On Guard by Kels and Denise Stone (April 9, 2025) Please file under: bookstagram and a stunning cover made me do it – and I am so glad I did!
Dante Hastings is an Olympic gold medalist and the bad boy of fencing. He’s also spiraling after being banned for a year from competing. He’s indulging in almost every vice there is. But he has to switch gears fast because (a) he has to prove he is changing his ways to return to competition and (b) he’s been cast in a reimagining of Robin Hood opposite America’s sweetheart Reese Sinclair. Reese has a lot to prove too, being cast for the first time as an action lead vs. the rom-coms she’s been pigeonholed into forever. They couldn’t be more opposite. He’s brash, tattooed, wears black mail polish and tons of jewelry. She’s cardigans and pearls. But the more time they spend together, the more they bring out new and exciting parts of each other. He begins to care, she begins to take risks. And this unlikely pair just might find their perfect match in one another.
As Dante and Reese train, spar, and clash behind the scenes, the tension between them turns combustible. What begins as reluctant co-stars slowly shifts into something real, raw, and tender. They challenge each other. Support each other. Seeeach other. And it’s a total delight to watch it unfold. This is a gorgeous opposites-attract romance full of emotional depth, slow-burn tension, and that perfect mix of angst and sweetness. I fell head over heels for Dante’s protectiveness, Reese’s quiet strength, and the way they cracked each other open. This is book two in the Hastings family series and I am officially obsessed – the entire family (and their parents!) are perfection. A messy, heartfelt, sexy, and swoon-filled romance I didn’t want to end.
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book Smart Kate 