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Mayberry Protectors #8
Saving Wyatt
My choices are catching up with me.
Two years ago, I assembled a team to bring down a crime lord. Now he's trying to take everything away from me.
Which is how I end up homeless and a murder suspect. And he won't stop there.
Suddenly, I'm forced to move in with my brother and his best friend.
Ari is a literal Greek god with the most beautiful smile and a heart of gold. Every time I'm around him I forget myself and this dirty, little secret I've been hiding all my life.
Which is why I should keep my distance.
I have a demon to face and I must face him alone before he destroys everything and everyone I love.
Saving Wyatt is a MM Ex-Navy SEAL best friend's brother, age gap romance set in the small island of Mayberry Holm. It features a closeted silver fox, a caring doctor with ghosts of his own, and a criminal who will stop at nothing. Comes with a guaranteed HEA and can be read as a standalone but is better enjoyed if read in order.
Trigger warnings for homophobic language, violence, and death.
Two years ago, I assembled a team to bring down a crime lord. Now he's trying to take everything away from me.
Which is how I end up homeless and a murder suspect. And he won't stop there.
Suddenly, I'm forced to move in with my brother and his best friend.
Ari is a literal Greek god with the most beautiful smile and a heart of gold. Every time I'm around him I forget myself and this dirty, little secret I've been hiding all my life.
Which is why I should keep my distance.
I have a demon to face and I must face him alone before he destroys everything and everyone I love.
Saving Wyatt is a MM Ex-Navy SEAL best friend's brother, age gap romance set in the small island of Mayberry Holm. It features a closeted silver fox, a caring doctor with ghosts of his own, and a criminal who will stop at nothing. Comes with a guaranteed HEA and can be read as a standalone but is better enjoyed if read in order.
Trigger warnings for homophobic language, violence, and death.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2026
About the author
Rhys Everly
40 books252 followersRhys Everly-Lawless is a hopeless romantic who loves happily-ever-afters.
Which would explain why he loves writing them.
When he's not passionately typing out his next book, you can find him cuddling his dog, feeding his husband, or taking long walks letting those plot bunnies breed ferociously in his head.
He writes contemporary gay romances as Rhys Everly and LGBTQ+ urban fantasy and paranormal romances as Rhys Lawless.
You can find him and all his latest projects on rhyswritesromance.com
Which would explain why he loves writing them.
When he's not passionately typing out his next book, you can find him cuddling his dog, feeding his husband, or taking long walks letting those plot bunnies breed ferociously in his head.
He writes contemporary gay romances as Rhys Everly and LGBTQ+ urban fantasy and paranormal romances as Rhys Lawless.
You can find him and all his latest projects on rhyswritesromance.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 26, 2026
Did I read this book without reading the previous ones? Yep. Story of my life signing up for ARCs without verifying how many books are available 😅
Honestly, I didn’t feel like I needed to read the previous ones to understand what was going on. I however will read them because I need the full story of what happened that lead to this series finale.
My heart hurt for Wyatt. He did everything he could to keep the island safe from the evil that plagued it. But no good deed goes unpunished and those same people he helped turned on him over a crime he didn’t commit.
And if that wasn’t enough, his enemy kept targeting the people he loved and the people on the island. Wilson was determined to make Wyatt’s life a living hell by undoing all the good he had done.
Wyatt had so much on his plate. Keeping everyone safe was his number one priority but that wasn’t the only thing keeping him awake at night. Hiding his sexuality from everyone was also taking a toll on him.
He lost the man he loved out of fear of being found out. He was afraid of what people would think if they knew he was gay and it’s that fear that cost him the chance to be happy.
Ari was the island doctor and the one that made sure everyone was taken care of medically. Dr. Ari was a widower who even after many years could not get over his husband’s death. He wasn’t looking to fall in love again, much less with his best friend’s older brother.
Wyatt was the kindest man Ari had ever met but Ari could see Wyatt was holding back. He could tell he was hiding his true self and determined to believe he didn’t deserve to be happy. Wyatt blamed himself for the things that went wrong in the island.
When his suspicions are confirmed, Ari can’t help but be attracted to Wyatt. He knows how important it is for him to keep his sexuality hidden and is more than happy to be Wyatt’s secret.
After dealing once and for all with the scum targeting the island, Wyatt is tired of hiding. He found a man to love him for him, warts and all and he doesn’t want to hide him. Being with Ari is the best thing to ever happen to him and he would not hide how happy Ari made him feel.
Wyatt deserved to be recognized for all the amazing things he did for everyone. He deserved to find someone to love him and show him how amazing he was and Ari was that man. Ari saved Wyatt in more ways than one, starting with his heart.
Honestly, I didn’t feel like I needed to read the previous ones to understand what was going on. I however will read them because I need the full story of what happened that lead to this series finale.
My heart hurt for Wyatt. He did everything he could to keep the island safe from the evil that plagued it. But no good deed goes unpunished and those same people he helped turned on him over a crime he didn’t commit.
And if that wasn’t enough, his enemy kept targeting the people he loved and the people on the island. Wilson was determined to make Wyatt’s life a living hell by undoing all the good he had done.
Wyatt had so much on his plate. Keeping everyone safe was his number one priority but that wasn’t the only thing keeping him awake at night. Hiding his sexuality from everyone was also taking a toll on him.
He lost the man he loved out of fear of being found out. He was afraid of what people would think if they knew he was gay and it’s that fear that cost him the chance to be happy.
Ari was the island doctor and the one that made sure everyone was taken care of medically. Dr. Ari was a widower who even after many years could not get over his husband’s death. He wasn’t looking to fall in love again, much less with his best friend’s older brother.
Wyatt was the kindest man Ari had ever met but Ari could see Wyatt was holding back. He could tell he was hiding his true self and determined to believe he didn’t deserve to be happy. Wyatt blamed himself for the things that went wrong in the island.
When his suspicions are confirmed, Ari can’t help but be attracted to Wyatt. He knows how important it is for him to keep his sexuality hidden and is more than happy to be Wyatt’s secret.
After dealing once and for all with the scum targeting the island, Wyatt is tired of hiding. He found a man to love him for him, warts and all and he doesn’t want to hide him. Being with Ari is the best thing to ever happen to him and he would not hide how happy Ari made him feel.
Wyatt deserved to be recognized for all the amazing things he did for everyone. He deserved to find someone to love him and show him how amazing he was and Ari was that man. Ari saved Wyatt in more ways than one, starting with his heart.
August 25, 2026
4.5 stars, rounded to 5
And so the series comes to an end. For two years, Wyatt has been trying to bring down a criminal mastermind in Mayberry Holm, and he has reassembled his SEAL team to do it. As a bonus, everyone is finding their forever person, everyone but Wyatt. In the closet his whole life (now 58), he lost his previous love because he couldn’t commit and claim his man publicly. But then he meets Ari, Greek, a doctor running a free healthcare van in town, and Wyatt’s brother Warren’s best friend. When Wyatt first sees Ari, then touches him for a handshake, he is lost. No one has ever touched him so quickly, nor made him feel so safe. As Wyatt continues to try to figure out how to bring Mayor Wilson down, consequences escalate for Wyatt and those near his team. The one steadying force for him is Ari, he can make the chaos go calm and his stress to disappear. Luckily Ari stays close as all heck is starting to break out with the wily and elusive Wilson, challenging Wyatt at every turn, putting those he loves and cares for in danger, and continuing to harm the town. But Wyatt is persistent, and this is the end of the series, so we know he will get his man —and in a very satisfying way, if I do say so myself. Will Wyatt be able to overcome his fear and claim Ari for his own? Guess you’ll need to read to find out how Wilson gets his comeuppance, and if Wyatt claims his man and his happy ever after. I think you’ll be glad you did.
The series is a long one, but the characters are engaging and keep showing up in successive books as a new love is added, enlarging the group that Wyatt cares for. Reading the books in order is advisable, as the plot and cast of characters grows with each book as the story becomes richer and more complicated. It is an interesting and engaging read, keeping you immersed in Mayberry Holm and what is happening there. You will almost become part of the group,
as you meet and embrace the team and their significant others, their kids, and their four-legged friends, too. Get ready for a ride as it is ex-Navy SEALS versus a scummy crime lord, where you can root for good to triumph over evil and eventually see the good guys win. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
And so the series comes to an end. For two years, Wyatt has been trying to bring down a criminal mastermind in Mayberry Holm, and he has reassembled his SEAL team to do it. As a bonus, everyone is finding their forever person, everyone but Wyatt. In the closet his whole life (now 58), he lost his previous love because he couldn’t commit and claim his man publicly. But then he meets Ari, Greek, a doctor running a free healthcare van in town, and Wyatt’s brother Warren’s best friend. When Wyatt first sees Ari, then touches him for a handshake, he is lost. No one has ever touched him so quickly, nor made him feel so safe. As Wyatt continues to try to figure out how to bring Mayor Wilson down, consequences escalate for Wyatt and those near his team. The one steadying force for him is Ari, he can make the chaos go calm and his stress to disappear. Luckily Ari stays close as all heck is starting to break out with the wily and elusive Wilson, challenging Wyatt at every turn, putting those he loves and cares for in danger, and continuing to harm the town. But Wyatt is persistent, and this is the end of the series, so we know he will get his man —and in a very satisfying way, if I do say so myself. Will Wyatt be able to overcome his fear and claim Ari for his own? Guess you’ll need to read to find out how Wilson gets his comeuppance, and if Wyatt claims his man and his happy ever after. I think you’ll be glad you did.
The series is a long one, but the characters are engaging and keep showing up in successive books as a new love is added, enlarging the group that Wyatt cares for. Reading the books in order is advisable, as the plot and cast of characters grows with each book as the story becomes richer and more complicated. It is an interesting and engaging read, keeping you immersed in Mayberry Holm and what is happening there. You will almost become part of the group,
as you meet and embrace the team and their significant others, their kids, and their four-legged friends, too. Get ready for a ride as it is ex-Navy SEALS versus a scummy crime lord, where you can root for good to triumph over evil and eventually see the good guys win. I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
September 3, 2026
MY OPINION: I picked up this series in book seven, which I enjoyed. This is the last book in the series. To completely understand the story and its nuances, this is one of those books you want to read the entire series. Since I read book seven, I could piece together enough to understand the story and pick up from there. There were still so many things I didn’t know, characters I wasn’t sure about their story that I felt I was missing something. Even with that, this was worth the read, and you could for sure enjoy it without reading the prior titles.
The men in these books appeal to me. In this title, we focus on the leader, fifty-eight-year-old Wyatt. Each member of the team has paired off, but not Wyatt; he is fifty-eight years old and deep in the closet. Having joined the Navy when Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was in its infancy, he worried what others would think. Even after the men he served worth were apparently queer and had paired up. He is still afraid to tell them.
When Ari, his brother’s best friend, enters his life, it hits him like lightning. He is a good man, a doctor with a big heart. They are drawn together like magnets, but Wyatt feels like he ruins everything and Ari is too precious to damage.
They are still having trouble with the mayor and are battling. When the things he cares about start burning, they decide to act, choosing between themselves or Wilson. Throughout there are some battles, a lot of fear, and mafia-like interactions. Like I said about book seven, this isn’t exactly a mafia book, but it is certainly adjacent. Maybe a crime saga?
These two men are great. We see the other couples in this book, the entire team working together to eliminate their problem. They work through the situations together, but in the bedroom it becomes a bubble and heals broken pieces in both of them. They find something together that they know they need forever, together. The spice scenes are fewer but very sensual, and open door.
I liked the book and loved the entire vibe. It’s a romance with plenty of action and drama. Pick it up if you like action/adventure books with some love in it. You’ll enjoy it for sure. I sense the entire series is good, so worth putting on your TBR.
The men in these books appeal to me. In this title, we focus on the leader, fifty-eight-year-old Wyatt. Each member of the team has paired off, but not Wyatt; he is fifty-eight years old and deep in the closet. Having joined the Navy when Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was in its infancy, he worried what others would think. Even after the men he served worth were apparently queer and had paired up. He is still afraid to tell them.
When Ari, his brother’s best friend, enters his life, it hits him like lightning. He is a good man, a doctor with a big heart. They are drawn together like magnets, but Wyatt feels like he ruins everything and Ari is too precious to damage.
They are still having trouble with the mayor and are battling. When the things he cares about start burning, they decide to act, choosing between themselves or Wilson. Throughout there are some battles, a lot of fear, and mafia-like interactions. Like I said about book seven, this isn’t exactly a mafia book, but it is certainly adjacent. Maybe a crime saga?
These two men are great. We see the other couples in this book, the entire team working together to eliminate their problem. They work through the situations together, but in the bedroom it becomes a bubble and heals broken pieces in both of them. They find something together that they know they need forever, together. The spice scenes are fewer but very sensual, and open door.
I liked the book and loved the entire vibe. It’s a romance with plenty of action and drama. Pick it up if you like action/adventure books with some love in it. You’ll enjoy it for sure. I sense the entire series is good, so worth putting on your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a free copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.
Wyatt is a former Navy SEAL who has retired to Mayberry Island off the East Coast of the US. He meets his brother Warren’s best friend, Ari, a Greek and a doctor running a health care program out of his van. Wyatt has a super low self-esteem and blames himself for all the ills that have befallen his colleagues as a result of the actions of a crime boss who has been elected mayor. As a result of a series of misconceptions, mostly on Wyatt’s part, it takes some time for them to get together. On top of that, Wyatt is deeply in the closet. Over the course of this series, Wyatt has brought many of his former fellow SEALS, who have all found mates since arriving. Wyatt, of course, is the exception but he falls quickly and heavily for Ari. This all takes place in the context of a “war” with the crime boss/mayor who early on burns down Wyatt’s bar and a local B&B.
I’ve read several books in the series and enjoyed them, though it has stretched over several years. The author has show skill in weaving the two storylines together to make them credible. With the exception of a couple of people (Wyatt’s ex and Wyatt’s brother), nobody suspects that he’s actually closeted, plus despite his having brought his former squad members to meet their partners, they don’t show him a lot of respect. This makes a major contribution to his lack of self-esteem. Ari, on the other hand, is extremely supportive and positive. While eventually they get together for sex, the love message from Evan upsets him, making Wyatt take off. Of course, Evan is Ari’s late husband and Ari set up the message that has arrived every day for the past 4 years. Meanwhile, the crime boss is terrorizing Wyatt’s guys, forcing them to formulate a plan to be rid of him. Here the author shows his mastery of suspense by taking us right near the end before resolving it. This book takes place in a small town but does really use any of the residents to support the former SEALS. Given that the latter are quite numerous, including their spouses/partners, they are sufficient.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Wyatt is a former Navy SEAL who has retired to Mayberry Island off the East Coast of the US. He meets his brother Warren’s best friend, Ari, a Greek and a doctor running a health care program out of his van. Wyatt has a super low self-esteem and blames himself for all the ills that have befallen his colleagues as a result of the actions of a crime boss who has been elected mayor. As a result of a series of misconceptions, mostly on Wyatt’s part, it takes some time for them to get together. On top of that, Wyatt is deeply in the closet. Over the course of this series, Wyatt has brought many of his former fellow SEALS, who have all found mates since arriving. Wyatt, of course, is the exception but he falls quickly and heavily for Ari. This all takes place in the context of a “war” with the crime boss/mayor who early on burns down Wyatt’s bar and a local B&B.
I’ve read several books in the series and enjoyed them, though it has stretched over several years. The author has show skill in weaving the two storylines together to make them credible. With the exception of a couple of people (Wyatt’s ex and Wyatt’s brother), nobody suspects that he’s actually closeted, plus despite his having brought his former squad members to meet their partners, they don’t show him a lot of respect. This makes a major contribution to his lack of self-esteem. Ari, on the other hand, is extremely supportive and positive. While eventually they get together for sex, the love message from Evan upsets him, making Wyatt take off. Of course, Evan is Ari’s late husband and Ari set up the message that has arrived every day for the past 4 years. Meanwhile, the crime boss is terrorizing Wyatt’s guys, forcing them to formulate a plan to be rid of him. Here the author shows his mastery of suspense by taking us right near the end before resolving it. This book takes place in a small town but does really use any of the residents to support the former SEALS. Given that the latter are quite numerous, including their spouses/partners, they are sufficient.
I enjoyed reading this book.
August 24, 2026
Really satisfying ending to a good series
Far too late in the wee small hours to do this justice now so full RTC later today.
Some hours later......
I've read and enjoyed all the previous books in this series and couldn't wait to see how Rhys was going to wrap it up and rid the island of the criminal network and its insidious leader, while giving Wyatt the HEA he thought he didn't deserve. Suffice it to say, Rhys did them all proud.
Wyatt, the catalyst for all the SEALs to relocate to the island, had been a brooding presence throughout, determined to rid his island of crime. He always struck a lonely figure, surrounded by people but stuck at the back of the world's deepest closet, even when he was in a relationship.
Ari was a wonderful character, a doctor with a big smile and a good heart. It was pretty much love at first sight for both him and Wyatt though it took forced proximity for Wyatt to realise that he couldn't resist Ari but, more importantly, he didn't want to.
The series has been one long love fest, each of the the SEALs finding their happiness on Mayberry Holm, with lots of different tropes to savour. There's also kids and pets and relatives, with the found family vibes incredibly strong. I loved seeing the SEALs and their partners all working together, fighting for their partners, their families and their island, their determination and resourcefulness never wavering.
I'm sad the series is over but very glad that we're not leaving Mayberry Holm completely as Wyatt's brother, Warren, has very conveniently decided that he needs his own story. Thank you, Rhys!
Far too late in the wee small hours to do this justice now so full RTC later today.
Some hours later......
I've read and enjoyed all the previous books in this series and couldn't wait to see how Rhys was going to wrap it up and rid the island of the criminal network and its insidious leader, while giving Wyatt the HEA he thought he didn't deserve. Suffice it to say, Rhys did them all proud.
Wyatt, the catalyst for all the SEALs to relocate to the island, had been a brooding presence throughout, determined to rid his island of crime. He always struck a lonely figure, surrounded by people but stuck at the back of the world's deepest closet, even when he was in a relationship.
Ari was a wonderful character, a doctor with a big smile and a good heart. It was pretty much love at first sight for both him and Wyatt though it took forced proximity for Wyatt to realise that he couldn't resist Ari but, more importantly, he didn't want to.
The series has been one long love fest, each of the the SEALs finding their happiness on Mayberry Holm, with lots of different tropes to savour. There's also kids and pets and relatives, with the found family vibes incredibly strong. I loved seeing the SEALs and their partners all working together, fighting for their partners, their families and their island, their determination and resourcefulness never wavering.
I'm sad the series is over but very glad that we're not leaving Mayberry Holm completely as Wyatt's brother, Warren, has very conveniently decided that he needs his own story. Thank you, Rhys!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was good to see an HEA, no matter how brutally achieved, for Wyatt, the ex Navy Seal team leader who encouraged his former team members (and principal characters in the previous books in this Mayberry Holm series) to settle on Mayberry Holm Island, allegedly situated near Nantucket Island. There's been a build of tension between Wyatt and his team over the course of the series and here we see how loyal they can be despite his grump.
Silver fox Wyatt, now 58 and still hiding his orientation, has major issues. He assumes responsibility and guilt for everything that goes wrong but finds it hard to admit that he's also helped bring his team to meet their forever partners. And he finds himself drawn to Ari/Aristotle,a new arrival MD who appears totally uninterested in starting with someone new since his husband died four years ago. It's a good set-up for a romance full of angst and the dastardly new mayor's threatening actions create an atmosphere of danger and doom.
It's a good thing that the author includes a cast of characters list with the story because their is a sizable contingent of team members and partners, plus some kids and siblings.
The heat seemed judiciously used, steamy times but not overly frequent.
I must admit I was totally confused about Princess the male German shepherd until we finally get an explanation near the end.
Good read. Expect some violence but there are also sweet and quiet moments and pink wedding dreams to soften some edges.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Silver fox Wyatt, now 58 and still hiding his orientation, has major issues. He assumes responsibility and guilt for everything that goes wrong but finds it hard to admit that he's also helped bring his team to meet their forever partners. And he finds himself drawn to Ari/Aristotle,a new arrival MD who appears totally uninterested in starting with someone new since his husband died four years ago. It's a good set-up for a romance full of angst and the dastardly new mayor's threatening actions create an atmosphere of danger and doom.
It's a good thing that the author includes a cast of characters list with the story because their is a sizable contingent of team members and partners, plus some kids and siblings.
The heat seemed judiciously used, steamy times but not overly frequent.
I must admit I was totally confused about Princess the male German shepherd until we finally get an explanation near the end.
Good read. Expect some violence but there are also sweet and quiet moments and pink wedding dreams to soften some edges.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
SAVING WYATT - RHYS EVERLY
This is book 8 in the Mayberry Protectors series, and it is best enjoyed reading in sequence with the other stories.
Wyatt is a retired Navy Seal and grew up on the island, so he wanted to return to his home and help the community find peace and fight the criminals that continue to appear in various syndicates on Mayberry Holm. His former team have also moved there and found their significant others while helping Wyatt fight the crime.
Aristotle is working on the island as a Doctor in a mobile van, and is roommates and best friends with Warren, who happens to be Wyatt’s younger brother. Ari has a secret crush on Wyatt, whom he initially believes is straight, but the more time they spend together, their attraction for one another cannot be denied.
When the crime boss Wyatt has been trying to shut down ends up having his bar and his home burned down, Wyatt takes refuge with Warren and Ari and tries to figure out a way with his team to catch him and shut him down permanently. This ends up being the push Ari needs to move forward from his husband’s death years earlier, and Wyatt’s first steps toward coming out of the closet he’s lived in his whole life.
There are a lot of wonderful characters from the entire series that are weaved throughout this book so the readers can catch up on their lives as they follow the romantic journey and suspense that Wyatt and Ari go through to reach their HEA.
Very well written, and very engaging, and I highly recommend this author and series.
This is book 8 in the Mayberry Protectors series, and it is best enjoyed reading in sequence with the other stories.
Wyatt is a retired Navy Seal and grew up on the island, so he wanted to return to his home and help the community find peace and fight the criminals that continue to appear in various syndicates on Mayberry Holm. His former team have also moved there and found their significant others while helping Wyatt fight the crime.
Aristotle is working on the island as a Doctor in a mobile van, and is roommates and best friends with Warren, who happens to be Wyatt’s younger brother. Ari has a secret crush on Wyatt, whom he initially believes is straight, but the more time they spend together, their attraction for one another cannot be denied.
When the crime boss Wyatt has been trying to shut down ends up having his bar and his home burned down, Wyatt takes refuge with Warren and Ari and tries to figure out a way with his team to catch him and shut him down permanently. This ends up being the push Ari needs to move forward from his husband’s death years earlier, and Wyatt’s first steps toward coming out of the closet he’s lived in his whole life.
There are a lot of wonderful characters from the entire series that are weaved throughout this book so the readers can catch up on their lives as they follow the romantic journey and suspense that Wyatt and Ari go through to reach their HEA.
Very well written, and very engaging, and I highly recommend this author and series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a phenomenal ending!
This book is amazing and I loved it! The Mayberry Protectors series has come to an end with the tale of the man who brought them all together! Wyatt and Ari meet as Ari is a friend of Wyatt’s brother Warren and also Warren’s roommate. Wyatt is drawn to Ari immediately but is still unable to admit he’s gay. Ari lost his husband four years ago but still hasn’t truly let go. Their relationship will develop amidst the chaos of the story. Wyatt is still trying to bring down Mayor Wilson and his criminal enterprise on the island to no avail. The costs keep rising as Wilson tries to frame Wyatt for murder, starting fires and making Wyatt feel like a failure. Even the New York Mafia gets involved but even they will fail. It will take a daring plan to bring down Wilson and while there is a bump or two in the road, they will succeed in ending Wilson’s reign of crime on the island. It will allow Wyatt to finally be honest with himself and others about who he really is and embrace the love he has found with Ari! I loved this series and I can’t wait to read what comes next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
This book is amazing and I loved it! The Mayberry Protectors series has come to an end with the tale of the man who brought them all together! Wyatt and Ari meet as Ari is a friend of Wyatt’s brother Warren and also Warren’s roommate. Wyatt is drawn to Ari immediately but is still unable to admit he’s gay. Ari lost his husband four years ago but still hasn’t truly let go. Their relationship will develop amidst the chaos of the story. Wyatt is still trying to bring down Mayor Wilson and his criminal enterprise on the island to no avail. The costs keep rising as Wilson tries to frame Wyatt for murder, starting fires and making Wyatt feel like a failure. Even the New York Mafia gets involved but even they will fail. It will take a daring plan to bring down Wilson and while there is a bump or two in the road, they will succeed in ending Wilson’s reign of crime on the island. It will allow Wyatt to finally be honest with himself and others about who he really is and embrace the love he has found with Ari! I loved this series and I can’t wait to read what comes next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
August 26, 2026
"This was the start of a whole new set of mistakes that were going to destroy me and everyone I loved."
Saving Wyatt by @rhyswritesromance is the 8th & final book in the Mayberry Protectors series. Thank you, Rhys & Neon Rainbow for my copy of Saving Wyatt. I especially wanted Wyatts story since readers got hints in Grizzly Dare (book 7). Saving Wyatt starts at the end of Grizzly Dare.
🖤 MM Romance
🖤 Romantic Suspense
🖤 Small Island - Mayberry Holm
🖤 Brothers Best Friend
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Out For You
🖤 Grumpy/Sunshine
🖤 Age Gap - 20 Years
🖤 Former Navy Seal
🖤 Doctor
🖤 Cameos
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Epilogue
"...the closest was so deep it was a surprise I hadn't made it to Narnia yet."
Wyatt is 58, a former Navy Seal, who is single due to be closested. Ari is a doctor orginal from Greece, living with his best friend Warren. Saving Wyatt is the conclusion of the Mayberry Protectors series & full of shocking twists & turns concluding in a HEA for both the island & Wyatt & Ari. Saving Wyatt made my heart race due to the heat & the events in stopping the islands crime boss. Though concluded I can't wait to return to Mayberry Holm, for Rhys new series.
Saving Wyatt by @rhyswritesromance is the 8th & final book in the Mayberry Protectors series. Thank you, Rhys & Neon Rainbow for my copy of Saving Wyatt. I especially wanted Wyatts story since readers got hints in Grizzly Dare (book 7). Saving Wyatt starts at the end of Grizzly Dare.
🖤 MM Romance
🖤 Romantic Suspense
🖤 Small Island - Mayberry Holm
🖤 Brothers Best Friend
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Hurt/Comfort
🖤 Out For You
🖤 Grumpy/Sunshine
🖤 Age Gap - 20 Years
🖤 Former Navy Seal
🖤 Doctor
🖤 Cameos
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Epilogue
"...the closest was so deep it was a surprise I hadn't made it to Narnia yet."
Wyatt is 58, a former Navy Seal, who is single due to be closested. Ari is a doctor orginal from Greece, living with his best friend Warren. Saving Wyatt is the conclusion of the Mayberry Protectors series & full of shocking twists & turns concluding in a HEA for both the island & Wyatt & Ari. Saving Wyatt made my heart race due to the heat & the events in stopping the islands crime boss. Though concluded I can't wait to return to Mayberry Holm, for Rhys new series.
August 25, 2026
This was a lovely way to conclude the Mayberry Protectors series! Wyatt is a closeted, retired Navy SEAL commander. He's quite a sad character who suffers from a broken heart, believing he has caused too much hurt and heartache for many people throughout his long career. He truly believes he doesn't deserve love and is terrified of getting close to anyone, fearing they will just end up getting hurt. His beau, Ari is incredibly sweet, a doctor who has his own broken past to deal with.
Once the two meet, they eventually help one another heal. Ari is so patient with Wyatt, and Rhys writes beautifully emotional scenes as the two guys grow to love each other. I also really enjoyed catching up with all the characters from the previous books. It was heartwarming to see them standing up for Wyatt to get rid of the baddies, I love the family vibes that have followed through the whole series. I really enjoyed this last story, it provided the perfect ending to the series.
I received an ARC from the author.
Once the two meet, they eventually help one another heal. Ari is so patient with Wyatt, and Rhys writes beautifully emotional scenes as the two guys grow to love each other. I also really enjoyed catching up with all the characters from the previous books. It was heartwarming to see them standing up for Wyatt to get rid of the baddies, I love the family vibes that have followed through the whole series. I really enjoyed this last story, it provided the perfect ending to the series.
I received an ARC from the author.
August 26, 2026
Rhys Everly's "Saving Wyatt" is the eighth and last book of the Mayberry Protectors series. The stories were intense, edge o' seat stuff and while they can be read alones, it's a richer experience reading them in order. There's always cameos from the different books.
After two years, it was always going to come down to Wyatt, or the big bad. And now that Wyatt has found Dr Ari, he's got more to lose. The characters are well writ out. The mayor is as evil as all get out. But even through the tension and danger, this has been an amazingly fun, found family series. Who can't get behind some crazy, gorgeous ex-seals? And as far as I'm concerned, men who are good with animals and love kids, are absolute golden.
I liked how Ari and Wyatt related. Ari kept his man grounded and focused. Wyatt darn near melted in a pile of goo when they first touched. A very nice balance between sizzle and steam. Time for a reread binge.
I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my review.
After two years, it was always going to come down to Wyatt, or the big bad. And now that Wyatt has found Dr Ari, he's got more to lose. The characters are well writ out. The mayor is as evil as all get out. But even through the tension and danger, this has been an amazingly fun, found family series. Who can't get behind some crazy, gorgeous ex-seals? And as far as I'm concerned, men who are good with animals and love kids, are absolute golden.
I liked how Ari and Wyatt related. Ari kept his man grounded and focused. Wyatt darn near melted in a pile of goo when they first touched. A very nice balance between sizzle and steam. Time for a reread binge.
I received an advanced copy from the author and this is my review.
August 21, 2026
I really enjoyed Wyatt’s story and seeing everything finally come together for him after the buildup throughout the series. He’s such a complicated character, carrying so much guilt and responsibility while still struggling to accept that he deserves happiness too. Ari was a wonderful match for him, patient and caring while dealing with his own past and loss.
I loved the mix of danger and softer moments as Wyatt’s situation became increasingly complicated. The loyalty and support from the team and their growing Mayberry Holm family added another layer that made the story especially enjoyable. Wyatt and Ari’s relationship took some work, but watching them find their way to each other made the HEA feel well earned. A great addition to the series with plenty of emotion, suspense, and heart.
I loved the mix of danger and softer moments as Wyatt’s situation became increasingly complicated. The loyalty and support from the team and their growing Mayberry Holm family added another layer that made the story especially enjoyable. Wyatt and Ari’s relationship took some work, but watching them find their way to each other made the HEA feel well earned. A great addition to the series with plenty of emotion, suspense, and heart.
August 22, 2026
This is last if a series I do feel needs read in order. Each book has its on suspense and romance but this one is the end of an ongoing arc.
I'll admit in a couple of tge books I wasn't found of Wyatt. Read Grizzly Dare to see what I mean.
Having said that I was eager to see who would be his match and was pleasantly surprised.
This book does wrap up some things , opens a few doors for other stories and has loads of action and twists.tgeres a couple places you might want a tissue. Ari's secret broke my heart.
There is a lovely romance with the action and suspensr and plenty spice for you spice lovers!
If you like Navy Seal's, small town romance, large age gaps, second chances, close proximity, out for you, brother's best friend, hurt/comfort, and romantic suspense this is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a beautiful and perfect ending to this series.
I loved this series with all my heart, I love the retired SEALs, their partners, the kids and the animals. To a certain extent I also loved Mayberry Holm, except for the fact that it’s been terrorized and kept under siege by a mobster in disguise.
The final book in this series gives the island closure to its last few years of violence. But it does so much more. It gives Wyatt, the leader of the Navy SEALs, the man who brought them all together with the love of their lives, his deserved, hard-won HEA. Dr. Ari is the perfect man to convince Wyatt he deserves love and a life of happiness, while also learning that’s what he deserves, too.
This book is certainly not fluffy; it’s full of strong emotions (both positive and negative), of violence and danger; but it was so worth waiting for!
I loved this series with all my heart, I love the retired SEALs, their partners, the kids and the animals. To a certain extent I also loved Mayberry Holm, except for the fact that it’s been terrorized and kept under siege by a mobster in disguise.
The final book in this series gives the island closure to its last few years of violence. But it does so much more. It gives Wyatt, the leader of the Navy SEALs, the man who brought them all together with the love of their lives, his deserved, hard-won HEA. Dr. Ari is the perfect man to convince Wyatt he deserves love and a life of happiness, while also learning that’s what he deserves, too.
This book is certainly not fluffy; it’s full of strong emotions (both positive and negative), of violence and danger; but it was so worth waiting for!
August 21, 2026
This is a fabulous series and Saving Wyatt, saved the best til last. Finally the underlying story comes to a head and its edge of the seat, gripping. Grumpy Wyatt has been hiding his true self for years, but as he and his wonderful group of men do what they do best and save the island, he’s finally found his peace, place and heart in Ari. Both have emotional baggage but together they support each other through it and find the same happiness as the rest of the team. This is a suspenseful, intriguing story with angst, emotion and heat, and I loved every page. I can’t recommend this book and the entire series highly enough.
August 21, 2026
Such a good book! I've waited for Wyatt's story from the very beginning of the series and it was so worth it! The book ties up the series like a beautiful bow on a present, with all the feels and suspense one might want.
The author did a great job creating another two amazing MCs, both with their own issues and complex personalities. Plus the rest of the gang makes their appearances, which always feels like an added bonus.
You need to read the entire series to enjoy the overall story, but you will not regret it for sure!
The author did a great job creating another two amazing MCs, both with their own issues and complex personalities. Plus the rest of the gang makes their appearances, which always feels like an added bonus.
You need to read the entire series to enjoy the overall story, but you will not regret it for sure!
August 21, 2026
3.5 rounded up to 4.
There was a lot that I really liked about this book - the suspense storyline kept me reading and while I haven’t read earlier books in the series, the plot was told in such a way that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. About the only problem was that I lost track occasionally of the sheer number of secondary characters.
Wyatt and Ari’s romance is pretty straightforward, and a lot of heavy topics (grief, internalized homophobia) are touched on in a caring way. I’m not much for instalove, which is what it felt like, but the story overall was entertaining.
There was a lot that I really liked about this book - the suspense storyline kept me reading and while I haven’t read earlier books in the series, the plot was told in such a way that I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. About the only problem was that I lost track occasionally of the sheer number of secondary characters.
Wyatt and Ari’s romance is pretty straightforward, and a lot of heavy topics (grief, internalized homophobia) are touched on in a caring way. I’m not much for instalove, which is what it felt like, but the story overall was entertaining.
August 24, 2026
When Wyatt is brought in for questioning on murder charges, everyone who knows him knows it's a frame up by the crime lord, now mayor they've been fighting. But the in the closet, ex Navy Seal Chief is losing his heart to the widowed Dr. Ari in town. This is the conclusion of the series where the villain finally gets taken down and Wyatt faces his friends and family with his truths. There's lots of action, some angst, steam, happiness for all involved and finally peace for Wyatt. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
August 24, 2026
In the series, we learned Wyatt is an ex Navy Seal, & has been living in Mayberry with members of his old team. Throughout the series they've been dealing with a crime Lord who has been evading capture. In this final book the crime Lord, who's now the mayor is going after Wyatt's people & town. So glad to see Wyatt got his HEA with Ari, the town's Dr on call. This was full of action and romance. Although this book took a little longer to get out there I think this might have been my favorite. I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 29, 2026
Great addition to the series!
I loved Saving Wyatt by Rhys Everly. It's the eighth book in the Mayberry Protectors series. I loved Ari and Wyatt's story. I loved that the author took my emotions on a roller coaster ride and made me laugh and cry. I loved the age gap between Ari and Wyatt and how Wyatt finally came out of the closet. I loved the camaraderie between Ari and Wyatt's younger brother, Warren. I loved getting to see the cameos from the other characters in the series and getting to see Hwan and Parker's wedding.
I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.
I loved Saving Wyatt by Rhys Everly. It's the eighth book in the Mayberry Protectors series. I loved Ari and Wyatt's story. I loved that the author took my emotions on a roller coaster ride and made me laugh and cry. I loved the age gap between Ari and Wyatt and how Wyatt finally came out of the closet. I loved the camaraderie between Ari and Wyatt's younger brother, Warren. I loved getting to see the cameos from the other characters in the series and getting to see Hwan and Parker's wedding.
I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.
September 1, 2026
This is the final book of Mayberry Holm Protectors. Wyatt has been trying to end the organized criminal activity in his town. His group of Navy Seals that came to the island have found a home and the loves of their lives, yet he feels like a failure. Ari is a doctor who works out of a van to help those in need. Warren is Ari’s friend and roommate also Wyatt’s brother. This final story keeps you at the edge of your seat while reading. There is violence, danger, romance and spice. Recommend you read the series in order to enjoy the every man’s journey.
August 21, 2026
This story was full of action with the right amount of romance. This was a great ending to the series. It was full of all of the past books characters and we got to see their how they are now. It had some tense moments and some sweet moments. It was the greatest thing to see Wyatt let himself love Ari. And Ari had the right amount of playfulness to lighten Wyatt. They were perfect for each other.
ARC provided by @neonrainbowarcreviews. Honest review provided for no monetary gain.
ARC provided by @neonrainbowarcreviews. Honest review provided for no monetary gain.
August 22, 2026
This was a great story with so many wonderful characters! Wyatt and Ari are awesome together but boy do they have to put in some work to make it to their HEA! Both have some issues they have to work on. A very thrilling read with plenty of suspense, action, intrigue, angst, and emotions. Very enjoyable and entertaining and I definitely recommend reading the whole series. This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
August 26, 2026
Saving Wyatt is the eighth and final book in the Mayberry Protectors series, it can be read in order but I really think is better in order. This is a hurt/comfort, brothers best friend, age gap read about Ari and Wyatt. I loved this storyline and how both MC's get second loves after what they have been through in live. I loved seeing all the wonderful characters, both new and old, I will miss them. I just have to say, what a way to end a wonderful series.
Review of advance copy
This one continued where the last book ended. I really was glad when Ari stood up for Wyatt and all he has done when everyone else is blaming him! I am thrilled that they finally got their lives back but what a ride to get get to that point. I hope Elliot eventually gets his story told also!
August 25, 2026
This was a brilliant series finale with all the action, surprises and love. I loved that Wyatt finally got his own person in Ari and that they took down the criminal network though it wasn’t without danger.
Did Not Finish
September 5, 2026DNF @ 13%
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