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Guardian Witch #4
Blood and Fire
A dead body, black magic, and a vampire enforcer...
Ari thought her biggest problem was deciding if she should move in with her vampire boyfriend, Andreas. That was before they found the dead body at the bottom of the Riverdale cliffs. And before she realized he'd been cursed by black magic.
Just as she begins the murder investigation, the vampire rulers in Europe send an enforcer to make inquiries into the recent defeat of the Toronto vampire prince. While Andreas has taken responsibility for the brutal dictator's death, there is much about the incident that he and Ari must keep to themselves--secrets the vampire elders would stop at nothing to learn.
With threats of retaliation hanging over their heads, Ari moves into Andreas's Victorian mansion--for safety's sake--while the enforcer begins a campaign of terror. Ari is caught between competing dangers and challenges: black magic, a ghost, a missing Native American artifact...not to mention a new roommate...all while trying to stay alive...
Ari thought her biggest problem was deciding if she should move in with her vampire boyfriend, Andreas. That was before they found the dead body at the bottom of the Riverdale cliffs. And before she realized he'd been cursed by black magic.
Just as she begins the murder investigation, the vampire rulers in Europe send an enforcer to make inquiries into the recent defeat of the Toronto vampire prince. While Andreas has taken responsibility for the brutal dictator's death, there is much about the incident that he and Ari must keep to themselves--secrets the vampire elders would stop at nothing to learn.
With threats of retaliation hanging over their heads, Ari moves into Andreas's Victorian mansion--for safety's sake--while the enforcer begins a campaign of terror. Ari is caught between competing dangers and challenges: black magic, a ghost, a missing Native American artifact...not to mention a new roommate...all while trying to stay alive...
306 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2013
11 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Ally Shields
19 books471 followersAlly Shields is the fantasy pen name of Janet L Buck, who also writes historical mysteries as J L Buck.
Ms Shields' Guardian Witch series was first released between 2012 and 2015 and were withdrawn by Etopia Press in 2023. Revised and updated editions were released later in 2023 with new covers and one title change.
Due to an ongoing story line, the author recommends this series be read in order, beginning with Awakening the Fire.
A sequel trilogy may be re-released in the future.
The Maggie York Paranormal Mystery trilogy, set in New Orleans and the Crosskeys trilogy may also be re-released with revised editions as time permits.
When not writing, Ms Shields reads multiple genres--urban fantasy, thrillers, mysteries, historical romance, and she loves to travel--anywhere, anytime.
Ms Shields' Guardian Witch series was first released between 2012 and 2015 and were withdrawn by Etopia Press in 2023. Revised and updated editions were released later in 2023 with new covers and one title change.
Due to an ongoing story line, the author recommends this series be read in order, beginning with Awakening the Fire.
A sequel trilogy may be re-released in the future.
The Maggie York Paranormal Mystery trilogy, set in New Orleans and the Crosskeys trilogy may also be re-released with revised editions as time permits.
When not writing, Ms Shields reads multiple genres--urban fantasy, thrillers, mysteries, historical romance, and she loves to travel--anywhere, anytime.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 11, 2017
So I have some small issues with this book/series..
My man, Andreas, please, I beg of you, become more dominant!! I love you so fucking much, so please become.. more?! More alpha, more arrogant, more ... wild?! Yeah, and perhaps, become a bit bad-boy and badass..
When did he first tell her he loved her? When did they made love for the first time? So many questions and no goddamn answers.. I feel like I'm missing a lot of personal things that's so important to have in a book, that I'm getting seriously pissed!
THE SEX?! Where is it?! I know they have had sex, but wtf, I wanna read about it... I want more.. personal view on them, if you know what I mean?
Ally Shields, please give me sex scenes? I feel desperate and weird.. lol
“I ordered the guards as a precaution. I did not want you left alone.” His gaze softened. “I came with them because I wanted to see you.”
My man, Andreas, please, I beg of you, become more dominant!! I love you so fucking much, so please become.. more?! More alpha, more arrogant, more ... wild?! Yeah, and perhaps, become a bit bad-boy and badass..
She smiled in spite of her uneasiness. “Ditto. You tell Daron I’ll hold him personally responsible if anything happens to you.”
“I love you, too,” he said as he disconnected.
When did he first tell her he loved her? When did they made love for the first time? So many questions and no goddamn answers.. I feel like I'm missing a lot of personal things that's so important to have in a book, that I'm getting seriously pissed!
She tilted her head up, peeking at him. “Who’s going to keep me safe from you?”
“That is your problem.”
She leaned against him, and he rolled them both to the ground. Andreas’s body trapped her against the earth, revealing his hard lines, making no secret of his desire for her. Ari melted against him as his hands slid under her blouse, and she reached to return the touch.
THE SEX?! Where is it?! I know they have had sex, but wtf, I wanna read about it... I want more.. personal view on them, if you know what I mean?
Ally Shields, please give me sex scenes? I feel desperate and weird.. lol
“I don’t know that I should, but it depends.” Her pulse began to race as her fear slid into something even more compelling. She pulled against his grasp, wanting to twine her fingers in his hair, and he released her arms. He kept her firmly trapped beneath his body.
“On what?” he growled in her ear. “This?” He nibbled on her earlobe. “Or this?” He brushed his lips against her jawline.
“This,” she said, sliding her fingers into his hair and meeting his kiss.
“OK, I get it.” She slipped off the desk. “You’re busy, and I still have things to do.” She paused at the door and returned his look. “Later tonight I intend to fully explore this mysterious side of yours.”
“My pleasure.”
January 12, 2014
Ally Shields has done it again. I think this one tops my list as my favorite in the Guardian Witch series. It has a bit of everything... mystery, intrigue, romance, character development, battle... and more.
When the mysterious death of a treasure hunter points to black magic, Guardian Witch Ari Calin jumps into action. The investigation turns tricky when evidence of dark magic, ghostly apparitions, and ancient folklore get mixed together... add in a vengeful vampire enforcer, and a complicated relationship, and Ari has her work cut out for her. When the pieces of these two different events tangle together, Ari must find a way to solve the mystery, bring justice, and protect the man she loves from attack. Luckily this time, she has help all around her, including her coven!
As much as I love the mystery and thrills, what really got to me in this book was the extra character development. After three books, I am fully invested in these characters, and I was not disappointed in their portrayal. :)
And the ending... ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
5 Stars to another wonderful book.
When the mysterious death of a treasure hunter points to black magic, Guardian Witch Ari Calin jumps into action. The investigation turns tricky when evidence of dark magic, ghostly apparitions, and ancient folklore get mixed together... add in a vengeful vampire enforcer, and a complicated relationship, and Ari has her work cut out for her. When the pieces of these two different events tangle together, Ari must find a way to solve the mystery, bring justice, and protect the man she loves from attack. Luckily this time, she has help all around her, including her coven!
As much as I love the mystery and thrills, what really got to me in this book was the extra character development. After three books, I am fully invested in these characters, and I was not disappointed in their portrayal. :)
And the ending... ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
5 Stars to another wonderful book.
October 19, 2013
Book 4 of the Guardian Witch series and Ally Shields done it again. This is honestly one of my favourite series and one that I hope has more to come. Arianna and Andreas are once again thrown into the midst of turmoil... a vampire enforcer has arrived from the vampire rulers in Europe to check into the recent defeat of the ruler in Toronto. Add to this black magic, a Native American artifact that everyone seems to want to find and a new roommate... This book is full of adventure and paranormal activities and romance. I absolutely fall further in love with the main characters with every book. They are brilliantly written.. Arianna is strong and independent and everything one could hope for her to be. Andreas is the alpha male vampire who is very protective of Arianna.
This book has all the elements I look for in a great read... romance, adventure, passion and a bit of conflict. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
I highly recommend this read to everyone, even if witches and vampires and weres are not your usual thing. Ally Shields will leave you wanting more every time. I can't wait to read more from this author.
This book has all the elements I look for in a great read... romance, adventure, passion and a bit of conflict. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
I highly recommend this read to everyone, even if witches and vampires and weres are not your usual thing. Ally Shields will leave you wanting more every time. I can't wait to read more from this author.
November 17, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review, and I absolutely loved it! Ari, a fire witch, works with the local Magic Counsel as a Guardian. She is linked with a human, Ryan, police officer and together they are trying to solve the mysterious death of a celebrity treasure hunter. Ari's her Vampire Prince boyfriend, Andreas, is also involved in the investigation, because it happened in the vampire's territory. Native American artifacts, dark magic witch covens, and an evil ancient vampiress round out the character roll nicely. The book was very well written and the action kept it moving along. Once I started it, I breezed through the rest. I now plan on picking up the rest by this fabulous author!
April 2, 2016
I'm enjoying the series, but Ari is straight up dumb. She keeps confronting stronger and smarter enemies all by herself with little more than her witch fire, which she constantly reminds us is only used in defense. Whatever, I'll keep reading but I wish I could like her more.
April 28, 2014
Up until this point I do think this is some of Ally's best work. I still need to read the next book and the series - which I am quite excited about and I am sure it will be just as good!
Blood & Fire has a very smooth star. It is not shocking but not boring either. Blood and Fire starts off with finding a body and they initially think its a suicide but soon suspect its a murder. A few more angles get waved into the story and keeps you on the edge of your seat as more complications arise.
Characters & Storyline: 4/5
I enjoyed the development of the main characters in Blood and Fire.
Ari - Ari is cool & smart as ever. I think she has grown as a character and I enjoyed Ari's development with her feelings and her relationship with Andreas. I would like to see Ari grow more into her powers and really see what she is capable of and I want to know more about her connection with Andreas. Ari is one tough cookie.
Andreas - I love Andreas in Blood & Fire. He is a bit more vulnerable but I love how he is when he is with Ari. He is more open and definitely has grown attached to having her around. I am so excited to see where their relationship goes. You do find out a bit about Andreas's past - but I just want more! He is just that interesting and yummy <3
Stefan - Stefan wasn't really around much this book :( I missed the werewolves in this segment.
Plot, Pace, Writing style: 4/5
Ally weaves the various plots/storylines beautifully. She layers them so well and keeps the story flowing at a perfect pace. Since I have been working on my own writing I can see how well put together the Guardian witch series is. Her plots link up perfectly with all her t's crossed and I's dotted. The writing felt a little segmented, the scenes could have been a little bit longer - but I'd rather have it this way than filler information. The main focus for me was on Andreas and Ari and how they grew and work together so well.
The ending was perfect! I loved it and couldn't have asked for a better one.
Cover talk: 5/5 I adored this cover!! It is definitely one of my favourites.
Final Thoughts: This is one of those series that just gets better and better. I am super excited to read the next book Fire Storm.
Blood & Fire has a very smooth star. It is not shocking but not boring either. Blood and Fire starts off with finding a body and they initially think its a suicide but soon suspect its a murder. A few more angles get waved into the story and keeps you on the edge of your seat as more complications arise.
Characters & Storyline: 4/5
I enjoyed the development of the main characters in Blood and Fire.
Ari - Ari is cool & smart as ever. I think she has grown as a character and I enjoyed Ari's development with her feelings and her relationship with Andreas. I would like to see Ari grow more into her powers and really see what she is capable of and I want to know more about her connection with Andreas. Ari is one tough cookie.
Andreas - I love Andreas in Blood & Fire. He is a bit more vulnerable but I love how he is when he is with Ari. He is more open and definitely has grown attached to having her around. I am so excited to see where their relationship goes. You do find out a bit about Andreas's past - but I just want more! He is just that interesting and yummy <3
Stefan - Stefan wasn't really around much this book :( I missed the werewolves in this segment.
Plot, Pace, Writing style: 4/5
Ally weaves the various plots/storylines beautifully. She layers them so well and keeps the story flowing at a perfect pace. Since I have been working on my own writing I can see how well put together the Guardian witch series is. Her plots link up perfectly with all her t's crossed and I's dotted. The writing felt a little segmented, the scenes could have been a little bit longer - but I'd rather have it this way than filler information. The main focus for me was on Andreas and Ari and how they grew and work together so well.
The ending was perfect! I loved it and couldn't have asked for a better one.
Cover talk: 5/5 I adored this cover!! It is definitely one of my favourites.
Final Thoughts: This is one of those series that just gets better and better. I am super excited to read the next book Fire Storm.
Read
March 15, 2016*I received this book free from Red Moon Book Tours in exchange for an honest review*
Andreas is now Prince of Riverdale and all he wants is for his little witch to move in with him so he can keep her close and protected, but Ari is quite independent and if her safety wasn't involved I'm not sure she'd ever even consider agreeing. He, on the other hand, can be quite persuasive in getting his way.
"Still angry with me? Don't be," he whispered, melting her irritation away. "I only want to keep you safe."
Ari is still feisty as every, but now she's torn between her duty as Guardian and her need to be by Andreas's side. It may be impossible to be everywhere at once, but that won't keep her from trying. Riverdale is important to her, but at the same time she cannot turn away from where her heart tells her she needs to be.
"Are you positive, cara mia? This is not yet your fight?"
"Yeah, right. I've been part of this fight since we med." She quirked a smile at him. "What could be more fun than irritating some nasty, old vampiress?"
In Blood and Fire lines will be drawn and lines will certainly be crossed for when it comes to having an enforcer in your area it is always good to have a determined fire witch at your disposal. Between the black magic drifting into Riverdale and the enforcer showing off her strength this book is full of action. There's also a little more on the romantic front when it comes to Andreas and Ari, not to mention the added humor and occasional tension Gabriel can add. As in the previous books in the Guardian Witch Series the characters all continue to play off one another in forming a suspenseful and enchanting read.
My Favorite Moment: I liked the ending. Nothing like a little realization to put one's fears to rest.
Andreas is now Prince of Riverdale and all he wants is for his little witch to move in with him so he can keep her close and protected, but Ari is quite independent and if her safety wasn't involved I'm not sure she'd ever even consider agreeing. He, on the other hand, can be quite persuasive in getting his way.
"Still angry with me? Don't be," he whispered, melting her irritation away. "I only want to keep you safe."
Ari is still feisty as every, but now she's torn between her duty as Guardian and her need to be by Andreas's side. It may be impossible to be everywhere at once, but that won't keep her from trying. Riverdale is important to her, but at the same time she cannot turn away from where her heart tells her she needs to be.
"Are you positive, cara mia? This is not yet your fight?"
"Yeah, right. I've been part of this fight since we med." She quirked a smile at him. "What could be more fun than irritating some nasty, old vampiress?"
In Blood and Fire lines will be drawn and lines will certainly be crossed for when it comes to having an enforcer in your area it is always good to have a determined fire witch at your disposal. Between the black magic drifting into Riverdale and the enforcer showing off her strength this book is full of action. There's also a little more on the romantic front when it comes to Andreas and Ari, not to mention the added humor and occasional tension Gabriel can add. As in the previous books in the Guardian Witch Series the characters all continue to play off one another in forming a suspenseful and enchanting read.
My Favorite Moment: I liked the ending. Nothing like a little realization to put one's fears to rest.
August 12, 2015
Guardian Witch Book Four
*A dead body, black magic, and a vampire enforcer...*
Ari thought her biggest problem was deciding if she should move in with her vampire boyfriend, Andreas. That was before they found the dead body at the bottom of the Riverdale cliffs. And before she realized he'd been cursed by black magic.
Just as she begins the murder investigation, the vampire rulers in Europe send an enforcer to make inquiries into the recent defeat of the Toronto vampire prince. While Andreas has taken responsibility for the brutal dictator’s death, there is much about the incident that he and Ari must keep to themselves—secrets the vampire elders would stop at nothing to learn.
With threats of retaliation hanging over their heads, Ari moves into Andreas’s Victorian mansion—for safety’s sake—while the enforcer begins a campaign of terror. Ari is caught between competing dangers and challenges: black magic, a ghost, a missing Native American artifact…not to mention a new roommate…all while trying to stay alive…
### Review
The characters are wonderful...Watching their growth is worth reading each book in the series in order. I am already anxious for the next book to come out. *5 stars Paranormal Romance Guild*
November 14, 2013
Arianna is a strong, independent fire witch who has come a long way since she first started working as the Guardian of Riverdale. Ari is once again being pulled in two different directs with two mysteries to solve, are they at all connected? This book has Black Magic and Vampire Enforcers from the O-Seven. The mysteries unfolds in a logical way that puts all the pieces together at the end while still laying the ground work for the next installment (nicely done Ally). There wasn’t much action this time around but I think Ally was laying the ground work for an epic fight with O-Seven. I like at the end how Ari was led to making a personal decision about her relationship with Andrea, without any pressure or feedback from Andrea. I look forward to watching Ari and Andrea explore there need bond more, I want to know what they can really do with?!?!?!
I recommend this book to all my paranormal lovers that like kick A** leading ladies!!
I recommend this book to all my paranormal lovers that like kick A** leading ladies!!
January 20, 2014
This series is so awesome. Now I have to wait for the next one. Nooooo
May 2, 2015
Wondrous.
August 26, 2015
Series is not improving with time. Damn, Twilight has a lot to answer for, hopefully if burning books takes on again that will be the first.
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April 6, 2016will the original seven ever leave Ari, Andreas and Daron alone
February 11, 2026
The Crazy in this book is amazing. I was so happy the crazy bitches all died.
April 6, 2017
Pressure from Europe is coming in hot and it is not looking good for our favorite witch heroine in this next installment.
Ally Shields still has me wrapped up in the life of Ari and her friends.
Ally Shields still has me wrapped up in the life of Ari and her friends.
August 10, 2016
Another quick read, love the book..
going to continue to the next one :-P
going to continue to the next one :-P
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews