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Straight Guys #15
Just a Bit Guarded
The perfect jailer and the perfect bodyguard… or the perfect man?
As the youngest son of a sheikh, Gadiel’s tired of living a lie and staying in the closet. His plans to run away with a handsome, flirtatious American are thwarted when Gadiel’s family forces a bodyguard on him who’s paid to watch his every move.
Will Summers wasn’t looking for a new job. When his cousin talks him into becoming the bodyguard of the spoiled prince he’s infatuated with, Will is less than enthused. He doesn’t expect to start liking his new charge—or thinking of him as his property.
Gadiel hates Will immediately. He’s the most infuriating, unshakable man he’s ever met. He drives him crazy—but his anger turns into a fixation. He shouldn’t be so obsessed with his straight, controlling bodyguard when he’s already met the man of his dreams.
Will knows Gadiel’s just a job. Giving in, indulging his need to be touched, would be wrong. And Gadiel knows Will can never be his.
But as loyalties begin to shift and lines blur, Will’s professional protectiveness twists into possessiveness—and something far more dangerous…
As the youngest son of a sheikh, Gadiel’s tired of living a lie and staying in the closet. His plans to run away with a handsome, flirtatious American are thwarted when Gadiel’s family forces a bodyguard on him who’s paid to watch his every move.
Will Summers wasn’t looking for a new job. When his cousin talks him into becoming the bodyguard of the spoiled prince he’s infatuated with, Will is less than enthused. He doesn’t expect to start liking his new charge—or thinking of him as his property.
Gadiel hates Will immediately. He’s the most infuriating, unshakable man he’s ever met. He drives him crazy—but his anger turns into a fixation. He shouldn’t be so obsessed with his straight, controlling bodyguard when he’s already met the man of his dreams.
Will knows Gadiel’s just a job. Giving in, indulging his need to be touched, would be wrong. And Gadiel knows Will can never be his.
But as loyalties begin to shift and lines blur, Will’s professional protectiveness twists into possessiveness—and something far more dangerous…
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 526 reviews
March 29, 2025
ugh this only made me want to reread one of her better books💀 it’s got all the classic staples of an AH book: stoic top, needy bottom, clinginess, possessiveness, inappropriate closeness, etc but no heart, and i wasn’t feeling the chemistry….it just felt so stale…typical abrupt ending too.
idk if my expectations let me down or what, bc from what i knew about gadiel, i was kinda envisioning gadiel being so slutty and touchy and all over will and needing to get fucked from day one, like no boundaries and asking to use will as a dildo bc it’s not safe for him to find hookups and he can’t go a single day without fucking or something yk???🤣🤣🤣 like touch starved for a comfort cock in his ass at all times🤣🤣🤣 so the whole scott shit threw me for a loop and it took gadiel and will soo long to get there. the blowjob moment was exactly it, the ‘ig if u need cock that bad, use mine’ vibe i was looking for, but then they had so much self-control afterwards i was like wtf, why are y’all not shaking in ur boots needing to fuck every hour on the hour!?!💀💀💀 in a fucking AH book that’s just goddamn illegal😭 and their first fuck being THAT…..sigh. would’ve been hot in a different context, but not so late in the story. so ig i’m just disappointed. it had its moments, like the blowjob, the midnight threat (the resolution to which was anticlimactic for me tho), omg their first time meeting🤣 but it didn’t all come together in a way that made me excited about them. and we had like 3 fucking chapters from scott’s pov (which were useful, yes, but i HATE povs from non mcs) and then we have that classic abrupt ending and the fucking epilogue is from ZAIN’S POV, are u serious😭😭😭😭
idk how to feel about scott as the next mc, he was kinda annoying but also very amusing and AH said she’s gonna take him down a peg in his book sooo i’m definitely coming around🤣🤣 she also mentioned she’s working on a new alpha/alpha book for the wrong alpha series and OMFMGGGGG I NEEEDDDDDD ITTTTTT😫😫😫😫
idk if my expectations let me down or what, bc from what i knew about gadiel, i was kinda envisioning gadiel being so slutty and touchy and all over will and needing to get fucked from day one, like no boundaries and asking to use will as a dildo bc it’s not safe for him to find hookups and he can’t go a single day without fucking or something yk???🤣🤣🤣 like touch starved for a comfort cock in his ass at all times🤣🤣🤣 so the whole scott shit threw me for a loop and it took gadiel and will soo long to get there. the blowjob moment was exactly it, the ‘ig if u need cock that bad, use mine’ vibe i was looking for, but then they had so much self-control afterwards i was like wtf, why are y’all not shaking in ur boots needing to fuck every hour on the hour!?!💀💀💀 in a fucking AH book that’s just goddamn illegal😭 and their first fuck being THAT…..sigh. would’ve been hot in a different context, but not so late in the story. so ig i’m just disappointed. it had its moments, like the blowjob, the midnight threat (the resolution to which was anticlimactic for me tho), omg their first time meeting🤣 but it didn’t all come together in a way that made me excited about them. and we had like 3 fucking chapters from scott’s pov (which were useful, yes, but i HATE povs from non mcs) and then we have that classic abrupt ending and the fucking epilogue is from ZAIN’S POV, are u serious😭😭😭😭
idk how to feel about scott as the next mc, he was kinda annoying but also very amusing and AH said she’s gonna take him down a peg in his book sooo i’m definitely coming around🤣🤣 she also mentioned she’s working on a new alpha/alpha book for the wrong alpha series and OMFMGGGGG I NEEEDDDDDD ITTTTTT😫😫😫😫
March 30, 2025
As he fed his stiff cock into the hole, he had a brief moment of clarity. Was this really him, using a gloryhole in some seedy club to fuck the mouth of his own client while said client had no idea it was him?
Updated: reread Nov 10 2026
My initial review was 3 stars, which feels unfair after rereading. Gadiel was actually quite needy and it was Will who did his best impression of a block of unfeeling wood. His character wasn't developed as much as I'd have liked. He sort of gave in and realized he loved Gadiel, but the why of his feelings was a bit lacking. Anyway +1 star for the glory hole and touch starved Gadiel 🥰.
It often felt like there was a black hole inside of him, a dark pit of wants and needs, impossible to quench. He had been born hungry, starved for affection and attention. Every time Will as much as smiled at him or gave him that soft, intense look of his, it fed the hole and made it ache less. But the pit inside him wanted more. It always wanted more, moremoremore. Always insatiable, forever yearning and hungry, like a starved monster that had been fed for the first time. Gadiel didn’t know what would happen if—when Will stopped feeding it. He didn’t know if he could survive it.
So many books were released this week but I just had to put this one up near the top of the TBR. It was great as always with AH but I was hoping for a bit more neediness from Gadiel. We saw in Zain's book that he had an extremely high libido and I thought we'd see more of the needy, touch starved vibe that AH does so freaking well. There was a lot of it but the last 10% of the book fell a little flat for me. What it did do is make me want to go back and read Zain & Aiden's book for the millionth time so brb, gonna do that :D
October 6, 2026
1.75⭐️ This book had the most anticlimactic ending I’ve ever read. Like, LITERALLY. All of the characters annoyed the HELL out of me. Why am I even giving this 1.75 stars? 😭
BTW, THE RATING SYSTEM CHANGED???!! I WAS SO DAMN EXCITED WHEN I SAW THAT. MAYBE THAT’S WHAT SWAYED MY JUDGMENT💀
preread :p
I SWEAR I’m almost done with this series!!💀 Just ONE more book left after this one…
BTW, THE RATING SYSTEM CHANGED???!! I WAS SO DAMN EXCITED WHEN I SAW THAT. MAYBE THAT’S WHAT SWAYED MY JUDGMENT💀
preread :p
I SWEAR I’m almost done with this series!!💀 Just ONE more book left after this one…
April 12, 2025
|| 3.5 stars ||
Drama, drama, drama, but damn if I didn’t eat it up the whole time.
It was honestly impossible not to get sucked into all this angst, clinginess, and pining, especially since the protectiveness and obsession was top tier as well.
'Straight Guys' series:
0. Straight Boy - 3.0 stars
1. Just a Bit Twisted - 3.5 stars
2. Just a Bit Obsessed - 3.0 stars
3. Just a Bit Unhealthy - 2.5 stars
4. Just a Bit Wrong - 3.5 stars
5. Just a Bit Confusing - 1.5 stars
6. Just a Bit Ruthless - 4.0 stars
7. Just a Bit Wicked - 3.5 stars
8. Just a Bit Shameless - 4.5 stars
9. Just a Bit Gay - 1.0 star
10. Just a Bit Dirty - 3.0 stars
11. Just a Bit Wrecked - 2.5 stars
12. Just a Bit Bossy - 3.0 stars
13. Just a Bit Heartless - 3.5 stars
14. Just a Bit Captivated - 3.0 stars
15. Just a Bit Guarded - 3.5 stars
Drama, drama, drama, but damn if I didn’t eat it up the whole time.
It was honestly impossible not to get sucked into all this angst, clinginess, and pining, especially since the protectiveness and obsession was top tier as well.
'Straight Guys' series:
0. Straight Boy - 3.0 stars
1. Just a Bit Twisted - 3.5 stars
2. Just a Bit Obsessed - 3.0 stars
3. Just a Bit Unhealthy - 2.5 stars
4. Just a Bit Wrong - 3.5 stars
5. Just a Bit Confusing - 1.5 stars
6. Just a Bit Ruthless - 4.0 stars
7. Just a Bit Wicked - 3.5 stars
8. Just a Bit Shameless - 4.5 stars
9. Just a Bit Gay - 1.0 star
10. Just a Bit Dirty - 3.0 stars
11. Just a Bit Wrecked - 2.5 stars
12. Just a Bit Bossy - 3.0 stars
13. Just a Bit Heartless - 3.5 stars
14. Just a Bit Captivated - 3.0 stars
15. Just a Bit Guarded - 3.5 stars
November 25, 2023
3.75 stars
First up, I will forever and always be an AH fangirl.
Sadly this one didn’t hit as most of them did :( I think it took me until about the 50% mark to feel invested in Gadiel and Will? Both of them felt like caricatures of all the MCs in AH books that came before them. It felt… forced. I’ve said previously that I hope the straight guys series never ends but perhaps there is a point where a series is milked for all it’s worth?
After 50% it did feel like they both became their own people and a bit more fleshed out but if it were any other author I would have dropped this by now.
I was also hoping for more of an exploration of Gadiel’s mental health and self harming tendencies but it seems like this book boils it down to feeling out of place in life. Which I get as a valid reason but was I had hoped it’d be a bit more developed. I dunno
Of course I will still read AH’s other works and I am super curious about her new series that she is teasing, but sadly this one did not hit. Read this if you want your classic AH formula, but don’t go in expecting anything new.
Review before read
BODYGUARD and a BRAT? Oh sign me the hell up!!
On a more serious note, I know AH has touched on getting professional mental health help in her other books before, but iirc that was mostly once the mcs have met and to cure the supposed “Stockholm syndrome” (straight boy, ruthless, etc.) which we all know they don’t have. It’ll be interesting to see how she tackles how Gadiel very clearly needs actual professional help.
First up, I will forever and always be an AH fangirl.
Sadly this one didn’t hit as most of them did :( I think it took me until about the 50% mark to feel invested in Gadiel and Will? Both of them felt like caricatures of all the MCs in AH books that came before them. It felt… forced. I’ve said previously that I hope the straight guys series never ends but perhaps there is a point where a series is milked for all it’s worth?
After 50% it did feel like they both became their own people and a bit more fleshed out but if it were any other author I would have dropped this by now.
I was also hoping for more of an exploration of Gadiel’s mental health and self harming tendencies but it seems like this book boils it down to feeling out of place in life. Which I get as a valid reason but was I had hoped it’d be a bit more developed. I dunno
Of course I will still read AH’s other works and I am super curious about her new series that she is teasing, but sadly this one did not hit. Read this if you want your classic AH formula, but don’t go in expecting anything new.
Review before read
BODYGUARD and a BRAT? Oh sign me the hell up!!
On a more serious note, I know AH has touched on getting professional mental health help in her other books before, but iirc that was mostly once the mcs have met and to cure the supposed “Stockholm syndrome” (straight boy, ruthless, etc.) which we all know they don’t have. It’ll be interesting to see how she tackles how Gadiel very clearly needs actual professional help.
Want to Read
February 10, 2024Soooo… it is changed again to 2025!!!! But with at least the month. 31st March 2025 it is! Let’s give an award to my patience level. I am getting older good 😭😁
When did it changed to 2024??!!!!!!
.
.
.
2025….2025…. Okayyyyy….. hmmmm…..
I thought 2024 was far away but 2025 🌠🌅🌉🌌🌃🏙️🏙️Author, you teach me patience like no one else. I am patient. I am patient. I am patient. *****my heart can’t wait***** I am pat(NOOOOOOOO😭😭😭😭😭😭)
When did it changed to 2024??!!!!!!
.
.
.
2025….2025…. Okayyyyy….. hmmmm…..
I thought 2024 was far away but 2025 🌠🌅🌉🌌🌃🏙️🏙️Author, you teach me patience like no one else. I am patient. I am patient. I am patient. *****my heart can’t wait***** I am pat(NOOOOOOOO😭😭😭😭😭😭)
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1626057011i/10717098._UX200_CR0,33,200,200_.jpg)
May 27, 2025
Just a Bit Guarded is book fifteen in the Straight Guys series by Alessandra Hazard. I think I’ve probably said it in most of the previous reviews of this series but I don’t know why I love these books so much. Maybe it’s the over the top possessiveness? The forbidden? It doesn’t really matter because I do adore them and every time I read a new one, I fall in love all over again.
Will Summers is twenty eight years old and is a body guard. He’s been working in Dubai because the pay is so good and he is saving up to start his own business someday. His cousin Scott is there with him. Just when Will is about ready to go back to the States, Scott convinces him to take one more job as the body guard to the youngest son of the sheikh of Dubai. It also happens to be someone that Scott has a crush on but can’t spend time with due to the strict laws of Dubai. He thinks with Will as his bodyguard, he can make it easier for them to see each other.
Gadiel Rahim is nineteen years old and is the youngest of three sons to the sheikh. Gadiel is nothing like his older two brothers and has lived his life ignored. His father wants nothing to do with him except to marry him off in a few months to a woman he doesn’t even know. Having bodyguards is nothing new to him but ever since his brother caught him flirting with a man, he has been even more controlling. Now he is told he is getting a new body guard that will live with him 24/7 and who will follow his every move.
Gadiel and Will’s time together didn’t start off well. Gadiel did everything he could to push Will’s buttons, often coming across as immature and spoiled. In truth, Gadiel had never known love, comfort or even touch from his family. He broke my heart. Will, who was straight, also knew loss in his past, lived his life on the fringes, never letting anyone close. Because of his ability to keep himself quietly in the background, he was very good at his job. But Gadiel wasn’t having it. To say they clashed would be an understatement. Those sparks, though, grew in intensity until they became something more.
I really did love this book. It was a pretty quick read or maybe I just didn’t want to put it down. I loved the changes in these two men as the story progressed. Will’s cousin Scott is going to get a book next in Just a Bit Crushed. I would LOVE to see Gadiel’s older brother, Zain get a book as well! Once again, this author entertained me and steamed up my glasses at the same time. Now I’m excited for the next book!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Will Summers is twenty eight years old and is a body guard. He’s been working in Dubai because the pay is so good and he is saving up to start his own business someday. His cousin Scott is there with him. Just when Will is about ready to go back to the States, Scott convinces him to take one more job as the body guard to the youngest son of the sheikh of Dubai. It also happens to be someone that Scott has a crush on but can’t spend time with due to the strict laws of Dubai. He thinks with Will as his bodyguard, he can make it easier for them to see each other.
Gadiel Rahim is nineteen years old and is the youngest of three sons to the sheikh. Gadiel is nothing like his older two brothers and has lived his life ignored. His father wants nothing to do with him except to marry him off in a few months to a woman he doesn’t even know. Having bodyguards is nothing new to him but ever since his brother caught him flirting with a man, he has been even more controlling. Now he is told he is getting a new body guard that will live with him 24/7 and who will follow his every move.
Gadiel and Will’s time together didn’t start off well. Gadiel did everything he could to push Will’s buttons, often coming across as immature and spoiled. In truth, Gadiel had never known love, comfort or even touch from his family. He broke my heart. Will, who was straight, also knew loss in his past, lived his life on the fringes, never letting anyone close. Because of his ability to keep himself quietly in the background, he was very good at his job. But Gadiel wasn’t having it. To say they clashed would be an understatement. Those sparks, though, grew in intensity until they became something more.
I really did love this book. It was a pretty quick read or maybe I just didn’t want to put it down. I loved the changes in these two men as the story progressed. Will’s cousin Scott is going to get a book next in Just a Bit Crushed. I would LOVE to see Gadiel’s older brother, Zain get a book as well! Once again, this author entertained me and steamed up my glasses at the same time. Now I’m excited for the next book!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
May 12, 2025
Just no.
Slow burn (yay) but with very little plot or sense to it (nay). Alessandra Hazard is usually cracktastic, but I had no problem putting this one down.
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Slow burn (yay) but with very little plot or sense to it (nay). Alessandra Hazard is usually cracktastic, but I had no problem putting this one down.
*~*Follow me on instagram for more reviews, book talk, and deals posts*~*
March 27, 2025
okay I caved, it wasn’t great but at least the big butch “straight” man
begged and pleaded
. That was a fun time
okay nvm, it feels really weird to read this for some reason- it could be because i live in dubai - but im going to hold off on this one until any one of my lovely gr friends releases their review 💗✨
okay nvm, it feels really weird to read this for some reason- it could be because i live in dubai - but im going to hold off on this one until any one of my lovely gr friends releases their review 💗✨
March 29, 2025
Tropes: bodyguard/client, age gap, forbidden relationship
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: toys, mild feminization, gloryhole (they know it's each other)
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: homophobia, death of parents/siblings in past, absent mother, attempted kidnapping/mugging
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: Gadiel is trying to date Will's cousin Scott at the beginning until 45%, that's how they meet. Nothing ever happened between Gadiel & Scott, and Scott dumps Gadiel when he realizes Gadiel has more of a thing for Will than him.
5 stars
Gadiel is 19, he is the youngest son of a Sheikh. Since he was a child he has been engaged to the daughter of the president of the UAE. He is gay, horny, and has no sense of self-preservation. His brother has to hire bodyguards for him and pay money to hide his liaisons, because due to the homophobic nature of the UAE and their father and his prospective father-in-law, Gadiel would be killed if he was outed.
Will is 28. He's a bodyguard. His cousin Scott recently met Gadiel and wants to date him, but he can't get close to him. Scott convinces will to apply for The bodyguard position so that he has a chance of arranging dates. Will identifies as straight.
The first 45% of this book is Scott and Gadiel trying to date, they go on two dates, but nothing ever happens between them, Will is there and Gadiel is more interested in Will. Nothing big happens between Will and Gadiel until after Scott dumps Gadiel. Gadiel flirts with Will but it's really to try to scare him away. During that time, sexual tension develops, a sense of possessiveness develops and a reliance/touch starved need for the other person grows. Gadiel wanting to rebel and hook up triggers Will to possessively offer himself up, because he doesn't want anyone else to have him, and it's less risky. A threat triggers them to isolate together and they just sink into possessive codependency.
I really loved this book. The tension between them was great. I loved how touch starved and needy Gadiel was. I loved how their relationship went from animosity/protectiveness to them being completely obsessed with each other and unable to stop looking at each other. There was one scene where Scott observed them together, and it was so entertaining to see that outsider POV perspective of them being so caught up in each other that they missed what was going on around them. Gadiel reminded me of Tristan, a previous MMC by this author. He put on a tough front, but he was so needy for love. Gadiel and Will made me tear up towards the end. I will definitely reread in the future, visit their love again!
Some notable moments:
First meeting, whoopsie. "Will gave him a stern look. It didn’t seem to deter the guy. He pressed his face against Will’s crotch and nuzzled it like a kitten. A very drunk, horny kitten. Will gritted his teeth, telling his body not to react. He might be straight, but he wasn’t dead, and someone touching his cock normally did have an effect on him. Gadiel moaned, somehow finding the head of his cock and mouthing it through his pants."
I love this possessive energy. "“That’s right—you’re my bodyguard, so I make the rules.” Fuck, saying that was weirdly gratifying. Something about Will made him want to slap a sticker on him. Gadiel’s property, do not touch."
Gadiel reminds me of Tristan "“Tighter,” Gadiel asked breathlessly, sucking on Will’s neck. “Please. Hold me tighter.””
"“Thanks for being a serviceable bodyguard—and a serviceable fuck. But I’ve had better.” Will knew he was just goading him. He knew Gadiel was just lashing out. He always did that when he felt unsure or vulnerable. But it worked all the same. Will didn’t even realize that he was moving before he toppled Gadiel back onto the bed. “Have you?” he said, his heart pounding and his vision red as he glowered at the younger man under him. Gadiel’s lip wobbled. “Yes,” he said viciously, and then they were kissing, kissing as though trying to swallow each other’s air, all teeth and raw need. It was the worst kiss of Will’s life, his pounding heart trying to claw its way out of his throat, his body grinding mindlessly against the smaller body under him. There were no thoughts in his brain besides take, claim, mine, take."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3.5/5
Kinks: toys, mild feminization, gloryhole (they know it's each other)
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: homophobia, death of parents/siblings in past, absent mother, attempted kidnapping/mugging
Cheating between MCs: No
Any cheating: No
Other person drama: Gadiel is trying to date Will's cousin Scott at the beginning until 45%, that's how they meet. Nothing ever happened between Gadiel & Scott, and Scott dumps Gadiel when he realizes Gadiel has more of a thing for Will than him.
5 stars
Gadiel is 19, he is the youngest son of a Sheikh. Since he was a child he has been engaged to the daughter of the president of the UAE. He is gay, horny, and has no sense of self-preservation. His brother has to hire bodyguards for him and pay money to hide his liaisons, because due to the homophobic nature of the UAE and their father and his prospective father-in-law, Gadiel would be killed if he was outed.
Will is 28. He's a bodyguard. His cousin Scott recently met Gadiel and wants to date him, but he can't get close to him. Scott convinces will to apply for The bodyguard position so that he has a chance of arranging dates. Will identifies as straight.
The first 45% of this book is Scott and Gadiel trying to date, they go on two dates, but nothing ever happens between them, Will is there and Gadiel is more interested in Will. Nothing big happens between Will and Gadiel until after Scott dumps Gadiel. Gadiel flirts with Will but it's really to try to scare him away. During that time, sexual tension develops, a sense of possessiveness develops and a reliance/touch starved need for the other person grows. Gadiel wanting to rebel and hook up triggers Will to possessively offer himself up, because he doesn't want anyone else to have him, and it's less risky. A threat triggers them to isolate together and they just sink into possessive codependency.
I really loved this book. The tension between them was great. I loved how touch starved and needy Gadiel was. I loved how their relationship went from animosity/protectiveness to them being completely obsessed with each other and unable to stop looking at each other. There was one scene where Scott observed them together, and it was so entertaining to see that outsider POV perspective of them being so caught up in each other that they missed what was going on around them. Gadiel reminded me of Tristan, a previous MMC by this author. He put on a tough front, but he was so needy for love. Gadiel and Will made me tear up towards the end. I will definitely reread in the future, visit their love again!
Some notable moments:
First meeting, whoopsie. "Will gave him a stern look. It didn’t seem to deter the guy. He pressed his face against Will’s crotch and nuzzled it like a kitten. A very drunk, horny kitten. Will gritted his teeth, telling his body not to react. He might be straight, but he wasn’t dead, and someone touching his cock normally did have an effect on him. Gadiel moaned, somehow finding the head of his cock and mouthing it through his pants."
I love this possessive energy. "“That’s right—you’re my bodyguard, so I make the rules.” Fuck, saying that was weirdly gratifying. Something about Will made him want to slap a sticker on him. Gadiel’s property, do not touch."
Gadiel reminds me of Tristan "“Tighter,” Gadiel asked breathlessly, sucking on Will’s neck. “Please. Hold me tighter.””
"“Thanks for being a serviceable bodyguard—and a serviceable fuck. But I’ve had better.” Will knew he was just goading him. He knew Gadiel was just lashing out. He always did that when he felt unsure or vulnerable. But it worked all the same. Will didn’t even realize that he was moving before he toppled Gadiel back onto the bed. “Have you?” he said, his heart pounding and his vision red as he glowered at the younger man under him. Gadiel’s lip wobbled. “Yes,” he said viciously, and then they were kissing, kissing as though trying to swallow each other’s air, all teeth and raw need. It was the worst kiss of Will’s life, his pounding heart trying to claw its way out of his throat, his body grinding mindlessly against the smaller body under him. There were no thoughts in his brain besides take, claim, mine, take."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2024
I want this not to be the last book in the series. I want this to go on forever.
March 28, 2025
Scott losing his mind in the background for most of this was ironically one of my favorite bits.
Had him going all.....Nah, there's no way. But what if? Nahhhhh. He's straight. But????? The way they....????? They can't possibly be...???
Kept gaslighting himself 💀
I considered not writing a review because I don't want to catch heat from either side of the aisle but....I need to remember what I read when I come back to this review years on, so.
I mean, the problematic stuff from the previous book are STILL there. So if you're hoping this is the book where Alessandra found God, it's not.
These two gave me major Luke and Roman vibes. Not so much situationally but behavior-wise.
Gadiel was all ungovernable wanton and Will was the stoic frog in the boiling water who kept adjusting to the temperature until it was too late to save himself.
Scott was the increasingly incredulous guy on the side who was supposed to be dating Gadiel(and also Will's cousin) but mostly spent the book on the sidelines seeing unbelievable shit.
Timeline-wise, this happens at the same time as the events of Just A Bit Captivated, and concludes slightly before it.
Not really sure how to rate this because with Hazard, I go in fully expecting a 'Plot? What plot?' situation(which I don't mind), but this one feels like it does make a stab at plot.
Or maybe it HAD to, because for about 86% of it, Will was being all Stoic Straight Who Won't Touch That Guy™.
That said, after all that wringing of hands and beating of chests, I REALLY REALLY HATED the circumstances surrounding their first penetrative sex scene. Felt like a let-down.
I liked these two, together. The expected ridiculousness is there. Brought to you by instances such as:
'Fiiiiiiiine, if you MUST have dick that badly, use mine'
and
'You're fired. Get out of here before midnight or I'll come ride your dick and THEN you'll be sorry'
Gadiel's really sweet and given his abandonment issues, it's unsurprising that he imprinted on the first person to 'see' him.
And Will's one of the less problematic Hazard MCs. Or, more objectively, he would have been, if he didn't routinely think things like how 'exotic' Gadiel looks.
Did not have my heart racing the whole time but I enjoyed the read nonetheless.
Notable fun times:
Seeing Gadiel slowly catch the ick for Scott in real time, on their dates.
If there is a God, please don't let Scott be the next MC. I got the ick for him right alongside Gadiel.
Had him going all.....Nah, there's no way. But what if? Nahhhhh. He's straight. But????? The way they....????? They can't possibly be...???
Kept gaslighting himself 💀
I considered not writing a review because I don't want to catch heat from either side of the aisle but....I need to remember what I read when I come back to this review years on, so.
I mean, the problematic stuff from the previous book are STILL there. So if you're hoping this is the book where Alessandra found God, it's not.
These two gave me major Luke and Roman vibes. Not so much situationally but behavior-wise.
Gadiel was all ungovernable wanton and Will was the stoic frog in the boiling water who kept adjusting to the temperature until it was too late to save himself.
Scott was the increasingly incredulous guy on the side who was supposed to be dating Gadiel(and also Will's cousin) but mostly spent the book on the sidelines seeing unbelievable shit.
Timeline-wise, this happens at the same time as the events of Just A Bit Captivated, and concludes slightly before it.
Not really sure how to rate this because with Hazard, I go in fully expecting a 'Plot? What plot?' situation(which I don't mind), but this one feels like it does make a stab at plot.
Or maybe it HAD to, because for about 86% of it, Will was being all Stoic Straight Who Won't Touch That Guy™.
That said, after all that wringing of hands and beating of chests, I REALLY REALLY HATED the circumstances surrounding their first penetrative sex scene. Felt like a let-down.
I liked these two, together. The expected ridiculousness is there. Brought to you by instances such as:
'Fiiiiiiiine, if you MUST have dick that badly, use mine'
and
'You're fired. Get out of here before midnight or I'll come ride your dick and THEN you'll be sorry'
Gadiel's really sweet and given his abandonment issues, it's unsurprising that he imprinted on the first person to 'see' him.
And Will's one of the less problematic Hazard MCs. Or, more objectively, he would have been, if he didn't routinely think things like how 'exotic' Gadiel looks.
Did not have my heart racing the whole time but I enjoyed the read nonetheless.
Notable fun times:
Seeing Gadiel slowly catch the ick for Scott in real time, on their dates.
If there is a God, please don't let Scott be the next MC. I got the ick for him right alongside Gadiel.
October 24, 2024
After reading:
Gadiel kind of felt like a different character in this book but I still devoured this as I do all Alessandra Hazard's books. Keep them coming please!
Before reading:
I am a simple person, I see a new Alessandra Hazard book, and I drop everything to inhale it in 3 hours. And then I weep for a year waiting for the next one.
Gadiel kind of felt like a different character in this book but I still devoured this as I do all Alessandra Hazard's books. Keep them coming please!
Before reading:
I am a simple person, I see a new Alessandra Hazard book, and I drop everything to inhale it in 3 hours. And then I weep for a year waiting for the next one.
July 4, 2025
Rating: 4.5
⭐️
[Was it drugs? I'm genuinely asking; I couldn't put it down.]
If you thought Gabriel DuVal and Aksel Cleghorn (from The Wrong Alpha) were Alessandra Hazard's most codependent characters, I'm afraid to tell you, they have been surpassed by my boy, Gadiel ibn Mustafa Al Rahim.
Seriously, I have never read such horny and unhinged thoughts at the same time, from the same character. Gadiel was something, alright. Do I love him, regardless? Absolutely. His point of view was so entertaining; I loved it.
Reading about Will and Gadiel's relationship was a guilty pleasure. It’s unhealthy, codependent, with a lot of obsession. However, I couldn't help but feel satisfied, especially when Will finally caves.
Adding Scott's perspective was such a great idea, by the way. Seeing the two main characters from his point of view was probably the best part of the story. When Gadiel showed how little he cared about Scott (still in the later's point of view), I was overjoyed. Pick entertainment. Scott being a huge loser compensated for the lack of plot, in my opinion.
Anyway, I loved Will and Gadiel, and I don’t care what that makes me. I will always support fictional codependent couples, especially when they only have eyes for each other 🫶
On another note, I don't know how to feel about Scott being the next main character. While his perspective was funny, I disliked a great portion of his thought-process. The way he talked about Will and Gadiel, together or individually, made me uncomfortable and sad for Will (they're cousins who grow up together). Let's see, but I expect him to be on his knees and completely obsessed with his significant other.
Safety details :
- OWD:
> Will wasn't interested in any woman despite claiming how he was 100% heterosexual. He also said it had been a few months since he had sex;
> Throughout the whole book, Gadiel was engaged to a woman he'd never met. Nothing really happened on that side.
- OMD:
> It was too funny and juicy for me to be bothered by it. Gadiel is interested in Scott, Will's cousin, but nothing happened between them (just a kiss, maybe). They go on dates, but Will is always with them, and it felt more like Scott third-wheeled the two of them. Gadiel quickly realised he didn’t give a flying fuck for Scott.
> Later in the story, as a result of Will's rejection, Gadiel went to a gay club. Will followed him. They had sex through a glory hole. Gadiel knew it was him, but Will believed Gadiel thought he was having sex with a stranger. Not my favorite scene but I was relieved when it was revealed Gadiel knew all along.
- Overall, it was pretty safe for me.
His body was already tingling in anticipation. Will was going to touch him. He was going to put his hands on him and move him. Like a thing. His thing.
“You’re the only person who got under my skin in years—in decades. You aren’t a fucking page in my life. You are mine. You feel more mine than anything else in the world. I don’t give a fuck if we’ll have to spend the rest of our lives in hiding. As long as I have you in my life, it’ll be worth it.”
[Was it drugs? I'm genuinely asking; I couldn't put it down.]
If you thought Gabriel DuVal and Aksel Cleghorn (from The Wrong Alpha) were Alessandra Hazard's most codependent characters, I'm afraid to tell you, they have been surpassed by my boy, Gadiel ibn Mustafa Al Rahim.
Seriously, I have never read such horny and unhinged thoughts at the same time, from the same character. Gadiel was something, alright. Do I love him, regardless? Absolutely. His point of view was so entertaining; I loved it.
Reading about Will and Gadiel's relationship was a guilty pleasure. It’s unhealthy, codependent, with a lot of obsession. However, I couldn't help but feel satisfied, especially when Will finally caves.
Adding Scott's perspective was such a great idea, by the way. Seeing the two main characters from his point of view was probably the best part of the story. When Gadiel showed how little he cared about Scott (still in the later's point of view), I was overjoyed. Pick entertainment. Scott being a huge loser compensated for the lack of plot, in my opinion.
Anyway, I loved Will and Gadiel, and I don’t care what that makes me. I will always support fictional codependent couples, especially when they only have eyes for each other 🫶
On another note, I don't know how to feel about Scott being the next main character. While his perspective was funny, I disliked a great portion of his thought-process. The way he talked about Will and Gadiel, together or individually, made me uncomfortable and sad for Will (they're cousins who grow up together). Let's see, but I expect him to be on his knees and completely obsessed with his significant other.
Safety details :
- OWD:
> Will wasn't interested in any woman despite claiming how he was 100% heterosexual. He also said it had been a few months since he had sex;
> Throughout the whole book, Gadiel was engaged to a woman he'd never met. Nothing really happened on that side.
- OMD:
> It was too funny and juicy for me to be bothered by it. Gadiel is interested in Scott, Will's cousin, but nothing happened between them (just a kiss, maybe). They go on dates, but Will is always with them, and it felt more like Scott third-wheeled the two of them. Gadiel quickly realised he didn’t give a flying fuck for Scott.
> Later in the story, as a result of Will's rejection, Gadiel went to a gay club. Will followed him. They had sex through a glory hole. Gadiel knew it was him, but Will believed Gadiel thought he was having sex with a stranger. Not my favorite scene but I was relieved when it was revealed Gadiel knew all along.
- Overall, it was pretty safe for me.
April 7, 2025
3.75
A delicious romp of a story. Surprisingly enough, even a bit different from Alessandra Hazard's usual MO: "Just a Bit Guarded" is what I'd call Hazard's version of a slow burn, with all the usual OTT, sexy shenanigans that are very typical for this series.
This 15th book (! I can't believe she's reached number 15 🔥 I definitely need to do a series long re-read asap) is packed with quite a lot of pining and yearning and obviously idiots feeling each other up without actually realizing that they're in love with each other. Well, Will's an obviously idiot, but at least he got there in the end.
Their dynamic is very much a typical AH dynamic: lots of "I can't live without him" and "I need to burrow insieme his skin" and "I'll die if he doesn't touch me" (I eat that shit up okay?????? I swear her writing is like crack in book form), but it's also a bit different from the past books in this series, which have mostly been enemies to lovers of some kind. Here, Will and Gadiel became devoted to each other from the very start (or near enough) and it was entertaining seeing them try and justify it with something else other than "he's my soulmate".
I also loved that we got quite a lot of them learning to trust each other and opening up. It was surprisingly unlike AH usual bonkers' dynamics.
On the other hand, "Just a Bit Guarded" wasn't my favourite of these: I think I preferred the previous book (despite all its problematics), and in general, I think I was missing that I'm-obsessed-with-this-and-I-don't-know-why spark that I got with my favourites of these (to name a few, Just a Bit Gay, Ruthless, Wrecked and Heartless: those are my favourites!).
Also, again, this book had less of the casual, offensive orientalism that was very present in book 14, but still, Will's attitude was infuriating, especially in the beginning. Maybe AH did it on purpose, maybe not, but I think that especially nowadays similar takes should not be carelessly thrown in a book. Anyway, this book had less of that tiresome nonsense, but I sincerely hope AH does better. I don't read romances to keep myself updated on world affairs, but reading IS political, and authors should do better.
That aside, I'm looking forward to Scott's romance! I'm really excited to see what kind of dynamic AH delivers for him. He's a bit of an idiot who can't keep his mouth shut, so I'm already imagining what kind of shenanigans he'll get into *begging on my hands and knees for spanking and/or daddy kink*
Hopefully we'll get to see some familiar faces too! Seeing Zain again was a treat here though, and I liked how his romance tied into this one.
Also, this is NOT a drill: AH IS WRITING ANOTHER ALPHA/ALPHA STORY IN THE WRONG ALPHA SERIES. We can rejoice!!!!!!!!
TWs/CWs: racism and orientalism, homophobia, kidnapping attempt, suicidal ideation/thoughts (implied depression), parent abandonment and neglect, abusive parent.
A delicious romp of a story. Surprisingly enough, even a bit different from Alessandra Hazard's usual MO: "Just a Bit Guarded" is what I'd call Hazard's version of a slow burn, with all the usual OTT, sexy shenanigans that are very typical for this series.
This 15th book (! I can't believe she's reached number 15 🔥 I definitely need to do a series long re-read asap) is packed with quite a lot of pining and yearning and obviously idiots feeling each other up without actually realizing that they're in love with each other. Well, Will's an obviously idiot, but at least he got there in the end.
Their dynamic is very much a typical AH dynamic: lots of "I can't live without him" and "I need to burrow insieme his skin" and "I'll die if he doesn't touch me" (I eat that shit up okay?????? I swear her writing is like crack in book form), but it's also a bit different from the past books in this series, which have mostly been enemies to lovers of some kind. Here, Will and Gadiel became devoted to each other from the very start (or near enough) and it was entertaining seeing them try and justify it with something else other than "he's my soulmate".
I also loved that we got quite a lot of them learning to trust each other and opening up. It was surprisingly unlike AH usual bonkers' dynamics.
On the other hand, "Just a Bit Guarded" wasn't my favourite of these: I think I preferred the previous book (despite all its problematics), and in general, I think I was missing that I'm-obsessed-with-this-and-I-don't-know-why spark that I got with my favourites of these (to name a few, Just a Bit Gay, Ruthless, Wrecked and Heartless: those are my favourites!).
Also, again, this book had less of the casual, offensive orientalism that was very present in book 14, but still, Will's attitude was infuriating, especially in the beginning. Maybe AH did it on purpose, maybe not, but I think that especially nowadays similar takes should not be carelessly thrown in a book. Anyway, this book had less of that tiresome nonsense, but I sincerely hope AH does better. I don't read romances to keep myself updated on world affairs, but reading IS political, and authors should do better.
That aside, I'm looking forward to Scott's romance! I'm really excited to see what kind of dynamic AH delivers for him. He's a bit of an idiot who can't keep his mouth shut, so I'm already imagining what kind of shenanigans he'll get into *begging on my hands and knees for spanking and/or daddy kink*
Hopefully we'll get to see some familiar faces too! Seeing Zain again was a treat here though, and I liked how his romance tied into this one.
Also, this is NOT a drill: AH IS WRITING ANOTHER ALPHA/ALPHA STORY IN THE WRONG ALPHA SERIES. We can rejoice!!!!!!!!
TWs/CWs: racism and orientalism, homophobia, kidnapping attempt, suicidal ideation/thoughts (implied depression), parent abandonment and neglect, abusive parent.
May 22, 2025
These books are a guilty pleasure and I'm sorry
March 29, 2025
Not my favourite in the series but it’s Alessandra Hazard and she’s one of my favourite authors.
This one was a slow burn, not her typical narrative.
It’s also a bit of a middle section (?) to Just a bit captivated, before Aidan and Zane’s happily ever after.
Hope Scott’s book has a bossy alpha possessive twink 😂
This one was a slow burn, not her typical narrative.
It’s also a bit of a middle section (?) to Just a bit captivated, before Aidan and Zane’s happily ever after.
Hope Scott’s book has a bossy alpha possessive twink 😂
April 10, 2025
I think I would’ve liked this more had it been different characters. Gadiel didn’t feel like the Gadiel from the last book and I pictured his story going in a completely different direction. Still this was… serviceable, like Gadiel called Will lol.
Read
July 24, 2025And I’m out. DNF at 6%
I think I’m done with this series.
“Bodyguards suck. You suck. Though you’re very hot. You look like you have a big cock. I love big cocks.”
I think I’m done with this series.
“Bodyguards suck. You suck. Though you’re very hot. You look like you have a big cock. I love big cocks.”
March 29, 2025
This was such a mess. The plot was all over the place, and it didn't make any sense at all. The characters were insufferable and behaved like some petulant child, making it unbearable for me to read.
April 14, 2025
This was such a disappointment especially after enjoying the previous book so much. This was missing the usual AH tension. I never felt like Will had actual feelings for Gadiel. They don’t get together until very late in the book. It was such a strange set up for Hazard.
This series has its highs and its lows. Hopefully Scott’s book will be better.
This series has its highs and its lows. Hopefully Scott’s book will be better.
October 14, 2025
pretty quick read. this book absolutely made my day! I haven’t laughed this much in a while, thanks to alexandra hazard 😁.
this was my first book by the author, and it didn’t disappoint. 👏
sadly, this will be my last read for now, as I’ll be taking a year-long hiatus for studies. :)
this was my first book by the author, and it didn’t disappoint. 👏
sadly, this will be my last read for now, as I’ll be taking a year-long hiatus for studies. :)
April 29, 2025
needed more sex in my opinion but so glad she didn’t do a time skip for once
June 4, 2025
3.5*** stars
Fitting addition to the series but nothing to really rave about.
***************
Straight Guys Series
Prequel - Straight Boy - 3.0 stars
Book 1 - Just a Bit Twisted - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Just a Bit Obsessed - 3.25 stars
Book 3 - Just a Bit Unhealthy
Book 4 - Just a Bit Wrong
Book 5 - Just a Bit Confusing
Book 6 - Just a Bit Ruthless - 4.25 stars
Book 7 - Just a Bit Wicked - 3.5 stars
Book 8 - Just a Bit Shameless - 4.0 stars
Book 9 - Just a Bit Gay - 4.0 stars
Book 10 - Just a Bit Dirty - 3.5 stars
Book 11 - Just a Bit Wrecked - 3.5 stars
Book 12 - Just a Bit Bossy - 4.25 stars
Book 13 - Just a Bit Heartless - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 14 - Just a Bit Captivated - 2.0 stars
Book 15 - Just a Bit Guarded - 3.5 stars
Book 16 - Just a Bit Crushed - release 2026
Fitting addition to the series but nothing to really rave about.
“What are you doing?” he whispered.
“What does it look like?” Will said, pulling the zipper down. “You won’t scare me off that easily, Gadiel. You want cock that badly? You can have mine.”
***************
Straight Guys Series
Prequel - Straight Boy - 3.0 stars
Book 1 - Just a Bit Twisted - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - Just a Bit Obsessed - 3.25 stars
Book 3 - Just a Bit Unhealthy
Book 4 - Just a Bit Wrong
Book 5 - Just a Bit Confusing
Book 6 - Just a Bit Ruthless - 4.25 stars
Book 7 - Just a Bit Wicked - 3.5 stars
Book 8 - Just a Bit Shameless - 4.0 stars
Book 9 - Just a Bit Gay - 4.0 stars
Book 10 - Just a Bit Dirty - 3.5 stars
Book 11 - Just a Bit Wrecked - 3.5 stars
Book 12 - Just a Bit Bossy - 4.25 stars
Book 13 - Just a Bit Heartless - 4.5 stars ♡
Book 14 - Just a Bit Captivated - 2.0 stars
Book 15 - Just a Bit Guarded - 3.5 stars
Book 16 - Just a Bit Crushed - release 2026
August 20, 2025
4 stars!!The is the 15th book in the Straight Guy series with the same tones of obsession, possessiveness, emotional attachment, clinginess etc.. Some books are better than others.. this was good; not great.
March 28, 2025
I’ll be honest, I was a teensy bit high while reading this book, but it didn’t hit the same as her other books in the series.
I expected more softness from Will, and 2 pages of it in the epilogue was NOT enough for me. After Gadiel's first meeting with Will, I fully expected him to be more bratty and cute, but we didn't get very much of that. Don't get me wrong, I loved the clingy side of him (Hazard does that so well!) but I just wanted more of everything. I also loved how protective Will was, but again, he's just kind of ... there. We don't really see the intensity of it like we've seen in the previous books in the series.
I would normally eat up a bodyguard book, but sadly, this one just didn’t work for me.
I expected more softness from Will, and 2 pages of it in the epilogue was NOT enough for me. After Gadiel's first meeting with Will, I fully expected him to be more bratty and cute, but we didn't get very much of that. Don't get me wrong, I loved the clingy side of him (Hazard does that so well!) but I just wanted more of everything. I also loved how protective Will was, but again, he's just kind of ... there. We don't really see the intensity of it like we've seen in the previous books in the series.
I would normally eat up a bodyguard book, but sadly, this one just didn’t work for me.
March 29, 2025
3.5 stars ☆
August 3, 2026
Hmmm eh not AH’s best, just okay.
At the urging of his rich, privileged cousin Scott, MC Will agrees to apply to be bodyguard to Scott’s current obsession, Gadiel, the 19 year old youngest son of a powerful shiek in the UAE.
He’s supposed to help Scott and Gadiel date in secret in the dangerously homophobic country where so much as a kiss bt two men in public could end in death.
The very straight Will is not supposed to fall to the super lonely and touch-starved Gadiel’s charms. But living in the guy’s apartment and constantly being exposed to his sexy shenanigans of course wakes something unexpected and protective in Will…
I didn’t Feel this one, mainly bc 28 (29??) yo Will constantly thinks of Gadiel as “kid” and too young and a brat etc. And Gadiel feels young, immature, not acting with good judgement, self destructive etc. The didn’t seem like an intellectual match, ever. Physical desire gets there, w Will’s sexual awakening and eventual giving in to it. But it didn’t reach the usual level of AH credible chemistry and emotional connection for me? 😞🧐
There’s danger raising stakes, but the setup/ main complication with Gadiel’s engagement to a princess doesn’t pay off, bc this book runs concurrently in time w the previous book, his older brother Zain’s story, and it’s taken care of there so I already knew it isn’t a true obstacle here. The main tension comes from the Scott-Gadiel fledgling relationship, which soon is clearly not a true threat bc they have no chemistry, and the fact of Gadiel being with a man endangering his life due to his father/ country beliefs.
Gadiel is such a spoiled child, it was hard to see him as mature enough for Will. His backstory and situation are sad and complicated, but he isn’t very… interesting. No real passions/interests apart from wanting sex and affection. Yawn. Will is so stoic and closed off, though his growing protectiveness was nice. But the whole club scene that moves things farther forward at one point was… not great for me. I think Gadiel would have been w a stranger if Will hadn’t stepped in, and it all felt Off.
🤷🤷
Not my fav of the series. But still easy and entertaining
reading.
HEA. Bodyguard, son of a shiek, forbidden romance. OM drama from Scott and Gadiel’s initial connection, and Gadiel running off planning to have sex with strangers. Safe for me but almost not. 😡 Recommended for those who follow the series, but this is one of the weakest stories.
At the urging of his rich, privileged cousin Scott, MC Will agrees to apply to be bodyguard to Scott’s current obsession, Gadiel, the 19 year old youngest son of a powerful shiek in the UAE.
He’s supposed to help Scott and Gadiel date in secret in the dangerously homophobic country where so much as a kiss bt two men in public could end in death.
The very straight Will is not supposed to fall to the super lonely and touch-starved Gadiel’s charms. But living in the guy’s apartment and constantly being exposed to his sexy shenanigans of course wakes something unexpected and protective in Will…
I didn’t Feel this one, mainly bc 28 (29??) yo Will constantly thinks of Gadiel as “kid” and too young and a brat etc. And Gadiel feels young, immature, not acting with good judgement, self destructive etc. The didn’t seem like an intellectual match, ever. Physical desire gets there, w Will’s sexual awakening and eventual giving in to it. But it didn’t reach the usual level of AH credible chemistry and emotional connection for me? 😞🧐
There’s danger raising stakes, but the setup/ main complication with Gadiel’s engagement to a princess doesn’t pay off, bc this book runs concurrently in time w the previous book, his older brother Zain’s story, and it’s taken care of there so I already knew it isn’t a true obstacle here. The main tension comes from the Scott-Gadiel fledgling relationship, which soon is clearly not a true threat bc they have no chemistry, and the fact of Gadiel being with a man endangering his life due to his father/ country beliefs.
Gadiel is such a spoiled child, it was hard to see him as mature enough for Will. His backstory and situation are sad and complicated, but he isn’t very… interesting. No real passions/interests apart from wanting sex and affection. Yawn. Will is so stoic and closed off, though his growing protectiveness was nice. But the whole club scene that moves things farther forward at one point was… not great for me. I think Gadiel would have been w a stranger if Will hadn’t stepped in, and it all felt Off.
🤷🤷
Not my fav of the series. But still easy and entertaining
reading.
HEA. Bodyguard, son of a shiek, forbidden romance. OM drama from Scott and Gadiel’s initial connection, and Gadiel running off planning to have sex with strangers. Safe for me but almost not. 😡 Recommended for those who follow the series, but this is one of the weakest stories.
March 30, 2025
Just my favorite kind of book, A needy and clingy Mc and an Mc who hates been touched but doesn’t mind being touched the one.😩. I love how we got to see scout Pov with how obsessed they were with each other.
April 29, 2026
2.5 Stars ✨
Considering all the drama, I found it really underwhelming 🤷🏻♀️ Shame, as it had the potential to be so much more.
Considering all the drama, I found it really underwhelming 🤷🏻♀️ Shame, as it had the potential to be so much more.
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