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Guarded #1
Guarded
A brutal war left Volos Perun with physical and emotional scars and with a reputation as a hero. Now he’s a soldier stationed at the palace, desiring Prince Berhanu while receiving only loathing in return. But when Berhanu foolishly refuses the king’s request to let Volos accompany him on a peace mission to the neighboring country, Berhanu is kidnapped and brutalized. Now Volos must risk his life as he works to save Berhanu and help his country avoid another devastating war.
115 pages, ebook
First published June 9, 2014
53 people are currently reading
1520 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
175 books1,306 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
January 29, 2015
Another extraordinary, evocative novella from Kim Fielding!
Set in a lush fantasy world of kingdoms, intrigue, and court politics, Guarded follows Volos, a soldier and guard, who would risk his life for Berhanu, the prince who despises him.
The first part of the book is harsh and brutal. Berhanu is arrogant and stubborn, treating Volos with casual cruelty and contempt. Berhanu doesn't realize Volos is the only one who can help him stop the kingdom from being ravaged by war.
Just before the half-way mark there is a rape scene; it's brief but raw and real. Healing from sexual abuse plays a role in the rest of the story as well, although the last half of the book is gentler and sweeter.
In Fielding's trademark style, the dialogue is sharp, the characters complex, the world fully realized, and the ending BREATHTAKING.
Volos and Berhanu dance around each other. There is passion drenched in fear; desire laced with tenderness; sex edged with terrible longing; and finally, finally there's HEALING.
And love.
Sensual, gorgeously written, rich in detail, this story will leave you entranced.
"I need you. I'll always need you. Guard me. Keep me safe...and I swear I'll keep you safe as well."
August 13, 2016
pretty ok.
plus:
- bottom-vers conan-type warriorqueer with a huuuuuge sword
- a couple lovely secondary characters
- hygiene, bcuz trigger issue, man—srrssly
- nice nod to how much of getting fucked up the butt is submission—and how much is dominance. STOP BLUBBERING AND BASH MY FUCKIN G-SPOT, YE GREAT LUMMOX, et cetera
- good tension during the rescue scene, with a palpable sense ofpenultimateness penultitution penultimatudity to the proceedings
minus:
- i dunno who these mm authors be kissin, but i can literally count on the fingers of no hands all the times i kissed a man so passionately that our mouths exploded in a fierce clash of blood and gore
- how are you just gonna forget about your innkeeper friend like that, once the titles and riches and glory start flying around like swag-bags at the oscars? cold, dude. way cold.
- there is explicit and gratuitous rape and disfigurement that was mere window-dressing, and not strictly critical to the development of the story beyond an opportunity for...
- sex-therapy to treat said ghastly, repeated, and more or less completely unnecessary rape. plus the convenient precedent of all the same having happened to the other MC
- anachronisms sprinkled throughout that had a couple of stabby medieval warrior dudes whining and moaning like a pair of california hipsters clucking over a vice magazine pictorial
not bad! but not that great.
i liked it anyway.
plus:
- bottom-vers conan-type warriorqueer with a huuuuuge sword
- a couple lovely secondary characters
- hygiene, bcuz trigger issue, man—srrssly
- nice nod to how much of getting fucked up the butt is submission—and how much is dominance. STOP BLUBBERING AND BASH MY FUCKIN G-SPOT, YE GREAT LUMMOX, et cetera
- good tension during the rescue scene, with a palpable sense of
minus:
- i dunno who these mm authors be kissin, but i can literally count on the fingers of no hands all the times i kissed a man so passionately that our mouths exploded in a fierce clash of blood and gore
- how are you just gonna forget about your innkeeper friend like that, once the titles and riches and glory start flying around like swag-bags at the oscars? cold, dude. way cold.
- there is explicit and gratuitous rape and disfigurement that was mere window-dressing, and not strictly critical to the development of the story beyond an opportunity for...
- sex-therapy to treat said ghastly, repeated, and more or less completely unnecessary rape. plus the convenient precedent of all the same having happened to the other MC
- anachronisms sprinkled throughout that had a couple of stabby medieval warrior dudes whining and moaning like a pair of california hipsters clucking over a vice magazine pictorial
not bad! but not that great.
i liked it anyway.
May 2, 2020
3 Stars
Guarded is my first read by Kim Fielding and unfortunately, it was a bit let down. It started off really good but then, I don’t know… I got bored. The romance part wasn’t as good as I’d like and I couldn’t feel the connection between the MCs. It’s a short read and still, after 70%, I started skimming a lot. Told in single POV, 3rd person, it’s the first installment in the "Guarded" series and it can be read as a standalone. Considering all the good reviews maybe it'S just me and not the book. All in all, it was an okay read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
Guarded is my first read by Kim Fielding and unfortunately, it was a bit let down. It started off really good but then, I don’t know… I got bored. The romance part wasn’t as good as I’d like and I couldn’t feel the connection between the MCs. It’s a short read and still, after 70%, I started skimming a lot. Told in single POV, 3rd person, it’s the first installment in the "Guarded" series and it can be read as a standalone. Considering all the good reviews maybe it'S just me and not the book. All in all, it was an okay read and hope you enjoy it more than me!
April 24, 2019
Another fantasy gem!
Volos is an amazing character! He’s a brooding soldier, fearless in battle and yet vulnerable and in need of a strong embrace to protect him from his nightmares. Sigh. There’s nothing better.
Volos is a palace guard. He is secretly in love with Prince Berhanu, but the prince looks down on him and constantly insults him because Volos is half Kozari. In the last war with the Kozari, the prince lost several brothers to the cruelty of Kozari soldiers and he lets Volos feel his hatred at any opportunity.
Berhanu doesn’t know that Volos also lost his beloved ones through the swords of the Kozari. So Volos feels homeless, as he isn’t welcome in the prince’s kingdom or in his father’s homeland of Kozar.
When another war is looming on the horizon, the king decides to send Prince Berhanu on a diplomatic mission to the Kozari queen to negotiate for peace. But Berhanu refuses the king’s request to have Volos accompany him as his guard and translator. So when Berhanu gets abducted by Kozari rebels, the king sends Volos to rescue him on a suicide mission into a hostile kingdom.
The story is amazing, cruel, but also slightly oversexed.
I loved Volos all the way through, but I wish Berhanu wasn't such a difficult b*tch most of the time.
The ending was pure fairy tale material. I loved it!!
M/M fantasy at its best.
4 stars!
Volos is an amazing character! He’s a brooding soldier, fearless in battle and yet vulnerable and in need of a strong embrace to protect him from his nightmares. Sigh. There’s nothing better.
Volos is a palace guard. He is secretly in love with Prince Berhanu, but the prince looks down on him and constantly insults him because Volos is half Kozari. In the last war with the Kozari, the prince lost several brothers to the cruelty of Kozari soldiers and he lets Volos feel his hatred at any opportunity.
Berhanu doesn’t know that Volos also lost his beloved ones through the swords of the Kozari. So Volos feels homeless, as he isn’t welcome in the prince’s kingdom or in his father’s homeland of Kozar.
When another war is looming on the horizon, the king decides to send Prince Berhanu on a diplomatic mission to the Kozari queen to negotiate for peace. But Berhanu refuses the king’s request to have Volos accompany him as his guard and translator. So when Berhanu gets abducted by Kozari rebels, the king sends Volos to rescue him on a suicide mission into a hostile kingdom.
The story is amazing, cruel, but also slightly oversexed.
I loved Volos all the way through, but I wish Berhanu wasn't such a difficult b*tch most of the time.
The ending was pure fairy tale material. I loved it!!
M/M fantasy at its best.
4 stars!
June 10, 2014
World building, FTW.
I do love some good world building, and here it's just perfect. A fantasy world that doesn't feel derivative or hastily constructed with the writerly equivalent of toilet paper rolls and sticky tape.
It's good.
Volos and Berhanu were good.
I don't know what it says about me that I could do without the HEA-heavy epilogue -- no, wait, it says I'm a heartless bitch amiright? -- but it's good. Fantastic world building, flawless writing, and it answered the prompt perfectly.
I do love some good world building, and here it's just perfect. A fantasy world that doesn't feel derivative or hastily constructed with the writerly equivalent of toilet paper rolls and sticky tape.
It's good.
Volos and Berhanu were good.
I don't know what it says about me that I could do without the HEA-heavy epilogue -- no, wait, it says I'm a heartless bitch amiright? -- but it's good. Fantastic world building, flawless writing, and it answered the prompt perfectly.
February 15, 2020
It’s too soon for me to say I have a new go-to author, isn’t it. Yes. Yes it is. It’s TOO SOON, me. Why do you do this to yourself.
Anyway. I was not expecting this.
There’s a cliché that light can’t exist without darkness. I’m not sure if that’s true (metaphorically speaking), but I know that I don’t care for the light without that dark balance — it’s too fluffy, and I get bored. Likewise, if something is all dark, that’s just misery porn and it's boring too.
But all of that is to say: That’s not the case, here.
For all the dark content it contained, this was the feel-goodest story. I mean, some serious melting was going on over here. Volos and Berhanu’s relationship had great tension and was hard won — their own personal sanctuary within a world that was often ugly. As worlds are.
I loved the narrative voice of Volos (single POV, which I’ll go down fighting for, and unfortunately I don’t get often enough in Romance™️). He was a bristly warrior that I wanted to pet and wrap in cotton, and I am a straight-up sucker for that juxtaposition.
I would have loved a longer story about these two, but I’m in no way holding that against it; it was fully developed and well paced for its length. OH AND — awesome worldbuilding that would rival a series, just for a free novella! Who does that??
I’m a fan.
Anyway. I was not expecting this.
There’s a cliché that light can’t exist without darkness. I’m not sure if that’s true (metaphorically speaking), but I know that I don’t care for the light without that dark balance — it’s too fluffy, and I get bored. Likewise, if something is all dark, that’s just misery porn and it's boring too.
But all of that is to say: That’s not the case, here.
For all the dark content it contained, this was the feel-goodest story. I mean, some serious melting was going on over here. Volos and Berhanu’s relationship had great tension and was hard won — their own personal sanctuary within a world that was often ugly. As worlds are.
I loved the narrative voice of Volos (single POV, which I’ll go down fighting for, and unfortunately I don’t get often enough in Romance™️). He was a bristly warrior that I wanted to pet and wrap in cotton, and I am a straight-up sucker for that juxtaposition.
I would have loved a longer story about these two, but I’m in no way holding that against it; it was fully developed and well paced for its length. OH AND — awesome worldbuilding that would rival a series, just for a free novella! Who does that??
I’m a fan.
April 24, 2018
Dammit! This book made me miss the DRitC event something fierce!
This is classic Kim Fielding: darkish, fantasy/AU with two strong but somewhat damaged MCs.
Volos is a warrior who's survived a brutal year long captivity and is now a member of the guard of Wedeyta.
Prince Berhanu has been tapped by his father to broker an alliance with Kozar in an attempt to thwart a war with Mudedye.
He doesn't speak Kozari but refuses Volos' aid in translating and skills as a guard. Because he's a stubborn ass! And something bad happens. Of course it does. Trigger for abuse, violence and rape. King Tafari calls upon Volos to live up to his reputation as "the dragon", rescue his son and return him to Wedeyta. Alone.
Fielding built a world here in a few short pages and Tremblay gave that world texture. Tremblay always delivers and he did so again here. The end.
The relationship could've used more time to develop and maybe Volos could've made Berhanu grovel a little bit more for being such a colossal dick, but the ending was sweet; balancing out the hurt that both of these men have suffered. I am a sucker for the finding your family thing and this little story delivered in that area.
There were a couple of sexy times but I think I enjoyed the bathing scene more just sheerly for the intimacy of it.
This is the Fielding I like best and if you enjoy her particular brand of dark with a heart, you'll probably enjoy this one too.
Somewhere between 3.5-4 stars. She really did the prompt pic proud.
Did I mention how much I miss this event? ☹️
This is classic Kim Fielding: darkish, fantasy/AU with two strong but somewhat damaged MCs.
Volos is a warrior who's survived a brutal year long captivity and is now a member of the guard of Wedeyta.
Prince Berhanu has been tapped by his father to broker an alliance with Kozar in an attempt to thwart a war with Mudedye.
He doesn't speak Kozari but refuses Volos' aid in translating and skills as a guard. Because he's a stubborn ass! And something bad happens. Of course it does. Trigger for abuse, violence and rape. King Tafari calls upon Volos to live up to his reputation as "the dragon", rescue his son and return him to Wedeyta. Alone.
Fielding built a world here in a few short pages and Tremblay gave that world texture. Tremblay always delivers and he did so again here. The end.
The relationship could've used more time to develop and maybe Volos could've made Berhanu grovel a little bit more for being such a colossal dick, but the ending was sweet; balancing out the hurt that both of these men have suffered. I am a sucker for the finding your family thing and this little story delivered in that area.
There were a couple of sexy times but I think I enjoyed the bathing scene more just sheerly for the intimacy of it.
This is the Fielding I like best and if you enjoy her particular brand of dark with a heart, you'll probably enjoy this one too.
Somewhere between 3.5-4 stars. She really did the prompt pic proud.
Did I mention how much I miss this event? ☹️
September 5, 2019
I read this almost two years ago and couldn’t remember a thing. So when the audio came out (Greg Tremblay oh yeah!), I just had to do a re-read.
And I think I was in a VERY good mood when I read it the first time, because I would now give it 3.25 perhaps 3.5 stars. Not the 4.5 I gave it originally. I forgot how gruesome this actually was.
But it had nothing to do with the audio, because that one was great. Although I did laugh when I listened to it. It seems Greg Tremblay decided Wedey people all sound Irish/Scottish (sorry, but I can’t hear the difference), the Kozari all have a Russian accent, and Wedey royalty all speak posh English. It was quite funny, since there is no mention of accents in the book itself. Only that these people speak Kozari or Wedey.
I will leave my original rating, although it’s more 3.5 now.
--------------------------------
4.5 stars
This was absolutely beautiful. There are some authors who can turn any story into something breathtaking. Kim Fielding is definitely such an author.
I was so impressed with the way this story flowed. It’s only 109 pages and so many things happen! But not once did I feel like I was collapsing under massive info dump, because there was none. I cannot emphasize enough how skilled Kim Fielding is in explaining a meaningful event in one or two sentences without it feeling superficial. I was simply there, living this story.
Set in a world of swords, kings, war and political intrigues this story is truly magnificent.
A world were love is love, man/woman, woman/woman or man/man. Great world building.
Volos is half Kozari and half Wedey. He has fought at the side of Wedeyta and is a guard in the royal household. When price Berhanu gets kidnapped on a peace mission in Kozar, Volos gets sent to rescue him.
Berhanu has always acted angry towards Volos for being Kozari. Volos has always taken this in stride, because he cannot be mad at Berhanu, the man he has admired from afar for many years.
The two get very close after Volos rescues Berhanu and Volow finds out why Berhanu has always kept his distance.
I LOVED Volos. Such a gentle soul. He was a war hero, but he didn’t want to be. He just wanted to love Berhanu and to be loved by him. And the two of them, so beautiful.
”I want to give you… what you want. What you deserve. I want to love you.” His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper. “I want to be your guard, Volos.“
I really loved this story and would recommend it to anyone.
And I think I was in a VERY good mood when I read it the first time, because I would now give it 3.25 perhaps 3.5 stars. Not the 4.5 I gave it originally. I forgot how gruesome this actually was.
But it had nothing to do with the audio, because that one was great. Although I did laugh when I listened to it. It seems Greg Tremblay decided Wedey people all sound Irish/Scottish (sorry, but I can’t hear the difference), the Kozari all have a Russian accent, and Wedey royalty all speak posh English. It was quite funny, since there is no mention of accents in the book itself. Only that these people speak Kozari or Wedey.
I will leave my original rating, although it’s more 3.5 now.
--------------------------------
4.5 stars
This was absolutely beautiful. There are some authors who can turn any story into something breathtaking. Kim Fielding is definitely such an author.
I was so impressed with the way this story flowed. It’s only 109 pages and so many things happen! But not once did I feel like I was collapsing under massive info dump, because there was none. I cannot emphasize enough how skilled Kim Fielding is in explaining a meaningful event in one or two sentences without it feeling superficial. I was simply there, living this story.
Set in a world of swords, kings, war and political intrigues this story is truly magnificent.
A world were love is love, man/woman, woman/woman or man/man. Great world building.
Volos is half Kozari and half Wedey. He has fought at the side of Wedeyta and is a guard in the royal household. When price Berhanu gets kidnapped on a peace mission in Kozar, Volos gets sent to rescue him.
Berhanu has always acted angry towards Volos for being Kozari. Volos has always taken this in stride, because he cannot be mad at Berhanu, the man he has admired from afar for many years.
The two get very close after Volos rescues Berhanu and Volow finds out why Berhanu has always kept his distance.
I LOVED Volos. Such a gentle soul. He was a war hero, but he didn’t want to be. He just wanted to love Berhanu and to be loved by him. And the two of them, so beautiful.
”I want to give you… what you want. What you deserve. I want to love you.” His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper. “I want to be your guard, Volos.“
I really loved this story and would recommend it to anyone.
October 23, 2018
Considering this was a short story, the world building was impressive���but man oh man there was some unexcepted brutal shit. I don’t do well at all with rape scenes. It’s a serious trigger for me. It pushes my rage button. When a character has been raped, tortured and brutalized for days, maybe weeks …the whole having sex only after a couple of days when no real healing has happened isn’t the least bit romantic. And someone lusting after the person they witness getting brutally raped in that same amount of time ….just no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2016
Hard won love for a warrior and his prince.
Some brutal moments added realism to this fantasy love story. I liked the honesty of both duty and futility where war is concerned and the terrorizing aftereffects. Nice alpha v. alpha romance.
Favorite passage:
Some brutal moments added realism to this fantasy love story. I liked the honesty of both duty and futility where war is concerned and the terrorizing aftereffects. Nice alpha v. alpha romance.
Favorite passage:
But to me, an oath is much more than that. My promise is… apart from my sword, it’s the only thng of value I possess. And even the best sword can be replaced. My… my integrity cannot.”
September 10, 2016
Review written September 10, 2016
3 1/2 Stars - Strong feelings and strong manly men in a interesting historical novella. I enjoyed listening
Kim Fielding is a terrific M/M romance author and two years ago I downloaded this novella for free from MMRG's Love’s Landscapes 2014 (see photo & story letter). I never read it (even if I saw all those happy reviews) but today I got the newly published audiobook instead. — 3:38 hrs narrated by Greg Tremblay.
A extremely nice Saturday for listening (enjoyed a late "summer day" on my porch) and I congratulated myself to a excellent choice of audiobook entertainment today. — Quickly done, intense romantic and steaming M/M hot.
**********************************************
Guarded is a historical (erotic) saga about the warrior hero, now a palace soldier, Volos Perun and Prince Berhanu.
«Volos must risk his life as he works to save Prince Berhanu and help his country avoid another devastating war.»
Dramatic and intense with big strong men filled of hot bubbling desire, huge horniness and lust. Men with a hard time to find the right words and to show their feelings. Also a lot to remember about the devastating effects of war and abuse. Then or now. — How are human people capable to do all those cruelties to each other? Sigh, these insane wars never ends and when they finally end they create new violence and hatred in an endless circle.
... Either way, Guarded is a sexy hero-tale. Hot, steamy but also a bit harsh and bloody. Very well narrated audiobook edition as well. My like!
**********************************************
I LIKE - to be in this kind of old historical fictional world
*****
Download free novella stories written by authors/members in the Goodreads MMRG (M/M Romance group) at: MM Romance Group. Get this one here: (Guarded).
3 1/2 Stars - Strong feelings and strong manly men in a interesting historical novella. I enjoyed listening
Kim Fielding is a terrific M/M romance author and two years ago I downloaded this novella for free from MMRG's Love’s Landscapes 2014 (see photo & story letter). I never read it (even if I saw all those happy reviews) but today I got the newly published audiobook instead. — 3:38 hrs narrated by Greg Tremblay.
A extremely nice Saturday for listening (enjoyed a late "summer day" on my porch) and I congratulated myself to a excellent choice of audiobook entertainment today. — Quickly done, intense romantic and steaming M/M hot.
**********************************************
Guarded is a historical (erotic) saga about the warrior hero, now a palace soldier, Volos Perun and Prince Berhanu.
«Volos must risk his life as he works to save Prince Berhanu and help his country avoid another devastating war.»
“... But you never know with royalty. Quite often we say or do one thing and we mean something else entirely.”
Dramatic and intense with big strong men filled of hot bubbling desire, huge horniness and lust. Men with a hard time to find the right words and to show their feelings. Also a lot to remember about the devastating effects of war and abuse. Then or now. — How are human people capable to do all those cruelties to each other? Sigh, these insane wars never ends and when they finally end they create new violence and hatred in an endless circle.
... Either way, Guarded is a sexy hero-tale. Hot, steamy but also a bit harsh and bloody. Very well narrated audiobook edition as well. My like!
**********************************************
I LIKE - to be in this kind of old historical fictional world
*****
Download free novella stories written by authors/members in the Goodreads MMRG (M/M Romance group) at: MM Romance Group. Get this one here: (Guarded).
June 14, 2014
This was hot as fire and a great tale of old world royalty, honor and nobility. And, or course, love and romance. 5 stars, definitely one of my favorites of the 2014 Love's Landscapes additions.
June 14, 2014
There isn't a lot I can say about this that hasn't been said in some of the other reviews. This book is beautiful. The world building is flawless, the characters complex and wonderful and the ending left me feeling all happy and content inside.
The first part of the book is not like the second part at all. It was a lot tougher and these guys were no way near what they became. It was hard for me to see Volos so hurt over Berhanu's treatment of him. But that didn't stop him from saving Berhanu. And that's when things started to change.
After rescuing Berhanu, Volos and he bonded. Their shared experiences brought them closer together. They shared something that no one else could understand and I personally enjoyed seeing them grow closer. And then the first sex scene happened. It wasn't sweet and gentle or anything like that. It was rough and desperate and the beginning of... something.
After that, things really changed between them. But we still didn't get the gentler side of them until Berhanu understood that he couldn't heal without Volos, which he tried. It was frustrating that he didn't understand, damn it! But I guess it all worked out for the best because the ending they had was perfect. Romantic. Beautiful. Tender. And fun. They learned how to have fun during sex, which was a very big thing for these two.
So now I'm going to finish off this review with some Nagron gifs, because as a couple, Nagron have some amazing gifs that really work for this story.
The first part of the book is not like the second part at all. It was a lot tougher and these guys were no way near what they became. It was hard for me to see Volos so hurt over Berhanu's treatment of him. But that didn't stop him from saving Berhanu. And that's when things started to change.
After rescuing Berhanu, Volos and he bonded. Their shared experiences brought them closer together. They shared something that no one else could understand and I personally enjoyed seeing them grow closer. And then the first sex scene happened. It wasn't sweet and gentle or anything like that. It was rough and desperate and the beginning of... something.
After that, things really changed between them. But we still didn't get the gentler side of them until Berhanu understood that he couldn't heal without Volos, which he tried. It was frustrating that he didn't understand, damn it! But I guess it all worked out for the best because the ending they had was perfect. Romantic. Beautiful. Tender. And fun. They learned how to have fun during sex, which was a very big thing for these two.
So now I'm going to finish off this review with some Nagron gifs, because as a couple, Nagron have some amazing gifs that really work for this story.
November 1, 2022
3,5 stars
Guard - Prince
Forced proximity
Violence- mind the triggers
Manly men
Fantasy
Hea
“Volos looked down at the powerful man who knelt before him, who leaned against him. And something as ferocious as a dragon grew inside him. It wasn’t a desire for vengeance, and it wasn’t a sense of duty. It was love— a love that meant not only would he give his life for Berhanu, but also that he’d trust Berhanu with his.”
Guard - Prince
Forced proximity
Violence- mind the triggers
Manly men
Fantasy
Hea
“Volos looked down at the powerful man who knelt before him, who leaned against him. And something as ferocious as a dragon grew inside him. It wasn’t a desire for vengeance, and it wasn’t a sense of duty. It was love— a love that meant not only would he give his life for Berhanu, but also that he’d trust Berhanu with his.”
January 31, 2020
After reading the summary on it, I assumed it caught my fancy enough. I didn't read it immediately after getting it, I sort of decided to shelf it for later. When I did start reading it, well I just couldn't put it down. The world created here was well detailed, yet not overly so as to draw away from the main story. I felt the main characters were well in-depth and defined as their own. Secondary characters were also well define but without so much detail, which I found great so as not to be reading much detail on a one-off character. All in all I found it to be fast paced, well writen, and positively enjoyable couldn't put it down. Why I finished the whole book in one afternoon sitting.
September 29, 2016
Wow.
There is some amazing world building here. Kudos, Kim Fielding!
Volos has admired Prince Berhanu for a long time, but Berhanu's obvious loathing keeps Volos at arm's length. When Berhanu is captured it's Volos who saves him, at great risk to himself.
A word of warning - there are some pretty brutal scenes in this story. The first half of this is harsh. I imagine reading it might have been a little more subtle, but Greg Tremblay is a master of his craft, and he infuses such emotion into scenes that it was pretty hard to listen to at times.
Trigger warning: Rape.
I loved listening to this story of two men who have both been through unspeakable horror and pain who learn to open up to each other and share their hearts.
Never fear, though, folks, even though the first half is dark, the second half is all about healing and there is a pretty wonderful HEA waiting on the other side and the best bonus is you get to listen to awesome narration too!
Bottom line? Kim Fielding knows how to spin a yarn and Greg Tremblay knows how to weave it. Really well done, all around.
Audio copy of Guarded provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
July 2, 2014
DNF @ 60%.
I think this is a case of "me, not you." I've been in the worst book funk in a while, and every book I've come across for the past few days have been DNFs for me. The moment when picking up this story felt more like a chore, I knew I had to call it quits.
There were two problems that kept me from enjoying Guarded. First, I could not understand Volos' attraction to the Prince. Physical attraction, sure. But the Prince was every bit of spoiled (and racist) brat I have ever read. I just wasn't convinced by this pairing and rooted for Volos to fall in love with the other male characters that were much more enjoyable to read (though this obviously didn't happen).
The second reason I couldn't get into this was the Prince. Talk about asshole. By the 60% mark, I didn't really care if or how he will "redeem" himself. Because I highly doubt in my mind he would have convinced me.
But asides from that, the story is well written. The world building had just enough detail to create a nice setting for readers to sink his or her teeth into.
Anyways, I'm grateful to the author for taking the time to write this story. I've been a big fan of Kim Fielding since she wrote Stasis, and will continue to follow her work. It just so happens that this was a story I didn't enjoy, but can still appreciate the effort it takes to create.
I think this is a case of "me, not you." I've been in the worst book funk in a while, and every book I've come across for the past few days have been DNFs for me. The moment when picking up this story felt more like a chore, I knew I had to call it quits.
There were two problems that kept me from enjoying Guarded. First, I could not understand Volos' attraction to the Prince. Physical attraction, sure. But the Prince was every bit of spoiled (and racist) brat I have ever read. I just wasn't convinced by this pairing and rooted for Volos to fall in love with the other male characters that were much more enjoyable to read (though this obviously didn't happen).
The second reason I couldn't get into this was the Prince. Talk about asshole. By the 60% mark, I didn't really care if or how he will "redeem" himself. Because I highly doubt in my mind he would have convinced me.
But asides from that, the story is well written. The world building had just enough detail to create a nice setting for readers to sink his or her teeth into.
Anyways, I'm grateful to the author for taking the time to write this story. I've been a big fan of Kim Fielding since she wrote Stasis, and will continue to follow her work. It just so happens that this was a story I didn't enjoy, but can still appreciate the effort it takes to create.
August 7, 2014
This is my second Fielding and I’ve become of the opinion that she is able to take me, put me in a book place and leave me immersed there for the length of the book. And I float happily along, with ups and downs as per the characters are going through.
Travelling with Volos I thought about being alone, needing contact, love, family, all things money cannot buy. Sometimes we believe things about others that are not true and the truth does not come out unless there is communication, so we end up lonelier than ever. Being alone, means being always on guard, because there is nobody else to guard over you. Fielding does this stuff so well.
I did feel a slight disconnection towards the end but it was not enough to take me out of the story.
June 15, 2014
4.5 stars - I feel like I just read a complete novel, not just a novella. There was so much story to sink your teeth into and this author always makes me FEEL the story - the good and the bad. There were some hard to read parts here but our Prince and his hero made up for all the bad in their lives by finding happiness in each other. Loved it!
June 9, 2014
I was able to beta this story and I loved it. Enjoy all!
June 16, 2014
★★★★★ 5 Packin'-Punches Stars ★★★★★
Wowee!
This little book sure was intense. The writing was fantastic. The world building was magnificent. The action scenes were heart-pounding. And the smexy scenes were, of course, hawt. Hats off most definitely to Ms. Fielding's wonderful contribution to this year's Love's Landscapes event!
I just couldn't help but love Volos. He is a fearsome warrior with brutal strength, yes, but there was so much more to him than that. He had a kind-hearted soul and wanted nothing more than to gain his prince's affections. However, for as long as Volos has known Berhanu, he has been attracted to the prince, but the prince does not want anything to do with him.
Even though Berhanu seems like a cruel bastard at first glance, there is so much more than meets the eye to him, and I couldn't help but root for both MCs. It was just amazing to see them go from a prince and his guard with a one-sided love to two people in love through all the ordeals they faced together.
I also tremendously enjoyed the ending, which was sweet but not overly so that it left you with a toothache.
I did find the story a little predictable in some places, but this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. I am definitely recommending this amazing LL story by Ms. Fielding!
Wowee!
This little book sure was intense. The writing was fantastic. The world building was magnificent. The action scenes were heart-pounding. And the smexy scenes were, of course, hawt. Hats off most definitely to Ms. Fielding's wonderful contribution to this year's Love's Landscapes event!
I just couldn't help but love Volos. He is a fearsome warrior with brutal strength, yes, but there was so much more to him than that. He had a kind-hearted soul and wanted nothing more than to gain his prince's affections. However, for as long as Volos has known Berhanu, he has been attracted to the prince, but the prince does not want anything to do with him.
But every bit of light banter the prince exchanged with others and every good-natured smack to another guard's shoulder wounded Volos worse than a wooden sword ever could.I just felt so bad for Volos and the fact that he was mistreated by the person whom he wanted to like him above all.
Even though Berhanu seems like a cruel bastard at first glance, there is so much more than meets the eye to him, and I couldn't help but root for both MCs. It was just amazing to see them go from a prince and his guard with a one-sided love to two people in love through all the ordeals they faced together.
I also tremendously enjoyed the ending, which was sweet but not overly so that it left you with a toothache.
I did find the story a little predictable in some places, but this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book at all. I am definitely recommending this amazing LL story by Ms. Fielding!
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May 7, 2022
Promising start to the story, but in the end the romantic pair wasn't great. If I were to guess, more readers than me have wished Volos had ended up with a sweetheart of a side character instead of the prince.
December 15, 2015
1.5
I liked how the story began, but after Volos rescued Berhanu it soon turned from OK to bad and from bad to worse.
I couldn't understand why Volos was in love with the Prince. Hell, I continued to read to find out why. Do I really must believe that Volos loved Berhanu just because Berhanu was hot? He was ready to die for a man who didn't even speak to him? Only more ridiculous are reasons why Berhanu was racist and incredible rude towards Volos.
The second reason why I didn't like this story, is that I think that rape was included to spice the things up.
I liked how the story began, but after Volos rescued Berhanu it soon turned from OK to bad and from bad to worse.
I couldn't understand why Volos was in love with the Prince. Hell, I continued to read to find out why. Do I really must believe that Volos loved Berhanu just because Berhanu was hot? He was ready to die for a man who didn't even speak to him? Only more ridiculous are reasons why Berhanu was racist and incredible rude towards Volos.
The second reason why I didn't like this story, is that I think that rape was included to spice the things up.
September 3, 2015
3.5 stars.
I really really liked this story!
The prince was a tiny bit annoying at times, but not enough to make me not liking him, or the story.
Volos was, of course, absolutely amazing! A hero just like we need and want them: a little broken, a little brooding, strong, brave and handsome as all hell.
What I loved most was, that it was a Fantasy, and the author made it a time that men loving men was not an issue AT ALL, just a simple natural fact.
Sweet happy ending to a beautifully written book. I'm happy!
P.S:
THE COVER!!!
I really really liked this story!
The prince was a tiny bit annoying at times, but not enough to make me not liking him, or the story.
Volos was, of course, absolutely amazing! A hero just like we need and want them: a little broken, a little brooding, strong, brave and handsome as all hell.
What I loved most was, that it was a Fantasy, and the author made it a time that men loving men was not an issue AT ALL, just a simple natural fact.
Sweet happy ending to a beautifully written book. I'm happy!
P.S:
THE COVER!!!
August 28, 2018
TW: Very brief rape scenes (spied through a window) and mention of rape.
This has some great world building, as all of Fielding's stories do. Three kingdoms hinge on war and the prince is abducted on his way to negotiate peace. This is AU - clearly set in Olden Times but with open-minded societies that don't care about anyone's sexuality. I didn't really buy that Volos was secretly in love with Prince Berhanu, who never has anything but contempt for him, or so it appears, but their relationship is handled well once they're talking to each other and we find out more about Berhanu.
This has some great world building, as all of Fielding's stories do. Three kingdoms hinge on war and the prince is abducted on his way to negotiate peace. This is AU - clearly set in Olden Times but with open-minded societies that don't care about anyone's sexuality. I didn't really buy that Volos was secretly in love with Prince Berhanu, who never has anything but contempt for him, or so it appears, but their relationship is handled well once they're talking to each other and we find out more about Berhanu.
July 20, 2015
Just the right blend of macho and sappy, a lot of fantasy elements, but no irritating homophobia. In fact, I adored the idea of a world where people are just sexual and their preferences are merely a way of life. Loved the two main characters (once the prince got his head out of his ass, anyway), and this is one that will stay on my Kindle for future reading.
June 16, 2021
Re-Read - and actually finished the story this time around, possibly 2*. I like Volo, I champion Volo he's a good man. Very much the Fielding hero-mold, big, strong, humble, not wanting much in life, devoted and loyal to a fault. But Berhanu is still an issue for me, his character seems conflicting a tough Prince who trains with the guards has presumably seen war (I couldn't determine) is a relatively down to earth person but also spoilt petty nasty. I understand but never condone his behaviour towards Volo. Never saw a reason for Volo's devotion to him, because at first sight he was pretty?
....
This started so good, I really liked the first half, Volos was a great character - I love me some scarred bristly solider with honour types. What went wrong? Story took a sharp downward slide hitting the ramp hard enough for whiplash. It got tedious, I struggled to get to 70% then decided blow-it, lifes-to-short. Went from a comfortable 5stars to a dnf.
The rape scene - I'm undecided on. It's off-page so nothing gratuitous yet I'm not sure why it was included. Easy shock value with possible titillation for those so inclined? It didn't have any impact on the character who seemed to shrug it off and seek contact almost immediately.
My main issue though is with the love interest Prince Berhanu.
I don't see the attraction to the obnoxious royal. Capable of negotiating with the enemy yet still sneering at a recognised hero of half-blood. I'm sensing pre-school pigtail pulling attraction in the big tough warrior prince! Problem is with every other vague possibility my hopes rose:
- We briefly meet the prince's brother and I thought maybe? because beyond his long dark hair, seriously what does Volos see in him? Get some self-respect and move on!
- Pretty Adiso, with his honey-coloured curls and cinnamon hued skin.
- Mato the inn-keeper, with his tuffs of blond hair, blue eyes set at an oblique angle (whatever that might mean) his ready smiles; self-depreciation, smarts, understanding, bravery when called for, sense of humour. I really liked Mato. Why couldn't it be Mato?
The set-up was good but sadly for me it fell way off the tracks.
....
This started so good, I really liked the first half, Volos was a great character - I love me some scarred bristly solider with honour types. What went wrong? Story took a sharp downward slide hitting the ramp hard enough for whiplash. It got tedious, I struggled to get to 70% then decided blow-it, lifes-to-short. Went from a comfortable 5stars to a dnf.
The rape scene - I'm undecided on. It's off-page so nothing gratuitous yet I'm not sure why it was included. Easy shock value with possible titillation for those so inclined? It didn't have any impact on the character who seemed to shrug it off and seek contact almost immediately.
My main issue though is with the love interest Prince Berhanu.
I don't see the attraction to the obnoxious royal. Capable of negotiating with the enemy yet still sneering at a recognised hero of half-blood. I'm sensing pre-school pigtail pulling attraction in the big tough warrior prince! Problem is with every other vague possibility my hopes rose:
- We briefly meet the prince's brother and I thought maybe? because beyond his long dark hair, seriously what does Volos see in him? Get some self-respect and move on!
- Pretty Adiso, with his honey-coloured curls and cinnamon hued skin.
- Mato the inn-keeper, with his tuffs of blond hair, blue eyes set at an oblique angle (whatever that might mean) his ready smiles; self-depreciation, smarts, understanding, bravery when called for, sense of humour. I really liked Mato. Why couldn't it be Mato?
The set-up was good but sadly for me it fell way off the tracks.
July 10, 2014
(4.5 bumped to 5)
When I selected this book I had no idea it was fantasy. I actually groaned and debated on changing my book but decided to just go for it! I am so happy I decided to read it, it was fantastic!!
I'm not much into world building but this didn't seem to drag on like some of the other books i've read. We get quite a bit of backstory on Volos but not much from the Prince. At one point I was hoping to really see why he kept being a total ass but it was handled nicely by the end of the story, all made sense.
(and FYI, I LOVED Volos! A true hero who didn't ever do what he did for the accolades or the fancy title....he did it because of how he felt and what was in his heart...what he thought was right.
I think the author painted us a wonderful picture and I could totally see this as a movie or tv series on HBO.
Maybe next time I won't be so hesitant to grab a fantasy book.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
STORY INFO:
Genre: fantasy
Tags: royalty, military men, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, prison/captivity
Content Warnings: rape
Word Count: 36,754
When I selected this book I had no idea it was fantasy. I actually groaned and debated on changing my book but decided to just go for it! I am so happy I decided to read it, it was fantastic!!
I'm not much into world building but this didn't seem to drag on like some of the other books i've read. We get quite a bit of backstory on Volos but not much from the Prince. At one point I was hoping to really see why he kept being a total ass but it was handled nicely by the end of the story, all made sense.
(and FYI, I LOVED Volos! A true hero who didn't ever do what he did for the accolades or the fancy title....he did it because of how he felt and what was in his heart...what he thought was right.
I think the author painted us a wonderful picture and I could totally see this as a movie or tv series on HBO.
Maybe next time I won't be so hesitant to grab a fantasy book.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
STORY INFO:
Genre: fantasy
Tags: royalty, military men, enemies to lovers, hurt/comfort, prison/captivity
Content Warnings: rape
Word Count: 36,754
July 20, 2016
Compelling characters and fantastic world building. I was so caught up in the story after taking "just a peek" that I didn't wait for the download. Definitely not a light and fluffy read, I was at turns angry, upset, and confused. I was also charmed, though, and overall, enjoyed this story so very much.
Many, many thanks to Kim for sharing this story with us!
Many, many thanks to Kim for sharing this story with us!
October 6, 2016
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio book: Greg Tremblay (Narrator) - 4
Book cover: 3.5
Good to do a little something else every now and then. It was good.
Audio book: Greg Tremblay (Narrator) - 4
Book cover: 3.5
Good to do a little something else every now and then. It was good.
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