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Kensley Panthers #3
Defender
Travis Wyatt
All I’ve ever wanted was to go to college and get out of Kensley. That small town is all I’ve ever known. I want to be free to be myself, not stifled by small minds in the football-loving town where I grew up.
And then I blew my one and only chance.
So now, I’m just stuck. Stuck in small-town life, with the same small-town people I’ve always known. Stuck where I don’t want to be. Constantly on the defense and hiding secrets about myself. To never be the real me.
I’m lost, and I’m angry. But those people I was desperate to get away from, they don’t stop. They insist on showing me that maybe it’s not about my location.
That maybe I can be free right where I am.
Oakley Easton
Travis is way too uptight. I don’t know why. He has everything a guy could want—a steady job and friends who would do anything for him. A great simple, small-town life. But I guess that’s not what he wants.
He’s always been different. Better. Smarter. Stronger.
Still, I find myself wanting to show him everything he’s dreamed of is within his grasp. That he doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. That he can be himself wherever he is, and I’ll back him up.
Because that’s what I’m good at—on and off the field. I’ll always be his defender.
If he’d only let me.
All I’ve ever wanted was to go to college and get out of Kensley. That small town is all I’ve ever known. I want to be free to be myself, not stifled by small minds in the football-loving town where I grew up.
And then I blew my one and only chance.
So now, I’m just stuck. Stuck in small-town life, with the same small-town people I’ve always known. Stuck where I don’t want to be. Constantly on the defense and hiding secrets about myself. To never be the real me.
I’m lost, and I’m angry. But those people I was desperate to get away from, they don’t stop. They insist on showing me that maybe it’s not about my location.
That maybe I can be free right where I am.
Oakley Easton
Travis is way too uptight. I don’t know why. He has everything a guy could want—a steady job and friends who would do anything for him. A great simple, small-town life. But I guess that’s not what he wants.
He’s always been different. Better. Smarter. Stronger.
Still, I find myself wanting to show him everything he’s dreamed of is within his grasp. That he doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. That he can be himself wherever he is, and I’ll back him up.
Because that’s what I’m good at—on and off the field. I’ll always be his defender.
If he’d only let me.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2023
168 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Dykes
95 books2,538 followersNicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.
She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!
Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com
Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com
She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!
Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com
Or visit my website at Www.authornicoledykes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
April 28, 2023
✯✯3.75 rating ✯✯
"I hope what we have is forever. Because I really want my forever to be with Oakley Easton."
Listen, there wasn't much plot in this book, but I am a sucker for a "himbo" with a big kind heart, and that is exactly who Oakley Easton is. He is a former jock who loves his small town and his simple easy-going life. Who can blame him? some small towns do that to you. There is a sense of peace and stability in that kind of life. I am a city girl at heart, but I also appreciate small towns. I understood Oakley's love for that kind of life. He loves his friends and his job as a landscaper. He might have been the loudmouthed, go-lucky jock in high school but he is more than that. He is kind, and understanding and defends those he loves fiercely. The sweet kindhearted "himbo" you can't help but fall in love with. That is what happened to Travis. He fell in love with the handsome jock and the small town he so despised and wanted to leave behind.
Can't say I didn't see that coming because I did. The book is predictable but also sweet. It is simple and has low angst. This type of book works for me sometimes and I happen to love some of Nicole Dykes's books. Though I haven't read this series in order, I definitely will now. My only niggle with this book was how fast-paced Travis and Oakley's relationship was. One minute they can't stand one another, the next they are addicted to one another. Wish the relationship was a bit of a slow burn it would have been more appreciated by, me, the reader. Still, I enjoyed it, it was cute and simple. Sometimes that is needed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"I hope what we have is forever. Because I really want my forever to be with Oakley Easton."
Listen, there wasn't much plot in this book, but I am a sucker for a "himbo" with a big kind heart, and that is exactly who Oakley Easton is. He is a former jock who loves his small town and his simple easy-going life. Who can blame him? some small towns do that to you. There is a sense of peace and stability in that kind of life. I am a city girl at heart, but I also appreciate small towns. I understood Oakley's love for that kind of life. He loves his friends and his job as a landscaper. He might have been the loudmouthed, go-lucky jock in high school but he is more than that. He is kind, and understanding and defends those he loves fiercely. The sweet kindhearted "himbo" you can't help but fall in love with. That is what happened to Travis. He fell in love with the handsome jock and the small town he so despised and wanted to leave behind.
Can't say I didn't see that coming because I did. The book is predictable but also sweet. It is simple and has low angst. This type of book works for me sometimes and I happen to love some of Nicole Dykes's books. Though I haven't read this series in order, I definitely will now. My only niggle with this book was how fast-paced Travis and Oakley's relationship was. One minute they can't stand one another, the next they are addicted to one another. Wish the relationship was a bit of a slow burn it would have been more appreciated by, me, the reader. Still, I enjoyed it, it was cute and simple. Sometimes that is needed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2023
I love this series so much and getting to read Travis and Oakley's romance was perfectly wonderful. They are polar opposites in personality, but together they bring out the best in one another, which creates such a lovingly sweet romance that I adored from start to finish.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is its undeniable love for small-town life. I enjoyed seeing Oakley's acceptance and happiness with his small-town life and seeing Travis grapple with where he thinks he should be, going to college and a bustling city, and where he actually wants to be was such a great aspect of this story.
I was so curious as to how this relationship would develop due to their distinctive differing personality types and true to form it was perfectly natural and organic to these two characters. They have a dynamic at the beginning that is mostly acquaintance based, but due to their close proximity by working together and having friends in common they slowly start to become friends themselves, and their pull toward one another becomes undeniable.
Overall I loved this story from beginning to end and cannot wait to read the next one!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
One of my favorite aspects of this series is its undeniable love for small-town life. I enjoyed seeing Oakley's acceptance and happiness with his small-town life and seeing Travis grapple with where he thinks he should be, going to college and a bustling city, and where he actually wants to be was such a great aspect of this story.
I was so curious as to how this relationship would develop due to their distinctive differing personality types and true to form it was perfectly natural and organic to these two characters. They have a dynamic at the beginning that is mostly acquaintance based, but due to their close proximity by working together and having friends in common they slowly start to become friends themselves, and their pull toward one another becomes undeniable.
Overall I loved this story from beginning to end and cannot wait to read the next one!!
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
June 19, 2023
I did like the characters but I remember being so excited for this installment after book two and it was nice but also a bit of a letdown. There’s no real buildup before they have sex for the first time and with these characters in particular I feel like I would have loved this had it been more of a slow burn. Because again: I like the characters!! They’re great! I just kept thinking how I wanted to place them in a different storyline. They have this fun snarky banter with each other where Travis is cranky but lovable and Oakley is always smiling and loping about like a golden retriever and I wanted more of that!!! I wanted to see Oakley piece by piece breaking down the walls Travis built up. It happened too fast for me to be completely invested in their relationship. It’s a short book where not too much happens and I was most interested in the story in the very beginning and when there was some conflict going on. My eyes completely glazed over at every sex scene after the first one because for such a short book there were too many for me and they weren’t different enough from each other for there to be so many. Additionally, I wish various aspects of the book had been expanded on to give it some much needed depth. But I did still like it! If nothing else I’m just glad I liked it more than book one lol and I doubt I’ll love any book in the series as much as I did book two!
![Profile Image for Lilly [Hiatus due to School] .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1663899589i%2F10381707._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 21, 2023
Defender is the third book in the Kensley Panthers series. I was curious about Travis and Oakley as a couple since Travis had nothing but animosity towards Oakley and wanted to run away from his small town.
Travis has wanted nothing more than to escape his small-town life. He dreamt about moving to the west coast for college and being able to live his life out and proud. However, his dreams weren't meant to be when he could not get the scholarship for the college he wanted. With no funds and loans not being an option, he's stuck at home working for a landscaping company with Oakley, who reminds him of everything he hates about his hometown.
These two boys are opposites in every way imaginable and Travis keeps pushing big, sweet, friendly Oakley away until they start hooking up. What starts out of convenience quickly turns into something more. Oakley knows Travis dreams of big city life and understands their little arrangement has an expiry date.
While I enjoyed Defender, it felt rushed and needed more depth. I wanted to see more from these two, and I wished there was more time for them to get to know one another and get closer as friends. I think if the book had been longer, it would have helped with developing their relationship more. I enjoy Nicole's writing as always and she really knows how to make small town life appealing but I wish there was more as I really loved them as pair.
Despite my issues, I enjoyed Travis and Oakley's story and can't wait for the next book.
3.5 rounded up to 4
Travis has wanted nothing more than to escape his small-town life. He dreamt about moving to the west coast for college and being able to live his life out and proud. However, his dreams weren't meant to be when he could not get the scholarship for the college he wanted. With no funds and loans not being an option, he's stuck at home working for a landscaping company with Oakley, who reminds him of everything he hates about his hometown.
These two boys are opposites in every way imaginable and Travis keeps pushing big, sweet, friendly Oakley away until they start hooking up. What starts out of convenience quickly turns into something more. Oakley knows Travis dreams of big city life and understands their little arrangement has an expiry date.
While I enjoyed Defender, it felt rushed and needed more depth. I wanted to see more from these two, and I wished there was more time for them to get to know one another and get closer as friends. I think if the book had been longer, it would have helped with developing their relationship more. I enjoy Nicole's writing as always and she really knows how to make small town life appealing but I wish there was more as I really loved them as pair.
Despite my issues, I enjoyed Travis and Oakley's story and can't wait for the next book.
3.5 rounded up to 4
November 10, 2024
Achei a proposta desse casal um pouco parecido com o do primeiro livro, a única diferença foi que eles não eram melhores amigos e esse livro foi bem melhor.
April 17, 2023
so nice!!!
i love big, a little dumb, with a gigantic heart characters and oakley is exactly that. he just wants to make the world prettier and to make people happy. be still, my heart.
i loved watching travis grow and realize what he wanted to do with his life.
these two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. they are the better version of themselves together and they made me so happy.
i love big, a little dumb, with a gigantic heart characters and oakley is exactly that. he just wants to make the world prettier and to make people happy. be still, my heart.
i loved watching travis grow and realize what he wanted to do with his life.
these two couldn’t be more perfect for each other. they are the better version of themselves together and they made me so happy.
April 23, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up for Oakley.
The Friday Night Lights, small town vibes in this series keeps me coming back. Simple, easy, low angst reads will always be necessary.
In Defender, the Kensley Panther football 🏈 boys are all grown up and not in High School anymore. I could imagine so clearly their cute little houses and their landscaping jobs.
Travis, thinking the grass is greener somewhere else but learns the grass is greener where you water it.
If Bentley from RIDE by Nellie Christine and Sem from SEM by Cora Rose had a baby, it would be Oakley.
“He’s so damn earnest, it’s refreshing. It seems the rest of the world is busy playing games, but not Oakley. He doesn’t do that. He says what he wants, and he means what he says.” Oakleeeey! 🥹 I wanna hug.
If you are here, you probably have read books one and two and if so this is pretty consistent with those.
If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, I recommend you go back and do that.
The Friday Night Lights, small town vibes in this series keeps me coming back. Simple, easy, low angst reads will always be necessary.
In Defender, the Kensley Panther football 🏈 boys are all grown up and not in High School anymore. I could imagine so clearly their cute little houses and their landscaping jobs.
Travis, thinking the grass is greener somewhere else but learns the grass is greener where you water it.
If Bentley from RIDE by Nellie Christine and Sem from SEM by Cora Rose had a baby, it would be Oakley.
“He’s so damn earnest, it’s refreshing. It seems the rest of the world is busy playing games, but not Oakley. He doesn’t do that. He says what he wants, and he means what he says.” Oakleeeey! 🥹 I wanna hug.
If you are here, you probably have read books one and two and if so this is pretty consistent with those.
If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, I recommend you go back and do that.
April 18, 2023
This was really cute and I definitely need an Oakley in my life to build everything on my Pinterest boards.
Although I enjoyed the story it bugged me with the time jumps. It wasn't clear that some chapters were weeks or even months later until you were a few paragraphs in, which was confusing. If there had been a month/time period subheading that established when the chapter took place it would have made it easier to follow.
Some parts felt quite rushed but I liked the relationship and Oakley is now my favourite Kensley boy. I think if more time was given to the emotional side, rather than just the sexual side, of the relationship I could have given this 5 stars quite easily, but it felt too unbalanced and quite surface level and lust driven at times.
Looking forward to Coach's book though!
Although I enjoyed the story it bugged me with the time jumps. It wasn't clear that some chapters were weeks or even months later until you were a few paragraphs in, which was confusing. If there had been a month/time period subheading that established when the chapter took place it would have made it easier to follow.
Some parts felt quite rushed but I liked the relationship and Oakley is now my favourite Kensley boy. I think if more time was given to the emotional side, rather than just the sexual side, of the relationship I could have given this 5 stars quite easily, but it felt too unbalanced and quite surface level and lust driven at times.
Looking forward to Coach's book though!
April 6, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 - Back with the Kensley Panthers crew for some more bi-awakening, small town romance goodness.
Travis Wyatt has been dreaming of a bigger life all through high school but after graduation, his life isn’t much bigger despite moving away from his small hometown. He wants to go to college, find a guy who loves him and live in the big city…or so he thinks. Oakley Easton doesn’t dream of the big city life, just of his landscaping job and fixing up people’s backyards with ideas he comes up with after browsing on Pinterest. He’s never considered men romantically before, but that was before he started working closely with his high school football teammate, Travis.
These two are opposites in a lot of ways but they seem to click once they start spending time together. Their grumpy (Travis)/sunshine (Oakley) dynamic was fun to read and I enjoyed how easily they fit together, even though there were multiple points where I was frustrated with them for not just having a conversation. I wish there was a little more lead up to them starting to mess around, maybe them becoming better friends instead of Travis trying to avoid Oakley at all costs before then. I understand why Ryan was a factor here, but he felt largely like a nonentity for most of the story that bringing him back in felt jarring even though it gave Travis and Oakley the push they needed.
Overall, this was enjoyable and an easy read. Looking forward to seeing where the next Kensley Panthers story will take us!
Travis Wyatt has been dreaming of a bigger life all through high school but after graduation, his life isn’t much bigger despite moving away from his small hometown. He wants to go to college, find a guy who loves him and live in the big city…or so he thinks. Oakley Easton doesn’t dream of the big city life, just of his landscaping job and fixing up people’s backyards with ideas he comes up with after browsing on Pinterest. He’s never considered men romantically before, but that was before he started working closely with his high school football teammate, Travis.
These two are opposites in a lot of ways but they seem to click once they start spending time together. Their grumpy (Travis)/sunshine (Oakley) dynamic was fun to read and I enjoyed how easily they fit together, even though there were multiple points where I was frustrated with them for not just having a conversation. I wish there was a little more lead up to them starting to mess around, maybe them becoming better friends instead of Travis trying to avoid Oakley at all costs before then. I understand why Ryan was a factor here, but he felt largely like a nonentity for most of the story that bringing him back in felt jarring even though it gave Travis and Oakley the push they needed.
Overall, this was enjoyable and an easy read. Looking forward to seeing where the next Kensley Panthers story will take us!
April 5, 2023
I could not have asked for a better story for Travis and Oakley! One of my favourite tropes is bi-awakening and I was just thinking I hadn’t read one in a bit and really wanted one, so this came at the perfect time for me! Oakley’s bi-awakening was such a nice, easy situation. I’m all for reading about characters who really struggle with it but sometimes it really nice just to read a story where the character is like “I’m attracted to this guy, great, let’s do this.”
They had an interesting start to their relationship, seemed super sudden but it worked so well for them. Their no-strings attached arrangement was so much fun and it was awesome to see them start getting attached to the other. They ended up being absolutely perfect for each other in every way possible. They were such a sweet, fun couple and had a lot of chemistry!
I also loved how supportive both of them were towards to the other with what they wanted to do in their life. They were always thinking about the other person and what was best for them, even when they were just friends fooling around. It was so beautiful to see this fun, healthy relationship grow!
I 100% recommend this book! It is book 3 in the series, you don’t necessarily have to read book 1 before this (I would just because I loved it but not required) but would definitely suggest reading book 2 as these characters appear in book 2 first. The next book in this series is actually about the football coach and I am quite excited to read it!
They had an interesting start to their relationship, seemed super sudden but it worked so well for them. Their no-strings attached arrangement was so much fun and it was awesome to see them start getting attached to the other. They ended up being absolutely perfect for each other in every way possible. They were such a sweet, fun couple and had a lot of chemistry!
I also loved how supportive both of them were towards to the other with what they wanted to do in their life. They were always thinking about the other person and what was best for them, even when they were just friends fooling around. It was so beautiful to see this fun, healthy relationship grow!
I 100% recommend this book! It is book 3 in the series, you don’t necessarily have to read book 1 before this (I would just because I loved it but not required) but would definitely suggest reading book 2 as these characters appear in book 2 first. The next book in this series is actually about the football coach and I am quite excited to read it!
April 27, 2023
I am NOT impressed. 2.75 disappointed ⭐
I was really looking forward to Oakley's book. I liked him and the love combination with Travis seemed like the right way to go.
BUT
🟣 This whole book revolved around a faceless (I'm guessing Tinder) guy Ryan, who was occasionally sliding into Travis' dm's and they were both painting this unreal fairytale picture of them both.
It seemed so childish and definitely not what a 20 year old guy does on a dating app.
🟡 Oakley's bi-awakening wasn't a big deal - and it should've been a bigger one - it was just Yeah, I'm horny, I don't care that you have a dick, let's do this, oh, and your lips are pretty! 🙄
🟢 They were practically dating without calling it such and yet Travis was still talking to Ryan ; even though Oakley and Travis pretty much fell for each other, they were always together, and yet Travis went to meet up with Ryan.
You know, just to be sure he wasn't missing out on something bigger.
No I didn't fall for that crap about Oakley giving him a chance to see if he likes Ryan, because at that point they were very much into each other. It didn't make sense.
🔴 The spice was good , yeah, I'll give you that.
And last, but not least,
🔵 Does every jock who graduated high school in Kensley work in landscaping?
I mean, I do like Kensley and I like these jocks, so I'm going to give it a shot with Coach's book, hopefully it'll be better than this one.
April 8, 2023
"His eyes open, and I see a blissed-out, sexy grin on his swollen red lips. “Damn, Oakley. Sometimes you do have good ideas."
Defender is book 3 in the Kensley Panthers MM sports romance series by Nicole Dykes. This is Travis and Oakley's story.
As always with the boys in this series and their burgeoning relationships, we have a low angst, easy read with a lovable combination of grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, bi-awakening and lots of first time steamy action, set in a small town - and of course with the obligatory HEA.
What's not to love?!
4 stars
Defender is book 3 in the Kensley Panthers MM sports romance series by Nicole Dykes. This is Travis and Oakley's story.
As always with the boys in this series and their burgeoning relationships, we have a low angst, easy read with a lovable combination of grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, bi-awakening and lots of first time steamy action, set in a small town - and of course with the obligatory HEA.
What's not to love?!
4 stars
October 26, 2023
Defender is the 3rd book in the Kensley Panther series, and it’s our favorite! Until the next one comes out 😂😂 Nicole made us fall so hard for Travis and Oakley but no surprise there! The banter between these two men was hilarious and their chemistry was so HOTTTTT!! So yeah, we definitely just added them to our list of favorite book boyfriends.
🏈 bi-awakening
🏈 enemies-to-lovers
🏈 grumpy/sunshine
Oakley has always been carefree and spontaneous. He was happy with his career in landscaping and scrolling through Pinterest looking for projects to build was his favorite pastime. He loved living in a small town next door to his best friend, Garrison, and his boyfriend, Jameson.
Travis, Jameson’s best friend, has always wanted to go to college in a big city and escape small-town life. But that dream didn’t come to fruition and he was stuck in small town America. Then he got a job at the same landscaping company as Oakley. Travis and Oakley couldn’t be more opposite. Travis had to put up with Oakley’s annoyingly carefree personality every day at work and also when they hung out with their friends. The guy was always Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky and Travis didn't get it. How could he be content staying in the place where they grew up and not want to escape?
Travis had always found it hard to meet and date guys in his small town of Kensley. For that reason, he didn’t really have a lot of experience with them. When Oakley, who was in desperate need of a hookup, suggested the two start a friends-with-benefits thing, Travis thought he’d lost his mind. For one, Oakley was straight and had never considered hooking up with a guy. But leave it to Oakley to not bat an eye at that fact. What came next was mind blowing sex. Neither one could get enough of the other. Travis found himself liking Oakley, not just for the great sex, but as a person. And Oakley’s feelings toward Travis started changing to something more. But Oakley knew that Travis had goals bigger than small-town life and he didn’t want to hold him back.
*we received an arc, all opinions are our own*
🏈 bi-awakening
🏈 enemies-to-lovers
🏈 grumpy/sunshine
Oakley has always been carefree and spontaneous. He was happy with his career in landscaping and scrolling through Pinterest looking for projects to build was his favorite pastime. He loved living in a small town next door to his best friend, Garrison, and his boyfriend, Jameson.
Travis, Jameson’s best friend, has always wanted to go to college in a big city and escape small-town life. But that dream didn’t come to fruition and he was stuck in small town America. Then he got a job at the same landscaping company as Oakley. Travis and Oakley couldn’t be more opposite. Travis had to put up with Oakley’s annoyingly carefree personality every day at work and also when they hung out with their friends. The guy was always Mr. Happy-Go-Lucky and Travis didn't get it. How could he be content staying in the place where they grew up and not want to escape?
Travis had always found it hard to meet and date guys in his small town of Kensley. For that reason, he didn’t really have a lot of experience with them. When Oakley, who was in desperate need of a hookup, suggested the two start a friends-with-benefits thing, Travis thought he’d lost his mind. For one, Oakley was straight and had never considered hooking up with a guy. But leave it to Oakley to not bat an eye at that fact. What came next was mind blowing sex. Neither one could get enough of the other. Travis found himself liking Oakley, not just for the great sex, but as a person. And Oakley’s feelings toward Travis started changing to something more. But Oakley knew that Travis had goals bigger than small-town life and he didn’t want to hold him back.
*we received an arc, all opinions are our own*
April 13, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
- frenemies
- opposites attract
- bi awakening
- small town romance
I think Oakley and Travis might be my favorite couple so far! Their story lacked the animosity that I was expecting going in since Travis supposedly hated everything about Oakley, but ended up being tooth achingly sweet.
- frenemies
- opposites attract
- bi awakening
- small town romance
I think Oakley and Travis might be my favorite couple so far! Their story lacked the animosity that I was expecting going in since Travis supposedly hated everything about Oakley, but ended up being tooth achingly sweet.
January 14, 2025
"I’d have preferred to spend the day taking Oakley’s big dick."
Just two dudes fucking with no strings attached, what's the worst that could happen? We all know how that ends, so there is no surprises of disappointment here on that ending. I havent read about the Kensley Panther boys in a minute, but I do remember Oakley and Travis, and I have to say , I enjoyed their book a whole lot more than I did their best friends. This was just a super fast paced, friends with benefits story in a small town, with two dudes who have different dreams. I mean its nothing to write home about but it is surly entertaining and more than an okay read. Its fun and I liked it, and I cant fault it for being nothing but straight to the point. Let the two dudes fuck and fall in love, and have some really small drama and bam we got ourselves a small town MM romance. Both characters are likeable and I just like when people who dont like each other that much spend time together and grown into friends and more. Im a friends to lovers kinda gal. This is something you pop into when you got a couple extra hours and wanna laze around the house and just vibe kinda book. So take that as you will. I enjoyed it.
Just two dudes fucking with no strings attached, what's the worst that could happen? We all know how that ends, so there is no surprises of disappointment here on that ending. I havent read about the Kensley Panther boys in a minute, but I do remember Oakley and Travis, and I have to say , I enjoyed their book a whole lot more than I did their best friends. This was just a super fast paced, friends with benefits story in a small town, with two dudes who have different dreams. I mean its nothing to write home about but it is surly entertaining and more than an okay read. Its fun and I liked it, and I cant fault it for being nothing but straight to the point. Let the two dudes fuck and fall in love, and have some really small drama and bam we got ourselves a small town MM romance. Both characters are likeable and I just like when people who dont like each other that much spend time together and grown into friends and more. Im a friends to lovers kinda gal. This is something you pop into when you got a couple extra hours and wanna laze around the house and just vibe kinda book. So take that as you will. I enjoyed it.
April 10, 2023
Thank you to GRR for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Defender is the third book in the Kensley Panthers series and this one follows Oakley and Travis. While this one wasn't my favorite of the series (I have a soft spot for Guarded), this one was low angst and a great, quick read. Travis and Oakley obviously have chemistry from the get go and Oakley is like the biggest golden retriever puppy who ever puppied. He was SO adorable and I was rooting for him the entire book.
I wish Travis realized quicker what he had with Oakley, but I also wish Oakley was confident enough to tell Travis that he was the man he deserved. What I love about Nicole Dykes is that her characters are all about loving who they love. There is no (or rarely any) inner homophobia and it really does make her romances super swoon worthy. I honestly cannot wait for the next one because it involves the Panthers' COACH YESSSSS.
Defender is the third book in the Kensley Panthers series and this one follows Oakley and Travis. While this one wasn't my favorite of the series (I have a soft spot for Guarded), this one was low angst and a great, quick read. Travis and Oakley obviously have chemistry from the get go and Oakley is like the biggest golden retriever puppy who ever puppied. He was SO adorable and I was rooting for him the entire book.
I wish Travis realized quicker what he had with Oakley, but I also wish Oakley was confident enough to tell Travis that he was the man he deserved. What I love about Nicole Dykes is that her characters are all about loving who they love. There is no (or rarely any) inner homophobia and it really does make her romances super swoon worthy. I honestly cannot wait for the next one because it involves the Panthers' COACH YESSSSS.
April 2, 2023
I thought this was going to be more antagonistic but this was shockingly sweet. Travis has been distant with Oakley since they were kids because he feels like he doesn't take anything seriously. After they start up a friends with bennies situation, Travis starts to see how lovely Oakley actually is and it was wonderful. I loved that Oakley was along for the ride and truly settled into himself especially for someone so young. Travis was the one with all of the mental gymnastics but he got there eventually.
I've said before that Oakley's dad is wonderful for employing all of these boys by the end of the previous books but man. The whole family is the best. I loved how supportive and open the entire family was in this entire book.
Thank you to Chaotic Creatives for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own.
I've said before that Oakley's dad is wonderful for employing all of these boys by the end of the previous books but man. The whole family is the best. I loved how supportive and open the entire family was in this entire book.
Thank you to Chaotic Creatives for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My review is my own.
August 24, 2023
This was really sweet. Mild angst, but good for a palette cleanser. Sadly I started with what I later learned was book 3. So now I have to go find the other 2.
August 21, 2025
4⭐️
Cute read, quite predictable but still enjoyable.
Cute read, quite predictable but still enjoyable.
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April 19, 2023ᴅɴꜰ ᴀᴛ ꜰɪꜰᴛʏ %
well then, defender did not end up going as i had hoped it would. my main issue? the lack of buildup.
why does oakley suddenly decide he wants to do a friends-with-benefits situation with travis? he's horny, i guess. why is travis suddenly in love with / falling in love with oakley? cause they had sex a few times, i think?
idk, it felt as though things were very rushed and they really didn't need to be. also, idk, i think i'm in the mood for something a bit more angsty than what oakleytravis are serving me.
“You’re full of surprises, Oakley.”
“Aren’t we all?” I respond with a smile, and my heart does this weird flutter thing when he smiles back at me. He should keep doing that. I really like it when he does that.
well then, defender did not end up going as i had hoped it would. my main issue? the lack of buildup.
why does oakley suddenly decide he wants to do a friends-with-benefits situation with travis? he's horny, i guess. why is travis suddenly in love with / falling in love with oakley? cause they had sex a few times, i think?
idk, it felt as though things were very rushed and they really didn't need to be. also, idk, i think i'm in the mood for something a bit more angsty than what oakleytravis are serving me.
“Why are you bored on a weekday?”
“I don’t just like to hang out on weekends, Travis. I have no rules.”
April 15, 2023
Damn I'm a sucker for the Grumpy/Sunshine trope and it doesn't get more sunshiney than Oakley. He's happiness personified. A real golden retriever MC. I absolutely adored that man and don't blame Travis one but for succumbing to his charms. Oakley is just one of those people who radiates good. He's also incredibly thoughtful, selfless and kind. Add in his hunky muscular physique and the man is the total package. It just took spending some actual time with him for Travis to realize it.
Now Travis is our Grumpy. He had big dreams of getting away from their small town life. Big dreams we saw crushed in the previous book when he found out he didn't get the scholarship he was banking on in order to attend college. The thing about dreams though, is that sometimes the reality is different than what you imagined. Sometimes dreams change as we grow. That's the amazing part about dreams, they can be whatever you want. There's no rules.
I seriously loved Travis and Oakley together. From the outside you wouldn't think they'd work. But somehow, the two just fit. Oakley kept Travis from being too serious all the time. He made him laugh. He surprised him with middle of the night romantic adventures for christ's sake. Travis supported Oakley's talents and believed in him during the rare moments when that cocky shit didn't believe in himself. It also didn't hurt that their chemistry between the sheets was on fire as well. I enjoyed every moment of these two falling in love and I can't wait for Coach's book next. Something tells me an enemies to lovers might just be what's in store for us next.
Now Travis is our Grumpy. He had big dreams of getting away from their small town life. Big dreams we saw crushed in the previous book when he found out he didn't get the scholarship he was banking on in order to attend college. The thing about dreams though, is that sometimes the reality is different than what you imagined. Sometimes dreams change as we grow. That's the amazing part about dreams, they can be whatever you want. There's no rules.
I seriously loved Travis and Oakley together. From the outside you wouldn't think they'd work. But somehow, the two just fit. Oakley kept Travis from being too serious all the time. He made him laugh. He surprised him with middle of the night romantic adventures for christ's sake. Travis supported Oakley's talents and believed in him during the rare moments when that cocky shit didn't believe in himself. It also didn't hurt that their chemistry between the sheets was on fire as well. I enjoyed every moment of these two falling in love and I can't wait for Coach's book next. Something tells me an enemies to lovers might just be what's in store for us next.
March 27, 2023
✨ARC Review✨
“What the hell is wrong with me? I’m the king of easy and simple. That’s what this was supposed to be. No strings. No complications. No one getting hurt. And it’s anything but that.”
Did I stay up way too late to finish this book? Yes, maybe. Was it smart? Probably not. Do I regret it? HELL NO! I loved this book so much. Defender, by Nicole Dykes, was fabulous. These characters are wonderful and I cannot get enough of their love stories. ❤️🌈
Highlights:
💫friends with benefits to lovers
💫high school friends
💫grumpy/sunshine
💫sexual awakening
💫first times
💫small town
💫steamy
Oakley and Travis, oh boy, I really loved them. Oakley may be one of the best golden retriever characters I’ve read, making him the perfect partner for Travis’ moodiness. What starts off as a friends with benefits situation, turns into so much more….even if they both had the hardest time figuring that out. ❤️❤️ Their story is full of heart, hard choices, and love—it was perfect! 🥹🥹
Favorite quote:
“He kisses my temple, and I can’t help but feel how right this is right now. Sitting next to him in the backyard, watching a damn meteor shower.” 🥹🥹 (this entire scene is wonderful)
Overall, looooved this book. Travis and Oakley were precious, and I didn’t want their story to end. Coach’s story is next, and I bet it’s going to be a wild ride. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
“What the hell is wrong with me? I’m the king of easy and simple. That’s what this was supposed to be. No strings. No complications. No one getting hurt. And it’s anything but that.”
Did I stay up way too late to finish this book? Yes, maybe. Was it smart? Probably not. Do I regret it? HELL NO! I loved this book so much. Defender, by Nicole Dykes, was fabulous. These characters are wonderful and I cannot get enough of their love stories. ❤️🌈
Highlights:
💫friends with benefits to lovers
💫high school friends
💫grumpy/sunshine
💫sexual awakening
💫first times
💫small town
💫steamy
Oakley and Travis, oh boy, I really loved them. Oakley may be one of the best golden retriever characters I’ve read, making him the perfect partner for Travis’ moodiness. What starts off as a friends with benefits situation, turns into so much more….even if they both had the hardest time figuring that out. ❤️❤️ Their story is full of heart, hard choices, and love—it was perfect! 🥹🥹
Favorite quote:
“He kisses my temple, and I can’t help but feel how right this is right now. Sitting next to him in the backyard, watching a damn meteor shower.” 🥹🥹 (this entire scene is wonderful)
Overall, looooved this book. Travis and Oakley were precious, and I didn’t want their story to end. Coach’s story is next, and I bet it’s going to be a wild ride. 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
April 18, 2023
3/5 stars
I wish there was more. I always feel like every one of Nicole's book should be longer than 200 or 250 pages. I just didn't feel attached to Travis and Oakley. Their relationship felt too iffy. I feel like there was no emotional connection. I'm still gonna continue reading the series for Coach, but mainly Adam and Zach's book.
I wish there was more. I always feel like every one of Nicole's book should be longer than 200 or 250 pages. I just didn't feel attached to Travis and Oakley. Their relationship felt too iffy. I feel like there was no emotional connection. I'm still gonna continue reading the series for Coach, but mainly Adam and Zach's book.
April 22, 2023
Yep I loved it!! This was super sweet! Low angst but lots of emotion!!
I loved the theme of thinking you want one thing most of your life and realizing that maybe you e changed and your dreams have as well.
Oakley was an absolute swoony lovebug!! Ugh. I die for him!! He was so sincere, fun, happy but also so much more than he gave himself credit for. He was loyal and kind and incredibly open. He truly was exactly what Travis needed.
Travis was so stuck in what he thought he wanted and who he needed to be. He felt so lost and abandoned by his parents. I think he he was clinging to his goals because he thought that was all he had. He struggled with feeling good enough. Little did he understand that Oakley felt that same way.
And dear god these two were freaking hot as hell together. Both learning and exploring - never judging or criticizing. They were so affectionate and passionate with the other. Their intimacy was truly wonderful!! I couldn’t get enough!!!
I loved the theme of thinking you want one thing most of your life and realizing that maybe you e changed and your dreams have as well.
Oakley was an absolute swoony lovebug!! Ugh. I die for him!! He was so sincere, fun, happy but also so much more than he gave himself credit for. He was loyal and kind and incredibly open. He truly was exactly what Travis needed.
Travis was so stuck in what he thought he wanted and who he needed to be. He felt so lost and abandoned by his parents. I think he he was clinging to his goals because he thought that was all he had. He struggled with feeling good enough. Little did he understand that Oakley felt that same way.
And dear god these two were freaking hot as hell together. Both learning and exploring - never judging or criticizing. They were so affectionate and passionate with the other. Their intimacy was truly wonderful!! I couldn’t get enough!!!
November 24, 2023
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
Travis had to grow on me because I didn't like how he was toward Oakley! I wanted to kick him a few times and be like be nicer!!
Oakley is happy with his small-town life, with his work and with his new projects. To him, this is the life he has always wanted. Travis is butt hurt because his life isn't turning out the way he wanted it to. Or is it?
Sometimes, you don't even know what you want until it hits you that you have been doing precisely what you have always wanted to do. It just doesn't look the way you thought it would.
Their connection is a slower burn, but once it ignites, look out.
Another audio hit because of Tim and Liam.
Travis had to grow on me because I didn't like how he was toward Oakley! I wanted to kick him a few times and be like be nicer!!
Oakley is happy with his small-town life, with his work and with his new projects. To him, this is the life he has always wanted. Travis is butt hurt because his life isn't turning out the way he wanted it to. Or is it?
Sometimes, you don't even know what you want until it hits you that you have been doing precisely what you have always wanted to do. It just doesn't look the way you thought it would.
Their connection is a slower burn, but once it ignites, look out.
Another audio hit because of Tim and Liam.
July 5, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ - my fave in the series. Oakley…..
April 15, 2023
The way I want to live in Kensley with these men is concerning. I have a whole a$$ life and family in Pennsylvania but would give my left nut (yes just the left… it’s my favorite so I would really be sacrificing) to live in this world. But Tajie they’re bigoted, close minded f*cks, why would you want that? To hate slap the sh!t out of every single one of those a$$hats!!! The infuriation I feel for the people that raised these men that made them feel less and the town of donkey chokers that continue should be forced to endured hours of the lamb chop song. It’s the song that doesn’t end, that will absolutely make people MADDD 😈. Sexy is really not even close to the truth for this story. It’s sweet. It’s sassy. It’s full of hopes & dreams. It’s like a cool, relaxing shower after being in the yard… with lube and penetration because what shower is good without them? In my shower scene I’m bent… whoops I don’t think that’s appropriate. My bad!!! Travis = mmmm mmmm. Oakley = mmmm mmmm mmmm mmmm. Just two hot muscley men who work hard for different reasons. Oakley you are perfect. Simple. You have dreams that are realistic and just your style. You know your worth. You’re confident, you’re fun, and you have a zest for life that draws everyone. Travis you have BIG dreams. You want so much more than you have. You NEED all the best things so you can check off that you “made it” outside of Kensley and football. You will find your dream guy, with your dream profession, in your dream location and leave everything “small town” behind. But what if that changes without your consent and now you don’t know what your real dream is? How can you grow and be who you want without all of those things? A kiss, a suck and powerful f*ck and you’ll be the person to succeed (anyone else have a grade school melody going with that rhyme?)
August 7, 2023
NICOLE GRACIAS POR DARME OTRA RAZÓN PARA VIVIR (ah, qué melodramática).
En fin, acá tenemos otro m/m romance ambientado en un small town protagonizados por dos chicos que son más opuestos que cualquier otra cosa pero que al final su amor inesperado los termina por unir para siempre.
Sin duda, este se volvió mi favorito, no sé cómo explicarlo pero creo que no le tenía mucha fe a esta historia, porque en verdad sentía que Oakley y Travis eran agua y aceite, pero la verdad es que Travis despertó emociones y sentimientos en Oakley que nunca se imaginó posibles, y a su vez él le enseñó a Travis a no tomarse la vida tan en serio y dejarse llevar, porque Travis tenía todo un plan para él y un montón de cosas que siempre quiso para sí mismo, y al final lo único que necesita en su vida era un patio con columpio para ver la estrellas (o alguna lluvia random de meteoritos) junto con el amor de su vida.
Además, cómo no amar este libro, si literal me dieron un protagonista obsesionado con Pinterest hasta el punto de tomar ideas para muebles y recrearlas él mismo (pero muchísimo mejor). Y, no podemos obviar que Oakley le hizo un estante a Travis para sus libros !!! Dejó la vara altísima y creo que todxs deberíamos a aspirar a un amor así.
PD: Un poco esquizo de mi parte, pero les juro que las últimos capítulos me tenían super sentimental, tanto que... como tenía a mi conejo como almohada (les juro que no le podía importar menos), lo terminé mOJANDO CON MIS LÁGRIMAS. Ese es el impacto de las historia de Nicole Dykes en mi vida!
En fin, acá tenemos otro m/m romance ambientado en un small town protagonizados por dos chicos que son más opuestos que cualquier otra cosa pero que al final su amor inesperado los termina por unir para siempre.
Sin duda, este se volvió mi favorito, no sé cómo explicarlo pero creo que no le tenía mucha fe a esta historia, porque en verdad sentía que Oakley y Travis eran agua y aceite, pero la verdad es que Travis despertó emociones y sentimientos en Oakley que nunca se imaginó posibles, y a su vez él le enseñó a Travis a no tomarse la vida tan en serio y dejarse llevar, porque Travis tenía todo un plan para él y un montón de cosas que siempre quiso para sí mismo, y al final lo único que necesita en su vida era un patio con columpio para ver la estrellas (o alguna lluvia random de meteoritos) junto con el amor de su vida.
Además, cómo no amar este libro, si literal me dieron un protagonista obsesionado con Pinterest hasta el punto de tomar ideas para muebles y recrearlas él mismo (pero muchísimo mejor). Y, no podemos obviar que Oakley le hizo un estante a Travis para sus libros !!! Dejó la vara altísima y creo que todxs deberíamos a aspirar a un amor así.
PD: Un poco esquizo de mi parte, pero les juro que las últimos capítulos me tenían super sentimental, tanto que... como tenía a mi conejo como almohada (les juro que no le podía importar menos), lo terminé mOJANDO CON MIS LÁGRIMAS. Ese es el impacto de las historia de Nicole Dykes en mi vida!
April 20, 2023
3.5 stars. Oakley was a very appealing character - love the Pinterest ideas. Travis was also an interesting character, but aside from the physical chemistry I didn't really feel a connection between them. Still an enjoyable easy to read book in an appealing series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
April 18, 2023
superb
Every moment was chef’s kiss. From the sweetness, the relationship development, the cheeky drama, and the scorching scenes, every single thing about this book was perfection.
Every moment was chef’s kiss. From the sweetness, the relationship development, the cheeky drama, and the scorching scenes, every single thing about this book was perfection.
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