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Guarded #1
Guarded Wish
HER MOST GUARDED WISH COME TRUE.
When Sandy Koufax comes of age, she makes a wish that her fantasy dream boyfriend Peter would somehow come to life. Then she mysteriously receives a cupcake with a notecard that reads:
Happy Birthday, Sandy
Make a wish. I promise it will come true.
And you know I always keep my promises.
—Love always, Peter
Impossible, of course. Until she begins spotting him around her new home in San Francisco.
Then Peter warns her in yet another nighttime dream that someone from his world managed to break through the dimensional veil and entered hers—an assassin contracted to hunt her down. Worse, this killer is a mimic, able to take on the image of anyone—her friends, her coworkers. Even her new, mysterious boyfriend.
But is any of this real, or just another nighttime fantasy?
And if it is real, why would anyone want to kill a former foster kid like her?
When Sandy Koufax comes of age, she makes a wish that her fantasy dream boyfriend Peter would somehow come to life. Then she mysteriously receives a cupcake with a notecard that reads:
Happy Birthday, Sandy
Make a wish. I promise it will come true.
And you know I always keep my promises.
—Love always, Peter
Impossible, of course. Until she begins spotting him around her new home in San Francisco.
Then Peter warns her in yet another nighttime dream that someone from his world managed to break through the dimensional veil and entered hers—an assassin contracted to hunt her down. Worse, this killer is a mimic, able to take on the image of anyone—her friends, her coworkers. Even her new, mysterious boyfriend.
But is any of this real, or just another nighttime fantasy?
And if it is real, why would anyone want to kill a former foster kid like her?
Paperback
First published February 17, 2018
About the author
Addison Carmichael
28 books339 followersADDISON CARMICHAEL is a Paranormal Romance junkie. Love is a mystical, magical thing to her, and she loves writing and living vicariously through her endless PNR stories. Whether it be alpha male werewolves, fierce dragons, sexy panthers and other shifters, sizzling hot vampires, or illusive sorcerers who will magically make your dreams come true, her imagination is bubbling up several stories after another.
As a literature major, Addison also enjoys weaving classic themes into her books, yet keeping the fun and folklore true to each story and character. While paying strict attention to the tropes of each myth, she also finds unique ways to create new ones in order to make each story as fresh, realistic and plausible as possible.
Addison was born and raised in Southern California and has lived and traveled all over the west coast (and the world). She married the man of her dreams and has two awesome sons, two daughters-of-her-heart, and three grandchildren who are the jewels in her personal crown.
She now lives happily-ever-after with her family (which includes Mollie, her black lab-border collie) in Snohomish, Washington of the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 10, 2018
Sandy Koufax had been anonymously dropped off as an infant in front of a fire station in San Francisco. The fireman named her after a professional baseball player. She grew up in a group home without any real family but she did have an imaginary friend named Peter, who showed up in her dreams.
Now Sandy is living in a young woman's halfway house and has a job but she still dreams about Peter. She notices an older, white haired man who seems to be stalking her. Then she meets Mick Barron, who strongly resembles Peter. AS their relationship and attraction grows, Sandy struggles to discover the answer to a strange question. Is Mick truly a man of this world or is he really Peter? And who is the white haired man who never goes away?
Guarded Wish caught my attention on page one and kept me guessing to the end. A well written story with great characters, guaranteed to hold the reader's attention.
Now Sandy is living in a young woman's halfway house and has a job but she still dreams about Peter. She notices an older, white haired man who seems to be stalking her. Then she meets Mick Barron, who strongly resembles Peter. AS their relationship and attraction grows, Sandy struggles to discover the answer to a strange question. Is Mick truly a man of this world or is he really Peter? And who is the white haired man who never goes away?
Guarded Wish caught my attention on page one and kept me guessing to the end. A well written story with great characters, guaranteed to hold the reader's attention.
August 5, 2018
This book, in my mind, is at least 4 stars, and was NOT at all what I expected it to be.
In the last year, or less, I've started reading paranormal, supernatural, etc., but I'm still not really comfortable in the genre unless it is written very very well and with a mind to detail. Well, Addison, you did both.
To call this book a romance between Sandy and Peter is reducing it to something it only partially is. Sandy, stuck in the social system, imagines her friend Peter. Then, older and wiser, she discovers he is real. In fact, the romance in the book could have been reduced and I would have been happy (and when are you EVER heard me say that before?). The narrative describing her time within the foster system, and her growing up years, was suberb. I was actually disappointed that there wasn't more of that, as Ms. Carmichael certainly knows how to spin a tale. And I didn't necessarily like Sandy throughout the book, but once I thought about her background and her situation, I became a bit more sympathetic to her bouts of rudeness and anger. I suppose if I'd been raised in the social system, I would have also been just a little bit angry at life.
Being a neophyte in the world of magic and paranormal writing, I needed more explanation of the magic in this book. I felt I was missing something by not thoroughly understanding what went on. I don't beleive that was the fault of the writer, I think it was me reading without any background knowledge to fall back on. Then there's the idea that it is a YA book and I'm just new to that genre too,
Overall, it was a very carefully written book and the care taken by the author shows in every line. I'm impressed. This was the first book by Addison Carmichael I'd read, and I was given a copy of this book by the author. And I might add, I've been given a LOT of copies of a LOT of books by a LOT of authors over the last year. Rarely do they rate over two or three stars. This book deserves every star I'm giving it here.
In the last year, or less, I've started reading paranormal, supernatural, etc., but I'm still not really comfortable in the genre unless it is written very very well and with a mind to detail. Well, Addison, you did both.
To call this book a romance between Sandy and Peter is reducing it to something it only partially is. Sandy, stuck in the social system, imagines her friend Peter. Then, older and wiser, she discovers he is real. In fact, the romance in the book could have been reduced and I would have been happy (and when are you EVER heard me say that before?). The narrative describing her time within the foster system, and her growing up years, was suberb. I was actually disappointed that there wasn't more of that, as Ms. Carmichael certainly knows how to spin a tale. And I didn't necessarily like Sandy throughout the book, but once I thought about her background and her situation, I became a bit more sympathetic to her bouts of rudeness and anger. I suppose if I'd been raised in the social system, I would have also been just a little bit angry at life.
Being a neophyte in the world of magic and paranormal writing, I needed more explanation of the magic in this book. I felt I was missing something by not thoroughly understanding what went on. I don't beleive that was the fault of the writer, I think it was me reading without any background knowledge to fall back on. Then there's the idea that it is a YA book and I'm just new to that genre too,
Overall, it was a very carefully written book and the care taken by the author shows in every line. I'm impressed. This was the first book by Addison Carmichael I'd read, and I was given a copy of this book by the author. And I might add, I've been given a LOT of copies of a LOT of books by a LOT of authors over the last year. Rarely do they rate over two or three stars. This book deserves every star I'm giving it here.
May 28, 2018
This book grabs hold of you in the first chapter and does not let go! The author has done an exceptional job crafting a story that is part fantasy - part romance, and 100% wonderful. Her characters are so thoroughly drawn that they came to life inside my head as I read. I’ll be picking up the sequel immediately!
June 21, 2018
A longer version of this review is available here at my blog Reading Recluses
The author provided me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my review.
Sandy Koufax had an imaginary friend, Peter, for far longer than is normal. When she starts seeing reminiscents of Peter (in the form of Mick, her neighbour) and other weird coincidences in her life, Sandy must reconsider just how imaginary Peter is.
Guarded Wish is mostly a romance novel between Sandy and Mick/Peter. Sandy is such a great protagonist with a very sympathetic story. I really enjoyed reading about her struggles as a foster child and I wished the book focused more on her past than on her romance.
All the characters on their own were well developed and had their separate plots, which was refreshing to see in a YA fantasy-romance. Sandy was strong and powerful in her own right.
Guarded Wish is an interesting fantasy-romance novel with a solid protagonist. I rate it two stars because I felt the romance detracted from the plot. I recommend for fans of Lauren Kate’s Fallen and The House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast.
Rating: 40/100
Age: 14 & up
Warnings: mild violence, mild sexual content
For more reviews like this one, check out my blog, Reading Recluses
The author provided me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not in any way affect my review.
Sandy Koufax had an imaginary friend, Peter, for far longer than is normal. When she starts seeing reminiscents of Peter (in the form of Mick, her neighbour) and other weird coincidences in her life, Sandy must reconsider just how imaginary Peter is.
Guarded Wish is mostly a romance novel between Sandy and Mick/Peter. Sandy is such a great protagonist with a very sympathetic story. I really enjoyed reading about her struggles as a foster child and I wished the book focused more on her past than on her romance.
All the characters on their own were well developed and had their separate plots, which was refreshing to see in a YA fantasy-romance. Sandy was strong and powerful in her own right.
Guarded Wish is an interesting fantasy-romance novel with a solid protagonist. I rate it two stars because I felt the romance detracted from the plot. I recommend for fans of Lauren Kate’s Fallen and The House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast.
Rating: 40/100
Age: 14 & up
Warnings: mild violence, mild sexual content
For more reviews like this one, check out my blog, Reading Recluses
June 19, 2018
Please find my review at:
http://www.mammagottimetoread.com/rev...
http://www.mammagottimetoread.com/rev...
August 1, 2018
Loved this book so much, I immediately got the next in series to read!
As a child, I loved Peter Pan. Still enjoy the idea of Neverland to this day. In this book, the Peter Pan story influences a sad little girl in the social system to the point she believes her 'make-believe' friend is real. Then she grows up and learns he is. Their adventure is just beginning!
As a child, I loved Peter Pan. Still enjoy the idea of Neverland to this day. In this book, the Peter Pan story influences a sad little girl in the social system to the point she believes her 'make-believe' friend is real. Then she grows up and learns he is. Their adventure is just beginning!
October 10, 2020
This is such a clever, entertaining story line infused with mystery! Ever since Sandy Koufax was six in the foster system, she had had a make-believe boyfriend she named Peter because she could never remember his “real” name outside of the dreams. Oddly, he has aged along with her, so he is still approximately 2 years older but now a handsome young man. The first time she had ever seen him was when she dreamed he found her alone on a playground. He called her “Andeleal”. He offered to be her friend and play a game, but her only friend had just been adopted and moved far away. She didn’t want to lose anyone else. But he told her he was her Guardian now and would always protect her. He promised he would never leave her, and he always kept his promises. He made her feel valued, treasured, and safe. But as she got older, her belief weakened and he didn’t come as often. But this last time, in case there were no others, he took her to see beautiful cracked crystal ruins, her “real” home, and told her that someday she would save it.
Peter goes on to tell her someone has taken over his world and is afraid now that the prophecy is true and Andeleal can take it away from him. Peter says she has to find a way to bring him through before this man can come after her, so that he can protect her. If the man breaks through the veil to her world, he will kill her.
Sandy woke up for a special birthday breakfast as she turns 18 today. She packed her few belongings, and put a bracelet that was found in her baby blanket on her wrist. It wrapped itself securely on her, but it was pretty so she didn’t take it off. With Peter still on her mind, she makes the wish that Peter would somehow be here with her, and she sobbed with her longing for him. Electricity crackled and the jolt on her wrist knocked her down! She was driven to the half-way house and, for a moment, thought she saw a guy who looked just like Peter across the street, but the door opened and he was gone when she looked back. She reported to the diner where she would be working, then went out to pick up a few food items until payday. When she opened her cabinet, there was a small silver box with a blue bow. Inside was a frosted cupcake and a notecard saying: “Happy Birthday, Sandy. Make a wish. I promise it will come true. And you know I always keep my promises. --Love always, Peter” So she closes her eyes and wishes for the only thing she truly wanted — for him to be real and for them to finally meet face to face and find their HEA. Is that even possible? It doesn’t look likely when Peter comes to her in another dream to warn her someone broke through the veil and the hired assassin is looking for her! The killer can become anyone and she won’t know the danger until it’s too late! Is this latest dream true or more of her fantasies? She’s no one special. Why would someone want her dead? It makes no sense.
I think this is my favorite book ever! It has a touch of all the things I adore, and it was so well-written. The main characters are amazing, Peter of course being my hero! Grab your copy and melt into the pages as you share Sandy’s story and find out what’s real!
Peter goes on to tell her someone has taken over his world and is afraid now that the prophecy is true and Andeleal can take it away from him. Peter says she has to find a way to bring him through before this man can come after her, so that he can protect her. If the man breaks through the veil to her world, he will kill her.
Sandy woke up for a special birthday breakfast as she turns 18 today. She packed her few belongings, and put a bracelet that was found in her baby blanket on her wrist. It wrapped itself securely on her, but it was pretty so she didn’t take it off. With Peter still on her mind, she makes the wish that Peter would somehow be here with her, and she sobbed with her longing for him. Electricity crackled and the jolt on her wrist knocked her down! She was driven to the half-way house and, for a moment, thought she saw a guy who looked just like Peter across the street, but the door opened and he was gone when she looked back. She reported to the diner where she would be working, then went out to pick up a few food items until payday. When she opened her cabinet, there was a small silver box with a blue bow. Inside was a frosted cupcake and a notecard saying: “Happy Birthday, Sandy. Make a wish. I promise it will come true. And you know I always keep my promises. --Love always, Peter” So she closes her eyes and wishes for the only thing she truly wanted — for him to be real and for them to finally meet face to face and find their HEA. Is that even possible? It doesn’t look likely when Peter comes to her in another dream to warn her someone broke through the veil and the hired assassin is looking for her! The killer can become anyone and she won’t know the danger until it’s too late! Is this latest dream true or more of her fantasies? She’s no one special. Why would someone want her dead? It makes no sense.
I think this is my favorite book ever! It has a touch of all the things I adore, and it was so well-written. The main characters are amazing, Peter of course being my hero! Grab your copy and melt into the pages as you share Sandy’s story and find out what’s real!
October 30, 2018
This was a great read. I've never read a fantasy before (seriously) and I'm glad the author introduced me to her book. The main character, Sandy, has a distinct voice that was all her own. She sucked me in from the opening chapter.
Having been left at a fire station as an infant, Sandy grew up in the foster care system, which left emotional scars that are realistically portrayed, from Sandy's fears of getting close to someone, or anyone, lest they leave her. She has barriers to overcome if she wants to grasp what she truly wants--love. Her arc was well executed from start to finish, as you watch Sandy emotionally grow. At the end it becomes less about herself and what's happened to her, to battling to help those she cares deeply about. Read a detailed review at my blog
Having been left at a fire station as an infant, Sandy grew up in the foster care system, which left emotional scars that are realistically portrayed, from Sandy's fears of getting close to someone, or anyone, lest they leave her. She has barriers to overcome if she wants to grasp what she truly wants--love. Her arc was well executed from start to finish, as you watch Sandy emotionally grow. At the end it becomes less about herself and what's happened to her, to battling to help those she cares deeply about. Read a detailed review at my blog
October 4, 2020
This book was good I kept want to see what would happen next. The only reason for 4 stars is that in some of the areas in did not flow to the next scene well. We have mystery, suspense and action. Sandy has been in the foster system since she was born, now she has aged out. She has dreamed of a guy she named Peter for most of her life. When in a home for transition, weird things start to happen? Who to believe, who to trust, what is real. So go on a journey of nighttime fantasies and real life fear and action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2018
I began reading this novel about a young girl’s romance, and then it went somewhere out of this world! I never expected the twists it took, and now I must read the next in the series. Thank you, Ms. Carmichael, for taking me on a journey that, with your vivid descriptions, I could easily imagine in my mind. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading.
October 11, 2020
The first book in the Sun Child Prophecy series a well written story that kept me turning pages. I want to read more of Mikkel Petros and Andee Peters' story. I will be reading the next book. This is a new Author to me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2018
3 stars!
Review will be on my blog: https://bookswithnoel.blogspot.com/
Review will be on my blog: https://bookswithnoel.blogspot.com/
September 12, 2018
This was a very well written book. I expected Peter in sandy's dreams to be real but wasn't expecting the twists and turns the story took. Sandy's life growing up in the system without parents all make sense later with a war between good and bad. Addison did a good job at keeping us in suspense on which was which. It's not what you expect. If you're looking for a great YA novel, this is it.
October 17, 2020
Great first book. Sandy has been from one foster family to another all of her life. Never really connecting with anyone, except the boy named Peter who comes to her in her dreams. In her dreams they have adventures that seem so real. When she turns eighteen she has to go into a halfway house for a time, get a job, and learn to take care of herself. There she meets another girl and she finally has a friend who becomes like a sister. But when Mick moves across the street he looks so much like her dream Peter she is confused. Until she meets him and he sounds different and acts different. But someone is stalking her and she is terrified. She soon is told her entire life is a lie and she has been hidden for eighteen years to keep her away from her evil father. Can Mick keep her safe, and what about the mother she never met? She’s out there somewhere. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
February 22, 2018
Loved this! Very intriguing concept with the odd twists and turns and quirky characters that you fall in love with. Builds slowly with the wonder if she's seeing things or not while you learn more about the characters. Then you're off and running and can't stop until the end--great and very satisfying ending (without the annoying cliffhanger hack that so many authors seem to need in order to keep their readers interested enough to buy their next book). Don't get me wrong, there are some teases that make my salivate for the second book. Overall, it was a great read. Highly recommend.
February 22, 2018
Wow, very fun and intriguing. Loved the characters and fell in love with...no spoilers :)
Story built slowly in order to get to know and fall in love with the protagonists, then took off and didn't stop running until the end. Very satisfying ending with no annoying cliffhangers (which I hate and believe they're all hacks from authors who try and force their next book down their readers' throats). Still with enough teasers to make me salivate for Book 2. Highly recommend!
Story built slowly in order to get to know and fall in love with the protagonists, then took off and didn't stop running until the end. Very satisfying ending with no annoying cliffhangers (which I hate and believe they're all hacks from authors who try and force their next book down their readers' throats). Still with enough teasers to make me salivate for Book 2. Highly recommend!
October 28, 2020
Andee’s dreams brought Peter to her, but she had stopped believing. However, he breaks through and her life changes. I liked this original take on the Peter Pan story and especially loved Jem’s help to save the day.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this great story full of great characters and action. I did not want to put it down. I can not wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2018
I really liked the idea of this book; it seemed like something I would fall right into, absorbing page after page for hours. However, from the very beginning it just didn't really click for me. There wasn' t one major issue that stuck out, but several little things that kept me from becoming captivated with the story. The main character, Sandy, isn't extremely likeable. She's a little rough around the edges and any redeeming qualities don't really shine through in her personality. She's bratty and rude to others, becomes irrationally angry over little things, and blows other things way out of proportion. The conversations she has with Mick are awkward and forced, even though I don't think they're particularly meant to come across that way. Their chemistry is off and when they first meet, Mick talks to Sandy like an elder would talk to a child. In fact, I didn't really feel any legit chemistry between them throughout the entire book. Sandy was usually rude, or condescending, or overly opinionated, and Mick would either stomp off, become distant, or start kissing her.
I felt like many scenes were TOO dramatic for the actual situation. Sandy had TOO extreme of a response over certain matters and at times went out of her way to disobey Mick, even though her actions would OBVIOUSLY put them in more of a dangerous situation. That behavior actually aided in her unlikeabilty factor.
However, I will say that the author, Addison Carmichael, does have a beautiful writing style. If it wasn't for the plot issues and character flaws, this would have been a very lovely book. I actually think the next book in the series will be much better than this one, as the storyline will be more focused and the characters will hopefully mature and grow in their personalities and relationships as well. Overall, I rate the book a 3/5 with detractions for plot, meandering storylines, character issues, and the inability to connect with the main characters.
*I was provided with a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
I felt like many scenes were TOO dramatic for the actual situation. Sandy had TOO extreme of a response over certain matters and at times went out of her way to disobey Mick, even though her actions would OBVIOUSLY put them in more of a dangerous situation. That behavior actually aided in her unlikeabilty factor.
However, I will say that the author, Addison Carmichael, does have a beautiful writing style. If it wasn't for the plot issues and character flaws, this would have been a very lovely book. I actually think the next book in the series will be much better than this one, as the storyline will be more focused and the characters will hopefully mature and grow in their personalities and relationships as well. Overall, I rate the book a 3/5 with detractions for plot, meandering storylines, character issues, and the inability to connect with the main characters.
*I was provided with a free copy of the book by the author in exchange for my honest review.
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