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Winning Her Guarded Heart
She’s not interested in Mr. Right, but she wouldn’t mind Mr. Right now…
Joanna has seen first-hand with her parents’ marriage how a relationship can go sour. She isn’t interested in a relationship, but she would like to know what all the fuss in the bedroom is about.
No romance, just sex. That’s not too much to ask, is it?
So when her friend Micah figures out what she’s planning and offers himself—she should say “hell no.” He’s exactly what she isn’t looking for. He has “complicated” written on every delicious inch of him.
… but when he kisses her, “no” evaporates from her vocabulary. All she wants is more, more, more.
It only takes one night for Joanna to realize she’s miles out of her depth. If she’s not careful, she’s going to lose more than just her virginity to Micah. She’s going to lose her heart. And that’s something she promised she’d always keep safe.
He offers her one night, but one kiss tells him one night won’t be enough…
Micah is satisfied with his life. He’s got great friends. He loves his job as a park ranger.
But everything he thought he knew goes flying off the rails when he overhears Joanna’s plan to lose her virginity. He can’t let her climb into some stranger’s bed.
But once won’t be enough. Micah is already thinking about all the other firsts they could have.
Joanna is everything he wants in a woman. She’s clever and funny and she drives him wild. She makes him dream of a whole lot more than just a satisfactory life.
But when Micah’s investigation into a poaching ring on the national park puts both their lives in danger, he pushes her away. Once he realizes his mistake, will he be able to convince her to give him another chance?
Can he overcome her defenses and capture her guarded heart?
This book is the ninth book in the MAGNOLIA VALLEY series. It can be read as a standalone or as part of a larger story line.
Dreaming of You (Josie & Calvin)Destined for You (Ethan & Astrid)Fascinated by You (Nora & Alek)He was Playing for Keeps (Caine & Quinn)Catching Her Wild Heart (Wyatt & Penny)Risking it all for Love (Augustus & Freya)It was Always You (Simon & Margot)They Started with a Kiss (Sebastian & Amelia)Winning Her Guarded Heart (Micah & Joanna)
Joanna has seen first-hand with her parents’ marriage how a relationship can go sour. She isn’t interested in a relationship, but she would like to know what all the fuss in the bedroom is about.
No romance, just sex. That’s not too much to ask, is it?
So when her friend Micah figures out what she’s planning and offers himself—she should say “hell no.” He’s exactly what she isn’t looking for. He has “complicated” written on every delicious inch of him.
… but when he kisses her, “no” evaporates from her vocabulary. All she wants is more, more, more.
It only takes one night for Joanna to realize she’s miles out of her depth. If she’s not careful, she’s going to lose more than just her virginity to Micah. She’s going to lose her heart. And that’s something she promised she’d always keep safe.
He offers her one night, but one kiss tells him one night won’t be enough…
Micah is satisfied with his life. He’s got great friends. He loves his job as a park ranger.
But everything he thought he knew goes flying off the rails when he overhears Joanna’s plan to lose her virginity. He can’t let her climb into some stranger’s bed.
But once won’t be enough. Micah is already thinking about all the other firsts they could have.
Joanna is everything he wants in a woman. She’s clever and funny and she drives him wild. She makes him dream of a whole lot more than just a satisfactory life.
But when Micah’s investigation into a poaching ring on the national park puts both their lives in danger, he pushes her away. Once he realizes his mistake, will he be able to convince her to give him another chance?
Can he overcome her defenses and capture her guarded heart?
This book is the ninth book in the MAGNOLIA VALLEY series. It can be read as a standalone or as part of a larger story line.
Dreaming of You (Josie & Calvin)Destined for You (Ethan & Astrid)Fascinated by You (Nora & Alek)He was Playing for Keeps (Caine & Quinn)Catching Her Wild Heart (Wyatt & Penny)Risking it all for Love (Augustus & Freya)It was Always You (Simon & Margot)They Started with a Kiss (Sebastian & Amelia)Winning Her Guarded Heart (Micah & Joanna)
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2020
6 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 22, 2020
This was a good read. Joanna isn't looking for love. Instead she is looking for a one night stand. Micah hears this and proposes that she lets him be the guy. Of course by the end feelings are real. Thankfully after some drama things work out for them.
August 7, 2020
Winning her Guarded Heart is the ninth book in the Magnolia Valley series by Cora Reed. The book can be read as a stand-alone novel and the series can be read in any particular order. Just note that there may be a few spoilers by choosing to do so.
I really enjoyed this book and had been waiting for it for some time. Magnolia Valley is the small town we'd all love to live in. It sounds beautiful, picturesque and cold and like most small towns, it is rumor mill central. Gossip flows like water.
If this is your first book by this author, this is the story of Joanna and Micah. They are long time friends that have a really great friendship. They are one of the few single friends left in their group and have little to no romantic notions. Until...
Micah overhears a conversation between his friends where Joanna reveals her master plan for getting rid of her v-card. Everything changes in that second.
Micah is a sweet guy with his share of baggage. Both characters put your heart through the wringer with their hangups and insecurities.
I could not put this book down. I loved the chemistry between the characters, the friendships described and the overall feel of this story. It was emotional but funny and a really enjoyable plot.
If you love small town romance and friends to lovers, this series is perfect for you. You won't be disappointed.
Catch the other Magnolia Valley books.
1. Dreaming of You
2. Destined for You
3. Fascinated by You
4. He was Playing for Keeps
5. Catching her Wild Heart
6. Risking it All for Love
7. It was Always You
8. They Started with a Kiss
9. Winning her Guarded Heart
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book and had been waiting for it for some time. Magnolia Valley is the small town we'd all love to live in. It sounds beautiful, picturesque and cold and like most small towns, it is rumor mill central. Gossip flows like water.
If this is your first book by this author, this is the story of Joanna and Micah. They are long time friends that have a really great friendship. They are one of the few single friends left in their group and have little to no romantic notions. Until...
Micah overhears a conversation between his friends where Joanna reveals her master plan for getting rid of her v-card. Everything changes in that second.
Micah is a sweet guy with his share of baggage. Both characters put your heart through the wringer with their hangups and insecurities.
I could not put this book down. I loved the chemistry between the characters, the friendships described and the overall feel of this story. It was emotional but funny and a really enjoyable plot.
If you love small town romance and friends to lovers, this series is perfect for you. You won't be disappointed.
Catch the other Magnolia Valley books.
1. Dreaming of You
2. Destined for You
3. Fascinated by You
4. He was Playing for Keeps
5. Catching her Wild Heart
6. Risking it All for Love
7. It was Always You
8. They Started with a Kiss
9. Winning her Guarded Heart
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2020
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is the 9th book of this series and i am still loving it and i certainly would love to visit Magnolia Valley.
We have met both Joanna and Micah in previous books and i am glad that this pair got a happy ever after.
Both have pasts that have shaped them to be who they are, it's just a shame that poor Joanna has a deplorable father who seems more interested in how people see him than he is cultivating his familial relations. He is a man with two faces.
With Joanna suddenly deciding that she is still living by her fathers outdated rules and life is passing her by she decides that she is finally going to get rid of her pesky v-card. Micah overhears her conversation with her best friend Isla and he finds himself jealous and not knowing why. He then decides that it would be safe if he helped her out.
Friends turn into friends with benefits, but as they get to know another side of each other that they didn't know before, more feelings get in the way. When Joanna also helps him with a poaching problem on the park he looks after and gets hurt, Micah freaks out.
Both get a chance to really examine their feelings and grow into better individuals, being more self assure with themselves. After a little break and Micah being given some advice from his father, he makes the grand gesture and makes sure to put effort into actually getting the girl for good.
Its another brilliantly written book and i cannot wait to read the next book with Susie and Declan.
This is the 9th book of this series and i am still loving it and i certainly would love to visit Magnolia Valley.
We have met both Joanna and Micah in previous books and i am glad that this pair got a happy ever after.
Both have pasts that have shaped them to be who they are, it's just a shame that poor Joanna has a deplorable father who seems more interested in how people see him than he is cultivating his familial relations. He is a man with two faces.
With Joanna suddenly deciding that she is still living by her fathers outdated rules and life is passing her by she decides that she is finally going to get rid of her pesky v-card. Micah overhears her conversation with her best friend Isla and he finds himself jealous and not knowing why. He then decides that it would be safe if he helped her out.
Friends turn into friends with benefits, but as they get to know another side of each other that they didn't know before, more feelings get in the way. When Joanna also helps him with a poaching problem on the park he looks after and gets hurt, Micah freaks out.
Both get a chance to really examine their feelings and grow into better individuals, being more self assure with themselves. After a little break and Micah being given some advice from his father, he makes the grand gesture and makes sure to put effort into actually getting the girl for good.
Its another brilliantly written book and i cannot wait to read the next book with Susie and Declan.
January 5, 2021
This is a classic friends-to-lovers book.
Micah, a park ranger, is good friends with Joanna, a therapist, who recently moved back home. Micah has difficulty sharing his feelings and emotions due to the loss of his mother at the age of sixteen. He is afraid to love because he's not sure it's worth the risk. Joanna is closed off and lacks confidence because of the lack of affection and constant criticism given to her by her preacher father. She's afraid to love because she believes no one will accept her and she'll never be enough.
Micah has secretly "loved" Joanna for as long as he can remember and it's been the same for Joanna. After overhearing Joanna's conversation with her friend about her virginity, Micah propositions Joanna and their romance begins.
The chemistry between Micah and Joanna is undeniable, but they continue to deny their feelings for each other until they get stuck in an unfortunate situation. Micah believing it to be his fault severs their relationship, leaving both distraught.
After their break-up, Joanna realizes that she doesn't have to conform to anyone's ideals and displays confidence. Micah realizes that loving Joanna is worth the risk.
Micah apologizes to Joanna in a dramatic fashion and they profess their love for each other.
This book has a HEA and it was a great read. I will definitely be reading more of Cora Reed's books!
I received this book as an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Micah, a park ranger, is good friends with Joanna, a therapist, who recently moved back home. Micah has difficulty sharing his feelings and emotions due to the loss of his mother at the age of sixteen. He is afraid to love because he's not sure it's worth the risk. Joanna is closed off and lacks confidence because of the lack of affection and constant criticism given to her by her preacher father. She's afraid to love because she believes no one will accept her and she'll never be enough.
Micah has secretly "loved" Joanna for as long as he can remember and it's been the same for Joanna. After overhearing Joanna's conversation with her friend about her virginity, Micah propositions Joanna and their romance begins.
The chemistry between Micah and Joanna is undeniable, but they continue to deny their feelings for each other until they get stuck in an unfortunate situation. Micah believing it to be his fault severs their relationship, leaving both distraught.
After their break-up, Joanna realizes that she doesn't have to conform to anyone's ideals and displays confidence. Micah realizes that loving Joanna is worth the risk.
Micah apologizes to Joanna in a dramatic fashion and they profess their love for each other.
This book has a HEA and it was a great read. I will definitely be reading more of Cora Reed's books!
I received this book as an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
August 8, 2020
The ninth book in the series and I still want to live in Valley. Micah and Joann have been great friends, each secretly finding the other attractive but not believing the other would want more. Their friendship is wonderful and they already know each other so well the move to more than friends seems inevitable. Unfortunately, they both have major baggage and hang ups.
When Micah overhears Jo talk about her plans to lose her v card, he takes action. He can’t picture her with someone else so he offers to be the person, one night and no one else knows. The only problem, neither can stop it from happing again, nor do they want to stop it.
When a work related incident happens and Micah not only realizes he loves her, but he was the reason she was hurt, he pushes her away. Whether he can find a way back in or realizes that he is better with her remains to be seen.
The friendships, not just theirs, are wonderful. The reasons you want to shake both of them at times are believable, and the story so great you won’t want to put it down. I love this series and can’t wait for Declan and Susie’s story. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
When Micah overhears Jo talk about her plans to lose her v card, he takes action. He can’t picture her with someone else so he offers to be the person, one night and no one else knows. The only problem, neither can stop it from happing again, nor do they want to stop it.
When a work related incident happens and Micah not only realizes he loves her, but he was the reason she was hurt, he pushes her away. Whether he can find a way back in or realizes that he is better with her remains to be seen.
The friendships, not just theirs, are wonderful. The reasons you want to shake both of them at times are believable, and the story so great you won’t want to put it down. I love this series and can’t wait for Declan and Susie’s story. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
August 22, 2020
Much of this series, I have read through the ARC program with Hidden Gems. I have gotten to a point that I just request it without necessarily reading the synopsis because I enjoy this author and writing style. Reading the earlier books and in order might help but are not required to enjoy this book. Yet, if you had read some of the recent books you have been introduced to Micah and Johanna. They are close friends and things might be changing between them.
Although there are hints of their attraction, things change dramatically when Micah overhears Johanna’s plan to lose her v-card to some stranger just to be done with it. Micah decides then that he wants to be the one to help her with that, with the understanding that they can go back to being friends after that. There are obvious issues with that, especially since they realize they have tremendous chemistry in bed as well as out. As with all the Magnolia Valley books, there is a little action/suspense portion that keeps the story going and adds a little intrigue to this small-town romance. Overall, it a good friends to lovers story with humor and action added in.
Although there are hints of their attraction, things change dramatically when Micah overhears Johanna’s plan to lose her v-card to some stranger just to be done with it. Micah decides then that he wants to be the one to help her with that, with the understanding that they can go back to being friends after that. There are obvious issues with that, especially since they realize they have tremendous chemistry in bed as well as out. As with all the Magnolia Valley books, there is a little action/suspense portion that keeps the story going and adds a little intrigue to this small-town romance. Overall, it a good friends to lovers story with humor and action added in.
September 25, 2020
This book 9th from Magnolia Valley series and this one is about Joanna. This book could be standalone.
Joanna and Micah has been friends for long time and among their gaming friends, they are the only single. It never bother both of them until Micah overheard Joanna mentioning her getting rid of her V-card. She didn't need any connection, she just wanted to have it gone and she is willing to do it with any stranger.
Micah couldn't and wouldn't let Joanna do it with stranger and he volunteers himself. He promised he will help her get her goal, more like friends with benefit. When they have chemistry other than friendship, things get complicated and it is messing with both of them.
Micah and Joanna has their own struggles that might get in the way if they want their own happily ever after.
They can have love and friendship if they let each other in but it won't be easy for both.
It is great small town romance series. It would really help to read books in order but doesn't have to be.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
Joanna and Micah has been friends for long time and among their gaming friends, they are the only single. It never bother both of them until Micah overheard Joanna mentioning her getting rid of her V-card. She didn't need any connection, she just wanted to have it gone and she is willing to do it with any stranger.
Micah couldn't and wouldn't let Joanna do it with stranger and he volunteers himself. He promised he will help her get her goal, more like friends with benefit. When they have chemistry other than friendship, things get complicated and it is messing with both of them.
Micah and Joanna has their own struggles that might get in the way if they want their own happily ever after.
They can have love and friendship if they let each other in but it won't be easy for both.
It is great small town romance series. It would really help to read books in order but doesn't have to be.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
August 18, 2020
This is book nine in The Magnolia Valley Series and this is Micah and Joanna's story and I absolutely loved it. Micah and Joanna are best friends and they have feelings for each other but have gone through so much and don't want to risk there friendship buy complicating everything with feeling and they think too much of each other to do that. There are many twists and turns along with hope, friendship, love, disappointment, pain and many other situations but with there connection and chemistry help them overcome all there issues to give them a happy endings. Wow I absolutely loved this story and I had to keep turning the page's to see what would happen next and it was so addictive and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series. Cora Reed is a brilliant author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book, series and other books by her and you will not be disappointed.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy of this book.
I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy of this book.
August 19, 2020
This book is part of a series, but I have not read any of the other books and so stepped into this story not knowing all the backstories that surround it, but I don't think that made a difference. That is a good indicator of a great author, IMO. For the first few chapters I thought this story was going to be completely different than what it actually turned out to be, style wise, and much to my happiness. If a book is part of a series it should tell enough about the side characters that you want to know what their story is, and this book hit it on the nose for me with wanting to know what is going to happen with Declan. I appreciate that the heroine is strong and doesn't do anything that made me physically cringe.
My rating of 5 stars means I'm glad I read it and I will recommend it to my friends who are looking for this type of book.
I received a free copy of this book and am giving my review voluntarily.
My rating of 5 stars means I'm glad I read it and I will recommend it to my friends who are looking for this type of book.
I received a free copy of this book and am giving my review voluntarily.
August 23, 2020
Buried desires
Winning Her Guarded Heart (Magnolia Valley Book 9) by Cora Reed is a well written romance. Stoic, strong, calm and steadfast Micah, denied himself happiness for so long, realizes too late how happy Joanna made him. Funny, smart and kind-hearted Joanna uses humor as her defense mechanism and Micah sees right through her. With a strong and long-standing friendship as a solid base, their relationship should be easy! But these two have denied the need and want for love so long, neither recognizes it or is brave enough to tell the other.
The plot and setting of this book is as engaging as the characters themselves. A little bit of action, steam sprinkled in and a whole lot of denial kept this reader hooked from the beginning.
Overall, this engaging and entertaining book in this series is well written and a wonderful story for wonderful characters who get a wonderful HEA.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
Winning Her Guarded Heart (Magnolia Valley Book 9) by Cora Reed is a well written romance. Stoic, strong, calm and steadfast Micah, denied himself happiness for so long, realizes too late how happy Joanna made him. Funny, smart and kind-hearted Joanna uses humor as her defense mechanism and Micah sees right through her. With a strong and long-standing friendship as a solid base, their relationship should be easy! But these two have denied the need and want for love so long, neither recognizes it or is brave enough to tell the other.
The plot and setting of this book is as engaging as the characters themselves. A little bit of action, steam sprinkled in and a whole lot of denial kept this reader hooked from the beginning.
Overall, this engaging and entertaining book in this series is well written and a wonderful story for wonderful characters who get a wonderful HEA.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
August 24, 2020
Friends to lovers:
It was lovely being back in Magnolia Valley however it did take me a while to place everyone and recall some of the goings on as there are a number of interconnecting characters represented in this book and series. Regardless this was another great read which I devoured.
Micah and Joanna are long time friends and were hesitant to take it further however they finally couldn't resist their feelings for one another. It was fun seeing them work through their emotional baggage and come out stronger the other end.
I liked the extra excitement that came with the poaching investigation and that it also dealt with challenging topics such as overbearing parents. I thought the epilogue was fabulous especially as it showed them 5 years down the road. Now I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
It was lovely being back in Magnolia Valley however it did take me a while to place everyone and recall some of the goings on as there are a number of interconnecting characters represented in this book and series. Regardless this was another great read which I devoured.
Micah and Joanna are long time friends and were hesitant to take it further however they finally couldn't resist their feelings for one another. It was fun seeing them work through their emotional baggage and come out stronger the other end.
I liked the extra excitement that came with the poaching investigation and that it also dealt with challenging topics such as overbearing parents. I thought the epilogue was fabulous especially as it showed them 5 years down the road. Now I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 22, 2020
What a great friends to lovers romance with characters that jump right off the page and into your heart and a beautifully written story that made me feel like I was in Magnolia Valley and totally involved in all that was happening in this can't-put-down book. I loved the attraction, steamy chemistry and repartee between Joanna and Micah. If you enjoy heartwarming romance with a bit of steam and a touch of suspense, don't miss "Winning Her Guarded Heart", book nine in the Magnolia Valley series by gifted author Cora Reed. I can't wait to read more wonderful stories from this small Montana town. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 8, 2020
This has to be my favourite Magnolia Valley book yet. Thought Sebastian was Mr broody but Micah has taken the title. I love his and Jo’s relationship, to be friends for so long and know each other so well. Such a great combination for a love affair. If you could go back wouldn’t you want your best friend to be your first? Jo was a tough cookie and I like that in a female lead. I love Cora Reeds writing and how all the characters intertwine with each other. Received this book as an arc for an honest review.
August 8, 2020
This was such a sweet story even though it’s filled with steam and angst. There’s something just so charming about the thought of friends moving into something more, a relationship that’s bigger than what they were. The chemistry between Micah and Joanna is explosive once they give in to it, but their actual relationship is a much slower burn. I loved watching the changes these two made to be their best selves for one another and I can’t wait to read more about this quirky little town.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
August 21, 2020
I've enjoyed every book in this series so far. Joanna and Micah each think they don't want a relationship. Watching their parents' relationships has tainted them against love... for very different reasons. She's anxious to get some life experiences - experiences her overbearing, and frankly nasty father never allowed her to have. There's plenty of drama in this story, danger, too, as they each face their demons while trying to find their way to HEA. Once I started I didn't want to put the book down. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
August 21, 2020
I enjoyed both these characters. Micah is a park ranger, Joanna a therapist, and they both have relationship issues with their parents. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, so I was a little lost sometimes, simply because there are SO many secondary characters mentioned.
There is majorly sexy consent and communication between the two characters, and I really love that (consent boner, lol). Joanna definitely grows, and you definitely hate her dad by the end.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
There is majorly sexy consent and communication between the two characters, and I really love that (consent boner, lol). Joanna definitely grows, and you definitely hate her dad by the end.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
August 23, 2020
Joanna is ready to find out what's all the fuss about intercourse and because of her parent's trainwreck of a marriage, it's gotta be with a stranger. Micah is her best friend and overhears her so he volunteers to be the one, but they never expected to want more.
This is a sweet tale, with some drama, mystery, love, great characters, and small-town goodness.
Tidbit: there's a lot of characters so it was confusing at a times.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Arcs.
This is a sweet tale, with some drama, mystery, love, great characters, and small-town goodness.
Tidbit: there's a lot of characters so it was confusing at a times.
I'm voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Arcs.
September 2, 2020
One thing leads to an unexpected outcome
When Joanna is looking for a one-night stand Micah overhears, and everything in their relationship changes immediately. With her dad being a preacher it is understandable that she is somewhat “protected”. However, it also is evident that he has no compassion and is extremely judgmental. There were also other elements that didn’t make a lot of sense like a park ranger reading comic books and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy and purchased a copy of this book.
When Joanna is looking for a one-night stand Micah overhears, and everything in their relationship changes immediately. With her dad being a preacher it is understandable that she is somewhat “protected”. However, it also is evident that he has no compassion and is extremely judgmental. There were also other elements that didn’t make a lot of sense like a park ranger reading comic books and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy and purchased a copy of this book.
July 30, 2020
Park ranger Micah Olsen doesn't try to make something happen with the beautiful Joanna Banks because she hasn’t shown any interest in him and he doesn't want to ruin their friendship. That is, until he overhears her tell her friend of her plan to cash in her V-card ... and thinks why couldn’t he be the guy she did it with? But can Micah convince Joanna to go along with it, and will one night be enough?
Winning Her Guarded Heart is a funny, angsty and steamy friends to lovers story
Winning Her Guarded Heart is a funny, angsty and steamy friends to lovers story
August 6, 2020
4.5 stars.
Micah and Joanna's story is full of love, hope, friendship, insecurities and pain. Two friends who have feelings for each other, who have personal issues to deal with and a wonderful dog, made this an enjoyable read for me - they may have just become my new favourite couple. I am looking forward to reading the next in this series and then the one after that, and the one after that.....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Micah and Joanna's story is full of love, hope, friendship, insecurities and pain. Two friends who have feelings for each other, who have personal issues to deal with and a wonderful dog, made this an enjoyable read for me - they may have just become my new favourite couple. I am looking forward to reading the next in this series and then the one after that, and the one after that.....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2020
Excellent story. Micah and Joanna are both introverts who are hiding the best parts of themselves. They are both wary of relationships for different reasons. Joanna is an amazing character that uses wit and sarcasm as a way of deflecting people from what she is truly thinking. Micah doesn’t open up to many people but likes that Joanna gets him and likes what she sees. Aside from the two main characters the author also does a great job of integrating other characters that add so much depth to the story without detracting from the two main characters development and romance. An all around beautiful story with a great ending.
August 23, 2020
I really love Cora Reed’s books that revolve around the small town of Magnolia Valley and the characters that reside in the there. Micah and Joanna are best friends who are not looking for a romantic relationship. Their relationship is intense, emotional and one not to miss reading.
Winning Her Guarded Heart is absolutely a wonderful romantic heartwarming story and you will have a difficult time putting it down. I received a free copy of this book as an arc for an honest review of it.
Winning Her Guarded Heart is absolutely a wonderful romantic heartwarming story and you will have a difficult time putting it down. I received a free copy of this book as an arc for an honest review of it.
June 11, 2022
This book follows Penny's sister Joanna, and Micah, a ranger. At first I didn't know what to think about this book, and it was difficult to read at times. But I soon came around to it. It has some action thrown in as well, which makes it a well-rounded romance book. I enjoyed seeing more of Joanna and Penny's family, while frustrating, and this book promotes healthy boundaries. Micah is so cute and I can't imagine a better man for this nerdy woman!
July 29, 2020
Ohmigod...you’ll definitely need tissues for this one! Cora Reed is amazing! This series is incredible...you feel Like part of the storyline; the characters are your friends and family: the trials and tribulations feel so real; and the HEA so amazing. You definitely need to add this one to your TBR! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and totally loved it!) ❤️❤️
August 7, 2020
I love friends to lovers! I think I've read most of the books in this series, if not all, and I remembered Micah and his dog, but not Joanna. I loved his dog so much! I also really enjoyed the scenes that really bonded their "relationship" even though the initial reaction wasn't what I expected. I really enjoyed it all, but the end and epilogue wrapped up too fast, I wanted more!
August 8, 2020
I enjoy reading the Magnolia Valley series and this episode was no exception. I was thoroughly entertained by the characters and can't wait for the next episode in this series. Cora Reed is one of my favourite authors.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2020
I have lived all the books in this series and this one doesn’t disappoint. The story is interesting, sweet and give s you all the feels. Once I started it I could put it down. Amazing love story with a super sweet happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2020
Micah and Joanna has been friends for a long time. Can they have a one night stand and go on as friend or will one night change their hearts forever? A sweet love story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2020
Book nine in the Magnolia Valley series a well written story that held my interest throughout. I enjoyed reading Joanna and Micah it had me smiling as I read. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review..
July 16, 2025
Winning Her Guarded Heart
Sweet friends to lovers story where neither party really wants a relationship. Then a major faux pas on his part tears everything apart. Can they work things out or has he completely destroyed what each of them really wants?
Sweet friends to lovers story where neither party really wants a relationship. Then a major faux pas on his part tears everything apart. Can they work things out or has he completely destroyed what each of them really wants?
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