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Gavriel Ambrosios has been dreaming of his accident prone mate for weeks. Now that he is nearing the apex of his vampiric transition, she has made her way to Lycaonia, just when he is at his most dangerous. Elizabeth Monroe was planning on staying in Lycaonia while humans forgot about the swan dive she took out of her boss’s office window. Little did she know that this short side trip was about to become permanent. Gavriel is the mate she has always dreamed of. Even as he sweeps her off her feet his need to protect her has him pushing her away. She’s both concerned with and drawn to his darker nature, but is determined to see him through his transition. In the shadows their enemy has targeted Gavriel when they know he is at his most vulnerable. They creep ever closer to the Alpha estate putting the men on high alert. But as the days get shorter and the nights get longer Elizabeth begins to wonder, which is the bigger threat? The enemy or her mate?

276 pages, Paperback

First published December 22, 2014

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Alanea Alder

31 books3,620 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 542 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession.
1,225 reviews3,701 followers
May 23, 2023
4 Bunny Stars

*Spoilers*

Reread 10/16/2017
rereread lol 5/23/23

"Gavriel dreamt about you before you got here. He said you were either mentally retarded or had a severe inner ear imbalance. He broke two of the stress balls I gave him worrying about you." "I see." Mental note; Kick mate's ass later.-Elizabeth and Meryn

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My Protector is the second book in the Bewitched and Bewildered series, and it was great. I would definitely recommend reading the first book before starting this one. The story line starts in book one, continuing into this book, and goes on into the next book as well. I am really enjoying this series and where the plot is going. I will say that even though this book is funny, it wasn't as funny as the first book. Although it would be hard to top the first book as it was just awesomely funny.

"You're just too perfect. You keep saying the most beautiful things and I feel like I will never be good enough to hear them. I know you're old Gavriel, I don't know how old, but I know you're older than my uncle. Living in Noctem Falls I've picked up this weird survival sixth sense where I can gauge the age of a vampire and you're pegging off the charts. In all that time you must have dreamed of your mate. How can I hope to compare to thousands of years' worth of dreams?"-Elizabeth

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"We can roll with that analogy. Meryn, there's no rulebook. As long as the kid is breathing, not hungry, semi-clean and not rocking in the corner drooling on itself, you're doing a good job."-Elizabeth

I enjoyed both Elizabeth and Gavriel. Gavriel was sweet and had a poet's soul. Elizabeth was endearing with her over the top klutzyness. Both fell hard and fast. Very sweet and protective of each other, their relationship was cute and drama free. I loved the friendship that Meryn and Elizabeth had. I really liked that the other characters had such a big role in this book and the last one. It makes me feel really connected to each of them, building onto their personalities, and enriching the story. There was more passion in this book than in the last one. I can't wait to read the next one and see where this story is going to take me. A very good read!


"Elizabeth Monroe, Fate may have chosen you for me but I ask that you choose me for yourself. Will you tie your breath, your heart, mind and soul to mine? Will you place yourself into my keeping for all eternity?"-Gavriel


Elizabeth took a sip and shuddered. "Oh Gods, yes!" she took another sip and sighed happily. Gavriel growled at Ryuu. Aiden nodded waving a fork at his second in command. "Now you know how I feel. It's not right that another male can make our mates sound like that," he grumbled. "Ryuu is Coffee God. Ryuu can do whatever the fuck he wants." Meryn's gravelly, irritated voice sounded different from the more upbeat personality she had met the day before. "All hail Coffee God." Keelan and Colton bowed down in their seats reverently to Ryuu who shook his head at their antics.



"That's right my love, scream my name. Let the entire world know that you are mine. If the ferals come I will destroy every single one; even Death itself will not separate us. I will cover this world in flame and blood before I let you go."-Gavriel
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,178 reviews350 followers
December 4, 2023


Gavriel Ambrosios. had dreamt about his mate before she had Arrived to Lycaonia… to be honest, he did not know if she was mentally retarded or had a severe inner ear imbalance……. All he knew was the woman was a complete klutz…. It’s a miracle she survived her own Adulthood, let alone her teenage years

To make matters worse Gavriel was in the middle of his apex, a vampire transition, leaving him weaker and his mate vulnerable.



Elizabeth Monroe as soon as she met Gavriel, she knew he was her mate….. What was refreshing about that is neither one of them had denied the fact that they were mate’s…… What was interesting about Elizabeth was the fact that she was a bunny shifter. And she was raised by her two vampire fathers.


Now this one was full of twists and turns, and plenty of new characters were added to the Alpha unit but lord Lil too much Meryn and Aiden and not enough of Gavriel and Elizabeth………. Well hopefully the author will make it up to us in the next installment with Sexy Colton


Profile Image for Jilly.
1,838 reviews6,694 followers
November 29, 2018
Not quite as funny as the first one, but this one definitely had it's moments. I especially liked when Meryn set her husband's car on fire because he was a jerk to her. I respect crazy in a woman. Sometimes it's the only weapon we have against douchebag men.


Look, I've been married for over 20 years and my husband still is never quite sure what I might do or say, and he's a little afraid. It's good to keep the mystery alive, girls. Marriage tip from Jilly.

This book focuses on a new couple, Gavriel - a vampire, and Elizabeth - a bunny shifter. Bad news: she only shifts into a bunny once. I was disappointed. You don't put a bunny shifter in a book and then not have her turn into a bunny a bunch of times. I freaking love bunnies!! I would have given an entire extra star for more bunny scenes.


See? They are helpful in any area.

The problem with this book is that the couple is totally mature and a little sappy. Most of the hilarity came from the girl from the last book. And, there was another going-to-the-store scene that was awesome. This time, they had to buy condoms and they had no idea what they were. The guys are yelling to each other through the aisles about finding the condoms. It was great.


Thanks, WikiHow! Can he call you to bail him out of jail when they think he's robbing the place?

Yeah, these guys are not so discreet.
But, overall, the book wasn't quite as hilarious. Still funny enough to keep me reading though.
Profile Image for Maida (Medley of Books).
1,910 reviews517 followers
June 4, 2015

RATING: 0.5 "I'm a Glutton For Punishment" Heart :(

My venture with Alanea Alder's work began with My Commander, the first book in the Bewitched and Bewildered series, and as it was a decent enough read, I gave the benefit of the doubt, making the impulsive decision to continue with this series. Unfortunately, that very choice has come to bite me in the ass – for lack of a better description. My Protector, unlike its predecessor, is neither enjoyable nor satisfying, rather a laughable continuation.

Everything I liked in the first book – likeable characters, funny moments, and the simplicity – is sorely missing in this, rendering all facets of this read undoubtedly aggravating. Foremost, the blurb informs of Elizabeth and Gavriel being the main characters, and yet absurdly we only see snippets of them throughout the entire story; instead the plot is primarily focused on Meryn, the heroine from the first book. There is no connection developed with either protagonist, as we don't get any insight into their characters. Not to mention, the romance is insta-love and insta-lust, a major negative, especially since it’s not skillfully established.

Admittedly, I cannot say much good about this. The plot is misdirected, the romance is senseless and farfetched, the characters (both main and secondary) are flat, and the writing is dull. The one character I did like is Ryuu, Elizabeth's squire, hence the 0.5 rating. Ultimately, I think its time I lay this series to rest, and say goodbye. Regrettable, yes, but warranted.

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Posted: June 2, 2015
Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
May 22, 2018
audio reread May 2018
I am picky about narrators and I think this one is doing a fine job! I wish all the books were out on audio!


I'm new to this series and I have to admit, I like it. I enjoyed Gavriel and Beth together. His love for her was evident. The last thing he wanted was to hurt her and he was willing to send her to her fathers until it was safe to be with him. Beth loved her mate so much that she refused to leave his side even when it was dangerous. They were so committed to each other. No cheating, ow/om drama, and no pushing away. That is one of the things I appreciate about this series.

When I read the first book, I didn't realize that the books back story would span the entire series with each book about a different couple. I am glad that most of the series is released.

It was nice to have more Meryn and Aiden time. Meryn is a bit over the top in some of her antics, but that is her character. She works well with Aiden. I enjoyed the secondary characters so much and unless I find them not safe, I will continue on with the series.
Profile Image for  Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers).
1,148 reviews92 followers
May 31, 2017
3.5 ⭐️

I liked Meryn in the first book but in this one not so much.
She told Aiden she wasn't a clingy mate but she sure could've fooled me with her interrupting his training with his unit, also can this woman act more immature? Torching his car just because he ignored after she tried to interrupt training yet again? And she's worried that he'll hate her?
Childish behavior not of a woman who's 34 years old. I don't know why anyone or specifically the warriors who are supposedly bad asses are scared of a one tiny slip of a human woman? And They overshadowed this couple, I wanted Gavriel and Elizabeth's romance Not Aiden and Meryn's again.

And now I'm scared to read the other books because I don't want to read about Meryn again.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
354 reviews278 followers
November 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this book- just not as much as I enjoyed the first in this series. I liked Gavriel- the ancient, handsome vampire and Elizabeth the clutzy shifter. They were very sweet with each other and I liked how Elizabeth was always strong for Gavriel. I loved seeing Meryl and Aiden again and all of the other familiar characters. Jaxon was my favorite addition in this book and I would love for him to get a book at some point. This is safety gang safe
Profile Image for Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD.
612 reviews241 followers
September 4, 2019
My heart is broken because this read is over *wipes away tears*

I can not put into words how much I loved this! Gavriel is full of surprises! Can not go into too much detail, I try my best to have spoiler free reviews (cause I usually forget to mark it as spoilers, lol).

Ok back to Gavriel.... One of the most powerful, loving, and logical alphas I have read which made this a very refreshing read. There was no I don't want to be mated, or the old shag and then act like you regretted it, or the infamous shag and ignore said shagee. Gavriel knew and excepted his mate with his whole heart. He immediately accepted her in all her hilariously clumsy and accident prone glory. Elizabeth ... I thought I would hate her, but I loved this character to pieces! The way she and the MC came together and their storyline flowed was magnificent!

Alder is talented with her storyline. There are so many layers like a yummy chocolate cake that is sheer perfection. Sometimes with a series you feel like you are missing something between novels but this one picked up right where the last left off. Also, all of my favorite characters were present and accounted for! Meryn will always be a fav and the fact she was placed throughout the plot was fantastic!

If you have not read this and you like alpha with spunky smart mouthed heroines...PICK THIS UP!

Happy Reading! DD
Profile Image for Raine.
2,463 reviews53 followers
October 2, 2017
I really liked the first book. I thought the female character, Meryn, was a great, quirky character. I loved it so much I gave it 5 stars. In this second book I did know that there would be a mention of her and the hero from the first book, Aiden. However I was not prepared for it to bee the Meryn show! I felt that Gavriel and Elizabeth's story took a back seat to Meryn.

I'm so very disappointed in this book and I can't believe I paid $4.99 for it! Suffice to say, I will not be continuing the series unless the price is either $.99, free, or Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for ren ♡ .
404 reviews1,007 followers
January 31, 2021
I was really excited to delve into this one because I really enjoyed the first book. However, I wish I had read the reviews before I read this one because I was confused by the lack of Gavriel and Elizabeth scenes. For some reason, My Protector is basically just a continuation of Aiden and Meryn's story with a new couple sprinkled in here and there.

Gavriel was a character I was really intrigued by but ultimately I felt like I was left hanging. And while I thought Meryn was cute and funny in the first book, I found her very annoying here. Maybe it was because I wanted to see more of Elizabeth who really should have had the spotlight.

Overall, I was very disappointed. It took me over a month to trudge along and ended up having to skim through the second half.

Rating: 1.5/5
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews26 followers
January 18, 2025
The bunny and the vampire

Once again this author has outdone herself with the laughter, love and adventure that she has filled the alpha units lives with. Aiden and Meryn really light up the pages of the book with her quirky, Doctor Who loving, craziness and his over the top alpha male personality. Their love is a beacon for the alpha unit to rally behind. Elizabeth and Gavriel are the headliners of this tale and the love they find is one that will outlast humanity. Even with all the upheaval their steadfast relationship lends support and solidity to the others around them. This book is filled with so much joy, love and action. The revelations are sure to keep you glued to your seat, rushing towards the HEA contained within and anxiously waiting for the next installment. I am absolutely looking forward to seeing what Meryn has in store for us next.
Profile Image for Gi's Spot Reviews.
1,144 reviews1,366 followers
November 18, 2015
Basic Info

Standalone or Part of a Series:
MF, Ménage, etc.:
POV:

Triggers:
Cheating:
Descriptive Sex with OW/OM:
HEA:
Safety Gang Notes:

Personal Overview
The story of the Alpha Unit continues in this volume, and does the subplot, at the same times as it recounts the love story of Gabriel, the vampire of the Unit, and Elizabeth, his shifter mate.
Gavriel is loyal, charming, protective and possessive (of his mate). When he expresses his love it's "sure to make you melt" material...
"Just being here is more than I deserve. There is no way you would fail to meet my expectations, they have been shattered in the face of the beautiful reality that is you."
And there goes my heart, where did it go? Oh yes, in his pocket to carry around for all time. (Gavriel and Elizabeth)


"I think the mating pull is there for those who fight their mating. I have seen many couples who have rejected their mates be brought together by the mating pull. It brings them together, but doesn't ensure happiness. What you feel, what I feel, is when two souls who are destined to be one, come together. I was born for you. My incomplete soul rejoices at finding it's other half, and even though it may be jagged and broken, I hope that someday it will be worthy of being the other half of yours."(Gavriel to Elizabeth)


"I didn't tell you this to make you sad. The memories are painful. But what would be even more horrendous would be if I forgot them completely. Each year I memorized a new star, so I wouldn't forget. And every year I made the same plea. 'Please send me my mate. I just want someone to hold'. That's all I wanted. So even though I have lived thousands upon thousands of years, you fulfill every dream I have ever had for a mate, just by being here. Your compassion, and your blossoming love is more than I have ever wanted."(Gavriel to Elizabeth)

Beth is bunny shifter (ok, ok...lepus curpaeums), with an "unnatural bad luck", accidents happen to her all the time, so she is constantly getting hurt.
"Not to make Beth sound juvenile, because she isn't childish by any stretch of the imagination, in fact, when she isn't actively tripping, falling or tumbling she's very graceful and poised, but you may want to consider 'baby proofing' the estate," Caspian advised.

Aside from being accident prone, she is very wise, perceptive, attentive and a very good friend, which came in handy to Meryn, because thanks to her upbringing, she manages the paranormal politics beautifully, always making the point with a smile on her face. She is completely devoted to her mate ( as is him to her), to saving and caring for him.
Both the MCs have a important role through the book guiding and advicing the Alpha couple, and boy do they need the support! In my opinion this book is not as devoted to love story plot as his predecessor, but to the story of the Alpha Unit and the subplot connecting all the books. The romance and Gavriel transition felt for me a bit as the backdrop for the main events.
In this book they all realize the dreams they have about their mates are meant to help them understand and know theirs mates and accept their matings.
But even through the differences, something remained the same: the funny moments supplied mainly by Meryn, especially her antics with Aiden.

"Yeah, maybe. But if you want to explore the possibility of getting me pregnant, I won't wear the amulet. That is, if you go buy condoms."
"We can have a baby if I go buy condoms?" Aiden asked breathlessly.
"That's kinda contradictory, but yes." Meryn nodded.
Aiden looked the other men.

"Ryuu, I'm leaving my mate with you. Come on, men." He bolted for the front door.(Meryn and Aiden)


Considering everything it’s still a very enjoyable read, and now I want to jump to the flirty Colton story...

Profile Image for The Sassy Bookworm.
4,068 reviews2,873 followers
December 27, 2015
So..didn't love this one as much as the first.

Here's the thing, I liked Meryn fine in the first book, but what was cute and quirky, quickly became annoying in this book. I felt she acted childish through this whole book, and I just wanted someone to tell her to grow the fuck up. The way she treats Aiden is awful, lighting someone's car on fire because you think they are ignoring you, isn't cute. It borders on psycho...

Which leads me to my other issue. This is suppose to be Gavriel and Beth's book, but their story is just background for the Meryn and Aiden show. I want to hear their story, not a rehash of the first book! I've reached my Meryn saturation point, which worries me on what I have to look forward to in the rest of the books.

The other thing I found annoying was Beth's klutziness, there is being adorably clumsy, then there is ridiculousness. Baby proofing the house, seriously?? She is an adult for gods sake...sigh.

SO, ya...didn't love this one. If we are going to continue on with the over the top childish Meryn behavior, I think I way have to call it a day with these books, which sucks because I LOVE the secondary characters and look forward to their story, as long as it is ACTUALLY their story, not just background noise.
Profile Image for *CJ*.
5,112 reviews629 followers
March 6, 2017
So this was an average read at the best.
This book about the centuries old vampire Gavriel and his super kultz mate Elizabeth is as much their story as it is of Meryn and Aiden, the couple from the first book.
It's mostly a peek into their daily lives, super added with an insta mating, some smokin love making scenes mixed with fangs and hematophilia and a bunch of secondary characters. It was a bit slow overall.
I was bored throughout the book- however I have to commend the occasional humorous scenes; I.e. The condom ones and sex ones; i.e. The one during hero's transition.
Things were just tooooo sweet and chirpy for me most of the times- filled with adopting sisters, bunny shifters, words like uncy and childlike behavior which took me a long time to get used to.
I struggled to finish this. It's a good book with its moments- but being an angst whore- just not for me.
Might try reading Colton's book when and if my brain needs diabetes.
Safe
3/5
Profile Image for Hollie.
1,680 reviews
March 11, 2015
DNF at 40%

I rated book 1 in this series 3 stars - while I didnt love it, I did see potential so I decided to give book 2 a try. I can now say, Im officially done with this series. It just wasn't working for me. The insta-love overkill. The heroine just seemed to accept everything too easily. New world, new family, new life, no biggie. It lacked depth, and I couldnt get into the storyline or characters.
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,382 reviews84 followers
March 13, 2015
Another great, funny, lol story. I certainly had a smile on my face for the most part.

This time Elizabeth, a bunny shifter, who was brought up by her Uncle, the Vampire Councillor at Noctem Falls, knows immediately she meets Gavriel, vampire, the second-in-command of Alpha Unit, that he is her Mate.

Gavriel has been seeing her in his dreams and he is very concerned that she is so accident-prone. Gavriel is also concerned as he is going through his "transition" where he will be taller, stronger, faster etc etc.

Elizabeth meets Meryn, Aiden's mate from the first book and there is an instant bond, so Elizabeth adopts Meryn as her little sister. There is much quoting between the two, of Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and my favourite, Dr Who. Most of the boys in Alpha Unit have no clue as they haven't kept up with the human culture as much as they thought they had.

The ferals are just as nasty as before, and they are obviously gearing up for a war to take over the "Other Cities" and perhaps humankind as well.

Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Emily.
5,880 reviews551 followers
May 10, 2016
Gavriel Ambrosios has been dreaming about his mate, a very accident prone mate. It is killing him not to go and try and find her but he is in the middle of his apex, a vampire transition, leaving him weaker and his mate vulnerable. When his mate shows up at the Alpha command center though, everything changes.

Elizabeth Monroe was raised by her vampire fathers, she is considered one of them even though she is a bunny shifter. Elizabeth is a walking klutz, but she makes due. She knows Gavriel is her mate the minute she lays eyes on him and is eager to get the mating consummated. As they begin their new life together, Elizabeth realizes that there is more to the mates finding one another and they are going to need everyone protected and on alert as evil is quickly descending.

Full of twists and turns. I loved this one, there is one moment in the book that had me absolutely cracking up. The beauty of the Bewitched and Bewildered stories is it is all inclusive, so you get plenty of your favorite characters from book one. Eager to begin book 3.
Profile Image for Katy.
268 reviews76 followers
October 8, 2017
*Read for Halloween Reading Challenge-vampire category.*

So yeah. I just wrote this entire review and accidentally closed the tab.



The only thing worse than accidentally losing your review is accidentally losing a three-star review. Those S.O.Bs are hard to write. So I'm going to do a condensed version.

These books are kinda terrible. The only thing that saves them is that they are also hilarious and quick reads. This book spent wayyy too much time on Meryn and Aiden (the previous book's MCs) and not enough time on Gavriel and Beth. I mean come on, you have a super sexy alpha possessive yet kind and romantic vampire as an MC and I have to read about Meryn throwing another temper tantrum about not having enough coffee? Please.

As I said above, quality wise, these books just aren't that great. The writing is lazy, the romance reaches its HEA within the first 15 pages, and there is almost zero conflict. I saw the medium size twist coming a mile away and the twist I'd hope would be there never happened. And come on, insta-love much? Seriously, Gavriel and Beth were in love within five minutes of meeting each other.

Despite all of my complaints, I did finish the book in one sitting. I don't regret reading it, in fact, I enjoyed it. And I'll probably continue with the series because apparently, I enjoy badly done very fun romance novels with scenes that include giant hulking immortals standing in a grocery store aisle trying to figure out how a condom works and what "ribbed for her pleasure" means.



Profile Image for AWB.
843 reviews12 followers
January 13, 2015
I really wanted to love this one. And although I liked it, there were to many problems for me to say I loved it.

My first and foremost complaint would be that this book seemed more like a continuation of the first, from a different characters POV. It was more a story about the first books Mc's with a side love story. Sure there were tons of 'aw shucks Meryn is funny and adorable' moments. And at first I really liked those moments. But as the book continued, they overshadowed the MC's of this book and THEIR story. I mean, I wanted to know more about Elizabeth and Gavriel. I wanted cute moments with their characters. More of their feelings toward each other, and not more of their feelings about Meryn and Adien. That was very frustrating. It got to the point where I was like 'wtf do these two people see in each other than their mates and Meryn is their funny friend!?'

Gavriels past was interesting to me. I wanted to know more. And I feel like it was skimmed. Not enough meat to his tortured change because we didn't get enough on his history. And Elizabeth was a clutzy woman who we were told bout falling over nothing and anything. There was speculation about a possible curse. Yet nothing came of that, which I found sad.

I will continue this series. With my fingers crossed the next book will actually be more about the characters it was written about.
Profile Image for Umaiya ❄️Ramblings of a Scattered Mind❄️.
1,128 reviews382 followers
October 1, 2016

Very low 3 stars...

I liked this book BUT not why you're thinking.
Before starting this book, I saw a couple reviewers mention how this would have been better with less of Aiden and Meryn andmore about Gavriel and Elizabeth, now at the time I thought, it's a serial story, how bad could their involvement be?

Oh how naive and innocent I was.


Rather than this being a continuation of the situation from My Commander, incorporating Gavriel and Elizabeth's story, It felt more like we were seeing Aiden and Meryn's story progressing all over again only from a different POV.

Not fun.

There was so much potential here! The things Gavriel could share, his past, their history, the scenarios were unlimited! But once again....Nothing!

*sigh*
I know. I know.
It's against my better judgement too but I still have hopes for Colton's story.
Even after everything, I'm still looking forward to it.
*fingers crossed*
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,034 reviews59 followers
March 8, 2015
While I really enjoyed Elizabeth and Gavriel, there was way too much of the storyline devoted to Meryn. I needed smaller doses of her by the midway part and really wanted more of everyone else.

 photo tumblr_l6i5owkGFb1qzey7f_zps0915470e.gif

Hopefully Colton's book will devote more time to his story.
Profile Image for Sherry.
10 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2017
Did not finish… Actually, it was more like could not finish because it left a terrible taste in my mouth.


Like, actual bile because it made me so disgusted that I gagged.

The book takes place shortly after where the first “novel” left off [ [book: My Commander] felt like a book that was entirely fluff but was trying to be all edgy and contemporary. The first book wasn’t that great mostly because NOTHING was resolved! The ending felt rushed and there was no conclusion Spoilers However, this book shifts focus onto Aiden’s second in command Gavriel and his mate Elizabeth.

Before you ask, I read the sequel even though I wasn't super impressed with the first book because



First of, this sequel paled in comparison to the first book in terms of character likeability [not that the characters in the first book were all that likeable]. I felt that Elizabeth lacked depth and Gavriel was too polite and perfect to be interesting. Even the whole I-am-so-dangerous-but-I-can't-stay-away-from-you shtick bored me because it felt like Alder was implying Everest when in actuality it was nothing but a molehill.




In addition, the “development” of Meryn’s character kind of made her less likeable. Okay, that was understatement of the century. From what Meryn's gimmick was in the first book [the whole I-am-so-unique-because-I-am-a-loveable-"nerd"] to Meryn turning into a emotional blackmailing, psychotic asshole! Don't believe me? Read the book. Especially the car scene in chapter six.




If you want the reason why I stopped reading this book, and why I think this book is POC [To be vulgar here, I wouldn't even wipe my own butt with this book because I'm afraid it would contaminate me with its bad juju]. Read on! warning Godzilla mode




Here on Goodreads, we talk a lot about females in abused roles but we have to realize that there is male abuse as well. What Meryn does is degrading and abusive. I don't think Alanea Alder intentionally made Meryn out to be abusive, I think the author wanted to show that Meryn was a strong and independent woman. I am all for strong females who aren't afraid to fight back in novels. But this is not it. This is a good idea but bad execution. It also normalizes abuse against males. Everyone in the book just accepts the fact that Meryn should be able to do whatever she wants because that is how strong women act and that demeaning everyone in order for her to show her strength is okay. No. Just no.


I believe that a shift away from the typical submissive female and the dominant alpha male is a good direction to go in romance novels. However, leaning too much in the opposite direction is dangerous too. Men can be kind and caring without being doormats for the "strong" female to walk all over.

This is the reason I stopped reading this book. I cannot get over the fact that Alanea Alder decided to show case what female strength looked using violence. The main point I am trying to get across is that [in my opinion] this is not romance. This is abuse. This is not being quirky and cute and unique. This is not what female strength looks like.

P.S All of this is just my personal opinion, you are free to disagree with me. However, I hope that I have opened a discussion that is important even if it took some detours.

Profile Image for Jessica {Litnoob}.
1,302 reviews100 followers
July 5, 2018
This book was a super cute edition to the series so far. It answered some of the questions I felt were just assumed and glossed over in previous books and also did better in giving us information relevant to the story before you could get confused. It didn’t mention where the bad luck was coming from but maybe in the next one?
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,848 reviews370 followers
October 8, 2020
DNF at 40%. I was under the impression this was about Gavriel and Elizabeth. But I felt like we were getting more of Meryn and Aidan who are from the first book. I also found it really difficult to connect to Gavriel and Elizabeth and the world they live in confuses me. A lot of people really like these stories but they are just not doing it for me.
Profile Image for Chumchum_88.
556 reviews45 followers
November 28, 2016
I'm really loving Alanea Alder's books ^^

I loved the hero, he was so gentle and loving he practically worships his mate, and it's totally understandable that it practically breaks the heart. It's a fact that vampires are immortal but Gavriel is a unique case. He outlived practically everyone he knew he lived for over 10 thousand years, and I stress on the over since he can't remember much except the last 10 thousand years, but what's heartbreaking is that he lived it alone witnessing death and despair but still surviving for that one day when Fate would remember him and send him to his mate.

Oh and when he finally had his mate it was so cute, he obsessed about her, since finally finally he had his partner. And how she was protective of him was adorable too ^^ His bunny, his protector.

- I liked how she clicked instantly in their rhythm since having Meryn can't possibly a stabilized environment XD

- I liked how she adopted Meryn and how she got her unlike Aiden, like she's the upgraded version of the paranormal where she knew all the shows and movies that Meryn referenced to XD

- I liked how Ryuu settled in with them, how he manipulated Meryn, how the guys worship him because he knows how to handle her XD yet I'm curios about him, there is something that not everyone knows and the thing is that he still is hiding it from Meryn.

- I didn't like the conspiracy that has been going on Beth and Ryuu understand that Fate is taking precautions to save and protect something, and the fact that ferals are grouping and knowing secrets they shouldn't isn't settling

- I liked Meryn's minions they were cute, one is gay the other is handicapped but both took the initiative to learn saying like it was Fate that sent them, unlike the other trainees in the mansion these two look more like family that just trainees XD

- I liked the gay parents and the doting uncle, I can't imagine their family holidays XD

Overall, *thumbs up* I'm seriously loving this series
Profile Image for Madd Kitt .
14 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2016
This series had such promise. I really liked the first book, and thought that the storyline was pretty cool. Aiden and Meryn's relationship in the first one was a bit cheesy, but also had its funny moments. For once, I was actually excited to be switching to the secondary characters because I liked them all so much and wanted to see how they would find their mates and how the story would move on…

*SPOILERS*

My Protector should have basically just been called 'Let's Obsess Over Meryn'. Seriously, she was mentioned on basically every single page!! I feel like Gavriel and Beth's story was completely overshadowed by similar events that happened in the first book, events that I did not need to read again. What I really had a problem with though was Meryn herself. I honestly liked her in the first book. I thought she was strange and quirky, but a badass, especially in that scene where she takes over when Aiden is hurt.
However, the Meryn in this book acted like a child. The way she was described, the things she did, and the things she said made her seem like an immature brat who needed constant attention. Her blurting whatever came to her mind got old real fast, her openness about sex with Aiden in front of everyone was just creepy, and it was so annoying that everyone who met her just loved and adored her so much, because she was so different from them. She was nuts! Seriously, no one even blinked an eye when she lit her mate's car on fire because he just told her to go inside. Seriously?! Abandonment issues or not that is straight up psycho behavior. Yet, everyone got mad at Aiden…I just couldn't take Meryn anymore. She was annoying and immature and ruined this book for me.
Gavriel and Beth's story could have been awesome, considering who Gavriel ended up being, but nooooo we had to read Aiden and Meryn's antics over and over. I was looking forward to reading the rest of these books, but after this I just can't bring myself to do it.
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,446 reviews1,127 followers
December 28, 2014
The klutzy bunny meets her mate

Alanea Alder is good. This was the second installment in the series and if Ms Alder keeps to this level in storytelling I will definitely be her number 1 fan.

In this story we have a very old and experienced vampire who meets his mate a bunny shifter, while he is suffering through transition which is a significant time of change in a vampires life. Their bloodlust increases and when they reach the apex they experience changes to their body.

The connection between Elizabeth and Gavriel is strong and they both feel protective and loving of each other straight away. No fighting this mating. Plenty of hot and sexy bits with no delay or hesitation between the characters which was different to some paranormal stories I have read. This couple recognised they were mates and just accepted it.

Some very funny scenes at the store again, this time buying condoms with Bart the store owner giving his very wise advice on how to treat the ladies.

All of the characters from the first book are here and some new ones to love joined the crew.

My Protector made me laugh out loud and I can't wait for Book 3.
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