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Men of Vanguard #1-4
Heroes of Vanguard Boxed Set: Steamy MM Superhero Romance
The Heroes of Vanguard Boxed Set Contains 1,000+ pages of Burly Heroic Men with HeartThe city of Vanguard is known for two burly men and superheroes. For those who love both, it’s a city filled with possibilities. Citizens can only hope for a huskular hero to swoop in and save them from diabolical villains out to destroy the world. For a lucky few, they’ll see the underneath the capes and cowls to the heroes within.
In this boxed set, follow an unlikely group of bears as they navigate life in a city filled with alter egos. Get to know Chad, the owner of Hideout Cafe, a hotbed of superheroes; Griffin, a geek and superhero fanatic, Xander, a hot-headed paramedic for supers; Alejandro, a sassy and saucy bartender, and Bernard, the reserved daddy bear with a dry wit and a super secret.
The Heroes of Vanguard Boxed Set is a collection of M/M, heart-felt adventures with HEAs and no cliffhangers. It features snark and sex, but not always in that order.
The Heroes of Vanguard Boxed Set ContainsIrresistible Power (Prequel)Infamous Heart (Book 1)Infernal Justice (Book 2)Iridescent Lust (Book 3)Invincible Nemesis (Book 4)
In this boxed set, follow an unlikely group of bears as they navigate life in a city filled with alter egos. Get to know Chad, the owner of Hideout Cafe, a hotbed of superheroes; Griffin, a geek and superhero fanatic, Xander, a hot-headed paramedic for supers; Alejandro, a sassy and saucy bartender, and Bernard, the reserved daddy bear with a dry wit and a super secret.
The Heroes of Vanguard Boxed Set is a collection of M/M, heart-felt adventures with HEAs and no cliffhangers. It features snark and sex, but not always in that order.
The Heroes of Vanguard Boxed Set ContainsIrresistible Power (Prequel)Infamous Heart (Book 1)Infernal Justice (Book 2)Iridescent Lust (Book 3)Invincible Nemesis (Book 4)
1035 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2023
95 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Ryder O'Malley
65 books91 followersRyder acts as if he doesn’t watch sappy movies. He won’t admit to daydreaming about ex-boyfriends and asking “What if…” He’s a closet romantic who gets anxious about first dates. In a world filled with turmoil, he’s wants to drown in warm, fuzzy moments that make his heart swell. He loves bringing his chaotic dating life to the forefront. While he calls himself a romance writer, he likes to think of it as fanfic about his life. Someday… it’ll become a reality. Until then, he’ll invent dreamy men that make him tear up at their insistence that love always wins.
Ryder lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, living his happily ever-after. When he’s not writing, he can be found working on book covers (which means he’s admiring huskular bears with more than a little chest hair.)
Ryder lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, living his happily ever-after. When he’s not writing, he can be found working on book covers (which means he’s admiring huskular bears with more than a little chest hair.)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 22, 2024
In the end, not for me
Overall- Good premise overall but not executed really well. There were a lot inconsistencies throughout the series. A couple examples being, in Griffin's book he told Bernard he knew he was Sentinel but in Alejandro's and Bernard's books, they act like Alejandro was the only one that knew and in Alejandro's book, Eclipse died but he's alive and well in Bernard's book. More things needed to be explained. Also, on a personal note, why do they always talk about using lube but then only use spit? Also, they just have sex with a stranger without protection? Are STIs not a thing? I will not be reading the villain series. These weren't horrible but I think it's mostly not for me.
Irresistible Power- This was the prequel for the series. I found it enjoyable and I liked Chad. I did keep wondering who he was going to end up with during the beginning of the story. There were some moments that I got confused about. Not sure if I was misreading or if it was just the style of writing but I did need to reread a couple parts because of my confusion. I hope we see more of Chad, Cobalt and Zipper throughout the series.
Infamous Heart- I liked this one a lot. I really felt for Griffin and especially when he was being super negative. From the moment he had his second interview with Mr. Vex, I had tears in my eyes. Highly relatable self doubt issues. Sebastian was a good character as well and I really enjoyed the journey he went on. I will say that I noticed more typos in this one than the prequel. I also have a personal preference for dual POV books so that would make it better to me. Not that a single POV is bad, I just find myself missing what's going on in the other character's head.
Infernal Justice- I liked this one less than the first book. I sort of felt like the whole book kept going on and on about how bad of a person Xander is because he's angry and how he needed to fix himself. Why are his friends even his friends if they don't like him? Or Aiden wanting a relationship with him? Beyond this issue for me, the story was mostly ok.
Iridescent Lust- This one really wasn't my cup of tea. Poly books aren't usually for me especially if there is an already established couple. The bad guy in this one was very obvious and I found it funny that the author made a joke about a name tag. Beyond not really liking the romance in this one, I have started to hate these people's so called friendships. There just always seems to be a favorite friend and when the main characters need a friend, they have to have some internal debate about which friend to call. And no serious relationship issues ever get talked about with their romantic partner. Like before Alejandro started dating Theo, he was nervous because Theo is married. Did they ever sit down and say, this is what our relationship will look like and what can be expected? Like maybe if these discussions had happened, there wouldn't be any room for fears and self doubt. Anyway, wasn't my favorite and honestly debating about reading the next one.
Invincible Nemesis- The storyline for this one was good in theory. I wasn't the biggest fan of Jason. Or really Bernard either for that matter. Which really sucks because I really enjoyed Bernard as a side character. This book definitely had the most inconsistencies.
One Year Later- This was a cute addition but didn't really add anything to the stories for me.
Overall- Good premise overall but not executed really well. There were a lot inconsistencies throughout the series. A couple examples being, in Griffin's book he told Bernard he knew he was Sentinel but in Alejandro's and Bernard's books, they act like Alejandro was the only one that knew and in Alejandro's book, Eclipse died but he's alive and well in Bernard's book. More things needed to be explained. Also, on a personal note, why do they always talk about using lube but then only use spit? Also, they just have sex with a stranger without protection? Are STIs not a thing? I will not be reading the villain series. These weren't horrible but I think it's mostly not for me.
Irresistible Power- This was the prequel for the series. I found it enjoyable and I liked Chad. I did keep wondering who he was going to end up with during the beginning of the story. There were some moments that I got confused about. Not sure if I was misreading or if it was just the style of writing but I did need to reread a couple parts because of my confusion. I hope we see more of Chad, Cobalt and Zipper throughout the series.
Infamous Heart- I liked this one a lot. I really felt for Griffin and especially when he was being super negative. From the moment he had his second interview with Mr. Vex, I had tears in my eyes. Highly relatable self doubt issues. Sebastian was a good character as well and I really enjoyed the journey he went on. I will say that I noticed more typos in this one than the prequel. I also have a personal preference for dual POV books so that would make it better to me. Not that a single POV is bad, I just find myself missing what's going on in the other character's head.
Infernal Justice- I liked this one less than the first book. I sort of felt like the whole book kept going on and on about how bad of a person Xander is because he's angry and how he needed to fix himself. Why are his friends even his friends if they don't like him? Or Aiden wanting a relationship with him? Beyond this issue for me, the story was mostly ok.
Iridescent Lust- This one really wasn't my cup of tea. Poly books aren't usually for me especially if there is an already established couple. The bad guy in this one was very obvious and I found it funny that the author made a joke about a name tag. Beyond not really liking the romance in this one, I have started to hate these people's so called friendships. There just always seems to be a favorite friend and when the main characters need a friend, they have to have some internal debate about which friend to call. And no serious relationship issues ever get talked about with their romantic partner. Like before Alejandro started dating Theo, he was nervous because Theo is married. Did they ever sit down and say, this is what our relationship will look like and what can be expected? Like maybe if these discussions had happened, there wouldn't be any room for fears and self doubt. Anyway, wasn't my favorite and honestly debating about reading the next one.
Invincible Nemesis- The storyline for this one was good in theory. I wasn't the biggest fan of Jason. Or really Bernard either for that matter. Which really sucks because I really enjoyed Bernard as a side character. This book definitely had the most inconsistencies.
One Year Later- This was a cute addition but didn't really add anything to the stories for me.
May 14, 2025
3.5/5, and you best believe I’m pissed off, my feelings are hurt, and I’m disappointed that this isn’t 5/5. I still have love in my heart and good things to say, but be so for real right now… Respectfully, what the fuck?😑 Bro. We gotta have a talk. A long one. I have grievances, and Nigel and Pop Tart are tired of listening to me.
It’s your turn now, and I gots me a whole chest worth of shit to say.
First, before it gets twisted fifty times and everyone automatically hits the “HATE” button in their brains: I love this world. I love the characters, I love the premise; I loved the overarching plot, I loved the love and the spice, and I forgave the fact that not a single person had a fluffy menace running around adding to the chaos.
You’re a liar if you say a perpetually irritated, snobby cat or a gentle, spacey himbo of a pupper doggo wouldn’t have added some fun and extra shenanigans.
I mean, Hellcat counts… I think… we’re gonna put a pin in that because I don’t need my rabbit hole brain taking over when I already have enough to remember/figure out how to say…
A N Y W A Y🙃
The novella popped all the way the fuck off, and it was adorable. Chad and Reece set the bar high, and it was good soup—er, coffee.
Then Griffin and Sebastian gave until they couldn’t give anymore, and that was fairly good coffee as well. It had heaps of world building and character definition, and gave plenty of the swooning and action and all of the other things that give good book one energy, yet it left more for you to learn so the rest of the series wasn’t just solely various character lore.
Which, let’s be clear, can get boring as shit and monotonous because it feels like all of the secrets and scenery have been told/discovered and everything is the same old, same old.
And then we got to Xander and Aiden, and fuck me if I don’t love a good angy boi😮💨 and my GOD was he ✨a n g r y & b i t t e r✨. Their story read like a love story in four parts, and it was truly phenomenal (shoutout to the first chance we get for the scoop from a supe—heh). Part of it was their love story, naturally, so that’s one, but then there’s Aiden’s love story with HIMSELF (personally and with his work). That’s another, and arguably more poignant and special than their love story because falling in love with yourself and achieving your dreams because you know your worth are just so fucking beautiful and important as fuck. BUT THEN we get to our sour patch hero, Xander. Bitter babes deserve to be loved too. Full stop. His counts as two, because it’s a little more complex than self-confidence and worth—which, are complicated, but Aiden was already half there from the start.
No, Xander wasn’t even part of the way there on either front of his two-fer. Not only did he need to fight tooth-and-suit to fall in love with the healing journey and that new version of himself, but he needed to fall in love with circumstances as they were and the heroes that walk amongst the masses. He needed to find peace and contentment and acceptance and softer feelings for the people and places occupying the world around him.
And they both did all of that and more, but it came with an unexpected and confusing cost: consistency.
Where did it go? Hellen Catani could tell you, I’m sure. (Remember this name, it’s important.)
Bringing us to Alejandro and Theo, which, phew.🥴 That was a lot. I’ll never not be wary of a poly sitch showing up, but I enjoyed it. It was a fantastic look at what a poly relationship can look like when all parties aren’t together, and it was healthy and good. A little messy, but Alejandro is The Reigning Diva of the group, so that tracked all the way to the finish line.
But again, it was so inconsistent that readability was quickly burning every bridge on its way out the door, and I was straight up not having a good time pretending like everything was fine. I needed my own fucking hero and Pop Tart was not exactly itching for a super suit. He was more interested in snacks, so I made him some and carried on.
(Link sausages, for their superiority, naturally.)
Right into Bernard and Jason. And already from the jump, I had had enough. The work was done to make a man with a ‘J’ name not The Worst, and while the world thanks you for your service, even Zeus was less of a damn mess than the book (and end of the series) wound up being. Don’t think I didn’t wholeheartedly love them and their story, but I can’t ask “what the fuuuuuuuck” politely enough. I don’t know how.
Because from the prequel until the last word of the little series epilogue, everything switched and changed and backtracked and flipped and tossed and turned SO MUCH and WHERE THE FUCK DID HELLEN GO??!
[REDACTED BC SPOILERS SUCK], not a single person thought Hellcat wouldn’t be you, but she wasn’t, and you just gotta get over it and be supportive. Not everyone has powers, please ask Griffin how to cope. This isn’t healthy.
Names, descriptions, dates, explanations, places, timelines… nothing was safe. Important details and plot points and character developments? Not safe. Minute details? Also not safe.
Basketball shorts to jeans and back again in one scene almost did me in. There weren’t even sentences in between, just… whole thing, wonky as shit.
And all of that’s on top of some really shaky, questionable mechanics. The structure was just not there—repetitive phrasing almost made me throw my damn ereader. There could be so many reasons why—from accidentally uploading the wrong file, to hostile fucking aliens and/or coercion—but it doesn’t even matter anymore, because what it all came down to in the end is how I felt when the little “remember when you could rate and review from RIGHT HERE” pop-up popped up.
(Not-actually) Spoiler alert: I felt like I wanted to cry because my feelings were hurt.
I know I’m dumb. On a good day, my brain is smoother than pick-up lines from a horny guy in a bar who knows they got inches and they wanna give them to you. I’m running off no sleep every single day and spite is the only thing that keeps me conscious.
But I’m not stupid.
I have excellent reading comprehension and information retention skills. I can remember what happened two sentences ago or a line from a book I read two years ago. I very rarely fuck up and forget something. Not bragging, that’s just my real-life superpower—that, and being able to taste something and then go home and replicate it without a recipe or a clue as to wtf I’m doing.
I realise that that isn’t everyone’s superpower, but that doesn’t mean that the fucks don’t need to be there. Just because EVERYONE doesn’t vibrate to the same frequency does not mean that NOBODY vibes, ya feel me?
Consistency is paramount. When you make a big fucking point to do an extremely pivotal and special identity reveal, it’s going to hit wrong when the script gets torn to shreds in the following storyline without warning or explanation. It’s fine if you want to change it, but you gotta fix that shit across the series, especially if you’re putting it all in a box together. It’s easier for people to let shit slide when they had to wait for each book, but the devil in those details becomes Zee from the SOS: Hotel series real fucking quick when it’s all vacuum-packed and hermetically sealed.
And I say all of that because you hurt my goddamn feelings. I don’t like being made to feel like I’m Boo-boo The Fool. Again, I’m not stupid. I can fucking read. I can also read WELL. And if that’s not a common thing, consider this me saying that while I play games, I play games that don’t hurt people’s feelings or shine a light on how little I think of them. And, just maybe, that should be the new standard? Assuming that folx WILL notice and care? That they ARE intelligent enough to put two and two together and get [REDACTED] IS NOT HELLCAT?
Because I can forgive messiness and a host of other things, and while I bitch and whine through them I somehow manage to come out the other side generally unscathed. I’m angry and bitter and need Xander to share that Xanax, but I’m not a bitch. I get that editing is expensive and hard to do on your own and isn’t going to be perfect 100% of the time, but I won’t sit here and enjoy wallowing in a pit of icky feels because someone else decided I was too dumb to live for me.
I’m the only one who gets to remind me of that.
I know I’m going to be the villain now—which sucks because I genuinely love this world and I’m practically drooling for the rest of the books in the universe AND book two in the Firefly Valley series—but I had to say my piece and count to ten, babe.
Exhale the hurt, inhale the healing. I still have so much love and I’m sorry that I didn’t have only nice things to say. I mean no disrespect or harm, and I highly recommend the series.
You’re gonna need your Notes app and to agree that Zipper is just a warmer Frozone, though. Oh, and that threadbare sweats are a super suit. You know, for the culture of book nerds everywhere. (Ahem. For *me*.)
It’s your turn now, and I gots me a whole chest worth of shit to say.
First, before it gets twisted fifty times and everyone automatically hits the “HATE” button in their brains: I love this world. I love the characters, I love the premise; I loved the overarching plot, I loved the love and the spice, and I forgave the fact that not a single person had a fluffy menace running around adding to the chaos.
You’re a liar if you say a perpetually irritated, snobby cat or a gentle, spacey himbo of a pupper doggo wouldn’t have added some fun and extra shenanigans.
I mean, Hellcat counts… I think… we’re gonna put a pin in that because I don’t need my rabbit hole brain taking over when I already have enough to remember/figure out how to say…
A N Y W A Y🙃
The novella popped all the way the fuck off, and it was adorable. Chad and Reece set the bar high, and it was good soup—er, coffee.
Then Griffin and Sebastian gave until they couldn’t give anymore, and that was fairly good coffee as well. It had heaps of world building and character definition, and gave plenty of the swooning and action and all of the other things that give good book one energy, yet it left more for you to learn so the rest of the series wasn’t just solely various character lore.
Which, let’s be clear, can get boring as shit and monotonous because it feels like all of the secrets and scenery have been told/discovered and everything is the same old, same old.
And then we got to Xander and Aiden, and fuck me if I don’t love a good angy boi😮💨 and my GOD was he ✨a n g r y & b i t t e r✨. Their story read like a love story in four parts, and it was truly phenomenal (shoutout to the first chance we get for the scoop from a supe—heh). Part of it was their love story, naturally, so that’s one, but then there’s Aiden’s love story with HIMSELF (personally and with his work). That’s another, and arguably more poignant and special than their love story because falling in love with yourself and achieving your dreams because you know your worth are just so fucking beautiful and important as fuck. BUT THEN we get to our sour patch hero, Xander. Bitter babes deserve to be loved too. Full stop. His counts as two, because it’s a little more complex than self-confidence and worth—which, are complicated, but Aiden was already half there from the start.
No, Xander wasn’t even part of the way there on either front of his two-fer. Not only did he need to fight tooth-and-suit to fall in love with the healing journey and that new version of himself, but he needed to fall in love with circumstances as they were and the heroes that walk amongst the masses. He needed to find peace and contentment and acceptance and softer feelings for the people and places occupying the world around him.
And they both did all of that and more, but it came with an unexpected and confusing cost: consistency.
Where did it go? Hellen Catani could tell you, I’m sure. (Remember this name, it’s important.)
Bringing us to Alejandro and Theo, which, phew.🥴 That was a lot. I’ll never not be wary of a poly sitch showing up, but I enjoyed it. It was a fantastic look at what a poly relationship can look like when all parties aren’t together, and it was healthy and good. A little messy, but Alejandro is The Reigning Diva of the group, so that tracked all the way to the finish line.
But again, it was so inconsistent that readability was quickly burning every bridge on its way out the door, and I was straight up not having a good time pretending like everything was fine. I needed my own fucking hero and Pop Tart was not exactly itching for a super suit. He was more interested in snacks, so I made him some and carried on.
(Link sausages, for their superiority, naturally.)
Right into Bernard and Jason. And already from the jump, I had had enough. The work was done to make a man with a ‘J’ name not The Worst, and while the world thanks you for your service, even Zeus was less of a damn mess than the book (and end of the series) wound up being. Don’t think I didn’t wholeheartedly love them and their story, but I can’t ask “what the fuuuuuuuck” politely enough. I don’t know how.
Because from the prequel until the last word of the little series epilogue, everything switched and changed and backtracked and flipped and tossed and turned SO MUCH and WHERE THE FUCK DID HELLEN GO??!
[REDACTED BC SPOILERS SUCK], not a single person thought Hellcat wouldn’t be you, but she wasn’t, and you just gotta get over it and be supportive. Not everyone has powers, please ask Griffin how to cope. This isn’t healthy.
Names, descriptions, dates, explanations, places, timelines… nothing was safe. Important details and plot points and character developments? Not safe. Minute details? Also not safe.
Basketball shorts to jeans and back again in one scene almost did me in. There weren’t even sentences in between, just… whole thing, wonky as shit.
And all of that’s on top of some really shaky, questionable mechanics. The structure was just not there—repetitive phrasing almost made me throw my damn ereader. There could be so many reasons why—from accidentally uploading the wrong file, to hostile fucking aliens and/or coercion—but it doesn’t even matter anymore, because what it all came down to in the end is how I felt when the little “remember when you could rate and review from RIGHT HERE” pop-up popped up.
(Not-actually) Spoiler alert: I felt like I wanted to cry because my feelings were hurt.
I know I’m dumb. On a good day, my brain is smoother than pick-up lines from a horny guy in a bar who knows they got inches and they wanna give them to you. I’m running off no sleep every single day and spite is the only thing that keeps me conscious.
But I’m not stupid.
I have excellent reading comprehension and information retention skills. I can remember what happened two sentences ago or a line from a book I read two years ago. I very rarely fuck up and forget something. Not bragging, that’s just my real-life superpower—that, and being able to taste something and then go home and replicate it without a recipe or a clue as to wtf I’m doing.
I realise that that isn’t everyone’s superpower, but that doesn’t mean that the fucks don’t need to be there. Just because EVERYONE doesn’t vibrate to the same frequency does not mean that NOBODY vibes, ya feel me?
Consistency is paramount. When you make a big fucking point to do an extremely pivotal and special identity reveal, it’s going to hit wrong when the script gets torn to shreds in the following storyline without warning or explanation. It’s fine if you want to change it, but you gotta fix that shit across the series, especially if you’re putting it all in a box together. It’s easier for people to let shit slide when they had to wait for each book, but the devil in those details becomes Zee from the SOS: Hotel series real fucking quick when it’s all vacuum-packed and hermetically sealed.
And I say all of that because you hurt my goddamn feelings. I don’t like being made to feel like I’m Boo-boo The Fool. Again, I’m not stupid. I can fucking read. I can also read WELL. And if that’s not a common thing, consider this me saying that while I play games, I play games that don’t hurt people’s feelings or shine a light on how little I think of them. And, just maybe, that should be the new standard? Assuming that folx WILL notice and care? That they ARE intelligent enough to put two and two together and get [REDACTED] IS NOT HELLCAT?
Because I can forgive messiness and a host of other things, and while I bitch and whine through them I somehow manage to come out the other side generally unscathed. I’m angry and bitter and need Xander to share that Xanax, but I’m not a bitch. I get that editing is expensive and hard to do on your own and isn’t going to be perfect 100% of the time, but I won’t sit here and enjoy wallowing in a pit of icky feels because someone else decided I was too dumb to live for me.
I’m the only one who gets to remind me of that.
I know I’m going to be the villain now—which sucks because I genuinely love this world and I’m practically drooling for the rest of the books in the universe AND book two in the Firefly Valley series—but I had to say my piece and count to ten, babe.
Exhale the hurt, inhale the healing. I still have so much love and I’m sorry that I didn’t have only nice things to say. I mean no disrespect or harm, and I highly recommend the series.
You’re gonna need your Notes app and to agree that Zipper is just a warmer Frozone, though. Oh, and that threadbare sweats are a super suit. You know, for the culture of book nerds everywhere. (Ahem. For *me*.)
January 27, 2024
Each character in this series is either human with a Centurion mate or converted into a Centurion by extraordinary circumstances. This series reveals all their stories. All great characters that had me laughing laughing my butt off.
I've probably gone into too much deal in reviewing all five of these stories--so here goes:
1. Irresistible Power: Chad and Reese, prequel. As with any prequel this sets the stage for the series. Here the reader is introduced to Chad, new owner of The Grind House (coffee that is) who is faced with closure since he doesn't get enough business to generate the income to sustain the business. Little does he realize that one steady customer, Bernard, is an elite member of the Centurions, who offers to help raise the capital to save the business and that success leads to the fitting rename of The Hideout. Chad is a lonely man but an instant connection to Reese aka/Cobalt leads to a great prequel.
2. Infamous Heart: Sebastian and Griffin. Griff has incredible talent as a jr. magazine designer but he can't stand up for himself to his immediate boss Vincent. When leaving his latest fiasco opportunity literally knocks into him when the suave Sebastian appears. Seb is intrigued by shy Griff, and this begins their tale. Little does Grif realize Seb's hero nature but the road to discovery is a good story. Vincent is portrayed as a sort of minor villain but it's Damien Vex that definitely holds that crown throughout this whole series.
3. Infernal Justice: Xander and Aiden. Xander is an EMT for The Hero Brigade exclusively for treating the injuries of the Centurions. It's on one of these emergency calls he attempts to save a "good" alien aka/Promethus but as this "alien" dies Xander is imbued with this alien's prophetic words, "I can protect you from the darkness. It comes. It protects the worthy." Thus, Xander is transformed. And his match, why that's Aiden, a reporter with the proverbial nose for news.
4. Iridescent Lust: Alejandro and Theo aka/EO, AND Julian aka/Stonewall the 3rd in this combo. Alejandro is the quirky sex manic of The Hideout group. And the commitment of the other members of their group was his proverbial Achilles stumbling block. Did there ever exist any one man who could be his "everything"? This story's theme took this reader by surprise as it involves married men with an open relationship; Alejandro becoming the third. This is a totally unexpected development from the first two books. I was caught totally unawares by this plot.
5. Invincible Nemesis: Bernard and Jason. Bernard aka/Sentential, the fabled Centauranian & his long abandonned lover Jason. Bernard was the Popi bear of the of The Hideout gang and this final story is full of emotional intrigue and heart. It is a fitting ending to this series. I'm tempted to supply more of their tale, but I will leave it to any reader to discover their satisfying and impassioned story.
I have the privilege to write this ARC, thus giving my honest and voluntary opinion.
I've probably gone into too much deal in reviewing all five of these stories--so here goes:
1. Irresistible Power: Chad and Reese, prequel. As with any prequel this sets the stage for the series. Here the reader is introduced to Chad, new owner of The Grind House (coffee that is) who is faced with closure since he doesn't get enough business to generate the income to sustain the business. Little does he realize that one steady customer, Bernard, is an elite member of the Centurions, who offers to help raise the capital to save the business and that success leads to the fitting rename of The Hideout. Chad is a lonely man but an instant connection to Reese aka/Cobalt leads to a great prequel.
2. Infamous Heart: Sebastian and Griffin. Griff has incredible talent as a jr. magazine designer but he can't stand up for himself to his immediate boss Vincent. When leaving his latest fiasco opportunity literally knocks into him when the suave Sebastian appears. Seb is intrigued by shy Griff, and this begins their tale. Little does Grif realize Seb's hero nature but the road to discovery is a good story. Vincent is portrayed as a sort of minor villain but it's Damien Vex that definitely holds that crown throughout this whole series.
3. Infernal Justice: Xander and Aiden. Xander is an EMT for The Hero Brigade exclusively for treating the injuries of the Centurions. It's on one of these emergency calls he attempts to save a "good" alien aka/Promethus but as this "alien" dies Xander is imbued with this alien's prophetic words, "I can protect you from the darkness. It comes. It protects the worthy." Thus, Xander is transformed. And his match, why that's Aiden, a reporter with the proverbial nose for news.
4. Iridescent Lust: Alejandro and Theo aka/EO, AND Julian aka/Stonewall the 3rd in this combo. Alejandro is the quirky sex manic of The Hideout group. And the commitment of the other members of their group was his proverbial Achilles stumbling block. Did there ever exist any one man who could be his "everything"? This story's theme took this reader by surprise as it involves married men with an open relationship; Alejandro becoming the third. This is a totally unexpected development from the first two books. I was caught totally unawares by this plot.
5. Invincible Nemesis: Bernard and Jason. Bernard aka/Sentential, the fabled Centauranian & his long abandonned lover Jason. Bernard was the Popi bear of the of The Hideout gang and this final story is full of emotional intrigue and heart. It is a fitting ending to this series. I'm tempted to supply more of their tale, but I will leave it to any reader to discover their satisfying and impassioned story.
I have the privilege to write this ARC, thus giving my honest and voluntary opinion.
February 3, 2024
Irresistible Power
This prequel was the only story in the set I had not read before and it was a perfect introduction to the series. I'm a huge fan of any story where one of the main characters owns a coffee shop so the set-up here with Chad trying to save his business while unwittingly becoming involved with the superheroes checked that box for me nicely. There were details I picked up about the world that I had not known and it's a perfect introduction for the books which follow.
Infamous Heart
I loved this lighthearted take on superhero romance. Yes, there is a suitably evil villain as all good superhero stories require, but the delight here is in watching Griffin and Sebastian form a dynamic duo to defeat evil and as life partners. Both characters have some growth and change as they work on their relationship and they help each other feel more self-confident and secure. Looking forward to more from this author and this series.
Infernal Justice
A book with lots of interesting takes on the typical superhero story. One, we get to see what happens when heroes get injured fighting those supervillains and what happens in the city left damaged in the fight. I guess we should have known there was a medical speciality in patching up superheroes. We also get to see a newly minted person try to learn to deal with his powers at the same time he's called upon to both hide his secret and defeat a supervillain. I really enjoyed the "behind the scenes" glimpses of superhero life in this story.
Iridescent Lust
This is another winner in this marvelous take on the superhero genre. It's witty, has great world building, the characters grow and change. I'd bern wondering what kind of relationship the author would write for Alejandro and it is poly and perfect. New villains appear in this one and I can't wait to see how the final book in the series reveals all and wraps things up.
Invincible Nemesis
Really great mix of light and dark in this one as there is nice banter among Bernard and the group and with Jason but there is also an exploration of exactly what it can cost in terms of honesty and relationships when one is charged with a dangerous job that could endanger loved ones. Jason is the perfect match for Bernard in that once he knows the truth, he's willing to fight for their relationship and make Bernard see what they can have together. A superhero story needs a great villain and this book has a great one with a satisfying conclusion.
This prequel was the only story in the set I had not read before and it was a perfect introduction to the series. I'm a huge fan of any story where one of the main characters owns a coffee shop so the set-up here with Chad trying to save his business while unwittingly becoming involved with the superheroes checked that box for me nicely. There were details I picked up about the world that I had not known and it's a perfect introduction for the books which follow.
Infamous Heart
I loved this lighthearted take on superhero romance. Yes, there is a suitably evil villain as all good superhero stories require, but the delight here is in watching Griffin and Sebastian form a dynamic duo to defeat evil and as life partners. Both characters have some growth and change as they work on their relationship and they help each other feel more self-confident and secure. Looking forward to more from this author and this series.
Infernal Justice
A book with lots of interesting takes on the typical superhero story. One, we get to see what happens when heroes get injured fighting those supervillains and what happens in the city left damaged in the fight. I guess we should have known there was a medical speciality in patching up superheroes. We also get to see a newly minted person try to learn to deal with his powers at the same time he's called upon to both hide his secret and defeat a supervillain. I really enjoyed the "behind the scenes" glimpses of superhero life in this story.
Iridescent Lust
This is another winner in this marvelous take on the superhero genre. It's witty, has great world building, the characters grow and change. I'd bern wondering what kind of relationship the author would write for Alejandro and it is poly and perfect. New villains appear in this one and I can't wait to see how the final book in the series reveals all and wraps things up.
Invincible Nemesis
Really great mix of light and dark in this one as there is nice banter among Bernard and the group and with Jason but there is also an exploration of exactly what it can cost in terms of honesty and relationships when one is charged with a dangerous job that could endanger loved ones. Jason is the perfect match for Bernard in that once he knows the truth, he's willing to fight for their relationship and make Bernard see what they can have together. A superhero story needs a great villain and this book has a great one with a satisfying conclusion.
February 1, 2024
This book welcomes us to Vanguard City where heroes and villains are plentiful. The stories center around a coffee shop called HideOut. Four men gather there for their breakfast club. Bernard Castle works PR for the Centurions and serves as the group’s daddy. Griffin Smith, an illustrator and artist, is the little brother. Alejandro Martinez, a bar tender, is like the middle child. Finally, Xander Bennett is a medic and the overprotective big brother. Let’s not forget Chad, the owner of the HideOut. Each of the five men have their own story and each is delicious.
Irresistible Power tells the story of Chad and what he needed to do to save his coffee shop. He meets his love, Reese, and realizes how much the heroes mean to him and life at the coffee shop. Griffin is up next in Infamous Heart. He works for a magazine that features the heroes. When he stands up for himself at work, he finds himself out of a job. He meets his love at the rival magazine. Xander’s story is told in Infernal Justice. He finds his love while learning how to manage his new normal. Iridescent Lust is Alejandro’s story. He has to handle lots of changes from work to personal to heroes. Invincible Nemesis is for Bernard where he gets his second chance.
Each of the stories is marvelously written. The underlying theme involves villains beginning to work together with the goal of ending the heroes. More than a few twists and turns are revealed while secrets are revealed to the detriment of the heroes. The ending is fantastic. This boxed set is perfect for those of us who enjoy a variety of tropes, paranormal, and heroes. It will have you laughing and have you crying.
I was supplied a complimentary copy, and my honest and voluntary review is provided with pleasure.
Irresistible Power tells the story of Chad and what he needed to do to save his coffee shop. He meets his love, Reese, and realizes how much the heroes mean to him and life at the coffee shop. Griffin is up next in Infamous Heart. He works for a magazine that features the heroes. When he stands up for himself at work, he finds himself out of a job. He meets his love at the rival magazine. Xander’s story is told in Infernal Justice. He finds his love while learning how to manage his new normal. Iridescent Lust is Alejandro’s story. He has to handle lots of changes from work to personal to heroes. Invincible Nemesis is for Bernard where he gets his second chance.
Each of the stories is marvelously written. The underlying theme involves villains beginning to work together with the goal of ending the heroes. More than a few twists and turns are revealed while secrets are revealed to the detriment of the heroes. The ending is fantastic. This boxed set is perfect for those of us who enjoy a variety of tropes, paranormal, and heroes. It will have you laughing and have you crying.
I was supplied a complimentary copy, and my honest and voluntary review is provided with pleasure.
January 21, 2024
As a whole set, I really enjoyed these books. The over arching storyline was fairly predictable, but hit on some great themes (what makes a hero, in particular). Each individual story was different and interesting as well, with the guys all having distinct personalities and challenges. I just imagine this whole world is pretty much full of large, burly men with fat and muscles like Gregor Clegane (GoT) but more hair. Given that this is an mm romance series as well as having superheroes, there are some really creative spicy scenes. However, there are just as many tender moments. It's nice that it's not the stereotypical athletic, ripped hero (or love interest) being given representation here. This series was a lot of fun to read - snappy dialogue, great world building, interesting characters, and a cool premise. I think if you enjoy superhero ensemble movies like Justice League and Marvel, but also liked the sound of the original premise of the TV show "Powerless" from Comic Con 2016 (which was about normal people living the the DC Universe), then these books are for you.
January 22, 2024
What an amazing collection of books! First, if you can nab the hardcover, do so, it's spectacular! Ryder has crafted a universe in which super heroes exist and are not only handsome as you would assume, but also bearish, bearded and burly! Who could ask for more? How about romance on top of it! You can see these characters work through their complicated love lives (with other men, be they average joes or other superheroes) while facing the perils of being heroes. There's also the steamy scenes, and let me tell you, Ryder has those in the bag... and the street.... and the air... and everywhere else your heart desires. Ryder knows how to create characters you relate to even when their antics are out of this world and you just want to see them win that cute heavy guy in the jockstrap and get their happily ever after... will they though? Read this massive collection of books and find out! 5 stars every time for Ryder!
February 11, 2024
Excellent superhero boxset
I've read and reviewed all these books and the prequel separately and now Ryder has collected them together in one magnificent tome. I loved all four men, so diferent from each other but firm friends. My favourite part of the each of the stories was the 'Breakfast Club' when they were all together and the coffee and the sarcasm flowed freely, the banter that of old friends who knew each other very well.
The stories are such fun but there's always a villain or twenty to be fought, even if you're just superhero-adjacent as a boyfriend. All the five friends and their loves have an inner strength and each pair really is invincible and irrepressible.
I loved all five stories, with lots of steam and lots of superhero-ing and lots of heart. Ryder writes bears and bear chests like no other, and I love him for it too, and also for staying in Vanguard for the Villains' turn on centre stage. Clever him for making me love the villains just as much!
I've read and reviewed all these books and the prequel separately and now Ryder has collected them together in one magnificent tome. I loved all four men, so diferent from each other but firm friends. My favourite part of the each of the stories was the 'Breakfast Club' when they were all together and the coffee and the sarcasm flowed freely, the banter that of old friends who knew each other very well.
The stories are such fun but there's always a villain or twenty to be fought, even if you're just superhero-adjacent as a boyfriend. All the five friends and their loves have an inner strength and each pair really is invincible and irrepressible.
I loved all five stories, with lots of steam and lots of superhero-ing and lots of heart. Ryder writes bears and bear chests like no other, and I love him for it too, and also for staying in Vanguard for the Villains' turn on centre stage. Clever him for making me love the villains just as much!
February 2, 2024
MM superheroes for the win
This mammoth book brings together the main Ryder O’Malley’s Heroes of the Vanguard stories complete with a prequel and follow up tales to form a HUGE book. I’m glad to get this one in ebook form frankly. The whole thing shows O’Malley’s love of comic books as they read like a comic book brought to life. I must admit that I enjoyed these more than I expected to once I got into the flow and theme of the writing. Don’t expect long backstories or explanations. Do expect a whole lot of fun reading. Just like a comic book. Next this author is going to investigate The Villains of Vanguard which looks to be even more over the top fun. Yeehaw!
This mammoth book brings together the main Ryder O’Malley’s Heroes of the Vanguard stories complete with a prequel and follow up tales to form a HUGE book. I’m glad to get this one in ebook form frankly. The whole thing shows O’Malley’s love of comic books as they read like a comic book brought to life. I must admit that I enjoyed these more than I expected to once I got into the flow and theme of the writing. Don’t expect long backstories or explanations. Do expect a whole lot of fun reading. Just like a comic book. Next this author is going to investigate The Villains of Vanguard which looks to be even more over the top fun. Yeehaw!
February 3, 2024
I read and reviewed a couple of these books, individually before I found the prequel, so it was nice to see 'where it all began' so to speak, and I really love having all the books together. I have really enjoyed this series, and all the characters. Each book can be read alone, but it's more fun to read them together, as some characters do make appearances in other books where they are not the MCs. Superheroes and the men who love them, super villains, plenty of action and adventure, and lots of snark and fun sexy times too. An all-around great read.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
January 21, 2024
love the vanguard superheros! Starting with Chad and his story which brought a sense of community and started to introduce us to our characters. Then we got to meet the cutie griffin who manages to catch his own real life super.... but hero? Or villian? Then Xander who manages to save the city daily then something g changed his life instantly. ALEJANDRO who is just thirsty and doesn't give a crap and oh I love him for it. Them Bernard my sweet daddy Bernard. This man needed a happy ending and damn doesn't he get it!
January 31, 2024
Who didn’t want to have superpowers at sometime in their life? This series of books gives you an idea of how those powers would effect your daily life. The dangerous situation you put the people you care about and love. Hiding your true identity from the world and so many other issues. These books keep you turning pages until the end. They are funny, intense, romantic and plenty of action. After reading these books I now have to read about the supervillains, can’t wait!
February 4, 2024
I had never read anything by this author before but I took this opportunity to read this set and Wow! I was totally happy that I took the chance. The stories are wonderful creations that I just could not put down and so I didn't which led to quite the reading session but it was totally worth it. This set was well worth reading and well worth my time. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I know I will be rereading this in the future!
January 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this boxset, if you like superheroes and mm stories then this boxset might suit you, the boxset has an overall story arc, but each story is different and enjoyable, this set kept my interest from the start to the the end with the vanguard universe setting and such a great range of characters. Worth a read.
February 3, 2024
Heros and Villiians
4 Stars ⭐️
This series of books is set in Vanguard City, it has some of the Sexiest Heroes and Villains, lots of spice and sweetness for days ❤️ I would recommend, all of these stories were filled with great characters that had lots of action, adventure and swoon worthy moments.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4 Stars ⭐️
This series of books is set in Vanguard City, it has some of the Sexiest Heroes and Villains, lots of spice and sweetness for days ❤️ I would recommend, all of these stories were filled with great characters that had lots of action, adventure and swoon worthy moments.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
February 9, 2024
This was such a fun box set.
I am a massive fan of superheroes so putting them as the MCs of romance novels is peek romance for me. I enjoyed the characters, the kinda wacky plots and the romance a lot. I read the books between other reads and they were the perfect light-hearted palate cleansers that I needed.
All in all, a recommend.
I am a massive fan of superheroes so putting them as the MCs of romance novels is peek romance for me. I enjoyed the characters, the kinda wacky plots and the romance a lot. I read the books between other reads and they were the perfect light-hearted palate cleansers that I needed.
All in all, a recommend.
February 13, 2024
I decided to grab the bundle since I missed out on a few books. Ryder did not disappoint. What was better than one? The ability to read them collectively; without interruption.
Fabulous characters, wonderful world building and the ability to grab and keep my attention.
Highly recommended!
**I received this arc from GRR for my honest feedback.**
Fabulous characters, wonderful world building and the ability to grab and keep my attention.
Highly recommended!
**I received this arc from GRR for my honest feedback.**
February 7, 2024
If you love superheroes, or ever dreamed of being one, this series is for you! Fun and entertaining, snarky as all get out, spicy, and overall, just easy reads with well-written storylines. Absolutely worth the read.
February 12, 2024
Good Stories
These stories are very well written, extremely funny and highly entertaining, if you love comics and wished the guys would fall in love with each other then look no further.
These stories are very well written, extremely funny and highly entertaining, if you love comics and wished the guys would fall in love with each other then look no further.
January 28, 2024
This boxset was a hot to read. Great world and character building. Good stories. Good chemistry between each couple. Funny moments at times. So glad I got the opportunity to read this.
February 2, 2024
Get ready for some very hot men who will make your heart beat even faster. They will make you wish you could see one of them in real life. Get ready for some great men
February 21, 2024
This was a great collection of novels from a new to me author! Each book was unique and fun to read.
May 31, 2024
This was a fun series.
mm-ok-ab-r
October 21, 2024Rok
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