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SWAT Generation 2.0 #2
Fries Before Guys
Sometimes people come into a person’s life and make their heart skip a beat.
Those people are called cops.
Well, one cop in particular.
A SWAT officer for the Kilgore Police Department, to be specific.
The first time Avery Flynn saw Derek Roberts, she was photographing him for the first annual Kilgore Police Department SWAT calendar. He was leaned back in his squad car, shirtless, and giving her a smile that was completely between them. A smile that hinted at what he wanted to do to her later.
When she scrounges up the courage to ask him out after the photoshoot, he laughs in her face.
Well, screw you, too, Mr. February.
***
Derek Roberts never really paid attention to the photographer.
She was a mousy girl who dressed like a twelve-year-old girl. Her tight leggings, extra baggy Star Trek t-shirt denoting her a Klingon captain, and her surprisingly clean Chucks didn’t leave much of an impression.
Now, the outfit that she was in weeks after he rebuffed her? Yeah, now that caught his attention.
Too bad that happens when he’s trying to save her from what’s sure to be death thanks to an unhinged native Texan who’s convinced she was the reason he lost his last chance at a million dollars.
When he tries to save her, she tells him she’d rather take a cattle prod to the forehead than go anywhere with him.
Challenge. Accepted.
Those people are called cops.
Well, one cop in particular.
A SWAT officer for the Kilgore Police Department, to be specific.
The first time Avery Flynn saw Derek Roberts, she was photographing him for the first annual Kilgore Police Department SWAT calendar. He was leaned back in his squad car, shirtless, and giving her a smile that was completely between them. A smile that hinted at what he wanted to do to her later.
When she scrounges up the courage to ask him out after the photoshoot, he laughs in her face.
Well, screw you, too, Mr. February.
***
Derek Roberts never really paid attention to the photographer.
She was a mousy girl who dressed like a twelve-year-old girl. Her tight leggings, extra baggy Star Trek t-shirt denoting her a Klingon captain, and her surprisingly clean Chucks didn’t leave much of an impression.
Now, the outfit that she was in weeks after he rebuffed her? Yeah, now that caught his attention.
Too bad that happens when he’s trying to save her from what’s sure to be death thanks to an unhinged native Texan who’s convinced she was the reason he lost his last chance at a million dollars.
When he tries to save her, she tells him she’d rather take a cattle prod to the forehead than go anywhere with him.
Challenge. Accepted.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2020
483 people are currently reading
1245 people want to read
About the author
Lani Lynn Vale
162 books7,264 followersLani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
January 16, 2021
5 Stars!
... A simple storyline yet a winner.
In chemistry, if you mix two or more elements it becomes a compound. In literature, if you combine a good romcom and a good tearjerker, Fries before Guys is the outcome.
Actually, my plan was to read something funny, cute, and easy. The title is antic and playful, right? Have you read the blurb, no? Well, really, I never expected this one. Help me. But this book was heavy.
Note: This is an age gap romance.
The story deals with the death of a family, bullying, and attempted murder.
I truly enjoyed the story. It was beautifully written and perfectly suited to my liking. I was just surprised that this book wasn't an easy read. I think I read the wrong reviews. But fascinating book though. I really LOVED it.
Avery Flynn was a highschool student who loves photography. Her parents were respectable cops in their town. Her mother died because of a car accident and two years later her father was murdered. She was left alone. She burdened everything her parents left behind. Debts. Payments. Everything. But, she persisted and never relied to anyone. I adored her strength and independency.
Derek Roberts was a SWAT officer for the Kilgore Police Department. They first met when Avery was photographing him for the KPD calendar. He was called Mr. February. Derek never so much paid attention to Avery because she's too young. When she asked him out one time, he refused.
Fate continued to set them together. Derek slowly became attracted to her. But, he bottled his feelings because of reputation issues. He's a police officer and it's not good in the eyes of the other people to date a teenager.
When he knew the situation of Avery, well, that's the atomic explosion. Booooom!
I cannot say that I'm greatly impressed with the plot, but I just liked it. I didn't find the significance of the title, but I laughed at it. The ending was a bit of watery, but I enjoyed it. Everything weren't a BIG deal. So fuck criticism!
Overall, I really liked the story. It was funny, sweet, and surprisingly heartwrenching. If you're in the mood, then read it!
... A simple story
In chemistry, if you mix two or more elements it becomes a compound. In literature, if you combine a good romcom and a good tearjerker, Fries before Guys is the outcome.
Actually, my plan was to read something funny, cute, and easy. The title is antic and playful, right? Have you read the blurb, no? Well, really, I never expected this one. Help me. But this book was heavy.
Note: This is an age gap romance.
The story deals with the death of a family, bullying, and attempted murder.
I truly enjoyed the story. It was beautifully written and perfectly suited to my liking. I was just surprised that this book wasn't an easy read. I think I read the wrong reviews. But fascinating book though. I really LOVED it.
"I fucking care a lot. I care that you’re hurting. I care that you keep getting kicked when you’re already down. I care, and I want you, and I don’t ever see that ending."
Avery Flynn was a highschool student who loves photography. Her parents were respectable cops in their town. Her mother died because of a car accident and two years later her father was murdered. She was left alone. She burdened everything her parents left behind. Debts. Payments. Everything. But, she persisted and never relied to anyone. I adored her strength and independency.
Derek Roberts was a SWAT officer for the Kilgore Police Department. They first met when Avery was photographing him for the KPD calendar. He was called Mr. February. Derek never so much paid attention to Avery because she's too young. When she asked him out one time, he refused.
"She was a mousy girl who dressed like a twelve-year-old. Her tight leggings, extra baggy Star Trek t-shirt denoting her a Klingon captain, and her surprisingly clean Chucks didn’t leave much of an impression."
Fate continued to set them together. Derek slowly became attracted to her. But, he bottled his feelings because of reputation issues. He's a police officer and it's not good in the eyes of the other people to date a teenager.
When he knew the situation of Avery, well, that's the atomic explosion. Booooom!
"I don’t care if the whole fuckin’ world knows,” I told her bluntly. “I just want to make sure that you’re safe. I really don’t like getting tearful phone calls from you. They make my heart hurt."
I cannot say that I'm greatly impressed with the plot, but I just liked it. I didn't find the significance of the title, but I laughed at it. The ending was a bit of watery, but I enjoyed it. Everything weren't a BIG deal. So fuck criticism!
Overall, I really liked the story. It was funny, sweet, and surprisingly heartwrenching. If you're in the mood, then read it!
"I like your face. You should let me ride it." -Avery said to Derek
January 31, 2020
I was expecting light and easy and got such an emotional, heart wrenching, turbulent love story that easily earned
all of the stars!
Avery Flynn had all the luck... too bad it was all bad 😭😭😭 First her mom was killed in a car accident, then her dad was killed in the line of duty. She was orphaned and trying to make her way. After taking a year off from her studies, she was back in high school, being bullied about her dead parents. Oh, and someone was desperate to kill her. So freaking lucky! Because she was all alone, she was used to depending on herself, never looking for help. However, her parents were cops and the entire force was behind her, even if she didn't always allow them to be. Despite her youth, she was mature beyond her years and Derek was helpless to resist all of her awesomeness. And I was so there for all of it (even if it did draw a few tears from me)!!
I'm loving getting to know the next generation of these sexy SWAT men. They're funny and sensitive and considerate and helpful and amazing and I can't get enough of how LLV creates 'em. Major fangirl over here and I'm excitedly looking forward to the next sweet one!
Find the full review HERE
Avery Flynn had all the luck... too bad it was all bad 😭😭😭 First her mom was killed in a car accident, then her dad was killed in the line of duty. She was orphaned and trying to make her way. After taking a year off from her studies, she was back in high school, being bullied about her dead parents. Oh, and someone was desperate to kill her. So freaking lucky! Because she was all alone, she was used to depending on herself, never looking for help. However, her parents were cops and the entire force was behind her, even if she didn't always allow them to be. Despite her youth, she was mature beyond her years and Derek was helpless to resist all of her awesomeness. And I was so there for all of it (even if it did draw a few tears from me)!!
I'm loving getting to know the next generation of these sexy SWAT men. They're funny and sensitive and considerate and helpful and amazing and I can't get enough of how LLV creates 'em. Major fangirl over here and I'm excitedly looking forward to the next sweet one!
Find the full review HERE
February 20, 2020
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
=================
SPOILERS AND RANT...
.
.
.
.
.
.
I'm sorry, guys. But ...
I'm going to be the weirdo here. But this story really pissed me off.
Wow, what a heroine that attracts disasters and bad things. Poor thing!
Here in Brazil we would say that she has a "vulture on her shoulder", from so many bad things that happen to her.
Deaths of loved ones, lack of money and debt, loss of her home, bullying at school, without friends or family ... Too depressing.
And she just accepted everything without fighting back. I would like to see some reaction ...
I remembered Carrie's scene and imagined her colleagues giving her a bloodbath.
Our hero didn't want to get involved with a teenager and suddenly that was no longer a problem. Meh!
So many unanswered questions and so many loose ends ...
Why?
Why?
Why did she accept all abuse and not fight back?
I wanted to see retribution and heads rolling.
Parents...Why did they have an open marriage and didn't think about the heroine's future? If they were as wonderful people as described, they would not have been involved in this whole mess. My opinion. WTF!
What about their parents' lovers? Losers!
What about life insurance for heroine?
Why did her father have life insurance for the love child (in the amount of 1 Million) but not on Avery?
Why were their loans on the house that equaled 4x what the house is worth BUT the mother drove a new Volvo? What happened after the wreck that totaled the Volvo?
What happened to Rachel and her father?
What is Rachel's motivation and her father's involvement?
What about schoolmates, all assholes/doormats who participated in everything?
And Why????
Question after question after question was left open.
Not to mention her first time ... what a tacky thing!
In the end I didn't even care about the heroes' love lives anymore, because I wanted answers and a coherent story.
=================
SPOILERS AND RANT...
.
.
.
.
.
.
I'm sorry, guys. But ...
I'm going to be the weirdo here. But this story really pissed me off.
Wow, what a heroine that attracts disasters and bad things. Poor thing!
Here in Brazil we would say that she has a "vulture on her shoulder", from so many bad things that happen to her.
Deaths of loved ones, lack of money and debt, loss of her home, bullying at school, without friends or family ... Too depressing.
And she just accepted everything without fighting back. I would like to see some reaction ...
I remembered Carrie's scene and imagined her colleagues giving her a bloodbath.
Our hero didn't want to get involved with a teenager and suddenly that was no longer a problem. Meh!
So many unanswered questions and so many loose ends ...
Why?
Why?
Why did she accept all abuse and not fight back?
I wanted to see retribution and heads rolling.
Parents...Why did they have an open marriage and didn't think about the heroine's future? If they were as wonderful people as described, they would not have been involved in this whole mess. My opinion. WTF!
What about their parents' lovers? Losers!
What about life insurance for heroine?
Why did her father have life insurance for the love child (in the amount of 1 Million) but not on Avery?
Why were their loans on the house that equaled 4x what the house is worth BUT the mother drove a new Volvo? What happened after the wreck that totaled the Volvo?
What happened to Rachel and her father?
What is Rachel's motivation and her father's involvement?
What about schoolmates, all assholes/doormats who participated in everything?
And Why????
Question after question after question was left open.
Not to mention her first time ... what a tacky thing!
In the end I didn't even care about the heroes' love lives anymore, because I wanted answers and a coherent story.
February 12, 2020
I was definitely curious about Avery and Derek after reading the previous book in the series. Avery was one of my favorite LLV heroines. She had terrible things happen to her, yet she persevered and showed strength consistently. She was kind, sweet, and genuine. Derek was a little bit more of an acquired taste. Once he realized his feelings, I enjoyed his interactions with Avery but before then he was quite frustrating. He’s not really an OTT alpha like many of LLV’s heroes but I actually liked the contrast in some ways. It felt a bit more realistic.
The plot was good but there were a few threads left open to questions and it got to be a little busy. The LLV voice came through in the writing, giving me that comfort I seek when I read her books—knowing what I can expect. All in all a solid read.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
The plot was good but there were a few threads left open to questions and it got to be a little busy. The LLV voice came through in the writing, giving me that comfort I seek when I read her books—knowing what I can expect. All in all a solid read.
Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.
February 12, 2020
The first chapter was a tear jerker!
My words this heroine went thru the wringer!!!!
So much saddness in her 19 year old life! Both parents dying before she turns 18,bullied at school,her house foreclosed on,almost broke her neck and paralysed by a push from her nemesis, the list goes on.....at least the hero is a keeper :)
Slow burn ronnance with a great ending.
Solid 4 star read.
My words this heroine went thru the wringer!!!!
So much saddness in her 19 year old life! Both parents dying before she turns 18,bullied at school,her house foreclosed on,almost broke her neck and paralysed by a push from her nemesis, the list goes on.....at least the hero is a keeper :)
Slow burn ronnance with a great ending.
Solid 4 star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
ehhhhh.....I can't give this more than 2 stars. It wasn't necessarily bad - so don't let my rating stop you from reading it - but the little things just annoyed me and took away from my enjoyment.
May 31, 2021
It's officially my "All average books" phase going on🙄. I'm actually done with it now. Every book which I suppose would do the trick and deliver the best story possible turns out to be either way too dramatic or a pathetic attempt to create something 'soul touching'!!
Here, Avery is the person who's shown as a pathetic girl. I seriously felt sorry for her! Everything happening to her was either wrong or fate interrupting her happiness. No doubt she's a hard working and a go to girl but she was robbed of so many things.
Derek is a good hero, though he should have known better than ignoring Avery in order to forget her😅
Overall, the writing was okay. Plot was kinda lame. Neither too exciting nor too bland. Just not upto the mark.
Hopefully my next book will make my pulse race and my emotions run wild!!!🤞🏻
Here, Avery is the person who's shown as a pathetic girl. I seriously felt sorry for her! Everything happening to her was either wrong or fate interrupting her happiness. No doubt she's a hard working and a go to girl but she was robbed of so many things.
Derek is a good hero, though he should have known better than ignoring Avery in order to forget her😅
Overall, the writing was okay. Plot was kinda lame. Neither too exciting nor too bland. Just not upto the mark.
Hopefully my next book will make my pulse race and my emotions run wild!!!🤞🏻
February 19, 2020
I put down Just Kidding and jumped straight into Fries Before Guys, at 2am, obviously I have zero self control. I just get so addicted to this author's work I need more.
We were introduced to both characters in the previous book and I immediately liked Avery. She just couldn't catch a break but she just kept coming back swinging and I loved her strength. I just can't even imagine going through all that and not giving up.
Derek I expected more from. Which feels a bit harsh because he was a great hero but he wasn't as alpha or protective as I wanted. Because seriously if anyone ever needed protecting and loving it was Avery. Not that he didn't have his moments just that he needed to bring the alpha more.
Don't get me wrong Avery was very much able to take care of herself. It felt like she had been doing it forever and I just wanted Derek to go complete caveman and slay all of her dragons. Because the whole world was against her. And I just didn't feel like Derek was OTT enough for what she deserved.
All of that said I loved both characters and I couldn't put the story down. I wasn't sure where things were going to go and I was dying to see everything work out for Avery. Now i just have to wait a month for Mr March.
We were introduced to both characters in the previous book and I immediately liked Avery. She just couldn't catch a break but she just kept coming back swinging and I loved her strength. I just can't even imagine going through all that and not giving up.
Derek I expected more from. Which feels a bit harsh because he was a great hero but he wasn't as alpha or protective as I wanted. Because seriously if anyone ever needed protecting and loving it was Avery. Not that he didn't have his moments just that he needed to bring the alpha more.
Don't get me wrong Avery was very much able to take care of herself. It felt like she had been doing it forever and I just wanted Derek to go complete caveman and slay all of her dragons. Because the whole world was against her. And I just didn't feel like Derek was OTT enough for what she deserved.
All of that said I loved both characters and I couldn't put the story down. I wasn't sure where things were going to go and I was dying to see everything work out for Avery. Now i just have to wait a month for Mr March.
February 12, 2020
I run, never walk back to Kilgore! I couldn’t wait for Avery and Derek’s story and it was as swoony as I’d hoped it would be. Avery’s circumstances meant KPD circled the wagons, helping her when and where they could. Derek knew the years between them were huge and he tried hard to resist the pull she had but (thankfully) both of them couldn’t keep that up for long…
This author is my go to when I want to read sizzle and heart in equal measure. I laugh, I sometimes cry, but am always, always lost in the story. Yes, there’s a rhythm to the writing but it all works, all of it. From family and humour to danger and sizzle, it comes together in one-sitting reads that I can’t put down. And this time out was no exception…
Avery had some pretty hard knocks but kept getting back after each new punch. From the battles she saw coming, to the unexpected blindsides, she kept moving, quietly thankful for the loving support that came her way. Especially from the man she couldn’t shake from her heart…
Derek was a compelling suitor as he tried so hard to resist. He had lots of reasons to keep his distance but instead folded sweetly at every turn. He was protective when needed and the sexy boyfriend in others. That made him the perfect man for a woman who loved as fiercely as she fought…
All I can say is, take me back to Kilgore!
August 14, 2024
Derek Roberts was well aware of Avery Flynn before she took his photo for the SWAT calendar. He knew she was the daughter of two deceased cops, he knew he felt a pull towards her, but he also knew she was too young for him and still in high school. What he didn't know was that Avery was going to ask him out and it ended up blowing up in his face when he decides she maybe young but she is it for him.
Avery has lost a lot in the past couple of years but she has a plan in place to finish highschool even though she is a year older then everyone else. The one thing she could live without though is all the bullying she has had to endure. When Derek decides he wants to help her, her hackles rise and she has no interest in letting him get close. However Derek is used to navigating tough rough waters and he has a plan to help Avery as well as make her his.
This was great, cried a lot over this one though. Story had a couple of surprises I did not anticipate happening and was really shocked over one of them. Excellent, I can't wait for the next book.
Avery has lost a lot in the past couple of years but she has a plan in place to finish highschool even though she is a year older then everyone else. The one thing she could live without though is all the bullying she has had to endure. When Derek decides he wants to help her, her hackles rise and she has no interest in letting him get close. However Derek is used to navigating tough rough waters and he has a plan to help Avery as well as make her his.
This was great, cried a lot over this one though. Story had a couple of surprises I did not anticipate happening and was really shocked over one of them. Excellent, I can't wait for the next book.
October 25, 2020
Thank fuck Fries Before Guys was relatively short. I hate starting a book and not finishing it, but I seriously debated making it my first DNF of the year. It was one of the most painful 246 pages of my entire romance reading history. I felt cheated by the synopsis – it failed to mention that the only reason why Derek initially rejected Avery was because of her age. She was a teenager who still attended high school while his age was kept ambiguous throughout. Unlike other novels where the protagonists have sizeable age differences (i.e. Now or Never), there was a clear power difference between the two and their relationship just felt gross. That wasn’t even the worst part of it. The added combination of infantile characters, disjointed storytelling and the clusterfuck of a plot made the story an absolute atrocity.
When Avery Flynn asks SWAT officer Derek Roberts out during a photoshoot for the police department’s annual calendar, he immediately turns her down. After all, her parents were beloved officers and her being nineteen rendered her off limits. But when he continues to run into her – first in the middle of a crime scene and then at a wedding – he can’t bring himself to stay away from the pitiful teenager. So when an accident leaves her severely injured and homeless (saddled with sky-high medical bills from her parents’ deaths), Derek is determined to step up and reverse the fortunes of a girl who just can’t seem to catch a break.
Going in, I thought the romance was going to be the focus of the plot, but I couldn’t be more wrong. Besides the “unhinged Texan” who held Avery at gunpoint (for being the reason that he had lost the chance at a million dollars), there was the subplot of Rachel Howell, an acrimonious classmate who for some fucking reason had a vendetta because Avery’s mom had donated her organs and saved Rachel’s boyfriend’s life. After almost breaking Avery’s neck in an accident, she then, in one fell swoop, orchestrated a car “accident” (almost killing Derek’s sister and brother in-law), murdered the mother of Avery’s newborn half-sister (who was also the wife of the “unhinged” man and had gotten pregnant with Avery’s father in order to receive the proceeds from his life insurance), and tried to kill her again (!). It was wild and laughably horrendous. At the very least, Rachel’s actions would have made more sense had her motivations been more compelling.
This asinine plot meant that little to no attention was spent developing the romance. For a relationship that already felt exploitative right off the bat, this was Lani Lynn Vale’s chance to dispel that notion. There was no explanation as to why Derek suddenly wanted to “make Avery his” or why he fell in love with her, besides physical attraction. In fact, the few “romantic” moments that they shared were juvenile. Without showing deeper moments, their relationship came across as an older man taking advantage of a child who had no one else to turn to. Avery was still in high school and could barely support herself after learning that her parents had left her in severe debt and her house was going to be repossessed. On top of that, she was severely injured and had no family or friends to take care of her. So when an older man – one with abundant resources and an authoritative position in society – provided a place to stay and took care of her, how could she rebuff his advances? She felt indebted to him and had no experience or support system to guide her otherwise (everyone around her were Derek’s family and friends). He only wanted her because he wanted to have sex with her. It was sickening when they repeatedly refused to use a condom (especially since it was heavily implied that she was a virgin), as it inevitably led to her pregnancy within the year. She was tied to him and it would be difficult, in the future, to break free from those reins.
It was also the little things that drove me crazy. There were so many inconsistencies in the story that didn’t make any sense. For example, Avery was supposed to be struggling financially, yet she frivolously spent money on Ubers and taxis without a second thought. Or when it was mentioned that she was barely passing her classes, yet she somehow graduated at the top of her year. I’ve also been spoiled by Penny Reid with how she cleverly incorporates quotes at the start of her chapters. Not only were Lani’s quotes maddeningly juvenile but they also felt misplaced. There was literally no reason why they were included, as they didn’t provide any indication for what was to come nor were they amusing in the slightest.
In short, Fries Before Guys was a train wreck. But, what was to be expected when the leading character joked that his pregnant sister was fat?
When Avery Flynn asks SWAT officer Derek Roberts out during a photoshoot for the police department’s annual calendar, he immediately turns her down. After all, her parents were beloved officers and her being nineteen rendered her off limits. But when he continues to run into her – first in the middle of a crime scene and then at a wedding – he can’t bring himself to stay away from the pitiful teenager. So when an accident leaves her severely injured and homeless (saddled with sky-high medical bills from her parents’ deaths), Derek is determined to step up and reverse the fortunes of a girl who just can’t seem to catch a break.
Going in, I thought the romance was going to be the focus of the plot, but I couldn’t be more wrong. Besides the “unhinged Texan” who held Avery at gunpoint (for being the reason that he had lost the chance at a million dollars), there was the subplot of Rachel Howell, an acrimonious classmate who for some fucking reason had a vendetta because Avery’s mom had donated her organs and saved Rachel’s boyfriend’s life. After almost breaking Avery’s neck in an accident, she then, in one fell swoop, orchestrated a car “accident” (almost killing Derek’s sister and brother in-law), murdered the mother of Avery’s newborn half-sister (who was also the wife of the “unhinged” man and had gotten pregnant with Avery’s father in order to receive the proceeds from his life insurance), and tried to kill her again (!). It was wild and laughably horrendous. At the very least, Rachel’s actions would have made more sense had her motivations been more compelling.
This asinine plot meant that little to no attention was spent developing the romance. For a relationship that already felt exploitative right off the bat, this was Lani Lynn Vale’s chance to dispel that notion. There was no explanation as to why Derek suddenly wanted to “make Avery his” or why he fell in love with her, besides physical attraction. In fact, the few “romantic” moments that they shared were juvenile. Without showing deeper moments, their relationship came across as an older man taking advantage of a child who had no one else to turn to. Avery was still in high school and could barely support herself after learning that her parents had left her in severe debt and her house was going to be repossessed. On top of that, she was severely injured and had no family or friends to take care of her. So when an older man – one with abundant resources and an authoritative position in society – provided a place to stay and took care of her, how could she rebuff his advances? She felt indebted to him and had no experience or support system to guide her otherwise (everyone around her were Derek’s family and friends). He only wanted her because he wanted to have sex with her. It was sickening when they repeatedly refused to use a condom (especially since it was heavily implied that she was a virgin), as it inevitably led to her pregnancy within the year. She was tied to him and it would be difficult, in the future, to break free from those reins.
It was also the little things that drove me crazy. There were so many inconsistencies in the story that didn’t make any sense. For example, Avery was supposed to be struggling financially, yet she frivolously spent money on Ubers and taxis without a second thought. Or when it was mentioned that she was barely passing her classes, yet she somehow graduated at the top of her year. I’ve also been spoiled by Penny Reid with how she cleverly incorporates quotes at the start of her chapters. Not only were Lani’s quotes maddeningly juvenile but they also felt misplaced. There was literally no reason why they were included, as they didn’t provide any indication for what was to come nor were they amusing in the slightest.
In short, Fries Before Guys was a train wreck. But, what was to be expected when the leading character joked that his pregnant sister was fat?
Read
February 13, 2020Not really sure how to rate this because I liked it but I feel like there wasn’t enough. I felt like there was some things missing and I needed it.
But it was good. I wasn’t expecting so many emotions.
But it was good. I wasn’t expecting so many emotions.
February 11, 2020
Sweet...simple...emotional ....adorable
And as i always say about LLV's books ....they are like my comfort food😍
And as i always say about LLV's books ....they are like my comfort food😍
February 11, 2020
This is really good.
The poor heroine has some really bad luck.
The Hero and heroine met in the previous book but he felt she was too young for him.
Pushing away from Hero at first.
Bit slow burn due to circumstances, they get together around 60%ish then due to insecurities and misunderstandings are not officially together til near the end.
No other woman or man drama.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Secondary characters from previous series and books.
HEA.
The poor heroine has some really bad luck.
The Hero and heroine met in the previous book but he felt she was too young for him.
Pushing away from Hero at first.
Bit slow burn due to circumstances, they get together around 60%ish then due to insecurities and misunderstandings are not officially together til near the end.
No other woman or man drama.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Secondary characters from previous series and books.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2020
Fries Before Guys gives us another SWAT 2.0 guy. Honestly though, this book belongs to Avery. Her SWAT hottie is just a support character.
Avery will bring tears to even the deadest of hearts. Her life is filled with more challenges than anyone her age should have to deal with. Her parents died, she had to take a year off from high school, and now she is a 19 year old senior who has to scrape by just to keep her a roof over her head. Then, she finds out some seriously messed up stuff about her parents that makes her question everything she thought she knew. Oh, and she has a seriously vindictive high school bully. I mean, this bitch is bat crap crazy!
I will admit I was a little put off by the relationship because Avery was still in HS. Yes, she is 19, but I think anytime you have a grown man dating a high school student, it feels kinda icky. However, Vale does a good job of showing Avery's maturity and if her life hadn't been one bad event after another, she would have already graduated. So, I got over that initial uncomfortableness pretty quick. Derek is 4 years older, which isn't HUGE. However, I hated him in the beginning. He was callous and hurtful. He wants to push her away because of who she is (daughter of cops, young, etc), but he is a bit harsh at times.
Fries Before Guys has a great love story, but like I said, this is really Avery's story. Derek provides the eye candy!
POV: dual 1st
Tears: yes (I cried for Avery a lot)
Trope: forbidden romance, police
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: standalone
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
authors like Aurora Rose Reynolds, Layla Hagen, Adriana Locke...then you will probably like Fries Before Guys!
Fries Before Guys
See full review on The Book Disciple
February 11, 2020
EMOTIONAL, CLIMACTIC, TUMULTUOUS AND RAW
Fries before guys just isn't what I expected. Not even close.
I love that all her books intertwine in some way or another and you can always catch old faces amongst the new. This world and these characters that's she's created are some of my most favourite ever and the fact she continues to explained and evolve this ever growing world never ceases to amaze me.
Avery has lived a hard life point blank but even more so considering how young she is. No one should have to experience the loss she has and still get shit thrown at her continuously from all directions. To be as level headed, kind and giving whilst going through everything she has and still is, just amazes me. Her character is just so well rounded. Her journey throughout showed her growth and it also showed us different sides to the once shy girl who never caught a break.
Derek will be your love to hate hero in this book. He reminded me so much of his father it's crazy. His stubborn surly standoffish nature did not help him one bit in the beginning but I did see where he was coming from. I don't agree with it but his actions weren't trying to come from a bad place. Once he got past himself he really was a standup guy and all round the kind of alpha hero we all love and live to read.
Their relationship was never going to be easy because they themselves were obstacles in the way of eachother. I feel like the way Lani paced the timeline worked perfectly for them because they both had things to learn about one another before a relationship could ever work for them. Poor Avery just couldn't catch a break in life and had it from all directions but let's not forget she grew up with two cops and is well and truly capable of looking after herself in every way. However I feel like Derek offered her that quiet support to lean on emotionally because for so long she only had her. It was literally like taking the load off her and that in turn took years off her. For such a young women she was pacing through life like an old lady unfortunately not getting to enjoy even the simple things. Derek was her night in a uniform who swooped her up and let her live and breath a little easier.
Boy did feel a whole lot of sadness in this book. Regardless of it being fiction it makes you realise just how lucky you are to have a support network around you.
Derek and Avery are perfect for eachother. I cheered and routed for them every damn step of the way because they deserved their HEA. I LAUGHED, CRIED, SHOUTED LIKE A CRAZY BITCH. So many damn emotions seamlessly woven through this story to give you EVERYTHING. Its heart wrenchingly sad but it's also hopeful, exciting, suspenseful and teasingly sensual. As per Lani always delivers the full package and this book is no different.
Fries before guys just isn't what I expected. Not even close.
I love that all her books intertwine in some way or another and you can always catch old faces amongst the new. This world and these characters that's she's created are some of my most favourite ever and the fact she continues to explained and evolve this ever growing world never ceases to amaze me.
Avery has lived a hard life point blank but even more so considering how young she is. No one should have to experience the loss she has and still get shit thrown at her continuously from all directions. To be as level headed, kind and giving whilst going through everything she has and still is, just amazes me. Her character is just so well rounded. Her journey throughout showed her growth and it also showed us different sides to the once shy girl who never caught a break.
Derek will be your love to hate hero in this book. He reminded me so much of his father it's crazy. His stubborn surly standoffish nature did not help him one bit in the beginning but I did see where he was coming from. I don't agree with it but his actions weren't trying to come from a bad place. Once he got past himself he really was a standup guy and all round the kind of alpha hero we all love and live to read.
Their relationship was never going to be easy because they themselves were obstacles in the way of eachother. I feel like the way Lani paced the timeline worked perfectly for them because they both had things to learn about one another before a relationship could ever work for them. Poor Avery just couldn't catch a break in life and had it from all directions but let's not forget she grew up with two cops and is well and truly capable of looking after herself in every way. However I feel like Derek offered her that quiet support to lean on emotionally because for so long she only had her. It was literally like taking the load off her and that in turn took years off her. For such a young women she was pacing through life like an old lady unfortunately not getting to enjoy even the simple things. Derek was her night in a uniform who swooped her up and let her live and breath a little easier.
Boy did feel a whole lot of sadness in this book. Regardless of it being fiction it makes you realise just how lucky you are to have a support network around you.
Derek and Avery are perfect for eachother. I cheered and routed for them every damn step of the way because they deserved their HEA. I LAUGHED, CRIED, SHOUTED LIKE A CRAZY BITCH. So many damn emotions seamlessly woven through this story to give you EVERYTHING. Its heart wrenchingly sad but it's also hopeful, exciting, suspenseful and teasingly sensual. As per Lani always delivers the full package and this book is no different.
February 26, 2020
3.5 star rating
Another steamy and emotional romance from Lani Lynn Vale. Very entertaining and romantic with a wonderful family dynamic. Secrets are divulged as the truth comes out. This author’s ideas are fresh and raw, which makes for a very intriguing love story...
Another steamy and emotional romance from Lani Lynn Vale. Very entertaining and romantic with a wonderful family dynamic. Secrets are divulged as the truth comes out. This author’s ideas are fresh and raw, which makes for a very intriguing love story...
March 15, 2020
Well this stay at home situation gives me time to read and catch up on my TBR list.. This book is amazing I just want to hug Avery bigtime and tell her to hold on as everything will be alright soon.
I love the story and I can't wait for Ford and Ashe story..
I love the story and I can't wait for Ford and Ashe story..
January 23, 2020
I had a little hard time connecting with this one, check out my full review and all on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE
February 13, 2020
Avery has it rough, but she never lets it get her down. She knows the hot SWAT officer she's taking pics of for their calendar isn't interested in her, he couldn't make his disinterest more clear. But she's got a lot more important things to worry about than some guy with an oversize ego. She is trying to make it through high school after having taken a year off when her parents passed. She's now completely on her own and making a living the best she can. So when Derek suddenly seems intent on claiming her, she's flabbergasted that the same man who so callously dismissed her previously is now trying to claim her as his. Will she let him into her life, or continue doing everything on her own?
I loved this story. All because of one character - Avery. She's had more to deal with than a thousand adults years older than she, and she keeps on keeping on, being her amazing self. I wasn't too fond of Derek for most (all) of the story, and I never thought he was good enough for her, but honestly it didn't matter because Avery is such a great character on her own that Derek could have been anyone and I still would have loved this story because of Avery.
ARC via Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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February 10, 2020
Simply put FRIES BEFORE GUYS is an sweet, emotional and sexy story!!!! It will require some Kleenex.
Avery, poor sweet, can’t get a break Avery. In the span of just a couple of years her world was torn apart and torn upside down and the hits keep coming. She is working on trying to graduate high school, she’s 19 and had to skip a year because of the traumatic, life changing experiences she has gone through. She’s literally all on her own and has become a photographer to support herself. No matter how many times life knocked Avery down she got right back up and dusted herself off, everything she has been through has made her mature beyond her years.
The entire emergency responder community for the town of Kilgore has been keeping their eye on Avery and trying to make sure she can make it without it offending her independent spirit. Avery has caught Derek’s eye in a different way, a way that he cannot act on. Derek is a few years older than Avery and thinks that his dad plus all the other 1st responders would kick his rear if he pursued her, not too mention they would make fun of him for robbing the cradle, which seriously there wasn’t that much of an age difference and the way Lani Lynn Vale paces the story it never feels “ick.”
Avery and Derek are perfect for each other, they are one of my fave LLV couples! FRIES BEFORE GUYS is a really good story, there is never a dull moment and there are some twists in this story I never saw coming. Go, go buy it and get ready for a tumultuous ride that will keep you enthralled for hours!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Avery, poor sweet, can’t get a break Avery. In the span of just a couple of years her world was torn apart and torn upside down and the hits keep coming. She is working on trying to graduate high school, she’s 19 and had to skip a year because of the traumatic, life changing experiences she has gone through. She’s literally all on her own and has become a photographer to support herself. No matter how many times life knocked Avery down she got right back up and dusted herself off, everything she has been through has made her mature beyond her years.
The entire emergency responder community for the town of Kilgore has been keeping their eye on Avery and trying to make sure she can make it without it offending her independent spirit. Avery has caught Derek’s eye in a different way, a way that he cannot act on. Derek is a few years older than Avery and thinks that his dad plus all the other 1st responders would kick his rear if he pursued her, not too mention they would make fun of him for robbing the cradle, which seriously there wasn’t that much of an age difference and the way Lani Lynn Vale paces the story it never feels “ick.”
Avery and Derek are perfect for each other, they are one of my fave LLV couples! FRIES BEFORE GUYS is a really good story, there is never a dull moment and there are some twists in this story I never saw coming. Go, go buy it and get ready for a tumultuous ride that will keep you enthralled for hours!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
February 11, 2020
5 SMOOCHES!
I’m absolutely loved Lani Lynn Vale’s original KPD-SWAT series, so it’s been a lot of fun to revisit those characters, and meet their children and other new characters in this next generation series. It’s really incredible what Vale has created in her fictional Kilgore, Texas world. She has been building it, story by story, series by series, for years with her many intersecting, intertwining books and series. As a result of this unparalleled character development, Vale has given her readers an original reading experience unique to her. For me, sitting down with her latest book each month is like visiting with friends.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this story really focused on Avery’s tumultuous life, and let me tell you, this poor girl just couldn’t catch a break. The nineteen year old daughter of two fallen police officers, Avery Flynn is “off limits” to Derek Roberts for more than just that fact. Although they are only separated in age by a few years, he also considers her too young because she’s still in high school. Following the untimely deaths of her parents, Avery took some time off school to grieve, and she’s recently returned to finish her education and get her diploma. There is definitely a strong attraction there, but Derek struggles with it.
He tries to ignore it, he tries to push her away, but their chemistry doesn’t fizzle out, and eventually Derek threw in the towel. In the grand scheme of things, he wasn’t that much older than her, he was just in a different place in his life than she was in hers. She was immensely mature, and Avery certainly wasn’t a weak girl looking for someone to take care of her. She was doing everything within her power to stand on her own two feet. She was smart, she was strong, and she never gave up. I loved that about her. I wasn’t crazy about Derek at first, he was kind of rough on Avery, but once he made up his mind, he was all in, and he won me over. He was as alpha as they come. He was protective and attentive, yet he managed not to smother or overwhelm Avery, and he often stepped back and gave her the support and the space to figure it out on her own.
Fries Before Guys was a roller coaster ride of emotions. My heart ached for Avery and all she had to endure, but at the same time, it soared as the romance between her and Derek built. Full of feels, packed with heat and Vale’s wildly hilarious sense of humor, this was a fantastic addition to an amazing new series. Fries Before Guys by Lani Lynn Vale gets five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
I’m absolutely loved Lani Lynn Vale’s original KPD-SWAT series, so it’s been a lot of fun to revisit those characters, and meet their children and other new characters in this next generation series. It’s really incredible what Vale has created in her fictional Kilgore, Texas world. She has been building it, story by story, series by series, for years with her many intersecting, intertwining books and series. As a result of this unparalleled character development, Vale has given her readers an original reading experience unique to her. For me, sitting down with her latest book each month is like visiting with friends.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this story really focused on Avery’s tumultuous life, and let me tell you, this poor girl just couldn’t catch a break. The nineteen year old daughter of two fallen police officers, Avery Flynn is “off limits” to Derek Roberts for more than just that fact. Although they are only separated in age by a few years, he also considers her too young because she’s still in high school. Following the untimely deaths of her parents, Avery took some time off school to grieve, and she’s recently returned to finish her education and get her diploma. There is definitely a strong attraction there, but Derek struggles with it.
He tries to ignore it, he tries to push her away, but their chemistry doesn’t fizzle out, and eventually Derek threw in the towel. In the grand scheme of things, he wasn’t that much older than her, he was just in a different place in his life than she was in hers. She was immensely mature, and Avery certainly wasn’t a weak girl looking for someone to take care of her. She was doing everything within her power to stand on her own two feet. She was smart, she was strong, and she never gave up. I loved that about her. I wasn’t crazy about Derek at first, he was kind of rough on Avery, but once he made up his mind, he was all in, and he won me over. He was as alpha as they come. He was protective and attentive, yet he managed not to smother or overwhelm Avery, and he often stepped back and gave her the support and the space to figure it out on her own.
Fries Before Guys was a roller coaster ride of emotions. My heart ached for Avery and all she had to endure, but at the same time, it soared as the romance between her and Derek built. Full of feels, packed with heat and Vale’s wildly hilarious sense of humor, this was a fantastic addition to an amazing new series. Fries Before Guys by Lani Lynn Vale gets five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo
February 12, 2020
I'm going to keep this review sweet, short, and simple.
I liked Avery. I thought she was sweet, kind, and thoughtful. I felt for the girl, the past couple of years haven't been the best for her. The daughter of two police officers, she has lost both of her parents. She took a year off of school, at nineteen she's finally trying to finish school.
I mean Derek was alright. If you read Rowen and Dax's story, than you should remember that Derek is Rowen's brother.
This story was ok, it was enjoyable. But again it was kind of predictable.
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!!
**I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion**
I liked Avery. I thought she was sweet, kind, and thoughtful. I felt for the girl, the past couple of years haven't been the best for her. The daughter of two police officers, she has lost both of her parents. She took a year off of school, at nineteen she's finally trying to finish school.
I mean Derek was alright. If you read Rowen and Dax's story, than you should remember that Derek is Rowen's brother.
This story was ok, it was enjoyable. But again it was kind of predictable.
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5!!!!
**I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion**
February 8, 2020
First impressions can be brutal, but it's the surprising twists that make the journey worthwhile. Neither Derek or Avery are looking for permanent. However, sometimes life has other plans. From awkward first impressions to dangerous situations and steamy attraction, Fries Before Guys is as unpredictable as it is entertaining. Vale packs heat and heart to deliver unforgettable.
June 3, 2021
I have to say that I absolutely loved this book. It was full of drama and emotion and there was always something coming at poor Avery at every turn. The book made me cry multiple times. I absolutely loved Avery and Derek together. I loved how Avery decided to move on when Derek turned her down. I loved that once Derek decided to stop wasting time he claimed Avery and went all in in a relationship with her.
I don't know what it is with this author, she can be really hit or miss for me, but this book is one that will always stand out to me as one of the ones I liked most.
I don't know what it is with this author, she can be really hit or miss for me, but this book is one that will always stand out to me as one of the ones I liked most.
November 9, 2022
I had been so excited for Derek’s story, but I didn’t like it at all. Also, the narrators were yet again crappy.
Ford’s book is next and it better be a good one!
Ford’s book is next and it better be a good one!
June 21, 2020
Fries Before Guys was quite good read. I loved the characters and their chemistry.
Only fault I found it with was with the bullying being tossed in and out of the story when it felt like great turning point and basically nothing was resolved about it.
Only fault I found it with was with the bullying being tossed in and out of the story when it felt like great turning point and basically nothing was resolved about it.
February 16, 2020
I've waited to read Avery's story since knew about her background from 1st story. Felt deeply for her, not only for her loss of her parents in such a young age but also for the bully she had to endure in high school.
Although H rejected her when she asked him a date, he was always there for her. Quite a slow romance but I enjoyed their build-up. Avery deserved this HEA.
Although H rejected her when she asked him a date, he was always there for her. Quite a slow romance but I enjoyed their build-up. Avery deserved this HEA.
November 8, 2023
5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, sorrow, suspense, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Just Kidding (SWAT Generation 2.0 #1)
This is Avery and Derek's story. Avery knows what it is like to lose everything. Derek feels the pull but thinks she is too young. But when she gets hurt everything changes. He will do anything to help her, but will it be enough? She is being threatened but he will stop at nothing to make sure she is not hurt again. Can he protect her? He knows he loves her but will she believe him after he blew her off before?
I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read. As with any book or series you pick up you get a glimpse of another set of characters in another series. All of the books tie into each other with the characters overlapping. Makes you want to go back and re-read the series over and over.
I highly recommend this book or really let’s be honest any book this author has written.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, pain, sorrow, suspense, secrets, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Just Kidding (SWAT Generation 2.0 #1)
This is Avery and Derek's story. Avery knows what it is like to lose everything. Derek feels the pull but thinks she is too young. But when she gets hurt everything changes. He will do anything to help her, but will it be enough? She is being threatened but he will stop at nothing to make sure she is not hurt again. Can he protect her? He knows he loves her but will she believe him after he blew her off before?
I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read. As with any book or series you pick up you get a glimpse of another set of characters in another series. All of the books tie into each other with the characters overlapping. Makes you want to go back and re-read the series over and over.
I highly recommend this book or really let’s be honest any book this author has written.
February 6, 2020
4 Star Review Fries Before Guy by Lani Lynn Vale
Initially I wasn’t too keen on hot cop SWAT officer Derek Robert aka Mr. February, particularly since he was such a jerk to photographer Avery Flynn.
Weeks later Derek is tasked with saving Avery despite her protests.
This was a roller coaster of a read with my heart almost breaking for Avery at times and tears were shed. Avery has been through do much that I wanted to scream, I could feel her pain. It also covers the issue of bullying
and the devastating affects it can have on a person. Avery was such a strong young woman that I greatly admired.
Derek grew on me, he was certainly an alpha male who was also fiercely protective of Avery. I think that was what finally turned my opinion around.
There were times that I laughed, I cried, I wanted to scream but through it all I was invested in Derek and Avery’s story. The chemistry between them sizzled and I was cheering them on to get their happily ever after.
Initially I wasn’t too keen on hot cop SWAT officer Derek Robert aka Mr. February, particularly since he was such a jerk to photographer Avery Flynn.
Weeks later Derek is tasked with saving Avery despite her protests.
This was a roller coaster of a read with my heart almost breaking for Avery at times and tears were shed. Avery has been through do much that I wanted to scream, I could feel her pain. It also covers the issue of bullying
and the devastating affects it can have on a person. Avery was such a strong young woman that I greatly admired.
Derek grew on me, he was certainly an alpha male who was also fiercely protective of Avery. I think that was what finally turned my opinion around.
There were times that I laughed, I cried, I wanted to scream but through it all I was invested in Derek and Avery’s story. The chemistry between them sizzled and I was cheering them on to get their happily ever after.
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