Guarding the Quarterback

Champions of the Heart #1

by Liz Matis

Special Pre-Order Price of .99cents!  From the author of the bestseller of the Fantasy Football Romance series comes an exciting new series, Champions of the Heart.
Book One is Guarding the Quarterback - a Miss Congeniality meets The Bodyguard romp.
Alexa Reeves
The quarterback of the NY Kings has a body to die for, and as Dean Walker's bodyguard I'm right in the line of fire. If that's not dangerous enough, I'm posing as his girlfriend to keep close. Yet, that isn't the worst part. He says I need a makeover to pass as his arm candy. Jerk. The more time I spend with him, the more my undercover role blurs with reality, and I'll lose more than my job if I step over the line and into his bed.
Dean Walker
Let's get something straight. I didn't ask for protection, especially in the form of a female. Isn't a death threat just another day in the life of a NY quarterback? Still, the owner of the team forces me to accept a security detail led by the tiny but tough Alexa Reeves.
But who is the real Alexa? The bodyguard, sworn to protect me, or the made-over vixen, determined to drive me crazy? As the stalker closes in, I realize I've put more than my life in her hands. Will Alexa safeguard my heart as fiercely as my body?

Genres: Sports, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance, Erotica

158 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2016

About the author

Liz Matis - Top 30 Bestselling Amazon Author, #12 Nationally Bestselling Author on Nook. She is a mild mannered accountant by day and romance writer by night. I love happy ever afters!

Reviews

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The story is extremely cute, and the characters, both Alexa and Dean, are super likable.  Even when you want to smack Dean for being such a, well, guy! LOL.

I found myself smiling pretty much the entire time I listened to the story, just because it sucks you in and is so incredibly enjoyable. Melissa Moran did a fine job with the narration; her inflection and delivery was perfect. The only negative I have is with her voices, there wasn’t much distinction between her male and female voice.  My husband even remarked on it when he walked in on a certain scene and thought I was listening to a LGBTQ story.  However, once I got familiar with the story, the lack of male voices didn’t bother me. 

Overall; I thoroughly enjoyed Guarding the Quarterback: Champions of the Heart Book 1, it was surprising, sexy, full of charm, and a great read. Also, I never guessed who the bad guy was.  Point to Liz Matis....Sara 

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[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

This was a very short read. It lacked depth. I can't really tell you the names of any other character in this book besides Geoffrey and even he fell through the cracks. But I liked it for what it was, which was a fluffy read with a cool spin on the bodyguard/fake relationship trope.

[Emma B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super cheesy typical badass girl and hot guy, LOVE IT!!!! So what if it's stereotypical, it's fun to read! Alexa personifies all our inner desires to be a kick ass strong chick who can take down a man twice her size with a flip of her wrist. I read to enjoy myself after being mentally drained and this book was a perfect fit because I didn't require me to be extremely engaged, but still interesting and sexy as hell. But it wasn't quite 5 star material for me. It started out Spectacular with a great pace but seemed escalate out of no where at 10x pace then suddenly both the climax and resolve where over in a matter of pages, and the book was over. It ended too abruptly for me, but was an overall pretty phenomenal read.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[KathyB · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Robyn Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle. C+.

[Misty (Reds Romance & Mystery Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mere mention of Dean Walker's name and the women are lining up to dangle from the famed NY Kings Quarterback's arm, and hopefully earn their spot in his bed for the night. He is not only well known for his achievements on the field, but also well known for his performances in the bedroom too and he loves every minute of the attention he earns, after all being a star player was what he was born to do. The problem is all his notoriety has rubbed someone the wrong way, and now their threatening to end his life, so his boss thinks it's time to bring in a bodyguard to keep him safe on and off the field. Dean isn't to keen on having a bodyguard follow him around and put a cramp in his style, not to mention the fact that it makes him look weak to have to depend on another man for his own safety... but wait til he finds out that his bodyguard is actually a woman!!

Alexa Reeves maybe small in stature, but with all her training, vast experience, and take charge attitude she makes one hell of a badass bodyguard, which has happened to earn the approval of her boss. He has a new job for her, probably her most challenging one yet, and promises her that if she completes the task there will be a great reward. The problem is she has to undergo a complete makeover and embrace a side of herself she has never really been comfortable with... her sexy feminine side!! She must trade in her conservative attire for something a whole lot sexier... something that is worthy of earning a spot on the arm of a famed quarterback, and it has her freaking out! She is certain that she will never live up to Dean's expectations, and she is totally fine with that, it will make her job a whole lot easier, and keep her from blurring the lines... but the minute he takes in her new appearance, and she sees the same hunger she has for him, mirrored in his eyes, she knows she is in trouble!

This was my first encounter with Ms. Matis's work, and I have to admit that I absolutely adored everything about it, I love sports related romance stories, and this one DEFINITELY hit the mark...and then some!! I was barely three sentences in and immediately knew I was about to embark on a truly exceptional literary escape, one that would hold me captive until the last page was turned in the wee hours of the morning! One that also turned out to be quite a refreshing first read for me, I thoroughly enjoyed reading a story where the heroine took charge and was able to stand toe to toe with the strong alpha male character. On more than one occasion Alexa took me by surprise with her strength and tenacity, her witty one liners, and sassy take charge demeanor totally won me over and had me in her corner the whole way through! I think it safe to say Dean definitely had his hands full with her, but I also think that he was the perfect alpha for the job. He knew when to give in and let her have her moment, and when she needed him to step in and take over the reigns, they were a perfect match and complimented each other in all the right places!!

Ms. Matis has truly outdone herself with this one, I am deeming it a HOT and OH SO SEXY five star read, that is certain to leave you tingling from head to toe and in dire need of a fan!

ARC received in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

[Jazmyne [Ramblings of a Bookworm] · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m supposed to believe you’d take a bullet for me?”
“I haven’t lost a man yet. But if you don’t lose the attitude, I might make an exception.”

Dean Walker is a quarterback. Not only is he a rockstar on the field, but he's also a rockstar with the ladies. Alexa Reeves is his bodyguard. Assigned to be his “girlfriend,” Alexa has to not only guard Dean from his stalker, but also guard herself against his charms.

“Sorry, baby doll, you are nothing like any of my girlfriends. No one will believe it. Not even with a makeover.”
“I’ve gone undercover as a hooker, so there won’t be a problem with people believing I’m your girlfriend.”

From the beginning this book hooked me. Alexa is now, officially, my spirit animal. She's smart, witty, strong, and could take ANY person she comes across. Also, at no point does she allow herself to be intimidated by Dean’s good looks & charm, but throws it right back at him. She proves herself as a capable bodyguard AND woman.

Throughout the story the characters are faced with tough choices, but it seems the emotional ones prove the most dangerous. Both Dean and Alexa are afraid of the feelings that are swirling within them, and between them. When the danger grows, Dean finds himself wanting to protect Alexa, instead of the other way around.

The only part of this story I had an issue with was the stalker situation. I went into this story anticipating much more action (I’m action movie type of girl!), such as a little background, character description, motivation, or action within that arena. It was solved rather hastily, I felt, and left me feeling rather let down. That aside, the love story involved is wonderful. The characters made me invested from the start and I was 100% in! I highly recommend that you give this a read. You’ll be hooked and looking for more from this author.

[Brandy Castenada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding The Quarterback by Liz Maits is a first time read for me. I was attached and this story captivated my attention span from beginning to end. I think Liz Maits did a great job writing this story and look forward to reading more of her books. I loved that even situations that seemed like there was no way this could possibly happen had a reasonable explanation that not only worked but fit with the characters in the book. Guarding The Quarterback It is written with a dual POV. A little about the characters Alexa Reeves poses as girlfriend to Dean Walker who is the quarterback of the NY Kings. She poses as his girlfriend to keep close due to she is Dean Walker’s bodyguard in the book, the problem with her job is Dean tells her she has to pass as his arm candy. Dean Walker the famous quarterback who ends up falling for the sexy female bodyguard who's hired to protect him after multiple death threats.what Dean didn’t ask for was protection, especially in the form of a female. What Dean didn't expect was to see how beautiful she was not only out of the bodyguard mode, but on the inside as well.

I have to admit that I absolutely adored everything about Guarding The Quarterback. In all honesty, that this book blew me away. I must warn you that within seconds you'll be fully immersed and invested in a love story that will have you swooning. I loved every second of this book and would recommend to my friends who enjoy reading as much as I do.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW... Where to start?... This book was brilliant! I haven't read any of Ms Matis' books before so i was unsure as to what to expect! Well... I absolutely loved it!!!
Dean is the quarterback of the New York Kings and is gorgeous! On the field he kicks ass off the field he f*** it! When he recieves a death threat, it changes his life forever!!!
Alexa is a 5' 2" spitfire that can take on and win someone male or female twice her size! When her security team is called in to protect their star player, the life that she knows, gets turned on it's head!!!
He doesn't want the protection, she's not backing down!!!... The threats are VERY real, someone wants him dead!!!
This book was brilliant in everyway from the slow burn of their relationship, to the banter that they share. It's written with fantastic humour that had me laughing so hard i had tears i my eyes! I recommend this book as a 10/10 light hearted read. I couldn't put it down once i started and read it in one sitting. It kept my entertained the whole time, including the scourching bedroom scenes! I've declared myself a lifetime fan of Ms Matis and i'm truly looking forward to reading more of her work!!!... BRILLIANT!!!
Reviewed by Tracy @ Ladies Of Love Book Blog And Graphics

[Elizabeth]

Guarding the Quarterback, the first book in the Champions of the Heart series, by Liz Matis, is a fun, steamy, quick read. Alexa is a no-nonsense, tough bodyguard, but she is also quick-witted, relatable, and down-to-earth. Basically, she is someone I would want to hang out with in real life. Dean is a stereotypical quarterback, focused on his career and laid-back in all other aspects of his life, and someone who carelessly disregards all the women throwing themselves at him. He “believes” that he is a fair person—you know, because he tells the women the “game plan” ahead of time and doesn’t lead them on. Alexa has been tasked with protecting Dean, and she has to earn Dean’s respect in order to keep him safe and do her job. Alexa also, for the goodness of woman-kind, has to put him in his place and knock him down a few pegs. And, Dean has to figure out what to do with her - respect her, date her, just sleep with her…. So many decisions! As a couple, they are super sassy and playful. And, Liz packs into the storyline a whole bunch of twists and turns, which leaves the reader wondering, up to the very end, from whom Alexa is protecting Dean. I am looking forward to book 2!

*I was given an advanced copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

[Lynn Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, have a fan ready for this absolutely HOT read! Ms. Matis really knows how to write a romance novel that keep her readers enthralled! I am not going to give my version of the blurb. You have already read the one listed for the book. I will say that this romance is a bit different. Different that is this case the heroine, Alexa, is the hero, the protector, the bodyguard. And boy, does she have a body to protect, in more ways than one. Dean is A Super Sexy Hot Ornery Love Entanglement, but just as much the hero, both on the field and off. I really love the way Ms. Matis showed his more human side with the kids. No, I refuse to give anything away. You need to read this super-hot book to find out what I am talking about.
I am a relatively new fan of Ms. Matis but in my opinion her books keep getting better and better! I cannot wait until this next book in this series Playing for Gelato, comes out later this year.
Kudos Ms. Matis on another outstanding book. I did not want to put it down.
I was gifted with an ARC of this wonderful book for my honest opinion. GET THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
Thank you for reading my review. Now go exercise that index finger and hit the one-click button to order this book.

[Jodie D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The interaction between a the cocky, arrogant football star and the sexy little, take charge bodyguard made this book fun to read. Their constant power struggle made for some humorous situations that I really enjoyed. The suspense of the death threats keep me reading to figure out who was so threatened by Dean that they would go to that extreme.

My only complaint about the book was the length, There was so much going on that I didn't feel like things were explored as much as they could have been. Everything just seemed to happen all of a sudden. One day Dean and Alexa were annoying each other, the next, they were in bed together. One moment there was a death threat, then the next it was over. There wasn't much exploration into who could have been sending the threats. Given why Dean is and his arrogant attitude, I'm sure there were a lot of people he ticked off along the way or people who were jealous of him that could have been involved.

Novellas are known for that though. It's hard to spend too much exploring in such a short book. I enjoyed the story enough to look forward to reading the next in the series.

[Michele (_LivesBtweenPgs_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to also be posted on Book Loving Fairy Blog
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Star Rating: 4 Stars

Refreshing. New. Intriguing, Full of surprises.

I have not read anything by this author before and I was surprised that I enjoyed it throughout. It was a really refreshing read and following it was pretty easy as well.

Alexa Reeves, the hardass bodyguard who wants to make her mark in any kind of law enforcement except being a cop. Having been saddled with a job that could ultimately unwind who she really is deep down inside, will she come out of it whole?

Dean Walker, the hot shot quarterback for the NY Kings and arrogant to boot. A ladies man and a known bed jumper. Can he deal with being stuck with a bodyguard to protect him at all costs? Even though she looks like sin. Is it worth it to take her or should he leave her alone?

This was exciting and kind of one of those books that’s like Duh! After you read something that happens. I read through this one and truly enjoyed it, it was a slow paced yet fast paced read. I will have to keep an eye out for the next book in the series for sure.

[Book Loving Fairy-Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating: 4 stars

Refreshing. New. Intriguing, Full of surprises.

I have not read anything by this author before and I was surprised that I enjoyed it throughout. It was a really refreshing read and following it was pretty easy as well.

Alexa Reeves, the hardass bodyguard who wants to make her mark in any kind of law enforcement except being a cop. Having been saddled with a job that could ultimately unwind who she really is deep down inside, will she come out of it whole?

Dean Walker, the hot shot quarterback for the NY Kings and arrogant to boot. A ladies man and a known bed jumper. Can he deal with being stuck with a bodyguard to protect him at all costs? Even though she looks like sin is it worth it to take her or should he leave her alone?

This was exciting and kind of one of those books that’s like Duh! After you read something that happens. I read through this one and truly enjoyed it, it was a slow paced yet fast paced read. I will have to keep an eye out for the next book in the series for sure.

-Michele Y

[Amy Crull · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book was extremely predictable it was still really good. It had some seriously HOT scenes between Alexa and Dean...Those two definitely had some serious attraction. Dean, is a player plain and simple. He has a following and women throw themselves at him. He's a hunky athlete with the attitude to follow. Anyway, someone has a stalker and the league is worried. He doesn't think he needs it but as soon as he sees Alexa, that changes. Alexa, is one determined bodyguard. She is dedicated to her job and has proven she is as good if not better then the men in her profession. While she is hesistant about playing the girlfriend, she still does it.. Things change as they spend more time together and she sees a different side to Dean.
This book really was cute and sweet. I highly enjoyed reading it!!

[Pam Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Quarterback Star’s

Audiobook – Dean Walker is the Quarterback for The Kings. He is cocky and arrogant. He doesn’t think anything can bring him down. So when he gets a summons to the owner’s office he starts to sweat. Football is his life. Turns out he has a stalker.

Alexa Reeves has wanted nothing but to be a police officer like the rest of her family but when that falls through, she finds a job with a security firm and has worked her way up the ranks.
It was funny when she was the one to guard Dean. He didn’t believe a woman could do the job. No that isn’t true he didn’t understand why she would want to.

Watching these two dance around each other was quiet fun to listen to. I also loved her best friend.
This for me was a feel good listen nothing to deep. A great HEA book. Also very much enjoyed the narrations. They brought out the fun and serious perfectly.

[Sarah Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ARC received for an honest review

This was my first book from this author and I found it a lovely quick read. I don't normally like the short stories with pages under 200 but I was pleasantly surprised with this. It was a great quick read that drew me in from the beginning.

Dean Walker is the NY Kings Hot shit quarterback who has annoyed someone so badly he's had death threats and he ends up with Personal Bodyguard Alexa Reeves posing as his girlfriend to protect me. They start off winding each other up pushing each other's buttons but they end up unable to deny the chemistry between them.

I loved the banter between them and it kept me enthralled throughout. I will defiantly be looking out for more of Liz Matis's books

[April Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because I actually wish the book had been longer! The chemistry between Alexa and Dean is off the charts. I love the character descriptions. Dean is literally the star quarterback who looks like he was chiseled out of marble and at 5'2" Alexa is a tiny powerhouse working as a bodyguard. This is a sports romance but you do not have to know anything about football to enjoy the book. I like the fact that this is only book 1 of a new series Liz Matis is writing and can't wait to get my hands on the next one. A book that makes me laugh out loud is always a good sign but that is just my unbiased opinion in exchange for an advanced reading copy.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great short read! ! Loved the idea of the a the heroine, Alexa being a bad**s and so much like Ms. Congeniality and Dean wanting to be her "bodyguard".

Alexa was assigned to protect Dean, the star quarterback from the threats on his life so she became his "fake" girlfriend in order to be with him 24/7. The story was fast moving and you got to see the "chemistry" between them both in and out of the sheets. Was a little disappointed, when you finally discovered who was making the threats on Dean's life and how quickly it was left go. Would have liked a little more story with that part and more on the end of the story.

Still thoroughly enjoyed the book and another great read by Liz Matis! ! !

[Escape Reality with Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and steamy read about a female bodyguard brought in to act as the girlfriend for a famous quarterback who is being stalked by a crazed fan.

Their attraction is instant but Alexa “Reeves” is torn between doing her job and falling for the playboy known as Dean Walker.

Dean laughs when he finds out that his bodyguard is a female knowing he could take her on sight but she proves she is more than just a pretty face when her feisty attitude flares up. Getting her to let her guard down and submit to their attraction will be his biggest game yet.

I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding the Quarterback by Liz Matis...This is a fun sweet quick read. I felt like a was watching a romantic comedy movie with mystery, as I was reading I could picture the scenes in my head. I absolutely loved Alexa and Dean, all their bantering back and forth had me smiling and laughing. Such a fun storyline with mystery all the way to the end of the book. If you are looking for a fun quick read, don't miss this book, what a great start to a new series. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but Sweet. Not a really long book but I liked it. I liked how the heroine, Alexa, was the protector rather than the other way around. And I think t0o many times people think if the heroine is too tough it takes away the masculinity of the hero and I did not see that in this book. Even though Dean was being protected by Alexa, he was still very much Alpha even when Alexa was jumping on him to keep him from harms way. I really liked this story and look forward to more from this author. 3.5 stars

[Book-Lover-49 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexa is a bodyguard and she gets assigned to protect Dean, a quarterback for a NY football team by posing as his girlfriend.

The story evolves from there. Alexa starts as a girl badly in need of a makeover.
Dean needs a makeover too but a different kind. From being a manwhore to a boyfriend kind.

The story has a nice flow but it does not go deep into the characters. It had an unexpected twist at the end.

[Bookgyrl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very nice and a fast read. Alexa might not be tall or imposing, but she is very well-trained and professional. Dean is a quarterback receiving threats and his boss has hired Alexa and her colleagues to protect Dean. Alexa is supposed to act as his girlfriend. She changes her appearance and pulls it off. Dean and Alexa are attracted but she does not want to sleep with a client.

Well written and sexy, but Alexa was fast to change her mind. The suspense was hardly there. It is pure a romance.

[Pixiebells · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!
A quick and light read! Love how unconventional it is but it is also a little anti-climatic as the crisis is over in a few pages near the end of the book and I would love to read more on the crisis and the suspense. I would also like it better if the relationship between the MCs were developed more beyond the bedroom too! But it was still a great quick read and the plot is really good.

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

I enjoyed the tough bodyguard and the playboy quarterback. This was definitely a very laid back story. Dean is the typical jock: selfish, arrogant and judgmental. Alexa is fierce, independent and in charge. I liked them together they complimented each other even though they were both dominant. I didn't have an issue with the characters and the story was cute

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.

I tend to steer clear of sports stories, usually because I'm not familiar with the sports used as a background. But for some reason this story caught my eye. Though a shorter read than what I usuallystory usually like I enjoyed the story. The interaction between the main characters, the action and of course the hot factor. Great reading.

[Shellby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has many twists and turns along with the romantic aspects. It is a book that once you start reading, you will not put down until you are done. I am looking forward for more from this series.


-NightWolf Book Blog

[Wendy W]

Super quick read. I loved the concept of the bodyguard and the quarterback. I wish the mystery had been better developed. Because the book is so short, the mystery is wrapped up rather quickly then there was the extra plot twist that you never see coming.