Review: ✯✯5 Heart Warming Stars!✯✯
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 7, 2014
Wow!!! Author L.L. Collins has literally done it again. First was Living Again then Reaching Rachel. She literally keeps out doing herself with every story she gives me. One minute I am laughing to literally sitting there in shock gasping. Then, I'm crying and at times it's that ugly cry. Whenever I am reading a book by L.L. Collins I never know what to expect. But, when I'm finished I'm blown away EVERY single time!!We meet Ellis Warner in Reaching Rachel and I liked him instantly. So, when I found out we were getting his story I was stoked. What I didn't expect was how damaged Ellis was. On the outside he's a fun-loving guy who loves to have a good time. He's good at his job & everyone who knows him loves him. But, in reality it's just one big front. Ellis didn't have a good childhood. His mom was a junkie. Never knew his dad. Everything he ever loved was taken away from him. If it wasn't for a correction officer who took a liking to him who knows where he'd end up. Now, he works & refuses to get serious with women.Samantha is finally living her dream. She's on top in the country singing world. On her 1st national tour. It's bad enough her parent's rule her life. She has no say on anything in her life. Her parents love her with all their heart. But, ever since her sister died they've devoted their lives to her. They have made decisions for her that have effected her on so many levels. Now, just when she thinks she's lost all control of her life. She is now being stalked. This stalker is somehow getting past her security and leaving stuff in her dressing rooms, hotel rooms. Now, that she;s heading to Florida her parents are hiring extra security.Ellis & Samantha are attracted to each other instantly!! They both know this situation is temporary. It's funny because when I'm reading most books it's the guy who doesn't take no for an answer. They keep going until she finally says yes. Yet, in Guarding Hearts it's the opposite!! Samantha wants to see what this "thing" between her & Ellis is. She knows its real. Ellis on the other hand knows Sam is special. But, he knows nothing good will ever be his. He vows to keep her safe and that's all he can promise at that time!I love how all the couples from Living Again & Reaching Rachel are still around!!! Devin makes a point to let Sam know not to give up on Ellis. They all can see it in his face that she's it for him. Even if he can't or won't see it. Devin and the rest of the gang urge him to just go for it.Needless to say she wears him down. Just when you think everything has settled down. The stalker strikes again!! We get 3 POV in this story. We have Ellis, Sam and The Stalker's. Lets just say he really is a sick, sick person. I cringe every time we got to his mind!!Now, that Ellis & Sam are trying things out. It can never be that easy. He doesn't want the media to know. Ellis doesn't want them digging into his shady past. He's afraid he's not worthy of her. Sam on the other hand is going to do her best to prove to Ellis that they belong together. No matter what happens.Now,  this is considered  a standalone. But, I'd honestly recommend you read them in order. Just because all the characters are in each book. And, trust me you don't want to miss what happened & how they all got to where they are now!Nothing comes easy for Samantha & Ellis. It's far from easy. They both have had a hard time to getting to where they are now. At times I'm shocked they didn't just throw the towel in & say that's it I'm done! Granted I'm glad the author didn't allow them to give up. L.L. Collins made sure you felt everything they were feeling. Even the stalker you felt!! I was rooting for Ellis from page 1. There was a bunch of twists & turns in this story. At one point I thought the stalker had won! But, that Samantha does not give up without a fight. Not just for her. But, for Ellis.I am totally looking forward to what Author L.L. Collins is working on now. She is definitely a force to be wrecking with. She knocked my socks off!! I will totally read anything she writes.