The Immortal Keepers - WINNER the ARRA Award for Favourite Continuing Romance Series 2022❝ Packed with witches, immortals, gods, demons, and with trips to the heavens and hell, this is a paranormal romance that just doesn't stop going.❞❝ Fast paced, action-packed and HOT (smoking hot) romance.❞❝ If a slow burn romance with sexy heroes and strong sassy women is your thing, you'll enjoy this story.❞✨✨✨Deadly secrets. Sacred vows. Duty over desire.India Jones never thought much of her family’s minor magic. But after her mom dies and she loses control of her gifts, the hunky lover haunting her delicious dreams feels like the least of her worries. And when a disturbing nightmare ends with a brutal attack in the waking world, she’s shocked to find her savior is the same ripped stranger from her seriously sexy visions…
Thrane swore to keep the three worlds safe. But the sassy woman the immortal guardian just saved has no idea how dangerous her abilities are. With a sinister secret society gunning for her, he finds protecting the gorgeous witch complicated even more by their scorching chemistry.
Infuriated by everyone’s refusal to give her answers, India doubles down on employing her expanded powers in a quest to learn the truth. And the harder Thrane falls for the beautiful mortal, the more difficult it becomes to prevent the entire mortal world from being torn apart.
How can a stubborn witch and a determined warrior come together to save the mortal world?✨✨✨The Last Keeper is the steamy first standalone book in The Immortal Keepers paranormal romance series. If you like strong women, rugged heroes, and dark magical destinies, then you’ll love HM Hodgson’s wild adventure.Buy The Last Keeper to unlock fate today!
Author The Last Keeper contains language and highly steamy scenes designed for 18+ readers, with fight and death scenes on the page, and deals with the death of a parent off page.
The Last Keeper is book one of a new action-packed fantasy series. This first book is based in Australia and carries the reader off to an other-world where witches, Keepers, Heralds, Valkyries all interact. The plot line goes beyond normal boy meets girl romance and the fantasy world created is sophisticated and well detailed. Sex is steamy, action is hands-on (includes sword play) and the romance is sizzling. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this full length story because of the world the author created - it helped that the main characters were imminently likeable. This book contained a HEA and there were no cliffhangers. I will definitely be watching for book two to be released!
I was given an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
When India Jones's mum dies her witch powers grow forcing her to return to her long-lost family for help. On her Nan's farm she finds a hot man, a lot of secrets, and a calling from the forest beyond the fenceline. And a future she never could have imagined.
The Last Keeper is a fast paced story that takes you on a journey through time and worlds. As India struggles to learn who and what she is, clues are dropped like breadcrumbs through the story, making it impossible to put down. Each character is uniquely wonderful as they frustrate each other, and eventually let down their guard. A fabulously mystical universe is the perfect backdrop for this story. I hung on every word and can’t wait for Book 2 ⚔️
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
If a slow burn romance with sexy heroes and strong sassy women is your thing, you'll enjoy this story. Especially when it includes powerful witches, dangerous demons, dark family secrets, and a clever mix of Nordic mythology that shifts from contemporary, modern-day Australia to incredible worlds where nothing is as it seems.
And did I mention the steamy scenes? :)
Ms Hodgson's first book embraces an exciting mix of fantasy and mythology, and I look forward to her next book. :)
This fantasy romance was an interesting read. I really liked the main characters-India and Thrane. A woman who can’t control her magic and an immortal warrior who must decide whether she’s in danger or IS the danger. Admittedly I did find parts of it a little long winded but thoroughly enjoyed the magic displays and fighting scenes. I absolutely loved the fact it was set in Australia and the world building was great. A satisfying HEA ending which leads into further books.
A stunning debut! Packed with witches, immortals, gods, demons, and with trips to the heavens and hell, this is a paranormal romance that just doesn't stop going. Upon the death of her mother, India's magic is spiralling out of control, so she goes to visit her grandmother to learn about her craft. Except she finds much more than she expected! India is strong and determined and Thrane is super sexy - the combination you want in a romance. A very enjoyable read.
An impressive debut with an original magic system and lush world-building. Add in some seriously steamy chemistry between sassy city witch India and her gruff immortal warrior Thrane, and you have the perfect elements for an immersive journey into the forests of rural Victoria and the realms hidden within.
I can't wait for the next book in the series, Keeper of my Heart.
This book was recomended by another author, and I decided to give it a go. And Wow am I glad I did. Such an interesting world she has created. The idea of the Keepers and that such an important Magical being is here in Australia is so awesome. I loved the characters, and that India was able to follow and learn about her magic was really well done. I really hope this lady continues writing within this world. Good work.
If you're looking for a fast-paced story packed with imagination, hot romance, suspense, adventure and a detailed appreciation of the Australian countryside, then you'll love this one. It is really well thought out and executed. A great story.
Amazing debut with some solid mythological connections and a fresh, strong heroine who I absolutely adored!
India is the perfect combination of strong and soft, and Thrane is her perfect match. I love my heroes a little gruff and a lot hunky, and he definitely fits the bill. Add in the lush Australian scenery and it was a truly lovely tale. (Also, the setting is local to me, so that was fun!)
I will definitely be reading more of this series. <3
This book was refreshingly unique—and I loved it! Hodgeson has crafted a novel that weaves legends and myths into a new fabric and still makes it seem believable. The romance is both sweet and sexy, and the supporting cast of characters are fun, offering a world of possibilities for future books.
I am not a book critic and English for me is second language, one that I learned as an adult , so my ratings are based on what, as a reader, I liked ( concept, story line, characters ,writing) v’s what didn’t do it for me . So, here we go :
Likes:
Idea and concept of this story with a mixture of different mythologies ( a bit of a melting pot, like Australia)
Location! Extra bonus points for setting the story in Victoria – I am a Melbourne girl . Yes, Virginia, there are other places outside Continental US of A and Ireland where magic can happen.
Cast of generally likable characters. While some of them felt a bit thin , this is a first book so there will be ample opportunity for further development
What for me did not do so well
India’s overcomplicated family – there is a lot of characters thrown into the mix from different branches with different rules and agendas - I had to create a chart of who is who in that zoo, who contributed what into India’s gene pool and degree of relationship with immortals
Language, writing style and descriptions - for me this was out of balance . While I found use of language and writing style easy and fluid in descriptive parts , it felt stilted and non – evoking when it came to emotions , humans and personalities . In other words, scenery was lush but human interaction dry ( No pun intended, not applicable to "sexy time" ) .
India and Thrane as a couple did not touch me – now, this one is harsh, and most likely stems from language /description issue I had . There is that elusive something, that “It” that should be there but wasn’t. It could have been be a touch of warmth, or a touch of sass but it makes couples believable or vibrant, makes you want to become friendly or even friends with them . For me India and Thrane were lacking that and despite all their magic they were rather dull Johnsen's from down the road – you know, the ones that you say “ Hello “ to when wheeling out the bins and have to invite to the neighborhood's annual BBQ, but that is that .
Why should you read this book?🤔 👇🏻 It has those “Keeper” 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ • 👍🏻 I am awed, I am mesmerized, I am completely enamored. I find it impossible to believe that this was the debut of the author! For her first work, its one of the best I have read. I was so immersed in the book I could feel each and every emotion, the story was utterly breath taking!
👍🏻 Ruthless and deadly, Thrane is the last Keeper. Eons ago, the Old Gods created the World Tree to connect the three Worlds. From its roots to its branches, it connects the Underworld, Mortalworld and Higherworld. But a secret war rages as those who would enslave the Mortalworld seek to destroy the Tree. Only the Immortal Keepers stand in their way.
Now, duty and explosive desire compel Thrane to keep close to India. For though she doesn’t know it, the stubborn witch is the gravest danger the World Tree, and his heart, have ever encountered.
To save the Mortalworld – and herself – India must face the most dangerous secret of all. Hers.
👍🏻 An amazing plot, seamlessly blended characters, it has a very unique and interesting storyline that keeps you wanting for more! The story is well written and smooth in its transition from one plot to the next, maintaining the effect on the readers. A complete adventure into the fantasy world, full of magic and mystery❤
👍🏻My recommendation: If you looking for a fantasy books, with witches and gods and other worlds, this book is definitely for you!
The world building of this story was amazing! I really liked all the thought and inspiration the author put into it. The characters were all interesting and I liked the multiple POV to really set the scenes and motivations. The story starts off a little slow, mostly due to India's ignorance (thanks Mom!) and everyone intentionally keeping her in the dark (a pet peeve of mine in storytelling, but I understand it's for the drama). The story does pick up quite nicely and once it starts it keeps on going! The first half is the slower half and the second part makes up for the first half. India was an interesting character and I enjoyed being a part of her journey, from being an ignorant witch to and all around power player. Thrane was a tougher nut to crack and a bit more stubborn, but I guess being an immortal, you get pretty set in your ways throughout the centuries. The story is told in 3rd person POV, with perspectives from both the Thrane and India and the baddie (just a few chapters from him to set the scenes and add to the drama). There's some swearing, a bit of violence, and steamy scenes in this story.
The Last Keeper is absolutely spellbinding. H.M. Hodgson has created a world that feels alive with danger, secrets, and heart. India is a heroine you root for with every page, flawed yet fiercely strong, and Thrane is the kind of character you can’t stop thinking about. The pacing kept me hooked, the mythology was rich, and the romance carried both fire and depth. It’s the perfect read for fantasy lovers who crave mystery, dark magic, and emotional intensity. A book that leaves you thinking about the choices of love, duty, and destiny long after the final chapter.
Okay, hear me out The baseline of the story is sound, but it just seems to lack a little…vibrancy Overall I did enjoy this, and will be reading the others in the series, but everything just felt a little rushed. A little more time on character development and character connection would do this book a world of wonders, but hoping for more in the next one
My first book by this author and I quite enjoyed it. I've been a hardcore reader for 5 years now and I gotta say it wasn't until this year that I started discovering that we have some very good Aussie authors . I liked the world built by this author and the characters. My complaint is the ending could have been better. But as a whole the story is good.
This is not my usual genre, but it was cleverly written and hooked me. Thrane is the last Keeper and an alpha male who readers will love. India slowly comes to terms with the family secrets and magic she has little control over. If you don't like blood and guts, this won't be for you but it's all part of the appeal of this unique story.
Look, I'll be honest - I'm not great at dissecting a book and writing a review the way others are, but I sure as heck know what I like (love!) and what I don't. I love it when I connect with characters so much I wish I knew them in real life. I WANT TO MEET INDIA & THRANE! I also love it when I'm introduced to a genre I haven't really read before, and love it. We tend to stick with what we know, don't we? But I'm SO glad I ventured into the witchcraft world with H.M. Hodgson. This genre just gained a new fan and I CANNOT wait to get my hands on book 2!
I’m still catching my breath from this one! Fast paced, action-packed and HOT (smoking hot) romance. India is sassy and head strong, and I loved learning her magic along with her. The world building in this novel is second to none - I was fully immersed in the world of witches and magic. And Thrane. Be still my beating heart. A gruff, immortal Keeper? Yes please. He was the perfect counterpart to India’s sass and if there was a Team Thrane + India t-shirt, I would be wearing it. Where’s the merch, Hodgson?
This book was such a brilliant read! A great story line about the power within and around us. HM Hodgson uses Viking lore and Gods to create a brilliant world, and I can't wait to read more!
Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves reading about elemental magic, or reading about Viking lore in Melbourne, Victoria.