Preservation: NCA Security Book Two

NCA Security #2

by Breanna Riley

Who do you turn to when there’s no one left?

Isla traded one cage for another when the FBI freed her from servitude under a deranged drug lord. Now, she has to inform for them to earn that freedom. When Derrick hires her on the spot with no ID or verifiable background, she didn’t think it would put her newfound freedom in jeopardy. The tall, tattooed bartender’s stormy eyes and rough hands haunt her every waking moment, becoming more of a distraction to her goals of independence.

Derrick really only has two things going for him in his life: his chosen family, and his bar. When the heart-stoppingly beautiful Isla asks for a job, he knows the girl 18 years his junior has an innocent disposition that can’t do well in the bar environment. He can’t stop himself when he feels an instant connection. The captivation spurs on his need to help, and their explosive chemistry leaves his dreams consumed with her.

Neither of them understood how much danger lurked in the dark, but both of them will suffer the consequences when the enemy is underestimated.

Guaranteed HEA, no cheating! Preservation can be read as a standalone but is book 2 of a series. Please see Authorbreannariley.com for more information about its content and tropes.

Genres: Contemporary

185 pages, Paperback

Published March 6, 2022

Reviews

[Confidentlyinthe.clouds Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I say I binged this book like I’d lose the kindle file, I wouldn’t be lying.(read within 9 hours) Breanna Riley played to my heart with this sweet read.

I read Preservation as a stand alone, not having read the first book in the series. From the start I was transfixed within the story. It follows a young woman coming out of the sex trafficking world. She meets a protective older man, developing a love interest. The story follows Isla becoming independent for the first time in her 24 years, her love interest and her past coming back to haunt her. At the same time the story follows Derrick, a 42 year old ex navy member who owns a bar. Isla shows up to an interview at his establishment.
Riley does list trigger warnings such as sexual assault, miscarriage, kidnapping, prostitution, PTSD, etc. so make sure to check them out before reading.
Not having read the first book I wish Breanna would have elaborated with Isla’s backstory a bit more which is why I gave it a 4.5 rating.
With that being said this is an amazing quick read that will leave you wanting more.
Slow burn, light spice, romance, mature, age gap.

I wish I could re read this with fresh eyes.

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

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick and Isla's journey was an absolute masterpiece. There was angst in the relationship, dark themes, outside forces trying to keep them apart, hot and steamy scenes and more. The chemistry between the characters was believable and the surrounding storyline kept me on edge the entire time I was reading with its twists and turns. Definitely recommend!

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

[Emily Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the NCA Security series but can be read as a stand-alone. I liked this age-gap romantic suspense a lot. The chemistry between Isla and Derrick is great, and he’s a big ol’ cinnamon roll who realizes he’s being overprotective at one point. The suspense elements worked well for me, heightening the romantic tension. There was a bit of head hopping, but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. This book deals with a lot of dark elements, so please check the author’s website for content. I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is the second book in the NCA Security series, it reads as a stand-alone. Derrick and Isla's story is an age-gap, sizzling, action, and drama. Both characters are well written, the story fast paced, full of steam, and best of all, the entire series is on Kindle Unlimited, so you can read the entire series on a binge read weekend.

I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Maja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author. I really enjoyed, the storyline and the characters, however the reason I gave it four stars is because it was written in the third person point of view which is a deal breaker for me. I will be reading more from this author in the future, though. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lexy Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick and Isla are 🔥🔥🔥. I love an age gap romance and this one had A HOLD ON ME. Couldn’t put it down. After reading book one and two, I can’t wait to finish the series!