Book One of The Guardians Series
◆◆◆ 2016 FINALIST, THE DAPHNE DU MAURIER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MYSTERY/SUSPENSE ◆◆◆
“You’re a jackass.”
Will turned that pale gaze on her, and she cursed the color that immediately flushed her cheeks. “Because I told him the truth?”
“Because you’re a jackass.” She looked at Rafe. “Don’t worry. He’s all bark.”
“Am I now?”
She heard the taunt in those … worry. He’s all bark.”
“Am I now?”
She heard the taunt in those words—her cheeks were on fire—but she didn’t deign to look at him. “Like one of those little purse dogs. All yap.”
Rafe appeared skeptical. “He looks like a wolf.”
“Woof,” Will said.
◆◆◆
Cheyenne Elias has inherited a child. A boy she doesn’t know and doesn’t particularly want; a boy whose mother was once Cheyenne’s most hated person in the world. There are a million reasons to walk away: her anger, her past, her certainty that there is nothing benevolent in this act by a woman who almost killed her. But abandoning the boy to a system she barely survived is not an option.
Will Blackheart has lost everything. His SEAL team, his country, and—upon occasion—his mind. Worse, he’s lost something that has the capacity to kill thousands. Left for dead in the Afghan desert, Will has risen solely to regain that which was taken…and to punish those who dared take it.
His only lead is the son of a dead woman. Her only goal is to save a child. As they come together in a clash of anger, mistrust, and potent, unwanted desire, Will and Cheyenne must put aside their differences and navigate the endgame of a woman for whom nothing was taboo…
A steamy thriller with characters you won’t forget…romantic suspense at its best.
★★★★★
“Isn’t it wonderful, as a reader, to pick up a book you are skeptical of and find yourself in the hands of an expert lover of words?”
★★★★★
“Gripping. Dark. Beautiful.”
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This is the first book that I have read by Hope Anika and I didn’t know what to expect but from the description I decided to read it and I am so glad that I did as I thoroughly enjoyed reading it with all its twists and turns. The characters all have baggage and are damaged but it had a great storyline and you have to keep reading to see what will happen next. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Really enjoyed this book! Loved the characters! Will be looking for more by this author!
Not sure how I stumbled across this book by Hope Anika, but man! I’m super glad I did. I’ve read it twice in 2 months. It’s that good. I love Cheyanne, Will, and Rafe. I simply didn’t want to leave them, this unexpected family bound by love and circumstances. Cheyanne is not typical but she is incredible and invincible. And only a man like Will can be her champion and back up. He understands the darkness. Will is perfect for both Cheyanne and Rafe. Their story is ugly and beautiful at the same time. So, so good.
Because of ‘The Bequest’, I’ve read all of Hope Anika’s books. Including Rafe’s recent story. But I miss Will and Cheyanne. May have to read this again. I’m telling you: Read this book. It’s really good.
This is a the book about Cheyenne and Will. Will is military and has some bagage from war. His answers are with a little boy. Cheyenne is bequeathed a child from her enemy, they were at one time friends until she was betrayed. This is such a wild ride and the emotions it invokes in you. This is truly a well written book with fabulous characters. This is a must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holy Moley!! I couldn’t put this one down. Will and Cheyenne are two of the most broken characters I’ve seen in a while. When I learned of Cheyenne’s past I had tears in my eyes. This book will run you through a gauntlet of emotions. Watching these two get there HEA was a privilege. Now excuse me while I download book two in the series …. 🙂
#amazing new author
You can’t help but fall in love with the characters and root for them!
This was a story more true than fiction sociopaths are so disruptive in a family. But all families have a leader and this leader proved to be worth her weight in gold. I enjoyed reading this story and am happy to find a new author to read
08/07/2021 When I began reading “The Bequest” (nook) I felt as if I were in an emotional void or vacuum. As the story evolved, the light was unfolded on Will and Cheyenne (and Rafe). Yet, the danger intensified. This story is phenomenal and special. The emotions were intense and I practically bit my nails. I had not previously read any books by Hope Anika and I would rate this one at 6+ stars.
Intense from beginning to end. The author drew the characters very well and kept their development growing throughout.
Did not read! Language not to my standards.
Enjoyed it. Different than what I usually read.
Wow, intense! Not your usual romantic suspense. It does have the obligatory sex scene, but not until near the end. Wish I could read more of this author’s books, but can’t afford to buy them.
I really enjoyed this book. I’m happy Will and Cheyenne got a happily ever after. And Rafe a family of his own.
This was the first book I read by this author, it had me from the start. I loved the sassy, irrelevant speech of the heroine Cheyenne. Will was the perfect partner. When I finished this one, I read the other 2 books in the series… all are excellent, well written novels. Enjoyed all three of them immensely.
Hope Anika is a new author to me and she definitely impressed me. The story line description caught my attention and it sounded like a good read. There’s twists and turns that keep you turning the pages wanting more of the story. The characters are well developed and each have their own realistic issues they are working through. I definitely recommend and will be looking for more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is quite the amazing story! It took me to places I didn’t think I would go. I was surprised, shocked and even disgusted but that just made me love these characters more. The characters are darn near amazing! They aren’t perfect but realistic. I love the strong female and that hot military man. Then add in the delightful boy?? I am not sure which one is my favorite. Each one slayed me at different times in the book. Whether it’s their past or something that just happened. This author makes them human. I love it! This will be going into my favorites!
I did listen to this on audio. Shana Ryan was excellent. I loved when she did Wills voice! It’s confident and yet not loud almost like he is talking to a scared mare or something.
I tried several times to get into this book but I just couldn’t get past the first few chapters. I didn’t like the characters and never felt the desire to find out about them. Just not my kind of read.
One of the best books i have read in a long time. Now I’m reading the rest of her books. Karen
great read
I almost put this book down a few times but kept going and am glad I did! I thought the book started out slow but once it picked up it was great! The main characters were great and relatable.