story. The same can be said in regards to important pieces of the prior worldbuilding.

I enjoyed Vero & Lyrica's story. You could see the sparks between the two from the start. I appreciated that the relationship wasn't rushed nor was their any "games" or excess angst as they tried to figure out just where the relationship was going. There was respect between the two as they worked together and got to know/understand each other individually and each other race. Action beyond the relationship - Lyrica's desire to help the females and Vero dedication & determination to help his half brother heal and unite the Kurjan into a united nation heading into a better future (while keeping said half brother from being killed) and the various happenings threating their cause also brings a bit of mystery to the story. All work well together to keep the plot & pace moving and the pages turning. I look forward to see what & who will be next.