Reviewed by Roberta

TITLE: Desires’ Guardian

SERIES: Desires Entwined # 2

AUTHOR: Tempeste O’Riley

PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press

LENGTH: 200 Pages

BLURB:

Desires Entwined: Book Two

Most people see Chase Manning as the party-boy twink he seems on the surface. Only James, Chase’s BFF, knows the depth of his loyalty and the extent of the wounds Chase carries inside. When Chase meets Rhys Sayer, things don’t go well, but he can’t shake his attraction to the huge, sexy man.

Rhys is a man of contradictions and fear—a strange combination for a PI and bodyguard. He’s in a bad place emotionally when he sets eyes on Chase for the first time. When Chase puts the moves on him, Rhys insults him, thwarting any possibility of a relationship. Rhys doesn’t see himself as a complicated man, but he dreads the very kind of connection he desires.

Just as they’re trying to overcome their uncertainties, Chase is put in harm’s way. Luckily Rhys and their friends have all the right talents to help Rhys save the man of his dreams.

REVIEW:

So, I read the first book and I really liked it.  I couldn’t wait to read the second book. I had such high hopes for the second book and it lived up my expectations.

So, Chase Manning is the wonderful guy whom we met in Designs of Desire.  He took such good care of his best friend, James.  I loved him to pieces and couldn’t wait to get into his story.  Chase has left his job and has started his computer consultant business and he’s doing pretty well.  Chase is such a wonderful character.  He loves his friends and goes out of his way to help in any way that he can.  Chase is kind, loving, loyal and so very generous.  He’s had some issues in his past that has guided him in the direction that he now lives his life by.  Chase has this wonderfully dominant personality in the bedroom.  I liked that about him.  There was this wonderful switch-up from what he looks like and how he is in the bedroom.  Chase is the kind of guy that you’d love to have as a friend.  You know that he’ll always be there for you and help you in any way that he can.

Rhys Sayer, is the bodyguard that we met like Chase in Designs of Desire.  He was hired to protect James.  Rhys is this wonderful blend of tough biker and yet, he’s got this really sweet, tender side.  Rhys takes his job and those that he cares about very seriously.  Rhys is loving, tender and so giving.  The way that he shows that he cares for others is just so wonderfully sweet.  When it comes to Chase, Rhys is just the biggest, softest, most cuddliest guy ever!!  When he gives of himself, it’s the most beautiful thing to behold.  He withheld nothing from Chase.

Now, we’ve already met James and Seth from Designs of Desire.  It was really nice to see them again.  I love the relationship between James and Chase.  The love and devotion between the two of them was really beautiful to read.  Dal, who is a police officer and Rhys’ brother was such a wonderful character.  He puts his all into what he does.  He backs up Rhys’ when needed and when he falls in love, it was really sweet to watch.  Simon and the gang, they really loved Chase and were even willing to give Rhys a chance when they started dating.  They just wanted the best for Chase because he deserves it.

There was a mystery going on in this book and I solved it long before they really got into it.  I guess I followed the theme of the last book when it was someone that they knew, but didn’t really expect.  I am known for picking up who did what and reading between the lines. I will say that it was a good mystery.  I liked that you were given little clues that you had to put together.

The sex in this book was pretty damn hot.  I have to say that Dominant Chase was really sexy.  My poor kindle.  It was steaming up a storm. Chase and Rhys together was really hot and I’m glad that my kindle didn’t burn up with all of the steamy, very hot sex.

This book did have a storyline from Chase’s past regarding suicide.  This was done so well.  It told of the aftermath of that decision.  I really thought that the way in which it was written and how it was handled was so very well researched and written into the story was great.  I give kudos to the author for dealing with such a sad storyline in such a kind and caring manner.

This was a fun book and I really enjoyed reading it.  I didn’t want it to end, I was so into the story.  I will say that this book had a fair amount of angst, but it wasn’t over the top.  There were communication issues between Chase and Rhys, but they weren’t too bad and they made a conscience effort to talk and discuss things as the story moved about.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a nice mystery that isn’t too hard to figure out and some good sexy times and not too much angst.  This is a wonderful story if you have time.  It’s a great book to fall into and enjoy some really good characters.  You don’t even have to have read the first book, even though, it would be nice to see these two before they got together.  So, sit back and enjoy falling for Chase and Rhys.

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

Dreamspinner Press

Amazon

ARe