Book Review for GUARDED by Kaylea Cross

6/8/2018

She’s a warrior at heart.

Briar’s life was changed forever by a childhood marked by loss and trauma. When she was an orphan the government recruited her into a secret program and turned her into a contract killer. No matter how hard she tries to leave that life behind her, it’s still a part of who she is. She loves and trusts her husband deeply, but old habits die hard. Now everything is about to change for them. When things take a life-threatening turn, Briar is forced to confront her most deeply buried insecurities and find the courage to lay herself bare to the man who has promised to stand by her always.

But this is one battle she can’t win alone.

Matt loves his independent, badass wife more than anything, but she’s also the most stubborn and frustrating woman he’s ever known. Haunted by a loss that shook him to his core, he’s even more determined to protect Briar now that their lives are about to be altered forever. He’ll do anything for her, but if they’re going to have a shot at a happily ever after as a family, his fierce Valkyrie must first learn to lower her guard and let him in completely.

Disavowed by Kaylea Cross blew me away with its intensity, and when I saw there was a chance to visit with Matt and Briar again at the time when their lives are changing forever, I might have squealed a bit. And Ms. Cross does manage put a wallop of emotions into this novella, get your tissues ready, you might just need them.
Briar had been, from a very young age, trained to be a killer, to avoid emotions, and focus on the task. Her struggles to hold her independence and to stay strong, to convince herself that she can be a good mom despite the way she was brought up, to reassure herself that she can take care and nurture her child is heart-wrenching.
Matt loves Briar more than anything and is willing to make any sacrifices for her happiness and safety. I love how he reacted when he saw the struggle Briar was facing, how he stood up, and what lengths he was willing to go to be there for her and for his little family.
The suspense in the story comes from the intense and danger-filled jobs both Briar and Matt have. The drama is poignant, yet compassionate and even informative. The warm, loving, tangible adoration between Matt and Briar is uplifting, the brotherhood and closeness between the members of the Hostage Rescue team are as palpable as it always has been.
A touching and moving tale, an emotional and intense continues to the devoted and passionate love story growing, developing, and maturing between Matt and Briar.
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.