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Zac's Mulligan
(Guarding the Gods #1)
by
Zac Mulligan is a former Marine now providing personal security for the infamous rock band, Black Ice. Seeing all the guys around him in committed relationships reminds him of his childhood best friend . . . the only person Zac has never managed to get out of his head or his heart.
Ben Holland is an artist. Falling deeply in love with his best friend in his teens, Ben is ...more
Ben Holland is an artist. Falling deeply in love with his best friend in his teens, Ben is ...more
Kindle Edition, 379 pages
Published
August 9th 2016
by SleighFarm Publishing Group
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Start your review of Zac's Mulligan (Guarding the Gods, #1)


This is the first book in this new spin-off series. It's a spin-off of the awesome "Rocks Gods" series. For those of you who haven't read the series...this can be read as a stand-alone. I just don't see why you would though, because "The Rock Gods" series rocked...lol
Zac Mulligan is a former marine, who's working as a security guard for the two famous bands "Ivory Tower" and "Black Ice". He got injured in the line of duty in the last book of the Rock Gods. Lately he has been thinking a lot a ...more

Oh. My. Guard! Zac and Ben rock!
Anyone who's read Ann Lister's Rock Gods series I'm sure waited with their twitching one-click fingers locked and loaded for the clock to strike midnight. You know what the best part is? This book will blow everyone away—their Goddess absolutely, positively, with everything I can think of under the sun, hasn't let them down.
Zac's Mulligan is the first book in the Guarding the Gods spinoff series. As the author promised—to herself, as much as to her fans—we'd not s ...more
Anyone who's read Ann Lister's Rock Gods series I'm sure waited with their twitching one-click fingers locked and loaded for the clock to strike midnight. You know what the best part is? This book will blow everyone away—their Goddess absolutely, positively, with everything I can think of under the sun, hasn't let them down.
Zac's Mulligan is the first book in the Guarding the Gods spinoff series. As the author promised—to herself, as much as to her fans—we'd not s ...more

WARNING…This cannot be read as a stand-alone. This is a spinoff series from the Rock Gods series and you will probably be very confused without reading the Rock Gods series first
Zac’s Mulligan is the first book in the new spinoff series, Guarding the Gods Zac is returning home after he was wounded at work protecting the rock band, Black Ice. With encouragement from his friend, Lincoln, he decides to try to find his friend he left many years ago, when he joined the Marines. Not a day has gone by ...more
Zac’s Mulligan is the first book in the new spinoff series, Guarding the Gods Zac is returning home after he was wounded at work protecting the rock band, Black Ice. With encouragement from his friend, Lincoln, he decides to try to find his friend he left many years ago, when he joined the Marines. Not a day has gone by ...more

I really did NOT like this. Like at all. Okay, I liked Zac, but that's about it. The couple never clicked for me. Probably because Ben is a raging douchenozzle who can't function if he's not a)the victim or b) outraged. I just hated him. It's bad when you are reading his POV and still find yourself with a look of disgust on your face as you go. I thought he treated Zac like crap. Zac deserved better. Yes Zac did crappy thing when he was 18. But honestly it wasn't that horrible. The fact that Ben
...more

4 stars
This was a very good story. I liked both Zac and Ben and enjoyed seeing them get together. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I'm likely to try more of her work.
Zac is an Ex-marine that is currently working as security for a rock band.In high school, Zac had been "very close" to his BFF, Ben. They experimented with each other some but Zac ended up leaving for the Marines in a way that caused a permanent rift between them. Thinking what was bet ...more
This was a very good story. I liked both Zac and Ben and enjoyed seeing them get together. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I'm likely to try more of her work.
Zac is an Ex-marine that is currently working as security for a rock band.In high school, Zac had been "very close" to his BFF, Ben. They experimented with each other some but Zac ended up leaving for the Marines in a way that caused a permanent rift between them. Thinking what was bet ...more

Aug 04, 2016
Cee Brown
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Anyone with a pulse who loves hot man on man action and Lovers of the Rock Gods series.
Shelves:
arcs-from-mm-group
**)
.•.•*) .•*)THIS BOOK IS ON FIRE!!!"
(.• (.•`***
Holy Batman Robin!!! Ann Lister has done it again. Of The Rock Gods fame, this newest sequel promises to carry on in its brother's image. This book came at me out of the woodwork and has wormed its way into my small, private collection.
The Marine & The Artist.
Ex- Marine Zac Mulligan was living a dream being a bodyguard to one of the top rock bands during their European tour. That is, until he placed himself in the path of danger to protect one o ...more
.•.•*) .•*)THIS BOOK IS ON FIRE!!!"
(.• (.•`***

Holy Batman Robin!!! Ann Lister has done it again. Of The Rock Gods fame, this newest sequel promises to carry on in its brother's image. This book came at me out of the woodwork and has wormed its way into my small, private collection.
The Marine & The Artist.
Ex- Marine Zac Mulligan was living a dream being a bodyguard to one of the top rock bands during their European tour. That is, until he placed himself in the path of danger to protect one o ...more

This is Ann's first book of the new series, Guarding the Gods. I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book. I fell in love with Ben and Zac and the struggles they overcome to find their happily ever after.
Ben and Zac grew up together. In their teens they fall in love until Zac leaves for the Marines tearing them apart.
Ben is now a well known artist basically living alone and is out of the closet. Zac is now a former Marine working security for Black Ice and just can't get the thoughts of Ben out ...more
Ben and Zac grew up together. In their teens they fall in love until Zac leaves for the Marines tearing them apart.
Ben is now a well known artist basically living alone and is out of the closet. Zac is now a former Marine working security for Black Ice and just can't get the thoughts of Ben out ...more

Zac was immature and emotionally stupid. He was in denial of his bisexuality but pursued Ben at the same time. Ben was emotionally savvy but could not keep their relationship from being quite shallow. There wasn't any romance and definitely no chemistry. The family drama was OTT. Zac's father's behavior was bizarre. Just really poor character development all around.
...more

Zac Mulligan and Ben Holland grew up together, experienced all their firsts together included love and exploring their sexuality together. While their mothers saw the writing on the wall, their fathers, especially Zacs, were quite discouraging. Being caught in the years between a teenager and a man, confused at best about his feelings for Ben and then add his father telling him it was wrong, Zac abandoned Ben and their friendship and joined the marines. He's regretted it damn near every day sinc
...more

What happened here? I'm so confused. I have been in love with this author's series through book after book. After months of waiting for the next one here comes the spin off series featuring confused ass, immature acting Zac and boring Ben. Their relationship was like watching paint dry. The set up to the big misunderstanding was so unrealistic to me. Which 17/18 year old boy after his first taste of nookie with his very best friend starts to think, "I am going to leave so I don't come back to hi
...more

Jun 21, 2016
Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
auto-buy-author,
2016-reads,
look-for-the-next-book,
bi,
hot-as-hell,
mm,
hea-hfn,
series,
my-favs,
sale
Zac and Ben had been friends since they were young children. They had always been inseparable, joined at the hip. As they grew older the feelings changed, became deeper and much more than friendship, but at 18, Zac leaves for the Marines without even saying goodbye. Something he has always regretted. Now he's back after 10 years to try to make things right between him and Ben. Is it too late?
The worst part about starting a book by Ann Lister, is it'll end. You want to get to the conclusion, but ...more
The worst part about starting a book by Ann Lister, is it'll end. You want to get to the conclusion, but ...more

Oct 11, 2016
Katrina Passick Lumsden
added it
I don't think I'm gonna be able to finish this...
"'Looks like you're in pain. Is your hand healing okay?' 'How's the hand?' he asked."
"Would Zac still want to be with him once he knew everything? He wasn't so sure, and for that reason he had to keep his mouth shut."
Ben was also keeping Zac at a distance because of whatever "everything" consisted of. Which is just brilliant logic.
Ben is a photographer. This is Zac expounding on Ben's photographic genius:
"Ben moved the guys around the roo ...more
"'Looks like you're in pain. Is your hand healing okay?' 'How's the hand?' he asked."
"Would Zac still want to be with him once he knew everything? He wasn't so sure, and for that reason he had to keep his mouth shut."
Ben was also keeping Zac at a distance because of whatever "everything" consisted of. Which is just brilliant logic.
Ben is a photographer. This is Zac expounding on Ben's photographic genius:
"Ben moved the guys around the roo ...more

This book was picked for me in a pick it for me challenge.
This was the first book in the "Guarding The Gods" A new series from an author that I love reading. Zac Mulligan is s security guard for Black Ice more importantly Lincoln and Aaron he was hurt when he took on Sebastian Keating when he tried to take Ryan in Paris. When he has surgery on his hand he is sent home to recover Zac can't stop thinking about his childhood friend Ben so he goes to Cape Cod to see him. Turns out Zac left for the m ...more
This was the first book in the "Guarding The Gods" A new series from an author that I love reading. Zac Mulligan is s security guard for Black Ice more importantly Lincoln and Aaron he was hurt when he took on Sebastian Keating when he tried to take Ryan in Paris. When he has surgery on his hand he is sent home to recover Zac can't stop thinking about his childhood friend Ben so he goes to Cape Cod to see him. Turns out Zac left for the m ...more

***5 Star Start to an Amazing New Series!***
Guarding band members of Black Ice has shown Zac that he needs to face his actions toward his best friend and their aftermath, even if it has been a decade since they last saw or spoke to one another. Recuperating from an injury sends him stateside, and now is as good a time as any to get back in touch with Ben.
Ben was shattered by Zac’s departure from his life and the way in which he made his exit when they were eighteen. It altered Ben irrevocably, a ...more
Guarding band members of Black Ice has shown Zac that he needs to face his actions toward his best friend and their aftermath, even if it has been a decade since they last saw or spoke to one another. Recuperating from an injury sends him stateside, and now is as good a time as any to get back in touch with Ben.
Ben was shattered by Zac’s departure from his life and the way in which he made his exit when they were eighteen. It altered Ben irrevocably, a ...more

LOVED IT!
Zac and Ben were best friends separated when they were 18. Both men were deeply in love with the other but it took 10 long years for them to reconnect and come to terms with their love. Zac had left for the Marines without saying goodbye. This was just following one night of passion only Ben remembered so clearly. 10 years of hurt...can Ben forgive Zac and have a do-over? Further family secrets come to light which threatens their relationship once again.
Action, angst, and strong men...t ...more
Zac and Ben were best friends separated when they were 18. Both men were deeply in love with the other but it took 10 long years for them to reconnect and come to terms with their love. Zac had left for the Marines without saying goodbye. This was just following one night of passion only Ben remembered so clearly. 10 years of hurt...can Ben forgive Zac and have a do-over? Further family secrets come to light which threatens their relationship once again.
Action, angst, and strong men...t ...more

This is a beautiful story of love, love lost and second chances. Zac and Ben are reunited after ten years of being apart and sparks are flying. The heartaches they have both suffered have made them skittish about reconnecting but they can't deny their feelings for each other. Loved this story and looking forward to more.
...more

Dec 15, 2018
Lisazj1
marked it as to-read
Thanks for the awesome gift Santa's Secret Helper, you made my day!! <3
...more

Anyone who's read Ann Lister's Rock Gods series I'm sure waited with their twitching one-click fingers locked and loaded for the clock to strike midnight. You know what the best part is? This book will blow everyone away—their Goddess absolutely, positively, with everything I can think of under the sun, hasn't let them down.
Zac's Mulligan is the first book in the Guarding the Gods spinoff series. As the author promised—to herself, as much as to her fans—we'd not seen the last of our boys from Bl ...more

Zac is a former marine who is now security for two of the hottest bands on tour, Black Ice and Ivory Tower. Over the course of working with these men Zac has become close to them, especially Lincoln and Aaron. After relieving an injury to his hand protecting two of his wards, he took time off and headed home to heal and do his physical therapy. For a while now he has not been able to get Ben off of his mind and feels the need to finally get closure on their past together and find a way to move f
...more

3.5 stars for classic Ann Lister
In this first of the Guarding the Gods stories, it seems to be written in much the same tradition as the original Rock Gods series. Familiar elements from those are present, with Zac as the character being unaware or uncertain about his sexuality. Since the two bands are on tour together, our favorite characters all have parts to play and it was enjoyable seeing them. The theme of chosen family and close ties of brotherhood is present as well. So it was mostly enj ...more
In this first of the Guarding the Gods stories, it seems to be written in much the same tradition as the original Rock Gods series. Familiar elements from those are present, with Zac as the character being unaware or uncertain about his sexuality. Since the two bands are on tour together, our favorite characters all have parts to play and it was enjoyable seeing them. The theme of chosen family and close ties of brotherhood is present as well. So it was mostly enj ...more

Enjoyable read. Loved Zac and Ben's story. But I think my favorite aspect of this book was the dynamic between the men of Black Ice, Ivory Tower, and their new security teams. The way they've formed an unconventional family unit, their ability to pull together and support one another in the face of tragedy, and the love, empathy and respect they have for one another. Really enjoying this rock-&-roll world Ann Lister has created, and look forward to more stories in this universe. Fizzbo and Kenle
...more

Great start to the new series. I loved Zac and Ben. I’m so happy Zac went back and fought for Ben. I just could not believe he waited 10 years to do it. I also enjoyed that all the band members were a part of the story as usual. I’m sorry the tour turned out the way it did though, but I’m curious to see where the author takes the rest of the series.

Amazing!! Awesomely Beautiful!!
I loved this book so much. It is the perfect spinoff and start to what is shaping up to be beautiful series and I can't wait to read more. ...more
I loved this book so much. It is the perfect spinoff and start to what is shaping up to be beautiful series and I can't wait to read more. ...more

2.5 stars - I’ll start by saying how much I really enjoyed most of The Rock Gods series. Towards the end, it lost its allure for me and I stopped after Lincoln and Aaron’s story (book 7). When this spin-off series was released, I had no desire to read it. Fast forward to not so long ago when the books were reduced in price and I bought them all. I was feeling nostalgic for Dagger, Zander, Cooper, and Wheland. Silly, silly girl.
Zac’s Mulligan brought back all of my niggles that caused me to stop ...more
Zac’s Mulligan brought back all of my niggles that caused me to stop ...more

Jun 23, 2019
Joelle
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Joelle by:
B-W9-Book with 3 in page count/SH-MC is an artist
This book just overloaded my TBR...
Because now that I read it, I need to read the rest of this series and the entire Rock Gods series. To be honest, I've had this book on the backburner for a while because I knew it was long. I have a heads time with really long books. I tend to get distracted. But the timing happened to be right so I jumped in. I really liked the concept of this book and how it jumped right into Zac going to find Ben. Their first meeting was entertaining. I liked that Ben stood ...more
Because now that I read it, I need to read the rest of this series and the entire Rock Gods series. To be honest, I've had this book on the backburner for a while because I knew it was long. I have a heads time with really long books. I tend to get distracted. But the timing happened to be right so I jumped in. I really liked the concept of this book and how it jumped right into Zac going to find Ben. Their first meeting was entertaining. I liked that Ben stood ...more

Zac is a marine who is out and working as a bodyguard for rock band, Black Ice. When he is hurt in the line of duty, he is sent back home to recuperate. While home he decides to trying and reconnect with his childhood best friend, Ben. Ben knew he was in love with Zac when they were kids but when Zac just up and left, he tries to move on and get over him. When they finally meet up again, life has a way of dragging up old memories and secrets best left in the past.
This was a great second chance s ...more
This was a great second chance s ...more

Perfect start to a new series!
This book is a perfect example of why second chance romance is my favorite trope. I absolutely loved Zac and Ben as characters as well as their story. I truly enjoyed seeing all my favorite rock stars and their significant others again. Their big, chosen family is a joy to read about. I also enjoy a bit of angst and action in the stories I read and this one certainly delivered. Ann Lister has cemented herself as one of my favorite authors and as one I immediately on ...more
This book is a perfect example of why second chance romance is my favorite trope. I absolutely loved Zac and Ben as characters as well as their story. I truly enjoyed seeing all my favorite rock stars and their significant others again. Their big, chosen family is a joy to read about. I also enjoy a bit of angst and action in the stories I read and this one certainly delivered. Ann Lister has cemented herself as one of my favorite authors and as one I immediately on ...more

Friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this one doesn’t disappoint. This doesn’t feel like a spin-off from the Rock Gods series because it still involves all our favorite guys. Zac and Ben’s relationship is full of wonderful moments and some really painful ones as well, but they all work together to bring things full circle into a beautiful story that do-overs are possible jo matter the circumstance.
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
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Turning Pages At ...: Zac's Mulligan (Guarding the Gods #1) by Ann Lister | 4 | 14 | Jul 29, 2016 09:44AM |
Ann Lister is a native New Englander currently living in Florida with her husband. She has pulled details from her years living in the New England area and uses many local settings and landmarks in her novels.
After graduating art school, marrying, and raising two daughters, she established her own video production company. Her nearly two decades working in video production included work within t ...more
After graduating art school, marrying, and raising two daughters, she established her own video production company. Her nearly two decades working in video production included work within t ...more
Other books in the series
Guarding the Gods
(4 books)
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