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Guarding January
Lord January is at the top of the charts, only comes out at night, and is usually covered in blood. Say what you will, but the man knows how to put on a great show. But when the Vampire King is let out of rehab, the last thing he expects is someone forcing him to eat real food, hang out in the sun, and generally be a human being.
Rye Sommers, the best bodyguard in the business, has been hired to babysit a rock star whose biggest threat surprisingly isn't all the hard drugs, desperate groupies, and crazy fans—it's Lord January himself. But the closer Rye gets, the more LJ turns into sweet, gentle, caring Jeff Smart. He may still be the super-skinny, pierced and inked genius Lord January, but he is slowly shaking his death wish as he sheds the loneliness and exhaustion his stage persona saddled him with.
But as Rye falls in love with the real Jeff, he finds himself in over his head. He knows he can keep Lord January away from the drugs and the groupies, but saving Jeff might force Jeff to choose between his career as Lord January and his very life.
Rye Sommers, the best bodyguard in the business, has been hired to babysit a rock star whose biggest threat surprisingly isn't all the hard drugs, desperate groupies, and crazy fans—it's Lord January himself. But the closer Rye gets, the more LJ turns into sweet, gentle, caring Jeff Smart. He may still be the super-skinny, pierced and inked genius Lord January, but he is slowly shaking his death wish as he sheds the loneliness and exhaustion his stage persona saddled him with.
But as Rye falls in love with the real Jeff, he finds himself in over his head. He knows he can keep Lord January away from the drugs and the groupies, but saving Jeff might force Jeff to choose between his career as Lord January and his very life.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2015
19 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Sean Michael
652 books1,209 followersOften referred to as "Space Cowboy" and "Gangsta of Love" while still striving for the moniker of "Maurice," Sean Michael spends his days surfing, smutting, organizing his immense gourd collection and fantasizing about one day retiring on a small secluded island peopled entirely by horseshoe crabs. While collecting vast amounts of vintage gay pulp novels and mood rings, Sean whiles away the hours between dropping the f-bomb and persuing the kama sutra by channeling the long lost spirit of John Wayne and singing along with the soundtrack to "Chicago."
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
A long-time writer of complicated haiku, currently Sean is attempting to learn the advanced arts of plate spinning and soap carving sex toys.
Barring any of that? He'll stick with writing his stories, thanks, and rubbing pretty bodies together to see if they spark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 28, 2016
I quit at 17% (wouldn't normally rate but..) when I realised I couldn't go a whole page without highlighting at least one WTF point, and continuing while laptop was near enough to tempt updates was probably annoying people! Continuing at all was annoying me.
'Bodyguard' appears to mean 'Babysitter' as in putting you to bed (naked), dragging you from bed (physically), cooking you food (with the 'something' that blends food while sounding like a blender..), oh and quite possibly trying to drown you! (Check someone can swim before throwing them fully (heavily) dressed into a pool might be good ).
Rye is big. Only qualification needed.
Jeff aka Lord January, is a skinny emo 'boy' who apparently has a degree but no other indicator to his age. Jeff is vulnerable having been released from rehab not eating, in a haze where he can't even remember if he's a vegetarian or not, his house staff including cook removed. (rehab worth every penny) He claims to be asexual which is scoffed at because he has intimate piercings - we know this because he walks around naked and his bodyguard/babysitter of maybe a week refuses to let him go dress. Bodyguard/babysitter who also takes phone off him when he calls his sponsor.
When Rye woke up next to a naked boy - his charge Jeff - I quit. Storyline has more holes than the average colander, at least it was a promo-freebie.
'Bodyguard' appears to mean 'Babysitter' as in putting you to bed (naked), dragging you from bed (physically), cooking you food (with the 'something' that blends food while sounding like a blender..), oh and quite possibly trying to drown you! (Check someone can swim before throwing them fully (heavily) dressed into a pool might be good ).
Rye is big. Only qualification needed.
Jeff aka Lord January, is a skinny emo 'boy' who apparently has a degree but no other indicator to his age. Jeff is vulnerable having been released from rehab not eating, in a haze where he can't even remember if he's a vegetarian or not, his house staff including cook removed. (rehab worth every penny) He claims to be asexual which is scoffed at because he has intimate piercings - we know this because he walks around naked and his bodyguard/babysitter of maybe a week refuses to let him go dress. Bodyguard/babysitter who also takes phone off him when he calls his sponsor.
When Rye woke up next to a naked boy - his charge Jeff - I quit. Storyline has more holes than the average colander, at least it was a promo-freebie.
March 31, 2015
Before you attempt to hit me with a tomato or dildo you should know that I hit back, often and HARD!
I was really excited to read this *shushes then kisses Emma and Vivian*
I'm a SUCKER for SM's books. I own over 70...and that's why I FING HATED this book.
If you've read:
Found
Snared
Owned
Boiling Point
Hoarse Play
You've ALREADY read this damn book. DON'T BOTHER.
It's just rinse & repeat. She changes the MC's names but it's the same shit: hapless submissive meets know it all Dom. I am SICK of it. This is Tanny and Billy all over again. I started to document evidence of this but it was mega spoilerish and time consuming. I'll fix my review later on to include examples. I'm over it. I have enjoyed the familiar elements of Ms. Michael's books but I am DONE!....DONE I tell you!!!!!DONE with heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrr.
....for now *headdesk*
I was really excited to read this *shushes then kisses Emma and Vivian*
I'm a SUCKER for SM's books. I own over 70...and that's why I FING HATED this book.
If you've read:
Found
Snared
Owned
Boiling Point
Hoarse Play
You've ALREADY read this damn book. DON'T BOTHER.
It's just rinse & repeat. She changes the MC's names but it's the same shit: hapless submissive meets know it all Dom. I am SICK of it. This is Tanny and Billy all over again. I started to document evidence of this but it was mega spoilerish and time consuming. I'll fix my review later on to include examples. I'm over it. I have enjoyed the familiar elements of Ms. Michael's books but I am DONE!....DONE I tell you!!!!!DONE with heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrr.
....for now *headdesk*
January 30, 2016
2.5 stars
So far 2016 is not a good book year for me. I keep choosing the wrong books. I know I’m picky, but this makes me sad.
There were parts of this that had some really good hurt/comfort going on, but overall I wasn’t too happy with this book.
The relationship between Rye and Jeff didn’t flow naturally from bodyguard, to friendship, to love. It jumped right from bodyguard to love and it felt unrealistic.
I wouldn't be comfortable walking around naked with my bodyguard for one. And if I was, I would at least think something about it. These guys were naked all the time and acted like it was totally normal (before they got involved).
And neither Jeff nor Rye ever commented on the fact that Rye was indeed Jeff’s bodyguard. No questions about being professional. I would have at least expected a talk about the fact that Rye is getting paid by Jeff or that Rye will be without a job after they .
And Jeff asks Rye if he is gay at the beginning, but it’s not mentioned that Jeff is gay himself. I would have expected a GFY, but when they are making out, everyone already seems to know that Jeff is gay. Everyone except me.
And the I love yous….. so unromantic.
”I kind of love you, man. Really.” Stupid, but true.
“Me too.”
“We’re a little stupid, you and me.”
It just didn’t work for me.
So far 2016 is not a good book year for me. I keep choosing the wrong books. I know I’m picky, but this makes me sad.
There were parts of this that had some really good hurt/comfort going on, but overall I wasn’t too happy with this book.
The relationship between Rye and Jeff didn’t flow naturally from bodyguard, to friendship, to love. It jumped right from bodyguard to love and it felt unrealistic.
I wouldn't be comfortable walking around naked with my bodyguard for one. And if I was, I would at least think something about it. These guys were naked all the time and acted like it was totally normal (before they got involved).
And neither Jeff nor Rye ever commented on the fact that Rye was indeed Jeff’s bodyguard. No questions about being professional. I would have at least expected a talk about the fact that Rye is getting paid by Jeff or that Rye will be without a job after they .
And Jeff asks Rye if he is gay at the beginning, but it’s not mentioned that Jeff is gay himself. I would have expected a GFY, but when they are making out, everyone already seems to know that Jeff is gay. Everyone except me.
And the I love yous….. so unromantic.
”I kind of love you, man. Really.” Stupid, but true.
“Me too.”
“We’re a little stupid, you and me.”
It just didn’t work for me.
October 17, 2017
3 Stars
As a major sucker for any kind of bodyguard trope in my romance reads this story worked well for me.
I had some minor issues with the writing style, predominantly where the dialogue was concerned (i.e. many of the issues discussed, and many of the particular words used, were repeated by the MCs ad nauseam), but I liked the story in general, and the characters and their burgeoning romance were sweet and heart-warming, regardless of how unrealistic the circumstances may have been.
This was my first time reading a story by Sean Michael and although I wasn’t blown away, I’d definitely be open to trying more from his vast collection of M/M reads.
If you enjoy easy reading, with uncomplicated storytelling, or are a fan of rock stars and bodyguards in your books, then you may want to take a closer look at this one.
As a major sucker for any kind of bodyguard trope in my romance reads this story worked well for me.
I had some minor issues with the writing style, predominantly where the dialogue was concerned (i.e. many of the issues discussed, and many of the particular words used, were repeated by the MCs ad nauseam), but I liked the story in general, and the characters and their burgeoning romance were sweet and heart-warming, regardless of how unrealistic the circumstances may have been.
This was my first time reading a story by Sean Michael and although I wasn’t blown away, I’d definitely be open to trying more from his vast collection of M/M reads.
If you enjoy easy reading, with uncomplicated storytelling, or are a fan of rock stars and bodyguards in your books, then you may want to take a closer look at this one.
October 7, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“You’ve never been in love?” “No. Well, I am with my job, I guess. That’s exciting and worrisome, and it tried to kill me. That’s like love.”
Huh, I feel weird about this one. I really love the entire premise and the characters were good, but considering the blurb and all of the trauma and tragedy, it should’ve been emotional and angsty. Instead it didn’t really make me feel anything at all, and the last 30-40% was a bit of a fluff fest and was so sweet it made me roll my eyes, lol. Legit 32 love declarations in a very low amount of pages. It just ended up feeling silly.
The first half was very entertaining tho and I was fully into the story. Just lacked that little extra something.
“I can’t guarantee I won’t be sad again tomorrow.” “I can promise you that if you are, I’ll let you be sad but will also try to make you happy.”
Still, the topics are heavy so check that out before reading, but it wasn’t emotional (to me).
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Rock star
Bodyguard MC
Size difference
Addict MC
Piercings (dick included)
Tattooed MC
Mental illness rep
Hurt/comfort
First times
Strangers to friends to lovers
Orgasm from nipple play
Multiple orgasms
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past overdose
Addiction (no on-page use)
Self harm (cutting, on page)
Symptoms of depression
Suicidal ideation
Disordered eating (refusing to eat, malnourished)
Vomiting
Mentions of past injury and scarring (gunshot wound)
Side character with cancer
Injured main character (hospitalized)
Injured side character
Addict MC given drugs in hospital
Death of a side character (MC’s friend, off page)
Brief mention of overdose (side character, off page)
Explicit sexual content
Death of side character (cancer, off page)
Grief
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 232
Happy ending: Yes
He wanted to go back to rehab. He wanted to be safe.
“What else do you like?” Rye pulled out a cookie sheet and grabbed a bunch of tomatoes, a couple of peppers, and some onions and garlic. He cut them all up, sprinkled them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then put them in the oven. “Eggs. Mashed potatoes…. What are you doing?” “I’m making tomato soup.” “Soup comes from a can.” Everyone knew that.
Jeff stared at himself in the long mirror, at his pale face, the way his hips pointed, his black eyes. “I hate you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
“You’ve never been in love?” “No. Well, I am with my job, I guess. That’s exciting and worrisome, and it tried to kill me. That’s like love.”
Huh, I feel weird about this one. I really love the entire premise and the characters were good, but considering the blurb and all of the trauma and tragedy, it should’ve been emotional and angsty. Instead it didn’t really make me feel anything at all, and the last 30-40% was a bit of a fluff fest and was so sweet it made me roll my eyes, lol. Legit 32 love declarations in a very low amount of pages. It just ended up feeling silly.
The first half was very entertaining tho and I was fully into the story. Just lacked that little extra something.
“I can’t guarantee I won’t be sad again tomorrow.” “I can promise you that if you are, I’ll let you be sad but will also try to make you happy.”
Still, the topics are heavy so check that out before reading, but it wasn’t emotional (to me).
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Rock star
Bodyguard MC
Size difference
Addict MC
Piercings (dick included)
Tattooed MC
Mental illness rep
Hurt/comfort
First times
Strangers to friends to lovers
Orgasm from nipple play
Multiple orgasms
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past overdose
Addiction (no on-page use)
Self harm (cutting, on page)
Symptoms of depression
Suicidal ideation
Disordered eating (refusing to eat, malnourished)
Vomiting
Mentions of past injury and scarring (gunshot wound)
Side character with cancer
Injured main character (hospitalized)
Injured side character
Addict MC given drugs in hospital
Death of a side character (MC’s friend, off page)
Brief mention of overdose (side character, off page)
Explicit sexual content
Death of side character (cancer, off page)
Grief
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, dual
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: Not specified
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 232
Happy ending: Yes
He wanted to go back to rehab. He wanted to be safe.
“What else do you like?” Rye pulled out a cookie sheet and grabbed a bunch of tomatoes, a couple of peppers, and some onions and garlic. He cut them all up, sprinkled them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then put them in the oven. “Eggs. Mashed potatoes…. What are you doing?” “I’m making tomato soup.” “Soup comes from a can.” Everyone knew that.
Jeff stared at himself in the long mirror, at his pale face, the way his hips pointed, his black eyes. “I hate you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
April 12, 2015
This was one of the other kind of Sean Michael's book. The sweet kind. Jeff is a fucked up mess, freshly clean from rehab and Rye is hired in as his bodyguard who needs to keep him clean. See Jeff is miserable, like huddle in the bed, no eating, no talking kind of miserable. He's pale and too skinny and just a hot mess. All because (I think) in his career he's a hard rock, vampire playing maniac. And he's not anything like that. I never really understood where it all went totally downhill and he couldn't function without uppers anymore. I don't think it started like that. Anyways, it was a super sweet book. I didn't love that fact that Jeff cut himself and Rye never discovered it and I can't see how Jeff would ever even function without Rye but I liked it a whole lot. Love the damaged boy who gets saved.
November 15, 2015
This must have been better than just ok because I couldn't put it down. On the other hand, several plot threads weren't resolved on page. boo
June 4, 2016
I enjoyed this, I'd like a Rye of my own, such a sweetie! Rye is a bodyguard hired to keep musician Jeff/LJ/Lord January from falling back onto his dependence on drugs once he goes on tour. Got a bit mushy towards the end.
July 26, 2015
Lord January, aka LJ aka Jeff Smart is just coming home out of 8 months of rehab. He had been entered into the program after his heart stopped – twice – due to the drugs he took to help him maintain his persona.
Rye is a bodyguard enlisted to aid LJ stay safe and sober – 24-7. They immediately find they are more than client/employee and Rye swiftly begins to care deeply for the beleaguered and confused LJ.
LJ/Jeff is a mathemeatician and musician who has fallen into his role as the vampire/death metal star because his friend was in the band and needed a new lead singer after the other BLED OUT ON STAGE – gah!
Jeff is a quiet guy with a poet’s soul, mostly vegan, and completely unable to be the center of attention in the way Lord January is. He coped with drugs and now he is lost.
Rye shows him how to stand up for himself and find his own style but he can’t leave the band with so many people depending on him. In fact, it takes some pretty major crises to occur before Jeff will allow January to go away.
**
Sean Michael is a such a unique writer. He writes all this BDSM (not my style) and then all these Manny/extended family stories. He is definitely skilled at weaving a story that inspires a strong reaction.
I loved this story – more than I thought I would. I loved how vulnerable both men were to the other – almost right away – and while I was frustrated by Jeff’s resistance to change I could understand why he thought the way he did.
I loved the end and the sappiness of it all – though there was plenty of hardship along the way to balance things out.
I highly recommend this to fans of musicians in romance as well as bodyguard stories.
4.5 of 5 stars
Rye is a bodyguard enlisted to aid LJ stay safe and sober – 24-7. They immediately find they are more than client/employee and Rye swiftly begins to care deeply for the beleaguered and confused LJ.
LJ/Jeff is a mathemeatician and musician who has fallen into his role as the vampire/death metal star because his friend was in the band and needed a new lead singer after the other BLED OUT ON STAGE – gah!
Jeff is a quiet guy with a poet’s soul, mostly vegan, and completely unable to be the center of attention in the way Lord January is. He coped with drugs and now he is lost.
Rye shows him how to stand up for himself and find his own style but he can’t leave the band with so many people depending on him. In fact, it takes some pretty major crises to occur before Jeff will allow January to go away.
**
Sean Michael is a such a unique writer. He writes all this BDSM (not my style) and then all these Manny/extended family stories. He is definitely skilled at weaving a story that inspires a strong reaction.
I loved this story – more than I thought I would. I loved how vulnerable both men were to the other – almost right away – and while I was frustrated by Jeff’s resistance to change I could understand why he thought the way he did.
I loved the end and the sappiness of it all – though there was plenty of hardship along the way to balance things out.
I highly recommend this to fans of musicians in romance as well as bodyguard stories.
4.5 of 5 stars
Read
March 9, 2015really enjoyed this one.
May 28, 2015
Okay. Yes. I loved it. I loved every little bit about it. The perfect amalgam of many sweet components.
And it’s admittedly bizarre that – despite the different setup – certain, very particular things are almost copies from Touching Evil. The backgammon playing, the bad scarring on the protector’s thigh… Even his penchant for cooking and his care-taking ways. I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t finished that book earlier just before starting this one.
Then of course there are plenty of other parallels to earlier books by this author – or even by different authors. I don’t really mind that, since this one creates its own identity.
Granted, the last one of two sex scenes may not have been exactly necessary. The story nevertheless provided a lovely ending, stopping at the best possible moment. I mean, I could have kept reading on and on happily, but that would have been pure self-indulgence and probably begun to bore me soon enough. As it is, there was generously enough of wallowing in the payoff before that point and at the same time no more than a page or two pages past the real resolution of the struggle that served as the main antagonist in this story. Very happy with this.
Right now I’m just floating. Probably unable to put sensible sentences together because I also haven’t slept much recently. I just really wish to state – as a reminder for my future self, if nothing else – that this story definitely and also belongs into my favourites pile. The one that doubles as a secret stash of happy. Shh.
And it’s admittedly bizarre that – despite the different setup – certain, very particular things are almost copies from Touching Evil. The backgammon playing, the bad scarring on the protector’s thigh… Even his penchant for cooking and his care-taking ways. I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t finished that book earlier just before starting this one.
Then of course there are plenty of other parallels to earlier books by this author – or even by different authors. I don’t really mind that, since this one creates its own identity.
Granted, the last one of two sex scenes may not have been exactly necessary. The story nevertheless provided a lovely ending, stopping at the best possible moment. I mean, I could have kept reading on and on happily, but that would have been pure self-indulgence and probably begun to bore me soon enough. As it is, there was generously enough of wallowing in the payoff before that point and at the same time no more than a page or two pages past the real resolution of the struggle that served as the main antagonist in this story. Very happy with this.
Right now I’m just floating. Probably unable to put sensible sentences together because I also haven’t slept much recently. I just really wish to state – as a reminder for my future self, if nothing else – that this story definitely and also belongs into my favourites pile. The one that doubles as a secret stash of happy. Shh.
July 13, 2018
3.5 stars! I love bodyguard type romances (hot stoic bodyguard .....arrogant, snooty employer.. love-hate relationships.. 😍😍) and therefore when I found this I was super excited. However this was quite different in a unique way.. the bodyguard was almost like a father-figure type character taking care of a broken and depressed pop-star. It was very melancholy in the beginning and I could see no chemistry between the 2 MCs... but slowly things ramped up and the relationship turned from tender to scorching kinky hot 💘🔥🍑💥. The plot had some obvious holes but it had some sweet and tender moments interspersed with some real issues. Although it ended with an HEA, it felt like Rye never gave Jeff a chance to be independent or cope with things himself and therefore I think this relationship is too co-dependent and may be doomed. 😔
September 10, 2015
This may be my fav Sean Michael book to-date. Not an action-packed read, but the character development and interaction had a depth that led to a great amount of empathy for them. There is just something about a person who cares enough to save you from yourself that resonates with me. Jeff's fragility was heartbreaking on so many levels, and the fact that Rye could see through the ugly exterior armor that comprised Lord January was touching and beautiful. Big sigh...I'm such a sap for an HEA.
November 28, 2015
Beautiful, heartbreaking, a hero's journey. Watching both characters grow together made me happy.
February 9, 2021
3.5 stars
March 15, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
2.5 stars
Rye manages to land himself a really great job guarding Lord January from overzealous fans as well as himself. When Rye goes to pick Lord January, LJ, up from rehab he was expecting something more. More than an underweight, obviously overwhelmed guy trying to hide from the world in his bedroom. Rye does what he can to begin drawing LJ from his shell, including using his name, Jeff. It rapidly becomes apparent the Lord January character has become much larger than Jeff. Jeff is losing himself, the drugs gave him the energy to go on, and now he doesn’t have those. Rye dedicates himself to coaxing Jeff back into the land of the living. He finds he really likes the guy. The relaxation and readjustment after rehab is coming to an end. Jeff realizes he’s got to go on tour again. Lord January has to return.
Rye can clearly see being Lord January is killing Jeff. Continuing on with his current life will kill him. Jeff can’t imagine quitting the whole Lord January machine. A lot of people’s jobs are on the line. While on tour, Jeff and Rye finally begin to realize how close they’ve grown and get closer still. When fans at a large outdoor venue rush the stage disaster ensues. Several members of the band are hurt, including Jeff. The tour cannot go on. Unfortunately, there was something much worse going on with one of the band members than anyone ever knew. There is no guarantee the band will go on. Jeff may find himself free from Lord January after all.
Personally, I’m not a fan of romances that are rescues. Nor am I am fan of romances that depict a codependent relationship. Jeff left rehab and immediately began to need Rye. Rye’s need to care for Jeff as opposed to protect him was beyond unprofessional from the get go. I do not feel these men were in a healthy relationship with mutual give and take. The relationship was about caring for Jeff. I did not find that power imbalance to be romantic.
There was no conflict in this story. Jeff was never really forced to live in such a way that he’d be truly tempted by drugs. Rye controlled his life enough temptation was never there. Jeff was never in a position to truly choose what he wanted to do with his life. Lord January had to end, that was beyond Jeff’s control. I felt it was very convenient that was what Rye wanted and what was “best” for Jeff. These two men met, became friends, and fell in love without having to test their relationship. Nothing came across as a betrayal or some kind of rejection. Rye and Jeff got on Romance Road and drove in a straight line. It wasn’t my thing.
2.5 stars
Rye manages to land himself a really great job guarding Lord January from overzealous fans as well as himself. When Rye goes to pick Lord January, LJ, up from rehab he was expecting something more. More than an underweight, obviously overwhelmed guy trying to hide from the world in his bedroom. Rye does what he can to begin drawing LJ from his shell, including using his name, Jeff. It rapidly becomes apparent the Lord January character has become much larger than Jeff. Jeff is losing himself, the drugs gave him the energy to go on, and now he doesn’t have those. Rye dedicates himself to coaxing Jeff back into the land of the living. He finds he really likes the guy. The relaxation and readjustment after rehab is coming to an end. Jeff realizes he’s got to go on tour again. Lord January has to return.
Rye can clearly see being Lord January is killing Jeff. Continuing on with his current life will kill him. Jeff can’t imagine quitting the whole Lord January machine. A lot of people’s jobs are on the line. While on tour, Jeff and Rye finally begin to realize how close they’ve grown and get closer still. When fans at a large outdoor venue rush the stage disaster ensues. Several members of the band are hurt, including Jeff. The tour cannot go on. Unfortunately, there was something much worse going on with one of the band members than anyone ever knew. There is no guarantee the band will go on. Jeff may find himself free from Lord January after all.
Personally, I’m not a fan of romances that are rescues. Nor am I am fan of romances that depict a codependent relationship. Jeff left rehab and immediately began to need Rye. Rye’s need to care for Jeff as opposed to protect him was beyond unprofessional from the get go. I do not feel these men were in a healthy relationship with mutual give and take. The relationship was about caring for Jeff. I did not find that power imbalance to be romantic.
There was no conflict in this story. Jeff was never really forced to live in such a way that he’d be truly tempted by drugs. Rye controlled his life enough temptation was never there. Jeff was never in a position to truly choose what he wanted to do with his life. Lord January had to end, that was beyond Jeff’s control. I felt it was very convenient that was what Rye wanted and what was “best” for Jeff. These two men met, became friends, and fell in love without having to test their relationship. Nothing came across as a betrayal or some kind of rejection. Rye and Jeff got on Romance Road and drove in a straight line. It wasn’t my thing.
May 15, 2023
Eh, this one was disappointing.
First of all, the tags and plot summary are inaccurate--this isn't a paranormal romance. Lord January (or, less excitingly, Jeff) isn't a vampire. He's a shut-in, mentally-ill goth rock musician who is getting out of rehab after almost overdosing. Rye is his appointed bodyguard. They fight and fall in love. That's pretty much it.
The entire music/tour/rock persona plot is abandoned halfway through the book. We don't ever really know much about Jeff and his history as a musician, his relationship with his band or fans, or really anything about him other than that he is a frail little waif who doesn't eat. I was more excited about this book when I thought he was a Queen of the Damned-era Lestat, using a paranormal persona as a guise for his true form, but really, he's just a dude who wears a costume and is tired a lot.
Rye is even less memorable. He's a big overprotective dude. He mostly is there to call Jeff pet names and swat away press and fans. Most of the book is him making soup and cuddling Jeff. Maybe that's the point. Maybe this one is just for the hardcore whump/hurt-comfort fans out there. The sex scenes are good enough, but they get repetitive.
It didn't do much for me. There are better books that have the same tropes and themes.
First of all, the tags and plot summary are inaccurate--this isn't a paranormal romance. Lord January (or, less excitingly, Jeff) isn't a vampire. He's a shut-in, mentally-ill goth rock musician who is getting out of rehab after almost overdosing. Rye is his appointed bodyguard. They fight and fall in love. That's pretty much it.
The entire music/tour/rock persona plot is abandoned halfway through the book. We don't ever really know much about Jeff and his history as a musician, his relationship with his band or fans, or really anything about him other than that he is a frail little waif who doesn't eat. I was more excited about this book when I thought he was a Queen of the Damned-era Lestat, using a paranormal persona as a guise for his true form, but really, he's just a dude who wears a costume and is tired a lot.
Rye is even less memorable. He's a big overprotective dude. He mostly is there to call Jeff pet names and swat away press and fans. Most of the book is him making soup and cuddling Jeff. Maybe that's the point. Maybe this one is just for the hardcore whump/hurt-comfort fans out there. The sex scenes are good enough, but they get repetitive.
It didn't do much for me. There are better books that have the same tropes and themes.
March 16, 2016
2.5 stars
I managed to finish this book, even though it took its toll on me. This constant feeding, cooking, talks about swimming, moving, not being January, then feeding again…It was boring and annoying and if it wasn’t for the way the MCs went from becoming friends to ending up as lovers, I wouldn’t have given even this rate.
The book might have depicted some real life situations/characters and some people could be perfectly fine reading about an adult with baby-like behavior but I simply didn’t enjoy it.
I managed to finish this book, even though it took its toll on me. This constant feeding, cooking, talks about swimming, moving, not being January, then feeding again…It was boring and annoying and if it wasn’t for the way the MCs went from becoming friends to ending up as lovers, I wouldn’t have given even this rate.
The book might have depicted some real life situations/characters and some people could be perfectly fine reading about an adult with baby-like behavior but I simply didn’t enjoy it.
March 16, 2016
Normally every book I finish gets at least 3 points, because if I finished it, it couldn't have been that bad. So yeah, I finished this one, but only because I left out every other page. Badass giant of a bodyguard/babysitter is supposed to protect a goth-singer without any backbone whatsoever who just came out of rehab. Seriously, that boy doesn't need a bodyguard who hops into bed with him, but a psychologist ...
December 8, 2015
I have read a lot of bodyguard books lately. So to be fair, I may be burned out. But I didn't like this one. The bodyguard Rye, immediately falls in love with his self destructive charge, Jeff. He never gets frustrated with Jeff and Jeff magically get better because Rye believes in him. I'll try another Sean Micheals book. This one just wasn't for me.
2 stars
2 stars
June 26, 2017
Not what I was expecting from this author but I loved it. A messed up kid living the rock scene just out of rehab and a bodyguard trying to show him there is a better life. Sweet, funny and a little heartbreaking with a HEA.
January 18, 2016
This was my first Sean Michael book and, based on the book and other's reviews it's going to be my last. I had a lot of issues with some of the attitudes in the book plus it was very repetitive, and needed better betas and/or editing.
Not for me.
Not for me.
Want to read
November 27, 2015Dreamspinner freebie 11/27/15
March 12, 2015
4 star reveiw by Roberta
So, when I read the blurb for this book, I was intrigued. I wondered if this would be another bad boy rocker/alpha bodyguard book. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with this book.
Jeff Smart aka Lord January (LJ) is this really sweet, kind guy who has his life taken over by the Goth Rocker lifestyle. At the beginning of this story we see Jeff getting ready to leave rehab after 8 months. Jeff feels safe finally. He realizes that LJ is just going to kill him. He’s so hurt and so freaking sad. It’s hard to watch this man who only wants to do the right thing, hurt. Jeff is so insecure and just the sweetest thing. I really liked him A LOT!! I felt so bad for him, the way that he doesn’t feel safe and secure. The way that he hates the character of Lord January and that he has to still play that character. It tore my poor heart to pieces watching this young man who just wants to be have such a hard time believing that he’s worth so much more.
Rye Sommers…this if a former police officer turned bodyguard who is just looking for a stable job. He likes challenges and he’s got one. Rye goes in there thinking that LJ is going to be a hand full and what he finds is this scared young man who needs him. Needs someone to show him that life is worth living and that he’s worth it. Rye is this great guy….golly I really liked Rye. I liked how he showed that he was strong and made of sterner stuff. I liked that he really liked Jeff. Jeff is this sweet, wonderful, caring guy and that he absolutely HATED Lord January. He hated how it tore Jeff apart. I liked that he took his job so very serious and that led him to see more than what he expected to see. That Jeff is a real person and he needs someone to show him that he’s a good guy and it’s ok to say ENOUGH of the things that are hurting you. Not only physically, but mentally as well. He was a great fit for Jeff.
Now, the secondary characters in this story…each one had a part to play. Jim…Jeff’s sponsor in rehab, Donna…his manager…now that woman I could totally get behind. She was filled a need for him, not only as his manager, but as a mother figure…which Jeff really needed. Roach…yeah, the name threw me as well, but who he is and what he means to Jeff…that is so important.
Now…this being a Sean Michael book, you have to know that there some real good intimate scenes. They were in turns really hot and yet, there was a tenderness in each scene that made you see that it wasn’t just sex between them…they were making love. Showing each other what they couldn’t yet recognize or even express. The intimate scenes between Rye and Jeff were never gratuitous, they moved the story along and showed the growing relationship between the two of them. Very Well Done, Sean!!
I really liked that this wasn’t a case of insta love. That they took the time to get to know each other, that they were friends first and I really liked that about them. I liked that they took their time building up to a relationship. It was really nice to see.
I will say that as I got closer to the end…I felt that the book was ending before anything got settled. It wrapped up pretty quick and neat and I felt like it could have gone on just a bit longer….maybe an epilogue to see in the future. I would have felt like it didn’t just end and leave me feeling flat, after all that we’d been through together and to just ….done.
Overall, this book was in parts, sweet, tender and filled with hope and love. I liked it. I liked that it showed the aftereffects of rehab and that sometimes…it doesn’t work for everyone. It brought home that saying: life is meant to lived, and that you can have what you want and need. Sweet.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
So, when I read the blurb for this book, I was intrigued. I wondered if this would be another bad boy rocker/alpha bodyguard book. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised with this book.
Jeff Smart aka Lord January (LJ) is this really sweet, kind guy who has his life taken over by the Goth Rocker lifestyle. At the beginning of this story we see Jeff getting ready to leave rehab after 8 months. Jeff feels safe finally. He realizes that LJ is just going to kill him. He’s so hurt and so freaking sad. It’s hard to watch this man who only wants to do the right thing, hurt. Jeff is so insecure and just the sweetest thing. I really liked him A LOT!! I felt so bad for him, the way that he doesn’t feel safe and secure. The way that he hates the character of Lord January and that he has to still play that character. It tore my poor heart to pieces watching this young man who just wants to be have such a hard time believing that he’s worth so much more.
Rye Sommers…this if a former police officer turned bodyguard who is just looking for a stable job. He likes challenges and he’s got one. Rye goes in there thinking that LJ is going to be a hand full and what he finds is this scared young man who needs him. Needs someone to show him that life is worth living and that he’s worth it. Rye is this great guy….golly I really liked Rye. I liked how he showed that he was strong and made of sterner stuff. I liked that he really liked Jeff. Jeff is this sweet, wonderful, caring guy and that he absolutely HATED Lord January. He hated how it tore Jeff apart. I liked that he took his job so very serious and that led him to see more than what he expected to see. That Jeff is a real person and he needs someone to show him that he’s a good guy and it’s ok to say ENOUGH of the things that are hurting you. Not only physically, but mentally as well. He was a great fit for Jeff.
Now, the secondary characters in this story…each one had a part to play. Jim…Jeff’s sponsor in rehab, Donna…his manager…now that woman I could totally get behind. She was filled a need for him, not only as his manager, but as a mother figure…which Jeff really needed. Roach…yeah, the name threw me as well, but who he is and what he means to Jeff…that is so important.
Now…this being a Sean Michael book, you have to know that there some real good intimate scenes. They were in turns really hot and yet, there was a tenderness in each scene that made you see that it wasn’t just sex between them…they were making love. Showing each other what they couldn’t yet recognize or even express. The intimate scenes between Rye and Jeff were never gratuitous, they moved the story along and showed the growing relationship between the two of them. Very Well Done, Sean!!
I really liked that this wasn’t a case of insta love. That they took the time to get to know each other, that they were friends first and I really liked that about them. I liked that they took their time building up to a relationship. It was really nice to see.
I will say that as I got closer to the end…I felt that the book was ending before anything got settled. It wrapped up pretty quick and neat and I felt like it could have gone on just a bit longer….maybe an epilogue to see in the future. I would have felt like it didn’t just end and leave me feeling flat, after all that we’d been through together and to just ….done.
Overall, this book was in parts, sweet, tender and filled with hope and love. I liked it. I liked that it showed the aftereffects of rehab and that sometimes…it doesn’t work for everyone. It brought home that saying: life is meant to lived, and that you can have what you want and need. Sweet.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
April 29, 2023
❤❤❤❤❤
This was another of my TBR sitting ducks, patiently waiting since 2017! Oh, what a mistake! Another one.
This was hurt/comfort in a really weird package and I loved it. It's not as "finely" tuned as some other books, but today it really hit the right note for me. Possessive bodyguard playing savior for the misunderstood and self-degrading goth singer Awesome!
This was another of my TBR sitting ducks, patiently waiting since 2017! Oh, what a mistake! Another one.
This was hurt/comfort in a really weird package and I loved it. It's not as "finely" tuned as some other books, but today it really hit the right note for me. Possessive bodyguard playing savior for the misunderstood and self-degrading goth singer Awesome!
December 9, 2016
The setup for this book was decent. The description catches your attention, and the first few chapters are intriguing enough to keep you wanting more.
Unfortunately, the book itself was a letdown. The plot wasn't bad - it's the delivery that was so disappointing.
At first, it seems there is the possibility for chemistry between the characters. Especially with one of them being the protector of the other. Except, the interactions between them felt completely bland, and I never felt like there was a true connection between them.
The premise is simple. Jeff needs protecting from himself, and Rye is there to see that he is taken care of. One little problem though - the things Rye does are severely repetitive. Throughout the book, I couldn't even tell you how many times Rye would try to feed Jeff, only for Jeff to say he is not hungry. Then Rye would coax him gently into eating a little more. This exact thing must have happened at least 40, if not more, times throughout the book.
That's not the only repetitive issue, though. Rye is constantly bringing up Jeff's job. When I say constantly, I really do mean constantly. It feels like every second page is either Rye feeding Jeff, or Rye bringing up Jeff's job. After a certain event, a new one is added to the mix - Rye being worried that Jeff is "fading away," often followed by statements such as "I don't want Jeff to disappear."
If these three things had been eliminated from the book, it would have been a much quicker read.
Despite the repetition and the lack of chemistry between the characters, I actually have a bigger problem with this book. The author does not know how to properly switch between points of views. They could be talking about Rye, but then start saying "he" many times in one sentence, and it's impossible to know rather the "he" is Rye or Jeff. Sometimes you have to re-read the entire paragraph three times just to make a guess about who the "he" is referring to. It's definitely an issue the author needs to work on. If they find it difficult, perhaps first-person would be better for their writing style.
All in all, this was a poorly-written book that needed a lot of work done before publishing. The potential is there. It just needs a means to come out properly.
Unfortunately, the book itself was a letdown. The plot wasn't bad - it's the delivery that was so disappointing.
At first, it seems there is the possibility for chemistry between the characters. Especially with one of them being the protector of the other. Except, the interactions between them felt completely bland, and I never felt like there was a true connection between them.
The premise is simple. Jeff needs protecting from himself, and Rye is there to see that he is taken care of. One little problem though - the things Rye does are severely repetitive. Throughout the book, I couldn't even tell you how many times Rye would try to feed Jeff, only for Jeff to say he is not hungry. Then Rye would coax him gently into eating a little more. This exact thing must have happened at least 40, if not more, times throughout the book.
That's not the only repetitive issue, though. Rye is constantly bringing up Jeff's job. When I say constantly, I really do mean constantly. It feels like every second page is either Rye feeding Jeff, or Rye bringing up Jeff's job. After a certain event, a new one is added to the mix - Rye being worried that Jeff is "fading away," often followed by statements such as "I don't want Jeff to disappear."
If these three things had been eliminated from the book, it would have been a much quicker read.
Despite the repetition and the lack of chemistry between the characters, I actually have a bigger problem with this book. The author does not know how to properly switch between points of views. They could be talking about Rye, but then start saying "he" many times in one sentence, and it's impossible to know rather the "he" is Rye or Jeff. Sometimes you have to re-read the entire paragraph three times just to make a guess about who the "he" is referring to. It's definitely an issue the author needs to work on. If they find it difficult, perhaps first-person would be better for their writing style.
All in all, this was a poorly-written book that needed a lot of work done before publishing. The potential is there. It just needs a means to come out properly.
June 15, 2015
Rye Sommers specializes in long time private protection. He’s a hardcore bodyguard for those who can afford his skills. The longer the job the better as far as Rye is concerned. His latest employer is none other than the Vampire King himself, Lord January.
Well, technically it’s his manager Donna Heard who hired Rye because Lord January or LJ is fresh out of rehab after eight months. A nasty wake-up call after his heart stopped twice sent the pseudo vampire king for help.
LJ comes home a frail, painfully thin, and fragile twenty something who desperately wishes to return to the relative safety of rehab where no one expects him to be Lord January.
The bodyguard’s first interaction with his client isn’t promising. It is abundantly clear the singer has given up on life. Nudging and cajoling barely works. Getting LJ ready for a world tour is going to take every ounce of Rye’s skills.
As the days slowly pass Rye sees the man behind the façade, Jeff Smart a lost and lonely soul with a gift that’s killing him, body and soul. Falling for Jeff is so unexpected which is why the bodyguard cherishes the feelings he has for his broken love. As for Jeff he finally has someone who’d rather be with him and not Lord January. Too bad the rest of the world doesn’t feel that way.
Incredibly poignant and sensitive. Guarding January rocks. Multi-talented author Sean Michael pens a powerful tale of morals, foibles, and heart. Rye is a straight arrow who loves a lie, a ghost. A careful, calculated act turned Jeff into a false god who’s crumbling under the weight. Their story is an intensely private romance. Guarding January digs deeper and deeper into the human spirit and comes out swinging. Feisty, sizzling, and ultimately satisfying.
Reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/1FxWZbz
Well, technically it’s his manager Donna Heard who hired Rye because Lord January or LJ is fresh out of rehab after eight months. A nasty wake-up call after his heart stopped twice sent the pseudo vampire king for help.
LJ comes home a frail, painfully thin, and fragile twenty something who desperately wishes to return to the relative safety of rehab where no one expects him to be Lord January.
The bodyguard’s first interaction with his client isn’t promising. It is abundantly clear the singer has given up on life. Nudging and cajoling barely works. Getting LJ ready for a world tour is going to take every ounce of Rye’s skills.
As the days slowly pass Rye sees the man behind the façade, Jeff Smart a lost and lonely soul with a gift that’s killing him, body and soul. Falling for Jeff is so unexpected which is why the bodyguard cherishes the feelings he has for his broken love. As for Jeff he finally has someone who’d rather be with him and not Lord January. Too bad the rest of the world doesn’t feel that way.
Incredibly poignant and sensitive. Guarding January rocks. Multi-talented author Sean Michael pens a powerful tale of morals, foibles, and heart. Rye is a straight arrow who loves a lie, a ghost. A careful, calculated act turned Jeff into a false god who’s crumbling under the weight. Their story is an intensely private romance. Guarding January digs deeper and deeper into the human spirit and comes out swinging. Feisty, sizzling, and ultimately satisfying.
Reviewed by Lisa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/1FxWZbz
January 2, 2016
I have to admit I've been avoiding this author for a while because he tends to have lots and lots of sex and a little thin on plot and character development. But I was pleasantly surprised with this book to find an achingly sweet book. Jeff is so vulnerable and sweet and Rye is the perfect alpha male. There were some very hot and slightly kinky sex scene but there was lots of Rye caring and protecting his charge. There was no over the top drama or bad plot twist just a very soft romantic building of a relationship between the two character.
November 29, 2015
*2.5 stars*
OK, this should have been right up my alley. Goth/vampire rock star? Yes, please. As it turns out, no thanks. It's not a bad book, really. It fell a little short, for me. The relationship between Jeff and Rye felt a little off. Too forced, maybe? I don't know. I'm sure after only knowing each other a matter of days, Rye was being far too familiar in his role as bodyguard!
It did all get kind of repetitive in the last third. I needed angst!
OK, this should have been right up my alley. Goth/vampire rock star? Yes, please. As it turns out, no thanks. It's not a bad book, really. It fell a little short, for me. The relationship between Jeff and Rye felt a little off. Too forced, maybe? I don't know. I'm sure after only knowing each other a matter of days, Rye was being far too familiar in his role as bodyguard!
It did all get kind of repetitive in the last third. I needed angst!
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