Convincing Derrick

Stryker Security Force #6

by Sara Blackard

An ex-Army operator defining a new life by rescuing abused horses. A socialite striving to escape her devious family. Will the evil that threatens them rip them apart?

Derrick Nicholson’s last fifteen years have been spent living the life his older brother never got to have.

After a tragic accident took his brother, Derrick has become obsessed with perfection. Everything has to be triple checked. He’ll never allow his lack of attention to cause disaster again. Too bad Kiki Payne, his friend and housemate, is a distraction he can’t seem to ignore.

Kiki Payne’s life has always been one of status and leisure. But the veneer shatters when she uncovers her parents’ plot to steal a child from her mother.

Now, every move Kiki makes is to separate herself from her dishonorable parents. While her friends and housemates at Stryker Security bleed honor and truth, she wonders if the corruption of her family will always taint her. Yet, the acceptance of the team gives her hope for a better future.

When a case of mistaken identity has Derrick, Kiki, and her niece abducted, will they be able to overcome insurmountable obstacles to find freedom?

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance

Unknown Binding

About the author

Sara Blackard writes stories that thrill the imagination and strum heartstrings. When she’s not crafting wild adventures and sweet romances that curl your toes, she’s homeschooling her five children, keeping their off-grid house running, or enjoying the Alaskan lifestyle she and her husband love. Visit her website at www.sarablackard.com.

Reviews

[Tandy Oschadleus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC to review: Derrick and Kiki's story was one of hardcore action and intrigue! I love how Sara brings out the soft side in these macho muscle-men! A few twists and turns, in addition to the action and spicy romance, kept me riveted! Highly recommended as a clean, action-packed, very un-boring romance!

Triggers: death, murder, kidnapping, human trafficking.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convincing Derrick is the 6th gripping addition to the Stryker Security Force Series. It can be read as a stand-alone; but for a clearer understanding of the characters and for helpful background information, I recommend reading Book #1 Falling for Zeke first. After a slow start, the exciting plot moves at a fitting pace twisting and turning with a few surprises. Kidnapping, terrorists, and treacherous family ties combine to create a suspenseful, entertaining story. Detailed descriptions put you at the scene of the action. The friends-to-more romance is sweet and endearing. Ms. Blackard’s flowing, expressive style and excellent storytelling skill make for an easy-to-read, satisfying narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it and the series especially for lovers of romantic suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Byron Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

👏🏾🔥👏🏾🔥👏🏾🔥👏🏾🔥

An entertaining & clean romance with an exciting plot, Once the story starts to pick up!!! I almost gave up on it, but I'm glad I didn't.

Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Stryker Security book! Derrick works at Stryker as well as helping abused horses. Derrick has regrets from past missions and a crush on Kiki. KiKi is crushing on Derrick but can’t fathom him being interested in her. A series of events put them in a very bad situation. Exciting adventure ensues!

[Esther Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Blackard does it again! Her Stryker Security series is one great book after another. Sweet romance mixed with fast-paced action and suspense. I laughed out loud when a couple of the guys try to pull a Captain America but don’t quite succeed (which quickly had me holding my breath, rooting for the characters in imminent danger). It’s that right amount of “thrilling but sometimes totally impossible” that doesn’t push too far into unbelievable to make it feel disconnected from reality. Sure, maybe some of the stunts they pull push the boundaries of believable, but don’t we read to escape reality and enjoy the friendship of people with realistic thoughts and emotions that make us feel known? That is what Blackard offers; stories full of people who experience real joy and real pain. I would describe this series as a collection of action flicks with *real* characters, heartwarming romance, and plots that leave you satisfied.
(I was provided this e-book early in exchange for an honest review)

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book six in The Stryker Security Force Series and it is Derrick and Kiki's story. Derrick is part of the Stryker Security team after leaving the military and he also rescues and heals abused horses and loves what he does including have feelings for Kiki but he doesn't let them show. Kiki lives on the Stryker ranch after being rescued from her manipulative family and she is grateful for them for taking her in and hopes that in time she can become part of the family and gain there trust she also has feelings for Derrick but keeps that hidden. Derrick and Kiki have so much baggage between them and even though the connection chemistry between them is so strong will either of them act on it or will they continue to keep each other at arms length and miss out on a future together. There are many twists and turns along with danger, kidnapping, betrayal, hope and emotional situations that you are not expecting but that is what makes this book a real page turner and totally addictive. The characters and storyline pulls you in right from the first page and I couldn't put this book down as I had to see what would happen next and I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series. Sara Blackard is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will definitely not be disappointed as she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention.

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this Amazing Book.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Blackard Does it Again

This series is such a good one! The heroes are actually what I believe heroes should be. And when it comes right down to the bottom line, it's not just about a collection of pretty faces, either. Yes, these characters are painted beautifully. Yes, they are comfortable in the matter of finance. But there's more focus put on the inner workings of the characters, what makes them come to life. I'd been waiting to read this book for quite a while. It was just as good as those which I read previously. I love the blend of action and romance, as well as there being a connection between the hero and heroine which isn't solely physical, and isn't focused on momentary passions. This book is clean and what I think I'll term 'lightly inspirational' as the characters do pray at points and their lives do reflect a concern to do right in the eyes of God. My favorite scene in this story is the dance in the first part of the story, before the action really kicks in. Well done, Sara Blackard!
If you love military heroes who exhibit heroic personalities, heroines who work hard and stand strong, faithful MCs, and an honest and clean romance filled with action, you'll probably enjoy, not only this book, but this entire series.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convincing Derrick is the sixth installment in Sara Blackard’s Stryker Security Force series. In it she chronicles the romantic journey of Kiki Payne and Derick icholson. She is a member of the Payne family that is investigated by the FBI for illegal stock trading activities involving a criminal organization. Kiki is an innocent who was manipulated by her criminal parents. The Stryker Security Force protects her and welcomes her into their family. The criminal organization tries to kidnap her to use as leverage to keep her family in line. Derrick Nicholson, a veteran, who works for the Stryker Security Forces. Both of them have emotionail wounds and trust issues. When their relationship ramps up into romance, will they be able to overcome their internal struggles. Will they be able to use their technical skills to keep safe? To find out you must read this book.
Ms. Blackard Summers does a great job garnering her readers’ attention. She masterfully incorporated literary devices like dialog, dual POV, and descriptive language to move her plot line along at a well-paced speed. The dual POV allows readers to get a better understanding of the characters. I enjoyed this installment and am looking forward to reading other installments in this series. Way to go!

[Barbara DeNamur · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like excitement, intrigue and an action-packed story surrounded by unconditional love, you are going to love this one. Sara has written another page turner that is difficult to put down. Derrick is part of the Stryker Security Force and Kiki is from a family that loves riches more than people. They are wicked and try anything they can to take their granddaughter, Eva, away from her mother. “Derrick had found his fight in the battle against evil, transforming the disparity of abuse into a path for healing for both horse and human.” Derrick’s passion is rescuing abused horses, but he also has a tender heart for helping others, especially his friend’s little girl, Eva. He also harbors an attraction for Kiki, who he rescued from her abusive family. When they are all kidnapped and taken to a tropical island, wit and strength are needed to find a way to save their lives. You will love little Eva’s bravery and smile as she sees this horrible time through the eyes of a five-year-old. This is a stand-alone book, but for deeper understanding, read the prequel, Mission Out of Control, and the Stryker books, Falling for Zeke, Capturing Sosimo, and Discovering Rafe.

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tension abounds in this part of Stryker Security.
Derrick takes center stage in this part.

Derrick is attracted to Kiki. She found a place in Stryker Security's ranch after her life was on the line. If you have read previous parts in this series you know the story of Kiki. Not that you can't read the parts separately, because they are all stand alone's, but you recognize the characters that appear in this part.

When Kiki is babysitting her niece Eva for a day, Derrick comes along. The unexpected happens, they are kidnapped and they pose as a family to protect Eva.
Kiki thinks her father is behind the kidnapping, but she is surprised when she discovers who took her.
The kidnappers want to sell Derrick to the highest bidder, but he manages to escape and ultimately save Eva and Kiki.

The story is well set up. The denouement has a special twist in the story. And a happy ending for Kiki and Derrick who go on to live their lives under the name David and Kirsten to stay under the radar of a criminal organization. Nice how this story connects to previous parts

highly recommended

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

[Linda Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stryker Force series are books portraying the struggles of men who have returned from combat and are struggling to heal and find new service with their “family members” in a security company. Add to this mix women who come into their lives through their jobs and you find yourself rooting for the perfect outcome for each one. Each book features a different character and each one proves the talent and imagination of Sara Blackard.
Derrick is at present working to rescue horses that have been abused. He is pulling his life back together with a hope of one day having his own ranch.
Kiki, a whiz at day-trading, came from a very wealthy family steeped in corruption. She came to the ranch because of her niece. Deciding to remove herself from her evil family she stayed at the ranch and she began training in skills that would help her survive the troubles she would soon encounter.
This is a fantastic book which was furnished to me by the author. I am gladly writing this review to encourage others to enjoy the talent and work of Sara Blackard. Keep it up, Sara!

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Blackard is a new author to me and I enjoyed reading “Convincing Derrick” who is an ex-army operative, works with horses and works at Stryker Security. Derrick’s brother died in a tragic accident leaving Derrick to always be on guard. There are 7 books in this serious and I have only read one. An avid book reader informed me about the series and stated that it was really good. So here I am reading book 6 and will try and go back and read the other books in the series.
Kiki is a socialite and finds herself escaping her parents who are corrupt. She finds out several things that her parents are involved in and wants no part of it.

Derrick, Kiki and her niece Ava are kidnapped how will they cope, will they be able escape on their own will they need help? All interesting questions.

“Convincing Derrick” is action packed, characters are awesome, page turner, easy read, suspense, romantic and HEA.

If you like suspense romance then this the book for you. You will enjoy it.

I received an ARC via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in the Stryker team series. Derrick and Kiki are such an awesome couple. Derrick is a member of the team and Kiki is a complicated character from previous books. Kiki is torn between wanting to be with her new friends and wanting to leave so she doesn’t bring danger to their door. Derrick loves being with his team but feels burdened with constantly worrying about the team’s safety. While each of them are trying to decide their next steps they built a wonderful friendship. Although there are deeper feelings neither of them make a move toward more because the future is so unsettled. Then danger finds its way to them and they must work together to survive. I loved their story! I loved the intrigue and suspense. I loved the riding on the edge of my seat while I waited to find out what would happen next. I also really LOVED the ending to this book. It was absolutely beautiful. I definitely recommend this book as well as the other books in this series.

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

[Patience · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've said it before, but I love Sara's books! She continually gives us heart-warming, and sometimes heart-wrenching, stories that help us remember that God has a hand in our lives.

In her latest addition of the Stryker Security Force, Sara delves into the lives of Derrick and Kiki. Kiki is trying to overcome the effects of her family, using their betrayal to push herself to become stronger, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Meanwhile, Derrick is struggling with feelings of belonging and the feelings of unworthiness left by his last mission. The romance aspect of the book gets resolved pretty early on, but in a surprising twist, Kiki, Derrick, and Eva are kidnapped. As the story unfolds, Derrick and Kiki, and even Eva, learn that they are stronger than they thought and that God is always there for us.

As with all happily ever afters, things turn out for Kiki and Derrick, and it was a joy to be part of their journey.

[C.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, family is not about blood. Eva is still as adorable as ever. Kiki has come into her own. Her innate goodness, always shined through and drew people's loyalty! She is forced out of her comfort zone and put on the express path to growing up. She learns a lot of truths. She trains in order never to feel helpless again. She surpasses all expectatons she has for herself and raises to the occasion everyone thought she could meet. Derrick, finds his peace and joy in his rescue horses but is loyal to the family. They stumble into an adventure that tests their inner and outer strengths. Will Kiki admit who holds her heart? Will Derrick ask for what he wants? What happens at Kiki's dad's trial? Will Kiki finally accept and appreciate herself? Nice story. Not as nice as the previous ones. Their relationship is more luke warm than hot. But the action part of their adventure, rocks! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Labbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story of the Stryker Security Force. Derrick loves horses and rescues abandoned ones. Ever since the death of his brother, he feels he must always be alert for danger by checking and double, triple checking everything to keep everyone on the Stryker force safe.
Kiki feels abandoned by her sleazy, wealthy family, she lives at the Stryker ranch for her own protection so her family can’t get to her. Lena is trying to teach Kiki self defense but Kiki doesn’t think she’s getting it. She loves hanging around Derrick and wishes he would notice her as a woman instead of a petite helpless female who constantly needs his protection. Derrick and Kiki agree to watch Eva, Kiki’s niece who also lives at the ranch with her mother and Zeke. They take Eva to a quiet park for a picnic where they are kidnapped. Who has kidnapped them? How will the Stryker Force find them? Can Derrick save them? A gripping story of suspense & love.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have to toughen up. Can’t neutralize a larger enemy if you aren’t willing to use all your skills.

The wonderful characters of the Stryker Security Force are back with another installment of danger, family and survival. Kiki Payne lives at the ranch - a safe place away from all the trauma she has endured. Be strong. Be courageous. These are her motto as she learns skills that she hopes she will never need. Derrick, a longtime member of the Stryker team, is struggling with guilt from long ago. Rescuing horses and rehabilitating them seems to be the only thing that gives him peace.

When kidnapping, imprisonment and grave danger confronts them, will they be able to set aside their insecurities and manage to survive? You don’t want to miss how this one ends!

This ARC was received through the author. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick gets his own story in this book along the Kiki Payne. Kiki is the daughter of Kevin and Cynthia Payne, the couple that had caused nothing but trouble for Kiki and their granddaughter Eva. Kiki had determined she will never let her parents hurt her or Eva again! Derrick may be a member of Stryker Security but he has secret dreams , but for now he has made it his mission to save abused horses. A lot of secrets come to the surface in this book that ends up with there being lots of action and suspense. The book wouldn't be complete without some romance thrown in! Another great book in the series!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Kathy Zeigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started out a little differently for me than the previous books in this series. It seemed to be more contemplative. The action picks up considerably when Derrick, Kiki, and her niece, Eva, are captured. Why are they captured and taken out of the country? Who is behind this? The ending was unexpected and surprising but very satisfying. Although this book references characters from previous books in the series and gives background information about Kiki and Eva, the reader can still glean enough to enjoy the book without reading the earlier books. However, I encourage new readers to read the whole series beginning with Mission Out of Control (prequel to the Stryker Security Force series).

[Lea Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet, clean suspense story caught my attention right away and kept me engaged throughout. The characters are wonderful and plot is intense! Derrick left the military and has joined his friends at Stryker Security Force. He's happiest rescuing abused horses. These people have become family. Kiki has joined them to escape her criminal family. She lived the highlife and never thought about where her family money came from. She feels like she'll never be good or strong enough to stay with these people that have shown her what family should be. When her family comes after her again, will she and Derrick survive and build the future they want for themselves?

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

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! Derek and Kiki had the chemistry that I look for in a great book.
Derek saves horse s but works in security and Kiki is a socialite in trouble and on the run from her family.
Their friendship is at the first and foreground of this story but that turns to a mutual attraction coming more in no time. Their fire certainly lights up the book.
Very well written, with so much dramatic licence and intensity that just carries this book to the very end. I was very impressed and can't wait to read more from this author in future.

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

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick is the backbone of Stryker Security. He makes sure that when anyone goes out on a case they are fully loaded with any gear they might need. He is a perfectionist because of the loss of his older brother, who died because he didnt have all the equipment he needed. Kiki is hiding out with Stryker Security because of what her family has done to her Samantha and her daughter. One day Derrick, Kiki, and Samantha's daughter are kidnapped and it is up to Derrick to save them and find out why they were kidnapped in the first place. Could Kiki's family be behind this as well as some of the other things happening? Can Derrick with Kiki's help get them

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convincing Derrick is clean romantic suspense at its finest. Derrick and Kiki are likable and honorable characters. Derrick rescues and rehabilitates abused horses when he's not off on a job for Stryker Security Force. Derrick and Kiki's faith is just a natural part of the story that Sara Blackard handles extremely well. The plot has twists and turns that will keep you turning pages late into the night. (Ask me how I know!)
I would highly recommend this suspense-filled book.
I received a complimentary copy. This review is entirely my own opinion of this well-written and exciting book.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convincing Derrick

Sara Blackard has written another wonderful book. This is a fast paced and exciting installment of the Stryker Security Force. Kiki has found a family in the men and women on the Stryker Ranch even though Eva is her only blood relative on site. Derrick has developed a horse rescue on the side while also being a member of the security detail at the ranch. The two of them become close friends. When they take Eva to the park for an outing all 3 are kidnapped. Can Derrick protect Eva and Kiki? Can he get them back to the ranch safely?

[Cinaman]

Danger, betrayal, and romance, oh my! The adventure of this story, the twists and turns, the danger and very real fear for our hero, heroine, and wee lass give the story an edge. It was satisfying to see Derrick and Kiki each come into their own as perilous circumstances and resulting truths wore through binding chains. To see them united was gratifying. The ingenuity of Derrick's safety obsession was creative. The integrity each had was refreshing, the desire to protect others inspiring. Between the sparks and the danger, a pulse-racing read!

[Bernadette Rowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Derrick and Kiki's love story. Both are determined to remain only friends but there is a strong attraction and admiration between the two. Derrick has built his world on control and trying to make sure he can get himself out of any dangerous situation. Kiki doesn't believe she can be the kind of woman who can hold her head high after being betrayed by her parents. Both are pushed beyond their comfort zones and I loved Kiki's growing into power story. You need to read this story and find out what it takes to for these two to get their happily ever after.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best if read in order. Characters overlap throughout multiple series and each book references things that happened in earlier books.

Derrick is conflicted on what he wants to do. Before the military his life revolved around the life of a cowboy. Should he return to his former life fully to honor his brother, stay with his military family in the security, or continue trying to do it all? Falling for Kiki is not an option.

Kiki is still trying to make up for what her family did and made her do. She wants to feel like she belongs and is welcome in this new family of friends. What will it take for her to feel accepted? Will it happen or will she need to leave and start over to protect them?

Hang on tight as their lives are going to get dangerous due to a misunderstanding and the past catching up. When it's all said and done major decisions and sacrifices will have to be made.

[Jacqui Van Deventer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara has a wonderful knack for spinning intriguing tales. This time round she has shown the gentler side of macho man, Derrick.
Kiki has been out at the ranch bonding with her niece and avoiding her rich, manipulative family.
When these two are thrown into a situation fraught with danger all kinds of sparks fly.

A good stand-alone read, eventhough it is part of an amazing series.

I received this as an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[John Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of the series had a few twists and turns. Derrick has to go back to a place from the past he’d rather not. Kiki is learning to defend herself
This book was a little harder for me to read due to the content of human trafficking. It was very well written.
It makes an excellent addition to the Stryker Force series.
In the end the couple gets what they want and they even get a chance to honor one of Derrick’s old friends.