“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.
Read it today!
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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Russian vor Sergei Petrovyh’s knows he should keep his hands off someone as beloved by the locals as Evie, but there’s something about that calls to him. Evie has certainly noticed the powerful Russian mafia boss – he’s as hot as his reputation is dangerous, but right now she needs money to get her son out of trouble and her other needs will have to wait. She can’t help falling deeper in love with each passing day, but when a rival brings violence to her doorstep, Evie must come to grips with loving a man who will do anything to defend her.
The first ‘NOLA Knight’ story is as suspenseful as it is romantic, engaging and entices readers to hold their kindle or book close, so that they don’t miss one word. The characters are strong and believable with a hero that is bad to the bone tough but has a heart that is always in the right place while the heroine is a determined and courageous single mom. The chemistry between the two has sparks flying and singes the pages while the romance is quite sweet with quite a bit of emotional turmoil as the couple has to make decisions regarding what’s right for each of them when it comes to Sergei’s status.
The plot is steady to fast paced and full of suspense and excitement that keeps readers glued to the pages as the couple face “real” life decisions and choices, betrayals and “no way” twists. Readers can’t help but become caught up in this story as it is the hero is a perfect balance between bad boy and a white knight while the heroine is brave enough to step into his world and accept his life.
I FREAKIN LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I sucked this one down in 24 hours! I just couldn’t put it down!!!
This is a Mafia Romance with some twist and turns and suspense thrown in. The love story between Evette and Sergei was so, so captivating!! The passion and intensity of their connection just pulled you in and left you sighing!
The way Sergei was so protective of Evette and her son, Emerson, was intense. No one hurts his family. Here he is a Russian Mafia Boss (or pakhan, in Russian) and Evette knows he’s dangerous, but she goes to work for him anyway. He’s drawn to her from the beginning and tells his men that they are his family and should be protected at all costs. Evette begins to see glimpses of the man behind the mask.
“Yes, he was a predator. A wolf barely contained by the human confines of flesh. But she sensed something else beneath as well. A lost soul. Once aching like everyone else.”
I loved so much about this book. I fell completely in love with Sergei & Evette. I also came to really love young Emerson and some of Sergei’s men, especially his two captains Roman and Kir! I loved how it took place in New Orleans and the descriptions of the place were fascinating. Plus I learned some Russian words, not that I’ll remember them, but that was cool!!
I am really impressed with the way Rhenna Morgan writes!! I will be checking out more of her work!!!
“The angel is having second thoughts about dancing with the devil?”
I discovered the author’s Men of Haven a while back and there’s been no turning back, only a bit of fangirling and author stalking moving forward. I was very excited to get my hands on His to Defend and it was even better than I’d hoped…sigh.
Evie is a single mom who is determined to do her best for her son. Nothing will stop her from giving him what he needs, even if it means making a deal with the devil, Sergei Petrovyh. She’s heard that he’s dangerous, but he’s sex in a suit too. She has not been shy about ogling him as he does business at the local diner. She might be a mom, but she’s not dead, and he’s gorgeous. The fact that he’s a Mafia boss might be a bit concerning as her son’s safety is everything, but he assures her he will protect them.
Sergei wants more than to protect them, he wants them. He knew it was a risk to bring them into his dangerous world. He knew that keeping them close would make them hard to resist, and he was right. Can he convince her that there’s more to him than his reputation?
“Yes, he was a predator. A wolf barely contained by the human confines of flesh. But she sensed something else beneath as well. A lost soul. Once aching like everyone else.”
Not only did I fall for Sergei & Evie, but her son and his men as well. The combination had me sighing and smiling like a lovesick fool and I enjoyed every second of it. I can’t wait to see what the author has for her readers next. The line forms here…
If this story is any indication of the remainder of the series, then wow, just wow. I loved the Men of Haven but this book took me over the edge. What is it about Russians that do that to us? I loved Sergei’s manner of speech, his family attitude and the way he never strayed from his endgame, Evette. What I really loved about this book was the honesty. Sergei spoke about it and Evette realized it. They both spoke honestly which in some stories the main characters skirt around issues which of course causes lots of problems. This story was just lovely.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I have to say that I jumped at the chance to read an advanced copy of this book. This is a completely new to me author, but the synopsis completely captured my attention. I’m a total sucker for a good mafia romance so of course I devoured this one. Plus, I think this is the first book I’ve read that was set in New Orleans and I just loved it! So I need more immediately.
I fell so hard for both of these main characters. Evie is a struggling single mom that touched my heart, because she reminded me so much of my mother. Her willingness to do whatever it takes to take care of her son, and the hope she still holds out for love made me love her even more. I kept on rooting for her throughout the whole book, even when I wanted her to make different choices. My favorite thing about Evie though, was how she could see the man Sergei really was, not just who he seemed to be on the outside.
And Sergei, well I always love a soft-hearted bad boy. I mean really you can’t help but love him. Sure, he does some pretty awful things, I mean come on he’s a freakin mafia boss. But I always love the idea of a man protecting the woman he loves at all cost and Sergei does just that. I mean this book had all the great elements, forbidden-esque love story, struggling single mom, adorable kid, and the man who helps her get back on her feet. Plus Evie remains who she is through it all, she does not rely solely on a man to save her. She saves herself. I absolutely loved this!
***5 ‘Inevitable’ Stars***
After meeting Sergei in Tempted and Taken I crossed my toes that we’d see more of him again and, as you can probably guess, I was all kinds of excited to hear that the toe crossing had paid off and couldn’t wait to get my hands on his book and it was everything I wanted and more. So. Much. More. It was all kinds of swoony, smexy and funny, add in a nice little mystery/suspense and a quite a few new characters I really want more of (as well as a getting a tinsy bit of time with old favs) and I got a book I didn’t want to end and when it did, it left me NEEDING more.
Sergei. Talk about being Alpha AF goodness! He is a Bratva boss in every way that counts, but the man also has a strong sense of honor and has a heart that is a lot more golden than most would ever believe. Evette has all kinds of moxie going on. She’s sweet, sassy and fierce and has the innate goodness that draws you in and makes you want to spend time with her and hope that some of it rubs off on you.
The journey to their HEA was a lot of fun from start to finish. I loved how, despite outward appearances, perfectly matched they were. Sergei gave Evette, and Emerson, the security they needed to flourish, while Evie gave Sergei a safe place to just be Sergei the man and not the Bratva boss. Their bantering was on point, the smexy was HAWT and I loved how they accepted every aspect of what made them who they were without exception.
I’m a #fangirl of the authors, have been since picking up the first book in her Eden series and I truly love all the words she puts out into the world. This book was simply a great read. There is a bit of a mystery/suspense thing woven into the story, and while I guessed at one part of it, I was definitely not prepared for ALL of it when it was revealed. The Bratva lifestyle plays heavily in the story, it is not a dark romance in any way, though there may be some things that may be considered triggers but nothing gratuitous.
As for the supporting cast of characters. I loved Dorothy, Olga and Emerson and how they really brought out the family dynamic in the story. And then there are Roman and Kir. It will be obvious to those who know my preferences why I favor Roman over Kir, but the margin is a slight one and I cannot wait to get my hands on their books!
This is a spinoff of her Men of Haven series, and though I do highly recommend reading the series if you haven’t already, you do not HAVE to before diving in this baby. As for me,I love how she kept that tie to it alive in little ways throughout the story, and hope that will continue as this series progresses.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
A great start to the NOLA Knights series. This smart and sexy read had me hooked from the start. Sergei is my new favorite Rhenna Morgan hero-passionate, loyal, determined and oh so sexy. Loved how he was with Evette and Emerson. Can’t wait for future books in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Can I say slam dunk! I thought I was in love with the men from the Haven series but once again Ms. Morgan has upped the ante with this new series. The men are just as rugged as my Haven characters and are proving to be just as alpha intense. The story grabs you and takes you along on a ride that will have you revisiting this story over again.
Russian mafia meets Southern sass…
I love Rhenna Morgan’s heroes. They’re strong, sexy, intelligent, and protective not only of their family, but especially their women. Her newest hero, Sergei, had all the above in spades, plus charisma and bluntness. And being around Evette opened up a softer side that had me falling for him in a heartbeat!
Evette was steel backbone and Southern sass. Sergei appeared to play Prince Charming to her Cinderella, but this Cinderella needed rescuing from something only she could handle. A task much harder to accomplish than just giving someone material things. I loved that Evette’s biggest vulnerability was one Sergei understood and enjoyed their journey of discovery with relish!
His To Defend had me from the first chapter and reminded me of why I love to read romance! Aside from awesome HEA’s-because yes, I still believe in fairy tales-an outstanding emotional voyage is what really draws me in. Rhenna Morgan did all that plus some! Sergei and Evette’s journey was a subtle balance of hard truth and thoughtfulness, with an extra dose of sultry chemistry to keep things racy, and taking a chance on what could be one of the biggest risk life gives- a chance on happiness and love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley and Carina Press/Harlequin. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was 100% my kind of mafia book. I like that dark, anti-hero who still behaves honorably and protects what is his at all costs. To me, that’s the perfect bad boy persona, that right amount of balance between dark and light.
The minute Sergei was introduced in the Haven Brotherhood series I knew I wanted his story. He’s one of those characters that captures you from the start and holds you captive. Despite his hard exterior, he never once treated Evette badly. Nothing will win me over faster than that.
As heroines go, Evette was a great mix of sweet and strong. She’s a single mom who has lost a lot in her life and yet she never let that dim her light. She’s outgoing, friendly, well loved and has a backbone. She was the perfect match to Sergei.
I really like that Sergei was honest with her about what kind of man he was and what he has done. I also really like that Evette took that seriously. She didn’t just blindly follow. She thought things through and trusted her instincts.
This couple was such a pleasure to read about. We got quality time of them together and they never behaved immaturely or rashly. No unnecessary drama here. I truly can’t wait to see what this author brings us next in the series.
Hold on tight for another phenomenal must read! “His To Defend” is the 1st in the new NOLA Knights series & deserves 6 stars, IMHO 😉 Once again I was blown away by this brand new spin-off and with the appearances by the Haven Brothers from her other 5 stars series! … It grabbed me from the start & kept me glued to, and on the edge of my seat as my emotions ran the gamut!
… Ms. Morgan is a master weaver of some of the best contemporary romantic suspense books I’ve ever read! Plus, this has a new twist where the plot is in New Orleans & revolves around a Russian Mafia Boss, who may just have some scruples & a sliver of warmth left in his cold heart! … I love the strong, alpha male types & feisty, take charge women that are always present in this author’s works! Add in the clever dialogue & relatable characters, that practically jump off the pages, plus outstanding attention-to-detail and you’ve got a winner that will engage readers & keep them turning pages! … Even tho I volunteered to read this in advance, it was without any outside influences and these are my own feelings! I honestly recommend this to Adult 18+ fans of fiction and can’t wait for more! But I will 😉
“His to Defend” is a brilliantly written book with an intoxicatingly, exquisite storyline that mesmerizes the reader into believing that love is there for the taking and that dreams really do come true. Rhenna Morgan is an exceptional writer and her originality shines through on every page.
Sergei is the perfect book boyfriend because he is mysterious, sexy, passionate and very romantic when it comes to his pursuit of Evie. He had been watching her for awhile but never chose to make the first move. He knew that she was the one for him and he was confident that someday she would be his. He is a ruthless businessman who always gets his way, but he also has a nurturing and soft side when it comes to Evie’s son, Emerson, who is the most important person in her life.
Evie is hardworking, smart, determined and is not afraid to ask for help. When her son’s education was in peril, she didn’t hesitate when it came to confronting Sergei with her request. She found herself a bit flustered and tongue tied when she was in his presence and Sergei’s sexiness and smoldering eyes were almost too much to take. Evie had never shied away from hard work and would take any job, even if it left her beholden to Sergei. Evie sensed he desired her because she could see it in his eyes, and she felt that a little flirtatious bantering couldn’t hurt, because he was impossible to resist.
I knew as soon as we met Sergei Petrovyh In Tempted and Taken that I wanted his story. I knew this sexy protective Russian was going to be my favorite.When I found out it was based in New Orleans with all its atmosphere and flavor just made it even better. I’m gonna be honest most Mafia Romance is just not my cup of tea. There are a few good ones out there but most just no thank you! This is one of the best books I’ve read this year and I read a lot. I just love a Alpha Take charge hero and nobody does that better than Rhenna Morgan. Evie is a strong woman taking care of her son. Sergei is a temptation she doesn’t need. Some temptations are just to hard to resist.The twist at the end was just crazy. If you haven’t read The Men of Haven books and now this spin off what are you waiting for. Your definitely missing out.
Get ready readers! NOLA Nights is set to be an exhilarating, edge of your seat spin-off from the Men of Haven series if HIS TO DEFEND is anything to go by. Rhenna Morgan’s first book of this spin-off will draw readers into the seedy underworld of the Russian Mob and make you believe that under even the toughest and darkened exterior of a gangster, lies a soft heart reaching for the light.
Sergei Petrovyh is a man that no one should every willingly approach for a favour; born into a world where children learn early that survival is your only objective, he is everything a young mother should avoid at all costs. But when you’re suffering resulted in spiralling bad behaviour, and one precious gift you will never regret, Evette Labadie will do whatever it takes to keep her son off the streets.
HIS TO DEFEND is undeniably a love story. While fraught with deception, danger and heartache, what lies within is a heartfelt telling of two damaged and determined people whose path has crossed at just the right time for each to realise the importance of letting someone in and trusting that your choice will be rewarded.
Sergei is certainly an A-Typical Alpha male, set on protecting that which he deems his own, while Evette is a sassy, strong-minded, single mum with a guarded heart. These two exceptional characters, along with a cast of familiar faces, create a story that captivates from page one and keeps the intensity and intrigue mounting until the last page is turned. I literally devoured this book in one sitting, as it was impossible to put down. Now I wait with limited patience and a whole lot of anticipation for the next in this exciting new series.
Thank you, Ms Morgan, for another exceptional read and revealing the inner sweetheart that is Sergei Petrovyh.
From single mom to family woman
What an amazing start to a new series! The author gave us a strong, handsome alpha male and a fiercely sassy woman to be his perfect match. I love that she took the typical mob story and brought it back to a grass routes kind of mafia where the people and the family are more important then the need for power. Of course, she did not leave out that men with the ability to hold this position already have the inner strength needed to keep it. I love that he took these two into his home and into his heart with no reservations. This man is going to grab your attention and his bride is going to keep it. I am really looking forward to where the author takes this series next.
I absolutely loved this book in the new NOLA Knights series!!!! We first meet Sergei in Knox’s book and I have to admit I was intrigued by him and when I learned he was getting his own story…I was super excited! This story was so good and definitely worth the wait. Evette is a single mom trying to keep her head above water. When she loses her job she is desperate to find one asap especially since she needs the money to get her son into an elite school. The only person she can turn to is Sergei.
He is as dangerous as they come, a mob boss who runs his business dealings with an iron fist. There is something about Evette and her son that makes him want to be softer, gentler, more caring and only for them alone do they get that side of him. He sees this opportunity to give Evette a job a means to keep her close to him while providing what she needs. What he didn’t bargain for was losing his heart to her in the process.
I loved this story so much…I am a sucker for a mafia romance and this story delivers and then some. I highly recommend this book to all and I can’t wait for more in this series. Another fantastic story, well done!!!!
I love the way this author writes heroes! The icing on her already delicious cake is a heroine that is just as wonderful. Sergei and Evette were awesome individually and together. Add a seven year old boy, and a Cinderella type feel to the story and this book was a winner!
Evette dealt with life’s harsher realities by losing herself in wild actions which resulted in an unplanned pregnancy. Since then, she’s buckled down and even if she’s not living her dreams, she’s determined to give her son stability in every area of his life. That determination is what motivates her to approach Sergei Petrovyh, the boss of the local bratva and a man that catches her eye each time he’s in her vicinity.
Sergei is expecting her to request a loan so when she asks if he can direct her to a job, he’s thrown off course. For just a moment. Because within the next heartbeat he’s crossing every line he mentally drew when it comes to the neighborhood’s darling.
”Much as he’d honor and savor the touch of someone so light and good, the darkness in him was too thick. Weighted with too many bodies and tainted with too much blood to be worthy of such a gift.”
He’s been watching her for a while and has battled his own desires but when she takes a deliberate step into his life he’s going to run with it. He intends to keep his distance, but when her sun shines even brighter in his darkness, he’s staking his claim.
Evette was a wonderful heroine with her fierce independence, her loyalty, her parenting habits and her ability to evolve when it came to Sergei’s darkness. She lands in a bit of drama that pertains to Sergei’s business but instead of trying to keep it a secret, she does the adult thing and communicates with him. There was never a too stupid moment although it could have easily gone that way. I loved that that wasn’t her way of dealing with things. She was always up front and honest, especially with herself.
As for Sergei, he won me from his very first appearance in the book. The fact that his every thought and action was affected by Evette and Emerson’s presence in his life made me love him all the more. His tender regard, insight into what each was feeling, and total “mine” attitude when it came to both of them skyrocketed him to perfect book boyfriend status. I loved each time we had his point of view because it cemented what his actions and comments highlighted…Evette and her son were his everything. And he shows it non-stop. Swoon. He was freaking amazing!
”If we continue on as we were, people might misinterpret your place. Today, we are making it clear to everyone and anyone who might be interested exactly what that place is.”
“Well, would you mind telling me? Because things are a little hazy from where I’m standing.”
His demeanor shifted in a second, the amusement and patience he’d shown swept away in the space of one gasp as he cupped the back of her head and tugged her flush against him. “Mine.”
This has a great pace to it, slow on action despite the bratva life, heavy on possible danger, sizzling in the chemistry department, and perfection when it came to the epilogue. The secondary characters were just as wonderful as the hero and heroine and they added so much richness to the story without ever stealing the show. I cannot wait to get more in this series!
Highly recommending this one to anyone who enjoys bratva/mafia tropes without the dark, heavy feel that can sometimes overshadow the romance contained within.
His to Defend by Rhenna Morgan is the story of Sergei Petrovyh and Evette ‘Evie’ Labadie.
Evette is a struggling single mom who is trying to give her son Emerson a better life. When she finds that she needs a new job to help pay for things for him she ends up getting involved with Sergei. Sergei is a Russian mafia boss who is attracted to Evette and comes to care for her son. But of course things are going to be easy in their love story.
Enjoyed their story and hope to read more from this author.
His To Defend is book one in the NOLA Knights series by Rhenna Morgan. This new series is a spin off of Rhenna’s Men of Haven series. But, you do not need to have read Men of Haven in order to enjoy this.
Sergei Petrovyh is the head of the mafia in New Orleans. Sergei was born in Russia but came to New Orleans to start his own family, meaning his mafia family. Sergei is a beautiful man. But one look into his eyes and you see the darkness within. He is both respected and feared. Revered and reviled.
“You tangle with Sergei Petrovyh, there’s no telling what you’ll be in for.”
Evette (Evie) Labadie grew up in New Orleans. With both parents gone, her only family is an uncle she greatly dislikes, and her godmother whom she loves with all her heart. Evie has a seven year old son, Emerson. Emerson is a very serious child, a child who seemingly has forgotten how to be a child. He is also the center of Evie’s world. When it is recommended that Emerson attend a very expensive private school, she knows she’ll do whatever it takes to get him there. Even though she was just fired from her job.
Sergei uses the diner Evie’s godmother owns to do business in. Because from his booth, he can watch Evie, the woman who has become the center of his interest. Until the day she actually approaches him and speaks with him.
“She was an angel and he was the devil. Two sides of the spectrum fated never to meet. But a man can dream.”
Evie needs a new job if she is going to secure the school’s high tuition for her son. She’s seen Sergei in the diner many times and has to admit that he’s a beautiful man, and a dangerous one. She has no choice, though. She needs a job. So she goes to Sergei for help.
“Fight it as long as you need to. Watch and learn if that’s what it takes. But your days of being alone are over.”
Sergei knows what he wants and he will get it. Every cell in his body screams, “Mine.” He will prove to her that she belongs with him, that her son belongs with him. He will protect her, he will provide for her, he will love her.
Being who he is, Sergei’s life is not without danger. Bringing a woman and child into his life puts a target on their backs. There are those that will go to great lengths to get to him.
“She was his weakness. The delicate chink in his otherwise insurmountable wall. But she was also his redemption. His absolution, greater purpose and color in another otherwise drab and monochrome world.”
This book was amazing. Sergei was everything we can hope for in a hero. He was strong yet loving, rigid in his business but flexible with the woman he loves. He was perfection. This was the perfect mix of sweet, sexy and suspense. I could not put it down. I was a huge fan of the Men of Haven series and have been so excited for this series. And Sergei was definitely worth the wait.
“He’d touched the sun. Claimed it for his own. And he wasn’t giving it back.”
I loved the Men of Haven series and was happy that it was being spun off into the NOLA Knights series. This is the first book in the NOLA Knights series and the hero is Sergei. After seeing Sergei help Darya I couldn’t wait for his own story. Sergei is dangerous but so fascinating st the same time. His and Evies story is thrilling from the beginning. It has suspense and danger and a wonderful love story. We got to see some of our favorite characters from Men of Haven and were introduced to new fascinating characters. Sergei was proactive in protecting Evie and it was a great story. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.