Thrive is the second book in the Guardian Protection series and it can be read as a complete standalone.

Synopsis:

When I was nineteen years old, I was faced with a choice that changed my life.

Keep the safety of what I already knew or risk losing everything with the young, hotheaded soldier who stole my heart.

I chose the wrong man, and for seventeen years, I paid in tears, blood, and shattered dreams for that decision.

ow, there’s a man in my house, holding a gun to my head on the order of my ex-husband—given from his prison cell.

That hotheaded soldier I was too afraid to choose? He’s now a six-foot-three wall of muscle who works at the country’s most premier bodyguard agency. I’ve always wanted him, but now, I’ve never needed him more.

It’s the call I’m terrified to make.

I’m sure he still hates me… Even though I’ve never stopped loving him.

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**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

Technically, you weren't supposed to fall in love with your best friend's girl.

Seventeen years they last saw each other. They didn't separate on the best terms. Heartbreak is what they both felt. Even though Mira didn't pick him, she always looked him up online, to see what he was up to, if he was happy. Jude, tried to forgot about her but she was always in the back of his mind. The only way to move on was to hate her. The prologue, which took place in the past didn't really impact me. If I have to be honest none of the flashbacks did (thankfully there were not many of them. The present time was all I was interested in. When Mira gets herself into a very dangerous situation she doesn't hesitate and contacts Jude for help. However, Jude doesn't want anything to do with her. She is someone who broke his heart and wants to leave the past in the past.

Yea, Mira. I can reel in Mr. Hyde. Though I'm thinking he might have a thing for your bitch.

It was obvious the reaction she got out of him, that he felt very strongly about her. At that moment it was hate and disbelief that she would contact him after so many years of being apart. They relationship had only lasted six months when she was 19 and he was 23. Jude is now 40 and Mira is 36. I loved that they were in their mid to late thirties. However they had their moments they didn't act like it, which I surprisingly didn't mind. I loved their banter so much. Mira had a very colorful personality and Jude really knew how to handle that. They had to warm up to each other, especially Jude. However, when they finally decided they wanted each other, it was beautiful to see that they both went for it.

Baby, I withered for you. I burned at the stake day after day, knowing he didn't love you. Knowing you'd chosen him. Knowing there was not one goddamn thing I could do to change your mind. Hating you was the only way I survived.

I loved how their relationship developed in this book. It was emotional, heartbreaking, sexy, crazy, fun, suspenseful and hilarious at times. Mira drove Jude crazy, but I loved that about her. She made him come alive. These two were explosive together. The seventeen years apart matured them and made them realize what they really wanted in life. When they get a second-chance at love they first hesitated but it didn't take long for them find each other again. Jude and Mira were so much fun and I really enjoyed this book. The writing was great and I enjoyed the secondary characters and can't wait to read their books, especially Johnson's! I also would love for Mateo Rodriguez to get his own book, because he was intense and super sexy.