Guarded King

Empty Kingdom, Book 3

He’s cold, controlled, and completely off-limits. But the more I try to keep my distance, the more impossible he becomes to ignore.

I need this job.

Not for ambition or pride—but because my father’s medical bills don’t pay themselves, and I stopped believing in safety nets a long time ago.

Becoming assistant to Roman King—billionaire CEO, untouchable powerhouse, and emotionally walled-off—isn’t a dream. It’s survival.

He thinks I’m too young. Too soft. A risk he didn’t sign up for.

But I’ve spent my whole life being responsible, making the careful choice.

And working for Roman? It’s the first time I’ve ever felt reckless.

Because when his gaze lingers, when his control slips, something breaks open in both of us. Something messy. Something addictive. Something that could ruin us if we let it.

And the more I try to stay away from him, the more I wonder if playing it safe was ever really living at all.

Guarded King is a full-length, spicy, slow-burn, billionaire boss/assistant romance with mutual yearning, a dirty-talking hero, and a guaranteed happily ever after! It's the third and final book in the Empty Kingdom billionaire romance series, but can be listened to as a standalone.

©2025 Blue Quill Press (P)2025 Blue Quill Press

The burn and yearning!

I originally eyeball read this last year but I had to itch to reread so I waited for the audio. There is something truly magical about Connor’s voice and his ability to take any sexy or heartfelt line in the book and transform it into something unforgettable. Vanessa is very easy to listen to and does an excellent job. A perfect casting and very well done duet production. I loved this one originally but now I will comfort listen to this all the time. Thank you for making this audio 🖤

Oh Roman you big dumb man

Roman is literally a dream but has to be the dumbest of the three brothers. I love love love Roman with Chloe. I love how he acts with her and treats her so well. I love that Chloe isn’t stupid! The spice is great and the drama isn’t too terrible! I really liked this book.

Guarded King

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars

🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3.5/5 Spice

🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 5/5 Narration


This was my very first book by L.M. Dalgleish, and what an amazing introduction. It’s a slow‑burn billionaire romance done right, and as someone who usually doesn’t enjoy slow burns, this one completely won me over. I’ve been searching for slow burns that can actually hold my interest, and this author absolutely delivered. While the beginning felt a touch slow for me, once the story picked up, it really picked up, and I was fully hooked.

Chloe and Roman were perfect for each other. From their very first interaction, you could feel the sexual tension between them. And when the sexual tension finally pays off, it’s incredibly well written and fits the story perfectly. I’ve been on a streak of well written spicy reads lately, and this one definitely kept the momentum going.

My only real struggle was the ending. Without giving spoilers, the third‑act breakup element didn’t quite land for me. I’m not sure that groveling was entirely necessary, but the resolution felt a bit clunky and slightly unresolved. Still, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the overall story.

I both read the ebook and listened to the audiobook. In fact, I picked this one up because I was looking for more titles narrated by Connor Crais and stumbled across it. The narrators did a fantastic job. Connor is one of my absolute favorites, and Vanessa Edwin brought so much life to the characters as well. The duet narration style is my favorite, and they executed it beautifully.

If you’re looking for a well written slow‑burn billionaire romance, I highly recommend this one. And if you enjoy audiobooks, the audio version is absolutely worth checking out. I’ll definitely be re‑listening and recommending it.

Connor Crais...do I need to say more?

Connor is outstanding. Great Duet. Good story. I hate third act breakups and this one felt extra unnecessary. if you love good narration, give it a listen

Heart felt - steamy

Narration perfect. Story well done and not over complicated. Better than average CEO story line.