5 Action Packed, Beautiful Heart-Breaking Stars!!!

I was given this book in turn for an honest review.

When Arrow and his team are sent on their latest mission, they discover more than they had anticipated. No mission is without it’s surprises and Arrow wasn’t prepared for the strong, intense feelings of protection he’d feel towards Morgan. When they return home, it’s clear Morgan’s life is still in danger. Arrow will risk everything to protect his woman.

Susan Stoker takes us straight into the action with Defending Morgan, no slow and easy start to Arrow and Morgan’s story, she kicks off right in the thick of it and the action in this story does not end there. Susan Stoker truly puts these characters through the wringer, when you think Morgan couldn’t possibly go through more hell, Susan proves us wrong.

Morgan is a strong character, and although she had gone through hell and torture, she still thankfully had a spark of determination about her to not let them win and destroy her completely. She also showed a heart of love, compassion, and kindness towards others, even if it meant risking her own life in the process.

Arrow was amazing, he wasn’t one to shy away from the way he felt, or to put himself out there, he also wasn’t one to push. He was a patient, caring, loving, protective man, who would do anything in his power to protect those he loved and cared for, and he wasn’t without his adorable quirks.

I’m really enjoying the Mountain Mercenaries series from Susan Stoker, she has a talent of thinking up a new and unique trait to each of her characters and plotlines, giving her stories an intriguing twist, that has them standing out from other books.

Defending Morgan can be read as a standalone; however, to fully enjoy this series I’d recommend reading them in order.

Morgan has been missing for a year, but her luck changes when a small child is placed with her. Rescue is unexpected but she will weather whatever is necessary for freedom. Arrow was not expecting Morgan. His mission was a little girl but leaving Morgan behind isn’t happening. But is stealing Morgan away from her captures going to cost him more than he expected?
Defending Morgan is third in Susan Stoker’s Mountain Mercenaries series. I really appreciated seeing the strength embodied in Morgan. Missing for a year and treated horribly but still willing to protect a child. Still willing to fight for herself. Still fighting her demons. I love that we saw the fierceness, the fire the determination that makes up Morgan. Ms. Stoker refused to allow Morgan to be a victim even as she perceived herself as something less.
Arrow knew just how strong Morgan is and he is determined to show her just how strong she is. I loved Arrow’s patience. I loved Arrow’s willingness to give Morgan protection. He supported her as she regained her sense of self. I love that Ms. Stoker allowed us to see Morgan rise from the ashes and embrace all that she was and will be.
This story is deeply emotional but well written. It touched difficult issues with a light and respectful touch. I love that Ms. Stoker did not give us a quick fix for Morgan or her budding relationship with Arrow. She showed the work Morgan and Arrow put into their growing feelings and relationship. I loved returning to this world Ms. Stoker has created and look forward to where she will take us next.

I am enjoying the Mountain Mercenaries series by Susan Stoker. Defending Morgan is the third book in the series but can easily be read as a standalone.

Dispatched to the Dominican Republic to rescue a kidnapped child, former Navy SEAL Archer “Arrow” Kane makes a startling discovery: another hostage—Morgan Byrd, who disappeared off the streets of Atlanta a year ago. She’s brave, resilient, and unbroken. All Arrow wants to know is why she ended up in a shack in Santo Domingo. Morgan is determined to find out who hates her so much that they want her gone—but not dead. After being rescued, Morgan is caught in the ongoing war between her parents who divorced years ago. Arrow offers her sanctuary and protection in his home as Morgan experiences increasingly odd happenings.

I liked Morgan - she was protecting the kidnapped girl Arrow was sent to rescue and she dealt with her experiences the best that she could. It was startling to see how little she meant to either of her parents, and that made her strength of character more remarkable. Arrow is the guy I wish had run across when I was younger, and his care of Morgan is awesome. There is a lot of suspense with confounding twists and turns.
I was blown away by the ending. Defending Morgan is another of those books that kept me up until 3:00 am. If you like suspense, some heat and a serious mystery, Defending Morgan is a must read.

Defending Morgan is the continuation of the Mountain Mercenaries series but you could read this as a stand alone. The team is in the Dominican Republic to rescue a child who was kidnapped by her biological father and taken from the US. However, when they arrive to rescue the child, they find a woman who has been missing for a year. They can't leave her behind, but getting her out of the country will be challenging.

Again, there is the insta-love factor in play. Arrow feels an instant pull to Morgan. What Morgan has been through is horrific, but she manages to hold herself together while they attempt a rescue. Once she is back in the USA, there is still the lingering question: Who had her kidnapped but explicitly told the kidnappers NOT to kill her? Arrow and the Mountain Mercenaries aren't going to let anything happen to Morgan and they dive into trying to untangle her complicated relationships to see who might have done this horrible thing to her.

While the insta-love is apparent, I appreciated that Morgan and Arrow didn't jump right into bed together. It made it feel a bit more realistic, given what Morgan has been through and all. Honestly, I figured out who the 'bad guy' was pretty quickly and the plot felt a bit trite at times. However, Defending Morgan has all the hallmarks of a great Stoker Romance: exotic locales, insta-love, danger, and sexy times.

This is the third book in the Mountain Mercenaries series but it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel without any difficulty. Once again, Susan Stoker has written another great novel of romantic suspense. Plus I have to say I was surprised at just who was behind Morgan's kidnapping, didn't see that one coming! Arrow is part of a team that goes to rescue a kidnapped child. Not only do they find the child, but they also find Morgan who has been held in captivity for a year. Plenty of drama, chemistry and suspense kept me from putting this book down until I finished reading. Once again proving you can't go wrong with a Susan Stoker novel.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and here is my honest reveiw.

I have been waiting and waiting for this book to come out and omg it is so good. This is the story of Archer "Arrow" Kane and Morgan Byrd.

On a mission to rescue a kidnapped child in the Dominican Republic. Archer finds another hostage Morgan. She had been missing over a year taken from the streets of Atlanta. Arrow recognizes her from the news coverage.

She is strong, brave and beautiful. Arrow wants to know who kidnapped her and how she ended up in a shack in the Dominican Republic.

Morgan wants to find out they wanted her taken but not killed. Arrow is offering her a warm and safe place to hide. As the sparks between them grow so does the worry that whoever took her the first time will again. This is the most important mission in his life and he will do whatever he has to protect Morgan.

This is a great book and story I really loved reading it. You won't be able to put it down. It has action, real emotions, pain, and many other things that make this story a 5 star read. I have already read it more then once. You should really check out this whole series.

Susan knows how to weave a tale that will keep you asking for more.

This story centers around Mountain Mercenaries’ team member Archer/Arrow Kane and hostage Morgan Byrd. While on a mission to rescue a young child in the Dominican Republic, they found a woman, Morgan, who had been missing in the USA for a year. A woman that had been kidnapped and sexually abused during her capture, and who protected the young child, Nina. with her life.
Once rescued, it’s obvious that an attraction exists between Morgan and Arrow, but the road to recovery will be a long one for Morgan and even of more immediate importance , it’s discovering who had masterminded the kidnapping and why.
I had some issues with the book. I felt the story was very similar to a previous book titled Protecting Fiona. At times that the writing was a little stilted , the plot was not a strong one and the characters less developed than in other stories. I found myself scanning through some of the pages to see what was going to happen next.
Last but not least, even though it’s important for us as individuals to get a realistic view of the aftermath of sexual abuse, if the reader has been abused, then this story might trigger some unpleasant memories.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Montlake Romance. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

4.5 Stars
I have completely enjoyed the Mountain Mercenaries so far and Susan didn't disappoint with this addition. I love the strong heroines she gives us. Yes they are beaten down and not in a good place when we find them but they fight, for their lives back, they aren't ready to give up just because of something bad happening.

Morgan earned my respect from the very beginning, doing what she could to protect that little girl. The lessons she learned the hard way while captive helped to keep her alive and made the escape that much easier. Her concern with find out who would have done this to her in the first place. Fighting hard when they Mercenaries start looking to her friends and family first.

Arrow knew right away that this woman was different than most. He has done enough rescues and most women are beyond thinking and in hysterics by the time they find them. She was still in fight mode. The more he gets to know her the more he wants to be there for her. He has never understood the instant connection that Gray and Ro had found with their ladies but he is feeling it now. He is ready to embrace it and move forward with it as it takes him.

There was a great level of suspense with a great mix of romance. I am looking forward to more of this series in the future.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

Defending Morgan is part of Susan Stoker's Mountain Mercenaries series. Archer "Arrow" Kane and the team head to the Dominican Republic to rescue a kidnapped child. What they don't expect to find is a second hostage. Morgan was taken over a year before and has been living in captivity. The team brings both Morgan and the little girl they came to get home. But the question remains. Who took Morgan and who was paying the men to keep her hidden in the Dominican Republic. Arrow makes it his mission to find out who is targeting Morgan.

I absolutely love Susan Stoker's books. It doesn't matter the series, they are all good. I have yet to read one that I didn't like. This book had everything that I've come to love about a Susan Stoker book. It had an awesome rescue, Wonderfully written characters, and tons of suspense and romance. I rate this 5 stars. It's a must read.

Love Susan Stoker books. The original series is still my favourite, but Susan does manages to keep the theme of her books fresh, intriguing and same/different. Although the topics of her books are horrific, she writes them in a way that after reading them you don't feel traumatised. I wont give away any spoilers for this book and just say it has great characters an intriguing story-line and a twist that you wont see coming.

This book was awesome! I loved everything about it. Stoker has a way of writing that grabs your attention and pulls you in from the start. There is always a certain draw to her characters that keeps me invested with them throughout the read, as well as the fact that she always integrates real, believable scenarios surrounding the characters; whether it is abuse, bullying, appearance, social awkwardness, etc., regardless of the circumstances, they have something important and monumental to overcome. I always enjoy her depiction of the men in her stories, military or ex-military who have a strong sense of duty and honor as well as compassionate and caring natures towards the women they fall for and the resilient, strong women that come into their lives.

Defending Morgan was a heartwarming story full of suspense, action, mystery, drama, emotional conflict and sweet romance. Arrow was completely swoon worthy and endearing and I loved his handling of Morgan. His heart was invested with her from the beginning and he was her emotional rock and physical shield/protector to the world. He was patient and caring and understanding of her circumstances and was a solid unwavering presence at her side as they uncovered the truth of her kidnapping and abuse and helped her to rebuild her life. My heart broke for Morgan, with all she endured and survived after being kidnapped, abused, held captive for over a year then surprisingly rescued and thrust back into society with her family, the media and police and someone still after her. She had so much trauma, emotional and physical, as well as dealing with her parents and life in general as she struggled to find her place. With everything she had undergone, she had so much to overcome but she was a survivor; strong, levelheaded and determined to get her life back. She and Arrow had such a special connection, an unbreakable bond of trust, and I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom and the fact that nothing was ever rushed, it was slow and steady and believable. Stoker also does a wonderful job of suspenseful buildup. The twists and turns the story takes to get to the truth behind Morgan’s kidnapping was gripping and I was shocked to discover the culprit. I never suspected it, I had someone else in mind. Arrow and Morgan’s journey to their HEA was emotional and sweet and I loved watching their journey.

As with all Stoker’s other books, this one can be read as a standalone but I think it would be better enjoyed reading it in series order to meet all the guys and their ladies. This book does touch on trigger subjects such as kidnapping, implied rape and torture, and emotional trauma but the subjects are handled delicately with care, no explicit acts are described. And staying consistent with her other stories, we get a teaser for the next book in the series at the end. This was a great story beginning to end and I look forward to the next in the series.

*I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley and I am providing my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy thru Netgallery of Defending Morgan book 3 in the Mountain Mercenaries Series . I really was intrigued from the beginning very enjoyable . This story is intense and suspenseful, very action packed story line . Morgan is such a strong and fierce exceptional soul a perfect match for alpha Hero Arrow . The relationship blooming between Arrow and Morgan is a beautiful and wonderful .
This story has very emotional and somewhat dark elements . It is an on the edge of your seat story . Quite a page Turner with twists and turns . This story is absolutely as fantastic as the others in the Mountain Mercenaries Series . The characters are fabulous each member of the team is unique and wonderful . I am looking forward to reading more in this series . I highly recommend taking the time to read .💟

Recovery and love…

This was another suspense and romance-filled romanced from Susan Stoker! Her military men are top of their game and when their latest mission results in not one but two rescues, the drama was just beginning…

Morgan had been through hell but Arrow and his team not only brought her home but provided the support she needed to move forward. The physical chemistry between the two main characters didn’t hurt either. Complicated family and a mystery not yet solved, meant Morgan wasn’t afraid to reach out for a steadying hand or a reassuring pep talk. And Arrow? He was hooked on one of the strongest women he’d ever met so was never far away, wanting to be there for her.

This author knows how to write, well, almost anything. Dialogue, action, romance, suspense – they are blended together here with intriguing characters that range all over the good/bad guy map. Morgan and Arrow’s relationship moved at just the right pace as the danger surrounding them played out…

Another great addition to the series…

Susan Stoker adds just the right amount of romance, mystery, suspense, and action to create a novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you read anxiously through the pages as fast as you can to find that happy ending.

I love all of Susan Stoker's books, but this was one of her best. It had all the usual factors that make her books so good (strong female character, alpha male, team dynamics), plus a mystery that had me genuinely wondering how things would end. Definitely worth a read!

So I requested this book for (probably) obvious reasons. It's not often that I see my name other than when I write it down. I've always liked those cheesy little personalized things, but mostly because it's so rare to actually find one with my name on it. This has gotten better in more recent years, but it doesn't change my excitement. haha.

I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I didn't expect the aftermath of the things that had happened to Morgan to be handled so well. Some things that bear repeating to myself. Even though I hadn't read either of the preceeding books, the first thing I did on finishing was to pull up Amazon to purchase them.

Not starting at the beginning didn't detract anything from the story, and though there were some small plot points that were given away for those two stories, I don't see where it will take anything away from my enjoyment of them as well.

Sooo Gooood!! This story will grab you and suck you in from the first page! It is mysterious, exciting, heartbreaking and romantic! I loved how Arrow was so patient with Morgan and her PTSD. The mystery of who was the villain was captivating and and kept me guessing almost to the end. I LOVE stories like that and this was right on the money! I didn’t want it to end!!

I have read every book written by Susan Stoker and Defending Morgan is my second favorite (Protecting Caroline being my favorite as that is the book that introduced me to Ms. Stoker's writing). Morgan's experiences resonated powerfully with me for very personal reasons. This is a must read for fans of Ms. Stoker and also would be the perfect book to introduce you to her as an author.

Thanks to Netgalley for this advanced copy.

Defending Morgan is the third book in the Mountain Mercenaries series by Susan Stoker. The characters in this book are strong and show that strength in how they deal will all that life has thrown at them. This baseline for this story does contain kidnapping and sexual abuse so if you do not like this subject in your books, be warned. Story line does have lots of twists and turns

Susan Stoker does it again. Another great story that I didn't want to put down. I absolutely loved it. Morgan was a strong woman that had a lot to overcome after her abduction and subsequent rescue, I adored her because she did her best to not let things get her down even if there were some bumps on the road. Arrow was determined to do what he needed to do for Morgan, even if it hurt him. The story as a whole was great, and I was surprised by the “villain”. I love this series and can't wait to find out who Rex is (there's finally explanation of why he organized the Mountain Mercenaries, so Yay!!), let alone get the stories for the other guys.