Even as he fights for their future… doesn’t come easy when his kind has nearly hunted her race to extinction. When her sister’s kidnapper launches another violent attack, Star has no choice but to accept Lachlan’s aid. But no matter that he’s stepped up to protect her, she’ll never allow the ancient Scottish dragon into her heart.
They’re bound by the past.
Lachlan lost the woman he was meant to mate millennia ago. Unable to live in a world without her, his pain drove him to hibernation. He never thought he would move on—until Star. He’s well aware the feisty shifter is his new destiny, so if tailing her to New Orleans is what he has to do to be near her, then so be it. When Star is attacked, Lachlan resolves to protect her at all costs. And he won’t have to do it alone. It will take Lachlan, his clansmen, and Star’s misfit band of friends to rain fiery vengeance down upon their enemy if she and her sister are to ever be truly free. Only then can he claim her and discover the shocking truth that lies buried in their past.
ANCIENTS RISING SERIES
Ancient Protector, #1
Ancient Enemy, #2
Ancient Enforcer, #3
more
Loved Star and Lachlan! Their chemistry is amazing and they’re both strong characters in their own might. There is danger, suspense, lots of chemistry and tension that I felt on edge almost constantly, but in a good way.
As usual, this author gives us an unwavering, jealous-possessive, alpha protective hero who will do anything for the heroine, which makes him absolutely perfect in my eyes. Ancient Scottish dragon shifter Lachlan sensed a special connection with Star, the famous singer leading lady, even before he laid eyes on her, folks. Not surprisingly, a big reveal is made near the end that was pretty obvious was going to occur. It certainly helped confirm why. Star also happens to be hiding a special secret of her own that comes in verra handy more than once throughout fight scenes with other villainous dragon shifters.
The story centers around a rescue then bringing down a bad guy so the main couple can move on to a HEA, which a common backdrop for this author. I’m assuming the next book will continue with Star’s sister, Aurora, and King, alpha wolf shifter king of the New Orleans jungle, starting a relationship in the next sequel. But who knows. They might just end up conveniently pairing up as a sub romantic plot couple. This author has proven she can juggle more than one couple at a time in her storylines.
I’d actually like to see Ms. Reus venture out of her normal routine scenarios featuring animal shifters and/or personal security team characters to other areas (i.e. doctors, lawyers, firefighters, etc.). I do always enjoy her back and forth banter and love connections between characters you truly like and want to wind up together.
Title: Ancient Protector, Series: Ancients Rising (Book 1), Author: Katie Reus, Pages: 260, stand-alone but part of a series, dragon shifter main couple, numerous various animal shifter subcharacters, paranormal fight scenes, very graphic smex scenes, unwavering alpha protective hero, no OM/OW drama, no love triangle, no cheating, virgin heroine, celibate hero, romance safe.
Book 1 – Ancient Protector (Star & Lachlan)
Book 2 – Ancient Enemy (Rhys & Dallas)
Book 3 – Ancient Enforcer (Mikael & Avery)
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
ANCIENT PROTECTOR (Ancients Rising #1) By Katie Reus
This is the start of a new series “Ancients Rising” and it is off to a great start. This is a spin off from the Darkness series and it features my personal favorites, the dragons. Lachlan is an ancient who went into hibernation for thousands of years when he lost his love. Star is a singer and when Lachlan woke up he was attracted to her the 1st time he heard her sing. She is on a quest to try to rescue her sister who had been kidnapped. Lachlan and Star are such completely lovable characters. This story brings us everything, drama, danger, intrigue, a sexy Scottish brogue accent, chemistry, devotion, and passion. We also get reconnected with some friends from the past. I am looking forward to the rest of this series. This is a 5 star read. Congrats Katie, on a winner!
So good! Great start to a new series. Great to see some old friends and make some new ones. Lachlan and Star struggle in the beginning. Star is keeping many secrets and takes Lachlan a while to earn her trust. Many twists and turns. Would have preferred a bit more romance between the two. HEA.
If you read Katie’s darkness series then you will realise that this is a spin off from that world and as I loved that entire series I am obviously a huge fan of this latest book As with all Katie’s Books it flows well has plenty of drama and suspense and enough steam to melt you kindle so what more could you want.
Millennium earlier Lachlan a ancient Scottish dragon lost his mate and unable to bare been without her he put himself into hibernation but now he has awoken to a world that is completely changed and alread he has had to rescue Star a famous singer and her sister right through the entire book we are wondering just what Star is and when the reveal happens it is mind blowing. Soon Lachlan follows Star and he sister to New Orleans where he is drawn into the shifter world and before long he once again embroiled in keeping her safe but he has realised that she is in fact his mate and there is nothing he will not do to keep her safe
Ancient Protector
Ancients Rising Series #1
Katie Reus
https://m.facebook.com/katiereusauthor
Release date 06/30/2020
Publisher KR Press
Blurb :
Even as he fights for their future…
With the world still rebuilding after massive dragon attacks, famous singer Star isn’t willing to rely on a stranger to protect her family—though dragon shifter Lachlan is difficult to resist. Something about him is strangely familiar, but she doesn’t understand why. He’s already helped Star rescue her sister from a recent abduction, but trust doesn’t come easy when his kind has nearly hunted her race to extinction. When her sister’s kidnapper launches another violent attack, Star has no choice but to accept Lachlan’s aid. But no matter that he’s stepped up to protect her, she’ll never allow the ancient Scottish dragon into her heart.
They’re bound by the past.
Lachlan lost the woman he was meant to mate millennia ago. Unable to live in a world without her, his pain drove him to hibernation. He never thought he would move on—until Star. He’s well aware the feisty shifter is his new destiny, so if tailing her to New Orleans is what he has to do to be near her, then so be it. When Star is attacked, Lachlan resolves to protect her at all costs. And he won’t have to do it alone. It will take Lachlan, his clansmen, and Star’s misfit band of friends to rain fiery vengeance down upon their enemy if she and her sister are to ever be truly free. Only then can he claim her and discover the shocking truth that lies buried in their past.
My review :
Will she be able to trust him enough to let go of her many griefs…
As my first read by Mrs Katie Reus, so also my first foray in her paranormal’s’ universe. As she has a note about an other series, I do suppose this one is related too with some of the visiting characters.
My only reservation is I would have liked to know more about the fall period as the book is set before and after this changing event.
Star and Lachlan are both two very likable characters, and while Star’s true identity is kept a secret until the very end, I figured it out very quickly.
Star while young for a paranormal is a warrior in the soul, she acts like one and her team sees her as one. She bosses them around but always with purposes and rightfully.
Lachlan is no young dragon, after millennia in sleep, he awakens from his chosen hibernation to a very different world from the one he once knew. Yet, it does not change the kind man he is.
While Star refuses any entanglement by fear to seen only for her second half self, thus she tries to avoid Lachlan’s persisting courtship, scared of the consequences if she let herself fall for someone. When he knows he would readily to sacrifice anything for the one woman who brought him back to the living.
It was a very entertaining and fast paced read, as most of the action took place in a short span of time. I loved the many species, and while I have checked who will be figured in the two next books, I hope Aurora/King and Axel and whomever will too have their story.
5 stars for this first in a series.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/649008332355008/?d=n
This is the first book in the Ancients Rising series, and it’s a spin-off of the Darkness series. However, you don’t have to read the Darkness series to fall in love with the characters and world of Ancient Protector.
Star is a fantastic protagonist and leader, always thinking of her people before herself. She is selfless, strong, and powerful, and she’s well-respected. She is also a mystery. There are many types of shifters – dragons, lions, wolves, and more, but Star’s shifter identity remains a secret through most of the story. The reveal is fantastic, and I loved finding out what she was. I knew it would be something powerful and rare, but I was surprised nonetheless.
Lachlan is a wonderful complement to Star. He is an ancient dragon, newly awakened from hibernation. He has suffered much loss in his life, yet he still has hope. He is fierce in battle and protective of those he loves. Additionally, his views on women and equality are progressive and unexpected considering he is ancient and a clan leader. His devotion and loyalty to his people, Star, and other allies in the story is admirable. Plus, he’s a super-hunky and powerful alpha male! What’s not to love?
The sisterly bond is one of my favorite aspects of the story. Star and Aurora have a beautiful relationship, and it is clear that they love each other very much. Star devotes more than a year of her life trying to rescue Aurora from the evil clutches of a greedy dragon shifter, and Aurora struggles emotionally after being held in captivity. Star is patient and encouraging with her younger sister and pushes her without being bossy and overbearing. They understand each other well, and they have both been through a lot. They are a wonderful support for each other, and I enjoyed the progression of their relationship.
And, of course, there is the love story which is intense and strong. Star and Lachlan have a deep connection from the start, and though it is a bit insta-lovey, it still had a slow-burning feel. Lachlan knows from the first meeting that Star is his mate, but Star takes some persuasion. Used to keeping people at a distance, Star seems hesitant to let Lachlan get close. I liked that Lachlan had to work a bit to win over Star, and I liked that, though Lachlan is a possessive and dominant leader, he admires and supports Star’s leadership and independence. He is not looking to change her or control her. He wants a partner.
The ending felt a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the book. However, with the way things ended, I have a feeling that we’ll see more of the couple in future books. Some things were left open, like the relationship between Aurora and King, and, hopefully, those stories will be expanded upon in future books. I want to know more about Star’s crew as well. Those characters weren’t as dynamically developed as Star and Lachlan, but their personalities were still unique and interesting.
Overall, this was a fun and well-paced story with great world-building, an interesting plot, and a wonderful romance. Thanks so much to Netgalley and KR Press for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
ANCIENT PROTECTOR by Katie Reus is the first book in the Ancients Rising paranormal romance and fantasy series. This is a spin-off of her Darkness series, but can be read without reading that series. It is also the second book by this author that I have read. Star’s sister has been abducted and she and her pack mates are determined to rescue her and head to their safe house.
Star and Lachlan are both Alphas of their packs and complement each other well. With two strong protagonists, this story line was bound to be exciting. Their characters are compelling, well-drawn, charming, and at times, funny. Their characters were three-dimensional and their goals were clear. The secondary characters were well-rounded and enhanced the story. The internal and external conflicts were well defined and the stakes were high. The prose was well-written, entertaining and engaging. I loved the writing style. The plot twists were believable, but not quite as unexpected as I would have liked. The world building is terrific. There are a few steamy scenes in the second half of the book.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining book that has depth to it. Themes include shifters, witches, vampires and humans existing in the same world, romance, abduction, rebuilding lives, family relationships, friendship, greed, power and much more. I recommend this to those that enjoy paranormal romantic suspense with plenty of action scenes and some depth to the underlying themes. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as other books by this author.
Many thanks to KR Press, LLC – Author Collective 20 and Katie Reus for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Love this spin-off of the Darkness series! We’ve got ancient scottish dragons, guardian protector hero, a powerful mysterious shifter that’s a world famous singer and even a second chance romance, kind of. Oh I’m so hooked on this series.
Lachlan is an ancient dragon shifter recently risen from a centuries long healing hibernation. He found it hard to continue on when his human mate was murdered and he couldn’t find out who did it. He’s laird of his clan and they’re glad to see him back. He finds himself drawn to Star, a world famous singer and goes to a benefit concert that also has a charity auction for dates with the famous personalities. He bids 1 million dollars for a date with Star.
Starling loves to sing. When her sister Aurora is kidnapped she moves to the world stage in order to be in a position to rescue her sister. Oscar, Alpha of the Rabec clan is an rich ancient dragon who has held Aurora captive for a year. Star and her band have found she’s being held in his castle compound in Wales. The concert is being held there and while she sings, her security crew will free Aurora. It works with the help of Lachlan and his clan in a wonderful dragon battle.
Paranormal creatures have now been outed to the world and walk freely among humans no longer having to hide their true selves. We see Lachlan and Star being drawn to each other when they reconnect in New Orleans. We find out what their connection is and what kind of creatures Star and Aurora are. They are powerful and some of the last of their kind so they’ve had to hide themselves from everyone. In New Orleans we get to see more of the characters from the Darkness series that make this such a rich story. I so enjoyed this adventure and look forward to more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am so excited that this author has decided to take us back into this world! Dragon shifters are my jam but Ms. Reus’ dragons are pure perfection. Lachlan was obsessively protective of Star and another great example of my type of hero. Star was labeled “Alpha” which can often turn me off a heroine instantly. Not so here. She was sweet and caring but able to make the decisions necessary to protect her crew.
There’s a bit of mystery here surrounding this heroine’s origins. While it isn’t terribly hard to figure out, I was still anxious to verify if my guess was right or wrong. There isn’t really any relationship drama here as this story revolves around a villain and his intentions. This scenario is perfect to showcase the interactions between Star and Lachlan.
With a quick pace, plenty of action, a touch of wit, and some amazing characters we’ll be seeing more of, I found this to be just what I needed to relax into another world.
Oh how I love a good shifter series! This is a spin-off from Katie Reus’s Darkness series and from the start I am loving it and already totally invested in the characters we are introduced to. This author is so amazing at bringing you into her fantastical worlds and making you want to stay forever. It was great to get some more of the characters we already know from Darkness too though. But this story is about Lachlan and Star. Without giving anything away, I guess you could say they are like star crossed lovers in a way, but for centuries. Lachlan is an Alpha Laird dragon shifter from Scotland and ooo-la-la it is not just the fire he breathes that is smokin’ hot! Star is a shifter too, and an alpha in her group of various kinds of shifters, but she is also a very special kind of shifter that doesn’t get revealed until close to the end of the book. I really liked that suspense of wondering just what she was. This is an awesome story with plenty of good guys vs. bad guys action and of course the love story. The relationship and love that develops between the sexy dragon and the amazing female he wants to bring home to Scotland is so wonderful. I loved it and can’t wait for more!! I hope King’s story is on the horizon!!
Star is a famous singer and something else she keeps hidden to protect herself. She is guarded and untrusting, and rightly so since she and her sister are some of the last of their kind. And now she and her motley crew of friends are on a mission to rescue her kidnapped sister.
Lachlan is an ancient dragon shifter alpha recently out of hibernation and a reclusive billionaire. He was still in mourning of his first lost love, but then he heard Star sing. Something about her called to him so he showed up at her concert during the escape and subsequently was able to provide some help. Since he is an ancient, he is a bit lost, awkward, and not used to how things work in the new world. And the whole world just went into upheaval anyway as the supernaturals were outed and are being hunted.
But now she and her group are hiding out in New Orleans and he seems to keep showing up. He is sure she is his new destined mate…but it might be hard to convince Star of that since she is an alpha herself. She is used to being in charge and making decisions for her group and they take care of each other. She does not think she needs another protector even though his help was nice. She has her own agenda and does not want him messing up their plans. But there is also an odd pull between them she does not understand.
There is a whole lot of turmoil going on in New Orleans. They will make new allies and have plenty of enemies to deal with. There is suspense, action, and serious fire between them. Lachlan is determined to break down Star’s walls, find out her secrets, and make her his.
But will they survive attacks coming from various sources? And if they do, will she agree to mate with another alpha?
I have not read any books of the previous Darkness series this one spins off of and the author did a good job explaining the pertinent information. Fans of the previous series will apparently see some familiar faces based on what I saw on Goodreads. I was captivated by this rich, intricate world of all kinds of supernatural beings and hybrids. The characters all have quirky and interesting personalities to go along with their various shifter traits. It was a fun escape for me and I am looking forward to the other books in this series…and I am hoping we get some more with King too. I may even go in reverse and read some of the Darkness books when I have time since I liked Reaper and Greer.
WOW!! Dragon shifter Lachlan lost his mate a millennia ago. Unwilling to live in a world without her he goes into hibernation. He never thought or intended to move on, until Star. Star has other things more important than the sexy dragon shifter, like finding her sister. On a hunt to find her sister Star encounters trouble. Lachlan decides to follow her and protect her. Can love overcome, follow along on a action packed adventure to see what happens.
Star is such a bad-ass! That’s it… that’s the review.
Seriously though, I soooo enjoyed this book. The opening chapter set the tone, for this story and never let up. The band of misfits that are part of Star’s crew keeps the story from getting too doomsdayie which I like. Granted, this is a serious story, but just like in real life, there needs to be some joy to keep everyone from totally falling in despair.
As far as the relationship between Lachlan and Star, I found it endearing at how inept Lachlan is in his pursuit of Star. His clumsy attempts and letting her know he wants to mate her made me smile.
Overall this is a really good read. Each character is simple, yet complex in their own way. I am going to enjoy delving into this world.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Ancient Protector is Book 1 of the Ancients Rising series, which is a spinoff from Katie Reus highly read & popular Darkness series. As a long-timed reader of Ms Reus books and a fan of the Darkness series, I’ve been looking forward to this spinoff.
I was highly entertained by this book, so much so that I couldn’t put it down. The characters were all fleshed out and Ms Reus is wonderful at world building, it truly shows in this book. In true Katie Reus form, we have the h Star who is not only beautiful, talented but she also kick ass. She is no shrinking violet with a strong sense of loyalty to her family. I absolutely love Star, one of the better h that I’ve had the pleasure to read. Lachlan is our H, an Alpha through and through. He knows what he wants and he will do whatever it takes to have Star. Their chemistry was sizzling hot!
If you’re a Katie Reus fan, this book will not disappoint you. If you’re new to Katie Reus, this book will sink its hook further. Thanks to NetGalley for the copy of Ancient Protector, all the thoughts above are of my own.
After rescuing her sister from her kidnapper and dealing with the world being attacked by dragons, famous singer Star isn’t ready to trust anyone but her clan of misfits, especially not the handsome dragon Lachlan. There is something about him that is familiar and she doesn’t know why. When her sister’s kidnapper launches another attack, Star has no choice but to accept Lachlan’s help to protect her sister.
I really enjoyed this book. I found the world fascinating and really can’t wait to read the next book and learn more about the types of paranormals in this world. I really enjoyed Star and Lachlan. They had great chemistry and a great story. Also I actually enjoyed all the side characters and want to know all their backstories as well.
Star and her sister are very rare shifters, I won’t say what kind, and have hidden their shifter side all their life. Everyone assumes they are some kind of snow leopards since there are a couple in their misfit clan. Star is the alpha of their clan. She is strong, powerful, and determined to protect all her family. She doesn’t trust Lachlan at first but the more she learns about him the more she falls for him. I loved watching Star get sassy with Lachlan. He needs someone who will challenge him and be a strong mate.
“He had waited a lifetime, thousands of lifetimes, for her and he would do it again. She was worth the wait, worth everything.”
Lachlan is a dragon shifter who has just awoken after hibernating for thousands of years. He is protective, arrogant, and determined to win Star. I really hope we learn more about Lachlan’s clan in the future books because I really want to know more about the dragon clans in this world. I also really want to know more about the destruction done by the dragons. It mentions that a lot of the world was destroyed but this only focuses on New Orleans and it’s rebuilding.
Overall, a powerful start to a new series and I cannot wait for the next one.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
Great start to a new paranormal series by Katie Reus, A Scottish dragon and a sassy singer and more. Lachlan is newly out of hibernation and he knows that Star is his mate but she doesn’t trust dragons one bit. Lots of great supporting character interaction. I’m really looking forward to more books in this series. I definitely want a book about King and Aurora.
Thank you NetGalley for a advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
What a great book. I loved it. A secret threads through the story with such precision and certainly keeps you guessing. This love story has enough intrigue and action to keep your attention and the ending was perfection. I highly recommend this book and eagerly await the next book in the series. I received an advanced copy of this book and freely leave this honest review.
A new series by this author smooth read. If you love dragons and shifters you will love this book! Star is a famous singer that is hiding her true self. She has to rescue her sister with the help of her band members who are shifters as well when she meets Lachlan a dragon shifter. loved the chemistry between them . Wonderful storytelling this is a spin off series but you don’t need to read the other to understand this one. Look forward to the next in the set.
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy through Netgalley of Ancient Protector . This is book one in the Ancient Rising series . This Paranormal Suspense Romance is an amazing story . Starling (Star ) . Is Alpha of her pack of misfits and a world famous singer. While performing for Oscar Alpha of the Rabec clan an ancient dragon Stars clan are behind the scenes rescuing her sister Aurora who Oscar captured over a year ago . Sky pack are at the airfield when she comes under attack by Oscar dragons and An ancient dragon Lachlan and some of his dragons help them escape . Lachlan has just recently awoke from hibernation . He finds himself intrigued by Sky . Lachlan and some of his clan arrive in New Orleans Lachlan soon finds Star maybe his mate and he refused to leave her side because Oscar and his clan will becoming for them . Lachlan must convince Sky they are mates and survive the coming battle . This story is absolutely fantastic . One of the best Paranormal Suspense Romance stories . It’s full of action and very entertaining . I highly recommend taking the time to read this story .