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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Review by: Jennifer
(5 stars)
AHHHH, Derek and Avery’s story is fabulous! So we all know Derek (Reese and Luke’s son) (super side note, read the previous series before this series, this is a second gen story and much better when you have read the parents story, feel me?) and we met Avery in Dax and Rowen’s story, so we “know” a little about her. We also know that she is super crushing on Derek but Derek isn’t feeling her back, his reason, she is too young. But Avery just can’t seem to catch a break, you would think losing her parents before she graduated high school would be bad enough, but the hits just keep coming. Avery doesn’t seem to let it get her down and is just like that little train and keeps on chugging away. Derek sees all of this and still tries to maintain his distance but help her at the same time. It’s only a matter of time before Derek breaks and claims her as his, only problem is can he keep her safe from the crazies that keep popping up?
This was wonderful! I loved everything about this story! Once again LLV gives us drama, danger, violence, some heart break, tears (from me) and some steamy bits. Super entertaining and this gets 5 stars.
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Review by: Melanie
(5 stars)
Avery Flynn is 19 years old and alone. Both her parents are relatively recently deceased, and as they were both police officers the PD look out for her. A talented photographer, Avery is hired to take the photos for a calendar starring the men of the force, and one in particular; Mr. February, AKA Derek Roberts (Luke and Reese’s son from Center Mass), really gets her tingling, something that unbeknownst to her is reciprocated. Derek is annoyed with himself at the reaction a teenager is bringing out in him, especially one that is essentially the princess of the Kilgore PD. He knows that if he acts on anything he will have dozens of “daddies” raining hell down on him for going there. For one reason or another though, Avery always seems to be wherever he is and eventually something happens to make him have to decide… does he walk away or give in to the pull she has on him and deal with the consequences?
This was sooooo good. I loved the chemistry between them and the drama that came with everything going on kept me reading this until I’d pretty much read the entire book in one sitting. I love this world and can’t wait for the next one, I give Fries Before Guys 5 stars.
The most emotional SWAT book to date. I shed so many tears throughout this entire slow burn, age-gap romance.
Avery seriously cannot catch a break. We find that she has lost both of her parents, she’s bullied at school, she’s about to lose her home, and her car is on its last leg. That is just to name a few of things that are going wrong in her life. One of the few things that bring her joy is her photography and the one man she enjoyed taking pictures of, Derek Roberts. It’s too bad he constantly reminds her that he’s too old for her. She will just have to daydream about him, sort of like the rest of her horrible life being different than it really is.
Once Derek meets Avery he can’t seem to stay away from her. The world seems to keep putting her right into his path. He knows he shouldn’t desire someone so young, but he can’t seem to help himself. When he finds out that she’s being abused at school, she’s about to lose her home, and basically that her life is just horrible, Derek seems to find himself by her side even more. She becomes his obsession. One he wants to make a fixture in his life.
Avery’s story will break your heart, it certainly broke mine. For a girl so young to experience so much loss and yet she keeps getting right back up and fighting is extraordinary to read. Derek is the perfect man to be by her side through the hard hitting days, but also the woman he needs to settle his soul.
Fries Before Guys is the second title in the SWAT Generations 2.0 series featuring Avery Flynn and Derek Roberts. Avery and Derek’s story is an raw, intense and emotional story.
Avery has the worst luck, she must have had a black cat cross her path, opened an umbrella inside and walked under a ladder and every other superstition out there to face the hand that she’s been dealt. Due to everything she has endured, Avery is mature beyond her years. She’s strong, resilient, intelligent, hardworking, driven and independent and very stubborn.
Derek is his father’s son, he’s very protective, kind, attentive, caring and compassionate. He’s a sexy, swoon worthy and charming alpha who’s not afraid to go after what he wants or share his feelings.
I adored Avery and Derek’s banter and interactions and look forward to the next title in the series.
Avery and Derek!
I was not expecting to be so emotional at the beginning of the book but i should of really since Avery really doesn’t have the best of luck when it comes to her life.
Derek is like his dad when it comes to his woman. Protective, fierce and undying loyalty.
He thought he was doing the right thing when it came to Avery but what you think is right isn’t always what works for everyone.
Avery, that girls life is anything but easy and for her age she really takes in her stride the best she could. Derek came into her life at the right time really when you think about it.
I love these KPD SWAT books and the 2nd generation just as much!
There are very few books that I will finish reading and then immediately start over, but I had to with Fries Before Guys. I’ve recently rediscovered my LLV love and I’ve been dying to see the future of the KPD!
Avery….she just is continually knocked down by life (and it’s things that you would think would just destroy someone) but I loved that she had so much strength to still find good things in the world. Derek is stubborn (LOL)!! He is so insanely attracted to Avery, but he’s worried that dating her (at a young age — 19)will make people talk. I loved that when they finally got together that he was ALL IN.
I don’t want to say too much and give away all the good stuff, but you definitely won’t be able to put this book down! I recommend making sure you’ve got an afternoon to dedicate to reading this!!!
Avery has wanted Derek since she shot the SWAT calendar but he turned her down flat, but now months later he seems to be everywhere and wanting her, but can she trust that? I loved this book so much and the time that I read it disappeared fast as I couldn’t put it down. I loved how no matter what happened Avery was strong and independent. Derek was patient and dedicated. Everyone needs a Derek in their life. I love how this series is going and I can’t wait for what Lani Lynn Vale has in store for us next. Highly recommended!!!
I didn’t think a Lani book could get any more sweeter until reading Fries Before Guys. Derek and Avery’s story will pull at your heartstrings.
Derek is just as swoony as his dad. He fights his attraction so hard, but he isn’t an ass doing so. He treats Avery reverently and it was beautiful to see. Avery is the one I most related to. She has no one now but damn if it doesn’t stop her. She’s determined to do everything herself. She’s so independent and really someone to look up to. When Derek and Avery stop with the bullshit and actually collide together? It’s pure bliss!
Fries Before Guys is swoony, heartfelt and sweet. You won’t want to put it down for a second!
Loved this second book in this new SWAT series. Derek and Avery are just perfect for one another. Their banter back and forth will make you laugh. You will need some tissues in the beginning though, so be prepared. Overall though AMAZING!!!!! You have to go read the book to see for yourself how amazing, don’t worry you won’t be disappointed!
The amazing Lani Lynn Vale drop another wonderful read! Avery is the strongest character I’ve never read, she survived a lot of heartache in her life and with Derek by her side she’ll continue to be on top. Derek being scared of a young Avery is funny, he tried to stay away but that fail fast. Even though this is the second generation, I love to see or hear from the originals, after all they made fall for them too, well done Author Lani Lynn Vale.
February – This is the first of the SWAT 2.0 Generation. Most of the men on the SWAT team have history with SWAT, as in their parents were the original SWAT.
Derek is the boss’s son. He didn’t want to do the photo shoot, but was forced to. He meets Avery, the photographer. One he didn’t want to get involved with because she was soo young. Wrong.
Avery is a 19 year old that was bullied, lost her parents, had no money, lost her home etc. Everything bad happened to her. Again, the author throws EVERYTHING at her, and she doesn’t fight back? Why?
I just finished the book because I wanted to see what happened to the secondary characters.
Avery and Derek were simply perfect for one another. Lani Lynn Vale never disappoints. We are treated with a heartfelt, suspenseful, entertaining, and beautiful journey of two people who become friends amongst a lot of heartache. Derek’s undeniable heart provides a wonderful reason for Avery to hold her head high and move forward. I loved this book.
I could not put this book down! I read it in one sitting! It was a great fast read!! You can never go wrong with a Lani Lynn Vale book!
Was given an arc for an honest review
Another great story by Lani Lynn Vale. I love that we also get a chance to catch up on the older generation.
This book gave me all the feels, loved it.
Avery goes through so many tragic situations that you will find yourself crying for her in multiple places. This story has quite a few twists that you may not see coming but everything wraps up perfectly in the end. I really enjoyed the narration and how well they brought this book to life.
3.5 stars
On a whim I picked up the 3rd book in this series when it came out and loved it so I thought I would go back and read the prior stories. I didn’t love this one as much as Ford’s story so I am glad that I didn’t start here. That’s not to say this wasn’t a good read.
Avery is a 19 year old kid who has suffered more pain and loss in her life than anyone should have to. She is trying to just survive day to day between money troubles and being bullied just for starters. She first saw Derek 3 years ago but she is shy and introverted so she just observes from a distance. When she finally works up the nerve to ask him on a date, he brushes her off and crushes her feelings.
Now here is where my ambivalence about the story starts. I get that Derek is older than her (although I am never quite clear on the exact age difference). I also get that she is a cop’s daughter and that translates to off limits in his eyes without the age difference. But he is kind of a jerk to her and it took him awhile to redeem himself in my eyes. I expected more of an alpha vibe from him, but he was a bit wish-washy in that aspect too. Yes once he decided he was going to throw his doubts aside, he was all in and he was all about protecting her. But then he decided to just let her set the pace and that led to all sorts of issues. As he noted, Avery is a lot more mature than him in some ways, but her age and inexperience really showed at other times. Her stubbornness was cute to a point then I was over it.
So all in all- OK read. I will give another one a try though to see how it goes.
A great read.
Oh my! This book was filled with the author signature characters, amazing plot, heart breaking scenes and then topped with an amazing ending for these characters. My heart break for Avery and everything she went through in her short life. If you read the first book in this series then you know that her parents did but it was much more then that. A few times my heart felt like it was going to sob for her.
I loved seeing the other characters that I feel in love with this author over. Great banter, bad guys you just want to strangle, and a fun plot. This plot was very intense. More intense then some of the most recent books and I loved that fact. Sometimes you need a story that takes you on a ride and has you bedding for the people involved to get the ending they deserve and that was this book. I can’t wait for more. 5 stars #2OCCJD
Instead of chortling my way through this book, I had a knot in my throat and tears in my eyes. When Avery complains that God must hate her, indeed she had reasons to say so, because she had a truckload of bad luck events, one after another. Even so, she is an amazing young woman, persistently going forward notwithstanding all the obstacles she faces, a little stubborn, has a giant crush on Derek Roberts, incredibly talented photographer, and all around sweet girl. She’s nineteen going on thirty and even Derek feels juvenile next to her.
Initially Derek refused to be attracted to her because she was just too young (nineteen, and a senior in high school!), but as the plot progresses, he can’t help getting involved. It wasn’t pity, it was the instinctual protectiveness that the male feels towards the female that he’s attracted to. As she faces problems or danger, he’s determined to be the one at her side to help and protect. Even though Avery initially rejected his help because of his attitude during the calendar photo shoot (he’s Mr. February!), eventually she relented because she saw he was sincere.
The path to love between these two is fraught with danger, adventures, crazies, and babies (but not theirs!). I hurt for Avery because she lost her parents too young, she feels alone in the world. But what she doesn’t realize is that the kid of two slain cops is the darling of the PD, so she does have a lot of protective cops willing and motivated to help her. She just needed to ask, something she was ill equipped to do.
Apart from the sadness, there is the always present feeling of family support. In this case, we get Derek’s dad, the famous Luke Roberts, chief of KPD, and Derek’s siblings and in-laws who embrace Avery into their circle of family. Derek got over his reluctance to being a cradle-snatcher but had to convince Avery to accept them as a couple.
After the initial sadness, it was back to the ever present world of LVV, warm hearted, family oriented, sexy and happy times, with some suspense from the crazies. What I loved best was that Avery was so young but so resourceful. I hated to hear about her money problems and hated when she got dispirited. The author gave a great portrayal of her aloneness and it made me hurt for her. Different from her other books, this one wasn’t as free-spirited and lively but it was lovely and heartfelt. Derek was a great character but he didn’t shine as brightly as Avery did.
The blurb of this book intrigued me, but I was really surprised to find out Avery was 19 and still in high school and Derek is a number of years older, though we never get his exact age. That set up, especially her still being in high school, felt weird to me. Especially since I imagine this guy was at least 24 or 25 based on his having been in the military and then working as a cop before this book begins. Also, they both mention that people may find their relationship strange, but then no one says a thing?
There was also so much happening at once and all to Avery. From injuries to bullying to revelations about her parents, it made the plot seem so unbelievable at times. I think there were just some moments and characters that were unnecessary or over the top and could have been left out to streamline the plot. I also had a difficult time with the author’s writing style. At times the phrasing was awkward or repetitive. Those two things really pulled me out of the story as I read.
The ending did wrap up more loose ends than I expected, but I would have liked more explanation. Again, I had a hard time understanding the motivation of one character to go to the extreme measures she did. I do wonder if I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the original series this book was spun off from, but in the end this one was not for me.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Lord have mercy, no one could have a more tragic past than Avery Flynn. And, her present pretty much blows too. But, she is doing the best that she can and refuses to let life and her circumstances hold her down. She’s a total fighter, incredibly independent, and thanks to everything life has thrown at her, so much older than her 19 years.
SWAT Officer Derek Roberts fought his attraction to Avery for as long as he could due to their age difference. But, he wanted her . . . and, she absolutely needed him, even if she is too independent and stubborn to admit it.
Fries Before Guys was an unbelievable story. Avery’s story really is heartbreaking, but I adore her strength to keep moving forward even in the darkest of times. And, Derek is exactly what she needs. This book had crazy action, crazy suspense and a crazy ending and I loved every single page! 4.5 stars!