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Project Viper Series #3

Too Guarded to Love

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HE THINKS HE’S TOO GUARDED TO LOVE

Army Captain Nic Romero fears one thing: consequences.

Losing an arm and a leg in battle because he trusted the wrong woman was brutal enough. Now, he has a second chance at his military career with Project VIPER, the classified program that transformed him from a wounded warrior into an elite fighting machine.

This time, his walls are as impenetrable as his bionic body. But a blazing encounter at the beach with a secret-keeping siren threatens his defenses.

His only focus should be protecting her from a deadly threat. Problem is, her safety isn’t the only hard part of this mission. He’s already experienced the thrill of her addictive heat. Another hit could trigger consequences more dangerous than the enemy.

SHE THINKS SHE CAN’T BE PART OF HIS WORLD

Dr. Olivia Darren never meant for her overprotective brother to find out she seduced his VIPER teammate. But thanks to the trouble tailing her, one night with playboy Nic Romero has morphed into a fever dream.

Now she’s entangled in a classified world of secrets and shadows with Nic assigned as her protector. His constant presence screams danger, his touch feels like a dare, and the powerful feeling that she’s destined to repair his wounded heart won’t retreat.

She doesn’t belong in his perilous world but try telling that to her heart that may have finally found where it belongs.

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Published September 18, 2025

4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Kristie Wolf

4 books163 followers
Kristie Wolf, author of sizzling romantic suspense, crafts tales that set hearts on fire. With "Too Dangerous to Love" as her thrilling first release, she beckons readers into a world where love and danger collide, promising electrifying twists at every turn.

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Brandy Stoker.
Author 5 books53 followers
November 22, 2025
Loved this story. The action is intense and the steam is steamy! It kept me on my toes!
Profile Image for Amanda Larkin.
3 reviews
August 18, 2025
This was my first ARC read ever and I can’t express how grateful I am to be able to be apart of this team. It truly was an honor.

Okay back to the review!

First thing first, this book is intense!!! I was trying to solve the mystery with the characters on who did what and who is connected to who! It is beautifully written and yes it is a book with spice. The plot flowed perfectly with the first two books. You definitely need to read the first two to get all the background information. The author does an amazing job summarizing the main points from the other books to help refresh the reader on some information you may have forgotten from the other books and it flows perfectly.

Nic and Olivia were truly a match made in heaven. You have to read to find out more and why! Their story started off with a BANG (😏) and it kept getting better and better! I loved the sibling like banter between the team and it added a nice dose of humor to the story.

I laughed, I squealed, I blushed and gasped all throughout the story and loved the rollercoaster of emotions. This book is a must add to any TBR list!
Profile Image for Petty Skeleton.
6 reviews
September 19, 2025
“You grew up with unconditional love. I have always had conditions, and not just for love and acceptance-for survival.” - Captain Nic Romero.

A salacious, electric, action-packed sci-fi romance with steely, rugged, bionic military men, sniper attacks, and two emotionally guarded leads who are laser-focused on the striking chemistry that makes it impossible to keep their hands (or thoughts) off each other.

Too Guarded to Love is the third saucy installment in Kristie Wolf's sultry Project VIPER series, which weaves together intense military action, found family dynamics, devastating long-term trauma, and a steamy slow-burn (but also very fast-burn?) romance between two characters with complex pasts and even more complicated, conflicting desires. Followers of the series will be panting at this new entry to the Project VIPER storyline that builds further on the events of the previous two volumes.

Too Guarded to Love is built around the recurring themes of found family, military camaraderie, overcoming trauma, unconditional love, and refreshing examples of patriotism that echo the thoughts and feelings of the country in the days following 9/11. Kristie's characters embody a complex blend of maturity and youth, as they dive headfirst into life-and-death situations. Their antics provide an energetic splash of comic relief that transforms the harsh reality of battle into exhilarating adventures. Lovers of the thrilling tension of "forbidden but inevitable" romances will find that this narrative promises to bring readers to their knees. Kristie’s male leads all have protective instincts with a "touch her and die" mentality and overcome deep-seated trauma that augments the emotional depth of their romantic and familial relationships.

This book is a must-read for fans of steamy sci-fi romance with just a sprinkle of fantasy against a thrilling, action-packed military backdrop. Kristie pens a world that opens a window into the often-overlooked minds of those with emotional trauma and PTSD that will deeply resonate with a wide variety of audiences.

The relationship between the ML and FL is extremely sexually driven—expect constant, heavily explicit inner monologues. If you're looking for slow-building emotional intimacy over physical tension, this book might not be your cup of tea.

The previous two books in the series successfully employed a slow burn, heightening the sexual and emotional tension that culminated in a satisfying climax, leaving readers with a satisfied afterglow.

I would rate this new entry to the ongoing Project VIPER series to be between 4.5 and 4.7 stars. For me, I found that the frequent explicit inner dialogue of the two primary leads detracted from the overall sexual tension. As a result, while the resolution of that pressure was undeniably hot and passionate, it felt less powerful and impactful compared to the previous two books.

Although Too Guarded to Love is not my favorite book in the series so far, the re-read value is exceptionally high. Kristie hides easy-to-miss easter eggs for future books in plain sight, and I am constantly finding new things in every read-through. I absolutely cannot wait to see what the next installment will bring, and I will definitely be re-reading Too Dangerous to Love, Too Lethal to Love, and Too Guarded to Love in the meantime!
Profile Image for Joanne Barton.
477 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2025
“Too Guarded to Love” is the third book in the “Project VIPER Series.” If you loved the two previous books in the series, “Too Guarded To Love” will be no exception! You will fall in love with Captain Nic Romero and Dr Olivia Darren. Yes, she is Lieutenant Kane Darren’s older twin sister….not that Nic is aware of this when they first meet. Captain Nic Romero lost his arm and leg in war but has been given a second chance at his military career, thanks to Project Viper. Dr Olivia Darren is an orthopaedic surgeon in Atlanta.

Nic comes to Olivia’s assistance when her tyre frays and she hits a parking meter in the lashing rain. Whilst waiting inside for the tow truck, things get hot and heavy between them. “He swallowed and focused on one purpose. Stand here and let this beautiful, inquisitive woman examine his body as if he were a supernatural being she’d stumbled upon.” Her brief touches left him speechless, “I was right. You are a sirena.” Of the most alluring kind.” His breathing sped up with hers in a natural rhythm until everything is stopped by a sniper’s bullet, hitting Olivia in the shoulder. “Oh damn. A bullet wound is the least of your problems.”

“Fighting the chemistry that struck him like lightning every time they were in the same room, and sizzled when they were apart, would be easier if she’d stop doing things that made him respect her so goddamn much.”

Nic had always been the one to chase a woman….”But he’d let Olivia lead, and this damn blistering attraction he couldn’t shake scared him more than his need to rip apart the sniper who put a bullet in her beautiful body.” Mentally, he is furious at her, but physically, his body doesn’t seem to care. “You’re a hard problem.” He smirked as he glanced down. “In one sensitive area.”

“Level Black is in effect. Repeat Level Black is in effect. Report in immediately.” When Viper headquarters comes under attack and family members are the target, everyone is moved to the highly secure bunker system underneath. Since the women and children are not to be left alone, he is assigned to Olivia! Oh yeah, and they are to share a room, together! Close quarters, how will this end up? Nic has never had trouble keeping his feelings for a woman in check, until Olivia! She pushes button that he never thought he wanted and they are not just physical. “You’re beautiful and dangerous and you’ve stolen my ever-loving sanity.”

Prepare for a story full of twists, turns around every corner, forbidden love, loyalty and betrayal, power and control and sizzling heat. This is a story you won't be able to put down - you will be totally hooked! The story is very fast paced and full of twists and turns! You have danger, betrayal, love, tears, death, power, action and passion. These two will definitely keep you on your toes….

“I told you we protect what’s ours,” Nic whispered.

This book had me hooked from the start! Kristie has excelled with this series! Being a Military Romance story, it is dark in places, violent at times, passionate in places, full of secrets, loyalties tested and let’s not forget the heat between them. You will fall in love with Nic and Olivia, hoping that everything with work out for them and if they have a future together. There is never a dull moment - you will be hooked! I know I was - just love these two! A thoroughly enjoyable read from page to page, one chapter to the next - at times you are metaphorical “on the edge of your chair” wondering what will happen next. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and you will not be disappointed 😊
Profile Image for Woodatsi.
498 reviews8 followers
August 21, 2025
We had to wait a bit for it but it was definitely worth the while. With Too Guarded to Love, book 3 in this excellent series Kristie takes us on a thrilling ride.

Nic who became part of the Viper team after losing an arm and leg while on a mission, and Olivia meet when she's getting run of the road on her way to a patient while being suspended from her job as an orthopedic surgeon for something she didn't do. She's also trying to get away from her ex-boyfriend who doesn't seem to understand the word 'no'.

The attraction between both is immediate but unbeknowst to Nic, Olivia knows who Nic is but doesn't tell him she's his teammate's Kane's sister. When things heat up between them while waiting for the thowtruck to arrive, another attack happens.

Nic calls in the help of his team and vows to keep Olivia safe and while he's at it try to keep his hands of her. Easier said than done on both accounts as the attacks just keep on coming, confusing them all because it also seems that someone is out to hurt Nic. The attraction between both Olivia and Nic however isn't to be stopped, they grow closer and while she willing to take a chance, Nic is holding back because he's made a mistake before and doesn't trust easily anymore.

I loved this book, the suspense, the banter between the team members, Nic's loyalty to Kane while also trying to keep his feelings in check for Olivia. And I loved how bit by bit Olivia wore Nic down until they just had to give in because the attraction was too big to ignore. The storyline from the previous books also continues which gave the story some extra suspense.

Kristie has given us yet again a wonderful story in the Viper universe and hope she won't keep us waiting too long for her next book.

*ARC kindly received from the author via Bookfunnel. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.*
Profile Image for Pricilla.
486 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2025
I love the idea of this book series. I love the concept of super soldiers and the found family elements present throughout the series.
Nic's went through a tragic event in which he loses an arm and a leg while attempting to protect someone who ultimately betrays him. This experience leads to Nic's difficulty in trusting women. When Olivia appears and deceives him, his trust issues worsen. Nic feels compelled to avoid Olivia due to his own concerns about trust. Having previously been betrayed, Nic is unwilling to risk further deception. Nevertheless, Olivia successfully penetrates his defenses, and Nic finds himself desiring a deeper connection with her.
Olivia faces her own set of challenges, including a wrongful job suspension and a persistent ex who refuses to accept rejection. When her car breaks down, she meets Nic and is immediately drawn to him. After going into Nic's house, they are ambushed, resulting in injuries. Due to the ongoing threat, they are forced to stay together until they uncover the identity and motivations of their enemy.
As they spend more time together in close quarters, their feelings become increasingly intense. Once they have a deeper understanding of each other, they both desire a more meaningful connection.
Profile Image for Sandi Kelly.
16 reviews
September 16, 2025
Kristie has knocked another one out of the park with her 3rd installment of her Project VIPER series. This book will put you through the gamut of emotions. It has everything from suspense, intrigue and angst to brotherhood, friendship and some very steamy romance. Although you do not need to read the first two books in this series to enjoy this amazing story, I highly recommend that you do as this series is that good!!
Nic is now a super soldier and a part of Project VIPER after losing an arm and a leg on a dangerous mission. Olivia is an orthopedic surgeon suspended from her job for something that she did not do and running from an ex who will not let her be. When the pair cross paths, sparks ignite. Olivia also has a secret. She is Nic’s teammate Kane’s twin sister, and because of his Casanova reputation among his VIPER brothers, Olivia is off limits. As Nic protects her from the danger that is closing in follow along as he wars between his growing feelings for Olivia and his loyalty to Kane.
I cannot recommend this edge of your seat series enough and cannot wait for Kristie to release another installment.
Profile Image for Shruti Mishra.
132 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2025
Thank you to Kristie Wolf and ForewordPR for the ARC!

Familiar sci-fi content but with a good vibe!

Characters: Olivia, determined and curious, is trying to help a patient and clear her name in a work issue. Nic is a playboy alpha hero targeted by a nemesis seeking revenge. Both characters are easy to like, well-suited, and their backstories make them relatable.

Romance: When Nic and Olivia meet, the attraction flares instantly; however, they have to face numerous roadblocks before finding their happy ending. First and foremost, Olivia is Nic's teammate's sister, and Nic have a reputation, which is why Kane has an objection to their relationship. Then, several sinister plots are trying to harm Olivia and Nic. These things keep the story engaging and interesting.

Premise: This is the world of bionic prostheses with super-enhanced tech & weapons, which makes the soldier wounded in war a super-soldier, and there are bad guys who are trying to steal this tech. The plot is basic, overly used, and predictable, yet with the added element of romance and spice, it works.

All in all, a fun and light sci-fi read!
Profile Image for balayageandbooks.
580 reviews17 followers
August 30, 2025
This was my very first book by Author Kristie Wolf... and let me tell you what I will be going back and reading the rest of this series!

This author abruptly drops you into this world where these select veterans have become the ultimate weapons of destruction.

With that you meet their family and the amazing little found family they've created.

Insert the FMC, who is as gorgeous as she is smart, seriously though she's a doctor. Oh and I also should mention she's a total firecracker. But a very high-tech and highly possessive MMC calls her Siren.

Said MMC, who's the groups' walking and talking high tech Casanova. He could filthy talk the panties off of any female... but he really only has his super power sights set on one very off limit siren.

The banter. The spice. The suspense. This book had me on the edge of my seat and fanning myself all at the same time!

The twists and turns... it all had me in such a choke hold.

If you enjoy some suspense to go with your spice and romance this book is a must read!
Profile Image for Romantic Reads and Such.
1,164 reviews19 followers
September 19, 2025
4.25*s

There’s so much about these stories that I like. I love the guys together – how their injuries and recovery has bonded them into a family. The women are sassy, smart, and strong. And Wolf does a great job of tying her romance and suspense elements together.

Pretty much my only real complaint is something that has gotten better as the series has progressed – this author loves to use similes and metaphors. In the first story, it seemed like every third sentence was one, but either I’ve gotten used to it or she has gotten better about it :)

Otherwise, I really have enjoyed getting to know the men of Viper and watching them fall in love. I’ve also liked the way that Wolf ties all of the threads together over the course of the series. I’m looking forward to seeing Linc fall in love and how things get wrapped up.

While it can technically stand on its own, it would be better enjoyed after reading the rest in the series.

(I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
2,696 reviews33 followers
September 18, 2025
Oh wow, I am in love with this super hero team of guys.

When her life was falling apart and her ex was causing trouble, Olivia a surgeon runs to her brother for help but Nic gets to her first.

I really enjoyed Nic's character. Boosted with super human limbs but still so flawed and vulnerable. These two had the attraction for each other down pat but also the brother's wrath to take care of. Once they feel for each other that was it. I very much enjoyed the relationship they build.

This book was filled with suspense, danger and the steamy intensity that comes with a romance.

This team of guys were so great and I enjoyed where they story took me. I honestly can't wait to see what else is in store. Fantastic book!!
Profile Image for Samantha H..
600 reviews49 followers
August 4, 2025
Kristie Wolf is coming in hot, hot, hot with her third book in the Project VIPER series! Nic and Olivia might be my favorite couple yet. The chemistry just sizzles on the page. We love a little forbidden romance. 🤭 This third book is fast-paced with a compelling setting that you'll have to read to appreciate. I could picture this so vividly in my head, especially the scenes where the team's powers are on full display. (This would be such an amazing movie!) Kristie's work gets better with each release and I love to see the growth book to book. Buckle up, friends. You're in for a fun ride with this one!
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
1,894 reviews34 followers
August 30, 2025
It’s tortured soul colliding with sassy siren, resulting in nothing short of explosive. Nic & Olivia don’t just spark, they detonate, with fireworks, bullets, blistering chemistry that blazes. Revenge & betrayal weave a razor-sharp backdrop, hitting you with gut-punch emotion while their raw vulnerabilities tear at your heart. The camaraderie is steel-strong, packed with laughter, razor-edged banter,& fists flying. These men are swift, smart, steady, & deadly. Watching another Viper crash headlong into love is pure adrenaline. Just when you think it can’t get any hotter or more intense, sweet surprises roll in leaving you grinning.
Profile Image for Janette Gellar.
Author 3 books6 followers
November 20, 2025
I was super excited to finally get Olivia's and Nic's story and it was everything I wanted. The unit Casanova Nic was the perfect he falls first hero and Olivia is the bad ass scientist heroine I needed too. Now that the author is expanding the universe I'm curious to see if it will be a spin off series or more books as they dig through the evil kabal like organization trying to hurt the US. I would have given the book five stars but there were a few plot points that seemed to have happened off page that felt important. It made the beginning of the book slightly confusing and I've read all three books.
212 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2025
This is a romantic suspense book and it's the first I've read my this author. It won't be the last!
We have Nic and Olivia getting and verve on this story and the chemistry is hot!
Nic is it of project Viper and he has been given bionic arm and leg after losing them on the battlefield. But now he agrees to be in the cross hairs of a killer but he doesn't know why.
Olivia has her own problems as stable things have been happening to her professional reputation.
Can these be linked? As threads are pulled and secrets are revealed and the Viper family are pulled into more intrigue, both Nic and Olivia have to understand how they pasts are enriching on a joint future.

With found family, great side characters with superhero vibes. I loved this book
14 reviews
September 8, 2025
Wow! This book is loaded with hot – characters, action, and sex. Two strong characters, each with their own views and strengths, both devoted to duty and each other – but with unique reasons holding them apart. Both rescue themselves and each other. This book starts fast and stays fast. It was fun, action packed, and hard to put down.
Try it, you’ll like it!
Can’t wait to read more by this author.
2 reviews
September 17, 2025
I continue to be blown away by Kristie Wolf’s writing and stories. You feel every emotion Olivia and Nic feel throughout the book. My only complaint is that the book ended! I could have read about them forever.

I absolutely love that each of these men fall hard for strong, intelligent women! Can’t wait to see who Linc ends up with. Bring on book 4!

Oh and the last chapter! Oh. My. Gosh. What?! Gran, you dirty girl!
Profile Image for ForewordPR.
83 reviews351 followers
September 18, 2025
Too Guarded to Love is OUT NOW!

Nic & Olivia’s story will steal your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

𝐼𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑓…

🔥 Romantic suspense
💥 Military romance
🔥 Forced proximity
💥 Brother’s best friend
🔥 Alpha hero
💥 Action and suspense
🔥 Found family
💥 Soulmate vibes

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧…𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐋𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐏𝐘 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐎𝐍 𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐔 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘!!

https://amzn.to/3VXnd8k
Profile Image for Mary Tilghman.
Author 12 books24 followers
September 23, 2025
Another in Kristie Wolf's super soldier series, Too Guarded to Love is the book for you if you like sexy romantic suspense, brilliant heroines and strong alpha males. But here's a warning. Once you pick up Too Guarded to Love, you won't want to put it down until Nic has found love in the arms of a woman with brains, looks, and a lot of heart. Oh yeah, and her brother told Nic to stay away from her.
4 reviews
September 8, 2025
It sucked me in again! This one started out quick, the detail was excellent and the action left me flipping pages. Even the epilogues confirmed a few things I thought about while reading. I had smiles and laughs, it tugged at my heart a bit too. Another great book by Kristy and I’m sad it’s over. Can’t wait for the next super soldier story!
3 reviews
September 18, 2025
If you like romance, military and high emotions this book is for you. Kristie Wolf with putting out her #3 of the VIPER series has so much to offer. With reading her other two books it was so hard to wait for this book but it was worth it. This book kept me on my toes and I didn't wanna stop reading it.
Profile Image for SusieQ_Reviews.
438 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2025
Ooooo, slick Nic is in T.R.O.U.B.L.E. when his interest zeros in on Olivia. His BFF's twin sister. Too Guarded to Love, by author Kristie Wolf, is well paced romantic suspense. The cast of characters include alpha action heros, strong intelligent women, evil doers and a matchmaking granny.

I received a copy from the author, and this is my voluntary review.
44 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2025
I read Too Guarded to Love and absolutely loved it! The action packed story line and the great camaraderie between the team created a great backdrop to the wonderful chemistry heating up between Nic and Olivia. This was a real page turner and couldn't put it down. Definately recommend this one and it can be read as part of the series or as a standalone.
Profile Image for Debra.
61 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2025
Nic and Olivia explode right off the page! The action starts at page one and it keeps on coming. This one keeps you turning the pages just to find out who is behind the attacks and the romance is spicy, too. Find out what happens when the past collides with the present. You won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Jenn O'Leary.
1,021 reviews22 followers
September 15, 2025
Too Guarded to Love is an action packed romantic suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Kristie Wolf pulls you in from the first page with the action, and leaves you wanting more.
I am really enjoying this exciting Project Viper Series and I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Candi.
43 reviews
September 18, 2025
Their bodies recognize that feeling, but do their souls? Too Guarded to Love reminds us that family comes in many flavors and unconditional love is not easy to accept. Kristie Wolf reminds us that finding our match is electrifying... and SEXY AS HELL!
10 reviews
September 12, 2025
I love following the twists and turns of the storyline, along with the steam between the characters! HOT read! 🔥
Profile Image for MT.
11 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2025
Another great romance novel by Kristie Wolf!! LOVE the smart strong females in her books.
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