Splintered Security

Aspen & Evergreen

by Hadley Finn

You know those tales that start with a wedding proposal to your brother’s best friend and ignite into a fire hotter than a flamethrower?
That’s my story.
Literally.
The embers aren’t even cool when I ask my childhood crush, Ren Gallo, to protect me from my past.
And, more so, to save me from my future.
Ren’s sense of duty and obligation is stronger than anyone I’ve ever known. He’ll protect me—it’s who he is.
Strong.
Secure.
Steady.
Just when I think it’s out of duty, like it’s an obligation because of our shared past, because of my brother… it becomes more.
He is finally mine.
But ghosts of my old life are coming for us.
They’ve already proven they’ll stop at nothing to get what they want.
… and they want me.
And it turns out, my husband is the only thing standing in their way.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2025

About the author

Hadley believes strongly in the healing power of salsa, is fully and unapologetically addicted to coffee, and feels it’s her duty to keep the book world financially viable by bingeing great stories that are wonderfully told. She also loves adverbs.

Hadley loves to cook, dance, and have conversations with the figments of her imagination.

For newsletter & more, visit: https://linktr.ee/hadleyfinnbooks

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren, Annie, and Annie’s brother August grew up together. When Ren was old enough, he left their town and joined the services. Once Ren came home, started working security for his boss and the boss’ business. Wren sees Annie on the security cameras as he gets a call there was a bomb planted in the bar. Unfortunately Ren doesn’t get to Annie quick enough before the bomb goes off, but he throws his body over Annie to protect her. I was glad Annie had Ren to help her as the trouble she was in was caused by her brother who the gang he was working for got rid of him. Supposedly he had debts that the leader is making Annie pay off. I was so glad Ren decided he was going to protect Annie no matter what. There were so many scary things happening. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it.

[Leisa Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC!!! I absolutely loved Ren and Anni and couldn’t put this one down. Fake marriage, alpha badass, ex military and suspense…love these troupes. I’m so excited that this is the beginning of a series. Highly recommend!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hadley is a new to me author that I met at Romantically Yours in Orlando. I picked this up because the tropes were right up my alley:
Brother’s ex best friend
Slight Age Gap
Marriage of Convenience
Some Romantic Suspense
No 3rd act breakup

I really enjoyed Ren and Annika’s story! When Annika was in danger she went to seek Ren, the one person she hoped would help her.

I loved Ren! The man would do anything for Annika. I honestly loved Annika putting Ren his place when he referred to her as squirt in the beginning because he knew her as a child. I loved how Annika reminded him she was no longer a child and was a woman and squirt was not an appropriate nickname. I loved the Ren listened and immediately stopped calling her that.

Ren can also cook! I am a sucker for men cooking in my books (as well as real life) there is just something about a man that knows his way around the kitchen and a woman ;).

The chemistry between Ren and Annika was great. This is not a slow burn at all, it is pretty insta-love (which I personally don’t mind). I loved how protective Ren was with Annika and the way they communicated with each other…communication is always the key.

The suspense in this book was done well. It is not a who done it type suspense you know who the bad guy is but you still want to see how it all plays out.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and Hadley’s writing style. I can’t wait for the next book just based on that teaser at the end of this book.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! A new series that starts with a bang!

Annika needs a savior and the only person she knows who can help her is Ren, her brother's childhood bestfriend and her crush growing up. Ren hasn't seen Anni in over a decade but after finding out her predicament, he did not hesitate to marry her. From there, it becomes a rollercoaster ride. It's fast paced, suspenseful, and sexy. Close proximity unleashed desires that have been buried for a long time. Ren will protect Anni at all costs and that's who you want in your corner.

This book set the stage on how the rest of the stories will play out. I can't wait to read the rest of the other characters' story.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Splintered Security...

Aspen and Evergreen. A new author for me and i'm a fan. Ren and Annika. Awesome characters with levels of depth. She runs to him, a childhood friend, her brother's best friend cause she got some really bad guys after her. Ren is a badass. We met him in the first book. She learns she is stronger than she thinks and he gets a bit softer around the edges. Each of them have crazy issues but seem to even each other out. From page one the story grabs you and won't let go. Unbelievable chemistry. Onto the next book.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great romantic suspense read with bit of mystery. Enjoyed getting to know Ren and Anni. We met Ren in Mangled Memory. Wish there had been more character development but that is just me. I want to bond to the characters. Enjoying this series since I am familiar with the Colorado front range having lived there for a couple years. This review is a tad thin but I don’t want to spoil the story. I recommend reading it if you like suspense/mystery and some steamy romance in one package.

[George Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a new entry into a whole new series. It's Shining, shimmering, splendid, Unbelievable sights. Indescribable feeling. Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling. A whole new world (every turn a surprise)
With new horizons to pursue (every moment, red-letter)
I'll chase them anywhere, there's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you

I can't wait to see even more.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has it all. An introduction to the next series coming our way. Danger. Humor. A bit of worry. Love. And a man who is completely unafraid of telling his wife how he feels. Heck, he shuts his mother down in beautiful form just for being rude. Yeah. I see good things ahead with this new series and I can’t WAIT!

[Anna Mcdonnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ren and Anni were as explosive as they come. This book literally started out with a bang! Anni and Ren grew up together but have lost touch. When they reunite, the sparks fly. I loved Ren's protective side and commitment to Anni. And I loved seeing Anni fight for herself and speaking up for what she wants. Great read from Hadley Finn!

[Alicia S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4

The chemistry between the 2 MCs is great as well as the storyline. The dialogue didn't necessarily flow as well and left a couple of unanswered questions, bit overall a nice little read with great spice

[Audrey Krofchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book. It just starts with a bang and just keeps you interested until the very last page. It was a great start to this series. I love Anni and Ren! They were perfect together. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read the next book!!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I loved Anni and Ren. These two had so much chemistry.
I was captured from the very first page to the very last.
This was such a great way to start a new series. I read this in one sitting and now I need more!
Absolutely a five star read for me!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, talk about starting off a book with a bang…..Splintered Security does that! This book had everything I love in a contemporary romantic suspense. I literally couldn’t put it down. I think I could have finished it in a day if work didn’t get in the way. Read this book now! Highly recommend.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Vic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story. Ren and Anni. Its well written with a little suspense. Recommended.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling and suspenseful ride.

Ren Gallo and Annika Garver have know each other since childhood. When Anni walks into the club Ren works at he knows trouble isn’t far behind… but he didn’t expect it to become explosive.

This story is a thrilling ride from beginning to end. It fast paced, steamy, and suspenseful. Twists and turns I didn’t see coming and a hero who has a protective instinct so strong it melted my kindle. I loved the banter and heat between Ren and Anni. It was unputdownable! There is so much more I want to know about the guys at Barone Hospitality. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Elinda Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anni and Ren

What a great way to start a new series! I love Ren and Anni's story. It starts off with a bang and doesn't stop. I literally could not put this book down. Anni is in trouble. She comes to the one person she knows can help. Ren Gallo is a man of honor who protects those he cares about. Anni definitely qualifies. He has had feelings for her for years. He never did anything about them because she is his best friend's little sister. Well, she's not so little anymore, and she desperately needs his help. He comes up with a plan to stop the demented leader of the MC after her in his tracks. It's going to be dangerous, but for Anni, he is willing to risk anything to keep her safe and get the HEA they deserve. Sorry, no spoilers.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. Starts with a big boom and nonstop action from there. Prepare yourself for an amazing ride and this new series takes flight. Ms Finn knocks it out of the park in this one. So good. Give it a read!

[Jill Ortego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hadley Finn has done it again! She's created characters that already feel like family and I can't wait for more!