ARC Mini-Review: Tamed

Tamed (Dark Protectors #6.5)

by Rebecca Zanetti

Blurb:

Caleb Donovan was never meant to be a prophet. At heart he's a conqueror, his appetites far more carnal than spiritual. He's not inclined to repress his passions and surrender to fate. After all, that's what cost him Lily—three centuries ago. She married another, because it was ordained. Now that he's in the same benighted calling—and forced into proximity with her—all the old desires are roaring back to life. . .

After widowhood and centuries of celibacy, Lily is eager to explore the wild side of life, except now she's vulnerable to another forced relationship, with an enemy. But this time she's determined to choose her own path. And if hot, furious Caleb comes charging to the rescue, it might just change both their destinies. . .

Love is about to start conquering. . .

Themes: vampires, paranormal

Rating: 3.75 stars

Heat Rating: 

Review:

The end is coming soon, but in the meantime we have a short but steamy story of two former loves that are getting another chance at love after three centuries apart. This story is one that I wasn’t expecting to feel any connection with, since I wasn’t overly invested in either the hero or the heroine from them being in previous novels. Surprisingly I found myself enjoying this story, though I certainly didn’t love it as much as previous novels.  The story takes place shortly after book 6 which was one that blew all previous books out of the water, so maybe if was just unable to live up to that greatness. I am looking forward to seeing where the war takes us in the next novel; though it will be sad to see the series end, even if it will hopefully end in peace.

Caleb lost the chance to love Lily three centuries earlier when she cut their courtship short to marry for duty. Through the years their paths have crossed, but only recently was there any chance for them to be together.  With her being infected with the virus created by their enemies, Lily is finally able to take a lover, but she knows to stay far, far away from Caleb.  He is the one man that has always stirred her desire, but his intensity and the anger he has always displayed when around her, leave her a bit terrified of him.  When he arrives to her rescue just as she decides to branch out and try her hand at sex, Lily never expected him to offer to fulfill all her desires.  Caleb has waited all these years for a chance to be with Lily and when he finds out that she is going to take a lover, he immediately decides he’s done waiting for her to come to him.  He is determined to claim her as his lover, his wife, and eventually his mate, but making her believe in him and accept his feelings is more of a challenge than he ever expected. But when the danger surrounding them intensifies there is no time for Caleb to focus on anything but keep them both alive and safe if they’ll ever have a chance together.

This story was one that provided the bridge between Jase’s book and what I believe will be the final in the series, Jane’s book. As such there is a lot of plot building with battles, changes in their world, and unveiling of truths leading to the final battle. While the connection between Caleb and Lily was blistering, their love affair was more of a reason for them to be involved in the peace talks than anything else.  Seeing them rediscover their connection was wonderful and watching Lily blossom and stop hiding behind her old-fashioned persona made the whole story even more important. Caleb was the ultimate alpha male, being a vampire in mating heat makes him even more intense, but he was sweet and understanding too. Lily, while a bit old-fashioned in public, was a wildcat in private, full of passion, determination, and strength.  Though she seems a bit timid at first, she comes out of her shell and shows herself to be a woman to be reckoned with and one that will do just about anything to keep her people safe, but only when she is true to her heart and morals when making those choices.  I liked the overall feel of this story and loved both the H/h and it seemed to blend well into the full series while providing fun twists and turns that lead to interesting changes in their world. I CANNOT WAIT for the next book and to finally find out the truth about the triangle of Jane and the two men that have haunted her childhood dreams and adult visions.  Sad to see the series ending, but I'm looking forward to new things from Rebecca and have no doubt I will ultimately love whatever comes next.

*eARC provided by publisher (via netgalley) for the purpose of an honest and unbiased review.  No compensation was provided.