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A review by _bookish_lauren
On Guard by Andi Jaxon, J.R. Gray
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Overall: 4/5
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: fling to forever, virgin, sports, college, opposites attract
Representation: MMCs are gay and bisexual
CW: Religious trauma, homophobia, family violence
I'm a fan of Gray's work, though this was my first venture into Jaxon's. The co-authoring was a great pairing. The chemistry between Oliver and Isaac was explosive, and there was a very unique aspect to how Isaac decided to offer his virginity up. Literally an offer he couldn't refuse.
The plot pacing worked pretty well, although there were spots where the dialogue was fairly repetitive within the same scene, along with actions of the characters. But overall, the book was great. Please make sure you check the trigger warnings on this story because there is some violence toward a character at the hands of his family in more than one scene.
Without spoiling too much, I did also feel that their ending came a little quick for people their age, especially Isaac. It fit the direction of the story itself, but I'd hoped it would've been put in a far out epilogue versus being within the main storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Oliver and Isaac were a great match and I really loved the supporting characters they had around them. Isaac's roommate and Oliver's siblings. They were amazing.
Spice level: 3/5
Tropes: fling to forever, virgin, sports, college, opposites attract
Representation: MMCs are gay and bisexual
CW: Religious trauma, homophobia, family violence
I'm a fan of Gray's work, though this was my first venture into Jaxon's. The co-authoring was a great pairing. The chemistry between Oliver and Isaac was explosive, and there was a very unique aspect to how Isaac decided to offer his virginity up. Literally an offer he couldn't refuse.
The plot pacing worked pretty well, although there were spots where the dialogue was fairly repetitive within the same scene, along with actions of the characters. But overall, the book was great. Please make sure you check the trigger warnings on this story because there is some violence toward a character at the hands of his family in more than one scene.
Without spoiling too much, I did also feel that their ending came a little quick for people their age, especially Isaac. It fit the direction of the story itself, but I'd hoped it would've been put in a far out epilogue versus being within the main storyline.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Oliver and Isaac were a great match and I really loved the supporting characters they had around them. Isaac's roommate and Oliver's siblings. They were amazing.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Religious bigotry