Review – Guarded by Nicole Dykes

Guarded; Kensley Panthers #2
(standalone within a series)

Publication Date: January 9, 2023

Genre/Tropes: New Adult/MM/Enemies-to-Lovers/Sports Romance

Author: Nicole Dykes

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:
Wow, I just love Nicole’s books! Consistently, they are filled with big emotional punches, steamy passion, and I could read them forever.

I love a good enemies to lovers story, but more than that, I totally melt for characters who were once enemies find that common ground on whatever subject matter they finally connect over and then the chemistry between them totally explodes!! I mean seriously, there is nothing like the bubbling and brewing build up to that explosion, but when it happens it’s always amazing. I need to say that both boys were strong, and different, but nevertheless strong in how they navigated their paths throughout this story. I loved it.

Jameson and Garrison are at odds, going all the way back to kindergarten. They have never really been friends, even though they live in a small town so there isn’t much room to escape one another, which is the bigger problem when it comes to their sexuality. Garrison stumbles upon Jameson kissing another boy and because Garrison is known to be loud and sort of obnoxious, it only infuriates Jameson more that it was Garrison who discovered him. However, for Garrison he was happy it was him since he’s holding his own secret and he would never out someone when it’s their own secret to share.

These two misunderstand one another for so long that when the walls finally come down – or that explosion finally happens – while it’s a moment of steaminess, it’s also a little heartbreaking. Nicole is so great at mixing passion with big emotional moments, you are really there inside the characters head, living that experience with them so it makes everything brand new for the reader as well.

This story is so much bigger than just two boys falling in love. It surrounds small town life, living up to parent expectations and everything surrounding your life upon graduation. I loved how she tackled this book and I can’t wait to see how the next one plays out.

Synopsis:
Jameson Bates
I have a secret. We all have secrets. I’m nothing special.
It just so happens, however, that my sworn enemy also knows my secret.
He’s the absolute worst person to know this, and there’s nothing I can do about it.
What he does with this information is totally out of my hands and completely in his.
This is why I’ve never let anyone in. I don’t trust easily. I keep to myself.
I’m closed off. Angry.
Guarded.

Garrison Dixon
I shouldn’t have seen what I did.
I shouldn’t know what I do.
But how Bates can think I would ever say anything is beyond me.
Everyone thinks I’m just a big, dumb football player with nothing more to him.
The truth is I’ll never say a word about what I witnessed. I don’t care about it the way he thinks I do. I wouldn’t hurt him.
And I’d let him know that—all of it—if he wasn’t so damn . . .
Guarded.

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Review – Captivate by E.J. Lawson

Captivate; Knot Their Omega #1
(#1 within a series)

Publication Date: January 10, 2023

Genre/Tropes: Paranormal/Omegaverse/Reverse Harem Romance

Author: E.J. Lawson

Review Rating: 5 Gold Stars

Review/Synopsis:

Review:
I love jumping into an omegaverse world, there is something about the idea of knots and alphas and just being claimed…total melt city…Lawson brought a new spin that I haven’t read before and I loved the entire concept!

This omegaverse is losing their omegas to a deadly disease. So while there are laws that protect omegas, the laws don’t necessarily keep them safe. You see, to most alphas, omegas are basically looked at as breeding vessels. A pack can obtain an omega, but it doesn’t mean love is involved, and Riley, the omega in this book, does not believe in this unjust and unfair treatment. Same girl—same!! While there were moments I wanted to push her into submitting because I wanted the romance to happen, I also respected her strength and determination to stand up for what is right.

When the book begins Riley is living among betas, hiding her scent with blockers and suppressants, but one mistake changes her life forever and puts her in the care of the Woods’ Pack, something she never wanted. However, with that pack; Miles, Levi, and Fox take an almost instant shining to her, and it’s the head alpha of the pack, Thane, who doesn’t approve. It’s really no skin off her back if she has to leave, but there are extenuating circumstances that do not allow the five of them to break tides quite so easily and until a new solution is made Riley stays.

It was hard to pick who my favorite of the group was, as it kept flipping with each interaction. Basically, I loved how the pack worked cohesively which is why it made it hard to pick a standout. I would love to return to this world and see what else Lawson will cook up next.

Synopsis:
I don’t need a pack. I’m doing just fine on my own.

Until one tiny mistake has me perfuming enough to draw every enforcement officer in a ten block radius.

I know what awaits me if I go into custody as an unclaimed Omega, so when a blazing hot and surprisingly kind Alpha throws me a life raft, I grab hold with both hands.

Only problem? He didn’t exactly clear his claim on me with his pack. They don’t want an Omega. Especially Thane, who seems to be calling the shots.

At least they’re letting me stay until they find another pack to take me. I should be grateful, but being trapped in a mansion with four unbonded Alphas that smell like heaven is pure torture.

Fox, Miles, Levi, and Thane are everything an Omega could ever want, but there’s a reason I was in hiding.

I have to remember… I’m Knot Their Omega.

CAPTIVATE is a standalone Omegaverse romance told in multiple points of view. It includes MM and MMFMM and a happily ever after is guaranteed.

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