I've read a few other of this author's books, and enjoyed them, so I was looking forward to actually starting this new series from book 1, and not feeling so far behind! She's quite prolific, and I'm glad I'm finally getting in on a series from the very beginning!

Gray Rogers used to be a Navy SEAL, and now he's an accountant in Colorado Springs. But, on the side, he works for a mysterious man named Rex, as a Mountain Mercenary. They take missions planned out by Rex to rescue people who need it, and kill people who need it. Mostly involving sex trafficking. Gray was searching for purpose after leaving the Navy, and was struggling to find it, until Rex found him. The guys who work with him are all former military too, and though none of them have ever met Rex in person, they trust him, and each other. They love each other as brothers now, and always know they have each other's backs, no matter what. So, when out on a mission, Gray rescues Allye, and realizes that nothing about her is the same as other jobs he's worked, he trusts the guys to help him out in keeping her safe.

Allye Martin is a professional dancer in San Francisco. She grew up with a mother who never loved her and she was on her own very young. She's made her way in the world with no one to care about her, and no one she really cared about, beyond casual friendships. Karma has had it out for her from the start, as she sees it, and no good deed she's EVER done has gone unpunished. So, when she's snatched off the street one night on her way home from work, and thinks she'll never make it out, she's shocked when Gray shows up to rescue her. No one has ever really been there for her before, and she can't believe it when Gray seems to genuinely care about her, and what happens to her.

Gray and Allye had chemistry from the first, but their meeting was quite inopportune for such a connection. So, they both tried to ignore it, but of course, they couldn't do that for long. I love how honest they both were with each other, and how their connection made them feel safe enough to be so honest. Allye had a rough go at life, while Gray had a great family. He suffered through some horrendous things in his service overseas, and she's never really been subjected to such things. But, they still managed to be there for each other and understand each other's needs.

The villain in the story was particularly heinous, and reading some things from his point of view was, to be honest, kind of sickening. But, it made you really understand what a monster he was, and to know what our heroes were up against. It was really hard and sad watching Gray and Allye disagree on how they were going to approach the problem, and it felt like it physically hurt me how that whole thing went. They both had scars on their hearts they'd never fully dealt with, and it led them to say and do some hurtful things, but I love how they always came through for each other.

All the side characters, Gray's teammates, were very intriguing, and I'm looking forward to reading about them all in the future. Ro's little snippet in the epilogue makes me very excited for his story next! I definitely recommend this story for all the romantic suspense lovers, like me! Highly enjoyable.

Sex Trafficking & Torture.
Casual and explicit violence from the outset. Too much so for me, particularly the latter violence which made me feel sick to my stomach. Though others may enjoy this book I don’t think I will be reading any more of this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

***5 ‘Karma’ Stars***

Great start to a new series!

Not that I’m all that surprised, but it still needed to be said. Defending Allye has all the things that I’ve come of love and enjoyed from a Susan Stoker book. Well written characters, a great family dynamic a good dose of smexyness and a mystery/suspense storyline that keeps me on my toes and turning the pages until the very end.

I adored Gray and Allye. Gray is all kinds of honorable, protective alpha AF male with a heart. He found a purpose, had it ripped away in the worst possible way, but put him in a bit of a spiral for, but he worked his way out of it and has found another purpose that appeals to his protective, get it done nature. Allye has not has an easy life and it’s caused her to put up a ton of walls around her, but it’s also made her into a strong woman who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid of working hard to achieve her goals. I loved Allye’s strength and how her heart hadn’t turned cold because of what she had lived through. This isn’t to say she wasn’t guarded and a bit cynical, but she was still had a warmth to her, even when she was being snarky and sassy.

Gray and Allye’s journey to their HEA was a lot of fun. It had an insta feel, but considering the situation they were in when they first collided it worked for me. What also worked was that they both realized and acknowledged that fact and still rolled with it. I loved their open admiration and respect of each other and how they balanced each other. Their bantering was a lot of fun and the smexy was HAWT! OMG HAWT! The roadblock in their journey wasn’t a surprise and I couldn’t take sides because I agreed with both of them, but I liked how it all worked out and where they at in their relationship at the end of the book.

I’m a fangirl of the authors, even though I still haven’t read all of her books. But the ones I have read I’ve loved and this one can definitely be put in the favorites category. It had all the goodness I love about Ms. Stoker’s books, but this one had an added little punch and that came from the villian. Now, the author has written some craycray villians, but this one was batshit crazy and he absolutely fascinated me. But with the BSC, triggers are a thing in this one, so be prepared. As for the rest of the Mountain Mercenaries, I’m totally looking forward to getting to know all the guys and see if we ever meet the ever elusive Rex!

~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~

Defending Allye is a new series by Susan Stoker so you know I was gonna pick this up! All the men of Mountain Mercenaries are former soldiers who now work for the mysterious 'Rex' saving women and children from the clutches of evil. Its like Charlies Angels, but instead of hot girls, its hot guys.

Allye is a dancer who has caught the eye of a sick, demented guy who wants to 'collect' her. Seriously, this guy is messed up and if you have triggers, you should check out the trigger warning. Trust me. MESSED UP! The story starts with Grey saving Allye from the first kidnapping attempt. Of course, this sicko isn't going to stop until he has Allye and he will do whatever it takes to lure her out of hiding.

Grey and Allye certainly have that insta-love thing. Part of it was believable because I do think intense feelings can rise from intense situations like theirs. I felt that Grey and Allye were kind of static though. Neither really developed over the story and I was left feeling kind of blah about them. I enjoyed their story, but their relationship was not the best part of the story for me.

Defendying Allye is a bit darker than many of Stoker's other stories, with this villain being dark and depraved! The plot is compelling, even though you know who the bad guy is, and ultimately, you can guess what will happen. Still, reading it all play out was still engaging and that is always the mark of a well written story to me. While Grey and Allye might not be my favorite couple, I didn't dislike them and they didn't ruin the story. Also, I think this story was filled with more sexy times than many of Stoker's previous stories. I actually found myself skimming a few of them! (So, mom, you are gonna wanna skip this one for sure!)

New spin-off series for the very talented Susan Stoker. Gray Rogers, member of the mountain mercenaries does Allye a solid and saves her from a truly awful situation. He is having a hard time forgetting the spunky woman and Allye is having an equally tough go of not thinking of Gray. What follows is suspense, twists and romances. Ms. Stoker is an auto buy for me. Highly captivating read!!

Defending Ally’s has a good plot, lot of action and romance. I received an arc from the publisher via Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Defending Allye started with a bang and kept the suspense coming and the pages turning. Susan Stoker knows how to give us those Alpha characters that we love and this new Mountain Mercenaries series with Gray at the helm, lives up to that standard. But Allye is no slouch either. She is strong and courageous even in the face of evil and a perfect match for Gray.
I am looking forward to the stories about the rest of the Mountain Mercenary men, especially the mysterious Rex!

Grayson Rogers from the Mountain Mercenaries is sent on a mission to gather information on a human trafficking business. On that mission he rescues Allye who was just kidnapped. When the man who purchased her isn't willing to stop going after her, Gray and his fellow mercenaries work diligently to bring this guy down.

Our main characters, Gray and Allye are what really made this story for me. Despite Gray's toughness, he was incredibly sweet to Allye. That is almost the perfect combination in character traits for me with a hero. Add in that Allye was such a strong character herself, and these two have become one of my favorite couples.

I will caution that this has some very disturbing scenes. This is about human trafficking and the villain of the story is a disturbed individual. If you can handle that, this story was really good and I highly recommend it.

4 Star Review of Defending Allye (Mountain Mercenaries #1) by Susan Stoker
This is the first book in an exciting new series and Susan Stoker is off to a good start.
When dancer Allye Martin is kidnapped by a human trafficker she manages to keep calm and wait for rescue. Gray Rogers and his Mountain Mercenaries rescue her and she follows him back to Colorado Springs to thank him an hand over some vital evidence she smuggles out that may help them. Allye may well hold to key to shutting the traffickers down but can Gray keep her safe?
The chemistry between Allye and Grey was strong and their relationship grew quickly.
Allye is determined to offer herself as bait if it means the people she cares about will be safe, but at what cost? Will danger pull these two apart or will they work together to destroy those who are trying to keep them apart?
Defending Allye was filled with mystery, suspense and danger and I look forward to reading more in the series,

Defending Allye is the first in a new romantic suspense series with a bunch of vigilante veterans (but Mountain Mercenaries sounds better). I really enjoyed Allye she is gifted, smart and tough as hell. I like that Gray fell despite himself. And I absolutely love that these guys are like Charlies Angels in reverse. I am so looking forward to these guys falling in love.

Terrific, tightly-written romantic suspense had me turning pages to find out what happened next. Stoker is a master of military suspense and this new Mountain Mercenaries series is off to a great start.

Gray is a former Navy SEAL with a boring day job who moonlights with an underground rescue group led by a mysterious "Charles Townsend" type. The group's focus is shutting down human traffickers and rescuing the women caught in their net.

Allye is a dancer with a company in San Francisco. Karma seems to smite her at every turn and now she's shackled to a boat and about to be turned over to her new "owner." She has low expectations for how things are going to turn out.

I'll admit it was quite difficult to read about some of the treatment/conditions for the other women in captivity. It's not overdone, and it's appropriate for the story line, but it's brutal - physically and mentally. Just saying.

Ever since his rescue op off the Pacific Coast, Mountain Mercenary Gray Rogers hasn’t been able to forget his latest “job”—Allye Martin. Any other woman would have panicked during a rescue, but the wily dancer kept her cool—even after being kidnapped by an elusive human trafficker. And Gray couldn’t be happier when a grateful Allye follows him home to Colorado Springs…

For Allye, finding sanctuary in the arms—and bed—of the former Navy SEAL is only temporary. People are disappearing off the streets of San Francisco, victims of the same underground trade that targeted her, and Allye could be the key to dismantling the entire operation. She’s willing to do anything to bring them down. Gray isn’t—for good reason. But you don’t say no to a tough girl like Allye who refuses to play it safe.

Now Gray is risking more than ever before. The Mountain Mercenaries have his back. But is it enough to keep the woman he loves out of harm’s way?

* * * * *

Another winner for Ms. Stokes! From the first page, I found myself hooked as Grey gets ready to dive into the ocean. And the tension and pacing just goes up from there! There is seriously never a dull moment from the very beginning of this action packed romantic suspense. And the best part? This is the first book in this series!

I don't think the I have ever met a character that I immediately related to as much as Allye. When she gets frightened, she gets snarky. No freaking out for her. No sir. At least not until the emergency is over.

I also found Gray interesting. He is totally in control of himself and his feelings but Allye keeps taking him totally by surprise. And his band of friends... No let me correct that. His brothers are also intriguing characters that I am looking forward to meeting again.

Actually we have met one of his brothers, Ryder, in the conclusion of another series, Ace Security. It was actually through that series that I discovered Ms. Stoker's writing. And I do have to say that if you enjoy unique, definite not run of the mill heroines and totally hot heroes overcoming the obstacles and dangers that seek them out, then check out her books.

I do recommend DEFENDING ALLYE to any of my readers who enjoy a fast paced romantic suspense. And now for the gentle warning. There is a lot of sex and violence but you already knew that based on the genre. Now what are you waiting for? Go pick up your own copy. Oh and the links below are for the Ace Security series that comes right before.

Claiming Felicity
Claiming Grace
Claiming Bailey
Claiming Alexis

***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.

Kicking off her new series, Mountain Mercenaries, Susan Stoker has started with a bang. Defending Allye was a fantastic read full of action, hot men and sweet romance. Ms. Stoker has a way of writing the hero that every reader wants for a book boyfriend and a BFF of the leading lady. Bottom line. Read this book.

Former Navy SEAL Gray Rogers finds it hard to forget his latest rescue -- dancer Allye Martin. Most women would have been in hysterics finding themselves chained to a sinking boat. But Allye kept her cool and her wits and leaves Gray with a lasting impression. So Gray is more than happy when Allye shows up at the Mountain Mercenaries' meeting place. But once again Gray and his team will have to rescue Allye when the fanatical sex trafficker kidnaps her again. This is extremely difficult for Gray because it will bring back memories from his days as a SEAL. The one thing you can count on Susan Stoker to do is once again give her leading women strong character and backbone. A great new series!

Absolutely Fantastic.
I volunteered to read an advanced readers copy of Defending Allye an leave a review. This is the first book in the new series , Mountain Mercenaries .
This story takes off from the start and never slows down . It's a fabulous rollercoaster ride . This story makes you feel like your right there . It is full of pulse pounding suspense , action packed . I couldn't put it down . I read it straight thru . The story is about a beautifully unique woman Allye Martin a professional dancer and Grayson (Gray) an accountant by day and a mountain mercenary ex military alpha hero .
I think this such a well written story, absolutely great characters . It has a somewhat dark storyline, but I really enjoyed reading it . I'm looking forward to reading more in the series. I highly recommend taking the time to read this wonderful story. It's more than a 5 Star read for me.

Wow, great start to a new series, didn't even need world building as I dove right into the story. It kept me on my toes and glued to my kindle. I know I'm going to love the rest of these alpha heroes in the following stories, even their mysterious handler. This book was action packed, heart racing and steamy too. If you love alpha males and their strong women, then you'll love this book and hopefully the series as it unfolds. I know I'm looking forward to it.

Gripping. Thrilling. Suspenseful. Sexy. Hot. I loved every minute of it. I was engrossed from the start. The suspenseful scenes were amazing. The villain, whoa. He was twisted and very disturbed. This is definitely in my top choices of Ms. Stoker's books.
I felt so much for Allye and what she went through. I loved that Gray just wanted to protect her, even when he was being an idiot.

4.5⭐
I really enjoyed this first book in Susan Stokers new Mountain Mercenaries series. As it was well paced and had danger, suspense and moments of action. As well as a group of likable and engaging characters including the main two Gray and Allye. And I liked the balance this story struck between suspense and romance.

Not to mention, I particularly liked how creepy and disturbing the bad guy was. As that for me made the danger Allye was facing much more believable and enjoyable to read.

And as starts to series go this was a great one. Which is why I would happily recommend it to others.

Loved it! Susan Stokes is a master with writing military heroes! I loved it! Fast paced and endearing and also sexy! I love her characters and the story was great! I can't wait for more stories by this author!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

I have been following Susan Stoker since Protecting Caroline which was the first book in the SEAL of Protection series. The thing with Susan’s books is that the plot is interesting but it is never executed to it’s full potential, you’re always left feeling like it could have been done a bit better. Also, if you start with Protecting Caroline and read through all the stories and the different series, they get quite repetitive. And yet, AND YET, I still read the new stories every time they’re published. I am always left slightly disappointed but I can’t quit them. So take that for what you will.

Susan’s style of writing is quite formulaic. The Heroes are all rather jaded and have a chip on their shoulder about something as a result, the Heroines all have a hang-up or baggage of some kind. The love, it’s instant, they both know immediately that this is true love. The sex scenes are all the same – over-the-top, and not based in reality at all. And you will roll your eyes at the situations the characters get into at least once every book.

Now, Defending Allye is the start of a new series, Mountain Mercenaries, which is a spin-off of the Ace Securities series.

Grayson Rogers, like all of Susan’s Heroes, is an ALPHA MALE to the extreme. As a very independent woman, it makes me want to smack him every once in awhile. He’s also super romantic in an over-the-top way that makes your teeth hurt.

Allye is smart, sassy, fearless and strong so when she does something dumb it makes you want to throw the book across the room. No matter how capable the Heroine is, Susan always has them do something dumb.

The book is full of action and sometimes you feel quite rushed with everything that is happening all at once. The villain in this story was quite creepy and one of the worst Susan’s written about in awhile. And some of the things he does can be a bit much to handle and you don’t really get any resolution with any of his other victims.

But overall, I liked the story and I liked the characters even if I do think it could have all been executed a bit better by a better writer. I am interested in the next book, Susan always gives you a bit of a teaser of what’s coming up next which is definitely one way to keep readers hooked.