“Morgan’s hot first NOLA Knights contemporary (spun off from the Men of Haven series) pulls out all the stops…perfectly balances deep emotions and tense suspense.” —Publishers WeeklyBook one of NOLA Knights, the heart-stoppingly sexy spinoff series by Men of Haven author Rhenna MorganHis world. His rules. Her love.Though his methods may be rough, when it comes to protecting what’s his, Russian … methods may be rough, when it comes to protecting what’s his, Russian vor Sergei Petrovyh’s heart is always in the right place. That’s never been more true than when the gorgeous Evette Labadie asks him for a job. He knows enough to keep his hands off someone as beloved by the locals as Evie, but there’s something about her that calls to him—no matter how badly he burns to make her his.
Don’t think Evie hasn’t noticed the powerful Russian mafia boss who makes her favorite diner a regular stop. How can she not? He’s as hot as his reputation is dangerous. But everyone in her struggling New Orleans neighborhood knows he’s the man to turn to. And right now she needs money to get her son out of trouble.
Her other needs—needs she knows damn well Sergei can more than satisfy—will have to wait.
Evie soon finds herself playing Cinderella to a man who, despite what people believe, is definitely more prince than villain. She can’t help falling deeper in love with each passing day. But when a turf war between Sergei and a rival brings violence to her doorstep, Evie must come to grips with loving a man who will do anything to defend her…or walk away from her best chance at a happily-ever-after of her very own.
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NOLA Knights series
Book 1: His to Defend
Book 2: Hers to Tame
Book 3: Mine to Keep
His to Defend is the highly anticipated spinoff of the Men of Haven series. Order your copies of Rough & Tumble, Wild & Sweet, Claim & Protect, Tempted & Taken, Stand & Deliver and Down & Dirty today!
This book is approximately 88,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
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His to Defend by Rhenna Morgan
NOLA Knights #1
Smiling as I write this. Why? Because this book brought a bit of sunshine into my day just as Evette brought more than a little of it into Sergei’s. Sure…Sergei Petrovyh is creating his own “family” Russian Mafia style in New Orleans so he is not all sugar and spice…definitely more spice than sugar BUT he is a man I could definitely understand. His backstory made him who he was and his desire for something “else” brought him to New Orleans to create it. Meeting Evette and having her ask him for help might have been the first step in their dance but the two had definitely been eyeing one another for some time before she asked him to help her find a job.
Evette is loved by those in her community. She is a single mother raising seven year old Emerson and doing the best she can. Her parents died much too soon and it was not easy for her. The one true friend she has is Dorothy, her mother’s best friend. She works hard, is frugal and hopes to one day pursue the dreams she had before the loss of her parents and arrival of her son. Taking the step she did to reach out to someone known to be dangerous wasn’t easy but it seemed right at the time and over time…following her gut was definitely the best decision she ever made.
Sergei had a tough childhood but managed to accidentally fall into the right hands…hands that helped him move from a bad situation to one where he found family in the Russian mob. As one of the favors from his Pakhan he was given the opportunity to set up his own family and he chose to do so in New Orleans. He knows he is dark and that bringing someone so bright, cheerful and filled with light into his life might not be wise but then…when is it always the best thing to be wise?
This story sizzled. It made me care and want to find out how the two would end up finding their HEA. There were no bumps in the road or big kerfuffles but there were some issues to be addressed before the two finally did settle in together. Some may not like the dominant alpha male that Sergei is but I am one reader who enjoys MC and Mafia romances so this was a good fit for me. I also have read all of the Haven series and was eager to read Sergei’s story…and…now want to find out about the men in his “family” and who they will end up with.
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I like to read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley, Carina Press and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
This book was very good. The Author does a great job in describing each person and their personalities and makes them feel real. The story had twist and turns that were unexpected but made this book even more enjoyable to read. I cannot wait to read the next 2 books about Sergie’s mafia brothers
His to Defend introduced me to a new-to-me author that I’ve since added to my list of favourites. Rhenna Morgan offers us a new series set in New Orleans centring around a Russian vor and the single mom who captured his attention from the first time he laid eyes on her in Miss Dorothy’s diner. Sergei Petrovyh and Evie Labadie are the stars of His to Defend and I love them so freaking much, and I hope that y’all will too. Evie is a single mom willing to do anything and everything she can to make sure her son has everything he needs in his life. She sees no way out of the trouble she faces so she turns to the local yummy Russian mobster for some help. And Sergei Petroyvh gives his angel the world, whether she knows it or not.
His to Defend has well-rounded supporting characters in Miss Dorothy, Kir Vasilek, and Roman Kozlov. Sergei is the perfect alpha male, not the horrible overbearing always right type, but the caring, secure, capable of protecting those he loves, possessing a powerful presence, and just enough domineering to get the engines revving (don’t judge me). She manages to deliver to me a few twists that I don’t see coming and I’m grateful for that. I do hate predictability, y’all. While there is insta-attraction, we do not have insta-love and it makes for some major sparkage going on between Sergei and Evie. Sergei doesn’t just work his way into Evie’s good graces but he works his way into Evie’s son, Emerson’s heart as well.
But this story wouldn’t be a mafiya romance if there wasn’t some intrigue and danger. Evie is fired for a security breach she didn’t cause and Sergei does some snooping to find out why she’s to blame. And Sergei is an up-and-coming mobster in New Orleans with competition, and there’s obviously some danger in that situation (no spoilers but oooh!). Emerson and Evie are both touched by Sergei’s business and Evie has to decide whether or not she can handle this sort of life.
Labadie women didn’t quit. Didn’t give up. They faced whatever they needed to face, and they smiled doing it.
Overall, I’m giving His to Defend all 5 of my stars and 4 flames for heat. This was a stellar introduction to a new author and if you haven’t read Rhenna Morgan, this is definitely a good starting place. I’m a bit upset I’ve never read a Rhenna Morgan story before but I’m remedying that as soon as possible. I’ve bought the series that NOLA Knights spun off from and I’m counting them as a treat for social distancing and surviving Ultra Family Togetherness Time .
This has been a review from Once Upon a Time, I Read a Book. Until next time, have a happily ever after and y’all stay safe out there and practise proper social distancing. xo
It was a wonderful book!
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over: https://margaretmcgaffeyfisk.com/category/reviews/
I enjoyed Rhenna Morgan’s Men of Haven series where she takes men with rough backgrounds and a need to act then pairs them with competent women in over their heads. Despite the above summation that matches each book in the series, Morgan finds a unique story while her characters are three-dimensional.
NOLA Knights, a spinoff, shows every sign of being the same. It starts with Sergei, who we met in Darya’s story. The Russian has definitive ideas of what the bratva, or mafia, should mean and feels the environment in Russia is no longer conducive to this. He obtained permission to create his own brotherhood in the U.S., choosing New Orleans based on his experiences during his college education.
We don’t know that at first, though. Instead, we meet a struggling single mother with a loss-filled past who has become the sweetheart of one of the toughest neighborhoods in New Orleans. Everyone knows her. Everyone loves her. But none of them can help her when she unexpectedly loses her job for something she didn’t do and can’t explain.
Evette is faced with the tough choice to trust someone she knows to be outside the law or let her financial circumstances undermine her talented son’s schooling. She’s had a hard life so far and always found a way through it. So what if this way caught her attention every time she visited the diner her substitute mother owned? He’s physically attractive, sure, but it’s something more than that.
This novel has all the parts of Morgan’s writing that have made me a fan from the beautiful, layered description to characters I grew to love. Sergei brings with him a dark world in which he has, and will, do dark things that haunt him. At the same time, motivation counts, and this is fiction, so I’m all for the hero taking action and removing barriers built up by corruption and underhanded deals. Or should I say anti-hero? He’s not an angel, but he’s far from the devil he sees himself.
When he tries to describe his intentions, Evette uses the Godfather to visualize what motivates him. People make a deal with Sergei, and they owe him something in return, but they also become part of his protected network. It’s an older image of the bratva, but it suits the series and Morgan’s style. Sergei keeps his promises and offers security, proving his sincerity by removing the infestation of protection-racket thugs who had plagued the neighborhood.
Where Morgan falls into a pattern of sorts is having the relationship consummated in both words and open door action about midway through the book. She leaves the rest of the story to show them as a loving couple, but also to deal with the non-romantic conflict. Sergei assumes it’s his lifestyle, and there’s some truth to that. Still, the seeding is there from the start to show the situation is more complex than just one mobster objecting to Sergei’s efforts to clean up the neighborhood and win the people’s loyalties.
As you have probably guessed, I’ve been won over by Sergei and this spinoff series. It maintains the same aspects I’ve enjoyed in Morgan’s writing while offering a new setup and new stories to go along with it. Even better, Sergei’s ties to Haven through Darya are still strong, bringing beloved characters from that series into this one when appropriate.
Which reminds me of one more thing I wanted to leave you with. The way to tell this is a true love story is in the details. Sergei understands who Evette wants to be beyond what life has pushed her into and does what he can to help her achieve her dreams. In turn, Evette sees into the heart of her Russian vor, retaining a healthy respect for his responsibilities but understanding the why as much as the what. He’s a vigilante, anti-hero with good motives, and there’s no question love thrives between them. Sergei’s ready to step in where corruption turns the system against her and everyone in the neighborhood she claims. After all, she’s family.
P.S. I received this novel from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
3,5stars
With this book, Rhenna Morgan opens a whole new series on the other side of Texas in which the main role has Russan and local sweetheart. After losing a job Evie sees the only solution is asking for a favor a Russian boss. Sergei has a thing for Evie for a long time and with her asking him for a job he sets a plan in motion for her to become his. I liked that the story was not predictable but for me, it felt like something was missing. Both Sergei and Evie were interesting well developed, I liked Sergei’s character, just not all his decisions and that oft he let Evie in a dark.. This whole Russian mob thing/concept was for me not really convincing. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for NetGalley
I have never read a book by this author and I DON’T KNOW WHY! This is an awesome book with romance, mafia, and a feisty woman who will do anything for her son. So I will try to explain a little about this story.
Sergi is a Russian mob boss and hasn’t lived in New Orleans long. He lives his life the way he wants and doesn’t take crap from anyone. Evette is a single mother who gets fired from her cleaning job. She runs into Sergi at a diner and asks if he can get her some job interviews. Instead he hires her to take care of his estate. It comes with excellent pay, benefits, and a house on the property to live in. Sergi tries to stay away from her but her goodness shines a light in his darkness. Can Sergi convince Evette to be his bride or will his occupation drive a wedge between them?
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
The key aspect for me, for any good book is character development and Rhenna once again did not disappoint at all. For me this is a well-crafted story, enough of everything a little drama, a little action, a little humour, a little emotion just enough of everything the keep the story moving without getting bogged down into anything. A feel good book at the end of the day and you want to know what happens to all the characters in it. I’m looking forward already for the next instalment.
If you like your heroes and heroines strong and not backward in coming forward in what they want the most for themselves and others. If you like a character driven book with a touch of dark drama, a few little hurdles to conquer and romance to sink your teeth into, this is the book for you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
His To Defend is the first book in the NOLA Nights series. As soon as I read the blurb, I knew I had to read this book. Sergei is a for e to be reckoned with. So when single mom Evette comes to him asking for a hob, he knows he can’t turn her away. But when secrets of the past come out, Sergei will do anything to eliminate any threats. Rhenna knocked this book out of the park. I’m excited to see what’s in store for this series.
Really liked this book, with it’s slow, smouldering, sweltry feel that perfectly matches the city it is set in, New Orleans. The main male character is ofcourse amazing, but I especially liked the female single Mum. Loved to follow her though processes in making the decisions she made for herself and her son, and how her love for her child came through. Great spin off from the Men of Haven.
Wasn’t sure I’d like this story line but it was an enjoyable read. I went looking for the next book in the series.
“She was his weakness. But she was also his redemption.” They should avoid one another at all costs but that isn’t going to happen. Once he has a taste, she’s his to defend but also his to cherish. He’s more than capable of both.
I’ve read a bunch of Russian mafia stories and each author has their own take on what it’s like to be part of “the family”. Some go super dark where women are essentially owned. That can be interesting but I think I prefer Ms Morgan’s view. More of an old school “we just want to own the neighborhood and collect on debts, while not-so-secretly skirting just outside the law” trope.
Don’t get me wrong, Sergei isn’t a good person. He’s an unapologetic criminal but he’s also loyal and protective of his family. When he declares Evette and Emerson to be family, it’s a big deal and I loved how he integrates them into his life. What was equally awesome to watch was how his personality changed because of Evette and Emerson. She’s pretty tough for a ray of sunshine!
This isn’t a paranormal book but there’s definitely a sense of magic in the chemistry that flows between Sergei and Evette. It was flavored and tangible. Real and powerful.
You can’t have a mafia story without there being someone who thinks they’re bigger and badder, or at the very least smarter, trying to make a name for themselves. Bad idea when the real big bad has something to protect. Don’t underestimate Sergei or his Bratva family. There literally isn’t much these guys wouldn’t do to protect what they consider “Mine”. I can’t wait to read Kir and Roman’s books!
Readers who love the dark side just a little too much should absolutely pick up a copy of His To Defend. Hot protective men who live for family and love with every fiber of their being. They’ll make a girl want to take a walk on the dark side, too.
Good understanding of New Orleans. Good follow-up to previous series.
Fun easy read. I liked the characters.
wonderful characters & action packed
Excellent plot twists and story line. I love this author, never disappoints.
New to me author in my favorite trope. I love the Russian mob angle and this did not disappoint. The added bonus of it being in New Orleans was a huge plus for me.
Good flow, interesting storyline and characters and I look forward to the next book.
I absolutely loved Sergei’s book. His to Defend does not hide who Sergei is, what he does, or the life he leads. He’s a mafia boss, plain and simple. His methods and actions are not always legal and he’s known to be dangerous. Evette (Evie) is a wonderful character, a loving mother, and a local beloved resident. When she looks to him for a job, Evie doesn’t understand just how much her life is going to change. Evie enters a world she knows nothing about. Neither character expected the sparks to fly, but they do. When Sergei’s world collides with that of Evie and her son, Sergei will do anything and everything to keep them safe. Evie now must make the choice to let Sergei defend her or to walk away from the one and only man who cherishes and loves her.
The author constructed a very strong, sassy, and loving heroine in Evie. She has dealt with a lot over the years and is a single mother. The only family she has is a sleazy uncle she despises. She wants nothing more than to make sure Emerson is taken care of properly and desperate times call for desperate measures. She approaches Sergei Petrovyh for help and gets more than she bargained for, including uprooting her life and a wonderful romance – but also danger.
Things aren’t always easy with Sergei but he never once treats Evie or Emerson with anything less than respect and kindness. I enjoyed the chemistry between Sergei and Evie, the slow dance, the crescendo, the heat. The author writes incredible romantic suspense stories. The plot was smooth and the story was perfectly paced. I was never bored or overwhelmed with details. The dialogue between characters is realistic and conversational and I felt like I was there with them in the story. The events and storylines were well thought out and eventually they all came together in an explosive twist at the end. Be prepared to get lost in His to Defend.
I was provided a copy of this book to review.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
4.5 stars of dark and passionate romance
This is the first in a new series, but ties in beautifully with the Men of Haven. If you have read them, then you will enjoy catching up with some of the men and their loves as they support the events of this novel. You could read it fresh without any trouble at all, but when you meet the Haven men, I think you will be curious and go find out more!
Sergei is a man deep in a dark world, and making his adopted home of New Orleans more his own. This obviously brings him in conflict with those who previously ruled the area. He is surrounded by his team and they have all done much which is illegal and dangerous to claim their place.
Evie is a single mum doing her best for her 7-year-old son and working low-wage jobs to survive. Having just been sacked, she takes a risk and asks Sergei to help her find a job. On seeing her for the very first time he was enchanted, and now she is offering him an opportunity to get to know her better – so he jumps at giving her a role in his household, and a home for her and son Emerson.
I really enjoyed the setup, the values that both of them hold, and Evie’s acceptance of his lifestyle. She sees the good side, and yet acknowledges the dark and does not run away from it. His actions toward Emerson do much to confirm that she can trust Sergei, and she shocks him when she does. I love that she can surprise him, even if he considers that he is world weary and cynical.
The equality between them, when they are so different, is beautifully expressed and is consistent throughout the book. Their passion for each other is deliciously described and their private time together is spent in very erotic pursuits. For all the darkness, there are wonderful moments of fun and lightness too – which enable even the reader to deal with the darker elements and completely understand how they really are perfect for each other.
Cannot wait for the next installment. Thank you, Rhenna Morgan, for starting us on another exciting and very romantic series.
Avid Reader –
M/F Mafia romance
Sergei is a Russian who has come to New Orleans to make his own way in the world. His “family” is loyal and fierce. When he wants something, he sets out to achieve it, no matter the cost. He likes doing business in the public eye because it allows people of New Orleans to both fear and revere him. When he sets his sights on Evie, he knows that he should only watch her – he should keep his distance. But when she approaches him with an issue, he’ll stop at nothing to remove all obstacles in both of their way.
Evie is a single mom who is trying to create a better life for her son. While she is unsure of how she will achieve this, especially after being fired, she knows she has to make it work. When she sees Sergei sitting in the local diner, she knows what she has to do. Evie has no idea that her attempt to find a new job will change her life forever.
Sergei is exactly what you look for in an alpha male. He’s protective, possessive, patient, tender, and fierce all wrapped into a yummy package. I loved watching him woo Evie into a sense of security. I also loved how he protected her and her son with everything he had. He loved them from the beginning and just had to get Evie to see that they were great together.
I can’t wait to see more of these characters.
Triggers: Blackmail, rape, assault, murder
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Rhenna Morgan’s His to Defend is a spinoff series to the Haven Brotherhood. There was a lot that I loved about it, but there were also a few content warnings I would have liked. Nevertheless, new readers will fall in love with the overtone of brotherhood and the connection of family and previous readers can expect a protective mafia boss, a take-charge and take-no-prisoners single mother, and some action along the way.
Sergei is the big bad in the New Orleans neighborhood where Evette and her son live. People make deals with Sergei and it’s anyone’s guess what he’s going to ask for in return. Evette takes her chances with Sergei. She just never expected to get so close…
And want to stay there.
I’m not a big fan of children in books, but I absolutely adored Emerson. He’s a really serious child, and I felt for him, feeling like he has to look out for his mom and feeling apart from other kids his age. It tugs on the heartstrings. And that’s something I love about Morgan’s books. There’s a huge emphasis on family and family ties (be they blood relations or found families).
Sergei was the protective alpha down to a T, although he wasn’t my favorite. He’s charmed by Evette’s courage and her inability to give up. He knows offering her a job in his house may not be the best idea, but he can’t help himself. And who could? Evette is everything.
Now, for what I didn’t like. I was personally really triggered by what I felt was a manipulative scene at 58%. Earlier, Evie mentions point blank that protection is important. She lets Sergei know she isn’t on birth control. And yet, this later encounter felt like he manipulates to his advantage (in the context of the story and with how manipulative his character can be. A reason I never warmed up to him.) Everything changes so suddenly in this scene, and for me, there’s a dubious consent issue here. The thought of what would happen if she were to get pregnant and NOT want the baby that she did NOT 100% consent to beforehand…This is too big of a trigger for me.
There’s also another content warning that was needed regarding Evette later on, so be prepared for that as well. It’s briefly mentioned, and doesn’t happen on page.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. Evette is all the MC goals with her optimistic spirit. Emerson charmed me and his scenes with Sergei were inspired. And happy family ties are always a given.
3.5 stars!