In Renn Wells' Wrecked Guard, Tessa, a social media boss battling a mysterious death threat, finds her carefully constructed life shattered. Her bodyguard, the man she both desires and despises, Julian, is assigned to protect her. Forced to live under his roof and abide by his rules, Tessa must confront not only the cult hunting her but also the undeniable chemistry simmering between them. Julian, consumed by a hatred fueled by past heartbreak, struggles with his protective instincts and the resurging feelings for Tessa. As the threats escalate, they must navigate a dangerous game of survival and forbidden desire, risking everything to uncover the truth before it's too late.
Review Wrecked Guard
Oh my goodness, Wrecked Guard was a rollercoaster! I went into this second book in the Code RITE series completely blind, having skipped the first (a mistake I'm swiftly rectifying!), and honestly, I was blown away. The enemies-to-lovers trope is a classic, and Renn Wells executes it with such delicious tension and surprising depth. Tessa and Julian's initial animosity crackled off the page; their history, hinted at just enough to keep you hooked, perfectly fuels their present-day friction. I found myself wanting to shake them both at times – their stubborn pride and refusal to acknowledge their feelings was both frustrating and utterly believable.
The forced proximity element, with Tessa living under Julian's roof while he's protecting her, was brilliantly done. It allowed for intimate moments of vulnerability alongside the thrilling suspense of the overarching plot. The threats against Tessa were genuinely chilling, keeping the suspense levels high and making me practically jump out of my skin a few times! I loved how the mystery unfolded, with twists and turns that kept me guessing right until the end. While I had some suspicions, the actual reveal still managed to surprise me.
And let's talk about Julian. The man is a walking contradiction: a gruff, ex-military bodyguard with a heart of gold (or maybe molten chocolate, considering his dedication to Tessa's well-being!). The scene where he gets the same inhaler as Tessa? Chef's kiss. That level of attention to detail, that quiet protectiveness… swoon! He's the epitome of a grumpy alpha, but his devotion to Tessa is undeniable, and the way he slowly chips away at his own emotional walls is incredibly satisfying to witness. Tessa, meanwhile, is strong and independent, but she's also deeply wounded, making her journey of self-discovery and healing equally compelling.
The romance itself is beautifully paced. It's not just about explosive chemistry (although that's definitely present!), it's about two damaged people slowly learning to trust and love each other amidst chaos. While the spice isn't overwhelming, the scenes that are there are intensely intimate and emotionally charged, perfectly reflecting the building connection between the characters.
While I felt like I missed some nuances from the previous book, Wrecked Guard absolutely stands on its own as a captivating read. The blend of action, suspense, and romance is expertly crafted, leaving me eager to dive into the first book to get even more context for their story. Renn Wells has a real talent for crafting characters you connect with, even when they're being infuriatingly stubborn. This is definitely a book I'll be recommending to all my romance-loving friends. And yes, I'm already impatiently awaiting Tanner's story!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.05 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 417
- Publication date: 2025
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