An interesting read, that had me intrigued as to what is going to happen next ! A little concerned on how easy the MC believed everything she was told and what was happening, sometimes without question !

Overall though a great start with some great characters and action to what should be a fab series looking forward to book 2

3.5 / 4 Stars

Donna
4TLOREADING

I loved this book! A snarky kick-ass bartender, Tendra, has spent most of her life on the move with her mother. When her mom dies, she has to figure out what to do next. Tendra's life takes a wild turn when she meets Athan, the Blood Guard vampire sent to protect her from those who would harm her. Not a shrinking violet, Tendra demands to know what's going on and Athan learns some human women are more complicated than he thought. Great paranormal romance!

For the last year I have only been reading M/M romance, and if anyone can lure me out of it for some M/F its Megan Erickson! She is one of my favorite authors this year, with a geek infused writing style I adore! This book was a pleasant surprise, much like he M/M Shifter books in the Silver Tip Pack series, a genre I Never liked! But like Megan does, she snuck it up on me.
I love Tendras personality, she is independent while still being dependent of Athan for her survival, she is realistic in that sense but she can and will protect herself when needed. I think Megan's greatest talent in taking a cliché genre and writing a book that while it has many of the characteristics to make it a cliché is still refreshing and enjoyable. Not every book is a unique maser piece, but having the ability to read a story in a plotline that have been so thoroughly chewed and re-chewed that I, as a reader well versed in this genre to the point I was sick of Twilight wannabees, loved the book is amazing to me. I credit it to the humor, banter between characters, fluidity of the plot and putting little twists throughout the story.
The fast pace the story starts out at does not mean the characters get it on within the first chapter, another strong point to me, I feel like they really see each other before sex gets thrown in the mix. Tendra is a badass heroine that does not spend days mourning what she lost while still understanding she is a new situation and learning to deal with it.
If you love the supernatural romance genre, vampires and great characters you should definitely read this book, it is everything Twilight and its look a likes wanted to be and are not. I am really looking forward to the next book!

When first reading this book, I was a little hesitant. Not because I didn't think it would be good - I knew it would be good, with that cover and that plot summary, it had to be. But I was concerned that I would find the idea of a girl used for her blood to be too distasteful to get past. Megan Erickson did a great job of relieving my fears fairly early on, by making Tendra a spitfire who wouldn't take crap from anyone and Athan a protector who learns to love with human passion and understanding. They became a couple I could enjoy and relate to quickly, making the rest of the book fly by.

Tendra Parrish has been raised constantly on the move, her mother forcing them to move often, never staying in one place for more than five years. Now that her mother is gone, Tendra has finally found a place where she might just begin to make friends and have a life. That is, until Athan barges into her life, suddenly and without remorse. Athan is tasked with bringing her back to his brother, the heir to the Gregorie King. She is the prophesied Sanguivita, the key to defeating their enemy, the Valerian, an evil race of vampires bent on using humans as slaves for their blood. Almost immediately, Tendra takes issue with being used for her blood, and Athan realizes he has a battle on his hands. On two fronts - one, in getting her back to his brother's home in one piece, and two, in keeping her endearing self away from his surprisingly vulnerable heart.

Both Tendra and Athan were perfectly delightful characters! Tendra was not a damsel in distress, even though she was happy to lean on Athan when faced with horrifying things while on their journey to her new home. She had trained in self defense, so she was able to save herself at times, but she also knew when she was in over her head. I appreciated that she didn't have any TSTL (too stupid to live) moments, when she definitely could have, if her character were written by another author. Thankfully, Megan Erickson took pity on her readers, and created a heroine that was a lovely blend of kickass and vulnerable. My favorite!

There is definitely going to be a second book, which I am ecstatic to read! This one will focus on Athan's brother, Idris. As hunky as his brother, but with a warrior's mind, I am eager to become better acquainted with him!

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish this book which means I will not be able to review it. I truly appreciate the opportunity and apologize for the inconvenience the lack of review may cause you.

This was a quick read that had a twist at the end. I liked the characters and many of the secondary characters seem to have a interesting story themselves. Tendra was a strong female character and when she learned of her destiny was rational about it. She seemed smart although she did make some bad decisions. Athan was swoon worthy and he was a leader that wasn't overbearing. Definitely picking up the next in this series. I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed how layered the MCs were. Kendra was pretty kickass, but the best parts were when she was hamstrung by terror but managed to take that first step out of her paralysis to help herself. Athen was the alpha type of hero but there was a softness to his character that isn't the norm in an apex predator stereotype.

This is an insta-love kind of romance. It can be done well, but I always struggle to understand <i>why</i> it's happening so quickly. I had to hold on to my suspension of disbelief a little tight to get over it but, still, I'm still interested in seeing what happens next.

Have you noticed how many romances start with the hero kidnapping the heroine? What's up with that? It's not my favorite trope, though not a deal breaker necessarily. And in this case she doesn't stay kidnapped for long. Once Tendra learns about the prophesy and her family connection to the vampire clan, she goes along with Athan's plan.

I love a road trip story, which is essentially what Blood Guard is, with Athan and Tendra travelling across the city of Mission and through underground passages to get to the clan stronghold while avoiding rival vampire clans and hired assassins. How they manage to take a week to get across New Jersey I have no idea, but I enjoyed the journey.

I liked Tendra (except for her name, which bugs me) and the fact that she could hold her own in a fight with a vampire. But I wanted to learn more about her ancestors and their connection to the vampires and the prophesy. There's a scene where Tendra learns about her many-great grandmother's journal and I would have liked to see her read it. I also want more of Athan's family history, though I can't get too specific without spoilers.

Megan Erickson's vampire mythos is unusual, though there's little I haven't seen before. The vampires are born as humans or dhampirs and can choose to be changed when they reach adulthood. That part, as well as the supernatural politics - one side that wants to remain hidden and one that wants to subjugate humans - remind me of the Last True Vampire series. What's a little different is the way the vampires feed by anesthetizing the humans with a gland in their wrists.

This is my first book by Erickson, who I'm more familiar with as a contemporary romance author. While it didn't blow me away, I'm interested enough to read the next Mission book and I may even check out her shifter series.

3.5 stars

This book has completely changed my view on vampire books. The interactions and the new ideas that have been formed about their way of life and culture and along with how they function are incredible. A fresh look on an old idea. The writing is fast paced and the plot had enough twists to keep me guessing even when I thought I had the ending figured out there was still a twist I hadn't seen coming.
The characters were well written and their relationships evolved in a way that made you want to relate to them.
The descriptions of the places that they travelled were excellent and made u feel like you could see what was happening around you.
I am waiting in anticipation for the next book now!

I've always loved vampire books, but I haven't started a new vampire series in a very long time. I'm so glad one of my favorite authors decided to write a vampire series, because it's exactly what I've been missing! I loved every minute of it.

Tendra waits tables at a seedy bar near her apartment in Mission City. Her mom, her only family, died about a month before, and she hasn't been handling it well. They were always moving around when she was growing up, and so she never made close friends, or any other connections, along the way. But, they had been in Mission City for 5 years, the longest she'd ever been anywhere, so she finally had a good friend, Ruby, and a job she could count on to pay the bills. But, now that her mother is gone, she's been waiting for a sign that she should leave town and not look back. All she had in the world were a few possessions and her cat, Brex. It would be so easy to just pick up and go. Too bad she didn't do it when she had the chance.

Athan is the younger son of the king of his clan, the Gregorie. He's also a vampire with a duty he's known about all his life: find the Sanguivita, the female human meant to strengthen their clan, through her blood, and her bond with his brother, the future king. He is to find her and deliver her safely to his brother Idris, to enact the prophecy that's been ten generations in the making. He had never planned on his reaction to Tendra, the woman, rather than the Sanguivita, the blood vessel he's meant to guard with his life. He had no idea he'd fall for his brother's intended. He's always been about honor, and duty, and he doesn't know what will happen if he lets any of that slip.

Athan and Ten's chemistry was HUGE right from the start. Even with her initial fear, her snark and sarcasm continually show up, and Athan isn't sure what to make of her. And he really isn't sure what to do with her cat. He's not been around humans much, other than for feeding. Since he's a royal, he wasn't raised like other vampires, who mesh in the human world quite readily. So, he has no real expectations, and even still she blows them out of the water. He's immensely drawn to her and it scares him. And vice versa. They have a very dangerous road ahead of them, and they have to stick together. But, they also need to remain separate in their hearts, to protect the prophecy at all costs.

I enjoyed many of the side characters we met, and the villains were super scary and kept me on the edge of my seat. There was a new problem around every corner, and it was never what I expected. It was fast-paced and exciting. I really enjoyed the world the author has built here, and I can't wait to learn more about it, with Idris' book next in line. There are many enemies of the Gregorie, and of the humans for that matter, and the main characters have their work cut out for them. I'm very excited to see where this series will go from here. I highly recommend this to any paranormal romance lovers, or Megan Erickson lovers, for that matter. It was fantastic, exciting, sexy, and fun.

Blood Guard follows Tendra (Ten) and Athan. Tendra is a fiery, stiletto-wielding badass. Mission is the latest stop in a long line of residences that aren’t home for long. Mourning the recent death of her mother Tendra is about ready to move on again, her only long-term companion Brex, her cat.

Athan is dark, broody and soon finds himself torn between loyalty and love. As the younger son of the vampire king he has been raised for one thing, to be Blood Guard to the Sanguivita – the prophesied queen who is destined to strengthen the Gregorie clan. But not all is as it seems and both Ten and Athan face tough choices.

I loved Ten, she is fierce and refuses to take shit from anyone lest of all a broody vamp. I like the dynamic between the two of them as well, sometimes books with this kind of storyline can get a bit stockholm syndrome-y for me but this wasn’t the case here.

Although we only saw Ruby for a brief time in the book, I’d love to see more of her down the line. Though Tendra hadn’t been in Mission for long her and Ruby were fast friends, and when Tendra needed a place to stay Ruby didn’t hesitate.

Special mention to Brex is needed! He his pretty much my favourite secondary character and is way more than your standard house cat!

For a large part of the novel Athan and Tendra are making their way to the royal household, with the action really picking up once they got there. That said, it would have been nice if this part was a little longer. It wasn’t rushed per se but I was keen to see a bit more of Idris and the dynamics of the royal household a little more.

Overall Blood Guard was a short but fantastic start to the series and I’m glad we will get to see more of Idris (and hopefully Kellan too!). I’ll definitely be picking up book two

A good start on a new serie by Megan Erickson.
megan is an autobuy for me.
I like her work.,a talented author,who is trying a new thing.
And this is a nice start,I have Always some trouble getting in.
too the first books off new series.
but I had no trouble getting in to the story.
Tendra a fiercely independed young women who has nobody
in the world to call her own,sans her cat.
gets kidnapped by a Athan,to bring her to his brother Idris.
to become his queen,jaahhh wright,not this girl.
Athan has his work cut out,with this human.

A fun,light,read with some drama,but for me low on the angst,
no offense but while reading and enjoying Blood Guard.
I keep thinking it reminded me on Lara Adrian`s midnightseries,
it is fast paced,nice storyline,towards the ending is the setup
for the next book with Idris.(I think)
liked the book,liked the characters.

Arc was provided by Netgalley

ARC received from publisher for honest review

4.5 Stars

This read was such a pleasant surprise! Blood Guard by Megan Erickson reads and feels like old school PNR.

Though this is a Paranormal read Tendra is quite real with real problems that are only compounded when she suffers a terrible loss, faces a not so bright uncertain future, and happens upon a brooding stranger her first night back at work. Through all of this she maintains her snarky no nonsense attitude even after her world has changed far more than she first realized.

Add Athan to this heroine's very real life problems and life and watch the fireworks. Athan ....oh Athan Sighhhh. Athan is the perfect mix of chivalry, sensitivity, with dashes of alpha. Strong and bad ass when required, fearless always, and loyal to a fault. They may not know it yet but these two come together in a very important way.

Though Athan and Tendra's chemistry is enough to write a full book we are entertained by the challenge awaiting them on their quest for safety.

Blood Guard is the first installment to a promising new Vampire saga which will take us through the perils of a looming vampire war. No doubt will Athan and Tendra be part of the continuing saga however I'm eager to learn more about the "new couple"and the role humans will play in the future of their clan.

I found Blood Guard entertaining and again it reminds me of old school PNR . A great PNR read is the perfect balance of character and story development along with the perfect mixture of world building. I did thoroughly enjoy this read however the world building is lacking and seems at times convenient. In addition I really enjoy when vamps or members of the underworld have special abilities beyond what are present in this story, I mean they aren't human so other than sucking blood what do they have? Or is that the point?

KUDOS to Megan Erickson and her first foray into the PNR world, I look forward to reading Blood Veil available April 3, 2018 and will pick up additional works by her until then.

Cover= 4.5 stars
Heat= 4 stars
Story= 4 stars
Characters 4.5 stars

Tendra grew up learning to take care of herself, to be strong and alert. Her mother made sure she was an independent woman, but her death left Tendra mourning her loss. When she is abducted by a mysterious, and powerful man who manages to dodge her every self-defense tactic, she learns the unbelievable. According to Athan, she is the product of ten generations of births empowered by the Gregorie vampiric blood and she is destined to be their queen. Yep, vampires…and he has evidence.

All Athan has trained for his entire life was to bring Tendra to the future king to fulfill a prophecy of power and peace, a peace that will save humanity from the vampiric world. Just deliver the goods safely and step away, letting his brother take his future bride and gain the powers their union will bring.

Just Step Away….easier said than done when the fiery woman has not only gotten on his nerves, but under his skin and keeping his hands off her is impossible because she is everything he never knew he was searching for. Can Athan get her to Gregorie lands safely or will their enemies do all they can to stop them? Athan was bred and trained to be a warrior, but this human female is rapidly defeating his resolve to keep his hands of her and his heart locked away. Will his efforts to keep her safe from both his lust and rival clans be in vain? Can his heart give up the one thing he never thought he would have?

BLOOD GUARD by Megan Erickson is passionate, from the battles waged to the attraction between two beings whose destinies are carved in the prophecy that must be fulfilled. As the Passion-O-Meter rises, Ms. Erickson refrains from flowery scenes and gives us all the raw and earthy passion two souls fighting for their lives can feel. Can you say, HOT…and I repeat, Earthy? Strong characters, strong passions and strong scenes all make for a fabulously entertaining read!

I received an ARC edition from Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Mission - Book 1
Publisher: Loveswept (September 12, 2017)
Publication Date: September 12, 2017
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Number of Pages: 230
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

I've always loved vampire books, but I haven't started a new vampire series in a very long time. I'm so glad one of my favorite authors decided to write a vampire series, because it's exactly what I've been missing! I loved every minute of it.

Tendra waits tables at a seedy bar near her apartment in Mission City. Her mom, her only family, died about a month before, and she hasn't been handling it well. They were always moving around when she was growing up, and so she never made close friends, or any other connections, along the way. But, they had been in Mission City for 5 years, the longest she'd ever been anywhere, so she finally had a good friend, Ruby, and a job she could count on to pay the bills. But, now that her mother is gone, she's been waiting for a sign that she should leave town and not look back. All she had in the world were a few possessions and her cat, Brex. It would be so easy to just pick up and go. Too bad she didn't do it when she had the chance.

Athan is the younger son of the king of his clan, the Gregorie. He's also a vampire with a duty he's known about all his life: find the Sanguivita, the female human meant to strengthen their clan, through her blood, and her bond with his brother, the future king. He is to find her and deliver her safely to his brother Idris, to enact the prophecy that's been ten generations in the making. He had never planned on his reaction to Tendra, the woman, rather than the Sanguivita, the blood vessel he's meant to guard with his life. He had no idea he'd fall for his brother's intended. He's always been about honor, and duty, and he doesn't know what will happen if he lets any of that slip.

Athan and Ten's chemistry was HUGE right from the start. Even with her initial fear, her snark and sarcasm continually show up, and Athan isn't sure what to make of her. And he really isn't sure what to do with her cat. He's not been around humans much, other than for feeding. Since he's a royal, he wasn't raised like other vampires, who mesh in the human world quite readily. So, he has no real expectations, and even still she blows them out of the water. He's immensely drawn to her and it scares him. And vice versa. They have a very dangerous road ahead of them, and they have to stick together. But, they also need to remain separate in their hearts, to protect the prophecy at all costs.

I enjoyed many of the side characters we met, and the villains were super scary and kept me on the edge of my seat. There was a new problem around every corner, and it was never what I expected. It was fast-paced and exciting. I really enjoyed the world the author has built here, and I can't wait to learn more about it, with Idris' book next in line. There are many enemies of the Gregorie, and of the humans for that matter, and the main characters have their work cut out for them. I'm very excited to see where this series will go from here. I highly recommend this to any paranormal romance lovers, or Megan Erickson lovers, for that matter. It was fantastic, exciting, sexy, and fun.

I'm a big Megan Erickson fan, so I was pumped to hear that she was writing a series about vampires, especially because I've been craving vampire books lately. Blood Guard did a good job introducing the series, and while it wasn't as fleshed-out as it could have been in the world-building department, it was an entertaining read.

The book is told in the POVs of Tendra, a waitress in a small-town, who turns out is destined to be a blood bank for the future vampire king, and Athan, brother of said vampire king, and Tendra's guard. Both characters were likable and interesting, as I've come to expect from Megan Erickson's characters. Tendra was especially a hoot. She was sassy, bright and no-nonsense. We also get to see her more tender and vulnerable sides as the story progresses, and I liked her even more. Athan was a little stoic at first, but as he became more comfortable around Tendra, he opened up more to readers as well. He was a total gentleman, and I loved how protective he was of Tendra, but without being all up in her space. He was very devoted to his vampire clan, and was willing to go to lengths to protect those he loved and cared for.

The chemistry between Athan and Tendra was sizzling from their first meeting, and that chemistry only heightened throughout the book. I loved their dynamic, and I loved the tension and forbidden-aspects between them. What I didn't particularly love, however, was how quick they were to declare their love for each other. I personally thought they needed to get to know each other a little bit better.

The world in Blood Guard was pretty straight-forward. Humans are oblivious to the different vampire clans that exist and that there are secret underground vampire cities. We learn a little bit about the different clans here. I did feel like most of the world-building here was a lot of telling instead of showing, and I would have liked that aspect to be different. There also wasn't a lot of action here, so don't go in expecting your typical PNR story. At its heart, it's definitely a romance more than anything. That being said, the ending set up things nicely for the sequel, and I'm hopeful that we'll get to see more of the political dynamics that was hinted here. I especially like that it's going to be a companion series, and Athan's brother's book is next.

All in all, I've got to give Megan Erickson props for writing yet another fun book. I'll be eagerly looking forward to the sequel.

Athan is the brother of the future king of a vampire clan that lives peacefully and tries to protect humans against vamps that want to just from, drain and kill them all. Tendra is the "sanguivita", a human who was specially bred through 10 generations to strengthen her blood so that when the king of the vamps feeds from her, he will gain even greater strength according to a prophecy. Athan has been raised to be her Blood Guard and is just supposed to guard her and deliver her safely to his brother, but the bad vamps keep attacking them and along the way to his compound, they fall in love.

I liked this book, but I found it sagged a bit in the middle. I had a hard time picturing the world building because it seems like there were lots and lots of vamps (although they weren't anywhere near as numerous as humans) and it seems like if there were that many, all feeding on humans, it would be really hard to hide their existence. In general, I'm not as fond of vamps as other paranormals, and wouldn't normally have requested this except that I love Megan's other work and figured I would give this a try. I think it would work better for readers that do like vamps. The attraction between Athan and Ten was strong and I liked her character, even though she did make a really bad TSTL move at one point. I probably won't continue this series, but that's more because I was reminded of why I don't really like vamps, than any lack in the author's writing.

<i>[I was] a little peeved my Disney reference was lost on a vampire bodyguard.</i>

So, I just mentioned in another review how much I like when beloved authors shake up their defaults and try something new. And Erickson's been doing that a lot lately. First by co-authoring some contemporaries, then venturing into shifters, and now vampires. The shifter series (which I need to read more of) didn't wow me but I really enjoyed it. Whereas book one in the <i>Mission</i> series.. well.

With so many flavours and vibes and takes on PNR, it can be hard to find that new niche or that new angle that satisfies longtime readers. Erickson gives us a light-ish take on the human chosen one trope and instead of being the one to vanquish the bloodsuckers, she's the one destined to basically be the King's personal feedbag.. and, oh, I guess the Queen? The soon-to-be-King's brother is sent to retrieve her when rival vampire assassin clans are closing in on her location and it's his duty, as her creatively titled blood guard (no sarcasm, I do think that's a cool title), to get her to her brother so he and the clan can fulfill a prophecy, vanquish the shitty evil vampire foes and live happily ever after.

<i>What did one take to meet their arranged vampire partner?</i>

Hahah except that doesn't happen.

The synopsis already spoils the fact that things get complicated between the soon-to-be-queen and her not-yet-brother-in-law and this reader was definitely prepared for things to go sideways. Which they did. In one sense BLOOD GUARD did have unique aspects but.. I don't know, I was kind of bored? Not really interested? There's a long convuluted journey to get to the Gregorie clan's location, lots of pitstops for food and cat snuggles, and the ending is set up perfectly for book two's couple, but I'm just not sure I'll be reading it.

Erickson infused the read with a few snappy oneliners, a popculture oblivious vampire bodyguard, and a fourlegged furball that almost rivals Binx (from <i>Hocus Pocus</i>) in his usefulness. It's a quick read and the action moreorless starts right away so I think a lot of people will probably enjoy this for what it is : a swoony thrill ride. I think I just wanted a little more substance and a little less predictability to sink my teeth into (sorry, couldn't help it, peace out).

2.5 "oh great, so this was like <i>Goodfellas</i> with fangs" stars

Blood Guard is a fantastic book! As soon as I started it I was sucked in and there was nothing that could stop me from reading it. This is such a great start to a new series. I've been hoping for a new vampire series for some time, and now I think this is it.

The writing is wonderful, characters are developed spectacularly, the world building is on point, the plot is intriguing, interesting, and has a really great edge to it. While the vampires have many similarities to other vampires out there, this story takes a different direction which made me so excited when the reveal happened.

I'm also now so excited to find out where the series will go, what will happen in the next book with new main characters, and moving the main plot line forward.

This is going to the top of my vampire love list.

I love this author but did not love this book. I much prefer her werewolf books to her take on vampires done here. I can't even place my finger on what I didn't like about it! It just wasn't for me. But I will still be reading everything she writes because she is awesome!