After sixteen years as a SEAL, I'd seen more than my share of sadness and horror, but I'd also helped save lives and protect innocent people from the evils in the world. Serving our country was something I was made to do. It was the only thing I knew. I was going to miss it so much, but the time had come for me to return home for good. The love of my life was pregnant. We were starting a family. I was going to be a father. Life was perfect. All of my years as a SEAL hadn't prepared me for the heartbreak that was coming. One second my love was right there with me, and the next I was alone, just a single dad raising his little girl. An unexpected meeting with a total stranger gave me the chance to follow my dreams and start my own company. There were only two things that mattered to me. The first being my daughter and giving her the life she deserved, and I was working hard to do just that. The second was my company and the thought of building it into something great, so I buried myself in work. Everything was fine the way it was. I kept to myself, my little girl was happy, and my company was growing. That was exactly how I liked it. The one thing I didn't need was a distraction. I didn't have time for that, and I didn't want it. Then I got a call. It was part of the job. That's all it was. I had no idea just how much that one call would change everything.
** Provided on behalf of the author for an honest review ** ** Review by Gayle from Bloggers From Down Under **
We meet Derek. Life is amazing for Derek. Married to a wonderful woman that not only makes his heart full but his life complete. He has everything that all we want in life. The home. The perfect marriage. Now a baby along the way. Derek couldn’t be any more happier.
But in a blink of an eye everything in Derek’s life will be completely shattered. Everything that he has loved will be ripped from him in the most tragic of ways. But he has one thing that will keep him going. There will be one girl that will get him through it all. And he will do everything in his power to be her strength.
We meet Bridget. Secrets are deep in her heart. Afraid of the monsters lurking and tormenting her every thought. She finds solace and comfort in Gabe. Just as she is finding her happy, again Bridget is faced with tragedy. Again she is faced with complete heartbreak. But she has one little boy that will get her through it all. And she will do anything in her power to be his strength.
Two people, so completely different, but with so much in common. What happens when Derek and Bridget’s worlds collide?
This is their story. This is their voice.
As much as I did enjoy this novel, I have to admit that for me personally it didn’t pull anything from me emotionally. I tried to connect to the characters in this novel and their struggles but I just couldn’t find that emotional attachment to them. I did fall in love with sweet Jenny who took my breath away with her innocence and her beautiful soul, but I struggled with everyone else. Quite a detailed read, at times I found myself re-reading parts trying to grasp some understanding of the topic at hand, sometimes getting lost and confused with the switching of characters. Once I found my understanding of it then it flowed quite well.
A read for those who love a great thriller with a touch of naughtiness.
I wish Sharon the best of luck with the next in the series.
This book is simply amazing. You will cry in all the right places and scream in others. Warning: This book is an emotional journey, sexy, sweet and frustrating at times.
I really don't want to say too much about this book because you have to read it for yourself.
Derek was a man on a mission. Not a military mission any longer, but a personal one to have his life in a certain order, run a certain way, and focus only on his daughter. When he started his new PI/Security business, and met Gabe it was a godsend. Being given a chance to do exactly what he wanted, and have the perfect location, and opportunity to do was sweet.
Days go by, months and Derek’s life progresses. He finds himself protecting employees of the same company that hired him, and gave him his break. Not just securing their building. After his main friend, and employer passed unexpectedly, he finds himself playing bodyguard to protect Gabes family. He showed his tough side by dealing with Gabby’s ex husband, a thorn in her and her late brothers side. Bridget was the personal assistant to everyone basically, and from day one Derek clicked with her, even though he tried to ignore his attraction. Inevitably Bridget would be the one that needed the most protection from Derek, and the events, and ties that would bring them together make for a dramatic, mysterious, sexy, and beautiful love affair. One you won’t want to miss out on. SEALS are known to always protect, never leave their own, and always do what needs to be done to protect, and serve. Derek proved, he was a SEAL in active duty, and off. He loved hard, protected hard, and never forgot who he could trust.
This was an amazing love story. Lots of action, lots of personal, and sweet moments. But most of all you fall in love with this gorgeous, man they call Derek. Xx A man who not only gave his time, himself to protect everyone, but loved a part of someone that he never thought could be possibly do again.
Families come in all shapes, and sizes. Love is love, and Derek, and Bridget found it right where they were. You felt every emotion this man felt. It was amazing!!!!
Perfect!!
I was given an ARC, and voluntarily read for an honest review.
I was introduced to these characters with Working on my brothers best friend. When reading this book, the connection took sometime to discover- since we really get to learn how it all began.
Derek- is a tough, loving, protective alpha. He’s a widow who loved with his whole heart, loves being a dad (it’s a beautiful thing to read), his in laws are closer to him then his parents, and loves his much younger brother.
Bridget- was having a quiet relationship with Gabe, her boss, best friend and brother to Gabby. When he passed he not only left her broken, he left a baby he didn’t know he helped create.
We get to also see other sides of Doug and Gabby in this book: some parts i like and some angered me but I saw their hearts in the right place.
We get to see their lives from Jenny being born to their families coming together.
I love single parent romance, especially the kids getting the best part. I also love how this completed the previous book so well.
This was so full of heart, sometimes it was too in depth, with so much life going on, but you got to watch their love develop organically, softly and sweet, while the passion brewed by hurricane standards.
Family. This book has the best theme of all. If your like me you’ll share some tears-FYI.
I cannot wait to learn more about the guys of Hunter PI & Security.
Will book two be about Drake? Taylor or Walker? And will we know more about Brooks, and Jared? I also hope we see more about this group again too.
***I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book***
I've read a number of Ms. Cummins books and she's never disappointed me. This story will make you smile, laugh, cry, and tug on your heart strings. The main characters Derek and Bridget have a long and lonely road ahead of them. They each have to come to grips with their past and regrets so that they can move on with their lives.
Derek has to find himself all over again as a civilian and a father. She is his reason for carrying on and brings some light to his life. Bridget has insecurities and has loss in her life just as Derek has and she also has a little boy who brightens her world. These two have a long way to go in finding love again and working through their other various issues. It seemed to take them more than a little while to do just that and to stop putting off blame to others in their lives.
What loss is Derek trying to move on from? Will he find that he is the man his little girl would be proud of? What are the issues that Bridget's trying to get past? As a couple they have many obstacles to get through before they find their HEA. Will others have an effect on their relationship?
Yet another amazing story from Sharon Cummin . From the second i read Bridget's name i felt I was back with people I knew. Bridget, & to some extent. , Derek, was introduced to us through Doug & Gabby's story. Derek loved being a Navy Seal, it was his life, it was what he loved. He also loved his wife. She worried more & more over the years that Derek would never come home from deployment. So Derek left the Navy to live his life by his wife's side . Unfortunately that wasn't in the stars. His life now is only for his daughter Jenny. Bridget knew how to keep a secret , & knew how to be kept as one . After losing Gabe she found out she was pregnant. She knew she could get through it with the help of Gabby , Gabes sister, & Doug, his best friend. Bridget never really felt save because of an abusive ex, but neither Gabe, Doug or Gabby knew the true extent of the abuse . Derek & Bridget didn't want a relationship, in fact they both tried to fight it, but when the only person they ever really opened up to was each other , their walls came tumbling down . Such a great story, a must read
A great start to another new series by Sharon Cummin.
We met Derek and Bridget in Gabby and Doug’s story. Derek and Bridget are both single parents trying to do the best for their children, yet feeling like they’ll betray their lost love if they fall in love again. This book had suspense, love, pain, and a sweet little girl that will steal your heart. Derek’s in-laws are the type of family you always want in your corner.
Derek is brooding, serious, and unyielding. Bridget is quiet, scared, and willing to do for others. Yet, when they’re around each other, they each bring out something that the other has never shown to anyone else. They make each other feel alive, yet fight it tooth and nail. I enjoyed watching them struggle with their feelings and when they finally let go, boom!
We are introduced to new characters that I can’t wait to read more about and who I wish were real.
The sparks that was there in the beginning I felt coming off the page (even though the story was about Gabby and Doug). I am beyond glad that Derek got his own book. Derek was a mystery that I’m glad the first several chapters took the time to dig into. He’s a SEAL. A family man. A loving father and soooooo much more. I wasn’t to sure of Brigdet (based on gabby’s story) would of been the right one for him. Will she be strong enough? In the beginning I really didn’t think so. She just seemed so set on pleasing everyone. BUT she put on her big girl panties. She put down her foot and stood up and took no s**t! I was very very proud of her. The secondary characters...gabby and Doug while I loved them in their book the got on my last nerve in this took. Taylor was hilarious (he needs his own book) and Jean was just perfect. The kids are cute and I can’t wait to see how their story places our. Over the story felt like you were hanging out with friends. I’m currently going through that withdrawal. I loved it!!!
Derek was a Seal. After years of service he comes home to be with his wife and soon to be child. Then tragedy strikes. leaving him to raise his daughter without a mother. Hannah, she had rough time in college and now she is afraid of men. Soon she too is alone after losing Gabe and now has to raise child without the father in the picture. Derek and Hannah have an instant connection to one another. Although they both try to fight it. Both of them have similar situations and because of this they form a strong bond. Derek is afraid to let Hannah get closer because he doesn't want to get hurt again. Hannah doesn't want to be hidden again like she was with Gabe. It takes a scary situation to finally opens Derek's eyes and heart to what he really wants. I really enjoyed this story. Derek and Hannah were so similar with their situations and to me that made the story so much more emotional. They had a strong bond . I really cant wait to read more in this series!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I have read most of the books that Sharon Cummin has written. This book had a little more suspense to it and the main characters were single parents. I like how Sharon ties the characters from her different series/stories together. This book had several chapters and went into lots of detail which allows a deeper look into the characters. I'm most impressed with Derek's in-laws and the support that they give him after losing his wife, raising his daughter, starting his own company and moving on with a new family.
We had seen a glance of Derek and Bridget, but now is their time to see deep down how this innocent friendship blossom.
Derek Hunter, a man with a deep secret and demons will little by little invade your heart. This alpha bot only will make you smile, but shed a tear or two.
This book is a bit different than what we are used to read from Sharon Cummin, but I can certainly tell you is another exceptional story. The love, pain, smiles and hot sex, will have you wishing he was real and not a fictional character.
If this is an indication of how this new series is going to be, then I can't wait to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Totally fantastic book with two people who have suffered devastating losses finding their way to one another. I enjoyed Derek's first part of the book, then was taken back when his tragedy struck. Thankfully, his little girl and her grandparents together, made his life have reason. Bridget was just a work aquaintance. Then she became part of the job. Til finally, she became another reason to live. I loved the struggle between love and accepting love back into your life. This had some touching parts, but wasn't overly gloppy (as I call it). The meetings and bonds created through mutual losses were inspiring.
Derek by Sharon Cummins is the first book in the series Hunter PI & Security.
We were introduced to Derek and Bridget when reading His Assistant. You don't have to read this book before reading Derek but it is a great book.
It is written in a way that you get pulled into the story. You can't help but fall in love with these characters especially the little girl that will tug at your heart. This second chance romance has suspense, love, and steamy sex. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Melissa's Most Memorable Book Mentions received a complimentary copy for Melissa to voluntarily read in exchange for a honest review.
I have read all your series and this one doesn't is as good as the rest. I like the connection that Brook and Derek has while no one can come close to Brook due to her pass the only she feels comfort in is while Derek is around. All though Derek can feel there is something there with Brook he doesn't want to a relationship due his pass that he does not want to go thru again. Will Derek come to realize that what he feels for Brook is more than he felt with his wife that die during birth to his daughter or it would it be to late. I can't wait to read about Drake and Taylor
I really enjoyed reading Derek. This was a great friends to lovers, single parent romance. Derek Hunter is a brooding man that tries to get his life back after a tragedy. After making new friends and building a new security company he meets Bridget. A girl trying to hide a secret and overcome her own grief. Together they try to save each other. This is a sweet love story with great characters! Another amazing book by Sharon Cummin!
I have read all of Cummin's books written. This is a 10 star book! I have to say this may be my favorite story! Derek and Bridget's story takes a love story to an epic love story in a completely different way. Both have experienced grief and finding their way back to themselves as an individual but then learning to find love again along the way. Such a profound book. Definitely don't miss this book.
I liked how Sharon drew together characters from previously mentioned series and brought them together without making you need to read the series to understand their story. Two broken people being able to fix each other. Derek lost his wife and Bridget lost Gabe. There was so much heartache within this book, it defiantly left you with all the feelings you wanted. It was an emotion packed, five star read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and had a lot of chemistry. I was hooked from the very beginning Amazing story and wonderful writing! All characters are three-dimensional and believable. The storyline is intense, it's gripping in the best sense of the word. This book is great, a must-read. The author is one of my favorites and I look forward to more books by her. I loved the HEA!
The premise of this book sounded good but it didn't live up to my expectations. It was so drawn out, unnecessarily so in my opinion. It must have been set over about 4 or 5 years and it should've been cut by at least half as there was a lot of unnecessary dialogue. I won't be reading the next instalment.
This book made me so emotional, I was crying in places and laughing in others, it was an emotional read but so good! Things happen in life when you least expect and this is shown in this story but you watch Derek and Bridget try to rebuild their lives. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
I received this book for an honest review. Let me start by saying everything I have read by Sharon keeps me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. Derek for me was a 5 star read I recommend you read this book for a roller coaster of a emotions.
This book is a bloody brilliantly read . This book is fast paced and fun filled . Derek is a guy living each day at a time , living in regret and the past . The story that builds is amazing The whole thing will blow you away
Great book! I laughed and cried hard, big fat ugly tears). I don't even know where to start! It is a must read. I loved all of Sharon's books but this one really was the best. Can't wait for the next in this series!!
This is a great second chance romance. You feel for both Derek and Bridget and their losses. I wish they would have gotten over their stubbornness sooner but they are great together. This is a wonderful read.
Story went on a lot, going over the same things... characters acted like children... how can a navy seal not like swimming?? The word arse was over used a lot.