Strážce Paříže

Billionaires & Bodyguards #1

by Anna Lowe

Natalie Brewerová přijela do Paříže, aby prožila sen, ne noční můru. Útok upíra jí ale odhalí zcela novou tvář města světel – a jejího vlastního původu. Než se naděje, je vržena do světa, který si nikdy nedokázala ani představit. Světa plného chrličů, vlkodlaků a draků, kteří tvrdí, že je Natalie potomkem legendární královny měňavců! Její život je v nebezpečí a je téměř nemožné odhadnout, komu může věřit kromě záhadného cizince, který pro ni opakovaně riskuje život. Nakladatelská anotace: Kráceno.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Dragons, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Vampires

351 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2024

About the author

USA Today and Amazon best-selling author Anna Lowe loves putting the "hero" back into heroine and letting location ignite a passionate romance. She likes a heroine who is independent, intelligent, and imperfect — a woman who's doing just fine on her own. But give the heroine a good man (not to mention a chance to overcome her own inhibitions) and she'll never turn down the chance for adventure, nor shy away from danger.

On any given weekend, you might find her hiking in the mountains or hunched over her laptop, working on her latest story. Either way, the day will end with a chunk of dark chocolate and a good read.

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

The world created by Anna Lowe in this paranormal romance is strikingly vibrant.

Read full review in the 2019 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/13/2020)! 🎁

[Cathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not for me. It was entertaining enough to finish, but the spice wasn't written well and the romance just wasn't satisfying. The whole story lacked depth. I had high hopes and was pretty disappointed.

[Malá Knihomolka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dnes se to pokusím neokecávat, jelikož tuhle autorku už jste u mě viděli nedávno a na tuhle knihu mám dost podobný názor jako právě na Vábení draka. Popravdě mi ale přijde, že tentokrát je příběh o něco málo propracovanější. Po Bojovnících z Havaje (ty také musím dočíst) přichází Anna Lowe se sérií Ohnivé panny, kde se čtenář dostane do různých zemí. V prvním dílu konkrétně do Francie nebo-li Paříže.

Jsem ráda za každou knihu s draky, která u nás vyjde, jelikož to začíná být takové moje guilty pleasure. Jo, je to předvídatelné, ale mě to prostě baví. Navíc je to skvělá oddechovka, během které můžete mozek hodit do offline režimu.
Tristan se mi od začátku líbil, jak díky Natalii pomalu roztával jak zmrzlina v mikrovlnce. Bývalý voják, jež je momentálně strážcem Paříže. Dokud se neobjeví Natalie a on se stane i jejím osobním strážcem.
Natalie byla fajn ženská, která se nebála postavit za chlapa, jehož milovala. Jediné, co bych v jejich chemii vytkla, bylo časté opakovaní slovního spojení "osudový druh/družka". Ano, my víme, že jsou si ti dva souzeni, chápeme to, není třeba to čtenáři XYkrát opakovat.
Kdo mě však velmi bavil, na to že zde byl jen okrajově, byl Liam. Nutně toho lvího měňavce potřebuju víc, jeho hlášky jsem si užívala. Tím nenápadně naznačuji, že Strážce Londýna hned běžím napsat na TBR.
Další plus je, že se autorka nevěnuje jen drakům. Jak už jsem zmínila, Liam je lví měňavec. Plus tu máme i vlky, upíry, chrliče.. na své si přijde asi každý.

Příběh plný nadpřirozených bytostí, tajemství, intrik, zrady, lásky a záhad. Chcete romantiku, kde se do hlavního hrdiny zamilujete postupně spolu s hlavní ženskou postavou? Potom se nebojte tuhle knihu zkusit.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragon Shifters

This was a fun Paris based book with a fantasy twist. Some of the characters were loveable, but some of them were meant to be hated. Ownership of a woman is something I really can not get behind. It enraged me just reading how possessively some of the characters spoke. Our society already has enough men like this in real life that I don't want to read about it.

It will be interesting to see where the rest of the books in the series go.

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't dream of going to Paris? Well, Natalie actually did it, and it's not exactly everything she'd hoped it would be. It's more... She learns there are others in the world, those with abilities you only read about. And there are those who believe she's one of them. Encountering gargoyles, vampires, and dragons might sound fascinating, but it can also be terrifying if one is determined to claim you for reasons you never expected.

Thankfully, she has a knight in slightly tarnished armor, though Tristan is willing to give it a brand new polish as he helps Natalie not only navigate a life she's just now learning about, but she could also be the woman he's meant to be with...if only he can keep her alive.

Will Natalie accept what was once only a fairy tale as real? Can Tristan end the danger to her once and for all? What is she that draws so many to her, and for all the wrong reasons? Can she and Tristan get the HEA they're both craving?

One-click now and follow along as two people show each other that love can overcome everything. I'm loving this spinoff of the original series and look forward to the next book.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading all about Paris. The author has obviously been there as there were a lot of details about the city I found fascinating. I also loved the main story as well. Who doesn't love a heroine who really just wants to give back to society? Natalie also kicks butt really well and didn't really need a shifter saviour but I am so glad she got one. I liked the use of the English spelling of a common French name which made sense in this story. All the little details go together to make the story and its characters so real and convincing.

And of course there is lots of passion and suspense. Natalie and Tristan resist their attraction to each other for a long time because they are forbidden from being together. The writing is well done to still depict the passion without either of them going against their promise to the ruling Dragon of Paris. There are lions, vampires and gryphons here as well which just adds to the mystery and the larger story that will weave throughout the series. I am looking forward to reading the next novel already.

[Ingrid Stephanie Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Fire Maidens: Paris
Series: Billionaires & Bodyguards #1
Release Date: #AlreadyReleased
Author: Anna Lowe
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger
#PRN #DragonShifters #Vampires
#5Stars🌟⭐🌟🌟🌟
••••••••••••••
💢 This author never-ever lets me down, reading her books are always phenomenal. Definitely a Must Read!

🔹️ Natalie Brewer is a volunteer for the soup kitchen or at least she was until she became famous with Vampires. She can’t believe there are Vampires, Shifters, Gargoyles and Dragons she could not believe the supernaturals are alive. Better yet she can’t believe what they’re telling her? There’s just no way !

🔹️Tristan Chevalier is a Dragon Shifter who comes to Paris to work for the Guardians of Paris, he will protect the city. But as usual things change and he is to be a bodyguard now and guess who he’s protecting none other and then his MATE!

☄️ This author has magic fingers when she writes. This book makes me feel her Pain, her Joy it’s like I’m on the Eiffel Tower watching my Dragon Mate come for me!

[Pam Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natlie Brewer had dreams of going to Paris so she did. Everything changed when a vampire attacked . Who knew those things were real well she didn't. She didn't even know she had a heritage in her bloodline that was attracting them to her.
Gargoyles, vampires, and dragons oh my!
Tristan Chevalier's mission is to prove himself to the Guardians of Paris. Protect the city by watching the vampires and reporting on them but when he see natalie in trouble he can't just sit watch and report. Plus his Dragon has other plans for the little human that he is on board with.
Love the action, drama, mystery, betrayal, spice, and so much more this story has going on in it. The characters are fantastic! The story really pulls you in fast and keeps you interested. I really enjoyed reading this one and can't wait for the next story to come out about London and the next fire maiden.

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was amazing.. sexy.. hott.. and a strong female lead haha.. it was well written of course because it is an anna lowe story. the characters were likable and strong.. they made me happy and kept me on my feet. loved it

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan meets Natalie at a soup kitchen where she works. He instantly knows she is his life mate. But she is human and he is a dragon shifter. But is she really human or a Fire Maiden? This is an excellent book. Totally enjoyed every page of it and was sad when it ended.

[Dalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

This book was very engaging from beginning to end. I am looking forward to the next one! Anna Lowe did it again.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Natalie volunteers at a Soup Kitchen in Paris. As she is working on feeding the homeless people, she notices a creepy man staring at her. It made her think of a vampire, but she dismissed the thought that they are not real. Then, she sees Tristan entering the restaurant, and suddenly she cannot help the attraction she feels for him. Tristan is part of the Guardians of Paris, and he ensures the city's safety. Upon sensing the danger, he takes Natalie with him to escape the vampires who are intent on killing her for her blood. As they try to flee from the vampires, his dragon recognizes that the woman is his mate who he is destined to be with him. He tries to attack the vampires, but he is outnumbered, and he has injuries. He is too weak to stand on his own due to poisonous attacks so he rests for a while.
Natalie comes to help Tristan, and they head to his apartment to rest. She asks him if he needs to treat his wounds, yet he insists that he is okay. She learns that vampires are real and there are other supernatural creatures in the world. As they got to know each other, she told him that his ex was supposed to bring her with him to Paris. Then, she tells Tristan it is her dream to go to Paris. He decides to take her to the Guardians so they can help her.
Natalie learns that she is a Fire Maiden that she has royal blood. They need her so that they can protect the city. However, Tristan did not know that his boss used vampires to track her to confirm if she's truly a Fire Maiden. Tristan is appointed as her bodyguard to protect her until his boss finds a suitable mate. He has feelings for Natalie, and he is thinking of kissing her, but he cannot disobey the orders of pursuing her since she is a Fire Maiden and he is only a commoner. He cannot ignore the feelings he tried to deny as the sparks ignite between them. Their desires are reflected through each other's eyes as they spent a passionate night sleeping beside one another. However, they will not expect that a dangerous plan to capture Natalie awaits that may lead to her death if someone will not come to her rescue soon.
The story is well-written, and I love that the plot is good. This is my first book of the author and it
did not fail to capture my attention. I also love how it was interesting to read, and I fell in love with the vivid description of Paris. Natalie is an independent, fierce, compassionate, strong, and determined woman. Tristan is a strong, powerful, loyal, honorable, and fearless dragon shifter. They have strong chemistry, and the air is full of tension as he struggles to control himself around her. I enjoyed reading the book, and I love how Natalie and Tristan found their HEA ending as mates. I would hope that there were more scenes of them in the future as a happy couple.

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie Brewer has recently moved to Paris to live her dream. Unfortunately things don’t go as planned when she realizes vampires are real, and they are after her for some reason. She is rescued by dragon shifter Tristan Chevalier, who has been hired by the Guardians of Paris to keep an eye on the vampires. Before she realizes it, she is swept up in a new world filled with supernaturals and realizing that she isn’t as normal as she thought she was.

This was a great start for a new series. I was captivated by the world, the characters and the romance building between them. I really liked Natalie. She was Kind, determined, and courageous. After a bad break up she realizes she needs to stop letting things get in the way of her dream to live in Paris and just go and do it. I really love this and wish I could channel this in my own life because sometimes I feel like I let stupid things hold me back from doing what I want. I loved seeing the progression of her strength and determination, especially for doing what she felt was right.

Tristan was the strong, silent, and emotionally scarred hero. He had a rough upbringing and believes he isn’t worthy of a mate, especially one who is the Fire Maiden. He is stubborn throughout most of the book in denying his feelings for Natalie, and she won’t let him ignore it. Together these two are the perfect couple to bring peace to Paris.

I can’t wait to read the next book and see what is going on with Liam. I really want him to have a HEA and mate because he deserves it.


*ARC provided by the author for an honest review.*


This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful Listen

Overall: 5 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 5 Stars

I am loving this new series by Ms. Lowe. It's fun with lots of humor and suspense. Can't forget to mention it takes place in Paris, beautiful Paris. What more can we want with a sweet romance story.

Ms. Osborne did a lovely job with the narration.

I enjoyed the story. While it mostly follows the pattern of the previous series, there were a couple of twists that surprised and please me. It kept the story fresh and engaging.

Natalie is a sweet yet feisty heroine with a heart for the downtrodden and no room for snobbery. Tristan is practically perfect in every way. He's strong, handsome, fearless, and noble. He's also determined to protect Natalie and make sure she has the final say in her life.

I loved the secondary characters in the guardians group, especially Clara and Hugo. They are so sweet and adorable. I also enjoyed Liam, the lion shifter. In many ways he reminded me of Del from the "Aloha Shifters: Pearls of Desire" series. There is obviously a backstory with him which I can't wait to learn about in the next story.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of the audiobook. I also purchased the Kindle version.

[Andi Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. Anna yet again creates a wonderful tale of two souls coming together amidst the trials of Shifters in Paris.
Natalie has settled there, finding her calling in helping those in need. She hadn't counted on being hassled by a greedy vampire! She learns a lot about herself and heritage as the story unfolds.
And that includes her coming together with Tristan. A dragon and a warrior. Charged with her care; yet drawn to her in so many ways.
Together they grow and fight for their right to love and be loved.
The supporting characters are themselves amazing. Clara and Hugo are another established pair during this story, both entertaining characters. Also, Liam, the funny big cat shifter with loads of British humour that I love. His tale will be fun to see unfold.
But... Anna!!! You have to find a mate for Alaric!!! That stubborn, angry and moody dragon needs to have his own mate come into his life and give him some love and joy!!! A great leader but he needs a woman of his own, pretty please?
This was my first foray into the Fire Maidens series, and I loved it. I was given a copy to read for which I happily review and give 5 stars and more

[djc- · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan is a dragon shifter tasked by the Guardians to keep Paris safe. Natalie is just your everyday human looking to enjoy Paris. When her life is in danger Tristan becomes her bodyguard and that's when things really get interesting. He has the hard job of keeping her out of danger and he knows someone is after her. He also feels there is more to Natalie then what he sees. Tristan and Natalie's attraction continues to grow as they try and keep Paris safe. These are two strong characters who come against an interesting enemy. They work together to overcome all the problems and obstacles they run into.

This was a fantastic story. It has the mystery, suspence and romance anyone would want in a story. The ending was excellent and all loose ends came together nicely. Once you start this you will not want to stop. Anna Lowe books draw you in; they are fast-paced page-turners that you will enjoy. I look forward to reading her next book.

[Toula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book review

Book 1 in a new series by Anna Lowe . This new series is set in the city of love . It has a strong Hero . The details in this story are well written , the story draws the listener in. Anna wrote a story filled with all the different types of paranormals types . You will catch a glimpse of some previous characters.
Hero is Tristan. Heroine is Natalie.
It starts of with Natalie not knowing what her background is . She finds out what her powers are by accident. Once she finds out she comes from a very strong line , more powerful then any paranormal type . For that reason some people are after her .
Tristan wants a normal life , a quite life . He meets Natalie and once he does he wants to be her , that includes keeping her out of harm

Kelsey Osborne performance was great . Her voice is strong and clear .

[Nanadeb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good continuation of the prequel (listed at the end of this series on Amazon).

Natalie made a good FL/ Fire Maiden. She knew what she wanted and went after it without being an in-your-face tough woman. She was caring and giving with others and that love was reciprocated back to her. Tristan was a strong ying to her yang, protecting her at all costs. I was a little let down at the end when she'd gone to her history book and said she "had it in the bag" when they had to face their leader Alaric. I was expecting a better genealogy on Tristan's family instead of what she mentioned, but that's on me. It was fun referring back to my HS French classes for some of the dialogue too. I was surprised I remembered as much as I did! Now I'm on to the free bonus scene from the author. Enjoy!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie felt an unexplainable pull to move to Paris. There she finds herself pulled into a world of supernatural creatures and her role in safeguarding the city. Luckily an honourable sexy, grumpy bodyguard, Tristan, is a perk.
This was an enjoyable, light urban fantasy read - interesting world building, plenty of spice and mates. I'm looking to the rest of the series.
Fav Quote:
He nodded, quietly reveling in the healing touch of his mate. “With you, I’m always all right. It’s the rest of the world I get fed up with.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I can't stop daydreaming and telling everyone about this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A great read with all the feels. I would read again.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book but wouldn't it read again.
⭐⭐ - Usually in the DNF pile or I suffered until the end for whatever reason.
⭐- Just no.

[Rmc · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5****. Fire Maidens: Paris is the first book in the Billionaires and Bodyguard PNR series and is a forbidden romance. The story features Natalie Brewer, a young woman who loves working with people in Paris and Tristan Chevalier a bodyguard and dragon shifter.

Natalie discovers that her secret dreams of sailing high above the beautiful city may actually become possible but so might her nightmares about vampires and other creatures stalking her. A dangerous world of hidden shifters is suddenly revealed to her as well as the fact that she has an important role to play. The only one she trusts to keep her safe is her new friend and bodyguard Tristan.

I enjoyed this couple’s slow burn journey getting to their HEA.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Read

I’ve read a lot of shifter books but I must confess this is my first dragon shifter book. I’m so glad I waited. Tristan is a perfect first. When he first laid eyes on Natalie he knows she’s his mate. What he doesn’t know, is she’s so much more. She is one of a group of Fire Maidens who protect and help keep control of the shifter world in major cities. Natalie doesn’t even know this...yet. She does know she is in danger from what she this is vampires and she is right. Tristan is now her guardian and must protect her and has been ordered by the powers that be to protect her only. She is to be mated with a royal. Hmm...we’ll see about that!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Ok fire 🔥 maidens. Natalie feels the pull of Paris.never knowing what destiny holds for her. Tristian not just a a warrior, but a dragon warrior at that. Tristan is assigned as Natalie 's body guard . Because surprise! She may just be the long awaited fire maiden! Will he be able to keep her safe from the schemes of the dragon 🐉 court? Well he might just die trying.
You can never go wrong with an Anna Lowe story. From blue moon 🌙 saloon, and twin moon ranch to Aloha shifters and pearls of desire you are in for a great story. No matter the characters or the circumstances I never want to put the book down. Enjoy reading 📚📚📚

[Kiranna Travellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Anna Lowe, it's a bit different to what I would normally read. The storyline is good and the surroundings in the world are well described, you can picture it if you close your eyes. There are some really great characters in this book, and the main characters are very interesting and fun. I think apart from one guy who's name I can't remember, and obviously a certain female, I liked all of the people in this. The narrator is perky and does a good job, considering how rough this year has been. It's a book worth reading, one of my favourite things about this series is that each book takes place in different parts of the world.

[BreRile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to an intriguing series

Natalie is drawn to Paris and a precious bauble but doesn't know why. Tristan saves her from a stalker on the subway and is instantly attracted to her. Neither knows she's a Fire Maiden descended from a long line of powerful women who protect the shifter and human worlds. The Guardians long for the return of the Fire Maidens but want to control them. Natalie and Tristan are fated mates but they'll have to navigate politics, their insecurities and a power hungry clan bent on claiming Natalie for their own. Action, humor and white hot attraction make this a quick, sexy read.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has such an interesting concept. So long as one descendant of the dragon queen lives happily in the major cities of the world, humans and shifters live in peace. Natalie is very unassuming but turns out to be the Paris fire maiden who feels an instant connection with Tristan, a dragon soldier who patrols the city. The leader of the guardians is Alaric and I rather loathe him for how he behaved with her. Just “you’ll mate with whoever I say and don’t actually matter as a person” bullshit. It was great seeing her stand up to him and find her confidence/inner dragon. I’m very curious about Liam’s story in the next book.

[Serenechaosnyc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun quick read, this book is the first I’m the series (although the prequel is worthy of a read too). In this book, Natalie finds herself being targeted by vampires and she is saved by Tristan, a dragon shifter. I adored both characters. Natalie is sweet and a good person as is Tristan and though they both have their insecurities, they are stronger together. This book set up the lore of the fire maidens and it is a fun story. We meet Liam, the lion shifter who will be the main character in the next book and he is awesome. Overall a great start!

[Kirsten Ensman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice fiery read

It has a bit of a biting tale with vampires and all. I said fiery read because of the dragons. I would have liked to see her not so wishy washy. Sometimes she was brave and other times not so much. Make up your mind. How can she go up against vampires and then be afraid to fly. I would like to have seen a bit more of the braveness to have come through all the time. Its a nice read.

[Alexis Rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good paced book and super interesting universe. The fmc is interesting but the whole trope of “I have no idea I’m beautiful and powerful and question that constantly” got kind of annoying. The romance was great tho once it actually moved along and the mmc was drool worthy. The series moves from one couple to the next so the second book in this series I dnf because it was the exact same trope with the fmc and I wasn’t in the mood for that.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalie feels an instant attraction to the gruff Tristan and it grows stronger with each encounter. She’s come to Paris to follow her dreams but when supernatural beings hunt her it’s Tristan to the rescue and then she aids her hero. Lots of action, funny moments and betrayal too. I read this using my KU subscription and look forward to the rest of the series.