Hello readers!
Today's article is about a new sport romance I read the last month thanks to @valentine_pr who send me the digital arc. Are you ready to be On Guard? 😏
Author: Kels and Denise Stone
Publishing Date: April 9, 2025
Publisher: Between the Sheets Publishing
Pages: 452 (paperback)
Price: 18,99
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.
Review:
Rate: 3.25 stars ⭐
Family standalone series and sport romance are two of my favorite elements in a novel, and after loving Close Knit so much I was eager to keep going with The Hastings series.
On Guard has new main characters, Dante and Reese, and focuses on several serious topics which include being able to freely express without the restraints created by the image that people or society depicts on us, the woman's right to fight for being respected and treated as professionals; the importance on believing in someone and don't give up on them just because they're "difficult" to deal with, especially if we're talking about children and teens.
I really suffered for all the pressure Reese and Dante are put under, but they are always mature enough to have each other back, without overstepping. And talking about Dante, his growth path is my favorite: I loved the way his self-centered ego leaves space to his true nature, showing the caring and dedicated man he is. He respects Reese in such a loving way, more focused on her than maybe himself (and in that I missed a little bit of balance, if I have to be honest), and he believes so much in Em she succeeds in expressing her true potential in fencing. After a comprehensible rough start, he was always there for her, challenging her but also trying to keep her away from the wrong track. It was cool seeing him in a coach position, even if Lev remains iconic. It reminds me a little of coach Jensen from the Off Campus series (if you don’t know it, what are you waiting for?).
Plus, Dante exudes charm like a very dangerous weapon, and I love his confidence in certain open doors moments, it indeed made certain moments even steamier. At the same time, I admit I was a little bit confused about his preferences, whether he enjoys have or give control to the partner. That is still an open question for me.
I was also expecting to see more of the Hasting family, but nonetheless the text exchange with Dante and his sisters were so hilarious I really loved them! And that moment with Dante and his parents? It moved me so much.
In all truth, if I compare it with Close Knit, I feel there’s something off.
I’m aware
that we have two wealthy main characters, but everything seemed to be a little
bit exaggerated. And it's not only about Dante’s rich and decadent attitude,
because thankfully he is so much more, but the majority of things he and Reese
do together is always (or have something to do with) something special,
reserved or luxurious. I'm sure that people can go out of their comfort zone or
enjoy new things even if not expensive, “prohibited” or peculiar. Maybe what was
missing in On Guard is the value of little and small things, while in Close
Knit I found more balance in that sense. Same as per the fact of Reese doing
bad girl's things. Isn't it a cliché itself, especially while we're stressing
the issues around the "good girl label"? Where’s the “bad” in what
she does with Dante? Clearly, we’re not talking about tea time with some ladies
in a country club and the majority of that was oriented to making media talks,
but this whole point felt flat. Plus, thinking about the idea Reese gave me in
the initial part of the book, she doesn’t seem a person that has a certain look
and aspect only for some third party’s requests, so even if I understand what
lead to certain moments, those as well seemed a little bit exaggerated, instead
of cherishing her rediscovering herself, embracing all the changes she felt she
needs.
So, probably some things could
have arranged better, but with its pros and cons On Guard is still a lovable
and enjoyable romance I really suggest you to savor and try. I’m sure Dante Hasting
won’t disappoint you.
To the next review!
Chiara
