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When You Know
TWO WOMEN. TWO WEEKS. ONE SHOT AT FOREVER.
Jennifer Middleton, gifted Wall Street executive, works and plays hard. When compromising photos of her are leaked to the press, her uncle, president of the prestigious family firm, imposes a if Jenn wants the top job, she’ll need to prove that she’s not just a loose cannon by attending a bootcamp-style training course for top-level CEOs. This is Jenn’s idea of hell…
Until she meets Hudson former army captain, medic, and drop-dead gorgeous instructor. Hudson, recovering from traumatic events on the frontline, has been warned about Middleton. But instead of an arrogant trainee with a chip on her shoulder, she discovers an alluring, intense, and captivating woman with her own struggles.
Both aren’t what the other expected. Both may be what the other needs. And training will soon heat up in the Caribbean jungle.
Jennifer Middleton, gifted Wall Street executive, works and plays hard. When compromising photos of her are leaked to the press, her uncle, president of the prestigious family firm, imposes a if Jenn wants the top job, she’ll need to prove that she’s not just a loose cannon by attending a bootcamp-style training course for top-level CEOs. This is Jenn’s idea of hell…
Until she meets Hudson former army captain, medic, and drop-dead gorgeous instructor. Hudson, recovering from traumatic events on the frontline, has been warned about Middleton. But instead of an arrogant trainee with a chip on her shoulder, she discovers an alluring, intense, and captivating woman with her own struggles.
Both aren’t what the other expected. Both may be what the other needs. And training will soon heat up in the Caribbean jungle.
- GenresContemporary
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2025
159 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Debrabandere
41 books243 followersMy novels are about strong, grounded women who live, love, and thrive in adventurous worlds.
As Natalie Debrabandere, I write lesbian fiction with a romantic twist.
As N.D. Shar, I dive into edgy sci-fi with kick-ass female leads and non-stop action.
If this is your first experience with my books, I hope you’ll find as much pleasure in reading them as I do in writing them.
The best way to support me? Read, review, and share—share—share!
My books are available worldwide in Kindle and paperback formats on your local Amazon site.
You can contact me through my website: nataliedebrabandere.com
As Natalie Debrabandere, I write lesbian fiction with a romantic twist.
As N.D. Shar, I dive into edgy sci-fi with kick-ass female leads and non-stop action.
If this is your first experience with my books, I hope you’ll find as much pleasure in reading them as I do in writing them.
The best way to support me? Read, review, and share—share—share!
My books are available worldwide in Kindle and paperback formats on your local Amazon site.
You can contact me through my website: nataliedebrabandere.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 20, 2025
3 Stars
When You Know by Natalie Debrabandere is a contemporary romance novel. Unfortunately for me the story was adequate. I think because there was not a lot of tension before getting together between the main characters. It was lust at first sight so there wasn’t much to look forward to since as a reader we know how it would end up.
When You Know by Natalie Debrabandere is a contemporary romance novel. Unfortunately for me the story was adequate. I think because there was not a lot of tension before getting together between the main characters. It was lust at first sight so there wasn’t much to look forward to since as a reader we know how it would end up.
April 24, 2025
Jennifer Middleton has wanted the job as CEO of Middleton & Co, a top family owned Wall Street investment firm, since she was young. The job is currently occupied by her uncle Jack, but Jenn is his only family. Jenn is a hard worker, but she also enjoys women, and her latest conquest has come to bite her in the ass; the woman was an undercover reporter and intimate pictures are all over a top magazine. Uncle Jack called her into his office and gave her an ultimatum: to attend a boot camp course in the Caribbean to be able to become CEO after his retirement.
Hudson is a retired US Army captain, one of three instructors on the course. After being in a war zone and losing several friends she has retired, trying to cope with her nightmares and loss. She doesn’t like to get close to people emotionally, and avoids any intimacy at all.
Even though this deals with loss, fear and insecurity, it’s a remarkably upbeat and strong story. Towards the end it also has some beautifully emotional moments. I thought Jenn would be a spoilt brat character, but she is a well balanced, loyal and thoughtful woman.
Hudson is a retired US Army captain, one of three instructors on the course. After being in a war zone and losing several friends she has retired, trying to cope with her nightmares and loss. She doesn’t like to get close to people emotionally, and avoids any intimacy at all.
Even though this deals with loss, fear and insecurity, it’s a remarkably upbeat and strong story. Towards the end it also has some beautifully emotional moments. I thought Jenn would be a spoilt brat character, but she is a well balanced, loyal and thoughtful woman.
May 4, 2025
High 3+
May 9, 2025
1 star because it's queer lit (which is great), but it's also not-so-vaguely Republican... Signs of success include meeting Elon Musk? Soldiers are necessary beings to eliminate 'true evils'? Not my cuppa
March 4, 2025
Always an amazing story
I absolutely love the twists and turns of this story. Always hard for me to put Natalie's books. I space her books out carefully so I don't run out.
Love the characters in this book especially.
I absolutely love the twists and turns of this story. Always hard for me to put Natalie's books. I space her books out carefully so I don't run out.
Love the characters in this book especially.
March 4, 2025
Never disappointed.
I have been in love with your writing. The dynamic between Jenn and Hudson is dynamic to say the least. You take the reader on an emotional journey that never fails to brighten my day. Thank you for continuing to never disappoint.
I have been in love with your writing. The dynamic between Jenn and Hudson is dynamic to say the least. You take the reader on an emotional journey that never fails to brighten my day. Thank you for continuing to never disappoint.
June 3, 2025
An Interesting Story About A Specialized Kind Of Boot Camp & Love!
Natalie’s storytelling has taken us lots of places with different situations. This book has us on another adventure. Jenn has herself caught up in another scandal. Her Uncle who has taken care of her since her parents died has decided if Jenn wants to take over the family company then she needs to get her head clear and focus. He has signed her up for a specific boot camp for two weeks. Jenn doesn’t want it but realizes her Uncle is not going to give in on this. Mind focus, a training course of endurance and team building crap she doesn’t need. Rock-On is an organization of retired military officers that teach civilians how to survive in different situations, facing their fears. Hudson is helping her former colleague out. Down a man for these latest recruits, helping Kate out and seeing exactly what she was doing with this organization, Hudson was ready. Despite her strong decorated skills in the military, she was a medic too and all her skills would be needed. Reading the bios on all the new recruits, Jennifer Middleton was the name that they pointed out to be the biggest attitude problem. When these two women cross, a life that they both were use to ceases to exists. A feel good read.
Natalie’s storytelling has taken us lots of places with different situations. This book has us on another adventure. Jenn has herself caught up in another scandal. Her Uncle who has taken care of her since her parents died has decided if Jenn wants to take over the family company then she needs to get her head clear and focus. He has signed her up for a specific boot camp for two weeks. Jenn doesn’t want it but realizes her Uncle is not going to give in on this. Mind focus, a training course of endurance and team building crap she doesn’t need. Rock-On is an organization of retired military officers that teach civilians how to survive in different situations, facing their fears. Hudson is helping her former colleague out. Down a man for these latest recruits, helping Kate out and seeing exactly what she was doing with this organization, Hudson was ready. Despite her strong decorated skills in the military, she was a medic too and all her skills would be needed. Reading the bios on all the new recruits, Jennifer Middleton was the name that they pointed out to be the biggest attitude problem. When these two women cross, a life that they both were use to ceases to exists. A feel good read.
March 11, 2025
Jennifer (Jenn) Middleton has been caught one too many times by the tabloids, and is being forced into a executive boot camp to prove she's worthy to inherit the top spot.
(Oh joy, another het old man forcing a lesbian to jump through hoops. One of these days I want the heroine to tell the old coot "Get fucked," then follow her making a name for herself, instead.)
Hudson Grays, retired US military, is filling in as a trainer for a old comrade, Kate. She's intrigued by Jenn, despite her being there unwilling.
(I appreciate someone bringing up she's there reluctantly, but really they should be vetoing her doing it for everybody else's sake. It's not fair to everyone in the course to have her along when she doesn't want to do it.)
I also kind of go 'really?' at the boss of the camp being ok with Hudson and Jenn snagging. You would think she'd insist they, at least, hold off until the course ends.
I have severe doubts the water tunnel stunt would actually be allowed. Their insurance would not cover it.
And now a hurricane hits. Seriously?
3 out of 5 stars. It's good, just some bits annoyed me.
(Oh joy, another het old man forcing a lesbian to jump through hoops. One of these days I want the heroine to tell the old coot "Get fucked," then follow her making a name for herself, instead.)
Hudson Grays, retired US military, is filling in as a trainer for a old comrade, Kate. She's intrigued by Jenn, despite her being there unwilling.
(I appreciate someone bringing up she's there reluctantly, but really they should be vetoing her doing it for everybody else's sake. It's not fair to everyone in the course to have her along when she doesn't want to do it.)
I also kind of go 'really?' at the boss of the camp being ok with Hudson and Jenn snagging. You would think she'd insist they, at least, hold off until the course ends.
I have severe doubts the water tunnel stunt would actually be allowed. Their insurance would not cover it.
And now a hurricane hits. Seriously?
3 out of 5 stars. It's good, just some bits annoyed me.
April 28, 2025
Flat and Hurried
When You Know ultimately fell flat for me. There was little that felt engaging or immersive about the story; the plot itself seemed entirely absent, giving the impression of a hurried narrative with no meaningful destination. While the premise held promise, the execution lacked the depth and emotional pull needed to truly connect with the characters or their journey.
The characters themselves, rather than feeling complex or grounded, came across more like teenagers experiencing a fleeting romance, without the maturity or development one would expect from their backstories. This lack of emotional base made it difficult to relate to them or invest in their relationship.
Overall, the book felt disappointingly flat,particularly given that I have read stronger, more compelling works by Natalie Debrabandere in the past. When You Know simply did not meet the standard she is capable of achieving.
When You Know ultimately fell flat for me. There was little that felt engaging or immersive about the story; the plot itself seemed entirely absent, giving the impression of a hurried narrative with no meaningful destination. While the premise held promise, the execution lacked the depth and emotional pull needed to truly connect with the characters or their journey.
The characters themselves, rather than feeling complex or grounded, came across more like teenagers experiencing a fleeting romance, without the maturity or development one would expect from their backstories. This lack of emotional base made it difficult to relate to them or invest in their relationship.
Overall, the book felt disappointingly flat,particularly given that I have read stronger, more compelling works by Natalie Debrabandere in the past. When You Know simply did not meet the standard she is capable of achieving.
March 12, 2025
Whew! This Is A Steamy Hot Romance
Two strong but very different women meet at a military style training course. One is a retired decorated Army veteran and the other is a Wall Street executive forced to attend the course before being promoted to run her family’s financial firm. There is immediate attraction between the main characters and the course challenges and changes both of them. I loved both women and couldn’t stop reading even though I didn’t want their story to end. This is another great story from Ms. Debrabandere.
Two strong but very different women meet at a military style training course. One is a retired decorated Army veteran and the other is a Wall Street executive forced to attend the course before being promoted to run her family’s financial firm. There is immediate attraction between the main characters and the course challenges and changes both of them. I loved both women and couldn’t stop reading even though I didn’t want their story to end. This is another great story from Ms. Debrabandere.
May 22, 2025
The character development Natalie puts to life — hit home for me
It is fascinating how she articulates the development of Jennifer and Hudson into team oriented, confident leaders. I felt the changes inside me personally. I wish I could attend a real life Rock-On training session. If it was just an ordinary Rom- Com, then they would have gotten engaged, but the ending was more thrilling. This was my first book i read of Natalie’s work. I look forward to reading her other works!
It is fascinating how she articulates the development of Jennifer and Hudson into team oriented, confident leaders. I felt the changes inside me personally. I wish I could attend a real life Rock-On training session. If it was just an ordinary Rom- Com, then they would have gotten engaged, but the ending was more thrilling. This was my first book i read of Natalie’s work. I look forward to reading her other works!
March 13, 2025
Adventure and romance with strong women
An adventure training course with a sexy instructor was not what Jenn expected when her uncle sent her to a course to learn teamwork. Hudson, a military medic and now a Rock-On course instructor, didn’t expect to fall for anyone. Cue the adventure and romance as well as steamy moments.
When You Know is a great read about strong women falling in love.
An adventure training course with a sexy instructor was not what Jenn expected when her uncle sent her to a course to learn teamwork. Hudson, a military medic and now a Rock-On course instructor, didn’t expect to fall for anyone. Cue the adventure and romance as well as steamy moments.
When You Know is a great read about strong women falling in love.
March 14, 2025
Couldn't put it down
I have read this author for years, always looking for her next book, some I've read several times. This was by far a great read. Low angst, great love scenes, and the characters were believable. I kind of wished I could be friends with the group and experience what Hud and Jen had. Great read.
I have read this author for years, always looking for her next book, some I've read several times. This was by far a great read. Low angst, great love scenes, and the characters were believable. I kind of wished I could be friends with the group and experience what Hud and Jen had. Great read.
June 1, 2025
Nothing too crazy or too deep or too philosophical in this one like some of the author's other works can be, but it still has a solid balance of character progression and story arc for the main character that doesn't feel rushed or awkward or wrong, and instead feels really great and I liked it. And who doesn't like a story about athletic women?
June 25, 2025
LOVED IT
Does Natalie Debrabandere ever write a disappointing book?? NO! Not in my opinion. This was a total delight. Great characters, exciting premise, everything that makes it a great read is here. Even the supporting cast was outstanding. I believe this book could support a sequel, whaddaya say, Nat??
Does Natalie Debrabandere ever write a disappointing book?? NO! Not in my opinion. This was a total delight. Great characters, exciting premise, everything that makes it a great read is here. Even the supporting cast was outstanding. I believe this book could support a sequel, whaddaya say, Nat??
March 10, 2025
Compelling
Loved this romance. A CEO and a soldier meet at a civilian boot camp. Neither does relationships for different reasons. Really well defined and compelling MCs. The settings and the secondary characters add do much. I always like the author and this one is another hit
Loved this romance. A CEO and a soldier meet at a civilian boot camp. Neither does relationships for different reasons. Really well defined and compelling MCs. The settings and the secondary characters add do much. I always like the author and this one is another hit
March 22, 2025
Brilliant
As always, another fantastic book by Natalie. I absolutely loved Jenn & Hudson's story. It was intense, thrilling, sweet, hot & sexy and kept me hooked from the start. If you love strong bodied and minded women, this is a must read.
As always, another fantastic book by Natalie. I absolutely loved Jenn & Hudson's story. It was intense, thrilling, sweet, hot & sexy and kept me hooked from the start. If you love strong bodied and minded women, this is a must read.
April 4, 2025
Best book ever
Wow literally this book was absolutely amazing did not want to put it down i actually fell asleep woke up back later on thinking about it and just went back to reading it is now 2am and I just finished so with all that and more I love it
Wow literally this book was absolutely amazing did not want to put it down i actually fell asleep woke up back later on thinking about it and just went back to reading it is now 2am and I just finished so with all that and more I love it
April 17, 2025
when you know !!
The wall street financier with attitude and fiery temper meets the retired army captain both fight the attraction until they can’t and they fight together through disasters to finally make their happy ending loved it🌈🌹
The wall street financier with attitude and fiery temper meets the retired army captain both fight the attraction until they can’t and they fight together through disasters to finally make their happy ending loved it🌈🌹
March 14, 2025
Another winner
I love Natalie’s books! Always a good story with a little adventure and a lot of love! Always end of leaving with a crush on her characters🙃
I love Natalie’s books! Always a good story with a little adventure and a lot of love! Always end of leaving with a crush on her characters🙃
March 16, 2025
4/5!!
Cute and inspiring love story. Loved the messages and the side characters added to the book too. Cant wait to read more from this author!
Cute and inspiring love story. Loved the messages and the side characters added to the book too. Cant wait to read more from this author!
April 1, 2025
✈️💪🪖🥾🏕️⛰️
April 4, 2025
Cute story with plenty to keep you interested.
Not the best I’ve read by this author, but I still enjoyed it.
Not the best I’ve read by this author, but I still enjoyed it.
April 23, 2025
LOVE LOVE LOVE
I loved the atmosphere of the book and the tension between Hudson and Jenn! Will definitely be picking up more of this author’s books!
I loved the atmosphere of the book and the tension between Hudson and Jenn! Will definitely be picking up more of this author’s books!
June 9, 2025
A good book which kept me entertained. Unruly CFO sent on 2 weeks outward bound course & finds herself and …. Recommended.
June 18, 2025
I enjoy all she writes
Natalie Debrandere is a wonderful writer. She writes lovely wlw books. Her stories, like When You Know, have strong independent women as main characters.
Natalie Debrandere is a wonderful writer. She writes lovely wlw books. Her stories, like When You Know, have strong independent women as main characters.
June 23, 2025
Another good story from ND with good characters and easy read.
July 24, 2025
Great learning experience in addition to mixing up the romance!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews