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Second Chances #7
Defending Hayden
The Carolina Cougars keep fighting for love as the Second Chances series from bestselling author L. P. Dover continues! In Defending Hayden, a damaged football star teams up with the only woman who can take the pain away.
No one’s tougher than Carolina Cougars linebacker Derek McLaughlin. But when a fatal car accident claims the life of his girlfriend, Derek finds himself caught in a destructive spiral of drugs, alcohol, and meaningless sex. But not even a string of one-night stands can ease the hurt. Football is all he has left. Then fate leads him back to the scene of the crash, and into the arms of a kind, gorgeous woman who sees past his façade to the man he once was . . . and can be again.
When a chance roadside encounter brings Derek into her life, veterinarian Hayden Hunter isn’t fooled by his bad attitude: All bark and no bite, he’s hiding a wounded heart beneath that gruff demeanor. And Hayden wants to be the one to kiss it all better. Soon they both find that a dose of passion is potent medicine. But when a hidden enemy lashes out at Hayden, Derek steps up to do what he does best: put his body on the line in the name of love.
No one’s tougher than Carolina Cougars linebacker Derek McLaughlin. But when a fatal car accident claims the life of his girlfriend, Derek finds himself caught in a destructive spiral of drugs, alcohol, and meaningless sex. But not even a string of one-night stands can ease the hurt. Football is all he has left. Then fate leads him back to the scene of the crash, and into the arms of a kind, gorgeous woman who sees past his façade to the man he once was . . . and can be again.
When a chance roadside encounter brings Derek into her life, veterinarian Hayden Hunter isn’t fooled by his bad attitude: All bark and no bite, he’s hiding a wounded heart beneath that gruff demeanor. And Hayden wants to be the one to kiss it all better. Soon they both find that a dose of passion is potent medicine. But when a hidden enemy lashes out at Hayden, Derek steps up to do what he does best: put his body on the line in the name of love.
244 pages, ebook
First published June 28, 2016
88 people are currently reading
883 people want to read
About the author
L.P. Dover
112 books3,399 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play golf, go on mountain hikes and white-water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, but her favorite to write is romantic suspense. However, she has found a new passion in romantic comedy, especially involving sexy golfers. Who knew the sport could be so dirty and fun to write about.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play golf, go on mountain hikes and white-water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, but her favorite to write is romantic suspense. However, she has found a new passion in romantic comedy, especially involving sexy golfers. Who knew the sport could be so dirty and fun to write about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
June 22, 2016
*****FOUR STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
This is the seventh book in the Second Chances series by LP Dover. I had never read anything by this author but I loved the sound of the synopsis, and so I took a chance on this one. Obviously, this can be read as a standalone, as I was able to follow the story without any trouble. I am now anxious to read the other books in the series after having enjoyed this one so much. This isn’t necessarily a tale of a “second chance” romance, it’s more having to do with getting that second chance at life, love, and happiness.
Derek McLaughlin is a defensive linebacker for the NFL team, the Carolina Cougars. He suffered a tremendous loss when his girlfriend and unborn child were killed in a horrific car accident that he was also a victim of. He’s been hating life and lost his way, and so he leaves North Carolina behind and heads off to Wyoming to work on his friend’s farm in order to clear his head. Up until that point, he had been drowning his sorrows in alcohol and women, and completely letting his teammates down. After a few months away, Derek has been able to sober up and is on the path back to a normal life. He heads back home and gets back on the field with his teammates. But on his first night back home, he literally runs into a beautiful woman who has him feeling things he never thought he would again.
Hayden Hunter is a Veterinarian who works at a local animal hospital in town. Her love of animals and dedication to her work keeps her extremely busy, which means she has a non-existent social life. She’s never had good luck with relationships and actually seems quite happy with the way her life is going. But then she runs into Derek McLaughlin and she feels an instant attraction to him. She doesn’t follow Football so she had no idea she had just run into a huge NFL star. These two form a fast friendship and actually agree to keep things platonic because Derek doesn’t think he’s capable of committing to another woman and Hayden has no intention of being just another notch on Derek’s headboard.
As they spend more time together, it becomes clear that keeping things platonic is just not feasible and the relationship starts to heat up big time!! But can Derek get over his fears of possibly losing another person he loves, especially when Hayden has come to mean so much more to him that anyone before? And add on the fact that someone is out to destroy Hayden’s professional reputation and that she could also possibly be in potential danger!
This was definitely a story that I easily got engrossed in and although it was a little predictable, overall it was an enjoyable read. I mean that I will be looking out for more books by LP Dover and would love the chance to read all the previous books in this series.
Defending Hayden goes live on June 28th.
AMAZON US Pre-Order Link: http://amzn.to/28PJ6B1
{ARC Generously Provided by Author}
This is the seventh book in the Second Chances series by LP Dover. I had never read anything by this author but I loved the sound of the synopsis, and so I took a chance on this one. Obviously, this can be read as a standalone, as I was able to follow the story without any trouble. I am now anxious to read the other books in the series after having enjoyed this one so much. This isn’t necessarily a tale of a “second chance” romance, it’s more having to do with getting that second chance at life, love, and happiness.
Derek McLaughlin is a defensive linebacker for the NFL team, the Carolina Cougars. He suffered a tremendous loss when his girlfriend and unborn child were killed in a horrific car accident that he was also a victim of. He’s been hating life and lost his way, and so he leaves North Carolina behind and heads off to Wyoming to work on his friend’s farm in order to clear his head. Up until that point, he had been drowning his sorrows in alcohol and women, and completely letting his teammates down. After a few months away, Derek has been able to sober up and is on the path back to a normal life. He heads back home and gets back on the field with his teammates. But on his first night back home, he literally runs into a beautiful woman who has him feeling things he never thought he would again.
Hayden Hunter is a Veterinarian who works at a local animal hospital in town. Her love of animals and dedication to her work keeps her extremely busy, which means she has a non-existent social life. She’s never had good luck with relationships and actually seems quite happy with the way her life is going. But then she runs into Derek McLaughlin and she feels an instant attraction to him. She doesn’t follow Football so she had no idea she had just run into a huge NFL star. These two form a fast friendship and actually agree to keep things platonic because Derek doesn’t think he’s capable of committing to another woman and Hayden has no intention of being just another notch on Derek’s headboard.
As they spend more time together, it becomes clear that keeping things platonic is just not feasible and the relationship starts to heat up big time!! But can Derek get over his fears of possibly losing another person he loves, especially when Hayden has come to mean so much more to him that anyone before? And add on the fact that someone is out to destroy Hayden’s professional reputation and that she could also possibly be in potential danger!
This was definitely a story that I easily got engrossed in and although it was a little predictable, overall it was an enjoyable read. I mean that I will be looking out for more books by LP Dover and would love the chance to read all the previous books in this series.
Defending Hayden goes live on June 28th.
AMAZON US Pre-Order Link: http://amzn.to/28PJ6B1
August 11, 2016
4.5 Stars
ARC from Netgalley
I am so glad I was able to read/review this story about second chances. This story is beautifully told. The Author didn't hold back the emotions these characters have endured by losing at love. Yes, it's a heartbreaking at first but then as the story goes live is found again. This is told from each characters POV. So I was able to learn how each character was either hurting or feeling love. The sex scenes were hot! The ending does give us a HEA. No cliffhanger. The Author does have room for another story on several characters so we shall see if we get it.
ARC from Netgalley
I am so glad I was able to read/review this story about second chances. This story is beautifully told. The Author didn't hold back the emotions these characters have endured by losing at love. Yes, it's a heartbreaking at first but then as the story goes live is found again. This is told from each characters POV. So I was able to learn how each character was either hurting or feeling love. The sex scenes were hot! The ending does give us a HEA. No cliffhanger. The Author does have room for another story on several characters so we shall see if we get it.
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Sweet Stars *****
Can be read as a standalone
Hayden is a veterinarian that goes above and beyond to save her furry friends. She doesn't know anything about football or football players. So when she runs into Derek, she treats him like normal person. Well... a normal sexy person.
Derek previously lost his pregnant girlfriend in a bad car accident. This led him down a dark path. Hayden helps Derek piece his life together, but their relationship isn't easy. They have a lot of challenges blocking their way.
I enjoyed reading about Hayden and Derek. Their love wasn't instant. Both of them took their time to understand each other. Even though this is a standalone romance, a lot of the characters from the previous books are involved. I'm really interested in reading more about the other characters!
Can be read as a standalone
Hayden is a veterinarian that goes above and beyond to save her furry friends. She doesn't know anything about football or football players. So when she runs into Derek, she treats him like normal person. Well... a normal sexy person.
Derek previously lost his pregnant girlfriend in a bad car accident. This led him down a dark path. Hayden helps Derek piece his life together, but their relationship isn't easy. They have a lot of challenges blocking their way.
I enjoyed reading about Hayden and Derek. Their love wasn't instant. Both of them took their time to understand each other. Even though this is a standalone romance, a lot of the characters from the previous books are involved. I'm really interested in reading more about the other characters!
June 23, 2016
3.5 stars
Good, enjoyable, but predictable. These books have a pattern: meet, insta-love, fast relationship, drama from an obvious source. Now, being said I still enjoy them. They are well written and the characters are likable.
Good, enjoyable, but predictable. These books have a pattern: meet, insta-love, fast relationship, drama from an obvious source. Now, being said I still enjoy them. They are well written and the characters are likable.
May 25, 2016
The previous book in L.P Dover's Second Chances series was an average read for me: enjoyable enough but certain aspects frustrated. But, she set the scene for the Carolina Cougars Linebacker, Derek McLaughlin and after the tragic events we witnessed in Catching Summer there was no doubt, I wanted to read his story.
"I didn’t just lose her—I lost my child as well."
Defending Hayden picks up a few months down the line and sees Derek struggling with all he's been and is still going through. But, when a few realisations hit home, he picks himself up and rejoins the team, determined to focus on the one thing he has left. His career.
Local Veterinarian, Hayden Hunter is clueless to football, so when she literally bumps into Derek, she's no idea who he is, his celebrity status or of what he's going though. When a second chance meeting sees them saving a badly injured dog following a hit and run, friendship develops. And whilst everything does move fairly fast between them it held that feeling of natural progression as this couple get to know one another and the chemistry builds.
"Just being around you has made me feel things I never thought I could feel again."
In comparison to its predecessor, Defending Hayden was in a league above. Derek and Hayden have their ups and downs but they were lovely together; relatable, loveable and bringing everything from sweetness to fight to heated passion. Combine this with amusing banter between the guys and the obligatory twist to the storyline that, whilst not entirely unpredictable, did add some drama and action, and you have a worthy addition to the series (which can easily be read as a standalone). I really never thought I'd say this considering I hated him in Chasing Summer, but I really am looking forward to reading Jax's story.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
"I didn’t just lose her—I lost my child as well."
Defending Hayden picks up a few months down the line and sees Derek struggling with all he's been and is still going through. But, when a few realisations hit home, he picks himself up and rejoins the team, determined to focus on the one thing he has left. His career.
Local Veterinarian, Hayden Hunter is clueless to football, so when she literally bumps into Derek, she's no idea who he is, his celebrity status or of what he's going though. When a second chance meeting sees them saving a badly injured dog following a hit and run, friendship develops. And whilst everything does move fairly fast between them it held that feeling of natural progression as this couple get to know one another and the chemistry builds.
"Just being around you has made me feel things I never thought I could feel again."
In comparison to its predecessor, Defending Hayden was in a league above. Derek and Hayden have their ups and downs but they were lovely together; relatable, loveable and bringing everything from sweetness to fight to heated passion. Combine this with amusing banter between the guys and the obligatory twist to the storyline that, whilst not entirely unpredictable, did add some drama and action, and you have a worthy addition to the series (which can easily be read as a standalone). I really never thought I'd say this considering I hated him in Chasing Summer, but I really am looking forward to reading Jax's story.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
June 29, 2016
Back in the Cougars locker room and loving it!
If you read Catching Summer then you were probably like me and couldn’t wait to get your hands on Derek McLaughlin’s story. These are standalone reads but the setup for Derek’s story was already in the works and I was on book watch, ready to pounce!
When Derek’s girlfriend died in a car accident his life—both professional and personal—took a disastrous turn. Alcohol, women, he looked to anything to hide from his pain. Months later he was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and stumbling on Hayden Hunter was the start of something unexpected and surprising for both of them.
“You have no idea how much I fucking need you,” he whispered against my lips.
“Probably as much as I need you.”
I’ve read a number of books by this author and I know, going in, I will have a well-written and emotional story to savor and enjoy. This outing was no exception. I was already #TeamDerek before I opened the first page, and everything that followed only confirmed it. Derek wasn’t perfect—he grieved in ways that weren’t good for himself or his teammates. But when he set out to redeem himself and get his life on track, he was determined to succeed. And I couldn’t help but (mostly) quietly cheer him on.
Hayden was happy and successful, and didn’t expect anything from a casual encounter where Derek played a gallant gentleman. She had no expectations, but that didn’t seem to matter as their relationship continued and deepened. Over and over, the superstar athlete proved himself to be one of the good guys. They were funny and tentative and all things sweet. Well, except for the delicious dirty talk and uber-hot love scenes between the two. Whew…
With their journey being the focus of the story, there was still room for unexpected twists when Hayden was now the one who needed support. How they find their way to each other—physically and emotionally—made for a feel good read that I just wanted to savor and cuddle long after the final page was done…
Thank goodness I have more of this series to catch up on, as well as future instalments to come! I’m nowhere near ready to leave this locker room! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
If you read Catching Summer then you were probably like me and couldn’t wait to get your hands on Derek McLaughlin’s story. These are standalone reads but the setup for Derek’s story was already in the works and I was on book watch, ready to pounce!
When Derek’s girlfriend died in a car accident his life—both professional and personal—took a disastrous turn. Alcohol, women, he looked to anything to hide from his pain. Months later he was trying to pick up the pieces of his life and stumbling on Hayden Hunter was the start of something unexpected and surprising for both of them.
“You have no idea how much I fucking need you,” he whispered against my lips.
“Probably as much as I need you.”
I’ve read a number of books by this author and I know, going in, I will have a well-written and emotional story to savor and enjoy. This outing was no exception. I was already #TeamDerek before I opened the first page, and everything that followed only confirmed it. Derek wasn’t perfect—he grieved in ways that weren’t good for himself or his teammates. But when he set out to redeem himself and get his life on track, he was determined to succeed. And I couldn’t help but (mostly) quietly cheer him on.
Hayden was happy and successful, and didn’t expect anything from a casual encounter where Derek played a gallant gentleman. She had no expectations, but that didn’t seem to matter as their relationship continued and deepened. Over and over, the superstar athlete proved himself to be one of the good guys. They were funny and tentative and all things sweet. Well, except for the delicious dirty talk and uber-hot love scenes between the two. Whew…
With their journey being the focus of the story, there was still room for unexpected twists when Hayden was now the one who needed support. How they find their way to each other—physically and emotionally—made for a feel good read that I just wanted to savor and cuddle long after the final page was done…
Thank goodness I have more of this series to catch up on, as well as future instalments to come! I’m nowhere near ready to leave this locker room! ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
June 28, 2016
This is the first I have read from this series, and it worked well as a stand alone, however, overall I didn't enjoy this story. Derek McLaughlin is a linebacker for the Carolina Cougars. One night while driving with his pregnant girlfriend and some teammates, they get into a car accident and his girlfriend and the baby dies. Obviously, Derek is devastated. He resorts to partying way too hard and sleeping with way too many women. He hits rock bottom and flees to Wyoming to sort out his life. After some time, he is ready to go back to North Carolina and rejoin the team.
Hayden Hunter is a veterinarian who literally gets hit by a door when Derek is leaving a bar one night. Feeling horrible, and realizing her cell phone was smashed in the process, he offers her his phone for the night and bids her goodbye. By a chance encounter the next day, while Hayden is helping an injured dog on the side of the road, Derek drives by and the two of them hit it off this time. Derek is interested in her career and Hayden knows nothing about football and didn't realize Derek was a big star. Little by little they start to get to know one another and a romance starts.
This sounds cozy and a mix of a sports romance meets small town - but I just couldn't get into it. It's overall a little slow for me - but more than that both Derek and Hayden rubbed me the wrong way. On page they are really nice people - but for some reason I just wanted to roll my eyes at them. Derek comes off a little young and way too emo for me. I know, I know - he lost his pregnant girlfriend. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood to read a hero suffering through grief. It's probably a case of "it's me, not you" - sorry Derek. But you came off very young - and it didn't work for me. Derek freaks out after the first time they have sex and it was very immature. We get to meet his teammates and see a tiny bit of football action - but I'm not sure he really felt like a football player to me.
Hayden. Oh Hayden - you were too perfect for me. I needed her to have a bad attitude about something. She got a little pouty when bad things happened at the vet clinic, but she had this attitude that rubbed me the wrong way. She was cheated on by her long-term boyfriend and her best girlfriend - and I thought that would cause more drama but it didn't really seem to play much into her relationship with Derek. There is a side story with Hayden and her co-worker who has romantic feelings for her. This ends in some bigger drama towards the end (drama that felt very out of place) and I was not a fan.
They declare love early and Derek even admits to himself that his feelings for Hayden are stronger than he ever had for his dead girlfriend. I just love when heroes have to make that clear to us *enter sarcasm*
This one didn't work for me.
Grade: D
Hayden Hunter is a veterinarian who literally gets hit by a door when Derek is leaving a bar one night. Feeling horrible, and realizing her cell phone was smashed in the process, he offers her his phone for the night and bids her goodbye. By a chance encounter the next day, while Hayden is helping an injured dog on the side of the road, Derek drives by and the two of them hit it off this time. Derek is interested in her career and Hayden knows nothing about football and didn't realize Derek was a big star. Little by little they start to get to know one another and a romance starts.
This sounds cozy and a mix of a sports romance meets small town - but I just couldn't get into it. It's overall a little slow for me - but more than that both Derek and Hayden rubbed me the wrong way. On page they are really nice people - but for some reason I just wanted to roll my eyes at them. Derek comes off a little young and way too emo for me. I know, I know - he lost his pregnant girlfriend. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood to read a hero suffering through grief. It's probably a case of "it's me, not you" - sorry Derek. But you came off very young - and it didn't work for me. Derek freaks out after the first time they have sex and it was very immature. We get to meet his teammates and see a tiny bit of football action - but I'm not sure he really felt like a football player to me.
Hayden. Oh Hayden - you were too perfect for me. I needed her to have a bad attitude about something. She got a little pouty when bad things happened at the vet clinic, but she had this attitude that rubbed me the wrong way. She was cheated on by her long-term boyfriend and her best girlfriend - and I thought that would cause more drama but it didn't really seem to play much into her relationship with Derek. There is a side story with Hayden and her co-worker who has romantic feelings for her. This ends in some bigger drama towards the end (drama that felt very out of place) and I was not a fan.
They declare love early and Derek even admits to himself that his feelings for Hayden are stronger than he ever had for his dead girlfriend. I just love when heroes have to make that clear to us *enter sarcasm*
This one didn't work for me.
Grade: D
June 28, 2016
After many months hoarding L.P. Dover's books---promising myself I would read them---I was excited to finally meet this author's work. With sports romance being one of my two favorite genres and football my top sport to watch, I was thrilled to pop my L.P. Dover cherry with the fast-paced and fabulous football love story, Defending Hayden. There is nothing like a sports romance to get my adrenaline flowing fast with fascination.
I lost myself in Defending Hayden as this tender and touching tale grabbed me, wrapping itself around my heart, where I did not want to surface until the very end. Pulse pounding. Eyes tearing. Heart breaking. Feels flowing. Heart healing.
"Time didn't heal all wounds. The pain was still there, simmering under the surface."
These words cut me like a knife as my heart bled for Derek McLaughlin, the NFL football linemen who lost his fiancé, his first love, and top cheerleader. I felt the pain pour through the pages straight to my heart as Defending Hayden captured all of me: body, heart, and soul.
I'm in love with Derek McLaughlin. This baller has a big heart. Add gorgeous looks to the sweet man and it makes for one perfect package. Auburn hair. Blue eyes. Tall, muscular, and a body built to perfection. Tortured from tragedy, Derek had his life shatter, literally, before his eyes after losing his fiancé, a cheerleader for his team, to an awful accident.
Derek now fights a war of demons, mustering the strength to win. He numbed the pain with lots of liquor and ladies, anything to try to forget if even for a little while. After Derek spiraled for many months on a path of destruction, it's now time for redemption and rebuilding his life.
"I had to believe anyone could be redeemed, and I was going to make damn sure I worked hard to achieve that for myself."
During a chance encounter one night, Derek collides with a beautiful veterinarian, Hayden Hunter. Dark hair, green eyes, and a body made for sin, Hayden has been burned by love and does not want an encore performance.
Everything happens for a reason.
One chance encounter is a coincidence.
Two chance counters is fate.
Derek and Hayden meeting by chance again and again is destiny.
Like the flicker of a flame, Derek and Hayden's passion permeates. A slow burn of a buildup. Strangers to friends to more.
"I wanted him to kiss me, and I knew he wanted it as well by the look in his eyes."
Hayden and Derek swear they will just be friends as more is too complicated. Though their combustible chemistry may be the biggest complication of all. They can't fight destiny because they will lose.
"What do you want from me, Hayden?"
"You. Just you."
Oh. My. Swoon. I melted into a pool of goo, swooning all the way.
Love is sometimes a battlefield. The war for Hayden has begun with another player racing for the touchdown. Derek needs to realize that he deserves Hayden, then fight like hell to keep her before he loses the biggest game of his life: love.
"The world closed in around me and I could barely breathe. I'd never thought my heart could be broken twice, but it was split wide open."
Defending Hayden is not your typical sports romance. It's refreshingly raw and real. It's a story of heartbreak and healing. It's a tale of redemption. Spellbinding, sweet, and suspenseful, Defending Hayden blazes the body, hits the heart, and sends the soul soaring straight to a touchdown.
Defending Hayden held on to my heart, hitting it hard, and never letting go. This story infiltrated me with feels from beginning to end. Defending Hayden is a sports romance wrapped in sweetness and soul that stole my heart and soul. This game may be over, but the sensational season of L.P. Dover stories has just begun, and I can't wait for my soul to soar with more of this author's evocative and emotional writing.
4.5 soul-soaring stars
I lost myself in Defending Hayden as this tender and touching tale grabbed me, wrapping itself around my heart, where I did not want to surface until the very end. Pulse pounding. Eyes tearing. Heart breaking. Feels flowing. Heart healing.
"Time didn't heal all wounds. The pain was still there, simmering under the surface."
These words cut me like a knife as my heart bled for Derek McLaughlin, the NFL football linemen who lost his fiancé, his first love, and top cheerleader. I felt the pain pour through the pages straight to my heart as Defending Hayden captured all of me: body, heart, and soul.
I'm in love with Derek McLaughlin. This baller has a big heart. Add gorgeous looks to the sweet man and it makes for one perfect package. Auburn hair. Blue eyes. Tall, muscular, and a body built to perfection. Tortured from tragedy, Derek had his life shatter, literally, before his eyes after losing his fiancé, a cheerleader for his team, to an awful accident.
Derek now fights a war of demons, mustering the strength to win. He numbed the pain with lots of liquor and ladies, anything to try to forget if even for a little while. After Derek spiraled for many months on a path of destruction, it's now time for redemption and rebuilding his life.
"I had to believe anyone could be redeemed, and I was going to make damn sure I worked hard to achieve that for myself."
During a chance encounter one night, Derek collides with a beautiful veterinarian, Hayden Hunter. Dark hair, green eyes, and a body made for sin, Hayden has been burned by love and does not want an encore performance.
Everything happens for a reason.
One chance encounter is a coincidence.
Two chance counters is fate.
Derek and Hayden meeting by chance again and again is destiny.
Like the flicker of a flame, Derek and Hayden's passion permeates. A slow burn of a buildup. Strangers to friends to more.
"I wanted him to kiss me, and I knew he wanted it as well by the look in his eyes."
Hayden and Derek swear they will just be friends as more is too complicated. Though their combustible chemistry may be the biggest complication of all. They can't fight destiny because they will lose.
"What do you want from me, Hayden?"
"You. Just you."
Oh. My. Swoon. I melted into a pool of goo, swooning all the way.
Love is sometimes a battlefield. The war for Hayden has begun with another player racing for the touchdown. Derek needs to realize that he deserves Hayden, then fight like hell to keep her before he loses the biggest game of his life: love.
"The world closed in around me and I could barely breathe. I'd never thought my heart could be broken twice, but it was split wide open."
Defending Hayden is not your typical sports romance. It's refreshingly raw and real. It's a story of heartbreak and healing. It's a tale of redemption. Spellbinding, sweet, and suspenseful, Defending Hayden blazes the body, hits the heart, and sends the soul soaring straight to a touchdown.
Defending Hayden held on to my heart, hitting it hard, and never letting go. This story infiltrated me with feels from beginning to end. Defending Hayden is a sports romance wrapped in sweetness and soul that stole my heart and soul. This game may be over, but the sensational season of L.P. Dover stories has just begun, and I can't wait for my soul to soar with more of this author's evocative and emotional writing.
4.5 soul-soaring stars
December 1, 2017
3 predictable stars....
Just a ok read for me ....
Just a ok read for me ....
June 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this one. It hit all my emotional buttons and left me with that warm feeling I love when reading a good romance. It's easily read as a standalone although now I'm hooked and have to go back and read all the others!
After being involved in a car accident that took the life of his girlfriend, pro football play Derek McLaughlin falls off the rails for a while. Partying and women couldn't ease the pain and guilt he feels. Now he has himself straight again and is back with his team playing the game he loves. Fate has a way of changing your life though. Driving down the road where the accident occurred is hard enough but when he sees a woman on the side of the road in the exact spot that the accident happened Derek has a brief moment of panic. Pulling over he's relieved to see the only injury party is a dog and the woman is a veterinarian, Hayden Hunter, that has stopped to help him. While the two of them nurture the injured animal back to life a real bond forms. A bond that slowly turns into more.
I highly recommend this one!!
After being involved in a car accident that took the life of his girlfriend, pro football play Derek McLaughlin falls off the rails for a while. Partying and women couldn't ease the pain and guilt he feels. Now he has himself straight again and is back with his team playing the game he loves. Fate has a way of changing your life though. Driving down the road where the accident occurred is hard enough but when he sees a woman on the side of the road in the exact spot that the accident happened Derek has a brief moment of panic. Pulling over he's relieved to see the only injury party is a dog and the woman is a veterinarian, Hayden Hunter, that has stopped to help him. While the two of them nurture the injured animal back to life a real bond forms. A bond that slowly turns into more.
I highly recommend this one!!
June 13, 2016
I received this from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is the 7th book in the Second Chance series and I can't tell you how much I adore Derrick and envied Hayden. Their journey is addictive to read. I loved to see the progression of the 2 characters. And as usual, the author mixes the right amount of romance and suspense.
This book can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the past books in the series to know the secondary characters of this book.
This is the 7th book in the Second Chance series and I can't tell you how much I adore Derrick and envied Hayden. Their journey is addictive to read. I loved to see the progression of the 2 characters. And as usual, the author mixes the right amount of romance and suspense.
This book can be read as a standalone, but I do recommend reading the past books in the series to know the secondary characters of this book.
August 31, 2016
You can see my review here - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ~Sonal
June 14, 2016
Title: Defending Hayden
Author: L.P. Dover
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports – Football
Series or Standalone: Standalone Series (Second Chances #7)
Rating: ★★★★★
Review
There are some books you read that take you a little while to get into. Then there are ones that you’re kind gripped by and want to keep going to see where it’s all going to head. Then there are books like this one was for me. Books that right from the very first page, they suck you in, and keep you firmly planted and utterly devoted to the outcome.
Having never experienced anything by this author before and being a bit daunted by the fact that this is in fact book seven in a series, I wasn’t sure it was going to be that kind of book. I really had concerns that I wouldn’t be able to follow along with what may have come before (with other standalone books in the series). I didn’t think I’d be able to connect.
But connect I did.
I fell too. Hard.
My heart immediately broke for Derek. Good lord. The accident, the impact it has on you when you’re one of the only ones that survive and then what you’re left with after it’s over, the pieces you’re left to pick up. It all hit me very hard emotionally. I felt so badly for him, while at the same time, wished for more. I wanted him to come out of that dark cloud he found himself in and into the light.
I got my wish, but not without one heck of a ride in the process.
I’m going to go on record now and say that books like this one, are the reason I like romance. The sweet quality to it, but later with the addition of the steamier moments, a pretty epic combination in my estimation. When Hayden and Derek are together, it’s almost magical in nature, but at the same time, moving, gripping, and emotionally heart tugging. It’s beautiful really. It was nice seeing a story that even though money is there under the surface, wasn’t about a billionaire. Honestly, it felt as though these two characters were just like you and me, no matter what their jobs were and I think it’s that refreshing quality that connected me so easily to the story.
Hayden wasn’t perfect, but she was perfect for Derek and just what he needed after what he had already lived through. She was a strong heroine and those are the ones I love reading about most. She had her moments of weakness, of misunderstandings and where emotion reigned, but not in a way that made her appear weak. In fact, I think in those instances she only appeared stronger and more suited for him. She was down to earth, fun, and the perfect one to handle this group of overgrown boys. (You’ll see what I mean when you read). She fit is what I’m getting at and I enjoyed her right from the get.
The humor laced in and around some pretty emotionally driven and suspenseful moments was also a really nice change of pace. I didn’t feel the need to drown nearly as much in the more emotional moments because the author didn’t let me hang there too long. Derek’s team, his friends, really his family, they were the perfect addition here and there is quite a few of them I want to go back and read more on, and hopefully see more of in the future. That’s how much of an impact they made.
The way things played out suspense wise, could be looked at as a little predictable, but didn’t really bother me at all that much. I had a feeling going in about this particular person and to know I was right, was kind of cool since with books that make me think the way suspense ones usually do, I’m always wrong. In the end though, even with things getting super crazy, I think it ended the way that it needed to for both of the characters and for me as a reader. With as invested as I’d become with Hayden and Derek, there was no other way it could have gone down. They both deserved the ending they got and I’m just so glad that I took the chance on this story so that I could see it happen.
This author has definitely made a fan out of me and I can’t wait to go back now and fall in love with some of the other couples that made appearances here.
My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me read this before its official release. Derek and Hayden’s journey to happily ever after is one that I’m so beyond thrilled I got to be a part of. I can’t wait to see where the author and her characters go from here.
June 28, 2016
Defending Hayden is a lovely story of second chance and new beginnings featuring Derek McLaughlin, the star NFL linebacker of the Caroline Cougars. Derek has lost his girlfriend and their unborn baby in a car accident. They were collateral damage in an attempted murder scheme. Since then, he has been running away from his life. After 8 months, he feels the time has come to join his team members and finally get his life back in order, as best he can.
When he literally crashes into Hayden Hunter, and subsequently gets to know her, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Hayden is spontaneous and doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. Being around her helps him forget his sorrow. Neither of them wants a relationship, though. Both are scared and traumatized by their past experience. Hayden is convinced Derek is out of her reach and will never be interested in a girl like her. Derek is afraid of losing her and ashamed of his past philandering ways. But when Hayden will experience a tragedy at her veterinary practice, due to a malicious setup, Derek will not hesitate to put everything on the line to help her, and show her how deeply he cares for her.
This story was a sweet and easy read, with well-developed and engaging characters. I felt that the pace was adequate, with an acceleration at the end of story. This book can be read as a standalone. It was my first read in the Second Chance series, but I definitely want to catch up.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
When he literally crashes into Hayden Hunter, and subsequently gets to know her, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Hayden is spontaneous and doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. Being around her helps him forget his sorrow. Neither of them wants a relationship, though. Both are scared and traumatized by their past experience. Hayden is convinced Derek is out of her reach and will never be interested in a girl like her. Derek is afraid of losing her and ashamed of his past philandering ways. But when Hayden will experience a tragedy at her veterinary practice, due to a malicious setup, Derek will not hesitate to put everything on the line to help her, and show her how deeply he cares for her.
This story was a sweet and easy read, with well-developed and engaging characters. I felt that the pace was adequate, with an acceleration at the end of story. This book can be read as a standalone. It was my first read in the Second Chance series, but I definitely want to catch up.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
September 13, 2016
L.P. Dover writes another good one. Defending Hayden is one of those stories that is so easy to get totally engrossed in. I mean, growling and throwing crap at people when they come into your space trying to disturb you.
Our leading lady (Hayden) is smart, gutsy and pretty to look at. She is one of those beautiful women who don't know they're beautiful. Exspecially, if the ex boyfriend is a real dingle berry who berated her to cover up his own misdeeds. So, the pretty Hayden is determined to stand on her two feet and make her way in life. As most know, life is forever a trickster and sometimes place people in your path when least you expect it.
Well, life decided Hayden needed Derek and that Derek needed an anchor. Spiralling out of control Derek needed something ... someone to prove life was worth living. With the death of his girlfriend Brianna and the baby she carried, life wasn't worth it. The handsome linebacker thought that happiness would forever be out of reach. Until Hayden.
Another good entry for the series (Second Chances) where both main characters are developed and secondary characters are just as entertaining. Overall good stuff.
~~☆~~Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.~~☆~~
Our leading lady (Hayden) is smart, gutsy and pretty to look at. She is one of those beautiful women who don't know they're beautiful. Exspecially, if the ex boyfriend is a real dingle berry who berated her to cover up his own misdeeds. So, the pretty Hayden is determined to stand on her two feet and make her way in life. As most know, life is forever a trickster and sometimes place people in your path when least you expect it.
Well, life decided Hayden needed Derek and that Derek needed an anchor. Spiralling out of control Derek needed something ... someone to prove life was worth living. With the death of his girlfriend Brianna and the baby she carried, life wasn't worth it. The handsome linebacker thought that happiness would forever be out of reach. Until Hayden.
Another good entry for the series (Second Chances) where both main characters are developed and secondary characters are just as entertaining. Overall good stuff.
~~☆~~Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.~~☆~~
June 30, 2016
Four Emotional Stars! Derek is a professional football player who has suffered an unthinkable loss, his girlfriend and unborn child were killed in a horrific car accident. Derek starts to drown himself on alcohol and women. He goes to help his friend and sobers up, he returns to North Carolina and ends up running into Hayden. Hayden is a Veterinarian, she is very busy and has no social life. Derek and Hayden start a friendship which eventually becomes more. As things are heating up between them we have someone trying to destroy her reputation. Who is trying to destroy Hayden's reputation? What about Derek and Hayden will they have their Happily Ever After? The book had me sitting on the edge of my seat. It was full of suspense, mystery, drama and romance. Ms. Dover writes an enjoyable story and I will be looking for more by this author! This is the seventh book in the Second Chances Series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 4
Chemistry: 4
Pacing: 4
Ending: 4
Character Development: 4
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
Plot: 4
Chemistry: 4
Pacing: 4
Ending: 4
Character Development: 4
July 3, 2016
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group-Loveswept via NetGalley
This is the second book I have read in this series and really enjoyed it. Don't worry if you haven't read the other books you will be fine. These can be read as a standalone.
I was so excited we were going to get Derek's book. After reading Catching Summer my heart broke for Derek. He's a sexy, sweet, loving football player who goes after what he wants. He loves fiercely and has his friends backs. I loved Derek in this book! He is finally starting to find his way back to a normal life when he meets Hayden.
Hayden is a beautiful and kind woman who loves helping animals. A chance encounter has her running into Derek. The two seem to bump into each other a lot. Hayden is scared of getting her heart broken again while Derek is scare of losing someone he loves again.
Will Hayden and Derek be able to get past their hangups and make a go of things? Don't worry I won't say cause you have to read it to find out. If you love a second chance romance this one is for you.
This is the second book I have read in this series and really enjoyed it. Don't worry if you haven't read the other books you will be fine. These can be read as a standalone.
I was so excited we were going to get Derek's book. After reading Catching Summer my heart broke for Derek. He's a sexy, sweet, loving football player who goes after what he wants. He loves fiercely and has his friends backs. I loved Derek in this book! He is finally starting to find his way back to a normal life when he meets Hayden.
Hayden is a beautiful and kind woman who loves helping animals. A chance encounter has her running into Derek. The two seem to bump into each other a lot. Hayden is scared of getting her heart broken again while Derek is scare of losing someone he loves again.
Will Hayden and Derek be able to get past their hangups and make a go of things? Don't worry I won't say cause you have to read it to find out. If you love a second chance romance this one is for you.
June 28, 2016
He's grieving over the loss of his girlfriend and unborn baby. She's wary because she was burned in a past relationship. Though the two fight it, their attraction is too strong and a relationship ensues. Their teasing and playing had me laughing. I felt their pain and the love they had for one another as they were falling in love. There is a tiny bit of mystery in this story. This was a good read and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. The sex scenes were steamy. Once they realize they do not want to be without each other, they get their HEA. I fell into this story from the very first page. I could not put this book down until I was done reading it. I was happy to see this man get a happy ending after his tragedy in Evan's story.
ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2016
Rush, rush, rush... Rush through the set up, rush through the relationship, rush through the action, rush through the love scenes. It's obvious churning out the money makers is more important than developing the stories.
The characters were underdeveloped. They fell in love unbelievably quickly. (I can, on occasion, stomach insta-love, if it's done correctly. This was not.) The villain in the story was cartoonish. The ending wrapped up too fast. Ugh.
Usually, Dover is an automatic buy, but this one has me regretting that I pre-ordered the next book. It's been a downhill ride since the Gloves Off series, but I keep plugging away hoping it gets better. The next will probably be my last. I'd cancel the pre-order if it wasn't Luke's story, one I've been waiting a while to read.
The characters were underdeveloped. They fell in love unbelievably quickly. (I can, on occasion, stomach insta-love, if it's done correctly. This was not.) The villain in the story was cartoonish. The ending wrapped up too fast. Ugh.
Usually, Dover is an automatic buy, but this one has me regretting that I pre-ordered the next book. It's been a downhill ride since the Gloves Off series, but I keep plugging away hoping it gets better. The next will probably be my last. I'd cancel the pre-order if it wasn't Luke's story, one I've been waiting a while to read.
Want to read
April 23, 2016
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
June 29, 2016
Title: Defending Hayden
Author:L.P. Dover
Series:Second Chances #7
Publisher:Loveswept
Reviewer:MAustin
Release Date:6-28-16
Genre(s):Contemporary Romance
Page Count:244
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
Defending Hayden was a great 4 star read.
We start the book with a heartbreaking memory for Derek. This is the reason he fled town for a few months. Upon his return he goes back to the football team determined to move forward.
Hayden is a veterinarian and she has no idea who Derek is when he literally runs into her. He was super sweet in what he did for her.
Time heals all wounds. Whoever made up that quote was a effing idiot
Of course fate seems to keep stepping in and bringing these two together. We discover that Hayden also has a past that she is trying to move forward from.
Will these two be able to help each other?
“Things happen for a reason. If I hadn’t run away from my problems, it wouldn’t have led me to an amazing job. And I never would’ve met you.”
This was a story of two people that had so much in common and went from friends to lovers when they were not looking for love. There are a few things that cause some issues for these two. Will they be able to work things out? I loved Bear, he had a great influence on bringing Hayden and Derek together. L.P. Dover really does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. The secondary characters added a great element to the story. 1-click and get started today.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Author:L.P. Dover
Series:Second Chances #7
Publisher:Loveswept
Reviewer:MAustin
Release Date:6-28-16
Genre(s):Contemporary Romance
Page Count:244
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
The Carolina Cougars keep fighting for love as the Second Chances series from bestselling author L. P. Dover continues! In Defending Hayden, a damaged football star teams up with the only woman who can take the pain away.
No one’s tougher than Carolina Cougars linebacker Derek McLaughlin. But when a fatal car accident claims the life of his girlfriend, Derek finds himself caught in a destructive spiral of drugs, alcohol, and meaningless sex. But not even a string of one-night stands can ease the hurt. Football is all he has left. Then fate leads him back to the scene of the crash, and into the arms of a kind, gorgeous woman who sees past his façade to the man he once was . . . and can be again.
When a chance roadside encounter brings Derek into her life, veterinarian Hayden Hunter isn’t fooled by his bad attitude: All bark and no bite, he’s hiding a wounded heart beneath that gruff demeanor. And Hayden wants to be the one to kiss it all better. Soon they both find that a dose of passion is potent medicine. But when a hidden enemy lashes out at Hayden, Derek steps up to do what he does best: put his body on the line in the name of love.
Review:
http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab...
Defending Hayden was a great 4 star read.
We start the book with a heartbreaking memory for Derek. This is the reason he fled town for a few months. Upon his return he goes back to the football team determined to move forward.
Hayden is a veterinarian and she has no idea who Derek is when he literally runs into her. He was super sweet in what he did for her.
Time heals all wounds. Whoever made up that quote was a effing idiot
Of course fate seems to keep stepping in and bringing these two together. We discover that Hayden also has a past that she is trying to move forward from.
Will these two be able to help each other?
“Things happen for a reason. If I hadn’t run away from my problems, it wouldn’t have led me to an amazing job. And I never would’ve met you.”
This was a story of two people that had so much in common and went from friends to lovers when they were not looking for love. There are a few things that cause some issues for these two. Will they be able to work things out? I loved Bear, he had a great influence on bringing Hayden and Derek together. L.P. Dover really does a great job of pulling you in with her writing. The secondary characters added a great element to the story. 1-click and get started today.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
July 10, 2016
Link: https://collectorofbookboyfriends.com...
I was waiting so long and so impatiently for this book.
Since the first moment I came across Derek in Catching Summer, I fell head over heals in love with him instantly. When I had read the scenes of the accident and the after, I had simply broken down. It was like I was there and witnessing his soul-deep pain. One for the at-the-one-hand-counted times a scene of a book broke me like that. With an unforgettable way…..
No wonder I didn’t want to feel. I could barely breathe.
But let’s get it from the start…..
Defending Hayden is the 7th – yeah 7th! – installment in the Second Chances series. This book starts 6 months after when the previous book left Derek; in a desperate need to cope with his loses. So, he gets off for two months to find himself and when they are over, he decides it’s time to move on and returns. And as Fate always has it, he literally crash into Hayden. Their first meeting is equally hilarious, swooning and unintentionally screaming “romance”. It’s a very precious scene and one that I won’t forget easily ;)
It was like If I gravitated toward her without even realizing it.
So, after the first ‘meeting’ happened, it’s only logical for Fate to add more and more of those. And she definitely didn’t disappoint! Since that moment, both started acknowledge more and looking for each other in every public place. Although, their second encounter it’s the one that will set the final foundations of the deep love they share. After that really there is no turning back no matter what. Little by little, the feelings start filling them up to full capacity and with a power they can’t ignore.
They beauty of this book can’t be described easily. It was simply magnificent. Both Derek and Hayden are two characters who stay in your heart forever. And I have one more reason to love them since both adore animals, especially dogs. That’s not easy to surpass it since it makes them show even more their affection, tendercy, sensitivity.
I may have read only the last two of this series but it has become a fact that L. P. Dover has totally won me over with her stories and her words. I don’t really know when I will be able to read the others books of this series, but I guarantee that I will ASAP. I want to meet every single member and love of this crew and world Dover created.
And now the moment of waiting for the next book has arrived! :p One Taste can’t get here soon enough.
June 27, 2016
***3.5 Stars***
After finishing Catching Summer there was no doubt in my mind that I’d be picking up Defending Hayden not only because I wanted to see how Derek’s story would play out, but also Jaxson’s because he was the character that made the biggest, though not best, impression on me. And though I wasn’t as surprised by the twists and turns in the story, I still found to it be a fun, sweet, and sexy second chance at love book.
My heart hurt for Derek at the end of Catching Summer and that feeling was carried over to Defending Hayden as we find out just hard he’s hit rock bottom. But thankfully Derek has a moment of clarity, picks himself up and finds his way back to life and though he isn’t the same guy he was before he is now in a much better place. Derek was sweet, sexy, charming and though he trips up a few times, he makes amends for it and while he knows he’s one of the best players on the team, he isn’t arrogant about it, which was a huge bonus in my book.
Hayden is the really nice girl next door. She’s has her dream job and is extremely dedicated to her furry patients. Her heart’s been battered and bruised and though she’s doing her best to stay out of a relationship she isn’t cynical. Hayden is that girl that’s hard not to like. She’s sweet and does her best to be nice to everyone, even when she should put her foot down.
Their road to their HEA is an interesting one because while I wouldn’t classify it as an insta love situation, it does progress quickly. This could have been an issue, but they do actually take the time to get to know each other, so it evened things out for me. Their bantering was sweet and funny and I really liked that though Derek is push his advantage a time or two, Hayden didn’t let him steamroll over her. Also, the apology was really cute.
The writing was engaging and the dual 1st person POV was done well, but this one dragged just a little bit for me in the middle. There is a little mystery/suspense situation that happens and though I figured out who the perpetrator was early on, it was still interesting to see how everything played out, and Ms. Dover really does a great job at writing socio/psychopaths. I loved Michael and the bantering between Derek and his teammates, but Jaxson is still the one that holds my interest the most. I liked that there has been some change in Jax’s attitude and couldn’t help but smile at what he does in the beginning of the book. He still has a long way to go and I’m really looking forward to seeing more of him to find out if he gets a true attitude adjustment or not.
~ ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
After finishing Catching Summer there was no doubt in my mind that I’d be picking up Defending Hayden not only because I wanted to see how Derek’s story would play out, but also Jaxson’s because he was the character that made the biggest, though not best, impression on me. And though I wasn’t as surprised by the twists and turns in the story, I still found to it be a fun, sweet, and sexy second chance at love book.
My heart hurt for Derek at the end of Catching Summer and that feeling was carried over to Defending Hayden as we find out just hard he’s hit rock bottom. But thankfully Derek has a moment of clarity, picks himself up and finds his way back to life and though he isn’t the same guy he was before he is now in a much better place. Derek was sweet, sexy, charming and though he trips up a few times, he makes amends for it and while he knows he’s one of the best players on the team, he isn’t arrogant about it, which was a huge bonus in my book.
Hayden is the really nice girl next door. She’s has her dream job and is extremely dedicated to her furry patients. Her heart’s been battered and bruised and though she’s doing her best to stay out of a relationship she isn’t cynical. Hayden is that girl that’s hard not to like. She’s sweet and does her best to be nice to everyone, even when she should put her foot down.
Their road to their HEA is an interesting one because while I wouldn’t classify it as an insta love situation, it does progress quickly. This could have been an issue, but they do actually take the time to get to know each other, so it evened things out for me. Their bantering was sweet and funny and I really liked that though Derek is push his advantage a time or two, Hayden didn’t let him steamroll over her. Also, the apology was really cute.
The writing was engaging and the dual 1st person POV was done well, but this one dragged just a little bit for me in the middle. There is a little mystery/suspense situation that happens and though I figured out who the perpetrator was early on, it was still interesting to see how everything played out, and Ms. Dover really does a great job at writing socio/psychopaths. I loved Michael and the bantering between Derek and his teammates, but Jaxson is still the one that holds my interest the most. I liked that there has been some change in Jax’s attitude and couldn’t help but smile at what he does in the beginning of the book. He still has a long way to go and I’m really looking forward to seeing more of him to find out if he gets a true attitude adjustment or not.
~ ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
June 27, 2016
Defending Hayden (Second Chances #7) by L.P. Dover is the story of Derek McLaughlin and Hayden Hunter. It's a story of loss, redemption, and a second chance at love. The characters are believable and flawed just like us all. Their is also a bit of mystery surrounding the story. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed Defending Hayden, it was a an emotional and sweet story. I loved how the other characters from the previous books in the series were incorporated into this story.
Derek is defensive linebacker for the NFL, The Carolina Cougars. He had everything going for him, career, great friends, a beautiful girlfriend, until one frightful night when it all changed for him. He suffered the loss of his girlfriend and unborn child when they were killed in an horrific accident, he was also a victim of. Unable to handle it he turns to alcohol and nameless woman to numb the pain he's in. He up and leaves his home and goes to his friend's ranch in Wyoming to escape the memories that are tormenting him daily. Derek can't stay hidden away forever he has to decide what he wants in life, sober up and get back the life he deserves. Maybe a chance encounter one night with a beautiful woman might help.
Hayden is doctor at who works at a animal hospital, she's dedicated to her job and her animals she cares for daily. Hayden's life consist of working long hours leaving her with very little of a social life, she's been burnt in her past relationship and doesn't want to go through it again. Could she change her mind when she runs into a mysterious man, who also happens to be a big football star. Hayden has no clue who he is because she doesn't follow football.
As time goes on the two start off as friends, Hayden treats Derek as an ordinary guy not some famous rich football star. Derek sees Hayden as a sweet caring woman someone he would like to get know better and want in his life. Getting to the next phase of their relationship is going to be an uphill battle for the two. Someone is out to sabotage Hayden leaving Derek determined he will protect her at all cost.
Can Derek let go of the past and pain and learn to live again? Will Hayden be the one to mend Derek's broken heart? Will the two get their happy ending in life?
Derek is defensive linebacker for the NFL, The Carolina Cougars. He had everything going for him, career, great friends, a beautiful girlfriend, until one frightful night when it all changed for him. He suffered the loss of his girlfriend and unborn child when they were killed in an horrific accident, he was also a victim of. Unable to handle it he turns to alcohol and nameless woman to numb the pain he's in. He up and leaves his home and goes to his friend's ranch in Wyoming to escape the memories that are tormenting him daily. Derek can't stay hidden away forever he has to decide what he wants in life, sober up and get back the life he deserves. Maybe a chance encounter one night with a beautiful woman might help.
Hayden is doctor at who works at a animal hospital, she's dedicated to her job and her animals she cares for daily. Hayden's life consist of working long hours leaving her with very little of a social life, she's been burnt in her past relationship and doesn't want to go through it again. Could she change her mind when she runs into a mysterious man, who also happens to be a big football star. Hayden has no clue who he is because she doesn't follow football.
As time goes on the two start off as friends, Hayden treats Derek as an ordinary guy not some famous rich football star. Derek sees Hayden as a sweet caring woman someone he would like to get know better and want in his life. Getting to the next phase of their relationship is going to be an uphill battle for the two. Someone is out to sabotage Hayden leaving Derek determined he will protect her at all cost.
Can Derek let go of the past and pain and learn to live again? Will Hayden be the one to mend Derek's broken heart? Will the two get their happy ending in life?
June 26, 2016
Title: Defending Hayden
Author: L.P. Dover
Series: Second Chances #7
Publisher: Loveswept
Reviewer: Barb
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Sports, Animals, Betrayal
Page Count: 244
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Review:
****4 Time Heals all Wounds Stars****
LP Dover is a favorite author of mine and I always enjoy her stories. Defending Hayden is part of her Second Chances series. It was a bit of a departure from her other works that I have read, but she does a terrific job of staying true to her style of writing.
"I didn’t just lose her—I lost my child as well."
Derek is a football player, gorgeous, hunky, hot, but emotionally devastated, trying desperately to get over a tragic car accident that killed his girlfriend and their unborn child. Hayden is a veterinarian who doesn’t have time for relationships. When Derek and Hayden meet helping a wounded dog that was hit by a car, a friendship develops, then a slow burn of attraction and steamy chemistry.
A slow smile spread across his face, and I almost lost it when I could see him stroking himself underneath the water. Not only did it empower me, it made me feel sexy.
But there is one person who does not like that Derek and Hayden are together and he sets his sights on ruining Hayden’s reputation as a good veterinarian by sabotaging her animal patients making it look like she was negligent. This sets up a rollercoaster of events that takes the reader on a typical LP Dover wild ride! There is angst, betrayal, murder, suspense. Do Derek and Hayden get their HEA? Who are Patch and Bear? 1-click this wonderful story by LP Dover to get those answers!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Barb from Alpha Book Club
Author: L.P. Dover
Series: Second Chances #7
Publisher: Loveswept
Reviewer: Barb
Release Date: June 28, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Sports, Animals, Betrayal
Page Count: 244
Heat Level: 3.5 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Review:
****4 Time Heals all Wounds Stars****
LP Dover is a favorite author of mine and I always enjoy her stories. Defending Hayden is part of her Second Chances series. It was a bit of a departure from her other works that I have read, but she does a terrific job of staying true to her style of writing.
"I didn’t just lose her—I lost my child as well."
Derek is a football player, gorgeous, hunky, hot, but emotionally devastated, trying desperately to get over a tragic car accident that killed his girlfriend and their unborn child. Hayden is a veterinarian who doesn’t have time for relationships. When Derek and Hayden meet helping a wounded dog that was hit by a car, a friendship develops, then a slow burn of attraction and steamy chemistry.
A slow smile spread across his face, and I almost lost it when I could see him stroking himself underneath the water. Not only did it empower me, it made me feel sexy.
But there is one person who does not like that Derek and Hayden are together and he sets his sights on ruining Hayden’s reputation as a good veterinarian by sabotaging her animal patients making it look like she was negligent. This sets up a rollercoaster of events that takes the reader on a typical LP Dover wild ride! There is angst, betrayal, murder, suspense. Do Derek and Hayden get their HEA? Who are Patch and Bear? 1-click this wonderful story by LP Dover to get those answers!
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Barb from Alpha Book Club
May 5, 2016
Defending Hayden is book 7 in the Second Chances novel by L. P. Dover. These books are all stand alones. The same characters are in all of the books but the way this book is written it won't matter whether you've read them or not.
Derek McLaughlin is a linebacker for the Carolina Cougars. He's the best there is...or he was. Physically there's nothing wrong with Derek but he suffered a mental trauma that would bring any man to his knees.
Meanwhile we meet Hayden Hunter, a veterinarian with a heart of gold. She's beautiful although she doesn't see it. She's also beautiful on the inside. A very brief chance meeting between Derek and Hayden leaves Derek with Hayden on the brain! He hasn't felt like this for any woman for a long time. Hell, he hasn't felt anything but pain at all.
When they meet again Derek is helping Hayden on the side of the road with an injured animal. What Hayden doesn't know is that that exact spot on the road brings bad memories to Derek.
While the main storyline is built around Derek and Hayden there are some significant secondary characters. Ms. Dover develops her characters very well. Her characters are realistic, relatable and flawed just like the rest of us. She weaves each storyline together brilliantly.
This isn't just your basic love story though. Someone is plotting secretly against Hayden and she never sees what's coming!
I really enjoy L.P. Dover's books. I loved this book with one exception. Call it my own personal pet peeve. She frequently uses words such as "That it is," or "That he is," "That they did," or "That I do,". Do people really talk like that? Maybe it's just me....but it's a very nit picky flaw compared to the rest of the book.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good hot jock romance. A hunk who although damaged comes to the defense of his woman when she needs him.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Derek McLaughlin is a linebacker for the Carolina Cougars. He's the best there is...or he was. Physically there's nothing wrong with Derek but he suffered a mental trauma that would bring any man to his knees.
Meanwhile we meet Hayden Hunter, a veterinarian with a heart of gold. She's beautiful although she doesn't see it. She's also beautiful on the inside. A very brief chance meeting between Derek and Hayden leaves Derek with Hayden on the brain! He hasn't felt like this for any woman for a long time. Hell, he hasn't felt anything but pain at all.
When they meet again Derek is helping Hayden on the side of the road with an injured animal. What Hayden doesn't know is that that exact spot on the road brings bad memories to Derek.
While the main storyline is built around Derek and Hayden there are some significant secondary characters. Ms. Dover develops her characters very well. Her characters are realistic, relatable and flawed just like the rest of us. She weaves each storyline together brilliantly.
This isn't just your basic love story though. Someone is plotting secretly against Hayden and she never sees what's coming!
I really enjoy L.P. Dover's books. I loved this book with one exception. Call it my own personal pet peeve. She frequently uses words such as "That it is," or "That he is," "That they did," or "That I do,". Do people really talk like that? Maybe it's just me....but it's a very nit picky flaw compared to the rest of the book.
I recommend this to readers who enjoy a good hot jock romance. A hunk who although damaged comes to the defense of his woman when she needs him.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Defending Hayden can be read as a stand alone or within the series. Ms. Dover does an excellent job of explaining previous events that it doesn't feel like a full retelling of the past plots but just enough that you could read as a stand alone, of course reading the entire series is always better.
Derek was finally past his bad boy ways while he was in a relationship with Brianna. When the accident ripped her and his unborn baby from his life, he hit rock bottom. The last thing he wanted was to be playing for the Carolina Cougars. Walking away from it all he escaped to Wyoming to get himself together. Two months wasn't long enough to move completely past what happened but he had to get back to the team, knowing football was all he had left.
Hayden is veterinarian and good at what she does. She's a year out of a relationship that ended in the loss of a friend and a cheating ex. She isn't looking for a new relationship but when she run into Derek at every turn a new friend isn't out of the question. Can Derek move past what he lost and onto what could be his future? Will Hayden be able to keep her heart from getting crushed?
I love this series, every book is instantly a page turner. I love the complexity of Derek's character. Even though the plot wasn't a shocking twist I still couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened next.
I can't wait to read more about Jax!
Defending Hayden can be read as a stand alone or within the series. Ms. Dover does an excellent job of explaining previous events that it doesn't feel like a full retelling of the past plots but just enough that you could read as a stand alone, of course reading the entire series is always better.
Derek was finally past his bad boy ways while he was in a relationship with Brianna. When the accident ripped her and his unborn baby from his life, he hit rock bottom. The last thing he wanted was to be playing for the Carolina Cougars. Walking away from it all he escaped to Wyoming to get himself together. Two months wasn't long enough to move completely past what happened but he had to get back to the team, knowing football was all he had left.
Hayden is veterinarian and good at what she does. She's a year out of a relationship that ended in the loss of a friend and a cheating ex. She isn't looking for a new relationship but when she run into Derek at every turn a new friend isn't out of the question. Can Derek move past what he lost and onto what could be his future? Will Hayden be able to keep her heart from getting crushed?
I love this series, every book is instantly a page turner. I love the complexity of Derek's character. Even though the plot wasn't a shocking twist I still couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened next.
I can't wait to read more about Jax!
June 29, 2016
Defending Hayden!!! Wow, just wow!! I have been waiting on this book since I read Catching Summer. Derek went through something very traumatic in Catching Summer so I couldn’t wait to get his story. Defending Hayden was an emotional read for me. It picked up a couple months after the events in Catching Summer. I love how we get the dual POVs. Switching between Hayden’s and Derek’s voices helped me connect with them on a deeper level. I was able to feel everything they felt. The twists!!! With the books in this series, I try to expect the unexpected now and still I am always shocked with what happens and who the villain is behind the mess.
Derek is still struggling with his losses, but seems to be doing a lot better than he was. He ends up going back home and focuses on the one thing that means the most to him, football. His team who is his family. Then he meets Hayden and everything changes for him. Hayden is one of the main doctors and the Veterinary Clinic she works at. She has a true passion and love for the animals. It is hard for her to open up, but Hayden pushed through her defenses. This couple had some ups and downs but they always worked through it. They protected each other at all costs.
Defending Hayden was another fantastic book in the Second Chances series. This is one of my favorite series!!! I just adore the characters. I love how they continue to pop up in other stories so that I can see what is going on with them. This book was a real page turner. I was hooked from the very first page and each chapter left me wanting more. If you are looking for a story full of love, forgiveness, romance, action then this book is it!!! This book is a MUST read!!!
Derek is still struggling with his losses, but seems to be doing a lot better than he was. He ends up going back home and focuses on the one thing that means the most to him, football. His team who is his family. Then he meets Hayden and everything changes for him. Hayden is one of the main doctors and the Veterinary Clinic she works at. She has a true passion and love for the animals. It is hard for her to open up, but Hayden pushed through her defenses. This couple had some ups and downs but they always worked through it. They protected each other at all costs.
Defending Hayden was another fantastic book in the Second Chances series. This is one of my favorite series!!! I just adore the characters. I love how they continue to pop up in other stories so that I can see what is going on with them. This book was a real page turner. I was hooked from the very first page and each chapter left me wanting more. If you are looking for a story full of love, forgiveness, romance, action then this book is it!!! This book is a MUST read!!!
July 24, 2016
*ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
In Catching Summer we read about the devastating events surrounding Derek. In this next installment of the series we read about Derek trying to find his way back after such heartbreak.
When the time comes to go back home, he runs into Hayden. A lover of animals and a vet at the local clinic, a relationship is the last thing she needs. Or that Derek needs. They find themselves drawn to each other while an enemy broods in the background.
I was looking forward to Derek's story because I wanted to hear how he overcame his loss and was able to move on. I didn't think it would've happened so quickly upon his return, but I've never lost someone like that before. I thought their relationship moved rather quickly.
I suspected the person behind Hayden's sabotage so it was no surprise to me who it was. I wanted to know what more about the one month Derek and Hayden were apart. I knew they loved each other, but what was Derek saying in his voicemails to Hayden? How was Michael helping Hayden get thru it? Also, was Hayden just sitting on her butt before investigating her clinic? You would think she would do more to prove her innocence and that Wilford would have done amore thorough investigation before suspending her.
This book had a good lesson about moving on the right way from a tragic loss and overall was a good read.
In Catching Summer we read about the devastating events surrounding Derek. In this next installment of the series we read about Derek trying to find his way back after such heartbreak.
When the time comes to go back home, he runs into Hayden. A lover of animals and a vet at the local clinic, a relationship is the last thing she needs. Or that Derek needs. They find themselves drawn to each other while an enemy broods in the background.
I was looking forward to Derek's story because I wanted to hear how he overcame his loss and was able to move on. I didn't think it would've happened so quickly upon his return, but I've never lost someone like that before. I thought their relationship moved rather quickly.
I suspected the person behind Hayden's sabotage so it was no surprise to me who it was. I wanted to know what more about the one month Derek and Hayden were apart. I knew they loved each other, but what was Derek saying in his voicemails to Hayden? How was Michael helping Hayden get thru it? Also, was Hayden just sitting on her butt before investigating her clinic? You would think she would do more to prove her innocence and that Wilford would have done amore thorough investigation before suspending her.
This book had a good lesson about moving on the right way from a tragic loss and overall was a good read.
July 2, 2016
4.5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, grief, secrets, pain, lies, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Love's Second Chance (Second Chances #1)
Trusting You (Second Chances #2)
Meant for Me (Second Chances #3)
Fighting for Love (Second Chances #4)
Intercepting Love (Second Chances #5)
Catching Summer (Second Chances #6)
This is Hayden and Derek’s story. Derek lost his girlfriend in an accident. After that he has spiraled down. Now he wants to come back to him team. A chance encounter at the accident scene brings Hayden into his life. She is kind and seems to see through all his issues. The more he is around her the closer they become. But Hayden is surrounded by danger. Someone is making her look bad at work. She will do anything she can to figure out who is framing her. The more she tries to figure it out the more danger she is in. Derek is determined to protect her but will she allow him to? What happens when danger finds her? Will fate take away another person Derek loves? Or will he be able to protect her from harm? Will either of these two make it out alive?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, grief, secrets, pain, lies, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Love's Second Chance (Second Chances #1)
Trusting You (Second Chances #2)
Meant for Me (Second Chances #3)
Fighting for Love (Second Chances #4)
Intercepting Love (Second Chances #5)
Catching Summer (Second Chances #6)
This is Hayden and Derek’s story. Derek lost his girlfriend in an accident. After that he has spiraled down. Now he wants to come back to him team. A chance encounter at the accident scene brings Hayden into his life. She is kind and seems to see through all his issues. The more he is around her the closer they become. But Hayden is surrounded by danger. Someone is making her look bad at work. She will do anything she can to figure out who is framing her. The more she tries to figure it out the more danger she is in. Derek is determined to protect her but will she allow him to? What happens when danger finds her? Will fate take away another person Derek loves? Or will he be able to protect her from harm? Will either of these two make it out alive?
I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book.
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