Unwavering Protector

NEXTUS Security #7

by Lacey Kendrick

The final chapter of the NEXTUS Security series is here… and it’s going to leave you breathless.

He’s older. Stoic. Built like a fortress.
She’s the one woman who could bring him to his knees.

Expect sizzling tension, forbidden touches, and a protector who won’t stop until she’s his… in every way.

Annabelle Edgars is trouble.

Young, smart, and so gorgeous it’s a distraction I can’t afford.
We’ve known each other for a while.
Just friends, walking the line we never crossed.

But there’s something about her lately...
Her smile, the spark in her eyes when she thinks I’m not looking...
It pulls me in deeper every time I try to push her away.

I’m ex-military.
Trained to handle threats.
But this?
The way she fits perfectly in my arms?
The way her soft curves press against me, her lips parting like she’s daring me to kiss her?
She’s testing every last bit of control I have.

When I pull her close, whispering, “I’ve got you,” I know I’m already a goner.

There’s a part of her life I never knew...
Something that ties us together more than either of us expected.
And once I learn the truth... there’s no turning back.

The threats closing in on her aren’t going anywhere.
Keeping her safe is the easy part.
Keeping my hands off her?
Hell no.

And once I have a taste of her...
I’ll never let her go.

Not when I know what’s at stake.

Welcome to the final chapter of the NEXTUS Security series… a slow-burn, high-stakes romance packed with tropes readers crave: age-gap romance, fiercely protective hero, slow-burn tension, ex-SEAL alpha vibes, forbidden love, surprise baby, small-town romance suspense, and of course... a swoon-worthy HEA!

Each book in the NEXTUS Security series is an interconnected standalone... but trust me, you’ll want to meet the whole crew first! Start with Damaged Protector (NEXTUS Book 1) and dive into every steamy, suspenseful twist and connection along the way.

You won’t regret it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Amazing series" - "... Each book in this series is an interconnected standalone (...) This series is so good - a blend of suspense and romance."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"NEXTUS series coming in hot!" - "Read this if you enjoy (...) security romance, spicy scenes, pure love, close proximity, dual pov writing, HEAs."

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

Reviews

[Michelle Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a way to end a series.. I love how every book has been interconnected within each other. Derrick has a very hard time with their age gap and everything that comes with it. Annabelle can't help but feel the way that she does for him. She try's to push her feelings down and just be his friend. When the doctor tells them that she is pregnant there are all kinds of feelings between them. Derrick just can't move past how he was told he couldn't have children so he couldn't let what Annabelle tell him sink in. Annabelle just couldn't understand why he was pushing her away and calling the baby hers and not theirs. The things these characters go thru are just scary. I know this was the last book in the series but maybe a follow up showing where everyone is now would be in order.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect ending to a series that I’ve enjoyed reading and coming to love the characters of for two years now. This book is the 7th and final book in the NEXTUS Security series and it brings the whole storyline full circle as the single ex-military men, who first fought to rid the town of Rock Grove of the Hounds, now find themselves up against the notorious criminals once again but this time they have more than themselves and the town to be concerned about. Jon Carlson will soon marry Cece, Eli Drake has found his Lilith, Marcus Howard and Allie have settled in New Burne and in this book Captain Derrick Sanders at the age of fifty-one will discover maybe more with his friend, Annabelle Edgars, some twenty years younger than himself. But can he allow it to become anything more for her sake? He will struggle with the time he has to devote to his job over the time he can give to her as well as the fact that he can’t give her the future she dreams of…or can he? Will he lose her before he knows?
I must slightly disagree with the title of the book. Labeling Derrick as unwavering doesn’t completely fit because I felt he wavered a lot in his relationship but he was a steadfast protector. Yes, he was always there as a protector even putting his job first and maybe he had good intentions but he often handle the relationship horribly. One moment he only offered friendship but the next he was wanting more, then he laid it all out that he might not be there all the time because of his job but then he went a week with no text, no call, nothing, and when he took her to the hospital, found out some emotional news, he then left her alone standing outside her house. All this, yet, Annabelle still loved him. Her nickname for him was “Hummingbird” and yes, I think it fit because he was flighty with their relationship and his nickname for her was “Kid” and even though it fit because she was younger than him, I thought she often acted more mature in the relationship. But even with his faults I still had to like Derrick knowing he was an older man trying to do what he thought was right with his job and especially for the younger woman he felt very fondly for and his stamina was praiseworthy. It was a delight having most of the men and ladies from the previous books back in action in this one.
The relationship drama takes prominence over the criminal aspects of the story but the return of the Hounds and discovering who their leader is answers several of the questions I was left with from book six. The drama happens near the end of the book and I did feel a little bit more detail could have been given to the takedown of the leaders for a more dramatic effect. But as the book comes to an end, the sweet scene the reader is left with, the future Annabelle wanted and one Derrick thought he couldn’t have brings forth a second generation and possibly from this the author may find inspiration for another series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of Annabelle and Derrick. They both have feelings for each other and Annabelle is happy that Derrick took the plunge and they finally start dating. Just when you think things are going well and that they can be happy together because there is romance and steam between them, it doesn't go as I thought. How you withdrew and ignored her. She is a bit stunned when she finds out she is pregnant. Is Derrick happy about it or does he leave her in the dark? A wonderful story and definitely worth reading.






I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick is older than Annabelle, but can’t stop how he feels and eventually acts on it.
Annabelle has had a crush on Derrick for years and is happy when they start dating, however after a while two things happen; he starts to back away and she finds out she’s pregnant.
This was an enjoyable read: Derrick is protective but torn and Annabelle is so confused by his reaction. At the same time, a past evil has re-occurred drawing in all the NEXTUS crew. A fitting finale for this great series.
I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.

[Floraljoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good:
This was quite an enjoyable book, although there was a bit too much drama and waffling back and forth. I had a bit of a challenge settling into the book and it took me a while to warm up to Derrick and Annabelle. Whilst there was a good mystery aspect to the book, there wasn't all that much suspense due to the primary focus being on the relationships and this author's writing style.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lady P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derrick and Annabelle's story kept me interested in its entirety.

Derrick was always her protector although he didn’t even realize it.
Annabelle had more than just "we're just friends" feelings for Derrick.

Everyone else say they're becoming a couple and finally it becomes a reality. Well, not exactly, just like that! 😳 There is so much in between that kept the pages turning.

This story was a great way to end the series and give Derrick and Annabelle their HEA. ☺️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Sad it's the end of the series but I'm sore there is something just a good coming along.

Derrick is the head of the security team and likes Annabelle a lot but the age gap is the issue.

Very well done. The age gap was Derrick's hiccup in the relationship ava had him pulling away even when she drops her surprise. But when trouble comes, he only wants her safe.

Such a great plot and amazing characters especially the team guys. So well done!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Annabelle and Derrick have been friends for years and when they are forced to work together for Cece and Jon's wedding, Annabelle decides that it is time to act on the attraction she has had for him. Derrick is several years older and thinks that she is too young, but when they kiss the years don't seem to matter. This book is full of mixed emotions that two people have that challenges their connection, danger and a happy ending. I enjoyed reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH WOW this was a great story. It was a steamy page turner and the suspense was too intense. I was on the verge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. Annabelle and Derrick were best friends with benefits. The temptation between them was sexual attraction and the physical intimacy between them was captivating and romance. Their love was forbidden but that one night of passion will change their lives forever. Will this big surprise be of having his child open up their hearts to love and happiness for them. I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I received advance copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[PW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book in the Nextus series is amazing. Derrick and Annabelle have been in each others lives for years. Derrick is older then her and had an issue with that. Annabelle is a feisty woman with patience and grace. Thanks to their friends they are put in situations to be around each other. Their love story brings the Hounds and their actions to a satisfying end. This book had some unexpected twists that added to the storyline. Enjoy!!

This Arc review includes my thoughts and opinions about this book.

[Mg Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on the fence with this book I feel that Derrick and Annabelle's story got short changed instead of being the main focus they get lost in the detail's to complete the series I would have like to see there relationship unravel and develop smoothly and easily but you will find plenty of action drama suspense and a abundance of past character's making appearance's and all the loose ends are tied up giving you closure.
I received a ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about Derrick who is the old man of the NEXTUS security and about Annabelle. She is a waitress at the NEXTUS security building. They talked everyday, when they were working. They did everything together and then one day they kissed. And with all the NEXTUS there is love, fighting, bad people and family. Just a really good series to read. Thank you Lacey for the ride.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne (Izzie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable read, definitely an age gap romance, and unfortunately the end of the series. Derrick and Annabelle have been friends for years, but he feels the age gap is too much to take things further. Annabelle thinks differently and eventually things start to change. A great read, shame its the last, maybe the author might consider a one off in a few years
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick and Annabelle. Hes ex military now Nextus Security. They are friends and theres a line they havent crossed, not they havent wanted to. But when she needs his protection, well theres not anything he wont do for her. When she turns up pregnant he pushes her away and refers to her baby not theirs. He was told he couldnt have children. He has some obsticles to overcome. Loved their story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick and Annabelle have been friends for a very long time. Nextus Security series is off the charts good. Secret feelingsare finally coming to the front and he's either in or out. This one brings everything to a head. One more mission . Love,love,love how amazing this is.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Derrick and Annabell's story. They are good friends, but they are really into each other but denies it. Everything comes to a head when feelings for each other comes out and oh year one more mission. this is off the charts a good series and I am hating that it is coming to an end!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

You should read the earlier books in order before allowing a day for this steamy, fast-paced, action-packed contemporary age gap, friends-to-lovers, small-town suspenseful mystery procedural romance that is Book 7 in the NEXTUS Security series and has spoilers for earlier books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle and Derrick’s story has them being friends with deep feelings for each other that finally comes to a point and he needs to find a balance for them and his job but this was a great ending to the series. Who knows Mayb the couples will/did have children and they can be the next gen series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional end to this series. Annabelle and Derrick are finally in a dating relationship. When she finds out she's pregnant he becomes distant. What will happen when the past returns? Loved their journey! Received a free copy.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

7th book in the series Derrick and Annabelle's story. Hallmark with action. Great enjoyable adivtive read that will have you staying up late for the ending.

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Derrick and Annabelle.

I enjoyed reading the seventh book in the Nextus Security Series.

I loved the characters, plot, and storyline.

All the twists.

Read it