On Guard

New York Gods #1

by J.R. Gray, Andi Jaxon

Selling my virginity wasn’t how I saw my first week of college going.

But after my parents cut me off, an offer from a gorgeous rich stranger doesn’t sound so bad.
It’s only twenty-four hours and I’ll never have to see him again.
Wrong.

Much to my horror, the stranger is Oliver Godfrey, the captain of my fencing team.
And as if that isn’t bad enough, his parents own half the city.
There is no escape from him or the way he makes me feel.
He’s everything I don’t want.
And everything I need.

A playboy like him shouldn’t look at me twice, so why is he ruining my life?
But what Oliver wants, Oliver gets, and he wants me.
He’s arrogant, possessive, and infuriatingly obsessed with me.
This can’t work.

His parents want him to marry an heiress so I can’t keep him.
All I can have is stolen moments hidden in the dark.
He's going to break my heart and I'm going to let him.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Sports, College, Sports Romance, Contemporary, LGBT

402 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2024

About the author

When not staying up all night writing, J.R. Gray can be found at the gym where it's half assumed he is a permanent resident to fulfill his self-inflicted masochism. A dominant and a pilot, Gray finds it hard to be in the passenger seat of any car. He frequently interrupts real life, including normal sleep patterns and conversations, to jot down notes or plot bunnies. Commas are the bane of his existence even though it's been fully acknowledged they are necessary, they continue to baffle and bewilder. If Gray wasn't writing…well, that's not possible. The buildup of untold stories would haunt Gray into an early grave, insanity or both. The idea of haunting has always appealed to him. J.R. Gray is genderqueer and prefers he/him pronouns.

Reviews

[Brooke]

DNF 46%

Oliver was just a grade A asshole, Isaac too meek, the plot was thin and mostly sexsexsex. Not feeling this one at all.

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because you're beautiful. Like art. I've never wanted anything more in my life."

Isaac Becker was disowned by his parents.
They believe he chose the path of the Devil and went against their beliefs.
Now he's a broke college kid. No money and no one.
Until a mysterious stranger offers Issac 24 hours.
24 hours in exchange for $3K.
24 hours where he can do whatever he wants.
And Isaac has no choice but to accept.
Even if it is his first time…

"I wanted him the moment I laid eyes on him."

Oliver Godfrey is the captain of the fencing team.
American royalty. His name opens doors and burns down empires.
Money at its finest.
So why is he obsessed with this kid he just met?
And why after one night is he still thinking about him?
It was supposed to be 24 hours. That's it.
But Oliver wants more.
And Isaac has no idea what monster he just awakened.

"How can he turn me on with one word? He already has me imagining all the ways I'll have him."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"In the emptiness of darkness, he invades my mind when I have nothing left to distract me."

AHHHHH I loved this so much OMG.
First of all, I never gave much thought to fencing tbh. And I thought okay this is going to be interesting.
And I was SO right (go me I am so proud). I loved this!!
First of all who said fencing wasn't a romantic sport? Fucking fools that's who!
And when you add in Isaac and Oliver = fucking amazing!
Also, side note. Connor is iconic and I cannot wait for his book! It is going to be so good I can already feel it 💖

"What spell does he have me under?"

Isaac Becker was disowned by his family for being gay. Kicked out and now he's living at his college with legit no money. Until a mysterious stranger offers him $3K for his virginity. 24 hours to do whatever he wants. This lust at first sight ngl was so hot. Isaac is the shy artist who's good at fencing and grew up in a religious household where being gay was considered a sin (fucking stupid I swear). And so when he meets Oliver that whole ideology is flipped on its head.
I loved Isaac! Legit I wanted to give him such a big hug! I said it once and I will say it multiple times people - you are enough! If people don't believe that/don't see it, FUCK THEM! THEY FUCKING SUCK! - I legit was sobbing throughout his backstory and his interactions with Oliver. But OMG when he met Oliver I was so obsessed already!!

"Once the bruises fade, I'll ache for them again."

Oliver Godfrey is THAT bitch.
Now let me explain.
He's rich and he knows it. Now having lived in NYC (personal info drop) I know exactly who Oliver was but that did not stop me from falling legit head over heels for this man not gonna lie to you (yes I have issues but we move on).
Is he a complete asshole? Yes, yes he is. But does that make him so much hotter? Yes, yes it does.
Plus the whole "American Money"/ "Gossip Girl" backstory! I was legit like does someone have any popcorn because this is getting GOOD!
The way Oliver is with Isaac even from the very beginning I was like YESSSSS THIS IS WHAT WE WANT TO SEE!!
The protectiveness, the dominance, the fucking feels people. THE FEELS!!
I am obsessed with Oliver and Isaac as you can see thank you very much.

"Was it mean? Undoubtably, but am I turned on? Absolutely."

When I started making this playlist I was searching on Spotify "fencing romance music" let's just say I worked very hard on this playlist and I am so happy with how it turned out!

(Link - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2GK... )

🎵 "True Friends" - Bring Me The Horizon
🎵 "all my friends are fake" - Tate McRae
🎵 "I hope ur miserable until ur dead" - Nessa Barrett
🎵 "Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene" - Hozier
🎵 "Saint Bernard" - Lincoln
🎵 "Human" - Rag'n'Bone Man
🎵 "mad at god" - Sarah Saint James
🎵 "parents" - YUNGBLUD
🎵 "Dancing With A Stranger" - Sam Smith, Normani
🎵 "I Want It All" - Cameron Grey
🎵 "American Money" - BORNS
🎵 "Church" - Fall Out Boy
🎵 "Pain" - Jake Daniels
🎵 "Whore" - In This Moment
🎵 "Like A God" - Lia Marie Johnson
🎵 "Addicted" - Saving Abel
🎵 "More" - 5 Seconds Of Summer
🎵 "Lose Control" - Teddy Swims
🎵 "I Like Boys" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "salvation" - Christabelle Marbun
🎵 "Sink" - Remember the Monsters
🎵 "Harder To Breathe" - Letdown.
🎵 "sugar honey ice & tea" - Bring Me The Horizon
🎵 "Still Don't Know My Name" - Labrinth
🎵 "Chokehold" - Sleep Token
🎵 "Hurricane" - I Prevail
🎵 "HONEY (ARE U COMING?)"- Maneskin
🎵 "OWN MY MIND" - Maneskin
🎵 "Power Over Me" - Dermot Kennedy
🎵 "Oxytocin" - Billie Eilish
🎵 "Call Out My Name - Live" - The Weeknd
🎵 "Cologne" - SM6
🎵 "I Wanna Be Yours" - Arctic Monkeys
🎵 "Daddy Issues" - The Neighbourhood
🎵 "Meddle About" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "Expensive - Remix" - Todrick Hall
🎵 "Movement" - Hozier
🎵 "needy" - Ariana Grande
🎵 "heartLESS" - You Me At Six
🎵 "Fire Up The Night" - New Medicine
🎵 "Sorry About Your Parents" - Icon For Hire
🎵 "Bad Habit" - Steve Lacy
🎵 "Mansion" - NF, Fleurie
🎵 "she's all I wanna be" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Heather" - Conan Gray
🎵 "Heart To Break" - Kim Petras
🎵 "greedy" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Church" - Chase Atlantic
🎵 "Young God" - Halsey
🎵 "Young and Beautiful" - Lana Del Rey
🎵 "Spectrum" - Florence + The Machine
🎵 "Partition" - Beyonce
🎵 "Love The Hell Out Of You" - Lewis Capaldi
🎵 "Take Me To The Pilot" - Ben Platt

And you didn't think I was going to leave you without something spicy did you?

"But I don't need to see your face to know the thought of my cock hard for you has your mouth watering. Don't worry, I'm thinking about it down your throat too."

"If we weren't in a room full of people, I'd take you right here. I'd force you to the floor with one knee on your chest and force those beautiful lips open to shove my cock down your throat."

"I'm going to fill you so full of my cum you'll be thinking about me all day as it drips down your thighs, reminding you who you belong to."

🤺 Tropes 🤺

💵 Enemies-to-Lovers
💵 Sports Romance - College Fencing
💵 Billionaire Romance
💵 Possessive MMC
💵 Touch Him and Die

Book Edit - https://www.instagram.com/p/C3vAbo_IuE1/

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5**** stars

“Harder. Please . . .”
“Don’t worry, I’m going to fuck you like my whore, and then I’m taking you to dinner like my prince.”

I guess that’s his romantic A-game. *lmao


Well, this book was not particularly to my tastes in regards of writing style and storytelling. The last part I even would describe as bad, it was so ridiculous and OTT dramatic.

I’m still rounding up, tho. This book really wasn’t all that good BUT I freaking ate this shit up.

And I will probably (most likely that is) even read the second one. Because I’m a sucker for the waking-up-married trope and I’m pretty sure that is what’s going to happen there with Owen and Colin. Also, Colin’s a hoot and I can’t wait to be in his head. *lol


***********
New York Gods Series

Book 1 - On Guard - 3.5 stars
Book 2 - The Retreat - 4.25 stars
Book 3 - The Penalty - release 04/25

[Renae Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Guard is a fantastic opposites attract romance between shy and lonely Isaac and privileged confident Oliver. Together they are pure magic, with their insane chemistry. Isaac and Oliver have a fascinating dynamic due to their unorthodox meeting and start to their relationship, which quickly morphs into something more intense, sincere, and completely legitimate.

The journey these two characters go on is full of surprises and heartfelt moments. Isaac is a precious soul and Oliver quickly realizes his desire to protect, defend, and possess in the most dominant of ways. I love a strong slightly unhinged hero and Oliver is strong in all of those characteristics.

Overall I loved On Guard, its unique premise, and the strong relationship foundation between Isaac and Oliver. Many genuine surprising moments in this story had me so excited at the lengths Oliver will go to protect and show Isaac his feelings. Their relationship is amazing to see develop from start to finish and I cannot wait for the next entry in this series. That couple will be so much fun to see!!!

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[♡ cal ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

i'm taking a break with these romances. they're all meh to me lately. so bored. so disinterested. nothing riles me up

[Emna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rtc ( LOVED EVERY MOMENT)

[Sid · Rating 1 out of 5]

televisa presenta but gay

[⋆｡°✮ Lucy InTheSky ✮°｡⋆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know whether I should laugh or cry, seriously. 1.75⭐ because I do like Isaac and Oliver underneath all this rubbish that was told in this book.

I mean, this was awful. What dreadful storytelling, my god, I was up until 3 AM because I wanted to finish this debacle, it was so ridiculous.

The authors are using a lot of British English for an American setting, not only that - they're talking about the rich class like they're some characters in Bridgerton or something, it was so bloody ridiculous.

🟢 Rich/poor
🔵 Fencing but the sport wasn't much studied, so it's just an afterthought
🟣 Gay/bisexual
🟡 Age gap - 18/21 or 22
🟢 Selling virginity, first times, first love, serious relationship
🌶️ Smut quite good, questionable bdsm; rimming, penetrative, oral; t/b

This book opens up with Isaac being hit with the bible for liking a guy. So, right off the bat you're in the middle of a real drama that could've been a really good romance with a poor, closeted guy from a religious family and a rich guy who falls in love for the first time and gives the poor guy his love and the whole world, but...

Oliver and Isaac did get to that point, but you're going to have to read hundreds of pages of awkward, embarrassing and stilted dialogues that portray Oliver as a snobbish upperclass socialite from the 18th century who thinks he can get his way left and right - and even if he can, he was presented as an idiot doing so, not to mention the beginning of his love story with Isaac was awful to read about. Not because of the buying sex thing at all, but the way Oliver acted everytime they had any kind of interaction.

When Oliver realizes Isaac is on his fencing team, he gets possessive and jealous and makes questionable decisions regarding their potential relationship.

"“Would you care to make that a wager? Because I am absolutely petty enough to put a moratorium on speaking to you.”
“That’s not even enforceable.”
“Watch me.”

The next day I begin practice as usual, and Isaac falls into the team’s routine, except no one speaks to him. I’ve put a moratorium on it."



Anyone who isn't filthy rich is a peasant in this book.

“Are you scared of my parents?”
“I don’t think they’ll like me.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m a peasant.”
“Hardly with lips like those.”

"“I’m baffled you cannot tell the difference between white and diamond, nor differentiate between shades of blue. I thought you were gay.”

“He’s peasant gay. They don’t know fashion,” my brother mutters, but doesn’t try to be quiet at all."

“This is where you want to eat?” Oliver looks around the space with a very different expression than I do. “He’s a peasant, brother. This is fine dining.”

The authors are absolutely obsessed about how rich people act and what they're like. It's like they're some cartoon characters. Maybe they were trying to make it funny? Well, it wasn't. The storytelling was too bad for this to be a humorous book.

Chapters end with Oliver having a plan, multiple times.
Awkward, the whole thing.

What really bothered me was when Oliver started using a belt on Isaac without prior talking about it. He's just hitting Isaac over and over again, no questions asked and this was traumatizing to Isaac because he was hit a lot at home. They didn't talk about it, I don't think Isaac got any kind of aftercare and the whole thing was poorly done. Amateurish, bad practice.

Isaac and Oliver become palatable at around 90% of the book and I did appreciate them getting married, but didn't appreciate

“The Catholic church is pretty down with the queers recently, and it will upset your parents for you to get married in another religion to a man.”

Isaac has the worst relationship with his parents, had no epilogue whatsoever with him getting married to a man who's a billionaire and how they took it, what's the aftermath there? So what fucking difference does it make what they say? And, why a church? Why the fuck would they need get married in a church?


Just an awful story.

[melancholy_reader [hiatus] · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me longer than it should have to finish this book -- and not for good reasons. I struggled to pay attention because honestly, the plot is thin and boring. The relationship between Oliver and Isaac didn’t invest me, and let's be real, there is more smut than anything else. I would have liked to have gotten to know Oliver and Isaac from other aspects besides sex and more sex. I mean Isaac has suffered some terrible traumas, and he has not dealt with them at all. There is no depth to their “love story”, it was just an insta-lust that left me with nothing. 🤷🏻‍♀️

These two stars are for Colin and Owen, the most interesting characters who should be deepened...and fortunately the next book will be about them, so I'm crossing my fingers for a story worth reading! 🤞🥲🤞

[Jane aka Coughy019 (Safety info included) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes: rich/poor, college sports, manwhores/virgin
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 4.25/5
Kinks: degradation, power exchange, selling your virginity, spanking, punishment, dom/sub, possessiveness, dirty talk
Angst: medium
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: religious trauma, homophobic parents, abusive/absentee parents, financial struggles, sex for money, lust at first sight

Isaac is a freshman on scholarship at college. His parents are religious fanatics and the summer before college they caught him kissing his boyfriend and threw him out of their lives disowning him for being gay. Isaac is a virgin. Despite having a boyfriend, he was too afraid to do anything and not ready. They were both children of religious fanatics.

Oliver is in his last year at college. He's a wealthy fuckboy who gets everything he wants. He has a twin brother and a sister. His parents want their children to make political marriages. Oliver is a wild f*** boy but he's also a smart mentally well-adjusted man and he is the best prospect out of the children to take over the family business, so he's being groomed for that. As part of that, his parents want to arrange a marriage for him.

Oliver and Isaac meet one day when Isaac is barely holding it together over his money struggles. They talk in a cafe and Oliver makes an offer to buy 24 hours with him, he has a fetish he wants to indulge and Isaac is right up his alley. Isaac agrees for the money and they have a wild hot day. Then a month or so later they meet again because they actually happen to be playing the same college sport of fencing. Oliver hasn't been able to get Isaac out of his mind and after a brief push pull of a combative bully dynamic, they give in to f****** again and again.

Toxic dynamic with bullying and manipulation to start with. But there are lots of positives in this book. Yay to fucking into an incoherent blissful puddle, the nickname kitten, no sex with others during the book, only I get to bully you dynamic. I liked the possessiveness and how physical and steamy their relationship was, while also having protectiveness and feelings. I like that Oliver made space for Isaac to do his artwork, and got his prized possessions back from his abusive parents.

I loved the roommate Colin in this. He was hilarious and a joy. He had Isaac's back and he was supportive and a good friend. His book should be good! I also kind of liked that he encouraged Isaac to date other people, not that I wanted Isaac to do anything with others but Oliver deserved being made to sweat!

Kind of wish they didn't get married in June of their first year together. It's just artificially rushed because his parents wanted them to use the slot. Also kind of wish Isaac had seen a therapist, he could have really used one.

Some notable moments:

I love a petty man. "“You can’t just stop everyone from speaking to me.” Isaac half glances at Colin, like: can he do that? “Would you care to make that a wager? Because I am absolutely petty enough to put a moratorium on speaking to you.” “That’s not even enforceable.” “Watch me.”"

Poor Colin. He does not want to overhear what he hears, ha ha. "“I told you, I’m here for your punishment.” I slip into the bed next to him, not letting him get away from me. “Is this like Door Dash for kinky people? You just bring it to the door?” Colin mutters pulling his pillow over his head. “Only on very special occasions.”"

"“How come he gets to make fun of me. You said no one but you could!” Isaac gestures at Owen. “He’s my brother. He’s basically me. He’s allowed.” Isaac gets closer and drops his voice. “Does that mean he can fuck me too?” I snarl, barely stopping myself from grabbing him by the shirt to slam him into the lockers. “Careful.”"


*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.

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seems like it wouldn't be out of place in that Park Avenue Princes series. Basically kids talking a big game like they're big bad mafia bosses💀

A college kid threatening everyone around him(including his parents, the other MC's parents and roomie and their coach)

I mean, I didn't hate HATE it. Oliver was a bit of a dick at first, and Isaac was too much of a doormat but I liked how much Oliver softened when feelings got involved.

Nonetheless.

Why are these kids getting married 😂

Overall: Exquisitely meh.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My notebooks are full of him. Every inch of blank space is covered in his eyes, fingers, lips. In the emptiness of darkness, he invades my mind when I have nothing left to distract me."

On Guard is a co-write by J.R. Gray and Andi Jaxon and is the first in their New York Gods series. This is Isaac and Oliver's story and it's an angsty one, so readers should take care to read the authors' notes before diving in.

Tropes:

❣️college/sport romance
❣️first times
❣️steamy
❣️opposites attract
❣️controlling vs virgin MCs
❣️'mine'
❣️HEA

[Peppa]

Dnfed at 30%. I just physically can’t keep reading it …for me everything here feels so wrong. I hate Oliver, yes he payed Isaac to have sex with him however he wants, but the whole thing was so uncomfortable to read for me, because of the way he treated Isaac. I don’t mind dirty talk and calling other „slut“ in bed if the dynamic and relationship between both partners fits. But here it felt so wrong that Oliver called him that and somehow it made me so sad …
And also the way he treated him afterwards, as if he didn’t existed 🤡.
That was the point where I stopped reading because I absolutely don’t like the dynamic here at all…it not hot or sexy or whatever to me it’s just mean and ugly. Isaac is so sweet and pure he deserved better smh.

[L Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those forgettable ott - I'm a rich boy and can do or get whatever the hell I want - type stories. It was neither good nor bad, easy to listen to, and ended with a lot of loose ends. The premise of these stories always sound so good, but they nearly always end up being just whatever. 2.75 stars

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. I really loved Isaac and Oliver’s story. After a rocky start, their relationship was so beautiful and sweet. I felt so bad for Isaac throughout this book, his family was just so awful to him, I just wanted to give him a hug. I’m already so excited for the next book!!

[TaurReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible written. The plot, pacing, characters, and steam were top notch.

Both of the main characters were well written. Isaac and Oliver were an intense and dynamic pairing.

Definitely looking forward to reading more in the series!.

[raccoon reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trash! This book is TRASH I tell you! And I was here for every dumpster diving loving minute of it.

I could not be happier with what I like to call "Cotton candy for the brain." That's a book that is all fluff no substance and melts away. It has no caloric (brain) value and that's okay. Just don't make it your entire diet of reading and you'll be fine.

So let's dive in shall we?

Some tropes/themes to consider/know:
🏳‍🌈 Religious trauma in the first few pages.
🏳‍🌈 Hence the homophobia throughout part of the book
🏳‍🌈The "We'll have sex just this one time to get you out of my system and then I'll never think of you again" trope. Spoiler alert. It never works. There's gotta be a shorter name for this trope but I don't know it.
🏳‍🌈 Insta Lust
🏳‍🌈 Poor boy/rich boy
🏳‍🌈 The Virgin and the Player and the "Omg you're going to sell your virginity?" Okay kitten 👀
🏳‍🌈 The unicorn qualities of a virgin who can tame the unobtainable play boy with a sex sheet a mile long 🙄
🏳‍🌈 Possessive MC in the "touch him and I'll kill you" vein. (which I always appreciate).

The book unfolds fast and awkwardly before settling somewhere around the middle into the realization that it felt a bit like some literary imitation of the unfeeling upper crust games/characters in Dangerous Liaisons or Cruel Intentions type movies. The machinations of the parents also gives a distinct Bridgerton vibe with them interfering and trying to "marry off" the eligible children and from Isaac's side- the other side of the fancy track- are the parents who cast off their disappointing children, forcing them to make their way in the world unsupported. The characters act like since they are rich they are above feelings. But of course, they aren't. When Oliver falls for the sad poor destitute disowned Isaac who he nicknames Kitten he's unable to resist his charms. You know, the virginal unicorn charms that are known to tame even the most jaded person who never kisses and never falls in love. Who often doesn't even do a repeat performance because they can't be bothered with forming attachments or having pesky human emotions.

Anyway, that was convoluted but hopefully you get it. The book had a few curveballs I didn't see coming like Isaacs parents being wealthy and knowing the Godfrey's. I appreciated that the authors didn't give the Becker parents a redemption arc. I like a good enemy. I don't like when authors are so PC they give everyone a redemption arc and forgiveness. Real life isn't like that. People are assholes sometimes. Everything doesn't come out roses. Sometimes you have to cut people out.

Buuuut....it does speak to how it wasn't the best book, and def not a 4 star read even though it was fun- mostly because I kept forgetting who was who. I literally had to stop and remember people's names sometimes and there were literally only like, four main characters: Isaac, Oliver, Collin, Owen. You can see Collin and Owen coming from a mile away btw. If you're loosing my attention to where I forget the character's names..that's a bit of a problem. But hey, it's cotton candy so who cares what its name is. 😉

[taylor :)]

dnf 64%

something about this just got on my nerves

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

On Guard is the first in the New York Gods series about the Godfrey brothers. Book 1 is Oliver and Isaac's story. Oliver comes from a family with significant wealth - unfortunately along with that wealth comes some significant parental expectations about who Oliver will date and eventually marry. Oliver isn't one to date or get attached... he's more of a one-night-only kind of guy. When he meets Isaac, Oliver asks for 24 hours and doesn't plan on needing more time than that.

Isaac is desperate, struggling to pay his bills after being disowned by his parents for being gay. He was thrown out with nothing and is down to his last few dollars when a stranger calls him kitten and offers him a few thousand dollars for his virginity. He agrees and spends a whirlwind 24 hours with Oliver. He never expects to see him again- until they run into each other at fencing practice. The two come from different worlds but can't seem to stay away from each other.

I gave the book a 3 star rating for a few reasons. I liked the second half of the book much better than the first. I had a hard time with Oliver at the beginning of the book: while I appreciate that he has the confidence to go after what he wants and the audacity to expect to get it each and every time, he is a bit of an entitled jerk. He doesn't always treat Isaac very well and poor Isaac has been through so much. Oliver has a filthy mouth and sometimes he pushes things a little far for me. Oliver recognizes that Isaac needs aftercare at one point (so he seems to understand that there's some D/s vibes going on) but there's no further discussion of what Isaac wants, his limits, safe words etc and if he's even capable of saying no to Oliver. To be fair, consent is explicitly discussed and Isaac does indicate he's onboard for most of what they do, but the power imbalance between Oliver and Isaac is significant. Overall I liked the book, but some parts weren't for me.

Rating: 3.25
Angst: 3.5/5
Steam: 2.5/5

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Book Binge: Reviews by Melissa DaSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This book starts off heartbreaking and really took me through so many different emotions while reading. There are a couple trigger warnings at the beginning in the version I read but I honestly think there should have been a few more. Just for those readers who need them. Thankfully I had a friend tell me somethings that happen and I was able to get through it ok. If you’re sensitive to degradation and humiliation I would just be aware of this while reading.

I loved Issac’s character from the very beginning. He was such a sweet and innocent character and deserved all the things. I probably wouldn’t have picked out Oliver for him but it honestly really seemed to work for them and that’s what matters!

Oliver was such an interesting character. I love those characters that don’t really know what love and feelings are until they meet the other MC. This is fully Oliver and he took it to the next level with possessiveness. I also loved everything he did for Issac without even trying to be romantic. He just did it because he had the means to do it!

There were a few plot points I would have loved to see fleshed out more but overall I really enjoyed this read and their HEA. I absolutely look forward to reading book 2! That couple is going to be crazy!

[Joanna Grosz · Rating 1 out of 5]

A quote from the book:
"Virginity? You mean the concept of purity the church forced on society in order to institute a sense of entitlement, making a natural bodily function shameful, while also using it as a construct to give young girls a value system?” He takes a breath while I digest what he said and blink at him. “I don’t believe in virginity or in giving it power. It is merely the first time you have sex."

No, it's not. There are actually people who want to have an emotional connection with people with whom they have sex. Yes! To have deep relation with another human being and cherish the moment they spend together and their first times NOT because of some evil church. Stop shaming them as some devotes! Stop propagating this stupid bullshit around.

So, yes, one more time I tried to read a mainstream book. Silly me.
Nope. I go back to indie authors who still have some creative brains not filled with college cheap "trendy" slogans.

PS. I hated Colin. He was awful and had a pimp vibe.

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5

My feelings on this book are so weird. It wasn't bad by any means...but I also didn't love it? It's odd because this book has everything in it that I usually love but somewhere along the way it lost me a smidge. I didn't love that the characters IMMEDIATELY were having sex. I feel like some build up, like literally any build up, would have been great. There was also room for some amazing hurt/comfort scenes in here and it annoyed me when it wasn't taken advantage of or it was just a quick thing rather than an impactful moment between the MCs. I'm stuck somewhere in the middle on this one.

[Sona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God, this one was pure Llama Drama.
Mother of God, help me—
I think I secretly love these over-the-top soap opera vibes because I couldn’t stop reading. It was dramatic, messy, a little cheesy, and honestly? I had the best time. Zero regrets. I mean fencing swords at dawn, sugar daddy offers by night kind of hooked. Oliver is the rich, cocky, fencing team captain. He’s the guy you should hate—arrogant, smug, dripping with entitlement—but the minute he spots Isaac, sweet little Isaac, crying his eyes out after being tossed aside by his homophobic nightmare of a family… Oliver’s inner caveman says: Mine. For 24 hours.

And Isaac? Poor baby is broke, hungry, jobless, and about two minutes away from being homeless. So when Mr. Billionaire Temptation throws down an offer? He takes it half for survival, half because, he was horny? I’m assuming though, it is mentioned he wants to experience and the anonymity is tempting as they don’t even know each other’s names.

What follows is one wild ride through Oliver’s three-phase villain-to-lover transformation:

1. Cocky jerk mode: Full-on swagger, smirk, and “I own the world” energy. I’m rich , I’m powerful, roar!!

2. Hooked but pretending otherwise: Broody stares, needy texts, and a total lack of chill.

3. Obsessed, over-the-top, ready-to-set-the-world-on-fire-for-love: I’m talking grand gestures, marriage vibes, “I’ll give up my entire inheritance just to keep you” energy.
A lot of eye rolling worthy material right there in this phase🙄🙄🙄

The sex? 🔥 Scorching and downright filthy hot, but balanced with soft, tender moments that make your heart do the flippy thing. Isaac is the perfect blend of innocent and fun seeking adventurous type , and Oliver… well, he’s the kind of hot damn you can’t help but love.

By the end, the cheesiness was extra cheesy—like mac-and-cheese with a double layer of parmesan—but honestly? I ate it up. I might have rolled my eyes once or twice, or ten times but in a grinning like an idiot way.

Special shout-out to Colin (Isaac’s roommate and ultimate sass king/ size queen ) and Owen (Oliver’s twin and Book 2 bait). I’m side-eyeing Book 2 because mixed reviews make me nervous, but let’s be honest—I’ll cave. I always do.

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (unapologetically dramatic and I lived for it)
Sexy Scene Frequency: 🍑 🍑 🍑🍑 (plenty on each chapter with some plot in between 🤣🤣)
Sexy Scene Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Isaac: 💙💙💙💙💙
Oliver: 💙💙💙💙💙
Angst Level: 💔


On Guard is what you get when Pretty Woman crashes into a fencing academy with extra steam and billionaire angst. It’s fun, dramatic, a little ridiculous in the best way, and completely addictive. Consider me obsessed—and already plotting my inevitable dive into Book 2.

[Hemmel M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to 40% and started to hyperventilate because of all the red flags Oliver rised. A billionaire meets a YA desperate for 3000 dollar and despite him liking Isaac, he asks his virginity in return. He keeps Isaac inhuman by only referring to him as 'kitten'. And his next step is isolating him from all his friends and acquaintances. This is not the kind of behavior to romanticize and I wanted a feelgood novel. This is not it. The narration is good. And I heard the next in line is really good, so I'll try that one.

[megan ◡̈]

dnf at 60%. stuck around for a little longer than i should have. nothing really happened in this book and what did happen was pretty repetitive. personally i was a fan of how much of an asshole oliver was, he was probably the only interesting thing about this book 🤷🏼‍♀️

i liked the smut thats pretty much all this book centers around at least till the point i reached. id say no plot just vibes but even the vibes are pretty abysmal lol 💀

[ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

°˖✧✿✧˖° on guard by andi jaxon, jr gray °˖✧✿✧˖°

rating : ★ ★ ★

“you aren’t like anyone else i’ve ever experienced. you stand up to me while also giving in. you balance this push and pull. you’re soft when i need it, and stubborn, which i hate, but also need. and most of all, i can’t stop thinking about you, but i’ve come to realize i don’t want to. i want you stuck in my head right where you are.”

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

﹒⟢﹒tropes ﹒⟢﹒

﹢college setting
﹢sports romance - fencing
﹢hurt/comfort
﹢opposite attracts
﹢touch him and die

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

oliver godfrey, an american royalty that knows how to use his privileges to his own advantage. he meets a stranger and is fascinated, infatuated from the beginning.

i know now how dangerous he is. more than i ever imagined. i knew i wanted him when i first laid eyes upon him, but this, this is something entirely new. one taste and i’m addicted.

he makes a deal. 24 hours and 3000 dollars. it is an itch he needs to scratch and that will be that. but what he did not expect was to grow protective and possessive of this innocent naive boy that is all but wrong for him. he is supposed to have a life already planned by his family. marry a heiress and lead the company. love has no use in his life, he cannot fall in love.

how he is a virgin, i have no idea. he is entirely sex. a siren of my self-destruction.

keeping him to my fucking self so the world can’t spoil him. or more so, so i don’t have to share him. i’m a selfish prick, but few things brought out such a strong response in me.

issac becker, a boy from a religious family who is kicked out after being caught with his boyfriend. he goes to his university for a fresh start but it all goes down when the plan he had for himself all falls. now he is kicked out of his family, no job, no money and no food. he meets a stranger who calls him kitten and asks him to share his problems with him. and then, he makes an offer that isaac cannot refuse.

in a room full of anyone who would have him, he picks me. i’m high off the power of being his choice.

he sells his virginity to a stranger that saves him from being starved to death. he thinks that is it. but it all changes when he meets the same man in his fencing class. his fencing team's captain.

they are opposites in every way. confident/shy, dominant/submissive. but both of them cannot stop thinking about each other. oliver brings out the confidence in issac, helps him connect with his real self hidden deep inside him. oliver makes isaac realize that there is nothing wrong with him. that he deserves to be loved.

“there’s a lot of power in submission.” my brows pull together in confusion. “what?” “last night, you said you wanted to feel powerful. submission is powerful.”

“don’t sell yourself short, isaac. it’s unbecoming.”

oliver is like a tornado that isaac never expected. he really likes oliver. oliver is possessive and never ever loses if he wants something. he says things that makes isaac heated and left with wanting more. he is soft, hot and sexy at the same time.

“because you’re beautiful. like art. i’ve never wanted anything more in my life.”

“i’ve thought about fucking every hole you have since i laid eyes on you.”

“you’re not allowed to run away. you said we’re together, and that means making it work together. you don’t get to hide from me.”

but the mixed signals pushes isaac off the edge and he stops talking to oliver. oliver does not like that at all. he does everything he can to get him back.

it hurts. the fear in his eyes hurts. the hesitation hurts. knowing he doesn’t trust me. the feeling instills a rage into my bones. i know it’s my fault.

“i love you, kitten. no one will ever love you like i do. you’re mine.”

“don’t worry, i’m going to fuck you like my whore, and then i’m taking you to dinner like my prince.”

“i never thought i would need someone the way i need you. nothing matters to me like you do. nothing”

and oliver is so sweet with him, especially when he goes back to isaac's parent's house to get his sketchbooks for him. that was so sweet.

“do you think i would be with someone for anything less? do you think i’d deal with your dating bullshit and then dig through the fucking city for a needle in a haystack if i didn’t?” did he think this is normal behavior? i cup his face, bringing my lips to his. “you really must think highly of yourself if you think i’m doing all this without love.”

and they get married!!!

“stop. you already got me to the altar.” he gives me a playful glare. “if you think the romance stops there, you’re wrong.”

this really was my most anticipated read but it fell flat. the chemistry was there. the smut was good, the angst mild. the last 20% though were really lacking. like all the build up of oliver's parents not agreeing to him and isaac getting married. that was the whole reason for the angst and why oliver could never get in a relationship. but when it all came down to it, it was all too easy. i wanted more conflict. more action from oliver's parents, from isaac's parents and maybe more sweet moments between oliver and isaac.

the idea was there but the execution did not go as well as it could have.

[Marina]

DNF at 16%
Very few things make me uncomfortable but this gave me the ick from the get go so no.

[gracie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would you look at that?...a gigantic man child who takes whatever he wants and doesn't care about other people, I definitely haven't seen that before *gasp*.

I was so excited for this because it's a sports romance about fencing...FENCING! that's quite niche and very much catered to me so you can imagine my disappointment when 2 chapters in Oliver the asshole is taking advantage of Isaac having a breakdown over being disowned by his parents, broke and at risk of losing his scholarship by offering to give him money to take his virginity. All this because Oliver can't get his head out of his ass long enough to admit to himself he likes the strange boy he meets and ask him out on a date LIKE A NORMAL PERSON!!

Oliver is such an infuriating, annoying, cringe character. I literally sighed everytime his pov came up. He's so self centered, arrogant and Isaac deserved so much better

<<“Isaac,” he calls over his shoulder.
“Yes?”
“If he touches you, I’ll kill him.”>> My brother in Christ you are a freaking civilian 😭 you are not killing anyone be serious.

I can't really fault Isaac but he's very forgettable, they both are actually. I couldn't wait to be done with this damn book

[rinia carla · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 15%

Oliver was a joke…rich playboy is good sometimes but this was just bad in every way possible…the roommate was already pissing me off like i get it you need to have the already out person in their corner but it was over the top and gave into stereotypes

Issac needs to grow up and be his own person..he could’ve gotten a job or something or literally ran away and started over.. there’s no reason to struggle if you have resources around you

the plot sounded good but i could tell that it wasn’t going to be what i read from the summary and i wasn’t going to waste my time trying to finish it

[ʚ Aileen ɞ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well... this wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. I love possessive love interests, but not when the entire connection is based purely on lust. I didn’t believe for a second that those two were actually in love. And that ending? I mean, come on 😅 I don't think I'll be continuing this series.