I am so loving the Night Eagle team and boy Ronin love the bossiness. We have Olive Alexander who is back in the states to have a life of her own something she never had before. Everything she has worked for to be independent, strong is about to be taken away. Then we have Ronin Shaw who is a man determined to get vengeance but at what cost. Together these two are opposite from each other yet the chemistry they have towards each other is like to lost souls finding each other. Even though he says he is okay Ronin is not what he used to be before the death of his wife. I loved that Olive is not the weak person she used to be but exactly what he needs to get him to feel and live again. Diana Gardin has a series full of hot, sexy and Alpha male heroes that will make you swoon by how much they love their women. Cannot wait to see who is next to get the love bug by this talented author.

“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”

This book is the first in the series that is a spin off of The Battle Scars series. I hav eloved each book I have read by Diana and they keep getting better. This book had a lot of tension and mystery which meant it was almost impossible to put down. The love between Jeremy & Rayne is intense, even after years of separation. Its a love most people dream of.

This was a quick read. I did not enjoy the alternating points of view in this story. I think the guilt he feels over his wife's death is a little too unreasonable. I read the 3 books in the series, but they were just okay.

Fiercely independent, Olive is not going to accept some caveman tossing his orders around... even if she may need a little help. This second book in the series features Rayne's older sister, Olive and can be read as a standalone.

Olive is the damsel in distress that Ronin can possibly save. Ronin is messed up due to a perceived failing to protect his wife. This haunts him to no end and makes him into a surly overprotective alpha male, perfect for his job in private security. When he meets up with Olive again and sees a more distressed woman than the perfectly calm one, he pushes himself into her life. He can't help himself. Olive still deludes herself that she can take on her stalker by herself. When the situation gets out of hand, it is fortunate, she has her new brother in law to turn to... Ronin.

These characters are perfected matched to each other. They have great chemistry and they have needs that are met by the other... more than sexual. They are the halves to each other's half. Their resistance at first is understandable as they both carry their own baggage. When they finally get past it and become real with each other, the story moves more smoothly. Still, there are a few steps back as their relationship progresses forward.

Ms. Gardin creates engaging characters with realistic problems that readers can easily relate to and appreciate. She also creates good plots to keep a reader's attention. Her writing style of switching points of view between the two characters also works. It helps to get into the mind of Ronin and Olive. Generally, I prefer only one point of view, but in this series, it works out well. I also enjoyed the pace of this book. It wasn't super fast or running from one crisis to another. The pace is nice and easy for a sweet enjoyable romance. There is just the right amount of build up for a tense situation and then easing back then building back up to the climax. Nicely done and makes for a great Sunday afternoon room. This romantic suspense is recommended to readers who want a contemporary romance to unwind and enjoy.

This is the second book in this series by this author. This is a easy book to read, the story flows perfectly. You will fall in love with the characters as you read. This book is full of suspense and hot chemistry. This author is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. I can't wait to read more in this series and by this author in the future.
Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book

Diana Gardin knows how to surprise me and pull me in with every single one of her books. They're incredible and this one wasn't an exception!

A book full of alpha male and damsel in distress, but not in a negative way. I enjoyed the drama and suspense, and thought this was overall another good story from Ms. Gardin.

I loved Olive and Ronin. This was such an engaging story from beginning to end. It had the perfect balance of romance and suspense. The build up of tension between Ronin and Olive was so hot and I really enjoyed the constant push and pull between them. They both went through horrible things but found healing in each other. I loved the secondary characters and the introduction of Bennett! He seems like a perfect fit for the NES team and I hope he gets his own story.

Promise to Defend brings us another story of a sexy man from NES in Diana Gardin’s Rescue Ops series. I am seriously in love with these men and think I need to find some trouble to get into, just so that one of them will rescue me!

This time around we meet Ronin Shaw as he attempts to find closure on his past as it tangles with his present. He’s spent seven years mourning his wife and looking for answers and revenge. Ronin is NOT prepared for the whirlwind that ensues when Olive Alexander comes into his life.

"There’s something about Olive that calls out to me whether I want to acknowledge it or not."

Olive has survived over the years by burying her darkness and her problems in order to move on. She is such a strong woman and I envied her strength. Just like Ronin, she isn’t looking for anything serious, she just wants to live her life and leave her past behind her. When trouble comes for her that all changes.

While reading I wasn’t really sure how this was all going to play out…little surprises caught me throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were so many playful moments that were well balanced with the seriousness of it all. The passion between Ronin and Olive was intense and so natural. I loved that their relationship wasn’t forced and that it all seemed to fall together naturally, making them both realize what was going on between them.

"Our connection was too strong, he was too much for me to handle while simultaneously being exactly what I needed."

Be sure to grab this one and meet some amazing heroes!

I nearly DNF’d Promise to Defend, especially at 86% which was especially aggravating, however, on the whole, it isn’t poorly written. It stands alone but has a nice look back to events from book 1- no “catching up” necessary. Robotic characters and everything but the kitchen sink plots are a hard limit for me. On their own they can be problematic, but experiencing both poor character development and overwrought plots- in tandem is where I slam on the brakes. To contrast the uninteresting main characters and bizarre plot, there were some really high, high’s and sweet spots hidden here and there to keep me reading- but not invested. I was unable to connect with or put any stock in a HEA for Cardborad Ken and Reluctant Damsel Barbie. I just couldn’t.

I absolutely loved the first book and I absolutely loved this book.

So well written and just like the first book I just couldn't stop reading.

I do recommend this.

Loved this book! Diana Gardin knows how to balance a perfect love story with a suspense to keep the reader wanting to flip pages.

An excellent read and great addition to the series. Looking forward to the next book.

PROMISE TO DEFEND is the second installment in Diana Gardin’s contemporary, adult RESCUE OPS romantic, suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for Night Eagle Security. The Rescue Ops series is a spin-off from the author’s Battle Scars series and several characters cross over for cohesion and familiarity. This is former US Army Ranger Ronin ‘Swagger’ Shaw, and interior designer Olive Alexander’s story line. PROMISE TO DEFEND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line or series is revealed where necessary. Olive Alexander is best friends and business partner with Berkley Connors (Last True Hero-Battle Scars #1).

Told from dual first person points of view (Olive and Ronin) PROMISE TO DEFEND follows the building relationship between security specialist Ronin Shaw, and interior designer Olive Alexander. Having met months earlier, Ronin and Olive have circled one another for weeks until the fateful day Olive calls Ronin for help. Someone from Olive’s past is demanding a second chance using threatening texts and physical violence. When the threats become personal and familiar, Ronin becomes guardian and protector for our story line heroine. What ensue is the building relationship between Ronin and Olive, as the search for a killer comes full circle threatening the woman that Ronin loves.

Ronin Shaw is a broken man; a widower whose wife was murdered while our hero was serving his country over seas. For seven years Ronin has struggled to move on with his life including the mind numbing guilt that haunts him day and night. Meeting Olive places temptation at arm’s length but the death of his wife keeps Ronin battling between his heart and his mind. The relationship between Ronin and Olive is one of immediate attraction although Olive keeps secret a tempestuous past. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Berkley and Dare Conners (Last True Hero), Grisham Abbot (Saved by the Seal), and Drake Sullivan (Man of Honor)-all leading characters from the author’s Battle Scars series. The requisite evil has many faces including a major connection to the Margiano mob.

PROMISE TO DEFEND is a fast paced, action packed story of intrigue and romance. The premise is engaging; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are colorful and dynamic but saying that, in true romantic suspense fashion, I have to question the heroine’s constant disregard for her own safety including the distinct lack of sense as she willingly offers herself up to the mob…..*sigh*.

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CHAPTERS/INDIGO: (Sandy_At_The_Reading_Cafe):____

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Seven years ago was a tough time for Ronin Shaw when he lost the love of his life and they never found her murderer. Yet now, he's found another woman to help him move on from his painful past, Olive Alexander. Except she's facing trouble from her own past, and unless Ronin can keep her safe, he might just lose her. However, when Ronin discovers his past collides with Olive's trouble, will he be able to keep her safe or will their happy ever after never happen?

What a wonderfully-written, fast-paced, spellbinding read Ms. Gardin has penned in this story, which encompasses a marvellous blend of romance and suspense, two fantastic main characters with harrowing back stories that had me wanting to discover more about them and whether the hero would ever learn the truth of who killed his wife; and riveting dialogue that made this story an absolute page turner, because of the danger these two face that kept me on the edge-of-my-seat. Why does the heroine's ex want her back?

The way this story started had me totally hooked, as the heroine is determined to avoid getting close to the hero, especially when all she wants is to feel safe and to her, the hero is anything but safe because he makes her feel things she's never felt with another man. Will the hero win her over? Will he be able to keep her safe when he discovers what's going on with her and how her life may be in danger? Moreover, the heroine is resilient, courageous, hard-working, determined to prove she can take care of herself because of what happened to her in her past, and I liked how she let the hero in since she knows there's no way she can go up against her ex and his family without having someone on her side that's capable of helping her. I also liked that the heroine was just as protective of the hero as he was of her.

While the hero, he's confident, determined to do whatever it takes to protect the heroine, and I liked how fearless Ronin was when it comes to facing the danger that they face that had me thinking they may not be able to get out of it without one or both of them ending up hurt. I also liked how determined he was to discover who killed his wife, and how tight he was with his teammates that were willing to help him with whatever he needed. Will they be able to keep Olive safe?

Overall, Ms. Gardin has penned an incredible read in this book that was every bit as good as the first book of this series; and where the chemistry and romance was special and what both the hero and heroine needed in their lives to be completely happy in life. The way this story ended had me concerned for one of the main characters, but I really enjoyed how everything worked out for the hero and heroine, as they deserve every bit of happiness that they've found together. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, because of the surprise the hero had for the heroine. I would recommend Promise to Defend by Diana Gardin, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Zoe Dawson, Susan Stoker, Elle James and Tonya Burrows.

Promise To Defend was a great read. This book is a quick read and had me on the edge of my seat through the whole book. I love Diana's writing style and I loved the characters and the way the story flowed perfectly. The book has some suspense, some stubbornness and chemistry mixed all in one, which made for a great read.

Ronin and Olive have this chemistry that anyone can see; these characters are perfect. Ronin is a hot man that knows what he wants and is determined to get it. After losing his wife years before, he was not going to lose Olive too. Olive is a stubborn woman that does not want to rely on anyone…and then Ronin comes in the picture.

This is my second book by Diana Gardin and will not be my last. Promise To Defend is the second book in the Rescue Ops series but can be read as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

Five stars isn't good enough for this. I just love it. The book is written from a dual POV but more from Ronin's. The book is so compelling and thought provoking. Once you start, you will not want to stop. You really get into the characters and feel a part of them. The connection is so great that you don't want the story to end. All the prior characters are included as usual so you still a connection with them as well. I hope Bennett becomes a part of the NES team. I can't wait for the next book.

I HIGHLY recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a well written romance.

I fell for this series with the first book with Jeremy and Rayne. But in this book with Rayne's sister Olive and Jeremy's best friend Ronin I love the series even more! This cast of characters are eclectic and highly irresistible. I want more of them the more I get to know of each one. This book was high in heat and romance as well as having a good dose of suspense. The plot was a fun one that kept a reader on their toes. Ronin is a dream man. He is alpha to the max but not in an over the top way. Olive has a very strong character. Her inner strength is alluring. These two butt heads and make sparks.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am very much looking forward to more in this series. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy a hot suspense.

Ronin and Olive are great together. The chemistry was phew just sizlzling. And Ronin with his honorability and wanting to right by his best friend just has you gaga for him. He is alpha all the way and sexy as sin. Also has a fun sweet side too.

Olive is independent and stubborn. She doesn’t turn to anyone until it get almost to late. She is passionate and dedicated. I love the banter and interactions between her and Ronin. These two you know are attracted so watching them is a hoot because of the brother that is like a elephant in the room. when they do finally come together wow that smoke from the kindle. IT’s explosive. But they are more than just sex-they are intimate in knowing one another outside of the sheets. He is there for her when needed. He comforts her and makes her feel safe and secure. Something she needs with all that danger in her life.

The danger and who is behind it keeps you on your toes and edge of the seat. Wondering who is it and why? Diana Gardin does a great job mixing in the suspense and have it help to get these two to act on their feelings. Fear is a great motivator when it comes to assessing life and love. It propels them to act and be together. I also love how all the men around Ronin are there for them as well. Also how Ronin keeps Olive’s secrets and listens to her until he needs to let her brother know. He respects her and that is so sexy.Olive helps Ronin to heal and move on. I loved how the theme of his past intertwines into the danger Olive is in. So seemless. And his struggles with the past are so real and heartbreaking. Glad Olive was there to help him through his guilt and anger. Also that it helped him show himself he could be there for someone and help them.

A story with heat in and out of the sheets. Where the characters fight attraction until they can’t anymore but also give us their sides of independence and stubbornness. We see ronin protect with all that he is but also show support, love and respect. Olive stays strong and shows Ronin her trust and faith. The love story is explosive and tender as well because they talk to one another and show us it isn’t just lust that they have for one another. The danger is exciting and exhilarating. A wonderfully written and exhilarating book of love, trust and friendship.

Gardin’s Rescue Ops series continues with book two, Promise to Defend.  What’s not to love with sexy these former special ops military guys who’ve moved on to Night Eagle Security (NES) and the strong women they are drawn to?

Olive and Ronin haven’t had easy lives  They’re both still deeply affected by their pasts.  Neither is looking for “the one”.  Ronin is convinced he’s already lost the only woman he’ll ever truly love.  Olive uses her supreme control to insulate herself from life’s pains which makes it unlikely she’ll be open to love.  Though they are attracted, neither plans to act on it.

Ronin’s promise to his best friend to watch after Olive and a break at her home, bring the two together.  In the midst of a supremely intense situation where several worlds collide, the two begin to fall deeply for each other and it’s hot as hell.

Sure this is standard romance fare but Gardin’s writing makes it much more interesting than most.  She writes complex characters, realistic dialog and creates intense, suspenseful situations for interesting, fast-paced reads.  The kidnappings of the NES men’s girlfriends are becoming predictable, though.

Promise to Defend is another pleasurable read and I look forward to the next in the series which I hope involves one seriously clueless female nerd and a super capable spec ops bartender.

reviewed by Jem