Max is different. She has a strange affinity with nature and powers no human should possess, let alone wield. No memory means she has no idea who – or what – she is. Creatures stalk her every step, their relentless pursuit driving her to the brink of exhaustion. Stumbling upon a bunch of magical, modern-day knights seems too good to be true, but her instincts tell her she can trust them. Too bad their sinfully hot Captain is a growly, insensitive, alphahole who insults her – and worse, rejects her – every time he opens his gorgeous mouth.
Ryker is a paladin. A knight born to protect the guardians of nature. Once, he was defined by honour, courage, and loyalty. But no more. He abandoned everything he stood for, resulting in the angry, brooding man he is today. But when a mouthy, beautiful Warden shows up on his doorstep, vulnerable yet strong, Ryker begins to feel something he thought he never would again. Hope. He knows if he can’t forgive himself for past mistakes, he will end up making new ones. And this time, it’s Max who will pay the price.
With redemption being hard to come by for a scarred warrior, and love between a paladin and their charge forbidden, will Max ever get the one thing she has always craved? A home.
Montana is a self-confessed book junkie. Although she loves reading all genres from romance to crime fiction to sci fi, her not-so-guilty pleasure is paranormal romance. Alpha men, just a little bit damaged, and Alpha women who don't seem to know they need looking after, are a favourite combination of hers. Throw in some steamy sex scenes, a touch of humour, and a little violence and she is in heaven!
Her overactive (and overindulged) imagination could only take so much before the many voices wanted out. Thus, Montana's journey into the wonderful world of writing.
She is a scientist by day, having grown up in country New South Wales, Australia. Writing about ancient knights, demons and shapeshifters is such a delicious contradiction to her day job in the laboratory, that she doesn't see the voices stopping anytime soon!
Max is one of my favourite heroines. Her snark and inner monologue really tickle my funny bone. It's still incredibly annoying that the next book is a let down though.
Original review 4.5 Stars
Loved this one. Ryker was grumpy, growly, a bit of an arsehole but oh so sexy. The sexual tension had me getting frustrated and shouting for them to bang already. The world with the Paladins and Wardens was done well and easy to understand.
But more than Ryker and everything else the heroine Max was excellent. She was a strong, sarcastic kick-ass woman that took no shit and said whatever was on her mind whether it was appropriate or not. She's my kind of girl and I loved her. Which makes a change because it's normally the male characters I love. In fact, all the women in this book could easily induce a girl crush. There are no whiney ass bitches here thank fuck!
This does end a bit abruptly so it can't be read as a stand alone, even though the next book focuses on a different couple romantically.
This book is a fast read, I think there's a little too much sexual innuendo and commentary mainly by Max herself. I get having the ideas in your head, but what I don't get is the constant physical inspection she does with every person she meets. The constant talk about erections and what everybody looks like got a little tedious. I would have preferred more character development with each character because they're very interesting. They're all paladins with no liege. The whys are what I wanted to delve into but were not expounded upon. Max wasn't a MC I loved. Ryker grew on me. Max's developing friendships with each character was heartwarming, and her defense of Lark was cryworthy. Bey was lovely. Axel too! The ending seemed a little pat for continuity purposes. The ending was more like the author stopped writing, which is tedious to say the least. Ryker admitted to himself he loved her and wanted to be bonded. The chapters dedicated to sex were somewhat interesting. I skipped some of the paragraphs to get back to the main story. Max's tatoo, which is actually her coat of arms, is indicative of her being a custodian, not just a warden. Ryker has his suspicions which were confirmed by Darius. She has dominion over the seven elements. The other wardens we briefly meet are vapid and not memorable. Max may be shaking things up with the status quo in the next book. I will definitely read book 2. I would also give this book at 3.25. I changed my opinion and reduced my original vote of 3.5 stars. There were some spelling issues which irritated at times. Happy reading!
I’m gonna write one big review for the whole series, because I read the first few books very quickly :) also, since I decided to take a break after the fourth one (out of seven) I will update this review when I read next installments :) ok, so what can I tell you about it? :) well, I read the first three books one right after another within the span of three days :) the next one took me a bit longer and we shall see how fast I will inhale the rest of them in the future ;) originally I gave those stories a bit higher ratings, but after some thinking I decided to lower them to the ones you will see below… because as much as I did enjoyed them, they are just… not as good as some other books I’ve read… I also have no interest to pick them up and reread them, and that’s not a good sign… each book in this series focuses on a different couple, but there is a bigger story arch that we follow throughout all of them… also, we have a bigger core group of characters that appear in each story so even if each novel concentrates on a different duo, we still see all of our faves :) not gonna lie, I am still not sure why I read them so quickly… the writing style is not that great, each romance feels rushed and underdeveloped, there are some problematic issues and yet… here we are :) I have no real explanation for you :) I mean, I guess I do like the idea for the series and there are some definitely interesting twists in it, but all in all… not the best I read… oh well :) below you can find some of my thoughts about each of the book I read so far with the rating
Warden 3,5 stars
the beginning to the series, and so far my favourite installment, where we are introduced to our core group of characters… :) and I have to admit that I really liked Max, our heroine, ad her totally unfiltered mouth from the start :) Ryker on the other had was an ass most of it...
Paladin 2,5 stars
going into it I predicted it will be my least favourite book in the series and I am right so far ;) as much as I loved Diana, I really didn’t like how Darius treated her… and not even an addition of an absolutely cutest little puppy couldn't save this one for me…
Chade 3 stars
again, the romance between Cali and Dex was my least favourite part of the story, the only reason why it reached 3 stars was the development of the story and the informations we learned about the world and that some things may not be like we thought before…
Ranger 3 stars
Lark is my absolute favourite out of them all… I mean, a guy who loves to read, does yoga and dances??? be still my beating heart… *sighs and swoons* as much as I wanted to warm up to Ivy, it was hard… and even though I could really understood how not all of us are super warm and fluffy and open about their thoughts and emotions… trust me, I know that from personal experience… I wasn’t the fan of how she treated Lark throughout the majority of the book, before doing a total change of heart…
Custodian haven’t read yet
Revolution haven’t read yet
Reckoning haven't read yet
I am still very curious to see where the story will go, so I will come back to it at some point, but after the underdeveloped romances and some ridiculous and eyerolling writing style, I need a break ;)
I love kickass, geeky heroines with a mysterious past so Max definitely appeals. Then there's the ensemble of secondary characters, one of whom is the hero. And they're not all male, even better.
We slowly learn about this hidden world as the heroine does, and cheer her on as she tries to find her place and create a family.
Elementals and their protectors, the Paladins live a privileged lifestyle unknown to us humans.
However, a stray Elemental, known as a Warden, wanders into a bar and is found by some outcast Paladins. Paladins are usually male and built like The Rock with an affinity to one of the 7 elements.
All her life (what she can remember following the amnesia, since the age of 16) is struggle and pain. She learns to fight and meditate etc etc to survive the 'phantoms' that attack her, that no human can see.
Great world building and Max is very likable and kickass, as well as vulnerable as she has no Paladins to support her and give her 'vitality'.
Re read 12/6/16 Sooooo good, even better the 2nd time around! Gahhhh I love love love these characters, this world, and the relationships!
Max is hands down my top 5 favorite heroines -- up there with - Feyre from a Court of Mist & Fury - Caleana Sardothien *SP from throne of glass series - Rowan from Blackwing Dragon - harpers mountain series - Rage by TM Frazier
The exciting and fun emotional rollercoaster that happens in this book - Gah - box it up and give it away as Xmas gifts. Do yourself a favor and read this book (series)!!!!
My first review 7/21/16
This book was perfect! Love love the main character max. She was awesome :)
This was well written, to the point. Not too verbose or with a ton of explanation & backstory.
The sense of humor, the shifts in character dynamics so well placed. Just when you feel frustrated, sad, or annoyed with main characters plight the author pulls the rug out from under you (in a good way)!!
Montana ash did a fabulous job with this book, I will be reading book 2 immediately!
I am all for the knights. The Paladins and the Wardens. It’s so god damn cool. Great thinking. Pretty badass. So cool. Love the mix of both female and male Paladins💪
Max is snarky. She is strong-willed and stubborn, but she is also a sweetheart. A great combo in my book. She was a little “too much” at times. She talked a big game. I did however still really like her. But my connection to her character weren’t always as strong as I would have liked.
Ryker is still up for debate. I liked him, but I also found his character to be a little “weak”. He was supposed to be the “big, strong, moody, and angry”- type, and at times he was- but not enough to actually feel like that is him. Sometimes he felt insecure and not at all the alpha he was suppose to be.
On a side note I also got HEAVY RH feels, and since that was not happening (at least in book 1🤷🏻♀️) I found it a bit odd. And can you blame me? Max constantly talks about how gorgeous the Paladins are, she flirts and she talks about this connection they have. Not that I didn’t like it wasn’t a RH. No, not at all, but it reminded me so much of one, just without the sex-it fucked with my brain a little😂
I did really enjoy book 1, and will be continuing the series. I also really liked that the setting was in Australia. I also really enjoyed the Aussie “slang”. There was a lot of new phrases I had never heard before so that was awesome. Can’t wait to see what will happen next👏
Read: 26/09/2019 1st rating: 4 stars Genre/sub-genres: Paranormal/Paladins/magic/elements/romance Cover: 2 stars POV: Dual - 3rd person (Max & Ry) Will I recommend: Yes
So yes, there are some flaws to this book. But all in all it's been weeks and maybe MONTHS since anything grabbed me, held my attention and prevented me from putting it down. First of all I think if you like anything by Jaymin Eve--you'll definitely dig this. Ms Ash is a raunchier version of Eve--for sure. Australians I'm quickly learning don't like to mince words and aren't afraid of a good dirty joke. It's a good thing, just something to get used to if you're not used to it.
Ash has about 100 ways to describe a boner and isn't afraid to use them, but it helps create a delicious romantic tension. Okay, sexual tension. I laughed many times right out loud at these and her insults and witty banter with her newfound 'friends'--the paladins.
I give credit for Ash NOT having another character that's just fresh out of high school or in high school and not making her a perfect Amazon. She's sassy and kick ass-y and full of spunk and not afraid to put someone in their place.
Some is a little predictable, and that's okay but it's a different take on the elements and magic. I read it in a day and couldn't put it down.
It's not perfect--there are some minor formatting and grammar errors but generally, it's pretty impressive considering this is a first book.
I love the relationships she forms with each of the paladins; of course especially with Ryker when he gets his head out of his ass and finally puts his big boy panties on and deals with his past.
Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger. But what book in a series doesn't? There is SOME closure in who Max chooses as her paladins, so there is that but of course there's a bit of a cliffhanger. It didn't bother me; just made me eager to pick up the next one.
The worst part about this book is there is only ONE more published currently so I'm going to have to wait awhile to get to figure out what happens with them all. :)
I freaking loved this book. I'm trying to think of another book that it's familiar to but I definitely think this book was in a league of its own.
I initially saw Warden advertised on a cover contest on Facebook. I thought the cover was pretty so I checked it out on Amazon. I wasn't too sure about the blurb but I bought it anyway, thought I'd give it a go and I'm so bloody glad that I did. What a book!
I won't describe the book, read the blurb but honestly if paranormal romance is your bag (it definitely is mine) then I highly recommend this. It's got a smoking hot alpha hero, a feisty, no nonsense heroine, several brilliant background characters (who I think deserve their own stories) and a very brilliant storyline. It's definitely a book that is right up my alley.
I'm off to go download the next in the series. I want to give it more than 5 stars but sadly I can't. It will be going on my tbr pile definitely.
Almost didn't finish this one because it took to long for anything to happen and when things did happen.....eh I felt like nothing happens at all. I like the storyline enough to continue until the end and I was disappointed because I didn't get any clue or answer for so many major questions like why did Ryker and his paladins were rejected and became an independent paladin or how Max's past life was. I kind of like the cast even though they were shallow they were quite fun. More turn off was Max's ogling drooling on every hottie. Yeah, I know they were hot but after a while it was too much and not funny anymore. I want to read the 2nd book but I don't think I will. I don't want to read something I wish to fast forward just to see what happen and be done.
Didn’t really felt this one. for the first 30% it was a great, interesting read, I really wanted to know what will become of Max but since she got to the house the story just stood still and nothing was happening. Ry was happening though and it wasn’t pleasant. I love rouge heroes, love me some love-hate relationship, but the beauty in such relationship is the way. The middle, the discovery of all the wonders of each individual which makes falling in love so much sweeter than Insta love. Here? Ry was an unpleasant ass all the time, didn’t like him or felt for him for a second. For me it was no love, just attraction so when he stopped acting like one I just wasn’t into him at all, The story wasn’t interesting enough since Max’s past was left aside and her present was not really interesting. I was thinking maybe this was the first book with the same couple so this was maybe just a long introduction but the next book has different lead characters.
This book came out of nowhere for me. I wasn't expecting the level of writing or storytelling when I downloaded. I thought it would just be a book to fill the time while waiting for my favorite authors to release their books. Turns out this book was consumed in one sitting and left me craving more.
Kick ass, independent female heroine's are my favorite type of character to read about, and Max fit that bill perfectly. She was strong without being stupid and wary without being whiny. The secondary characters were also well rounded and were a nice counterpoint to the main character. I'm looking forward to the next outing by Max and company and will definitely be buying the second book.
OMG OMG OMG!!!! I love the characters in this book. I borrowed this book but you can bet your puppy that I will be buying this book and the next one. The book did end in a cliffhanger. I have to add that in this was not a borrowed copy it was in fact gifted to me by a very generous friend. Thank you. You know who you are.
Never have I read anything like this book. I have read many guardian/protector books but this one is completely off the charts in my opinion. I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait to continue the series
I discovered Montana Ash and her books very recently during a book release party on Facebook from another writer. I was immediately intrigued by the teasers and blurbs and when I found out that the first three books of this series where on sale I decided to buy and read them and I’m so happy that I did because this is just my kind of book and series!
Max is a woman with no memory of her childhood. She just know that one day she woke up and there she was. She didn’t who she was, where she came from or even what her name was. She thinks she was around 15 years old at the time. Max spend many years living on the street, she was lucky to find a few good people that helped her but she also saw and experienced some bad things too. Finally, Max came to the conclusion that she’s just different, she sees and experiences things that other people don’t see or experience. She has learned to hide it or at least try to hide it from the people around her. But that isn’t her only problem, Max is also being stalked by strange beings, creatures that only she can see and they try to hurt her every time they meet.
Then one day when she’s resting in a pub she comes across three handsome men. They help her fight the strange creatures when they attack her outside the pub. And then they try to convince her to go home with them. And so starts a new adventure for Max. Because with this group of men and women, she finds the things that she has been looking for her whole life, answers to questions, acceptance, friendship, a family and love. Max had lost hope that she would ever find it but she finds this and more with her ‘new’ friends.
‘Warden’ is a great start of a new paranormal series . I found it original and very interesting. The storyline was good and kept my interest until the end! This paranormal series is not about vampires, demons or angels but it’s about wardens and paladins. The wardens are the caretakers of their domain, you have 7 domains, earth, fire, water, beast, air, life and death. Then you have the paladins, they are the warriors and also the energy providers of the wardens. I don’t want to tell too much about the story because one of the things that I loved about this story were the little discoveries and mysteries that were revealed chapter after chapter.
What I can tell you is that Max is a good-hearted but crazy woman. She just says what she wants to say, she has totally no filter. But she can also be very sweet and loveable. Ryker is a total alpha man, cynical, scarred outside and inside but also with a good heart.
But this story isn’t only about the couple, there’s also the people around them, who are also very much a part of the story. I really loved the humor in his story, the things that Max said were sometimes outrageous but I just love that about her. ‘Warden’ is also a story about friendship, broken souls, loyalty, taking care of the nature and the people around you, of accepting a person just like they are. The story is told from both POV’s.
Although this story ended without a cliffhanger for the romance, this is a series and the journey isn’t finished, it continues in the second book.
This Was Seriously The Best Book Ive Read This Year!
I came across this book by accident while looking for another book and this always seems to be the norm with me lol. Anyways i have to i have read a lot of really good books this year but this one by far takes the cake. This book is about Max (heroine) who is a kick ass, full of wit with a whole dose of sass in a 5'3 body. She woke up one day on a beach when she was 17 not knowing how she got there or who her parents are. So over the years she bounces from one foster home to another until she became of legal age, wondering all over the world. Tired and wary all she wished for was for someone to come up to her and ask her if she needs help. That help came in the form of 7 Paladins Knights, who takes her in to their home and tells her who or what she really is. Then you have Ryker (hero) a bit of a hard ass at the start and was quite mean to Max until she heals his weary soul and scar that he realises that he has been a douche bag to Max and had fallen for her. But the 7 warriors after discovering the significant of the tattoo on her back that they realise the true treasure they have in their midst. I have to warn you though, there is a cliffhanger. I know i really don't like books with cliffhangers, but will make an exception for this one lol. I so can't wait for the next book and hopefully won't have to wait too long.
I stumbled across this book on my Facebook newsfeed and thought I'd give it a go. Let me say I'm so happy I bought it! Been in a book slump for a while and every book I picked up I couldn't finish till this one! I couldn't put it down! So good, witty and the sarcasm is awesome! Love it and already bought the rest of the series!
Oh my, where to begin. This books get a 4.5 stars due to major cliffhanger at the end, so be warned. Puttig that aside.
WHAT A ROCKING heroine!! For me this was an all consuming fast paced read, where I powered and devoured every single page in one sitting. Screw sleep, who needs it.
Rough and mysteries background - check Does not spill all in first chapters to others - check Japanese references - check A bunch of hot guys and some steamyness - check Girl meets men - still perserves personality and wittyness and independence - check Will not be ruled by said men - check Holds her own - check Is protective of whats hers - oh yeah check Confindent and sassy - hell yeah BFF which is awsome - check
Loved this book. It had all of my favorite qualities! Good 'ole fashion knights, modern era, yummy eye candy, mystical powers, a couple of steamy scenes... loved it! Oh and not to mention Max was funny! Loved her wit and snark! It's books that can me laugh and giggle that always seem to get the 5 stars.
Basically Max is this mega awesome Warden who has no idea what she's capable of or her place in this world. I know, I know - the whole special snowflake syndrome. But whatever - I loved it. Judge me not haha.
The Paladins - loved every single one. So excited for the rest of the series, it seems like Ash is going to let each book focus on another character!
And I can't wait to see more of the whole Warden/Paladin world in general
Debut Novel for Montana Ash! What a fantastic start to a series with awesome characters (Max and her paladins!), an intriguing plot (what are the chades?!!!) and a sizzling romance (Max and Ryker are smokin'). If you like fun, sexy paranormal and fantasy romance, then you will love Warden, Elemental Paladins: Book One by Montana Ash.
I loved Warden! Max is a snarky woman who has been alone for a long time. While sitting in a bar she noticed three hot men, little did she know that they plus a few others including hard headed mouth watering Ryker would be a big part of her life.This is a must read you won't be disappointed.
I enjoyed this a surprising lot. We only got tantalizing glimpses of the overall world building, but I'm really interested in finding out more. And I really like Max.
I absolutely loved this book!! I am kicking myself for not having read it before, when it has been on my tbr for ages
Max is honestly one of the best female heroines I have read. She's sassy, feisty, strong, compassionate, empathetic, has the best one liner comebacks I wish I could emulate, but is equally a little bit vulnerable and lonely due to her unusual and unconventional circumstances. Ryker acts like such a dick to her at times, but the more you get to know him, you more you see it's a defence mechanism. He's grumpy, growly and sometimes just plain rude, but he is super sexy and has a heart of gold. I loved the way these two interacted and reacted to each other, such chemistry!
Fabulous pnr, very well written, superb story full of pace, action, emotion and humour, with an array of intriguing, loveable characters. I can't wait to find out what happens next with this group of warriors and their Warden. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I totally would!
Such a fantastic story! I love the strong female characters, and the strength of the knights moral code, well most of the knights anyway. This book is really a new concept in the PNR realm for me and I can’t wait to read more! There was so much action and intrigue that I was caught up in the story before I knew it. And the romance was just amazing! The ending was a little abrupt, but it was just because I didn’t want it to end. I have so many other books to read, but I have just fallen down the book series rabbit hole and have to read more to see what happens. I need to know!