Imperfect Saint

All Saints Security #1

by Jess Bryant

Millie Turner is a master at compartmentalizing. She’s put her past in a box and she doesn’t talk, or even think about it. She’s managed to avoid her cheating, lying, manipulative ex-boyfriend for months. Unfortunately, avoidance is no longer an option. Her brother is getting married and his Best Man is none other than the ex that nearly destroyed her.She doesn’t trust herself to spend an entire weekend in his presence. Not on her own. She needs a date, a distraction, a buffer, someone to keep him away from her… but she never expected her savior to come in the form of a saint.Hunter St. James has been fascinated by the mysterious Millie since the moment they met. Despite his efforts to get her to open up, she’s kept their relationship strictly professional though. When their boss asks him to act as Millie’s date for a big family event, it seems like the perfect chance to get to know the girl that’s been keeping him at arms-length.He thought a weekend of playing lovers would be all fun and games but he soon finds out Millie’s more than just mysterious. She has secrets and her picture-perfect façade is just as fake as their relationship is supposed to be. Only the more he learns, the more he wants to know and the less their relationship feels like a lie.Can Hunter convince Millie to trust him with the truth? And if Millie comes clean about her past, will Hunter still want a future with her? Neither of them is perfect but maybe that’s exactly what makes them perfect for each other.*Warning - This book contains scenes that could be triggering to some, including discussion of domestic violence situations, and on and off page violence. If you are sensitive to story-lines that involve abusive relationships, please take care when deciding to read this novel. It is important also to note that these scenes do NOT involve the main hero and that our heroine finds her HEA and a healthy relationship with our hero after confronting her past. Still, caution is recommended to avoid triggers for some readers. *

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Abuse, M F Romance, Bodyguard Romance

370 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2020

About the author

Jess Bryant is an avid indoorswoman. A city girl trapped in a country girl's life, her heart resides in Dallas but her soul and roots are in small town Oklahoma. She enjoys manicures, the color pink, and her completely impractical for country life stilettos. She believes that hair color is a legitimate form of therapy, as is reading and writing romance. She started writing as a little girl but her life changed forever when she stole a book from her aunt's Harlequin collection and she's been creating love stories with happily ever afters ever since.

Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn't afraid to tell you that your school isn't as cool as hers... or that your sports romance got it all wrong.

For more information on Jess and upcoming releases, contact her at JessBryantBooks@gmail.com or follow her on her many social media accounts for news and shenanigans.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 💞💞💞💞🌟s❣️

What a sweet and beautiful romance read❣️
Hunter and Millie’s story was wrapped with love, romance, passion, emotions and strength. It was predictable but beautifully composed.
It might have been written in the third person but both characters’ feelings and thoughts were presented. On top of that the author embedded in the story the topic of domestic abuse and approached it with polished manner.
It was the perfect read for me while I wanted to decompress and chill out. I really couldn’t stop reading page after page!
I can’t wait for Tyler’s story next in the series!!!!

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one will be a Top Read of 2019 for me. It’s the kind of story you read with a smile on your face & an occasional tear in your eye.

I found myself a new book husband - Hunter is EVERYTHING I want in a romance hero. I have loads of book boyfriends as everyone knows, but Hunter will join a VERY small list of book husbands. He is the kind of alpha, swoon worthy hero I adore and boy does he reinforce how sexy consent can be.... wipes drool from my chin.

Millie - well she’s the kind of character that I feel protective of from page one. Her quiet fierceness, her history, her bravery and her ability to learn to love again - all of it made me want to invite her over for a glass of wine and a hug.

This isn’t an easy story to read but it’s an important one and it’s told in such a beautifully honest way. I adored it!

I received an arc of this book.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read, I liked the hero and heroine and the side characters. It was safe and both were really into each other though it took some time for the heroine to finally realize the dude actually likes her but when she finally realizes, they are an adorable couple.

[Becca Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely blessed to be a part of this book. So incredibly thankful to jess for asking me to be a Beta for her. This book is EVERYTHING!!!! I love all of Jess's books. Her words make you feel everything .... But this book is MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE EVER!!!!!!! The feels and emotions. The way you pull for Hunter to finally get the girl. The way you pull for Millie to overcome her fears and open up to this amazing man. Hunter is LIFE !!!!!!! He's alpha, a sweetheart, protective, determined, and so much more. Millie is probably the strongest most courageous heroine Jess has written to date, and let me be honest she's written some pretty bada$$ chics.... She poured her heart and soul into these words and I think it's her best work to date. I can't wait for it to go Live !!!!!!

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that has it all. This is my first book by this author. It will not be my last.
If you’re looking for a story that will capture your heart, bring all the emotion you can handle, has intrigue, a very current issue in our society, a hero you can’t help but fall in love with and a heroine who doesn’t know her own strength, then this is the book for you!
This book is unputdownable. I read straight through. I was mesmerized by the story and found myself captured by both Hunter and Millie. Hunter is the book boyfriend you are looking for. Millie, watching her struggles and growth was empowering.

This story brought many questions to mind like, can you really get beyond your insecurities, how much power do people have over you, how much of yourself are you willing to give up, how do you know what true love is, how do get beyond what you were and see yourself for what you can be, how do you realize that certain things are not your fault and learn to forgive yourself? These are just some of the issues faced in this important story. The situations are startling and should not be ignored.

Don’t get me wrong there are serious issues in this story but it also filled with smiles, warmth, romance, passion and heat. I don’t do spoilers because it’s not fair to the author. Let me assure you this book is packed with everything to feed your emotions.

The secondary characters are as important to the story as are the main characters. I just want to meet most of them. I already love them.

Watching the natural evolution of both Hunter and Millie melted my heart.

Although, this was my first book by this author it will definitely NOT be my last. I’m invested in All Saints Security and Protection Services. They can watch over me any day because I’ll certainly be looking out for them.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imperfect Saint is one hell of a way to start this series in absolute heaven. Their story will at times shred your heart to pieces but both Millie and Hunter will be the strength and force that will build it back together piece by piece. A book that felt like you were living Millie’s pain and growth as if you were experiencing it first hand. Hunter was not only noble, sweet and protective but this man was all that and so much more. I was mesmerized, enamoured and just plain old in love with Millie, Hunter and their path to happiness. This first book in the All Saints Security series left me breathless and at times anxious. My heart ached, the tears overflowed but the genuine smiles that the words from this story brought to my face overshadowed all the hurt and pain. Jess Bryant brought the story and these two characters to life in a way that was powerful and touching and will leave a lasting effect on my heart and soul.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imperfect Saint by Jess Bryant has become one of my favorite books from her!

Millie is a strong and independent woman, who has had to overcome abuse from a past relationship. Hunter is a colleague of Millie's - his company provides security for her boss and friend, Lemon. Hunter also has some serious feelings toward Millie.

When Millie needs a date for her brother's wedding that is also going to be attended by her ex, Lemon enlists Hunter's help. From there we see the evolution of their journey together.

Jess's writing has a way of sucking you in. It packs so much in and leaves you wanting more. I cannot recommend this story enough, and I'm excited to see what comes next in this new series.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Heather Hansard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mille & Hunter were EVERYTHING! This story sucked me from the beginning. Took me a lot longer to finish than I wanted (life has kept me running in circles), but even when I wasn't able to sit down and read, my mind wandered back to their story, desperately wondering what would happen next. Sweet, tender love; hot, sexy chemistry; quirky,engaging secondary characters....add to that family drama, and an abusive ex-boyfriend, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect read! I have gone too long without getting my Jess Bryant fix, but I won't make that mistake again. Thanks to Enticing Journey Book Promotions for this advance copy, which I requested. My review is honest and left voluntarily.

[Tarrah Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, yes yes!

Everything about this book is a definite yes.
From start to end... I couldn't put this down...
I love that Lemon took control and set this "wedding date" thing up for them... whew!

[Carmen Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabbed my interest and when I stumbled on it in KU I had to grab it. It took me a lot to get into the story but that was entirely a me problem and not a book problem because once I got the chance to sit and read it I was so wrapped up in the story I didn't want to put it down.

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that this was my first read by this author. Being I haven’t read her books before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But let me just say that I am utterly and completely blown away by her words and this story! I literally couldn’t put it down. I read it in one sitting, it’s just that incredible. I am in such awe of her characters, Hunter and Millie, that they will forever be ingrained in my heart and soul. Millie is a young woman who is making something of her life and refuses to let her ex-fiancé get in her way. Her brother is getting married and unfortunately her ex-fiancé is his best man and Millie doesn’t want to go, until her best friend says to bring a fake boyfriend and arranges it for her. The man in question, Hunter, happens to be her friend’s bodyguard and he has feelings for Millie already, so it was a no brainer for him to go with her. But Millie has secrets that no one in her family knows about, and she is afraid they will come to light at the wedding. Hunter is there to protect her and be her pretend boyfriend, but he isn’t pretending. He just needs to make Millie aware of his feelings. But her ex-fiancé doesn’t make it easy. Can Hunter show Millie that he is a good guy and will do anything to make her happy? Can Millie overcome her past and let someone new into her heart? As you read, you will know in your heart that these two belong together. They just mesh so well together, and their chemistry is mesmerizing. There is a lot going on in this story that will make your head spin and I loved every minute of it. Keep in mind, this author does touch on a very sensitive subject, but she does it with style and finesse and most importantly, respect. She has a way of making you visualize what the characters look like, and feeling their emotions. My heart actually hurt at times for Millie. Please do yourself a favor and read this phenomenal story. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be reading more by this author as she now has a new fan in me.

[Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.

Millie needs a date to her brother's wedding and she needs one fast. Thankfully her best friend is Lemon Kelly (Yay!) and Lemon has a plan. Millie trusts Lemon and goes ahead with whatever she has planned, but what she doesn't expect is Hunter St. James to be that plan.

Hunter has had a crush on Millie from the moment he met her. So when Lemon asks him for a favor, he has no problem saying yes. Especially because it means he will be spending time with Millie. He also knows that things aren't what they seem and is willing to be whatever Millie needs him to be.

Holy book boyfriend Batman! Hunter is EVERYTHING. He's not only super sweet and swoonworthy, but he knows when to turn the Alpha switch. In the best way possible. It doesn't take long for him to figure out why Millie needed a date to this wedding and that's when things get really good.

I loved this story so much. Millie is a strong woman, but events from her past still haunted her, especially considering the past is her brother's best friend. While she probably could have handled things on her own, having Hunter there made her stronger. They brought the sexy and the sweet and the two of them together is just perfection!

CW: domestic violence, emotional abuse

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great start to a new series. Millie is strong, independent and honestly an amazing woman who is so resilient. Millie is a business owner and famed singer Lemon Kelly’s PA. Lemon, while Millie’s client, is also Millie’s friend and Lemon cares for Millie. Millie’s brother’s wedding is coming up and Millie wants to attend but there is an issue. Millie’s ex is a terrible man but also Millie’s brother’s best man. Unfortunately it was a bad breakup, with a lot of bad stuff that Millie hasn’t shared with her brother or Father; Millie’s ex and Millie’s family have close ties both personal and business and her family would like Millie and her ex to get back together. Millie has reasons to feel uncomfortable returning home for the wedding. Hunter agrees, via Lemon, to attend the wedding to protect Millie from her ex.
I loved this novel. There are some sad topics, but the beauty in resilience and a fresh start shines through in this story; I really can’t express how much I admire Millie’s positive attitude and ability to make her life, even after trying and failing multiple times before. Hunter is solid a book boyfriend in a million way; he gives Millie space, he’s supportive and gives her what she needs. ❤️

[Bex_Book_Revieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imperfect Saint is a sweet, sexy journey of two people who are so much better together than seperate.

Millie needs a date to her brother's wedding. She can't show up alone or ex-fiance Joshua will drag her back into thinking she can't live without him.

Lemon has the best offer though, the head of her security team, Hunter St. James will escort Millie to Colin's wedding and protect her from her abusive ex while there.

Hunter has his own agenda because he is all in with Millie Turner. He's wanted to make her his since the first time he saw her, but Millie kept shooting him down. When they get to the wedding venue Hunter proves how badly he wants Millie, and how much he's been paying attention.

Will Millie let Hunter in enough to make it work, or will their families keep them apart forever? A truly sweet, sexy new story that shows above all family will protect their own, once they have all the facts.

Jess Bryant hit a grandslam with Millie and Hunter's story, the perfect smart and sexy heroine mixed with an Alpha hero that doesn't feel the need to leak his testosterone all over the floor. An amazingly sweet love story.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has to go to her brother's wedding. Too bad her brother wants her back with the man he thinks is wonderful for her and his best friend--not the cheating jerk she's left out of her life. Now she has to see him again and he thinks he can pull her back with him. That is until her client who's also her good friend sets her up with a fake boyfriend. Her friend's personal security and a man Millie can't stop thinking about.

Hunter is thrilled with the "assignment". He's been flirting with her since she interviewed him for his job. Their pretend weekend could just turn out to be more than an out for Millie. What woman could resist a guy as hot as Hunter?

Finding out her secrets that keep her personal life private is going to take some effort. He's determined to succeed and get the woman he wants.

The characters are strong yet compassionate. Can Hunter teach her that some men can be trusted? The family doesn't know the secrets she's hiding. Will they find out and support her? Will they accept Hunter? What about the ex?

There is love, steam, growth, and retribution.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On

[Mrs Jayne Rushton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC and I absolutely loved it. Hunter and Millie are absolutely fantastic together.

I love the way Jess writes. She pulls you into her world and you feel as though you are really there, taking part in their lives. It becomes more than a story on a page.

As I was reading, I got true feelings for Millie's character. She is so strong, loyal and determined to put her rocky past behind her, and Hunter is just enough alpha male to stand by her side; he's protective, loving, sweet......... need I go on. He's everything Millie deserves.

It's great that we get to see some popular characters scattered throughout the book; they make a great addition.

This book is probably the best Jess has written. It's strong, sensitive, thought provoking and gives a sense of hope to anyone, regardless of gender, who has ever been in a similar position to Millie.

Well done Jess, another fantastic read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I adored this. The hero was the best book boyfriend. He was hot but not cocky. Empowering and protective without being smothering. The heroine was on the milder side than I normally liked but she had enough wit to win me over. They were awesome together. All of their interactions had me crinkling my nose with cuteness. The sex scenes were super hot and I loved the emphasis on enthusiastic consent. The pacing was great and there was plenty of romantic development. Just as personal preference I wish the author would've gone more into the backstory of the heroine and douchebag ex. It was given enough that it didn't feel like she tried to use a dark theme without being willing to go to that place. On the other hand some more detail...flashbacks or even the prologue would've helped it connect a little more. I'm really bummed the next book in the series isn't already out because I have the best good book streak I've ever had going on ku

[Chay Charita Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is heart rendering and beautiful at the same time! I love the way Jess Bryant keeps it so real. For me, it is relatable and true to life for many.

I absolutely love Hunter and his understanding and compassionate nature. Despite his own dealings with how he dealt with situations and his past experiences he came through with flying colors! Stalwart and supportive.

I could identify with Millie and her reluctance to share and express herself in the beginning. It really struck me how we can feel as though we’re keeping things from being discovered and yet there are those around us that can detect when something is off...anyway I’ll just leave it at that. Millie’s evolution is remarkable and I love the way she kept her tenacity no matter what.

I loved this story and main characters!

[Kristina Simkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. Millie and Hunter Jake you on a journey of their love in this beautiful romance with a devastating twist. These wonderful characters make the perfect couple and team. The storyline is an absolute page-turner and very well written.

Hunter is PERFECT! Sexy?✔️ Protective?✔️ Alpha Male?✔️ Loving?✔️ Caring?✔️ Romantic?✔️ Supportive?✔️ Hero?✔️
He is everything any girl would dream to have in a man and Millie is the lucky one who caught his eye from day one. But she has secrets and a past this is about to crash into her present in a way she never would have believed had she not lived through the nightmare herself. Hunter will do anything to maker her happy and to keep her safe and she will not give up without a fight.

[V Meade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie and Hunters story is one of protection, but not a protection based on money, this is a protection from love. Hunter has been trying to get close to Millie, but Millie already had one bad break up. When she must go home to her brother's wedding Millie takes Hunter as her date, but she doesn't realize the depth of his feeling for her and she also has been hiding her feelings for Hunter. When her ex loses his mind because he lost his control over Millie will Millie survive?

This is an all new series by Ms. Bryant and she hit it out of the park. I can't wait for more All Saints Security stories!

[Maren Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is achingly good. It’s a slow burn, fake boyfriend romance that turns real very quickly. Hunter has always had a thing for Millie, so he jumps at the chance to pretend to be hers. The chemistry is off the charts good. This is one of the best books I’ve read all year.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for She’s a Lip Biter Blog
Okay, it’s offical we need a Hunter St. James fan club because he was without doubt absolutely gorgeous in every way. As Millie described Hunter “... he was smart, funny, protective and he also happened to be sexy as hell.” So very true but with adorable dimples to boot. I really liked Hunter’s character, as you can tell, and of course every time Joshua was around was delighted when Hunter bested him. Millie is an intelligent, hardworking woman who doesn’t rely on her family’s fortune or name. She is extremely capable of standing on her own two feet except wobbles slightly, well okay a lot but understandably so, around her ex, Joshua.

Lemon is a wonderful character and although sneaky she is very clever too. I thoroughly approved of her cunning nature.
Joshua is a character you instantly dislike but then again his description is not flattering in the least. The author very clearly paints a picture of this douche canoe. She also does a wonderful job describing Colin and Reed who are terrific, especially Reed.

There are some darker elements to the story that are handled well. Some hard issues about familial ties that are very real and how hard it is trying to live your life by other people’s standards and expectations. Emotions run rampant and you find yourself experiencing them along with the characters.

Add some intense drama and a sweet romance to the mix and you have one great story. I am already looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I won't do this book justice but I will try.
This book had me feeling everything. I was happy, sad, scared, excited, nervous and... hopeful. It truly is a book of hope. This book made me feel like you can be damaged and still find your person. You can love someone and be willing to wait until they are ready to love you back. You can be strong when you don't think you are. Everyone deserves love and everyone deserves happiness. I would give this book 10 stars if I could.
"If you're broken, I'll be the glue that helps fix you, Millie. All you have to do is let me."
From Imperfect Saint by Jess Bryant.

[Payton Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was both and adorable romance and a suspense novel. Millie and Hunter start out as friends attending a wedding and and during the wedding everything goes downhill. Millie's secrets come out, Hunter and Millie get closer, and the book felt wrapped up after the wedding. I loved that it continued after that added more to the story and added real life to a vacation/wedding romance. There was amazing family lines and the book suprised me as it went on. I cannot wait to see these characters again the Tyler's book!

[Nicole Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I love all
Of Fate Texas so a spin off series is just what I needed.
Millie and Hunter were absolutely perfect. This book deals with a serious topic of abuse. While Millie felt she was broken and weak I felt she was courageous and strong. She got herself out of a bad situation.
Hunter’s respect and love for her was apparent from the start and I was so glad he was there for her.
Her ex turns really deadly but together they are able to find each other and be what they both need.
I cannot wait for the rest of the brothers and sister to get their stories

[Jaime Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Jess Bryant’s best book to date. It is also one of my top reads of the year. How can I write a review about a story that touched and affected me so much? Millie is an awe inspiring survivor of domestic abuse and Hunter is the strong, alpha man that helps heal and shows her what true love is. A wonderful and well written story of survival, hope and love. Highly recommended and one that deserves all the stars because it is just that good.

[brooke_and_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! This is the type of book you lose sleep reading because you simply can’t put it down! Millie and Hunter’s romance is amazing. The characters are so well thought out and the story line is perfectly done! Jess Bryant is a completely awesome writer! This book did not disappoint!

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully fantastic... The book set was amazing... It had a lot of details and juicy scenes to them... The characters and their personalities match them perfectly... The plots and the storylines was very descriptive and amazing...I would recommend this Boxset to anyone!!

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

[Holly]

If you are looking for a series that you cannot wait for the next book this is it. I love Hunter I wished I could clone him and make him mine and Millie she is as sweet and kind and does not want to hurt anyone I love them together trust me buy this book you will not be able to put it down.

[Marlen Benitez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the writing style, but I just couldn’t get into the story. I tried stopping, reading on a different day, and skipping up ahead. It just didn’t click for me. I hope other readers can enjoy this story!