she's distractingly Gorgeous. in my line of work, I can't afford to be Unfocused, but she is just as Alluring as she is forbidden. I should stay away, and yet I don't.// he is Ridiculously sexy. never have I ever been Drawn to a man so ardently. his touch is Everything, consuming me completely. what exists between us Deserves a chance, but he won't let me in.
raw. passionate. desperate. real. I take her there--every time.// he feels it, too--I know he does. we could have it all, if only he wasn't so guarded.
Intended for audiences 18+ years of age, due to explicit language and sexual content.
There’s a place where your mind can escape, your body can find rest, and your heart can soar – and R.C. Martin wants to take you there.
In a voice all her own, she strives to capture the magic of a kiss, the passion in a lovers’ embrace, and even sometimes the breathtaking ache of a broken heart. A true believer in the power of love and the grace found in redemption, you can trust this hopeless romantic to take you on an emotional ride that leaves you forever changed.
Leo was one hot alpha and a flawed man who definitely knew how to take control. Both in his line of work and in the bedroom. He was a man I couldn't quite figure out but that's because he kept his guard up. Jill tried her best to break it down. It was a difficult task because Leo had gotten used to do it for fourteen years but she was persistent and never gave up no matter how rough it got between them. Jill was a positive and compassionate woman and I enjoyed her friendship with her cousin Corie. They were very close and so was Jill with her father. Definitely two relationships that I enjoyed.
Together Leo and Jill had hot chemistry. It was insane. Leo taught Jill some new tricks when it came to sex and also what she and her body craved. He was alpha with a big A and that was a major turn on. I felt that right from the get go that their relationship was too insta-lust and for me it lacked a deeper emotional connection. The focus was primarily on their physical relationship which was sizzling but it became to repetitive and frequent for my taste. I enjoy steamy sex scenes but it just became too much. I needed more evolvement to their relationship. Overall I enjoyed Guarded because of the characters and their interactions with one another which delved deeper into family, friendship and love.
3 BadAssDirtyCavemanStars
*advanced copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
A standout read! I read a lot of romance and this is one I am not going to forget. Guarded took me on a captivating emotional roll coaster. Leo is a complicated hero. Definitely a caveman and protective. My feelings towards him were so up and down. I loved him and then he would make me mad and this repeated throughout the book. Jill is super sweet and instantly likeable. Their relationship is very intense and extremely hot. I knew from the previous book Backwoods Belle that they had chemistry but I was surprised at the heat between them. Recommend if you like some angst and a lot heat in your romance. I can't wait for more from R.C. Martin.
HEA Cheating/OW/OM Any push/pull Any couple separation Angst Level: High Heat Level: Extremely High Triggers:
Reading Guarded went a lot like this. Boyfriend: "Will you make the salad for dinner?" Me: "Yeah after this chapter." 20 minutes later Boyfriend: "Here's your plate...and salad. Are we eating on the couch?" Me: "Yeah, thanks, I'll eat as soon as I'm finished with this chapter." hours later Boyfriend: "Can I turn the light out? After the chapter, I know. Is that soon?" Me: "I guess I'm at a good stopping point..."
There is no good stopping point in Guarded, by the way, not even the end. I already want more. R.C. Martin sucks you into the sweet world of Jill from the very first page. She's a nice girl from a small town, her hopes and dreams are simple, but her love is anything but. She loves hard and holds on tight, so when she finds Leo Vollucci is the one making his way into her heart she lets him in. He's the handsome and protective bodyguard to Ashley Hicks, her cousin Corie's dreamboat, famous husband. Leo give in to her, promising only the weekend, but neither can deny the attraction. Only, his past is dark and twisted and letting people in is something he never allows for, not even for the girl who makes him feel something he can't quite name.
I'm not a tender man, and she appears to be a gentle woman. Oil and water don't mix.
I really didn't expect to fall head over heels for Jill and Leo. They're the kind of couple you don't picture together, their worlds so different that it's unimaginable that they'd ever work, but Jill's sweet has some spice to it and Leo's tough demeanor comes down just for her. Told from dual perspectives, readers get to not just see their relationship as it unfolds, but truly get into the mind of each character as they battle what their hearts and minds are telling them.
I know that it's not fair to compare anyone to him. His beauty, his power, his strength-it's too much for someone else to live up to.
It's so easy to like Jill as a character, she's complex emotionally, but is presented as a simple girl. She's average, but in a good way, and I loved that her standard fashion was a t-shirt and shorts. She's a girl readers will relate to. Leo, on the other hand, is imposing in height and demeanor, his looks so handsome I think anyone else would be afraid to approach him. Their relationship, meant to last a weekend, is driven by lust, but like most affairs it becomes something more. I really liked that the relationship was kicked off by lust, built by a long-distance friendship, and morphed into something more. It doesn't feel like insta-love and I love R.C. Martin for that. However, what I'm calling a relationship is the most complex of types. Their worlds are clashing, the distance seems insurmountable, and Leo's inability to give himself completely to Jill has massive consequences. They seem so great together, but the complexities between them are what make Guarded such a phenomenal book. I wanted the best for them, but the best can't be achieved without getting through the hard stuff and the stuff between these two is definitely hard. There were times when I had hope, times when I felt let down, and times when I thought it was too little, too late, time to walk away.
The truth is, it doesn't matter what I say. I don't like not knowing where she is. That's how far I let this get."
Guarded is book one in the Savior series that features characters from Backwoods Belle. Readers will be delighted to see Corie and Ashley again; Jill and Leo's story, though, is very different. They are driven by a physical need, their emotions taking much longer to catch on. It's adult, it's sexy, and it's emotional, my favorite kind of read. It is obvious how much work went into Guarded with R.C. Martin's already fabulous writing taken up a notch. I could feel each character's emotions, I was invested in their lives, and I definitely had a blush to my cheeks when I read about just how much chemistry these two had between them. For fans of more adult contemporary romance reads, Guarded is for you.
Leo is the definition of broody, guarded, alpha, possessive. He grew up in a home that didn't give him a reason to believe in love and happily ever after. So when he meets Jill, what was meant to be a short-term sexy only turns into something more. Something deeper. No one has ever fought for him like Jill does, and despite him pushing her away, she doesn't give up. Leo and Jill are great characters. They complement each other well and their feelings for each other are so intense and all consuming. Also, the side characters were amazing! I really loved the relationship between Corie and Jill!
I love R.C. Martin's writing, it's addictive and refreshing.
Guarded is a story about conquering your demons and learning to forgive yourself and letting go.
Another first for me, and I loved this book. I love books about alpha, dark past dreamy male. And this one I loved. Because it was about a sweet 'next door type' of girl and broody alpha.
Jill meets Leo when she spends a weekend with Corie and Ashley for Corie's birthday. Immediately they were attracted to each other, but Leo didn't want a relationship and also because of him being the bodyguard to her friends fiancé he didn't want to get involved. So he could only promise her one weekend, which they both agreed to. But as we know how these go, once they spend the weekend together they find it hard to let go of the other. So they stay in contact, messages, phone calls. Which suits Leo fine, as a relationship and someone to love is not what he wants. He is a quiet, closed off person and he didn't want it any other way. Because of his past he doesn't think he can love anyone, so will he be able to love Jill or will he do something to mess it up and hurt her when that is the last thing he wants.
I loved Jill's character, I thought that because of how she was described, sweet, meek and quiet that she wouldn't be a strong character, but she proved it over and over again when she wouldn't give up on Leo and she kept on fighting for their relationship throughout this story. Chemistry between these two characters are HOT HOT HOT! But that's not all this story will have you invested from the start to the finish.
Wow! Guarded is so much different than Backwoods Belle, but amazing none the less. Jill is a sweet and humble girl while Leo is a dark, brooding, and possessive man. Guarded is filled with passion and angst as Leo and Jill try to cope with their limited time together and the distance between them. Leo is the definition of a caveman. His main concern is protecting those he cares about and Jill is the one he cares about most of all.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another amazing read by R.C Martin. In this book we meet Leo (ok we may have met him before in either Background Noise or Backwood Belle because he is the body guard of none other than Ashley Hicks). We also get to know Jill (Corie's cousin).
I think I may have turned from #TeamSage to #TeamLeo after this read. If Leo was a real man I'd be making sure he was mine. The chemistry between Leo and Jill is off the charts, and there is a few times I wanted to smack Leo cuz sometimes guys just don't think right when it comes to love. But you'll need to read more to find out why I love this story.
WOW!! This book was so good!! I could not put it down once I started. I loved Jill and Leo.Thier chemistry is amazing. The story was entertaining and kept me pulled in.A good portion of this book is sexy and steamy scenes that may leave you needing a cold shower!! There are a few words used during the sex scenes that made me cringe but overall very hot!! although this is a standalone I wish I would have known that the other characters Ashley and Corie had a story before this one I felt like I was missing something a few times in reference to how Ashley and Corie got to be together!! If you are looking for a good story with a little drama and lots of steam I definitely recommend reading this!
5 Stars + ~ Reviewed by Emma-Louise on behalf of KFF
Guarded, the first in a spinoff series featuring the story of the highly intriguing Jill and Leo. Readers of this author will recognise the names as Leo is the dark and broody bodyguard of Ashley Hicks. His story was told in previous releases Background Noise and Backwoods Belle. It's taken me over two days to organise my thoughts. Two days to work out what I could and couldn't say about Guarded without giving away spoilers or worse yet, to not provide the kind of review this book so truly deserves.
For those who read Backwoods Belle they will recognise a page or two of Guarded (as they were also printed in Backwoods Belle). This may tie the books together in a very minimal way, but I will emphasise that these two books are nothing alike. They're as different as night and day. Guarded is edgier, rawer, more turbulent and more uncertain. Leo isn't a man who sees himself as worthy so of course, this leads to some of the most brutally emotional scenes I have read this year.
'I'm not a tender man, and she appears to be a gentle woman. Oil and water don't mix.'
'I intend to make the same mistake until she finally figures out that I'm not worth it and she doesn't want me anywhere near her again.'
Leo is a strong man; he has to be for his profession. Only his strength is skin deep, Jill is the emotional powerhouse in this book. She's the one who keeps on fighting even when the sun has gone down and nothing can be seen through the darkness of night.
'I know that he is a man filled with passion. It sounds like a romantic idea, but I think it's true.'
'I think there's something about him--something mysterious and perhaps profound--and it all lies beneath his seemingly impenetrable surface. It makes me curious. He makes me curious.'
Leo is a classic case of a man who has the weight of the world on his shoulders and everything is his fault. He spends so much time and energy trying to run from Jill he never gives her feelings a moment's thought. Emotional roller coaster reads are books I devour in practically one sitting, and Guarded was no exception. I was up until the wee hours speeding through the penultimate chapters. I couldn't breathe until I discovered how this epic marathon would end.
This book made my heart beat faster and my spine tingle. This book made my heart tear in two and my soul cry out in pain. I lost count how many times I kept asking the same question. When would enough be enough? Jill kept on fighting and she kept on climbing. A small town girl with more grit and determination then many men I know. She doesn't know what the word quit means, let alone ever allow it into her vocabulary.
'Whenever we're together, we go to this place--this place where we are bold enough and vulnerable enough to be who we are. There is freedom and honesty in our intimacy, and that's exactly what it is.'
This book turned my world upside down and inside out. Do I really have another of these reads in me? You bet I do. Tethered will be hitting my Kindle in 2018 and this wait WILL be painful and full of angst.
5 Stars + ~ Reviewed by Emma-Louise on behalf of KFF
Guarded, the first in a spinoff series featuring the story of the highly intriguing Jill and Leo. Readers of this author will recognise the names as Leo is the dark and broody bodyguard of Ashley Hicks. His story was told in previous releases Background Noise and Backwoods Belle. It's taken me over two days to organise my thoughts. Two days to work out what I could and couldn't say about Guarded without giving away spoilers or worse yet, to not provide the kind of review this book so truly deserves.
For those who read Backwoods Belle they will recognise a page or two of Guarded (as they were also printed in Backwoods Belle). This may tie the books together in a very minimal way, but I will emphasise that these two books are nothing alike. They're as different as night and day. Guarded is edgier, rawer, more turbulent and more uncertain. Leo isn't a man who sees himself as worthy so of course, this leads to some of the most brutally emotional scenes I have read this year.
'I'm not a tender man, and she appears to be a gentle woman. Oil and water don't mix.'
'I intend to make the same mistake until she finally figures out that I'm not worth it and she doesn't want me anywhere near her again.'
Leo is a strong man; he has to be for his profession. Only his strength is skin deep, Jill is the emotional powerhouse in this book. She's the one who keeps on fighting even when the sun has gone down and nothing can be seen through the darkness of night.
'I know that he is a man filled with passion. It sounds like a romantic idea, but I think it's true.'
'I think there's something about him--something mysterious and perhaps profound--and it all lies beneath his seemingly impenetrable surface. It makes me curious. He makes me curious.'
Leo is a classic case of a man who has the weight of the world on his shoulders and everything is his fault. He spends so much time and energy trying to run from Jill he never gives her feelings a moment's thought. Emotional roller coaster reads are books I devour in practically one sitting, and Guarded was no exception. I was up until the wee hours speeding through the penultimate chapters. I couldn't breathe until I discovered how this epic marathon would end.
This book made my heart beat faster and my spine tingle. This book made my heart tear in two and my soul cry out in pain. I lost count how many times I kept asking the same question. When would enough be enough? Jill kept on fighting and she kept on climbing. A small town girl with more grit and determination then many men I know. She doesn't know what the word quit means, let alone ever allow it into her vocabulary.
'Whenever we're together, we go to this place--this place where we are bold enough and vulnerable enough to be who we are. There is freedom and honesty in our intimacy, and that's exactly what it is.'
This book turned my world upside down and inside out. Do I really have another of these reads in me? You bet I do. Tethered will be hitting my Kindle in 2018 and this wait WILL be painful and full of angst.
What a great book! It had a great story line that flowed well. Guarded has so much angst and sex; OMG, those sex scenes were WOW! You may need a cold shower. The attraction was there from the very beginning for Leo and Jill. Jill was a sweet, innocent, loving woman and when she met Leo that drive came alive. Leo was a hot, domineering man that would take care of what was “his”. All the while he kept to himself because of his past. Will he be able to move forward or will he lose Jill?
This is my first read by R.C. Martin and will not be my last. I will be one clicking when I am done with this review. If you love a hot and steamy book, go one click! You won’t be disappointed.
I really enjoyed Leo and Jill’s story. For one thing, bodyguard tropes are my FAVORITE, and this one did not disappoint. The friendship illustrated between Jill and Corie was the perfect conflict for Leo (not wanting to get in the middle of something real like that for something as superficial as a hot night), and absolutely NOTHING was contrived. This was a steamy, satisfying read I would recommend, to anyone in the mood for a good story with solid writing. I love every bit of this excellent series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
OMG!! What a cliffhanger!! I cannot wait until the next book comes out!! I'm so hooked!! When Leo and Jill met it was meant to be a one time thing, but one hot weekend wasn't enough! He knows he should stay away from Jill but their connection is too strong! He keeps going back and forth with himself whether he should be involved with Jill. He feels that she deserves better. Leo is such a tormented, alpha hero. I love that Jill sees all the good in him and never gives up! Leo is definitely a mystery and I couldn't wait to finally find out the secrets from his past! Leo and Jill have such amazing chemistry and they are explosive in the bedroom!! Loved this hot, intense read that was full of angst! Such a good story!! I am trying to patiently wait until the next book comes out!! It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading Background Noise and Backwoods Belle first. I received an early copy and voluntarily left my honest review.
I have been waiting for this from the moment we first met Ashley and Corte, and most certainly since Jill met Leo. In typical RC Martin fashion, there is not even the slightest hint of disappointment in the outcome. I fell in love with her style a few pages into the first Mountains and Men Novella (and love that Jace made an adorable appearance here - would love to see more of his parents *wink, wink, nudge, nudge*) and quickly devoured her back catalog, and look forward to each new release. Okay, so I may no longer be a completely unbiased source, but it is a true joy watching this author grow with each new work.
Jill and Leo....what can I say? As secondary characters in Backwoods Belle, their chemistry sizzled enough to leave the reader wanting more. More you get, in Guarded. Still not enough to leave you fully sated....Okay, I may have squealed just a little when I got to the end to see a sequel will be coming next year. But let's talk about Guarded first.
The beginning chapters overlap the timeline of Backwards Belle, as that is where our hero and heroine first meet. You won't mind a second of rehashing, as it is basically all new. We had a very closed door inkling of what was going on, but in Guarded, we get into each of their heads (okay, Leo's may contain more caveman grunting than words, but it is delightful caveman grunting.) And that’s a lie, but the Guarded title certainly applies to Leo's personality in general, as well as his profession and his protective nature. Peeling the layers away is as breathtaking a rollercoaster ride for the reader as it is for Jill. Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride!
Beyond Jill and Leo, it is great to get little glimpses of Corie and Ashley (okay, so much more of Corie than Ashley, but it's that girl bond thing. It is also why I chose not to list this as a rockstar romance even though it could probably slip in on the edges. It does involve Ashley's tour, but it isn't truly about the music.) I loved going back to Colorado again, especially after my real life trip there this summer, as well as to Tennessee, which is our next planned trip. Ms. Martin always makes these towns (and cities) come to life as almost characters themselves. Just one more facet this very talented author excels at.
For adult audiences only. Jill and Leo don't have the most traditional relationship, and much of their communication is more physical than verbal.
Highly recommended. Of course, I will also highly recommend the entire RC Martin back catalog, especially starting with Mountains and Men, but Background Noise and Backwoods Belle are almost requisite to really understand the back story. I suppose it could be read as a standalone without truly losing anything, but I really think if you are just discovering RC Martin for the first time, you will enjoy seeing where these characters came from.
If I weren’t already a huge fan of R.C. Martin after reading her latest novel Guarded I would be. Martin weaves a tragically spell binding tale of love, heartache, and darkness that will leave you wishing you could read it for the first time all over again once you've finished it. This story held me captive from the moment my eyes touched the page. It was pretty much impossible not to fall in love with the characters Martin created in this world, so much so that you just want to crawl into this story and never emerge.
Guarded is the story of Leo and Jill. Leo is a bodyguard for Ashley Hicks a famous musician. From the moment Leo was introduced, it was love at first read for me. Let me explain why. So many authors take an emotionally traumatized character like Leo and just make them overly aggressive -in words and actions. To the point that we usually find we have a character that turns into a Grade A jerk. Well, this isn't the case with Leo. While Leo does have his flaws -every character does- Martin is able to balance his emotional state and his actions and turn his aggression into something constructive. Which is an incredible feat in and of itself. Leo is such a sexy alpha male character that he will replace any book boyfriend you've previously had in your head. I swear he's wiped my memory bank clean.
Jill Stevens is so adorable that I just want to scream. I love that she is a strong heroine. I was terrified that she was going to end up being a weak heroine because she has such a meek personality but I have never been more thankful to be wrong in my life. Jill is absolutely perfect in every sense of the word. I love the chemistry between Leo and Jill these two are absolutely explosive when they come together. Martin steamed up my glasses on more than one occasion.
The level of emotion R.C. Martin put into Guarded is insane. I cannot tell you how many times I cried over these two. From the beginning, I was rooting for them. This story was an emotional rollercoaster from the start in the best way possible. Guarded takes writing to a new level of mastery, pure genius. Well done, R.C. Martin, well done.
Guarded is a tragically spell binding tale of love and heartache that will leave you wishing for more once everything is said and done. I was held captive by this story from the moment I started reading it. It was impossible not to fall in love with the characters R.C. Martin created in this world, so much so that you just wanted to crawl into this story and never leave!
Guarded is a tale about Leo and Jill. Leo is a (scarily hot) bodyguard for the famous musician Ashley Hicks. From the time I read about Leo, I was in love. Martin did such a fabulous job of balancing his emotionally traumatized state and his actions giving him a constructive way to burn off his aggression. It would have been easy for him to come off as a major jerk but instead, he was the perfect balance of hot sexy alpha and super hot broody male. Seriously, Leo will replace any book boyfriend you've got in your memory bank!
Jill Stevens is Leo's love interest and she's a super shy and meek character. I was afraid in the beginning that she was going to come off as too quiet and not stand up for what she wanted but Martin surprised me. Jill turned out to be an incredibly strong heroine that fought for what she wanted like a major badas*! The chemistry between her and Leo seriously heats up the sheets and will fog up your e-reader right from the start, or, in my case your glasses!
This book had me in tears so many times it's not even funny. It was a nonstop roller coaster ride of emotion right from the start (in the best possible way). Guarded takes you on an incredible journey full of love, loss, and heartache that will leave you wanting more the second you finish the book. I so cannot wait to see what happens next.
Guarded is R.C. Martin’s best work to date in my opinion. I love how R.C. Martin creates characters that are genuine in their characteristics and their struggles.
Guarded is Jill’s story from the Tennessee Grace series however it can be read as a standalone. It is told in dual points of view and therefore, we get inside the heads of Jill and Leo. Ashley & Corie make cameos and are pretty much all over this story so do yourself a favor and enjoy this from the beginning with Background Noise and Backwoods Belle.
Leo is Ashley’s bodyguard and it’s inevitable that he and Jill (Corie’s best friend) would meet but the attraction is explosive. Leo comes from a past that he can’t shake off and the woman who has his complete attention doesn’t need someone like him in her life. Jill knows how important it is to grab life and live it to the fullest, so when she decides to put herself out there it’s only going to be for the man who makes her body hum with just his eyes.
One word for this book and that is WOW. It had me gripped from start to finish.
Leo is a hot alpha male and oh boy is he sex on legs. Jill is sweet, kind and just the perfect main lady of the story.
Leo and Jill meet when Jill meets up with her best friend/cousin Corie, who is seeing the famous singer Ashley. When Leo who is Ashley's body guard/security is sent to pick up Jill the chemistry and attraction is instant.
When these two get together oh my.days the sex is off the scale hot and some of the best sex scenes I've read in a long time. Leo is very guarded about his past, and Jill is trying not to get too close.
The story of how these two open up is brilliant and is a very well written story. Will Leo ever let Jill in? Will Jill and Leo get their happy ending?
All in all its a cracker of a book and can't wait to read the next book in the series coming in 2018 and seriously couldn't come quick enough cause I need Leo and Jill in my life again.
Guarded is another gem by R.C. Martin! It's Jill and Leo's story, we met them in Backwoods Belle, but you can totally read this one as a standalone! What can I say about this book?? Once again, these characters are greatly developed, there are lots of scorching hot scenes, a very damaged hero and a strong heroine, determined to break his walls and get the love of her man at all costs. I loved Jill and how she didn't give up on this guarded man. He has a troubled past, which prevents him from opening up to love and happiness. It's so hard for Jill to touch his heart, but she's patient, sweet, she's just herself. I loved seeing Leo fall for this woman little by little and finally surrendering to the inevitable! The story has interesting twists that keep you hooked and the chemistry between them is amazing. Leo and Jill can burn down a room when they're together! Can't wait to read more about these two! RC Martin is one of my favorites and she never dissapoints! One click, you won't regret it!
Hot, hot, hot! RC Martin really turned up the heat this time. Leo and Jill's attraction was a force to be reckoned with, but there was so much more than just the physical attraction. There was a depth to their relationship that could not be denied, no matter how hard they tried. I loved the push and pull of these two. There was just the right amount of angst to keep you wondering if Jill and Leo will get their HEA. I love the relationship that Jill has with her cousin and best friend Corrie. They are fun and easygoing, but will protect the other to the end. Leo is the ultimate alpha male. He is sexy, brooding, and a bit damaged. It takes Jill, with her strength and loyalty to bring him around and show him what true love really is.
This is one of my favorite books by RC Martin. It will definitely go on my list of re-reads!
Wow this book was Amazing!!!! Leo is my new favorite book boyfriend ever.
Here we meet Jill, a beautiful girl with a pretty personality who goes out to see her cousin and best friend for a weekend. Once there she meets Leo, gorgeous looking, a man of a few words and extremely passionate when he stops fighting his feelings.
The author takes on the journey of the making of a long distance relationship, we grow with the characters, we fall in love with them. They are a hot couple, once Leo leaves his restrictions aside and gives himself to Jill is just beautiful. The sex scenes are very descriptive but in a great way. This is an amazing story.
I can not wait for the second book in this series. I need more Leo ❤
Got this book on Kylies Fiction Addiction Reader Group in exchange of a voluntary review.
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***
Wonderful, refreshing tale by R.C. Martin in Guarded!
Leo has never known what love has felt like even though he is a gorgeous alpha male in every way. All that changes when Jill stumbles into his life and spins his world upside down. Even though he tries to push her away at every turn due to the strange emotions he feels towards her, Jill is determined to find a way past Leo’s walls. She seeks her inner tigress and fights past his guarded tendencies.
Wow! This book! Lets just say that R.C. Martin knows how to deliver off the chart sexual chemistry that might just make you blush here and there! Leo and Jill’s character emotions and actions are felt through the pages which should tell you that Ms. Martin is one heck of an author!
Guarded is considered a standalone, however, I wished I would have read Background Noise and Backwoods Belle previously, as the other characters make cameos, especially Ashley and Corrie and some remarks are made that I didn’t fully understand. Overall, good book with lots of hotness and little angst that I would recommend!
Wow just Wow!! I am already a huge fan of RC's. I have read all of her books, so I have had the privilege of watching her writing career bloom. Guarded is by far my favorite. RC has little by little come out of her shell and with Guarded she thru that shell in the trash. Leo reminds me of RC with how Jill little by little has to break his shell to be let in with why and how she can get in to his heart. No this book is not a quick I love you, you love me book. Which is very realistic from my point of view and I love that. At the end when we think everything is complete we are left with a OMG they're getting ready to come in the next book and I will be ready to see what RC has in store for all of us then.
Guarded is good read. This is my first book that I read by R.C. Martin. In the beginning of the book Jill is visiting Corrie and Ashley. I have to admit I was a little more interested in Corrie and Ashley's story and took a break from this book to see if those two had a book. After I got that out of the way, I full storm ahead with Jill and Leo's story. Jill is a gorgeous and down to earth girl. Leo is a a sexy bodyguard. He's all alpha and broody. He and Jill have a connection and great chemistry. Leo thinks that he's not good enough for Jill. He is definitely guarded. There were times that he is really frustrating and I just wanted to yell at him. Jill doesn't give up and doesn't let Leo push her away. I can't wait to read more of their story.
Another amazing book from RC Martin! Sexy, Emotional, Fierce, and a whole lot more! I loved broody Leo and stubborn Jill! Leo may be guarded and tries to push Jill away, but Jill is determined to fight for her man. There were many times I wanted to slap Leo, but then he would do something to make it better. The chemistry between this pair is electrifying and so hot! Corie says it best, "you create this electric current that everyone can't help but notice". There were quite a few moments where I would say "wow" to myself, and fan myself, because of how hot Leo and Jill were together. I also loved how in love Ashley and Corie still are. I can't wait to see what's next for this sexy couple!
This Author has a way of writing a story that makes you feel each and every emotion, makes you become a part of the characters lives, make you want to get in the middle and fight for them. I like the way she links her Colorado roots to her books and we get to see glimpses of previous characters. But what really gets me every time is the amazing LOVE story she is always able to spin....
Leo & Jill's relationship was so rough & raw, but it worked for them. Jill is the ultimate fighter when it comes to what she wants & what's important to her. Leo is learning how to open up to another person after years of being closed down, he has got some personal battles to work through.
I can't wait to see more of these two in Tethered - I know it will be epic!
OK wow very intense. Leo is an alpha with issues and I'm not sure if I should like him or be wary. Jill is a fierce and so brave. She faces everything that Leo throws at her and does it beautifully. Jill is one of my favourite female characters I have read in a while. We meet this two characters in Ashley and Corie's stoey. The start of this book runs parallel to Backwoods Belle and I am so glad we got the inside look to what happened that weekend. It is also nice to see a bit more or Ashley and Corie. I really love this two and now i have a soft spot for Jill and Leo. This story will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride and just when you think it's done it's not. I suggest you read the whole series and meet some lovely characters and enjoy some beautiful love stories.
I loved Jill & Leo in Backwoods Belle so I was very excited to hear they were getting their own book! They are a perfect match! Leo is just as the title says 'Guarded' but with good reason (you'll have to read it to find out why!). Jill slowly makes her way into his heart but not without leaving us worried about what will happen! A very different story to Backwoods Belle but I absolutely loved it!!! I can't wait for the next one ... yes there is another book to follow but don't worry it's not a cliff hanger ending :) 5 stars for sure!!!
Guarded is my first read by R.C. Martin and I enjoyed it very much! The writing is strong; it hooked me right away. The characters are well written and developed and there are some extremely steamy scenes. You meet Leo, who is alpha and sexy as heck, and Jill is just a great heroine. She's loyal and definitely the perfect match for Leo. This story is definitely an emotional rollercoaster that will you ride willingly until the very end! I highly recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. Leo and Jill's relationship was supposed to be a temporary and short term but love got in the way. Guarded was an amazing story, I loved all the characters. The steamy scenes didn't hurt either. I love how the story of Corie and Ashley continue in this book. Although the book is part of a series and can be read as a standalone, it's more fun to read Background Noise and Backwoods Belle first.