The Guarded Heart

by Blair LeBlanc

RAIN
He's my bodyguard. I'm the senator's daughter.
We can't be together, but I'll risk it all to be with him.
Cassian is my silent shadow. A cold, unfeeling giant. A man of few words who undresses me with his bedroom eyes. He's beautifully flawed with a past as mysterious as his scars. It wasn’t what I planned, but Cassian seized me— heart, body, and soul.
He's my first. He's my everything.
I fell for him.
Then I found out his secret.
He's not my protector.
He's my worst mistake.

-----
CASSIAN
I'm in love with my enemy's daughter.
She was young. She was beautiful. The purple-haired girl looked wild. I'd tame her with a firm hand before taking her to bed. I expected a high-maintenance brat, but what I got was Rain.
A kind, selfless woman. A girl whose joy cracked through my armor.
I couldn't hurt her.
When I met her, my plan shattered.
She was mine.
She brought light to my endless night.
And I was destined to destroy everything that made her shine.

Author's Note: A moody, overprotective bodyguard bends his rules for the girl he's supposed to hate. The Guarded Heart is a full-length, steamy, enemies-to-lovers romance with a heartwarming HEA from debut author, Blair LeBlanc.

Genres: Romance

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2019

About the author

Blair LeBlanc is an author of Contemporary Romance and lives in Seattle with her two ill-behaved cats.

Before she settled in Seattle, she lived in Northern California where she studied English Literature at San Jose State University. She pursued a career in medicine before making an about-face to write full-time. She also pens psychological thrillers as Rachel Hargrove.

She enjoys beer tasting, live music venues, and singing her heart out at horrified bar patrons.

Email: admin@blairleblanc.com
Website: http://www.blairleblanc.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorblair...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blairleblanc...

Reviews

[Jos · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 Stars

OK, so I really enjoyed this book a lot! I loved Cassian and I loved Rain but yet at times, I was shaking my head. As far as their relationship, it progressed fairly good with the exception of some "weird" bumps....I am not sure how to describe my feelings because those minor "bumps" were not necessarily bad but yet I couldn't help my feelings about the whole hot n cold with Cassian.....

NOW with that being said I truly enjoyed this age gap book a lot because well, that's my weakness, lol and yes, it was done good but the ending felt a tad bit rushed and I expected "more" in the way of these two BUT hoping to solidify their HEA in Quentin's book because the time gap in the Epilogue left me feeling slightly un fulfilled if that makes sense:)

All in all, I am a FAN!

[Anna Valsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5-4 😚💪💔🔫🍺🍒🌂💧💧💧🌞

[LaToya (Readingbythebayou) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story about love found between a young woman and her bodyguard. Cassian has a guarded heart he doesn't do love just one night stands. He suffered a tragic event that left his hands disfigured. He is extremely self conscious of his scars. He isn't thrilled about being Rain's bodyguard. He thinks children of politicians are spoiled entitled brats. Rain is the complete opposite she's a free spirit and selfless. She oozes warmth and is wise beyond her years. I love Rain and her devotion to her mother. She's had a rough life being the illegitimate daughter of a senator. This book was an emotional rollercoaster and you couldn't help but feel for these characters and root that love would conquer all. This was a well written book and I look forward to Quentin's story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guarded Heart by Blair LeBlanc is the story of Cassian and Rain.
Cassian is a harden body guard who is scared inside and out due to his past. Cassian is sensitive to his physical scars which adds to his harden blunt attitude. Cassian is somewhat prejudice against the rich privileged people that he has to guard. When he is asked to guard the 19 year old Rain who is the daughter of a senator he thinks that she will be like most all of the other privileged people he guards. But he soon starts to learn differently. Rain has her struggles but seeks to see the good in people and tries to be a happy person the best she can. Rain is the total opposite of the 30 year old bodyguard Cassian. But the two start to feel that they can't fight the attraction that they have but can it be anything more?
Enjoyed their story and hope to read more from this author.

[shereads.pang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Cassian and Rain. Love the names also. Lol A bodyguard and the senator's daughter. What can go wrong with that! I love the plot so much! It made me swoon, laugh, and sad. It's full of drama, mystery, revenge, steamy, and 11 years of age gap. She's 19, and he's 30. She's mature for her age. Cassian guards his heart and doesn't let anyone in due to a tragic event. He's quite an a-hole, but you'll understand why he's the way he is. I so love him. Rain is Cassian's sunshine. Rain is the black sheep in the family because she's the result of a one night stand. She's fiery and goes for what she wants. The chemistry is fire. Can't wait for Quentin's book. Highly recommend this book.

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok wow I really liked Guarded Heart it really drew me while also fanning myself with how HOT it could be . I just want to say I can't wait to read more by Blair LeBanc with a story like this it just made me want more and I can't wait to see more from them in the future . It did take me some time to connect to the characters but when I started to feel something for them I really fell hard .

[Lúthien Númenessë · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! When I read the blurb I thought that the age difference between the main characters would repel me and that it would be a predictable and submission plot, I couldn't be more wrong.
I really enjoyed the dynamics among the characters, the relationship between them felt real and fluid, without forced situations and the plot twists were great.
The plot is interesting and although we mostly see the relationship between them the nuances out of that is what made it a good book.
It is the first time I read something of Blair LeBlanc and I will definitely stay here, I will look for more of her, she has a fluid and constant narrative, easy to read and follow the plot, she doesn't overwhelm you with descriptions but also doesn't leave you with loose threads.
There were parts where the story was a bit slow for my liking, but it wasn't boring at all, and for sure that I couldn't put it down 'till the end and now I want more of Carrian!!
I guess what makes this story great is that Cassian is a complete asshole.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the storyline, a romance between a bodyguard and his client's daughter. I thought both characters were written in depth and that the story itself was entertaining. At first Cassian is emotional unavailable with palpable pain he shows the reader, and Rain is a ray of sunshine with her own problems that she doesn't project. The story was quickly progressing but I found some instances a bit repetitive, for instance Rain denies she wants Cassian but then all of a sudden (after he is mean to her) decides she wants him back. She goes back and fourth from I can't do this to forgetting her own rules, even if he doesn't deserve it. Overall, it's a enjoyable read, fast paced, and contains a good romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darlyn San · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC on this book and here's may take on this story. It's my first time to read Contemporary romance and I was blown away how great this author are. Given the lead guy Cassian was both certified jerk and asshole while, Rain is the damsel and dimsel type, you still feel the intensity of their attractions to one another. These two are pretty intense from the beginning. Each character are so unpredictable which to me is very exciting to read. Though it has 540 pages... I don't feel the length of hours I spent reading them. I'm so hooked that I don't want to stop reading it. This book makes me feel different emotions for each character... Like you love them or hate them feels. If you are into contemporary romance you'll sure love this and I totally recommend it. Happy reading 📖

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sad at times and uplifting at others. Cassian is a tough looking Bodyguard that doesn’t smile much and tends to give people a hard time. Other words he is not warm and fuzzy. He has let something that happened in his childhood keep him mad and wanting revenge. He is assigned to guard a senator’s daughter who is the exact opposite of him and looks for good in everybody. Cassian has a few big secrets that come back to bite him. Rain is as open and innocent as can be. Her father is a jerk in the highest degree. I could not stand him and how he treated Rain. The book is well written and I strongly encourage you to read it. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of the book.

[Racy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story.

I felt sorry for Cassian. He had so much hurt and anger that he carried with him. He chose not to let anyone get close to him. He wanted justice.

I loved Rain it had to be hard for everything she was going through. To have the type of father she had. To see what someone close to her was going through. but yet though her pain she always tried to be the beam of sunshine that would shine though the darkness to being hope to those that needed.

I loved the chemistry that was between Cassian and Rain. These two were amazing together. Don’t get me wrong , they will have their battles but it will be so worth everything they go through.

This was an amazing story. It does have it steamy parts and a book I would recommend.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My feelings about this book are mixed, because it took me a bit to really get into the story. When I finally felt like I hit my reading stride, something in the story would turn me off and I'd have to try to get back into it. There isn't anything that stands out with the writing, just my thoughts on the story as a whole, I guess. But, not every book is for every person, and maybe I want salt in the mood to read this story at this point.

Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is well written with the characters being well developed and full of chemistry. The storyline kept me turning page after page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Cassian & Raine's story. I couldn't get enough. Glad I took a chance on this new author. (for me) Can't wait to read more of her books. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a free book via booksprout.

[Jola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fajna historia ochroniarza i nastolatki. Nadal nie mogę pojąć czemu dojrzali faceci lecą na dzieciaki, ale spoko. Motyw zemsty i tajemnicy z przeszłości fajny, ale jak dla mnie za mało rozbudowany. Trochę zabrakło mi emocji w tej historii.

[Mean Kitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's about Cassian, a bodyguard who has a guarded heart, and eventually falls for her protectee, a girl more than 10 years his junior. She is a stranded daughter of a man who wronged Cassian.

It's just OK. It's been done before and there is no new angle. Not impressed.

[By_Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐

Trochę męczyłam tą książkę. Pomimo tego jest warta przeczytania. Chyba to nie był poprostu czas na nią.

[natix · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 tylko za ostatnie 7/8 rozdziałów

[Ewelina Natkaniec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rewelacyjna książka

[Patrycja · Rating 1 out of 5]

przeczytane ale jakim kosztem

[śnieżka ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ · Rating 1 out of 5]

nie potrafie tego skonczyc ://

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)

[Adrianna Hładun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Typowy romans na jeden wieczór.

[Stephanie Halford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful love story 💕💕💕💕

This is a new to me author!!! I will definitely be reading more of her books!
I started this book and couldn’t put it down. It is so freaking good! I loved every chapter, I laughed some and cried about too. I felt all the emotions the characters were going through. It’s was so heartbreaking beautiful ...
cannot wait for the next story !!
💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[Karina Bujalska · Rating 2 out of 5]

what the freak was that

[bookreviewer_98 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly,I have to thank author Blair Leblanc for providing me with the ARC of this book. I enjoyed Rain and Cassian's story very much! The book revolves around a teenage daughter of a senator,Rain and her appointed bodyguard Cassian. Though recuited by her father, Cassian had his own agenda for getting close to Rain. For Cassian the whole affair was a act of revenge against the Senator but he never thought of falling in love with Rain(duh this plan was a flopped one from the start!🙄). Needless to say, one stolen moment became more and in the blink of a few chapters these two were recklessly in love with each other. But their romance soon came to a halt after Rain figured out Cassian's plan. The girl left him(good for her...or not). I have to say never expected what Cassian and his whole family suffered due to Rain's father's selfishness. The man killed his sister and almost Cassian too. Really felt bad for the bloke. I really enjoyed seeing Rain's father serving jail time for all the mess he created over the years. He is such a corrupted and manupulative character. He only used Rain and never really loved her. The chemistry between Rain and Cassian is something that I enjoyed. They were polar opposites(bubbly,witty and caring Rain and coldhearted,calculated Cassian). But the bloke was positively smitten with his "sunshine"(it was a real sweet nickname). Rain mother is a character who constantly got on my nerves until the end(the ending was pretty awesome). She was such a push over and her choice in boyfriends were more than just questionable! I have to mention Quentin and Cassian's jealousy over Q and Rain was entertaining as hell. This was a all over good book and I would love to read more of the author's works in the future! Have a great day and happy reading....xoxo.

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous Story & Narration🎧 Cassian finds Sunshine!

The Guarded Heart
By: Blair LeBlanc
Narrated by: Sage Gaten, Michael Fell

I loved everything about this book, from Blair LeBlanc’s writing style to the story and characters she created. It not only grabbed my attention but it grabbed my heart as well. The characters are complex and well developed. I loved the two leads, they were opposites in many ways, yet similar in other ways. Rain is the senator’s illegitimate daughter, she has a bubbly personality and a great outlook on life despite her less then stellar upbringing. Rain is currently living with her senator father and he hires body guards to watch over her. Casein takes on this job despite his family’s past connection with the senator. Cassian has ulterior motives in his mind, revenge, he wants to ruin him. But the more he gets to know Rain his feelings change and he gets further away from his plan. I loved the chemistry between these two, how she was penetrating the wall he had around his heart, also loved how dedicated he was to protecting her and then his possessiveness. Cassian may have found his sunshine in Rain but things change when she finds out the truth. There is never a dull moment in this book it is well plotted with plenty of drama, angst, twists & turns, some thrilling suspenseful moments and a slow burn to a hot romance. Thank you Blair LeBlanc for this great story and the emotional roller coaster ride.

I listened to the Audible edition, Sage Gaten & Michale Fell are wonderful narrators and voice performers. They bring the characters to life, give each their own voice and personality, as well as heart and attitude. They did a great job projecting the emotions of the character and the drama of the story into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧

[Rachel Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure, innocent, all-consuming love that creeps up on you so quickly that you don’t know you’ve fallen until you’re swallowed whole. That’s The Guarded Heart. That’s Rain and Cassian’s romance. This profound love that punches you in the gut. I think it’s Rain innocence that really drew me in. Her innate ability to see the good in everyone, her desire to help even the people that hurt her; she is light. Cassian describes her as illuminating, a radiant force. She crashes into his life and brightens the darkest corners of his heart. His sunshine.

As much as I hate to admit it, I pitied Cassian from the moment he was introduced. Not because of his past, or his scars, or even his attitude. I ached for his inability to see what an incredible man he was. Rain saw it the moment she met him. He just needed a little extra care to help him bloom. Rain helps push his boundaries and start the process of forgiving himself for the things he couldn’t control in his past. Their dynamic was intense and exhilarating. Cassian saw Rain’s love before she could, he just didn’t have the strength to admit his love for her until he lost her.

Cass’s history was agonizing. Rain took everything he handed her and put it on her heart. These two were mesmerizing to read. I don’t want to give too much away, so I won’t go into detail, but Cass is deliciously authoritative and very alpha-male. Rain has hardly any experience with romance or relationships in general. She is starved for love, but it doesn’t deter Cass. Two completely rare personalities, burning for each other...the crash is a beautiful destruction. Our author, Blair LeBlanc, truly did a remarkable job with this story.

[Zamknietawksiazkach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rain wychowywała się bez ojca, więc teraz zrobi wszystko, żeby go lepiej poznać. To wiąże się również z tolerowaniem ochroniarzy, których dla niej zatrudnił. Jednym z nich jest Cassian, którego z senatorem łączy bolesna przeszłość. Mężczyzna chce się zemścić na ojcu Rain i przyjmuje pracę jako jej ochroniarz. Planuje wykorzystać i zranić dziewczynę, za jej pomocą uderzając w senatora. Cassian nie bierze jednak pod uwagę tego, że Rain zupełnie różni się od swojego ojca. Z czasem w grę zaczynają wchodzić uczucia i zemsta schodzi na dalszy plan.
Książkę czytało mi się przyjemnie, chociaż nie wciągnęła mnie aż tak, jak na to liczyłam. Cassian był moim zdaniem najlepszą i najbardziej złożoną postacią. Miał swoje demony i cały czas rozpamiętywał przeszłość, co w ogromnym stopniu wpływało na jego życie. Natomiast główna bohaterka była według mnie jednym z najsłabszych ogniw książki. Rain była zupełnie oderwana od rzeczywistości, jej naiwność i bezmyślność w pewnym momencie stała się dla mnie nie do zniesienia. Niesamowicie irytowało mnie jej zachowanie i sposób myślenia. Na początku było mi jej żal, kiedy pozwalała swoim najbliższym sobą manipulować, ale później stało się to już powtarzalne i nudne. Jej relacja z Cassianem też pozostawiała wiele do życzenia, miałam wrażenie, że nie była zbyt głęboka.
Sama fabuła była ciekawa, chociaż akcja nie toczyła się w szybkim tempie. Pomimo niedociągnięć całkiem przyjemnie spędziłam z tą książką czas. Jeśli lubicie romanse z motywem ochroniarza, warto zainteresować się również tym tytułem.

[Gildamary Sacca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, she’s done it again!! Regardless of what nom de plume she uses, her work is completely fantastic.
At first glance, you question “is this the hero?” But keep reading. He steals your heart in just a few pages. Sigh
Cassian is as unique as his name. A buff giant of a man with a gruff voice and few words. This blue-eyed, 30 year old has seen many things. Little affects him anymore. He is hired to guard Senator Montgomery ‘s Daughter, Rain, who is only 19, sweet as sugar and loving to boot. She’s had no others; he doesn’t even care to remember names.
Hero Rating 6⭐️
Heroine Rating 6⭐️
Sexual Tension Rating 5+⭐️
Sex Scene Frequency Rating 5+⭐️
Sexual Intimacy Rating 6⭐️
Plot Development Rating 6⭐️
Character Development Rating 6⭐️
Storytelling Rating? 6⭐️
StoryEnding Rating 6⭐️
Would I Reread This Book? ABSOLUTELY!!
Would I Read Future Books? ABSOLUTELY!!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the Author, Blair LeBlanc, with no expectation of a review. I finished the book so quickly and then voluntarily offered to review it. The characters are absolutely wonderful; flawed, real, deep, and uniquely individual.
The sex scenes are sensual and provocative!! After all, he’s 30, she’s 19 and innocent. He’s a master Teacher.
I would highly recommend this suspenseful story of two lost souls whom are thrown together by chance or is it Good Luck? 🍀
I will definitely read mor of her in the future!