Even though she knew I’d always catch her, she still had a bad habit of running. As fun as our little game was, I was getting tired of the chase. Especially when one night of combustible passion proved we found the reward we both deserved.
Once I finally had her right where I wanted, her world was tragically torn apart, and she needed me now more than ever. Honored to be the man to pick up the pieces, I didn’t realize putting her back together would come with a price. Because once she was whole again, she wasn’t the same woman I had fallen in love with.
The first time Anna tried to read a romance novel, her hair caught on fire when she leaned over a candle to sneak a peek at her mom’s Harlequin. She thinks being hit on the head with a shirtless Fabio until the smoke cleared is what sparked the flame for her love of romance. Anna was born in Wisconsin, but currently lives in Texas with her husband and two boys. She writes sexy romance that always has a happy ending and loves bringing characters back for cameos. Less than six degrees of separation connects any of her novels. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s watching reruns of her favorite romcoms, talking to her dog and cat like they’re human, eating carbs, or practicing hand lettering. She loves to hear from readers and can be found on social media as @annabrooksauth everywhere.
Sweet Sweet Oakley, you had to know that sexy beast of a man, Link, was going to find you! There wasn’t a doubt in my mind lol…. I am thoroughly surprised he was as patient as he was and let you go for as long as he did though.
I feel like these two are the epitome of opposites attracting. Link is an over the top alpha, so strong and serious. So loving, overbearing and protective. But underneath all of that lies this sweetheart of a man who just loves fiercely and is willing to do anything for the woman he loves.
Oakley is such a beautiful soul. She is a free spirit whose a little skittish about love just due to some of her life experiences. She certainly wasn’t prepared for the bulldozer that is Link lol… She definitely comes into her own though and while she doesn’t lose who she is, she does get where she needs to be, which is with Link lol…
I loved being back in Warrenville, it is the bestest of little towns and I can’t wait to see what happens next given that Royal Security is in town!!!
Loving this series from Anna! While I was a little confused in the beginning, once I realized who Oakley and Lincoln were and how I read a little about them in the other series from Anna, I was so excited to read it! Oakley has always had a crush on Lincoln ever since she met him while babysitting, but after being totally embarrassed in front of him, she gives up on the relationship she wishes she would have with him. Lincoln has been infatuated by Oakley ever since he met her, but he couldn’t act on his feelings because he was working a case. After they play a game of cat and mouse for years, they are finally both in the same town and decide to take things slow. That goes out the window when he finds her attacked in her apartment, and then the hunt starts to find out who’s behind the attack and why they attacked Oakley. I loved this book and I am intrigued to see what else comes with Oakley’s sister and other characters! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
OH MY FUCKING GOD LADIES LINK IS LIFEEEEE. When this book goes live in a few days grab it...
I absolutely fell head heals in love with with him. He and Oakley knew each other over a couple of years and she has a bit of cat and mouse going on. That is until he makes it known there will be no more running. He goes all out and gets his girl. He cherishes her, protects her, loves and respects her. Wants to make life easy and support her in every way possible
I loved getting peaks at characters we love from other books. And I can't wait to see who is next. Grab this book ladies it's absolutely phenomenal. Link will have you eating from his Palm. ..
Oakley and Lincoln have known each other for a while, Oakley had a crush on Link and Link, well he could see Oakley but since they met while he was “working” he couldn’t actually follow up on his feelings.
Then there was that night Oakley showed up at Link’s a little tipsy….and there went her courage when it came to Link and any future they may have. Until that one night, the night that showed them both how good they could be together. Unfortunately, Oakley ran, not just from Link but also from everything and moved to Warrenville, Texas. Fresh start, no one would know she still had a crush on Link and he didn’t know where she was.
Until that night a year later when he showed up at the bar she was meeting her sister at.
Although this was the first book I’ve read of Anna Brooks, I didn’t have any problems following the characters or understanding the history of Oakley and Lincoln. These two have chemistry, hot, explosive, steamy history. It’s always with them, what may come between them is the consequences of a recent incident that saw Oakley needing Lincoln to be the steady part of her recovery.
Guarding her was a fairly quick read, lots to steamy chemistry and a story that has the Lincoln showing Oakley that he will always be there for her, now what she needs to do is heal.
I adored Lincoln for so many reasons. He knew what and who he wanted, he made the right moves to make sure everything happened the right way, and he didn’t give up. Or move on. And oh, how I LOVED that about him! He and Oakley had a few issues to work through, but his patience and persistence and refusal to simply let her go when she so desperately needed love and support made him one of my favorites in this series. Like, top two, easily.
And then there’s Oakley. My heart cracked for her a few times. Her family is full of familiar faces from other books, and I was thrilled to know that she’d find her forever here. Even when she was fighting for a survival she didn’t know that she deserved, she had people at her side and back to prop her up or fight with/for her when needed. And who could blame her for the guilt she carried? Oakley was so true to life because logically, she knew better, but her heart and emotions still battled for her to receive some justice. Even if that justice was already truly done. So Oakley had to find her way, all with Lincoln assuring her that he wasn’t going anywhere and neither was she, since she was more than deserving of his love and their happiness together.
It helped immensely that this author absolutely didn’t shy away from the importance of therapy in some way. And it helped even more that Lincoln was completely honest about how anyone and everyone could need professional support and help to cope sometimes. Things like that mentality here remind readers that needing help isn’t a sign of weakness. Reaching out to get that help is sometimes the strongest and best move someone can make. So kudos to Anna for giving us the grit that comes with surviving and further proving that everyone could find themselves in a situation that requires some focus and self-care of mental health. It’s things like this in her books that always keep me coming back for more.
This is book nine in The Guarding Her Series and it is Oakley and Lincoln's story and it is definitely a must read. Oakley make a real fool of herself when she had too much to drink and threw herself at Lincoln only for him to reject her leaving her humiliated so she avoided him as much as she could do imagine her surprise when he is at the wedding that she is helping her sister with especially when he was dancing with a beautiful women making her even more jealous. Lincoln wants Oakley but she has avoided him ever since he turned her down but now he has had enough of the cat and mouse games so he takes matters in to his own hands and explain why he didn't take advantage of her while she was drunk as that is not the type of man that he is. When they meet again the connection and chemistry between them is so strong and intense and they get to spend one night together before Oakley runs away yet again but will they ever get a second chance of being together and having a happy ending only time will tell what the outcome would be. There are twists and turns along the way and that is what makes this book a real page turner that I couldn't put down as I wanted to see what would happen next between them. I definitely recommend you read this book as it was so well written and totally worth reading.
☆☆☆☆☆ Link was an exciting and heartfelt story. It was book nine in the Guarding Her series. It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Anna Brooks’ books and I’m regretting that because this one was an entertaining ride. Lincoln “Link" and Oakley met while he was on a job, so he couldn’t act on his attraction. Thanks to alcohol, they spend one incredible night together. Thanks to Oakley running, they spend years in a game of cat and mouse. Once they finally end up in the same town again, Link is determined but patient to get her to be his. When something happens to her, he does all he can to help her heal and piece her life back together. She’s struggling emotionally and she may turn into a completely different person. What will he do if the woman he loves disappears right in front of him. He is an alpha of many women’s dreams, who is incredibly loving and protective. Their chemistry is hot and magnetic. Yet, past experiences have left Oakley afraid of love. This story kept me engaged and thoroughly entertained. I need a Link in my life. My heart went out to Oakley and I was rooting for their HEA. Link had a beautiful way of enveloping her in his love and giving her a safe place to heal. I highly recommend this story. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
I'm brand new to the Guarding Her series by Anna Brooks, and after reading Link I need to go back and read the previous books in the series. (and yes, I've already downloaded Surface.)
So seeing as I am new to the series, I geeked out when Mack Ryder was mentioned. It took me a bit, until outside The Tap, to realize that Wilder and Frankie were the same characters from Wilder. I tell ya, I was tired. As soon as realization hit though, I was all giddy.
As for the story between Oakley and Lincoln, I was all in. From the one night stand, to Oakley relocating, to Onnika (her twin) visiting, to everything that happened after her visit, I could not put the book down. Now I will say that at times Lincoln was a bit over the top for me. Maybe it was his because of his profession, maybe it was just him being overprotective, maybe he is just that intense. No matter what though I enjoyed it.
And now I'm curious about Foster and Onnika. What happened there? Is he going to get his own book? Oh, and that set up for Callen's story? UM WHAT? Need it.
I loved being back in Warrenville. Oakley and Lincoln have known each other for a bit and one night of courage Oakley shows Lincoln that she wants him, but it all goes wrong when he turns her away. The only thing Oakley doesn’t realize is that he feels the same about her. He wants her for himself and now it’s on to get her. I loved the push and pull with these two, the insecurities that Oakley has that makes her a runner. Lincoln is a little too much for her at times, he’s protective, loving and full on alpha. Will Link get the chance to show Oakley everything he’s has to give her? I Love seeing all the other characters in this book and also want more of Onnika and Foster. There’s a story there that we need.
This one checked all the right boxes for me! Link is SUCH an alpha, I know sometimes that can seem off putting to readers, but not to me. I love his commitment and his strategic thinking but I also love how practical and thoughtful he is. He's certainly got his hands full with Oakley! He's so steadfast though, through everything they go through he never wavers. They make a great team when they aren't running in different directions. I have GOT to hear more about Foster and Onnika, hopefully in their own book? A girl can dream right? Seriously, this book has enough suspense to keep you turning the pages, I loved all of it.
A mashup of Warrenville and Guarding Her series characters, which made this book an exciting read with all the character catch ups.
Lincoln is the ultimate alpha; dominate and decision making for Oakley, which is good for a lot of things because Oakley's ultimate way of handling things is running away from every decision.
When Oakley is attacked in her own home Lincoln is there to take care of her, plus make sure she can't run from him or her problems this time around. He will protect her at all costs, but it could cost them their hearts.
This was a really sweet book. Linc has always been the sweet guy in all the other Guarding Her books, now he has his own woman to make feel cherished, even sweet pecks on her cheek. I loved every one of his discussions about what was going to happen in their future and seizing the day when they could. An interesting thought process for Oakley while she was working things out, wanting to be held accountable for what she thought she did. Absolutely loved these two short sentences , "Why are you here? Because you are." No arguing about that.
I love being back in Warrenville and it’s even better with Royal securities. Lincoln *sigh* everyone needs a Lincoln in their life to live them, dote on them, protect them and give them their every hearts desire. Oakley wasn’t my heroine. She definitely has quite a few weak qualities but then has a couple of really likable ones too! She’s extremely sweet and innocent yet at the same time she made me want to slap her. We do get our HEA and a small mystery plot of Onnika and Foster. Great suspenseful romance read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lincoln, my sweet Lincoln! He is an alpha, possessive guy but he's also so sweet. I can understand why because Oakley needs more than just talking to feel secure or else she'll run from her problems and Lincoln. This time, he's making sure she wouldn't run from him again, or ever.
The tension and chemistry between them were off the charts. Right from the very start, you can feel it through the pages. However, they didn't get together immediately then. Some time passed before that happened. I loved that it took Lincoln a bit to take his chance to be with Oakley so that he can provide for her. I loved that he work towards that. Definitely a great read!
This is Oakley and Link’s story. Oakey has a crush on Link. She let it be known she wanted him but after he kind of pushed her away she leaves town. She ran from not only him but everything. When he finds her again, he makes sure that she knows he not only wants her, but he will have her and protect her forever.
Lincoln and Oakley. Complex and guarded. Oakley keeps running from Linc, trying to keep her demons at bay. Fate has a different plan. A little action and drama. Mostly this is about Oakley trying to heal herself. Lots of steam and the ever present OTT man! HEA.
I've been waiting for Links book! This series is a must read. I recommend reading all the books in the series and in order to get the full picture. For me, Lincoln has been a bit of a puzzle to figure out. This book we finally get to know him and his story. As a member of Royal Aces security team, Lincoln transfers to the new HQ in Texas to train the new members. Also following the woman he knows he's meant to be with. Oakley had met Link before she moved to Texas. Much to her surprise when they reunited in the same small town they both currently resided in. This story is soo good. Super hot and sexy. Sad and traumatic. And so addictive. This entire series is amazing. I've loved each installment but Lincoln was the book I've been waiting for. He's never been much the center of attention in the other books and I'm so happy to have gotten to read his story. Don't miss out on it. 5stars.
This is Oakley and Links story, a part of the Guarding Her series. I loved this story and have to say that with each story Anna Brooks just gets better. I loved the storyline of this story and the story of second and third chance romance. this book has everything that you could ask for, it has the suspense romance and a happily ever after. From the first page to the last it kept my interest and i had to finish it from minute i started reading it. Can not wait for the next story and hope for more with the secondary characters. Great job Anna!!!
“Link” is the 9th book in the ‘Guarding Her’ series by Anna Brooks, and links to the ‘Ryder Ranch’ and ‘Reason to Ruin’ series by the same author. You need not have read any of the books in any of the other series in order to enjoy and appreciate “Link” – but if you have, it adds to the fun.
Lincoln is a professional bodyguard and security expert, and a man who is both physically and mentally strong. He’s also sensitive to the emotional and physical needs of the woman he loves … before she even knows he loves her. How is that possible you might wonder? Well, he was half in love with Oakley since he met and got to know her while on a daily protection job. He was sure she felt the same way about him, but certain obstacles kept getting in the way. They get together briefly, it’s incredible, and she runs. One of the biggest obstacles has been her fear of potential future heartbreak. He’s been patient. He’s kept his distance from her, done extremely thoughtful things with her in mind, and kept tabs on her to be sure she’s OK. But he finally decides enough is enough and approaches her, and the connection between them is just as strong as it ever was.
There is a lot that takes place in this story. If you just looked at Lincoln on a surface level you might think that he’s incredibly hot, but he’s a bit too intense. Fortunately, the book tells us what’s in his heart and it shows how genuinely wonderful he is. Oakley was generally a good character, and I understood her fear of a relationship gone bad. A couple of times I thought she went overboard with that and needed to toughen up and deal with reality instead of running. It was ironic then that she ends up having to face a life-changing, dramatic event that she never could have anticipated.
This book is easy to read and is a page-turner because you keep wanting to find out what will happen next. It’s well-written and effective on multiple levels. Days after I finished reading it, little details about this story were still clicking into place in my head because initially I hadn’t realized how purposeful they were. The problem with this book being so good is that it maintains the high bar that the author has set for her work; I should clarify that it might be a problem for the author because it puts pressure on her, but it’s a pleasure for us as readers who get to enjoy the finished works. The end of this story leaves us primed for the next one, which seems like it will be about Callan, one of Lincoln’s colleagues. And something mysterious has gone on with one of Oakley’s sisters and Foster, who also works with Lincoln – I’m looking forward to finding out about that, too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a copy.
We loved Link and Oakley's story, it was a lot of fun, especially with bossy pants Link at the helm of it. Talk about a bit of cat & mouse game playing out for me than a year, but, Link has had enough and is about to claim his woman.
Oakley was a sweetheart but, a bit of a mess on an emotional level, constantly wrestling with thoughts of never being good enough and insecure in all things except when it came to livelihood. Good thing, Link loves all those little quirks about her and never see's them as her failures, she just needs a good man to show her those thoughts are nonsense, and she is worth loving, and that she is just as beautiful on the inside as she is out. Link was a man you had to admire for the patience and kindness that he showed Oakley, the man some would call a saint, as she was enough to give a man whiplash.
Link was a character so easy to fall for and fall hard, loved his bossiness and his possessiveness and his patience and kindness and take charge kind of guy but, Oakley is no push over and his bossiness just might be his undoing out of the bedroom but, in it, she loved his alpha male ways and all that dominance he possessed.
Oakley and Link had chemistry off the charts and sizzled together in and out of the bedroom. Both characters needed that cat a mouse game to play out in order to get things right this go around. The mystery and suspense of the story made things possible for this couple to create the life they both craved. The story had some hot and sexy scenes that were fan worthy but, most of all, they were a couple perfect for one another when you got past all the messy bits.
Awesome characters that made you easy to fall in love with and a story that was a lot of fun, we loved it from cover to cover. Loving this series...
Anna is a brand-new author for us this year, and we have to say we loved that we came across her books because the more of them we read, the more we fall in love with this author works.
I really enjoyed this story and absolutely didn’t mind I hasn’t read any of the others in the series, it can totally be read as a standalone.
I loved the relationship between Oakley and Lincoln. He was so patient with her and I loved how he waited and worked hard to ensure that he was in the place she needed him to be before he tried to take their relationship further.
A total alpha badass, Lincoln has a core of gold and is so calming with Oakley, and I loved how he took everything she threw at him in his stride.
Oakley needed to grow up a little at the beginning of the book and she did indeed mature throughout, learning to trust both Lincoln and her own feelings
A romantic storyline with an undercurrent of suspense, this book is a fun read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Link is the ninth book in the Guarding Her series by Anna Brooks. I read it as a stand-alone and although they did meet in a previous book and Anna had crushed on him then, I still had no problems following along. It was short, fast-paced, and easily read in one day. Anna and Lincoln (Link) were captivated by each other, but their lack of communication kept them apart. Anna had fears of falling for a man and losing him after seeing it happen to her sister. So, she protected her heart and ran from him and her feelings. Link was protective but also considerate and supportive of Anna’s individuality. I loved the intrigue and meeting all the characters. I look forward to future books from this author.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Being new to the Guarding Her world i've been wanting to get into this series! Having read Ms.Brooks' work many times before had me looking forward to it even more! I enjoyed this story!
Right from the beginning Oakley and Lincoln's journey got my attention! I really liked the way these two were brought together and how i wasn't sure what all to expect in their story. I felt many things with both of these characters. The heat between them was great!
I really liked what the other characters brought to the story as well!
With Link, Ms.Brooks has created a good read! I'm looking forward to picking up more in this series!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Lincoln and Oakley have a long road to travel. Lincoln is with the Royal Aces security team and ends up transferred to Texas to their new headquarters. He also knows that Oakley is in the same place and he wants to be with her. This is a really sizzling story with a dominate alpha who wants to make decisions for Oakley that are good because she has a tendency of running from every decision. Lincoln happens to be there when Oakley is attacked in her home and can take care of her and keep her from running from him or her problems. This story has a great storyline with suspense, danger, romance, passion and love. Will Lincoln and his protective attitude cost them their relationship? Read and find out. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh my goodness, I freaking love Link! This guy is just the epidemy of MAN, oh so strong and definitely a guardian, but what really got me was just how freaking sweet he is! This book is a great book and I really enjoyed reading it and seeing how everything was going to play out!
All in all, read this book! It is sweet, but also SO STEAMY! I enjoyed the storyline and think that the author did a great job with it! I give it 4.5 outta 5 stars and enjoyed reading it!
PS: Thank you to Anna Brooks and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly!
Let me start by saying that I love all the books in this series. Every time I read one I think, this is my new favorite. I think I may need to re-read them all to see.
Oakley and Link have a cat and mouse relationship. Oakley is always running from the man she know will own her heart and soul. Link is forever ready to pounce when he gets the slightest chance for the girl of his dreams. I love that their relationship isn't perfect. It gets tested and beat up but you'll have to read if love wins.
This entire book just seemed very real to me. It has humor and all the feels. If you've read all the other books in the series, this one is just as good!
Eek! How are we on book 9 already?! What a series this is and I’m here for the ride every step of the way! I love the characters in these books. I couldn’t pick a favourite as they all bring something different and I think that plus the great storylines makes this one of my favourite series. Lincoln is about as alpha as they come. He gives Oakley her space until he’s decided enough is enough and he needs to claim what’s his. They are such a perfect couple and I really enjoyed their story. I’d love to know Callan’s story!! More please!!
Lincoln & Oakley are just marvelous! I love them! Normally, Oakley's behavior/thought process would annoy me, but somehow Lincoln made me understand where her head was at because HE understood where her head was at even when SHE didn't!
The pacing worked really well & the suspense elements were just right. These two are feisty and their banter made me chuckle, they're sweet, and definitely high on the steam! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Just a highly enjoyable cast of characters & story & it gave me all the feels!