Derek

Starke Private Security #3

by Kate Stone

When a woman is in trouble, I can't walk away.
I've lost a lot of jobs this way, but this is the first time someone has bailed me out and offered me a job.

First, though, I've got to make sure the love of my life is safe - even if she refuses my help.

When her company sends a hit man after her, I'll be there whether she wants me there or not.



Derek is the third book in Kate Stone's Starke Private Investigations series.

As always, Derek is a SHORT, standalone romance with a happy ending, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 29, 2020

About the author

Kate Stone has always lived for romance. From the time she was very small, waiting for her Prince Charming to come and take her away, she has looked for the healing, redeeming power of love.

She drinks far too much coffee and loves sparkly things. She's convinced she survived breast cancer because she was unwilling to let tiny little cells tell her when to die. The chemo may have helped, too.

She lives in New England with her long-suffering husband and their four children. She spends her days as a graduate student and her weekends writing.

You can visit her at www.AuthorKateStone.com or on twitter @KateStoneAuthor

Reviews

[Nova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

Helen Vincent is not a woman you don’t take seriously and she proves that when she decides to sue the company that she works for in a sexual harassment claim. At first everything seems straight forward but before she knows it she is in a danger she had never contemplated and the only person available is the one person she vowed to never see or speak to again her ex fiancée Derek. It soon becomes clear that she needs his protection and she has no plans to back down she is taking this court case all the way but with Derek back in her life and the feelings she had thought had died will she survive the aftermath and finally follow her heart?

Derek is no stranger to being arrested so when working with his boss at a client’s house he witnesses a woman being assaulted by her husband he knows he has to step in. So when Derek is approached by Starke Security and offered a position he is intrigued enough to attend the interview but the last person he expected to see when he got there is Helen the woman who broke his heart when she walked away from him years ago. No other woman has even matched up to her and no other woman ever will so when he discovers she is in danger he knows that there is nothing that he won’t do to keep her safe, but when all is said and done could they have another chance at forever?

Quick read and one seriously fast paced ride, these two characters were at odds with each other for a lot of the book and honestly there were things that I thought didn’t need to be in the story and things that were rushed through. I still really loved Helen and Derek they had my attention individually from the start. This author can be a little hit and miss for me but I can’t say that I don’t enjoy her stories either. 3.5* Read

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you have to Pivot unexpectedly in your life

Derek is the third book in the Starke Private Security series. It is the story of Derek and Helen. Helen's life is not quite going the way she thought it would. She likes the company she works with but is in the process of fighting against sexual harassment. She filed a lawsuit when nothing else worked only now there are "accidents" happening all around her and it seems someone is out to do her harm. Well what does a lady do in this situation but hire a bodyguard. So she turns to Starke Private Security and Derek. She trusts Derek with her safety but not with her heart, as he is her ex-fiance. But the heart wants what the heart wants and in Helen's case it is still Derek, no matter how hard she tries to fight it. From Derek's side of this equation he never stopped loving Helen. But he kept putting his job ahead of her and their relationship. Maybe he has learned something while they were apart and with this opportunity he can convince her things have changed........and she is the most important thing in his life.
This is a fast-paced, fun, action packed, mystery short story with romance, love and sexiness all bundled together. Add in a couple wonderful characters to the mix and it is a great story.

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Charity Esparza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this ARC, and was so excited. I love stories with danger and intrigue and men going alpha protective for their sassy women. Derek is a protector to his core. He's loving and kind, a good guy to his core. He's the guy who'll give you the shirt off his back, just because it's the right thing to do. You will fall in love with him, right from his first scene. I wish I could say the same about Helen. I found her selfish and self absorbed. Yes, she's wonderful in her professional life. Yes, she's standing up to a business with questionable practices. But in her personal life, I HATE the way she treats Derek. He's a disappointment until she needs him, grudgingly. And then, she still acts like he's an inconvenience and his goal is to get in her way not protect her. She's mean. Try as I might, I could not like her in the slightest, and I was glad this was a short story just so I didn't have to rad about her any longer. Frankly, Derek deserved so much better than Helen. It's only getting 3 stars, because it's well written and I did love Derek himself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen Vincent was fighting the sexual harassment at her workplace. She filed a suit against the company and threats along with near-accidents were aimed at her. For her safety, she sought help from Starke Agency and Derek, her ex-fiancé, arrived to protect her -- whether she wanted him there or not. Is this a chance for the two of them to get back together again after the danger passes? Will they talk about the issue that drove them apart the last time?

This is an exciting story line that races along as someone in the company goes after Helen while Derek is equally determined to keep her safe. Will he expose the bad guy? Will Helen give him a chance to prove to her that this time, she should not let him go?

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen is dealing with sexual harassment at her place of work. She has had to file a lawsuit against the company. Now she has been having threats and “accidents” around her. She has decided to hire a bodyguard from Starke Security. The man that comes to her aid is Derek,her ex fiancé. Derek is a alpha male, strong, supportive, protector who will help Helen whether she wants him to or not. Helen is kinda snarky, abrupt and not as lovable as Derek - opposites. But they loved each other once, is it still a possibility again? You will find drama, danger, suspense, twists and turns, betrayals and along the way they might just learn how to love again. Great read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written book 1 in the Starke Private Security Series is a wonderful story and a good start to a new series. The characters are believably well-crafted and they react in a realistic fashion. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Derek is a SHORT, standalone romance with a happy ending, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bev]

Will there be a second chance?
This is book three in the Starke Private Security series. This one is about Helen and Derek. It’s action-packed and will keep you guessing. Helen and Derek have a history together, and she doesn’t want him hired for a job that needs doing, even if he’s the best option. It’s quite the page-turner that readers of this author’s work will enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good storyline that is fast paced with danger, suspense and the reconnecting of Derek and Helen who were once headed down the aisle. Derek was the kind of man who helped people and Helen couldn’t accept that. When she gets herself in trouble, it’s Derek who has her back and watches over her. A quick entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derek is a second chance story with unexpected twist that will have you gasping with each turn of the page.

When Helen makes a complaint against her company things being to take a dark ride of mystery, suspense and danger. Derek wants to protect Helen, not because he it's what he does but because he does not want to loose her again.

This tale will have twist and turns that you will not see coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dual, first person, point of view from Derek and Helen-which is always a plus for me. I especially loved Derek because he was the kind of guy who just did the right thing no matter how that made him look.
A good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Starke Private Security series a well written short story that kept me turning pages. Derek and Helen's story has suspense, drama, danger, villains, and a second chance. I hope there is more to come in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and sweet and well written romance. The characters are well developed, easy to get to know and easy to love. The story line has drama, suspense, and plenty of romance that keeps you turning the pages. Perfect for fans of a great romantic suspense read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable book three in the Starke Private Security series! The storyline is very entertaining, engaging, well written, and well thought out with drama, suspense, threats, danger, and more. The characters are likeable; the chemistry between them is off the charts! Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has action, suspense and mystery. The main characters have history and definitely chemistry. Helene is strong and determined and just a little wishy washy. Derek is protective and loyal but he seems a bit drifty.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick fast-paced second chance romance between 2 strong characters who don’t want to admit their feelings for each other. Mystery and danger throw the 2 characters together whether they like it or not. It’s a fun fast read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MyBook Journey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Helen's life is in danger but the last person she wants to have close and keep her safe is Derek. A short read that will keep you entertained for a couple of hours with action and suspense.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A enjoyable, short, steamy standalone read. This is the third book in this series and the story of Derek a alpha male that will stop at nothing to protect the woman that he loves Helen. The story is full of drama, suspense, steamy chemistry. A great read.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author introduces us to Helen and Derek, who just happen to have a history together. The story pulls you in with love, suspense, danger and action.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew this book has me fanning myself with the level of intensity written here. This is a must read series from beginning to sadly we know well be an end. But the author did not skip out on a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book with an interesting story line. The characters are strong and the story flows quickly and smoothly. I enjoyed reading this story.

[John Hibbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a page-turner. If this was a movie at the cinema I would have been sitting on the edge of my seat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Derek & Helen's book. It was an intriguing read. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.