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A starlet who doesn't like rules and a Daddy who enforces them.

GUNNAR
I've handled combat, assassins, and situations designed to break a man. I never imagined protecting a high-profile actress from a stalker would be the one to test my limits.

But Devyn martin isn’t like my other assignments.

She’s a spoiled, sharp-tongued brat who doesn’t follow rules or understand the danger she’s in, even when it’s breathing down her neck. Keeping her safe means keeping her close. Closer than she likes and far closer than protocol permits. It’s a risk I’m willing to take, because her disobedience isn’t the problem... It’s how much i want to correct it.

DEVYN
I’ve dealt with obsessed fans before. It comes with the territory. But this? This is different. I know what obsession looks like. I’ve built a career on people wanting pieces of me.

At thirty, I’ve fought too hard, climbed too fast, and burned too many bridges to start listening to anyone. Especially not some overbearing, rule-obsessed bodyguard who demands my obedience. He steps into my life like it already belongs to him—setting rules, drawing lines, closing in until there’s nowhere left for me to run.

When the line between protection and possession starts to blur, the real threat isn’t what’s coming for me… It’s how badly I want Daddy to take control.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 14, 2026

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About the author

J.L. Quick

36 books385 followers
J.L. Quick is an author of spicy, dark, contemporary (18+) romance novels and novellas. Utilizing a mixture of her life experiences and Master's degree in Psychology, she creates deep, rich characters who battle their demons while finding savage and brutal love. In her free time, she enjoys reading, food festivals, visiting distilleries, and cult-classic movies. J.L. Quick resides in the Mid-Atlantic with her husband and the pack of pitties.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Faiza.
974 reviews21 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 3, 2026
Gunnar by J.L. Quick

Well, that was a one-day reading experience because apparently I had no choice but to keep reading until Gunnar and Devyn’s story was finished. I absolutely flew through this book, and by the time I reached the end, I was wishing I had somehow made myself read slower.

There’s so much more happening beneath that initial premise, and I loved how J.L. Quick mixed romance, danger, humor, suspense, and heat without allowing any one element to overwhelm the others.

Gunnar is exactly the kind of hero who gets under my skin in the best possible way. He’s intense, possessive, dangerous, and completely committed once Devyn becomes his person. He has that very strong you hurt her and I will personally make your life miserable energy, but what made me love him wasn’t simply how protective he was. It was the emotion behind it.

Everything Gunnar does for Devyn comes from a place of genuine care. He wants her safe, but he also wants her to feel safe with him. Beneath all that intimidating alpha energy is a man who is capable of being surprisingly vulnerable, and those softer moments made me fall for him even harder.

And Devyn was such a great match for him.

She isn’t simply standing beside Gunnar while he handles everything. Devyn has her own strength, her own opinions, and absolutely no problem pushing back when Gunnar gets too intense. She challenges him in ways he needs, while also bringing out a side of him that isn’t always visible to everyone else.

I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop because the connection between them felt like more than physical attraction. There’s plenty of chemistry—seriously, these two have enough sparks between them to cause problems—but the emotional bond underneath it made their romantic moments hit much harder.

Their relationship manages to be tender in one moment and completely wild in the next, and somehow J.L. Quick makes that combination work beautifully. And yes, there is some spice, including a Daddy kink element for those who enjoy that in their romances.

The suspense kept me guessing too. Just when I thought I had worked out where things were going, the story threw something at me that I genuinely didn’t see coming. That twist pulled me right back in and had me needing to know what was going to happen next.

I also have to talk about Gunnar’s “brothers” because I loved the relationship between these men. Their constant teasing, ridiculous banter, and willingness to give each other a hard time added so much personality to the story. They brought humor to some of the heavier moments and made their bond feel genuine rather than like a convenient group of side characters.

Honestly, I could have happily spent even more time with them.

There were moments when I was completely swooning over Gunnar and Devyn, followed almost immediately by scenes that had me tense and desperate to know what would happen. That balance kept the story moving and made it incredibly easy to lose track of time while reading.

By the end, Gunnar had given me everything I was hoping for from a romantic suspense: a fiercely protective hero, a heroine who can hold her own, serious chemistry, emotional vulnerability, suspense that actually keeps you guessing, plenty of humor, and friendships that add another layer to the story.

Gunnar completely stole my heart, Devyn was exactly the kind of heroine I wanted for him, and J.L. Quick had me hooked from beginning to end.

If you enjoy romances where the hero’s version of affection is basically "I would destroy anyone who hurts you,” with plenty of emotional depth, danger, banter, and heat thrown in, Gunnar deserves a place on your TBR.

Just make sure you have time to read it—because apparently stopping is not an option.
Profile Image for Lauren (lololovesthings).
1,012 reviews99 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 3, 2026
4.25 stars.

I love the Dark Daddies of Delta Force series! "Gunnar" is a celebrity x bodyguard/former military man daddy k1nk romance with a mysterious suspense element thrown in as well. I liked both of the main characters, Devyn (FMC), an Oscar-winning actress with a stalker who has gotten too close recently, and Gunnar (MMC), a member of the Delta Force team hired by Devyn to secure everything in and about her life/give her bodyguard services. Devyn has been receiving mysterious, creepy notes and her favorite flowers from a "secret admirer" who seems to know everything about her, her movements, her schedule, what she likes, who she is with and when, etc. Devyn hires Gunnar, Damon, Jagger, and Hawk to provide her with bodyguard and security services to ensure she will not be harmed by the maniac stalking her. Unfortunately, Devyn hates being monitored and "caged" like an animal, so she acts like a brat any chance she gets, especially towards Gunnar, who has taken point on this assignment. She keeps blowing off their protocols until one day, she wishes she hadn't. There is a distinct pull between Devyn and Gunnar, an air crackling, a palpable tension when they are in close proximity. Devyn makes Gunnar lose focus, something he never does on the job. Gunnar makes Devyn feel things she has never felt for a man, and she thinks she might be safe to tell him what she wants and needs. The best part about this book is this dynamic between Devyn and Gunnar. There is so much tension and yearning between the two of them, and their romance is slightly forbidden because he is her bodyguard, so he technically isn't supposed to act on his feelings....... and thank goodness he eventually does, because he falls HARD and FAST in an all -consuming manner. It's because of this that the spice here is so good! There is a lot of it, too, but not so much that it overshadows the plot. Devyn pushes Gunnar even when she knows she shouldn't, and he bosses her around for the greater good. He's possessive, an alpha to the core. She's soft at times, but knows when she needs to be strong. She doesn't let anyone walk all over her, even Gunnar and the Delta Force. This leads to several scenes of "will they or won't they?" act on their feelings. The mystery/suspense element was quite thrilling. J.L. Quick takes you one way, only to fake at the last minute, keeping readers in suspense as to what's really going on with Devyn's stalker situation. I loved getting to see the dynamic between the Delta Force Daddies. Their banter is always good for a laugh, especially when they rag on Gunnar for being an old man. Also, the banter between Devyn and Gunnar is good, too. Honestly? I consumed this book in less than a day. I couldn't put it down! I thought all of the elements fit perfectly. I can't wait to read more J.L. Quick in the future because I thoroughly enjoyed this series!

Thank you to J.L. Quick and Luna Literary for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
Profile Image for Brittany Furnish.
66 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 10, 2026
****ARC READER REVIEW****

I read this book in one day because Gunnar grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go. I didn’t choose to binge it, my free will evaporated somewhere around chapter two. By the time I hit the end, I was furious at myself for not reading slower like a civilized human instead of a feral Kindle‑gremlin.

There is SO much happening under the surface, and J.L. Quick blends romance, danger, humor, suspense, and heat like she’s running a literary chemistry lab. Nothing overwhelms anything else it’s all perfectly chaotic.

And Gunnar?
This man crawled under my skin, built a little emotional nest, and refused to leave. Intense. Possessive. Dangerous. Fully committed the second Devyn becomes his. He has that “hurt her and I will personally ruin your entire week” energy but what makes him lethal is the emotion behind it. He doesn’t just want her safe. He wants her to feel safe with him. Beneath all that alpha intensity is a man who can be soft in ways that make you feral.

Devyn is the perfect match.
She’s not standing beside Gunnar while he handles everything, she has her own strength, her own opinions, and absolutely zero hesitation about pushing back when he gets too intense. She challenges him, steadies him, and drags out the parts of him no one else gets to see.

Their chemistry?
Explosive.
Their emotional connection?
Devastating.
Their dynamic?
Tender one second, wild the next, and somehow it works flawlessly. And yes—there’s spice. Including Daddy kink. Blessings upon us all.

The suspense kept me guessing, and every time I thought I had the plot pinned down, the story slapped me with a twist I did NOT see coming. I was hooked, feral, pacing.

And Gunnar’s “brothers”?
Absolute menaces. Their banter, teasing, and chaotic loyalty added so much personality I wanted an entire spin‑off just to hang out with them longer.

By the end, Gunnar gave me EVERYTHING I want in romantic suspense:
a protective menace of a hero, a heroine who can hold her own, chemistry that could start fires, emotional vulnerability, real suspense, humor, and friendships that feel alive.
Profile Image for ItzameMari.
93 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2026
“I will love her from the dark so she can live in the light.”

That line perfectly captures who Gunnar is.

I devoured this book in a single day because once Gunnar and Devyn were on the page together, there was no stopping. Their chemistry is electric from the very beginning, but what really sold me was the emotional depth underneath all of the tension. Gunnar may be ruthless, possessive, and willing to burn the world down for his woman, but every action is rooted in protecting Devyn—even when it costs him.

Devyn is exactly the kind of heroine I love. She isn’t overshadowed by Gunnar’s intensity. She challenges him, softens him, and gives him something worth fighting for. Their relationship felt earned, making every tender moment hit even harder after the chaos surrounding them.

The romance is equal parts beautifully vulnerable and absolutely feral. One chapter had me swooning, the next had me clutching my Kindle, and somehow J.L. Quick balanced both without missing a beat.

If you’re looking for a dark romance that delivers obsessive devotion, explosive chemistry, emotional healing, and a hero whose love language is “I’d destroy anyone who hurts you,” Gunnar absolutely delivers.

This is easily one of my favorite reads of the year, and I’m already impatient for whatever comes next from J.L. Quick.
🎥✨🎥✨🎥✨🎥✨🎥✨🎥✨🎥✨🎥✨🎥✨
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Romance
❤️‍🔥 Obsessive / Possessive Hero
🛡️ Protective MMC
✨ Touch Her & Die
💥 Forced Proximity
🥀 Damaged Hero
🩸 Morally Gray MMC
🔥 High Spice
🤍 He Falls First (and HARD)
💋 “Who Did This to You?”
⚔️ Found Family
🌙 Emotional Healing
📖 Dual POV

“And as I do, I’ll thank whatever gods exist for giving me the one thing I never knew I needed… A person to love.”
Profile Image for Ofwitchbrew .
284 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
August 8, 2026
I picked this up because I wanted nasty Daddy kink and J.L. Quick apparently heard me screaming from across the fucking internet.

Devyn is bratty, mouthy, famous, allergic to being told what to do, and Gunnar is a silver fox bodyguard built entirely out of rules, control issues, and increasingly questionable professional boundaries. So naturally she starts poking at him for sport and this man spends half the book acting like he is not two seconds away from putting her over his knee.

Sir. Be serious.

The tension between them was FILTHY. Age gap, bodyguard, forced proximity, Daddy kink, free use, brat/Dom energy... this book took my personal list of poor decisions and turned it into a syllabus.

And what made it hotter was that Devyn never stopped being Devyn. She still pushes, still mouths off, still makes Gunnar work for every ounce of control she gives him. Their dynamic felt playful and dirty rather than her suddenly losing her entire personality because an older man growled at her.

Gunnar trying to resist her was also deeply unserious because babes, we all saw where this was going.

There is technically a stalker, danger, mystery, twists, MEN WITH JOBS doing tactical things in the background, and yes, I was paying attention.

Mostly.

Because this was a quick read for one very important reason:

It was hot.

Just... hot.

The kind of book where you finish a chapter, lower the Kindle for a second, stare into the middle distance, and then continue because apparently dignity is optional now.

Thank you so much to Luna Literary for sending me an advance copy of Gunnar in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley Bolan.
437 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 7, 2026
I think Gunnar is my favorite of the Delta Daddies. I really liked the tropes in this book and it was used in a way that was not overly done. The author does not specifically state the major trope but you can figure out what it is if you follow the spicy world. Gunnar was so take charge and I liked that dominant energy. He was perfect for Devyn. She needs someone who can take charge of her life and make sure she is cared for and protected at all times. Devyn is a Hollywood actress. She hires his team because she has a stalker situation that has become out of control. She is being stalked to an unhealthy and to a potientially lethal degree. These guys are at the top of their field and are the best. They take her security and safety very seriously where as she is not as concerned as she should be. She needs to be redirected when she breaks protocol. Gunnar is the perfect man for the job. He whips her into shape in more ways than one. They are perfect for each other. This group of daddies was a great one. Each one had something that they brought that was different than the others. I liked how this story provided most of the closure that was necessary for this series. I wish there were a few more things addressed about their futures, but maybe the author is saving those litttle pieces for a novella or to be seen in other series. All in all this series was fantastic and hit all the buttons for me as a reader. If you like daddy books like me, I recommend checking out this series. I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store for us.
Profile Image for Bree.
284 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 11, 2026
✨️ARC REVIEW✨️
5🌟
4🌶
⚠️Check your triggers⚠️

Thank you to J.L. Quick and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this amazing story.

Overall Thoughts & Emotional Reactions:
I cannot get enough of these Dark Daddies of Delta Force. J.L. Quick has me in a chokehold with these former Spec-Ops men! Gunnar did not disappoint! That man decided years ago that he just didn’t have time for anything but protecting his brothers and family. Then in walks Devyn. She blows every wall he has to dust and is the first woman to dig so far under his skin that she is all he can see. And his team, Jagger especially, doesn't let him off the hook easily. Devyn is not your typical Hollywood starlet who demands the world bend to her every whim. She worked hard to become the hottest thing on the silver screen. She is at the height of her career when who she thinks is an overzealous fan escalates and begins invading her sanctuary. Now her home is filled with a different invasion…dangerously good looking military men who bring s world of tension and longing with them. Who will break first, Gunnar’s walls, Devyn’s determination, or the Stalker’s craftiness?

I loved every second of this book. The banter and the spice cannot be beat. We get to see more dynamic between the guys and all our old favorite daddies are along for the ride. Quick has an amazing way of drawing the reader into each characters’ personality and unique outlook and then turns up the heat when the tension finally combusts. I could not put this book down. Seriously, instabuy author for sure!

Tropes:
🥀Daddy Kink
Bodyguard
Free Use
Opposites Attract
Bratty Celebrity
Age Gap
Forced Proximity

Favorite Quotes:
"The absolute, unvarnished, Costco- sized audacity.”

“Wonderful… He’s bossy, rude, and undeniably attractive. Exactly what my life needs.”

“You’re the worst kind of distraction. The kind that could get you killed because I’m too busy wanting you to see a threat coming.”

“I will love her from the dark so she can live in the light.”

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
123 reviews19 followers
August 10, 2026
“Fuck you?” I growl, my voice vibrating with the force of everything I’ve been holding back. “Baby girl, all I can think about is fucking you.”

When the tension is so strong, so overpowering it cracks the most hardened MMC.

Tropes:
🖤Celebrity FMC
🔥Obsessed stalker
🖤Bodyguard MMC
🔥Touch her + 💀
🖤Forced proximity
🔥OTTJP
🖤Free use
🔥Daddy Kink
🖤Age gap

Gunnar is ex military, his life and work are all encompassing. He takes every job’s security seriously, his gaze deeply penetrates her house, and life for any gaps, loopholes and access cracks.
He knew Devyn would be trouble. One look at her headshot and he was done for. He knew she would bring the brattiness. What he didn’t account for was how badly he wanted to be the one to punish and please her.

Devyn is a celebrity actress in Hollywood. She has worked extremely hard to get herself all the way up to an Oscar winning actress. What she hadn’t bargained for was an overly zealous fan turned completely psychotic stalker who believes she is his.

Enter Aegis, The Dark Daddies of Delta force, and our brooding, older bodyguard Gunnar.
Their instant chemistry is insane, their magnetism in such a short time really emphasises their connection and how deeply they care for each other, finding their missing piece.

Mystery, suspense and a whole bunch of twists ensue. You’re in for a wild ride!

Loved this series!
Daddy Gunnar might be my favourite yet.

Highly recommend
Thank you J.L for this ARC!

Happy reading
😊🎬💐
Profile Image for Dahlia’s Library.
214 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨

⭐️ 5/5 🌶️ 4/5


I AM NOT OKAY AFTER GUNNAR.

JL really said, “Here, have Gunnar,” and apparently expected me to function like a normal person afterward. Absolutely not happening. I was completely obsessed with Gunnar from beginning to end, and Devyn? Don’t even get me started on her—her brattiness is EVERYTHING and I love it so much. She had me just as invested in every single moment.

The characters, the chemistry, the tension… all of it had me glued to my Kindle.

Gunnar had me swooning one minute and screaming at my book the next. And the way he loves and protects Devyn? Yeah… I was done for. Completely. There was no coming back from it.

I also LIVED for the banter between Jagger and the other guys. The teasing, the chaos, and especially how Jagger always seemed to pick on Gunnar had me laughing out loud more than once. It added such a fun, sharp energy to the story that balanced all the intensity perfectly.

And that plot twist?! 👀 I absolutely LOVED it. I have to admit, I had my suspicions about the stalker from pretty early on, but that didn’t make the reveal any less satisfying. I was still sitting there like, “I KNEW IT!”

JL Quick has officially added another fictional man to the list of men who have ruined real-life expectations.

Five stars aren’t enough. I need more Gunnar. I need more Devyn. I need more Dark Daddies. I need more of this world.
Profile Image for Cafedarc.
147 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
August 7, 2026
I swear I would’ve devoured this book in one sitting, but everyday life and actual adulthood sometimes force you not to read.

Anyway—holy hell, what a book again. J.L.’s ability to create a hot Daddy and a Brat time after time is honestly admirable. Gunnar is the oldest and grumpiest of the group—you know the type—speaks little and proves everything with his skills. Especially Jagger keeps poking at Gunnar with his mischief, and I love Jagger’s chaotic energy more every time. At the same time Gunnar is a fantastic silver fox who doesn’t need words when his actions speak for him.

And Dewyn—oh damn, the spoiled Brat in this woman is something else—and at the same time she’s impressively stubborn and stupidly brave. But then again, who wouldn’t get annoyed when their freedom is restricted, even if it’s by four unbelievably gorgeous military daddies.

Dewyn and Gunnar are a sizzling, fascinating pair from the very first meeting, and when we get to the spicy scenes—yes, Gunnar is Daddy with a capital D.

As far as I’ve understood, this is the final book in the Military Daddies series, and I read it with a bit of sadness. I adore this series and recommend it wholeheartedly.
Profile Image for Anna Otten.
85 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 1, 2026
Received ARC from the author. This is my honest review.

3.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.⭐️
3/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was so excited to receive this ARC after reading Damon; I couldn’t wait to get into Gunnar’s story. This was such a fun, easy read that kept me turning the pages. Some aspects were a little predictable, especially the personalities of the MMC and FMC and the banter between the guys, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Bodyguard/Celeb romance was done justice with this book.

I do wish we had seen more of the previous books’ FMCs. Their absence made the found family aspect feel a little less prominent, especially since Jagger had much more page time than Damon and Hawk. One of my favorite parts of interconnected series is getting to spend time with characters I’ve already fallen in love with.

The antagonist was someone I had expected, but I really enjoyed the twists and turns that led to the final reveal. Overall, this was a well done ending for this series. I’m looking forward to seeing what JL Quick writes next!
Profile Image for Courtney.
52 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
August 2, 2026
I absolutely devoured Gunnar, I finished it in just 24 hours because I couldn’t put it down.

It gave me The Bodyguard vibes with its celebrity/bodyguard dynamic, but it quickly became so much more. The plot was engaging from the very beginning, balancing suspense, romance, and just the right amount of spice (if you enjoy a good daddy kink, you’ll definitely appreciate this one).

Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story threw in a twist I never saw coming, and I was hooked until the very last page.

While Gunnar completely stole my heart, I also loved the camaraderie between him and his “brothers.” Their constant banter and the way they gave each other a hard time added so much humor and heart to the story, making the relationships feel authentic and memorable.

Overall, this was an addictive, fast-paced romantic suspense that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you’re looking for a protective hero, great chemistry, laugh-out-loud friendships, and a story that keeps you guessing, Gunnar is absolutely worth picking up.
Profile Image for Amanda G.
14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 6, 2026
🌟Indie Author Book Review🌟
*ARC Read*
"Gunnar" by J. L. Quick
Book 4 of the Dark Daddies of Delta Force

OMG! If you didn't have a silver fox age gap daddy kink before, you do now! This book was steamy, possessive, and impossible to put down! I was blown away by the action and spicy yearning throughout the book. J. L. Quick definitely knows how to set up alllll the action and immerse you in a world of tension and intrigue!

This book is for lovers of morally grey men who will do anything for the woman they love. It is not overly dark in my opinion, but more of a smoky grey, flirting with the cusp of darkness, adding just enough depth to hook you into the story.

⭐️5/5 Easiest 5 stars given as I love a steamy book lots of action! Superb plot that grips you from the very beginning. Absolutely loved it and devoured it in one night!

💀3/5 Somewhat dark, but not overwhelmingly so. For those who don't mind getting their hands dirty.

🌶4.5/5 Spicy, without being outrageous, but will have you clenching your thighs and surreptitiously licking your lips.
Profile Image for Felecia  Rodney.
489 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy
August 9, 2026
ARC Review:

Tropes:
Bodyguard x Client
Age Gap
Bratty Celebrity
Daddy K!nk
Forced Proximity
Fr33 Use
Opposites Attract

Devyn’s big Oscar win should have been the happiest night of her life, but a terrifying stalker ruins her moment. Gunnar steps in as her strict, rule-enforcing bodyguard, determined to keep her safe despite her bratty, rule-breaking streak. Forced proximity pushes them both past their limits as Gunnar’s control meets Devyn’s hidden desire to surrender it.

I loved getting to see the gang (Hawk, Jagger, Damon, Gunnar, and Abby) back together! Gunnar is the ultimate obsessed, protective, and devoted hero, and the chemistry between him and Devyn is off the charts. Whew, the spice and the free use kink had me completely melting! It breaks my heart how no one takes stalker threats seriously until someone loses their life, and finding out Devyn’s stalker is someone she thought she could trust made my stomach turn.

A huge thank you to Luna Literary and author J.L. Quick for this ARC!
Profile Image for Alyssa Niehaus.
58 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 9, 2026
4 out of 5 stars. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the bodyguard/celebrity trope going in, since it's not usually one I like but I didn't mind this one. The dark, broody, protective MMC who is secretly a caring a**hole? Sign me up. Add in the age gap, silver fox vibes, and the whole touch her and ☠️ vibe, he just had so many of the qualities I look for in an MMC. The banter and bickering between them in the beginning was so good. I also really enjoyed the friend group as well, there was serious but also always a comedic relief as well. The plot twist definitely got me, did not expect that one. There was also A LOT of spice in this one so I would keep that in mind going in if that's not your thing, personally I was okay with it. I would also like to note that I went into this ithout reading the previous books in the series and had no trouble following along or feeling lost, which I really appreciated. If I didn't need sleep, I probably would have been able to read it in one sitting. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Dominique Franklin.
412 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy
August 3, 2026
ARC gifted in exchange for review

3.5 stars

I love these series so much and I was really looking forward to this book. That being said, I just struggled to connect with Devyn. She irritated me to no need. Her attitude to the entire situation pissed me off because you were scared enough to realize that you needed to hire top notch security to protect you from your psycho stalker but when they’re trying to tell you that things need to change and protocols need to be in place to keep you safe, which you hired them to do mind you, you want to get on like an idiot and a brat? I would have fired her as a client after all the crap she pulled. I love Gunnar but the way he went away everything didn’t help the situation at all. It just made it worse and then taking it out on Damon and Mattias? Boy please don’t piss me off further. The spice was great as always. I’ll be back for the next book because I do love me some dark daddies of the delta force.
Profile Image for Emily Knaus.
640 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 7, 2026
I have absolutely loved the Daddies of Delta Force series, and Gunnar has to be my favorite!! He’s quiet and calculating, with a reputation for being cold. But he warms right up when he meets Devyn, she’s the sassy sunshine to his grumpy,

Absolutely loved the chemistry between Gunnar (46) and Devyn (30). She’s an actress with a stalker closing in, who ends up under the protection of Gunnar and his team. The tension builds and builds until it snaps.

Devyn’s a total brat… and Gunnar absolutely thrives on it. Every smart remark, every push of his boundaries, every spark she throws only makes him more focused, more protective, more hers. When things turn spicy, they really turn spicy, with Gunnar’s protective streak bleeding beautifully into the way he touches, claims, and steadies her. Loved the Daddy kink and free use elements, they fit this couple perfectly. Gunnar needs complete control and for once, Devyn doesn’t mind being able to let go and hand the reigns over to someone she trusts.

It’s a perfect balance of spice, plot, and suspense! The ending has a great twist that I didn’t see coming.

A huge thank you to J.L. Quick & Luna Literary for the early copy!
Profile Image for libraryofallyse.
73 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 7, 2026
Thank you Luna Literary and J.L. Quick for the opportunity to read an ARC of Gunnar!

I honestly really enjoyed this! Let’s be honest, you have military, age gap, AND bodyguard in one single book and I’m not supposed to eat it up?? I would’ve genuinely read this in one sitting today if I hadn’t needed to stop halfway through just to run errands, I seriously couldn’t put it down. I now have every intention of reading the other books in this interconnected series.

The plot twists I thought I had totally figured out, flipped around and went places I wasn’t expecting and I was gagged. This is definitely the type of darker romance I love, where the MMC is the type that’s willing to burn the world to ash just to keep her safe.

Definitely a fantastic and authentic feeling blend of suspense, romance, spice, and humor where I could read this, and still imagine that Devyn and Gunnar are real people.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
43 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 5, 2026
This is an ARC Review



I will admit I wasn’t a big fan of the beginning, but it definitely grew on me. I felt Gunnar was super protective of Devyn before he really got to know her, but I personally did not understand their romance progression. He saw a picture of her, found her attractive, and became fully obsessed with her. Devyn was a bit of a difficult client but Gunnar and his team instilled the importance of her personal safety, especially because she literally hired them to be her personal protection. The plot twist definitely had me hooked and flipping pages to know what happened next. The spicy scenes between Devyn and Gunnar were pretty hot! Did I love this book? No, but I definitely liked it enough to finish it. Thank you to Lunar Literacy and J.L Quick for gifting the ARC to read!
Profile Image for Georgina .
134 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 5, 2026
I was completely addicted to this book! I’ve learnt that anything with brat energy and a Daddy kink is completely my thing, and this book delivered both perfectly. Gunnar was instantly obsessed with Devyn, and I loved the way he claimed her. The balance between plot and smut was great, but I’d be lying if I said the smut wasn’t what had me completely hooked and desperate for more.

The intensity stays high from start to finish, whether it’s the chemistry between Gunnar and Devyn or the suspense surrounding Devyn’s stalker. I absolutely loved their relationship, the way they challenged each other, supported one another, and bounced off each other with their humour made them such a fun couple to read.

The friendships throughout the book added another layer to the story and gave it some really sweet moments, making it feel even more well-rounded
Profile Image for Megs.
643 reviews8 followers
August 8, 2026
🎬🩶ARC Review🩶🎬

Thank you J.L. Quick and Luna Literary for this ARC of Gunnar, I am so down bad it’s not even funny‼️

Gunnar and Devyn shut up right now these two were everything 🩶 Their chemistry was insane, their love was beautiful, and that mystery of who was stalking Devyn 🤯 Trying to piece together the clues, that twist was phenomenal‼️

The way these two clashed right off the bat and the extremes Gunnar went to to keep Devyn safe was fun to watch play out 🤭 But shoot do I have a new micro trope obsession 🤭🪒 (that’s your only clue 😉)

J.L. Quick you not only write the most down bad attractive MMCs but also the most bad ass FMCs that can definitely stand on their own, but shoot with men like them why would you want too…😏

Tropes:
🖤Daddy Kink
✨Bodyguard
🖤Free Use
✨Opposites Attract
🖤Bratty Celebrity
✨Age Gap
🖤Forced Proximity
658 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy
August 4, 2026
Rating: 4 stars

First things first, I really think that despite it being a technically standalone, it is best read as a part of the series. It just shows you more of Gunnar and the man that he is. It also provides more insight into Delta Force life and the group dynamics.
This book is of course filled with obsessed and protective MMC and a bratty FMC who tests his patience. There is a healthy amount of spice, of course. And suspense, because of course the FMC is in danger and the MMC is there to save her. And I think that the suspense part was very well incorporated into this story, with some twists and turns that will keep you on your toes.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Jillian Fairfax.
370 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2026
I don’t know what JL Quick puts in these books, but I DEVOUR them!! 😍

This was such a good bodyguard romance book! I LOVED getting to finally have the broody, older “dad” of the Aegis group’s story! 🥰

Gunnar is THAT GUY! Protective, sexy, a silver fox, and infatuated with the woman who is his everything!

And Devyn was THAT GIRL! Beautiful, loving, young, and a famous celebrity that the world wanted to see!

The suspense in this book was suspenseful and I was on the edge of my seat at one point so scared for what was to come. But the reassuring HEA eased my mind and heart rate! 🤪

I definitely recommend this book if you love a good age gap bodyguard romance! 🖤

Profile Image for Ari Lozada.
481 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 5, 2026
When I saw this was age gap with daddy kink and free use, I ran to read.

Devyn is a famous actress with a scary stalker. Gunner and his team are hired to protect her. As soon as these two meet, there’s at each other’s throats. They enjoy riling the other up.

Gunnar is by the book. He sets rules. He is always in control. Devyn is outspoken and not used to having rules. She likes to do what she wants when she wants.

The sexual tension between these two was fabulous. When they finally get together, it’s explosive.
329 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 6, 2026
I could not put this book down and definitely was a wild way to end the series. Devyn and Gunnar obviously had a strained connection to start but I love how it evolved. They still feel like wild opposites but given Gunnar possessive caretaker mentality they do make sense. I’m not going to lie though. I knew who the stalker was but I still enjoyed the road to get there. Figuring it out before they were revealed didn’t make the story any less enjoyable. The story as a whole flowed well and I liked the connection growth.
Profile Image for Mirella.
115 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 7, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader Copy Recieved by Author
Well, that was a wild ride! From Oscar-winning actress to stalker nightmares, rescue missions, and a bodyguard who's basically a walking, talking, possessive, dark romance fantasy. Who needs a fairy tale when you have Gunnar, who'd literally burn the world down to keep Devyn safe and then some. My therapist is going to need a vacation after this one.
A spicy quote "You don't know what you're asking," he husks."You don't know what I need, Devyn. When I take a woman to bed, I don't just f@*k her. I consume her. I own her."
Profile Image for Hayley Edwards.
319 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
August 10, 2026
Move over there is a new Daddy in town...


Gunnar the silver fox blew me away..

His mouth is pure filth and I was here for all of it.
He made melt and blush multiple times during this book

I really enjoyed watching the connection between Gunnar and Devyn grow.

The suspense in the book had me guessing who the heck her stalker was and the plot twist had me on the edge of my seat.

The spice was hot in this book and the daddy Kink and free use was hot.

I have adored this series and this book was is an amazing ending to all my favourite daddies.
Profile Image for Dawn Smit.
338 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 10, 2026
Dark Daddies of Delta Force 🥵 Gunnar is a super hot, silver fox bodyguard/former military man hired with his team to protect Oscar winning actress Devyn from a dangerous stalker

Gunnar falls for Devyn immediately, hard and fast and this book then becomes a fun spicy, daddy kink read with obsessive devotion, incredible chemistry and a clever 'who done it' mystery to find the stalker terrorizing Devyn

Thank you to the Author and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity 💕

❤️ How I Rate Books
⭐ didn't like it
⭐⭐ it was ok
⭐⭐⭐ I liked it
⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!
Profile Image for Eva.
764 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy
August 7, 2026
This series ate!

Bark bark, a new daddy's in town! This one surprised me a bit. The plot was exciting as usual with this series, but Gunnar? This man tried resisting his temptation in the shape of a celebrity actress and failed spectacularly.

I loved how it went from brat and dom to full trust and playful brat. Gunnar needed that trust placed on him, and Devyn gave it freely after realizing their feelings were not fleeting. I loved their spicy moments, but before that, the tension was HEAVY, and even after they finally gave in, when they were together, the chemistry was palpable.

Oh, and that plot? Yeah, I didn't see it coming. I was surprised and scared for a hot minute until I remembered who we were dealing with. These guys don't play, even less about their women.

Luna, thank you so much! I've already applied for more J.L. Quick lol, you guys are amazing!
Profile Image for Crystal D.
298 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 4, 2026
Daddy Gunnar is here! I’m not sure what I was expecting but he’s giving German Shepard vibes he’s protective, possessive, moody but for her loving and loyal. I can say that I didn’t see the pot twist coming until it basically was screaming at you on the page. As always I love the banter with the guys especially Jagger. This was a fast paced storyline although their relationship was a semi slow burn Aka their love language is bickering and her being a brat!
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