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The Blizzard Crossing
The thrilling, action-packed first book in the romantic fantasy series Borderland Guardians from Lyssa Lund. When 30-something survivalist Bri Ryan follows her Borzoi Hounds off the trail in the woods during the middle of a blizzard, a terrifying creature arrives to try to make them his next meal. Lost and injured by something from a nightmare, Bri and her hounds are rescued by a Guardian as cold and aloof as the woods surrounding them. Bri reluctantly realizes she is no longer in her world and has entered a realm called The Borderlands. Staying alive and keeping her identity a secret, Bri needs to navigate this new world and find a way to get home. Can she trust the Guardian? From author Lyssa Lund comes a seductive, haunting book that blends romance, adventure, and fantasy with an introduction to the breathtaking Borderlands and the Guardians that protect them.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2023
46 people are currently reading
1193 people want to read
About the author
Lyssa Lund
23 books76 followersLyssa Lund is a writer, wife, mother of four grown daughters, and proud grandmother to three granddaughters and one grandson. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Craig, and a beautiful Borzoi, Isa, where long winters give her the perfect excuse to dive deep into writing stories.
When she's not writing, Lyssa loves cooking and baking for her family, crafting, golfing, reading, and singing in a blues band.
Her books invite readers into atmospheric towns where every woman holds a story worth telling.
She adores reader feedback at hello@lyssaLund.com
www.lyssalund.com
When she's not writing, Lyssa loves cooking and baking for her family, crafting, golfing, reading, and singing in a blues band.
Her books invite readers into atmospheric towns where every woman holds a story worth telling.
She adores reader feedback at hello@lyssaLund.com
www.lyssalund.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 30, 2023
Get ready to dive into a whole new world.
Magic ✔️
Demons ✔️
Beasts ✔️
Herbs ✔️
Love Story ✔️
Burning Questions ✔️
This book has everything covered. It's so easy to slip right into this Fantasy world. By the end of the book I was engulfed & ready for more.
Magic ✔️
Demons ✔️
Beasts ✔️
Herbs ✔️
Love Story ✔️
Burning Questions ✔️
This book has everything covered. It's so easy to slip right into this Fantasy world. By the end of the book I was engulfed & ready for more.
May 10, 2023
Overall, this was a great start to a new series! Full of secrets that you get to unravel along with the characters, plus there are two dogs as main characters. Can a book even be bad if it has animals, especially when they're special?! I am excited to see where this story goes and how the character development will grow. There are some complicated relationships that will probably get more complicated before all their burning questions are answered.
May 9, 2023
WOW!!!This book was so amazing to read and it was a page turner and the suspense was OMG!!! I could not stop reading this book or even put it down and I was suck right in and I was at the edge of my seat. This paranormal romance adventure was dark with a lot of drama between all the characters in Borderland . But who was in danger again or that person survive the storm. If you read this book it will take you to another world it was cold and snowing they were walking through the woods. This author books were so fantastic it was like you enter their realm of their world it was action packed. If you like fantasy and dark magic and drama this book is for you. I was not even disappoint at all with this book. I can wait until the next book.
I received a free copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. Trina Jones
I received a free copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a honest review. Trina Jones
May 8, 2023
This will go down on my fave list for sure. Definitely allowed me to fall right into the fantasy world. I was sucked in from the beginning. A great way to start a series. ❤️
May 12, 2023
ARC reader for this one. I'm usually not into fantasy, but this was a great 'unique to me' novel, and I was hooked early on. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!
May 1, 2023
Action packed adventure into the unknown. Where will this story go from here. A need to read adventure into an alternate place. Are things really as they seem or what Bri thinks. ❤️❤️📚👍
November 10, 2024
*4.75 stars*
This is book one of this series, told in third person POV HFN ending. This will have you wanting to continue the series to find out more about Bri’s history and connection with this realm.
I loved that Bri was a strong female character and learned to fend for herself when the guardian of the realm, Arin, would be gone for long stretches of time. I loved Rosie and Willow, Bri’s trusty canine companions. They held a mystery to them and it was interesting to see how they reacted with different characters, both good and bad.
I can’t wait to see how this series develops and what connection Bri has with the realm. I received an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is book one of this series, told in third person POV HFN ending. This will have you wanting to continue the series to find out more about Bri’s history and connection with this realm.
I loved that Bri was a strong female character and learned to fend for herself when the guardian of the realm, Arin, would be gone for long stretches of time. I loved Rosie and Willow, Bri’s trusty canine companions. They held a mystery to them and it was interesting to see how they reacted with different characters, both good and bad.
I can’t wait to see how this series develops and what connection Bri has with the realm. I received an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 15, 2023
I wish we could rate half stars. Giving this 3,5 stars. I want to give it 4 because I enjoyed reading it and it is a very promising story. I'm always a fan of Guardians, magic, monsters, strong FMCs and their loyal companions, but there a few details that keep me from doing that.
I really like the worlds that Lyssa builds, which is why this is the fourth book I've read by her. I've found that she tends to leave out small details or adds details that make me go "huh", i.e. fantasy realm with beasts and monsters and magic and sigils and suddenly there is electricity and cameras. I know a small detail, but that's me. There was also a jump in the timeline, that for me left out a big chunk in the development in the MCs relationship. It felt like the 2 were living lives beside one another. I found it odd considering Bri was thrown into a whole other world with only her dogs to accompany her. Maybe that was on purpose by the author to show her independence as a woman (finally an FMC in her 30s rather than barely 20).
The book ends in an interesting cliffhanger. Bri finally finds out some useful information and more focused questions on her being in this realm, but it seems like she might put her search for answers on hold and I have this feeling that Rosie and Willow have a bigger part to play in all of this.
I really like the worlds that Lyssa builds, which is why this is the fourth book I've read by her. I've found that she tends to leave out small details or adds details that make me go "huh", i.e. fantasy realm with beasts and monsters and magic and sigils and suddenly there is electricity and cameras. I know a small detail, but that's me. There was also a jump in the timeline, that for me left out a big chunk in the development in the MCs relationship. It felt like the 2 were living lives beside one another. I found it odd considering Bri was thrown into a whole other world with only her dogs to accompany her. Maybe that was on purpose by the author to show her independence as a woman (finally an FMC in her 30s rather than barely 20).
The book ends in an interesting cliffhanger. Bri finally finds out some useful information and more focused questions on her being in this realm, but it seems like she might put her search for answers on hold and I have this feeling that Rosie and Willow have a bigger part to play in all of this.
April 29, 2023
Arin is a guardian. His job and life have been to protect Aerol. While on the hunt for rebels, he comes across Bri: a fierce, homesteading woman and her two unusual dogs. The two fight their attraction and suspicions about each other, but they can only deny it for so long.
As Bri tries to covertly make her way in this new world searching for a way home, Arin searches for answers about his own adopted past.
Were their paths meant to be star crossed or will they find a way to answer their questions together?
Good read! I’ll be thinking about this fantasy world that’s a mix between real and not for some time. I loved the dogs and how independent the character of Bri was. It’s not an easily predictable book which I love. I only wish it had been longer and perhaps spicier, but the lack of spice allows me to recommend it to students.
As Bri tries to covertly make her way in this new world searching for a way home, Arin searches for answers about his own adopted past.
Were their paths meant to be star crossed or will they find a way to answer their questions together?
Good read! I’ll be thinking about this fantasy world that’s a mix between real and not for some time. I loved the dogs and how independent the character of Bri was. It’s not an easily predictable book which I love. I only wish it had been longer and perhaps spicier, but the lack of spice allows me to recommend it to students.
April 24, 2023
The Blizzard Crossing is an intricately woven tale of intrigue and mystery that held my attention from start to finish. The characters are so well-developed, and you feel like you really get to know them and their struggles throughout the book. Bri and Arin's relationship is respectful and believable—it sweeps you up and makes you say, "aww!" The multiple POVs really give the narrative depth, allowing readers to invest in the characters more than a single POV would have. When I finished the book, I had so many questions, questions I can't wait to read the next book to get answers for. I'm excited to learn more about this world and its characters in the sequel. In the meantime, I hope that my review will encourage people to read this book, so they can enjoy it as much as I have.
May 5, 2023
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Blizzard Crossing is a fantasy book about a woman who ends up in a different world and what ensues when she gets there. While the book was entertaining and an easy read, I would have loved to see some more world building. We learn that Bri probably ended up in this different world due to the work of the rebels, but we never learn for certain, or how this came about. I feel as if the rebels were supposed to have a larger part in the book, but they are mostly mentioned in passing.
The love story between the two main characters could have used a little more build up. I would have loved to read more banter and flirting between them. I didn’t really feel any chemistry between Bri and Arin, so it would be nice to see their relationship built up a bit more.
I don’t want to give the impression I disliked the book, because I didn’t. The writing is good, but it could use some more detail. I would like to see more backstory to give some depth to the characters and the plot. Maybe we’ll learn more about Bri in book 2, and how the rebels play a part in all of this. All in all, still a solid 4 star read.
The Blizzard Crossing is a fantasy book about a woman who ends up in a different world and what ensues when she gets there. While the book was entertaining and an easy read, I would have loved to see some more world building. We learn that Bri probably ended up in this different world due to the work of the rebels, but we never learn for certain, or how this came about. I feel as if the rebels were supposed to have a larger part in the book, but they are mostly mentioned in passing.
The love story between the two main characters could have used a little more build up. I would have loved to read more banter and flirting between them. I didn’t really feel any chemistry between Bri and Arin, so it would be nice to see their relationship built up a bit more.
I don’t want to give the impression I disliked the book, because I didn’t. The writing is good, but it could use some more detail. I would like to see more backstory to give some depth to the characters and the plot. Maybe we’ll learn more about Bri in book 2, and how the rebels play a part in all of this. All in all, still a solid 4 star read.
September 23, 2025
parallel world
Brianna ( Bri) finds herself in a part of the woods around her home that she’s never seen before. When a nightmare monster appears out of nowhere, she realizes that she’s no longer in Minnesota. She meets a handsome man, Arin, who manages to kill the monster attacking her and her dogs. After getting to know him, Bri isn’t sure she needs to rush back to her own world. Revelations about her father lead to more questions, and she decides to strike out in search of answers. Arin leaves his job of Guardian of his land in search og his own answers. The book ends here, leaving us wondering what the questions and their answers, with hints that they might not be good for our heroes.
Brianna ( Bri) finds herself in a part of the woods around her home that she’s never seen before. When a nightmare monster appears out of nowhere, she realizes that she’s no longer in Minnesota. She meets a handsome man, Arin, who manages to kill the monster attacking her and her dogs. After getting to know him, Bri isn’t sure she needs to rush back to her own world. Revelations about her father lead to more questions, and she decides to strike out in search of answers. Arin leaves his job of Guardian of his land in search og his own answers. The book ends here, leaving us wondering what the questions and their answers, with hints that they might not be good for our heroes.
May 7, 2023
Welcome to Aorel! Lyssa Lund has fashioned a delightfully intriguing world, where not everything is as it seems and danger lurks just around the corner. In this first book of the Borderland Guardian series we're introduced to guardian-of-the-realm Arin, independent and willful Bri, and her special Borzoi hounds, Rosie and Willow. The Blizzard Crossing is an imaginative tale filled with adventure, fantasy, and memorable characters. Spun with a bit of intrigue and humor, this story builds on itself over time and leaves you wishing for the sequel when it's over. Looking forward to reading more from Lyssa Lund in this series!
May 12, 2023
The Blizzard Crossing by Lyssa Lund is book 1 in Borderland Guardian Series. Lost and injured by something from a nightmare, Bri and her hounds are rescued by a Guardian. Bri reluctantly realizes she is no longer in her world and has entered a realm called The Borderlands. Staying alive and keeping her identity a secret, Bri needs to navigate this new world and find a way to get home. Can she trust the Guardian? I enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to reading more. This book is available on Amazon
May 29, 2023
Imagine being out for a walk with your dogs and snap! you're transported to a fantasy world. Being a survivalist serves Bri well as she navigates this world of strange scary creatures. Independent and resourceful Bri isn't sure she can trust Guardian Arin and the feeling is mutual! I enjoyed seeing their distrust grow to mutual respect and more. The borderlands, people and creatures are imaginative, fascinating and I was quickly drawn into their world. Looking forward to book two!!! I received this ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
June 10, 2023
This is a great story that will draw you in from the first chapter on. The writer knows how to keep your interest in what is happening with the characters. Arin is guardian of the realm, and he comes across Bri and her hounds. They try to fight their attraction for one another as they both search for answers to their own questions. Will they find what they are looking for?
This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
October 29, 2023
The opening scene of this fantastical tale has the leading female character, Bri Ryan, trying to locate Rosie, one of her spirited Borzoi, in a beautiful snow-covered forest. When her search takes her and her other sighthound off trail, Bri knows she's in trouble. Nothing is as it should be. Monster trees in an old-growth forest and terrifying creatures are just the beginning of Bri's new realty. This exciting story tests our heroine's adaptability, patience, and fortitude as she learns how to survive in this new world and make her way back home. Continually Evolving Story! Great Read!!!!!
April 28, 2023
Though this book had a little bit of a slow start, this was an excellent paranormal romance! I found all of a sudden I was in the grip of a page turner and I could not put the story down!! It had a lovely HEA - though somwhat of a cliffhanger too!! Many scary twists & turns, lots of mystery and uncertainty! I can hardly wait to read the next book!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book about a woman who finds herself mysteriously summoned to a new world.
The book was like a warm hug- it was an easy read with a build up of suspense and with a sweet relationship budding throughout. The plot really picked up towards the end, with new characters introduced and several potential twists and turns revealed. I am incredibly curious about where the story is going to go from here and will 100% read book two.
The book was like a warm hug- it was an easy read with a build up of suspense and with a sweet relationship budding throughout. The plot really picked up towards the end, with new characters introduced and several potential twists and turns revealed. I am incredibly curious about where the story is going to go from here and will 100% read book two.
May 1, 2023
The writing is beautiful. The cover is beautiful. I love that this story was inspired by the author's own dogs. I thought it was a bit slow to start (not boring by any means, more like a slow burn) and just as it was picking up and taking direction, the book ended. I understand it's the beginning of a series, but I just needed a little more from this first book and I was just starting to get to know the characters better. I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book
May 8, 2023
Part Narnia, Part Avalon, and Part Golden Compass
From a wooded trail in Minnesota to a deadly encounter in a magical old forest, this book starts with a bang and never lets go. Like Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere", there are fantastical creatures in an alternate universe; rebels and dark magics are pitted against the protective magics of the ruling elders. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
From a wooded trail in Minnesota to a deadly encounter in a magical old forest, this book starts with a bang and never lets go. Like Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere", there are fantastical creatures in an alternate universe; rebels and dark magics are pitted against the protective magics of the ruling elders. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 8, 2023
This story takes place in the land of Aorel with Arin, Guardian, in charge of protecting the land and its people. While he is out in the woods searching for dangerous rebels, he meets Bri and her dogs Rosie and Willow. Bri and her dogs have freshly arrived from our world through some sort of unknown magic. As Bri adjusts to the foreign land, she finds challenges and a few mysteries. I got very absorbed in this story and am anxious to read the next installment!
May 29, 2023
An interesting novella to begin
This story gives a lot of questions and few answers. I enjoyed the way the author went between the two main characters, Brianna and Arian, to tell the tale. To “see” their two worlds through their thoughts and actions gives a good glimpse into what the subsequent stories will entail. Characters are well-developed and quite interesting. Looking forward to the tale as it unfolds.
This story gives a lot of questions and few answers. I enjoyed the way the author went between the two main characters, Brianna and Arian, to tell the tale. To “see” their two worlds through their thoughts and actions gives a good glimpse into what the subsequent stories will entail. Characters are well-developed and quite interesting. Looking forward to the tale as it unfolds.
January 12, 2026
The Blizzard Crossing
I’m so glad that I got to read this book 1 in the series. It’s has totally captured my interest and imagination. Magic, love, secrets that cross over into two different worlds with characters that capture my heart. Good and evil, time travel. I’m sure that I will not stop reading until I have finished the series. I have to find the answers and see if the young lovers will be able to survive whatever evil is coming their way.
I’m so glad that I got to read this book 1 in the series. It’s has totally captured my interest and imagination. Magic, love, secrets that cross over into two different worlds with characters that capture my heart. Good and evil, time travel. I’m sure that I will not stop reading until I have finished the series. I have to find the answers and see if the young lovers will be able to survive whatever evil is coming their way.
May 2, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I went in reluctantly, as I usually don’t gravitate toward this genre. The author made me want more. I was waiting for what I thought was going to happen… in the end the complete opposite happened! Hopefully there is another so I can find out what happens with Bri, Arin and the two pups!
May 8, 2023
The Blizzard Crossing is a delightful journey into a new world. An intriguing world of magic and mystery. Lyssa Lund has populated this world with the perfect cast of characters to inhabit such a realm. I thoroughly enjoyed this first book and its introduction to Aorel and eagerly await the next chapter in this tale.
I received an advance copy of this book and provide my honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and provide my honest review.
May 10, 2023
I was quite taken with the way this story unfolded. The strength of the female character her beloved companions. The mystery of who Bri is and why she was brought to this other world. To add to that the male lead Arun has his own mysteries to solve. Can they solve them together, do they really want too? Looking forward to the next book in the series.
A definite recommend read.
May 13, 2023
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
Wow, what a start to the series.
The writing is so descriptive you can visualize the characters and immerse yourself in the world that Lyssa Lund is creating. The characters are relatable and likable. I wonder where Arun and Bri's adventures will take them next.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Wow, what a start to the series.
The writing is so descriptive you can visualize the characters and immerse yourself in the world that Lyssa Lund is creating. The characters are relatable and likable. I wonder where Arun and Bri's adventures will take them next.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
August 15, 2023
Fantastic story
I received this book from a #goodreadsgiveaway.
I loved this book, I can not wait to solve the fascinating story of Bri and Arin and their parentage. I loved the mystery and the multi-verse theory behind it. I searched my LPL for the next book, they didn't have it. This author and story was so intriguing that I purchased the next book in the series.
I received this book from a #goodreadsgiveaway.
I loved this book, I can not wait to solve the fascinating story of Bri and Arin and their parentage. I loved the mystery and the multi-verse theory behind it. I searched my LPL for the next book, they didn't have it. This author and story was so intriguing that I purchased the next book in the series.
August 25, 2023
A very intriguing story!
I loved the descriptions of the demon beasts and poisonous elk! Very likable and fun characters; conversations were interesting and never boring. I'm going to to check now if there is a continuation of this story--please let there be a book 2. I shall follow Lyssa Lund and read more of her books in the near future.
I loved the descriptions of the demon beasts and poisonous elk! Very likable and fun characters; conversations were interesting and never boring. I'm going to to check now if there is a continuation of this story--please let there be a book 2. I shall follow Lyssa Lund and read more of her books in the near future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews