Anna Theurer
Alpha’s Promise is a relatively fast-paced paranormal suspense in this author’s Dark Protector’s world. While each book is about a different character, I would not consider this a standalone seeing as there is a larger, underlying storyline that continues through each book in this series. Iva is a hybrid demon-vampire member of the Seven. I loved him as a character as he is admirably loyal to his brothers, protective of Promise, and is trying hard to reintegrate into society after going through a hell dimension. Promise is a genius scientist and while I liked her curiosity, she is very analytical and socially awkward. All of this author’s heroines tend to be scientific and intelligent, which is something I tend to love in a heroine, but I couldn’t related to Promise at all as she was just too clinical and seeming to lack the ability to truly feel. I didn’t sense much chemistry between her and Ivar. It was great to see some of my favorite characters from the Seven and there mates and a few from the early books in this series. There are a few chapters from 7 year-old Hope, Janie and Zane’s child, but her story seems to be trending towards a repeat of Janie’s journey. I am hoping that the author takes her down a different path in the future. I enjoyed learning more about the dimensions with a focus on how to save Quade, but it seems like there was too much astrophysics / cosmology speak. As with the previous books, the author does a magnificent job crafting a unique storyline with great world building. Alpha’s Promise is full of suspense, action, and revelations which is what kept me entertained until the very end. I received Alpha’s Promise for free and while this book isn’t my favorite book by this author, I am definitely looking forward to the next installment. 3.5 stars
Up All Night
5 Stars Review by Leah Late Night Reviewer Up All Night w/ Books Blog Alpha’s Promise by Rebecca Zanetti, starring Ivar the Viking and Promise, brings out my inner math and science geek. I wanted to sit by her and watch her work. The connection between these two is more than just sexual angst or suspense. It adds intellectual angst. You can see the wheels turning when they put their heads together. I also feel like Ivar is a closet nerd, haha! At some points in the book, it seemed like Ivar was waiting for Promise to figure out the problem on her own even though he already knew the answer. Then there is Promise’s excitement when it comes to solving the next problem. I was getting just as excited for her. The support Ivar gives when Promise goes into one of her zones while working on the next equation is heartwarming. You would think this would be a rough and tumble, me Tarzan you Jane, throughout the book because let's face it, Ivar is a Viking turned Vampire. Come on, if that does not spell out Alpha, I do not know what would. There are also some freaking sexy Alpha moments but it also shows a side of Ivar that he does not share with many. That is what really hooked me. I love the depth of the characters Rebecca builds in her stories. There are so many layers and dimensions. If you read the book you will understand. The Dark Protector series by Rebecca Zanetti is one of my favorite and I really enjoyed the little twist in this one with the heroine. Not saying all the other heroines are bad just that Promise is the introverted nerd in high school everyone passed by. Which I can relate a little too, HA! Promise allowed Alpha’s Promise to be its own story but still a continuation of the series.
Sandy S.
4.25 stars--ALPHA’S PROMISE is the tenth instalment in Rebecca Zanetti’s DARK PROTECTORS paranormal/fantasy romance series. This is hybrid demon/vampire Ivar Kjeidsen, and theoretical physicist Dr. Promise Williams’ story line. ALPHA’S PROMISE can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion, especially this particular arc of the series focusing on the group known as the Seven. Told from several third person perspectives including Promise and Ivar, following several intersecting paths, ALPHA’S PROMISE follows the building relationship between hybrid demon/vampire Ivar Kjeidsen, and theoretical physicist Dr. Promise Williams. Someone, or more specifically, the Kurjans have been targeting enhanced female physicists, and Dr. Promise Williams is next on their list. In an effort to protect the enhanced human female, Ivan Kjeidsen volunteers to act as guardian but goes about his job all wrong. Hoping to discover the truth behind their ability to teleport, the Seven bring Promise Williams into their fold, in an effort to use her knowledge and her mind. As the Kurjans continue to target enhanced female physicists, Promise begins to unravel the secret behind temporal dimensions, worlds and the ability to teleport. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Ivar and Promise, and the potential fall-out as Promise and Logan’s mate Mercy find themselves, once again, taken hostage by the Kurjan vampires Promise Williams doesn’t do relationships; math is her lover but meeting Ivar Kjeidsen stirs something deep within our story line heroine. Promise’s enhanced abilities allows her to detect what others cannot, an ability that makes her a target in the war between the demons and vampires. Ivar Kjeidsen’s goal is to return to the h*ll world in order to rescue his brother and friend but Quade doesn’t want rescuing, in fact, he wants the Seven to leave him alone. But Quade has a secret, that the Seven has discovered, and in this Quade is desperate for the Seven to cease and desist. Meanwhile, Hope Kayrs-Kyllwood continues to dream walk with the young Kurjan male Drake, dream walking that pushes Hope to make plans for a meet and greet in real life. But things don’t go according to plan when Hope’s whereabouts and plans are discovered, with the potential of leading the Demons to war. The relationship between Ivar and Promise is one of immediate attraction but neither one is looking for a permanent mate. Promise’s enhanced abilities are like a beacon to those whose powers she is able to detect, and in this Ivar is desperate to claim the woman as his mate. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Logan and Mercy, Ronan and Faith, Quade Kayrs, Benjamin Reese, Garrett Kayrs, Adare O’Cearbhaill and Grace, Hope Kayrs-Kylwood and her bestie Paxton; Dayne, leader of the Kurjan nation, and his son Drake; Promise’s university co-worker Dr. Mark Brookes; and fae/demon hybrid Haven Daly. Quade and Haven’s story is next in Hero’s Haven. The world building continues to focus on the fight against the Kurjans and the Cysts; the protection of the Realm from the prophet Ulric; and Hope’s ongoing journeys into the Dreamworld. As the Seven try to rescue one of their own, Ivar is willing to sacrifice himself in an effort to bring his brother home. With the introduction of Promise Williams, the addition of mathematics and theoretical physics ups the game to a what if and how. ALPHA’S PROMISE is a story of heart break, secrets, betrayal, vengeance. The premise is detailed, complex and entertaining; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are sassy, colorful, energetic, and bold. ALPHA’S PROMISE is a wonderfully intricate and elaborate addition to Zanetti’s world of the Dark Protectors.