Guarding Her Heart

by Negeen Papehn

Going on tour with mega-hot rock band Ternura is the opportunity Niloo Zameeni needs to kick-start her career as a high-end stylist. It also means defying the expectations she’s always struggled to live up to as the youngest daughter of a Persian family.

Niloo will do almost anything to make her glam-as-hell dream a reality, even going toe-to-toe with six-feet-plus, tattooed, former Marine Travis Collins, the band’s stoic, unmovable head of security.

My babysitter.

There’s nothing the rebellious Niloo loves more than getting under his skin. Teasing him. Watching his professional control slip, only to reveal raw hunger that takes her breath away.

Now she’s the one temptation he can’t resist—and she doesn’t want to be resisted. But Travis has rules for a reason, and distractions just might cost them everything they’ve ever wanted…

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2022

About the author

Negeen Papehn was born and raised in southern California, where she currently lives with her husband and two rambunctious boys. She wasn’t always a writer. A graduate of USC dental school, Negeen spends half of her week with patients and the other half in front of her laptop. In the little time she finds in between, she loves to play with her boys, go wine tasting with her friends, throw parties, and relax with her family.

Reviews

[Jess | jadecanread · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the forced proximity situation and the protective cinnamon roll that is Travis, but the overall execution and pacing did not hit the spot for me.

Niloo and Travis as characters, individually and as a couple, were darling. I liked them both, could see where each were coming from and why they reacted the way they did during the small conflicts that pop up during their time together. The relationship and romance in this felt quite realistic, if just a bit sped up. I adore how head-over-heels Travis in love he was, but the logical side of my brain was on edge considering all the dangers that could happen when the head of security was indisposed.

This could be a perfect low angst, charming read for some, but I wish the tension before the couple got together was drawn out a bit more and that the couple learned to be open and communicate effectively with one another.

Overall, this was a pleasant read.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I'm absolutely in love with this series!!
An absolutely beautiful friends to lovers story.
I think I liked this one more than book one eventho I adored Darya and Anthony story.
The story is heartwarming yet we also have some sad moments that made me teary-eyed.
Niloo was such a fun character to read. She knows what she wants and goes for it, and at first I thought she was going to be too reckless but no, she actually considered everything she does before taking a new step.
Travis.... I love this man. He was grumpy and sometimes came across rude but nope, underneath all that is a marshmallow man who loves and cares deeply.
This book was amazing.
The side characters have interesting stories too (can't wait for Carlos' book *fingers crossed*) that compliment our main plot.
I was waiting for the next book in this series and it definitely didn't disappointed me.
Definitely a new favorite of mine.

TW: Lost of a love one, suicide (mention) and child endangerment (mention), ptsd.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author Negeen Papehn and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenn | literaryaffair · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

“𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐝𝐞—𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐰, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐮𝐫. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬.”

Guarding Her Heart has a mix of forced proximity, opposites attract, forbidden/off limits energy, making for lots of built up tension between the hero and heroine. I really enjoyed reading Niloo and Travis’ heartfelt story. There’s quite a bit of witty banter between them, which was fun and entertaining. There’s also a lot of heavy emotions, since they’re both dealing with loss and grief. I loved Niloo’s character — she’s super strong willed, ambitious, rebellious, stubborn, and sarcastic, but also very funny, caring, and likeable — I kept getting Mindy Kaling vibes from her personality.

Travis is the dark, mysterious, brooding type who’s struggling with something from his past — a tortured hero. He’s dead set on structure, predictability and following his very strict rules, which makes him hard to crack and get to know, until Niloo gets under his skin, of course.

A fun read with many likeable characters and lots of diversity. The book is set on tour with a hot rock band, which added even more excitement. There are also quite a few blush-worthy, spicy love scenes. I loved that it was written in dual POV, providing a glimpse into both Niloo and Travis’ minds as the scenes unfolded.

Here are the top 5 things I liked about the book:
1. Dual POV
2. Strong Female Lead
3. Lots of Witty Banter
4. Blush-worthy Romance with Bodyguard
5. There’s a Sassy Grandma

Read if you like:
Bodyguard/protector
Forced proximity
Opposites attract
Forbidden love/off limits
Strong female lead
Witty banter

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Book Nerdy 2020 · Rating 3 out of 5]

GUARDING HER HEART By Negeen Papehn

Niloo dreams to be a high end stylist, she kickstarts her career by taking up a job as a stylist for a very popular band. Travis is a former Marine and the band's head of security.

😊What i liked -

✔ Bodyguard Romance/Grumpy Sunshine/Opposites Attract/Forced Proximity.
✔ I liked the chemistry between Niloo and Travis. Their journey from being a pain in the a** for each other to slowly falling in love.
✔ Niloo is sunshiney, funny, sarcastic and caring.
✔ I loved how sure, confident and vulnerable Travis's character was.
✔ I liked the side characters too especially Carlos and Mike,(too cute and swoony)
✔ This book has cultural diversity, witty banter, family/friend bonds, heartbreak, love and sexy hottie spice.

🤔What could have been better -

✔ I felt the end was a little too rushed.


📚Who Should read :

👶Beginners
💝Romance Lovers
😎Bodyguard Romance
🌞Grumpy/Sunshine trope Lovers


📈My Rating : 3.5/5

Thank you Negeen Papehn, Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for a copy.

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is a sweet and easy romance with hurdles between people who are poles apart in every way they can. It was good to see how they overcome everything and the drama unfolds in the journey. Niloo and Travis are cute and adorable together and have strong personalities. The family-like friends are the support system that I admire the most and loved how it went forward.
It's a dual-POV giving way into both their minds. It has a cute and witty banter that I just love. Go read it.

It’s a 3.5⭐️ for me.

[delicatesoul88 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy/Sunshine

Of all the books I've read this summer, Guarding Her Heart was the palette cleanser I never knew I needed - and I say this in all the best of ways. A true and well-executed grumpy-sunshine trope. I’m all for an emotional rollercoaster journey and this one did not disappoint. Both characters had their strengths and weaknesses, and it was a treat going on this journey with them.

Overall, this was a very angsty and emotional read, with a satisfying HEA!

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

[_ammu_asoka · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked in this book

🤍 Dual POV
🤍 Relationship between Anthony and Travis
🤍 Strong female lead
🤍 Kind of enemies to lovers
🤍 Romance
🤍 Loveable characters
🤍 LGBTQ representation

What you can look forward to in this book

🤍 Grumpy × Sunshine trope
🤍 Bodyguard romance trope
🤍 Opposites attract
🤍 Loveable side characters

Thank you Netgalley and the author for this book in exchange for an honest review

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Entangled: Amara and NetGalley for the eARC to read and review!

In Guarding Her Heart, readers are taken on another swoon-worthy tour with the ever-popular Latin rock band, Tenura, this time following the amorous behind the scenes adventures of Niloo and Travis.

Niloo Zameeni is ready to start her career as a stylist. An internship with Tenura would be the perfect opportunity towards a residency in Vegas, gain the independence she’s secretly craved, and find new meaning to life now that her mother is gone. She would be in good company since they’re all practically family. Niloo is determined to prove that she can make her own decisions and is ready to step out on her own.

Travis Collins is the head of security for Tenura. He takes his job very seriously, which is often joked about by others. He doesn’t mind all that much because, like with Niloo, the band is family. A former military man, exhibiting 100% professionalism – staying focused, alert, and in control – is vital to the job and who he is as a person. Distractions – like a certain irresistible stylist – could spell disaster.

Guarding Her Heart blends together a few tropes that I love. I like how Niloo and Travis’s relationship starts off as kind of enemies. But because Travis is reluctantly reassigned to be Niloo’s bodyguard, they’re almost always together. It was only a matter of time before they became lovers.

The story was a gloriously romantic journey that had a lot of heavy downs but also worthwhile ups. I loved all the “can’t take my eyes off you,” “can’t resist you,” “I know you want me,” and “take me” heated vibes between them. However, Travis and Niloo’s relationship was contentious due to one being more open to things and the other more guarded. So finding that right balance is a steep learning process for them both as they learned to trust someone else with their hearts, reconcile their pasts, and truly go after what they want with unconditional love and without barriers.

I enjoyed learning more about the main characters. Niloo is fun, carefree, and loving. She’s a warm light you can’t help but be drawn to. There was plenty more to Travis than I ever expected. Each and every new part of himself that he revealed made me love his character even more. I also enjoyed meeting his Nana (aka, Ruth) who was so sweet and funny.

I adored Guarding Her Heart and didn’t want it to end! I really hope there are more tours with Tenura because I love all of these characters. Each and everyone one of them deserves a special, tender HEA just as Niloo, Travis, Darya, and Anthony have experienced.

CW: past suicide of a veteran, PTSD

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ***

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Niloo and Travis's story, a sweet bodyguard romance, between the bodyguard and the stylist of the Latin rock band Ternura, with very different personalities, good chemistry and a forbidden romance where they need to overcome some obstacles and drama that comes with it. Told in dual POV, this story will entertain you, while the character's banter will have you smiling. The story itself is good, starts building fast, it's a quick read and therefore I think somethings were a bit rushed, still a good book to read if you love the bodyguard trope.





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[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this eARC to read and give an honest review!

This book is about Niloo, a stylist of the famous rock band Tenura and Travis, their grumpy head of security. Travis gets assigned to keep an eye on Niloo while she is on tour with the band. After their initial aversion against each other they soon realize that they enjoy their company a bit more than they would like to admit…

Niloo and Travis are great protagonists! Niloo is hard-working, strong, humorous and is very caring of her family and friends. Travis is broody, extremely focused on his job and seems quite cold to others, but over time he warms up. You can start to see that he is very caring and his likeable personality shines through the more time he spends with Niloo.

They have witty banter, and you can really feel their great chemistry. They are super cute together, but I honestly have to say that at some points it was a little bit too cheesy for me.

Both characters have to deal with the loss of a very important person in their lives. It was interesting to see how differently they both handled their grief and the ways they helped each other deal with their losses.

The style of writing is fluent and nice. It kind of felt like I was flying through the pages when reading the book.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a romance with great banter and very loveable and strong main characters.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ironically, I realized too late this was the second book in the series 😅 The first book dealt with Darya and Anthony, who also make an appearance in GHH. But the second book is younger sister Niloo’s story. Travis is the head of security for Anthony and his group, Ternura. Obviously, that means he is the perfect man for the job in protecting Niloo while on tour. Niloo and Travis being opposites made for hilarious banter. Overall, it was a fun read!

If you are into grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, bodyguard/reluctant protectee, you’ll enjoy this one! It’s also available on Kindle Unlimited. A huge thank you to the author @negeenpapehn via @mmbtours and @netgalley for this reader’s copy. It in no way influences my review.

𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤:
✨ That glimmer is back-the one that's twisting my insides. It's vulnerable and beautiful and takes my breath away
✨ But her presence manages to ease the war inside me, even if she has no clue it exists. When I'm around her, I feel hopeful
✨ It's here, with him loving me, that I'm allowed to be all the things I want to be without fear of
judgment or disappointment. He sees me in a way no one ever has. He's the freedom I've been searching for

[gabreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novella!
The forbidden attraction between Travis and Niloo ignites the pages! I couldn't get enough of their banter and mutual pining. I'm a sucker for the grumpy x sunshine and bodyguard/protector trope so this book just hit all the spots for me. The spice also delivers.
I also really liked that the reader got a glimpse into Niloo's Persian culture. It helped understand her character, plus it was nice to see diversity represented in a way that didn't feel like checking a box.
My only negative to say about the book is I felt some of Travis's backstory needed to be explained more but the book wasn't long enough to really dive into it.
The writing is fun and makes this an easy to read book.
I would recommend this is you're a fan of bodyguard/protector romance, opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine trope, forced proximity, witty banter, slow burn, steam and novellas.

[Jaclyn Hillis]

Niloo is a sassy Persian stylist, and she gets the opportunity to work for the rock band Ternura. Her sister, Darya, is married to the lead singer, Anthony. And being the overprotective big sister that she is, Darya wants Niloo to have her own security detail during the tour.

Travis is a sexy, ex-Marine, and head of security for the band. He’s not too thrilled to be assigned to Niloo, and Niloo doesn’t take too kindly to having a babysitter.

This was a sweet and sexy romance, that also covered some heavier topics — which I love. Both Niloo and Travis have their guard up and are reluctant to let other people in. It was so sweet to see them unravel each other.

I loved all the supporting characters too. I’ll have to go back and read Darya and Anthony’s story, and I hope Mike and Carlos get their own book too.

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, opposites attract

CW: mention of suicide, loss of a parent, PTSD 


[malu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

I’m so happy I got the chance to read this book! This is a sweet, funny read that is definitely worth your time.

Both of the characters are really interesting, apart and together. The banter is AMAZING and their relationship is so cute and hilarious that I couldn’t help but fall in love with these two. Even though this is a great quick read, I feel like the book would be better if it had more pages. If it was longer, some things like Travis’s trauma involving Ben would’ve been better explained and given more depth. Also, the final breakdown was kinda disappointing, but I do understand the rush due to the number of pages. Overall, Travis and Niloo now have a special spot in my heart, and Negeen definitely got a new fan!

I voluntarily read an ARC provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Travis wasn’t expecting Niloo!

Niloo Zameeni wants to further her career doing glam and the first start is going on tour working with her brother-in-law’s Latin rock band Tenura so she work towards her dream job of working a residency in Las Vegas if she can ignore her attraction to Travis Collins. But first she has to tell Darya, her very pregnant sister that she’s going on tour with her husband’s band.

Veteran Travis Collins is the head of security for Tenura but he’s also assigned to protect Niloo to make Darya happy because of being around the band and stalkers. But can he handle his attraction to Niloo?

Guarding Her Heart is very different than Set to Music because Niloo and Travis have to find the middle ground between them in their relationship.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[elisa⋆₊˚౨ৎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel so bad for giving this book a bad rating, but I really didn’t enjoy it.

I was so excited to read an enemies-to-lovers bodyguard romance, but after 20 pages they weren’t even enemies anymore. I couldn’t understand why or how that happened.
Everything in this book happened so quickly, most of it was just incomprehensible.

Furthermore, I really didn’t like Niloo and her sister. I didn’t click with any of the characters, to be honest.

What I really liked though, was the representation, since Niloo is Persian and throughout the book are parts where they speak Farsi.
It also includes LGBTQ representation.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the chance to read and review an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lori Wilen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book which I obtained via NetGalley and only after starting it did I realize it was the second in a series and I usually like to read a series in sequence.

I rated this 4.5 stars and really enjoyed the writing, the story, the characters, the humor, the touching moments and almost everything about this book. Once I really got into the story I didn't want to put the book down and wanted to know how it would end despite not wanting it to end.

If you are a lover of romance and chick lit books then this should definitely appeal to you. If you are not normally into romance, this book is so witty that I would say give it a try.

I look forward to reading more by Negeen Papehn in the future.

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Niloo and Travis start off on a bad note. He’s all rules and regulations and she’s a rebel just trying to find her path. Going on tour was supposed to be a fun way to kick off her stylist career but when Travis is assigned as her bodyguard, she finds herself more curious about the man he hides from everyone.

I thought this was really cute. Travis is definitely a protective alpha male and very hard on himself. He cares about everyone around him and will do anything to protect them. I love Niloo’s determination and strength. I thought they really leveled each other out and made a great team. 😍

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review with my honest opinion.*

[2TReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Nihloo and Travis were great as a couple, their chemistry felt authentic (loved the forced proximity trope), as Travis is assigned to be Nihloo's bodyguard as they go on tour with her brother-in-law's band. The evolution of their relationship was realistic, from intial attraction to them deciding to be together. Their conversations and interactions were enjoyable to read.
The side characters kept the energy of the book high, the banter between all the characters was lighted hearted and funny. I liked how the core characters were always there for each other. Loved the theme of family, friendships and also finding your own way and reaching for your dreams.

[abdulia ortiz-perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this free book for honest review.
#GuardingHerHeartBookTour
4 stars ⭐ ⭐⭐ ⭐

What a beautiful wonderful amazing read.

This had me all over the place. My heart beatting so fast! If had me in shock. Every page, every chapter was a page turner. I couldn't believe my eyes what I was reading.

This had me hooked from the beginning. Great read for Fall weather. Will keep your heart warm.

What a great read! This had me hooked from the beginning. The sitting, theme, and the Characters had me pulled in. Everything was well put together and it was just perfect. This novel did just that to me.
Highly recommend everybody get this book and read it. Its so good!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to my #booktour stop! If you’re a fan of grumpy-sunshine stories and dual POVs, then this may be right up your alley. It is a sweet, easy read. Niloo and Travis have such a fantastic dynamic; and the supporting characters were the sort of people you hope to surround yourself with. I am married to a Marine, so I have a soft spot for military characters.

This is the second in a series, but can be read as a standalone.

📌 Pub Date: September 12, 2022

I was given a copy of this story to read; but thoughts and opinions are all my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, @mmbtours, and Negeen Papehn for the chance to read this book!

[Jeanne Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had enjoyed Set To Music by Papehn so I was glad to get Guarding Her Heart to review. I like the way Papehn weaves the character's Iranian language and culture into the stories. It's an added depth to an already interesting novel. It was fun to see the cast from the first novel back especially Mike who is Niloo's best friend and the band's stylist. When he gets Niloo a job doing the same, the book is set into motion. Travis is such an enigma obot and that's okay with Niloo since she's there to do her job, prove she wasn't a nepotism hire and hopefully launch the career she really wants in Vegas. Of course, best laid plans and all, Niloo finds out fairly quickly there is a whole lot more to Travis than his stoic exterior. I enjoyed peeling back his layers as much as Niloo did, I think.

The story is very realistic especially when these two make incorrect assumptions and fail to communicate is ways that threaten their relationship. It was both aggravating and intriguing since you knew there had to be a happily every after in there.

I can recommend this book.

Thanks to NetGalley, Entangled:Amara for the ARC.

[Ali Goates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a really fun grumpy x sunshine and bodyguard theme! The characters were really fun and interesting- their personalities and pasts were developed and slowly revealed throughout the book which kept me really interested and made me care about them. The representation of a Persian family was cool- I liked learning new things about the dynamics and customs that come with them. Travis puts out a cold front but his sweet side shows while he’s caring for Niloo, who fights for her independence and respect from her family. The sexual tension between them- unreal!!! It was built up really well! This was a 4 star read for me because I loved it, but it wasn’t quite one of my favorites. That being said, it was well written and I would definitely recommend it to others!

[Vickie Raynor]

What an amazing follow up to a story I didn’t think could get better, but it did. Each book although reads as a standalone, was suspenseful and incredibly hot! The sex scenes are enough to make anyone squirm without being vulgar. Every single bit of this book was enjoyable. Book provided by NetGalley.

[Anita Salonger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I did not read the other book in this series, I think that I have to now. This book is a fun flirty rom-com. Just the genre that I enjoy reading. All the characters work well together. I did not want the book to end. Hope that there will be more in this series.

[Ruth Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love read Negeen’s books! Talented in the way she puts words to a page when she writes it’s like watching a Movie in your head you can totally follow it from start to finish… book two is really good but read number one to understand book twos placement! Loved every minute of reading it couldn’t put it down!

[ShanKL · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sexy romance between a bodyguard and stylist who bridge the opposites attract genre. This couple provides dual points-of-view on their growing attraction and life on the road with Ternura.

Travis is a grumpy man who loves deeply so don’t let the exterior fool you as he is ALL mushy inside.

So this is a series…well I am hooked, bring on the next book!

Thank you for the #gifted e-book to read and review - Entangled Publishing, MMBTours and the author.

[Cassandra's Rebellion · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley and publisher. Niloo and Travis have a love to hate relationship. They both admire from afar but Travis has a desire to stay in his professional role. When Niloo's life is threatened, Travis realizes his love can go hand in hand with duty.

[SynergyQuest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, steamy, and just a little bit awkward, the hero makes this one a real win to me. Guarding Her Heart is a bodyguard romance that strikes all the right notes.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[AJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty good. I can’t tell if I didn’t love it because of the book itself, or because of the narrators… not my favorite.
It also felt a little too insta-lovey for me and the FMC just seemed too immature of the MMC. 🎧