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Pelican Bay Security #2
Future Risk
Pelican Bay will never be the same in this funny, small-town, suspense standalone from USA TODAY Bestselling Author Megan Matthews!Secrets never stay hidden.It’s time to make my move. Anessa quickly became the cute bakery owner everyone loves when she moves to town. They only see her double fudge cookies. Me, though? I’ve noticed the woman behind the apron. But we can’t be together. My life is too risky for the sweet baker, and my secrets run too deep.Her smile makes it hard to stay away, especially when trouble lands in her kitchen. I’ll put everything at risk when Anessa finds herself with a stolen mountain of dough and criminals competing to make it theirs. It will take all my years of military training as a Navy SEAL to keep Anessa safe once the mob comes to collect.Future Risk is the perfect story for fans of friends-to-lovers books. Grab a copy and revisit your favorite characters in Pelican Bay.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2017
343 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Megan Matthews
67 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 6, 2025
Anessa is getting her bakery in order and finds a hole in the wall behind the stove...to put your hand in or not? I sure wouldn't! Anessa however is no chicken, well maybe a bit but she still manages to unearth a wad o' cash.
Bennett is trying to maintain some distance and not get too caught up in Anessa. Sweet treats will have to be enough.
When trouble comes calling at Anessa's bakery, Bennett will not stand by and leave her unprotected.
This is a really cute story with some mystery and suspence! Megan keeps the reader on their toes and has written an amazing story.
Bennett is trying to maintain some distance and not get too caught up in Anessa. Sweet treats will have to be enough.
When trouble comes calling at Anessa's bakery, Bennett will not stand by and leave her unprotected.
This is a really cute story with some mystery and suspence! Megan keeps the reader on their toes and has written an amazing story.
December 10, 2017
“Today is not the day I sit around and cry. That's done now. Today is the day I work on rebuilding.”
Reading another story in Pelican Bay feels like coming home. I love the characters, their friendships, the humor between friends and crazy situations they find themselves in. This book has some secrets, twist and turns and will keep you guessing about what will happen next. It will tug at your heart, frustrate you and have you believing there is good people in unexpected places and situations.
The girls in Pelican Bay keep the boys security team busy. They constantly find themselves in situations they need rescuing from...at least the alpha men think so. I'm not sure who's more frustrated the guys feeling they need to protect the trio of friends or the girls trying to prove they can handle things without the guys riding in to save the day. Deep down you know they love being protected...they just don't want the Pelican Bay Security men knowing it.
I'm looking forward to what shenanigans are in store for the quiet towns people of Pelican Bay next!
Reading another story in Pelican Bay feels like coming home. I love the characters, their friendships, the humor between friends and crazy situations they find themselves in. This book has some secrets, twist and turns and will keep you guessing about what will happen next. It will tug at your heart, frustrate you and have you believing there is good people in unexpected places and situations.
The girls in Pelican Bay keep the boys security team busy. They constantly find themselves in situations they need rescuing from...at least the alpha men think so. I'm not sure who's more frustrated the guys feeling they need to protect the trio of friends or the girls trying to prove they can handle things without the guys riding in to save the day. Deep down you know they love being protected...they just don't want the Pelican Bay Security men knowing it.
I'm looking forward to what shenanigans are in store for the quiet towns people of Pelican Bay next!
February 18, 2021
Anessa is dumb af. It’s one thing for bad things to happened to someone. It’s another thing entirely to walk into danger just to prove a point. Anessa should have been seriously hurt. Her personality ruined the quality of the story. Her neuroticism should have made her lovable but her actions tainted the potential for greatness.
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June 16, 2023Needs a proofreader!
June 6, 2025
Anessa Curtis is a cute bakery owner from California. Her family has wealth but no love or empathy. When she saves forever to follow her dream, she starts looking for viable options for her needs. And she finds it in an affordable building with an apartment above the bakery for a wonderful price. It looked like this California girl was moving to the East Coast, Pelican Bay to be exact. This germophobic with OCD who was concerned with fingerprints wins the hearts of everyone in town. But especially one ex-Navy SEAL and now a member of Pelican Bay Security, Bennett Walker.
Now here’s the thing, Nessa is a good friend with Tabitha the girlfriend of the owner of Pelican Bay Security. Both Tabitha and Katy work for Nessa. When these girls are all together trouble just seems to follow. They don’t go looking for it they're just unlucky in that way. Like Tabi’s ex ended up being connected to the mob. He had been trafficking drugs and she had no clue. When she left she took money with her. Then with the help of Bennett, she got to safety. At least he tried but he came looking, and let’s just say they both ended up in the hospital and the ex is behind bars.
Now on to Katy, she is a Bay girl through and through. She knows all the key players and how to play them. A good person to have on your team. However, she also knows how to talk them both into bad ideas, which get them in hot water. Nessa had been waiting three long weeks for a new oven. When they called and said it would be delivered that day. So she moved the old one aside to clean behind it, and lo and behold there was a hole in the wall. Don’t know what possessed her when she stuck her hand in, and pulled out bundles and bundles of money equaling over $200,000.00.
They went back and forth as to whom they should call the cops or Tabi’s boyfriend, Ridge head of his security firm there in Pelican. Before they could make the decision Bennett showed up, and all three women standing in front of it didn't hide it he was too tall. It was concerning when the landlord Pierce told them all that the person before her Kevin Chambers who rented it was known as a convicted of being drug runner across the border. Where do you think he stored them? Pierce said he had two other buildings. Yup! He is Clueless but she gets a great rate on rent.
Not the sleepy town everyone was talking about for sure. The girls had been telling her that Bennett liked her. She was starting to believe it with all the flirting. However, it felt like he held back a piece of himself. The guys took the money thank goodness. But Ridge thought it best if Bennett stuck like good to her. This book has OTT men, women who will not tolerate it, they are all snarky and love to banter with humor, and sometimes snarky humor. There is action at every turn and surprises galore.
Now here’s the thing, Nessa is a good friend with Tabitha the girlfriend of the owner of Pelican Bay Security. Both Tabitha and Katy work for Nessa. When these girls are all together trouble just seems to follow. They don’t go looking for it they're just unlucky in that way. Like Tabi’s ex ended up being connected to the mob. He had been trafficking drugs and she had no clue. When she left she took money with her. Then with the help of Bennett, she got to safety. At least he tried but he came looking, and let’s just say they both ended up in the hospital and the ex is behind bars.
Now on to Katy, she is a Bay girl through and through. She knows all the key players and how to play them. A good person to have on your team. However, she also knows how to talk them both into bad ideas, which get them in hot water. Nessa had been waiting three long weeks for a new oven. When they called and said it would be delivered that day. So she moved the old one aside to clean behind it, and lo and behold there was a hole in the wall. Don’t know what possessed her when she stuck her hand in, and pulled out bundles and bundles of money equaling over $200,000.00.
They went back and forth as to whom they should call the cops or Tabi’s boyfriend, Ridge head of his security firm there in Pelican. Before they could make the decision Bennett showed up, and all three women standing in front of it didn't hide it he was too tall. It was concerning when the landlord Pierce told them all that the person before her Kevin Chambers who rented it was known as a convicted of being drug runner across the border. Where do you think he stored them? Pierce said he had two other buildings. Yup! He is Clueless but she gets a great rate on rent.
Not the sleepy town everyone was talking about for sure. The girls had been telling her that Bennett liked her. She was starting to believe it with all the flirting. However, it felt like he held back a piece of himself. The guys took the money thank goodness. But Ridge thought it best if Bennett stuck like good to her. This book has OTT men, women who will not tolerate it, they are all snarky and love to banter with humor, and sometimes snarky humor. There is action at every turn and surprises galore.
August 15, 2020
I loved this book. It’s book two in the Pelican Bay Security series. This is Bennett and Anessa’s story. This book made me snort chuckle quite a few times. The trouble the women seems to find in this series is crazy and at times funny. Bennett works with Ridge (book 1) at Pelican Bay Security, Ridges security firm. Bennett and Ridge served together in the Navy as SEALs. Anessa has moved to Maine to get away from her overbearing family. They’re all convinced she’s going to fail miserably in Maine. Vanessa opens up a bakery in town and settles in for life in Pelican Bay Maine where the residents are a tad quirky. Bennett and Anessa have been dancing around their attraction to each other. When Anessa finds over $200,000 hidden in a hole in the wall of her bakery her life gets turned upside down. Before she knows it, she’s dealing with the mob, a local biker gang and Bennett bossing her around like she’s doesn’t have any brains in her head. Will her budding relationship with Bennett survive all the craziness? Will things ever get back to normal for poor Anessa?
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 21, 2020
Anessa is opening a bakery in Pelican Bay. Every day Bennett comes in and has coffee in her bakery. Bennett is very attracted to Anessa and would like to ask her out but hasn’t built his courage up yet. Anessa is doing some remodeling in the kitchen area of her bakery and comes across something unexpected. Anessa now needs Bennett’s help. He jumps at the chance to get to know Anessa better. Along the way there is the mob, a biker gang, quirky townspeople and Bennett bossing her around acting like she is brainless. It is a crazy, funny, entertaining story. I love when you have a story that makes you laugh out loud. I loved seeing these women completely make the men of Pelican Bay Security crazy. This story was filled with heartwarming moments, some spice, some sugar and some crazy and you have a great read. I can't wait to read the next one!
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 13, 2020
Full of action, intrigue, suspense, and humor. The girls of Pelican Bay are always finding trouble, and this time it's Anessa's turn. Finding a large amount of money hidden in the wall of her bakery is just the start of her troubles. Bennett jumps at the chance to get to know her better, to protect the woman he;d like to be more than friends with. But Bennett has a secret to protect, and Nessa has not just the mob but also a biker gang muddying the waters. I loved watching Nessa and her friends completely befuddle the men of Pelican Bay Security. And they have some of the BEST conversations! With plenty of heartwarming moments, this is a great addition to the series, and I can't wait to read what comes next!
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 14, 2020
Anessa owns a bakery and is secretly attracted to one of her regular customers, a former SEAL named Bennett Walker. Bennett also would like to pursue a relationship, but neither has made a move.
One day when Anessa is preparing to move the old stove out to prepare for the installation of a new stove, she finds a huge sum of money in a hole in the wall behind the stove. Apparently the previous renter of this space was a drug dealer. The bad guy comes back for his ill-gotten money, Anessa is kidnapped, and Bennett is there to protect her with his security company. Is this enough excitement to kick their romance up a notch? Will they finally admit to each other that they have feelings they would like to pursue? Is a HEA waiting for them once all of these problems get resolved?
One day when Anessa is preparing to move the old stove out to prepare for the installation of a new stove, she finds a huge sum of money in a hole in the wall behind the stove. Apparently the previous renter of this space was a drug dealer. The bad guy comes back for his ill-gotten money, Anessa is kidnapped, and Bennett is there to protect her with his security company. Is this enough excitement to kick their romance up a notch? Will they finally admit to each other that they have feelings they would like to pursue? Is a HEA waiting for them once all of these problems get resolved?
December 12, 2017
Future Risk is a funny and entertaining addition to the Pelican Bay series. Future Risk is Nessa and Bennett’s adventure of heartwarming and endearing scenes and laugh out loud dialog with each other and amongst their small group of friends. Nessa and Bennett move to Pelican Bay to start fresh in a new town and try to find their place within the Pelican Bay community. Nessa and Bennett find the support and love they deserve with each other as they maneuver through each new and crazy plan that presents itself. Megan Matthews pens another funny story with an excellent balance of action, intrigue, and entertaining dialog between the main and supporting characters.
August 16, 2020
This is book two in the Pelican Bay series and has Bennett and Nessa. She is opening a bakery in town and Bennett is a former Navy Seal and works with Ridge at his Security Business. She is redoing her kitchen for her business but finds something the previous renter left behind. This sets the stage for Bennett stepping in to help especially as he’s been wanting to ask her out! This is another great adventure in Pelican Bay and will pull you in especially as the characters from the first book are involved!
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 17, 2020
Oh I loved Future Risk by Megan Matthews. Who wouldn't fall for Bennett Walker! He visits Anessa's bakery every day. The whole town of Pelican Bay knows they have feelings for each other but neither have made a move. Anessa moved to Pelican Bay for a chance to finally be on her own and make a life for herself. Bennett works with Ridge at Pelican Bay Security and when he learns Anessa has discovered money hidden in the wall of her bakery, he and Ridge jump into action. As Anessa and Bennett grow closer they will have to figure out how to keep her safe. I loved all the supporting characters as well that only added to the story
July 25, 2024
This book wasn’t for me - although the promise of Nessas character was good in the beginning, it didn’t follow through.
Also I guess the writing of Bennett was intentional from the authors side, he just kept getting on my bad side..
The series started out very good but book 2 made me not want to continue 🤷♀️
Also at 47% there’s only been one or two times on page kissing and mentioning of off page cuddle, kisses and ‘not getting to third base’
⭐️ for the idea of the plot
Rest of the book not so much 😊
Read it if you have a thing for onesided macho-written mmc’s and if you want to hear more of Tabitha and Katy 😎
Also I guess the writing of Bennett was intentional from the authors side, he just kept getting on my bad side..
The series started out very good but book 2 made me not want to continue 🤷♀️
Also at 47% there’s only been one or two times on page kissing and mentioning of off page cuddle, kisses and ‘not getting to third base’
⭐️ for the idea of the plot
Rest of the book not so much 😊
Read it if you have a thing for onesided macho-written mmc’s and if you want to hear more of Tabitha and Katy 😎
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2020
Anessa has moved from California to Pelican Bay Maine to open a bakery. Everything is going great she has made wonderful friends and has a best friend who is dating a great guy. His best friend comes in often and Anessa is attracted to him. But when she move the old stove out to clean behind it so her new stove can be installed that is when all the problems start. This is a great story that I enjoyed reading and it kept me turning the pages until I finished it. I look forward to reading more from this author.
August 14, 2020
Characters and backstories build into a fantastic story of two people deciding to start fresh in new jobs, friends and romance (if one will finally do more than nod "Hello"). She finds a drug money stash in the bakery and all hell breaks loose, and the story takes some twists and turns as he and his team do battle to protect. Be prepared to not close this book until you are done as the need to know what happens next will keep you WIDE awake! Love the story and will be reading more from her very soon.
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 15, 2020
Pelican Bay
This book contains a little bit of everything. There's so much going on that it's hard to describe everything. The "base" story revolves around Anessa and Bennett's relationship. Yet it's the other offshoots that hold it together. The cast of characters is too long to list but each one is pivotal to the overall read. I guess Anessa summed it up with the fact that Pelican Bay wasn't the sleepy little town she was promised. I off now to read book one and book three.....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book contains a little bit of everything. There's so much going on that it's hard to describe everything. The "base" story revolves around Anessa and Bennett's relationship. Yet it's the other offshoots that hold it together. The cast of characters is too long to list but each one is pivotal to the overall read. I guess Anessa summed it up with the fact that Pelican Bay wasn't the sleepy little town she was promised. I off now to read book one and book three.....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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August 10, 202208/09/22 currently free in I'll Be Watching You: a collection of small-town romantic suspense novels
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November 4, 2024
I'd enjoyed reading this story that's about Anessa and Bennett. Anessa owns a bakery which Bennett who works at Pelican Bay Security frequently visits. Anessa who's remodeling her kitchen finds over $200,000 hidden in a hole in the wall of her bakery. Bennett who been waiting for his chance to asks Anessa out volunteers to help her. What occurs in this suspense story is an engaging story that drew me in. The characters are likable, and their chemistry simmered, and the intrigue was interesting in this copy I'd received and volunteer to read and review.
December 12, 2017
Oh Bennet!!! He comes off quiet and reserved but oh you will soon learn different. Alpha, possesive, and a super sweet side that comes from his cute little secret. Anessa didn't think she even had a chance with Bennet, but she couldn't have been more wrong. I loved watching them grow and my only wish is that I could have kept reading! I'm going to miss these two like crazy! So who's book an I waiting for now?!?! ;)
July 28, 2020
Loved this book. There is plenty of action, heat, very funny in places and a cute little boy. Anessa owns a bakery, well she rents the building, but what she finds in the wall of her bakery causes her some problems. Bennett likes her and he wants to get to know her better, but everytime he turns around she's in trouble. Plus she OCD about cleanliness. Entertaining to read to say the least. HEA
August 15, 2020
Anessa owns the bakery in Pelican Bay and along with her friends Tabitha and Katy they can get into more trouble but the men from Pelican Bay Security (Ridge and Bennett) keeps coming to the rescue.
Anessa and Bennett have been flirting almost everyday but it seems to be going nowhere until she tangles with some bad guys and Bennett takes her home with him in order to protect her where she finds out he has a son she did not know about. Loved this suspense packed romance with great characters.
Anessa and Bennett have been flirting almost everyday but it seems to be going nowhere until she tangles with some bad guys and Bennett takes her home with him in order to protect her where she finds out he has a son she did not know about. Loved this suspense packed romance with great characters.
August 26, 2020
This is a fun read. Opening up a business where everyone thinks you will fail, then finding a large amount of money where do you turn. Um to the one person you have been dancing with, figuratively. These two are attracted to each other you feel the pull, but they are avoiding the issue until she needs his help with the found money. Enjoy their story it was great
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.
September 2, 2020
When a bakery owner and a former Navy Seal meeting, things are about to start cooking. Bennett and Anessa's tale has action, suspense that will keep you on the edge of your chair. Moment that will have you laughing and other times shaking you head.
This is the 2nd book in the series and it keep getting better and better with each turn of the page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 2nd book in the series and it keep getting better and better with each turn of the page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2020
Book 2 in this great new series!! Bennett and Nessa fit together seamlessly and I really liked how the author brought in the characters from book 1 so we get to see how they are doing now. There are plenty of comedic moments to keep a reader chuckling throughout the book! I enjoy the writing style of Megan Matthews and look forward to more books featuring Pelican Bay Securities!!
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 18, 2020
Biker gangs,mobsters, and drama filled suspense with plenty of wit and romance. Nessa runs a bakery in Pelican Bay but now she has a wall full of money and a man with his own secrets protecting her. Bennett has waited for his chance to get too know Nessa and now she needs his protection and what happens when Nessa leads everything about Bennett will there romance last.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
January 7, 2022
Just ok for me
What I absolutely loved about the book is the bakery girls 💚, without these 3 friends, quiet honestly the bk would be a bit boring . . Sorry. Have read the blurb for all other bks in series but unfortunately Katy doesn't seems to have her own bk. Very disappointed about dat as dat gal cracks me up 🤣. All her spontaneous ideas never go to plan but what fun the friends have 🤗🤗
What I absolutely loved about the book is the bakery girls 💚, without these 3 friends, quiet honestly the bk would be a bit boring . . Sorry. Have read the blurb for all other bks in series but unfortunately Katy doesn't seems to have her own bk. Very disappointed about dat as dat gal cracks me up 🤣. All her spontaneous ideas never go to plan but what fun the friends have 🤗🤗
April 1, 2024
Good Series
Bennett and Anessa are special. Anessa renting a building to start a Bakery. Bennett working for Ridge in his Security Company. When Anessa waiting to get her new stove decides to move old one to clean finds big hole behind it, little did she know she found bundles of money hidden. When her friends come to help they call Ridge Tabitha's boyfriend. When he comes Bennett is with him. All begins with Anessa and Bennett. Good Read.
Bennett and Anessa are special. Anessa renting a building to start a Bakery. Bennett working for Ridge in his Security Company. When Anessa waiting to get her new stove decides to move old one to clean finds big hole behind it, little did she know she found bundles of money hidden. When her friends come to help they call Ridge Tabitha's boyfriend. When he comes Bennett is with him. All begins with Anessa and Bennett. Good Read.
December 27, 2017
Love it! I was sucked in on the first book in the series. This was no different. Future Risk was outstanding. Megan Matthews gives us characters to love, a great little town of Pelican Bay and hot guys. So much to love! The storyline is fun and keeps you interested throughout the book. When's the next book in the series coming out?
December 13, 2017
Future Risk (ARC) by Megan Matthews: **** An enjoyable series!
I found myself smiling a lot with this story. The character interactions are fun and engaging and the love story both hot and sweet, while danger comes from multiple sources with lots of twists and turns. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book.
I found myself smiling a lot with this story. The character interactions are fun and engaging and the love story both hot and sweet, while danger comes from multiple sources with lots of twists and turns. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book.
August 8, 2020
This is the first book I've ever read by Megan Matthews, and I really liked it. It has strong characters, and I liked Megan's writing style and storytelling. I will definitely be reading more of her books, especially the ones in the Pelican Bay Security series. I would definitely recommend this one.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews