Unguarded

by Tracy Wolff

Rhiannon Jenkins is an events planner on the rise. And her latest client, Shawn Emerson, could make her career. Too bad the gorgeous man insists on mixing a lot of pleasure with his business. In Rhiannon's books getting involved with a client is the fastest way to exit a job. So, no. She'll resist all his come-get-me looks and tempting offers.

While his charm is easy to overlook, Shawn in the role of confidant and friend breaks down all her best defenses. Suddenly the tables turn and she wants to be close to him. That means opening up about the ugly events of her past—a risk she hasn't taken before now. Oh, but he could be so worth it!

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Category Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Hqn

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tracy Wolff is a lover of vampires, dragons, and all things that go bump in the night. A onetime English professor, she now devotes all her time to writing dark and romantic stories with tortured heroes and kick-butt heroines. She has written all her sixty-plus novels from her home in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her family. tracywolffbooks.com

Reviews

[Kristiej · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unguarded was a total impulse buy and sometimes one regrets impulse buys reckoning they wasted their money. Sometimes one is happy with their impulse buys, glad they went for it. And sometimes one is really amazed at one's own genius in giving into impulse. With Unguarded, my reaction is the third one. I'm amazed at my own genius. This book is really, really, really good. The back blurb isn't written so well and I bought this book almost despite it. One thing that's not mentioned in the blurb is it's a younger hero/older heroine storyline. I like this kind so it was a nice surprise.

Both lead characters in this book were very well done I thought. Rhiannon survived a tragic event in her past - barely. It turned her life upside down and though she is managing to survive, it's a struggle for her. She is less than pleased when she is hired by the younger and flirtatious Shawn, to plan a party he is throwing since his graphic novels have been sold to Hollywood to be made into a movie. Although she is just as attracted to him as he seems to be to her at times, an involvement with a younger guy is not something she plans to give in to. Rhiannon has many facets to her character and I really liked her. She's vulnerable yet stronger than she gives herself credit for. She is working on rebuilding her life and she has come much further than she realizes, considering what happened to her.

And Shawn is an equally great character. I'd say his most charming feature is that he's a nurturer. He realizes very quickly that Rhiannon has suffered something in her past and he is determined to help her. This kind of trait in a hero can be very yummy and it is in Shawn's case. He's not bothered at all by the age difference, another plus in his favour *g*. He does have some reservations though, as his cherishing nature has led him to heartache in the past. But it's really too late as he is totally gone for the heroine.

The only thing keeping it from being a 5 is I felt it was a scene short. Considering all the work that Rhiannon had done and the party planning was the basis for their meeting each other, I was disappointed that it didn't have that final scene I felt it needed. But all in all I was very pleased with this emotional love triumphs romance.

[☽ Rhiannon ✭ Mistwalker ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more - a great skittish, scarred, insecure heroine. But I think I am just not cut out for mainstream cutesy romance. Too sugary for me. Plus I am not a big fan of age gaps (in either direction) in my romances, for some reason that I haven't figured out yet. (2.5 stars)

Re-read in 2018 and bumping it up a star. Still not into the age gap thing but I just love the healing-from-trauma storyline! Plus I was much more in the mood for contemporary romance (my interest ebbs and wanes). (3.5 stars)

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had several issues with this book, first the name of the main female character, Rhiannon.. The name kept talking me out of the story, maybe it's just me, but when there are super unique names in a normal romance it just throws me out of the storyline. Second issue, if someone is dealing with that level of trauma it is completly wrong for them to not tell their partner so as to avoid any triggers. If you take these two out of the equation it was a middle of the road read.

[Amanda Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so hard

These characters are so awesome! I literally fell in love with them.

What a great love story that had me hooked at page one!

[Missy Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhiannon and Shawn make a somewhat odd couple, but it works. I really liked the way they got along and reacted to each others' hang-ups. Shawn is a great unexpected hero. Very sexy love scenes and overall a great romance.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with great characters, one of which was introduced in prior book of author. Currently on sale on eHarlequin site.

[Lynette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon. But more like 4.5 Stars. Maybe I'm in an emotional mood right now or something. But I loved, this book. It was bleeding with emotion.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very good. The writing and the characters rang true. Lots of emotion as two people with a scarred past create a relationship.

[Opinionated and Brutally Honest Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish it was a little longer with a few more details. I would have loved it if the senator was finally exposed and the ex husband confronted.