Guardian Angel (Crown's Spies Book 2)

Julie Garwood is a classic writer, from her historical novels to her modern day FBI stories, they are always top notch and hard to put down. I love when characters are reintroduced, like the Buchanan's, it's like visiting with old friends. Please do not ever stop writing!

I just thoroughly enjoyed the pacing and story of this book. The characters are funny and endearing and while it isn't my favourite Garwood, 'Ransom' has that claim, it is still a good easy enjoyable read, this is what makes holiday reading for me.

I ordered a hardcover book, but I received a smaller paperback book with a sticker that said "hardcover." The book that arrived had the wrong dimensions and was not the hard cover book I wanted. Take a look in the pictures I posted with this review.

Julie Garwood is one of my all time favorite authors. I always read her books and this was my first venture into an audio book version of her writing. Now, let me preface my review with this bit of info; I listen to audio books all the time because I travel extensively for work and this is the first negative review I have ever given and audio book based on the performance alone...ever. I picked this up on one of my stops, thrilled to find an audio book for Ms. Garwood's "Guardian Angel." While I suspect I may have enjoyed the book and story if I had simply read it, this was the absolute worst reading I have ever heard. In fact, it was so off-putting and poorly executed, I stopped listening and only resumed when I was desperate, on the open road and picking up no radio signals. Even then, forcing myself through this was PAINFUL! The audio "performer" made every single male sound like a creepy, sleezy, criminal type. Her attempt to lower her voice and nasally draw out every last syllable was so distracting, it was tough to even focus on what was being said. Think "Snidely" from the old Dudley Do-Right cartoons, only you are supposed to believe this is a real man, and a good guy.......Conversely, her higher pitched and whimpy sounding females were equally painful, like listening to nails on a chalk board. If you have young daughters and have ever been forced to listen to the "My Little Pony" cartoon for hours on end, then you may have an inkling to the juvenile, whiny voice given every female in this performance. I seriously cannot believe this audio book has a single positive review. Were they listening to the same book as I was? This is bad. Really bad! I am so glad I already have a solid base with Julie Garwood because if this was my first exposure, I would never give her another chance. Julie Garwood...fun, reliable author. Susan Duerden, awful, audio performer. And I wanted to like it like no body's business. But there is just no getting over the ridiculous, over-reaching two-dimensional characters Susan's reading made of Julie's hero and heroine. Trust me, give this one a pass and find a good Julie Garwood audio book sans Susan Duerden!

Caine is one of the worst romance "heroes" I have ever read. Generally speaking, when I read a romance hero that is excessively macho I roll my eyes and despair over that fantasy of what a man should be. Garwood's Caine, however, is on several tiers above "eye-rolling". I physically cringed during numerous scenes in the book. Caine has so many characteristics of an abuser. He is controlling, possessive, aggressive, violent, needy, arrogant, among other poor qualities in a person or character. Further, he rapes Jade, the heroine. That fact is not secondary to his character traits. "No means no", not "no means maybe until it's a yes,"

I have read and enjoyed a number of Jule Garwood books. Despite that, I genuinely feel that romance writers have a responsibility to NOT write these kinds of characters. Romanticizing the macho, take-charge, I-know-best man has its own consequences in reinforcing the stereotypes of what a man is or should be, but romanticizing an abusive rapist is downright irresponsible. There are women, in the real world, who read books like this who suffer at the hands of abusive men or will suffer at the hands of abusive men. Reinforcing, or planting the seed of an idea of the fantasy of these kinds of men has real consequences.

What a romantic, charming, witty story. Guardian Angel was so much fun!

I love that Garwood played with gender roles here, and that our heroine Jade is the outlaw. That she was tough and smart and slightly roguish, but softened with the love of a good man. Though she is prone to repeatedly running away! Jade reminded me very much of Christina from The Lion's Lady (though not a copy) , so sassy and out of the Regency norm. The same could be said for Caine and Lyon. I love seeing these hard, stoic men fall ridiculously hard into love, and I love that that realize it's a done deal before their lady does.

The mystery that brought Caine and Jade together was fairly interesting. I especially enjoyed their brothers Nathan and Colin, and can't wait for their books.

As with The Lion's Lady, I found myself thinking "Eh, I'm not so sure about this book" after the first chapter. I'm not sure if it's that I find the opening slightly confusing, but I feel off. Another reader mentioned this issue, and I have to say, give these books just a few more pages. Because, YES.

The Crown's Spies series is a delight. I finish them with a happy sigh and a smile on my face.

Another slow reading week but I really enjoyed the little moments of escape I found in these pages. There is really such awesome balance between romance, mystery, humor and suspense in Julie Garwood novels. This hero stole my heart with every I Love You. He never wavered and was so unapologetic and unashamed about his feelings. Caine and Jade will always be a favorite.

The 'Emerald' flew across the seas, its black hull teasing the waves, its sails whipping on the wind. Abroad was the pirate Pagan -despised by the ton, whose riches this scroundel plundered: beloved by the poor, whose plight was eased by the pirate's gifts.
The Marquess of Cainewood vows to hunt down the pirate wretch in revenge for his brother's death.
But when Jade, an enchanting vision of riplling red hair and yes of fire green,appears at his door to beg desperately for his protection, the Marquess agrees to keep her safe from the villians who want her dead.Jade is infuriating, exasperating and gorgeous; caine is nole, strong willed and powerful. No woman has ever befuddled him so, nor so deeply roused his desire. But as Jade responds to his knowing caresses with an innocent, wild abandon, they are drawn into a web of treachery that will test the very heart of their love! (text taken from book cover)
Another charming book by Julie Garwood. A funny, sensual book. Its not really a pirate story and the mystery is one which alert reader will discover almsot immediately but still this does not detract at all from the charm of this book. As I think most of ms Garwood's heroines, Jade is an adorable clumsy creature ...at least she acts like one - she gives rise to some rather humorous situations. No real sense of danger in the book - its an easy and pleasant reader which most readers will certainly enjoy.

Okay, so I've just recently started reading Julie Garwood novels because her Saving Grace novel was recommended to me and I loved it! I started purchasing a few of her other books- assuming her other novels would be just as good. Wrong. This book rubbed me the wrong way. I hated it. I only gave it 2 stars because I did like Jade, the heroine. But Caine was arrogant, overly aggressive and uncaring of Jade's feelings. It makes me disappointed how people love this novel and think this kind of behavior (even from a fictional character ) is acceptable. I would never recommend this novel to anyone.
On the plus side Julie Garwood does have other novels in this series that I do love. Number one being The Gift.

Cain the Marquess of Cainwood sets out to avenge the death of his much loved brother, Colin. He prepares a trap for the mysterious pirate, Pagan, of whom not much is known except that he killed Colin. Cain's plan is to set up shop at a bar on the seedier side of town and act as if HE is Pagan. Cain figures that once Pagan hears of the imposter, he'll make an appearance. Cain waits patiently each night, prepared for Pagan's wrath. One night after closing, he hears the door of the bar slam open. He turns, expecting to see Pagan and prepares for his revenge. He does not expect to see the beautiful but disheveled Lady Jade and he is really not prepared for her offer. Thinking Cain is Pagan, she offers him 30 pieces of silver to kill her.(And this is just the first chapter!) There are so many twists and turns in this story. Everyone seems to be lying or bending the truth about their circumstance, past, and even name.
I thought the the true strength in the plot was the romance between Cain and Jade. Cain falls in love with Jade first. He tells her that he loves her first. He is perfectly content to to say "I love you" without hearing Jade say it back. He's confident that he will hear her say it when she is ready. A bit arrogant? He is that, and overprotective, demanding, bossy, and cranky! It is all part of his charm as a man in love. He is so supportive of Jade, especially when he realizes that all of her loved ones have left her at some point in her life. Cain calmly waits for Jade to realize that he's not going anywhere.
I did think that when all the explanations were handed out, the story dragged on a bit. Everytime a character appeared that was out of the loop, the explanations were given again and again. It all could have been said the one time and alluded to after that.
Cain's butler was hysterical as well as Uncle Harry (how many pairs of spectacles does one man need?).
All things considered, there are a lot more strengths than weaknesses in the plot. I will keep this book and enjoy it repeatedly.

In Julie Garwood's GUARDIAN ANGEL, Jade is a strong, beautiful woman with flaming red hair and green eyes, and some secrets of her own. Her love interest is Caine, an imposing man with dark hair and gray eyes. In the beginning of the novel, Caine is seeking out a pirate named Pagan whom he believes killed his brother. In hopes of drawing the pirate out, Caine masquerades as Pagan, knowing the pirate will be enraged upon hearing of someone else stealing the notorious pirate's name. Caine's plot is interrupted somewhat when the beautiful Jade knocks on the door of his home later that night and begs for his protection against people who are trying to kill her. The rest of the novel is colored with intrigue in the war department, pirates, murder plots, and the growing romance between Jade and Caine as Garwood keeps us madly turning the pages to an ultimately satisfying conclusion.
So why did I give it less than five stars? Well, I'd like to point out I felt there were good parts and bad parts about GUARDIAN ANGEL. I was very intrigued by the plot because--well--pirates are just plain sexy!! C'mon ladies, we can admit it--pirates are VERY SEXY! However, I felt as though the pirate aspect of the novel wasn't played up as much as it could've or should've been. Instead, GUARDIAN ANGEL was more concerned with the political intrigue and the on-going power struggle between Caine and Jade. However, in its favor, GUARDIAN ANGEL does actually have a plot. (All of us who regularly read romance novels recognize sometimes the plot becomes nearly an afterthought to the characters' relationship!)
My concerns about the plot itself were relatively minor. My main reason for not giving the novel a higher rating was the characterization of Caine and Jade. I liked Jade's character because she was intelligent, independent, and clever--someone who was able to look out for herself and think fast on her feet in difficult situations. So when she started being treated as Caine's doormat, I was left with my mouth dropped open in surprise and shock. It irritated me that although she was so brave and strong, she could be reduced to being anyone's doormat, least of all the man who was supposed to love and cherish her. I think Garwood asked too much of us when she asked us to believe Jade would back down so easily.
I certainly didn't hate the story, but Garwood just didn't develop Caine's better qualities well enough for me. Garwood should've made him more tender towards Jade, instead of putting his needs above her own. After meeting him in her novel THE GIFT, I was left with a sour taste in my mouth when Caine grabbed Jade roughly enough that he actually left bruises. I think a man who uses his strength to protect "his woman" instead of to hurt her is much more attractive! The male characters in the other Julie Garwood books I've read have been less controlling and possessive, and more "manly" for it.
My only other complaint is how similar all of Garwood's female characters are. They are all excessively beautiful, have a sprinkle of freckles on their noses, moan sexily while being intimate with their husbands, and smell like ROSES--they ALL smell like ROSES! I like roses, but maybe someone could smell like...oh, I don't know, lilacs? It would be nice to have more variety with Garwood's female characters instead of feeling like you're meeting the same character in a different story. I love reading about brave, beautiful women, but I do prefer feeling as though they're unique individuals.
Enjoy this book if you've already picked it up, and if you're Julie Garwood fan looking for another of her "pirate" novels, pick up THE GIFT. Otherwise, I recommend Garwood's novel RANSOM or SAVING GRACE.

I had a difficult time getting into this book. I suppose I have been spoiled like many other JG fans by THE SECRET, RANSOM, and THE WEDDING to name a few of her 5+ star books. I have read some of her other Regency books and have not enjoyed them as much as her Medieveal books. For some reason, these books don't "feel" like Regency books if that makes any sense. And I have to agree with some of the other reviewers in that if you read these particular Regency books close together it is difficult to tell the characters apart (freckles across the nose, etc.). However, as I got into the story I did enjoy it. I liked Caine and Jade very much, but call me a prude, but I do get turned off a story when the characters are sleeping together before they are married. Overall, I think this is a good read, just not Ms. Garwood's best.

Yes its rather repetitive for most of the book, Jade is a featherbrain, but a cute one, Caine must be the second coming with that much patience bottled up in him, but... if you can just stay strong till round bout half way or a little more through, it becomes funny as heck. I found myself busting out laughing quite a few times.

No its not her best work, but its part of the series, so whaddya gonna do?

Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood was released in 1990. It is a wonderful Regency Novel set in 1815 England in which Julie tries something different, The Hero and heroine are equally written as strong people. Jade and Caine are a perfect match for each other. A very satisfying read, with the secondary characters written well also.Fans of Julie Garwood will like this the most.

Normally, I like Julie Garwood's work. I've read most of her more recent efforts and like them alot. I was very disappointed in this particular book and, once I looked at the original issue date, I realized that it was an earlier effort. Nothing else could explain the ridiculously convoluted plot and the lack of depth in any of her character development. I found Jade, the female lead, to be extremely annoying. Though part of her motivation was to purposely confuse the male lead with her illogical and rambling chatter, this was taken to such ridiculous lengths that even a man with the patience of a saint would be hard put to endure it, let alone be attracted to her. By the time a few crumbs of reasonable plot line are dropped in I ceased to care about her at all. The only interesting characters here are Caine, the lead male character, Jade's brother Nathan and Caine's friend Lyon. Altogether a disappointing read. Look for Garwood's more recent works, they are more worth your time.

I just finished reading this book and had to hurry and write a review! This book is phenomenal! I fell so in love with Caine! And it was very refreshing to see a bok in which a woman can take care of herself! It had me laughing out loud! Unfortuantely I have read this entire series backwards. I read Nathan's story, The Gift first and then I read Colin's story, Castles, and now Guardian Angel! And I have just bought The Lyon's Lady so I cannot wait to read Lyon's story! Every single book in this set is absolutely wonderful! Once again, Julie Garwood gave me a book that took me to another time and place and captivated me until the very last page!

There are so many wonderful facets to Jade's personality, only the genius of JG could pull it off.

Caine was promising in the beginning, but his appeal tapered off drastically. And I didn't like how he would grab Jade's hand and squeeze hard enough to hurt her (and not let go for the duration of the scene), simply to prevent her from leaving the room or to find her own chair. That was strange.

It was a little crude when Jade's Uncle Harry said that he should have cut Jade's face when she was younger because she was so beautiful. A little over the top, I think.

But all in all, the actual story was good. I'm glad Lyon was in it as much as he was, and I liked Nathan and Colin. The servant Sterns was a great character.

Garwood has done it again.
Jade is a notorious thief and liar and she gets the love of a lifetime in Caine, the man who she is lying to.
Caine is trying to avenge his brother who was killed by the pirate Pagan until Jade comes and he feels the need to protect her.
What Caine doesn't know is that Jade is really trying to protect him. And while they keep going at crosspurposes, they, of course, fall in love, with some extremely hilarious conversations on the side that had me doubling over with laughter.
I won't give too much else away, so you'll have to see what happens yourself.

Garwood knows just how to tell a story that maintains our interest and keep us guessing. The mysterious Jade stumbles upon the Marquess of Cainewood and seeks his protection...but not before asking him to kill her...hilariously funny and full of romance that will make your heart ache for some in your own life...And yet danger loomes with the cunning mind of the pirate, "Pagan", yet who indeed is this dangerous enemy whom our Hero despises? An exceptional novel that I wish everyone would take a chance and read...you wouldn't regret it!!!!"

I love all of Ms. Garwood's books. Although they are predictable in general, they are great fun to read. They are some suprising twists in this book that I specially enjoyed. Jade is unusually exciting and her protectiveness and honor is very touching. The supporting characters are all very interesting. It was great to see a little bit of Lyon and Christine from 'The Lion's Lady' in this book. The identity of Pagen is a great setup for the novel. I won't tell you who it is... you will have to ready it yourself. However, my favorite Garwood so far is still 'Ransom' but you might want to read 'the secret' before reading 'Ransom'.

It had a wonderful plot, but I would have continued reading even if it didn't. The banter and confusion between Jade and Caine kept me laughing long after I put this book down. This is why I read books; to be left with a smile and a warm feeling when the last page is turned. Thank you Ms. Garwood for an outstanding book. The only two books I've reread more than this one is Perfect by Judith McNaught and, as it was one of my first regency romances, it's hard to beat and the Duke and I by Julia Quinn. Give this book a chance and I promise you won't regret it. :-)