She’s the wrong secret I should’ve left buried. Jaci Linwood is unlike any woman I’ve ever known. Pint-sized and buttoned up, she’s enclosed in sky-high walls I can’t charm my way past. Giving up is not my MO. So when HEY, the security firm I co-own with my ex-military friends, gets tasked with finding out what she and her boss are doing at Pine Peaks Resort, I’m stoked to be the private investigator on the case. Mysteries shroud their presence, but my investigation proves that they’re not merely vacationing. Something far more sinister lays at our doorstep and Jaci’s at the center of it. I should be doing my job... But she becomes a fixation I can’t break, a craving that’s never satisfied, a need I don’t want to escape. She sees through my facade and challenges me, pushes me, unravels me. Then I’m straddling two paths—doing my job or following my desire. The danger creeps closer, bearing down on her. I must protect her fromthose who’d cause her harm. And from my obsessed self...
Protect Wrong Secret is a standalone romantic suspense that balances heart-pounding tension with witty banter and humor. No cheating. HEA guaranteed. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions seasoned with laugh-out-loud moments. Contains explicit content. Recommended for 21+.
I wanted to like this book more than I did. The premise is interesting — a mix of romance, secrets, and danger set in a resort — but I couldn’t connect with the characters. Jaci and Nick’s relationship felt rushed, and some of their motivations lacked depth, making it hard to truly care about their story. The suspense had potential, yet the emotional impact never quite landed for me.
I enjoyed Nick and Jaci. Nick and his friends own a security firm. Nick and Jaci have a wonderful chemistry together. Jaci finds herself in trouble. Nick and his crew quickly come to her aid. The camaraderie between Nick, his friends, Jaci and her mom throughout the story is heartwarming. It is a delightful, summer read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pint-sized and buttoned up, she’s enclosed in sky-high walls I can’t charm my way past.
Giving up is not my MO.
So when HEY, the security firm I co-own with my ex-military friends, gets tasked with finding out what she and her boss are doing at Pine Peaks Resort, I’m stoked to be the private investigator on the case.
Mysteries shroud their presence, but my investigation proves that they’re not merely vacationing.
Something far more sinister lays at our doorstep, and Jaci’s at the center of it.
I should be doing my job...
But she becomes a fixation I can’t break, a craving that’s never satisfied, a need I don’t want to escape.
She sees through my facade and challenges me, pushes me, unravels me.
Then I’m straddling two paths—doing my job or following my desire.
The danger creeps closer, bearing down on her.
I must protect her from those who’d cause her harm.
And from my obsessed self...
This contemporary small-town standalone romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building in Pine Peaks and characters that are a military alpha male protector/private investigator who co-owns HEY, the security firm with his military friends, and a strong female heroine who are captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with protecting my wrong secret, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice, with all the feelings to leave readers breathless and begging for more, secrets, obsession, danger, deception, mysteries shroud their presence, the private investigator/co-owner of HEY has a whole lot of trouble his way, drama, romantic suspense that balances heart-pounding tension with witty banter and humor, no cheating, HEA guaranteed, a roller coaster of heartfelt emotins seasoned with laught-out-loud moments, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with protecting my wrong secret and an explicit romantic suspense that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly dangerous, lustful, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Innocent and blackmailed meets your typical ladies' man. What could potentially go wrong?
Jaci is being forced against her will to help her evil grandfather with his ghastly schemes. Nick and the team of Hey have been tasked with finding out what's going on. Nick, though, can't quite keep business and pleasure separate. As passion ignites between the two of them, the danger heats up.
There’s always something highly amusing about an MMC who thinks he’s all that with the ladies, to suddenly meet someone who sort of just glosses over him.
I want to preface by saying that I did enjoy the book; it was an easy read, and a palate cleanser. If you look at it for what it is, on the surface level, it is enjoyable, its the type of book you can read and know the formula that’s happening.
The more you look, though, some things fall a little short. For me, it didn’t detract from the story, though there were some times I was questioning. The danger didn’t feel very dangerous, the villian was not villianing, and again in a nice laid back read he doesn’t overly need to, but when your telling me that Jaci is supposed to be terrified for her mothers life, and she seems to forget this worry so she can go on a date, it takes away from that.
The feelings between the characters felt a little off sometimes, and i found myself rolling my eyes because things were just resolved far too quickly.
All in all it was a very pleasant read, and while it was the second in the series (i did not read the first) I didn’t feel like i was missing anything by not having read it. I would recommend this book because it’s def likely to be right up someone's street.
I enjoyed this romantic suspense with its unexpected twists and turns, humor, intrigue, secrets, lies, action, danger, steamy love scenes and very likable protagonists and secondary characters. I haven't read the first book in the series, but I was able to follow the plot well which can be read as a standalone. I will certainly catch up on the previous installment and am already looking forward to the next part about the likable trio.
Recommended for anyone who likes contemporary romance novels with a mix of intrigue, action, fun and spice!
Young human rights lawyer Jaci Linwood is coerced by her criminal grandfather to travel with him to Colorado to help him with a business deal, otherwise he will harm her seriously ill mother. It soon becomes clear that he is trying to rip off resort boss Cliff, but the latter is skeptical and asks his friends from HEY for help to find out the real motives. Nick Everett and his best friends are ex-military turned security firm co-owners that is based at the holiday resort of their mentor Cliff in Pine Peaks. He is the sunny boy and womanizer of the group who charms everyone with his wit and good looks. From the very first moment, Nick is attracted to his target and soon finds it difficult to choose between his mission and his feelings for Josie. Josie also reciprocates Nick's feelings, but she can't tell him the truth so as not to endanger her mother's life...
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Here's what's done right: penning a book that's part of a series but written as a standalone, featuring a male character that is carefree but dons glasses proudly, and creating an interest in the reader to find out more about the characters. All these are important factors.
Some authors just don't have the skill in weaving a standalone in a series. And, that's a shame as while loyal readers are vested, potential new ones are lost. Then there's a male character with chiseled features on the cover of book. All too often authors will have a book that doesn't match the cover. Think the author does it right and glasses are not just an afterthought in the understanding of the character. Then there's the why the grandfather is acting that way which helps thread the story.
So why the two stars? Didn't like that the MMC referred to women's' attributes as 'knockers' -made him shallow as was his initial and subsequent fixation over the FMC's figure. Get there has to be physical attraction but way it was written made this reader feel that at the start of the book that maybe this MMC isn't someone you would want for the FMC.
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Independently Published, in exchange for an honest review.
A great slow-build romance, with brilliant chemistry between the main characters, wonderful banter, secrets, protection, danger, family, cooking, passion and some great twists.
Nick is part of a protection business with his friends Brody (Trust My Bodyguard) and Zane; which they'd set up after all leaving the forces and returning home. They are all very different characters, with Nick being a bit of a playboy and a charmer, but when Cliff who runs the hotel where they run their business from asks him and the team to look into the backgrounds of a couple of new guests, he's happy to get to know the lady more (struggling to keep business and pleasure separate).
Jaci has come to the hotel with her grandfather but is worried about what he wants, having never trusted him. Spending time with Nick she finds she can forget her worries but she feels she needs to protect him and keeps secrets. But as things heat up between them, so does the danger she's in and when she finds herself in deep trouble, Nick and his friends are more than happy to step in to help.
A great read and I can't wait for Zane's story, the grumpy nerd deserves his romance as well.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An exciting read, that had twists and turns, danger, lies, secrets, steamy scenes, great friendships and love Jaci is a lawyer, she lives with her mother who is seriously ill, she is forced to take leave from her job and go with her criminal grandfather, Arthur (Artie) to Pine Peaks as his lawyer. She has no choice because he has threatened to hurt her mother if she doesn’t go with him. He wants her to set up a fake company and prepare paperwork for a business deal. It soon becomes clear that he is trying to rip off resort boss Cliff, but the latter is skeptical and asks the team at HEY to investigate Jaci Nick one of the three ex-military best friends that own HEY, takes the job of investigating Jaci, was very attracted to her the minute he saw her and before long he finds it hard to concentrate on anything else, Jaci is very attracted to Nick and while he is asking questions, trying to get information from her, she had to keep secret about the real reason she was there because of the danger to her mother. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookSprout and I’m writing this review voluntarily
Nick Everett, along with his former military buddies, Brody Hawke and Zane Yates have formed HEY security. Their headquarters are located in the Pine Peaks Resort owned by their good friend Cliff Harbor. Nick will admit that he has a hard time taking most things seriously, well until he meets Attorney Jaci Linwood. He senses that something is wrong, but will she accept his help? Jaci is at Pine Peaks unwillingly having travelled there with her grandfather, Artie Wyatt, as he threatened the life of her mother, his own daughter! He is running a scam and doesn’t care who he harms. Meeting Nick was the fortunate part of this trip, but she has no idea that he is investigating Artie…and her. The attraction between Jaci and Nick was immediate, but has she opened herself up to more disappointment? When Cliff refuses to go along with Artie’s scheme, what will happen to her and her mother? As the threats continue, Artie still has some cards left to play to force Cliff to agree to his demands. When Jaci is missing, has Nick left it too late to tell her how he feels? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
This book was such a fun ride. It gave me everything I want in a romantic suspense—mystery, banter, steamy tension, and a hero who’s totally gone for the heroine in the most obsessive, protective way (and honestly, I was here for it).
Jaci is all buttoned-up and full of secrets, and the hero (who’s working undercover at her resort) is supposed to be investigating her... but of course, he can’t stop thinking about her instead. Their chemistry is instant, but it’s the slow unraveling of their connection that really pulled me in. Plus, the banter? So good.
The plot had enough twists to keep me hooked without getting too over-the-top, and there were definitely some laugh-out-loud moments mixed in with the steam and suspense. It felt like a perfect balance of danger and fun.
If you like protective, slightly obsessive heroes, smart heroines, and a little mystery mixed into your romance, definitely give this one a go. HEA is guaranteed, and it totally delivered.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Nick is a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. After his vision got worse and lost his job as an air force pilot, he came home to build a security company with his best friends headquartered in their mentor Cliff’s resort. When an old man and a young woman check in the resort, Cliff senses trouble and hires Nick’s company to look them up. Jaci is a nerdy brand-new lawyer. Her no-good grandfather kidnaps her to do his bidding, threatening to hurt her mother. Jaci is worried about her situation and in no mood for Nick charm, which spurs him to work harder. One thing leads to another, they have a great time together, despite their differences. When Nick finds out Jaci’s dilemma, he gets his friends to retrieve Jaci’s mother. But Jaci is not out of danger. Neither is Cliff or the resort. It all comes to a blow! I am happy the females in the story are no slouch. The story is fun and cute. Even though I feel the style is somewhat detached, I still enjoy the plot.
Line-dancing suprised me. From three friends, also private investigation agency co-owners, Nick possess positive attitude, cheers up everyone, is flirty, doesn't want to be a burden to others because of his progressive illness. Laci is smart, genuine, works her dream job where she can help others. She is brought to a resort because of threats. Nick with his charming personality distracts her in different ways from beeing under the pressure 24/7. He could improve my mood from my everyday pressure, I could ruffle his great hair to relieve stress. Sometimes people behave over the top, when they are disappointed and have a feeling the other doesn't understand you. This time it leads to grave danger. No matter the absurd reasons some are simply evil.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nick's Story... Book 2 of Pine Peaks tells the story of HEY's Nick...and Jaci. I really feel for Jaci throughout the story because she's in such a difficult predicament, and it only gets more difficult as the story progresses. Jaci has a lot on her shoulders and is trying to learn who she can trust; after all, her fate and her mother's fate are on the line here. Family troubles start with her Grandfather, who is as cold as can be. What a nightmare. Just as Nick breaks down the wall Jaci has built around her, he goes and unknowingly causes Jaci to question whether or not she's made a huge mistake with trusting him...and even more importantly, started to give her heart to. This is a great mystery with some suspense and a bunch of romance added in. A great second book to this series! I loved it!
Steamy, suspenseful, and totally addictive—Protect My Wrong Secret is everything I want in a romantic thriller. Jaci is a guarded, mysterious heroine with layers, and the hero? A gruff, obsessed PI who can’t stay away. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the tension—both romantic and plot-driven—keeps the pages turning.
The mystery behind Pine Peaks Resort adds danger and urgency, while the emotional depth between the leads gives this story its heart. I loved the mix of forced proximity, forbidden attraction, and high-stakes suspense. Some pacing felt a bit rushed, but the intense romance and satisfying twists made up for it.
Perfect for fans of protective alpha heroes, heroines with secrets, and stories where love and danger collide.
Listen, this book had me clutching my Kindle like it was holding state secrets. Broody ex military PI? Absolutely yes. The buttoned up heroine hiding a past? Obsessed. Their chemistry is slow burn perfection, the kind that starts with stolen glances and ends with full blown fire alarms. Add in danger at a luxury resort, undercover missions, and twists that had me yelling at the pages like a caffeinated sports commentator, and you’ve got a ride I didn’t want to get off.
Sure, a couple of moments could’ve been tighter, but the mix of suspense, mystery, and sizzling romance more than delivered. If you love your reads with a protective hero, a heroine who can hold her own, and enough intrigue to keep you flipping pages way past bedtime, this one’s your next obsession.
Protect Wrong Secret is a standalone romantic suspense story of Nick and Jaci..She is a Lawyer in NY who's taking care her sick Mother and got balackmailed by her criminal of a grandfather helping him to get all the money of his brother living in ski town Colorado..He is one of the guy who runs a security firm,when the man who raised them asking for help to investigate his evil of a brother and found himself with a lot of troubles specialy to the woman who captured his heart..An interesting,intriguing,with angst,secret,action,steam and romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Listen—this book had me clutching my Kindle like it owed me answers! 🔥 The broody ex-military PI? Obsessed. The buttoned-up beauty with secrets? ICONIC. These two have so much tension I swear my screen steamed up. Toss in danger at a luxury resort, secret missions, and a slow-burn that turns into a full-on can’t-look-away firestorm, and you've got my kind of chaos. I was yelling at the pages in the best way. Highly recommend if you love your romance with a bodyguard, a backstory, and a whole lotta bite. 🕶️💣💋
Protect My Wrong Secret is a fast-paced romantic suspense that blends military-grade tension with magnetic chemistry. It follows Jaci, a mysterious woman with secrets buried deep, and a determined private investigator caught between his mission and his growing obsession with her. I liked how the story unraveled slowly, with just enough danger and intrigue to keep me guessing, but the real hook for me was the sizzling connection between the leads. If you're into romance with a side of mystery and some adrenaline-pumping action, this one hits the mark.
Nick is part of a security firm that operates out of a resort in Colorado. When Jaci and her grandfather, Artie, arrive at the resort, Nick is smitten. He is a one-night stand guy and hopes to hook up with Jaci. Cliff, the owner of the resort has been like a father figure to the security team, and he suspects that Artie is up to no good. I love the small-town atmosphere where everyone cares for each other. There is a lot of love, mystery, and adventure as the security team, Jaci and the town try to figure out why Artie is there. Great story and characters.
She is being blackmailed by her grandfather to help steal money from the MMC boss. They come to town and the MMC is put on the team to investigate and find out who they are and why they are in town and what they are up to. She seems innocent and he works to keep her safe while shutting down her grandfather and others involved. I didn't like his attitudes at times or the way he was portrayed but that is my opinion. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nick and Jaci stuck in a tree… no seriously might as well be ,he and his security team after look after her when what she’s up to with her boss ain’t what it seems . Intrigued ? Then o read the book it’s got great scenes and an awesome plot . There ain’t nothing wrong with high rise secrets behind her walls but he’s going in for the long haul secrets and all . Loved this book ,had a ball reading . Summer Hunter has spun an antsy tale that doesn’t fail to entertain and the suspense as well as their chemistry intense.
Nick is former military who opens a security firm. He is curious when Jaci and Artie (her grandfather) check into the resort. Jaci captures his attention right away. She isn't a push over for his charming ways but the chemistry between them is smoking. Nick intends to protect Jaci from the danger around her while keeping the passion between them. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.
What a fantastic story! We're drawn into the lives of Jaci and Nick. They grow closer when Jaci gets into trouble, and Nick, who owns a security company with his friends, comes to her rescue. The more Nick looks after her, the closer they grow. The dynamic between Nick and his friends was fantastic, as was their interaction with Jaci. A fantastic story.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Book 2 in the Pine Peaks Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is a suspenseful romance between Jaci and Nick. These flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. It is a love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, secrets and intrigue, twists and turns, and engaging secondary characters. A decent read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is part of the Pine Peaks trilogy about three best friends, who are ex-cons, that came back to the town that tried to destroy them. Now they are in the small town and have started a security firm. This is the second story and can be read as a stand alone read. This one is about Nick and Jaci. Their story develops nicely with some mystery, suspense, danger, passion, great and witty banter and a bit more.
Jaci and Nick meet under unsuspecting circumstances, but as the mystery unravels, the intensity between them increases. It was an interesting story with suspenseful moments and characters. While there were a few times I didn't understand the choices made, it added some drama to the plot, which was entertaining to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Protect My Wrong Secret was such a page-turner! I finished it the same day I started. The chemistry between the characters is amazing, and the mix of suspense and romance kept me hooked the whole way through. There’s some spice, but it’s well balanced and never too much. The resort setting added a nice layer of mystery too.
This was my first Summer Hunter book, and it definitely won’t be my last!
Nick and Jaci had me hooked from page one! Their chemistry was off the charts, the banter made me smile, and the suspense kept me flipping pages. Loved the mix of action, heat, and heart — plus the found-family vibes with Nick’s crew and Jaci’s mom were so sweet. A perfect summer romantic suspense read.
This book is suspenseful with a smidgen of romance for added flavor. Nick and Jaci stirs the pot creating a story that satisfies the romantic and throws in the suspense for a snack. It is well written with wonderful characters that kept me glued to the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were so well developed and I love how each of the guys was so different yet all support each other they are good guys , vets trying overcome PTSD and making a living without falling through the cracks as so many have done. The female characters are strong, not damsels in distress. Awesome!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.