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K&S Securities #4

Guarded by Grayson

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Nothing has ever come easy for Nikki Brooks, so when she meets Grayson Callen it feels like maybe, for the first time, her luck is changing. Until she's taken by Dominic Cerelli to satisfy his dark intentions. Nikki holds on against all hope, praying to be rescued. She never expects salvation to come in the form of the man she had connected with, and had clung to the memory of, during those dark days.

Once freed of her bonds the work of healing begins and Grayson is determined to stay by her side while she learns to navigate a world that no longer feels safe, to learn to trust the people who rally around her and to dare to open her heart to the one man who lights a fire in her tattered heart.

Guarded by Grayson is book one in the Nikki and Grayson Duet and is part of the K&S Securities Series. The duet CAN be read as a standalone, but is best read in conjunction with the other books in the K&S series for background and to know who everyone is.

*trigger warning* kidnapping, trafficking, sexual assault

Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2020

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106 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Andersen

6 books291 followers

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5 stars
36 (73%)
4 stars
9 (18%)
3 stars
3 (6%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Darlene I read WAY to many books.
3,719 reviews2,515 followers
October 10, 2021
3.5 ⭐

This book 1 in this duet series in this series.. and its Nikki and Garyson book. This kinda ties with the first 3 books.. so it's during that kidnapping timeline pre timeline lol.

Gary is doing some work fork Xavier trying to find some info on X uncle who is Gary "Father" who doesn't care for him. As he tries to get info he meets Nikki and he's sprung but before things can Heat up or get to know more shes kidnapped by Dominic and is abused mentally and sexually she wasn't fully sexually assulted his men only used her mouth and jacked off which was still trauma for her.. and those demons are eating her up when she's saved and reunited with Gray..

I did feel like I wanted more in this book.. but I guess we'll get more in book 2. She's right now closed off.. lets see if our boy Grayson can bring her out.

Low Angst, om drama (her kidnaper) no cheating, Drama, secondary charas, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐
Heat level-🌶

Slow-instaburn
Push away from h
25h
Human trafficking
Violence
Sexual assault
Trauma/PTSD
Drugged
Abused
HFN
Profile Image for Victoria Weston.
1,043 reviews63 followers
October 28, 2020
I couldn't wait to read this book as I always love reading books written by this author as I always love her style of writing. This book is full of suspense and will keep you gripped from the very beginning. This book deserves every single star available and many more. This book is apart of a duet and is part of the K&S Series.
This is Nikki's story and I really loved reading about her. She is a really strong, beautiful and amazing woman and she has been through so much, but she also has so much strength inside of her that you cant help but admire her.
Grayson is such an amazing and sexy guy and has a lot of love and a lot of care to give, all he wants to do is protect, protect, protect Nikki and you cant help but love him too.
When these two meet you can see that they have an electrifying connection and you cant take your eyes of of them both. However after something very difficult happens that changes everything and you are wondering if they can make it. She needs protecting and Grayson will do absolutely everything in his power to do that.

The way that this author has written theses characters, well all her characters in this series are fantastic and you feel yourself becoming more and more invested in this series. This story flows beautifully and I loved reading every single page and I cant wait to read the next part to this book,i need it like now!!
This book really does have it all, all the love, the hate, the angst, the pain and all the darkness you could handle. I would suggest reading the other books in this series too so you can fully appreciate this story and the people in it. I cant wait to read the next installment and I will recommending this book to everyone.

For more on my reviews, new releases, and more about books head over to my blog.
https://www.facebook.com/VickisMagica...
Profile Image for Kyra Fox.
Author 31 books234 followers
February 22, 2021
A.J. Andersen writes beautiful tragic heroes and heroines, Nikki and Gray are not an exception, and may very well be the most tear-jerking and heartbreaking couple in the K&S Securities family so far.

I can't wait to read the second book in this duet and see how these two broken souls help each other heal.
Profile Image for Nikki J Summers.
Author 21 books1,580 followers
November 13, 2020
This is the first part of Nikki & Grayson’s story & I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2.
Nikki’s ordeal broke my heart & AJ did an amazing job of portraying how painful her experience was & how she began to move on.
Grayson was perfect. The protector, the saviour. He wants to do whatever he can to help Nikki heal. I loved him.
A real page turner & a fabulous 5 star read!
Profile Image for A.J..
Author 6 books291 followers
December 1, 2020
I'm so excited for you all to read the first part of Nikki and Grayson's story!
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,231 reviews73 followers
October 21, 2020
Even though I thought I was ready for Nikki’s story, it turns out I kind of wasn’t. The pain dripping off the page when we’re in her POV is second only to the guilt Grayson has saddled himself with when we’re in his head. These two were destined to meet, even if the timing ends up all wrong, and now they need to find their way past their own angst and haunted memories to move forward. Even with the horrid ness Nikki has lived through, surviving is another story...but it’s clearly one she’s not going to give up on. After all, she’s got Grayson and the other men and women of this series at her back, even if she doesn’t fully realize it.

This story ends where it should. Nikki has seen some of the worst life can offer, so I’ll be impatiently waiting for the fight I know she has in her to truly life again. Heck, Grayson and I will both be waiting....
Profile Image for Amanda Shepard.
313 reviews21 followers
October 21, 2020
Wow wow wow!!

The suspense and angst in Guarded by Grayson is off the charts!! Grayson is an alpha through and through with a sweetness for Nikki that will make you melt into a puddle on the floor. Nikki is a warrior. I cant wait to see what happens between the two of them in the second part of this duet!! Five stars and I HIGHLY recommend!!
Profile Image for Rose.
451 reviews12 followers
November 24, 2020
It’s no surprise that AJ’s heroes are just about perfect, and she just added another one to her list with Gray.

AJ just gave us angst, and pain, but also growth and hope.

This story we see the lowest of lows and it’s only the way up from here. While it is painful and can be hard to read, it is full of so much goodness as well. It’s the beauty in the darkness, the light in the pain. It’s about love healing. It is about finding yourself.

Everyone is a little bit broken, but it is the love of others that fixes our breaks and makes us all the more stronger. That and so much more is what we find in this book.

If you are expecting a happy sunshine story, you won’t find it here, but you will find so much more. The pain is worth it, and I can not wait to see just how far we climb in Nikki and Grayson next book!
Profile Image for Find Me Behind a Book.
453 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2020
More please! I think AJ Andersen did an amazing job writing this story and found that she delivered an outstanding story. I suggest reading the first three books before starting this one. Yes, certain parts of the other books carry into one another. But I have to say I liked getting the different perspectives from the other characters and what was going on with them at that time. Also, getting to know each of the characters and their stories helps you get a better grasp of what is happening.

When Nikki and Grayson first meet it felt like I was living in such a happy bubble. Their connection from the beginning was instantaneous and their short interaction together was just adorable. You could already tell that they would be perfect for one another. Unfortunately, things get worse for Nikki and she is left fighting for her life. I honestly don't know how I would handle being in Nikki's position. I would imagine anyone would be damaged after what she had been through. But regardless of her experience, she still finds the strength to not break down and show how fragile she really is. Grayson is such a sweet, strong, and confident guy and wants nothing but to take care of Nikki and ensure that she is always safe. He is hesitant in how he should behave around her, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. Now that Nikki is back in his life, Grayson is more determined to get rid of Dominic.

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,839 reviews44 followers
October 26, 2020
Another edge of your seat instalment in the K&S Securities series, which continues to get better and better with each gripping and suspense filled book!

A strip club in Vegas may not be the most romantic setting for a Grayson and Nikki to meet, but that all faded into the background as their instant chemistry took center stage. When Grayson catches the first glimpse of Nikki, he’s smitten...who would’ve thought he’d meet the woman of his dreams in the last place he’d expect? With her southern twang, she’s innocent, sassy and stronger than he originally thought, proving just how perfect she is!

When a gut wrenching and traumatic event stalls their quickly growing attraction, is it possible to ever get back to where it all began?

Not for the faint of heart, some scenes are disturbing and tragic, but Grayson’s patience and enduring feelings for Nikki will make your heart swoon.

Stay tuned...the rest of their story is coming soon and I can’t wait!
Profile Image for Kathy Seabrease.
731 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2020
This book is a great sequel in the series. This continuation of the hell of being involved with the Cerelli family. This time it is about Grayson and NIkki, who were met in Embracing Ellie. Nikki, a young girl down on her luck all her life, runs away to Vegas to escape her life in the Carolinas only to take a job in Dominic Cerelli's strip club as a waitress. There she meets Grayson, sent there by Xavier looking for Uncle Dominic. This brings to light how Grayson and Nikki knew each other in Embracing Ellie. From there their story continues, seeing their side as events unfold. There is more to the story, but I'll leave you to read it to find out.
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,411 reviews19 followers
November 20, 2020
I've been anticipating Grayson’s book since forever! Im so invested in this romantic suspense series. This is book 1 in Nikki and G's story. The author totally put them through the ringer. Poor Nikki, she's just been through the worst.

When Grayson and Nikki meet, you could feel the attraction, the pull towards one another but it all goes down a horrible path for her. This girl, she is so strong, resilient and she's going to get her life back and more. This story will utterly break your heart but it will make you cheer for her survival and strength. I am looking forward to the conclusion to their story. She deserves her very happy ending in this heart wrenching story.
Profile Image for Amanda McCalip.
655 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2021
Let me just say WOW! I was recently introduced to A.J. Andersen's books and let me just say that I have devoured the K&S Securities series. Each book has been completely amazing, but I think I just found my favorite hero out of all of them so far!

Grayson and Nikki are two characters who are going to stick with me for a long time to come. Their chemistry is off the charts from their very first meeting, but circumstances happen and things take a turn. Can these two actually make it through?

Nikki has been through a lot in life, but she is one heroine who holds such a strength to her and I couldn't get enough of her. A.J. wrote in such depth about what she has been through that I found myself in tears. Grayson is the ultimate hero, he is sweet, he is sexy, he is absolutely all man.

If you are looking for a book packed with emotions then you need to get your hands on this book! Trust me when I say you will be sucked in and glued to the words in front of you.

This is book 1 in Grayson and Nikki’s story and I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2. I need more of these two characters ASAP!
Profile Image for Booklover Mercis Bookish Blog.
337 reviews23 followers
October 22, 2020
Oh my goodness! This book just about broke my poor little heart. Nikki and Grayson were hit by such heart wrenching pain.So much angst and suspense! So many tough subjects were addressed in such a beautiful and graceful way.

Ive been itching for this book since I met Grayson and the author went above and beyond!
Grayson is everything I dreamed and more!

All the stars!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,214 reviews
October 20, 2020
I went into this knowing that Grayson and Nikki’s story was a duet yet when I got to the last page, I kept trying to “turn the page” looking for more! I need the rest of the story, like now! Grayson is so alpha. He is sexy, hot, protective. He is everything you look for in a hero. Despite what Nikki has gone through, her inner strength shines through. I loved this book and can’t wait for the conclusion of their story.
Profile Image for Kristin.
76 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2021
I read this book in one sitting. My kindle said it was 3 hours and 22 minutes. This was once again a well-written beginning of a love story. It does trigger some trauma aspects and human trafficking which is very real and many victims don't get rescued. But many victims also do get rescued. She's beautiful and that's all Gray sees her as, but she has to regain her beauty in herself. The story intertwines previous characters that we've met before Travis, Fay, X, and Ana. The way these character's stories mix and mingle is well done. I like the glimpses of previous characters in a new light. I'm excited for the duet to this book. Well done AJ!
Profile Image for Red Reader.
530 reviews19 followers
February 1, 2021
Grayson is by far my favorite K&S hero. There's just something about him that vibes with me. I love how tender he is even in the most extenuating of circumstances.

I liked what we've seen if Nikki so far. She's tough and can definitely hold her own, but there's still a vulnerable softness to her. She is strong and I know she will only come out stronger because of the nightmare she endured.

The side characters are just as awesome, and because I've read the first 3 books I'm familiar with them. This is listed as a standalone (actually it's book 1 of two in the Grayson/Nikki duet but it falls as book 4 in the series. Yes, it will be a "To Be Continued ending for this one) but for the full experience and backstory I would definitely read the first 3 books. There was one spot where I really had to think back about a side character who was mentioned as there wasn't any tidbit of info to remind the reader of his part in the story.

The story starts off great with an unexpected encounter between Gray and Nikki and a little bit of heat. Then she was captured and we fast forward, finding out later it was more than 3 weeks that were skipped. I would have definitely liked to see more of what happened and what Nikki endured during her capture first-hand and not as a memory or thought. It would have been a great addition to also have a few encounters with Gray while he was looking for her. I feel like that would have added so so much to the story and character depth. And I would have liked to see more talking and conversation between the two as the story is heavily sided on the inner monologue/feelings/memories and actions of both characters.

I was a little disappointed in the capture of Dom. It played out the same as it did in Blake's book (#3) and the angst in the entire story just wasn't there for me like it was in the first two books.

This was a 3.5 for me. I beta read and then read again after it was published and all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,858 reviews71 followers
November 15, 2020
What did I just read?! That is the first thing that popped into my head after I finished Guarded by Grayson and it was completely in a good way. I have loved all of the K&S series books but this one takes the cake for me. I didn’t see any of what happened coming at all and it gutted me. Grayson and Nikki’s chemistry is straight fire from their very first meeting but then everything takes a very traumatic turn and you are left wondering if they will make it through this.

Nikki has been through so much in her life but her strength within herself shines as bright as the burning sun and she is determined to get her life back. The author did a fantastic job describing what Nikki has gone through, so well that you feel what she and Grayson feel as you’re reading it. Tears were streaming down my face. Then there’s Grayson who is every bit sweet, sexy, confident and protective shows a bit of vulnerability when he feels like he can’t be what Nikki needs but he is still determined to stick by her side and protect her from any and everything and not let her go.

If you are looking for love, pain, angst, suspense then this it it for you. A.J. Andersen has such a way with word and the way she describes her characters that you get so invested in them and what’s going to happen.

This is book 1 in Grayson and Nikki’s story and I cannot wait get get my greedy little hands on book 2 I need to know what’s going to happen with my favorite couple.

**I received an ARC for my honest review**
Profile Image for Kelly Hill.
89 reviews
February 22, 2021
A.J. Anderson did it again she gave us another hero to fall in love with. I knew that this was going to be an amazing book after the other book Embracing Ellie. I knew this book was a must read and waiting for it to come out for us was excruciating. Definitely one of my most anticipated books for sure. This book can be read as a stand alone but I liked havi

Nikki is a young girl down on her luck and running from demons when she ends up in Vegas working at a strip club owned by Dominic Cerelli. He is a mob crime lord and likes his young women. Nikki goes through so much prior to this book and throughout that it just breaks your heart.

She meets sweet Grayson at the night club shortly before she is kidnapped and taken away to be a sex slave. She falls head over heels for Grayson at first sight. Thankfully he is also in love with her at first sight and sets out to help her no matter how he can.

Grayson is so sweet and caring with Nikki that it warms your heart and you can't help but root for him to break through her demons. I am so excited for the next book in this series as they all leave you on the edge of your seat. A.J.'s heroes are all amazing and you can't help but love them.

Do your self a favor and pick up this book today you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Charlene.
670 reviews
October 28, 2020
Are you ready for some heart crushing angst and major swooning? A.J. Andersen has done it again with another edge of your seat instalment in the K&S Securities series. Somehow, it just continues to get better and better with each gripping and suspense filled book!

A strip club in Vegas may not be the most romantic setting for a Grayson and Nikki to meet, but that all faded into the background as their instant chemistry took center stage. When Grayson catches the first glimpse of Nikki, he’s smitten...who would’ve thought he’d meet the woman of his dreams in the last place he’d expect? With her southern twang, she’s innocent, sassy and stronger than he originally thought, proving just how perfect she is!

When a gut wrenching and traumatic event stalls their quickly growing attraction, is it possible to ever get back to where it all began?

Not for the faint of heart, some scenes are disturbing and tragic, but Grayson’s patience and enduring feelings for Nikki will make your heart swoon.

Stay tuned...the rest of their story is coming soon and I can’t wait!
Profile Image for Katslovesbooks.
1,061 reviews25 followers
November 3, 2020


Let me start by saying how much I love this series and all the amazing characters in it.

This is the first part of Grayson and Nikki's story!!! This story its not your typical romance, this story is raw and painful but with so much hope in it. The emotion in this story you can feel through your soul and the devastation that this couple goes through will make you fall in love them.

Grayson is so much more than what I was expecting, he is just someone you want to adore without letting go. His past makes him so much stronger and his devotion towards Nikki makes him the ultimately saviour.

And Nikki, that girl is just a survivor. My heart goes for her and the things she had to endure.

I can't wait to read book two and find out what's next in the story of this couple.
Profile Image for Daisy Sauceda.
1,809 reviews21 followers
November 1, 2020
Warning- yes this does graze of over some intense situations of abuse.

Now if you have read the previous books in this series you will see that this one also occurs during the same time frame. Let me say that I fell in love with Grayson, also he is tall and hot. However, I freaking loved this book. We learn of Grayson and Nikki. This book is gritty, heart breaking, intense, and sad. You cannot help but feel for them both. For these, two to find each other and feel completed to be torn apart. We do get confirmation of some previous questions and this could effect some future decisions. You will see what lengths Grayson will go through to make sure Nikki is safe and vow to be by her side whether she wants him as a friend or more. They both have a tough road ahead. However, I need to know if Nikki will push him away or accept him for who he is. I need more of these two and I can't wait to see what will happen.
Profile Image for Rock N Read.
253 reviews8 followers
December 2, 2020
My man is here! Let it be known that I claimed Grayson from the very first time I saw his name and I was chomping at the bit for his and Nikki’s story. And it’s finally here!

Part 1 of the duet of their story and as I hoped—and expected—I was rapidly turning page after page from the very first as AJ Anderson built up the story and suspense. This book is a dynamic build up for the HEA we all need from this couple.

This one is riddled with the perfect amount of angst, survival, and protection. And exactly as I knew he would be, Grayson is the alpha protector we needed, with the softness for Nikki she needs.

I can’t wait for the final installment, and trust me you need this one.
Profile Image for Meg Dibble.
409 reviews8 followers
November 24, 2020
I started reading Nikki and Grayson’s story without reading the blurb. I’m so glad I went in blind. Nikki and Grayson had such promise after their first meeting... then tragedy struck and derailed everything.

I can’t wait for book 2 to dive deeper into Grayson and his dedication to Nikki as she finds herself again.
23 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2021
Leaves you wanting more

Such a great story, written with so much sensitivity and insight.
This author is proving so good at bringing difficult back stories and weaving them into suspense field, romantic, touching love.
Profile Image for Ana.
130 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2020
I love Grayson and Nikki’s story, full of suspense I was hooked from the beginning.
I’m so excited for the next book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Lori Alexander.
67 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2020
INTENSE, ANGSTY, SUSPENSEFUL WITH LONGING AND UNSPEAKABLE STRENGTH!!!

Let me start by saying you really need to read the first three books in this series and once you do, you will be sucked into the vortex that is K&S Securities!
Gray and Nikki meet at a strip club where Nikki is having to work to be able to afford her rent after losing her job. The instant connection between the two is undeniable. That strength gets re-enforced after Gray takes Nikki out after her first night at the club and they have coffee and desert with hours of talking and getting closer.
An unimageable horror awaits Nikki the very next day which keeps the two apart; only for Gray and his friends to rescue Nikki from what would have undoubtedly been her untimely death, a few weeks later.
This story is heartbreaking but so much more about how strength and resilience can get someone through the worst of times.
I absolutely loved every single second of reading this story and I can't wait for the remainder of Nikki's story.
All of the men is this series are honorable and good down to their soul and to see the way they stand behind and next to their heroine is so warm and loving it will give you all the swoons!! I do believe, for me, that Gray is my absolute favorite hero in this series. He is definitely my swoon worthy hero!!
Please read this for yourself and when you do, you should feel exactly that way about all the heroes in K&S.
I received an ARC of GBG for an honest review.
Profile Image for The Book Dragon's Hoard by A.V..
1,167 reviews29 followers
August 1, 2022
This was an emotionally harder read than the previous books in this series, and I must say I take my hatbof to Andersen for not shying away from such a difficult topic. The horrors of human trafficking are something we often try to shelter ourselves from, even though it is still a huge social problem. Although trafficking is at an all-time worldwide low in terms of the percentage of the population being trafficked, because of the size of the world's population, more people find themselves in slavery than ever before. It is a paradox which is hard to get a grip on and it is not something most ofnusbthink about a lot.

I'm impressed with Andersen for tackling this topic with sensitivity and flair. I love how Grayson is confronted with the need to respect Nikki's trauma and be available without making demands of her. The social safety net is so crucially important for us humans to be able to overcome trauma and Andersen wrote that part beautifully.

Personally, I would have loved to have seen more of Grayson while he was looking for Nikki. Not dealing with that part of his experience made me feel that something was lacking which is why I give this book 4.5 stars.

It is a lovely read and very deep, which definitely ranks it high on my bookshelf!
Profile Image for huh_lena.
397 reviews
November 10, 2020
🖤Review Time💜
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I started this book and about 22 pages in I realized to give Nikki and Grayson the respect their duet deserves, I had to go back and read the previous 3 books in the K&S Securities Series.
The books all intertwine and it’s great reading different character perspectives on an event. You as a reader capture the intimate feel for the settings, moods, and character development.
Nikki is a headstrong bad@$$ chick, I love her energy. Grayson is broody and kinda mysterious. When these two collide there’s so much chemistry and blossoming romance. However, Nikki finds herself stolen, both physically and emotionally. The journey is just beginning for Nikki to overcome her trials and fears. While Grayson morphs into a pillar of support Nikki needs.
“I’m going to be the one to help her. Every fucking step of the way”
This line right here, kills me, it leaves so much hope for Nikki and excuse me as I swoon at Grayson’s unwavering support for her. Here’s to anticipating their steamy conclusion of the duet.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
*I received an ARC for my honest review*
Profile Image for Shel.
713 reviews12 followers
September 7, 2021
Nikki's story will absolutely break your heart. And Grayson's care will melt it.

Grayson found his future one day and lost it the next to the vile hands of Dominic. Weeks she is tortured and abused. Weeks he searches for her. When he finally finds her it is in epic pain both physically and emotionally.

The story finds all our heroes on a desperate search for Dominic while trying to keep their women safe.

The story accomplishes several things. It lets you know exactly how Nikki was taken and what she went through in that house. It lets us see Grayson in a clearer light to see what made him who he is. And it is a rebeginning for the couple. There is a celebratory moment even if it is anticlimactic for our heroes.

Danger never stops for this band of brothers or their girls.

I am now so invested in this team and their women that I cannot stop now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews