Although the beginning lulls you in, this is not an easy read, by which I mean, substance abuse, addiction, and living with an addict are rough subjects to handle in a romance novel, but the author handles that and the kink elements with grace, even the ugly bits. She pulls no punches. Nor should she.

As a result, I read the last part all at once because I wasn't going to bed until after the epilogue!

(The cover I have is different, with L. A. Witt as the author rather than her pseudonym Cat Grant, as on the edition here.) ( )

4.5 stars.

Guarded by Cat Grant and L.A. Witt is a hot, sexy and kinky romance that is full of deep emotions. This poignant novel is also a bit heartbreaking as Jordan Kane watches his longtime friend and band mate Daniel Barrett hit rock bottom then re-enter rehab. With his life slowly slipping out of control, Jordan eagerly submits to his dominant bodyguard and new lover Jase Hewitt. Will their newfound relationship withstand the stress of Daniel's recovery and return to Jordan's life?

Jordan loves performing and touring with his band No Rules, but he has become a bit jaded by his stardom. With little free time to cultivate a relationship, he has a reputation for sleeping with his road crew but these hookups are fairly short lived. His longest enduring relationship is with Daniel and their history is complicated by their own failed romance and Daniel's longstanding battles with addictions.

In the beginning, Jase is charmingly unsure of himself when it comes to Jordan. He knows about Jordan's secret kink and although he is hesitant to give Jordan what he needs, their first sexual encounter is explosive. Jase is quick to realize that Jordan is truly a submissive who thrives on pain. When Jordan begins to flounder while on break from touring, he and Jase fully engage in a BDSM relationship.

There is also a strong emotional connection between Jase and Jordan but Jordan's loyalty to Daniel is a source of friction between them. Jase's past experiences with an addict provide incredible insight into Daniel and Jordan's troubled relationship but Jordan is too close to situation to recognize the truth to Jase's astute observations. Jordan remains hopeful about Daniel's future, but are his expectations realistic?

An excellent collaboration between Cat Grant and L.A. Witt, Guarded is gritty, compelling and intense but overall, there is very little angst. The plot is believable and beautifully executed. Jase and Jordan are superbly developed characters with well-detailed backstories that add depth the unfolding storyline. Their emotions and struggles feel real and their honesty with themselves and each other is refreshing. The sex scenes are exquisitely detailed and sizzling hot. Although the ending is little predictable, it is absolutely perfect. ( )