GUARDIAN’S GRACE by Jacqueline Rhoades

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GUARDIAN’S GRACE by Jacqueline Rhoades

Release Date: May 13, 2012

Grace has never felt that she belonged. Abandoned as a young child, trying to survive in the foster care system Grace had always known she was different. If it weren’t for the continuous ‘buzzing’ in her head, maybe she would have felt ‘normal’. And when she is able to see ‘things’ that no one else was seeing, was she losing her mind or could she truly see what others could not? But the attack on a friend at the hands of demons and a rescue by 2 god-like angels (with fangs?), leave Grace reeling with the knowledge, that perhaps there is more than meets the eyes.

Twins Dov and Col are descendants of Nephilium-not yet Guardians but on patrol for demons. But when one human female has the ability to ‘see’, they know they must bring her to The House and High Lord Liege Canaan will not be too pleased. But it is Canaan who is stunned by the presence of Grace and with that, the knowledge that she would soon be his.

The Guardians are of the Race, with superior strength and speed, descended from Gabriel who are on earth to protect the humans and guard the portal, ensuring the demons do not cross the barrier. When a Guardian dies and his heart still remains within his chest, he is changed into vampire, and must be destroyed before the blood rage consumes. But we soon meet Uncle Otto, and learn that not all vampires are evil, and once they learn to control their blood rages, even vampires can love.

But demons have crossed the portal and are now are on a feeding frenzy of human flesh. Hoping to gain control of the local drug and alcohol trade, the demons continue to gorge on the blood of their victims, while the Guardians fight to save one of their own. A ‘witch’ has come into her powers and through sacrifice and blood she has unleashed a demon upon the earth, that only the Guardians will be able to control.

There are many humorous passages involving Dov and Col. Like two highly charged puppies with a new found friend, the twins wreak havoc ensuring Grace feels accepted and loved at The House. Their mischievous antics keep the mood light, when anger and sorrow seem to engulf on occasion. Uncle Otto is a genuine flirt, who falls in love with Grace, but he has eyes for another from his past. Nico hides a past that is reflected with the scars both inside and out, but it is the relationship between Canaan and Grace that drives The House forward and into the future. As a Daughter of Man, Grace has the power to save where others have failed.

There are moments that will break your heart and the tears will flow. When a Guardian is chosen, his heart will blossom and when a mated-pair have bonded, a red rose will bloom. Guardian’s Grace is a wonderful novel for first-time author Jacqueline Rhoades. I look forward to her next storyline-Guardian’s Hope.

Reviewed by Sandy