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Guardian
“I won’t get hurt again.”
“He probably has women falling at his feet.”
Attorney Alexander Wilson lies to himself. He’s not in the closet. He’s happy alone. He could come out to his work colleagues any time. Until then it’s one nerd and his Corgi, his string of failed relationships, and his collection of Space Shuttle toys. So when he’s hired by a tattooed, musclebound mechanic, it’s just as well that Conflict of Interest prevents him getting involved.
“A guy like him wouldn’t spend time with a guy like me.”
Mechanic Titus Edwards walked away from a promising Army career. As a former EOD expert he’s faced tougher environments than Flushing, Queens, but never a tougher job: raising his eight year old niece. When her biological father crawls out of the woodwork, Titus needs an attorney if he’s to protect her. But he’s not expecting to find himself drawn to Alex. After all, Alex is a guy. And Titus isn’t gay.
“We’re wasting time on a fairytale.”
Both men are haunted by pasts they would rather forget. But if they are to forge a future together they’re going to need to overcome more than their individual hurts. Can they learn to trust themselves and each other before it’s too late?
“He probably has women falling at his feet.”
Attorney Alexander Wilson lies to himself. He’s not in the closet. He’s happy alone. He could come out to his work colleagues any time. Until then it’s one nerd and his Corgi, his string of failed relationships, and his collection of Space Shuttle toys. So when he’s hired by a tattooed, musclebound mechanic, it’s just as well that Conflict of Interest prevents him getting involved.
“A guy like him wouldn’t spend time with a guy like me.”
Mechanic Titus Edwards walked away from a promising Army career. As a former EOD expert he’s faced tougher environments than Flushing, Queens, but never a tougher job: raising his eight year old niece. When her biological father crawls out of the woodwork, Titus needs an attorney if he’s to protect her. But he’s not expecting to find himself drawn to Alex. After all, Alex is a guy. And Titus isn’t gay.
“We’re wasting time on a fairytale.”
Both men are haunted by pasts they would rather forget. But if they are to forge a future together they’re going to need to overcome more than their individual hurts. Can they learn to trust themselves and each other before it’s too late?
266 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2016
87 people are currently reading
656 people want to read
About the author
Sierra Riley
31 books452 followersSierra Riley was born and raised in a small town where she spent all her time reading under trees before she moved to the Bay area to pursue her own love story.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
She writes the kinds of books she loves to read: rollercoaster rides with happily-ever-afters. She's rarely at a loss for ideas, and credits her wonderfully supportive friends with helping her stories actually make it onto the page, as well as her husband and kids for giving her the chance to follow her dreams.
When Sierra isn't busy writing, she enjoys knitting, traveling, listening to the Pet Shop Boys, or just curling up with her dogs and cats and devouring a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
March 14, 2016
Looking for a book that is low/no angst that will make your insides feel all warm and gooey? I've got just the book for you!
Nerdy lawyer meets burly auto mechanic with a heat of gold. Throw in a ridiculously cute Corgi and an 8-year-old wise-beyond-her-years girl and you've got the makings for one helluva great M/M romance. After a setup like that, it was really only the author's misuse of the characters that could even possibly fuck it up. But Sierra Riley did NOT fuck it up. She turned our main players into loving, caring, hot-as-hell people who were easy to relate with and sympathize for.
And can we talk about the sex for just a minute? (Duh, yes!) These two take it slow and really get to know each other before jumping into bed. I'm all about caged heat and pushing each other up against walls, etc., but this slow burn make their eventual union as ridiculously hot as one can imagine. Ty is so eager but patient and funny but sexy. Just the best of all possible worlds. And the dirty talk? And Ty pinning Alex to the bed and holding him down while fucking him?
Guardian is a breath of fresh air and a must read for M/M romance fans. The ending will leave you stupid-happy and grinning like a love-sick fool.
Highly recommended.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Nerdy lawyer meets burly auto mechanic with a heat of gold. Throw in a ridiculously cute Corgi and an 8-year-old wise-beyond-her-years girl and you've got the makings for one helluva great M/M romance. After a setup like that, it was really only the author's misuse of the characters that could even possibly fuck it up. But Sierra Riley did NOT fuck it up. She turned our main players into loving, caring, hot-as-hell people who were easy to relate with and sympathize for.
And can we talk about the sex for just a minute? (Duh, yes!) These two take it slow and really get to know each other before jumping into bed. I'm all about caged heat and pushing each other up against walls, etc., but this slow burn make their eventual union as ridiculously hot as one can imagine. Ty is so eager but patient and funny but sexy. Just the best of all possible worlds. And the dirty talk? And Ty pinning Alex to the bed and holding him down while fucking him?
Guardian is a breath of fresh air and a must read for M/M romance fans. The ending will leave you stupid-happy and grinning like a love-sick fool.
Highly recommended.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
April 4, 2016
~3.5~
Thumbs UP:
- intense slow burn
- hot & heavy smexy action
- burly, inked, military vet cum mechanic, TY, who's always thought of himself as straight discovering that he's bi and crushing hard on the slightly femme, slightly geeky lawyer
-said geeky lawyer, ALEX, who specializes in family law and wears glasses (there's something really sexy about a man's glasses going all askew because he's being kissed within an inch of his life)
- previously mentioned former military man losing his gay cherry in an incredibly enthusiastic way
- no homophobia!
- 8-year-old kid (Ty's niece, Phoebe) who doesn't overtake the story
- corgie named Val who DOES (but in the best way possible!)
- some seriously sweet moments and an epilogue that's extra whipped cream on top of this already delicious sundae
Thumbs DOWN:
- the "crime/mystery" aspect with Phoebe's deadbeat scumbag of a father coming to claim her was at once too much and not enough; hello, melodrama!
- Riley used too many clever nouns to refer to the MCs: the bigger man, the smaller man, the mechanic, the attorney; rather amateurish and awkward.
- Ty is short for Titus; obvious much?
- a little insta lovey at the end, but I couldn't bring myself to care; besides, nothing says forever like ink.
Thumbs UP:
- intense slow burn
- hot & heavy smexy action
- burly, inked, military vet cum mechanic, TY, who's always thought of himself as straight discovering that he's bi and crushing hard on the slightly femme, slightly geeky lawyer
-said geeky lawyer, ALEX, who specializes in family law and wears glasses (there's something really sexy about a man's glasses going all askew because he's being kissed within an inch of his life)
- previously mentioned former military man losing his gay cherry in an incredibly enthusiastic way
- no homophobia!
- 8-year-old kid (Ty's niece, Phoebe) who doesn't overtake the story
- corgie named Val who DOES (but in the best way possible!)
- some seriously sweet moments and an epilogue that's extra whipped cream on top of this already delicious sundae
Thumbs DOWN:
- the "crime/mystery" aspect with Phoebe's deadbeat scumbag of a father coming to claim her was at once too much and not enough; hello, melodrama!
- Riley used too many clever nouns to refer to the MCs: the bigger man, the smaller man, the mechanic, the attorney; rather amateurish and awkward.
- Ty is short for Titus; obvious much?
- a little insta lovey at the end, but I couldn't bring myself to care; besides, nothing says forever like ink.
March 14, 2016
Felt pretty meh about this one....
I think I skimmed the last 75%. Not a good sign.
I just didn't feel much for Ty or....or.....geez I already forgot his name. Not a good sign.
I'm sure it's me....and not the book.
I think I skimmed the last 75%. Not a good sign.
I just didn't feel much for Ty or....or.....geez I already forgot his name. Not a good sign.
I'm sure it's me....and not the book.
July 6, 2020
Re-read July 5, 2020
***** An amazing story of friendship turning into love !
This is a wonderful tale of a GFY (gay for you) story, where the
ex-military, huge, hunky, tattooed, mechanic, Titus/Ty,
falls for the lithe, blonde, blue eyed with glasses lawyer, Alex.
Ty has custody of his dead sister's 8 yr. old girl, darling Phoebe, and he's a great and loving Uncle while he raises her, runs his own shop, and lives their quiet life. Ty fixes Alex's car and shortly after, finds himself in the Law Office. His sister's ex, dead beat dad, had shown up and tried to take Phoebe away, then filed a custody suit. Ty needs Alex and his expertise to keep his niece from the slime ball. Their meeting goes well, Alex is a shark when it comes to protecting children, and the two become friends, as well as Phoebe and Alex's Corgi.
Dirty business turns up in the investigation of the creep, and they prevail. Both men are attracted, which confused Ty, because he never took an interest in men before, but Alex was his first and only and he deeply felt the pull. When the lawsuit ends, the relationship begins. This is first time territory for Ty, and he's so comfortable in his own skin, unafraid to try out these new feelings, so tender and deep with his first M/M sex. Fabulous !! He's a huge man, 6'5", and
wait til you read about his magnificent tattoo he revealed to Alex !
I gasped out loud to myself !!!
Alex is very drawn to Ty, but has had bad experiences with big guys being mean and overpowering to him. The guys have emotional talks, off the charts first time sex (awesome Ty looked up things he needed to know, so smart) and their act was something I hadn't read before, so I learned, too. Terrific ! With their sexy times, game time, and sleepovers, a family emerged.
A lot happened, coming out at work, dealing with attitudes, etc., but Ty was amazing in his openness. Dead beat dad reared his ugliness once again, and tried to take Phoebe, but Alex fought him off until Ty got there.
I recommend this magnificent * stand alone tale, the well written interesting story, the super hot sex, and the deeply thought-filled characters. We get a thrill in the epilogue :)
ENJOY !!! ENJOY !!! ENJOY !!!
============================
* I received a free copy for an honest review. *
======================================
***** An amazing story of friendship turning into love !
This is a wonderful tale of a GFY (gay for you) story, where the
ex-military, huge, hunky, tattooed, mechanic, Titus/Ty,
falls for the lithe, blonde, blue eyed with glasses lawyer, Alex.
Ty has custody of his dead sister's 8 yr. old girl, darling Phoebe, and he's a great and loving Uncle while he raises her, runs his own shop, and lives their quiet life. Ty fixes Alex's car and shortly after, finds himself in the Law Office. His sister's ex, dead beat dad, had shown up and tried to take Phoebe away, then filed a custody suit. Ty needs Alex and his expertise to keep his niece from the slime ball. Their meeting goes well, Alex is a shark when it comes to protecting children, and the two become friends, as well as Phoebe and Alex's Corgi.
Dirty business turns up in the investigation of the creep, and they prevail. Both men are attracted, which confused Ty, because he never took an interest in men before, but Alex was his first and only and he deeply felt the pull. When the lawsuit ends, the relationship begins. This is first time territory for Ty, and he's so comfortable in his own skin, unafraid to try out these new feelings, so tender and deep with his first M/M sex. Fabulous !! He's a huge man, 6'5", and
wait til you read about his magnificent tattoo he revealed to Alex !
I gasped out loud to myself !!!
Alex is very drawn to Ty, but has had bad experiences with big guys being mean and overpowering to him. The guys have emotional talks, off the charts first time sex (awesome Ty looked up things he needed to know, so smart) and their act was something I hadn't read before, so I learned, too. Terrific ! With their sexy times, game time, and sleepovers, a family emerged.
A lot happened, coming out at work, dealing with attitudes, etc., but Ty was amazing in his openness. Dead beat dad reared his ugliness once again, and tried to take Phoebe, but Alex fought him off until Ty got there.
I recommend this magnificent * stand alone tale, the well written interesting story, the super hot sex, and the deeply thought-filled characters. We get a thrill in the epilogue :)
ENJOY !!! ENJOY !!! ENJOY !!!
============================
* I received a free copy for an honest review. *
======================================
March 10, 2016
It's nice enough, no angst around long enough to have impact. There's an ever present cute dog which is a bonus (and a mainly absent young child). At surface level it's fine, even appealing, but it had itchy flaws which might mean this review comes across harsher than it deserves.
Oddly, for me the story both seemed to move far too fast and at times drag.
Alternative povs slowed it down while managing to largely ignore the fact Ty was until this moment straight, no hesitation, no awkwardness, no former attraction for guys, just suddenly their making out, talking about dating then moving in with each other. He's also the one frequently initiating PDA. I like the lack of misunderstandings and homophobia though.
Dialogue often felt unnatural:
Well of course they do. Wasn't that your first thought too?
It occasionally dips to teen-girl with blushes and 'shut-up' and I wanted more than long repetitive (if hot) descriptions of tattoos. The nearest they came to discussing Ty now being gay was his 'You gotta understand...I don't often say shit like this...but that is one fucking good looking cock, Alex', Alex for a smart man never once asked a simple 'so you're gay now?'.
There's the most emotionless child custody case imaginable - it's over in a blink and the concern appears more over their next meeting than worry over the child. Phoebe appears in maybe four mini scenes to be cute, mention the dog and remind us she's 'cookie-cutter-smart' then when you'd think she'd be guarded around the clock she's forgotten, presumably palmed off on someone. No sign of her at the end either. In fact the reaction to her cartoon-villain dad - spoiler here
It seemed like a big plot point that was stuck in there and never the main event, I'm rarely one to coo over cute kiddies simply for them existing, so need to be made to care, in this case the story might even have worked better (imo) if it lost the child completely and stuck to being a hot little GFY story. It worked well as a simple insta-lust-love fic.
The author is obviously given to research and while that is commendable I felt lectured at times:
- Car mechanic.
- Corgis.
- A whole monologue on some Russian astronaut woman that was irrelevant to anything, our gay attorney character maybe a feminist geek but we never learn why the interest.
- Proper appreciation for forces personnel is brought up several times,
- Tattoos
- Correct application of a condom and suitable lube for any m/m activity (even handjobs).
- Smoking turns your skin yellow and makes you smell, and the women here are cringing creatures when they're not playing on mobiles or eyeing up sculptured males.
- Tattoos
Too often we see them arranging to meet, then jump ahead a week so that meeting isn't shown. For me it had potential but the characters weren't developed enough to feel real.
--
And the cover, fluffy dog lover Alex has the facial expression of one who has just stepped into doggy poop!
Oddly, for me the story both seemed to move far too fast and at times drag.
Alternative povs slowed it down while managing to largely ignore the fact Ty was until this moment straight, no hesitation, no awkwardness, no former attraction for guys, just suddenly their making out, talking about dating then moving in with each other. He's also the one frequently initiating PDA. I like the lack of misunderstandings and homophobia though.
Dialogue often felt unnatural:
'Titus'
'Son of Vespasian?'...
...'Ha'...'Most people think Andronicus'
Well of course they do. Wasn't that your first thought too?
It occasionally dips to teen-girl with blushes and 'shut-up' and I wanted more than long repetitive (if hot) descriptions of tattoos. The nearest they came to discussing Ty now being gay was his 'You gotta understand...I don't often say shit like this...but that is one fucking good looking cock, Alex', Alex for a smart man never once asked a simple 'so you're gay now?'.
There's the most emotionless child custody case imaginable - it's over in a blink and the concern appears more over their next meeting than worry over the child. Phoebe appears in maybe four mini scenes to be cute, mention the dog and remind us she's 'cookie-cutter-smart' then when you'd think she'd be guarded around the clock she's forgotten, presumably palmed off on someone. No sign of her at the end either. In fact the reaction to her cartoon-villain dad - spoiler here
It seemed like a big plot point that was stuck in there and never the main event, I'm rarely one to coo over cute kiddies simply for them existing, so need to be made to care, in this case the story might even have worked better (imo) if it lost the child completely and stuck to being a hot little GFY story. It worked well as a simple insta-lust-love fic.
The author is obviously given to research and while that is commendable I felt lectured at times:
- Car mechanic.
- Corgis.
- A whole monologue on some Russian astronaut woman that was irrelevant to anything, our gay attorney character maybe a feminist geek but we never learn why the interest.
- Proper appreciation for forces personnel is brought up several times,
- Tattoos
- Correct application of a condom and suitable lube for any m/m activity (even handjobs).
- Smoking turns your skin yellow and makes you smell, and the women here are cringing creatures when they're not playing on mobiles or eyeing up sculptured males.
- Tattoos
Too often we see them arranging to meet, then jump ahead a week so that meeting isn't shown. For me it had potential but the characters weren't developed enough to feel real.
--
And the cover, fluffy dog lover Alex has the facial expression of one who has just stepped into doggy poop!
April 2, 2017
I received an ARC from the author, for an honest review....thank you Sierra Riley ;)
I really enjoyed this sweet, steamy gfy story ;)
Alex is a family lawyer, he's gay and not totally out, because he worries about what will happen to his job, once the senior partners find out. He is very good at his job, especially with the kids that are involved and he has the cutest little dog...Val, a corgey
One day, his car starts making weird noices, so he ends up at a garage. He falls in insta lust with the seemingly straight mechanic...Titus (Ty for short)
Ty has spend a lot of years in the army and is now working as a mechanic in the shop that he owns. He has recently gained custody over his 8 year old niece (, when het mother died. Ty is straight...at least he always has been. Ty has these weird feelings about Alex right away, but pushes them down, because he's confused about them.
When, his niece's father tries to take her away, Ty is in desperate need of a lawyer. The only one he knows is Alex, so he goes to pay him a visit. Alex is more than happy to help...he's also very good. When Ty finds out Alex is gay, he gets even more confused about everything he's feeling. He can't stop thinking about Alex.
Once the case is done, Ty can't take it anymore and makes his move. Damn, but I loved Ty. He had no problems in taking what he wanted. He wasn't shy and he was all in. The man had quite a dirt mouth on him....so hot !!!
I do have to say, that once they start getting physical, they move pretty fast. They score quite high on the insta-love radar...but I didn't mind, because it took some time before they actually got together.
There are still some unresolved matters, about Alex's work and Phoebe's dad, but nothing very angst. This is a pretty fluffy read with hot steam and a nice HEA.
4 stars from me, I liked this one better than the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely keep reading her work ;)
I really enjoyed this sweet, steamy gfy story ;)
Alex is a family lawyer, he's gay and not totally out, because he worries about what will happen to his job, once the senior partners find out. He is very good at his job, especially with the kids that are involved and he has the cutest little dog...Val, a corgey
One day, his car starts making weird noices, so he ends up at a garage. He falls in insta lust with the seemingly straight mechanic...Titus (Ty for short)
Ty has spend a lot of years in the army and is now working as a mechanic in the shop that he owns. He has recently gained custody over his 8 year old niece (, when het mother died. Ty is straight...at least he always has been. Ty has these weird feelings about Alex right away, but pushes them down, because he's confused about them.
When, his niece's father tries to take her away, Ty is in desperate need of a lawyer. The only one he knows is Alex, so he goes to pay him a visit. Alex is more than happy to help...he's also very good. When Ty finds out Alex is gay, he gets even more confused about everything he's feeling. He can't stop thinking about Alex.
Once the case is done, Ty can't take it anymore and makes his move. Damn, but I loved Ty. He had no problems in taking what he wanted. He wasn't shy and he was all in. The man had quite a dirt mouth on him....so hot !!!
I do have to say, that once they start getting physical, they move pretty fast. They score quite high on the insta-love radar...but I didn't mind, because it took some time before they actually got together.
There are still some unresolved matters, about Alex's work and Phoebe's dad, but nothing very angst. This is a pretty fluffy read with hot steam and a nice HEA.
4 stars from me, I liked this one better than the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely keep reading her work ;)
March 18, 2016
2.5 stars
So very meh..
I just didn’t feel it.
And what was this?
”Are you straight?”
Ty huffed. “Of course I am.”
“Why ‘of course’?” One of Alex’s delicate eyebrows quirked above the rim of his glasses.
“Well, most people are, right? It’s like the default…”
The default? Really?
And I do get the importance of safe sex, really I do. But frottage with both of them wearing a condom? Wow, that takes the sexy right out of it.
So very meh..
I just didn’t feel it.
And what was this?
”Are you straight?”
Ty huffed. “Of course I am.”
“Why ‘of course’?” One of Alex’s delicate eyebrows quirked above the rim of his glasses.
“Well, most people are, right? It’s like the default…”
The default? Really?
And I do get the importance of safe sex, really I do. But frottage with both of them wearing a condom? Wow, that takes the sexy right out of it.
December 9, 2017
3.5 Stars
Overall what I liked about this was the great slow burn, sweet low angst, and the coming together of a self proclaimed, nerdy lawyer and a badass ex-military mechanic.
Alex’s been hurt many a time, but really, he just wants a big tough guy to hold him down like nobody’s business. Enter his walking wet dream Titus, who needs Alex’s help in keeping custody of his niece. Titus has never deemed himself anything but straight, but something about Alex slowly brings him out of his structured lonely life, and he literally can’t stop thinking about the man.
Was this too easy and bordered on unrealistic? Yeah probably, but this is fiction, and romantic fiction at that, so I figure why the hell not?! We can’t have doom and gloom all the time, right? This was also a little awkward in sentence structure and dialogue, enough for me to remark upon, but it still pleasantly went down the hatch nice and easy. Definitely enjoyable enough for me to continue exploring this author’s other works.
Overall what I liked about this was the great slow burn, sweet low angst, and the coming together of a self proclaimed, nerdy lawyer and a badass ex-military mechanic.
Alex’s been hurt many a time, but really, he just wants a big tough guy to hold him down like nobody’s business. Enter his walking wet dream Titus, who needs Alex’s help in keeping custody of his niece. Titus has never deemed himself anything but straight, but something about Alex slowly brings him out of his structured lonely life, and he literally can’t stop thinking about the man.
Was this too easy and bordered on unrealistic? Yeah probably, but this is fiction, and romantic fiction at that, so I figure why the hell not?! We can’t have doom and gloom all the time, right? This was also a little awkward in sentence structure and dialogue, enough for me to remark upon, but it still pleasantly went down the hatch nice and easy. Definitely enjoyable enough for me to continue exploring this author’s other works.
August 27, 2016
*** 3.5 Stars ***
The thing with Phoebe's dad was a tad melodramatic, but all in all, it wasn't a bad book. Two likable characters, a good slow burn, and some steamy times - what's not to enjoy?
The thing with Phoebe's dad was a tad melodramatic, but all in all, it wasn't a bad book. Two likable characters, a good slow burn, and some steamy times - what's not to enjoy?
March 14, 2016
3.5 Stars
This was a sweet story, nothing too deep or emotional, still an enjoyable quick read.
This was a sweet story, nothing too deep or emotional, still an enjoyable quick read.
July 23, 2016
3.5 Stars
This story provided just the right feels for the mood I was in this week. It was low on angst, had a nicely paced slow-burn that didn't keep me waiting longer than I could stand, and the romance was just the right amount of sappy sweet and sexy, which ultimately left me feeling happy and stress free.
The story follows Titus, an army vet who owns his own mechanic shop and is the full-time guardian of his young niece, Pheobe. When Pheobe's deadbeat estranged father shows up with the aim of whisking Pheobe away, Titus hires a young family lawyer named Alex (whom he recently meet at his auto-shop) to help Titus remain Pheobe's sole custodian.
As the two work together to solve Titus's legal issues, they both form a tentative bond that has each man wondering about the possibility of more.
For Alex, Titus is his dream man: big and strong, yet sweet and kind, and completely able to dominate him in the bedroom (or so his fantasies suggest). Titus on the other hand has, until this point in life, always identified as straight. Upon meeting the kind-hearted and intelligent Alex, and through their extended time together, Titus begins to wonder if his sexual identity may perhaps be a bit more far reaching than he first assumed.
Once the role of client and attorney is over, the two men are finally free to explore the possibilities and see if they can build something together that is truly worthwhile.
As I mentioned, this story is completely flufftastic in the romance department; even though this is technically a gay-for-you plot, the drama surrounding Titus's first-time feelings for another man are completely drama-free, and let's be honest, not all that believable. But you know what? Who cares! I wasn't after some dramatic "how can this be happening to me?" bullshit, I just wanted a nice, romantic read to get my mind off of life... And that's exactly what I got. I liked that Titus was comfortable with who he was and decided that even though Alex wasn't who he expected to fall for, he embraced his feelings and his attraction and just went with the flow.
This was my first experience reading a Sierra Riley book and I can honestly say I enjoyed myself enough to know for certain that this won't be my only foray with her novels; I can't hope for much more than that when reading an authors stories for the first time.
This story provided just the right feels for the mood I was in this week. It was low on angst, had a nicely paced slow-burn that didn't keep me waiting longer than I could stand, and the romance was just the right amount of sappy sweet and sexy, which ultimately left me feeling happy and stress free.
The story follows Titus, an army vet who owns his own mechanic shop and is the full-time guardian of his young niece, Pheobe. When Pheobe's deadbeat estranged father shows up with the aim of whisking Pheobe away, Titus hires a young family lawyer named Alex (whom he recently meet at his auto-shop) to help Titus remain Pheobe's sole custodian.
As the two work together to solve Titus's legal issues, they both form a tentative bond that has each man wondering about the possibility of more.
For Alex, Titus is his dream man: big and strong, yet sweet and kind, and completely able to dominate him in the bedroom (or so his fantasies suggest). Titus on the other hand has, until this point in life, always identified as straight. Upon meeting the kind-hearted and intelligent Alex, and through their extended time together, Titus begins to wonder if his sexual identity may perhaps be a bit more far reaching than he first assumed.
Once the role of client and attorney is over, the two men are finally free to explore the possibilities and see if they can build something together that is truly worthwhile.
As I mentioned, this story is completely flufftastic in the romance department; even though this is technically a gay-for-you plot, the drama surrounding Titus's first-time feelings for another man are completely drama-free, and let's be honest, not all that believable. But you know what? Who cares! I wasn't after some dramatic "how can this be happening to me?" bullshit, I just wanted a nice, romantic read to get my mind off of life... And that's exactly what I got. I liked that Titus was comfortable with who he was and decided that even though Alex wasn't who he expected to fall for, he embraced his feelings and his attraction and just went with the flow.
This was my first experience reading a Sierra Riley book and I can honestly say I enjoyed myself enough to know for certain that this won't be my only foray with her novels; I can't hope for much more than that when reading an authors stories for the first time.
April 4, 2016
Finished this book and I didn't want to. I didn't want to finish it because I DID NOT WANT IT TO END!!! Gahhh I want more of Titus and Alex. Oh and Phoebe :-)! And VAL :-D!!!!! Fantastic, fantastic, FANTASTIC book. Sierra did SO many wonderful things with this book and I thought it was an absolutely EXCELLENT Gay-For-You <3 :-)!! I cannot rave about this book enough; I HIGHLY recommend that anyone who loves M/M read this book. Seriously. You. It's terrific. Read it :-)!!
March 15, 2016
This was cute, but I don't know if I quite buy Ty's sudden attraction to a man. The only real indication that he might be anything other than straight was when, once, he referred to sex with women as "just fine". I was also completely befuddled by the first sex scene. I'm all for safe sex but these guys both wrapped it up, and there was no penetration, not even oral. It just took me out of the story. I did like the characters, and the writing was ok, if predictable.
November 30, 2016
4-4.5 GENTLE GIANT STARS!
This for me was just what I needed, a really really sweet read, low on angst with just a small amount of drama. I just love a gfy storyline, especially when the straight guy realises he's into another dude and apart from the expected initial 'could I really be into guys' thought process the whole book isn't dedicated to this. Titus was just the sweetest and him and Alex made the perfect pair. I loved it.
Thanks Denise for another great recommendation ;)
This for me was just what I needed, a really really sweet read, low on angst with just a small amount of drama. I just love a gfy storyline, especially when the straight guy realises he's into another dude and apart from the expected initial 'could I really be into guys' thought process the whole book isn't dedicated to this. Titus was just the sweetest and him and Alex made the perfect pair. I loved it.
Thanks Denise for another great recommendation ;)
March 15, 2016
Overall book rating: 4 Stars
Audio book: N/A
Book Cover: 2 Stars
Received an ARC from Author for an honest review... Thank you Sierra Riley
I was happily surprised with this book. I totally love a good GFY book and this was one of the good ones!!!
Ty ex army sexy as hell mechanic and legal guardian of his niece Phoebe. Ty as straight as an arrow or so he thought get reeled in by the passionate family attorney Alex. Alex helps Ty when Phoebe's biological father shows up after 8 years and tried to take her away.
During this custody battle Ty gets to know Alex and somehow they form a bond like no other and soon Ty discover it's no use fighting it any more.
This was a beautiful story of friendship and love. Even though I would have loved more detail here and there this book was much better than the first one. I liked the plot and fell in love with Ty and Alex from the first page there was just something about them...
Audio book: N/A
Book Cover: 2 Stars
Received an ARC from Author for an honest review... Thank you Sierra Riley
I was happily surprised with this book. I totally love a good GFY book and this was one of the good ones!!!
Ty ex army sexy as hell mechanic and legal guardian of his niece Phoebe. Ty as straight as an arrow or so he thought get reeled in by the passionate family attorney Alex. Alex helps Ty when Phoebe's biological father shows up after 8 years and tried to take her away.
During this custody battle Ty gets to know Alex and somehow they form a bond like no other and soon Ty discover it's no use fighting it any more.
This was a beautiful story of friendship and love. Even though I would have loved more detail here and there this book was much better than the first one. I liked the plot and fell in love with Ty and Alex from the first page there was just something about them...
March 21, 2016
A nerdy lawyer and a burly mechanic? I was sold from the start.
I loved Alex, he was so nice and endearing.
And Ty was a really hot gentle giant, do I need to say more?
The slow burn... I usually don't like it too much as it gets on my nerves if it takes too long for the MCs to get together, but god, Sierra Riley did it so deliciously that even I can't complain.
I really liked that the kid was there but didn't overtake the story and there wasn't actually any kind of gratuitous drama with her or with their relationship except for the custody case.
(There was also a corgi and that's always a bonus ♥)
I loved Alex, he was so nice and endearing.
And Ty was a really hot gentle giant, do I need to say more?
The slow burn... I usually don't like it too much as it gets on my nerves if it takes too long for the MCs to get together, but god, Sierra Riley did it so deliciously that even I can't complain.
I really liked that the kid was there but didn't overtake the story and there wasn't actually any kind of gratuitous drama with her or with their relationship except for the custody case.
(There was also a corgi and that's always a bonus ♥)
March 23, 2016
** Alex can’t out himself because he is afraid of lost his work.
** Ty can’t out himself because he’s STRAIGHT ... yeah ... sure...
But one day Alex and Ty know each other. And get totally hooked for this other man they just meet!
Slow burn cute romance! Yeah! Big tattooed mechanic and slim space nerdy attorney! KUDOS!!
3,5 *
** Ty can’t out himself because he’s STRAIGHT ... yeah ... sure...
But one day Alex and Ty know each other. And get totally hooked for this other man they just meet!
Slow burn cute romance! Yeah! Big tattooed mechanic and slim space nerdy attorney! KUDOS!!
3,5 *
May 31, 2016
This was cute and sweet...very low angst. I absolutely loved Titus and how he so easily accepted things though I didn't really buy it. Unfortunately, this was just one of those times where I just couldn't see GFY but even still I enjoyed the read and Titus was awesome. Alex was just okay. I really wish there had been more scenes with Phoebe. I love children in romances so I really missed the interactions between the three. Overall, a pretty decent read.
April 24, 2016
This was a super sweet book. I absolutely loved both Ty and Alex. Such a sweet plot and amazingly beautiful words. One of my favorites it has been filed away as... oh, the feels....
March 14, 2016
For some reason I did not think I was going to like this book but I really, really did. First of all this is a sweet slow burn of a love story. Alex is a lawyer who needs his car fixed and he meets Titus who is a mechanic. There is an instant attraction but Titus is straight so technically he's not supposed to be attracted to Alex. The car is fixed and Alex leaves his card with Titus. Its a good thing because shortly after they meet Titus who has guardianship of his dead sisters daughter gets an unexpected visit from the girls father threatening to take her away. So a call is made and Alex is now his lawyer. This is the beginning of a beautiful sexually tense friendship filled with awkward moments and great conversations. I love that there is no homophobia and that the child does not take over the story. There is a little drama with the whole father trying to gain custody subplot but that can be easily overlooked because the friendship/relationship developing between both MC's is just great. They are both intelligent, sweet, and overall good people, not to mention incredibly sexy. Another great aspect is that there isn't any bullshit between them, even Titus who has always identified as straight eases into his attraction to Alex with minimal to non existent amount of drama. I found this refreshing. A lot of books like this can get tied up in the whole miscommunication subplot and that didn't happen here.
I don't know why I didn't have high hopes for this one, but I was wrong. The sexy times are awesome and it was a relaxing read with a sweet love story and a cherry on top epilogue.
I don't know why I didn't have high hopes for this one, but I was wrong. The sexy times are awesome and it was a relaxing read with a sweet love story and a cherry on top epilogue.
March 9, 2016
A “sweet» story : a comfort read, because sometimes, it’s nice to read a simple story with no angst.
While having to repair his car, Alex, a lawyer specialized in family law, meets Ty, an ex-military who now owns his Auto-repair shop and takes care of Phoebe, his niece. Alex is definitely attracted by the straight, muscular Ty but believes nothing could ever happen between them. Then, Phoebe’s father came out of the blue and tries to get custody of Phoebe and Ty ask Alex for his help. Ty cannot ignore his attraction to Alex and, once Phoebe’s father's plea is taken care of and Alex is no more his lawyer, he decides to go into this relationship head-on.
No angst, no drama, a slow built and some nice smexy times. I really enjoyed the first half of the book with all the sexual tension between the MCs. The other half was a little bit to “sugary” for my taste, but still, I enjoyed it because I needed some sweetness
While having to repair his car, Alex, a lawyer specialized in family law, meets Ty, an ex-military who now owns his Auto-repair shop and takes care of Phoebe, his niece. Alex is definitely attracted by the straight, muscular Ty but believes nothing could ever happen between them. Then, Phoebe’s father came out of the blue and tries to get custody of Phoebe and Ty ask Alex for his help. Ty cannot ignore his attraction to Alex and, once Phoebe’s father's plea is taken care of and Alex is no more his lawyer, he decides to go into this relationship head-on.
No angst, no drama, a slow built and some nice smexy times. I really enjoyed the first half of the book with all the sexual tension between the MCs. The other half was a little bit to “sugary” for my taste, but still, I enjoyed it because I needed some sweetness
June 13, 2016
Loved both of these MCs. They were each hot in completely different ways. Alex and Ty, a good GFY story. This is Alex:
"...But talking is how we as a species resolve our problems. It's when talking fails that we resort to war...We go to war all the time." Alex's voice was a tender thing. "Mostly with ourselves. Sometimes with other people."
Ty was a soldier who now owned a garage and had custody of his young niece. He is surprised by his attraction to Alex. This is Ty:
It was a technique soldiers used time and again; focus on something good so you had time to calm down from the bad, then you could look at the bad more critically.
Val the dog was cute but not enough to make me sick. "Hey, don't mock my stubby little dog. She can't help being a midget."
Enjoyable book about interesting and hot guys.
"...But talking is how we as a species resolve our problems. It's when talking fails that we resort to war...We go to war all the time." Alex's voice was a tender thing. "Mostly with ourselves. Sometimes with other people."
Ty was a soldier who now owned a garage and had custody of his young niece. He is surprised by his attraction to Alex. This is Ty:
It was a technique soldiers used time and again; focus on something good so you had time to calm down from the bad, then you could look at the bad more critically.
Val the dog was cute but not enough to make me sick. "Hey, don't mock my stubby little dog. She can't help being a midget."
Enjoyable book about interesting and hot guys.
March 20, 2016
This author likes her military men but doesn't really like to do her research.
The details of the actions of the EOD personnel that lead to the death in this book are not accurate. EOD techniques are highly specialized, the schooling is long and difficult and to include it in any way should honor these brave men and woman with accurate and real research. It may seem like a badass job to throw a character into (and it is! I know) but the details are important. Do your research or pick a different type of hero.
The details of the actions of the EOD personnel that lead to the death in this book are not accurate. EOD techniques are highly specialized, the schooling is long and difficult and to include it in any way should honor these brave men and woman with accurate and real research. It may seem like a badass job to throw a character into (and it is! I know) but the details are important. Do your research or pick a different type of hero.
March 12, 2016
4.5 stars... I really enjoyed this one, from a new author to me. I loved it once Alex and Titus (Ty) got together. I love that Ty had plenty of time to think about his attraction to Alex, but once he got with Alex he was all in(no pun intended, hehe) and was just so sweet and loving to him and didn't care what anyone thought. Great book.
March 14, 2016
This was sweet, beautiful and all things wonderful. A warm romance that really made me smile ❤️ loved it
March 9, 2016
Alex, the lawyer, and Titus, the ex-military mechanic raising his niece, met by chance when Alex found himself in need of auto repair. The two men felt an instant connection that they slowly developed during some legal troubles.
There was a lot going on in this book - Alex is the first man that Ty has been attracted to, Ty is an active parent who is apparently scary looking, Alex is not out at work, the past comes back to haunt and threaten Ty's way of life... And Alex has this dog who he is incredibly attached to and sort of inexplicably brings everywhere with him. Both men have their hands full. And yet there is remarkably little angst - almost none and what angst is there, comes from an obvious (slightly implausible) outside source.
I think maybe I missed the angst a little? Like the connection between the two would have seemed more genuine if there was some struggle that they overcame together to get there maybe. Both men had significant internal dialogues but not as much interaction sharing that dialogue. So when they came together (and it was steamy), it was like they both did their personal analysis and came up with red sevens so hit it - but they didn't necessarily share that process with each other which would have made the relationship seem more real.
Guardian is the first book that I've read by Sierra Riley and I am looking forward to seeing what else she writes.
Please note that I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
There was a lot going on in this book - Alex is the first man that Ty has been attracted to, Ty is an active parent who is apparently scary looking, Alex is not out at work, the past comes back to haunt and threaten Ty's way of life... And Alex has this dog who he is incredibly attached to and sort of inexplicably brings everywhere with him. Both men have their hands full. And yet there is remarkably little angst - almost none and what angst is there, comes from an obvious (slightly implausible) outside source.
I think maybe I missed the angst a little? Like the connection between the two would have seemed more genuine if there was some struggle that they overcame together to get there maybe. Both men had significant internal dialogues but not as much interaction sharing that dialogue. So when they came together (and it was steamy), it was like they both did their personal analysis and came up with red sevens so hit it - but they didn't necessarily share that process with each other which would have made the relationship seem more real.
Guardian is the first book that I've read by Sierra Riley and I am looking forward to seeing what else she writes.
Please note that I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
March 7, 2016
If I could think of one thing that I did not like about this book,it would have to be the cover.It does not truly reflect the raw intensity of Titus nor the sweet suave sexiness of Alex.A single shot of either Alex dressed in a grey suit,blazing blue eyes or Titus covered in skin paintings would have completed the visual aspect of the book for me.But that's just my personal musings.
Now to the words within.The reason why I am here.They are perfect.The story is easy to follow.Attorney meets ex-soldier who is now a mechanic & most of the book focuses on the slow burn that arises between these two men.One of them is straight & the other is still in the closet.
Sierra Riley is a happy author,despite whatever trials her characters may undergo,her joy is evident in each of her creations.The angst factor is minimal & even though I'm a 'pain whore' at times I really do enjoy the occasional glimpse of sunshine after a trying day & this book is going to put you in all kinds of good places.
Book kindly provide by author as an ARC for a honest review.
Now to the words within.The reason why I am here.They are perfect.The story is easy to follow.Attorney meets ex-soldier who is now a mechanic & most of the book focuses on the slow burn that arises between these two men.One of them is straight & the other is still in the closet.
Sierra Riley is a happy author,despite whatever trials her characters may undergo,her joy is evident in each of her creations.The angst factor is minimal & even though I'm a 'pain whore' at times I really do enjoy the occasional glimpse of sunshine after a trying day & this book is going to put you in all kinds of good places.
Book kindly provide by author as an ARC for a honest review.
March 28, 2016
Well, it seems you can Google anything nowadays....even how to make your gay lover have orgasms when you've no same sex experience whatsoever, and for that reason, I found the initial sex scenes improbable. I can't believe that straight (!!) from the get-go, Ty performed like a seasoned veteran...there was no hesitancy, no questioning, no embarrassment, no letting Alex take the lead if only to show Ty what he liked and how to do it, after all Alex had all the expertise in this particular field, Ty was the 'student'. I found that strange.
Anyhoo, I think preferred this read before the two MC's got involved. I loved the dog, the niece Phoebe and the story itself was OK, although it was fairly easy to predict that the sleazeball of a sperm donor would turn up and try to take her away again. 3.5 stars.
March 10, 2016
This is exactly what I needed after reading Broken by Nicola Haken. This was a light and fluffy read and it made my heart smile.
Alex and Titus fit together so well that it was such a natural relationship. They were cutesy and I loved that Titus didn't question his feelings and just went with his attraction. I kept imaging this mammoth of a dude when Alex would describe him so it made for a funny mental picture (think hulk size) for me :)
I will say, a hang up I have with the m-m genre is that sometimes I get confused as to who is doing what during certain scenes. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading Guardian - and now I want to get a fucking eagle tattooed on my back with wings going down my arms. So. Fucking. Hot.
On to the next!
Alex and Titus fit together so well that it was such a natural relationship. They were cutesy and I loved that Titus didn't question his feelings and just went with his attraction. I kept imaging this mammoth of a dude when Alex would describe him so it made for a funny mental picture (think hulk size) for me :)
I will say, a hang up I have with the m-m genre is that sometimes I get confused as to who is doing what during certain scenes. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading Guardian - and now I want to get a fucking eagle tattooed on my back with wings going down my arms. So. Fucking. Hot.
On to the next!
May 4, 2016
3.5 stars!!
What a lovely story... It's just a straight up drama less one.
Guy meets guy. Guy likes and feels drawn to guy though he previously liked only ladies. Guys decides "Fuck it" and goes after what he wants. Other guy says "Thank you Lord" and welcomes guy with open arms and other open... *cough cough* ;)
Sweetness , hotness & sexy times ensue, and they get a warm fuzzy HEA.
What's not to like? :D
What a lovely story... It's just a straight up drama less one.
Guy meets guy. Guy likes and feels drawn to guy though he previously liked only ladies. Guys decides "Fuck it" and goes after what he wants. Other guy says "Thank you Lord" and welcomes guy with open arms and other open... *cough cough* ;)
Sweetness , hotness & sexy times ensue, and they get a warm fuzzy HEA.
What's not to like? :D
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