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kindlelovingmom's review
4.0
I really enjoyed book 1 of this series, and I liked this one just as much!
Ronan Cross is former British SAS, and now he lives in Colorado Springs, working with his brothers-in-arms to help rescue women and children in peril. He lives in a fairly remote area, on purpose, so people don't typically just happen upon his property. His work with the Mountain Mercenaries sometimes requires that he lie low, and so his home suits him perfectly. But, when a woman, who obviously needs help, shows up in his yard, he's surprised. And once she's gone, he can't stop thinking about her. He knows he can help her, so he sets about finding her and letting her know he's there for whatever she needs. Well, turns out, she really is in BIG trouble, and does need help, but she's not sure she can trust him.
Chloe Harris has had a terrible 3 years. She used to be happy. She had a great job, good friends, and a place of her own. Then, her dad was killed, after already losing her mom to violence a few years earlier. Then, she lost her job. When her younger brother Leon invited her back to the family home to stay, as a favor to help her out, she took him up on it. It was the worst mistake of her life. Leon is a monster, and he's been controlling everything about her and her life, ever since. He's involved in the local mafia, and he runs a strip club that he's been forcing her to work at for the last few months. She's desperate to get away, but when Ronan offers her help, she's not sure if she should take it. She couldn't live with herself if someone else got hurt by her brother or his thugs, just for trying to help her. She's also not sure if she can trust him. She's running pretty low on that these days.
Chloe and Ro have chemistry in spades, but their situation is so precarious because of her circumstances. Ro wants her, but he wants her to feel safe and secure above anything else. Chloe wants him, but it's so hard for her to trust anyone, especially a man, after what she's been through. I loved watching their flicker of attraction turn into a flame, and I loved seeing Chloe really come into her own after being abused and browbeaten for so long.
The suspense plot was scary and exciting, and I was always holding my breath for the next thing to go wrong. The bad guys were SO BAD that you hoped for every bad thing to happen to them, and for the good guys to win. I was surprised at the amount of HATE I had for Chloe's evil, money-hungry brother, and his harpy of a girlfriend, and any author who can make me hate someone that viscerally is a great author!
The guys of Mountain Mercenaries are an awesome bunch, and I loved getting to know them better. They are each unique, funny, and exciting, and I can't wait to see each of them meet their special one. In the epilogue we get to see the start of the next story, and I'm anticipating Arrow's book so much! I highly recommend this series so far, and I look forward to what's coming next.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Ronan Cross is former British SAS, and now he lives in Colorado Springs, working with his brothers-in-arms to help rescue women and children in peril. He lives in a fairly remote area, on purpose, so people don't typically just happen upon his property. His work with the Mountain Mercenaries sometimes requires that he lie low, and so his home suits him perfectly. But, when a woman, who obviously needs help, shows up in his yard, he's surprised. And once she's gone, he can't stop thinking about her. He knows he can help her, so he sets about finding her and letting her know he's there for whatever she needs. Well, turns out, she really is in BIG trouble, and does need help, but she's not sure she can trust him.
Chloe Harris has had a terrible 3 years. She used to be happy. She had a great job, good friends, and a place of her own. Then, her dad was killed, after already losing her mom to violence a few years earlier. Then, she lost her job. When her younger brother Leon invited her back to the family home to stay, as a favor to help her out, she took him up on it. It was the worst mistake of her life. Leon is a monster, and he's been controlling everything about her and her life, ever since. He's involved in the local mafia, and he runs a strip club that he's been forcing her to work at for the last few months. She's desperate to get away, but when Ronan offers her help, she's not sure if she should take it. She couldn't live with herself if someone else got hurt by her brother or his thugs, just for trying to help her. She's also not sure if she can trust him. She's running pretty low on that these days.
Chloe and Ro have chemistry in spades, but their situation is so precarious because of her circumstances. Ro wants her, but he wants her to feel safe and secure above anything else. Chloe wants him, but it's so hard for her to trust anyone, especially a man, after what she's been through. I loved watching their flicker of attraction turn into a flame, and I loved seeing Chloe really come into her own after being abused and browbeaten for so long.
The suspense plot was scary and exciting, and I was always holding my breath for the next thing to go wrong. The bad guys were SO BAD that you hoped for every bad thing to happen to them, and for the good guys to win. I was surprised at the amount of HATE I had for Chloe's evil, money-hungry brother, and his harpy of a girlfriend, and any author who can make me hate someone that viscerally is a great author!
The guys of Mountain Mercenaries are an awesome bunch, and I loved getting to know them better. They are each unique, funny, and exciting, and I can't wait to see each of them meet their special one. In the epilogue we get to see the start of the next story, and I'm anticipating Arrow's book so much! I highly recommend this series so far, and I look forward to what's coming next.
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
shahlasworld's review against another edition
5.0
With fast-paced action and an explosion this book will have you turning the pages without stopping to the very end. Hot guys with guns that live in the grey area between legal and illegal, but still the ultimate good guys, get me every. Single. Time! Add in women who have been dealt the worst hands life could ever hand them but still come out fighting hard for better futures, and you’ve got yourself Susan Stoker gold! Even if you’ve never read any of her previous books but you love military/law enforcement romance, I promise this book won’t disappoint!
full review: https://shahlas-world.blogspot.com/2018/12/susan-stoker-does-not-disappoint.html
full review: https://shahlas-world.blogspot.com/2018/12/susan-stoker-does-not-disappoint.html
red_enigma_94's review against another edition
4.0
Love this group of guys and how they go all-in to help women who are being abused, sex/human trafficked, etc. Inspite of their name, they're definitely the guys you want to always have in your corner. And that Ronan was bloody delightful!
vickylou's review against another edition
3.0
I would've rated this much lower... but, it is a Susan Stoker...
I despised Chloe. I thought her ridiculous. I truly didn't understand what Ro saw in her. Truly.
And there was much silliness in the plot. I know that one takes a huge step with a suspension of dis-believe... but, it was just silly. One dimensional baddies. Token nasty women... and then... really a TSTL lead female.
But, I have a huge loyalty to Susan Stoker. I think what irritates me the most is that I had had this on my 'to-read' list for months... something instinctual must've put me off reading it earlier. Lesson? Listen to your instincts.
Sorry!!
17/07/21 First things first... the last review was based on the audiobook. I have now read the e-book... much much better. There must've been something about the narrator's voice that just didn't gel for me.
This time around... I still find Chloe irritating... one thing that I find difficult to resolve is the fact that she is an intelligent 34 year old woman who has lived in the real world. Why in the world was she so naive to what her brother was doing? Why didn't she just go... far... far... far away? Yes, I know it was all about money... but he still would've had the stipend whether she was there or not. I liked Ro. Thought he was a thoroughly decent bloke... although his predilection for lilac cream was a little worrisome... I think of old ladies when I think of that scent... The odd British-isms chucked in got annoying.
I think I would've liked more with the Mafia side of things.
My biggest ( even if it makes me a bad person ) was the fact that she said that she didn't have a brother. Quite right too.
So... from a 2 star to a 3 star from me!!
I despised Chloe. I thought her ridiculous. I truly didn't understand what Ro saw in her. Truly.
And there was much silliness in the plot. I know that one takes a huge step with a suspension of dis-believe... but, it was just silly. One dimensional baddies. Token nasty women... and then... really a TSTL lead female.
But, I have a huge loyalty to Susan Stoker. I think what irritates me the most is that I had had this on my 'to-read' list for months... something instinctual must've put me off reading it earlier. Lesson? Listen to your instincts.
Sorry!!
17/07/21 First things first... the last review was based on the audiobook. I have now read the e-book... much much better. There must've been something about the narrator's voice that just didn't gel for me.
This time around... I still find Chloe irritating... one thing that I find difficult to resolve is the fact that she is an intelligent 34 year old woman who has lived in the real world. Why in the world was she so naive to what her brother was doing? Why didn't she just go... far... far... far away? Yes, I know it was all about money... but he still would've had the stipend whether she was there or not. I liked Ro. Thought he was a thoroughly decent bloke... although his predilection for lilac cream was a little worrisome... I think of old ladies when I think of that scent... The odd British-isms chucked in got annoying.
I think I would've liked more with the Mafia side of things.
My biggest ( even if it makes me a bad person ) was the fact that she said that she didn't have a brother. Quite right too.
So... from a 2 star to a 3 star from me!!
ladyelizabeth's review against another edition
4.0
Ronan is part of the Mountain Mercenaries. A group of tough men that help to those in dire situations and that are feared by those that are rule breakers, like some Mafia families.
Chloe is the sister of a horrible man that tries to use her in every way he wants to get whatever he fancies for his future. He terrorizes her to the point that she ends up being kidnapped to get away from him.
The characters in this book are very good and their development happens at a slow pace. Some may consider the slow pace too slow but I think it's OK because of the circumstances. I do have to say that Chloe evolves more than Ronan as a character and at some point in the story I find myself disbelieving on the things she's doing but this is a fiction book, not a biography or something.
The world of the Mountain Mercenaries was built in the previous book and some even in another story because Tex is not exactly a character that we, the readers of Susan's books, are unfamiliar with. That doesn't get in the way of the enjoyment of this particular story and how the whole thing was set up. Some of the twists and turns where very good surprises for me and I'm intrigued by these two mafia families now.
I would recommend this book just for the fact that it's a great story with the caveat that touches subjects like kidnapping, sex trafficking, mental and physical abuse in between other things.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Chloe is the sister of a horrible man that tries to use her in every way he wants to get whatever he fancies for his future. He terrorizes her to the point that she ends up being kidnapped to get away from him.
The characters in this book are very good and their development happens at a slow pace. Some may consider the slow pace too slow but I think it's OK because of the circumstances. I do have to say that Chloe evolves more than Ronan as a character and at some point in the story I find myself disbelieving on the things she's doing but this is a fiction book, not a biography or something.
The world of the Mountain Mercenaries was built in the previous book and some even in another story because Tex is not exactly a character that we, the readers of Susan's books, are unfamiliar with. That doesn't get in the way of the enjoyment of this particular story and how the whole thing was set up. Some of the twists and turns where very good surprises for me and I'm intrigued by these two mafia families now.
I would recommend this book just for the fact that it's a great story with the caveat that touches subjects like kidnapping, sex trafficking, mental and physical abuse in between other things.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
thebookdisciple's review against another edition
4.0
Defending Chloe by Susan Stoker was the book I was afraid to read. I LOVE Stoker but I really didn't care much for book 1, Defending Allye. But, like I said, I love Stoker so I knew I was gonna read this one. I'm glad I did because Defending Chloe harkened back to why I enjoy her books-good characters, really evil bad guys, and lots of action.
Chloe had a great life-good career, bright future. Then her dad died, Chloe lost her job, and had to move in with her brother. Things were okay with her brother at first...then he showed his true colors. He was physically abusive and was grooming her to work in the private rooms of his strip club where anything goes and all of it is recorded. Her brother is in with the mob and unbeknownst to her, Chloe actually did their taxes and books. Now her brother threatens her with the mob to keep her in line. She has been planning her escape for years but needs an opportunity.
Ronan is one of the Mountain Mercenaries, a secret group who helps women and children in bad situations. He is former British Royal Air Service but now runs his own mechanics shop. He has a chance meeting with Chloe and can't forget about her. He knows she is in a bad situation. He eventually figures out where to find her and how to save her. But, just getting her away from her brother doesn't end the danger. Then Ro has to figure out how to get her free from her sadistic brother! They build a relationship over the time they spend together, even though initially Chloe did NOT trust anyone. Ro has to show he is deserving of trust and he is really good about that. He doesn't force decisions on her or tell her what she is going to do. He makes her a part of all discussions and provides options so she can make a choice. Chloe hasn't had that in a long time.
Defending Chloe was a delightful read filled with some mafia guys, a terrible sibling and his despicable girlfriend, and the group of guys who save the day no matter what!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: mafia
- Triggers:
Spoiler
Chloe and others are forced into the sex trade against their will using blackmail - Series/Standalone: stand alone within an interconnected series
- Cliffhanger:
Spoiler
no - HEA:
Spoiler
yes
other former military men turned civilian badass like Fractured Honor by Kaylea Cross, Redemption Harbor series by Katie Reus, Cyclone by Janie Crouch...then you will probably like Defending Chloe!
Defending Chloe
nikkisbooknook's review against another edition
5.0
Oooh time for the enigmatic Brit to take centre stage!
Ro came to Chloe's aid when she least expected it. She has been held in the iron grip of her brother for some time and the more he tightens his hold and limits her choices, the more determined she is to escape.
Ro had is own brush with a hellish family and he'll do what he can to rescue Chloe. But her situation is even worse than he first thought, this is different a case for the Mountain Mercenaries.
Chloe makes you head spin - she is at turns innocently naive, sweet and vulnerable. She then has glimpses of the talented, intelligent and former businesswoman she was. She and Ro complemented each other so well.
Add in some mafia connections, human trafficking & sexual exploitation and you have a killer storyline. I loved the novel twist in dealing with the odious toad of a brother!
Ro came to Chloe's aid when she least expected it. She has been held in the iron grip of her brother for some time and the more he tightens his hold and limits her choices, the more determined she is to escape.
Ro had is own brush with a hellish family and he'll do what he can to rescue Chloe. But her situation is even worse than he first thought, this is different a case for the Mountain Mercenaries.
Chloe makes you head spin - she is at turns innocently naive, sweet and vulnerable. She then has glimpses of the talented, intelligent and former businesswoman she was. She and Ro complemented each other so well.
Add in some mafia connections, human trafficking & sexual exploitation and you have a killer storyline. I loved the novel twist in dealing with the odious toad of a brother!
talknerdybookblog's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Rating: 3-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Human trafficking (including forced sex work)
• Psychological and physical abuse
• Death of Heroine's parents (off-page)
• Abduction
• Inferred torture and murder of Heroine's brother
• Suicide (side character; non-descriptive)
Ending:HFN
Rating: 3-stars
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• No separation
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Human trafficking (including forced sex work)
• Psychological and physical abuse
• Death of Heroine's parents (off-page)
• Abduction
• Inferred torture and murder of Heroine's brother
• Suicide (side character; non-descriptive)
Ending: