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Review: The Bloodgate Guardian

A Buckeye Girl Reads The Bloodgate Guardian and says some wonderful things:

When reading the book I felt like I really was on the dig with Jaid and was trying to figure out the mystery of what happened to her father with her. I loved how much information we got about the culture of the Mayans and that it wasn’t dumbed down. I felt like I was a Mayan expert right along with Jaid.  … The Bloodgate Guardian was just a refreshing read and I look forward to reading more by Joely Sue Burkhart.

Thank you so much!

Speaking of which, I’ve *got* to finish up The Bloodgate Warrior’s synopsis so I can get it out for consideration!

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Reviews: The Bloodgate Guardian

First up, Sherri Meyer reviews The Bloodgate Guardian on her blog:

Once again, Burkhart blew me away with her attention to detail, research, and amazing characters. She built a fully realized world seeped with Mayan mythos. She doesn’t burden the story with her research but weaves it within the plot seamlessly. A great twist on the “end date” stories out there.

Over on Amazon, Barbara Longley gave it 4 stars!

Joely Sue Burkhart’s Bloodgate Guardian is a must read. Ancient Mayan ruins, portals leading to other worlds, one hot Mayan priest cursed with immortality, and an intelligent, sexy archaeologist determined to rescue her father from Mayan hell. What’s not to love? Bloodgate Guardian is a fast paced, high tension romance set amidst the mythology and legend of the ancient Mayan civilization. Once you start it, you won’t be able to put it down.

Thank you so much, Barbara and Sherri!

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Review: The Bloodgate Guardian 4.5 Top Pick

PennyAsh for Night Owl Reviews gives The Bloodgate Guardian 4.5 stars and declares it a Top Pick!

The Bloodgate Guardian by Joely Sue Burkhart is a very good story with solid writing. The well-researched facts give the story credibility and make it an enjoyable read.   If you like stories with an archaeological basis and lots of myth and romance give this book a try.

Thank you so much, PennyAsh!

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Review: The Bloodgate Guardian

Nancy reviews THE BLOODGATE GUARDIAN at My Odd Little World:

This has an edge of your seat tension, and you spend much of the book holding your breath. The secondary characters are mostly demons and are unbelievably evil, but she uses her imagination to bring these beings to chilling reality. Yes, the loves scenes are few in number, but Ms. Burkhart uses her words to best advantage, with passion and touching emotions.

Thank you so much, Nancy!

Don’t forget the Break 20 Giveaway, as well as the two giveaways celebrating HURT ME SO GOOD’s release.

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Review: The Bloodgate Guardian

Harry of A Dude reads PNR fame for The Book Smugglers says:

I love that Jaid is vulnerable. I love the fact that she is smart-ass, not kick-ass. She doesn’t do the whole super ninja vixen. No leather pants and favorite blades for this chick. She’s nerdy and the Un-Indiana Jones of the faculty. Brilliant characterization, right there. Pure gold. It makes Jaid stand out from all the other leading females in the genre. I also can honestly say that Jaid’s the strong woman urban fantasy and paranormal romance has been boasting with. She’s not sure she will win and she is mortified to venture, but she does. She falls down and picks herself up, because the situation demands it. That’s what I call bravery and perseverance.

Of course there were a few parts he didn’t like.  Names.  (Oh, you know the drama we already went through over the names, right?)  Shapeshifter.  Yes, the Maya did believe that the most powerful shamans could actually transform into the sacred jaguar.  He also thought it ended too happily.  Considering the version I had originally written [Everybody dies. The end.], I can only smile.

You can read the entire review here.  Thank you, Harry!

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Review: The Bloodgate Guardian

From Long & Short Romance Reviews, 4 Books for The Bloodgate Guardian:

Ms. Burkhart also believes in making her couple work hard for their happily ever after. So much so, that by the time it finally comes around her audience will release the breath they’ve been holding. Her supporting characters are mostly demons and are unbelievably demonic, let’s just say that Ms. Burkhart has an excellent imagination and isn’t afraid to use it. This romance is so full of pitfalls that you’ll need handrails to get through it, but get through it you will. And it just makes that Happy Ever After so much better when it’s worked for.

Thank you so much, Larkspur!

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Review: The Bloodgate Guardian Recommended Read!

Rae Lori has posted a review of The Bloodgate Guardian as a recommended read:

 I really enjoyed this book filled with action, adventure, a little bit of romance and a lot of suspense. One of the many strengths of this book was the characters and story pacing. I loved that Jaid is not a generic kick butt heroine who rejects all feeling except her libido to do whatever needs to be done.

One last aspect out of many I really enjoyed about this story was the world building and the history of the Mayan culture. I have to admit, I didn’t know much about it going in but after reading this, I’m eager to read more about the ancient civilization. I love how it was weaved into every aspect of the story and it helped drive the story at every turn. I also got to learn a lot about the belief systems and mythology, all of which was very interesting.

Thank you so much, Rae!

P.S. Don’t forget to enter my Break 20 Giveaway!

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Review and a Note about Tomorrow

First, an incredible, tear-wrenching review from My Beloved Sister Molly Burkhart for THE BLOODGATE GUARDIAN:

This book isn’t a page-turner. It’s a page-devourer. The demons and their hell are chilling. The sense of danger surrounding the hero and heroine is suffocating. And yet, in all of that darkness, there is a light. And that light is always Joely’s gift to her readers. It shines in all weather, and it cannot be quenched, though her characters sometimes lose sight of it.

Hugs, wipes tears away.  Thank you so much, Sis!  Read her entire review and watch me blush.  Also, she got an incredible review herself for My Gigolo over at Whipped Cream Reviews!

Tomorrow I’ll be Tia’s guest for Writer Wednesday at Debuts & Reviews.  My workshop will be On Writing Sex, covering the basics from LB&LI Transformative Sex  from last year and the Coyote Con panels with an exclusive sexy scene from THE BLOODGATE GUARDIAN.  Please stop by if you get the chance and share a transformative sex snippet or ask questions!

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Review: The Bloodgate Guardian

From Susi of Book Lovers Inc and the Geeky Bookworm (entire review):

…she knows how to make the couple “perfect”. They aren’t all the same but they are unique in their own way but every time I read one of her books it feels like: Yes, that’s the way they should be. They aren’t without flaws or an easy fit but just never could imagine one of them with a different character. Her couples are more real than most in romance novels- they always speak to my heart and touch me deep inside.

The story building is masterly done and I’m so intrigued by the whole setting that I can’t wait to get book 2 in this series.Highly recommended for everyone who likes a thrilling plot, breathtaking action and touch of romance.

Thank you so much, Susi!

Read Chapter One (pdf) and Chapter Two.  Don’t forget to review or rate The Bloodgate Guardian (or any of my books) by July 31st to win at least two $50 gift certificates!  (Details)