What do you think?
Rate this book
L.A. Girls #1
Trigger
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00KDVXUZ8
Sparks fly when struggling actress Nina Tyler meets hot lawyer Dylan Whitman. The chemistry between them is so intense Nina even rethinks her staunch position on relationships. Maybe they’re not a waste of time after all. But there’s something about Dylan that scares her—and she knows it has nothing to do with fear of getting close to a man, like her best friend thinks. It’s something far worse.
Preppy Dylan has had his heart broken and his uncle challenges him to move on by going on five online dates. Dylan ends up on a date with Nina. While her unabashed attitude unsettles him at first, he soon realizes that he really likes her. But as they get closer, she pulls back. It’s as if she's convinced he’d physically hurt her, which he’d never do. Still, if he doesn't figure out what's triggering her fear, she'll never be his. Little does he know her fear is directly tied to him.
Sparks fly when struggling actress Nina Tyler meets hot lawyer Dylan Whitman. The chemistry between them is so intense Nina even rethinks her staunch position on relationships. Maybe they’re not a waste of time after all. But there’s something about Dylan that scares her—and she knows it has nothing to do with fear of getting close to a man, like her best friend thinks. It’s something far worse.
Preppy Dylan has had his heart broken and his uncle challenges him to move on by going on five online dates. Dylan ends up on a date with Nina. While her unabashed attitude unsettles him at first, he soon realizes that he really likes her. But as they get closer, she pulls back. It’s as if she's convinced he’d physically hurt her, which he’d never do. Still, if he doesn't figure out what's triggering her fear, she'll never be his. Little does he know her fear is directly tied to him.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2014
13 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Julia Derek
100 books110 followersJulia Derek is originally from Sweden and is a trainer by day and writer by night. She's the author of several mystery and thriller books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 18, 2014
I was given an ARC to give an honest review
Trigger is about Nina a struggling actress who after seeing her mother go through 3 failed relationships is positive love and good men don't actually exist and Dylan a corporate lawyer with a broken heart who has given up on love. These two end up on a date after Dylan's uncle makes a bet with him where he has to date five girls from an online website one ending up being Nina. After the date things go from bad to worse and if it's even possible (it is) things get horrible.
This is the first book I've read by Julia Derek and it certainly didn't disappoint. I was not only drawn in by the characters but by the writing in itself. I felt all the emotions the characters were feeling. I was happy, sad, scared, worried and nervous.
I like a book where I feel things. Where I'm pulled in and invested in the people and their stories. I like to cheer for the characters as I would for my own family or friend and Trigger gave me that. I loved Nina and Dylan not only together but just them and their personal stories. I loved the relationships with them an their family and friends. Every character in the book served a purpose and I felt something for each of them. They helped make Dylan and Nina who they were and made them more realistic. Nina is tough, funny and so incredibly strong. She's been through so much and having not really dealt with it is doing the best she can to live her life. What happened to her is dark and heart breaking and the way she is made me fall in love with her. Her relationship with her mom and brother was realistic and good. You could see there is so much love there. Her friends, Ricki and Nix were especially great. Always there when Nina needed them with love and protection. Dylan is a sweet likable guy. He's through and through good. Like really, you can absolutely tell that after the incident with Nina and he still wants to see the good. His uncle reminded me of my uncle always there to help and be there for him while still being a friend. He has a great family relationship and loves his mom and sister Elle so much.
This book is a journey. A journey of love and forgiveness in the deepest sense. There are twists and turns. Mystery, drama, love and secrets. It shows you people are capable of horrible despicable things but also great forgiveness. It shows you things aren't always what they seem and when you learn to love and forgive great things happen.
I would absolutely recommend this book!
Trigger is about Nina a struggling actress who after seeing her mother go through 3 failed relationships is positive love and good men don't actually exist and Dylan a corporate lawyer with a broken heart who has given up on love. These two end up on a date after Dylan's uncle makes a bet with him where he has to date five girls from an online website one ending up being Nina. After the date things go from bad to worse and if it's even possible (it is) things get horrible.
This is the first book I've read by Julia Derek and it certainly didn't disappoint. I was not only drawn in by the characters but by the writing in itself. I felt all the emotions the characters were feeling. I was happy, sad, scared, worried and nervous.
I like a book where I feel things. Where I'm pulled in and invested in the people and their stories. I like to cheer for the characters as I would for my own family or friend and Trigger gave me that. I loved Nina and Dylan not only together but just them and their personal stories. I loved the relationships with them an their family and friends. Every character in the book served a purpose and I felt something for each of them. They helped make Dylan and Nina who they were and made them more realistic. Nina is tough, funny and so incredibly strong. She's been through so much and having not really dealt with it is doing the best she can to live her life. What happened to her is dark and heart breaking and the way she is made me fall in love with her. Her relationship with her mom and brother was realistic and good. You could see there is so much love there. Her friends, Ricki and Nix were especially great. Always there when Nina needed them with love and protection. Dylan is a sweet likable guy. He's through and through good. Like really, you can absolutely tell that after the incident with Nina and he still wants to see the good. His uncle reminded me of my uncle always there to help and be there for him while still being a friend. He has a great family relationship and loves his mom and sister Elle so much.
This book is a journey. A journey of love and forgiveness in the deepest sense. There are twists and turns. Mystery, drama, love and secrets. It shows you people are capable of horrible despicable things but also great forgiveness. It shows you things aren't always what they seem and when you learn to love and forgive great things happen.
I would absolutely recommend this book!
May 13, 2014
“Trigger” ticked so many boxes for me- excellent characterization, a thriller-style plot complete with a love story, twists that I did not see coming, and hot sex! From the get-go Julia Derek has you caring about her characters that are well-drawn and believable. Nina and Dylan are authentic and likeable, with depths to their character that are revealed and explored skillfully by Derek. Both protagonists go through a process of self-discovery and development which runs seamlessly alongside the development of a gripping plot. Derek addresses several issues of the moment including childhood trauma and bullying, and shows sensitivity in dealing with these areas that have been over-worked and mishandled by other writers. Derek also gives a true-to-life picture of the intricacies of dating in the 21st century, and the doubt and insecurity that often underlies feisty and out-there behaviors on early dates.
The minor characters are also well-crafted and ring true- I particularly liked Nina’s interactions with her mother who is a salt-of-the earth woman who has had a hard life raising her family. Derek effectively presents Nina’s understanding of the way her mother’s life has impacted on her own behavior. Dylan’s family members come from the upper echelons of L.A. society and they too are expertly depicted by Derek who has an astute understanding of different social classes and the tensions that can arise when couples from different backgrounds have to navigate bringing the two together.
Overall, an excellent read with satisfying endings to the two mysteries included in the book that I did not anticipate. I read the book in one sitting on a trans-Atlantic flight and even top-class in-flight movies couldn’t pull me away, I so wanted to know what was going to happen to Nina and Dylan.
The minor characters are also well-crafted and ring true- I particularly liked Nina’s interactions with her mother who is a salt-of-the earth woman who has had a hard life raising her family. Derek effectively presents Nina’s understanding of the way her mother’s life has impacted on her own behavior. Dylan’s family members come from the upper echelons of L.A. society and they too are expertly depicted by Derek who has an astute understanding of different social classes and the tensions that can arise when couples from different backgrounds have to navigate bringing the two together.
Overall, an excellent read with satisfying endings to the two mysteries included in the book that I did not anticipate. I read the book in one sitting on a trans-Atlantic flight and even top-class in-flight movies couldn’t pull me away, I so wanted to know what was going to happen to Nina and Dylan.
September 13, 2014
The following review contains what may be considered a spoiler. Please keep this in mind as you read my review. Thank you.
After reading the book, I felt the title, "TRIGGER", was an apt name. The book dealt with trigger memories from a prior bullying experience. As this is a topic we are seeing a lot about in the news today, I felt the author touched on a relevant subject for her book.
TRIGGER by Julia Derek is the story of a young woman who finds herself dealing, or in the beginning, not dealing with the after effects of high school bullying as well as survivor's guilt. She becomes involved with a guy and finds herself having strange reactions to the different facial expressions he uses. Through therapy, she is able to begin addressing her delayed reactions. Another twist in the story takes place when it turns out one of the bullies is her new boyfriend's younger sister.
I thought some of the book meandered. Then, all of a sudden the story came to a conclusion and closed up shop fairly quickly. I am not a fan of sudden endings. I feel that books need to focus as much attention on setting up the endings as the beginnings, and I felt this book was lacking in that respect.
The plus side is that the story topic was good, but I felt the actual writing was more on a 3-3.5 level. Something in the writing just didn't resonate with what I look for in a book. It was almost as though I were reading a book that fluctuated between several grade levels.
I did enjoy the point of view change with each chapter. The author pulled that aspect off quiet well.
I am going to give the book an overall 4 star rating. The book enveloped a good topic with good character development, even though I felt the writing needs some improvement.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After reading the book, I felt the title, "TRIGGER", was an apt name. The book dealt with trigger memories from a prior bullying experience. As this is a topic we are seeing a lot about in the news today, I felt the author touched on a relevant subject for her book.
TRIGGER by Julia Derek is the story of a young woman who finds herself dealing, or in the beginning, not dealing with the after effects of high school bullying as well as survivor's guilt. She becomes involved with a guy and finds herself having strange reactions to the different facial expressions he uses. Through therapy, she is able to begin addressing her delayed reactions. Another twist in the story takes place when it turns out one of the bullies is her new boyfriend's younger sister.
I thought some of the book meandered. Then, all of a sudden the story came to a conclusion and closed up shop fairly quickly. I am not a fan of sudden endings. I feel that books need to focus as much attention on setting up the endings as the beginnings, and I felt this book was lacking in that respect.
The plus side is that the story topic was good, but I felt the actual writing was more on a 3-3.5 level. Something in the writing just didn't resonate with what I look for in a book. It was almost as though I were reading a book that fluctuated between several grade levels.
I did enjoy the point of view change with each chapter. The author pulled that aspect off quiet well.
I am going to give the book an overall 4 star rating. The book enveloped a good topic with good character development, even though I felt the writing needs some improvement.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2014
Cocktails and Books Review
Original Review Published here: http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/revi...
Dylan Whitman is a hot lawyer who is looking for a date. He looks online and ends up meeting Nina on one of the dates. Dylan seems very close to his family. Dylan comes across as a very shy man. Dylan comes across as odd man and I kept expecting the worst from him.
Nina Tyler is a struggling actress who is looking online for a date. She has had a rough life with a dark and tragic past. Nina came across as weird because she ran hot and cold at the flip of a switch. The closer she gets to Dylan the more she pulls back from him.
The chemistry between Nina and Dylan seemed more forced than a natural connection between them. They seemed mismatched with no deeper connection between them. The author did a good job of weaving a bit of mystery into the story but that might have hindered the connection between Nina and Dylan.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I struggled to get into this book right from the first page. The author switched the point of view with each new chapter between Nina and Dylan. I think I would have liked to stay with one character. It was hard to keep focused. I enjoyed reading this book.
Original Review Published here: http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/revi...
Dylan Whitman is a hot lawyer who is looking for a date. He looks online and ends up meeting Nina on one of the dates. Dylan seems very close to his family. Dylan comes across as a very shy man. Dylan comes across as odd man and I kept expecting the worst from him.
Nina Tyler is a struggling actress who is looking online for a date. She has had a rough life with a dark and tragic past. Nina came across as weird because she ran hot and cold at the flip of a switch. The closer she gets to Dylan the more she pulls back from him.
The chemistry between Nina and Dylan seemed more forced than a natural connection between them. They seemed mismatched with no deeper connection between them. The author did a good job of weaving a bit of mystery into the story but that might have hindered the connection between Nina and Dylan.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I struggled to get into this book right from the first page. The author switched the point of view with each new chapter between Nina and Dylan. I think I would have liked to stay with one character. It was hard to keep focused. I enjoyed reading this book.
June 1, 2014
I was sad, happy, intrigued, and irritated...what an awesome rollercoaster ride this book was for me! I did not expect what happened after the first time, on the hike, and certainly not at his house. Very pleased with grown up resolutiin of various situations. Therapy was refreshing, not depressing.
December 16, 2014
Seems like I'm reading all about sluts tonight..
Nina, another slut who is pretty much a psycho throughout the book..
Can't say I enjoyed this one..
Nina?
June 5, 2014
Enjoyed the story. A little mystery involved. Drake was a great guy and it was confusing for him when Nina kept running away then coming back
May 27, 2014
Was a fantastic read. Great characters. Would recommend this book hope to read more from this author. I couldn't put book down until I finished. Thank you Julia Derek I enjoyed the book........
May 19, 2014
'Trigger' was a good read. I was interested in the novel. However, It didn't capture me. Yes, there was drama, love, romance, sex, but, was I captured? No. The characters did develop into their own. However, I would have liked to have seen a better connection with the two main characters Dylan & Nina. It felt as if we were together, but, we weren't together. I think we needed to see a deeper bound connection between the two other than sex bringing them together. The story behind Nina, could have been brought to light soon, and maybe they could have worked through the issues together, that could have depended their bond together. I did enjoy the story, I felt as it could have been stronger.
February 10, 2017
REMOVED FROM NOOK. When I'd started this book I couldn't decide if I wanted to keep reading it or not. Every time I thought I can't finish this book something would happen that I just had to find out about. Sooooo, I did read on.
First of all I'm not a fan of stories being told from the point of view technique. One chapter would be titled Dylan and the next chapter would be Nina.
Second, the writing was just okay for me. Some of the terminology she used just fell flat. There wasn't enough spark between the two characters either. Yes, they had sex a lot. I don't mind that but, I do want some kind of chemistry with a storyline that grips you.
To sum it up. I gave it three stars and will not be reading this author again. At least it was a free book.
First of all I'm not a fan of stories being told from the point of view technique. One chapter would be titled Dylan and the next chapter would be Nina.
Second, the writing was just okay for me. Some of the terminology she used just fell flat. There wasn't enough spark between the two characters either. Yes, they had sex a lot. I don't mind that but, I do want some kind of chemistry with a storyline that grips you.
To sum it up. I gave it three stars and will not be reading this author again. At least it was a free book.
December 7, 2016
Fantastic reading
Having gone through some of what affects Nina in this book I understand to an extent her reactions. This book is so well written that it completely sucks you in and you feel terrible for both Nina and Dylan
Having gone through some of what affects Nina in this book I understand to an extent her reactions. This book is so well written that it completely sucks you in and you feel terrible for both Nina and Dylan
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews