The Hawks

by S.D. Hendrickson

"A sultry summer of suspense that leads to the fall of a powerful family." He warned me. Said hawks were dangerous birds. Their majestic beauty could blind your eyes as they picked the flesh from your bones. But even hawks have enemies. And they eventually came for the Hawthorn family. Held us hostage. Demanded retribution. But I wasn’t a Hawthorn. No, I was just the help. Caught in the turmoil of a tragic family. I worked hard for Delsey Hawthorn. Tried to earn the respect of the reigning tyrant. Assistant. Event planner. Gardner. Chauffeur. I added it all to my resume. And then I met Javier Hawthorn. Delsey ordered me to stay away from her grandson. But like a moth to a burning flame, I gravitated toward him. He was so different than my world. Irresistible. Charming. He brought a calmness to the chaos. But that was before the intruders busted into the house. Tied us up. Hurt us. We struggled to get away. We fought to survive. But who were the men behind the masks? Did we know them? Because someone who got this close to the family at night must be even closer during the day. Author A new romantic suspense that will keep you guessing until the end. Meet the eccentric and wealthy Hawthorn family. The personal assistant who falls for the forbidden grandson. An out of control matriarch. A summer of parties and sultry midnight swims. But everything comes to a deadly halt when intruders hold the family hostage in their own mansion. The Hawks is a Standalone, Romantic Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Family Drama (112,000 words) **PREORDER** PRICE WILL INCREASE TO $3.99 AFTER RELEASE

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Mystery, Family Drama

368 pages, Paperback

Published July 24, 2018

About the author

SD Hendrickson received a Bachelor's of Science in Journalism from Oklahoma State University.T he Mason List was her first novel and it was a 2015 Goodreads Choice Award Semi-Finalist for Best Debut Author.

S.D. Hendrickson lives in Tulsa with her husband and their two schnauzers. She loves chocolate, romance books, Oklahoma State Cowboys, music, Lost, chocolate, beaches, coffee, cooking, beautiful sunsets, Friends, chocolate, sad puppy stories, dreaming of Australia, guacamole, quotes, Netflixs bing watching, Dawson’s Creek, chocolate, hot tubs, exotic animal rescues, going on vacation, Friday Night Lights, writing, and of course, chocolate.

Visit www.sdhendrickson.com for more information on upcoming projects.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC BOOK REVIEW
release Date-26/7/18

The Hawks was my first experience with this particular author and it was a mostly positive endeavour for me.
This was a well thought out intriguing read packed with suspensful romance and thrilling action.
It had a fantastic twist that I never saw on the horizon and though I did have some slight issues here this for me was still extremely enjoyable and I would certainly recommend this if you're looking for something to get your blood pumping.
So as I said swings and roundabouts; while I really liked the way this was narrated in present time and flashbacks I felt that without this style of storytelling this could have felt a bit flat.
The build-up to the main course was a bit lengthy in my opinion and could have done with a bit of pruning.
This was a long book and it really felt it would have delivered itself better shortened slightly; maybe it's just me but I did zone out slightly on some occasions.
I also would have prefered this to be dual POV as I felt that I didn't really get to know Javier that well and as such he felt slightly one-dimensional at times.
Which was a shame as he seemed a real decent bloke; perhaps maybe a bit cookie-cutter perfect at times; but still, I would definitely have liked to delve deeper here.
I really enjoyed the portrayal of Sarina's boss Delsey Hawthorn; her eccentricities made such compelling reading and kept thing interesting.
I know she was a massive opinionated pain in the derriere but the old girl had some good qualities also, hidden really deep that is, she wasn't completely bad.
I also really adored Cole and thought Sarina was a bloody major cow to him.
I couldn't quite work out what her deal was here she was an utter cow-bag to the poor bloke.
In fact, if I'm honest I found it hard to relate or even like Sarina at times, she came across as completely, self-centred and materialistic.
That is my main reason for marking this down slightly my compulsion to strangle some sense into the girl throughout.
Despite the above, I still found this compelling reading and that finale completely knocked it out of the park.
This was a good read that I had some slight nitpicks with; still very happy to recommend this if you like a bit of action with your romance.
On a side-note, I want Cole's story as I think he got such a raw deal here but please let's have a girl who appreciates him for the unpolished gem that he is; I would so read his story.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of "The Hawks" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions are entirely my own.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

 
 
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~
Where to begin? First, I have never read an S.D. Hendrickson book before so I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Second, I seem to be a little disenchanted with romance books of late. Combine those two things and honestly, my expectations weren't all that high. Luckily for me this turned out to be a fantastic read. It was well written. The pace was OK (more about that in a bit). We jump back a forth in time from past to present. Something I usually don't like very much, but it worked quite well in this instance. The plot was engaging and kept me hooked throughout. The author even threw in a twist near the end that took me totally by surprise. Last, it was all wrapped up in a completely satisfying way. 

All that said, there were a couple things that kept this from being a complete hit with me. The first being, I thought it was a tad too long. This book clocks in at nearly six hours long and there were parts that I felt dragged along a bit. Not enough that I lost interest, but enough that I felt the author could have tightened the story up a bit thus improving the overall pace. My second issue was the heroine herself. I just never fully warmed up to her (more about that in the heroine section).


~HERO~
JAVIER...I loved Javier. He was simply a perfect book boyfriend. I would have loved to have seen some chapters in his POV. I think it would have helped round out his character a bit and given him a little more depth. But like I said, he was pretty much perfect. He was sweet. He was kind. He stayed true to himself despite having Cruella Deville as a grandmother.


~HEROINE~
SARINA...Sarina, what to say about her? Honestly, I never completely warmed up to her. There were glimpses here and there where I found her likable, and sweet. Kind even. But most of the time I just found her to be selfish, self-centered, and materialistic. She went on and on about how she wanted to better her life and help her family, but I felt many of her choices were self-serving. I also didn't like her attitude and interactions with Cole. I never understood the level of animosity she showed towards him when it seemed like she was the queen of mixed messages when it came to their relationship.


 

~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
There were quite a few excellent secondary characters in this one. I loved all the other employees at the Hawk Mansion. I enjoyed Sarina's brother Ty. I really liked Cole (and hated how Sarina treated him). I am hoping he is going to get a book of his own because he deserves a HEA. And of course, we have Cruella Deville AKA Delsey Hawthorn. She totally reminded me of Meryl Streep's character in The Devil Wears Prada (lol). 


~HEAT LEVEL~
LOW. There was a bit of spice in this one, but it wasn't much. To be honest, I think the romance took a bit of a backseat to all the other stuff going on. That said, it worked well in the context of the story.


~ANGST LEVEL - SEXUAL HISTORIES~
LOW. I didn't find this one particularly angsty. At least relationship wise. These two pretty much hit it off from the start and even though they need to keep things on the down low, it is pretty much smooth sailing until right near the end. The hero wasn't a manwhore. The heroine wasn't a virgin. There was no OW drama. There was OM drama in the form of Cole, who was Sarina's f@ckbuddy for two years. He loves her and wants her back. She pretty much treats him like sh!t. He kisses her once after she is with Javier, and she does VERY briefly kiss him back, but then pushes him away. She tells Javier right away. 


~IN THE END~
I enjoyed it a lot. Was it perfect? No. Was it pretty close to being perfect? Yes. Will I be reading more from this author? Hell yes! Would I recommend this book to my fellow readers? Undoubtedly. Therefore yours truly is going to give this one two solid thumbs up. 

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarina Atwood has goals and ambition. Living in her grandparents home with her mother and younger brother does not work in the life plans she has set for herself. She has big dreams, but the longer she stays with her grandparents every day feels like she is dying inside even more. Her grandparents are hard working people, but there is never enough of money to go around. Plus, Sarina’s mother has emotional issues which take a huge toll on the family. Sarina finally gets the opportunity to be free when she is offered the job as personal assistant to the wealthy Hawthorn family. Delsey Hawthorn is the matriarch of the family. She is a harsh older woman who rules her family and staff with an iron fist. What Sarina will soon come to realize is that even the richest of families still suffer the same kind of problems as everyone else.

When intruders gain entry into the Hawthorn estate, everything Sarina has worked for comes crashing down. Will this be the end of everything that Sarina has worked so hard to achieve?

Sarina is such an interesting character to me and for the most part I did like her, but at times I also disliked her as well. I can understand Sarina wanting to get away from her family. She had goals and she didn’t want to feel as if she was stuck in the same life as her grandparents. She did not want that life for herself. At times if felt like Sarina was selfish, but yet you can see how deeply she cared for her family and how important it was to Sarina to help them with money and bills. So, as much as I thought she was selfish in the broad spectrum of things I also think she was deep down in her heart selfless as well.

Working for Delsey Hawthorn was not an easy task. Delsey was a bitter old woman with money and connections. Connections that Sarina needed in order to advance after her position ended. Delsey was just downright nasty and mean. But, she also taught Sarina important lessens and in a way helped Sarina grow as a person. Sarina’s only saving grace was Javier, Delsey’s grandson. Sarina and Javier shared a connection unlike the relationship she had with Cole, her previous boyfriend. Sarina and Cole’s relationship was just toxic from the start. It didn’t mean that they didn’t love each other, but they definitely were not good for one another either.

Javier was just so sweet to sarina and I can see how easily it would be to fall in love with him. He didn’t look down on Sarina because she didn’t come from money. He treated her like a human being and you can see how their relationship started to grow and how love just blossomed between them. Javier also had a love/hate relationship with his grandmother, who forbid Javier from consorting with the help.

I really loved how the story was told in both the past and the present. We already know right from the beginning that there are intruders in the Hawthorn home and little by little we get glimpses into what is going on and why the intruders are there. They play a major role in this story and not everything is as it seems. I really went back and forth trying to guess who was holding them hostage because there are a couple of red herrings thrown in that really had me questioning what I thought I knew.

The Hawks is sad at times and yet you get these little glimpses of humanity thrown into the mix that make each of the characters stand out and seem real. As much as I disliked Delsey, I found myself realizing that everything that she did she had a reason for and as much as she was a bitter woman, she did love her family even though she didn’t show it enough.

The Hawks is a brilliantly crafted story that gripped me from the first page. I savored every last word right up until the end. The story encompasses everything that I love including romance, mystery, and the trials and tribulations of families regardless if they are rich or poor. The story is just so intricately weaved and has many layers to peel through until you finally reach the heart of the story. I can see why so many readers rave over S.D. Hendrickson. This may have been the first story I have read by Hendrickson, but I plan on picking up some of her earlier books because she is such a fantastic writer and The Hawks really lives up the the Five Stars I have given it.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complicated and layered…

More than a romance, this story layered family, hope and love into a complicated yet simple quest for more out of life.

Sarina was a driven character, wanting an elusive fairy tale she felt was out of her reach, even as she did everything she could to achieve it. Cole was a man of her past and she wanted him to stay there, as she moved on in pursuit of her dream. Javier was her present and, if miracles did happen, would be part of her future. Sarina’s life was playing out in a complicated web of family, hope and love. At times I wanted to shake Sarina as she seemed to waffle in her feelings for Cole even while acknowledging her growing feelings for Javier. It was all complicated, so complicated, yet devastatingly simple in the end.

The story unfolded in a string of flashbacks that all moved towards the present moment, a buildup of emotion and tension that burned slowly until it exploded in violence and betrayal… While I’m not usually a fan of the storyline moving back and forth in time, it worked here to skillfully build the tension and suspense in this mesmerizing read.

If I had to slot this story into one genre I would have a hard time doing so but saying it was a good, satisfying read? Easy peasy. ~Diane, 4 stars

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books is set in the lofty Hawk Mansion, a sinister entity whose walls hold many secrets and stories of injustices. It's chambers & tunnels haunted with past mistakes and cruel punishments. The company is tainted with corrupt moralities, so much so that their own heirs have been ostracized and discarded like soiled clothes.
"my father wants me to leave this place. Leave Hawk’s Landing. He says they’re dangerous birds. Their majestic beauty blinds your eyes as they pick the flesh from your bones.”



So is Cinderella-esque story that starts with dreams and ends in disaster of sorts. The story is largely about the class divide and unattainable love and acceptance. The continued strive to be accepted for your talents and giving power to those higher than you to define you. Sarina Atwood comes from a working class home, gets a job at the Town Royal House and proceeds to fall in love with the handsome Prodigal Prince. She doesn't belong here, nor does she strive to be, but heart follows it's own rules, they say.
Sarina Atwood was only gold-plated silver who worked in a solid platinum house surrounded by diamonds.



She's constantly pushing herself to earn shreds of praise or acknowledgements from the strict and rude Hawk matriarch-Delsey Hawthorn, who like the evil stepmother has working Sarina to the bone and on her knees at times, polishing and cleaning. Sarina is bogged down by financial and family burdens enough to not rebel against her tyrannical boss and accepts every command with gritted teeth and muttered bows. Because Delsey has " bestowed" the job generously on Sarina as a gift, a privilege !



Being rich didn’t automatically guarantee happiness, and charitable donations didn’t make a person less cruel. Delsey Hawthorn could build an entire cardiac wing of a hospital, and yet sometimes she lacked a beating heart within her chest.



Between her family crisis, troubled brother, old grandparents, a persistent ex and her exacting workload, her life is like a maelstorm, whipping her emotions around at breakneck speed. Javier offers her the much needed Calm and escape. Hiding in his arms is her bunker of shelter from the raging chaos around.



Sometimes my world appeared to be unraveling at the seams. I kept grabbing at the strands, trying to tie them back together, only to have pieces fray apart in my hands.



Until the fateful night ..............
Everything is blown to smithereens and debris, debris, everywhere !!
The build up is nice and steady and characters very multi dimensional, until the bomb drops and then the aftermath is quite scary. I've been a fan of Stacey since The Mason List and her fantastic ability to capture the controversial and antagonistic relationship between workers and royalty, rich and poor is uncanny. Very astute writer, adept at word play and subtle in her narrative. Nothing is ever gaudy or over the top, love is softer in touch and evil is greyer in tone. I had some peeves though. I'd have LOVED to read more about Tyson and Cole. These two characters were most soulful, layered and intriguing. That duo was never explored in depth. Instead the story flowed straight and steady in the Hawk Estate. What happened between Cole & Sarina that split them apart with so much bitterness!
Cole was like that worn-out sweater I’d left in the closet at my grandparents’ house. The one I just couldn’t toss.But that sweater didn’t get packed in my suitcase for a reason. Some things were not meant to last forever— no matter how comfortable.
Maybe Stacey plans to revisit them in her next book, hopefully !!
Second was Javier's background or Uncles Ted and his faceless, nameless aunt. I'd have loved to see why Delsey was how she was, what turned her into stone. Her character couldn't be that two dimensional, and what were the protests about, why, how did they appear & disappear?
That shows how much I'd like to revisit the story and delve more into the characters lives.Javier & Sarina's love came with an expiration date stamped, so every breath, every kiss, every touch was stolen and almost Tabboo. Javier was easiest to fall in love with, gentle, solid and comforting. Sarina was so strong, so loyal and passionate. She loved fiercely and deeply, kind and generous. I so sympathise with her cause she couldn't catch a break



Our breaths heavy. Lips red and burning. I let myself savor the taste of him. The feel of his body curving into mine. One day, this would just be a memory. A beautiful and wonderful and bittersweet memory.
The writing is to be enjoyed, the ride may be slow and smooth, but wait till the coaster drops. Your heart will plummet right into your stomach and you'll be left aghast and agape!
4 "Poison Ivy" stars
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[Laura Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hawks: A Novel
By S.D. Hendrickson
5 Stars

I finally got to do it!!! I popped my S.D. Hendrickson cherry with The Hawks. What a wonderful story that kept me engrossed from the first page until the last. Written so beautifully, this story of a woman who had dreams. Wanted to be better than what her mother had, her grandparents had…

I had better things planned for my life than ending up in some house on wheels.

Following Sarina Atwood on her path to becoming someone…bigger and better than anyone in her family had ever imagined. She finally landed the job behind the gates of the Hawthorn Estate.

Sarina Atwood was only gold-plated silver who worked in a solid platinum house surrounded by diamonds.

To say that a person needed a suit of armor to work for Mrs. Hawthorn would be an understatement! Her family name was worth everything. Nothing would stop Mrs. Hawthorn from saving the name from any scandal even if it meant severing the ties with those closest to her.

I absolutely loved reading this book! It goes to show you that no matter what your family does, even if there is a black sheep in the family, true love is to be found… Even if it’s found in the least expected of places.

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[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars. I feel like SD Hendrickson is a bit of a hidden gem in the world of NA/romance. Her books are well written and have always been page turners for me. The Hawks is no different but I felt like the romance took a back seat to everything else going on in this book and I never fully could get on board with Sarina and Javier.

[Karen Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy WOW! What a rush! What a read! I’m still reeling from the aftermath of a spellbinding and scintillating story that was a complete BUZZ! The Hawks hooked its claws in me from the very first page, so COMMANDING and CONSUMING, as it UNEQUIVOCALLY OWNED ME! This tale was the predator and I was the prey. Potent. Pulsating. Powerful. I couldn’t put this achingly-addicting, adrenaline-filled read down!

Money couldn’t stop death. We all screamed the same. We all bled the same in the end.

Fast-paced and well-written, the plot paints a perfect image of the characters, the setting, and the story. The Hawks is so honestly told and vividly crafted that it played like a movie in my head while reading. It’s part thriller, part romance, part suspense, and everything amazing. I was not only reading The Hawks—I was LIVING THIS STORY.

There’s a darkness inside all of us. The hole is deeper in some than others.

The Hawks is smolder, strength, and sin that seduces the senses while wrapping you in a web of suspense full of thrilling twists and turns. This tale twisted around me where I was fully immersed and highly intoxicated. This story stole my mind, body, and soul. The characters are so charismatic and complex that I found them truly compelling. Their strength impressed me. The hero and heroine are MAGICAL together! I felt their chemistry combust. I felt their love flow through the pages. I felt their story as if it were my own.

”What do you want, hermosa?”

“I want to feel you.”

Oh what a thrilling and tantalizing tale SD Hendrickson weaves! The Hawks is FLAWLESSLY EXECUTED. I was ON EDGE the whole time reading! I was POWERLESS where I SUCCUMBED to this soul-stirring suspense. This rush of romance roller coaster rendered me BREATHLESS! I was nearly biting my nails as this twisted tale thrust me to the edge where I dangled, clinging to every ounce of hope, as I basked in the best mix of heaven and hell. The Hawks set me ablaze where I felt this book BURN ME. I FELT ALIVE, and there is no better feeling when reading a heart-stopping suspense! This adventure left me ACHING FOR MORE. The Hawks still has its claws in every part of me.

”The more we feel, the harder it ends.”

💋💋💋💋💋 thrilling, tantalizing, and tender kisses

A MUST-READ ROMANCE!

➡️ https://amzn.to/2LM6Sh2




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[Christine (Shh Moms Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book... I just couldn’t stop reading.

Sarina has always wanted a better life for herself and her family, applying for a job as an assistant to Delsey Hawthorn aka Queen Bitch Extraordinaire. Little does she know that money doesn’t necessarily buy happiness or that the grass is always greener on the other side.

Working for Delsey is tough but thankfully her thoughts are occupied by the grandson Javier. Javier is charming and easy going with a ready smile and has a calming effect on Sarina. Oh and the chemistry and flirtation and sexy times is HOT.

Told in past and present POV, readers are taken on an exciting journey as we experience the now and the danger that is lurking for Sarina and her loved ones.

With intrigue and romance and a passion and love that you can feel bleed off the pages, Hendrickson has given us something new and fresh and unputdownable.

I loved it all... to the very last page and am so happy that all the characters, through tough times and heartbreak, followed their hearts to the light. ❤️

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book sure was entertaining. I thought the POV was done well as a gal raised by decent grandparents who lived along side the city dump. There were times you pictutured her using red paint on the soles of her pumps and knowing enough to use public library computers for free access to the internet. You get why she wants the job at The Hawks. I didn't understand why the author used Columbia but if we know our country's media it would be almost far enough to leave a mess behind you but seriously, why Columbia? Lol
I kept hearing Javier's spainsh words of endearment so I'll shut up now.

[Bookish Affair · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 Star's

[HMS · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure how I feel about this one. I loved that it was completely different from the usual stuff out there, the story line I mean, and Delsey Hawthorne is one crazy mean boss lady! I would have quit a couple of times. What I didn't really get is a connection between our heroine, Sarina and the hero, Javier. I guess it is because of Sarina, she is cold almost frigid and even though there is mention of how much Javier admires her integrity and tenacity, I did not feel the LOOOORRRRVE or an intimate connection between the two, just some sex.
What I did get is Sarina's need to escape her upbringing and want more from her life. Living with a shell of a mother, her grandparents, who should have been enjoying their retirement yet are taking care of a shell of a daughter and Sarina's younger brother who she always thought she still needed to keep close and help....No wonder she was taken in by the allure of the Hawthornes. Then there is Cole, her brother's best friend and Sarina's former lover. I didn't really like Cole, but about 2/3 of the way in, I got where he was coming from and then at the end, well let me just express that I WANT COLE'S STORY NEXT, pleeeeeeeeaaaaassssseee!
A very different book, that I recommend for the storyline and the some great characters.

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

S. D. Hendrickson’s latest release is a sizzling summer read filled with plenty of twists and surprises along the way, including a shocking reveal near the end. I loved every word!

FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW SOON.

[Brianna bribookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHH! I'm now convinced that anything she writes will be amazing... I mean, seriously. From the very beginning I was hooked. That goes for all her previous work as well. There's just something about her storytelling that just sucks me in. I'm completely immersed in the storyline and everything that is unfolding.
This book was such a roller coaster. I tried to figure out who it was. I had my suspicions, and maybe in the back of my mind I knew who it was, but never really "voiced" that opinion. But man, this is a page turner for sure!!!
I love that the romance didn't completely take over the story and take away from the mystery and suspense from the story. I like that throughout the story it goes from present to past. We start to see this event unfolding as the story progresses, but we see the build up from the beginning when our main character takes the job.
Seriously, I can't gush enough about SD Hendrickson's books - she definitely does not get enough attention because her books are amazing. She quickly became a favorite author for me and it still holds true. She is truely a talented author and one of my favorites. Her storytelling is amazing and I highly recommend any and all of her books!

[Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!! This was such a good story. So many outstanding characters that I just wanted to know more about!

This book is about one rich as hell family and one tragedy stricken not rich family. And one girl who just wants to make something better for herself.

Ok let’s start with these characters. First off, Javier (the main male character), I think he is beautiful and charming and perfect. Problem is I don’t think perfect does it for me. I want bad and so not right for me. That leads us to Cole. Oh man how I wished all book she would switch it up. But hey I was also not an Edward fan in Twilight so I am used to it. Lol. Cole he breaks my heart. A horrible upbringing but found his family in his neighbors. Well his neighbors would be the Atwood’s. And that leads us to Sarina. Sarina is our female lead character and I adore her. I know there is controversy over her being selfish and full of herself but I get everything she was doing. I enjoyed her tenacity but her downfall was, unfortunately, her family. Which leads us to Ty. This poor baby. I won’t even go into detail but he needed someone. Damn his mama lost her mind and I think it took a toll on him, along with the whole daddy thing. My heart breaks the most for this lost soul. There are many other characters but I will let you meet them yourself. Oh my gosh I forgot about Delsey. Let me just say I would never want to work for this crazy lady!!!

I think this book was very in depth and written very well. Maybe it could have been shortened a bit but I can deal with it. It didn’t repeat stuff which I really enjoyed. It went from past to present and I liked that as well but then it just kind of fell off, I feel like that could have been carried on. I have so many questions. I want to know more about Cole and Sarina, more about the Hawthorn’s (this book was about the family but I feel like it just wasn’t enough), and what the hell happened at those companies. The protestors...I want to know the scandal. I was waiting and waiting for it but nothing really ever came. So I think with some minor adjustments, cut backs and add ins this book could be a 5 Star.

**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying The Hawks is a very well written book with a storyline that captured me from the start. I loved the characters, even the secondary ones, as they all came together to make this a very pleasant read. We have quite the mixture of people, the haughty matriarch of the family, her heirs and her staff. All playing significant roles I came to appreciate, even if I did want to smack a few of them in the head on various occasions.

The Hawthorn’s are what I would call Old Money with Delsey Hawthorn at the helm, and trust me when I say she is something else. To say she is eccentric, hot tempered, rude, etc doesn’t even begin to describe this woman in my humble opinion. Sarina, Delsey’s personal assistant, has to endure all of Delsey’s moods, outbursts and snobby ways. Before you wonder why Sabrina stays on with her, there are 2 main reasons: financial and to be near Javier, her secret lover. Javier was my favorite character in the book, as he is everything you’d want in a book boyfriend. Javier, like his father, is nothing like Delsey. In fact his father gave up the prestige and money to be with the love of his life. As for Sarina, she was a little too self absorbed for my taste, but it worked with the story so I won’t complain.

The storyline has times you are in the past and times that are current day. It’s basically a romance book but it’s not as intense as most romances I read, but that could of been due to all the other events going on. There are mysteries to solve and a robbery/hostage situation that add to the intrigue. Oh and I’ll admit to a twist I didn’t see coming as well (but I don’t want to spoil things so that’s all I’ll admit to). If I were to offer any down side, It would be the length, I personally felt some of the scenes could have been shorter and thus having a better overall effect. However, it didn’t deter my enjoyment of the book. All in all a very enjoyable read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read everything SD Hendrickson has written! Her words can reach me and allow me to be absorbed into her characters and their stories. Each one of her stories has made me cry at some point they are absolutely beautiful and continually memorable.

Sarina found a job she loved doing that could help put her family in a comfortable financial position but her old rich brutally honest witch of a boss made it hard for her to want to stay working for her.
Then she meets Javier and he makes enduring Mrs. Hawthorn’s rude comments and ridicules demands tolerable. But between their forbidden love and the fear of their summer romance ending when Javier returns to Columbia, they need to figure out if all their secrets and fear of getting hurt are worth it.

“And even though the story may have started off the day I first met the Hawthorne’s, they were not the ones to blame for the terrible events that transpired that night. No, much to my disbelief, the ending came from a place much closer to home.”

The chapters go back-and-forth from how Sarina started working for Mrs. Hawthorn to the predicament she has allowed her self into now. You fall in love with her friendships of the staff and her forbidden love with Javier and then your transported to the present where she is held captive at her own planned event where armed men threaten the lives of the people she has grown to love.

A beautifully haunting suspense of struggles and betrayal. Finding strength in the deception and deceit.

I found my heart breaking from the torment and lies that innocent Sarina kept enduring. I wanted her to prevail and to overcome the obstacles they kept falling upon her. I couldn’t stop reading! I had to keep reading with hopes and anxiety for what Sarina had to endure.

A bewitchingly written story of suspense and romance that entraps your world and penetrates your thoughts long after you finish it.

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

S.D. Hendrickson became one of my favorite authors when I read "The Mason List," she blew me away with the range of emotions that I went through reading that book.

With The Hawks you will definitely go through emotions that cut deep with the struggles of Sarina. This book is full of suspense, romance, and heartache. You will not know how to feel towards the end, I am still processing everything that occurred throughout this story.
Sarina is a woman who wants more in life, she thinks that by working for the most powerful family in her town she will finally get everything she wanted in life. She gets more than what she bargained for, between trying to make a name for herself, supporting her family, and dealing with a forbidden romance there is a lot that Sarina has deal with.

There were many things going on in this book, I was trying to figure out how everything flows together and what was the point of everything that went down. I have come to the conclusion that it must have been a moral story through all this, that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

S.D. Hendrickson is a incredible writer, she pulls you in with her stories and then leaves you contemplating every facet of the characters and their choices. The Hawks was an interesting story that had good and bad components that will keep you intrigued until the very end.

Reviewed by: Glori I.

[Reading with 2 book lovers Sarah P - · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a first read for me by this author and a well written story

[i fall in love book blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

This was such a good read for me. I didn't want to put it down, so I didn't.  It's been awhile since I've seen a book from SD Hendrickson and it was a pleasure to lose myself in it.

The Hawks goes back and forth between two timelines. One that is progressing over weeks/months and another that is over mere hours. One timeline holds the mystery, the other holds the romance, when the two converge it makes it nearly impossible to put down. I will admit, there were parts of the story that left me in tears. There were times when things seemed hopeless. There was devastation. But at the end of it all, there is love and hope and a future that is different than planned.

I loved Javier and I grew to love Cole. If Cole got his own book that would be an auto-buy for me. I can't wait to see if my wish comes true, but whatever she writes next... I'll be reading it.

I received an advance reader copy of this book that I have chosen to review.

[buzy_reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wanting a better life for her family, Sarina leaves her family behind while she works for the Hawthorns. Even though, no amount of money can take the place of spending time with your family.

Only one element comes to mind while reading this story and it’s the word hate. Hate was referenced several times towards characters. For some reason this bothered me every time I read Sarina say she hated Cole.

There were a variety of themes taking place in this story: the extravagant lifestyle of the Hawthorns, taking care of family, building physical relationships and mending friendships. Yet, none of them held my interest quite like finding out the reason behind the robbery.

Unfortunately, with the opening scene setting the tone for this story I kept questioning the motives and actions of every character thus being unable to enjoy the story that was unfolding. This story had a turn of events that was disappointing. I contribute my disappointment with the delivery. Switching from past and present lost the element of suspense. Normally, I’m fine with this type of delivery, but when the story is about a robbery it’s unfavorable to loose momentum by returning to the past. Each time a break occurs in the delivery of this robbery I have to reacclimate myself.

[Bia · Rating 4 out of 5]

**** 4 STARS ****

This is an author who has won a captive place in my heart at first. I've read The Mason List a couple years ago and I was delighted with the sensitivity that she has. So, after that, every book she launches ends up being one I need to read. The Hawks has just been released and I can say that my passion for her books haven't changed. But lets get into business and talk more about this one.

First, imagine the scenery: small town, the kind everyone knows each other. A traditional (old money) family. An eccentric matriarch. And in the middle of all that is where our hero will be. Sarina ends up getting a job as a personal assistant to Delsey Hawthorn (the matriarch), who has a reputation of being an intimidating and self-centered person. But this job, even having to leave your family in the care of her brother, might open other doors for her, better doors, and all she needs to do is hold on to it for a while.

"Sarina Atwood was only gold-plated silver who worked in a solid platinum house surrounded by diamonds."

But being a personal assistant to the wealthiest woman in the city also includes putting up with her strong temper, her rudeness, the craziest requests at the craziest hours and dealing with not-that-upfront insults. Despite all the trouble with her boss, there's a good side about living in the Hawthorn's mansion. She got to enjoy Javier's company.

Regardless of him being the grandson of Delsey Hawthorn, he's not even a little bit like her. His father left the money and the family name to live in Colombia with the woman he fell in love with. Javier only came back to the states to study and work in his uncle's, but there is an expiration date on that. He can't wait to go back and make his and his dad dream to open a winery come true. But that friendship with Sarina turns into something more. And when it's time to say goodbye, this might be more complicated then what they intended it to be.

"He made me feel things. Things I shouldn’t feel. "

Although the main story revolves around the lives of the two and their romance, there is a mystery to be solved. The book alternates scenes from the past, following Sarina's life, with the present. And now she, the Hawthorn family and the house employees are being held hostage during a robbery.

But let's talk a little bit about the characters. Javier is everything that we love about a book boyfriend. Sweet, romantic and he has a good background story. I wish she had written a few chapters on his POV, exploring the relationship between his grandma and uncle, but that's fine. Now Sarina is that type of character that's hard to create some empathy. She had a though life and now just want some peace, but it's hard to like a character when all you want to do is get inside the book and shake some sense into it. But what can we do? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

"[...]hate lived on a fine line that blurred into love, creating a passionate feeling, hovering just on both sides of the equation. "

This book would be a five-star reading if it weren't for this reason and because of the book pace. Some scenes were too big, which makes you kind of bored. They could have been shorter, maybe slight different, but at least we have this mystery that I mentioned in the beginning. This left me curious to know how things evolved, so it was enough to make me not give the book up. And, in the end, what makes a good book is the ability to captivate the reader, and this one did just that to me.

I wish S.D. Hendrickson would release more books, but I understand it's complicated for a person who's not just an author. Having to conciliate a real life with writing books must be complicated, so I take my hat off to someone who can do that and still write so well. *clap*clap*clap*

Would I read The Hawks again? I'm not sure. Maybe only if the author decides to write about Cole (Sarina's ex-boyfriend and one of the best characters in the book). Anyway, this book was a great read and I will be recommending this one to my friends.

**ARC provided in exchange of an honest review**

[Kathy Rouchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!!! What a story line. This one will grab your attention right of the bat, then it will ensnare you with it's family ties, mystery, intrigue, excitement, lust, love and family banter. But it is the mystery and intrigue that will definitely capture your attention as the intruders hold everyone captive. My only problem at the beginning was once this part of the story unfolded, the next chapter jumped back in time, which kinda angered me a bit because, come on...there's excitement going on in that other chapter. But as I continued to read, there were little tiny hints that would lead you back into the ballroom where the captives were being held. Tiny breadcrumbs that were just enough to make your mind start to churn with the possibilities. Who were these men, why were they there, and who would come out of this alive??? Many, many questions popped up in my mind as I continued to read.

Now don't think that the ballroom situation is the most important part, because no, it's not. Equally important is the relationships in this story. The ones between Javier and his grandmother Delsey as well as her and her other family members. She is quite the b*tch. There is the relationship between Sarina and her family, mainly her brother. And her relationship with her brother's best friend Cole. Between the two families you could have a great soap opera going on. Then of course there is the relationship between Javier and Sarina. This one is sweet, romantic, passionate and forbidden (yep, by his grandmother). But they really like one another and are good together. Then there are the servants in the household who are just as enjoyable as they can be, and as sweet as they can be considering they work for the wicked witch of the North! Ok...the old woman has her problems, but she does give to charity!

This is an excellent read that will throw your emotions all over the place and you will happily let them fly just so you can reach the conclusion and see who the men are, what their reasons were and what they are after and who will survive. This is one book that you will be hard pressed to put down, even if you do have to get some sleep for work the next morning. I swear I was writing the next scenes in my head before exhaustion finally shut my mind off. (I do that quite a lot if I read before bed).

An exceptional read and I highly recommend this extraordinarily well written book with characters that you will thoroughly enjoy, one way or another.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to save you time and tell you right now straight that this is a book that you need to have read like yesterday!

No ifs, no buts…

There is no point arguing with me on what I said.

I thought the story as a whole was truly fantastic, a true original and I cannot remember having read anything close to Hawks in recent history.

To give you more details, here instead of having a split PoV, you have a split timeline. Something happens at the beginning of the book, I will refer to it as “the event” and from there you have the timeline split. You have the timeline split each other chapter into the current timeline, vs. the timeline leading to “the event” and for them to eventually merge.

Honestly, it drove me nuts!

In the current timeline, every time I felt we got somewhere good, bam! the chapter finished and we reverted back to the other one. For me, who likes nothing more than action, the drama unfolding, stuff happening to move the story forward… well that annoyed me to no end!

However, like I said; despite me being annoyed at the interruption of the good stuff, I still loved it!



Don’t get me started about Javier and Sarina! But, I will tell you that Delsey was the scene stealer every single time! Unpredictable, sharp, cunning… bloody brilliant, she was truly my favorite!

SD my friend you have done an outstanding job when it came to Delsey… between us, I kinda want to be her when I grow up. I already planned to be a cantankerous old biddy, but Desley is EPIC!

All caps troops!

I was torn between hating her guts for being such a b**** to admiration.

That does not happen to me very often!

The woman jumped out of the pages for me, and I did not want to put her back in.

Let’s get back to Javier and Sarina, they were truly lovely! Javier got moves and he got good lines! Sarina is a lot more complex, do not get me wrong, they are all very complex characters, but Sarina is the one we really drill deep into and we pretty much get to know all the skeletons in her closet.



I really liked her drive and ambition, she may not be kicking asses and taking names kinda character, none the less she is amazing!

I refuse to give you any more hints and possibly spoilers, but really Hawks is amazing! I could not put it down and read it all in one go! I am going to be very highly recommending it to you all and I do hope you love it as much as I did!

Note to Self – hunter down more books by SD Hendrickson!!!

[Dani Israelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to GiveMeBooks and author SD Hendrickson for giving me a copy of THE HAWKS in exchange for my honest opinion.
This review was originally posted on my blog: www.danithebookaholic.com

~~~

I really enjoyed the characters in The Hawks. Delsey Hawthorn is exactly what you would picture a rich, old biddy to be. She pretentious, rude, and holier than thou. SD Hendrickson's description of her is spot on! And I loved Javier Hawthorn! (But I am a little biased when it comes to a Spanish hottie being the main squeeze, seeing how I have my own at home! 😉)

On top of that, the family drama that ensues throughout the book is spot on for someone as pretentious as Delsey and someone as caring as Javier. Hendrickson nailed these characters and really painted a picture of their crazy messed-up relationship!

"But hate lived on a fine line that blurred into love, creating a passionate feeling, hovering just on both sides of the equation. Javier loved his grandmother just as much as he hated her."
Hendrickson also executed the ending perfectly! I thought I knew where the train is heading when it all of a sudden derailed me with a twist of events!

SD Hendrickson's The Hawks is a kind of romance I could get into! Not only is there this sweet and sexy side, but the suspense/thriller side has you holding on for dear life as you plow through the pages! From the first paragraph I was hooked!

"The ballroom doors crashed open, causing the gold handles to bang against the antique walls. I flinched at the sound as a strange man appeared in front of us — a strange man with a gun. Confusion made the world move in slow motion as fear crawled under my skin."
If you're seeking a read with suspense and thrills to go along with your romance and sex, then make sure to check out The Hawks by SD Hendrickson! It won't disappoint!



From one bookaholic to another, I hope I’ve helped you find your next fix.
—Dani

Dani's Score out of 5: 📚📚📚📚 🔖



(A bookmark:🔖, is a half a stack of books. i.e: 📚📚🔖 = a score of 2.5)

[Lisa Marie Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! My! I'm Speechless AND Upside-down that I didn’t know what was coming next!! S.D. Hendrickson is a First time AUTHOR for me and She Had Me at the Very Beginning of reading The Hawks!! I didn't know what to expect from going back and forth to the Present to the Earlier of Sarina Atwood's starting career working for the Famous Hawkthorn family!
Ms. Atwood has dreams of bettering herself to support her family and not be a simple woman to settle for less. The Storyline will Suck you into this Emotional Vortex of an Suspenseful Rollercoaster Ride of Your Life! Not to mentioned the thrill of being able to feel the pull of Sexual Chemistry of the characters themselves plus friendships into Family and Hatred of certain people's Controlling manners. It was sensory overload and a Shockwave so shocking that had you wanting more and more! This is a Must READ BOOK and you Will NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
I'm DEFINITELY STAYING TUNED for MORE From S.D. Hendrickson!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

EVERY STORY HAS A BEGINNING and this one started the day I first met the Hawthorns. It was a humid morning; the air soaked in a sultry heat, making my dress suit stick to my skin. I could barely breathe from the layers of clothes. But it was all necessary if I wanted to impress her.
The her being Delsey Hawthorn.
Some people were born with privilege, wrapping around their heads with the glow of a giant halo. A lavish existence, big and grand , filled with fancy houses they left behind to travel on extravagant vacations with flashy jewelry, coating their skin while drinking bottles of wine worth thousands of dollars— all granted to them by the blood that had flowed in their veins for generations.
I wasn’t blessed with such a gift. No, mine was more humble. My existence came from those who provided labor for the people with privilege.
As the Hawthorns became wealthy, they evolved into a large pillar in the city and into the communities. They knew nothing of me or my family for that matter. But I knew of them. We all did.
The Hawthorn name was etched on buildings, hospital wings, charities, parks —and on the paycheck my father had received from working on a rig operated by their company. The same check my grandfather had received for thirty-two years before him.
Now it was my turn.

[Ashley Jasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy crap! SD Hendrickson sucked me into The Hawks on the first page. Talk about a whirlwind. Sassy, emotional, dangerous, intense and a few other things too.

Set in a plush mansion, surrounded by opulence, where every small detail- down to the kind of polish used on the wood matters- Sarina is way out of her element. But her new job is just the first win. It's the stepping stone towards a better future for her and her family. A family she felt guilty over leaving to try and provide for. Talk about complicated. I loved her fight. Her grit. Her resilience. How she found herself down but never out. How in a world where there was more plotting and scheming than she could wrap her head around, she never lost sight of her dream.

It didn't hurt that she had an ally at the house in Javier. Oh my that man was downright sinful. There was something about him that was more than his charm and wealth. He was just so honest and real. And I loved the was he was with Sarina. He saw her. He got her drive and he supported her choices even when he didn't agree with them all the time. He stood beside her and let her make her own choices and sometimes, mistakes.

And on top of this budding yet secret romance is a dramatic and deadly standoff. Gah! The timeline playing back and forth, and finally catching up to the now had my heart racing and melting at the same time. I could feel the pressure and tension mounting and when it was all revealed who was behind the madness, my eyes about bulged out of my head.

Cue the slow clap because from start to finish SD Hendrickson had me hanging on every single word. I had no idea which way was up or how anything would pan out. Sarina's journey was tragic and full of loss but also laced with hope and promise and love. And even when I read the last word, with a smile on my face, I think I was still in shock of all that transpired.

[Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!! This is one of the best stories I’ve read this year. An highly addicting story that sucked me in so deep that I had a difficult crawling out. An amazing 10 star story that left me speechless.

This is the kind of review that needs to stay spoiler free. All I’ll say is that there were 2 stories happening. A love story that was happening a few months past and an horrific series of events happening in the present. It was centred around 2 families.

This story was created from an imagination that is running wild and free. The author brought me to my knees with this emotional journey from a poor family struggling to the rich who do too. She demonstrate perfectly that whether you are rich or poor we all have struggles.

I was so focused on these amazing characters that nothing else mattered. I was in their world and felt what they were feeling. Although it comes with an HEA, I was left quite the emotional mess. I kept thinking about this story hours later after I was done reading it. It attached itself to mind, body, heart and soul.

The plot twist was so unexpected that I was left speechless and baffled. I never saw this coming at all. The author wrote this storyline in a way that kept me captivated. It goes back in forth a few months back to the present so it’s like 2 stories being told but that brings it all full circle.

This story felt real to me because the characters were so perfectly created to make me feel so much for them. Flawed, selfless and acts of desperation. There is one character that really got to me emotionally was Tyson. Read this amazing story to find out. Bottomline is this a MUST read.

Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I STRONGLY recommend this powerful story.

[Caroline F · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only other book of this author’s that I’ve read was her debut, which I loved. It seems to me that her books are very much about human nature and relationships. Human nature in all its strength and frailty.

"We're already doing this. I've wanted to kiss you since that first day."

Sarina Atwood is desperate to rise above her circumstances. She's ambitious, resourceful and smart, and determined to get the job with the formidable Desley Hawthorn - stern matriarch of the Hawthorn family. However, she never expected Javier Hawthorn.

"We talked with our eyes instead of using words. The connection deep. I knew this man was special."

Javier Hawthorn is something of a mystery. Nonetheless, he seems to be the perfect man - charming, passionate, persistent, dependable and honest. He is biding his time before returning to the land of his birth. He's upfront with Sarina about expectations but his actions contradict the reality of their situation.

"I saw him then. The emotions transparent, a mix of serious intensity and the raw longing for another person."

As I've already mentioned, this story is a real study of human nature in all its strength and its frailty. Sarina is tested to the limits of her patience and tenacity. Her resourcefulness is tested along with her restraint where Javier is concerned.

This story was about desire and ambition, guilt and selfishness, love and sacrifice. It was a well-written and well-paced novel, as it moved between the present and just a few months earlier, and we piece together the clues to what is happening. I loved the excitement of her illicit affair with Javier. I ached for her helplessness in the face of adversity. I applauded her courage and her resourcefulness. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this story.

This was a pretty intense, compelling read. Loved it!

[Glorimar Irizarry · Rating 3 out of 5]

advance copy given for review.

S.D. Hendrickson became one of my favorite authors when I read "The Mason List," she blew me away with the range of emotions that I went through reading that book.

With The Hawks you will definitely go through emotions that cut deep with the struggles of Sarina. This book is full of suspense, romance, and heartache. You will not know how to feel towards the end, I am still processing everything that occurred throughout this story.
Sarina is a woman who wants more in life, she thinks that by working for the most powerful family in her town she will finally get everything she wanted in life. She gets more than what she bargained for, between trying to make a name for herself, supporting her family, and dealing with a forbidden romance there is a lot that Sarina has deal with.

There were many things going on in this book, I was trying to figure out how everything flows together and what was the point of everything that went down. I have come to the conclusion that it must have been a moral story through all this, that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

S.D. Hendrickson is a incredible writer, she pulls you in with her stories and then leaves you contemplating every facet of the characters and their choices. The Hawks was an interesting story that had good and bad components that will keep you intrigued until the very end.