Insta-love is never my jam, but I enjoyed this one, despite a few plot elements that were a little much. I wish we’d gotten more character development, but otherwise, the story was enjoyable but could trigger some.

I love the Mountain Mercenaries series, so far. Arrow is so sweet and patient with Morgan. I love that even though Morgan has her own issues, cares about the everyone else as well, and helps the other little girl who had been kidnapped.

Wow. By far the most emotional book I have read in awhile. Morgan is so strong, much stronger than she realizes. To go though what she did, and come out on the other side, props to her. Arrow was all man. So understanding and protective. I enjoyed how you got to use your imagination to figure out all of what was done to Morgan, nothing was too graphically spelled out. The TWIST. Double wow. Really enjoying these Mountain Mercenaries. Bring on Black. #NetGalley #DefendingMorgan #bestbooksofar

I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. This is book three in the Mountain Mercenaries books but can be read on its own. Morgan has spent the last year in hell, a victim of a senseless kidnapping. Archer was there to find a missing child and unknowingly also finds Morgan. They struggle to get free but also to get to the bottom of what happened and why Morgan was taken. There is an instant connection betthe two but is it real or just due to the circumstances? I love, love, love how the author showed the struggles for both characters dealing with the aftermath, making it realistic as no one who’s dealt with what Morgan has is going to jump right into a relationship so the romance is “soft,” but like anything that’s worth it both Morgan and Archer fight for each other. There’s also a BIg twist that will knock your socks off. Along the way those who’ve read previous books in the series will see familiar faces but you can easily follow along if this is your first one. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for more.5stars

Archer is part of the Mountain Mercenaries and is sent to rescue a little girl kidnapped by her father. They didn’t expect to find a woman who’d been missing for a year. Morgan has been taken from a parking garage after going to a club with friends. They get them both back to the states and Morgan stays with Archer for awhile. He falls for her and is willing to do anything for her to feel safe. They haven’t found out who kidnapped her but they aren’t giving up until they do. Morgan has feelings for Archer but is not sure if she’ll ever be able to have a physical relationship with him. Archer doesn’t care as long as she’s with him.
Great story with a strong, beautiful woman and a handsome ex Marine. Very suspenseful with action and emotional angst. Total shocker that will have you on the edge of your seat.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

So I am an overall fan of this author, but this book was just OK for me. I think it had too many similarities to Protecting Fiona. I liked the element of mystery involved and it kept me guessing, but the "villain" was exposed very abruptly in my opinion, and then the story was done. I also found myself with more questions than answers as to how the "villain" pulled off the ruse.

Still a fan, just thought this one had some holes.

Another winner by this author! She certainly knows how to write strong, alpha men with hearts of gold that will defend and protect those they love while also exhibiting soft, swoon-worthy, sexy sides as well. This is Arrow and Morgan's story and it doesn't disappoint -- lots of action, mystery, drama, steam -- everything I've come to love and expect from her. This is the 3rd book in the Mountain Mercenaries series but can absolutely be read as a standalone -- although I would suggest reading them all because you can't go wrong and each one is just as good as the other -- I honestly can't pick a favorite. Arrow is such a patient, caring, sensitive hero! As with all the books in this series, there are some deep emotional issues that are dealt with in a very compassionate, understanding way. And I loved Morgan--she's another strong, willful, brave young woman that I admired and respected from the first page I read! Can't wait to read Black's story next. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

ARC received for review

Arrow was amazing and perfect for newly rescued Morgan. This book was so realistic after the trauma and hardships that she went through. The kidnapper....OH MY....never saw that one coming. The rest of the team are just as amazing as always.

Loved the teaser about Black's book, but I was hoping it was going to be Ball after...no spoilers here.

I received a copy of Defending Morgan (Mountain Mercenaries, Book 3) by Susan Stoker from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first novel by Susan Stoker that I have read and even though I'm always a little leery jumping into an ongoing series in case the novels build on each other rather than share the same space and marginally overlap, it was not terribly difficult to pick up the world of Mountain Mercenaries. I haven't read the rest of this series, but it was easy to sort out the characters and their relationships.

The good: I found the novel to be well written and the dialogue between the characters (primary characters as well as secondary) was entertaining and enjoyable. The kidnapping was horrific, but I think the author handled discussion or flashbacks appropriately. Also, the chemistry + attraction between the main characters - Morgan Byrd and Archer “Arrow” Kane - was believable in the context of this story.

The bad: my main critique was that the end of the story felt very rushed with the reveal of the villain and aftermath of it.. So I'd give it 4 stars in all.

Arrow and the boys went to Santa Domingo to rescue a kidnapped 5yr old girl. They did not expect to find an abused female, who intended to protect the little one with her life! They recognised the female once she identified herself and now they have to adapt their plans to get off the island.

Whilst Morgan never goes to in-depth with her hellish ordeal, the Mercenaries can read between the lines and Arrow especially is determined that nothing else will happen to his brave lady. Little Nina was a total trooper but she really sees Morgan as her friend and protector and they have a really tight bond which is explored more during the book.

Arrow and Morgan are more of a slow burner in the romance, partly due to the abuse that Morgan suffered. But Arrow is in for the long haul, whether Morgan is willing to accept it yet or not! He doesn't care if it takes years but he is determined to have a relationship with her!

As usual, there were a couple of Aha moments that turned into WTF moments! I had an inkling at who was involved but didn't realise the depth of the insanity!

Susan Stoker is the queen of writing about hot, protective alphas. The 3rd book of this new series serves up a sexy, page turner. The lovable characters and happily ever after will leave you happy!

Great read. Very very happy with the plot/storyline. Am a fan of Susan stoker and was afraid this plot maybe similar to another from her other series and even had to stop and take a breath during the first few chapters because I was going to be disappointed. But is wasn’t! It is a great read, highly original ( not like the other story). Very suspenseful and had you guessing until the end. I found my self going back and fourth to who was the bad guy Nd it took everything in me not to go ahead and take a peak. It was well worth it not to cheat. Loved it. Best by far as far as suspense and mystery as well as emotional

This is book 3 in the Mountain Mercenaries series and I would absolutely read the first 2 before reading this one. Or at least the last one because the epilogue of that book leads into this one. This one is about Archer “Arrow” Kane and Morgan Byrd. Morgan, as we saw at the end of the last book, had been kidnapped and missing for over a year when Arrow and his team came across her. And he is bound and determined to get her home and safe no matter what. While doing that, he not only discovers that she is one of the strongest women he has ever met but that there might be more to her kidnapping that any of them originally thought.

I absolutely loved this book! Morgan is definitely beyond strong! She has been through things that no woman should ever have to go through and when the situation becomes worse, she still manages to step up and try to protect a little girl. Throw in the circumstances of her kidnapping and the things that happen once she is home? And this woman has more fortitude in her little finger than most people have in their whole families!! Arrow definitely lives up to the creed for the team that he is a part of. And even knowing that he wants to protect someone beyond anything, he still manages to be the kind of man I like who can step back and let someone make the decisions that are best for them. Regardless of what his own personal feelings may be. I loved them both! Their characters and story suck you in from the start and it definitely made it so I couldn't put this book down until I finished it! I can't wait to see where the rest of the team's stories take us!

This was an excellent story. The hero was a very strong alpha male who sizzled the pages. The heroine herself was just as strong in dealing throughout her nightmare. This story has a wonderful plot which engages the readers interest to continue to turn pages. For me that was a plus, along with the fact that previous heroes from the other books in the series were present along with their heroines. The truly keeps the reader interested in the series.

The only negative I found was in two places. The first being towards the end where we do not witness her father's reaction to the outcome. Which in my opinion should be in the book because it was such a big part of what occurred to Morgan. The second is in the epilogue. There are two full paragraphs that are repeated almost back to back. They are verbatim. This needs to be fixed before publication.

I look forward to the other stories in this series because so far this author has a hit on her hand with the series.

This was an enjoyable read. As with other books in the series / by this author, you know going in that its HEA. While formulaic throughout, I had no issue finishing the books and will continue to read this author.

Susan Stoker is a new author to me, and one I will definitely be reading again. Book 3 in this Mountain Mercenaries series can definitely be read as a standalone. Action packed from the first chapter, we see former Navy SEAL Archer ‘Arrow’ Kane up against kidnappers and lowlifes as he tries to protect Morgan Byrd whilst finding the best way to get her back to the United States from the Dominican Republic. If they manage to escape her captors they will have to try and work out who could be responsible for taking Morgan in the first place. Great writing, told in dual POV, a story full of suspense, a modern day whodunnit that keeps you guessing throughout. I loved all the characters, those Mountain Mercenaries really are a great example of sexy, alpha and compassionate. Morgan is practical and sweet with a hard exterior that Arrow slowly starts to break through, he is so patient. Morgan’s parents really are selfish and I was impressed with how the group didn’t let them take over Morgan’s life. With parents like hers it really is a miracle that she’s turned out to be so level headed. Highly enjoyable action romance that deals with some emotional issues. I look forward to reading more from Susan Stoker. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest review.

DEFENDING MORGAN by Susan Stokes is an intense story with a happy ending. Morgan is a brave and believable character. Arrow and his team to in to rescue a little girl. They find Morgan also being held captive. The rescue is dangerous and stressful. Once back in the States the team tackles the question of who had Morgan kidnapped and held for the past year. Everyone's a suspect!

Another great book in this series! Ms. Stoker is a master at character development and intriguing plots, and this book is no different. The story of Morgan and Arrow kept me turning pages as fast as I could to find out who was behind Morgan's kidnapping. In true fashion of Ms. Stoker, who is not afraid to take her characters to realistic, dark places, this one is frightening.

A sincere thank you to NetGalley, Montlake Romance, and the author for providing an ARC for review.

Morgan went through so much during her kidnapping. The thought that it's not over once she's rescued would have broken anyone. As long as she knew that Arrow was going to be there, she was strong enough to endure.
Defending Morgan, is a great addition to this series. I always enjoy Stoker's books.

Another excellent book by Susan Stoker! Defending Morgan is book 3 in the Mountain Mercenaries series and I am enjoying this one the best so far. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

I am not sure if I am going to be able to express how much in awe I am of Morgan! She was kidnapped a year ago and to imagine the torture she endured is really indescribable. I am glad to say those moments were not detailed but with the snippets we were given, we can understand. Despite her ordeal, she is a fighter and protector. The way she protected Nina was awe-inspiring! And after she was rescued, how she held it together showed such strength, emotionally and physically. And Arrow was just plain awesome. I just loved how he was with Morgan, he was immediately drawn to her and her resilience. And as the days go by his feelings for her kept growing. He just understood her and knew exactly how to approach her.

Then we get to the part where we find out truth of why and by whom she was kidnapped. Talk about a doozy of a tale!! I was on pins and needles throughout the story. Even though I had an inkling of who it was, I was still shocked!

I loved everything about this book and can not wait for the next story.

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake Publishing for the complimentary copy of Defending Morgan. All opinions are my own.