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Dubicki's #2
Guarded Heart
Jesse Dubicki learned to channel all of his pent up rage into his fists. Now, he's just hired one of the best coaches in the world to help him succeed in becoming a top MMA fighter. Carissa Hart is a woman that has seen more in her young life than many people will in their lifetime. She's finally on her own two feet and determined not to let anyone hurt her again. Jesse's been abandoned by everyone that he's ever loved. Carissa has been abused by everyone that she's ever loved. They are inexplicably drawn to each other. Neither of them wants to be hurt again. Will their relationship survive when a shocking secret from Jesse's past threatens to change their life forever? ****** Author's Note: While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone novel. The book contains graphic sex scenes and is intended for mature readers.
166 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
8 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Andres
12 books27 followersLisa Andres is an Author and Psychic Medium. After a prophetic dream featuring a near death experience telling her to "Write The Book!" she wrote her first book, Gifted - A Guide for Mediums, Psychics & Intuitives.
She has now written several other non-fiction books and writes romance under the name Gabriella Scott. She also now has Gifted published in French and Spanish.
Lisa lives in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) and never leaves home without her Kindle.
She has now written several other non-fiction books and writes romance under the name Gabriella Scott. She also now has Gifted published in French and Spanish.
Lisa lives in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) and never leaves home without her Kindle.
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December 5, 2025🎁 The Dubicki's Series (2 book series) is FREE on Amazon today (6/15/2020)! 🎁
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September 9, 2016DNF @ 30%
I tried, I really really did, but I couldn’t get into the story. I kept getting frustrated because no matter how hard I tried to picture the characters or hear the story from their own voice I couldn’t. I was just reading words that never came to life in my head. It probably is just me, could be the whole jet lag thing, who knows, but I’m putting it aside for now and maybe come back to it later on.
I tried, I really really did, but I couldn’t get into the story. I kept getting frustrated because no matter how hard I tried to picture the characters or hear the story from their own voice I couldn’t. I was just reading words that never came to life in my head. It probably is just me, could be the whole jet lag thing, who knows, but I’m putting it aside for now and maybe come back to it later on.
April 18, 2014
Hm, I really wish I could rate this higher. I liked Jesse and Carissa and I liked the storyline, the problem for me is the execution.
Info dump (through-out), telling instead of showing, stilted un-natural dialogue, underdeveloped characters. The plot just sort of fizzled.
I hope someday this story will get a re-write/re-edit and maybe expand the length to make it the sweet endearing story it has the potential to be.
Info dump (through-out), telling instead of showing, stilted un-natural dialogue, underdeveloped characters. The plot just sort of fizzled.
I hope someday this story will get a re-write/re-edit and maybe expand the length to make it the sweet endearing story it has the potential to be.
April 19, 2014
Show, don't tell
Show, don't tell
I couldn't finish this story. It reads like it was written by a girl the same age--or younger--as the 21-year-old heroine. In its favor, grammatical errors don't litter the content. But the author hasn't mastered active voice and the concept of "show, not tell." Maturity and experience will help fulfill this author's potential.
Show, don't tell
I couldn't finish this story. It reads like it was written by a girl the same age--or younger--as the 21-year-old heroine. In its favor, grammatical errors don't litter the content. But the author hasn't mastered active voice and the concept of "show, not tell." Maturity and experience will help fulfill this author's potential.
June 2, 2015
I received Guarded Heart through First Reads in exchange for an honest review. Guarded Heart is the second book in the Dubicki's series by Lisa Andres. This book can be read as standalone as it is about interconnected characters. I was excited to read this story after reading the blurb. There is just something about an athletic man that knows how to handle himself, and they are usually alpha which makes for an interesting story every time. I have never read a book by Lisa Andres before this one though, so I went into this one not really knowing what to expect. I think that this book had a lot of promise, and I think with a little work this could be a good story. I did have problems with it though, and unfortunately this one just didn't work for me.
I liked both characters for the most part. I felt like their relationship was really rushed. I think that they had great chemistry, but I didn't really ever buy the feelings that happened so quickly between them.
I felt like this story while having potential just fell short and wasn't able to deliver on the promise of what could have been a good story. It was short, and I think the length really hurt in this case because it didn't seem real or believable with how short it was and the way it was written was sub-par. I also felt like this book had a tendency to just dump a bunch of info without ever really showing you what was going on. It was hard to get into at times because it just felt awkward in parts and as though we as readers were being told rather than showed what was happening. I also just felt like pretty much every big conflict or event in this story was predictable and overdone. It was most every cliche that you have seen already, and just felt like the same story retold with a few differences. There was nothing new or unique about this one, and it didn't stand out at all. I also felt like a few large things were brought up and then just glossed over without question at all, and that was pretty much what killed it for me. There were some sweet parts, and the characters were likable enough even being underdeveloped. But I just wasn't able to get behind this story. If you are looking for a quick and sweet read with a happy ending you might give this one a shot, but if you are wanting a story that is really developed and believable with something unique or different this one might not be for you.
I liked both characters for the most part. I felt like their relationship was really rushed. I think that they had great chemistry, but I didn't really ever buy the feelings that happened so quickly between them.
I felt like this story while having potential just fell short and wasn't able to deliver on the promise of what could have been a good story. It was short, and I think the length really hurt in this case because it didn't seem real or believable with how short it was and the way it was written was sub-par. I also felt like this book had a tendency to just dump a bunch of info without ever really showing you what was going on. It was hard to get into at times because it just felt awkward in parts and as though we as readers were being told rather than showed what was happening. I also just felt like pretty much every big conflict or event in this story was predictable and overdone. It was most every cliche that you have seen already, and just felt like the same story retold with a few differences. There was nothing new or unique about this one, and it didn't stand out at all. I also felt like a few large things were brought up and then just glossed over without question at all, and that was pretty much what killed it for me. There were some sweet parts, and the characters were likable enough even being underdeveloped. But I just wasn't able to get behind this story. If you are looking for a quick and sweet read with a happy ending you might give this one a shot, but if you are wanting a story that is really developed and believable with something unique or different this one might not be for you.
October 23, 2014
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
This is the second book in a series but it reads as a standalone. I haven't read the previous book but I never felt lost or confused reading this book.
I liked the storyline and I liked Carissa and Jesse together. The dialogue feels a little stiff and awkward at times. I wish that the story had been developed more. There was a lot of info dumping - I learned a lot about Carissa but I felt distanced from her. I had a hard time connecting with her. Why is she friends with girls that she refers to as "mean girls" behind their backs?
Given Carissa's past and how closed she was towards men, it seemed like her feelings towards Jesse happened very quickly. I loved the scenes with them together. They were very sweet but I feel like I needed a little more of these scenes. I needed them to be fleshed out a bit more. I loved the horse riding date that ends, not with sex, but with them just comforting each other.
WARNING ---- Spoilers to follow.......
My main problem was with the ending. Jesse is an MMA fighter, but he just lets Carissa leave him. She is hurt by what she sees as a betrayal of her trust and breaks up with him. 3 days later and he is making out with a woman at the bar as a way to forget about Carissa. He hasn't tried to see Carissa and explain himself. He just lets her walk out and he wallows in pity for himself. At this point I was just annoyed with both characters. Ultimately I was satified with how things get resolved.
I think this writer has promise - there's a good story, a sweet romance, but the dialogue is a little wooden and the story would benefit from characters and events being developed a bit more. Some big things happen that are glossed over and I think that if a little more time was spent in some scenes it would be a much better book.
This is the second book in a series but it reads as a standalone. I haven't read the previous book but I never felt lost or confused reading this book.
I liked the storyline and I liked Carissa and Jesse together. The dialogue feels a little stiff and awkward at times. I wish that the story had been developed more. There was a lot of info dumping - I learned a lot about Carissa but I felt distanced from her. I had a hard time connecting with her. Why is she friends with girls that she refers to as "mean girls" behind their backs?
Given Carissa's past and how closed she was towards men, it seemed like her feelings towards Jesse happened very quickly. I loved the scenes with them together. They were very sweet but I feel like I needed a little more of these scenes. I needed them to be fleshed out a bit more. I loved the horse riding date that ends, not with sex, but with them just comforting each other.
WARNING ---- Spoilers to follow.......
My main problem was with the ending. Jesse is an MMA fighter, but he just lets Carissa leave him. She is hurt by what she sees as a betrayal of her trust and breaks up with him. 3 days later and he is making out with a woman at the bar as a way to forget about Carissa. He hasn't tried to see Carissa and explain himself. He just lets her walk out and he wallows in pity for himself. At this point I was just annoyed with both characters. Ultimately I was satified with how things get resolved.
I think this writer has promise - there's a good story, a sweet romance, but the dialogue is a little wooden and the story would benefit from characters and events being developed a bit more. Some big things happen that are glossed over and I think that if a little more time was spent in some scenes it would be a much better book.
April 21, 2014
Carissa is just really adorable, "I'm babbling. Sorry. I babble when I'm nervous," she said, biting her lower lip and looking down at her shoes. He took a step near her. He was so close he was almost touching her." Jesse that boy doesn't mince words he let's what he's thinking be known, "Carissa, honestly, I decided the night that I met you that you would be mine. You can meet them now, or you can meet them later, but you will meet my family." That boy is so possessive, but in like a cute way, "I wanted to see you. You're my good luck charm. Plus, I want to see you and make sure that other guys don't try and take what's mine," he said as he kissed her mouth possessively." When he's being naughty it's really, really hot, "baby, I want you to come for me. I want us to come together. Ride me." Overall this book was okay, I felt like it was missing something but other than that it was a really good read.
April 24, 2014
I love stories about fighters, so I went into this book hopeful. Unfortunately....
Jesse is training for a big fight, against a man who had previously beat him, badly. Yet he's eating pizza, onion rings, and drinking alcohol. I'm sorry, but no athlete would do this when seriously training. So there went the realism as Jesse as a hot fighter. When the fight did come, there was absolutely nothing climactic about it, it was just...there...a scene to be read...
The writing was not too bad, but not very good either. Many times, the dialogue was a bit awkward and made me cringe. A cring-worthy example from Carissa speaking to Jesse: "I mean, come on, dude. I'm not that kind of girl."
I gave this book 2 stars rather than 1 because the author does show potential. If she can learn to lead the reader through and not tell us everything, and find a talented editor, I think she has the ability to put out an interesting read.
Jesse is training for a big fight, against a man who had previously beat him, badly. Yet he's eating pizza, onion rings, and drinking alcohol. I'm sorry, but no athlete would do this when seriously training. So there went the realism as Jesse as a hot fighter. When the fight did come, there was absolutely nothing climactic about it, it was just...there...a scene to be read...
The writing was not too bad, but not very good either. Many times, the dialogue was a bit awkward and made me cringe. A cring-worthy example from Carissa speaking to Jesse: "I mean, come on, dude. I'm not that kind of girl."
I gave this book 2 stars rather than 1 because the author does show potential. If she can learn to lead the reader through and not tell us everything, and find a talented editor, I think she has the ability to put out an interesting read.
April 29, 2014
I barely made it through this book. I just couldn't connect with either Jesse or Carissa. Carissa is damaged because of what she went through as a kid. All I can say about that is I'm tired of New Adult books where these people drag their baggage around their neck and think every single person on earth is horrible and wants to use them. You life is what you make it. If you don't want to hang around bad people then don't be around them. Carissa hangs out with "mean girls" even though she doesn't like them then gets roofied and doesn't say anything to her friends about it? Whatever. I'm done. Definitely not for me.
July 1, 2014
Was disappointed with character building. Could have been a much better book if I gave a shit about Carissa.
March 8, 2017
Good read!
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Guarded Heart is the second book in the Dubicki's series by Lisa Andres. This book can be read as standalone as it is about interconnected characters. I was excited to read this story after reading the blurb because I love stories about sexy MMA fighters. There is just something about an athletic man that knows how to hand himself, and they are usually alpha which makes for an interesting story every time. I have never read a book by Lisa Andres before this one though, so I went into this one not really knowing what to expect. I think that this book had a lot of promise, and I think with a little work this could be a pretty good story. I did have problems with it though, and unfortunately this one just didn't work for me.
Carissa has had a tough life. She has no idea who her father is, and her mother is a coke addicted runway model that couldn't care less about her daughter. She was raped at fourteen and left home. She found some roommates and got a job and has been on her own ever since. Now she works for a hospice care center for the elderly and has hopes of becoming a registered nurse someday. She agrees to go out with her friend one night and ends up meeting Jesse. They are both drawn together and feel attracted to one another. After Carissa gets drugged and abandoned by her friend, Jesse finds her and takes care of her. She runs off the next morning only to end up seeing him again after her friend drags her to an MMA fight. Jesse and Carissa meet back up and end up dating. When Jesse's past suddenly comes back though, Carissa begins to wonder how well she knows Jesse and if she can really trust him.
I liked Jesse well enough, but I thought he handled a few things poorly. He was sweet and patient with Carissa most of the time, but there were a couple of times that he should have been more honest with Carissa. She gave him the opportunity to be honest and he didn't, and then he got mad at her for her being mad about his dishonesty. It was pretty immature and he knew that she needed honesty because of her past. I liked Carissa for the most part, but she also had her moments. She was damaged from her past, and would often run before getting all the facts or when she was scared. But she also for everything that she said bothered her, seemed to move rather quickly with Jesse. I felt like their relationship was really rushed. I think that they had great chemistry, but I didn't really ever buy the feelings that happened so quickly between them.
I felt like this story while having potential just fell short and wasn't able to deliver on the promise of what could have been a good story. It was short, and I think the length really hurt in this case because it didn't seem real or believable with how short it was. I also felt like this book had a tendency to just dump a bunch of info without ever really showing you what was going on. It was hard to get into at times because it just felt awkward in parts and as though we as readers were being told rather than showed what was happening. I also just felt like pretty much every big conflict or event in this story was predictable and overdone. It was most every cliche that you have seen already done in NA stories, and just felt like the same story retold with a few differences. There was nothing new or unique about this one, and it didn't stand out at all. I also felt like a few large things were brought up and then just glossed over without question at all, and that was pretty much what killed it for me. Without spoiling it, I just felt like there was one huge thing that Jesse should have checked out better without just believing right off considering the circumstances. The fact that he just went along no questions asked pretty much just solidified the fact that this story wasn't for me. There were some sweet parts, and the characters were likable enough even being underdeveloped. But I just wasn't able to get behind this story. If you are looking for a quick and sweet read with a happy ending you might give this one a shot, but if you are wanting a story that is really developed and believable with something unique or different this one might not be for you.
**Copy Provided by Sizzling PR**
Guarded Heart is the second book in the Dubicki's series by Lisa Andres. This book can be read as standalone as it is about interconnected characters. I was excited to read this story after reading the blurb because I love stories about sexy MMA fighters. There is just something about an athletic man that knows how to hand himself, and they are usually alpha which makes for an interesting story every time. I have never read a book by Lisa Andres before this one though, so I went into this one not really knowing what to expect. I think that this book had a lot of promise, and I think with a little work this could be a pretty good story. I did have problems with it though, and unfortunately this one just didn't work for me.
Carissa has had a tough life. She has no idea who her father is, and her mother is a coke addicted runway model that couldn't care less about her daughter. She was raped at fourteen and left home. She found some roommates and got a job and has been on her own ever since. Now she works for a hospice care center for the elderly and has hopes of becoming a registered nurse someday. She agrees to go out with her friend one night and ends up meeting Jesse. They are both drawn together and feel attracted to one another. After Carissa gets drugged and abandoned by her friend, Jesse finds her and takes care of her. She runs off the next morning only to end up seeing him again after her friend drags her to an MMA fight. Jesse and Carissa meet back up and end up dating. When Jesse's past suddenly comes back though, Carissa begins to wonder how well she knows Jesse and if she can really trust him.
I liked Jesse well enough, but I thought he handled a few things poorly. He was sweet and patient with Carissa most of the time, but there were a couple of times that he should have been more honest with Carissa. She gave him the opportunity to be honest and he didn't, and then he got mad at her for her being mad about his dishonesty. It was pretty immature and he knew that she needed honesty because of her past. I liked Carissa for the most part, but she also had her moments. She was damaged from her past, and would often run before getting all the facts or when she was scared. But she also for everything that she said bothered her, seemed to move rather quickly with Jesse. I felt like their relationship was really rushed. I think that they had great chemistry, but I didn't really ever buy the feelings that happened so quickly between them.
I felt like this story while having potential just fell short and wasn't able to deliver on the promise of what could have been a good story. It was short, and I think the length really hurt in this case because it didn't seem real or believable with how short it was. I also felt like this book had a tendency to just dump a bunch of info without ever really showing you what was going on. It was hard to get into at times because it just felt awkward in parts and as though we as readers were being told rather than showed what was happening. I also just felt like pretty much every big conflict or event in this story was predictable and overdone. It was most every cliche that you have seen already done in NA stories, and just felt like the same story retold with a few differences. There was nothing new or unique about this one, and it didn't stand out at all. I also felt like a few large things were brought up and then just glossed over without question at all, and that was pretty much what killed it for me. Without spoiling it, I just felt like there was one huge thing that Jesse should have checked out better without just believing right off considering the circumstances. The fact that he just went along no questions asked pretty much just solidified the fact that this story wasn't for me. There were some sweet parts, and the characters were likable enough even being underdeveloped. But I just wasn't able to get behind this story. If you are looking for a quick and sweet read with a happy ending you might give this one a shot, but if you are wanting a story that is really developed and believable with something unique or different this one might not be for you.
**Copy Provided by Sizzling PR**
November 5, 2014
Full disclosure, I have not read the first Dubicki's novel but it's really OK. I am such a fan of a series that doesn't require you to read things in order because it never fails, I find something once it's already started and I hate feeling like I have to catch up to enjoy my new find. But that's not the case here, and that's perfect. Also perfect is that the book comes in at 158 pages so you can easily knock this one out in an afternoon, or a weekend if you are a slower reader (or have multiple interruptions!).
The story follows Jesse, an MMA fighter with crap luck in relationships and Carissa, also with crap luck but a history of abuse and neglect that has held her back in life. These two get paired up and it's electric. Carissa acts a bit like a caged animal, she's eager, but absolutely terrified because she can only see the worst case scenario, and then we have Jesse who really likes Carissa but unfortunately for him, a secret from his past will threaten it all. The secret? Well even Jesse doesn't know it until 3/4 of the way in and I can't believe I didn't see it coming. I've read enough romance novels to know that this? This is a common secret but damn, didn't see it coming.
Of course, Carissa doesn't react well (but does any romance novel female character? No.) and it throws Jesse for a loop and he goes into a downward spiral. I get so angry when the female characters act stupid like this because it's frustrating. Though I suppose not everyone is a rational thinker like me, and maybe it wouldn't make for a compelling read if it was all, "Oh- that sucks but I'm 100% sympathetic and supportive and I fully understand why you withheld this information.", right? So I'll let that go as a complaint. The funny part is that some people say they had a hard time visualizing these characters and I did not. You know who I kept picturing? Ronnie and Sammi from Jersey Shore. No, I'm serious. I didn't even watch that many episodes but no joke, when I look at the cover that's what I see and I can't get the imagery out of my head. So there you go. I've helped you out.
Overall? I liked this book. It was fast, it was fun, I liked the romantic scenes in the book, and it was a good one to get me out of my rut!
The story follows Jesse, an MMA fighter with crap luck in relationships and Carissa, also with crap luck but a history of abuse and neglect that has held her back in life. These two get paired up and it's electric. Carissa acts a bit like a caged animal, she's eager, but absolutely terrified because she can only see the worst case scenario, and then we have Jesse who really likes Carissa but unfortunately for him, a secret from his past will threaten it all. The secret? Well even Jesse doesn't know it until 3/4 of the way in and I can't believe I didn't see it coming. I've read enough romance novels to know that this? This is a common secret but damn, didn't see it coming.
Of course, Carissa doesn't react well (but does any romance novel female character? No.) and it throws Jesse for a loop and he goes into a downward spiral. I get so angry when the female characters act stupid like this because it's frustrating. Though I suppose not everyone is a rational thinker like me, and maybe it wouldn't make for a compelling read if it was all, "Oh- that sucks but I'm 100% sympathetic and supportive and I fully understand why you withheld this information.", right? So I'll let that go as a complaint. The funny part is that some people say they had a hard time visualizing these characters and I did not. You know who I kept picturing? Ronnie and Sammi from Jersey Shore. No, I'm serious. I didn't even watch that many episodes but no joke, when I look at the cover that's what I see and I can't get the imagery out of my head. So there you go. I've helped you out.
Overall? I liked this book. It was fast, it was fun, I liked the romantic scenes in the book, and it was a good one to get me out of my rut!
September 30, 2014
I liked the story, but there was just too many issues to make it a really good book.
I liked Jesse and Carissa in theory, but their character's aren't well developed, their dialog to each other felt unnatural and more of an informational filler. Too much was told, and not enough was shown to me. The sex felt awkward because he kept asking if she liked it. I imagine this big fighter to be more alpha in the sack, not so much with this story.
Not bad, but not great.
I liked Jesse and Carissa in theory, but their character's aren't well developed, their dialog to each other felt unnatural and more of an informational filler. Too much was told, and not enough was shown to me. The sex felt awkward because he kept asking if she liked it. I imagine this big fighter to be more alpha in the sack, not so much with this story.
Not bad, but not great.
December 2, 2014
I never read any of Lisa Andres book before but this book has made me a fan.
It is the story of Carissa a young women who has been emotionally and physical abused accidentally meeting Jesse a MMA fighter who comes to her rescue. Carissa finds it hard to trust any man because of her past but learns to trust Jesse until a secret from his past is reveled. Will she be able to trust him again and let love in or will she run and be alone once again?
Great story.
It is the story of Carissa a young women who has been emotionally and physical abused accidentally meeting Jesse a MMA fighter who comes to her rescue. Carissa finds it hard to trust any man because of her past but learns to trust Jesse until a secret from his past is reveled. Will she be able to trust him again and let love in or will she run and be alone once again?
Great story.
November 18, 2014
This is the second book in a series, but stands on it's own.
It's not a long book, only 158 pages.
I liked the story, and liked the characters Carissa and Jesse. I did get annoyed to their dramatic over-reactions, but on reflection that they are in their early 20's and have gone thru some difficulties in their lives, it may be understandable. I guess this story should be categorized as YA (Young Adult).
It's not a long book, only 158 pages.
I liked the story, and liked the characters Carissa and Jesse. I did get annoyed to their dramatic over-reactions, but on reflection that they are in their early 20's and have gone thru some difficulties in their lives, it may be understandable. I guess this story should be categorized as YA (Young Adult).
December 28, 2014
Quick read... cute story, but too predictable. Not enough twist to the plot to make it different than another MMA romance.
It felt as if the bones of the story was there, but no muscle. For example, it seems that Carissa would have taken longer to get past her fears and be open to a relationship with Jesse. The fight scene was anticlimactic.
Ps. I received this book through the goodreads first reads program.
It felt as if the bones of the story was there, but no muscle. For example, it seems that Carissa would have taken longer to get past her fears and be open to a relationship with Jesse. The fight scene was anticlimactic.
Ps. I received this book through the goodreads first reads program.
May 5, 2014
I liked this book but didn't love it its a very sweet romance nothing racey or juicy just nice and sweet
April 30, 2014
This book had a good story line but was very poorly written. Wasn't even able to finish, would rather waste my money then continue this one.
February 3, 2015
Received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I liked the story but thought could have been developed better.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews