Guarded: A Fake Marriage Hockey Romance

by Eden Sloane

NHL goalie Sebastian Voss can stop a hundred-mile-an-hour slapshot. Convincing a judge he deserves custody of his daughter? That’s proving considerably harder.

His solution? A fake marriage to the woman he’s already falling for.

For three years, Sebastian has fought to keep the little girl who means everything to him. But a steady stream of headlines portraying him as hockey’s favorite womanizing disaster has left his reputation in tatters and his custody case hanging by a thread.

If Sebastian wants to prove he can offer his daughter the stable home she deserves, Kat Morrison is his best shot.

She’s smart, beautiful, inexplicably unimpressed by his charm, and the first woman in years who makes Sebastian want something for himself. Asking a woman he barely knows to become his wife is probably insane. Falling for her before she ever says yes is definitely worse.

But if putting a ring on Kat’s finger gives Sebastian a better chance at keeping his daughter, he’ll risk his heart without hesitation.

Kat knows saying yes is a mistake.

Not because she doesn’t love him.

Because she does.

For three years, Kat has been forced to write the lies destroying Sebastian’s reputation, blackmailed into obedience by the one man who holds her brother’s future in his hands.

But now Kat is living in his house, wearing his ring, loving his daughter, and falling deeper for the family she was supposed to help destroy. Somewhere between stolen kisses, tangled sheets, and building a life together, their fake marriage starts feeling dangerously like forever.

Except forever has an expiration date when it’s built on a secret.

And Kat knows that when Sebastian discovers the truth, she may lose the only man she’s ever loved.

Perfect for readers who

Hockey RomanceFake MarriageHe Falls FirstDevoted Single DadMorally Gray HeroineBookish HeroFound FamilySteamy Romance with Emotional DepthGuarded is a spicy contemporary hockey romance featuring fake marriage, a devoted single dad, a morally gray heroine, found family, secret betrayal, and a hero who falls first and hard.

Genres: Hockey, Romance, Hockey Romance

422 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2026

About the author

Eden Sloane believes the best love stories aren't about perfect people. They're about imperfect people who keep choosing each other, even after the truth changes everything.
She writes emotionally charged contemporary romance featuring devoted heroes, resilient heroines, impossible choices, and love worth risking everything for. Her stories celebrate the courage it takes to love completely.
When she's not plotting emotional damage (followed by well-earned happily ever afters), Eden can usually be found gardening, trying to win an ongoing battle with the weeds in her yard, drinking far too much caffeine, enjoying a nightcap while watching BBC crime dramas with her husband, and keeping tabs on her four children.
And if you're reading this during the winter, please send warm thoughts. Eden is somewhere in the Midwest, questioning every life choice that led her to a place where the air hurts her face.
Find her online at www.EdenSloaneAuthor.com and become an Ever After.

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟 | 3🌶️

A fake marriage is one thing, but falling for a man who’s already winning you over without even trying is a whole other problem.

Sebastian had me rooting for him from the start, and his determination to be there for his daughter made him even more lovable. Kat had so much weighing on her, and I found myself rooting for her just as much.

Sebastian was such a green flag with Kat, and watching their arrangement turn into something real was so satisfying. The secrets between them kept me anxious for the inevitable fallout, but the emotional moments made their journey worth it. And the hockey boys? Their banter and group chats had me grinning. Honestly, I could read an entire series about these men!

Between the fake marriage, the growing feelings, and the friendships that brought so much humor to the story, I had a great time with this one. I especially appreciated how much Sebastian cared for the people in his life and how Kat fought for those she loved.

This was an entertaining, swoony hockey romance that left me wanting more time with this crew.

~~~~

A sincere thank you to Eden Sloane and Love Notes PR for the ARC! 🥰📚

I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨

[Dimitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarded 🏒
Firstly,I would like to thank LoveNotes PR & Eden Sloane for trusting me with this ARC!💙
For the last three years,Sebastian Voss's life,is a constant custody battle for his little girl,& at this point he will do whatever it takes to win this court.
Kat Morrison is the woman behind all the lies around Sebastian's name,& she should be the last woman who needed to play his wife.
Now feelings grow,secrets are buried deeper,until they will come out and then every single part of their life will erupt.Can they get through it?
Guarded is one of the books,that will throw you into deep water since page 1.There is no intro,no slowly setting the mood but a big WHAT DID JUST HAPPENED,but maybe that was hidden behind the success that this book had for me.
Seb,is a father battling with every strength that he had for his kid,in a battery that has started to turn against his favor.& of boy,things are about to go really down for him,or not?Kat is like an angel in his life,and your boy did fall hard and fast ,even at the same time I am standing here and I am really anxious about him and the future of this relationship.Yet Sloane wrote this romance with such care that in the end my heart was happy without having to pass an attack first. Kat,was ever shown as the villain in the story and I really loved that,We did not get a hating moment but only understanding a deep angel to the people that were truly behind this,behind taking advance of people,being narcissist and of course need some serious jail time!
I can honestly say that this cover literally fooled me so hard and I was really,really unprepared for this MASTERPIECE of a novel that I was about to experience,but what I can say!As readers never learn!
A beautiful story about a parent's/parental figure's love and a heartwarming romance between two people that needed it the most.🫶🏼
Out In Oct,20th 💫
4⭐

[Ashley Z · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but I just could not get into it. I almost did not finish it several times, but I have a hard time doing that because I know how much work authors put into their work. I peeked at other reviews and was hopeful at some point the book would click for me. Eden did a wonderful job building characters, but their personalities and quirks were referenced almost every time they spoke and it was so repetitive that I lost interest.

The fake marriage is always a fun trope but this went from fake marriage to insta love real quick. Like ick quick. I did not connect with their sudden love story. Sebastian seriously “loved” her but didn’t know a damn thing about her, to include her last name. The instant mommy thing was a real disappointment for me. Eden did such a great job highlighting the bonding moments but then you have Sebastian come in and say “This is your mommy now”. Just bleh. Why? Why couldn’t she have just called her Kat and built a relationship.

I rarely have negative reviews because I feel awful about them, but this one was hard to finish, left me with a bleh feeling, and put me in a slump. At about 80% things started to move along for me but it was still meh. The giant conflict was over in the blink of an eye. The 2.5 stars comes from good writing, good initial character development, and good side characters.

Thank you to Eden Sloane and Love Notes PR for the ARC opportunity.

[Kari · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Guarded is the first book in the Boston Renegades series. This one is Kat and Sebastian's story. The book was definitely one that I read straight through into the night. I really enjoyed the relationship between the couple and how it evolved. I really felt for Kat and her predicament. I was really rooting for her to figure out how to get herself out of it. I also loved the friendships that Sebastian had with his teammates and sister. The third act of this book put me through an major emotional wringer, but it was worth it for the HEA. I highly recommend it and look forward to the next book in the series.

[Ashley Sunderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received Advanced reader copy of “Guarded”.

Once I started I couldn’t put Guarded down. I love the writing style and how each character interacted with one another! I was rooting for Sebastian. He had so much on his plate. Very great read!

[The Calm Chapter Mandi Wiencek · Rating 4 out of 5]

🏒 Guarded 🏒
((SPOILER-FREE ARC REVIEW))

Title- Guarded
Author- Eden Sloane
Genre- Sports Romance
Series- Boston Renegades
Format- EPUB
Page Count- 422 Pages
Published by- ES Publishing LLC
PR Company- Love Notes PR
Pub Date- October 20, 2026

Trope City-
🏒 Hidden Secrets
🏒 Fake Marriage
🏒 Bookish Hero
🏒 Found Family
🏒 He Falls First

Thank you so much Love Notes PR for sharing this arc with me!

WE LOVE A HOCKEY ROMANCE. Sebastian Voss (MMC) is a professional hockey goalie playing in the NHL. His bigger role? DAD. Sebastian has fallen victim to the public rumor mill. He’s often portrayed as a playboy and womanizer. These headlines do not make for a father of the year reputation. He needs to work overtime to prove he deserves custody of his sweet baby girl. How? Well…. A fake marriage of course. Fake dating/ fake marriage may be some of my favorite tropes. It always feels like the universe’s way of forcing its own agenda when it comes to love. Like these humans were always meant to find each other, but the time line needs a little nudge. In this case, it needs a huge push. Sebastian has a woman he barely knows but knows he’s attracted to. That woman is Kat Morrison. There are so many issues with this. The reader knows, Sebastian doesn’t. Kat has been in love with him.. she’s also been destroying his reputation. Should she, in good conscience, say yes to this master plan he has to create the picture of a stable life to win custody of his daughter? What happens when the secrets find the light? Was any of it real? I loved the twists from the secrets in this book. It wasn’t your typical sports romance. There are questions woven throughout that keep the reader guessing and almost afraid for the next page. I loved this one!

XOXO,
The Calm Chapter

[Maria · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Sebastian is the goalie for the Boston Renegades and a single dad to a 7 year old girl. He wants full custody of his daughter, but his womanizer reputation and his ex wife's schemes aren't exactly helping his case. So, he goes for his only shot at keeping his daughter with him: marrying Kat.
Kat is a journalist with a 20 year old brother who has hemophilia. His treatment is expensive, and Charles, a man who took them under his wing after their parents died, has been paying for it. The problem? He's also blackmailing Kat into doing something she absolutely doesn't want to do.

Sebastian is such a green flag! I loved how sure he was of his feelings and what he wanted, and he's also the sweetest dad. I was sold on him pretty much immediately.
Kat's situation is so fucked up. I really liked her character because she did what she had to do to survive. Was it wrong? Definitely. But was it understandable given her circumstances? Absolutely. Honestly, I think I liked her even more than Sebastian, and I was rooting for her the entire time!

The Posse / Knights of the Round Rink / Huddle of Masculinity are hilarious! I loved every single interaction between these guys, and now I need to know more about all of them. And after that first chapter of Shielded, I already know I'm going to love Kieran!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Sebastian and Katherine / Kat’s story.
Sebastian is a hockey player, and single dad who is fighting for custody off his little girl, while Kat is a journalist. Sebastian is running out of options of getting custody, thanks to a vicious ex-wife, her fiancé, and damaging headlines painting him as a womanizer. Kat is Sebastians sisters’ best friend, and she has been blackmailed for the past three years as she is trying to save her brother’s life, forced to write lies about him. Sebastiane decides he needs a wife to improve his image, and Kat agrees to marry him.
This is a well written easy to read story, with found family, friendships, emotions, tension, fake marriage, lies, secrets, forced proximity, extortion, challenges, revelations, morally gray, redemption, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining hockey romance.
I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarded is book one of The Boston Renegades Series.

Sebastian was an amazing character. He just needed a break when it came to his ex and taking care of his daughter. Just because he was a hockey player didn't mean he couldn't be a good dad. I was rooting for him from the first moment and hoping things would work out well for him. He has also been infatuated with Kat for quite some time, so I was glad to see that she was able to get closer to him and see what a great person he was. I wanted only the best for him and while there were some hiccups along the way, I was happy to see that he got everything he deserved in the end.

[Erika Gruszeczka · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

was such a cute and sweet sports romance! I’m already a sucker for a single dad trope, so that was definitely a plus!I did find myself getting a little annoyed with the FMC, especially with the miscommunication on her end. Like girl, just communicate!! 😭

Despite that, it was still a sweet, lighthearted read with some cute moments! I also loved getting the opportunity to read this as an eARC before its release! So grateful for the early access! 📖

[Reene's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarded
By: @edensloaneauthor


⭐⭐⭐⭐/5


ACR from @Lovenotes.pr


This book is the first book in the new Bostan Renegades series. 


I loved everything about this book, from the fake marriage relationship of Sebastian and Kat with the love and hate relationship tropes, it ain't a simple relationship it all has their ups and downs that's for sure. 


My heart was always aching so much as I absolutely loved how much of Sebastian loves his daughter  Emery  who he always puts first before anything as well as how much he goes through just to take full custody of her, even though he has a full-time role as a hokey player. 

 I also loved the fact that his team mates are not just mates they are a family and they stick together to help out. 


Kat has her own battles to fight with and one of them is to protect her youngest brother. 


I loved the way that both Sebastian and Kat had their own reasons to agree to this fake marriage yet they both secretly wanted each but wanted to both prove a point. 


I really enjoyed this book and I honestly can't wait for the next one. 



Thank you @ for this lovely ACR copy in exchange for an honest review 

@reenes_library

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏒 One Hockey Dad, One Fake Wife, and a Love Worth Fighting For ❤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 2 Chili Peppers

A hockey goalie who's completely devoted to his little girl, a fake marriage with feelings that are anything but fake, and a group of hockey players who absolutely cannot behave in their group chats? Oh, Eden Sloane, you certainly gave me plenty to love with this one! 🏒❤️ Guarded delivered such a wonderful combination of romance, emotional moments, family, secrets, and laugh-out-loud banter. And Sebastian Voss? That man is one seriously swoonworthy hockey dad!

Sebastian Voss might be a talented NHL goalie for the Boston Renegades, but his most important role has nothing to do with stopping pucks. He's a dad, and his seven-year-old daughter means absolutely everything to him. For three years, Sebastian has been fighting an exhausting custody battle, made even more difficult by damaging headlines portraying him as a reckless womanizer. With his ex-wife threatening the future he's desperately trying to protect, Sebastian needs a way to prove he can provide the stable, loving home his daughter deserves. His solution? Find himself a wife. Preferably the woman he's already falling for!

And honestly, how could I not adore Sebastian? 🥹 He's protective, affectionate, determined, and so incredibly devoted to the people he loves. I loved how certain he was about his feelings for Kat and how he never treated their marriage like just another arrangement. Yes, he needed help with his custody case, but his attraction to Kat was genuine long before he asked her to become his wife. Watching him open his heart while continuing to fight for his daughter made him such an endearing MMC. His love for that little girl was easily one of my favorite parts of the story.

Then there's Kat Morrison, and oh, my heart went out to her! ❤️‍🩹 Kat is Sebastian's sister Olivia's best friend, a journalist, and a woman carrying an enormous secret. For years, she's been forced into a situation where protecting her younger brother means participating in something that has deeply hurt Sebastian. She's caught between loyalty, guilt, and circumstances that have left her with very few choices. I appreciated that Kat wasn't portrayed as someone who simply didn't care about the damage being done. She's a woman desperately trying to protect the people she loves, even when the cost to herself becomes almost unbearable.

What made Kat especially compelling was how much I could understand her desperation without pretending that every decision she made was right. She's been manipulated and backed into an impossible corner, and the emotional weight of that situation follows her throughout the story. I loved seeing her determination to fight for Sebastian and his daughter, especially as she began realizing how much this little family meant to her. She's not a perfect heroine, but she's a caring, complicated one, and I was rooting for her to find a way forward.

Now, can we talk about this fake marriage?! 💍❤️ I absolutely love this trope, especially when one of the characters is already falling hard! Sebastian and Kat have such wonderful chemistry, and their playful banter made their interactions so much fun. What begins as an arrangement to help Sebastian's custody case gradually becomes something much more meaningful. Between living together, stolen kisses, growing feelings, and all those little everyday moments, watching them build a life together was incredibly satisfying.

Of course, knowing Kat was hiding something so significant added a completely different layer of tension. Every time their relationship grew stronger, I found myself worrying about what would happen when the truth finally came out. Sebastian was trusting Kat with his heart, his home, and the most important person in his life, while Kat was terrified of losing the family she'd come to love. I really enjoyed how the secrets and unexpected twists kept me invested without taking away from the sweetness of their relationship.

And Sebastian's daughter? Such a special part of this story! 🥹 I love single-dad romances where the relationship between the child and the heroine develops naturally, and seeing Kat become part of their everyday lives added so much heart. Sebastian's determination to protect his daughter was already emotional enough, but watching the three of them grow closer made their family dynamic even more meaningful. It wasn't simply about two people falling in love. It was about creating a home where everyone could feel wanted, safe, and loved.

I also have to give a special shout-out to Olivia and Kat's friendship! 👯‍♀️ I absolutely loved their connection, and it was wonderful having such a strong female friendship woven into the romance. Olivia brought another layer of warmth to the story, and knowing there's more to come with her in Shielded has me especially excited to continue this series.

But THE HOCKEY BOYS! 😂🏒 Oh my goodness, their group chats and ridiculous names had me grinning! The Posse, Knights of the Round Rink, Huddle of Masculinity... these men are something else! Their teasing, hilarious conversations, and constant banter were such a highlight. What I loved even more was that beneath all the chaos, they genuinely cared about Sebastian and showed up for him when he needed support. That combination of humor, loyalty, and found family is exactly what makes a sports romance series so much fun. I could happily read an entire book about their group chats alone!

What I appreciated most about Guarded was how beautifully it balanced its different elements. There's a heartfelt romance, a devoted father fighting for his daughter, a heroine struggling with an impossible situation, and enough secrets to keep you wondering how everything will unfold. But there's also laughter, friendship, tenderness, and the kind of emotional connection that makes you genuinely care about these characters.

Five stars from me! ❤️ Guarded was such an entertaining, heartfelt hockey romance with a fake marriage I loved, a green-flag hero who had me swooning, and a heroine whose determination to protect her family made me root for her every step of the way. Sebastian and Kat's chemistry, the beautiful family they were building, and the unforgettable Boston Renegades friendships made this such a satisfying read.

If you love hockey romances, devoted single dads, fake marriages, he-falls-first heroes, emotional secrets, and hilarious found-family moments, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your reading list! I already want more time with these hockey boys, and I cannot wait to see what Eden Sloane has planned for Olivia, Kieran, and the rest of the Boston Renegades crew! 🏒🥹❤️

Thank you to Eden Sloane and Love Notes PR for the gifted advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Candice Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a lot of hockey romance books but never one quite like this. The storyline was unlike anything I have read in a fake marriage trope. It was refreshing to have such a unique storyline.

My dislikes:
Within the first 10% of the book, it was clear Sebastian was head over heels in love with Kat despite her being no more than a mere acquaintance. Even for a he falls first trope, this is a bit much. He also realizes he’s in love with her right before he marries her which, again, is a bit much considering the limited time he has spent with her.

The book wasn’t exactly clear on a timeline. Kat didn’t end up meeting Sebastian’s daughter until right before the 3rd act conflict. Sebastian shared custody with his ex-wife who had her at the time Kat and Sebastian got married. It was clear at least some time had passed since he had a 4 day stretch of away games shortly after the wedding. It didn’t seem plausible that Kat got all the damning evidence she needed in less than a week. Unless I missed it with how fast I read, It would have been nice to some construct of time.

I also would’ve like to see more of the dynamics between Sebastian and Ava. A key premise of the book was him fighting for custody but there weren’t any scenes actually involving this. There was one or two minor interactions with Ava but that’s it. I also would’ve liked to see Ava’s fall from grace rather than a few one-liners in narrative text about her giving up the fight for custody and possibly going to prison. There were also a few mentions from Stone, Sebastian’s team captain, about Sebastian coming to talk to him when he realizes he doesn’t have things figured out. It would have been nice to read about Sebastian going to talk to him about everything after it went down instead of an off-hand comment from Stone after everything worked out about Sebastian not messing things up. I also would have liked to see something from Sebastian’s perspective during the 5 weeks they were apart and how it affected his mentality and his game along with some interactions with his friends about it. The book cuts from when he found out to Kat talking to her brother a week later at Thanksgiving to Sebastian running into Kats brother, Tyler, five weeks after he found out. There’s a huge gap there that could’ve been filled with a custody hearing, conversations with Stone or his friends, information about the story breaking in the news.

My likes:
Despite my feelings on how quick he fell in love with someone he hardly knows, I adored Sebastian. He had no issues leaning on his friends for help even though he knew they would give them crap. He spent the entire book fighting to prove to Kat how much he loved her. He didn’t push her into anything intimate despite his cravings for her. He even repeatedly questioned her motivates and certainty each time they were intimate to make sure she wouldn’t regret the decision after. He struggled with knowing something was eating at her and not being able to help her through it.

Kat spends the most of the book fighting her feelings for him, pushing him away every time he gets close to her. She is clearly tortured and it shows heavily throughout the book. The author did a good job showing just how much she struggled with it. You could totally feel the pain Kat was going through as she struggled with what she had done to Sebastian and her growing love for him.

Despite how the first 15% of the book went, I loved this book. I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did, but it just got better and better as I read. The text threads were entertaining whether between Sebastian and Kat or between Sebastian and his “posse”.

The third act conflict had me in tears. You knew it was coming; you just didn’t know when or how it would happen. The anticipation kept me up until 1:30 am so I could finish the book. When it finally did happen, it wasn’t rushed or glossed over. The range of emotions Sebastian went through when he found out was palpable. The angst and anguish Kat suffered was palpable. Despite his pain, Sebastian showed Kat kindness and some compassion while she explained how she was the one who was destroying um and why.

When they finally did reconnect, it wasn’t a hurried scene where he showed up and she threw herself at him. She argued and argued about why she wasn’t worthy. He apologized and professed his love until it sank in. It was heartfelt and more real than a quick apology acceptance.

Overall, this was a really good book.

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com

[Besties Never Not Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @edensloaneauthor and @lovenotes.pr for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Sebastian plays hockey for the Boston Renegades and is in a custody battle for his daughter. He also has a crush on his sister’s friend, Kat. For him, it was love at first sight. When his ex-wife gets engaged, his lawyer worries she could win sole custody because of the stability she can provide. Given his playboy reputation and hockey schedule that regularly takes him away from home, Sebastian isn’t in a great spot to fight for full custody. He decides a wife would improve his image and asks Kat to marry him. What he doesn’t know is that Kat has been keeping secrets and trying to keep her distance from him.

I love a good hockey romance, but this one also came with mystery and suspense! I don’t want to spoil anything, but the twists kept me turning the pages (until very late at night!). I couldn’t wait to find out what Kat was hiding and how the story would unfold. Soon enough, their fake marriage turns into more.

Kat and Sebastian had great chemistry from the start. Their witty banter had me laughing and smiling, and you could feel the tension as Kat fought her feelings for him. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and Kat put Sebastian’s interests first out of care for him.

Sebastian’s relationship with his daughter was so special, which made it even more meaningful to see her establish such a strong bond with Kat.

This review wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to the friends and family! Olivia was a great addition as Kat’s best friend and Sebastian’s sister. His teammates were also awesome. The messages between the boys had me laughing, just like Kat and Sebastian’s texts. They teased and encouraged each other, but there was also a lot of love.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to read more in this series and see what’s planned next for Olivia and Kieran! Also, shout out to the bonus chapter! :)

#Bookstagram #ARCReader #HockeyRomance #SportsRomance #RomanceBooks

Thank you to @edensloaneauthor and @lovenotes.pr for the opportunity to read and review this ARC 💗🏒

Sebastian plays hockey for the Boston Renegades and is in a custody battle for his daughter. He also has a crush on his sister’s friend, Kat. For him, it was love at first sight. When his ex-wife gets engaged, his lawyer worries she could win sole custody because of the stability she can provide. Given his playboy reputation and hockey schedule that regularly takes him away from home, Sebastian isn’t in a great spot to fight for full custody. He decides a wife would improve his image and asks Kat to marry him. What he doesn’t know is that Kat has been keeping secrets and trying to keep her distance from him.

I love a good hockey romance, but this one also came with mystery and suspense! I don’t want to spoil anything, but the twists kept me turning the pages (until very late at night!). I couldn’t wait to find out what Kat was hiding and how the story would unfold. Soon enough, their fake marriage turns into more.

Kat and Sebastian had great chemistry from the start. Their witty banter had me laughing and smiling, and you could feel the tension as Kat fought her feelings for him. I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and Kat put Sebastian’s interests first out of care for him.

Sebastian’s relationship with his daughter was so special, which made it even more meaningful to see her establish such a strong bond with Kat.

This review wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to the friends and family! Olivia was a great addition as Kat’s best friend and Sebastian’s sister. His teammates were also awesome. The messages between the boys had me laughing, just like Kat and Sebastian’s texts. They teased and encouraged each other, but there was also a lot of love.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. I can’t wait to read more in this series and see what’s planned next for Olivia and Kieran! Also, shout out to the bonus chapter! :)

[Cassie Kamphuis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Title: Guarded (The Boston Renegades #1)
Author: Eden Sloane
Tropes: Fake Marriage, Hockey Romance, Single Dad, Devoted Father, Morally Gray Heroine, He Falls First, Marriage of Convenience, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🤩 The Vibe:
High-stakes and emotionally charged — but it needed more time.

An NHL player fighting his ex for custody of his daughter. A woman secretly working against him to protect her brother. A marriage of convenience that puts them under the same roof with a child they both end up caring about — and a secret that could blow up everything. Guarded has the bones of an incredible story: real emotional stakes, a devoted single dad, and a morally gray dynamic that should make for a slow, twisting burn. The potential here is undeniable. It just moves a little too fast to fully cash in on it.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Main Characters:

Kat
She's in an impossible position — coerced into feeding damaging information about Sebastian to protect her brother, then moving into his home and watching exactly who she's been lying about up close. That internal conflict has so much room to run. When the story lets her sit in it, she's genuinely compelling. The issue is that her emotional arc accelerates faster than it earns — the feelings for both Sebastian and his daughter arrive before we've fully felt the weight of what she's doing.

Sebastian
Everything you'd want from a devoted single dad MMC: fiercely protective, steady under pressure, and someone who clearly falls first and means it. His custody fight gives him real stakes beyond the romance, and the glimpses of his friend group and their banter are some of the most fun moments in the book. He deserved a slower build into his own feelings.

💕 What I Loved:

• Sebastian as a single dad — devoted, protective, and completely believable as a man whose whole world is his daughter
• The morally gray heroine setup — Kat's situation is genuinely complicated and the dynamic it creates has real potential
• The chemistry between the leads when the story slows down enough to let it breathe
• Sebastian's friend group — their banter and easy connection added so much warmth and were honestly highlights of the book
• The custody stakes feeling real and urgent — this wasn't just a backdrop, it actually drove the story
• The premise itself being genuinely original and compelling

🩵 What Didn't Work For Me:

• The instalove hit too fast for me to believe it — I needed more time with these two together before the feelings landed
• The meet cute happens off-page, which felt like a missed opportunity — it sounds like it was great, and I would have loved to actually experience it
• Kat's bond with Sebastian's daughter forms in about 48 hours, and the devastation she feels when she has to leave hit before I was emotionally ready for it — the timeline just didn't give that relationship room to grow
• The pacing overall felt rushed — so many moments that could have been drawn out and savored were over before I could fully feel them
• This is a book I wanted to love more than I did, and that's the hardest kind

🤔 Final Thoughts:

So much potential — just needed more time to breathe.

Guarded has a premise I would read over and over: morally gray heroine, devoted single dad, a fake marriage built on a lie, and hockey. The foundation is solid and the emotional stakes are real. But the story moves so quickly that the connections — between Kat and Sebastian, between Kat and his daughter, between the reader and everyone involved — don't fully have time to cement before the feelings are already declared. A longer timeline would have made this a standout.

[Rachel B.Ocean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Heartfelt Fake-Marriage Hockey Romance! 🏒💕

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Guarded was such an enjoyable fake-marriage hockey romance! I loved getting to know Kat and Sebastian, and their story with a great mix of romance, emotional moments, family, and humor. Fake marriage is always a good trope, and this one gave me plenty to love. Between Sebastian’s devotion to his daughter, Kat’s willingness to fight for the people she loves, and the hockey boys’ chaotic friendship, this was such a fun story to get invested in!

Sebastian was such a great MMC! I loved how much his daughter meant to him and how determined he was to give her the stable, loving home she deserved. Seeing him fight for his daughter while navigating his growing feelings for Kat made his character even more endearing. I was absolutely rooting for him to win his custody battle!! He was such a devoted dad, and I loved getting to see that side of him throughout the book.

And our girl Kat! She was carrying so much on her own. She was put in an incredibly difficult position, and while her choices weren't always easy, I could understand the circumstances behind them. What stood out to me most was how willing she was to fight for Sebastian and his daughter, even when it meant risking her own happiness. I loved seeing her go from someone caught in a situation she couldn't easily escape to someone willing to stand up for the family she was beginning to build. Her love for Sebastian and his daughter made her choices that much more emotional!

The fake marriage was such a fun part of their relationship, especially as their arrangement developed into something much more real. Of course, knowing there were secrets between them added another layer of tension to their story. I loved seeing them build a life together while knowing that the truth could change everything. There was so much heart woven into their relationship, and I was hoping they would find their way through everything standing between them.

But can we talk about Olivia and Kat's friendship?! I absolutely loved their dynamic, and it was such a great part of the story. I always appreciate seeing strong female friendships alongside the romance, and I loved having that connection to enjoy here. I'm already looking forward to Shielded and getting to see more of Olivia's story.

And the hockey boys’ friendship, banter, and the ridiculous nickname for their group had me smiling. I loved seeing how they showed up for Sebastian and how much support they brought to the story. The found-family element was such a highlight, and I would happily spend more time with this group. Honestly, I need more of these hockey boys and their stories!

Overall, Guarded was a fun, heartfelt, and spicy hockey romance with a fake marriage I loved, a devoted single dad, a FMC willing to fight for the people she loves, and a fantastic supporting cast. I was invested in Kat and Sebastian's relationship, loved the family they were building, and especially enjoyed the friendships woven throughout the story. I'm so excited to see what Eden Sloane has planned for the rest of the Boston Renegades series!

Thank you so much to Eden Sloane and Love Notes PR for the gifted e-ARC! 💕

[Emily Honey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think a good book deserves a good review, so I thoroughly hope this serves the book justice.

First things first: I got a copy of this book for free in exchange for a review. So there is that. That being said, if I fall out of love with book reviewing, I will definitely buy the next books in the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed it.

For me, two things succeeded very well in the book:

1. The physical environment
2. the humor

I totally fell in love with how the author takes us to Boston. I’ve never been, so I can’t verify that she was 100% accurate, but the descriptions of historical sights, streets, the spirit of the locals and their neighbourhoods felt very true and authentic. The book didn’t just take me to any contemporary American metropolitan - it took me to Boston in the dead of winter. And I’m a sucker for stuff like that. It made the story feel a lot more authentic, because the setting wasn’t just a place the characters happened to be - the setting was part of them.

The humour - I’m not lying when I say this book made me giggle a few times (and outwardly cringe, but in the good way because sometimes strangers' vulnerability embarrasses me). The banter in Sebastian’s friend group (The Posse) was really funny. Since the dialogue was rapid and we didn’t get that much background information on all the characters, it was sometimes hard to distinguish them from each other. But it was funny nonetheless. ALSO! Why do athletes refer to their teammates by their surname so I have to remember first and last names?

There is one point of criticism (the fact that there is only one say something about the quality of the book). The relationship between Kat and Sebastian's daughter developed a little too fast into something a little too intense. I’m all for the love between step-parents and step-children, but the way it is described and displayed, it is almost like Kat loved Emery before they even met. And that is just dumb - I’m sorry. I’m cool with them missing each other, or Kat being anxious to meet and impress her. But it is almost like the moment the fake marriage begins (weeks before the two are introduced) Kat is more in love with the kid than the dad.

The plot was nothing like anything I’ve ever read before. It was really original. The main focus is still a love story. But a complicated, sticky situation sets the field for how they experience the fake marriage (like who owes who) and adds complexity to their relationship. I think it was done really seamlessly and intelligently.

So, in summary, a great read that I would definitely recommend. Maybe I will reread it before the rest of the series is published.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mandy BunBun · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Impressions: Kat, a journalist with a terrible secret, enters into a marriage of convenience with Sebastian, a professional hockey player who is embroiled in a complicated custody battle with his daughter's mother.

Pacing: The story takes place over a few months and the pacing feels more or less consistent.

Character development: Kat (FMC) is journalist who has been groomed and coerced to write gossip articles under a pen name to ensure her brother's access to life-sustaining medication. Sebastian (MMC) is a hardworking athlete and devoted father to his young daughter. A serious of challenges force Kat and Sebastian to marry, so Kat can maintain her façade for her unscrupulous foster father and Sebastian can maintain custody of his daughter. Through some hard truths and sacrifice, Kat and Sebastian begin to build a genuine life together.

World Building: The majority of the book takes place in Sebastian's home, which acts as a metaphor for the fragile bubble he and Kat erect around their new, vulnerability romance.

Romance: Sebastian is instantly enthralled by Kat, although she does find herself physically attracted to him early on in their relationship. This is definitely a romance rife with miscommunication, but despite the nature of their marriage, Kat and Sebastian do build a genuine life together by the end.

Spice: There are a few spicy chapters, but there's quite a bit of yearning and temptation throughout. The physical intimacy becomes a dialog on its own, and helps drive communication, even the MCs find it hard to voice their feelings.

Errors and Consistency: This was a clean draft.

Overall experience: Upfront, I am not a huge fan of the miscommunication trope. This could have been a different kind of "us against the big, bad villain" early in the book if Kat would have have told the truth at any of the dozens of times she had the opportunity to come clean. That being said, Kat and Sebastián, along with young Emery and orange menace, Cheeto, do get the HEA they deserve. The book has some really compelling allies, like Olivia, Cheeto is every ornery ornage cat rolled into a single demon fluffball, and I cackled at the office hydra also known "Cindy, Mindy, and Lindy."
The side characters and tiny details are really what endeard "Guarded" to me, and I am really looking forward to Book 2: Olivia is the girls' girl some many romcoms are missing and greenest green flag Kiernan deserves an earthshattering love of his own.

PS: My word, that sauna scene 🤯

⭐️ 4
🌶 3

Cheeto the orange-flavored menace continues his adorable reign of terror

[Doroty · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

📚 🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆 📚

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Guarded was a story that offered more than a romance built around a fake marriage. What stood out to me most was the emotional complexity beneath the characters’ choices and the way love, guilt, loyalty, and fear can exist side by side.

Sebastian’s character was especially compelling because his strength never came at the expense of his vulnerability. His determination to protect his daughter revealed what truly mattered to him, while his relationship with Kat showed a man willing to love wholeheartedly without demanding that someone be ready to give him the same in return. I appreciated that his devotion was expressed not only through grand gestures but also through patience, understanding, and the desire to make Kat feel safe enough to be herself.

Kat was equally interesting in her own way. Her decisions are not always easy to approve of, but understanding the circumstances behind them makes her a character worth looking beyond the surface for. She is caught between protecting the people she loves and facing the consequences of choices that could cost her everything. Her internal struggle adds a layer of emotional tension to the romance, making her journey about more than simply allowing herself to fall in love.

One of the strongest aspects of the story is how it explores the difference between loving someone and believing you deserve to be loved in return. Both characters have something to lose, but their greatest obstacles are not necessarily their circumstances; they are the fears and secrets that make honesty so difficult. The supporting cast also brings welcome warmth and humor, balancing the heavier moments and adding a sense of found family.

While I would have loved a little more room for certain emotional developments to unfold naturally, the story still delivered a satisfying blend of tenderness, tension, and heartfelt moments. Guarded reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful love stories are not about saving someone, but about making them feel safe enough to stop fighting alone.

Thank you to @lovenotes.pr for providing me with an ARC copy of this book.

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[LaurenAshley123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0 Stars | Guarded by Eden Slone 🖤📚

As a fairly new ARC reader, I am really enjoying getting the chances to read books like Guarded early! One thing I appreciated with this storyline was that the characters were all somewhat relatable in their own ways, and the banter between them was honestly what kept me going through some parts of the book 😂. The back and forth made things entertaining, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see how everything would unfold.

The FMC especially stood out to me. As adults, we sometimes have to make difficult choices and learn to live with the consequences, even when those choices come with sacrifices. Seeing her make the sacrifice she did was what really had me invested and wanting to finish the book. The way life doesn't always give us easy options and that part of her story hit a little closer to home than I expected. Also, when a book can make me cry during the hard moments because you genuinely feel what the characters are feeling? Yeah, that's when an author starts earning a permanent spot on my bookshelf.

Now, I do have to be honest about one thing: I wish some of the scenarios had felt a little more realistic. Because in WHAT WORLD does a man fall in love with a woman within approximately 30 seconds of meeting her?! 😂 Bestie, that's lust, not love! And in real life, that kind of instant attraction doesn't always turn into a happily ever after. LOL. But hey, it's fiction, and sometimes we have to let the fictional men do their fictional man things. 😂

And we absolutely cannot forget Cheeto the Menace, who was out here stealing the show! 🐈 He deserves his own fan club because some of my favorite moments involved him. Honestly, Cheeto understood the assignment. 😂

Overall, despite a few things I wished had been handled differently, I'm giving Guarded a solid 4.0 stars. ⭐️ If a book can make me laugh, get invested in the characters, and actually cry when they experience hardships, then the author has done something right. Eden Slone has officially earned a spot on my bookshelf, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from her! 🖤📖

Thank you for allowing me to read Guarded as an ARC reader, Love Notes PR and Eden Sloane!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Boston Renegades have entered the book world. Bringing a new hockey team to readers, this series also serves as Eden Sloane’s debut book. Guarded is book one in this series and it is a wonderful read. I really enjoyed Eden’s writing style and character development as it made the romance exciting and undeniable. I found myself really caring for both MCs and their struggles. I love a book with a single dad who is all about his child(ren) and the MMC is willing to fight to the end for his daughter. The emotional depths throughout this book truly pull at your heartstrings.

Sebastian has been in a constant custody battle for his daughter for three years. The constant media releases that paint him in a negative light are not doing him any favors though. He needs to change his image and fast or risk losing his daughter forever. When he meets Kat, he thinks he has a solution, a fake marriage. If his personal life doesn’t ‘match what the tabloids are saying about him, the judge could stop questioning his capability to have full custody of his daughter.

Kat hates writing the things she does about Sebastian, but she has no choice. She is being blackmailed and this is what she has to do. She never saw the proposition of a fake marriage coming, but she accepted. The more she gets to know Sebastian the harder it becomes for her to keep writing untruths, but the circumstances surrounding her need her to keep it up. The entire story it is impossible to hate Kat as Eden writes her character in a way that is truly easy to understand.

This book was filled with much more emotional depth than I expected. I couldn’t stop reading about these two growing closer and closer together. The love between these two, not to mention the father/daughter love that flows through this book. When the truth comes out, feelings are hurt and decisions questioned, as you would expect, but again Eden writes this story with forgiveness, understanding, and reconciliation. An excellent debut novel that I am excited to see more of.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
❤️Single Parent Romance
🏒Fake Marriage Romance
❤️Journalist FMC
🏒Bookish MMC
❤️Found Family
🏒Custody Battle
❤️Blackmail

[Sadie Glover · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

I really enjoyed this one! 🏒❤️

As someone who studied English Literature at A-Level, I got all the classical literature references throughout this book and how they made reference to each character, and I think these little details added something extra to the story. However, I also think the references were explained well enough that you wouldn’t necessarily need to have read the original books to understand them or enjoy the story. They felt like a little bonus for those who recognised them rather than something that would leave other readers feeling lost.

My biggest issue was the pacing. The entire story takes place over just a few days, and I found myself struggling a little with how quickly everything developed. The falling in love felt quite rushed, and Emery calling Kat Mum so soon didn’t feel entirely authentic to me. I’m not the biggest fan of insta-love anyway, so this could just be a personal preference, but I would have loved a little more time for those relationships to develop naturally.

Now, dare I say it… my favourite relationship in this book wasn’t Sebastian and Kat, but the hockey lads. 😂

THE GROUP CHAT HAD ME HOWLING. The way these men were completely ride or die for each other was everything. I absolutely loved their friendship, their banter and the way they showed up for one another. Honestly, give me an entire series about this team because I would happily read a book about every single one of them!

I also really appreciated how the book tackled some heavier themes without making the overall reading experience feel overwhelmingly sad or miserable. There was still so much humour, warmth and lightness throughout the story, which made it such an enjoyable read despite the more serious subject matter. I think finding that balance can be difficult, but it worked really well here.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable read with characters I loved, friendships I adored and plenty of moments that had me smiling. The pacing wasn’t entirely for me, but it definitely didn’t stop me from enjoying the story.

And Eden Sloane, if you’re planning on giving the other hockey lads their own books, just know I’ll be SAT. 👀🏒

[Rachel Monderewicz · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Guarded by Eden Sloane! This was such an emotional, heartwarming, and entertaining hockey romance! I absolutely loved the combination of fake marriage, single dad, he falls first, and found family.

One of my favorite things about this book was Sebastian's character! He was such a green flag, and I absolutely adored how devoted he was to his daughter. Watching him fight so hard to keep his little girl in his life made me love him even more. I also loved how patient, caring, and supportive he was toward Kat. He knew what he wanted, wasn't afraid of his feelings, and genuinely wanted to build a future with her. We love a man who falls first and falls HARD!

I also really liked Kat's character. My heart broke for her because of the impossible situation she was put in. While I didn't necessarily agree with all her decisions, I could understand why she made them. She was doing everything she could to protect her brother, even when it meant sacrificing her own happiness. I appreciated that her character wasn't portrayed as simply the villain, but as someone who was struggling to do the right thing under incredibly difficult circumstances.

Sebastian and Kat's chemistry was amazing, and I loved watching their fake marriage gradually turn into something real. The secrets hanging over their relationship definitely had me anxious about what would happen when everything finally came to light! I also adored Kat's growing relationship with Sebastian's daughter and how naturally they began to feel like a family.

And can we talk about the hockey boys?! Their hilarious banter, friendships, and group chats added so much humor to the story. I honestly wouldn't mind reading a book about every single one of them!

Overall, Guarded was such a wonderful mix of romance, emotional moments, humor, and suspense. I loved the characters, the found-family atmosphere, and the way the story explored love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and second chances. Such a sweet and satisfying read, and I can't wait for more from this series!

ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com

[Alyssa's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ Read

I was incredibly excited to read an advanced copy of this book because sports romance mixed with a fake marriage trope is one of my absolute favorites—and Guarded completely delivered. I honestly couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to find out what happened next!

I absolutely loved the romance between Sebastian and Kat; their chemistry was incredible and their connection felt so deep, genuine, and beautifully developed. I adored both of the main characters. Kat is such an amazing heroine, and I loved the contrast in Sebastian’s character—having an intimidating NHL goalie who is also a bookish, devoted single dad was such a refreshing combination. The father-daughter moments between Sebastian and Emery were so incredibly sweet, and watching Kat’s connection with Emery grow completely stole my heart. The wonderful sibling bond between Kat and Tyler was incredibly moving, the warmth of Kat's friendship with Olivia was beautiful, and the hilarious group text exchanges between Sebastian and his three hockey friends had me laughing out loud. The entire cast of side characters added so much enjoyment to the story!

The emotional stakes in this book get incredibly heavy, and I felt so sad for everything both Kat and Sebastian had to go through. The villains made my blood boil with how toxic and manipulative they were. While these frustrating characters made certain chapters heartbreaking to get through, it made me root for the main characters even harder. I felt so incredibly proud of Kat for her selflessness, her dedication to protecting her brother Tyler, and the way she eventually found her strength to stand up for herself and the people she loves.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves contemporary hockey romance with deep emotional stakes, especially fans who enjoy a fiercely protective heroine, a sweet single-dad dynamic, hilarious friend groups, and a truly supportive "found family" circle.

A huge thank you to Eden Sloane and Love Notes PR for providing an advanced copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily. I gave this book 5 stars and will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in The Boston Renegades series.

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Risking It All for Love!**

Guarded is the first book in the new Boston Renegades series by debut author Eden Sloane, and I absolutely loved Kat and Sebastian’s fake-marriage love story! Their relationship was messy, complex, and complicated, taking me on such an emotional journey from beginning to end.

Sebastian is truly the ultimate golden retriever hero and an incredible father to his adorable daughter, Emery, who will always come first in his life. He’s also a fantastic teammate, and I loved seeing how all the guys are there for one another and support each other. The strong sense of found family and true sportsmanship throughout the story was something I really enjoyed.

From the very first time Sebastian meets Kat, he is completely smitten with her and just knows she is meant to be his.

I absolutely loved Kat, too. She loves her younger brother and will do whatever it takes to protect him and help him because he’s the only family she has left. Unfortunately, she trusted someone she believed was a family friend, only to discover that she was being used. What I loved most about Kat was how hesitant she was to get too close to Sebastian because of the secret she was keeping from him. She was afraid he would never forgive her, especially as her feelings and connection with him continued to grow. Yet she was also determined to bring down the people who wanted to hurt him.

That’s the main reason she agrees to Sebastian’s fake-marriage proposal. Kat is willing to risk it all for the love she has for Sebastian and Emery, even if it means losing them in the end, as long as she can help Sebastian win full custody of his daughter.

I really enjoyed Sebastian and Kat’s slow-burn romance and the raw, emotional journey they went through to reach their HEA. Their relationship had plenty of ups and downs, secrets, heartbreak, and difficult choices, but it made their HEA feel that much more rewarding. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This book put me THROUGH IT. 🖤

A new-to-me author, and what an emotional ride this turned out to be!

Knowing Kat’s secrets while watching her fall deeper into Sebastian’s world was almost unbearable. The writing pulled me so deeply into the story that I genuinely felt like I was betraying Sebastian myself. I wanted to tell him the truth so badly. I felt protective of his heart, his future, and his daughter, and there were moments I was genuinely frustrated with Kat for not finding another way. But then, my heart would break for her, too. She was trapped in an impossible situation, caught between a rock and a hard place, forced to choose between two devastating outcomes. And that’s what made this story hurt so much. You could understand both sides, even when you desperately wished things could be different.

And Sebastian? The greenest of green flags. I could NOT get enough of this man. His desire, loyalty, devotion, and compassion are everything dream boyfriends are made of. A devoted single dad who loves so fiercely, gives so freely, and makes you want to protect his heart just as much as he wants to protect the people he loves? I was ALL IN.

The boys’ group chat was absolute chef’s kiss. Give me banter, brotherhood, and a group of men who show up for each other, and I’m a happy reader!

This is a complicated, messy love story filled with heartache, impossible choices, secrets that threaten to destroy everything, and the painful belief that you’re somehow not worthy of the love you’re given. It’s about falling for the one person you were supposed to destroy and desperately wanting to believe that love can survive the truth.

I felt EVERYTHING. The angst, the longing, the heartbreak, and the hope. This story took me on a ride, and Sebastian Voss has officially earned a place in my book boyfriend collection. 🖤

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this incredible love story! and thanks for the tears! this review is only my opinion.

[Emmy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me an emotional WRECK! Like get your tissues ready because I was freaking sobbing my way through the second half of it. This book starts off pretty cute, he’s her best friends brother and he’s in need of a fake fiancée/wife to regain custody of his daughter. And they’ve both been hopelessly pining after each other for a while, and the close proximity makes them realise the depth of their feelings for each other. However the domestic bliss does not last long and Kat has a huge secret. I think the saddest and most ironic thing about this book is that she dropping hints about what she’s done, but he thinks she’s traumatised from an old ex who hurt her…and while yes she was manipulated and hurt, she’s essentially the “villain” of his story. She is however, trying to make it right even if it ends in her losing him. Honestly Kat is such a loyal, loving and determined character and I adore her and admire her strength. She’s been carrying things on her own for a while and Sebastian try’s to get her to share the weight a little. That man is PERFECTION, he’s the grumpy hockey goalie but also the softest and sweetest father to his daughter Emory. And if that wasn’t perfect enough, the man is disgustingly well read, like there is nothing hotter than a well read man. I loved all the classic literature references, especially Jane Eyre oh my gosh it was genius plot point and so incredibly heartbreaking. Their romance is a rocky road but I rooted so hard for their happy ending, I could not put the book down until I got to the epilogue because I just needed confirmation of their HEA. There’s the most beautiful found family component too, and Emory, Kat and Sebastian make the most adorable family. I cried, laughed and swooned so hard while reading this, it was so fun and emotionally wrecking and I give it a 5/5

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

He can stop a hundred-mile-an-hour slapshot on the ice, but one look at her had him completely down on his knees.

Holy absolute combustion. Eden Sloane didn’t just write a book… she reached straight into my chest and completely stole my heart with GUARDED! 🏒🥹❤️ I went in expecting a fun sports romance, but Sebastian and Kat’s story wrecked me in the most breathtaking and emotionally charged way.

The agonizing tension, the unspoken pining, and the sheer tenderness between this protective NHL goalie and the fiercely loyal woman wearing his ring had my pulse racing from chapter one. Watching Sebastian…. The ultimate walking green flag and devoted single dad, fall so completely and unapologetically first was pure magic. The quiet patience he gives Kat, the way he loves his little girl with every fiber of his being, and that intellectual, bookish charm made him an instant all-time top-tier book boyfriend.

And the chemistry when their walls finally come crashing down… Good Lord. Incandescent heat, desperate yearning, and a soul-deep connection that practically melted off the pages.

What truly sets this apart is the raw emotional weight. You are right there, trapped in the trenches with Kat, feeling every ounce of guilt, every sacrifice, and every agonizing conflict as she fights for the people she loves while building a fragile paradise she’s terrified of losing. The gut-wrenching stakes, the brotherhood and hilarious banter of the Renegades, and the beautiful warmth of found family gave me full-body chills and had me clutching my Kindle at 2 AM.

Drop everything, clear your schedule, and run to read this book right now. Eden delivered an unforgettable debut masterpiece!

An enormous thank you to @edensloaneauthor and @lovenotes.pr for my ARC! All thoughts, obsessions, and happy tears are completely and unapologetically my own. No AI was used.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boston Renegades: Sebastian & Katherine “Kat”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hoo boy… Eden Sloane really puts these characters (and us) through the wringer!

There were epic highs and epic lows, and honestly, I was here for all of it.

Sebastian had it bad. He was obsessed, all in, and such a sweet MMC… well, for most of the book. But I actually understood why he wasn’t completely perfect the entire way through. What Kat did was a pretty massive betrayal, and it could have cost him his daughter. That’s a lot to process, especially when his daughter is his entire world.

And Kat… I just wanted her to get to a resolution. She was such a tortured character, constantly caught between her secret life to save her brother and these people she was coming to love. She was between a rock and a hard place, and as much as I wanted her to make different choices, I understood why she chose her brother. I think most of us would.

The fake marriage, the secrets, the betrayal, the custody battle, the emotional fallout… there was just so much happening, but it kept me completely invested.

And I adored the secondary characters! What a chaotic bunch.
The little family that formed within the team was one of my favourite parts of the book, and I loved seeing how much Sebastian, Kat, and his daughter became a family.

And that ending?! The setup for the next story is epic. I am absolutely invested and need to know what happens next.

An emotional rollercoaster with a completely obsessed hero, a morally complicated heroine, fake marriage, found family, betrayal, and ALL the feelings.
This is angsty, messy, emotional, and completely addictive.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian Voss is such a green flag. He’s a devoted single father who would do anything for his daughter, like marry the woman that he’s falling for to gain full custody of his daughter. I absolutely love the marriage of convenience and he falls first trope combination, and it was done so well in Guarded.

Kat was really stuck between a rock and a hard place. The things she did to save her brother’s life completely won me over. She did what she needed to do to survive. She was so selfless, giving up her happiness and possibly freedom for both her brother and Sebastian. I was really rooting for her happily ever after.

I was rooting for Sebastian and Kat the entire time. They were truly meant to be. From the moment they met, their connection and chemistry is undeniable. The more time they spend with one another, the more the lines get blurred and the more they can’t imagine life without one another. The way Kat and Emery bonded with one another. It was the sweetest most natural relationship, when she called her mom my heart swooned. Even Cheeto loved Sebastian and Emery.

The angst in this book had me on the edge of my seat. There were so many times where I wanted Kat to just come out and tell Sebastian the truth, before it became too late. She was giving Sebastian so many clues and dropping so many hints but with the way he responded, I see why she didn’t tell him.

The third act break up in this book literally broke my heart. I was in tears reading through it. The feeling of betrayal from Sebastian’s POV and the feeling of heartbreak from Kat’s POV was so much. I was a little disappointed with Sebastian. It wasn’t until Tyler talked some sense into him and Sebastian finally realized what he was about to lose. I was hoping that he would have come to that realization on his own.

I loved all of the side characters in this book. The Posse was such a great group of guys. I’m so looking forward to seeing more of them and what’s next in the Boston Renegades Series!!