*ARC kindly given by @netgalley for my honest opinion.*

"Guarded Desire" by Christi Snow is a steamy and suspenseful romance novel that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Snow skillfully combines passion and intrigue, creating a compelling story with well-developed characters and sizzling chemistry. With its blend of romance and suspense, "Guarded Desire" is a captivating read that will leave you eagerly turning the pages until the very end.

YA romance lovers will enjoy this one. It was a bit suspenseful, a bit angsty and a smidge dramatic but had MCs that were likable, chemistry that was tension fueled and the right amount of creepy when it came to the stalker/villain of the piece. I really liked that we got to know the two besties (hers and his). I also liked that it didn't feel like "The Bodyguard" (total reference from the book itself).

Elle tried to live in the shadows from her famous mother. Becoming a target was something pushed her life to live in the shadows. Being kidnapped has led her life to have an endless cycle of panic attacks and bodyguards. Will life ever return to normal or will she constantly be forced to,look over her shoulder? Jonah provided the stability she needed and would come to mean so much more than she ever expected. Great story!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

I'd like to say I was too old to enjoy this novel, but I really don't think that was the case. I've read other YA novels and thoroughly enjoyed them. This wasn't one of them. I felt that the characters were just too immature (especially the H for his age) and therefore couldn't get into this book Others may like it....I didn't.

I was unfortunately unable to download the book to read and review before it was archived on Netgalley.

After being kidnapped, Illumination (aka Elle) finds herself saddled with a bodyguard. While she doesn't want the interference and wishes her life would return to normal, it doesn't hurt that her new bodyguard is a sweet, funny, alpha hero type. Jonah swoops in to be the fake boyfriend while protecting Elle until the crazed stalker and kidnapper is found.

This was a quick read. It does seem more like a new adult title, but regardless of classification, it's highly enjoyable and reads well as a romance. The secondary characters of Dillon and Trace are going to win you over in a major way. I can't wait to grab the next title in the New Mexico Protectors series.

I received this eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

After being kidnapped by a fan of her mothers, Elle is finding out that going back to her normal life is not as easy as she thought it would be. She thought it would be okay, but her panic attacks are coming more frequently, and she's not able to stop them when they are happening.

That doesn't mean that she appreciates her mom hiring a bodyguard for her. Elle just wants to go to class and get back to her normal, boring life out of the spotlight. But the longer Elle thinks about her kidnapper still out, the more worried she's getting.

Jonah is not thrilled that he has to bodyguard the daughter of a spoiled rich woman. He's not going to enjoy following a pampered princess who will boss him around. But the second Jonah meets Elle, he knows that she is nothing like her mother. In fact, Elle is tying very hard to be the complete opposite of her mother. Which makes her kidnapping 10x worse because he gave Elle a makeover to look exactly like her mother.

All Jonah and Elle want is to find the kidnapper so their lives can get back to normal. But the more they are around each other, the more they realize they are attracted to one another, and once the kidnapper is caught, they won't be in each others lives after that.

And once the mystery is revealed on who Elle's kidnapper is, Elle may never find the ability to trust another person again.

This was a good book. I enjoyed the mystery of it, and I really enjoyed seeing Elle overcome her fears in the end. She was such a confident woman, and anyone would be terrified after what she went through. I especially love how she didn't want to depend on Jonah to take care of things because she realized that puts her in a vulnerable state, and she didn't want to be like that.

The attraction between Jonah and Elle was a bit rushed for me. I thought it went from, we can`t be anything to I can't live without you pretty fast. And at the beginning Elle did depend on Jonah a bit much, which showed how low her self confidence was.

The big reveal was pretty surprising for me, I have to admit. Usually I can figure out the culprit, but this was very shocking for me, and I definitely didn't see it coming at all, which was great! I love when books surprise me! I`ll be interested to see how many readers were able to figure it out beforehand!

I'm very glad I got a chance to read this eCopy of the novel, and I will have to keep my eyes out for more books by Christi Snow in the future!

This is exactly what I thought it would be. I would definitely recommend this book. I can't wait to read the rest of this series in the future. I really enjoyed it.

Somewhat predictable story, but I still found myself caught up in what was going to happen. I felt bad for Elle and how her life has gone, with her mother's back and forth behavior and the rockstar lifestyle, plus not being able to trust in many people because she's wary of being taken advantage of. The reason behind the need for security is terrifying, but I like the chemistry Elle and Jonah. Looking forward to more from this series.

Cute, quick read about a young college student who survives the worst when she is kidnapped. She wants nothing more than to move on with her life and remove herself from the spotlight. Her mother hires a security team to protect her since the man who kidnapped her hasn't been found. To prevent more attention from being drawn to her, the security guard is to act as her boyfriend.

The story line was fairly predictable, you could easily guess where the fake relationship was going to go.

A few things didn't add up for me: the security team didn't run nearly as many checks as they should have. That made it easy for the sicko to get close to her again. Why didn't they run background checks on everyone?

This novel was suspenseful and full of angsty romance. Elle has been through so much in her young life. She has a rockstar mother who runs hot and cold. She has issues with trusting the people around her because she has been used in the past. And now she has a kidnapper after her because he wants to finish what he started- making her beautiful like her mother. Elle is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and Jonah is hired to protect her. He is a tough, ex military bodyguard that wants to do his job and keep Elle safe. He doesn't expect her to be so kind and so beautiful. 

I enjoyed the push and pull attraction that these characters have. Elle is fierce yet vulnerable and Jonah is hard and caring. I also like the relationship between Dillion, Jonah's best friend and partner, and Tracy, Elle's best friend. I really want to read more about their relationship.

Thank you NetGalley for sending me this book to read and honestly review!

This was a great story about a pop star's daughter needing protection from a crazy fan and so she gets a bodyguard. The bodyguard is named Jonah and he is sweet, funny, and just the right amount of alpha. The daughter is named Illumination but obviously hates that name so she goes by Elle and she is sweet, hard working, worried about having a normal life, and protective of those she does allow to get close to her. I enjoyed the banter between Jonah and Elle it lead up to some great chemistry. The storyline was intriguing and had you wondering and curious throughout the whole book, you never lose interest. I enjoyed this and can't wait to check out more books by the author.

This is a really good NA story, much better than the average offerings. The heroine was so likable and the romance seemed plausible. The best part was the cast of supporting characters and the mystery propelling the story forward. This is a quick read with a nice added to the HEA.

Want to talk about the perfect model for a book cover? All I'm saying is if I needed a guard, I'd definitely pick him. Since he's supposed to be the character Jonah in this book and after reading it, I can absolutely see him in that role.

The great thing about this series, I must say, is that each is a standalone despite it being a series. You can read any of them out of order, but you do not need the rest. Even though this is the first one in the series, it's a pretty good start.

Jonah, a former soldier, is placed in charge of guarding a well-known artist's daughter after being she is rescued from a hostage situation. Elle is still recovering after being held captive. Her nightmares frighten her while her captor's voice haunts her throughout the day. He was never caught by the police, bringing her to constantly look over her shoulder.

Her mother, ViviAnna, hires Jonah despite Elle's protests. As a result, Jonah takes the guise of Elle's "boyfriend" in order to protect her as she tries to complete her college degree. However, what begins as a mere act slowly transforms into attraction between the bodyguard and his ward.

The story is short, sweet, and keeps your attention due to the mystery aspect of where the captor is. I enjoyed the budding romance between Elle and Jonah. I had a little trouble with the ending. It felt rushed and needed to be drawn out a little longer. Other than that, its was a delightful read.

Elle is the daughter of a famous star who has been through traumatic events that lead to her getting a hot bodyguard.

The story was nicely written. I love the fake-boyfriend trope, so I knew this would be right up my alley.

The sex scenes weren't amazing but I tend not to read for sex scenes anyway.

All in all 4/5 stars because I like the feistiness between the couple.

Guarded Desire, by Christi Snow is a contemporary mystery-suspense romance, and it's considered a new adult novel.

Jonah Sutton is former military and currently works for Hawk Works Security as a professional bodyguard, and his new assignment is Illumination "Elle" Wilcox. She was recently kidnapped, due to a crazed fan of her famous mother. Even though she was released, the kidnapper is still free! Elle doesn't know the kidnapper's face, yet she clearly remembers the creepy voice.

While Jonah is diligently working to protect Elle, he is also giving into their intense mutual attraction. His coworker is also attracted and acting upon his interest in Elle's best friend. There's plenty of pleasure and drama in this entertaining story.

This book is the first in the NM Protectors book series, yet it easily reads as a standalone. However, I'm looking forward to reading future books in this series!

Guarded Desire is geared towards those who enjoy reading modern suspense romances.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Elle had been kidnapped three weeks ago when she got away she went and stayed with her mother for three weeks and finally she was back at her loft. Elle had never seen his face but she would never forget his voice and could identify him from that alone. He had drugged and kidnapped Elle from a lady’s room. And made her the very image of her famous mother. Elle had always been strong and independent and it was time she took her life back. But she could still hear his voice saying “ I’ll make you famous.” Elle’s best friend was Trace that her mother had given to her at her fifteenth birthday not knowing Trace was gay.Elle’s mom was ViViAnna/VA .Tarce kept Elle safe when VA craziness when it seemed to be taking over. But they kept their friendship a secret as Elle didn’t wasn't Va to mess with the friendship. Since the kidnapping Elle had become infamous and her life a circus with the Paparazzi, the panic attacks, and the paranoia. Jonah worked for Hawk Works Security and his job was his life. He was chosen by his boss to be Elle’s bodyguard when VA hired Haek Works. Jonah figured Elle had been kidnapped because of an obsession with VA. Three weeks ago Elle had control of her life but now that was gone -her privacy, her security, and her sanity. Elle was attracted to JOnah even though it was not professional Jonah was very attracted to Elle. Never had Jonah been around a woman who could push all his buttons so well and as quickly as Elle. Jonah’s best friend and coworker Dillon to help keep Elle protected and safe. The Paparazzi found elle at college but Jonah got her away. A classmate Minerva that Elle considered a friend talked to a reporter saying that she thought Elle’s scary big boyfriend was physically and mentally abusing her. It was aired on t v. Then a reporter found out Jonah’s mother had committed suicide four years ago and referred to Jonah’s possible mental illness. Jonah was left in care of Elle and Samantha-Jonah’s boss hoped it would draw the kidnapper out. Then VA’s personal photographer came up missing but a note was left and said the kidnapper was almost ready for Elle.Jonah’s idol was Kennedy Aaron as he had come up with the system of mixed martial arts that Jonah used to protect himself from bullies until he hit his growth spurt. Elle felt horrible about all the terrible things being said about and to Jonah and it was wearing him down. and planned a surprise date. TElle knew Kennedy and Jonah got to meet and fight him thanks to Elle.
This was a great book and I read it one setting as i couldn’t put it down as I wanted to see what would happen next. I loved Jonah and Elle together and how they interacted. I hated that Elle had to be hurt by two different people she had let in and considered friends. I loved how Elle wasn’t a Diva and didn’t realize how strong she really was until she had to be. I loved the ending. I also loved how Elle took the time to find herself before she went to Jonah and let him know she elt. . I felt this was well written. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.

My first Christi Snow book and I am a fan!

Guarded Desire is an intriguing romance that gives use Elle, daugter of a legendary popstar. Elle has spearated herself from her mom's notoriety, pushiness and drama- righfully so. When she is kidnapped and threatened with all things Vivi, Elle retreats home to New Mexico and the sanctuary of her apartment. Mommy dearest sends Elle a bodyguard and he is one hot one at that!

Jonah is dreading the spoiled, rich girl he is sent to protect after a horrendous abduction. Knowing there is a true risk to Elle convinces him he needs to do the job. What a shock to find a plain Jane of sorts- one who wears figure hiding clothes and wears no makeup. Jonah immediately realizes that Elle has suffered great turmoil during her abduction and she is far from being okay. Also, her abductor has not been caught and Jonah knows he will come for Elle again-SOON.

While I enjoyed this story and the plot, the cast of characters were amazing! Without giving anything away, lets say that Elle has an excentric friend and Jonah has an equally off the wall partner.

The mystery and suspense of the book was spot on and takes you on twists and turns and then a major shock you won't see coming. But the healing Elle must face and the emotions of the book feel real. Greatly enjoyed this book!

In the first book in her new series NM Protectors. Christi Snow is taking us back to college. This coed is kidnapped because her mother is a famous singer-actress and fashion designer. So she needs protection and her mother hires her a bodyguard. At their first meeting, Jonah sees that Elle is not the spoiled brat he expected. He finds she is strong and has lived in the shadows before the kidnapping. She just wants to get on with her life. He comes to see her vulnerability and finds himself caring more about her than he should. Playing the part of her boyfriend becomes reality. Now can he protect the woman he loves? He pays a high price for the love can they overcome both of their problems. Read this new series and see for yourself I can't wait for the next installment.

This is an excellent 'falling in love with a bodyguard' story. Elle, the heroine, is being stalked by an obsessed fan of her famous mother, singer Vivianna. Her mother hires a bodyguard, Jonah, to watch over Elle and protect her while she attends college.

The hero, Jonah, is strong and independent while the heroine, Elle, is insecure and scared to trust anyone in her life. This story is filled with hot and steamy moments interspersed with suspense.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.