As you know, I like to share the first pre-launch review of a new novel with my readers. The Guardian, coming October 1st just got its first review posted on Goodreads! And it’s a great one! I want to thank this AMAZING reviewer for this AWESOME five star review.
Here it is:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2125583242
Let me start my admitting to absolutely loving Anna del Mar’s Wounded Warrior series, and this third book in the series is no exception. From the first page to the last, this novel grabbed me and didn’t let go for a minute. It’s a 5-star read.
One of the things I love about this series is the settings. We went to Alaska in the last book and what an about-face to find ourselves just about to land in Tanzania, at a private wildlife game reserve, Pacha Ziwa, in the Seregeti, where the heroine, world renowned NatGeo photographer and documentary film-maker, Jade Romo, along with three other female visitors to the reserve, are about to set down in their small plane. In addition to her current job, Jade is also a former marine, and she’s one of the toughest, pushiest, most independent, tough-as-nails, and kickass heroines you’re likely to find, and I absolutely loved that about her.
Jade is soon to meet her match in the person of Game Warden, head honcho, and sexy as all get-out, Matthias Hawking, a take-no-prisoners, wounded ex-SEAL, who really doesn’t want Jade, or any of her companions on the reserve–especially Jade. To say that these two alpha characters strike sparks off each other is like comparing a single matchstick to a forest fire, but both of them keep their interest in each other well hidden.
Matthias is not just a game warden–he’s committed to conservation efforts and to rounding up the wily and evil poachers who have been decimating the local wildlife, especially the herd of elephants, whose ivory they’re after. There’s far more to this story than just a band of poachers, so settle in and get set for a tale of lies and half-truths, violence, lust, near rape, human trafficking, abduction, genital mutilation, murder, blackmail, terrorists, world politics and international intrigue. Some of the aforementioned may be triggers for some readers, so be advised.
Both Matthias and Jade have secrets they’re keeping, and rather than risk giving away those secrets, I’ll just say that this novel is as exciting as it gets, a true page-turner, loaded with twists, turns and danger around every corner. It’s also one very hot read, and not for the young or faint of heart. It deals with many of the issues in present-day Africa and it does so in a way that makes them very personal. Kudos to Ms. del Mar, who, in addition to writing one un-put-down-able novel, not only exposes so many of these issues, but does so in a way that truly touches the heart. Do not miss this one!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.