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The Shadow Guard
The Shadow Guard. They are the darkest of Black Ops. A force operating outside the sphere of the CIA or FBI. Taking their mandate not from the U.S. government, but from magic. And sex.
SAHIR. Astrid Carlson is one of them, a mage on a mission. With her wispy blond hair and those long, long legs, she can make a man forget himself. Until it's way too late.
KUBRI. Jake Hammond is the only thing she needs, the human conductor who can focus all her strength, bringing her to a peak of power, or shattering her completely. Yeah, she's got a hundred or so years on him, but who's counting when there's an unstoppable assassin to take down--and unstoppable chemistry to take on. . .
SAHIR. Astrid Carlson is one of them, a mage on a mission. With her wispy blond hair and those long, long legs, she can make a man forget himself. Until it's way too late.
KUBRI. Jake Hammond is the only thing she needs, the human conductor who can focus all her strength, bringing her to a peak of power, or shattering her completely. Yeah, she's got a hundred or so years on him, but who's counting when there's an unstoppable assassin to take down--and unstoppable chemistry to take on. . .
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
1 person is currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Diane Whiteside
30 books122 followersBy day, Diane Whiteside builds and designs computer systems for the government. By night, she escapes into a world of alpha males and the unique women who turn their lives upside down. Noticing the lack of a husband to keep Diane in line, her Tibetan Terrier stepped up to the plate and makes sure that Diane does everything The Right Way which means lots of walks and dog treats. For more information about Diane plus her alpha males, unique women, and Tibetan Terriers, her website.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 22, 2012
I almost DNF'd this one, but decided to stick it out. Just okay, ho-hum for me. A couple things stood out. One was freq use of the word "cream" (yes go THERE). Second was this: page 57 "Then she lunged forward and took his cock all the way in, all the way down her throat." So, she doesn't have a gag reflux? I really don't think spewing vomit over someone's nether regions is sexy. I did laugh out loud at that thought.
April 27, 2011
The Shadow Guard by Diane Whiteside
Paranormal Romance –April 1st, 2011
4 stars
Shadow Guard is a fascinating and sexy paranormal romance that kept me turning the pages.
The Shadow Guard are long lived beings with magical powers who monitor the paranormal world and step in to prevent catastrophes. Among them is Astrid - a sahir or sorceress. Astrid must recharge her powers by having sex. But since her husband died, Astrid neither wants nor feels any emotional attachment.
A vicious murder gets Astrid’s attention one night. She feels what might be the workings of another sahir. However, this is still a 'human' case because the victim is human. Although Astrid knows she should not interfere, she cannot help wanting justice for the poor young woman. With her hands tied, she enlists the help of Sergeant Jake Hammond. Although they have never met, they are online friends and she hopes this friendship will prevent him from asking too many questions about how she gives him clues concerning the mysterious murder. But Astrid unexpectedly finds herself attracted to Jake. Does she dare to open her heart again?
The chemistry between Astrid and Jake was palatable from the beginning. It was fun to read because Jake who has never wanted a relationship finally wants one. But Astrid is hesitant to commit because of the painful death of her husband. The mystery is really secondary to their relationship. I enjoyed both characters especially Jake who isn't aware of how sexy he is! Before Astrid, women were always secondary to his work. As for Astrid I was fascinated by her history, especially her role in WWII. The only thing I thought was strange was that at times Astrid did not seem as wise as her age would merit.
I enjoyed reading about the Shadow Guard! My only quibble with this story is how I wished the author had explained more about the Shadow Guard and Astrid's past. I found them intriguing and wanted to know about their hierarchy, politics and history. I hope the author will continue writing about them and that they will more fully developed. I almost felt like this book was a bit of a tease because it made me want more!
Steamy, imaginative and fun to read. This is a book that I hope will develop into a series!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance –April 1st, 2011
4 stars
Shadow Guard is a fascinating and sexy paranormal romance that kept me turning the pages.
The Shadow Guard are long lived beings with magical powers who monitor the paranormal world and step in to prevent catastrophes. Among them is Astrid - a sahir or sorceress. Astrid must recharge her powers by having sex. But since her husband died, Astrid neither wants nor feels any emotional attachment.
A vicious murder gets Astrid’s attention one night. She feels what might be the workings of another sahir. However, this is still a 'human' case because the victim is human. Although Astrid knows she should not interfere, she cannot help wanting justice for the poor young woman. With her hands tied, she enlists the help of Sergeant Jake Hammond. Although they have never met, they are online friends and she hopes this friendship will prevent him from asking too many questions about how she gives him clues concerning the mysterious murder. But Astrid unexpectedly finds herself attracted to Jake. Does she dare to open her heart again?
The chemistry between Astrid and Jake was palatable from the beginning. It was fun to read because Jake who has never wanted a relationship finally wants one. But Astrid is hesitant to commit because of the painful death of her husband. The mystery is really secondary to their relationship. I enjoyed both characters especially Jake who isn't aware of how sexy he is! Before Astrid, women were always secondary to his work. As for Astrid I was fascinated by her history, especially her role in WWII. The only thing I thought was strange was that at times Astrid did not seem as wise as her age would merit.
I enjoyed reading about the Shadow Guard! My only quibble with this story is how I wished the author had explained more about the Shadow Guard and Astrid's past. I found them intriguing and wanted to know about their hierarchy, politics and history. I hope the author will continue writing about them and that they will more fully developed. I almost felt like this book was a bit of a tease because it made me want more!
Steamy, imaginative and fun to read. This is a book that I hope will develop into a series!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
April 17, 2011
The Shadow Guard is a paranormal romance with a difference. There are no vampires or werewolves, but there is magic. And sex. Astrid works for the FBI, but she is unofficially undercover. In truth she’s a Sahir, a mage. She wields magic to help humanity. Astrid is strong, capable and isn’t afraid to push the limits her superiors set. With a killer on the loose she enlists the help of her online gaming partner, Jake Hammond, who also happens to be a cop. Jack is tall, dark and handsome. He’s also a Kubri, a human conductor. He strengthens her, to bring her to hit the highest point of her power. Although Astrid hides her true self from Jake, circumstances push her to reveal what she is, and what his role in her life now could be. A Kubri helps power a Sahir through sex. It’s electric between the two of them, but Astrid is afraid of losing someone else she cares for and, in the process she could destroy herself. Jake finds himself drawn to Astrid, and actually deals with the truth of who she and he are very well. He has faith. Together they work through the information they have to find and stop those responsible for the murder and an even bigger scheme, which I never saw coming. The battle at the end is quite spectacular. Astrid I really enjoyed the chemistry between Astrid and Jake. It was there from the get go, and never let up. They completed each other; the Sahir/Kubri relationship brought them even closer. The premise of Sahir’s and Kubri’s is very interesting, as I haven’t read anything similar before. There is definitely a lead on with two characters from this book, and I can’t wait to read their story.
There’s a lot of mystery woven into the story. It reads more like a paranormal romance detective story. Strange, you may think, but grab a copy of the Shadow Guard if you’re looking for a paranormal romance with a difference.
There’s a lot of mystery woven into the story. It reads more like a paranormal romance detective story. Strange, you may think, but grab a copy of the Shadow Guard if you’re looking for a paranormal romance with a difference.
May 17, 2011
They are the darkest of black ops.
A force operating outside the sphere of the CIA and FBI.
They take their mandate,
not from the United States government, but from magic and sex.
SAHIR: Astrid Carlson is one of them, a mage on a mission. With her wispy blond hair and those long, long legs, she can make a man forget himself. Until it’s way too late.
KUBRI: Jake Hammond is the only thing Astrid needs. He's a human conductor, a man who can focus all her strength, bringing her to a peak of her power or shattering her completely. Yeah, she’s got a hundred or so years on him, but who’s counting when there’s an unstoppable assassin to take down and they have a chemistry that is going to ignite them both.
The Shadow Guard by Diane Whiteside is a hot, suspenseful, action-packed read I never wanted to put down. It has an amazing depth and sincerity to it, providing the beginning of what I can see being an amazing series.
Astrid is a fierce and independent person and strong fighter. I think that is what drew me to her. I love a heroine that doesn’t have to be rescued; she is kickass all by herself. Team her up with Jake and I wouldn’t want to mess with this duo!
One of the great things I have always found in Diane Whiteside’s books is the strong connection she builds with her reader. I wasn't just reading the words in this story. I felt swallowed up by it, as if I became a part of the plot myself. This author immerses her readers and that makes me follow her no matter what she writes. When you want romantic action-adventure that you will not forget, I highly recommend The Shadow Guard.
A force operating outside the sphere of the CIA and FBI.
They take their mandate,
not from the United States government, but from magic and sex.
SAHIR: Astrid Carlson is one of them, a mage on a mission. With her wispy blond hair and those long, long legs, she can make a man forget himself. Until it’s way too late.
KUBRI: Jake Hammond is the only thing Astrid needs. He's a human conductor, a man who can focus all her strength, bringing her to a peak of her power or shattering her completely. Yeah, she’s got a hundred or so years on him, but who’s counting when there’s an unstoppable assassin to take down and they have a chemistry that is going to ignite them both.
The Shadow Guard by Diane Whiteside is a hot, suspenseful, action-packed read I never wanted to put down. It has an amazing depth and sincerity to it, providing the beginning of what I can see being an amazing series.
Astrid is a fierce and independent person and strong fighter. I think that is what drew me to her. I love a heroine that doesn’t have to be rescued; she is kickass all by herself. Team her up with Jake and I wouldn’t want to mess with this duo!
One of the great things I have always found in Diane Whiteside’s books is the strong connection she builds with her reader. I wasn't just reading the words in this story. I felt swallowed up by it, as if I became a part of the plot myself. This author immerses her readers and that makes me follow her no matter what she writes. When you want romantic action-adventure that you will not forget, I highly recommend The Shadow Guard.
April 23, 2011
The Shadow Guard had an intriguing premise, sassy characters and started off good. But, I became disappointed quickly. I felt the emotional disconnection of characters, and too many sex scenes for my liking. Yes, I know that's the norm these days, and I normally don't mind it if it fits the story. I was hoping for more planned out storyline. The book had quite a bit of action, but I found myself confused and had to go back a few times to understand right. Astrid, the heroine, is interesting, sassy and fun. She's not the kind of woman you want to mess with. The world building in the story is creative and fun.
If you enjoy paranormal romance filled with steamy love scenes, heroines that are feisty and tough, then you may enjoy this book.
If you enjoy paranormal romance filled with steamy love scenes, heroines that are feisty and tough, then you may enjoy this book.
May 23, 2011
2 1/2 stars Most of the previous books that I have read which were penned by this author have impressed me with her eroticism and ability to create an intriguing tale in between the sizzling scenes. Unfortunately, this story seemed strangely disjointed and not just because Astrid's last name is spelled differently on the back cover than it is in the rest of the novel. Perhaps there is a prequel that should be read before this one that details the different categories of beings and their interrelationship. Characters appear and disappear randomly without much explanation and the relationship between the two main characters seems superficial and solely based on the sex magic that they can create and I'm still confused about what the final battle accomplished...
July 17, 2011
We have the romance/erotic writers to thank in a big way for the creation and expansion of Urban Fantasy into what it is today. Some of the writing that is written under these label is really fabulous. And some ... is not ...
I so rarely get to the end of a book and think, "Well, that was a waste of time," but I did here. The magic was an excuse to have sex, and it wasn't even GOOD sex magic. Ah well.
I so rarely get to the end of a book and think, "Well, that was a waste of time," but I did here. The magic was an excuse to have sex, and it wasn't even GOOD sex magic. Ah well.
May 6, 2011
I thought this one sounds good from the summary, but the execution didn't work for me. The only part of the story that was interesting was the romance angle between Astrid and Jake. They mystery was beyond boring, the world with the magic wasn't explained good enough and not interesting. Overall for me this book was utterly forgettable, and I am not sure right now why I kept reading it.
October 23, 2011
This is the first of a series about Sahirs - mages and kubris - their source or charge. Astrid meets Jake after witnessing a woman being murdered, and his job as a cop doesn't mesh with hers as a mage working secretoly for the public good, but he's a kubri, so they end up united to find the killer.
June 1, 2012
"Highly creative, The Shadow Guard, kept me entranced from the first page."
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=5588
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=5588
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews