Protector by Nicole Dykes: My Review
Protector is the final book in the Kensley Panthers series from Nicole Dykes. This entire series has been full of the sweetest small-town sports romances and Protector was no exception.
With this book we finally get Adam’s story. You may recognize Adam as the little brother of Jameson, from Guarded (a fantastic book mentioned in my Best M/M Romance Enemies to Lovers list).
Keep reading to see what I thought of this ridiculously wholesome friends-to-lovers, sports romance.
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Protector – Summary
Zachary Olson
I screwed up. Big time. I hurt someone, and I hate myself for it.
I’m barely eighteen and already completely exhausted. Tired of being haunted by secrets and guilt.
My biggest regret, though, is keeping it all from Adam—my best friend, teammate, protector. My everything since I can remember.
And how do I repay him? By keeping these secrets locked up inside. Secrets I know would destroy us.
But I’m not sure how much longer I can do it. No matter how catastrophic the consequences.
Adam Bates
He won’t talk to me.
He’s never kept secrets from me before. We’re both quiet guys who keep to ourselves. But that’s never applied to each other.
I know something is wrong, but my best friend has shut me out.
How can I keep him safe if he won’t talk to me?
All my life, I’ve taken on this role—doing what’s right, no matter what. Watching out for everyone, on and off the field—especially Zach.
And I won’t fail him now, when he needs me more than ever.
Because this is who I am and what I do . . .
I’m the protector.
Protector – My Review
I enjoyed reading Protector. It was a sugary-sweet friends-to-lovers dream. If you are looking for a super low-angst read about best friends discovering that they are in love, then this is the book for you!
We meet Adam Bates first. He is a grumpy, duty-obsessed high school athlete. His family runs a farm that has been theirs for generations. It takes a ton of hard work from Adam, his parents, and his two little brothers. This quote is a great picture of who Adam is:
"I don't go and get shitfaced. I rarely go to any parties. It's just not my thing. I have to get up early every morning. I have responsibilities. And I take them seriously. Someday, that farm will be mine, and I intend for it to be in the absolute best shape when that happens."
The only thing that makes Adam happy other than his family, the farm, and football is Zach Olson.
Zach is Adam’s best friend. They have been attached at the hip for as long as anyone in their small town can remember. They do everything together and their personalities are very similar.
While Adam is responsible for his family’s farm, Zach is responsible for his little sisters. Zach’s father died when he was young leaving his young mother a widow with three small children. Her solution was to marry a deadbeat and to try to forget she has kids. Zach has jumped in to pick up the slack with his two little sisters.
Needless to say these boys both feel a lot of pressure.
When Adam feels Zach start to pull away from him, Adam panics and demands to know why. Zach finally admits that he is gay. Adam is beyond shocked, but he quickly reassures Zach that it doesn’t change anything between them.
Or does it?
Once these two get together, things are pretty smooth sailing. They are already incredibly close and spend most of their time together. They are just adding intimacy to a super solid relationship.
Overall, this was a sweet read, but there was some depth and angsty missing for me that left me wanting a little more. The steam was there, but nothing too wild.
Read this one for a cute friends-to-lovers M/M romance with fun cameos from other Kensley Panther couples.
Hey, I’m Heather!
I read M/M romance books exclusively, and I help other readers find their next great M/M romance read.
