Protector

Underground Guardians #1

by Lisa Renee Jones

This is full length Novel! Formerly released through Ellora's Cave

Hot soldiers! Hot romance! Heart pounding romance! Did I say -- hot SUPER soldiers?!

Book 1 of a sexy paranormal series with hot super soldiers you don't want to miss!

*4 stars from ROMANTIC TIMES Reviews!
*A full sized novel at 87,000 words
*Includes shorts excerpts from HOT VAMPIRE KISS and THE STORM THAT IS STERLING after the 87,000 word novel is complete. Total word count is 89,000 words

About the
Mason Alexander is the leader of the elite Black Knights, a special forces unit that have all been genetically enhanced. He must lead his team to stop a rogue group of Knights lead by his brother. Holly Hart, a beautiful doctor who has devoted her life to genetic research, is the woman who can help achieve his goal of capturing his brother. Dark danger and hot passion will bring them together, but will Mason's secrets, drive them apart, before love can save them?

* Book 2 of the Underground Guardians is HEALER. It is also available for download.

Dear

The Underground Guardians was originally published through Ellora's Cave many years ago. As time passed, though readers asked for the next book in the series, I knew that there were things I should have done differently, that I wanted to do differently. More time passed, and this series stuck with me. I WANTED to write more stories. So finally, I sat down and said - how do I write more? How do I get from where I started to where I want to go? There was only one option. A spinoff series. So I wrote a new series -- THE ZODIUS series -- which debuts in May 2011 with Sourcebooks Casablanca with the book THE LEGEND OF MICHAEL. But these books - The Underground Guardians - inspired the Zodius series. Without them, the Zodius series would never have taken form. So here is a look into the young writer's vision into a world that later became the more mature writer's world. You will actually meet my inspiration for the Zodius version of Michael (LEGEND OF MICHAEL) in this book. In fact, there will be many things in the Zodius series that you will find familiar to the Underground Guardians series, but you will also find many things very different.

I hope this look into the world of the Underground Guardians will intrigue you enough to make you want to read the Zodius series, starting with LEGEND OF MICHAEL.

Thank you for your support!
Lisa

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Suspense, Fiction, Fantasy, Adult

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2005

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with.

In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press.
Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

Reviews

[Melindeeloo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without their permission, a group of soldiers have been turned into super soldiers, their genes altered by injection with alien DNA. The change has brought the men strength, super healing ability and other incredible powers, but in a number of the men the change has also turned them evil. So it remains to those who retain their honor, the Black Knights, to protect humanity from their brethren. And Black Knight Jason has lived only for his duty, keeping himself apart from regular humans, until he finds the woman he just can't resist, genetic research scientist Holly Heart, the woman he is assigned to protect, the woman who is in the sight of his twisted former comrades.

I stumbled on Underground Guardians Protector looking for Kindle cheapers, and since this story and (Healer) were the books which inspired Jones' new Zodius series (whose first book Michael was on my TBR pile) I decided to give them a shot.

Having read other more recent books by Jones (and being a bit into her newest, Micheal, now) it was kind of neat to see by comparision how much Jones has refined her craft in the 7 or so years since she wrote this book. I am not saying this to be negative because even though Protector lacks some of the polish Jones has gained over the years I thought that the idea behind the Underground Guardians had potential so it will be interesting to see how Jones' has transformed her original idea in the new series.

My biggest nit with the story looking at it on it's own and not as the genesis of the new series is that the hero is a bit of a coward when it comes to trusting the heroine to choose him and he hides the truth of his nature and their bond from her for way too long, only doling out a bit at a time, instead of laying his cards on the table and allowing her to choose. His rationalization that he's not trying to force her decision to accept the mating between them, and instead allowing her to accept him genetic oddities and all, didn't quite play for me. What did work for me, was the vulnerablity that inspired this behavior, Mason and his best friend and fellow Black Knight Sterling had it in spades, and Sterling has some pathos potential going on, so I am glad that he will be getting a book in the new series, since he got passed over in the old.

(FYI for kindle readers, I didn't skew my rating because of this, but there are some minor formatting issues - extra page feeds - in the kindle version that make the story feel a little choppy)

[Cat · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't realize how raunchy this book is...whoops!

Unfortunately, while I was very intrigued by the premise, it ultimately disappointed me. There was way too much "I don't know why I'm attracted to you...but I love you" going on. I'm all for love, romance and mystery, but after reading pages upon pages of it, it gets a little tiresome. Also, Holly Heart was a pretty damn cheesy name, and a little unnecessary on the cutesy side.

Fortunately I didn't find Holly to be too annoying as a heroine - although she was stubborn and took many unnecessary risks, she did know when to give into protection. The storyline is good; brothers on opposite sides, government experiments, secrets, etc.

Overall, an alright read: mix of sex, love, war between families/species...
Definitely glad I got this for free.

[Lori Feldpausch · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this series!!!! Is there going to be more???!!!!

[Beachbaby]

In boxed set - "Underground Guardians Box Set"

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Heart is a scientist that is interested only in helping people. She knows her genetic research can do that and has found several answers to some diseases that will save peoples lives. There were other scientist and government officials that wanted to use genetic research to create super soldiers. What most people don't know is that they succeeded in creating the super soldiers. Now there is a fight going on that most people don't know about but that Holly is suddenly going to find herself in the middle of. If she doesn't trust the right person it could very well mean her life and the life of others. Into her life walks Mason Alexander and now the question is can she trust him and just what is she going to do with the overwhelming attraction she feels for him.

Mason Alexander has been quietly fighting a war to protect the innocent against super soldiers that most people are completely unaware of their existence. Mason's latest mission is to get Holly to help the government find a way to take care of the super soldiers because if they can't find a way to stop the soldiers than the soldiers just might get what they ultimately want: world domination. Mason knew Holly was important to the fight what he didn't expect was to find out how important she was going to become to him. Now they are going to have race against time to stay ahead of the soldiers and their leader or Holly just might end up dead.

The super soldiers' leader is after both Mason and Holly so that he can get what he ultimately wants and that is to rule the world. Mason is going to have to find out who he can trust to help him with the enemy so that the world will have a chance to survive. Mason is suddenly finding out things that he never knew but with Holly's help just might be able to over come what is coming. The only way to find out if they are going to survive is to find a weakness in the super soldiers because a battle is coming and they need to be prepared for what is coming.

Without their permission, a group of soldiers have been turned into super soldiers, their genes altered by injection with alien DNA. The change has brought the men strength, super healing ability and other incredible powers, but in a number of the men the change has also turned them evil. So it remains to those who retain their honor, the Black Knights, to protect humanity from their brethren.

This is the book that led to the author's newest book The Legend of Michael. This gives the reader a little background on the world she built around Area 51. This is a very engaging story to read and will be very hard to put down until the very end.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded Protector during one of my freebie download frenzies. Before you remind me, I know that I have a serious problem, hich is probably a good topic for another post all by itself, so it’s safe to skip the lecture and carry on with the review.

As long as we’re on the subject of problems, I suppose now would be a good time to admit that I have a serious weakness for alpha males. I’m not quite sure who to blame on this, but several authors (along with a long list of loving book bullies who all know who you are.) I’m not exactly sure when this happened, but it did and now I have to deal with the consequences. *sigh* When I read the description of this book I have to admit, I wasn’t sure. I usually like my alpha males with fur and/or fangs. Who knew an alpha with an alien slant would fill the bill? I suppose this means that I now need to add aliens to my list of alphas.

Mason was strong, possessive, damaged and considered himself totally unworthy of love. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to pull away from Holly. All the traits that make up a perfect alpha. Holly was strong, determined and damaged in her own way. The collision course they were on was inevitable and intense which turned Protector into a surprising page turner.

This book probably isn’t for everyone. It’s steamy almost from the beginning and alphas will be alphas. If you understand the concept and can wrap your mind around the intensity of that type of attraction, then this is the read for you. There was also plenty of action, twists, turns and allie confusion to go along with the hot and steamy scenes to keep your attention.

I was glad to find out that this is part of a series. There were a lot of lose ends and places for the story to continue at the end. Not necessarily a cliff hanger, but it did leave me wanting to know and read more. From what I read, the next book doesn’t center on Mason and Holly but the story line was left wide open to return to these characters in the future. I will definitely be looking for more installments of the Underground Guardians.

[Pam K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mason Alexander and Sterling Foster are part of the elite force called the Black Knights. They are genetically enhanced "super soldiers". There is another group of evil super soldiers ,,lead by Mason's brother calling themselves the Arions. they are out for world domination. Mason is sent to find Holly Heart to help with this war. They are both hit with am attraction that they cannot fight.
Most of the story goes exactly as you expect it to. there are a few surprises.
I liked the book. But not overwhelmed by it. I may read another from the series, just to see where it goes and if it gets better.

[Little Butterfly · Rating 2 out of 5]

A romantic love story between the tough scientist Holly Heart and the Black Knight Mason Alexander, who is genetically enhanced with alien genes. It is sweet love between them, they are made for each other and Holly wants to help Mason in his battle against the dangerous Arions.
An ok read but I'm not really convinced by the story world and it's lacking suspense and interesting twists.

Thinking about it again, I had to remove a star. It neither had depth nor was it a fun read.

[Rjsmommy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super Soldiers who were created using alien DNA in Area 51 and now have vampire like qualities...an imteresting premise but needs a bit more work. This is an older series by LRJ that actually introduces characters and some characteristics of a series that follows (Zodius). I will definitely read the other and the following series hoping that both the characters and plot are more fully developed.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started out reading this author's Vampire Wardens trilogy. Loved those soooo much thought I would see about her other books.

It is hard to believe this was earlier writing. I think the detail and the feelings are strong and nonstop. I can see how the Wardens books are more streamlined, but all still good!

I felt like I was held in the anticipation mode for whole book! Good action, suspense, and hot emotional attraction!

Glad I read and will read the series/spinoff series!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 4 1/2 stars to 5 stars.

A pretty fantastic read. I loved Holly as a character, she was strong and fierce, she knew what she wanted. This kind-of reminded me of Tessa Adams book Dark Embers with the genetic research and how the book started. I couldn't stop reading this, I was hooked from start to finish.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a war being waged between two groups of genetically enhanced soldiers. It is also a romance between one of these soldiers and the woman who he can't live without. The story was great. I loved the premise of it. I loved all the cool things the soldiers can do. I was pleased with the ending. A good read.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a free read from amazon . I have read other books by Lisa Renee Jones in the past and I was not disappointed with this book either.. It had the same feel as her zodius series. Really enjoyed reading this that I went and got the next one in the series the Healer .

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. Lisa Renee Jones mentions that this is one of her earlier books and to a certain extent you can tell. But it is still a well-rounded and good book. It's certainly piqued my interest and I'm keen to start reading more by her.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly different

This story has familiar trends, but adds a slice twist with an Area 51 addition. Some grammatical errors abound, mostly words missing in sentences. The story is decent, although there is not in-depth character development. Still, enjoyable.

[Lizzielvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Mason was a good alpha. I wish I had read this before reading The Legend of Michael even though they are separate series, it's a good introduction.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a precursor to Jones' Zodius series I can a similarity. This is less developed, but interesting. A bit repetitive in spots, but captivating enough to overlook some of the stumbles.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prequel to the Zodius series, This book is free for Kindle Only until Jan 23!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found a fantastic hot erotic romance series. This is a keeper. Super soldiers

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

[Leisa Prater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series...keeps my captivated!!!!

[Susana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 3/4 stars

[Ginger Warrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Jane Doe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

Good start to this series, I liked the second book better, just because it goes into more depth about the powers etc.....

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked all the main characters and thought it was a great beginning to a series!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, great author!

[Grandma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this after finding The Legend of Michael and The Storm that is Sterling.