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NightShade Security #1
Definitely Not Meant to Be
“How long have you been in love with your best friend?”
Godric
I accepted long ago that I couldn’t have all of the things I wanted in life.
Growing up in the way I did, I would be a fool to get my hopes up.
But even with that knowledge, I couldn’t resist.
I was helpless not to fall into the orbit that was my best friend.
When a new partnership between our bosses throws us together, I do my best to keep my distance.
No need for him to know just how deep my feelings run.
Especially not when he’s as straight as they come.
Cohen
So, I should probably tell my boss that working with my best friend isn’t the best idea.
Godric is a distraction… the best kind since I realized I was into men too.
Only, my job with NightShade means I have to stay focused.
Danger lurks around every corner and I need to be at my best to stop it.
A new client and a special assignment give me just the escape I need.
Except, instead of one of my teammates coming, Tank sends Godric to help.
How am I going to focus with him around?
Definitely Not Meant to Be features a protection gig gone wrong, two best friends who can’t keep their hands to themselves, and some action packed settings. There’s a heavy dose of steam, some violence, and witty banter between characters. This is book one of the NightShade Security series. Every couple gets their own book. It features characters from Club Deny and Princess Pen Pals, though you do not need to read those first to follow along.
Godric
I accepted long ago that I couldn’t have all of the things I wanted in life.
Growing up in the way I did, I would be a fool to get my hopes up.
But even with that knowledge, I couldn’t resist.
I was helpless not to fall into the orbit that was my best friend.
When a new partnership between our bosses throws us together, I do my best to keep my distance.
No need for him to know just how deep my feelings run.
Especially not when he’s as straight as they come.
Cohen
So, I should probably tell my boss that working with my best friend isn’t the best idea.
Godric is a distraction… the best kind since I realized I was into men too.
Only, my job with NightShade means I have to stay focused.
Danger lurks around every corner and I need to be at my best to stop it.
A new client and a special assignment give me just the escape I need.
Except, instead of one of my teammates coming, Tank sends Godric to help.
How am I going to focus with him around?
Definitely Not Meant to Be features a protection gig gone wrong, two best friends who can’t keep their hands to themselves, and some action packed settings. There’s a heavy dose of steam, some violence, and witty banter between characters. This is book one of the NightShade Security series. Every couple gets their own book. It features characters from Club Deny and Princess Pen Pals, though you do not need to read those first to follow along.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2022
204 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
dnf
March 16, 2025DNF @ 20%
Yet another "first book in a series" with a whole bunch of characters and events from other books that make you feel lost from the get go. I wasn't enjoying the prose/writing either, so it's a DNF for me.
Yet another "first book in a series" with a whole bunch of characters and events from other books that make you feel lost from the get go. I wasn't enjoying the prose/writing either, so it's a DNF for me.
September 7, 2024
I love this series!!!
Reading all of A. W. Scott’s books are a must. Club Deny led me to this action packed story that’s a little darker but still smoking hot. And there is a beautiful HEA too.
Reading all of A. W. Scott’s books are a must. Club Deny led me to this action packed story that’s a little darker but still smoking hot. And there is a beautiful HEA too.
May 11, 2022
Wow, what an awesome book! It certainly is a 180 degree turn from what the author typically writes. She writes great books but this one was really awesome! It was a page-turner for me! I had to keep going to get to the end! It would make a great thriller romance Hallmark TV movie for sure! The action was intense in addition to the heat between the 2 MCs. Definitely worth the time to read it! It’s the 1st book in the NightShade Security series. It’s recommended that this book be read before reading the next one because the minor characters in this one will be the major characters in the next one.
Like I said, it’s a thriller where Godric, a security guy for a club was contracted to work with his best friend, Cohen through a security company. They had to work together to keep a guy who was wanted by a bad organization safe. The thing is they had feelings for each other’s but Cohen was supposedly “straight” so they never acted on those feelings. When Cohen got injured in the process and they had to stay at a safe house with the guy they were watching, Godric took care of him. That’s when the feelings came out in the open. Pick up the book to read and go for an awesome ride!
Like I said, it’s a thriller where Godric, a security guy for a club was contracted to work with his best friend, Cohen through a security company. They had to work together to keep a guy who was wanted by a bad organization safe. The thing is they had feelings for each other’s but Cohen was supposedly “straight” so they never acted on those feelings. When Cohen got injured in the process and they had to stay at a safe house with the guy they were watching, Godric took care of him. That’s when the feelings came out in the open. Pick up the book to read and go for an awesome ride!
January 11, 2023
Okay
Likes:
-The romantic leads respect each other and are mostly kind to one another.
-They use condoms and tacitly acknowledge STDs without having a conversation about them.
-HFN
Dislikes:
-The romantic leads participate in intimate activities leaving them at risk for oral STDs, without discussing any negative STD test results. Appropriate hygiene is an issue several times in the story, even though they use condoms. Minus one star
-Godric assumes Cohen will not want Godric to be gentle during intimacy without discussing boundaries first and it’s pretty clear that Cohen has not discussed his sexual preferences with Godric previously. Assumptions place Godric at risk for committing consent violations though he never actually crosses the line. Additionally, there is never a time to place a sexual partner in physical danger because as Godric does when he erroneously conflates passion/desire with recklessness. Godric is not a good role model when he is not gentle with Cohen.
If you play basketball, you use careful control to dribble, aim, and shoot to make a basket and earn points. You don’t ever seek to prove what a diehard basketball player you are by flinging the ball as hard as possible at the hoop because it’s likely to bounce off. The best players make the game look easy because of the skillful use of self-control to manage both the ball and their bodies to ensure accuracy and make goals. Therefore, gentleness and self-control will make you a better player than harshness and reckless behavior.
Similarly, having intimate relations recklessly doesn’t make Godric a better or more passionate lover, it just makes him more likely to make a mistake that hurts Cohen.
Minus one star
Since the author states that “Godric” means, “God’s ruler,” and God is love, it stands to reason that God knows more about loving relationships than Godric. The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes both gentleness and self-control per Galatians 5:22-23, and if Godric wants his love relationship to last he should intentionally apply both to his interactions with Cohen, and Cohen should encourage him to do so.
Otherwise the romance was okay. It was a little rushed. Additionally, if they’re going to continue to refer to the Christian God, they should at least say “thank you,” when they are miraculously saved and then apply what Scripture says about love to their relationship to honor God and protect each other.
Likes:
-The romantic leads respect each other and are mostly kind to one another.
-They use condoms and tacitly acknowledge STDs without having a conversation about them.
-HFN
Dislikes:
-The romantic leads participate in intimate activities leaving them at risk for oral STDs, without discussing any negative STD test results. Appropriate hygiene is an issue several times in the story, even though they use condoms. Minus one star
-Godric assumes Cohen will not want Godric to be gentle during intimacy without discussing boundaries first and it’s pretty clear that Cohen has not discussed his sexual preferences with Godric previously. Assumptions place Godric at risk for committing consent violations though he never actually crosses the line. Additionally, there is never a time to place a sexual partner in physical danger because as Godric does when he erroneously conflates passion/desire with recklessness. Godric is not a good role model when he is not gentle with Cohen.
If you play basketball, you use careful control to dribble, aim, and shoot to make a basket and earn points. You don’t ever seek to prove what a diehard basketball player you are by flinging the ball as hard as possible at the hoop because it’s likely to bounce off. The best players make the game look easy because of the skillful use of self-control to manage both the ball and their bodies to ensure accuracy and make goals. Therefore, gentleness and self-control will make you a better player than harshness and reckless behavior.
Similarly, having intimate relations recklessly doesn’t make Godric a better or more passionate lover, it just makes him more likely to make a mistake that hurts Cohen.
Minus one star
Since the author states that “Godric” means, “God’s ruler,” and God is love, it stands to reason that God knows more about loving relationships than Godric. The fruit of the Holy Spirit includes both gentleness and self-control per Galatians 5:22-23, and if Godric wants his love relationship to last he should intentionally apply both to his interactions with Cohen, and Cohen should encourage him to do so.
Otherwise the romance was okay. It was a little rushed. Additionally, if they’re going to continue to refer to the Christian God, they should at least say “thank you,” when they are miraculously saved and then apply what Scripture says about love to their relationship to honor God and protect each other.
August 5, 2025
3.7 stars
This was a solid book with a nice mix of action and romance. Not a lot of time was given to the romance part, but when its friends to lovers, that’s a bit easier to digest as it doesn’t feel too fast. The book starts with them already in love, so when they do get together it’s more of a ‘finally’ rather than ‘already?’.
A few things that irritated me which brought my rating down:
- The ‘prologue’ which isn’t really a prologue, it’s an event that happens 77% into the book. It gives away far too much of the plot, and (for me) completely ruined any shock value it might have had otherwise. I felt like other than a development in the main couple’s relationship, the rest of the book was just a set up for book 2, so it was like reading the last chapter of a book before starting the story. I spent the entire read just waiting for it to happen without a lot of pay off. I wish I had the option of reading it in the timeline it actually took place
- Too many side characters from other stories. Other reviews mentioned it, but without reading the connected stories, it fell very forced. I normally like cameos, if they just reduced the number it would be a lot easier to stay engaged
Overall a decent read. I was trying to rate fairly and not let my irritation with the prologue impact it too much. I think I’ll try book 2 as I really did warm to the characters and want to know what happens to them, but if it’s in a similar format, I might give it a miss
This was a solid book with a nice mix of action and romance. Not a lot of time was given to the romance part, but when its friends to lovers, that’s a bit easier to digest as it doesn’t feel too fast. The book starts with them already in love, so when they do get together it’s more of a ‘finally’ rather than ‘already?’.
A few things that irritated me which brought my rating down:
- The ‘prologue’ which isn’t really a prologue, it’s an event that happens 77% into the book. It gives away far too much of the plot, and (for me) completely ruined any shock value it might have had otherwise. I felt like other than a development in the main couple’s relationship, the rest of the book was just a set up for book 2, so it was like reading the last chapter of a book before starting the story. I spent the entire read just waiting for it to happen without a lot of pay off. I wish I had the option of reading it in the timeline it actually took place
- Too many side characters from other stories. Other reviews mentioned it, but without reading the connected stories, it fell very forced. I normally like cameos, if they just reduced the number it would be a lot easier to stay engaged
Overall a decent read. I was trying to rate fairly and not let my irritation with the prologue impact it too much. I think I’ll try book 2 as I really did warm to the characters and want to know what happens to them, but if it’s in a similar format, I might give it a miss
May 14, 2023
Godric works security for a nightclub but a new partnership means that he is also working for NightShade Security. Then he is put onto a job with his straight best friend Cohen which is not great but he does his best to ignore the pull between them - until he can't. As another team member pointed out - “How long have you been in love with your best friend?”. But Cohen has realised that he is actually bisexual and that being put onto a job with Godric is a distraction that they both don't need.
I really enjoyed this story with the close friendship between the two men which started with an unrequited love from Godric which was then returned after Cohen realised that he was actually bisexual and that he wanted him. I loved their passion and their gaining a son was funny. It was great to be swept into their story and feel their thoughts and passions. This is an MM story with mature content.
** This book features characters from Club Deny and Princess Pen Pals, though you do not need to read those first to follow along.
I really enjoyed this story with the close friendship between the two men which started with an unrequited love from Godric which was then returned after Cohen realised that he was actually bisexual and that he wanted him. I loved their passion and their gaining a son was funny. It was great to be swept into their story and feel their thoughts and passions. This is an MM story with mature content.
** This book features characters from Club Deny and Princess Pen Pals, though you do not need to read those first to follow along.
May 6, 2022
So I slightly confused myself when I got the book because I didn’t even read the blurb, I just started reading and for some reason I thought it was one of the author’s mpreg books. Which with that prologue, I was worried about Godric thinking he was an Omega… then in chapter one Godric is talking with his bosses Mateo and Lewis from Club Deny… wait a moment… is this like when Bones and Sleepy Hollow had a crossover episode… Nope, but that may have been cool. So, then I actually read the blurb and got super excited because I wondered about Godric when I read the other series.
Anywho, I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Anywho, I definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2022
The relationship between Cohen and Goodrich was okay, they're lack of communication in the beginning was a bit annoying but overall they were good together and Godric's dirty talk....hello! My issue with this book is that there are soooo many side characters and so many relationships that are apparently established in previous books. The blurb says there are some characters from other series but you needn't read those to follow along. I don't feel like that's accurate. They may not be integral to this story, but as frequently as they are mentioned a reader definitely feels lost and disconnected without having read them. Overall, that disconnect really got in the way of this and overshadowed what could have been a great story.
September 18, 2025
4.5 stars
Oh Godric and Cohen. The amount of yearning between these two was intense. They both have such strong feelings for the other but neither of them realized it. I’m glad they finally were unable to resist, even if the timing could have been better. I loved seeing them work together and become even closer. The danger was both front and center and yet in the background of this story. It was interesting how it kind of was both. Although it threw the pace off sometimes because of it. Not too bad. Just slightly. You don’t really get a lot of background on these two but you get to see who they are in the present and both of them are pretty amazing. They’ve set up this story so provide a lot of great situations for future books and future love stories. Great start to a new series.
Oh Godric and Cohen. The amount of yearning between these two was intense. They both have such strong feelings for the other but neither of them realized it. I’m glad they finally were unable to resist, even if the timing could have been better. I loved seeing them work together and become even closer. The danger was both front and center and yet in the background of this story. It was interesting how it kind of was both. Although it threw the pace off sometimes because of it. Not too bad. Just slightly. You don’t really get a lot of background on these two but you get to see who they are in the present and both of them are pretty amazing. They’ve set up this story so provide a lot of great situations for future books and future love stories. Great start to a new series.
May 2, 2022
Loved Godric and Cohen! This is the first in the Nightshade Security series. I seriously loved this story! It had suspense, danger, drama, angst, and lots of steam!! Godric and Cohen both needed a slap to the noggin to wake them up and realize there in love with each other. I loved that they started out as friends. The plot was fantastic, cannot wait for the next one. Overall, fantastic! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. The story kept me engaged and I literally could not put it down. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My review is solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
February 15, 2025
It was ok. 2.5 stars. So many guys all over the place... rather obviously from other books in the author's series. A serious high quality security firm spends the book deciding they need more vigilanteism in their day to day lives. Some romance happens, but a lot of tension and pining happened offscreen, or, possibly, in other books. Everyone sounded the same to me. I don't feel inclined to read more.
Oh! One semi-good point! Our leads get damaged at one point and ARE NOT MIRACULOUSLY HEALED! It takes time and a ton of physical therapy to get almost back to fighting weight. Bravo that. Humans are fragile things.
Oh! One semi-good point! Our leads get damaged at one point and ARE NOT MIRACULOUSLY HEALED! It takes time and a ton of physical therapy to get almost back to fighting weight. Bravo that. Humans are fragile things.
April 30, 2022
So different but great
This book was truly a lot different than previous books by this author, but in a good way if you like danger/drama/angst. There is definitely a lot more of those in this new series starter but it was amazing. I totally fell in love with Godric and Cohen! Their relationship took soooo long to come about but was amazing when it did! Full five stars can't wait for the next book in this exciting new series!
This book was truly a lot different than previous books by this author, but in a good way if you like danger/drama/angst. There is definitely a lot more of those in this new series starter but it was amazing. I totally fell in love with Godric and Cohen! Their relationship took soooo long to come about but was amazing when it did! Full five stars can't wait for the next book in this exciting new series!
May 4, 2022
Different Type of Book..
I'm a big fan of A.W. Scott. This book and new series is no different. It's definitely different from Club Deny and the Princesses. I wasn't expecting some of the events that happened. I was on the edge of my seat for some parts. I'm so happy that Godric now has his HEA. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series unfolds but security company books aren't at the top of my favorite list. Stay tuned!!!
I'm a big fan of A.W. Scott. This book and new series is no different. It's definitely different from Club Deny and the Princesses. I wasn't expecting some of the events that happened. I was on the edge of my seat for some parts. I'm so happy that Godric now has his HEA. I'm looking forward to seeing how the series unfolds but security company books aren't at the top of my favorite list. Stay tuned!!!
May 4, 2022
Great spin off
This was a great first book in the series which is a spin off from Club Deny. Cohen and Godric are best friends both in protecting and security but for different businesses. Both have feelings for each other which they don't think is shared until they are forced to work together. Best friends to lovers with some action and steamy times makes an enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next book with Ronan and Damari.
This was a great first book in the series which is a spin off from Club Deny. Cohen and Godric are best friends both in protecting and security but for different businesses. Both have feelings for each other which they don't think is shared until they are forced to work together. Best friends to lovers with some action and steamy times makes an enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next book with Ronan and Damari.
May 6, 2022
Brilliant start to this series, and great to have characters from Club Deny and the Princesses.
Godric and Cohen had been best friends forever, both harbouring feelings for the other. But Cohen was straight .
Both men body guards / security working for different people but when they were put together to protect Damari, everything changed.
Thoroughly enjoyed looking forward to Trying not to Fall.
I received an advanced copy of this book for a honest review
Godric and Cohen had been best friends forever, both harbouring feelings for the other. But Cohen was straight .
Both men body guards / security working for different people but when they were put together to protect Damari, everything changed.
Thoroughly enjoyed looking forward to Trying not to Fall.
I received an advanced copy of this book for a honest review
January 24, 2025
Another new to me author and I did enjoy this story. I love stories about private security firms and I did enjoy this story. I was so glad that Godric and Cohen came to their senses and realized that they were in love and needed to be together. One aspect of this story I really liked was when Godric was injured he did not heal really fast but it took time and he still was not completely well by the end of story. Definitely going to read the next story.
May 7, 2022
good story with not too much drama
I really enjoyed this story. Goodrich had been a semi regular character in the Club Deny series and I had wanted him to get his own happy ending.
Cohen and him are just perfect, and as we got to see a little more of the other guys, I look forward to each of their stories too.
I really enjoyed this story. Goodrich had been a semi regular character in the Club Deny series and I had wanted him to get his own happy ending.
Cohen and him are just perfect, and as we got to see a little more of the other guys, I look forward to each of their stories too.
May 15, 2022
This book starts a new type of series for this author, a spin-off from the Club Deny series, and she has a done a great job with this suspense/thriller style of gay romance. It has much better editing than earlier books of her's, and the character development was decent. I'm definitely looking forward to more of this series.
March 6, 2024
4.5 stars
Finally finished, NightShade Security, this one is a darker than the other books that AW Scott writes. But I think that is to be expected with a security company, but you still get the feels and the love. Also we get cameos from the other characters in their world. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Finally finished, NightShade Security, this one is a darker than the other books that AW Scott writes. But I think that is to be expected with a security company, but you still get the feels and the love. Also we get cameos from the other characters in their world. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 30, 2022
Oh I adored this new series and I’m ready for more!!
Cohen and Godric are such a perfect couple from the beginning even if it takes them a minute to admit their true feelings.
The beginning starts out with a cliffhanger that admittedly stressed me out, but had me flying through the pages to see what happened!
A.W. Scott is one of those authors I can count on for ooey gooey love no matter what and this one did not disappoint! Even though the characters are tough and big bad men, they’re feeling for each other are like no other!
Cohen and Godric are such a perfect couple from the beginning even if it takes them a minute to admit their true feelings.
The beginning starts out with a cliffhanger that admittedly stressed me out, but had me flying through the pages to see what happened!
A.W. Scott is one of those authors I can count on for ooey gooey love no matter what and this one did not disappoint! Even though the characters are tough and big bad men, they’re feeling for each other are like no other!
May 1, 2022
This was a really great start to a new series. It's well written with great characters and a wonderful storyline. This author knows how to give us a really sweet low angst love story. I can't wait to see where the story goes from here.
May 1, 2022
Definitely not Meant to Be is the first book in the Nightshade Security series by A.W. Scott. This is the story of Cohen and Godric. I really liked their story. It was very well written and I can't wait for the next book.
May 3, 2022
Godrick and Cohen have been secretly in love with each other for a long time. When they get assigned to the same job, the sparks fly.
I loved this story and I am curious to see where the next book goes. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this story and I am curious to see where the next book goes. I highly recommend this book.
May 5, 2022
Godric and Cohen are a perfect match - they both think so but figuring it all out is an adventure when they’re thrown together at work. This was a fun, action packed story with friends to lovers antics, humor and a lot of heat! I’m definitely looking forward to the next one!
September 24, 2022
3.5 stars from me. This is my first by this author.
I loved the story and I loved the characters but it felt too choppy in the time-line as well as there being too much compounded in to build on for the rest of the series and not enough to build the relationship between the two MCs.
I loved the story and I loved the characters but it felt too choppy in the time-line as well as there being too much compounded in to build on for the rest of the series and not enough to build the relationship between the two MCs.
April 2, 2023
Mysteries!!! Dangers!!! Thrills!!!
Working in security can be dangerous, especially for their family and/or close friends. How will young Damari’s immediate need to be rescued and protected affect the relationship between best friends Godric and Cohen? Enjoy their story!!!
Working in security can be dangerous, especially for their family and/or close friends. How will young Damari’s immediate need to be rescued and protected affect the relationship between best friends Godric and Cohen? Enjoy their story!!!
February 2, 2025
Great Start to Series
I enjoyed getting to know the MCs and supporting characters. Reading this book makes me want to learn about any other connected books and series to get more background knowledge and insight.
I enjoyed getting to know the MCs and supporting characters. Reading this book makes me want to learn about any other connected books and series to get more background knowledge and insight.
July 10, 2025
2.5 stars. It had an interesting concept. But I wasn't really into Cohen or Godric. And I wasn't very much into their story. I am interested in at least reading the next book. So hopefully it gets better.
April 28, 2022
ARC reader. Great start to the new Nightshade Security series. Enjoyed the friendship and love between the guys. Looking forward to the next book. They will only get better.
April 30, 2022
ARC Copy.
This is the first book of a new serie. I loved the book. I can’t wait for the rest of the serie.
This is the first book of a new serie. I loved the book. I can’t wait for the rest of the serie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews