Review: Good Reading
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 21, 2013
Guarded Desires is the third of Lexxie Couper’s Heart of Fame stories, and fits well into this world Ms. Couper has built; a world where celebrity and desire mix and mingle, and reality has a way of creeping in unannounced.Chris Huntley is a star of action movies and TV comedies, and one of the hottest men in show business. Chris is at the peak of his career, popular with the men who love action flicks, and with the women who just want to be his leading lady. He’s had his pick of eligible ladies, but he wants what his sister found with his bodyguard: that spark, that connection that says this is the one I’m meant to spend the rest of my life with. It is why none of his many relationships has lasted long, Chris has just never felt that indefinable click of awareness. Not until he lays eyes on his new bodyguard, and the wanting and desire is instant, but it scares Chris, because he never felt this way before, and never for another man. And make no mistake, Liev Reynolds is all man, every delicious bit of him.As for Liev, he has never hidden his bisexual nature, but he has rules and rule number one is hands off the job, and Chris Huntley is definitely the job. Liev is determined to remain professional, while Chris decides to face this challenge head on, and see where this could lead. With the help of his personal assistant Bethany Sloan, can Chris overcome Liev’s determination and start something that could change both their lives, possibly forever? Or will Chris lose the chance at happiness as Liev walks away to save Chris’ career? Can these two find their happy ever after in the face of the odds?I like this world, and the characters that live here; these are people who are real and honest and make mistakes, they have problems and faults, just like the rest of us. I enjoy the characters and the interaction, and love when things turn so deliciously, and sometimes unexpectedly, hot. The chemistry Ms. Couper has created between Chris and Liev is compelling, and it was fun to watch as Chris decided to chip away at the wall Liev spent so much time and strength building.Chris Huntley is a strong and talented actor, admired by both men, for his action hero image, and women for his romantic comedy turn. He is sensitive and enjoys the ladies. I like that he is, at first, determined to prove that it isn’t his new bodyguard that is raising his passion and desire. I enjoyed watching Chris come to terms with his desire for Liev, a new and uncharted territory for Chris. I liked that, once he was sure of what was happening, he decided to go for it whole heartedly, to explore this new and unusual desire for him. I loved the lengths he went to in order to get close to Liev.Liev Reynolds has always been open about his sexuality, knowing early on he was interested in both women and men. He has never backed off from a relationship, but this thing with Chris has really thrown him a curve ball. Liev is determined to remain professional and keep away from situations where he and Chris would be alone, but he can’t quite keep things where he wants them. With some subtle subterfuge by Chris’ assistant Bethany, Liev and Chris find things heating up quickly. I enjoyed watching as Liev finally gives in to the desire and passion Chris offers, and then just as quickly runs from what they could have together.The supporting characters here are few; Bethany, Chris’ personal assistant, and Liev’s niece are the ones helping Chris behind the scenes, and at one point, Bethany reveals her motive for helping unite these two stubborn men. This book gave me some laughter, some tears, and plenty of reasons to turn my fan on to keep my cool. I recommend Guarded Desires for anyone who believes that love is love, and sometimes, you can’t predict who you will love.originally posted at long and short reviews