The Prince's Loving Guards

The Prince's Dearest Guards #2

by Beau Van Dalen

Crown Prince Hal wished for a boyfriend.

Until he met his new guards.

Now, he has two lovers and… possibly magic?

After being spared from death’s embrace by a mysterious magical force, Crown Prince Hal is placed under house arrest, so that his case can be investigated in full.

Hal is grateful to have survived his grueling battle against the mythical serpent, but his fate remains having an affinity with magic would mean being stripped of his royal status, left with no legacy to his name.

Until Hal’s father—the King—is able to confirm the magic Hal witnessed that fateful day was not his own, Hal is officially banned from leaving the castle’s walls.

What a shame that all the Prince can do for now is bide his time indoors, with his two dearest, handsome guards.

A steamy fantasy romance novella, featuring a trans man protagonist, who lusts after his two very loving guards.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, LGBT, Queer, Transgender, Polyamory, Adult

126 pages, Paperback

Published February 16, 2024

About the author

Beau Van Dalen is a best-selling author of adult speculative fiction. Wattpad Stars Alumnus and Winner of Tapas Media’s 2018 Summer Writing Competition—Beau’s stories have amassed over two million reads online. Whether it be through books, poetry, comics or games, Beau is always enchanting words and creating worlds; he is currently on a journey to write one-hundred novels.

Reviews

[HALLOWGEN · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review written by a trans man.

So, I really wanted to like this book, and this series. I bought them as a bundle from Kindle so felt obliged to read the second entry even though I didn't enjoy the first.

The writing quality has improved a lot since The Prince's Dearest Guards. The sex scene near the end was way better written as well, I just wish it was finished!!! That was the first time I felt actually invested, but then it was cut short cue end of book.

Elwood and Kaiser constantly fighting instead of being with each other like they're with Hal feels uncomfortable. The fact they aren't attracted to each other makes it seem like they're only interested in Hal for his body parts and not because they're attracted to *men*, even though they are validating. Also, its really unpleasant to read them fighting and pouting at each other, and I wish the conflict came from more plot-related factors. The plot was really generic fantasy and I didn't care about it, but it could've been more fleshed out.

Hal himself is one word: annoying. His stutter drove me insane. He has no interests or depth past wanting sex. He is afraid of thunder for reasons that are never explained, he cries constantly, has the emotional integrity of glass, and has no initiative. Things mostly just happen to him. I felt like he was infantilized the entire time which gave me an icky feeling especially because of the track record for media to do that to trans men. I understand he's submissive and wants to be taken care of, but when he has the spine of a wet noodle that just makes him look absolutely helpless in a bad way.

I think this is a good first draft. The prose constantly tells you things that are so easy to infer and doesn't trust you to understand. I think all of that stuff could be cut and the book would be much better. Everything just needs more depth in general, its like looking into a shallow pond. I wish the author the best in writing more stories and working on developmental editing.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great second entry into this series! The Prince's Guards series follows Hal, a young prince, who is given two guards to watch over him as he learns to become king.

I really enjoyed the first one and am so glad to get back to these characters. You definitely want to read in order, as this series is going to follow Hal, Elwood, and Kaiser, and the journey that all three will take together.

The end of the first book ended a bit on a cliffhanger - with Hal discovering me might have magic, which would end his chance to rule. Now we're getting to see what will happen and I imagine that the author is setting things up to come for the rest of the series.

The thing I loved most about this is that we're getting to learn more about Elwood and Kaiser, and in this one, Kaiser especially. I imagine this will continue to grow in future books, their dynamic together and also how the two of them treat Hal.

Definitely looking forward to the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

i need elwood and kaiser to kiss i hope the author is just slow burning them

[Seth Hoobler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trans man review !

I’m fr when I say I wanted rlly rlly badly to enjoy this! But I dropped it halfway because I just couldn’t continue reading. I don’t know if it was the portrayal of the main guy or who is trans, or just the writing style. Either way, I didn’t like it :( I really wanted it to be a good read, and I tried. Just- can’t a guy like me ask for a trans guy mc that’s not a pushover and has flaws and interests OTHER than sex????

[Zen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I did ask for more of an actual plot after just getting smut for 90% of the first book, but damn we did a whole 180 and got 90% plot and an afterthought of smut this time, which was almost just as disappointing because that inadvertently became my main reason for continuing the series (but I am happy that we actually have a storyline going finally). Hopefully future books will have a more even mix.

But I have to go back to my main gripe - who the fuck is this “professional typesetter” that Beau is using through Reedsy because the job they are doing is the exact opposite of professional and should not be getting paid for. In fact, I think the horrific proofreading made me even more angry this time around because I was not as horny (until the very end 🥵🍆🍆) and you would think that the editing would improve a little with each passing book, not get worse. Jfc, it really kills some of the vibe. (Hire me lmao, I have so many notes.)

I’m looking forward to the next installments, but I fucking swear if the quality and legibility of the writing don’t improve, my ratings will be getting worse because at that point there will be zero excuse the author can make for poorly done final edits.

[juno ౨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

it feels like im reading a fanfic when i read a beau van dalen book, but like.. a VERY good fanfic. i just wish the writing was less wattpad-y and more ao3 vibes

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOD- this is the first "novella" series I've read and actually got attached to. It's also the first series I've read this quickly in a good bit (even though this is only book 2)

[Kiki Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

very meh
I'm not interested enough to read the next one and ironically the first book is better if compared with the second.

It has points for not having a horrible and cringy cover 🤝

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9/5

[Cythera · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing style has improved but a whole one event moved the plot the rest was fucking and romance that feels to be going to fast for no clear reason, it makes no sense why everyone is falling so hard so fast
Still gonna read the 3rd though so wasn’t bad enough for me to stop paying for the books lol

[Thalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like the sequel as much as the first book but it was still fun ~
felt like it was cut short? idk, keen to pick up the next book when it releases

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an ARC in a giveaway by the author.
In this really good and interesting sequel to the first book in the series Prince Hal returns to his father knowing he'll have to reveal facing the Serpent and what happened to it. Thankfully his supportive guards are there to keep him company.
My favorite thing was seeing Hal become more confident and trust himself a bit more. Even though the perils he is facing are just growing in number, the fact that he knows he can rely on his guards was lovely to read.
I liked the way their relationship deepened in this one. Due to some time passing and circumstances forcing them to rely even more on each other, I also found the fact that their feelings for each other grow to be realistic and sweet.
I also enjoyed getting to know Hal's guards better, especially Kaiser's backstory and the fact that we can see how much they care for Hal in ways that exceed their guardly duties and their sexual attraction to him (the way Elwood took care of Hal when he was ill it was soooo adorable and sweet!!!).
Another thing I found really cool was how Hal describes his genitals during sex. Every trans person has different things they like to call their genitals but seeing a pre-T person refer to his genitals as both a cock and a pussy/cunt was refreshing to read. And even though dysphoria does still play a role it seems to be (for now) a bit less of a struggle for Hal, since he's loved and accepted as a man the way he is and that's beautiful!
And finally I really quite enjoyed seeing the way the magic system was explored in some more detail, hinting at really interesting future possibilities.
All in all I really enjoyed this book. The writing felt a lot more intruiging to me than in the first book (which I still liked, don't misunderstand, but this was just even better!), especially because we got more answers to the world/character building questions raised, while still leaving me intruiged for even more answers by raising other even more compelling mysteries. I also felt that the pacing improved, allowing time for both caring and sexy times, while keeping the suspense alive. This was a truly worthy sequel to the first book and I can't wait for the next book in this series because the only thing I "disliked" about this book it is that it's rather short in length and thus leaves many questions unanswered. Know that you will be left wanting for answers to quite a few questions, but I am hoping they will all be answered in future books :)

[Rey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost the plot.
It had its cute moments, but not enough to keep me with it.

Hal is a cutiepie - with no personality unfortunately. He didn't feel like a very fleshed out character to me. Kaiser and Elwood had a lot of potential - I like their clashing personalities, and I also have a soft spot for the tropes they come under, so I really enjoyed their interactions. I liked Siegfried a lot too. My #goat.

Not to mention, the plot felt like an afterthought. If this was on AO3 it would be tagged pwp.
I'm not sure if that's intentional - if the plot is supposed to be less prioritised than the relationship - but I kind of picked it up hoping it would be the other way around. It's just not my thing.
It also felt super rushed because of the lengths of both of the novels, so, i just couldn't stick with it.
I binged both the first and second books in one sitting. I think it would have been a lot more captivating and less rushed if the whole serpent arc was split across 2, or even 3 books. One plot, and then the relationship buildup would've been a lot more incentivizing to read.
I genuinely enjoyed the premise of the novel - it's a pretty flat fantasy storyline, but it's a very good starting point, and the characters had so much potential. Unfortunately, all of it fell quite flat for me.

I was quite excited seeing trans + poly representation in the fantasy scene. Hal's trans identity was written quite well, but the poly part was...kind of nonexistent. You have a harem here, not a poly relationship. It would be polyamorous if Elwood and Kaiser were actually attracted to each other...but here we are regardless.
(Don't @ me if they get together in later installments... DNF the series after this book).

The writing style was also a bit messy - especially in the smut. It felt a little like reading something on Writing Tumblr, frankly. Not necessarily a bad or good thing, just an observation. It just didn't feel like a style a published author would write in. I'm down for this style in less official/formal writing, but it's just not my cup of tea in actual books. I can see the appeal, it's just not for me :)

TL;DR: Good starting point, has a lot of potential, did not reach said potential, not continuing the series. Can see the possible appeal, but not my thing.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange of an honest review.

I was excited to read the newest book by this author, I really LOVED the previous book: The Prince’s Dearest Guards and I was curious to see how the story would continue. I mean, Hal found out that he has magic, but what if magic is not something someone should have?

😍 I love that the book continues where we left the last time. It was as if I never had left the previous book. So I can forgive that abrupt ending from the previous book.
😍 Again lots of spicy scenes. Oh boy. If you are cold, well I can tell you that you will feel hot afterwards. These three guys are going for it, either all of them in one go, or Elwood x Hal or Kaiser x Hal. And Hal loves to experiment and open himself up to new experiences, which I just loved. I loved seeing the guards respect Hal’s boundaries and give him a great time during the sex, slowing down when needed, but also given extra care afterwards. Either by cuddling, washing, or just massaging Hal. I just love that. A lot of times sex is just sex. And that is it. But here you see so much love between them. And that makes me happy.

😍 I loved that despite everything happening in this book Hal kept going, I mean, there is a lot of things on his plate, a shitty parent, sudden magic, his body being that of a girl despite him being a boy. But he keeps going, makes plans, thinks about things, even trying to figure out magic himself (though please Hal, no more scary dark monsters in teacups). I also love that despite him at times not feeling secure in his body given the parts he still has, he also sees the advantages of them. One scene he remarks about his boobs but is forgiving them because they bring him pleasure.
😍 Where I was a bit unsure about the ending in the previous book as it felt like the story was just cut off, in this one I really enjoyed the ending. It felt really good to end it on this high note. End it with sweet words. With hope for the next time.
😍 Siegfried, Hal’s butler. Who already helped him come out to his parents but also finds out about Hal and his guards but keeps it a secret, even talks to them about it. Siegfried deserves the award for best butler!
😍 That cover! I just really enjoy that cover~

And this is by no means bad, but it is also not entirely worthy of love since I seriously wanted to kick Hal’s father so badly. LORD, what a piece of shit. I felt for Hal, throughout the journey he was worrying so much, he even got sick because of that along with the magic settling in his body. Then he gets home, not sure if he will be even alive after the conversation, and then he finds out that about his dad. I just wanted to step in the book, move Hal and his lovers aside, and kick that King’s butt and grab his crown and yeet it against the wall. And if all that we learn with the conversation wasn’t bad enough? Later on the father goes further, and I was so pissed.

Another one, there was a lot of tension between Elwood and Kaiser, and while I could understand most of it, at times I just wanted to shake both of them. Guys, you are making Hal feel bad/uncomfortable/sad by the way you react to each other. Things did get better as the story continued, but there were still some moments. I just would have liked all three to talk about things a bit more. We learn a few things, but I need more!

All in all I really really enjoyed this one and I cannot wait for the next book in the series! I need to see if Hal will go along with the plan, I need to see him explore the magic, and I need more Hal x his lovers because seriously those three are just perfect together. HIGHLY Recommended if you need some spice and love in your life.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a more comprehensive review, I suggest reading my review of the first book. I will skip my gripes about sentence structure and such for this review. That being said, I feel I should mention that the writing was improved for this installment.

Hal didn't have much character growth, despite the author's best efforts to tell me that he had. More than once Hal remarks on his journey since he met his guards. Okay, so he discovered something nifty about himself and got fucked a few times. I didn't see any change in maturity, sense of self, or even goals.

Elwood and Kaiser got some development. Kaiser has an intriguing past that I wish I knew more about. I liked learning more about them, but wish there had been even more.

This time we got to meet dear old dad. The king. I did like that the author seemed to have a pretty good grasp on who the king was as a character, and that came through in their writing.

I admit that I skipped through a lot of this one because it was just spice scenes peppered with some vaguely important dialogue. That made the sequel feel a bit lazy, but this is coming from an ace who reads for the plot. I suppose since the vast majority of readers are getting their fix, it makes sense to make that the main meat of the story.

I don't really remember what happened at the end, even though I read it just a few hours ago. I'm not sure if things were resolved, or if there was an ending indicating another installment of the series. In the end, it doesn't much matter to me. I will not be continuing the series, nor will I be reading any other writings from the author. I hope they continue to be successful in their endeavors, but I also hope that they get some humility and take more care with their stories. The talent is there, but it's still buried under some things.

[Casper Falls]

Thiiiis did not work for me, unfortunately. The first book was really special to me. It was the first erotica that struck a core with me and it had such a healing effect. The sequel, however, undid a lot of the things I loved in the first one and made me uncomfortable more than once. I'm gonna pretend the first one is a standalone and remember it for the lovely experience of seeing myself as a recently out genderqueer transmasc represented in a spicy story.

A little bit of detail on what didn't work for me in this one:
- Contrary to what I thought was going on in the first one, Elwood and Kaiser are not dating. This isn't really turning into a throuple. In fact, they don't even really get along. This made me very uncozy.
- Hal's journey into confidence in the first book gets halted and he sinks into angst and insecurity, sometimes sounding much younger than he did in the first book (which made me uninterested in the spicy scenes because he came across childish instead of soft to me)
- The first sex scene used "manhood" for p*nis. Not cool, especially in a trans story... It didn't really feel like the gay spice we saw in the first book either
- A lot more extended fantasy world plot. I really liked that the first book was characters growing through intimacy to the backdrop of general fantasy, but this one prioritized fantasy (melo)drama over character developments and that just didn't work for me.

Sorry to say that it didn't work for me. I still think the first one is great though and highly recommend it!

[Soff · Rating 3 out of 5]

sooo, okay…

It was slightly better than the first one, but oh, my god. there’s no much I hate about this

1.- Plot??? everything just was cut short and I get it, it might be not so “important” for the main aspect of smut and all of that. But come on, you could have so many cool scenes instead of “they talked a lot about this topic” (which yeah, it’s basically what happened in a moment) I wrote better plot/actual story scenes on a fanfic at 12…

2.- This is purely a me problem, but I kinda hate Elwood and Kaiser’s relationship. I got it in the first book, but they just can’t stand each other and that plus the way the only man they seem to be interested in is Hal, just makes me kinda nervous???? Like those kinda cis people that just dates trans people? I saw someone with the same thought so Idk. maybe I’m being too woke

3.- god I wish Elwood and Kaiser were into each otherrrrr, honestly it would make things so much better and could be an improvement of many scenes

Okay maybe there wasn’t soooo many thing I hate about it, the writing was better than the first one and the smutty scenes were fine. I really had high hopes about this book and it just disappointed me.

I don’t know if I would give the author a second chance because their stories have great potential and I kinda enjoy it but somethings are just total a buzz kill for me.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Actually gave this book a 3.5 not a 4 star rating!*

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
This sequel is a little lack luster when the prior novel is considered. I found myself wondering why certain characters seemed to have changed or regressed so much despite no time having passed between books 1 and 2. I also kept questioning why certain dialouge felt un-natural. This is still a cute quick spicy read but it didnt live up to its first iteration.

MAIN TAKE
This author does a great job at giving us a fun cutesy romance that pulls readers from the real world. The content is pretty original too because of the characters in the cast (if the characters remained true to who the author originally introduced them as). At the heart of this novel we have a trans prince with two loving and protective guards navigating a coming of self tale with a lot of seemingly odd placed sex scenes.These books are not bad and each one so far has potential.

[Gaia Bortolotti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is enjoyable and flows really well: the plot continues in an interesting way and I felt all Hal's emotions of anger and fear. I like his relationship with the guards more and more... but there are always those "problems" that I encountered in the first book and in the spin-off: sometimes it almost seems to me that it is an unequal relationship between the three and Often it is Kaiser who suffers. Now it's fine if you tell me that Hal has a more sentimental relationship with Kaiser and a more sexual one with Elwood but if it has to pass as a party relationship it's not good in my opinion. Better than previous books where the author seemed to forget about Kaiser but I admit that even here there are times that make me perplexed. I appreciated the fact that Kaiser and Elwood got closer though and I hope that something develops between them too

[A.E. Bross · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Prince's Loving Guards" pulls no punches, giving readers the realities of royalty and power, and sweeping poor, sweet Hal up into a maelstrom of political maneuvering and shadowy motives, all of which he feels himself little more than a pawn to be moved at the whims of others. His only comforts are Elwood and Kaiser. We also get to learn more of Kaiser's backstory, one that has reflections and mirrorings of Hal's own.

And the steam? Dear gods... *fans self* This book takes everything from book one and says, "Hold my beer," before diving headlong into some of the hottest scenes I've read anywhere. It's VERY GOOD™️

[J. A. Jumphol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel expands on the characters and their relationships and one of the guards, Kaiser, gets a more fleshed out backstory. The plot is starting to expand in this book and it looks like it's setting up for something much bigger.

The rivalry between Elwood and Kaiser is prominent in this book as well and I'm eager to see how they interact in future books.

This sequel will not disappoint if you're eager to see more of the characters, see the world expanded, and want to see a little more plot.

Thank you to the author for giving me a free e-copy of the book. All opinions are mine and mine alone.

#indigoemployee

[my_throne_of_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one and was glad to get the opportunity to read this one as an arc. It is a second book in a series so I won’t spoil anything in this post.
The series is about Prince Hal and his two bodyguards Elwood and Kaiser. The last book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger so this one picks right up on that. I loved being thrown right back into the action! The dynamic between the three of them is so good. I especially missed Elwood and Kaisers “bickering”. The plot also takes a turn in this one and I am very excited to see where the characters will go next.
If you are looking for a queer/trans main character steamy fantasy novels this series is definitely one to check out!
Thanks to Beau Van Dalen for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Soleil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot points are introduced but not really executed. Feels rushed through to get to the smut parts that aren't even that spicy. Everything, the plot, the characters and the smut falls rather flat. It was pleasant enough for a light read when your expectations are not too high and you want to see some trans representation.

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau knows how to make everything sexy and fun. These books are so earnest in their portrayal of the romance and the smut, and it's just a great time. The guards are hot, the prince is relatable af to anyone weak for attentive, caring men who possibly happen to be delightfully strong, and it's a wonderful queer time.

10/10 no notes at all

[Kristy hood · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked this one just a little more than the first. I don’t know why I want just a sappy love story when it’s a fantasy with dragons and magic. But I’m gonna need nothing bad to happen to those 3. Not even the butler.

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, simple, and sweet. I'm excited for the next book, I'm curious to see where this plot is going to go because this felt kinda like a filler tbh. Can't recommend this unless you've read the first book.

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hal, Elwood + Kaiser

-mmm romantasy
-forbidden romance
-prince x bodyguards
-trans mcs
-one..shower😏
-secret magic

oh well hot damn…these three were a treat!! i didn’t think it would be as slutttyyyy as it was & you will NOT see me complaining!! 😏😏

[Mela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look, we all know why we're here. Gods, the last sex scene in this was really hot. I liked that bit of plot that happened, and it is interesting, but who cares about magic when two beautiful hunks of bodyguards surround you 24/7.

[Mvnixx]

The sequel of The Prince's Dearest Guars. I liked this one more because I think the story was less rushed and also the concept was more interesting for me at least. The first one wasn't the best but this one I surely recommend.

[Anomaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC from the author.

I enjoyed this book very much, but I wish the plot had advanced slightly more.