My Protector

I simply loved this book. At first, I was conflicted about reading it because I really didn't want Meryn and Aiden's story to end. I knew they would still be mentioned but I initially thought they would just be a sort of passing footnote since the focus is on Elizabeth and Gavriel this time. Thankfully, we still saw plenty of Meryn and Aiden. There were so many questions left unanswered in the first book that I was unsure how or if Alanea Alder would incorporate them in later books. For example, what is Ryuu's “kind?” Since the main couple of this book and the later ones would not be Meryn and Aiden, to whom Ryuu is associated most with, I didn't see how this question would be answered. But after reading this book, I realized that I'd been foolish in thinking the team wouldn't be as close as always. Therefore, yes, we readers and fans still get to see plenty of the amazing Ryuu, the crazy Meryn, the one with hilarious reactions Aiden, etc.
Obviously, this book was beautiful in every aspect, so I definitely recommend it, of course, after you read the first book for whomever is reading this review.

I was pleasantly surprised to spend so much time with the couple from the prior book - this is a rarity in this genre. It could have gone horribly wrong, as these books are so short, but I found it actually added to the character development of the MCs, the world building, and to my enjoyment of the story. It was certainly necessary to build the story arc.

WEll.... I liked the first one a LOT more. Meryn is even more immature here and everyone just thinks she is cute... ummm something is wrong with her.
Really like Gavriel and Beth though.

The story... I like it but I don't. I also wish more things were explained like will Meryn really be alive for thousands of years? and why? Also, why don't the unit shapeshifters... shift when they fight?
Also... drills?? The men complain because they have to do ‘drills' but like, what else would they do? There hasn't been another option for them.

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.