The Guardian

Wounded Warrior #3

by Anna del Mar

From the Amazon Bestseller author of the The Asset comes The Guardian.

Game Warden Matthias Hawking is a decorated ex-SEAL engaged in a grueling fight against ruthless poachers in Africa. He’s short on resources and long on enemies. There’s a price on his head. The last thing he needs is the unexpected arrival of a beautiful but stubborn journalist threatening to uncover his secrets, an alpha female challenging his alpha male and getting into trouble, a hurricane wearing boots.

Jade Romo is a veteran of several different kinds of war. She’s survived her heroin-addicted mother, the foster care system, and the conflict in Afghanistan. Jade’s tough, confident, cynical, and self-reliant, a woman who doesn’t believe in forevers. But when she defies the poachers and lands at the top of the warlord’s kill list, she’s forced to rely on the skilled, attractive but supremely infuriating game warden who has captivated her body’s undivided attention.

Haunted by his past but driven by his courage, her mysterious guardian will do anything in his power to protect the woman who has captured his heart.

Book three of the Wounded Warrior series

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Adult

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2017

About the author

Anna del Mar writes hot, smart romances that soothe the soul, challenge the mind, and satisfy the heart. Her stories focus on strong heroines struggling to find their place in the world and the brave, sexy, kickass, military heroes who defy the limits of their broken bodies to protect the women they love. She is the author of The Asset (Carina Press), the first novel of her Wounded Warrior series and three other novels scheduled for release during 2016.

A Georgetown University graduate, Anna enjoys traveling, hiking, skiing, and the sea. Writing is her addiction, her drug of choice, and what she wants to do all the time. The extraordinary men and women she met during her years as a Navy wife inspire the fabulous heroes and heroines at the center of her stories. When she stays put—which doesn’t happen very often—she lives in Florida with her indulgent husband and two very opinionated cats.

Reviews

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a suspense-filled, action packed safari - a superb story with great characters in an amazing setting - I loved it! This is another of those rare books where I advise you to read the book, don't bother with my review . . . . 

Just in case you want to know what I thought of it, however, I'll keep on typing. . . . 

Jade Romo is a feisty, confident, determined young lady. She's survived a horrendous childhood to become a renowned journalist and blogger, one who uncovers and reveals secrets, fighting for what is right. She's supposed to be in Africa undercover but shortly after landing in the reserve she's visiting she not only challenges a warlord, she shows him up in front of his men and so moves promptly to the top of his hit list. That's bad enough, but the other person sharing that top spot with her is the game warden, Matthias Hawking, who is determined to send her away from danger . . . . Let the fireworks begin!

Poachers, drug dealers, international terrorism, human trafficking, spies and secrets - this story has them all. There's also a very special elephant who makes appearances at key points in the story. It is a superbly crafted page turner that had me hooked from the very start. The main characters are both strong personalities and the chemistry between them is off the charts. This is a story to keep you anxious about what will happen next, with so many twists and turns it will have you reeling. This is definitely one of my top recommends to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense, a story to keep you absorbed and entertained from dramatic start to the superb finale! 

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[K.S. Marsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade Romo is a conservation and media star. Her no-nonsense attitude, and drive to deliver the truth, has won her a legion of fans. Unfortunately, these qualities are about to make Matthias' job a lot harder.

Wow, I enjoyed that a lot more than I was expecting!
I mean, I like to read Romance books, but it's rare they ever score highly for me.

This is the first book I have read by Anna del Mar, and at the time, I didn't realise it was the third book in the Wounded Warrior series. I'm happy to report that this can be read as a stand-alone.

Jade travels across the world, so she can blog, photo and film animals in the wild. She's adventurous, and independent; happy to face the dangers alone, as she always has.
She doesn't have a great people-charming qualities, and says whatever is on her mind, regardless of what trouble it will get her in.
When she heads to Africa on her next mission, she couldn't deep the problems go.

Matthias is an ex-SEAL, who has moved on to run one of the most successful nature reserves in Tanzania. He runs the research facility with military precision, and always has his head in the game, until Jade steps off that plane.

This was awesome, and appealed on so many levels.
You have the wildlife, and the exciting location.
You have the threat of poachers.
And you have Jade, who turns out to be a lot tougher than you would first think.

It is a Romance, but it also has an excellent plot that holds it's own, as the poaching leads to a much bigger adventure.

I would definitely recommend this, and I'm looking forward to reading more of del Mar's work!

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Guardian' by Anna del Mar is Book Three in The "Wounded Warrior" series. This is the story of Matthias Hawking and Jade Romo. I have read the other books in this series (and Loved Them!) but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Jade has come to Africa to do a possible story there. Jade is the founder of Mission Protect and a celebrity in the conservation world with her Social Media sites...even to have a show on NAT GEO. Matthias is a wounded ex-SEAL who now is the Head Game Warden for the area. Matthias doesn't want her doing any of her dangerous stories here. But when Jade gets into trouble with some poachers Matthias is in full protective mode.
Another Hot Exciting Story by Ms. del Mar."My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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[Devika Ramadoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthias Hawking, an ex-SEAL who is now a Game warden busy fighting and protecting the African reserve from poachers. There arrives the famous journalist Jade Romo for her project. They both being an alpha male and alpha female struggles hard to hide their secrets and love from each other. Soon the secrets reveals one by one which makes Jade a target for poachers.Will Jade and Matthias survive this ? Will they win each other?
This is my first book of wonded warrior series. So I had no idea how the other books were but after reading this book i am pretty much sure that they will be fantastic.
Jade Romo travels to Africa for her project “Mission Protect”. She was welcomed by Matthias who expects everyone to follow his orders without any second thought. Jade being independent and a ex veteran doesn’t need a boss. Two uneven but parallel characters falls in love.
I liked the way the author expressed the two protagonist characters. Both had same set of characters but they looked unique.
The story travels and continues each chapter with both Jade and Matthias point of view. That’s is the special mention of this book.
Romance between Jade and Matthias were awesome and brought smile on my lips at many instances. The book was all of romance and tiny ego fights but towards the end it emerged as a thriller with real combat actions.

Overall the book will lighten up your mood and make you to fall for Jade and Matthias. If you are going to love Jade, then just be careful as Matthias will be watching you.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guardian by Anna del Mar
A Wounded Warrior Novel #3

Take one plucky persistent photo journalist and plop her down on a game preserve in the Serengeti where the Game Warden is the strong alpha silent type who expects his orders to be followed and you have…a story of intrigue, poachers, science, infiltrators, undercover operations and more…and a romance both Jade AND Matthias fought for as long as they could.

Jade has a background that makes trust difficult for her. She is used to working as a team member and able to take orders BUT she also does not like hearing the word “no” – especially when it infringes on her work. She thinks quickly on her feet but needs to when she finds herself in dicey situations. She and Matthias don’t hit it off well as the story begins but over time they grow on one another. The supporting characters are good and bad with some that are supposed to be good proving not to be good at all and vice versa. The story has quite a bit of action, some suspenseful moments, some camaraderie, some romance with a steamy encounter or two (or three) and ends with a bang…well the bang is near the end anyway ;)

I enjoyed the book but had trouble relating to Jade and Matthias as easily as I did to the main characters of the first two books in this series and am not sure why. Perhaps they seemed more like superheroes than real people? Anyway, I enjoyed learning more about Africa and feel that poachers deserve their own corner in h*ll for the atrocities they perpetrate. I loved the interaction with Bibi, the elephant matriarch, though I wondered how real such an interaction might be. In fact, the reality factor related to the interactions with poachers, Chinese Cartel and in fight scenes left me thinking…really?...more times than not. Other than that – the story was a fun fast-paced read that will appeal to many. I really liked Rem and Mei and am interested in finding out what might happen to them in the future – IF they have their stories told.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Guardian is the kind of romantic suspense I like - action packed, intense, sexy, and above all, grounded with real characters who have layers. Jade Romo is a badass heroine. She's smart, strong, a former Marine, a survivor who has formed Mission Protect and has her own show on NatGeo. She knows her stuff, that's for sure. When she meets Game Warden Matthias Hawking, sparks fly, tempers flare, and you just know immediately that you're in for a hell of a ride with these two. From the start, Mattias does not want Jade on his reserve. He too, is a badass. He's a former SEAL with scars of his own. The gorgeous, obviously competent, but fiery Jade sets off his nerves from the start and he makes it known.

But when the chips are down, he and Jade protect each other. When she garners the attention of a local warlord, and sets off a round of violent action, the two of them will have to rely on each other if they want to get out of this together, and alive.

It's not just the sexy chemistry between these two that make this such a special story, though. It's all set on a beautiful background of a reserve in Africa. There are some really special elephants that have their own story, and other special animals that make up the reserve that Matthias works so hard to protect from poachers. And there are wonderful secondary characters, most of whom I'd love to read stories of, too.

If you like your romantic suspense with loads of chemistry, interesting, sexy leads, and special, beautiful animals, 1 click The Guardian today. Anna del Mar has never let me down yet, and with The Guardian, she's raised the bar even further.

I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Rajan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Africa is rich in flora and fauna. Now many species are on the verge of extinction. But there is someone who is fighting the poachers.

Jade Romo, a journalist comes to Africa to uncover some secrets. Game warden Matthias Hawking is ex navy seal and fighting against the poachers. He admits here reluctantly knowing full well she means trouble. But he is attracted to her as well. He saves her from deadly thugs and then what happens?

Book has both erotic and thrill elements. The pace is good and story keeps interest going. It is a good one time read for sake of thrill and romance. 3/ 5 stars.

[Heather 123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 5th book I've read by this author and the 3rd in this series. While I enjoyed this book, I didn't think it was as good as the others in this series.

First, I struggled with the connection between the two main characters. Matthias suddenly declares this incredible attraction to Jade which to me seems to come out of left field. I didn't get the build up to this. I didn't feel that Jade felt the same attraction and it almost felt as if Matthias had bullied Jade into admitting their was an attraction there.

Second, there was far too much inner dialogue. It grew boring at times.

It was just okay...

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade Romo has survived a lot throughout her life, but heading to Africa for a story leads to a dangerous encounter with ruthless poachers. However, not even the price on her head is going to stop her from getting what she wants. But when things get too dangerous, will Game Warden Matthias Hawking be able to keep her safe or will they lose their shot at happy ever after?

What an absolutely mesmerizing, fast-paced, action-packed read Ms. del Mar has delivered in this story that started off brilliantly with the heroine standing up to the hero and not backing down because she's totally against his idea of what he thinks she should do. Is Africa too dangerous a place for her to be at the moment? Will Matthias be able to keep her safe? However, it was from the moment where trouble first arises with the poachers that had me on the edge-of-my-seat and made this story an absolute page turner, as I wanted to know what would happen the next time Jade and Matthias went up against the poachers. How far were the poachers willing to go to make certain that Jade and Matthias didn't interfere in their operation?

As for the dialogue, it was well-written, highly entertaining and I loved every moment the hero and heroine conversed, as Jade gets under Matthias's skin and vice-versa. The heroine is trouble with a capital T for Matthias with her insubordination and need to prove she can take care of herself, which is proven by what she does when she comes up against the poachers. Furthermore, the dialogue was intense due to what the poachers do to one of the animals that had chills running down my spine. How could people be so evil? However, in saying that, the dialogue wasn't all intense. There were certainly some light-hearted moments between the hero and heroine that had me smiling, because Jade is feisty and has serious trust issues that make it hard for her not to stand up for herself. Will Matthias be able to show Jade that she can trust him?

Both the main characters were utterly charismatic and had me hooked due to their interactions; and the heroine's resilience and courage that makes her take risks when it comes to helping against the poachers. Moreover, I liked how the heroine wasn't afraid to speak her mind and do anything to help out a friend, which is proven by what she does for one of the secondary characters. Yet, what I liked most of all about the heroine is that she gave the hero a chance. While the hero, he's had it tough but I liked how he's overcome his past to become the game warden and a man that isn't afraid to go up against the poachers the way he does. I also liked how he was well-respected by the men he worked alongside and that he would do anything to protect Jade and the animals.

Overall, Ms. del Mar has penned a worthwhile read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was off-the-charts; the romance was delightful and showcased how right these two are for each other; and the ending had me flipping the pages quickly because of what goes down between the main characters and the poachers. Will Jade and Matthias come out on top? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as Jade has found the happiness she deserves and there's nothing more right than the decision this couple make for their future right at the end. Africa is a magical place for Jade and her work. I would recommend The Guardian by Anna del Mar, if you enjoy romantic suspense; the opposites attract trope; the sexy protector trope; or books by authors Sheryl Nantus, Cate Beauman, Katie Reus and Toni Anderson.

[Donna Repsher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start my admitting to absolutely loving Anna del Mar's Wounded Warrior series, and this third book in the series is no exception. From the first page to the last, this novel grabbed me and didn't let go for a minute. It's a 5-star read.

One of the things I love about this series is the settings. We went to Alaska in the last book and what an about-face to find ourselves just about to land in Tanzania, at a private wildlife game reserve, Pacha Ziwa, in the Seregeti, where the heroine, world renowned NatGeo photographer and documentary film-maker, Jade Romo, along with three other female visitors to the reserve, are about to set down in their small plane. In addition to her current job, Jade is also a former marine, and she's one of the toughest, pushiest, most independent, tough-as-nails, and kickass heroines you're likely to find, and I absolutely loved that about her.

Jade is soon to meet her match in the person of Game Warden, head honcho, and sexy as all get-out, Matthias Hawking, a take-no-prisoners, wounded ex-SEAL, who really doesn't want Jade, or any of her companions on the reserve--especially Jade. To say that these two alpha characters strike sparks off each other is like comparing a single matchstick to a forest fire, but both of them keep their interest in each other well hidden. Matthias is not just a game warden--he's committed to conservation efforts and to rounding up the wily and evil poachers who have been decimating the local wildlife, especially the herd of elephants, whose ivory they're after. There's far more to this story than just a band of poachers, so settle in and get set for a tale of lies and half-truths, violence, lust, near rape, human trafficking, abduction, genital mutilation, murder, blackmail, terrorists, world politics and international intrigue. Some of the aforementioned may be triggers for some readers, so be advised.

Both Matthias and Jade have secrets they're keeping, and rather than risk giving away those secrets, I'll just say that this novel is as exciting as it gets, a true page-turner, loaded with twists, turns and danger around every corner. It's also one very hot read, and not for the young or faint of heart. It deals with many of the issues in present-day Africa and it does so in a way that makes them very personal. Kudos to Ms. del Mar, who, in addition to writing one un-put-down-able novel, not only exposes so many of these issues, but does so in a way that truly touches the heart. Do not miss this one!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY HELL ANNA DEL MAR! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?! When I read the blurb for The Guardian, I was very intrigued, but I NEVER SAW THIS EPIC GOODNESS COMING! Jade Romo didn't have an easy childhood, and although she was adopted by a loving couple, she still battles some demons from early childhood. However, it doesn't make her incompetent, as she's a veteran of more than one war, survived a heroin-addicted mother/foster system, and the conflict in Afghanistan. Now she has a great career that let's her travel by herself wherever she wants as she's a bad a** that is very cynical, and trusts very few people. Until she lands in Africa for a new assignment, and irritates the super sexy Game Warden, Ex-Seal Matthias Hawking, goes rogue, and puts herself at the top of a warlord's kill list, so will she learn to rely on more people than just herself? Usually, I'll describe both heroine & hero, but Jade was such a fantastic heroine, that I couldn't help but go on about her, despite all of her stubbornness. Now Matthias was a great hero, although at times I wanted to shake him, but he oozed the sexy alpha male. He and Jade together were TNT together, and while very entertaining with their push & pull arguments, that TNT finally EXPLODED into FIERY FLAMES that lit up the African skyline in it's intensity. And if they were entertaining enough, that cast of colorful secondaries kept me laughing, and I LOVED me some African Proverbs. Anna del Mar is my newest addiction after one book, and trust me it was off the charts exciting, with her super talented writing style that kept me in one position cover to cover with heart racing! Her diabolical twists & turns kept me on my toes with loud f-bombs dropping, and I never wanted the story to end! I CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on more of this amazing author's work, so I'll just end with HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Sparkymom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite a few of Anna Del Mar's books, both this series and others. I almost skipped this one since I'm not typically a fan of what I call destination novels. I thought the setting might detract from my enjoyment of the story, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Even if I hadn't read that Ms. Del Mar had actually traveled to Africa, out would have been evident from her vivid descriptions. I know the romantic suspense genre gets a bad rap sometimes, but there are actually many RS authors out there who take time to research their subject or setting and to create an exciting work of fiction which also makes you think about issues you might have never previously considered or might have pushed to the back of your mind. The best authors weaver those aspects seamlessly into the story without distracting you from the thrill of the suspense and the sizzling sexual tension. Such is the case with this book. The action started right off the bat, and the chemistry that took a bit of time to fully develop was evident in the sparks between Jade and Matthias from the start. These two kick butt alphas shouldn't really mesh, but they do. Both are stubborn, and both are infinitely capable. Matthias is absolutely beyond sexy. When they are both thrown into the midst of the most dangerous situation possible, it's anyone's guess what might happen. All said, I really couldn't put this down. I consumed it today within hours and absolutely loved it. Bibi the elephant was a particular favorite. I can't wait to get Sarah and Rem's story.

I received an ARC from Net Galley.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget everything you think you know about romance novels, and buckle in for a wild ride. The setting isn't the only thing that brings the heat in this amazing tale of love, daring, and fighting for what's right. But can two alphas really fall in love, and submit completely to the desires whirling within? You'll have to read this unforgettable book to find out!

received in exchange for a fair and honest review

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combine poachers, endangered species, the plains and landscape of Africa with an ex-seal Guardian and A reporter and the reader is treated to a book that you can't put down. Enjoyed this story line and characters for an interesting tale. This is the second book I've read by this author and I will be looking for more in this series.

Ebook from Net Galley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

[Kim Vanravenswaay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! I was drawn in by the first chapter and hung on till the end. The beauty really comes through of the African preserve. I could imagine the animals in all their glory.
I laughed a little when Matthias finally gives in to the desire he has for Jade. He does a complete 360 as far as emotions go. Really the two couldn't be more perfect for each other.

[Carmella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Jade is a photojournalist and her latest trip has her going to Africa to look into the poaching of animals. When she arrives and meets Matthias, the game warden, it is not the best introduction as he is adamant that she leave the next morning when the plane goes back due to the danger in the area.

Jade is just as adamant that she stay and Matthias is infuriated when he finds out his boss made special arrangements to let Jade come. On the way back to the compound they see a giraffe being felled and although he sends everyone else back to the compound, Jade manages to slip away and go after him. Danger follows as she finds poachers dismembering the animal (sniff, sniff... poor giraffe)
and starts taking photos so they can possibly identify the poachers. Matthias reaches her but they are also discovered by the poachers. Luckily, some of Matthias' men come and the poachers run but Jade and Matthias have made an enemy...

Back at the compound there is even more tension between Jade and Matthias but now we are adding in sexual tension...

Can Matthias get Jade to leave? Is Matthias working on something else other than what he says?

Poor Matthias...he has to avoid Jade because every time he sees her he wants to kiss her and take her to bed. Jade certainly wouldn't mind!

The poachers have other plans too and they include the disposal of Matthias and Jade.....

I really don't know much about Africa but I feel like I learned so much due to the author's research!
The weather, the Serengeti and other facts. Of course I was aware of the poaching issues,

Jade is a tough one. She had an addict for a mother and then spent time in the foster system before a wonderful family took her in and made her their own! Matthias had a pretty normal childhood and later entered the service and became a SEAL.

Jade and Matthias go through quite a bit to survive and this creates a special bond between them forever!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars!

The Guardian is the third book in the exciting Wounded Warrior series by bestselling author Anna del Mar. An intense, action packed, romantic suspense you won't want to miss! With a unique storyline, complex characters, humor, angst, secrets, lies, betrayal, dangerous situations, and intriguing twists, this emotional roller-coaster of a story will capture you from beginning to end. This was a terrific story, and I can't wait for more of this series!

I loved that the author used such an unusual location for the setting of the book. The tragedies caused by pouchers, to both humans and the animals, brought a true life quality to the story that made it more compelling. I really liked Matthias, everything that he stood for, and his huge heart that he doesn't show very often. Many of the secondary characters were great, and some added to the humor with their quirkiness.

I had a difficult time connecting with Jade, the heroine. I love independent, self reliant, strong women, and her character is definitely all of these things, however there was something about her that just rubbed me the wrong way. I don't know if it was how she expected Matthias to open up about all of his past and secrets, while she refused to do the same, her condescending attitude, or what it was, but it definitely caused a like/dislike issue throughout the story. It's not that I didn't like her specifically, it was more that I disliked the things that she did, and most of the reasons for why she justified that it was ok to do so. By the end of the book, she was somewhat better, but I still had a hard time being ok with how she was towards Matthias.

Overall, this was a fantastic story that I really enjoyed. All of the Wounded Warrior books can be read as stand alone novels. I haven't had the chance to read the previous books yet, but I do intend to make up for this immediately. I would definitely recommend this book, series, and great author.

I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Megan | A Page to Turn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by Anna Del Mar, and this being a third book in a series, I was hesitant. I had no reason to be. While it's part of a series, it reads a lot like a stand alone. I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I really enjoyed the setting the most in this book - we are transported to Tanzania, to a game reserve, and our main character is a well known photo-journalist and documentary film maker. Jade is a boss babe - she knows what she wants, what she likes and isn't afraid to step on toes to get it when it comes to her job. But, in her personal life, she's kind of closed off, and doesn't trust easily, and definitely won't submit to let anyone do something she can do for herself.

On the other side of things, I really enjoyed getting to know our male main character, Matthias - he's a passionate man with a super strong personality and perspective. He's a game warden, and is committed to eliminating poachers. There is a lot of aspects in this story, and it dives way deeper than almost any other "military" type romance I've ever read. There are things covered in conversation and what not that I would consider trigger topics, but noting that was so graphic it was hard to read.

I wasn't sure how I would feel about these two very strong, opinionated, but flawed characters and their chemistry, but in the end, I felt like it was a wild ride of emotions for them both as they learned to set aside their egos and deal with the issues at hand first. The romance wasn't always there, but when it was, it was perfection.

I requested and received a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation to read and review. This is my honest opinion on the book.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I really enjoy this author. I have only read a few of her books, but each book I have read has unique and unforgettable characters and storylines. The author is also excellent at creating imagery through beautiful word choice, which isn't necessarily the norm in this genre.

This was definitely a page turner for me. I loved the setting, Africa, it was something unique. And because of the authors gifted wordsmanship , I felt like I could see, hear, and feel the animals and countryside as the adventure unfolded.

The characters were well-rounded and interesting and our heroine was complex. I actually found her fascinating and I would say she is a standout character in the hundreds of books I have read in this genre.

I am impressed with what I have read from this author and I look forward to reading more of her books.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a preserve in the Serengeti, photographer and film-maker Jade Romo is arriving to cover her latest project. She is a former Marine so she is no shy, retiring violet and more than capable of handling herself.

Jade is soon at loggerheards with the Game Warden, Matthias Hawking, a former SEAL and all-around badass! Matthias is a passionate conservationist and wants his charges to flourish and is attempting to fend off poachers and other ne'er-do-wells.

There is so much packed into this story but nothing is overwhelmed, everything is there for a purpose rather than as window dressing and filler. The setting is amazing and the characters are really similar but different at the same time! There are lots of strands to the story and there are a few triggers incl attempted rape, human trafficking and genital mutilation, which may not be suitable for all readers.

Fab read!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. A world class photo journalist with a past meets a game warden with a mysterious strengths in a research animal preserve in Africa. Strong characters, well written backgrounds and support characters. There is a spark, several lethal contracts, smugglers, and so much more. A page turner and many, many twists to this story. Bravo!! (FYI: this is the fourth book I have read in less than 1 week by this author.) I loved this book! I will be adding more of Anna del Mar's books to my personal library.

[Rethi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot:
The plot is quite entertaining and engaging even though it is quite predictable. There is enough of action and drama to keep the readers glued to the pages.

Characters:
The characters are really well developed! I enjoyed reading about both Jade and Matthias. They are so similar to each other yet they are unique in their own right.

Language & Narrative:
Simple language and the narrative is charming.

[Ferbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enlightening read. There are some graphic details in this story, but it is very informative. The length of cruelty some people are willing to inflict on other people, and animals, just to acquire money and power, is shockingly appalling. This is a fictional story, but the subject it deals with is actually occurring in some countries today. Thumbs up to the author for a brilliant, engaging and well-written story. The narration was excellent too, I enjoyed listening.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Jade and Matthias was extremely delightful. The characters were so lively that the story came to life as the story unraveled in front of us. The plot is fairly straightforward and slightly predictable. But the issue of predictability is countered with ample romance; there is intrigue and there is drama.

[Vickie Belt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action, Adventure and Romance! What more could you ask?

Anna del Mar does not disappoint! She delivers Alpha hunks and strong female leads that interact in a fast paced and heat laced story that is very hard to put down. Enjoy! I did.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Review to follow**

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! I can't recommend this book enough. It has a sexy alpha hero and a kick-ass heroine that together are explosive. I loved every word of this book. I am hooked on Anna del Mar.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[ruth sefton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book wish there was one to follow it

[jean buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of former seal

I enjoyed the book. Different views of Africa.I liked the I interaction with the mms ain characters. Looking forward to the next book