Guarded

Kensley Panthers Series, Book 2

De: Nicole Dykes

Narrado por: Tim Paige, Liam DiCosimo

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.

©2022 Nicole Dykes (P)2023 Podium Audio

Loved it more than book 1!

Wow this one I thought was better than book 1! I would have given this one a 4.5 stars, over the 4 stars for book 1. I enjoyed this enemies to lovers MM romance and seeing cameos and the connections from book 1 made it even better. Perfect time to listen to these with it being football season here in the States, and I had just listened to another dark romance so this one was a good change of pace.

We have to deal with more of the homophobic BS from the Kensley community and how the parents raised their kids that allow things to continue. I really enjoyed seeing the characters push back against the discrimination and hate, being themselves despite not having the support from everyone. I really enjoyed the epilogue/end of this book and seeing the guys get their families all back and getting their HEAs too. Would definitely recommend this series of interconnected standalones. I would read them in order, I think it helps when the cameos come in or something was referenced from the previous book.

The dichotomy of the two guys in this one was interesting. I enjoyed the parts mentioned about the farm and farmlife, my mom grew up on one and it brought back memories of her past and stories (especially with animals getting out haha). I wanted to give these two a hug so bad for most of the book because of the fear of coming out, being treated poorly, etc. I was so proud in the locker room scene when things changed/the IDGAF mentality with one of the characters came out and told everyone the truth. So good, totally didn't get teary-eyed or anything haha. I will say the names kept throwing me for a loop because in the audiobook it is hard to handle all the swapping and the guys are sometimes called by their first name OR by their last name, so it was hard some chapters to figure out who was who. I got the jist as the book went on, with the narrators inflections, the personality of the characters (Garrison was easier to figure out than Jameson).

The chemistry between these two was perfect, I wanted to eat it all up! I liked how they couldn't keep their hands off each other, having to see each other or put themselves at risk for being caught by Jameson's dad. I was annoyed by his brother at first (Adam) but he grew on me and I have a sneaking suspicion he might get his own bo0ok someday haha. I felt for Jameson and his relationship with his dad. I am gad it all worked out in the end. I was annoyed with his bestie though, but that has mellowed out in book 3 where he is one of the main characters haha. I loved Garrison, his personality, his bestie turned out to be pretty amazing too. I enjoyed seeing these two try to stay away, couldn't handle it, and then over time were inseparable. Loved how they fell in love, didn't have the big break-up towards the end. They were there for each other even while was stayed in the closet for a bit longer. and the possessiveness was so hot. I loved the scenes where they are both learning and figuring out what they want. Loved the gay and bi representation, and conversations about navigating all that were done well.

Book 2 surpassed book 1 and book 3 is just as good, the 60% I am into already. These guys are making their own families and it's lovely to listen to. I needed some happier/not dark reads and listens interspersed with my other listens because of still being in a dark place with my personal life. Can't have everything be dark all the time haha. If you loved MM, definitely listen or read these books. Narration was good, this one had less female side characters so it was definitely an improvement for me. I would give the narration 4.5/5 easily!

Enemy not enemies to LOVERS..lol

It was a nice story of 2 boys who don't really care for each other but 1 of them REALLY doesn't like the other getting to truly know each other.
I kind of thought that the story was going to reveal that the boys Father's had a past together...lol

I really Enjoyed it!

Great low angst, fast paced story. I can't wait to start book 3. It was one of my favorites when I read this series. The narrator's did a fantastic job bring these men to life.
I definitely recommend. 4 🌟 2.5 🌶

Welcome back to Kensley!

Garrison Dixon and Jameson Bates….these two idiots are just absolutely gone on each other and I am here for it. They take frenemies to lovers to a whole new level - but man once they realize they love each other? It’s all in for them.

Tim and Liam once again just - GOT - these two. I will say the banter between the two of them was absolutely amazing and the emotional scenes (especially at the end) really hit home in some great ways.

This entire series is a comfort re-read/listen for me.

Great story and narration

I enjoyed reading this when it first came out and love it even more now that it’s on audio. These two narrators bring these guys to life and make the listening experience so enjoyable.

Sweet second book in the series!

Book one was great and this follow up did not disappoint. Even though it was a shorter story (easy to get through in one day), the characters were well developed and you could easily feel for both of them. It was a lower angst/drama story than book one, but still had an emotional ride. You do not need to read the first book to understand this one, but the main characters here have glimpses of their backstory in book one.

The narrators are both fantastic and are perfect for their characters. Hope they continue to narrate the upcoming books in the series. Now I just have to wait for the next to be released in audio. Definitely recommend!

Loving This Series!

Excellent character, story, and relationship development with likable characters and no cheating. Perfect narration. Highly recommend!

Book two

Great second book. these are such emotional stories. finding love is hard enough, then add in the being gay and having to hide it. Its a difficult but beautiful situation. Great group of young men finding their forever lives.

Great story

Well worth the credit, I think the narrated version of these books really bring a new level of enjoyment for me! Highly recommend this series

Enemies to Lovers

This was a good enemies to lovers story that was low angst and also hot. It’s a short listen and a great addition to the Kensely Panther series.