I really enjoyed Blood Guard by Megan Erickson. I haven't read a vampire book in awhile and I felt the plot of this book was a bit of a departure from your traditional vampire story.

Athan is a Blood Guard. His primary objective is to protect the Sanguivita until she can be delivered to his brother, Idris. Athan and Idris are elite vampires, basically princes of the Gregorie Clan. But Tendra is human and knows nothing about this! Tendra's thoughts must be, "Wait!! I'm supposed to be a blood bank for a bunch of vampires??!!" She is the Sanguivita, a special, tenth generation blood donor who will make Idris, the new king, extraordinarily strong. Athan and Tendra develop quite a connection on their journey. The main antagonist of this book is a rival vampire clan that has a rather vicious agenda. Will Athan and Tendra reach Idris intact?

This is an exciting read that has some plot surprises and a good amount of sexy heat. I give Blood Guard 4 stars. It's well worth the read!

This was a great start to what will no doubt be an amazing series.

Tendra works nights bartending in the town of Mission. She recently lost her mother and is feeling quite alone in the world since her mother was the only family she had. Well, besides her cat, Brex. While growing up Trenda spent a lot of time moving from one place to another with her mother. Their moves were often caused by unusual things happening. Like the murder of their landlords daughter or their house being trashed. Tendra never stopped to wonder why these odd predicaments kept happening. Until she meets, Athan.
Athan has been training his whole life to become the Blood Guard of the Sanguivita, which just happens to be Tendra. His duty is to collect her and bring her safely to his brother and future King, Idris where he can feed upon her since her blood is suppose to be special and to fulfill a prophecy. Things don't go to plan though because they have two different vampire clans hot on their heels and even some in his own who've decided to betray their clan and work with the enemy. Plus there is also the small problem of Athan and Trendra falling for each other.
I was very pleased with Tendra. She was a complete badass. I loved her attitude. She didn't dwell on what was happening. She accepted it and would have her small moment of panic and then move on. She put on a brave face and fought back. I really liked her. Athan was quite the badass as well. He was very protective and had a kindness about him that made me adore him instantly. They both were very honest and told each other everything. I liked that they didn't hold anything back from one another.

The ending was EPIC and I can not wait for the next book.

If your a fan of this author as I am then you know the writing is good. She gave us some good vampire in this book. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a good paranormal read with awesome MC's then one click the crap outta it when it comes out in September. I'll be reposting my review on its release date just to remind you!

Happy reading dolls! xx

Synospsis:

What happens if you spend your life moving around constantly not because your mom likes changing locations constantly? If you are moving to escape something you didn’t even know was a problem? That’s what Tendra finds out after meeting Athan. They have to journey through Mission City and avoid the rival vampires out to kill Tendra.

Review:

I enjoyed this one a lot. I’m a sucker for vampire romances (yes I did it on purpose I’m full of good puns). This one is great we follow a rather headstrong heroine Tendra (Ten) who is not going to take shit from nobody even Athan who is your typical Alpha male. The story unfolds over a series of days on their path back to the Gregories compound.
We follow them as they slowly figure out how to get along and survive together. Of course this doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing. There are some dumb mistakes made by Ten, but she recovers okay from them. Seeming to grow and learn her lesson as we move forward. We see her develop a good bit throughout the story. I liked that she was not going to take shit or let Athan make a bad decision in the end. Erickson manages to give us some really interesting glimpses into the world as they travel through underground Mission City.
I was impressed at how a seemingly predictable plot unfolded and still surprised me. I enjoyed reading the story and how the characters fell in love with each other. There was enough happening to keep me very interested and engaged.


Final Thoughts:

Will I read the rest of the series: Yes

Cliffhanger Ending: No

Rating: 3 ½ out of 5

It has been a while since I have read a PNR book and with a slightly new spin on the vampire world Blood Guard didn’t disappoint. I won't bore you with a recap because the synopsis explains the story well.

I think Blood Guard is a great start to a new series. I found Athan to be extremely protective and honorable. He was a refreshing take on a vampire. Usually they take without concern for the consequences but Athan was loyal to the bone. Even though he wanted Tendra for himself he stood his ground and wouldn’t let himself have her. Tendra was a fun heroine. She had to quickly accept her new reality but the author did a good job here of not dancing around the subject. Athan had to show himself to Tendra and even though it seemed crazy, seeing is believing. Blood Guard is rounded out nicely with some interesting side characters including Tendra’s intuitive cat Brex. If you are looking for a new PNR world to step into I definitely think Blood Guard is worth your time. I particularly loved the ending and can’t wait to see what the next couple has in store for us in book two. Well Done!

3.75 stars--BLOOD GUARD is the first installment in Megan Erickson’s contemporary, adult MISSION paranormal, erotic, romance series. This is vampire Blood Guard Athan and human waitress Tendra’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Athan and Tendra) BLOOD GUARD introduces the world of the Gregorie vampire-their enemies, a rival vampire clan, known as the Valarians who want to enslave all of humanity as blood banks, and the Quellens (assassins for hire). With the impending arrival of the King-to-be’s Sanguivita, the Gregorie clan prepares for a future awash in unmentionable powers.

Our heroine Tendra is a strong female character; the Sanguivita of the Gregorie clan-the sole human provider of blood to the king-a position she is ill prepared for, and a position of which, she knew nothing about. Athan is Gregorie vampire royalty but a royal designated as the Blood Guard to his brother’s future bride-a spare to the heir, so to speak but a spare whose position within the royal elite will soon come to light. Athan has been tasked to safely escort his brother’s future bride to her new home at the Gregorie compound but the compound has been compromised, and the royal family struggles to stay one step ahead of an unknown threat. What ensues is the building relationship between Athan and Tendra, and the potential fall out when the truth about the royal legacy and the Sanguivita prophecy is fulfilled.

BLOOD GUARD is a story of insta-love; of forbidden romance between soul mates; two people pulled together by love and fate; and the unmistakable allure of what should have been. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is a palpable, sexual attraction between our leading couple-an attraction that does not go unnoticed by the man in charge. Fair warning, there are some M/M, F/F sexual situations between non-relevant characters but situations that explain the attraction and desires during vampire feedings.

We are introduced to Athan’s brother Idris; his best friend Zeb, and Tendra’s co-worker and friend Ruby. There is a large assortment of secondary and supporting characters who come and go throughout the story including Athan and Idris’s father King Connell. Idris’s story line is next BLOOD VEIL November 2017. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Zeb’s HEA.

The world building reveals some of the backstory and touches briefly on the history of the Sanguivita-her role as the sole human blood provider of the Gregorie king including the potential power her blood can gift to the rightful heir. Athan’s earlier years, including his relationship with his brother, struggled in the face of their father’s power and control- a control that will dissipate as the Sanguivita takes her place on the throne. I was hoping for some more information as to the reasons why the Gregorie vampires chose the town of Mission-perhaps it was the availability of the old, underground subway system that allows for a secret city beneath the town.

BLOOD GUARD is a fast paced and intriguing story line. The premise is sexy and energetic- there was nothing earth shattering or new but the story line kept me entertained and interested in the fate of the leading characters; the romance is intense; the characters are colorful and charismatic. Megan Erickson’s BLOOD GUARD is a great start to a new series. I hope you give it a try.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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Blood Guard is a mash-up of all my favourite vampire shows with a bit more va va voom. Seriously, Megan Erickson puts the RAWR in RAUNCHY with the portrayal of the vampire clan, Gregorie, their affiliation with humans in a totally consensual carnal fashion.

Tendra has lead a rather nomadic lifestyle, constantly on the move with her mother while she was growing up. Plagued by traumatic incidents that only tie together when her part in an ancient prophecy is revealed following her mothers death.

Battling vampire clans, the fate of humanity and an ancient prophecy all play a part in Blood Guard. Full of action, intrigue and suspense alongside the steamy romance, Blood Guard will have you on the edge of your seat.

Athan is vampire royalty, his lifelong duty has been to guard the catalyst to the prophecy, Tendra, whose blood has special properties for the ruling family heir. Athan is a wonderful character, especially when you consider he is a vampire; he is kind and compassionate with a level of empathy lacking in a lot of humans. Athan makes you consider what it is to be human, is it our ability to show compassion that sets us apart?

Although Tendra has been promised to Athan's brother, they are unable to deny the connection they feel, something that goes far beyond the physical and makes you believe in soul-mates. Events unfold making Athan and Tendra question everything they have learnt about the prophecy and also the roles they play in it. It is difficult to discuss the plot without giving spoilers but believe me it will keep you transfixed.

Blood Guard is a fantastic beginning to the Mission series with the foundation for the next story laid out within the plot. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

3.5 stars~

I am a reader that you would consider as being "very picky" when it comes to paranormal books. I want them to have romance in them but I always want them to have a really solid story to it that doesn't revolve around the romance. I love the world building and the thrill of it all. While Blood Guard is a book I enjoyed, it isn't going to be rated very high for a PNR for me. I liked it but it revolved around romance and didn't have the story line that would have carried the book outside of the romance aspect. If you like them and don't need more than the romance then this would be a book for you.

3.5 “Sexy Vampires” Stars

ARC via NetGalley.

Thank you, Loveswept!

I've been saying this a lot for the past couple of months, but yeah I'm more than ready for paranormal romance to make a comeback. And it's happening, guys. It's happening!!! So, hello all the paranormal romance books I'm seeing out there! *waves*

Now, of the adult PNR romance I've read this year, Blood Guard is definitely my favorite.

I'm relatively new to this author, but I can already tell Megan Erickson has no trouble writing chemistry and sexy romance. And likable heroines.

Tendra was strong, independent and loyal. She knew how to take care of herself, but she also knew when to accept help. I liked that she didn't act like those heroines who are so stuck on being independent that they end up getting themselves in trouble because they can't accept anyone's help. Aside from some silly decisions (everyone's entitled to one or two of those), she came across as really mature for a young woman. The fact that she treated her cat as if he was a person also won her some points with me.

Athan, the sexy vampire who was in charge of keeping Tendra safe and escorting her to his clan so she could sort of marry/bond/serve as blood bag to his soon-to-be-king brother, was also a great character. I liked how he struggled between his sense of loyalty and duty, and his feelings for Tendra. Most of all, I liked how he balanced the fact that he was raised to be a badass killer with his good heart. I'm all for alpha heroes, especially in PNR, but I can get behind a almost-beta male when he's as sexy as Athan.

Speaking of sexy... The chemistry between Athan and Tendra was spot on. I enjoyed how the romance developed and how hot they were together. Some of those sex scenes made me blush, and I read a lot of romance, so that isn't an easy task. I guess the whole feeding while doing other stuff got to me.

The mythology (for a lack of better world) and the plot didn't impress me, to be honest. I had problems with what I saw as plot holes (or inconsistencies) when it came to the war between the vampires clans, and the villain's motivation. I'd also hoped for more of a spin on the vampire mythology, but the main elements were the same as most of the stories out there.

Having said that, Blood Guard gave me sexy vampires, so it's pretty safe to say I enjoyed this book quite a lot.

In this new series from Megan Erickson, there's a secret society of vampires living in the shadows of gritty urban underground. The Gregorie clan has been at war with the Valerian clan over how they treat humans. The Gregorie clan wants to protect the humans, but the Valerians do not. It's taken ten years to develop the Sanguivita, a special human who will provide the blood to feed the Gregorie clan and keep them in prominence.

Tendra has no idea about the vampires that exist in her neighborhood until the day she is taken by one of them. Athan is committed to protecting Tendra but first he has to tell her how important she is to their clan. After everything that she's gone through with her mother in the past, it doesn't take a lot for her to put the pieces together and believe Athan. Now they just need to get back to their clan headquarters, which isn't an easy task considering they have assassins after them.

Blood Guard is an action packed paranormal with a great romance between Athan and Tendra. I could feel their growing passion as I read the book and I worried about the fact that Athan was supposed to deliver Tendra to his brother Idris who is supposed to take the throne with the Sanguivita as his wife. The action and romance come in equal amounts and I loved that about this book.

Blood Guard had everything I want in a paranormal romance. The world building was nicely meshed into the scenes between strong characters that I cared about from the start. It was the romantic elements that really had me with this book too. There's plenty of intrigue too in an action filled conclusion.

If you like paranormal romance, you should definitely pick this one up.

An ARC was provided for review.

I like where this is going. I am a huge fan of Paranormal Romance and vamps are definitely one of my favorite to read about. I have read my fair share (a lot) and I like when an author can weave the standard “what we know” in this case, about vamps, with something original and refreshing. I feel like Megan has totally done that with this new series and I can’t wait to see where it goes next. The world building in this one is interesting, the monarchy so to speak and who doesn’t love a good ol’ prophecy? Just this new take on vamps is something I want to read more about.

With only a few minor issues while reading, some the book and some personal, that were not a deterrent to the overall story, I for sure think fans of Paranormal Romance and Megan Erickson this will be a winner.

I liked this one. I was in the mood for a vampire book when I decided to pick this book up and it ended up being a pretty good fit for me. I read another book written by Megan Erickson earlier this year and was curious about what she would do with a completely different kind of story. I really liked what she did with the start of this new series. This was a fairly short book that I ended up reading cover to cover in a single day and really enjoyed the experience.

I really liked the world at the center of this story. The rules of the vampire society are worked into the story gradually so that it was never too much new information given at the same time. We learn things little by little right along with Tendra but everything makes sense in connection with the plot. There were a few really original ideas built into this world which I really enjoyed.

I really liked both of the main characters. Athan is the perfect combination of honorable, tough, caring, and loyal. He is a great leader who isn't afraid to make tough decisions when needed. He cares about the vampires in the clan and tries to help when he can. Tendra accepts what she is told about her destiny pretty quickly. She wants to do what her ancestors have set up as her calling. I loved these two together and thought that the chemistry between them was really well done.

The overall plot was rather exciting. Athan and Tendra have to travel together so that she can be delivered to the future king of the clan while other groups are trying to stop them. They run into quite a few obstacles and things become desperate several times. There are a few sexy scenes worked into the story that do a great job at balancing out some of the action.

I would recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance. I had a lot of fun reading this fun little vampire story. I am looking forward to reading future books in this series.

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley.

My 4 star review is posted on Goodreads and will be posted on blog and social media upon release and links will be updated at that time below. . UPDATED 9/12/17

4 stars
I really do not read much paranormal anymore, but when an author I like comes out with a paranormal series, I am more likely to jump in. I did so with Megan Erickson's Silver Tip Pack shifter series and I enjoyed that, so figured I might as well try out her new vamps too.

Tendra Parrish is a waitress in Mission. After the death of her mother, she is alone and just trying to figure out what she is going to do with her life. Then one night that choice is unexpectedly taken away from her. A vampire named Athan of the Gregorie Clan comes for her and explains not only her destiny, but also helps her understand more about her past.

It is hard for her to believe, but he makes a compelling argument. She is intelligent, sarcastic, opinionated, strong, and a fighter. She won't make it easy on him, but soon she and Athan are on a perilous journey trying to make it back to his clan. Athan is supposed to be her Blood Guard and protect her until he can deliver her to his brother who will take over as King. With Tendra by his brother's side and providing her special blood, it is supposed to make their clan the most powerful.

Athan has been has been trained for this position, and has a strong sense of honor and duty. He knows his place. He is dangerous, protective, and smart, but also patient and kind. He knows she is off limits to him. But that does not stop him from wishing their lives were different. And all Tendra knows is that Athan is risking his life for her and is being a support to her during a challenging time. She does not know his brother, but sure knows that she is attracted to this vampire that she is not supposed to be. And it is getting harder and harder to follow the rules while outrunning their enemies.

What happens if they make it to the Gregorie compound where their destinies are supposed to be fulfilled?

I liked the world building here with different types of vampires and some unique characteristics that I have not seen in vamps in other books. I liked Athan and Tendra and I enjoyed getting both of points of view. Their connection is intense, primal, and a constant source of tension. This one has some humor, steam, emotion, suspense, danger, and action. There are some twists and surprises. The side characters added more depth and drama. It kept me interested and it teased the next book, Blood Veil and I will definitely be interested to see how that story goes.

I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.

​I LOVE a good vampire story and this was freaking FANTASTIC! I love the world that was introduced, the characters, the details, the drama, and the passion. It was all so exciting!

Tendra and Athan were awesome. I loved how they met and their interactions. I loved Tendra, she was fierce! I loved her attitude and determination in the midst of this very crazy situation and I thought she was a great heroine. And Athan, oh my! All gruff attitude and devoted to his task I loved how loyal he was. I loved their dialogue, it was incredibly entertaining.

I loved the conflict that Athan was facing as he and Tendra grew closer. I loved watching his attitude lighten up as he started to get to know her and care for her. He was so sweet, protective and sexy. I really enjoyed watching Tendra grow and really find her place. Athan and Tendra were fun together, teasing, and sweet. I loved that growing attraction and heat between the two. They live in such a passionate world, blood and sex seem to go hand in hand, and I love it when that collided for them. Seriously! I was cheering, I was so excited for that moment to finally happen.

I loved all the details of Mission and learning all the ins and outs of how it was set up. I am a big fan of vampire stories and can get kind of picky so I really thought the author did a fantastic job pulling me in to everything and making it feel fresh. I was excited while reading, fascinated by the world and the dynamic. I loved the drama and there were some really excellent fight scene. This was a serious page turner for me.

A great cast of characters was introduced as well as a story that I assume will continue on through the series. I am so thrilled for more. The next book, Blood Veil, is already on my to-read list. Loved the writing and story. I thought it had a great flow and I loved the dual POVs. Great descriptions and details. I am so excited for what's to come!

This story was on the lighter side, entertaining and sexy but it had just the right amount of grit and drama to round it out and make it an excellent read. This was my first Megan Erickson book and it certainly won’t be my last. This was awesome!

This is the first book by Megan Erickson that I have read. It will not be the last. I’m looking forward to reading the next in this series.

This is a great vampire read.

Tendra is awesome. She can kick ass, she’s independent, and she’s sarcastic. She’s my kind of female lead in a book.

Tendra has no clue that vampires are real, until she’s basically kidnapped by Athen.

There are so many secrets that she learns. Her life isn’t what she thought it was. But once she learns from Athen, things start to make more sense to her.

Athen is her blood guard. He needs to get Tendra to his brother safely. Easier said than done though.

Things don’t go as planned.

More secrets come out.

There are some surprises and twists.

I can’t wait for the next one!

I received a copy via Netgalley.

I'm a big lover of Paranormal reads and I'm always on the quest for new books. This book caught my attention but once I started reading it reminded me of another paranormal series that I love. I found myself comparing the two and all the similarities and I got turned off from reading.

This is my first read by Megan Erickson, but it won't be my last. Blood Guard is well-written and engaging. It's not a loaded with action, paranormal romance, but Athan and Tendra's journey is certainly interesting, especially with Tendra's snark and face it head on attitude. The world of the Gregorie vampires and their enemies takes shape as Athan explains Tendra's destiny to her. The chemistry and sexual tension builds and things don't go quite as the noble Athan had planned on their trip to deliver Tendra safely to his brother. Overall, the story is an entertaining romance with the added bonus of suspense, intrigue, political corruption, family loyalty and betrayal, and fan yourself steamy times. I'll be eagerly anticipating the next Mission novel.

This book was so entertaining with great action and adventure that I just couldn't put this book down. There was so many laughing out loud throughout the story, I love that in a book. The story did not have the heroine and hero falling for each other quickly the relationship had the characters building an appropriate pace before there was any sexy time. Fans will see how their circumstances moved for feelings and emotions a real time table before lovers.

The heroine was very realist in her thinking and what action she will take to keep herself alive. She was bold, self aware and a bad-ass at times. The hero believed he was bodyguard and a great fight. I enjoy how he let her stand up for herself and didn't beat her up for making mistakes. It was just lovey seeing how these two belong together even with the prophecy looms over their head.

5 Stars!!!

I was completely blown away with this book! Talk about starting a series with a bang and making me want to read more of it ASAP! This is one of the most amazing paranormal books I've read, be it MF or MM.

Tendra is one kickass heroine and truly, aside from one tiny moment in which I wanted to slap her, she was resourceful, confident, supportive and definitely not your run-of-the-mill helpless female. Athan was absolutely swoon-worthy, even when he was trying to do the right thing and deliver Tendra to his brother. They just had so much chemistry and the love, connection and trust growing between them was so obvious that I was ecstatic that it all played out like it did. Of course, it didn't hurt that Megan Erickson wrote some of the hottest sex scenes that I've ever read between them. *fans self*

Tendra's background and the whole lifeblood storyline was so intriguing and while I guessed who the bad guy was, I was captivated by how it all worked out. I don't want to give much away, because this is a story you need to experience, but there were so many nuances to the plot and I can't wait to read Idris' book, hopefully very soon.

Overall, if you love vampires, MF, fantastic characters and enthralling storylines (and even if you don't, trust me, you don't want to miss this book), you can't go wrong with Blood Guard. A must-read that's going directly to my Favorites.

*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

Let me start with saying this book was absolutely FANGTASTIC!!!! What a way to start a new series Megan Erickson. You have me addicted already and chomping at the bit for more. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT. Sorry for the shouty caps but when you read a book this good you can’t help but end up shouting about it.

This book was like crack to me. I have read it twice since I got my grubby hands on it and it’s calling me for a third read. Yes it’s that good. It’s crackalicious good. Believe me when I say that once you start it, you will not want to put it down. I just could not get enough of the world that the always amazing Megan Erickson has created.

I’m a sucker for vampire stories and when the author announced she was venturing into this genre, I may have squealed loud enough to only be heard by dogs I was so excited. So imagine my delight when the story was even better than I knew it would be and that I would develop a major crush on both the main characters in Tendra and Athan.

Just wait till you meet Athan. Holy panty melter…..OMG. He’s seven foot plus of smoking hot vampire who will knock you on your ass and have you begging for more. He’s undoubtedly one of my favourite vampires ever now. Is my crush showing yet? Sorry, not sorry. Every girl needs a protector like him, *fans self thinking about it*.

As for Tendra, she is hands down my favourite heroine of the year. I loved her from when she almost trips over her cat to the moment she does what she was born for and saves her new race. Toss in her spine of steel and sass and I couldn’t help but fall for her.

During an epic return journey home for Athan and a new home for Tendra, they grow closer than they should, while facing deadly threats popping out of every crevice, a spark and sizzle of chemistry that is off the charts hot and a major case of doubt and you get an unforgettable trip that takes them both to places neither expected but can’t ignore.

I’ve failed to mention the awesome characters they encounter on their interesting trip. Some will make you laugh, some will have you hating them and some will have you goofy grinning when thinking about them.

For me it was a combination of everything, Tendra, Athan, Brex the cat, the fantastic storyline and the epic feel to it that I totally loved. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, I’m hopelessly hooked.