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The Guardians #1
First Watch
He's hired to protect the leader of a K-pop boyband. He never expected one of them to save him.
One catastrophic failure ended Griffin Hale's career with an elite protection unit and left him sleepwalking through dead-end security shifts in Seattle, trying to forget the man he used to be. When Eamon Price offers him a high-stakes assignment—bodyguard detail for Violet Frequency, a wildly successful K-pop boyband on their world tour, guarding the lead vocalist—he takes it because he needs the work, not because he expects to care.
Then he meets the five brilliant, overworked young men navigating impossible schedules and relentless scrutiny. And one of the idols—Rune, the quiet lyricist with sleepless eyes who writes the songs that break hearts worldwide—sees straight through the armor Griffin's spent years rebuilding.
The problem? One leaked photo, one whispered rumor, and everything Rune has built will burn.
Their connection grows in stolen late-night hotel balconies, whispered confessions over shared earbuds, backstage corridors where their masks finally come off. But as the tour escalates and a threat from Griffin's past resurfaces back in Seattle, the band becomes a target—and so does the man he's falling for.
To save Rune, Griffin will have to confront the failure that destroyed everything. To love him, he'll have to believe he's worthy of being loved back.
One catastrophic failure ended Griffin Hale's career with an elite protection unit and left him sleepwalking through dead-end security shifts in Seattle, trying to forget the man he used to be. When Eamon Price offers him a high-stakes assignment—bodyguard detail for Violet Frequency, a wildly successful K-pop boyband on their world tour, guarding the lead vocalist—he takes it because he needs the work, not because he expects to care.
Then he meets the five brilliant, overworked young men navigating impossible schedules and relentless scrutiny. And one of the idols—Rune, the quiet lyricist with sleepless eyes who writes the songs that break hearts worldwide—sees straight through the armor Griffin's spent years rebuilding.
The problem? One leaked photo, one whispered rumor, and everything Rune has built will burn.
Their connection grows in stolen late-night hotel balconies, whispered confessions over shared earbuds, backstage corridors where their masks finally come off. But as the tour escalates and a threat from Griffin's past resurfaces back in Seattle, the band becomes a target—and so does the man he's falling for.
To save Rune, Griffin will have to confront the failure that destroyed everything. To love him, he'll have to believe he's worthy of being loved back.
- GenresM M RomanceLGBT
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2026
28 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 24, 2026
The way insta attraction was pretty insta and seeing as this entire story took place over approximately 13 days, you really need to be on board with the insta love trope. They met May 4 and said ILU on May 15⏩ Luckily that didn't bother me, but truth be told, they never really got to know each other, they just fell.
What I really liked was the honesty they both showed. Yoon-jae and Griffin were always on the same page letting the mystery breath and develope with legitimate anxiety about the threats they faced and not specifically on their relationship.
This book didn't only spotlight living your own truth, but gave detailed accounts of both their professions, kpop star and bodyguard. Homework was done in preparation of this book giving it more weight. I wish I could hear the music described🤗🎶🎧🎵
I enjoyed it and will be looking at more books by Declan Rhodes.
What I really liked was the honesty they both showed. Yoon-jae and Griffin were always on the same page letting the mystery breath and develope with legitimate anxiety about the threats they faced and not specifically on their relationship.
This book didn't only spotlight living your own truth, but gave detailed accounts of both their professions, kpop star and bodyguard. Homework was done in preparation of this book giving it more weight. I wish I could hear the music described🤗🎶🎧🎵
I enjoyed it and will be looking at more books by Declan Rhodes.
January 27, 2026
I received this ARC for a honest review. I have enjoyed all of Declan Rhodes book and this is a great start to a new series. The insta love between the MCs Griffin and Rune but with the short timeframe of the book, it makes sense. I liked the plot of the story has just enough suspense. The story and the characters are real and not over the top. Both characters have pasts to overcome and I like how they face adversity together. Not much spice. Definitely a good beginning to new series. Looking forward to the next.
January 22, 2026
Loved it and I'm not even familiar with K-Pop world.
But this book kept me biting my nails.
But this book kept me biting my nails.
January 25, 2026
It's a Declan Rhodes Compelling story that includes love
I have consistently admired the wide range of topics that Declan Rhodes explores with such depth and understanding. In this work, the first in the series about the Guardians, the focus is on security for a touring, corporate-managed band from South Korea. When threats arise against the composer and vocalist responsible for most of the band's work, an additional security agency is engaged. This agency is operated by Eamon Price, who has connections to the McCabe family, as detailed and profiled in Mr. Rhodes' "First in Line" series.
Eamon dispatches Griffin Hale, who was previously accused of leaking information about a principal involved in a serious auto accident, engineered when the route was leaked. Griffin was one of three individuals with the route information; however, when a fellow security agent vanished, and there was no way to verify that he had not leaked it, Griffin lost the confidence of his former employer.
Eamon intentionally engaged Griffin to provide security for the K-Pop band "Violet Frequency," which is currently touring the United States. Concerns had been raised regarding the adequacy of their existing security measures. Incidents occurred, and upon Griffin’s arrival with meticulously documented accounts of the events, suspicion was directed towards him. As Violet Frequency operates as a corporate enterprise, many personnel—including stagehands, sound engineers, lighting specialists, and others involved in a world tour—are employed. Although some incidents had occurred, the tour was limited to the West Coast, so the situation did not escalate to the point of requiring heightened attention.
Rune, the group's lyricist, was experiencing considerable pressure to produce new songs and garner attention for the band. He also recognized the burden Griffin had been placed under, who had been accused of misconduct in his former role. He could not prove he was not guilty of releasing information.
Their initially intended closeness was meant to alleviate Rune’s stress stemming from the threats and the controlling entity behind the band. Tensions arose due to Rune’s previous relationship with one of the managers, who was dissatisfied with the introduction of additional security measures.
The narrative continues as a well-crafted mystery, enriched with technical details that suggest Mr. Rhodes spent extensive time on the road with a band. The ongoing incidents threaten the group's safety, while an underlying sense that something is amiss persists among band members.
Mr. Rhodes offers a masterful depiction of the touring group, highlighting their daily struggles and successes as they perform for thousands. The developing romance, rooted in genuine concern for Rune, is portrayed honestly, reflecting Griffin's sincere care for the troubled musician.
The mystery unfolds, gradually revealing layers of deception, recklessness, and control that threaten the band members’ safety. Meanwhile, the romantic relationship between Griffin and Rune deepens, with each becoming the other's support.
This story is both beautiful and unsettling, exploring themes of corporate influence over touring bands, the pressures performers face, and the supporting roles behind the scenes. The plot advances compellingly, with Griffin's past used against him and Rune's concern for him undermined by management.
The writing is exceptional, filled with dialogue that portrays security procedures for principals and the intimacy of love, serving as a refuge for both Rune and Griffin.
My only ding is that he promised cameo appearances by the McCabes, and they do appear in the drama-filled ending scene when all is revealed. Their technical and tactical skills could have been woven more into this story to please me, but it's only a small ding.
I have consistently admired the wide range of topics that Declan Rhodes explores with such depth and understanding. In this work, the first in the series about the Guardians, the focus is on security for a touring, corporate-managed band from South Korea. When threats arise against the composer and vocalist responsible for most of the band's work, an additional security agency is engaged. This agency is operated by Eamon Price, who has connections to the McCabe family, as detailed and profiled in Mr. Rhodes' "First in Line" series.
Eamon dispatches Griffin Hale, who was previously accused of leaking information about a principal involved in a serious auto accident, engineered when the route was leaked. Griffin was one of three individuals with the route information; however, when a fellow security agent vanished, and there was no way to verify that he had not leaked it, Griffin lost the confidence of his former employer.
Eamon intentionally engaged Griffin to provide security for the K-Pop band "Violet Frequency," which is currently touring the United States. Concerns had been raised regarding the adequacy of their existing security measures. Incidents occurred, and upon Griffin’s arrival with meticulously documented accounts of the events, suspicion was directed towards him. As Violet Frequency operates as a corporate enterprise, many personnel—including stagehands, sound engineers, lighting specialists, and others involved in a world tour—are employed. Although some incidents had occurred, the tour was limited to the West Coast, so the situation did not escalate to the point of requiring heightened attention.
Rune, the group's lyricist, was experiencing considerable pressure to produce new songs and garner attention for the band. He also recognized the burden Griffin had been placed under, who had been accused of misconduct in his former role. He could not prove he was not guilty of releasing information.
Their initially intended closeness was meant to alleviate Rune’s stress stemming from the threats and the controlling entity behind the band. Tensions arose due to Rune’s previous relationship with one of the managers, who was dissatisfied with the introduction of additional security measures.
The narrative continues as a well-crafted mystery, enriched with technical details that suggest Mr. Rhodes spent extensive time on the road with a band. The ongoing incidents threaten the group's safety, while an underlying sense that something is amiss persists among band members.
Mr. Rhodes offers a masterful depiction of the touring group, highlighting their daily struggles and successes as they perform for thousands. The developing romance, rooted in genuine concern for Rune, is portrayed honestly, reflecting Griffin's sincere care for the troubled musician.
The mystery unfolds, gradually revealing layers of deception, recklessness, and control that threaten the band members’ safety. Meanwhile, the romantic relationship between Griffin and Rune deepens, with each becoming the other's support.
This story is both beautiful and unsettling, exploring themes of corporate influence over touring bands, the pressures performers face, and the supporting roles behind the scenes. The plot advances compellingly, with Griffin's past used against him and Rune's concern for him undermined by management.
The writing is exceptional, filled with dialogue that portrays security procedures for principals and the intimacy of love, serving as a refuge for both Rune and Griffin.
My only ding is that he promised cameo appearances by the McCabes, and they do appear in the drama-filled ending scene when all is revealed. Their technical and tactical skills could have been woven more into this story to please me, but it's only a small ding.
January 29, 2026
First Watch by Declan Rhodes was amazing! The way that Declan pieces a story together is magical.
We are first introduced to Griffin; he is part of a Security team that has a connection to Declan's "First in Line" series (I highly recommend reading that!). Griffin is hired to protect Rune, a member of a popular K-pop band Violet Frequency. He’s recovering from an incident that left him blamed, and professionally scarred, for something he didn’t do. This new position protecting Violet Frequency is his chance at redemption, a way to prove that he can be trusted again, if not professionally, then personally.
Rune (Yoon-Jae) is a member of Violet Frequency who feels trapped as part of a machine... stuck in a position where he can't be fully himself and can't show the world who he really is. He believes that revealing his true self would destroy everything he and his friends have built as Violet Frequency. At first, Rune is quiet, sweet, and almost meek, following directions and squashing himself to fit the mold… but throughout the story, he slowly reveals his strength.
The two meet very early on in the story. There was no meet cute, just a touch. That touch defines the whole story. Insta-love, insta-connection. The development of their relationship wasn't written in an over-the-top way full of angst, their relationship just was, it simply existed almost instantaneously like soulmates. They share some quiet moments together throughout the story, at the arenas, at the hotel and the in-between moments of life that built their connection. Their love unfolds over a very very short time, with a lot happening around them. It is primarily built on their emotional connection and not their physical. I enjoyed the support they showed each other right off the bat, the trust they placed in one another is what truly brought them closer. The events throughout the story consistently push the main characters together, adding drama and anxiety to the mystery.
Overall, this story has a well written plot, I really enjoyed the twists, turns, and suspense. I loved Griffin and Rune and the solid bond they built, I loved the side and supporting characters, and I love that we got a glimpse of the McCabes :) Declan Rhodes has quickly risen to the top of my list of favorites! I’m very much looking forward to more amazing stories from this author!
We are first introduced to Griffin; he is part of a Security team that has a connection to Declan's "First in Line" series (I highly recommend reading that!). Griffin is hired to protect Rune, a member of a popular K-pop band Violet Frequency. He’s recovering from an incident that left him blamed, and professionally scarred, for something he didn’t do. This new position protecting Violet Frequency is his chance at redemption, a way to prove that he can be trusted again, if not professionally, then personally.
Rune (Yoon-Jae) is a member of Violet Frequency who feels trapped as part of a machine... stuck in a position where he can't be fully himself and can't show the world who he really is. He believes that revealing his true self would destroy everything he and his friends have built as Violet Frequency. At first, Rune is quiet, sweet, and almost meek, following directions and squashing himself to fit the mold… but throughout the story, he slowly reveals his strength.
The two meet very early on in the story. There was no meet cute, just a touch. That touch defines the whole story. Insta-love, insta-connection. The development of their relationship wasn't written in an over-the-top way full of angst, their relationship just was, it simply existed almost instantaneously like soulmates. They share some quiet moments together throughout the story, at the arenas, at the hotel and the in-between moments of life that built their connection. Their love unfolds over a very very short time, with a lot happening around them. It is primarily built on their emotional connection and not their physical. I enjoyed the support they showed each other right off the bat, the trust they placed in one another is what truly brought them closer. The events throughout the story consistently push the main characters together, adding drama and anxiety to the mystery.
Overall, this story has a well written plot, I really enjoyed the twists, turns, and suspense. I loved Griffin and Rune and the solid bond they built, I loved the side and supporting characters, and I love that we got a glimpse of the McCabes :) Declan Rhodes has quickly risen to the top of my list of favorites! I’m very much looking forward to more amazing stories from this author!
January 28, 2026
Griffin, a former top bodyguard haunted by a past failure, takes on a high‑risk job protecting Rune, a tightly controlled K‑pop star. Close quarters and constant danger pull them together fast, blurring the line between duty and desire. When a string of “accidents” turns deadly, Griffin realises someone is targeting Rune — and the threat may be coming from inside his own security system. To keep Rune safe, he must face the mistake that ruined his career, and to love him, he has to fight for Rune’s voice in a world determined to silence him.
I loved this story that delivered a gripping blend of danger, intimacy, and emotional depth. Rune lives in a world where every move is monitored and every choice is made for him — a life shaped by handlers, managers, and a system that treats him like a product instead of a person. The only one who sees him, protects him, and refuses to control him is Griffin. Their connection was intense from the start, forged in close quarters and sharpened by the constant threat surrounding them. What begins as duty became something far more powerful, and the love that grew between them felt both forbidden and inevitable. Griffin gave Rune the freedom he’s never had, and Rune gave Griffin a reason to believe in himself again. With real danger closing in and the stakes rising at every turn, their relationship became the one thing worth fighting for. This was a high‑tension, high‑emotion romance where love is both the risk and the reward. This was an MM story with mature content.
I loved this story that delivered a gripping blend of danger, intimacy, and emotional depth. Rune lives in a world where every move is monitored and every choice is made for him — a life shaped by handlers, managers, and a system that treats him like a product instead of a person. The only one who sees him, protects him, and refuses to control him is Griffin. Their connection was intense from the start, forged in close quarters and sharpened by the constant threat surrounding them. What begins as duty became something far more powerful, and the love that grew between them felt both forbidden and inevitable. Griffin gave Rune the freedom he’s never had, and Rune gave Griffin a reason to believe in himself again. With real danger closing in and the stakes rising at every turn, their relationship became the one thing worth fighting for. This was a high‑tension, high‑emotion romance where love is both the risk and the reward. This was an MM story with mature content.
January 22, 2026
I received an ARC of this book, promising to provide an honest review.
This is the first book in a new series titles The Guardians and I am looking forward to it. I honestly found it a thrill to read. There was enough tension throughout to keep one reading for hours after bed-time. Like other books I have read by this author, I was fascinated by the detail and knowledge that the author had acquired to be able to write it.
It revolves around a Boy Band, Rune being the one who writes the songs and does solo voice but not the band leader. Rune has been receiving threatening messages and so Griffen, a security guy who was fired (took blame for a leak he was not responsible for) several years earlier is called in to travel and provide security for the band and especially for Rune.
Rune is portrayed as fearful but proves to be much braver in the end. Rune leans on Griffen initially and there is a chemistry that leads to relationship that cannot be public, until it does just before the tour takes them to Seattle (Griffen's home base) where the culprit in the messages and incidents in San Francisco, Vancouver, Portland, and LA happened. To reveal more would mean spoiling the reader's enjoyment. In Seattle we meet back with the McCabes and others from The First in Line Series written by the same author.
This is the first book in a new series titles The Guardians and I am looking forward to it. I honestly found it a thrill to read. There was enough tension throughout to keep one reading for hours after bed-time. Like other books I have read by this author, I was fascinated by the detail and knowledge that the author had acquired to be able to write it.
It revolves around a Boy Band, Rune being the one who writes the songs and does solo voice but not the band leader. Rune has been receiving threatening messages and so Griffen, a security guy who was fired (took blame for a leak he was not responsible for) several years earlier is called in to travel and provide security for the band and especially for Rune.
Rune is portrayed as fearful but proves to be much braver in the end. Rune leans on Griffen initially and there is a chemistry that leads to relationship that cannot be public, until it does just before the tour takes them to Seattle (Griffen's home base) where the culprit in the messages and incidents in San Francisco, Vancouver, Portland, and LA happened. To reveal more would mean spoiling the reader's enjoyment. In Seattle we meet back with the McCabes and others from The First in Line Series written by the same author.
January 25, 2026
ARC review
Every book I ever read from this author I've given five stars. Declan Rhodes is an exceptional writer. All books are the highest quality. I'm always looking forward to open one of his books. Every time I open a new book I know it's good, but it always blows my mind how completely complex and well written each and every one is.
This is book one in The Guardians series. It's about elite protection where the ones who need to be protected lives a public life where everyone's watching. The MC's have to choose if they want to take a chance on love under everyone's scrutiny eyes.
Griffin is a highly competent elite protection hired to watch out for Rune, one of four in a very popular K-Pop group. A failure in his past keeps following him and he's got difficult disitions to make. Rune has threats hanging over his head and it seem like it comes from the inside. After over ten years in the industry someone's targeting him.
The MC's relationship is very close and intimate. It's based on mutual respect, trust, honesty and the right to make their own choices. In a world where every one want to control Rune and the rest of the group, Griffin is a breath of fresh air.
This book is a must have so I highly recommend it.
Every book I ever read from this author I've given five stars. Declan Rhodes is an exceptional writer. All books are the highest quality. I'm always looking forward to open one of his books. Every time I open a new book I know it's good, but it always blows my mind how completely complex and well written each and every one is.
This is book one in The Guardians series. It's about elite protection where the ones who need to be protected lives a public life where everyone's watching. The MC's have to choose if they want to take a chance on love under everyone's scrutiny eyes.
Griffin is a highly competent elite protection hired to watch out for Rune, one of four in a very popular K-Pop group. A failure in his past keeps following him and he's got difficult disitions to make. Rune has threats hanging over his head and it seem like it comes from the inside. After over ten years in the industry someone's targeting him.
The MC's relationship is very close and intimate. It's based on mutual respect, trust, honesty and the right to make their own choices. In a world where every one want to control Rune and the rest of the group, Griffin is a breath of fresh air.
This book is a must have so I highly recommend it.
January 21, 2026
Amazing
This was unexpected, like usual with Declan Rhodes. But it was more unexpected than usual, so yes, it surprised me. It didn’t surprise how good it was, it didn’t surprise me how thorough it was, or how it flowed beautifully and naturally. It surprised me because someone who failed was given such a powerful position of trust, because he was given a chance after messing up, because someone saw what he did, the value he had, and how good he was, and realized that his mistake was simply that, and didn’t warrant the harsh treatment he received. And it builds from there. Yes, it’s a beautiful love story, it’s meant to be because the MCs are amazing, like usual, but they aren’t perfect. And I just love that! I love how Griffin can be the best and be fired, and still be given a chance. I love how things work out, how he can find himself in a better place, in a better company, with people who trust him and don’t judge him too harshly or throw him under the bus. And I loved that. I loved how the perceived failure was woven into the story, and used for growth. It is fantastic. I love Declan Rhodes, and I can’t wait for the next book!
This was unexpected, like usual with Declan Rhodes. But it was more unexpected than usual, so yes, it surprised me. It didn’t surprise how good it was, it didn’t surprise me how thorough it was, or how it flowed beautifully and naturally. It surprised me because someone who failed was given such a powerful position of trust, because he was given a chance after messing up, because someone saw what he did, the value he had, and how good he was, and realized that his mistake was simply that, and didn’t warrant the harsh treatment he received. And it builds from there. Yes, it’s a beautiful love story, it’s meant to be because the MCs are amazing, like usual, but they aren’t perfect. And I just love that! I love how Griffin can be the best and be fired, and still be given a chance. I love how things work out, how he can find himself in a better place, in a better company, with people who trust him and don’t judge him too harshly or throw him under the bus. And I loved that. I loved how the perceived failure was woven into the story, and used for growth. It is fantastic. I love Declan Rhodes, and I can’t wait for the next book!
January 21, 2026
FIRST WATCH - DECLAN RHODES
This is a new series called The Guardians, and a spin off from the First in Line books.
Griffin hesitated before agreeing to join security for Violet Frequency because his previous job ended with him taking the fall for something that wasn’t his fault. Afraid to be in that position again, Griffin decides to stay professional at all costs. Unfortunately he hadn’t planned on becoming attached to the band member he was tasked with protecting.
Rune is the lead singer and songwriter for the group, and is so used to being managed with the other members, he doesn’t realize someone is trying to hurt him. Threats against him escalate and it’s up to Griffin to make sure he remains safe. This also means more time together and finally giving in to their attraction for each other.
As the tour continues, Griffin realizes there is more going on, and starts documenting as much as he can to protect himself and Rune as the situation unfolds. There is an appearance by two of the McCabe brothers as well as assistance from Eamon when things reach a crisis level.
Great suspense, found family, and a HEA. Definitely an author you need on your must read list!
This is a new series called The Guardians, and a spin off from the First in Line books.
Griffin hesitated before agreeing to join security for Violet Frequency because his previous job ended with him taking the fall for something that wasn’t his fault. Afraid to be in that position again, Griffin decides to stay professional at all costs. Unfortunately he hadn’t planned on becoming attached to the band member he was tasked with protecting.
Rune is the lead singer and songwriter for the group, and is so used to being managed with the other members, he doesn’t realize someone is trying to hurt him. Threats against him escalate and it’s up to Griffin to make sure he remains safe. This also means more time together and finally giving in to their attraction for each other.
As the tour continues, Griffin realizes there is more going on, and starts documenting as much as he can to protect himself and Rune as the situation unfolds. There is an appearance by two of the McCabe brothers as well as assistance from Eamon when things reach a crisis level.
Great suspense, found family, and a HEA. Definitely an author you need on your must read list!
January 21, 2026
A restrained romance that I really liked. Rhodes has brought us back to the world of security professionals in the first book in his new series. Griffin is an expert body guard with a tragic past, his last principal was injured in an accident that was made to look like Griffin's fault. He was fired and the stigma of that has been held over his head for 18 months. Rune is a member of a popular K-pop boyband who has been the target of strange harassment. Griffin is hired to protect Rune and the two are immediately drawn to one another. It appears that the call is coming from inside the house, and Rune's management contact is trying to pin all the incidents as a reflection on the new security. It's a tense story and the subject of control vs. safety is a heavy theme. K-pop stars have to endure a lot of control over their lives in order to have that fame. This story is a great reflection on that control, even the relationship between the two MCs is restrained and protective. I usually like my stories to have a little more spice, but in this context it makes sense for these two to be so measured. I really enjoyed it overall and I'm looking forward to more of this series.
January 22, 2026
The debut of Rhodes’s The Guardians series starts off with a bang. If you’re not already a Rhodes fan, you will be after this novel. As always, the topic is current…this time its K-Pop. Under what kind of pressure are the performers and especially the lead performer? And why does he need to be protected? Who is sending the threatening texts? Is it an inside job? Enter the guardian who has a history of being the scapegoat. Exactly what does a ‘professional distance’ mean? The-behind-the scenes of getting ready for a performance are fascinating. The setting up and breaking down, lighting, sound checks, costumes, makeup, positioning, the list is long. And then there’s travel and hotel security plus too many dark corridors. There's always the question of who can be trusted. Is it acceptable to be yourself and if so, is it only behind a stage name? Who is your true self, how do you embrace it, and what does honesty mean and look like? What will be the rippling effects of each decision? Both the lead performer and the guardian must decide and find out. And you’ll also enjoy the spicy moments. Rhodes does not disappoint. Enjoy!
January 28, 2026
This is an interesting twist on the rockstar/bodyguard romance trope.
The threats to Rune are very much emotional and psychological than physical and it's an ugly twist how love and care can be turned into control and abuse.
Rune's confidence is erosed bit by bit with Griffin being pushed into a position where nothing can't be right or wrong.
Griffin's way to explore and discover patterns in the villian's behaviour and plans was interesting to read.
I found the story intense, well written with plenty of turns to keep you wondering what will happen next.
There are good secondary characters which also make the story interesting.
You have to accept a fairly unbelievable insta-love, Rhodes writes fast and quick connections, but I found this one a bit much.
It's a bit hard to belive, Griffin and Rune are in a tour bubble and it's very much removed from the real world so it's difficult to see how their connection moves forward in a more normal life.
Nevertheless, the book kept me up and wanting to finish it while I should have slept and worked.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The threats to Rune are very much emotional and psychological than physical and it's an ugly twist how love and care can be turned into control and abuse.
Rune's confidence is erosed bit by bit with Griffin being pushed into a position where nothing can't be right or wrong.
Griffin's way to explore and discover patterns in the villian's behaviour and plans was interesting to read.
I found the story intense, well written with plenty of turns to keep you wondering what will happen next.
There are good secondary characters which also make the story interesting.
You have to accept a fairly unbelievable insta-love, Rhodes writes fast and quick connections, but I found this one a bit much.
It's a bit hard to belive, Griffin and Rune are in a tour bubble and it's very much removed from the real world so it's difficult to see how their connection moves forward in a more normal life.
Nevertheless, the book kept me up and wanting to finish it while I should have slept and worked.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2026
Looks like another winner from Declan with this gripping start to a new series that pulled me in from the first chapter. I thought that the mix of close-protection suspense and high-pressure K-pop fame felt fresh and well researched and the constant sense of threat kept me turning pages with the danger slowly escalated rather than appearing all at once.
Fantastic MC's, Griffin a compelling bodyguard protagonist, carrying the weight of a past failure that makes every decision feel high stakes, while Rune’s life under relentless scrutiny is portrayed with real empathy. Their connection develops naturally through proximity and trust, and the tension between professional distance and personal attachment is handled really well. The mystery of where the threat is coming from kept me guessing, and the emotional payoff landed nicely. Looking forward to seeing what comes next.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review.
Fantastic MC's, Griffin a compelling bodyguard protagonist, carrying the weight of a past failure that makes every decision feel high stakes, while Rune’s life under relentless scrutiny is portrayed with real empathy. Their connection develops naturally through proximity and trust, and the tension between professional distance and personal attachment is handled really well. The mystery of where the threat is coming from kept me guessing, and the emotional payoff landed nicely. Looking forward to seeing what comes next.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review.
January 21, 2026
A new series that is full of mystery, Rune a member of K-Pop band Violet Frequency needs protection and Griffin Hale is perfect for the job. A bodyguard that sees patterns.
I really enjoyed following Griffin as he protected Rune on the American leg of their tour. There is an instant attraction as Griffin straightaway goes to work to protect Rune, but it does not feel rushed as they try and hide the attraction.
I liked following how Griffin worked out the patterns, getting to know the rest of the band. My only small issue was that I wished there was a prelude explain how Griffin got to work for The Guardians, whilst we learnt about the incident I wanted to know how he knew Eamon. Loved the cameos and I smiled when they appeared in the book.
Looking forward to continue this story
I really enjoyed following Griffin as he protected Rune on the American leg of their tour. There is an instant attraction as Griffin straightaway goes to work to protect Rune, but it does not feel rushed as they try and hide the attraction.
I liked following how Griffin worked out the patterns, getting to know the rest of the band. My only small issue was that I wished there was a prelude explain how Griffin got to work for The Guardians, whilst we learnt about the incident I wanted to know how he knew Eamon. Loved the cameos and I smiled when they appeared in the book.
Looking forward to continue this story
January 22, 2026
While this is a good read, I feel like the character development from Rhodes STORM WARNING series is missing.
I do not understand how Rune and Griffin can like each other so quickly, when it seems like it happened at their very first meeting?
I would have preferred a bit more of them getting to know one another and maybe an explanation of why they feel the connection they do between the two of them.
I also found that the repeated reminder of the issue from Griffin's past was a bit much. It felt like it was trotted out every second chapter. I get why he is leery, but I do not need it rehashed, repeatedly.
I did enjoy learning about the boy band aspect.
Overall, this was a good read and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
I do not understand how Rune and Griffin can like each other so quickly, when it seems like it happened at their very first meeting?
I would have preferred a bit more of them getting to know one another and maybe an explanation of why they feel the connection they do between the two of them.
I also found that the repeated reminder of the issue from Griffin's past was a bit much. It felt like it was trotted out every second chapter. I get why he is leery, but I do not need it rehashed, repeatedly.
I did enjoy learning about the boy band aspect.
Overall, this was a good read and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
January 24, 2026
I was invested in this storyline from the start and had a hard time putting the book down. It starts out with threats to Rune (a k-pop idol) that result in Griffin being hired to keep him safe. The way Griffin thinks in patterns made his POV fascinating to read and I also really enjoyed Rune's POV with the way he describe the music industry. These two worked really well together and also had very distinct personalities so I had no trouble telling them apart. The supporting cast was also not hard to keep track of and the resolution to the threat was really well written. Definitely worth a read if you like your romance more suspense flavoured.
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
***I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.***
January 27, 2026
Living in the spotlight is never easy and Rune knows it well, his life and story managed and controlled for years. He and his band mates have been doing this dance that turns them from humans into products. Threats have been coming in, threats aimed at Rune. Griffin is brought in as extra security. He has a history that haunts him from his previous job, a history that he didn't create. Rune and Griffin didn't set out to fall for each other but Rune immediately found comfort in Griffin's touch. Locating the source of the danger takes time and together Rune, Griffin, and the other band members document incidents creating a thrilling ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2026
Declan Rhodes is starting off a new series, The Guardians, with this book about Griffin, a personal security person who is assigned to guard a member of a kpop band. Giffin had an unfortunate thing happen with his last assignment, and we are able to see that the issue is resolved in this book. If you like solving a mystery along with your romance, and like to see what happens behind the stage of music artists, I recommend this book.
January 22, 2026
This author writes with incredible honesty that the world needs to hear. His words are gold and let's you see inside a person's being. I enjoyed every minute of this story. I loved how he made it so the characters were seen in a way that didn't appear mass produced, it made the characters stronger and more believable. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series.
January 24, 2026
At first, not so sure
My initial hesitation was not for Declan; his writing/books are awesome. Rather, admittedly I'm not a big fan of Korean pop bands. However, I also spent 16 years in promotion/marketing for a major record label, so this was somewhat familiar ground. Highly recommend it. 🙂
My initial hesitation was not for Declan; his writing/books are awesome. Rather, admittedly I'm not a big fan of Korean pop bands. However, I also spent 16 years in promotion/marketing for a major record label, so this was somewhat familiar ground. Highly recommend it. 🙂
January 26, 2026
This was an amazing read! It was more about the feelings a closeted idol dealt with and less about steamy relations between the MCs. I loved that it focused more on a mystery of who was trying to sabotage Griffin and Rune. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the next!
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest review.
January 26, 2026
Griffin is assigned to protect Rune a K-Pop star. Things aren't what they seem and threats are closer to home than they think.
This is a fast pace, insta-love and lots of drama with wonderful characters.
This is a fast pace, insta-love and lots of drama with wonderful characters.
January 29, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book. Had you on the edge to try to figure out who was behind the threats to the band. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. Highly recommend.
January 21, 2026
This is a suspense, confusing at times during security language. Great start to this new series.
Read
January 22, 2026The book starts May 4 and ends May 17 plus a short epilogue that is set few months later
it's a little bland insta-love with a low spice level
it's a little bland insta-love with a low spice level
January 24, 2026
A surprising and amazing start to a new series. A story I didn't expect and thoroughly enjoyed reading. I'm already looking forward to part 2 of this series.
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