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Shadow Guardians #1
Leopard's Kiss
In New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Rowe's new Shadow Guardians series, an ice-cold assassin who stalks the darkest fringes of society is forced to become the guardian of the woman he is supposed to kill.
Slade Cross, known as the Black Swan, became an assassin the night his family was murdered. He has evolved into a deadly, silent killer who lives in the shadows, existing in isolation. No one ever sees him or remembers him, and his existence is no more than a legend, whispered in fear by those who he will hunt. He connects with no one…ever…until a hit gone wrong forces him to accept the one assignment he'd never thought he'd take: to save instead of kill.
Slade has no concept of mercy, of humanity, of connection, and yet those are exactly what his new charge, Anya Diaz, demands of him. Desperate to save her kidnapped sister, Anya compels Slade to engage emotionally, dragging them both deeper into the twisted, deadly world of the shifter black market. Fierce passion ignites between the two guarded souls, but rising danger threatens to unravel every step they take toward survival. Will the secrets they've both been hiding destroy what little they have left, or will their growing connection empower them to prevail against an enemy far worse than either of them imagined?
Slade Cross, known as the Black Swan, became an assassin the night his family was murdered. He has evolved into a deadly, silent killer who lives in the shadows, existing in isolation. No one ever sees him or remembers him, and his existence is no more than a legend, whispered in fear by those who he will hunt. He connects with no one…ever…until a hit gone wrong forces him to accept the one assignment he'd never thought he'd take: to save instead of kill.
Slade has no concept of mercy, of humanity, of connection, and yet those are exactly what his new charge, Anya Diaz, demands of him. Desperate to save her kidnapped sister, Anya compels Slade to engage emotionally, dragging them both deeper into the twisted, deadly world of the shifter black market. Fierce passion ignites between the two guarded souls, but rising danger threatens to unravel every step they take toward survival. Will the secrets they've both been hiding destroy what little they have left, or will their growing connection empower them to prevail against an enemy far worse than either of them imagined?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2016
48 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Rowe
112 books1,537 followersHailed as a "paranormal star!" by J.R. Ward, Stephanie Rowe is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty-five novels. She is the 2018 RITA® winner for Best Paranormal Romance, as well as a five-time nominee for this prestigious award. For more on Stephanie and her books, visit her at www.stephaneierowe.com, or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StephanieRow....
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
A life-long reader, she began crafting stories at age ten, but didn't realize it was her dream until she was an adult.
Once the light dawned, she immediately left behind "work" as the world defines it and went to "work" as she defines it, which means getting up every morning with a smile in her heart so she can spend the day doing that which makes her spirit sing.
Stephanie believes in learning to listen to your heart in order to figure out what your dreams are, and then opening yourself to the inspiration that will direct you there. She believes we all deserve the right to enjoy life, and for the ride to be as easy as we want it to be, and that we all should accept nothing less than making our dreams come true.
Stephanie lives in New England, and spends every day doing her best to fill it with people, observations and activities that uplift her soul, which include writing, tennis, dancing, friends, and her amazing family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 10, 2016
Fans of Stephanie Rowe's Order of the Blade PNR series will love Leopard's Kiss, first in her new series about deadly assassins with other worldly abilities who become Shadow Guardians.
Before his world was turned upside down he was known as Slade Cross. After his family was murdered he became known as the Black Swan – the deadliest of assassins with powers to hide in the shadows and to kill his victims with a kiss of death. He has no emotions and never turns down a job. His latest job is to kill Anya Diaz and even once he finds her and has a feeling that she is innocent he still vows to do his job until something goes horribly wrong and instead he becomes her Guardian.
I enjoyed the world building in this book – meeting the new characters and through out the book finding out what they really are and how each of their missions in life had totally changed from the beginning of the book. The men start out as deadly assassins but by the end vow to be Shadow Guardians to those that need their protection from the evil that wants them dead.
Before his world was turned upside down he was known as Slade Cross. After his family was murdered he became known as the Black Swan – the deadliest of assassins with powers to hide in the shadows and to kill his victims with a kiss of death. He has no emotions and never turns down a job. His latest job is to kill Anya Diaz and even once he finds her and has a feeling that she is innocent he still vows to do his job until something goes horribly wrong and instead he becomes her Guardian.
I enjoyed the world building in this book – meeting the new characters and through out the book finding out what they really are and how each of their missions in life had totally changed from the beginning of the book. The men start out as deadly assassins but by the end vow to be Shadow Guardians to those that need their protection from the evil that wants them dead.
May 26, 2016
Stephanie Rowe has done it again and is a paranormal genius with her new shifter book Leopard’s Kiss. As a Stephanie Rowe fan I am always amazed by her writing and how she puts words together and spins a tale that evokes so many emotions that I can’t even begin to explain them. With Leopard’s Kiss, I got exactly what I was expecting when reading one of her stories and was left blown away…In this story you have Slade a deadly assassin and Anya the woman he was hired to eliminate but with an awesome crazy twist to the story, Slade now has to be her guardian and protect her from the people/threats that are out to get her. I’m trying to be vague as I don’t want to give any spoilers because I loved how with each chapter something new came to light that just made this story get better and better. If you enjoy paranormal romance stories with shifters, hot and sexy alphas, take no crap from anyone heroines, super steamy sexy scenes, the perfect amount of humor that has you cracking up at the crazy and witty things the characters say, twists and turns that make you feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster and topped off with some of the best writing you’ll ever read then you definitely need to read this book. I loved this story!
May 30, 2016
This book was amazing. I was so enthralled with this story that I couldn't put it down. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I first starting reading, but I quickly fell in love. Slade is an assassin. He is a very cold hearted person. He is ruthless and will stop at nothing to get the job done...until he meets his latest target, Anya. There is something about her that gets to him like no one else ever has. He's not the only one out to get her though. Slade must decide whether to complete the job or save her from the danger that is coming. Along the way Slade becomes her guardian instead of her killer. I love how detailed this book was. I admit I did not see some of the twists that came along the way! Made for an interesting story. I can't wait to see what the next book is.
May 28, 2016
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review
I love how Stephanie writes, her magic pulls you in and just weaves the world around you to the point you feel you know these characters. Slade/The Black Swan will absolutely break your heart, he has suffered so much that now he has completely become unemotional and the perfect assassin. Anya is his target but things change in an instant, I do not want to give anything away but say I laughed and cried so many times while reading this book. Killian I feel is so much like Slade that you can't help but love him too and I cannot wait for his book, and Julia will have to have her story told too. Lots of action in this book I Highly recommend
I love how Stephanie writes, her magic pulls you in and just weaves the world around you to the point you feel you know these characters. Slade/The Black Swan will absolutely break your heart, he has suffered so much that now he has completely become unemotional and the perfect assassin. Anya is his target but things change in an instant, I do not want to give anything away but say I laughed and cried so many times while reading this book. Killian I feel is so much like Slade that you can't help but love him too and I cannot wait for his book, and Julia will have to have her story told too. Lots of action in this book I Highly recommend
October 13, 2016
This is the first book of a new series for this author. I love when what I think I know about a paranormal race gets turned on end. Great look at shifters and the dark underworld of shifter/human society.
Our hero is an unfeeling self made assassin. He is truthful and keeps his word. Until he meets his next target. Anya is something more. Slade is intrigued. the story unfolds as we watch life be pumped back into his cold heart.
Lots of suspense and mystery in this one. There is still so much to learn about the world they live in. Looking forward to seeing some of the secondary characters in this story get their turn to shine. Great start to a series.
Our hero is an unfeeling self made assassin. He is truthful and keeps his word. Until he meets his next target. Anya is something more. Slade is intrigued. the story unfolds as we watch life be pumped back into his cold heart.
Lots of suspense and mystery in this one. There is still so much to learn about the world they live in. Looking forward to seeing some of the secondary characters in this story get their turn to shine. Great start to a series.
June 3, 2016
SLADE Cross is a loner. An Assassin living in the shadows.
He's sent to kill Anya.
Boom.
Instant attraction.
Anya is in hiding and has been all her life.
Gripped from beginning to end. This story line is pure brilliance.
Can Anya break the casings around slade's heart?
Can the put their trust into each other to find out why Slade has another chance at life.
I recommend this to every shifter fan out there.
Loved loved loved Leopards Kiss.
He's sent to kill Anya.
Boom.
Instant attraction.
Anya is in hiding and has been all her life.
Gripped from beginning to end. This story line is pure brilliance.
Can Anya break the casings around slade's heart?
Can the put their trust into each other to find out why Slade has another chance at life.
I recommend this to every shifter fan out there.
Loved loved loved Leopards Kiss.
May 27, 2016
New series and I love it!!
June 10, 2016
You know that guy everyone whispers about? The one that's talked about in hushed tones, and no one is sure if he's real or not, but the stories about him are abundant? Psst...that's Slade, aka The Black Swan. Yeah, he's real and you only have contact with him for two reasons. You're hiring him to "take care" of a problem or you are the problem. *cue eerie music*
Unfortunately, for Anya, she's the latter of those two. However, she's on Slade's radar for the wrong reasons. Anya isn't the type of person he's usually hired to kill. She's actually a good person, innocent of any wrong doing, but she's making someone very nervous as she searches for her best friend, Julia. She's also been in hiding her whole life, along with her Mom, her friend, Marjorie, and Marjorie's daughter, Julia. They're something special and are being hunted for what they are. Anya and Julia are the only two left, and Anya has a little something extra that Julia doesn't, making her even more valuable to the right, or would that be the wrong, person.
Thankfully for Anya, her demise may not be imminent as Slade is somewhat intrigued by her and he's also given an ultimatum regarding her. He either protects her or he stays dead. Yep, the one thing that could take him out is also after Anya and Slade ends up in the line of fire, saving her, sacrificing himself.
Slade, alone both by force and choice, has distanced himself from any emotion as to let them loose would overwhelm him. The loss of his family at a young age, and staying away from his only living relative for their safety, has made him what he is today and he always completes an assignment.
Anya changes so much for him as he needs to protect, instead of kill, feel instead of be apathetic, and just maybe gain instead of lose. To get back to what he's always known, Slade must protect Anya from any and all threats, even when he feels he himself is a threat to her.
Will Anya convince Slade it's okay to feel, to love? Or will he believe he's better off as he was before? Will Slade realize his kiss can be used for pleasure, instead of only as a weapon? *cue today's earworm - It's in his kiss, yeah, that's where it is.* What happens when Slade's past and Anya's present collide? Can Slade keep Anya safe? Will they save Julia? Will Slade trust the help from an unexpected source? How will the revelations Anya learns about her mom, and subsequently Anya's own conception and birth, impact her? Will Slade take a chance at having a family again? Or will he let Anya go, thinking it's easier not to have everything you've ever wanted when you could lose it all?
Buy this book. That is all. Okay, I'll expound upon that. This is book one in a new series and I am already hooked. The premise is so unique and the hero isn't really a hero...at first. He's a bad guy. The one all others fear, yet you root for him. You want him to accept the love Anya has for him and your heart breaks when you see how badly he wants her, the life they could have together, and a happiness he never thought he could have. It was a beautiful thing to watch as this assassin began to feel, to let himself live, and hope, and love, and want. We literally get to see him regaining his humanity, being overcome with the emotions he'd long suppressed. I am eagerly anticipating book two and fear the wait may do me in. Thankfully this wonderful author will have other releases in between to ease my withdrawal symptoms.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Unfortunately, for Anya, she's the latter of those two. However, she's on Slade's radar for the wrong reasons. Anya isn't the type of person he's usually hired to kill. She's actually a good person, innocent of any wrong doing, but she's making someone very nervous as she searches for her best friend, Julia. She's also been in hiding her whole life, along with her Mom, her friend, Marjorie, and Marjorie's daughter, Julia. They're something special and are being hunted for what they are. Anya and Julia are the only two left, and Anya has a little something extra that Julia doesn't, making her even more valuable to the right, or would that be the wrong, person.
Thankfully for Anya, her demise may not be imminent as Slade is somewhat intrigued by her and he's also given an ultimatum regarding her. He either protects her or he stays dead. Yep, the one thing that could take him out is also after Anya and Slade ends up in the line of fire, saving her, sacrificing himself.
Slade, alone both by force and choice, has distanced himself from any emotion as to let them loose would overwhelm him. The loss of his family at a young age, and staying away from his only living relative for their safety, has made him what he is today and he always completes an assignment.
Anya changes so much for him as he needs to protect, instead of kill, feel instead of be apathetic, and just maybe gain instead of lose. To get back to what he's always known, Slade must protect Anya from any and all threats, even when he feels he himself is a threat to her.
Will Anya convince Slade it's okay to feel, to love? Or will he believe he's better off as he was before? Will Slade realize his kiss can be used for pleasure, instead of only as a weapon? *cue today's earworm - It's in his kiss, yeah, that's where it is.* What happens when Slade's past and Anya's present collide? Can Slade keep Anya safe? Will they save Julia? Will Slade trust the help from an unexpected source? How will the revelations Anya learns about her mom, and subsequently Anya's own conception and birth, impact her? Will Slade take a chance at having a family again? Or will he let Anya go, thinking it's easier not to have everything you've ever wanted when you could lose it all?
Buy this book. That is all. Okay, I'll expound upon that. This is book one in a new series and I am already hooked. The premise is so unique and the hero isn't really a hero...at first. He's a bad guy. The one all others fear, yet you root for him. You want him to accept the love Anya has for him and your heart breaks when you see how badly he wants her, the life they could have together, and a happiness he never thought he could have. It was a beautiful thing to watch as this assassin began to feel, to let himself live, and hope, and love, and want. We literally get to see him regaining his humanity, being overcome with the emotions he'd long suppressed. I am eagerly anticipating book two and fear the wait may do me in. Thankfully this wonderful author will have other releases in between to ease my withdrawal symptoms.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
June 6, 2016
Leopard's Kiss by Stephanie Rowe
An assassin turned protector. A woman on the run. It's the start of a fast paranormal suspense that twists and enthralls. The heroine is strong and willing to fight her battles. She isn't afraid of the bad assassin and that amuses him and puts him off his stride. It's nice to see a woman soften up a male by refusing to take his crap. I enjoyed their interplay and dance getting to know each other's strengths and emotional needs.
It's definitely on the darker side of the paranormal romance genre. It also sets up characters and storylines for futures series books.
“She stared at him, and then a slow smile spread across her face. For a split second, he was too shocked to do anything but stare. Her smile was absolutely riveting. Her smile was genuine, directed at him, of her own free will, without guile or manipulation.
He'd never had anyone smile at him like that before. Women smiled because they wanted to coax him into their beds. Men smiled to try to defuse his aggressiveness or win his favor. His prey smiled because he projected their fantasies into their head. No one had simply smiled at him before.
He liked it. It felt good. It felt like she'd poured sunshine into his body.
So he frowned. "Why are you smiling?"
Excerpt From: Rowe, Stephanie. “Leopard’s Kiss: A Shadow Guardian’s Novel.” SBD Press.
An assassin turned protector. A woman on the run. It's the start of a fast paranormal suspense that twists and enthralls. The heroine is strong and willing to fight her battles. She isn't afraid of the bad assassin and that amuses him and puts him off his stride. It's nice to see a woman soften up a male by refusing to take his crap. I enjoyed their interplay and dance getting to know each other's strengths and emotional needs.
It's definitely on the darker side of the paranormal romance genre. It also sets up characters and storylines for futures series books.
“She stared at him, and then a slow smile spread across her face. For a split second, he was too shocked to do anything but stare. Her smile was absolutely riveting. Her smile was genuine, directed at him, of her own free will, without guile or manipulation.
He'd never had anyone smile at him like that before. Women smiled because they wanted to coax him into their beds. Men smiled to try to defuse his aggressiveness or win his favor. His prey smiled because he projected their fantasies into their head. No one had simply smiled at him before.
He liked it. It felt good. It felt like she'd poured sunshine into his body.
So he frowned. "Why are you smiling?"
Excerpt From: Rowe, Stephanie. “Leopard’s Kiss: A Shadow Guardian’s Novel.” SBD Press.
June 4, 2016
Leopard’s Kiss (Shadow Guardians #1)
A foundation story that a spectacular series can be built on. This book was astoundingly detailed, leading the reader on an adventure that builds in tempo as it progresses.
Introducing Slade, the assassin, as a dark character who isn’t the typical lead of such a book is an unique twist that makes you wonder exactly what else you’ve assumed. Nothing is as it seems. Everything has a reason, a point to make, and leads to the next step.
Anya is on the run, has been on the run all her life. Having lost so much she’s no longer running but finds herself trapped and searching, not just for answers to why she’s running, but for her closest friend, Julia.
Lines between good and bad are blurred. The emotional development of the main characters form the flesh of the story-line whilst the plot thickens at its core. Background influences throughout the story add weight to the story, whilst giving the reader more to sink their teeth in to.
Steamy in places, moving in others, this book grabs the reader and pulls them into another world. An adventurous first step into a new series by the renowned author of the ‘Order of the Blade’ series. The only problem I found with the book was that the ending left me wanting more and I found myself checking through the ‘sneak peaks’ for clues to when the next book is released.
A foundation story that a spectacular series can be built on. This book was astoundingly detailed, leading the reader on an adventure that builds in tempo as it progresses.
Introducing Slade, the assassin, as a dark character who isn’t the typical lead of such a book is an unique twist that makes you wonder exactly what else you’ve assumed. Nothing is as it seems. Everything has a reason, a point to make, and leads to the next step.
Anya is on the run, has been on the run all her life. Having lost so much she’s no longer running but finds herself trapped and searching, not just for answers to why she’s running, but for her closest friend, Julia.
Lines between good and bad are blurred. The emotional development of the main characters form the flesh of the story-line whilst the plot thickens at its core. Background influences throughout the story add weight to the story, whilst giving the reader more to sink their teeth in to.
Steamy in places, moving in others, this book grabs the reader and pulls them into another world. An adventurous first step into a new series by the renowned author of the ‘Order of the Blade’ series. The only problem I found with the book was that the ending left me wanting more and I found myself checking through the ‘sneak peaks’ for clues to when the next book is released.
June 9, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Wow. The story of Slade and Anya is truly amazing and keeps you engaged with them throughout the whole book. The strength and chemistry that comes from them whilst they help each other grow in their own way is entrancing. The story has everything you would want from a paranormal book, plenty of suspense, magic, romance, steamy scenes and the ability to suck you in as if you are there. It does an amazing job setting the background for future books with the introduction of several characters that I'm sure will play a major part in the shadow guardian series and I can't wait for the next one! I was glued from start to finish, what an amazing start to what looks to be a fantastic series!
Another fantastic read from Stephanie Rowe!!!!
Wow. The story of Slade and Anya is truly amazing and keeps you engaged with them throughout the whole book. The strength and chemistry that comes from them whilst they help each other grow in their own way is entrancing. The story has everything you would want from a paranormal book, plenty of suspense, magic, romance, steamy scenes and the ability to suck you in as if you are there. It does an amazing job setting the background for future books with the introduction of several characters that I'm sure will play a major part in the shadow guardian series and I can't wait for the next one! I was glued from start to finish, what an amazing start to what looks to be a fantastic series!
Another fantastic read from Stephanie Rowe!!!!
June 7, 2016
Leopards Kiss is the first in a new paranormal series by Stephanie Rowe and I loved it! Assassin Slade Cross's latest job is to kill Anya Diaz, but instead of killing her, Slade finds himself thrust into the role of her Guardian. Leopards Kiss is action packed and full of twists and turns, the story alone kept me gripped and that is before I even touch on the fantastic romance between the two leads. Slade and Anya had great chemistry, there were steamy moments, emotional scenes and I loved their interactions overall.
This is a very promising new series, and I cannot wait to read more about the characters introduced here and the new world that Rowe has created. I hope it is not too long until the next book is released!
This is a very promising new series, and I cannot wait to read more about the characters introduced here and the new world that Rowe has created. I hope it is not too long until the next book is released!
June 7, 2016
Slade is an assassin sent to kill Anya but for some reason he cannot do so and becomes her guardian instead.
There is a whole lot of suspense, action and romance within these pages. I too fell for Slade the ultimate bad boy alpha who learns how to love by opening himself up to Anya. Together they look for Julia Anya's only friend. So much passion unfolds both romantically and dramatically.
Ms. Rowe crafted well when she wrote this story. I'm so glad that I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There is a whole lot of suspense, action and romance within these pages. I too fell for Slade the ultimate bad boy alpha who learns how to love by opening himself up to Anya. Together they look for Julia Anya's only friend. So much passion unfolds both romantically and dramatically.
Ms. Rowe crafted well when she wrote this story. I'm so glad that I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2016
Unexpected twists and turns! I love it when I'm surprised in a book!! The love scenes were so enthralling that I literally had to squirm. There was humor throughout. Edge of your seat suspense. I even gasped out loud a couple times. If there was a sixth star, I would have picked it. I can't describe enough how much I loved this book and would recommend it in a second. Stephanie Rowe never ceases to amaze me with her writing skills. This was paranormal shifters on a whole new level! Provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2016
Okay Stephanie Rowe how do you come up with these character arcs? Seriously I am in love with Slade and Anya. Slade's story pulled at my heartstrings, and I cried for The Black Swan - so emotionless he's the perfect assassin until he meets Anya.
I don't want to give too much away about the story but Stephanie is a master storyteller and you will not be disappointed in any way.
I don't want to give too much away about the story but Stephanie is a master storyteller and you will not be disappointed in any way.
June 17, 2016
Great start
I'm a big fan of Stephanie's and this was a great read! Her PNRs are my favorite out of all of her books and this was didn't disappoint!
I'm a big fan of Stephanie's and this was a great read! Her PNRs are my favorite out of all of her books and this was didn't disappoint!
on-kindle-to-read
October 7, 2016On sale for $2.99.
June 7, 2016
Leppard's Kiss is the first in a new series about a deadly assassins with other abilities.
Before the world as he knows it is turned upside down and inside out he was known as just Slade Cross. But after his family was brutally murdered he changed and became known as the Black Swan... the deadliest of all assassins with special powers to hide himself in the shadows and to kill his targets with a kiss of death.
Slade has no emotions at all and he never turns down a job. His latest assignment is to kill Anya Diaz and even when he finds her and has a feeling deep down inside of him that she is innocent he will still carry out his assignment until something goes utterly wrong and somehow he has know become her Guardian.
I so enjoyed this book the world building is simply incredible and just what i expect when i read a Stephanie Rowe also how she is able too incorporate all the new characters and how we find out the what they are and how each and everyone of their missions in life has o so changed from the very beginning of the book.
See the men all start out as scary and deadly assassins but near the end of the book they all vow to be Shadow Guardians for and to those that ultimately need their help as well as protection from the evil that wants them dead.
This book is amazing i don't no how Stephanie Rowe does it but she had me caught in a trap a book trap where i kept flicking the pages over and over and over till it was finished.... picture me with a sad face yes that was what i felt like when this book finished..... is it bad that im greedy for more already.
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
Before the world as he knows it is turned upside down and inside out he was known as just Slade Cross. But after his family was brutally murdered he changed and became known as the Black Swan... the deadliest of all assassins with special powers to hide himself in the shadows and to kill his targets with a kiss of death.
Slade has no emotions at all and he never turns down a job. His latest assignment is to kill Anya Diaz and even when he finds her and has a feeling deep down inside of him that she is innocent he will still carry out his assignment until something goes utterly wrong and somehow he has know become her Guardian.
I so enjoyed this book the world building is simply incredible and just what i expect when i read a Stephanie Rowe also how she is able too incorporate all the new characters and how we find out the what they are and how each and everyone of their missions in life has o so changed from the very beginning of the book.
See the men all start out as scary and deadly assassins but near the end of the book they all vow to be Shadow Guardians for and to those that ultimately need their help as well as protection from the evil that wants them dead.
This book is amazing i don't no how Stephanie Rowe does it but she had me caught in a trap a book trap where i kept flicking the pages over and over and over till it was finished.... picture me with a sad face yes that was what i felt like when this book finished..... is it bad that im greedy for more already.
4 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
June 4, 2017
Leopard’s Kiss is another great read by Stephanie Rowe. Rowe writes several genres, all equally well, and I especially love her paranormal romances. It takes so much imagination to write any fiction but to create your own world with very different circumstances from the one we inhabit is quite a talent. Rowe shows how well she does this again with this book.
Slade Cross is so sexy. The stereotypically brooding, gorgeous, rich hunk who doesn’t think he has a protective side until he meets Anya Diaz. While trying to assassinate her, he is forced to instead keep her safe from others who would do the job he can’t.
Anya can’t afford to trust anyone but she’s a far more open soul and can see Slade is a much better man than he thinks he is. She knows he won’t hurt her and will help long before he realizes it. I love the way she calls him out on that fact several times. Slade fights her belief in him but ultimately can’t help but develop feelings for this amazing woman.
I particularly like that Anya is strong. She’s capable. She’s determined. She can do it without Slade. But even strong women get tired of carrying the burden alone at times.
The two don’t even realize until late in the story that the secrets they can’t even share with each other are the ones which tie them most strongly together.
I can’t wait for the next installment in this new series. There are several characters I’m anxious to learn more about.
Imaginative characters and situations, gripping action, hot sex and melt your heart romance make this book one you must read.
Slade Cross is so sexy. The stereotypically brooding, gorgeous, rich hunk who doesn’t think he has a protective side until he meets Anya Diaz. While trying to assassinate her, he is forced to instead keep her safe from others who would do the job he can’t.
Anya can’t afford to trust anyone but she’s a far more open soul and can see Slade is a much better man than he thinks he is. She knows he won’t hurt her and will help long before he realizes it. I love the way she calls him out on that fact several times. Slade fights her belief in him but ultimately can’t help but develop feelings for this amazing woman.
I particularly like that Anya is strong. She’s capable. She’s determined. She can do it without Slade. But even strong women get tired of carrying the burden alone at times.
The two don’t even realize until late in the story that the secrets they can’t even share with each other are the ones which tie them most strongly together.
I can’t wait for the next installment in this new series. There are several characters I’m anxious to learn more about.
Imaginative characters and situations, gripping action, hot sex and melt your heart romance make this book one you must read.
June 11, 2016
Anya and Julia along with their mother's have been in hiding all of Anya's life. Never staying anywhere for long and the girls were taught to fight and never trust ANYONE. When they come home to find their mother's murdered they run as they were taught. They both are shifters but Anya has secrets even Julia doesn't know.
Slade lives in the shadows ever since he was nine and his parents were murdered by the people who are hunting Anya and Julia but none of them know this. Slade brought his baby brother to a church in the hopes he would be adopted by a normal family and live a normal and happy life. He trains his mind to be able to bend others minds and becomes an assassin while trying to track those that killed his parents.
Someone wants Anya dead and hired Slade to do it. When he meets her, there is something about her that makes him hesitate killing her and in stead he is killed but before he is totally gone, he is given the choice of going to hell or becoming Anya's guardian.
Stephanie Rowe is an amazing writer with a fantastic ability at story telling. Leopard's Kiss is the first of a new series which is proving to be one of her best. This book has something for all paranormal lovers. It has suspense, awakenings, betrayals, some twists and turns. I was given this book for an honest review and recommend it to all.
Slade lives in the shadows ever since he was nine and his parents were murdered by the people who are hunting Anya and Julia but none of them know this. Slade brought his baby brother to a church in the hopes he would be adopted by a normal family and live a normal and happy life. He trains his mind to be able to bend others minds and becomes an assassin while trying to track those that killed his parents.
Someone wants Anya dead and hired Slade to do it. When he meets her, there is something about her that makes him hesitate killing her and in stead he is killed but before he is totally gone, he is given the choice of going to hell or becoming Anya's guardian.
Stephanie Rowe is an amazing writer with a fantastic ability at story telling. Leopard's Kiss is the first of a new series which is proving to be one of her best. This book has something for all paranormal lovers. It has suspense, awakenings, betrayals, some twists and turns. I was given this book for an honest review and recommend it to all.
June 9, 2016
WOW! The author knows how to write a story that just makes you want to curl up and forget everything but what you're reading! Slade is an assassin known as the Black Swan and he's on his way to his next job but when he sees the target he's unable to complete the mission, a first for him, but something about her draws him. Anya after hiding for her entire life is out trying to find her best friend but soon finds out that people either want her dead or just want her. When Slade becomes her guardian he starts to realize that he can't ignore the attraction between. As they both start to become more to each other, the past for each of them come to light. Will they survive the past to have a future together?
I just love the characters in this book! There's so much to them that just when you think you know it all something else is revealed. There's heat with the suspense that give you everything you can want in a book plus surprises! I can't wait to find out what happens next to the characters, bound to be very interesting! I received this in exchange for a honest review.
I just love the characters in this book! There's so much to them that just when you think you know it all something else is revealed. There's heat with the suspense that give you everything you can want in a book plus surprises! I can't wait to find out what happens next to the characters, bound to be very interesting! I received this in exchange for a honest review.
June 10, 2016
Slade is an assassin known only as the Black Swan and everyone fears him. He kills with a kiss that gives the victim a feel good feeling as they die .Slade was paid to kill Anya and he always does his job. Anya has been on the run all her life, all she knew was that someone was after her but she didn't know why or who.Who ever wanted her dead hired Slade to do the job but he doesn't kill innocents and he soon realized that Anya was an innocent. While he made up his mind what to do he tried to find out more about her and why someone wanted her dead. Working together they soon start to get feelings for each other and both fight it because they don't know how this is going to all play out, he has made Anya no promises to not do what he was hired to do. Will they find a future together or will he make good on his contract to kill her? You have to read this book to find out.
I was given this book as an arc reader in exchange for an honest review.
I was given this book as an arc reader in exchange for an honest review.
June 11, 2016
Title: Leopard's Kiss
Series: A Shadow Guardians
Destination: Book 1, 298 Pages,
Author: Stephanie Rowe
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Genre: #PNR #BlackSwan #WhiteLeopard
My Score: #5stars ☆☆☆☆☆
♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡
Wow another hit for this paranormal lady and I thought Order of the Blade was spectacular but this may just give it a run for the money. Ohhhhh yes I definitely recommend this book.
Slade Cross is the ever feared assassin Black Swan, but who is he no one knew who, he gives the saying seal with a kiss a new meaning, more like death by a kiss. He had a new assignment .
Anya Diaz is still running, something she has done her whole life. She doesn't know who or why but someone wants her dead. And now her best friend Julia is missing and Anya had no choice but to try to find her. But she finds trouble instead yummy trouble. I was gifted this book for an honest and truthful review.
Series: A Shadow Guardians
Destination: Book 1, 298 Pages,
Author: Stephanie Rowe
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Genre: #PNR #BlackSwan #WhiteLeopard
My Score: #5stars ☆☆☆☆☆
♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡
Wow another hit for this paranormal lady and I thought Order of the Blade was spectacular but this may just give it a run for the money. Ohhhhh yes I definitely recommend this book.
Slade Cross is the ever feared assassin Black Swan, but who is he no one knew who, he gives the saying seal with a kiss a new meaning, more like death by a kiss. He had a new assignment .
Anya Diaz is still running, something she has done her whole life. She doesn't know who or why but someone wants her dead. And now her best friend Julia is missing and Anya had no choice but to try to find her. But she finds trouble instead yummy trouble. I was gifted this book for an honest and truthful review.
June 10, 2016
Omg what a fantastic read.
When Slade, an assassin know as the Black Swan takes on an assignment to kill Anya, it is the beginning of something that will change his life completely.
There's something different about Anya, why has she been targeted to die ? Who is hunting her ? Slade and Anya's fates are entwined and in this struggle against the forces targeting rare shifters, can a solitary heartless assassin change everything he's lived by ?
I loved everything about this story, the characters, the plot, the twists, they all combined to make a fast paced riveting read that had me glued till the last page and left me wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens next with the Shadow Guardians, I for one will be waiting eagerly for the next book.
When Slade, an assassin know as the Black Swan takes on an assignment to kill Anya, it is the beginning of something that will change his life completely.
There's something different about Anya, why has she been targeted to die ? Who is hunting her ? Slade and Anya's fates are entwined and in this struggle against the forces targeting rare shifters, can a solitary heartless assassin change everything he's lived by ?
I loved everything about this story, the characters, the plot, the twists, they all combined to make a fast paced riveting read that had me glued till the last page and left me wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens next with the Shadow Guardians, I for one will be waiting eagerly for the next book.
June 10, 2016
Stephanie Rowe proves once again that she is a paranormal mistress with this introduction to a new action packed series! Hot shifters and an intense storyline will keep you turning the pages quicker than you can read them. The chemistry between the leading pair is positively explosive, evolving as their relationship turns molten. If you're looking for something a little different and captivating at the same time, this is a series to snatch!
June 11, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was an entirely new to me story unlike many that are out there. I've never read about an assassin killing with a kiss before. I loved both the main characters, Anya and Slade, and I am really hoping we will see them again in any future books in this series (which I will definitely read). There is a certain character that I am really hoping will be the next main character.
June 20, 2016
This was my first Stephanie Rowe read and I will definitely read the next one in this series as well as picking up some of her other books.
Suffice to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Slade was a deliciously tortured badass assassin hero and Anya a sweet ( non virginal thank god) heroine. The suspense was good, the relationship development believable in fact a lovely refreshing read.
Suffice to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Slade was a deliciously tortured badass assassin hero and Anya a sweet ( non virginal thank god) heroine. The suspense was good, the relationship development believable in fact a lovely refreshing read.
June 30, 2016
I loved this book. I discovered Stephanie Rowe's books recently and I've been steadily working through them all. I prefer some series to others and this looks like the start of a really good one.
The book is well-written and engaging. I loved Slade and his air of danger. I loved the storyline of Anya managing to break through all the walls he'd erected to remain distant. I loved the connection between them.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
The book is well-written and engaging. I loved Slade and his air of danger. I loved the storyline of Anya managing to break through all the walls he'd erected to remain distant. I loved the connection between them.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 10, 2016
For me, this may very well be her best book YET!! THANK YOU, Stephanie Rowe!! Shadow Guardian indeed!! I love the use of imagery. I love the banter in dialogue between the characters. There were twists I didn't expect. There were moments I thought bad things happened. WHEW!! Yes ma'am, may I have another?!
June 19, 2016
Great story
Lots of excitement. Learning it is better not going through life by yourself and sometimes you have to let others live their own life. Waiting for the next one.
Lots of excitement. Learning it is better not going through life by yourself and sometimes you have to let others live their own life. Waiting for the next one.
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