Holloway: I’m the lead guitarist for Wayward Lane and I love everything about my rockstar life. Everything except my security detail. And the more popular our band becomes, the less freedom we have. All it takes is one overzealous fan and I find myself constantly shadowed by the one bodyguard I love to tease and evade: Dawson Everly. Mr. Tall, Dark, & Uptight lives by strict rules, and I’m a free spirit, so naturally, we argue at every turn. But my flirtation and his aggravation is a combustible mix and suddenly I discover there are some orders I don’t mind taking. And those strings I usually avoid? They start looking pretty good. Thing is, Dawson has a son and I never imagined I’d fall, let alone for a family man. But every rockstar has their day - is it crazy that I want Dawson to be mine?
Dawson: As a bodyguard for Wayward Lane, I’ve seen all the rockstar shenanigans. The biggest troublemaker? The guy who loves to escape his detail: guitarist, Iain Holloway. He’s stunning, spontaneous, and a gigantic pain in my… you get the picture. I’ve tried to keep my professional distance but it’s getting impossible to ignore the attraction between us. But falling for a rockstar is a risk I’m not prepared for. I have an eight-year-old son, Jaxon, who means everything to me. The single dad guilt is hitting hard when I’m on the road and the time has come to make a choice. Only, my heart doesn’t belong solely to my son anymore. It turns out, Iain has managed to find a way in there too.
B-Mine is a slow burn, single dad, opposites attract, MM rockstar romance filled with fiery chemistry, unexpected love, and a heartfelt, hard-fought HEA.
Audio: 4 stars Zachary Zaba did better than book 1.
Book: 3.5-4 stars
Night and day from book 1. You can definitely read these as standalones, yes you see the other band members, but you don’t lose anything from not reading book 1.
This book was just way better to me than the first book. Iain and Dawson’s relationship was on a better timeline, and I felt the chemistry more with them. It was not as many, if any, flashbacks so it was mostly present day and I think that is what made it work for me.
I do wish we had more scenes with Jaxon (Dawson’s son), and see Daws and Jax interact more, it was mainly just on calls/facetime.
This was very reminiscent of NR Walkers, “Code Blue” (rockstar x security), I would say book 1 was supposed to be like her, “Code Red” (lead man x manager). So if you like those books and wanted to find something like that then this would be the series.
For a bodyguard rockstar Iain Holloway from Wayward Lane is a pain in the ass. Dawson Everly knows everything about it, as his bodyguard it’s almost an impossible job. Every time Iain escapes Dawson finds him just around a corner with someone on his knees giving him head.
The job is getting more intense when Iain gets intrusive, stalkerish messages. He has to stay close to Dawson all the time. Keeping him safe is a priority, and helping Iain after anxiety attacks is another.
“You’re hot.” LOL if you know the context!!
All the build-up tension between Iain and Dawson reached the point of exploding. Turns out the bickering was to cover the attraction. When they finally stop resisting, gosh… fireworks, so hot!
The plot around the stalker was well done, present but not too, the whole story was awesome. I loved Dawson's consistent bossiness, control, and possessive behavior. When Iain let his walls down, he showed a completely different part of him, sweet and vulnerable. There were various matters in this story, and all were attractive and interesting. Overall a very enjoyable and entertaining read, it was romantic, and exciting, with a great environment, and wonderful characters.
A MM bodyguard/Rockstar aka my beloved Kryptonite 😍😂. With bickering, flirts, feels, friendship & family, a stalker, love & HEA, This is a fun ride! I read my #ARC in around 7hrs, Loved Iain & Dawson. I've been excited for this, enjoyed it thoroughly! I loved the found family in bandmates & bodyguards 🥰.
What happens when you mix a sassy, bratty bottom to a orderly, power top? This! Iain is guitarist in Wayward Lane band. He's playful, flirty & a playboy; hates being controlled (outside the bed 😉). Aw, his anxiety & panic made my heart clench. Dawson is bodyguard & security for the band for years. He's a single dad (with a cute 8-yr-old), private, loves his rules, dominating, protective; butts head with Iain!
A stalker threat brings the 2 closer, will they break their rules for love? They're quite the burn with their bickering yet can't stay away. Such a long foreplay 🤭, a touch of work-place forbidden, Valentine's day 💕. Their pasts & fears🥺😭, a chance. The chemistry is HOT, & the rimming omg 🥵. Climax is action & packed, loved it! Enjoyed this & excited for more! RTC.
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story. I don’t read a lot of bodyguard romances so even though they are pretty predictable I still found I was completely hooked with this one. It had the right amount of suspense, love, sexy times and banter that sometimes had me laughing out loud.
Iain was a fun playboy rockstar so never wanted to settle down. Of course he does and it was so fun to watch him grow his feelings for Dawson. I enjoyed that there was also a single dad aspect to this story and thought it was done really well. We did have sort of a third act breakup but I absolutely loved how it was done in this story. Dawson didn’t take any shit and it was perfectly done for them.
The epilogue was beautiful and so precious and I loved their HEA. If you are looking for a rockstar/bodyguard book I absolutely recommend this one! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
I love a good rockstar romance, throw in single dad, bodyguard and a stalker and I’m hooked! I love Iain and Dawson, the tension between these two was insane from the start. I love the strong bond within the band. This book was so steamy and had me swooning. I can’t wait for the next one!
This was really cute!! Not as cute as the first book (Brodie and Van are hard to top) but nonetheless I really enjoyed it.
I probably would have liked it more if Iain hadn’t been such a manwhore. It was almost like he was a sex addict if I’m being honest. The opening chapter is him kind of getting a handy from some guy before the show and Dawson catching him. This is before feelings were admitted but I wished Dawson would have caught him kissing instead or something. I probably would have stopped reading it had it been a bj because in my mind the mouth is worse than the hand lol. It was like two seconds and it wasn’t finished but still. After that there’s two occasions where Iain tries to take guys back to the hotel to hook up. Nothing happens but I was like damn it’s not even 30% into the book and he’s already tried to hook up with three guys, that was annoying to me and that’s where the lost star went.
BUT after that I honestly really liked the book and I liked the characters. Dawson more so than Iain but I did like Iain. Dawson was just such a great guy. They ended up being super cute together. Though they had a lot of sex both of them admitted it was a lot more than that. I’m glad they got together earlier than half way and we got to see them together as a couple.
The stalker story line left a little to be desired but I wasn’t really here for that, I was more interested in the romance. I knew it would be cute because the couple from the first book were so damn cute together. I even loved them in this book as well.
I’m kind of nervous for the next book because it’s a friends to lovers who have watched each other hook up with other people for years. Not really my favorite thing but I guess that’s what I get for reading a book about rockstars.
I would love to see some of the bodyguards get a book or a novella or something. I really liked them as secondary characters.
NO CHEATING(though the first chapter has Iain attempting to get a handy from some guy) OM DRAMA (Iain plans on hooking up with two different guys, also there’s a lot of jealousy with each MC being flirted with) NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP (kind of a spoiler here but Dawson is not letting this happen) MC HAS A STALKER MURDER
I didn't overly enjoy the last bodyguard romance I read, so I went into this a little unsure but once again Ava Olsen has written a romance I can completely believe in and get behind.
Iain Holloway may have been a trouble maker Rockstar but he had a big heart hiding underneath his playboy persona and when he finds he has a stalker and his already overprotective bodyguard Dawson becomes even more protective, he finds that underneath their bickering is an explosive chemistry they can't ignore.
I enjoyed getting to know Iain and Dawson better and enjoyed them getting to know each other. The storyline with the stalker was done well and I didn't guess who it was until it was revealed which is always a nice change. There's plenty going on and the pages turned themselves as I wanted to know what was going to happen next.
Catching up with the guys from Wayward Lane was good and I can't wait for Faise and Ronin's story next, it should be fun when they realise they are in love with each other, well, I hope that's the case.
This is the second book in the Wayward Lane series by Ava Olsen. I listened to both book 1 and book 2 via audio, narrated by Zachary Zaba. Zaba is new to me as of this series, and I enjoyed it.
Holloway is a rockstar with some issues; one being a stalker and the being the attraction he has to his bodyguard, Dawson. Dawson is a single father who’s pinning after his charge, a member of Wayward Lane. Both have to let their guard down to be with one another. Holloway has to let himself be loved by Dawson and his family.
I love this series and can’t wait for book 3, releasing in May 2024. I found this series by accident and so glad I did. The story is fun, the characters are enjoyable, and the narrator is great. I would definitely get these books in audio.
*Listener Note: I received a free copy of this audiobook through Gay Romance Reviews (GRR) and this is my honest review.
This book has so many elements to love - age gap, body guard, rock star, opposites attract steamy goodness and a stalker sub-plot that keeps everyone on their toes (once Holloway actually tells people it's happening...)
These two have a lot to get through before getting together and the tension is palpable, but oh so addictive! I love the way Ava Olsen builds the storyline and the cohesive worldbuilding that makes you feel like you're right there with the band!
I have to say that Jaxon steals the show and I can't wait to see a future spin off with him as the second generation rockstar!
I enjoyed Iain and Dawson's story. These two had some tension in the last book, so I was looking forward to this one.
I was going back and forth on who was Iain's stalker. It was nice to not have it be glaringly obvious. I really hated the band's manager. He was just awful.
I do wish that we would've seen more with them together with Jaxson. We didn't even get the conversation that Dawson had with him in regards to his relationship with Iain. I feel like this was a miss for the story.
The epilogue was nice and gave us a good wrap up for them.
I did not think I would enjoy this book so much! I enjoyed the relationship between the two characters so much because it was the right amount of banter, romance, smut, and emotion. They had so much value in their relationship; it was a good story and a lovely progression to the end. The plot was so-so to me but what did it for me was just these two falling in love.
What can I say? Ava Olsen always delivers sexy stories with so much heart and this one was just like a steaming hot cup of Cocoa on a cold winter's day....it makes you warm and fuzzy all over ❤️
I freaking adored this relationship, these two have been bickering and chasing for years until it all comes down to that "Ah Ha" moment when these two realize that the frustration and animosity that has developed between them was the most delicious foreplay and solid foundation to build the sweetest of love ❤️. I adored where Iain was weak Dawson was strong and never faltered, when Iain wanted to run, Dawson would chase him. These two were both vulnerable at times with each other and each proved to be everything the other needed. The relationship development was the perfect mix of heat and sweet, when you add the snark and humor from the side characters and a matter of fact little boy, it makes this read the perfect package. The epilogue was everything!!! I can't wait for the next book, I love this series so far. This one is a must read!!!
* I received an ARC as a courtesy, this is my open and honest review *
More Rockstar Greatness! Terrific Story & Listen🎧 4.5 Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
B-Mine Wayward Lane, Book 2 By: Ava Olsen Narrated by: Zachary Zaba
Ava Olsen rocks and so do her books, “B-Mine”, the second book of her “Wayward Lane” series and it is just as amazing as the first book,”Punk-In”, each book features different band member and this one is guitarist Iain Holloway and bodyguard, Dawson Everly’s story. The two are complete opposites yet they are drawn to one another, though they did fight it every step of the way. Dawson is a single dad and does not have time for romance, he also has to think of his son before letting anyone into his life. Iain is just a player, and there is never a lack of willing players, but winds up attracting one who becomes obsessed and starts to stalk him, and he has no clue who it may be. Dawson is on the case and has the team investigating it and until the person is caught he will guard him himself. With the two spending more time together how long would it be before they give in to the chemistry between or will they just continue to deny it? I enjoyed this book immensely, like the first book, the writing, plot and world building is fantastic, as are the character growth and development. It was great to watch these two dance around each other and then navigate a new relationship. There is a perfect balance of drama, relationship, with the threats and the label, angst, mystery, thrilling and suspenseful moments, heartfelt emotions and a slow burn, but so worth the wait, romance. Ava Olsen, thank you for another fabulous story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧Zachary Zaba continues to rock it out, bringing these characters to life. He understands the characters he is portraying, gives each their own distinct voice, making it easy to follow along and tell who is who. I liked how he took each role and made it his own, sounding believable and just as I imagined the characters to sound. You could hear how much heart he puts into his performance as he captures all the characters’ emotions, and has you feeling them all. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen.
Final Rating: 4 / 5 Notable Tropes and/or Content Warnings: Rockstar x Bodyguard, Single Dad, Found Family, Snarky Banter, Reformed Playboy, Cat and Mouse, Depictions of Stalking (Not by an MC), Mild Violence
Favorite Moment and/or Quote I turned around and stared at my father's face. at the yes that were just like mine. But his were colder, harder. Had they always looked like that? I shivered but ignored my fear. I was nothing like him. "What?" I bit out. "She would've been proud of your success, of the man you are." I stared at him, shocked but also terribly saddened. I nodded. "I hope so. But she would've been devasted by the man you turned out to be."
Review At the time of writing this review, I have finished the Wayward Lane Trilogy. And so, I can say with my whole heart this is my favorite book in the series and in my opinion the best out of the three. Lain and Dawson are just perfect from beginning to end. I love these two dumbasses so much. I found myself laughing a number of times throughout the book.
The plot itself is pretty standard as far as bodyguard romances go; there is a stalker on the loose that's obsessed with Lain and the situation forces Dawson to be in even closer proximity than typically standard. Which drives Lain up the wall and makes for some rather entertaining banter between our two leads. It is a bit of a slow burn, but you don't really feel it because their interactions keep you so engaged. In the first book Punk-In and in the last book 4-Ever there is sort of lull in the latter half of the book that makes them a bit hard to finish since you get a bit bored; but I am happy to say that lull isn't present in this book. It's good fun from start to finish. This plot also takes place starting at the end of the first book, but before they transfer music labels in book one's epilogue; so, there is a lot of drama that comes from that front which was way more entertaining than I was expecting.
I would have loved to see more time with Jaxson (Dawson's Son) but it didn't take away too much. I definitely recommend giving it a read.
I enjoyed the glimpses of Dawson’s and Holloway’s prickly dynamic in Punk-In so I was looking forward to this book and wasn’t disappointed. Holloway hates having his freedom curtailed in any way so enjoys basically putting himself in danger by eluding his protective detail. He makes Dawson and his team being effective as difficult as possible, but Dawson is good at his job and good at reading Holloway. Holloway and Dawson have great chemistry, and the “sudden” shift into acknowledged attraction isn’t jarring bc it’s plain to everyone they’re hot for one another.
I liked each character and found their personalities and personal conflicts interesting. Dawson is stretched thin being a single dad and having to spend large chunks of time away from his son and putting himself in harm’s way. Holloway is dealing, or rather, not dealing with the hole in his life his mother’s death left and how his father basically threw him away afterwards. He’s a free spirit who refuses to be tied down in any way bc it may force him to deal with the pain.
The stalker storyline is pretty standard, but still works given how the record label from hell deals with it. I’m not a huge fan of kids in stories, but Dawson’s son is precocious (in a believable way) and incorporated well. Dawson spends more time disciplining Holloway than his son 😂. The band and their brotherly bond are as lovely as ever, and Brodie being the voice of reason and a calming influence is unexpected but beautiful.
Zachary Zaba gives another solid performance. At first, I thought his voice for Holloway was too similar to Brodie’s—the insouciant drawl and bored affectation. However, Zaba drops that affectation when Holloway is being himself, Iain without the rockstar walls, and I thought this was a great vocal touch. While Zaba struggled with the deeper registers in Punk-In, his voice for Dawson is consistent and more natural sounding. I enjoyed Dawson and Holloway’s journey and look forward to Faisel and Ronan’s HEA.
**4.5** B-Mine is an entertaining and heated rockstar/bodyguard romance with an edge of drama as they deal with a stalker. Iain is very much the life of a party and happy to make trouble for his security detail as disappears to have some fun but someone who is constantly unhappy with this is Dawson, Iain's main bodyguard. Right from the start, you can feel the tension and chemistry between the two men. It's hot as they continue to deny it but there is also real life that holds them back. Dawson knows there should not be anything between a bodyguard and their primary. He also has his eight year old son at home that he is now a single parent to and has to be his main priority. That moment of giving in seem inevitable and when they come together, it's like a combustion of all that energy between them that has been building from all of the flirty arguing that's been going on for several years. They seem to fit naturally together and Iain's hidden personality is allowed to be free under the security of Dawson and their family. The stalker aspect slowly escalates across the story, slowly getting more intense and bringing another level to the relationship and tension amongst the group. The security team really pulls together and the band have that strong bond that holds from them being friends since school. You can sense how much they care about each other but there is also time for the jokes, teasing and enjoying what it is they have actually become through hard work and talent. I didn't read book one but I definitely need to go back and do that as I loved this book! I can only imagine what the introductions to all of the characters were like and here we get to enjoy the day to day as they guys are on tour with their best friends. A highly recommended read for fans of rockstar/bodyguard/single dad/stalker romance. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
B-Mine is a perfectly swoony Valentine's Day read. I wouldn't go so far as to say that Dawson and Iain's romance was an enemies-to-lovers trope, but they definitely butt heads in the beginning. Turns out that all the back and forth was to cover up their attraction for each other. Once they crossed that line, their romance was red hot.
Dawson was so sweet and patient with Iain, who had plenty of hang-ups about love. Despite his cocky rockstar persona, he hides a sensitive and battered heart. Dawson broke through Iain's walls one by one without pushing his lover too fast. He allowed Iain to come to him, and that's exactly what he needed.
Dawson is a single dad and his relationship with his son is the absolute sweetest. The story's epilogue had me in tears as Iain finally cemented his place with his new family.
Iain and Dawson complimented each other well inside and outside the bedroom. Dawson is more assertive, a bit bossy and keeps Iain on track and grounded. Alternatively, Iain is a bit of a brat and helps Dawson not take things too seriously.
As always with Ava, I appreciate her writing style and the low angst between the MCs once they do get together. The lead up to the romance was a slow-burn, but well worth the wait. There was a secondary dramatic plot with a bit of mystery that kept the story engaging beyond the romance. Between the stalker and the band's label, I think this one had two worthy villains. Fortunately, we get closure on both.
Bottom line, this was a great next book for the series and I cannot wait for book #3 and the rest of Wayward Lane to get their HEAs!
Rockstar romance, age gap, single dad, bodyguard, opposites attract romance. This is the 2nd in the Wayward Lane series, it can be read as a standalone but better if you do read Punk-In first as there's a lot of crossover and shared characters in the two books. This is Dawson and Holloway (Iain)'s story. We met both in the first book and there was some serious chemistry there, as there is here. Dawson is the primary bodyguard for Iain, who's resistant to all attempts to get him to behave and kicks back at all attempts from Dawson to safeguard him. It was fun to watch the interplay between the two before they get together, and to realise that everyone but them sees their obvious connection.
It's a relatively slow build between the two finally getting together, it seems Dawson eventually just bows to the inevitable and realises he needs to be with Iain rather than just be his bodyguard, and then he's all in. The chemistry and heat between the two is intense, and feels natural when they do eventually both give in to it. I think because they have been together so long as bodyguard and primary that the relationship never felt forced, they did know each other pretty well first, and Dawson knew exactly what was the deal before he jumped in.
There's a good stalker plot too, that ramps up the tension and had me really hating the odious record company boss more than I did in the first book (if that was possible because I despised him there too 😂). This is a tense read in places, with lots of heat and two likable MCs. I loved this and can't wait for the next.
Tropes: 🎸 Rockstar & Bodyguard 💙 Frenemies to lovers 🎸 Single dad 💙 Slow burn
“You can throw one of your rockstar tantrums if you want, but it won’t work. I’ve been chasing you for years, sweetheart, so bring it on.”
(ESP) Me encantan los romances con Rockstars y encima en este libro Ava nos brinda una relación entre el guardaespaldas y su protegido! Disfruté muchísimo de leer esta historia que si bien es súper liviana nos presenta una intriga con un acosador que atormenta a Iain y hace de la trama mas interesante. En un claro ejemplo de “todos lo saben menos ellos” Iain y Dawson se llevan horrible hasta que la tensión los supera y no les queda otra opción que aceptar la atracción que sienten el uno por el otro. La química entre ambos es algo que merece ser leído. Son muy bellos juntos.
(ENG) I love rock star romances and in this book Ava gives us a relationship between the bodyguard and his protégé! I really enjoyed reading this story, although it is lighthearted, it gives us an intrigue with a stalker that torments Iain and makes the plot more interesting. In a clear example of "everybody knows but them", Iain and Dawson don't get along until the tension is unbearable and they have no choice but to accept the attraction they feel for each other. The chemistry between them is worth reading about. They are beautiful together.
B-Mine is book 2 in the Wayward Lane series, and it’s an MM Bodyguard/Rockstar romance. In Punk-In, we see the tension between Dawson, Wayward Lane’s security lead, and Iain Holloway, the playboy guitarist, and I was eager to see how their romance would turn out. I was completely hooked because it had the right amount of suspense, love, spice, and banter.
Iain is the epitome of a playboy rockstar with a dash of escape artist. He feels suffocated by the amount of security Wayward Lane, and he always sneaks away from his protection detail. Iain is on edge at the beginning of the novel because he has been getting creepy messages that started shortly after his home was broken into. He is hesitant to let his security detail know because he doesn’t want them to put him under lock and key.
Dawson is the security lead for Wayward Lane and a single father who is frustrated by Iain’s antics. He is focused on protecting the band, and he keeps his personal life separate from his job. Dawson is dominant and protective and constantly butts heads with Iain.
They’ve had tension for years and their bickering begins to be more like foreplay. Iain’s panic and insecurities bring out the protector in Dawson, and quickly, they realize that they want more from each other. It’s a forbidden workplace romance, and this book features a Valentine’s Day concert. Similar to Punk-In, the band supports Iain and Dawson’s relationship and pushes Iain to realize that this is not a situation where he and Dawson are getting the tension out of their systems.
The threat of Iain’s stalker brings them even closer, and I didn’t suspect the person who ended up being the stalker. After the stalker situation is resolved, Iain tries to push Dawson away, but Dawson proves to him that he is in it for the long haul, and they blend Dawson’s family into Iain’s life.
I loved the epilogue and that they got their HEA.
Thank you to Ava Olsen for the ARC copy and this is my honest review.
🎸MM Rockstar / Bodyguard 🖤Single Dad 🎸Lots of banter & bickering 🖤A side of stalker drama
B-Mine is book 2 of the Wayward Lane series, and we finally get the story of Iain Holloway and Dawson Everly.
Iain is the lead guitarist of Wayward Lane, and Dawson has been his bodyguard for a few years now.
Iain is the wild one, the no string attached relationship type, the playboy… Dawson is a single dad, has no nonsense personality, the body and haircut of viking and is used to Iain shenanigans, and to chase after him when he disappears with one of his fans. For years, they’ve been bickering and fighting over Iain's behavior and his distaste of rules, but that only fueled their lust for each other… until they both exploded…
The stalker aspect of the story was well incorporated and not overly done, and it made Dawson’s possessive and protector side show even more.
I loved their story, their banter, the build up before the explosion, and also the single dad aspect of the story. But most of all, I loved the lack of third act breakup!
Can’t wait for Ronin and Faisel’s story next!
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
B-Mine by Ava Olsen is the second book in the Wayward Lane series. Halloway is the lead guitarist for the band Wayward Lane and he is known for being a little lutty ** He likes to have a good time and he is not afraid to slip loose of his bodyguards to do it. Much to their annoyance. Dawson is his primary bodyguard and has been on the team for the band for a couple years now. He hasn't had any problems arguing and setting limits for Halloway, hasn't had any problems with lusting after him either. Well, until now. And that's a no go, so no need to go there 🙃
That's how it starts in forbidden type loves. The heart wants what the heart wants and it is usually what it shouldn't have. Halloway has been flirting and skirting the line with Dawson for a couple years and when things start getting a little dicey they are thrown together more. Halloway is being stalked and Dawson and his team are doing what they can to find the stalker.
This series is a lot of fun. I am a fan of rock star romances. And I LOVE star/bodyguard duos. That whole I shouldn't but I really want to and I'm going to do what makes me happy. I love it. Life is short to not be happy, go for what you want. And when they do I am their biggest cheerleader. Well, and maybe the author 🤔🤭
Ava Olsen is a witty writer bringing us into her stories and loving her men. I'm totally ready for Faisel and Ronin's story and to see more of the Wayward Lane band.
This was a fun slow burn rockstar/bodyguard romance with a side of suspense. Dawson is the lead bodyguard for Wayward Lane and it’s difficult guitarist Iain Holloway. Iain and Dawson have tons of chemistry and plenty of prickly banter. Their attraction to each other is pretty obvious to those around them, but Iain’s history of ditching his security detail has often put them at odds. I liked the stalker storyline it brought a good amount of suspense to the plot and was an effective way to bring Dawson and Iain closer together. The characters were definitely the highlight for me. Iain comes off a bit selfish and spoiled, putting so much energy into making life hard for his security. Dawson has a lot he is juggling as well. His work takes him away from home regularly leaving his mother to care for son Jaxon. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and I liked how well they fit together. It was a touch slow moving at the beginning for me, but once these two stop resisting their connection- Iain and Dawson are compelling. A really fun read, great characters, excellent world building, and a truly lovely happy ending.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Rockstar Iain Holloway hasn’t taken well to having bodyguards with him constantly, even if there’s a good reason for it. He particularly loves tormenting his lead bodyguard Dawson.
They’re stuck in a constant loop of Iain acting out and trying to escape (normally for an illicit encounter) and Dawson setting him straight about the importance of his safety. It’s comical that they don’t realize earlier that it’s their perverse form of foreplay.
Things get more intense as a stalker grows more intense. But the increased need to keep Iain safe and Dawson letting down his guard regarding personal information seems to break down their walls while also heating up the sexual tension!
This was a great rockstar/bodyguard romance. It had a number of intriguing elements that provided the drama you’re looking forward to in this kind of story, but it didn’t overtake the character development. Which was wonderfully done.
I also love the band. I love how much they stick by and defend one another.
Holloway, Holls, or Iain depending on who you are to him is THE rockstar. You know the one, he bucks against being guarded, he sneaks out from his detail, he gets himself into trouble simply because he can. after a break in at his hole his security has had him in an even stronger choke hold. The more he’s told he can’t the harder he thrashes against his cage. He especially can’t help but rile up his personal guard, Dawson. Their bickering has been entertaining the band members for years.
Dawson takes his job very seriously. TBF he takes everything seriously. He’s an island. His personal life is his own and after 4 years of being on Wayward Lanes security no one truly knows him. He conpartmentalizes, it makes it easier to stay professional and not let his attraction to a certain snarky rockstar take over. However when Holls’ security needs to shift again it forces Dawson to acknowledge that maybe in order for Iaij to trust him he might have to give up a piece of himself to earn his trust. What he didn’t count on was that piece being his entire heart. Iain and Dawson are so sweet together once they start to trust each other and I love how close the band is and how they stick by one another no question. I can’t wait to see what happens with Robin and Faisal and how the band continues to build their family.
For me, it was the author's first book and I found that B-Mine can be read well as a standalone. It's about a rock star, specifically the guitarist of the band and his bodyguard. The story isn't new, but it's entertaining as it's well written. I really liked Iain and Dawsen. There are some interesting themes such as single dad, age gape, protective bodyguard, a hot guitarist and a stalker. The romance starts slow as Dawson tries to keep his distance professionally. The banter between Dawson and Iain was entertaining and the two can't seem to let go of each other. The chemistry between the two was good! The stalker adds tension to the story, but doesn't take up too much of the story. B-Mine is an entertaining and sometimes thrilling, but sometimes somewhat predictable story that kept me entertained.
The narration by Zachary Zaba was good. He gave each character their own unique voice and feeling and brought the story to life.
I really enjoyed digging through the layers of Iain in this one to figure out why he acted the way he did and what he really needed. Like Dawson, I was somewhat frustrated with him at the beginning; it was nice to see him grow and adapt as he realised that he was safe with Dawson and love didn’t have to be something terrible.
I liked how Jaxon was important in decision making and we had a few scenes with him but also had plenty of time for Dawson and Iain together. I loved the camaraderie with the band and the good people at Bandit, not just the bad ones. (Actually, the same with some good families and some not-so-good ones.)
I really enjoyed how these two finally came together and were really what one another needed. Getting more found family is exactly what he needs, and the two of them seem so much happier together.
Look forward to book 3!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
❤️ "B-Mine" by Ava Olsen 🎸 Series: "Wayward Lane", book 2 ❤️ Out Jan 31!
🎉 Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🎸 Once again, Ava wrote a story with heart, snark, and gorgeous men. Iain is the guitarist in Wayward Lane, and Dawson is his personal bodyguard. When a stalker starts to threaten Iain, Dawson's protective instincts kick in and they get *closer* than ever.
❤️ I realized reading this that I get so nervous reading about characters with stalkers. They're such an unknown element, and there is usually no happy ending for them.
🎸 The epilogue 😭😭😭
Pick up if you love: 🎸 Snarky rock stars who love to be a brat ❤️ Possessive bodyguards who have permanent damage from all the eye rolling around said snarky rockstar 🎸 The best kind of found family ❤️ A hilarious 9 year old who thinks he's a teenager 🎸 Why have two beds when we only need one? ❤️ The *steamiest* dirty talk 🎸 Two guys who don't let their circumstances define their relationship
Loving this series. I enjoyed this book and audio and can't wait for the next in the series.
We meet Iain and Dawson, the band member and his bodyguard. The book is brilliantly written and handles family and band issues well.
I won't ruin it, but there is a great storyline with a stalker that brings this whole book to life. I can't wait for book three in this series; I'm really enjoying them.
Zachary Zaba brings these two main characters to life. The narration is great, although I speeded up this audio to 1.20 on Audible, which is usual for me.
B-Mine Wayward Lane, Book 2 By: Ava Olsen Narrated by: Zachary Zaba Series: Wayward Lane, Book 2 Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration 📚📚📚📚 Story Read at 1.20 speed on Audible
I received this audiobook for free from GRR at my request. My review is my opinion and an honest review - neither the author nor GRR influenced my opinion.
Rockstar romance with heat and heart. Starting a series part way through can be risky and this was my first book from this author so I didn't know what to expect, but it was great - the story really did stand alone, whilst sitting comfortably in a setting where I can see how book 1 slotted in (but without feeling I was missing tons of backstory) and can see the future-echos of book 3 too. I really enjoyed the pairing of stoic bodyguard Dawson and flirty but relationship-averse guitarist Holloway. It has a great balance between a slow(ish) burn romance with a fast-paced story and a nice dollop of tension both from the interplay between the characters and the overall plot (no spoilers!) that held my interest from start to finish. The audiobook is really enjoyable, the narrator's performance is super energetic and engaging and brought the characters to life nicely. I'm off to read book one now...