Reviews

Ryder's Guardian by Ann Lister, TL Travis

karen_reads's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

eliezrah's review

Go to review page

5.0

This was such a great book! TL Travis is a new to me author, but I've read Ann Lister's other rock star books and loved every one of them. I'm so excited to read the rest of this series and find out what happens with the rest of the guys!

I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.

bharmonyauthor's review

Go to review page

4.0

I swear Ann Lister writes the best rock stars. I was so excited to see this pairing with T.L. Travis and these two authors nailed this book 1 for the new Maiden Voyage band (series).

Ryder and Max had some serious chemistry, no matter which part of the story I was at, I could feel their chemistry as a physical presence jumping right off the page.

I loved that Ryder acted like a spoiled rock star when he was really not. This character had a depth to him that I didn't expect and truly created a well-rounded character. He knows what he wants and nothing will stop him, not even death-defying gravity.

Max is exactly the cliche former-marine-turned-bodyguard; but not at the same time. Challenging authority may not come naturally to him unless it comes to Ryder.

This book contained sexy rock stars, bromantic humor, sexy times, death-defying bad choices, suspense, a bit of angst, and a HEA. Naturally, you can assume that I loved it. My only negative comment is that I wish there was more written on Ryder's early struggles in the band, I felt there were some plot holes there. But overall a great read, a solid 4.5 stars.

ALSO - bonus points because these authors provided [hands down] the best playlist for this book EVER!!!!

And as always from my reviews, my top quotes of the book:

"That mountian, as he called him, was on my radar and if anyone was gonna climb him - it was going to be me."

"In a short period of time, the flighty, fiercely talented musician had gotten under my skin to the point I could feel him crawling around in there even when he's nowhere to be seen."

"From our darkest pain, comes the sincerest of lyrics."

"His thoughtful words silenced the demons that forever tormented me."

xanthe87's review

Go to review page

3.0

A new series from Ann Lister and T.L. Travis that includes things that both authors are wonderful at - rock stars and bodyguards.
The story itself is enjoyable. A hot connection develops between rock star, Ryder, and his bodyguard, Max. There is a physical attraction between right from the outset with each wanting to know more of the other. There's obvious danger in the forbidden nature of anything happening between them but also in the threats that the band are receiving.
Max is very professional, always with Ryder's safety at the front of his mind. Unless of course it's when Ryder is really trying to push his buttons then it leads to a couple of really hot moments.
Whilst I really liked the plot and the story overall, I did struggle to connect to Ryder's character. He seemed a little childish at times though I don't want to take anything away from the hurts that he has experienced in his past. As a couple, they really come through some tough times, dealing with their relationship being uncovered, the danger towards the band and a big event that makes things clearer for them both. They seem perfectly matched, especially with their chemistry.
Overall I liked reading the story and relationship development but it wasn't really one that grabbed my attention. I am interested in seeing what happens with other bandmates and bodyguards so will be looking to read book two and see who gets their match and HEA.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

writeramyshannon's review

Go to review page

4.0

Sexy MM Romance but so much more!

Travis and Lister pen a sexy MM romance story in Ryder’s Guardian, the first book in the Maiden Voyage series. Maiden Voyage just happens to be the band that Ryder is the guitarist. I have read work from both authors, and enjoyed both of them. The characters were realistic and carried a lot of baggage, which is perfect for this type of story. There is not just the boy meets boy, angst and back together. The story follows the band on an double headline tour with Social Sinners (another great MM series, so check it out.) Ryder and Max are polar opposites, and now, Ryder has triggered something deep inside him. I really enjoyed this story, so if you love a good MM erotica with a great plot, this is the story to read, and it's just the beginning. The author's technique of intense and raw characters and great plotlines is a gift. I look forward to reading many more stories from both of these authors. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.

charkinzie's review

Go to review page

3.0

Ryder is the lead guitarist in the band Maiden Voyage. The band is on a worldwide tour... and they are taking a security team with them. Max Hightower is excellent at his security job and now he has Ryder as his principal on the tour.

One night, after a show... Ryder stops just offstage and kisses Max. The kiss just about causes Max to spontaneously combust and then Ryder is gone. Thus begins the conflict for these to men.

Max is very serious about his job and realizes that he needs to stop obsessing over Ryder. Not only is a relationship with someone he's protecting a bad idea, but it's also against the rules and could result in him losing his job. And even though Ryder doesn't seem all that interested... he continues to flirt with Max to the point at which he's about ready to lose his mind.

What Max doesn't know is that events in Ryder's past have left him feeling as though no one would want to be in a relationship with him. He also thinks that Max is in a relationship. To entertain himself, Ryder continues to flirt with Max!

There's intense chemistry in this book. Max and Ryder are definitely sparking with one another the moment they meet. They're not on the same page immediately because of varying circumstances. There is a lot of sex in this book in spite of the fact that Ryder and Max are sneaking around for a majority of it!

The great part about this novel is that when the two main characters get together, the action certainly continues. there's a valid reason for the security team to be there concerned. There's action and an accident... and you certainly won't be wanting for hooks to keep you reading!

I really loved the supporting characters that were introduced as well which makes me really happy that this series is continuing. I already had a peek at the upcoming titles and I'm delighted to see that some of my favorite characters are coming in their own stories.
More...