Protector

Kensley Panthers Series, Book 5

De: Nicole Dykes

Narrado por: Tim Paige, Liam DiCosimo

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.

©2023 Nicole Dykes (P)2024 Podium Audio

Love this series

The writing, the characters and each story are so good.
This one is so sweet. the best friends to lovers. they just keep getting better. Nicole Dykes is a one click purchase. the narration is amazing. Tim Paige and Liam DiCosimo really bring these stories to life.👏🔥❤

Love the representation!

I am sad to see this series over, I loved all the different couples and side characters and this one was no exception. I didn't appreciate a character more on the spectrum for sexuality (like asexual, pansexual, etc.). I loved the representation, showing a character who doesn't feel lust outright, who needs to have that connection before moving forward in a physical sense. Sorry if that is a spoiler, but it's giving readers characters that are like them, I have a friend who is the same and she would love seeing that incorporated in a book!

I loved the two characters figuring out their feelings for each other, then how things progress and how they fall in love was so adorable and hard fought. They have to deal with nasty people in their hometown like their siblings/friends did but it has gotten better with some people at least. Loved the cameos we got from previous couples, seeing things get built by our favorite golden retriever and see the coaches be in love too! The miscommunication was annoying at times but the guys got through it. The family situation was too tough for them too. To have to deal with a mom who lets things happen, an abuser stepdad, and then the 2 little sisters. I am glad they had an intervention and amazing people in the lives to raise them. I loved it was his parents who helped so they could stay being kids and not have to be parents in high school/soon to be grads with them. The made family was amazing (especially after what the mom and dad did when their eldest revealed he was day). Loved the story and laughed so hard when the parents were like...yeah we know you are a thing. You aren't quiet hahahaha.

I think the main reason I couldn't get this 5 stars was the audio was not my fav. These two narrators are not good doing female voices unfortunately. Performing the sisters mostly was sometimes hard to listen to. They did a good job with their male parts, they nailed down the personalities and inflections, but since there wasn't a female narrator it is hard sometimes getting men who do not whiney female voices. Solid 4/5 overall, audio 3.5 and story 4.5. Would recommend this series and this standalone (especially if you loved the previous books). I aways have a soft spot for friends to lovers and gay for you storylines <3

Small town. Big love.

Having lived my entire life in the Midwest, I always love getting to revisit the setting of these books. This is another sweet love story. Adam and Zach were always meant to be together, and I know I can count on the author to give them their HEA.