His To Defend is a well-paced, steamy, suspenseful romance that I totally enjoyed.

Evie is just the type of heroine to match Sergei’s almost indomitable swagger. She’s had a difficult past and has made many mistakes. She hasn’t let that dampen her determination or kind spirit. Her son, Emerson, is her reason for living and the driving force behind everything that she does. It is in his interest that she even approaches Sergei, the neighborhood protector. Evie’s interactions with her reserved, worried son are so endearing and really cement her as a lovable main character.

Sergei is most definitely put forward as a conflicted hero. We get a lot of his backstory and it helps to explain his actions and motivations. Although he seems to fall in love with Evie almost immediately, we learn so much about how he views himself, and what he thinks he deserves or doesn’t deserve, that it makes sense that he grabs onto his “light” and won’t let go.

There is some mystery and suspense thrown in as well. I’m mean, this is a story starring a mobster, after all. I don’t want to give too much away, but I loved how the author takes us down a very unexpected road while tying in people from Evie’s life.

With Russian bratva as major players in this narrative, readers certainly get a lesson in the language and some expression are just the sweetest!

All of this set against the beauty, richness, grit and spunk of New Orleans makes for a very atmospheric read.

Overall I give His To Defend 4.5/5 stars and look forward to reading more in the NOLA Knights series.

A book that is set in New Orleans with a single mom Evette raising her son Emerson on her own. When she loses her cleaning lady job for some reason beyond her control she goes to her Auntie’s restaurant to talk out her problem. She also wants to enroll Emerson into a private school that just happened to call her earlier. Deciding to go more steps than necessary she asks to speak to Sergei who is the local Russian Boss. Long story short after listening to her he tells to come to address on card Monday. When Monday comes she has her job and housing solved by working for him at his house as a cleaning lady. She and her son are now living with him in a separate house in the back and Emerson is in the private school. What you think would be easy for her is not because even though she is attracted to him and him to her she still holds back. The story takes off when she begins to let go and you start to find out about her past and about her uncle Carl how Sergei wants to take care of wink, wink. There are some steamy sex scenes nothing over the top and though a few times the story gets a little slow it picks back up. Overall a good book.

I was provided an ecopy of this book as part of a blog tour in exchange for my honest review. This is my first Rhenna Morgan book and it definitely won't be my last. I can't wait to continue on with this series and I also want to read her other books.

I haven't read many Mafia romance books if any to be honest. I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book and honestly I'm still a little torn but at the same time I loved it. I mean what Sergei is/does isn't right but the romance sucked me in.

I was drawn in from the very beginning. I loved Evie. She was such a strong female lead and didn't let anyone walk all over her. She was vulnerable but at the same time fierce. Sergei is so swoon worthy. This book was funny and oh so sexy at times. All the Russian words made it even more swoon worthy for me.

This is a Contemporary Mafia Romance that has an alpha male lead and a fierce female lead that is swoon worthy and sexy with some reveals that I didn't expect. I knew something was up but I wasn't sure what was going to be revealed to us but when it was it made me hate a character even more. I will say that the conflict in the end seemed to be resolved a little too quickly and easily for me but I am still happy with the ending. I definitely recommend this if you haven't already read it. This gets a 5 star rating from me.

This story will draw lovers of contemporary fairytale romance in, like nectar to a bee.

Evie’s strength comes across in the first pages. She’s lost her job, but she has to find another immediately. Her son needs his schooling, and that costs. As the story progresses her character matures, her son is still the centre of her world, but now she realises her actions have consequences, what she has to decide is can she accept them?

Sergei, is an enigmatic man, physically commanding, this is a reflection of his inner strength. He protects those he values, but he is complex and not a good man, in the conventional sense. Organised crime and protection are his worlds, and whilst he would love Evie in his personal life, he keeps her to the fringes, not wanting to sully her.

This a ‘Cinderella’ type romance, but like all true fairytales, it isn’t all hearts and flowers. Crime, danger and violence are part of Sergei’s world. Evie struggles, but she is honest and law-abiding and has her son to think of. Can the chemistry they both feel ever be something more permanent?

The conflicts in this story are realistic and pose moral questions. Should Evie expose her son to a world of crime? Evie has made poor decisions in the past and is determined not to repeat them. So, the chances for a happy ever after for her and Sergei seems remote.

Despite the criminal ethos, the focus is on Evie’s struggle to find a better life for her son. Currently, they live in a poor, high crime area, where he is likely to be drawn into gangs and crime, simply because of where he lives.

Then there’s the romance…

The romance is gentle and courtly, in contrast to the sizzling chemistry. This makes it realistic, because Sergei, doesn’t want to hurt Evie in any way, and Evie has to decide if falling in love with a man like him, is worth the risk.

Compulsive chemistry, realistic contemporary issues and a gentle love story, make this an engaging modern fairytale romance.

I received a copy of this book from Harlequin -Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review,

His to Defend is book #1 in the NOLA Knights' series written by Rhenna Morgan; also the spinoff, to her Men of Heaven series.

When single mother Evette (Evie) Labadie loses her job, she is desperate to find another before Monday. The only person she feels she can turn to would be the local Mob Boss, Sergei Petrovyh.

Sergei Petrovyh is as dangerous as they come. But gentle as can be with the ones that he considers under his protection. He recognizes Evie and her young son as part of his family and would do anything to make sure they want for nothing. So, when Evie ask him for a job, there were no questions where he wanted her to work and for whom.

His to Defend is one of the best books I read this year. I didn't realize that I like Mafia books, but I was all in with this title. The story was out of this world fantastic. I enjoyed everything about the story, from the fast-pace storyline to the hot chemistry between Sergei and Evette.

If I don't recommend any other story by the end of the year, readers should make sure they add His To Defend to their TBR.

His to Defend by Rhenna Morgan is the story of Sergei Petrovyh and Evette 'Evie' Labadie.
Evette is a struggling single mom who is trying to give her son Emerson a better life. When she finds that she needs a new job to help pay for things for him she ends up getting involved with Sergei. Sergei is a Russian mafia boss who is attracted to Evette and comes to care for her son. But of course things are going to be easy in their love story.
Enjoyed their story and hope to read more from this author.

Book Info
Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: October 29th 2019 by Carina Press
ISBN 1335534377 (ISBN13: 9781335534378)
Series NOLA Knights #1
Other Editions (5)
Source:Netgalley EARC
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BOOK BLURB

Book one of NOLA Knights, the heart-stoppingly sexy spinoff series by Men of Haven author Rhenna Morgan


His world. His rules. Her love.

Though his methods may be rough, when it comes to protecting what’s his, Russian vor Sergei Petrovyh’s heart is always in the right place. That’s never been more true than when the gorgeous Evette Labadie asks him for a job. He knows enough to keep his hands off someone as beloved by the locals as Evie, but there’s something about her that calls to him—no matter how badly he burns to make her his.

Don’t think Evie hasn’t noticed the powerful Russian mafia boss who makes her favorite diner a regular stop. How can she not? He’s as hot as his reputation is dangerous. But everyone in her struggling New Orleans neighborhood knows he’s the man to turn to. And right now she needs money to get her son out of trouble.

Her other needs—needs she knows damn well Sergei can more than satisfy—will have to wait.

Evie soon finds herself playing Cinderella to a man who, despite what people believe, is definitely more prince than villain. She can’t help falling deeper in love with each passing day. But when a turf war between Sergei and a rival brings violence to her doorstep, Evie must come to grips with loving a man who will do anything to defend her…or walk away from her best chance at a happily-ever-after of her very own.

This book is approximately 88,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
My Thoughts

Sergei Petrovyh’s world is one filled with danger and his life has a routine that, while not boring, does not fulfill him totally until Evette Labadie and her son Emerson are a part of it.

Evie had her fears before approaching the Russian but once she did those earlier misgivings change and become deeper feelings that she is in no way prepared for or willing to explore, at first.

However Sergei, his men, his staff and her own son soon show the single mother that there is more to life than just existing and that opens her up to all the wonderful experiences her Wolf is wanting to share.

For me, like other fans of this particular author, the draw for alpha male lead/strong female with ability to hold her own and the extra lure of being set in the world of organized crime family in effect brings my immediate attention to her story.

However, what kept my attention and made me really enjoy it was the fact that her story development was smoothly believable from the angle of pairing Sergei with Evie to the innermost intelligence they both share along with their outer good looks.

Nothing sexier to me then a man and woman comfortable in their own skin, a pair whose give and take shows their caring for each other, the loyalty they have to those they consider family or friends as well as each other and which also keeps them grounded.

These two have that in spades, as do other secondary characters as well.

The added backdrop of taking place in historic NOLA was just another plum in the basket of goodies that made up this first book in the new series.

Along with the fact that the Haven crew are going to have cameos here and there, which worked well and looking forward to more of it in later books.

Thanks many times over to Carina Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to once again immerse myself in one of this authors creations, I appreciate it very much.

[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

I have to say that I jumped at the chance to read an advanced copy of this book. This is a completely new to me author, but the synopsis completely captured my attention. I'm a total sucker for a good mafia romance so of course I devoured this one. Plus, I think this is the first book I've read that was set in New Orleans and I just loved it! So I need more immediately.

I fell so hard for both of these main characters. Evie is a struggling single mom that touched my heart, because she reminded me so much of my mother. Her willingness to do whatever it takes to take care of her son, and the hope she still holds out for love made me love her even more. I kept on rooting for her throughout the whole book, even when I wanted her to make different choices. My favorite thing about Evie though, was how she could see the man Sergei really was, not just who he seemed to be on the outside.

And Sergei, well I always love a soft-hearted bad boy. I mean really you can't help but love him. Sure, he does some pretty awful things, I mean come on he's a freakin mafia boss. But I always love the idea of a man protecting the woman he loves at all cost and Sergei does just that. I mean this book had all the great elements, forbidden-esque love story, struggling single mom, adorable kid, and the man who helps her get back on her feet. Plus Evie remains who she is through it all, she does not rely solely on a man to save her. She saves herself. I absolutely loved this!

His To Defend is the first book in the Nola Knights a spin off from the Men of Haven series. A great read to kick off this series with captivating characters and a well written and delivered story. If the rest of the books are like this one I can’t wait to read and recommend them.

His to Defend by Rhenna Morgan
NOLA Knights #1

Smiling as I write this. Why? Because this book brought a bit of sunshine into my day just as Evette brought more than a little of it into Sergei’s. Sure...Sergei Petrovyh is creating his own “family” Russian Mafia style in New Orleans so he is not all sugar and spice...definitely more spice than sugar BUT he is a man I could definitely understand. His backstory made him who he was and his desire for something “else” brought him to New Orleans to create it. Meeting Evette and having her ask him for help might have been the first step in their dance but the two had definitely been eyeing one another for some time before she asked him to help her find a job.

Evette is loved by those in her community. She is a single mother raising seven year old Emerson and doing the best she can. Her parents died much too soon and it was not easy for her. The one true friend she has is Dorothy, her mother’s best friend. She works hard, is frugal and hopes to one day pursue the dreams she had before the loss of her parents and arrival of her son. Taking the step she did to reach out to someone known to be dangerous wasn’t easy but it seemed right at the time and over time...following her gut was definitely the best decision she ever made.

Sergei had a tough childhood but managed to accidentally fall into the right hands...hands that helped him move from a bad situation to one where he found family in the Russian mob. As one of the favors from his Pakhan he was given the opportunity to set up his own family and he chose to do so in New Orleans. He knows he is dark and that bringing someone so bright, cheerful and filled with light into his life might not be wise but then...when is it always the best thing to be wise?

This story sizzled. It made me care and want to find out how the two would end up finding their HEA. There were no bumps in the road or big kerfuffles but there were some issues to be addressed before the two finally did settle in together. Some may not like the dominant alpha male that Sergei is but I am one reader who enjoys MC and Mafia romances so this was a good fit for me. I also have read all of the Haven series and was eager to read Sergei’s story...and...now want to find out about the men in his “family” and who they will end up with.

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I like to read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley, Carina Press and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

HIS TO DEFEND is an engrossing and intense romance. Evette is a single mother who would do anything for her son. When she loses her job right before she needs money for tuition at a school he needs, she decides to approach the mafiya boss who works out of the local diner. When she does, Sergei is struck by her and agrees to get her a job.

When she arrives, the job is to manage his household. He immediately takes her into the fold and feels very protective of her and her son. Although she is reluctant to mix business and pleasure, Sergei is impossible to resist.

Although the story is rather predictable, the writing is quite compelling. I had some mixed feelings about some of the events of the story and the possessive/take charge nature which borders with consent. This may be a SPOILER, so stop reading if you don't want to read any spoilers, but there is a scene where protection is not used (after a conversation where she had asked for it) and the fall out felt way too controlling and non-consensual for my liking. However, this may work for some people (it felt a little like an attempt at a forced pregnancy) but felt too uncomfortable to me (consent includes consenting to have unprotected intercourse).

Overall, I liked Evette and her son quite a bit, and the writing flows very well. I would have liked the main male character to be toned down a little in his controlling nature to fully get on board with the story.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Another good story, but one where I didn't really feel the love between the two MCs. Complete and total admiration and respect, but not really love. I think it happened too quickly, or maybe it was because the story focused so much on other things happening, or it could have even been how determined he was vs. how she was not. I'm not sure. I did really like it a lot though, so that's weird.

I was really excited to read this story because meeting Sergei before in another series by Morgan, I really was interested in him. He's really not like his kid of adopted brothers, but similar. I mean, he's basically a mob boss so there is that. But his ideals and morals are more like those men in the Haven series.

I think my favorite parts of the story were when Emerson was on page. Evette's son was so sweet and he went from a sullen boy to a very open and happy guy who loves his mother and knew when things were better for them and accepted it without a second glance.

Sergei was very alpha male with all his dominance but also loving. Evette was very bossy when she let it out, but also very sweet and kind and loving. They really did fit together well and by the end, I was really rooting for them. I just wish I was rooting for them from the beginning, and that I felt the connection earlier on. A love connection, not just the lust one. Still, I did enjoy this a lot.

If this story is any indication of the remainder of the series, then wow, just wow. I loved the Men of Haven but this book took me over the edge. What is it about Russians that do that to us? I loved Sergei’s manner of speech, his family attitude and the way he never strayed from his endgame, Evette. What I really loved about this book was the honesty. Sergei spoke about it and Evette realized it. They both spoke honestly which in some stories the main characters skirt around issues which of course causes lots of problems. This story was just lovely.

I have never read a book by this author and I DON’T KNOW WHY! This is an awesome book with romance, mafia, and a feisty woman who will do anything for her son. So I will try to explain a little about this story.
Sergi is a Russian mob boss and hasn’t lived in New Orleans long. He lives his life the way he wants and doesn’t take crap from anyone. Evette is a single mother who gets fired from her cleaning job. She runs into Sergi at a diner and asks if he can get her some job interviews. Instead he hires her to take care of his estate. It comes with excellent pay, benefits, and a house on the property to live in. Sergi tries to stay away from her but her goodness shines a light in his darkness. Can Sergi convince Evette to be his bride or will his occupation drive a wedge between them?
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *

Holy crap what a book! I realize that wasn't the most elegant way to start a book reciew but come on, you read and see if your first response isn't something similar. I want to see that in movie form. PLEASE!! I'm speechless. Seriously and completely speechless.

When Evette loses her job that she needs to put food on the table and get her son into a school all the teachers are recommending, and possibly put a smile on his face again she'll do whatever she has to do to just get a job by Monday, even ignoring a warning from her godmother if necessary. And it is necessary. What she doesn't know is that he is going to upend her world.

Read this book for an amazing story of honesty, loyalty, and possibly the best love possible.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Good read. Pretty straightforward with not a great deal of drama. No one lost their mind or decided something major without the other. Hot and sexy parts, but there were some areas that needed more explaining. Set up a shopping trip and never talked of it again. More background needed for Sergei and why he left. More on Sergei’s sidekicks too. I know the author wanted us to think the seven year old was mature....but really I don’t know any seven year old that acts and does what Emerson did. And what mother lets her seven year old hang out with 12 year olds? The love story is sweet and somewhat easy, but sometimes you just didn’t feel it between them and really no talk of love just safety.

Good read, I guess I might be being picky. Received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review

❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

I will first say that the book is an enjoyable read .
The characters are believable and intriguing.
The storyline was good to , Tense romantically and due to danger lurking.
The general overall book I enjoyed, it had a great feeling to it that was something that kept me reading , wanting to know the end result.

However in places it lost its rhythm , this put me off .
I like a book to hold my attention throughout to grip me and not let go.

NOTE
Please remember that this is my personal view.
Look at other reviews to get an overall experience.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

**Review will be posted on my blog on 10/24/2019 for the His to Defend Blog Tour - http://pastmidnight.home.blog**

Thank you to Carina Press and NetGalley for giving me a chance to read an eARC of this book.

Russian mob? A damsel in distress? New Orleans? This story is a contemporary adult fiction with a Cinderella vibe but much much MUCH more scintillating than the original story.

Evette Labadie is a sweet single mother with some challenges securing a job. She needs one right away to get funds to send her son to a private school. Sergei Petrovyh has a reputation in New Orleans as a mob boss kind of figure, with lots of connections. To hear Sergei say it, it’s a lifestyle, it’s bratva or a brotherhood. He has power, connections, money and will do whatever is necessary to protect his own and he has an eye on Evette. Evette asks Sergei to help her, and he does…and then some!

While the story is somewhat predictable: powerful man rescues woman in need, I don’t think it takes away from the story at all. It’s one of those stories that’s addicting if mobster romance is your thing. Their relationship does happen really quick with not a lot of resistance on her part. Evette does have some spunk in her, but deep down she is a sweetheart and gives in to her attraction to Sergei. As for Sergei…he is 🔥🔥🔥 in the bedroom and so soft and protective towards Evette outside of it. I mean, he does get his way at times because he is a powerful, alpha kind of man. But I like how he’s cautious and easy with her son Emerson as well.

Outside of their love story is a situation close to Evette that threatens Sergei and Evette’s lives. But hey…Sergei’s a powerful man. He takes care of it. 👀🕶

Overall this is an enjoyable, hot read, with sweetness, a little danger, lots of sexy moments, and a happily ever after!

I have been waiting to read this book since Rhenna announced it. And man! She does not disappoint. Sergei I was familiar with from Knox and Darya’s book but here you will witness the whole spectrum of his personality. When Evette and Emerson enter his world everything just shifts and settles within him and he knows that they are exactly what he needs to make his family.

If you liked the Haven series you are going to love the NOLA Knights series. The best part is you will continue to get glimpses into the Haven brotherhood as well because they are Sergei’s extended family. Ooh all these alpha males and their equally alpha female just keep growing and getting better.

After discovering Rhenna Morgan and her awesome writing in the Ancient Ink series, I was very happy to see the start of a new series: NOLA Knights. This is a spin-off of her Men of Haven series, which I haven't read (yet!), but it is perfectly understandable without reading those. Rhenna has the ability to suck you right into the story from the very beginning. And although Sergei is a Russian mobster in New Orleans, you just can't help but fall for the big bad guy. Because beneath the harsh exterior there is a wonderful, loving and caring man, who will stop at nothing to defend the ones he loves.
And when Evie turns to him, to help her meet ends to ensure a good future for her son, Sergei takes her into his household. But soon she realizes that Sergei didn't only offer her a place to work, but a place in his bed and in his life. Ensuring that no harm will come to her, ever.
Is Evie prepared to give up her solitary life, to give her son the education he needs? But at which price? Because being with the biggest mafia boss in the neighborhood will create other problems. When Evie realizes that Sergei will stop at nothing to save her, she must choose whether she can live with that. Or not... Suspense, drama and heartbreaking choices. What a wonderful trip! Thank you very much Rhenna and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc. Five out of five stars from me and I'll be waiting for the next parts in this series.