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Guardian Protection #3
Falter
I once made the mistake of falling for a client, and it nearly cost me my career.
Jaded and disgraced, I used my attitude as armor so it could never happen again.
Until I was assigned to protect Lofton Beck.
Hollywood’s golden girl had a stalker on her tail—and two dead bodyguards.
She was a nightmare from the start. Didn’t follow orders. Had no concept of boundaries. Worst of all, she was so damn gorgeous I couldn’t build my walls strong enough to keep her out.
As the threats escalated, we were forced into hiding at her family’s farm. Keeping my distance became impossible with her sleeping in the room next door.
Somewhere between our early mornings together and the quiet moments when the world disappeared, it became clear her stalker wasn’t the most dangerous part of the assignment.
Protecting her was never the problem.
Falling in love with her could cost me everything.
Jaded and disgraced, I used my attitude as armor so it could never happen again.
Until I was assigned to protect Lofton Beck.
Hollywood’s golden girl had a stalker on her tail—and two dead bodyguards.
She was a nightmare from the start. Didn’t follow orders. Had no concept of boundaries. Worst of all, she was so damn gorgeous I couldn’t build my walls strong enough to keep her out.
As the threats escalated, we were forced into hiding at her family’s farm. Keeping my distance became impossible with her sleeping in the room next door.
Somewhere between our early mornings together and the quiet moments when the world disappeared, it became clear her stalker wasn’t the most dangerous part of the assignment.
Protecting her was never the problem.
Falling in love with her could cost me everything.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2026
77 people are currently reading
1228 people want to read
About the author
Aly Martinez
57 books8,146 followersOriginally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, charcuterie boards, and her mildly neurotic golden retriever. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
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April 27, 2026April 2026 - HERE WE GO! It's been published! AHH! Now to negotiate with my mood reader brain so I can get to this as soon as it lets me 😭
August 2019 - I've heard from a little birdy that this might be getting released in October! I hope that little birdy is right this time ♡
January 2019 - Dates will probably get changed BUT the author is aiming to release this around July 2019! I'm so excited! I hope this doesn't change!
October 2018 - This novel has been pushed back. A possible release date is in the first few months of 2019.
July 2018 - The author announced that this novel will be releasing some time in December 2018! I'm hoping I like this novel as much as I liked the first book in this series. *Fingers crossed*
August 2019 - I've heard from a little birdy that this might be getting released in October! I hope that little birdy is right this time ♡
January 2019 - Dates will probably get changed BUT the author is aiming to release this around July 2019! I'm so excited! I hope this doesn't change!
October 2018 - This novel has been pushed back. A possible release date is in the first few months of 2019.
July 2018 - The author announced that this novel will be releasing some time in December 2018! I'm hoping I like this novel as much as I liked the first book in this series. *Fingers crossed*
May 8, 2026
When a crazed stalker kills her longtime bodyguard, celebrity Lofton Beck turns to Guardian Protection for safety.
Devon Grant isn’t new to high profile clients. In fact, it’s the root cause of his grumpy personality. But Lofton manages to soften his rough edges without even trying. And when she puts in a little effort to get his attention? All bets are off.
It’s been years since I’ve read anything by Aly Martinez. That’s because the Regret duet broke me (in the best way). Falter was a very different read than I remembered from the author, but you’ll find no complaints. I enjoyed the angst and evolution of Lofton and Devon’s relationship. The secondary storyline kept things interesting and I loved the side characters.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult
* Mystery/Suspense
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 🤯😊🫠🥺😍
Darkness: 🩶🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Heroine in Danger, Opposites Attract, Secret Relationship, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Caretaker/Protective MMC, Cinnamon Roll, Trauma Bonding
🔆 Character: Bodyguard, Celebrity
💋 Kinks: n/a
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive
⛔️ Safety Squad: Stalking (Not by MMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Los Angeles, California + Farm, Tennessee 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Falter is part of the Guardian Protection series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Devon Grant isn’t new to high profile clients. In fact, it’s the root cause of his grumpy personality. But Lofton manages to soften his rough edges without even trying. And when she puts in a little effort to get his attention? All bets are off.
It’s been years since I’ve read anything by Aly Martinez. That’s because the Regret duet broke me (in the best way). Falter was a very different read than I remembered from the author, but you’ll find no complaints. I enjoyed the angst and evolution of Lofton and Devon’s relationship. The secondary storyline kept things interesting and I loved the side characters.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱
🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): New Adult
* Mystery/Suspense
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 🤯😊🫠🥺😍
Darkness: 🩶🩶
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
✨ Tropes: Billionaire, Forbidden, Forced Proximity, Heroine in Danger, Opposites Attract, Secret Relationship, Workplace
💫 Microtropes: Caretaker/Protective MMC, Cinnamon Roll, Trauma Bonding
🔆 Character: Bodyguard, Celebrity
💋 Kinks: n/a
🤰🏻 Pregnancy: n/a
🚩 Red Flags: Alphahole, Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive
⛔️ Safety Squad: Stalking (Not by MMC), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📍 Setting: Los Angeles, California + Farm, Tennessee 🇺🇸
📣 Type: Falter is part of the Guardian Protection series of interconnected standalones. While no other books need to be read in order to follow the story, reading prior books may enhance the experience.
⚠️ Warning: The angst in this slow-burn will edge you to the point of combustion!
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
May 9, 2026
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Aly Martinez continues to prove why she’s one of my favorite authors. Her writing always manages to pull me in almost immediately, and Falter was no different. I picked this up at the perfect time because it ended up being such a great palate cleanser. I flew through the pages.
One thing Aly does really well is create characters that feel easy to connect to, and both Lofton and Devon were no exception. I really enjoyed their dynamic and loved seeing their relationship slowly develop throughout the story. They felt like a great match, and the chemistry between them worked really well alongside the more suspenseful elements of the plot.
The balance between romance and suspense was done really nicely. The story kept moving without ever feeling too heavy in either direction, and I stayed fully engaged the entire time. I especially enjoyed the quieter moments between Lofton and Devon just as much as the more tense scenes involving the stalker storyline.
The side characters were also a highlight for me, and it was fun being reunited with characters from the previous books in the series. Even though this is the third book in the series, you can easily read it as a standalone. Overall, Falter was an engaging and entertaining romantic suspense read with strong characters, good pacing, and a romance I really enjoyed following.
Aly Martinez continues to prove why she’s one of my favorite authors. Her writing always manages to pull me in almost immediately, and Falter was no different. I picked this up at the perfect time because it ended up being such a great palate cleanser. I flew through the pages.
One thing Aly does really well is create characters that feel easy to connect to, and both Lofton and Devon were no exception. I really enjoyed their dynamic and loved seeing their relationship slowly develop throughout the story. They felt like a great match, and the chemistry between them worked really well alongside the more suspenseful elements of the plot.
The balance between romance and suspense was done really nicely. The story kept moving without ever feeling too heavy in either direction, and I stayed fully engaged the entire time. I especially enjoyed the quieter moments between Lofton and Devon just as much as the more tense scenes involving the stalker storyline.
The side characters were also a highlight for me, and it was fun being reunited with characters from the previous books in the series. Even though this is the third book in the series, you can easily read it as a standalone. Overall, Falter was an engaging and entertaining romantic suspense read with strong characters, good pacing, and a romance I really enjoyed following.
April 28, 2026
Consuming, addictive story that held me captive from the start. Set in dark underside of celebrity culture where stalkers - murderers reside. Lofton is a superstar and her fame & fortune comes with a leeching blackmailer as a package deal. Things escalate to dark & dangerous situation hastily and her ol' loyal bodyguard is killed.
Guardian security steps in to help, Devon is chosen one. Grumpy, reluctant and abrasive. But his heart soon melts when his ward to protect is hurting bad, so his instructions from his boss are crystal clear
“You ever work through your shit by cutting into a woman who’s already bleeding. Client or not. You’re gonna have to deal with me. Got it?”
Yes sir🫡
He's handsome and sexy.
Lofton is beautiful.
Alone
Together
Protector/Damsel
....you do the math!
“ Devon Grant had gone from the man I couldn’t read to the story I couldn’t put down.”
Surprising Twist was the Threat, when revealed, had my jaw hanging open!!!
It's steamy, set on razors edge so emotions are sharp and intense, sweeping me off my feet instantly.
“4.5 stars for Devon Grant, First of His Name, Breaker of Professional Boundaries and Bed Slats, Warden of the Beck Family Farm, Master of Stoic Brooding, Protector of the Menacing Lofton Beck, and Rightful Heir to All Her Orgasms?”
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Guardian security steps in to help, Devon is chosen one. Grumpy, reluctant and abrasive. But his heart soon melts when his ward to protect is hurting bad, so his instructions from his boss are crystal clear
“You ever work through your shit by cutting into a woman who’s already bleeding. Client or not. You’re gonna have to deal with me. Got it?”
Yes sir🫡
He's handsome and sexy.
Lofton is beautiful.
Alone
Together
Protector/Damsel
....you do the math!
“ Devon Grant had gone from the man I couldn’t read to the story I couldn’t put down.”
Surprising Twist was the Threat, when revealed, had my jaw hanging open!!!
It's steamy, set on razors edge so emotions are sharp and intense, sweeping me off my feet instantly.
“4.5 stars for Devon Grant, First of His Name, Breaker of Professional Boundaries and Bed Slats, Warden of the Beck Family Farm, Master of Stoic Brooding, Protector of the Menacing Lofton Beck, and Rightful Heir to All Her Orgasms?”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻 TikTok 🌻 StoryGraph 🌻 YouTube 🌻
Read
May 5, 2026RTC!!❤️
May 1, 2026
Enjoyable, but not what I typically expect from Aly Martinez.
April 27, 2026
Let me tell you something, if there is something I know in life to be true, it is that Aly Martinez can write a hell of a romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat, that will have you feeling absolutely EVERYTHING, and that will have you believing with your whole heart in the couple she gives you and allows you to fall in love with. Falter encapsulated all of that and more and was her at her best. This book is a quintessential Aly Martinez book and it was absolutely incredible, unforgettable, and utterly consuming from start to finish. But more than that, it was an amazing and all-feeling love story between two people who shouldn’t be together, who shouldn’t work, yet every jagged cracked piece of themselves fits perfectly with the other in a way that feels wholly meant to be.
Falter is the story of Lofton and Devon, two characters who come together in the most extraordinary of circumstances, who feel absolutely everything they weren’t prepared to feel for one another, and who change each other’s lives and hearts in ways that neither were prepared for.
This book is their journey to absolution. This book is their story of forbidden love. This book is their healing from everything that has gone wrong in each of their respective pasts. This book is their opportunity to put their hearts on the line, to let their vulnerability shine, and to break down the solid walls that they have built around their hearts. This book is a fight for them. This book is a fight for her safety and freedom, from both a literal stalker endangering her and also the life she thought she always wanted, but turned out to be the version she didn’t want. This book is a fight for him and his freedom, from a past version of himself, from the weight of the mistakes he’s made, and from feelings he wasn’t prepared to feel.
This book is Lofton and Devon through and through on their journey to accepting everything that they make each other feel and then some. It is them at their best and worst and everything in between. It is them and their most vulnerable, and their most real and raw, feeling everything under the sun that they weren’t prepared for, but that they also needed like they needed their next breath. It was the two of them and the new normal they shared and created together. And that new normal scared them both out of their minds with what it made them feel, but it was also the exact place they were always meant to be because the way these characters see each other, get each other, and fight and show up and feel everything for one another is true perfection. And that perfection may be complicated and messy and rawly emotional at times, but it is very them, it is perfectly them, and it allows every piece of their heart and emotions to shine.
Simply put, Falter by Aly Martinez is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year and is a new favorite book of mine from this author.
This book just utterly consumed my mind and my body and my heart in every word of what I got with this couple from the very first page of this book. Thrown into the thick of the action, this book puts you in it with Lofton and Devon. She is a celebrity who is being stalked and who is in literal danger. He is the bodyguard who is hired to protect her and who might also want absolutely nothing to do with a celebrity scene or a celebrity.
These two definitely get off to a rocky start, but the more time they spend together, the more protective he gets, the more she breaks down those walls and adds little cracks of emotion to them, and the more that they see each other for who they really are in the quiet mornings they share together, the more these two realize the shit is about to hit the fan. And by shit, I mean their feelings and emotions because what they share is everything. It is all kinds of forbidden because he is her bodyguard and she is the client, and they are definitely not supposed to want each other, but want each other they do. Their slow burn gloriousness of connection and fire and pull to one another will literally give you life on this book. Trust me on that. And watching these two give into everything they make each other feel, watching them show up for each other in the way that they do, and getting to be there as they fall so hard for one another will pull your heart to their fiercely in every way possible. I promise you that.
Devon and Lofton share something undeniable. It might break all the rules, it might be messy and complicated and flawed, but it is so inherently them. The way these two pull back all of the layers and see each other for who they are is absolutely everything. But more than that getting to watch them put their hearts on the line when it really matters, getting to watch them poke at each other until there is no choice left, but to fall for one another, and getting to watch these characters reckon with the depth of their feelings and connection is truly incredible. It makes for a hell of a love story and it will definitely have you knowing that these two are meant to be. They are meant to find their way, even if what they share breaks all the rules, and even if what they share isn’t supposed to work, and getting to be so connected to them as they give it they’re all in this book will truly have you in love with everything they share and what they give you.
There is truly such beauty in the moments that you get with Devon and Lofton. In the slow moments, in the vulnerable moments, in the moments where they let all of their colors shine for the other to see. There is such authenticity and heart in what they build. It is slow and glorious in how it grows and how that tension between them amplifies, and it truly changes the trajectory of everything for the both of them. And all of that might scare them out of their minds at time, but it also firmly cements for them that the other is who they are meant to be with, and that the other is the person who truly changes everything. The depth of what these two share, the love that grows so authentically and honestly with them in those quiet moments, in those real and raw moments, and in the moments for the whole world to see, sear your heart to everything they share and will have you knowing that they HAVE to find a way.
They just have to.
Aly Martinez finds the best balance of that emotion, that fire and connection, that undeniable pull to one another with what she gives you with Devon and Lofton, and she lights it all on fire. I mean she amplifies it in the best way through what she gives you with them, and you will be here for every second of it. But more than that, you will just love the vibe of this entire book. You will love the banter and the levity you get with these characters. You will love the action and the suspense of it all that will keep you guessing until the very end. You will love that these characters build such an understanding of one another, and how that shines in the most beautiful way in every breath of this book. But more than that, you will just love how wholeheartedly connected you feel to both Lofton and Devon as you get to experience the story with them. I really cannot say enough how much this author just lets you live this book with her characters and it truly is everything to get an experience that.
Because Lofton and Devon… They leave their heart and souls in this book and you will relish in that with them.
I also have to say that being back in the world of Guardian Protection was actual perfection. This whole series owns my whole heart. I love these characters, I love these men, I love their complicated stories to finding love, and I love that only they know how to push each other‘s buttons in the way that they do. This is a found family of complicated characters who show up and love each other in every way, even when they mess up and it’s the best. I have loved this series for years now, and being back in this world is truly the best. Seeing all of my favorite characters again, getting all of their interactions, and just getting to be back in a world full of fictional characters that would do anything for one another, and that equally know how to get under each other‘s skin in the best way has been the best experience. This whole found family of characters shows up for each other in every way that matters, but more than that they had such a levity and heart and connection to the story and it’s the best.
And let me just tell you, I’m already chomping at the bit to be back in this world because I need more of this series something fierce. (Cough, Johnson, cough.) There are definitely some characters that I need everything from and I will be not so patiently waiting for every single one of them. That is how invested Aly Martinez makes you in this series but in every one of her books. She just shows you a group of characters you can’t help but love and want everything with, and it’s one of the best things about her books because you just feel so wholeheartedly connected to her characters, what they give you, and what you feel and experience with them. This series is no different, and getting another moment with all of these characters with Lofton and Devon was truly amazing.
Falter just made me love this world of characters more, but it also gave me an incredibly emotional and unforgettable journey with Lofton and Devon in a way that I just loved. Devon is a complicated character, that we may or may not have met before, and getting to see his evolution, getting to see his fight in it all, and getting to see the truth and vulnerability and what he feels and shares with Lofton was absolutely everything. And Lofton was a true gem of a character. I mean, that woman has a heart of gold, she has so much fight in her, and she is just trying to make semblance of her new normal in the life that she has. I just loved her character from the start and I was immediately enthralled with her.
Getting to see the grumpy sunshine vibes that both her and Devon give off as they fall so so hard for each other, as they try and pretend it’s not happening, and as she just so painstakingly works at that man to show him that they are inevitable and that they feel everything is truly the best. But more than that, just getting to see these two put their hearts on the line when it really matters and show up for each other in only the ways that they can is true perfection and will just have you believing and knowing that they have to find a way to make it all work. That they have to find a way to that happily ever after because there is no other alternative for those two in the depth of what they share.
It’s easy to see from this review that this book is one of my favorite books. I’ve read this year. And I really can’t say it enough. This book is Aly Martinez at her best and the way you get equal parts swoon and suspense and spice will have you living for every breath of this book with Lofton and Devon. I really can’t say that enough. Those two are truly something special and getting to watch them build an epic love story together in this book will have you feeling every breath of their story and then some. But more than that, it will just have you be believing and the two of them and what they give to each other. Those two definitely make each other work for it, and it is the most glorious slow burn to the finish line with them, but it is also so worth it and it will have you be believing in everything they feel and share together.
Trust me on that.
I could not have loved this book or this couple more. What they share, what they give you, the emotion and vulnerability of it all, the fire and suspense of it all, and the way this author tells the story and lets you experience her unique writing and storytelling voice is truly amazing. This is what romance reading should be like. A book like this from this author where the layers and shades and colors of her characters shine brightly and honestly and vulnerably through every second you get with them, simultaneously taking a hold of your heart with every layer and peace and nuance they give you.
It is books like this one that reminds me why I love reading romance so much and why Aly Martinez is one of my all-time favorite authors. Because what she delivers in Falter with Devon and Lofton is more than everything. It is real. It is raw. It is emotional and vulnerable and breathtaking. It is romantic and swoony and fiery. It is consuming in every way and on every level. It is complicated and messy. It is just them. It is them in the most honest and true and real way sharing everything together, letting their colors shine, and be believing in each other and what could be. It is them, wholeheartedly them from start to finish, and I truly could not have asked for more.
Simply put, Falter is a book you need in your life this very second, and I promise you that you will love every breath of what you get with Lofton and Devon. Their love may be forbidden, their feelings may be off limits, and they may also know how to get right under each other skin and push all the buttons each other has, but these two definitely show you that they and their love and everything they share together are worth it.
So beyond worth it. And then some.
I truly could go on and on about how much I loved and felt everything within this book with Lofton and Devon, but I will wrap it up here because really you just need to read this book. You need to read and live and experience everything these characters give you in this book and just embrace it. Embrace their vulnerability, their honesty, and the true selves they give you and their story. Their story is everything and then some, and you will love getting to take it all in with them. They make every second of their story worth experiencing and fighting for, and honestly that’s just scratching the surface of what makes their love story in this book epic and emotional and unforgettable.
Aly Martinez leaves your heart and theirs on every page of this book and it is literal perfection. What you experience with Devon and Lofton across their unforgettable and deeply emotional love story will definitely have you in it with them, believing in everything they share, and fighting right along with them that they find a way to make what’s forbidden and off-limits something that can last forever. Getting to go along with them as they share their beautiful and all feeling colors with each other and the world will give you everything and more with them. And really, there’s no better feeling than that…or what you get with them in this absolutely incredible book.
Falter is the story of Lofton and Devon, two characters who come together in the most extraordinary of circumstances, who feel absolutely everything they weren’t prepared to feel for one another, and who change each other’s lives and hearts in ways that neither were prepared for.
This book is their journey to absolution. This book is their story of forbidden love. This book is their healing from everything that has gone wrong in each of their respective pasts. This book is their opportunity to put their hearts on the line, to let their vulnerability shine, and to break down the solid walls that they have built around their hearts. This book is a fight for them. This book is a fight for her safety and freedom, from both a literal stalker endangering her and also the life she thought she always wanted, but turned out to be the version she didn’t want. This book is a fight for him and his freedom, from a past version of himself, from the weight of the mistakes he’s made, and from feelings he wasn’t prepared to feel.
This book is Lofton and Devon through and through on their journey to accepting everything that they make each other feel and then some. It is them at their best and worst and everything in between. It is them and their most vulnerable, and their most real and raw, feeling everything under the sun that they weren’t prepared for, but that they also needed like they needed their next breath. It was the two of them and the new normal they shared and created together. And that new normal scared them both out of their minds with what it made them feel, but it was also the exact place they were always meant to be because the way these characters see each other, get each other, and fight and show up and feel everything for one another is true perfection. And that perfection may be complicated and messy and rawly emotional at times, but it is very them, it is perfectly them, and it allows every piece of their heart and emotions to shine.
Simply put, Falter by Aly Martinez is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year and is a new favorite book of mine from this author.
This book just utterly consumed my mind and my body and my heart in every word of what I got with this couple from the very first page of this book. Thrown into the thick of the action, this book puts you in it with Lofton and Devon. She is a celebrity who is being stalked and who is in literal danger. He is the bodyguard who is hired to protect her and who might also want absolutely nothing to do with a celebrity scene or a celebrity.
These two definitely get off to a rocky start, but the more time they spend together, the more protective he gets, the more she breaks down those walls and adds little cracks of emotion to them, and the more that they see each other for who they really are in the quiet mornings they share together, the more these two realize the shit is about to hit the fan. And by shit, I mean their feelings and emotions because what they share is everything. It is all kinds of forbidden because he is her bodyguard and she is the client, and they are definitely not supposed to want each other, but want each other they do. Their slow burn gloriousness of connection and fire and pull to one another will literally give you life on this book. Trust me on that. And watching these two give into everything they make each other feel, watching them show up for each other in the way that they do, and getting to be there as they fall so hard for one another will pull your heart to their fiercely in every way possible. I promise you that.
Devon and Lofton share something undeniable. It might break all the rules, it might be messy and complicated and flawed, but it is so inherently them. The way these two pull back all of the layers and see each other for who they are is absolutely everything. But more than that getting to watch them put their hearts on the line when it really matters, getting to watch them poke at each other until there is no choice left, but to fall for one another, and getting to watch these characters reckon with the depth of their feelings and connection is truly incredible. It makes for a hell of a love story and it will definitely have you knowing that these two are meant to be. They are meant to find their way, even if what they share breaks all the rules, and even if what they share isn’t supposed to work, and getting to be so connected to them as they give it they’re all in this book will truly have you in love with everything they share and what they give you.
There is truly such beauty in the moments that you get with Devon and Lofton. In the slow moments, in the vulnerable moments, in the moments where they let all of their colors shine for the other to see. There is such authenticity and heart in what they build. It is slow and glorious in how it grows and how that tension between them amplifies, and it truly changes the trajectory of everything for the both of them. And all of that might scare them out of their minds at time, but it also firmly cements for them that the other is who they are meant to be with, and that the other is the person who truly changes everything. The depth of what these two share, the love that grows so authentically and honestly with them in those quiet moments, in those real and raw moments, and in the moments for the whole world to see, sear your heart to everything they share and will have you knowing that they HAVE to find a way.
They just have to.
Aly Martinez finds the best balance of that emotion, that fire and connection, that undeniable pull to one another with what she gives you with Devon and Lofton, and she lights it all on fire. I mean she amplifies it in the best way through what she gives you with them, and you will be here for every second of it. But more than that, you will just love the vibe of this entire book. You will love the banter and the levity you get with these characters. You will love the action and the suspense of it all that will keep you guessing until the very end. You will love that these characters build such an understanding of one another, and how that shines in the most beautiful way in every breath of this book. But more than that, you will just love how wholeheartedly connected you feel to both Lofton and Devon as you get to experience the story with them. I really cannot say enough how much this author just lets you live this book with her characters and it truly is everything to get an experience that.
Because Lofton and Devon… They leave their heart and souls in this book and you will relish in that with them.
I also have to say that being back in the world of Guardian Protection was actual perfection. This whole series owns my whole heart. I love these characters, I love these men, I love their complicated stories to finding love, and I love that only they know how to push each other‘s buttons in the way that they do. This is a found family of complicated characters who show up and love each other in every way, even when they mess up and it’s the best. I have loved this series for years now, and being back in this world is truly the best. Seeing all of my favorite characters again, getting all of their interactions, and just getting to be back in a world full of fictional characters that would do anything for one another, and that equally know how to get under each other‘s skin in the best way has been the best experience. This whole found family of characters shows up for each other in every way that matters, but more than that they had such a levity and heart and connection to the story and it’s the best.
And let me just tell you, I’m already chomping at the bit to be back in this world because I need more of this series something fierce. (Cough, Johnson, cough.) There are definitely some characters that I need everything from and I will be not so patiently waiting for every single one of them. That is how invested Aly Martinez makes you in this series but in every one of her books. She just shows you a group of characters you can’t help but love and want everything with, and it’s one of the best things about her books because you just feel so wholeheartedly connected to her characters, what they give you, and what you feel and experience with them. This series is no different, and getting another moment with all of these characters with Lofton and Devon was truly amazing.
Falter just made me love this world of characters more, but it also gave me an incredibly emotional and unforgettable journey with Lofton and Devon in a way that I just loved. Devon is a complicated character, that we may or may not have met before, and getting to see his evolution, getting to see his fight in it all, and getting to see the truth and vulnerability and what he feels and shares with Lofton was absolutely everything. And Lofton was a true gem of a character. I mean, that woman has a heart of gold, she has so much fight in her, and she is just trying to make semblance of her new normal in the life that she has. I just loved her character from the start and I was immediately enthralled with her.
Getting to see the grumpy sunshine vibes that both her and Devon give off as they fall so so hard for each other, as they try and pretend it’s not happening, and as she just so painstakingly works at that man to show him that they are inevitable and that they feel everything is truly the best. But more than that, just getting to see these two put their hearts on the line when it really matters and show up for each other in only the ways that they can is true perfection and will just have you believing and knowing that they have to find a way to make it all work. That they have to find a way to that happily ever after because there is no other alternative for those two in the depth of what they share.
It’s easy to see from this review that this book is one of my favorite books. I’ve read this year. And I really can’t say it enough. This book is Aly Martinez at her best and the way you get equal parts swoon and suspense and spice will have you living for every breath of this book with Lofton and Devon. I really can’t say that enough. Those two are truly something special and getting to watch them build an epic love story together in this book will have you feeling every breath of their story and then some. But more than that, it will just have you be believing and the two of them and what they give to each other. Those two definitely make each other work for it, and it is the most glorious slow burn to the finish line with them, but it is also so worth it and it will have you be believing in everything they feel and share together.
Trust me on that.
I could not have loved this book or this couple more. What they share, what they give you, the emotion and vulnerability of it all, the fire and suspense of it all, and the way this author tells the story and lets you experience her unique writing and storytelling voice is truly amazing. This is what romance reading should be like. A book like this from this author where the layers and shades and colors of her characters shine brightly and honestly and vulnerably through every second you get with them, simultaneously taking a hold of your heart with every layer and peace and nuance they give you.
It is books like this one that reminds me why I love reading romance so much and why Aly Martinez is one of my all-time favorite authors. Because what she delivers in Falter with Devon and Lofton is more than everything. It is real. It is raw. It is emotional and vulnerable and breathtaking. It is romantic and swoony and fiery. It is consuming in every way and on every level. It is complicated and messy. It is just them. It is them in the most honest and true and real way sharing everything together, letting their colors shine, and be believing in each other and what could be. It is them, wholeheartedly them from start to finish, and I truly could not have asked for more.
Simply put, Falter is a book you need in your life this very second, and I promise you that you will love every breath of what you get with Lofton and Devon. Their love may be forbidden, their feelings may be off limits, and they may also know how to get right under each other skin and push all the buttons each other has, but these two definitely show you that they and their love and everything they share together are worth it.
So beyond worth it. And then some.
I truly could go on and on about how much I loved and felt everything within this book with Lofton and Devon, but I will wrap it up here because really you just need to read this book. You need to read and live and experience everything these characters give you in this book and just embrace it. Embrace their vulnerability, their honesty, and the true selves they give you and their story. Their story is everything and then some, and you will love getting to take it all in with them. They make every second of their story worth experiencing and fighting for, and honestly that’s just scratching the surface of what makes their love story in this book epic and emotional and unforgettable.
Aly Martinez leaves your heart and theirs on every page of this book and it is literal perfection. What you experience with Devon and Lofton across their unforgettable and deeply emotional love story will definitely have you in it with them, believing in everything they share, and fighting right along with them that they find a way to make what’s forbidden and off-limits something that can last forever. Getting to go along with them as they share their beautiful and all feeling colors with each other and the world will give you everything and more with them. And really, there’s no better feeling than that…or what you get with them in this absolutely incredible book.
April 29, 2026
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
💛CELEBRITY x BODYGUARD
🩶GRUMPY × SUNSHINE
💛FORBIDDEN
🩶FORCED PROXIMITY
💛STANDALONE
🩶JADED HERO
Lofton is still recovering from an attack that left her bodyguard , Marty dead. Marty wasn’t just her bodyguard he was her friend and more like family. She is grieving, and due to her life is scared a new bodyguard from Guardian Protection is brought in Devon Grant. Devon is brought in to cover her and head her personal security.
Devon upon arrival wasn't thrilled to be assigned to her but unfortunately it’s the job, and Devon is a professional. Devon is a grump and grouchy, but he also makes her feel safe. He sees her for her and not the persona Hollywood sees.
They decide to head to her family farm in Tennessee where she is needed to help with her dad , who has Dementia. Devon and Loftons relationship evolved and changed but not before jumping over hurdles to get to their Hea.
This story dealt with suspense, romance, death , grief and Aly touched on all the topics with care.
This book is another hit from Aly
Tropes:
💛CELEBRITY x BODYGUARD
🩶GRUMPY × SUNSHINE
💛FORBIDDEN
🩶FORCED PROXIMITY
💛STANDALONE
🩶JADED HERO
Lofton is still recovering from an attack that left her bodyguard , Marty dead. Marty wasn’t just her bodyguard he was her friend and more like family. She is grieving, and due to her life is scared a new bodyguard from Guardian Protection is brought in Devon Grant. Devon is brought in to cover her and head her personal security.
Devon upon arrival wasn't thrilled to be assigned to her but unfortunately it’s the job, and Devon is a professional. Devon is a grump and grouchy, but he also makes her feel safe. He sees her for her and not the persona Hollywood sees.
They decide to head to her family farm in Tennessee where she is needed to help with her dad , who has Dementia. Devon and Loftons relationship evolved and changed but not before jumping over hurdles to get to their Hea.
This story dealt with suspense, romance, death , grief and Aly touched on all the topics with care.
This book is another hit from Aly
April 27, 2026
This story absolutely consumed me. Devon works for Guardian Security. He is amazing at what he does, but he has his a past that haunts him. He is assigned to guard Lofton who is a movie star and has a stalker.
I absolutely fell in love with Lofton‘s character. She has so many layers to her. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as Devon peels back each one.
That’s all I’m gonna tell you because if you have read an Aly Martinez book before you know, nobody writes characters with as much depth as she does. This book has it all, romance, suspense, laughter, tears.
Just trust me, you will walk away feeling all the feels, the a-ha moments and everything in between.
Definitely a five star read for me!
I absolutely fell in love with Lofton‘s character. She has so many layers to her. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough as Devon peels back each one.
That’s all I’m gonna tell you because if you have read an Aly Martinez book before you know, nobody writes characters with as much depth as she does. This book has it all, romance, suspense, laughter, tears.
Just trust me, you will walk away feeling all the feels, the a-ha moments and everything in between.
Definitely a five star read for me!
April 27, 2026
Devin Grant is a bodyguard and a very professional one at that until his new client Lofton Beck would push all his buttons…and boundaries. He wasn’t thrilled to be assigned to her but the job of protecting comes first no matter who it is. Can he keep Lofton safe without crossing a line? This is a bodyguard romance with plenty of banter, emotions and action to keep you entertained. A touching side story with her family and discovering what Devin is hiding from his past is also slowly revealed. Told in first person and dual POV.
April 30, 2026
I went into this book blind. I had no idea what it was about. I just knew that this author had a new book coming out and I loved her previous books that I read and wanted to read it. I am so glad I did.
Falter is book three in the Guardian Protection series and can be read as a standalone.
Lofton Beck is an actress who seems to have a stalker. Devon Grant is a bodyguard who is hired to protect her after a tragic incident. They initially get off to a rocky start. He doesn't want to disclose personal information while she is used to her former bodyguard who was like family. The more time they spend together, though, they find that their chemistry and attraction is strong.
I really enjoyed the story and the secondary characters.
Read this if you like:
Dual POV/First Person
Bodyguard/Actress
Romantic Suspense
Forced Proximity
Forbidden
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Falter is book three in the Guardian Protection series and can be read as a standalone.
Lofton Beck is an actress who seems to have a stalker. Devon Grant is a bodyguard who is hired to protect her after a tragic incident. They initially get off to a rocky start. He doesn't want to disclose personal information while she is used to her former bodyguard who was like family. The more time they spend together, though, they find that their chemistry and attraction is strong.
I really enjoyed the story and the secondary characters.
Read this if you like:
Dual POV/First Person
Bodyguard/Actress
Romantic Suspense
Forced Proximity
Forbidden
Thank you to the author for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 9, 2026
This new Aly Martinez book has been a long time coming and it was absolutely worth the wait. The banter was and I LOVE how this author drops a plot twist from out of left field - no preamble, no hinting, just BAM there it is.
I would have plowed through this one a lot faster but I was trying to get through another book I wasn’t enjoying, so I was sneaking in chapters of this one on my lunch break…while my computer did updates…standing in line at the grocery store…even while my car was filling up on gas. I hope more books in this series are on the way.
I would have plowed through this one a lot faster but I was trying to get through another book I wasn’t enjoying, so I was sneaking in chapters of this one on my lunch break…while my computer did updates…standing in line at the grocery store…even while my car was filling up on gas. I hope more books in this series are on the way.
May 8, 2026
Oh man, oh man, Aly Martinez has done it yet again! This book kept my attention from start to finish, I did not want to put it down! I loved the characters, the storyline and plot twists, and of course, the banter and chemistry between Devon and Lofton. This is the third book in the series but really, you don't have to read the others (although I would suggest them as they are also great reads!) It was great to be back in this world, and I hope to see more in the future!
Currently Reading
April 26, 2026IT IS FINALLY HERE!
May 4, 2026
Few editing things that could be cleaned up but the story made up for it.
April 28, 2026
This one just didn’t work for me. Disappointed as I love Aly Martinez, her Someone Trilogy is in my all time top 5 but for some reason I just didn’t enjoy this one.
I wasn’t keen on Devon, Lofton seemed too perfect and I just didn’t really feel the chemistry. Plus those names are so weird it was jarring
I wasn’t keen on Devon, Lofton seemed too perfect and I just didn’t really feel the chemistry. Plus those names are so weird it was jarring
April 27, 2026
5 stars
Aly Martinez is back, and she absolutely nailed this bodyguard/movie star romance with a grumpy hero, a heroine in danger, and an exciting, emotional and chemistry-filled love story. I was instantly hooked and read it in a day, and I loved it!
This is book #3 in the Guardian Protection series. There is character crossover from the earlier books in the series, and Aly’s fans will recognise Devon from another of her books, The Fall Up (sensational twist to the story there!). But you can easily read this book as a standalone.
Lofton Beck is an Oscar-winning movie star, and she has a dangerous stalker. When her bodyguards are killed, she turns to Guardian Protection, and Devon is assigned to protect her. Their working relationship doesn’t get off to the best start, but with danger in the city, they head to her family’s farm in Tennessee. Slowly and naturally, they let down their guards and start to reveal their true selves. They settle into life together, getting to know each other and growing more comfortable, and soon everything begins to change.
Their coming together is gorgeous, full of sweet moments, teasing, laughter and fabulous chemistry. With Lofton in danger, we see grumpy Devon’s protective, alpha side, and he is determined to keep his distance, which makes his gradual softening towards her all the more heartfelt. The small, emotional shifts and gentle touches between them make every moment feel meaningful, and I loved every little shift in their dynamic. It’s romantic and sexy, real and full of feeling, and it is beautiful to watch.
The emotion in the story comes from both the forbidden nature of the romance and the heartwrenching drama they are dealing with. Lofton is understandably terrified, grieving heavy losses and facing some devastating family issues, and she grabs on to Devon like a lifeline. Meanwhile, he has fallen for a client in the past which led to him hitting rock bottom, and it’s not a mistake he’s willing to make again - especially when it could cost him his job. They have some significant challenges, and watching them work through it all to find their HEA is wonderfully satisfying.
We get to see the Guardian Protection guys, and their camaraderie is so much fun, and the girl time is a real highlight. Lofton is a wonderfully strong heroine, and I loved her bravery and watching her journey throughout the story. Devon’s redemption is beautifully written and had me falling madly for him as he moves on from the past and finds his happy.
This is a fun read with wonderfully entertaining moments and beautiful emotion. The romance stole my heart, and the stalker storyline brings suspense that had me madly flipping pages. I was completely captivated and loved every moment.
5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
Aly Martinez is back, and she absolutely nailed this bodyguard/movie star romance with a grumpy hero, a heroine in danger, and an exciting, emotional and chemistry-filled love story. I was instantly hooked and read it in a day, and I loved it!
This is book #3 in the Guardian Protection series. There is character crossover from the earlier books in the series, and Aly’s fans will recognise Devon from another of her books, The Fall Up (sensational twist to the story there!). But you can easily read this book as a standalone.
Lofton Beck is an Oscar-winning movie star, and she has a dangerous stalker. When her bodyguards are killed, she turns to Guardian Protection, and Devon is assigned to protect her. Their working relationship doesn’t get off to the best start, but with danger in the city, they head to her family’s farm in Tennessee. Slowly and naturally, they let down their guards and start to reveal their true selves. They settle into life together, getting to know each other and growing more comfortable, and soon everything begins to change.
Their coming together is gorgeous, full of sweet moments, teasing, laughter and fabulous chemistry. With Lofton in danger, we see grumpy Devon’s protective, alpha side, and he is determined to keep his distance, which makes his gradual softening towards her all the more heartfelt. The small, emotional shifts and gentle touches between them make every moment feel meaningful, and I loved every little shift in their dynamic. It’s romantic and sexy, real and full of feeling, and it is beautiful to watch.
When it came to Lofton, I was no longer falling.
I was already on the ground floor. Probably in desperate need of a lifeline, but loving every second of loving her.
The emotion in the story comes from both the forbidden nature of the romance and the heartwrenching drama they are dealing with. Lofton is understandably terrified, grieving heavy losses and facing some devastating family issues, and she grabs on to Devon like a lifeline. Meanwhile, he has fallen for a client in the past which led to him hitting rock bottom, and it’s not a mistake he’s willing to make again - especially when it could cost him his job. They have some significant challenges, and watching them work through it all to find their HEA is wonderfully satisfying.
We get to see the Guardian Protection guys, and their camaraderie is so much fun, and the girl time is a real highlight. Lofton is a wonderfully strong heroine, and I loved her bravery and watching her journey throughout the story. Devon’s redemption is beautifully written and had me falling madly for him as he moves on from the past and finds his happy.
“I’m here, babe. Holding on with both hands. Never letting go.”
This is a fun read with wonderfully entertaining moments and beautiful emotion. The romance stole my heart, and the stalker storyline brings suspense that had me madly flipping pages. I was completely captivated and loved every moment.
5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
April 30, 2026
High suspense, high stakes, high emotions, and the best part is the high reward by the end of it all.
Lofton Beck is a Hollywood star who unfortunately caught the attention of a stalker. A stalker who has escalated to the point where people are dying around her. She begins to wonder if playing pretend on the big screen is what’s important in life when life is so fragile. Sometimes it takes a huge jolt, like losing those close to you, to really put things in perspective and unfortunately for Lofton it’s a stalker in hers that gives her this life perspective. However, if it wasn’t for those horrific events, she also wouldn’t have met Devon Grant and for that she is grateful.
Devon works for Guardian Protection, and is hired as her bodyguard. I’ll just say that his first impression doesn’t leave her feeling warm and fuzzy. He’s grumpy and grouchy, to put it mildly, but he also makes her feel safe and protected, which is his job. Somewhere along the way, he also makes her feel seen, and not as a Hollywood star, but as a real person, for the first time in a long time, or perhaps ever. Devon isn’t looking for sound bites, or insta likes, or even to know her for who she knows. He actually prefers her in coveralls and without makeup. It’s refreshing and something she’s never really known. She loves it, but she also wonders if can she trust it. Those high stakes and high emotions also come with some high doubts too. Everything is tense, which is what makes these stories so fun to read. Devon is smitten, if a gruff man like him can be smitten, but he definitely falls hard, even when I knows he shouldn’t.
You know that moment in every story…well maybe not every story, but certainly a lot of them, especially ones with high stakes, anyway…it’s that F-it moment when characters give in to the tension because they realize that life is short, or the weight they have been carrying is too heavy to bear alone, or whatever the circumstances may be and they just give in to the tension that has been building between them. I love those moments when the passion breaks as everything else around them is still, typically, in chaos. It’s hot, it’s always passionate, and typically the truest form of how they feel for one another because in most cases there is a desperation in those moments to be raw and open. I can never get enough of those scenes and Falter, of course, catches Lofton Beck and Devon Grant in moments such as these….
Let me just reference….Chapter 19 and 20 🥵👀❤️😂and that’s where I will now say no more because anything else shall say too much.😉
Except, Aly Martinez always knows how to write a good twist, especially when high stakes are on the line. I was completely thrown for a loop on this one, which I loved. It was very well done as I never saw it coming and even more so because my heart was taken for a wonderful ride.
Oh, wait. One more thing. Fall for a man who falls for Lofton like Devon does. ❤️👌😍
Lofton Beck is a Hollywood star who unfortunately caught the attention of a stalker. A stalker who has escalated to the point where people are dying around her. She begins to wonder if playing pretend on the big screen is what’s important in life when life is so fragile. Sometimes it takes a huge jolt, like losing those close to you, to really put things in perspective and unfortunately for Lofton it’s a stalker in hers that gives her this life perspective. However, if it wasn’t for those horrific events, she also wouldn’t have met Devon Grant and for that she is grateful.
Devon works for Guardian Protection, and is hired as her bodyguard. I’ll just say that his first impression doesn’t leave her feeling warm and fuzzy. He’s grumpy and grouchy, to put it mildly, but he also makes her feel safe and protected, which is his job. Somewhere along the way, he also makes her feel seen, and not as a Hollywood star, but as a real person, for the first time in a long time, or perhaps ever. Devon isn’t looking for sound bites, or insta likes, or even to know her for who she knows. He actually prefers her in coveralls and without makeup. It’s refreshing and something she’s never really known. She loves it, but she also wonders if can she trust it. Those high stakes and high emotions also come with some high doubts too. Everything is tense, which is what makes these stories so fun to read. Devon is smitten, if a gruff man like him can be smitten, but he definitely falls hard, even when I knows he shouldn’t.
You know that moment in every story…well maybe not every story, but certainly a lot of them, especially ones with high stakes, anyway…it’s that F-it moment when characters give in to the tension because they realize that life is short, or the weight they have been carrying is too heavy to bear alone, or whatever the circumstances may be and they just give in to the tension that has been building between them. I love those moments when the passion breaks as everything else around them is still, typically, in chaos. It’s hot, it’s always passionate, and typically the truest form of how they feel for one another because in most cases there is a desperation in those moments to be raw and open. I can never get enough of those scenes and Falter, of course, catches Lofton Beck and Devon Grant in moments such as these….
Let me just reference….Chapter 19 and 20 🥵👀❤️😂and that’s where I will now say no more because anything else shall say too much.😉
Except, Aly Martinez always knows how to write a good twist, especially when high stakes are on the line. I was completely thrown for a loop on this one, which I loved. It was very well done as I never saw it coming and even more so because my heart was taken for a wonderful ride.
Oh, wait. One more thing. Fall for a man who falls for Lofton like Devon does. ❤️👌😍
May 9, 2026
✯✯ 5 Lofton & Devon Filled Stars!!!!✯✯
OMG Aly where have you been for the last few years???!!! I have been a huge huge HUGE fan of Ali Martinez ever since the first book of hers that I read, and this book is no different. It doesn’t matter if she’s releasing a tearjerker or romantic suspense book either way, I am hooked from the first page all the way to the last sentence. I was hoping that she would continue writing The Guardian Protection Series Bc these guys are all alpha on the outside but Ali fines they’re softness that they have hidden and for some it’s hidden way deep and she finds a way for them to bring it out and Devon was no different.
I really don’t wanna give away much of what happens in the story.
But, Lofton is an actress and her bodyguard who she has had for years who she considered family has been murdered, and she’s got a stalker after her so Guardian Protection is hired to guard her and that’s how Devon Grant gets into her life.
The last thing Devon Grant wants to do is become a bodyguard to an actress who’s in the spotlight but that doesn’t mean that he’s not gonna do his job to the best of his ability.
These two definitely do not start off on a good note but when they end up on Lofton‘s family farm to look after her father and they’re stuck in the same house and they spend early mornings and late nights together talking, they start to peel back each other‘s layers and see the real person inside and not who they let people see.
This is definitely a slow burn romance with forced proximity, and a grumpy/sunshine trope. I was hooked through every chapter from start to finish and in true Aly Martinez form just when you think you know who is behind what’s going on again because the other shoe was gonna drop and if you’re like me, you’re gonna be sitting here in the middle of the night screaming at your Kindle cause everything you thought you knew was false and Aly does it all the time and I absolutely love it.
I have read every single book that Aly Martinez has written, but I’m not gonna lie. It’s been a long time since I read the previous books in the series so I didn’t remember what happens. I had to go back and look at my reviews and get a-ist of what happened, but it didn’t matter because this is a standalone and I really didn’t need to remember everything that it happened to understand this book.
Now I’m sitting here waiting for the next book that Aly is going to release and I’m hoping and praying that the weight won’t be too long Bc she’s such an amazing storyteller. I’m also on the DL, hoping that the next book she releases will be another one of her tearjerkers cause I have not read a good one of those in a long time.
OMG Aly where have you been for the last few years???!!! I have been a huge huge HUGE fan of Ali Martinez ever since the first book of hers that I read, and this book is no different. It doesn’t matter if she’s releasing a tearjerker or romantic suspense book either way, I am hooked from the first page all the way to the last sentence. I was hoping that she would continue writing The Guardian Protection Series Bc these guys are all alpha on the outside but Ali fines they’re softness that they have hidden and for some it’s hidden way deep and she finds a way for them to bring it out and Devon was no different.
I really don’t wanna give away much of what happens in the story.
But, Lofton is an actress and her bodyguard who she has had for years who she considered family has been murdered, and she’s got a stalker after her so Guardian Protection is hired to guard her and that’s how Devon Grant gets into her life.
The last thing Devon Grant wants to do is become a bodyguard to an actress who’s in the spotlight but that doesn’t mean that he’s not gonna do his job to the best of his ability.
These two definitely do not start off on a good note but when they end up on Lofton‘s family farm to look after her father and they’re stuck in the same house and they spend early mornings and late nights together talking, they start to peel back each other‘s layers and see the real person inside and not who they let people see.
This is definitely a slow burn romance with forced proximity, and a grumpy/sunshine trope. I was hooked through every chapter from start to finish and in true Aly Martinez form just when you think you know who is behind what’s going on again because the other shoe was gonna drop and if you’re like me, you’re gonna be sitting here in the middle of the night screaming at your Kindle cause everything you thought you knew was false and Aly does it all the time and I absolutely love it.
I have read every single book that Aly Martinez has written, but I’m not gonna lie. It’s been a long time since I read the previous books in the series so I didn’t remember what happens. I had to go back and look at my reviews and get a-ist of what happened, but it didn’t matter because this is a standalone and I really didn’t need to remember everything that it happened to understand this book.
Now I’m sitting here waiting for the next book that Aly is going to release and I’m hoping and praying that the weight won’t be too long Bc she’s such an amazing storyteller. I’m also on the DL, hoping that the next book she releases will be another one of her tearjerkers cause I have not read a good one of those in a long time.
April 30, 2026
4.25stars--FALTER is the third instalment in Aly Martinez’ contemporary, adult GUARDIAN PROTECTION erotic, romantic suspense series. This is thirty-four year old, security specialist and body guard Devon Grant, and thirty-two year old actress Lofton Beck’s story line. FALTER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Devon and Lofton) FALTER follows in the wake of the murder of Lofton Beck’s bodyguard. Lofton Beck is a Hollywood actress but our heroine found herself under the security of Guardian Protection Agency after somebody shot and killed her security team Marty and Derrick. Devon Grant doesn’t do Hollywood types, having ‘been there, done that’ but something about Lofton Beck drew Devon like a moth to a flame. From the outset, Devon kept his distance, moving Lofton when he discovered a potential leak, and the safest place was her family farm, where Devon will be up close and personal with the woman with whom he will fall in love. As the days pass, Devon and Lofton would slowly become something more but the past refuses to let go for our story line couple, and each would have to come to terms with what was happening and why.
The world building follows the building relationship as our couple learn about one another From friends to relationships, family and losses, Devon and Lofton begin the dance of seduction until Devon is reminded about a ghost from the past.
The relationship between Lofton and Devon begins as a professional arrangement. Lofton is hoping that Devon sees her more than the ‘rich and famous’, while Devon struggles to move on from the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and animated secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Lofton’s best friend Brooke and her daughter Zoey; Lofton’s sister Jenn and her husband Terry, and their father Lawrence. WE are reintroduced to several members of Guardian Protect Agency and their significant others.
FALTER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, money and obsession, family and relationships, friendships and love. The character driven premise is inviting, dramatic, edgy and twisted; the romance is spicy and seductive; the characters are sassy and spirited.
Copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Devon and Lofton) FALTER follows in the wake of the murder of Lofton Beck’s bodyguard. Lofton Beck is a Hollywood actress but our heroine found herself under the security of Guardian Protection Agency after somebody shot and killed her security team Marty and Derrick. Devon Grant doesn’t do Hollywood types, having ‘been there, done that’ but something about Lofton Beck drew Devon like a moth to a flame. From the outset, Devon kept his distance, moving Lofton when he discovered a potential leak, and the safest place was her family farm, where Devon will be up close and personal with the woman with whom he will fall in love. As the days pass, Devon and Lofton would slowly become something more but the past refuses to let go for our story line couple, and each would have to come to terms with what was happening and why.
The world building follows the building relationship as our couple learn about one another From friends to relationships, family and losses, Devon and Lofton begin the dance of seduction until Devon is reminded about a ghost from the past.
The relationship between Lofton and Devon begins as a professional arrangement. Lofton is hoping that Devon sees her more than the ‘rich and famous’, while Devon struggles to move on from the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and animated secondary and supporting characters. We are introduced to Lofton’s best friend Brooke and her daughter Zoey; Lofton’s sister Jenn and her husband Terry, and their father Lawrence. WE are reintroduced to several members of Guardian Protect Agency and their significant others.
FALTER is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, money and obsession, family and relationships, friendships and love. The character driven premise is inviting, dramatic, edgy and twisted; the romance is spicy and seductive; the characters are sassy and spirited.
Copy supplied for review
May 7, 2026
Falter by Aly Martinez
4.5 stars
Spice:🔥🔥🔥/5
I am on the roll with some great reads! I got this book right after I finished reading a romantic suspense to find another great romantic suspense.
This is book #3 in the Guardian Protection series. I did not read the first two and I wasn’t lost one second so no need to read them in order.
The way the book started pulled me right into the action. It packed a punch and kept me reading. Devon was the yummy alpha male that I love to read about when he was assigned to Lofton Beck’s case. Devon wasn’t thrilled to be assigned to another famous client, but beggars couldn’t be choosers after his last career debacle. He was our grumpy sunshine, for sure.
Lofton’s character was surprisingly strong and sassy. She was confident and I loved watching Lofton and Devon’s banter. I don’t know how Aly does it, but she creates such fascinating characters with deep layers.
The chemistry, sexual tension, and banter was palpable.
All of thing things I love to read – Aly’s writing was a cherry on top because I would read something she wrote on anything.
Pick this up if you like bodyguard tropes / celebrity, romantic suspense, forced proximity trope, and slightly forbidden! You won’t regret it.
#avidreaderbookblog #readigislife #bookblogger #romanticsuspense #booklover #bookworm #forcedproximity #bodyguard #grumpysunshine #celebrity #forbidden
4.5 stars
Spice:🔥🔥🔥/5
I am on the roll with some great reads! I got this book right after I finished reading a romantic suspense to find another great romantic suspense.
This is book #3 in the Guardian Protection series. I did not read the first two and I wasn’t lost one second so no need to read them in order.
The way the book started pulled me right into the action. It packed a punch and kept me reading. Devon was the yummy alpha male that I love to read about when he was assigned to Lofton Beck’s case. Devon wasn’t thrilled to be assigned to another famous client, but beggars couldn’t be choosers after his last career debacle. He was our grumpy sunshine, for sure.
Lofton’s character was surprisingly strong and sassy. She was confident and I loved watching Lofton and Devon’s banter. I don’t know how Aly does it, but she creates such fascinating characters with deep layers.
The chemistry, sexual tension, and banter was palpable.
All of thing things I love to read – Aly’s writing was a cherry on top because I would read something she wrote on anything.
Pick this up if you like bodyguard tropes / celebrity, romantic suspense, forced proximity trope, and slightly forbidden! You won’t regret it.
#avidreaderbookblog #readigislife #bookblogger #romanticsuspense #booklover #bookworm #forcedproximity #bodyguard #grumpysunshine #celebrity #forbidden
May 3, 2026
Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog
Someone is out to kill Hollywood actress Lofton Beck; a stalker who will stop at nothing to find her. Devin Grant is assigned from the Guardian Protection agency to protect her. He once made the mistake of falling for the woman he was protecting, but was crushed when his feelings weren't returned. Now, to make sure Lofton doesn't get any mixed signals from him, he is all business with a side of jerk. As they spend time together, Lofton is determined to break down Devin's walls and get to know the real man. Lofton slowly begins to see who Devin really is, and Devin sees Lofton not as the famous actress but as a family-oriented woman from Tennessee. Devin fights the chemistry they both feel until Lofton finally breaks him. Now, Lofton is not only the woman he was hired to protect, but she is the woman he is falling in love with. He will stop at nothing to protect her and her family from whoever is out to get her.
Falter is the third book in the Guardian Protection series and can be read as a stand-alone. This was a fast-paced romance, with an over-the-top alpha trying to protect his lady and her pushing right back. The story built up with sizzling chemistry between Lofton and Devin, which resulted in a great love story. It was especially touching how Devin took special care dealing with Lofton's Dad.
Someone is out to kill Hollywood actress Lofton Beck; a stalker who will stop at nothing to find her. Devin Grant is assigned from the Guardian Protection agency to protect her. He once made the mistake of falling for the woman he was protecting, but was crushed when his feelings weren't returned. Now, to make sure Lofton doesn't get any mixed signals from him, he is all business with a side of jerk. As they spend time together, Lofton is determined to break down Devin's walls and get to know the real man. Lofton slowly begins to see who Devin really is, and Devin sees Lofton not as the famous actress but as a family-oriented woman from Tennessee. Devin fights the chemistry they both feel until Lofton finally breaks him. Now, Lofton is not only the woman he was hired to protect, but she is the woman he is falling in love with. He will stop at nothing to protect her and her family from whoever is out to get her.
Falter is the third book in the Guardian Protection series and can be read as a stand-alone. This was a fast-paced romance, with an over-the-top alpha trying to protect his lady and her pushing right back. The story built up with sizzling chemistry between Lofton and Devin, which resulted in a great love story. It was especially touching how Devin took special care dealing with Lofton's Dad.
May 5, 2026
Wow, Aly Martinez is back with her new release Falter. Aly is on my top 5 authors that I love to read.
Before this book was released, I did a revisit of the first two books on audible. I am so happy that I did. Falter is book three in the Guardian Protection series and can be read as a standalone, but you really want to read the entire series.
This story starts with you right in the middle of a tense situation. Loften Beck is in the middle of a break in, she has her two bodyguards until they were both killed. The thing is Lofton Beck is a famous actress, and she has a dangerous stalker. Once the threat is under control she turns to Guardian Protection. Leo James assigns one of his guys, Devon Grant to be the primary to protect Lofton. Devon is not happy about this as he had a bad experience with an actress.
Devon and Lofton definitely get off to a rocky start. But the longer they are together the more protective he seems to get. For safety they change locations to Lofton’s childhood home, which is a huge farm. The more time they spend together the more they learn about each other things change. Their slow burn romance will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will love their banter, and the sizzling chemistry is off the charts. The stalker storyline and the suspense captivated me from start to finish.
Being back in the Guardian Protection world was amazing. I’ve loved the series from the first book, love all the characters. They support each other as well as push each other’s button which is so entertaining!
As always, Aly gives us a great epilogue!! Now to wait for the next one!
Before this book was released, I did a revisit of the first two books on audible. I am so happy that I did. Falter is book three in the Guardian Protection series and can be read as a standalone, but you really want to read the entire series.
This story starts with you right in the middle of a tense situation. Loften Beck is in the middle of a break in, she has her two bodyguards until they were both killed. The thing is Lofton Beck is a famous actress, and she has a dangerous stalker. Once the threat is under control she turns to Guardian Protection. Leo James assigns one of his guys, Devon Grant to be the primary to protect Lofton. Devon is not happy about this as he had a bad experience with an actress.
Devon and Lofton definitely get off to a rocky start. But the longer they are together the more protective he seems to get. For safety they change locations to Lofton’s childhood home, which is a huge farm. The more time they spend together the more they learn about each other things change. Their slow burn romance will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will love their banter, and the sizzling chemistry is off the charts. The stalker storyline and the suspense captivated me from start to finish.
Being back in the Guardian Protection world was amazing. I’ve loved the series from the first book, love all the characters. They support each other as well as push each other’s button which is so entertaining!
As always, Aly gives us a great epilogue!! Now to wait for the next one!
April 28, 2026
Gifted ARC from the author.
I really enjoyed this one.
Was it a little insta lovey for me? Yes. Did I understand it in the context of the story? Also yes.
Lofton is recovering from an attack that left her longtime bodyguard and friend dead. She is grieving, scared and still living with the aftermath. Devon is brought in to cover her security and the two of them end up at her childhood farm, where her father is slowly slipping away from dementia.
She is facing a threat to her safety, mourning someone who protected her for years and dealing with the slow heartbreak of losing her father in a completely different way It makes sense that she would reach for something steady.
What I really appreciated was that Devon saw that too. He recognizes that Lofton may be trauma bonding with him and he is responsible enough to actually think about that instead of pretending everything is normal and charging ahead.
This had danger, grief, forced proximity, caretaking and a romance that grows during a vulnerable, messy time. The emotional connection moved quickly, but given everything Lofton was carrying, it worked for me
I really enjoyed this one.
Was it a little insta lovey for me? Yes. Did I understand it in the context of the story? Also yes.
Lofton is recovering from an attack that left her longtime bodyguard and friend dead. She is grieving, scared and still living with the aftermath. Devon is brought in to cover her security and the two of them end up at her childhood farm, where her father is slowly slipping away from dementia.
She is facing a threat to her safety, mourning someone who protected her for years and dealing with the slow heartbreak of losing her father in a completely different way It makes sense that she would reach for something steady.
What I really appreciated was that Devon saw that too. He recognizes that Lofton may be trauma bonding with him and he is responsible enough to actually think about that instead of pretending everything is normal and charging ahead.
This had danger, grief, forced proximity, caretaking and a romance that grows during a vulnerable, messy time. The emotional connection moved quickly, but given everything Lofton was carrying, it worked for me
May 6, 2026
I have been waiting for this series to continue!! I have loved all the prior books!
This book was very fast paced and action packed. The first chapter just pulls you in. Aly Martinez has a way of destroying you emotionally so I was grateful that this book took it easy on me...mind you the first chapter had me nervous.
Lofton is a movie star with a stalker. Devon works for a protection agency and has a history...not good...with celebrities. I loved that Lofton was not a meek and scared woman. She was strong and did not back down to the grumpy Devon. I also enjoyed seeing the real side of her and her being a celebrity with still having insecurities and family dynamics. I felt for Lofton because I have lived through those same family issues.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The only critique I have is that it was just a little too instalove for me. I didn't feel their connection enough to make up for the fast paced and to overrule what happened in his past as not a pattern. I can't wait for the next book!
This book was very fast paced and action packed. The first chapter just pulls you in. Aly Martinez has a way of destroying you emotionally so I was grateful that this book took it easy on me...mind you the first chapter had me nervous.
Lofton is a movie star with a stalker. Devon works for a protection agency and has a history...not good...with celebrities. I loved that Lofton was not a meek and scared woman. She was strong and did not back down to the grumpy Devon. I also enjoyed seeing the real side of her and her being a celebrity with still having insecurities and family dynamics. I felt for Lofton because I have lived through those same family issues.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The only critique I have is that it was just a little too instalove for me. I didn't feel their connection enough to make up for the fast paced and to overrule what happened in his past as not a pattern. I can't wait for the next book!
May 7, 2026
I usually love Aly’s writing - I think she’s an exceptional author. Therefore my expectations for her books are a notch above - unfortunately this book fell short of what I’m used to from her. While still a decent book by all means with a sensible plot, the romance angle fell short. That aspect was paced badly so went from zero to sixty in under 2.5 seconds giving me whiplash. It lacked authenticity, connection and depth. I also found the book a bit boring and choppy. The crisis (her finding out his secret) felt manufactured - they’ve known each other for a month at most and she’s comparing him not opening up to her in the same league as her ex husband cheating on her with multiple women during their marriage? Come on, let’s be real! I finished it but unfortunately this wasn’t executed with the finesse she normally does it with. It’s still better than her joint venture with that other author who doesn’t match her skill level at all, but not much better. 3 stars only because it’s Aly’s book - 2.75 stars if I’m honest
April 26, 2026
Falter by outstanding wordsmith Aly Martinez is book three in the Guardian Protection Series. Falter can easily be read as a stand alone.
Lofton and Devon's book is a nailbiting pageturner tht is literally unable to put down.
Lofton Beck is an A-List actress who picked up some serious stalker. She's in grave danger and in need of a new protection detail.
Devon Grant is part of Guardian Protection, a grumpy not so nice man with his own issues.
Soon sparks fly and he's torn between job and attraction. And that's what had me in kinda knot. Pls Devon it's your job to guard the body, so why????
Nonetheless, the story had me right from the start, I loved the worldbuilding, even the secondary characters are fantastic - nod to the Beck family and her PA.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the books and I recommend Falter, Singe and Thrive, 5 stars.
Lofton and Devon's book is a nailbiting pageturner tht is literally unable to put down.
Lofton Beck is an A-List actress who picked up some serious stalker. She's in grave danger and in need of a new protection detail.
Devon Grant is part of Guardian Protection, a grumpy not so nice man with his own issues.
Soon sparks fly and he's torn between job and attraction. And that's what had me in kinda knot. Pls Devon it's your job to guard the body, so why????
Nonetheless, the story had me right from the start, I loved the worldbuilding, even the secondary characters are fantastic - nod to the Beck family and her PA.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the books and I recommend Falter, Singe and Thrive, 5 stars.
April 28, 2026
Loved it! A must-read!
WOW! Falter is truly captivating! It grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. Oh, and that first chapter...AMAZING!!! It only gets better with each page.
There's a mix of glitz, grit, danger, and love, that keeps this story exciting.
Lofton Beck, a movie star whose world turns dangerous finds herself protected by her very own hot bodyguard Devon Grant. I love how their relationship evolves, there is undeniable chemistry between Devon and Lofton. They are perfect together but they do face difficulties.
I adore all the characters in this story, everyone is so much more than they seem. They are so intriguing and add depth to the storyline.
The action is thrilling, the romance is spicy and the suspense is unpredictable. SO GOOD!
WOW! Falter is truly captivating! It grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. Oh, and that first chapter...AMAZING!!! It only gets better with each page.
There's a mix of glitz, grit, danger, and love, that keeps this story exciting.
Lofton Beck, a movie star whose world turns dangerous finds herself protected by her very own hot bodyguard Devon Grant. I love how their relationship evolves, there is undeniable chemistry between Devon and Lofton. They are perfect together but they do face difficulties.
I adore all the characters in this story, everyone is so much more than they seem. They are so intriguing and add depth to the storyline.
The action is thrilling, the romance is spicy and the suspense is unpredictable. SO GOOD!
April 30, 2026
Bodyguard, Devon Grant, learned the hard way that you can’t outrun some mistakes. But when he finds himself falling for his latest assignment--Hollywood’s golden girl, Loften Beck--he refuses to let his past define his future. With a deadly stalker on the loose and emotions running rampant, their professional relationship starts to blur, and straddling that client/bodyguard line soon becomes futile.
“Falter” is a scorching-hot romantic suspense with all the requisite feels, hitting all the right chords. Hence, Aly Martinez has—once again—proven to be quite the consummate storyteller. Right from the very start, this story pulled me in and continued to hold me captive all the way up until the very last page and its surprising, heart-racing ending.
“Falter” is a scorching-hot romantic suspense with all the requisite feels, hitting all the right chords. Hence, Aly Martinez has—once again—proven to be quite the consummate storyteller. Right from the very start, this story pulled me in and continued to hold me captive all the way up until the very last page and its surprising, heart-racing ending.
May 9, 2026
Falter takes you on a suspenseful, drama filled, emotional, and steamy journey. Lofton is a Hollywood actress and currently has a deadly stalker, which leads to Devon being hired as part of a security team to keep her safe until the stalker is caught. Lofton and Beck get off on the wrong foot and Devon just keeps putting his foot in his mouth. Though the more time they are around each other on her family farm, the longer they stay, the harder it is for these two to ignore the chemistry that’s been building. Will past secrets and a lurking stalker derail these two before they give it an actual chance or will they figure things out? Add in the hilarious banter and twists and turns that keep coming, you’ll be wanting to know all the answers.
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