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She was my sister’s best friend until tragedy struck, then she became my world. I wanted to stay with her and build a life together, but the pain from our past made a future impossible.

While she ran away from the memories and rose to fame, I left on a mission to seek vengeance. Then a call came that changed everything and our worlds collided once again, but this time, there was no going back.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2022

20 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

About the author

Anna Brooks

83 books1,002 followers
Be sure to follow me on Bookbub for sales and new release alerts! https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-...



The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance.
Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels.
When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering.
She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Angels.
2,068 reviews17 followers
April 4, 2022
This was a cute story that we really enjoyed. The characters were engaging and fun. This was a friends to lovers romance full of complications including lies & deceits and full of more than a few surprises.

We are going to use the characters nicknames for the purpose of the review as both characters constantly used their nicknames when addressing or talking to one another, so we have to say that we loved Pip and Bear's story. After learning what we did during this story we are so glad that they had found their way back to one another as in the coming days they would need each other more than ever. With so much success we love that Pip had, remained a down to earth, and we loved that about her.

Bear was an awesome character, we loved everything about him, smart and excellent at his job and will do anything to bring the man to justice who dared to scare and harm his woman even when he and Pip were not together in that way, yet he always considered her his.

This story started out with a heartbreaking start but, as much heartache and pain the story both characters experienced, there were also several blessings to grace the couple as well.

The story had the perfect mix of romance & suspense. What we loved most about the story, as they didn't let the actions of others rob them from the future they may have with one another.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,806 reviews401 followers
March 29, 2022
Focus by Anna Brooks was action packed till the last page. This romantic suspense has so many twists and turns those you won't see coming. Callan is a gorgeous alpha hero and totally feeds my military/security agency hero addiction. It packed many heartaching tropes together like best Friend's brother, friends to lovers and second chance romance.

Exie Evans is a famous Hollywood actress. She was kidnapped one day and her childhood best friend Callan Johnson rescued her. He works for Royal Ace Security Agency now. But it's far from over. The kidnappers are on the run and Callan have vowed to protect her. He couldn't save or rescue his sister Carly who was actually Exie's best friend first. Callan and Exie bonded over Carly's disappearance. But ugly secrets from their past are coming out. And they may not find a way to be together after processing the shocking truths.


Exie has been dealt a bad hand. The worst hand actually. She was never loved unconditionally by her big family and Callan was her solace after she lost her best friend. The kidnapping has brought back so much pain and trauma. And she has feelings for Callan beforehand that has been amplified in this intense situation. It's really messy. Callan is the kind of protective alpha who will melt your panties and heart. He can boss me any day. But he was overwhelmed. Mostly his fear and concern for Exie. As he and his team dig deeper, the twisted facts came out one after another. I definitely didn't see them coming. And he was perplexed and messed up. And it made their budding relationship a mess too. My heart was aching for Exie. But she is a fierce woman with beautiful heart and she made the right yet tough choice. I was getting worried that these secrets will tear them apart. But Callan put himself together and I am over the moon as he finally claimed his woman. The side story about Carly was a bit far fetched and I am not sure if thats the right way to handle the plot. It was an unnecessary drama that was not believable. But overall it was an entertaining experience.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf).
1,429 reviews22 followers
March 31, 2022
What a wild ride! Exie is a famous actress who’s dreams stem from her childhood best friend getting kidnapped and murdered, with the people responsible never being found. She finds solace in her best friend’s brother, Callan, who has never forgot his sister and has dedicated his career to avenging her death, feeling that she’s still out there somewhere. Everything changes when Exie herself gets kidnapped, and Callan does everything to ensure her rescue and then continue to protect her. Both of them have been attracted to each other for years, but because of their friendship, nobody wants to risk losing what they have, until Exie decides to change that. With a ton of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming at all, we not only find out who is behind Exie’s kidnapping, but we also find that her best friend’s kidnapping wasn’t quite what it seemed and that it hit closer to home than anyone realized. This was a great book, and I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure things out and was so happy with the ending, although definitely shocked! I can’t wait to see what else Anna writes!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Melinda Swaine.
2,433 reviews12 followers
April 21, 2022
Anna Brooks nailed it again. I would give 10 stars if I could. This book kept me on the edge from the very beginning. It ropes you in and keeps you there till the last page. I honestly did not want to put it down. There is so much love and suspense and heart pounding, spicy action. Fantastic read. I was sucked in and fell for the temptation to complete the book in one sitting...even though it was 1 in the morning and I had to get up early the next day. If this sounds like your type of book, then go buy this book, find a cozy chair, grab a drink and some snacks and enjoy. Happy reading everyone
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
2,332 reviews146 followers
April 1, 2022
Ok wow.
I'm so glad I gave this author another chance, as she completely blew me away with this story.
So much so that I couldn't not add it to my top reads of '22 list. This one was a true standalone so I wasn't lost for a second, instead I found myself slack jawed by multiple bombshells and twists I never saw coming.
I adored this couple, but will they be able to move on from past atrocities to finally be together?
Highly recommend that you one click to find out.
Profile Image for Judy.
2,022 reviews13 followers
April 13, 2022
Oh my word is this a fantastic story. You've got a murder that was never solved, an actress who is kidnapped, a love that's been hidin , and so much more. Just so good that I stayed up late to read it all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,061 reviews24 followers
April 5, 2022
What a good read! Exie and Callan have a bond forged through their deep friendship, which has been cemented through mutual loss and heartache. This story was filled with so many twists and revelations that my head was spinning at times. Exie's trust in Callan is profound, as is their love and support of, and for, each other. With the stresses of some awful events, both from the past and the present, they learn things which have them spinning. I am not saying any more as it would spoil the read, suffice to say you need to unearth the mysteries yourself. 💖💖💖💖
Profile Image for Jaimie.
1,648 reviews25 followers
April 4, 2022
Anna Brooks brings all the feels and suspense in this Bodyguard romance!

Exie and Callan are fire together and I love their story so much. Callan the protector and Exie in a position that only Callan can keep her protected.

You get all the love and history since they were childhood friends. I think that makes it so much more special. But the tragedy makes it hard to overcome those past hurts...

Their story is so amazing with all the twists that will have you blown away.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
5,580 reviews51 followers
April 4, 2022
We're back on the series with Exie and Callan's story. It was a whirlwind, fast-paced and intense journey for the two of them. I loved how the author wrote their backstory and weave it into the present. I got invested pretty much right from the first page. I wanted so much to know when and how these two best friends who harbour feelings for each other finally get together while uncovering the mystery that happen more than a decade ago. These two reeled me in and I couldn't put the book down. And that twist?! I was not expecting that. But I loved it. Their story wasn't too heavy and it's still an easy read for me.

I hoped we get Carly's story. I would love to get to know her better and what really happened with her life in her pov.
Profile Image for Cheryl O'Harney.
1,278 reviews21 followers
April 4, 2022
When she was younger Exie’s best friend Carly was taken from her bedroom one night, her remains were found at a later date. As a result of the loss of her best friend Exie was determined to make her childhood dreams of becoming an actress reality, she wanted to escape the memories, becoming an actress was her way out. Carly’s older brother Callan who’s now Exie’s best friend didn't want to escape the the past, he wanted to stay and seek vengeance for his sister, he began working with Royal Ace Security, specialising in the Kidnap and Rescue division, never in a million years did he think he’d have to use his skills when it came to another person he cared deeply for but that’s exactly what happens when Exie ends up getting kidnapped one night on her way home from the set where she’s working on her latest movie. Callan does everything in his power to ensure Exie’s rescue, continuing to closely watch over her whilst any remaining threats are eliminated.

The pair had been attracted to one another for years, but neither of them had wanted to make a move and risk losing the friendship they have, up until now that is, when Exie decides to tell Callan how she feels and what she wants.

There’s twists and turns ahead as not only do we find out who’s behind Exie’s kidnapping, we also discover that Carly’s kidnapping wasn’t quite as it seemed, things were a lot closer to home than anyone realised.

Another great addition to the series, I can’t wait to see what’s next from Anna.

𝔸ℝℂ 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕚𝕤 𝕞𝕪 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
936 reviews16 followers
April 1, 2022
Callan and Exie bonded 15 years ago when a tragic event happened. Losing her best friend taught Exie to hold onto those she cared about the most as close as she could and to go for her dreams. As the youngest of 8 children, she didn’t know a lot of love from her parents as they were spread thin by the time she came. She relied heavily on her best friend’s older brother, Callan and his parents.

After losing his sister, Callan became closer to her best friend. It is safe to say that these two have become best friends themselves. Callan has devoted his life to helping find and rescue those that have been taken. He taught Exie what to do if she was ever taken, especially once she became an actress and became famous. When the unthinkable happens, Callan jumps into action as fast as he can to save his best friend. When the threat doesn’t get dealt with right away he has made it his mission to keep her safe. When lines get crossed, neither know how to deal with the emotions that come forward. Will they be able to figure out who is after Exie before it is too late?

I haven’t had the opportunity to read anything by Ms. Brooks, so this was a jump into her world. I really enjoyed the book. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time as we tried to work out what was going on and who took Exie. The characters were written really well and I loved how we got to see all those that worked at Alpha and how they worked together to solve the mystery.
3,719 reviews42 followers
April 3, 2022
This is book Ten in The Guarding Her Series and it is Exie and Callan's story and omg it is definitely a must read. Exie is a famous actress and on her way home her car breaks down and she is kidnapped. Callan works for Royal Ace Security and they rescue victim's and hopefully bring them home but when he gets a call that Exie has been kidnapped all bets are off and he will do everything possible to find her and bring her home or did trying. Exie and Callan lived next door to each other when they were younger and have been best friend's ever since and when Callan's sister was taken years ago and never found even though he never stopped looking for her and Exie and Callan got even closer and always stayed in touch how ever far away from each other they were and they were also in love with each other but couldn't tell each other as neither wanted to ever loose there friendship as it was so important to both of them. There are twists and turns along with betrayal, loss, secret's, family, kidnapping, hope, love and some very emotional situations that had me in tears but I still couldn't put this book down as it was so addictive and I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next and what the outcome would be for them all. Anna Brooks is an amazing author and writer and I can't wait to read more of her book's as the depth of her story's are what makes her book's real page turner's and definitely worth reading.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,180 reviews35 followers
April 4, 2022
Focus is the latest installment in the Guarding Her series by Anna Brooks. All novels can be read as standalones. Although all books have interconnected characters, readers (like me) will easily follow the story without having read the others in the series.

Exie Evans and Callan Johnson have a long tragic but lovely past and present. Exie and Callan's sister Carly were childhood best friends until Carly's kidnapped. Callan "Bear" and Exie "Pip" bonded over their shared grief and turmoil. While Exie left town to overcome her demons, Cal trained in every way possible to find his sister's killers. Now, Exie is a Hollywood sensation and is in need of Cal's professional services when she's kidnapped, as well.

This book started out action packed with Exie's kidnapping. Although I haven't had a chance to read the other books in the series, after learning of Carly's disappearance years earlier, I knew this was no coincidence! There had to be a larger story behind the scenes. I won't spoil the ending by saying more but Brooks definitely takes the reader on a wild ride. I loved the relationship between Callan and Exie that evolved into their HEA. Their friendship was lovely and a natural starting place for their slow burn! Carly's story was an interesting arc of the story and I'm interested to see how that plays out in coming books. Great read and I'm looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,699 reviews98 followers
April 5, 2022
4 stars

Focus is the latest installment in the Guarding Her series by Anna Brooks. All novels can be read as standalones. Although all books have interconnected characters, readers (like me) will easily follow the story without having read the others in the series.

Exie Evans and Callan Johnson have a long tragic but lovely past and present. Exie and Callan's sister Carly were childhood best friends until Carly's kidnapped. Callan "Bear" and Exie "Pip" bonded over their shared grief and turmoil. While Exie left town to overcome her demons, Cal trained in every way possible to find his sister's killers. Now, Exie is a Hollywood sensation and is in need of Cal's professional services when she's kidnapped, as well.

This book started out action packed with Exie's kidnapping. Although I haven't had a chance to read the other books in the series, after learning of Carly's disappearance years earlier, I knew this was no coincidence! There had to be a larger story behind the scenes. I won't spoil the ending by saying more but Brooks definitely takes the reader on a wild ride. I loved the relationship between Callan and Exie that evolved into their HEA. Their friendship was lovely and a natural starting place for their slow burn! Carly's story was an interesting arc of the story and I'm interested to see how that plays out in coming books. Great read and I'm looking forward to catching up with the rest of the series!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
April 4, 2022
HOLY HELL! Focus was cover to cover excitement as our heroine gets kidnapped out of the gate. Exie is a famous actress who never got caught up in Hollywood as she kept her big heart & gave a lot of her money to charity, and even her family whenever they needed it. Her family didn't deserve it since they never really paid any attention to her as the baby of a big family (I was so offended on her behalf). Her childhood best friend & said bestie's brother, Callan, was the one who rescued her but it wasn't over yet so he decided to stick close to her. Let me tell you, there are stories with twists coming in hot but then there's Focus with INSANE twists blowing it wide open. I've been trying to figure out why it took me so long to discover Anna Brooks as she's an author who writes to my suspense filled sweet spot but I can promise I'll never miss another book by her in the future (and even check out all previous books). I was on the edge of my seat the whole way which is why I'm being pretty cryptic because I was leveled with all the revelations when they came out. If you love suspense filled goodness then this is the book for you as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 
Profile Image for TLynn.
1,467 reviews17 followers
April 18, 2022
Focus is the tenth book in the Guarding Her series by Anna Brooks. I haven’t read all the books in the series but the ones I have read, I have had no problems following along. The book was short, fast-paced, and easily read in one day.
It started off with Exie, a Hollywood star, getting kidnapped right away and the suspense keeps ongoing until the end. Callan “Bear” was the brother of her childhood best friend who had been kidnapped as a teenager. He works for Royal Ace Securities and specializes in K&R and as her best friend has tried to convince her she needs a bodyguard. After she gets kidnapped, Bear is on the case determined to find her. Coincident between Exie and his sister’s kidnapping are similar and start to lead him on a path to solve both cases.
I loved how he was protective of Exie but also supportive of her. This was a wonderful, slow burn, friend to lover romance. I loved the intrigue and
the charming characters. I look forward to future books in the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,256 reviews61 followers
April 2, 2022
Anna Brooks has produced a magnificent emotionally charged romantic suspense storyline, one that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish, this couple's connection just lit up the pages.


Focus was fast-paced, and believe me the emotions run high, from the tragedy of the past that still surrounds Exie and Callan to the unfolding events that are now happening in the present that brings back together with the Hollywood star and the best friend bodyguard, but neither of these could truly be prepared for the events that were about to unfold, the only stability was when they finally can admit to the feelings they have for each other are so much more than friends but the sparks that flow of the pages when they are together were evidence enough that this couple that had endured so much were destined to be together.
Profile Image for Jolene St Germain Triggs.
762 reviews9 followers
April 4, 2022
The gang at Royal Ace Security are back with Callan and Exie's story and I was blown away! I love the protective alpha in Cal. He was the perfect balance of protective and supportive, even though he was growly about it sometimes. Exie is sweet and loving and understanding in a way that I try to be. She and Cal had been through so much, and they had no idea that what they knew was only the tip of the iceberg. I think Exie learned a lot about herself and how to speak up for herself from Cal. Their chemistry was fire and I could not put this down, so many twists and turns I didn't see coming. It's short enough to read in an afternoon, perfect for a lazy Sunday or maybe a nice beach read!
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,453 reviews155 followers
April 4, 2022
Having read Link i couldn’t wait to read more from this series! As soon as this next installment was announced i instantly started looking forward to it! I picked it up as soon as i could and i got back into the Guarding Her! I enjoyed it!

Exie and Callan’s journey got my attention quickly! I wasn’t sure what all to expect and i really liked how it kept me on my toes. I so enjoyed the way these characters made me feel many things throughout.

With Focus, Ms.Brooks has created such a good read! I can’t wait to dive back into this series with the next installment, Hinder!



*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
2,098 reviews31 followers
April 5, 2022
What an amazing read! Callan and Exie had me glued to the pages to see what happened. These two have been through heartbreak and loss, but through it all they had each other. Exie is all grown up and living her Hollywood dream and Callan being the protector that he is and saving lives daily. When Exie’s life is in danger he’s all in to find her and bring her home. So many feelings and truths come to light and a twist that threw me for a loop, and I gotta give it to this author, I didn't see it coming! Such a great book, I love this series and can’t wait for more. I found this book on BookSprout.
Profile Image for Carolyn Spence.
1,925 reviews16 followers
April 6, 2022
It was a very long love story between Callan and Exie, 15 years in the making, and it was well worth the wait. So many surprises in this chapter. You have to read it to find about all the zingers in this story. Callan had kind of a relaxing kind of effect on me, no matter how intense the situation was, I felt relaxed that he had it all under control. Exie was such a sweet character and she reached out to me as well. They are the perfect pair and I absolutely loved the look into their future. I'm also kind of realizing so many different options for other books in this series or that other secondary character. Can't wait!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Sharon Roush.
293 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2022
Wow!! Anna Brooks done another great job i really don't have the words to tell you how much i loved this book. Callan and Exie were friends when they were younger and then tragedy struck. When Exie is kidnapped the person to save her is Callan and that is when the story truly begins. The twists and turns and the stunning revelation is something that truly threw me. Needless to say i believe that this is one of my top 5 reads for her. Great job Anna!! I highly recommend this book.
656 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2022
Focus is action packed, friends to lovers, with some unexpected twists and turns. Callen and Exie have been friends since childhood and have both experienced unimaginable loss and deviation. Exie finds herself in an unimaginable situation and knows the only person who can help is Cal. Everything that happens after is a rollercoaster. I wasn't thrilled with how Cal and Exie handled certain things, but loved how everything turned out. A great addition to this series!!
9,376 reviews140 followers
April 13, 2022
Another great book to the series! The author brings strong characters and weaves an intense, action packed story filled with twists and a ton of steam. I was glued to the pages and still left with wanting more. It's well written, moves fluidly and is a terrific read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
1,760 reviews45 followers
April 14, 2022
This was my first story by this author and I loved it! Now I’m going to have to go and look for more of her books. The story is entertaining and enjoyable. The characters were interesting and likable. Misunderstandings and lack of communication are relationship killers and they definitely did their job in this story. But all is well that ends well.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tabitha.
635 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2022
Focus

O. M. G! Anna! Focus's storyline is absolutely amazing. I am just so humbled to be able to read this beauty of a book. I felt all the emotions and absolutely fell in love with the characters Exie and Callan. They were beautifully written. The whole Guarding Her series has been incredible. I cannot wait for the next book. Congratulations on one amazing story!
I will highly recommend this series and book to my friends and family.
2,945 reviews15 followers
April 16, 2022
So good! Focus is a riveting read, a steamy romantic suspense with surprising twists and turns, and I couldn't put it down. I loved Exie and Callan who have MAJOR chemistry; and although I kind of hated to say goodbye to them, the author did give them a pretty wonderful HEA. This is one of my favorite Anna Brooks books and a really great read. I loved it. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,186 reviews72 followers
May 17, 2022
Where’s the real danger?

I really do love this series. And this book is no exception. Exie has some trouble, Callan has the skills to save her, and then it all goes sideways. Past and present collide, lies and truths and ugly secrets all fall into the light, and what Exie and Cal THOUGHT was true may have been a hideous illusion. But can they survive the real truth when it comes out? Trust me, you’ll want to know if they can and if it can be salvaged.
Profile Image for Edie L.
2,094 reviews15 followers
April 5, 2022
FOCUS by Anna Brooks 

Oh wow this book certainly had me on the edge of my seat. There is so much to unpack with Edie and Callan. They are both full of grief and regret. They both live with this darkness from their past that is palpable and we as readers can feel. An amazing book I must go back and read the others and what ever comes after. Very much recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

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