An Amazon Charts bestseller.Protection leads to passion in New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s dangerously hot Mountain Mercenaries adventure.Dispatched to the Dominican Republic to rescue a kidnapped child, former Marine Archer “Arrow” Kane makes a startling discovery: another hostage—Morgan Byrd, a very beautiful and very well-known missing person who disappeared off the streets of … person who disappeared off the streets of Atlanta a year ago. She’s brave, resilient, and unbroken. All Arrow wants to know is why she ended up in a shack in Santo Domingo. All he feels is the desire to protect.
Morgan is done being the victim and is determined to find out who hates her so much that they want her gone—but not dead. Until then, she has Arrow, an alpha stranger who’s offering a warm and safe place to hide. But as the passion between them flares, so does the fear that whoever took Morgan will do anything to get her back. For Arrow, protecting this woman with a mysterious enemy is the most dangerous mission of his life. And it’s worth every beat of his heart.
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4.5 Stars
I have completely enjoyed the Mountain Mercenaries so far and Susan didn’t disappoint with this addition. I love the strong heroines she gives us. Yes they are beaten down and not in a good place when we find them but they fight, for their lives back, they aren’t ready to give up just because of something bad happening.
Morgan earned my respect from the very beginning, doing what she could to protect that little girl. The lessons she learned the hard way while captive helped to keep her alive and made the escape that much easier. Her concern with find out who would have done this to her in the first place. Fighting hard when they Mercenaries start looking to her friends and family first.
Arrow knew right away that this woman was different than most. He has done enough rescues and most women are beyond thinking and in hysterics by the time they find them. She was still in fight mode. The more he gets to know her the more he wants to be there for her. He has never understood the instant connection that Gray and Ro had found with their ladies but he is feeling it now. He is ready to embrace it and move forward with it as it takes him.
There was a great level of suspense with a great mix of romance. I am looking forward to more of this series in the future.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
This book was awesome! I loved everything about it. Stoker has a way of writing that grabs your attention and pulls you in from the start. There is always a certain draw to her characters that keeps me invested with them throughout the read, as well as the fact that she always integrates real, believable scenarios surrounding the characters; whether it is abuse, bullying, appearance, social awkwardness, etc., regardless of the circumstances, they have something important and monumental to overcome. I always enjoy her depiction of the men in her stories, military or ex-military who have a strong sense of duty and honor as well as compassionate and caring natures towards the women they fall for and the resilient, strong women that come into their lives.
Defending Morgan was a heartwarming story full of suspense, action, mystery, drama, emotional conflict and sweet romance. Arrow was completely swoon worthy and endearing and I loved his handling of Morgan. His heart was invested with her from the beginning and he was her emotional rock and physical shield/protector to the world. He was patient and caring and understanding of her circumstances and was a solid unwavering presence at her side as they uncovered the truth of her kidnapping and abuse and helped her to rebuild her life. My heart broke for Morgan, with all she endured and survived after being kidnapped, abused, held captive for over a year then surprisingly rescued and thrust back into society with her family, the media and police and someone still after her. She had so much trauma, emotional and physical, as well as dealing with her parents and life in general as she struggled to find her place. With everything she had undergone, she had so much to overcome but she was a survivor; strong, levelheaded and determined to get her life back. She and Arrow had such a special connection, an unbreakable bond of trust, and I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and the fact that nothing was ever rushed, it was slow and steady and believable. Stoker also does a wonderful job of suspenseful buildup. The twists and turns the story takes to get to the truth behind Morgan’s kidnapping was gripping and I was shocked to discover the culprit. I never suspected it, I had someone else in mind. Arrow and Morgan’s journey to their HEA was emotional and sweet and I loved watching their journey.
As with all Stoker’s other books, this one can be read as a standalone but I think it would be better enjoyed reading it in series order to meet all the guys and their ladies. This book does touch on trigger subjects such as kidnapping, implied rape and torture, and emotional trauma but the subjects are handled delicately with care, no explicit acts are described. And staying consistent with her other stories, we get a teaser for the next book in the series at the end. This was a great story beginning to end and I look forward to the next in the series.
*I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley and I am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy thru Netgallery of Defending Morgan book 3 in the Mountain Mercenaries Series . I really was intrigued from the beginning very enjoyable . This story is intense and suspenseful, very action packed story line . Morgan is such a strong and fierce exceptional soul a perfect match for alpha Hero Arrow . The relationship blooming between Arrow and Morgan is a beautiful and wonderful .
This story has very emotional and somewhat dark elements . It is an on the edge of your seat story . Quite a page Turner with twists and turns . This story is absolutely as fantastic as the others in the Mountain Mercenaries Series . The characters are fabulous each member of the team is unique and wonderful . I am looking forward to reading more in this series . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
3.75 stars–DEFENDING MORGAN is the third instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult MOUNTAIN MERCENRIES romantic, military, suspense series focusing on a group of six former soldiers and Navy SEALS who call themselves Mountain Mercenaries, headed by the mysterious ‘Rex’. This is former Navy SEAL Archer ‘Arrow’ Kane, and apiarist (bee keeper) Morgan Byrd’s story line, DEFENDING MORGAN can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: The Mountain Mercenaries is a spin off from the author’s Ace Security series but you do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current timeline. The Mountain Mercenaries were first introduced in CLAIMING FELICITY (Ace Security 4).
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Morgan and Arrow) DEFENDING MORGAN follows in the wake of the Mountain Men’s discovery of not one but two hostages on their latest assignment. Sent to the Dominican Republic to rescue an American five-year old girl kidnapped by her father, the Mountain Men team locate and identify the child’s would be protector-twenty six year old apiarist Morgan Byrd, another American missing for close to a year. Struggling to survive Morgan and Arrow do battle with armed terrorists and civilians in an effort to escape, and return safely to America. Upon their return Arrow becomes Morgan’s guardian and protector in an effort to ferret out the person(s) responsible for the attack against the woman with whom he is falling in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Morgan and Arrow, and the potential fall-out as the Mountain Mercenaries begin to uncover the depths to which someone is willing to destroy Morgan, and the man that she loves.
Morgan Byrd had no idea as to the who or why of her kidnapping, imprisonment and on-going sexual assaults. For close to a year, our heroine battled between life and death in an effort to survive or withdraw from the continuing violations and onslaught. Determined to protect the young girl now imprisoned along side her, Morgan bears the brunt of their kidnappers’ aggression and anger. Arrow Kane’s overwhelming urgency to protect Morgan Byrd is visceral and real. His immediate attraction is countered by Morgan’s need to heal both emotionally and physical, healing that involves patience and time.
The relationship between Morgan and Arrow begins as an assignment but Arrow makes it his personal mission to protect and guard the woman with whom he will fall in love. Like all of Susan’s heroes the attraction is instantaneous; he knows that the woman is his HEA. The $ex scenes are limited due in part to our heroine’s need to heal and recover.
The colorful secondary and supporting characters include Navy SEAL Lowell ‘Black’ Lockard, computer guru and Navy SEAL Meat, and former Coast Guard officer Ball; Grayson and Allye (Defending Allye #1), Ronan and Chloe (Defending Choe #2) as well as the mysterious ‘Rex’; five year old Nina, and Morgan’s parents Carl Byrd and Ellie Jernagan. Black and Harlow’s story is next in Defending Harlow.
DEFENDING MORGAN is a story of family, betrayal, vengeance and love. The premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is passionate; the characters are colorful and energetic. I guessed the person responsible early on in the story; I suspect the identity of the mysterious Rex; but I had issues with the number of times the hero calls the heroine ‘beautiful’, Arrow uses beautiful as a form of endearment ninety (90) times throughout the story line-a bit redundant, repetitious and excessive.
Sooo Gooood!! This story will grab you and suck you in from the first page! It is mysterious, exciting, heartbreaking and romantic! I loved how Arrow was so patient with Morgan and her PTSD. The mystery of who was the villain was captivating and and kept me guessing almost to the end. I LOVE stories like that and this was right on the money! I didn’t want it to end!!
I am an avid Susan Stoker fan so was a bit surprised when I started this book as it seemed like I had read it before. Indeed, Defending Morgan has a very similar beginning as Protecting Fiona if 2 women could have such bad luck. Thankfully, Ms Stoker did have Morgan go through some different adventures than Fiona so it was not a replica but the similar beginnings deflated my excitement a bit. Loved the surprise twist at the end.
Defending Morgan
By Susan Stoker
Defending Morgan is the third book in the Mountain Mercenaries series by Susan Stoker and the series just keeps getting better and better! I mean who wouldn’t love to read about a hot hero finding the love of his life in a Caribbean jungle. Ms. Stoker has the ability to ensnare the reader from page one and not let them go until the end of the book!
On a mission to retrieve a kidnapped child, Archer “Arrow” Kane and his band of friends also discover another kidnap victim. One that everyone had thought would never be found. From the moment he meets Morgan Byrd, Arrow can’t hide his interest in her. Her determination and quiet strength draws him in like no other woman ever has. He has watched his fellow brother fall in love with their women and knows somehow Morgan has gotten under his skin very quickly.
Morgan Byrd has lived in hell for the past year. When men sneak in to rescue the child she has been caring for, Morgan is elated and resigned. Happy that the little girl will be out of the clutches of the men that have been keeping her, Morgan is not expecting to be rescued as well. But going home also means that the person who had her kidnapped may try again. Can she trust the men who rescued her to keep her safe? Because Morgan has come to realize that someone she knew orchestrated her kidnapping.
I absolutely loved Morgan. Her resilience after suffering horrifically at the hands of her kidnapping is inspiring and kick-ass. The relationship that develops between Archer and Morgan is very sweet and endearing. I loved watching the interplay between Morgan and the Mercenaries. I love how alpha yet tender Ms. Stokers heroes are. You can’t help but be sucked into their lives. Every book leaves me wanting more from Ms. Stoker. Catching up with old characters, meeting new characters and watching the budding romance is just what every romance reader wants. Ms. Stoker is a fantastic writer and her books never get old. She is definitely an author I love to read. I’m very much looking forward to more in this series and from Ms. Stoker.
When Arrow and the Mountain Mercenaries go to Dominican Republic to save a kidnapped child they find a surprise…a woman, one who is well known due to the fact she disappeared without a trace a year ago. The guys and Arrow tread lightly to convince The child and woman to go with them by saying their names Nina and Morgan, who have been starved and abused but they have to get them back to the states before the kidnappers realize they are gone. Arrow is not convinced that the danger to Morgan so he keeps her close and as Morgan fights her demons Arrow fights his attraction to her as his respect for her grows. Strange things are happening to Arrow and his friends but they aren’t sure they are tied to Morgan and Morgan thinks she is the cause but Arrow convinces her to let them help her but Arrow may have taken on more than he can chew. Morgan is such a strong woman even if she is breaking inside and Arrow has the patience of a saint and I just loved the dynamics of their relationship.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
This is the third book with the Mountain Mercenaries who are loyal, loving awesome protectors. This is Arrow’s story and his love interest Morgan. Arrow and the guys go to the Dominic Republic to retrieve a little girl who was abducted by her dad to keep away from her mother. While there they end up saving Morgan who was kidnapped a year ago and her story was heartbreaking. Arrow immediately felt drawn to her and her to him even though with everything that she has been thru it would have been normal for her not to trust men but she felt safe with him. She is finally free and scared because she does not know who she can trust and unfortunately for her it ends up being someone we would never have expected…Grab a copy and Enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Firstly, a thank you to Montlake Romance Publishing, Netgalley and Susan for my advanced copy for which I voluntarily leave my honest review!
Oh my gosh, this book is amazing! I’ve only recently started reading Susan’s books and I think this series is absolutely fantastic. Each story is so varied and different to the last one that it makes the stories that much better Anywho at the end of book two, Arrow and some teammates are sent into a Spanish speaking country to rescue a five year old girl, whose father had absconded with her. Unbeknownst to them, Morgan, a woman who has been missing for the better part of a year is found with the little girl – protecting her. Arrow is taken with her from the word go. No doubts about the fact that Morgan had been through a huge ordeal, but Arrow is just the person she needs to encourage her positively.
Lots of twists and turns as they try to figure out why Morgan was kidnapped initially and even though I guessed who it was, with an hour left to go in the book, a few might be quite surprised to discover who the perpetrator is!
Loved this story and I can’t wait to see what Harlow and Black bring to this series
Arrow Kane and two of his Mountain Mercenaries brothers are in the Dominican Republic to rescue a kidnapped five-year-old little girl. When he breaks into the dilapidated house where little Nina is being held he is shocked to find a woman with a crude knife bravely standing in front of Nina ready to protect her. Who is this woman and why is she here? Turns out she is famous missing person Morgan Byrd who disappeared in Atlanta a year ago. How fortunate for her that the Mountain Mercenaries are here and came to her rescue. When Arrow and Morgan must separate from the others they face much danger as the men holding Morgan are desperate to recapture her. Running and hiding together forms a special bond between Morgan and Arrow. Keeping Morgan safe is now Arrow’s main goal. He has never felt so attracted to a woman before and wants to explore what the future might hold for them.
Defending Morgan by Susan Stoker is the third book in her Mountain Mercenaries series. Getting to know each of these dedicated men is a real treat. Getting to know the women they fall in love with is also quite a treat. Susan Stoker has a special knack for depicting dedicated, honorable and brave heroes in her stories. Her ability to write super tough, super resilient and loving heroines is legendary. I know when I start to read a Susan Stoker romantic suspense story that I will be reading a realistic depiction of men and women who find the strength to survive harrowing events and come through strong people on the other end of the devastation. I totally enjoyed making the recovering journey with Morgan and seeing her through to her HEA. I loved that Arrow called Morgan “Beautiful” from the very beginning. Arrow deserved this beautiful soul and his HEA with her. Anyone looking for an engaging journey of guys and gals overcoming hardship and devastation and ending up with true love and happiness will most certainly enjoy reading this book
Another incredible story in this series! Such a well written and amazing plot with a twist I did not see coming! As always Susan gives us a totally swoony hero who is as strong as he is tender. Who has a protective streak a mile wide and an abundance of sweetness! Pair him with a kick ass super strong heroine like Morgan who has been through absolute hell yet she is still standing and you have an emotional journey well worth taking. Archer “Arrow” Kane is the perfect man for Morgan. When he and the other Mountain Mercenaries rescue her, he is positively bowled over by her strength and resilience and obvious will to live. As he gets to know her there is simply no way he is ever letting her go. Morgan has been through a year of brutal captivity in which a plethora of unspeakable things were done to her. She wants to work through it all and move on with her life but there is so much there to work through. Can these two people who are perfect for each other work through the past enough to have a future? Go ahead and read it and find out!
Archer is part of the Mountain Mercenaries and is sent to rescue a little girl kidnapped by her father. They didn’t expect to find a woman who’d been missing for a year. Morgan has been taken from a parking garage after going to a club with friends. They get them both back to the states and Morgan stays with Archer for awhile. He falls for her and is willing to do anything for her to feel safe. They haven’t found out who kidnapped her but they aren’t giving up until they do. Morgan has feelings for Archer but is not sure if she’ll ever be able to have a physical relationship with him. Archer doesn’t care as long as she’s with him.
Great story with a strong, beautiful woman and a handsome ex Marine. Very suspenseful with action and emotional angst. Total shocker that will have you on the edge of your seat.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
I loved the strength of both Morgan and Arrow in this book! Morgan had endured so much, buried some of it, but knew what she wanted and needed after her rescue. It took some convincing, but Arrow finally made her see that he didn’t think any less of her, pitied her, or wanted more than she could give. He saw her strength, and that amazed him from the beginning. Despite, or maybe because, of Morgan had been through, these two connected on a cerebral level, an emotional level, even though the physical attraction was always there.
Dealt with the utmost sensitivity, the brutality that had been Morgan’s life for the past year, isn’t overwhelming to the reader. The emotional impact is clear, the physicality cannot be pushed aside, but her actions and reactions, her strength, is always the center. Arrow is the hero she needs, whether getting her out of the life she was stuck in, or keeping her safe at home, or defending her from her monsters, he is always there, always letting her lead, and offering his support
Arrow and the boys went to Santa Domingo to rescue a kidnapped 5yr old girl. They did not expect to find an abused female, who intended to protect the little one with her life! They recognised the female once she identified herself and now they have to adapt their plans to get off the island.
Whilst Morgan never goes to in-depth with her hellish ordeal, the Mercenaries can read between the lines and Arrow especially is determined that nothing else will happen to his brave lady. Little Nina was a total trooper but she really sees Morgan as her friend and protector and they have a really tight bond which is explored more during the book.
Arrow and Morgan are more of a slow burner in the romance, partly due to the abuse that Morgan suffered. But Arrow is in for the long haul, whether Morgan is willing to accept it yet or not! He doesn’t care if it takes years but he is determined to have a relationship with her!
As usual, there were a couple of Aha moments that turned into WTF moments! I had an inkling at who was involved but didn’t realise the depth of the insanity!
Morgan’s story is darker than the previous two books in that she’s been in a bad situation with no hope of escape when our heroes find her. This book is also more of a who done it than the first two (where they had a narrow group of suspects). Ms. Stoker handles these points with sensitivity in the former and a deft hand in the later making for a great book. If you like your romantic suspense a bit grittier this series is a must read on my list. Enjoy!
Susan Stoker is a new author to me, and one I will definitely be reading again. Book 3 in this Mountain Mercenaries series can definitely be read as a standalone. Action packed from the first chapter, we see former Navy SEAL Archer ‘Arrow’ Kane up against kidnappers and lowlifes as he tries to protect Morgan Byrd whilst finding the best way to get her back to the United States from the Dominican Republic. If they manage to escape her captors they will have to try and work out who could be responsible for taking Morgan in the first place. Great writing, told in dual POV, a story full of suspense, a modern day whodunnit that keeps you guessing throughout. I loved all the characters, those Mountain Mercenaries really are a great example of sexy, alpha and compassionate. Morgan is practical and sweet with a hard exterior that Arrow slowly starts to break through, he is so patient. Morgan’s parents really are selfish and I was impressed with how the group didn’t let them take over Morgan’s life. With parents like hers it really is a miracle that she’s turned out to be so level headed. Highly enjoyable action romance that deals with some emotional issues. I look forward to reading more from Susan Stoker. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Another excellent book by Susan Stoker! Defending Morgan is book 3 in the Mountain Mercenaries series and I am enjoying this one the best so far. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.
I am not sure if I am going to be able to express how much in awe I am of Morgan! She was kidnapped a year ago and to imagine the torture she endured is really indescribable. I am glad to say those moments were not detailed but with the snippets we were given, we can understand. Despite her ordeal, she is a fighter and protector. The way she protected Nina was awe-inspiring! And after she was rescued, how she held it together showed such strength, emotionally and physically. And Arrow was just plain awesome. I just loved how he was with Morgan, he was immediately drawn to her and her resilience. And as the days go by his feelings for her kept growing. He just understood her and knew exactly how to approach her.
Then we get to the part where we find out truth of why and by whom she was kidnapped. Talk about a doozy of a tale!! I was on pins and needles throughout the story. Even though I had an inkling of who it was, I was still shocked!
I loved everything about this book and can not wait for the next story.
Thank you Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for the complimentary copy of Defending Morgan. All opinions are my own.
Morgan has to be one of the strongest and most resilient individuals I have read about in awhile. This woman has been through hell but she is still fighting and will keep on fighting. While it doesn’t hurt to have a big strong Navy Seal by your side, this woman is is going to do it her own way and I have nothing but complete admiration for her.
To read about this woman who has been hurt and abused, willing to stand up and protect the little girl made me instantly respect her. I wasn’t the only one. Arrow liked this side of her also.
Arrow is all man. He is a hardened Seal, he has seen things and done things that would make most of us squirm, however when he is dealing with Morgan, he is gentle. He is trained on reading people and this skill comes in very handy while getting Morgan out of danger, dealing with a press conference, of dealing with his friends and their questions.
Morgan is someone who is going to talk to therapists and work through everything with Arrow by her side because this woman isn’t willing to quit and let the bad guys win.