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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First of all, this story is E P I C! Morgan’s strength is what draws Arrow to her, and it’s what draws the reader in, as well. At least, it did THIS reader!
I love the instant connection, and the car Arrow takes w/ Morgan throughout their story. Even when he has a misstep, he’s quick to apologize & do anything & everything to make sure Morgan knows he’s there for her. ESPECIALLY during the HEA portion of their HEA. LOVE!!!
We also get to see more interaction w/ Allye & Chloe & their men, and all the Mercenaries show a bit of their hearts. We even get to see more of DAVE, which is cool. AND we have the twisty-like-a-pretzel portion of the story, which is just as delicious! Thumbs way up for this installment of the series & once again the tease for the next book has me counting down the days!! : )
When Archer “Arrow” Kane and his group, the Mountain Mercenaries, go to the Dominican Republic to rescue a kidnapped child, they are amazed to find a woman, Morgan, who has been missing for a year, protecting the child. After they successfully return to the US with their charges, the hunt for finding out who had Morgan kidnapped, begins.
This is the 3rd book in the Mountain Mercenaries series and it’s probably considered a stand-alone but I think you should read the previous books as characters from those books are mentioned in this one. I enjoyed reading Arrow and Morgan’s story. There’s danger and intrigue, Insta-love, some light smexy-times, and really great characters.
*Please note possible trigger warnings as this book deals with kidnapping, violence, and year-long assault (though the author does not go into explicit detail, there is some and it is mentioned/alluded to multiple times).*
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Montlake, via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias.
This is book 3 in the Mountain Mercenaries series and I would absolutely read the first 2 before reading this one. Or at least the last one because the epilogue of that book leads into this one. This one is about Archer “Arrow” Kane and Morgan Byrd. Morgan, as we saw at the end of the last book, had been kidnapped and missing for over a year when Arrow and his team came across her. And he is bound and determined to get her home and safe no matter what. While doing that, he not only discovers that she is one of the strongest women he has ever met but that there might be more to her kidnapping that any of them originally thought.
I absolutely loved this book! Morgan is definitely beyond strong! She has been through things that no woman should ever have to go through and when the situation becomes worse, she still manages to step up and try to protect a little girl. Throw in the circumstances of her kidnapping and the things that happen once she is home? And this woman has more fortitude in her little finger than most people have in their whole families!! Arrow definitely lives up to the creed for the team that he is a part of. And even knowing that he wants to protect someone beyond anything, he still manages to be the kind of man I like who can step back and let someone make the decisions that are best for them. Regardless of what his own personal feelings may be. I loved them both! Their characters and story suck you in from the start and it definitely made it so I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it! I can’t wait to see where the rest of the team’s stories take us!
Wow. By far the most emotional book I have read in awhile. Morgan is so strong, much stronger than she realizes. To go though what she did, and come out on the other side, props to her. Arrow was all man. So understanding and protective. I enjoyed how you got to use your imagination to figure out all of what was done to Morgan, nothing was too graphically spelled out. The TWIST. Double wow. Really enjoying these Mountain Mercenaries. Bring on Black. #NetGalley #DefendingMorgan #bestbooksofar
When the rescue of an abducted child, leads the team of mercenaries to discover a woman who’s been missing for over a year, the mission becomes more than they planned for. Morgan Byrd has been through literal hell since she was kidnapped, but discovering that someone has been paying to keep her alive and in another country, has her questioning everyone close to her. “Arrow” Kane feels protective of Morgan and those feelings quickly develop into a strong attraction that he can’t fight, but the danger of who’s behind her abduction must come first. Defending Morgan is fast-paced, heart breaking at times, but a wild ride I didn’t want to end!
This series just keeps getting better and better, which is no small feat since I’ve enjoyed every story so far!! Even though this is Book 3 in the Mountain Mercenaries series, I think it would stand just fine on its own. While the past characters do continue to appear throughout, not knowing their backstories shouldn’t cause issues with this book. Although they are really are good!!
This story starts off with a bang with Arrow on a mission to locate a young girl taken by her father only to stumble upon Morgan who was kidnapped a year ago. He certainly can’t leave her behind but rescuing her certainly does present some challenges. Rescuing Morgan is only the beginning. Arrow has to help her overcome everything she has been through and keep her safe while they track down the bad guys.
Jam-packed right from the start, this story drew me in and I struggled to put it down. Sleep is overrated anyway…right?
Another winner by this author! She certainly knows how to write strong, alpha men with hearts of gold that will defend and protect those they love while also exhibiting soft, swoon-worthy, sexy sides as well. This is Arrow and Morgan’s story and it doesn’t disappoint — lots of action, mystery, drama, steam — everything I’ve come to love and expect from her. This is the 3rd book in the Mountain Mercenaries series but can absolutely be read as a standalone — although I would suggest reading them all because you can’t go wrong and each one is just as good as the other — I honestly can’t pick a favorite. Arrow is such a patient, caring, sensitive hero! As with all the books in this series, there are some deep emotional issues that are dealt with in a very compassionate, understanding way. And I loved Morgan–she’s another strong, willful, brave young woman that I admired and respected from the first page I read! Can’t wait to read Black’s story next. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.
Susan Stoker has been one of my favorite military romance authors since I stumbled upon her first Seal of Protection book, Protecting Caroline, way back in 2014. (Wait––it’s been four and a half years since I read this book?! Whoa. Time really does fly when you’re having fun!) Her characters are usually rough and tough males and equally tough females that could totally rescue themselves but could use a little help from time to time. And Defending Morgan certainly didn’t let me down!
Morgan was just living her life, trying to tread the murky waters of peacekeeping between her parents. They divorced when she was young and she’s spent the rest of her life trying to prove that she’s not playing favorites. Then her life is turned upside down when she’s kidnapped and held captive in the Dominican Republic. Which is where our hero, Archer “Arrow” Kane and his Mountain Mercenary stumble upon her rescuing a little girl. Of course, they can’t leave her behind. And this act of chivalry and mercy puts them smack dab in the middle of a crazy mystery. Who hates Morgan enough to want her out of the picture–permanently?
There are no wimpy characters in any of Susan Stoker’s books that I’ve read so far, and I love that about her writing. These two characters know who they are, refuse to let anyone stand in the way of truth and justice, and refuse to back down from adversity of any kind. Arrow is most definitely an alpha male, but he’s not afraid to show his softer side to Morgan. And Morgan has been through hell–literally–but refuses to let that define her. And she refuses to live as a victim.
NICUnurse’s Rating: Susan Stoker is one of my go-to military romance authors. I haven’t read all of her books yet…but it’s one of my goals! The ones I’ve read so far are entertaining, page-turning reads, and Defending Morgan certainly lives up to this reputation. When I need to escape reality, which is a lot these days, I can always depend on her books to transport me out of the mundane. She’s able to make statements without the subject matter feeling too heavy, and the action is a lot like Hollywood–some facts are true to life, but others are for pure entertainment purposes. If you love military romance with a dash of suspense in each book, grab this one TODAY!
I give Defending Morgan by Susan Stoker a solid 4 stars!
There are a few authors I read that have me going back for more, here are also a few more that have me not only going back for more of their books but also rereading their books (I may just wear my tablet out yet) and susan stoker is one such author. I have read a fair few military romances and felt slightly let Diane because it was always the same alpha guy and slightly submissive female etc.
But what susan does is she builds the characters profile for us, she builds their physio, builds their feelings and emotions u TIL you are so emerged in the story that you feel like you are there in the story walking along side the characters and listening to what’s happening. I felt Morgan’s vulnerability from the start of the story, the way the author built up the layers to give us a heroine we could love, admire, feel vulnerable with and walk along on her journey as she comes back into the real world after a year away after being kidnapped.
We get Archer, although a little Alpha like I was complaining about earlier, he wasn’t overly either in his job or with Morgan because he wants to save women and children. But hot damn at the ending of the story. It wasn’t who I thought it was and was blinkin sure it was someone else. A fantastic book within this series and I really can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Defending Morgan will break your heart and renew your faith in the healing power of love. Morgan is strong and smart and I love that Arrow saw that in her right away. I love that Arrow is patient and kind even though he is a fierce warrior. This story is a fabulous addition to the series. Make sure you have the tissues handy.
***5 Stars***
And we have another great addition to the series! Not that I really doubted that would be the case, but sometimes it just needs to be put out into the world. I was hooked from the very start and was totally into seeing Arrow and Morgan not only get their HEA , but finding out just who was behind Morgan’s kidnapping and when it was finally revealed…let’s just say I didn’t really see that one coming at all.
I adored Arrow. This man is all kinds of goodness right down to his DNA. I loved how honest he was, not only with others, but himself because once he chose a path, he stuck to it. Morgan blew me away. She had endured hell and could have very well succumbed to cynicism and despair, but instead clung to hope and held on to the knowledge that she would get out of her situation alive and be reunited with her loved ones.
I really enjoyed their journey to their HEA. The connection was definitely insta, but it worked for me because of how honest and sincere Arrow was about his feelings. He felt a connection to Morgan and simply wanted to explore it. Morgan was hesitant, and rightfully so, but she decided to trust her gut and I loved where things between them went from there. The honest communication that went on between them was all kinds of everything for me. I loved watching them get closer each day and couldn’t have been happier with where they were at in the end.
If you’ve read any of the authors other books, in this series or in any of her others, you know that there are…elements that always pop up in each book, and this one is no different, in a general sense. There is the insta style interest and blunt and honest alpha male, but I really liked how Arrow and Morgan’s relationship played out because she kept the characters not only true to themselves while not losing sight of what both of them, specifically Morgan, had endured. She didn’t force any resolutions or changes that were extreme or out of character. It all felt absolutely organic. And as for the baddie in this one? Definitely did not see that one coming, or the reasons behind it all, but it totally worked!
Now to wait patiently for Black’s book!
~ Copy provided by the publisher & voluntarily reviewed ~
Another incredible read in this series. It’s fast paced and action packed keeping you on the edge of your seat the whole time. When the team went in for an extraction of a kidnapped young girl they were surprised to stumble upon a woman who was reported missing more than a year ago. I adored Archer/”Arrow” and I loved how protective and caring he was with Morgan. The connection between Arrow and Morgan was immediate and their chemistry jumps from the pages. While they never expected to be trying to get another person out of the Dominican Republic, Arrow is determined to get her home safe and sound. Once that is accomplished finding the person responsible for her abduction while keeping her safe becomes his top priority.
You definitely want to grab a copy of this one. I highly recommend it.
Defending Morgan by Susan Stoker is book Three in the Mountain Mercenaries Series. This is the story of Archer ‘Arrow’ Kane and Morgan Byrd. I have read the previous books, but feel if you wish you can make this a standalone book.
Arrow is sent on a mission to rescue a child that has been taken and thought to be in the Santo Domingo. There he does find the child but he also finds Morgan. Morgan was taken over a year ago and has lived through abuse. Only happy that the child will be saved she didn’t think that she would be able to leave too. Arrow is taken back by Morgan being there but more so about his strong feelings that have come forward over her.
Exciting Read!!
What the… just what the? Yeah I didn’t quite see that coming..weird yes but a murderer? No more I don’t want to spoil it for you.
Arrow and his team rescue a child and didn’t expect to find a missing woman too.
I am so pleased with how the author handled Morgan’s trauma, I’m sick of women instantly recovering and jumping in the sack with the hero. This young woman has such an inner strength, you’ll be hoping for her recovery. Arrow is a wonderful guy, caring and patient. Such a wonderful couple they will make.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series with hopefully a glimpse into this couple’s future.
Archer ‘Arrow’ Kane is an ex U.S. Marine who forms part of the mysterious Mountain Mercenaries unit headed by a ‘Charlie like’ leader going by the name of Rex.
In an operation to retrieve an abducted child from her unscrupulous father, Archer and his team mates also find a woman, who although having obviously been abused, is recognisable as a kidnapping victim of a year before.
Morgan Byrd has been abused by her multiple jailers for the last year and has highly developed survival instincts. But being returned to the States is just the beginning of her rescue.
Once again, this author has produced characters that you can’t help falling in love with. Morgan, the defender of a small child and a kick a** survivor. Archer, a well trained professional with a gooey centre… for Morgan at least!
The investigation into Morgan’s abduction and captivity eventually uncovers some disturbing and potentially fatal information. As expected though, Morgan and Archer continue to embody the role of protector and survivor.
A fabulous addition to the Mountain Mercenaries series.
This was my second book by Susan Stoker. I enjoyed it just as much as the first one. An interesting and compelling storyline that had me finishing in basically one sitting, on the edge of my seat, desperate to get to the end. Intriguing characters that hook you and have you right there with them for every pain, sorrow and emotional hurdle, supporting them and rooting for them. Well written and a storyline that will have you guessing who done it right from the start. A young woman held captive for a year, found by accident with a young child, rescued by a handsome group of men with a commanding presence that exude a protective vibe that puts her at ease, especially Arrow. Well I’m not ruining it! So you will have to read it if you want any more details! Definitely a great story to read in an evening!
“I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and have freely given my review. It has in no way affected my opinion of the story or the author and any recommendations are my own.”
Mountain Mercenaries, saints, all of them. I keep wondering if I will ever get tired of Ms. Stoker’s stories. They are different, very entertaining, highly addictive and adrenaline-filled and they keep me reading and reading. The suspense was edge of your seat and I loved it. Of course, I am a romantic suspense junkie. But this story has a twist, it is also very sad and heartbreaking but do not worry, it all works out for Arrow and Morgan. I just want to know how can a person do such a horrible thing, narcissistic-asshole!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
These Mountain Mercenaries stories are just getting better and more tempting with each new release! Defending Morgan was GREAT! Plenty of action and a fabulously addicting slow burn romance that seemed more realistic and special. Arrow is exactly the kind of hero you would want on your side. Caring, protective, good looking and patient, his full dedication to Morgan as she acclimates from her ordeal was heart warming and beautiful. And Morgan was incredible! Strong, smart and determined to move on from what had happened to her and LIVE. She has got to be one of the strongest heroines I have ever met and I loved her to pieces.
Defending Morgan is one of those books you will think of fondly and smile about long after you finish it. It is the kind of romance I will definitely re-read over and over and still find something new to love about it that I missed the first time around. This book is THE reason why Susan Stoker is my go to author. Its EVERYTHING good and EVERYTHING I crave.
Defending Morgan gets a FANTASTIC FIVE SHOOTING STARS!
Defending Morgan is the continuation of the Mountain Mercenaries series but you could read this as a stand alone. The team is in the Dominican Republic to rescue a child who was kidnapped by her biological father and taken from the US. However, when they arrive to rescue the child, they find a woman who has been missing for a year. They can’t leave her behind, but getting her out of the country will be challenging.
Again, there is the insta-love factor in play. Arrow feels an instant pull to Morgan. What Morgan has been through is horrific, but she manages to hold herself together while they attempt a rescue. Once she is back in the USA, there is still the lingering question: Who had her kidnapped but explicitly told the kidnappers NOT to kill her? Arrow and the Mountain Mercenaries aren’t going to let anything happen to Morgan and they dive into trying to untangle her complicated relationships to see who might have done this horrible thing to her.
While the insta-love is apparent, I appreciated that Morgan and Arrow didn’t jump right into bed together. It made it feel a bit more realistic, given what Morgan has been through and all. Honestly, I figured out who the ‘bad guy’ was pretty quickly and the plot felt a bit trite at times. However, Defending Morgan has all the hallmarks of a great Stoker Romance: exotic locales, insta-love, danger, and sexy times.
This story centers around Mountain Mercenaries’ team member Archer/Arrow Kane and hostage Morgan Byrd. While on a mission to rescue a young child in the Dominican Republic, they found a woman, Morgan, who had been missing in the USA for a year. A woman that had been kidnapped and sexually abused during her capture, and who protected the young child, Nina. with her life.
Once rescued, it’s obvious that an attraction exists between Morgan and Arrow, but the road to recovery will be a long one for Morgan and even of more immediate importance , it’s discovering who had masterminded the kidnapping and why.
I had some issues with the book. I felt the story was very similar to a previous book titled Protecting Fiona. At times that the writing was a little stilted , the plot was not a strong one and the characters less developed than in other stories. I found myself scanning through some of the pages to see what was going to happen next.
Last but not least, even though it’s important for us as individuals to get a realistic view of the aftermath of sexual abuse, if the reader has been abused, then this story might trigger some unpleasant memories.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Montlake Romance. The opinions expressed are solely my own.