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Blooming Desires #3
Protecting Damian
Izak: I knew Damian Cox was a haughty brat before I even laid eyes on him. As the lead singer for a popular band, he was destined to be arrogant and difficult. He never had a bodyguard who lasted more than a month, and I'm just another challenge for him—another bodyguard to break.
But unlike the others, I'm unbreakable. Two can play at Damian’s game.
And despite the annoyingly charming way he's growing on me, I don't intend to lose.
Damian: I challenged myself: two weeks to make Izak quit. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans. The stubborn meathead refuses to bend, and for some reason, it’s stupidly endearing.
Sleeping with your bodyguard is a bad idea nine times out of ten. I know that better than anyone because I’ve had about a million bodyguards and haven’t been attracted to any of them—until now.
But you know what’s an even worse idea? Falling in love with your bodyguard.
But unlike the others, I'm unbreakable. Two can play at Damian’s game.
And despite the annoyingly charming way he's growing on me, I don't intend to lose.
Damian: I challenged myself: two weeks to make Izak quit. But you know what they say about the best-laid plans. The stubborn meathead refuses to bend, and for some reason, it’s stupidly endearing.
Sleeping with your bodyguard is a bad idea nine times out of ten. I know that better than anyone because I’ve had about a million bodyguards and haven’t been attracted to any of them—until now.
But you know what’s an even worse idea? Falling in love with your bodyguard.
- GenresM M RomanceMusicLGBT
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 9, 2020
I suppose a lot will enjoy this story, but for me, I did not. The story felt a bit superficial, also I couldn’t commit to the characters, I didn’t like them, they were not my kind of guys. Sorry to say I found the story not engaging. The part with Rory was a bit more what a prefer in a read.
There are positive things of course! The pace was good, the way of putting sentences together was also good, the sexual encounters were hot. The story did made sense.
I’m a bit confused about this totally different kind of completion. I did read Hating Caine #2 that was an awesome story with depth and heavy emotions.
There are positive things of course! The pace was good, the way of putting sentences together was also good, the sexual encounters were hot. The story did made sense.
I’m a bit confused about this totally different kind of completion. I did read Hating Caine #2 that was an awesome story with depth and heavy emotions.
January 21, 2020
3.5 stars - This story has some fun and entertaining aspects, but, at the end of the day, it felt like I've read it many times before. I like to pick up a story in a certain trope - bodyguard falls for charge - and be surprised with something different. I just didn't find that with this one. However, that aside and for those who are newer to this theme, I think many will feel much differently.
Damian is a typical somewhat entitled brat. He's the lead singer, who, by default, gets the most attention. He has gotten his way and pushed buttons too many times with previous bodyguards to send them packing. Izak is the complete opposite and just the man to take up the challenge Damian presents. He not only stands up to Damian, but pushes back as well making it clear to see the chemistry blooming. Through this give and take, their friendship grows as they learn there is more to what meets the eye and all is not what is shown on the outside. Eventually, the chemistry is too much to resist.
This is a smooth read, with nice pacing and great banter that made it entertaining and interesting. I enjoyed watching Izak and Damian dance around each other like a chess match, each making a move and counterattacking or thwarting the other. I liked that the relationship didn't feel rushed - it wasn't lust to relationship, but more friendship to lust then relationship which gave it a more natural and believable feel. Believable in the sense that it would be something that could last.
This is a new-to-me author, and I didn't have any issues with the writing itself, which puts this in the definitely keep an eye out for this author again category. Likewise, I have not read any of the other books in this series, although I understand this to be a stand alone story. If you are thinking of trying out a bodyguard story, you will surely want to check this one out.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
January 9, 2020
Damian is a rockstar used to getting his way, that is until he meets his new bodyguard Izak. When they meet, first impressions hint at how different they are from each other; however, there was also a show of mutual interest. Damian doesn’t want some stranger controlling him, but soon learns that Izak is entirely different from what he expected. Conversely, Izak is met with the realization that Damian is more than the bratty rockstar persona/narrative he shows to the world. As the story progresses, both men learn more about and from each other that fosters a sincere friendship between them. Only that friendship evolves into so much more as they decide to let both their guards down.
This was such a good read! I enjoyed the banter between Damian and Izak, but I also appreciated how their relationship gradually evolved into something so much more. I really felt that Damian and Izak were perfect for each other.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
This was such a good read! I enjoyed the banter between Damian and Izak, but I also appreciated how their relationship gradually evolved into something so much more. I really felt that Damian and Izak were perfect for each other.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
May 13, 2020
I was looking for something different to read lately. Something with a little more angst. I was recommended Protecting Damian. I read this book in two days. It was so freaking good. I couldn’t put it down I wanted to know what would happen next. I really enjoyed the writing style of @Andersgrey I cannot wait to dive into the other books in this series.
January 7, 2020
A great addition to the series.
Damien is the lead singer of a band and he needs a bodyguard.
He's also a bit of a brat and has run all his previous bodyguards off.
Izak is hired as his new bodyguard and quickly realizes Damien is playing games, so he turns the tables on him.
Damien is beginning to have difficulties with his band members, one in particular because of the fans perception of him as the main source of their attraction.
Damien really doesn't appreciate it, and just wants to bring equal footing with everyone.
I loved how Izak was able to help Damien grow and mature because prior to Izak's influence, he really was oblivious to other's needs and perceptions of him.
As they become closer, Damien allows himself to be vulnerable with Izak and they slowly realize the lines between have become blurred.
Of course, things come to a head and Izak thinks he's protecting Damien from further harm by being brave and selfless, but it only results in hurting Damien and almost derails their relationship.
Damien's snarky banter was hilarious and I really enjoyed their dynamic, with Damien being the more dominant partner.
Damien is the lead singer of a band and he needs a bodyguard.
He's also a bit of a brat and has run all his previous bodyguards off.
Izak is hired as his new bodyguard and quickly realizes Damien is playing games, so he turns the tables on him.
Damien is beginning to have difficulties with his band members, one in particular because of the fans perception of him as the main source of their attraction.
Damien really doesn't appreciate it, and just wants to bring equal footing with everyone.
I loved how Izak was able to help Damien grow and mature because prior to Izak's influence, he really was oblivious to other's needs and perceptions of him.
As they become closer, Damien allows himself to be vulnerable with Izak and they slowly realize the lines between have become blurred.
Of course, things come to a head and Izak thinks he's protecting Damien from further harm by being brave and selfless, but it only results in hurting Damien and almost derails their relationship.
Damien's snarky banter was hilarious and I really enjoyed their dynamic, with Damien being the more dominant partner.
January 19, 2020
Protecting Damien is a wonderful bodyguard romance by Anders Grey. It's a slow getting to know each other tale, with the lines eventually blurring.
Isaac and Damien are loveable from the start. Damien's a bratty celebrity who likes to joke and make innuendoes. His finds it a game to get his bodyguard to quit. It's super fun as bratty meets serious and stuffy when Isaac becomes his new bodyguard.
Written in alternating 1st person pov, the reader is fully pulled into the story.
I enjoy the natural evolution in their relationship, as they suddenly start spending time together. The barriers coming down make for a fun change in their interactions. And even better yet, their status switches to bodyguard with benefits which is fabulous.
Their story includes some issues with the band and plenty of behind the scenes band moments. The conflict is well done and extremely emotional. And the storyline is fun and fluid, hot and spicy. The plot is predictable, but superb.
Protecting Damien is romantic and riveting. I love the ending and I want more! Since I haven't read the second book in this Anders Grey series, I am going to Amazon to check it out now!
Isaac and Damien are loveable from the start. Damien's a bratty celebrity who likes to joke and make innuendoes. His finds it a game to get his bodyguard to quit. It's super fun as bratty meets serious and stuffy when Isaac becomes his new bodyguard.
Written in alternating 1st person pov, the reader is fully pulled into the story.
I enjoy the natural evolution in their relationship, as they suddenly start spending time together. The barriers coming down make for a fun change in their interactions. And even better yet, their status switches to bodyguard with benefits which is fabulous.
Their story includes some issues with the band and plenty of behind the scenes band moments. The conflict is well done and extremely emotional. And the storyline is fun and fluid, hot and spicy. The plot is predictable, but superb.
Protecting Damien is romantic and riveting. I love the ending and I want more! Since I haven't read the second book in this Anders Grey series, I am going to Amazon to check it out now!
September 21, 2020
Read as a standalone book for a new author for me. A great start with them both meeting and not exactly getting a long. Told with both POVs included and written well.
I loved the snarky comments and banter from Daimen. Inner thoughts I loved especially. Damien plays a game of getting his past bodyguards to quit, but I think this one just might backfire on him.
This has only light drama at the ending but all works out well for a fantastic HEA.
• ex police force/ bodyguard
• boss and employee relationship
• never assume theyd be straight. lol
• the bigger they are the bigger they come. super sized 😉🔥
Damian 22 was a lead singer for the band about to meet his new bodyguard. He was being targeted by a storker.
Izak 32 loved a challange especially if they where brats trying to loose him of a job.
I loved the snarky comments and banter from Daimen. Inner thoughts I loved especially. Damien plays a game of getting his past bodyguards to quit, but I think this one just might backfire on him.
This has only light drama at the ending but all works out well for a fantastic HEA.
• ex police force/ bodyguard
• boss and employee relationship
• never assume theyd be straight. lol
• the bigger they are the bigger they come. super sized 😉🔥
Damian 22 was a lead singer for the band about to meet his new bodyguard. He was being targeted by a storker.
Izak 32 loved a challange especially if they where brats trying to loose him of a job.
November 10, 2021
Stuck between 3.5 and 4 stars for this so I’m rounding up!
Alright listen, was this book like every other bodyguard/rockstar book? YES. But did I still enjoy it? YOU BET.
There isn’t anything particularly special about this book, but it did the trope justice and made for a good read.
I did find the “conflicts” in this book (the bandmate, the crazed fan, the manager) to be extremely too weak and underdeveloped, but at the end of the day I didn’t really care. This was a sweet read!
Oh, and shoutout to Izak’s MONSTER COCK that we are reminded of constantly. We get it, he’s packing! 😂
Alright listen, was this book like every other bodyguard/rockstar book? YES. But did I still enjoy it? YOU BET.
There isn’t anything particularly special about this book, but it did the trope justice and made for a good read.
I did find the “conflicts” in this book (the bandmate, the crazed fan, the manager) to be extremely too weak and underdeveloped, but at the end of the day I didn’t really care. This was a sweet read!
Oh, and shoutout to Izak’s MONSTER COCK that we are reminded of constantly. We get it, he’s packing! 😂
January 9, 2020
Wonderful series!
I already left a 5* review for the first Blooming Desire book and immediately bought the next two And the novella. I loved each and every story.
Could there be another book in the works? Rory's story perhaps? Hope so. This series is just too good to not continue.
I already left a 5* review for the first Blooming Desire book and immediately bought the next two And the novella. I loved each and every story.
Could there be another book in the works? Rory's story perhaps? Hope so. This series is just too good to not continue.
January 19, 2020
I loved it way much more than Rowan's story!
It was very good and lovely. In the beginning, I had a little bit of a hard time to like and appreciate Damian as a character but he did grow into an interesting and complex one. I loved that, Anders Grey managed to change my opinion of him. Protecting Damian was a treat to read!!
It was very good and lovely. In the beginning, I had a little bit of a hard time to like and appreciate Damian as a character but he did grow into an interesting and complex one. I loved that, Anders Grey managed to change my opinion of him. Protecting Damian was a treat to read!!
January 18, 2020
An entertaining story with low angst and some seriously sweet moments. I liked the characters and love rockstar / musician MCs, so the book was just right for me.
March 4, 2020
Best Couple Yet
I absolutely loved this book in the series. Damian and Izak were a whirlwind of sass and love. Highly recommend!
I absolutely loved this book in the series. Damian and Izak were a whirlwind of sass and love. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews