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From bestselling author Dr. Rebecca Sharp comes a sexy, surprise pregnancy romantic suspense...

Jackson Pyle breathes by the rules. From SEAL team to Covington Security, he lives for catching bad guys. But everyone has their breaking point—and a pile of dead-end leads in a string of high-profile robberies is his.

Isla Keyes should’ve looked the other way when the man towering over the bar caught her eye. Sure, big, beautiful, and broody were her kryptonite. But Jackson stands on the right side of the law. And with her family’s line of work, she should’ve steered clear… but she couldn’t.

After one incredible night, they went their separate ways. Until that robbery case turns into something far more dangerous. And when one clue leads Jackson to the local flower shop, he’s faced with the woman he can’t stop thinking about—and the secrets she’s been keeping.

Jackson demands answers, but the truth Isla gives him is something he never expected—she’s pregnant. With his baby.

One night broke all the rules and branded them for a lifetime. Now, they’ll have to bridge opposite sides of the law if they want to stop a killer and save their future.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 24, 2022

599 people are currently reading
1120 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Sharp

72 books2,696 followers
Rebecca 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!

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5 stars
1,270 (61%)
4 stars
609 (29%)
3 stars
175 (8%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
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10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Lightening.
580 reviews
March 30, 2022
I have been waiting for this one since we first got introduced to Jackson! This one night stand turned surprise pregnancy kept me on my toes the whole time. Add in some family secrets, a crime spree and some seriously spicy moments and you’re in for a ride. I couldn’t stop reading. Getting to see this strong and silent type of man fall in love with the sweet, town florist was so sweet. I love how Sharp is expanding Carmel Cove!
Profile Image for Gladys Cross.
Author 14 books147 followers
May 10, 2022
This one I loved. As usual suspense, romance, and steam. This one was an unplanned pregnancy plot but trust me guys, it did nothing to detract from the hotness.
Profile Image for kelly.
649 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2023
jackson is such a sweet man under all that grumpiness. the moment he finds out isla is pregnant, he buys all the pregnancy books he can find, brings her to all her appointments, helps her out with her floral deliveries and gives her foot massages.

“I’m sure that I’ve lived a lot of places that never felt like home.” “But your house does?” “No.” His head tipped. “You do.”

“Is there a flower that can drug you with its scent?” I inhaled her sweetness, my mouth salivating to have a taste. “Wha—” Another gasp. “N-No. Not by scent.” My chest rumbled. There was now. “How about by eating it?”
“Well, add yourself to the list,” I ordered, tipping my head up so I could look at her. “Species, Isla. Genus, Keyes.” “And Family?” My lip twitched. “Mine.”

“I love you, Izzy, more than every goddamn thing except our daughter. And if you’d give me your forever, it will save me from breaking every law to always be with you.” She nodded and pulled me to her, crashing her tear-soaked lips to mine. “I love you,” she cried into our kiss. “And my forever has always been yours.”
72 reviews
March 15, 2022
I’ve waited for Jackson’s story since getting a glimpse of him in The Winter Games series. From the 1st page I couldn’t put it down. Jackson and Izzy’s sparks flew off the pages. They both have to overcome a lot of preconceived family ties but in the end love wins! This series is awesome and each new book brings us more Covington family to fall in love with. A truly amazing book! . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria (Ri).
5,137 reviews15 followers
April 3, 2022
4.4 stars

This cast of characters feels like family. I'm always excited when I see a new story, regardless of whether it is from the Covington Security or the Carmel Cove family. The author does a great job of making it seamless as she traverses suspense and romance.

As a florist, I loved seeing it play a pivotal part of this story. I loved the name Fleurtations for a floral shop name. Great addition of new characters that I hope will allow more stories to be told in the future by way of Isla's siblings. My only complaint was that it didn't really give much of a resolution or closure with Jackson's family and his wealth.

Great hint at what is to come next with Roman.
Profile Image for Caroline F.
2,393 reviews52 followers
August 21, 2022
Loved Jackson and Isla’s story!

”My needy sigh crashed into his hungry growl an instant before his lips branded themselves to mine.”

Jackson Pyle and Isla Keyes share a one-time-only unforgettable night together. Neither is looking for more, as their respective family secrets deter them from pursuing anything more, even though neither can forget that night. When a case brings Jackson to Isla’s door, he comes away with answers to questions he didn’t ask. As they navigate through their new circumstances, both are about to break their own rules.

”You bloomed every night for me. Every time I closed my eyes, you were what blossomed in the darkness.”

I loved this story! Jackson lives by rules - it’s how he controls his life - but I adored how Isla broke him down bit by bit, and how quickly he comes to realise that she and their baby are his future. Isla is sweet, loyal and strong. I adored how her relationship with Jackson grew - not just because of the baby but because they wanted each other, too. This story was hot, well-written, and had a great plot.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
Profile Image for Hily.
254 reviews16 followers
November 28, 2023
The (second) best one in this series for sure
42 reviews
March 21, 2022
This was hands down my favorite book so far in the Covington Security series. the instant heat that started in the epilogue of the previous book was on-point at the start of this book. Then I got to watch as both Isla and Jackson worked through personal struggles as they also were navigating their own struggle together. I couldn't help but root for them to figure it all out and come out stronger. Each obstacle was faced in a way that was relatable and real. By the end of this book, I was beyond rooting for the HEA. They faced their struggles alone, but leaned on family and in the end learned to lean on one another.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ♥ WishfulMiss ♥ .
1,433 reviews115 followers
March 29, 2022
This was such a well written romance with suspense, plenty of heat and two characters that you instantly want to a) befriend, b) root for and c) wish you were in their shoes.

Jackson and Isla give in to one night of passion, both of them used to being alone and having accepted that that's their lot in life.

Except things don't always go according to plan and Jackson finds himself face to face with Isla again, three months later and the baby bump she's sporting isn't a hallucination.

These two were so unique and straightforward in their dealings with each other. I loved that the surprise baby trope wasn't cliched and that both MCs were adult enough to talk about things and how they both wanted to move forward. It wasn't sordid or dramatic. It was open and honest.

Their baby was a fact but it wasn't the driving force for these two to be together. They both are insanely attracted to each other both inside the bedroom and out of it. They have complex family ties that have steered their lives a certain way and when they find each other, they both have to navigate the changes falling in love brings them.

Isla and Jackson's love story is unique, heartfelt, steamy and memorable. I loved every minute of reading this story and can't wait to read more of Covington Security and hopefully a spin off of the Vigilantes MCs *fingers crossed*

Highly recommend!

* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.


SAFETY INFO:
72 reviews
April 6, 2022
alright book with inconsistencies

This book was…okay. There were several inconsistencies. One moment Jackson had a sports car and when you turned the page they were in an SUV. Same with her brother. One minute they were getting into his truck and the next page, he was driving off on a motorcycle. Those inconsistencies drive me crazy. Especially when it’s in the same chapter. A lot of the conversations were also hard to deal with. Almost every chapter at least one conversation between characters contained some sort of inspirational quote. People DON’T talk like that in real life. It wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, but I probably won’t be reading anymore by this author.
Profile Image for Christine Davis.
53 reviews
October 11, 2023
I just could not get into this book. I ended up skipping ahead to the ending. I just didn't feel any connection between the characters and the story was very blah. I have liked other books in this series but this book was extremely lacking.
Profile Image for A.
349 reviews
April 2, 2022
It was fine just not my style of genre or anything. Barley read. Skimmed majorly
1,533 reviews
March 29, 2022
Isla (Izzie) Keyes and Jackson Pyle, for all intents and purposes, shouldn't have happened. He stands firmly on the right side of the law, and her family skirts the law in order to bring victims the justice they deserve. At Addy and Ace's wedding, she has her eye on Jackson, and when Jo introduces them, their romance is a foregone conclusion. Izzie is hesitant, but Jackson is relentless, all in a good way. Out on the dance floor, they immediately clicked and, for one night, they were locked into their own little world. But one night would never be enough and it proved to be just the beginning of their story. It must have been a defective condom, or something like that, and Izzie and Jackson need to talk, since she's three months pregnant with his baby. For her own unknown reasons, she tells him that he doesn't have to make his decision right away about what he wants to do about raising the baby and, instead, she gives him her phone number. I wanted to slap her and tell her to get her head on straight! But, in the back of her mind, she knew where she stood wasn't on the same side of the law as Jackson and there would be no chance for them to work. The mystery surrounding the burglaries and murder keeps growing and it soon hits home. Secrets and lies come out and the repercussions are going to change everything. The ending is filled with tension but is definitely happy! This book is very well-written and the characters are complex and quite complicated. The pace is consistent from the first page to the last and Branded is an extremely enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
March 27, 2022
Isla and Jackson are determined to not have a relationship in their lives but they did allow themselves a smoking one-night stand together. For Isla, she is passionate about flowers and her family which has her helping them with some unorthodox missions. For Jackson, he works to uphold the law and sees everything as black or white. But when Isla realizes she is pregnant, well, it shakes Jackson, a man who never saw a family in his future. The one thing you can depend on is that Jackson doesn’t break his promises and won’t turn away from his duties. I loved getting to know the struggles Jackson faced as a child and the lack of a role model he had for a father, it really explained his singular focus for doing right. Isla needs to know that Jackson isn’t just with her for the baby while she has to protect her brother’s secret. Jackson is busy trying to solve a series of robberies as he is trying to romance Isla and figure out how to be a father. I love the Covington Securities crew and the family that they’ve created in Carmel Cove. Each book delivers the passion and suspense to keep me entertained. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jacqui Reads Van.
150 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2022
I adored the Covington Security series, and this book is no exception. I absolutely loved reading Branded.

Jason is a rule follower and Isla bends the rules for justice and her family!
Isla is passionate about flowers, and it is through her business that she helps her family with some unorthodox assignments in the name of justice.

Because of their families, Isla and Jackson are determined to not have a relationship, but they did allow themselves a hot one night stand together, which results in Isla becoming pregnant.
She is determined to have the baby on her own. But when Jackson is investigating a theory on a burglary, he goes to her shop and discovers she is pregnant.

Jackson never saw a family in his future, but Jackson won’t shy away from his duties. We get to see the struggles Jackson faced as a child with his own father and this explains his focus on honour and duty. But Isla needs to know that Jackson isn’t just with her just for the baby.
We see incredible chemistry between them.

The climax was fantastic. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for mk meow.
469 reviews
February 19, 2025
3🌶️

FMC, florist, and MMC, ex-SEAL now security investigator, have ONS at wedding of his coworker, her friend + her flowers.

3 mo later, he's investigating a robbery and notices flowers there. From her shop. He's wanted to see her, but the ONS line was stopping him. So he goes to her shop RE his investigation. And sees that she's got a tiny bump. And yes, it's his. And he can decide, but she's keeping it and doesn't require anything of him.

He works on relationship building. She insists co parenting only.

Her brothers are ex- Berets, now motorcycle mechanics, MC members, and on the side they steal incriminating evidence from people and turn it in so they get caught. Dog fighting, human trafficking, etc.

He's ex-military, working, but also inherited billions and is CEO of family petrol company since his dad died. His brother is jealous, and a drug & alcohol addict.

So, his brother hired a hit on his neighbor. Planning he'll be next. Since there was a robbery (her brothers) down his street.

In the middle of all this she has placenta previa, his bro kidnaps her, and she confesses about her brothers.

HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amber.
624 reviews28 followers
March 29, 2022
Going into a book by Rebecca, I never truly know what to expect, but I really like the way she can incorporate just the right amount of heart, spice and suspense. The Carmel Cove universe is one of my absolute favorites to re-visit. Sometimes when an author creates such a large universe with a lot of different characters I find it harder to enjoy the stories as the series goes on because they try to incorporate every character they've previously written into every single story. Sometimes it becomes a bit too much to follow. I don't ever have this issue with Rebecca's novels. She seems to be able to blend the entire town together seamlessly and makes it really easy to follow. Jackson and Isla's story is one of my favorites from Carmel Cove. The way he instantly knew and acknowledged that she was pregnant with his child, and he didn't go off the rails or run from her despite his previous thoughts that he didn't want a family (or that he shouldn't have a family) made me so happy. I loved seeing him just immediately step up and do the right thing. Same with Isla. She had to make a hard choice herself when it came to her siblings and her new family with Jackson. I just really loved these two together and I look forward to seeing more of them in the next book of the series.
1,066 reviews
March 29, 2022
I think this is a me thing to be fair as I have enjoyed the series this far since it launched as part of an anthology ages ago but this one didn’t resonate with me as much.
The characters have remained interesting with their various quirks and big personalities.

I liked Jackson and Isla as individuals and found their meet up, interactions and love story an enjoyable read and the underlying Covington security story was engaging and brought back much liked characters from the previous books.

I’m just not sure if it was the surprise baby thing (my least favourite of all possible tropes) or something else that didn’t just click with me about this book but I turned the last page and felt a little “meh” despite the hea and the tight wrap up of the storyline.

I’m still in for the rest of the series though and hope my Covington mojo comes back in full force .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
91 reviews
March 30, 2022
Branded was my introduction to Dr. Sharp’s Covington Security series. The fifth book focuses on Jackson Pyle and Isla Keyes, the owner of Fleurtations and creator of some unique floral arrangements. At the wedding of a mutual friend, both indulge in their undeniable attraction, which provided the foundation for their story.

As their story plays out, both harbor secrets, which keep them from acknowledging their growing feelings for each other. Eventually, they overcome their fears culminating in their happily ever after.

As this was my first book I’ve read of Dr. Sharp, I was struck with the meaning behind the use of flowers and how it was key in Isla’s part as it relates to her involvement with her brothers. The precise details of her flower shop and how it was a lush backdrop to a memorable romantic scene between Jackson and Isla made this book a definite page-turner.

I look forward to the upcoming installations of her Covington Security series.
6,527 reviews27 followers
March 28, 2022
I love this series and like all the previous books in the series this is the perfect combination of drama and suspense with a super hot dose of romance

Jackson Pyle always follows the rules the was a stellar Seal and now he is a member of Covington Security and is on the trail of a robber. Maybe he is the way he is because he had a rough child hood and this way of living gives him control. Control he loses when he is faced with Isla Keyes who he meets and cannot resist which leads to one super hot night of passion Then they each go their separate ways That is until he reconnects and learns the secret she has been keeping she is pregnant with his child. With no father figure in his childhood can he be the father he needs to be and can they have a future when her family loyalty pouts them firmly ion two opposites sides. You will have to read to see
Profile Image for ELRuss24.
41 reviews
March 29, 2022
Stoic Jackson finally let’s go and gets more then he could have ever imagined. While shy Isla finally does something for herself.
I loved the telling of their story. Finally seeing the side of Jackson that we all knew was there. The ever knowing secret strength of Izzy and her ability to love no matter what.
With a lot of laughs, some magic moments with true friends and strong family bonds I was swept away in the engaging HEA.
I recommend this read to those of you who need a good book boyfriend. Because Jackson is the ultimate good guy that despite his blinders finds his way beyond the black and white of good versus bad. It’s true that sometimes doing good isn’t always doing it right.
But no worries because this story did everything right and you will enjoy every word.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jenny Jackson.
1,254 reviews8 followers
March 30, 2022
5 stars

Dr. Rebecca Sharp really has a way with words. Every time I pick up one of her books I find it impossible to put it down. And this book was no different. I was hooked from the prologue. Jackson and Izzy had some pretty big hurdles to face in order to make their relationship work and I absolutely fell in love with both of them. They were both very strong characters with strong opinions about how to make the world a better place. Izzy had a family who loved her and she would do anything to protect that love. But Jackson never had a good family life. His character development, from lone wolf to incredible partner and father was heartwarming. And I always love that the title of the book has a meaning that is revealed in the book.

This was a great story, kept my attention and had just the right amount of steam, romance, suspense, and humor.
Profile Image for JanFromNJ.
741 reviews9 followers
October 2, 2023
Jackson. Isla. One night. And everything changed for them both.

The Covington Security series continues with Jackson’s story - a one night stand that results in a surprise pregnancy. But what’s really shocking is the man who’s sworn off from relationships, family, just everything, discovers that Izzy may just be the unexpected everything he needs.

There’s suspense and drama throughout again with this book 5 in the series and it’s all a page turner once more. I loved Jackson and Izzy and the conflicts Izzy had between her love and loyalty to her brothers and sister and her looming desire for more with Jackson. I ached for Jackson and his struggles with past family drama, bleeding into the present. They had to work for their HEA for sure.

This series continues to captivate.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
November 30, 2023
The romance in the air at Addy and Ace’s wedding was all the incentive operative Jackson Pyle and florist Isla Keyes needed to act on the attraction they’d been trying to ignore. Isla was insistent they have one night, no encore, no strings, no obligations. Though he’d wanted to see her, Jackson followed Isla’s rules but when he went to her shop to get information on a burglary case, it was evident there was responsibility to undertake. Isla grudgingly gives Jackson a bit of leeway.

Jackson’s poor relationships with his family keep him from sharing them with Isla while years ago, Isla chose her family above all else and can’t share much about them without hurting everyone. Jackson and the baby complicate things. Meanwhile, burglaries of wealthy homes have become deadly and the team think they’re closing in on the culprits.
Rating: 4.5stars
Profile Image for Lisa D.
1,079 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2022
I have enjoyed the Covington Security series and this book is no exception. Isla and Jackson are terrific together. Even though they weren't expecting each other, their love was incredible to read as it grew. Great chemistry between them. I really enjoyed how Jackson softened as the story progressed. He had been so hurt by his family that to see him as he accepted his Covington Security colleagues as his family was great. The climax was fantastic. The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars was that it dragged in the beginning. Once it hit the 50% mark, the story just flew but getting there was a little too detailed and drawn out, at least for me.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for FANCHON.
804 reviews25 followers
March 29, 2022
Izzy and Jackson steal the “favorite couple” spot!

This book is everything!! Wowza, it has taken the top spot for best in the series imo. I loved Izzy and Jackson together. One hot night together changes everything for them both, and they both start seeing a future neither thought they would ever have. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, suspense, some family drama, loads of steam and 🔥, plenty of swoon, and an awesome cast of supporting characters. Both are fortunate to have some awesome people in their corner. Carmel Cove is clearly the place to be! I’m in love with Izzy’s brothers, and definitely loved the mentions of other Carmel Cove residents. This will certainly be hard to top as the series favorite.
809 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2022
Cannot get better, already AWESOME!

Honestly, Dr. Sharp, you simply had me convinced nothing could beat Ace and Abby's story. And, nothing has because as each member of Covington Security has fallen, their stories are just as terrific as Ace and Abby's.
Yet, it is impressive how each novel not only has some terrific twists, but truly delves into the main characters and their humanity, as well as the reasons for why they are, in Jackson and Isla's case black and white and grey, respectively.
Another well written novel, with so much packed in, with so much feeling, one simply cannot put down. Nor, can a reader wait for the next Covington Security installment!
Jackson and Isla's novel was stunning!

Loved!

Karen
251 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2022
I love everything about the Covington Security books and this book was no different. I just love all the characters and how they flow through the series. I have waited for the story of Jackson and it was worth the wait. Honestly Jackson is the definition of a book boyfriend. The way he steps up the second he finds out the unexpected news with Isla is just so sweet. I love how they come together and work through their family issues and love how her brother's help in the end as well. There is family drama, crime, romance and a ton of heat. You will not regret reading this book! While it can be read as a stand alone I highly recommend you read the first 4 books in this series first to truly know all the character's in this one.
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