What do you think?
Rate this book
Pelican Bay Security #1
Security Risk
humorous romantic suspense from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Megan Matthews!
The past is never far behind you.
I didn’t expect to find my new next-door neighbor breaking into her aunt’s home.
Or the random henchmen harassing her about a pile of missing diamonds.
Tabitha Thompson is on the run from an abusive ex-boyfriend, and I desperately want to help. As a former Navy SEAL, I have the skills to deal with any idiot dishing out black eyes. My desire to protect her goes way beyond casual. But Tabitha pulls back when I show her I’m interested. Is it my back luck with women, or will she distrust all men forever?
When Tabitha’s lies, drama, and ex-boyfriend catch up with her and things turn violent, I’ll fight to keep us both alive.
If you love military heroes, then grab a copy of Security Risk and snuggle up with this small-town romantic suspense comedy.
The past is never far behind you.
I didn’t expect to find my new next-door neighbor breaking into her aunt’s home.
Or the random henchmen harassing her about a pile of missing diamonds.
Tabitha Thompson is on the run from an abusive ex-boyfriend, and I desperately want to help. As a former Navy SEAL, I have the skills to deal with any idiot dishing out black eyes. My desire to protect her goes way beyond casual. But Tabitha pulls back when I show her I’m interested. Is it my back luck with women, or will she distrust all men forever?
When Tabitha’s lies, drama, and ex-boyfriend catch up with her and things turn violent, I’ll fight to keep us both alive.
If you love military heroes, then grab a copy of Security Risk and snuggle up with this small-town romantic suspense comedy.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 2, 2017
1822 people are currently reading
1291 people want to read
About the author
Megan Matthews
68 books179 followersMegan Matthews loves writing humorous romantic suspense featuring heroes with unbelievable abs, billionaire bosses, and heroines with attitude for days. She lives in Michigan with her techie husband, homeschooled son, their cat, and two guinea pigs.
When she’s not writing, you can find her on Instagram posting about reading, home life, half-dead plants, her ridiculous notebook and fancy pen collections, plus the occasional crochet project.
When she’s not writing, you can find her on Instagram posting about reading, home life, half-dead plants, her ridiculous notebook and fancy pen collections, plus the occasional crochet project.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
November 20, 2017
Security Risk is a fun read that starts off light and fluffy, then takes a turn for an edgier story. Part rom-com, part romantic suspense, this military romance featuring Ridge, a former Navy SEAL-turned Fugitive Recovery Specialist and Tabitha, an unsuspecting woman who has left her abusive ex kept me captivated. I loved the witty writing and I love the setting (Maine is a dream holiday destination of mine). This is the first book I have read by Megan Matthews and won't be the last. 5 stars.
Want to read
May 3, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/16/2019)! 🎁
December 6, 2019
Not my cup of tea
I honestly wanted to quit by chapter 6. There was too much going on at once. Tabitha and Ridge don’t make sense to me. Not as a couple but as characters in general. They love too fast especially for a girl who ran away from an abusive ex to start over but instead not even too weeks later she’s in his bed. I could go on about what I didn’t like about this book but for me the worst part was the continuous immaturity. A 26 year old masquerading as a teenager. The woman had no self preservation. And Ridge was a teenaged caveman. And readers only get her point of view narrating the story and its so mundane and immature. I’m sorry but a hard pass for me. Secondary characters were of no help whatsoever.
I honestly wanted to quit by chapter 6. There was too much going on at once. Tabitha and Ridge don’t make sense to me. Not as a couple but as characters in general. They love too fast especially for a girl who ran away from an abusive ex to start over but instead not even too weeks later she’s in his bed. I could go on about what I didn’t like about this book but for me the worst part was the continuous immaturity. A 26 year old masquerading as a teenager. The woman had no self preservation. And Ridge was a teenaged caveman. And readers only get her point of view narrating the story and its so mundane and immature. I’m sorry but a hard pass for me. Secondary characters were of no help whatsoever.
November 20, 2019
2.5
The h is fairly underwhelming for most of it. She has a couple of moments and isn’t really annoying, but she doesn’t DO anything. She just floats around until the next thing happens. She had no idea her ex was a nasty king pin. Ok. She had no idea her ex’s bff was a nasty psychopath with a thing for blonds... like the new friend she picked up in town. Hmmm, ok, maybe. When the psycho threatened the new blond and the ex backed the threat up... she said and did nothing. Even allowing the new blond to get more involved without knowing she was in their sights of some bad people. And the very few times she actually did do anything, it was direct copy from How to be TSTL Guidebook for Dummies.
1119
The h is fairly underwhelming for most of it. She has a couple of moments and isn’t really annoying, but she doesn’t DO anything. She just floats around until the next thing happens. She had no idea her ex was a nasty king pin. Ok. She had no idea her ex’s bff was a nasty psychopath with a thing for blonds... like the new friend she picked up in town. Hmmm, ok, maybe. When the psycho threatened the new blond and the ex backed the threat up... she said and did nothing. Even allowing the new blond to get more involved without knowing she was in their sights of some bad people. And the very few times she actually did do anything, it was direct copy from How to be TSTL Guidebook for Dummies.
1119
November 23, 2019
Security Risk (Pelican Bay Security Book 1) by Megan Matthews
This is a stand alone story with a Happy Ever After ending. It has all the ingredients for a great read, a sexy ex navy seal, Ridge, who set up his own security business, interesting supporting characters, small town location, the usual town folk interactions. For me what let it down was the
annoying, immature, self centered main character, Tabitha, who makes too many TSTL choices. At the end of the story I could not care less about Tabitha. It was ok. 2 stars.
This is a stand alone story with a Happy Ever After ending. It has all the ingredients for a great read, a sexy ex navy seal, Ridge, who set up his own security business, interesting supporting characters, small town location, the usual town folk interactions. For me what let it down was the
annoying, immature, self centered main character, Tabitha, who makes too many TSTL choices. At the end of the story I could not care less about Tabitha. It was ok. 2 stars.
May 28, 2020
DNF
This book has all the signs of a pretty cookie cutter cute romance -- beautiful small town, quirky secondary characters, attractive guy next door... however, it's just absolutely implausible that a woman leaving an abusive ex would start kissing next door guy without any concerns, discussions, internal debates about what she is doing. In this story she starts blithely kissing without a thought to the abusive ex who she left after helping herself to some of his savings.
Nope.
This book has all the signs of a pretty cookie cutter cute romance -- beautiful small town, quirky secondary characters, attractive guy next door... however, it's just absolutely implausible that a woman leaving an abusive ex would start kissing next door guy without any concerns, discussions, internal debates about what she is doing. In this story she starts blithely kissing without a thought to the abusive ex who she left after helping herself to some of his savings.
Nope.
October 12, 2024
I liked the With The Bad Guy books by this author, or rather, her pen name, a lot better.
This was free, so I decided to take a chance on it. It was okay, just hard to get over the fact that the heroine had no idea that the guy she was with for 4 years was part of the mob...
Ridge, our hero, was hot, but I never really felt the romance.
This was free, so I decided to take a chance on it. It was okay, just hard to get over the fact that the heroine had no idea that the guy she was with for 4 years was part of the mob...
Ridge, our hero, was hot, but I never really felt the romance.
November 15, 2017
**Received ARC for a fair and honest review**
Security Risk is the first book in the Pelican Bay Security series by Megan Matthews. I’d rate this book at 4.75 stars!!
Tabitha Thompson has had it with her boyfriends abuse and not only moves out, but takes a little money to help her get away from him. Not only does she move out but she moves across country to Pelican Bay Maine. When she arrives to the house she was left by her aunt, she ends up meeting her new hot, sexy neighbor Ridge Jefferson. When Ridge (or Ridley) meets his sexy new neighbor he’s completely infatuated by her. But when he finds out she’s in trouble he will not stop trying to help her out of it.
This was such a fun read— gives you humor, suspense and romance all in just the right amounts! I breezed right through the book, was hard to put down! I really enjoyed the characters. Even though she’s been through her fair share of issues, you see her character evolving in the story, which I rather enjoyed. And how do you not enjoy a male counterpart that is not only tall, dark and handsome, but also kind, caring, accepting, but still an alpha male/guys guy. Then there are the sub characters! I really am looking forward/hoping they each get their own stories! The storyline was good, kept you interested, didn’t lag and didn’t drag out unnecessarily. The only gripe I can come up with, is right when they finally get together the story ends, there is an epilogue, but it really didn’t give you real closure. I’ve been noticing that a lot lately... just something that personally irks me. Can’t wait for the next book! Hope this helps! Happy Reading!!!
Security Risk is the first book in the Pelican Bay Security series by Megan Matthews. I’d rate this book at 4.75 stars!!
Tabitha Thompson has had it with her boyfriends abuse and not only moves out, but takes a little money to help her get away from him. Not only does she move out but she moves across country to Pelican Bay Maine. When she arrives to the house she was left by her aunt, she ends up meeting her new hot, sexy neighbor Ridge Jefferson. When Ridge (or Ridley) meets his sexy new neighbor he’s completely infatuated by her. But when he finds out she’s in trouble he will not stop trying to help her out of it.
This was such a fun read— gives you humor, suspense and romance all in just the right amounts! I breezed right through the book, was hard to put down! I really enjoyed the characters. Even though she’s been through her fair share of issues, you see her character evolving in the story, which I rather enjoyed. And how do you not enjoy a male counterpart that is not only tall, dark and handsome, but also kind, caring, accepting, but still an alpha male/guys guy. Then there are the sub characters! I really am looking forward/hoping they each get their own stories! The storyline was good, kept you interested, didn’t lag and didn’t drag out unnecessarily. The only gripe I can come up with, is right when they finally get together the story ends, there is an epilogue, but it really didn’t give you real closure. I’ve been noticing that a lot lately... just something that personally irks me. Can’t wait for the next book! Hope this helps! Happy Reading!!!
November 15, 2017
Good Book!
I really enjoyed this book! It’s a great start on a new series!
It was a fun, sexy, steamy book with suspense thrown in the mix!
Once I started couldn’t put it down!
Tabitha wanted to start over and move to the house that her great aunt left her.
Ridge is her very good looking next door neighbor.
Tabithas past comes back to haunt her.
Will Ridge be able to protect her?
Everyone needs to read this book!
You won’t regret it!
I really enjoyed this book! It’s a great start on a new series!
It was a fun, sexy, steamy book with suspense thrown in the mix!
Once I started couldn’t put it down!
Tabitha wanted to start over and move to the house that her great aunt left her.
Ridge is her very good looking next door neighbor.
Tabithas past comes back to haunt her.
Will Ridge be able to protect her?
Everyone needs to read this book!
You won’t regret it!
February 13, 2020
The heroine inherited a house in Maine. She kept this a secret so she could escape her boyfriend. That’s smart. However, her mother knows and it’s implied that her mother’s whereabouts are not hidden. She also stole 75000 dollars from her boyfriend’s safe when she ran. That’s just stupid! She just made sure he will come after her, and made her mother a target for gathering information and a potential hostage. I bailed out by the second page rather than watch this train wreck develop.
Want to read
February 12, 20212/12/2021 - Free on Kobo & Kindle. Rec by Kait Nolan
March 3, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I enjoyed reading this book. The book maybe fiction, but the storyline can be related to true-life situations and you will want to keep reading to find out what happened. When reading the story, it may make you feel sad, confused, appalled, and even euphoric. I was enthralled with the characters of Tabitha Thompson and Ridge Jefferson and the banter between the two. I applaud every word of this story, from the succinct dialogue to the hot flirting and sex scenes. This is the first time I read a book by this author, Megan Matthews, but I assure you, it will not be the last. Tabitha leaves her life back in Oklahoma from an abusive relationship to start a new one in Pelican Bay, Maine, where her Aunt Gertie willed Tabitha her home. When Tabitha meets her next door neighbor, Ridge, the tall hot handsome guy, who is an ex-Navy SEAL and owns a security company, he feels like it is his duty to look after her—since he knew her aunt. As Tabitha tries to settle in her home at Pelican Bay, she finds out that she is the talk of the town or the phone tree, which everyone knows your business. Little does she know that her past is about to catch up with her. Will Ridge forgive Tabitha for not telling him about her past or will she decide to leave Pelican Bay to start over again? The chemistry between Ridge and Tabitha grows more potent the more time they spend together—the sex is off the chart hot! The scenes are well written, fast-paced and flow smoothly from one scene to the next. This story will pique your interest and draw you in from the beginning to the very end.
I enjoyed reading this book. The book maybe fiction, but the storyline can be related to true-life situations and you will want to keep reading to find out what happened. When reading the story, it may make you feel sad, confused, appalled, and even euphoric. I was enthralled with the characters of Tabitha Thompson and Ridge Jefferson and the banter between the two. I applaud every word of this story, from the succinct dialogue to the hot flirting and sex scenes. This is the first time I read a book by this author, Megan Matthews, but I assure you, it will not be the last. Tabitha leaves her life back in Oklahoma from an abusive relationship to start a new one in Pelican Bay, Maine, where her Aunt Gertie willed Tabitha her home. When Tabitha meets her next door neighbor, Ridge, the tall hot handsome guy, who is an ex-Navy SEAL and owns a security company, he feels like it is his duty to look after her—since he knew her aunt. As Tabitha tries to settle in her home at Pelican Bay, she finds out that she is the talk of the town or the phone tree, which everyone knows your business. Little does she know that her past is about to catch up with her. Will Ridge forgive Tabitha for not telling him about her past or will she decide to leave Pelican Bay to start over again? The chemistry between Ridge and Tabitha grows more potent the more time they spend together—the sex is off the chart hot! The scenes are well written, fast-paced and flow smoothly from one scene to the next. This story will pique your interest and draw you in from the beginning to the very end.
November 22, 2017
Security Risk by Megan Matthews a five-star read that is worth taking a risk on. This is the first book in the Pelican bay series and I can’t wait to sink my teeth in to the rest. This book has it all, theres some romance, some comedy with one liners that will have you doubling over, there is also a more serious element running through the story, with some suspense and drama thrown in for good measure. Tabitha Thompson is a woman I would love to meet and have beers with, she did something I have done, pack her car with everything she holds dear and drives away, but she did it with more style that I ever could. There was also the lucky turn that fate gave her in the form of a hunky neighbour but once bitten twice shy.
The main pair are brilliant and they have a chemistry that is both hot and sweet, but the secondary characters are great as well and you can’t wait to hear more from them as well.
I am embarrassed to admit that I loved the boys of RDA series and devoured it, I honestly don’t know how I missed this series, more stalking of Ms Matthews is needed I think.
The main pair are brilliant and they have a chemistry that is both hot and sweet, but the secondary characters are great as well and you can’t wait to hear more from them as well.
I am embarrassed to admit that I loved the boys of RDA series and devoured it, I honestly don’t know how I missed this series, more stalking of Ms Matthews is needed I think.
December 26, 2021
I like my heroines smart, if not book smart than street-smart at least. The heroine here, Tabeatha, is not only dumb, she is stupid, dense, silly,foolish, simple, annoying, immature, self centered.....
Back in Oklahoma she is in a relationship with an abusive pizza-chain owner, when she inherits a house in Maine she decides to leave her boyfriendd. BUT - she tells her mother and takes 75 ooo dollars from his safe. It doesn't take much fantasy to predict the story and exactly that happens.
Add that to the foolish ways she and other characters act, e.g. spray-painting furniture on the lawn without covering lawn, hands or clothes, e.g. "you want back a million in diamonds, give me a couple of days time", and the immature writing I gave up in the middle of the book.
Back in Oklahoma she is in a relationship with an abusive pizza-chain owner, when she inherits a house in Maine she decides to leave her boyfriendd. BUT - she tells her mother and takes 75 ooo dollars from his safe. It doesn't take much fantasy to predict the story and exactly that happens.
Add that to the foolish ways she and other characters act, e.g. spray-painting furniture on the lawn without covering lawn, hands or clothes, e.g. "you want back a million in diamonds, give me a couple of days time", and the immature writing I gave up in the middle of the book.
August 3, 2020
first book in series. Ridge is former Navy seal. He likes his live as it is. But one day, he gets this cute and sexy neiborhood. He inted just to say hello ...and bring hello dinner. But he is attracted to her and to her problems which comes with her.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2022
Tabitha is running to Pelican Bay to take up her inheritance and escape from her ex. Ridge, a former SEAL turned security expert is her neighbour. When the ex-boyfriend's enforcer arrives looking for something Tabitha knows nothing about, it is Ridge who saves the day. An exciting and romantic adventure. Very enjoyable.
June 30, 2021
There were times I really enjoyed this book but then lost interest. I liked the friendships Tabitha formed.
Probably not invested enough to read more of the series.
Probably not invested enough to read more of the series.
January 3, 2022
It's just ok. It's drawn out, I had to keep pushing through it. It has potential to be swoony and page turner, but ...It's only her side. She moves to ME and meets her hot neighbor. Her old hubby mafia drug dealer, thinks she took off with diamonds. His thugs come after her. Neighbor doesn't believe her, so it's he isn't 100% all in to protect her, which reduces the draw of the story. He tells her he went to beat up her ex and she thanks him, that's boring. Another missed opportunity. :( And doesnt make much sense. One second he flys out to kick her ex's butt, when they barely have a relationship, then comes back and doesnt believe her that she isn't part of it. IDK.
August 5, 2022
No wonder I had deja vu!...
Only when I come to review this book do I find I got it in 2019...frankly worth a second read, I really enjoyed it. Didn't remember the characters names but certainly remembered the main characters, her horrible ex & the thug he sent to track her down. Luckily she had so much more than a sexy protector living right next door, lucky woman! I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
Only when I come to review this book do I find I got it in 2019...frankly worth a second read, I really enjoyed it. Didn't remember the characters names but certainly remembered the main characters, her horrible ex & the thug he sent to track her down. Luckily she had so much more than a sexy protector living right next door, lucky woman! I received an arc & this is my honest & voluntary review.
August 2, 2022
Tabitha is a sweet, stubborn and a klutz. Ridge is strong and straightforward man. Their story has action, drama, danger, suspense, excitement and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2022
This is book one in the Pelican Bay Security Series. This book is an action and adventure romantic suspense with some heat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2020
2,5 etoiles
Petite romance small town
Petite romance small town
April 15, 2022
If you look pass …
The MFC unrealistic reactions and some of the disjointed plot execution and the single POV until the epilogue, it’s a good read.
The humor, the cast of characters and the mildly possessive alpha make the read worthwhile.
Potentially will read the next in the series.
The MFC unrealistic reactions and some of the disjointed plot execution and the single POV until the epilogue, it’s a good read.
The humor, the cast of characters and the mildly possessive alpha make the read worthwhile.
Potentially will read the next in the series.
January 8, 2020
5+ Star's
I would recommend this book to adults that enjoy stories that are at times funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
I would recommend this book to adults that enjoy stories that are at times funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
July 22, 2022
Tabitha is headed across country to escape her ex and start over. The last thing she expects is to meet her neighbor and have trouble follow her to Pelican Bay. She wants to handle it herself until the trouble shows up in town and she can't hide it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2021
All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
I loved everything about Tabitha and Ridge’s story. There’s heat, suspense, a little mystery and a lot of laughs. This author is new to me and I’d never heard of the series but I’m so glad that I gave it a shot because I can’t wait to continue it. Tabitha meets Ridge as soon as she arrives in town and can’t help but notice he’s incredibly gorgeous. Luckily for her, hot neighbor guy is equally into her and just falls right in to a casually protective role of taking care of her.
She makes new friends while dodging her shady ex and his henchmen, all while starting a new life across the country and meeting Ridge’s entire family right away. There’s a lot going on here but the pace and flow are perfect so there’s just the right amount of secondary characters and suspense not to overshadow the hot romance. This is a book I can’t recommend enough.
July 31, 2020
I loved this book. It’s funny, steamy and has a good amount of suspense and action. The characters were enjoyable, and I can’t wait to read more books in the series. This is book one in the Pelican Bay Security series.
Tabitha’s running from an abusive and controlling ex-boyfriend, Mario. She leaves Oklahoma with some money she stole out of Mario’s safe and some clothing. She heads to Maine to stay at the house her great aunt Gertie left her. When she gets there, she meets Ridge who is her next-door neighbor. They’re attracted to each other and before she knows it Ridge has introduced her to his family and is protecting her. He’s a former Navy SEAL and owns his own security firm. The problem is Tabitha hasn’t given Ridge the whole story of why she ran. Can Ridge get to the bottom of things before it’s too late?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tabitha’s running from an abusive and controlling ex-boyfriend, Mario. She leaves Oklahoma with some money she stole out of Mario’s safe and some clothing. She heads to Maine to stay at the house her great aunt Gertie left her. When she gets there, she meets Ridge who is her next-door neighbor. They’re attracted to each other and before she knows it Ridge has introduced her to his family and is protecting her. He’s a former Navy SEAL and owns his own security firm. The problem is Tabitha hasn’t given Ridge the whole story of why she ran. Can Ridge get to the bottom of things before it’s too late?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2022
This was a fun book! It had steam, corny jokes, and lots of chemistry between the leads! There are insta-love type vibes to the story, so if that floats your boat, this book is for your. Though, it's not too insta-love, there are some slow burn vibes, because what Ridge wants, he gets. Tabitha was an interesting character. A little on the naive and passive side. But it's not horribly so, she just had her blinders on assuming her ex-boyfriend wasn't a complete tool. Ridge was also interesting, he has a mysterious background despite everyone wanting to gossip about him. There isn't too much actual characterization, they have depth, but not too much. Just enough for the story to work.
It's a pretty quick read and the story flows together pretty well. I started reading and was able to finish pretty quickly.
There is steam, swearing, and some minor violence in the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's a pretty quick read and the story flows together pretty well. I started reading and was able to finish pretty quickly.
There is steam, swearing, and some minor violence in the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2019
Security Risk by Megan Matthews is a contemporary romance. Ms. Matthews has delivered a well-written book, a nice smooth read. Tabitha leaves her boyfriend behind after he slugs her in the face. Before she left, she copied his computer hard drive and lifted a bundle of money. She moves to Pelican Bay into the house her aunt left her. Ridge is her new neighbor and owner of Pelican Bay Security. Tabitha and Ridge's story is packed with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. I enjoyed reading Security Risk and look forward to reading more from Megan Matthews in the future. Security Risk is book 1 of the Pelican Bay Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews