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.
more
I really wish I had enough words to express my love for Avery and Derek! Sadly I do not so I’ll just say go read them but with tissues! Lani has once again outdone herself and her streak as my book crack continues!
By Laura
A forbidden romance with an age gap, I’ll be honest and say that Fries Before Guys was a bit questionable because of the age gap factor. However, LLV never disappointed in showing the maturity of the heroine. Seriously, the amount of sh*t that was constantly hitting her fan, you’d expect her to tuck tail and just ran. I was surprised that she never did,but that really showed the strength in her character.
I loved this one through and through. The emotions you’ll go through, all because of Avery and her heartbreaking story. And the bullying she had to deal, she literally couldn’t catch a break at all. But she had an amazing support system that was there for her. LLV highlighted that fact so well.
Derek is as alpha as they come and was a jerk in the beginning. Don’t worry, he’ll win you over quickly as the story moves along.
Fries Before Guys is my top fave from this series (so far) and it’s the most emotional. I’d say this was Avery’s story more than anything. Even with the losses she suffered, she gained so much. She wasn’t alone and that she had a family, always. I love Avery and Derek together, they’re a solid team and I wish we could have more books about them. But I’ll take seeing them in the rest of this series.
**AN ARC WAS PROVIDED BY THE PR IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW**
Lani Lynn Vale
So excited to finally get Avery’s story! My heart continued to break for Avery as the storyline went on and I couldn’t help but be on her side. After losing both of her parents and trying to finish school all while dealing with bullying and keeping her life afloat, rejection from her crush Derek is the cherry on top. As things continue to spiral for her, Derek starts to look at her more as a woman rather than a kid, even though she’s still in high school after taking time off after the death of one of her parents. Throwing in some crazy family secrets that I personally wish there was a little more information on, this book was overall a wild ride and I’m so happy these two ended up together and Avery got some happiness after all the struggles she experienced. Overall I am loving this new sub-series and seeing all the previous characters children pair up whether with another character’s kid or someone unrelated to the books. Can’t get enough of Lani Lynn Vale and I doubt that will ever change! Can’t wait for the next installment!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Fries Before Guys is the next book in the SWAT Generation 2.0 by Lani Lynn Vale, which means Derek Roberts (Mr. Feburay) is up next. This story is a little different than any of the other books I have read by this author; as in this was a slow-burn with the heroine still in high school. Which sounds a little weird for Lani’s cop romances.
Avery Flynn is a very independent woman just looking for a light at the end of a very dark tunnel and Derek Roberts just wants to be her knight. Will they give in to the sparks that seem to fly every time they are near one another?
This was a very sweet and emotional read and I dare you to read without tearing up at one point.
Derek Roberts was well aware of Avery Flynn before she took his photo for the SWAT calendar. He knew she was the daughter of two deceased cops, he knew he felt a pull towards her, but he also knew she was too young for him and still in high school. What he didn’t know was that Avery was going to ask him out and it ended up blowing up in his face when he decides she maybe young but she is it for him.
Avery has lost a lot in the past couple of years but she has a plan in place to finish highschool even though she is a year older then everyone else. The one thing she could live without though is all the bullying she has had to endure. When Derek decides he wants to help her, her hackles rise and she has no interest in letting him get close. However Derek is used to navigating tough rough waters and he has a plan to help Avery as well as make her his.
This was great, cried a lot over this one though. Story had a couple of surprises I did not anticipate happening and was really shocked over one of them. Excellent, I can’t wait for the next book.
So when I saw the title Fries Before Guys it definitely struck a chord. Lani Lynn Vale is nothing if she is not twisty in her stories. But add that this is book 2 of the SWAT Generation 2.0 Series and I was more than hooked. The collection of stories from the preceding series and now this one have held me captive. I am not passing up a single opportunity to enjoy more and more antics with the fellas from KPD.
Small towns are known for their cozy neighborly manners. Of course, for those that grew up in a small town, we all know that means a lot more. It means we pretty well know each other and the other’s parents and their siblings, etc. It means it’s normally hard to get away with much without being caught. And it means there is some sort of hierarchy that creates hell for some people.
With this story, you get ALL OF THAT and more. There is the battle of wills and the battles for common sense. Challenges and revelations that will have you shaking your head and saying Oh Wow!. Our herps Derek and Avery battle not only within themselves but against each other. And when they think they have it figured out, Lani Lynn throws plenty of new challenges into the mix.
No matter what happened in this story, I was cheering these two on. Love can be hard to accept, age is but a number and sometimes all it takes is almost losing the other person to make you realize what you have, what you need and what you love.
Lani Lynn pulled at heartstrings with this story. She pushed boundaries with this story. And when you thought the HEA was there, she threw in a totally unexpected curve ball. Then she sewed it up, spun me around and left me sitting there with a smile on my face saying WOW! Well done Lani Lynn and I am still just as hooked as ever.
4 Stars!
After having read Just Kidding I couldn’t wait for the next SWAT Generation 2.0 book! I was so happy to jump back into this world! I loved how once I started reading it I had to finish it in one sitting. I really enjoyed this installment!
Avery saw Derek’s journey kept me on my toes throughout. I loved Avery’s strength and I felt for her. I liked Derek’s determination and getting to see different sides to him.
Lani Lynn Vale has created another awesome addition to this series with Fries Before Guys! I can’t wait for the next one Maybe Swearing Will Help!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
This read was funny and emotional! I loved every word it!! LLV never fails! Derek and Avery are amazing!! Oh and of course it was steamy, it just didn’t over power the story and message in it. Bravo LLV!!
This is the second book in the KPD Swat Next Generation. They are complete stand alones. And you wo’t be lost if you haven’t read the original SWAT books.
Derek is Luke & Reece’s son. He sure is all grown up now.
He’s Mr. February.
And he has the hots for the photographer. The 19 year old that’s still in highschool!
Don’t worry, she is a year behind because her life was turned upside down.
The first chapter had me sobbing. Totally ugly crying.
My heart broke for Avery.
She’s the kid of not one cop, but two. And both were killed.
Now she’s left to fend for herself.
Both characters are amazing.
Derek knows Avery doesn’t “need” him. But he truly wants to help her. He doesn’t do it our of pity.
Avery is ruthlessly bullied.
She has no one. Until Derek. Then she has his family and the Mayor all on her side.
We do get someon from the original SWAT books. Someone I severely disliked. Now I absolutely hate him and his kid. She’s pure evil!
This is a great read and I can’t wait for more!
When I read the blurb for Fries Over Guys, I really didn’t know how the obstacles, especially the heroine’s age and their initial interaction, would make a relationship between Avery Flynn and Derek Roberts work and I don’t just mean if they would have the chemistry and a solid enough connection to be together…what I mean is, I didn’t know if they would see past everything standing in their way and realize that their age difference didn’t matter, that their first encounter didn’t define what they would always be, that Avery’s past wouldn’t continue to make things difficult for her present and perhaps even her future.
And I’ll be honest, Derek’s initial behavior and mistreatment of Avery did not sit well with me and I’m sure that other readers will feel the same way, and while as their story continues, Vale shows us who Derek truly is…I still struggled to focus on the here and now and how protective he was and how he worked to prove himself to not only Avery but to readers as well. I guess, for me, Derek didn’t seem like a typical Lani Lynn Vale, and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, my perception of Derek was skewed about because I wanted him to take charge, to be a bit more alpha, and I just didn’t feel like that happened enough to make up for how he treated Avery early on and how he couldn’t see past their age difference for quite some time.
Avery’s drive…her commitment to weather the shitshow that surrounds her and come out victorious is more than admirable, especially at her age. Avery is a mature 19 year-old – one who has already dealt with a litany of messed up events and horrible mistreatment at the hands of others, so the fact that she perseveres and has the strength to still fight…to still make something of herself illustrates the kind of woman she is. Her past is absolutely heartbreaking and readers can’t help but worry about her and hope that this girl doesn’t have to endure much more because it doesn’t seem possible that she would survive it regardless of how strong she is.
Derek and Avery’s story is an emotional one that demonstrates just how much strength is sometimes needed to keep moving forward as well as the fact that everyone needs help at different times in their lives and there’s nothing wrong with letting someone in, even if that person didn’t treat you well in the beginning…second chances are worth the risk.
4 Poison Apples
*4.5 stars*
Avery and Derek are dynamite…
I run, never walk back to Kilgore! I couldn’t wait for Avery and Derek’s story and it was as swoony as I’d hoped it would be. Avery’s circumstances meant KPD circled the wagons, helping her when and where they could. Derek knew the years between them were huge and he tried hard to resist the pull she had but (thankfully) both of them couldn’t keep that up for long…
This author is my go to when I want to read sizzle and heart in equal measure. I laugh, I sometimes cry, but am always, always lost in the story. Yes, there’s a rhythm to the writing but it all works, all of it. From family and humour to danger and sizzle, it comes together in one-sitting reads that I can’t put down. And this time out was no exception…
Avery had some pretty hard knocks but kept getting back after each new punch. From the battles she saw coming, to the unexpected blindsides, she kept moving, quietly thankful for the loving support that came her way. Especially from the man she couldn’t shake from her heart…
Derek was a compelling suitor as he tried so hard to resist. He had lots of reasons to keep his distance but instead folded sweetly at every turn. He was protective when needed and the sexy boyfriend in others. That made him the perfect man for a woman who loved as fiercely as she fought…
All I can say is, take me back to Kilgore!
*Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
I absolutely loved this book and laughed so hard my face still hurts but it was also sad to the point all I wanted to do was hug Avery and tell her it will get better (even though at times I even thought it wouldn’t lol) enter in Derek the hottie cop that rejects her due to valid reasons she’s not aware of. After his rejection she avoids him like the plague until he makes in clear that’s not happening anymore. I could not love Derek more and he was so awesome that I feel I should hang out at the police station more often lol.
Not as good as the others but still a must buy
4.5 Stars
If anyone has bad juju it’s poor Avery. It broke my heart with everything she has gone through in her young life. Avery is a character that you root for to find her HEA right from the beginning. It made my heart happy to see Derek in her corner along with his family and SWAT family. This book took some unexpected twists that just add another layer of intrigue to this one. It was also great to catch up with previous characters. This is a book you plan on having time to dive in because you won;t want to put it down. The epilogue is everything that both Derek and Avery deserved. Looking forward to more from this series!
I adored the men and women of SWAT, and am so happy to see the kids get their stories.
I cried, I laughed, found myself angry and got pretty darn frustrated but loved every minute of all those emotions.
Great storyline and flow, wonderful characters and secondary characters that helped bring the story to life.
I make it no secret that I love LLV. I love every book she writes. I fall further and further in love with her each book. Let me tell you Fries Before Guys is one of my favorite books to date. I love Avery. This poor girl literally cannot catch a break. She’s lost everything and at such a young age. Now she’s been asked to photograph for the SWAT calendar. What could possibly go wrong? So, so much. This girl, I feel like at times she was my spirit animal. She’s was painfully shy, but when she wasn’t, she was more than willing to put herself out there. I hated how hard her life was. Honestly, there was no reason for it. That part made me want to hurt some people in this book.
With all that said, if you have read any of my reviews of LLV books, you know I have one character that just makes my heart happy. There is one man, that I love beyond all characters that LLV has written. Now, we get that man’s son. I was not prepared for the man that is Derek Roberts. Much like his dad, I fell head over heels in love with him. He’s smart, kind, and while he doesn’t want to love Avery, he does. And once he allows his guard down and this wonderful woman in, they are more than I ever could have asked for from LLV.
I loved every second of this book. I can’t wait for the next SWAT book. I can’t wait to get lost in these stories. I can’t wait to see who falls next. Please check out this amazing story. I promise you will not be disappointed. The best thing, you can read these books as a standalone, but I’m honestly not sure why you would want to.
OMG! I love this book! My heart broke for Avery and all she had to go thru; and Derek is awesome, just like his dad. I can’t believe all she had to endure, yet she stood up to it all. I love the family dynamics, both blood family and law enforcement family. Lani Lynn Vale has an amazing talent to tell a story that pulls you in, where you start the book, are completely engrossed and suddenly it over.
Fries Before Guys by Lani Lynn Vale is the second book in her SWAT Generation 2.0 series. Focusing on the younger members of the Kilgore Police Departments SWAT team this book is Derek Roberts & Avery Flynn’s story.
Avery is an orphan. With the loss of both her parents over the past few years, both of whom were police officers, she has struggled to get her life together, finish high school, and just survive. Not easy when a girl at school is dead-set on bullying her, the medical bills her parents left behind battle it out with the mortgage for who has to be paid, and the only thing she loves doing, her photography, is jeopardized thanks to her personal bully for life. Shooting Mr. February AKA Derek Roberts for the Kilgore SWAT calendar starts out great – but when Derek flat out refuses a date with Avery all bets are off.
Derek wants to keep his life and his balls thank you very much – which is why he told Avery no when she asked him out for a meal. The entire police department would have his hide if he messed around with her. Yeah, she is 19, but she is still in HIGH SCHOOL!!! But he can’t help but keep finding himself in her life and pretty soon he will have to make a choice. Between caring what everyone else thinks and caring for the one woman that calls to his heart.
So many things have gone wrong and keep going wrong in Avery’s life. She is such a strong character – determined to do things on her own and for herself but with Derek in her life she has to sit back and let him take care of her and enjoy it because it is what he WANTS to do! Emotional, twisted, full of drama and love and awesomeness! I just cannot get enough of Lani Lynn Vale! Enjoy!
Oh my poor little heart. Lani Lynn Vale put it through the wringer with this book. Fries Before Guys is definitely one of her most emotional reads. She had me sobbing, swooning, laughing and falling in love on every page. I’m not typically a fan of forbidden tropes, but this is Lani we’re talking about and this is most certainly “forbidden” LLV style.
I don’t think my heart has ever ached for a character the way it did for Avery. This brilliant young woman was dealt blow after devastating blow in her life and the hits just kept on coming. But she’s got a spine of steel and just kept dusting herself off and getting back up each and every time. I didn’t just adore her for her obvious sweet personality I loved her for her strength. As much as I’m always a sucker for Lani’s men it was Avery who I fell in love with this time.
Now don’t get me wrong, Derek is EVERYTHING. Obviously he has to be to be good enough for all that Avery deserves. Even when he’s trying to resist her he can’t help but be supportive and actually be there for her. That alone is enough to make anyone swoon, but *happy sigh* when he stops resisting? I thought my heart would just take off and fly away with how much love it was filled with by him. These two have one heck of an incredible story that will keep you hooked start to finish.
Fries Before Guys is the second book in the SWAT Generation 2.0 by the talented and hilarious Lani Lynn Vale. I’m loving this series. So. Hard. These SWAT guys are making me swoon! We met Derek and Avery in Just Kidding and I just knew their story was going to be great! Derek is the chief of police’s son and Avery is the daughter of two cops. She’s struggling in school, in life and she’s crushing hard on the older, sexier cop. Derek has a thing for Avery, but she’s only nineteen and every cop in Kilgore will kill him if he touches her. Avery has the worst luck and after the second accident, Derek can’t stop wanting to protect her. He tried to stay away, but he can’t. He has to make her his. Avery can’t escape the bad things. Her life isn’t like other teenagers and she’s just trying to survive. Can she trust that Derek is for real? Will Derek be able to protect her before something horrible happens. I loved this book! I finished it in a few hours and I didn’t want it to end. This was a very emotional story and I felt so sad for Avery and what she’s been through. She’s tough as nails though and can take care of herself. Derek just wants to be with her but also let her have her independence. I seriously love this man! The sweet things he says to her. The bonding with his sister’s baby. Pretty much everything he did! Overall, I laughed, cried, had to fan myself and laughed some more. It has the perfect mix of sexiness, suspense, humor, friendship, family and love. Lots of fun and little angst, just the way I like it!