The Dragon's Devoted Defender

Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala #4

by Michele Notaro

I need a plan to stop checking out my bodyguard—you know, my dad’s best friend.

Step One: Stop staring at his tush. Uhhhh… don’t really want to.

Step Two: Find someone else to obsess over. Well, that’s not gonna happen.

Step Three: Try not to jump him. My dad’ll kill him if I don’t keep my hands to myself.

Roman is driving me nutso. He’s always with me, no matter where I go, no matter what I’m doing, no matter what. He’s. Always. There. Not that I actually want him to go away… then all I’d do is wonder where he is.

We’re doing our best to complete our missions and keep the people of Gauhala safe, but things are getting complicated and Roman is so distracting. My eyes—and my body—always move toward him. Sigh. And he’s so delicious-looking, I just really, really want to lick him.

If I’m not mistaken, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen him checking me out too.

This is definitely a recipe for disaster.


The Dragon's Devoted Defender is the fourth and final book in Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala, an MX (male/nonbinary) urban fantasy romance filled with lots of sass, fated mates, dad’s best friend, gentle humor, and cozy found-family vibes. The series follows a new couple in each book with a guaranteed HEA. It takes place in the Brinnswick world, but you don’t need to read the other series first, although there will be familiar faces along the way.

Genres: Dragons, M M Romance, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Magic, Romance

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

Michele is married to an awesome guy that puts up with her and all the burnt dinners she makes—hey, sometimes characters are a bit distracting, and who doesn’t plot when they’re supposed to be cooking? They live together in Baltimore, Maryland with two little monsters, a three-legged princess, a four-legged goofball, and a cutie with giant ears (aka their two kids, their two cats, and their dog). She hopes to rescue another cat soon, and if her hubby wouldn’t kill her, she’d get more than one… and maybe a few more dogs as well.

She loves creating worlds filled with lots of love, chosen family, and of course, magic, but she also likes making the characters fight for that happy ending. She hopes to one day write all the stories in her head—even if there are too many to count!

If you would like updates on my new books or to be notified when a new book is released, please join my mailing list:
http://eepurl.com/cseIXT

You can find me on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

Feel free to contact me. I’d love to hear from you.

Reviews

[Cadiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragons galore!

I was a little bit disappointed with this one, which is a shame as I'd been waiting for Roman and Oakley to get their HEA.

I found it to be lacking in chemistry between them, even though I was being told they were viramores, there wasn't a lot of on page passion to back that up.

Pretty much all the intimacy happens off page and, while I absolutely believed they were best friends and had affection for each other, I wish I'd seen more of the relationship worked out on page.

The secondary subplot gets wrapped up here, but there's more to come later with the dodgy magic artifacts as the vampires get their own series.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh this was such a treat.
I really enjoyed the whole series but I think this one is my favourite.

Oakley and Roman were perfect for each other and it shows
I loved the slow burn and real relationship development - although they are fated mates.
the story was so well done

I can't and won't say too much about that because I think it would spoil the story.

there was just one moment when I was a bit disappointed in another character but ok.

this concludes this story arc but we still have Antons children and I can't wait to read their stories

[Aysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The Dragon’s Devoted Defender is the fourth and final book in the Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala series and can be read as a standalone.

It’s Oakley and Roman’s turn and I am so excited!
Oakley is the Dragon King’s (Garrick, who has his own book in this series) only child. Roman is Garrith’s best friend and has been assigned to protect Oakley as well as be their partner in taking down a trafficking ring. This is personal to Oakley due to their history of being kidnapped and raised in an abusive cult.

Them longing for each other was so sweet, but I also wanted to bang their heads together, thankfully they didn’t make me wait too long.
Oakley’s fiery personality is the perfect duality to Roman’s steadfast loyalty. I really liked both characters and enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Their vulnerability and subsequent trust with each other was a really important part of their relationship and gave me a deeper insight into both their characters.

Their chemistry was both cute and enticing. I loved their equal protectiveness over each other, it’s my weakness! There was only one intimate scene which made sense for their story.

I really enjoyed the plot, how it tied in and the action that led us to some of our favourite characters; it’s not a Brinnswick book without Seb and Ailin. I won’t say anything more about the plot to avoid spoilers, but I definitely could have spent more time reading about these two.

I really enjoyed the story, but there’s something preventing me from giving it the full 5 stars, I wasn’t as engrossed with their story as I was with Anton and Keryth’s. I know this is going to sound strange but I think it’s the fact that I didn’t cry; I am used to Michele Notaro emotionally scarring me with her books and this one definitely has some heavy topics so not sure why it didn’t invoke this feeling from me.

Overall, I loved this fantastic conclusion to the series, I’m really looking forward to the Vampires of Gauhala series.

This book has triggering context such as violence, death, MCs take down a trafficking ring (including auction), neglectful and abusive parent and cult, past kidnapping, insinuated past sexual assault.

🐉 MX Urban Fantasy
💞 Fated mates
🚫 Dad’s best friend
👑 Bodyguard x Royal
❤️‍🔥 Slow burn
👀 Age gap
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/ comfort
🛏️ Forced proximity
🥰 Found family

Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I feel like I had a hard time starting (though I'm more than half convinced it's because I was coming from a bad book I didn't like and not so much because the book is a slow one to start), yet I was very into it by the halfway point. I'm glad I got to this one after, it was a wonderful palate cleanser and really fun read, and I really enjoyed both Oakley and Roman. They make for a fun couple to watch, even more than I expected at first

[Elizabeth D · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 It was so awesome to see Oakley and Roman get their HEA! Roman’s been waiting for so long, and Oakley’s been through so much. They deserve so much happiness.

I really liked their underlying friendship and how much they know one another and take care of one another. I appreciated their dedication to protecting others—they’re such good people.

I like the sweet and silly moments and the major found family vibes with Ellwoods and beyond. I love seeing everyone work together and have such happy lives (even when bad things happen sometimes).

I thought this was a great conclusion to this instalment of the world, and I’m looking forward to what comes next!

I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.

[Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finale With A Fizzle

Oak and Roman were not what I expected. I guess because of the extreme age gap I just assumed there would be a bit of a dom/sub-esque relationship but I was happy when their relationship was much more equal. The two of them are total goofballs and I enjoyed seeing their playful side. Rome showed a lot of that in book one but especially with Oak’s past it was nice to see them both so relaxed together.

The plot was ok and I’m glad we got a lot of the overall storyline’s resolution but it still felt a bit bland.

I’m curious though for the vampires to get the rest of their HEAs! Hopefully that series brings back a lot of the characters we met in this one.

Tropes: Age Gap, Hurt/Comfort, Dad’s Best Friend, Fated Mates, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: M/Enby

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've heard a lot of good things about this series and the Ellwood Chronicles but I haven't had a chance to read them yet. Aside from reading The Snow Yeti's Grouchy Werewolf, I was going into this completely blind reading it as a standalone. I can confirm that it can be read as a standalone without needing prior reading. I do feel as though I was missing some information about who some of the characters were but that wasn't really that big of a deal for me.

The main characters of this book specifically and the story itself, read extremely well and I wasn't lost or confused by not having read the other books. Now, onto the characters! I absolutely adored Oakley! They are sassy, full of life, confident, stubborn, vulnerable at times, a horrible cook, and loves affection, whether that's in the form of hugs or cuddles. They are absolutely wonderful and I loved learning all about them, although what they went through at the hands of that despicable cult was heartbreaking. I'm so glad they got out and was able to reconnect with their true family.

Roman was a direct contrast to Oak's personality, he was gruff at times and stoic when others were around, but when he and Oakley were together he'd show his true personality. The caring, playful, doting person who always tries his best to make his Viramore happy. I adored watching him come out of his shell, so to speak, and fully accept his feelings for Oakley. I really liked how they slowly built upon their bond, they didn't fully rush into anything, and they took their time with each other.

I also enjoyed them being dragons!! I mean, how cool is that?? I always appreciate when an author fully leans in to the shifter aspect of their characters, and Michele absolutely knocked it out of the park with that. We had multiple moments when these two were in their dragon form and I loved reading about every moment of it! Considering dragons are believed to be mythical beasts, Michele described Oakley and Roman's dragons in a way that was believable and almost realistic. I loved how Oakley's dragon was more of a golden color, whereas Rome's was blue.


Overall a really great book, and I loved the ending!! I'm so happy all of the characters in this book got their happy ending, and that those without true family, ended up being found by those who became their real family.

[Emily Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been eager for Oakley to get their time in the spotlight, and their romance with Roman was the perfect blend of sweet and steamy with a compelling suspense plotline to propel the story forward. The two dropped right into action at the start of the book, deep into a trafficking investigation that only got uglier the more truths were revealed. Roman was totally smitten with Oakley and knew they were his viramore, but Oakley only thought they were harboring a massive crush on their dad's best friend. It was adorable to watch the pair of them dance around each other, initiating cuddles and sneaky bits of affection without showing all their cards. Their feelings were super obvious to all of their friends and family, which only made me giggle every time they thought they'd been subtle. With the case providing several opportunities for them to be alone together, it was only a matter of time before Roman and Oakley's feelings bubbled over. I thought it was really sweet how affectionate the two were with each other while somehow not realizing what it meant. Roman wanted to do the honorable thing and let Garrick know before actively pursuing Oakley, so by the time they properly acted on their feelings I was more than ready for it. Their mutual happiness was a soothing balm in what was otherwise a pretty gut wrenching series of reveals leading up to the investigation's climax. I needed every night of silly reality show binging and playful banter to stomach what I learned about Oakley's past and how their kidnappers had continued down a dark path. It made me so proud to see them facing the demons from their past head on, and with Roman by their side I knew nothing could stand in their way. Even better was seeing their community rally behind them, supportive in whatever way they needed without strings attached. The finale of this book was equal parts justice served and closure for Oakley and Roman, and I couldn't be happier with the trajectory of their future together.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

[AshPenny37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Finale

First things first, this is not a standalone. It's not necessary to read all of the books set in this universe, but I'd recommend at least reading book one of this series before diving in here.

Oakley and Roman have kind of been circling each other as side characters in previous books in the series, so I'm glad we get to see both of these mighty dragons get their HEA, especially as it's so hard won. Rome had been waiting for his viramore for centuries whilst, when Oak returned to the tower in Gauhala in his early twenties, he had so little frame of reference for what a healthy relationship looks like that he wasn't ready to hear the call of their bond. Yes, this is an ultra age gap and dad's best friend situation...which brings a whole other level of complication when that dad is king and still dealing with Oak being missing for so many years.

As this book closes out the Tales From Gauhala arc, we do get to see Oakley finding closure on the trauma he endured as a child - content warning here, those people were nasty pieces of work and acted accordingly. Their dawning realisation of their true feelings for Rome, and the older dragon's patience whilst they navigate their bond are adorable...definitely leaning into the hurt/comfort trope as well.

The backdrop to the relationship building is the final mission Ronan and Oak are on to uncover and track down the head bad guy behind a trafficking ring. It's a good plot and, for me, any opportunity to get page time with familiar faces from elsewhere in the connected series is great. So I was happy to see who provided support when it was needed.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book and the overarching series storyline. So, it's a bittersweet au revoir to Gauhala for now as the series ends, but the author has left the door open to return for more stories in this world. A solid 4* read.

[Book Fairie · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Paranormal urban fantasy
- Hurt/comfort
- Fated mates
- Dragon X Dragon
- Royalty X Bodyguard
- Dad's best friend
- Found family + real family
- Nonbinary representation (MX)
- Slow burn

"He was just so damn lickable. Like, who in the world was this lickable? Honestly? It should be illegal."

I love the sweetness of Notaro's books, they always feel warm and cosy, which is good because hidden inside this sweet story of two viramores navigating the early days of their relationship there is some really dark stuff going on. It's not covered in detail or for too long, but if you think you might be triggered do read the content warnings! That's the wider subplot that's been going on across this Brinnswick series, which gets wrapped up in this book, and you deffo want to read the previous books in the series first, or at the very least just The Witch's Grumpy Dragon. As for Roman and Oakley, it was sweet and lovely and you felt the way they respected each other and were friends first, but after waiting so long for them to get together I would have loved a bit more chemistry. So much of their passionate moments happens off page I was left wanting just a bit more! Also I wanted to shake Garrick sooo badly. You'd think being mated to feisty witch Tan would have cured him of idiocy but oh no, that dragon does a bit of a piss-poor job of playing it cool about his child and his best friend getting together! I love the insanely ever-expanding found-family of the Guahala world. Pretty much every one drops into this book for a walk on part or more, including some I've not met before because WOW that's a lot of books in the back catalogue. Give me time...

[Demian Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐

The Dragon’s Devoted Defender is the final book in the Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala series, and it works well both as a continuation and as a standalone...but I would recommend reading the series in order.

Oakley immediately stands out, even in the previous books. Their personality is bold, a bit stubborn, and full of life, but they are also very affectionate and kind, with a clear vulnerability underneath it all that is shaped by their traumatic past. Roman works absolutely wonderfully as their perfect contrast! He’s far more reserved and steady, but around Oakley he softens and shows his caring and playful side. I really enjoyed seeing how clearly devoted he is to Oakley. 🥰 And although they are opposites, their personalities balance each other quite nicely, and it’s really easy to see why they fit, especially since their relationship builds on a strong foundation of friendship and, of course, trust.

There’s a lot of mutual pining and unspoken feelings, so this is a slow-burn romance. Their relationship builds through soft, everyday moments with playful banter and small gestures of affection rather than big, dramatic passion, and it is genuinely sweet. That said, the chemistry may feel a bit understated, as the romance leans more toward emotional closeness than physical intensity. Most of the intimacy stays off page, which works for the tone of the story, but it made the romance feel a bit flat at times.

The story does have a darker plotline involving a trafficking investigation that contrasts really well with the warmth of Oakley and Roman’s budding relationship. The investigation also ties closely into Oakley’s past. Thankfully, Michele always creates such wonderful and supportive found family for her characters that it helps balance things out...and leaves you wishing you could be so lucky as to have them in your life. 🤗

The story, and the series, does a solid job of bringing everything together. Oakley and Roman get a well-earned sense of closure and the HEA they deserve. At the same time we get hints at what’s coming next in this world, and I am so very excited for future books in the spin-off series. 😊😊

I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.
_________________________

CW: fantasy violence and some gore, trafficking, drinking alcohol, drugs slipped in drinks, past trauma related to living in a cult, a neglectful mother, abuse from supposed family/friends, being a kidnap victim, past trauma insinuating sexual assault (alluded to and in the past)

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
I freaking adore Michele's books and we've been eagerly awaiting Oakley and Roman's book. I'm so happy to have read their story, especially Oakley's, considering the circumstances in which they came back to their family and what they had to survive, which we find out more about in this book.
*Please note trigger warnings to this book*
These two men are total sweethearts. One oblivious in their crush on their dad's best friend, whilst the other doesn't want to rush his viramore or hurt his best friend, which is absolutely going to happen as the king still hasn't quite recovered from his child being kidnapped and missing for so long.
The case that the two dragons are working on is kidnapping and trafficking, which is triggering for Oakley, in ways that no-one else knows about, at least until they have become much closer and discovered just who it is they have been crushing on. The ease of their relationship is, I think necessary, with everything going on regarding the cult that is involved with their case and Oakley's past. The slow burn aspect works perfectly for them, and I really loved the empowerment of taking that part of themselves back. Roman is nothing but supportive of them, even when it comes to their dad, aka his best friend, aka the King. It's nothing if not interesting when it comes to family. Friends and family play a huge role in their love and support of Oakley and Roman, even the king in his own ways, and it makes for a great way to end the series, as well as really introduce people to those who may be getting their own series in the future.
A must read book and series, that I'd recommend reading in order, or at least book one before this on with it being the king's story that involves his missing child.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fanastic end to this amazing series. A fun mix of tension, humour, and heartfelt moments, with a dynamic that’s hard not to get invested in. The whole bodyguard/dad’s best friend setup adds that extra layer of “this is a terrible idea”… which of course makes it even better.

Oakley and Roman have that constant push and pull — equal parts longing and restraint — and it’s genuinely entertaining watching them try (and fail) to keep things under control. Oakley’s more fiery, impulsive nature plays really well against Roman’s steady, protective presence, and their connection builds in a way that feels both sweet and charged.

What stood out most was the balance between the lighter, sassier moments and the more emotional undercurrent. Oakley’s past and the mission they’re on give the story real weight, and the way trust develops between them adds depth to the romance. Their protectiveness goes both ways, which makes their bond feel more equal and grounded.

The wider plot ties in nicely with the world and brings in familiar elements without taking over the story, and while the romance leans more on slow burn than high heat, it suits their journey.

It’s an enjoyable and satisfying read, with great character dynamics and a strong sense of found family, even if it doesn’t hit quite as emotionally hard as some other stories in the series
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roman and Oakly are good together. Oak has a lot, and I mean a lot of trauma based on their first 25 years. Since reuniting with their Dad, Rome and Tan (stepdad), they have been getting better. But they aren't fully healed (I'm not sure they will ever be). I'm glad a therapist is mentioned. Rome knows Oak is his viarmore (soulmate), but Oak hasn't realized it when the story begins. After Rome finally confesses and is briefly thrown into the dungeon by Gar (Oak's Dad and the King)s things move quickly in their relationship, but it takes a while to get physical.
The overall plot of the series is also concluded. The human traffickers are finally taken care of. Not too many details are given, but they either died at the final fight or are in prison. They need the death penalty because those people need to die for what they did to Oak and so many others.
This was a great read. It shouldn't be read as a standalone. You should read the books in this series in order. It is a part of the Brinnswick and Ellwood chronicles. You don't have to read those books to enjoy this one.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
angst 3/5
heat 2/5 only one open door scene with a blow job. Penetration mentioned in the epilogue
story 4.5/5
POV dual
break up no

[Book Hoarder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oakley is back home in the tower with his dad Garrett, and stepdad Tan, but the blood witches who kept him prisoner for 16 years after his mother, a clan member, kidnapped him, were not about to give up on getting him back. So, King Garrett assigned his best friend Roman, as Oak’s bodyguard, while they ran a mission to locate the blood witch clan, which they were sure was running a trafficking ring. Roman was so hot that Oakley always wanted to lick him, but he knew Roman grew up with his dad, so they were both thousands of years old, and besides, his dad would kill him. Roman had known for two months that Oakley was his soulmate, but he was being so very careful with Oak since he had been so abused for so long, and besides, his best friend Garret would kill him. And yes, Garrett had thrown the worst possible dragon king temper tantrum when he found out.
These two are too cute for words. It is a slow burn out of necessity, but a great storyline. The 4th book in the Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala series, for new reads they say it can be read as a standalone. But there are about thirty characters that do back through other storylines besides this series. It really gives you all the feels when you know everyone. There’s a reading order and character list in the back, and a fresh Gauhala spinoff is also on the horizon.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Brinnswick: Tales from Gauhala series. This series should really be read in order. This is a slow burn romance. The relationship develops through small everyday gestures and delightful banter. I liked that there are no grand gestures that instantly move the relationship along. This is the story of Oakley and Roman. Oakley is the king's son and he is recovering from traumatic incidents in his childhood. Back home and regrouping, he in unable and unwilling to recognize signs that things may not be as he sees them. Roman is the King's best friend and significantly older than Oakley. It matters not to him, he is aware that Oakley is his long waited for viramore. He is also Oakley's assigned bodyguard. Roman is prepared to wait as long as it takes for Oakley to be his. His only concern is Oakley's safety and happiness. As their friendship grows, the trust increases between them. Then when Oakley and Roman go after the head of the kidnapping ring; their bond solidifies. This is their story. The book is well written and easy to read. I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review. I really enjoyed this book. The plot is entertaining and fun to read. Another wonderful book in this series.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often wonder how authors always seem to know that this/that character will be the one that has readers on the edge of their seats. Because Oak and Roman's story was definitely the one I was waiting for. And though "The Dragon's Devoted Dragon" is the last of the Brinnswick: Tales From Gauhala series, I can only hope that Ms Notaro will return again to these stories that began with Seb and Ailin.
Oak and Roman really had a difficult road to their HEA. The blood witches who tortured Oak for sixteen years most likely being the trafficking ring was no long stretch. Nice to have finally caught the horrors who were ultimately responsible for Trayben's turning. King Garrett's reaction when it was revealed that Oak had fallen for Garrett's best friend/Oak's bodyguard, was all that I could have wanted. The gabillion years age gap gave Oak the support and protection he needed. And it also gave Roman a chance to relax, to not be so stiff. Amazing sizzle. Quiet and slow burn. Fan your face, these two were hot.
Found family by the thousands with Ailin adopting everyone and calling them kiddo. Lots of family cameos.I won't say that the ending was satisfying. Because if I do, it will be true. And I never want Michele Notaro books to end.
I received an advance copy of this e book and this is my review.

[SNik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth and finale in series (Brinnswick: Tales from Gauhala), best if read in order. Paranormal urban fantasy. Hurt/comfort. Soulmates. Found family. Nonbinary representation. Very slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

Roman has been around since Oakley was a baby, and thousands of years before that, and he has been their bodyguard and now partner in taking down trafficking rings. Oakley is Roman’s viramore and Roman is patiently waiting, but he doesn’t see that Oakley has become romantically attracted to him as well even though Oakley doesn’t realize they are soulmates.

This is a slow and sweet build to Roman and Oakley finding their forever together as they become friends, partners, and then lovers. As usual for this author, the found family is a strong theme and wonderfully supportive, but the time spent with just Roman and Oakley on page is especially cute. Even though Roman is significantly older than Oakley he is playful as well as protective, and Oakley is just as capable and fierce. Sad to see this series end, but looking forward to more Brinnswick and Gaulhala spin-offs.

[Ashley Tyler-Switzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this, and it did NOT

I truly love this author and have followed this series and the others related for years now. I can’t believe this is book 4.
If you haven’t started this series yet, no worries, there’s still time, and lucky you, there are a LOT more books to go along with and connect this series. Author’s website https://www.michelenotaro.com/work/ has a reading order. This entire series was amazing, but let me tell you, this one knocked it out of the park for me. We get to see a bit of Oakley’s background, which was much anticipated. We see Stoic Roman fall head over heels for his sweetheart. It reads so smoothly and has all the feels. For me, that’s a big one. The suspense was great, but no cliffhangers. I do wish we got more spicy time with this duo, but we did get some. Bottom line, if you enjoy shifters, especially dragons, magic, intrigue, and love, then this is absolutely your book. Couldn’t put it down and could write so much more, but don’t want to give anything away. I hope the next series comes up fast because I’m addicted to these folks! Yay for seeing our royal child find peace and love!

[Alias11 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in the Tales From Gauhala series, and it's a great finish, bringing the story full circle from the first book. Although the book could be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order, as characters and events from prior books are included or referenced, and you might miss out on the full flavor of the larger story. At heart, this is the story of Roman and Oakley. I was so glad to see Roman get his viramore and his HEA. He has long been the dragon king's best friend and protector, and now he protects the king's son, Oakley, who just happens to also be his fated. I loved seeing these two together. They are both so sweet I also loved seeing Oakley as their better, stronger self. I had some doubts they could fully recover after the events in a prior book, so it was great to see their genuine, sassy self. The book wraps up some overarching plot points from the series, and bad guys get their due, and the ending is perfect. Although this series is over, I look forward to more Brinnswick tales from the author.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Em (Diversify Your Shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I got an arc* 3.75 Stars

CW: substantial age gap; MMC is MX's dad's best friend; kidnapping children; flashbacks of torture

Oak (they/them) has a bit of an issue: they have a wee bit of a crush on their dad's best friend who is *also* their bodyguard. Roman also has an issue: he is 100% certain that Oak is his mate and 150% sure that his best friend, King Garrick, will not be pleased. Additionally, the two of them are on the trail of kidnappers who may be responsible for Oak's capture as a child...

My Thoughts: I love this world that Michele Notaro has created. Every time that Ailin forcibly adopts more family members, something heals in me. While I am not overly comfortable with the age gap, I appreciate that the story emphasizes that a mate bond won't snap into place until both characters are emotionally ready for it. I love that Oak is not mis-gendered and that Roman does his best to keep Oak safe while still respecting his autonomy. The two of them have a great dynamic and I truly enjoyed seeing the two of them build their romantic and professional relationships.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oakley Von Stein finds his bodyguard and work partner, Roman Trevil to be extremely distracting. They are often together and Oakley finds himself entranced by his absolute perfection and appeal. They are working hard on the latest case involving some extremely nasty criminals. Roman is having the same problem. Oakley is extremely distracting. If that is not bad enough, Oakley is the son of his best friend who also happens to be king.

The interaction between Oakley and Roman is delightful. Going to a night club or out shopping makes for some unforgettable scenes. So, too, are the reactions of Roman and Garrick, allowing us to see their emotions. In short, this book was a fantastic read. It had humor but also dealt with some heavy criminal activity. Old friends come to help with the final take down, making the reading even better. It is better to read some of the books that came before but I am thinking you can enjoy this any way.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect story for Oakley. Having a horrible upbringing they needed a partner who would cherish and protect them.
Roman has felt the viramore bond for awhile, but knew not to act on it. One reason was Oakley was his best friend's child, I went into this book so looking forward to Garrick finding out and I was not disappointed.
Oakley and Roman are working together to stop traffickers and the closer they get, we learn more about Oakley's childhood. Throughout this book I felt myself welling up.
There was a lot more action in this story as Oakley and Roman go into battle and I loved all the different magic, showing how talented everyone was. Seeing Oakley fight, showing how skilled they were and how they now took no nonsense from anyone.
The romance was sweet and tender, not rushed with Roman giving Oakley all the time they needed.
A lot of characters I loved made an appearance and it was good to see how they are moving on with their lives.
I really loved this series and am looking forward to more from this world and getting more of these brave dragons

[Michelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in the Brinnswick: Tales from Gauhala series and it is fantastic. I admit I am so sad to see this series come to an end because I love every book and every character Michele Notaro introduced in these amazing stories. That being said, out of all these amazing characters, Oakley, is the one who was most deserving of a happy ever after. It has been amazing to see how Oakley has developed from the first book to the fierce, independent, and caring person they are.
Oakley may not want a bodyguard but they have one and Roman is their father’s lifelong, best friend. Having a body guard may be annoying but Roman and Oakley become friends. After some time, it turns out Oakley and Roman are fated mates. They now have to deal with telling Oakley’s dad about this while building a relationship with a couple thousand years age difference.
This is an amazing story full of emotions, and fun with one of the best and biggest found families in the world. I loved everything about this story and was sad to see it end. The next series cannot get here soon enough.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for (Brinnswick-Tales from Gauhala-4) The Dragon's Devoted Defender by Michele Notaro

Who doesn't want the chance to lust after their bodyguard? Who isn't just a bodyguard, but he is your father's best friend. Yum!! This is my type of story. Oakley just can't keep his eyes off of Roman; his body is just so worthy. To stop lusting after Roman, Oakley needs to find someone else to obsess over, but that's easier said than done. I mean, if you have a bodyguard, where does that bodyguard hang out? Always around you, sigh. The two of them have to fight to keep Gauhala's people safe. Again, easier said than done when you have others trying to stop that from happening. I have to get the others in this series since this was the first I have read from this new author for me. I loved the world that Michele wrote with all of these characters that kept me intrigued and needing to know what was going to happen next. 

Nicole Harvey

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could say I enjoyed this one a bit more. It was…fine.

I think I’d have enjoyed more if we’d gotten to experience more of Roman/Oakley? We jump into this book and they’re already both secretly a little in love with each other, and extremely close “partners”. It didn’t really feel like there was any… emotional payoff? If that makes sense.
Rome and Oak had a few sweet moments but their chemistry fell flat compared to some romances we’ve gotten to experience previously in this series (and Brinnswick/Ellwood). I thought they’d be my favourite pair but I ended up kind of not caring and hoping Jed’s book comes soon…

I’m also hoping we see less of the Ellwoods in the next spinoff (forgive me, I loved their series too). The ensemble felt like it was getting a bit silly and unwieldy in this series. It made sense for them to feature heavily in Remi’s book but the rest, esp the yeti book? The Ellwoods were great but it’s ok to let your spinoff series stand a little more on its own.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed this series, and am sad this is final book. I loved Oakley and Roman getting their HEA, amongst the bad guys going down, with help from friends and family.

I love how far Oakley has come since they were first reunited with their dad. While it’s understandable why their dad is overprotective given their history, I loved how it realistically took Garrick a while to come to terms with his son and his best friend being a couple. I enjoyed Roman and Oakley’s friendship and relationship and how well they work together. Roman’s concerns show how much Oakley means to him, and how well he knows Garrick.

The world building is fabulous. I especially like the viramore bond.

The family and found family theme in this series, and Brinnswick, is a highlight. I loved seeing characters from other books again, and how Oak and Roman’s HEA gives Oak closure re his past too.

[Devoted❤️Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My tongue was practically salivating at the sight of him.
He was just so damn lickable.
Like, who in the world was this lickable? Honestly? It should be illegal.”

I kinda want to lick both Roman and Oakley because 1. They’re yummy and 2. See reason 1. I’m so happy Oak found their viramore, forever love. Rome makes my heart pitter patter. Oak definitely had a tough beginning but throughout their story, the amazing dragon they’ve become shines so bright. It’s no wonder they’re gold. Even better, at least in my heart, is the huge, loving, and lovable family they’re a part of. I loved revisiting with old friends (eeek, the cameos!) and can’t wait for more in the irresistible Brinnswick world.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oakley and Roman finally getting their happily ever after in an adventure packed with danger, adrenaline, a couple of insecurities, shenanigans, teasing, love and devotion, and a mission that escalated but that changed irrevocably their lives.
I loved seeing old characters and the help they offered, as well as the bonding times.
I liked how their relationship bloomed, how they became aware of their feelings and the connection between them, as well as the support they offered each other.
There’s also a couple surprises along the way that will melt your heart, lots of love to share, and a big family that offers comfort, security and love.
I really enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.

[Gabrielle Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this last book in the Brinnswick series. Roman and Oakley make a good couple. I loved the way these two interact. Soon Roman realized just what Oakley is to him but he must figure out how to move forward. As the two work together and feelings begin to come about, we get to see how they balance their mission with their feelings.
Roman is Oakley’s fathers’ best friend and has seen Oakley grow up, add in the mission that they have been working on makes things complicated to say the least.
I am glad we get to see Oakley find a happy ever after and someone that will stand by him and always be there for him. Their story had me smiling and filled my heart right from the start and kept my attention all the way to the end.