Wicked Ride

Realm Enforcers #1

by Rebecca Zanetti

If you love the Dark Protectors, these wicked hot Realm Enforcers are for you!

Alexandra Monzelle is a hard-fighting, heat-packing Seattle vice cop, and she’s not much interested in being protected. Her short skirt and sex-kitten heels are tools to lure her suspects into talking about the deadly new drug hitting the streets. She can take care of herself and then some. Unfortunately, she can’t seem to get that through to Kellach Dunne.

Kellach is a fresh import from Dublin, and he’s landed at the heart of a vicious motorcycle club that deals in guns, narcotics, and mayhem. He’s all male, all rough power—and all interference in her damn investigation. Maybe he’s one of the good guys. Maybe not. Lex knows an affair with an immortal like him would risk everything. No matter how delicious he looks…

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Witches, Magic

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2015

About the author

New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has published more than seventy novels and novellas, which have been translated into several languages, with millions of copies sold world-wide. Her books have received Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus starred reviews, favorable Washington Post and New York Times Book Reviews, and been included in Amazon best books of the year.

Rebecca has ridden in a locked Chevy trunk, has asked the unfortunate delivery guy to release her from a set of handcuffs, and has discovered the best silver mine shafts in which to bury a body…all in the name of research. Honest.

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star. DNF @40%. Full review posted June 2, 2015









Yeah, what a ride. *sarcasm*

Good grief. While the heroine is a human being, the hero is the immortal creature. And I don't care if it's PNR or not because that kind of writing is a big fat no, at least to me.

The smell of sweat, motor oil, and tequila danced around.

Bear smiled a full set of teeth.

"You taste like heaven."

Yeah. Right.

He rolled her scent around his tongue.



His voice lowered to a tone darker than raw gravel being spun.

A growl lumbered up from him.

She softened against him, her lips tipping.



He bit. Not hard, but with enough snap to send an electric shock zapping to her abdomen.

There was so much talk about electricity zipping here and there, I'm actually surprised she's still alive. That should have been a deadly dose, ya know? Geez.

Raw heat streaked to her core.

He closed his lips over her pulsating clit and sucked hard. Her body detonated, and shock waves reverberated through her core, under her abdomen right to her breasts.

Plus, although she'd climaxed like there was no tomorrow, a hollowness echoed deep within her.

Vulnerability washed through her in complete contrast to the tough outfit.

Flutters cascaded from her mouth down to her abdomen.

Anger flared through her so quickly she swayed.

Her shoulders settled while angry hurt dropped into her gut.

The hint of violence was there, and raw fury burned in his beyond-dark eyes.



Mild irritation filtered through him, and he settled his stance, banishing any embarrassment in the hope of a good brawl.

Bear's irritation sizzled on the breeze.

The words exploded from Lex, and she drew herself up short with a hard inhale.

Chills cascaded down her back in direct contrast to the fury spiraling heat through her every nerve.

The rumble of power between her thighs sent tingles directly up and under her skin to her chest.



After reading this passage...

"When I knock a woman out, I like to make sure she survives the experience."

…I thought I'd like Kellach's mischief. Unfortunately the more I read the less I liked the story and I came to a point where I had to give up due to the cheesy and poor writing that caused me a headache. Also, I just couldn't bring myself to like Alexandra. I'm the first to admit that I love a strong and feisty heroine. However, Lex annoyed me. Her attitude simply didn't appeal to me and I had to question a few of her decisions and reactions. She wasn't the smartest heroine. Of course the plot had to include one of my pet peeves. A wounded protagonist having sex because, fuck yes, we're horny, so let's do it, right? He even tossed the wounded (human) heroine on the bed.

An author's strange fixation on lips, a softening sex, nipples and abdomen that flare to life, aching groins, a raging and granite-hard and huge cock shaft that acts like a character of its own. Heat, lust and electricity zinging from nipples over bellies to groins, making a little stop to admire lust-filled, darkened eyes that darken even more because there is more heat and more passion that can't be contained no more and finally everything climaxes in a bodily (orgasmic) explosion of epic proportions.

Sweet Mother of God have mercy.

It's the usual. If there hadn't been the PNR angle with the immortals, witches and vampires (except for the fire thingie and their tall stature they didn't really look any differently from common human beings), one could think it's just another corny and bland run-of-the-mill contemp romance. Get this. Even Kate Middleton was a topic in the rainy Seattle setting. She didn't seem to be an enhanced out-of-this-world creature, though.

"And then, it looks like Kate Middleton decided to play a jumping game in wedge heels."

Sorry, Queen Elizabeth hadn't been mentioned as opposed to Kellach's Irish brogue which, I quote, should be bottled and sold to lonely women everywhere.

With that said, I really don't know why I'm still bothering to expect something refreshing and original in the romance genre. Come to think of it, I do know why I haven't shed hope yet. It happens occasionally that I come across an author who takes me by surprise and makes up for the time I invest to wade through a shallow pond of poorly written stories. Sadly, Ms. Zanetti is not among those writers who manage to surprise me.





All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy.


**ARC courtesy of Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

[Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Trust Issues Stars



"The second I think you’re not a moron, the very moment I think we’re on the same page, you fuck it up."-Lex

(note to self the audiobook is really bad. Brock Thompson who Narrated it butchered the names, and the women sounded like 90 year old witches cackling. Never listen to on audio again!!!!)

Wicked Ride is the 1st book in the Realm Enforcers series. The Realm Enforcers series is a spin off to one of my all time favorite series Dark Protectors. Where Dark Protectors focuses more on the vampire part of the paranormal world, Realm Enforcers focuses on the witch part. So all the witches we met and fell in love with in Dark Protectors get their stories. Wicked Ride picks up pretty much right after Marked from Dark Protectors ended. Kell, his brothers and Simone are in Seattle trying to find the drug Apollo which is made of planekite which we learned in DP is deadly to witches.

"I’ve had about enough of this waffling. One second you trust me enough to ride on my bike, and the next second you’re pointing a gun at me."-Kell



“Bear turned into a bear,” she said slowly. Kell slid an arm around her shoulder and tucked her into his side. “He’s a bear shifter.” “Shifter? Shifters exist.” She shook her head. “Witches and shifters.” “Oh my,” Bear said, straight faced.-Lex, Kell, and Bear

Kell was so yummy. An Enforcer for the witch nation Kell really kicked ass. I liked him when I first read about him in Hunted book 3 in the Dark Protectors series. In this book I fell in love with him. He was so protective and dominant. He really made this book for me. Alexandra (Lex) I liked but at the same time I wanted to smack some sense into her. I loved that Lex was a kick ass cop that knew how to take care of herself, but I hated her trust issues. I understand where they came from but I felt the mistrust of Kell just went on too long for my likings. I liked how protective she was of the ones she cared about but I wanted her to be more loyal to Kell her mate.

“Don’t be cute.” He leaned in, his mouth an inch away, his gaze keeping hers. “I can’t fight cute right now.” In her entire life, nobody had ever called her cute. She blinked. “I want to trust you. So badly, I want to trust you.” -Kell and Lex



“I like you too.” She blew out air. “I trust you, Kellach Dunne. I’m keeping you.”-Lex

I loved the animalistic passion between Lex and Kell. I felt that they made a cute couple and I loved that Kell was so understanding of Lex's daddy/trust issues. I loved getting to know Kells' two brothers better. Adam and Daire were both fascinating and I can't wait to get their books. I also went straight fangirl crazy when some favs from DP made cameos in this book. There was Dage the King, Emma the Queen, Garrett (Talen and Cara's son) and Logan(Zane's brother) and I loved every minute of it. I loved the action in this book. It kept the book flowing. I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to see who else pops up in the next few books. And God Please Rebecca Zanetti I am begging give Garrett a book Please!!!!

“I’ve lived lifetimes, Alexandra, and I don’t think I’ve ever wanted a woman this much”-Kell

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING 4.5 STARS



Wicked Ride is book one in the Realm Enforcers series by Rebecca Zanetti. This is my first ever Rebecca Zanetti book. I’ve been wanting to try one of her books forever and I can tell you that after one book, I am a fan.



Alexandra is a Seattle cop. She is very serious about her job. She has a reason she chose law enforcement as a profession. She wants to rid the streets of drugs due to her drug dealing, murdering father who now is sitting in prison. There is a new drug on the streets called Apollo that kills and she is determined to find out where it is coming from. She isn’t the only one that is looking for the supplier of this terrible drug, though.



Kellach Gideon Dunne and his brothers are from Ireland. They are undercover in Seattle trying to find out who is supplying Apollo. They are posing as bikers for a biker gang that is involved. Kellach and his brothers aren’t just normal humans, though. They are enforcers for a Witches Coven. These witches have the most awesome power of being able to gather electricity or energy and forming fireballs. When they get over stimulated, either from anger or ‘other reasons’ fire tends to sort of appear along their arms or bodies. Kell is all alpha. When he and Alexandra meet, there is an instant attraction but is it just chemistry or something more?



There is so much I want to say about this book. First, Kell and Lexi were so great together. Kell was of a mind that once he claimed Lexi as his, she would do as he told her. Lexi, though, was about as stubborn as she could be. She was proud and strong and independent. She was falling for Kell but the law came first. And if Kell stepped outside of the boundaries, she would take him down. Together they were explosive. The sex was not slow and gentle by any means. But they were perfect, both in their own ways.



It took me a little while to understand the world the author created here. But as Lexi learned and grew to understand it, I learned right along with her. By half way through, I was fine and completely hooked. I liked that I got a little bit of everything, witches, shape shifters, vampires and demons.



Lexi and Kell are trying to find out the source of this drug. Why was it introduced in Seattle? They find themselves not only fighting against the bad guys but often times against each other as Lexi tries to decide if Kell really is who he says he is and if she can truly trust him. The action scenes were intense and the sexy scenes were hot.



This definitely won’t be my last book by Rebecca Zanetti. I see so many of her books I want to read. I look forward to the next book in this series, Wicked Edge, due out in about six months. This book had all the elements that I enjoy in a story and I loved it.

“I like you too.” She blew out air. “I trust you, Kellach Dunne. I’m keeping you.”

[Sophia Triad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kellach and Alexandra

Kellach Dunne

is Irish:
“Get on your knees.”
Intrigue leaped into his glittering eyes. “Not garing ta happen.”
Was that a true Irish brogue? It fit him somehow. “I will shoot you.”
He shrugged a massive shoulder beneath a leather duster. “That’s your choice, lass.”
Did he just fucking call her lass like some lady from a century ago? “Oh no, Irish boy. Get on your knees. Now.”

a biker and a member of a biker’s club:
“Club. Motorcycle club members. Titans of Fire Motorcycle Club, to be exact.” He stood and leaned against the door, blocking the only exit. “We need ta discuss that allegation before we get to the fucking.”

a witch:
“The weapon that throws fire?” he rumbled.
“Y-yeah?” she asked
He flipped over his hand, and a ball of electricity danced on his palm. With a flick of his wrist, the ball slammed into a nearby spruce, igniting the bark. The rain quickly quenched the fire, steam billowing around. “It’s me.”

and he is really really very old:
Her eyes widened. “Oh my god. How old are you?”
Amusement bubbled up his chest, widening it. “About three hundred and fifty years. Why?”
She coughed. “You’re kidding.”
Her eyes widened. “You’re an old fart. Cradle robber.”

Alexandra Monzelle is 32, human, with a bad childhood, clueless about the supernatural beings that rule the world and really feisty. Kellach will be crazy about her.
“Welcome to immortality.”

A new drug Apollo with an old ingredient has hit the streets and it deadly for both humans and witches.
A new enemy for the Realm.

A spinoff from the Dark Protectors and many of my favorite characters are still around.
Let’s see: the glorious Dage Kayrs; the bitch Simone; the persistent Nick Veis, the scientist/Queen of the Realm Emma and the adorable Garrett and Logan.

The series will include, as I realized, all our beloved supernatural beings i.e. vampires, demons, witches, Kurjans and finally some badass bear-shifters.

This can be a standalone book because enough explanation is provided to the clueless Alexandra and as a result to the readers who haven’t read the Dark Protectors.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 “Witches and shifters.” “Oh my,” stars



A bad ass chick-cop and a wicked male witch enforcer .... oh yeah, this is all kinds of delicious fun!

Kellach Dunne , Ireland import working undercover by infiltrating an MC in hopes to find the leader of the threat of his kind. Hard life, rough past, left him jaded and numb, but one look at Alexnadra, and all bets are off... she's his to protect even if she has big enough balls to go head-to-head with him.

Never had she trusted a man enough to contain her. Maybe there hadn’t been anyone man enough to contain her. Kellach was all man . . . and more.

Alexandra Monzelle , Seattle cop with a point to prove, she's nothing like her old man and nothing will get in her way of getting the bad guys even the sexy as sin Irish man who can't seem to get out of her way. She's always counted on one person and one person only, so Kellach attempting to control her becomes a game of wit and sass.

Her fierceness aroused him, and her intellect intrigued him. But that sweetness in such a warrior? Yeah. That owned him.

Kellach has his hands full and is running out of time; he has no time for games, but he can't manage to stay away from the evil temptress. Lexi wants to get her job done, and not knowing who to trust just proves how dangerous this game their playing really is. Her body and her mind are at war and for the first time in her life she has no clue whose going to win.

Wicked Ride is the first book I've read by Rebecca Zanetti and it definitely won't be the last! It had everything I love about romance, suspense and the paranormal world rolled into one epic ride. Kellach, bad-ass name, with an attitude to match, he was superb in his domineering wicked ways that just put the evil smirk on my face as I read how hard Lexi tried to fight his charm. Lexi stood her ground, head-strong and fiery and was the perfect match for the alpha witch.

While this was a new world for me, it wasn't a hard world to get to know, jumping right in and getting to all the goodies right off the bat. This full paranormal world had me enthralled and is one that I will continuing on with. Awesome tale for paranormal lovers out there, that love the thrill in and out of the bedroom ;)

Copy kindly provided by Kensington Books, via NetGalley, for an honest review.

***Quotes above are taken from the version of the book I received and may differ from published edition.
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***Reviewed March 2017***

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release Date ~ June 23rd 2015
Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 5 Stars
Action Rating ~ 4 Stars
Imagination ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4 Stars
Ending ~ 4.5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 5 Flaming Balls of Fire!



Wicked Ride is the first book in the Realm Enforcer series by Rebecca Zanetti and it surprised me on SO many levels. I had no idea that this was a paranormal romance. Once the fireballs started flying I was hooked. This book includes one sexy petite female vice cop, witches, vampires, demons, shape shifters and a whole slew of bad guy’s. The action starts right from the beginning grabbing my full attention.

Alexandra is a vice cop on the prowl trying to bust drug dealers. In steps our hero Kellach, he sees that a sexy woman is being followed by a bad guy. This is when all hell breaks loose. It seems the bad guy has taken a dose of a new drug called Apollo which gives him the ability to make and throw plasma fire. He is attacking Alexandra when Kellach steps in to help. Kellach is a witch and he is enforcer, he needs to get Apollo off the streets because it can kill witches. Witches also have the ability to make and throw fire. Some fire balls are exchanged and then the bad guy who took too big a dose of Apollo, falls to the ground convulsing with blood coming out his ears nose and mouth. The drug kills him burning him from the inside out.

The story revolves around Alexandra and Kellach trying to find out who is the person making and distributing Apollo. Kellach also has help from other witches, vampires, demons and bear shape shifters. When the action starts it’s very exciting and quite violent, with fireballs flying, heads getting bit off and some special laser guns a blazing. There were also some excellent twists and turns while the story played out that kept me glued to the pages.

It’s not too long when Kellach tells Alexandra that he is a witch and that he is immortal. At first she does not believe him but once she sees what he and his friends can do in a battle, there is no way she cannot believe him any longer.

I thought Alexandra was a kick ass heroine. She was very brave, honorable, tough and very intelligent. Her father is in jail because he was a drug dealer and he was responsible for quite a few deaths. This is one of the reasons Alexandra became a cop.

I have to say that, YEP, I fell hard for our hero Kellach. He was all alpha, strong, protective, smart and sexy as hell. He is undercover in a motorcycle club, hoping to get information about Apollo.

I've always been a sucker for paranormal romances when the couple mates and that is exactly what happens between Kellach and Alexandra. The sex/love scenes are BURNING HOT and I mean that in more ways than one. I thought the whole mating process was very original and well thought out.

The ending was spectacular with a huge battle between good and evil.

Overall I truly enjoyed every moment of Wicked Ride and I’m very much looking forwards to the next book in this series.

*ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.*

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti

First book in the Realm Enforcers. A spin off from The Protector series. Paranormal romance.
A cop, a motorcycle club, an Irishman, and a murder start this series off fast and furious.

Fast moving, hot, and sexy.
The heroine is very independent and asserts she can take care of herself over and over. She does, but she is in over her head without even realizing these are not your average males. And talk about steamy - oh yeah.
Typical domination tactics by this author but it’s still pretty hot.

I will definitely read the rest of this series.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - "You're a lot of hard work, darlin'." Stars.

Rebecca Zanetti is one of, if not the go-to author for me. I have read and loved every one of her books released up til now. And on the whole I did enjoy Wicked Ride we get to learn more about the Dunne Brothers, who if you have read the Dark Protectors series, you will know of them anyway, as Enforcers for the Coven Nine which is basically the ruling body for Witches. Closely linked to the Kays family (Dark Protectors Series) by marriage and allegiance, they appeared quite frequently in a lot of the books in that series.

”You shoot me, and we’re going to have a problem.”

If you have read anything by this author you will know that her guys are strong, dominant alpha males, they do and say what they want, and don’t offer any apologies after the fact. But it works because you are also always given a sassy and confident woman, who isn’t afraid to challenge said male, and it’s the fireworks, chemistry and general ‘push and pull’ between them, that follows which is what makes their stories so entertaining. And you definitely get that with Wicked Ride, Kell and Alexandra most certainly start on opposite sides of the fence, she’s Detective, he is newly arrived in Seattle from Ireland and is associating with a known Motorcycle Club; The Titans of Fire. Known for their links to drug dealing and gun running, Lexi 100% believes Kellach is one of the bad guys, helping with the distribution of a new drug, that is killing people in the most unusual of ways.

”You leap to conclusions faster than a Blue Hare during mating season.”

I think what reduced my enjoyment of this book for the most part was the constant merry-go-round between Kell and Lex, it’s obvious from the get-go they have chemistry. But for me the author took Lex beyond sassy and confident and erred into arrogant and judgemental. If she had one knee-jerk reaction to something before getting the facts or the full story from Kell, she did it a dozen times more, before then caving and having sex with him, I get that this is mainly due to her trust issues, but the repetitiveness of it really dragged it out in parts.

”The second I think you’re not a moron, the very moment I think we’re on the same page, you fuck it up.”

The other issue I have is with Alexandra’s familial back-story, without giving anything away, I cannot in this day and age get on-board with someone using the ’he promised me he has changed, he won’t do it again, and he loves’ me’ excuses, it pisses me off, winds me up and makes me want to slap fictional characters up-side the head, and to be honest, it wasn’t really needed in this book, there was enough already going on.

”If you’re going to make a mistake, make it a good one.”

All that aside, if you are looking for action, plenty of sexy times, and a continuation of the Dark Protectors characters, then this will float your boat. I didn’t hate this book, far from it, it has all of this authors trademark themes, and as such ticked most of my boxes, I think it’s more of a case of certain characterisations not quite working for me on this occasion. The Dunne Brothers, were mighty fine. The secondary characters and the developing storyline also up-to Rebecca’s usual stellar standards, I just struggled massively with Lex and her family.

Will it stop me reading Wicked Edge when it releases in November… Absolutely not. I still love this author and her books, and I cannot wait to see where she takes the series in the next installment.

”That’s only the beginning.”

On a side note, being from the UK; I am a little more au-fait with the local dialects, and to say that reading the words ’Ballocks’ & ‘Aye’ attributed to an Irishman… No, just no. Scottish at a push, Irish never in a million years.

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wicked Ride was a somewhat entertaining read overall. It was definitely hot in places, but it wasn’t what I expected or hoped for when I picked it up. That’s partially my own fault because I didn’t read the book description carefully enough to put together that it was a paranormal romance. I thought I was picking up a motorcycle club romance à la Joanna Wylde or Kristen Ashley. To be fair the cover does make you think that, right? The motorcycle club aspect is a very minor part, just a setting really, which was a disappointment.

Kellach Dunne is a witch and enforcer for the Realm, which I gather is a governing body over various supernatural creatures, such as vampires and demons. He’s in Seattle undercover as a member of the Titans of Fire Motorcycle Club to find out about a new drug that’s been showing up on the streets that’s lethal to witches. Alexandra Mozelle is a homicide detective investigating the same drug, Apollo, and this is where their paths collide.

Alexandra is suspicious of Kellach because he’s a member of the motorcycle club she thinks is supplying Apollo and responsible for many brutal deaths. However, that doesn’t stop the burning attraction they both feel for each other. Yes, there are very heated moments, sexy times, and I have to say Rebecca Zanetti excels at writing sensual scenes that will get you hot and bothered, but it wasn’t enough to carry the story.

Kellach saves Alexandra’s life several times and even when it’s abundantly clear that Kellach is really on the same side, she still is suspicious and jumps hastily to conclusions. Her rash and stupid behavior was extremely frustrating. One minute Alexandra is telling Kellach how much she trusts him, and the next she’s sending the SWAT team out to arrest him! Really, the amount of times she arrests him was annoying! All the while she’s sleeping with him on the side. I really liked Kellach, but the fact that he put up with Alexander’s ridiculous behavior was unbelievable to me. Alexandra’s mother was another completely frustrating and idiotic character: classic ostrich with her head buried in the sand.

I’ve enjoyed Rebecca Zanetti’s contemporary romance and her romantic suspense series, the Sin Brothers, but the start of the Realm Enforcers was a disappointment.

A copy was kindly provided by Lyrical Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelli C · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT start intro into this Realm series. I really wish I would have read the Dark Protectors...not it is needed but the more paranormal the better! I love a tough gal and an even tougher "mate."Would have rocked a 5☆ If it weren't for the constant back and forth arresting and non-trusting! looking forward to more Dunnes!

[Izy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating~ 4.25 stars

ARC was generously provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a pretty strong start to a new series Realm Enforcers, a spin-off from Dark protectors  series. In short, it's kind of a mixture of motorcycle gangs with cops, magic and paranormal creatures thrown in. What's not to like about that?

After two decades of fighting, the paranormal world has reached peace with it's different races but a new threat is on the horizon.

Kellach Dunne , Kell to his family and friends is a coven 9 witch enforcer from Ireland. He has previously made appearances in the dark protectors series and is the cousin of one heroines in the series.  Kell and his brothers are undercover as part of a motorcycle gang to gain information about a drug (Apollo/planekite) and those who are involved . A drug which is deadly to witches and it's existence is causing a lot of problems for the witches.

Alexandra Monzelle , Lexi is a Seattle vice cop searching for information on the new drug that is making rounds on the streets of Seattle. Her father was a drug dealer who is now in prison and its one of the reason why Alexandra became a cop and is so against drugs. She is to a huge extent a product of her childhood because of her fathers behaviour as well as taking on the responsibility of taking care of her family.

I really enjoyed their relationship, a serious cop and not-at-all-serious witch and their banter . Kell could be quite intense but he was also playful and a charmer. While Alexandra is more or less always thinking about her job and to later extent her family which ofcourse changes when she gets involved with Kell, the man makes her feel off-balance, angry and at the same time breathless and excited.

But UH Oh, Kell knows that nothing can come out of their relationship no matter how much he finds Lexi irrestible and is falling for her , a human and a witch can't mate, right? I think that part of the plot was also handled pretty well and it was fun seeing the reactions of all involved.

We also meet Kell's brothers Adam, Daire and of course their cousin (more sister) Simone and Nick, her demon ex-lover also makes an appearnace with cameos from other characters such as Dage and others from Dark Protectors. Everytime, Ms Zanetti introduces a new character, I'm like I want them to have their own book because they all seem fascinating . I'm really looking forward to reading Daire's book (Wicked Edge), the reticent and non-conversationlist of the brothers.

The only thing I didn't like in the book was Alexandra's trust issues with Kell, I understood where she was coming from because of her father issues and before she got to know Kell, it was understandable that how would she trust a person from a drug/weapon motorcycle gang especially since she's a cop but later on after she got to know him, it shouldn't have been an issue. At one point, she says that she trusts him but when the trust is put to test (a day or some time later), she doesn't trust him. It bugged me, especially the way she handled it and the way Kell just kind of let it go and forgave her. Other than the that, the book was fun, exciting read with plenty of action, suspense and romance.

If you loved her dark protectors series than you'll love this one as well (or any of Ms. Zanetti's books), though personally I feel that can you start from this spin-off even if you havn't read the Dark protectors  series, since one part of the couple is human and so Kell has to explain all the witch and paranormal world to her but the other series is awesome and some of the characters makes appearances in this one so why wouldn't you want to read them. Can't wait for more books in the series and the world Rebecca Zanetti has created.

[AliciaJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just didn't ring my chimes. I found the plot to be boring and the heroine Alex just got on my nerves. I'm not much of a fan of female cops as lead characters because they are invariably obnoxious and over the top, which was definitely the case here. Her constant refrain throughout the first half of the book was "I'm a cop". Well, if you have to keep saying it, it sounds like you're trying to convince yourself as much as anyone else. It just got irritating.

As for the romance between her and Kellach, I just didn't get it. But again, that's probably because I couldn't stand her, so I didn't see how he could be attracted to her either.

Anyway, enough ranting. Obviously this series isn't for me, so moving on.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars!

Lex got on my nerves, but Kell was hot. I like the new mystery that's going on. I'm definitely in for the remainder of the series. Happy reading!

[Julia's Book Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

This one caught me by surprise. Mainly because how much I really liked it but also because I missed the subtle hint in the blurb that this is actually a PNR read, and I haven't read her other series that is connected to this one so I didn't catch it at all. I went into it thinking it was just a normal MC book lol. Luckily the otherworldly stuff if thrown at you pretty much right away and when I reread the blurb I realized where the story was going to take me. I thought Rebecca Zanetti's writing was awesome and her world building really absorbs the reader into her story. Alexandra and Kellach were interesting couple and it was fun to watch them try to battle it out for control in their relationship. I do wish that Alexandra hadn't been so back an forth with her trust for Kellach through out must of the book. I definitely wanted to just shout at her, "JUST TRUST HIM GODDAMMIT" Of course I can get where she's coming from considering her background and also how she and Kellach first meet. Overall I really liked this book and I'm really excited for more from this series. I'm also going to read her Dark Protector series since its connected to this series and because I liked the world Rebecca Zanetti's has created.

ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kellach and Alexandra's Story:

I love that Rebecca Zanetti continued a new series about the Realm Enforcers. We first learned about them in the Dark Protector series. You do not have to read those first to enjoy this series.

I've been looking forward to Kel's story ever since he was in Moira and Connors book and he didn't disappoint. I loved his character and how fiercely he protected Lexi.

I hate to admit it, but I wasn't as big of a fan of Alexandra. She is a human cop and no matter how much she learned that Vampires, witches and shifter's were not just a myth, she expected them to still follow human laws. That made her come across as very honorable, but also not so bright.

Despite my issue with Lexi's stubbornness, this was a great story and so many new characters were introduced that I can't wait to learn more about.

[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Live!! Contragulation to Rebecca Zanetti!

What do you get when a smart, independent but human police officer meets a sexy, alpha-male, witch enforcer? A literally and figuratively scorching hot, thrilling read that burned through the pages.

Alexandra Monzelle has a criminal father, and even when she knows she can’t atone for the sins of her father, she’s fearlessly determined to rid the streets of Seattle from the deadly drug called Apollo with sexy clothes to bait suspects and backup from her almost retired partner.

At first glance Kellach Dunne is part of the anarchy loving, gun dealing motorcycle club Fire. He’s also an unwanted intrusion in Alex’s investigation. But appearances can be deceiving and he’s going to turn her world upside down when he introduces her into his immortal one. Can she trust her city and more importantly her heart to this tough, sexy, centuries old witch?

“A girl like you is made to be cosseted, protected, and loved until the world is a safe oasis of pleasure.”
She blinked. “Jesus. What century are you from?”

Alexandra is not the only one looking to dig deep into Apollo, a new drug killing people in the streets of Seattle. While posing as a lady of the night, she has an eye opening encounter with Kellach who, together with his two brothers, are masquerading as bikers in the club they think is dealing this deadly drug.

But he can’t reveal himself because she wouldn’t even believe who he really is. He’s part of an immortal realm in which he protects his fellow witches who are able, among other things, to manipulate the molecules around them and convert them into plasma. Making them fire wielding bad assess.

Together with her wonderful writing, this paranormal world Rebecca Zanetti has created made for an incredible read. I was hooked from the start and engaged in every part of story that includes not only witches, but also demons, shape shifters and yes, it wouldn’t be complete without vampires.

I am all about the strong, confident, sometimes overbearing alpha male and Kell is the very definition. Even with his somewhat old dated views about wanting women to be kept at a safe distance from any and all harm, he’s a fair man who’s evolved enough to understand Alex’s fiery and self-sufficient ways. That doesn’t mean he completely agrees with them. And when they come to head combustible sparks fly.

“You like to play with fire, Alexandra?” The way he said her name, all Irish brogue and lilting consonants, cause desire to burn in her abdomen.
“Lex. It’s Lex.”
“No… You’re all Alexandra – each and every syllable.”

If it weren’t for the fact that she’s completely human, Lexi’s superpowers could be stubborn and head strong, which sometimes exasperated me. She’s smart but doesn’t easily trust because of the damage done by her father as a young girl. She’s greatly attracted to Kell, but her sense of duty and wariness hold her back and she will not hesitate to arrest him if he so much as looks at the wrong side of the her laws.

“I’ve had about enough of this waffling. One second you trust me enough to ride on my bike, and the next second you’re pointing a gun at me.”

Their attraction completely took them by surprise. I loved how this strong willed couple fought against time, the evil doers and each other and eventually discovered that they could perfectly fit their rough edges together. “A female counterpart to this truly amazing male.”

I totally adored Logan and Garret, the young dynamic demon and vampire duo. I really hope we get to read more about them in the future. In the mean time I eagerly await the next book in this series which will hopefully be about Daire, Kell’s older brother that had me laughing when he swear up and down his mate will be a delicate and compliant woman.

Through Wicked Ride I’ve now learned that Rebecca has a seven book series called Dark Protectors which is a predecessor to this one. I can’t wait to read these stories that I know will be suspenseful and full of passion and romance, while I wait for Wicked Edge, the next installment Realm Enforcers series.

Rebecca Zanetti writes action packed, blazing hot romances. Wicked Ride is fast and has some very unexpected twists. It is book #1 in the Real Enforcers series that can be read as a standalone and has a happy ending.

* I was graciously given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via NetGalley. The excerpts are from that copy. *

Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/1Q3ZHvh

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[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love fmcs that are kick@$$ in their own right. Alexandra is just that, though having a man like Kellach at her back is definitely a plus. Kellach is hawt. Interesting. Definitely an alpha. The plot is action packed and definitely keeps you on your toes. The loving is sexy! Definitely a great read.

[Sophie "Beware Of The Reader" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice mix of MC and fantasy. If you're looking for an enjoyable read without too much angst, filled with sexy as sin male witches bikers and opininated female cops, this is for you.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for review

I love Ms. Zanetti, especially her Sin Brothers series, so I requested this one. It did not disappoint at all. I'm guessing this is a spin-off from her Dark Protectors series, but since I've never read them I'm not sure.

LOVED Kell and his brothers and Bear, so many smokin' hawt guys in one place is not fair. I can't wait to read their stories. Lex was no slacker herself. She never backed down and gave Kell a lot of grief in not obeying his orders, loved it.

[Tanja ~ KT Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gritty, in your face action. Worlds that cross over and bleed into each other and a cop who has been beaten by life, upbringing and crime. Alexandra Monealle needs a reprieve, a protector, and a bloody break. She’s a tough no-nonsense kind of woman that didn’t expect to fall for the Irish accent of a MC member. A known crime infested MC member.


Wicked Ride is a mix of chaos and darkness. Otherworldly events and crimes begin to take place. Secrets hidden from human eyes and a protection force that cant been uncovered will lead the officer to places she never imagined: an outlaw’s bed.


Kellach Dunne, an enforcer for his coven is undercover. It could all blow up in his face when he meets a certain cop. He knows it’s best to stay away but sometimes nature just won’t allow that.


Wicked Ride is a fantastic push/pull type of PNR action/romance. It’s the angst of desire fuelled by the knowledge that cases, careers, covers and self imposed standards are going to be blown to hell.


A pulse pounding, blood pumping, adrenaline filled action read! I love it.




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[Ashleyjo · Rating 2 out of 5]

5 para stars. 4 stars for the enforcers. 0 stars for the FMC… and thus the overall romance.


The paranormal plot is great. There’s a lot going on with all sorts of creatures interwoven into the fabric of politics, life, enforcers, and bad guys with an us (human) and them (paranormal) realm of life that coexists but also overlaps.

The writing itself is above average. The plot doesn’t have any massive holes, and the author doesn’t go off in the weeds too much. It’s a solid story and good pacing.

The bad is the FMC. She ruins the book for me. Totally breaks it apart and makes it a horrible experience.

I love her dedication to her family and job and tough chick mentality, but it often goes so far OTT to prude and just all around Karen of goodie two shoes. Harsh, impulsive, judgmental, childish, narcissistic … it all overshadows her confidence and being a good cop and strong woman.

The MMC, for example, saves her ass at the start of the book, and Lex rewards him by trying to arrest him for battery. <<< Threats are made several times when the MMC touches her (off duty mind you) that she’s going to arrest him for assault just for touching her. That’s too much. She can be tough and serious about her job without sounding like a complete moron, bitch, tool spewing that she’s a cop and reaching for her weapon every five seconds.

But, I’m liking the MMC and the plot, which spurs me onward in the hope she will progress as a character. She doesn’t.

The plot is set up - new drug and FMC and MMC are both trying to figure out the supplier from different angles. But, it just goes on and on and on talking in circles. FMC keeps asking the same questions. The fire weapon is just stupid. No rational person would be that naive, especially such a “badass cop”

At 33%, he has saved her three times. He’s given her several orgasms, and she was going to screw him if he’d have had protection. Yet, she wants to report his efforts to help her knowing it will get him in trouble, and that’s where the FMC became dead to me.

” Her loyalty lay with her job as a cop, no matter how much she liked him.”

“Was he a good guy or a bad?” << So, if she’s such a by-the-book cop, then why is she taking orgasms from a guy who may be “bad?”

It’s turn after torn of hypocrisy from her. She doesn’t want her dirty laundry aired but has no problem arresting him in the name of ‘truth’ and ‘justice.’ The author pawns her behaviors off as ‘fairness’ when it’s really just selfish Pollyanna stupidity.

She’s just un-likable. I can’t root for someone on a high horse like that thinking the rules apply to everyone but her.

And, it continues. At 80% in the book, love is in the air. Man has basically laid himself at her feet to be her man. She sees a video of the MMC with a dead drug dealer scum… she automatically assumes shit and takes the same old prudish, high horse stance:

“If Kellach had burned Spike to death in such a horrific way, he had no soul and wouldn’t hesitate to kill again. If he hadn’t killed Spike, he’d still had no problem hiding evidence and apparently burying the body, which was criminal and dishonest.Either way, she was done with him, heartbreak or not.”

The FMC hit the MMC while he was handcuffed and being arrested. His only objective is to protect her. Meanwhile, her objective is to constantly throw him under the bus… and now abuse him. Professionally… how about that being police brutality? Of course, the FMC doesn’t even consider that since she’s written with a personality above the law she holds everyone else to within an inch of their life.

Then, there’s the end. A big fight scene reveals a partial answer to the plot. ILY is thrown in just a couple chapters after she wanted to send him to prison lol.

The is not what I call a HEA or even a HFN. Just because ILY is finally thrown in, it doesn’t conclude the storyline. Feels no closer to any resolve than when they started. I have zero confidence that she wouldn’t sell him down the river if he jaywalked lol.

Shame because I love paranormal, and the MMC is remarkable here. He’s fire! Literally. Yet, the FMC threw uptight, freezing, dirty water all over him:(

[Lady Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Alexandra Monzelle, is a police cop and is as tough as they come. With a killing drug that kills the victim from inside out, Alexa is determined to get it off the streets. She uses every weapon at her disposal even if that means a short dress and killer heels. But none of her training or experience could have prepared her for Kallach Dunne. Kallach is in Seattle undercover, in a biker club to take KT off the streets because this is just the beginning. If he doesn't stop it, this drug will be used to kill his people. He must do everything iin his power to stop it. Kallach is a powerful witch, but he is drawn to Alexandra from the beginning. With her sass and independent streak a mile wide...he just wants more of her even if she wants him arrested more often than not. But soon their relationship will take a turn when the unexpected happens, and the danger escalates and Alexandra will have to trust Kallach if she hopes to survive the coming tide.

Plot and Story Line
Wicked Ride is the first installment of Zanetti's latest series. This is also tied with the Dark Protector series. So if you loved that series than you will have a ball of fun and giggles with Wicked Ride. I had this book sitting on my e-book shelf for the longest time, and I decided I definitely needed to pick it up and am thrilled that I did. This was an amazing story and I just couldn't get enough.

Both of the main characters are what really make this story golden. They are both protectors and fighters for their people. So despite the fact that at first they seem to be on opposite ends, they really end up being quite perfect for each other in those unique ways. And boy do they like to fight each other.

“You like to play with fire, Alexandra?”

Quite honestly, Alexandra knocked my socks off and I loved every minute of her (for the most part). She is kick ass and boy does she know how to fight, but she also has a chip on her shoulder. Her father was a drug dealer and abused their mother and could care less about his own kids. Her mother has been in medical care. Both Alexandra and her sister Tori have had to find their own ways of dealing with their pasts. Alexandra fights bad guys to deal with it. But I will say she tends to go a bit overboard and overreacts in huge ways.

”You leap to conclusions faster than a Blue Hare during mating season.”

I mean really, Kellach is one patient Irishman. I loved him even more for it though. He is sexy and fun and lighthearted when he needs to be. There is quite a lot going on that I don't want to reveal too much in this story. But I will say, that this drug is definitely a bad one. So we see how desperate people are to get this off the streets. The side characters were such fun and added a sense of lightheartedness to a danger-filled plot. We have Kellach's two brothers. Then we have Alexandra's sister and her partner. And each character was unique and added a balance to the story that was needed and heartfelt at times. I just couldn't get enough of Wicked Ride and am so excited for the next book.

“I like you too.” She blew out air. “I trust you, Kellach Dunne. I’m keeping you.”

The Cover
Who doesn't love a sexy man on a motorcycle right? And man is he delicious. Love those shoulder and the abs....yummy!!
Overall View
A delicious and thrilling tale that Zanetti has weaved for her readers. Exhilarating...sensually potent and edgy in danger and intrigue!!!

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expect some things from a Rebecca Zanetti book. Scorching hot chemistry, alpha males, strong and intelligent heroines, engaging supporting characters, lots of action both in and out of the bedroom. Wicked ride gave me all of that, except one thing. The heroine was not what I was expecting.

I loved the plot of this book. An unknown bad guy is developing a drug that will kill witches and temporarily give humans powers that usually only the immortals can wield and Seattle is the testing ground. Humans are literally flaming out and dying from drug overdoses, and the immortals are scrambling to stop it before it hits the stage where it can be used as a weapon against the witches. It was fast paced with lots of twists and turns and it had me completely sucked in.

As with both the Zanetti books I read, the world building was excellent. This is a spin-off of the Dark Protectors Series so I was familiar with this particular universe. I don’t think it would be an issue for someone who hasn’t read the other series since most things were laid out nicely.

I loved some of the characters that were introduced. I adored the cousins Logan and Garret. They provided some much needed comic relief between all those rolling heads and fire balls. Bear was awesome, and I truly hope to see Kell’s brothers get their own books.

Kell is definitely grade A book boyfriend material. He’s a badass biker in leather, he’s gorgeous, strong, loyal, and alpha from head to toe. He also has the patience of Job dealing with Lexi the way he did. Oh, and he was sex on a stick and could burn up those sheets…..literally. There was so much electricity and flames shooting around during some of the sexy scenes, I’m surprised entire buildings didn’t go up in flames. My one problem with Kell was he had shit taste in women.

Which brings us to Lex AKA Alexandra, Alex, and/or Lexi. She almost rivals London from Reaper’s Stand for my Worst Heroine Ever award (don’t worry London, you’re still #1 on that list but it was close). The only thing Lex had going for her was she was a badass who could kick ass.. Unfortunately she was also stupid and unbelievably annoying. Her first meeting with Kell, he saves her and carries her unconscious body to his compound to keep her safe, so she arrests him. Anything doesn’t go her way, she waves her badge and gun around and arrests people. Doesn’t matter if she has nothing to go on and they don’t deserve it, she does it anyway. Really annoy her and she’ll have your compound raided. Even knowing that she’s going against people that bullets don’t work on, she refuses all advice and says she’s fine because, get this, she has a gun. Usually characters who are cops that throw around their badges like she did are considered a bad guy. She annoyed me so bad, at one point I wanted her to magically come to life so I could smack her.

Because of how her character was, I never bought into the whole Kell and Lexi insta-lust relationship. I kept waiting for one of Kell’s family or friends to say “You know, she’s kind of an idiotic bitch. You could definitely do better.” Unfortunately that never happened.

So how do you rate a book that was well written, has a great plot, but one of the main characters is a total twit? In the end, since I adored Kell and every other character and I will definitely be reading the next one as soon as it comes out, I’ve decided to give it a better than average rating.

Laurie’s Rating: 3.5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

For this review and more like it, check out http://edgyreviews.com

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bad guy fighting, ancient magical biker dude, meets Seattle vice cop in Wicked Ride, a terrific new urban fantasy/paranormal romance.

Alexandra is the sexy, serious, Seattle vice cop. She wants to rid the street of drugs, especially the new drug called Apollo. While undercover tracking down Apollo, Alexandra comes up against, Kellach. She is unsure if he is friend or foe.

Kellach is a bad ass biker with a secret. He is an enforcer for the Witches Coven. A being of awesome power, Kellach’s job is uncover who is responsible for the magical drug Apollo that is killing normal humans.

Alexandra (Lexi) finds herself thrown into a world with vampires, witches, demons and shape shifters.

Explosive chemistry, magical attractions and attitudes a mile long, both characters struggle with accepting each other’s help. It seems that Lexi and Kell find themselves fighting each other just about as much as they fight the “bad guys”. Their relationship is definitely volatile, but in a totally good way.

Fun, fast paced and action intense, Wicked Ride is a wonderful start to a new series by Rebecca Zanetti.

I received this ARC copy of Wicked Ride from Kensington Books - Lyrical Press in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication June 23, 2015.

[Carvanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lex is a Seattle cop and is trying to get a new scary drug off the streets. In the course of her work she encounters Kell who is a witch and an enforcer for his own people. When these two come up against each other in their attempts to find who is distributing Apollo, there are all kinds of threats and attempts at one upmanship. Both are tough and dedicated to their job and it effects their relationship. You won’t find a weak heroine here but the hero is a typical Zanetti alpha which is always delicious.

This was a reread for me after I finished the Dark Protectors series. I was able to understand a lot more of the workings of the witches and the realm this time around and that was a nice bonus. I did find that this book, while I really enjoyed it the first time I read it, didn’t hold up as well this time. I kept comparing it to the Dark Protectors and it just didn’t have the same spark or intensity. It was still a very nice read and I’ll be continuing on with the series.

Dual POV
Standalone
Safe

[Umaiya ❄️Ramblings of a Scattered Mind❄️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rebecca Zanetti's paranormals just aren't for me it seems. Though I do think we've come a long way since my first was a one star.
That being said, the only reason I read this was cause my best friend loves it and hell, who else can you trust?
So even though initially I wanted to read the next book or more accurately Daire's book, I don't think I'll be continuing cause while this wasn't bad, both MCs got on my nerves and I don't want that to happen with Daire cause right now I really like him. But who knows maybe someday I'll actually end up reading it. *shrugs*

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leigh's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

3.25 Stars

****Some of this review could be considered spoiler-ish****

With an interesting paranormal world inhabited by demons, vampires and witches, combined with the gritty MC world and a police drama, Wicked Ride had the potential to be a unique blend of all three genres. Unfortunately, a number of issues kept it from being the story that I hoped it would be.

That’s not to say that Wicked Ride wasn’t a good book. The idea was fantastic. A drug that kills witches is being tested in Seattle and sold on the open market to humans. It enables the user to harness fire and feel like a god…right up to the point that it kills them. Alexandra is assigned the case, trying to figure out what this drug is and what are these new weapons that shoot fire. Kellach Dunne is an immortal witch, a supernatural enforcer undercover in an MC. He knows what the drug is, but wants to know who is supplying it and how to stop it. When their paths cross, the tension between them is high, but the cooperation non-existent.

And that’s the problem.

****Possible spoiler past here*****

Lex doesn’t want Kellach on her case and constantly views him as a suspect. She keeps threatening to arrest him and vacillates between wanting to jump in bed with him, and deciding that he’s the enemy, with such maddening speed that I’m tempted to shoot her myself! One minute she wants to trust Kellach and the next she’s viewing him with suspicion and going off half-cocked without all the facts. It felt as if she had too much to prove, and I never really felt much of a connection with her, which made it hard for me to feel one between her and Kellach. There was no trust on her part, so I didn’t find it believable that a relationship could flourish where they couldn’t even remain civil to one another for very long.

Then there was my disappointment in the resolution of the story. I felt as if I was reading and reading and when I looked down I thought “How on earth am I only at 20%??” Some books fly by. This sort of crawled. It’s not that I lost interest in the story, it’s just that it seemed I was getting nowhere fast. Once it did pick up speed however, I thought “There’s no way this can be resolved in time.”

Unfortunately, I was right. It wasn’t.

The book did not end in a true cliffhanger. It’s more that the story just stopped. Nothing was resolved. I still don’t know who supplied the drug, why they supplied it, what’s going to happen with Kellach and Lex. I’d almost consider it a spoiler that I just told the end, but I don’t’ know anything to spoil!! Frankly, I’m still in the dark just as much now as I was in the beginning.

In my opinion, Wicked Ride wasn’t a full story but just the first part of a larger arc. The characters were interesting, with the exception of the heroine they were very likable, and the paranormal aspect was fun and exciting. But I feel as if too much was shoved into this story and I wanted there to be a better conclusion than there was. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but leave me with a cliffhanger! Leave me dangling! Instead of on the precipice, I was left midway up a mountain where I still had a ways to go before I could see the view.


Review copy provided for an honest review.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Raise your hand if you are excited for the first book in Rebecca Zanetti's Realm Enforcers series. If your not, you should be. Wicked Ride is a highly entertaining start to an action adventure story.

Things I Really Like:
I really like these characters. I'm a sucker for strong, kick-ass female characters and Alexandra (Lex) Monzelle fits the bill. She is a fearless detective with the Seattle Police Department with a sense of purpose. As a teenager, she discovers that her father is a major drug dealer and that casts her future in stone. She lives her life to atone for his crimes by taking drugs off the street. Her sense of fairness and willingness to be vulnerable, especially around those she loves, highlight her strengths.

Kellach Gideon Dunne (awesome name, by the way) is an Irish Enforcer of the Coven 9, the ruling cody of witches. He is a dedicated soldier on the hunt for the makers of Apollo, a deadly drug that can destroy both humans and witches. Kell epitomizes the alpha male - protective, loyal, determined and over-bearing. His immortality gives him years of experience and perspective, yet he is completely blindsided by his attraction to Lex.

I enjoy the motley crew of characters - the witches, shifters, vampires and demons. Everything you can want in a paranormal adventure. Each character clearly has a story of their own to tell.

This is a fast paced story. It reminds me when of years ago when the television show, ER, first debuted. It was one of the first shows to use hand-held cameras. The frenetic pace and multi-story lines made the show a little chaotic, and I loved it. I feel the same thrill reading this story. A lot happens between these pages and there is not one moment to rest.

Not so Much:
Kell's protectiveness of Lex is overwhelming for her and for us. And yet, she kinda deserves it. Despite that fact that she continually states that she is a cop and therefore, can protect herself, she keeps getting in over her head. For being a smart cookie, she is a little slow to accept that immortals have a little advantage over humans, namely they are difficult to kill.

As I mentioned earlier, a lot happens in this first book. We are introduced to a bevy of characters with previously determined storylines. For example, what is the story behind Dage and his wife? Also, what really happened between Simone and Nicholaj? It makes me feel like I am missing something. Is the author planning a prequel? I'd be the first to support that motion!

Also note that despite the fact that our hero and other supporting characters ride motorcycles and are a part of a motor cycle club, this is not a motorcycle story.

IN A NUTSHELL:
Rebecca Zanetti is right on target with this paranormal romance. It's full of adventure, action, intrigue, and a sweet, hot romance. I cannot wait until the next installment.

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zdlMuJ

I love Zanetti but, yall, Wicked Ride was a struggle. A 2+ year struggle and I'm the odd girl out but this one just didn't work for me despite my love for Zanetti's books.

The Gist: There's a new drug on the streets that's literally burning people from the inside out and both Alexandra-- a cop-- and Kell-- a witch enforcer-- are bound and determined to find the supplier and get it off the street. If the other would just stay out of their damn way so they could do their jobs.

Okay. So my issues with this one were...extensive. I didn't HATE Wicked Ride and maybe in another reader-life before I'd read other series I would have liked it better. But, yall, I just had so many issues with it.

1] It came off like mediocre fanfic by a newbie author. Which is surprising because Zanetti is an amazing author. But it just smacked of fanfic that cannibalized bits and pieces from popular series-- JD Robb, Sherrilyn Kenyon, GA Aiken. Even Katie MacAlister. There was nothing that felt original, really, from Kell/Lexi who were a pale imitation of Eve and Roarke to how mates were claimed.

2] There was extensive telling instead of actually showing things. Told so many times how good a cop Lexi was, that they liked each other, loved each other, that Lexi was so super sweet. But I never really saw those things in action. And things that were shown were in direct opposition more often than not.

3] He manhandled her a few times, she hit him multiple times when mad. And had a huge chip on her shoulder and kept claiming sexism against everyone male.

4] The heroine was kind of nuts and wishy washy. I trust you! *seconds later* THROW HIM IN JAIL!!! I was so stupid to trust you! *calls in the SWAT team for a raid* Kell explains what really happened and instantly *oh I trust you fuck me, please!* aaaaand rinse and repeat.

The good things?

1] I did think Kell was pretty sexy with his alpha self.

2] The eventual showdown was decent and a small twist provided a good surprise.

3] I did like a number of the secondary witch/vampire/demon characters but I don't think enough to actually buy their books. Maybe if they were free one day.

4] The sex was super hot and I appreciated the heroine calling off things when there was no condom available.

5] It was easy enough to read.

Overall, though, I was underwhelmed by Wicked Ride. I expected so much more from Zanetti and just didn't get it.