Interesting and hot take on vampire romance. This storyline keeps enough familiar lore with some new twists to keep you interested. The strong female character is refreshing. Bad guys you love to hate, good guys you want to cheer on, then those you can keep guessing about. Add in a dose of palace intrigue and you have a good read. This is a great start to a new series.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange if an honest review.
I didn’t have any kind of expectation going in this book because I didn’t read anything from the author before. The only reason why I requested this book because the synopsis sounded great. Well in the end it was not so good at all.
I don’t even know where to start. Okay so the writing is dry, plain and it really bothered me how aggressively it tries to convey the story conclusions. Right from the beginning it tries to shove everything down my throat. I mean, in one chapter the book mentioned at least 8 different times and just as many different ways that Tendra is grieving, or that she learned self defense and so on for the whole story. Okay, I got it the first time and I see that these are important tidbits regarding the plot you don’t have to repeat it so many times.
Then there is the world building which has a couple of problems too. For one it’s not detailed and explained well enough, and even the parts that are mentioned are probably would never work. It’s not built up for a believable level.
The plot is a bit ridiculous and has a comic element to it. For this reason I couldn’t take it seriously. To me it was the last couple of chapters that I could truly enjoy but the events there were to rushed for my liking. Also I felt that the storyline is off balance by the romantic fantasizing and intimae scenes compared to the actual storyline. Also its predicable as hell.
The characters are carefully created but I couldn’t form a bond with either of them. A lot of times they don’t act as themselves and quite a few instances they make a complete 180 like a switch was flipped when it comes to their emotions and reactions. It was quite hard to follow.
I don’t like to write negative reviews but when I don’t like a story I won’t lie. Really the only saving grace in this book were the last couple of chapters. This is also a relatively quick and short read.

This is by far, one of my favorite vampire books that I've read in a long time. I loved how they weren't pop culture kitsch, but were there own distinct entity. Vampires are almost always portrayed almost the exact same way from author to author, so this was a refreshing change of pace. This was a rare book that grabbed me from the first page, was easy to read, easy to follow, and VERY entertaining! I could have done without the graphic intimate discriptions, I didn't feel they added anything to the story, but they were easily skipped over. All in all, a great read, and nice to see something different! Thank you for the opportunity to review!

I was provided an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of Megan Erickson and adore her Cyberlove series. For those who don't know, yes Blood Guard is an MF romance with no MM in sight (or even on the horizon). I enjoy reading MF romance from time to time and this one was totally worth it! (I used to read ONLY MF romance and then one day I was introduced to a secondary character who was gay and that was it.)

There is instant-attraction and connection, and if you count falling in love in a week insta-love, this has that too. I was surprised by how instant the connection was between Tendra and Athan because it took only seconds for Tendra to feel something towards Athan. They worked together, don't get me wrong, but I was still shocked by how much Tendra was turned on to Athan and how she reacted to him.

Vampires, prophecy, magical blood, and the possible annihilation of the human race. Yeah, no pressure on Tendra or Athan to make sure she makes it to Athan's familial home where there will be an army providing security.


Honesty time
Tendra didn't freak out very much when she learned Athan was really a vampire and not some crazy kidnapper. I thought more time should have been devoted to her coming to grips with what was really going on. Granted, it wouldn't have been helpful for her to have a panic attack, but still - I expected more.

I was surprised at how much sex played a part in this story and I will admit to skimming those parts since there were so many. Athan is supposed to be her protector, and his brother to be her mate. Yet neither can deny they feel something towards the other and when tension is high and fear and anxiety take over, near death experiences, they can't say no to sex. [Add in the fact that when a vampire drinks from a human, they are both struck by lust and sex is usually a part of the process. (hide spoiler)]


As for how everything went down, I thought I knew what was going on, or at least had a good idea, but Holy Cow! Was I surprised when what happened towards the end happened, and nope, not gonna say - it should really be a surprise. ;) Some people may figure it out before I did (which good for you!) but I had no clue that something was gonna happen at the end like it did. It's actually several something's that happen. I can't wait for book 2 since it's obvious by the ending to this one that book 2 will be about Athan's brother, Idris (I think is his name).

I can't say this book ends on a cliffhanger, it doesn't exactly, it's just the end of book 1 (or you could say part 1). The bad vampires are still out there, they still want to kill/enslave the human race, and Athan and the gang still want to stop the bad guys from doing that, by any means necessary.

If you enjoy MF romance, vampires, magic, underground vampire communities, prophecies, and sex, you will enjoy this story! I do recommend it to those who fit the above categories. ;-D

This was an ARC I was provided so there are some inconsistencies I hope are fixed before officially released. Hurry up book 2! :)

One of my fav reads this year. Interesting and unique paranormal romance with plenty of action.

I could not put this book down! The pacing in Blood Guard is amazing and the world of vampires literally right below humans was detailed and exciting. Athan and Tendra are forced together by duty, but the love they develop for each other that eventually triumphs duty made me cry more than once.

When I saw Blood Guard being offered on NetGalley, I was pretty excited about it. When I was approved, I was stoked. Vampire romances are my guilty pleasure. I do try to read as much as I can with reviewing only the ones that I have been approached/seen on NetGalley. I was not disappointed with Blood Guard. This book lived up to my mental hype!!

Blood Guard was a very interesting book to read. It had your typical vampire stereotypes and it also had some new stereotypes. The usual stereotypes that we have all come to associate with vampires.One of these stereotypes is that vampires couldn’t go out in the sun. Other stereotypes are that they need blood to survive and were super strong/super fast. Tendra’s journey on Athan’s back while in the woods is a great example. The newer stereotypes are that there are different species of vampires. They have different roles in the vampire society. Also, the vampires are not known to the human population (except those that are used as blood donors).

The romance between Athan and Tendra was most definitely Instalove. But it didn’t take away from the book. Instead, it added to it and made Tendra and Athan’s bond so much stronger. I did find it strange that Athan had such a pull towards Tendra. Let’s say that there is an interesting twist to this story that took me by surprise because I didn’t see it coming. It explained the pull that they had to a T.

The sex between Athan and Tendra was smoking hot. I didn’t think that they actually have sex because of the situation that they were in. This is the only book that I actually was chanting, in my head, “Do it!! Do it!!” up until the sex in a cave scene. When I say that it was hot, it was smoking hot. I had to put down my Kindle and fan myself. Usually, after a great sex scene, the rest is “meh” because everything was wasted on that one huge scene. Well, in this book, each sex scene was as good as the first one.

I did feel bad for Athan. Here he is, told to bring home the Sanguivita and then his brother would be king. He was not expecting to be as attracted to Tendra as he was. He definitely wasn’t expecting her to be as, well, stubborn as she was. He was so stubborn. I wanted, at one point, to reach through my Kindle and smack him because of certain choices he was refusing to make.

Tendra was still reeling over her mother’s death when she was kidnapped by Athan. I think her reaction to Athan’s news, that she was the Sanguivita was pretty much the same reaction I would have had. The journey through the underground, into safe houses and finally into the woods was epic. I definitely would not have lasted as long as she had. I also wouldn’t have had the cojones to do what she did when Athan needed help.

The end of the book was fantastic and I did not see the twist in the plot coming. I am going to be waiting for book 2 to come out. Hopefully, it will be Idris’s story!!!

My Summary of Blood Guard: 4 stars

Blood Guard is a vampire/romance novel that will stay with you long after you are done reading it. The plotline was great and original. I also loved Athan and Tendra together. Sparks flew from the moment they saw each other. This is going to be a series that I cannot wait to read

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Language, Sex, and Violence

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Megan Erickson popped another cherry 🍒 for me, my first vampire story and I loved it. I really don't think she has the ability to write anything I don't like. I must admit in preparation before reading this book I watched The Vampire Diaries on Netflix. That gave me some insight to what it's all about.

Tendra is a human whose abducted by Athran whose a vampire. She suppose to be his brother Idris "bloodbank" and Athran's duty is to deliver her safe to him. But trouble is finding them and things don't go as expected when their emotions is get involved.

My love for fairytales has been thoroughly fed by this story.

I love the simplicity of the story and the authors ability to make the most of it, I couldn't put the book down because...you know...just another chapter.....and so on.....

The characters are well described with lots of emotions and I felt emotionally connected to them at the end of the story. This is the first book in a series so it's kind of a ending but not.....I definitely want to read the next book.

And as a member of Meg's Mob I must say she's made us very proud. And for myself I must admit; thanks to this author I've now read two genres I never thought I would read, shifters and vampires.

The Vampires are back!

I love them! Since Salem’s Lot and Interview With A Vampire so many years ago, I have been hooked on all that vampy goodness. J.R. Ward, Jeannine Frost and many others have kept me riveted for years. I have read great stories about these toothy non-humans, some thinly veiled rip-offs and some total crap. Megan Erickson has written vampires to fall in love with…and I did.

Athan has been taught his whole life that this one task, guarding the Sanguivita of the Gregorie Clan, was his purpose in life. He was also taught that, as first born, his brother, having drank from her, would be many, many times stronger, the savior of the clan…the Clan hated and hunted by rival vampires.

Tendra has lived her life on the move, never having a clue why her mom wanted to leave a place suddenly. She and her mom were incredibly close.

Treason? It’s freakin’ treason if these two hook up? Athan and Tendra are great together. Treason? Phooey! Athan is a perfect vampire protector…strong, dedicated and loved by his people. Tendra (Ten) is a smart mouthed, witty, defiant little firebrand with a very unusual and special cat! I’m not sure which of these I loved the most! Collectively they make for one terrific crew.

There is one really vivid, porn quality scene as they walk through a vampire club called Bite, and some steamy sex. And it all works beautifully to set the stage for the next book in the series, Blood Veil, coming soon…I hope. Pick up a copy and…

Enjoy!

2shay

Absolutely loved this book, and am eager to continue the series!

I haven't read any M/F from Megan Erickson. I really enjoy her writing, she writes snappy dialogue, engaging plots and her romance elements are always on point.Blood Guard is a promising start to the Mission series I just wasn't as amazed as I thought I would be.
This is Erickson's first paranormal romance which I'm not sure if she is going to get M/M within but the M/F was really well done I just couldn't connect with the chemistry. Tendra is funny, smart and brave. I also liked that she didn't dwell forever on her fate and 'destiny". Athan is strong but I just couldn't connect with them. I loved the Bodyguard and "client" trope but they passed the stages of love very quickly and so I couldn't connect.
Overall I think I will read book two but I'm not enamoured. 3.5 Stars.
***ARC courtesy of publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review***

Blood Guard is a fantastically impressive new series that will fulfill your deep craving for excellent vampire lore while giving you a wonderful spine-tingling mystery to solve. I was blown away by the brilliant plot and stunning characters found throughout this amazing book. While I have always had an intense interest in vampires, this book slaked that longing in no time at all. It has everything you would ever want in one magnificent work of art. I couldn’t get enough and yet I read the last word knowing I was completely satisfied. This is a wildly superb start to a fabulous new series that I can’t wait to experience and savor!

When I search for paranormal stories, I look for something with a lot of depth and heart. I want to feel every part of the character’s heart and soul while I walk their journey alongside them, and I was gifted with that privilege over and over. There is nothing better than losing your heart to a wickedly indulgent storyline that engages and stimulates every part of your mind. Blood Guard meet all of those requirements and so much more. This is a book that will leave you happily speechless, contentedly satisfied, and wickedly grinning like the Cheshire cat.

Megan Erickson is one author that I plan on reading more from in the near future. She has caught my attention, and I look forward to learning more about her other epic adventures. My voracious reading appetite won’t let me choose anything but the best, and Megan is without a doubt one of the best in paranormal stories that I have come across. Let her stories invade and conquer your heart while satisfying your vast hunger for excellent and well-written stories.

Megan Erickson is a new author to me - one I will definitely want to read more from!

I enjoy paranormal stories and this one did not disappoint. What makes this one stand out from other books of similar genre? Character development. The reader really gets to know and understand Tendra's predicament. Without spoiling the story, there is more to why Tendra is the "lifeblood" of Athan's vampire clan and what will happen if she doesn't cooperate with the clan's leader. Suffice it to say, it's a more complex reason than just grabbing a random woman off the street. And the doubts and fears Tendra has? The reader really feels for her being in such a difficult spot, having to make tough decisions.

And Athan? Again, he's a lot more than just big, dark and dangerous. He truly cares for humankind and, as he gets to know Tendra as they are on their journey back to his brother (the future king of the clan), he not only empathizes with her predicament but treats her in a caring manner (even before he discovers that there is "something between us"), so unlike other vampire characters. He understands what she will be giving up and doesn't dismiss her fears/concerns lightly.

If you enjoy paranormal stories, especially of the vampire type, you will enjoy this one!


Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

What a wonderful beginning to this new Mission series!

Give me a Vampire story and I’m sure to be hooked, and Blood Guard definitely fits the bill. A fast, easy read that takes readers into Erikson’s unique world with its fascinating characters and distinct vampire elements; the story captivates the reader from the very first page.

The relationship between Tendra and Athan is breathtaking; Athan is protective, caring and typically brooding in his Vampire nature, while Tendra may start out delicate and precious, but she develops into a strong and formidable companion as the story progresses.

There are some unanswered questions, but I think this is leading to what readers will encounter in the next book of the series; so all in all, I would definitely recommend this story to readers who love their Vamps and all that they encompass.

**I received Blood Guard from Net Galley and Loveswept in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**

Blood Guard-Mission #1 by Megan Erickson is the first book in what I know will be a hit for the author. This is the first book that I've read by the author and I will look forward to the next book anxiously. I was a bit hesitant to try this book but after reading the other reviews on Goodreads I decided to give it a try and am I glad that I did because its wonderful.

Tendra is a waitress who know how to defend herself in gritty Mission city. But she's still grieving the loss of her mother but one night she sees a dark handsome stranger in the bar who intrigues her. Imagine her surprise when he follows her home and the next thing she knows she's being told that she is a Sanguivita of the Gregorie vampire clan. Now we all know that vampires don't exist or do we? Soon they are on the run with Athan and Brex the guard cat underground Mission City and Ten is trying to understand why she'll be the sole source of human blood for the King.

Athan has been sent to retrieve Tendra and bring her to his brother Idris so that he can take the throne of the Gregorie Clan. But there's a rival clan and Quellen who are assassins for hire. But there is a traitor amongst their own who will do anything even kill to convince everyone that the myth of a Sanguivita will save them. But when he's attacked with a new weapon by the Quellen, Tendra will have to make a decision that will effect both of their lives. Will they arrive the compound in time? Can Tendra and Athan fight their growing attraction to each other?

I loved this book and would love to have a cat just like Brex who was super protective. I can't wait for the next book which hopefully will be Idris's story.

4.5 stars!!!
I'm always looking for the next paranormal book that will leave me satisfied and Blood Guard was it for me. This was a great read that I finished within a few hours. Once you start this book it is absolutely hard to put down. I loved the character, Tendra and Athan were perfect together and I enjoyed watching them develop a closeness over their journey. Their chemistry was off the charts and I rooted for them knowing she was promised to another. This is a great paranormal read that has action, betrayal, death, revenge, suspense, twists and turns and a love that can't be denied. The war is just beginning and I can't wait to see what happens next. I loved Zeb's characters so I hope we get more of him and I'm definitely wanting to know more about Idris. So, I'm excitingly waiting for the next book in this series. The only thing that I could have be mentioned less in this book was how much training Tendra's mother put her through because it seems as if it was mentioned on every page in the beginning of the story. However, that did not take away from this great read.

Superb intro book from Megan Erickson for her new paranormal world of vampires and other strange creatures. It's rare I will deliberately pick up an MF book, it takes a special author for me to do so, and I had that faith rewarded. There are no simpering heroines and ridiculously over the top alpha heroes here.
Athan and Tendra's relationship is full of equal skills and efforts and each brings something to the other which they need.

Thank you to NetGalley and Loveswept for providing me with an e-ARC to read and review. Blood Guard by Megan Erickson is set to be released September 12, 2017.

Warning: This book contains explicit romantic scenes and language. For mature readers only. Reader discretion advised.

Blood Guard by Megan Erickson is a new series involving vampires that I immediately fell in love with.

At this point, I'll read anything about vampires as long as the plot and makeup of the vampires is different and unique Blood Guard definitely set itself apart. I was intrigued by the concept the author developed and I think it was executed well.

Tendra is a protagonist to love. She's bold and brave but knows her weaknesses. She has a great sense of humor and I love it when she makes references that Athan doesn't understand - it's adorable. I like her not-going-down-without-a-fight attitude.

Athan I really liked though there where times I had mixed feelings about his character and wasn't quite sure why. He's clearly a natural born leader. His path in life has always been focus on his duty as blood guard to the Gregorie Sanguivtia (Tendra). Yet sometimes his interactions with others wasn't always consistent with what I believed his character to be. He has a dynamic personality but I couldn't help but wonder at times "Is this the same guy you're initially led to be believe?" But towards the end everything began to make sense. His emotions are so pure and raw; he is without a doubt a very likable and loveable character.

Themes of loyalty, duty, and self-sacrificing for the sake/good of others are heavily woven in this book. Each compliments the other and what Tendra and Athan go through, creating much tension and conflict that I liked.

I was worried that the majority of the book would be spent going from Point A to Point B. So happy that wasn't the case but we could have gotten to Point B much sooner. There was also one moment a little more than halfway through that made me hesitate. I'm glad with what the author decided to create in that moment. It took me a moment to get used to this new idea present. But once I did, I was all on board and really liked how it played out. I think it will provide great action and plot in the next book.

And then there's Brex, Tendra's cat. I loved him the most. He was so adorable and every scene he was in was just too cute for words.

Blood Guard was perhaps too short for me but still enjoyable. I'm very much invested in this story and am definitely going to be reading book 2, Blood Veil.

It has been awhile since I went with a paranormal romance so, I jumped at the opportunity to review this one when I saw this on NetGalley.
Blood Guard is the first in a new series.It is a good versus evil vampire story with a chosen one, so to speak, names Tendra, also known as Ten. She is kidnapped by Athan, a blood guard and a member of the Gregorie Clan. His duty is to bring Ten back to his brother as a wife.
As Athan and Ten set out on their journey. They meet many fellow clansmen along the way and Ten learns more and more about the world she about to enter.
The character development was pretty good. It was a little off that Ten was so easily willing to take her place in the Gregorie clan so quickly buy other than that I appreciated that she was not a punk. Her mother made sure she was able to defend herself. Athan was a wonderful character, he was loyal to a fault even when some were not loyal to him.
My favorite part of the story is the plot twist, which I will not give away. It was a great climax to the story and had me excited for the next installment in this series.