chrannag's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
shadowmaster13's review
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
redhairedashreads's review
2.0
2 stars - It was ok
Athan Maxwell and his family are cursed to die if they don’t find their mate by their 400th year. Athan solved this problem by finding his mate and saving her, but then letting her go to live her life without him. They only meet up a few times a year to exchange blood to keep each other immortal. But when the enemy finds Ivy, Athan refuses to leave her alone anymore.
Well I am sad to say this but this book didn’t work for me. Athan and Ivy’s relationship was basically a marriage of convenience. He didn’t really want to be mated but did it so he could continue his job as a hunter. I didn’t like Athan at all. He is controlling, pushy, and his actions showed that he didn’t want the true Ivy. He wanted a biddable wife who would stay safe, not the strong, independent woman who knows her own mind. Also he was constantly calling her a brat when she was trying to voice her opinion and stand up for herself and I hate that.
Ivy was an interesting heroine. She has been living her life to the fullest and created many businesses, including her new one of hunting online predators. I liked how she didn’t give into Athan’s demands of being a good little wife. I was very disappointed that she decided to mate him fully after he stated his feelings. Nothing about his actions showed he loved and appreciated this woman but she accepted his declaration and fell into her feelings for him. This was the only time I didn’t really like her.
Overall, this was not my favorite Dark Protectors book. I continued reading in the hopes their relationship would get better but it didn’t for me. I did like Leah and grandma Nia. I don’t know if I am going to enjoy the Maxwell brother’s future stories but I will at least give them a chance.
allingoodtime's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I honestly don’t know how this author always packs so much emotion into a short story every single time. Athan and Ivy have been mated for well over 100 years, but they haven’t been together. Athan seeks out Ivy a few times a year when he needs to feed. Ivy, having been kept in the periphery of the world of vampires, doesn’t realize how much she doesn’t know about what being a vampire mate entails. They have an agreement. Athan lets Ivy live her life the way she wants as long as she stays safe. Or so she thought.
Of course, Athan being a vampire and a Maxwell has had more control over Ivy’s life than she knew. Ivy has grown to be strong, independent, and a warrior in her own right. Finding out there has always been someone looking over her shoulder is a blow to Ivy’s ego and her confidence. It’s gutting.
As is usually the case, the author gives us so much chemistry with this couple. While Athan was very much an alpha male, he also was very aware of what being mated to a Maxwell meant and wanted to give Ivy her freedom while it was still possible. But once that line was crossed, he was no holds barred.
On top of the usual chemistry, there is also the usual action and danger. Things moved at a fast clip and pulled me along for the ride. I love getting these peeks at other lineages in this paranormal universe.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
madisonwfairbanks's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A Vampire’s Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti
Dark Protectors series #14.5. Paranormal romance. Can be read as a stand-alone but better read as part of the series.
Athan Maxwell found his true mate over a century ago. Since she was naive and from an isolated area, Athan made arrangements to meet up with her only a couple of times a year to take blood and left her to enjoy her life. Current day and he can’t stay away from her for long periods but also finds she is much more independent now. Ivy is feeling a bit lonely and looks forward to finally having a full relationship with Athan.
I enjoyed their laughter and enjoyment of each other. Oh sure, he was dominating like an old bear, but she enjoyed his trying.
I feel you need to be up-to-date with the series as this book drop serious spoilers from Garrett’s book.
I admit Athan’s parents amused me quite a bit. They’ve been around a long time and together seem like a nice couple, but apart? Wise cracks, chases and mayhem.
I listened to an audiobook version while following along with an ebook. The narrator is Stella Bloom and she does a marvelous performance although I did have to speed it up a bit for conversational speed.
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