Guarded

Hazak Private Security #1

by Jade Webb

A handsome bodyguard with a job to do. A beautiful woman in danger. A secret that can destroy everything.

GABBY
Accompany my pop star sister on her tour to prevent another meltdown splashed across the tabloids…
Easier said than done.
Though, it’s not like I was given a choice.
And after meeting Liam, her gorgeous bodyguard, I’m starting to think being stuck on this tour might not be the worst thing.
Especially when his lips are on mine and my legs quiver from the way he touches me.
But secrets never stay buried for long.
When the truth flips my world upside down, who can I trust?
The man whose arms I long for?
Or is he hiding even more that will leave us in ruins…or worse?

LIAM
The number rule for every bodyguard: never mix business with pleasure.
I’ve never had a problem keeping my boundaries clear until I meet Gabby Monroe.
The whip-smart, sarcastic, and sexy brunette is just too tempting for me to resist.
So why bother trying?
Giving in to my feelings for her offers me something I’ve never had before—a chance at true happiness.
At least…for now.
The secret I hold could destroy everything, or worse — put Gabby in danger.
And I’ll do anything to protect her.
Even if it means that she will hate me forever.

Guarded was previously published as Guarding Her Heart, though past readers will enjoy this completely revised edition.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2021

About the author

I have loved romance novels since I was a teen, sneaking them into my Bible studies at my all-girls Catholic school. I love strong heroines who know that the men that may come into their lives are always the icing, and never the cake.

Thanks to my own marriage, I have learned that the challenges of life can only help to make love stronger and I am grateful to my husband for embodying all the magic that love can offer.

When I am not writing or dreaming up new love stories, I am working as a social worker in a retirement community outside of Boston that provides me with enough writing material for ten lifetimes.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/30/2021)! 🎁

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a Bodyguard!!

Unbeknownst to Gabby, Liam is secretly acting as her bodyguard while she is asked by her father to go along on tour with her pop star sister to look after her. Now is the question as to why Gabby needs a bodyguard? This is a who-done-it with tons of chemistry from Gabby and Liam with a whole lot of laughter thrown in. Gabby’s sense of humor is priceless and Liam is offering all kinds of “body” guarding. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this story which ends in a cliffhanger.

[Kade Charest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fabulous. It's my first of author Jade Webb's and I was immediately caught up, loving Gabby and Liam. As soon as I finished this one I downloaded her next in the series! Great read!

[Escape to the pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and found the authors approach to character development refreshing. The first part of the book absolutely framed them in terms of their personalities and backgrounds which worked well in terms of the storyline.

Gabby works for her father but is despatched from her marketing role to accompany her rock star sister on a US tour to ensure she doesn’t get herself into trouble. She is resentful of this but does love her sister (despite her brattish ways) and in particular enjoys the company of one of her bodyguards, Liam.
Over the course of the tour the feelings they develop strengthen despite Liam wanting to keep a professional distance but when Gabby finds out the real reason her sister has guards she believes Liam has mislead her and this forces her into a situation where she puts herself at risk.

A fast paced book once the action started but the underlying storyline relating to the wider family remains unsolved and will be picked up in future books, it does leave this book hanging somewhat but the HEA is complete. The end did come all in a rush slightly for me, the last couple of chapters going at a hundred miles an hour to the end conclusion where I feel they could have been pulled out a little.

All in all enjoyable and I’m eager for the next instalment.

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

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new series is something akin to going on a first date, it's where you get to know each other, you tell each other a little about your friends, family and what you do and at the end of the date, you decide if you want to see each other again. Well, I definitely want to see the next book in the Hazk Private Security Series.

Guarded is a nice star. It has both suspense and some comedy which played out nicely. As with any good new series the first book has to cover a lot. We are introduced to gather some insights into people who will be getting their own stories. There is underlining suspense to the story which will continue in the next book, but this couple does get their HEA.

Over the last year, Gabby's rockstar sister has gone out of control to the point that she is about to be dropped by her record company. Daphni has one chance, one tour to save her career. Their father has pulled strings to give Daophni this chance and to ensure it goes off without a glitch he has Gabby take a few months of work to go on the tour and keep her sister in line. Bodyguard Liam needs to keep focused on the job of protecting Daphni but he can't get the 'spunky, crass, sarcastic girl with the quirky sense of humor out of his mind'. This is going to be a long tour.

Underneath the crassness there is a great woman, sometimes it doesn't always come through, but it's there. Gabby is drawn to Liam but as danger looms, this is not going to be an easy ride.

The last couple of chapters were a little rushed and there was a lot to take in - but a great start!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE me some private security books because bodyguard's are super sexy, not to mention the whole suspense factor which is totally my jam so Guarded was right up my alley. And that means that I'm ALL IN on this new series Hazak Private Security. Gabby has always stood in the shadow of her famous sister so when that diva of a sister couldn't get it together & is about to be dropped from her record label, Gabby is packed up to go on tour with her & not by choice either. I mean, WHAT THE HELL RIGHT?! Anyway, when she gets to her sister, there's a super sexy bodyguard named Liam, and these two have instant chemistry which shot sparks out of my kindle. Of course it's complicated since he's never crossed the line in his job, but there's just something about Gabby. Man she was funny as all hell (I LOL A LOT), and when she messed up, she pulled up her big girl panties & didn't hide it or make excuses which makes her so awesome in my eyes. Oh, and I don't want to forget that whole suspense factor which may or may not be done. Gabby & Liam are entertaining as they snap crackle & pop, but he's hiding a HUGE secret, so when it's revealed, will Gabby forgive him?! To find out, you know what to do! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable start to the series:
This was a steamy, slow burn romantic suspense novel with plenty of depth and feeling. It caught my attention from the get go and I thought the pacing was excellent. It made me laugh; it made me sigh but most of all it made me sad that it had to come to an end.
Poor Gabby was still trying to find her footing in life and it was fun seeing her blossom and come into her own person despite being in the shadow of her famous and domineering older sister. Liam was cute and I felt for him as he really wanted to remain professional and do a good job, yet his attraction to Gabby was undeniable.
I really enjoyed the light mystery and suspense and it looks like the main thread of who the perpetrator is will continue on throughout the upcoming books in the series. For this book, Gabby and Liam get their HEA and I look forward to reading the next book to see how things turn out for her sister, Daphne.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[M H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby is hilarious and she truly knows it. Ms. Webb, truly knows how to make her readers lol. You start with a lol and it just keeps going all the way until the end. Gabby and Liam were perfect together that it made me wish we saw more of that love developing. Sometimes Gabby was so petty but she owned it and yeah, you just have to love a character who knows who she is and embraces it. No need to apologize for being who she was.
Being the youngest, Gabby always felt left behind and well, pretty much unattractive and even though she was an extrovert, her idea of fun is murder mysteries and chill. Liam has a job to do and he knows that emotions don't belong in his job. So when those emotions start betraying him, he fights them. Can she learn to accept that she is more that just a job and can he prove to her that she is definitely worth it all?
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book was previously published under a different name I don't know how I missed it because it is definitely the type of book I love and now I have a new author to add to my list of authors that I always read I was engaged by this story line from almost the first page and there is definitely plenty to keep you engaged not only the steamy heat between Liam and Gabby but also the underlying mystery

Gabby isn't to impressed when she is told by her father she has to accompany her pop star sister Daphni on her tour the only bonus is that she gets to spend time with her sisters bodyguard Liam But is he her sisters bodyguard When the truth comes out and she finds he is actually guarding her she rebels and puts herself in danger Can Liam keep her safe and can they have a future together You will have to read to see

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarded is the first book in Jade Webb’s Hazak Private Security and filled with drama, deception, danger and some much-appreciated light-hearted laughter. Gabby’s character is one that you can’t help but adore and the humour and mirth she brings to the story are more than welcomed. Danger and suspense are the main premise of this storyline and as Liam and Gabby navigate a forbidden relationship, Liam’s ability to protect his charge could be compromised. As danger abounds, and reality sets in, will Gabby recoil from Liam and the passion they have enjoyed, or will they band together to ensure her safety? As much as I detest cliffhangers, that’s how this story ends, so I’m eagerly awaiting the next exciting instalment.

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

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and I definitely, definitely will be reading more of her work!! She writes well developed characters and the storyline is intriguing and suspenseful. I want Liam to guard my body😉. Liam is hired by Gabby‘s father to protect her while she is forced to go on tour with her popstar sister Daphni. Gabby is tasked to keep her sister under control and out of the paparazzi‘s clutches, a task that is easier said than done. Once introduced, Gabby and Liam‘s chemistry is undeniable but she continually sticks her foot in her mouth but Liam just brushes it off as her being quirky. Will Liam be able to protect Gabby? Will his secrets drive a wedge between them before they even really get started? I can’t wait for the next installment of this gripping and suspenseful series!!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series it does standalone but has a family drama that connects the series.
Gabby is trying to prove she is more then her family name by working her way up. Only now she has to leave and go on tour with her sister (Daphni) to keep her in line. Then she finds herself falling for her sisters bodyguard, but can she trust him?
Liam loves working for Hazak private security and he knows that falling for your client is against the rules, but he just can't seem to help himself. He just has to stop screwing up or he could lose his chance with Gabby.
Great connection with fun snark and hot loving, plus a twist of stalker family drama to keep you reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MJ's Book Blog and Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

Gabby is pulled in to help her older sister with her tour, not something she really wanted, but family comes first. Liam happens to be one of the bodyguards that is there to protect her sister. The sparks are there, but for Liam, this is a job and he can not let Gabby distract him from doing that job. But there will come a moment when Liam can't resist Gabby anymore, can't resist the pull between them. When Gabby finds out the real reason Liam is there, will she forgive him for keeping that secret or will she feel betrayed and move on?

This was, for me, an ok story. We get some drama, danger, a tad bit of violence, and some ok naughty bits (loved that Liam was a bit more dominant). I give this 4 stars.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some good laugh out load and awkward moments as well as great characters and a great mix of danger and attraction in this book and alas Gabby is the main reason for most laughs which start from the beginning of the book when her Dad turns up at her work. At least she has some eye candy in the way of her sisters bodyguard Liam to soften the blow of putting her life on hold to be there as support aka help keep her sisters in line during her music tour. What Gabby and her sister Daphni don't know is there is more to the reason they have bodyguards so when things start to change between Liam and Gabby and they get closer you know secrets will come out that could shutdown their romance before it gets a chance to really take off.

[Kathy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure what category I would put this book under as I read it. Not first love, not second chance, but as I read the pages, I realized this was a great story of two people thrown together and don’t even try to ignore the instant draw they have on each other. Liam and Gabby keep their story hot, yet when Gabby finds out the real reason she was forced to tour with her sister, she is determined to put the breaks on between her and Liam. Yet Gabby finds her in a dangerous situation, she realizes it may be too late for her and Liam.
This is an excellent book and ends in a cliffhanger of sorts. Book two is one I am definitely looking forward to.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabby is asked to go on your with her sister to try and keep her in line, when bodyguard Liam is there to protect both Gabby and her sister, Daphni. Liam and Gabby have a huge attraction for each other but both fight it for most of the book.
This book had it all, twists, turns, suspense, drama and heaps of tense moments. There is even the odd moments of steam. I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this book, it really encompassed everything I enjoy in a storyline and had me on the edge of my seat. I did feel like there is a cliff hanger but I loved the book so much I have bought the next book.

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

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st in a new series and is Liam and Gabby’s story. Gabby work for her dad and he sends her on tour with her pop star sister Daphni, to keep her under control and prevent any more meltdowns, especially when this is her only chance to save her career. Liam is a bodyguard and from the moment he and Gabby meets the chemistry is undeniable, no matter how professional he tries to keep things. This is a well written flawless story which is filled with secrets, danger, suspense, and witty banter, which leads to a humorous, steamy, and entertaining read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Gabby was a woman trying to prove herself but was derailed by her loyalty to family. I loved that about her, putting family first though she had her moments of self doubt. Liam was so protective of her as well as being drawn to her. Secrets almost ruined their chance once they were willing to take that step. I was glad they got their HEA though the background story will be continued in the next book, which I look forward to reading. I highly recommend this story.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 1 of this series Ms. Webb sets the stage for a mystery centered around the Monroe siblings. Daphni, a rock star, is on tour and her father pushes her younger sister, Gabby, to accompany her and help keep Daphni in line. Bodyguards are assigned to watch over them, but the sisters aren't aware that they are keeping secrets from them. Liam is attracted to Gabby, but knows that he must remain professional in order to protect her. Their meet cute is hysterical. This story gives us an HEA, but also leaves us wondering just who is out to hurt the Monroes. I look forward to book 2. I received this ARC from BookSprout and voluntarily give my 5 star review.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars

Guarded is book 1 in the Hazak Private Security serie by Jade Webb, a new to me author and I will certainly be reading more of her books!

Liam, has been hired as a bodyguard to go on tour with Popstar, Daphni Monroe but unbeknownst to the girls he is really there to guard her sister Gabby because the girls father has been receiving threats against the family.

What happens between Liam and Gabby heats up the book but there is secrets, suspense, kidnapping and so much more happening...

Can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam’s character was so much fun and boy does he have both the alpha personality and the looks to go with it! When he and Gabby meets as she’s trudging along behind her sister on tour, you can see their chemistry almost click into place instanteously and I have to admit that I’m a bit envy as their connection grew to be so strong. Now he has to keep her and her sister safe, but what’s the harm in mixing a bit of business and pleasure when you have some you connect so well to?

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this "Hazak Private Security" story. "Guarded" is a nice start to the series and does end with a cliffhanger. The main characters do get a happy ever after but this one leads to the next story. It is entertaining and suspenseful. I really like the characters and how their story developed. Gabby and Liam are great together. I really love the interactions in the story. I look forward to reading the next story.

[Vinessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about the intense feelings in this book. I welcomed the trials, the emotional drama and the unexpected passion. The chemistry between the H and h is undeniable and unexpected. The  misunderstandings lead to a bit of  wasted time. Connecting with the characters may come easy in this story, following the plot might not be

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

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby goes on tour with her rockstar sister to keep an eye on her. Liam had been hired as her sister’s bodyguard. They have a strong connection. Ends in a cliffhanger, will have to wait and see how it ends.

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

[Shayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's mystery, suspense, a possible killer, mixed messages, romance, rock and so much more.

Gabby is delightfully clueless, Liam is charmingly afraid of his feelings, all the chaos of Daphni's tour, the secrets her father and brother are keeping....

It's a good story and I can't wait to see the underlying story unfold.

[Kathy Mccalmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the hazak private security series. This story has lots of drama, suspense, secrets, and danger with some Passion thrown in.

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

[Charlee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Written Romantic Suspense

Webb has crafted an exciting story with relatable characters. Their chemistry is palpable and entwined with a lovely emotional connection. Look forward to reading the next book.

[Catarina Águas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it but Gabby irritated me sometimes. She was to harsh and selfish in a way, everytime Liam tried to get close she pushed him away and then when he messed up something that wasn't entirely is fault, she left so fast it was very unfair

[Karen Mauro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Guarded!!! Preordered the next book. Amazing storyline, laughter, romance and intrigue. Liam and Gabby had great chemistry. Can’t wait to read the next book.

[Jemi Fraser]

This was the first book I've read by Jade Webb and it won't be my last!
Lots of tension and emotions as Gabby and Liam navigate some interesting complications. A great read!