Young love. Best friends. Will they find true love in the end? After Crystal gets pregnant at seventeen, she doesn’t know how she will able to raise her daughter and get out of a horrible living situation. But when she meets a friend who happily takes her in and gives her a chance at a new life, she realizes that things don’t always have to be bad. Crystal’s life hasn’t shown her that the … that the tenderness and love Dustin tries to offer her could be real. Words and actions can be deceiving, so she’s put up walls around her heart that should keep her safe.
Dustin Maxx is a rock star that all the women want, but he isn’t really a player. After he meets Crystal, he notices an immediate connection. The more time they spend together, the more convinced he is that Crystal and her daughter are his. He wants to make something happen, but Crystal’s fears keep pushing him deeper into the friend zone.
Can Dustin get Crystal to drop her guard and let him in? Or will demons of the past come out and keep them apart forever?
This book contains flashbacks of sexual and child abuse and some scenes may be difficult for some readers.
Guarded Hearts is the newest installment in the Love in Sienna Series. A world full of rock stars, sports legends, scandals, and a lot of drama. If young love, heartbreak, and happily ever afters, are something you enjoy, then this book is what you need.
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I adored this book! Dustin and crystal have been in the previous books and I just love their teen to adult friends to lover story. There’s trama,angst, giggles and love but it’s such a great read. Like all the books so far in the series it can be read as a standalone which I love. (Because as much as I love an angsty cliffhanger sometimes it’s nice to get the whole story. The author includes bonus scenes so far after every books which takes you beyond their happily every after. Definitely a nice bonus. My only issue with this book (and it’s super
just a small one) comes in that bonus novella. She gets an epidural and then goes walking. Being a mom who’s had one and a person who’s attended multiple births not once have I ever seen this, since an epidural numbs you basically from the boobs down.
What an amazing book. I love an amazing best friend to love story and this was just that. Crystal has a dark past and she loves Dustin but friend-zones him because she is scared to of that past and how much trauma she had. Dustin doesn’t care, he just loves Crystal and wants to be with her even just if it is to be her best friend only!!! This book was an absolute must read!!!
This story was really really good. It had a young rockstar that was gorgeous and just perfect. When he met Crystal he was only eighteen and she was seventeen and a new mom. She had a horrible life and had been so sad, bullied, neglected and abused. Having Olivia had saved her in so many ways and Dustin had always been her friend. Yes he had women but he knew that Crystal was the one he loved. So almost four years later and they have this great journey together. This story was a great story of strength and survival. It’s was entertaining and romantic. I loved this story and can’t wait to read book four.
In book one we met both Crystal and Dustin, I do suggest reading the previous stories, they just make for a better read when you do. It’s been three years since Tia met Crystal and brought her into their friend circle and changed her life. Dustin just so happens to be one of Tia’s clients and has become a close member of the group. The two met three years at Crystal’s birthday party and from there they become the best of friends. Both would love for something more, but they each have their own reasons for not acting on it. For Dustin it’s mainly that Crystal isn’t ready for something more, but when they end up acting on their attraction and crossing a line will this mean an end to their friendship?
This was my fav of the series so far, I am seeing a running theme that has come up and I’m not hating the message of healing yourself mentally before trying to take on a relationship. We have seen it with Mikey, Johnny, and now Crystal. I love that all the other characters are still very much involved in each book. We are getting some ok naughty bits added, with loads of drama and I give this 4 stars.
4.5 Stars
I was drawn to this one because Crystal is a single mom and the blurb had me intrigued. This book sounded like my kind of book and I was right. I gobbled this one right up. It’s a good thing my kindle needed a charge last night or I might have been up all night reading. I love Dustin. For a young guy he has his head on straight especially in the music business. The way he has been there for Crystal and Olivia from the beginning warmed my hear. That man does so many swoon worthy things. The scenes with him and Olivia will melt your heart and will win you over in no time. This book also touches on some serious topics. I’m not gonna lie the flashbacks to Crystal’s childhood were hard to read. What she had gone through no child should. It made me so happy she has created her own family with her friends. Family doesn’t always have to be blood, but those who we surround ourselves that love us. This book shows the inner strength Crystal has though it takes her bit to see it for herself. This is a book you don’t want to miss out on.
This is the 3rd book in this awesome series and is Crystal and Dustin’s story. This is a beautifully written story which is an emotional roller coaster journey throughout and filled with angst, drama, twists, heartbreak, and unconditional love, which all had me totally captivated throughout this riveting page turner, and I highly recommend for all. Be aware that there may be triggers for some!
Crystal is going to be a single mom at seventeen and has no idea how she is going to raise her daughter on her own in a horrible home until she meets Tia and she changes her world for the best including introducing her to her best friend. Dustin is a YouTube sensation turned Rockstar. Since they met, three years ago, Dustin and Crystal have been best friends and done everything together. After Dustin surprises Crystal on her twenty-first birthday and they share a super hot kiss their friendship takes a turn. Not wanting to ruin their friendship and her past haunting her, Crystal tries to keep Dustin in the “friend zone” but he is determined to get her out of her own head and show her how much he loves her and her daughter, Olivia.
Guarded Hearts is a good friend-to-lovers romance. Dustin and Crystal’s story took a little longer than the other two to get going but turned out to be a sweet slow burn romance. I love how fiercely loyal and loving Dustin is, especially with Olivia but Crystal was a little too “in her head” about Dustin that it got to be a little repetitive. Laura John is not afraid to touch on some tougher subjects and these may cause triggers for some. Guarded Hearts is the third book in the Love in Sienna series, a best friends to lovers story which is told in the first-person point of view and can be read either as a standalone or as part of the Love in Sienna series.
ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review!
Guarded Hearts by Laura John
This is the third book in the Love In Sienna series and I’ve been dying to read Crystal and Dustin’s storily since we were first introduced to them way back in the first book.
Crystal is a young mother with a dark past. She grew up with abusive parents and has struggled to let anyone in or feel comfortable around men. Her feelings for Dustin have only kept growing over the years but she has to try and find a way to move on from her past and leaned to love herself.
Dustin is the rockstar singer who has had a massive crush on Crytsal since they first met years earlier. A small hiccup threatens all the progress he has made with Crystal, after she finally lets him into her world.
My favourite book of this series so far, Laura just keeps bringing the goods! I highly recommend reading this story and checking out the previous two books. The next book can’t come soon enough – I’m so looking forward to Shae and Tyler’s story!
**Note; This book does bring up her past a couple of times so keep that in mind if you might be triggered by abuse.
A story that no matter how hurt or guarded you are, someone is always there waiting to show you love is real. I loved Dustin and his support and devotion for Crystal and her daughter. It’s Crystal that has the walls up but understandably so. I love their connection and their friendship and the other characters just add to the feel of the story.
Absolutely wonderful! I loved every single page of this book! Such a heartwarming beautiful story of heartache, hope, and love. I highly recommend it.
I’m not going to even beat around the bush, I’ve been dying for Crystal and Dustin’s story since they met in Secret Smiles. Dustin was just about perfect with his patience, loyalty and open heart. I knew that Crystal was going to be a hard nut to crack with her horrible past but I knew that she was so strong and could figure things out to make their happily ever after happen. I loved how this book continued to give us pieces of Tia and Mikey and Johnny and Leah. I’ve enjoyed the journey this group of friends, turned family, has made and can’t wait for it all to continue.
Warning
This books contains some sexual abuse scenes, continue with caution. If you have been a victim or need help there are also the mention of some places that can help you.
This story is third on the series and it can be read as a standalone, however we first meet Crystal and Dustin in Secret Smiles and get glimpses of them on Hidden Kisses.
Dustin met Crystal on her 18th birthday dinner party. He also meets and holds adorable four month old Olivia. From the start you can tell these two have a spark between them.
Crystal as not had it easy in life. She became a mother at only 17 years old. She had no support from her parents and Olivia’s father wants nothing to do with them.
Dustin and Crystal form a best friend relationship. But everyone else can see there is something else between them.
Crystal also can feel there is something but is afraid to fall for Dustin to only have him gone once he realizes she’s not worth the trouble.
After they share a moment, Dustin is determine to get Crystal and give her all the love she has being missing from her life. But for how long is he willing to wait to get his girls? Because he not only wants Crystal on his life, he also wants Olivia. Would Crystal keep pushing Dustin into the friend zone or give him a chance to crumble the walls around her guarded heart?
Guarded Hearts is the third book in the Love in Sienna series and let me tell you that is a roller coaster ride of emotions. We get a little preview of Dustin and Crystal in Hidden Kisses which is book 2 in this series. Crystal is a single mother to a adorable little girl who got pregnant at the age of 17 . We get a little preview of Dustin and Crystal in Hidden Kisses which is book 2 in this series. Dustin is a musician and is Crystal’s best friend and they meet each other when it was her birthday. Crystal has a protective wall over her heart because she doesn’t want to get hurt again. Dustin on the other hand wants more than a friendship with Crystal but she keeps pushing him into the friend zone and for good reasons. Will Crystal give Dustin the chance to prove that they can be more than friends??? Will they get there happily ever after??? Can Crystal break down her wall around her heart??? Read this book to find out what happens with Crystal and Dustin..
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This is a beautiful story and Laura John has captivated me again with her writing, bringing so many emotions that will capture your heart from page one.
Crystal only knew heartbreak and fear growing up, she went through things a child shouldn’t go through. Her life was change when she had her adorable daughter Olivia and best friend Tia. She was lucky enough to find good friends, specially Rock Star singer Dustin. From their first time they met their chemistry is unique, they became the best friends ever, Dustin it’s been always there for Crystal and Olivia. ( they are his two favorite girls) . Dustin always wanted more but Crystal it’s been guarding her heart for so long.
This book it’s a perfect combination of angst, drama, friendship and funny moments, but ultimately it’s about love, self healing and understanding.
So Definitely a must read!!!!
OMG COMING BACK TO REVIEW
So I’m back just like the 3rd book in the instalment if the Love in Sienna Series.
We are fast forwarded to our young heroine from Laura’s first Novel Secret Smiles, where Crystal is a young troubled teenager who has found herself pregnant alone and taken in by Tia. We don’t find out alot about Crystal in this story just the basics and how she is integral to Tia’s story
So here we are Crystals in her 20’s Olivia is a small toddler and life is based around the characters from previous two books
Dustin who we meet back in book 1 is now in Crystal and Olivia’s life “ her bff “ but Crystal is more than that to Justin and he just needs to prove it to her and convince her. Crystal just needs to find out what her own feelings are and let Justin in, just when she opens up that heart she has kept closed, Once more she shuts it right back up.
I loved how Laura took us right into Crystals life and why things happened to her, and not just the fairy tale stuff we get in some books.
The struggle was real for both Crystal and Dustin
There was trust to be gained heartbreak to be had Lies told by a woman in Dustin’s past that broke Olivia and Dustin
I just kept reading and reading and then bam I knew I was getting near the end and I’m thinking no there has to be more, Laura all I can say is “ Girl your lucky there was that Bonus Novella “ as I wanted to catch the next plane and beat you around the head with my Kindle.
But you avenged yourself and bought all our characters together once more.
I love an Epilogue and Novella
I for one don’t mind angst heartbreak time taken to get to that HEA and we got it.
Congrats Laura you delivered and I loved it
I love how you deal with issues that are unfortunately in our lives and I only hope that if by reading your novels that someone gets the help they need and you have been part of the catalyst of making that happen.
Love in Sienna “Guarded Hearts” a great title for a fabulous Novel
I’ve been looking forward to reading Crystal and Dustin’s story since they first met and became friends in a previous book! I knew Crystal had a difficult home life before Tia found her, but I had no idea how bad it might be! But once again, Laura John has handled distressing topics beautifully without glossing over the pain or lasting impact they leave behind. I try not to give away details in my reviews, but expect an emotional roller coaster ride with a few dramatic twists! I’m honestly emotionally exhausted, because I felt everything the characters felt, and every emotion was in attendance!! Once again, secondary characters steal the scene at times with the witty banter and great dialogue in general! Along with Tia, Mikey, Leah, and Johnny from the first two books, we also have Damon and Shae, who are always good for a laugh, and little Olivia whose relationship with Dustin is priceless. At its core, though, the book is about Crystal and Dustin overcoming obstacles, both internal and external to find a love they were always meant to have. Every woman who reads this book is going to want her very own Dustin!! This is a definite must read!!
OMG!!!! As always, Laura John has written another beautiful story in the Sienna series! Dustin and Crystal were special from the moment I first read about them in Secret Smiles! I knew their story was going to be romantic and filled with love just from the bits and pieces I read in the very first book!
From the moment Dustin laid eyes on Crystal, he was in love! Many years later that love has only grown!
Crystal has so many reasons to guard her heart, but Dustin puts all her doubt to the test with him showing her that she is loved and capable of so much more! He is such a gentleman and a very patient man. How can you not love him right!
I feel like I watched Dustin turn from a 17 year old boy with a dream into a grown man living his dream lol! From the moment he laid eyes on Crystal and her beautiful baby girl, he was a goner! It only took some time to get things right to make sure he was able to live the life he wanted with his two favorite girls!
Crystal and Dustins story make you believe in love even after things have made you believe you were unworthy of it! The story, the characters, and everything that takes place in this books centers around family and love and it is truly phenomenal!
I’m so in love with this series it’s not even funny! I hope there will be more books because this girl is beyond ready to read more!
I’m three books in with this author and I can already tell that she’s not going to get stale anytime soon. Crystal and Dustin have been best friends who are both afraid of their attraction toward each other, but something has to give soon. Why? Because Dustin is in love with Crystal and her daughter, and he has to make her see just how wonderful and beautiful she truly is. The only problem is that Crystal has had a rough, and I mean R-O-U-G-H, life before meeting Dustin, and she needs to find a way past her warped sense of what she has to offer someone in order to love herself or anyone else. And just when Crystal and Dustin find their way to happy, the past comes crashing into the present. Except, it’s not Crystal’s past that has come between them. Oh, no. It’s so much more than that. And it takes a lot of hard work and pain for Dustin and Crystal to find their way back to each other, but it’s so richly worth the effort. And if anyone deserves happy, it’s Crystal.
Thanks to how wonderfully Laura weaves a tale of angst, hope, heartache, and love, I can’t wait to see how the next couple in this series find their way to each other.
Guarded Hearts (Love in Sienna series book #3) by Laura John can be read as a stand-alone novel so if you grab it and haven’t read the rest of the series don’t worry you won’t be completely lost.
The first thing I want to say is a HUGE heartfelt THANK YOU to Laura for caring about her readers and putting a trigger warning in the beginning of the book. Laura even goes above and beyond the normal and actually provides websites and phone numbers to agencies in the United States and Canada that can help with victims of some of the issues discussed in the book.
I loved everything about this book, the characters are amazing and the storyline is well thought out. Crystal is such a strong young woman who has been through so much in her life. You can’t help but respect the hell out of her and understand her misgivings about relationships.
Dustin Maxx is such an amazing character. I was honestly blown away by his maturity and strength of character for a young man especially in the music industry as a performing artist. He is so understanding and patient.
Laura John made me a fan for life with this book and I cannot wait to read the rest of her books.