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Nicole Dykes
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Defender (Kensley Panthers Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Nicole Dykes (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,124 ratings
Travis Wyatt
All I’ve ever wanted was to go to college and get out of Kensley.That small town is all I’ve ever known. I want to be free to be myself, not stifled by small minds in the football-loving town where I grew up.
And then I blew my one and only chance.
So now, I’m just stuck. Stuck in small-town life, with the same small-town people I’ve always known. Stuck where I don’t want to be. Constantly on the defense and hiding secrets about myself. To never be the real me.
I’m lost, and I’m angry. But those people I was desperate to get away from, they don’t stop. They insist on showing me that maybe it’s not about my location.
That maybe I can be free right where I am.
Oakley Easton
Travis is way too uptight. I don’t know why. He has everything a guy could want—a steady job and friends who would do anything for him. A great simple, small-town life. But I guess that’s not what he wants.
He’s always been different. Better. Smarter. Stronger.
Still, I find myself wanting to show him everything he’s dreamed of is within his grasp. That he doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. That he can be himself wherever he is, and I’ll back him up.
Because that’s what I’m good at—on and off the field. I’ll always be his defender.
If he’d only let me.
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  1. Book 3 of 5
    Kensley Panthers
  2. Print length
    210 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 17, 2023
  6. File size
    5.3 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. To say Travis Wyatt is beautiful would be an understatement. He’s perfect. That’s just a fact.
    Highlighted by 181 Kindle readers
  2. “You’re full of surprises, Oakley.” “Aren’t we all?” I respond with a smile, and my heart does this weird flutter thing when he smiles back at me. He should keep doing that. I really like it when he does that.
    Highlighted by 181 Kindle readers
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BJY83JQW
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 17, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 210 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Kensley Panthers
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,124 ratings

About the author

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Nicole Dykes

Nicole Dykes

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Nicole Dykes is a wife and a professional assistant/mom to two gorgeous girls. Currently residing in Kansas, she’s a lover of coffee, Kansas City Chiefs, and all things romance.

She's found her passion in writing M/M romance because love is love is love. Some popular works include Hostile, The Spark of Hope Series, and The Kensley Panthers Series!

Email at nicoledykes_author@yahoo.com

Or visit Www.authornicoledykes.com

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,124 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a fun, sweet romance with no angst, featuring a great couple who complement each other perfectly. The story receives positive feedback for its pacing, with one customer highlighting the simple life of a small town setting, while others appreciate the wonderful narrative. Customers describe the book as hot and steamy, with one review noting the magical love and chemistry between the characters.

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10 customers mention "Sweetness"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book sweet, with one describing it as the "sweetest series ever."

"...He's kind and crafty and loyal and hot as hell...." Read more

"...They give in and what follows is such a sweet romance with fantastic heat! Everyone around them sees how good they are for each other but themselves...." Read more

"...🎶 Simple - Florida Georgia Line Oakley!!!! Oh sweet and lovable Oakley has found his way to my top book boyfriends list, and I don’t see..." Read more

"This was sweet. This entire series has been sweet. At first I didn’t see any chemistry but in the end, I think they worked really well...." Read more

7 customers mention "Angst level"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the lack of angst in the book, with one customer describing the main character as a ball of energy and joy.

"...He's just so content and happy with his life and he radiates joy to everyone around him. Even slightly grumpy and buttoned up Travis!..." Read more

"...Oakley is a ball of energy and joy, and I immediately pictured him as a Husky, vibrating with the need to be where he can be out creating stuff and..." Read more

"...Oakley is so sunshiny and happy. He is loud and says what he means. Travis is quiet and a bit grumpy. They are a great fit! Travis is gay...." Read more

"...I really liked Travis and Oakley. There's no angst in this book so it basically breezes right on through...." Read more

7 customers mention "Fun read"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one mentioning it's a great addition to the series, while another describes it as "no strings fun."

"Another amazing book for the series. I was super excited to read Travis and Oakley's book! I legit read it in one day! Couldn't put it down...." Read more

"...Overall this was a quick, feel good read. I'm looking forward to Coach's story next!" Read more

"...This is a great book to add to this series! I love following small town stories through multiple books!" Read more

"...Loved how Travis grew and learned to relax and have fun and see the beauty in simple things. Great story." Read more

7 customers mention "Romance"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with several noting that the characters are great together, and one customer describing the love and chemistry as magical.

"...Even slightly grumpy and buttoned up Travis! They were so great together, Oakley just wanting to go for it with a man for the first time and Travis..." Read more

"...Their love blossomed and it hit hard, yet neither would admit it...." Read more

"Travis and Oakley make a great couple. Travis is so angry and defeated at the beginning while Oakley is just pure fun and happiness...." Read more

"...These two seem like an unlikely pair, but are really so perfect together!" Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one mentioning the love for small-town Kinsley and another appreciating the simple life of a small town.

"...He was so sweet and caring about Travis...." Read more

"I love coming back to small town Kinsley and seeing the boys have been doing. Travis has always hated living in a small town and farming...." Read more

"...in the Kensley Panthers series and let me just say Travis and Oakley are precious!..." Read more

"...I read it in under 24 hours so... I really liked Travis and Oakley...." Read more

6 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story, with one describing it as a wonderful book in the series and another noting its cheeky drama.

"...This was such a sweet story. I love this whole series and I can’t wait for coach’s book." Read more

"Loved the story. The push pull banter dynamic of Oakley and Travis was hysterical. Oakley is a the definition of golden retriever energy...." Read more

"...happened almost too fast, but at the same time: this is such a wonderful story! Nicole has outdone herself. Applause!" Read more

"Yes, friends-ish to lovers!!! Love these types of stories!!! Absolutely love this author and all of her stories!!! I need more!!!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Steamy scenes"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy scenes in the book, describing them as hot and scorching.

"...He's kind and crafty and loyal and hot as hell...." Read more

"...They give in and what follows is such a sweet romance with fantastic heat! Everyone around them sees how good they are for each other but themselves...." Read more

"...These two just really complemented each other and the steamy scenes were just🔥🔥!!..." Read more

"...the relationship development, the cheeky drama, and the scorching scenes, every single thing about this book was perfection." Read more

3 customers mention "Strength"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the strength of the character, noting their strong will and vulnerability at the same time.

"...There’s no guile, no games, nothing held back, he loves just like he lives. But sometimes people overlook him...." Read more

"...He was strong yet vulnerable at the same time. They were both meant to be with each other. Another beautiful book. Thank you." Read more

"...I love these characters who are so strong willed. I can't wait for more." Read more

Sensitive, simple and full of heart, Defender is a sweet read.
5 out of 5 stars
Sensitive, simple and full of heart, Defender is a sweet read.
Nicole has the uncanny ability of writing stories that are a balm to my hear. With truly beautiful characters, a simple, no fuss plotline and all the love in the world, this story perfectly captures the essence of growth. Through exploring, and discovering to acceptance and peace, Oakley and Travis show that if you have the right people in your corner, you'll never need anything more. 4.5 stars and a porch swing
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Ashley C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely loved this one!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Another amazing book for the series. I was super excited to read Travis and Oakley's book! I legit read it in one day! Couldn't put it down. Oakley is the book boyfriend I love to read about and hope to have one day in real life. He likes his life simple and fun. To him sitting on his porch swing and doing a job he enjoys, and that makes the world prettier while building a house someday in a small town is fulfilling. He doesn't need more than that, and Travis hates that about him because he does. His whole life, he was denied the things he wanted to do that his parents didn't understand. They wanted him to stay in their small town and run the family farm, but Travis dreamed of being free going to college and just being himself. But then he and Oakley start to get closer and eventually start a friends with benefits relationship after Oakley finds out Travis is gay and develops an attraction to him that he wants to explore. And since they both want different things, they figured their arrangement would be perfect because neither would fall for the other, and no one would get hurt. But the closer and hotter they get, the more Travis sees in Oakley and realizes that he's not just a loud jock who doesn't take things too seriously. He's kind and crafty and loyal and hot as hell. All Oakley wanted was to make sure Travis had the freedom to decide what he wanted and for him to be happy no matter if his happiness included college and big cities and not him. But Travis learned that sometimes dreams change, and what you thought you wanted isn't all you thought it would be. Simple doesn't mean you're settling. It means doing what makes you happy and sharing your life with the person you love. I swear when the confessions finally happened, I was bawling my eyes out at how beautiful they were together. How different they are yet how they compliment each other and bring out the best in the other. It's definitely a swoonworthy spicy book that I'd definitely read more than once. And that gets me excited for the next book in the series!
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  • Lisa L Teetz
    4.0 out of 5 stars Oakley and Travis!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This was such an enjoyable read! Oakley is such a great character. He's just so content and happy with his life and he radiates joy to everyone around him. Even slightly grumpy and buttoned up Travis! They were so great together, Oakley just wanting to go for it with a man for the first time and Travis so reserved and unsure. They give in and what follows is such a sweet romance with fantastic heat! Everyone around them sees how good they are for each other but themselves. There's some expected miscommunication for 2 young men just starting out navigating life after high school, but the resolution was great! Jamison and Garrison are back as the best friends and round out the small town, family feel story. Overall this was a quick, feel good read. I'm looking forward to Coach's story next!
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  • Eswartz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Travis and Oakley are amazing
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    🪵 🔥 🌳
    🌟 BOOK REVIEW 🌟
    Defender by Nicole Dykes
    🎶 Simple - Florida Georgia Line

    Oakley!!!! Oh sweet and lovable Oakley has found his way to my top book boyfriends list, and I don’t see him dropping anytime soon! Travis and Oakley hated each other kn high school. Well more so grumpy Travis hated sunshiny Oakley solely because he stood for everything about small towns Travis hated! Yet they were drawn to one another when they had no one else. And I mean magnetic.

    It’s like once Oakley found out Travis was gay, it flipped a switch. Oakley saw Travis is a new light and his mission to get Travis laid, resulted in a friends with benefits situation. You know, just until Travis finds his dream and moves on. Speaking off, those scenes hurt so much, the sheer selflessness from Oakley had me melting. Just know, dreams always change and evolve. Travis finds all he never knew he needed so close to home.

    These two burn from the beginning. Besides their banter and snarking, It’s a relatively mod/fast burn book and just keeps getting better! Their love blossomed and it hit hard, yet neither would admit it. The way they each always had each others back no matter what was couple goals, for sure. Oh, and the love from both sets of parents, eventually, was absolutely amazing! Especially considering the small minded town they were raised!

    I absolutely loved every minute and I may say, this book and Oakley himself has made my favorite read of Nicole’s MM books. 🥰 Without a doubt. Oh and a big plus is we get to see old friends again from the prior books in the series!!

    ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5
    One person found this helpful
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  • Liyah S.
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5⭐️ for this new release!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I love the Kensley Panthers series so much. Small town stories are my favorite. I love seeing a tight knit community where everyone knows everyone.

    This story follows Travis and Oakley who we met in the previous books in this series. I loved getting to know these two characters and seeing how completely different they are from one another.

    Oakley is larger than life with a big heart who loves his small town and the life he has. He loves his job, his friends, and of course football.

    Travis wants more than a small town life with small minded people. He wants to forge his own path in life and make his own decisions.

    Together these two were like oil and water. Always bickering and getting on each others nerves but in a way they still can get along. They work for the same landscaping company and both of their best friends are dating each other donor course they are around each other all the time. Oakley also lives next door to them so he’s definitely bombarding them 24/7.

    I loved this story and they way Oakley always left the big decisions up to Travis. He knew what Travis wanted out of life and never tried to hold him back. He was so sweet and caring about Travis. He showed him that not all plans go according to plan and that you can have an even better dream than the one you always wanted.

    I loved watching their relationship progress and see them slowly build a life together little by little.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Dea
    5.0 out of 5 stars just gets better
    Reviewed in Canada on April 19, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I’m somehow surprised to love the next couple as much or more than the last. This is such a good read. I was actually disappointed when I was around 87% because I just didn’t want it to end. So good!!
    Report
  • Carly
    5.0 out of 5 stars A New Dream
    Reviewed in Australia on December 29, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Have I gone down a rabbit hole? Yes, have I read three of these books in a row, also yes! I think this one’s might’ve been my favourite in the Kensley Panthers series! Travis and Oakley’s story was absolutely 5 stars!
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  • Jayne Cormack
    5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Another amazing book with the charm of small towns at the focus. At taking life and living it in its simplest forms in the way that makes you happy! Oakley is a beautiful soul, some one so open to all that life has to offer. And Travis the the right person to get him more serious but Oakley is the light and fun that reminds travis to live in the moment too
    Report
  • Miss Dysfunktion
    4.0 out of 5 stars This is absolutely one of my fave series from Nicole!
    Reviewed in Australia on April 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Defender is book three in the Kensley Panthers series.

    Travis and Oakley couldn't be more different. They want different things, they don't even really like each most of the time. But when their best friends got together their proximity was pulled closer. Their story is exactly what I'd hoped for.

    This is absolutely one of my fave series from Nicole. It's just so damn sweet and wholesome, even when they don't like each other. Not only did I binge read it in one sitting I'll be diving into a reread of Keeper with the audio released now just because I can. Because this world is easy to fall back into and the characters are hard not to love.
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  • Lara Knowles
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Once again a brilliant book From Nicole! Travis and Oakley's relationship is beautiful and I loved watching it grow!
    Oakley is nothing like we think from the previous book. He's sweet and caring and thinks so much of others even to his own detriment. Travis is far to in his head but that's the beauty of the relationship. I don't want to spoil the book by saying more so go read it!
    Customer image
    Lara Knowles
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Brilliant.

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2023
    Once again a brilliant book From Nicole! Travis and Oakley's relationship is beautiful and I loved watching it grow!
    Oakley is nothing like we think from the previous book. He's sweet and caring and thinks so much of others even to his own detriment. Travis is far to in his head but that's the beauty of the relationship. I don't want to spoil the book by saying more so go read it!
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