Singe (Guardian Protection, #1)

by Aly Martinez

[stacey_is_sassy]

When a book rocks your world

I wrote a review last night for Singe and as I lay in bed afterwards, I thought about it. I knew it was dodgy but waking up to the babble I wrote was quite embarrassing. So, I'm doing a re-do and sticking to my feelings on this one. I kept the babble in the spoiler below. Who bloody cares about my scars? I'm sorry for the readers who had the misfortune to read it.

For the first time since I returned to work, I contemplated a sickie. Well, I didn't really, but I did a thorough self-examination for coughs, colds and headaches just to make sure I was fit enough to go to work. I wanted to stay in bed with Jude...and Rhion.

Rhion...that bloody name threw me every time. I had to keep thinking of the line where they joke about Rhion rhyming with lyin. Anyways, I loved her character. Even with a very real and strong fear of stepping out of her front door, she is still one of the strongest characters I've ever met. She wears her scars with honour and copes with her accident by putting pen to paper...or fingers to keyboard. Her family are the men who protect her and her best friend Brianna. There are other people in her life that she calls family, but for me, The Guardians and Brianna are the real ones.

Jude was a bit of a mixed up character to me. The repercussions of one night changed his life forever. His dreams and ambitions were ruined with one phone call. I find it interesting that the one phone call that ruined his life is never mentioned again. For me, I wish it had been discussed and acknowledged that protocol had been breached and a career ended because he was guilted into a call out when he was off-duty. It probably stuck in my head more because I just finished a great story about an Emergency Call Centre. Anyways...

So, two people affected by one night and left with scars to show they survived. One stepped up and opened her wings, the other stayed in his cocoon stuck in the nightmare. Both hoping to one day be in the others company. One to share her dreams and the other to apologise for the nightmare.

There was times reading Singe that I felt like I was reading my story. Rhion has scars and lives in the book world...yep, that's me. Luckily, I don't have millions of dollars that people feel like they need to murder, bribe or suck up to me (I could handle a little sucking up, but I'd prefer to leave the murder and bribery to Rhion). When Rhion mentions authors that I consider my authors, I couldn't help but love her more. Her chats about books are what the romance book world is for me.

The one thing that I struggled with (for the characters) were their dastardly family relations. All of them made me want to throw things and wish for more for them. One, in particular, I wanted to pack her up and ship her out of the hell she lived. Luckily, her mum could be bought off and by the end of the story, there were improvements.

Singe made my little heart sing. I loved it from start to finish. I never felt like throwing my kindle, if anything, I was like a little child with my kindle wanting it in touching distance like it was a new toy. I love new toys and this story and author (new to me), was like receiving a new toy and finding out that there were more just like it waiting at the shop when I was ready.

Thank you, Aly Martinez, you have a new freaky fan (I promise not to stalk you too much).

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Scars don't mar beauty they enhance it

I have a scar on my forehead. It’s pretty big and sometimes I forget I even have it. I was in a really bad car accident more than 20 years ago and I had a blood clot removed from my brain. I’m all good now but it was bad back then. I wear my mark with honour because I survived.

I could REALLY relate to this story of survival. I was luckier than Rhion because up to this day, I still don’t remember anything about the accident or even walking to the ambulance. To get to read a story which highlights the beauty of scars and the strength of character of the survivor really touched me.

There was so many times that I smirked while reading Singe. I loved this book so much. The characters were awesome, the storyline captivating and the emotions packed a punch that made me feel. This book is why I love reading romance.

Rhion lived after a fire, scarred her for life. Jude lived after a fire, scarred him for life. She was standing on a ledge with a fire at her back. He was on the ground helpless to save her. Both of their lives change forever. Time goes on and the scars on the outside heal but the damage isn’t only the physical scars. The mind doesn’t want either of these two to forget.

Rhion and Gabe come face to face years after the fire when he joins the Guardian Protection Agency and Rhion is a client. Rhion is stronger from the accident but her strength can’t help when her life is in danger. With her guys protecting her 24 hours a day they become part of her family. Living in the same building as their office she’s only a floor away. Their closeness makes her feel safe

Gabe has struggled with guilt and now is his perfect opportunity to apologise to the butterfly that got singed by the fire. When she runs away at the first sight of him, he assumes that she can’t face him after what he did. It then comes as a complete surprise that she’s more than forgiven him…she’s never forgotten him and wants to thank him.

At times Singe wasn’t an easy read. Mistakes are made, hurtful words are spoken and regrets could ruin their budding relationship. In some ways, Rhion is the stronger of the two but it’s Gabe who will stop at nothing to keep her safe.

Singe was a fantastic story. I laughed while reading all the funny quirky things about Rhion and her job as a romance author. Familiar authors names popped up here and there which made me feel like Rhion my people. We talk the same language and have similar tastes.

I smirked getting to see all these buff guys and their sweet ways with Rhion. The Guardians were so protective and thoughtful and I can’t wait for more of their stories. The love story was sweet and steamy with plenty of romantic gestures to make me smile. The baddies made me cranky and I wanted to smack a few heads together by the end.

To finish up…I’m glad I finally listened to my friends and bought my first Aly Martinez. I LOVED IT!! The best part about being late to the party…I’ve got plenty to catch up on. I swear, sometimes the best books are the hardest to writes reviews for. I just can’t tell you enough how much I enjoyed this book, but to be honest, I’m not firing on all cylinders at 11 pm. If you haven’t picked up an Aly…DO IT!!




I’m an Aussie chick who loves to read and review romance, drink coffee, be a Style Setter and stalk David Gandy. To see more of my reviews, fashion, food and pervathons -