✦Review: DEFENDING ALLYE (Mountain Mercenaries Book 1) by Susan Stoker https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-aPX
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars

I liked this hot and sexy romance between Allye and Gray. He was all alpha to a sparky, Allye. Both are likeable from the beginning, even though the terrifying action began on page one as well. It kept me tense and hot-and-bothered through the whole book. The sadistic and horrible actions of the human trafficker were a little too much for me, but I know that some readers are not bothered by that. I for one will be sleeping with the light on. The Mountain Mercenary Team are intriguing and had great interaction. I can't wait to read the next one. If you like a sizzling-hot romance mixed with pulse-pumping action, this one is it.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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A book full of adventure and passion. I loved it. It was a true to form Susan Stoker book. Allye being rescued by a hot alpha male in the middle of the ocean and finding something unexpected. Great book!

This is Book 1 in the Mountain Mercenaries series. This book starts out with a major sex trafficking ring and a kidnapping. Allye has caught the eye of the top guy who has her kidnapped. She’s saved by Grey, a member of the Mountain Mercenaries. She goes back home but the guy who wants her is still out there. There’s a lot of exciting things going on throughout the book that keeps you on your toes ready to get involved. The chemistry between Allye and Grey is hot but
Grey has a lot to work through from his past. I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read Ro’s story next.

I've read quite a few of the books in this author's Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes series and I really enjoyed those books, so I was excited to read more from her! I then saw this book on Netgalley and decided to request an ARC! I was really excited when my request was accepted and I started my ARC as soon as I received it! After reading, I can say that I enjoyed this book a lot! The plot had me intrigued right from the first chapter and it only took me a few sittings to read because I couldn't put it down until I had finished it! The plot also had plenty of action and suspense in it, which I loved, and these two aspects added a lot to the plot and kept me desperate to read on and find out what was going to happen next! I loved the romance between the two main characters too and the romance allowed for some seriously hot scenes! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Grayson 'Gray' was the main male character, and in this book he had a normal, everyday job, and then at times he had a very dangerous job! I had a lot of respect for Gray and I found him to be a very likable guy and he was pretty damn hot too lol! It was also easy to see how much he cared about his love interest and he was very protective of her too! I could completely understand why he was! Gray was also such a sweetheart and I just adored him! Allye was the main female character and love interest of Gray! I loved Allye a lot in this book! She had been through a hard childhood and then hadn't had the best luck in her life! She then went through a lot in this book, but was still positive and had her head on straight! Allye was also willing to put herself in danger to protect others and this made me have a lot of respect for her! I connected with Allye all the way through this book too and I didn't lose that connection at any point! I loved that this book was written from both Gray and Allye's point of views! I wasn't sure if it was going to be, but I'm really happy that it was! It helped me connect more with both characters and it allowed for more things to happen in the plot, especially as both characters didn't spent every moment together! This book was also written in third person! I wasn't sure if it was going to be, but the other books that I've read from this author have been written this way, so I wasn't too surprised lol! I did enjoy it being written this way and was still able to connect with the characters! I now can't wait to read the next book in this series! I know that it's going to focus on a new set of characters and I can kind of guess who the characters are going to be because of the end of this book, but I'm excited to read it! It releases in December and I'll definitely be reading it once it releases! The cover for this book is absolutely perfect for it! I love how well it suits the book and the cover model is the perfect Gray! Big thank you to Susan, Montlake Romance and Netgalley for ARC of Defending Allye!

Defending Allye by Susan Stoker is a 5 star read.
This is the first book in a new series and it was amazing, Susan kept us on the edge of our seats as usual.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Defending Allye by Susan Stoker is the first in a new series about a group of men who have all retired from the service. They all have regular jobs but have been joined together by a mysterious boss who they never see, but he named them Mountain Mercenaries. They do jobs for him, all good, but not always strictly legal. This first book has a woman being kidnapped, Allye, and being rescued by Gray, who is one of said mercenaries. Both Allye and Gray make for a great couple; she is a very strong woman from a unfortunate upbringing, and although Gray has some bad memories of his time as a Seal, they work together well. But there is the guy who is trying to kidnap Allye, and human trafficking, and torture, so this book may trigger some issues for some readers. A great first start to what i hope will be a good series. Knowing Susan Stoker’s writing, i don’t believe this will be an issue at all. Love her writing.

It was supposed to be a simple in and out job. The last thing Gray expected on that boat was a beautiful woman, a kidnap victim of the human trafficker he was there to apprehend. As they escaped Allye grabbed a data stick. As they floated in the cold San Francisco Bay waiting for rescue they bonded. Unfortunately in the rush of being rescued and returned to her home Allye neglected to exchange basic 411 with her spec ops savior.

Fortunately the data stick with its critical information brings them together again. This time they definitely set the sheets on fire. Unfortunately the human trafficker who has Allye in his sights his obsessed with her uniqueness and is willing to play hard ball to send her messages.

I have just recently discovered Ms. Stoker and am thoroughly enjoying her strong and silent heroes and the spunky girls who hold their hearts. This is a great start to a new series that I hope to follow.

Mountain Mercenaries have been unleashed…

Susan Stoker immediately captures your attention with her new series - Mountain Mercenaries. What better way than giving you Gray in DEFENDING ALLYE (Bk1) to deliver an energetic, aggressive, and bold series starter. We have some courageous, daring men all to willing to take no names to rid the evilness of this world’s society!

Hints of this new series were given in the author’s ACE Security series (Claiming Felicity Bk 4)… like many, I’ve waited patiently for this new series to commence. I was not disappointed!

It’s a diabolical evil man that plagues a young woman (Allye) who is a dancer, simply earning a living, to make something for herself. It’s her uniqueness, found in the beauty of her eyes that draw attention. Dangerous intentions that will forever change her life in more ways than she can count.

Adrenaline pumping! Suspense and intrigue, all to scary, nightmarish evilness are beautifully blended with the more tender, heart rendering moments when attraction ignites between the Gray and Allye. Sometimes, in the protecting, the price you pay to keep friends and colleagues safe, fears at bay, become overwhelming and brings on a world of hurt.

Sink into the pages, as you are swept up into a storm of intrigue, drama and overwhelming emotions as Susan Stoker unleashes the men that make up Mountain Mercenaries into the book world. One that’s sure to bring a boatload of drama, trouble and a whole lot of new romance and the intriguing characters that are part of Gray’s world.

Susan Stoker is one of my all time favourite authors in Military/Romantic Suspense world. If you love page-turning, heart pounding, breath-taking words - Susan Stoker, delivers this for her readers. Looking to start a new series… you will not be disappointed starting with DEFENDING ALLYE. What are you waiting for?

Welcome to the debut novel in Susan Stoker's new Mountain Mercenaries series.

Gray is an ex Navy Seal who forms part of this mysterious unit headed by a 'Charlie like' leader going by the name of Rex. Allye is an abandoned child turned foster kid who's making a living as a dancer in the theatre.

Grayson 'Gray' Rogers is on a mission to stop a notorious sex trafficker. Following intel on a money drop, Gray finds Allye handcuffed and rescues her as any alpha hero would! NOT what he was expecting but he's trained to deal with the unexpected!

It quickly becomes clear that Allye is a specific target and her safety continues to be in jeopardy. Gray whisks her away to keep her safe and their relationship develops quickly from this point on.

The dialogue between Gray and Allye is witty and endearing. As one might expect, he's a bit if a bossy boots but Allye doesn't take his b.s. lying down and gives as good as she gets, much to Gray's amusement.

When friends of Allye's start being abducted and tortured she puts herself in the hands of Gray's team and sets herself up as bait. Can you guess how Gray reacts to this???

The road to Allye and Gray's HEA is at times joyful, humorous and downright sexy but there are parts of it that are disturbing to say the least. However Susan Stoker gently leads you through this horrific world of human trafficking with a team of men that anyone would be glad to have at their back.

I can't wait for the rest of the Mountain Mercenaries to get their own stories and fervently hope that Rex gets his... or is it hers?

This is not a sweet and simple love story. It's full of suspense and detailed danger, as well as white hot sexy scenes. But despite bordering on too hot to handle sex, which isn't my cup of coffee, the rest of the novel is well written suspense that will keep readers dying to know how it ends. I felt like I got to know and admire Allye fairly well while Gray made the perfect knight-in-shining-armor book boyfriend

Oooooooooooo, the part of her changing last name confused me but it's explained why later (if you think about it it makes sense). My spider senses are tingling on who Rex could be I need to re read to check what the person of interest's name is. LOVED the scene with the bottled water. Can not wait for the next book. Nice nod to Tex there.

This is a voluntary review and I do not get paid for this review.

I have read almost everything by the author. I love her style and I love how while she has a specific way of doing things, each series is different.

This is a good start to everything. I like the characters thus far and like the idea of it. Since she almost always writes about active duty military, it’s nice to see some characters outside of that.

While the stuff with that random kid giving advice to Gray did make me roll my eyes, overall I thought it was a good start! Cannot wait for the next one!

Defending Allye by Susan Stoker

Fans of Ms Stoker will not be disappointed in this novel. Full of romance, while touching on a variety of other genres such as intrigue, crime, adventure and mystery, this book has it all. Well written and full of outstandingly devised characters, the storyline is a gripping page turner. I loved the interplay between leads, the heart tugging emotion throughout and the way the story pulls you along.

A resounding five star recommendation to anyone who is intrigued with the book’s description, which accurately relates the story without giving too much away.

I'm ashamed to say that I've purchased several books written by this author and haven't read a single one until I requested an ARC of this one from NetGalley and I'm so glad that I did! (Obviously I'll be binge reading the ones I've purchased!) This had everything I love in a romantic suspense -- mystery, intrigue, a badass alpha and a really cool, smart heroine who was quite the badass herself! This is the first book in this series and can be read as a standalone, but I'm guessing that the next books will re-visit Grayson and Allye (at least I hope so!). It had an interesting, edge of your seat storyline that introduced you to the Mountain Mercenaries men who are a group of very fascinating, sexy men -- can't wait to read more about these guys! This is a definite recommend for me if you love romantic suspense. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

Defending Allye is the first book in Susan Stoker’s Mountain Mercenaries Series. This book is action packed filled with great characters, intense passion and a great love story.

Allye Martin, a lead dancer for a San Francisco Dance Company, has been kidnapped. Grayson Rogers is an ex-Navy Seal who works with Mountain Mercenaries gathering intel, investigating crimes and rescuing victims. Their lives cross when Gray’s intel gathering mission off the Pacific Coast turns into a rescue mission when he find Allye handcuffed aboard a boat.

Their attraction and connection was instant but circumstances lead to their separation. When they are reunited their connection blossoms and grows. But their happiness is interrupted when Allye’s kidnapper demonstrates that he will go to any length to get his hands on her. Will the team be able to stop the kidnappers? Will Gray be able to keep her safe? Or will Allye have to save herself? Read it to find out!

I have read several of Susan Stokers books. She does a fantastic job creating characters and intense, action packed love stories. I discovered this book on Netgalley and once I read the synopsis I was hooked.

I love the premise for the Mountain Mercenaries and what they stands for. Both the heroes and heroines in Stoker’s books are good, strong characters with strong morals and personalities. They all have a troubled past or personal issues to deal with but they don’t let that get in the way of doing what’s right. I loved the details given to their backgrounds and storylines. This book introduces the next and I hope it will allow readers to keep tabs on characters from the previous books in the series.

This book contains a happily ever after. I enjoyed reading about the other members of the Mountain Mercenaries, I can’t wait for the next book!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced readers copy received from Netgalley.

Another great story told by a great woman who knows how to put a spin on tragic. This is a great start to another series I cannot wait to read. Allye turns out to be a very strong woman who falls for Gray after he rescued her. Well written and perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. The tragic you go through sometimes makes you stronger and able to move on in your life.

Fantastic!

I couldn’t put this book down! Gray and Allye have a wonderful story full of love and emotion with intrigue to keep it interesting.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

This is the first book I have read by Susan Stoker and I am hooked. I enjoyed how real her characters and plot are. I was so enthralled with the suspense, romance, and action I could not put down this book! I can’t wait to for the next installment of the Mountain Mercenaries series to come out!

WOW!!! After reading this Author's previous series (Ace Security), I KNEW I needed this new series. I'm extremely happy that I've picked it up.

Grayson (Gray) is on a mercenary mission. He's received Intel that there is a human trafficking operation going down and he's determined to get answers. What he wasn't expecting was coming face to face with the missing woman he was trying to find. And now? Now they're treading water in the ocean, waiting to be recovered by his partner. Although it's not the best setting, he's learning a lot about this woman. And it's the first time in a long time he's actually interested. Too bad he can't have her.

Allye's been kidnapped. She's on a boat in the middle of the ocean, trying to wrap her head around why karma hates her so much. And then something, no, someone is pulling her toward the side of the boat. Now treading water and wondering what the heck has happened to her life, she finds herself surprisingly comfortable talking with this man. Sharing secrets and learning about him as well. But now it's time to get back to her life. At least that's what she thought.

This is a jam packed read. Between kidnappings, finding the perpetrator and falling in love, I couldn't put this down. No, you won't get specifics from me. I won't spoil it for you. Everything flowed seamlessly, pulling me deeper in to the story while plunging deeper in love with these mercenaries. Thank the baby Jesus that this is the first book and more is come. I can't wait!!!!

reviewed by Chris

First up, I’d like to thank Netgalley and Susan for my advanced copy for which I willingly leave my review! Secondly, I’ve never read anything by Susan before and when I saw this was the start of a new series, I thought I’d give the book a go and I’m so happy I did!

Gray is on a mission to get information about a man they believe is trying to kidnap a woman and either use her as his own sex slave or sell her to the highest bidder. But when Gray gets aboard the boat to get this information, the mission goes pear shaped, as he finds out that Allye is already aboard the vessel and she has an escort. To add further to this, the escort has rigged the boat which is now sinking....he needs to get Allye and get her and him off the boat.

This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat in suspense and wiping my brow with relief when things seemed to go well! Suffice to say I really enjoyed the start to this series and I will definitely be looking into the rest of the series and more by Susan. Another thing I really enjoyed was the men who worked with Gray, each had their own interesting idiosyncrasies and I look forward to finding out more in the following books. Until then I believe Ro is going to find his hands full with Chloe and I can’t wait! Happy reading 📖