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Hammond Brothers #1
First Instinct
Life-long friends Beth Carlyle and Nick Hammond haven't ever pushed the limits of their relationship. But when her boyfriend turns violent and Nick jumps in to protect her, everything changes. In the chaos following that horrible night, Nick becomes Beth's anchor as she pulls the pieces of herself together. She never imagined he'd be anything more than her best friend, but with her trust shattered, there's only one place she feels safe--in his arms. Boundaries crumble and new desires ignite. With her heart a tangled mess, how can she know what's real? Nick is willing to do whatever it takes to help Beth recover, no matter the cost to himself, but in the face of undeserved consequences, he may be the one who needs saving. Protecting the man she loves means bringing her nightmare into the light. Will she find the courage to reveal the truth before Nick pays the ultimate price?
386 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2014
1411 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
Suzie O'Connell
43 books134 followersSuzie O'Connell grew up in a small town on the Kitsap Peninsula in Western Washington, but has called the mountains and valleys of Western Montana home for well over a decade. She has been writing stories since she was old enough to know how (the first she can recall was penciled in the second grade, about the mouse who went to the sea) and completed her first novel, Summer Angel, before she graduated from high school. After high school, tired of the endless rain, she attended college at the University of Montana-Western and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Writing. She is currently working on a Masters of Education and teaches high school English.
Suzie considers herself to be a rather quirky individual with ecclectic tastes in music, movies and books. She listens to just about anything, including pop, rock, country and techno and her favorite movies range from Grumpy Old Men to Lord of the Rings to Moulin Rouge to Pirates of the Caribbean. When it comes to reading, she prefers fantasy, science fiction, romance and literary fiction.
She firmly believes it's healthy to laugh at yourself, that best friends are worth far more than their weight in gold, and that home truly is where the heart is.
When she isn't writing, teaching or studying, Suzie enjoys playing in the mountains with her husband Mark, their daughter Maddie and their energetic golden retriever Reilly. She is also a hobby photographer, specializing in landscapes.
Suzie considers herself to be a rather quirky individual with ecclectic tastes in music, movies and books. She listens to just about anything, including pop, rock, country and techno and her favorite movies range from Grumpy Old Men to Lord of the Rings to Moulin Rouge to Pirates of the Caribbean. When it comes to reading, she prefers fantasy, science fiction, romance and literary fiction.
She firmly believes it's healthy to laugh at yourself, that best friends are worth far more than their weight in gold, and that home truly is where the heart is.
When she isn't writing, teaching or studying, Suzie enjoys playing in the mountains with her husband Mark, their daughter Maddie and their energetic golden retriever Reilly. She is also a hobby photographer, specializing in landscapes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
August 22, 2019
This could have been a great story but it missed the mark because...
1. This book is based on a violent rape. No warning in any descriptions-the boy friend "gets violent." And since the story revolves around everything that came after that, I think warning readers might be important, especially if rape is a trigger for a reader.
2. Beth, the rape victim, is not very easy to like. And, isn't that a horrible thing to say about a rape victim? She is bossy, selfish, not concerned with anyone but herself, uses her friend and just is unlikable.
3. Nick, the lifelong friend, either saves the day over and over with Beth not having to accept any responsibility for her recovery OR tries to force behavior that takes time to achieve. He either bullies or takes over.
4. Everything the experts preach about rape and rape victims is ignored in this story. Report the rape? Ahh, no. Seek professional help? Ahh, no.
5. Story dragged on and on, saying the same stuff over and over.
I wanted to read about a young woman who has a horrible, life changing experience and learns to deal with it with help from her friends not a selfish little girl waiting for others to take care of her.
This is a first book in a series.
1. This book is based on a violent rape. No warning in any descriptions-the boy friend "gets violent." And since the story revolves around everything that came after that, I think warning readers might be important, especially if rape is a trigger for a reader.
2. Beth, the rape victim, is not very easy to like. And, isn't that a horrible thing to say about a rape victim? She is bossy, selfish, not concerned with anyone but herself, uses her friend and just is unlikable.
3. Nick, the lifelong friend, either saves the day over and over with Beth not having to accept any responsibility for her recovery OR tries to force behavior that takes time to achieve. He either bullies or takes over.
4. Everything the experts preach about rape and rape victims is ignored in this story. Report the rape? Ahh, no. Seek professional help? Ahh, no.
5. Story dragged on and on, saying the same stuff over and over.
I wanted to read about a young woman who has a horrible, life changing experience and learns to deal with it with help from her friends not a selfish little girl waiting for others to take care of her.
This is a first book in a series.
July 13, 2015
The story of Nick and Beth is unlike any story I usually read. It's a delicate story touching issues that happen all too often our high school, college, or young adult years. Beth just wants to do well in school. She wants her boyfriend to respect her. Nick is a guy who's pretty focused on his own girlfriend until Beth's boyfriend pulls his own stupid stunts, forcing Nick to protect Beth at all possible costs. Beth, meanwhile, is thrown into turmoil and has trouble coming to terms with everything that happened to her.
The events are realistic, as well as the raw emotions that come with it. The characters are life-like and the story line ends on a satisfactory note. I really like how Nick encourages Beth to take back control rather than let this control and consume her. It's not easy to tell someone that and it's definitely not easy to hear it.
The events are realistic, as well as the raw emotions that come with it. The characters are life-like and the story line ends on a satisfactory note. I really like how Nick encourages Beth to take back control rather than let this control and consume her. It's not easy to tell someone that and it's definitely not easy to hear it.
February 11, 2019
First Instinct is book one in the Northstar Book series by Suzie O’Connell. I thought it was very well written. Beth Carlyle is a dedicated college student. When her boyfriend grows violent and rapes her, her world is shattered. Nick Hammond has been Beth’s best friend ever since childhood. When he tries to defend Beth, his world is also shaken. What will happen to the two friends and can there ever be more between them after such violence?
This book is definitely a page turner. For any reader who may have lived through sexual assault, this book might be too difficult. The scene described is explicit and hard to read through. But Beth discovers that she is stronger than she realized. A very powerful story...
This book is definitely a page turner. For any reader who may have lived through sexual assault, this book might be too difficult. The scene described is explicit and hard to read through. But Beth discovers that she is stronger than she realized. A very powerful story...
January 18, 2021
Sensitive But Saccharin
I nearly put it down. I hate college romance. Rubbing teen spirit in your face, making you feel all ancient with all those 'Babes', 'Bays' and 'Boos'. But, I'm so glad I read on because there was nothing formulaic about this romance. In fact, it's a brave author that starts a romance with a rape. And the darkness was counter-played with a sweet emotional relationship intricately developed.
And that's my gripe. Nick was virtually canonized. Sorry, but I like my protagonists with a little more grit on the soles of their shoes.
I nearly put it down. I hate college romance. Rubbing teen spirit in your face, making you feel all ancient with all those 'Babes', 'Bays' and 'Boos'. But, I'm so glad I read on because there was nothing formulaic about this romance. In fact, it's a brave author that starts a romance with a rape. And the darkness was counter-played with a sweet emotional relationship intricately developed.
And that's my gripe. Nick was virtually canonized. Sorry, but I like my protagonists with a little more grit on the soles of their shoes.
February 13, 2019
Also Reviewed on Amazon : link to come
"Just an FYI, this book has a trigger warning—it involves a rape and surviving the aftermath, so it may be a difficult read for some readers, particularly those who've survived sexual assault."
P.S. I don't know what people consider a spoiler so, the first paragraph is all good, the ones after that might spoil something, or might not, I don't think anything I said would be too surprising but you never know.
What I loved most about this book is the friendship between Nick and Beth, not once did it waiver and that rarely happens in books. I loved how they were able to have such a platonic friendship and how their significant others seemed supportive until one wasn't. While things with Beth and Trey turned for the worse, I was glad that Michelle still remained relatively cool about Beth. Things did change eventually for Nick and Michelle, but she was never petty enough to force Nick's hand and make him decide between the two. I loved the portrayal of a guy who was able to have an entirely platonic friendship with a girl and how there are girls that don't turn into such mean jealous people because their boyfriend has a girl/female friend. The dancing thing I also loved the dancing which I pictured like this:
Was I the only one that got the impression they were swing dancing?
This is the part people might find a spoiler so I am just gonna hide it.
This is definitely a spoiler, avert your eyes if you didn't read this book or any other Hammond Brothers book.
PS: this was one of my first reviews with gif's, what do you think?
"Just an FYI, this book has a trigger warning—it involves a rape and surviving the aftermath, so it may be a difficult read for some readers, particularly those who've survived sexual assault."
P.S. I don't know what people consider a spoiler so, the first paragraph is all good, the ones after that might spoil something, or might not, I don't think anything I said would be too surprising but you never know.
What I loved most about this book is the friendship between Nick and Beth, not once did it waiver and that rarely happens in books. I loved how they were able to have such a platonic friendship and how their significant others seemed supportive until one wasn't. While things with Beth and Trey turned for the worse, I was glad that Michelle still remained relatively cool about Beth. Things did change eventually for Nick and Michelle, but she was never petty enough to force Nick's hand and make him decide between the two. I loved the portrayal of a guy who was able to have an entirely platonic friendship with a girl and how there are girls that don't turn into such mean jealous people because their boyfriend has a girl/female friend. The dancing thing I also loved the dancing which I pictured like this:
Was I the only one that got the impression they were swing dancing?
This is the part people might find a spoiler so I am just gonna hide it.
This is definitely a spoiler, avert your eyes if you didn't read this book or any other Hammond Brothers book.
PS: this was one of my first reviews with gif's, what do you think?
April 12, 2015
I loved reading this book!
This book was so good! It just look over my life and I couldn't put it down. So scary to read about the rape but nice to hear how it all worked out!
This book was so good! It just look over my life and I couldn't put it down. So scary to read about the rape but nice to hear how it all worked out!
June 30, 2015
There is 8 books in this series, I'm hoping to read them all.
August 27, 2019
Normally I don't like the college students love stories. I prefer reading about adults, not college kids. But I loved this. I cried and really felt for these two
June 29, 2015
Is a great book to read
October 24, 2020
As a first-time reader of a Suzie O’Connell novel, I was very impressed. As I read the preview on Amazon, I was hesitant to download this novel at first. I enjoy clean romance and usually pass on stories that do not meet my usual standards. As I read several five-star reviews I became intrigued and downloaded the novel. I began reading with a little trepidation as I found the story centered around a young 21-year-old woman who was date-raped by her boyfriend who was the spoiled and immature son of a wealthy and powerful member of the community. The author advised that some, especially anyone who had a similar experience, might want to skip the description of the actual attack as they might bring back past memories. She advises the reader how to skip past descriptions of the actual attack.
I will not reveal much more of the storyline. Suffice it to say that this is a powerful novel with engaging and well-developed characters and a storyline that is respectful of a reader’s sensitivity to the subject matter.
I was a bit disappointed when the author created characters who seemed to approve of physical intimacy outside of marriage. Our hero, Nick, however; did take a stand to delay intimacy with our heroine, Beth, until after their marriage.
All things considered; I am honor-bound to award five-stars for this outstanding novel about a very sensitive subject.
I will not reveal much more of the storyline. Suffice it to say that this is a powerful novel with engaging and well-developed characters and a storyline that is respectful of a reader’s sensitivity to the subject matter.
I was a bit disappointed when the author created characters who seemed to approve of physical intimacy outside of marriage. Our hero, Nick, however; did take a stand to delay intimacy with our heroine, Beth, until after their marriage.
All things considered; I am honor-bound to award five-stars for this outstanding novel about a very sensitive subject.
November 14, 2020
First Instinct is the first book in the Northstar series by Suzie O’Connell. It is the story of Nick Hammond and his best friend, Beth Carlyle. Nick and Beth had been best friends since childhood as their families have neighboring ranches. Nick saves Beth from an attack from Beth’s boyfriend, Trey. The two become entangled in a series of harassments and accusations as Nick tries to help Beth heal from her attack as well as shield her from further guilt and shame. When Trey accused Nick of assault, Beth must come to a difficult decision, does she tell the truth behind Nick’s attack on Trey? Can she find the strength and courage to speak up despite the ramifications from the community? Or will she be intimidated into silence?
I thoroughly enjoyed First Instinct as a sweet story of protective friendship between Nick and Beth as well as the drama of Beth’s attack and the aftermath. Nick is the quintessential knight in shining armor as he comes to Beth’s defense time and time again. However, Beth is not the typical damsel in distress as she learns to fight back and decides enough’s enough. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I recommend First Instinct.
First Instinct is available in paperback and eBook
I thoroughly enjoyed First Instinct as a sweet story of protective friendship between Nick and Beth as well as the drama of Beth’s attack and the aftermath. Nick is the quintessential knight in shining armor as he comes to Beth’s defense time and time again. However, Beth is not the typical damsel in distress as she learns to fight back and decides enough’s enough. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I recommend First Instinct.
First Instinct is available in paperback and eBook
February 12, 2019
Hard subject masterfully executed
First Instinct is a story based on a college campus. It involves the rape of a young woman, Beth and subsequent harassment and charges filed against her protector and best friend Nick. An influential football star, Trey, just didn't know when to quit after he raped his "girlfriend " Beth. His subsequent actions finally gave her the strength to defend herself and the charges filed against Nick for protecting her. This hard topic is masterfully shared in a realistic story. A MUST read.
First Instinct is a story based on a college campus. It involves the rape of a young woman, Beth and subsequent harassment and charges filed against her protector and best friend Nick. An influential football star, Trey, just didn't know when to quit after he raped his "girlfriend " Beth. His subsequent actions finally gave her the strength to defend herself and the charges filed against Nick for protecting her. This hard topic is masterfully shared in a realistic story. A MUST read.
February 13, 2019
Overcoming Evil with Love
This is a great book even though it deals with date rape. Beth and Nick have been friends since childhood and are attending the same college. Their friendship changes after Nick helps Beth get over being raped by her boyfriend. She refuses to go to the police even though Nick took her to the hospital and her doctor encouraged her to. With Nick ' s love and patience, she finally puts her evil past behind her. This was a well-written story in spite of the touchy subject matter. I was happy with the ending.
This is a great book even though it deals with date rape. Beth and Nick have been friends since childhood and are attending the same college. Their friendship changes after Nick helps Beth get over being raped by her boyfriend. She refuses to go to the police even though Nick took her to the hospital and her doctor encouraged her to. With Nick ' s love and patience, she finally puts her evil past behind her. This was a well-written story in spite of the touchy subject matter. I was happy with the ending.
July 16, 2019
With the first book in the series setting the standard I'm looking forward to more very enjoyable reading. The horror one man inflicts by his selfish, evil act brings true friendship, loyalty, tenderness and love to Nick and Beth. They must endure lies about personal integrity, punishment and persecution that threatens to overwhelm them. The author shines a light on the consequences a rape victim is subjected to and the healing that is needed. A story filled with fear, guilt, trauma and unexpectedly, peace.
August 27, 2019
One's first instinct is to protect those we love when something bad happens, right? While Beth and Zach are best friends, they haven't taken the final step in their relationship. But when Beth is sexually assaulted, Zach does every thing he can to protect her. As she recovers, she realizes he's her protector and now he's being threaten because of the assault and tries to protect him. Ms. O'Connell write a interesting story that covers the closeness that Beth And Zach have very well. you'll love the outcome.
November 6, 2020
I'm sorry but this book didn't really do anything for me.
At first I thought, in the warning, that I've read it recently, went to my library and it was a different one so decided to give it a go.
The book is so frustrating, I was skipping pages, can't believe I actually finished it.
There are books that are so effortless to read but this was a struggle. The story drags and drags, the female character is so frustrating, how can you let the person you love be arrested and not do anything. He's no better, a few days after the day he wants her to move on, really 😕
At first I thought, in the warning, that I've read it recently, went to my library and it was a different one so decided to give it a go.
The book is so frustrating, I was skipping pages, can't believe I actually finished it.
There are books that are so effortless to read but this was a struggle. The story drags and drags, the female character is so frustrating, how can you let the person you love be arrested and not do anything. He's no better, a few days after the day he wants her to move on, really 😕
June 18, 2021
Eye opening awareness
This book is well written. Facing up to the fact that this type of crime is real, I chose to read it all the way through. The main characters come alive and I liked them….and wanted to know that after such trauma, they would survive, and that the villain would be punished. It’s not the kind of book or storyline I usually read, I enjoy good clean romance,however, I was very intrigued. The author tells the story so well that I didn’t want to put the book down.
This book is well written. Facing up to the fact that this type of crime is real, I chose to read it all the way through. The main characters come alive and I liked them….and wanted to know that after such trauma, they would survive, and that the villain would be punished. It’s not the kind of book or storyline I usually read, I enjoy good clean romance,however, I was very intrigued. The author tells the story so well that I didn’t want to put the book down.
May 12, 2022
I would recommend this book First Instinct (Northstar a brilliant Magnificent fabulous fantastic book
I would recommend anybody to read First Instinct Northstar
It’s a brilliant Magnificent fabulous fantastic book.
I couldn’t put the book down after reading the first chapter at to keep reading the next chapter and everyone of them.
I was hacked and the caricatures and the people in the book.
My favourite people in the book was Beth and Nick
I did like trey he wasn’t very nice man .
I enjoy reading the book very much .
I would recommend anybody to read First Instinct Northstar
It’s a brilliant Magnificent fabulous fantastic book.
I couldn’t put the book down after reading the first chapter at to keep reading the next chapter and everyone of them.
I was hacked and the caricatures and the people in the book.
My favourite people in the book was Beth and Nick
I did like trey he wasn’t very nice man .
I enjoy reading the book very much .
January 16, 2019
Interesting story.
This book is about a problem that is prevalent in many of our universities today. One review was very critical of the book because of the subject matter. The author made it clear that it may be offensive to people who had been affected by this in their own lives. I thought it was well written and certainly revealed the effect of date rape on individuals as well as family and friends.
This book is about a problem that is prevalent in many of our universities today. One review was very critical of the book because of the subject matter. The author made it clear that it may be offensive to people who had been affected by this in their own lives. I thought it was well written and certainly revealed the effect of date rape on individuals as well as family and friends.
February 16, 2019
Wonderful story of love and support
With the heartrending subject matter, it was encouraging to see it treated in a sensitive and supportive way. The relationship between Beth and Nick evolved slowly and their journey from friends to lovers was taken with care. I appreciated seeing things from a victim's point of view and gratified to find that they could get past what happened with patience and courage. Highly recommended for a thought provoking read.
With the heartrending subject matter, it was encouraging to see it treated in a sensitive and supportive way. The relationship between Beth and Nick evolved slowly and their journey from friends to lovers was taken with care. I appreciated seeing things from a victim's point of view and gratified to find that they could get past what happened with patience and courage. Highly recommended for a thought provoking read.
October 15, 2019
First Instinct...a great read
This book starts out like any other;college romance with the usual scenes,but then it changes dramatically! The twists and turns and out and out nastiness really get to you.You feel so much in this book,anger,outrage,sadness then joy and that’s what makes this book so good.You just can’t put it down as new things keep it going.
So all in all,I really think you,the reader,will enjoy this book as much as I have.
This book starts out like any other;college romance with the usual scenes,but then it changes dramatically! The twists and turns and out and out nastiness really get to you.You feel so much in this book,anger,outrage,sadness then joy and that’s what makes this book so good.You just can’t put it down as new things keep it going.
So all in all,I really think you,the reader,will enjoy this book as much as I have.
August 11, 2020
First Instinct
Suzie O’Connell’s handling of this book’s subject matter is delicult, forcefull and filled with gentle understanding of caring people. Somethings are not easy to read or even think about. But the story of Beth and Nick puts this problem in a pure spotlight. Their handling of the situation kept the pages turning very fast. Couldn’t put the book down. I look forward to reading more of her stories!
Suzie O’Connell’s handling of this book’s subject matter is delicult, forcefull and filled with gentle understanding of caring people. Somethings are not easy to read or even think about. But the story of Beth and Nick puts this problem in a pure spotlight. Their handling of the situation kept the pages turning very fast. Couldn’t put the book down. I look forward to reading more of her stories!
August 30, 2017
NorthStar Angels introduced me to the Hammond Brothers and I was eager to find out their story. The first in this series was a little harrowing for me but I persisted and got through my personal walls to read a wonderful story of forever love and respect. This book made me cry, made me laugh, and made me cheer. Another wonderfully well-sculpted story from a fantastic author.
February 13, 2019
True friendship overcomes darkness
For those of us who have forgotten, college life is like navigating a raging whitewater. And people change or mature into different identities. Luckily the deep friendship between Beth and Nick is so ingrained in each of them it survives and heals a devastating event. This story could be depressing, but even though it’s sad it’s also hopeful.
For those of us who have forgotten, college life is like navigating a raging whitewater. And people change or mature into different identities. Luckily the deep friendship between Beth and Nick is so ingrained in each of them it survives and heals a devastating event. This story could be depressing, but even though it’s sad it’s also hopeful.
May 23, 2019
Shaking head and rolling eyes too often.
This book has triggers for rape, be warned, although it is dealt with in an honest and realistic fashion. Quite a lot of dialog and/or scenes that seem to not apply to the story made this a difficult read for me. Repeated, missed opportunities left me shaking my head and rolling my eyes, much too often.
This book has triggers for rape, be warned, although it is dealt with in an honest and realistic fashion. Quite a lot of dialog and/or scenes that seem to not apply to the story made this a difficult read for me. Repeated, missed opportunities left me shaking my head and rolling my eyes, much too often.
July 27, 2019
This is a very emotional book that deals with a difficult subject, date rape, but it does it with care and sensitivity. Beth and Nick are best friends and the rape brings them closer together and shows that they can get through the toughest situations if they have each other to lean on. There are lots of tough scenes but also some fun ones. A really good read.
August 26, 2019
Slow
Not once did I ever feel any real emotion from Beth and Nick towards each other. While it was clear they were friends from growing up together as kids, the sudden 'awareness' of each other was luke warm at best. Beth's emotions after being raped also seeemd stilted, there was no passion in her about anything - Nick, school, the ranch, life, nothing.
Not once did I ever feel any real emotion from Beth and Nick towards each other. While it was clear they were friends from growing up together as kids, the sudden 'awareness' of each other was luke warm at best. Beth's emotions after being raped also seeemd stilted, there was no passion in her about anything - Nick, school, the ranch, life, nothing.
August 29, 2019
Sensitive Journey With Hard Fought Victory
This story brings the reader into it as the true hero and heroine face a series of life changing events that test and mature them. This is one amazing chronicle of that journey and the belief that they will survive and find happily ever after.
This story brings the reader into it as the true hero and heroine face a series of life changing events that test and mature them. This is one amazing chronicle of that journey and the belief that they will survive and find happily ever after.
November 23, 2019
Tender romance grows out of a terrible situation. Beth is raped by her boyfriend and all the ramifications that this involves are explored in this book, especially when everyone knows each other and family ties are long-established. It ends up being a HEA feel-good book, but if you don't want to deal with the pain of rape, this may not be the book for you.
November 14, 2020
Truly inspiring
The love and dedication to friendship and more between Nick and Beth is sacred. They prove nothing can tear apart a relationship like that as long as you're true to each other. There are a few rough spots to read, but happy I did so. Look forward to next in series. Thank you
The love and dedication to friendship and more between Nick and Beth is sacred. They prove nothing can tear apart a relationship like that as long as you're true to each other. There are a few rough spots to read, but happy I did so. Look forward to next in series. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews