For a Mountain Mercenary and a desperate woman, love becomes a dangerous refuge in New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s novel of heart-gripping suspense.Mountain Mercenary Hunter “Meat” Snow has a mission: eliminate the human traffickers scouring the barrios of Lima for vulnerable prey. But it’s Meat who’s taken down. Separated from his team and beaten within an inch of his life, he’s … an inch of his life, he’s left for dead. When he wakes, it’s to the intimate care of a beautiful stranger who knows all about survival.
Zara Layne was a child when a brutal murder left her orphaned and abandoned in Peru. Ever since, she’s fended for herself on the streets, outrunning its predators. Trusting men is not in Zara’s blood…until it warms to the exhilarating touch of the wounded hero who promises deliverance. As each other’s rescuers, they return to Colorado for a new normal.
But when Meat disappears, Zara discovers how ruthless the past can be. With the help of the loyal Mercenaries, she’s drawing on her own skills of endurance to find him. And for Zara, there’s no danger great enough to come between her and the man she loves.
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LOVE THIS AUTHOR AND THE SERIES!
The more I read about the couples in this series, the more I love them! Meat and Zara were absolute perfection together, really, I couldn’t have them any more. I ached for them, I cried for them, I 100% was overprotective of them. Thrown together by a near-missed tragedy, it ends on another near-miss tragedy, really, Meat needs to be more careful. Growth, pain, happiness, joy, and a desire to do what is best for each other, this is a quiet, sleeper, power couple, who get all the happiness they desire
Now, about that ending, wow, just wow, what a set-up for the next book in the series, the grand finale
Zara and Meats story is amazing. This book leaves you hanging by the edge of your seat. I really enjoy Susan Stoker books.
4 stars. Will probably read it again. Ready for Raven.
Loved the book
Defending Zara follows the story of Zara, an American woman left for dead in the destitute and corrupt city of Lima, Peru at the tender age of ten when an innocuous family vacation goes wrong, and Hunter “Meat” Snow, a member of the Mountain Mercenaries, an elite group of men whose personal mission is to protect women and children from those who seek to harm them.
What I really appreciated about Meat and Zara’s story is the equality of it. At no point in time do you feel that Zara is without her own power or independence despite being a victim of some truly horrific things during her time in Peru. Although several times throughout the book both Zara and Meat state that Meat is protective (maybe even a little overprotective), Meat is far from stifling, rather he repeatedly assures Zara that he is in awe of her strength and her courage and would step aside in a moment’s notice if that’s what she wanted. The relationship is an equal amount of give and take. Zara rescues Meat, Meat rescues Zara. Meat supports Zara, Zara supports Meat. It’s just beautiful.
This is my first Susan Stoker book but it certainly won’t be my last. Despite having not already read the preceding five books in the series, I felt that Stoker tied all the other members of the Mountain Mercenaries into the storyline very well and I’m anxious to watch the team’s journey unfold in the next book.
Meat finds himself at the mercy of Zara and a doctor after he was beaten and left for dead in an alley in Lima. He has no way to contact his team and can barley stand so he must trust that when the time comes, Zara will take him out of the slums and to his team. Zara though has the opportunity she has been dreaming of since she was orphaned and abandoned in the slums at the age of 10, the chance to go home to the US. She trusts this Meat, why she cannot understand and finds herself drawn to him. Meat feels the same. But life will may just be as complicated as it was in the Lima and danger will come from where she least expects it. Tragic story with a happily-ever-after that left me happy and satisfied. Cannot wait for the next one! It’s gonna be epic!
I just love these Mountain Mercenaries. This series has been pretty exciting with the way the author has these courageous men meeting their woman and how they save and protect them. I had planned on just listening to this audiobook on my drive to and from work, and yet I just couldn’t stop listening when I arrived home and it was time to stop the audiobook. I’m sad and excited that there is only one book left. Sad to see the series end, but very excited about the final couple. Also, I highly recommend listening to the audiobooks. The author has used the same narrator for each book and she is just fantastic.
A fantastic new release by Susan Stoker!
Wow! It doesn’t even describe how
incredible Defending Zara is!
Susan Stoker, you never cease to
amaze me with each & every
book you write!
Meat & Zara’s story has it all.
It’s a emotional, intense, sexy & thrilling
romance. I thoroughly loved reading it!
Can not wait for Book 7!
PAGE-TURNER!!
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
This was a great book !
Zara has seen the worst in humanity.
But that does not stop her in helping someone in need.
Hunter was badly beaten and left for dead.
He is rescued by Zara.
Will they be able to rescue each other ?
Loved the characters + the storytelling !
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Defending Zara was one fabulous read, Susan Stoker has written another five star story in my opinion. This book has suspense, danger and a whole lot of heart. The characters are strong, intriguing and very lovable. I want to say so much more but I do not want to give any of this story away. All I can say is wow I loved this book it kept me on the edge of my seat and I was unable to put it down. There are plenty of twists and turns. A must read, a book you won’t want to miss. I absolutely recommend this great book.
“The road has been long but the journey wonderful”. I don’t think that’s a famous quote but it’s the quote I’m using for the newest book by Susan Stoker. Defending Zara is book 6 in the fabulous Mountain Mercenaries series. Book 6 out of 7. And for those who have been reading along…you know what this means! The mysterious Rex and his story is almost here!! I know, I know…you’re all giddy now with the knowledge I just dropped. But, whoa nelly…pull back on those reigns!
With book 6 in this series, Ms. Stoker gives us more. More insight into the wonderful characters. More insight into the back story. Just more, more, more!! Defending Zara is Meat’s story. Hunter Snow aka ‘Meat’ is the last man standing. He has watched his friends find their HEAs. He is the easygoing, laid back guy of the group. At least that is the appearance. But still waters run deep and all that. Again, you have more…
Zara is an enigma. Sweet innocence surrounding a core of steel. Life has not been easy for this beauty and trust is not a luxury she knows. Circumstances forged a life-altering path and precariously she has walked this path for 15 years. Meeting Meat and the other Mountain Mercenaries opens doors and opportunities she never thought to have. But as with all roads, seldom are they smooth and straight.
The fire for this story is on a low simmer. Perfect for the story and characters. The flavors are rich and bold with a special spice added in. Ms. Stoker again gives us a perfect pairing with the hero & heroine. A story that compliments the characters and their strengths and weaknesses. A full plate of drama, angst, and romance. An all-around well-balanced book. Pick up Defending Zara and dive into its richness. Dive into the richness that is this whole series. You’ll be happy you did. And isn’t that what we want in the end? To be happy? I know I am every time I read a book by Ms. Stoker. You all should give it a try!
Zara has an amazing back story that we learn about as she gets to know Hunter (Meat). I suspected the bad guy and wasn’t wrong. I cannot wait to see how this series ends and I don’t want to give anything away so read the epilogue in it’s entirety.
One thing I do not like in these books is that the women ALL ALWAYS refer to the H’s by their code names. It was especially odd in this one when Hunter/Meat met Zara’s grandparents. REally? Introducing him as Meat? I don’t think so.
Overall a good read. Consistent with the other stories. Anxious for the finale later this year.
Susa Stoker outdid herself this time with Defending Zara!
Yes, I love all the Mountain Mercenaries, but when Meat was beaten and presumed lost…
I couldn’t sit still and was anxiously waiting for his buddies to find him, and then came Zara!
And that ending, all I can say is… I want the next book yesterday!!!
Readers, pick this up, one-click right damn now! If you have been following Susan Stoker, you would know what I mean, but if you are new to her work, I guarantee, you won’t get disappointed!
And Stella Bloom? She always, always, delivers as Ms Stoker’s narrator, and I am looking forward to listen to their next collaboration!
Wonderful characters and story was excellent couldn’t put down fantastic series can’t wait to read the next book Susan Stoker is an exceptional author and has you from the beginning and you just can’t get enough of her characters you just can’t love all her books
OH my goodness! The best way to sum up this book is hold on tight and enjoy the ride. There are so many twists and turns I could not put it down. Zara’s story is so heart breaking, and Meat is the perfect person to help her navigate her new world. I love the chemistry between Meat and Zara. Such a great book!
WOW! What did I just read? What the What?!?!?!??!?!?!??! I can’t say much so I don’t spoil this book of sweet alphaness, with a strong side of strong heroine, but DAAAANNNNNNNNGGGGG you won’t want to miss this epic book! This adventure is so good, so amazing, and so just right with an ending that will make your jaw drop and want, no need, more!!!!!!!! Go grab your copy while you can and prepare to binge!
5 stars
Zara was ten years old when she saw her parents killed and then was taken and left in the streets of Peru. For fifteen years, she has struggled to survive and wondered if any of her family ever tried to look for her. Hunter “Meat” is former military but now works with the Mountain Mercenaries. They are in Peru trying to stop the trafficking of women and children. Meat and Black, a fellow mercenary, are beating in the streets. Zara and her group of friends drag Meat out and when they go back for Black, the men come back. Zara takes Meat to a doctor of sorts and helps to take care of him. Zara never trust men but feels safe with Meat, so she tells him her story. When Meat is able to walk, he takes Zara with him and gets back to his team. Once back in America, Zara finds out all about her family and how unfeeling they are. But when Meat is taken, it’s Zara who’ll do anything to see him safe.
I do believe the best one I have read. Action, heart pounding suspense, romance, and an ending that will leave you speechless.
Zara has been masquerading as a boy since she realized it was safer than being a girl in Lima’s barrios. It’s been fifteen years since she witnessed her parents murder and long ago she gave up on ever being found and embraced her fate, concentrating only on surviving.
The Mountain Mercenaries were on a mission in Lima, they had intel on kidnapped children and were set to rescue them and put a few kinks in that branch of human traffickers. Unfortunately things went sideways and Black and Meat were severely beaten.
Zara was with the group Mags ran that tried to help the women and children and saw the guys get taken down. Unfortunately they were only able to get one of the men away.
Zara took him to Daniela a doctor who helped them when necessary, she does patch him up a bit under protest but Meat realizing his situation does behave.
Slowly Meat gains Zara’s trust and she tells him her story when he says that his group is from Colorado. Ironically that’s where she was originally from as well. In that moment Meat knew he wasn’t going to leave this country without her.
Oh the many surprises this book has in store for you! I couldn’t put it down which also means I got very little sleep.
Full of suspense, family drama, romance and just enough sizzle.