Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
She took a part of him with her . . . a part he’d kill to protect.

He’d sunk deep.

After three tours in Afghanistan, Brick is searching for stability. He thought he’d found it one random night in Fargo. The sexy blond brewed with trouble, but he fell for her hard and fast.

Faster than a bullet. Faster than a missile. Faster than anything he could handle.

Until he wakes up to find his bed bare. All searches for the woman come up empty. She might have given him a false name, but she made a damn imprint on his heart.

Three years later, and he’s shocked to find her striking green eyes and pouty lips on a Facebook post. The headline jars him: Natalie’s wanted for murder. And in the photo, she holds a toddler boy—Brick’s goddamn twin.

Now a bodyguard at Backcountry Protection Services, he puts his team to work. They find Natalie, on the run for her life.

And their son is missing.

Natalie did what she had to survive.

For years, Natalie fought to keep a brave face against her abusive ex. But she couldn’t get out from under his thumb. Not while he kept her secret. The secret that would end her. Destroy her.

The secret that would put her behind bars.

One terrifying night she escaped and fell into the arms of a stranger. All dangerous, muscle-wrapped steel of him.

Brick wasn’t just a one-night stand. He’d been her salvation—and the father of her son. A son Brick knows nothing about.

Three years later and she’s face-to-face with the man who stole her heart . . . and he knows her deepest secret—well, one of them.

*Chosen Few is a Blood Brothers crossover series and can be read as a standalone*

Brick is a page-turning romantic suspense story of internal battle, unconditional love, and high stakes. Brick's take-action persona makes him the ultimate protector hero.

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2025

35 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Wilde

40 books273 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
60 (51%)
4 stars
48 (41%)
3 stars
6 (5%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Beth Von Voigt.
125 reviews3 followers
July 19, 2025
Brick’s story is the fifth of the Chosen Few series. Brick is out of the military and looking to settle down. He thinks he’s found forever in Natalie when they share an instant connection and a sensational night together while passing through Fargo. However, when he wakes up the next morning, she is gone and every attempt to find her leaves him frustrated. Fast forward three years when Brick sees an APB out for her arrest. The photo shared of Natalie also shows a little boy who looks exactly like him. Brick is even more desperate to find her now and enlists the help of his coworkers at Backcountry Protection Services to help find them and keep them safe once he does. Natalie is still on the run from the same ex she was running from in Fargo, but the stakes are much higher now as he’s kidnapped her son.

Brick and Natalie’s story packs a punch. One of the things I love about Samantha’s writing is that she makes it easy for each book to be read as a standalone even though it’s part of a series. She gives you enough information to catch you up on returning characters without being redundant. I loved returning to the Backcountry world and seeing how the characters jump at the chance to help each other. The way Brick eases into fatherhood in the face of danger is absolutely adorable and so hot! He’s always been an alpha, but that protective instinct is such a turn on. Natalie is a strong FMC who shows her vulnerable side and the author is so descriptive that you feel as though you are right in the story with the characters. The twists keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat. The story is thrilling, emotional, romantic, and suspenseful!
Profile Image for Melann.
981 reviews22 followers
October 23, 2025
Hahah c'était nul !
L'écriture au présent illisible, à moins que c'était la traduction médiocre.
Profile Image for viv.
301 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2025
When I found out that one of the tropes in this book was secret baby, I got even more excited! I know it’s not a favorite for everyone, but it’s seriously one of mine, and this book did it so well. Little Bray was absolutely adorable—such a sweet, lovable kid.

The scenes between Bray and Brick were some of my favorites. You could just feel the connection between them from the start. It was so heartwarming watching Brick interact with him—you can tell right away that he's going to be the best dad. He stepped into that role with so much care and love, even in the small moments. It made my heart melt.

This was a super fast-paced and easy read—every page was packed with action and suspense. I loved every second of it! You could really feel the tension between Brick and Natalie, both when they first met and even more so when they crossed paths again three years later. The chemistry was off the charts, and the emotional stakes just made everything hit harder.
Profile Image for Narci.
375 reviews
July 31, 2025
Hold on tight…. WOW! Brick and Natalie’s story will take you on a roller coaster ride that is edge of your seat, nail biting, hand over face or peeking through finger action-packed story. I love how Brick, Taschen, Zain and Ghost work together, it's as if their an extension of the other. Natalie story is heartfelt, devastating but so inspiring, she is such an inspiration for women who have been in similar situations and so brave. I love Brick’s determination, protectiveness, and consideration, he is such a gentleman, such a strong willed and brave handsome man, yet so easy to fall in love with. My most favorite part was Bray, he stole my heart and soul, especially for all he had to endure. Natalie and Brick’s story will leave you on the edge of your seat, begging for more, leave you devastated, angry, and longing; all while leaving you breathless as their story spirals through this rollercoaster ride only to lead you to unexpected dangers, intense and undeniable chemistry of love, devotion and real soul mates. I loved the banter between them all, the team, Bray and the team, Bray and Natalie, Bray and Brick and Bray and Ellie. I loved the sizzling yet emotional chemistry between Natalie and Brick, as well as Brick and Bray. This story will not only take you on dangerous, chilling ride with perilous and life-threatening action but sweet and awe moments as well as warm and melt your heart moments. I loved their story and can’t wait to read Ghost’s.
722 reviews11 followers
July 20, 2025
Thrilling Romantic Suspense
When Natalie met Keetan, he fit the caretaker role she had always craved. Long enough to hook her for a decade. That decade included abuse and blackmail. She finally thinks she has escaped, but then he comes after her and kidnaps her son. Brick is there to protect and help her. Their path is rocky and full of twists and turns, but he proves he cares for her son, Bray, and he seems to care for her too even after all she hid from him. Brick wants to make sure nothing fills Natalie’s innocent eyes with anguish again even if there is no future for them. An extremely thrilling romantic suspense that incorporates physical abuse, dirty cops, violence, danger and suspense while at the same time includes incredible steam and emotion as well as fun banter between friends. I was captivated from the first page and flipped the pages as fast as I could. Once again the alpha protective bodyguards from Backcountry Protection Services come to the rescue. Brick and Natalie’s story can be read as a standalone, but you will not want to miss the first four books in the series to find out about all the members of Backcountry Protection Services. Cannot wait for reclusive Ghost’s story next.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Profile Image for Sheila Burgin.
35 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2025
I've been waiting to read this since I finished Taschen and was happy to finally get it on my kindle to binge. I read it in one sitting since I couldn't put it down.
I felt so sorry for Brick losing the first 2 years with his son and then Keetan had to go and blow their whole world up with his lies and corruption. Natalie deserved so much better than to be stuck with Keetan for the past 10 or so years.
I loved seeing Brick reunite with Natalie and finally getting the chance to learn he had a son and watching them become a loving family.
So much suspense with the kidnapping and scheming and then the scene at the end in the lake. Keetan got what he deserved and then some!
Had I been able to give partial stars I would have given it a 4.5⭐ rating for story line and suspense. I'd give it a 3.5🌶️ rating since it had some spicy scenes too. I'm eagerly awaiting next book and there is a short teaser at the end for that but it doesn't give much to tell about what's coming for Ghost.

thanks to hiddengemsbooks and the author for the book ❤️
Profile Image for Annie Rae.
Author 16 books57 followers
August 1, 2025
Another AMAZING romance from Samantha Wilde! I love the entire crew from Back Country Security. A bunch of muscly protective alphas... yes, please.

Brick is one of my favorites, though! That he yearned for Natalie since their one-night-stand made their reunion, despite the secrets and lies, so much sweeter. She was the one that got away and so was he. Only poor Natalie ran out of fear of her ex, restarting a cycle of abuse that she can't escape until Brick finds her again with proof of a little present she took away from their night together.

He does everything in his and Back Country's power to save her and his son from a scummy, crooked cop and win back his family. Every detail of their adventure tugs at your heart strings and sucks you into their world. I love that Natalie is willing to fight every step for her son and for Brick, at times taking matters into her own hands to battle for their HEA.

Enticing romance, hot, steamy, but with adventure that will keep the pages turning all night. You won't want to put it down. <3
Profile Image for Han.
242 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2025
I’ve always been a fan of Samantha Wilde and the Chosen Few series but I think this was my favorite book from the series! I couldn’t help but fall in love with Brick as he navigated being a dad, having someone to build a life with, and experiencing what it feels like to love someone so much. He was extremely sweet and down to earth with Natalie even after everything happened. When he learned about the situation she was, he didn’t hesitate in protecting her and his son. He put his life on the line to protect his family.

Natalie was a really strong character as she fought her way to the life that she wanted - a husband and a stable family. Her current situation put a damper on that when she couldn’t escape. I really admired her character as she always put her son first even sacrificing herself and didn’t go down without a fight.

Natalie and Brick fought hard for their relationship and their life together with their son. The ending was beautiful as they finally got everything that they wanted.

"Some people get matching tattoos. We're one step up."
1,647 reviews15 followers
August 29, 2025
First book in the series I've read and wasn't lost. I liked the secondary characters as well as the MC so I might start at the beginning.

Story is like being on a rollercoaster with the emotions I felt. From heartwarming to heart wrenching and everything in-between.

Suspenseful, violence, murder, bad villains, intrigue and twists kept the story engaging for me.

After a one night stand out h becomes pregnant and how the H finds out about it is unique. Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5 and described a few times. Lord's name used in vain and crude words.

One part of the story the H is injured with a bullet still in his arm. He goes into dirty water, has no problem saving someone and no-one worries about infection. I thought that part was farfetched.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, some romance and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)
Profile Image for Carolyn Norman.
781 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much better than Book 4 in the series and as much as I enjoyed Book 1. Next in the series is Brick who has been with Backcountry Protection about 2 years.

He meets Natalie in Fargo, NE when he’s finishing a bodyguard assignment. Natalie has just escaped an abusive ex. They have an amazing night together but she leaves before Brick can get her number.

Fast forward three years and Brick finds out that the woman he knew as another name is wanted for suspicion of murder and she has a 2.5 year old who looks exactly like him. Brick heads out to find Natalie and prove her innocence.

Why did I like this one so much? The action in this one is right out the gate AND throughout the book. Yes it’s sexy. Yes they get back together and get a HEA. And yes, members of the team are present working with Brick to help Natalie. That’s what makes this such an engaging read.

Onto the last book in the series.
981 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2025
This is an amazing series and Brick's story left me unable to put the book down. Seeing a one night stand on an APB sends Brick out to find her and her son, who looks suspiciously like him. With the Back Country Security team helping him, he discovers Natalie and Bray on the run from her ex Keetan, who has been abusive to her for years. She had escaped him when she first met Brick. When her ex gets his hands on Bray, Brick will move heaven and earth to find his son and protect them both from her ex and those who help him. This book has everything and more. It is full of drama, second chances, secret baby, action, steam, twists, turns and lots of suspense. If you haven't read this talented author before, then I highly recommend her. Her books are compelling, well written and will certainly grab your attention.
1,571 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2025
This book ripped my heart out right from the start , wow it was action packed and full of emotions from the first chapter. Natalie and bick met three years ago when she was running from her Ex. Brick one night with Natalie was not enough he kept looking for her over the years when he finally got a hit. Natalie has been trying to protect her self and her son when everything goes bad quickly. This book was a roller coaster ride from the start. Unpredictable and chilling with twisted action packed sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved the relationship that Brick formed with Bray and how supportive Natalie was as they grew closer. Brick and Natalie have an intense chemistry and connection from the start. This series just keeps getting better I can't wait to see what will come next. I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review.
2,297 reviews18 followers
August 6, 2025
Another great addition to this series as Brick finally finds the woman he never forgot after three years. Natalie is in trouble, she can’t escape her ex, Keetan, and now he’s taken from her the most precious thing in her life…her son Bray. The first time she escaped she had a night far away from him and met Brick and the two had a magical night, she is reminded of him each time she looks at her son. Now, years later Brick finds her again and the truth comes out and now she has help as Brick will do whatever it takes to get his son back and free Natalie from the clutches of Keetan.
A fast paced read with suspense, action, and great characters. I liked these two, they were meant to be and once Natalie opens up and spills it all….Brick is all in, no drama, no blaming, and honesty from them both.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Hayley Cook.
215 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2025
Holy crap this book had me on edge. This was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions and suspense. I felt every single thing for Natalie. She was in such a tough situation and tried to make the best possible decision she could. She’s brave, strong and so inspiring. Gosh this one made me cry! This is why I love reading because it can be so healing. Then Brick was just so sweet and so protective and even when he finds her and finds out that he has a son he’s still so calm and sweet to her! He just jumped right in to father mode! The chemistry between them is off the dang charts. Broke my freaking heart for what these two had to go through. There were a few twist I didn’t see coming. This is a fast paced read that will have you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see where it’s going to take you.
Profile Image for Rebecca Billman.
639 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2025
One crazy day in Fargo, North Dakota, Natalie and Brick meet. They hit it off instantly and end up spending an amazing night together. When Brick wakes up the next morning Natalie is long gone. The infatuation is real and he searches for her for three years.

One night Brick gets a phone call from Ghost, a coworker, saying he’s found her, but something else as well ... .Brick has a child, Bray, and they are in trouble.

Brick instantly goes to find Natalie and the chemistry, love, and trust is still there.

Natalie is shocked to see Brick, but instantly put at ease. He is there to help and will do everything in his power to make sure they are all okay.

Brick’s story was a great one and I couldn’t put it down. There are so many twists and turns. I loved it, you never knew what was going to happen next.

I cannot wait to read Ghost’s story next!
Profile Image for Susanne Tenold.
10 reviews
September 24, 2025
Brick is the fifth book in the Chosen Few Series but can be read as a standalone. Some characters appear in this book from previous books.
Brick is working for backcountry securities and learns that Natalie, a woman that he had a one-night stand with is wanted for murder and had his kid. Brick drops everything to go to Natalie and clear her name and get his son.
Natalie is running from an abusive ex when he kicks her door in and takes her son. She is terrified that something has happened to her son until Brick comes back into her life and gets him back.
This book keeps you interested throughout with the twists and turns. I just wish they would have went a little deeper in the characters. I had a hard time connecting with these characters. Maybe if I would have read the first four books that would have been different.
86 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2025
Brick and "Natasha"(Natalie) have a one night stand and Brick has spent 3 years searching for this angel who got away. When he finds her, she is deep in trouble with a son who looks too much like him to be a coincidence. Brick goes the extra mile to save his son and Natalie from an evil cop ex who she has run from several times. He and his coworker friends seek to clear Natalie from the mess and end the ex's reign over her. I love how Natalie finds her voice and her strength to fight to stay alive until rescue comes in the form of redemption. I am really loving this series and this is another book by Samantha Wilde not to be missed.
I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
2,698 reviews33 followers
July 30, 2025
Can't explain how much I enjoyed this book. It really showed these characters off well.

When a one night stand appears in the news, Brick vows to find her, but Natalie is in more trouble that he bargained for.

The chemistry is so strong between Brick and Natalie but with the addition of little Bray and the back story between them all it blows the suspense and drama wide open. So much went into this book but the beautiful relationship that's brewed is a wonder to read.

So well done it was an amazing read i thoroughly enjoyed. Samantha is a relatively recent find for more but I can heartily recommend this book and more. Just amazing!
1,602 reviews13 followers
August 4, 2025
Brick is the 5th book in the Chose Few series, but can be read as a standalone. Brick and Natalie's story is a fast-paced, action-filled second chance romance with lots of suspense. There are heartstopping and heartbreaking moments as well as steamy sexy times and a cute-as-can-be side character who will steal your heart. The HEA for the couple is sweet and well-deserved and the peek of what's the come intriguing to say the least! I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
1,497 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2025
Brick and Natasha/Natalie first met 3 years ago and had a one night stand. Bray was the product of the night, but a woman with a false name is hard to find. A woman in an abusive relationship has her problems. Full of drama, loads of issues, threats and danger from various sources, some not being clearly visible or easy to identify. Brick is determined to take charge and no prisoners if needs be, as his protective streak is full on. Natalie is determined to protect for different reasons.
Profile Image for BeBop19.
496 reviews4 followers
August 5, 2025
This is by far my second favorite, Zain will always be my favorite. It was nice to meet him again here. Brick though!! Oh, my sweet dreams, he was so wonderful. His bravery and loyalty are above and beyond with her. The love and attention he shows not only her but to his child was incredible. DA is real and it isn't touched on enough and it is showed in many different ways here. Samantha's brilliance in the intricacies of this delicate subject ought to be commended. The justice that prevails is wonderfully laid out. Brick is the man and dad girls dream of as little girls.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews156 followers
August 5, 2025
This action-packed story is an emotional rollercoaster with two dynamic characters and a slew of others that kept me glued to this book. Brick is an ex-military man looking for salvation and thought he found it with Natalie until he wakes up with her gone. He searches everywhere and finally comes face to face with her picture on a wanted ad. When they finally reconnect, the secrets come out. Will he finally get his chance for happiness with Natale in spite of the secrets she has kept.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
153 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2025
I enjoyed reading Brick’s story. Few years ago he had a one-night stand with gorgeous blond and he never forgot about her. Now, he see a picture of her holding what looks like his son and the twist - she is wanted for manslaughter.
The story is filled with undeniable attraction, drama, secrets, suspenseful moments, steamy hot scenes and several unexpected twists and turns. Samantha Wilde wrote another suspenseful romance that every reader would enjoy.
I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
978 reviews6 followers
September 7, 2025
This story reeled me in from the first words! With high stakes and so many unknowns for the reader to discover, it riveted my attention. Not only do you discover Brick has been pining for a woman for years, but bombshell-he has a son he never knew about. As if that isn't enough, the woman he has been looking for and their son is in the kind of danger that Backcountry lives to solve. Full of action, danger, suspense, and the support of the Backcountry team as the new family fights for a future they deserve filled with love. And I cannot wait for the next book in the series-ESPECIALLY so after that little sneak peak gem at the end of this terrific story!
Profile Image for BecReadReview.
1,898 reviews35 followers
July 18, 2025
Brick & Natalie keep you on edge as twists hit unexpectedly, leaving you breathless & devastated. The sheer joy Brick feels when reunited with Natalie & Bray lights you up from within. Their intense connection radiates love & longing, while the camaraderie & banter among the guys bring a comforting warmth. With chilling danger, gripping action, & sizzling chemistry woven seamlessly, this story delivers a thrilling & deeply emotional ride.
Profile Image for Kayte Shearwood.
64 reviews4 followers
July 28, 2025
If you are looking for a romance that has action. If you want a romance with a single mom. You want hidden secrets. You want hunky large oversized ex military men. You want a bit of spice in the mix. This is a read for you. I was so excited to be chosen to read this as an ARC and was hooked. I’m definitely invested in knowing more about our Backcountry Protection Services crew! Like I want Ghosts story now!
2,427 reviews22 followers
July 28, 2025
Amazing. Loved the tropes in this story. Another action-packed, edge of your seat, don’t take a breath or look away action story. Definitely my catnip. The camaraderie between the team with the whipsmart dialog is soooo good. I definitely have a crush on Brick. Samantha pulled me into this story (as with her other stories) and would not let go. She can write romantic suspense that will keep you coming back.
5,572 reviews
August 4, 2025
Oh my gosh was this story exciting!
Heart-pounding!
So, so good!

This is my fifth story by Ms. Wilde and I most definitely WANT and need MORE!

My gosh!
Poor Natalie!
But also, poor Brick!

He searched and searched to no avail.
And then, he sees her and more on Facebook!

She needs him more then ever!
Evil is chasing her!
The road has so many twists and turns!

Brick, you know what to do and have the skills!
I'm rooting for you!

Excellent!
Profile Image for Chante Heaven.
865 reviews21 followers
August 6, 2025
This was a fantastic read! Brick is portrayed as a caring and supportive male lead, while Natalie is a character who has endured many hardships. Her attempts to escape her abusive ex-boyfriend lead her to meet Brick, who never forgets her—such a swoon-worthy moment!

The story is fast-paced and action-packed, featuring just the right amount of trauma and angst to keep things engaging. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in!
80 reviews
September 9, 2025
A Tale of Despair, Hope, freedom and love

This could trigger some. It’s the story of a woman stuck in a domestic abuse situation with a man who isn’t her father’s child who never stops fighting for her child. She story is entangled with that of her son’s biological father and their fight to end the horror. It’s rough and gritty. It’s also filled with love, loyalty, fear and hope. It’s a great read and very well edited.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.