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Guarding His Heart
Sizzling-hot basketball star Kevin Koucky plans to end his career with a bang by posing au naturel in a magazine feature. When photographer Jasmin Hook agrees to take the assignment, she never expects the risqué photo shoot to end with a sensual slam dunk. But the handsome athlete comes with children and an ex-wife—emotional baggage Jasmin can’t handle. Little does she know that Kevin always plays to win…
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
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83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 2, 2018
It's a case of love at first sight with me and Guarding His Heart. I mean, look at that cover! Total romance vibe. And I'm happy to report that after finishing this book, my love for this book is even stronger.
Full review at Romances Ever After.
E-ARC is received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Full review at Romances Ever After.
E-ARC is received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2018
This was my first Kimani title and book by this author and i really enjoyed it!
I liked Jasmine right from the start, how she doesn't quickly show she's fallen for Kevin's charms, although she has lol. Their chemistry was amazing and so obvious from the start. So much banter, which is my absolute fave.
The author did a great job of showing Jasmine's passion for her work, as well as her fears that the new project she's embarked on may not be well received, but i love how while she passionate about her new project she never disparages fashion photography as frivolous.
My favourite thing is how both MCs have their fears and vulnerabilities about the changes in their career paths. Kevin has rheumatoid arthritis and is fearful for what will happen when he retires. This is one thing making him hesitant about engaging in a serious relationship with Jasmine. I loved seeing this vulnerable side of Kevin. I really felt when he was surprised his agent would still want to rep him even after he retired from basketball. That was a touching scene because we see how worried he was. And when he told his boys about it? Man, my heart was just so full.
Jasmine's also dealing with some baggage from her step mother but they meet and hash it out. That was a really pivotal scene as well. How, outside of each other, both MCs had internal conflicts to deal with.
Jasmine also has juvenile diabetes which adds even more vulnerability to her character where in the past men she's been in relationships weren't exactly caring about when she had to take her insulin shot. Kevin really won we over even more here. He was great when she wasn't feeling well.
And Kevin big gesture after they break it off was so sweet??? I loved how he tailored it to who Jasmine is and not some generic gesture. It shows he knows her!
And whoo boy, the author brings the sexy here. These two are fiiiire together.
I really enjoyed this title and i'm gonna have to go back and read the other books in this series!
Alsoooo how could i forget that cover. That cover enticed me first then i wanted to know more about these two. It's so stunning! And Jasmine wears the outfit on the cover in the book! :D
I liked Jasmine right from the start, how she doesn't quickly show she's fallen for Kevin's charms, although she has lol. Their chemistry was amazing and so obvious from the start. So much banter, which is my absolute fave.
The author did a great job of showing Jasmine's passion for her work, as well as her fears that the new project she's embarked on may not be well received, but i love how while she passionate about her new project she never disparages fashion photography as frivolous.
My favourite thing is how both MCs have their fears and vulnerabilities about the changes in their career paths. Kevin has rheumatoid arthritis and is fearful for what will happen when he retires. This is one thing making him hesitant about engaging in a serious relationship with Jasmine. I loved seeing this vulnerable side of Kevin. I really felt when he was surprised his agent would still want to rep him even after he retired from basketball. That was a touching scene because we see how worried he was. And when he told his boys about it? Man, my heart was just so full.
Jasmine's also dealing with some baggage from her step mother but they meet and hash it out. That was a really pivotal scene as well. How, outside of each other, both MCs had internal conflicts to deal with.
Jasmine also has juvenile diabetes which adds even more vulnerability to her character where in the past men she's been in relationships weren't exactly caring about when she had to take her insulin shot. Kevin really won we over even more here. He was great when she wasn't feeling well.
And Kevin big gesture after they break it off was so sweet??? I loved how he tailored it to who Jasmine is and not some generic gesture. It shows he knows her!
And whoo boy, the author brings the sexy here. These two are fiiiire together.
I really enjoyed this title and i'm gonna have to go back and read the other books in this series!
Alsoooo how could i forget that cover. That cover enticed me first then i wanted to know more about these two. It's so stunning! And Jasmine wears the outfit on the cover in the book! :D
June 25, 2018
GUARDING HIS HEART is a fun summer romance with great banter that comments on several important topics and does so very well.
Read the full review on my blog!
Read the full review on my blog!
July 2, 2018
I absolutely adore the cover (THAT SKIRT!) but I think it vastly under-represents how steamy this book is. This is the third book in a series about Jacksonville Gators players, but the first I’ve read, and I thought it worked perfectly as a standalone.
Kevin’s marriage to his high school sweetheart fizzled under the stress of being a famous basketball player, and he hasn’t had much luck in relationships since then – though he does have four much-loved children to show for it. At 36, he’s staring down retirement, as his injuries have grown worse and almost caused his team to lose the last championship. Everyone else seems to think he’s an inspiration, which is why he’s modeling naked for the cover shoot of an athletes-in-motion special issue. Flirting with the photographer is more fun than he expected, and when he meets her again later that day, he’s hooked on the chemistry between them. While Jasmine’s known for her celebrity photography, after this last shoot she’s taking time off to photograph cabins lived in by blacks during the Reconstruction, with a gallery showing and a book deal lined up. The last thing she has time for is an affair with an avowed playboy, especially since she’s worried he’s just the type of guy she could lose her heart to. She’s got her own relationship issues, as well as juvenile diabetes, which her last boyfriend resented. Can they both let down their guards long enough to let love in?
From their very first flirty interactions, Jasmine and Kevin had a ton of chemistry. I loved their flirting, and I also adored how assertive Jasmine was in bed. It’s so refreshing to find female characters who know themselves well enough to tell their partners what they want AND to have their partners listen and respect that. Outside of bed, though, they both have trust issues. Jasmine wants a real lasting relationship, and she doesn’t believe that Kevin can give that to her. Kevin is tied up in knots over his decision to retire, but unwilling to share the truth about his health issues with Jasmine since he doesn’t want to burden their “fun” relationship with his angst. His entire self-worth is tied up in basketball, and he can’t imagine anyone – from him agent, to his teammates, to Jasmine – wanting him if his career is over. Watching both Jasmine and Kevin slowly open up to each other was delightful!
I loved that Kevin had a great relationship with his kids and their moms (he has two children from his failed marriage and twins from a ex-girlfriend). There are so many stereotypes around sports celebrities, especially black ones – that they’re deadbeat dads who don’t care about their kids or exes, dumb jocks who spend their millions as soon as they make them, that they forget their roots as soon as they hit the big time. Following advice from older players, Kevin invested his money in businesses around his hometown of Silver Springs, a farming town that was founded by free blacks during the Reconstruction but had been foundering as nothing more than a place for tourists to drive by on the way to Myrtle Beach. His family is such an important part of him, and I loved that Jasmine appreciated that as well.
Overall, this was both a deliciously sexy and utterly heartwarming book, and I will definitely be looking up more of Ms. Williams’ work!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
“I’m a decent dude with an uncertain future, a body breaking down on me, four kids and two women whose hearts I’ve already broken. I’m not trying to drag anyone else into that.”
Kevin’s marriage to his high school sweetheart fizzled under the stress of being a famous basketball player, and he hasn’t had much luck in relationships since then – though he does have four much-loved children to show for it. At 36, he’s staring down retirement, as his injuries have grown worse and almost caused his team to lose the last championship. Everyone else seems to think he’s an inspiration, which is why he’s modeling naked for the cover shoot of an athletes-in-motion special issue. Flirting with the photographer is more fun than he expected, and when he meets her again later that day, he’s hooked on the chemistry between them. While Jasmine’s known for her celebrity photography, after this last shoot she’s taking time off to photograph cabins lived in by blacks during the Reconstruction, with a gallery showing and a book deal lined up. The last thing she has time for is an affair with an avowed playboy, especially since she’s worried he’s just the type of guy she could lose her heart to. She’s got her own relationship issues, as well as juvenile diabetes, which her last boyfriend resented. Can they both let down their guards long enough to let love in?
“It looks scarier than it is,” she said to try to make him feel better. “I’ll do better tomorrow. It’s just that my brain and body don’t always sync up. I think I can push forever, and my body reminds me it’s not invincible.”
His face said he could relate. “That is a hard pill to swallow. Your body not doing what your brain still thinks it can do.”
“You have no idea.”
His sigh was full of defeat. “You’d be surprised.”
From their very first flirty interactions, Jasmine and Kevin had a ton of chemistry. I loved their flirting, and I also adored how assertive Jasmine was in bed. It’s so refreshing to find female characters who know themselves well enough to tell their partners what they want AND to have their partners listen and respect that. Outside of bed, though, they both have trust issues. Jasmine wants a real lasting relationship, and she doesn’t believe that Kevin can give that to her. Kevin is tied up in knots over his decision to retire, but unwilling to share the truth about his health issues with Jasmine since he doesn’t want to burden their “fun” relationship with his angst. His entire self-worth is tied up in basketball, and he can’t imagine anyone – from him agent, to his teammates, to Jasmine – wanting him if his career is over. Watching both Jasmine and Kevin slowly open up to each other was delightful!
“Is your grandmother the only reason I got flowers?” she teased.[…]
“That, and when I saw them, I thought of you. Bright, colorful, happy.” He watched her from the door, one shoulder leaned against the jamb. Since that day she’d gotten sick and he’d helped her, he hadn’t crossed the threshold. She appreciated him respecting her space but really wished he’d cross into it and kiss her again.
She grabbed her clutch purse and strolled back over to him. “You should have led with that.”
I loved that Kevin had a great relationship with his kids and their moms (he has two children from his failed marriage and twins from a ex-girlfriend). There are so many stereotypes around sports celebrities, especially black ones – that they’re deadbeat dads who don’t care about their kids or exes, dumb jocks who spend their millions as soon as they make them, that they forget their roots as soon as they hit the big time. Following advice from older players, Kevin invested his money in businesses around his hometown of Silver Springs, a farming town that was founded by free blacks during the Reconstruction but had been foundering as nothing more than a place for tourists to drive by on the way to Myrtle Beach. His family is such an important part of him, and I loved that Jasmine appreciated that as well.
Overall, this was both a deliciously sexy and utterly heartwarming book, and I will definitely be looking up more of Ms. Williams’ work!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
June 28, 2018
This was a lovely romance story with a great hero and heroine.
Jasmine and Kevin are very well-rounded and realistic characters. They have both been bruised by life & love, and when love comes a knockin', it isn't a magical cure-all for all their issues and insecurities. They have to take a chance and risk getting hurt.
I completely understand Jasmine's initial reluctance to start something with Kevin, who wouldn't be daunted by two exes and 4 kids? Relationships can be difficult enough when it's just two people.
The banter between Kevin and Jasmine was delightful, especially the flirting when they first get to know each other.
Jasmine's a really strong and confident woman, which I really loved! I was completely sold onJasmine's project and felt more than a little disappointed that I couldn't go out and buy her book or go watch her exhibit.
Kevin's a good father and a good man, who does his utmost to maintain a good relationship with both his exes and to be there for his children. He's very determined to be strong & put together, to not be seen as weak. And that is his downfall... because it keeps him from realising how much he cares for Jasmine and it's also the reason why he doesn't want to be honest with her about his rheumatoid arthritis.
I wanted to shake Kevin at a certain point... he took a long time to get to his senses! But he made up for it in the end with a lovely grand gesture!
The supporting characters are very well-written, and helped create a sense of family and support for the hero and heroine. There were quite a lot of "extra scenes" with the supporting cast so to speak, that, though necessary to show the reader who Kevin and Jasmine are and what they've been through, sometimes also slowed down the pacing of the story a bit too much to my liking.
All in all, a very enjoyable read.
Jasmine and Kevin are very well-rounded and realistic characters. They have both been bruised by life & love, and when love comes a knockin', it isn't a magical cure-all for all their issues and insecurities. They have to take a chance and risk getting hurt.
I completely understand Jasmine's initial reluctance to start something with Kevin, who wouldn't be daunted by two exes and 4 kids? Relationships can be difficult enough when it's just two people.
The banter between Kevin and Jasmine was delightful, especially the flirting when they first get to know each other.
Jasmine's a really strong and confident woman, which I really loved! I was completely sold onJasmine's project and felt more than a little disappointed that I couldn't go out and buy her book or go watch her exhibit.
Kevin's a good father and a good man, who does his utmost to maintain a good relationship with both his exes and to be there for his children. He's very determined to be strong & put together, to not be seen as weak. And that is his downfall... because it keeps him from realising how much he cares for Jasmine and it's also the reason why he doesn't want to be honest with her about his rheumatoid arthritis.
I wanted to shake Kevin at a certain point... he took a long time to get to his senses! But he made up for it in the end with a lovely grand gesture!
The supporting characters are very well-written, and helped create a sense of family and support for the hero and heroine. There were quite a lot of "extra scenes" with the supporting cast so to speak, that, though necessary to show the reader who Kevin and Jasmine are and what they've been through, sometimes also slowed down the pacing of the story a bit too much to my liking.
All in all, a very enjoyable read.
July 1, 2018
✦ Basketball player about to retire (divorced, has kids)
✦ Tatts -- and the one he wants as his last tatt at the end? *swoon*
✦ Fashion photographer who wants to do more art (she’s diabetic)
✦ She has blue streaks in her hair, a few special tatts, and some piercings, including nipples
✦ Both are not great at relationships, which causes conflict/drama during their story
✦ Good tension and chemistry -- and I've give the sex a solid B for heat
✦ Also, that cover is so pretty
✦ Definitely plan on reading Williams again
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed
✦ Tatts -- and the one he wants as his last tatt at the end? *swoon*
✦ Fashion photographer who wants to do more art (she’s diabetic)
✦ She has blue streaks in her hair, a few special tatts, and some piercings, including nipples
✦ Both are not great at relationships, which causes conflict/drama during their story
✦ Good tension and chemistry -- and I've give the sex a solid B for heat
✦ Also, that cover is so pretty
✦ Definitely plan on reading Williams again
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
If you wish to look at some quotes/thoughts I highlighted, please check out my Twitter feed
June 25, 2018
Guarding His Heart is a beautiful second chance love story. A captivating read of two gifted and successful individuals, in their broken, wounded hearts found it hard to completely allow themselves to be all in when it came to matters of the heart, love, and thoughts of forever. Who knew that a celebrity photoshoot done tastefully with art and skill by fashion photography Jasmine Hook of NBA phenomenon Kevin Koucky could draw such sparks and possibilities. Not to mention a Summer filled with unexpected surprises and acts that caused both to look deep into themselves, their hearts and past for healing. Kevin and Jasmine’s journey is filled with adventure and fun as they travel on the road to heal and allowing themselves to love each other. Synithia Williams did an outstanding job telling Kevin and Jasmine’s story. This is an unforgettable read that will have you clinging to hopes of a second chance at love and happiness for both Kevin and Jasmine. The warm and fuzzy feeling was electrifying when reading about the sincere love of family, seeing the success of blended families and the power of a father’s love for his children. The sharing of rich history and art was delightful to read as well. You will not be disappointed in what Synithia Williams brings to this amazing story.
August 5, 2018
Awesome story! Loved everything about this sweet, heart-tugging story! Kevin is juggling a lot of balls in the air: his ex-wife, his ex-girlfriend, 4 children and his family's hometown. And he's doing it like a champ. Kevin regrets his past behavior towards the women in his life and it's preventing him from moving on with Jasmine. In addition, he may have to retire from the NBA because of an illness he is keeping secret from Jasmine. Well surprise, Jasmine has a huge secret of her own.
July 21, 2018
Nicely done!
I've been curious about Kevin's story since we met him. He seemed nice enough, but would I really be interested in a guy with four kids and two baby mamas? How sexy was that?
Well, Synithia Williams showed me. I really liked Kevin. He was a good guy and a great father. And yes, he was definitely sexy, lol. I liked Jasmine, too. She was independent, with a great career, and living her best life. Absolutely enjoyed reading about these two falling in love.
I've been curious about Kevin's story since we met him. He seemed nice enough, but would I really be interested in a guy with four kids and two baby mamas? How sexy was that?
Well, Synithia Williams showed me. I really liked Kevin. He was a good guy and a great father. And yes, he was definitely sexy, lol. I liked Jasmine, too. She was independent, with a great career, and living her best life. Absolutely enjoyed reading about these two falling in love.
July 20, 2018
Great read
This was a great read. The story managed to make a pro athlete with four children by two baby mommas seem like a great guy. It also tackled illness, like diabetes and arthritis. This was a well developed story about how co parenting should work.
This was a great read. The story managed to make a pro athlete with four children by two baby mommas seem like a great guy. It also tackled illness, like diabetes and arthritis. This was a well developed story about how co parenting should work.
May 31, 2018
In Guarding His Heart, both Jasmine and Kevin had to learn to trust each other and their hearts to acknowledge when something great enters their lives. Both had trust issues from past experiences that almost cost them the happiness they both deserved. They each had personal issues that they were hiding until they realized that they could be vulnerable to each other. I liked reading about that, and with those subplots being so strong, I feel like the romance almost took a back seat. Their chemistry was a bit mild for me and while I appreciated the fact that they found their way back to each other, I wasn’t necessarily invested.
Guarding His Heart, the second book in the Scoring for Love series is a quick read about letting go of preconceived notions and allowing yourself to love again after heartbreak.
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.**
FULL REVIEW: http://theislandreader.com/review-gua...
Guarding His Heart, the second book in the Scoring for Love series is a quick read about letting go of preconceived notions and allowing yourself to love again after heartbreak.
**I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.**
FULL REVIEW: http://theislandreader.com/review-gua...
May 16, 2018
This is a great story of two people who have to deal with physical ailments and emotional baggage who fall in love even though they’re both scared of what that means. Synithia does a fantastic job of giving us a love story that feels real, like Kevin and Jasmine are my friends and their happiness matters to me.
This was my first ARC (advance reader copy) and I am so glad I found Synithia on Twitter because I got a great story with a hot basketball player and a sexy photographer 🏀📸
This was my first ARC (advance reader copy) and I am so glad I found Synithia on Twitter because I got a great story with a hot basketball player and a sexy photographer 🏀📸
June 11, 2018
This makes the perfect beach read. Very relatable characters with very real obstacles to be dealt with. The writing flows naturally and I really enjoyed the book. Oh, and did I mention the chemistry between the hero and heroine? Sizzling!
May 9, 2018
I liked the story and could definitely relate to the characters.
I was so pleased to receive this book in exchange of an honest review.
While the hero was struggling with his issues, the heroin had some issues to deal with herself. I liked how she was open and bold in her wants and needs, and wasn't a wallflower.
There were some small things I would have preferred, therefore my rating.
I was so pleased to receive this book in exchange of an honest review.
While the hero was struggling with his issues, the heroin had some issues to deal with herself. I liked how she was open and bold in her wants and needs, and wasn't a wallflower.
There were some small things I would have preferred, therefore my rating.
July 22, 2018
Another lovely story
The story was a nice sport-themed story. I liked and found the hero and heroine to be quite adorable. Kevin Koucky was not and all. Jasmine was his perfect match....
The story was a nice sport-themed story. I liked and found the hero and heroine to be quite adorable. Kevin Koucky was not and all. Jasmine was his perfect match....
May 12, 2020
Perfect but Imperfect
It was refreshing to read a story about characters who had everything but had real problems. The male was strong but had weaknesses as much a the female had insecurities...
It was refreshing to read a story about characters who had everything but had real problems. The male was strong but had weaknesses as much a the female had insecurities...
September 1, 2021
Two people not sure if love was for them anymore instead decided to take the easy friends with benefits route. Then a diagnosis, a retirement and then women from the past shows up now they are All in for each other. Great Read!
Read
December 2, 2024African American & Black Romance, Romantic Comedy, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Sports Fiction, African American & Black Women's Fiction
Miniseries
Scoring for Love (Book #3)
Miniseries
Scoring for Love (Book #3)
July 14, 2018
Love Wins
This is a good story that flows well. I enjoyed learning about each characters and the issues they had to deal with.
This is a good story that flows well. I enjoyed learning about each characters and the issues they had to deal with.
July 24, 2018
A love story about taking a leap of faith and trusting again. Loved it!
August 17, 2018
Love these Jacksonville Gators. Jasmine and Kevin's story was very touching.
August 23, 2018
Loved this one. Review to come.
May 10, 2019
Great!
I loved this book so much! I’m happy Kevin realized he was guarding his heart to tightly. I’m happy he finally let it go & allowed Jasmine to love him! Great book!
I loved this book so much! I’m happy Kevin realized he was guarding his heart to tightly. I’m happy he finally let it go & allowed Jasmine to love him! Great book!
August 24, 2021
Awesome
Loved this story! This one was better than the last. It was like eating the last piece of chocolate you savor it and take your time.
Loved this story! This one was better than the last. It was like eating the last piece of chocolate you savor it and take your time.
Read
July 3, 2018Miniseries: Scoring for Love
Read
August 11, 2018Lots of texture to this one: two characters dealing with different angles of abandonment issues, a hero who has made a blended family not only work but shine, a heroine with an amazing art / history project going on, both characters with ongoing medical conditions (he is recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, she has type 1 diabetes), and to top that off, their physical chemistry is a huge part of the book. I can't speak to the health stuff, but overall, the book felt like people with real, full lives--despite their public careers and $$--and blindspots that were significant & frustrating but not insurmountable.
I'd still like to lodge the complaint that we didn't actually get to see couples game night, though.
I'd still like to lodge the complaint that we didn't actually get to see couples game night, though.
May 5, 2019
Scoring for Love…Sizzling-hot (basketball star) Kevin Koucky plans to end his career, due to rheumatoid arthritis, with a bang by posing au naturel in a sports magazine feature. When (celebrity photographer) Jasmin Hook agrees to take the assignment, she never expects the risqué photo shoot to end with a sensual slam dunk. But the handsome athlete comes with 4 children and an ex-wife Sabina with 2 kids—ex-girlfriend Hanna with twins—emotional baggage Jasmin can’t handle. Little does she know that Kevin always plays to win…Her new project, photographing old black-owned cabins and record its history through family tales, brings them closer and when it all goes sideways brings them back together.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews