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Guarding the Gods #3

More Than My Words

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Mason Foxworth has spent the last several months recovering from injuries he received doing personal security while on tour during the horrific fire in Germany. He'd been hitting his stride professionally when he fell through the floor that night, and now his life had been reduced to weekly appointments with physical therapists and various doctors while everyone else around him seemed to have moved on.He felt useless and alone, and the worst part of it, the physical scarring left behind on his legs from the burns had ruined his self-esteem. Who would want him now, when he was so damaged inside and out and he had nothing much to contribute? He didn't have a lot of friends and his co-workers felt it was safer to keep Mason at a desk in the office doing paperwork, rather than out in the field doing security. Mason wanted to get that status changed before he lost the last threads of his sanity, and the main obstacle in his way was a bum leg that was taking far too long to heal.Tessler is an enigma in the sci-fi literary world. A young, reclusive author, known for the mystery swirling around him, he realizes he's lost any real joy in his life when he suddenly starts to feel the strange emotion pumping through his veins. Barely beyond the age of twenty-five and he's already made more money than most see in a lifetime, but Tessler feels empty within himself and also inside his two-story, meticulously renovated warehouse in the burbs of Los Angeles. What made him this way must remain the mystery it is, or he feels he'll lose the empire he's created. But meeting a man he feels could bring all his pieces together is challenging his reasons for anonymity and Tessler suddely finds himself wanting more from life and from himself.Mason wants his life back and Tessler is just looking to have a real life. Can two vastly different men find a way to smooth out their hard edges and blend their lives to offer the one ingredient neither love? Personal growth comes in many different shapes and Mason and Tessler have a mountain of it to climb in order to find their HEA.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2018

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About the author

Ann Lister

46 books833 followers
Ann Lister is a native New Englander currently living in Florida with her husband. She has pulled details from her years living in the New England area and uses many local settings and landmarks in her novels.

After graduating art school, marrying, and raising two daughters, she established her own video production company. Her nearly two decades working in video production included work within the music industry and won her a coveted Telly Award. Her 'behind-the-scenes' exposure to the music world and her love of rock music is the inspiration for her erotic rock star romances.

The Rock Gods series gave her Bestselling Author status on Amazon. Beyond The Music, Book 7 in the series, reached #1 in Gay Erotica in the Pre-Order and held that spot for several weeks. The last book in the series launches the spin-off series, Guarding The Gods, which is releasing in early summer 2016.

Fall For Me, Book One in the series was a Finalist in the 2013 Rainbow Award. Each book in this series brings her two favorite elements together: musicians and the love between two men. These stories focus on what it truly means to love; love unconditionally, love without restrictions or labels, love without fear or judgment – to just simply love.

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5 stars
191 (47%)
4 stars
141 (35%)
3 stars
57 (14%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
May 17, 2018
No pleasure in reading this one and tbh, I finished it only because it’s part of a monthly reading challenge.

It should have worked : I enjoyed Ann Lister’s previous series "The rock Gods". And this book was about a bodyguard badly injured and fighting to recover, meeting an enigmatic and successful author wanting nothing more than to protect his identity and private life.

But, no, this time, the writing didn’t agree with me, the plot felt weak and the few parts that could have hold my interest were not developed. There wasn't much that I liked : sorry :-(
386 reviews23 followers
March 1, 2018
3.5 STARS

There parts of this book I really enjoyed, but there were parts I thought were a little too unbelievable. I find it hard to believe an author could have 2 pen names, and remain almost completely anonymous. Maybe I'm very wrong, but that is just my opinion. Also, why would an author write a book, and state it was based on their experiences if they were so afraid of being found out. Just sell it as complete fiction!? My biggest problem was how insecure Mason was throughout the whole novel. I definitely sympathized with him, but it become quite grating after a while. This was a fucking Marine who served multiple tours in Afghanistan, and he seemed overly concerned with his scars at all times. I can't imagine how it would've been if his face had been scarred. I loved the author's dedication to Sandrine Gasq-Dion in the beginning of the book, who was an author I loved!! She will be greatly missed. I normally love this author, but it kinda was a miss for me.
Profile Image for Kindle Alexander.
Author 33 books3,611 followers
March 23, 2018
My writing partner finished this story before me, and her exact words were: It's f-ing great!

Ann Lister can write. We love this whole series and can't wait for more. Four thumbs up, and everyone please leave Ann alone so she can write, write, write. More Than My Words is sexy hot, but also a tremendous story.

High recommend this book, it can be read as a standalone, but you're missing out if you haven't read the first two. The storyline is Amazing. So very well done.
Profile Image for Valerie Degeorge.
325 reviews125 followers
February 28, 2018

Definitely a five star plus read
This book is brilliant Ann blew it away
I absolutely can’t recommend it enough


This story is so full of emotions! I’m absolutely in love! Ann did such a brilliant job on this book. I loved watching these characters grow both broken yet so beautifully put together

We get to catch up on Mason after he was injured in the fire guarding our favorite Rock Gods.
I’ve always been intrigued by Mason and in this story Ann gave us such insight into who he really is and I’ll tell you I’ve now fallen hard. I cried with him, I laughed with him, and now I’m in love with him. lol

Tessler.... what can I say.
Swoon
He's an introvert hiding from his past, but fully successful.
Wait till you meet him! He’s got so many layers, and I loved watching them all come out.

I’m vague in my review and I'm sorry, but I don’t want to give anything away.
I’m so in love with this story. It will stay in my heart forever.

Ann what can I say ..... you’re brilliant. Thank you for giving us another beautiful masterpiece.
You rocked this book.
Congratulations!
And ...... look out for the Surprise to come!
Now Go One Click this Now!!!!

Profile Image for DeeNeez.
1,787 reviews13 followers
August 8, 2018
I like the very beginning, and all the plot action towards the end. But the middle and majority was just the two MC getting it on. Too much fluff in the middle. Overall a good, yet predictable read.
Profile Image for Joanne Mountford.
317 reviews21 followers
February 28, 2018


I have a special place in my heart for this series. The guards that have The Rock Gods backs are turning out to be just as beautiful with a burning passion that sets the pages alight.

Mason Foxworth was severely burnt while protecting The Rock Gods during their time on tour. He’s determined to get back on his feet and return to work. Whilst Doctors believed his leg to be too damaged, Mason wouldn’t let it stop him from living his life just as he always had. With pure grit and determination Mason fights everyday to take back his life.

Tessler an Author with an alias, well…. I know a few of them. It seems that Authors tend to write under different names when delving into other genres. There is an air of mystery about him that definitely needs to be uncovered. They do say it’s always the quiet ones to watch out for. Like many people has a past, his a little more colourful than most.

I’m looking forward to reading Tessler’s journal to find out exactly what, how and when he did the things he has spoken about. It sounds highly erotic, a little on the naughty side, but who doesn’t like a little bit of naughty?

Mason strikes up a friendship with Tessler, actually I’m not sure who befriends who first. I think it’s both. The first introductions are always the worst. Poor Mason who is normally a self assured man isn’t coming off all that well put together.

Tessler’s past catches up with him in the form of his ex agent. The man sounds vile and needs to crawl back under the rock he came from. Mason goes into protective mode, but Tessler isn’t about to be pushed around either.

With two hotties steaming up my kindle it was constantly plugged into the mains until the story was over. Mason and Tessler are just as delicious as the cover suggests.

This story was well worth the wait and I looked forward to reading so much more from this Author.
Profile Image for Ashley Lambert.
181 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2018
I've been waiting ever so patiently for this book and.. i have to say it was definitely worth the wait! I love ann lister and her books! , More than my words was action packed and romantic all in one, i really loved it, she nailed it again, i always look forward to the next book, 5 stars from me!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Reilley.
1,087 reviews27 followers
February 28, 2018
More than words.

I am a huge fan of Ann's and this book met and exceeded my expectations. I fell in love with these guys and story.

Mason works for Venture Security and we met him in previous books. He was injured while working. Now he is recovering and trying to get back to himself. He is working hard and nothing is going to stop him.

He meets Tessler, which we find out is an author, and initially don't hit it off but there is a definite attraction there.

I loved their connection to each other and communication with each other. I loved their sweetness toward each other and their protectiveness too.

We got to see some characters from the past and some to look forward to in the future.

Ann had my heart full of love by the end. These two are definitely my top of Ann's characters.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,713 reviews
Shelved as 'dnf-not-for-me'
April 15, 2018
59% and I just can’t get into this at all. Boring af and I’m not sure why. Can’t say I’ve liked these books as much as the bands stories.
Profile Image for Leci Forde.
371 reviews
July 14, 2018
I loved Mason and Gavin

This book was my favorite in this series. They were a matched set and I loved the very natural evolution of the relationship. This book can be read as a stand-alone but would be better read in order of 5he series!
Profile Image for Melisha.
364 reviews
July 14, 2018
A must read

This book is a must read as much as the rest of the series has been. I absolutely love this series and was happy to see Mason get his HEA.
Profile Image for F..
1,340 reviews64 followers
July 1, 2018
Marcus is slowly recovering from his injuries received when he got caught in a fire at a concert hall while working as security detail. While getting a coffee after a gruelling PT session, Marcus meets Tessler (a very successful sci-fi author)by falling at his feet!! Despite this inauspicious beginning, the two men meet again and begin a friendship. Both have secrets and anxieties that affect them. Marcus has both physical and mental scars, not only from the fire but also his time in the Marines. Tessler is afraid what will happen when his three worlds collide - will it be a catastrophic BOOM!! A rat appears just as the relationship is growing, threatening to light the wick on Tessler's bomb.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book but felt the rat aspect overblown.
I enjoy this author and loved her dedication to Sandrine Gasq-Dion, her BFF.

4 stars
Profile Image for Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie.
1,524 reviews45 followers
May 14, 2018

4 Stars

Ugh, this hurts to say, because I love Ann’s writing, but I didn’t love this book as much as I have the others. I absolutely adored Mason and I found his story interesting and compelling. My heart went out to him and his struggle with his body image issues after being scarred in the fire in Berlin.

What I didn’t like, or should I say, who, I didn’t like, was Tessler. The sad thing is, I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was, he wasn’t an unlikable character, but something about him rubbed me the wrong way. I also didn’t care for his backstory and frankly, I was confused as to why he would pen a book that was semi-autobiographical, that you don’t want your family or readers to find out the true identity of you, the author, and then proceed to put an author’s note saying that the experiences are mostly true and based on your life. I guess the only excuse he’d have was he was young and needed an agent that had his best interests at heart, rather than the interests of his wallet.

Although I didn’t care for Tessler, I can’t deny the electricity that flowed between him and Mason. Their chemistry was out of this world and they were definitely hot together.

The story is well-written and paced well and the arc surrounding Tessler’s ex agent was interesting and helped move the story along. I also enjoyed catching up a bit with the guys at Ventura Security, especially Zac, who is my favorite from this series.

I’m looking forward to more in this series, as well as maybe a revisit with some RockGods *cough* Jayson and Cooper *cough* Although not my favorite Ann Lister book, still definitely recommendable!
Profile Image for Sue Milkovich.
1,369 reviews13 followers
August 4, 2018
I SAVOURED EVERY CHAPTER ~BRAVO

Bravo, Ann Lister, Bravo!!! Tessler was a wonderful, beautiful, some times naughty man who is a great addition to the series. Mason, our always quiet hero, needed someone to shake his tree. Mason is a fantastic character and I think it's absolutely fitting that an EXTRAORDINARY author took him down. This story was everything I hoped it would be and more. Thank you Ann, for another compelling, adventurous love story.

APPRECIATION AND THANKS

Thank You for your dedication of this book and future books to our beloved Sandrine Gasq-Dion. I feel that in this, we lost a once in a lifetime talent and a beautiful, precious friend. No I didn't know her personally, but I did know and will mourn all the beautiful characters she created for us. The worlds she built to give us somewhere to go, where good conquered evil, you could live, laugh and love. Her characters and stories meant the world to me and I know many others.

I want to take this opportunity to let you know Ann, that you and your characters are just as PRECIOUS. You have given us a look at the music industry that I never would've even considered. ie The grueling touring, meet and greets, over zealous fans and so on. This series is taking us into another world that I could have no clue about. A new world to escape into, because sometimes, the real world we live in NOW, is too unbelievable to comprehend. Thank you, bless you and know that I appreciate all your hard work. Great Big Squeezy Sue Hugs. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!!
March 1, 2018
This was a captivating story from the first page, and you won't want to put it down until the very end.
It's the story of two lost souls. Both fighting their demons on their own, just surviving not really living.
But then a chance encounter changes that. The chemistry and heat between Mason and Tessler is off the charts.
Their romance is intoxicating and passionate and you will find yourself falling in love right along with them.
There is an element of trouble in this story as well, which proves Mason's commitment to Tessler and shows he will stop at nothing to protect him.
As with all of Miss Lister's Rock Gods series and Guarding the Gods series I loved this latest edition and can't wait for more.
I highly recommend this book.
113 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2018
Simply put wow

One of my all time favourite series, More Than My Words does not disappoint. After being badly injured during a fire, Mason is feeling broken. Unable to do the job he loves, he spends most of his time with appointments to see doctors, therapists & physical therapists.
Tessler loves being an author but in order to protect himself he hides away, living only a half life. When these two men meet sparks fly but is their connection strong enough to overcome their pasts and forge a life together.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Christie Howell.
258 reviews
March 4, 2018
I loved the story. Amazing storyline.

I simply started reading this woman because she was tied in with Sandrine Gasq Dion and her Rock series. Every mention of Ann's Rock Gods had me drooling for this books. I broke down and bought them and I was not disappointed. I loved every book I've read so far from Ann Lister and this book took my love of her work higher. If you haven't read this series or her other works you should definitely pick them up. Loved this storyline.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
3,761 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2018
This was amazing!

It was like Ann Lister really knew what it is like to recover from the type of trauma Mason went and still goes through. I truly enjoyed their story. This might sound weird so bear with me. Part of me wants to read the journal but another part doesn't and that's because Mason isn't reading it. I know that might not make sense but I'm weird lol. I would like more closure on Agent Douche. I don't feel he's paid enough.
Profile Image for Pat.
988 reviews7 followers
April 9, 2018
Awesome

Well written , as usual. The dynamic between Tessler and Mason is sizzling. Mason, enduring rehab, following that awful fire, has PTSD and self image issues. Tessler has a past he would rather forget. An accidental meeting has them exploring the possibility of more. Then the past comes back to haunt Tessler. Loved it and love this series. Characters are well rounded, storyline is solid.
Profile Image for T.L. Travis.
Author 53 books602 followers
October 1, 2018
What’s not to love?

As much as it contains the usual hot guys and stellar sex scenes, this book also calls to your heart. Just because something appears perfect on the outside, doesn’t mean it is on the inside.

Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down and as usual - Ann didn’t disappoint.
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,664 reviews12 followers
March 3, 2018
Excellent

I loved Mason in the previous books and was so excited when I saw that he got his own book here. My expectations were more than met with this excellent addition to the series. I loved that both Mason and Tessler had the opportunity to grow, and to grow together, throughout this story.
Profile Image for Pam Brooks.
498 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2018
Ann Lister Does It Again

The books of Ann Lister are so special. She writes her stories in such a loving way that I believe even if m/m isn't your thing, you still owe it to yourself to give her a try. Her characters have many levels to their lives and what drives them to their truth. Ann always wonderfully shows that simply Love is Love, and we are blessed wherever we find it!
1,410 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2018
More Than My Words (Guarding The Gods Book 3)

First I want to say I loved the shout out to Sandrine even though she's not with us any more was excellent i loved it she will never be forgotton ...The book was also excellent I loved it and can't wait to read more of this series in hooked....
157 reviews
March 14, 2018
Must Read!!!

Omg! This is a must read. To ALL my fellow readers, if you've followed Ann Lister, you must read this series, you will not be disappointed. I simple cannot wait for the next book, Black Key Journal. Also, I can't wait to read about Vincent and his new hire. Keep them coming Ann.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,573 reviews
March 3, 2018
I loved this story. Well written with kick ass characters. This is an awesome series that is a spin off from another awesome series. I love Ms. Lister's stories and I am looking forward to what comes next.
Profile Image for Tracy Perry.
1,369 reviews44 followers
March 5, 2018
I'm loving this series & the characters too of course. It was a great storyline & awesome read, I throughly enjoyed it & I was surprised I didn't cry until book was almost finished. Loved Tessler & Mason, so happy they found each other!
409 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2018
More than my words

The title says it all cause I don't have the words to describe how good this story is. Ann has out done herself with Tessler and Mason. How they support each other is beautiful.
Profile Image for Wendy Moore.
1,332 reviews11 followers
March 4, 2018
Ann Lister never disappoints!! So many feels, I loved both Mason and Tessler. Looking forward to the next book!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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