GUARDIAN (The Protectors #2) by Nancy Northcott-a review

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GUARDIAN (The Protectors #2) by Nancy Northcott

ABOUT THE BOOK: July 2, 2013

A POWER TO KILL

FBI agent Camellia “Mel” Wray is no stranger to violence but when an old friend is brutally murdered, she takes it personally. The case hits even closer to her heart when the best person to help with the investigation is Dr. Stefan Harper, the only man she ever loved-and lost. One look at the gorgeous medical expert and Mel realizes he’s still impossible to resist-and still harboring a secret after all these years . . .

A POWER TO LOVE

Afraid Mel wouldn’t accept him, Stefan never revealed his study of magical medicine or his abilities, instead allowing her to believe he’d been unfaithful. Now she’s back in his life-and their mutual attraction burns hotter than ever. But when something dark and otherworldly threatens humans, Stefan must summon his mage powers to keep everyone safe. Will Mel be able to trust him again? Or will their love cost him even more than it did the first time?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Some background: Mages are a gifted species of people who source their power from the elements. But there is an enemy against their kind, who suck the power and life essence from the mage, known as ghouls. Similar to vampires, the ghouls take down their prey, both mundane and mage, to feed from their blood. Leaving behind a trail of venomous poison in their victim’s blood, those who survive will eventually become ghoul.

GUARDIAN is the second full length novel (third storyline) in Nancy Northcott’s The Protector series focusing a group of human beings with the ability to manipulate the elements focusing their energy to save and protect themselves and the ‘mundane’ from ghoul attacks. This is Stefan and Mel’s storyline.

We have followed Stefan throughout the previous two storylines. As the resident physician and mage doctor, Stefan has the ability to heal using energy and magic. But there have been a series of attacks against both the mage and the mundane where the resulting tests and investigations prove that something else is at work among the ghouls. The attacks against the mage have been increasing and now the ghouls are targeting humans with artistic abilities and very little magic. When the identity of the latest victim is revealed, Stefan will come face to face with the only woman he has ever loved, but a woman who walked away believing she was betrayed and used.

The prior relationship has already been established as the couple were friends to lovers more than nine years earlier. But Mel believed Stefan was unfaithful and for over nine years she has had time to build up the animosity and mistrust. Having to work with Stefan as he investigates the death of her friend, Mel will be pulled into a world unlike anything she has seen. Magic and mage, ghouls and demons-and the man with whom she is still in love-is caught in the middle of the chaos.

Nancy’s intimate scenes are romantic and loving; there is nothing overwhelming or erotic in their presentation. The world building is detailed and there is plenty of background and expansion in this particular storyline as it appears Nancy is taking the series in a different direction: but at times, it slowed the pace of the story. A good portion of the novel was used to develop the premise but it got lost in the bit and pieces and the smaller side stories.  I was also hoping for some more details regarding Mel and Stefan’s earlier relationship as it would have set the stage for their present day alliance and association.

Overall GUARDIAN is a well-written and interesting storyline. There is some action and adventure; love and romance; and a little bit of sex. Nancy continues to build on her series of magical beings and poisonous ghouls. If you are a fan of a paranormal series with alpha heroes who love their women as much as they love life then The Protector series must be added to your TBR pile.

READING ORDER
1. Renegade
2. Protector
3. Guardian

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Sandy