Guarded

Hopeless Blessed, Book 3

By: Lark Taylor

Narrated by: Dan Calley

Your fated mate is supposed to be your other half. The one you’re destined to be with. If that’s the case, why did mine run away from me?

Noah

I spent centuries wasting my love and attention on someone who didn’t want me. I had to leave my angelic unit to break free of his hold. Now, with the Seraphim, I’m finally happy. My ex is in my past, and I’m looking towards my future. One where, if I’m lucky, I’ll meet my fated mate. The one who is meant to complete my soul. There won’t be any question as to whether he wants me or not. That’s what fate has led me to believe. But that’s not what happens. The demon who’s meant to be mine takes one look at me and flies as hard as he can in the other direction. It’s a reminder of what I’ve been through in the past. I’m done chasing men who don’t want me. So, when Jeremiah realizes his mistake and comes groveling, I’m not in the mood to listen. Why should I, when every time I let someone in, I get hurt? But I’ve underestimated just how stubborn demons can be. Little by little, Jeremiah erodes the walls I guard myself with. I just wish I knew if I could trust him with my heart.

Guarded is a thrilling angel x demon MM PNR romance. The third in the Hopeless Blessed series, each book follows a different couple. While they can be listened to as standalones, they are best enjoyed in order.

©2025 Lark Taylor (P)2025 Lark Taylor

Love Heals

Dee’s Grade: A

This story played out in a slightly unexpected way, and I enjoyed that. Getting to know Jeremiah was delightful. He has hidden depths, and Noah has a lot of pain that we don’t just get to see on the surface. These two being able to help each other soothe the darkest parts of themselves is what you want to see in a love story.

Also, the found family aspect is so strong as always.

Another fantastic edition to the RD universe!

Contains sort of a spoiler - you have been warned!

Christmas had nothing on the release date of this audiobook! I had been waiting impatiently since I entered it in my calendar. 😀

Unfortunately Noah's and Jeremiah's story is built on the miscommunication/I make assumptions in my head instead of communicating trope. I really despise it and if I could have I'd have throttled especially Noah once or twice. It also took forever for them to get their shit together, which meant I was frustrated half the time, but once that was done it was all good. No, it was great! I mean, again someone had to be rescued from hell and everyone (and I mean everyone) got together to do just that, reckless damned style! And how they got rid of a certain arsehole - loved it!

As per usual we also meet other characters from The Reckless Damned universe. One of the reasons I love these series is the found family vibe. Lark Taylor could write books with them only doing boring domestic stuff - I would still read them/listen to them! That's also the main reason I didn't even consider to DNF despite the dreadful miscommunication trope and mentioned found family letting both Noah and Jeremiah down. First by leaving Noah alone with his bully and tormentor and then when letting Jeremiah go to the compound to rescue him all be himself. They later showed up and had their backs but that part surprised me.

It sounds like I am complaining a lot but despite these issues it's still a fantastic book! The writing style is great, the characters are well developed and the chemistry between Noah and Jeremiah is incredible (well, once..., you know...), the world-building is amazing, it's well paced, the sex is hot, the banter, the loyalty,… I am here for all of it! And of course we mustn't forget Dan Calley's excellent voice acting! The next book definitely is an auto buy!

So far, in this spin-off series, Ezekiel & Sam still are my favorites!

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CAWPILE-inspired rating system (original CAWPILE system by Book Roast on YouTube).

Characters 8/10
Relationships 8/10
Plot & Structure 7/10
Atmosphere & Setting (Worldbuilding) 10/10
Writing Style & Language 9/10
Intrigue & Interest 8/10
Logic & Conclusion 8/10
Enjoyment & Experience 9/10

Average Score 8.38
The StoryGraph Rating ☆ 4.25

Narration 5/5
Cover 2.5/5
Amount of Steam 4/5
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So freaking good

This is simply the best story. Lark, you have done it again. This is my second time with this story. I read the book, which was phenomenal, but listening to the audio book elevated it and had me on pins and needles the entire time. Lark, you've done it again.

Fantastic!

I loved this so much! Noah and Jeremiah were just everything! We get everything we love about this authors pnr stories-pining, steam, complete devotion, fated mates, plus an epic battle where all our old friends come out to play. It was just awesome with perfect narration by Dan Caley!

Love as always

Just another great love story by Lark Taylor. I cannot wait for the next one.