What do you think?
Rate this book
Miami Private Security #2
The Criminal
She’s the biggest fence of stolen jewels in Miami. He’s the former SEAL determined to get her on the right side of the law.
Lee Vance made a name for herself as the go to fence for the mob. But on her fortieth birthday, she had an epiphany. She wants out. The deal she makes with the Delgatto crime family is one last job and she can retire. Free and clear.
But life is never that simple.
Her final job is a disaster—people are dead, millions in rare watches are missing and the private security company, the Smith Agency, is on the case. Leading the investigation is her dead brother’s best friend and the newest wrench in her plan to retire, the infuriating and sexy Derek Sawyer.
As a retired Navy SEAL, Derek knows right from wrong, and Lee’s involvement in that heist was definitely wrong. He swore to keep her out of trouble, but he failed. Reneging on a promise to his dead friend.
He walked away from his responsibility to Lee once. He won’t do it again.
As they clash over the investigation and Lee’s criminal career, their fiery arguments spark into passion neither can deny. But is attraction enough to overcome the lifetime of regrets and minefield of mobsters that stand between them?
The Criminal is a fun, fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers, over forty romance with suspense and action. A hot, middle-aged, former military hero falls for a morally gray woman and her awesome dog. Get ready for a hit of GenX spice and shot of happily ever after. The Criminal is part of the Miami Private Security Series but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Lee Vance made a name for herself as the go to fence for the mob. But on her fortieth birthday, she had an epiphany. She wants out. The deal she makes with the Delgatto crime family is one last job and she can retire. Free and clear.
But life is never that simple.
Her final job is a disaster—people are dead, millions in rare watches are missing and the private security company, the Smith Agency, is on the case. Leading the investigation is her dead brother’s best friend and the newest wrench in her plan to retire, the infuriating and sexy Derek Sawyer.
As a retired Navy SEAL, Derek knows right from wrong, and Lee’s involvement in that heist was definitely wrong. He swore to keep her out of trouble, but he failed. Reneging on a promise to his dead friend.
He walked away from his responsibility to Lee once. He won’t do it again.
As they clash over the investigation and Lee’s criminal career, their fiery arguments spark into passion neither can deny. But is attraction enough to overcome the lifetime of regrets and minefield of mobsters that stand between them?
The Criminal is a fun, fast-paced, enemies-to-lovers, over forty romance with suspense and action. A hot, middle-aged, former military hero falls for a morally gray woman and her awesome dog. Get ready for a hit of GenX spice and shot of happily ever after. The Criminal is part of the Miami Private Security Series but can be enjoyed as a standalone.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
12 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Donn
21 books139 followersAim for the Heart!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lf7xJ9
Facebook: https://bit.ly/30xPjuN
Website michelledonn.com
Michelle introduced herself to romance novels by stealing them off her mother’s bookshelf. She got caught red-handed when she destroyed a new book by dropping in the bathtub before her mom could read it. From stolen paperbacks to an overloaded iPad, Michelle’s passion for reading grew into her debut contemporary romance novel: Savannah Run.
She lives in the South Carolina with her real-life prince charming, three dogs and two horses. Most evenings, you will find her enjoying a cocktail, and working out the plot of her next book with her husband.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lf7xJ9
Facebook: https://bit.ly/30xPjuN
Website michelledonn.com
Michelle introduced herself to romance novels by stealing them off her mother’s bookshelf. She got caught red-handed when she destroyed a new book by dropping in the bathtub before her mom could read it. From stolen paperbacks to an overloaded iPad, Michelle’s passion for reading grew into her debut contemporary romance novel: Savannah Run.
She lives in the South Carolina with her real-life prince charming, three dogs and two horses. Most evenings, you will find her enjoying a cocktail, and working out the plot of her next book with her husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 13, 2023
The Criminal - Miami Private Security Book 2
Derek and Lee’s story is a wonderful tangled web of lies, deceit, guilt, some well timed humour and eventually love. From the moment Derek sees Lee at a prestigious charity fundraiser he’s hooked. She’s grown from the surly teen he once knew into a beautiful and successful business woman who perhaps walks a wee bit more on the wrong side of right. Derek a retired SEAL, now working for the Smith Agency, is firmly rooted on the right side of right, even if those lines tend to get blurred from time to time. As these two fight each other, their past assumptions and their growing attraction towards one another Derek decides he’ll do whatever it takes to make Lee his in this well written tale.
Derek and Lee’s story is a wonderful tangled web of lies, deceit, guilt, some well timed humour and eventually love. From the moment Derek sees Lee at a prestigious charity fundraiser he’s hooked. She’s grown from the surly teen he once knew into a beautiful and successful business woman who perhaps walks a wee bit more on the wrong side of right. Derek a retired SEAL, now working for the Smith Agency, is firmly rooted on the right side of right, even if those lines tend to get blurred from time to time. As these two fight each other, their past assumptions and their growing attraction towards one another Derek decides he’ll do whatever it takes to make Lee his in this well written tale.
June 1, 2023
Another fantastic read Michelle! I loved
Both Derek and Lee, I LOVED their tension and how their friendships progressed. Derek a retired Navy SEAL who meet Lee again at an event. He was teammates with Lee's brother. So there is a bit of history there. Lee has her own problems and is trying to get out of it. Really fast passed and easily to follow. I loved learning about their history. The steamy scene were 😍 I was hooked from the beginning. I could not put this down.
Both Derek and Lee, I LOVED their tension and how their friendships progressed. Derek a retired Navy SEAL who meet Lee again at an event. He was teammates with Lee's brother. So there is a bit of history there. Lee has her own problems and is trying to get out of it. Really fast passed and easily to follow. I loved learning about their history. The steamy scene were 😍 I was hooked from the beginning. I could not put this down.
June 3, 2023
The suspense builds slowly throughout the story and finally crashes like a wave over your senses. Followed by rippling waves of fallout and surprises until the final satisfying ending. The characters are complex and real, with doubts and certainties about their past choices and actions in life. You ache for their sorrows and rejoice in their moments of happiness. The peripheral characters are just as fascinating, intriguing and complex. This is a great series to enjoy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2023
Michelle did an amazing job with this story! Such a fast paced, intense and extremely sexy story! It's full of lies, deceit, and some steamy steamy scenes. This book had me hooked from the start. I couldn't get through it fast enough to see how it would finish. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for her next book!
June 3, 2023
Awesome
Cannot wait for what is next!
Absolutely loved "The Protecting Love Series", and it is obvious this series is going to be just as awesome!
Cannot wait for the next installment of "Miami Private Security"!
Loved Karen
Cannot wait for what is next!
Absolutely loved "The Protecting Love Series", and it is obvious this series is going to be just as awesome!
Cannot wait for the next installment of "Miami Private Security"!
Loved Karen
June 4, 2023
Derek promised her brother if anything happened he would look after her… keep her safe. He thinks he failed. Lee made some bad choices as a teen and got wrapped up with the mob, however, she is sure she has found a way out.
Lee can take care of herself she’s been doing it for years and has been okay. She has found her way out and working towards keeping just her legitimate business going and he shows up. She knew he had moved to the area but it had been years and they hadn’t crossed paths. There was always something about Derek. A pull, a connection, something more than just him being her brothers best friend. She couldn’t involve him in her life, he was too good for that.
Great read. A bit of a twist on the Mafia story line. She is connected not him. She is working to turn her life around and become completely legitimate… there’s just one more thing she has to do to make that happen.
Lee can take care of herself she’s been doing it for years and has been okay. She has found her way out and working towards keeping just her legitimate business going and he shows up. She knew he had moved to the area but it had been years and they hadn’t crossed paths. There was always something about Derek. A pull, a connection, something more than just him being her brothers best friend. She couldn’t involve him in her life, he was too good for that.
Great read. A bit of a twist on the Mafia story line. She is connected not him. She is working to turn her life around and become completely legitimate… there’s just one more thing she has to do to make that happen.
June 19, 2023
My favorite thing about Michelle Donn books is the age of the main characters. As a reader in her 40's I enjoy reading about people that are in my age range! Even though Derek and Lee are over 40 in The Criminal, it does not mean they are lacking in suspense or spice in their lives! I was already familiar with Derek from previous books, and was excited to get his back story and to see more of him. Another thing I can count on in Donn's characters is a strong female lead character, and Lee follows right along with that. She is a take no crud, independent woman from the very beginning of the story all the way to the end!
This is the third book in the Miami Private Security series, and having read the first two I had high expectations of this one. I was not disappointed. The author does favor the slow build-up in her stories, but it is well worth the anticipation. I enjoyed the multiple unexpected twists, that arise when you least expect it!
I recommend taking the time to read this book especially if you like a mild amount of spice and a decent amount of suspense!
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
This is the third book in the Miami Private Security series, and having read the first two I had high expectations of this one. I was not disappointed. The author does favor the slow build-up in her stories, but it is well worth the anticipation. I enjoyed the multiple unexpected twists, that arise when you least expect it!
I recommend taking the time to read this book especially if you like a mild amount of spice and a decent amount of suspense!
I received a free copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
June 13, 2023
4.8 stars
This is the third book in the Miami Private Security series, and it is an action infused, engaging read. Lee is a woman who has made her way in the world by using her talents to fence stolen items for the mob. As she reaches the big 4-0, she decides that she wants out. Everything is all set as her last job should be a piece of cake but…Nope. Derek is a former Navy Seal and now works in security where he is tasked on protecting some very precious watches at a gala. Imagine his surprise when he runs into his dead best friend’s sister and boy has she changed. Not one to shirk his responsibility, Derek makes the decision to ensure Lee gets back on the path of the straight and narrow. Can they move on from the past or will it be too much to overcome? Overall, this is a fast paced read with intrigue and will keep you hooked from the get-go. The heat between the characters is full of steam just waiting to ignite. As the pages turn, you sink deeper and deeper into the storyline and chomp at the bit to see how it all resolves. I recommend this book.
This is the third book in the Miami Private Security series, and it is an action infused, engaging read. Lee is a woman who has made her way in the world by using her talents to fence stolen items for the mob. As she reaches the big 4-0, she decides that she wants out. Everything is all set as her last job should be a piece of cake but…Nope. Derek is a former Navy Seal and now works in security where he is tasked on protecting some very precious watches at a gala. Imagine his surprise when he runs into his dead best friend’s sister and boy has she changed. Not one to shirk his responsibility, Derek makes the decision to ensure Lee gets back on the path of the straight and narrow. Can they move on from the past or will it be too much to overcome? Overall, this is a fast paced read with intrigue and will keep you hooked from the get-go. The heat between the characters is full of steam just waiting to ignite. As the pages turn, you sink deeper and deeper into the storyline and chomp at the bit to see how it all resolves. I recommend this book.
June 13, 2023
The 3rd book in the Miami Private Security series is another well written story by Michelle Donn. She brings real life drama to her fictional stories that keep you reading to find out what happens next. It did take me a few chapters to start liking Lee. Usually books have the “troubled man” saved by the woman. This book is the opposite. Derek is the conventional “Boy Scout “ while Lee is the troubled teen who made bad choices in her youth and wants out of that life. The two of them have a history together that they both have to deal with. Added to that is all the twists and turns created from the storyline bringing in characters you love from the previous books in the series. All the suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what comes next and ending in an HEA. I can’t wait to read the 4th book in this series.
May 22, 2023
Michelle did an incredible job in this book. This is book 3 in her series, Miami Private Security. This is actually the first one in the series that I have read so now I need to go back and read the ones before this. No, you don’t have to read them in order as they can be read as a stand-alone so don’t worry!!!
Derek is a retired Navy SEAL that works for the Smith Agency and is hired for security purposes for a charity and auction event. He didn’t know that night that he would run into someone from his past.
Lee is trying to get out of all aspects of her past life and be on the straight and narrow, but sometimes you just can’t get out of the hold that is pulling you down.
This is a great book and of course promises a HEA!!!
Derek is a retired Navy SEAL that works for the Smith Agency and is hired for security purposes for a charity and auction event. He didn’t know that night that he would run into someone from his past.
Lee is trying to get out of all aspects of her past life and be on the straight and narrow, but sometimes you just can’t get out of the hold that is pulling you down.
This is a great book and of course promises a HEA!!!
June 1, 2023
Wow! Michelle Donn takes you for an entertaining ride in The Criminal. From the beginning, you will be caught up in the drama, not to mention the unexpected twists and turns it takes.
The chemistry between Derek and Lee is off the charts. You can tell from their first interaction. As they spend more time together, Derek wants to help Lee, but she thinks he's too much of a "boy
When Derek is finally able to help Lee. He and his fellow teammates truly step up, surprising Lee. As the drama of who has the watches unfold, you won't be able to put this book down.
And as Lee realizes she might be able to have a chance with Derek for real bring on the swoon.
I absolutely loved this book. You definitely don't want to miss it.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
The chemistry between Derek and Lee is off the charts. You can tell from their first interaction. As they spend more time together, Derek wants to help Lee, but she thinks he's too much of a "boy
When Derek is finally able to help Lee. He and his fellow teammates truly step up, surprising Lee. As the drama of who has the watches unfold, you won't be able to put this book down.
And as Lee realizes she might be able to have a chance with Derek for real bring on the swoon.
I absolutely loved this book. You definitely don't want to miss it.
I received an ARC copy of this book.
June 1, 2023
This was excellent! Loads of action, drama and most of all romance.
Lee is a fence for the mob and when doing one final job which goes terribly wrong, she gets assigned her brother's best friend with the Smith agency, Derek to track her down.
This really was fast paced and edge of your seat action. Loads of team spirit and a fiesty rapport between Derek and Lee that goes anything but smoothly. The attraction is definitely there though.
Well written, Michelle Donn really knows her stuff and this book is another excellent example of her work. Can't wait for more!! So good!!!
Lee is a fence for the mob and when doing one final job which goes terribly wrong, she gets assigned her brother's best friend with the Smith agency, Derek to track her down.
This really was fast paced and edge of your seat action. Loads of team spirit and a fiesty rapport between Derek and Lee that goes anything but smoothly. The attraction is definitely there though.
Well written, Michelle Donn really knows her stuff and this book is another excellent example of her work. Can't wait for more!! So good!!!
June 1, 2023
Lee and Derek know each other, or do they? Derek's vow to Lee's brother to keep her out of trouble is one he ignored for too many years. Is it too late to redeem Lee? Does she need his help after doing for herself all these years? Lee's final job for the mob is all smoke and mirrors. What a suspenseful ride trying to decipher this mystery. And there is plenty of steam along the way. I love how the characters help each other become better people. I love that they are older and yet not too old to learn.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2023
The Criminal was a no holds barred take no prisoners kind of plot it was raw and gritty and a great example of a opposite attract couple who must overcome past tragedies and preconceived ideas and work together as their past and present collide to have a chance at forever so buckle your seat belt and hold on tight and get ready for a action packed fast paced hot as hades story with likeable relatable characters and nonstop drama from the first word until the end you will experience their lives through the author's words.
I received a ARC copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a.
I received a ARC copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a.
June 9, 2023
I absolutely loved reading this book.
Derek and Lee have known each other since childhood so when they reconnect at a gala they are both attending the chemistry between them is off the charts.
I loved how they reconnected but can Derek overcome his usual ways, that everything has to be on the right side of the law, and get to know and help Lee.
Plenty of danger and suspense but also a love that can't be denied. But can they overcome her past and come out alive.
A must read with a brilliant ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Derek and Lee have known each other since childhood so when they reconnect at a gala they are both attending the chemistry between them is off the charts.
I loved how they reconnected but can Derek overcome his usual ways, that everything has to be on the right side of the law, and get to know and help Lee.
Plenty of danger and suspense but also a love that can't be denied. But can they overcome her past and come out alive.
A must read with a brilliant ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
May 15, 2023
This is another awesome well worth it read for Michelle Donn in her new series. Derek a retired Navy SEAL employed by the Smith Agency, has been hired as security for a charity and auction event where he runs into the sister of his dead teammate. Lee is there to end her association with her ex-husband’s family as a fence in stolen goods. This is a fast read with steamy romance, suspense, and lies with an HEA.
June 1, 2023
I love Lee and Derek together. It took me a few chapters to really like Lee but the more I learned about her backstory, the more I was fascinated by her. Derek is hiding a painful secret from his time in the Navy and has tried to control all aspects of his life. His control is about to be severely tested when he reconnects with Lee. The author does such a great job keeping you on the edge of your seat with this book.
It was so nice having older main characters that I could relate to.
It was so nice having older main characters that I could relate to.
June 6, 2023
This was an exciting book with lots of suspense and drama. Michelle Donn did a great job with this book and this series and I am loving where she is taking us with all the characters of Miami Private Security. Great characters and a great story line make this fast paced book well worth the read. So excited to see what Ms Donn delivers in the next book. Awesome read!
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 9, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s a wonderful mixture of crime, romance, intrigue, and passion. Derek and Lee are great characters. Their relationship is a beautiful push and pull - anger/love, painful past/promising future. And let me say, the heat isn’t just because they live in Miami.
Perfect summer read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Perfect summer read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2023
A page-turner you won’t be able to put down. From their knife-edge encounters with the criminal underworld, to their steamy embraces under the sheets, Lee and Derek will draw you in and leave you breathless. Loved the twists I couldn’t see coming. Hope the whole Smith Agency team has an encore performance!
May 15, 2023
What another awesome book in the Miami Pviate Security series...grab this one and try to figure out the who, what, where and why of a book filled with secrets, lies, lust, and love and eventually a 2nd chance for Lee and Derek if they can survive. Loved it!
June 1, 2023
I was completely absorbed by this book! Another great book in the Miami Private Security series. Derek and Lee have history. Their story is action packed and filled with angst, mystery, deceit and a whole lot of steam. Package that with an amazing HEA. I loved it!
June 1, 2023
4.5 stars Derek and Lee are a mature age romance with a second chance. This time Derek has no intention of letting Lee go! When he sees her their past comes back to him and they have such good chemistry with some intensity. It has some suspense, secrets and more and can be read as a standalone.
June 2, 2023
Loved The Criminal! It has everything. Love the Mature age characters who still have a lot to learn. Bad girl, good guy, navy seal, broken promises, lies, twists and spicy scenes. This book truly has it all.
June 4, 2023
A security agent referred to as a boy scout. A criminal trying to get out of the business. Together they have some fun until danger appears. A fast-paced intense page-turner with believable characters. I received a copy, and I'm voluntarily leaving my honest review.
July 8, 2023
Boy scout and Fence
Meet two old friends who are the exact opposites. A retired Navy seal and his best friends little sister who switched from being a thief to a fence. Read to see the adventures and escapades of these two and enjoy. This ones spicy so be aware.
Meet two old friends who are the exact opposites. A retired Navy seal and his best friends little sister who switched from being a thief to a fence. Read to see the adventures and escapades of these two and enjoy. This ones spicy so be aware.
May 30, 2023
Steamy building of chemistry and a compelling crime mystery bring two strong and complex characters together after years apart. K9s added to the mix and this book is an excellent read. All the stars!
June 2, 2023
Really enjoyed this story the characters were likable and loved the chemistry. New author to me and can't wait for what's coming
June 8, 2023
The Criminal was fantastic. It was spicy and hot. Ms. Donn once again wrote a fantastic book and addition to the Miami Private Security series. I can’t wait to read the next one!
July 27, 2023
Enjoyed this 3rd book in the series. Loved the main characters, Derek and Lee….and the dog. The writing is good, it’s a good story, and the pace is good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews