Sign-In
Cart
Guarded Hearts: An African-American Romance Standalone
Paperback
Series: A Sweetgum Meadows Romance, Book 12
Publisher: Books to Hook Publishing, LLC.
Published: Nov 7 2025
Pages: 214
Weight: 0.56
Height: 0.49 Width: 5.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
Some lessons begin with falling down. Naomi's began with learning how to stand tall again.
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 Khadir Grant, the quiet man who once offered Naomi safety when she needed it most.
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.
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.
As a heartwarming, sweet, clean romance set in the beloved Southern town of Sweetgum Meadows, Guarded Hearts is a feel-good story of second chances, small-town support, and the kind of love worth fighting for.
Start reading today and discover the healing power of love, loyalty, and learning how to let someone in.
Also in
Romance
That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf (Mead Mishaps, Book 2)
Kimberly Lemming
Paperback
Sabine's Notebook: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Continues
Bantock, Nick
Hardcover
The Golden Mean: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Concludes
Bantock, Nick
Hardcover
The Auction (Deluxe Limited Edition): A Spicy, Dark Romance Novel from a Tiktok Sensation
Kincaid, Sadie
Hardcover