What do you think?
Rate this book
Guarded
Strength.
That single word is what I’ve relied on now more than ever. Strength keeps me going. Strength makes me get up every day.
Even with the pain.
It was my dad’s job. He was the founder and CEO of the best tech company. But with his death, it’s now mine. And I’m damn good at it.
Until the threats start.
With Cat’s urging, I hire Jackson’s company to protect me and find the guy responsible. I didn’t expect my bodyguard to look that good. His body was a dream, his face was perfection, and his dark eyes drew me in. Too bad he carried a past that tarnished his present.
Because Luka Sarbent has the potential for love.
But when the threats start to get more perilous, his heart hardens.
I trust him to keep me safe from the dangers thrown at me, but I don’t trust him with my heart. Ironic really … because I’ve never felt more guarded …
That single word is what I’ve relied on now more than ever. Strength keeps me going. Strength makes me get up every day.
Even with the pain.
It was my dad’s job. He was the founder and CEO of the best tech company. But with his death, it’s now mine. And I’m damn good at it.
Until the threats start.
With Cat’s urging, I hire Jackson’s company to protect me and find the guy responsible. I didn’t expect my bodyguard to look that good. His body was a dream, his face was perfection, and his dark eyes drew me in. Too bad he carried a past that tarnished his present.
Because Luka Sarbent has the potential for love.
But when the threats start to get more perilous, his heart hardens.
I trust him to keep me safe from the dangers thrown at me, but I don’t trust him with my heart. Ironic really … because I’ve never felt more guarded …
- GenresContemporarySuspense
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2021
7 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
D.C. Renee
33 books1,336 followersDC Renee is a contemporary romance fiction author who tends to write stand alone novels that always shock you with a twist. She's been writing all her life. It started with adorable rhyming poems as a kid for anniversary and birthday presents, moved onto monologues and short stories as a teen, then transitioned to fan fictions before she found the courage to publish a book.
DC lives in sunny and (mostly) warm Los Angeles with her husband and their two toddlers - a girl and boy that want to "work just like mama," often climbing in her lap and "writing" on her computer. She's very close with her entire family - extended included, and her sister is her muse.
When she's not working, writing, and spending time with the family, she loves watching mindless TV, tinkering with diy projects, and of course, reading.
DC lives in sunny and (mostly) warm Los Angeles with her husband and their two toddlers - a girl and boy that want to "work just like mama," often climbing in her lap and "writing" on her computer. She's very close with her entire family - extended included, and her sister is her muse.
When she's not working, writing, and spending time with the family, she loves watching mindless TV, tinkering with diy projects, and of course, reading.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 20, 2021
2.5 Stars / 2 Steam Fans
I suggest reading the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels before reading books in the Society, but it is not a requirement.
Key Points for this story in the Salvation Society Collection:
- Romantic Suspense
- Wishy-Washy CEO needs Protection
- Woman Hating Bodyguard
- Salvation Series connection is Jackson and Catherine
Video review available in Week 33: Aug 15 – Aug 21, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
I suggest reading the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels before reading books in the Society, but it is not a requirement.
Key Points for this story in the Salvation Society Collection:
- Romantic Suspense
- Wishy-Washy CEO needs Protection
- Woman Hating Bodyguard
- Salvation Series connection is Jackson and Catherine
Video review available in Week 33: Aug 15 – Aug 21, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.
For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.
August 12, 2021
Hero is an immature, whinny asshole who comes across as needy and over the top. Plus, he sucks at his job. He is supposed to be this bad-ass Alpha who is supposed to protect heroine and find her stalker but all he did in the entire story is sit back and whine how he hates women and how he never wants to have feelings for any. We also have the double whammy of having to listen over & over again about his sexual prowess with the opposite sex like he is a stud muffin that no sane woman can resist. This pathetic shit of a character that author liked to call as "Hero" was disgusting through the entire story. No redemption & no likability. In other words, don't waste your time.
Safety:
Safety:
December 11, 2021
Three months ago Hannah's dad died of a heart attack and now she is CEO of Barre-Tech one of the foremost tech companies in the world. A position she'd been in training for since being a teen, but not one she expected to step into so soon. And now she was getting death threats...
After the death of her father they needed more than what their marketing and PR team could provide with the changing of the guard so they hired the best PR firm around. Catherine took them on as a client immediately and has helped with more than just an image, but has been a shoulder to lean on and one of her best friends.
Catherine was in Hannah's office when she opened the envelope and when she saw Hannah's face she grabbed the letter before Hannah could throw it away. She was upset when she found out this wasn't the first death threat that she had received since stepping into her dad's shoes as CEO. Catherine's husband Jackson was a former Navy SEAL and owner of Cole Security and he promised to have her a bodyguard the next morning and find who was threatening her.
Hannah couldn't believe her eyes when her bodyguard walked into her office. How was she supposed to get any work done with this gorgeous man in her office? And then he opened his mouth and his attitude made it easy to keep her distance.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Hannah is as smart as she is beautiful, but with a heart of gold. Luka is drop dead gorgeous, but hates gorgeous women on sight due to his past. The chemistry between these two is off the charts the second they lay eyes on each other and when they finally let go it is smoldering hot.
This book is action-packed and full of danger and intrigue. I couldn’t put this book down once I started. Highly recommend! It is my first time I've read anything by DC Renee, but definitely won't be my last!
After the death of her father they needed more than what their marketing and PR team could provide with the changing of the guard so they hired the best PR firm around. Catherine took them on as a client immediately and has helped with more than just an image, but has been a shoulder to lean on and one of her best friends.
Catherine was in Hannah's office when she opened the envelope and when she saw Hannah's face she grabbed the letter before Hannah could throw it away. She was upset when she found out this wasn't the first death threat that she had received since stepping into her dad's shoes as CEO. Catherine's husband Jackson was a former Navy SEAL and owner of Cole Security and he promised to have her a bodyguard the next morning and find who was threatening her.
Hannah couldn't believe her eyes when her bodyguard walked into her office. How was she supposed to get any work done with this gorgeous man in her office? And then he opened his mouth and his attitude made it easy to keep her distance.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Hannah is as smart as she is beautiful, but with a heart of gold. Luka is drop dead gorgeous, but hates gorgeous women on sight due to his past. The chemistry between these two is off the charts the second they lay eyes on each other and when they finally let go it is smoldering hot.
This book is action-packed and full of danger and intrigue. I couldn’t put this book down once I started. Highly recommend! It is my first time I've read anything by DC Renee, but definitely won't be my last!
August 7, 2021
This was a good romantic suspense and I knew it would be since it’s connected to the Salvation Society. We get to see plenty of Jackson and Catherine.
Hannah is being threatened and she feels it’s because since her father died, she automatically inherited his company and position within the company. But I had a feeling it was more than just that.
Luka is hired to come in and not only protect Hannah but also to figure out who is responsible for the threats. But the perpetrator seems to be smarter than Luka and the security team together as things continue to happen.
Especially the connection Hannah and Luka share that starts to grow into more. Even though Luka is determined to keep her at a distance, he can only fight it so long.
Part of me could understand Luka’s reasoning for his feelings regarding love but after a while they just didn’t hold much weight to me. I also thought he focused too much on the fact that Hannah was so beautiful. Looks aren’t everything but he just didn’t trust beautiful women, yet he talked about how many beautiful women he slept with in the past.
I did figure out who the bad guy was really early on, or at least my suspicions were correct. Although his reasoning shocked me as well as another piece of the puzzle.
Overall a good story.
Hannah is being threatened and she feels it’s because since her father died, she automatically inherited his company and position within the company. But I had a feeling it was more than just that.
Luka is hired to come in and not only protect Hannah but also to figure out who is responsible for the threats. But the perpetrator seems to be smarter than Luka and the security team together as things continue to happen.
Especially the connection Hannah and Luka share that starts to grow into more. Even though Luka is determined to keep her at a distance, he can only fight it so long.
Part of me could understand Luka’s reasoning for his feelings regarding love but after a while they just didn’t hold much weight to me. I also thought he focused too much on the fact that Hannah was so beautiful. Looks aren’t everything but he just didn’t trust beautiful women, yet he talked about how many beautiful women he slept with in the past.
I did figure out who the bad guy was really early on, or at least my suspicions were correct. Although his reasoning shocked me as well as another piece of the puzzle.
Overall a good story.
August 12, 2021
A New Salvation Society Hit
DC Renee’s “Guarded” is one of the newest titles in Corinne Michaels’s Salvation Society world, and it gives fans of the series a great story with the opportunity to catch up a bit with Jackson and Catherine - the original SS couple that started it all! Hannah Barre is brilliant and beautiful, honest, hardworking, and sweet, and she has just inherited a multimillion-dollar tech company after the sudden death of her beloved father. Death threats have her best buddy Cat worried for her safety, and she agrees to take on a bodyguard until the perpetrator can be caught. Enter Luka Sarbent - former Navy SEAL and general bada$$ who looks like he could easily grace the cover of GQ. These two are magnetic, and the chemistry is off the charts. Lots of sweet mixed in with the sexy in this story, and the original Salvation characters are written into the story in an authentic way - which can’t always be said for books in another writer’s “world” of characters. Really, really enjoyed it despite a little predictability - but all in all, a 4.5 on the star scale!
DC Renee’s “Guarded” is one of the newest titles in Corinne Michaels’s Salvation Society world, and it gives fans of the series a great story with the opportunity to catch up a bit with Jackson and Catherine - the original SS couple that started it all! Hannah Barre is brilliant and beautiful, honest, hardworking, and sweet, and she has just inherited a multimillion-dollar tech company after the sudden death of her beloved father. Death threats have her best buddy Cat worried for her safety, and she agrees to take on a bodyguard until the perpetrator can be caught. Enter Luka Sarbent - former Navy SEAL and general bada$$ who looks like he could easily grace the cover of GQ. These two are magnetic, and the chemistry is off the charts. Lots of sweet mixed in with the sexy in this story, and the original Salvation characters are written into the story in an authentic way - which can’t always be said for books in another writer’s “world” of characters. Really, really enjoyed it despite a little predictability - but all in all, a 4.5 on the star scale!
August 10, 2021
I love immersing myself into the Salvation Series world and finding new authors along the way. Any book that involves the OG cast is always a hit of nostalgia for me.
This book has Hannah, who's friends with Catherine and Jackson, needing a bodyguard after being threatened by some anonymous letters. Enter Lukas, hot, broody alpha with a chip on his shoulders.
He's sworn off any involvement with women except to hook up for mutual satisfaction.
Hannah is brilliant, kind, independent gorgeous and not looking for a man.
The sparks fly with this bodyguard/forced proximity/workplace romantic suspense.
Loved having Kitty and Muff part of this story and more than just an honorable mention.
Great twist at the end when though I had already guessed pretty quickly who the bad guy was, wasn't expecting that!
Another well earned HEA and addition to the series!
This book has Hannah, who's friends with Catherine and Jackson, needing a bodyguard after being threatened by some anonymous letters. Enter Lukas, hot, broody alpha with a chip on his shoulders.
He's sworn off any involvement with women except to hook up for mutual satisfaction.
Hannah is brilliant, kind, independent gorgeous and not looking for a man.
The sparks fly with this bodyguard/forced proximity/workplace romantic suspense.
Loved having Kitty and Muff part of this story and more than just an honorable mention.
Great twist at the end when though I had already guessed pretty quickly who the bad guy was, wasn't expecting that!
Another well earned HEA and addition to the series!
August 16, 2021
Guard your heart because you will lose it when you least expect it. Hannah is trying to get through the heartache of losing her father. She's now in charge of his tech company sooner than she wanted to be. But she loves what she does and the people that work for her. She's super sweet and a great boss. When someone is threatening her life it's her friend that suggests hiring someone. When she meets her new bodyguard she's taken back a bit because not only is he sexy as all get out, but he dominates the room. Luka is tasked with finding out who is after Hannah and keeping her safe. His demons are a huge thing in his life and he will do what it takes to keep them at bay. As he and Hannah work together their attraction is beginning to get harder to overlook. When they cross that line and Hannah's life becomes more danger will Luka be able to save her?
August 5, 2021
Guarded. By D.C Renee
I was very happy and excited to get a chance to red this book from a new author to me and I was not disappointed. I am an absolute fan of books that intertwine with other books or series and was way beyond happy that this one did just that. Hanna is a super intelligent and truly kind person who unfortunately has been forced to take her dad’s position in the family company following his death. As if Hanna doesn’t have enough goin on with her grieving her father and taking charge of a company she begins to get death threats. Her friend Catherine convinces her to let her husband company to take care of her threat. This is where mr. friendly comes in Luka who in his eyes women especially beautiful women are nothing but shallow spoiled brats and that is what he is expecting of Hanna. He soon realizes he is wrong. The book is a slow burn as they realize they feel more then they bargained for. The fact that you really want to find out who is threatening Hanna will not allow you to put the book down until you find out who is behind it all.
I was very happy and excited to get a chance to red this book from a new author to me and I was not disappointed. I am an absolute fan of books that intertwine with other books or series and was way beyond happy that this one did just that. Hanna is a super intelligent and truly kind person who unfortunately has been forced to take her dad’s position in the family company following his death. As if Hanna doesn’t have enough goin on with her grieving her father and taking charge of a company she begins to get death threats. Her friend Catherine convinces her to let her husband company to take care of her threat. This is where mr. friendly comes in Luka who in his eyes women especially beautiful women are nothing but shallow spoiled brats and that is what he is expecting of Hanna. He soon realizes he is wrong. The book is a slow burn as they realize they feel more then they bargained for. The fact that you really want to find out who is threatening Hanna will not allow you to put the book down until you find out who is behind it all.
August 9, 2021
Hannah is more than qualified to run the family business put it only due to her father’s passing that she finds herself in charge and now she finds herself in danger. This leads to Lucas being sent to protect her and from their first meeting the sparks fly.
Lucas soon realized that Hannah is nothing like the pampered princess he expected her to be. As the chemistry escalates between them so does the danger but will his past be the one obstacle they can’t overcome?
Hannah’s strength and resilience shines through while Lucas was about to realize that Hannah’s beauty wasn’t only skin deep.
Lucas soon realized that Hannah is nothing like the pampered princess he expected her to be. As the chemistry escalates between them so does the danger but will his past be the one obstacle they can’t overcome?
Hannah’s strength and resilience shines through while Lucas was about to realize that Hannah’s beauty wasn’t only skin deep.
August 10, 2021
This book is full of suspense and feeling. Hannah lost her dad and then ended up as the CEO of his company. Not long after she begins to receive death threats. Luka is sent by her best friend to be her bodyguard and to figure out who was making the threats. Luka quickly figured out that Hannah is sweet and caring as well as very intelligent. Luka is kind and fierce as well as intelligent but he is one who has walls for miles. Their story is full of heat and so many deep emotions. There is suspense as Hannah deals with more threats and the mystery of who would want to hurt her. You will not want to put this book down.
August 21, 2021
2 stars. This book fell short for me. The plot was great… I was excited going into it. A hot ex-SEAL as a bodyguard for an attractive, successful woman who is getting death threats? Where it fell short was it was clear the second a certain character was introduced that he was the bad guy. Also, Luke (supposed hot ex-SEAL) was… not a tough guy at all. He was the emotional maturity of a tree stump, was super misogynistic (not what I want from a romance hero) and was not even a badass! He couldn’t do simple body guarding and never once protected Hannah.
Unfortunately, I’d recommend passing on this one. As always, YMMV.
Unfortunately, I’d recommend passing on this one. As always, YMMV.
August 6, 2021
Great read with interesting characters, I enjoyed both Hannah and Luka. Luka was frustrated about his new job. He thought he would be working for a rich girl who gets everything handed to her, he was very wrong. She is a very intelligent person and worked hard to get where she is, and is only the head of the company because her father died earlier than expected. I was very impressed with how the author wrote the character threatening Hannah, hints were dropped but not directly. I can not say more; you have to read it to see how it develops. Overall, the story draws you in with the mystery as well as wanting to see when they will both decide to let each other in. I highly recommend this book, it is worth picking up.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 19, 2021
Going into this, I loved the plot. Girl has a stalker & falls for the man who’s protecting her. Sounds good, right? It was until it’s plain as day early in the book how this will play out. I didn’t get any angst through the book because it was completely obvious who her stalker was. Then there’s Luka who has got to be the worst ex SEAL turned bodyguard I’ve read. It was just entirely TOO predictable & lacking.
August 8, 2021
This was an exciting, and suspenseful story that had me hooked from the beginning. It's a kind of slow burn with Luka and Hannah trying to figure out where the threats are coming from while fighting their attraction. I had a hard time at some points with Luka and his wariness and why he was so focused on Hannah's beauty but eventually won me over. Overall, a very entertaining read and great addition to the Salvation Society world.
August 17, 2021
Another great read connected to the Salvation Society series
Catherine is working with newly appointed CEO Hannah after her dad's death, but they need to bring in some security for threats so jackson sends in Luka. He is a hot alpha who hates women He meets his match in Hannah she is not only smart but kind and a good woman.
Catherine is working with newly appointed CEO Hannah after her dad's death, but they need to bring in some security for threats so jackson sends in Luka. He is a hot alpha who hates women He meets his match in Hannah she is not only smart but kind and a good woman.
April 1, 2023
GUARDED
I love ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ these books. I haven't read a bad one yet. Who doesn't love a sexy SEAL, who is such an alpha, every woman should have their own!!!!
This series is for anyone who likes the hot, steamy, sexy, take her in his arms n love her to death, story that has you turning the pages n not stopping till your done!!!
I couldn't put this one down, again lol
Enjoy
I love ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ these books. I haven't read a bad one yet. Who doesn't love a sexy SEAL, who is such an alpha, every woman should have their own!!!!
This series is for anyone who likes the hot, steamy, sexy, take her in his arms n love her to death, story that has you turning the pages n not stopping till your done!!!
I couldn't put this one down, again lol
Enjoy
August 9, 2021
LOVED IT! I could not put this book down... what a terrific keep your attention storyline! Another great author in the Salvation Series!!!!
August 8, 2021
Guarded heart to love over flowing. Luka needed a swift kick and Hannah was just the one to do it. Great story.
December 19, 2020
Hannah was set in share of her Dad's company at a young age. She had to work her way to the top. However someone doesn't think she should be there. As she receives threats her friend decided she needs a bodyguard, entering Luka. Luka thinks Hannah has been given everything on a silver platter but he learns quickly that is not the truth. As Luka spends the day guarding Hannah he learns who she really is, a great person inside and out. As Hannah fights an attraction to Luka she try's to get to know him.
This was a great read with a semi slow burn between Luka and Hannah. The best part was to watch both of them finally admit they wanted more from each other. Even though that scares them can they overcome there past heartaches and the threat to Hannah to have a HEA.
Just the right amount of romance, angst, suspense and sexiness to make a page turner.
This was a great read with a semi slow burn between Luka and Hannah. The best part was to watch both of them finally admit they wanted more from each other. Even though that scares them can they overcome there past heartaches and the threat to Hannah to have a HEA.
Just the right amount of romance, angst, suspense and sexiness to make a page turner.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews