This book sat on my To Read pile for quite some time because I was slightly put off when I realized it was told in first person present tense (alternating viewpoints). I'm not typically a fan of first person narrators, but I've read a couple of decent ones recently, so I finally decided to give this one a shot.

It started off really good. I found the characters interesting and I wanted to know more about their backstories. And the two are cute. Both are older (Brielle is 40, and I'm assuming Allen is in his 40s as well) and have fairly traumatic pasts that have led them to be more or less celibate for a long time, which is rare in books, especially for the male protagonist, and they both immediately feel that something is different about each other. (One should be warned that there are trigger warnings, which I'll list at the bottom of this review, though they are mostly alluded to.)

As the book went on, it started to fall into the TSTL-woman-in-peril trap, where Brielle feels like she has to be part of her investigation every step of the way and at one point decides enough is enough. Fortunately, she mostly sees reason before things get too stupid. However, I found myself liking her less and less the longer the story went on.

Allen, is less annoying, though his hot-cold behavior, particularly in the first half of the novel, gets a little old. However, he makes it very clear that he knows he's being stupid, and I kind of love that.

Ultimately, the story's climax is not too surprising, though it's not entirely predictable. That said, the reason it's not too predictable is that the villain's rationale is it particularly believable or fleshed out. I'm being vague to prevent spoilers.

However, this book is one that you can read pretty quickly, which makes it perfect for the beach or a long plane ride where you just don't want to spend too much time thinking. There will be more in this series, the author's note says 7, and I will definitely consider picking them up.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion.

Trigger warnings: Violent assault--likely sexual--in a character's past; assault and threatened rape in present

It started out pretty interesting, but I couldn't make it past chapter 4. It just wasn't the type of book I was expecting nor one I was interested in. I think other people might enjoy it though.

I loved this book. Brielle was such a great main character and I really love her! The romance was amazing and you could feel the chemistry and tension between the two main characters. Overall this was a great romance and I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Brielle is a survivor which made her a compelling character. She can handle just about anything on her own until a stalker threatens to get past her armor. That is where the very good looking Allen comes into the picture. He is just the man to protect Brielle when two forces of nature are needed for this battle.

This is a really fast paced book so it's the perfect beach read. The storyline is well done and the characters are easy to identify with. The only thing I was not 100% sold on was the first person perspective and the switch from Brielle to Allen's thinking, I would have really liked to see this done as one flowing continuous story rather than the shifts in perspective. Otherwise, really great effort and I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

The FMC was so wonderfully written I can't even express it. She was strong and powerful but not in a snarky way which shows how well written this book was written overall. As someone who sometimes reads books where they aren't being saved FROM the stalker and they go FOR the stalker, this book gave me a new trope to enjoy! I can't wait to read more of this author and series.

Heartbroken individuals finding comfort, solace and passion in their relationship as they come together under trying circumstances.

Brielle is already a survivor but is experiencing further issues which she eventually seeks protection for. She had previously met Allen but to be fair, he hadn’t made a great impression so trust and feelings take a while to build.

Quite pacy with a fair amount of suspense the story does pull you in and overall the characters are likeable and story engaging.

One downside for me is that the authors writing style includes a lot of internal dialogue which I tended to find a little annoying after a while.

Saving Brielle (Love's Defender Book 1) by Faith Hart
Publisher: 2 of Harts Publishing
Publication Date: March 22, 2022
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance

Saving Brielle is the first book in the new Love's Defender series by Faith Hart. I don't even know where to start! This book is so good!

Brielle is a fierce, independent, strong woman who has overcome so much and is willing to keep fighting for her life, no matter what. She is supported by her best friend and (eventually) Allen, who has his own heartbreak & loss to overcome.

I was fascinated by this book! I love a good mystery and this one kept me on the edge of my seat! I also love books when our leading lady goes to back for herself (with the support of her sexy man) and I was cheering Brielle on in this one!

This was a fast read and I think it was because I could not put it down! I loved the characters and can't wait for the future books to be released! (I think there may be 7 in total!) I absolutely loved this book! If you enjoy books by Susan Stoker and Katie Reus, you'll love this one! This is a must read!!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.