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Men of Vanguard #2
Infernal Justice
I save superheroes for a living, even if I hate those egotistical bastards.
My inability to control my temper got me transferred to Heroes Emergency Medical Services. These supposed heroes destroy the city trying to stop villains. When they fall in battle, it’s my job to keep them alive. Work is my life, which explains why I can’t maintain more than meaningless one-night-stands. My life is about to change when a dying superhero chooses me to inherit their cosmic powers. Trust me, I find it ironic, too.
A new supervillain has found a way to depower every super in Vanguard City, all except one. Aiden is an up-and-coming reporter fixated on discovering the truth behind the supernatural phenomena. His persistence would be a turn on, except his obsession is with the Vanguard’s only remaining hero: me. Hard to date a man capable of detecting my lies.
I’m no hero, but I’m Vanguard City’s last defense. This is going to end badly.
Infernal Justice is a M/M, heart-felt adventure with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features snark and sex, but not always in that order. This is book two in the Men of Vanguard series.
My inability to control my temper got me transferred to Heroes Emergency Medical Services. These supposed heroes destroy the city trying to stop villains. When they fall in battle, it’s my job to keep them alive. Work is my life, which explains why I can’t maintain more than meaningless one-night-stands. My life is about to change when a dying superhero chooses me to inherit their cosmic powers. Trust me, I find it ironic, too.
A new supervillain has found a way to depower every super in Vanguard City, all except one. Aiden is an up-and-coming reporter fixated on discovering the truth behind the supernatural phenomena. His persistence would be a turn on, except his obsession is with the Vanguard’s only remaining hero: me. Hard to date a man capable of detecting my lies.
I’m no hero, but I’m Vanguard City’s last defense. This is going to end badly.
Infernal Justice is a M/M, heart-felt adventure with an HEA and no cliffhangers. It features snark and sex, but not always in that order. This is book two in the Men of Vanguard series.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2022
50 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Ryder O'Malley
73 books92 followersRyder acts as if he doesn’t watch sappy movies. He won’t admit to daydreaming about ex-boyfriends and asking “What if…” He’s a closet romantic who gets anxious about first dates. In a world filled with turmoil, he’s wants to drown in warm, fuzzy moments that make his heart swell. He loves bringing his chaotic dating life to the forefront. While he calls himself a romance writer, he likes to think of it as fanfic about his life. Someday… it’ll become a reality. Until then, he’ll invent dreamy men that make him tear up at their insistence that love always wins.
Ryder lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, living his happily ever-after. When he’s not writing, he can be found working on book covers (which means he’s admiring huskular bears with more than a little chest hair.)
Ryder lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, living his happily ever-after. When he’s not writing, he can be found working on book covers (which means he’s admiring huskular bears with more than a little chest hair.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 4, 2022
This book reminds me of the tv series on amazon prime about supes
August 8, 2022
I love Xander, grumpy, absolutely-did-not-want-these-powers-but-now-has-them Xander: he feels delightfully real, and his frustrations about balancing superherohood, anger management, and feelings for a guy he likes but meets at kinda the worst possible moment (see other issues listed above) are all relatably drawn. Aiden is a decent guy and a good fit for Xander, and there’s plenty of mystery and intrigue and interest to be found in the plot that surrounds them: heroes losing their powers, nefarious plotting, etc. All in all, a really enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
April 20, 2022
Ryder continues to impress with his follow up novel. The characters are as burly and sexy as ever and the new POV character is compelling and evolves in wonderful ways as the story progresses. I am a lifelong fan of Ryder and this series!
October 24, 2022
I have to admit I had my doubts about this book. It started fine, then got a bit choppy, disorientating and rather fragmented, but the last third was good and evened it out. I love good fight and a HAE. I am still not sure how I feel about characters, because I understood them better only at the end, but even then I am not really sure. There are a few inconsistencies, like basketball shorts turning into jeans, but other than that this was an interesting spin on superheroes and their universe.
August 12, 2022
This is the second in the Men of Vanguard series, it can be read as a standalone but the first book serves as a great introduction to this world, I think.
We briefly meet Xander in the first book, but this is his story. He's a paramedic who is tasked with saving the supers, both heroes and villains, but while he's good at his job, he still harbours some animosity towards the powered for not taking enough care with the aftermath or looking after the 'normal' people. He's an angry person in general, definitely with some anger management issues.
I wasn't sure I liked Xander all that much, I did like the idea of someone who didn't care for heroes, becoming one, it was a nice idea and executed fairly well too. This was less of a love story than it was a hero origin story, I felt the love story with Xander and Aiden was secondary to Xander's hero story - that isn't a criticism, it's just how I saw it. I liked the intrigue of what happened to the heroes, it's nothing that hasn't been done before but the story moved along well enough that I was keen to see how it all played out.
Overall I enjoyed it, it's a good take on superheroes with a little romance on the side too. I really just want Bernard's story now.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
We briefly meet Xander in the first book, but this is his story. He's a paramedic who is tasked with saving the supers, both heroes and villains, but while he's good at his job, he still harbours some animosity towards the powered for not taking enough care with the aftermath or looking after the 'normal' people. He's an angry person in general, definitely with some anger management issues.
I wasn't sure I liked Xander all that much, I did like the idea of someone who didn't care for heroes, becoming one, it was a nice idea and executed fairly well too. This was less of a love story than it was a hero origin story, I felt the love story with Xander and Aiden was secondary to Xander's hero story - that isn't a criticism, it's just how I saw it. I liked the intrigue of what happened to the heroes, it's nothing that hasn't been done before but the story moved along well enough that I was keen to see how it all played out.
Overall I enjoyed it, it's a good take on superheroes with a little romance on the side too. I really just want Bernard's story now.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
August 12, 2022
A different perspective on heroes this time
Xander's job involving dealing with the tragic aftermath of the heroes' casual destruction of property and lives, all in the name of 'protecting' Vanguard City, makes his attitude towards said heroes less favourable than many of his fellow citizens. Seeing him suddenly powerful himself, with no instruction manual to help him, was funny and sad and emotional. I loved all his interactions with his friends at breakfast and I'm so looking forward to Alejandro's and Bernard's stories.
The blurb tells you what to expect of Infernal Justice. Watching Zander struggle with his new powers while the two women in his life (one old, one new) run rings round him, and finding love unexpectedly kept me turning the pages. The only problem I had is the love aspect was very quick, with not enough depth for me, and I wanted more connection between them, but I still loved Xander enough to give this five stars.
Xander's job involving dealing with the tragic aftermath of the heroes' casual destruction of property and lives, all in the name of 'protecting' Vanguard City, makes his attitude towards said heroes less favourable than many of his fellow citizens. Seeing him suddenly powerful himself, with no instruction manual to help him, was funny and sad and emotional. I loved all his interactions with his friends at breakfast and I'm so looking forward to Alejandro's and Bernard's stories.
The blurb tells you what to expect of Infernal Justice. Watching Zander struggle with his new powers while the two women in his life (one old, one new) run rings round him, and finding love unexpectedly kept me turning the pages. The only problem I had is the love aspect was very quick, with not enough depth for me, and I wanted more connection between them, but I still loved Xander enough to give this five stars.
August 15, 2022
Fun newbie supe story! Xander, has been handled. He is moved to a position where his anger won't cause problems. He works as a paramedic making sure wounded superheroes don't die or cross over. He was a reluctant savior because the true conseqiences of superhero actions is not revealed. On one run, the unexpected happens and a superhero transfers his powers to Xander. Around the same time, all the superheroes are being wounded/killed. Aiden, works on a blog for Revelations and hopes to be a reporter one day. He is following the story about the phenomena experienced around the world. This is a fun, get to know your superhero self and getting to know a new sexy fun compatible guy while tasked with saving the world. Lots of excitement and adventure in a revolving crisis scenario. In their free time, Xander and Aiden get acquainted. Does Aiden get his reporter's gig? Deos Xander save the world? Absolutely fun. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2022
Xander is not a fan of superheroes and believes that the city would be better off without them. His job as EMT for superheroes annoys him sometimes since he can't help nearby wounded human to be available for injured heroes. One day he is at the scene of a big battle and comes to aid an alien superhero. The hero grabs him and says he is worthy and there is a bright flash of light. The alien dies which is the second loss Xander has had to deal with recently. Later Xander finds out that he has strange and unknown powers that activate when he is in trouble. Xander has to adjust to his new powers because mysteriously almost all of the superheroes have disappeared from the city. Xander has also found a man he is interested in. Aiden helped him when he almost fell off a bridge and Xander is immediately drawn to him. The problem is Aiden loves superheroes and his job is to report on them. How is Xander going to keep his secret> Can Xander find and rescue the missing heroes?
September 13, 2022
What is a man to do when he thinks heroes are only in it for self-gratification...and then he becomes one?
But he doesn't fit the 'hero' mold.
He has a terrible temper.
Sometimes he really enjoys fighting just for the enjoyment of beating someone up.
But when all the heroes lose their powers, it falls to him to step forward and save the city.
And maybe grow as a boyfriend, a friend, and a human being.
A sweet romance hidden in a fast-paced action packed story with lots of 'really bad guys.'
But he doesn't fit the 'hero' mold.
He has a terrible temper.
Sometimes he really enjoys fighting just for the enjoyment of beating someone up.
But when all the heroes lose their powers, it falls to him to step forward and save the city.
And maybe grow as a boyfriend, a friend, and a human being.
A sweet romance hidden in a fast-paced action packed story with lots of 'really bad guys.'
August 15, 2022
Even better than book 1, this addition to the series has a captivating plot, that caught me since the beginning until the very last page. The story is agile and entertaining and it was a delight witnessing Xander overcoming his prejudices and previous experiences to find a way to save the day. The romance part of the story is wonderful and I especially enjoyed the funny banter and hilarious moments and misunderstandings between Xander and Aiden. Definitely another wonderful book about superheroes. I want more! pretty please with a cherry and a lot of sugar in top?
August 14, 2022
This book was a another fun read in this series. I have to say it took a bit longer you really get me hooked but it was an amazing second book in this superhero series.
I think I would have like a dual POV though like we had in the first book. I would have liked to know more of what Aiden was thinking. Xander was a great character to read though. He was so broody and stand offish but Aiden makes him a big teddy bear. I’m excited to see what’s next for these men and Vangaurd City. This is an action adventure before it’s a romance I think. But still loved their happy ending.
I think I would have like a dual POV though like we had in the first book. I would have liked to know more of what Aiden was thinking. Xander was a great character to read though. He was so broody and stand offish but Aiden makes him a big teddy bear. I’m excited to see what’s next for these men and Vangaurd City. This is an action adventure before it’s a romance I think. But still loved their happy ending.
August 15, 2022
The paramedic and the journalist.
Xander is a grumpy EMT. His job is to save superheroes. What he didn't expect is to be save one day. By none other than a journalist named Aiden. Piece by piece, his cold heart became a little warmer. In my opinion, Austin seemed really important to the story but didn't seem to have as much time dedicated to him as a MC.
Quite a few twists and surprises.
Overall, it was a really good addition to the superhero series lineup. Excited to read what's next.
**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Xander is a grumpy EMT. His job is to save superheroes. What he didn't expect is to be save one day. By none other than a journalist named Aiden. Piece by piece, his cold heart became a little warmer. In my opinion, Austin seemed really important to the story but didn't seem to have as much time dedicated to him as a MC.
Quite a few twists and surprises.
Overall, it was a really good addition to the superhero series lineup. Excited to read what's next.
**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
August 15, 2022
A book with lots of interesting takes on the typical superhero story. One, we get to see what happens when heroes get injured fighting those supervillains and what happens in the city left damaged in the fight. I guess we should have known there was a medical speciality in patching up superheroes. We also get to see a newly minted person try to learn to deal with his powers at the same time he's called upon to both hide his secret and defeat a supervillain. I really enjoyed the "behind the scenes" glimpses of superhero life in this story.
August 11, 2022
This is the story of Aiden and Xander. It is the 2nd book in the Men of Vanguard series. I found this one very entertaining and and liked it a little more than the first one. The chemistry between the two of them is great and I loved that Xander was kind of a reluctant hero. Made him more relatable to me. The laughter, intrigue and mystery keeps you reading and enjoying. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received this book as an Arc and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
August 14, 2022
Infernal Heart is the second book in the Men of Vanguard series. Xander is a paramedic, he wants to save everyone, but his priority is to save superheroes first. He has a serious attitude problems. He’s super grumpy. I really liked Aiden; a journalist saves Aiden’s life. I overall really enjoyed the story, but I didn’t feel we got enough of Aiden. I would have like a little more of him. Overall, a great story, a good follow up to the first book. Well written and the pacing kept me engaged.
August 15, 2022
I loved Xander! Infernal was a fresh take on the superhero tale because Xander didn’t particularly like heroes or want to be one. His views of heroes are unique as an insider (medic for the heroes) and frame his story in a way to make both it and his romance quote engaging. Then his reaction to having powers of his own was fun too because what if you became the thing you didn’t like? I LOVED how this book made me think.
August 6, 2022
Love me some Superpowered men
I love the concept of superhero’s with powers ready and willing to save the world from evil. Falling in love along the way just makes it so much better to read about. This is a great follow up to the first book and I look forward to a continued series.
I love the concept of superhero’s with powers ready and willing to save the world from evil. Falling in love along the way just makes it so much better to read about. This is a great follow up to the first book and I look forward to a continued series.
August 6, 2022
Another superhero novel! Xander was a paramedic one day then the next he was a super hero, he never wanted to be one in fact he wasn’t a fan of saving them either but one day everything changed for him including his love life! These guys are super sweet together! This book was full of laughter, love & so much more! 😀❤️😀❤️
August 8, 2022
This is the second book in this amazing series! This is Xander and Aiden’s story! Book two is just as awesome as book one! Action, intrigue, angst, romantic and steamy. This book has everything! I can't wait for boom three! I loved it! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
August 13, 2022
Infernal Justice is the second in the Men of Vanguard series. This gives us the story of Aiden and Xander.
I loved that Xander is such a reluctant hero. The chemistry between these two is great.
This is a very entertaining read and I loved the laughter, intrigue and mystery that keeps you reading and enjoying the book. Definitely recommended.
I loved that Xander is such a reluctant hero. The chemistry between these two is great.
This is a very entertaining read and I loved the laughter, intrigue and mystery that keeps you reading and enjoying the book. Definitely recommended.
August 13, 2022
This story is about Xander and Aiden. It's funny to read about someone with anger management issues who hates superheroes and then becomes one himself after trying to help an injured hero. Aiden is a great guy who is a reporter trying to make a name for himself. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
August 4, 2022
Men of Vanguard!!
I really enjoyed this second book in the Men of Vanguard series. This reluctant superhero romance was funny and heartwarming. I am extremely excited to see what happens next in the series!
I really enjoyed this second book in the Men of Vanguard series. This reluctant superhero romance was funny and heartwarming. I am extremely excited to see what happens next in the series!
August 13, 2022
He has a temper which is why he now has to save the lives of superheroes. He is about to become the last hope for everyone when a dying superhero gifts him their powers. What will he need to do? Can he do it? How will he get on? See just how he will deal with this new life and see how he gets on
August 16, 2022
such a cute superhero story.. it was well written and fun. it was sweet and it was fun to read about how this guy who hates superheros becomes one.. and how he becomes who he needs to become.. it was wonderfully written and i enjoyed reading it.
August 15, 2022
Book 2 in this action packed series. when the characters hate a certain groups. what happens when things take a huge turn of events. anger and patience are good combination for partners
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January 30, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/21/2022)! 🎁
September 24, 2022
It's hilarious how much I enjoy this series since superheroes aren't my thing at all.
July 12, 2025
It's hard to believe this is the same person who wrote Bears of Firefly Valley, cause that series rocked while this one... let's say if I haven't read BFV before this, I would have given up - repeatedly, if that was possible.
The first book was mostly okay with a few terrible chapters but this one is really putting me off. It's just okay enough to give me hope, and I do like the genre and I wanted to root for Xander and there are glimses and times of niceness, but oh my godness gracious, he is one ashat jerkface. For someone known for complaining about superheroes, he sure is quick to beat up a teenager gangster or think about pummeling a reporter for writing something not nice about him. Like, are we doing a morally grey character or just a petty jerk with SERIOUS anger management issues? Like his red flags have red flags which is just unreal considering he is a medic who spends his days saving lives and putting himself in danger to help people. Reading a book where you don't like the main character? Sucks, to say the least. Not to mention his super weird sexual... something? Identity? Monologues? I know people are different and see things differently and yadday, yadda, but this guys manages to make the most mundane stuff sound both creepy and absurd. I'd post here some highlights cause it's not something that can be explained, only experienced, but I listened to it as an audiobook which also helped with the amount of patience I have as well as skipping the super weird/disgusting parts. And there were glimses, just enough nice scenes to get you hoping it'll get better, that Xander is a good guy given a supernatural disorder and he needs to adjust and grow into his powers to get back to being a decent human being
As a hero origin story, it sure can be considered unique but I had to slog through the bad parts to get to something resembling nice and it never lasted long enough to make a difference.
The first book was mostly okay with a few terrible chapters but this one is really putting me off. It's just okay enough to give me hope, and I do like the genre and I wanted to root for Xander and there are glimses and times of niceness, but oh my godness gracious, he is one ashat jerkface. For someone known for complaining about superheroes, he sure is quick to beat up a teenager gangster or think about pummeling a reporter for writing something not nice about him. Like, are we doing a morally grey character or just a petty jerk with SERIOUS anger management issues? Like his red flags have red flags which is just unreal considering he is a medic who spends his days saving lives and putting himself in danger to help people. Reading a book where you don't like the main character? Sucks, to say the least. Not to mention his super weird sexual... something? Identity? Monologues? I know people are different and see things differently and yadday, yadda, but this guys manages to make the most mundane stuff sound both creepy and absurd. I'd post here some highlights cause it's not something that can be explained, only experienced, but I listened to it as an audiobook which also helped with the amount of patience I have as well as skipping the super weird/disgusting parts. And there were glimses, just enough nice scenes to get you hoping it'll get better, that Xander is a good guy given a supernatural disorder and he needs to adjust and grow into his powers to get back to being a decent human being
As a hero origin story, it sure can be considered unique but I had to slog through the bad parts to get to something resembling nice and it never lasted long enough to make a difference.
May 10, 2025
Xander has anger management issues. As a medic, he's (mostly) managed to control his temper, but they slip out often enough that his friends are aware of them. His friends are the Breakfast Club and they meet at for breakfast at Chad's coffee shop most every morning and keep each other up to date on their lives. Chad (#0.5, Irresistible Power), Griffin (#1 Infamous Heart), Alejandro (#3
Iridescent Lust), and Bernard (#4 Invincible Nemesis) round out the Breakfast Club, and they all live in the city of Vanguard, home to superpowered heroes, villains, vigilantes, and magic users of all stripes. One night Xander and his rig partner Lei are dispatched to a local bridge where there's a terrific battle going. Against orders, Xander decides to check the bridge for anyone who might help. The first man he meets is definitely a cute cubby but he's an asshole. Minutes later as part of the bridge falls, Xander nearly falls with it, except that cute cub Aiden helps him. The two men flee the bridge's destruction, and are separated, only for Xander to stop and help a dying yellow alien... who bequeathes him his power suit. Surprise, Xander's now a super hero and not doing a great job of it. Even as he fucks things up, his desire to do good makes him enemies even as he runs into Aiden again and again. Now a villain named Smoke who's equally as slipper is coming for Xander and he's got to decide which is worth more, saving the people of the city or saving the hot guy he's boning and really, really, likes?
This was a step up from the author's earlier stuff. Xander's not super deep but the world building is interesting, if not a bit predictable, sort of an amalgamation of based on multiple superhero series. Wish Aiden had gotten a bit more character building.
I rate this right in the middle, not quite 3, more like 2.75.
Iridescent Lust), and Bernard (#4 Invincible Nemesis) round out the Breakfast Club, and they all live in the city of Vanguard, home to superpowered heroes, villains, vigilantes, and magic users of all stripes. One night Xander and his rig partner Lei are dispatched to a local bridge where there's a terrific battle going. Against orders, Xander decides to check the bridge for anyone who might help. The first man he meets is definitely a cute cubby but he's an asshole. Minutes later as part of the bridge falls, Xander nearly falls with it, except that cute cub Aiden helps him. The two men flee the bridge's destruction, and are separated, only for Xander to stop and help a dying yellow alien... who bequeathes him his power suit. Surprise, Xander's now a super hero and not doing a great job of it. Even as he fucks things up, his desire to do good makes him enemies even as he runs into Aiden again and again. Now a villain named Smoke who's equally as slipper is coming for Xander and he's got to decide which is worth more, saving the people of the city or saving the hot guy he's boning and really, really, likes?
This was a step up from the author's earlier stuff. Xander's not super deep but the world building is interesting, if not a bit predictable, sort of an amalgamation of based on multiple superhero series. Wish Aiden had gotten a bit more character building.
I rate this right in the middle, not quite 3, more like 2.75.
November 1, 2024
Okay, the plot is a journalist obsessed with superheroes and a man with powers who doesn’t want them. Sound familiar? Yes, this is so much like the first book that I wasn’t even positive at first that they were different people. It wasn’t until his anger issues started to surface that I realized what was going on. I liked that touch, though. Most superheroes don’t have anger issues. The first was more original but the people in this more tolerable.
There are a lot of things I don’t like about this series but the one thing that I truly love is how the heroes adore the fact that the love interests are “thick”/chubby. They refer them to others as hot guys and nobody blinks an eye. I’d like to see a chubby superhero though.
The other thing I like is lots of action and peril. But there was not enough of the latter and a little too much of the former. It actually got boring as it was more and more of the same. I wanted our heroes to be near death. I specifically want the love interest to be hurt. There was one moment that was really good but I wanted more. I’m a sick puppy; I admit it.
There were some really strong women, physically, emotionally and intellectually, but none were heroes and there weren’t any people that even appeared to be non-white. This is really tiring.
The epilogues were good and set the stage for the next book in the series but I really hope there’s something different to the plot. Oh and more of that suit. It kicks ass.
I don’t know ic I’ll read the next one. Probably not anytime soon.
The narrator, Lance West, was pretty good although at times it sounded like he had a lisp. It could have just been the recording though. Some of the voices were too similar so it wasn’t always clear who was talking.
There are a lot of things I don’t like about this series but the one thing that I truly love is how the heroes adore the fact that the love interests are “thick”/chubby. They refer them to others as hot guys and nobody blinks an eye. I’d like to see a chubby superhero though.
The other thing I like is lots of action and peril. But there was not enough of the latter and a little too much of the former. It actually got boring as it was more and more of the same. I wanted our heroes to be near death. I specifically want the love interest to be hurt. There was one moment that was really good but I wanted more. I’m a sick puppy; I admit it.
There were some really strong women, physically, emotionally and intellectually, but none were heroes and there weren’t any people that even appeared to be non-white. This is really tiring.
The epilogues were good and set the stage for the next book in the series but I really hope there’s something different to the plot. Oh and more of that suit. It kicks ass.
I don’t know ic I’ll read the next one. Probably not anytime soon.
The narrator, Lance West, was pretty good although at times it sounded like he had a lisp. It could have just been the recording though. Some of the voices were too similar so it wasn’t always clear who was talking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews