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Her past should have stayed buried.

Bella thought she could escape her past. For a while, she did. She even found happiness and the chance for a future she never thought possible. Until one day when it was all taken away in an instant, forcing her to leave behind the man she loved just to survive. Now her nightmare is finally over and she needs to reclaim everything she lost. Except she doesn’t know whether he’ll take her back. And she’s about to discover that the past won’t let her go so easily.

Now it’s coming after them both.

Professional bodyguard Creed’s whole world caved in the day Bella left without explanation. Now, over a year later she’s back without warning, and what she tells him leaves him reeling. She’s been through a hell far worse than he’d ever imagined, but one thing is certain. He will love her until he draws his last breath—and won’t let anything or anyone take her away from him ever again. But when deadly forces from her past life come for her, they find themselves in a fight for survival unlike anything they’ve faced before. And the only way out is to make an impossible choice that could tear them apart forever.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2024

127 people are currently reading
109 people want to read

About the author

Kaylea Cross

98 books1,795 followers
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards and has been nominated for both the Daphne du Maurier and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

Kaylea loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line and say hello.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Imogen Dior.
842 reviews7 followers
January 14, 2025
I enjoyed Guarding Bella. Both the plot and characters were done well. I liked getting to know Creed more and finding out about Bella and her backstory. You could tell these two loved one another and would do anything for each other. I loved how protective and compassionate Creed was and how passionate Bella was about animals and her kindness to everyone. I can’t wait for book 3!
Profile Image for Anita.
2,564 reviews213 followers
Currently reading
September 4, 2025
I honestly don't know which is worse: knowing something bad is going to happen or it is a surprise. The buildup gave me anxiety and that isn't good for my heart. Kaylea Cross is really good at that, but she is also good at the surprise too.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,862 reviews58 followers
January 28, 2024
Guarding Bella❤️‍🩹

Creed comes home one day after being away for work, only to discover the woman he was set to marry has disappeared without a trace. Fast forward more than a year later, he’s moved to Crimson Point for work and Bella shows up on his front door step. Not knowing why she’s back or why she left, the story she tells is harrowing.

Bella has been through a great deal in her life, she’s tracked Creed down and wants to explain what happened to her and why she disappeared from his life so suddenly😢 A wonderful tale of second chances but also some suspenseful moments which had me on edge.

Can’t wait for more of the Crimson Point Security series❣️I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review😍
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,044 reviews201 followers
January 31, 2024
4.25stars—GUARDING BELLA is the second instalment in Kaylea Cross’ contemporary, adult CRIMSON POINT SECURITY erotic, romantic suspense series -a spin off from the author’s Crimson Point, and Rifle Creek series . This is former Special Forces soldier turn professional bodyguard Creed, and Bella’s story line. GUARDING BELLA can be read as stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Creed and Bella, following several paths GUARDING BELLA focuses on the second chance relationship between our story line couple. Fourteen months earlier, Creed returned home to discover his fiancee had left without explanation. Unable to locate the woman he loved, Creed moved, and started working for Crimson Point Security in Crimson Point, Oregon but he never expected to come face to face with his past, a past that was about to reveal an unbelievable story. Fourteen months on the run, Bella believed she was now free and safe but her past is about to resurface, threatening any and all sense of safety for our story line couple. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Bella and Creed, and the potential fall-out as our couple find themselves victim of a mad man desperate to control our story line heroine.

The world building follows several paths including the introduction of several new characters, couples, and the next generation of Crimson Point Security.

The relationship between Bella and Creed is one of second chances. Fourteen months on the run finds our heroine ready to return to the man that she loves but she is worried about rejection in the face of perceived betrayal, and months with no contact. Creed never expected the woman he loved to have return with a story he struggled to believe but within days the reality of their situation was about to reveal. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several potential new members and specialist for Crimson Point Security, as well as the return of a number of familiar agents and couples previously introduced . The requisite evil has many faces.

GUARDING BELLA is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing, captivating and riveting; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, charismatic and compelling.

Copy supplied for review

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Profile Image for CarolKat.
2,280 reviews28 followers
January 29, 2024
In the prologue of this book, we see Creed as he returns home from a 12-week deployment. There was much anticipation of his arrival home so when Bella is gone with just a note and her engagement ring on the counter, he knew something wasn't right.

This book opens fourteen months later, we see Bella as she travels non-stop to get to Crimson Point. She's finally free of the dangers that had plagued her since childhood and can move forward. She only hopes Creed can forgive her for leaving without an explanation. She's stopped for a meal in Portland and as she's leaving she's accosted in the parking lot as someone tries to take her watch. Fortunately, a couple of men had left the diner right after her and prevented anything worse from happening. She does go back inside with them to steady herself before continuing on.

Creed arrives home and is talking on his phone when he gets to his porch. Bella stands and starts toward him, and he embraces her in a hug like he'll never let go. He invites her in, and she asks if her cat is okay to come in as well. Then he asks her to stay. He brings her things inside, and she introduces him to her cat, Nick Furry.

They still have much to talk about and he needs to know if she's in trouble. She starts off by telling him she's sorry she hurt him and then launches into the whole story.

Creed has an assignment over the weekend and even though he'd rather stay with Bella, he can't let Decker down or disappoint his boss, Ryder.

Ryder's stepson Finn just enlisted in the Marines and Danae is taking it hard. She doesn't want him to go, she'll worry about him, but no doubt she is proud of him just the same. Callum's wife Nadia is ready to have their baby but as things sometimes are, she's late and Callum's a wreak.

We the reader are then privy to information no one else has and things are about to get very interesting and dangerous.

I loved the time Bella spends with Teagan, Marley and Ivy. They truly are the best friends to have.

This is a very emotional book, with suspense, action, romance and so much more!

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Jo Cooper.
161 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2024
Guarding Bella by Kaylea Cross 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I received an ARC copy of this book but my thoughts and comments are entirely my own.

I always try hard to avoid spoilers.

This is the story of Bella & Creed. A story of a broken engagement, of secrets, fear, danger and hope. Can they overcome the past ? Can they find a way forward?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Kaylea has a way of writing likeable characters that you can’t help but relate to. We meet many of the Crimson Point heroes/heroines in this book & also meet some of the crew from the Hostage Rescue Team books which was really nice. That said I believe that you could read this as a one off without a problem but then why wouldn’t you want to read the other series!!

Whilst sometimes you can have some sympathies for the ‘baddies’ in books, there are no redeeming characteristics this time. The baddies truly are bad to the bone and I spent the whole book willing them to get their comeuppance.

There are scenes in the book that may make the reader uncomfortable and some quite graphic descriptions of violence. I don’t think they are gratuitous though, as they fit with the villain’s description.
I did find myself grimacing a few times and was quite on edge, holding my breath and willing the ‘goodies’ to come to the rescue.

Kaylea also gave us a few small teasers into possible future books with some new characters arriving and one leaving (for now), I’m looking forward to seeing where those threads lead.

Guarding Bella is Kaylea at the top of her game and I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Woodatsi.
469 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2024
Whenever Kaylea anounces a second chance romance I'm impatiently counting the days for it to release. She's a super author and there's just something special about her second chance romances.

Creed works for CPS, he's happy to have found a great group of guys who he can call friends and who have his back when things get tough. The one thing missing in his life is Bella, his one true love who left him without a word. She just up and disappeared, leaving her engagement ring and a note.

Bella has had a very difficult life and a horrible youth. She's always had to run and hide who she really was and when she met Creed, she thought to have finally found happiness. Only, it didn't last and she had to leave again, only this time it nearly broke her heart.

When Bella suddenly reappears in Creeds life, in need of his help, we are thrown into a roller coaster of action, romance and a hard fought for happy ending.

This book was a real gem, I loved how Creed wasn't vengeful towards Bella. He listened, had her explain her reason for leaving him and understood. Bella was a strong woman even though she'd had such a hard life up till now. It's also always great to see characters from previous book making their appearance here.

I've read this book in nearly one day and I'm already impatiently waiting for the third book in this great series.
3,446 reviews38 followers
January 15, 2024
We are back in Crimson Point and this time , the story belongs to Crimson Point Security operative Creed. It’s been over a year since the love of his life and fiancee, Bella, disappeared , leaving behind only a note an the engagement ring and a devastated Creed.
When Bella shows up in his new home in Crimson Point, Creed is both shocked, and cautious. But the story she tells about her past has him determined to keep her safe but uncertain if they can go back to how they were.
What neither expected was that her past was coming back with avengance , ready to destroy not only Bella and her relationship with Creed, but also possibly destroy Creed as well.
In this latest story, the author brings in some of the characters from previous stories. Characters that had their own story and now we “see” how they are doing. As well as setting the readers to future stories of the younger generations.
All in all, an engaging story about family and lack thereof. A story about overcoming adversity, and taking a second chance in life and love.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for NICUnurse Stephanie .
926 reviews33 followers
February 5, 2024
I’m a long-time fan of romantic suspense books and Kaylea Cross. She writes edge-of-your-seat romantic thrillers I can’t seem to stop devouring. She’s on the short list of authors I 1-click without reading a blurb. With Guarding Bella, she takes us back to Crimson Point with an edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense. It’s the next book in another Crimson Point spinoff, Crimson Point Security, and you’d better believe I’m here for all of them! You *can* read it as a standalone title; however, some crossover characters and references to a previous storyline might confuse you, so I recommend reading them in order. Honestly, I can’t help but encourage you to read all the Crimson Point books before this one because they are just that good. This book was suspenseful, emotional, and action-packed: the perfect trifecta. As usual, I didn’t want to walk away from it until I finished. Guarding Bella is one more reason among many that Kaylea Cross is a top favorite of mine!

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3,085 reviews
January 20, 2024
Bella left her past behind and started over and fell in love. She has to leave because it looks like her past is back. Fourteen months later, her past is finally laid to rest and she goes looking for the love of her life and the man she left behind.
Creed thought his and Bella’s love would last forever. Until he came home from a mission to find her gone. All she left was a note and her engagement ring. Now fourteen months later he finds her on his porch. Creed is happy she’s alive but plans to keep his heart closed off.
Once Bella tells Creed her story, he’s shocked and understanding. She stays with him and they slowly get reacquainted. But when her past shows up, will they be able to survive this encounter?
Loved this story! Action. Sex. Second chance for love. You can never go wrong with a book by Kaylea Cross. Will keep you turning the pages until the end.

* Voluntarily read and review from the author *
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,219 reviews39 followers
January 25, 2024
Bella and Creed.

Time heals all wounds right? But when the love of your life up and disappears without a trace does your heart ever truly recover?
So when Bella lands on Creed’s doorstep after over a year of nothing what should he do, take her in his arms or slam the door?
What would you do?
I love Creed and Bella, they are amazing together.
Bella has a real story to tell and it’s a huge shocker in many ways but Bell a thinks it’s all finally over!! But is it ever really over.
She’s back in his house but will she stay, more to the point will the bad stuff come for them again and can Bella keep Creed safe, can Creed keep Bella with him and safe.
With these two it’s always better to work together.
I enjoy all of Kaylea’sbooks and this one did not disappoint, I also love Crimson Point and old favourite characters popping in.
Profile Image for Angels.
1,875 reviews17 followers
January 30, 2024
Bella and Creed's story was emotional, filled with a ton of suspense, understanding, forgiveness, love, revenge friendship and so much more.

Bella & Creed have a history but, now they are given a second chance it seems fate isn't through with Bella just yet. Loved how Bella fit right in with the rest of the girl's team members and how those team members supported both of them in their time of need.

The characters were amazing we love them and all their crew fit so well together. Bella was a sweetheart of a character our hearts bleed for all she endured. Loved that Creed put his feelings aside and gave them a chance to get it right once again.

Overall an awesome tale that kept you glued to the pages the entire time. Secrets coming to light were explosive ones. Sometimes love wins after all...
Enjoying this series!
Profile Image for Libby.
44 reviews
February 16, 2024
I love Kaylea Cross, she’s one of my few autobuys and I think she’s a really talented writer.

Having said that, this one, although enjoyable, didn’t *quite* hit for me, it definitely didn’t have the emotional depth of some of the previous books, I never felt like I got to know the H and h properly, and there were a few too many ‘side quests’ for me: Finn leaving for bootcamp, Callum’s baby, Autumn and Gavin, which felt like they interrupted the flow a little.

Also, a small thing, but there was a timing inconsistency during the big action scene, where the H said it’d been an hour since he called for backup but then a couple paragraphs later that had become several hours. KC is usually really tight on this sort of detail, so it jarred slightly.

Altogether, still an enjoyable read, but I doubt I’ll reread this one like I have so many previous books from this author.
Profile Image for Dora.
800 reviews11 followers
January 22, 2024
Guarding Bella was another great read in the Crimson Point Security series. To say Bella has gone through alot in her years is an understatement! Right when she thought she had it all, her past swoops in and she is once again on the run. It is now 14 months later, she again thought she was safe so the first person she thought of was Creed, the love of her life. Even though she didn’t know if he would take her back after leaving without any explanations, she had to try. Creed was a bit hesitant, but the relief he felt seeing Bella after so many months of searching for her and then finding out the truth overpowered any concerns he had. He was determined to keep her safe and never have her leave him again.

As with almost all of this author’s books, Creed and Bella’s story was full of all the action, suspense, and edge of your seat moments. There is also the heat and chemistry between these two that will definitely make you swoon. Another fantastic read!
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,477 reviews50 followers
January 28, 2024
Creed and Bella were perfect together...until Bella disappeared. Creed didn't give up hope on finding Bella for a long time. But eventually he had to let go for his own sanity.

When Bella appears on his doorstep 14 months later he finally learns exactly why she had to run. But now that the danger is past, can they put the separation between them in the past or will they crumble now they are together?

Creed asks colleagues at Crimson Point Security to make sure that Bella is as safe as she thinks she is. He wants Bella and the future they were denied but he won't do it at the expense of her safety.

I loved learning more about Bella's past and how strong she truly was to take on a monster. These two may have had to hit pause on their relationship and both are wary of attempting to restart things were they left off, so they both want to take things slowly and see if things are just as intense this time around.

There were layers of story to delve through and then there are all the cameo's from former and future characters from Crimson Point. Onwards and upwards!

PS Nick Furry was the perfect name for the cat!
Profile Image for Jenn O'Leary.
912 reviews18 followers
January 29, 2024
Guarding Bella is an exciting, and emotional second chance romance.
Creed's Fiancé Bella disappeared 14 months ago without a trace.
He has never stopped loving her.
So, he is shocked to see her on the doorstep of his new home in Crimson Point.
Bella's life has not been easy. And she did not want to leave Creed the way she did.
As soon as she can, she makes her way back to Creed, hoping he can forgive her.
When she tells him why she left, and all about her past, Creed understands why she left but can he forgive her? Can they move past this?
When it turns out the danger from her past isn't over Creed will do everything he can to keep her safe.
This was an exciting read, and I could not put it down.
1,743 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2024
This is such a brilliant read.
Creed returns home from a business trip to find that his fiancee Bella has left a note to say that she is leaving and not to try to find her.
Over a year later and Bella is back on his door step. Can he forgive her and take her back?
When Bella tells him everything that has happened he knows that she has lived through hell but now she is back.
I loved how they were together and so hud friends became hers but danger isn't far away and her past won't let her go.
Can they survive and both make it out alive when the past catches up with them.
Full of drama and suspense but also so much love and friendship. Absolutely loved the ending.
I can't wait for the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Vanessa LeBlanc.
407 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2024
My heart fell for Bella and Creed. I could feel all their emotions, their love, their pain, their anger, their fears, their regrets.

They were ripped apart unexpectedly. Creed never understanding why, while Bella living with the reason why.

I love how the story didn’t make us wait for the reunion. You could feel the love they still have for one another but both not knowing how to move forward.

This book was a bit more action packed than the last few of this authors stories, which I loved. For a minute there my heart was pumping, was scared for both MC.

I enjoyed this story and would recommend cannot wait for the next one

🔥🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC for honey review
Profile Image for Anja.
1,221 reviews8 followers
January 27, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Creed suffered more than a year after his fiancé left him without notice or an explanation and suddenly, she’s standing in his porch. Kaylea has a wonderful way of bringing her characters „to live“ - always making sure, you’re literally right there within the book. It’s strange, but I had this reading experience with a lot of her stories. A fast paced story, that has some twists and turns and omg-moments when you honestly just can’t put the book down. As there’s a HEA and knowing Creed won’t be killed the story has you hooked. Fabulous.
Profile Image for Debbie Tinder.
149 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2024
Bella and Creed were making plans to spend their lives together until one day Bella disappears, without a trace. Creed's world as he knew it, crashed around him. Now Bella is back. She thinks she has finally escaped her past. But did she? Will Creed forgive her? Can they rebuild what they had before? They will both be tested when Bella's past returns to haunt her. But Creed lost her once and he won't let it happen again. He'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe now that he has her back. Emotional story. My heart broke for both Bella and Creed. Page-turning, emotionally charged story with many twists and turns you won't see coming. Grabs you from page one. Great story!!
Profile Image for Melissa May.
326 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2024
Guarding Bella is the second installment in the Crimson Point security series by Kaylea Cross. This is Creed and Bella ‘s story.
I really liked it!! Had me on the edge of my seat at times!
It’s filled with action, suspense and hot steamy romance!
Great character development and suspenseful plot.
It was great to meet up with previous characters from the Crimson Point series.
It’s a standalone but I would recommend to read the series from the beginning because of the reappearing characters and just because it’s a awesome series!
Looking forward to read the next book!
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,202 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2024
second chance for the win

Creed and Bella/Lara. A good second chance romance. The second chance comes from Bella disappearing from their house and not showing back up for over a year. Creed loves strong and shows his love and loyalty in all actions. CPS shows how they care for each other and safety. There is a fun link between this book and the HRT stories. Ivy is present and I adore her. The scene with Walker(Ivy) and Matt(Briar) was funny and Decker and Creed are a great bromance for this world. I loved the smile that ended this story and can’t wait to see who gets the next story!
Profile Image for Delaine Mclafferty.
510 reviews2 followers
January 22, 2024
No one should have to live with the knowledge that one of their parents is causing the worst sort of life that leaves you horrified. When you see something that will change you forever and you pay the ultimate price to have a life, that is a secret that no one can know about. Then the worst is about to explode, to take everything away again. This is a great story with Creed and Bella and how they lose themselves and then try to put them back together again. I highly recommend this story. that will keep you turning pages to see how this turns out.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbons.
42 reviews
February 27, 2024
Another outstanding and gripping page turner by Kaylea Cross. And as a massive lover of character crossover from other series, I especially loved this one. I don't want to throw down too many spoilers but if you love Kaylea's other works, you will love reuniting with some much adored characters in this book. Kaylea has a way to engage you and immerse you so much in her stories that you feel like the characters are like old friends. This storyline was extra action packed and thrilling to the final page. I am already counting down to the next in this series. Full 5 star rating from me!
Profile Image for Nookmom (Courtney).
269 reviews13 followers
April 16, 2025
Not a bad story but so many characters from other books/series are thrown at you that it gets to be a lot if you haven’t read all the other books. A lot of time is spent telling you how amazing these guys are at their jobs but when the story reaches its peak and they are needed to save Creed and Bella, they don’t really do much but stand there and let other people do everything. I really felt like this book was just a way to introduce new characters for another series and tie them to characters in other series. The actually book/story itself didn’t offer much.
996 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2024
Kaylea Cross is an auto read author for me. With her stories, I know I will get suspense, romance and an HEA. I enjoyed reading Creed and Bella's second chance romance. I could not have predicted where their story would lead and was not disappointed. I also loved how there were all these other sub stories going on throughout the book. It kept me reading for more and I can see some more great stories coming from these sub stories!
Profile Image for Debra.
323 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2024
Guarding Bella is the second novel in Kaylea Cross’ Crimson Point Protectors series and it did not disappoint! Creed and Bella were happily living their dream, engaged and planning a wedding! Until the unthinkable happened, and Creed came home from a business trip and found an empty house and Bella’s ring left with a very brief note telling him that she couldn’t stay and for him to not try and find her.
Now, 14 months later and Bellais back, hoping to rebuild her life with Creed, but can her reasons for leaving him be enough to convince him to try again? Also, is she really safe from the past to really start living this second chance with Creed?
Profile Image for Sue.
4,242 reviews5 followers
January 29, 2024
A second chance romance that almost didn't happen. Creed was devastated when he got home from an op and Bella wasn't there. She had a lot of secrets before she met him and fell in love, but when she finally makes her way back, she's not the same person mentally or appearance wise. But her past won't leave her alone. Creed is determined not to lose her again. Action, dangerous situations, suspense and heat. Also you have Finn and Shae's strory mixed in there. HEA.

Profile Image for Lynn.
61 reviews
February 3, 2024
Loving the newest Crimson Point series.

Gavin was shattered when Bella left suddenly with no explanation and disappeared from his life.

Bella did the only thing she could to keep Gavin safe when danger lurked around every corner.

Now the threat is gone and the only place Bella wants to be is back in Gavin’s arms.

Will he forgive her? Does he still love her? Is she even really safe now?

Love seeing Matt deLuca and the HRT guys make an appearance too!
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,110 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2024
Guarding Bella

Oh wow! Kaylea has done it again! This story is about Bella and Creed! It was very interesting to learn about Bella's past and have that past come back to haunt her once again! The ending was so intense that your heart was in your throat! So happy to see Matt's HRT in this book! As always, the bad guys were taken care of and the good guys came out on top! FANTASTIC job Kaylea! I would highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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