If you are looking for a sweet romantic paranormal book. this is not it! Blood Guard is raw, primal and filled to the brim with tough characters. These guys have practically no filter because the underground city beneath Mission is their domain and this is where they rule. Tendra gets thrown in headfirst when Athan, hell bent on his mission "kidnaps" her. Unknown to her, her family has been in alliance with the vampires specifically the Gregorie clan and she is their prophesied saviour Sanguivita.

Getting her back to his brother Idris in one piece though is another matter altogether especially when their nemesis clan the Valarians who of course have recruited an assassin clan the Quellens (all vampires) are hot on their tails. Betrayals are exposed like nobody's business at every level. and here is where I'm going to stop because one of these betrayals are so HUGE that if I say anything y'all are just going to hate me for revealing spoilers.

3.5 Stars
Good PNR. My main complaint was how quickly she accepted the situation and her place within vampire society. But beyond that this was more of a classic old school vampire romance and I enjoyed it. Plenty of action and a slow burn romance.

Blood Guard by Megan Erickson
A Mission Novel #1

What if you really REALLY wanted someone and knew s/he was not for you – I mean – the prophecy of years says that the Sanguivita (Tendra) belongs to the king in waiting and that is Idris and not his brother Athan. BUT Athan and Tendra are drawn to one another in spite of the rules and the prophecy. They need to get from the human area to the Gregoire stronghold and it won’t be easy as assassins, two different groups of non-aligned vampires and turncoats from their own clan try to keep them from achieving their goal.

I loved Tendra – what a tough kick*ss woman she is! I also loved Athan and how tender, caring and sometimes clueless he was. Idris shows promise and I believe his story is coming in the next book AND there are a few other characters mentioned, like Zeb and his cousin Wyatt, that could easily end up in stories of their own. It will be interesting to see where the author goes with this series and I look forward to finding out.

If you like vampire stories with strong H/h characters and a bit of a different take on things then this might be a book you would enjoy reading. I would like to thank NetGalley and Loveswept for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

4 stars -- I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

OK, this book had a LOT going for it, but honestly the thing the one word that stands out for me is SEXY.  Like holy bleeping sexy.  Athan and Tendra had loads of chemistry, and the steamy scenes were super delicious (at least in my opinion).  And dude, some parts were way more risque than I was expecting (club scene anyone?).

I really enjoyed Ms. Erickson's version of vampires.  The thing about paranormal books, and well known creatures, is that they all take on their own qualities.  For the most part the vampires in this book were pretty standard (drink blood, can be turned, no sunlight, immortal-ish), but then there are all the little details that set them apart.  In this case there was clan stuff, a prophecy, the specifics of how you're turned into a vampire, the whole Somnus thing (I liked that), and running with the whole feeding and lust thing (holy sexytimes).

I remember reading an excerpt on this author's newsletter, which is what drew me to requesting the book in the first place, because Tendra came across as hella snarky.  I'd expected a bit more on that front, but I thought she was still a nice little spitfire who definitely threw Athan for a loop.  And Athan was unexpected himself!  I loved his soul/humanity, and he was actually really sweet and endearing in parts (you know, mixed with the badassery).  You could really feel how important his duty was to him, even in the face of it not feeling quite right.  He was extremely loyal, but that did lead to some blindness at times.

I really appreciated that there were many opportunities for the author to fall into tropes, and the characters even sort of acknowledged the "typical" responses.  But then the characters just wouldn't follow that path...like Athan could have held onto his standoffishness at times or continued to be a dick.  It's kind of hard to describe, but I just really appreciated that the author didn't choose the easy/typical path/responses.

And can I just say that I ADORED Zeb, and even Idris eventually...makes me excited about next book.  Neither character had a large role, but they still managed to endear me to them.  I also loved the kitty, Brex...though I was really hoping to learn something more concrete about him.

I will admit that sometimes all the walking got a bit boring.  And I can't confirm in the final copy, but in the ARC copy my beta brain would occasionally notice some continuity errors or things that could be clearer.  Like why didn't Athan carry her and run?  I know there's a reason, but I wouldn't have minded knowing it.

All in all it was nice being in a paranormal world again, and I'm totes looking forward to Idris's book (which I'm assuming is next).  Definitely recommend diving in, especially if you like your paranormals a bit racier.

I always enjoy reading PNR book as intense as this one. Megan Erickson did a awesome job introducing her series and her characters who learn more about the world and to trust one and another without holding any secrets from each other.

I love that Tendra is a tough yet strong female protagonist who keeps her wits up when she was thrown into the world she didn't know. After discovering more about her heritage and the vampire's world, she continues to surprise me of how she is determine she become as learns to trust the one person who can protect her.

Athan is also an interesting character. Though he didn't know much about the human world, I like that he understands compassion and loyalty especially towards his brother. Through Tendra, he started to see himself more as a mere blood guard who's sole purpose was to fulfill his duties and started to question of what's really going on when he discovers the hidden secrets.

Let's not forget our other characters who did a fantastic job in helping the heroes, particularly Brex, Tendra's loving smart cat. I'm a huge animal fan and he is a one tough feline who willing to protect her with his instincts and wits.

Can't wait to read the sequel and hopefully we get to see more of our feline friend

I'm still wrapping my head around the awesome experience I had while reading Blood Guard. This is not your mother's vampire PNR. It's edgy, dark, twisted, dirty, and sexy AF.

I love the whole concept of Mission City. There's danger lurking everywhere--human and not so human. In Blood Guard we meet Athan (totally calling dibs on this sexy, broody, loyal vamp) and Tendra.

Athan's been sent to protect Ten, but who's going to protect Athan from her?

I loved this story of love, loyalty, and duty. Athan. Jesus. That man would move heaven and hell to protect his clan and Tendra. I loved their interactions. Loved how Athan communicated with Ten to keep her informed or to inform her of what was going on, what needed to happen. And Ten. Man, she just rolled with the punches. Human bartender one day, fated queen of the vampires the next. Really, not much fazed her. She was kick ass and kicked ass.

I couldn't put Blood Guard down once I started. I was immediately immersed in their world. Totally bought into the hidden world of the Gregorie clan and I can't wait for more!

I enjoyed Blood Guard a lot, the plot was interesting and the characters enjoyable.It was fast paced and sexy, I loved the world Megan created.I always had a soft spot for vampires and Athan was delicious.He is sexy,mysterious,dark and strong.Tendra is also an interesting heroine, she is smart and strong.Their romance was sexy and in some parts sweet.

Overall, it was a great start to a new series, and now I'm excited to read the next book.If you like vampires and you need a quick read this will definitely perfect for you.

Vampire stories are a highly popular subject matter so I'm always impressed when an author can spin a fresh take. I like the differences that Megan Erickson created and want to learn more.

This was an enjoyable story with great main characters. It had enough tension with Tendra being meant for Athan's brother. Watching him battle with his sense of duty over his feelings that grew for her, the longer he guarded her.

The epilogue created enough interest to see where Book 2 will continue with the storyline. ARC provided by NetGalley.

When Tendra's mom dies she leaves her daughter behind in a hopeless city after a lifetime of never setting down roots. Tendra spends her evenings as a bar waitress and her days learning self-defense, until one night when a dark (and ridiculous hot) man kidnaps her and her cat and tells her that her entire life has been leading her to one important purpose.

Tendra is human. Athan is the vampire sworn to give her to another man. What's not to enjoy about that?

Blood Guard is a vampire novel with all the violence, sex, and romance you'd expect. This isn't going to be a life changing new series for me, but I enjoyed reading it and look forward to the next in the series.

So many vampire books, so little time… I do love a good vampire book and if it’s got a new spin to it, even better. And remember I said good, because there are just so many out there, but not all of them are good. I thought this one by Megan Erickson was good and I think it was due to it having an actual new to me, spin. My thanks to Net Galley for providing me a copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

Tendra, or Ten as likes to be called, is pretty much alone in the world after her mother’s death. She lives in a rundown apartment with her cat, Brex, and works as a barmaid. After moving pretty much constantly her entire life, Mission City has been her home for five years. But she is thinking of moving on. When she is abducted by Athan, a vampire, he tells her that she has a part to play in keeping the human race free from bad vampires known as Valarian’s. Valarian’s have no love for humankind and seek to kill them indiscriminately for their blood. Athan is part of the ruling vampire family, the Gregorie Clan. His father is king, and his brother is the heir to the throne. And to keep things interesting, they have been waitng for ten generations of her family for Tendra to be born. She is human and wants to stay that way.

Ten is feisty, stubborn as the day is long, and has a snarky mouth, to say the least. Athan is strong, smart, and more than a little bit attracted to Ten-as she ultimately is to him. He was given the job to protect Tendra, pretty much when he as born. And because of his job, he is forbidden to have or act on any feelings for her.

What follows is a journey from Mission City to the Gregorie Clan stronghold. A journey that starts underneath the city in an underground world that only the Gregorie Clan can access. There they meet other vampires and slowly word gets out that Tendra has been found. Throughout it all, Brex is by her side and proves to be very helpful. Of course things happen to draw them out of the underground and that’s when a lot of the action and violence happens, because it’s not just the Valarians that are trying to keep Tendra from reaching the stronghold.

I love a story that features a feisty and strong heroine, in addition to a strong alpha male. And this book fills the bill for that. Add to that the underground adventure they share, the horrible bad guys, the forbidden romance, twists, betrayals, the violence they encounter and endure, and you have a book that will keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning. There’s a lot more to the story, but I think I will leave it at that.

This was my first book by Megan Erickson, but I promise you, it won’t be my last-especially since this is the first book in the series. There’s at least two other vampires that I would like to read a book about. I recommend this to adult paranormal romance readers and even some urban fantasy fans might like this book as well.

Yessssss!!!! Another great read! First time author for me and definitely will not be the last. This the story of Athan, the Blood Guard and Tendra (love the name, by the way) the Sanguivita and their adventure. I enjoyed the word building and the different way that these, vampires from the Gregorie clan, lived. Filled with action, light banter, (especially Zen, I hope he gets a book too ;) suspense, betrayal, and love, Tendra and Athan are tasked to do their duty. During the time that Athan is supposed to deliver Tendra to his brother Idris, truths are revealed and a love stronger than duty prevails. Great read! 4 stars!

This was a fun book to read. This book starts out with Tendra, a human girl, returning to her job at a bar shortly after her mother passed away. Tendra has always been on the move with her mother, never staying in one place too long. And she's a fighter. She knows how to defend herself and fight back, if necessary. One night, she meets Athan, a too-serious vampire who declares himself her protector and says that her blood is what could save all humanity.

As much as I enjoyed the book, there's two parts to this story that I want to touch on - the characterization and the plot. The first meeting between Tendra and Athan is a bit sketchy, but as the story goes on, we get to know the type of person Athan is. Their first meeting...well, Athan kind of drugs her and kidnaps her? It's not the best of introductions. Athan handled the entire situation very poorly. But Athan is completely not prepared for the kind of woman Tendra is and never expected her to fight back. Which, I get that this still sounds bad for Athan, but things are explained a bit more about the relationship between vampires, humans, and the expectations from both parties going forward. Athan never really does anything against Tendra's will, but she is still expected to follow him to marry his brother and to provide said brother her blood. First intro to Athan is not great, but the story does get better.

So, plot. Tendra posses the cure to save humanity, and the oldest brother of the royal family (in this case, Athan's older brother, Idris) is to drink from her blood and gain powers that will save the humans from the bad vampire clans who would rather not live in harmony with humans. Save the cheerleader, save the world? There's assassins after Tendra, and to be quite truthful, the line kind of blurs for me why the characters insist on walking everywhere. Even after two days of walking and hiding out, it's like they never progressed at one point.

I'm reading this from an ARC, so things may change in the final version, but I'm kind of iffy on Tendra's character at the end. She's such a fighter the entire book, but then a scene happens near the end where she seems to...no longer fight? I think Tendra is a badass for the most part, but I also find her difficult to fully connect with at times. She goes from never having any human connection to being completely accepting that she's got to be a blood bank and bride to a complete stranger in order to save humanity, just because a guy claims it was all prophecy. I think this book does take a bit of suspended belief to read (I mean, naturally, this is a book with vampires). Blood Guard helps set up the world and the war that's coming between the vampire clans in future books. And I look forward to reading them!!

I really liked the introduction of the secondary characters - Zeb and Wyatt, especially. I hope we see more of them in the future! One of the highlight characters in this book is Brax, Tendra's mysterious cat with a sixth sense. Brax seems adorable and I wouldn't mind seeing Brax just wreck havoc on characters in future books, if for even no reason than a just because. It does look like the setup for the next book is with Idris? The two brothers, Idris and Athan, are big softies. Athan's dangerous when he's fighting, but deep down, he's a real sweetheart. It kind of boggles the mind that the vampires know so little about the human world when they live in parallel with them, but I liked Athan's utter lack of human knowledge and Tendra's shock at what all Athan doesn't know.

Tendra and Athan have unbelievable chemistry together and I loved reading how they gradually came together. I look forward to reading Blood Veil and everything else Megan has in store for this series!

***4.5 Stars***

"Do you trust me?"

"Of course."

"You didn't hesitate."

"Because I didn't have to. I trust you."


This book was SO DAMN GOOD!! It gave me so many things I absolutely love:

FANTASTIC Heroine - Oh yes, folks! Be prepared to fall in love with Tendra! A delicate flower needing rescue she is not! She's badass, and straight-forward, and a warrior against bullshit. She didn't let her vulnerabilities turn into weakness, but used it to fuel her...to motivate her, and to give her the strength she needed to deal with what her future would be. Oh...and she was also hilarious as hell!

"Because I'll tell you right now, I will fight you to my dying breath and then come back from the dead and haunt you until I convince you to cut your own dick off."


Protective, Badass Hero - Oh Athan, Athan! [insert dreamy sigh] I just loved him. He was so loyal to his clan, protective of Tenda, and just a caring soul. He treated Tendra with respect and care. She wasn't an object or just his duty, but a person with feelings, with fears, and with a future she didn't choose.

Addicting Plot - This book is so hard to put down. There's a constant momentum pulling you forward while reading...which translates to damn near perfect pacing. Never a dull moment and not a single scene feels like filler. The world building is on the lighter side, so there isn't an information dump you have to wade through in order for the story to feel like it's finally starting (that's sometimes a drawback for me when I read PNR).

Swoony Romance - Tendra is meant for Idris, Athan's brother, but in their journey to the Gregorie compound a deep bond is formed between the two that's impossible to ignore.

"Telling myself over and over again that protecting her was my job, and that was why she felt so right. That was why she fit me so well. I was born to protect her.

That was it. Protect. Protect. Protect.

Not touch. Not love. Certainly not that.

Never that.

I closed my eyes and focused on all my training, all I was taught.

But nothing had prepared me for Tendra Parrish."


The tension between Tendra and Athan just keeps building as the story unfolds. It's clear the two belong together, but the prophecy looms over their head. Lives are at stake...both for humans and vampires. But are Athan and Tendra just fighting the inevitable?

"I swallowed, wondering how the hell I was going to deal with my future, when the man I could see myself with was the man I wasn't meant to have."


"Tendra. How will I ever let you go? Tell me I'm strong enough to do it."


Blood Guard is such a fantastic start to what looks to be a suspenseful, sexy, and interesting PNR series. And Tendra goes on my list as one of my favorite heroines EVER. Seriously...she's damn awesome!

I can't wait to see where Megan Erickson goes with this series. The setup for the next book sounds like it's gonna be a bumpy ride....enemies to lovers. I'm soooo ready for Book 2!!

Tall, dark and brooding meets short, sassy and sarcastic!

This book had the WOW factor I crave, and I loved that it was not like every other Vamp novel out there. Ten and Athan's story had a unique and very creative twist to it. The plot was very faced past and full of action, pulse-pounding drama and neck-biting suspense. There were elements of both classic and modern romance. The sexual tension was a slow burn, building in increments with a look here and a touch there. And, when they got down to the getting down, the chemistry was explosive, and the intimacy was scorching hot! It's a wonder they didn't burn themselves right up! I was a big fan of the way that Athan gently, but confidently, guided Tendra into acceptance of her destiny and the way that Ten, in return, helped Athan to find his humanity.

There were some surprises and turns, that I didn't see coming, that kept me devouring the pages as quickly as possible to find out what happened next. Near the end, though, I slowed down, because I just did not want to see this book end.

Athan is my new Vampy book boyfriend! I am SO ready for Blood Veil, the next one in the series!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this story from NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

DNF @36%, so I won't be rating this one. I hate not finishing this book, because I follow the author on Facebook and love her. But this is just not for me. And I really do feel like it's a case of 'it's not you; it's me.' PNR is very hit or miss for me, but if you're a fan of the genre in general, I think you might like this one.

Tendra’s mom passed away in car wreck in recent years, leaving Ten all alone in Mission. Something in Ten tells her it’s time to move on, just like she and her mom moved so many times growing up. But that night, Ten’s whole world turns upside down.

Athan is a vampire and Ten’s blood guard. Tendra is the Sanguivita of the Gregorie vampire clan. Her mother knew all about it and was supposed to tell Ten, but was killed before she had the chance. Now Athan will escort Ten to live as his brother’s mate.

Blood Guard is the solid start to a unique paranormal romance series. I enjoyed the mythology which has some original components; however, it is traditional in ways that helped fill in any gaps. Some of the hallmark paranormal elements such as a prophesy and meant-to-be love gave the story a familiar feel.

Unknown to Ten before the night she meets Athan, there are vampires living among the humans, and it is prophesied that she will bring the Gregorie clan much power, which they will use to protect humankind. Tendra and Athan share a forbidden attraction, and being on the run together only heightens the sexual chemistry. She is destined for his brother, the future king, and immediately, she is compelled to fulfill her roll. But that attraction… it gets to be too much, and the pair fall into a dangerous liaison. Funny how prophesies tend to have a way of working out, even when a huge wrench or two is tossed into the mix.

While overall I enjoyed the story, I did have to make a big leap of faith with how things go down. I felt Ten was compliant without justification. She just goes along with Athan never really questioning anything. And I didn’t buy how easily she integrates herself into the vampire culture. She just accepts her duty like suddenly she belongs and it’s her life. It is all too easy. I think the second book will be strong because won’t have to world build as much.

Blood Guard is enjoyable, even with my small issues, and I look forward to checking out what happens next in this new paranormal romance series.

My Rating: B- Liked It, but I had a few small issues

Intense fast read. Fun and exciting just wanted this book and story line e to be longer.

I've enjoyed Erickson's collaborations with Santino Hassell for their strong character development, so when I saw this first book in Erickson's paranormal series on Netgalley, I grabbed it. Unfortunately, character is not the focus here; instead we have a pretty dull vampire story, with a heroine prone to whining and huffing and making silly, endangering decisions from which she must be rescued by her "Blood Guard," a vampire trained to retrieve the destined human "Sanguivita" and bring her home to his clan. Lots of insta-lust, not much credible world-building, and a hero who keeps telling us (and the heroine) how brave she is, despite all evidence to the contrary makes for a disappointing paranormal read.

4.5 "Zero to Sixty" Stars

So what is it about Blood Guard that makes me give it a 4.5* you say?
(A Gif that says 'Because I liked it')

Also, I liked Ten alot. She was a great Heroine as she adapted very well to everything, but still had moments of losing it. She didn't automatically just blindly acquiesce. She fought him @ 1st, then asked questions, had meltdowns, but then she got w/ the program.

Ya'll know I usually fall for My Hero, & Blood Guard was no exception. <b>Oh, Athan! How. Bad.
(a Gif that says 'I Wanna Do Bad Things To You'.)
Athan was that Hero that @ 1st was aloof then once he met his destiny was so caring with her. He was the Swoon Hero & Vampire. Ya'll know Mama Lurves her Vampires!!!
Not only are they Hot As Hell, now certainly they Bite & Suck (nothing wrong with that IMHO,
(Gif that says "But we F*ck like Champions"

There all other things going on in the book besides them getting a Love Connection. There is danger around every corner, they are having to hide & try to travel on foot to get to the safety of the Gregorie Castle. There is some suspense & of course the Bad guys...
(GIF that says F*cking Traitor")

But there is also a Vampire Club called "Bite". With "The Greeting Room" & "The Feeding Room" & "The Gathering Room"
There were Great side characters. For you pet lovers like me there was a Kitty name Brex, who really turned out to be a life saver. I can't wait for the next book. Hopefully it will be w/ Idris & Celia! 😍 That should be good.

I graciously received a free copy for this ARC of this book & would like to thank NetGalley & the publisher. I voluntarily chose to post a review of my Honest Opinion of this book with No Influence or Interference from any company of person.

Blood Guard is the first book in Megan Erickson’s Mission Series and I really enjoyed it! I’ve always loved the paranormal genre, vampires being one of my favorites. Megan Erickson is also one of my auto-buy authors, so I was very much looking forward to reading this new series. I love that she writes in multiple genres; contemporary, M/M and paranormal!

I really liked both of the main characters. Tendra was a kick-ass heroine and I loved her personality. Athan was so protective of Tendra and she gets to him like no other human or vampire ever has. They are drawn to each other right from the beginning. But Tendra is promised to his brother, the future king. She is destined to be the queen of the clan. As they journey together to Athan’s family compound and try and fight off the bad vampires, it gets harder and harder for them to deny what’s between them. Will Athan be able to let her go when they reach the compound?

A storyline that I was into from the very beginning and a few surprises, Blood Guard is a great start to Megan’s new series. Definitely looking forward to the next book!

*I received an ARC from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*