Reviews

Defenseless by Corinne Michaels

harrisse1's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

This definitely wasn’t my favorite in this series. Mark and Charlie are too stubborn and it was hard to read. Although, I did like the last 25% of the book with all the CIA action.

bre_louise's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

The PERFECT ending to the Salvation series! I love Mark's wit and compassion. He was one of my favorite supporting characters throughout the other books in this series. But I did not really love him until I read this book. I am quickly learning that as I continue to read Corinne's books that I will continue to collect book boyfriends. If you are new to the romance genre, like I was before starting this series, this is an amazing place to start!

theblackstepford's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark tense medium-paced

3.75

readfrenzy's review

Go to review page

4.0

4.5 stars

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a good military romance. Defenseless reminded me how much I enjoy the sub-genre.

Mark, a former SEAL turned independent contractor, and Charlie, a CIA undercover operative, meet during a mission. Mark is a cocky, irritating but loveable smartass, and Charlie is stubborn, secretive, and feisty. There’s instant attraction on Mark’s part, but definitely no Insta-love between the two. Together they are oil and water, which makes for some delectable chemistry. Charlie and Mark bicker constantly, and he’s quick to call her out on her crap, but it’s highly endearing and flat-out funny. There’s a lack of unnecessary relationship drama—which I really appreciated—and just the right amount of sexiness.

The first couple chapters seem bogged down by the number of characters and how each player relates to each other. Further confusing matters, Mark’s friends are sometimes referred to by their given names and nicknames interchangeably in the same scene. Natalie, Lee, Sparkles—I thought they were three separate characters, but no. It’s one lady. Once I got over that initial hump, it was fairly smooth sailing.

The intricacies of their dual mission were sometimes lost on me, and I confess I wasn’t overly interested in the investigation. However, the plot is primarily character-driven, and we’re given a fun cast of characters to enjoy.

This book has a little bit of everything: intrigue, action, bad guys, suspense, humor, and romance. Corrine Michaels cleverly ends each chapter on a mini-cliffhanger, daring the reader to put the book down. Defenseless is a delightful standalone novel.

Recommended for fans of:
Cindy Gerard
Military romance
Badass heroines
Sarcastic heroes

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

Reading Frenzy Book Blog

 photo facebook_zps5dsbrav2.png  photo twitter_zpsmxpjejop.png  photo pinterest_zpsje2qrg47.png  photo instagram_zpsk0ciqbgm.png

d_endresen's review

Go to review page

5.0

Loved this book!! It certainly could have been ready as a stand-alone since it’s not a duet, but it does help if you’ve the first 4 books of the series to really understand the backstory of the characters and how all of their storylines intertwine.

But Mark and Charlie together are fire! They are both smart mouthed, cunning and witty. And the banter back and forth between them is so funny. They just live to rile each other up. Both determined and trying to fight this new burning love forming between them. A tug and pull story that leaves you wanting to tag along for their next mission!

harrisse1's review

Go to review page

3.0

This definitely wasn’t my favorite in this series. Mark and Charlie are too stubborn and it was hard to read. Although, I did like the last 25% of the book with all the CIA action.

kelley157's review

Go to review page

4.0

4.25⭐️

CIA/Military thriller/suspense romance. Feisty, sexy MCs. intense. More review to come.

Mark

hayleysnextpage's review

Go to review page

4.25

- Private security x CIA agent
- Romantic suspense
- He falls first
- Book 5 in the Salvation series
- Dual POV

This series is CRACK! I was so excited about Mark's book because he had such a memorable personality in the other books in the series. Thankfully, Defenseless didn't disappoint, and he certainly met his match in Charlie—a CIA agent his security firm is working with to uncover who's after them.

Defenseless was a lot more suspenseful (and spicier) than the other books in the series, which is my kryptonite! I loved trying to understand what was happening, as both Mark and Charlie had secrets. Trust me, the last 40% or so will suck you in, and you won't be able to put the book down.

Mark and Charlie were both stubborn MMCs and had a pull on each other that she vehemently tried to deny. But well, it was love at first sight for Mark 😅. He was perfect for her, though. He understood her and what she needed and wasn't letting her go without a fight (literally).

The banter and tension were also AMAZING! Top tier! 

Favourite quotes:
- "You and I, we're fire, baby. And I'm about to burn you to the ground."
- "When I'm with Mark, I'm not in the shadows. It's as though he sees nothing but me. He brings me into the sun to stand beside him."
- "You're so beautiful. Every time I look at you, it literally takes my breath away. I see you, Charlie. I see it all."
- "I will never leave you behind, Charlie. I'll bash through walls, take beatings, and give my life for you. That's love. That's how much you mean to me. Don't you get it? Without you in my life... it's worthless. You though," he pauses. "You're everything to me."

stacey_fabulous's review

Go to review page

5.0

Hands down the best book of the Salvation series so far.

I’ve read the first 5 books back to back and can honestly say it has made the experience so much more enjoyable. With all the character crossovers and intertwining storylines.

Until these books, I’d never come across Corinne Michaels before. They came up as suggested books on Audible and I’m so glad I chose to read them. I have to say, I am now a big fan and look forward to reading the last 2 books in the salvation series, and then sinking my teeth into her other works.

nicki_theoverflowingbookcase's review

Go to review page

4.0

Finally Mark's story!! Mark has had his hand in every HEA that have happened to his teammates. Love has been for them but never for him - that is until the secretive CIA operative Charlie gets under his skin and becomes someone he cannot get out of his head. But two head strong individuals do not make for a simple love story but in fact add up to a storyline that will have the reader laughing out loud, sighing with happiness and so angry they will want to throw their kindle. But in the end Corinne Michaels once again gives the reader everything they could ever have hoped for.