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The Hidden Guardian

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Autumn Hemming’s life is a quiet fight for survival in Rocky Falls, a remote town where dreams go to die. Between raising her rebellious younger brother Colton and working at a hunting store, she’s always shouldered the weight of her fractured family. But when a tragic night shatters her world, it awakens something deep within her—a connection to a hidden realm she never imagined.

A mysterious pull leads Autumn to a wounded wolf in the woods, only to discover he’s no ordinary creature. Renall, an enigmatic wolf-man, belongs to a pack that doesn’t take kindly to outsiders. As Autumn is drawn into their dangerous world, she must navigate shifting alliances and the startling powers emerging within her.

But trust is a rare currency among wolves, and survival requires more than courage. As tensions within the pack rise and Autumn’s connection with Renall deepens, she must learn to wield her newfound strength or risk becoming a pawn in a deadly game she can’t escape.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2025

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About the author

Anastasia Daniels

3 books17 followers
Anastasia Daniels has been writing since the third grade when she penned her first story about a leprechaun who lost his pot of gold. Her tales may be a bit spicier now, but her passion for crafting fantasy romances that ignite the imagination and tug at the heartstrings has only grown stronger.

When she’s not lost in fantasy realms or penning her next snarky heroine, you can find Anastasia binge-watching The Office (for the millionth time), advocating for year-round Pumpkin Spice, or diving into her latest BookTok obsession.

For more information please visit her website at:
www.AnastasiaDaniels.com

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5 stars
57 (35%)
4 stars
72 (44%)
3 stars
23 (14%)
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7 (4%)
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2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
Profile Image for ℛℰ.
190 reviews49 followers
April 24, 2026
5⭐️

“I will die a thousand deaths for you, my soul mate.”
“To a thousand deaths—and an eternal lifetime together”

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・

🐺 fated mates
🌱 human x werewolf
🐺 they save each other
🌱 tending wounds
🐺 touch her and you literally die
🌱 pack politics
🐺 he falls first and hard

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:・

I finished this book in one setting!! This book was sooooo goood I loved it so much. The dynamic between the main characters was adorable . There is nothing hotter than an MMC who respects, loves and would take the scraps his woman gives him happily . The way he was sooo protective of her and mindful of her needs and wants !!!
The FMC matched his energy yes she took her time to fall for him but she fell as hard as him. She was soft but fierce and also protective of him.
The book’s pace was so good. I never felt bored or like this part is not necessary . no the pace was perfect.
Profile Image for Jenni.
7,263 reviews96 followers
May 14, 2025
3.5 – 4 stars
The Hidden Guardian is a dark paranormal romance that explores forced proximity, featuring shifters, fated mates, and mating bonds, among other intriguing elements. This steamy, slow-burn romance is told from dual points of view, which I love because it deepens the story by allowing us to understand the thoughts and feelings of both characters.

Renall, a little possessive of his Guardian, knows that she is his fated mate and will go to great lengths to protect the woman he loves, even from his own kind. Autumn, on the other hand, is unaware that she is a Guardian—the very being Renall has been waiting for. As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, she begins to realize that she possesses extraordinary abilities. However, she must navigate a strange and unforgiving world to survive, raising the question: is she trading one heartbreak for another?

This story weaves a complex web of dark themes, exploring shifter politics, alliances, motives, secrets, and lies. The introduction of mysterious powers and bonds makes it an engrossing read. It's sexy, spicy, and steamy, with pages that turn quickly as you find yourself eager to discover how it all unfolds.
Profile Image for Matilda (booksinwildplaces).
447 reviews45 followers
June 23, 2025
Thank you to Love Notes PR & Anastasia Daniels for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 2 stars.
Genre(s): new adult fantasy romance.

Overall impression: I've read a lot of shifter romance novels over the years and unfortunately this one fell short in all areas for me. The storyline was very basic and nothing seemed to happen for most of the book. The characters were two-dimensional and the romance felt unbelievable and forced. The world-building was hit-and-miss, with some information being dumped when needed but then you were left in the dark the rest of the time to guess at the lore and magic system. I didn't mind the writing style though - it was a quick book to binge because it was very easy to read. In the end, I won't be continuing with the series unfortunately because the plot and characters weren't able to hold my interest.

Tropes:
➵ Shifter x Guardian
➵ Strangers-to-lovers
➵ Fated mates
➵ Forced proximity
➵ Insta-lust
➵ Touch her and 💀
➵ Hidden powers
➵ Primitive society
➵ Misogynistic men
➵ Women seen as objects
➵ Death of a loved one
➵ Grief & healing

Plot:
The start was really rushed and we were confronted with a series of tragic events that led to the main characters meeting. I definitely think the author could have spent more time fleshing these events out to allow Autumn time to process them and her grief more. It would have made the story more believable and realistic. I found it absolutely insane that Autumn didn't even flinch when she found out that werewolves existed. She just went along with it and acted like it was totally normal - even though in her world it wasn't.

The middle chunk of the story was really slow and drawn out. Autumn trained to try discover her guardian powers and Renall went on trial because he left the cave against the Alpha's orders. At this point, I started to get bored and lose interest. It became more character-driven with their relationship progressing quickly, despite them not being able to communicate or spend much quality time together. Unfortunately, I only really enjoy fantasy books if they have a solid plot and this one didn't seem to have much of one at all.

Characters:
The main characters were fine but they seemed pretty two-dimensional. Autumn seemed to process things really rapidly and without any effort - like her grief, finding out Renall was a werewolf, discovering her magic and finding out about fated mates. Her reactions just didn't seem real. She half-heartedly wanted to escape (as any normal woman would when they find out all the men in the cave want to SA them) but then she just gave up for seemingly no reason at all.

Renall was also really hard to connect to because most of the chapters were from Autumn's POV and they couldn't communicate with each other for most of the book. He was portrayed as being an ancient warrior but his actions seemed to conflict with that a lot - he came across as being way more juvenile.

The supporting characters were okay too - but they all had the same personality and didn't really add much to the plot.

World-building:
I've said this before 100 times but I'm an absolute sucker for world-building in fantasy books. I love being able to picture the cool locations and learn more about the culture and lore. I enjoyed being able to picture the forest, waterfall, lakes and cave in this book. But I wished we learned more about the werewolf lore at the start, rather than receiving trickles of information whenever the plot demanded it. It felt like we were missing information the entire time and I felt disconnected from the story.

Writing:
The pacing was a bit all over the place. The start was very rapid-fire and raced along quickly, and there were times when it would have been better for the characters to have more time to respond to big reveals. Especially because the middle portion then really dragged on and didn't seem to add much value to the plot. Otherwise, the writing was easy to read and I found myself progressing quite quickly through the story.

Statistics:
➵ Date read: 17/05/2025-20/05/2025 (4 days).
➵ Page count: 302.
➵ Type: e-book.
➵ Volume: series.
➵ Special: Love Notes PR ARC.

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Profile Image for Emily.
6,027 reviews559 followers
May 16, 2025
Life has been incredibly difficult for Autumn Hemming but she is doing the best she can while trying to honor her mothers wishes. When a tragedy occurs, Autumn finds herself in a life she could never imagine. Autumn finds herself under the watchful eye of Renall, a wolf like creature who believes Autumn is his fated mate and her guardian. There are obstacles though with bringing Autumn into his world, can Renall help Autumn heal why helping her navigate through all the obstacles in their path?

Entertaining read, I thought this was intriguing. Very different for a shifter story. I felt for Autumn, she just can't catch a break. Renall was a fascinating character. Will check out more from this author.
Profile Image for leah.
14 reviews
April 29, 2025
e-arc review 💗:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

absolutely ate this up and read this is one sitting (guilty as charged)

i loveeed the development of autumn’s character and the way the book was wrote made it feel like we were all learning beside her, allowing the plot to develop with a sense of wonder and mystery!! there are some loose ends i would’ve love to see tied up at the end but none the less it was an incredible book to read.
Profile Image for Christina.
24 reviews
May 6, 2025
ARC review- I was hooked from the start. As a long time member of team Jacob this book hit all those first familiar notes and drew me in. Then expanded into a whole new world that left me wanting to know more. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and the deeper plot awaiting behind all the moments leading up to the end. I could not stop reading and finished this book in only a few hours. Renall and Autumns growth throughout the story in the midst of many emotions and many trying to tear them apart was captivating.
Profile Image for gemma.louise.xx.books.
479 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2025
Autumn has been raising her younger brother for 10 years since their mother was killed but since he’s turned 18 he’s started rebelling. One night tragedy strikes and unexpectedly she finds herself drawn into a magical world she didn’t know existed when she meets Renall, half man, half wolf. He takes her home to his pack who doesn’t like outsiders, but when Autumn starts displaying startling powers she didn’t know she had and it becomes her and Renall have a mate bond, is she really an outsider? Tensions rise in the pack, can they survive long enough to explore both Autumn’s powers and their bond or will Autumn quite literally be thrown to the wolves?

At first I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book if I’m honest but I thought I needed to give it a fair try and my god am I glad I did!! It’s a world of werewolves, guardians, magic and hunters that I quickly became fully immersed in! There was so much action, lore and tradition that I was gripped for the whole book! I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to ruin anything but I really enjoyed every twist and turn this book took me on! I’m keeping my eyes peeled for book two but I have a feeling this is just the beginning and there is so much more to come!!

This is an ARC review and all opinions are my own. Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC copy of this book and for the opportunity to read and review it
Profile Image for Emma.
118 reviews12 followers
May 9, 2025
ARC review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I would risk a thousand deaths to find you all over again. I will never leave you” 🐺

Firstly, as someone who was always Team Jacob (if you know, you know) this felt weirdly nostalgic to me.

Autumn and Renall’s story is definitely a unique one. Especially for Autumn, going from the life of a regular troubled human to being thrown into the world of Werewolves and Guardians. I really felt for her character the whole way through.

I like how quickly things seemed to happen in the beginning. There wasn’t too much dwelling before the storyline really began. When Autumn first arrived at the Luna Cavern I did think I was going to struggle as it seemed to slow down. However this didn’t last long before my mind was jumping to different theories (one of which was right ahhhh!!!).

I’m glad there are plans for another book because that ending!! Not necessarily a cliffhanger but there are so many places this story could go to now and I’m excited to see where it goes next.

I’m relatively new to fantasy reads and I’d say this story is perfect for people like me. It was very easy to understand, nothing too complex, making it an easy addictive read.

Thank you for the arc opportunity ❤️

P.s pleaseee can we hear more about Colton?!?
Profile Image for Calypso✨.
198 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2025
ARC Review🐺

⭐️4.7 🌶️2

✨I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but The Hidden Guardians completely pulled me in. 💛Autumn is such a strong, grounded fmc—she’s been through so much, and her protectiveness over her brother made me instantly root for her. 🥹The story starts in a quiet, almost haunting way, then explodes into this hidden world of wolf shifters, ancient power, and dangerous politics.❤️‍🔥

🐺Renall is the perfect mysterious, broody wolf-man, and his dynamic with Autumn is slow-burn in the best way. 💕There’s a lot of tension both romantic and life-or-death, and I loved watching Autumn grow into her strength. 🤌🏽The pack alliances, the secrecy, and the emotional stakes kept me turning pages late into the night.🤭

⭐️Seriously this book left me wanting the next book ASAP. Ugh I can’t wait! If you’re into shifter stories with real heart, high stakes, and a fmc who refuses to back down, this one’s worth picking up.🙌🏽

Thank you to the Author Anastasia Daniels and LoveNotesPR for the opportunity to read this ARC!💛
Profile Image for yourbookbestie.
42 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2025
3.5⭐️/5

The Hidden Guardian is a story of fated mates versus pack loyalty and believing in yourself. The story centers around the main character Autumn, who unexpectedly discovers the world of wolves. Autumn quickly meets Renall, an ever-so-intriguing wolf man, who teaches her about the ways of the wolves and has her questioning her destiny like she never has before. Along the way, Autumn is faced with decisions that have her questioning the loyalty of others and the strength within herself.

Pros: Strong FMC, beautiful romance plot line, likeable side character Onai, likeable romantic lead, intimacy scenes well written.
Cons: Lack of world building, slow start - but I encourage you to persevere, some parts of the plot line felt dragged out beyond need.

Can’t wait to read more from this author in future ❤️
Many thanks to Love Notes PR for my ARC copy!
Profile Image for Patsy.
467 reviews21 followers
May 10, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book literally had me at the word werewolf. Renall, our MMC, is defiant in all of the best ways and very protective of our FMC, Autumn. We should all have a Renall in our lives. He is protective without being all consuming.

The FMC Autumn was not only surprised that there were werewolves but she had so much to discover about herself. Her path beginning with pain set the tone for this story. My heart brole for her in the beginning and cheered for her half way through to the end.

I got fantasy and romance as well as intrigue and action in this book. I devoured this book in three days. I definitely want to read more from this author.
Profile Image for Valentina V..
17 reviews
May 14, 2025
The Hidden Guardian was an interesting and entertaining read.

It contained some really intricate world-building and multifaceted characters though at the beginning I did find myself not really able to connect with the main character. I also felt like the plot moved a little too quickly at the first few chapters but the rest of the story quickly made up for it.

I just absolutely adore fantasy books that don't shy away from having deep world-building. Like, I am reading a book about werewolves and Goddesses and magic soulbonds, I *want* the fantasy. I want to get sucked into it and just forget all about reality. And this one definitely delivered.

Also the way the relationship between Autumn and Renall progressed was wonderful and so respectful. I was all for it and enjoyed every moment of it!

I am looking forward to the next story in the series.
3,207 reviews35 followers
May 14, 2025
This book is a great werewolf shifter romance that for me was all about the main female character. I really enjoyed her connection with Renall from the moment I met and her discovery of his world. However, what really drew me to her was her care and support of her brother. She had been through so much and yet had such a fierce protectiveness over him that was so endearing to read about.
For me, I found the start of the book to be a little slow. I didn’t instantly connect with it but, the more I read the more I found myself becoming invested in what was happening. the peripheral characters all offered so much to the story and really enhanced my enjoyment. This is a great book and I am looking forward to the second.
Profile Image for Surbhi Rawat.
64 reviews2 followers
May 2, 2025
ARC REVIEW ✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Autumn Hemmings, our fmc, struggling to make through her life while also raising her rebellious younger brother. But one night changes her whole life.

Renall, our mmc, a warrior wolf who defies his alpha's order and went to find his guardian, his awe-tum. He took Autumn with him to protect her, but the problem....... His pack doesn't take kindly to outsiders.

Autumn unaware of her powers and past found herself in a total different world or realm where people are hungry for blood and a deeply patriarchal society where men(wolf) take whatever they want. Will she accept everything or fight back???

The book was perfect blend of emotions, feelings, plot and the fight (chef kiss) 💋

The way renall always stood up for autumn and was ready to risk his life for her, I'mma go and cry 😭. And the last fight scene, I could literally see everything playing before my eyes 😌.

I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO EVERY FANTASY LOVER SPECIALLY WEREWOLF FANTASY FANS, YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED
126 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2025
First and foremost, it's been about ten years since I've read a wolf shifter romance, the blurb intrigued me, and I decided to give it a chance. This is by far one of the best books I've been given the privilege to review, the storyline was amazing, the slowburn romance was exquisite! The mmc was so kind and understanding as the fmc worked her way through grief, he's protective without going overboard in a cringey way, and she is so lucky to have someone she can feel safe and secure with. I was hooked from the first chapter, and may have stayed up until 5 a.m. reading this gem. This book brought me so much joy, and the ending made me so happy. 5/5!
May 15, 2025
5 howlin’ full moons and stars 🌟 🌑

I’ll admit, this started off slow for me. BUT—once we got going I was thoroughly enjoying it.

I loved getting to know Autumn, and then Renall and i absolutely loved that they had some barriers to overcome and actually had to work on their bond to form. It was refreshing.

I was very interested in their world and the new Wolf world that Autumn was having to navigate—again, quite refreshing in the fact it absolutely was not like our world. I loved that so much.

I need more Raw-tum and Rren-all in my life and I cannot wait to read more of their story.
2,132 reviews22 followers
May 15, 2025
4 Stars
The Hidden Guardian: A Fated Mates Dark Romance By Anastasia Daniels

The Hidden Guardian is a Dark Fantasy Romance that was interesting to read. I wasn’t real sure what to expect going in but I had a hard time getting into the story and following along. I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. I’m thinking it’s a me thing so I’m definitely going to revisit this book at a later time. If you like Fantasy/Dark Romance then this is the book for you. I do look forward to reading more from this Author.


Profile Image for ♡Angelique♡.
272 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2025
Autumn and Renall were an amazing couple!

My heart broke im the beginning with Autumn. I was not prepared for the loss she suffered and all the pain she was put through. Even though it brought her Renall, it was still hard to bear.

I loved how primitive Renall was. He was man at it very base nature. Even though he came across primitive, his love and intuition for Autumn was so endearing. I loved how he was willing to die for her, even if he was never in the wrong.

I do have some still unanswered questions after finishing and hope in future stories, those questions will be answered.
Profile Image for Amelia.
230 reviews
May 9, 2025
Autumn and Renall are fated mated but not everyone wants them to be together. This story follows their journey navigating their growing feelings for one another whilst everything and everyone seems to want to pull them apart.

The beginning was a little slow but it soon picked up the pace.

This had a good mix of emotion, character growth and tension.

I’m excited for the second book to see where Anastasia takes these characters, and how the pack evolves based on that ending.

Thanks for any early copy.
Profile Image for Krystina💋.
34 reviews
May 9, 2025
5⭐️ 1.5🌶️

I didn’t want to put this book down, it was so good! If you like Fated Mates, I highly recommend this book.
Anastasia Daniels wrote an incredible story that has lived rent free in my head even moment I wasn’t actively reading it. I sincerely hope there is more to come for Luna Cavern, because I already want more.
Please make sure you read the trigger/content warnings, as there is mention of some topics that may be triggering to some readers.
Profile Image for Felicia Belcher.
139 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2025
Definitely thought the guardian was someone else! This story was gripping and fun and spicy!! Not your average werewolf story! I cannot wait to see Autumn and Renall take on the world! Autumn went from a nobody in a small town to extremely powerful in 2 months after the worst day of her life!
Profile Image for Alexandra.
336 reviews12 followers
May 2, 2025
This was a good book and I enjoyed it. The beginning was slow to get into because there was a lot going on but in a quiet kind of way and it was emotional. The MMC Renall was what made this story for me. I really loved how he supported and loved the FMC Autumn even when it hurt him. I was excited to read that this is going to be a duology, because the ending left the story in a good place for another book. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Profile Image for N.
1 review
May 6, 2025
E-arc review
This book is really good I mean the forced proximity and slow burn romance is really kept me on edge. If you are a fan of fantasy with a twist of romance it’s for you.
Profile Image for Debbie.
12 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2025
DNF. I was 30% into the book and just couldn’t finish. Did T appeal to me at all.
Profile Image for Elaine Francisca .
197 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2025
❥ 𝗔𝗿𝗰 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

I was so excited to read this book—so imagine my disappointment when I realized I wasn’t enjoying it.

The first few chapters were a bit confusing, and honestly, up until the 30% mark, I found it boring. I even considered DNF’ing, but held on thinking, maybe it’ll get better. Unfortunately, it didn’t.

I didn’t really like Autumn as a character. I get that she’s been through a lot, but she came across as indecisive and too accepting of everything happening around her. I just couldn’t connect with her.

Renall, on the other hand, I did like! I really wish we had more chapters from his POV. That would’ve added some depth and clarity. I also think a bit more background on Autumn’s family would’ve helped. We’re left to piece together a lot on our own—why did her mother leave? Why didn’t she tell them the truth about what they were? How did Colton find out he was a wolf? Are his friends wolves too? Why do they live underground? How do the hunters even know about the guardian mark?

There were just so many unanswered questions. By the end of the book, I felt like I had read the whole thing… but was still just as confused as when I started.

Even though this one wasn’t my cup of tea, thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Beverly.
55 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2026
Thank you Love Notes PR for the E-Arc of The Hidden Guardian. This was fun! It had all the best aspects of a Werewolf Paranormal Romance. I was a little bored in the beginning but once I got past the first 30% It was good. I liked the main characters and the spice was written really well.

I think Anastasia has a lot of potential this is her first book that I can see so I’m excited to see what she comes up out with in the future!
Profile Image for Nora.
46 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

What to expect:
🌿 Werewolf Shifters
🌿 Fated Mates
🌿 Shifter x Guardian
🌿 Strangers-to-Lovers
🌿 He Falls First
🌿 Forced Proximity
🌿 Hidden Powers
🌿 Slow Burn
🌿 Language Barrier
🌿 Insta-Lust
🌿 Touch Her & Die
🌿 Dual POV
🌿 25 year old FMC & older MMC (age unknown)

It's an okay but well-written fantasy romance story.

I really liked the premise and the whole mystery vibe (being in the dark alongside the protagonist), however, when I tell you it's a slow burn, I'm not referring to just the romance. The story is very straightforward. Nothing in this story is shocking—well maybe not nothing, but only one thing that shocked me in the very beginning and nothing afterwards. You know what to expect and how the book will end, which is fine, but, it's so straightforward that it's boring.

Reading this felt like listening to rain, it's nice and enjoyable, maybe even peaceful, but you know what to expect and are just waiting for it to happen. The story could have been shorter than it is—and it's already short enough. The majority of the book is told through the female protagonist's POV. It felt like one giant prologue to a story we're never gonna get, which is sad because this has a great solid ending.

I liked how brutal the wolves were and that the Guardian's abilities were tied to nature. I'm just a bit lost on how the bond between a wolf and a Guardian works. Autumn was her brother's guardian before she became Renall's Guardian, so clearly you can be someone's Guardian without having to be mates. However, every Guardian introduced in the story talked about being mates and how the Joining and a bite mark solidified a wolf and their Guardian. So my question is, how would it be possible for Autumn to be her brother's Guardian if the only way to solidify that bond is through sex? I don't know. I think this needs to be discussed more or at the very least, don't make is so painfully obvious that Autumn is the exception for (spoiler reasons).

I LOVED reading Renall's POVs. I loved reading about the inner workings of the Clan and of course the male lead's thoughts. Renall is a TOP TIER male lead. He's so patient—almost too patient if you ask me (but that's just the shipper in me wanting the leads to be together ASAP). I loved how wolf-like he was. The brutality of his nature was honestly very refreshing to read.

The slow-burn romance between Autumn and Renall was done splendidly—if you want their HEA you have to read the whole book. I loved the yearning portrayed by both characters. The language barrier was something I really enjoyed about their relationship. I love how they navigated that. It plays a big part in this story and is incorporated so well.

Overall, it's a decent read and something to pick up if you're in the mood for a new shifter romance.

Thank you Anastasia Daniels and Love Notes PR for sending me an eARC. I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie Runyon.
423 reviews13 followers
May 16, 2025
Autumn is frustrated with her younger brother, Colton. She has been responsible for raising him since her mother’s death ten years ago. She had dropped out of school and was determined to make sure Colton would be able to attend college. One evening, Autumn and Colton argue over his idea of moving to Lexington and working at the power plant. Before Autumn goes to sleep, Colton leaves and doesn’t return home. On her way home, she hears a gunshot and notices a group of hunters who have been lurking around her job. She finds Colton dead.

Vicky tries to drag Autumn out of her depression by taking her camping. Autumn wanders into the woods where she sees a man who is perfect. He tries to have her follow him, but Vicky arrives where Autumn was. The man disappears and Autumn wonders if she was hallucinating. Later that week, she finds a wolf with its leg in a trap. She frees the wolf and carries him home to help him. When he transforms into the man from the camping trip, Autumn is shocked. Renall can’t speak English; however, he alerts Autumn to the approach of the hunters and leads her into the woods.

Anastasia Daniels eloquently depicts the alluring story of a downtrodden young woman and a werewolf shifter. The unpredictable plot twists lead to revelations that explain Colton’s rebellious nature. The inner turmoil that Autumn experiences circulates around being a Guardian to Renall. Renall’s soulmate bond scares her, and she finds this becomes a vital part of her survival. She finds his society is barbaric and their open sexual actions are disturbing. Could she possibly love Renall and be comfortable becoming his mate for life?

This is a slow-burn fantasy romance that questions whether people can make a life-long decision and be willing to make themselves a priority instead of taking care of someone else. If Autumn had followed Colton, then she might not have believed the possibility that he was using drugs. The revelations explained his apparent rage that caused destruction to the house. The danger of the werewolf hunters lurks in the background, and the genocide of the wolves is filled with suspense. Autumn’s mother had hidden secrets that made Autumn and Colton unsuspecting victims of circumstances far beyond her death. I rate this story five stars and believe young adults will be enthralled by The Hidden Guardia
Profile Image for Marissa.
407 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2025
This was an interesting take on werewolves and their world. In this book, the wolves stay mostly in their fur and speak in a language of grunts and growls, even in their skin. Their true mate is known as a guardian. The wolves and their guardians have a secret.

Autumn and her brother Colton barely live. Colton has been acting strangely as of late. He is getting into more trouble and is having fits of uncontrollable rage. Autumn does everything she can to keep food on the table and Colton out of trouble. Autumn has always had a strong connection to her brother. She can feel when he is in pain or danger. This connection has kept Colton safe a couple of times. When Autumn feels the connection break, she almost breaks.

While on a camping trip a friend forced Autumn to go on, Autumn encounters an animal she knows she should be afraid of but, Autumn doesn’t feel fear. Autumn feels comfort and safety. When Autumn feels the wolf get caught in a trap, she saves him and brings him home to tend. It is while Autumn is tending the wolf’s wounds that he shifts into a man.

This wolfman tries to explain but doesn’t have the words. When the bad guys come after Autumn, her wolfman, Renall, saves her. He takes her on a journey to his home. Along the way they try to learn to communicate with each other. They try to get to know each other while fighting the immense attraction each feels.

When Autumn and Renall reach his home, there is much drama. Renall managed to break an Alpha’s order not to leave the pack lands. This leads to many issues for Autumn and Renall. As Autumn learns about the wolf world and her history, secrets and mysteries are revealed. Autumn discovers that she has unknown powers. These come in handy.

This was quite the way to introduce the characters of this series. There are some shady folks we will have to be watching for in the next books. A great start!
1,062 reviews15 followers
June 18, 2025
Autumn Hemming is a young woman with the world on her shoulders, after losing her parents, she has been responsible for her younger brother Colton, but one night changes that, when after work at the local hunting store, she feels that something isn't right and a tragedy strikes her straight in the heart and she falls into a deep depression because of it.

As an attempt to bring Autumn out of this downward spiral a friend offers to take her on a camping trip, however amid alcohol, not much food and a low mood, Autumn just isn't feeling the vibe, instead she feels a pull towards the surrounding forest. Taking it as just a repercussion of the booze and campfire energy, she thinks nothing more of it the next day, especially with a raging hangover, but as the same feeling grows stronger over the next couple of days, she decides to follow it when the pull becomes urgent.

When she arrives at the destination she is being pulled towards, she realises it isn't a where, but a who, an injured wolf, one who is exceptionally large, so without thinking too much about it, she rescues the wolf and takes it home to treat its wounds. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in her life when she finds out that the wolf is really a man who can shift into a wolf form, a man called Renall whom she trusts, even though she knows she shouldn't.

This is where she is thrown into the deep end of a new world, one of mystery, rules, magic and danger, where she has to quickly learn what this world entails, as well as adjusting to the feelings which are developing for Renall, all while navigating changes within herself, but with Autumn be able to adapt to this new life, or will escalating tensions take away that chance before it even begins? This is a dark paranormal romance with plenty of bite as you discover a hidden race, the guidelines they live by and the dangers within it as you read along with the adventures and changes within this gripping story.
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