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The Guardian Series #4
Return
The "must-read romance" series featured in USA TODAY When Declan first fell for Alexander at San Mar High, she knew it was an attraction like no other. That was how it all began in Guardian, the first book in the popular Guardian Series, and readers were captivated by Declan and Alexander's story and the deadly obstacles they had to overcome for love. Now, in Return, the story continues as they're drawn to San Mar once again, this time to confront their past and reconnect with those they left behind. But the power that bridged mortality to bring them back also brought dark consequences, and there are secrets to be discovered that will affect them all. As the countdown to danger unfolds, the only thing they can rely on is the timeless bond they share and their fierce determination to protect the ones they love. Full of passion, romance, and surprises, this story will leave readers believing in fate, connection, and the transcendent power of true love. Note to The Guardian Series is meant to be read in 1. Guardian, 2. Fallen, 3. Revelation, 4. Return
421 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2018
876 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Messenger
5 books231 followersUSA TODAY-recommended author, A.J. Messenger, lives in California. Her novel Guardian was featured as a "must-read romance" in USA TODAY and was chosen as a "Staff Pick" on Goodreads.
She loves hearing from readers!
* Connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ajmessengerauthor
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She loves hearing from readers!
* Connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ajmessengerauthor
* Be the first to hear about new releases! Sign up for her newsletter at www.ajmessenger.com
* Follow her on twitter.com/@aj_messenger
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
October 11, 2022
I thought it was good! I loved the ending. I also thought it was different from the others. I know the author didn't intend to have a fourth book but I am glad they did!
I wasn't sure how to feel about the different perspectives at first but as I got into reading it more I felt that it was necessary. It turned out how I hoped.
It had a happy ending and I'm glad the author used certain characters from the other books in this one. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like these types of books! 4 stars!
I wasn't sure how to feel about the different perspectives at first but as I got into reading it more I felt that it was necessary. It turned out how I hoped.
It had a happy ending and I'm glad the author used certain characters from the other books in this one. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like these types of books! 4 stars!
April 27, 2021
The Guardian Series by A J Messenger
I have just finished The Guardian Series by A J Messenger. Four beautifully written books.
These books gave me back a lot of faith in the written words which upon reflection I realised I had lost. The bond these people shared wether family or friends human or otherworldly could never be broken. Even death could not take away the fact that love is stronger than time and evil.
I have just finished The Guardian Series by A J Messenger. Four beautifully written books.
These books gave me back a lot of faith in the written words which upon reflection I realised I had lost. The bond these people shared wether family or friends human or otherworldly could never be broken. Even death could not take away the fact that love is stronger than time and evil.
January 18, 2019
4 Stars for this book, 4.5 stars for the series as a whole.
I remember when I first read this series back in 2017, I was bummed out by the way it ended with Declan and Alexander but the ending gave me hope that they would one day find each other, so imagine my surprise when I found out that a final book came out to let us readers know exactly how it turned out for one of my favorite book couples.
I only gave the book 4 stars because I think it took a little too long for them to remember who they were, although I understand why it was written that way.
It took me a minute to know who Charlie was from the previous books and I was happily shocked when he finally told Mira of his connection with her parents.
All and all, it was a great way to the end the series, it came back in a complete circle and Declan and Alexander finally get to have the happily ever after they were denied before.
I would definitely recommend this series.
I remember when I first read this series back in 2017, I was bummed out by the way it ended with Declan and Alexander but the ending gave me hope that they would one day find each other, so imagine my surprise when I found out that a final book came out to let us readers know exactly how it turned out for one of my favorite book couples.
I only gave the book 4 stars because I think it took a little too long for them to remember who they were, although I understand why it was written that way.
It took me a minute to know who Charlie was from the previous books and I was happily shocked when he finally told Mira of his connection with her parents.
All and all, it was a great way to the end the series, it came back in a complete circle and Declan and Alexander finally get to have the happily ever after they were denied before.
I would definitely recommend this series.
January 4, 2021
Masterpiece
This book was the masterpiece of the entire series! I really enjoyed the character especially Finn and Liz made me laugh out loud! I did wish there was a little more action between the good and evil and I also wish all the previous books where as long as this one was. I read straight through on this book particularly and it would be great to have a spin off and revisit this family again in the future like through their children and Melentuis when he regains strength or something!
This book was the masterpiece of the entire series! I really enjoyed the character especially Finn and Liz made me laugh out loud! I did wish there was a little more action between the good and evil and I also wish all the previous books where as long as this one was. I read straight through on this book particularly and it would be great to have a spin off and revisit this family again in the future like through their children and Melentuis when he regains strength or something!
December 9, 2018
Beautiful
When I found out another book was being added to the series I was very excited. I re-read the first three twice this week to bring me back to one of my favorite series. I love the characters, the romantic scenarios, and the writing is superb. I look forward to more books from this author.
When I found out another book was being added to the series I was very excited. I re-read the first three twice this week to bring me back to one of my favorite series. I love the characters, the romantic scenarios, and the writing is superb. I look forward to more books from this author.
July 30, 2021
Awesome series
This series has all of the qualities needed for a great story...overwhelming love, family connections, trust, frustration, tension and the power of love over hate. Love this series!
This series has all of the qualities needed for a great story...overwhelming love, family connections, trust, frustration, tension and the power of love over hate. Love this series!
October 14, 2023
Great read
I have to say I was very upset at the ending of the third book but you brought back my happiness when I started to read the 4th one. I read all 4 books in record time but now I'm done with the series and can only just hope that the next book I read can be just as good!!
I have to say I was very upset at the ending of the third book but you brought back my happiness when I started to read the 4th one. I read all 4 books in record time but now I'm done with the series and can only just hope that the next book I read can be just as good!!
March 25, 2021
Love this series!
Love this series it, I thoroughly enjoyed it could not put it down. I haven’t had a series in a long time where I just wanted to keep reading everyday. Thank you A.J. Messenger for the guardian series!
Love this series it, I thoroughly enjoyed it could not put it down. I haven’t had a series in a long time where I just wanted to keep reading everyday. Thank you A.J. Messenger for the guardian series!
November 25, 2020
Amazzzing
This was a great series to read. The last book in the series was a tear jerker for me and a happily ever after.
This was a great series to read. The last book in the series was a tear jerker for me and a happily ever after.
June 16, 2021
rating
such a dramatic but almost flawless twist on the ending, one of the best series I’ve read in a long time
such a dramatic but almost flawless twist on the ending, one of the best series I’ve read in a long time
February 27, 2026
What a ride this series has been. I'm so sad to reach the end. I was gripped by the characters from the start. Cheering for them every step of the way. I cried less this time round but found the book just as emotional & gripping. Couldn't shake this from brain. Constantly on my mind, thinking about their dilemmas & love for each other, their friends & family at all times of the day & night. Desperate to finish work, chores, everyday life so I could immerse back into their world & read. So pleased there was a happy ending ( it still had me crying ) but absolutely gutted to have come to the end. I'd love another book but I guess it was a good place to end, although I'd love to see what comes next for them all. High praise for the author & editing. I don't think I've read any of your books before but I will definitely consider you again in the future. Thank you for some heart stealing escapism.
January 9, 2019
You know when you finish a book series and your sorta sad? Sorta happy? Sorta relieved?
BUT there is always that small part of you that also sorta wishes you had just a but MORE.
When I finished the Guardian Series it was bittersweet. I loved the artistic ending to Declan and Alexander’s story but, at the same time, I wished I knew what happened to their little girl. Maybe even what happened to THEM? Did they stay childhood friends? Did they become more? How DID Alexander pull off the impossible.
Randomly scrolling through Goodreads one morning what do you think caught my little eye? A FOURTH Guardian book. THAT’S WHAT. I immediately had to know if all my lingering curiosities were answered.
Return was everything I hoped it would be. It was that full circle sorta ending that maybe we didn’t actually NEED but we all really wanted it. It gave this series such a secure closure that while you may be sad to say goodbye to the characters you love, you’re also fully sated with how it all ended. There are no lingering curiosities, no what-ifs. This is one of the very few series where you don’t have to wonder nor does the author leave anything open for interpretation. It’s all wrapped up in a pretty little Declan & Alexander bow and if you were on the fence about needing this in your life. Stop. Head over to amazon and add it to your library. You won’t be disappointed.
BUT there is always that small part of you that also sorta wishes you had just a but MORE.
When I finished the Guardian Series it was bittersweet. I loved the artistic ending to Declan and Alexander’s story but, at the same time, I wished I knew what happened to their little girl. Maybe even what happened to THEM? Did they stay childhood friends? Did they become more? How DID Alexander pull off the impossible.
Randomly scrolling through Goodreads one morning what do you think caught my little eye? A FOURTH Guardian book. THAT’S WHAT. I immediately had to know if all my lingering curiosities were answered.
Return was everything I hoped it would be. It was that full circle sorta ending that maybe we didn’t actually NEED but we all really wanted it. It gave this series such a secure closure that while you may be sad to say goodbye to the characters you love, you’re also fully sated with how it all ended. There are no lingering curiosities, no what-ifs. This is one of the very few series where you don’t have to wonder nor does the author leave anything open for interpretation. It’s all wrapped up in a pretty little Declan & Alexander bow and if you were on the fence about needing this in your life. Stop. Head over to amazon and add it to your library. You won’t be disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
It had been over 18 months since I had read The Guardian series, so I needed to refresh my memory by reading the last chapter of Revelation. It wasn’t until half way through The Return that I remembered my last thought 18 months ago ‘they found each other’. I was instantly reminded of the love between Declan and Alexander, the battles they thought to be together and what they sacrificed. In Mira story we see what a miracle love is, that even though she didn’t know about her heritage or about Guardians she grew into a strong loveable character that was good and selfless. This series is a true love story that will touch your heart and cry buckets of tears. It shows that love will always conquer over hate.
January 21, 2019
For some reason, after #3, i didnt think there was another book coming! What an awesome surprise when it came along, and what an awesome ending to the Guardian series. I think a big part of me was hoping that both Declan and Alexander would get their powers back on their birthdays and help restore the balance along with Mira.....but thats the fun in reading - you never know the plot till its read 🤪 So sad another series is finished, but what a wonderful series, full of tension and the "unknown" - well done, and waiting for more - thank you for a great read and ride.
September 8, 2020
I have been doing my best to stay firmly in adult PNR, but I am really happy I picked up this series. This was such a beautiful read. The story flowed well, there were some great twists and turns and the relationship between the two main characters touched a part of my soul.
If you are looking for a beautiful love story, you should pick this book up! I cried while reading more than I can admit.
I hope the author considers making another book from the viewpoint of Declan’s mother. It seems like there is a great story there as well 😊
If you are looking for a beautiful love story, you should pick this book up! I cried while reading more than I can admit.
I hope the author considers making another book from the viewpoint of Declan’s mother. It seems like there is a great story there as well 😊
May 6, 2020
Awesome!!!!❣
I loved everything about the series. The soulmates, the guardians Declan and Alexander finding each other after their death. The romance is beautifully written and very tasteful. Leaves slot to ones imagination. I hope A.J. writes a book 5 in this series of Mira and Charlie's soulmate romance. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED READING THIS SERIES and look forward to reading more from A.J. Thank you A.J.😊
I loved everything about the series. The soulmates, the guardians Declan and Alexander finding each other after their death. The romance is beautifully written and very tasteful. Leaves slot to ones imagination. I hope A.J. writes a book 5 in this series of Mira and Charlie's soulmate romance. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED READING THIS SERIES and look forward to reading more from A.J. Thank you A.J.😊
April 9, 2023
Must read whole series!
The whole story, not just book 1 or book 3, the whole of the story of Declan, Alexander and their families, is better than just a story in a book.
From the very first page the story grabs you and keeps you involved all the way to the last page of book 4! Put it down? Only because my reader hit me in the nose when I fell asleep reading!
Thank you author for the wonderful read!
The whole story, not just book 1 or book 3, the whole of the story of Declan, Alexander and their families, is better than just a story in a book.
From the very first page the story grabs you and keeps you involved all the way to the last page of book 4! Put it down? Only because my reader hit me in the nose when I fell asleep reading!
Thank you author for the wonderful read!
December 20, 2018
Best Love Story!
Rated a five for the entire story of four books! But also five stars for the Return. I loved each character and the fact that they could have sex but it wasn't reading pron!
Everyone you meet was basically good except the evil ones and you could tell them in their eyes. Hope next series is just as good.
Rated a five for the entire story of four books! But also five stars for the Return. I loved each character and the fact that they could have sex but it wasn't reading pron!
Everyone you meet was basically good except the evil ones and you could tell them in their eyes. Hope next series is just as good.
January 5, 2019
First of all, Thank You! Thank you for giving us book #4. I was so heartbroken from how the 3rd book ended. So thank you A.J for “Return” wish it didn’t end. I wish we could have more of their lives, mira’s relationship with her parents (since we didn’t get to see that unfold) also more of mira and charlie’s relationship. i’m so happy declan and alexander got their happy ending. Love the series! Please think about continuing the series.
January 17, 2019
This book wow declan and Alexander return to help their daughter and it was just so heart felt I fell in love with Declan and Alexander again and want an Alexander for myself please the story is beautiful written and I was not expecting the twist in the story and can't wait to read more from the author.
August 18, 2019
Ok She redeemed herself with this story!
I was pretty disappointed with the ending of the 3rd book, but this one made up for it. Although having had to go through the grief at the end of the last book was really bad ! But I did enjoy this one, and happy with the turn out this time ! LOL
I was pretty disappointed with the ending of the 3rd book, but this one made up for it. Although having had to go through the grief at the end of the last book was really bad ! But I did enjoy this one, and happy with the turn out this time ! LOL
June 13, 2024
a truly amazing love story
I’ve not always appreciated a love story, but, when written as well, and as riveting as this series has been has blown my theory of predictable storylines completely out of the park. If you’re in the market for romance and fantasy, as well as humour read this amazing and surprisingly series.
I’ve not always appreciated a love story, but, when written as well, and as riveting as this series has been has blown my theory of predictable storylines completely out of the park. If you’re in the market for romance and fantasy, as well as humour read this amazing and surprisingly series.
February 23, 2026
best of the bunch
The first two books were good, the third was better, and this one was the BEST. I’m so glad this one was written, because the first three really weren’t complete without this one. This was where it all came together.
So if you were one of the fans that contacted the author and convinced A.J. to write it, thank you.
The first two books were good, the third was better, and this one was the BEST. I’m so glad this one was written, because the first three really weren’t complete without this one. This was where it all came together.
So if you were one of the fans that contacted the author and convinced A.J. to write it, thank you.
December 9, 2018
So happy with this book!!
I can't tell you how mad I was when book 3 ended the way it did. I was literally heartbroken and frustrated thinking that was it. But Return was the perfect ending to a magical love story. I can't wait to see what AJ has in store next!!
I can't tell you how mad I was when book 3 ended the way it did. I was literally heartbroken and frustrated thinking that was it. But Return was the perfect ending to a magical love story. I can't wait to see what AJ has in store next!!
May 26, 2019
A new favorite series!
It takes a long time and a lot of reading for me to find a new series that can join the ranks of my Top Ten. The Guardian series has become one of my favorites and I hope you won't miss it!
It takes a long time and a lot of reading for me to find a new series that can join the ranks of my Top Ten. The Guardian series has become one of my favorites and I hope you won't miss it!
August 28, 2025
Read the full set
So many twists and turns through the whole story. Beautiful love stories with some crazy twists and turns. Characters bring you into their world and you might shed a tear or 2 on multiple emotional levels.
So many twists and turns through the whole story. Beautiful love stories with some crazy twists and turns. Characters bring you into their world and you might shed a tear or 2 on multiple emotional levels.
December 30, 2018
Awesome
I love the storyline. I love the tension. All around great read. Soul mates. She ties up all loose ends. Please write more.
I love the storyline. I love the tension. All around great read. Soul mates. She ties up all loose ends. Please write more.
December 30, 2018
Absolutely an amazing conclusion to a wonderful story
*SPOILER ALERT*
First I would like to say that I really wasn't thrilled with the ending of the third book in this series. I didn't feel that it gave Declan and Alexander the ending they deserved. I walked away feeling heartbroken and sad
I am so amazingly happy that A.J Messenger decided to add a fourth novel to Declan and Alexander's story. The Return was everything thing I had hoped it would be. I love that Declan and Alexander share a love so strong that they are able to find one another again. I think adding Charlie into their family was an amazing way to tie the whole story together. Declan always felt a strong bond to him and now he's family. Mira is a strong and fiesty character. She really did remind me of both her mother and father. I recommend this series to anyone who loves NA PNR.
*SPOILER ALERT*
First I would like to say that I really wasn't thrilled with the ending of the third book in this series. I didn't feel that it gave Declan and Alexander the ending they deserved. I walked away feeling heartbroken and sad
I am so amazingly happy that A.J Messenger decided to add a fourth novel to Declan and Alexander's story. The Return was everything thing I had hoped it would be. I love that Declan and Alexander share a love so strong that they are able to find one another again. I think adding Charlie into their family was an amazing way to tie the whole story together. Declan always felt a strong bond to him and now he's family. Mira is a strong and fiesty character. She really did remind me of both her mother and father. I recommend this series to anyone who loves NA PNR.
January 11, 2019
Amazing
Thoroughly enjoyed reading the whole series, I don't have a favourite loved them all. Fell in love with Declan and Alexander from the startup the end,. Must read.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading the whole series, I don't have a favourite loved them all. Fell in love with Declan and Alexander from the startup the end,. Must read.
January 13, 2019
Yes
I am so happy.. I loved this series so much, I loved the characters and story line, reading these books and feeling what the characters felt is the best part.. I laughed, cried and got angry and surprised, theses are just some of the emotions I felt while reading this series... I look forward to reading more books by A.J. Messenger..
I am so happy.. I loved this series so much, I loved the characters and story line, reading these books and feeling what the characters felt is the best part.. I laughed, cried and got angry and surprised, theses are just some of the emotions I felt while reading this series... I look forward to reading more books by A.J. Messenger..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews