Short and round, she dresses like a gypsy in vibrant and sometimes clashing colors. She’s been known to dye her hair to match her mood. She does a Good Deed every day and smiles at everyone she meets. But underneath her happy-go-lucky exterior, Patience Delecourt is lonely and afraid. She’s the mouse in a demon’s Cat-and-Mouse game that’s been going on for years. Her ideal hero would come straight out of the old movies she watches night after night alone in her tiny apartment. Stuffy and socially awkward, Broadbent ad Sebastian, Guardian of the Race, has his vision of the ideal woman, too; tall, elegant, cultured, and well-read. But every time he meets someone who might fill the bill, his advances are met with laughter and derision. As hard as he tries to emulate his fellow Guardians; their prowess with women, their clothes, their interests; he just can’t get it right. He doesn’t see himself as handsome or a hero. She doesn’t see herself as beautiful or brave. Yet what they find together opens new worlds of wonder for them both. It also opens the doors to old enemies and sets off a series of events that threaten the House of Guardians and the people within it. With the credits ready to roll on their mismatched love story, Patience and Broadbent will have to find the bravery and heroism they see in each other, and decide how much they will sacrifice for love.
Jacqueline, known as Jackie to her friends, lives in rural southern Ohio with one lovable husband, one spoiled dog and one disinterested cat. She believes coffee is a food group and therefore necessary to survival. She always has a pot brewing. When not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in someone else's book or working in her garden. She also spends a great deal of time chasing deer and rabbits who apparently also like gardening. Jackie loves hearing from her readers and is always willing to chat. She can be reached through her website, http://www.jacquelinerhoades.com/ or at jackie3049@gmail.com
I love how the world of the Guardians continues to grow with each instalment in the series. Rhoades’ world building never stagnates but rather continues to grow and build on itself. I enjoy the play of dark versus light in the story. You can really feel it as it permeates the tale, along with the shades of grey in between. Drama, action, and excitement are at an all-time high here. I found myself gasping and gripping the edge of my seat throughout. The suspense in parts was killing me. The action sequences in other scenes were so vivid that I felt like I was watching a play-by-play. I was also emotionally engaged in the story. Being that the characters are so easy to connect with, their stories became my story. Rhoades brings the magic of romance to life in a brilliant way.
Getting to know Broadbent better in this novel was fantastic. He’s been one of my favourites since the beginning. I love the way that Broadbent thinks and talks. He definitely stands out as one of a kind. I appreciate the fact that as much as he’d like to be more like the others he’s still content being himself. Pinky is very unique in her own right as well. And holy alliteration with Patience’s name! But it suits her so well that I couldn’t help but love it (and try to say it 5 times fast). The two main characters being somewhat out of the mainstream makes them simply perfect. They’re both one of a kind individuals that definitely have found a place in my heart. I really enjoy the fact that the characters from past novels in the series still play a prominent and important role in this novel, even as Broadbent & Pinky get their time to shine. The combination of romance with family is something that you can’t help but enjoy.
Rhoades definitely has another winner with this one. Her fantastic storytelling and attention to detail shine through this remarkable & absolutely unforgettable novel. It may just be my favourite story from her yet.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Short and round, she dresses like a gypsy in vibrant and sometimes clashing colors. She’s been known to dye her hair to match her mood. She does a Good Deed every day and smiles at everyone she meets. But underneath her happy-go-lucky exterior, Patience Delecourt is lonely and afraid. She’s the mouse in a demon’s Cat-and-Mouse game that’s been going on for years. Her ideal hero would come straight out of the old movies she watches night after night alone in her tiny apartment.
Stuffy and socially awkward, Broadbent ad Sebastian, Guardian of the Race, has his vision of the ideal woman, too; tall, elegant, cultured, and well-read. But every time he meets someone who might fill the bill, his advances are met with laughter and derision. As hard as he tries to emulate his fellow Guardians; their prowess with women, their clothes, their interests; he just can’t get it right.
He doesn’t see himself as handsome or a hero. She doesn’t see herself as beautiful or brave. Yet what they find together opens new worlds of wonder for them both. It also opens the doors to old enemies and sets off a series of events that threaten the House of Guardians and the people within it. With the credits ready to roll on their mismatched love story, Patience and Broadbent will have to find the bravery and heroism they see in each other, and decide how much they will sacrifice for love.
REVIEW:
4.5 stars--Some background: The Guardians are of the Race (Nephilim) with superior strength and speed, descended from Gabriel, seduced by the Daughters of Man, who are on earth to protect the humans and guard the portal, ensuring the demons do not cross the barrier. When a Guardian dies and his heart remains within his chest, he will turn vampire, and must be destroyed before the blood rage consumes.
The women in the storyline are the Daughter’s of Man- the descendants of one of the original matings and not without some supernatural ability and power of their own.
All males of the Race are born with a tiny red tear drop over their left chest muscle. As the male matures, the lilies bloom (it is not a tattoo). When they are initiated into the Guardians, the skull and tears appear. Once they are mated, a rose will bloom with the lilies. A white rose for a mated pair, a red rose for a blood bond pair.
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GUARDIAN’S PATIENCE is the fifth installment in Jacqueline Rhoades Guardians of the Race adult, contemporary, paranormal romance series focusing on the Guardians and the women they love. This is witch Patience (Pinkie) Delecourt and Guardian Broadbent ad Sebastian’s storyline. Although GUARDIAN’S PATIENCE is the fifth in the series, it may be read as a stand alone without too much difficulty. Any important information is imparted where necessary but for cohesion and enjoyment, I would recommend reading the series in order.
Told from several close third person points of view, GUARDIAN’S PATIENCE continues to focus on the demon invasion of Earth. Patience Delecourt is a witch whose practice in the ‘black arts’ has made her the target and object of one demon in particular. On the run from her past, Patience finds herself, yet again, having to pack up shop but an attack will place Patience on the Guardian’s radar. Enter Broadbent ad Sebastian-a debonair, old fashioned Guardian who reminds Patience of the cinematic movie actors from long ago.
Broadbent is a Guardian who has always felt displaced within his Lord Liege Canaan’s House of Guardians. Out of touch and inexperienced in the love department, Broadbent finds himself attracted to the feisty and overly romantic Patience Delecourt-a witch whose past greatly contradicts the Guardian’s directive. As the demons continue to pursue Patience, the House of Guardians will come under attack when their current location is revealed. One of their own will go missing and it is up to Patience and Broadbent to bring him home. The sex scenes are intimate and captivating without the use of erotic images or foul language.
The world building continues as The Guardians must face down the demons whose need for blood targets the humans of Earth. All of the previous storyline couples play a secondary role throughout the story allowing for an intimate look into their lives and loves. Dov and Col continue their humorous banter, sarcastic wit and playful antics-puppy like in action and temperament but when called, Dov and Col are ready for anything the Guardians have to offer. While Grace and Caanan await the birth of their child, the House of Guardians is on high alert for any outside paranormal activity.
GUARDIAN’S PATIENCE is another fast paced, imaginative, and passionate storyline. Jacqueline Rhoades’ amazing GUARDIANS OF THE RACE is an incredibly wonderful paranormal series that smoothly blends present day problems with supernatural abilities. There are moments of mystery, suspense, romance and love all combined into a sensual storyline that is a must read for me-every time.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
I’m torn on how to review this book. I think it earned the five stars and I enjoyed it, but the story really wasn’t what I was expecting. The last book went off in a totally different direction leaving Cannon’s home and venturing into another house of Guardians with Faith and Lucien. This book brings us back home to a familiar setting and house full of characters we have grown to love. All of that I was expecting, but Broadbent was who threw me for a loop. Like many of the characters in the book, perhaps even Broadbent himself, I guess I had assumptions about his personality and character that were shattered when I read his story. What is it they say when you assume… I ended up really liking the Broadbent I grew to know and think it a fitting H.E.A for him and Patience.
Patience was the heroine of the story and I really, really liked her. She was such fun and a refreshing change in female lead for a paranormal romance story. She was perhaps more normal, in appearance anyway then many of the other heroines out there. Ms. Rhoades has done this before and I love how she pick characters of all sizes, looks and personality types to weave her stories. All too often we get stories where everyone is drop dead gorgeous and flawless in personality as well. How can normal people relate I swear it is as bad as the photoshoping done in magazines. Rhoades shows us that anyone can be a hero, and everyone is beautiful in their own way. Patience, or Pinkie, has spunk and is subjected to the same insecurities that we all are.
What elements of this story made me give it five stars. I loved the messages that Ms. Rhoades conveys in the story. That often things are not what they seem and that sometimes what we think we want is not what we need or what will make up happy. I love the feeling of family by choice not necessarily created, these characters all come together through circumstance as someone with little blood relatives of my own this really resonates with me. I also like the message in the book about good and evil, that things are not necessarily good or bad, but how our own actions create the evil in the world. I like the closure that happen in this story in regards to the demons in this book, a familiar bad guy from earlier books is back in this one. I also enjoyed the humor and getting to catch up with past characters.
Anything that didn’t work? There was one thing, but how do I share it without spoilers…. The overly graphic scene with Grace and Broabent was a bit much for me. When I read it is like a movie playing in my head and that is something I never want to ‘see’ again. Ever. In fact when I go to read this book again I will skip that chapter. Too much information.
What do I hope for next in this series? I would love for Col and Dov to someday get their own story, but I would also like to travel and read about other Guardian’s houses like we did in Faith’s Story. I would also like to know more about the workings of the Paenitentia society. I also think their issues with the Daughters of Man need to be ironed out. Even thought most of the main characters in the world all have their H.E.A I think there are lots of potential for future stories in this world and I look forward to seeing where Ms. Rhoades takes us next.
I start this review with a confession , I've not read any of the other books in this series! Yes I have read and enjoyed the authors werewolf series but for some strange reason I had completely missed these books. In spite of missing out on the previous stories I found this read very well as a standalone book and I had no trouble whatsoever in understanding what was going on . In my opinion that's a true test of just how good an author is at world building and gaining the readers attention and Ms Rhoades passed with flying colours! I won't reprise the whole story but simply say this is about what could happen if angels descended to earth and loved human women. In the world the author has created Nephilim and Witches are the product of this pairing but many years later these angelic descendants are known as Guardians of the Race as they struggle to keep Demons at bay. Its a concept that fascinates many but it's tackled with aplomb by Ms Rhoades. I particularly enjoyed the most unusual hero Broadbent as in many ways he at first seems anything but hero material. He is old school and quite pedantic at times and takes most things quite literally and yet as a reader I quickly realised that he is truly a force to be reckoned with . Broadbent does not feel the need to impress and is quietly confident in his abilities as a Guardian and yet seems to struggle to connect on a personal level but all that changes when he meets a witch who calls herself Pinkie. Patience struggles to maintain a low profile but her innate sense of goodness sees her rushng headlong to defend her neighbour but what truly saves the day is the stranger who turns up. Patience is beyond intruiged by this chivalrous man and quite quickly feels at ease around him. It's an unusual romance that follows as to this reader it felt like an old fashioned courtship as the couple really get to know each other on a soul deep level. I loved that the hero whilst not stupid was quite uninformed about so much that most people take for granted and his "education" by the effervescent Pinkie made for numerous lighthearted moments. This is not an instant lust type of story but a more realistic pairing that builds up to something magical . There's a very good reason for Patience not wanting to be found and yes it's a Demonic one but with a Guardian in her life perhaps there's hope for a brighter tomorrow. So in conclusion I really enjoyed reading this story . There's several characters who are still single so it looks as if the author will be writing more Guardian of the Race books . I particularly liked the humour within these pages and there's a certain pair of twins who have a truly wicked sense of humour which meant for laugh out loud moments. I found the authors take on what causes vampirism to be completely unique although to be fair it's only touched on lightly in this book and I'd personally like to know more so will have to track down the previous books in this series. Yes this author certainly knows how to tell a good story and continues to enchant her readers. This book and indeed this entire series will delight lovers of paranormal romance and I eagerly await her next book.
I think Jacqueline Rhoades is a wonderful author. Her books have not failed to engage me in any of her series'. Guardian's Patience is part of a great series of guardians and daughters of man. They are feisty, fun, real and kick 'ass', hero's and as important, heroines. The woman are just as integral to the stories as the hot warrior men. Guardian's Patience is about one of the guardian's who is less obvious, less into wearing form fitting leather, than tailored clothes. He is nicknamed the professor by many in the house. He is correct, well educated and quite resigned to 'being different' and teased for it. Seeing many in the house 'mating' with life mates has left a longing in his heart to find the 'one' as well. Pinki (Patience), is out there colour wise, has three rules she lives by to atone for mistakes she made as a teen. Do a good deed each day, smile always, and never fall in love or love.
I expected more fireworks between the two, they were in many surface ways quite dichotomous to one another. More disagreements and arguments. Yet Jacqueline had their measure and Patience was so much more than her colourful outfits and Broadbent so much more than his correctness. Rather than a focus on their outward personalities Jacqueline grasped their inward selves and did it well. The house members helped to bring out the best in Pinki who continued to bring out the imp in Broadbent who in turn nurtured and treasured the best in Pinki.
The conflict with the demon was a great story addition and the closure with the witch Andi from her previous involvement with Dov and Col was great to read. The birth, was wonderful and a fantastic surprise. It was a great read. I also hope I am right and the teaser for more books came with the line 'of getting a new guardian' for the house?
When I started this series, I never pictured Broadbent as the hero of his own book. He was too quiet and studious. As the series progressed I grew to love him as a secondary character, but had a hard time imagining him as "hero" material. I was so wrong. Broadbent may not be as obviously heroic as the rest of the Guardians in his house, but he is proof to the saying that still waters run deep.
The heroine of the book is named Patience, but prefers to be called Pinky. She is no conventional heroine for the romance genre either. I love that she is not perfect in either shape or personality. She is flawed like any normal woman. She has a past she is ashamed of and tries very hard to make up for.
These two characters have nothing in common, but when they meet it is easy to see they belong together. They bring out the best in each other.
Jacqueline Rhoades is phenomenal at writing stories starring unconventional characters that a reader just falls in love with. Her world building is strong and the storyline is imaginative and involving.
I won't go into the story itself because I don't like spoilers, but if you're a Jacqueline Rhoades fan this is a must read! In fact I would recommend this book to any lover of the paranormal romance genre.
Jacqui does it again! I love this series so much! I was so pleased when Guardian's Patience was released. And it was incredibly refreshing to read a book I chose (rather than from my list to support other indie authors). So it was with added zeal I got stuck into this, and I was not disappointed.
Although there's a formula to these books there's enough variance in them that they don't become 'samey'. Patience is a brilliant character (and scarily quite like myself!?). And I love that Broadbent finally found someone he could connect with. Moments of danger, great romance, super hot guys...what more could a girl want?
My husband will be pleased I've finished reading this book; he doesn't get to see me when I'm reading a Jacqueline Rhoades. And I was even late back from my lunch break one day as I took the opportunity to read and couldn't put it down (oops!).
I agree with others; best if you read the others first, but not a necessity.
Please write another Guardians of the Race book soon!
Patience is a Daughter of Man with strong spell casting abilities. She is sweet and caring and always trying to do good deeds. Broadbent is refined but also a kind man, somewhat awkward socially but someone who can be counted on. She brings laughter into his life and he believes in her, even when she does not believe in herself. But a demon is after Patience, and Patience knows her treasured time with the Guardians is limited. An old evil rears it's ugly head and even the innocent are at risk. I just love this series! The characters and the story are like a movie playing in my mind, vivid and full of detail. This is a fabulous book.
This magnificent story brings the series full circle with the defeat and death of two favorite villains. Broadbent is a wonderfully delightful and dear man who finds his love. She isn't what he would have imagined, but is exactly what he needs to complete him. This wonderful BBW woman who knows and loves this man.
This story is filled with action, drama, love and so much more. It's practically impossible to put down.
There is so much unexpected events and keeps you on the edge of your seat. In typical Rhoades fashion it also has a wonderful sense of humor.
I have always gone for the nerd when the other girls went for the bad boys & jocks. So, I've waited for Broadbent's story with anticipation. I loved it. Patience is a little off center & is perfect for Broadbent. Early on, She shows that she is willing to fight for him & sacrifice if needed for his safety. Broadbent proves that he is the hero we all knew he was under the scholarly demeanor(yummy. Did I mention that I love a smart & nerdy man??:).We learn more about the demons in this one as the story continues to develop. We get to see the other family members & catch up on them. The twins are growing & maturing but comical as ever. 5 stars for Pookie & Pinkie!
Following the love story of Broadbent and Patience was a humorous, endearing and romantic ride. The phrase opposites attract would most definitely apply when straight laced and formal Broadbent falls for the pink haired free spirited Patience. It was so much fun watching Broadbent shed his naïveté and become the knight in shining armor, dubbed "Pookie" by his powering throwing damsel in distress. Patience's love brought out his passion, his her beauty. I also enjoyed revisiting the previous guardians mates in this story. This was a very entertaining and romantic read that had just enough butt kicking and emotional surprises to make me crave the next installment in the series.
She has done it again! Wonderful characters that you don't want to let go when the book ends. Spent days lingering and re-reading passages. Great mix of humor and excitement. Broadbent and Patience make the perfect oddball couple. Each one is just quirky enough to compliment the other. Broadbent isn't your typical alpha hero but I really enjoyed his story.
Yeah, a welcomed return to the house of Canaan. Love Broadbent, he is such a sweetie, and a hero in his own right. Loved Patience as a counterfoil for him. They were so different from each other, they were perfect together. The plot was to Jackie's usual high standard. Hopefully we have not seen the end of Andi as the baddie. Looking forward to each of the twins stories to come.
I re-read this series at least once a month... This book is just as good as the others and I hope the story continues... Can wait to see what she does with Dov and Col!
It started out great. Broadbent and Patience seemed like an oddball mix where opposites attract. But while I liked them as a couple I didn't find the surrounding story very interesting and the second half of the book was quite disappointing.
Just lovely! As always the feeling of belonging in this book is one that captures our hearts. These are good people who don't hesitate to do whatever is necessary for the good of mankind. This one centres around Broadbent and his coming of age as he meets someone who finally sees all that he is. The plot also focuses on the continuing battle against the nasty demons who play their nasty games and as always it is the standing together as a whole unit that trusts, believes and cares for each other that leads our merry band to victory. Patience is such a sweet heroine despite her soiled history and Broadbent is such a strong hero despite his too excellent command of the English language and pretty ways of behaviour. Their coming together fills a void in each other, their understanding of one another lends them the strength to reach for their happiness and cements their place within the family already so willing to have them as part of the lives. It is this concession to the human things that makes this series so delightful. There is warmth, acceptance and real love that makes facing death a profession not just a job, and it makes it an honourable one where it makes sense to risk everything to keep those special people not just in your life but around you safe. M/s Rhoades writes "feel good" books and then adds a little humour, some evil twists and some delicious sex to ensure we enjoy the experience to the last page.
This is the 9th book I have read by Jacqueline Rhoades and I have been captivated by each one. She is by far the best in her field. Each story involves romance, suspense, humor, and intrigue.
To be honest I didn't like this as much as the others in the series, although it is difficult to put my finger on quite why. I think it might be the nick-names...
But I would still be very, very, happy to read more books about the Guardians and the Daughters of Men.