A review by ioana_maris17
On Guard by Andi Jaxon, J.R. Gray

5.0

Electrifying Chemistry & Heart-Pounding Romance: A 5-Star Must-Read!

• Rating 4.5/5
• Romance 4/5
• Spice Level 4.5/5
• Writing Style 4/5
• Audio Narration N/A

This whole book delivers a sizzling, tension-packed romance that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It pulls you right into the world of fencing, privilege, and forbidden attraction, blending intense chemistry with deep emotional undercurrents that make it impossible to put down.

The story kicks off with a jaw-dropping premise: selling your virginity to a mysterious stranger isn’t exactly how college freshman Sawyer envisioned starting his new life. But desperate circumstances lead him to Oliver Godfrey—a rich, handsome stranger who just so happens to be the captain of his fencing team. This setup alone is electric, and the tension only builds as they discover they’re teammates, creating a delicious push-and-pull dynamic that underpins the entire novel.

The chemistry between Sawyer and Oliver is magnetic, a captivating blend of opposites-attract and forbidden romance. Oliver is everything Sawyer shouldn’t want: rich, entitled, and possessive. But the way the authors write their interactions—each charged with desire, challenge, and raw emotion—makes their connection irresistible. Oliver's playboy persona hides a deeper intensity, and his obsession with Sawyer, while infuriating at times, is undeniably seductive. The way he pursues Sawyer is bold, unapologetic, and almost primal. Every glance, every touch between them is laced with passion, and you can feel the heat leap off the pages.

Sawyer, on the other hand, brings vulnerability and resistance to the table. His internal conflict is palpable—he knows he should keep his distance from someone like Oliver, yet the pull is too strong to ignore. This tension makes their hidden moments all the more thrilling. You can’t help but root for them, even as they both grapple with the reality that Oliver’s world of wealth and expectations could tear them apart. The stakes feel high throughout, especially with the looming threat of Oliver’s parents and their societal expectations of him to marry an heiress. It adds an edge of heartbreak and inevitability that makes you ache for the characters.

Authors do an amazing job of balancing the steamy romance with character development. While the chemistry is scorching, On Guard also dives deep into the emotional lives of both characters, particularly as they navigate family pressures, identity, and the complicated feelings that arise from their intense, secret relationship.

In summary, On Guard is a must-read for fans of steamy, angst-filled romances with compelling characters and undeniable chemistry. The forbidden nature of Sawyer and Oliver’s relationship, combined with the high stakes of their emotional connection, makes this a book that will have you turning pages late into the night. Prepare for an intense, heart-pounding ride, because Oliver and Sawyer will have you hooked from their very first encounter.