Sometimes people come into a person’s life and make their heart skip a beat.Those people are called cops.Well, one cop in particular.A SWAT officer for the Kilgore Police Department, to be specific.The first time Avery Flynn saw Derek Roberts, she was photographing him for the first annual Kilgore Police Department SWAT calendar. He was leaned back in his squad car, shirtless, and giving her a … car, shirtless, and giving her a smile that was completely between them. A smile that hinted at what he wanted to do to her later.
When she scrounges up the courage to ask him out after the photoshoot, he laughs in her face.
Well, screw you, too, Mr. February.
***
Derek Roberts never really paid attention to the photographer.
She was a mousy girl who dressed like a twelve-year-old girl. Her tight leggings, extra baggy Star Trek t-shirt denoting her a Klingon captain, and her surprisingly clean Chucks didn’t leave much of an impression.
Now, the outfit that she was in weeks after he rebuffed her? Yeah, now that caught his attention.
Too bad that happens when he’s trying to save her from what’s sure to be death thanks to an unhinged native Texan who’s convinced she was the reason he lost his last chance at a million dollars.
When he tries to save her, she tells him she’d rather take a cattle prod to the forehead than go anywhere with him.
Challenge. Accepted.
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I’m absolutely loved Lani Lynn Vale’s original KPD-SWAT series, so it’s been a lot of fun to revisit those characters, and meet their children and other new characters in this next generation series. It’s really incredible what Vale has created in her fictional Kilgore, Texas world. She has been building it, story by story, series by series, for years with her many intersecting, intertwining books and series. As a result of this unparalleled character development, Vale has given her readers an original reading experience unique to her. For me, sitting down with her latest book each month is like visiting with friends.
I don’t want to give too much away, but this story really focused on Avery’s tumultuous life, and let me tell you, this poor girl just couldn’t catch a break. The nineteen year old daughter of two fallen police officers, Avery Flynn is “off limits” to Derek Roberts for more than just that fact. Although they are only separated in age by a few years, he also considers her too young because she’s still in high school. Following the untimely deaths of her parents, Avery took some time off school to grieve, and she’s recently returned to finish her education and get her diploma. There is definitely a strong attraction there, but Derek struggles with it.
He tries to ignore it, he tries to push her away, but their chemistry doesn’t fizzle out, and eventually Derek threw in the towel. In the grand scheme of things, he wasn’t that much older than her, he was just in a different place in his life than she was in hers. She was immensely mature, and Avery certainly wasn’t a weak girl looking for someone to take care of her. She was doing everything within her power to stand on her own two feet. She was smart, she was strong, and she never gave up. I loved that about her. I wasn’t crazy about Derek at first, he was kind of rough on Avery, but once he made up his mind, he was all in, and he won me over. He was as alpha as they come. He was protective and attentive, yet he managed not to smother or overwhelm Avery, and he often stepped back and gave her the support and the space to figure it out on her own.
Fries Before Guys was a roller coaster ride of emotions. My heart ached for Avery and all she had to endure, but at the same time, it soared as the romance between her and Derek built. Full of feels, packed with heat and Vale’s wildly hilarious sense of humor, this was a fantastic addition to an amazing new series. Fries Before Guys by Lani Lynn Vale gets five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
5 How Long Can They Resist Each Other Stars!!!
I finished this amazing book late Sunday afternoon and I’m still in recovery mode because what an emotional punch this book delivers! I was NOT expecting it which I think just makes the book that much better because I was surprised by not only the tears, but anger I have for a couple characters in this book…don’t worry it’s NONE of the KPD guys cuz they’re all just perfect!!!
Avery is a young woman that has truly had a pitcher full of lemons handed to her over the last couple of years and she just keeps plugging along. Derek Roberts is a man that has been attracted to this beautiful yet innocent girl since he first saw her a couple years ago at the worst moment of her life and he’s done everything he could to not give into his feelings because let’s face it, there’s an age difference and he’s not sure he can get over that…but then stuff starts to happen and Avery is going to have to accept him and his help because he won’t accept anything less from her.
This book is so well developed with some of the characters that I’ve come to love and adore and getting little tidbits of characters in upcoming books in this series. We also get a little history from the Code 11 – KPD SWAT books as well. I loved how this entire department looks out for its own and they really will stop at nothing to get answers and make the bad guys pay!
The synergy between Avery and Derek is very interesting. It’s fraught with tension but there’s this underlying attraction that can only be denied for so long…
“I wouldn’t be denying the obvious anymore. Avery Flynn is mine.”
There’s a ton of action in this book moving between school and the police department and I was glued to my kindle while I read this book. I literally started the book on Sunday morning and finished it Sunday afternoon because I couldn’t put it down!
The bond our H/h have is one that is tested but is there deep down and when they finally give into their feelings it’s enough to make me cry. This girl needs this man in her life. She needs to have someone to lean on and when things start happening that reveal secrets nobody was expecting there were a few moments of jaw dropping happening in my house!!
What it all comes down to, is that Ms. Vale has written a book that is moving, beautiful and makes me believe in love even if there are obstacles to get over. I cannot wait for the next book because I just know we’re going to get updates on the characters from the previous books in this series and I’m in love with all of them!!
I am a big fan of the Swat series and Lani Lynn Vale. I think her characters are so thruthful to themselves and so strong. It is great to read about the second generation and how they are coping with growing up with such strong parents that have been through a lot.
Now, we read about Derek Roberts, the son of Luke Roberts, and how he is now a ex-military who is a Swat team member (just like his dad). Avery is a 19-year old girl who has been through a lot, losing her parents, and now is coping with being an adult and growing up alone. They are not a match made in heaven, even Derek is reluctant at first. But, Avery is such a strong character that it is impossible not to like and admire her.
Some parts of the book are really sad but in the end they are adorable together and it is what makes the book so great.
I loved it!
I put down Just Kidding and jumped straight into Fries Before Guys, at 2am, obviously I have zero self control. I just get so addicted to this author’s work I need more.
We were introduced to both characters in the previous book and I immediately liked Avery. She just couldn’t catch a break but she just kept coming back swinging and I loved her strength. I just can’t even imagine going through all that and not giving up.
Derek I expected more from. Which feels a bit harsh because he was a great hero but he wasn’t as alpha or protective as I wanted. Because seriously if anyone ever needed protecting and loving it was Avery. Not that he didn’t have his moments just that he needed to bring the alpha more.
Don’t get me wrong Avery was very much able to take care of herself. It felt like she had been doing it forever and I just wanted Derek to go complete caveman and slay all of her dragons. Because the whole world was against her.
All of that said I loved both characters and I couldn’t put the story down. I wasn’t sure where things were going to go and I was dying to see everything work out for Avery. Now i just have to wait a month for Mr March.
Beautiful, Emotional…. and a winner!! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Avery’s story isn’t a good one. She is an orphan & doing her best to get by. Derek has been attracted to her for a while now… but she is too young. When a series of things start happening to Avery… Derek is there to help. What happens when he decides to just let go and let him feel everything for her? Avery’s life gets turned upside down too.. in the best way. This deserves all the Stars!!!
Another winner for Lani Lynn Vale Lani Lynn Vale. She writes kick-ass, contemporary stories, with women & men that are as real as it gets… She is a top favorite author and I will never miss a story.
I was expecting light and easy and got such an emotional, heart wrenching, turbulent love story that easily earned all of the stars!
Avery Flynn had all the luck… too bad it was all bad First her mom was killed in a car accident, then her dad was killed in the line of duty. She was orphaned and trying to make her way. After taking a year off from her studies, she was back in high school, being bullied about her dead parents. Oh, and someone was desperate to kill her. So freaking lucky! Because she was all alone, she was used to depending on herself, never looking for help. However, her parents were cops and the entire force was behind her, even if she didn’t always allow them to be. Despite her youth, she was mature beyond her years and Derek was helpless to resist all of her awesomeness. And I was so there for all of it (even if it did draw a few tears from me)!!
I’m loving getting to know the next generation of these sexy SWAT men. They’re funny and sensitive and considerate and helpful and amazing and I can’t get enough of how LLV creates ’em. Major fangirl over here and I’m excitedly looking forward to the next sweet one!
I love this series and Derek and Avery’s story has a lot of twists that had me shaking my head. The KPD SWAT guys are a loyal family and that’s what draws me into this series. I’ve wanted Avery’s story for so long and the poor girl never seemed to catch a break. Derek was a sweet guy who had to get past all of Avery’s defenses. Lots of crazy action and second guessing until the very end. Definitely kept me on my toes.
This is the 2nd novel in this 2nd generation series and what a fantastic addition Avery and Derek’s story is. This is a well written flawless story which is filled with drama, danger, heartbreak, and entertaining as well as steamy read. I was totally enthralled throughout this epic tale, and I cannot wait to read more from this gifted author whose work I highly recommend for all.
An emotionally intense love story! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read
I could not wait to read Avery Flynn’s story and LLV did not disappoint. LLV tackles some very real everyday issues. Avery cannot catch a break. Derek fights the feelings he has for Avery as she is still in High School even though she is of age. Derek fights the fights that Avery can’t fight herself. This books has all the emotions you expect from LLV and even more. I could not put this book down. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
This is the story of Avery Flynn, oh and Derek Roberts, the hunky Mr February, yes he’s in here too!
I will say straight up my eyes leaked tears from the heartache Avery had been through, the build up of that devastating time in her life and the descriptions so poignant I’d defy anyone to not get choked up. Avery is such a strong, brave young woman who had so much go wrong in her life, yet, got back up each time determined to keep going by herself. I felt a lot of admiration for the young woman who at nineteen was light years ahead in maturity than others her age. Derek showed himself to be a bit of a chip off the old block! He certainly has the caring qualities of his father, as well as the temper. I truly didn’t find the age gap between these two characters to be an issue at all, they fit together so well.
The storyline intrigued me greatly. Why anyone wanted to get Avery was baffling and although there are snippets of clues, it’s not until the end that you find out everything, well played by the author.
A thoroughly entertaining story that does have a happy ever after but you might still need some tissues.
4.5 Stars for Fries Before Guys, book 4 in the Swat Generation 2.0 series. This story is filled with heartbreaking moments and hopeful ones too with some added twists and turns that kept me engaged!
It took me a bit to warm up to Derek. He was not very nice to Avery in the beginning but once his layers unraveled it was easy to see that there was so much more to him and he initially pushed Avery away because he really wanted to have her close. And we think women throw mixed signals!
Avery had more heartbreak and bad things happen to her than anyone should ever have to endure, but she truly is a strong character and she just needed to catch a break. Derek was the break she finally caught!
These two just needed to be open and honest about how they felt and what they wanted from their relationship. Once they managed to do that things finally started to fall into place.
I am enjoying this new series so far and can’t wait to read the stories coming next!
I am absolutely loving this second generation SWAT series from LLV. This one is Derek Roberts story and I absolutely loved his leading lady Avery!
Avery is so amazing, she had been through so much, had so much thrown at her yet she is still functioning, how I’m not sure. With both her parents dead she is the Police princess but they have no idea what she is having to deal with until Derek Roberts takes an interest in her and stops fighting his attraction to her.
The chemistry between Avery and Derek is OFF THE CHARTS HOT!! Once Derek gets over his hang-up with her being only 19 he is all in and one intense Alpha Male.
It was lovely seeing some of my old favourites from previous books and series making their appearances. Part of the reason I love LLV’s writing as she has built these amazing interconnected worlds that have seriously drawn me in.
Cant wait to read the next book in the series and see what happens with Maybe Swearing Will Help
This book was so much more than I anticipated.
He’s the one who denied her.
She’s the one he wanted but could have, she was too you.
When Avery’s bad luck gets worse and her entire world begins to unravel she never would have expected Derek to be the one to step on the role of her savior. But he won’t walk away from her in her time of need. With their time spent together and them becoming close Derek realizes he is falling for Avery and won’t let her get away, no matter what.
Ohh… How I loved this book. Lani Lynn Vale had me snorting many times. She also had me wanting to throttle so many kids at Avery’s High School.
From previous books, I was enamored by miss Avery Flynn. By the time this book ended, I was absolutely in love with her character. She was beyond strong. In my eyes, Avery is one of the strongest heroines Lani has written recently.
Avery has been through hell and keeps picking herself up, dusting herself off and trudging along. She is talented though she does not flaunt it.
One thing she does have is a crush on a particular KPD SWAT officer though. He pushes her buttons and is always sweet with her at the same time.
The first scene with Derek Roberts and Avery had me snorting. Derek did not want to do the photoshoot. Especially with a woman, he should not have feelings for.
From the moment this book starts, you get to see two people one would think should not go together but actually fit together perfectly. They complement each other and work together nicely once they come to an understanding.
This is a great swoon-worthy book. You get to see a hunky guy stick up for his girl and show others why you should never treat people with disrespect.
I would say this book has bullying in it quite a bit. Avery goes through some hell but she has her team around her to show her life will get better.
One-Click and fall in love with Avery and Derek!
I can’t get enough of Lani Lynn Vale’s books. Her stories give me life because they are about real life. Her characters are as relatable as can be.
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all as the adage goes. I am sure that is what Avery thinks on a daily basis. Her life is full of topsy tumoil. Of course, still being in high school attempting to handle all that’s thrown at her is enough to make the strongest person break. So a relationship is the furthest thing from her mind.
Kids! They are just a pain in the you know what . . . even when the one that seems to tickle your fancy is a kid or so you think. Derek is not interested in a high school student . . . even if she is of legal age. And then . . . he gets to know her and discovers her maturity level is more than his.
This story was filled with so much more than I anticipated. It’s heartbreaking, yet heartwarming. It’s hatred with so much love. It drama with a certain calmness. The unexpected is what always makes Lani a definite go to author for me.
How do I put into words my feelings for this book?!? Frustration? Horror? How about WTF?!? I think that about sums it up. This book started out with a photo shoot, (Hot guy, no shirt? How does it get better than that, right?) There’s some chemistry, she asks him out, and he……turns her down! I felt so much outrage on her behalf! What was he thinking?!? But seriously, he is a man, so you can only expect so much from him, right?
The last couple of years of Avery’s life has been one tragedy after another. And life keeps getting worse. She can’t catch a break, and even the guy that she thinks could be more, doesn’t want anything to do with her. Until yet another tragic event leads to him inserting himself into her life, refusing to take no for an answer. And then she is dealt another horrific blow…..
Derek has known Avery for years, but has kept his distance because of the differences in their ages. Yes, the attraction is there, but he ignores it. (the best that he can!) But things are happening that he can no longer ignore, and now he finds himself trying to make things different. Now he knows what he wants. He just has to make her see that it’s her!
I swear, if it weren’t so tragic, I’d have laughed throughout most of this book. Derek and Avery have a relationship built out of the ashes of her past. But they still have a connection, one strong enough to weather any storm, even when bad things keep compiling on top of other bad things. I couldn’t help but keep reading, knowing that, some how, some way, they’d find their way out on the other side. This is a story that says, to me, that no matter how bad is seems, no matter how long the bad lasts, there will be a HEA, no matter what!
First impressions can be brutal, but it’s the surprising twists that make the journey worthwhile. Neither Derek or Avery are looking for permanent. However, sometimes life has other plans. From awkward first impressions to dangerous situations and steamy attraction, Fries Before Guys is as unpredictable as it is entertaining. Vale packs heat and heart to deliver unforgettable.
I’m really enjoying the Swat 2.0 series so far and can’t wait for the third. This one was about Avery and Derek, who we met in the first book. Avery’s story is really hard to read and I have a feeling they’re all gonna follow a theme. Avery’s bullied and bullying is something that is close to my heart, so much so, that I fell in love with Derek for the way he started to treat Avery. Yeah, it didn’t start out so great but it ended up being spectacular. The thing for me was that the “bad guy” didn’t start with intentions to harm anyone and bullying is like that, but I feel this is why we need to have real conversations with our children instead of just checking in occasionally. Overall, I feel this series is right up their with Boomtown, The Dixie Wardens and Code 11-KPD Swat which were my favorite series.
Oh my, right from the beginning, tears. Heartbreaking from the start. Luckily we have the whole rest of the book to piece it back together.
Avery has been through more in her 19 years than most people twice that age, she just can’t catch a break. Yet when most would turn away and just give up, she fights. No matter how many times life kicks her when she is down, every time, she gets back up and keeps going.
Derek is 2nd generation law enforcement. To say it’s a family affair is putting it lightly. Which is why it’s hard for him to admit his feelings for a fellow fallen officer’s daughter. One that the precinct has somewhat adopted as their own.
Unexpected twists and turns, action, suspense, and secrets revealed make this one of the stories you want to keep reading until you have all the answers.
4 Star Review Fries Before Guy by Lani Lynn Vale
Initially I wasn’t too keen on hot cop SWAT officer Derek Robert aka Mr. February, particularly since he was such a jerk to photographer Avery Flynn.
Weeks later Derek is tasked with saving Avery despite her protests.
This was a roller coaster of a read with my heart almost breaking for Avery at times and tears were shed. Avery has been through do much that I wanted to scream, I could feel her pain. It also covers the issue of bullying
and the devastating affects it can have on a person. Avery was such a strong young woman that I greatly admired.
Derek grew on me, he was certainly an alpha male who was also fiercely protective of Avery. I think that was what finally turned my opinion around.
There were times that I laughed, I cried, I wanted to scream but through it all I was invested in Derek and Avery’s story. The chemistry between them sizzled and I was cheering them on to get their happily ever after.