Free Bird

by Mignon Mykel

I live by one word: protect.

It doesn't matter that I’m not a fan of the president's politics, and it certainly doesn't matter that I find the first daughter to be a brat. I have a job to do and that's to keep my protection detail safe—even when she wants nothing to do with having Secret Service.

Kate, Code Name: Sparrow, makes my job difficult in more ways than one. She has an attitude a mile wide that's only gotten worse as she's grown up.

And grow up, she's done. She's no longer the fifteen year old I met the summer before President Freemont took office five years ago. Now she's a beautiful woman who's even more headstrong than before.

I may never give in to the attraction but I'll stop at nothing to keep her safe...

Even more when I learn I’ve already failed her.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Ebooks, College, Military Fiction

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2022

About the author

Mignon Mykel is the author of the Prescott Family series, as well as the short-novella erotic romance series, O'Gallagher Nights. When not sitting at Starbucks writing whatever her characters tell her to, you can find her hiking in the mountains of her new home in Arizona.

Mignon's latest release, Winski and Leeds, is available now!

Reviews

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presidents daughter & her bodyguard romance ✨

Kate is struggling. She has to act a certain way, be a certain person and she tired of it. She wants no part in anything having to do with her father or his presidency. All anyone sees is a spoiled princess but it’s far from the truth. Tanner has his opinions on the girl he’s been watching over for years but never expected to be so completely wrong. He’s let her down. It won’t happen again.

Gosh, Kate’s past broke my heart. No one should have to go through that, least of all a child. She is so strong and fierce, I admire her. I love the life she creates for herself!! Tanner is so sweet and so devoted to her. I love their chemistry so much. 😍

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

AND she is back! How I have missed the words by this author. Not one to shy away from current or uncomfortable topics, she hits us hard with this current book. There are trigger warnings, so pay attention to those if necessary, but a recommended read from this reader.

Moving away from a comfort zone, this book is going a little dark, and we meet Kate. Kate could be anyone we know, and her strength is admired by this reader. To overcome and move forward makes her story relatable, but the actual situation is and is not unique. Will all of Kate’s wishes come true?

We have plenty of new characters in this story, who will be next?

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ms. Mykel’s books. So much Free Bird was one of my most favorites by her! I fell into this story. And I couldn’t bring myself out of it until I was done! Kate and Tanner, just gah! Do yourself a favor and one click this book as fast as you can!

[evelynn kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot ⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Dual 1st person POV - Kate & Tanner

Tropes: age-gap (32 & 21), bodyguard/secret service agent, forced proximity, medium burn

Free Bird by Mignon Mykel is the story between the President's daughter, Kate, and her assigned secret service agent, Tanner. After moving away to college, Tanner returns to her protection detail during the last month of her junior year. As they adjust to being in each others lives again, Kate and Tanner learn they have an attraction that they just can't deny. Since it's forbidden to be romantically involved with his charge, Tanner fights his attraction for as long as possible.

The plot for this story revolves around Kate's medical issues, her childhood SA trauma, and finally being able to leave the White House behind for good. There wasn't really any overarching conflict that made this story distressful or otherwise deep. Kate never gets to confront her abusers and Tanner takes it upon himself to put a hit out on them. This is briefly discussed and comes out of seemingly nowhere and is not touched on again afterwards. The transition from bodyguard/charge to lovers felt kind of abrupt because the characters themselves didn't have much depth to them. Tanner never looked past Kate's "reckless" and "attention-seeking" teenage years and suddenly sees her in a new light now that she's an adult. We don't get to see much of Kate's personality other than her anxiety and careless decision making while at school as she tries to lose her protective detail. Tanner overhears her vibrator one night and throws out a comment about real men do it better and then soon after they share their first kiss. There just wasn't enough emotional groundwork laid for me to believe this chemistry. Kate never gets to stand up to her dad and has to play the part of respectable First Daughter. There were some great setups for some potentially emotionally charged scenes that just were wrapped up too easily and without any fallout.

This book was also riddled with incorrect words (accept instead of except, boxes instead of boxers), typos, and punctuation errors. At first I thought this was a debut novel and therefore was going to be more forgiving, but after finishing and looking up the author, I see they've put out several books. If you're looking for something low stakes but with a little spice and some romance, you may enjoy this.

[Pipesper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emocional, doloroso y, al final, un abrazo al corazón. Una historia, en primera instancia, sobre la hija del presidente de los Estados Unidos y el guardaespaldas del servicio secreto que ha de protegerla, además de las barreras que tienen que cruzar para conocer al otro. Y luego, es una historia sobre los secretos por detrás de la vida de la molestia del país, de esta chica incomprendida, el dolor de una niña expuesta a cosas que no debería, la salud mental y física de una persona que se fue destruyendo poco a poco, sin que nadie lo notara, hasta que alguien la miró de verdad y no la imagen que vendían los medios.

Es una historia fuerte, lean las advertencias, y trata muchos temas duros, en un camino a la sanación. Y creo que, en general, se trató bastante bien. Sí siento que los grandes problemas se resolvieron muy rápido al principio, la primera mitad (la novela, por lo corta, es bastante rápida en realidad) y creo que se podría haber ahondado un poco más en lo que fue y en las consecuencias sobre el pasado de Kate. La segunda mitad ya es algo diferente y no sabía qué esperar, pero me gustó bastante, el final es de lo más bonito. Aunque lo siento, me faltó drama, tenía mucho potencial para tratarlo un poco más, pero bueno. Y el romance entre el guardaespaldas y esta chica, uf, aún con las diferencias de edad, me gustó mucho.

[Trisha Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the best hurt/comfort feels🥹🥹

Who doesn’t love a good bodyguard romance? And this one just feels special 🥹 Tanner was Kates body guard 7 years ago and the whole time he just asssumed she was a bratty little rich girl. Little did he know she was really just a hurting young girl who was doing her best in the worst situation.

Now 7 years alters Tanner is back on her detail and Kate isn’t the snobby little girl he thought he remembered, now she’s a grown woman who is trying her best to heal even when life keep throwing punches. And suddenly all Tanner wants to do is make her happy and keep her safe from both her past and present traumas🥺

This book is beautiful and I fell so hard in love with these Kate and Tanner.

There are some pretty heavy topics discussed (SA of a minor, anxiety,depression, use of date rape drugs) so just be gentle with yourself♥️

[Cindy thismomreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author. It had a unique storyline and a strong connection between the two characters.
There was a couple difficult topics discussed, and was a lot so informative. My heart hurt for Kate so much, but all her strength, determination and boundaries she had was wonderful when she finally opened up to Tanner us couldn’t help but smile. I loved Tanner, he was so caring and protective of Kate, and once he allowed himself to feel all the love he had for her, he was all in and showed in so many ways.

I enjoyed the lightness and ease of their relationship. The support they shared and all the ways they both got their HEA.

I will read more of this series in the further.

3.75⭐️

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel of Mignon’s that I have read, and it was a banger! I received this book in my Reveal Romance box one month and hadn’t actually read it. I realized Mignon is going to be at a book signing that I’m going to so I thought why not?! Now I’m wondering why this sat on my shelf for so long.

This novel was everything I didn’t know I would love! This focuses on the daughter of the president and her Secret Service agent. Through a series of events and having to protect her, her agent realizes that he has true feelings for her and wants to protect her outside of his job.

This has touches of government, suspense, banter and romance. I loved this and cannot wait to get the second book Lone Wolf in my hands!

[Romance Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensily. It is simply written in a beautiful and captivating way.
The blooming love story between Kate and Tanner is just swoon-worthy as soon as both of them accept their feelings for each other and that, by all means, they are meant to be together.
The story handles a few trigger subjects but those are handled in a very delicate and caring way.
I was hooked right from the beginning and couldn't put it down.
Now I can't wait to get my hands on book #2 very soon.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breath of fresh air. Freeing and empowering.

Mignon Mykel is back and I'm here to tell you that she has brought her A-game with Free Bird.

Never one to shy away from the hard stuff, Mignon has brought us a new cast of characters to love and cheer for, including Kate, the strong heroine that every inner girl needs to look up to. A heroine that has overcome some dark things and found her way to her very own happy ending in the most unexpected ways.

Free Bird is an absolute must read.

[Bluee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate is the First Daughter and has had to have bodyguards most of her life, one of which Tanner. However she was never a fan of the arrangement nor of her parents, hence her decision to go to college as far away as possible and severe all ties at the same time.
Most people view her as a spoilt brat and that very mindset follows Tanner when 5 years later he's assigned back to her detail. Only now he can hardly recognise the girl he was expecting and, the closer they get, they surer he is that he had it all wrong the first time around.
A lot of truths are reveiled, and we find out in what a world of pain Kate grew up in. Tanner sticks by her side thoughout it all and couldn't be a better partner.
5 stars.
NOTE: check trigger warnings before reading.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

It honestly could have been a 5 if the ending was better

[Linda Olinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

He had been part of her Secret Service detail since she was just a kid. She had driven him crazy with her entitledness! He had been glad when she moved to California for college and he “escaped”! But now he’s been called back to protect her. The President’s only child still had a Secret Service Detail, even though she was of age, at his insistence. So here Tanner is attempting to keep Kate Fremont safe with or without her compliance!
But something’s different! She’s no longer a kid, but a beautiful young woman. She’s sad and vulnerable. What changed her? Or was he wrong about her all along?
A beautiful story of two people who have known one another for a number of years. Only now that they’ve been thrown together again, they realize how much they don’t know each other!
Mignon Mykel pulls at your heartstrings with this book.
Beautifully done!

[Lady M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mignon Mykel writes these beautiful, damaged, strong heroines that you can't help but love and root for. She's done it again on this one with Kate Freemont. Kate is not what people think they know of her on the surface. She's protecting herself from trauma from her teen years. There are heavy topics discussed that may be a struggle for some to read, but the story is so good, hopefully readers aren't put off. I don't read have any "trigger issues", so I had no problems with the topics. It took a hard moment for Tanner to see beneath the surface, but once he did, he was all in. I loved their story, even though they were brought together for horrific reasons. I loved seeing the groundwork for the Douglasses, who we first heard of during Playmaker, and again in Butterfly Save. The first sex scene was pretty great, definitely not a cookie cutter scene. Also, there is some levity in the book, it's not all dark, traumatic and dramatic. I actually found myself smirking and chuckling a few times. I definitely want to see more of Forever, Montana!

[Jenni Hofherr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Free Bird is the story of Tanner and Kate...

Kate is the First Daughter and Tanner is one of the Secret Service agents who has been assigned to her family. Kate's dad takes office when she is a teen, and now, as a college student, Tanner is back on her assignment. He thinks she's a brat; she thinks someone so observant should be able to see below the surface.

Kate goes through a wild child phase, exaggerated, maybe, because of her father. Kate gets herself into a situation she can't get herself out of and Tanner is forced to intervene.

This was a quick read and moved pretty quickly. While the author addressed the major plot point (Kate's relationship with her father), I think her actions would've led to some pretty serious consequences - I guess I would've liked to see her have to handle those with Tanner by her side (rather than just alluding to things that happened).

[Cadence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda a stuff your kindle day fail. I saw that it was under 300 pages and got a little iffy. BUT I’ve previously read romances under that and they were solid reads. Being optimistic, I gave it a chance. It ended up being just okay. It was as if I supposed to know them as long as they had known each other (like 5 years, while I was 3 chapters in). They had hardly spoken to each other in that amount of time, but it was clear the mmc had some sort of connection to her already. It was very speedy love, and I couldn’t feel a single thing anything for them. I had like 50 pages left at midnight, and I really did not care enough to finish then. I went to BED! Do you understand how crazy that is?

If you’re looking for something to not change your world nor make you hate yourself, go ahead and give it a chance. Be warned, it’s not KU🫠


⚠️SPOILER⚠️


Tell me why when they were having a party she pushed some wine away when it’s offered, announcing to every person for the first time, including her husband, that she’s pregnant. GIRL YOU DIDN’T YELL YOUR HUSBAND FIRST? WHAT DO YOU MEAN?

It did make me giggle. I’ll give it that.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

This book surprised me in soooo many ways! I did not see so many of the twists happening and I loved it! I went in blind without reading the blurb and I am so happy I did!

Tanner is the man tasked with standing guard and protection. He takes his job serious and when he’s reassigned he’s beyond angry because dealing with a selfish princess isn’t what he wants. Kate is the said princess but there’s more to her than her last name!

I loved that we got to see what the world “thinks” and yet we the reader got to really know her true self and my gosh my heart broke for her! When Tanner finally sees who she is and what she’s survived he’s hoping it’s not too late to change what’s been!

I’m loving The Douglas group and can’t wait to start the next book!

[Kimberly Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

tanner literally swoops in to save his girl 🥵🥵

Kate Freemont is the daughter of the president, but she’s moved outa the White House and now is attending college in California. So the security detail has followed her to college even though she’s told them time and time again to leave her alone.

Until things actually go wrong and her long time body guard (who she didn’t know what there at all) has to swoop in to rescue her. Now he refuses to leave her side to make sure she is safe.

What happens when their relationship gets too close? Will Tanner get fired? Will Kate be made to leave college and live under her parents’ eye? Or will she truly be able to leave all the terrors behind her??


📚 Bodyguard Romance
📚 Age Gap
📚 Enemies to Lovers
📚 Forbidden
📚 Forced Proximity
📚 Grumpy Sunshine
📚 1st Book in Series
📚 Dual POV

This was my first Mignon Mykel read! I thoroughly enjoyed Kate & Tanners story, and the way she handled the emotional subject matter discussed. Beautifully written!! Can’t wait to meet Mignon Mykel in May @ BRAE Columbus! ♥️📚

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start of something very good

When Tanner is reassigned protection detail for the President's daughter, Kate, he is not happy. In her teens, he thought her to be an entitled brat, but when a date she is on goes wrong, he changes his mind.
The start of a series, I assume, this story is full of all kinds of background information, some of which, I feel, doesn't reach its potential. Despite that, Tanned and Kate are terrific characters, and this is a great story. I really enjoyed it.

[Brittany Duet · Rating 4 out of 5]

sad & beautiful

Definitely check trigger warnings for this one. It was beautifully written, even if it was heartbreakingly sad. I liked this story, but I wish it would have had more of a plot twist in the end. It felt like it was missing something.. almost like the ending was too good to be true.

Overall, it was a good read

[Jennifer Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Another incredible story from one of my favorite authors. This book hit different though and I think it’s because this story, Kate’s story, isn’t so far-fetched. There are so many Kate’s in this world. I went through a range of emotions from laughter to a few tears and everything in between.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a wonderfully and addictive book by Mignon who was a new author to me. This well written book had me hooked from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. Tanner is just divine and Kate is totally perfect for him despite her tragic and heartbreaking story. I love an age gap romance and this one certainly delivered. At times my heart broke for Kate and other times this book had me laughing out loud, especially when Kate comes out of anaesthesia. I am excited to read more books from Mignon.

[Sarah Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I loved this. I felt so bad for Kate in this. It really does make you think about what the kids in these big, famous, and political situations grow up in. Just because someone is rich, famous, or in government does not mean you know the real person they are.

Monsters hide behind smiles.

I loved Tanner's character. Age gaps, body guard, forbidden romance are some of my favorite tropes. I can't imagine the pain he felt knowing that was all happening with him around and not knowing it was happening. He truly cared for Kate and wanted to protect over everything

I've always wanted to write a book about what I've gone through and my past. Just for me. I think it's a wonderful way to express yourself and love that she called it Free Bird. Such a good, simple yet emotional read.

🌶🌶

[Maddie Elam · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love love.

we get realistic characters- yes, it’s romantic and sweet like we want to read, but they talk like real people, and deal with things like real people.

i also love the kind of thrilling/action aspect that comes with these books. it doesn’t take up the entire book, but it gives the plot a little extra something.

i want like, 10 million books in this series. 🤣

[Krissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had some dark but a lot of light. It was cute and precious and I really enjoyed reading it. Had a hard time putting it down. I would love to know how their lives turned out later on down the road.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had it sitting in my tbr for months, and I can’t believe I didn’t pick it up sooner! It was so good from start to finish

[Laura Barfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. Tanner was a little bit too perfect but thought Kate was well written and admired her strength. Would definitely read this author again

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Andrea Britton · Rating 4 out of 5]

so good!

Tanner is the sweet and spicy. And Kate is strong. She was out through some unimaginable circumstances and came out on top. Entertaining and so good.

[Andrea I · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 25%