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Hostage Rescue Team #12
Guarded
She’s a warrior at heart. Briar’s life was changed forever by a childhood marked by loss and trauma. When she was an orphan the government recruited her into a secret program and turned her into a contract killer. No matter how hard she tries to leave that life behind her, it’s still a part of who she is. She loves and trusts her husband deeply, but old habits die hard. Now everything is about to change for them. When things take a life-threatening turn, Briar is forced to confront her most deeply buried insecurities and find the courage to lay herself bare to the man who has promised to stand by her always. But this is one battle she can’t win alone. Matt loves his independent, badass wife more than anything, but she’s also the most stubborn and frustrating woman he’s ever known. Haunted by a loss that shook him to his core, he’s even more determined to protect Briar now that their lives are about to be altered forever. He’ll do anything for her, but if they’re going to have a shot at a happily ever after as a family, his fierce Valkyrie must first learn to lower her guard and let him in completely.
135 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2018
213 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Kaylea Cross
99 books1,802 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 16, 2018
3.5 I needed to read Disavowed first Stars
So I didn't know when I requested this book from Netgalley that it was like a follow up to the couple from the book Disavowed. When I started reading I realized something was off. Though I could follow it fairly easy enough to read it as a stand alone I felt like I missed something. I feel it would have been a much better read had I read Disavowed first. Still it was an emotionally angst filled and sweet read. Matt was amazing and so supportive. I loved him! Briar had some issues, but I still really liked her. I'm a sucker for pregnancy/baby books so got lots of feels from that part of the plot. Overall not a bad read but I wish I would have read their first book before reading this one.
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
So I didn't know when I requested this book from Netgalley that it was like a follow up to the couple from the book Disavowed. When I started reading I realized something was off. Though I could follow it fairly easy enough to read it as a stand alone I felt like I missed something. I feel it would have been a much better read had I read Disavowed first. Still it was an emotionally angst filled and sweet read. Matt was amazing and so supportive. I loved him! Briar had some issues, but I still really liked her. I'm a sucker for pregnancy/baby books so got lots of feels from that part of the plot. Overall not a bad read but I wish I would have read their first book before reading this one.
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
February 10, 2020
Matt and Briar DeLuca have successfully navigated their marriage for some time now, a miracle in itself given her troubled childhood and training in the government Valkyrie program. When they learn that their family is going to grow, their insecurities heighten. Briar worries that she won’t have those maternal instincts that other women take for granted and doesn’t want to give up her career. Matt fears for the safety of his wife and unborn child and his need to protect goes into overdrive.
What a perfect note on which to end this series! Of all the team members, Briar and Matt are the most challenging. I loved how all of the issues I would have expected of these two surfaced from the moment they celebrated their pregnancy. She made decisions that were consistent with her personality and makeup that weren’t always the wisest and Matt’s fears from his past made him unreasonable at times. Her struggles post pregnancy were realistic and I’m sure many mothers could identify with her circumstances and feelings but Briar had an extra added layer of insecurities.
This was an important story because of the subject matter and how it was portrayed. There were some suspense elements but this was more about two people with demanding careers finding their way through a troublesome pregnancy and a changed life with a newborn. We also connect with the other members of the team and their partners, bringing the series to a lovely close. I’ve loved these people and their stories so it’s a bittersweet finale. I highly recommend every book as they were all exciting with compelling situations and engaging romantic elements.
What a perfect note on which to end this series! Of all the team members, Briar and Matt are the most challenging. I loved how all of the issues I would have expected of these two surfaced from the moment they celebrated their pregnancy. She made decisions that were consistent with her personality and makeup that weren’t always the wisest and Matt’s fears from his past made him unreasonable at times. Her struggles post pregnancy were realistic and I’m sure many mothers could identify with her circumstances and feelings but Briar had an extra added layer of insecurities.
This was an important story because of the subject matter and how it was portrayed. There were some suspense elements but this was more about two people with demanding careers finding their way through a troublesome pregnancy and a changed life with a newborn. We also connect with the other members of the team and their partners, bringing the series to a lovely close. I’ve loved these people and their stories so it’s a bittersweet finale. I highly recommend every book as they were all exciting with compelling situations and engaging romantic elements.
August 7, 2018
4.5 stars.
If you had read Disavowed, you must read this one too.
It’s a long epilogue novella.
Still with a kickass Briar and her stubbornness but I’m glad she have an older husband who have endless patience supplies! Lol 😂
A very sweet HEA complete with a baby 👶, imagine that, Briar having a baby, isn’t she sweet? 😘
Lucky Matt! 😘
Loves it! ❤️❤️❤️
If you had read Disavowed, you must read this one too.
It’s a long epilogue novella.
Still with a kickass Briar and her stubbornness but I’m glad she have an older husband who have endless patience supplies! Lol 😂
A very sweet HEA complete with a baby 👶, imagine that, Briar having a baby, isn’t she sweet? 😘
Lucky Matt! 😘
Loves it! ❤️❤️❤️
September 6, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Sometimes getting the things we most want in life involve a lot of really hard work, sacrifice and just plain old asking for help. "Guarded" isn't a normal romantic-suspense, although there is romance and there is suspense. This one is about two people tackling one of life's most awesome adventures - parenthood.
Briar's life has not taken your typical road. Her parents both died leaving her an orphan who was swept up into a government top secret program that produced high level killers. Warm and fuzzy are not words used to describe Briar or her childhood.
Matt has endured his share of emotional upheaval and has put his life back together and loves Briar and wants nothing more than to have a real family with her. His natural instinct is to protect Blair, except Blair isn't having any of that.
What happens when her job, his job and impending parenthood collide? Well, let's just say that sometimes it's a lot harder that you think.
Sometimes getting the things we most want in life involve a lot of really hard work, sacrifice and just plain old asking for help. "Guarded" isn't a normal romantic-suspense, although there is romance and there is suspense. This one is about two people tackling one of life's most awesome adventures - parenthood.
Briar's life has not taken your typical road. Her parents both died leaving her an orphan who was swept up into a government top secret program that produced high level killers. Warm and fuzzy are not words used to describe Briar or her childhood.
Matt has endured his share of emotional upheaval and has put his life back together and loves Briar and wants nothing more than to have a real family with her. His natural instinct is to protect Blair, except Blair isn't having any of that.
What happens when her job, his job and impending parenthood collide? Well, let's just say that sometimes it's a lot harder that you think.
July 25, 2018
Briar and Matt are just awesome I seriously love these guys they are both stubborn and tough as nails it’s amazing that becoming parents can make them both a little crazed, let alone quite nuts and well Briar and Matt really they are both seriously fierce with their love and over protective is an understatement lol but when the unexpected happens they are in for some adjustments they just need to remember they are a team...lol which is funny when they both tend to be a tad bossy.
Guarded was an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions and I totally loved it.
Guarded was an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions and I totally loved it.
November 29, 2018
I love Briar, loved her and Matt‘s story and more I love the little glimpses we get of her continued journey. This story was hard to read because her suffering is so hard in places, any new mother will understand exactly what she’s going through and even though my last baby is a mother twice over I can still remember the exhaustion and worse the fear that one mistake would damage this precious bundle for life....sleeplessness and an over dramatic imagination was very much not fun.
June 3, 2019
I think it is a pretty cool take on romance between people already in a relationship, and also an honest take on what new mothers experience when the end of their pregnancy has issues and also on the part after the birth where you are tired and don’t know when to stop :)
So 4 🌟 for how unexpected that novella is
So 4 🌟 for how unexpected that novella is
August 15, 2018
Disavowed by Kaylea Cross blew me away with its intensity, and when I saw there was a chance to visit with Matt and Briar again at the time when their lives are changing forever, I might have squealed a bit. And Ms. Cross does manage put a wallop of emotions into this novella, get your tissues ready, you might just need them.
Briar had been, from a very young age, trained to be a killer, to avoid emotions, and focus on the task. Her struggles to hold her independence and to stay strong, to convince herself that she can be a good mom despite the way she was brought up, to reassure herself that she can take care and nurture her child is heart-wrenching.
Matt loves Briar more than anything and is willing to make any sacrifices for her happiness and safety. I love how he reacted when he saw the struggle Briar was facing, how he stood up, and what lengths he was willing to go to be there for her and for his little family.
The suspense in the story comes from the intense and danger-filled jobs both Briar and Matt have. The drama is poignant, yet compassionate and even informative. The warm, loving, tangible adoration between Matt and Briar is uplifting, the brotherhood and closeness between the members of the Hostage Rescue team are as palpable as it always has been.
A touching and moving tale, an emotional and intense continues to the devoted and passionate love story growing, developing, and maturing between Matt and Briar.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
Briar had been, from a very young age, trained to be a killer, to avoid emotions, and focus on the task. Her struggles to hold her independence and to stay strong, to convince herself that she can be a good mom despite the way she was brought up, to reassure herself that she can take care and nurture her child is heart-wrenching.
Matt loves Briar more than anything and is willing to make any sacrifices for her happiness and safety. I love how he reacted when he saw the struggle Briar was facing, how he stood up, and what lengths he was willing to go to be there for her and for his little family.
The suspense in the story comes from the intense and danger-filled jobs both Briar and Matt have. The drama is poignant, yet compassionate and even informative. The warm, loving, tangible adoration between Matt and Briar is uplifting, the brotherhood and closeness between the members of the Hostage Rescue team are as palpable as it always has been.
A touching and moving tale, an emotional and intense continues to the devoted and passionate love story growing, developing, and maturing between Matt and Briar.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
April 18, 2019
Loved this book. Briar and Matt are my favorite HRT couple.
July 23, 2018
Life Changer!!!
Briar DeLuca ( DISAVOWED ) loved her husband Matt to pieces. She loved their life together even though she had things she couldn't tell him regarding her job and vice versa.
Now things where about to change for them when she found out some life changing news. She had major insecurities that made her questioned everything. Matt let her do what she thought was best but he wasn't going to let her push him away.
Matt knew his bad*** former Valkyrie better than she knew herself. He could feel her walls going back up and he wasn't having any of it. Their family was growing and he would do anything to protect his loved ones.
But Briar wasn't making things easy for him. She was scared and he knew it, what she needed to know was that he would never let anyone/anything take her away from him. He already suffered through that kind of loss and he wasn't about to go through it again.
They went through a scared, one that had Matt not wanting to ever leave her side again. But when duty called, for the first he found himself torn between doing his job and leaving his family. Briar made the choice for him.
Loved the friendship between Briar and Taya as well as the bond all the women had. It was a delightful treat to catch up with old friends.
Things were a little touch and go for Blair and the baby, Matt felt like his world was about to get sucked into oblivion. But he had his team and friends supporting him and his family. Blair was overwhelmed after Rosie's birth and hid her struggles from her loved ones. Until one day all came crashing down. Eventually they worked everything out in the end.
GUARDED is the twelfth book in Kaylea Cross' HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series. What an emotional, engrossing and incredible journey. Magnificent job by Kaylea Cross!
Briar DeLuca ( DISAVOWED ) loved her husband Matt to pieces. She loved their life together even though she had things she couldn't tell him regarding her job and vice versa.
Now things where about to change for them when she found out some life changing news. She had major insecurities that made her questioned everything. Matt let her do what she thought was best but he wasn't going to let her push him away.
Matt knew his bad*** former Valkyrie better than she knew herself. He could feel her walls going back up and he wasn't having any of it. Their family was growing and he would do anything to protect his loved ones.
But Briar wasn't making things easy for him. She was scared and he knew it, what she needed to know was that he would never let anyone/anything take her away from him. He already suffered through that kind of loss and he wasn't about to go through it again.
They went through a scared, one that had Matt not wanting to ever leave her side again. But when duty called, for the first he found himself torn between doing his job and leaving his family. Briar made the choice for him.
Loved the friendship between Briar and Taya as well as the bond all the women had. It was a delightful treat to catch up with old friends.
Things were a little touch and go for Blair and the baby, Matt felt like his world was about to get sucked into oblivion. But he had his team and friends supporting him and his family. Blair was overwhelmed after Rosie's birth and hid her struggles from her loved ones. Until one day all came crashing down. Eventually they worked everything out in the end.
GUARDED is the twelfth book in Kaylea Cross' HOSTAGE RESCUE TEAM series. What an emotional, engrossing and incredible journey. Magnificent job by Kaylea Cross!
May 15, 2019
The last of the HRT series. I'm sad to see it go. But this little novella was a peek back into Briar and Matt's life.
This was a little difficult for me to relate to as I'm not a mother (although who am I kidding? I've never been in a situation like any of these books). Briar finds out she's pregnant and of course she and Matt are excited but Briar is worried that she won't be a good mother because of her upbringing. She ends up going into labor early, needing an emergency C-section and the little girl is in the NICU. Once they bring the baby home, Matt goes back to work and Briar finds out that handling things on her own aren't as easy as she thought.
This did tap into Briar's insecurities and her independence. She's fiercely independent but when taking care of Rosie starts to become too much, instead of talking to Matt, she lets the feelings of her being a bad mother fester until she boils over. Matt figures out what's going on and after a long talk, she agrees to ask him for help. In the end, it's a happy family for everyone.
My only issue - and it's not solely with this novella - is that the HRT series never revisited Evers and Rachel (the subjects of book 1). She was only mentioned a few times throughout the series and only ever as Evers' girlfriend. A little novella about them would have been nice. Every other couple got engaged or married so I would have liked to have had an update on them. But otherwise, I loved the entire series!
This was a little difficult for me to relate to as I'm not a mother (although who am I kidding? I've never been in a situation like any of these books). Briar finds out she's pregnant and of course she and Matt are excited but Briar is worried that she won't be a good mother because of her upbringing. She ends up going into labor early, needing an emergency C-section and the little girl is in the NICU. Once they bring the baby home, Matt goes back to work and Briar finds out that handling things on her own aren't as easy as she thought.
This did tap into Briar's insecurities and her independence. She's fiercely independent but when taking care of Rosie starts to become too much, instead of talking to Matt, she lets the feelings of her being a bad mother fester until she boils over. Matt figures out what's going on and after a long talk, she agrees to ask him for help. In the end, it's a happy family for everyone.
My only issue - and it's not solely with this novella - is that the HRT series never revisited Evers and Rachel (the subjects of book 1). She was only mentioned a few times throughout the series and only ever as Evers' girlfriend. A little novella about them would have been nice. Every other couple got engaged or married so I would have liked to have had an update on them. But otherwise, I loved the entire series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2018
And Baby Makes Three
It’s always a joy to revisit the HRT team! Matt and Briar have been favorite characters of mine throughout the series! Ms. Cross did a terrific job showing the potential serious complications of pregnancy and the difficulties of motherhood. Though a blessing, caring for infants is a demanding, self sacrificing time in the raising of children. She addressed the issue of postpartum blues and depression and the importance of a strong support system in overcoming the problems associated with it.
With that said, Matt was such a rock for Briar and my heart melted at the joy he felt becoming a father and the tenderness he exhibited. Both Briar and Matt deserved to experience the joys of parenthood after working together through the obstacles.
The book still intertwined a couple of dangerous missions one for Briar showcasing her sharpshooting skills and one for Matt as team leader of HRT. It reminds readers of the perilous careers the two have undertaken. Wonder how they will deal with this in the future being that they have a child to raise?
One problem with the story is that Ms. Cross incorrectly referred to postpartum blues and depression as just “postpartum.” This word alone only refers to “after childbirth” and does NOT mean blues or depressions. Otherwise...... well done!
It’s always a joy to revisit the HRT team! Matt and Briar have been favorite characters of mine throughout the series! Ms. Cross did a terrific job showing the potential serious complications of pregnancy and the difficulties of motherhood. Though a blessing, caring for infants is a demanding, self sacrificing time in the raising of children. She addressed the issue of postpartum blues and depression and the importance of a strong support system in overcoming the problems associated with it.
With that said, Matt was such a rock for Briar and my heart melted at the joy he felt becoming a father and the tenderness he exhibited. Both Briar and Matt deserved to experience the joys of parenthood after working together through the obstacles.
The book still intertwined a couple of dangerous missions one for Briar showcasing her sharpshooting skills and one for Matt as team leader of HRT. It reminds readers of the perilous careers the two have undertaken. Wonder how they will deal with this in the future being that they have a child to raise?
One problem with the story is that Ms. Cross incorrectly referred to postpartum blues and depression as just “postpartum.” This word alone only refers to “after childbirth” and does NOT mean blues or depressions. Otherwise...... well done!
August 4, 2018
Briar was orphaned at a young age and put into a program that made her into a killer. Now she works for a covert group and is still a highly skilled shooter. Her husband Matt works for the FBI Hostage Rescue Teams. Matt was married before and lost his wife and baby before it was born and it devasted him. It takes awhile to get past Briar’s defense and he think he has. She still very independent and doesn’t like to show weakness. She has a surprise for him and hopes he’s excited about it. She’s pregnant but she’s afraid she doesn’t have what it takes to be a mother.
I don’t want to give a whole lot away but be prepared for tissues, a little aggravation, and a man who’ll do anything to keep his new family together. But if she can just open her walls just a little and let Matt help, they might just be able to get through this.
Great story. I wanted to cry for Briar and Matt. Matt has to decide whether to put his job or family first. But that’s really.a no brainer. Sexy with important messages in them.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
I don’t want to give a whole lot away but be prepared for tissues, a little aggravation, and a man who’ll do anything to keep his new family together. But if she can just open her walls just a little and let Matt help, they might just be able to get through this.
Great story. I wanted to cry for Briar and Matt. Matt has to decide whether to put his job or family first. But that’s really.a no brainer. Sexy with important messages in them.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
August 7, 2018
Oh, how I enjoyed this story! I was really able to relate to Briar and what she felt and went through after the birth of her daughter. I mean other than the fact that I'm not a trained government assassin, I felt like this could have been my story after the birth of my oldest. Honestly, it was a bit scary how spot-on it was.
I haven't read all of the books in Cross' HRT series yet (they're on my TBR), but I had read Disavowed, which was Briar and Matt's story. There were a couple spoilery moments from the books in the series I hadn't read yet, but nothing too earth-shattering. That being said, going into this book without having read Disavowed would not be advised. I think it'd still be relatable and enjoyable, but not nearly as much so if you didn't have the character's back-stories.
If nothing else, this has made me realize that I'm pushing the HRT books I haven't read higher up on my TBR because this reminded me how much I enjoy this series.
*I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
I haven't read all of the books in Cross' HRT series yet (they're on my TBR), but I had read Disavowed, which was Briar and Matt's story. There were a couple spoilery moments from the books in the series I hadn't read yet, but nothing too earth-shattering. That being said, going into this book without having read Disavowed would not be advised. I think it'd still be relatable and enjoyable, but not nearly as much so if you didn't have the character's back-stories.
If nothing else, this has made me realize that I'm pushing the HRT books I haven't read higher up on my TBR because this reminded me how much I enjoy this series.
*I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
August 20, 2018
Guarded is book 12 in Kaylea Cross’ Hostage rescue Team Series. I found this unbelievable since I had never read any of this series. Instead I had been trying to catch up on the DEA Fast series by this author. Now I have found another series that is a must read for me.
Guarded deals with characters, Briar and Matt, who met in an earlier book, Disavowed (Book 4). I seriously wish I had read that book first. I enjoyed this story as they work through changes in their lives especially with Briar’s trust issues but think I would have love it if I had read the backstory. Looking back at the description, I should have, so I would highly suggest that Disavowed be read first.
Great story-line, wonderful characters with flaws which make them approachable and with love as well as angst all tied up together.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Guarded deals with characters, Briar and Matt, who met in an earlier book, Disavowed (Book 4). I seriously wish I had read that book first. I enjoyed this story as they work through changes in their lives especially with Briar’s trust issues but think I would have love it if I had read the backstory. Looking back at the description, I should have, so I would highly suggest that Disavowed be read first.
Great story-line, wonderful characters with flaws which make them approachable and with love as well as angst all tied up together.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 25, 2018
Guarded
OMG! This story certainly has its roller coaster of emotions throughout this entire book. Tough Briar is becoming a mother, in the beginning of the book. In the middle she has complications and delivers a daughter who is a preemie. Briar is strong but tries to do everything herself but she has a meltdown and finally accepts help from Matt. Matt is finally a daddy and he feels frustration when Briar wants to do everything herself until the meltdown and only then does she accept the fact she needs help. In the end, Matt and Briar team up to take care of their daughter. I am happy that these two figure out that being a team is definitely the way to create a happy home. FANTASTIC job Kaylea! I would highly recommend this book.
OMG! This story certainly has its roller coaster of emotions throughout this entire book. Tough Briar is becoming a mother, in the beginning of the book. In the middle she has complications and delivers a daughter who is a preemie. Briar is strong but tries to do everything herself but she has a meltdown and finally accepts help from Matt. Matt is finally a daddy and he feels frustration when Briar wants to do everything herself until the meltdown and only then does she accept the fact she needs help. In the end, Matt and Briar team up to take care of their daughter. I am happy that these two figure out that being a team is definitely the way to create a happy home. FANTASTIC job Kaylea! I would highly recommend this book.
July 31, 2018
Briar is a Valkyrie. She was taken in when her parents died. She was taught not to have emotion and to be a killer. She married Hostage Rescue Team commander Matt DeLuca. They find out they are going to have a baby. Briar wants to keep working and she and Matt don't agree. She feels some distance from him and worries about whether she can be a good mother given her upbringing. Things get crazy and the baby comes. I think the author provided a realistic look at life with a premature infant. How could you not fall in love with Matt. He's such a strong man and he loves Briar with all his heart. Briar was working so hard not to be broken. Her courage was amazing as was their love for each other.
July 31, 2018
Guarded
This was a story about Briar and her hjsband Matt, who is the head of Hostage Rescue Team and how they handled her pregnancy and her early emergency birth of their daughter. It was a difficult situation that ended up with a happy outcome. She then suffered from post partum that happens to many mother's after giving birth. She was nervous that she would not make a good mother because of what happened to her but she was wrong. Matt finally gets to experience becoming a dad. After the death of his first wife and baby Matt never thought he would find such happiness again but he has with Briar and their baby Rosie. This is a feel good story and very sweet.
This was a story about Briar and her hjsband Matt, who is the head of Hostage Rescue Team and how they handled her pregnancy and her early emergency birth of their daughter. It was a difficult situation that ended up with a happy outcome. She then suffered from post partum that happens to many mother's after giving birth. She was nervous that she would not make a good mother because of what happened to her but she was wrong. Matt finally gets to experience becoming a dad. After the death of his first wife and baby Matt never thought he would find such happiness again but he has with Briar and their baby Rosie. This is a feel good story and very sweet.
September 18, 2018
I haven't read Briar and Matt's original story, so I will need to remedy that right away! I did like this installment regardless, although I'm sure I'd appreciate it even more if I read things in the right order. I think there's something to be said for romances where the couple is already in love. I like seeing people work through challenges and grow together. There is a lot of that in this story. Watching them on their journey to become parents was really moving, especially given Matt's past. This was a more emotional story than I was expecting, and I felt everything right along with them. Looking forward to more!
*I received a copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
*I received a copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 6, 2019
Short Story Wanted More
Matt & Briar DeLucca's updated little story was okay. It truly dealt with Baby Blues, complications in pregnancies and both men and women dealing with it all. There were times where I felt for Matt deeply and times I felt for Briar as well. There was some humor with the guys and their significant others. I would of liked this story to have been longer and encompass more of the other couples getting their HEA, like Cruz and Marisol. They are the only couple not married yet.
This story, novella, should have been labeled as such. It was too expensive for the length in my opinion.
Matt & Briar DeLucca's updated little story was okay. It truly dealt with Baby Blues, complications in pregnancies and both men and women dealing with it all. There were times where I felt for Matt deeply and times I felt for Briar as well. There was some humor with the guys and their significant others. I would of liked this story to have been longer and encompass more of the other couples getting their HEA, like Cruz and Marisol. They are the only couple not married yet.
This story, novella, should have been labeled as such. It was too expensive for the length in my opinion.
February 7, 2020
"Guarded" is Matt & Briar DeLucca's story of them becoming parents after their HEA in "Disavowed". Now they are not facing the criminal element, but something even scarier for them, parenthood. Briar finds that impending motherhood is not easy and a bit scary, but faces the challenges as she and Matt get ready to meet their daughter. Matt also is going through his own worries after the death of his first wife and baby, but can't wait to become a Dad. A sweet story as life continues for two wonderful characters in the hostage rescue team. **I received "Guarded" from NetGalley and leave my review based on my reading.** 4 Stars!
July 23, 2018
What an emotional tale,loved it!
I've followed all of this series and Matt and Briar are a favourite couple of mine! They both suffered in their pasts,lots of heartbreak but in finally coming together they realised true happiness. This latest story follows their next chapter as a couple, twists and turns I didn't expect. My heart was in my throat and I totally unidentified with how Briar felt! So realistic and heartfelt, I literally devoured this in a evening! Seriously cannot recommend it highly enough. Thank you kaylea for sharing this truth
I've followed all of this series and Matt and Briar are a favourite couple of mine! They both suffered in their pasts,lots of heartbreak but in finally coming together they realised true happiness. This latest story follows their next chapter as a couple, twists and turns I didn't expect. My heart was in my throat and I totally unidentified with how Briar felt! So realistic and heartfelt, I literally devoured this in a evening! Seriously cannot recommend it highly enough. Thank you kaylea for sharing this truth
September 18, 2018
Guarded by Kaylea Cross
Wow! What an amazing ride through heart-wrenching, breath-taking, emotive situations. A completely magnificent read. With superb characters and less than ideal situations, this story fully immerses the reader into another world – one where fighting for a future is worth the effort.
Well written, as I’ve come to expect from Ms Cross, this book is a page-turner. Suitable for all fans of Ms Cross, military romance, family based stories and other readers who are captivated with the book’s description.
Wow! What an amazing ride through heart-wrenching, breath-taking, emotive situations. A completely magnificent read. With superb characters and less than ideal situations, this story fully immerses the reader into another world – one where fighting for a future is worth the effort.
Well written, as I’ve come to expect from Ms Cross, this book is a page-turner. Suitable for all fans of Ms Cross, military romance, family based stories and other readers who are captivated with the book’s description.
September 27, 2018
This series had been a favorite of mine from the start. I loved Matt and Briar and was happy to revisit them. This story was quite different from the other HRT books since the suspense was more from a dramatic perspective than a dangerous one. I don't want to give away the plot, but I will say Ms. Cross got it right in describing Briar's experiences. Having been there before, I truly felt like she was writing about what it was like for me. It was realistic and a great addition to Matt and Briar's story.
I received an ARC.
I received an ARC.
July 24, 2018
5 sweet stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This was a really sweet and unexpected second story for Matt and Briar and one that I could not put down! I read this in one sitting and I absolutely loved it! It was full of drama as we revisited one of our favourite HRT couples but I loved this storyline too because it gave us the chance to see Briar's softer and sweeter side and I fell in love with her and Matt all over again - especially with the addition of little Rosie 💜
This was a really sweet and unexpected second story for Matt and Briar and one that I could not put down! I read this in one sitting and I absolutely loved it! It was full of drama as we revisited one of our favourite HRT couples but I loved this storyline too because it gave us the chance to see Briar's softer and sweeter side and I fell in love with her and Matt all over again - especially with the addition of little Rosie 💜
December 27, 2023
Good
Briar struggles with pregnancy and motherhood. Matt struggles with his career and being with Briar and the baby. It takes him much too long to recognize Briar is struggling. She never complains and takes everything on herself. When she finally breaks down Matt finally realized everything was not well. Briar doesn't ask for help but then everyone knows she will not. It was a sweet story. I pity anyone who crosses her baby.
Briar struggles with pregnancy and motherhood. Matt struggles with his career and being with Briar and the baby. It takes him much too long to recognize Briar is struggling. She never complains and takes everything on herself. When she finally breaks down Matt finally realized everything was not well. Briar doesn't ask for help but then everyone knows she will not. It was a sweet story. I pity anyone who crosses her baby.
July 29, 2018
Great check in and update.
Loved visiting Deluca and Briar, a peep into the life as they become a family, the trials, the trauma and struggles of Briar being a new mum, a topic not always broached in romantic suspense novels. A topic done sympathetically and accurately, with love too. Really great read. Now we need to catch up with the rest of the team!!
Loved visiting Deluca and Briar, a peep into the life as they become a family, the trials, the trauma and struggles of Briar being a new mum, a topic not always broached in romantic suspense novels. A topic done sympathetically and accurately, with love too. Really great read. Now we need to catch up with the rest of the team!!
October 30, 2018
Guarded
Amazing catching up with Matt and Briar and they big news. Both nervous for different reasons but excited about becoming parents. Getting through their reasons for being nervous will take patience and their strong love for one another to finally enjoy the true blessing.
Love this series !!!
Amazing catching up with Matt and Briar and they big news. Both nervous for different reasons but excited about becoming parents. Getting through their reasons for being nervous will take patience and their strong love for one another to finally enjoy the true blessing.
Love this series !!!
January 7, 2019
So well written!
This book is a bit different than the others in this series with less suspense and action. But I totally enjoyed it because of the emotional depths shown about pregnancy, a troubled birth, the baby blues, the exhaustion, and breast-feeding as it is in the beginning. Really a well written book!
This book is a bit different than the others in this series with less suspense and action. But I totally enjoyed it because of the emotional depths shown about pregnancy, a troubled birth, the baby blues, the exhaustion, and breast-feeding as it is in the beginning. Really a well written book!
January 31, 2020
Unlike the last book this was a story I wanted to read about. We were with Matt previously when he had tragically lost his wife and unborn child, so for him to achieve his dream of a family with Briar here was just so touching . Seeing Briar adjust to motherhood so realistically was an added bonus. Her struggles were real. I loved this one. 5 stars.
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