This was a very well-written book, as per usual with anything by Susan Stoker. That said, I did not enjoy reading it as much as her other books because it was unnecessarily graphic in its descriptions of the victims and their conditions while in their captor’s custody. I read Susan Stoker’s books because they are usually enjoyable romances with a bit of conflict/drama, but this book just left me depressed,

I'm not sure how I feel about this book even though I liked many things I find some parts really disturbing. I had to stop reading sometimes before I start reading again.This story has action and suspense all together plus a great romance.The characters were super hot together!

I'm not sure how I feel about this book even though I liked many things I find some parts really disturbing. I had to stop reading sometimes before I start reading again.This story has action and suspense all together plus a great romance.The characters were super hot together!

4 Stars

Defending Allye is the first tile in Ms Stoker's new Mountain Mercenaries series. What begins as a rescue mission, results in an unshakeable bond and romance full of danger, drama, action, intrigue and suspense.

As with Ms Stoker's previous titles Defending Allye is incredibly well written and the characters are complex, intriguing and relatable.

The heroine Allye hasn't had an easy life, and doesn't give her trust easily. She's incredibly strong, independent, resilient and hard working.

The hero Gray is a tough, gruff, honorable and protective former Navy SEAL. He's very much the alpha who is used to having his directives followed without question.

This title may not be to everyone's tastes. Ms Stoker has taken this title to another level the villain's atrocities are quite raw, graphic and gritty and may be a trigger for some readers.

I loved the undeniable chemistry that sparks between Allye and Gray, and their interactions are full of passion, heat, heart and humor. The banter is witty, with the snark and sass I love, as well as a touch of humor.

I will be eagerly awaiting the next addition to this series and look forward to seeing more of not only Gray and Allye, but the other heroes of Mountain Mercenaries.

Defending Allye involves a group of ex military mountain mercenaries that obtain assignments from the anonymous 'Rex' never seen only ever heard, think Charlie from Charlies Angels.
Sent to help break up a sex slave operation Gray ends up rescuing Allye who has been kidnapped to order for a mad man who has a collection of girls he keeps as 'pets' The relationship between Allye and Gray develops at a pace both falling quickly for each other. Gray wants to protect Alleye but she realises this mad man will stop at nothing to add to his collection and uses herself as bait so he can be caught.
A good enough story but did drag a little in the middle, all ends well but leaves a lot of unanswered questions, the full sex slave operation didn't seem to flesh out so I'm assuming this is going to be the theme the future Mountain Mecenaries book.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book

This is a gripping, suspenseful and romantic story. Gray is strong, tough, caring, protective, determined and intense. Allye is smart, brave, resilient, stubborn and sweet. After rescuing Allye, Gray can't stop thinking about her. She impressed him with her strength, and intrigued him with her personality. Allye can't seem to forget how safe and cared for she felt in Gray's arms. When she finds herself feeling stalked, she contacts Gray's boss, hoping that the information she has will help discover who is responsible for her kidnapping. Of course Gray can't stop himself from taking charge of Allye and her protection, and they get close while waiting for information. These two are so right for each other, I loved the storyline and the characters and I couldn't put the book down. It's a must add for your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

With the classic theme “finding love from the most unexpected place,” author Susan Stoker placed Grayson Rogers and Allye Martin, hero and heroine of “Defending Allye” in a rescue mission in the middle of San Francisco Bay.

Allye, the rescuee has a sassy mouth that former Navy SEAL and rescuer Gray Rogers found endearing especially with Allye’s Pollyanna attitude even faced with adversity. Perhaps it was love at first sight because even after Gray safely deposited Allye to her apartment in San Francisco, the Mountain Mercenaries member continue to worry about her safety.

And Gray’s gut feeling that Allye was still in danger was right. With Allye showing up in the Mountain Mercenaries retreat in Colorado Springs made the danger real. And with Allye’s kidnappers raising the ante, Gray and his team have to find a way to defend Allye and save the other victims of the kidnappers.

“Defending Allye” is a romance that dabbles a little as a thriller. There was not enough adrenaline pumping action to titillate the imagination of adrenaline junkies, but these scenes were enough to keep readers interested.

This is the first book in the “Mountain Mercenaries” series, so all players were introduced. The focus remained on Gray and Allye while giving just a glimpse of what these highly trained operatives do.

“Defending Allye” is Rated M for Mature due to violence and sexual content.

I loved this! I read it all nearly in one day.

Gray and Allye made a lovely couple. The way they bonded during her rescue at the beginning of the book was funny, cute, heartwarming and had me glued tot he story. I was invested in both of the them from the get go and couldn't put the story down.
I can't wait to read the second book in the story.

I also bought the audio edition of this book. The narration was very good and the characters were all very well performed.

I have gotten to like all of Susan Stoker's stories and was happy to see Defending Allye. From the beginning I was caught up in who wanted Allye and what she and the Mountain Mercenaries had to do to protect her. I appreciated the tough decisions she had to make for her safety, contemplating giving up what she worked so hard to achieve. The developing relationship between Allye and Gray was believable. The story has some dark elements as there is evil to be overcome; it's hard to believe these things happen in real life and this adds to the realism of the story. Anxious for the bad guy to be caught before Allye is badly harmed and seeing Gray coming to the rescue was a wonderful beginning to their happy ever after. A great start to what promises to be another good series.

There are some very serious themes and statistics in Defending Allye, because Allye is one lucky break away from becoming a human trafficking statistic. A professional dancer, she has somehow come to the attention of the ugliest of men, one who trades in human flesh, and who wants Allye for his own personal collection. Rescued in the process of being transferred to her new ‘owner’ by Gray, a former Navy SEAL now working for Mountain Mercenaries, she finds she can’t comfortably return to her former life, knowing someone out there has bought and paid for her life and will certainly try again.

There was a long period at the start of this book where Allye and Gray were out in the ocean together and having a long conversation while swimming for their lives in the freezing cold ocean. Now… I don’t know about you, but trying to have a conversation while casually swimming in a warm pool is pretty difficult, never mind while freezing to death, being slapped in the face by waves and trying to save every tiny bit of energy for swimming. I also didn’t buy that someone as competent and organised as Gray wasn’t carrying any kind of emergency rescue beacon he could set off if things went FUBAR.

Later in the books, two members of Allye’s dance troupe are kidnapped in her place, murdered, and ugly messages left ordering her to return. And during all this, the only people who seem to be investigating are Gray’s team. I was reading this in disbelief thinking ‘where are the FBI? This is clearly a serial killer’. Yet the FBI weren’t even MENTIONED: nobody from law enforcement even seemed interested.

I really liked both Allye and Gray. Their characters seemed well fleshed out and I believed in their romance. The complete disregard for what would happen in similar real-life situations got on my nerves, though, and I felt like the author just hadn’t thought through the logic of the plot. At the end of the day, I doubt I’d want to read any more in the series because it just wasn’t believable, which is all very well in a paranormal or fantasy romance, but really doesn’t fly for me in supposedly real-world romantic suspense. Three stars.

I’ve never read a Susan Stoker romance but a friend was chatting about her so when Defending Allye popped up on Netgalley, I decided to jump on it. I’m glad I did! With lots of action, suspense, and loads of chemistry between the MC’s, I found this to be a great way to spend a lazy afternoon.

Defending Allye did suffer just a tad from first-book-in-a-series-itis, but it wasn’t a bad case so I easily got past it. My main issue was with the backstory of how the Mountain Mercenaries came together. It had my BS meter flirting with the danger zone but I decided to just ignore it. Instead, I allowed myself to just enjoy meeting this wonderful group of extremely interesting guys.

This story focuses on Gray who is a Navy Seal that is now out of the military. He is an accountant by day and a superhero vigilante who saves women kidnapped by slavers by night. I have to say, when he rescued Allye from the ship in the opening chapters, I was unbelievably impressed. He was one hell of a calm during the storm, keeping Allye from panicking even though the situation was dire. He did get on my nerves a bit with his reaction to a certain situation towards the end of the story but I was relieved when he quickly got his head out of his posterior.

Allye impressed me from the beginning. She kept her cool throughout the entire book even knowing she was being targeted by the head of a sex slavery ring. Although not a traditional badass heroine, she showed over and over that she had a backbone of steel.

We also get introduced to the rest of the Mountain Mercenaries, a group of men who I definitely want to know about, especially Rex, their mysterious leader. Once I got past the completely unbelievable way they were formed, I found myself intrigued with their group's dynamics. I also want to know more about the bartender at their favorite haunt. He seems to fit well with them. Maybe too well.

The suspense swirled around a sex trafficking ring and the whacked out leader who the Mountain Mercenaries were determined to take down. Although it did keep me interested and turning the pages, I thought the main antagonist was maybe a bit cartoon-like in his evilness.

Defending Allye had enough strong chemistry, action and suspense to keep me glued to my iPad and my curiosity about the rest of the Mountain Mercenaries will have me one clicking the next book when it comes out.

Rating: 4 Stars

The Mountain Mercenaries series begins with a rescue mission that brings together a down-to-earth dancer and hardcore Navy SEAL turned mercenary. Susan Stoker's Defending Allye is a wonderful romantic suspense that is both charming and full of the sexiest alpha heroes.

There's mystery surrounding the founder of the Mountain Mercenaries, but the seven men working together to protect women and children are as honorable as they come. When Gray rescues Allye, a connection is forged that sees them both through trauma and the discovery of true love. I love that Stoker creates a story with action and suspense, but also a lovey-dovey romance that touches the heart. The passion between Allye and Gray despite how short the time they've known each other really heats up the story and makes you want to stay in their world far after it ends!

This is going to be an amazing series. It's one that I'll be watching for new releases because each story will no doubt shed light on this incredible team and their enigmatic leader. It's safe to say that I want more, more, more! Defending Allye is perfect of fans of
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

I want to be Allye when I grow up no matter where she is or what the circumstances she is a tough woman. When Grey finds her he was not prepared for her. She exceeded all his expectations. I don't even know how to describe this book it left me speechless.
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books with the Mountain Mercenaries.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

An amazing book. Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Defending Allye by Susan Stoker is the First book in the Mountain Mercenaries series. This is the story of Gray Rogers and Allye Martin.
Gray is part of the Mountain Mercenaries and has been assigned to gather information on a Human Trafficking assignment. On this assignment he meets Allye a dancer who has been kidnapped when she caught the eye of a man who does the trafficking. Allye a strong women who continues to be in danger wants to help get this man to justice and help others. Gray and Allye have a instant connection and chemistry. Besides being a romance story this has the underlining suspense and mystery....all around great story!

The first book in Susan Stoker’s new “Mountain Mercenaries” series – “Defending Allye” is an exciting read from start to finish.

The characters are strong, easily connected to and have a sizzling chemistry that heats up the pages while singing readers with its intensity. Gray and Allye’s romance is one that starts off in a wrong time, wrong place kind of spot and then really begins to take off when the danger to Allye continues and they can no longer fight their attraction despite the emotional issues and other obstacles that are facing this couple.

The fast paced plot is full of thrills, danger and twists that keeps readers glued to the pages with anticipation and suspense while the Mountain Mercenaries search for and try to take down an underground slave trade that has targeted Allye. The story is quite intense, full of emotionally invoking issues and the bad guy is one that readers will love to see him get what he deserves which ensures readers keep turning the pages along with Gray and Allye’s growing romance that just may end up being over before it really gets going.

Susan Stoker has created a thrilling new action suspense world that is gritty and satisfying with vivid characters that I want to get to know better. “Defending Allye” kept me enthralled and hanging on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. I love how “real” Gray’s feelings and reactions were and I can’t wait to read the next book in this exciting new series.

Wow! This book! Intense doesn't come close to describing this book. And when you add in suspense, lots of action and some smexy-times you have a book that kept me flying through the pages until I was done. Grayson and Allye are just so good together. And the secondary characters add multi layers to the book. This was an excellent first book in Ms. Stoker's new Mountain Mercenaries series. I recommend it and look forward to the next book in the series.

Please note: *Possible Trigger Warnings* This book contains graphic/descriptive scenes of torture and abuse. Please read with caution if warranted.

Every time I pick up a book by Susan Stoker I know exactly what I'm gonna get: a strong heroine who can take cats of herself but sometimes needs a little help and alpha heroes who stand with (and sometimes in front of) them. Ms. Stoker is one of my go-to romantic suspense authors.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher, Montlake, via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias.

Kudos to Susan Stoker

The characters in this story are well developed generating a desire to learn more about them. The plot is intense revealing some of the awful underbelly of society. Things I liked about this book included the heroine Allye, a strong female character who demonstrates what true life courage is about. Her life from birth has been full of challenges but she perseveres despite belief that she karma is against her. The hero, Gray is ex-military, his past includes trauma and disillusionment. He is straightforward and appreciates a strong woman. The story line is intense dealing with subjects (abuse, kidnapping, sex trafficking) which may act as triggers for some readers. If so, please do not hesitate to seek support.

Overall this book. is about two strong people who have dealt with some of life’s worst experiences and managed to find each other. They deserve their HEA.

I was provided with a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This one is great start for a new series.
I started reading and couldn't stop until I finished it in almost one sitting. I was that much hooked to it!
It is a fast paced complicated and suspenseful storyline and I have to confess that I am weak for the men in uniform and ex-military, so this book was a very enjoyable reading material. It is even more greater that is about men who are getting into action to be there for the people that needs their help.
I can't even say how much impatient I am for the next books in this instalment.

3.75 stars--DEFENDING ALLEY is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult MOUNTAIN MERCENARIES erotic, romantic, military, suspense series focusing on a group of six former soldiers and Navy SEALS who call themselves Mountain Mercenaries, headed by the mysterious ‘Rex’. This is thirty-six year old, former Navy SEAL Grayson Rogers, and twenty-nine year old, dancer Allye Martin’s story line. The Mountain Mercenaries is a spin off from the author’s Ace Security series but you do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current timeline. The Mountain Mercenaries were first introduced in CLAIMING FELICITY (Ace Security 4).

NOTE: DEFENDING ALLYE contains scenes of abuse, torture and threats of a sexual nature, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Allye and Gray DEFENDING ALLYE focuses on the hunt for a kidnapper in the San Francisco area, and the person responsible for a suspected human trafficking ring. Grayson Rogers and his fellow Mountain Mercenaries have been handpicked for their current roles by the mysterious, and as yet unidentified, team leader ‘Rex’. Hoping to intercept the hand-off of money, Grayson discovers more than he had bargained for when he finds Allye Martin instead. A quick take-down of the kidnappers, a struggle out at sea, and the rescue of our story line heroine, finds Allye falling for Grayson but not before she reveals she has information that may be important to the team’s investigation. What ensues is the quick building romance between Allye and Gray, and the potential fall-out as a number of women are kidnapped and killed in an effort to draw Allye out into the light.

Grayson Rogers knows lost first hand when his entire team of Navy SEALs was killed leaving our hero the only one to survive. Memories, of the horrific ordeal including the murder of his friends, have forced Gray into an over protective male where it concerns the woman with whom he is falling love. Never again wanting to lose anyone close, or witness the death of someone he loves, Gray struggles with Allye’s demands and need to place herself in harm’s way.

The relationship between Allye and Grayson is quick to develop. From hours alone at sea, to finding herself ‘living’ with the man that calls to her heart, Allye knows that Grayson will protect her against the odds, but Grayson battles between memories of the past, and his ability to stop the woman he loves from becoming a willing target in an effort to catch the bad guy. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Grayson’s fellow Mountain Mercenaries: Ronan ‘Ro’ Cross, Lowell ‘Black’ Lockard, Meat, Arrow, and Ball. Ronan and Chloe Harris’ story is next in Defending Chloe.

DEFENDING ALLYE is a story of action, suspense, romance and love. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the romance is passionate and intense; the characters are colorful, dynamic and animated but the heroine’s need to place herself in danger to ‘save’ a friend and other potential victims screams TSTL (too stupid to live), incredibly destructive and ill-fated. DEFENDING ALLYE is a sexy, intriguing and fated introductory story line in Susan Stoker’s new Mountain Mercenaries series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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