This was an awesome introduction to a new series! I loved the details, all the different dynamics, and this excellent story of Priest and Kateri coming together. A truly great read!

I really liked Priest, his pull towards Kateri, and this captivating alpha presence he had. He oozed sexiness and power. Kateri I liked a lot. I loved watching her discover new things and fight her feelings against all the changes happening. It made for a great push and pull between the two. Together they were challenging and playful and really entertaining. I thought they had great chemistry and heat, there is definitely a good amount of hotness for sure.

I loved learning all the ins and outs of their world even though it was a lot to take in at the start. After it was laid out and I had the gist of everything, I was all in. There's a good cast of characters introduced and really like the different connections. It's a really intriguing, well thought out world and I enjoyed learning all the ends and outs of how everything works, the shifter element involved, and all the different rolls that people play.

The couple coming together are the main focus but there's a nice bit of underlying drama happening as well. I thought there was a really good build to the action and I liked the intensity of it. I assume this is something that will play out over the course of the series.

Overall I thought this was great and I found it exciting to read. There was a lot to learn but I really like the building world presented, all the different shifter things happening, and how everything ties together. I also loved the growth both the main characters experienced as they came together. I'm ready for more!

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed GUARDIAN'S BOND.

Priest has finally found his mate, but she knows nothing of the clan ways so he has his work cut out for him to win her heart. I liked Priest. He has a lot of life experience and seemed to have a pretty level head. He is very protective of those he considers part of his family. Kateri doesn't believe in anything that doesn't make sense and Priest and the way she feels about him doesn't make sense. Katy didn't grow up knowing about the clan world. On top of that, her father hated who he was, so he pushed his 'logic and fact' life on her from an early age and she is having a really hard time finding a way to let that go. Katy was very stubborn and I wanted to just squeeze some sense in her a few times, but I understood where she was coming from and I had a hard time holding her stubbornness against her. I was very frustrated with her though at quite a few moments.

The romance was slow, but burned bright. I enjoyed watching the characters learn each other. The world was interesting and I enjoyed the pace at which information was given out. The characters are easy to like and learn about. Priest and Kateri's relationship is a big part of the story, but so are all the characters and the journey they are on.

New mates are introduced at the end of GUARDIAN'S BOND and it once again deals with a character that grew up knowing about the world and one who didn't believe in it, so I'm sure book two will be just as interesting. I look forward to reading more.

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Guardian’s Bond is book one in Rhenna Morgan’s brand new series, Ancient Ink. I’ve loved everything I’ve read of Rhenna’s and have been so excited about this new series. It proved to be well worth the wait. I feel like it’s primarily a romance, steeped with ancient traditions and erotic dreams. But there is also darkness in this world she has created. Darkness only Priest can triumph over.

“Safe with the Keeper. Guarded from the dark.”

Eerikki Rahandras has been known as Priest since he relocated to Eureka Springs. He lives here as a tattoo artist along with his two wards, Jade Mitchell and Tate Allen. Priest, Jade and Tate are all Volan, and Priest is actually the High Priest of their kind. When Volan reach a certain age, they are called to their spirit quest where, if they choose to accept their gifts, they are assigned a companion, an animal that lives within them which they can shift to whenever they want or need to. Priest’s companion is a panther.

Many years before, Priest’s brother, Draven, chose dark powers over the light. He was trying to absorb all of the powers of his clan by killing them off. When Priest and Draven fought, Priest killed his brother. But in the process, he absorbed some of his darkness which now lives within him and battles his own light.

Priest is shocked and thrilled to be visited by a long lost member of his clan. But it’s her granddaughter that tilts Priest’s world off it’s axis. His reaction is immediate, his knowledge of who this woman is to him. His mate, the woman specifically made for him to be at his side. But in their culture, the male is the only one that has this immediate response. It is his duty to woo his mate, to win her heart so that she will except his bond. He’s going to have his work cut out for him with this woman.

“You belong to me.”
“Of all the people who walk this Earth, there is no one safer than you.”

Kateri Falsen knew nothing of this unbelievable world her grandmother had filled her head with during the last two weeks. Kateri is a scientist, she sees logic, black and white. But two weeks ago, she and her brother’s parents were brutally murdered and an ancient weapon was left behind as a calling card. Kateri is told that her parents were also Volan but her father had refused his gifts and prohibited anyone sharing any of their heritage with his two children. So now it all comes as a shock to them. Her brother Alek seems to be accepting it much easier than she is. Then there is Priest. She is afraid of him and drawn to him at the same time. When he shifted to his panther for her, she wasn’t afraid at all, she felt more comfortable with his panther than with the man himself.

“A hunter. A warrior. A protector. And he was hers. Every dark, deliciously muscled inch of him.”

The weapon that was left behind at her parent’s murder was evidence that Priest’s brother was not dead after all. Now that Priest had found his mate, it put her in more danger than anyone else. It would be the perfect way to get to Priest, by killing his mate.

“I knew you were my light. But I didn’t realize you’d be my redemption too.”

This was such a different and beautiful take on shapeshifters. I love that every clan member was a different animal. As I said earlier, the book is primarily Priest and Kateri’s love story. Kateri had so much thrown at her so fast. I loved watching her accept and grow within this new world. She was so strong. And Priest…he was most definitely all alpha. He was soft and sweet one moment and bossy and demanding the next. As they find their way towards each other, they are also tasked with trying to both track other clan members that might be in danger, and also finding his brother before he kills again. This is actually a pretty long book and I enjoyed it so much. It looks like the next book might be Tate’s story. I can’t wait.

The storyline was exciting, filled with intrigued and unique. Another outstanding writing job by Author Rhenna Morgan as she continues her descriptive thought provoking writing in this new series starting out with an intriguing beginning in Priest’s tattoo shop.

I was mesmerized by how Priest used protective words on tattoos for protection creating a feeling of mysticism that drew me quickly into the plot. Of course, the crazy weird meeting between him and the three strangers who came into his shop was priceless and started the book out with intense heat.

Priest’s protective mode though it could have been stifling for most people was handled in a manner that made it not demeaning or over aggressive. There is something enduring about how Priest wants to protect those he loves or cares about. Furthermore, his character balances this personality trait with kindness and instruction allowing the people to grow, be strong and not shirk responsibilities or decisions.

Having read many books by this author I find she does a super job of keeping the reader on the edge of your seat while your mind tries to keep ahead of what is going on with the plot, so you can to solve the mystery.

I give it 5 STARS and I recommend everybody to read it.

Hot, dark and sexy! A very engaging and interesting book to read!!!!!

This was a DNF for me. For the past month or so, I have tried to pick up this book and finish it, but couldn't. The world building overshadows the story itself. I never felt a connection to the lead characters.

Guardian’s Bond by Rhenna Morgan

Paranormal romance that is not the same old same old…nope…this one has the themes of many but is also different. With quests to be made, soul mates to be wooed, evil to thwart and magic aplenty this steamy story kept me reading and left me eager to read the next book in the series when it comes out.

Priest knows who he is and does his job well. He is there for those under his care and never misses a quest. He also knows that Kateri is his mate as soon as he sees her…wooing her is something he does and does well (fanning myself). Kateri and her brother Alek may be skeptical of magic and the idea of another group of people that they could become part of but soon their skepticism becomes belief and they are all in.

This was a delightful tale that hooked me quickly and kept me engaged. I loved all the alpha males and the strong women. I loved the way shifter aspects of a person were revealed and am eager to find out more about the backstory, mythology and how this story will unfold so that good can thwart evil.

Thank you to NetGalley, Carina and Barclay Publicity for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

Rhenna Morgan is one of those authors that I just count as my favorites, and I will seriously buy anything that she writes because her books work for me in just the ways the I adore a solid romance. So when I heard about her new series, I was over the top excited because I was curious to see what she would do. She tends to do wonders with switching genres, so I was so intrigued. I honestly don't even think I read the blurb before reading it, I just started reading and my world was blown away....so let me tell you why....

Priest Rahandras has lived alone for so many years. Ever since his brother betrayed their people and slaughtered so many of them, Priest has had a part of that darkness living inside of him and he wonders if that darkness will overcome the good in him. He is focused on protecting those he protects and teaching everything he can to those vulnerable. His primary goal is to rebuild his clan, never suspecting that he would meet his mate. Everything in him, the man....the jaguar...and the darkness all pay attention from the moment he sees her walk into his shop with her brother and her grandmother, an elder that he never thought he would see again. But now he will have to prove himself worthy to his mate, who is clueless to their ways and customs, and show her that she is worthy of love and passion.

Kateri Falsen has been trained her whole life to focus on the logical and the "facts" and to not ever to rely on her emotions. But her life gets turned upside down when her parents are murdered, and both she and her brother's lives are in grave danger. Her grandmother insists that they go to the one man that can protect them. Kateri doesn't understand her connection to this scary male who is very intimidating, but she senses something deeper and even though she isn't used to relying on her instincts, she starts to realize that he calls out to the deepest part of her.

From the first part of the story we are sucked in completely into this book, I mean honestly, I read a few paragraphs and I was HOOKED....Rhenna Morgan surely knows how to bait me the right way because this book did everything I am looking for in a romance and MORE. What we see in this story is seeing a group of people trying to survive a great evil that is hunting them but there is only one powerful enough to save them...Kateri.

A young woman who was never told of her talents or her heritage because of fear and now Kateri will need to make a choice...ignore what she feels, or embrace her destiny and save her people that need her. We see such growth and changes in Kateri and such a beautiful journey that she goes on. Seeing this logical thinking woman learn how to rely on her instincts and her heart. And boy does our hero know how to court a woman. Man just thinking about our hero gives me all the yummy tingles.

I love that in this book, he has to prove he is worthy, that he doesn't rush her before she is ready and that he accepts her for who she is and only wants to stand by her side and be her support. LOVE that so much. We see that Priest slowly teaches her how to defend herself, to embrace those parts of herself that she has ignored, and shows her the desire they feel for each other and a tender yet powerful love builds between them. There is a great villain in the story and I am guessing will be in the series too, because wow he is craft and cunning but our Kateri is one powerful woman!! She really packs a punch and when she is protecting those she loves....watch out folks because she kicks ass.

We get introduced to some fun characters and I do want to mention the worldbuilding in this book which is so superb. Honestly, I LOVED the details and getting pieces of the puzzle with each chapter and learning more about the nuances of this world that Morgan introduces to us. I seriously was so drawn into this world that when the book ended I was like WHAT???!!! It can't be over already....but alas it is....I will just have to try to be patient (not my strong suit) and wait for book two.

Overall I found Guardian's Bond to be a stimulating, edge of your seat, give you a thrill straight down the spine and strikes emotionally provoking to the heart that leaves you breathless and aching for more!! EXHILARATING!

This is a wonderful read and a great start to the Ancient Ink series. A engaging storyline, involving plot, and complex characters are blended into a unique world to create an entertaining book. With plenty of drama, heat, danger, romance, passion, sweetness and emotions to easily grab and keep your interest. Kateri is strong, smart, feisty and extremely capable but she has also been raised to be completely clueless about who and what she is. Priest is also strong, a fighter, a defender of his people, and an alpha male that is possessed by darkness. They are fated mates but Priest has his work cut out for him in proving it to Kateri. These two are just so perfect together. Every scene between them slowly builds on their initial attraction finally leading to that once in a lifetime love you just knew that they were destined for. What an amazing book! I just adored this shifter romance and I can't wait to see what happens in future books in this series.

Guardian’s Bond was a pretty fun read for me. While it starts off a little bit too slow for my tastes, Morgan quickly picks up the pace by the second act. The set up for this new series comes in bits and pieces which made me frustrated with questions, but many are answered by the time this book finishes… thankfully. While this is a tale filled with magic, shifters, and people from clans that are all new and different than those in any other of Morgan’s books, that cool uniqueness she tends to spin is totally there.

For the most part, I enjoyed getting to know Priest and Kateri as well as the others that set up this group of people trying to save their clan, despite the slow roll. The world building for a series like this is important. I just wish it was a little bit more informative and had a faster pace. Still, I think once things kicked off and it was full steam ahead, the magic and shifting capabilities of the clan is entertaining. I’m anxious to see where the series leads and just how Priest is going to save them all. It’s going to take a lot more than just himself, so the journey the characters have to take in the next books will be important, and hopefully, fun.

For the romance of it all, the whole true mate thing really does come into play. If you’re not a fan of that concept, this might not be for you. But, as I’m finding myself read more and more shifters, this seems to be a common theme so I just go with it. And in this case, while Priest if really over protective and very Alpha Male, he’s not so overbearing that I hated him for it. He’s quite perceptive and learns Kateri’s needs quickly, understands her wants and has a great respect for her. Kateri is highly intelligent, very independent, and takes no shit. She is also really living her life with blinders on and when they come off, she’s even more fun to read. And their passion together was not only interesting but pretty hot.

With really good characters to meet and learn about, the set up for this series is good. Looking forward to what happens next.

I liked the main H and h. Kateri was all about facts and tangible proof where as Priest was all about faith and trust. As they say, opposites attract and these two provided some entertaining fireworks! Their romance had a sexy vibe that was highly charged and easily combustible..and I’m just sayin you may want a fan:) The side characters were amusing-Kateri’s Nana is my favorite because she lays it out there and tells you like it is-and I’m curious to see who meets their “mate” next.

Overall, this was a good read. Guardian’s Bond is the first book in the Ancient Ink series and I think things are off to a good start. Establishing backgrounds, histories, and characters did cause some slow moments, but zippy lines and sexy innuendos kept things moving along at a decent pace. The setting is fun, the characters entertaining, and the romance was spicy! Definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3 1/2 Star Review.....

My very first read of Rhenna Morgan’s was Paranormal and absolutely impressed me; so going back to this genre was a no brainer. And while I’m happy to read stories with detailed world building and complex characters, I must admit this story lacked some of Ms Morgan’s usual intensity.

Priest is a very protective character and his determination to guide Kateri through a difficult and confusing destiny is combined with an abundance of caring and love. Unfortunately, I found their romance mediocre; and this was most likely due to the fact I am usually wowed by the heat level of Ms Morgan’s romances and the uncontainable physical attraction between her characters.

So while this story definitely has it’s own appeal, it felt more like a young adult, sweet romance, which is not my personal preference. Will I read the next book? But of course! Ms Morgan is a favourite author and this was an overall enjoyable read, so I’ll be sure to give the next book fair go.

I'm a big fan of Rhenna Morgan's Men of Haven series, but this is the first time I have read one of her paranormals (despite having her Eden series on my TBR forever). So I'm glad to be getting in on the Ancient Ink series at the outset, and this will spur me to get started on Eden.

Ancient Ink centers around a race of magical people in a somewhat clannish society. Their various powers are tied to the Otherworld and they have a animal companion, which allows them to shapeshift into that form. They are a long-lived race integrated with human society, but don't seem to be "out" as far as their magical abilities go. The world setting is the modern United States, so not a ton of world building is needed and you instead will be focusing on the characters and their relationships.

I will start with our slightly dark and damaged hero, Eerikki "Priest" Rahandras, who is the high priest of his fractured clan. After betrayal and tragedy, Priest and his clan scattered and are in semi-hiding. For nearly fifty years, Priest has been struggling with guilt, shame, and a darkness inside him that threatens to take over. He has also been attempting to rebuild his clan and guide them on their spiritual and emotional quests into the Otherworld to receive their magical gifts. When someone from Priest's past has come back into his life with bad news, the timeline must accelerate by necessity as everyone is in danger. Priest is one of my favorite types of heroes... the strength, caring and protective nature of an alpha male, with a little bit of vulnerability to draw you into an emotional connection with his character. Rhenna writes these types of heroes particularly well.

Our heroine, Kateri Falsen, has forced herself into a scientific and logical mindset and does not believe the stories of her magical heritage. But when a tragedy forces her to face the truth, her world is turned upside down and she will be forced to adapt. Katy was a doubter and reluctant to enter the life, or accept or hero, so she is not my favored type of heroine. Though she didn't drag out her acceptance a horribly long time... I was really surprised that she lasted as long as she did when faced with all that was Priest. I liked Katy's journey thru the Otherworld and the companion she was gifted. Though I don't feel like we got to know her character overmuch. I hope that there is continued character development for both Katy and Priest in the future books.

This story is in the fated mates trope, but the relationship was not an instalove situation. There was definitely instant lust and chemistry on both parts, and instant recognition on Priest's part. However, Rhenna did a great job of dragging out the romance to keep you interested instead of hitting you with everything at once. I liked the build up, and Priest definitely kept my attention as he attempted to win his mate.

This series will have a continuing story arc with romantic interludes for different couples along the way. I am looking forward to what Rhenna has in store for us with the future books.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Carina Press.

Wow! My first PNR was written by Rhenna, so she set the bar for me, and she set it high. I have read others that were wonderful (I see you RVD) but NONE that have captivated me like Guardian's Bond. The Ancient Ink series is sure to be a series that sticks with me, and gets revisited time after time. Let me also say, Rhenna really knows how to write THE HOTTEST ALPHA MALES. I've yet to read anything she has written that didn't have me wanting to be claimed, possessed, and worked over in all the hottest ways! I don't know where your muses come from, but Keep. Them. Coming!

The male lead, Priest is the high Priest of his clan, which has been scattered and dismembered far and wide. His own brother is to blame, and it has left Priest with hordes of darkness trapped inside him. His world is literally up-ended when his mate (Mihara) walks into his tattoo shop one day with a clan elder. Kateri is a strong female driven by the logical ways the world works--rather than feeling things and letting them guide her. Priest has his work cut out for him with Kateri, but love will always find a way. There is a tattoo scene so hotttt hot hot, I think my kindle went up in flames! (<~~ total MUST read!) They were made for one another, and I was totally sucked into every facet of this story.

It's safe to say I am definitely anticipating the next stories in this series!

Although the cover didn't immediately appeal, I got curious after reading the blurb. Since I hadn't read anything of Rhenna Morgan, my guess was that this was a 'regular' shapeshifter story. But Morgan has a different kind of shapeshifters. We meet the Volcan people, who are introduced to their 'companions' around their 18th birthday during a Soul Quest. The companion is basically a second entity living within the mind of the people, in which animal body the person can shift. During the Soul Quest the Volcan is introduced to his companion by the High Priest, who accompagnies you at this fase in your live. Along with the companion, the Volcan also receives special abilities, when he or she decides to welcome the heritage. If you refuse, you will not be able to shift or have abilities.
Kateri and her brother Alek are unaware that they are Volcan. Their father has refused his gifts and he has never told them of their heritage. But then he and his wife were killed, so Kateri and her brother know nothing of their species. When they are brought to the High Priest, Eerikki Rahandras (or simply called "Priest"), he tells them about what they are. As a scientist, Kateri is not able to believe what Priest is telling her. However, she can't deny the strong pull she feels towards him.
Priest has been alone for decades. Feeling the darkness in him, caused by his brother, who killed many of their people, he has been closed of for relationships. But when Kateri walked into his life, he knew she was his mate. But now he has to convince her that they are destined for each other. And Kateri will not be convinced easily.

This story is wonderfully written. It took some time to get into the story, because a lot of background information had to be told in the first part of the book. But when you are struck with the absolute wonderful world of the Volcan, you can't help but root for Priest to sweep Kateri off her feet. But even if he can convince Kateri to embrace the Soul Quest and the powers given, will he be in time to stop his brother from harming his people? I really can't wait for the next parts in this series. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Rhenna Morgan has taken quite a unique take on a shifter series. In fact, it doesn't even feel like a shifter series. It's so much more.

The descendants of the clan have an option of accepting their destiny or refuse it and remain a singura, a human. They go on a quest where the keeper will offer them their companion and the magic that best suits them and signifies their clan house.

Eerikki, known as Priest since he was chosen as the High Priest by the keeper, is the hero in book 1. He is the one who guides the clan. He goes on the quests with them and trains them.

Kateri, known as Katy is the heroine and Priest's mate. She and her brother were not raised on the knowledge of the clan. Her father refused his quest and raised them as singura. when he and their mother were brutally murdered, their Nanna explained to them their heritage and brings them to Priest.

Draven is Priest's brother and the evil villain of the story. The keeper saw a darkness in Draven and gave the High Priest to Eerekki and ultimately what pushes Draven to attack the clan.

There is a lot to learn in this first book but it's not difficult to keep up. I love that this is so different from what I've read in a shifter series before. They do have mates in this series and it's instantly known by the male but not by the female. They have to earn their love and trust to accept the bond to form. It's the best of both worlds. You have instant love but a slow burn love as well.

Priest was a calm presence for an alpha persona. He was patient and protective but his possessiveness reared it's ugly head when provoked. Katy's father squelched her open mind when she was young and molded her into a scientific mind. Despite seeing the truth to this new knowledge, she still struggles to let go and accept.

Priest is determined to keep her hidden from his brother but she is ultimately what he needs to beat back the darkness.

I'm excited to see where the author will take us with this journey. There are so many possibilities and I look forward to the next book. ARC provided by NetGalley.

DNF.

If you would rather be on IG than reading, then I think we have a problem.

The plot was Intriguing, but it wasn't enough. I just didn’t feel the couple. Sorry, but Priest and Kateri didn't do it for me.

Maybe I wasn't in the mood for this one and for that I'm sorry.

The one star doesn’t count. I can’t rate the book because I didn’t finish it. But I have to include a star in order to post my thoughts about it.

Holly cow PNR!!! Just by reading the 1st book in Rhenna Morgan new series. Ancient Ink. I am all in to read the outcome of this exceptional world Rhenna Morgan has created. In Guardian’s Bond, published under Harlequin Carina Press brand(March 1, 2018), we're introduced to Priest Rhandras who has lived for years helping to protect his remaining people from the evil within. But when a visit from his past, come barging in. He finds that the stacks are higher. When he comes in proximity to a young female, and the animal that consumes him, claims her as the one.

Guardian’s Bond a high-octane story with over the top chemistry between the two main characters. With fast-paced action and romance. This story without a doubt will hold your interest until the very last page.

I would recommend Guardian's Bond for any and all fans of PNR. This is a series that will have you asking "Why isn't the second book published yet!"

I have come to the conclusion that Rhenna Morgan can write pretty much anything, and I’ll devour it whole. Guardian’s Bond is a pulse-pounding adventure filled with shifters, personal vendettas, and this palpable tension that will keep readers coming back for more.

I loved the astounding pace of this novel. I don’t think a moment went by when I didn’t feel my pulse pounding. Priest is the head honcho of his clan, and it’s his duty to protect his people and to rebuild their ranks after Priest’s brother threatens to annihilate them.

Priest doesn’t expect to run into his mate or for her to not know anything about her clan or her people or her family’s powers. But Priest isn’t afraid of a little challenge and Kateri isn’t one to take anything lying down.

Oh, these two were the perfect mix of loyal but rebellious, afraid yet courageous. The dichotomy kept me glued to the pages and rooting for them as a couple.

The paranormal world that Priest rules over is pretty much in chaos and he’s got a lot of guilt on his shoulders. Then there’s the danger lurking right around the corner. Again. Talk about pressure. Kateri is drawn to the commanding presence that is Priest, but she is also curious and cautious. The full range of emotions are heightened and drawn out, and it developed an insta connection between the reader and characters that Ms. Morgan does so dang well.

And the scorching intensity that builds so deeply between Kateri and Priest…I about had my eyebrows burned off. There’s so much to learn and digest that readers should definitely be prepared for a binge read.

I can’t wait to see what happens next!

4.5 stars!

Wonderful paranormal romance with shifters. Definitely heavy on the romance with smoldering hero Priest. He is a dominant alpha male in every sense of the word. When he meets Kateri, he may well have met his match and be brought to his knees by his mate. Kateri isn't sure what to believe about the things she is being told. Ever since she was a little girl, her father told her everything was nonsense. Now she'll have to trust in Priest to keep her safe and trust her heart.

A great setup in the first book of this series. It leaves you ready for book two. There's plenty of room for growth with all the different shifters. I look forward to reading Elise's story.

Reviewed by Janet of the GothicMoms Review Team