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Forever Bluegrass #10

Forever Guarded

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A guarded heart is a lonely heart . . .

Piper Davies is a leading researcher in the fields of viruses and nanotechnology. All she ever wanted was to help save lives. But her newest creation has the potential to be manipulated to kill a single person, as well as launch a global pandemic if it ever landed in the wrong hands. And unfortunately, someone knows what she’s created and will stop at nothing to get it. Piper's family hires someone to protect her when the threats become dangerous.

Security specialist Aiden Creed knew all too well what someone would do to get their hands on Piper’s viral nanotech creation. His time in the British Army’s Special Air Service exposed him to the true evil that hid throughout the world. What he didn’t count on when he accepted this assignment was the danger Piper posed to his heart.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2018

413 people are currently reading
267 people want to read

About the author

Kathleen Brooks

122 books2,652 followers
Kathleen Brooks is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Kathleen's stories are romantic suspense featuring strong female heroines, humor, and happily-ever-afters. Her Bluegrass, Bluegrass Brothers®, Forever Bluegrass®, and Shadows Landing Series feature small-town charm with quirky characters while her Women of Power Series shows that behind every sexy billionaire is a man strong enough to love her! Then hang onto your seat for the wild and mysterious ride in the thrilling Web of Lies Series and a little magic in the Moonshine Hollow Series.

Kathleen is from Kentucky, where she graduated from Centre College and then later received her J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Kathleen still resides in Kentucky with her family and houseful of animals.


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Book Order:
(Bluegrass Series-complete series)
Bluegrass State of Mind
Risky Shot
Dead Heat

(Bluegrass Brothers Series®-complete series)
Bluegrass Undercover
Rising Storm
Secret Santa, A Bluegrass Series Novella
Acquiring Trouble
Relentless Pursuit
Secrets Collide
Final Vow
All Hung Up, Novella
Bluegrass Dawn, Novella
The Perfect Gift, Novella
The Keeneston Roses

(Forever Bluegrass Series®-complete series)
Forever Entangled
Forever Hidden
Forever Betrayed
Forever Driven
Forever Secret
Forever Surprised, Novella
Forever Concealed
Forever Devoted
Forever Hunted
Forever Guarded
Forever Notorious
Forever Ventured
Forever Freed
Forever Saved
Forever Bold
Forever Thrown
Forever Lies
Forever Protected
Forever Paired
Forever Connected
Forever Covert
Forever Burning
Forever Lasting
Forever Country
Forever Remembered

(Bluegrass Fire Series-ongoing)
Spark

(Shadows Landing-complete series)
Saving Shadows
Sunken Shadows
Lasting Shadows
Fierce Shadows
Broken Shadows
Framed Shadows
Endless Shadows
Fading Shadows
Damaged Shadows
Escaping Shadows

(Shadows Landing: The Townsends- ongoing series)
Face-Off
Targeted
Rescued
Heated
Escaped
Fractured
Claimed

(Paige Turner Bookworm Series- complete)
Adventures of a Bookworm
Misadventures of a Bookworm
The Adventurous Bookworm

(Moonshine Hollow- complete series)
Moonshine and Murder
Moonshine and Malice
Moonshine and Mayhem
Moonshine and Mischief
Moonshine and Menace
Moonshine and Masquarades

(Web of Lies- complete)
Whispered Lies
Rogue Lies
Shattered Lies

(Women of Powe-complete)
Chosen for Power
Built for Power
Fashioned for Power
Destined for Power

Ratings & Reviews

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5 stars
1,107 (72%)
4 stars
351 (22%)
3 stars
64 (4%)
2 stars
12 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Lucy.
12 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2018
To all my romance friends, especially those that live in KY - you must read these books. BUT you need to start with the first of the series, you cannot enjoy the background information without getting all the history. They are FUN, not completely true to fact, absolutely made up fiction, but extremely enjoyable. Especially if you live in central KY and know the area. Start with BLUEGRASS STATE OF MIND and be prepared to just laugh and enjoy!
705 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2018
Fantastic

Who doesn’t love a British hero? It was full of action, intrigue, and romance. I loved watching Paige some to life!
Profile Image for Janet Faes.
213 reviews
April 2, 2021
I like this one cause she saves herself a couple times, and she doesn’t want to put her friends in danger so we meet Aiden.
Profile Image for Rhonda Brewer.
Author 17 books147 followers
August 4, 2018
Awesome

Loved it!!!! Kathleen has done it again!! Can’t wait for the next one! Never a disappointment when you visit Kentucky!!!!
Profile Image for Angela.
8,536 reviews122 followers
May 6, 2025
3 - 3.5 Stars

Forever Guarded is the tenth book in the Forever Bluegrass series (Bluegrass Book #24) by Kathleen Brooks. ‘Bluegrass’ combines romance and suspense, with a touch of Southern charm.
A few years ago a friend recommended this author, and her many series, to me - as she had devoured every book and absolutely loved them, singing the author’s praises from high from the hilltops. So, being an avid reader who loves discovering new authors and enticing reads, I took my friends recommendations seriously, and started amassing Ms. Brooks many books, with the plan to have a huge binge session/buddy read with my friend. But with so many books on my TBR, and new, exciting ones releasing every week, I always seemed to get pulled into other books- as these just kept piling up.
Since part of my yearly reading challenges for the past few years has been to dust off my TBR pile/s and read the books that have been languishing there the longest, I decided to finally dive in and get the series read. While I did ‘enjoy’ the books for the most part- I didn’t fall madly in love with them as my friend promised that I would. But that’s ok, I am really happy that she loves them as much as she does. But for me, they were just an ‘okay’ read.
With plenty of small-town drama, intrigue, angst, chemistry, humour, community, family, friendship, charm, mystery, tension, danger, emotion, and suspense- the stories are about finding love unexpectedly and love conquering all.
The books can all be read as standalones if you wanted, without feeling ‘lost’ or like you are missing big pieces of the picture. This is because each instalment introduces its own ‘couple’- providing plenty of romance, a dash of suspense, and some sweet development to make your heart flutter.
But I have to be honest, I found there were a few issues which detracted from my overall enjoyment of the stories/series. Such as the ‘wordiness’ which really slowed the flow of the storyline at times, as there was such an overwhelming amount of detail which didn’t really ‘add’ to or propel the story in any way, except to perhaps distract from the plot. I love details, normally- but not when there are pages of descriptions, as things tend to ‘bog’ down and the flow/pace/plot gets lost amongst the detritus- and also leads to some ‘wandering’ storylines. There were also many loose ends, for me- threads that were left hanging, or not fully woven into the storyline- which I found a bit frustrating.
I really wanted to love this series as much as my friend did…. but instead, I was left a little disappointed.
Happy reading! 📚💙
Profile Image for NotTheTea.
828 reviews41 followers
October 27, 2023
2.5⭐





🧬💉Wait a min...... Our Fmc's mom is pregnant? Our Fmc is 30.



🧬💉I'm struggling to like this book.



🧬💉 They're going ott with Piper's self deprecation. And it's annoying cause even she knows she has not much to be insecure about. She was feeling insecure about how Aidan mingle with royalties and she also does but her's don't act like it. I mean gurrrlllll. It's coming off as humble bragging at this point.
I also like my Mmc straight forward. Aidan is very indecisive. First he confessed to Piper that he likes her but it's not the right time thn he kinda backs up cause he's not ready while wondering why she's not pulling away. I don't like mixed signals. Oh I also didn't like how Piper changed into a blushing bride after his confession.



🧬💉You can't put your feelings on schedule😒



🧬💉I bet that's not nanoparticles Pierce got for Piper's birthday 😂



🧬💉Sada got played just like Dudley. So why is everyone treating her so differently?



🧬💉Why they have to smuggle her if they're fishing legally?



🧬💉We didn't need Piper's inventions for the rescue, that felt forced just to show her importance. Would have been better if it was pre made and she didn't have to flourish it like that.



🧬💉I'm pretty sure I saw Draven as a married man in a newer book but can't remember to whom. And i can't find any blurb referring to him. Does he not have his own book?! Who was that girl? I can't remember. Arrrgghhhhg!!!
And oh who was that couple at the end? 😖 That's why I want to read chronologically but always end up reading the newer book first.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna Ferriola.
405 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2018
Forever Guarded

This is an amazing addition to this series with Piper Davies unexpectedly falling in love with her body guard Aiden Creed. She hired his agency to protect her because she did not want to put anyone in her family in danger since someone was out to steal her virus FAVOR and kill her. This was the beginning of their love story as Aiden resisted the attraction he felt for this gifted scientist who wanted to save the world from disease but it needed more work to make it stable. He ended up sending his co worker to guard her because he could not focus on just protecting her any!more because he loved her which was fine with Piper because she felt the same way.. The whole town got involved when several attempts were made to her life and they ended up kidnapping Piper. It was non stop action as the whole town of Keeneston , families and friends found out who was behind everything and took him and his organization down. Piper ended up helping because they held her parents at one point with her Aiden, brothers and cousins ending the threat without losing any of their lives. Aiden and Piper got their happily ever after and several babies were added to the town's population as well. This was a fantastic book and I cannot wait to read the next adventures of the town of Keeneston.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
765 reviews36 followers
August 3, 2018
When I start a book in this series, I wonder if it can possibly be better than the one before it...OMG is ever..

Each time you think that we know what's happening in Keeneston, KY, we are surprised. Especially when newcomer Aiden Creed comes to be bodyguard to Piper Davies when her lab is broken into and she is attacked by persons wanting her life's work to do harm to the world, when all Piper wants to do is save the world from deadly viruses. And of course the whole town starts to take bets when they see the chemistry that is shooting out of these two.

I laugh out loud when I am reading one of these books, and also shed tears at the same time. I cheer for the good guys and love it when the bad guys come to there just rewards via the whole town of Keeneston. Especially the delightful Rose Sisters. And I can't wait to see who the next couple will be and what hilarity and what villain will try to stop the course of true love, while father's track their daughters and mother's chart the course of true love for their off spring. I wait with much anticipation of the next Forever Bluegrass book!

Profile Image for Karen.
1,081 reviews
August 3, 2018
This book is Piper and Aiden;s story. Piper is Pierce and Tammy;s daughter, the scientist! Piper is overly intelligent and stumbled upon something that in the wrong hands could kill millions of people. Threats and attempts were made on her life. Enter Mallory from the Woman of Power series for protection. Only surprise surprise she is unable to help but puts the family in touch with someone who is more then capable to handle the job. Enter Aiden. A smooth talking Brit who figured he would get in get out and spread his wings into the USA. Little did he know he would fall for Piper. This book does not disappoint with the intrigue, suspense and action along with lots of feelings being discovered and the chemistry being off the charts. I will say this book did not disappoint and I am only touching on the many many laugh out loud moments that this book had. As usual, you will not be disappointed.
1,896 reviews5 followers
August 10, 2018
Piper is a genius and has developed a formula that could be used in biological warfare. She intended it to be used for curative reasons. She is attacked and betrayed to get to the formula. Although she has family and friends who could keep her safe, she refuses to put them at risk. Aiden is hired to guard her and he has his hands full in this job. The town of Keenston is engaged again in a hilarious quirky small Southern town way of meddling with love. I grew up in the Bluegrass area of Kentucky and feel that I have been cheated. Never once have I had the PTA president run down a bad guy for me. Never once have I had elderly diner owners take bets on my pending nuptials. The things I have been cheated on go on and on. I love these people and Pipe is no exception. She doesn’t have the training to fight like her cousins but, she is not without skills. It was good to visit old friends again.
Profile Image for Amanda Gilmore.
354 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2020
Overall Amanda score: A
I have waited so long to finally see Piper get what she always needed! I am so thankful for this book. The plot, the characters, all of it was so perfectly done.
Aiden: Absolutely perfect in every way. Hero, and yet knows exactly how to love and stand beside a very accomplished woman!
Piper: so brilliant! A girl could only dream of being that amazing in such a beautiful package! What are they eating in that make believe town to make them all so pretty??
Gus: this character (bird) cracked me up so hard! I loved having something this small in the book to make me laugh!
Draven: He is Draven. Honestly I see him trying but His royal member is such a funny story line.
Aniyah: Seriously this girl could be a best friend. She cracks me up! Her and DeAndre are such a perfect couple. They are so different and yet balance each other out so well.
I love this series. I know I say that every book. But I love it!
723 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2018
ANOTHER WONDERFUL STORY!!!!!

As usual Kathleen hit it out of the ball park! 😁. This was such a beautiful love story with a lot of humor and suspense also. I really enjoyed the entire book... I always love going back to that lovely small town and getting an update on all the Bluegrass characters... It's a real treat to hear about them again. I have read all of the Bluegrass books and it is kinda neat to be still reading about the original couples who are now becoming grandparents!!! It's like visiting with old friends while reading another wonderful story about a new couple's adventures in this awesome series!!! I think I know who Abby is going to be matched up with.... Can't wait to see if I am right!! 😁
4,226 reviews
May 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - I LOVE THIS AUTHOR!!

Forever Guarded features Piper Davies, a researcher whose groundbreaking work could either save or destroy the world. As the threats against her grow, security specialist Aiden Creed is hired to protect her, and the two are thrust into a high-stakes situation where their personal lives become just as dangerous as the professional ones.
This book is a rollercoaster of suspense, romance, and action. Piper’s brilliant mind and Aiden’s protective instincts create an intriguing dynamic that pulls the reader in. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the tension between the characters is sizzling. Brooks’s masterful blend of romance and action makes Forever Guarded a standout in the series. Fans of fast-paced thrillers with emotional depth will devour this one.
Profile Image for Kellie Herrick.
270 reviews
August 1, 2018
They just get better

I never think it’s possible but they just get better every time. Piper is one of my favorites (my daughters name) that I was so happy she was able to get her story and Aiden was just perfect from the moment he answers the phone at the beginning of the book.
Filled with much of the drama and suspense you are used to in this series but enough twits and turns to make it a story all its own. I love every trip back to Kensington and can’t wait till the next visit. I can say with certainty this is one of my all time favorite series and I can’t wait to reed what comes next.
6 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2018
WOW! Love Forever Guarded.

Wow! Loved Forever Guarded. Once you start reading Piper and Aiden's story, you will not be able to put it down. Their story is full of mystery, conflict, comedy and definitely LOVE. I Love how Kathleen Brooks expands the adventure outside of Keeneston, Kentucky, but never leaves out the dynamics of the crew from there. If you've never read this series before, you are missing out on all the exciting and great stories. Have to admit, I was hooked from the beginning of this series, but Forever Guarded is my favorite. As usual, awesome job Kathleen and I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Jessica.
192 reviews134 followers
September 21, 2018
Loved it! Loved the bonding of Aiden and her family, it was all very comical.
I really enjoyed this book and the mystery behind it. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Piper and Aiden. He's Mr. Bad A and she's the sweet little innocent Piper, it was adorable. I loved the moments where she turned into Tammy though, and Dillan's reactions to it. It was great!
Kathleen has thrown in even more nuggets in this and I just want to to know the answers! And what's with King Draven!!!! Say what!!!! And Abby?! Who is she going to end up with? Jackson, Dillan, or Nolan. My hope is Jackson! I've always pictured those 2 together since Nabi's book. It's been torture!
Longer review to come.
Profile Image for Tracey Warren.
632 reviews
October 1, 2018
Wow - just wow fabulous read, single sitting, couldn't put down

Love this authors stories, this series and this book without question is a stunning read. Ms Brooks skill at weaving a story with intrigue, action, passion, joy, and deep love in a book is amazing, but a series makes her seriously talented. Loved this book, Piper is a brilliant heroine, Aiden her british protector is a nice touch, super alpha, sexy hero. This is no normal romance, treat yourself to the series you won't be disappointed, addicted but you cannot have too many go-too authors! Definite page turner, with huge re-readability, and you'll find more in each book every time!!
Profile Image for Heather.
3,379 reviews32 followers
January 23, 2022
2.5 stars

I generally like romantic suspense but this one had a few elements that were a little difficult to believe. I jumped into book 10 without reading any of the previous series and even though there were hoards of characters I was supposed to know, that didn't really bother me. After all, that was my fault for jumping ahead in the series. But the MCs lept from insta-lust to insta-love after knowing each other for about a day and a half. It was way too quick to be believable. And just because she's a smart scientist, Piper was endowed by the author with unlimited skills in invention and creation. She could solve any problem and create anything... at a moment's notice. Huh???
Profile Image for Judy.
275 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2018
Another great story

Kathleen Brooks has a wonderful imagination and knows how to develop her stories and characters. The town of Keeneston draws you into its web! Piper and Aiden’s story is the latest in this series. She weaves her story and brings back characters that I have missed. Plus leaves us hanging in the identities of the next pregnant couple as well as the panty dropper. And who is it that King Draden has in his sights? Lots of questions to be answered in Abby's story scheduled for release in January. Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Amy Mclaughlin-taylor.
4 reviews
August 1, 2018
Awesome

I love all t o ur books . And this series keeps getting better. I like the fact the Faulkner are coming in.. I can't wait for the next book and like the suspense of who the panty dropped err is. But I am really excited to see who the king likes. Who they are going to match Abby to. And how the textbooks go because they just keep getting better. I also like that you brought Mallory back to catch up on one of the Simpson's. Would like to see more of that family. These books are great a t recommend them to anyone.
Profile Image for Lisa Smith.
1,055 reviews
August 3, 2018
Chemistry....

Aiden and Piper were simply just meant to be. One didn’t believed she was able to find love and one after growing up seeing how the death of his father hurt his mother figured he didn’t need to love. Heart knows when it’s meant it’s soul mate. Aiden was hired as Pipers bodyguard. The moment he saw her he knew. After the fight for there life the married. That was short version of the story. But if you follow the series you know that already. Full of excitement, kidnappings, shooting, bombs, chemical warfare. The Keeneston family of course.
Profile Image for Ali Foito.
325 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2018
Piper creates something that can be very deadly and someone knows. Aiden is hired by her family to keep her safe but soon sparks fly between the two of them. For the first time Piper feels sexy and wanted by a man who is struggling to not get involved emotionally till the mission is over but soon there are all these surprises and obstacles. Everyone is there for Piper and Aiden to keep them safe and find the bad guy. Her Uncles offer help to Aiden but it's Tammy who really shows them what 9-month pregnant women with a frying pan can do.
Profile Image for Mary Smith.
495 reviews10 followers
August 7, 2018
This book is so far one of the best of the series!!

This story has all the emotions brought front and center. I laughed, cried and was constantly on edge during all the action Piper was involved in.
She is an extremely intelligent scientist who has a formula others want to use for the wrong reasons. So Aiden steps in as her sexy British bodyguard who tries to keep her safe.
Every book gets you more involved with all the people in Keeneston and you feel like you really know them as they step in to help.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next one.
934 reviews8 followers
July 31, 2018
Five stars

What can I say, but another winner. I love the town of Keeneston and its inhabitants. Aiden and Piper are such a lovely couple, complimenting each other. Congratulations to DeAndre and Anniyah on their engagement. Who is the newest mom to be, the panty dropper, and who will be Abby's love interest as well as Draven's? So many answers to learn, meaning more books. Yeah!!!
64 reviews
July 31, 2018
Oh my! Must read!!!

Please get this book! Piper is in so much danger and she doesn’t want her family or friends to be in danger. So a Brit comes to keep her safe but keeping her heart safe when he looks at her well that’s another story. Going back to Keeneston with all of our favorites is like going home and you know that they protect their own. But what happens when they can’t get to her? Please join me on an incredible read!
132 reviews
August 1, 2018
Best series ever!!!

Kathleen Brooks is the only author that can encompass small town charm, southern values and alpha men completely swoon worthy matched to strong female counterparts. I guarantee you one thing.... Once you pick the book up... You cannot put it down! And once you read it.... You want to read it again and again. Keenston is my dream destination and if it really existed... I would pack my stuff and move there! 5++++++++++++++++ stars!!!
53 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2018
Brilliant read

Welcome back to Keeneston. Another brilliant book, and it's Piper's turn this time. Lots of laughs throughout, especially where Aiden meets Piper's brother Dylan for the first time, very funny. There are lots of teasers for the next book, it can't come soon enough. Can be read as a standalone, but you're missing a treat if you haven't visited Keeneston and it's wonderful characters before. Would definitely recommend.
259 reviews
August 3, 2018
Another amazing story from Kathleen Brooks. Piper is in trouble and she is worried she will put her friends and family in harms way so she obtains a bodyguard. Aiden is a alpha male who immediately falls for this amazing woman. They are combustible when together and Aiden knows to let her be herself. This is a fabulous story and Aiden fits in with the Davies clan seamlessly. It has it all action, hot men and steamy scenes!!!
Profile Image for Mayas.
2,409 reviews48 followers
August 5, 2018
Special FAVOR

I want me an Aiden. I mean, accent , protection, sounding board. What every woman want , right? Well, too bad for us Piper scored the sexy British ex-SAS bodyguard.

He taught her not only was Science sexy but also her mind, soul, and body. Put the meaning through hell or high water to true form. I loved the support, adventure, and partnership. This was another great adventure from my friends in Keeneston.
Profile Image for Kandis Redman.
994 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2018
Forever Guarded

Doctor Piper Davis has been getting threatening notes about her project FAVOR. She does not want anyone from her home town watching over her for risk of them getting hurt. Aiden Creed is a bodyguard is assigned to keep Piper safe but he stop his heart for wanting to be more to her. When Piper is kidnapped Aiden brings in backup to protect the woman he is falling for. It so great to come back to Keeneston and hear about all the other couples.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews

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