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NCA Security #3
Provocation
Everyone has a breaking point. How far can she push his?
At fifteen, Vivienne DuBois was beaten and discarded onto a Portland sidewalk when her pimp was done with her. Desperate to evade the reemerging demon from her past, she seeks out the man who saved her. The retired, balding cop she expected is actually an sexier than sin, arrogant ex-marine who can clap back her insults as quickly as she dishes them out. The shock of discovering the one who sat by her bed for three days as she lie sedated in a hospital bed, disappearing before she woke upends all of her plans.
A decade ago, Alex didn’t know that the battered teenager he kept vigil over would come back into his life in such an explosive manner. The sassy redhead upends his status quo, and unearths memories buried deep for years. Viv can’t control her mouth; Alex can’t control his anger, and neither can control their hypnotic attraction to each other. Together, they make an explosive match; the delicate game of cat and mouse with Vivienne’s pursuers threatening to rip apart their sanity and everything they hold dear.
Guaranteed happily ever after (HEA) NO CHEATING
This book is part of series, but can be enjoyed as standalone novel.
At fifteen, Vivienne DuBois was beaten and discarded onto a Portland sidewalk when her pimp was done with her. Desperate to evade the reemerging demon from her past, she seeks out the man who saved her. The retired, balding cop she expected is actually an sexier than sin, arrogant ex-marine who can clap back her insults as quickly as she dishes them out. The shock of discovering the one who sat by her bed for three days as she lie sedated in a hospital bed, disappearing before she woke upends all of her plans.
A decade ago, Alex didn’t know that the battered teenager he kept vigil over would come back into his life in such an explosive manner. The sassy redhead upends his status quo, and unearths memories buried deep for years. Viv can’t control her mouth; Alex can’t control his anger, and neither can control their hypnotic attraction to each other. Together, they make an explosive match; the delicate game of cat and mouse with Vivienne’s pursuers threatening to rip apart their sanity and everything they hold dear.
Guaranteed happily ever after (HEA) NO CHEATING
This book is part of series, but can be enjoyed as standalone novel.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2022
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 23, 2022
This was a good book. Definitely pay attention to the TWs but know that while it covers super harsh realities the book doesn’t get bogged down in the trauma.
Alex helped Vivienne during a horrific situation a decade prior to the beginning of this book. During that decade Viv built up Alex in her mind as a white knight of sorts and seeks him out for help. Alex isn’t quite what she expected and definitely isn’t a white knight. We get to watch them argue, bicker and spar their way into a fast paced and action packed love story.
The writing is good, the characters are believable and well fleshed out, the action will keep you on the edge of your seat but the romance is a smidge lacking. This is a harsh love with the soft dreamy aspect of love not ever being front and center. Usually, I’m not one for these harsh love stories (I’m a cinnamon roll guy kinda gal) but this was such a delight to watch this morally gray man be dragged kicking and screaming into love while our girl is fighting it just as hard as she can, too. Viv is so strong and doesn’t take an ounce of crap from Alex. If you love a dark hero and a strong, snarky and take no crap heroine that fight all the way to true love (while fighting their foes) then this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alex helped Vivienne during a horrific situation a decade prior to the beginning of this book. During that decade Viv built up Alex in her mind as a white knight of sorts and seeks him out for help. Alex isn’t quite what she expected and definitely isn’t a white knight. We get to watch them argue, bicker and spar their way into a fast paced and action packed love story.
The writing is good, the characters are believable and well fleshed out, the action will keep you on the edge of your seat but the romance is a smidge lacking. This is a harsh love with the soft dreamy aspect of love not ever being front and center. Usually, I’m not one for these harsh love stories (I’m a cinnamon roll guy kinda gal) but this was such a delight to watch this morally gray man be dragged kicking and screaming into love while our girl is fighting it just as hard as she can, too. Viv is so strong and doesn’t take an ounce of crap from Alex. If you love a dark hero and a strong, snarky and take no crap heroine that fight all the way to true love (while fighting their foes) then this book is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2022
Holy guacamole! This book had EVERYTHING. A strong female lead. A damaged -but redeemable- hero in scuffed armour...at just the right age for me, lol. An age gap romance. Strip clubs, kidnappings, gun fights, and delicious, delicious smut. I couldn’t put it down.
My favourite part, of course, is that it was written in third person. I know a lot of romance is in first, but third person is my jam. I feel like I connect better with the storyline and with the characters this way, and Ms Riley did not disappoint.
The way she delivered the characters' backstories was organic and smooth. Her dialogue was *chef’s kiss* perfection. And her ability to drag out the dramatic -and sexual- tension? So freaking satisfying. This was a textbook example of a page-turner.
I also LOVED the subtle foreshadowing thrown in. It’s a romance, so I felt confident a HEA was on the cards, and I started to suspect around three-quarters of the way through how that might come about (again, that's the author's foreshadowing brilliance at play) and I could not wait to see how it played out on the pages. Ms Riley did not disappoint at all, hitting all of my personal weak spots until I was a very happy puddle of reader goo.
I am so excited to read more of this series. I know I will happily go along with anything Ms Riley comes up with because her storytelling is natural and gripping from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My favourite part, of course, is that it was written in third person. I know a lot of romance is in first, but third person is my jam. I feel like I connect better with the storyline and with the characters this way, and Ms Riley did not disappoint.
The way she delivered the characters' backstories was organic and smooth. Her dialogue was *chef’s kiss* perfection. And her ability to drag out the dramatic -and sexual- tension? So freaking satisfying. This was a textbook example of a page-turner.
I also LOVED the subtle foreshadowing thrown in. It’s a romance, so I felt confident a HEA was on the cards, and I started to suspect around three-quarters of the way through how that might come about (again, that's the author's foreshadowing brilliance at play) and I could not wait to see how it played out on the pages. Ms Riley did not disappoint at all, hitting all of my personal weak spots until I was a very happy puddle of reader goo.
I am so excited to read more of this series. I know I will happily go along with anything Ms Riley comes up with because her storytelling is natural and gripping from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2022
Breanna Riley is a new to me author, but when I read her bio (millennial boy mom, which is me) and her very unapologetic and heartfelt introduction, I knew I would love her. This book was awesome, Vivienne's character was one of my top ten of 2022 so far and the chemistry between her and Alex was so beautifully written I was engaged the entire book. Is there a snarky/grumpy trope? If there's not, then this book has now invented it and it is everything! What I loved most about this book was the fact that Vivienne was not ashamed about her life and her choices- as a former sex worker she did what she had to do to survive- the girl obviously had to raise herself and did so pretty amazingly. Alex, trying to parent her failed pretty epically in a lot of scenes but those were my favorite because the banter between them made me laugh out loud often. In between all of that goodness was a lot of great storytelling, plot and a good dose of spice. Next up it appears Ms. Riley is writing a book for Cam (who works with Alex) and Alex's sister Emily and I am HERE FOR IT! Can't wait to read that book and add the rest of this backlog to my TBR. That said- the books are all standalones and I did not feel I missed anything by not having read the prior two books in the NCA Security series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2022
I would first like to state that I haven’t read the first two books. So I’m reading this book as a standalone and don’t know how it will fit within the series.
If you don’t like heavy themes or crude use of language, this book is not for you. However, I knew what to expect (mainly because of the warning at the start of the book) and genuinely didn’t mind.
I really like the writing style of the author. I experienced this book as a very smooth read.
I love how the relationship between Alex and Viv progressed. Their relationship moved fast and hot, but it seemed to fit well with the characters. I also loved how we got to experience different sides of the characters, especially Viv.
The only downside I have with the story, is that the action scene at the end of the book felt a bit rushed to me. I wouldn't have mind if it took a bit longer.
Overall, I loved the story. And I might even go back and read the first two books. I hope I don't get too many spoilers, considering this is the latest book.
If you don’t like heavy themes or crude use of language, this book is not for you. However, I knew what to expect (mainly because of the warning at the start of the book) and genuinely didn’t mind.
I really like the writing style of the author. I experienced this book as a very smooth read.
I love how the relationship between Alex and Viv progressed. Their relationship moved fast and hot, but it seemed to fit well with the characters. I also loved how we got to experience different sides of the characters, especially Viv.
The only downside I have with the story, is that the action scene at the end of the book felt a bit rushed to me. I wouldn't have mind if it took a bit longer.
Overall, I loved the story. And I might even go back and read the first two books. I hope I don't get too many spoilers, considering this is the latest book.
May 13, 2022
This is a wild, dark book! I love how much Vic’s perception of Alex changes after reuniting so many years later. It’s totally understandable how she built him up in her mind after he saved her, and it serves as a great reminder that putting someone on a pedestal doesn’t represent who that person really is. The dynamic between Viv and Alex is full of snark and sass, and I love it. Alex is not the white knight that. I Vivienne has imagined him to be, he is definitely morally gray, and he’s a big grump who fights his attraction to Viv for a while. Viv is independent, so strong, and full of sass. She breathes some much needed life into Alex and the rest of the NCA team. The spice was fabulous and 🥵 and the plot kept the pages turning! This was the first book I’ve read from this author but I’ll be picking more up for sure!
May 12, 2022
This was my first read by this author, but it won’t be my last! I fell in love with the NCA team quickly, specifically Alex and his grumpy exterior. I enjoyed the dynamic between Vivienne and Alex as well as seeing her interact with other NCA team members. Viv was a vibrant color that showed up one day in Alex’s world of grays. By working together, they’re not only able to solve the main mystery of who is out to kill her, but also able to soften Alex’s hard edges and give him something worth fighting for again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2022
Awesome read loved Provocation!
I am new to author Brianna Riley and I will defiantly be checking out more of her work.
Readers should heed trigger warnings. I had no problems with them as I just considered as part of the storyline. What a great story it is !
What I loved about this book :
Great main characters in Alex and Vivienne , Viv , aka kid
Strong heroine
Flawed characters that overcome life and family obstacles
Unexpected humor
Sizzling chemistry
Unique storyline and plot
Happily Ever After
WOW what a great read - could not put this book down !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am new to author Brianna Riley and I will defiantly be checking out more of her work.
Readers should heed trigger warnings. I had no problems with them as I just considered as part of the storyline. What a great story it is !
What I loved about this book :
Great main characters in Alex and Vivienne , Viv , aka kid
Strong heroine
Flawed characters that overcome life and family obstacles
Unexpected humor
Sizzling chemistry
Unique storyline and plot
Happily Ever After
WOW what a great read - could not put this book down !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2022
Vivienne had been through a horrendous experience as a teen, that let her broken and damaged. But she vividly remembers her rescuer and hero, Alex. He was her white knight, her savior. Ten years later, remembering this hero, she needs help and looks for him. But this Alex is no hero, pretty grumpy, definitely not the guy she built up. These two characters are very well written, the story well developed, great pace, and full of twists and turns. There is some great dialogue, sizzle, and steam. Solid read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2022
This was a really strong story that will hold your attention from start to finish. The only thing that would make me give this story 5 stars is the first person point of view. Sorry, but this is a deal breaker for me. 4 stars for this strong story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2022
Definitely should read the other 2 first. It makes the story flow better than if this was read as a standalone. I personally don't pay much attention to triggers but the triggers should be read. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am excited to continue the story with the characthers!
May 13, 2022
This is the second book I’ve read by the author,
I liked preservation better but this was still a good read.
It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the others as well.
Check your triggers
I liked preservation better but this was still a good read.
It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the others as well.
Check your triggers
May 25, 2022
I enjoyed Alex & Vivian’s book. It was an entertaining read. And a new author for me. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
June 20, 2022
STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND READ THIS BOOK. Alex and Viv are an explosive couple picking their way through her damaged past. I finished this book in a day. Couldn’t put it down.
May 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. At first, I was having a hard time getting into it. But after a few chapters, I was sucked into this story. These characters, and their lives, had me drawn in. Vivienne has been through literal hell, as a teen. Left broken and bloody. But she grows up and survives. Becoming this strong, independent person. She has dreams and is working to fulfill them. This book had you hanging on every word, hoping these characters get their happily ever after. This is the first book from this author I’ve read, but it won’t be the last.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews