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Elite Men of Manhattan #5
Guarded Love
Evelyn
He is an arrogant jerk.
The last of the single hunkholes and, unfortunately, my partner for the wedding of Lourde and Barrett.
I’ll probably kill him before the week is up.
I should despise him.
But the more time we spend together, and the more he stares at me like he wants to be with me, the more I question why I hate him.
Magnus
She’s a stubborn pain in my ass.
Barrett’s sister, Evelyn, is grating on my every nerve.
Not only are we stuck together for the wedding, but were hitched for the foreseeable future.
I should dread spending time with her, especially since she’s nothing like the women I’m usually with.
Except there’s something about her.
Something I can’t quite articulate.
And I feel compelled to stay.
Guarded Love is standalone with a Happy Ever After. However, I recommend reading the books in order as the characters are interconnected throughout the series.
He is an arrogant jerk.
The last of the single hunkholes and, unfortunately, my partner for the wedding of Lourde and Barrett.
I’ll probably kill him before the week is up.
I should despise him.
But the more time we spend together, and the more he stares at me like he wants to be with me, the more I question why I hate him.
Magnus
She’s a stubborn pain in my ass.
Barrett’s sister, Evelyn, is grating on my every nerve.
Not only are we stuck together for the wedding, but were hitched for the foreseeable future.
I should dread spending time with her, especially since she’s nothing like the women I’m usually with.
Except there’s something about her.
Something I can’t quite articulate.
And I feel compelled to stay.
Guarded Love is standalone with a Happy Ever After. However, I recommend reading the books in order as the characters are interconnected throughout the series.
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
214 people are currently reading
1018 people want to read
About the author
Missy Walker
39 books368 followersMissy is an Australian author who writes kissing books with equal parts angst and steam. She loves writing stories about billionaires, enemies to lovers, and the boy next door- just to name a few.
When she’s not writing, she’s taking care of her two daughters and doting husband.
Inspired by the acreage she lives on, Missy regularly distracts herself by visiting her orchard… some days more often than writing!
Then there’s her overweight cat, Charlie, chickens, and bees if she needed another excuse to pass the time.
And, when the day ends, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a gin and tonic as the sunsets surrounded by the ones she loves.
When she’s not writing, she’s taking care of her two daughters and doting husband.
Inspired by the acreage she lives on, Missy regularly distracts herself by visiting her orchard… some days more often than writing!
Then there’s her overweight cat, Charlie, chickens, and bees if she needed another excuse to pass the time.
And, when the day ends, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a gin and tonic as the sunsets surrounded by the ones she loves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 28, 2024
Omg!!!!!! This was a wonderful book, I loved it as much as Lourde and Barrett’s story. Magnus is Devine, I love how he brought her walls down and healed her. He’s also hilarious and I enjoyed reading about his strong character and kindness. Loved the writing, it truly is a beautiful love story!!!! I’m sad it’s the last of the books about the hunkholes!!!!!
December 29, 2023
This is the 5th and final book of the Elite Men of Manhattan series which follows four friends.
This story revolves around Magnus, trust fund heir of a technology company and divorcé, and Evelyn, Barrett's sister. These two main characters have been rubbing each other up the wrong way since earlier books in this series and I'm happy they finally have their own story.
Evelyn suffers from chronic pain and has a limp from an old gunshot injury and does not hold back with her opinions especially towards Magnus who she regards as a manwhore and playboy. She changes her mind about him as they get to know each other much better when he takes care of her following an operation to her leg. Magnus, despite his decadent lifestyle, is a thoughtful and caring guy. They discover that they have deep feelings for each other but Magnus's ex wife keeps appearing on the scene. Is he truly over her?
Evelyn has a lot of hang ups about her lack of mobility and due to the verbal and physical abuse she had to endure previously when her father was still alive. Magnus makes her feel loved, cared for and seen despite him having being badly betrayed and hurt by his ex wife during their marriage.
This story has depth, angst, love, humour and friendship all tied to the previous books so it is recommended that you read this series in order, though it is a standalone story.
It is a good finish to this series and I really am glad that Evelyn and Magnus had their turn to find love. I was given an Advanced Reader Copy and I enjoyed this book very much.
This story revolves around Magnus, trust fund heir of a technology company and divorcé, and Evelyn, Barrett's sister. These two main characters have been rubbing each other up the wrong way since earlier books in this series and I'm happy they finally have their own story.
Evelyn suffers from chronic pain and has a limp from an old gunshot injury and does not hold back with her opinions especially towards Magnus who she regards as a manwhore and playboy. She changes her mind about him as they get to know each other much better when he takes care of her following an operation to her leg. Magnus, despite his decadent lifestyle, is a thoughtful and caring guy. They discover that they have deep feelings for each other but Magnus's ex wife keeps appearing on the scene. Is he truly over her?
Evelyn has a lot of hang ups about her lack of mobility and due to the verbal and physical abuse she had to endure previously when her father was still alive. Magnus makes her feel loved, cared for and seen despite him having being badly betrayed and hurt by his ex wife during their marriage.
This story has depth, angst, love, humour and friendship all tied to the previous books so it is recommended that you read this series in order, though it is a standalone story.
It is a good finish to this series and I really am glad that Evelyn and Magnus had their turn to find love. I was given an Advanced Reader Copy and I enjoyed this book very much.
January 27, 2024
So I've read this series and in my mind Magnus wasn't the best guy but I'll admit that I was wrong about him. This is the last book in the Elite men of Manhattan and I guess we did save the best for the last.
Magnus has a past like everyone else but it also gives you a gimps into his mind and how he thinks. I'll admit I didn't like him but this book made me love him.
Evelyn was this book and she grew into a beautiful swan and I do love how this series ended.
Wonderful writing and an amazing story that I will put on my list of re-reads cause yes I do read my favorites again.
Magnus has a past like everyone else but it also gives you a gimps into his mind and how he thinks. I'll admit I didn't like him but this book made me love him.
Evelyn was this book and she grew into a beautiful swan and I do love how this series ended.
Wonderful writing and an amazing story that I will put on my list of re-reads cause yes I do read my favorites again.
April 14, 2024
Best for Last!
This was the best of all of this series! Loved the full circle moment it gave the readers to Evelyn & Barrett's childhood trauma. This book is a lovely page-turner. Honestly, it's my favorite love story of all the Men of Manhatten couples!
This was the best of all of this series! Loved the full circle moment it gave the readers to Evelyn & Barrett's childhood trauma. This book is a lovely page-turner. Honestly, it's my favorite love story of all the Men of Manhatten couples!
January 22, 2024
I read the whole series! Loved every one of them.
January 1, 2024
Magnus and Evelyn are paired together at her brother’s wedding, his best friend. They constantly snark at each other. But is there more to the snarkiness?
A great easy read to ease into the new year. This is the 5th book in the Elite Men of Manhattan series, and whilst this is a standalone, previous characters feature highly so I recommend reading them in order. That said, I’ve only read the first in the series so far, and could follow along without knowledge of the other books.
I think it’s the banter in this book that appeals to me most. Evelyn is still recovering from historical trauma, of which only her brother really knows the full truth, so he’s over protective of her. She wants to be her own woman. And with help from Magnus, she might overcome her history.
His arrogance is perfect, he’s definitely a hunkhole as the women in the series call him. There’s lots to dislike about him but also a lot to like too. Don’t think too deeply. Just enjoy the ride and read Magnus and Evelyn’s love story.
A great easy read to ease into the new year. This is the 5th book in the Elite Men of Manhattan series, and whilst this is a standalone, previous characters feature highly so I recommend reading them in order. That said, I’ve only read the first in the series so far, and could follow along without knowledge of the other books.
I think it’s the banter in this book that appeals to me most. Evelyn is still recovering from historical trauma, of which only her brother really knows the full truth, so he’s over protective of her. She wants to be her own woman. And with help from Magnus, she might overcome her history.
His arrogance is perfect, he’s definitely a hunkhole as the women in the series call him. There’s lots to dislike about him but also a lot to like too. Don’t think too deeply. Just enjoy the ride and read Magnus and Evelyn’s love story.
January 4, 2024
The final chapter in this series. I have enjoyed them all, the guys have all been strong MMC and the ladies are seriously sassy and wonderful diverse characters. They have all had their own struggles and emotional baggage to overcome.
This is the story of Magnus and Evelyn. Evelyn is Barrett’s sister and their back story is heart breaking, it is a joy to see them Magnus and Evelyn blossom.
Magnus commonly known as the groups manwhore. Finally, realising exactly what is he is feeling. Evelyn is struggling to come to terms with her own emotions.
I loved the way that Magnus dealt with what he was feeling, and his journey to discover his own growth as a man.
Great series from an amazing Australian author.
This is the story of Magnus and Evelyn. Evelyn is Barrett’s sister and their back story is heart breaking, it is a joy to see them Magnus and Evelyn blossom.
Magnus commonly known as the groups manwhore. Finally, realising exactly what is he is feeling. Evelyn is struggling to come to terms with her own emotions.
I loved the way that Magnus dealt with what he was feeling, and his journey to discover his own growth as a man.
Great series from an amazing Australian author.
January 3, 2024
Such a good ending
This was a good ending to this group of friends. I hate to see it end. This book was over way too soon, a few hours in the evening and it's done!
As a lot of loves start out, the constant bickering and put downs are at the surface. Like kids in school. The boy always pulling the girls hair or making fun of her...the off way of flirting. This whole set of books have been full of this. I will probably reread this set just to have to good vibes that they all end with.
I'd love to see the group back when the babies are born. But, I'm all about the sappiness nowadays that come with the happy couples in the end.
Just another feel good book.
This was a good ending to this group of friends. I hate to see it end. This book was over way too soon, a few hours in the evening and it's done!
As a lot of loves start out, the constant bickering and put downs are at the surface. Like kids in school. The boy always pulling the girls hair or making fun of her...the off way of flirting. This whole set of books have been full of this. I will probably reread this set just to have to good vibes that they all end with.
I'd love to see the group back when the babies are born. But, I'm all about the sappiness nowadays that come with the happy couples in the end.
Just another feel good book.
January 2, 2024
Guarded Love, by Missy Walker, is the fifth book in the Elite Men of Manhattan series. We have seen the two main characters, Evelyn and Magnus, in the prior books and now they have their own story. I liked this story. Magnus is a trust fund baby like most of the other MCs in the series - Evelyn and her brother Barrett did not grow up with money, however. Magnus is a unique one in this gang of young adults as he is divorced. His wife cheated on him with the plumber after 3 months of marriage and now she is his ex-wife. Anyways, the banter/chemistry between Evelyn and Magnus is good. It fits their backgrounds and shows how they are drawn to each other given their differences. The only real challenge I had with the story was how quickly Magnus was willing to forget that she is the sister of one of his best friends. I expected a bit more angst there with that decision. In any case, the story is a good one and flows easily. Readers of the series will enjoy this installment for sure.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 21, 2024
"Guarded Love" is the fifth book in the Elite Men of Manhattan series and follows the story of Magnus, the last single guy in the group, and Evelyn. This book stands out as one of the best in the series due to the well-developed characters, making them some of the strongest in the group.
In this book, we are introduced to a different side of Magnus compared to the previous books. He is portrayed as funny and clever but also thoughtful and determined. He is straightforward and knows what he wants. On the other hand, Evelyn is a refreshing character compared to the others. She is portrayed as real, with insecurities, body image issues, and fears from her past, making her more relatable compared to the other female characters.
This book is a quick read and has fewer spicy moments. While it includes romance and steamy parts, they are relatively minimal. I speculate this may be due to Evelyn's character, as I always imagined Magnus as one of the dirtiest guy in the group.
In this book, we are introduced to a different side of Magnus compared to the previous books. He is portrayed as funny and clever but also thoughtful and determined. He is straightforward and knows what he wants. On the other hand, Evelyn is a refreshing character compared to the others. She is portrayed as real, with insecurities, body image issues, and fears from her past, making her more relatable compared to the other female characters.
This book is a quick read and has fewer spicy moments. While it includes romance and steamy parts, they are relatively minimal. I speculate this may be due to Evelyn's character, as I always imagined Magnus as one of the dirtiest guy in the group.
May 6, 2025
My favorite of the series . How Magnus and Eve found eachother both with broken hearts one from childhood trauma that left her with a disability with her leg and the other from a diverse where his wife cheated . They found love with eachother the beginning they hate eachother and ended up falling for eachother . Must read ! Loved how all the other characters from the books are in all of the series books as well.
April 27, 2024
I wasn’t sure I’d relate to Evelyn from what I’d read in snippets in the previous books of the series, however I think this book had to be the most emotional story for me out of the elite men of manhattan. So well written and I really wanted to give Evelyn a hug you know?! An u likely coupling from what you’ve read up until now but actually the perfect partnership!
May 6, 2024
Okay okay ....
I gave books 3 & 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 but this one was a *muah* 💋 [chef's kiss] ... I enjoyed this one as much as I did the first two books.
Evelyn & Magnus' story... The banter is so much fun. The slow fall to the trip right into bed is pretty cool. Her uncertainty speaks volumes to me ... that thought process is very familiar.
I gave books 3 & 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 but this one was a *muah* 💋 [chef's kiss] ... I enjoyed this one as much as I did the first two books.
Evelyn & Magnus' story... The banter is so much fun. The slow fall to the trip right into bed is pretty cool. Her uncertainty speaks volumes to me ... that thought process is very familiar.
July 29, 2024
The conclusion of this series was perfection. There are times when individuals battling a medical condition or sordid past can feel unworthy of happiness and love. The truth though - is that we are all worthy. Working through our pasts can propel us into a future - so so beautiful. Magnus and Eve are proof of that. Well done.
November 10, 2025
Evelyn, Barrett's sister, comes to NYC for the wedding of her brother to Lourdes. She has an instant dislike for Magnus, the last unattached friend of Barrett's. Magnus conducts his life as "God's gift to women" but underneath still suffers from a wife of 3 months cheating on him. Can mutual dislike become something else?
May 15, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. The story of Evelyn and Magnus caught me from the start and I ended up almost crying at the end of the book. After the Barrett and Lourdes book this was definitely my second favorite out of the series. Cant wait to start in the last one.
July 7, 2024
read it
Another great book! Couldn’t put this one down until I finished it! My husband kept telling me to get out of bed but I had to finish this book! Starting the next book in the series!!
Another great book! Couldn’t put this one down until I finished it! My husband kept telling me to get out of bed but I had to finish this book! Starting the next book in the series!!
November 27, 2024
Eve & Magnus are the last to get together out of the group of friends (siblings). After what Eve has been through in her past & leading into her present, this was a fun read as to how they became to be.
May 30, 2025
Fantastic shower scene! I also liked the realism of Evie’s pain and security. There’s an attempt to give Magnus depth with his backstory, but ultimately he is merely a fantasy. It’s the party confrontation that ruined his verisimilitude.
2025 p. 71
2025 p. 71
December 25, 2023
Can’t say much, as no one has read this yet. But… I know you are all going to looove it!!
January 14, 2024
Love it!
I love this book because it talks about the importance le loving Andalucía acceptance of ourselves. It's real y touching. I truly enjoy it.
I love this book because it talks about the importance le loving Andalucía acceptance of ourselves. It's real y touching. I truly enjoy it.
January 16, 2024
The finale! A sweet ending to the series.
January 21, 2024
This is book 5 and it did not disappoint! Live the relationship between Evelyn & Magnus!!
January 22, 2024
Absolutely loved this series! This one pulled at my emotions due to a similar experience to Evelyn near the beginning of the story, really great writing from Missy!
January 31, 2024
Patiently waiting for the next instalments of the hunkholes
March 12, 2024
Loved the series wish there was more.
April 14, 2024
amazing romantic story
Such a great story, I loved it so much, each romance in this series is so great, but this may be my favourite.
Such a great story, I loved it so much, each romance in this series is so great, but this may be my favourite.
May 2, 2024
My favourite, these two make complete sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2024
I really enjoyed Magnus and Evelyn's story. This one more than some of the others got my in the feelings. I think it was both of them being so broken and vulnerable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews