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Enhanced World #4
L'harmonie de sa mélodie
Promis à un brillant avenir musical, les rêves de Sebastien Amitage ont très vite volé en éclats. Dans un monde où les humains augmentés sont traqués et emprisonnés, il doit en plus subir les expérimentations de son père, prêt à tout pour lui rendre le sens de l’ouïe.
Quand Sebastien et ses proches sont menacés, Gray Darling, encore traumatisé par les conflits en Afghanistan, accepte de devenir leur garde du corps.
Pourtant, quand la protection rapprochée se mue en attraction très rapprochée, Sebastien et Gray ne peuvent plus reculer. Gray devra risquer le tout pour le tout et Sebastien trouver sa « voix », car les secrets sont des armes qui pourraient s’avérer létales...
#MM #Anticipation #Bodyguard
L’Harmonie de sa mélodie prend place dans l’univers H.E.R.O. mais peut être lu séparément de la série.
Quand Sebastien et ses proches sont menacés, Gray Darling, encore traumatisé par les conflits en Afghanistan, accepte de devenir leur garde du corps.
Pourtant, quand la protection rapprochée se mue en attraction très rapprochée, Sebastien et Gray ne peuvent plus reculer. Gray devra risquer le tout pour le tout et Sebastien trouver sa « voix », car les secrets sont des armes qui pourraient s’avérer létales...
#MM #Anticipation #Bodyguard
L’Harmonie de sa mélodie prend place dans l’univers H.E.R.O. mais peut être lu séparément de la série.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2018
116 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Sue
115 books1,019 followersBullets and Babies!
Victoria writes about guys loving other guys in between dodging bullets, kidnappers, and serial killers. She enjoys putting them through hell to get their happy ever after—it’s a character flaw she embraces.
She also believes that family is who you choose, that dogs are often much wiser than human beings, and that we’re steadily destroying the world we live in.
And if people read more books, they'd be much happier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
September 23, 2018
I am a huge fan of the "Enhanced" series, I have read all three books multiple times. So when I found out about this book I was very excited.
As it turns out, this book might be linked to the "Enhanced" series, but it's not quite the same style. It feels a bit more subdued, and even though I enjoyed reading it, I prefer the previous books a bit more. That's a personal preference though...
Seb is a 20 year old enhanced, without any known abilities, and he has been deaf since he was just a little boy. He is also a musician. He has a father who will seemingly stop at nothing to fix his son's hearing....
Gray is 38 and an ex military-man, struggeling with PTSD. When Seb is being treatened, he gets assigned to be his bodyguard.
He's pretty enarmoured with Seb and when he really wants to help him and keep him safe. But it doesn't take long for Gray to notice that there is much more going on...
Now this is a very slow build, and even though I am a fan of those, I could have done with a bit faster :P These two become close friends first ...which is sweet and more meaningful. It's just that I can be a bit impatient sometimes...sorry... ;P
I loved these two "broken" souls finding and healing each other. It was very sweet but not too cheesy. It still had some nice mystery and suspense ;) Since I like the original series a bit more, I am going for 3,75 stars for this one, rounding up to 4.
I am a big fan of the world that this author has build with the "Enhanced" series, and I myself can't wait for the book 4 in the series... "The Strenght of his Heart" !! So excited about that one !!
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dnf
September 18, 2020Audio 5 Stars
Story dnf @68%
Story dnf @68%
October 2, 2018
I so loved this book! It was a little different from the rest of Enhanced series because it didn't involve the team or any agencies, it was mostly happening in civilian world and told from standpoints of an enhanced young man who has been shielded from harsh reality and a war veteran who is completely unaware about enhanced and all that entails. So it's a journey of discovery for both these men.
I loved Gray Darling. I mean his name alone gives me fuzzies! But his ability to see through Seb's pretense, his patience and care because, admit it, not everyone would be so dedicated and kind to a person you just met let alone a client, made him so lovable for me. He is carrying a lot of guilt and dealing with his own issues due to PTSD but he still has a good heart and just jumps into Seb's life with no holds barred when he sees how mistreated he is. But soon he sees the man underneath and he can't help but fall hard and fast.
Sebastian Armitage's life is a blur. He does not know which way is up. The only thing that he is sure in is his music. Even though he is deaf his talent shines through every time he touches his piano keys. When he meets Gray for the first time something feels different about him, but Seb is vulnerable and Gray sees him at his worst, and Seb does not know if a man like Gray will ever see him as a strong man again.
Their relationship development is subtle and gradual. They learn each other, their needs and dreams but both can't take a step forward due to boss/client balance. It's amazing how much Gray changes Seb's life for the better, and Seb starts wondering about his life and things that are not what they seem. The threats, kidnapping attempts force them to run, force Gray to accept that he is not alone and does not have to be strong all the time, that Seb is there for him. In the end it's the greed and false care that drive Seb to the edge but Gray is right on time to save his love. They still have ways to go but one thing is for certain - they will wait however long it takes to be together again.
I loved the well-paced narrative, all the times Seb and Gray shared their life moments, Gray's care and his loyalty to his friends and family, Seb's tenacity in the end and his wonderful music. And the ending was just romantic and magical with a little sprinkle of reality thrown in that made me love all the enhanced guys even more. I highly recommend it! Awesome book! Thank you Victoria for bringing this world to us again!
I loved Gray Darling. I mean his name alone gives me fuzzies! But his ability to see through Seb's pretense, his patience and care because, admit it, not everyone would be so dedicated and kind to a person you just met let alone a client, made him so lovable for me. He is carrying a lot of guilt and dealing with his own issues due to PTSD but he still has a good heart and just jumps into Seb's life with no holds barred when he sees how mistreated he is. But soon he sees the man underneath and he can't help but fall hard and fast.
Sebastian Armitage's life is a blur. He does not know which way is up. The only thing that he is sure in is his music. Even though he is deaf his talent shines through every time he touches his piano keys. When he meets Gray for the first time something feels different about him, but Seb is vulnerable and Gray sees him at his worst, and Seb does not know if a man like Gray will ever see him as a strong man again.
Their relationship development is subtle and gradual. They learn each other, their needs and dreams but both can't take a step forward due to boss/client balance. It's amazing how much Gray changes Seb's life for the better, and Seb starts wondering about his life and things that are not what they seem. The threats, kidnapping attempts force them to run, force Gray to accept that he is not alone and does not have to be strong all the time, that Seb is there for him. In the end it's the greed and false care that drive Seb to the edge but Gray is right on time to save his love. They still have ways to go but one thing is for certain - they will wait however long it takes to be together again.
I loved the well-paced narrative, all the times Seb and Gray shared their life moments, Gray's care and his loyalty to his friends and family, Seb's tenacity in the end and his wonderful music. And the ending was just romantic and magical with a little sprinkle of reality thrown in that made me love all the enhanced guys even more. I highly recommend it! Awesome book! Thank you Victoria for bringing this world to us again!
January 3, 2025
Guarding His Melody by Victoria Sue
Enhanced World series #4. Sci-fi, paranormal M-M romance. Disability. Age gap. Can be read as a stand-alone but better if familiar with the world building.
Sebastian Armitage became an enhanced at twelve and shattered any dreams of a musical future even though he had been deaf since childhood. The Enhanced have no rights and are often sent away. He’s twenty now but still under his father’s rule. Seb has gone through a number of operations and experimentation on his hearing ability. When Seb starts getting threats, Gray Darling is hired as short term protection. But Gray sees too much. The paid job becomes more as Seb and Gray become close as Gray tracks down the threats and discovers Seb’s secrets.
It’s sad the enhanced are looked upon with such fear and horror and then taken advantage of. Gray is quite the hero here and while he is protecting and falling for Seb, Seb is also helping to heal Gray from some of his past trauma. The romance is slow and heartfelt and eventually steamy. Definitely a fan of Rawlings Security and all the help they do to protect the Enhanced. I’ll be reading then next book in the series soon.
Enhanced World series #4. Sci-fi, paranormal M-M romance. Disability. Age gap. Can be read as a stand-alone but better if familiar with the world building.
Sebastian Armitage became an enhanced at twelve and shattered any dreams of a musical future even though he had been deaf since childhood. The Enhanced have no rights and are often sent away. He’s twenty now but still under his father’s rule. Seb has gone through a number of operations and experimentation on his hearing ability. When Seb starts getting threats, Gray Darling is hired as short term protection. But Gray sees too much. The paid job becomes more as Seb and Gray become close as Gray tracks down the threats and discovers Seb’s secrets.
It’s sad the enhanced are looked upon with such fear and horror and then taken advantage of. Gray is quite the hero here and while he is protecting and falling for Seb, Seb is also helping to heal Gray from some of his past trauma. The romance is slow and heartfelt and eventually steamy. Definitely a fan of Rawlings Security and all the help they do to protect the Enhanced. I’ll be reading then next book in the series soon.
September 23, 2018
NOTE: While Guarding His Melody is set in the world of ENHANCED, it has little to nothing whatsoever to do with Talon and his crew in Florida.
When thirty-seven year old, short-term bodyguard for hire, Gray Darling is hired to protect twenty year old Sebastian Armitage, from a confirmed high risk—verified threat, he doesn't expect to develop feelings for the kid. As Gray learns more about Seb, including the threats around him, he struggles to maintain a professional distance. But what happens when your closeness is the only thing that makes someone feel safe?
Told in a dual POV, the story focuses on the threat to Seb and the lengths Gray goes to protect him. There is some romance, but just to be clear, it's slow build and partially off page. Guarding His Melody's fast-paced with some light action, slow burn, hurt/comfort, and a happy ending.
My only complaint is the epilogue somewhat confused me, specifically: why were Talon, etc. there when they really had nothing to do with the story and there'd been no page presence to explain the camaraderie and friendliness? I sort of felt like a chapter or section got cut by accident. It just felt forced and didn't flow as easily as the rest of the story had.
In the end, I liked the characters and story on the whole, though it's definitely a departure from the rest of the series, the world-building that Victoria Sue has so carefully and lovingly drawn shines through on this quieter installment in the Enhanced world just as brilliantly as it has for the rest of the series.
This also opens up so many possibilities of where Sue could take the series eventually. It's so exciting! I'm looking forward to whatever comes next.
3.5 Stars rounded up.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Guarding His Melody provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
When thirty-seven year old, short-term bodyguard for hire, Gray Darling is hired to protect twenty year old Sebastian Armitage, from a confirmed high risk—verified threat, he doesn't expect to develop feelings for the kid. As Gray learns more about Seb, including the threats around him, he struggles to maintain a professional distance. But what happens when your closeness is the only thing that makes someone feel safe?
All his life he had felt wrong. Wrong in his body. His home wasn’t the safe space he needed. His own body let him down time and time again. But here, with Gray, he didn’t need anything else, and he could just be.
Told in a dual POV, the story focuses on the threat to Seb and the lengths Gray goes to protect him. There is some romance, but just to be clear, it's slow build and partially off page. Guarding His Melody's fast-paced with some light action, slow burn, hurt/comfort, and a happy ending.
My only complaint is the epilogue somewhat confused me, specifically: why were Talon, etc. there when they really had nothing to do with the story and there'd been no page presence to explain the camaraderie and friendliness? I sort of felt like a chapter or section got cut by accident. It just felt forced and didn't flow as easily as the rest of the story had.
In the end, I liked the characters and story on the whole, though it's definitely a departure from the rest of the series, the world-building that Victoria Sue has so carefully and lovingly drawn shines through on this quieter installment in the Enhanced world just as brilliantly as it has for the rest of the series.
This also opens up so many possibilities of where Sue could take the series eventually. It's so exciting! I'm looking forward to whatever comes next.
3.5 Stars rounded up.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Guarding His Melody provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 30, 2018
3.5 stars
This is a tough one to rate. On the one hand we have my expectations, which were probably way too high, and on the other hand we have the story itself. I’m having a hard time distinguishing the two in my head.
My expectations were so high because it is Victoria Sue, and because I love the Enhanced series. But while the Enhanced series is filled with action, this was not. Not that there was no action, it was just all at the end.
20 year old Seb still lives with his father, since he has guardianship over him ‘til he turns 21. Seb is an enhanced, but seemingly without any powers. He is a bit of a musical prodigy and is very passionate about playing his piano, even though he is deaf and can't hear a thing.
When it looks like someone is threatening Seb, his father assigns him a bodyguard.
Gray doesn’t know that to think of the Armitage household. There is the overprotective father who appears to love his son, but also wants Seb to continue having surgeries to be able to hear even though they make Seb sick. Then there is the head of security who seems to want nothing to do with Gray. Also the doctor who is really pushing Seb to have more testing and more surgeries. And then there is Seb himself.
Gray can’t figure Seb out. He doesn’t seem to have a real life and stays at home all the time. Except for when he has ‘therapy’ or surgeries he obviously doesn’t want.
But now Gray needs to figure out who wants to harm him...
While this was interesting and the storyline kept me entertained, I was a bit bored throughout the story. And that makes me sad. It’s a Victoria Sue book for heaven’s sake! I should have completely loved this.
And then the romance. While I can do a slow burn just fine, here I felt these guys were merely bodyguard and charge for 75% of the book. Now I know they were indeed forming a kind of friendship, but I was missing the real longing, the desire to be with each other. There was almost none of that.
Now that all sounds like I didn’t like it, but I did. It was just different from what I expected.
I think if there would have been a bit more furtive glances, a bit more flirting perhaps, or anything that remotely resembled them wanting each other, I would have given this book 5 stars. Because the story itself was intriguing. And I liked the overall quietness of the book. These guys spend time together without much interruption for a good part of this book. And I liked that. But I just wanted a bit more intensity between them. Even the one sex scene was over in 5 sentences.
For now I’m rounding this down, but perhaps I will reread this in the future and round it up..
------------------------------
An ARC of Guarding His Melody was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
This is a tough one to rate. On the one hand we have my expectations, which were probably way too high, and on the other hand we have the story itself. I’m having a hard time distinguishing the two in my head.
My expectations were so high because it is Victoria Sue, and because I love the Enhanced series. But while the Enhanced series is filled with action, this was not. Not that there was no action, it was just all at the end.
20 year old Seb still lives with his father, since he has guardianship over him ‘til he turns 21. Seb is an enhanced, but seemingly without any powers. He is a bit of a musical prodigy and is very passionate about playing his piano, even though he is deaf and can't hear a thing.
When it looks like someone is threatening Seb, his father assigns him a bodyguard.
Gray doesn’t know that to think of the Armitage household. There is the overprotective father who appears to love his son, but also wants Seb to continue having surgeries to be able to hear even though they make Seb sick. Then there is the head of security who seems to want nothing to do with Gray. Also the doctor who is really pushing Seb to have more testing and more surgeries. And then there is Seb himself.
Gray can’t figure Seb out. He doesn’t seem to have a real life and stays at home all the time. Except for when he has ‘therapy’ or surgeries he obviously doesn’t want.
But now Gray needs to figure out who wants to harm him...
While this was interesting and the storyline kept me entertained, I was a bit bored throughout the story. And that makes me sad. It’s a Victoria Sue book for heaven’s sake! I should have completely loved this.
And then the romance. While I can do a slow burn just fine, here I felt these guys were merely bodyguard and charge for 75% of the book. Now I know they were indeed forming a kind of friendship, but I was missing the real longing, the desire to be with each other. There was almost none of that.
Now that all sounds like I didn’t like it, but I did. It was just different from what I expected.
I think if there would have been a bit more furtive glances, a bit more flirting perhaps, or anything that remotely resembled them wanting each other, I would have given this book 5 stars. Because the story itself was intriguing. And I liked the overall quietness of the book. These guys spend time together without much interruption for a good part of this book. And I liked that. But I just wanted a bit more intensity between them. Even the one sex scene was over in 5 sentences.
For now I’m rounding this down, but perhaps I will reread this in the future and round it up..
------------------------------
An ARC of Guarding His Melody was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
September 25, 2018
If you haven’t discovered Victoria Sue’s Enhanced series, Guarding His Melody is going to win you over big time. A perfect standalone novel, Victoria Sue gives us just enough background information about the Enhanced, without it being overwhelming. It’s easy to grasp the important nuances, and you won’t feel like you’re missing something or playing catch up. I enjoyed Guarding His Melody so much that I sincerely hope this spinoff is the start of something new and wonderful!
I’m a sucker for an age-gap romance, and this one has all my favorite bells and whistles. Young, deaf, tormented musician, meet your hot as hell (and equally damaged) new bodyguard. The chemistry between these two, along with all the naughty and forbidden reasons they shouldn’t be together, is guaranteed to work.
Only twenty years old, and deaf since childhood, Sebastian is a truly gifted musician. Always a bit of a recluse, transforming at age twelve didn’t help matters. It’s common knowledge that each Enhanced human has special abilities, and strangely Sebastian’s haven’t emerged yet… at least he’s not disclosing them if they have.
Sebastian isn’t the only one with secrets, Gray has quite a few he’s not sharing either. Survivor guilt and PTSD are just the tip of the iceberg for this poor tormented soul, and his dark and vivid flashback scenes are not for the faint of heart.
Alas, this is a romance after all, and Victoria Sue sets up this kind of connection like no one else. Watching these two men fall in love as they find comfort in each other made me so happy.
I’ve really been enjoying the unique blend of urban fantasy and science fiction Victoria Sue has created in the Enhanced World series. Though I will say, no matter the genre, this talented author always draws me in from the very first scene. Ms. Sue sets up such intriguing stories with loads of action and intensely complex and interesting characters. Plus she writes some of the most glorious sex scenes I’ve ever read. I know I can always count on Victoria Sue for a great book every time and Guarding His Melody is no exception.
I’m a sucker for an age-gap romance, and this one has all my favorite bells and whistles. Young, deaf, tormented musician, meet your hot as hell (and equally damaged) new bodyguard. The chemistry between these two, along with all the naughty and forbidden reasons they shouldn’t be together, is guaranteed to work.
Only twenty years old, and deaf since childhood, Sebastian is a truly gifted musician. Always a bit of a recluse, transforming at age twelve didn’t help matters. It’s common knowledge that each Enhanced human has special abilities, and strangely Sebastian’s haven’t emerged yet… at least he’s not disclosing them if they have.
Sebastian isn’t the only one with secrets, Gray has quite a few he’s not sharing either. Survivor guilt and PTSD are just the tip of the iceberg for this poor tormented soul, and his dark and vivid flashback scenes are not for the faint of heart.
Alas, this is a romance after all, and Victoria Sue sets up this kind of connection like no one else. Watching these two men fall in love as they find comfort in each other made me so happy.
I’ve really been enjoying the unique blend of urban fantasy and science fiction Victoria Sue has created in the Enhanced World series. Though I will say, no matter the genre, this talented author always draws me in from the very first scene. Ms. Sue sets up such intriguing stories with loads of action and intensely complex and interesting characters. Plus she writes some of the most glorious sex scenes I’ve ever read. I know I can always count on Victoria Sue for a great book every time and Guarding His Melody is no exception.
September 25, 2018
Wasn‘t too fond of this one. I think in general its a good idea to not just work through all the guys from Talons Team but Seb and Gray didn‘t have any chemistry for me. I was bored during the first chapters if it wasn’t part of this loved series it would have been a DNF for me 😞
So three stars because I love the enhanced universe 😉
So three stars because I love the enhanced universe 😉
September 19, 2020
5 stars audio
2 disappointing not much of a romance stars story.
2 disappointing not much of a romance stars story.
October 5, 2018
This is a standalone and a very enjoyable read.
It took me a while to finish it but I did. There wasn’t a lot going on in the first half of the book, and it was very slow, we were just getting to know what was wrong with Sebastian and his hearing. I got to admit I wasn’t feeling the romance between the characters but the mystery kept me going.
Sebastian has been deaf since he was a little kid but so smart he created music and knew how to play the piano. He created music for famous singers. From when he was little he wanted to hear and his father wanted the same too, so they started to find a cure and Sebastian went into a lot of surgeries. Where along the way he started stop hoping for, except his father as his guardian since Sebastian is an enhanced wouldn’t stop looking for one, and Sebastian couldn’t decline.
After his bodyguard got killed and his teacher beaten up, he hires Gray. Gray with his own past in the army and guilt over things that happened accepts the job. As soon as he arrives to the house, he realizes that Sebastian is not very well protected and along the way he realizes that people are hiding things and the truth.
When Gray finds out about Sebastian’s ability, he is ready to help and do whatever it takes.
I liked Sebastian’s ability and I liked the mystery and secrets. Also Gray protecting him was cute and I wanted them to be together but as I mentioned, personally, I was not feeling this between them. It was nice seeing them together and going through things.
I felt sorry for Sebastian and how isolated he was but we get a good HEA ending and get to see a few characters from the Enhanced series there at the end.
It took me a while to finish it but I did. There wasn’t a lot going on in the first half of the book, and it was very slow, we were just getting to know what was wrong with Sebastian and his hearing. I got to admit I wasn’t feeling the romance between the characters but the mystery kept me going.
Sebastian has been deaf since he was a little kid but so smart he created music and knew how to play the piano. He created music for famous singers. From when he was little he wanted to hear and his father wanted the same too, so they started to find a cure and Sebastian went into a lot of surgeries. Where along the way he started stop hoping for, except his father as his guardian since Sebastian is an enhanced wouldn’t stop looking for one, and Sebastian couldn’t decline.
After his bodyguard got killed and his teacher beaten up, he hires Gray. Gray with his own past in the army and guilt over things that happened accepts the job. As soon as he arrives to the house, he realizes that Sebastian is not very well protected and along the way he realizes that people are hiding things and the truth.
When Gray finds out about Sebastian’s ability, he is ready to help and do whatever it takes.
I liked Sebastian’s ability and I liked the mystery and secrets. Also Gray protecting him was cute and I wanted them to be together but as I mentioned, personally, I was not feeling this between them. It was nice seeing them together and going through things.
I felt sorry for Sebastian and how isolated he was but we get a good HEA ending and get to see a few characters from the Enhanced series there at the end.
September 24, 2018
I am a HUGE fan of Victoria Sue's Enhanced series, it's a perfect blend of action, X-men type feels, romance, alpha males, and fun! I was so excited to see that she was going to be writing stories that were taking place in the Enhanced world but didn't deal with the FBI/HERO team that is featured in that series.
I loved Seb and Gray and I'm always up for a bodyguard romance, too! This book was quieter than the Enhanced series, it moves at a different pace, but I loved all the feels and moments between Seb and Gray as they got to know each other. I love that they were able to help heal each other emotionally and mentally, Gray was able to help Seb with some of his physical problems and overall health, too.
There was still some mystery over who was behind the threats against Seb, and then action at the end when things were uncovered and the culprit was known. I really loved them, and that ending! <3
Highly recommended for fans of Victoria Sue. I will say again, this is definitely a bit different from the main Enhanced world, but it's not to be missed!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Seb and Gray and I'm always up for a bodyguard romance, too! This book was quieter than the Enhanced series, it moves at a different pace, but I loved all the feels and moments between Seb and Gray as they got to know each other. I love that they were able to help heal each other emotionally and mentally, Gray was able to help Seb with some of his physical problems and overall health, too.
There was still some mystery over who was behind the threats against Seb, and then action at the end when things were uncovered and the culprit was known. I really loved them, and that ending! <3
Highly recommended for fans of Victoria Sue. I will say again, this is definitely a bit different from the main Enhanced world, but it's not to be missed!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2020
I usually only give positive reviews, but I am going to make an exception because I wish I had read a review on this beforehand to prepare me for this book. It takes place right smack in the middle of the Enhanced series but contains none of the team members that the rest of the books contain. It has no influence on the rest of the books and is really like an extra toe, unnecessary and kind of weird.
I am still giving it three stars cuz it wasn't a terrible book, but it just didn't make sense to me. And not just in why was it put in the middle of this series, but also some of the plot points.
Criticisms aside, it wasn't a terrible book. I like the whole concept behind the Enhanced universe and the body guard theme is always a fun one.
I am still giving it three stars cuz it wasn't a terrible book, but it just didn't make sense to me. And not just in why was it put in the middle of this series, but also some of the plot points.
Criticisms aside, it wasn't a terrible book. I like the whole concept behind the Enhanced universe and the body guard theme is always a fun one.
May 12, 2020
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel with none of the usual characters in this installment but now I think it might be my favorite!
January 29, 2024
See I thought this was going to be about the evils of record companies. Boi was I wrong. It's worse.
April 6, 2025
4.5
"Seb spalancò gli occhi quando lo vide, e Gray fissò quelle calde profondità verdi. Improvvisamente non poteva sopportare un altro secondo di separazione, e anche se il primo passo fu così fottutamente difficile, il modo in cui Seb gli corse incontro rese ogni altro passo insignificante. Seb saltò non appena furono a distanza di contatto, e Gray aprì le braccia e lo prese di riflesso.
«Gray…» Le parole di Seb erano confuse, il suo respiro affannoso, il suo viso bagnato contro il suo collo. Gray chiuse gli occhi e aprì il cuore."
"Seb aspettò solo, in silenzio, che Gray si avvicinasse di più, e quando lo fece, quando le labbra leggere come piume si posarono sulle sue prima di fare la mossa finale, si rilassò. Per tutta la vita si era sentito sbagliato. Sbagliato nel suo corpo. La sua casa non era lo spazio sicuro di cui aveva bisogno. Il suo stesso corpo lo aveva deluso più e più volte. Ma lì, con Gray, non aveva bisogno di nient’altro, e poteva semplicemente essere."
Indubbiamente questo volume sembra slegato dai precedenti, con nuovi personaggi e, salvo una breve apparizione, nessun contatto con la squadra di Talon, eppure è quello che finora mi è piaciuto di più! Avevo già notato l'abilità dell'autrice nel trattare argomenti delicati, come l'autismo nel volume precedenti, e anche qui ha fatto un ottimo lavoro con la sordità di Seb. Gray entra nella sua vita come guardia del corpo, ma presto si rende conto che c'è qualcosa che non va all'interno di quella casa e che il suo stesso datore di lavoro, il padre di Seb, sembra sempre più sospetto. Lentamente ma inesorabilmente comincia così ad affezionarsi sempre più al suo "incarico", a volerlo proteggere da tutto e tutti, a volerlo aiutare a star meglio fisicamente e psicologicamente, a realizzare i suoi sogni e spezzare le catene che lo legano al padre. Un padre che ha spinto il suo amore per il figlio verso l'ossessione, che ha ceduto all'avidità e che pagherà per questo un prezzo altissimo. Non aspettatevi una grande parte paranormale, perché il potere da potenziato di Seb è molto sottile e sicuramente non utile in situazioni di emergenza, ma se amate le storie alla bodyguard, tenere e con una buona dose di crimini e colpi di scena, questo libro fa per voi. Avrei dato assolutamente il massimo se non fosse stato per il third act breakup decisamente tirato per i capelli, va bene ritrovare se stessi ma non capisco perché torturare la persona amata XD
"Seb spalancò gli occhi quando lo vide, e Gray fissò quelle calde profondità verdi. Improvvisamente non poteva sopportare un altro secondo di separazione, e anche se il primo passo fu così fottutamente difficile, il modo in cui Seb gli corse incontro rese ogni altro passo insignificante. Seb saltò non appena furono a distanza di contatto, e Gray aprì le braccia e lo prese di riflesso.
«Gray…» Le parole di Seb erano confuse, il suo respiro affannoso, il suo viso bagnato contro il suo collo. Gray chiuse gli occhi e aprì il cuore."
"Seb aspettò solo, in silenzio, che Gray si avvicinasse di più, e quando lo fece, quando le labbra leggere come piume si posarono sulle sue prima di fare la mossa finale, si rilassò. Per tutta la vita si era sentito sbagliato. Sbagliato nel suo corpo. La sua casa non era lo spazio sicuro di cui aveva bisogno. Il suo stesso corpo lo aveva deluso più e più volte. Ma lì, con Gray, non aveva bisogno di nient’altro, e poteva semplicemente essere."
Indubbiamente questo volume sembra slegato dai precedenti, con nuovi personaggi e, salvo una breve apparizione, nessun contatto con la squadra di Talon, eppure è quello che finora mi è piaciuto di più! Avevo già notato l'abilità dell'autrice nel trattare argomenti delicati, come l'autismo nel volume precedenti, e anche qui ha fatto un ottimo lavoro con la sordità di Seb. Gray entra nella sua vita come guardia del corpo, ma presto si rende conto che c'è qualcosa che non va all'interno di quella casa e che il suo stesso datore di lavoro, il padre di Seb, sembra sempre più sospetto. Lentamente ma inesorabilmente comincia così ad affezionarsi sempre più al suo "incarico", a volerlo proteggere da tutto e tutti, a volerlo aiutare a star meglio fisicamente e psicologicamente, a realizzare i suoi sogni e spezzare le catene che lo legano al padre. Un padre che ha spinto il suo amore per il figlio verso l'ossessione, che ha ceduto all'avidità e che pagherà per questo un prezzo altissimo. Non aspettatevi una grande parte paranormale, perché il potere da potenziato di Seb è molto sottile e sicuramente non utile in situazioni di emergenza, ma se amate le storie alla bodyguard, tenere e con una buona dose di crimini e colpi di scena, questo libro fa per voi. Avrei dato assolutamente il massimo se non fosse stato per il third act breakup decisamente tirato per i capelli, va bene ritrovare se stessi ma non capisco perché torturare la persona amata XD
September 25, 2018
Victoria Sue bring us one more thrilling book in the enhanced world!!!!
Seb didn't thought he would ever find anyone that would understand what he was going through, neither accept him - with all that he considered his "flaws".
All Gray saw when he was assigned Seb's protection, was a lonely and lost soul... Whose eyes haunted him from the moment he set eyes on Seb's picture... He never expected this assigment to be more than another job... but then, he had never met anyone like Seb.
Two lonely souls, two broken hearts, they connected and found out in each other, the special person they didn't thought they deserved... And they would to ANYTHING to protect the other and their love.
AWESOME BOOK - don't miss it...
Seb didn't thought he would ever find anyone that would understand what he was going through, neither accept him - with all that he considered his "flaws".
All Gray saw when he was assigned Seb's protection, was a lonely and lost soul... Whose eyes haunted him from the moment he set eyes on Seb's picture... He never expected this assigment to be more than another job... but then, he had never met anyone like Seb.
Two lonely souls, two broken hearts, they connected and found out in each other, the special person they didn't thought they deserved... And they would to ANYTHING to protect the other and their love.
AWESOME BOOK - don't miss it...
March 26, 2024
I've given this a B+ for narration and a B- for content at AudioGals
Victoria Sue’s Enhanced World series features a group of characters with special abilities known as (surprise, surprise!) the Enhanced. Most of the books in the series centre around a specially created Florida-based FBI unit that partners an Enhanced with a regular human, but Guarding His Melody (book four) is an offshoot of the main series which means it’s perfectly possible to listen to it as a standalone. The author does a good job of making it possible for new listeners to jump in here, giving all the necessary backstory without info-dumping, but for the purposes of this review, here’s a quick rundown. The Enhanced are humans who, in childhood or adolescence, suddenly develop special abilities, which range from super strength to the ability to become invisible, walk through walls, destroy metal, x-ray vision … it’s a long list and there’s no way of knowing beforehand who will transform, let alone what their powers might be. The only things all Enhanced have in common are 1) an identifying facial mark or scar which appears literally overnight when they undergo their transformation; 2) when they transform, their parents are given the choice to keep them in their households or send them away – a disturbing number take the latter option; 3) they are feared and viewed with suspicion, distrust and even hatred by the ‘normal’ public, and 4) they don’t have the same rights as everyone else.
Heir to a fortune in electronics manufacturing, Sebastian Armitage has been profoundly deaf since the age of three as the result of a childhood illness. A talented musician from a very young age, Sebastian was able to continue his musical studies after he lost his hearing, and had the prospect of a glittering career ahead of him until he transformed when he was twelve, but he doesn’t appear to have developed any special abilities. Now, aged twenty, he’s all but a recluse, rarely leaving home unless it’s to attend his music lessons or the medical treatments and tests arranged by his father, who is determined to find a way for Sebastian to hear again.
Grayson Darling – Gray – is ex-military and now works for a small but elite security company based in Atlanta, and he’s not happy when he’s told that his next job is to work protection detail for “some snot-nosed rich kid”. But on learning that Sebastian Armitage’s music teacher was attacked and badly beaten, that his previous bodyguard appears to have committed suicide less than a week earlier, and that Quinn Armitage fears for his son’s safety – Gray has to admit that maybe there is cause for concern, and agrees to take the job.
When Gray arrives at the Armitage home, it doesn’t take him very long to figure out that something isn’t right. The security at the house is incredibly lax for one thing, and for another Sebastian – Seb – appears to be quite unwell. He hardly eats or drinks; he suffers debilitating vertigo attacks, especially after undergoing the frequent medical procedures his father insists upon, and Gray decides to make it his business to help Seb to learn to look after himself better as well as to protect him from whatever danger he may face.
Guarding His Melody is a pretty standard protector/protectee romance, but I enjoyed the gentle, subtle way the relationship between Gray and Seb develops, first as a genuine friendship and then becoming something more. The pacing is fairly slow, but that makes sense considering that Seb has to learn to trust Gray and to realise he has his (Seb’s) best interests at heart in a way that nobody else in his life ever has. And slow doesn’t equal dull in this case, especially when it begins to dawn on Gray that the numerous surgeries and tests and treatments Seb has undergone over the years have not been to benefit him at all – and that he’s being used as a guinea pig for some potentially dangerous research. (Not a spoiler – it’s in the blurb).
I liked both characters individually, although I found their romantic chemistry a bit lukewarm and I almost preferred them as very dear friends than as romantic partners. There’s a large age gap (Seb is twenty and Gray is thirty-seven), and although I generally enjoy age gap romances, there were times Seb came off as even younger – mostly at the beginning of the book – which made things feel a bit… weird. When Gray first meets him, Seb is like a wounded animal and almost helpless, so Gray is initially more a caregiver than anything else; but fortunately, as their friendship develops and Gray’s care of Seb helps him to become stronger in body and spirit, things between them start to even out, until they reach a point where Seb is able to be there for Gray and to show him that he doesn’t have to go it alone any more.
I’m always drawn to musician characters, so I was predisposed to like Seb, a gifted pianist and composer. Gray is your typical wounded hero-who-is-struggling-with- guilt-over-events-in-his-past, but I really liked the way he so quickly saw what needed doing for Seb – whether it was getting him to eat right, or properly securing his home – and just got on and did it. The way they come to understand and take care of each other is easily one of the best things about this story.
The first three books in this series are performed by Nick J. Russo (they were produced a few years ago by a different audio publisher), but Iggy Toma is at the microphone for this one, and as he’s also one of my favourite narrators, I’m certainly not complaining! As I’ve come to expect of him, he does a great job, creating easily distinguishable character voices and highlighting the strong emotional connection between the two leads. Gray’s voice is deep and gravelly, but there’s an underlying kindness and gentleness in his interactions with Seb, and a real sense of frustration he tries to keep under wraps when he starts to realise the truth. The higher pitched, softer tone Mr. Toma uses for Seb works well to describe his youth and insecurities, but there’s an undercurrent of strength which begins to emerge as Seb starts to realise that he doesn’t have to struggle on alone. The secondary cast is nicely rounded-out, too, with clear vocalisations that are easy to tell apart in character conversation.
While Guarding His Melody is nothing I haven’t read or listened to before, I enjoyed the story and the world-building, and Iggy Toma’s gorgeous voice and expressive performance kept me engaged throughout.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
Victoria Sue’s Enhanced World series features a group of characters with special abilities known as (surprise, surprise!) the Enhanced. Most of the books in the series centre around a specially created Florida-based FBI unit that partners an Enhanced with a regular human, but Guarding His Melody (book four) is an offshoot of the main series which means it’s perfectly possible to listen to it as a standalone. The author does a good job of making it possible for new listeners to jump in here, giving all the necessary backstory without info-dumping, but for the purposes of this review, here’s a quick rundown. The Enhanced are humans who, in childhood or adolescence, suddenly develop special abilities, which range from super strength to the ability to become invisible, walk through walls, destroy metal, x-ray vision … it’s a long list and there’s no way of knowing beforehand who will transform, let alone what their powers might be. The only things all Enhanced have in common are 1) an identifying facial mark or scar which appears literally overnight when they undergo their transformation; 2) when they transform, their parents are given the choice to keep them in their households or send them away – a disturbing number take the latter option; 3) they are feared and viewed with suspicion, distrust and even hatred by the ‘normal’ public, and 4) they don’t have the same rights as everyone else.
Heir to a fortune in electronics manufacturing, Sebastian Armitage has been profoundly deaf since the age of three as the result of a childhood illness. A talented musician from a very young age, Sebastian was able to continue his musical studies after he lost his hearing, and had the prospect of a glittering career ahead of him until he transformed when he was twelve, but he doesn’t appear to have developed any special abilities. Now, aged twenty, he’s all but a recluse, rarely leaving home unless it’s to attend his music lessons or the medical treatments and tests arranged by his father, who is determined to find a way for Sebastian to hear again.
Grayson Darling – Gray – is ex-military and now works for a small but elite security company based in Atlanta, and he’s not happy when he’s told that his next job is to work protection detail for “some snot-nosed rich kid”. But on learning that Sebastian Armitage’s music teacher was attacked and badly beaten, that his previous bodyguard appears to have committed suicide less than a week earlier, and that Quinn Armitage fears for his son’s safety – Gray has to admit that maybe there is cause for concern, and agrees to take the job.
When Gray arrives at the Armitage home, it doesn’t take him very long to figure out that something isn’t right. The security at the house is incredibly lax for one thing, and for another Sebastian – Seb – appears to be quite unwell. He hardly eats or drinks; he suffers debilitating vertigo attacks, especially after undergoing the frequent medical procedures his father insists upon, and Gray decides to make it his business to help Seb to learn to look after himself better as well as to protect him from whatever danger he may face.
Guarding His Melody is a pretty standard protector/protectee romance, but I enjoyed the gentle, subtle way the relationship between Gray and Seb develops, first as a genuine friendship and then becoming something more. The pacing is fairly slow, but that makes sense considering that Seb has to learn to trust Gray and to realise he has his (Seb’s) best interests at heart in a way that nobody else in his life ever has. And slow doesn’t equal dull in this case, especially when it begins to dawn on Gray that the numerous surgeries and tests and treatments Seb has undergone over the years have not been to benefit him at all – and that he’s being used as a guinea pig for some potentially dangerous research. (Not a spoiler – it’s in the blurb).
I liked both characters individually, although I found their romantic chemistry a bit lukewarm and I almost preferred them as very dear friends than as romantic partners. There’s a large age gap (Seb is twenty and Gray is thirty-seven), and although I generally enjoy age gap romances, there were times Seb came off as even younger – mostly at the beginning of the book – which made things feel a bit… weird. When Gray first meets him, Seb is like a wounded animal and almost helpless, so Gray is initially more a caregiver than anything else; but fortunately, as their friendship develops and Gray’s care of Seb helps him to become stronger in body and spirit, things between them start to even out, until they reach a point where Seb is able to be there for Gray and to show him that he doesn’t have to go it alone any more.
I’m always drawn to musician characters, so I was predisposed to like Seb, a gifted pianist and composer. Gray is your typical wounded hero-who-is-struggling-with- guilt-over-events-in-his-past, but I really liked the way he so quickly saw what needed doing for Seb – whether it was getting him to eat right, or properly securing his home – and just got on and did it. The way they come to understand and take care of each other is easily one of the best things about this story.
The first three books in this series are performed by Nick J. Russo (they were produced a few years ago by a different audio publisher), but Iggy Toma is at the microphone for this one, and as he’s also one of my favourite narrators, I’m certainly not complaining! As I’ve come to expect of him, he does a great job, creating easily distinguishable character voices and highlighting the strong emotional connection between the two leads. Gray’s voice is deep and gravelly, but there’s an underlying kindness and gentleness in his interactions with Seb, and a real sense of frustration he tries to keep under wraps when he starts to realise the truth. The higher pitched, softer tone Mr. Toma uses for Seb works well to describe his youth and insecurities, but there’s an undercurrent of strength which begins to emerge as Seb starts to realise that he doesn’t have to struggle on alone. The secondary cast is nicely rounded-out, too, with clear vocalisations that are easy to tell apart in character conversation.
While Guarding His Melody is nothing I haven’t read or listened to before, I enjoyed the story and the world-building, and Iggy Toma’s gorgeous voice and expressive performance kept me engaged throughout.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
October 2, 2018
Review by The Blogger Girls.
I’m a big fan of the Enhanced series, so I didn’t hesitate to grab this one, even though it is more of a side story than part of the actual series. It takes place in the same world, and while the other characters are talked about in a round about way, they don’t play any significant roles here.
Gray is a bit skeptical of his latest assignment, but decides to check it out before making his decision. When he meets Sebastian, he can tell something isn’t quite right, though he has no idea what is really going on. His job is to protect Sebastian, as a few deaths seem to be tied to him in one way or another – one was his piano tutor, the other his previous bodyguard. Sebastian is Enhanced, although it didn’t seem to have any positive effect on his deafness. His father has gone to great lengths to “cure” Sebastian’s deafness, but it is apparent the efforts are really taking a toll on Sebastian’s overall health. Gray commits to getting to the bottom of things all while getting to know Sebastian. It doesn’t take long for Sebastian to trust Gray, which is a good thing given there are secrets to be kept.
Although Gray has strictly been a short-term contract bodyguard, it becomes clear that an exception will have to be made for Sebastian. The two end up being exactly what the other needs, and I really enjoyed watching them help each other through their issues. My heart broke for Sebastian and all he was put through, and I was happy to see Gray make amends with his sister as well. This was a great side story that, while a stand alone, I was happy I already knew the background of the Enhanced. It made me eager to read more, and I can’t wait for the next installment in that series!
August 7, 2018
I want to start this review by saying I absolutely loved this book. I love the Enhanced books in general, but this is a spin off from the main series. I’m not going to go into too much detail about the story, you can read the blurb yourself, and I don’t want to give anything away.
In this book, the Enhanced is not the big, tough man; the human is. And it was a nice switch. Sebastian aka Seb is an Enhanced who supposedly doesn’t have an ability. He has been deaf since the age of three after a bout of meningitis left him without his hearing, and people around him are dying. That’s where the story opens. We meet Gray, the other MC, who works for Rawlings Security and is hired to be Seb’s personal body guard. Gray is smart, suspicious from the beginning with the oddness of Seb’s life, and pretty closed off. This feels kind of like a slow burn. Though the timeline of the book is not long, there’s a slow build between them with tons of UST in the buildup, and it’s fantastic. We even get visits from our favorite Enhanced characters.
I love everything Victoria Sue writes, but the Enhanced series is probably my favorite, and this is an excellent addition to the series. It gives you all the feels with the relationship between the two MCs and has an excellent supporting cast. And the bad guys are the kind that give you the chills. I highly recommend it.
In this book, the Enhanced is not the big, tough man; the human is. And it was a nice switch. Sebastian aka Seb is an Enhanced who supposedly doesn’t have an ability. He has been deaf since the age of three after a bout of meningitis left him without his hearing, and people around him are dying. That’s where the story opens. We meet Gray, the other MC, who works for Rawlings Security and is hired to be Seb’s personal body guard. Gray is smart, suspicious from the beginning with the oddness of Seb’s life, and pretty closed off. This feels kind of like a slow burn. Though the timeline of the book is not long, there’s a slow build between them with tons of UST in the buildup, and it’s fantastic. We even get visits from our favorite Enhanced characters.
I love everything Victoria Sue writes, but the Enhanced series is probably my favorite, and this is an excellent addition to the series. It gives you all the feels with the relationship between the two MCs and has an excellent supporting cast. And the bad guys are the kind that give you the chills. I highly recommend it.
January 16, 2021
✮4 Stars✮
September 25, 2018
https://optimumm.blog/2018/09/25/review-guarding-his-melody-by-victoria-sue/
Sebastian is deaf and enhanced. He doesn’t need to have any abilities to know that his life is threatened. His father wants his son safe, and he hired a private security team to ensure to it.
Gray is non-enhanced, ex-military and works for Rawling Security since he left the army. When he’s offered the job to protect a twenty year-old rich kid, at first Gray wasn’t thrilled. But he changed his mind as soon as his realized Seb’s deaf and his enhanced status. Gray feels his overprotectiveness instinct raised.
Seb and Gray will have to trust each other in order to erase any threat against them and allow Sebastian to be able to live his life fully and play his melody.
Guarding his Melody by Victoria Sue is book 4 in the Enhanced World series, and it’s a standalone.
As a huge fan of the Enhanced World series, I was more than thrilled, excited and also hyperventilating knowing that book 4 was coming out soon. When I heard that this book was a standalone in the series without my favorite guys, I was curious to read what the author had in her mind. Oooh man, let’s just say she perfectly knows what she’s doing.
Sebastian had been deaf since he was 3 years-old after having meningitis, then at twelve, he woke up with the mark on his cheek. The mark that said to the world that he’s enhanced, but Sebastien doesn’t seem to have any ability (Read the book if you want to know if he has or not any abilities). His father is obsessed with healing him, like Sebastian needs to be fixed, and he submits Seb to hard (and cruel) operations that make him really sick. Seb tries his best to protect himself and to feel safe in his home and in his body and playing music is his safe place. I completely melted for Seb, he’s fragile, and he isn’t. The author created this duality in him. Physically, because of his health and cruel treatment (there’s no other word) he’s weak and needs to be protected. But mentally, Seb is stronger than any of us and Gray. His stubbornness, his sensitivity, his creativity, and his strength won me over. I adored him.
Gray is ex-military, and he suffers from PTSD plus guilt from his past. He’s a good bodyguard but refuses to get attached to anyone except Seb. From the beginning, Gray is moved by Seb, he wants to help him and protect him. He really cares about him and only wants Seb’s happiness no matter what it costs for Gray. I adored Gray, he’s a good man, with good intentions, and although he can be blind and stubborn, he’s a fighter, a warrior, and he’s ready to do anything in his power no matter the consequences to help and protect Seb.
Seb and Gray need each other. If Gray protects Seb and helps him to be who he truly is, then Seb helps Gray to see what he missed in his life. Seb is deaf, yes, but he sees and hears the world with his mind and heart, while Gray was deaf and blind to his own heart before meeting Seb.
This book was beautiful, the writing was perfect and the plot intense and captivating. I couldn’t put it down until I finished and I wanted to cry at the end because I finished the book (never said I was rational). Seb and Gray play their own music, their own melody that only their bodies and hearts can hear. The book was like a music sheet, and their story a beautiful melody that we want to guard in our heart.
It’s a must-read. If you don’t know the Enhanced World series, no worries (even if I start to question your life choices! Yes, I judge you!) Like I said, Guarding His Melody is a standalone and when you get a taste of this universe, I know you’ll want to read the other books.
It’s 5 OptimuMM for Gray, Seb, and their melody.
Sebastian is deaf and enhanced. He doesn’t need to have any abilities to know that his life is threatened. His father wants his son safe, and he hired a private security team to ensure to it.
Gray is non-enhanced, ex-military and works for Rawling Security since he left the army. When he’s offered the job to protect a twenty year-old rich kid, at first Gray wasn’t thrilled. But he changed his mind as soon as his realized Seb’s deaf and his enhanced status. Gray feels his overprotectiveness instinct raised.
Seb and Gray will have to trust each other in order to erase any threat against them and allow Sebastian to be able to live his life fully and play his melody.
Guarding his Melody by Victoria Sue is book 4 in the Enhanced World series, and it’s a standalone.
As a huge fan of the Enhanced World series, I was more than thrilled, excited and also hyperventilating knowing that book 4 was coming out soon. When I heard that this book was a standalone in the series without my favorite guys, I was curious to read what the author had in her mind. Oooh man, let’s just say she perfectly knows what she’s doing.
Sebastian had been deaf since he was 3 years-old after having meningitis, then at twelve, he woke up with the mark on his cheek. The mark that said to the world that he’s enhanced, but Sebastien doesn’t seem to have any ability (Read the book if you want to know if he has or not any abilities). His father is obsessed with healing him, like Sebastian needs to be fixed, and he submits Seb to hard (and cruel) operations that make him really sick. Seb tries his best to protect himself and to feel safe in his home and in his body and playing music is his safe place. I completely melted for Seb, he’s fragile, and he isn’t. The author created this duality in him. Physically, because of his health and cruel treatment (there’s no other word) he’s weak and needs to be protected. But mentally, Seb is stronger than any of us and Gray. His stubbornness, his sensitivity, his creativity, and his strength won me over. I adored him.
Gray is ex-military, and he suffers from PTSD plus guilt from his past. He’s a good bodyguard but refuses to get attached to anyone except Seb. From the beginning, Gray is moved by Seb, he wants to help him and protect him. He really cares about him and only wants Seb’s happiness no matter what it costs for Gray. I adored Gray, he’s a good man, with good intentions, and although he can be blind and stubborn, he’s a fighter, a warrior, and he’s ready to do anything in his power no matter the consequences to help and protect Seb.
Seb and Gray need each other. If Gray protects Seb and helps him to be who he truly is, then Seb helps Gray to see what he missed in his life. Seb is deaf, yes, but he sees and hears the world with his mind and heart, while Gray was deaf and blind to his own heart before meeting Seb.
This book was beautiful, the writing was perfect and the plot intense and captivating. I couldn’t put it down until I finished and I wanted to cry at the end because I finished the book (never said I was rational). Seb and Gray play their own music, their own melody that only their bodies and hearts can hear. The book was like a music sheet, and their story a beautiful melody that we want to guard in our heart.
It’s a must-read. If you don’t know the Enhanced World series, no worries (even if I start to question your life choices! Yes, I judge you!) Like I said, Guarding His Melody is a standalone and when you get a taste of this universe, I know you’ll want to read the other books.
It’s 5 OptimuMM for Gray, Seb, and their melody.
September 17, 2018
Wow, Victoria Sue never fails to disappoint in her writing regardless of the genre. The Enhanced World series are a fantastic read and this just proves it even more.
This book is separate from the first three books though we do get a cameo from the MC's of them.
In this story we follow Gray And Sebastian, Gray being hired as personal security for Seb after some threats and attacks on people he knows. He is hired as a precaution but there is so much more going on than Gray's been told.
Sebastian has been deaf since a young boy due to meningitis and then evolved when h was twelve causing his world to shrink even more. With operations to try and help his hearing, his recent bodyguard apparently committing suicide and the constant vertigo, nothing is going right for him at the moment and the only way he has control is within his rooms at his father's estate.
Gray takes on the new security role expecting a spoilt young man but he got something he never bargained for. When he witnesses Seb's reaction and symptoms of vertigo he wants to do all he can to help. As well as keeping Seb safe, he wants to help him get better. But there is so much more going on than he knows and he needs all the help he can get to keep the man he's coming to care for safe.
This book is filled with so much! We have action, mystery, a developing friendship into something more. The mystery going on throughout is well written, keeping us guessing as to the who and why of what is going on and how it involves Sebastian. As well as drawing our MC's together, it also has the chance to tear them apart.
Sebastian and Gray are characters given good histories that we slowly learn over time. Allowing the readers and the MC's to learn about them, grow to love them. I would say this is a slow burner as things between the characters mean so much more than just falling in love as there's protection, care and friendship in there too. Both men also have trauma in their past and it's treated with respect by the author. Afghan, loss of parents and friends for Gray and illness, deafness, the loss of a parent, becoming enhanced, subsequent operations and now threats for Seb. It's a lot for anyone to handle but when you have the care of someone who truly cares, it's not quite as bad as it was when alone. Whilst Gray is there because of a not so obvious threat, we are also treated to some positive, happy moments with Seb being a highly skilled piano player and Gray sharing his morning Tai Chi ritual. Gray opens up Sebastian's world from the suite he has at home to the rest of his home, the garden and even some time outside of the gates. It all makes for fantastic reading.
Victoria is wonderful at world building and also including a wide variety of characters, both good and bad. We have several emotional moments, not just with our MC's but with those around them as well.
I definitely recommend this book! And the series, and any books from Victoria Sue :-)
I received an ARC from the publisher and am happily giving a review.
This book is separate from the first three books though we do get a cameo from the MC's of them.
In this story we follow Gray And Sebastian, Gray being hired as personal security for Seb after some threats and attacks on people he knows. He is hired as a precaution but there is so much more going on than Gray's been told.
Sebastian has been deaf since a young boy due to meningitis and then evolved when h was twelve causing his world to shrink even more. With operations to try and help his hearing, his recent bodyguard apparently committing suicide and the constant vertigo, nothing is going right for him at the moment and the only way he has control is within his rooms at his father's estate.
Gray takes on the new security role expecting a spoilt young man but he got something he never bargained for. When he witnesses Seb's reaction and symptoms of vertigo he wants to do all he can to help. As well as keeping Seb safe, he wants to help him get better. But there is so much more going on than he knows and he needs all the help he can get to keep the man he's coming to care for safe.
This book is filled with so much! We have action, mystery, a developing friendship into something more. The mystery going on throughout is well written, keeping us guessing as to the who and why of what is going on and how it involves Sebastian. As well as drawing our MC's together, it also has the chance to tear them apart.
Sebastian and Gray are characters given good histories that we slowly learn over time. Allowing the readers and the MC's to learn about them, grow to love them. I would say this is a slow burner as things between the characters mean so much more than just falling in love as there's protection, care and friendship in there too. Both men also have trauma in their past and it's treated with respect by the author. Afghan, loss of parents and friends for Gray and illness, deafness, the loss of a parent, becoming enhanced, subsequent operations and now threats for Seb. It's a lot for anyone to handle but when you have the care of someone who truly cares, it's not quite as bad as it was when alone. Whilst Gray is there because of a not so obvious threat, we are also treated to some positive, happy moments with Seb being a highly skilled piano player and Gray sharing his morning Tai Chi ritual. Gray opens up Sebastian's world from the suite he has at home to the rest of his home, the garden and even some time outside of the gates. It all makes for fantastic reading.
Victoria is wonderful at world building and also including a wide variety of characters, both good and bad. We have several emotional moments, not just with our MC's but with those around them as well.
I definitely recommend this book! And the series, and any books from Victoria Sue :-)
I received an ARC from the publisher and am happily giving a review.
September 27, 2018
I have to confess, I hoped for a book about my Vance story and was slightly disappointed that it was neither his nor Elis ... but as I started reading it I was good. because this story is really nice.
Sebastian is totally different from all other enhanced we got to know and I loved how he developed and trusted Gray.
Gray is on eof those stoic heros who thinks he is guilty for all the bad in the world and in this belief he is a bit selfish (because to be honest: his sister might have needed him .... )
but together they are perfect. I was a bit miffed at the end but could understand it and essentially, it was a nice turn of events
Sebastian is totally different from all other enhanced we got to know and I loved how he developed and trusted Gray.
Gray is on eof those stoic heros who thinks he is guilty for all the bad in the world and in this belief he is a bit selfish (because to be honest: his sister might have needed him .... )
but together they are perfect. I was a bit miffed at the end but could understand it and essentially, it was a nice turn of events
September 15, 2021
Guarding His Melody
By Victoria Sue
When Sebastian's life is threatened Gray is called in as his bodyguard. Disgusted with the lack of security surrounding Seb and the lack of concern for Seb's health (mental and physical) Gray is determined to make sure he stays safe. Soon Gray realizes there is more going on than just Seb's father wanting to help his son hear again.
I have not read any of Victoria Sue's Enhanced series before this book, but I have to say I really liked this book. I loved Seb and Gray. The pace moved along great and kept me really intrigued to see how it played out in the end. This book is definitely a slow burn. Not something I'm fond of, however the storyline kept me so intrigued I found I didn't mind at all. Loved the HEA.
The book is in both Gray and Seb's POV. Though mostly Gray's. The angst level is medium-high.
By Victoria Sue
When Sebastian's life is threatened Gray is called in as his bodyguard. Disgusted with the lack of security surrounding Seb and the lack of concern for Seb's health (mental and physical) Gray is determined to make sure he stays safe. Soon Gray realizes there is more going on than just Seb's father wanting to help his son hear again.
I have not read any of Victoria Sue's Enhanced series before this book, but I have to say I really liked this book. I loved Seb and Gray. The pace moved along great and kept me really intrigued to see how it played out in the end. This book is definitely a slow burn. Not something I'm fond of, however the storyline kept me so intrigued I found I didn't mind at all. Loved the HEA.
The book is in both Gray and Seb's POV. Though mostly Gray's. The angst level is medium-high.
April 26, 2021
3.5-4 stars
this was my favorite one of the series so far. I think that the relationship while a little rushed at the end since this was more slow burn, had the most realistic feel to it.
I was surprised that this wasn't the person from the hospital or clinic that Talon went to in book 2 when he was taken, but Seb was just as good for the character.
I am still debating on reading Vance's story but I probably will since I am really enjoying this series.
this was my favorite one of the series so far. I think that the relationship while a little rushed at the end since this was more slow burn, had the most realistic feel to it.
I was surprised that this wasn't the person from the hospital or clinic that Talon went to in book 2 when he was taken, but Seb was just as good for the character.
I am still debating on reading Vance's story but I probably will since I am really enjoying this series.
September 25, 2018
I loved this story! I was really looking forward to Gray and Seb since the Enhanced Series is one of my faves. Both of these men are so lonely and broken, they truly are perfect for each other. Grey reluctantly takes a job protecting Seb and sparks fly from the beginning. This is not set in Florida, but we do briefly get to see Talon, Finn and the guys. I won’t give spoilers but I loved the ending and seeing these two find their happy. <3
December 18, 2018
I LOVE the Enhanced World SO FREAKING HARD!! This can be read as Standalone as written, but I will definitely recommended that you also read the others in the series, because they are amazing!
I can not wait for the next one in the series ❤️
I can not wait for the next one in the series ❤️
September 16, 2022
Molto carino ma ora torniamo al team dei potenziati per cortesia 😎
September 22, 2022
Con un po’ di ritardo ma ecco la mia recensione del quarto volume della serie Enhanced World ❤️
https://www.letturesalepepe.com/recen...
https://www.letturesalepepe.com/recen...
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