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Mended Souls #1

The Guardian

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Lucas Carmichael and Scott Anderson had it all, money, fame, and fortune. But one night's stupid mistake takes everything they thought they cherished and dumps it upside down. 
A car accident ends Lucas' life and leaves Scott injured and bitter. 
As the local ME, Tracy York, investigates the case, discrepancies begin to point to more than a simple drunk driving incident.
When threats are made to Tracy's life can Scott and his guardian angel, Lucas, protect her, or will she become another casualty?

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2016

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About the author

Jacquie Biggar

56 books888 followers
Jacquie Biggar is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of romance who loves to write about tough, alpha males and strong, contemporary women willing to show their men that true power comes from love. She lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and loves to hear from readers all over the world!
In her own words:
“My name is Jacquie Biggar. When I'm not acting like a total klutz, I am a wife, mother of one, grandmother, and a butler to my calico cat.
My guilty pleasures are reality tv shows like Amazing Race and The Voice. I can be found every Monday night in my armchair plastered to the television laughing at the judge's shenanigans.
I love to hang at the beach with DH (darling hubby) taking pictures or reading romance novels (what else?).
I have a slight Tim Hortons obsession, enjoy gardening, everything pink, and talking to my friends.”

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books1,979 followers
March 20, 2018
I re-read this book and it's even more fabulous than when I first read it. Biggar has the uncanny ability to draw you into the story without you even realizing it. While it is paranormal, there is plenty of suspense, too. Brilliant and highly recommend!

My Rating: 5+ stars
Profile Image for "Avonna.
1,281 reviews515 followers
May 19, 2016
The Guardian is the first book in a new paranormal series that grabbed my attention from the first page! The characters come to life and the plot is intriguing and keeps you turning the page. Ms. Biggar’s paranormal romance, featuring guardian angels has become an instant must read for me
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Tracy York is a Cook County Medical examiner who is great at her job, but not so great with live relationships. She is assigned the case of a tragic auto accident that has killed a famous Hollywood bad boy, Lucas Carmichael, his best friend’s sister, and others. Alcohol is suspected, but Tracy is pressured to cover this up. At the same time, Scott Anderson, another Hollywood hunk, is left to live with the loss of his best friend and sister while recovering in the hospital. He blames himself for the accident and doesn’t believe it is Lucas’ fault. When Scott meets Tracy it is instant attraction. She is beautiful, smart and doesn’t fall for his fake persona. Tracy feels the same way, but doesn’t trust that Scott could be attracted to a regular person and insecurities abound. As the romance progresses, so do the threats against Tracy.

As you are engrossed with Tracy and Scott, Lucas’s story is being told and entwined throughout. Lucas finds himself in heaven and learns that he can atone for past mistakes by being a Guardian angel. He is paired with another and they must learn to work together, while helping those on Earth they love and know are in danger. This storyline is just as intriguing because there is a huge plot twist around who the other angel was on Earth. The book does end on a series arc cliffhanger involving these angels, but the author does wrap up the main suspense plot and romance in this book.

Romance, sex, suspense, greed, revenge, Guardian angels, guilt, forgiveness and atonement are all packed into this book. Ms. Biggar’s writing is fast paced, crisp and pulls you right into the characters’ lives. I can’t wait for the next Mended Souls book!

Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.com.
Profile Image for Robbie Cheadle.
Author 33 books145 followers
December 7, 2018
I listened to the audio book of The Guardian: Mended Souls One. The reader, Daniel F. Purcell, has a pleasant voice and I enjoyed his reading of this story.

Tracy York, a medical examiner, is assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding a horrific car accident in which three people have been killed.

The driver of one of the vehicles is a well-know celebrity, Lucas Carmichael, who has been enjoying a night out on the town with his best friend and fellow celebrity, Scott Anderson, and Scott’s younger sister, Natalya, when the accident occurs and he is killed. Natalya is also killed in the accident and Scott is admitted to hospital as a result of his injuries.

The driver of the other car is a family man whose expectant wife and two young sons are travelling with him in the car. The father is killed in the accident and the mother looses her baby as a result of her injuries.

Tracy meets up with Scott in the car park of the medical centre when Scott responds to Tracy’s cries for help upon finding an injured dog near her car. Scott has come to the medical centre to say his final goodbyes to his best friend and brother.

There is an immediate attraction between Tracy and Scott but Tracy is distrustful of Scott’s motives due to his celebrity status. The pair are drawn closer together as strange things start to happen that indicate that someone is stalking Tracy with a view to murder. When Tracy finds some unusual results in Lucas Carmichael’s blood results taken after the accident she is even more suspicious of Scott and his motivations for paying her attention.

There is a supernatural element to this novel with the deceased drivers of the two cars being flung together in Heaven’s waiting room. Both have unfinished business which they need to complete before being admitted into Heaven.

This is an interesting read with a good, strong ending. I enjoyed the romance between Scott and Tracy which nicely supplemented the main plot of the book and was a pleasant addition to my reading experience.

Tracy and Scott are both interesting characters with flaws that make them more believable and engaging.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
1,942 reviews12 followers
January 18, 2019
I normally don’t read paranormal books, but this book was so good. It didn’t have a lot of paranormal, but enough to make it so interesting. I didn’t want to put the book down, because I wanted to see what happened next. It was interesting reading about Lucas and Mike in transition to heaven, their bitterness, and helping their loved ones still on earth. I loved that even though Scott was a movie star, he fell in love with the medical examiner Tracy. It got even more interesting when the accident that happened, may not have been an accident. Some of the story broke my heart. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of this book, and wrote a review because I loved the book.
Profile Image for Jacqui Nelson.
Author 17 books192 followers
May 4, 2016
The opening of this story is so gripping and heartbreaking that I couldn't stop reading. I had to find out what happened to Lucas, Scott and Natalya...and to Tracy, a Medical Examiner whose comfortable but bland workaholic life is never the same after fate brings a couple of super-famous movie stars to her morgue. Soon her life and her heart are in danger and so is everyone around her. Love the mix of paranormal and contemporary worlds where humans and angels, heroes and villains, friends and lovers collide in a quest for love and forgiveness.
Profile Image for Lyn Ehley.
84 reviews
May 12, 2016

I saw the advertisement for Jacquie’s “first” foray in the paranormal genre and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it. But it intrigued me, so I bought the book and am so glad I did. Unlike her other books, this one involves life and death of celebrities and the people who are affected. The story is laced with mystery and murder and is one of those “couldn’t put it down” stories. The characters are from the hereafter and from the present as we know it. Murder, revenge, greed and grief all ring loudly. Get ready for the beginning of a great series!

Profile Image for Christine Hart.
Author 17 books174 followers
May 12, 2016
Who wouldn't want to be swept off her feet by a movie star? And championed by a guardian angel? Sign me up! And like any great start to a series, the ending left me reaching for the next book. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Sheila Walker.
397 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2017
Scott Lucas & Scotts sister had it all fame and fortune until the car crash, Scott survived but Lucas Natalia and nearly all the family in the van they hit died. Tracy is the ME but she falls for the Hollywood star but doubts herself. Ray their manager got himself in a lot of trouble that only money could get him out of it, so he took matters into his own hands. This wasn't an accident it was murder. Lucas has a job to do now that he was an angel and it was hard God paired him with the man in the van Ray and the hatred was obvious. Scott falls in love with Tracy sparks fly when they are together. Lucas helps save Ray's son but that's not enough, which means I now need to read the next book to find out if Lucas and Ray can be saved.
September 19, 2019
I listened to the audio and it was amazing. The story is compelling. It has your feelings going on a roller coaster from sadness through to happiness, with all the feelings in between. The author has with her clever writing the ability to draw you in to the story as if you were there to experience it all. I really recommend reading work from this author.
1,346 reviews
February 12, 2017
Enjoyed

I enjoyed this book, looking forward to reading the next in the series. It was enjoyable to appreciate a different slant on what happens when you die
Profile Image for Kameron.
Author 6 books94 followers
September 17, 2016
3.5 stars - (review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

They say the Lord works in mysterious ways and HE sure did in The Guardian. He partnered up Mike and Lucas who’s paths crossed one unfortunate night. A night filled with pain, heartache and lost lives.

When Mike visited his family and relived his final moments before the impact, I admit I cried. I pictured myself as Jules, chanting “I love you” to my family because I needed them to know, had to let them know, because the inevitable was about to happen. Even as I am typing this, I’m tearing up and I am not a huge crier. So before you read chapter 11, grab a tissue. Trust me, you’ll need it.

For the rest of the story, I didn’t shed one tear. I did raise an eyebrow at a few passages. I’ll share those with you now.

1.) When Scott took Tracy on a picnic, he brought and drank wine. You’d think a man who was still recovering from an accident, where he lost his best friend and sister, would abstain from any form of alcohol. There was more at play with the accident but I’m not divulging any secrets. Lets just say at this point and time, Scott thought the accident centered around alcohol. Case closed.

2.) Angels curse? Ok Lucas and Mike are NEW ANGELS so maybe that’s why they didn’t censure themselves. Maybe cursing isn’t going against the heavenly rulebook.

3.) Without giving out a spoiler, I will say I was shocked when a certain deceased individual could still get hurt/be knocked out.

Other than those three things, I rather enjoyed this book. I’m pleased to see Jacquie didn’t have the Lord appear only at the start of the book. Those who believe in HIM, hope HE watches out for us, guides us every day, will be delighted the number of times the Lord “appears” and his words of guidance. He was basically Lucas’ conscience, pointing him on the right path which is exactly what I expected of HIM to do.

I should make note of one more thing, this book does end on a CLIFFHANGER and one I think will have you anticipating book 2.

(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
Profile Image for Rebecca Austin.
3,105 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2017
Lucas Carmichael, Scott Anderson and Natalya Anderson are involved in a horrific car accident when Lucas ends up crashing into a family when he crosses over the center line. Scott is the only survivor from the car he is in and in the other car the driver and his wife's unborn baby do not survive.

As Lucas ends up in "transition" he is sent back as an angel to make something of his life and do right. Yet he is partnered up with a man bent on some vengeance. As Lucas struggles with doing the right thing he definitely has his work cut out for him.

Scott struggles with the guilt of surviving and meets the medical examiner, Tracy York, who may be under some danger herself.

Soon Scott and Tracy realize they are in danger themselves and with the help of an angel they may just make it out ok but who will help the angel?

This was definitely an interesting read although I must admit I was mad at the end (sorry can't spoil it)!

I think we start off thinking one way about Lucas and Scott and then we gradually come around when we learn more about them and the situation they were in.

I liked Scott and how he really was trying to turn his life around in the book as he knew it hadn't gotten out of hand from what he had wanted. Lucas was a bit more confusing as I thought at times he was changing and then he would make a mistake that made me wonder but he ultimately made some sacrifices for sure.

Tracy was a great person who found out the truth that wasn't supposed to get out and was therefore was wanted silenced. Her scenes with Dustin were great and it'll be interesting to see if they remain friendly if the series continues.

I could understand the pain that Mike was in but I really was frustrated that he didn't learn the truth about what happened the night of the car accident and he was also not present when everything went down with Ray. I'm definitely worried about where his actions may lead him in future books.

Hopefully the author keeps this series up!



Profile Image for Barbara.
2,309 reviews50 followers
May 14, 2016
Ms Biggar has made a big splash here with her first paranormal romance. The book hooked me from the very start. Add some twists, turns, suspense and romance and you get one great read.

Lucas and Scott are lifelong friends that both make it big in world. They have it all, Good Looks, Money, Women, Fame yet sadly take life a little bit for granted. In one senseless accident, they lost it all. Lucas and Scott’s sister are killed and Scott end up in the hospital, hurt and alone trying to make sense of it all. Tracy is the ME investigating the accident. She soon becomes pressured from her boss to hurry up the investigation; something Tracy doesn’t believe in doing. When Scott and Tracy meet, he is instantly smitten. Tracy is sexy, smart and unlike most of the women in his life.

While Scott is down on earth trying with Tracy, Lucas is up in heaven being partnered up with another angel who seems mad at the world. Lucas soon learns that his family and friends are in danger (I don’t do spoilers so we’ll leave it at that). Lucas also learns he has the chance to atone for past mistakes by helping Scott and Tracy. But Lucas has no clue how to go about being a Guardian Angel (things are never as easy as they seem) he just knows he has to help Scott and Tracy before it’s too late.

The story is suspenseful, serious, funny and romantic all rolled up into one. The characters are heartwarming and caring and you can’t help but get attached to them. The storyline will keep you glued to the pages and praying for a happy ending for all three. Ms. Biggar has outdone herself and written a must read paranormal romance and this reader can’t wait for the next book in the Mended Souls series. If you like Paranormal Romance books, I Highly recommend reading this one, you won’t be disappointed. 2 Thumbs Up
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews29 followers
September 18, 2016
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair review.

Movie stars Lucas Carmichael and Scott Anderson are driving around taking Scott's baby sister, Natalya, showing her the sites. Suddenly, they are involved in a head-on collision with a family in a van. Next thing Lucas knows is he is waking up in the morgue, where Medical Examiner, Tracy York, and her co-worker are talking.

Lucas is having a flashback of the accident, and is drawn back to the present and upsets a tray of instruments, when Tracy tells her co-worker to stop horsing around; Lucas realizes that she can't see him and he is officially a ghost. Next thing Lucas knows, he is greeted by a hooded figure, who leads him to the Lord. Lucas is given a vision, and informed that the hooded figure and he will have to work together to fulfill an assignment, no matter how much they dislike one another.

Scott, after suffering multiple injuries, decides to leave the hospital, take a taxi and head to the morgue to see his best friend and sister, out of a sense of survivor's guilt and to say goodbye. As he is walking, he hears screaming and goes to see if he can help, after talking a guard into letting him in the parking garage, he finds Tracy tending an injured animal. Tracy had been receiving death threats upon working on the accident case involving the movie star.

Scott and Tracy form a relationship, but neither are aware of the danger that surrounds them. The hooded figure and Lucas are not allowed to interfere, yet the two of them in learning to help those assigned to them, will be tested by the truths they each hold of themselves and each other. How little does one realize the implications, that one decision made, can impact so many lives! Great read!

Profile Image for Staci Troilo.
Author 26 books156 followers
July 30, 2019
Heart-Wrenching and Hopeful

I’ve read a handful of titles written by Jacquie Biggar in a few different genres, and one thing remains the same throughout—she doesn’t disappoint.

The Guardian absolutely doesn’t.

This novel plays the “what if” game and asks, “What if you’re the only survivor of a car crash that claims your sister and best friend—and your best friend comes back?”

No, this isn’t a weird Pet Sematary kind of thing. Lucas (the dead best friend) comes back in supernatural form. As an angel.

Oh, how I wish it were true and we could all see our loved ones again. (Not that life as an angel is all it’s cracked up to be for poor Lucas.)

This is a beautifully written tale of grief and hope. But before you write it off as too speculative or sappy, let me tell you about the murder mystery. And the red-hot romance.

Yes, Ms. Biggar has managed to wrap all that and more into a read-in-one-sitting novel. I tore through the pages, desperate to know if Scott and Tracy would lower their guards or harden their hearts. I needed to know if Lucas and Mike could put aside their differences to move on. I was desperate to find out who was behind it all and why.

Sorry; I’m not going to tell you. I highly recommend you read the book yourself for the answers to these questions and more. I enjoyed every word and eagerly began reading the second installment of the series the second I was done with this one.
1,993 reviews34 followers
April 20, 2016
I was VERY lucky to receive an advanced copy of The Guardian to review. I really enjoyed this first book in the “Mended Souls” series. There was a touch of paranormal, but just enough to add that little bit of extra interest to the book. Lucas Carmichael and Scott Anderson are longtime friends and Hollywood stars and are involved in a crash that kills Lucas and Scott’s sister Natalya. Scott survives the accident and is dealing with survivor’s guilt. He meets up with Cook County Medical Examiner Dr. Tracy York as he is on the way to see his sister and friend in the morgue. Things start happening and he is there for Tracy as her world is falling apart. Someone is out to silence Tracy and it was a total surprise (to me) when the “bad guy” was revealed. I loved the interaction between Tracy and Scott as well as Lucas and Natalya. The book ended with a bit of a cliffhanger and I look forward to the next book in the series. I love Jacque’s writing style as there is not a lot of extra description as the focus is more on the characters and their story. I really liked the idea of a Hollywood star falling in love with a medical examiner – very unique! (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Michele.
593 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2017
Lucas and Scott are driving home from an afterparty to celebrate their latest movie release along with Scott's younger sister. The night ends in tragedy when their car drifts across the median, striking an oncoming vehicle head on. Lucas, Scott's sister, and the other driver are killed instantly.

Lucas wakes in the morgue only to discover he is dead. He meets God and is offered the opportunity to partner with an angry angel as penance for the fatal crash.

Meanwhile, Tracy, the local ME, starts receiving threats to drop her investigation and declare the deaths "accidental", despite preliminary evidence that Lucas may have been drinking.

She meets Scott a few days after the crash when he comes to view his friends' bodies at the morgue. Hoping to find closure, Scott instead finds Tracy in the ME office parking ramp. She is desperately trying to save an injured dog.

The novella kept me interested and was well written. Yes, there is a budding romance, but it's just one part of the story.

My one criticism? Lucas' angel partner. I just didn't find him (or his reactions) believable.
383 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2017
Romace, suspence, heartache and nostalgia all rolled in one amazing book. Loved all the twists and different POVs included in this story, everything seemed to fit well and support the main plot. Lucas AKA angel in training, really got to me and I'm so looking forward to reading more about him.
After tragically loosing his best friend and sister in a car accident, Scott is left to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. Tracy's job as an ME has made her see things beyond ugly, but her current case touched her deep and she's determined to get to the bottom of it, only this case seems to get personal when she gets targeted. Add an unconventional angel, Lucas, that is paired with the worst sidekick he could imagine. They need to get to the bottom of it before more lives are lost. Can the angels put their hatred aside? Can Scott and Tracy open up their hearts?
Profile Image for Gina Smith.
466 reviews10 followers
April 19, 2016
An excellent book that will grab your attention from the opening page. Two young film stars and a sister are involved in a car accident. Lucas and Natalya, Scott's sister, were killed. Scott was left behind and is dealing with feelings of guilt. Tracy the medical examiner starts to be harassed. Why is someone trying to get to her? Meanwhile Lucas is stuck in the in between because it is his job to help lead Scott to figure out the truth behind what is going on. There is a bunch more going on in this book but I don't want to give too much away and spoil it for others. This is the author's first book in the paranormal genre and I feel she did an excellent job.
* I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Isa LaCroqueuseDeLivres.
478 reviews27 followers
October 30, 2016
***ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review***

Spoilersish!!!!

Childhood friends enjoying the highs of fame and money…
One tragic car “accident”.
Lucas dies, Scott survives and deals with guilt and her sister death too…
A family is destroyed in the process…
Tracy is the medical examiner, and Scott and her fall in love.
Lucas is a guardian angel now, and soon we feel like there is more behind this car crash… and that someone is looking for revenge too…
And the ending… I don’t want to ruin the story, so I’ll only say there is definitely much more in store for the characters…

The Guardian is the instalment of the Mende Souls Series and will leave you expecting for the next.
Profile Image for Mel.
336 reviews23 followers
April 3, 2017
This book is about Lucas, Scott, Nat and Tracy as the main characters with a few others thrown in. It is faced paced and keeps you wondering what the outcome is going to be. There is good and bad, happiness and sad moments and the writer does a good job of making you feel the characters emotions. There is some religion in the book but it didn't overpower the feeling of the story. The stories of love, family and what happens in the afterlife make you wonder.... Would like to read the next one to see what happens as it is left open ended in a series. I won this book in a goodreads giveaway thank you.
1,845 reviews5 followers
March 22, 2016
A big thanks to Jacquie for allowing me to read this in advance for an honest review.

This is actually my first book by Jacquie and its her first paranormal!! Great job..Starts off with a big bang and with twists and turns and even an angel or two involved. It is quite the read and ride. Tracy and Scott-its a fast connection and Tracy is probably rightly a bit paranoid as he is a famous star. Poor Lucas the angel-will he fall in the next book or prevail? Great read. Give it a try...

I really think its a 4.5!!
Profile Image for Gladys Mills.
1,963 reviews8 followers
October 19, 2016
The Guardian. The Guardian. This book was interesting. I enjoyed the story of humans and angels interacting with the world. Scott and Tracey have a better connection with each other now that information has come forth about what happened at the accident. I can't wait to read more to find out what Mike plans to do with Natalya. Good read! I received a copy of the book from the author or publisher in exchange for my honest opinion or review of the book.
Profile Image for Laverne Bellemare.
32 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2016
Lucas is one angel with attitude, he has no patience and if he doesn't watch his p's and q's the Lord will clip him upside the ear. His best friend Scott is dealing with his own losses when he comes to rescue of coroner Tracy. This story keeps you turning pages. I was given it as an arc, so glad as I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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May 9, 2016
Omg!!!! I couldn't put this down!!!! But I need to know what does Mike have of his!!!!! This is going to drive me crazy. Extremely riviting read. The characters see. To come to life on the pages. I can feel what they feel. It's amazing how Jacquie is able to bring these characters to life.

I need to know when the next book will be here I have to know what Mike has!
1,725 reviews12 followers
January 5, 2017
Lucas was dead and Scott hurt in a horrible road accident. Medical examiners targeted, a dog wounded, angels and a strong attraction between two of the protagonists added to this interesting and entertaining story where redemption was a must to move on. There were some emotional scenes, suspense, intrigue, violence, romance, sex and a not expected outcome that left me intrigued
729 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2016
GREAT BOOK

Oh my gosh. I can't decide whether to cry or laugh. This is a fantastic book that is both a tear jersey and a beautiful love story that makes you feel great. I would recommend it to anyone. I sure hope that Lucas gets his own story.
Profile Image for Sherri.
1,131 reviews10 followers
November 21, 2016
Amazing story about fame, greed, love, forgiveness, redemption and apparently revenge as this book does end on a cliffhanger. Looking forward to seeing what happens between Luke and Mike in the next book.
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