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Men of Vanguard #4
Invincible Nemesis
Call me Sentinel. I lead the world’s foremost superhero team. But shhh, nobody knows.
I do a pretty good job balancing my social and work life, even if that job is saving the planet. Of course that blows up in my face when a villain outs my secret identity on national television. Vanguard’s bad guys will not waste this opportunity to exact his revenge. Fixing this damage will require more coffee.
Being a hero is dangerous. That’s why I broke off the relationship with my ex. Now he’s back demanding answers. I might be damn near invincible, but a thick hide won’t protect me from the hurt in his eyes. Does this mean he still cares? I should focus on saving Vanguard, but this daddy bear can’t shake the idea that we have unfinished business. Bernard, you should have stayed in bed.
This is bad, even for a Monday.
Invincible Nemesis is a M/M, heart-felt adventure with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features snark and sex, but not always in that order. This is the final book in the Men of Vanguard series.
I do a pretty good job balancing my social and work life, even if that job is saving the planet. Of course that blows up in my face when a villain outs my secret identity on national television. Vanguard’s bad guys will not waste this opportunity to exact his revenge. Fixing this damage will require more coffee.
Being a hero is dangerous. That’s why I broke off the relationship with my ex. Now he’s back demanding answers. I might be damn near invincible, but a thick hide won’t protect me from the hurt in his eyes. Does this mean he still cares? I should focus on saving Vanguard, but this daddy bear can’t shake the idea that we have unfinished business. Bernard, you should have stayed in bed.
This is bad, even for a Monday.
Invincible Nemesis is a M/M, heart-felt adventure with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features snark and sex, but not always in that order. This is the final book in the Men of Vanguard series.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2023
33 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Ryder O'Malley
97 books88 followersRyder acts as if he doesn’t watch sappy movies. He won’t admit to daydreaming about ex-boyfriends and asking “What if…” He’s a closet romantic who gets anxious about first dates. In a world filled with turmoil, he’s wants to drown in warm, fuzzy moments that make his heart swell. He loves bringing his chaotic dating life to the forefront. While he calls himself a romance writer, he likes to think of it as fanfic about his life. Someday… it’ll become a reality. Until then, he’ll invent dreamy men that make him tear up at their insistence that love always wins.
Ryder lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, living his happily ever-after. When he’s not writing, he can be found working on book covers (which means he’s admiring huskular bears with more than a little chest hair.)
Ryder lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, living his happily ever-after. When he’s not writing, he can be found working on book covers (which means he’s admiring huskular bears with more than a little chest hair.)
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
dnf
March 15, 2023dnf @ 25%
not my cuppa. second chance and insta lust. they fuck the first time they meet
not my cuppa. second chance and insta lust. they fuck the first time they meet
April 10, 2023
3 stars. I would have given at least 3.5 stars as I usually like this genre and style of writing, but for some reason I struggled getting through this and had to go back a few times before going forward again.
I think it’s because there are so many characters and this is the first book of the series that I’ve read and it’s the fourth book in it, so that added to my slowness. But all the characters had updates going on with their lives plus as another reviewer said, Bernard was doing a lot of soul searching so between those two points, the action seemed to be squished in and I had to keep reminding myself what the last scene was.
I liked the author, would read again but I felt possibly the chop and change scenes made it trickier to read consecutively.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
I think it’s because there are so many characters and this is the first book of the series that I’ve read and it’s the fourth book in it, so that added to my slowness. But all the characters had updates going on with their lives plus as another reviewer said, Bernard was doing a lot of soul searching so between those two points, the action seemed to be squished in and I had to keep reminding myself what the last scene was.
I liked the author, would read again but I felt possibly the chop and change scenes made it trickier to read consecutively.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
July 12, 2025
Sentinel is the leader of the Centurions, the superhero team funded by the government that protects Vanguard. His public job is the head publicist for the Centurions, but it just provides a cover for the forty-something Ben Castle. As the book opens, we learn the previous week a serious data breach took place in Centurion Tower, and the real identities of the superheroes have been publicly released... which includes outing Ben.
Ben's friends rally around him even as the other Centurions disbanded and flee Vanguard. The city watches as the Centurion Tower is taken over by the slimy Damien Vex, who brings in several new hirelings and tries to bring Sentinel back in as an advisor or endorsement. (That meeting doesn't go well.)
Meanwhile, Ben's adjusting, or not, to civilian life. The city's vigilantes try to recruit him to their team in different roles, but he's distracted as his former lover, Jason reappears in his life. The Jason he deeply loved, that he ghosted six years prior when his powers surfaced. He fled to protect Jason because his powers were out of control. Then he stayed away to avoid bringing enemies down on the younger man. But now that Jason's back, things are going to get very serious, very fast, even as the Bad Guys keep focusing on him.
This was a quick read, nothing deep or excessively thought-provoking. That said, as I've noticed with the author's other works, it needed a lot more editing and a deep proof-reading. It felt like it was written in a rush and auto-spell check was trusted. -1 star for grammar and spelling errors, such as misses for missus, suit for suite and repetitive use for similar sentence structure.
This also leads me to my second issue with this novel. I'm inferring Ben is in his 40s, as he's described as Daddy, older, gray bearded repeatedly. Yet we never learn how old Jason is, just that they were living together when Jason applied to college.. so late teens, early 20s? Doesn't matter how aggressive Jason was at initiating things. A late 30-something and a teenager getting together kinda squicks my ick. -1/2 star
This was a 3 star read, but with the issues I identified, the final rating is 1.5.
Ben's friends rally around him even as the other Centurions disbanded and flee Vanguard. The city watches as the Centurion Tower is taken over by the slimy Damien Vex, who brings in several new hirelings and tries to bring Sentinel back in as an advisor or endorsement. (That meeting doesn't go well.)
Meanwhile, Ben's adjusting, or not, to civilian life. The city's vigilantes try to recruit him to their team in different roles, but he's distracted as his former lover, Jason reappears in his life. The Jason he deeply loved, that he ghosted six years prior when his powers surfaced. He fled to protect Jason because his powers were out of control. Then he stayed away to avoid bringing enemies down on the younger man. But now that Jason's back, things are going to get very serious, very fast, even as the Bad Guys keep focusing on him.
This was a quick read, nothing deep or excessively thought-provoking. That said, as I've noticed with the author's other works, it needed a lot more editing and a deep proof-reading. It felt like it was written in a rush and auto-spell check was trusted. -1 star for grammar and spelling errors, such as misses for missus, suit for suite and repetitive use for similar sentence structure.
This also leads me to my second issue with this novel. I'm inferring Ben is in his 40s, as he's described as Daddy, older, gray bearded repeatedly. Yet we never learn how old Jason is, just that they were living together when Jason applied to college.. so late teens, early 20s? Doesn't matter how aggressive Jason was at initiating things. A late 30-something and a teenager getting together kinda squicks my ick. -1/2 star
This was a 3 star read, but with the issues I identified, the final rating is 1.5.
March 14, 2023
This is the 4th in the Men of Vanguard series, and I think the last. I've really enjoyed this series, and I love the world it's set in too. We've had the stories of the rest of the breakfast club and it's fitting it ends with Bernard/Sentinel. I've wanted Bernard's story since the first book and it didn't disappoint. This is a second chance romance with a superhero slant, and I really enjoyed it.
There's a lot of soul searching about being a hero and wanting to protect your friends and family and finding that balance being doing what you need to, and not putting your loved ones in danger at the same time. Bernard is incredibly noble, self-sacrificing to a fault and as stubborn as they come. He's already sacrificed his relationship once in a misguided attempt to protect his loved ones from the bad guys. I liked Bernard from the very first book, he's the 'dad' of the group and I loved his interactions with his friends, they at turns frustrate and tease him but ultimately are there for him. This isn't just Jason and Bernard's story, it's the story of the friendship and Bernard letting people in to help him, which isn't easy as he's been alone for so long.
It's hot too, Jason and Bernard certainly rekindle that passion and are more than a little adventurous with their bedroom exploits. I also want to mention that I love the fact that not all the characters have that 'superhero physique', some carry a little extra and it's great to see that stereotype in these books blown away. I love that Bernard continually sees Jason as beautiful, body shape just isn't a thing here and it's so refreshing.
Every superhero story needs a good villain, and we have it here in Damian Vex, he's truly awful and creepy and someone I was so happy to see get his comeuppance. It made for a really satisfying ending too. It seems we haven't seen the end of Mr Vex though 😉. If there's more stories in this universe then I'm here for it all.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
There's a lot of soul searching about being a hero and wanting to protect your friends and family and finding that balance being doing what you need to, and not putting your loved ones in danger at the same time. Bernard is incredibly noble, self-sacrificing to a fault and as stubborn as they come. He's already sacrificed his relationship once in a misguided attempt to protect his loved ones from the bad guys. I liked Bernard from the very first book, he's the 'dad' of the group and I loved his interactions with his friends, they at turns frustrate and tease him but ultimately are there for him. This isn't just Jason and Bernard's story, it's the story of the friendship and Bernard letting people in to help him, which isn't easy as he's been alone for so long.
It's hot too, Jason and Bernard certainly rekindle that passion and are more than a little adventurous with their bedroom exploits. I also want to mention that I love the fact that not all the characters have that 'superhero physique', some carry a little extra and it's great to see that stereotype in these books blown away. I love that Bernard continually sees Jason as beautiful, body shape just isn't a thing here and it's so refreshing.
Every superhero story needs a good villain, and we have it here in Damian Vex, he's truly awful and creepy and someone I was so happy to see get his comeuppance. It made for a really satisfying ending too. It seems we haven't seen the end of Mr Vex though 😉. If there's more stories in this universe then I'm here for it all.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 29, 2023
What a satisfying conclusion to the series
I've loved all this series of friends and superheroes, bears with hairy chests and a little bit of cuddle round the middle. Bernard was the biggest beariest of them all, the patriarch of the Breakfast Club, and I was desperate to see him get his HEA.
Struggling with balancing himself and his normal life with his alter ego and his superhero life, Bernard was alone and lonely. Allowing people to get close could result in consequences too deadly to even contemplate telling his friends his secret, let alone consider a relationship. Being outed as a Centurion changed everything for him.
This is a second chance romance for a man who deserved nothing but the best, if only he could get out of his own way. Jason was perfect for Bernard, just as Bernard was perfect for Jason, and I didn't mind that they reconnected very quickly upon meeting again, because neither had got over the other and it was glaringly obvious that they belonged together.
There were some surprises too and the final showdown was satisfying, even though I'm sure we haven't heard the last of the Big Bad.
This book encompassed everything I love about the series. The camaraderie of the four Breakfast Club boys, meeting up every morning to tease each other as only close friends can. The superheroes trying to reconcile their dual lives. The villains causing all kinds of mayhem in Vanguard. The desire for companionship and love. The larger than normal men who are loved by their partners, with their thick thighs and hairy chests and their padded tums, just right for snuggling.
I'm so glad that Ryder's next series will be continuing in this world and I can't wait for the villains' stories.
I've loved all this series of friends and superheroes, bears with hairy chests and a little bit of cuddle round the middle. Bernard was the biggest beariest of them all, the patriarch of the Breakfast Club, and I was desperate to see him get his HEA.
Struggling with balancing himself and his normal life with his alter ego and his superhero life, Bernard was alone and lonely. Allowing people to get close could result in consequences too deadly to even contemplate telling his friends his secret, let alone consider a relationship. Being outed as a Centurion changed everything for him.
This is a second chance romance for a man who deserved nothing but the best, if only he could get out of his own way. Jason was perfect for Bernard, just as Bernard was perfect for Jason, and I didn't mind that they reconnected very quickly upon meeting again, because neither had got over the other and it was glaringly obvious that they belonged together.
There were some surprises too and the final showdown was satisfying, even though I'm sure we haven't heard the last of the Big Bad.
This book encompassed everything I love about the series. The camaraderie of the four Breakfast Club boys, meeting up every morning to tease each other as only close friends can. The superheroes trying to reconcile their dual lives. The villains causing all kinds of mayhem in Vanguard. The desire for companionship and love. The larger than normal men who are loved by their partners, with their thick thighs and hairy chests and their padded tums, just right for snuggling.
I'm so glad that Ryder's next series will be continuing in this world and I can't wait for the villains' stories.
March 26, 2023
Bernard isn't having a good time. Things have been rough and now things have gotten even worse. There is a light in the darkness, but it comes with its own troubles. This is a second chance at romance and at finding a balance and working at communication. Bernard has a lot going on and he has some choices to make and he better not make them alone.
I have been waiting for this book for awhile. I am not disappointed. Bernard and Jason are good and have matured since the last time they saw each other. I liked Bernard trying to figure out how to go back to being a normal hero and learning to love and trust in that love again. Bernard learns that he isn't alone and that his friends and loved ones have his back.
There is, of course, lots of action, but there are also close moments and working on connections to those that are important in his life. This is the conclusion to this series, but not to this world. I think this portion ended on a great note and I strongly recommend that you check out the bonus content since it is perfect.
I have been waiting for this book for awhile. I am not disappointed. Bernard and Jason are good and have matured since the last time they saw each other. I liked Bernard trying to figure out how to go back to being a normal hero and learning to love and trust in that love again. Bernard learns that he isn't alone and that his friends and loved ones have his back.
There is, of course, lots of action, but there are also close moments and working on connections to those that are important in his life. This is the conclusion to this series, but not to this world. I think this portion ended on a great note and I strongly recommend that you check out the bonus content since it is perfect.
March 24, 2023
This story is part of the Men of Vanguard series, and while the romance can stand alone, readers of previous books have the added benefit of seeing familiar faces and awareness of additional context on the world they all inhabit. I love the premise of this series— superheroes, and the very human complications of their lives and relationships— and the world building is interesting and immersive. I also love the characters who are the focus of this story: Bernard is stubborn and noble and all kinds of good (and occasionally frustrating) things; Jason is more than a match for him in all the right ways. It’s a second-chance romance with plenty of chemistry, physical and emotional, and well worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
August 9, 2023
So if you've spent your entire life pushing people away because you're a superhero with a secret identity and don't want to put a target on any of your friends, it kind of messes with your head.
This is a late little story about found family, learning you can count on your friends, and second chances if you allow yourself to take them.
Favorite quote was when Bernard said something about that he envied superheroes that had control over their suits cuz it meant they didn't have to powder their junk when they got dressed!
But I swear, I'm going to email the author and offer to prof his books for free in exchange for ARCs. Again, if you're listening to this on audio or that kind of thing doesn't bother you, totally go for it. I'm autistic and it drives me up a tree!
This is a late little story about found family, learning you can count on your friends, and second chances if you allow yourself to take them.
Favorite quote was when Bernard said something about that he envied superheroes that had control over their suits cuz it meant they didn't have to powder their junk when they got dressed!
But I swear, I'm going to email the author and offer to prof his books for free in exchange for ARCs. Again, if you're listening to this on audio or that kind of thing doesn't bother you, totally go for it. I'm autistic and it drives me up a tree!
March 25, 2023
Bernard can't help himself. He wants to do good and to help but it has come at a cost. He knows that being one of the men of vanguard comes at a cost. In his desire to protect the man he loves he walks away. But he gets his second chance when his actual identity, he does his good work as Nemesis but he has been unmasked. Jason, the love of his life returns and has questions. This is their second chance. We so often see these do-gooders make sure that others can go on and live a good life, it was nice to see one of them get his second chance at love.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2023
Doors slamming all over. The snark is hysterical! Seems like superheros have all the fun. This series is great because of the relationships and the willingness to welcome new folk into the fold. The action is well described and very exciting. I don't want this series to end. There are an infinite number of twists and turns that can create a web of storylines. Bernard's characters is funny as heck in how he views and navigates the world. Jason, is a pip. I enjoy his willingness to stand tall and participate. Good times! Great story, well done! I received an ARC and am happily voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2023
Really great mix of light and dark in this one as there is nice banter among Bernard and the group and with Jason but there is also an exploration of exactly what it can cost in terms of honesty and relationships when one is charged with a dangerous job that could endanger loved ones. Jason is the perfect match for Bernard in that once he knows the truth, he's willing to fight for their relationship and make Bernard see what they can have together. A superhero story needs a great villain and this book has a great one with a satisfying conclusion.
March 19, 2023
Bernard, one of the Centurian's in Vanguard, can't help himself.
If someone needs protecting, he'll be there.
Even if it means he loses the love of his life in the misguided effort to protect him from those who would do Bernard wrong.
But Jason isn't so easy to be set aside...he'll step in to be the protector if he has to.
So Damian...be on guard!
An exciting continuation of of the Vanguard stories!
If someone needs protecting, he'll be there.
Even if it means he loses the love of his life in the misguided effort to protect him from those who would do Bernard wrong.
But Jason isn't so easy to be set aside...he'll step in to be the protector if he has to.
So Damian...be on guard!
An exciting continuation of of the Vanguard stories!
March 26, 2023
This series has been snarky, steamy fun and it continues with Bernard and Jason! Bernard is overbearingly protective, but he really is all things good and wants to serve and protect! Bernard and Jason have an instant hot chemistry, but Bernard in what he feels is a noble act lets Jason go for his safety. Jason thank goodness comes back and wants to know what is going on! Plenty of action and humor but also a great character growth for Bernard learning to open up and be honesty with others!
March 31, 2023
Invincible Nemesis is the fourth book in the Men of Vanguard series. I’ve been waiting for Sentinel’s story!! I’ve seriously loved this series!! Bernard is such a wonderful character, wants to protect his friends and the city they live in. I loved that he reconnected with Jason, they were perfect for each other! Overall, a fantastic read. Well written.
October 27, 2023
so good
This was such a good ending! I loved Bernard throughout the whole series. Meeting Jason was perfection. The villains were tearing it up. Through it all even though I loved it my favorite is still Xander. He is such a grumpy bear that I just wanted to squeeze him. Loved it so much. Now on to the Villains!
This was such a good ending! I loved Bernard throughout the whole series. Meeting Jason was perfection. The villains were tearing it up. Through it all even though I loved it my favorite is still Xander. He is such a grumpy bear that I just wanted to squeeze him. Loved it so much. Now on to the Villains!
March 17, 2023
Interesting
This series is interesting. I enjoyed the way the storyline flows and the characters are interesting. This series was a new experience for me and I enjoyed it. I am excited for the next story.
This series is interesting. I enjoyed the way the storyline flows and the characters are interesting. This series was a new experience for me and I enjoyed it. I am excited for the next story.
March 18, 2023
He is part of a superhero group but no one knows about it until he is outed on live TV now he has a huge job in front of him. His ex is back demanding answers while the bad guys want a piece of him. How is he going to get it all sorted? Will he survive it all? See how it will all go for him
March 21, 2023
I love these men and the breakfast club! I loved the whole over arching world and would love a story about archer and their creating superhero outfits! I also loved that sentinel managed to get his happy ending and second chance.
April 2, 2023
This series has been very interesting and I highly recommend reading it in order to enjoy it better. I enjoyed the way this storyline flows and thought the characters were well written. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
November 13, 2023
Skipped until around 68% and then DNFed it.
The copaganda is super strong with this one, and at some point the rest of the book was in no way making up for it.
Also, I did not check, nor will I, but how many times are you allowed to use the word "package"?
The copaganda is super strong with this one, and at some point the rest of the book was in no way making up for it.
Also, I did not check, nor will I, but how many times are you allowed to use the word "package"?
Read
April 10, 2023DNF 71%. I just got bored. Didn't like the main character, and it didn't hold my attention
Want to read
September 22, 2023Amz Purch. Sept. 19, 2023
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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