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Heart of Fame #3
Guarded Desires
Chris Huntley is on the fast track to becoming the next big action star. When his latest movie takes him to Australia for a red-carpet premiere, he thinks he’s ready for anything. But he’s not ready for how his body reacts to Liev Reynolds. Chris has never been attracted to a man before, and Liev is definitely not any regular man.
Liev is comfortable with his bisexuality, but his attraction to Chris is anything but comfortable. He’s been hired to keep Chris safe, and his professional ethics as a bodyguard means he can’t act on the attraction. There’s also the long trail of broken-hearted women Chris has left in his wake…
Being up close and personal makes it difficult for the men to keep their hands off each other, and when desire and a little matchmaking tip them over the edge, all bets are off. But Hollywood endings aren’t real life, and this happy ever after is going to be hard-won.
Each book in the Heart of Fame series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Love’s Rhythm
Book #2 Muscle for Hire
Book #3 Guarded Desires
Book #4 Steady Beat
Book #5 Lead Me On
Book #6 Blame it on the Bass
Book #7 Getting Played
Book #8 Blackthorne
Liev is comfortable with his bisexuality, but his attraction to Chris is anything but comfortable. He’s been hired to keep Chris safe, and his professional ethics as a bodyguard means he can’t act on the attraction. There’s also the long trail of broken-hearted women Chris has left in his wake…
Being up close and personal makes it difficult for the men to keep their hands off each other, and when desire and a little matchmaking tip them over the edge, all bets are off. But Hollywood endings aren’t real life, and this happy ever after is going to be hard-won.
Each book in the Heart of Fame series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Love’s Rhythm
Book #2 Muscle for Hire
Book #3 Guarded Desires
Book #4 Steady Beat
Book #5 Lead Me On
Book #6 Blame it on the Bass
Book #7 Getting Played
Book #8 Blackthorne
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
42 people are currently reading
930 people want to read
About the author
Lexxie Couper
135 books1,141 followersLexxie’s not a deviant. She just has a deviant’s imagination and a desire to entertain readers with her words. Add the two together and you get darkly erotic romances with a twist of horror, sci-fi and the paranormal.
When she’s not submerged in the worlds she creates, Lexxie’s life revolves around her family, a husband who thinks she’s insane, a indoor cat who likes to stalk shadows, two yabbies hell-bent on destroying their tank and her daughters, who both utterly captured her heart and changed her life forever.
Having no idea how old she really is, Lexxie decided to go with 27 and has been that age for quite some time now. It's the best of both worlds - old enough to act mature, young enough to be silly.
And silly she can be. Just ask her husband who frequently has to endure her bursting into song whenever the mood strikes her, feeling him up in public (one of her favorite pastimes), or rolling around in the sand with their dog - a large mutt of dubious origins who causes almost as much havoc around the neighborhood as Lexxie herself. Or squealing her way down the slide at the local park with her daughter!
Lexxie lives by two simple rules - measure your success not by how much money you have, but by how often you laugh, and always try everything at least once. As a consequence, she's laughed her way through many an eyebrow raising adventure.
When she’s not submerged in the worlds she creates, Lexxie’s life revolves around her family, a husband who thinks she’s insane, a indoor cat who likes to stalk shadows, two yabbies hell-bent on destroying their tank and her daughters, who both utterly captured her heart and changed her life forever.
Having no idea how old she really is, Lexxie decided to go with 27 and has been that age for quite some time now. It's the best of both worlds - old enough to act mature, young enough to be silly.
And silly she can be. Just ask her husband who frequently has to endure her bursting into song whenever the mood strikes her, feeling him up in public (one of her favorite pastimes), or rolling around in the sand with their dog - a large mutt of dubious origins who causes almost as much havoc around the neighborhood as Lexxie herself. Or squealing her way down the slide at the local park with her daughter!
Lexxie lives by two simple rules - measure your success not by how much money you have, but by how often you laugh, and always try everything at least once. As a consequence, she's laughed her way through many an eyebrow raising adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 28, 2014
2.5 STARS
Chris is an actor, a sex symbol. Every woman wants to sleep with him and he sleeps with them. He is in Australia to promote his new movie. Chris is straight and has never been attracted to another man. Everything changes when he meets his new bodyguard Liev, who is bi. He’s attracted immediately to him, wondering how it will be with a man.
I liked the premise from the start, a movie star falling in love with his bodyguard. However, it just fell a little flat for me.
Chris was a little easy. He accepted too easy that he is bi or gay since he is straight. He didn’t struggle with his feeling too much, from the start wanting to spend some hot time with Liev. For a guy who was straight all his life he was for sure ready to try anything.
At some point I thought that Bethany, Chris’s personal assistant is the main character. She is mentioned way too much for a side character. And the fact that she is so damn annoying didn’t help like her or something. I didn’t see her role in this story.
There’s sexual tension between Chris and Liev, but I didn’t feel a stronger connection between them to fall for each other after one week and one night together. I didn’t feel it at all! Actually, Liev knows very early that he loves Chris, close to 45%. Mhmmm..it was a bit early for me..Some parts are really ridiculous so I had to roll my eyes a few times and the ending like the entire story actually, was very predictable.
All in all, Guarded Desires was a sweet read with a little drama, but unfortunately just an ok read for me!
Chris is an actor, a sex symbol. Every woman wants to sleep with him and he sleeps with them. He is in Australia to promote his new movie. Chris is straight and has never been attracted to another man. Everything changes when he meets his new bodyguard Liev, who is bi. He’s attracted immediately to him, wondering how it will be with a man.
I liked the premise from the start, a movie star falling in love with his bodyguard. However, it just fell a little flat for me.
Chris was a little easy. He accepted too easy that he is bi or gay since he is straight. He didn’t struggle with his feeling too much, from the start wanting to spend some hot time with Liev. For a guy who was straight all his life he was for sure ready to try anything.
At some point I thought that Bethany, Chris’s personal assistant is the main character. She is mentioned way too much for a side character. And the fact that she is so damn annoying didn’t help like her or something. I didn’t see her role in this story.
There’s sexual tension between Chris and Liev, but I didn’t feel a stronger connection between them to fall for each other after one week and one night together. I didn’t feel it at all! Actually, Liev knows very early that he loves Chris, close to 45%. Mhmmm..it was a bit early for me..Some parts are really ridiculous so I had to roll my eyes a few times and the ending like the entire story actually, was very predictable.
All in all, Guarded Desires was a sweet read with a little drama, but unfortunately just an ok read for me!
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October 3, 2017DNF @60% for being the dumbest thing I've read in a long time. I was trying to stick this out cuz I'm cheap w my audio credits but then Chris' PA starts sucking his dick so he and Liev will realize they are attracted to each other. Seriously...... She wanders around in skimpy clothes so they guys will think she's super hot but even despite that, they"ll want each other. Then she leaves a note for one mc so he'll come looking for her. Then she sucks the other MC's dick so they'll get all jealous & go to each other.
When a book's major plot point literally revolves around a blow job conspiracy, done in a Scooby Doo gang manner, I've got to tap out. Tap. The. F@$%.. Out!
The narrator was Australian so his Aussie accent was fine but his American one was pretty bad. His women's voices were even worse.
Gah.....just not good.
When a book's major plot point literally revolves around a blow job conspiracy, done in a Scooby Doo gang manner, I've got to tap out. Tap. The. F@$%.. Out!
The narrator was Australian so his Aussie accent was fine but his American one was pretty bad. His women's voices were even worse.
Gah.....just not good.
June 3, 2019
Spoilers ahead,1.5*
This is Liev and Chris's story the friend and new brother in law of the H of the previous book. From what we know of Chris we know he's only been with women so when I saw him attracted to Liev I was a bit startled, but his doubts and his thoughts in the way he felt made it obvious that was a new development. Liev is bisexual so he's comfortable with his attraction to Chris. My problem is Bethany, who's Chris's new PA. From the way Liev and to a lesser extent Chris talked about her attractiveness I actually thought this would be a menage. She was everywhere and seemed to know everything. She offered little comments to Liev about his attraction to his employer that were highly inappropriate as a fellow employee, but I continued reading to see where the plot would take me. Then we get to the incident by the pool where Bethany starts giving Chris a bj, she left a not for Liev to join them so I really thought it would've been a menage.....nope Bethany started the bj so Liev would find them and he and Chris would admit they wanted each other......now I've played matchmaker before but I've never sucked a guy's cock to hook him up with someone! What the hell was that????? And the thing is Chris and Liev were already developing feelings for each other, though they were fighting it, so this scene just smacked just a little too close to cheating to please me. Then Chris saying he was thinking of Liev the whole time was just bs. I didn't get Bethany's role here, she actually ruined the whole thing.
Considering Chris had been straight his whole life it was surprising how fast he accepted his attraction to Liev after the initial hesitance. Also his comments in the car deserved a beatdown not acceptance from Liev. He's struggling with his feelings but that doesn't mean he can be an ass about it.
The sexual tension between Chris and Liev was hot as hell and without Bethany I would've definitely enjoyed this a lot more. It's like the author was thinking triad then decided to go with m/m. I skimmed to the end.
Very disappointed!
This is Liev and Chris's story the friend and new brother in law of the H of the previous book. From what we know of Chris we know he's only been with women so when I saw him attracted to Liev I was a bit startled, but his doubts and his thoughts in the way he felt made it obvious that was a new development. Liev is bisexual so he's comfortable with his attraction to Chris. My problem is Bethany, who's Chris's new PA. From the way Liev and to a lesser extent Chris talked about her attractiveness I actually thought this would be a menage. She was everywhere and seemed to know everything. She offered little comments to Liev about his attraction to his employer that were highly inappropriate as a fellow employee, but I continued reading to see where the plot would take me. Then we get to the incident by the pool where Bethany starts giving Chris a bj, she left a not for Liev to join them so I really thought it would've been a menage.....nope Bethany started the bj so Liev would find them and he and Chris would admit they wanted each other......now I've played matchmaker before but I've never sucked a guy's cock to hook him up with someone! What the hell was that????? And the thing is Chris and Liev were already developing feelings for each other, though they were fighting it, so this scene just smacked just a little too close to cheating to please me. Then Chris saying he was thinking of Liev the whole time was just bs. I didn't get Bethany's role here, she actually ruined the whole thing.
Considering Chris had been straight his whole life it was surprising how fast he accepted his attraction to Liev after the initial hesitance. Also his comments in the car deserved a beatdown not acceptance from Liev. He's struggling with his feelings but that doesn't mean he can be an ass about it.
The sexual tension between Chris and Liev was hot as hell and without Bethany I would've definitely enjoyed this a lot more. It's like the author was thinking triad then decided to go with m/m. I skimmed to the end.
Very disappointed!
June 16, 2013
I wish I could rate the author's first M/M book higher, but it was all about how awesome Bethany was and how she got the two guys together, not really about Chris and Liev working out their own issues as two grown adult men.
July 17, 2013
Favorite Quote: “Your cock is truly a thing of beauty.”
I couldn’t resist this book when I learned the premise is a famous actor who falls for his bodyguard. Even better, the famous actor aka Chris Huntley has never been attracted to a man before. Ooh la la.
When Chris travels to Australia to promote his new project, he takes one look at his new Aussie bodyguard, Liev Reynolds, and can’t stop the uncontrollable lust that washes over him. Chris has never been attracted to a man before and this urge to touch Liev and do other naughty things is confusing to Chris. He has always played roles as the funny, sexy playboy. Women swarm him, and he has had his fair share of them. Yet he finds himself never feeling truly connected to any of them.
Liev is bisexual, and is also attracted to Chris. Having to guard him 24/7 leaves him in very close quarters with the actor, and soon their desires are too much to ignore.
This book has a very over the top, insane amount of lust in it. It has a certain cracky feel to it. There is a ton of cocks that tighten, groins that ache, the base of someone’s spine “sizzled with impending orgasm” and even a self pleasuring scene where Liev “mauled his scrotum” he is so turned on. And after he mauls his scrotum – well, this is the result…
He was going to come. He was going to come and he wasn’t prepared.
Oh Liev! Prepare yourself!
We need one more example of the smexy, right?
Chris sucked in a sharp breath, Liev held him in a firm fist, arching over Chris to direct the tip of his cock to Liev's.
Head spinning, Chris looked down the length of his body, watching as their pre-come mixed on the ends of their penises. The fluid glistened, a thin thread that joined their bodies together in a way more profound than Chris could fathom.
“Oh boy,” he breathed, his mouth going dry.
“It looks amazing, doesn’t it?”
Peen to peen, y’all. I love it *giggle*
And not to leave Chris out because at one point, during his extreme sexual frustration he thinks, “Christ, all he wanted to do was just exist with Liev.” There are some epic feelings in this book. I enjoyed the craziness of it all.
However, there were some things I didn’t enjoy. While it takes awhile for Chris and Liev to work up the courage to enter into a physical relationship, I kind of wished Chris had not taken to it all so easily. I wanted there to be a little bit of awkwardness or something in the physical aspect with Liev since this was all so new to him. But it all goes pretty smoothly. The scenes are really hot, don’t get me wrong and there is a lot of sexy times in this book, but maybe a bit more drama would have been nice.
My biggest frustration came with the supporting character of Bethany who is Chris’s personal assistant. A Miss professional, know it all who does something so ridiculous halfway through this book that it made my eyes roll, hard. It is her way of helping Chris and Liev get together – but it made absolutely no sense. And later on she is always walking in on them while they are having sex and again, this made no sense to me. I would have enjoyed this book much more had she not been in it.
For the most part this is a fun book although be prepared for crazy, intense lust. And a personal assistant who may annoy you.
Rating: C+
I couldn’t resist this book when I learned the premise is a famous actor who falls for his bodyguard. Even better, the famous actor aka Chris Huntley has never been attracted to a man before. Ooh la la.
When Chris travels to Australia to promote his new project, he takes one look at his new Aussie bodyguard, Liev Reynolds, and can’t stop the uncontrollable lust that washes over him. Chris has never been attracted to a man before and this urge to touch Liev and do other naughty things is confusing to Chris. He has always played roles as the funny, sexy playboy. Women swarm him, and he has had his fair share of them. Yet he finds himself never feeling truly connected to any of them.
Liev is bisexual, and is also attracted to Chris. Having to guard him 24/7 leaves him in very close quarters with the actor, and soon their desires are too much to ignore.
This book has a very over the top, insane amount of lust in it. It has a certain cracky feel to it. There is a ton of cocks that tighten, groins that ache, the base of someone’s spine “sizzled with impending orgasm” and even a self pleasuring scene where Liev “mauled his scrotum” he is so turned on. And after he mauls his scrotum – well, this is the result…
He was going to come. He was going to come and he wasn’t prepared.
Oh Liev! Prepare yourself!
We need one more example of the smexy, right?
Chris sucked in a sharp breath, Liev held him in a firm fist, arching over Chris to direct the tip of his cock to Liev's.
Head spinning, Chris looked down the length of his body, watching as their pre-come mixed on the ends of their penises. The fluid glistened, a thin thread that joined their bodies together in a way more profound than Chris could fathom.
“Oh boy,” he breathed, his mouth going dry.
“It looks amazing, doesn’t it?”
Peen to peen, y’all. I love it *giggle*
And not to leave Chris out because at one point, during his extreme sexual frustration he thinks, “Christ, all he wanted to do was just exist with Liev.” There are some epic feelings in this book. I enjoyed the craziness of it all.
However, there were some things I didn’t enjoy. While it takes awhile for Chris and Liev to work up the courage to enter into a physical relationship, I kind of wished Chris had not taken to it all so easily. I wanted there to be a little bit of awkwardness or something in the physical aspect with Liev since this was all so new to him. But it all goes pretty smoothly. The scenes are really hot, don’t get me wrong and there is a lot of sexy times in this book, but maybe a bit more drama would have been nice.
My biggest frustration came with the supporting character of Bethany who is Chris’s personal assistant. A Miss professional, know it all who does something so ridiculous halfway through this book that it made my eyes roll, hard. It is her way of helping Chris and Liev get together – but it made absolutely no sense. And later on she is always walking in on them while they are having sex and again, this made no sense to me. I would have enjoyed this book much more had she not been in it.
For the most part this is a fun book although be prepared for crazy, intense lust. And a personal assistant who may annoy you.
Rating: C+
July 23, 2013
"A desire and need and hunger that changed everything. Everything."
I absolutely loved this book - it pressed all the right buttons and was just what I was in the mood for!
For some reason (probably wanting to believe in fairytales), I adore stories where a famous person falls for an ordinary guy. Ok, so Liev wasn't exactly your run-of-the-mill guy, at least not where I hang out "...a six foot three bi-sexual firefighting bodyguard..." but I'm sure you get the gist.
Chris is an actor with a high rating TV show and a new blockbuster action movie about to be released. He is in Australia for the premiere. Chris has a reputation as a real ladies man and has never been attracted to another man. That all changes when he meets Liev, the bodyguard assigned to watch over him for the week in Sydney.
Liev was a gorgeous character - sexy, protective, caring. He wanted to do the right thing by Chris and I just wanted him to get his so well deserved happy ending.
What I most liked about this story was Chris' reaction to his attraction to Liev. He is wildly turned on but it isn't purely a physical attraction. "It had little to do with Liev's sexy Australian accent and everything to do with the way Chris felt...complete when the man was near him. Not just safe, complete. Which only confused Chris more. He hadn't realised he wasn't whole until then."
But there is no doubting their chemistry and the sex is hot - it is raw, hard and passionate - and there is no holding Chris back, even if he's never had this type of sex before.
The direction the story took was pleasantly surprising, NOT falling into the standard plot line of the celebrity running from being found out to be gay. Of course things don't go smoothly. Firstly there are all the problems associated with the men acknowledging they should be together and finally the problems trying to sort out the future.
My only concern with the story was the role Chris' PA Bethany played in bringing the men together. I really liked her character but never fully understood her true motivation for bringing Chris and Liev together. I'm glad she did but the tactics she used just didn't seem to fit with the professional assistant she appeared as - she didn't even call Chris by his first name so her actions were very surprising.
Actor, bodyguard, action, drama, sexual chemistry....4.5 stars!
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
I absolutely loved this book - it pressed all the right buttons and was just what I was in the mood for!
For some reason (probably wanting to believe in fairytales), I adore stories where a famous person falls for an ordinary guy. Ok, so Liev wasn't exactly your run-of-the-mill guy, at least not where I hang out "...a six foot three bi-sexual firefighting bodyguard..." but I'm sure you get the gist.
Chris is an actor with a high rating TV show and a new blockbuster action movie about to be released. He is in Australia for the premiere. Chris has a reputation as a real ladies man and has never been attracted to another man. That all changes when he meets Liev, the bodyguard assigned to watch over him for the week in Sydney.
Liev was a gorgeous character - sexy, protective, caring. He wanted to do the right thing by Chris and I just wanted him to get his so well deserved happy ending.
What I most liked about this story was Chris' reaction to his attraction to Liev. He is wildly turned on but it isn't purely a physical attraction. "It had little to do with Liev's sexy Australian accent and everything to do with the way Chris felt...complete when the man was near him. Not just safe, complete. Which only confused Chris more. He hadn't realised he wasn't whole until then."
But there is no doubting their chemistry and the sex is hot - it is raw, hard and passionate - and there is no holding Chris back, even if he's never had this type of sex before.
The direction the story took was pleasantly surprising, NOT falling into the standard plot line of the celebrity running from being found out to be gay. Of course things don't go smoothly. Firstly there are all the problems associated with the men acknowledging they should be together and finally the problems trying to sort out the future.
My only concern with the story was the role Chris' PA Bethany played in bringing the men together. I really liked her character but never fully understood her true motivation for bringing Chris and Liev together. I'm glad she did but the tactics she used just didn't seem to fit with the professional assistant she appeared as - she didn't even call Chris by his first name so her actions were very surprising.
Actor, bodyguard, action, drama, sexual chemistry....4.5 stars!
I now publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
March 30, 2014
I like this series and I was interested to see how Chris Hurley’s, the sexiest Hollywood superstar, story would turn out.
Well…..turns out that it would be a GFY tale!!! Chris, heterosexual meets Liev, his bodyguard, who just happens to be bi-sexual…..and WOW…..soon sparks and more erupt!!! What, Chris getting turned on by a male!! No, really!!! Yes, really!!!
This is such a funny and sweet read. Lots of yearning, stolen looks and kisses, cock rubbing, hot and wet kisses, blowjobs……..MINDBLOWING….for Chris & Live that is!!!!!!!
I loved the whole bodyguard romance thing….and so enjoyed the Australian feel of the book….hugged and boinked by a baby kangaroo…..hell, mate…what next!!!!!!!
I liked Liev – he was this hard-assed and dangerous…did I say dangerous…well, bodyguards are suppose to be……but he had a soft heart too….check the interaction between him and his niece…so totally sweet!!
But,,,hey I loved Chris……..what a heartthrob…..i had these images of the shows he appeared on to promote his new film and …….COME OUT……no…..don’t despair………the world loves him and his films………LOVE WINS IN THE END……..it overcomes all the obstacles…..trust me when I say that…because that’s what happens to these two fabulous men!!! Everyone is so accepting and loving…you can’t help feeling the same way!!!
No, seriously, I loved reading this…….I probably would have given it a 5 star…but!!!!! Yes, there’s a but!! Can someone tell me what the hell Chris’s PA, Bethany was doing here????? It was like…where did she fit in ….In the beginning I had this idea that she would be part of a threesome with the two guys……but no….sorry guys….yikes…….SPOILER SPOILER…..of course she could play a part in the future….otherwise she would be …what????? Waste of space?????
Anyway, despite all the trials and tribulations, LOVE WINS…..and I am now wanting to know where Chris & Live will go….will we see more of them in the next books???? I HOPE SO!!!
Finally, here’s one of the reasons I loved Chris…yes, I am a fickle woman….but really, it wasn’t just his looks I loved…lots of other things too!!!
Well…..turns out that it would be a GFY tale!!! Chris, heterosexual meets Liev, his bodyguard, who just happens to be bi-sexual…..and WOW…..soon sparks and more erupt!!! What, Chris getting turned on by a male!! No, really!!! Yes, really!!!
This is such a funny and sweet read. Lots of yearning, stolen looks and kisses, cock rubbing, hot and wet kisses, blowjobs……..MINDBLOWING….for Chris & Live that is!!!!!!!
I loved the whole bodyguard romance thing….and so enjoyed the Australian feel of the book….hugged and boinked by a baby kangaroo…..hell, mate…what next!!!!!!!
I liked Liev – he was this hard-assed and dangerous…did I say dangerous…well, bodyguards are suppose to be……but he had a soft heart too….check the interaction between him and his niece…so totally sweet!!
But,,,hey I loved Chris……..what a heartthrob…..i had these images of the shows he appeared on to promote his new film and …….COME OUT……no…..don’t despair………the world loves him and his films………LOVE WINS IN THE END……..it overcomes all the obstacles…..trust me when I say that…because that’s what happens to these two fabulous men!!! Everyone is so accepting and loving…you can’t help feeling the same way!!!
No, seriously, I loved reading this…….I probably would have given it a 5 star…but!!!!! Yes, there’s a but!! Can someone tell me what the hell Chris’s PA, Bethany was doing here????? It was like…where did she fit in ….In the beginning I had this idea that she would be part of a threesome with the two guys……but no….sorry guys….yikes…….SPOILER SPOILER…..of course she could play a part in the future….otherwise she would be …what????? Waste of space?????
Anyway, despite all the trials and tribulations, LOVE WINS…..and I am now wanting to know where Chris & Live will go….will we see more of them in the next books???? I HOPE SO!!!
Finally, here’s one of the reasons I loved Chris…yes, I am a fickle woman….but really, it wasn’t just his looks I loved…lots of other things too!!!
July 19, 2013
OMG! I just finished reading Guarded Desires by one of my fave Aussie author, Lexxie Couper, and it was AWESOME!!! I love this series and the stories just keep getting better and better. What I can't believe is that this is Lexxie's first male/male story she's written. If she did any better, I just might self-combust or have heat stroke. LOL! All I know is that Lexxie NEEDS to write more stories in this genre. Damn, Liev and Chris were SO good together and burned up the pages with their smoldering looks, deep lingering kisses and hot, hot, hot sex scenes.
I love when one of the heroes in a story struggle with his sexual preference and must come to terms with what's really in his heart. Chris Huntley is an American movie star who has slept with many starlets but has yet to find the "one". He's currently in Australia promoting his new film and Liev Reynolds has been hired as his personal bodyguard to protect him. One look, one touch has Chris denying, then questioning his sexuality and what that would do to his career. Will Chris finally admit his feelings for another man and act on them?
Liev doesn't "do" commitment or relationships but will Chris be the one to change that for this sexy Australian? He takes his job as a bodyguard seriously and will do whatever it takes to ensure Chris' safety as well as making sure his career remains intact. He struggles with his growing feelings that have turned personal. Another thing I love is when the hero is honorable and bound and determined to do the "right" thing and you see him tortured by that decision. This just adds to the character's sex appeal. I loved how caring and tender Liev was towards Chris, knowing that it was his first time with another man. Holy smokes! I didn't want these scenes to end "fans self".
A secondary character that I hope gets her own story is Chris' P.A., Bethany. I adored her and enjoyed her hand in matchmaking and getting these two stubborn guys together. She was no-nonsense yet caring and we got to see the reason behind her support of this coupling.
Another fabulous story that I could not stop reading and had to finish all in one sitting. This is a MUST read for all Lexxie's fans, fan of this series or fan of m/m stories. You will not be disappointed.
I love when one of the heroes in a story struggle with his sexual preference and must come to terms with what's really in his heart. Chris Huntley is an American movie star who has slept with many starlets but has yet to find the "one". He's currently in Australia promoting his new film and Liev Reynolds has been hired as his personal bodyguard to protect him. One look, one touch has Chris denying, then questioning his sexuality and what that would do to his career. Will Chris finally admit his feelings for another man and act on them?
Liev doesn't "do" commitment or relationships but will Chris be the one to change that for this sexy Australian? He takes his job as a bodyguard seriously and will do whatever it takes to ensure Chris' safety as well as making sure his career remains intact. He struggles with his growing feelings that have turned personal. Another thing I love is when the hero is honorable and bound and determined to do the "right" thing and you see him tortured by that decision. This just adds to the character's sex appeal. I loved how caring and tender Liev was towards Chris, knowing that it was his first time with another man. Holy smokes! I didn't want these scenes to end "fans self".
A secondary character that I hope gets her own story is Chris' P.A., Bethany. I adored her and enjoyed her hand in matchmaking and getting these two stubborn guys together. She was no-nonsense yet caring and we got to see the reason behind her support of this coupling.
Another fabulous story that I could not stop reading and had to finish all in one sitting. This is a MUST read for all Lexxie's fans, fan of this series or fan of m/m stories. You will not be disappointed.
October 19, 2014
I loved, loved, loved this book! Such a sweet, romantic, sexy and hot lovestory. That the characters are a Hollywood action hero and a hot sizzling Australian bodyguard just made it even more perfect. I'm a sucker for the movie "The Bodyguard" so I just knew I'd love this story. And I *heart* stories of a first time for one of the guys. And let me tell you their first time was sizzling hot! Definitely a must-read and even though Bethany is a tiny little bit annoying and really shouldn't have shown up in that one sex scene, I'm giving it 5 stars : )
April 24, 2017
This book was really hard to read because of Bethany. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell she is there and being hyped because she's the heroine of an upcoming book in the series, but the way she interacts with the main characters is beyond intrusive. She's perfect and she is everywhere, and it's almost jarring when she appears on the scene.
July 12, 2013
Chris and Liev
I liked Chris and Liev together. I had some issues with Bethany though and the fact that she never seemed to go away. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
I liked Chris and Liev together. I had some issues with Bethany though and the fact that she never seemed to go away. Full review to come on Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
June 14, 2013
Damn this Aussie knows how to turn up the heat! Another amazing story in the Heart of Fame series by Lexxie Couper! This is the first male/male love story written by this author and you would NEVER know it. The sexual tension she builds between them is just the kindling to the fire that she sets for them.
Be warned!... You will require a cold shower or two after or even while reading this to cool the flames!
Chris Huntly is "the" Hollywood actor that has a new young beautiful woman on his arm all the time but when he lays eyes on his new hunky Aussie bodyguard Liev Reynolds he is taken back by the insta-lust he gets from just looking at him. The want he feels for Liev is nothing like anything he has ever experienced and he doesn't know how to react. When Liev finally let's Chris know how he feels the sparks ignite.
Things get even more interesting when Chris's personal assistant gets into the mix. She sees what's happening and understands the two men are torn about what they want from each other. So of course she does what any good assistant does, she assists, and helps fuel that need, little pushes here and perfectly placed questions, phrases, and actions there help to build the fire.
Once the two men give into the desire there is nothing holding them back, well nothing but pride. If Chris can over come his public image and give into his desire for his bodyguard Liev all could work out.
This is a inferno of a love story between two men who have guarded their hearts for so long and have finally found their hearts desire in each other! I highly recommend this series. Another bonus other than the scorching hot love scenes and burning tension is that this book can be read as a stand alone .
READ IT, READ IT, READ IT!
* I received this book as an ARC for a true and unbiassed opinion.
Be warned!... You will require a cold shower or two after or even while reading this to cool the flames!
Chris Huntly is "the" Hollywood actor that has a new young beautiful woman on his arm all the time but when he lays eyes on his new hunky Aussie bodyguard Liev Reynolds he is taken back by the insta-lust he gets from just looking at him. The want he feels for Liev is nothing like anything he has ever experienced and he doesn't know how to react. When Liev finally let's Chris know how he feels the sparks ignite.
Things get even more interesting when Chris's personal assistant gets into the mix. She sees what's happening and understands the two men are torn about what they want from each other. So of course she does what any good assistant does, she assists, and helps fuel that need, little pushes here and perfectly placed questions, phrases, and actions there help to build the fire.
Once the two men give into the desire there is nothing holding them back, well nothing but pride. If Chris can over come his public image and give into his desire for his bodyguard Liev all could work out.
This is a inferno of a love story between two men who have guarded their hearts for so long and have finally found their hearts desire in each other! I highly recommend this series. Another bonus other than the scorching hot love scenes and burning tension is that this book can be read as a stand alone .
READ IT, READ IT, READ IT!
* I received this book as an ARC for a true and unbiassed opinion.
October 29, 2013
This is the kind of Erotic novel I've been looking for. I've been needing something really dirty and I found that with Guarded Desires. I don't read a whole lot of M/M, but I gotta say, there is something so hot about a good sword fight. This book was so hot that I'm still having hot flashes just thinking about it! I can't form coherent thoughts. Know this...my husband reaped the rewards of me reading this book. Multiple times. This is also the kind of book I'll set aside for when I need inspiration. Yes, I have several moments highlighted for future use. Aside from the sexy times, I really did like Chris and Liev. Individually they were great guys and together they were smokin'. I highly recommend this one if you're a fan of Erotica.
Note: Even though this is part of a series, I feel like this can be read as a stand alone.
Note: Even though this is part of a series, I feel like this can be read as a stand alone.
August 24, 2014
I didn't notice any other books for this author as M/M but wow did she nail it with this. I am not a fan of angst or the "will he" questioning type of scenarios so this book was great. I read it in one sitting, couldn't put it down in fact! Highly recommend this book, as it flowed nicely, didn't have any editing issues, good steam factor and of course my HEA. It is part of a series but most definitely a stand alone, without the long chapters explaining prior books,which was greatly appreciated as it was unnecessary. Fast paced, good action and some eyebrow raising scenes with some interesting characters. Two thumbs up people!
October 13, 2014
.....
I don't know what to say!!! This book was torture for the first half of it and OMGS I almost abandoned ship but then it was such a nice thing that happened at the zoo (or wildlife preserve or whatevs). Then it just had to abuse my feels again till almost the end of the book. *rants* ....
Very nice of him to stand his ground! I have little sympathy for Hollywood. Hmph.
I don't know what to say!!! This book was torture for the first half of it and OMGS I almost abandoned ship but then it was such a nice thing that happened at the zoo (or wildlife preserve or whatevs). Then it just had to abuse my feels again till almost the end of the book. *rants* ....
Very nice of him to stand his ground! I have little sympathy for Hollywood. Hmph.
July 16, 2013
Hands down, this is your BEST series, Lexxie Couper!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Chris and Liev... (and that says A LOT, considering I LOVED Nick and Aslin beyond words, too) MY GAWD, the chemistry between them was so freakin' HAWT!!!! And they were just so sweet together *LE SIGH*
September 12, 2013
This was a fantastic, hot and sexy MM debut. I love the whole bodyguard trope and this is a great twist on it. Both these guys are awesomely hot!
December 28, 2014
DAMN - Sweet, funny and SEXY as all hell!!!!! No read the first two just to get a little background before reading this one. This FAR surpasses them.
March 30, 2023
Estoy indeciso si calificarlo con tres estrellas, la verdad.
El libro comenzó bien, muy bien. La narración era perfecta, te lo juro. Ni tan molestosa, muy relajada. Y sobre todo permitía leerlo sin aburrirse.
Chris es hetero, mucho, pero Liev le provoca algo al momento de mirarlo. Vamos, la trama era perfecta: hetero, bi-despertar. Joder, tenía todo lo bueno. Pero vamos aquí, y esto es lo malo cuando una escritora MF, se atreve a escribir un libro MM, lo malogra. Empezando con que Liev tenía algo de atracción hacia la secretaria, y no le importaba hacer un trío. Segundo, con la escena MMF, que creo que a más de uno le pareció que sobraba, y que no tenía nada que ver con la trama original.
sí, dudando si se merece esas tres estrellas...
El libro comenzó bien, muy bien. La narración era perfecta, te lo juro. Ni tan molestosa, muy relajada. Y sobre todo permitía leerlo sin aburrirse.
Chris es hetero, mucho, pero Liev le provoca algo al momento de mirarlo. Vamos, la trama era perfecta: hetero, bi-despertar. Joder, tenía todo lo bueno. Pero vamos aquí, y esto es lo malo cuando una escritora MF, se atreve a escribir un libro MM, lo malogra. Empezando con que Liev tenía algo de atracción hacia la secretaria, y no le importaba hacer un trío. Segundo, con la escena MMF, que creo que a más de uno le pareció que sobraba, y que no tenía nada que ver con la trama original.
sí, dudando si se merece esas tres estrellas...
April 15, 2022
I found a bunch of paperbacks of this series at Lifeline. This one has two men as a leads, and definitely suffers from some “straight woman writing gay men” issues (noting that one is bisexual, and the other is “gay for you” - Exhibit A). And the assistant character just didn’t connect in for me. But I thought the story was engaging if slightly overblown.
This particular edition did need another edit. There’s a early error where Circular Quay is called Circular “Key” that made me cringe. And I’ve never heard of silicone condoms.
Anyway, not amazing but I’ll read the other books I’ve got.
This particular edition did need another edit. There’s a early error where Circular Quay is called Circular “Key” that made me cringe. And I’ve never heard of silicone condoms.
Anyway, not amazing but I’ll read the other books I’ve got.
December 9, 2019
I laughed all through this. I wanted a easy listen to get me through the work day and thought this seemed benign enough. An easy read while blocking out the real world. I chose the audio version from NYPL and I couldn't stop laughing and cringing. My god. Dear hell. Insta-love. Totally unbelievable characters. Very descriptive sex. So many penis descriptions. How many ways can we describe the same two penises? Two stars because it kept me from mainlining reality.
May 30, 2021
When I started this series, I was not thrilled with the first book but each book gets better and better! I really liked this book with Chris and Leiv, and the tension was amazing. This book had the best pacing so far when it came to acting on their feelings. I like my books with a little restraint and to wait for that final moment was worth it.
July 20, 2013
4,5 stars
Even though I knew I was going to buy and read this book from the moment it was announced (right after I finished MUSCLE FOR HIRE, book 2 in this series) I started it with a healthy amount of trepidation. Why, you ask?
Because it was my first ever m/m romance without any ménage elements and without any female involvement in the romance and sex. If you know me or have taken a look at my shelves you will see that this is a first for me and it is not without a healthy dose of hesitation that I step outside my comfort zone. But as I said on FB: for Lexxie Couper I am willing to tread these unchartered waters.
What appealed to me a lot in this book was the gay-for-you theme. I loved the way Chris, a sex symbol for women and heterosexual as far as he knows, reacts to his initial sexual attraction to and later feelings for Liev. And it made me read those parts with a smile on my face. The confusion, disbelief and denial worked perfectly for the story. It also formed a great contrast to Liev's reactions to his attraction to Chris. Liev, comfortable with his bisexuality, is much more at ease with the attraction and feelings Chris evokes in him. This all created a wonderful dynamic of chemistry and sexual tension
I really liked Bethany. With her character Lexxie Couper gave me something I wasn't expecting at all and it serves me right because I shouldn't make assumptions, certainly not about a m/m romance. However, I suspect that my reason for liking Bethany and her role in the book, will be the reason seasoned m/m readers will dislike the part she played in this story but I don't care, I liked her character and the role she played in the development of the romance. I also loved the snippets about Aslin and Rowan. I really loved their book and characters and was happy to get a glimpse of them and their HEA.
It's not a surprise I love Lexxie Couper's writing style. The unapologetic explicitness and blunt directness in her writing are what I adore and click with. In GUARDED DESIRES it really suited the more raw feel sexual tension between two males creates. This sexual tension was exquisitely written. And of course there is always the dry humor. It shone through in the dialogues, especially the ones between Chris and Liev.
So what did I think of my first m/m romance reading experience you ask?
Well I truly enjoyed reading this book but cannot say I'm hooked on the subgenre. Whether I'll read more in the subgenre will depend on author and series because IMHO this one worked for me because it was a gay-for-you written into a favorite series by one of my very favorite authors whose writing is totally up my alley!
Fave Scenes:
- the first kiss, against the door in the restaurant > holy moly, that was a smokin' hot one!
- the BJ > I'm not explaining which one, you'll know it when you read it. And no it's not *that* one. I'm talking Liev and Chris. Describing this scene as scorching, smokin' or combustible...all understatements!
- the 'snuggle virgin' convo scene > funny and HOT!
- the scene at the wildlife park > I loved Chris in that scene! He was magnificent!
Fave Quotes:
He was a sex symbol, women wanted to sleep with him and he slept with women. That was the way it was.
Which explained why he was petrified watching the Australian bodyguard his brother-in-law had arranged to protect him while back in Oz draw closer. Because he’d never ever had his dick harden at the sight of a man. Harden, for f*ck’s sake.
Liev didn’t do conflicted and complicated.
Liev did simple.
But there was nothing simple about the way Chris Huntley was looking at him. Nothing.
And there was nothing simple about the way Liev’s body was reacting to that look.
He’d known the man was a firefighter when he wasn’t working as a bodyguard, but now all Chris could do was picture him half-undressed, glistening with sweat, his hands wrapped around a freaking massive hose jutting out from the region of his groin. Subtlety, it seemed, was not one of Chris’s newly confused brain’s strong points.
When the actor’s fingers fumbled with Liev’s belt buckle, Liev thought he’d pass out. When Chris yanked the buckle free, when he reached for Liev’s fly, black swirls of need erupted in Liev’s head.
And then Liev had kissed him back, and Chris’s head had exploded with raw, elemental lust, total, complete rapture. Nothing had mattered any more except that lust, that euphoria. He’d given himself over to every urge and want and longing that filled him. He’d touched the man, flesh to flesh, and was engulfed in new lust and rapture all over again the second Liev’s erection pressed to his.
“Why the hell would I be pissed you slept with my brother-in-law? You’re both grown men and I like you enough to know family get-togethers wouldn’t be a living hell to experience. I’m pissed because you’re too gutless to accept what seems to me to be something pretty special, and I’m the one dealing with the fall-out because Rowan has her hands full looking after our baby girl. By the way, Rowan says if you don’t stop breaking her brother’s heart she’s going to kick your balls so far up into your ass, you’ll need a mining team to find them again. Her words, Reynolds, not mine.”
Even though I knew I was going to buy and read this book from the moment it was announced (right after I finished MUSCLE FOR HIRE, book 2 in this series) I started it with a healthy amount of trepidation. Why, you ask?
Because it was my first ever m/m romance without any ménage elements and without any female involvement in the romance and sex. If you know me or have taken a look at my shelves you will see that this is a first for me and it is not without a healthy dose of hesitation that I step outside my comfort zone. But as I said on FB: for Lexxie Couper I am willing to tread these unchartered waters.
What appealed to me a lot in this book was the gay-for-you theme. I loved the way Chris, a sex symbol for women and heterosexual as far as he knows, reacts to his initial sexual attraction to and later feelings for Liev. And it made me read those parts with a smile on my face. The confusion, disbelief and denial worked perfectly for the story. It also formed a great contrast to Liev's reactions to his attraction to Chris. Liev, comfortable with his bisexuality, is much more at ease with the attraction and feelings Chris evokes in him. This all created a wonderful dynamic of chemistry and sexual tension
I really liked Bethany. With her character Lexxie Couper gave me something I wasn't expecting at all and it serves me right because I shouldn't make assumptions, certainly not about a m/m romance. However, I suspect that my reason for liking Bethany and her role in the book, will be the reason seasoned m/m readers will dislike the part she played in this story but I don't care, I liked her character and the role she played in the development of the romance. I also loved the snippets about Aslin and Rowan. I really loved their book and characters and was happy to get a glimpse of them and their HEA.
It's not a surprise I love Lexxie Couper's writing style. The unapologetic explicitness and blunt directness in her writing are what I adore and click with. In GUARDED DESIRES it really suited the more raw feel sexual tension between two males creates. This sexual tension was exquisitely written. And of course there is always the dry humor. It shone through in the dialogues, especially the ones between Chris and Liev.
So what did I think of my first m/m romance reading experience you ask?
Well I truly enjoyed reading this book but cannot say I'm hooked on the subgenre. Whether I'll read more in the subgenre will depend on author and series because IMHO this one worked for me because it was a gay-for-you written into a favorite series by one of my very favorite authors whose writing is totally up my alley!
Fave Scenes:
- the first kiss, against the door in the restaurant > holy moly, that was a smokin' hot one!
- the BJ > I'm not explaining which one, you'll know it when you read it. And no it's not *that* one. I'm talking Liev and Chris. Describing this scene as scorching, smokin' or combustible...all understatements!
- the 'snuggle virgin' convo scene > funny and HOT!
- the scene at the wildlife park > I loved Chris in that scene! He was magnificent!
Fave Quotes:
He was a sex symbol, women wanted to sleep with him and he slept with women. That was the way it was.
Which explained why he was petrified watching the Australian bodyguard his brother-in-law had arranged to protect him while back in Oz draw closer. Because he’d never ever had his dick harden at the sight of a man. Harden, for f*ck’s sake.
Liev didn’t do conflicted and complicated.
Liev did simple.
But there was nothing simple about the way Chris Huntley was looking at him. Nothing.
And there was nothing simple about the way Liev’s body was reacting to that look.
He’d known the man was a firefighter when he wasn’t working as a bodyguard, but now all Chris could do was picture him half-undressed, glistening with sweat, his hands wrapped around a freaking massive hose jutting out from the region of his groin. Subtlety, it seemed, was not one of Chris’s newly confused brain’s strong points.
When the actor’s fingers fumbled with Liev’s belt buckle, Liev thought he’d pass out. When Chris yanked the buckle free, when he reached for Liev’s fly, black swirls of need erupted in Liev’s head.
And then Liev had kissed him back, and Chris’s head had exploded with raw, elemental lust, total, complete rapture. Nothing had mattered any more except that lust, that euphoria. He’d given himself over to every urge and want and longing that filled him. He’d touched the man, flesh to flesh, and was engulfed in new lust and rapture all over again the second Liev’s erection pressed to his.
“Why the hell would I be pissed you slept with my brother-in-law? You’re both grown men and I like you enough to know family get-togethers wouldn’t be a living hell to experience. I’m pissed because you’re too gutless to accept what seems to me to be something pretty special, and I’m the one dealing with the fall-out because Rowan has her hands full looking after our baby girl. By the way, Rowan says if you don’t stop breaking her brother’s heart she’s going to kick your balls so far up into your ass, you’ll need a mining team to find them again. Her words, Reynolds, not mine.”
June 22, 2017
Absolutely loved this book. And the narration was wonderful. This was my first time with this author and this narrator and I devoured it. I loved the Australian accent and his American accent wasn't bad either.
July 20, 2022
I never get tired of reading this gay for you (or bi-for-you) love story between a Hollywood star and his bodyguard. These characters at times were frustrating and drove me crazy but it was the situation that kept them both second guessing their feelings and attraction.
March 19, 2017
Another book w another controlling busybody female. Good intentions don't absolve.
October 26, 2017
Whew! Sexy as hell and romantic in all the perfect ways. The angst was fun as hell and the characters were just perfect together. Gimme mooore. I'm so reading this again
February 15, 2018
I didn't pay attention and notice this was a story about 2 men.
February 20, 2018
Insta-lust turned insta-love. This is a fun and sexy ride, with two alphas who kiss the hell out of each other and more.
Bought from kobo
Bought from kobo
April 10, 2018
Lo único que me desconcertó fue la actitud de Bethany, y sus motivos para juntar a Liev y Chris, de lo demás, puedo decir que me gusto muchísimo la historia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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