The stakes are personal, hot, and dangerous in New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s riveting Mountain Mercenaries novel.As tough as Everly Adams may be, the Colorado Springs SWAT officer is near a breaking point. Her fifteen-year-old half sister, Elise, has disappeared from Los Angeles without a trace, and the window to find her is closing fast. Committed to the search is Mountain … the search is Mountain Mercenary Kannon “Ball” Black. He and Everly already have a history—of rubbing each other the wrong way.
Still, Everly has to admit the man is heart-stopping. His brash alpha swagger takes her breath away. And most importantly, as a former Coast Guard first responder, Ball has what it takes to bring Elise home.
Nobody’s buying the LAPD’s “runaway” theory. And the fear that Elise is the victim of a human trafficking ring is a gut-punch that Everly and Ball can’t ignore. If only the trail were that clear cut. Because the one they’re following is more insidious and intimately dark than they could have imagined.
Now as the bond between Everly and Ball grows stronger, so does the heat. And as the stakes rise, so does the danger.
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Susan Stoker is one of those authors who you can always automatically add to your TBR list. She writes stories that we can all relate to and/or identify with, stories that grab hold of you from the first page to the last. Every series is awesome. Don’t miss this.
I’ve read a lot of Susan Stoker books and really loved them–but “Defending Everly” is a book that’s going on my L-O-V-E shelf. Kannon and Everly are a pair of smart, sophisticated protagonists that grabbed my heart–and many times, my funny bone!–but most of all, the deepest parts of my soul.
The plot is fast-paced, as many of Ms. Stoker’s best works are, but the love story that’s woven into this one is spun of pure feeling and connection, threading these two people’s lives in ways that extend beyond their physical attraction. While that spice is definitely there as well, these two have to discover it between finding a truly despicable bad guy, as well as prioritizing others above themselves. That factor doesn’t detract from the story. It adds to their nobility, which made me root even more for them as a couple.
I’m always so thrilled to read this amazing author–but with this book, the experience was an un-put-downable story. I loved these two from start to finish. Take me to the mountains with these wonderful mercenaries! What a series–and what a phenomenal love story.
Kannon ‘Ball’ Black has more than a few issues being partnered with a woman. He had a woman trainee in the Coast Guard and another had ripped his heart out.
Even though Everly is a trained SWAT officer, she beside herself with worry. Her fifteen year old sister Elise has gone missing and she turns to the Mountain Mercenaries for help finding her. She overheard Ball’s comments about a woman being involved in the case and wasn’t exactly happy he was the one assigned.
As they work to find her sister Ball finds his opinion changing as he realizes how really wrong he’s been.
In the center of this is Elise who was kidnapped, a teenager wanting a bit more freedom but her life is just a bit different because she is deaf. However not so much that she doesn’t feel the same things as any other teen.
Now this book sent me through a wave of several different emotions. From laughter at Everly’s Grandmother’s antics, to various versions of tears. Then there is the slow steady relationship that grows between Everly and Ball. There’s also a bond that is forming with Ball and Elise.
I couldn’t put this book down as this story unfolds. Full of love, tears, laughter, angst and so much more!
Kannon aka Ball is partnered with Everly, a woman SWAT officer to find her missing sister. Ball is not happy with the pairing, he’s been burned by a woman partner in the past and loops any female into that category as not being “qualified” to be his partner. Everly is as tough as they come and will take a lot of convincing that she is capable of handling herself and having Ball’s back when necessary. As the two get closer and Ball finds out she is more than capable, and when they find her sister…the threat is not over.
This author does again with another suspenseful, action and steamy read that had me glued to the pages and in the end wanting more more more. The characters were amazing and I loved how Ball was able to admit he was wrong and how strong and capable Everly was. These two lit up the pages and were perfect together. Can’t wait to see what happens with the next mercenary, Meat, after that ending.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
“Defending Everly” is the fifth book in the Mountain Mercenaries series and it is the story of Kannon “Ball” Black and Everly Adams. Ball is a former Coast Guard first responder and Everly is a Colorado Springs SWAT officer. Everly has a fifteen year old half sister that has disappeared and she knows that she didn’t just leave on her own. Elise is deaf and Everly knows that they have to find her and soon, so she enlist the help of the Mountain Mercenaries.
This one is loaded with suspense, angst, friends, passion, romance and love. I could not help but fall in love with Ball as he tried his best to learn ASL so that he could communicate with Elise. Ball also has to redeem himself with Everly since they have a way of rubbing each other the wrong way. The guys from the team do what they do best in this one and Everly is a strong heroine who holds her own. Great addition to the series that also can be read as a standalone.
Defending Everly by Susan Stoker
Mountain Mercenaries book 5
This story was a solid five star read for me as both Everly and Kannon “Ball” Black have a history of rubbing each other the wrong way but when Rex assigns him to help find her missing deaf 15-year-old half sister Elise she will need every assistance the Mountain Mercenaries has to find her. This book has everything you hear on the nightly news human trafficking, social media pitfalls and trust.
Elise Adams start in life wasn’t pretty as her drug addicted mother but it made her who she is strong, determined and a SWAT officer. When her grandparents call to tell her Elise is missing she’ll do everything to find her. But what she doesn’t expect is how willing Kannon is to help especially when it’s clear the man who took her wants a forever after. What ensues is a fantastic non-stop action to find Elise and keep her safe in Colorado.
I love how the Mountain Mercenaries have become a family each of them finding their HEA, I loved how Ball learned sign language to help communicate with Elise when she was eventually found.
This book grabbed he from the get go. I started reading late last night and I didn’t put it down. Mountain Mercenary, Kannon “Ball” Black, is assigned to work a missing child case with Colorado Springs SWAT Officer Everly Adams. Everly’s 15 year old sister is missing from her grandparents home in LA and the two get off to a not so great start when she walks in on Ball throwing a hissy fit because he didn’t want to work with a woman. Everly is essential to the case because her sister, Elise, is deaf and none of the team can communicate with her when they find her. This book is action packed and suspense filled and has an adorable matchmaking Me-Maw and Pop, a wonderful teen trying to find herself, kidnapping, trafficking of young girls, two people who are thrown together letting go of their past and finding a possible future and some hot steamy scenes.
When Kannon “Ball” Black is partnered up with Everly Adams on an op to find her missing sister, he’s not exactly pleased and makes no bones about it. He quickly discovers that she’s tough, smart and resourceful. Working together to find her deaf sister gives them both an understanding and appreciation of one another that turns into strong feelings and an eventual HEA. But not before danger comes calling again.
She was a police officer who needed his help finding her lost teenage sister He has been burned in the past by two woman and so he doesn’t want to work with her but wile helping her he begins to see that he has kept all woman at a distance they find out who captured her sister he learns sign language because the teen is deaf He wants them both in his life forever sizzling romance and a wonderful happy ending
Author Susan Stoker has written another emotional and suspenseful story and I completely devoured it. Ball and Everly did not have an easy time at first but they developed mutual trust and respect for each other that became something more. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship turn into love and I loved seeing the interaction between Ball and Everly’s sister. I have really enjoyed this series and looking forward to the next book.
Everly is determined to find her sister. Even if she has to partner with a Neanderthal. Ball is willing to find her sister he would just rather not work with Everly. When they have little choice but to work together, can they put their differences aside for the sake of the missing?
Defending Everly is fifth in Susan Stoker’s Mountain Mercenaries series. I loved seeing Ball work himself out of the hole he dug. Everly is unlike the women in his past but it may be too late for Ball to rectify his error. He has let his past run away with his mouth and it may cost him his future. But Everly has her own demons. She is on the hunt for her sister but as she searches leads she sees a side of Ball that is unexpected. Can she trust the change?
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Ball and Everly fight their respective pasts and trust in the future together. Ms. Stoker didn’t make it easy but she did make it interesting. I loved seeing Everly and Ball sees beyond their pain. I loved that Ms. Stoker continues to show us women who are stronger than even they know. I love that Ball supported Everly and her sister. He showed them how real men treat the women in their lives. I loved that Ball loved Everly and all she comes with. I also loved the twists and turns Ms. Stoker gave us as Ball and Everly fought for their happily ever after. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to see where Ms. Stoker will take us next.
Five Shooting Stars
Love this whole series!
A beautiful story. Suspense, drama love and just the the right amount of action.
As usual susan stoker books are a Pleasure to read. This one didn’t have as much action as I am use to but the the story line is good. I like how the story progresses and I can always count on the suspense and adrenalin rush of of situations becoming such a close call like the one on top of the cliff. Bull and Everly is made for each other. Everly is a woman who speaks her mind, she is strong, caring, loving and she is a bad ass at her job. Bull is a no nonsense straight taker and is caring, respectful and loving. They are both willing to move heaven and earth for the people they love. A beautiful story
This awesome series just gets better and better! Ball and Everly are two alpha personalities with kick ass fighting skills and a wariness of any emotional involvement with the opposite sex due to abandonment issues from their pasts. Elise, Everly’s deaf 15yr old sister is missing, and Everly’s police S.W.A.T. training along with Ball’s specialized military training has them working closely to rescue Elise. The interaction between Everly and Elise’s grandparents, Me-maw and Pop with Ball and Everly was at times heart wrenching and often times laugh inducing. The suspense, the slow burn romance, the sisterly devotion, as well as the enthralling plot made this another Susan Stoker book that was impossible to put down until the very end.
Defending Everly is another five star addition to this captivating series. “Ball” has been burned both in his personal life and work life by women so twice bitten and this man is in no way shy about his dislike for having to work with one. However when he is thrown into such a situation, Everly might be just the woman to show him the error in his thinking. Their story is action packed, confronting, angsty and emotional. You will not only fall in love with Ball and Everly but her sister Elise will steal your heart. A story of family, friends and finding your heart and home when you least expect it. Be prepared for an epilogue that will take you by surprise and leave you with a few unanswered questions.
Wow Ball is definitely a unique man. The lengths he went to make things easier for Everly and Elise was beautiful to read. It took a while to get there and even once they did, it wasn’t smooth sailing but not one of them gave up or quit. Loved It!
***5 Stars***
This was a quick, interesting, intense and fun read. Not that I’m all that surprised considering how much I’ve loved all the books that came before this one, but considering what happened the first time Ball and Everly collided…well, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this baby and I wasn’t disappointed at all!
I loved Everly and Ball. Everly is strong, determined, intelligent and has a compassionate heart. What I really liked about her was that she owned all that she was and didn’t need to constantly prove that she could do her job. Ball. This man. Outside of his issues, the man has a really good heart. He takes pride in what he does and is loyal to those he calls his own.
Ball and Everly’s journey was definitely an interesting one, especially considering how horrible of a start they had. But I enjoyed watching as they worked through it and found that they could, and wanted to, rely on each other as more than just partners on an op. I loved their bantering, flow and how they handled their relationship in the midst of the crazy going on around them.
As I said at the start, I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series. The family dynamic between all the Mountain Mercenaries and those they call their own is one of my favorite aspects of this author’s writing. But this one was definitely unique for me and much of it was because of Elise. I loved what her character brought to the story and how it made it unique from all the others.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
I think when Ball was mouthing off about women he never would have thought he would meet someone like Everly. Wow what an explosive start. Loved the book as with all Susan’s books and can’t wait for the next one.
It’s always a pleasure to read Susan’s books as they contain nearly everything you could expect out of a book from her. Ball has some serious prejudices towards woman, because he’s been burnt twice in his life by the opposite sex that kept him alone all those years. Only Everly and strong head on her shoulder makes him question his decissions. A very suspensful story you could have thought might be over after half the book, but as it turns out had a lot to be told left.
A great enemy to lovers romance. Everly and Kannon (Ball) Black are not to people you would picture together because both have strong, independent and stubborn personality traits. They were fun to watch them each try to get a handle in those personalty traits in order to find Everly’s teenage, deaf sister, Elise. One of my favorite things was watching Ball try to learn sign language just so he could communicate with Elise when she was found and throughout the story. I have always wanted to learn ALS and this story was very informative on that subject. This was a interesting and unique storyline but very enjoyable.