What do you think?
Rate this book
Hopeless Blessed #3
Guarded
Your fated mate is supposed to be your other half. The one you’re destined to be with.
If that’s the case, why did mine run away from me?
Noah
I spent centuries wasting my love and attention on someone who didn’t want me. I had to leave my angelic unit to break free of his hold.
Now, with the Seraphim, I’m finally happy. My ex is in my past, and I’m looking towards my future. One where, if I’m lucky, I’ll meet my fated mate. The one who is meant to complete my soul. There won’t be any question as to whether he wants me or not. That’s what fate has led me to believe.
But that’s not what happens.
The demon who’s meant to be mine takes one look at me and flies as hard as he can in the other direction. It’s a reminder of what I’ve been through in the past.
I’m done chasing men who don’t want me.
So, when Jeremiah realises his mistake and comes grovelling, I’m not in the mood to listen. Why should I, when every time I let someone in, I get hurt?
But I’ve underestimated just how stubborn demons can be. Little by little, Jeremiah erodes the walls I guard myself with.
I just wish I knew if I could trust him with my heart.
Guarded is a thrilling angel x demon MM PNR romance. The third in the Hopeless Blessed series, each book follows a different couple. While they can be read as standalones, they are best enjoyed in order.
If that’s the case, why did mine run away from me?
Noah
I spent centuries wasting my love and attention on someone who didn’t want me. I had to leave my angelic unit to break free of his hold.
Now, with the Seraphim, I’m finally happy. My ex is in my past, and I’m looking towards my future. One where, if I’m lucky, I’ll meet my fated mate. The one who is meant to complete my soul. There won’t be any question as to whether he wants me or not. That’s what fate has led me to believe.
But that’s not what happens.
The demon who’s meant to be mine takes one look at me and flies as hard as he can in the other direction. It’s a reminder of what I’ve been through in the past.
I’m done chasing men who don’t want me.
So, when Jeremiah realises his mistake and comes grovelling, I’m not in the mood to listen. Why should I, when every time I let someone in, I get hurt?
But I’ve underestimated just how stubborn demons can be. Little by little, Jeremiah erodes the walls I guard myself with.
I just wish I knew if I could trust him with my heart.
Guarded is a thrilling angel x demon MM PNR romance. The third in the Hopeless Blessed series, each book follows a different couple. While they can be read as standalones, they are best enjoyed in order.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2025
146 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Lark Taylor
34 books1,200 followersLark lives with her family in southern England. An obsessive romance fan, she loves nothing more than a Happily Ever After – especially if there’s a good plot and a hefty amount of spice along the way. When she’s not reading or writing, she can be found hiding from adult life in escape rooms, travel and the MCU. As a Bi woman with OCD, Lark is a fervent supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and an advocate for mental health awareness and support.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
August 30, 2025
i feel like it bears repeating: what the actual fuck is this cover. it is genuinely the ugliest thing i’ve ever seen.
the book itself started on the wrong foot, lark used her favorite writing device: telling the same scene for the third time, just from different povs. really, it’s thrilling to read.
so after that i was really scared.
however something must’ve come up because it definitely got better after that. (even if we repeated another scene but i guess i can’t have everything i want.)
compared to what she put out recently the plot wasn’t that predictable and i wasn’t even bored out of my mind. i actually almost cried a couple of times.
it still isn’t nowhere close to her best work, but im glad to see that it’s getting better.
i am genuinely excited for rami’s book now.
the book itself started on the wrong foot, lark used her favorite writing device: telling the same scene for the third time, just from different povs. really, it’s thrilling to read.
so after that i was really scared.
however something must’ve come up because it definitely got better after that. (even if we repeated another scene but i guess i can’t have everything i want.)
compared to what she put out recently the plot wasn’t that predictable and i wasn’t even bored out of my mind. i actually almost cried a couple of times.
it still isn’t nowhere close to her best work, but im glad to see that it’s getting better.
i am genuinely excited for rami’s book now.
August 28, 2025
Hell would freeze over before I gave Jeremiah a chance. Never again would I chase after someone who was running from me. Never again would I debase myself to win someone over. Never again would I open my heart to someone who didn’t deserve it. Jeremiah had made his choice. I was dead to him, so he was dead to me.
After escaping an abusive situationship with someone who was not his mate, Noah yearns to find love. He is excited to meet his mate and discover what it's like to be truly loved and accepted for exactly who he is. Imagine his shock when his fated mate wants nothing to do with him. Jeremiah has just gotten free of hell and wants to enjoy his newfound freedom. Immediately meeting his fated mate wasn't on his list of adventures, at least, not just yet. But you can't ignore your mate forever... even when he's determined to ignore you. Guarded is a paranormal MM romance with an angel and a demon, heaps of grovelling, and two men trying to figure things out against some pretty tall odds.
The truth was, if Noah was mine—nothing else would matter. My morals and ethics would become non-existent where he was concerned. I’d do whatever it took to protect his heart. To keep him safe. To make him happy.
I really enjoy this series - all the characters have waited so long, and endured so much and deserve their fated mates. There's something so appealing about the knowledge that your fated mate is destined to be perfect for you- and even that is taken from Noah. It's heartbreaking to read Noah's reaction when Jeremiah chooses to pursue his own dreams rather than get to know him. But just as you decide that you're on Team Noah, Lark lets you get to know Jeremiah, who has a completely reasonable explanation for not wanting to jump straight into his HEA with Noah. While I don't agree with the way Jeremiah went about it, and the hurt that he caused, his actions made sense.
“The first time I saw you was the first time I truly understood the difference between angels and demons,” I confessed quietly. “A being as beautiful and precious as you could never exist downstairs.”
The book was well done as always, with lots of cameos from other characters we know and love. I like how Lark sets up the next book within the current one, and I'm already dying to read book 4. My only complaint is the cover and I don't think I even need to say more than that 😅😂.
Rating: 4
Angst: 2.5/5
Steam: 3/5
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
August 25, 2025
Guarded features fated mates Jeremiah and Noah. They are instantly drawn to one another and due to a variety of factors, are separated almost immediately. This creates a bunch of strife, hurt, anger and confusion between the pair. They have obvious conflicting emotions regarding their pairing, but due to fated mates, they cannot escape their mutual desire and claim for one another.
Jeremiah and Noah are my favorite pairing so far. Their mutual disdain, shock, and passion towards one another create such an amazing dynamic that I could not turn away from. They have insane chemistry, and given the specifics of their separation and long road ahead towards a reconciliation, it creates a fantastic new element of a slow burn when it comes to the fated mate dynamic.
Overall, this entry moves the plot forward, while still cementing these two as a powerful duo who are inexplicably drawn to one another and will do anything and everything to protect and honor their mate. I cannot wait for the next entry in this series.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
Jeremiah and Noah are my favorite pairing so far. Their mutual disdain, shock, and passion towards one another create such an amazing dynamic that I could not turn away from. They have insane chemistry, and given the specifics of their separation and long road ahead towards a reconciliation, it creates a fantastic new element of a slow burn when it comes to the fated mate dynamic.
Overall, this entry moves the plot forward, while still cementing these two as a powerful duo who are inexplicably drawn to one another and will do anything and everything to protect and honor their mate. I cannot wait for the next entry in this series.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
September 10, 2025
Tropes: angel / demon, rejected mate, found family, hurt/comfort
Feels: 1/5
Steam*: 1/5
Kinks: toys, lingerie and lace
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past abandonment by parents, violence and torture, toxic ex, emotional abuse by ex
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they officially meet, neither of them are with anyone else. There is constant reference to Noah's past ex Lyle, so much so I wanted to eat my Kindle at a wall. Also, I felt like there were too many references to Jeremiah's past f***boy ways, it was just constantly weighing on Noah's mind and interrupting their moments together.
2 stars
Noah is an angel of the Seraphim. He's only ever been with one person, his former leader of the squad of angels he was part of, Lyle. They were never in a committed relationship, Lyle was abusive and manipulative and it was really just sex between them. Noah wanted it to be more but Lyle wouldn't let it. Noah constantly debased himself by being with Lyle when Lyle had no respect for him, no care. They were together off and on probably for 500 plus years. Noah is now with the seraphim and he's forming a new found family unit with them.
Jeremiah is a demon two and a half times Noah's age. He was trapped In Hell his whole life except for very short periods where he was on Earth, which equated to only a couple of weeks over 1500 years. He hated what he was made to do and how. He was freed from hell when Lucifer's sons made a deal that he happened to benefit from. Since then, Jeremiah has been living it up, enjoying every moment of freedom that he can, f****** everything that moves, and traveling the world to see all the places he had heard about but not gotten to see.
When Jeremiah helps out his demon friend Nox, he senses that his fated mate is nearby and is an angel of the seraphim. His reaction is to reject his mate, to run from him. He wants his freedom, he doesn't want a mate tying him down especially one who has to live by the rules of heaven, it's exchanging one set of chains for another. Of course people realize that Jeremiah and Noah are mates and Noah finds out that his mate has rejected him and he's hurt by it because once again his love interest doesn't want to be with him. 3 months later Jeremiah is regretting his choice because he's feeling the pull to return to his mate and be with him, so Jeremiah returns and tries to start something up with Noah. At first Noah wants nothing to do with him. But Noah listens to why Jeremiah didn't want to be trapped, and he understands where he's coming from, so he decides that they should be friends only and they should meet up once a month just to keep the pull between them satisfied, make the separation anxiety manageable, while still allowing Jeremiah to be free and travel. Jeremiah is not ready to be in a relationship, he doesn't want to be in a relationship so Noah wants to give him that freedom.
After like 4 or 5 months of being friends though and only talking so often, Jeremiah wants more. I get the not being ready thing, but it's an unlikeable selfish move to deny your mate, make them your lowest priority, and every day for months choose not to be with them. It's not the most romantic premise. The rest of the book is their journey from that ugly start to them being in a healthy relationship that they are ready for.
This book was so ugly to me, and so frustrating. I gave it a long time to develop, to become something more positive, but everything that annoyed me persisted until 80% through the book, some of it even into 90%. I was so tempted to dnf at about 74%, and I do not dnf, I've dnf'd like two or three books in 5 years. But from that point on, the rest of the read was a rage read, where I stubbornly was not going to give up on the book, and I was just looking forward to being done with it and being able to release the steam of my frustration in my review and have that moment of catharsis. So, here goes.
I hate how much other person drama there is in this book. There's so much mental space occupied by Lyle. And while Jeremiah's past hookups mean nothing to Jeremiah, they also occupy so much space in Noah's head, he's constantly feeling insecure, and thinking about how experienced Jeremiah is. Neither of them are so immersed in each other that they forget about everything else. So Noah is constantly ruminating on the damage that Lyle did to him emotionally and he is afraid of being with Jeremiah. It's just an unpleasant dynamic.
We cannot escape Lyle. He's present in every moment of this book. It's the Lyle show. We need space without him. I know it was a creative choice of the authors to have so much ex drama in this book, and your exes are ghosts in your future to some extent but in a romance novel, we need Noah to be less up Lyle's ass than he was. I wish Noah had been able to have some distance from Lyle before the start of this book, let Noah have f***** around and had some other experiences besides Lyle, let him have relegated Lyle to a corner of his mind, and made him a part of Noah's past. He needed to be less present in Noah's thoughts. It's incredibly frustrating to read a scene of Noah and Jeremiah having sex at 74% and Noah is still thinking about the sex that he had with Lyle and how things were with Lyle. Move the f*** on. It's not like Noah wanted to be with Lyle at all, he just couldn't stop thinking of him.
This book was a slow burn that took 40% before they hooked up. I'm okay with a slow burn done well, but I didn't think this was done well. There wasn't enough tension simmering between the characters, they didn't want each other enough. They spent months apart only seeing each other once a month. The fact that they could go so long without seeing each other just made the intensity of emotion and their love story seem lesser, they were okay with the distance. They didn't need each other. And that's just not romantic to me. You can tell us that they were needing that time to grow and experience things, and adapt to a new future, but wah wah, boo hoo doesn't make it any more romantic to readers. This book didn't get steamy until 70%. Yeah they had the odd hook up before but it was with all these lines and rules in place and it was cold. I don't mind a book being lower in steam, but I judge the book because the relationship between the MMCs came off as cold, they didn't care enough, fast enough. When you have a fated mates story, it kind of needs to be instalove to some extent. I say that even though I don't like insta-love books. But this book was bordering on ridiculous, with the MMCs saying that they still weren't in love by 81% and after like 7 months together. Freezing cold!
Minor vent, I hated all the texting in this book. I found the way that they communicated over text to be cheesy and awkwardly written. They communicate in such an accommodating way that it is too darn cold and healthy, it's like they're polite colleagues dancing around each other politely when they text.
The only things I liked about this book were: the odd sassy line from side characters. And I enjoyed Jeremiah killing Lyle over and over, with Lyle reincarnating and then killing him again. And at the end when a couple people came up to Lyle and kicked him in the balls that was satisfying. And the rescue scene, saving Jeremiah from hell, was a nice come together moment.
Some notable moments:
Wish we had had more sassy moments like this. But this book was very serious, not much fun/humour. "Noah tapped his foot, glancing pointedly at the slim watch on his wrist. “Will this take long? I do have places to be.” Irritation prickled at me, and my mouth ran ahead of my brain. “Oh, sorry. Don’t let meeting your fated mate interfere with your day.” Noah went deadly still. “What did you say?” I winced. Fuck. Shouldn’t have said that. “Uh-oh,” one of the twins murmured. “Tenner says Noah stabs him.” The other twin pulled out a literal bag of popcorn from behind his back. “Nah. Too violent for Noah. Hundred on him blasting him all the way to the end of the drive though.”"
"“Hey, what about me?” Rami stuck his lower lip out. “I’m helpful too.” Sam sighed. “Rami, you’re wonderful. But you’re also the one who helped Nate hold Theo’s head down the toilet last weekend.” “Well, he deserved it.” “Saying that Disney has made the MCU better isn’t a good enough reason to drown someone in a toilet.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 1/5
Steam*: 1/5
Kinks: toys, lingerie and lace
Angst: low
HEA: HEA
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings/representation: past abandonment by parents, violence and torture, toxic ex, emotional abuse by ex
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: once they officially meet, neither of them are with anyone else. There is constant reference to Noah's past ex Lyle, so much so I wanted to eat my Kindle at a wall. Also, I felt like there were too many references to Jeremiah's past f***boy ways, it was just constantly weighing on Noah's mind and interrupting their moments together.
2 stars
Noah is an angel of the Seraphim. He's only ever been with one person, his former leader of the squad of angels he was part of, Lyle. They were never in a committed relationship, Lyle was abusive and manipulative and it was really just sex between them. Noah wanted it to be more but Lyle wouldn't let it. Noah constantly debased himself by being with Lyle when Lyle had no respect for him, no care. They were together off and on probably for 500 plus years. Noah is now with the seraphim and he's forming a new found family unit with them.
Jeremiah is a demon two and a half times Noah's age. He was trapped In Hell his whole life except for very short periods where he was on Earth, which equated to only a couple of weeks over 1500 years. He hated what he was made to do and how. He was freed from hell when Lucifer's sons made a deal that he happened to benefit from. Since then, Jeremiah has been living it up, enjoying every moment of freedom that he can, f****** everything that moves, and traveling the world to see all the places he had heard about but not gotten to see.
When Jeremiah helps out his demon friend Nox, he senses that his fated mate is nearby and is an angel of the seraphim. His reaction is to reject his mate, to run from him. He wants his freedom, he doesn't want a mate tying him down especially one who has to live by the rules of heaven, it's exchanging one set of chains for another. Of course people realize that Jeremiah and Noah are mates and Noah finds out that his mate has rejected him and he's hurt by it because once again his love interest doesn't want to be with him. 3 months later Jeremiah is regretting his choice because he's feeling the pull to return to his mate and be with him, so Jeremiah returns and tries to start something up with Noah. At first Noah wants nothing to do with him. But Noah listens to why Jeremiah didn't want to be trapped, and he understands where he's coming from, so he decides that they should be friends only and they should meet up once a month just to keep the pull between them satisfied, make the separation anxiety manageable, while still allowing Jeremiah to be free and travel. Jeremiah is not ready to be in a relationship, he doesn't want to be in a relationship so Noah wants to give him that freedom.
After like 4 or 5 months of being friends though and only talking so often, Jeremiah wants more. I get the not being ready thing, but it's an unlikeable selfish move to deny your mate, make them your lowest priority, and every day for months choose not to be with them. It's not the most romantic premise. The rest of the book is their journey from that ugly start to them being in a healthy relationship that they are ready for.
This book was so ugly to me, and so frustrating. I gave it a long time to develop, to become something more positive, but everything that annoyed me persisted until 80% through the book, some of it even into 90%. I was so tempted to dnf at about 74%, and I do not dnf, I've dnf'd like two or three books in 5 years. But from that point on, the rest of the read was a rage read, where I stubbornly was not going to give up on the book, and I was just looking forward to being done with it and being able to release the steam of my frustration in my review and have that moment of catharsis. So, here goes.
I hate how much other person drama there is in this book. There's so much mental space occupied by Lyle. And while Jeremiah's past hookups mean nothing to Jeremiah, they also occupy so much space in Noah's head, he's constantly feeling insecure, and thinking about how experienced Jeremiah is. Neither of them are so immersed in each other that they forget about everything else. So Noah is constantly ruminating on the damage that Lyle did to him emotionally and he is afraid of being with Jeremiah. It's just an unpleasant dynamic.
We cannot escape Lyle. He's present in every moment of this book. It's the Lyle show. We need space without him. I know it was a creative choice of the authors to have so much ex drama in this book, and your exes are ghosts in your future to some extent but in a romance novel, we need Noah to be less up Lyle's ass than he was. I wish Noah had been able to have some distance from Lyle before the start of this book, let Noah have f***** around and had some other experiences besides Lyle, let him have relegated Lyle to a corner of his mind, and made him a part of Noah's past. He needed to be less present in Noah's thoughts. It's incredibly frustrating to read a scene of Noah and Jeremiah having sex at 74% and Noah is still thinking about the sex that he had with Lyle and how things were with Lyle. Move the f*** on. It's not like Noah wanted to be with Lyle at all, he just couldn't stop thinking of him.
This book was a slow burn that took 40% before they hooked up. I'm okay with a slow burn done well, but I didn't think this was done well. There wasn't enough tension simmering between the characters, they didn't want each other enough. They spent months apart only seeing each other once a month. The fact that they could go so long without seeing each other just made the intensity of emotion and their love story seem lesser, they were okay with the distance. They didn't need each other. And that's just not romantic to me. You can tell us that they were needing that time to grow and experience things, and adapt to a new future, but wah wah, boo hoo doesn't make it any more romantic to readers. This book didn't get steamy until 70%. Yeah they had the odd hook up before but it was with all these lines and rules in place and it was cold. I don't mind a book being lower in steam, but I judge the book because the relationship between the MMCs came off as cold, they didn't care enough, fast enough. When you have a fated mates story, it kind of needs to be instalove to some extent. I say that even though I don't like insta-love books. But this book was bordering on ridiculous, with the MMCs saying that they still weren't in love by 81% and after like 7 months together. Freezing cold!
Minor vent, I hated all the texting in this book. I found the way that they communicated over text to be cheesy and awkwardly written. They communicate in such an accommodating way that it is too darn cold and healthy, it's like they're polite colleagues dancing around each other politely when they text.
The only things I liked about this book were: the odd sassy line from side characters. And I enjoyed Jeremiah killing Lyle over and over, with Lyle reincarnating and then killing him again. And at the end when a couple people came up to Lyle and kicked him in the balls that was satisfying. And the rescue scene, saving Jeremiah from hell, was a nice come together moment.
Some notable moments:
Wish we had had more sassy moments like this. But this book was very serious, not much fun/humour. "Noah tapped his foot, glancing pointedly at the slim watch on his wrist. “Will this take long? I do have places to be.” Irritation prickled at me, and my mouth ran ahead of my brain. “Oh, sorry. Don’t let meeting your fated mate interfere with your day.” Noah went deadly still. “What did you say?” I winced. Fuck. Shouldn’t have said that. “Uh-oh,” one of the twins murmured. “Tenner says Noah stabs him.” The other twin pulled out a literal bag of popcorn from behind his back. “Nah. Too violent for Noah. Hundred on him blasting him all the way to the end of the drive though.”"
"“Hey, what about me?” Rami stuck his lower lip out. “I’m helpful too.” Sam sighed. “Rami, you’re wonderful. But you’re also the one who helped Nate hold Theo’s head down the toilet last weekend.” “Well, he deserved it.” “Saying that Disney has made the MCU better isn’t a good enough reason to drown someone in a toilet.”"
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
Estos libros se siguen poniendo mejor 💫 aunque esta portada no es la mejor😝
August 14, 2025
I want to preface this review by saying I’m a ride or die Lark fan. *hides*
2.75 stars ⭐️
I can’t believe I’m saying this about a Lark Taylor book but here goes…. It’s boring. Very boring. I couldn’t wait to get it over with boring. I thought there’d be some more angst, there wasn’t. The so called groveling? Non existent really. The relationship felt almost juvenile is the best way I can describe it and that totally killed the vibe. I also think there wasn’t enough going on to make the book this long. By 75% I was so tired of reading this book and kept thinking “I hope something happens soon”. I will of course continue the series even though this bummed me out. Rami is next! I’m also interested to see where Lark takes this whole Gloria business.
2.75 stars ⭐️
I can’t believe I’m saying this about a Lark Taylor book but here goes…. It’s boring. Very boring. I couldn’t wait to get it over with boring. I thought there’d be some more angst, there wasn’t. The so called groveling? Non existent really. The relationship felt almost juvenile is the best way I can describe it and that totally killed the vibe. I also think there wasn’t enough going on to make the book this long. By 75% I was so tired of reading this book and kept thinking “I hope something happens soon”. I will of course continue the series even though this bummed me out. Rami is next! I’m also interested to see where Lark takes this whole Gloria business.
September 3, 2025
I loved them
August 30, 2025
Ugh.
"Guarded" was too much. Too many side characters, too many villains, too many repetitive plot lines. These books have become so convoluted -- it is ABSURD that the description says they can be read as stand-alones. That is laughable. "Guarded" was barely coherent for people who have read the full series. There's just too much fan service; after a certain point, old characters (even beloved ones) need to be left in their own stories so that we can come to care about the new cast. We do not still need to be seeing Mori and freaking River a million books after their love story. Having them involved means that none of the new characters get to do anything notable, so why would we care about them when it's their turn?
On top of that, and despite having to grapple with three separate villains, interminable failure to communicate, and everyone having to take a lap every five minutes, "Guarded" was dull. Repetitive internal monologue made the characters kind of insufferable.
"Guarded" was too much. Too many side characters, too many villains, too many repetitive plot lines. These books have become so convoluted -- it is ABSURD that the description says they can be read as stand-alones. That is laughable. "Guarded" was barely coherent for people who have read the full series. There's just too much fan service; after a certain point, old characters (even beloved ones) need to be left in their own stories so that we can come to care about the new cast. We do not still need to be seeing Mori and freaking River a million books after their love story. Having them involved means that none of the new characters get to do anything notable, so why would we care about them when it's their turn?
On top of that, and despite having to grapple with three separate villains, interminable failure to communicate, and everyone having to take a lap every five minutes, "Guarded" was dull. Repetitive internal monologue made the characters kind of insufferable.
August 23, 2025
Guarded is book three in the Hopeless Blessed series. This MM PNR romance story is about Noah and Jeremiah.
Noah is an archangel and now a member of the Seraphim. He is settling in with his new unit and becoming part of their family. He left his old unit because of the toxic relationship he had with their leader Lyle. It was horrible learning how Lyle treated Noah, and it was sad to see how much it affected Noah. Jeremiah is a demon that had been freed from Hell. All Jeremiah ever dreamed of was freedom, to be himself and do as he pleased. He had no choice when he was in Hell and did what he had to do to survive.
Noah and Jeremiah had a tough start. They learn they are fated mates, and we immediately see Jeremiah run. Noah is hurt and doesn’t want to chase another man that doesn’t want him. But Jeremiah realizes he made a big mistake, and wants to apologize and make things right with Noah. Noah is completely guarded and we see how he tries to protect himself by keeping Jeremiah at arm’s length. Jeremiah may not think he deserves Noah, but he is willing to do what it takes to be with him. I appreciated how Jeremiah was so patient with Noah, especially when I felt that Noah should have opened up to Jeremiah about his past sooner.
I loved seeing Noah and Jeremiah get to know each other on their dates and with their text messages when they were apart. They shared such fun and sweet moments together, and eventually steamy ones as well. They certainly had some challenges to face to get to their HEA, and thank goodness Noah and Jeremiah had the support of the other angels and demons we have come to love. And let me tell you the epilogue definitely has me excited for the next book in this amazing series.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
Noah is an archangel and now a member of the Seraphim. He is settling in with his new unit and becoming part of their family. He left his old unit because of the toxic relationship he had with their leader Lyle. It was horrible learning how Lyle treated Noah, and it was sad to see how much it affected Noah. Jeremiah is a demon that had been freed from Hell. All Jeremiah ever dreamed of was freedom, to be himself and do as he pleased. He had no choice when he was in Hell and did what he had to do to survive.
Noah and Jeremiah had a tough start. They learn they are fated mates, and we immediately see Jeremiah run. Noah is hurt and doesn’t want to chase another man that doesn’t want him. But Jeremiah realizes he made a big mistake, and wants to apologize and make things right with Noah. Noah is completely guarded and we see how he tries to protect himself by keeping Jeremiah at arm’s length. Jeremiah may not think he deserves Noah, but he is willing to do what it takes to be with him. I appreciated how Jeremiah was so patient with Noah, especially when I felt that Noah should have opened up to Jeremiah about his past sooner.
I loved seeing Noah and Jeremiah get to know each other on their dates and with their text messages when they were apart. They shared such fun and sweet moments together, and eventually steamy ones as well. They certainly had some challenges to face to get to their HEA, and thank goodness Noah and Jeremiah had the support of the other angels and demons we have come to love. And let me tell you the epilogue definitely has me excited for the next book in this amazing series.
I received an advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest review.
September 17, 2025
I liked this. I usually always like her books, but I just feel like it’s the same thing every time? Still great, but predictable at this point. I am interested in the next book. It seems like it *might* be something new.
August 20, 2025
A MM romance with Archangel x Demon, fated mates, freedom, dreams, hurt, grovelling, love, found family, facing their pasts & a freaking EPIC battle! I smiled, laughed, teared up, cried, got mad & anxious... & Loved 🥰.
This has been my most anticipated book for months 😍, literally squealed when I got the #ARC ✨. Devoured it within 14hrs over 2days! Loved Noah & Jeremiah so freaking much 🥺❤️.
Noah is the beautiful Archangel of Seraphim unit, with enormous power that he keeps in check. N's fierce, loyal, peace keeper. His ex was HORRENDOUS which has made N guarded 🥺, will he ever be loved fully, be chosen 😭? I loved his confident, shy & mischievous sides!
Jeremiah is the rugged Demon. After finally being freed from being trapped in Hell since forever, he values his freedom. So knowing who his mate is? He runs... & regrets it 😆🤨. J's snarky, considerate, fun. He was on my shit list, but Lark made me melt pretty fast 🤷♀️. I loved him protective, patient & openness. His list was so sweet 😭.
This was the epitome of "Right person, Wrong time" 🥺. Will they choose eachother? I liked that N knows his self worth & J gotta grovel (from start!), show with his actions he's changed 🔥. Despite the hurt, they're cute 🥺. Slowly, J gets through N's high walls 😭. Dang, that was quite the slowburn! I liked the emotions in their relationship, the build up & chemistry. I love me a vers couple 😍, the lace 😏 & omg some wing play!
I was waiting for Gloria to cause issues... But this time it's different. (I'm still pretty sus (a lil dissapointed?), like is she planning something? Villains too quiet is hella sus.) Facing their worst nightmares...😭😤😭. I was thirsty for revenge 😈. OMG, that climax delivered!!!!! 😍 I said "This is amazing!" "So fun!" out loud multiple times (but also, who ordered the wolves?! IYKYK). The cameos were fantastic, ending was so lovely! Omg that tease, I'm feral for Rami's book! Also curious about J's friends' mates 👀.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Yes!! Soo much! 5✨/5
2) The Characters: 5❤️/5
3) Top feels: 🥺😅😆😍🤨🤭😭😆🥰😤😯😭😬😩🥳🔥😳🥰👼😈
4) Steamy scenes: 2.75/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst+Slowburn: 2.75/5 🥺
Dark: 3/5
6) Creativity + world: 5/5
7) Plot arc: (Demon x Angel, Grovel & fated mates) 4.75/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
This has been my most anticipated book for months 😍, literally squealed when I got the #ARC ✨. Devoured it within 14hrs over 2days! Loved Noah & Jeremiah so freaking much 🥺❤️.
Noah is the beautiful Archangel of Seraphim unit, with enormous power that he keeps in check. N's fierce, loyal, peace keeper. His ex was HORRENDOUS which has made N guarded 🥺, will he ever be loved fully, be chosen 😭? I loved his confident, shy & mischievous sides!
Jeremiah is the rugged Demon. After finally being freed from being trapped in Hell since forever, he values his freedom. So knowing who his mate is? He runs... & regrets it 😆🤨. J's snarky, considerate, fun. He was on my shit list, but Lark made me melt pretty fast 🤷♀️. I loved him protective, patient & openness. His list was so sweet 😭.
This was the epitome of "Right person, Wrong time" 🥺. Will they choose eachother? I liked that N knows his self worth & J gotta grovel (from start!), show with his actions he's changed 🔥. Despite the hurt, they're cute 🥺. Slowly, J gets through N's high walls 😭. Dang, that was quite the slowburn! I liked the emotions in their relationship, the build up & chemistry. I love me a vers couple 😍, the lace 😏 & omg some wing play!
"This was real freedom. The freedom to love who I wanted. To choose the life I lived. To appreciate every damned moment. To never take a single second for granted."(Heh & I completed this on India's Independence day too! So cool quote 👌.)
I was waiting for Gloria to cause issues... But this time it's different. (I'm still pretty sus (a lil dissapointed?), like is she planning something? Villains too quiet is hella sus.) Facing their worst nightmares...😭😤😭. I was thirsty for revenge 😈. OMG, that climax delivered!!!!! 😍 I said "This is amazing!" "So fun!" out loud multiple times (but also, who ordered the wolves?! IYKYK). The cameos were fantastic, ending was so lovely! Omg that tease, I'm feral for Rami's book! Also curious about J's friends' mates 👀.
Story Ratings:
POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Enjoyed? —> Yes!! Soo much! 5✨/5
2) The Characters: 5❤️/5
3) Top feels: 🥺😅😆😍🤨🤭😭😆🥰😤😯😭😬😩🥳🔥😳🥰👼😈
4) Steamy scenes: 2.75/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 4.25/5
Angst+Slowburn: 2.75/5 🥺
Dark: 3/5
6) Creativity + world: 5/5
7) Plot arc: (Demon x Angel, Grovel & fated mates) 4.75/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.7/5
September 3, 2025
I was sooo excited for this book!!! Noah, the twins, and Evan’s books were easily my most anticipated from this author and to an extent they still are.
That being said…this book was a little…boring. I’m sad to say it but it’s the truth. It didn’t really move the overarching plot in this series forward either. It kind of feels like some of this authors book are becoming a little repetitive. Even when the characters have distinct personalities, the story often follows the same plot progression.
A big of the setup of this story (as well as a lot of the marketing) was the grovelling that Jeremiah would have to do for flying away from Noah. But that doesn’t really happen. Jeremiah has a pretty good reason for why he did that, and the “grovelling” barely lasts a couple of chapters. Which don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have wanted Jeremiah to grovel for even a page longer than he did because his story was so heartbreaking, but it just felt like this whole setup was unnecessary.
Even Jeremiah’s kidnapping felt rushed and came out of nowhere. It did not feel earned to me at all…it kind of felt that the author just wanted to write a battle scene in Hell and didn’t really think it through? Also!!! Why was Noah nerfed so bad in that scene too? The whole book we talk about how powerful Noah is and how he’s hidden it from everyone. But when push came to shove, even Lyle was about to kill him! I was waiting for a badass scene of Noah almost taking down Lucifer or something but it never happened. The most badass person in the book was River?! I mean hell yeah but what happened to Noah being so unbelievably powerful?
There were definitely some parts I liked in this book but honestly thinking back, they were kind of few and far between.
That being said…this book was a little…boring. I’m sad to say it but it’s the truth. It didn’t really move the overarching plot in this series forward either. It kind of feels like some of this authors book are becoming a little repetitive. Even when the characters have distinct personalities, the story often follows the same plot progression.
A big of the setup of this story (as well as a lot of the marketing) was the grovelling that Jeremiah would have to do for flying away from Noah. But that doesn’t really happen. Jeremiah has a pretty good reason for why he did that, and the “grovelling” barely lasts a couple of chapters. Which don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have wanted Jeremiah to grovel for even a page longer than he did because his story was so heartbreaking, but it just felt like this whole setup was unnecessary.
Even Jeremiah’s kidnapping felt rushed and came out of nowhere. It did not feel earned to me at all…it kind of felt that the author just wanted to write a battle scene in Hell and didn’t really think it through? Also!!! Why was Noah nerfed so bad in that scene too? The whole book we talk about how powerful Noah is and how he’s hidden it from everyone. But when push came to shove, even Lyle was about to kill him! I was waiting for a badass scene of Noah almost taking down Lucifer or something but it never happened. The most badass person in the book was River?! I mean hell yeah but what happened to Noah being so unbelievably powerful?
There were definitely some parts I liked in this book but honestly thinking back, they were kind of few and far between.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
Ohh, I love Lark's books so much. They never fail to make me feel all the things and then some, in all the best ways. Jeremiah and Noah's story is no exception. Once again, I finish a book on a high that only great books can give.
The start of this story was already teased at the end of the previous book, with Jeremiah and Noah meeting face to face and realizing they are fated mates, only for Jeremiah to hightail it out of there as fast as he can. We quickly find out why he ran/flew away though and I couldn't help but root for him as he groveled for forgiveness and put in all the effort he could to get Noah to give him a chance. Noah isn't easily won over though, because he has his own scars and demons to deal with.
Honestly, this story was beautiful. I loved both of these guys immediately. They're both wonderful, flawed characters who are just right for each other. Though I'll admit, Jeremiah stole my heart just a bit more. He's just so precious! I wanted to cuddle him all the time. The way the romance developed and these two grew closer was everything. Their texts? Amazing. Noah having a thing for wearing lace? YES PLEASE. Jeremiah being the most adorable demon ever? Ugh, it's everything.
Another beautiful story and a wonderful addition to the Hopeless Blessed series and Lark's supernatural universe. AND THAT ENDING. Why must you torment us so, Lark? Seriously. Gah. I need book 4 asap. Please.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
The start of this story was already teased at the end of the previous book, with Jeremiah and Noah meeting face to face and realizing they are fated mates, only for Jeremiah to hightail it out of there as fast as he can. We quickly find out why he ran/flew away though and I couldn't help but root for him as he groveled for forgiveness and put in all the effort he could to get Noah to give him a chance. Noah isn't easily won over though, because he has his own scars and demons to deal with.
Honestly, this story was beautiful. I loved both of these guys immediately. They're both wonderful, flawed characters who are just right for each other. Though I'll admit, Jeremiah stole my heart just a bit more. He's just so precious! I wanted to cuddle him all the time. The way the romance developed and these two grew closer was everything. Their texts? Amazing. Noah having a thing for wearing lace? YES PLEASE. Jeremiah being the most adorable demon ever? Ugh, it's everything.
Another beautiful story and a wonderful addition to the Hopeless Blessed series and Lark's supernatural universe. AND THAT ENDING. Why must you torment us so, Lark? Seriously. Gah. I need book 4 asap. Please.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
September 7, 2025
The author’s writing is always great. I love that the whole family always makes cameo appearances in each book. So we get little updates about how they’re all getting on.
Noah is a lush character and has been through an abusive relationship, so when Jeremiah makes the mistake of panicking and flying away from him, Noah thinks he isn’t meant for love. Luckily, Jem realises he’s made a mistake and goes back to fight for Noah.
It’s a slower-burn story than the others, and the main focus of this one is their developing relationship rather than outside drama. There was the inevitable kidnapping at the end, but it wasn’t very long, and other than Lyle getting his comeuppance, it wasn’t nearly as dramatic as previous books. We didn’t even get to see this so-called power Noah was hiding, as Lyle overpowered him very quickly. We didn’t get any updates about whether or not there were any consequences for what happened to Lyle either.
I also have to agree with other reviews and say that the cover is not Noah. Not to slight that man, but he is not fae like at all. In my head, he should be more like Felix.
Overall, it was a good story, a cute, slow-paced love story. A little less exciting and entertaining than the others but still enjoyable.
Noah is a lush character and has been through an abusive relationship, so when Jeremiah makes the mistake of panicking and flying away from him, Noah thinks he isn’t meant for love. Luckily, Jem realises he’s made a mistake and goes back to fight for Noah.
It’s a slower-burn story than the others, and the main focus of this one is their developing relationship rather than outside drama. There was the inevitable kidnapping at the end, but it wasn’t very long, and other than Lyle getting his comeuppance, it wasn’t nearly as dramatic as previous books. We didn’t even get to see this so-called power Noah was hiding, as Lyle overpowered him very quickly. We didn’t get any updates about whether or not there were any consequences for what happened to Lyle either.
I also have to agree with other reviews and say that the cover is not Noah. Not to slight that man, but he is not fae like at all. In my head, he should be more like Felix.
Overall, it was a good story, a cute, slow-paced love story. A little less exciting and entertaining than the others but still enjoyable.
August 31, 2025
⭐️
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐️
Read in another buddy read with the always lovely Lilly ❤️
I adored this third installment of this spin-off series.
Noah, the newest member of the Seraphim, but who has endeared his other team members as well as us readers, after hundreds of years of a clearly abusive "situationship" with his old Juniper leader, Lyle, now gets to experience healthy love with someone who actually loves and adores him and isn't afraid to be with him in the light of day for all to see.
Jeremiah or Jem, as Noah called him, is the perfect man for Noah. After definitely messing up in the beginning by running away from his fated mate several times, he comes around and proves how good of a guy he is to Noah. And his reasons for running are entirely understandable, even though they were wrong.
Noah has been through so much with Lyle - and Lyle has been the only person he's ever been with in his 513 years of living - and he's all he has to compare anything to, that it takes him awhile to trust Jem, to trust in them as a couple, and be ready to fully give into a relationship between them.
After Jem's initial hesitance and running away, he's all in - which perhaps could have been shown slightly better than just...him feeling the pull of them being fated mates and not being able to ignore it anymore - and he's absolutely wonderful to Noah, who absolutely deserves that.
Jem is patient, kind, sweet, and loving. He's not quite ready himself in the beginning as well for a full commitment, but it doesn't take him long to be. Noah is also smart in taking it slow, as he doesn't want any resentment between them or anything like that.
They also wait to have sex, even as they very much want each other and are so very attracted to each other, so as not to go too fast.
Noah is absolutely worried about Jem treating him like Lyle at first - before he sees Jem is nothing like that toerag - and then he's worried about Jem feeling trapped with him as he had felt in Hell, and then he has to get past his own way in order to tell Jem about his past, and about Lyle, which is hard for him as he feels badly about himself for having gone back to the guy over and over again.
But circumstances eventually lead to the truth coming out anyway - which, I wish Noah himself would have told Jem and I wish it didn't all get kinda blurted out when things started happening. I wanted Noah to get there himself - and he did get there, he was ready to tell Jem but got way laid for plot reasons and Jem found out another way and that annoyed me a bit.
BUT it did lead to Jem showing that he wouldn't judge Noah at all and in fact just blames Lyle, where all the blame should be anyway. And Jem understands and is wonderful to Noah about it all. Noah had nothing to worry about, in the end.
I did love these two and their chemistry, it was so good, and this was a fun read. Felt perhaps a bit less big stakes as other stories in this universe have, until near the end when it all comes to a head.
Also, what sex we did get was wonderful and the chemistry was SO good. We did have to wait to near the end, perhaps the last 3rd or so, to get sex between them, but it made sense character wise for it to take that long, so I wasn't mad about it, ultimately. And what we did get was really good, so that was also a plus.
Definitely pick this one up, Noah and Jem were a strong couple, and they were so sweet and adorable and sexy together. They both deserved their happy ending after all they both went through.
Can't wait for the next in the series, presumably about Rami and his mate, which we got a hint of in the epilogue and which greatly intrigued me. I will definitely be tuning in for that when the time comes.
Until then! 😘
My Ratings for the Hopeless Blessed Series:
✨ Conflicted: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Devoted: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Guarded: 4.5 stars
✨ Enchanted: TBR
Read in another buddy read with the always lovely Lilly ❤️
I adored this third installment of this spin-off series.
Noah, the newest member of the Seraphim, but who has endeared his other team members as well as us readers, after hundreds of years of a clearly abusive "situationship" with his old Juniper leader, Lyle, now gets to experience healthy love with someone who actually loves and adores him and isn't afraid to be with him in the light of day for all to see.
Jeremiah or Jem, as Noah called him, is the perfect man for Noah. After definitely messing up in the beginning by running away from his fated mate several times, he comes around and proves how good of a guy he is to Noah. And his reasons for running are entirely understandable, even though they were wrong.
Noah has been through so much with Lyle - and Lyle has been the only person he's ever been with in his 513 years of living - and he's all he has to compare anything to, that it takes him awhile to trust Jem, to trust in them as a couple, and be ready to fully give into a relationship between them.
After Jem's initial hesitance and running away, he's all in - which perhaps could have been shown slightly better than just...him feeling the pull of them being fated mates and not being able to ignore it anymore - and he's absolutely wonderful to Noah, who absolutely deserves that.
Jem is patient, kind, sweet, and loving. He's not quite ready himself in the beginning as well for a full commitment, but it doesn't take him long to be. Noah is also smart in taking it slow, as he doesn't want any resentment between them or anything like that.
They also wait to have sex, even as they very much want each other and are so very attracted to each other, so as not to go too fast.
Noah is absolutely worried about Jem treating him like Lyle at first - before he sees Jem is nothing like that toerag - and then he's worried about Jem feeling trapped with him as he had felt in Hell, and then he has to get past his own way in order to tell Jem about his past, and about Lyle, which is hard for him as he feels badly about himself for having gone back to the guy over and over again.
But circumstances eventually lead to the truth coming out anyway - which, I wish Noah himself would have told Jem and I wish it didn't all get kinda blurted out when things started happening. I wanted Noah to get there himself - and he did get there, he was ready to tell Jem but got way laid for plot reasons and Jem found out another way and that annoyed me a bit.
BUT it did lead to Jem showing that he wouldn't judge Noah at all and in fact just blames Lyle, where all the blame should be anyway. And Jem understands and is wonderful to Noah about it all. Noah had nothing to worry about, in the end.
I did love these two and their chemistry, it was so good, and this was a fun read. Felt perhaps a bit less big stakes as other stories in this universe have, until near the end when it all comes to a head.
Also, what sex we did get was wonderful and the chemistry was SO good. We did have to wait to near the end, perhaps the last 3rd or so, to get sex between them, but it made sense character wise for it to take that long, so I wasn't mad about it, ultimately. And what we did get was really good, so that was also a plus.
Definitely pick this one up, Noah and Jem were a strong couple, and they were so sweet and adorable and sexy together. They both deserved their happy ending after all they both went through.
Can't wait for the next in the series, presumably about Rami and his mate, which we got a hint of in the epilogue and which greatly intrigued me. I will definitely be tuning in for that when the time comes.
Until then! 😘
My Ratings for the Hopeless Blessed Series:
✨ Conflicted: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Devoted: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Guarded: 4.5 stars
✨ Enchanted: TBR
Read
August 28, 2025hardest decision IN A WHILE, it’s been ten days…and i have made the executive decision… of dnf-ing this book (FOR NOW!) at 42% please if someone in lark teams sees this know that it is with the greatest of pains that I am doing this.
I am quite sure this is like 60% because of the terrible book slump I am in. If you have been following me, you know that I am completely in love with lark’s supes, even the ones I don’t like much (Toby and Dimitri I am looking at you) I managed to enjoy. It’s simply a universe I am very fond of, which is why this pains me so much :’(
The angels, for now, have been of my favorite characters to read, so naturally I was looking forward to Noah’s book, but as I kept reading I found myself a bit out of the story and not as entertained as usual. I loved Noah even form the previous books but here I couldn’t enjoy his relationship with Jeremiah. They even felt juvenile at times, which I know we have silly supes (Harlow is right there) but they felt more juvenile or nonsensical than silly.
I can say I was definitely intrigued and swooning with Jeremiah’s list. Will be interesting to see how that ends. The only things I can truly point out that I didn’t like is that I felt that they were lowkey juvenile (but maybe that gets better, remember I stopped at 42%) and the cover… (sue me). You guys known how I am about covers and names!
God, but Noah is really my baby idk. I am in mourning. And again, quite sure this partly has a lot to do with the fact that I haven’t been able to get my hot reading streak on.
Quite sure I’ll come back to this book, if not soon then definitely when another release is close… Would hate to go onto another Lark book without finishing this one!
no official rating since I didn’t finish and refuse to think I never will :’)
>> received an arc by The author agency
I am quite sure this is like 60% because of the terrible book slump I am in. If you have been following me, you know that I am completely in love with lark’s supes, even the ones I don’t like much (Toby and Dimitri I am looking at you) I managed to enjoy. It’s simply a universe I am very fond of, which is why this pains me so much :’(
The angels, for now, have been of my favorite characters to read, so naturally I was looking forward to Noah’s book, but as I kept reading I found myself a bit out of the story and not as entertained as usual. I loved Noah even form the previous books but here I couldn’t enjoy his relationship with Jeremiah. They even felt juvenile at times, which I know we have silly supes (Harlow is right there) but they felt more juvenile or nonsensical than silly.
I can say I was definitely intrigued and swooning with Jeremiah’s list. Will be interesting to see how that ends. The only things I can truly point out that I didn’t like is that I felt that they were lowkey juvenile (but maybe that gets better, remember I stopped at 42%) and the cover… (sue me). You guys known how I am about covers and names!
God, but Noah is really my baby idk. I am in mourning. And again, quite sure this partly has a lot to do with the fact that I haven’t been able to get my hot reading streak on.
Quite sure I’ll come back to this book, if not soon then definitely when another release is close… Would hate to go onto another Lark book without finishing this one!
no official rating since I didn’t finish and refuse to think I never will :’)
>> received an arc by The author agency
August 27, 2025
Guarded
Hopeless Blessed Book 3
Lark Taylor
Jeremiah & Noah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Hurt / Comfort
Fated Mates
Angel / Demon
Found Family
Lacy lingerie
Dirt texting
SO this was lovely, after Devoted, my heart hurt for Noah, especially given what he has been through with Lyle, Jeremiah just leaving him, it was awful. I really wanted to know how this would play out. How could Jeremiah redeem himself?
Jeremiah did and then some. I loved how slowly they took their relationship, I loved how Noah set boundaries and kept them, and how Jem didn’t try to push them.
“Noah was the prettiest man I’d ever seen.”
They were so sweet and lovely. I adore all the angels and demons in this book.. The found family aspect is so great.
They were so hot too, they matched each other so well.
“Because you are my freedom. I don’t need or want anything else, so long as I have you.”
I hated how Noah had to help a certain someone again. I also hated what occurred to Jeremiah in the last bit. I do love how everyone is so ride or die for eachother, they are so protective of eachother, its beautiful.
Jeremiah loved Noah so much…. His list? Oh my heart.
“I love you, Noah. So much that I worry it might be too much for you.” “Never,” he vowed. “You’re my everything, Jem.”
Such a wonderful series. I love everything by Lark Taylor lol
Cannot wait to read Rami's book
So thankful for this arc
Hopeless Blessed Book 3
Lark Taylor
Jeremiah & Noah
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Hurt / Comfort
Fated Mates
Angel / Demon
Found Family
Lacy lingerie
Dirt texting
SO this was lovely, after Devoted, my heart hurt for Noah, especially given what he has been through with Lyle, Jeremiah just leaving him, it was awful. I really wanted to know how this would play out. How could Jeremiah redeem himself?
Jeremiah did and then some. I loved how slowly they took their relationship, I loved how Noah set boundaries and kept them, and how Jem didn’t try to push them.
“Noah was the prettiest man I’d ever seen.”
They were so sweet and lovely. I adore all the angels and demons in this book.. The found family aspect is so great.
They were so hot too, they matched each other so well.
“Because you are my freedom. I don’t need or want anything else, so long as I have you.”
I hated how Noah had to help a certain someone again. I also hated what occurred to Jeremiah in the last bit. I do love how everyone is so ride or die for eachother, they are so protective of eachother, its beautiful.
Jeremiah loved Noah so much…. His list? Oh my heart.
“I love you, Noah. So much that I worry it might be too much for you.” “Never,” he vowed. “You’re my everything, Jem.”
Such a wonderful series. I love everything by Lark Taylor lol
Cannot wait to read Rami's book
So thankful for this arc
August 7, 2025
4 5 stars - loved this one so much. Was a little worried with how the last book ended but I am so happy with how Noah and Jeremiah’s story turned out. ♥️
November 30, 2025
Hacemos caso omiso a la portada horrenda.
No sé que me está pasando con esta saga pero se me está haciendo súper densa. Amo los libros de Lark Taylor pero siento que no me han hecho sentir lo mismo que la primera y parte de la segunda saga. Igual no le tengo tanto cariño a estos personajes. Quizá sea eso.
No sé que me está pasando con esta saga pero se me está haciendo súper densa. Amo los libros de Lark Taylor pero siento que no me han hecho sentir lo mismo que la primera y parte de la segunda saga. Igual no le tengo tanto cariño a estos personajes. Quizá sea eso.
December 13, 2025
First off I was gonna wait till next year to listen to this cause I recently found out the next book would be released sometime next year... until I said fuck it 😂😭😕 A big thanks to Dan calley the amazing narration 😹
Noah is an angel who’s given too much to the wrong man and is determined to never give anyone the chance to hurt him ever again. Meeting your fated mate is supposed to make things better, right?
Jeremiah knows that he screwed up big time. But after an eternity of being under someone else’s thumb, can you blame him for being scared of being trapped again.
The thing I enjoyed most about this story is that the literal bad guy is less of a problem than the issues that are holding Noah and Jeremiah back. You can’t help but feel bad for both of them and I cheered them on from the beginning. I also enjoyed their interactions with some of our old friends from the previous books.
Lark Taylor has a way of writing characters that are easy to empathize with, supernatural or not. It is interesting how her stories highlight the issues that many couples face by presenting them in a very different perspective. They have created an extensive universe with diverse characters, and never once have I lost interest in the stories they have to tell.
Of course there are hot guys having extremely hot sex, but there are also so many scenes that make me laugh, and just as many that make me cry. Once I get started on one of Lark’s book, I forget the rest of the world exists until that book is done.
They aren’t always perfect. Sometimes they drag in places, but I am also impatient so there is that.
But while every book is a real part of the on-going story, they are also a story in their own right and they could be read on their own. But I wouldn’t recommend it. Start from the beginning with Devil’s Mark and let yourself get drawn down every road this author has to offer in this series…and all their others
Noah is an angel who’s given too much to the wrong man and is determined to never give anyone the chance to hurt him ever again. Meeting your fated mate is supposed to make things better, right?
Jeremiah knows that he screwed up big time. But after an eternity of being under someone else’s thumb, can you blame him for being scared of being trapped again.
The thing I enjoyed most about this story is that the literal bad guy is less of a problem than the issues that are holding Noah and Jeremiah back. You can’t help but feel bad for both of them and I cheered them on from the beginning. I also enjoyed their interactions with some of our old friends from the previous books.
Lark Taylor has a way of writing characters that are easy to empathize with, supernatural or not. It is interesting how her stories highlight the issues that many couples face by presenting them in a very different perspective. They have created an extensive universe with diverse characters, and never once have I lost interest in the stories they have to tell.
Of course there are hot guys having extremely hot sex, but there are also so many scenes that make me laugh, and just as many that make me cry. Once I get started on one of Lark’s book, I forget the rest of the world exists until that book is done.
They aren’t always perfect. Sometimes they drag in places, but I am also impatient so there is that.
But while every book is a real part of the on-going story, they are also a story in their own right and they could be read on their own. But I wouldn’t recommend it. Start from the beginning with Devil’s Mark and let yourself get drawn down every road this author has to offer in this series…and all their others
August 30, 2025
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: paranormal romance, MM
Tropes / tags: fated mates, found family, suspense
I pretty much devoured Noah and Jeremiah’s story in one go, I love some good grovelling and Noah certainly made Jeremiah work for it!
I really enjoyed Lark Taylor’s take on slow burn / grovelling and fated mates! Jeremiah was not ready to meet his fated mate and the first meeting between him and Noah didn’t go well at all. While it didn’t take long for Jeremiah to realise that he’d messed up, the hurt he’d caused Noah was very real, and it wasn’t something Noah was going to easily forgive.
Their actions and reasonings made sense considering that they both had some hefty baggage, and their pasts tugged hard on my heartstrings. Noah especially was the kind of character that I was instantly drawn to once he appeared in the series, and I’d been looking forward to learning more about him. I liked that he stood up for himself, not willing to enter a relationship with someone who wasn’t entirely committed to him.
The story turned sweet and swoony after the initial situation, and Noah and Jeremiah had me smiling through their dates and text messages. Jeremiah was determined to show Noah that he could commit and be a great mate to him, and their feelings slowly grew as they got to know each other. It was so easy to become engrossed in their story, and the romance and emotions had me completely captured.
Guarded was a great addition to the Hopeless Blessed series, and I really enjoyed Jeremiah and Noah’s story! There was quite a bit of suspense towards the end, and I can’t wait to see more uncovered about the corruption within the angelic units. With the way Lark ended things here, Rami’s story can’t come soon enough!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: paranormal romance, MM
Tropes / tags: fated mates, found family, suspense
I pretty much devoured Noah and Jeremiah’s story in one go, I love some good grovelling and Noah certainly made Jeremiah work for it!
I really enjoyed Lark Taylor’s take on slow burn / grovelling and fated mates! Jeremiah was not ready to meet his fated mate and the first meeting between him and Noah didn’t go well at all. While it didn’t take long for Jeremiah to realise that he’d messed up, the hurt he’d caused Noah was very real, and it wasn’t something Noah was going to easily forgive.
Their actions and reasonings made sense considering that they both had some hefty baggage, and their pasts tugged hard on my heartstrings. Noah especially was the kind of character that I was instantly drawn to once he appeared in the series, and I’d been looking forward to learning more about him. I liked that he stood up for himself, not willing to enter a relationship with someone who wasn’t entirely committed to him.
The story turned sweet and swoony after the initial situation, and Noah and Jeremiah had me smiling through their dates and text messages. Jeremiah was determined to show Noah that he could commit and be a great mate to him, and their feelings slowly grew as they got to know each other. It was so easy to become engrossed in their story, and the romance and emotions had me completely captured.
Guarded was a great addition to the Hopeless Blessed series, and I really enjoyed Jeremiah and Noah’s story! There was quite a bit of suspense towards the end, and I can’t wait to see more uncovered about the corruption within the angelic units. With the way Lark ended things here, Rami’s story can’t come soon enough!
-
I received an advanced copy of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
August 28, 2025
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Noah’s story after his and Jeremiah’s heartbreaking scene at the end of Devoted. This book definitely starts with some well deserved groveling on Jeremiah’s part but you also quickly get backstory from both characters that make it impossible not to fall for them both. Jeremiah is a demon who has survived an unimaginable amount of time in Hell, and Noah is an angel looking for the love he deserves after being treated badly in his last relationship.
I really enjoyed the slow burn in this story and how Noah and Jeremiah came together very naturally despite knowing they are fated mates. The spice was fun and enjoyable but it didn’t stand out to me very much. What the book did do super well was make me basically obsessed with every character who should get their own book and HEA. I was already looking forward to the rest of the Seraphim getting their own stories but now I’m hoping the demons and the members of Juniper also get their own books! This could be a very very large universe once Taylor is done and I am 100% here for it.
One thing I struggled with in this book was the lack of overarching plot. I was hopeful this book would move along the drama with Gloria but instead the only drama outside of their relationship has to do with Noah’s past. I know there are still quite a few books left in this series but I wish the storyline that spans across all of them was more prevalent and interesting beyond just hating Gloria.
One thing is for certain though, Taylor sure knows how to end a book with a huge reveal hinting at the next couple. Now we just have to wait for Rami’s book and hope it comes soon!
Tropes: Fated Mates, Groveling, Dating, Slow Burn(ish), Mental Health, Hurt/Comfort, Dual POV, Interconnected Series, Angel/Demon
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
I really enjoyed the slow burn in this story and how Noah and Jeremiah came together very naturally despite knowing they are fated mates. The spice was fun and enjoyable but it didn’t stand out to me very much. What the book did do super well was make me basically obsessed with every character who should get their own book and HEA. I was already looking forward to the rest of the Seraphim getting their own stories but now I’m hoping the demons and the members of Juniper also get their own books! This could be a very very large universe once Taylor is done and I am 100% here for it.
One thing I struggled with in this book was the lack of overarching plot. I was hopeful this book would move along the drama with Gloria but instead the only drama outside of their relationship has to do with Noah’s past. I know there are still quite a few books left in this series but I wish the storyline that spans across all of them was more prevalent and interesting beyond just hating Gloria.
One thing is for certain though, Taylor sure knows how to end a book with a huge reveal hinting at the next couple. Now we just have to wait for Rami’s book and hope it comes soon!
Tropes: Fated Mates, Groveling, Dating, Slow Burn(ish), Mental Health, Hurt/Comfort, Dual POV, Interconnected Series, Angel/Demon
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ 2/5
Relationship: MM
September 3, 2025
3.25⭐️
The next instalment of overly-emotional, overly-powerful supernatural beings from Lark Taylor is here! I swear, there’s something comforting and addicting about these books. Though I know I’m going to get a story and characters similar to the ones we already have from this universe, I still keep reading them!
This book followed Noah, the new addition to the Seraphim who is stronger than he lets on. His first meeting with his fated mate Jeremiah doesn’t go as he’d hoped, with Jeremiah turning tail and avoiding him. This book follows these two as they learn to communicate, date, and finally fall in love.
There were some fun tropes in this book, and the superpowers that the characters have are always entertaining. I know exactly what I’m going to get when I pick up a book in this series every time.
The next instalment of overly-emotional, overly-powerful supernatural beings from Lark Taylor is here! I swear, there’s something comforting and addicting about these books. Though I know I’m going to get a story and characters similar to the ones we already have from this universe, I still keep reading them!
This book followed Noah, the new addition to the Seraphim who is stronger than he lets on. His first meeting with his fated mate Jeremiah doesn’t go as he’d hoped, with Jeremiah turning tail and avoiding him. This book follows these two as they learn to communicate, date, and finally fall in love.
There were some fun tropes in this book, and the superpowers that the characters have are always entertaining. I know exactly what I’m going to get when I pick up a book in this series every time.
August 26, 2025
How to win your fated mate over
I was desperate for this book and let me tell you, it was better that I thought!! I loved every second of Noah and Jeremiah’s story 💕🔥 The dates, their messages, the way their relationship slowly built up despite their less-than-stellar beginning... absolute perfection👌✨
And Jeremiah?? The man went and made a list of every little detail he learned about Noah 😭🥹 That was beyond sweet! Honestly, husband material right there, I’m telling you 💍🧑🤝🧑💏
But of course… Noah had the worst ex in the entire history of garbage exes 🏆🙄 Like, Lyle, not only was obsessed with ruining Noah’s happiness, but he also wanted to drag the whole Juniper unit down for his own stupid mistakes?? Ugh. Absolute garbage. 🚮
That’s why I was so pleased when Jeremiah delivered his very special brand of justice 😙😂 No, he didn’t kill the shitty ex… he did something worse 😇🙂↕️ And it was so satisfying to read.
Also… Gloria?? 👀 She was suspiciously absent this book, and I have a theory she had something to do with Jeremiah’s kidnapping. Do I have proof? No. Do I have doubts? Also no. 🤷♀️😅
Anyway, now I desperately need the next book ASAP 😐😭🙏
This series just keeps getting better!
I was desperate for this book and let me tell you, it was better that I thought!! I loved every second of Noah and Jeremiah’s story 💕🔥 The dates, their messages, the way their relationship slowly built up despite their less-than-stellar beginning... absolute perfection👌✨
And Jeremiah?? The man went and made a list of every little detail he learned about Noah 😭🥹 That was beyond sweet! Honestly, husband material right there, I’m telling you 💍🧑🤝🧑💏
But of course… Noah had the worst ex in the entire history of garbage exes 🏆🙄 Like, Lyle, not only was obsessed with ruining Noah’s happiness, but he also wanted to drag the whole Juniper unit down for his own stupid mistakes?? Ugh. Absolute garbage. 🚮
That’s why I was so pleased when Jeremiah delivered his very special brand of justice 😙😂 No, he didn’t kill the shitty ex… he did something worse 😇🙂↕️ And it was so satisfying to read.
Also… Gloria?? 👀 She was suspiciously absent this book, and I have a theory she had something to do with Jeremiah’s kidnapping. Do I have proof? No. Do I have doubts? Also no. 🤷♀️😅
Anyway, now I desperately need the next book ASAP 😐😭🙏
This series just keeps getting better!
September 11, 2025
4.5 stars
September 28, 2025
This book is not the horror novel the disastrous cover implies. It is, in fact, an incredibly sweet, cheesy, mushy romance that I mostly had a fantastic time with.
August 25, 2025
4.25! I just love this world SO much!!!! I adore Jem and Noah! The way Jem was still learning to adjust top side felt so raw. And how they didn’t rush into things but slowly became best friends was beautiful! I love a good text message microtrope and this one didn’t disappoint.
There were a few side characters that took away from the story a bit for me. I understand why they were necessary for the story but I felt like Lyle’s name was mentioned too much. That is my only negative- I loved it!
I’m so ready for more mates and stories!! Jeremiah being a vulnerable demon was my favorite. And all the lace! Swoon!
There were a few side characters that took away from the story a bit for me. I understand why they were necessary for the story but I felt like Lyle’s name was mentioned too much. That is my only negative- I loved it!
I’m so ready for more mates and stories!! Jeremiah being a vulnerable demon was my favorite. And all the lace! Swoon!
August 27, 2025
Guarded ARC Review:
Noah and Jeremiah🩵
Guarded begins with the meeting of Noah and Jeremiah that goes terribly wrong, since Jeremiah decides to run from his fated mate instead of facing him. After his past with looking for love from someone who would never give it, Noah refuses to be treated this way by anyone ever again. So when Jeremiah begs for a chance to get to know him, Noah has no intention of letting him in just to be hurt again. Still, the more they get to know each other, the harder it is for Noah to keep from letting Jeremiah in.
I do love a good grovel, so with how Jeremiah throws an immediate wrench into building any kind of relationship with his fated mate by fleeing from him, I was hooked on seeing how he could hope to make it up to Noah. The more I saw of each of what haunts them, plus when they open up to each other about their painful pasts and the after effects, the more I grew to care for these two! I loved seeing their lighter moments just as much as the heavier ones. Their dynamics with those close to them filled me with all the hilarity and the warmer fuzzy feelings of being back in the world of Lark’s characters. No matter how serious or chaotic a situation may turn, they have each other’s backs against those plotting then any harm.
What matters most to Noah is getting to know someone and falling for who they are, regardless of what fate says about it, and choosing each other because they want to but not because a pull is saying so. Jeremiah shows Noah a deep level of care that he hasn’t experienced before, and I am so happy when Noah showed the same right back to Jeremiah as their story went on. I couldn’t be happier for them!
Excited for more of this world from Lark!
5/5🌟
Noah and Jeremiah🩵
Guarded begins with the meeting of Noah and Jeremiah that goes terribly wrong, since Jeremiah decides to run from his fated mate instead of facing him. After his past with looking for love from someone who would never give it, Noah refuses to be treated this way by anyone ever again. So when Jeremiah begs for a chance to get to know him, Noah has no intention of letting him in just to be hurt again. Still, the more they get to know each other, the harder it is for Noah to keep from letting Jeremiah in.
I do love a good grovel, so with how Jeremiah throws an immediate wrench into building any kind of relationship with his fated mate by fleeing from him, I was hooked on seeing how he could hope to make it up to Noah. The more I saw of each of what haunts them, plus when they open up to each other about their painful pasts and the after effects, the more I grew to care for these two! I loved seeing their lighter moments just as much as the heavier ones. Their dynamics with those close to them filled me with all the hilarity and the warmer fuzzy feelings of being back in the world of Lark’s characters. No matter how serious or chaotic a situation may turn, they have each other’s backs against those plotting then any harm.
What matters most to Noah is getting to know someone and falling for who they are, regardless of what fate says about it, and choosing each other because they want to but not because a pull is saying so. Jeremiah shows Noah a deep level of care that he hasn’t experienced before, and I am so happy when Noah showed the same right back to Jeremiah as their story went on. I couldn’t be happier for them!
Excited for more of this world from Lark!
5/5🌟
August 31, 2025
Emotional hurt/comfort, angel x demon romance!
"I’d made countless stupid decisions in my immortal life. But running from my mate? That was the stupidest of all."
Lark never fails in making me cry with her prologues. Though I knew exactly what was coming, I still bawled my eyes out during the prologue. Noah's pain due to the rejection he faced, along with his past, just broke my heart. I didn't know how Jeremiah was ever going to get back in his good graces. But there are two sides to every story and his is just as heartbreaking.
"I was quickly discovering that making Noah happy did warm, squishy things to my insides. Addictive things. I couldn’t get enough."
I knew there had to be a good reason for Jeremiah's actions, but I never would have expected the reality. His past is harrowing and thinking about it hurts. But it was so beautiful to see him find joy and hope and eventually love too. I love how he pays attention and constantly tries to find ways to make Noah feel wanted and loved. He's just so soft for him and that made me so happy.
"I’m going to keep showing up for you. One day, you won’t be surprised by it anymore. You’ll be expecting it.”
One thing I love about Lark's books is how the fated mates stories are never insta-lovey. While fate may make the introduction, the characters put in the work to get to know each other and let love come naturally. Noah and Jeremiah's love had a rough and hesitant start. But once they decided to figure things out, they were steady and committed. I liked the way they didn't sacrifice their personal wants for each other but instead found a way to get everything they needed without having to give anything up.
"Let me be there for you, Jem. Let me know all of you so I can love all of you.”
This angel x demon, hurt/comfort romance was emotional and intense and so swoony. Though he may have turned his back in the beginning, I loved the way Jeremiah stood by Noah's side through all the hard times and supported him in ways no one has before. Both of them deserve a love that stands the test of time and that's exactly what they found! I adored this story and I cannot wait to read the next one!!
"I’d made countless stupid decisions in my immortal life. But running from my mate? That was the stupidest of all."
Lark never fails in making me cry with her prologues. Though I knew exactly what was coming, I still bawled my eyes out during the prologue. Noah's pain due to the rejection he faced, along with his past, just broke my heart. I didn't know how Jeremiah was ever going to get back in his good graces. But there are two sides to every story and his is just as heartbreaking.
"I was quickly discovering that making Noah happy did warm, squishy things to my insides. Addictive things. I couldn’t get enough."
I knew there had to be a good reason for Jeremiah's actions, but I never would have expected the reality. His past is harrowing and thinking about it hurts. But it was so beautiful to see him find joy and hope and eventually love too. I love how he pays attention and constantly tries to find ways to make Noah feel wanted and loved. He's just so soft for him and that made me so happy.
"I’m going to keep showing up for you. One day, you won’t be surprised by it anymore. You’ll be expecting it.”
One thing I love about Lark's books is how the fated mates stories are never insta-lovey. While fate may make the introduction, the characters put in the work to get to know each other and let love come naturally. Noah and Jeremiah's love had a rough and hesitant start. But once they decided to figure things out, they were steady and committed. I liked the way they didn't sacrifice their personal wants for each other but instead found a way to get everything they needed without having to give anything up.
"Let me be there for you, Jem. Let me know all of you so I can love all of you.”
This angel x demon, hurt/comfort romance was emotional and intense and so swoony. Though he may have turned his back in the beginning, I loved the way Jeremiah stood by Noah's side through all the hard times and supported him in ways no one has before. Both of them deserve a love that stands the test of time and that's exactly what they found! I adored this story and I cannot wait to read the next one!!
August 29, 2025
Perfect. Give me 500 of them.
Lark Taylor once again delivers. GUARDED, book three in the Hopeless Blessed series, is Noah and Jeremiah's story. Oof. This one packs a multilevel emotional punch in the best way, I assure you.
Noah, the newest member of the Seraphim, left the Juniper unit with some hefty baggage. When he meets his mate Jeremiah, it does not go well.
And lord, do we go on an emotional adventure. Usually I get frustrated with characters in this situation [I am not telling you the situation], but getting the two POVs shows us this isn't just angst for angst sake. There's reasons behind both the mcs actions, and I get it.
So we get this romance. We get plot from the other two books, we get some baddies & [redacted]. This story doesn't let up the entire time.
In typical Lark faction, I was an emotional wreck at the end, but I knew what I was signing up for.
Lark, we need RAMI NOW. I mean, I respect your boundaries and your schedule, but you know what you did.
One of my favorite parts of this romance is the fact Noah and Jeremiah were fated, but they wanted to love each other. They worked at it, learning about the other and falling ... it all came together so cohesively.
I will say this [redacted] got what they deserved, and boy, was I cheering it on.
Cal and Oscar will always be my favorite, but Noah and Jem were pretty fantastic. 💙💙💙
Guarded is out 08/27! I definitely recommend this one! Especially if you love a slower burn higher angst.
Lark Taylor once again delivers. GUARDED, book three in the Hopeless Blessed series, is Noah and Jeremiah's story. Oof. This one packs a multilevel emotional punch in the best way, I assure you.
Noah, the newest member of the Seraphim, left the Juniper unit with some hefty baggage. When he meets his mate Jeremiah, it does not go well.
And lord, do we go on an emotional adventure. Usually I get frustrated with characters in this situation [I am not telling you the situation], but getting the two POVs shows us this isn't just angst for angst sake. There's reasons behind both the mcs actions, and I get it.
So we get this romance. We get plot from the other two books, we get some baddies & [redacted]. This story doesn't let up the entire time.
In typical Lark faction, I was an emotional wreck at the end, but I knew what I was signing up for.
Lark, we need RAMI NOW. I mean, I respect your boundaries and your schedule, but you know what you did.
One of my favorite parts of this romance is the fact Noah and Jeremiah were fated, but they wanted to love each other. They worked at it, learning about the other and falling ... it all came together so cohesively.
I will say this [redacted] got what they deserved, and boy, was I cheering it on.
Cal and Oscar will always be my favorite, but Noah and Jem were pretty fantastic. 💙💙💙
Guarded is out 08/27! I definitely recommend this one! Especially if you love a slower burn higher angst.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews