Ascension

Roane mixes winged vampires with dimensional travel in her debut, which launches the Guardians of Ascension paranormal romance series. Therapist Alison Wells has special abilities that make it hard for her to get close to people without injuring them until she meets Kerrick, a Warrior of the Blood. Alison learns about Second Earth, a dimensional world for "ascenders" who have abilities like hers. Kerrick is assigned to guard Alison as she completes her call to ascension, and soon he realizes that Alison is his fated mate. Kerrick has sworn off women after losing two wives and his children, but he is determined to keep Alison safe from an evil commander who wants her dead. While the world building is interesting, too many familiar elements—a band of weary warrior vampires, and bonded mates who give off scents—keep this book from truly taking flight. (Jan.)