Vixen

Dark Protectors #11.5

by Rebecca Zanetti

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti comes a new story in her Dark Protectors/Rebels series…

Tabi Rusko has a simple to-do list: Rob a bank, steal a recording, set up a lucrative factory, and survive the assassins on her tail. Sure, she’s a demoness with the cunning and instincts that come with her species, but she’s always spent more time exploring than training, and her fighting skills are okay at best. One sexy man, a human cop no less, is responsible for her being stuck in a small hick town and forced into a human anger-management group that’s crazier than her. To make matters worse, his dangerous blue eyes and hard body leave her breathless and ready to rumble, and his overbearing attitude is a challenge a demoness can’t refuse.

Evan O’Connell just wants to enjoy his time out of the military by policing a small town and hopefully pulling cats from trees and helping old ladies cross the street before he succumbs to the disease plaguing him. The last thing he needs is a stunning, too sexy, pain in the butt blonde casing his bank and causing a ruckus everywhere she goes. There’s something different about her that he can’t figure out, and when she offers him immortality in exchange for her freedom, he discovers that isn’t enough. One touch of her, a whirlwind beyond his imagination, and he wants the Vixen to be his forever, as soon as he takes care of the centuries old killers on her tail.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Romance, Demons, Vampires, Fantasy, Novella

108 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2020

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

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vixen by Rebecca Zanetti

Dark Protectors #11.5. Rebels #2. Can be read as a stand-alone but strongly suggest reading Vengeance first. It’s helpful to be familiar with the Dark Protectors but not necessary to have read them all. Characters from the connected series make appearances (King and Queen). Paranormal romance novella.

More harassment by the corrupt sheriff with small town politics. A well intentioned deputy that is running out of time to clean up the town because of a terminal illness. Neither of them aware of the paranormal others about to change lives.

A quick, adventurous, and fun read that is engrossing and satisfying.

****Spoilers**** The good guys win the day. The bad guys die.

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to paranormal love, intriguing plots, and page-turning suspense, it doesn't really get any better than the Dark Protectors series! I loved getting the chance to dip into this world again while I wait for Guardian's Grace.

All Tabi was doing was protecting herself against some jerks. What did that get her?
✔️ arrested
✔️ a video with her image on it
✔️ sessions in court-ordered anger management
✔️ more interaction with the hot detective that won't stay off her case

Now if only she could get her hands on that video, she'd be golden. But nothing seems to go her way because when she's just about ready to rob a bank, he shows up.

All Evan wanted to do was clean up his town and keep the citizens safe. What did that get him?
✔️ new and mysterious strangers that seem to be a lot more than they appear
✔️ too many cases to refer to anger management
✔️ run-ins with the corrupt sheriff and his cronies
✔️ more interaction with the hot woman he can't seem to stop thinking of

Too bad he's dying because he sure would love the chance to find out what he and Tabi could be together.

When the girl of his dreams offers him the chance to be cured with a side of immortality, what's a guy like him to do? I loved what this story brought out of these characters. Evan was like a supreme alpha or something and Tabi was the kind of woman who wasn't used to answering to anyone much less depending on them. Their interactions were hilarious, the action scenes were incredible, and now I'm even more excited to get my hands on more of Zanetti's books!

[Precious ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic Zanetti paranormal romance.

This novella is very much like the rest of the Dark Protectors series. Fast love, bad guys on their tail, bossy male, sassy female. This one however was the first human man paired up with a demoness and I enjoyed the twist.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first dip into Rebecca Zanetti's Dark Protectors World and now I know why she has sooooo many fans.

The chemistry was great, the story was fast paced and interesting, and all of the secondary characters in Anger Management have me wanting more of each of them. You can say that Rebecca Zanetti has found another fan!

You can read my full review here: https://bit.ly/NBReviewVixen



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 "New Twist" Stars!

This was good. Possibly a very interesting new twist to the Dark Protectors world. I hope so! Love seeing Dage and Emma. Tabitha and Evan have an interesting dynamic. Evan had/has my attention for sure. I really hope to see more of them both. Looking forward to what comes next in this world. Happy reading!

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

French & English reviews

Un livre qui m'a tellement fait rire =D
Pour la première fois dans cette série, nous avons une héroïne démone avec un héros humain !! Et j'ai adoré leur histoire et leur romance >< Evan a beau n'être qu'un "humain", c'est un véritable badass qui ne se laisse pas faire mais qui a également un cœur d'or et qui n'hésite pas à se battre pour ce qu'il veut =D
J'ai adoré le voir interagir avec Tabi (les tentatives de cambriolage xD) et les voir tous les deux tomber amoureux ... Et puis finalement, j'ai adoré voir sa réaction face à la découverte des démons et des vampires =D
Les personnages secondaires étaient également géniaux et j'ai hâte de lire les livres de Noah et de Raines =D
Bref, une lecture parfaite pour l'été et pour se détendre =D Je recommande de lire toute la série Dark Protectors (même si les premiers tomes sont moins biens =))


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


A book that made me laugh so much =D
For the first time in this series we have a demon heroine with a human hero !! And I loved their plot and their romance >< Evan may be just a "human", he is a real badass who doesn't let himself be fooled but who also has a golden heart and who doesn't hesitate to fight for what he wants =D
I loved seeing him interacting with Tabi (the bank robbing attempts xD) and seeing them both fall in love ... And then finally, I loved seeing his reaction to the discovery of demons and vampires =D
The secondary characters were also awesome and I can't wait to read Noah and Raines' books =D
In short, a perfect reading for the summer and to relax =D I recommend reading the whole Dark Protectors series (even if the first books are less good =))

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vixen is a novella written by Rebecca Zanetti and it belongs in the Dark Protectors series, but it can be read as stand-alone story. I am not particularly informed about the universe, but I had no problem understanding what was going on and diving into this supernatural world. I want to read more since I enjoyed this novella a lot.

I was captured by the story from the very first page and I wished we had gotten more when I turned the last one. It was an exciting ride and the secondary characters were very intriguing. The only thing I wanted more of was the exploration of Evan's character once he became an immortal and I hope that it will happen in the next novel because it opened up a whole new world in my opinion. Tabi and Evan were a cute couple and both of them were very likable.

Overall, I am happy that I decided to read this book and I would recommend it!

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A demoness set on bank robbery and a cop with her best interests at heart clash in a smalltown paranormal romance set in the Dark Protectors world. I’ve gotten behind in the series, but leaped at the chance to pick up this novella-length standalone that would take me back to a favorite paranormal world.

Vixen is #11.5 in the Dark Protectors series and is connected to the previous 1001 Nights novella that tells a side adventure in the series, but it is a standalone story as far as plot.

Tabi is set on getting back what the good detective secured in the bank so she can blow this small town before her enemies catch up with her. But what is she going to do with the Dudley Do-Right human who is in way over his head and still trying to protect her. Her demon-senses tell her that he is seriously sick and that he is as sincere and honest as his boss, the sheriff is corrupt. Tabi has been something of a loner who prefers to rely only on herself for so long, but something about Evan O’Connell won’t let her walk away. Would mating him save his life? She is about to find out.

Evan wakes up into a crazy world where the intriguing, impetuous Tabi and everyone else claims to be something other than human. She might be nuts, but something has happened to him and he still needs to keep her safe while solving the ongoing murder case he was working on when he first encountered her.

Vixen is an ongoing plot from the earlier Vengeance which I hadn’t listened to yet. I did all right listening to it standalone, but I definitely noticed that it was connected to earlier events. Evan was a true blue white-hat hero and I loved him so much. Tabi is a complicated woman. She wouldn’t admit it, but she suffers from abandonment and loss after real family and her adopted mom are all died off. She tends to be a risk taker and trouble magnet so they are opposites which made it humorous at times. Then it got hilarious when she discovers that the stray human she tries to save isn’t tame or planning to be controlled by her. Evan has his own agenda even if he has a huge learning curve when it comes to the paranormal world. The sparks fly and these two heat up the pages.

I loved the drop by visit of some of the older Dark Protector crowd and the peek at the hero of the next book.

I don’t believe I’ve listened to Stella Bloom’s narration work before, but she was a good match for this story. She put some acting into her character voicing and it enhanced my listening experience so much. I would definitely listen to more of her work.

All in all, this quick novella hit the spot and left me eager to pick back up where I left off in the series and get caught up. Those who love alpha heroes, fiery heroines, intense action and spicy romance in a paranormal setting should definitely pick this book/series up.

My thanks to Brilliance Audio for providing a copy of the book to listen to in exchange for an honest review.

[Suzi (Obsessive Reading Disorder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this whole little side story going on in the Realm. I forgot for a minute about all our anger management friends but 2 seconds into the book and I was sucked back in! You can read this as a stand alone, and I hope you get excited about the world building and want to read more. Fans of the series will love this even more than the cold reader.

Tabi is a Demoness--rare, feisty and determined to get the job done. She doesn't count on getting arrested and thrown into the anger management class with a bunch of other paranormals no less. Add in a determined, sexy cop trying to keep her safe, and Tabi's world is about as complicated as it gets.

Loved that Evan is the mate! I don't thin we have seen this before in the Dark Protectors world and it made me smile! Enhanced MEN! Woot! I can't wait to see what Evan evolves into. Lots of action in the story along with a bit of humor. Loved Tabi and Evan together. Can't wait to see what this group gets up to next!

*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

Fun and romantic with fantastic characters and great action, Rebecca Zanetti continues to expand and enhance her paranormal world, and I cannot get enough!

This is the second book in the Dark Protectors/Rebels spin-off, which can be read independently of the original series, but will be infinitely more enjoyable to fans. The characters in this book were introduced in the first of the spin-offs, Vengeance, where we met a unique bunch of immortals attending (of all things) anger management classes. It’s hilariously unexpected, and they’re a great group, and I loved being back with them all.

Tabi is a feisty and independent demoness who is fighting bad guys and working to build her fortune when she runs into trouble with the police and ends up in anger management classes. And the man who put her there is local Detective, Evan O’Connell, who seems determined to protect her – despite her insistence that she doesn’t need it.

Evan is a local detective with a big heart, the best of intentions, and a protective streak a mile wild. He was a SEAL until a debilitating illness presented him with a death sentence, so he moved to a small town where he could make a difference with whatever time he has left. He’s determined to clean up the corruption in his small town, and he’s investigating a local murder (from book #1), but the case he can’t get off his mind is Tabi’s, and when he learns that she’s in danger, he can’t help but throw himself right into the middle of it.

It's a fun set-up, which gets even more entertaining when Tabi decides that she can help Evan by mating him – therefore curing him of his illness and saving his life. Of course, it means they’ll be bonded for eternity, but she’s not thinking that far into the future. Until the deed is done, and the result is nothing like she was expecting.

“You know him better than we do. If his human personality is amplified, is he dangerous?”
“No. Bossy, controlling, and protective, however,” she murmured. And she’d mated the guy.

This is such a great read. Tabi and Evan are great characters, and I loved the twist in the usual run of things as a male mate is bought into the immortal fold for the very first time. It’s intriguing, and adds up a whole new world of possibilities, and I loved watching it all unfold.

The unusual event brings cameos from the Dark Protectors series – both the original story arc, and the new – which I loved, and there is a nice set up there for the next book in this spin-off, Vampire: A Dark Protectors/Rebels Novella, which will be Raine and Mariana’s story… can’t wait!

As always, there’s a nice amount of action as Tabi’s threat catches up to her, but this time, she’s got a protector by her side. And there’s a sexy and intense romance full of banter and bickering as Tabi introduces Evan into her world and they wok to figure everything out between them.

So much fun, and a must-read for lovers of the series.

I loved this one! 4 stars.

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

VIXEN by Rebecca Zanetti is instalment 11.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult DARK PROTECTORS paranormal romance series and the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is twenty-five year old, demoness Tabitha ‘Tabi’ Rusko, and thirty-five year old, enhanced human male and former SEAL/detective Evan O’Connell’s story line. VIXEN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Several characters from the author’s Dark Protectors series cross-over for cohesion and familiarity.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tabi and Evan) VIXEN follows Tabi Rusko as she struggles to stay one step ahead of the shifter who demand she hand over her latest invention but Tabi’s friendship with detective Evan O’Connell threatens Tabi’s latest endeavor as Evan stalks our heroine from afar. All is not well in Evan O’Connell’s life. Our hero is slowly dying, and only a mating has the possibility of saving his life but Evan is unaware of the supernatural element, and Tabi has no idea if mating a human will cure what ails Evan O’Connell. As threats against Tabi become dangerous and personal, Evan’s newfound powers take on a life of their own when his ‘mate’ is threatened with bodily harm. What ensues is the building relationship between Tabi and Evan, and the potential fall-out as Evan finds himself the target in an effort to force Tabi to give up everything she knows.

VIXEN is a story of power, control, relationships and love. To protect our heroine, another demon has offered to mate but lines are drawn, and when threatened Evan takes control with deadly force. The action packed premise is fast paced and entertaining; the characters are energetic and powerful; the romance is limited to a night –there is definitely a case of insta lust to love.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabi and Evan

Fun novella in the Dark bookverse. I read three out of order, but enjoyed them enough that I’ll probably reread them in order. Evan is a cop and dying from a human disease. He and Tabi have been interested in each other, but he was mainly in a protective mode. When she discovered that he was able to resist her demon mind attack and they finally kissed, her mating mark appeared. She thought she’d mate him to help him heal. He developed into something unexpected. To them both.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is such a fun read - I don't often read paranormal, and haven't read this series, but Zanetti is such a favourite of mine that I could not pass up the opportunity. I was thrilled when I got a hot, sexy, and exciting novella, and even happier once I had read it.

I have no doubt at all that if I were up with the series, there would have been a lot of old friends here, but for me the whole cast was new, but I never felt that I was missing anything. In fact I clearly know a lot more about our 'other' fellow inhabitants on earth than Evan did - wow, what a shock that must have been when he finally got that it wasn't a cult! Makes me smile again thinking about his chivalrous nature, and how he was protective, even when so unwell.

There is a lot of plot, some of it small town, some of it otherworldly, but it fits together perfectly and was the perfect escape for a Sunday afternoon. I will be adding the Dark Protectors' series to my to-be-read pile, that is for sure!

[Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vixen is a fast-paced paranormal romance that is full of steam, adventure, action, and a smattering of humor. For a novella, the author does a spectacular job with world building and the story is comprehensive with a lot going on between the pages. The plot was interesting and I found both Tabi and Evan to be likable characters.

Tabi was quite entertaining with her saucy personality all while being a strong, independent demoness - my favorite type of heroine. Evan is a human cop with no knowledge of paranormal beings (demons, vampires, shifters, etc) residing in his small town. I really liked his big heart and protective nature. I did find the evolution of his character to be rather abrupt, but I think it was fitting with storyline.

Vixen, a part of the 1001 Dark Nights collection, takes place in this author’s Dark Protectors Realm. If you are familiar with her works, then you will be pleased to see some secondary characters from the previous books. If you are new to this author, this is the perfect introduction to the paranormal world of Dark Protectors. It is a standalone novella that is sure to keep you entertained through the very end end.

I voluntarily read an early version of this book. This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winning the game

This sassy demoness keeps her over protective alpha police detective on his feet and the story moving throughout. I love the way the author brings out the fun in even the most dangerous situations and the way she added something new to this series that I already love so much. I can’t wait to read all about the doctor and the vampire in the next book. I’m sure it will not be an easy path for them, but it will be oh so enjoyable for me.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short continues with characters previously introduced in the anger management class in VENGEANCE.

I’d be happy if this series never ended; it’s always such a fun read.

[Tracie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. I loved the strength and diversity of the characters and the well developed storyline. I love this series and look forward to more.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

[Kimmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really loving the group in anger-management. I loved that instead of an enhanced female it’s an enhanced male. Hot sexy funny all rolled into me fantastic book.

[.Chelsey. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me a nice sneak peek into a couple a leary on reading. I’m not so leary anymore 🤣

[Speed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another jaw-dropping book by Ms. Zanetti. She has a fan for life! I love the Dark Protectors series with all my heart and once again she does not disappoint. We have met Tabi before in Vengeance, Noah and Abby's story, in an anger management meeting. We also meet Evan O'Connell a sexy cop who is trying his best to protect Tabi. Pfft, as if she needs protecting, Lol. Evan has no idea of the paranormal world, yet, and as you read along, Evan is in for a world, the paranormal world of a surprise when he finds out the truth about himself, Lol. Filled with the consummate humor that Ms. Zanetti is known for, not to mention the OTT alphas who think they are in charge, make for an awesome read. I for one will always purchase her books, she is an automatic buy for me. I love them all!!! I really hope Dr. Lopez and Raine's book is next. The chemistry and fire coming from those two? Phew! They are sizzling with all that heat, Lol. 5 AWESOME, STUPENDOUS, LAUGH OUT LOUD, FANTASTIC STARS******

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book written by Rebecca Zanetti! In my opinion, if you haven't read any of her books yet you definitely need to!! This story is set in the Dark Protectors world. You don't have to read any of the previous books to enjoy this story however, I would recommend at minimum reading 1001 Dark Nights Vengeance by Rebecca Zanetti because the story is the same setting & has many of the same characters so you can appreciate this story even more!!

This story is about Tabi & Evan and how their relationship grows. Tabi is an intelligent, gorgeous, impulsive demoness that needs to procure a video with her image on it before she skips town. Evan is a hunky overprotective detective that wants to help others and also finds Tabi intriguing. As the story continues their relationship sizzles and I absolutely love the progression!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and found myself laughing out loud, crying, and rushing through my reading to find out what was going to happen next. This story is very well written and I would highly recommend it to anyone!! Enjoy!

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1001 Dark Nights series, a multi-authored novella series featuring standalone stories that take place in worlds already created by the writer, is really such delightful way to find new and exciting series that you want to explore further and a fabulously low-stakes way to discover a new author to cherish- cause we all have time for a novella, right? Vixen comes from Zanetti’s Dark Protectors paranormal romance series- a series that I am not super familiar with myself. Fortunately, the story operates as a standalone, and thanks to the quick and engaging plot of this story and Zanetti’s keen ability to quickly world build and keep the paranormal elements digestible, I found it easy to dive right into this series.

Tabi is our demoness leading lady, who finds herself stuck in anger management classes after some trouble. Our human hero, the former Navy SEAL Evan, now a detective, is responsible for her being there. Meanwhile, Evan is suffering from a debilitating and terminal condition, and has resigned himself to slow death in this small town. He can’t get Tabi off his mind, especially when he learns she’s in danger.. He’s insistent upon protecting Tabi from the shifter demanding access to her work, while she’s uninterested in his help. Action, adventure, and steam ensue- including the entertaining turn of events when Tabi decides to mate Evan to possibly heal him, which gifts Evan with his own powers that seem to develop in the face of a threat to Tabi. A sexy, bantering romance escales quickly between them as the two face the imminent threats.


As I mentioned before, for a novella that takes place in an already established series, Zanetti’s world building is really skillful. I’d read Zanetti before, but not this series. Paranormal romances used to be my go-to, but I found myself moving away from them as overly complex world cannons and long-running series made it harder to keep up or to easily jump in. I was worried I’d have that experience here, especially for a novella, but this really was a super accessible paranormal lens. And, it really did what the 1001 Dark Nights Series intends to do- it introduced me to a world and gave me a big enough bite-sized sample to leave me intrigued about the rest of this series and with a thirst to spend more time in this world.

Characters that appear in other parts of the series make appearances here- though they are strangers to me. Not knowing them didn’t much impact my reading experience, although I’m sure this would be way more delightful to readers who love and recognize these characters. Evan and Tabi are both entertaining characters. Evan’s protective nature and alpha tendencies but also his sweet heart make him swoon worthy, and Tabi’s sassy independence and impulsive passion made for some great story tension and action. Of course, like in many novellas, I left feeling like I didn’t know the characters as much as I wanted to- they are just so interesting- but for the length of the story and the focus of their development, they are dimensional enough for us to be invested.

For a short story, this is quite a bit of plot and action- this is fast paced and entertaining with just the right balance of steam and adventure, danger and fun. If you are new to PNR or to this series, it is a great way to stick your toe into the pool. And, if you are a longtime fan of this series or author, I imagine this will be quite a delicious treat for you, too.

[WycEd Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out our full post for VIXEN on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is such a fun read – I don't often read paranormal, and haven't read this series, but Zanetti is such a favourite of mine that I could not pass up the opportunity. I was thrilled when I got a hot, sexy, and exciting novella, and even happier once I had read it.

I have no doubt at all that if I were up with the series, there would have been a lot of old friends here, but for me the whole cast was new, but I never felt that I was missing anything. In fact, I clearly know a lot more about our 'other' fellow inhabitants on earth than Evan did – wow, what a shock that must have been when he finally got that it wasn't a cult! Makes me smile again thinking about his chivalrous nature, and how he was protective, even when so unwell.

There is a lot of plot, some of it small town, some of it otherworldly, but it fits together perfectly and was the perfect escape for a Sunday afternoon. I will be adding the Dark Protectors series to my to-be-read pile, that is for sure!

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this novella! It seems like I have been on Rebecca Zanetti reading spree but after reading her latest book in the Dark Protectors series (Guardian's Grace) I realized that I had missed one of the previous short stories and found this one. I think this story takes place right before Guardians Grace in terms of the timeline as there is a brief mention of Adare, but this story features several never before mentioned characters - yet it still incorporates those that long time readers know and love (Dage, Emma, Max).

This story travels a new and different journey - that of an enhanced male and his experience meeting and mating with the demoness Tabitha Rusko (Tabi). Its a cute story of human detective Evan O'Connell, who is dying from a hereditary disease when he meets Tabi and decides he is going to protect her before he passes away. This is a different take on the usual story in the Dark Protector world of matings with enhanced women and it creates somewhat of a splash because no one knows what happens when an enhanced male is mated. There seems to be some consensus that there was a reason there aren't any enhanced males - that they might have been killed off intentionally because they become too powerful. Interesting......right?

So, Evan ends up being a very exciting character as he dives into the deep end of the immortal world. There is all kinds of drama with Tabi and some bad guys (wolf shifters) that she unfortunately decided to swindle - not on purpose...well, maybe just a little on purpose.

I enjoyed every bit of this story and would love to see more along this vein. This was definitely a winner :)

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few books ago in this series, we met Tabi and Evan in Vengeance. I knew at the time their story would be interesting. Until now, all of the humans who end up as part of The Realm have been women. It seems to me it may have even been said in the past that only human women are enhanced in the matter in which to make it possible for them to mate with an immortal. Not only was I blown away by the fact that Evan seemed to be enhanced, it seems as though most of the immortals were just as surprised. And his enhancement doesn’t progress the same was as the women have in the past.

This is a fast-moving story that kept me turning the pages. Tabi and Evan are great together and they burned up the pages. Although this is a novella within the larger series, I feel a lot that happened here may have far reaching consequences in this world. A lot of times I think these little novellas can be skipped if you’re not interested in certain characters, but I don’t think that’s the case here. There’s too much going on in the few pages we are given. It’s a great, easy-to-read story anyway.

The ragtag group of immortals and humans doing their anger management classes that we first met in Vengeance has me more and more intrigued. I find myself looking forward to these shorter stories just as much as I look forward to the full length books.

You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.

[Serena Kenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha and Evan

Tabitha is a demoness living in this small town trying to make tons of money. She’s creating a product for immortals, a product that can blur faces so the immortal is not on camera.
She runs into trouble with some of the locals, the sheriff’s son to be one of them. They try to accost her, she hands them their asses and puts them into the hospital. For this she is sent to attend an anger management group.

Detective Evan O’Connell is an ex navy seal who now has settled into his role as detective in this small town. He also knows his time is limited, he like his father have an incurable degenerative disease that attacks his mind and body. He is just trying to help out Abby and Tabi before his time comes.

Evan and Tabi have an instant connection. Their banter is great. She knows he is dying, immortals can sense it. She also finds out he has this ability to shield from demon mind attacks. This has her wondering if males can be enhanced. Tabi mates Evan, hoping to cure his disease. They have things to work through, issues arise.

This is a great addition to the series, I cannot wait for more. There’s also more to come with the immortals in this small town. Raine has stuck around and we see he has an interest in Dr Marianna Lopez, the anger management counselor.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate to admit I haven't read any of this series but I am shamefully addicted to the 1001 Dark Nights books. The 1001 Dark Nights series is a wonderful way to discover a author new to you and see if you might enjoy their series and their writing styles.

YES! Rebecca Zanetti has it! I absolutely loved Vixen. Tabi was a very interesting, sassy character.
Not quite what I pictured for a demoness but damn...so much better than my imagination.
I feel so quickly for Evan and my heart was bursting with compassion so when life gives him another opportunity I sighed with relief. That was just the beginning of a well told story. This novella has a lot to offer in such a short but full story that had me laughing and so much more.
If like me you never read a story by Rebecca Zanetti this is a great introduction to what she has going on. Me....well, it looks like I'll be getting the Dark Protector series for my kindle. Not only did Tabi and Evan have a wonderful story, their are other characters in this book that have their stories to tell and from what I got small peeks of, they look like they are going to be taking up parts of my sleep deprived life. :)

[Amanda Bhear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabitha kind of makes you laugh! You gotta love 'er! She's a full demoness who is just having a little bit of trouble. She's a tough girl with a good heart. But thanks to the sexy cop, Evan O'Connell who keeps turning up at the wrong time (for her) she can't just leave town. She finally decides she's going to rob the bank that he has the video of her in. She needs to get that video. At the time she is about to go across the street with her tools, he steps out of the shadows & wants to know what she's doing. She tries to talk her way out of it & when that doesn't work, although she feels bad about it, she attacks his mind. Nothing happens, she tries again. Is she losing her powers? Then to make matters worse, Richard, another demon shows up claiming to be her betrothed. She tries to tell Evan now would be a good time to leave, she would take care of it. He doesn't want to leaver her with this guy who sounds like a nut. Richard tries to attack Evan's mind, & finds that he can't. Tabi is happy to know it is not her, she thought she was losing her powers but obviously not. Evan thinks they are both crazy & should go get help from what they are talking about. Then Tabi screams & falls. She gets up & is wanting to know why Richard attacked her. He just wanted to make sure he still could. She warns him to never do it again! So he attacks her mind again! as she is on the ground Evan touches her arm & she comes out of it. She wants to know how he blocked the attack. He doesn't understand & still thinks she needs help. Richard gives her an ultimatum to choose him or choose death, she had until tomorrow to decide. He tells Evan, he could just wait for his disease to kill him. How could he know? Evan has known that his time is limited, and growing shorter, faster but thought he had hidden it fairly well. He knows he will have to resign from the force soon. He drops Tabi at her house & she calls Raine, a vampire-demon hybrid, to ask if has heard of any humans able to block a demon mind attack. He had heard of some enhanced women, mates in the realm with such power. Then she asks if he has heard of any enhanced males. He thinks the Kurjans wiped them out centuries ago. Evan is called out to a domestic disturbance call & knows it is the sheriff's son, Johnny. He brings him & since he hit him with a bat he hoes he can keep him in a cell this time. Unfortunately, the sheriff who is friends with the judge and related to him by marriage, are able to get him out. Johnny ends up in the anger management class that Tabi, Raine, Noah, a demon-hybrid, & Abby, his mate. Tabi is in the class because it is the easiest sentence Evan could get her, after her run in with 4 punks who tried to accost her. She put them all in the hospital, unfortunately, 1 was Johnny & 1 was the Judge's nephew. It got recorded on that video that is in the bank. When she graduates this class he will give it to her. Abby is in this class in similar line of trouble. Her abusive ex-husband wouldn't let her go & was good friends with the sheriff & judge. He got himself killed & they want to make her the killer, the three of them had been harassing her since her divorce. If she doesn't finish this class she loses her probation. So none of them, Evan most of all are too happy to see Johnny there when he just put him in a cell. On the way home Richard shows up & there is a chase, his car crashes. Tabi goes to the station to give her statement & on the way out finds out Evan has been fired because of this. The sheriff has been trying to get rid of him for a while. She wants him to fight it, he tells her, he would have to quit soon anyway. He has Huntington's Disease. He is dying soon. She could save him. She asks him what he would do if he could live forever? Does he believe in vampires? He thinks Richard has her in a cult. He offers her his guest room. She give him a kiss & the mating mark appears on her hand. She talks him into sleeping with her, mates him but when they wake up he is running a very high fever. She can't wake him. Panicked she calls Raine to come over, They don't know what is happening so they call Emma, the Queen, who is also a doctor. He wakes up to find Raine in his bedroom & wants to know why he's there. Tabi tries to tell him what happened. He still thinks it is just a cult thing. They point out the marking on his hip matching her hand, he thinks he was drugged & branded. He gets dizzy & passes out. As he comes to the Queen & her people are being lett into his house. He pulls on some jeans & gets a back up gun, to go find out what is going on. Raine tells them that he is leaving he doesn't mess with the realm. Dage, the King & Emma go about trying to explain, then show Evan about them. Emma as usual wants blood samples. As they show Evan about fast healing, Dage starts talking business with Tabi about her company she is starting. After they left, Noah calls, Abby has been arrested for the murder of her ex. They go to the station, he goes in to tell the sheriff that he has no reason to arrest her & takes her out to Noah. Tabi goes to her factory, when she gets home they get into a discussion about safety. Richard comes up & tells her to sell him her business, & she refuses. Evan & Richard gets into a fight, Richard gets killed. The King calls the next day telling Evan the Popavs are in town for a meeting, they want part of the business. She says a way smaller piece than they want or no. So they leave, they pull into their drive & are hit with darts. When she wakes up Evan is gone & she has a note from the Popavs. She gives them what they want or they kill him. She goes to the factory, then to where they are holding Evan. She comes in and opens a box, she pulls out a little device & says a smaller piece, they say no. She pushes the button & blows up the factory. Now the only way to get the information is in her head. They start fighting, Evan's strength keeps growing so he is able to kick out the bars in his cell & get out. They kill the Popavs, get free & go home. They decide to stay on in town & rebuild her company. He might run for sheriff & get the bad one out of office. It is a very good story.

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story plot is about a demoness named ‘Tabi’ Rusko and an enhanced human male detective named Evan O’Connell.

As threats against Tabi escalate, Evan’s newfound powers come to light as he must protect his ‘mate’ from harm. Evan, with his deep, sexy voice, is a swoony character who constantly makes us laugh with his confusion about the immortals and his priceless expressions when learning about them.

The evolving relationship between Tabi and Evan is central to the story as they navigate their feelings amidst danger and risks. The plot has love, corruption, suspense, and unlikely friendships. Evan must assert his authority to safeguard Tabi.

The action-packed plot is fast-paced and engaging, with dynamic and powerful characters. The romance between Tabi and Evan develops quickly, showcasing an instant attraction that evolves into something deeper. Their chemistry is beautiful and powerful. The story also provides moments of humor and a diverse cast of characters. The special appearance by the King and Queen adds a nice touch to the narrative. The novella is available in audio format, narrated by Stella Bloom, who does an amazing job.