Guarded

Good

Very emotional story that is not a typical HRT story.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Oh, how I enjoyed this story! I was really able to relate to Briar and what she felt and went through after the birth of her daughter. I mean other than the fact that I'm not a trained government assassin, I felt like this could have been my story after the birth of my oldest. Honestly, it was a bit scary how spot-on it was.

I haven't read all of the books in Cross' HRT series yet (they're on my TBR), but I had read Disavowed, which was Briar and Matt's story. There were a couple spoilery moments from the books in the series I hadn't read yet, but nothing too earth-shattering. That being said, going into this book without having read Disavowed would not be advised. I think it'd still be relatable and enjoyable, but not nearly as much so if you didn't have the character's back-stories.

If nothing else, this has made me realize that I'm pushing the HRT books I haven't read higher up on my TBR because this reminded me how much I enjoy this series.

*I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

I loved Matt and Briar in Disavowed and was very excited to find them in Guarded. I was hooked right from the start. I loved this book.

Disavowed by Kaylea Cross blew me away with its intensity, and when I saw there was a chance to visit with Matt and Briar again at the time when their lives are changing forever, I might have squealed a bit. And Ms. Cross does manage put a wallop of emotions into this novella, get your tissues ready, you might just need them.
Briar had been, from a very young age, trained to be a killer, to avoid emotions, and focus on the task. Her struggles to hold her independence and to stay strong, to convince herself that she can be a good mom despite the way she was brought up, to reassure herself that she can take care and nurture her child is heart-wrenching.
Matt loves Briar more than anything and is willing to make any sacrifices for her happiness and safety. I love how he reacted when he saw the struggle Briar was facing, how he stood up, and what lengths he was willing to go to be there for her and for his little family.
The suspense in the story comes from the intense and danger-filled jobs both Briar and Matt have. The drama is poignant, yet compassionate and even informative. The warm, loving, tangible adoration between Matt and Briar is uplifting, the brotherhood and closeness between the members of the Hostage Rescue team are as palpable as it always has been.
A touching and moving tale, an emotional and intense continues to the devoted and passionate love story growing, developing, and maturing between Matt and Briar.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

I loved Disavowed Matt and Briar's original story and was excited to read more from them, and honestly Guarded did not disappoint. As this story was really enjoyable, sweet, had angst and I was hooked from the very start. Plus, I really liked the idea of them becoming parents, especially considering Briars background and all Matt had lost before meeting her. And there were times throughout this story when I really felt for them as they both had to adjust to the realities of bringing a child into the world. Whilst dealing with their particular jobs, and it really was great to read. Which is why I would happily recommend this story to others.

Briar was orphaned ar a young age and put into a program that made her into a killer. Now she works for a covert group and is still a highly skilled shooter. Her husband Matt works for the FBI Hostage Rescue Teams. Matt was married before and lost his wife and baby before it was born and it devasted him. It takes awhile to get past Briar’s defense and he think he has. She still very independent and doesn’t like to show weakness. She has a surprise for him and hopes he’s excited about it. She’s pregnant but she’s afraid she doesn’t have what it takes to be a mother.
I don’t want to give a whole lot away but be prepared for tissues, a little aggravation, and a man who’ll do anything to keep his new family together. But if she can just open her walls just a little and let Matt help, they might just be able to get through this.
Great story. I wanted to cry for Briar and Matt. Matt has to decide whether to put his job or family first. But that’s really.a no brainer. Sexy with important messages in them.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *

I love strong heroines, and I especially love when they know how much they can take and when to ask for help. This was an emotional read, it started out with all the action and then the love swooped in and vulnerability was all clear. I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy, my final take on it is this: if you're into action and romance, then this will be something you'd like to check out.

While all of Kaylea Cross stories are stand alone novels I highly recommend readers started with Disavowed.

The author doesn't disappoint with this story novella that fills in readers of the future of two characters they have fall in love with.

For readers of this series this will be hard to move past the couples and characters they have fallen in love with.

Thank you for a copy of Guarded by Kaylea Cross for my honest review.

This book delved deep into the workings of Matt and Briar's relationship. Tragedy strikes, but there is a happy ending. I'm not sure if this is the last book in the series.

Briar and Matt have faced many challenges both together and separately in their jobs but their greatest challenge is about to hit them and it isn't even a major world class event No its family or should I say the newest member of their Family Briar is pregnant and she doesn't know if she is ready and she definitely isn't slowing down but when a preterm birth happens and they almost lose their daughter and then Briar feels as though her world is crashing down It will be up to Matt to pull his family all together with the the help of his friends and teammates. This is a story that has a heap of emotional twists and turns haven't we all felt that emotional void when we wonder if we will be good parents

I was given a copy of this book but this is true and honest review

Guarded is book 12 in Kaylea Cross’ Hostage rescue Team Series. I found this unbelievable since I had never read any of this series. Instead I had been trying to catch up on the DEA Fast series by this author. Now I have found another series that is a must read for me.

Guarded deals with characters, Briar and Matt, who met in an earlier book, Disavowed (Book 4). I seriously wish I had read that book first. I enjoyed this story as they work through changes in their lives especially with Briar’s trust issues but think I would have love it if I had read the backstory. Looking back at the description, I should have, so I would highly suggest that Disavowed be read first.

Great story-line, wonderful characters with flaws which make them approachable and with love as well as angst all tied up together.

4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Briar loves her husband and she loves her job. She does not love anyone trying to tell her what to do and that is exactly what Matt tries to do in order to keep her safe. Briar has to learn to trust herself and Matt so they can work together to come to a compromise and have their happily ever after.

Emotional read

The relatability of this story hooks the reader. I think that author dealt with the emotions (good and bad) experienced by many new mothers in an accurate and empathetic way. In addition to the romance, action, and drama, this novella contains snippets of real life. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it’s characters and their interactions with each other as well as the fact that one can have romance while dealing with life. My one complaint, it is more of a novella than a full-length book.

I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

I haven't read Briar and Matt's original story, so I will need to remedy that right away! I did like this installment regardless, although I'm sure I'd appreciate it even more if I read things in the right order. I think there's something to be said for romances where the couple is already in love. I like seeing people work through challenges and grow together. There is a lot of that in this story. Watching them on their journey to become parents was really moving, especially given Matt's past. This was a more emotional story than I was expecting, and I felt everything right along with them. Looking forward to more!