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Reynolds Protective #2
Hunter
From bestselling romantic suspense author, Dr. Rebecca Sharp, comes a friends-to-lovers bodyguard romance...
Zoey Roberts is on the run—that’s what happens when someone is stalking you.
Winding up in Wyoming was her latest move and last resort, but giving up everything was the only way to protect herself. New state. New apartment. New life. And for good measure, she takes a new job at the safest place in town—the local security agency, Reynolds Protective Group.
But safe isn’t always smart. And working for the handsomest man she’s ever met quickly turns perilous when she’s faced with those washboard abs, broad shoulders, and charming smile on a daily basis.
Hunter Reynolds is nothing if not determined. From the moment he met Zoey, he was determined to win her heart. So, he pursues her. Patiently. Steadily. Until she finally lets her guard down.
Just when Zoey believes Hunter could be her chance at happiness, she’s threatened once more. Hunter immediately goes from hot boss to protective bodyguard, and it’s not long before their forced proximity sends their attraction to explosive heights. But when her deranged stalker grows bolder, Zoey remembers why she moved to Wisdom in the first place—and why love will always be out of the question.
Zoey Roberts is on the run—that’s what happens when someone is stalking you.
Winding up in Wyoming was her latest move and last resort, but giving up everything was the only way to protect herself. New state. New apartment. New life. And for good measure, she takes a new job at the safest place in town—the local security agency, Reynolds Protective Group.
But safe isn’t always smart. And working for the handsomest man she’s ever met quickly turns perilous when she’s faced with those washboard abs, broad shoulders, and charming smile on a daily basis.
Hunter Reynolds is nothing if not determined. From the moment he met Zoey, he was determined to win her heart. So, he pursues her. Patiently. Steadily. Until she finally lets her guard down.
Just when Zoey believes Hunter could be her chance at happiness, she’s threatened once more. Hunter immediately goes from hot boss to protective bodyguard, and it’s not long before their forced proximity sends their attraction to explosive heights. But when her deranged stalker grows bolder, Zoey remembers why she moved to Wisdom in the first place—and why love will always be out of the question.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2022
1571 people are currently reading
11154 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Sharp
72 books2,766 followersRebecca Sharp always loved a good love story. Let's face it, when you include a romance novel on your 8th grade summer reading list just to see if the teacher would notice (she didn't!), she was bound to give writing one of her own a go. There's really no corner of romance that she doesn't (or wouldn't) enjoy writing, except maybe aliens, much to her husband's dismay, so her large catalog features a little something for everyone. However, her love of shows like NCIS and Criminal Minds makes her favorite stories to write the ones with some kind of suspense and crime solving.
When she's not writing, she's at her office treating patients, and somewhere between those two things, you'll find her wandering the globe with her husband always searching for their next adventure.
For more information on previous or upcoming releases and the most up-to-date and exclusive book news, connect with her at one or all of the links below!
Mailing List: http://bit.ly/StaySharpSignUp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drrebeccasharp
Facebook Reader Group (My Sexy Sharpies): https://goo.gl/RrNZvT
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drrebeccasharp
Happy reading!
When she's not writing, she's at her office treating patients, and somewhere between those two things, you'll find her wandering the globe with her husband always searching for their next adventure.
For more information on previous or upcoming releases and the most up-to-date and exclusive book news, connect with her at one or all of the links below!
Mailing List: http://bit.ly/StaySharpSignUp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/drrebeccasharp
Facebook Reader Group (My Sexy Sharpies): https://goo.gl/RrNZvT
Instagram: www.instagram.com/drrebeccasharp
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 739 reviews
June 19, 2024
This started of decently, its a shame it ended so badly....This is one of the most basic books I've ever read and yet this review is the longest I've ever written so buckle in...
We follow Zoey, who has moved from Florida to Wyoming to escape a stalker and a shitty ex-boyfriend/boss who she is keeping secret from Hunter, her new boss who is seriously in love with her (why? who knows).
Firstly, if I ever hear the term 'heroine' as a pet nickname ever again i'll jump of the nearest building. Heroine is up there with 'queen' as one of the most cringeworthy pet names I can imagine and hearing it every 2nd sentence sent me into a downward spiral.
Secondly there are a lot of allegations that this series is a copy of another series by another author and while I can't speak to that as I haven't read that series, I can say that both books I've read so far, clearly take inspiration from certain Criminal Minds episodes. I would know, because I was Criminal Minds obsessed when I was younger and can distinctly picture the episodes that inspired the first 2 books. This is significant bc the entire reason I'm reading this series is to get to the 4th book, whose MMC is heavily 'inspired' by Spencer Reid. Which I guess isn't a problem? But I think the fact that it reminded me of those episodes so much means the story wasn't separate enough from the source material. And given the allegations of plagarism, this feels important.
Since starting this book I've actually seen some really negative reviews about that last book. And the next book that I have to read to get to that book is pregnancy trope, which is a shame because I really liked what I've seen of the next MMC in the first 2 books. But pregnancy trope is rarely done well and I do not have high hopes.
Thirdly this is straight up insta-love. No build up at all. In fact, when this book starts the main MMC is alrady in love with the FMC. We actually learn this in book 1. It felt like there was no depth, no reason for him to be so head-over-heals. and quite honestly, because there was no tension, and nothing really happens for most of the book, it was boring. I skimmed the last 30% so I could be done and move on, after guessing exactly how it was going to end from about the 50% mark.
Also, maybe don't have sex in front of an open window, with the front door open, while your love interest has a stalker??! And then get angry when she recieves a note from stalker about how he saw everything??! Does anyone in this story have any common sense??!
So, do I keep going? Do I skip straight to book 4? Does anyone have book recs where the MMC is inspired by Spencer Reid? Because I fear this series is not it.
We follow Zoey, who has moved from Florida to Wyoming to escape a stalker and a shitty ex-boyfriend/boss who she is keeping secret from Hunter, her new boss who is seriously in love with her (why? who knows).
Firstly, if I ever hear the term 'heroine' as a pet nickname ever again i'll jump of the nearest building. Heroine is up there with 'queen' as one of the most cringeworthy pet names I can imagine and hearing it every 2nd sentence sent me into a downward spiral.
Secondly there are a lot of allegations that this series is a copy of another series by another author and while I can't speak to that as I haven't read that series, I can say that both books I've read so far, clearly take inspiration from certain Criminal Minds episodes. I would know, because I was Criminal Minds obsessed when I was younger and can distinctly picture the episodes that inspired the first 2 books. This is significant bc the entire reason I'm reading this series is to get to the 4th book, whose MMC is heavily 'inspired' by Spencer Reid. Which I guess isn't a problem? But I think the fact that it reminded me of those episodes so much means the story wasn't separate enough from the source material. And given the allegations of plagarism, this feels important.
Since starting this book I've actually seen some really negative reviews about that last book. And the next book that I have to read to get to that book is pregnancy trope, which is a shame because I really liked what I've seen of the next MMC in the first 2 books. But pregnancy trope is rarely done well and I do not have high hopes.
Thirdly this is straight up insta-love. No build up at all. In fact, when this book starts the main MMC is alrady in love with the FMC. We actually learn this in book 1. It felt like there was no depth, no reason for him to be so head-over-heals. and quite honestly, because there was no tension, and nothing really happens for most of the book, it was boring. I skimmed the last 30% so I could be done and move on, after guessing exactly how it was going to end from about the 50% mark.
Also, maybe don't have sex in front of an open window, with the front door open, while your love interest has a stalker??! And then get angry when she recieves a note from stalker about how he saw everything??! Does anyone in this story have any common sense??!
So, do I keep going? Do I skip straight to book 4? Does anyone have book recs where the MMC is inspired by Spencer Reid? Because I fear this series is not it.
September 23, 2023
Hunter Reynolds you ARE the definition of a book boyfriend
July 18, 2023
AUTHOR PLAGIARIZED FROM AK EVANS
https://www.authorakevans.com/decay-s...
I took everything off my list from her knowing she plagiarized from her sister-in-law. Just a heads up for everyone.
https://www.authorakevans.com/decay-s...
I took everything off my list from her knowing she plagiarized from her sister-in-law. Just a heads up for everyone.
August 24, 2023
3.5! Zoey is hiding from a stalker and Hunter just wants a chance! But her stalker finds her and oh GOODNESS
May 13, 2024
you can tell when an author writes a book just as a means of self-inserting themselves into a fantasy, and that’s exactly what this author did. now, don’t get me wrong—i think that’s normal and valid. but jesus christ, maybe be a little bit more subtle? never in my life have i ever been more aware that i was reading a book. books are supposed to be a form of escapism—our fmc literally says so—yet, it was like this author couldn’t stop beating readers over the head with the fact that this was a book. the whole “women who read romance novels are people too!” idea was so goddamn annoying. this author just wanted to validate herself. if i took shot for every time this author wrote “book boyfriend” into this book, i’d literally suffer from liver failure.
let’s talk about how fucking stupid this book is. the fmc gets a letter from her stalker, and with fear-induced adrenaline, decides to dry hump the mmc as a means of escape until climax. then she’s upset when he won’t fuck her? she’s so goddamn annoying.
also?? they’re in a book club about romance books with an old couple. and the book plot is about a girl with a stalker. this is the dumbest shit ever. i literally feel like im reading a wattpad fanfic written by a middle schooler.
and the literal first time they have sex, he’s putting his fingers up her ass? lord. WHY ARE THEY HAVING ANAL SEX THEIR FIRST TIME TOGETHER? she’s never done anal, and you’re telling me that after fingering her asshole a little bit, she’s ready to take his whole entire cock?? “my dick was so full it was about to burst” that is not how anatomy works, hunter. what the fuck.
and what the literal fuck. she’s been on the run from a stalker, but her kink is having hunter literally chase her, hunt her down, and fuck her? i had to stop reading. this book sucks so bad, and this author needs to find a new career path.
let’s talk about how fucking stupid this book is. the fmc gets a letter from her stalker, and with fear-induced adrenaline, decides to dry hump the mmc as a means of escape until climax. then she’s upset when he won’t fuck her? she’s so goddamn annoying.
also?? they’re in a book club about romance books with an old couple. and the book plot is about a girl with a stalker. this is the dumbest shit ever. i literally feel like im reading a wattpad fanfic written by a middle schooler.
and the literal first time they have sex, he’s putting his fingers up her ass? lord. WHY ARE THEY HAVING ANAL SEX THEIR FIRST TIME TOGETHER? she’s never done anal, and you’re telling me that after fingering her asshole a little bit, she’s ready to take his whole entire cock?? “my dick was so full it was about to burst” that is not how anatomy works, hunter. what the fuck.
and what the literal fuck. she’s been on the run from a stalker, but her kink is having hunter literally chase her, hunt her down, and fuck her? i had to stop reading. this book sucks so bad, and this author needs to find a new career path.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2022
bad writing but mildly entertaining
The writing is really bad. Very over the top, lots of hyperbole, sentences that I think are supposed to sound creative, but just don’t make any sense. Then there are the grammar mistakes and typos and times when the author uses words that rally don’t mean what she thinks they mean.
Story is mildly entertaining. I may read the next one b/c I hate not finding out what happens, but I don’t have high hopes for it.
The writing is really bad. Very over the top, lots of hyperbole, sentences that I think are supposed to sound creative, but just don’t make any sense. Then there are the grammar mistakes and typos and times when the author uses words that rally don’t mean what she thinks they mean.
Story is mildly entertaining. I may read the next one b/c I hate not finding out what happens, but I don’t have high hopes for it.
December 4, 2024
A light romantic suspense that's steamy and filled with solid characters but it was just missing that spark for me. Maybe the bookclun stuff was a little too corny for me or the pacing was a little fast - leading to a slight underdevelopment in the romance but I still had a good time with the book.
May 4, 2022
After reading Archer's book, I have been patiently waiting for the next Reynold brother to drop like a fly and finally here we are with Hunter's story.
Hunter is your next book boyfriend material! He is authentically sweet, patient, and his protectiveness was sexy as hell. Once he set his eyes on Zoey, oh boy, nothing deterred him from his one way ticket to claiming her as his. He was relentlessly hot. Oh so hot.
Zoey is cautious. Scarred by a past relationship and a stalker, it does make sense how stubborn she is with protecting her heart and resisting her downright attraction and chemistry with Hunter. Not wanting a repeat of her past. Though if I was Zoey, I would have ridden the Hunter express train.
I would honestly say that this book was not as sizzling as Archer's book but this is a sweeter and more emotional read which compliments the characters perfectly as Gunner seems to be the most sensitive of the 4 brothers while Zoey has been dealing with a past trauma. There is not as much action as the first book but the suspense is ever present and will keep you guessing until the end. Although it would have been great to have a little more premise to the culmination of the solving of the case as that definitely came out of nowhere.
Overall, this was another fantastic addition to the series. And the epilogue was definitely my most favorite part.
P.S. I can't wait for Gunner to drop like a fly and fall flat on his face. And I am curious about Ranger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hunter is your next book boyfriend material! He is authentically sweet, patient, and his protectiveness was sexy as hell. Once he set his eyes on Zoey, oh boy, nothing deterred him from his one way ticket to claiming her as his. He was relentlessly hot. Oh so hot.
Zoey is cautious. Scarred by a past relationship and a stalker, it does make sense how stubborn she is with protecting her heart and resisting her downright attraction and chemistry with Hunter. Not wanting a repeat of her past. Though if I was Zoey, I would have ridden the Hunter express train.
I would honestly say that this book was not as sizzling as Archer's book but this is a sweeter and more emotional read which compliments the characters perfectly as Gunner seems to be the most sensitive of the 4 brothers while Zoey has been dealing with a past trauma. There is not as much action as the first book but the suspense is ever present and will keep you guessing until the end. Although it would have been great to have a little more premise to the culmination of the solving of the case as that definitely came out of nowhere.
Overall, this was another fantastic addition to the series. And the epilogue was definitely my most favorite part.
P.S. I can't wait for Gunner to drop like a fly and fall flat on his face. And I am curious about Ranger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 21, 2025
if i was born yesterday and curious about men, i would probably enjoy this book and swoon. unfortunately, i was not born yesterday. in fact, if a man called me “heroine” as a term of endearment, he would simply never see me again. ESPECIALLY during sex, like put back on your boxer briefs and leave my house now, u weirdo.
the story was set up where they already had *something* established (and by that i mean occasional small talk and alleged sexual tension we only heard about) so him immediately obsessed with being with her just came off as delusional and odd …. bc mind you she’s literally been his employee for like a month.
“just tell me one thing, zoey. tell me what the hell a man has to do to be loved by you.” LIKE MF ITS ONLY CHAPTER 9 CALM DOWN??
and it just felt like the author was obsessed with him being a “book boyfriend,” which is mentioned multiple times by BOTH of them (my eye just twitched) “i’m the kind of man who’d set his own standard. one that no book boyfriend could come close to.” literally what are you saying please be normal 😭
ALSO she was adamant about not dating her boss so this man resigns as if he’s so serious and doesn’t own the literal company and she jumps …. only for him to be back at work like the next day. it was just so childish like ok you want a cookie now? a man’s word is always for shits and giggles, take note girlypops.
learning he was a former cop just makes sense. no further questions.
consider this a 1.5 stars actually….
the story was set up where they already had *something* established (and by that i mean occasional small talk and alleged sexual tension we only heard about) so him immediately obsessed with being with her just came off as delusional and odd …. bc mind you she’s literally been his employee for like a month.
“just tell me one thing, zoey. tell me what the hell a man has to do to be loved by you.” LIKE MF ITS ONLY CHAPTER 9 CALM DOWN??
and it just felt like the author was obsessed with him being a “book boyfriend,” which is mentioned multiple times by BOTH of them (my eye just twitched) “i’m the kind of man who’d set his own standard. one that no book boyfriend could come close to.” literally what are you saying please be normal 😭
ALSO she was adamant about not dating her boss so this man resigns as if he’s so serious and doesn’t own the literal company and she jumps …. only for him to be back at work like the next day. it was just so childish like ok you want a cookie now? a man’s word is always for shits and giggles, take note girlypops.
learning he was a former cop just makes sense. no further questions.
consider this a 1.5 stars actually….
May 11, 2022
Talk about suspense! With Dr Rebecca's books you always know there's gonna be a massive twist, it just kind of jumps out at you though! The tension can be felt in your chest, the sadness, the love, the anxiety. From a strong protective alpha who is patient and kind, to a lost woman finding out who she really is and what she's worth. The love between these two is almost able to be touched! This story had me crying, and smiling, and feeling determined, and feeling my chest tighten!
You're gonna love it!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You're gonna love it!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2024
I liked this one better and I cannot wait for the next one, aaaand one less for my darling genius pretty boy 🤪🥰🥰
October 18, 2024
Unfortunately, I am not the kind of person who can tolerate kissing in the first 30% of the book
March 8, 2025
This was not good lololololololol. Am I going to read the next? You betcha.
April 10, 2026
2.5⭐️
The first 50% was great, there was lots of tension between the two of them and I really liked the direction their relationship was heading. I thought it was really cute how he started listening to her favourite romance author’s audiobooks because he’s dyslexic, just so he could join her book club to spend more time with her. But then they got together and it became so cringy. He calls her Heroine because of her love of romance books and it gave me the ick and then everything he said just gave me the ick.
I also was disappointed in how the plot played out, for a romantic suspense it didn’t really feel that suspenseful.
I’m sad that I didn’t enjoy this one as much as Archer. And although I’m slightly put off from continuing this series, I am going to give Gunner a shot, because I do love a reformed playboy.
The first 50% was great, there was lots of tension between the two of them and I really liked the direction their relationship was heading. I thought it was really cute how he started listening to her favourite romance author’s audiobooks because he’s dyslexic, just so he could join her book club to spend more time with her. But then they got together and it became so cringy. He calls her Heroine because of her love of romance books and it gave me the ick and then everything he said just gave me the ick.
I also was disappointed in how the plot played out, for a romantic suspense it didn’t really feel that suspenseful.
I’m sad that I didn’t enjoy this one as much as Archer. And although I’m slightly put off from continuing this series, I am going to give Gunner a shot, because I do love a reformed playboy.
December 16, 2024
Hunter – Dr Rebecca Sharp – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❤ Stalker
❤ Hunting & Catching Play Between The MCs
❤ Found Family
❤ Dyslexic MC
❤ Very Spicy First Time
❤ Small Town Vibes
I came across this book on Bookstagram. It's the second of a series that is actively heralded as being based on the men from Criminal Minds. I chose to start with Hunter as I’ve always had a thing for Will.
Pros:
❤ Well written with fantastic plot twists that kept you guessing.
❤ Excellent pacing, I couldn’t put it down at times.
❤ Fantastically developed characters – the only one you could tell was based on a CM character was Ranger because he had the exact same characteristics/physical appearance. However I feel like the author really added a level of depth and emotion we don’t see in the series and I loved her for it. I am now very eager to read Ranger’s story. Everyone else came across as original and stood on their own two feet, even Gunner who was supposed to be based on Morgan.
Cons:
❤ The stalker case was taken straight from a CM ep (The stalker sending pics of his random body parts) – I didn’t begrudge this too much as I know CM writers take from RL cases but I personally would have preferred a more original concept.
❤ The stalker himself came across as a cartoon villain when he finally confronted Zoey, his dialogue was really generic and felt like it was repeated over and over again (like it had just come out of a tv show) – This was really surprising considering how well the other characters were written.
Overall Verdict:
I really enjoyed the story, I read it very quickly and there were points I was frowning at my husband for interrupting my reading.
It would have been a five star read if it wasn’t for the issue at the end with the villain. I feel if the writer had done a little more research into that mentality, read some real life case studies on it that would have tightened him up more and him made a little less caricature and more realistic for the audience. I think the fact she relied so heavily on the case from CM is what contributed to the issues with the villain.
❤ Stalker
❤ Hunting & Catching Play Between The MCs
❤ Found Family
❤ Dyslexic MC
❤ Very Spicy First Time
❤ Small Town Vibes
I came across this book on Bookstagram. It's the second of a series that is actively heralded as being based on the men from Criminal Minds. I chose to start with Hunter as I’ve always had a thing for Will.
Pros:
❤ Well written with fantastic plot twists that kept you guessing.
❤ Excellent pacing, I couldn’t put it down at times.
❤ Fantastically developed characters – the only one you could tell was based on a CM character was Ranger because he had the exact same characteristics/physical appearance. However I feel like the author really added a level of depth and emotion we don’t see in the series and I loved her for it. I am now very eager to read Ranger’s story. Everyone else came across as original and stood on their own two feet, even Gunner who was supposed to be based on Morgan.
Cons:
❤ The stalker case was taken straight from a CM ep (The stalker sending pics of his random body parts) – I didn’t begrudge this too much as I know CM writers take from RL cases but I personally would have preferred a more original concept.
❤ The stalker himself came across as a cartoon villain when he finally confronted Zoey, his dialogue was really generic and felt like it was repeated over and over again (like it had just come out of a tv show) – This was really surprising considering how well the other characters were written.
Overall Verdict:
I really enjoyed the story, I read it very quickly and there were points I was frowning at my husband for interrupting my reading.
It would have been a five star read if it wasn’t for the issue at the end with the villain. I feel if the writer had done a little more research into that mentality, read some real life case studies on it that would have tightened him up more and him made a little less caricature and more realistic for the audience. I think the fact she relied so heavily on the case from CM is what contributed to the issues with the villain.
March 11, 2025
I’m sure this guy is appealing but he was just another gruff, over protective tough guy. Also felt like the FMC was too damsel in distress.
Upside the snippets of Ranger spouting facts, taking everything literally but also being as sweet as pie kept me going through this.
Upside the snippets of Ranger spouting facts, taking everything literally but also being as sweet as pie kept me going through this.
April 14, 2026
AHHHHHHH😍❤️🔥😍❤️🔥 I LOVE THIS SO MUCH👏🏻✨ also I immediately knew what episode of criminal minds she used for inspiration😎
February 16, 2025
2,25 🌟 fabuła nie była tragiczna i zachowania bohaterów miały sens, niektórych scen nie dało się czytać ale było ich tylko parę, ziomek był nawet romantyczny
July 24, 2023
Hunter and Zoey’s story was faced paced and so much fun with a perfect amount of suspense. She has a Stalker and he’s determined to keep her safe, but will she reveal all her secrets so he can protect was the big question! Hunter is the closest in personality to Archer and it was fitting that they were both the over protective types. Zoey needed someone in her corner after the crap she’d been through. Her ex was a douche and she needed a hero like Hunter.
Tropes:
Work Place Romance
He’s her Boss
Age Gap
Small Town
Stalker
Body Guard
Forced Proximity
Spice:
🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Work Place Romance
He’s her Boss
Age Gap
Small Town
Stalker
Body Guard
Forced Proximity
Spice:
🌶️🌶️.5
April 9, 2026
I have thoughts!
1. Positive! Thankfully a lot of the over-dramatics that put me off in book 1 aren't present in this book. Hunter and Archer are similar, but they feel very different simply because the writing feels different.
2. Negative. We have another book-girlie in this one, though. So you can expect a lot of meta writing. The discussions of book boyfriends and book clubs and hot hunky men and the sex scenes. I'm getting bored of these books that write like the authors live on TikTok.
2.5. Positive! I sort of love the pet name 'heroine', though. It almost makes all the bookish stuff worth it.
3. Positive! Dyslexia rep! Hunter's got visual dyslexia. So he listens to an audiobook to help connect to Zoey. I grudgingly appreciate Sharp's representation for alternative forms of consuming literature.
4. Negative? It's weird how adamant Zoey is about not telling the brothers about her stalker and her past that's made her so skittish. She's similar (read: exactly the same) as Kiera in this way. I can understand not advertising it to the public everywhere you go - but these guys are LITERALLY A SECURITY FIRM. If anybody's going to understand that you feel unsafe and if anyone would know how to help fix that issue, it'd be them, no?
5. MASSIVE Negative. We have another woman who's SO traumatized and yet doesn't even think to seek therapy. She doesn't tell Hunter about her past for the first half of the book, about the bad relationship and about her stalker who used to push letters through her mail slot. Then, when Hunter does a nice gesture for her, getting her a personalized, signed copy of her favorite book, leaving it just the way the stalker left those notes, we're given this:
I bit my lip, feeling the corners of my mouth draw up before reality cut the chords holding my smile.
Hunter had left this for me. A gift. And I'd thought it was the end.
Hot tears ran like streamers down my cheeks, marking the occasion New Zoey had fallen into the same traps that had tripped up Old Zoey.
I'd been lying to myself. It wasn't only because Hunter was my boss that I stayed away from him; I stayed away because I wasn't sure I'd ever feel safe. Roscoe's betrayal was nothing compared to how fear had torn my life to shreds.
Fear of walking into my own home.
Fear of opening up a piece of mail.
Fear of a man who always seemed to find me. To know where I worked. Where I lived. To be unassuming enough to leave things for me without anyone taking notice. And to know things personal enough to make my stomach turn.
Eight months had been a reprieve, but Hunter's gift had ripped the scab off the old wound, reminding me how deep the trauma went. I'd never be able to patch up the tattered remains of my sense of security no matter how many miles I'd put between myself and Florida.
I understand that trauma affects people and nobody expects anyone to get over it in a single day. But this chick hasn't even considered therapy. More - she's got a man interested in her who's a former cop, who runs a private security business, and she STILL feels like this because she won't tell him and let him help make her feel safe - when it's LITERALLY HIS CAREER.
These women with their baggage and untreated trauma are doing my head in, man. I just don't think people like this - who have extensive PTSD - belong in relationships. They aren't ready. A good dicking down is NOT going to solve the problems these people face.
It makes it SO difficult to believe in the romance - to believe these jaded, traumatized, scarred individuals aren't going to lose their shit one day and leave or self-sabotage the best thing in their lives because they refuse to seek treatment and try to heal.
6. Confused Negative? Roscoe's marketing firm is, apparently, helping to broker a big resort/hotel takeover deal in Jackson, Wyoming. That'd be fine - and would be excellent drama given how he's now so close to Zoey.
Except this man is from fucking FLORIDA. What kind of firm from FLORIDA has any business making deals in WYOMING?
I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm just saying this is a convenient plot twist that doesn't follow reality or logic.
6.5. Negative. Roscoe is, apparently, French. Let me repeat that. ROSCOE. A name that conjures images of a mutt on a cattle farm. Is FRENCH.
Do French people named Roscoe exist? Maybe. But their mothers should be ashamed of themselves.
7. Positive! The drama happens much quicker in this book - it picks up about 40% of the way through, so there's time for the tension and sense of danger to build. The story actually has a PLOT that plots!
8. Negative. This author has a very strange way of a man talking about his dick entering a vagina. In the last book it was Archer going on about how he wanted to "split open" the FMC's "tiny pussy" with his "fat cock". 😬🤮
Here, Hunter pulls the exact same verbiage - but somehow, it's even grosser because it happens AS he's fucking the FMC: My dick felt like it had just split through warm velvet that was then sewn shut.
That... that just conjures the image of needles stitching up a wound. It gives me the willies (the bad ones).
Zoey's (thankfully) not a virgin, but this imagery is violent and uncomfortable all the same. It's also weird that it's happened TWICE.
8.5. Positive. The spice is better in this book - despite the issue I just mentioned. It's also more...intense.
9. Positive! The self-defense training for Zoey is a great addition. It's perhaps a blip on the radar of the overall story, but it's good to see a woman learn to stand up for herself. And it obviously comes in handy later on in the story.
10. Negative. The heroine/hunter roleplay they do started off fine - but the more they leaned into it the cringier it got. By the end I was skimming the spicy scenes because I just couldn't deal with him growling about how he was gonna catch her.
11. Confused neutral? I enjoy the little talks Hunter gives to Zoey over the course of this story - and I especially like the one 75% of the way through where he confesses the story about his father's death. The way he's relating pain and trauma to hers to get through to her to try and make her stop blaming herself is sweet.
But I don't think it's realistic. The woman still needs therapy. Intensive, prolonged therapy. One heart-felt confession from her paramour isn't going to magically fix every hurt and worry and insecurity she's got built up over months and years of abuse by other men.
12. Positive! I will also hand Sharp this - her plots aren't straightforward. There are twists. Things that keep you guessing, puzzle pieces that don't make sense until they do. The suspense part of this story is done well - and it adds a nail-biting sort of tension to the last 15% of the book that had me pacing my room as I read.
13. Positive! There's also no third act break up.
14. Positive! I am so looking forward to Gunner's downfall. The way he almost brags about being un-tie-down-able was cute, and I hope his brothers give him hell when he finds his partner.
15. Positive! Ranger's clearly a bit on the spectrum, even though it's not explicitly stated. His inability to pick up on social cues, sarcasm or jokes, his eidetic memory, and his penchant for rambling off facts - he's sort of precious. I'm looking forward to seeing his story too.
--
So. There's definitely things in this story that I didn't like - but in general, I think this story is better constructed and with more likeable characters than book 1. I think the writing's better too. I'm hopeful for the rest of this series.
1. Positive! Thankfully a lot of the over-dramatics that put me off in book 1 aren't present in this book. Hunter and Archer are similar, but they feel very different simply because the writing feels different.
2. Negative. We have another book-girlie in this one, though. So you can expect a lot of meta writing. The discussions of book boyfriends and book clubs and hot hunky men and the sex scenes. I'm getting bored of these books that write like the authors live on TikTok.
2.5. Positive! I sort of love the pet name 'heroine', though. It almost makes all the bookish stuff worth it.
3. Positive! Dyslexia rep! Hunter's got visual dyslexia. So he listens to an audiobook to help connect to Zoey. I grudgingly appreciate Sharp's representation for alternative forms of consuming literature.
4. Negative? It's weird how adamant Zoey is about not telling the brothers about her stalker and her past that's made her so skittish. She's similar (read: exactly the same) as Kiera in this way. I can understand not advertising it to the public everywhere you go - but these guys are LITERALLY A SECURITY FIRM. If anybody's going to understand that you feel unsafe and if anyone would know how to help fix that issue, it'd be them, no?
5. MASSIVE Negative. We have another woman who's SO traumatized and yet doesn't even think to seek therapy. She doesn't tell Hunter about her past for the first half of the book, about the bad relationship and about her stalker who used to push letters through her mail slot. Then, when Hunter does a nice gesture for her, getting her a personalized, signed copy of her favorite book, leaving it just the way the stalker left those notes, we're given this:
I bit my lip, feeling the corners of my mouth draw up before reality cut the chords holding my smile.
Hunter had left this for me. A gift. And I'd thought it was the end.
Hot tears ran like streamers down my cheeks, marking the occasion New Zoey had fallen into the same traps that had tripped up Old Zoey.
I'd been lying to myself. It wasn't only because Hunter was my boss that I stayed away from him; I stayed away because I wasn't sure I'd ever feel safe. Roscoe's betrayal was nothing compared to how fear had torn my life to shreds.
Fear of walking into my own home.
Fear of opening up a piece of mail.
Fear of a man who always seemed to find me. To know where I worked. Where I lived. To be unassuming enough to leave things for me without anyone taking notice. And to know things personal enough to make my stomach turn.
Eight months had been a reprieve, but Hunter's gift had ripped the scab off the old wound, reminding me how deep the trauma went. I'd never be able to patch up the tattered remains of my sense of security no matter how many miles I'd put between myself and Florida.
I understand that trauma affects people and nobody expects anyone to get over it in a single day. But this chick hasn't even considered therapy. More - she's got a man interested in her who's a former cop, who runs a private security business, and she STILL feels like this because she won't tell him and let him help make her feel safe - when it's LITERALLY HIS CAREER.
These women with their baggage and untreated trauma are doing my head in, man. I just don't think people like this - who have extensive PTSD - belong in relationships. They aren't ready. A good dicking down is NOT going to solve the problems these people face.
It makes it SO difficult to believe in the romance - to believe these jaded, traumatized, scarred individuals aren't going to lose their shit one day and leave or self-sabotage the best thing in their lives because they refuse to seek treatment and try to heal.
6. Confused Negative? Roscoe's marketing firm is, apparently, helping to broker a big resort/hotel takeover deal in Jackson, Wyoming. That'd be fine - and would be excellent drama given how he's now so close to Zoey.
Except this man is from fucking FLORIDA. What kind of firm from FLORIDA has any business making deals in WYOMING?
I'm not saying it's impossible. I'm just saying this is a convenient plot twist that doesn't follow reality or logic.
6.5. Negative. Roscoe is, apparently, French. Let me repeat that. ROSCOE. A name that conjures images of a mutt on a cattle farm. Is FRENCH.
Do French people named Roscoe exist? Maybe. But their mothers should be ashamed of themselves.
7. Positive! The drama happens much quicker in this book - it picks up about 40% of the way through, so there's time for the tension and sense of danger to build. The story actually has a PLOT that plots!
8. Negative. This author has a very strange way of a man talking about his dick entering a vagina. In the last book it was Archer going on about how he wanted to "split open" the FMC's "tiny pussy" with his "fat cock". 😬🤮
Here, Hunter pulls the exact same verbiage - but somehow, it's even grosser because it happens AS he's fucking the FMC: My dick felt like it had just split through warm velvet that was then sewn shut.
That... that just conjures the image of needles stitching up a wound. It gives me the willies (the bad ones).
Zoey's (thankfully) not a virgin, but this imagery is violent and uncomfortable all the same. It's also weird that it's happened TWICE.
8.5. Positive. The spice is better in this book - despite the issue I just mentioned. It's also more...intense.
9. Positive! The self-defense training for Zoey is a great addition. It's perhaps a blip on the radar of the overall story, but it's good to see a woman learn to stand up for herself. And it obviously comes in handy later on in the story.
10. Negative. The heroine/hunter roleplay they do started off fine - but the more they leaned into it the cringier it got. By the end I was skimming the spicy scenes because I just couldn't deal with him growling about how he was gonna catch her.
11. Confused neutral? I enjoy the little talks Hunter gives to Zoey over the course of this story - and I especially like the one 75% of the way through where he confesses the story about his father's death. The way he's relating pain and trauma to hers to get through to her to try and make her stop blaming herself is sweet.
But I don't think it's realistic. The woman still needs therapy. Intensive, prolonged therapy. One heart-felt confession from her paramour isn't going to magically fix every hurt and worry and insecurity she's got built up over months and years of abuse by other men.
12. Positive! I will also hand Sharp this - her plots aren't straightforward. There are twists. Things that keep you guessing, puzzle pieces that don't make sense until they do. The suspense part of this story is done well - and it adds a nail-biting sort of tension to the last 15% of the book that had me pacing my room as I read.
13. Positive! There's also no third act break up.
14. Positive! I am so looking forward to Gunner's downfall. The way he almost brags about being un-tie-down-able was cute, and I hope his brothers give him hell when he finds his partner.
15. Positive! Ranger's clearly a bit on the spectrum, even though it's not explicitly stated. His inability to pick up on social cues, sarcasm or jokes, his eidetic memory, and his penchant for rambling off facts - he's sort of precious. I'm looking forward to seeing his story too.
--
So. There's definitely things in this story that I didn't like - but in general, I think this story is better constructed and with more likeable characters than book 1. I think the writing's better too. I'm hopeful for the rest of this series.
May 7, 2024
"Because I want to be the man who fills your life with happily ever afters."
Hunter is the second book in Dr Rebecca Sharp's Reynolds Protective series. This time we get to read about Hunter and Zoey's story!!
I honestly loved this couple just as much as Archer and Keira from the first book. I loved the fact that they were both book lovers, really made me love Hunter more. The suspense in this was so good, the tension between Zoey and Hunter was electric, it really added to the storyline. I loved the slow build to the spice, the slow build of trust between them. Hunter is one of my new grumpy protective yet sweet as hell book boyfriends 😍
📖 Stalker
📖 Friends to lovers
📖 He falls first
📖 Bodyguard romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Hunter is the second book in Dr Rebecca Sharp's Reynolds Protective series. This time we get to read about Hunter and Zoey's story!!
I honestly loved this couple just as much as Archer and Keira from the first book. I loved the fact that they were both book lovers, really made me love Hunter more. The suspense in this was so good, the tension between Zoey and Hunter was electric, it really added to the storyline. I loved the slow build to the spice, the slow build of trust between them. Hunter is one of my new grumpy protective yet sweet as hell book boyfriends 😍
📖 Stalker
📖 Friends to lovers
📖 He falls first
📖 Bodyguard romance
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
August 28, 2024
The definition of book boyfriend.
He wanted her sooooo bad (was borderline take a hint because she wasn’t reciprocating but it all worked out)
Hunter is patient, and sweet, and so protective. Zoey is cautious because of her stalker but the heat between these two is chefs kiss.
He wanted her sooooo bad (was borderline take a hint because she wasn’t reciprocating but it all worked out)
Hunter is patient, and sweet, and so protective. Zoey is cautious because of her stalker but the heat between these two is chefs kiss.
May 30, 2023
2.5 stars
This was bad. The extra half star is because I've been struggling to motivate myself to finish a book this last week, yet I somehow managed to make it to the end of this one (even if I did skim read a fair bit along the way).
Apart from the poor grammar and descriptive language that made my eyes water from the appalling syntax, the writing here is just plain bad.
“I spun her and devoured her mouth, lashing my tongue into its hot depths like I was sinking my teeth into her very veins.”
“Hunter looked at me, his expression was nothing short of a knight in shining armor”
“I love you.” Her voice sounded like it was suspended on a tightrope, inches from danger and inches from finally being safe.”
“Okay? It’s not okay,” Jerry anguished.”
I didn't make that up, the author actually wrote those lines - and the whole book is like that.
I can't be bothered detailing other things I disliked about this, as it's really not worth my time, but here a couple of things that did stand out to me as worth mentioning:
1. Why does the author's name have "Dr." in front of it on the cover? Is it just me or is that not really weird? This isn't a non-fiction book where that might be relevant, and I can't quite articulate why, but this just rubbed be the wrong way.
2. Does Sharp have an agenda against French people?
“There was a fifty-fifty shot that as soon as I saw Roscoe’s smug face, I would punch the French right off of it”
There are several lines in the book that read similarly, and it framed things bizarrely; as though Roscoe was a terrible person and acted the way that he did, because he was French...
Anyway, I don't recommend this book.
This was bad. The extra half star is because I've been struggling to motivate myself to finish a book this last week, yet I somehow managed to make it to the end of this one (even if I did skim read a fair bit along the way).
Apart from the poor grammar and descriptive language that made my eyes water from the appalling syntax, the writing here is just plain bad.
“I spun her and devoured her mouth, lashing my tongue into its hot depths like I was sinking my teeth into her very veins.”
“Hunter looked at me, his expression was nothing short of a knight in shining armor”
“I love you.” Her voice sounded like it was suspended on a tightrope, inches from danger and inches from finally being safe.”
“Okay? It’s not okay,” Jerry anguished.”
I didn't make that up, the author actually wrote those lines - and the whole book is like that.
I can't be bothered detailing other things I disliked about this, as it's really not worth my time, but here a couple of things that did stand out to me as worth mentioning:
1. Why does the author's name have "Dr." in front of it on the cover? Is it just me or is that not really weird? This isn't a non-fiction book where that might be relevant, and I can't quite articulate why, but this just rubbed be the wrong way.
2. Does Sharp have an agenda against French people?
“There was a fifty-fifty shot that as soon as I saw Roscoe’s smug face, I would punch the French right off of it”
There are several lines in the book that read similarly, and it framed things bizarrely; as though Roscoe was a terrible person and acted the way that he did, because he was French...
Anyway, I don't recommend this book.
October 3, 2023
enjoyable but
I enjoyed this one just like the rest but I hated that he called her heroin. The story itself was great and the plot was fast paced and interesting.
I enjoyed this one just like the rest but I hated that he called her heroin. The story itself was great and the plot was fast paced and interesting.
March 7, 2024
SO FUCKING BORING OMG
July 23, 2025
4.5⭐️
I am Zoey. She is me. I haven’t read an FMC that I related to so much in….well, maybe ever. It was elements of my past made extra dramatic(even down to the stalkers name😂😳). It was almost cathartic to read.
We all love a badass FMC. But what about the ones that aren’t strong in the beginning. So much has happened and they have been gaslit so much they don’t feel like they deserve anything good. Honestly, give me a soft FMC any day and I’ll eat up that story. Because for me, that’s relatable. Love the character growth and redemption arcs. The gathering of strength to come out of the fire better than ever. *chefs kiss*
Normally, I hate when the FMC is a romance reader. it just annoys me. It’s the same thing over and over. It’s normally the only personality trait she has. And the men in her life makes her feel like trash because romance "isn’t a real genre" and blah blah blah. So when this one started and there was a book club aspect I was skeptical. It worked really well for me. More of a tie in than just a side thing that gets too much attention. I did enjoy how Hunter was incorporated into the hobby too.
I’m so invested in these brothers!! I’m starting Gunner immediately 🧡
I am Zoey. She is me. I haven’t read an FMC that I related to so much in….well, maybe ever. It was elements of my past made extra dramatic(even down to the stalkers name😂😳). It was almost cathartic to read.
We all love a badass FMC. But what about the ones that aren’t strong in the beginning. So much has happened and they have been gaslit so much they don’t feel like they deserve anything good. Honestly, give me a soft FMC any day and I’ll eat up that story. Because for me, that’s relatable. Love the character growth and redemption arcs. The gathering of strength to come out of the fire better than ever. *chefs kiss*
Normally, I hate when the FMC is a romance reader. it just annoys me. It’s the same thing over and over. It’s normally the only personality trait she has. And the men in her life makes her feel like trash because romance "isn’t a real genre" and blah blah blah. So when this one started and there was a book club aspect I was skeptical. It worked really well for me. More of a tie in than just a side thing that gets too much attention. I did enjoy how Hunter was incorporated into the hobby too.
I’m so invested in these brothers!! I’m starting Gunner immediately 🧡
June 5, 2022
4.6 stars
This is hands down, one of my favorite books by this author. The whole concept between a book boyfriend and Hunter was perfection. Making it appear, through actions and words, that romance books are so much more than just mommy smut.
I didn't see the twist, and that was surprising because I thought it was obvious. I loved the characters and seeing the characteristics of the brothers. I'm so ready for Gunner and Ranger. Its a toss-up on who I'm more anxious for. Regardless, it is sure to be great.
Off-topic, I totally looked up the author listed in this book and the amazing books that were talked about in the Book Club. I really wish they were real.
The epilogue? /swoon I'm hoping that "Sydney" finds love. I think it would be a hoot to see her with Ranger, and his literal "Bones" (TV show character) self.
This is hands down, one of my favorite books by this author. The whole concept between a book boyfriend and Hunter was perfection. Making it appear, through actions and words, that romance books are so much more than just mommy smut.
I didn't see the twist, and that was surprising because I thought it was obvious. I loved the characters and seeing the characteristics of the brothers. I'm so ready for Gunner and Ranger. Its a toss-up on who I'm more anxious for. Regardless, it is sure to be great.
Off-topic, I totally looked up the author listed in this book and the amazing books that were talked about in the Book Club. I really wish they were real.
The epilogue? /swoon I'm hoping that "Sydney" finds love. I think it would be a hoot to see her with Ranger, and his literal "Bones" (TV show character) self.
February 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
It’s a hard pill to swallow knowing that I absolutely love stalker dark romances…while also loving books like these where the person is protected by one person they are coming to love and terrified of their stalker. But here we are.
The Insta Love is a bit…insta-y in here. But the basic elements of suspense, smut, and romance are still equally balanced.
I was a bit frustrated by the direction of their first time….together. Like just write condoms into the story somehow, ma’am. But it wasn’t enough of a deterrent for me to not love this book just as much as the first.
Rebecca has a stellar series on her hands.
P.s. someone calls me baby in real like? Hell the fuck no. But when they do it in books? Giggling like a schoolgirl
It’s a hard pill to swallow knowing that I absolutely love stalker dark romances…while also loving books like these where the person is protected by one person they are coming to love and terrified of their stalker. But here we are.
The Insta Love is a bit…insta-y in here. But the basic elements of suspense, smut, and romance are still equally balanced.
I was a bit frustrated by the direction of their first time….together. Like just write condoms into the story somehow, ma’am. But it wasn’t enough of a deterrent for me to not love this book just as much as the first.
Rebecca has a stellar series on her hands.
P.s. someone calls me baby in real like? Hell the fuck no. But when they do it in books? Giggling like a schoolgirl
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