Oh, how I enjoyed this story! I was really able to relate to Briar and what she felt and went through after the birth of her daughter. I mean other than the fact that I'm not a trained government assassin, I felt like this could have been my story after the birth of my oldest. Honestly, it was a bit scary how spot-on it was.

I haven't read all of the books in Cross' HRT series yet (they're on my TBR), but I had read Disavowed, which was Briar and Matt's story. There were a couple spoilery moments from the books in the series I hadn't read yet, but nothing too earth-shattering. That being said, going into this book without having read Disavowed would not be advised. I think it'd still be relatable and enjoyable, but not nearly as much so if you didn't have the character's back-stories.

If nothing else, this has made me realize that I'm pushing the HRT books I haven't read higher up on my TBR because this reminded me how much I enjoy this series.

*I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

So let me start off by saying I am a big fan of Kaylea Cross, so I just one clicked this without really reading the blurb. I wish I would have read the blurb a little closer.

This isn’t a bad book, this just wasn’t a book for me. I wasn’t into the story or really the characters at all, as it wasn’t what I was expecting from her. Again, I should have read the blurb. I will continue to read Ms. Cross.

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

I love strong heroines, and I especially love when they know how much they can take and when to ask for help. This was an emotional read, it started out with all the action and then the love swooped in and vulnerability was all clear. I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy, my final take on it is this: if you're into action and romance, then this will be something you'd like to check out.

Briar was orphaned ar a young age and put into a program that made her into a killer. Now she works for a covert group and is still a highly skilled shooter. Her husband Matt works for the FBI Hostage Rescue Teams. Matt was married before and lost his wife and baby before it was born and it devasted him. It takes awhile to get past Briar’s defense and he think he has. She still very independent and doesn’t like to show weakness. She has a surprise for him and hopes he’s excited about it. She’s pregnant but she’s afraid she doesn’t have what it takes to be a mother.
I don’t want to give a whole lot away but be prepared for tissues, a little aggravation, and a man who’ll do anything to keep his new family together. But if she can just open her walls just a little and let Matt help, they might just be able to get through this.
Great story. I wanted to cry for Briar and Matt. Matt has to decide whether to put his job or family first. But that’s really.a no brainer. Sexy with important messages in them.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *

I loved Disavowed Matt and Briar's original story and was excited to read more from them, and honestly Guarded did not disappoint. As this story was really enjoyable, sweet, had angst and I was hooked from the very start. Plus, I really liked the idea of them becoming parents, especially considering Briars background and all Matt had lost before meeting her. And there were times throughout this story when I really felt for them as they both had to adjust to the realities of bringing a child into the world. Whilst dealing with their particular jobs, and it really was great to read. Which is why I would happily recommend this story to others.

Good

Very emotional story that is not a typical HRT story.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.