SUNNY: BOOK REVIEW "Guardian" by Nancy Northcott

 

SUMMARY: 
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
What strikes me about this series, and particularly this book, is how smart it is.  Nancy Northcott writes an intelligent, inventive, story with plenty of emotion.  Stories about self-sacrifice for the greater good always get to me and my favorite romances are about second chances.  Needless to say, this story hit all the right marks for me.  

The mages are doing everything they can to protect humans from the ghouls and demons.  Ghouls, who recently lacked any strategy, are now working together with the Void Demons to open a portal to this world.  In their need and haste to feed, they are leaving human bodies scattered in the region and the FBI is investigating a possible serial killer.  This brings together FBI Agent Mel and super mage and doctor, Stefan Harper.  This book is an excellent example of a balanced story between fantasy and romance. 

My one little critique is that Mel's skepticism started to wear a little thin.  I kept thinking, "Come on, girl!  This is hottie mage doctor Stefan Harper knocking at your door. What are you waiting for?"  

IN A NUTSHELL:  An excellent addition to the series, Nancy Northcott both satisfies and leave us wanting for more...thank goodness there are at least five more stories upcoming! 

Thank you to the author, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.