Guarding Your Heart

Baytown Boys #9

by Maryann Jordan

Sophie Bayles was devastated by grief when her beloved brother, a soldier, had been killed in action when she was a teenager. Guarding her heart, she left Baytown and the boy she had loved…her brother’s best friend. Callan Ward lucked out when he was assigned to the Coast Guard station in his hometown of Baytown. Back with the Baytown Boys and his family, the desire to leave again was no longer what he wanted. There was only one thing missing…Sophie. The girl who left, finding the memories in Baytown too painful. Ten years after she left, Sophie is older, wiser, missing home, and jumps at the chance to return to Baytown for a temporary job. Reconnecting with the man she rejected after her brother’s funeral was not on her agenda, but she discovered that in trying to guard her heart, she had only cut herself off from true love. As she and Callan grow closer, discovering their feelings had not changed, she stumbles into suspicious activity near her work. Having promised to guard her heart, Callan and his friends work to make sure Sophie is safe before someone decides to quiet her permanently. Language and scenes are similar to what you would find in an R-rated movie. 18+ readers only.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Military Fiction, Second Chance

358 pages, ebook

Published May 14, 2019

About the author

As an Award Winning and International Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. I joke that I "cut my romance teeth" on the old historical romance books. I’ve written as a hobby for over 30 years. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma's Home was created.

My first novel, Emma's Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love's Series. From there I have continued with the romantic suspense Alvarez Security Series and now the Saints Protection & Investigation Series.

My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with.
I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I recently retired and now can spend more time devoted to my writing.

I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters.
When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

I love to hear from readers, so please email me!
authormaryannjordan@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/authormaryann...
www.maryannjordanauthor.com

Reviews

[SB*needs low angst books* · Rating 1 out of 5]

Callan Ward is best friends with Phillip Bayles and both are one of the Baytown boys. Phillip as a younger sister Sophia. Sophia has always had a crush on Callan and as she gets older the feelings are mutual but due to age differences limited to discover.

Callan and Phillip both go into the military once they are of age but Sophia is still completing high school. But Phillip unfortunately dies while serving and Callan as well as many other Baytown boys come back for the funeral. Sophia is devastated by his loss as she was so close to him and the feelings and relationship that she was on the verge of with Callan come to a halt when she feels she can't put her heart on the line again with him going back to serve. Callan is hurt by her rejection even as he understands her grief as he grieves as well.

Ten years later, Sophia has a opportunity to come home again after turning her back on Baytown due to her grief. Also she must face Callan is also back living in Baytown in years. Can they finally find the love that Sophia pushed away out of fear? Can they also find out what is happening at the Sophia job that she may have stumbled into?

I have to say that I really was disappointed with this one. It seems like this should be the last book of the serious but to me this ends on a whimper. I wasn't that into the couple so it fell a little flat for me. The mystery was a little interesting but then again I also wasn't as invested either. I understood Sophia's grief and her reluctance to a relationship with a solider but at the same time she never tried to deal with her grief at all like her parents and just avoid all things that reminded her of her brother but I get it too just didn't care for it in the book.

Callan was a really great guy though. I felt bad that her never really moved on. Sophia tried but it didn't work either.

I would say my main issue with this book is how often Sophia talked about the other couples and who ended up with who type of thing. It was so much filler in this book that the main story and couple just never felt at the forefront. I feel disappointed with how it went. Also the story hear my heart gets it's epilogue in this book as well as what seems to be a wrapping up of the all the main baytown boys. I just felt this was a worst book out of all the ones I have read and really hoped for a better end.

[Somia · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the previous books the author has touched on the death of one of the original Baytown Boys - Phillip (who dies whilst serving his country), and the author has repeatedly highlighted that his death affected the group as a whole (especially Katelyn), and in this book we are given the tale of Phillip’s little sister Sophie and his best friend Callan, two people who were potently affected by his death. Sophie leaves town, and Callan in an attempt to guard her heart from more loss/pain, only coming back to town for short trips to see her parents.

After some major changes in her life, Sophie finally decides to come home, and so after ten years apart Callan and Sophie finally find their way back to each other and get their second chance. Sophie unintentionally finds herself in the middle of trouble, and Callen is determined to guard both her heart and her life.

This is a second chance, small town romance, that was overall a nice light read – although it’s not in my top 5 when it comes to this series, and I’m not sure I’ll re-read it. I am going to take a break from this series, as things are starting to feel repetitive. The author is definitely following a particular framework when it comes to this series, one I like, but defo need a break.

Acquired via KU.

[Renee Entress · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, sadness, pain, suspense, and heartbreak.

Before reading this story please read the below books first
Coming Home (Baytown Boys #1)
Just One More Chance (Baytown Boys #2)
Clues of the Heart (Baytown Boys Series)
Finding Peace (Baytown Boys #4)
Picking Up the Pieces (Baytown Boys #5)
Sunset Flames (Baytown Boys #6)
Waiting for Sunrise (Baytown Boys Series)
Hear My Heart: Baytown Boys

This is Sophie and Callan’s story. When Sophie lost her brother she left town and didn’t look back. She knew she was leaving the boy she loved but she had to go. Callan is back in town and missing the one girl who left him. Now years later he sees her in town and knows he has to have her forever. She came for a temp job and knew she would be leaving again but after seeing Callan does she want to leave again? What happens when she is in danger? Can he protect her? Can he also convince her he will protect her forever?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of suspense

Lots of suspense in this story. Great to see another Baytown story. I wish there had been a touch more romance.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding Your Heart is a second chance romance that is a little lighter on the suspense than many of this author’s stories. It is a more emotional story that highlights everything having a time and place. And there is always hope that there will be a time for love for Sophie and Callan.

“She was no longer a grief-ridden, scared eighteen-year-old. Ten years was a long time for both of them to mature. So maybe where we are now gives us a new chance.”

I got teary reading the growing up scenes especially knowing some things that happen from reading the other books in this series. This book was definitely high on the emotional scale for me and I loved that about it.

“Everything you have and everything you are, I like, Callan. In fact, I’ve liked you for as long as I can remember.”

I love reading these Baytown stories and getting little catch up tidbits about all the characters who have been featured in previous Baytown books and maybe some hints of who we might meet in future stories.
-5 Stars!-

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will fall in love with the Baytown Boys.

This romance tale is full of suspense, thrills, tension, sexy and much more.

You won't be disappointed reading this series.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

‘Military duty called them away to war zones, but after tours overseas, the group of friends found their way back home as men, seeking the peaceful little seaside town. Now, the band of brothers, together once more, work to provide a place for less fortunate veterans to call home.’

Guarding Your Heart is the ninth instalment in the Baytown Boys series by Maryann Jordan. Having seen these books pop up on social media and reading my GR friend’s reviews of the series I started collecting the books quite some time ago, but has taken me till now to finally plunge in.
Maryann Jordan’s Baytown Boys series is a 17-book romantic suspense saga that masterfully weaves together themes of camaraderie, love, healing, and personal redemption. Set in the fictional coastal town of Baytown, an idyllic seaside town, this series follows a close-knit group of former military friends who return home from service overseas and strive to create a supportive environment for themselves and less fortunate veterans. Ms. Jordan’s storytelling fuses small-town charm with emotional depth, making the setting a vivid and integral component of her storyline/s.
Each book centers around a different MC, exploring their unique struggles and romantic journeys. The veterans’ experiences and wartime scars are written with sensitivity and authenticity, adding an extra element of emotional resonance to the relationships and characters personal growth.
Ms. Jordan cleverly balances romance with mystery and suspense. From murder investigations to drug rings, each plot includes high-stakes elements that kept me engaged, all while the romantic tension sizzled. But, beyond the romance/s, intrigue, and action - the stories also show the healing power of friendship, love, and a supportive community - which created a warm and reassuring backdrop for the more intense elements.
This series is ideal for readers of contemporary romantic suspense with a military element and small-town setting.
Happy Reading…

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie Bayles had her whole life changed when her brother was killed. And in order to guard her heart from any future pain, she made the choice to not only cut Callan Ward out of her life but to leave their hometown behind. 10 years later, she makes the decision to come home for a job. And to try to figure out how to move on with her life while finally dealing with her brother's death. Callan is stationed with the Coast Guard in Baytown. And he has a decision to make on whether to reenlist or to leave and follow a different career path in order to stay closer to home. And when Sophie comes home, he wants to reconnect with the one woman he truly thought could hold his heart. And now he has that chance.

This book has some very emotional moments. Sophie, Callan, and their friends and families went through something completely heart breaking and emotionally trying. And it definitely changed them in ways that no one would be expecting in their lives. But I absolutely loved it. Sophie is this woman who has so many things that she has never dealt with. And reading about her finally doing so? It was heart breaking. Callan is this beyond strong man who will always stand by the people he loves, even to the point where you wonder how much he will get hurt in the process. But reading about them finding their way back to each other is a beautiful thing. Especially with some of the things that are alluded to towards the end. It definitely made me cry in spots and I wouldn't change a thing with it! Another win by this great author!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callan Ward and Phillip Bayles were best friends. They were also a part of the original “Baytown Boys”. Although the boys always did things together, they did allow the girls to hang around at times. It was during a game of tag that Sophie Bayles, Phillip’s younger sister, fell in love with Callan. After graduation, the Baytown Boys decided to enlist in various branches of the military so they could “see” the world. Only, one Baytown Boy didn’t come back....

Drowning in grief and memories Sophie pushes Callan away, leaving Baytown to attend college. Ten years later, they both find themselves back in Baytown. As Sophie works through her grief, Callan is there for support with hopes of showing her he’s willing to “Guard Her Heart”. After stumbling upon a bag with rotting crabmeat, Sophie begins to experience weird happenings at work. Can Callan keep Sophie safe?

While I absolutely hate to read a novel that makes me cry, the emotions tapped were absolutely essential in making this a truly amazing story. I cried through much of the beginning, but it was cathartic. I felt as though I was experiencing the grief right along with Sophie. You couldn’t get to the HEA without grieving. It wouldn’t have been believable. Maryann Jordan outdid herself with this one! I was also shocked with the twist in the end. I had no idea who was really out to get Sophie, totally surprised! I highly recommend this novel if you enjoy romantic suspense or best friend’s little sister. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book we delve into the past. We heard about Phillip, he's the only Baytown Boy that didn't come home from the war. Right there has me tearing up. Sophie is his sister and Callen his best-friend and their neighbor.

We get to see the relationship between the three of them, but most important the one between Callen and Sophie. She fell in love with him as a child, when a simple act of kindness set their bond.

Phillip's death impacted everyone, but it totally broke Sophie and she in turn broke the relationship between her and Callen. Her reasoning was only to guard her heart from more pain.

Sophie left Baytown too, for college and then stayed away for work. An opportunity that becomes spoiled by a co-worker and her bosses reactions.
Striking out on her own an opportunity arises that she can't turn down and also has her returning to Baytown.

Callen has been stationed in Baytown for quite a while and enjoys being close to home, with his friends settling down he finds himself in a dilemma as his enlistment is nearing the end. Re-up or retire.

I did a lot of tearing up in this book, this story tugs the heart-strings with memories and reunions. Of course there's plenty of intrigue that Sophie manages to stumble onto.

Intrigue, action, romance, tears and simmer to sizzle heat, make this a must read.

[Evelyn Wark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Guarding Your Heart Philip was just a Baytown Boy that hadn't made it back from serving the military. This book introduced us to the person Philip was as a child and the man he grew into and this made his loss all the harder as he was such a warm, loyal, loving person who had his life cut short. His loss to his loved ones is strongly felt in Maryann's words and even though I knew it was coming it still broke my heart. Sophie his younger sister loved him and they have a very strong bond so his death ultimately changed her life. Callan has been Philips best friend and one of the original Baytown Boys since childhood and he has always had a soft spot for Sophie. Just as they were building something more than friendship, Philip dies leaving his family and friends in a world without him and Sophie has to Guard her heart against further loss which includes Callan as he is of course serving with the coast guard and there is always a chance he won't come back as well. Their story is beautiful as Maryann rejoins both their lives some years later finding out who they are now and how their lives have been shaped with Philip always in their heart. Of course nothing is ever simple or straightforward and this book is an absolute pleasure to read as Sophie and Callan life's continue.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I read a book by this talented author, I know that I am in for a treat. This one exceeded my expectations and I truly believe it’s one of the best in the series. A series that centers around a group of honorable men, who left town to serve their country and discover the world, a returning home realizing there was no place like Baytown.
The story of Sophie Bayles and Callan Ward began when they were children. Kids that were close friends and Sophie, being the youngest, was usually trailing far behind. But her older brother’s best friend, a young boy by the name of Callan, was always kind to her. As they got older they were sweethearts but when a devastation turns their lives upside down, Sophie leaves only to return 10 years later.
The story is at times heartbreaking , so have your tissues ready. It’s filled not only with the possibility of second chances, but also with suspense , whodunit, as well as an interesting view of fishing and the black market.
Will Callan and Sophie get their HEA, or will fear as well as outside forces keep them apart?
in addition to a wonderful story, we get a chance to see how characters from previous stories are doing.
Hoping that Jason gets his story as well.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG whenever I read a book by Maryann I know that I will love it as she is an incredible author and her writing is amazing. What a story I knew Phillip had died in service in previous books in this series but I have to say that by the time I got to chapter four I was crying so much that I found that I had to stop reading for a few minutes just to calm myself down only to start crying again with everything that they were all going through. Sophie and Callan had loved each other for a long time but when Phillip died Sophie found that she couldn't cope with the grief so she went away and left Callan. Sophie is offered a job for a few months in Baytown and decided to take it and come home for a while. When Sophie and Callan see each other again they realise that they still have a strong connection and chemistry and they also still love each other, will this be there second chance or have they waited to long you will have to read this book to find out. There are twists and turns along with danger, sadness and emotional pain. I definitely recommend you read this book and even though it is a standalone I feel that you would benefit from reading the whole series as it will give you the full history.

[Lisa Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callan is the last single original Baytown Boy. While his story is similar to Grant's and Jillian's it's also a bit different. Callan has loved Sophie Bayles all of his life but she was off limits as her brother's best friend. Tragedy tore them apart and Callan left the country just after his best friend's death. Sophie, heart broken already due to her brother's death, swore to guard her heart and left Callan.

This was such a sweet love story from the beginning. Tragedy struck and tore them apart but the loved they shared never died. Callan has moved on from Phillip's death but Sophie hasn't. She just keeps putting everyone at a safe distance. Everyone has moved on including her parent's and Phillip's girlfriend whom he intended to marry when he came home. Sophie is so fragile yet strong at the same time. Callan gives her strength to face her grief and her fears.

I loved there story and the end was just a sweet. Ms. Jordan's series has captured my heart and this story is no different. I think it also sets up for the next Baytown story. Hmmm. I can't get enough of the wonderful characters and descriptive writing that pulls the reading into Baytown and makes you want to stay for a while.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am addicted to the Baytown Boys and eagerly look forward to the moment when each and everyone finds the women they are destined to spend their HEA with. In this instance, Callan Ward found that women very early on while he was still a child growing up. Sophia Bales was always tagging along behind the rest of the older Baytown boys and girls but he, along with her older brother, Phillip protected her. For Callan, he realized that his protection of Sophia was starting to feel like so much more but due to the age difference, he had to wait to act on that. As their "attraction" started to grow, it was time for Callan to leave Baytown to enter the military like all the other Baytown Boys so that "what might happen" was put on hold. Tragedy strikes and the Baytown Boys come home to help bury one of their own. That tragedy makes Sophia to place barriers around here heart that keeps Callan from picking up where they left off. This book shows how true love can conquer great obstacles but will it happen before another tragedy happens? Do yourself a favor and develop an addiction to the Baytown Boys Series and you will never look back, only forward as you eagerly await the next book in the Series.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I purchased a copy of the full length novel Guarding Your Heart: Baytown Boys book 9 by Maryann Jordan and this review was given freely.
A poignant complex and easy flowing romance with realistic characters that engages you and keep you invested in both the story and their lives. A suspenseful use of foreshadowing combined with a multimillion dollar illegal seafood racket, the evolving lives of the close knit Baytown Boys' families and a heartwarming happy ending are just a few of the reasons I found this story enjoyable.
Maryann Jordan sets the mood with emotional and poignant excerpts in Sophie and her brother Philip's best friend Callan's growing up years which show the special relationship of protection and kindness Callan gives Sophie blossoming into love but is shattered when Philip dies in action and Sophie fearful of being hurt further breaks up with Callan just as he is being deployed. This second chance at love romance while sweet in its infancy becomes steamy 10 years later as Callan contemplates leaving the Coast Guard and interior decorator Sophie moves back to Baytown from Richmond to complete a prestigious job.

[Elizabeth Kemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puzzling the Pieces of Love

Callan Ward and Sophie Bayles grew up in Baytown together. They were even sweethearts in high school. Growing up, Callan was Sophie's brother Philip's best friend. When tragedy strikes, it breaks their fledgling romance apart. Sophie flees Baytown for college and a career. Callan, as most of the Baytown Boys, joined the military out of high school. His Coast Guard assignment is currently in Baytown. Sophie returns to Baytown hoping for a fresh start after problems with her previous job and boyfriend. Even after ten years apart, Callan and Sophie find each other. His job with the Coast Guard brings him into contact with smuggling, criminals and protecting the Bay. Sophie is working hard to redesign a resort to strengthen her career. When the two of their lives interconnect in an unexpected and serious way, they find they still have a deep connection. The more they become involved with each other, it's clear that Callan is still in love with Sophie. And that he just needs to confirm he is the one to guard her heart. Beautiful and heartfelt, Sophie and Callan are a terrific couple with a fascinating story.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to leave a review for this book. Just had to. For 8 books, Phillip was a name. He was the friend that didn’t make it back. He was the friend who will be forever young. He was the fiancée. He was a brother. He was a son. Finally, with this story we get to meet his sister, Sophie. This is Sophie & Callan’s story so why am I bringing up Phillip?

Because this is the book where, for me, Phillip became real. He was a character we got to meet and know.

And mourn.

This book brought me to tears. Seeing glimpses of Phillip with Sophie & Callan, and Phillip with Katelyn…it shined a whole new light on parts of this series I already read. And it added a dimension to Sophie & Callan’s story that made it so rich and joyful.

These two—Phillip’s baby sister and his best friend—crushed on each other as kids, but after losing Phillip, Sophie was grieving and pushed Callan away as a means of protecting herself because Callan was serving in the coast guard. But life and circumstances bring them back together.

This story isn’t just a love story. It is about finding your way after a devastating loss. This one isn’t to be missed.

Well done, Ms. Jordan. Bravo!👏🏻

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophia Bayles wasn’t even a preteen when she decided she loved Callan Ward. By the time they were teens she was sure she’d never love another. But his BFF/her brother, Phillip was the only Baytown Boy that didn’t come back from his time in the military and Sophia couldn’t accept it, Callen had to share his coast guard unit being deployed overseas. Sofia decided to break off all contact, she went to college and got a job over 100miles away coming home for holidays only.

Venturing to start her own interior design company, Sofia’s stunned, her first big client is a golf resort in her home. What a boon for her company but she wasn’t sure how to act around Callen. He made it easy. They’d never gotten over each other. Odd things begin to happen as Sofia begins designing the spaces she was contracted for and socially, Sofia and Callen quickly got their friendship back and tiptoed toward romance. While enjoying the sunset, Sophia picks up litter, a bag of spoiled crab near the shore, mentioning it to Callen opens a pandora’s box of issues. Then someone takes a shot at her.
Rating: 4.25stars

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have your tissues ready for this one! Guarding Your Heart is the next in Maryann Jordan’s Baytown Boys Series and is the story of Callen Ward and Sophie Bales. Callen is in the Coast Guard and one of the original Baytown Boys. He was best friends with Phillip Bales, who we learned died while serving in the Army, and always had a thing for Phillips sister Sophie. Sophie and Callen we’re getting closer before he left for the Coast Guard, but things changed when Phillip died. Sophie was devastated and walked away from Callen and Baytown (you’ll need tissues). Ten years later, Sophie returns to work on a project and she and Callen begin to reconnect. Along the way, we see Sophie come to terms with her grief (another tissue alert) and of course, she finds herself unwittingly drawn into an investigation. Maryann Jordan pulled me in from the start and didn’t let go until the end. I can’t wait for the next in the series, I’m hoping for Jason! I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review.

[Tc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maryann Jordan is a brilliant author, I know that I’ll be unable to put the book down until I have finished.
This is a story of two childhood friends, who had very deep feelings for each other. Sophie, was the kid sister to Callan’s best friend. His feelings for her shouldn’t be there as it’s an unwritten rule ‘never become involved with your best friend’s sister!’ the friends leave Baytown to enter the services, Callan inlists in the Coast Guard and Phillip enlists with the Army. Phillip is killed in action and this is where the story becomes intense. Sophie is so scared that Callan will die as well she turns him away at Phillip’s funeral. 10years later Callan is stationed in Baytown and Sophie comes back home. Sophie is now back home to work on a project and the two begin to reconnect. There is mystery, intrigue and of course romance. Will Sophie and Callan get their HEA? Or will they both still be trying to Guard Their Hearts??? Great book, look forward to reading the next in the series!!
I was given this book by the author for my honest review.

[Andrea Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another five star read from Maryann Jordan.

You never ever forget your first love. You never forget the boy who your heart was attached to. You never forget the way he looked at you. But when tragedy happens sometimes love doesn’t help mend the heart.

For Sophie losing her big brother was absolutely heartbreaking so she guarded her heart and left Baytown. Not wanting to get her heart broken again she left and stayed away for 10 years. Never forgetting the boy she had left behind.

Callan has never forgotten his first love, Sophie. There isn’t a day that goes by the he didn’t think of her. As chance would have it Sophie is now back in Baytown and this is the chance that Callan has waited for. He only wants to guard her heart.

As a mystery unfolds and their relationship blooms Callan and Sophie reunite. We follow as these two learn about each other as adults, as they make their way to their happily ever after.

Highly recommended.

*I was give this advanced copy by the author/publisher in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start with this book...omg! Having read every Baytown book so far, I’ve become familiar with all the characters stories. Not just as to now, but to their history and the towns too. So learning that Philip didn’t return has always been at the back of every story. Now that we meet his family it becomes more real. I wasn’t but a short way in and I was crying my eyes out. This book is written with so much feeling it’s awesome. It portrays all the emotional angst when something like this happens. Different perspectives and heartache all around show how much he was loved. Sophie was a beautiful character and I loved her almost immediately. Callan, what can you say but a true gentleman to her even when they were young. My heart broke so many times during this book I didn’t know how I was gonna cope. Lol. All I can say is it has everything, drama, heartache and so much love. It was simply one of the best books I’ve read by this author. Fabulous book

[Dawn Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarding Your Heart is one fantastic story and a great addition to the Baytown Boys series, Maryann Jordan has done another amazing job with this book she just has one amazing ability of making you fall for her stories. This one book is no different, this was an emotional story with some suspense and definitely some love. A very well written story and some great characters. This is Sophie and Callan’s story, she has been in love with her brothers best friend for years but when tragedy strikes she is devastated and she flees their hometown trying to leave her grief behind. He is back home But the one he hopes to see has left town. This is one story you won’t want to miss a must read. This is probably my favorite of the whole series but then again I love the Baytown Boy. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this great book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. Love so much I purchased it.

[Mireille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia and Callan have loved each other since they were children. They looked destined to be together always, that is until the unthinkable happens, a tragedy that changes everything. Years later and they are both back in Baytown. This is a lovely book about second chances, love and forgiveness. It shows that time can heal the deepest of wounds. I absolutely loved this book, there’s the usual mystery and intrigue, you catch up with the rest of the Baytown Boys and their families. There’s the relationship between Sophia and Callan, watching it evolve from the strained first meeting to them gradually getting to know one another now that they’re adults. Sophia finally faces her grief and forgives herself for her actions when grieving. As is usual for Maryann Jordan, just when you think everything is all sorted and the loose ends are tied up she throws a surprise into the mix. I love her dramatic endings and even better her epilogues.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callan and Sophie

Oh my, this book has all the feels. I was sobbing from the start I know the loss of a brother so this one hit me. Sweet Sophie has loved Callan from childhood. Callan was best friends with her brother Phillip and always looked out for Sophie and finally in his senior year of school he asked Sophie to the prom. Then the Baytown boys joined different branches of the military but one didn’t come home. Sophie was heartbroken that her big brother was gone and rejected Callan. She had to guard her heart. Ten years later she’s back in town as an interior designer to stage a house and condo in The Dunes. She and Callan reconnect but weird things are going on at the golf resort and Sophie is in danger. Callan and his other Coast Guard members along with BPD and the Sheriff are investigating. Will Sophie follow her heart and come home to Baytown and Callan for good and can Callan keep her safe? Grab this one and dive in but have plenty of tissues.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maryann Jordan has definitely outdone herself once again, I found this book well written and flowed easy and was enjoyable to read. I am certain that I cant take a wrong turn picking up one of this authors books. These books are always full of twists and turns and you don't know what is going to come at you next.

The charecters in this book past and present are a pleasure to read and be able to emmerse yourself with and get to know a new love and catch up on old ones as well as speculate on future relationships. It has been an absolute joy once again.

I would recommend this book and author to anyone who loves a beautiful love that touches your soul and makes you feel everything while following the beautiful path the couple travel, especially through the ups and downs. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have. Happy Reading ♡

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only did Sophie look up to her brother Philip but she had a crush on his best friend Callan as well. Both Philip and Callan left town to serve their country however Philip did make it home and Sophie was left devastated. She has decided to not allow anyone close enough to feel that pain again and that meant ending her relationship with Callan and leaving town after the funeral.

Ten years later Callan is back in Baytown with the Coast Guard when Sophie returns to town for a new beginning and to try and finally heal from the past. Callan wants a second chance but to have that he will need to protect Sophie and her heart.

This is an emotional story about healing, love and second chances.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. The characters in this one just pull you right into the story. I loved the scenes from their childhood because it gives you a look deeper look into where it began for Sophie and Callan. This book does have a sad tone for a bit that hits your right in the heart. I really like Sophie and Callan together. I really loved Callan he's exactly who Sophie needs and he's there for her. You can feel the emotions roll off of Sophie. How hard it is for her to come and as she reconnects with those she cares about. It's a well rounded book that delivers on the heat and heart. It also has some keep you on the edge your seat moments. The end of this one absolutely perfect and it left me with a smile on my face.

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is my new favorite Maryann Jordan so far

I have never loved a book so much that made me cry so much. You get so many different feels that you can't help but cry so keep the tissue close by. Sophie and Callan have loved other since they were little, but when her brother was killed overseas when she was in high school, she decided that she couldn't be with Callan anymore because she had to guard her heart from breaking any more. Now she is home for a few months for work and reconnected with Callan. Can he finally help her to move past the grief she is holding onto? Will Callan reenlist with Coast Guard or resign? Will Sophie go back to Richmond or stay in Baytown to start her own Interior Design Company?