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The Guardian Series #1
Guardian
Eighteen-year-old Declan Jane is just trying to make it through senior year in San Mar, the Northern California coastal town she’s lived in all her life. Perpetually under the radar, she’s surprised by the pull she feels to a mysterious and attractive new student, Alexander Ronin. Despite all the girls vying for his attention, Declan is the one he’s drawn to, and she finds herself returning his interest. As the intensity of their attraction builds and she discovers the truth behind his appearance in San Mar, he reveals the danger she’s in and why their relationship holds deadly consequences. But as Declan overcomes her fears and fights for her life, the connection between the two lovers may be the only thing that can save them both.
Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, this story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.
Deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful, this story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.
260 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2014
5207 people are currently reading
5013 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Messenger
5 books231 followersUSA TODAY-recommended author, A.J. Messenger, lives in California. Her novel Guardian was featured as a "must-read romance" in USA TODAY and was chosen as a "Staff Pick" on Goodreads.
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She loves hearing from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews
November 22, 2016
3 very Twilightly stars
Decan is in her last year of High school. One day when Alexander transfers, she feels an instant connection and learns that there's more to him than meets the eye, and maybe more to herself as well.
Let me play it out for ya'll
Declan: Who is that foxy man? *Instant connection deep inside me.*
Alexander: Hi, you're nice. *instant connection*.... On second thought, stay away from me. IT'S NOT SAFE.
Declan: Fuck you *pineeee*
Alexander: fuck it, yourblood aura draws me to you. I love you. Oh, also there is someone evil out there named James Avestan and he wants you because I killed/stole his lover. technicalities.
There you have it folks! It was entertaining enough. Mainly i kept reading because I loved some of the themes the author brought in. A best friend with Asperger's whose totally cool.
It wasn't terrible. A good way to pass the time and it was a quick read so not too drawn out.
Decan is in her last year of High school. One day when Alexander transfers, she feels an instant connection and learns that there's more to him than meets the eye, and maybe more to herself as well.
Let me play it out for ya'll
Declan: Who is that foxy man? *Instant connection deep inside me.*
Alexander: Hi, you're nice. *instant connection*.... On second thought, stay away from me. IT'S NOT SAFE.
Declan: Fuck you *pineeee*
Alexander: fuck it, your
There you have it folks! It was entertaining enough. Mainly i kept reading because I loved some of the themes the author brought in. A best friend with Asperger's whose totally cool.
It wasn't terrible. A good way to pass the time and it was a quick read so not too drawn out.
March 11, 2021
Very thin plot, one dimensional characters.
June 14, 2014
The sign of a good YA/NA novel is when those of us who are somewhat more than YA/NA can also appreciate the story. AJ Messenger captures all the slang/angst/idiocy (sorry kids) that is being a teenager – without talking down to her primary audience or assuming they can’t handle well written, thoughtful prose.
At times funny, dark, terrifying, and even heartwarmingly banal, we are taken on a startling and romantic romp with heroine Declan (okay, the name bumped a little, but go with it), and hero Alexander, to discover a world she could never have imagined, and a love he never could have envisioned. “It’s complicated” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Very well done.
A complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
At times funny, dark, terrifying, and even heartwarmingly banal, we are taken on a startling and romantic romp with heroine Declan (okay, the name bumped a little, but go with it), and hero Alexander, to discover a world she could never have imagined, and a love he never could have envisioned. “It’s complicated” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Very well done.
A complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
January 26, 2016
meh.
This book started well and I had high hopes for it but about half way through the momentum and the storyline began to tank. I felt like the author was anxious to get to the meat of the story and thus skipped over the character and relationship building that was necessary in order for the reader to invest. Declan was a pretty likeable character and it was easy to route for her. Alexander was likeable as well but seemed seriously underdeveloped. I'm sure there was some purpose behind that in order to create mystery but it just seemed to cause him to fall a little flat and made him a lot less interesting than he could have been. There was nothing really intriguing about him (besides his good looks and accent) until the end when his past is thrust upon us in a way that feels a bit clumsy and forced. My main issue was the relationship between Declan and Alexander. It was extremely underdeveloped in my opinion and the all consuming love for each other that we are asked to invest in was painfully abrupt and held the maturity and depth of the typical teenage "first love". Though the plot takes an interesting (though slightly anticlimactic) twist at the end that could end up having a few redeeming qualities for the overall story in the future, I was thoroughly checked out by the time it was introduced. I found myself just waiting for it to be over.
This book started well and I had high hopes for it but about half way through the momentum and the storyline began to tank. I felt like the author was anxious to get to the meat of the story and thus skipped over the character and relationship building that was necessary in order for the reader to invest. Declan was a pretty likeable character and it was easy to route for her. Alexander was likeable as well but seemed seriously underdeveloped. I'm sure there was some purpose behind that in order to create mystery but it just seemed to cause him to fall a little flat and made him a lot less interesting than he could have been. There was nothing really intriguing about him (besides his good looks and accent) until the end when his past is thrust upon us in a way that feels a bit clumsy and forced. My main issue was the relationship between Declan and Alexander. It was extremely underdeveloped in my opinion and the all consuming love for each other that we are asked to invest in was painfully abrupt and held the maturity and depth of the typical teenage "first love". Though the plot takes an interesting (though slightly anticlimactic) twist at the end that could end up having a few redeeming qualities for the overall story in the future, I was thoroughly checked out by the time it was introduced. I found myself just waiting for it to be over.
June 12, 2016
Good book
I enjoyed this book, it was a good read. I will look for more titles from this Author. Good book.
I enjoyed this book, it was a good read. I will look for more titles from this Author. Good book.
March 8, 2020
Eh, this book was okay.
Overall, I really liked the storyline and the characters. The romance was easy-going, the suspense not too much. It was a light and fun read.
I only gave it three stars because I think for me the story was lacking a certain amount of depth and action and suspense. Like I said, it was a easy read. It didn’t really get my heart racing, the romance didn’t really spark anything deep in me, and the storyline was... average.
However I did enjoy the book. I think for anyone just looking for a VERY ya romance fantasy book, this would be good. I was looking for something more.
Overall, I really liked the storyline and the characters. The romance was easy-going, the suspense not too much. It was a light and fun read.
I only gave it three stars because I think for me the story was lacking a certain amount of depth and action and suspense. Like I said, it was a easy read. It didn’t really get my heart racing, the romance didn’t really spark anything deep in me, and the storyline was... average.
However I did enjoy the book. I think for anyone just looking for a VERY ya romance fantasy book, this would be good. I was looking for something more.
January 10, 2015
This was a really cute paranormal romance. I love how it was clean and kept it to a level all ages could enjoy. It wasn't full of violence and sex and just had a sweet love story mixed in with a paranormal concept. This author put together a well done debut!
June 21, 2017
I wanted to like this book but I just couldn't get past 25%. Much better reads out there, I think all these other people who rated this 5 stars were reading a different book??
September 25, 2019
2nd time around!
I normally don't read a book twice not even a series but this series is an exception. I love Declan and Alexander's love story! Don't Miss out!
I normally don't read a book twice not even a series but this series is an exception. I love Declan and Alexander's love story! Don't Miss out!
July 24, 2023
Can't wait to read the next book
I have really enjoyed young adult books, even though I'm far from having been a young adult, but there's something so sweet and refreshing about young love that just keeps me hooked. And this book won't disappoint.
I have really enjoyed young adult books, even though I'm far from having been a young adult, but there's something so sweet and refreshing about young love that just keeps me hooked. And this book won't disappoint.
May 16, 2021
This book was pretty much twilight but instead of vampires it was angels, and there was a twist: it was terrible. I’m not saying that twilight doesn’t have its fair share of cringeworthy things, but this book was 1000% awful. There was no creativity, no plot twists, no character development, and even no range of emotions in characters. Characters didn’t seem to have reactions to what other characters did. The whole book seemed like a basic sketch of the plot (which was terrible), without any character development or focus. And without character depth, the plot was left to fester in its terribleness. Nothing made any sense. Nobody had any motive, the world building was horrid, and there was no depth in character. I actually found it difficult to picture a vibrant world, which is really saying something because my imagination can usually run wild with a small idea.
There is no character I like. I hate the main character, I hate the love interest, I even hate the villain. I would never recommend this book to anybody. I also hate giving such negative reviews, because usually I try to focus on the positive. I mean, somebody had to think this book was good enough to be published. Who ever that person is, I personally do not agree with them. This book is a bland imposter of every already-cringeworthy paranormal romance I have ever read. If there was an option to give .5 stars, I would. The only reason I give this book any stars at all is because it was blessedly short.
There is no character I like. I hate the main character, I hate the love interest, I even hate the villain. I would never recommend this book to anybody. I also hate giving such negative reviews, because usually I try to focus on the positive. I mean, somebody had to think this book was good enough to be published. Who ever that person is, I personally do not agree with them. This book is a bland imposter of every already-cringeworthy paranormal romance I have ever read. If there was an option to give .5 stars, I would. The only reason I give this book any stars at all is because it was blessedly short.
November 6, 2017
I’m surprised this was reviewed so highly by others. If you have not read the Twilight series, this might have been a better read. But, if you have read that series, this is the same book, relatively speaking, only with good and bad angels instead of vampires. It’s even set in Washington state. So the plot is, clumsy girl, new hot guy in school. She pines for him, she feels like he’s ignoring her. But then when she’s in trouble, he mysteriously appears. He ends up telling her she’s an angel but he’s dangerous to be around. They end up dating, then she breaks up with him, they can’t stay away from each other and she ends up having interesting “powers” of her own.
Twilight was written much better and the characters are better developed. I’m still debating on reading the next book in the series, mainly because the main characters BFF has Aspergers and, to me, he is the one saving grace of this book.
Twilight was written much better and the characters are better developed. I’m still debating on reading the next book in the series, mainly because the main characters BFF has Aspergers and, to me, he is the one saving grace of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2020
I feel like this could have been good but the author just got lazy and wanted to get to the scenes they wanted to write and left out everything that is needed in order for you to be okay with the fact that certain things are happening. A guy doesn’t just all of a sudden love a girl and no one just accepts random ass news that they’re not mortal like it’s no big deal. Ridiculous
November 15, 2014
FRIGIN BUATIFULL <3
April 5, 2019
I loved thus book. The chemistry between Declan and Alexander is great. I have to say that I cried when Declan thought she was protecting Alexander. But it is totally worth the reading.
October 14, 2023
Literally couldn’t stop reading 👏🏻 LOVED every minute 🫶🏻
January 8, 2024
Not reading the 2nd book
September 25, 2021
This is an amazing book! Romance, angels but above all a great easy read of concepts people that work with energy or are into spirituality already know. You must read it!
July 9, 2023
great read
I love the suspense of it. Right when you think you have it figured out some twist happens and you are left on the edge of your seat wanting more.
5 stars for me
I love the suspense of it. Right when you think you have it figured out some twist happens and you are left on the edge of your seat wanting more.
5 stars for me
February 15, 2019
Well written and simply fantastic!
This books has it all. Characters you love and you want to be in love. Forbidden romance. Angels and dark angels.
Possible spoilers...
Declan is a senior high school student who suffers from crippling anxiety attacks. She discovers her anxiety isn’t really anxiety when meets a hot Australian guy, Alexander, who joins her school. They have an instant connection, but like Twilight, he says he’s dangerous and has to stay away. Of course, this makes them want each other more. Teenagers always want what’s forbidden. But Alexander isn’t 100% forthcoming about who/what he is. Along comes Aveston, the dark angel. Alluring, because he’s willing to share knowledge. What will Declan choose? Will she stay light or go dark? What is Declan? Will Declan and Alexander be together? Read to find out!
I highly recommend you give this book a chance. Happy reading y’all!
This books has it all. Characters you love and you want to be in love. Forbidden romance. Angels and dark angels.
Possible spoilers...
Declan is a senior high school student who suffers from crippling anxiety attacks. She discovers her anxiety isn’t really anxiety when meets a hot Australian guy, Alexander, who joins her school. They have an instant connection, but like Twilight, he says he’s dangerous and has to stay away. Of course, this makes them want each other more. Teenagers always want what’s forbidden. But Alexander isn’t 100% forthcoming about who/what he is. Along comes Aveston, the dark angel. Alluring, because he’s willing to share knowledge. What will Declan choose? Will she stay light or go dark? What is Declan? Will Declan and Alexander be together? Read to find out!
I highly recommend you give this book a chance. Happy reading y’all!
August 16, 2019
Really enjoying immersing myself in this world of guardian angels!
The age old concept of good versus evil, but this storyline is well thought out and written wonderfully ! Declan finds out she's pretty special, and finds her way with Alexander's help, and while they each know how they feel for each other, their romance is forbidden by legend !! Makes for a lot of anxiety and longing !!! Definitely a good read !!
The age old concept of good versus evil, but this storyline is well thought out and written wonderfully ! Declan finds out she's pretty special, and finds her way with Alexander's help, and while they each know how they feel for each other, their romance is forbidden by legend !! Makes for a lot of anxiety and longing !!! Definitely a good read !!
August 16, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Yes it reminded me of Twilight and The Vampire Diaries at times but it was a lot better. I liked the main character and her friends. I enjoyed the surprises at the end and I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.
June 7, 2019
Imaginative Young romance
Was surprised with this angle of Angel world. Does a great job in creating the love and suspense. With the twist between Alexander,his brother and Alenna. Good beginning for a YA series.
Was surprised with this angle of Angel world. Does a great job in creating the love and suspense. With the twist between Alexander,his brother and Alenna. Good beginning for a YA series.
October 12, 2014
Couldn't put it down!!! Can't wait for book 2!
May 26, 2021
This is one of my favorite books I believe I read it at least five times now. I love the story between an angel and a mortal while still dealing with normal things like high school and anxiety.
June 3, 2023
Angst, romance, and asskicking!
A good mix between angst romance and action. I read roof book easily and in less than two days! Couldn't put it down. Excited to read #2!
A good mix between angst romance and action. I read roof book easily and in less than two days! Couldn't put it down. Excited to read #2!
July 7, 2021
Автор пишет, как двенадцатилетняя девочка, решившая вдруг сесть за перо и написать романтический фанфик. Настолько сюжет книги примитивен и нелеп, что все это выглядит, как попытки ребенка писать дешевый бульварный роман. Собственно, книга очень похожа на все «малосюжетные порнушки», которыми полнится NA, только без секса и про школьников. Так же глупо и «пусто». Это «литературой» язык даже не поворачивается назвать.
Сама идея (и мир) тоже «тухленькая». Суть ангелов вообще не понятна. Что именно они делают на земле? Как ими становятся? Что делают темные ангелы? Зачем они тут? Кто их контролирует? Мне безумно «понравилось», как автор сообщила (при помощи героя) Деклан о существовании ангелов, а она даже толком вопросов никаких не задала… Ну ангелы и ангелы, что такого?
Признание в любви через два дня после знакомства и одной беседы? А почему бы и нет? Ведь героиня такая добрая, расчудесная и прекрасная, что буквально светится благодаря своей ауре. Да и Александр весь из себя «ангельский» и чистый душою. Более мерисьюшных и слащавых героев я еще нигде и никогда не встречала. Обычно хотя бы у авторов только один «идеал», а тут сразу двое.
И как прикажите устраивать драму в книге про пару идеальных людей? Конечно же,
[Не знаю, можно ли считать спойлером абсолютно шаблонны сюжет, но на всякий случай предупреждаю: далее СПОЙЛЕРЫ!]
Вообще это копия «Сумерек», только еще более дешевая их версия (с «Алиэкспресс», как говорится). Все по шаблону: новенький(ая) в школе, всепоглощающая запретная любовь с первого взгляда, пара расстается, потому что один хочет защитить другого, девушка бежит в ловушку злодея, не сообщая об этом парню, но тот все равно ее спасает в последний момент. Совсем не шаблонно и ничего не напоминает…
Ах, да, в конце только героиня становится не вампиром, она (вот это поворот!). Я и до этого в голос смеялась над этим чудом современной литературы… Ну, а этот бред уже просто ни в какие ворота…
В общем, одно сплошное ванильное тошнотство без сюжета и нормального построения мира со сплошным «люблютебядосмерти» с первого взгляда (причем тут это даже не образно: герой действительно признается в любви героине буквально после одного разговора, сразу после знакомства).
3/10 ставлю только потому, что (о ужас) встречала я книги и еще хуже, а так этому шедевру, если по-честному, больше единицы-двойки ставить неразумно.
P.S.: Терпеть не могу, когда у героинь мужские имена. Что при чтении, что при написании рецензии сплошные мучения: вечно путаю, имена героини и героя.
P.P.S.: Интересно, подростки до сих пор такое читают и им это нравится? Или все-таки сейчас девочки уже на более качественное YA настроены? Просто, когда я была подростком, издавали (во всяком случае, у нас) только вот такое… Даже выбора особо не было, что читать (пришлось начать читать на английском). А сейчас есть действительно очень крутые подростковые книги. И девочки все равно вот на такое ведутся? Действительно интересно… Судя по тому, что автор издала четыре книги в серии, и читательский рейтинг у них не так уж плох, видимо, да – все по-прежнему.
Итоговая оценка: 3/10
Сама идея (и мир) тоже «тухленькая». Суть ангелов вообще не понятна. Что именно они делают на земле? Как ими становятся? Что делают темные ангелы? Зачем они тут? Кто их контролирует? Мне безумно «понравилось», как автор сообщила (при помощи героя) Деклан о существовании ангелов, а она даже толком вопросов никаких не задала… Ну ангелы и ангелы, что такого?
Признание в любви через два дня после знакомства и одной беседы? А почему бы и нет? Ведь героиня такая добрая, расчудесная и прекрасная, что буквально светится благодаря своей ауре. Да и Александр весь из себя «ангельский» и чистый душою. Более мерисьюшных и слащавых героев я еще нигде и никогда не встречала. Обычно хотя бы у авторов только один «идеал», а тут сразу двое.
И как прикажите устраивать драму в книге про пару идеальных людей? Конечно же,
[Не знаю, можно ли считать спойлером абсолютно шаблонны сюжет, но на всякий случай предупреждаю: далее СПОЙЛЕРЫ!]
Вообще это копия «Сумерек», только еще более дешевая их версия (с «Алиэкспресс», как говорится). Все по шаблону: новенький(ая) в школе, всепоглощающая запретная любовь с первого взгляда, пара расстается, потому что один хочет защитить другого, девушка бежит в ловушку злодея, не сообщая об этом парню, но тот все равно ее спасает в последний момент. Совсем не шаблонно и ничего не напоминает…
Ах, да, в конце только героиня становится не вампиром, она (вот это поворот!). Я и до этого в голос смеялась над этим чудом современной литературы… Ну, а этот бред уже просто ни в какие ворота…
В общем, одно сплошное ванильное тошнотство без сюжета и нормального построения мира со сплошным «люблютебядосмерти» с первого взгляда (причем тут это даже не образно: герой действительно признается в любви героине буквально после одного разговора, сразу после знакомства).
3/10 ставлю только потому, что (о ужас) встречала я книги и еще хуже, а так этому шедевру, если по-честному, больше единицы-двойки ставить неразумно.
P.S.: Терпеть не могу, когда у героинь мужские имена. Что при чтении, что при написании рецензии сплошные мучения: вечно путаю, имена героини и героя.
P.P.S.: Интересно, подростки до сих пор такое читают и им это нравится? Или все-таки сейчас девочки уже на более качественное YA настроены? Просто, когда я была подростком, издавали (во всяком случае, у нас) только вот такое… Даже выбора особо не было, что читать (пришлось начать читать на английском). А сейчас есть действительно очень крутые подростковые книги. И девочки все равно вот на такое ведутся? Действительно интересно… Судя по тому, что автор издала четыре книги в серии, и читательский рейтинг у них не так уж плох, видимо, да – все по-прежнему.
Итоговая оценка: 3/10
August 1, 2020
Wow, there were so many things I enjoyed about this book. It was exactly what I was looking for - a sweet, cute, romantic read. I read through it quickly because I just had to know what would happen to the characters. Speaking of characters, I have to say that I absolutely loved the character of Finn. I've never seen a character in YA fiction with Asperger's, and it was refreshing to read about such a character in a YA novel for once -- well done, AJ Messenger! I adored him from the moment he first appeared and many of his lines made me laugh out loud. Nice to have some diversity in the cast. The main character, Declan, was also very likeable. As someone who has struggled with anxiety and panic attacks in the past, I could definitely relate to her struggles. Again, nice to see characters with three dimensional problems and personalities. I also really liked all the parents in the book, especially Declan's relationship with her mom, which was very sweet. Finally I enjoyed the refreshing take on angels and energy and good vs evil. It made the story unique and fresh. The romance between Alexander and Declan felt real and not rushed or cheesy, and you can't help but root for them and their powerful love. Definitely recommend for fans of angel romances.
October 8, 2021
The book definitely was not what I was expecting but it was enjoyable to read. I don't know what exactly I was expecting when I started to read this book but I'm glad I didn't have any expectations because then I could be surprised by the book and all it entailed. I hated that Declan and Alexander had to break things off because Declan was an human and Alexander was a guardian and that wasn't necessarily allowed. I'm glade they were able to find a loophole at the end of the book and were able to be together. I can't wait to see what the next book entails.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 358 reviews