Jane is in love with a figment of her imagination. So what's the problem? He loves her too...
Jane Miller gave up on finding love; even her parents abandoned her.
Broke, hungry and alone, she took refuge in her novels where she created Gabriel, the perfect man. Gabriel offered her the security and intimacy that she desired and would do anything she asked of him at the stroke of a pen.
But when a new man stormed into her life, with endless promises, he challenged all her beliefs.
As Jane finds a permanent home in his heart and his bed, She battles her own defences leaving her with just one question…
What to do about Gabriel?
Guarding Gabriel is a twisted dark romance that is suitable for adult readers that enjoy the genre. Proceed with caution.
J.A Wynters hails from Australia where she lives with her three kids, two fish and one feline companion. She lives on coffee and vodka and loves reading and roller derby.
When she's not keeping her small army alive she loves writing and conjuring new worlds from her imagination.
Guarding Gabriel by J. A. Wynters is a puzzle within a puzzle. At first it felt confusing. The timeline hops about, and for a while I considered not finishing the book. But once I got the rhythm of the story and learned to move with it - the story just exploded. There are a lot of illicit sex scenes in this book. Alot. I normally don’t read those kinds of scenes, choosing to read the dialogue instead. Wynters unveils her heroine Jane as a character who doesn’t always fit her surroundings. Her relationship with the hero Gabriel is a puzzle from the start. As she describes him: “Liquid pools of chocolate brown eyes. The kind that pierced right through your clothes. The kind that told you exactly what he was thinking and in what position he was thinking of doing it. He had untameable hair. Thick and lush. The kind that made your fingers twitch for just one touch. Mahogany brown, rich, deep, cut and styled but often I left it wild and unruly. I loved to gather it in my fist and curl my fingers against thick locks.” There are twists and gut wrenching turns in this book. Press through the timeline confusion...read the dialogue during the illicit scenes if they bother you...but don’t stop til you read to the last page. I was gifted a copy of this book.
Exceptionally twisted mindfu*ck! I’m still processing what I read. It had my seriously messed up until the very last page. You think you know what’s going on the ‘BAM’ another twist. Told in a single POV from the ‘heroine’ lead. Expect the unexpected! Buckle up for a wild ride.
~BREAKDOWN OF RATINGS~ Plot~ 5/5 Main Characters (hero/heroine)~ 5/5 Secondary Characters~ 5/5 The Feels~ 5/5 Pacing~ 5/5 Addictiveness~5/5 Angst~ 5/5 Steam/Hotness/Chemisty ~ 5/5 Theme or Tone~ 5/5 Flow (Writing Style)~ 5/5 Backdrop (World Building)~ 5/5 Originality~ 5/5 Ending~ 5/5 Book Cover~ perfect
Source~ Kindle eBook - ARC for honest review
Would I read more from the author? Yes Would I recommend this book? Yes
Ok...So I just binged read this the book. Loved it! I just wanted to find out what was going to happen and did not see that coming at all. This book is not what you think and not predictable at all, the writing builds you up. Definitely came as a surprise to me. I think the ending was amazing ... I’m totally satisfied, as often a book leaves me questioning or wanting more but in this case, I’m satisfied with the ending. There could be another book to follow? PLEASE! I’m in awe of how you can plan the characters and bring this together. A great read from the debut writer - can't wait to see where she takes me next!
This book was...WOW! Totally unexpected! Twists and turns that I never seen coming, which I usually can figure things out. The steamy scenes were awesome! I loved the characters and then hated some, and then was just so confused! I had such a freaking book hangover from this book and weeks later? I'm still thinking about this book from time to time! This is a MUST READ!!
I don’t know what to think of this book. The writing was very good, also some hot love scenes, which were also superbly written. So it’s not the writing style, but I think it’s the subject what bothers me: the part that a character you’ve written becomes so powerful that he takes over your life. Now I know about schizophrenia and multiple personalities, but this was something I didn’t see it coming. So it was a kind of surprise, a bit of a disappointment too- reading this book. I would have to think twice, before I read such a book again. What if you are in love with a figment of your imagination? What if he is the perfect man? Jane Miller was unlucky in love and unlucky in life. Abandoned by her parents and a string of boyfriends and lovers, Jane couldn't seem to find love or a home. Broke, hungry and alone, she found help in the form of a kind neighbour and a new boss who was hard to ignore. Jane reinvents herself, forging a career as a successful novelist, creating the perfect man. Gabriel. A man that would never leave her, hurt her or betray her. He became real. Not just the perfect book boyfriend. Gabriel offered her the security and intimacy she'd never had but always craved. All he had to do was flash that killer smile and she melted in all the right places... and some wrong ones. But when a new man storms into her life. With endless promises, he challenges all her beliefs. As she finds a permanent home in his heart and his bed, it leaves one question... What to do about Gabriel?
Wow! This book is like a romance reader's fantasy come true and a nightmare in disguise. Too much of a good thing and all that!
This is the story of Jane and Gabriel. And it's about so much more... Jane is a bit of a mystery, she has had some terrible things happen to her and it has truly made her into the person she is.
Jane has a vivid imagination and that takes her to places and introduces her to people that makes memories. I went into this story knowing it was going to be a fantasy. A book boyfriend, a figment of a writers imagination coming to life. That is what grabbed me to want to read this.
I can't and won't give away too much of this story, I won't ruin it for future readers. But this is a story that is gonna grab you! The twists and turns are going to throw you through a loop and the ending!! Oh my me that ending was brilliant!
Do yourself a favor and get introduced to this phenomenal author! Read this story and get submerged into the world she creates!
I am not even sure how to put Jane's story into words, and I definitely do not want to risk spoilers. When I first read the blurb for this I was all in! As an avid reader, the scenario was truly quite plausible. I had a bit of trouble following all the events until about a third of the way through - the car incident was the turning point for me. I do not want to give spoilers but darn if that is not something I would have done - You go Jane! As the pieces fall into place be prepared for some bouts of laughter, a whole lot of steam and some twists that you will not see coming - tissues recommended. Emotionally this was a pretty rough read - just the concept of how much emotional pain was required for Jane to come to this point in her life was overwhelming in itself but to travel the journey with her. Both heartbreaking and breathtaking. The romance between Gabriel and Jane was off the charts - The tension between Jane and her "neighbor" holy chit !! Definitely, a must read romance.
Wowsers! I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book, but boy what a ride! Excellent way to while away a cold, dreary, wet afternoon.
I took me a minute to adjust to the bouncing timeline, but it was well worth it. I have never read JA Wynters, but I will be reading her again. The story just flowed over me, I fell into Jane's life. I fell in love with Leon, trapped in layers upon layers of unrequited lust. I felt her creative fervor as Gabriel became larger than life. I ardently wished, and still do, for my own Grish. I became Jane, exhilarating in her unabashed sexual exploration.
I wish there were more of Josh's story included, he feels like a bit of an afterthought.
Twisty like Gone Girl, this book throws the reader around the unexpected corners in the private world of a writer and the lover's that mold her.
Guarding Gabriel took me completely by surprise. I was completely enamored from the very first page. It was great to not be able to guess what was going to happen next. I loved how you would get a taste of what was happening in the here and now and then a flash back to help understanding what was going on now.
Looking back there were plenty of hints of what was to come, but they were woven so well into the story that it was easy to miss what was being laid before you. This is absolutely my favorite kind of story. Not only did it have a fresh look at romance but you come to realize **SPOILER ALERT** there may be more undiagnosed mental health and prior abuse scaring than you realize.
Especially that ending? I must say I will be the first in line to get the next book. I cannot wait to devour it just as quickly and eagerly.
A very curious labyrinth of a plot, told from a single person perspective, Jane, the lead character .
The timeline dances back and forth amplifying the confusion and anger of Jane which in turn she takes out on the characters she writes about. Life imitating art imitating life.
What happens when your book boyfriend becomes more than just your imaginary friend? Add a splatter of dissociative identity disorder and schizophrenic traits this makes for a plot that is dark, intoxicating and disturbing although little nuggets where dropped and hinted at throughout the story it's not until the end that it all begins to make grisly sense.
If you enjoy an erotic macabre storyline this well written venture that will take you there.
I have never read a book like this before! It has so many layers it's hard to keep track if them all. I'm not even sure I can describe the book and do it justice but I'll try. It's about a girl who becomes a writer, falls in love but things don't go as planned. Something is going on and she can figure it out. It's a thrilling book that kept me turning the page and gave me whiplash! It's a book you have to take your time to read and really immerse yourself, the book pulls you and doesn't let go so or shouldn't be a problem. When you read this book, you won't regret it! If the best "stand alone" books I have ever read and came wait to read more from J. A. Wynters!
4.5 stars. This story took way too long to get to the action. I almost put it down several times. The cover art is phenomenal. I Love the dedication! It was so sexy. I was in overdrive with the beefcake in this book. It kept me guessing. I kept thinking to myself that she must be a bad bit@h to be attracting all these exceptional men. I felt like the last chapter was rushed. I was amazed that this is a new author. I feel like this is just the beginning of a long career in writing. I recommend this book. I plan to keep my eye out for more of her work.
This book is like nothing else I’ve read. It had twists and turns around every corner. The storyline is definitely not cookie cutter, and that’s refreshing.
Jane seems to suffer one tragedy after another, her only solace is her writing. She creates the perfect man for her erotic fantasies: Gabriel, who is every woman’s dream. Starting out with nothing her books become world famous and she has it all. Well, everything but someone to love her as much as Gabriel.....
Readers who enjoy a good twist and a big surprise ending will absolutely love this book!
This book took me on a wild and VERY steamy ride. If you are looking for a fast paced VERY VERY steamy romance with just the right amount of kink then I think this is for you. It had a nice little twist in it that made it a little different from the norm and I still can't decide how I feel about the ending.
I open mouth GASPED when I read the final 15 pages... pretty sure I swallowed a fly.
Thank you to the Author for my gifted copy.
The only reason it took so long to read is because I couldn't read it at work where is where I do most of my reading.
This book was HOT!!!! I know the other reviews all talk about the twists and turns and unseen plot lines but be sure you have a fan...trust me, you're gonna need it!! The scenes in this book are so real it's almost disturbing. For a debut author, she KILLED it!! This story leaves you wanting more while at the same time feeling like you should stay away for fear of becoming as obsessed as the characters.
Guarding Garbriel was just a rollercoaster filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge if my seat.
Wynters has taken this idea and completely ran the bases with it. It's different, its edgy, its steamy, its thought provoking, its mind boggling. I have never read a book like this and I'm truly speechless. Its soo good. I honestly cant say more than that. The story, the plot, the characters are simply addicting.
J.A. Wynters, I'm not okay. Jane Miller comes to us a young and loveable girl with some spicy 'boyfriends'. The most important man in her life is Gabriel but is he actually as good for her as she is hoping? This book is such a fast read and I literally could not put it down! The twists, turns, heat, just get it today! Amazing read that leaves you with all the feels, so many questions, and yet satisfied. Excellent writing J.A. Wynters!
This is he story of Jane who has nothing and gets a job to support herself . She invents the perfect male Gabriel who satisfies her sexual needs . When she writes about him the books take off . This book goes between 2003 when she has nothing and 2005 after her book has took off . Intense at moments and a story nothing like I have ever read before !
This book will have you at the edge of your seat with all the plot twists! It has passion, a thrilling mistery, and love. A well executed story. Every character was unique and the end will leave you mindblown. If you like pasionate books with a good plot behind it, I highly recommend you pick this one up.
Wasn’t expecting that twist but it made sense at the end ! I do like books that have an ending and not a cliff hanger so I was glad to read this ending ! However I felt like I was just getting to know each man and then it was onto the next one. I wanted more Barry I wanted more Leon and oh Bjorn gimme more !!! The sex was hot the story line was good I can’t wait to read more of J A Wynters !
I guessed early on...then promptly forgot because I was drawn in to simply disliking Gabriel. Then at one point I checked the book details and thought "Hang on, this is a suspense?" Then suddenly Barry and boom, I remembered what I had guessed lol. Slightly unsatisfactory ending. A little bit more clarity on the outcome would have been good but overall this was an "entertaining" read.
I've read some interesting books filled with twists and turns, but this one ranks right up there at least in the top three. I had an inkling of what was happening, but it didn't smack me in the face until the end. Wow, this is amazing writing and I can't wait to read more from this author!
One the surface Jane and Gabriel seems like a scintillating love story but then reality hits and as the story curves and more is revealed it becomes clear nothing is as it seems. This story was unpredictable and had some major plot twists but the action slowly unfolded.
We'll, if you like suspenseful romance, this is the book for you. It kept my attention from the beginning to end! You love & hate Gabriel all at the same time.
This book is amazing! From the steamy scenes to the twists and turns that take you by surprise you won't want to put this one down. I highly recommend reading this book
Wow... That's all I can come up with for this book. There is twists and turns that I didn't see coming and I just love that. I can't want to read more from this author in the future.
The most incredibly hot novel I have ever read that left me wanting more and more with every page I turned until the twist you don't see coming leaves you rocking in your seat.