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Guarded

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Perfect daughter.

Cartel Princess.

Destined to be a trophy wife.

My life was never in my own control.





In a world where loyalty is a currency and love is a rarely obtainable luxury, I was sculpted into the ideal daughter—an untouchable cartel princess, destined to be a trophy wife. But beneath the facade, my life has always been dictated others.



When a series of harrowing events shatter my carefully constructed world, buried trauma resurfaces, and only my new bodyguard, a brooding man with secrets as deep as his scars, sees the real me. His gaze ignites a fierce desire within, pushing me to fight for his praise, but his haunted past looms like a specter over our fragile connection.



As I stand at the crossroads of duty and desire, I grapple with an impossible marry to secure my family's legacy or risk the heartbreak of falling for the one man who may never be able to love me back.



"Guarded.” is the third installment in the Calavera Hotels series, which delves into the lives of Don Vicente Consuelo's grandchildren. As they inherit the luxuries and privileges that come with their family name, they also face demons that accompany their wealth.

356 pages, Paperback

Published March 7, 2025

37 people are currently reading
168 people want to read

About the author

Nix Murguia

5 books168 followers
Nix Murguia is a dark contemporary romance author. She resides in Boise, Idaho with her husband and three sons. As a young Chicana growing up in the 90s her grandfather introduced her to various movies that would help her connect with her culture and embrace her identity.
It was in the 1987 movie La Bamba that Nix realized the bad boy was much more attractive. The Bobs, the Miklos, and Chuchos. Her love for the anti-hero, morally grey alpha male bled into the books she read.
She uses her love for story telling and writing to create diverse characters that Latina women can relate to and love. Morally grey men that say “Mija.” And “Te quiero.” And the strong women who would be their only weakness.

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5 stars
153 (74%)
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38 (18%)
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12 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Jess.
612 reviews51 followers
September 30, 2025
Did I finish this book with tears running down my face?? Yes. Was it incredible? Also yes.

Ari is not an FMC I would typically love but I couldn’t help but enjoy her kindness and Cher-like (Clueless) need for all things pink. Couple that with a tortured biker boy MMC like Nero, and I was smitten with their relationship. The spice was absolutely wonderful, but I truly stayed for the complexities of this budding relationship.

And thank you dark romance gods for finally giving me a (half) Filipino biker MMC. Pinoy pride baby!!

Nix Murguia has made her way onto my auto-buy list, and I selfishly want so much more from this series.
Profile Image for Amy Elizabeth.
49 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2025
Action packed cartel, Dark romance series! Gives all the SOA/Mayans vibes! Check your triggers for sure!

These books keep getting better and better! I think I relate to Ari more than all the FMCs in the series! She’s girly, has a dog sidekick, a nurturer, and knows how to ball out on a budget!

I didn’t vibe with spice in this book, however sub/dom is just not my thing. It totally made sense to the plot though. I really enjoyed Ariella and Nero as a couple. I liked their backstories and how it put them together on a healing journey.

Like all of Nikkeya’s other books, this was well written and I totally could see this as a TV series in my head as I was reading! I can’t wait to see more of my favorite characters in books to come!
Profile Image for Isis.
196 reviews
January 6, 2025
Ari & Nero, a love that shows you to be who you are and you’ll be loved unconditionally 🥹😭😭

Full review coming soon
Profile Image for Ana Elizondo.
257 reviews
June 4, 2025
After I write this review, I'm going to fall into a mini depression bc what is life after this series?
Ariella and Nero's Mexican, cartel, love story is so raw, yet delicate and romantic. (also is a dark, spicy romance)
Nero's past was truly horrific and hard to stomach, and although it was difficult and heartbreaking to read the things his mother did, it made his happily ever after that much sweeter.
And Ari!!! A true sweet,cartel princess, I loved everything about her (minus Guapo and the husband situation).
I have enjoyed all 3 books in this series SO fucking much. I found myself stalking the author's IG to find out more about Adrian, Thalia and Ari - my faves!
BRB while I fall into a reading slump now.
Profile Image for Amoyisreadingxoxo.
330 reviews
March 8, 2025
*intense heavy breathing*

Ariella and Nero’s relationship was just the best thing ever, and I loved how he fed into her depravity & gave her room to grow🙂‍↕️

He took every second to ask his princess what she wanted, and what made her happy. Don’t we love a man who follows through on his promises? BOOM SHAKALAKA YES GAWDDD🥵

So so proud of Ariella standing her ground and doing what’s best for her despite what others think. Nero found someone to lean on when it comes to his trauma as well, and they genuinely HEALED each other, LOVED THEM DOWN🥹🖤
Profile Image for C R I S.
4 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2025
I’m sobbing at the Filipino representation! It’s rare to find dark romances with Filipino mcs, so reading about Nero and his upbringing made my heart ache. Especially when he mentioned his childhood. It was tough to read and made me feel for his character even more.
The way Ari made him feel like he deserved love, absolutely had me tearing up! This is why I love romance! Don’t get me started on Ari. Burdened by her family’s expectations, she went through a lot, on top of her traumas. But babygirl pushed forward and I loved seeing her character development alongside Nero. Romances that only add to each character’s personal journey is my favorite. Nix did the damn thing yet again with another book in the series.
I can’t wait to learn more about badass Genesis and honestly, Cass. It’s the troubled mmcs that get my heart in a frenzy.
Also, please. Manika? And the spice? Every spicy scene in this whole series, DELIVERS. Along with the comedic jokes that blossom in every character’s personality. Oh, and I be kicking my mf feet when characters from other books make an appearance.
Ahhhhh, another book devoured, wtf do I do now?
Profile Image for Grace Machuca.
193 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2025
Omg!!! This Book!!! I'll say it once, and I'll say it again this series is a must-have. I love it when the author takes pride in her or his writing, embracing the storyline and the culture. You can just feel the pride in Nix Murguia's writing. Guarded is Book 3 of the Calavera Hotels series. That dedication 🥺

Ari and Nero, oh, I think by far are my favorites so far. This story had me crying and laughing throughout the whole time. Yes, I was also yelling girl stop being a pendeja. In nicer terms, stop being dumb. She was always willing to endure so much to please her family.

Ari has trauma from being kidnapped, not once but twice, and she has some issues, which include fear of abandonment. She sometimes falls into her dark place. Her family loving and close is toxic. Her brother Axel, along with her parents expect her to do what they want and marry who they say. They see her as naive and childlike. In reality, she is nuturing and has a big heart. Ari wants different things for herself. She has dreams and wants to fall in love. Her brother is ready to marry her off to this a$$, but before that, she has no choice but to agree to a bodyguard, Nero.

Nero is a member of Los Peregrinos Motorcycle Club and gas his own past trauma. His mother was not kindness, and he suffered tremendously at her hands. He can't love and never wanted to have that connection due to his pass. He is also searching for his sister, who left him behind when they were just kids.

Ari and Nero did not hit it off at first, but with a new understanding and bonding over their trauma, they are unable to deny or fight their feelings. He shows her how to use her voice, and she shows him what it is to be cared for. They show each other the love and desire of being seen and wanted. Nero has to face the fact that he can't and won't let her go. He is so obsessed, and his heart can't hand her over. She has to face the fact that she has to make the decision to either do what her family wants or first once stand on her two feet and be selfish.

I always love how Nix includes the Spanich language and the culture. I couldn't stop laughing with Ari and her grandfather with the remote, I was having backflashes. Those epilogue are the best! I love how the second one ended.

The danger of their pass, emotions, misunderstandings, arranged marriage, and enemies makes this book addicting. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+++ The pleasure dom in Nero and the sub in Ari and the naughtiness she feels when he pleases and praises her is a definite 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶+++. Every chance they got, they took advantage 🥵
Profile Image for Willie Mercedes.
1,452 reviews136 followers
March 4, 2025
"Guarded" is like a tasty treat you can enjoy all on its own, but to really get the full flavor of the Calavera Hotels universe, you might want to dive into the earlier books first!

Arielle is on a quest for self-discovery and adventure, but her choices are as limited as a buffet with only one dish: stay in sunny California and gear up for an arranged marriage or hire a bodyguard to hang out in Houston. Spoiler alert: that marriage is as set in stone as a boulder!

On the flip side, Nero is tangled up in a spicy espionage stew with the Consuelo family, playing both sides for Ghost and Leatherface. Things heat up when Ghost hatches a plan to fix his marriage by kidnapping Thalia, and before he knows it, Leatherface drags Nero into his whirlwind of chaos, landing him on his newest mission: Ariella Reyes.

I was absolutely glued to the pages, soaking up the story of Ari and Nero, especially her sweet, nurturing vibe that he desperately craved. The sizzling tension between the bodyguard and the forbidden cartel princess had me on the edge of my seat—I just couldn’t get enough of their electric chemistry!

Things to know
Bodyguard
Age Gap
Praise Kink
Multiracial 🇲🇽🇵🇭
Bucket List
Virgin FMC
Banter
Childhood Trauma/abuse
Emotional/physical scars
Cartel princess
“Yes Sir”
Forbidden
Touch her and die
Mentions of human trafficking
Kidnapping
sexual assault
PTSD / Mental Health
Cheating, not between MCs
OM/OW drama
Forced Proximity
Motorcycle club
Grumpy/sunshine
Arranged marriage in place
Trauma bonds
Profile Image for Nyx Reviews.
126 reviews10 followers
March 4, 2025
𝔊𝔲𝔞𝔯𝔡𝔢𝔡 𝔟𝔶 𝔑𝔦𝔵 𝔐𝔲𝔯𝔤𝔲𝔦𝔞 (𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴)
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
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Fav Quotes:
“ʜᴏᴡ ᴅɪᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴀʀᴛʜ ᴄᴏɴꜱᴘɪʀᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙʀɪɴɢ ꜱᴜᴄʜ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛɪꜰᴜʟ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ᴛᴏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴋ ᴛʜᴇᴍ?“

“ɪ ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ɪꜰ ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴅᴇꜱᴛɪɴᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴍᴀʀʀɪᴇᴅ. ꜱʜᴇ ᴡᴀꜱ ᴍʏ ᴅᴏʟʟ. ᴍɪɴᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴘʟᴀʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴀꜱ ɴᴏᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱʜᴀʀɪɴɢ ᴛʏᴘᴇ.”

“ɪ ᴄᴀɴ ᴅᴏ ʙᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜ, ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ᴍʏ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ɢɪʀʟ.”

“ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴ ɪ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴘʀɪᴅᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇᴍꜱᴇʟᴠᴇꜱ ᴏɴ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ꜰᴀʟʟɪɴɢ ᴠɪᴄᴛɪᴍ ᴛᴏ ᴀᴅᴅɪᴄᴛɪᴏɴ. ɪ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀꜱᴛᴏᴏᴅ ʜᴏᴡ ꜱᴏᴍᴇᴏɴᴇ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ɢᴏ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇꜱᴇ ᴇxᴛʀᴇᴍᴇ ʟᴇɴɢᴛʜꜱ ꜰᴏʀ ᴀ ᴛᴇᴍᴘᴏʀᴀʀʏ ʜɪɢʜ. ɪᴛ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ꜱᴇɴꜱᴇ ᴜɴᴛɪʟ ɪ ᴍᴇᴛ ᴀʀɪᴇʟʟᴀ.”

“ʜᴇ ᴡᴏɴ’ᴛ ꜰᴜᴄᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ. ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴘᴜꜱꜱʏ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜱᴛɪʟʟ ʙᴇɢ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ ᴡʜɪʟᴇ ʜᴇ’ꜱ ɪɴꜱɪᴅᴇ ʏᴏᴜ.”
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Review:
This book had me on the borderline of tears. Aria and Nero were so cute dude 😭. Nix I can’t wait for more of your stories because the way I was captured from start to finish should be studied. Aria and Nero might be my fav couple out of the series, they’re tied with Thalia and Silas. I highly recommend as long as you get your tissues ready and be ready for those tears because when I tell you that Aria and Nero past had me emotional from start to finish. As well as I highly recommend I do advice to read the TW/CWs since it’s a dark romance after all, happy reading everyone!
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Tropes:
* Bodyguard
* Praise Kink
* Age-Gap
* Grumpy x Sunshine
* Virgin FMC
* Bucket List
* Possessive
* Motorcycle Gang
* She’s Arranged To Be Married
* Tragic Pasts
* Emotional Scars
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Releases March 7th!
Profile Image for Book_BF_Collector.
28 reviews
July 18, 2025
WOAH! in Joey Russo’s voice

I’ve read every book in this series. Each one has brought something new that has made me say “Ah, this author gets me, she sees me”. Some sayings and instances in her books I can relate to. Como anillo al dedo.

Ariella is the pretty, pretty princess.
Her family protects her too much.
They’re always up in her business and won’t let her be. She has to follow a certain way of life. She is the walking color pink. She is a list-making, GRWM, and what I'm eating today recording girl.
She is betrothed to a man who is a wool-sweater-wearing fool in the Texas heat and humidity for looks. And has a butt ugly dog named Guapo (meaning handsome).

Nero is a fine specimen of a man.
He is the total opposite of what Ariella should be looking for in a man.
He is tough, rugged, quiet, and speaks only when he needs to. He is broken and pained. Everything you have to stay away from when you're trying to make a lasting impression in society.
He's part of a motorcycle gang that is going through its own turmoil.
He is the walking shade of dark. The type of guy you may not want to walk near in a dark alley. His demons don't play well with others. He has many wounds that are deep in his core that make him unlovable.

In comes Ariella and Guapo to complicate his life. The colors start to bleed together a little at a time and in the end, Guapo is the love of everyone's lives.
31 reviews
August 4, 2025
5 Stars – A must-read, soul-deep kind of book!

5 Stars – Cartel romance meets soul-deep healing

This is my third book in the Calaveras Hotel series, and Nix Murguia keeps outdoing herself. Guarded had everything I love in a romance — cartel danger, motorcycle club ties, and a Dom/sub dynamic that was 🔥🔥🔥. But even deeper than that, it had heart.

Ariella? She’s that soft, bright spark — my “no sabo” princess who gave me major Mía from RBD vibes (and if you know, YOU KNOW!). I saw my novelas in her. I saw my culture, my softness, my strength. And Nero? Oof. He’s the kind of protector we all dream about — a man who guards not just a body, but a heart even after what was done to him!!!

Nix doesn’t just write stories — she connects souls through words. Her characters feel like family. Her worldbuilding is addictive. She deserves all the recognition, and I hope she never stops writing. I’m a fan for life.

Please, Nix, give us 10+ Calaveras books. I’m not ready to let this world go.
📧 angieruiz2004@icloud.com
Profile Image for Mia Lockhart.
525 reviews9 followers
March 6, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
WHEN I TELL YOU TO RUN IN GO READ NIX MURGUIA BOOKS IM SERIOUS LIKE IM OBSESSED
Firstly let’s talk about Ariella I absolutely love her so much after everything that happen from book two and now she gets her book I love her character development how strong she is I feel like she deserves the world l had friend that was exactly like her.
Secondly let’s talk about Nero I want to hug this man so bad like his past broke my heart like I would knock his mom out but I absolutely love him with my whole heart cause everything that he has been thought I’m so happy we spoke on this type of situations that kids go through this explain why I’m so over protective of nieces and nephew this book touch my heart I’m so man ways that I don’t know how to explain it.
Lastly I would absolutely love to thank my bestie nix Murguia for letting me part of this journey and team I can’t wait for more of these books.
Profile Image for Meli.
63 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2025
So excited to revisit the Calavera Hotels series with book 3!

The story takes places Ariella, our FMC and the cartel princess of the Consuelo family, who is trying to live her life for her and not what her family or other wants her to be. She is now have had a bodyguard, Nero, our MMC and a motorcycle gang member. Both MMCs with trauma from their past seem to find solace in each other in wanting to protect one another and soon it starts to develop into something more.

Let me say when the spice hits in this dark cartel romance ….it hits!

Definitely would recommend this one! Since this is book 3 in a series, recommend reading book 1, Punished and book 2, Trapped.

This book also has trigger warnings and content warnings, please be sure to read them first.

Spice: 3.5
Rating: 4 Stars

Tropes:
🌸Forced Proximity
🌸Age Gap
🌸Grumpy x Sunshine
🌸Cartel Princess
🌸Praise Kink
🌸Dom x Sub
🌸Motorcycle MMC
🌸Childhood Trauma
Profile Image for Natiley Holmes.
303 reviews11 followers
March 4, 2025
ARC Review

Guarded was an intriguing read that took me a bit to get into, but once I settled in, I found myself really enjoying it. The story revolves around Arielle, a character who feels the weight of expectations as a cartel princess. I appreciated how her inexperience added depth to her journey, making her struggles relatable and engaging.

Nero, her bodyguard, is definitely a highlight of the book. He’s the kind of brooding, mysterious character that leaves you speechless, and their chemistry is palpable. The tension between them keeps you turning the pages, wondering how their relationship will unfold.

Overall, I liked the book and found it spicy and captivating. It’s made me want to go back and read the first two installments in the series to get the full picture. If you enjoy romance with some edge, Guarded is worth picking up!
Profile Image for Escape_withStephanie .
471 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2025
ARC REVIEW
This was like watching a train wreck happen . I wont lie and say this book wasnt interesting to read, it definately was . Nero definitely had a troubled past; honestly wanted to hug the little boy in him . Ariella is the girl that on the outside looks like she has it all but in the inside has gone through hell. Despite the many plot holes; Their story showed resiliance and the how much they fought for their happiness. I definitely hated cassiel, theres nothing no redemption no amount of backstory that could ever make me fall inlove with his character ; theres no excuse for every shit he did. Her entire family except thalia and Genesis are all bunch of b*tches, Especially Axel ; There's no convincing me. The ending showed them getting their happy ending and i was so happy at that.
Profile Image for OhSpicyBelle.
169 reviews16 followers
March 9, 2025
❝𝐼 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑤𝒉𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒, 𝑁𝑒𝑟𝑜. 𝐿𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝒉𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑘𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝑤𝒉𝑎𝑡’𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑒. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝒉𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝒉𝑜𝑤 𝑠𝒉𝑒𝑙𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑒, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑠𝒉𝑒𝑙𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝒉𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝐼’𝑚 𝑓𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑙𝑒, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑚𝑒.❞

Guarded is book 3 of the Calavera Hotels series which brings us Nero and Ariella's story. Ariella is the cartel princess whose twin brothers hire on Nero as her bodyguard which she chose as the lesser evils of the options she was given. While she didn't really want a bodyguard they grew close and formed a sort of friendship. Both Nero and Ariella are strong in their own ways but they are also two broken souls with traumatic pasts. They both find happiness together knowing it could never work with her being promised to another. Eventually they both fight for what they want and get a well deserved happily ever after.
Profile Image for Nicole Simmons.
144 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2025
Please note: I received Guarded as an eARC

Nikkeya has a way of tearing your heart out with the things her characters endure and then puts those pieces back together.

I could not wait to see Ari and Guapo again after the first two books and La Princessa had some growth this go round!

The writing has matured. Softened some to fit the voice of Ari while still maintaining the sharp edge voice for Nero.

Ughhh, and where do I begin with our boy Nero?!?!?! If his mama wasn’t already gone from this world, baby!!!!

I am a sucker for morally grey men who only have a soft spot for their women, even if it takes them some fumbles on the journey of vulnerability.

There were a few things that happen towards the end that are clear foreshadowing, so please take that into consideration before saying threads are left dangling….we are getting 7 books total after all.
Profile Image for Bianca .
145 reviews
March 3, 2025
🍓 grumpy x sunshine
🍓 childhood trauma
🍓 praise kink
🍓 age gap
🍓 possessive
🍓 Dom - Sub

This series in general is amazing but this book here is chefs kiss 😘 i honestly wasn’t sure how i was going to feel about Ari based on the book prior but damn i loved her to pieces. Mia Cullcoi to a T baby and made my inner pre teen heart happy lol i want to make this review spoiler free because they book is not out yet but you def need to read it. I could’ve read it in one sitting (which i almost did) but i did not want this book to end.

Read the triggers on this one one of tropes is childhood trauma, and the trauma is huge, so definitely read the triggers.
And the spice was just right with enough of a good plot to keep you going
506 reviews19 followers
March 5, 2025
This is book 3 in this series, and it is about Ariella and Nero. This is spicy and captivating with a great plot. Arielle is a cartel princess that has been sheltered and is trying to prove to her family that she can be an adult. Nero was initially roped into being around Ariella’s family by two of his biker brothers. But is eventually sticking with her because she has given life to his cold and broken heart. They both have their traumas and believe they are not worthy. Through self-discovery and adventurous actions, they start to heal from their trauma. I enjoyed the back action that was happening with the other characters.

Please read the TW as it is heavy on childhood trauma and abuse.
Profile Image for Brenda Rivera.
79 reviews7 followers
March 13, 2025
What can I say I added another power couple to my list of couples. Ari and Nero were everything.

Tropes
💕 Grumpy vs Sunshine
🖤 Age Gap
💕 Fobidden Love
🖤 Touch her and ☠️
💕 Cartel Dark Romance
🖤 Emotional Trauma Healing

Ari and Nero story began by a simple job. In which Ari didn’t agree with and wanted nothing to do with her new body guard. She was a strong beautiful women but was unable to achieve her goals due to being the family’s princess and had to do what her family told her to do. Little did she know that Nero will change her life in the most unexpected way.

Nero was dark and twisted part of a motorcycle Club. He had one mission was to protect Ariella Reyes and be her eyes. He has a dark past that haunts him to this day. A demon who played who he was and unable to accept any love. Until Princess help him learn that is was okay to accept gratitude.
Profile Image for ✨Beverly✨.
89 reviews20 followers
March 13, 2025
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I needed a book to take my mind off the last book I read, and this book delivered! 👏🏻 I loved every single second of it!!
This book follows Arielle and Nico… I really don’t want to spoil anything, but OMG, their relationship the way they show up for one another and all the trauma they each went through had me melting for both MCs and rooting for them!
If there’s one thing I will spoil, it’s that there’s a HEA.
If you’re looking for your next read, I highly recommend this one! ♥️


*This book is the 3rd book in the dark cartel series Calavera Hotels however it can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Onyx Reads Smut.
329 reviews23 followers
March 2, 2025
Nero and my sweet Ariella🥰 Ya'll the wait for their story was so worth it! Nero has such a dirty mouth, Ariella is sweet, innocent, naive. The trauma these two share makes them able to help each other through their struggles. Ariella is nurturing by nature, and Nero comes to learn that that's exactly what he needs in his life. The bodyguard/client relationship it's so forbidden, but once they're feelings developed they couldn't hide when any longer. Nix had me cackling and clutching my pearls through this story. I loved it so much!🩷
Profile Image for Booktokqutiepie.
215 reviews29 followers
March 10, 2025
Let me start this review by saying I highly recommend reading the first two books in this series first it;s not necessary but I find it helped with the story read for me.

Ari our FMC and cartel princess grows a lot in this book and that was wonderful to see, lots of tension and heat when it co,es to her bodyguard Nero our MMC. The two of the, clearly have challenges to overcome but in the end her nurturing nature proved to be exactly what he never knew he needed.

Overall I rate this a solid 4 ⭐️ and 3🌶️
131 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2025
4.5/5

I am so glad I finally got to meet Nero and Ari after months of patiently waiting (I’m lying, I was so impatient 😭). They were so worth the wait and I was so happy to be back in this world! Nero, my goodness! I just wanted to hug him and protect him always. Did not think I could love Ari more, but I was so wrong! The way she was so unapologetically herself was so wholesome. 🥹 The spice in this one was so good. 🔥🥵
Loved their journey towards healing from their past traumas and getting their well deserved HEA. I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
Profile Image for Shania.
71 reviews2 followers
March 25, 2025
ARC Book Review:

🌷”She was my doll. Mine to play with, and I was not the sharing type.”🌷

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🖤I absolutely loved Nero and this whole book. But I also just adored Ari.

🖤Ariella & Nero are both spicy and honestly hardheaded. It’s probably why they are so perfect together. I love seeing Ariellas character develop more and more. Nero, ughhh the dark twisted side of him was no match for Ari. I feel like Ari 100% pulled Nero out of his dark past with all her sunshine and brought some light to his world.

This is book 3 in the Calaveras Hotel series and I cannot recommend it enough!
Profile Image for Lynnmarie542_books.
383 reviews35 followers
March 31, 2025
"Guarded.” is the third installment in the Calavera Hotels series, which delves into the lives of Don Vicente Consuelo's grandchildren. As they inherit the luxuries and privileges that come with their family name, they also face demons that accompany their wealth.

I was so excited for this book (book 3)
I love the Calavera Hotel series so far!
Ari and Nero are just 🤌🏽💋
This book did not disappoint. Loved the whole story the back stories, and the progress of the relationship that develops. I cannot wait for book 4
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for ashstynandbooks.
24 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2025
My shaylasssssssss 😭 my sweet babies! Neros story broke my heart, but then comes Ariella and all her pinkness and brightened everything when having her own dark cloud! I was in a chokehold over all three books the past week and it was the best time! I laughed my ass off cried and I would think about all these characters even when I was not able to read!! This series has quickly become one of my new roman empires. I need more!! There are still some side characters that I need more of. Great freaking series Nix!!!
Profile Image for Cheyenne Hygh.
306 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2025
Oh my! This book was so good. Nero had such a heartbreaking background and Nix really made you feel all the things with him. Arielle was a Barbie girl who was finding her own way the best she could while trying to be the perfect princess for her family. The bodyguard/client relationship that evolved into more was so well done. I loved the dark and light these two brought each other.. and the spice was hitting with this. Nero is one… dirty… man… pheewwww. I loved this one!
Profile Image for Amber.
350 reviews15 followers
March 10, 2025
Guarded is book three in the dark and thrilling Hotel Calavera series by Nix Murguia.

This installment follows Barbie Girl & Cartel Princess, Ariella Reyes and motorcycle riding, gang member Nero.

In a world full of danger, deception, duty and desire, will Nero and Ari's connection be able to survive?

Please check the trigger warnings before diving in. Your mental health matters.

Be sure to give the Hotel Calavera series a read! I highly recommend!
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