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Aspen & Evergreen
Splintered Security
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.
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.
- GenresContemporary
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
About the author
Hadley Finn
14 books128 followersHadley 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: hadleyfinn.com
Hadley loves to cook, dance, and have conversations with the figments of her imagination.
For newsletter & more, visit: hadleyfinn.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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March 19, 2026I'd recommend reading the series in order as the Hero in this book, his relationship to the first book is revealed there.
Best friend's little sister is not my fav troupe but we don't get any dating history so it's easier to swallow. The brother has died a few years ago so we also don't get the usual secret/confrontation scene which is common in this troupe.
Other man drama in form of an abusive man from her brother's past.
Best friend's little sister is not my fav troupe but we don't get any dating history so it's easier to swallow. The brother has died a few years ago so we also don't get the usual secret/confrontation scene which is common in this troupe.
Other man drama in form of an abusive man from her brother's past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2025
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.
February 22, 2025
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!
August 3, 2026
I’m in the minority here but I thought this book was kind of a mess. This is my first read from Hadley Finn and I was super excited to try it because she’s been on my list for a while. I do plan on trying a full length book at some point but this novella had me questioning if I should even bother. I wouldn’t say it was awful, but I really can’t say it was great either and I think it’s because the first half of the book felt very discombobulated. At least to me.
What I liked:
-I loved Ren and how he treated Annika. He was always calm, didn’t let his emotions rule his actions and treated her with respect. He was incredibly supportive and always encouraged Annika to use her words. That alone kept me reading.
-I liked that Annika was finally a heroine who didn’t run into the danger and make me roll my eyes at her stupidity. I appreciated that when Ren asked her to stay, she stayed. Bonus points for that.
But, there were a lot of issues here for me:
-The character of Annika didn’t flow well for me at first. When we first meet Annika I thought we were going to get one of those female characters who’s snarky, annoying and genuinely infuriating for two reasons. When Ren is checking her for injuries and he asks her what part of don’t move don’t you understand, her response is, “The part where any man tells me what to do or not do.” And then a couple chapters later Ren tells her to leave the door open while she showers and she simply nods as she is “unwilling to argue because she’s going to do whatever she wants anyway.” But that was in direct opposition to her character for the rest of the story. The character who is averse to confrontation, hates using her voice and has been used and abused. It left me feeling incredibly confused. I think if the author had left those two examples out of the book it would have made her character flow a little better. At least for me.
-The beginning of the book was a jumbled mess for me. I mean Ren and Annika go home after a bombing and no one is asking any questions of “Why were you there?” “What happened?” “Where was the bomb?” “How did you know there was a bomb?” “How did you know I’d be at the club?” What irked me the most is that Annika never even questioned if Ren was hurt. She showers, they talk and it’s only after he showers and she sees his injuries that she even considers he may have been hurt. If he hadn’t been walking around shirtless she probably never would have even asked if he was okay. Like the dude was on top of you while the building blew up and it’s not something you even think about? I get it, shell shock is a thing, but I think the question of are you okay is one that comes to everyone’s mind right away.
-There were a lot of stupid moments in my opinion as well. They go back to Annika’s house to grab her things knowing there’s an MC looking for her and they’re surprised that the MC is at her house when they arrive? And when Heath threatens Annika’s mom which was one of the reasons Annika got involved with him in the first place, no one thinks to get her mom somewhere safe? No one thinks she needs protecting? Ren tells Annika I’ll keep her safe, meantime there are days between Heath’s threats and Ren’s planned day of attack. And we all think her mom’s gonna be fine during that time?
-I also really hate when authors make the trope the main focus of their story. Readers like original storylines. I understood that this was a “brother’s best friend” and a “fake marriage” as the book unfolded. But it was constantly repeated to the point of annoyance. I get it. I do not need to constantly reread “brother’s best friend,” “my best friend’s little sister,” “fake husband” “fake wife” over and over and over again. I don’t. There’s more to the story than two stupid tropes. Focus on your story not your trope.
-I have personal issues with authors choosing their characters to have unprotected sex in certain circumstances. I understand it shows trust and I liked how Ren made sure Annika understood it was her choice and always would be. However, in certain situations realistically STI’s need to be considered a little more than they actually are. I get it, it’s a book and the point of that scene was to show trust, but this poor girl has been used and abused by a member (and maybe more than one) of an MC. I would seriously be questioning unprotected sex. And I’m not saying that to judge or fault her, because Annika was caught in a tricky situation, but it would be nice to hear her say “I’m clean,” or “let’s wait until I get tested before we try that.” That’s just as much of a respectful and caring conversation.
Ren was really the only reason why I kept reading the story until the end. I’m glad it’s over and will still consider trying a full length book from this author in the future.
What I liked:
-I loved Ren and how he treated Annika. He was always calm, didn’t let his emotions rule his actions and treated her with respect. He was incredibly supportive and always encouraged Annika to use her words. That alone kept me reading.
-I liked that Annika was finally a heroine who didn’t run into the danger and make me roll my eyes at her stupidity. I appreciated that when Ren asked her to stay, she stayed. Bonus points for that.
But, there were a lot of issues here for me:
-The character of Annika didn’t flow well for me at first. When we first meet Annika I thought we were going to get one of those female characters who’s snarky, annoying and genuinely infuriating for two reasons. When Ren is checking her for injuries and he asks her what part of don’t move don’t you understand, her response is, “The part where any man tells me what to do or not do.” And then a couple chapters later Ren tells her to leave the door open while she showers and she simply nods as she is “unwilling to argue because she’s going to do whatever she wants anyway.” But that was in direct opposition to her character for the rest of the story. The character who is averse to confrontation, hates using her voice and has been used and abused. It left me feeling incredibly confused. I think if the author had left those two examples out of the book it would have made her character flow a little better. At least for me.
-The beginning of the book was a jumbled mess for me. I mean Ren and Annika go home after a bombing and no one is asking any questions of “Why were you there?” “What happened?” “Where was the bomb?” “How did you know there was a bomb?” “How did you know I’d be at the club?” What irked me the most is that Annika never even questioned if Ren was hurt. She showers, they talk and it’s only after he showers and she sees his injuries that she even considers he may have been hurt. If he hadn’t been walking around shirtless she probably never would have even asked if he was okay. Like the dude was on top of you while the building blew up and it’s not something you even think about? I get it, shell shock is a thing, but I think the question of are you okay is one that comes to everyone’s mind right away.
-There were a lot of stupid moments in my opinion as well. They go back to Annika’s house to grab her things knowing there’s an MC looking for her and they’re surprised that the MC is at her house when they arrive? And when Heath threatens Annika’s mom which was one of the reasons Annika got involved with him in the first place, no one thinks to get her mom somewhere safe? No one thinks she needs protecting? Ren tells Annika I’ll keep her safe, meantime there are days between Heath’s threats and Ren’s planned day of attack. And we all think her mom’s gonna be fine during that time?
-I also really hate when authors make the trope the main focus of their story. Readers like original storylines. I understood that this was a “brother’s best friend” and a “fake marriage” as the book unfolded. But it was constantly repeated to the point of annoyance. I get it. I do not need to constantly reread “brother’s best friend,” “my best friend’s little sister,” “fake husband” “fake wife” over and over and over again. I don’t. There’s more to the story than two stupid tropes. Focus on your story not your trope.
-I have personal issues with authors choosing their characters to have unprotected sex in certain circumstances. I understand it shows trust and I liked how Ren made sure Annika understood it was her choice and always would be. However, in certain situations realistically STI’s need to be considered a little more than they actually are. I get it, it’s a book and the point of that scene was to show trust, but this poor girl has been used and abused by a member (and maybe more than one) of an MC. I would seriously be questioning unprotected sex. And I’m not saying that to judge or fault her, because Annika was caught in a tricky situation, but it would be nice to hear her say “I’m clean,” or “let’s wait until I get tested before we try that.” That’s just as much of a respectful and caring conversation.
Ren was really the only reason why I kept reading the story until the end. I’m glad it’s over and will still consider trying a full length book from this author in the future.
September 13, 2025
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.
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.
July 11, 2026
I started this book in Hot Girls Fight Back Part I collection of books. It only had a few chapters and decided to finish.
Lorenzo Gallo ‘Ren’ (age 31) joined the army at 18 and now works security at a club. He’s one of Christian’s personal security team and manages Barone Hospitality security.
Annika Garver (age 28) is trapped in an MC due to her brother’s debts. Having enough she runs to Ren who was her brother’s best friend.
Ren is the ultimate book boyfriend; dominant, sensitive and oh so caring. Nothing like a guy who can protect you but also cook for you. Anni was okay but I didn’t really care for her character too much. Overall it was a slow read with little spice. I did enjoy the epilogue scene so that was a good ending at least.
Lorenzo Gallo ‘Ren’ (age 31) joined the army at 18 and now works security at a club. He’s one of Christian’s personal security team and manages Barone Hospitality security.
Annika Garver (age 28) is trapped in an MC due to her brother’s debts. Having enough she runs to Ren who was her brother’s best friend.
Ren is the ultimate book boyfriend; dominant, sensitive and oh so caring. Nothing like a guy who can protect you but also cook for you. Anni was okay but I didn’t really care for her character too much. Overall it was a slow read with little spice. I did enjoy the epilogue scene so that was a good ending at least.
March 9, 2025
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.
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.
November 14, 2025
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.
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.
July 19, 2026
The first half of this story was in an anthology I read, honestly I was gripped and totally invested in it and it cut off, feeling devastated that I wouldn't get my ending and outcome I turned the page... This wonderful author had put a link for readers to download the whole book for free, I clapped and thanked her in my mind and downloaded …Full Review
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedHappily Ever AfterOriginalPage-turnerRomanticRealisticScarySteamyTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedHappily Ever AfterOriginalPage-turnerRomanticRealisticScarySteamyTwistedUnpredictableWittyWonderful characters
September 14, 2025
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.
March 19, 2026
I have to say that I love the brother’s best friend trope. This is one of the best. Ren is the alpha ex military security badass who will do everything he can to protect his best friend’s sister. He will do anything to protect Annika who has been trying to protect her family. She has been in love with him forever and is not afraid to let him know she is not a little girl anymore. They are perfect and such a good book!
April 13, 2025
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.
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.
May 6, 2025
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!
August 6, 2025
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!
February 22, 2025
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
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
February 28, 2025
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!!
July 16, 2025
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!
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!
August 6, 2025
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.
February 19, 2025
4.5 stars
April 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this story. Ren and Anni. Its well written with a little suspense. Recommended.
February 28, 2025
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.
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.
February 27, 2025
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.
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.
February 2, 2025
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!
March 6, 2025
Hadley Finn has done it again! She's created characters that already feel like family and I can't wait for more!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews