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Ariya Adams Trilogy #1
Protected
She thinks she’s a normal college Senior. He knows she’s anything but.
Ariya Adams has no idea she’s descended from blood so powerful and rare that her life is infinitely more precious than any ordinary woman’s—especially to James Rymer.
James enters her life and stirs up feelings she can’t explain. He becomes a part of her world almost overnight, but Ariya senses he’s hiding something, and she’s determined to figure out what it is.
When “normal” becomes a thing of the past and fantasy enters Ariya’s reality, she’s soon faced with dangerous revelations, the least of which is that everyone she loves has been keeping secrets from her. With a paranormal evil she’s only beginning to comprehend threatening her and her friends, Ariya will have to choose between duty and love. Through it all, she’ll learn to never underestimate the power of blood.
Read the series fans are calling “captivating,” “page-turning” and “not your typical vampire story.”
Ariya Adams has no idea she’s descended from blood so powerful and rare that her life is infinitely more precious than any ordinary woman’s—especially to James Rymer.
James enters her life and stirs up feelings she can’t explain. He becomes a part of her world almost overnight, but Ariya senses he’s hiding something, and she’s determined to figure out what it is.
When “normal” becomes a thing of the past and fantasy enters Ariya’s reality, she’s soon faced with dangerous revelations, the least of which is that everyone she loves has been keeping secrets from her. With a paranormal evil she’s only beginning to comprehend threatening her and her friends, Ariya will have to choose between duty and love. Through it all, she’ll learn to never underestimate the power of blood.
Read the series fans are calling “captivating,” “page-turning” and “not your typical vampire story.”
Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2013
561 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Anna Applegate
25 books332 followersAnna Applegate is a USA Today Bestselling Author. She writes fantasy romance and lives tucked away in rural Maryland surviving on coffee, champagne, and an unchecked book addiction. Anna is an avid reader, especially if it involves morally grey love interests. She enjoys escaping into the fictional worlds she creates - filled with strong heroines, surprise twists and turns, and "destroy the world for her" leading men.
She loves hearing from her readers and interacting with them on Social Media. Connect with her on her website to learn more, or subscribe to her newsletter for sneak peeks, giveaways, and more: https://authorannaapplegate.myflodesk...
She loves hearing from her readers and interacting with them on Social Media. Connect with her on her website to learn more, or subscribe to her newsletter for sneak peeks, giveaways, and more: https://authorannaapplegate.myflodesk...
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June 15, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/15/2019)! 🎁
October 14, 2018
Great read
What a great read. Interesting characters, twisting plot with revelations that I couldn't guess beforehand, and a setting that made me want to go there too.
What a great read. Interesting characters, twisting plot with revelations that I couldn't guess beforehand, and a setting that made me want to go there too.
June 2, 2019
Free on Amazon Kindle! Yay! God knows I love my free books ;)
Protected was much more enjoyable and interesting then I expected! I read it in one sitting (and stayed up late to finish it) and I look forward to reading the sequel. I really liked the characters, but my number one love was the romance between James and Ariya. (Also I love the name Ariya, just putting it out there. Almost as good as Arya.)
I found the storyline and plot of this book well-written, and though it may have been a little predictable, it was still entertaining and I really liked reading it. The characters were well done and the paranormal themes were typical but also unique in some ways, and honestly it was definitely one of the better free kindle books I've read.
Thanks to Amazon Kindle and the author for the great free book!
Protected was much more enjoyable and interesting then I expected! I read it in one sitting (and stayed up late to finish it) and I look forward to reading the sequel. I really liked the characters, but my number one love was the romance between James and Ariya. (Also I love the name Ariya, just putting it out there. Almost as good as Arya.)
I found the storyline and plot of this book well-written, and though it may have been a little predictable, it was still entertaining and I really liked reading it. The characters were well done and the paranormal themes were typical but also unique in some ways, and honestly it was definitely one of the better free kindle books I've read.
Thanks to Amazon Kindle and the author for the great free book!
July 29, 2013
Grade: A-
Generally, I can take or leave vampire/werewolf tales. I am not a giant fan of them, because usually they are overdone. Anna Applegate does a great job of interesting me in a mixed vampire/werewolf novel. Her characters are lively, they have a bit of mystery, and this isn’t your typical vampire/werewolf tale.
The main character is a typical tomgirl, except for her soft side. She can play sports, kick butt in kickboxing, and generally run circles around you, but she doesn’t plan outfits well, or have the master touch for makeup, but she does love a happy ending. Ariya Adams is hopeful, romantic, and general sheltered. She loves her small home town, and her small college town and her small group of friends.
There are quite a few swoon-worthy men in this novel as well. James, the secretive protector, Riley, the comedic best friend, Nick, the best friend’s boyfriend, all happen to be major hunks with a soft side. Each man has a way with words, and there is no question why these hunks feature prominently in these novels. (I hear a rumor that Anna is supposed to be setting up and interview with James shortly on her site, I cannot wait for that!) James is such a great character in this novel, and the emotional connection that seems to be building between him and Ariya feels realistic, and relatable.
The plot of this first novel was pretty spot on, though it stretched over a whole college semester, the pace was quick, the writing was good, and the story was interesting. I called werewolf story pretty early on (I don’t always read blurbs before reading, think it gives more excitement) but I did not see the vampires coming. I enjoy this representation of vampires quite a bit honestly; it’s refreshing to see vampires protecting humanity (though they do have a self serving goal a bit in Ariya). The back story to Ariya and how she relates to these vampires is actually very well written and falls on the logical side of fantasy. This is something that you could see happening, if you were inclined to believe in these things.
The werewolves weren’t so prominent in this one, besides Devon who, if he didn’t want to kill Ariya so much, could be quite a sexy man himself. His presence resonated as creepy and definitely left an icky vibe with every appearance. I called him as the wolf early on, but I think that was intended because he really is the main villain throughout, or at least the main one everyone knows about.
I really was pulling for Ariya/James from the moment we meet them, partly because we learn Ariya’s been hurt before and we’d like to see her with a nice guy for once, and partly because their character descriptions fit together well, which is something a good writer can manage. A flaw for me, small, very small, would be every time Ariya mentions James “seems old”, “seems mature” ect. It clued us into the vampire reveal a little too soon in my opinion, but it also could be that personally I’d rather have the less clues as a reading preference.
There were twists I didn’t see coming both in the middle of this book, and of course the end, and I love that. I love not knowing how the book is going to end, and also not having a pretty little bow put on life, because nothing is that simple for humans, let alone vampires and werewolves!
Anna’s style is spot on, her technique is impressive, and I am truly excited for book two, and will be quite honored if I’m considered for reviewing the next book as well. I have high hopes for this book, and believe that if you enjoy a GOOD vampire/werewolf novel, then you don’t need to look any further the Protected, by Anna Applegate!
** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.
Generally, I can take or leave vampire/werewolf tales. I am not a giant fan of them, because usually they are overdone. Anna Applegate does a great job of interesting me in a mixed vampire/werewolf novel. Her characters are lively, they have a bit of mystery, and this isn’t your typical vampire/werewolf tale.
The main character is a typical tomgirl, except for her soft side. She can play sports, kick butt in kickboxing, and generally run circles around you, but she doesn’t plan outfits well, or have the master touch for makeup, but she does love a happy ending. Ariya Adams is hopeful, romantic, and general sheltered. She loves her small home town, and her small college town and her small group of friends.
There are quite a few swoon-worthy men in this novel as well. James, the secretive protector, Riley, the comedic best friend, Nick, the best friend’s boyfriend, all happen to be major hunks with a soft side. Each man has a way with words, and there is no question why these hunks feature prominently in these novels. (I hear a rumor that Anna is supposed to be setting up and interview with James shortly on her site, I cannot wait for that!) James is such a great character in this novel, and the emotional connection that seems to be building between him and Ariya feels realistic, and relatable.
The plot of this first novel was pretty spot on, though it stretched over a whole college semester, the pace was quick, the writing was good, and the story was interesting. I called werewolf story pretty early on (I don’t always read blurbs before reading, think it gives more excitement) but I did not see the vampires coming. I enjoy this representation of vampires quite a bit honestly; it’s refreshing to see vampires protecting humanity (though they do have a self serving goal a bit in Ariya). The back story to Ariya and how she relates to these vampires is actually very well written and falls on the logical side of fantasy. This is something that you could see happening, if you were inclined to believe in these things.
The werewolves weren’t so prominent in this one, besides Devon who, if he didn’t want to kill Ariya so much, could be quite a sexy man himself. His presence resonated as creepy and definitely left an icky vibe with every appearance. I called him as the wolf early on, but I think that was intended because he really is the main villain throughout, or at least the main one everyone knows about.
I really was pulling for Ariya/James from the moment we meet them, partly because we learn Ariya’s been hurt before and we’d like to see her with a nice guy for once, and partly because their character descriptions fit together well, which is something a good writer can manage. A flaw for me, small, very small, would be every time Ariya mentions James “seems old”, “seems mature” ect. It clued us into the vampire reveal a little too soon in my opinion, but it also could be that personally I’d rather have the less clues as a reading preference.
There were twists I didn’t see coming both in the middle of this book, and of course the end, and I love that. I love not knowing how the book is going to end, and also not having a pretty little bow put on life, because nothing is that simple for humans, let alone vampires and werewolves!
Anna’s style is spot on, her technique is impressive, and I am truly excited for book two, and will be quite honored if I’m considered for reviewing the next book as well. I have high hopes for this book, and believe that if you enjoy a GOOD vampire/werewolf novel, then you don’t need to look any further the Protected, by Anna Applegate!
** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 14, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review from the author and LOP . I really enjoyed this story lots of action ,mystery and suspense .College life with vampires and werewolves I found it a unique and very enjoyable read .I love that this isn't like all the other vampire books out there the bloodline, protectors and these vampires aren't written like all the others the author did a great job .I quickly became attached to the characters ,the author does a great job of creating a world the reader easily falls into.This book is a page turner and I promptly jumped into the second in this series as soon as I finished this one .I highly reccommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal.
July 27, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review by the Author and the “Lovers of Paranormal” Group on Goodreads.com
I thought the story started a little too slow and too many things were repeated over and over. However, once I got further into the book the story started flowing nicely.
The story is about vampires and werewolves but it was more focused on the characters and their personalities and not about them being vampires. I like the characters and the "feel" of their personalities and they developed.
The book starts slow but give it time and you will enjoy it!
I thought the story started a little too slow and too many things were repeated over and over. However, once I got further into the book the story started flowing nicely.
The story is about vampires and werewolves but it was more focused on the characters and their personalities and not about them being vampires. I like the characters and the "feel" of their personalities and they developed.
The book starts slow but give it time and you will enjoy it!
May 19, 2018
PLEASE NOTE: MY “VERIFIED PURCHASE” REVIEW CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON AUSTRALIA.
4 Stars
Protected is the first book in the Ariya Adams Trilogy by Anna Applegate. It is a paranormal college romance story- with mystery, suspense, drama, angst, push-pull, secrets, supernatural elements, action... and more. This is definitely not your typical vampire story. Add in some werewolves, hidden agendas, betrayal, twists, surprising revelations, and this story takes off.
We meet Ariya Adams in her senior year at college. She has a great, close-knit group of friends, and is looking forward to her final year, wanting to get as much out of it before it all ends. But strange things begin to happen, and she starts to think that maybe she is going crazy. When danger come calling, and secrets are revealed, Ariya’s world is turned upside down. With her life on the line, and her friends threatened, what will happen? What discoveries will she make? Who can she trust? And can she find a way to thwart the sinister plot, and the danger that seems to be stalking her?
I did enjoy this book- even more so as the story unfolded. I did find that it was a little slow to get going as the author laid out all the framework to the story. But, I loved that this isn’t your typical vampire story and has its own identity from a lot of other book in the same genre.
It comes across as an adult paranormal romance, but I found that a lot of the content was more suited to Young Adults- as there was a LOT of ‘teenage Angst’ and it was very light on the romance side. Ariya and her love interest James did have a great connection and chemistry, but the angsty push-pull really drove me crazy and I feel that it went on for a little too long. I also feel that the author missed an opportunity to take this story to the next level, by having too much melodrama and not enough ‘romance’.
Don’t get me wrong, this story is very enjoyable and definitely worth the read- I just felt frustrated by so much push-pull/angst/melodrama. The story is set to continue in the next book, ‘Awakened’, and I have already jumped right in to it, to find out what will happen next.
Thank you, Ms. Applegate!
4 Stars
Protected is the first book in the Ariya Adams Trilogy by Anna Applegate. It is a paranormal college romance story- with mystery, suspense, drama, angst, push-pull, secrets, supernatural elements, action... and more. This is definitely not your typical vampire story. Add in some werewolves, hidden agendas, betrayal, twists, surprising revelations, and this story takes off.
We meet Ariya Adams in her senior year at college. She has a great, close-knit group of friends, and is looking forward to her final year, wanting to get as much out of it before it all ends. But strange things begin to happen, and she starts to think that maybe she is going crazy. When danger come calling, and secrets are revealed, Ariya’s world is turned upside down. With her life on the line, and her friends threatened, what will happen? What discoveries will she make? Who can she trust? And can she find a way to thwart the sinister plot, and the danger that seems to be stalking her?
I did enjoy this book- even more so as the story unfolded. I did find that it was a little slow to get going as the author laid out all the framework to the story. But, I loved that this isn’t your typical vampire story and has its own identity from a lot of other book in the same genre.
It comes across as an adult paranormal romance, but I found that a lot of the content was more suited to Young Adults- as there was a LOT of ‘teenage Angst’ and it was very light on the romance side. Ariya and her love interest James did have a great connection and chemistry, but the angsty push-pull really drove me crazy and I feel that it went on for a little too long. I also feel that the author missed an opportunity to take this story to the next level, by having too much melodrama and not enough ‘romance’.
Don’t get me wrong, this story is very enjoyable and definitely worth the read- I just felt frustrated by so much push-pull/angst/melodrama. The story is set to continue in the next book, ‘Awakened’, and I have already jumped right in to it, to find out what will happen next.
Thank you, Ms. Applegate!
May 19, 2018
This is the first book I have read from this author and will not be the last. I love a good paranormal romance but this talented author exceeded all my expectations. This is the first book in the Ariya Adams Trilogy. I was hooked on the first page. These characters kept me up all hours of the night. It only took me a little over a day to devour this incredible book.
Ariya Adams is a normal Senior in college. She is enjoying her classes and friends. Ariya doesn’t know that her family has some secrets. She is now starting a new semester. Ariya is getting ready for class to start when a beautiful guy comes in and sits next to her. She feels an intense connection with James she can’t explain. Ariya gets to know James and she feels like he is hiding something from her. She wants to get to the bottom of his secrets but then strange things start to happen. Ariya starts to find out some secrets of her own that will change her life. When a paranormal evil comes and threatens the people she cares about will she be protected?
This book in phenomenal. The storyline has it all romance, mystery, and suspense. You will fall in love with these characters right from the beginning. Ariya is a beautiful young woman that will do anything for the people she loves. She is a sweetheart but she can be tough when she needs to be. James is very powerful and he really cares for Ariya. He knows he needs to do his job but he can’t get Ariya out of his mind. The way he protects her will make your heart melt. You will also fall for the secondary characters. They bring the story to life. This talented author will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The ending will leave you in complete shock. I can’t wait to see what happens next to these amazing characters.
Ariya Adams is a normal Senior in college. She is enjoying her classes and friends. Ariya doesn’t know that her family has some secrets. She is now starting a new semester. Ariya is getting ready for class to start when a beautiful guy comes in and sits next to her. She feels an intense connection with James she can’t explain. Ariya gets to know James and she feels like he is hiding something from her. She wants to get to the bottom of his secrets but then strange things start to happen. Ariya starts to find out some secrets of her own that will change her life. When a paranormal evil comes and threatens the people she cares about will she be protected?
This book in phenomenal. The storyline has it all romance, mystery, and suspense. You will fall in love with these characters right from the beginning. Ariya is a beautiful young woman that will do anything for the people she loves. She is a sweetheart but she can be tough when she needs to be. James is very powerful and he really cares for Ariya. He knows he needs to do his job but he can’t get Ariya out of his mind. The way he protects her will make your heart melt. You will also fall for the secondary characters. They bring the story to life. This talented author will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The ending will leave you in complete shock. I can’t wait to see what happens next to these amazing characters.
May 15, 2018
PROTECTED is book 1 in a trilogy and I'm so glad that as I read, the trilogy has been completed. While this is not one of my favorite reads of all time, I am interested enough to gladly continue with this series.
There is a lot of world building at the start of this story. The first half is very descriptive with who is who and how they are connected. The story and plot reveals itself slowly so there is never any doubt who someone is - It is very well mapped out. As the characters are being described and events take place, it becomes clear what is actually going on. While this is very similar to other y/a books in the genre, there is enough of a twist to make it different.
I found the story to flow with ease, and while it was a bit slow and very detailed at times, I was able to skim along and still know what was going on (being a y/a, I think it's important for the descriptions to be what they are - I am not a young adult, so - well you know...). The characters are easily likeable and the villains are easily despised. While some of the reactions are not exactly what I think they would be in real life, I appreciate that this is a fictional story and things aren't always the way I would react (no spoilers here so I can't tell you HOW I would react).
I would recommend it to my young cousins to read as they like another series of books about a similar topic.
There is a lot of world building at the start of this story. The first half is very descriptive with who is who and how they are connected. The story and plot reveals itself slowly so there is never any doubt who someone is - It is very well mapped out. As the characters are being described and events take place, it becomes clear what is actually going on. While this is very similar to other y/a books in the genre, there is enough of a twist to make it different.
I found the story to flow with ease, and while it was a bit slow and very detailed at times, I was able to skim along and still know what was going on (being a y/a, I think it's important for the descriptions to be what they are - I am not a young adult, so - well you know...). The characters are easily likeable and the villains are easily despised. While some of the reactions are not exactly what I think they would be in real life, I appreciate that this is a fictional story and things aren't always the way I would react (no spoilers here so I can't tell you HOW I would react).
I would recommend it to my young cousins to read as they like another series of books about a similar topic.
October 1, 2018
I was introduced to this author during a takeover on a group page on Facebook. Protected was free on Amazon at the time so I decided to download and give it a try. I have read numerous vampire and werewolf books and loved that this one has a different twist. Ariya is a college senior at a small school in a small town in Michigan. She has been rooming with her best friend every year and is excited to get back and spend some quality time together before classes start. Caroline and Ariya immediately pick up with their group and have some back to school get togethers. Caroline introduces Ariya to her new boyfriend who she met over the summer. Nick is thinking of transferring for his senior year. James is also a new transfer for his senior year and is quickly a part of their core group. Ariya is drawn to James and she thinks he is interested in her too but has a strange way of showing it. As they progress through their senior year, Ariya learns that creatures she has always believed to be myth and book characters are real. Book 1 takes us along for the roller coaster ride of events and emotions.
I enjoyed the way this book flowed and the characters were well developed. I didn't ever have to go back and try to figure out who someone was. The author did a great job of keeping the story moving and me wanting to know what happens next. I enjoyed the first book and have started the 2nd so recommend you do too.
I enjoyed the way this book flowed and the characters were well developed. I didn't ever have to go back and try to figure out who someone was. The author did a great job of keeping the story moving and me wanting to know what happens next. I enjoyed the first book and have started the 2nd so recommend you do too.
February 2, 2018
Protected by Anna Applegate
Rating: 5/5 ~
***I was gifted this book by the Author herself, in exchange for an honest review through NerdGirl***
WARNING SOME SPOILERS BELOW...
HOLY DAMN. HOLY DAMN. HOLY DAMN.
That is what mostly ran through my mind while reading this book. I honestly could not give this book enough stars to show how amazing it is. I was hooked from start until the end. I was left with wanting more and that is the feeling I look for when picking up a book. Anna Applegate did an excellent job writing "Protected".
Throughout reading this book, I would have never guessed that I would have fallen so in love with it. Out of all the characters, I mostly fell in love with James. Although I wish I was Ariya so I could have James (he has totally become my new bookish boyfriend, by the way), there is just something about him that draws me into him. Even before I started to get to know him and as time went on, I finally put my finger on it. It was how much he truly cares for people. Whether he knows them or not and that trait is hard to find in people... especially vampires. There is so much harm he could create but he chooses to suffer than to cause anyone harm. In various moments throughout the book, he had to make multiple decisions on what is right versus his duty. You can see how much it pained him to make some of the decisions he decided on in the end. It's hard to find compassion like that.
I mean look at Emma and Devon, they are the complete opposite of James. Their hatred was their doom and I am for one glad they're dead.
Then we have Nick and Caroline... there is just no words for how loving and cute they are. They made me feel warm and giddy on the inside every time Ariya describe them. The love they have for each other is something people dream about everyday. Don't even think about pissing them off either, they go to the end of the world for the people they love and that's how lovers and friends should be!
I can't forget about Riley! Riley, Riley, Riley. He is someone you want to marry. It broke my heart when Ariya denied him. It truly did, but I was so conflicted because James is who I wanted Ariya to end up with. At the same time I want her with James. It literally destroyed me. Like how could Anna Applegate make such loving characters and tug at my heart-strings like that. I had to take several breaks because I was getting so emotional. Riley is a man who is not only the best friend you dream of, but a man you would want to spend the rest of your life with. I couldn't blame Ariya for following her heart, I would have done the same thing. But it makes me wonder... what would her life be like if she just picked Riley right there and then? Would James made her forget everything about him and give her the life she deserves? Or would Ariya find a way to remember him and be with him in the end? Riley makes me want to have a spin-off version of this trilogy of what life would be like if she had chosen him. I need this in my life.
And then there was one.... Ariya Adams. An emotional wreck who I can completely relate to in so many ways. Personally to me she resembled a true senior in college, full of emotion, stress, lust and love. Fighting the urge between focusing on school work versus focusing on boys. Trying to stay optimistic when times get rough. Hanging out with good friends and worrying about them all the time. She was a joy to watch and I loved reading all her thoughts. There's no way to get to know a character more than knowing their deepest thoughts. I can't wait to see her after she turns 22, I am wondering how much she will change.
Overall, this book gave me great joy. It also brought me back to thinking about my college years and that wasn't so long ago. I wouldn't know how I would have reacted if I were in all of these characters shoes. It just makes me want so much more! I need more and I need answers or I am going to explode. Anna Applegate did such an excellent job with writing this novel. I am extremely happy to have been given this new joy in my life and I can't wait to read more. She made me so invested in these characters, I am dying to sink my teeth into her next two books in this series!
Rating: 5/5 ~
***I was gifted this book by the Author herself, in exchange for an honest review through NerdGirl***
WARNING SOME SPOILERS BELOW...
HOLY DAMN. HOLY DAMN. HOLY DAMN.
That is what mostly ran through my mind while reading this book. I honestly could not give this book enough stars to show how amazing it is. I was hooked from start until the end. I was left with wanting more and that is the feeling I look for when picking up a book. Anna Applegate did an excellent job writing "Protected".
Throughout reading this book, I would have never guessed that I would have fallen so in love with it. Out of all the characters, I mostly fell in love with James. Although I wish I was Ariya so I could have James (he has totally become my new bookish boyfriend, by the way), there is just something about him that draws me into him. Even before I started to get to know him and as time went on, I finally put my finger on it. It was how much he truly cares for people. Whether he knows them or not and that trait is hard to find in people... especially vampires. There is so much harm he could create but he chooses to suffer than to cause anyone harm. In various moments throughout the book, he had to make multiple decisions on what is right versus his duty. You can see how much it pained him to make some of the decisions he decided on in the end. It's hard to find compassion like that.
I mean look at Emma and Devon, they are the complete opposite of James. Their hatred was their doom and I am for one glad they're dead.
Then we have Nick and Caroline... there is just no words for how loving and cute they are. They made me feel warm and giddy on the inside every time Ariya describe them. The love they have for each other is something people dream about everyday. Don't even think about pissing them off either, they go to the end of the world for the people they love and that's how lovers and friends should be!
I can't forget about Riley! Riley, Riley, Riley. He is someone you want to marry. It broke my heart when Ariya denied him. It truly did, but I was so conflicted because James is who I wanted Ariya to end up with. At the same time I want her with James. It literally destroyed me. Like how could Anna Applegate make such loving characters and tug at my heart-strings like that. I had to take several breaks because I was getting so emotional. Riley is a man who is not only the best friend you dream of, but a man you would want to spend the rest of your life with. I couldn't blame Ariya for following her heart, I would have done the same thing. But it makes me wonder... what would her life be like if she just picked Riley right there and then? Would James made her forget everything about him and give her the life she deserves? Or would Ariya find a way to remember him and be with him in the end? Riley makes me want to have a spin-off version of this trilogy of what life would be like if she had chosen him. I need this in my life.
And then there was one.... Ariya Adams. An emotional wreck who I can completely relate to in so many ways. Personally to me she resembled a true senior in college, full of emotion, stress, lust and love. Fighting the urge between focusing on school work versus focusing on boys. Trying to stay optimistic when times get rough. Hanging out with good friends and worrying about them all the time. She was a joy to watch and I loved reading all her thoughts. There's no way to get to know a character more than knowing their deepest thoughts. I can't wait to see her after she turns 22, I am wondering how much she will change.
Overall, this book gave me great joy. It also brought me back to thinking about my college years and that wasn't so long ago. I wouldn't know how I would have reacted if I were in all of these characters shoes. It just makes me want so much more! I need more and I need answers or I am going to explode. Anna Applegate did such an excellent job with writing this novel. I am extremely happy to have been given this new joy in my life and I can't wait to read more. She made me so invested in these characters, I am dying to sink my teeth into her next two books in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2013
"One of the most beautiful qualities of friendship is to understand and to be understood." ~ Lucius Seneca
Book 1 in the Ariya Adam's trilogy's biggest theme to me was "friendship." This Lucius Annaeus Seneca quote was extremely relevant because this group of friends truly had to be accepting and understanding of each other in order for their friendships to survive. In life you often find out things about the people you love that you have to learn to "accept" even if you don't initially understand it. I think Ariya learned this lesson in book 1 of her trilogy.
Ariya is your average college girl, who enters her senior year and learns some life changing things about herself and those around her. This new understanding brings her closer to some of the people in her life....and causes her to fear others.
I liked this book because it truly showcased this tight knit group of friends that protected each other, no matter what. It is always refreshing to read a book where you love more characters than you dislike :) This book was filled with an amazing group of "supporting" characters. Everyone needs a best friend like Caroline, who deals with your mood swings, gets up no matter what time it is to listen to you cry/complain/vent about your life, and always has the perfect cup of coffee or tea waiting for you when you need it the most...or a sexy best friend like Riley, who is always there to pick up the pieces after the most recent jerk lets you down, always has welcoming arms to hold you, and there may just be something more there yet to discover....then there's Nick, it's always a nice to meet a new friend that you feel cares about you just as much as your old friends do, who is equally protective, and just happens to be your best friend's (Caroline) new beau. Throughout this novel I found myself wishing I had a group of friends like this when I was in college....however, the number of wonderful qualities they possess, they also possess an equal number of secrets. Will Ariya be able to handle it all and keep those friendships when all is revealed?
Enter James...if ever there were a swoon worthy new guy, James is the King. He transfers into Ariya's college during Ariya's senior year and turns her world upside down. After a string of disappointments in her dating life, she was content and resigned to finishing out her senior year enjoying her friends while being single. However, one look at James and those well made plans are up for debate. James quickly becomes a staple in her core group of friends. The more time Ariya spends around him the more she is drawn to him, and the more the attraction grows. She waits for him to advance, yet they seem to take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. Will this attraction go anywhere or is it one-sided?
With the arrival of so many new students transferring in during their senior year, not all of them fit in with group. Devon, at first glance is extremely attractive, yet he is just as much an enigma. Although he seems to have ties to Ashley, he can't take his eyes off Ariya. Although she does her best to stay away from him, Devon plays a huge role in the life changing events that soon overtake Ariya and those she has grown to love.
If you want to know the answers to the questions I posed, I suggest you read Protected for yourself :) It was definitely a fun and interesting paranormal read that kept my attention, and has me looking forward to what happens next in book 2. I would definitely give Protected by Anna Applegate 4 out of 5 stars!
Book 1 in the Ariya Adam's trilogy's biggest theme to me was "friendship." This Lucius Annaeus Seneca quote was extremely relevant because this group of friends truly had to be accepting and understanding of each other in order for their friendships to survive. In life you often find out things about the people you love that you have to learn to "accept" even if you don't initially understand it. I think Ariya learned this lesson in book 1 of her trilogy.
Ariya is your average college girl, who enters her senior year and learns some life changing things about herself and those around her. This new understanding brings her closer to some of the people in her life....and causes her to fear others.
I liked this book because it truly showcased this tight knit group of friends that protected each other, no matter what. It is always refreshing to read a book where you love more characters than you dislike :) This book was filled with an amazing group of "supporting" characters. Everyone needs a best friend like Caroline, who deals with your mood swings, gets up no matter what time it is to listen to you cry/complain/vent about your life, and always has the perfect cup of coffee or tea waiting for you when you need it the most...or a sexy best friend like Riley, who is always there to pick up the pieces after the most recent jerk lets you down, always has welcoming arms to hold you, and there may just be something more there yet to discover....then there's Nick, it's always a nice to meet a new friend that you feel cares about you just as much as your old friends do, who is equally protective, and just happens to be your best friend's (Caroline) new beau. Throughout this novel I found myself wishing I had a group of friends like this when I was in college....however, the number of wonderful qualities they possess, they also possess an equal number of secrets. Will Ariya be able to handle it all and keep those friendships when all is revealed?
Enter James...if ever there were a swoon worthy new guy, James is the King. He transfers into Ariya's college during Ariya's senior year and turns her world upside down. After a string of disappointments in her dating life, she was content and resigned to finishing out her senior year enjoying her friends while being single. However, one look at James and those well made plans are up for debate. James quickly becomes a staple in her core group of friends. The more time Ariya spends around him the more she is drawn to him, and the more the attraction grows. She waits for him to advance, yet they seem to take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. Will this attraction go anywhere or is it one-sided?
With the arrival of so many new students transferring in during their senior year, not all of them fit in with group. Devon, at first glance is extremely attractive, yet he is just as much an enigma. Although he seems to have ties to Ashley, he can't take his eyes off Ariya. Although she does her best to stay away from him, Devon plays a huge role in the life changing events that soon overtake Ariya and those she has grown to love.
If you want to know the answers to the questions I posed, I suggest you read Protected for yourself :) It was definitely a fun and interesting paranormal read that kept my attention, and has me looking forward to what happens next in book 2. I would definitely give Protected by Anna Applegate 4 out of 5 stars!
September 18, 2018
vampire protectors of humans
I really enjoyed Ariya Adams book 1, it was a great twist to the vampire/human fantasy, with just enough of a twist to keep you reading.
I like how Anna Applegate has added her own unique twist to old folklore about the creatures of the night as well as how not all things dark can't be truly light.
I really enjoyed Ariya Adams book 1, it was a great twist to the vampire/human fantasy, with just enough of a twist to keep you reading.
I like how Anna Applegate has added her own unique twist to old folklore about the creatures of the night as well as how not all things dark can't be truly light.
November 15, 2013
I got this book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.
Firstly I would like to thank Anna Applegate, author of Protected for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this fabulous book.
I got this book from Lovers of Paranormal Group of Goodreads under the Read to Review theme.
Here we meet Ariya who was content with her life; she has awesome friends who love her and care for her with a to-die-for best friend Caroline who supports her always, no matter what. Everything was going well in her life till the day when a mysterious boy came to her small town university and she gets attracted towards him. Everything sounds normal right? But the catch is that everything is not what it seems and the shocking revelation is that Ariya herself has some powers that runs in her blood!!! What will happen when Ariya learns that the dangerous creatures that are just a myth are real for sure and what will happen when her life gets intertwined with these creatures? How will she save herself from this grave danger and from the life threat? Will the friendship of her and her true friends get shattered? How will you react when your life gets upside down?
Well, I think these questions will drawn you in the story and don’t worry you won’t regret picking this one up. Let me answer one of the questions. The creatures that I mentioned are none other than Werewolves and Vampires but let me assure you that this story is not a Twilight copy though to some extent the blurb gives such kind of hints. This book has an awesome story-line and it is not at all like any other vampire or werewolf genre book.
The action scenes are great and I loved the developed characters very much. The main lead is funky and full of life which I really loved and then we got to meet many sexy boys who have hearts as well, yup you heard me right!!! I loved the total concept of this book and the fast-pacing really made this an interesting read. The twists and turns are great to enjoy and the suspense made me crazy. Over all a great read which includes strong friendship, true love, passionate romance, heart-stopping action, chilling suspense and so much more. So dive right into it and enjoy!!!
April 30, 2018
Protected (Ariya Adams Trilogy #1)
By Anna Applegate
Rated 5 stars
Excellent excellent book! After reading the synopsis I was intrigued. It doesn’t tell a lot but after reading the book..it tells so much.
So I don’t want to give too much away. I will say I loved this book! It really kept me on my toes and made me want to keep reading it. I could hardly put it down! The suspense of “what is going to happen next” kept me going. I think I read it in 24 hours!
Ariya is in her senior year of college. She has a great roomie and bestie Caroline and she has been feeling more emotional as of late. She figures it’s just because her life will be changing soon (after college) and she is nervous. She starts noticing strange things happening around her after the arrival of 3 strangers on campus. She is intrigued by them as well as what is going on around town.
I am so impressed with Ariya! She seems to be taking everything in stride even though the hits just keep coming. I am pretty sure I would have had a major freak out by about mid book. I love her relationship with Caroline and also Riley. They have such fun together and their antics make me smile. Caroline is a girls best friend. It seems no matter what comes up she is always there to comfort, get angry, or cheer Ariya along.
I have much frustration with James and Riley. My mouth was agape when Riley introduced Ariya to Helen especially after what he previously said to her. Then to find out they’d been on more than a few dates? What?!? Talk about a quick recovery. It would take me a while to get over that. Then all the cold, hot, cold from James? I would be on emotional overload. I really just want to cry for her and knock some sense into these guys! Well....one guy in particular.
This is my first book by this author and i will eagerly be digging into the next book in the series. I loved the writing! It was engaging and kept my interest. The story was exciting and very secretive! The characters? Well I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for them! Awakened....here I come!w
By Anna Applegate
Rated 5 stars
Excellent excellent book! After reading the synopsis I was intrigued. It doesn’t tell a lot but after reading the book..it tells so much.
So I don’t want to give too much away. I will say I loved this book! It really kept me on my toes and made me want to keep reading it. I could hardly put it down! The suspense of “what is going to happen next” kept me going. I think I read it in 24 hours!
Ariya is in her senior year of college. She has a great roomie and bestie Caroline and she has been feeling more emotional as of late. She figures it’s just because her life will be changing soon (after college) and she is nervous. She starts noticing strange things happening around her after the arrival of 3 strangers on campus. She is intrigued by them as well as what is going on around town.
I am so impressed with Ariya! She seems to be taking everything in stride even though the hits just keep coming. I am pretty sure I would have had a major freak out by about mid book. I love her relationship with Caroline and also Riley. They have such fun together and their antics make me smile. Caroline is a girls best friend. It seems no matter what comes up she is always there to comfort, get angry, or cheer Ariya along.
I have much frustration with James and Riley. My mouth was agape when Riley introduced Ariya to Helen especially after what he previously said to her. Then to find out they’d been on more than a few dates? What?!? Talk about a quick recovery. It would take me a while to get over that. Then all the cold, hot, cold from James? I would be on emotional overload. I really just want to cry for her and knock some sense into these guys! Well....one guy in particular.
This is my first book by this author and i will eagerly be digging into the next book in the series. I loved the writing! It was engaging and kept my interest. The story was exciting and very secretive! The characters? Well I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for them! Awakened....here I come!w
December 3, 2013
I received this book by the Author and the “Lovers of Paranormal” Group on Goodreads.com, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
Ariya is a senior at Kingsbrook College located in the small town Mineral Point, Michigan. Her roommate and best friend, Caroline, came back from summer break with a new beau, Nick. Ariya's other best friend, always-there-for-you-big-teddybear-shoulder-to-cry-on-guy Riley, introduces her to a new transfer student, James. Could he be a new love interest for Ariya? With his confusing signals Ariya is an emotional roller coaster.
The depth of the characters pulls you in and make you really care about their feelings. Aside from vampires and werewolves, this book is a story about friendship and how much stress and secrets that fragile friendship can handle before cracking, or making the bond stronger. Will forgiveness and understanding prevail?
"I can't be your friend then, not right now, at least."
"I don't think I can be your friend anymore."
How do I start to describe my feelings for this heart wrenching, nail biting, and nerve racking story? It is simply amazing! The well crafted plot is captivating and kept my pages quickly turning, I literally couldn't put it down! I made myself turn out the light at 5am in hopes of getting at least a couple hours of sleep (of course all I dreamt about was James)!
I couldn't wait, I've already started Awakened, the next book in the series!
The storyline is amazing, there are a few editing and formatting errors, but look past that and it's a five-star book!
Ariya is a senior at Kingsbrook College located in the small town Mineral Point, Michigan. Her roommate and best friend, Caroline, came back from summer break with a new beau, Nick. Ariya's other best friend, always-there-for-you-big-teddybear-shoulder-to-cry-on-guy Riley, introduces her to a new transfer student, James. Could he be a new love interest for Ariya? With his confusing signals Ariya is an emotional roller coaster.
The depth of the characters pulls you in and make you really care about their feelings. Aside from vampires and werewolves, this book is a story about friendship and how much stress and secrets that fragile friendship can handle before cracking, or making the bond stronger. Will forgiveness and understanding prevail?
"I can't be your friend then, not right now, at least."
"I don't think I can be your friend anymore."
How do I start to describe my feelings for this heart wrenching, nail biting, and nerve racking story? It is simply amazing! The well crafted plot is captivating and kept my pages quickly turning, I literally couldn't put it down! I made myself turn out the light at 5am in hopes of getting at least a couple hours of sleep (of course all I dreamt about was James)!
I couldn't wait, I've already started Awakened, the next book in the series!
The storyline is amazing, there are a few editing and formatting errors, but look past that and it's a five-star book!
July 2, 2013
While reading this book, I believe that I became more confused as the story went along. There were some aspects of it, which I knew I had figured out right away, but then others I still don’t understand completely what had happened. This book was a bit slow to begin with, and I couldn’t really get into the story until about halfway through.
The characters that were written, although they were older (all adults) they also had that teenager sense about them? I don’t really know how to word that properly, they all seemed to have a sense of immaturity about them. Especially seeing as how some of them were OLDER.
I almost felt like Ariya’s character, because she was as confused as me when it came to what was happening to her. James’s character, although he was hot according to his description, he also seemed like a character that was just there.
With this being Anna’s first novel, I think she did really well on working out the story and the characters. It could have been better, but writing is one of those you grow as you learn. I do look forward to reading what she has in the future, because she left the story with a bit of a cliffhanger.
3.5 Stars from me.
Review provided by Crystal's Many Reviews
The characters that were written, although they were older (all adults) they also had that teenager sense about them? I don’t really know how to word that properly, they all seemed to have a sense of immaturity about them. Especially seeing as how some of them were OLDER.
I almost felt like Ariya’s character, because she was as confused as me when it came to what was happening to her. James’s character, although he was hot according to his description, he also seemed like a character that was just there.
With this being Anna’s first novel, I think she did really well on working out the story and the characters. It could have been better, but writing is one of those you grow as you learn. I do look forward to reading what she has in the future, because she left the story with a bit of a cliffhanger.
3.5 Stars from me.
Review provided by Crystal's Many Reviews
November 9, 2013
I was given this book to read ahead of the ARC copy of the second book in the series, Awakened as a R2R.
After Twilught I generally avoid vampire and werewolf combination books as I feel I have 'been there, done that'. This, then, was a surprisingly good read. Nothing like a vampire and werewolf story you expect. The fact that they were vampires and werewolves was almost incidental.
The characters were well written and I quickly got to know and like them. I felt some apprehension when the dreaded love triangle reared its ugly head as I liked both James and Riley but the angst soon ended with the introduction of another character as a love interest. Thankfully the new character was again well written and fitted in nicely.
There were a few minor editing errors but nothing to detract from the story.
This was a very good book with a well developed plot line that was easy to keep track of as new information was gradually introduced whilst keeping my attention. I couldn't put it down and am now anxious to get to the second book.
After Twilught I generally avoid vampire and werewolf combination books as I feel I have 'been there, done that'. This, then, was a surprisingly good read. Nothing like a vampire and werewolf story you expect. The fact that they were vampires and werewolves was almost incidental.
The characters were well written and I quickly got to know and like them. I felt some apprehension when the dreaded love triangle reared its ugly head as I liked both James and Riley but the angst soon ended with the introduction of another character as a love interest. Thankfully the new character was again well written and fitted in nicely.
There were a few minor editing errors but nothing to detract from the story.
This was a very good book with a well developed plot line that was easy to keep track of as new information was gradually introduced whilst keeping my attention. I couldn't put it down and am now anxious to get to the second book.
January 26, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review by the Author.
This book did start off slow for me, but once things started to happen I was fully engaged.
We have romance, secrets and forbidden feelings. Sounds right up my alley!
Ariya is entering her senior year of college. She might think this will be just a year to catch up with her friends and prepare for graduation, but she doesn't know how her world is about to change.
I liked Ariya as the main character. She was easy to relate to.
There was quite a bit of angst between her and James that kind of got to me at times but I got over it. I was just having kind of like a get together already moment because there was so much sexual tension between them.
I liked that this book showed a healthy friendship and had amazing side characters! It was great to see such a good group of friends and their interactions.
I highly recommend if you are into paranormal romance! I can't wait to see where this story goes.
This book did start off slow for me, but once things started to happen I was fully engaged.
We have romance, secrets and forbidden feelings. Sounds right up my alley!
Ariya is entering her senior year of college. She might think this will be just a year to catch up with her friends and prepare for graduation, but she doesn't know how her world is about to change.
I liked Ariya as the main character. She was easy to relate to.
There was quite a bit of angst between her and James that kind of got to me at times but I got over it. I was just having kind of like a get together already moment because there was so much sexual tension between them.
I liked that this book showed a healthy friendship and had amazing side characters! It was great to see such a good group of friends and their interactions.
I highly recommend if you are into paranormal romance! I can't wait to see where this story goes.
May 28, 2018
Protected Book 1 Ariya Adams Trilogy by Anna Applegate
Ariya Adams thinks she is a normal college girl. It’s her senior year and she has a great group of friends. She even has her sights on the new transfer James. All is well until a run in one night with a strange wolf like creature that causes her world to change. Turns out there is more than meets the eye when it comes to her group of friends.
Ariya is a strong character and is very emotional this year. She has a loyal group of friends and is an excellent main character. There is a lot of focus introducing the type of person she is for the first half of the book. A lot happens for her all at once before reaching the climax of the novel. I loved her character. I also really liked her beat friends Riley and Caroline.
The novel was an easy read and something I could get lost in. There were a few errors involving missing words and occasional misspelled words but nothing that distracted me from the story. That is why I rate the book a 4 star novel and I can’t wait to read the second in this series.
Ariya Adams thinks she is a normal college girl. It’s her senior year and she has a great group of friends. She even has her sights on the new transfer James. All is well until a run in one night with a strange wolf like creature that causes her world to change. Turns out there is more than meets the eye when it comes to her group of friends.
Ariya is a strong character and is very emotional this year. She has a loyal group of friends and is an excellent main character. There is a lot of focus introducing the type of person she is for the first half of the book. A lot happens for her all at once before reaching the climax of the novel. I loved her character. I also really liked her beat friends Riley and Caroline.
The novel was an easy read and something I could get lost in. There were a few errors involving missing words and occasional misspelled words but nothing that distracted me from the story. That is why I rate the book a 4 star novel and I can’t wait to read the second in this series.
November 10, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review (LOP)
I have to admit that this started out slow but in a good way, you got a lot of the character dynamic which made me want to keep reading. Ariya is staring her senior year and feeling very emotional, her best friend Caroline, came back to school with a new boyfriend that wants to transfer to be close to her and Riley drops a bomb on her about his true feelings. She meets and is very attracted to James who has big secrets he is unwilling to share yet. Ariya's life is put in danger from Devon and now the truth must come out, vampires and werewolves are real!! James, Caroline and Nick must protect Ariya with their lives. I am very glad I have the second book because the wait to read it would have driven me crazy!
I have to admit that this started out slow but in a good way, you got a lot of the character dynamic which made me want to keep reading. Ariya is staring her senior year and feeling very emotional, her best friend Caroline, came back to school with a new boyfriend that wants to transfer to be close to her and Riley drops a bomb on her about his true feelings. She meets and is very attracted to James who has big secrets he is unwilling to share yet. Ariya's life is put in danger from Devon and now the truth must come out, vampires and werewolves are real!! James, Caroline and Nick must protect Ariya with their lives. I am very glad I have the second book because the wait to read it would have driven me crazy!
December 5, 2013
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal).
Ariya went from being a college student on the verge of graduating to an Innocent, savior of the vampire race. She learns that she is the only living creature who can save a vampire from a true death (True Blood reference haha). As if this wasn't enough to deal with, she also falls deeply in love with her Protector and struggles with her feelings of inadequacies, compared to the supernaturals who are fated to protect her. But Ariya doesn't realize that her courage and selflessness are even bigger gifts than her blood.
Ariya went from being a college student on the verge of graduating to an Innocent, savior of the vampire race. She learns that she is the only living creature who can save a vampire from a true death (True Blood reference haha). As if this wasn't enough to deal with, she also falls deeply in love with her Protector and struggles with her feelings of inadequacies, compared to the supernaturals who are fated to protect her. But Ariya doesn't realize that her courage and selflessness are even bigger gifts than her blood.
February 24, 2018
I’m an avid lover of all things paranormal and especially vampires add to that some passionate romance and I’m hooked. Things started off a little slow but things really heated up after a while. I can say that the main storyline was something I had never seen before so it was nice having a fresh perspective. In this the first of the series it’s more romance and character development than paranormal which I think worked well to set us up for the rest of the series, and give us something worth rooting for. I’m excited to see what happens next.
November 15, 2013
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. LOP R2R
I really enjoyed this book. Ariya is a normal college student, has great parents, and a good life. Then things start to unravel. The book occasionally was a tad bit slow and sometimes felt a little "Twilight" to me, but on the whole I completely enjoyed it. I was anxious to read the second book, which is always a good thing!! Thank you!
I really enjoyed this book. Ariya is a normal college student, has great parents, and a good life. Then things start to unravel. The book occasionally was a tad bit slow and sometimes felt a little "Twilight" to me, but on the whole I completely enjoyed it. I was anxious to read the second book, which is always a good thing!! Thank you!
November 22, 2018
Love this story
Long good story. A lot of secrets that even shocked me. And I love all the characters minus Emma, Devon yuk lol going to the next book now! I'm in love with james, Nick and Caroline
Long good story. A lot of secrets that even shocked me. And I love all the characters minus Emma, Devon yuk lol going to the next book now! I'm in love with james, Nick and Caroline
August 17, 2013
good book - like the premise. it got a bit.....wordy at times over things that probably didn't need the emphasis. didn't connect 100% with the characters but I will read the next book.
January 28, 2018
I was offered this book in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, this book has no chill – and I mean this in the best way possible. This is not one of those novels where you have to grin and bear the first few chapters before it moves into the exciting parts, it STARTS OFF exciting. I know right? WICKED! I felt from the first few pages I was hooked and I was finding this extremely hard to put down – even at 2 o’clock in the morning.
Ariya is a college student whose first two years seem relatively normal, but weird things start to happen around her campus accompanied by new people to her school – something that isn’t common at Kingsbrook college. Her best friend Caroline is protective, out-spoken and looks after Ariya in every way possible. Caroline also brings home a new boyfriend who seems to look at Caroline as though he’d know her for a lot longer than the few weeks of their break. In comes James, the stranger who befriended her best friend Riley (oh Riley! *swoon* but I’ll talk about him in a sec) and managed to score himself a place on Riley’s ice hockey team. Next thing Ariya knows, she’s seeing actual wolves in the middle of a footpath in town and from here, things get decidedly more complicated and crazy.
Hokay so, as I said, this book has absolutely no chill whatsoever, it goes from 0-100 like Flash was in charge of the whole thing. I felt like I was kept on my toes the entire time, each chapter just begging me to turn over to the next page and of course, once you start a chapter you have to finish it. That’s just standard book etiquette.
The basis for what happens here is that Ariya is pretty darn special, part of a world that she was never meant to know existed to begin with, now, she’s been thrust into the middle of a war with not even a basic handbook to help with the information overload. Her heightened emotions, erratic decisions seem innocent until they become too much for Ariya to handle and its not too long before she finds out just how that fits into the new world that she’s discovering.
Can we start with Riley? Im going to anyway. Riley is my favourite character by far, Anna has written him like a flippin angel (don’t panic, this isn’t about angels) he’s just your average sweetheart with all the characteristics of the perfect man. Caring, loyal, funny, protective and ridiculously good-looking of course! Riley needs more book time, I really hope he gets more in the rest of this series.
Ariya is a rollercoaster, she’s up, she’d down, she’s doing circles and triangles and whatever other shapes you can imagine would be crazy. But that’s the whole idea really, and I was feeing it, and it was annoying but I guess youre supposed to feel what she’s feeling.
James and Caroline and Nick make this book incredible, Anna managed to create completely different characters that don’t overpower one another but seem to sync in perfectly with each others motives and goals.
The whole werewolves and vampires thing is well over-done, lets be honest, everywhere you look there is ‘different types’ of these creatures but they’re all the same, with the same boring storyline. This is my exception, I was happy to find myself unsure of what was going to happen next, the storyline stayed away from the clichés enough, without pulling so far away that I was searching for even a little familiarity. Reminding me of the reasons that I fell in love with this genre!
This was a fast read for me, only because I couldn’t stop reading this at any point. I did a solid session and I have no regrets. None. Whatsoever.
I absolutely looooovvvvveeeedddd this first book in the series and I cant wait to read the next ones! *huge thumbs up*
First of all, this book has no chill – and I mean this in the best way possible. This is not one of those novels where you have to grin and bear the first few chapters before it moves into the exciting parts, it STARTS OFF exciting. I know right? WICKED! I felt from the first few pages I was hooked and I was finding this extremely hard to put down – even at 2 o’clock in the morning.
Ariya is a college student whose first two years seem relatively normal, but weird things start to happen around her campus accompanied by new people to her school – something that isn’t common at Kingsbrook college. Her best friend Caroline is protective, out-spoken and looks after Ariya in every way possible. Caroline also brings home a new boyfriend who seems to look at Caroline as though he’d know her for a lot longer than the few weeks of their break. In comes James, the stranger who befriended her best friend Riley (oh Riley! *swoon* but I’ll talk about him in a sec) and managed to score himself a place on Riley’s ice hockey team. Next thing Ariya knows, she’s seeing actual wolves in the middle of a footpath in town and from here, things get decidedly more complicated and crazy.
Hokay so, as I said, this book has absolutely no chill whatsoever, it goes from 0-100 like Flash was in charge of the whole thing. I felt like I was kept on my toes the entire time, each chapter just begging me to turn over to the next page and of course, once you start a chapter you have to finish it. That’s just standard book etiquette.
The basis for what happens here is that Ariya is pretty darn special, part of a world that she was never meant to know existed to begin with, now, she’s been thrust into the middle of a war with not even a basic handbook to help with the information overload. Her heightened emotions, erratic decisions seem innocent until they become too much for Ariya to handle and its not too long before she finds out just how that fits into the new world that she’s discovering.
Can we start with Riley? Im going to anyway. Riley is my favourite character by far, Anna has written him like a flippin angel (don’t panic, this isn’t about angels) he’s just your average sweetheart with all the characteristics of the perfect man. Caring, loyal, funny, protective and ridiculously good-looking of course! Riley needs more book time, I really hope he gets more in the rest of this series.
Ariya is a rollercoaster, she’s up, she’d down, she’s doing circles and triangles and whatever other shapes you can imagine would be crazy. But that’s the whole idea really, and I was feeing it, and it was annoying but I guess youre supposed to feel what she’s feeling.
James and Caroline and Nick make this book incredible, Anna managed to create completely different characters that don’t overpower one another but seem to sync in perfectly with each others motives and goals.
The whole werewolves and vampires thing is well over-done, lets be honest, everywhere you look there is ‘different types’ of these creatures but they’re all the same, with the same boring storyline. This is my exception, I was happy to find myself unsure of what was going to happen next, the storyline stayed away from the clichés enough, without pulling so far away that I was searching for even a little familiarity. Reminding me of the reasons that I fell in love with this genre!
This was a fast read for me, only because I couldn’t stop reading this at any point. I did a solid session and I have no regrets. None. Whatsoever.
I absolutely looooovvvvveeeedddd this first book in the series and I cant wait to read the next ones! *huge thumbs up*
January 5, 2018
I want to start off by saying that I absolutely love paranormal reads. Especially those that have a mix of the paranormal characters. Like vampires and werewolves or add in some witches or even some new characters that are not your normal everyday paranormal. With that being said, I really did like this book. I didn't love it, but I did enjoy it. It felt more like a young adult series than an adult series, considering the boy drama that seemed a little more high school than college level. Not what I expected out of an adult romance.
In this book Ariya Adams is your normal everyday college senior. She is starting off her senior year with her best friend Caroline. They have been friends since freshman year. As you read the story you are giving clues about Caroline that point to her being something other than human. It was a nice build up to the reveal that Ariya's friends are vampires.
As the story moves on Ariya is torn with feelings for a transfer student named James. He acts like he likes her but then he won't make any moves on her. Mean while she is being stalked by a creepy guy named Devon and her best guy friend Riley is secretly in love with her. All this leads to a little bit of the high school drama I talked about.
Then Ariya finally finds out the truth, when James blast from the past comes back. She discovers that she is special, of a royal bloodline and she is in danger. Her friends are really her protectors. Can they save Ariya or will Ariya fall into the hands of the enemy out to get her?
I liked the build up of the story and how it flowed. I did not get bored or stray from the book. The characters were interesting and entertaining. This book does have a lot of action and suspense in it. It is a page turner for sure. Like I said before, I got more of a young adult vibe from the story than an adult vibe. That may change in the next book. But hey I love young adult books, so this was no big deal to me.
I also loved the aspect of deep friendship that is displayed by Caroline and Ariya. It is a strong bond and draws you into the story. James and Ariya have a deep connection as well and the chemistry is there, but I did not feel it was explored enough. Maybe we will see more of that in the next book. When characters have good chemistry, I get butterflies in my tummy reading the scenes between them. In this book I only felt a twinge of that, but not a lot to excite you.
Overall I think the book is a great read with a great story line. The build up is nice and steady and it has wonderful engaging characters. The book will hold your attention and end with you wanting to continue in Ariya's journey. If you like PG paranormal then this is for you.
*ARC provided by Anna Applegate
In this book Ariya Adams is your normal everyday college senior. She is starting off her senior year with her best friend Caroline. They have been friends since freshman year. As you read the story you are giving clues about Caroline that point to her being something other than human. It was a nice build up to the reveal that Ariya's friends are vampires.
As the story moves on Ariya is torn with feelings for a transfer student named James. He acts like he likes her but then he won't make any moves on her. Mean while she is being stalked by a creepy guy named Devon and her best guy friend Riley is secretly in love with her. All this leads to a little bit of the high school drama I talked about.
Then Ariya finally finds out the truth, when James blast from the past comes back. She discovers that she is special, of a royal bloodline and she is in danger. Her friends are really her protectors. Can they save Ariya or will Ariya fall into the hands of the enemy out to get her?
I liked the build up of the story and how it flowed. I did not get bored or stray from the book. The characters were interesting and entertaining. This book does have a lot of action and suspense in it. It is a page turner for sure. Like I said before, I got more of a young adult vibe from the story than an adult vibe. That may change in the next book. But hey I love young adult books, so this was no big deal to me.
I also loved the aspect of deep friendship that is displayed by Caroline and Ariya. It is a strong bond and draws you into the story. James and Ariya have a deep connection as well and the chemistry is there, but I did not feel it was explored enough. Maybe we will see more of that in the next book. When characters have good chemistry, I get butterflies in my tummy reading the scenes between them. In this book I only felt a twinge of that, but not a lot to excite you.
Overall I think the book is a great read with a great story line. The build up is nice and steady and it has wonderful engaging characters. The book will hold your attention and end with you wanting to continue in Ariya's journey. If you like PG paranormal then this is for you.
*ARC provided by Anna Applegate
May 10, 2018
Ariya Adams is just your typical senior in college, trying to have a great last year of school with her friends and make some lasting memories. She is thrown off by the handsome and confusing James, her best friend’s friend. The two build a fast relationship as friends but there is more boiling just under the surface, regardless of what the two think at first. This is where I decided to mark this book four stars. I like the characters, and the concept for this paranormal romance book. However, at times I found it hard to connect to the story line and with the characters. They seemed to really be immature for college students, and this complicated the story line for me, in the sense that I had a hard time wanting to keep up with them. I was however pleasantly surprised with how the book wound up with the introduction of the mystery behind Ariya. She has no idea that she is about to find out what she finds out. And no, I am not going to go deeply into what this is because it was one of the best parts of the book for me and I feel it would be a disservice to ruin that for readers.
I will say that I was impressed with the way Anna Applegate incorporated the werewolves and vampires into the story. It was done in a new way and I found it refreshing personally. Especially since I am almost at the overfull point of vampire books. This one stands out among the crowd though and by far is the main reason I stuck out the slow beginning and immature characters. I had a feeling it was going to go somewhere good, and it did! I will warn you it is a cliffhanger of course, given it is a trilogy. I will definitely give the other two a one click so I can find out what is to come next and how the series will wrap up everything.
Also Anna Applegate is a completely new author to me, and I enjoyed her ability to add the personalized spin on things like I said before, it just really stands out among the crowd of werewolves and vampires meeting the romance genera.
I will say that I was impressed with the way Anna Applegate incorporated the werewolves and vampires into the story. It was done in a new way and I found it refreshing personally. Especially since I am almost at the overfull point of vampire books. This one stands out among the crowd though and by far is the main reason I stuck out the slow beginning and immature characters. I had a feeling it was going to go somewhere good, and it did! I will warn you it is a cliffhanger of course, given it is a trilogy. I will definitely give the other two a one click so I can find out what is to come next and how the series will wrap up everything.
Also Anna Applegate is a completely new author to me, and I enjoyed her ability to add the personalized spin on things like I said before, it just really stands out among the crowd of werewolves and vampires meeting the romance genera.
May 20, 2018
Protected by Anna Applegate is the first book in her new series Ariya Adams Trilogy, and it was a phenomenal read. A thrilling paranormal suspense roller coaster this book will keep you on your toes from page one until the last lines. Following the story of Ariya Adams, who is just entering her senior year of college and just wanting to get done with school while hanging out with her friends. Her life was going according to her plans until she met James Rymer, who her attraction to is so strong that she can’t do anything but think about him and want to be around him as much as possible. There is a pull coming from him that makes her whole body want nothing more than to just be in his presence. But strange things are happening all around her, situations keep happening where she is noticing that there may be something more to her life than she originally thought. Being a smart, independent woman has always survived her well, but now having to depend on James is getting easier and easier, but can she trust her feelings about him? Can he keep her safe? James knows that Ariya is truly someone special, but breaking that news to her won’t be easy for her. As James grows distant then showering her with attention his flipping and flopping keeps Ariya’s head spinning. Will she be able to trust James when she needs it or will the news that he has to tell her be the end of her budding love for him? Applegate is a new to me author, and I am so happy that I picked this book up. I have read other books in this series and I was left feeling like I was missing something until I realized that I hadn’t read book 1 yet. After reading this story all the other books made allot more sense. Applegate has a unique voice that makes her stories really just pull you in. Add to that her amazing character and world building and you have a grade A + book! If you are looking for a great new book by a wonderful author than this is definitely a book that you need to pick up!
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