Thrive (Guardian Protection)

Thrive was full of danger, love and hope. Mira York and Jeremy Lark's second chance was intense, full of painful and sweet moments. You will be rooting for their chance at a new beginning. Thrive was a great blend of suspenseful and sexiness. I loved reading about the Guardian protection guys again and diving back into this series.

Jeremy and Mira are great characters. Flawed, angry, hurt, lost. Jeremy is a total alpha, and his rugged, hard side is balanced nicely with his big heart. He's a protector, family and hard work is what keeps him going. Mira is a beautifully flawed and strong woman, past mistakes and regrets have held her back long enough and she just wants to fight for a new start and happiness.

Both Mira and Jeremy, work hard through out this story to protect themselves and each other. Separately they are nice, strong characters that I enjoyed reading, but together they are even better. Passionate, strong, they hold each other up through all the valuable moments. From the tension, to the anger, to the romance, the chemistry they share is felt through each chapter.

·I was provided a ARC through InkSlingerPR·

>Book Review – Thrive
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Guardian Protection series and ends in an HEA. Mira, Kurt and Jeremy were 3 friends a long time ago. Both men loved Mire, but she chooses Kurt, crushing Jeremy. Kurt turns out to be abusive and criminal, putting Mira in danger. When Mira’s friend and dog are kidnapped, Mira reaches out to Jeremy, now a successful investigator, for help. Jeremy reacts understandably angrily, but his past love for Mira resurfaces.
>Mira and Jeremy slept together when Mira was with Kurt. Jeremy would then let Mira go back to Kurt. Jeremy did not seem like the type to share or cheat on a man he considered a brother. Their actions were explained as naivety, but the core of a person’s personality cannot grow or change quite that much over the years.
>The threat to Mira introduces the rest of the Guardians. The love that Mira and Jeremy finally share is quite sweet. I wish there were some scenes with Mira and the twins, to show her love for them. This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars.

Thrive blew me away with its captivating storyline and authentic characters. Seventeen years later and they are finally getting their second chance, albeit with some major roadblocks thrown in their way. One Choice caused a series of events that anyone could have predicted. I love how even though Mira York (36) was broken she never stop fighting to get her life back. She never gave up. She acknowledges past mistakes and plows forward. Jeremy Lark (40) had everything taken away and still managed to Thrive and come out on top. The realness of his emotions when these two come face to face is heartbreaking, he has a tornado of emotions that he is feeling and not sure which one will win out.

I was behind these two the entire way. You want them to finally have what they were planning before it all fell apart!

Aly Martinez writes a raw and emotional second chance romance like no other. She weaves the past and the present perfectly and keeps us on our toes until the very end. I am hooked and can't wait to see what come next in the Guarding Protection Series.

​4.5 Stars
From reading the prologue alone, I knew this book was going to be a great book. Aly Martinex did not disappoint. Lark and Mira have quite the story. They had a bit of an uncoventional start to their relationship and I loved how Aly Martinez gave us flashbacks into their past as the story progressed. It was clear that they were meant for each other even with the obstacles that stood in their way. Mira has definitely come a long way. Even though her life is far from perfect, she finally found the happiness that she hadn't found with the previous decisions she had made. It broke my heart to see all the pain Lark had been holding on to. I didn't blame him for the anger he felt towards Mira, it was more than warranted but they clearly didn't know each other as well as they thought. I loved the drama and twists that were thrown our way though I did feel like they gave into each other rather quickly. I know they had the history but considering how angry Lark was I thought there'd be more of a fight. Aside from that I really enjoyed this book.

I honestly don’t know where to begin. This story. Wow. This one blew me away. It had my attention from the first page and honestly I did not put this down until I read that last word. My heart felt for both Jeremy and Mira. This story felt so real for me. This story truly resonates the saying “if you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were.” Mira and Jeremy love each other but Mira chooses someone else and lets Jeremy go. But the way they part is heartbreaking. It sticks with them both. Flash forward 17 years later and a phone call brings everything crashing forward. Mira due to her ex is faced with a bad predicament and turns to the one person that she herself is unsure of contacting. When Jeremy receives the call from Mira, he does the only thing he can think of hangs up on her. This story will take you through so many feelings. My heart broke for both characters. This story is my top 5 star read for the year.

You never know what to expect whenever you grab an Aly Martinez book and this book wasn’t the exception. Jeremy and Mira hadn’t seen each other in over 17 years; they had a steamy but complicated past.

When Mira needed help as much as Jeremy didn’t know about her much anymore he dropped everything to help her. He was not welcoming her with open arms either. A miscommunication many years ago caused a rift. But one thing was certain no matter how many years had passed, the love was still there.

This book had suspense, had wtf moments, angst and also hot sexy scenes with a little bit of humor. These two finally clarified the miscommunication and picked up where they left off 17 years ago. But their relationship wasn’t all roses. It was so much angst and so much headaches that Mira had to endure.

When things FINALLY cleared and all the drama was cleared up these two got their HEA. The secondary characters were added bonus to this madness, lol.

This is the second book in the Guardian Protection series. You don’t have to read Singe first. This is a complete stand alone.

I loved Singe, but this one was just an okay read for me.

While I liked Lark, for the most part. Mira just didn’t do it for me.

Jeremy is a great guy, mostly. He’s a great dad and he was always honest with his ex-wife. She always knew he didn’t love her. But they got married anyways because they were getting older. They settled.

Mira, honestly, to me, she’s stupid. Who goes out to the grocery store alone, when you know you have bad guys after you and there have already been attempts to get you.

And her whole situation with Kurt. Yes, I felt bad but, she stayed for seventeen years. She let him control and ruin her life.

This is still an okay read. I did enjoy most of it!

I give this a 3.5

If Aly Martinez writes it, I guarantee you I will read it. The woman is one of my favorites and can basically write anything. Thrive was definitely an action packed, full of feels and quick read. These two characters have a lot of history between them and a lot to work out. They haven’t seen each other in years and when they reconnect their chemistry is undeniable.

Jeremy (Lark) was so freaking swoony! All broken and alpha, and so sweet at the same time. My heart bled for him. Mira is not my favorite Aly heroine, but she was likeable nonetheless, even if I don’t agree with some of her decisions.

I loved all the twists and turns and the mystery surrounding some parts of the story. That is definitely a forte in Aly’s writing. Overall, I liked this book, it’s not my favorite by Aly but it’s definitely a solid story that will keep you hooked the entire time. Absolutely recommend!

Decisions, good or bad, affect the course of your life. Mira York’s choice 17 years earlier set her on a path that ended with her divorced and struggling to make ends meet. Jeremy Lark wanted Mira to pick him those 17 years ago but she didn’t. Switching between past memories and present day, you understand and feel where the two of them are coming from and where they’ve been. Your heart aches at the poor communication, assumptions and bad decisions and it soars when they get it right. Together their banter is hilarious. Jeremy is a total alpha male and Mira is seriously independent but the just fit together. The storytelling pulls you in and keeps you there to the very finish. The writing is phenomenal. Thrive is not only a great second chance romance but its full of suspense too. I can’t wait to see which of the men at Guardian Protection gets their story next.

A beautiful second chance love story that had me hooked right from the start until the last page. Wonderful writing!

The story has Mira and Jeremy. It begins 17yrs. in the past, their relationship is complicated, Mira is Jeremy’s best friend’s girl. He wishes she was his, but stolen nights together are all he has and then they become just a memory.
Fast forward, and Mira is in trouble, she needs help and the only person she can think of to ask is Jeremy. But they didn’t part well, how will he react? Will he help?

Their meeting is totally different from expected, there’s a lot of anger and hurt feelings. We meet a lot of interesting secondary characters, and some of dialogue was quite amusing. I have to read the first book from this series and,
This is definitely not a story you want to miss, and I highly recommend it!

Aly Martinez is one of my favorite authors! If she writes it I’m reading it. Thrive can be read as a stand-alone but is the second book in her Guardian Protection series. Thrive focuses on the story of Jeremy Lark and Mira York. After their relationship ended in deceit seventeen years ago, Mira finds herself in need of Lark’s help.

Lark wants nothing to do with Mira but finds that he can’t tell her no. They find themselves in some hot water due to Mira’s ex. This book was extremely high energy and fast paced. I loved the banter between these two. Lark is so serious and Mira keeps him on his toes. I love how Aly is able to develop her characters. Even the side characters are memorable and leave you wanting more. This was a great follow up to Singe and I’m looking forward to what she has in store for us with the rest of this series!

One of my favorite authors. Her words can deliver so many emotions it's like spinning a wheel and seeing where it may land. This series is a little different than her others, but nonetheless great. The boys of Guardian are smoking hot, protective, loyal and hot headed super men that do not let anyone hurt those in their circle. Once in..you're in.

Angst..heart break...mis-understandings...young forbidden love...and bad guys all over the damn place. You have a second chance romance, mystery, hot guys at every turn and a love that was 17 years in the making. It keeps you guessing, pulse racing and all done with words that keep your heart involved all the way through. The last line in this book..swoooooonnnnn. Can't wait for the next one..hope it's who we got a little taste of in this one!! Another winner girl! Keep writing.

I have thoroughly loved this book. Thrive is book 2 of Aly Martinez's Guardian Protection series. I never had a chance to read the first book and because of this the dynamics were a bit confusing, making me want to read book one. But I loved the book all the same! It was riveting and thrilling. I didn't want to put it down.

Each character I 'got to know' was so unique and quirky. They have such amazing individual personalities and qualities. I am insane wanting the next book. The heat factor was incredible as was the twist. I will be going back to read book one then rereading this one, I loved it so much. I highly recommend it.
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in hopes of my honest and fair review. I was never obligated to ever write this review.

This book! I've always enjoyed Aly Martinez' writing and Thrive is no different. The story centers around Mira and Lark. Their past? It's complicated. Seventeen years have gone by and Mira finds herself in a boat load of trouble through no fault of her own. Courtesy of her ex-husband, Kurt, Mira's best friend and her dog have been kidnapped at gunpoint. Mira? She's been told to "clean" $700,000 in 3 days or the dog and best friend are toast. Mira calls the one person she doesn't want to call, Jeremy Lark. The guys of Guardian Protection Agency get involved and there isn't a dull moment. I loved this second-chance love story! This book was extremely hot and has an action-packed story line. Thrive is exceptional and definitely deserves 5 star status! I loved it!

Aly Martinez delivers an addictive,compelling and intense story!I was hooked from the beginning and I felt like I was a part of their story!There was the perfect amount of drama some twists and suspense to keep your interest!I adored all the characters even the secondary and I cant' wait to see more books in this series!Now I have for sure to read the first book!

Lark and Mira take you on an emotional roller coaster!Their romance is full of tension,passion,angst and love.These two kept me on the edge all the time.I have so many feelings for these two.

This is a must read, Aly Martinez impressed me for one more time!I can easily say that she starts becoming one of my favorite authors!!

Aly Martinez delivers an addictive,compelling and intense story!I was hooked from the beginning and I felt like I was a part of their story!There was the perfect amount of drama some twists and suspense to keep your interest!I adored all the characters even the secondary and I cant' wait to see more books in this series!Now I have for sure to read the first book!

Lark and Mira take you on an emotional roller coaster!Their romance is full of tension,passion,angst and love.These two kept me on the edge all the time.I have so many feelings for these two.

This is a must read, Aly Martinez impressed me for one more time!I can easily say that she starts becoming one of my favorite authors!!

Woohoo! This was such a great read! I loved Jeremy and Mira's story. My heart broke for Jeremy in the beginning, but his perseverance to make something of himself had me rooting for him from the very start. I wasn't a huge fan of Mira's because I wanted her to be a stronger woman, but as the story progressed, she really found her self-confidence and became so much more than I expected. I really enjoyed the way this storyline played out and left me wanting more. I have fallen in love with the men of Guardian Protection (Leo is still my favorite!), so to get a little of all of them was such a delightful treat. I can't wait for the next book in this standalone series!

♥ Review by Lys

I am seriously addicted to Aly Martinez’s writing! It’s so captivating that once you start reading, you seriously cannot stop! I thought it was going to be hard to top Singe as I LOVED that book, but man I seriously loved this one! Thrive is already a book I know I’ll never forget about, and will reread it frequently.

It’s impossible to not fall in love with the characters in this book. Jeremy is my ultimate Book boyfriend! He’s super alpha and dominating which I mean hello, swoon!!! I love that all the characters interconnect through out each book as well!

I seriously just LOVE these books! They are 100% MUST reads! Do not miss out! 5+ Stars!!

Thrive is an emotional consuming second chance romance with all the “ feels.” Aly Martinez once again hypnotizes her readers with a story that sweeps you away with a second chance romance that takes place seventeen years later. This is a story that merges the past and present of what ifs and the life choices we made. It is a story of love, healing, and most importantly passion. With a mixture of angst, infidelity, and suspense, Aly Martinez allows us a readers to see two former friends cross path as they turn to each other for protection, healing, and love. So if you are looking for a book that showcases second chances and hope exist then this book is for you.

****4.5 Soldiering Stars****

This copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Ms Martinez has always been my "go to" author because she has the talent of touching each emotion inside of me. I don't think I have ever read more gripping books than hers. And Thrive doesn't disappoint.

I loved every minute spent reading this book and found myself so connected to the characters! OH MY...I can't even begin to explain how this book gave my the butterflies and pissed me off and....and...and...there are just soooo many feels with this book!!

Don't hesitate to pick this book up!

Aly Martinez always sucks me in with her captivating stories and twists and turns. This Guardian Protection series is one of my new favorites. This is exactly why I keep coming back for more from her.
My heart broke for both of these two characters because of the love they had for each other yet couldn't keep. When they meet again 17 years later, the connection is undeniable and they easily fall back in love with one another, regardless if the internal fight they each put up.
This story is not a cliff hanger and could be read before Singe, but I highly recommend reading the entire series as it comes out.

When ever you begin reading any of Aly Martinez books, make sure you are in a very comfortable place, Because you will not want to stop reading once you start.
This can be read as a stand alone, I would suggest reading Singe first. due to the fact, The books are good. and gives really good details on the characters. The book is not a quick kindle read. It is 27 chapters and epilogue. very good romance read

Aly Martinez is an amazing writer. Her books are full of emotion, great storylines and relatable characters.
I fell in love with her writing and I have never looked back.
This book was such a joy to read! Swoon worthy hero? Check.
Engaging storyline? Check.
Great writing? Check.
Jeremy and Mira take the reader for a rough ride. There is adventure, twists and great romance. 
While I didn't love Mira, I enjoyed the book all the same. 
I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of the author. 

Lately the stories I've been reading all have something similar... The H and h have been separated for a long time, as in YEARS! But this one takes the trophy... They were separated for 17 years?!?! I'm happy that they (eventually) hit it off again, but 17 years is a bit much. And on top of that, so many coincidences... why does everyone seem to know each other? I don't like it when the plot is working to bring all the characters together while making things too easy for them to meet/reconnect.

This crew!! The crew of Guardian Protection Series had me hooked with book 1 - Singe. Mira and Jeremy are no exception. My one, really steadfast rule when I read a book is that I have to love, love the female lead. I love book boyfriends, yes but for me the heart is the female in all her flawed and amazing beauty.

Mira. Is. Awesome. Just awesome. Flawed, yes. Human, yes. Indestructible, YES!!

Ms. Martinez puts fantastic words on the page and I will read anything that her name is attached to.

Jeremy and Mira's story is a second chance romance filled with both love and passion and anger, revenge and hate. It's also action packed as we follow Mira's from the start with both Jeremy and Kurt, then after 17 years when her ex still has her in danger.
Their relationship is def volatile because both of them are hot headed and have a temper but still it's undeniable their love.
Great story, kept me on the edge with the storyline and the never boring relationship

The story to Jeremy and Mira is amazing!!! A love that has history and pain but nonetheless it has a love behind it!!! Jeremy and Mira have so much chemistry it burns through the words on the pages!! But Jeremy has a family that he must protect and a job to do. While Mira has an ex with a secret, a best friend in danger and her fur baby in the wrong hands!!! Action, trust, heat, sex and love all thrown into one book!! WOW this is another must read from Aly Martinez!!!!

Aly Martinez DID IT AGAIN! SHe is my favorite author, my all time GO TO author and this book DID NOT disappoint me! I loved it from page 1 and she knows how many times I was having panic attacks, I love how she can make a twist that will blow your mind. This story was one I really really LOVED!

Honestly, it was so good that I didn't even notice where I was, when I don't focus on how many pages I have left or where I am ... It's​ FREAKING GOOD!

I love the words, stories, and characters that come from the mind of Aly Martinez. She hooks me in every time and this series is no different. The angst and love and initial triangle of Mira, Jeremy and Kurt only grows more intense and satisfying as the story unfolds. No this is not a menage, it's a love story of missed connections of soul mates filled with deceit and intrigue. I can't wait to see whose story is next!

I was disappointed in this book. I really enjoyed Singe. I found the first part of the book boring. At about 25% it get better. However I liked the H, the h, not so much. I wanted her to be stronger. Especially when she made her choice. I like Alfa men and this story did have that. There was a twist at the end and a decent epilogue. If you enjoyed Singe you may be disappointed. Having said that I will try the next book in this series and hope Aly has sharpened her pencil.

Is there anything Aly can't write?! This book kept me up all night because I just couldn't put it down no matter how many times I tried. Jeremy and Mira stole my heart from the very beginning. It broke for them for everything they were put through. I couldn't help but laugh at all Mira's "snit fits." She definitely gave Lark a run for his money. This was a long overdue HEA and I loved every second of their journey to get there.

Loved, one of the best second chance stories I've read!!

I absolutely adore the comfortableness these two characters have with each other. Their banter is priceless. All the guys together again, where they belong. It's like old home week.

Who will be next, Aly??? I know whichever character is to follow their story too will be epic!!

#sniffit #prepregnant #secondchance #hyde

Great story!!

OMG!! I absolutely loved this story!!! Mira and Jeremy were perfect for each other! To be the person to fall for your best friends girl and not have her must've been hard. But when life takes an unexpected turn, love really does thrive. And it was all for the best in the end for everyone! This story was remarkably written and I can't wait for more!

I voluntarily agreed to read this book and this is my honest review!

This is hands down my new personal favorite story written by this author and this one is intense!! I loved Mira and Jeremy together and literally couldn't get enough of them! I have become a huge fan of this author and hope she's got more stories like this coming in the very near future because I already need my next fix! I highly recommend reading this to anyone and I reviewed this for Reviews from the Heart.

Very enjoyable read from Aly Martinez. I'm always happy with her books - great dialog, interesting story, great character chemistry. Thrive had a bunch of different themes - best friend's girlfriend, "second-chance", alpha male. Good bit of suspense and some cameos from Singe. Mira was an awesome female lead and one that kept me interested.

Fantastic read! Very similar to a Kristin Ashley which means it was a little different for Ms. Martinez. What was also great was that it was totally different than the 1st book in the series. I loved this H and h and their bantor/chemistry. Can't wait for the rest of the guys' stories...and can I just say that Johnson really needs a triad cuz he's just too great with women not to get one!

I loved this second chance story! I fell for Jeremy within the first few pages. It took me a while to warm up to Mira, but when I did......a perfect match! I live for books that make you feel everything and Aly delivers!This is the second in the Guardian series. Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, it was great revisiting Aly’s past characters! I can’t wait for more of Guardian!

Thrive will have you feeling all the feels. Can a love found at the age of 19 really be true love? When Jeremy and Mira met....Mira had a different boyfriend. That didn’t stop Jeremy from loving her anyway. Fast forward 17 years... can true love be re-ignited? Pick up this book and see. I promise you won’t be disappointed!!! This book is fabulous from start until finish.

EEEK! I loved this book! Mira is a little spitfire! Tons of attitude and spunk! After a lifetime of living everyone else's dreams - she finally gets to live her own! Enter hot as hell Jeremy. I love these two together! And is there really anything better than a smoking hot, bossy alpha? No ma'am, there is not!

Thanks for another HOT one, Aly!!

Aly Martinez has done it again! I love everything she writes and this was no different. I loved everything about Mira and Jeremy. They get a second chance at love and they have to decide if they can let go of the past and take a chance on the future. This is a must read! I definitely cannot wait to read about the rest of the guys.

This was a good, suspenseful and romantic second chance. This story has a lot of different characters, many different places and different timelines within the story. Pay attention or you might miss something. If you enjoy the gut wrenching, plot twisting, not sure if everyone is going to live stories, than this one is for you.

Forgiving the unforgivable is a stretch. Jeremy is a sap. He allowed himself to be used over and over which made him the most weak and least attractive human to live. Second only to Mira who was a shameful opportunist. Their story did not have an HEA in my book. For me it would've ended With them in sedate relationships.

This book had me from the beginning. I loved Lark. Mira...not so much. She was tolerable, but she made stupid decisions. I did enjoy the sexual tension between Lark and Mira, and they did have good chemistry. There were some surprising twists thrown in. I can’t wait to read more about the men of Guardian Protection.

ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read, and loved, numerous Aly Martinez books – having said that, Thrive is the first title that I’ve read from the Guardian Protection series and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Filled with angst, suspense, romance, and even some humor, I was invested in the storyline from start to finish. Ultimately, a story of love and forgiveness, Thrive is an emotionally intense, second chance romance that will captivate readers from the very beginning. I look forward to reading more from this series!

Thrive is An Amazing Combination Angst, Romance and Sex. Readers who Enjoy reading a good Second Chance Romance would definitely Love Thrive. I Really Enjoyed it.

Aly Martinez has done a Brilliant Job With THRIVE and I Highly Recommend all Readers to read this book now.

I really enjoyed reading Lark and Mira’s story! As always Author Aly Martinez gives us another spectacular book with all the emotions and drama that we all have come to expect and love. This was another great story to add to this series and I look forward to reading the next one.

I love this Gaurdian protection series. The look onto all our favorite people. Mira and Jeremy are heartbreakingly real. Ever make a choice that you wish you hadn't? I also like that this book is about adults. Extra:if Johnson doesn't get his own book soon I may die.

Really enjoyed the drama and journey of Lark and Mira finding their happy ending after 17 years apart. Kinda reminded me of KA's The Time In Between with more focus on the mystery but not as deep a connection to the characters.