Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 Stars)
Title: Ryder
Author(s): Diana Gardin
Character(s):
― Francesca “Frannie” Phillips: 22 years old, Blonde, Blue Eyed
― Thorn Ryder: Blonde, Blue Eyed
Setting: Wilmington, North Carolina
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary, Suspense
Content Rating: R
POV: Alternates between Heroine/Hero
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s): N/A
Overall Opinion:
With a series blurb like this I had anticipated an action-packed suspense romance novel and this unfortunately failed to meet my expectations. Generally speaking it wasn't a bad read and I did passably enjoyed it. It could've just been better. Besides the plot that was passable, the characters left much to be desired. I didn't sense a real connection between them besides sexual and obviously feelings caught on quick which was a disappointment. Ultimately I had decided to drop this series since it stopped peaking my interest and will place it in my maybe-definitely pile for the unforeseen future.

( )

"I'm tough on my own, Ryder...but I think I'm even stronger with you."

Oh, these Delta boyz have me swooning!!! Big, tough, alpha men with a heart as big as the moon!!

Frannie Phillips thought she was safe. She thought he wouldn't find her. Well, at least not this fast. After realizing that her abusive husband is the now at-large ring leader of the exotic car theft ring recently busted, she's now under the protection of NES, specifically Thorn Ryder. It's that or WitSec. Not happy about either, she reluctantly chooses Ryder. There could be worse things than being guarded by a tall, muscled, sexy man. The more time she spends with him, the less she can deny the attraction and whatever this is building between them. But, she's keeping a secret. A big one. One that can never come out until her soon-to-be ex is caught. But, betrayal and danger are lurking around the corner and she can only hope that Ryder get to her in time. If not, she's dead.

Thorn Ryder in on babysitting duty until that scumbag is found. Not that he minds. Frannie is drop-dead gorgeous. The attraction is clear, but the mission is temporary. He'll protect her with every fiber of his being, no doubt. But will he be able to walk away when it's over? When he learns of her secret, is it too late? Can he save her in time? He never thought he could feel like this about a woman, and now that he's found her he could lose her forever. Not on his watch.

Oh, Ryder. I think he's my favorite. There is so much more to him than he lets on to his buddies. It just took that one special woman to unlock his vulnerabilities. I'm not going to spoil anything but look for the wings in the story - look for the gesture that is so big, you won't be able to stop yourself from saying "Awwww" or "Oh my God!" out loud while reading. This is only my second read from Ms. Gardin and I can't wait for Book 3!! ( )