Ellis Warner is a police officer, everyone’s friend and every girl’s fantasy- funny, dedicated, and too good looking for his own good. Thanks to a childhood he would rather forget and a young adulthood riddled with mistakes, he knows that no one can ever find out who he really is. He lives his life pretending to be the guy everyone sees on the outside. The one thing he knows for sure is that he can’t be serious with anyone. When he takes a second job as security for a new country star coming into town, he has no idea how that one decision will change his entire life and expose everything he has worked so hard to bury.
Samantha Kerrigan won a nationwide contest that immediately forces her into the spotlight. Her dreams of being a successful country singer have come true, but dreams always come with a price. While going out on her first tour, a stalker’s advances threaten her safety, forcing her team to hire more protection.
**DUE TO ADULT CONTENT AND LANGUAGE, 18+ only, please The second she meets Ellis, she knows there’s something about him and immediately makes him her private bodyguard. But he’s determined just to do his job, and she’s determined to make him open up. When her life is threatened and his secrets are exposed, will Ellis be able to guard Sam from danger, and his heart from her?(
L.L. Collins was born and raised in the eternal summer state of Florida. She lives with her high school sweetheart husband and is driven mad daily by her young adult boys, but her three doodles keep her sane and well loved. LL has been writing since she was old enough to write. Always a story in her head, she made her lifelong dream of becoming an author come true in the self-publishing world. She's the author of contemporary romance novels. Look for more of her emotionally charged novels exclusively on Amazon!
Author L.L. Collins has done it again!! She certainly knows how to give you all the feels with her writing. Right from the beginning, reading the prologue my chest was squeezing from the pain and angst making its way through the pages. It had me intrigued and the need to read on consumed me.
I felt for SWAT Team member Ellis Warner from the start and needed to know if life was going to improve for him. I adored Ellis. His life experiences as a child made him a compassionate, caring adult. He may not see it himself but he was a strong guy. Instead of falling further off the rails he made something of his life yet he didn’t think that he was worthy of love and happiness and that could well prove his downfall.
Although Country Singer Samantha Kerrigan was now living her dream she wasn’t without her share of bad past experiences. She also had controlling parents to contend with but she was strong and feisty. It was a refreshing change for the heroine to be the one to know what she wants and does the chasing (although this was out of character for her).
“Stop fighting me,” she whispered, moving so close he could feel her breath as she spoke. “I have no idea when the next time is that I’ll see you. Look at me and tell me you won’t miss me, that you don’t want to know what this connection is between us.”
When Ellis became Sam’s security due to a crazy stalker harassing her they both connected straight away. Their feelings for each other were apparent and so was their sexual chemistry, they were HOT together!
“Ellis, if you’re watching this, I’m sorry. You saved my life, and I ruined yours. I hope someday you can forgive me…”
This story is told from both Ellis and Sam’s point of view with snippets from the stalker that gave me the chills! I kept changing my mind as to who the stalker could be and the mystery kept me guessing and engaged; I just couldn’t put it down.
This was so much more than a stalker story. This was a story of love, regret, hope and new beginnings. We are treated to a heart stopping moment or two and in true L.L. Collins fashion you will find yourself swept up in the romance. You get to re-visit previous characters that we were already in love with and get to meet new ones that will steal your heart also.
I absolutely love the Living Again Series and recommend them to all that want to escape into the pages of a romance novel.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
I was given this book for an honest review. I LOVE LL COLLINS....When her debut book, Living Again, came out last year I was in awe of her talent. That book alone is one of my all time favorites and have read it more than once. Then she blessed our lives with Reaching Rachel, even though in my opinion for me it did not top Living Again it was still a great read. Which now brings me to Guarding Hearts. Let me say this I love Ellis. He had a crappy childhood with a mother that hated him. He was always in trouble and looking for an escape. His teenage years he thought he found a way out and that went down the toilet too. The most precious gift that can be given to someone was taken away from him. But with all the things that happened to him, Ellis had a mentor that help guide his steps and eventually he turned it around and got into law enforcement. Fast forward a few years and Ellis is given an opportunity to do security for an up and coming country star Sammi. They felt an instant attraction. Ellis has gone thru his entire life not thinking he was good enough for anyone and deserved happiness. Sammi teaches him that he does have worth. Not only does Collins gives up a sweet love story but gives us a lesson that with the right people in our lives we can turn things around. This book will make you laugh, cry, and have you thankful for the person that you get to share your life with. Also, must add there are hot & steamy scenes that make you want that for yourself too. This book just like the other two written by Collins will not disappoint in romance, suspense, and love. I would highly recommend this book and her other two Living Again and a Reaching Rachel. LL Collins will forever be an author that I will read everything that she writes.
I could not wait to start reading this book! I love LL’s writing and was excited to see what she had in store for us this time. First thing is I absolutely love when the title fits the story, you know like when you’re reading it and it just clicks. This was the case for me, the title was perfect. I fell in love with this story right away, it just flowed so well. I love reading different POVs that way you get a glimpse at what both characters are thinking. Ellis is a down to earth sexy SWAT member who does not flaunt it. He tries to keep to himself while his best buddy is pushing to fall in love. Sammi is a beautiful superstar singer who is being threatened by an unknown stalker. Neither one have love on their radar, especially with the pasts they keep hidden away. Ellis never wants anybody to find out where he came from and what he left behind; these secrets that he has locked away are keeping him from moving forward and being happy. How do you just move on from never knowing what happened to someone you love with every fiber of your being? Sammi has her own secrets that she pushed so far away, that it keeps her from thinking she isn’t worth it. Can you move past something that tore your world apart and let your heart out with the chance of being shattered again? When Ellis and Sammi touch for the first time they both knew something was happening that electric current that they felt was so strong. Ellis feels he could never be good enough for Sammi so he tries with everything that he has to keep her at a distance. Sammi knows this isn’t something she can ignore, so she is fighting like hell for Ellis to admit his true feelings. Just when you they think everything is working out and the threat for Sammi’s life is gone everything falls apart. Ellis doesn’t know what to do with his feelings for her and thinks he can only make her life worse. Sammi can’t breathe without thinking about Ellis, she does everything to get to him, when she reaches out to him will he finally come to his senses? Just when he thinks he can leave his heart out things take a turn for the worse, of course this going to happen in a LL Collins story! She has to make you sweat a little and shed a few tears. I was screaming in my head at Sammi to pay attention! She lets her guard down way to easily and things turn out like she never imagined. Ellis is determined to get her back, he needs her back. LL really out did herself with this story; it has become one of my favorites, easily. I loved reading about Ellis and Sammi, how true love come alongs when you’re least expecting it. This is not a mushy, perfect story, that’s what I liked best, that things were hard; it wasn’t just fall in love and be happy all the time. With all the secrets they both were keeping they learned to move forward and lean on one another, hence the true meaning of love. Great job LL! Definitely a 5 star read.
Complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review.
Another amazing book by LL Collins! Guarding Hearts is as good if not better than Living Again and Reaching Rachel.
I was lucky enough to beta read for Guarding Hearts and I can’t wait for everyone to read this amazing story. Like all of LL’s books it is emotional, and has you totally enraptured by the story to the point all you want to do is finish it and see what happens.
There were a few times during Guarding Hearts that I cried, gasped, and wanted to scream at the characters, there is also one part that will make you step away for a second to prepare yourself for what you know is coming.
Guarding Hearts is the story of Ellis and Samantha (aka Sam, Sammie). Ellis is hired to protect Sam while she’s on tour in Florida and neither one of them can deny the attraction they feel towards each other. Both of these characters have pasts, but Ellis has a hard time getting over his past and learning to love and let people in.
I loved watching Ellis grow during this book, and seeing how he really felt, even if he wasn’t aware yet of exactly how he felt about Sam. I loved the chemistry, friendship and all around banter of these two characters. Sam is an amazing character, and so down to earth even with her instant celebrity.
Even with horrible circumstances on why these two are put together, you can’t help but feel that fate brought these two amazing characters together. Their story is heartbreaking, amazing, and the best that I’ve read in a long time.
Both Sam and Ellis are very strong characters on their own, but together, they are powerful and amazing. This story is told in both of the characters points of view, which I love because you get inside both of their heads.
Guarding Hearts can be read as a stand alone, even though it’s part of the Living Again series, and I loved how we got to see what was going on with Ben and Kayley and Devin and Rachel. As much as I loved Ben (aka “Dr. Yummy”) and Devin, Ellis has a very strong hold on my heart right now. There is just something about his character that makes you fall in love with him.
If you haven’t read any of LL Collins’ books you are missing out. Her books pull you in and don’t let you go. You have the worst book hangover after reading them, and an emotional hangover as well. Unlike Living Again this one will not make you “Ugly Cry” but trust me, tears will be shed, you will laugh, and you will panic right along with the characters. I truly hope each of you will read these amazing books, and fall in love with Ellis and Sam just as much as I did. I can’t wait to see what comes next from LL , I know whatever it is, it will be absolutely amazing. She has cemented herself on my list of all time favorite authors because of her amazing story telling and characters.
Just when I thought this author couldn't get any better after Living Again and Reaching Rachel, she writes Guarding Hearts and I am completely floored! This book is amazing! Ellis will draw you in from the very first chapter and in pure LL Collins fashion you will need those tissues again! This book will bring you through a complete array of emotions. I cried, laughed out loud, loved, worried, hoped, wanted to smack someone, yelled at my kindle and most definitely swooned (mmm Ellis)!
Both Ellis and Sammi are well developed and lovable characters. The detail and writing style continue to impress me. While this book can be read as a standalone, I love that the other characters from the previous two books are present in the background so we can still check in on their lives after their books.
This book is an absolute 5 star read and I can't wait to see what LL Collins comes up with next!
LL Collins had me at hello. I fell in love with her series from the moment i opened Living Again.....however, it doesnt hold a candle to Guarding Hearts. This book is full of romance, suspense, trust, anger and happy tears :-) We get a look into Ellis' troubled past and what brought him to where he is today. We also meet "Sammi" who is a strong willed, talented and beautiful young woman. When these two get together it is electric and magnetic. Each others past and present attempt to hold them back, and a near tragic turn of events can change everything for these two. Guarding Hearts is a MUST read.
Wow! I thought it couldn't get any better than the first two books in this series (Living Again & Reaching Rachel) because they were amazing. If possible I think I loved Guarding Hearts even more. L.L. Collins, they just keep exceeding my expectations. I really adored Ellis and Sam. I have a new book boyfriend now. This is a great love story with hot sex scenes. I really fell in love with Ellis as I learned about the conditions he grew up in and the horrible things that happened in his life all before he was an adult. These things caused him to believe he was not worthy of love. Through all this he preservers and becomes an incredible man who is caring and protective. Sam is a country singer that has a stalker, so Ellis is hired to be her bodyguard. Sam has her own past issues and controlling parents to deal with, but when they meet the sparks fly. L.L. Collins throws in there a mix of suspense with some curve balls along the way, keeping us on our toes trying to guess who is the stalker. I also loved all the returning characters from the first two books, giving you a little insight of what is happening in their lives now. I highly recommend this series as a must read. You won't be disappointed if you read this book. I could barely put this one down so I could do other things I needed to do. I will be waiting not so patiently for her next book.
I knew once I read Living Again, I would definitely read more by this author. And again, she delivered in Reaching Rachel. Sure enough, I didn't even have to turn the first page of Guarding Hearts before I was hooked. Forget laundry, kid's homework, bedtime...I didn't want to put it down. And just when you think the drama is over, and where many other authors would have ended the story, LL Collins has more in store for us.
LL Collins has done it again: well developed and believable characters with whom you'll fall in love, an exciting and emotional story, and some hot chemistry. Grab your tissue box, get Guarding Hearts, and settle in for a great ride! You won't regret it! I can't wait to read what she has in store for us next!
I received this book as a gift from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a brilliantly written story that is a must read for everyone! This story will consume you and will be flowing in your veins by the end. It's soul consuming, emotional, and a beautiful story of finding your soulmate and not giving up! L. L. Collins knows how to write a story that will have you wanting more. And you will forever be hooked on her writing. This is her best one yet and she totally rocked this story. Make sure to get this on May 23
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was so compelling I could barely put it down. I was in love with Ellis by page 4 and absolutely loved Samantha. Their relationship had its ups and downs and was not without drama, but overall it was an excellent read. Fantastic plot and loved the inclusion of characters from Living Again and Reaching Rachel.
If you have yet to read LL Collins, I encourage you to start. Her books are simply amazing.
How can I even begin to explain how amazing this book was?! LL Collins has outdone herself & setting the bar high to be able to top Guarding Hearts. I have absolute faith she will though.
The suspense in the 2nd half had me at the edge of my seat & my palms sweaty. The romance all the way through kept me hot ;) The story made me feel like I was there & the characters were my friends. Had a serious book hangover after this one!
Can't wait for the next book, agh I love these characters!!!
I was a beta reader for this book in exchange for an honest review. I gave this book 5 explosive stars. This is book three in the Living Again Series, but can be read as a standalone.
This is Ellis and Samantha's story.
Damn. This story had me from the opening paragraph. Where Ellis is delivered his fate at the tender age of 17. He has made mistakes, and now he was going to pay for them. But Ellis changes his life and is determined to be better and to teach others how not to make the same mistakes that he did. He become a police officer. He changed his life, but he still lives with the consequences of what he did. He can't change his past, but he can control his future. He is very selective about who he lets into his life and how much they know about him. He has friends, but he keeps them at a distance. He keeps everyone at a distance.
Samantha "Sam" "Sammi" -- Is a Country Music Star, she won a tv show and her career sky rocketed from there. She has everything from the outside looking in, but Sam is lonely. Even with everyone all around her you can see she is looking for something. She has her parents, her best friend, her body guards, the rest of her band, and her fans. I don't think any of them get who Sam really is. I think they are all focused on her career and what she is doing and what she can do and they have missed Sam. When she gains a stalker, a very close stalker that has left her flowers, and notes in places that only someone that has access to her could get. That is when they hire an outside body guard to come in and protect her, Ellis is that man. It is only suppose to be for a week. But as soon as Ellis and Sam meet they don't need a week to feel the connection that they have towards each other instantly. But Ellis doesn't believe he is good enough for anyone let alone someone that he feels such a strong attraction to. How long can he fight this growing feeling that he has for Sammi. How far can Sammi push him before he just says yes, or worse says no and walks away? And is Sammi safe? When she finds out who her stalker is will she ever feel safe again? And what did Ellis do in his past that makes him feel so unworthy of love now? Follow this journey between two beautiful souls that are destined to be together. Watch as they struggle with life and each other and become an even stronger unit of love. And find out in the end if loving each other is enough.
I loved Ellis and Sam, they're two very strong, passionate characters. I love LL's work and I have read her other two books also. They have all made me laugh and cry. This book was no exception. I laughed and I did cry. My heart ached for them. There was a part in the book where I could literally feel my heart beating so hard in my chest. I actually had to stop reading, take a deep breath and calm down before I could move on to the rest of the story.
I also love how she makes each book a stand alone, but if you've read the other books you do get a glimpse of each couple from the other two books and you get to see how they are coming along with their lives and the progression of it. I do believe that LL has out done herself. She is a phenomenal writer that is a cut above the rest. She captivates me with every story that she tells. You just know when you read a book and know that the Author was meant to do what she does. LL was meant to be a writer. She was meant to tell stories. I am so glad that I found her books and have become a fan. Each book has left an imprint on my heart, that will last a lifetime. Thank you LL for your amazing stories, I cannot wait to read the next book that you come out with!<3 I know it will be just as memorizing as all the others.
WOW!! Just wow!! I loved finally getting to read Ellis' story and LL Collins did not disappoint!! Ellis meets Sam when he is hired on to be her security team. The moment he sees a video of her singing, he is done....sees no one else, can't get enough of her. Sam is an up and coming country singer with ghosts in her closet that are banging to get out. With a stalker in their midst and a secret no one wants told, will Sam and Ellis get their HEA or will the past ruin them all. AAHH!! I can't say enough about this book! I love this series and they just keep getting better and better! Can't wait for the next installment!
LL has done it again!! She knows how to write a true page-turner, from the very first sentence, until the last page, when you are sitting there wondering, 'why did it have to end so soon?!? Just like every one of LL's books, Guarding Hearts will remain unforgettable!!
Guarding Hearts is the third book in The Living Again Series. Each of these books can be read as a standalone book because each book has an ending. But I feel they should be read in order. You are introduced to characters who are the main characters in the next book and the previous book gives some insight into the characters that is carried forward.
Ellis did not grow up in a stable family. He never knew his father and his mother was a druggie who slept around to get her fix. Ellis got into trouble as a teen which landed him in jail. Upon being released from jail, he didn't have anywhere to go. Carl, a police officer, took a liking to him and offered Ellis a place to live.
Ellis with having Carl as his mentor was able to become a responsible man who followed in his footsteps and became a police officer. His boss had a friend who was in need of someone to protect his famous daughter from a stalker.
This was an opportunity for him to make some good money to pay off his car so he took the security job. There is an instant connection between Ellis and Samantha who is an up and coming country singer. Her stalker is infatuated with her and is able to get into places to leave her notes and presents that he/she should not be able to get to. With this increasing threat, her security is increased and Ellis is assigned with Brian, head of her security, to make sure she is personally guarded at all times.
Ellis is one who doesn't let people get close to him because of the lack of love and affection he had growing up. Love is a feeling that he hasn't experienced and doesn't feel he is capable of having.
Being around Samantha twenty four hours a day the attraction between them becomes more and more apparent. They give into their attraction but Ellis continually tells her he is not good enough for her and pushes her away. Her stalker is aware of this growing connection between them and plans on kidnapping Sam to have her because he/she thinks that Sam is their soulmate.
This is a well written book that leads you on an emotionally journey. Both Ellis and Sam have had some major things that have happened in their past that they need to talk to each other about and see if together they can develop a healthy and growing relationship. The stalker's jealousy increases because of Ellis's involvement with Sam and what happens to Sam and those close to her at the hands of her stalker. Is her stalker caught and does Ellis and Sam have an HEA?
This is an awesome series that I recommend that you read. A definite must read series
LL Collins, why do you do this to me? Puffy eyes, lack of sleep, and an emotional wreck...and I wouldn't have it any other way! You could say my tears were the bookends of Guarding Hearts, from the Prologue to the end. There were also some intense moments, and heart-stopping scenes, which is also a common occurrence in LL's books. OH, and did I mention HOT scenes?
Ellis and Samantha are the newest members of the Living Again series and they did not disappoint. Their attraction was instant but they both have pasts that would scar most people, which is why they were so guarded with each other. Sometimes, though, even a guarded heart can't fight fate.
Once again, after reading one of LL's books, I am left looking at the world, and the people in it, through different eyes. Another amazing, life changing book from this author.
**Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review**
We met Ellis in Reaching Rachel, as one of Devin’s cop friends. He has lived with a difficult past, overcoming obstacles and making the best of his situation. Sam is a country singer who is dealing with a stalker that is getting too close for comfort.
Ellis is called in to work as part of her security detail and the sparks fly instantly. The chemistry between them is HOT and will have you cheering for them to get together. Sam is not afraid of going after what she wants and fights to win her sexy bodyguard's attention.
Like the previous two books, this one is full of well-developed characters and a great storyline that will hook you and not let you go until the last word is read. You will go through an array of emotions that will keep you tied to the story and you will be right there in every situation. It is impossible not to feel connected to the characters.
LL. Collins hit all the right notes with Guarding Hearts, the 3rd book in her LIving Again Series. You will need to once again sit down and buckle up for the emotional roller coaster. This book is full of romance (and why not with Ellis), suspense, anger, happiness, friendship and of course family. We meet Ellis in Reaching Rachel and fall in love with him in Guarding Hearts. Collins gets into why Ellis has been distant with his "relationships". And why he finds it difficult to trust people and let them into his inner circle. Sam is the up and coming newest country sensation. Ellis is hired to help her security detail while she is going through a scary time with a stalker. This is just a brilliantly written story and once again we get to revisit the wonderful characters we met in Living Again and Reaching Rachel. I love how well Collins has developed all her characters and keeps them going from one story to the next. Another amazing story from LL. Collins
I just have to start by saying that I LOVED this book! Ellis is sexy as sin! Ellis and Sam's story is my favorite of the series. We met Ellis in Reaching Rachel since he was working as a cop with Devin. Since then he moved and is now a member of SWAT with his friend Devin. He's volunteers to be a bodyguard for an upcoming country music singer while she's in town and his whole life changes.
Sam Kerrigan has a stalker that is starting to get to close. When she meets Ellis the sparks fly. Being so close to her sexy bodyguard has Sam wishing for more. Sam and Ellis both have a past that they try to hide from everyone. With the stalker getting closer and their passion being ignited this book keeps you hooked! This book had all my emotions going and couldn't put it down. Definitely a book you should read and I'll be recommending it to others.
I am a HUGE LL Collins fan. I loved her previous books and this one was even more amazing. Ellis and Sam are 2 people from 2 different worlds, yet their connection is undeniable. While their looks are what attracts them, the things they deal with and are forced to face and conquer solidify their bond. With each book, LL Collins's writing style evolves and you find yourself falling even more in love with her characters. I love that we see characters from previous books and I love that we're introduced to new characters that I hope will be expanded on in future books. If you are looking for a series that involves your emotions and takes you through the wringer, you want to read this series. Love it and I can't wait to see what's in store! 5 STARS!
What another awesome book From LL Collins . I love how this Love story starts and the ending is so EPIC it will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see whats next. You will be HOOKED with page 1 I found myself up all night reading till I was done.. I just couldnt put my Kindle down. I cant wait to see whats next .
That was awesome!!! What can I say, sammi and Ellis are wonderful. Although I did find her a bit selfish. She seemed to be about herself at first but in the long haul, they are perfect for one another.
"Sammi, you unravel me. I can't say I've ever waited outside a room for someone because I just couldn't take it anymore."
Wow!!! Author L.L. Collins has literally done it again. First was Living Again then Reaching Rachel . She literally keeps out doing herself with every story she gives me. One minute I am laughing to literally sitting there in shock gasping. Then, I'm crying and at times it's that ugly cry. Whenever I am reading a book by L.L. Collins I never know what to expect. But, when I'm finished I'm blown away EVERY single time!!
We meet Ellis Warner in Reaching Rachel and I liked him instantly. So, when I found out we were getting his story I was stoked. What I didn't expect was how damaged Ellis was. On the outside he's a fun-loving guy who loves to have a good time. He's good at his job & everyone who knows him loves him. But, in reality it's just one big front. Ellis didn't have a good childhood. His mom was a junkie. Never knew his dad. Everything he ever loved was taken away from him. If it wasn't for a correction officer who took a liking to him who knows where he'd end up. Now, he works & refuses to get serious with women.
“Ellis, if you’re watching this, I’m sorry. You saved my life, and I ruined yours. I hope someday you can forgive me…”
Samantha is finally living her dream. She's on top in the country singing world. On her 1st national tour. It's bad enough her parent's rule her life. She has no say on anything in her life. Her parents love her with all their heart. But, ever since her sister died they've devoted their lives to her. They have made decisions for her that have effected her on so many levels. Now, just when she thinks she's lost all control of her life. She is now being stalked. This stalker is somehow getting past her security and leaving stuff in her dressing rooms, hotel rooms. Now, that she;s heading to Florida her parents are hiring extra security.
"I want you to know that. I don't throw myself at people, especially my team. But, I just can't stop myself, Ellis. I feel this connection with you I can't explain. Tell me that what I feel sin't the same thing you feel, and we stop this right now."
Ellis & Samantha are attracted to each other instantly!! They both know this situation is temporary. It's funny because when I'm reading most books it's the guy who doesn't take no for an answer. They keep going until she finally says yes. Yet, in Guarding Hearts it's the opposite!! Samantha wants to see what this "thing" between her & Ellis is. She knows its real. Ellis on the other hand knows Sam is special. But, he knows nothing good will ever be his. He vows to keep her safe and that's all he can promise at that time!
I love how all the couples from Living Again & Reaching Rachel are still around!!! Devin makes a point to let Sam know not to give up on Ellis. They all can see it in his face that she's it for him. Even if he can't or won't see it. Devin and the rest of the gang urge him to just go for it.
"I felt drawn to you, like our souls were two parts that had been looking for each other our whole lives. "
Needless to say she wears him down. Just when you think everything has settled down. The stalker strikes again!! We get 3 POV in this story. We have Ellis, Sam and The Stalker's. Lets just say he really is a sick, sick person. I cringe every time we got to his mind!!
Now, that Ellis & Sam are trying things out. It can never be that easy. He doesn't want the media to know. Ellis doesn't want them digging into his shady past. He's afraid he's not worthy of her. Sam on the other hand is going to do her best to prove to Ellis that they belong together. No matter what happens.
“I have no idea when the next time is that I’ll see you. Look at me and tell me you won’t miss me, that you don’t want to know what this connection is between us.”
Now, this is considered a standalone. But, I'd honestly recommend you read them in order. Just because all the characters are in each book. And, trust me you don't want to miss what happened & how they all got to where they are now!
"Sammi, this is a dream alright, but it's one we aren't going to wake up from. "
Nothing comes easy for Samantha & Ellis. It's far from easy. They both have had a hard time to getting to where they are now. At times I'm shocked they didn't just throw the towel in & say that's it I'm done! Granted I'm glad the author didn't allow them to give up. L.L. Collins made sure you felt everything they were feeling. Even the stalker you felt!! I was rooting for Ellis from page 1. There was a bunch of twists & turns in this story. At one point I thought the stalker had won! But, that Samantha does not give up without a fight. Not just for her. But, for Ellis.
I am totally looking forward to what Author L.L. Collins is working on now. She is definitely a force to be wrecking with. She knocked my socks off!! I will totally read anything she writes.
"I love you so completely, so desperately, I'm not sure how to do anything without you anymore. I've lived my life so alone inside, and when I'm with you,I just feel different. I feel like I'm worthy of being loved."
Ellis!!! Swoon! Another amazing, loving, tear jerker, beautiful story. I absolutely loved Ellis and Sam's story. So in depth, so sweet and full of beauty. I just can't praise these books enough!
The traumatic and heartbreaking situations that L.L. Collins is known for creating continue in the third installment of her Living Again series, Guarding Hearts. This time, readers are introduced to Ellis Warner, a 29 year old SWAT Team member and friend of Devin. Ellis’ backstory is not an easy one to read; it’s filled with an immense amount of pain and suffering, and while the heroine, Samantha Kerrigan, is now living her dream as a country singer, her past is also one of sadness and tough choices.
They’ve never met each other, but when Ellis and Sam see one another’s pictures, feelings that haven’t been felt by either in quite some time begin to spark. Sam is on tour in Florida and needs extra security due to a stalker who has been harassing her. Ellis needs the extra money, so he decides to take the job as Sam’s bodyguard for the week that she’s there. Neither would have thought being around someone for only a week could completely alter their lives, but that’s all it takes for them to be forever changed and also give into their desires. Ellis and Sam share an intense connection, but Ellis doesn’t believes he’s good enough for Sammi; he doesn’t feel he’s good enough for anyone, and she has no idea how to get him to understand that he’s worth it. Further complications arise when Sam’s stalker gets even more daring, and Sam’s safety becomes a serious issue. But how does the man who’s suppose to protect her from any harm, do his job when he feels he’s the one who could hurt her the most?
L.L. Collins definitely knows how to create fully developed, realistic characters. Readers are able to understand all aspects of the hero and heroine’s lives because they are vividly presented. Every emotion…every fear…every regret is meticulously described so that we aren’t left with any questions as to why the characters make the decisions they do. Ellis’ childhood has done major damage to his psyche; so much so that even when he cleans up his act and makes something of himself, he still doesn’t feel like he deserves happiness. He’s been closed off for so long, so when he immediately starts to feel something for Sam, it scares the hell out of him, and he wants to run, which all makes sense because of how L.L. expertly writes his point of view. Sam is not L.L.’s typical heroine, but Ellis needs someone different…someone who can give him his light back, and she’s just the woman to do it. She’s immensely strong and carries herself with such grace for only being 23 years old, and Ellis needs someone who will fight for him, and she never stops fighting even when he all but gives up.
Guarding Hearts is a fantastic addition to the Living Again series. It has the perfect mix of suspense, drama, and steam. Some scenes are extremely intense while others are sweet and quirky, which is exactly what I’m looking for as a reader. I want to be able to laugh, cry, yell, and swoon as I read, and L.L. Collins’ stories allow all of those emotions to be felt. I can’t wait to see where she’ll take her readers next.
A complimentary copy of the text was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
A romance between a country singing sweetheart and her sexy body guard...yea you had me at hello!! Then give the sweetheart a stalker and the body guard a heart breaking back story and you have me mesmerized.
Ellis Warner has so many layers. I love a book where the male lead has all these layers to peel back and work through. Ellis has lived through an awful childhood and come out on top, due to the love and help of a surrogate dad who took him under his wings and helped him put his past away, he becomes an honorable and lovable adult. Ellis doesn't trust love and thinks he is not worthy of happiness. He has severe guilt over losing his son to a woman that was no better than the drug addict mother that he himself was neglected by. Working now in law enforcement, he is asked to take a job doing security for popular Country singer, Sam Kerrington, America's Sweetheart. Ellis knew the minute he watched a video of Sam performing that his heart was done for.
"It's just a job, just a job, he reminded himself. She needs help and you are good at what you do. SO what she's hot and seems like a genuine person. You aren't good enough for someone like her."
Sam Kerrington has made it big time. She is loved by many, but one mysterious person is tormenting her and leaving her and her family and best friend in fear for her safety. Sam is a genuine person and wants to be stronger but her dad/manager decides it is time to get her more security. When Ellis enters the picture Sam knows she wants him to do more than protect her on this short tour.
"...I just can't stop myself Ellis. I feel this connection with you I can't explain. Tell me what I feel isn't the same thing you feel, and we stop this right now."
Well,thanks be to LL Collins that he did feel the same thing, although being the man that he has become, he tries hard to juggle loving "Sammi" and protecting her.
Sam>>>>>> "....I felt drawn to you, like our souls were two parts that had been looking for each other our whole lives."
Sometimes things aren't as they seem and her life continues to be threatened. Why is this happening to her? We wonder how Ellis will be able to save her and her heart when he wonders if he still isn't good enough for her. Can he guard her heart and her life at the same time? He isn't the only one with a past, will she let him know what she has been through in her past? Will both their pasts come back to haunt them?
Ellis>>>> "I'm not sure how to do anything with out you anymore. I've lived my life so alone inside, and when I'm with you I feel different. I feel like I am worthy of being loved." *swoon
Great story and a must read series !!!
An added bonus in this book is that we get to revisit Ellis' friends from books one and two and see where their lives are heading and we also get to meet Sam's best friend Lacey and immediately we need to know more about her...and we will in book four...wooo hoo!!! Heading there right now!!