Guarded Hearts

<p><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)><em>Some lessons begin with falling down. Naomi's began with learning how to stand tall again.</em></strong></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Naomi Ellis has always protected others-first as a librarian then as a single mother to her ten-year-old son Omari. But when she finds a cruel message stuffed in her son's locker she realizes it's time to teach him more than books can offer. A chance encounter at Sweetgum Jiu-Jitsu & Wellness introduces them to a new kind of strength-and to </span><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Khadir Grant</strong><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)> the quiet man who once offered Naomi safety when she needed it most.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>Now a respected instructor Khadir runs his dojo with patience purpose and heart. For Naomi and Omari it becomes more than a place to train-it becomes a place to heal. As Naomi's guard begins to lower long-buried feelings start to rise. But trusting someone again especially in a town that whispers takes more courage than any black belt test.</span></p><p></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>With protective instincts slow-burning chemistry and the kind of love that shows up when it counts Khadir just might be everything Naomi never thought she'd find.</span></p><p></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)>As a heartwarming sweet clean romance set in the beloved Southern town of Sweetgum Meadows <em>Guarded Hearts</em> is a feel-good story of second chances small-town support and the kind of love worth fighting for.</strong></p><p></p><p><strong style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(15 17 17 1)><em>Start reading today and discover the healing power of love loyalty and learning how to let someone in.</em></strong></p>