Flirting with Forever

Flirting with the Finest #1

by Kaye Kennedy

His undercover assignment wasn’t supposed to involve a fake girlfriend. And he definitely wasn’t supposed to fall for her. But it did. And he did. Now, he’ll do anything to protect her. Even if it costs him everything.

Hunter
When I’d caught the garter at a friend’s wedding, I hadn’t anticipated having sparks with the woman who’d caught the bouquet because that was a bad cliché, right? Things in Lauren’s life were...complicated. As for me, being a detective on the NYPD’s Special Investigations Task Force made having a relationship nearly impossible, so I’d decided we were better off as friends.
Fast forward a year...Lauren stumbled into my undercover investigation of the Vosstaniye Bratva so, in an effort to keep my cover from being blown, I blurted out that she was my girlfriend.
Huge.
Epic.
Mistake.
Now, she’s been sucked into my investigation and I’ve fallen for her. Complicated or not, I have to convince Lauren that our fake relationship is anything but because we just might have a forever kind of love. But first, I have to keep her safe from the Russian mafia. No big deal, right?
Wish me luck.

Fall in love alongside Detective Hunter Albanese and Lauren Powers in this debut of a new series following members of the Special Investigations Task Force in New York City as they fight crime and fall in love.

You'll recognize Lauren as Zoe's sister in Burning for Her, and Hunter plays a role in Burning for Love and Burning for Trouble. While this novel can certainly be read as a standalone, you'll get the most out of it having read the preceding series, Burning for the Bravest, which features NYC firefighters who love hard and make love harder.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Police, Romantic Suspense

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2021

About the author

Kaye Kennedy is the author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels featuring everyday heroes who love hard and make love harder. If you like steamy and soulful reads that will break your heart and put it back together again, then her stories are for you. In her books, you can always expect a happily ever after that kisses and tells.

She earned her degree in English Literature and taught college composition & literature classes before switching gears entirely and becoming an entrepreneur, starting multiple businesses. While originally from New York, Kaye now lives on the Florida coast with her rescue mutt, Zeus, whose begging to be put in a book has finally paid off (Read: Burning for Secrets). When she isn’t writing, she’s out paddling on the water, indulging in a beach read, feeding her wanderlust, or checking out a craft brewery.

Want to be her friend? Interact with Kaye in her exclusive Facebook Group: Romance Reads that Kiss & Tell.

Reviews

[Kaye Kennedy]

NEW SERIES DEBUT!



This is the first book in the Flirting with the Finest Series, which follows members of the Special Investigations Task Force in New York City as they fight crime and fall in love.

If you like to swoon, then this heart-pounding romantic suspense is going to sweep you off your feet!

Hunter is a workaholic detective, an MMA fighter, and a closet romantic. He believes in true love and has always wanted it for himself, but he's lost hope in finding it.

Enter Lauren...
She's a sassy southern transplant in NYC with a deep desire to help people. Forced to grow up at a young age, she fell down the wrong path, but she's finally learning to stand on her own two feet.

When Hunter and Lauren are thrown into an undercover assignment together, they help each other realize what life is truly about. This situation might just be what these two people with closed off hearts need in order to find the forever kind of love they've always wanted, but never thought they'd have.

Read the first two chapters of Flirting with Forever now! Go to https://www.kayekennedy.com/hunter

[Jillian Blizzard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a stuff your kindle day success! The hot guy on the cover caught my eye when I was trolling through the free books and the synopsis had me intrigued. This is a spin-off series to one of Kaye’s initial series- I haven’t read those and other than to see how the characters initially met I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. This plot was so good! It was fast paced, the characters were fleshed out well, and the fake dating turned romance was really sweet. There are some triggers (drug use, human trafficking), but I found they were well written and not overly descriptive. The spice was okay, the dialogue during the spice was a bit awkward but it doesn’t carry through the rest of the book. I can not wait to read her other series about the firefighters and to continue on this series.

[Jessica Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As seen on my blog (Jessie's Reading Corner):
Flirting with Forever is Kaye Kennedy’s first novel in her Flirting with the Finest series and is a spin-off of her Burning for the Bravest series. This story about broke me; I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading it!

Hunter Albanese is an NYPD Detective working with the Special Investigations Task Force. We actually meet him in Kaye’s books, Burning for More and Burning for Trouble. When they have the opportunity to bring down the Russian mafia, Hunter goes under as an arms dealer. Lauren Powers helps out at Domestic Violence shelters, helping battered women rebuild their lives after leaving their abusive husbands. We previously met Lauren in Burning for Her as she is Zoe’s sister who they (Ryan and Zoe) helped get into rehab for her drug addiction. When Lauren accidentally stumbles upon Hunter’s undercover case, Hunter brings her in to keep her safe. The stakes only get higher when feelings get in the way and Hunter gets pulled in deeper and deeper into the investigation.

While I’m not really sure how much to say since this book is a week old and I don’t want to spoil it, I do want to say that I loved the dynamic of Hunter and Lauren together. I loved that they could rely on each other and overlook the other’s dark pasts. I loved watching them fall in love with each. I really liked the glimpses we got of the other characters from Kaye’s Burning for the Bravest series. It was a nice break from the heaviness of the investigation.

Overall this was a good first story in the world of NYPD’s finest and I can’t wait to see what she has in store next.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the first book in the new series. The characters were complex, well developed and intense. The story was amazing. I steer clear of mafia tropes, but had to make an exception for this author. The story was funny, steamy and an emotional rollercoaster with the requisite happy ending. Highly recommend.

Lauren Powers is over 900 days clean and sober. She is working in a women's shelter. Zoe, her older sister, is an RN and very protective of her. She has met Hunter several times at mutual friends functions and considers him a friend.

Hunter Albanese is an undercover detective in the Special Investigations Task Force. He is also an MMA fighter and trains at Declan's gym. Speaking fluent Russian and Ukrainian, he is handpicked to be on a task force looking to take down the Vosstaniye Bratva headed by Ivan Sokolovs. After his initial meeting with Ivan at his restaurant, they bump into Lauren out front. Hunter (aka Oleksander Kasan) pretends Lauren is his girlfriend to protect her from Ivan. Ivan invites them to dinner and later decides to partner with Olek. After passing his initial test, Olek is brought deeper into the Bratva workings. Lauren decides to keep pretending to be Olek's girlfriend when she meets an abused woman trying to leave her mobster husband. As they get more involved in the investigation, their feelings turn real and they fall in love. Lauren is targeted by Ivan but Hunter is able to get her medical help in the nick of time. The task force completes its mission, but Hunter chooses to leave it. He and Lauren are able to reconnect at a charity boxing match and get their HEA.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful and super engaging read. I loved how Lauren and Hunter/Olek were first casual friends among a large group of friends. When Lauren stumbles into Hunter while he is undercover as Olek he is very protective of her and immediately claims her as his girlfriend. As Lauren becomes more untangled in his undercover assignment these two have time to really get to know each other.

The undercover assignment is suspenseful and full of some unexpected occurrences. The entire story is captivating and entertaining. This was my first book by the author, but the side characters who make appearances and are friends or family to both Lauren and Hunter are appealing and make me want to read her precious books.

Suspenseful and super engaging read. I loved how Lauren and Hunter/Olek were first casual friends among a large group of friends. When Lauren stumbles into Hunter while he is undercover as Olek he is very protective of her and immediately claims her as his girlfriend. As Lauren becomes more untangled in his undercover assignment these two have time to really get to know each other.

The undercover assignment is suspenseful and full of some unexpected occurrences. The entire story is captivating and entertaining. This was my first book by the author, but the side characters who make appearances and are friends or family to both Lauren and Hunter are appealing and make me want to read her precious books.

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

[Debby (Alwaysbooking) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely the book trope of close proximity. The main characters already knew each other previously through friends but Hunter was giving Lauren space because she didn't want to date for personal reasons. I respect a man who doesn't encroach on someone who is growing as a person and doesn't want to date at a specific time in their life. I loved the plot of this book, the growth of the characters. I didn't read the firefighters series that Kaye wrote but now I am very interested to go back and read through them since the guys/girls were highlighted in this book.

Hunter is an amazing guy he would go leaps and bounds for anyone no matter if he knows you personally or not. He seems to know when Lauren needs space or when she needs someone close. Towards the end of the book there is a very stressful moment, then it's touching, then for a chapter or so it's heart wrenching... then yah know how HEA's go.

Lauren has a harder life than Hunter so her story is a little more complicated but I love how she turned her life around and she is doing something amazing with her life. The situation she gets into with Hunter is so stressful for her but she handles it with as much grace as she can. I love that her family is ready to look out for her at a moments notice.

I really like this authors writing and would read another book by her.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Special Investigation Task Force Series which is a spinoff from the Burning for the Bravest series. You don't have to read that series to enjoy this book but if you have you will recognize Hunter and Lauren. You will also see some of the characters from that series pop into this book. I recommend reading the Burning for the Bravest series first because it's full of hot swoony firefighters and Kaye Kennedy writes an excellent story.

Holy Wow! This book was awesome. I'd honestly give it more than five stars if I could. Ms. Kennedy had me going through all the feels. Keep a box of tissues close there will be some tears. If you don’t cry you've got better control of your emotions, then I do. Hunter and Lauren's story is full of action and steam and heart. Hunter's struggle with the horrors he sees on the job and Lauren's struggles with addiction were what got me. Be prepared for a story you just can't put down.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[K Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unconditional Love in the Truest Form

Hunter and Lauren have jaded pasts, but even through the direst of life’s unexpected journeys, true love finds a way! Hunter’s life as an undercover agent is definitely not one for most of us, but for him, it a way to redeem himself and try to do good to make up for things he did in his past that still haunt him. Lauren is on a new life path to try to find her true self without addictive influences. When she and Hunter meet again, initial feelings that were there when they first met resurface, and between their passions to help others combined with their passion for each other, we are taken on a wonderful trip of intrigue, suspense, and true love that will keep us believing that true love truly can overcome all that tries to block true happiness!
I love reading Kaye Kennedy’s stories, feeling invested with the characters and the believability in their life stories! This is a must-read that will have you invested in the characters’ lives and keep you reading to the last page!

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book!

Flirting with Forever is Book 1 of the Flirting With The Finest series by Kaye Kennedy & @authorkayekenndy is a new to me author. Hunter (a cop) & Lauren (a sober drug addict) meet at a wedding & decide it's not the right time for with of them to date. A year later Lauren stumbles into Hunter’s investigation. Hunter says she is his girlfriend to save her from the Bratva. They end up moving in together while they are undercover for this job to take down the Bratva. The Bratva finds out Lauren helps someone get away from an abusive husband & made her shoot up heroin with fentanyl. Hunter finds her, they rush her to ER & Lauren tells him he needs to leave since she broke her over 3 years of sobriety. She enters rehab while Hunter finishes the undercover job. Hunter brings down the Bratva ring. Lauren completed the rehab program. They spend some time apart while Lauren heals. Lauren goes to one of Hunter's MMA fights & they get back together. They get married & live happily ever after. This was a fantastic book!

[Floraljoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes your breath away:
Wow, this book took me on a wild yet totally enjoyable ride. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I devoured it, only coming up for air when I absolutely had to!
I liked how the investigation and suspense was a dominating feature yet the romance aspects weren't neglected at all. In fact I loved how you could really feel the push and pull between Hunter and Lauren. They were perfect for each other.
I found it quite difficult to read at times due to the disturbing subject matter of human trafficking and forced drug use, yet I appreciated that it wasn't too dark. I thought everything was well researched and was well balanced so that the plot flowed smoothly. Overall a great start to an exciting new series and I liked that it ties into the Burning for the Bravest series but it could easily be read as a standalone too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Romance Suspense book and this beats the cake!!! Flirting with Forever is Kaye Kennedy’s first novel in her Flirting with the Finest series and is a new author for me. Definitely adding her to my favorite author list that I go to for reading material.. This story did me in as I was on the edge of my seat waiting to turn the page. I started reading early in the morning and forgot about lunch I was so into the book. The two main characters Hunter and Lauren met at a friends wedding and even though there was chemistry between them he decided they should only be friends. As time passed Lauren accidentally got involved in the middle of his undercover operation and Hunter declared that she was his girlfriend. Need to read to find out what happens. I highly recommend reading this book for those that love a good romantic suspense book.

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

[Cindy Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense and Chemistry go hand in hand

Hunter and Lauren met at a friends wedding and while there were sparks he decided to keep it as friends.
As time passed Lauren stumbled into the middle of his undercover operation. He refers to her as a girlfriend. While this is a fake relationship, Hunter falls for her and is determined to make this real. There is a lot of action and suspense in this story and Lauren finds herself in a very dangerous situation.
I loved the pace and suspense level in this story. I also think the author did a great job keeping Lauren determined to stay true to herself. Lauren never allowed Hunter to sway her determination to save another woman even when it put her in danger.
I look forward to reading the next story. This author is a definite must read!

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a bit sceptical when I started the book because the beginning struck me as a bit slow. But the story is like a rollercoaster that needs to be dragged up first before it can shoot down and around. After setting the scene it will spin you around, make your stomach drop and threaten to give you whiplash. Hunter is a great, strong hero, but Lauren is an even better, stronger heroine. Together, they are amazing. The story doesn't just have suspense, it has strong emotions, there is danger and violence but there is also friendship and love. Super start to a new series and I am very much looking forward to the next book.

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

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful that I've been having issues in letting Hunter and Lauren go.
Great characters, great background, great development of the story. The Author has a way of writing that drag you into the story since pag 1 and don't let you go until the very end. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
I had a special connection with Lauren and her past experience, I really liked her and the strength she shows through all this addicting story, above all at the very end.
I think that, through her, the author want to tell to all the women that, no matter how many times the life can hit us, we can always find in ourselves the strength and the power to rise again.
This is a must read.
Thanks Kaye for this book.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An obvious indication of a very good book is when you continue to think it about hours after turning the last page. Flirting With Forever makes you think about the characters and their difficult journey for happiness and peace. Lauren struggles everyday with overcoming her addictions and how easy it would be to slip back into her old ways. To atone for the mistakes she made in her own life, she tries to give back helping domestic abuse victims, but this time the price may be too high. Hunter is also trying to make his life right by going undercover and breaking up a sex trafficking ring led by the Russian Bratva. The toll it takes and the things he has to deal with on a daily basis is horrific and is done without recognition. Fantastic story and very emotional.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter and Lauren meet at a wedding and click but he works undercover for NYPD Task Force so wants to keep it more friendly. When she walks into his operation, he lets everyone know she is his girlfriend so she stays safe. The relationship builds way past friends and he gets deeper into the operation. She works with domestic violence and she proves she can handle a lot of what she sees and hears. Working together forms an even tighter bond which was wonderful to read. The characters are smart, trust each other, have great banter and intense heat. The storyline has plenty of twists, surprises, drama, suspense and romance. Loved the way the story hooks you right from the start. Well done.

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

[Cyndie Tomkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollercoaster ride

Thisxis the 1st book in this series, but has ties with the burning series. Here we get Hunter and Laurens story. We met them previously in the burning series, but get more in depth of Laurens past with addiction, and follow Hunter in one of his undercover operations. Lauren ends up becoming involved in his case due to outside circumstances, but it defense puts her into a world, that as a recovering addict is playing with fire. Hunter does everything in his power to protect her, but she is determined to help him do his job, but also help another voctom. There were definitely some tough parts to read in this book. The ending for these two was awesome

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review

This was my second book by Kaye Kennedy and I’m becoming a fast fan. This book started a bit slow for me and I didn’t really get into it until like a quarter way into it. But then I couldn’t put it down.

I loved how it had both a really engaging storyline and then the blooming romance between Hunter and Lauren. I really felt like their romance matched them as characters, it wasn’t straight forward and it had bumps a long the road, but for them I felt that it had to be that way.

I will definitely be reading more books by Kaye Kennedy.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undercover Dangers . . .

This is an intriguing, suspenseful story line. NYPD Detective Hunter Albanese is on a Special Investigations Task Force going after the Russian mafia. Lauren Powers helps women who have been abused in starting new lives. But Lauren accidentally intrudes on Hunter’s undercover operation and he claimed her as his girlfriend. That was the wrong move since it puts her in bigger danger. He has also fallen for her and wants to find a way to convince her they are for real and forever. Can he get her safely away from the Russians? Is there a HEA hiding anywhere in this dangerous scenario?

[Heather Nakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than Kennedy’s Burning Series

Wow. No. Let me stew on that. Nope. Going for WOW. This book takes highs and lows to all new levels. And covers so many troupes. Want fake fiancé? Check. Want Mafia? Check. Want men in uniform? Check, sorta. Definitely a police presence but the actual uniforms aren’t there. Want friends to lovers? Check. Yep.it’s all there, ready for you to dive in. Secrets. Lies. Romance. All in one read. If you aren’t crying towards the end, then you are one tough nut to crack. Can’t wait to see what Kaye Kennedy dishes up next.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Flirting with the Finest series is off with a bang! Kaye Kennedy took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. This slow-burn contains the steam and swoon of a romance with the suspense of an undercover operation trying to take down the Russian mafia. Hunter and Lauren are great together and this book took me on quite the journey.

I highly recommend!

"This wasn't merely a kiss. It was a vow to give her my heart, and a promise to keep hers safe forever."

[Savannah Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally charged but INCREDIBLE

Kaye just absolutely outdid herself, and I didn't even know that was possible! Hunter has been a mysterious, delicious, charming man from the moment we met him, and getting to know him was a total dream! This book is going to rip your heart out, make you question everything you thought you knew, and then put you back together again. 5x5 stars y'all! Just wow!!!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Hunter and Lauren met at a wedding and a year later she stumbles into his investigation. The book is gritty and hard to put down. Please be aware some topics in the book may be hard to read about but I liked the realism it added to the book. It wasn't an easy road for Hunter and Lauren but they did end up happily together. The best is the bad guys were caught thanks to Hunter and Lauren.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional, heartfelt story that tackles some heavy topics. Lauren & Hunter are likable characters. Hunter is a multilingual special investigator and protective in nature. Lauren is a strong heroine with a big heart. The plot is slow-building, and you can tell Kennedy put a lot of thought into it. Plus, it’s a series starter, so the set-up is thorough. I appreciate the helpful resources and suggestions Kennedy includes in the back for addiction and human trafficking.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Flirting with the Finest series a suspense story that kept me turning pages. Hunter Albanese a detective on the NYPD’s Special Investigations Task Force and Lauren Powers' story of an undercover investigation of the Vosstaniye Bratva he is working and she gets drawn into by accident. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, villains, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I've read written by Kaye Kennedy; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the 1st book in the Flirting with the Finest Series. Hunter is on an undercover investigation when Lauren gets caught up so to protect her and keep from blowing his cover he claims she’s his girlfriend.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren and Hunter give us a great story. We get second chances, romantic suspense, close proximity and friends to lovers their story is action packed, filled with suspense, and filled with well developed characters. Lauren's background is filled with heavy baggage. The emotions run high. Hunter's job is hard and is life sucking but very fulfilling m. This is nicely written and full of details.

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

[Katie Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Your past made you into this incredible woman whose desire to help others supersedes her own needs." His lips grazed my forehead. "And I love every single piece of what makes you, you."

An undercover detective in deep with the Russian mafia and the girl who caught his eye? A gripping romantic suspense full of sparks. I loved how they were both able to overcome their own struggles and find happiness.

[NoodleSkadoodle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was enjoying the book until about 70% and then it went downhill. heroine ended up being too stupid to live and then she blamed the hero for everything she got herself into. IDK, had potential and then just fell flat. Also the author couldn't seem to make up her mind if this was going to be a romance or thrill/suspense book. I'd say about 70% of the book is thriller/suspense and about 30% romance.

[Ava Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first, but not my last.

If you're on Booktok, like me, you've seen dozens of Kaye's TikTok videos, teasing about her books. Of course, I had to jump at reading one, and I'm so happy I did! As someone who has been having a hard time getting stuck in a book, I was pleasantly surprised by Kaye's story, and I look forward to the next. Hunter was easy to fall in love with, and Lauren was easy to root for. Can't wait to start the next!