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On Guard by Kels & Denise Stone, narrated with phenomenal energy by Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton, is a captivating and unique sports romance that perfects the blend of sizzling chemistry, hilarious banter, and profound character growth. Set against the backdrop of the professional fencing world and a high-stakes blockbuster film, this standalone novel (the second in The Hastings series) delves into the magnetic connection between a notorious bad boy and Hollywood’s favorite good girl.
Book Description
The bad boy of professional fencing meets Hollywood’s favorite good girl in this sexy sports romance set against the backdrop of a high-stakes blockbuster.
DANTE HASTINGS
You might have heard of me.
I was the defending Olympic champion—until I used my fist instead of my sabre during a match. Needless to say, I was suspended. Which means no competing for a year…and cleaning up my image.
So, instead of continuing to dominate the fencing world, I’m working on a film that’s poised to be next year’s blockbuster action flick.
The upside? Working with Reese Sinclair, my celebrity crush whose poster was on my wall growing up. Spending time with her will help wash the tabloids of my suspension and convince the league that I’m reformed.
But America’s sweetheart is nothing like I imagined. She’s stubborn, ambitious, and struggling to prove herself in a role that no one thinks she can handle. Still, her determination runs red-hot, and I can’t help but admire her.
When our late-night training sessions turn into something more, I start to realize that I’m outmaneuvered by feelings I never saw coming.
REESE SINCLAIR
The girl next door. The best friend. The love-struck heroine.
I’ve played them all.
But with thirty creeping closer, I need to prove to myself that I can be more than Hollywood’s darling. And this movie is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for, the project I can use to break out of my typecasting.
The problem? I’m not cut out for action-packed stunt work.
Enter: Dante Hastings. He’s hedonistic, insufferable, infuriatingly gorgeous—and my last shot at making this career move work.
I should stay away. His reputation alone could sink mine. But the more time we spend together, the more I see past all his tabloid exploits and rule-breaking. He knows what it means to fight for something.
But a leading lady doesn’t simper over her co-workers, right?
Yet as much as I try to resist, part of me wants to let Dante put the sin in Sinclair.
On Guard is the secondbook in The Hastings series, a collection of interconnected standalone sports romances about the Hastings siblings, scions of sports royalty.
About Kels & Denise Stone
Kels Stone - Impactful Love Stories
Kels & Denise are authors, best friends, and the definition of the found family trope. The pair bonded over their love for romance and turned all their late-night chats into writing together. Their enjoyment for storytelling morphed into writing impactful love stories.
@authorkelsdenisestone
Denise Stone - Impactful Love Stories
Kels & Denise are authors, best friends, and the definition of the found family trope. The pair bonded over their love for romance and turned all their late-night chats into writing together. Their enjoyment for storytelling morphed into writing impactful love stories.
@authorkelsdenisestone
My Thoughts
On Guard by Kels & Denise Stone, narrated with phenomenal energy by Savannah Peachwood and Teddy Hamilton, is a captivating and unique sports romance that perfects the blend of sizzling chemistry, hilarious banter, and profound character growth. Set against the backdrop of the professional fencing world and a high-stakes blockbuster film, this standalone novel (the second in The Hastings series) delves into the magnetic connection between a notorious bad boy and Hollywood’s favorite good girl.
The story introduces Dante Hastings, the suspended Olympic champion fencer trying to clean up his image by consulting on a film, and Reese Sinclair, the perpetually typecast "America’s sweetheart" determined to prove herself in a demanding action role. Their dynamic starts with an immediate, enjoyable clash, creating a "hate vibe" that quickly gives way to hilarious banter and delicious tension during their late-night training sessions. Dante, initially drawn to Reese due to a childhood crush, is quickly outmaneuvered by genuine feelings, becoming instantly obsessed and Reese's biggest fan. He’s the type of hero who falls first, passionately encouraging Reese to stand up for what she deserves and to succeed on her own terms.
Reese’s journey is incredibly motivating and relatable. Used to being the compliant "childhood sweetheart" expected by the media, she struggles to break free and discover her authentic, strong, and badass self. The authors brilliantly showcase the complexities and challenges of shedding an ingrained persona, making her self-discovery complex and deeply satisfying.
The relationship between Reese and Dante is unexpectedly sweet and endearing despite the initial tension. They support each other perfectly, with Dante offering protection and encouragement, and Reese having an uncanny ability to read Dante and give him exactly what he needs, even when he doesn't realize it. This honest communication and mutual support, even amidst the chaos of their high-stakes lives, leads to incredible payoff in their romance. The book skillfully weaves in real-life struggles—including a refreshingly handled storyline involving a misogynistic boss—without ever becoming overwhelming, making the characters' growth even more motivating.
On Guard is a fantastic read that expertly delivers the forbidden dynamic, anticipation, and flirting expected of a workplace romance. The authors successfully created perfection with this unique story, delivering excellent spice and a heartfelt reminder that becoming your true self is always worth the fight.
Read my review of BOOK 1
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