Hinder

Guarding Her #11

by Anna Brooks

I was jaded and bitter after the worst kind of betrayal, so the last thing on my mind was love… until her.

My job was to keep her safe, but I wanted to be more than just her protector. I wanted to be her forever, but she only needed me temporarily. When it was time to leave, I could do nothing but walk away and hope she would follow.

I didn’t see her again until months later when she showed up at my door with blood on her hands. And because I was still in love with her, I risked everything to clear her name… even though I wasn’t sure she was as innocent as she claimed to be.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense, Romantic Suspense

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2022

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Jenifer Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author, and I just had so much fun!! It was light and sexy, but still emotional at the same time, which was perfect for the mood I was in.

So here we have Onnika/Nik and Foster-- two people who've been brutally betrayed by those who claimed to have loved them. They aren't looking for romance at all, but when their connection quickly escalates, you just know that fate has something in store for them. When Nikki needs help, she turns to Foster, and the more time they spend with each other, the more they realize that what they have is beautiful and rare, and something worth fighting for.

I just loved this couple so much!! There's definitely a lot of funny moments, and the connection between these two was so immediate and just so well done. I can't wait for more in this series!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions**

[PP's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hinder by Anna Brooks is a steamy romantic suspense. It was a fast paced read with good action and plenty of sexy times. If you love to read about ex military alpha heroes and strong heroines with a sharply executed storyline, Hinder by Anna Brooks is for you.

Onnika and Foster's paths crossed for the first time when Onnika was running from her cheating ex and visiting her sister Oakley. Foster's friend and coworker at Royal Ace Security was dating Oakley and together they kept the sisters safe from the crazy evil persons. Onnika and Foster had an instant connection and they formed a close bond. But Onnika pushed Foster away because she felt guilty and afraid of putting everyone in danger. Now years later, the past have come hunting for Onnika and Foster is the first person she could think of asking for help. Will Foster save her again?

Foster is a great character. He has a bad experience as far as love and relationships goes. He was hurt and betrayed and Onnika is the first woman who made him feel something after a long long time. And then she left too. But he didn't think twice before stepping up and facing danger when Onnika asked for help. He is like the essential alpha hero. Loyal. Protective. Caring. Dangerous for bad people. On the other hand, Onnika is a complicated character. I can definitely see that she is fiercely protective and also very strong. She is sassy and reckless and also resilient. She just tends to act without thinking about consequences and that put everyone around her in a compromised state. She sometimes comes across selfish and closed off. Foster and Onnika have a great chemistry. They have a magnetic pull. It took lots of twists and turns and chasing for them finally be together. It was a adventurous and sizzling hot journey.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onnika was in a relationship with a lying liar who was cheating on her so she gets even with him, and while it was hilarious how she did it, it certainly didn't help her out so she had to go visit her twin to get away from him, and this is where she comes face to face with Foster. Foster was served up with a brutal betrayal while he was off fighting for his country, and it understandably made him jaded. Hell, Onnika was the first woman who he had a real connection with so they hooked up instantly, but then she was gone. Turns out she didn't tell Foster & his boss (who was with her twin) the whole truth & her twin was caught in the crossfire so Foster was sent to protect Onnika. Once the threat was down for the count, Onnika sent him packing & it was a cool minute she sought him out (she was in trouble again). These two people absolutely frustrated me to no end since they were perfect for each other, and yet, still played the push & pull game until I wanted to shake them in the worst way. Hinder has everything I love in my books, heat, angst, drama, action, and twists coming in hot so seriously, y'all need to hit those one click buttons as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Angels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read and loved the characters. This story was all about instant connection between characters infused with mystery and suspense and a character like Nikki who made you laugh with her boldness and vibrant personality.

We thought Foster was a sweetheart and loved that he was full of patience and kindness, and he needed a lot of patience if he was ever going to lock that furiously independent Philly like Nikki down.

Sometimes it's all about timing and for couples, and that sums it up for this couple. Nikki may have been running from her past and her feelings when it came to Foster, but, the one man she trusted above all else to keep her safe when she was in trouble was the man she was running from but, not to.

Tons of chemistry between these two characters, loved how they fit and that they made an awesome couple. Overall, a really cute story that had a great cast of characters, full of hot alpha men and a plot we really enjoyed. Loving this series.

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Hinder was a good book , I'm a fan of Anna Brooks work and this series is really good it can be read as a standalone but I would recommend that you read in order . I thought the character growth between the couple was brilliant I liked how everything meshed and just went even thought at times I did get frustrated with how things were handled but over all I really enjoyed this book . I also enjoyed the secondary character they brought a lot to the story and just made me want to know more about them and be happy to see past characters from previous books .
stars 4
heroine 4
hero 4
secondary character 4
steam 3

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Foster and Niki's story but not as much as I did the previous books. I loved Forster and how even after he was burned he still wanted to try again with Niki. I loved the connection between them. He's so amazing with her. But I can't really get around to Niki's decision to stop what they have. The break in the middle was a little abrupt. And I don't like how she blames it on him for giving her time and space when it's what she wanted. She was the one who asked for it. Then towards the end, she was about to do the same thing. I think I would've enjoyed it more if the ending was not rushed.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book eleven in The Guarding Her series and it is Niki and Foster's story and omg it is definitely a must read. When Niki was in a car accident she met Drake who was kind and helped her sort everything out and took her home and then they started spending time together only for her to find out later that he was engaged and she was so angry that she caused a scene at his engagement party and when things started to get out of hand she decided to go and see her twin sister Oakley who lived in texas. Foster worked for Lincoln who owned Royal
Ace Security and even though some days were harder than others he loved what he did and they were all like a family but he was also dealing with the fact that his ex fiancee cheated on him while he was on tour in the army and they had just had a baby and the betrayal was taking some time to come to terms with but while out having a drink with his friends he sees a beautiful woman who he would love to get to no and they started spending some time together. Danger is just around the corner watching and waiting to strike but will Foster be able to protect Niki giving them a chance of a happy ending. Wow I absolutely loved this book and series so much and I couldn't put this book down as it had you on the edge of your seat and it was so addictive that I can't wait to read more book's in this series and I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Link and Focus i’ve been looking so forward to more! As soon as i found out about this installment i couldn’t wait to get back into this series. I picked it up and got back into the Guarding Her world. I enjoyed this story!

Foster and (Niki) Onnika’s journey got my attention quickly! Once these two are brought into each other’s lives, nothing is the same. As they’re reunited, i couldn’t wait to see how they’d tackle everything thrown their way.

These two had both been through things in their lives and i really liked the realness that brought to the story. Their chemistry was so good! Foster got into my heart with his determination. I wasn’t sure what all to expect and i enjoyed the way that pulled me into this even more. I felt many things throughout with these characters.

With Hinder, Ms.Brooks has created such a good read that made me feel so much! I am so looking forward to reading more of this series! I can’t wait to get into the next installment, Tension!

*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*

[Samantha (Millennial Life Crisis Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of this series! After getting to know Onnika a little bit through her sister’s story, I was so excited for her to get her own, especially with Foster! Once things got figured out in the last book, I thought that things were settled with Onnika, but I was totally wrong, and this storyline was unexpected! Foster isn’t looking for love after finding his fiancé having his brother’s child, but there’s something about Onnika that he can’t get enough, and neither can she with him. But when her past comes back to haunt her, she doesn’t know where to go except to Foster, and when things go from bad to worse, he takes her on the run in order to both protect her as well as prove her innocence. This was such a great read that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who is behind everything and the reasons behind it and Anna did not disappoint. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series to see who’s next from the group!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Dimple · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love all things Anna Brooks but sadly, Hinder was not for me. I genuinely did not care for the main female character. She was selfish and immature. But more importantly, I was incensed by the lie this "heroine" tells about a completely innocent bystander. The person she lied about had zero to do with anything but she uses him as an excuse to not tell what she feels will be an embarrassing truth. She flippantly lies about her boss sexually harassing her. These kinds of false accusations or even implications can have VAST ramifications on people's lives, up to and including losing their reputation, livelihoods and sometimes even their lives. Sexual assault and domestic violence cases are already hard enough, please don't set back women's cases even further by using sexual harrassement as a lie to distract people! Frankly it was just something I couldn't get past with this character and ruined the book for me.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 11th book in this incredible series and is Foster and Onnika / Niki’s journey. Both characters are jaded from past events, and I loved the scorned women who gets back at her ex in a restaurant. Foster works for Royal Ace Security, and when Niki needs help, she knows exactly where to go, and that is to Foster. This is a well written fast paced story, which is sweet, and with suspense, danger, intrigue, betrayal, and love, which leads to a steamy all-consuming page turner. The only downside, and this is in my opinion only, is the story was too rushed. However, I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Wildfire Marketing Solutions and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jolene St Germain Triggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little standalone tale about how a quickie can turn into something more. Neither Foster nor Niki were looking for anything, having both recently been cheated on but when its love, its love. Unfortunately no one realizes it at the time, but luckily for them, their lives are intertwined through mutual important people in their lives, so when Niki needs help, she knows EXACTLY who to call. This is a sweet story that can easily be read in an afternoon and has all the elements that make a book good to me. Its got some suspense, action, humor, heart, and plenty of spice to make you blush. Definitely a wonderful place to visit, I love catching up with the Royal Security crew!

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride. I loved Onnika and Foster together. I'm glad we picked up where Linc left off and we got to see out what transpired between Onnika and her boyfriend. Humiliated and hurt she leaves to see her twin and shares a little white lie not knowing that what she did would come back to bite her hard and Forest always said he’d be there for her no matter what. Forest and Nikki were exactly what each other needed. She needed to feel desired and wanted and Foster needed to just feel. These two were explosive, but their communication needed a little work. Great read, this series is amazing!! I found this book on BookSprout.

[Carolyn Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foster and Onnika (Niki) actually met in the previous story, but in this one you get the details of what they did in the car! A scorned woman is no laughing matter, what Niki did was awesome, but it had circumstances that were not accounted for. Throw in a close family spat that's lasted years and you get the best part when Foster confronts his brother, Turner and says thanks for sleeping with my X as it brought me to "her". I did want to throttle Niki a few times though. Overall, total swoon worthy read. Loved it.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Foster and Onnika. She's just got out of a relationship, when she found out she was the other woman. She heads to her sisters in Texas for a visit when she meets Linc and his buddy Foster. They have instant sparks but both have had rough relationship breakups. But when her life is in danger, he steps to to protect her. Great HEA in the works.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick fast paced read that I sped through.
Although it was good, I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous book, and the further in I read, the more I wanted to shake the female main character on multiple levels.
In saying that I did enjoy trying to put together the pieces of the plot puzzle.
Although it was well written, it still personally felt rushed hence I was able to finish it so fast.
Could just be the head space I'm in, I'm sure many will enjoy.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had you exploring sister love, team support, family and of course love and romance. The chemistry was off the charts! When they met at the lowest and got lifted was beautiful to read. Loved the impulsive decisions made just for love. Big flag seen was communication people! If only we spoke out mind!!!! Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so fast paced I didnt wanna put it down. I loved both Foster and Onnika ... with Onnika running from her craptastic ex meeting Foster wasn't what she was expecting. These two are explosive together but have crappy communication skills. These two both have crappy past that put them on edge and they both mess up! I love how they come back together and finally get it right and they have both learned so much! The ending is fabulous.

[Edie L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hinder by Anna Brooks!   
Ok so obviously I have been missing out because this is the 11th book in the series and this is the first I read. I enjoyed this book but I must say I was a bit lost with some of the mentions of other’s characters. But above all I enjoyed the book and the chemistry between Onnika and Foster. There is however so ugh miscommunication between them that I didn’t care for but besides that I enjoyed it. Definitely recommend this book.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foster & Onnika

Finally! These two needed a kick in the pants, my goodness. They connected instantly, but circumstances got in their way.

I loved their connection and banter. Loved seeing Onnika & Oakley & part of Oakley & Linc's story from Niki & Foster's POV. Good suspense & action & steam, along the way, too!

And there's some healing happening that made me super happy for those characters, that they were able to do so. Oh, & I found the ending super cute!

😍😍😍

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great steamy romance read that I loved reading. I loved Foster and Onnika. Neither were looking for romance having been betrayed by people who said they loved them. When they meet they have a instant connection with wonderful chemistry that escalated into a beautiful romance. It’s a sweet story with humor suspense action and love and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a story. I laughed at how Onnika paid back her ex in the restaurant. It was so thought out and scandalous. But boy do things take a nasty turn from there. Foster works for Royal Ace Security and is what she's going to need to stay alive.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jillian Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hinder is Foster and Niki's story. It's a fast paced, action packed, steamy read. These two had great chemistry right from the start. I like how things progressed between the two until Niki put a stop to it. She drove me crazy and I wasn't a fan of her choices. The ending was a bit rushed for me and I feel like the story just ended.

[Teresa Reitnauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first time reading this author, and I enjoyed reading Onnika and Foster's story. The characters were well developed and realistic. This is a fast-paced page-turner with betrayal, drama, suspense, and romance. I recommend checking out Hinder and more from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely flawless. Niki and Foster were compelling, engaging characters. A really fantastic story filled with emotion. It is drama filled, has all your emotions involved, it’s captivating and full of suspense. What more could you ask for. Another fantastic book in a fantastic series. I LOVED IT! Happy reading everyone

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting Foster's story. Onnika and Foster have instant attraction that turns into so much more. But with what happens and needing space, they both go their separate ways for a little bit.

This is a good story of a man protecting the one he loves. She has a past that keeps popping up, and she runs to the only man that can save her.

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Foster and Onnika were just destined for trouble. They met and had a one night stand which led to a forced close proximity quasi romance which led to an abrupt ending and then months of separation which then led to another forced proximity romance. What a wild ride. 4 stars

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read. Fast paced, had suspense, great romance i really enjoyed it and didn't want to put it down. Kept you on the edge wanting to know what was going to happen next.

I also loved the family dynamic throughout, definitely recommend!

[Jenn O'Leary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hinder was a fast paced romantic suspense about
This is Foster and Onnika's story.
I was a bit lost at first reading Hinder as I haven't read any of the other books in the series but overall it was a good book.

[Sharon Roush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What a great read, another winner by Anna Brooks. From start to finish I could not put it down. It has everything that you want in a book, it has the heat, the angst, and a HEA. I highly recommend it . Great job Anna!