Contracted Defense is the third book in the Safeguard series by Piper J. Drake. This author is known for her romantic/action/adventure/suspense novels which is always going to engage the brain in trying to solve the mystery or how the protagonists are going to get out of the situation they find themselves in. The suspense always thrills, the romance is always fast paced and erotic but the characterization never suffers despite everything going on.
In Contracted Defense, we have a female lead, Victoria, who really is the lead and not the damsel in distress. She is the senior agent in the team and she is partnered with the new recruit in the private security business of Safeguard. She is in the middle of a contested divorce, she finds herself on a fork-road when it comes to her career decisions plus she needs to blow off some steam. Enter Adam, the new recruit, who also happens to be a very hot one night stand that she was never to see again much less in a professional capacity. Adam is also on his second chance career wise after an honorable discharge in the army. The romance might seems insta love for this two however I do love the way that they interact during their assignment. This romance works in all aspects for this two. The characters are multidimensional, the plot appears simple but the execution is definitely going to blow your mind with all the action and the sex is hot. Contracted Defense will definitely drum up interest for the series!

This is the third book in Safeguard series by Piper Drake, but the first one I’ve read. I was intrigued when I read the synopsis and knew I wanted to read it.

Victoria Ash is an agent with Safeguard, but is a little less self-assured than you would think someone in her position would be. She is going through a long and drawn out divorce and is not really looking for anything new, including a new partner. She’s very meticulous and focuses on work.

Adam Hick is the rookie, the new agent with Safeguard and the one night stand that Victoria never thought she’d see again. Adam is very recently out of the military and lets what happened to him while enlisted affect him, but we only find out bits and pieces of what happened throughout the story.

After hooking up at a party, Adam and Victoria become partners the next day. Adam wants to continue their “affair” but Victoria is all business and wants to just do the job they were assigned. You can see the attraction between the two and how much Adam wants more with Victoria, who just wants to focus on the job and figuring out who is coming after their client. As the story progresses you see Victoria give in more to her feelings and after the action of the story, and Adams willingness to risk his life for her’s you start to see Victoria’s attitude change.

I think at some points the plot of the story, a romantic suspense, gets overshadowed by the romance part, and the main action did not take place till the end. Otherwise this was a good story.

I like romantic suspense and I liked the first book in this series (I haven't read book two yet) so I was happy when the publisher approved my review request for this one. "Contracted Defense" worked fine as a stand alone.


The story gets off to a fast, if cliched start. Safeguard agent Victoria Ash and former Marine, newly-hired Safeguard agent, Adam Hicks meet and have a one night stand, then discover the next morning that they are now work partners. Raise your hand if you didn't see that coming. Yawn.


Despite that inauspicious start, "Contracted Defense" thoughtful, steamy blend of action, mystery and romance. Victoria is freshly divorced, has a tight rein on her feelings and is an organized, somewhat anal creature of habit who has trouble delegating, trusting, and sharing. Adam is a mostly laid back New Zealand citizen who served in the US Marines and was honorably discharged under a cloud. Both Adam and Victoria are experts at what they do. They've been hired to beef up security by a local business but come to realize he's keeping vital information from them. The mystery was a little confusing to begin with but gradually made sense and Adam got to show off his skills and his ridiculous sense of humor. There was forward motion on the series story arc though not as much as I would have liked.



As they try to figure out what's going they're also dealing with their feelings for each other. It's hard for Victoria to trust whether it's other people's work or their willingness not to hurt her. Adam had a knack for respectfully challenging Victoria and making her think without challenging her authority or attacking her. He even coaxes her out a side of her that is little used; passionate, open, even playful. He did have one huge flaw, something at irritates in books and real life. He had the condescending attitude that finds a woman upset or angry to be "cute" or "attractive":


Of course, if she did decide to butt heads with him on it, at least he enjoyed the glory of her temper. She was beautiful when she's worked up some anger, and he'd bet her rage was glorious.


Yeah, it's nice he isn't afraid of her temper but respect, which he usually has, is completely missing from this scenario. Grrrrr.


"Contracted Defense" had a fast start, then a slow steady pace then boom, around 69% the pace picks up and pretty soon there are explosions left and right. As in the first book, Drake goes into too much detail about security. Some detail, yes, to establish authenticity and ground the story, but then she went into eye-glaze territory. Despite that, Drake wrote a story that smoothly told of a emotional romance, a slightly confusing but engaging mystery and progress on series arc. It was engaging, sexy, sweet, and full of intrigue.

Contracted Defense is the third book in Piper J. Drake’s Safeguard series, which focuses on members of an elite security agency called Safeguard. I have also read the second book, Deadly Testimony, but not the first one, Hidden Impact. There is enough backstory mentioned throughout the book that it can be read as a standalone.

In this installment, the focus is on Safeguard Security Expert Victoria Ash and her new partner Adam Hicks. Victoria comes in contact with Adam in a very interesting and passionate way. After dispatching some belligerent bar patrons while attending a party at a hotel, Victoria and Adam have what they expected to be a one night stand between two strangers. Everything changes the next day when they find out that they are partners. Ever the professional, Victoria advises Adam to forget what happened the night before. However, Adam has different ideas and makes it clear to Victoria that he still intends on pursuing her after their assignment is over. Instead of following the usual script, Victoria doesn’t shut him down. She decides to go outside of her comfort zone and keep an open mind. They soon find out that their relationship isn’t the most complicated piece of the mission. Their client is keeping secrets which make it very difficult to protect him and they have other enemies within their midst.

I really liked Contracted Defense. It was packed with several very steamy moments between Victoria and Adam. They had plenty of sparks between them and had no problem with creating those sparks in places outside of the bedroom. Plus, there was some hand to hand combats and gun battles. The story played out like a Hollywood action movie at the end. The writing was great and I really felt like I was in the middle of everything. If there is another book, I will definitely have to read it.

3.75 stars--CONTRACTED DEFENSE is the third installment in Piper Drake’s contemporary, adult SAFEGUARD romantic, suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for the SAFEGUARD Division of the Centurion Corporation-military veterans turned mercenaries for hire who specialize in protection and security. This is Safeguard agent Victoria Ash, and former US solider Adam Hicks’ story line. CONTRACTED DEFENSE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I would recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise and threat throughout.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Victoria and Adam) CONTRACTED DEFENSE focuses on the Safeguard’s latest assignment-a well to do businessman whose need for protection appears unwarranted. With a well-trained security team already in place, Safeguard sends in Victoria Ash, and newcomer Adam Hicks- Victoria’s one-night stand from the night before, and the man with whom Victoria will fall in love. As Victoria and Adam struggle to ensure their latest contract duties are met, secrets behind the walls of the beautiful estate place our leading couple in a perilous situation. What ensues is the building romance between Victoria and Adam, and the potential fall-out as Safeguard Security falls victim to a former adversary.

The relationship between Victoria and Adam is one of immediate attraction. When Victoria is partnered with her anonymous one-night stand she is reluctant to further explore the attraction between them. Adam is willing to give their relationship a try but Victoria is fresh off a divorce, and the resulting aftermath has hardened her heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Gabriel Diaz and his fiancée Maylin Chen (Hidden Impact #1) , sniper Lizzy Scott (Deadly Testimony #2) : billionaire businessman Roland Edwards; Roland’s in house security team- Dante, Ray, Brian and Jay- a man who struggles with Adam’s presence on his latest assignment.

CONTRACTED DEFENSE continues to focus on the negative rumors circulating throughout the security industry-rumors that are directly affecting Safeguard’s contracts and their bottom line. Their battle with Phoenix Biotech does not appear to be over although their relationship with Seattle law enforcement and the US Marshals office should have garnered most positive coverage.

CONTRACTED DEFENSE is a story of suspense, intrigue, romance and love. The premise is energetic and exciting although the guilty party is easily deduced; the characters are spirited and dynamic; the romance is intimate and intense.

CONTRACTED DEFENSE is a sexy, passionate and dramatic story line that will captivate your attention from the very start.

Copy supplied for review

THE READING CAFÉ: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/contracted-defense-safeguard-3-by-piper-j-drake-review-excerpt-giveaway-tour/


GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2085758178


AMAZON.COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3GWTA0IUGA6Q5/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B01AREQSI6


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/buzz/160978336


B&N: (Sandy_thereadingcafe): posted

CHAPTERS/INDIGO: (Sandy_At_The_Reading_Cafe): posted

BAM (Sandy Sch) posted

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

Third book in the series and it starts with strangers, Safeguard Agent Victoria and Ex-Marine Adam, having a one night stand only to discover they are Safeguard new partners the next morning. I'd like to say I didn't see that coming, but I did. Predictable is the name of this edition of the Safeguard Series.

Something bad is brewing with the Safeguard reputation. There are nasty rumors swirling about, all innuendo with no substance, but with enough bite to discourage the type of client they want to attract. The plot gets bogged down in the minutia of "the job". A lot of focus is given to the "contract" and what implementation of it will involve. Top that off with a more than acceptable levels of angst and self-examination for both the H/h and you get bored real quick.

The job starts as a standard security system install, but something off about the scared to death client, Roland. Even his dog, Tegan, doesn't want to be around this anxious man. To complicate matters, Jay, Adam's old unit mate - not a friend, is a new hire for Roland's security team. Jay takes passive-aggressive, narcissism to new levels. The scope of this job evolves quickly and Victoria and Adam have a lot to work through in a very short period of time and their out of this world attraction doesn't help the situation. But, both of them are professionals and the job comes before anything else.

Adam Hicks has returned home with an honourable discharge to his name, but he's missing the action he saw during multiple tours while active duty. Signing on with Safeguard seems like a good idea until he discovers his new partner is the gorgeous Victoria Ash, a woman he's already familiar with. Will the pair working together compromise the assignment they're working or will their attraction be a good thing?

I've read the True Heroes series by Ms. Drake, but I haven't had the chance to read any of the books of this series yet until this one, but I've got to say that this book was an attention-grabbing, fast-paced, gripping read, most especially when this story finally gets to the action and the face off against the bad guys. However, in saying that, I just wished that there was more suspense and action in this book. The way this story started was really engaging and exciting due to the trouble the heroine faces that brings about her introduction to the hero and ignites the strong attraction between them.

As for the dialogue, it was entertaining and had me hooked, as the hero does his best to win the heroine over when it comes to them working together. She's very detail-oriented to the point where she doesn't give up control very easily when it comes to work. Moreover, the heroine has been through tough times and I felt sorry for her when it came to her soon-to-be ex-husband and the problems he's causing her when it comes to their divorce. However, she's a fighter in the way she's resilient, courageous and I liked how determined she was to protect her client and do everything she can to keep them safe, even if it means getting very creative with their escape. I also liked that the heroine didn't give up and that she wasn't afraid to question their client when she thinks he may be hiding something important to do with keeping him safe.

While the hero, he's been through so much due to his time in the military that makes him seem like enemy number one to one of the secondary characters. Yet, he's confident, charming, determined to do whatever it takes to work with the heroine and I liked how protective he was of the heroine when it came to when things became very dangerous for the pair and their client. Even though the heroine can take care of herself when it comes to going up against an enemy, which is proven by her fighting skills.

Overall, Ms. Drake has penned a thrilling read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was fierce; the romance hot and absolutely delightful because no one is more deserving of a second chance at love than the heroine; and the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat due to the suspense of this story. Will the hero and heroine come out of their confrontation with the bad guys unscathed? However, I liked how things turned out for this couple, as the heroine is determined to do whatever it takes to be with the hero. What will happened with their working relationship? I would recommend Contracted Defense by Piper J. Drake, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Katie Ruggle, Zoe Dawson, D.D Ayres and Toni Anderson.

Exciting page turner. Insightful and clever. I skipped over all the intimate parts, but the action was also hot. Several surprises, twists and turns.

The third book in this series by Piper Drake about a security agency started out a little slow for me. That may be because I did not read the second book in this series, and although this is truly a standalone, I felt lost in the first third of this book and now sure how I felt about the main characters, Victoria and Adam. It took me a long time to warm up to Victoria as she was the permanent member of Safeguard (the security agency) and Adam was new to the company. He was immediately a warm interesting character, but Victoria was so buttoned up and stiff that I was not sure how Adam was going to get inside her “walls.” The last half of this book is where the action happened and I did enjoy that part of the book. The romance was good…but it did not give me great “feels.” Altogether an interesting read and I, glad I read it. Thanks as always to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this for an honest review!

Piper J. Drake has quickly become one of my "go-to" authors, and in her latest release, "Contracted Defense", she continues to remind me why. 

We first meet Victoria Ash in an upscale bar in Seattle. She's just trying to enjoy a nice scotch and take a breather. But nothing ever goes easy for our crew working at Safeguard and tonight is no different. Even though the night ends wonderfully for Victoria, and Adam, the next day changes everything. 

Some of the main factors I enjoyed in this book: 

1. I love how this author has so many different cultures in her stories. Not just one character or something. It's many characters, the cuisine, the lifestyles. It's always seamlessly integrated. One of my favorite components in every story she puts out.

2. Victoria's character is assertive, but never arrogant. One thing I loved about her was her confidence. At one point, she's annoyed with Adam and she's explaining her rational. Then we learn that she isn't someone who will bring up a problem without a solution in mind. That aligns with my own personality a lot and so I naturally had a lot of respect for her on that particular point. 

3. Adam is probably as close to the perfect man as anyone will ever find. He's handsome, intelligent, and just enough alpha male to be sexy, but not overbearing. He does respect Victoria and her preferences on things. He knows his role at Safeguard, and has no problem letting Victoria, and her tenure with the company, take the lead. 
4. This isn't necessarily just the story, but more generalized to the author. Sometimes, I read a book in the "military" category and I end up a bit lost. This author manages to keep the story moving, while introducing new information, but yet never overwhelms the reader.  I never get lost in jargon or too many characters. I really appreciate this. 

This book is definitely great for readers who enjoy books in the military or suspense categories. Adam and Victoria have an amazing chemistry, and you find yourself rooting for both characters throughout their story.

This is the third novel in the Safeguard series and, having thoroughly enjoyed reading them, I had no hesitation in escaping into it as soon as I obtained it! Having read other reviews of this novel, I have to say that I think having read the earlier books in the series definitely meant I enjoyed this one more than people who have only read this one.

In this story, what was meant to be a hot, one night fling with a hot stranger comes back to both participants when they discover they are going to be working together! Adam is the newcomer, hoping to have the opportunity to utilise his skills whilst Victoria is something of a control freak who resents having to work with the new recruit, especially as she’s so attracted to him but resents his laid back attitude. When the ‘simple’ assignment devising security for a private home turns out to be anything but simple, the two will have to work together to defend their client and get him to safety - but the client has a secret. Not only that but his in house security team has a traitor or two amongst it. Can they work together to protect the client? Will they survive - and what will happen to their relationship if they do?

This is a hot and steamy romance that takes the reader into the situation from the very start. The story has mystery, suspense and plenty of action as the threat situations escalate. There are secrets to be revealed, dilemmas to sort, a double crosser to be identified and a delightful dog called Tegan, who is definitely a star of the story, to be petted! I enjoyed the author’s writing style and escaping into the Safeguard series again. It is a good, quick and fast paced read that I have no hesitation in recommending to anyone who enjoys their romance with a helping of suspense and intrigue!

I requested and was given a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

Contracted Defense by Piper J. Drake
Safeguard #3

Victoria Ash has seniority at Safeguard. She is at an event, takes a break in a nearby bar, sees a handsome man handling some men trashing Safeguard and joins in the brouhaha. Then, a one night tryst that was fun and fulfilling for Victoria and Adam Hicks only to find that Adam is a new Safeguard hire AND her new partner. The two have to secure a home, protect a man and work as professionals while dealing with the chemistry between them. There are some secrets that unfold, a traitor in their midst, the enemy is one they have fought before and an eventual successful conclusion to the case and their relationship.

I found this book to be an easy read with an okay story. I did not see what Adam saw in Victoria and I thought the actual suspense portion rather un-suspenseful. For me it was a middle of the road story that did not wow me with the H/h combination or the actual plot. I think I liked the dog and his owner best from the entire story.

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

2-3 Stars

Contracted Defense starts with a bang (literally!) when Victoria and Adam meet and decide to have a one night stand. Little do they know they will be seeing a lot more of each other soon.

Victoria is going through a nasty divorce that has drug on for many years. Adam has left the military and is settling into civilian life. He accepts a job at Safeguard, the company where Victoria works.

So, I was lost. Something apparently happened to make Safeguard's reputation less than stellar. It must have happened in a previous book. Then there was talk about a trial and protecting a witness and I was just confused. I tried to power through, hoping that maybe it wouldn't be that important in the long run, but by 20% even this new client is bringing up the questions of Safeguards integrity. I decided this one was better left as a DNF until I read the previous ones.

Will I read the previous ones? I'm not sure. The firs 20% of this book (aside from my confusion) was okay but not really exciting. I don't know that I really felt compelled to keep reading. Who knows? Maybe I will change my mind later!

Full review will appear on Reader's Edyn on 9/11/17 at http://bit.ly/2wHZKNy

Victoria Ash doesn’t like to be idle. Always aware and hyper-organized, she’ s ready to do her job, even when she isn’t working. Years of training produces habits and old habits are hard to break – especially when it’s a lifestyle. She currently works for Safeguard (basically as a Bodyguard), but lately she hasn’t been feeling challenged enough. She’s considering a career move; especially with a new partner coming in; a new partner she doesn’t want at all. She doesn’t have time to train a newbie and she doesn’t think this latest assignment is going to be as cut and simple as it was presented. Easy just doesn’t happen. When she meets Adam, she’s flummoxed -she knows him and his presence will only complicate things. Yep. Career change might be a good idea. But first, she has to finish her assignment with the newbie.

Adam Hicks is anything but a newbie. Several tours with the military and tactical teams has given him a background that will be useful to this team. But he has to prove himself. Unknown to the team and trying to get his crap together following an honorable discharge had him reeling for quite a while. He was on a path and suddenly it was ripped away. He’s grateful for the chance with Safeguard and he can’t mess it up. And his biggest challenge just got bigger – prove to Victoria that he is a worthy partner both professionally and personally.

I really enjoyed my time with this book. I appreciate when I read a book that is part of a series, but not the first that can also be read alone without baffling the reader from several missing pieces. So to Ms. Drake, I say Thank You for that! The secondary characters, who were obviously from the first two books, were given enough time within the plot to be useful and with just enough background information to explain their roles without taking anything away from this story. Good balance. I have to say I found myself playing so much of this book out as it was occurring – almost as if the movie was playing out in my head as I read. In fact, I wouldn’t mind watching this book as a movie.

Everything in this book happens quickly – occurring over the space of a few days. So realistically, maybe it’s a little too fast – but with everything occurring so quickly, you forget that not much time had passed. I found that I liked Adam quite a lot. He is hard and soft – serious and nonchalant – skilled and gorgeous – smart and sexy – he’s everything wrapped up in an adorable accent. And who doesn’t love an accent. Victoria is almost his exact opposite in personality, but his equal in profession. She’s been hurt in the past and because of it, she’s questioning some of the choices she’s made. Adam challenges her in a good way; a way no one else ever has. He coaxes her into a side that she isn’t used to … unguarded, passionate, open … and she isn’t sure if it’s a good thing. But he’s persistent with his sights focused on her and each time she gives in a little, she loses herself to him a bit more. Their dynamic is interesting to follow and it wasn’t long before I was rooting for them as a couple. A strong heroine is great – a strong heroine who is damaged and finds a new sense of self is even better. And Adam? Well, he had me at “Queenie”. I would recommend this book, might possibly read it again, and would not turn down the first two books in the series. Ms. Drake has a great world here in Safeguard. I only wonder who the next book would be about.

Kindle version provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

With most Romantic Suspense series there is a fine line authors have to walk on. One chapter can turn the book into a romance turning some readers off. On the flip side it can turn into more action and suspense leaving the romance readers turned off. Piper Drake tries hard to give the best of both worlds.

Contracted Defense can be considered a stand alone novel but readers will enjoy the story as well as characters more if they reader the first two books in the Safe Guard series.

The story revolves around Adam Hicks Newbie to Safe Guard and Victoria Ash. The romance dominates this story and some readers might find themselves skipping the romance for more of the action.

Piper does a wonderful job of trying to balance the two stories but this one falls into the romance with a few twist and turns that will keep suspense readers reading.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Carina Press for the advance copy

2.5 Stars.

I wasn't a fan of this book at all and believe me I wanted to like it. Maybe it was because it is book 3 in the series and I wasn't particularly interested in reading the first two. I loved one of the authors other series but this didn't suck me in and on top of that I didn't like the heroine. From 5 % onwards she did my nut in. Please note that this is just my personal opinion.

Contracted Defense is one of those romantic suspense books that involve your brain as well as your heart. This is a high velocity, dive right in, roller coaster ride of a read. I totally enjoyed watching Victoria melt for Adam as the two of them try to figure out the mystery that surrounds their client.
This is part of a series but can be read stand alone.

Whoohoo Safeguard is back with a bang!

Adam has been left with an honourable discharge but a maligned reputation after a botched mission. He has been given a position with Safeguard and he is keen to get back into the game and do what he does best.

Victoria is the Ice Queen! She has OCD when it comes to the details and she thinks she is the only one who can do everything right, the woman does not know the meaning of the word delegation! But after her last partner leaves and still tryign to divorce her ex, Victoria needs a night of passion to relax.

Enter Adam. Both attending the same function they end up in an adjacent bar and deal with some ruffians, leading them to a steaming hot interlude! But next day they realise they are they others new partner. Both agree to put their connection on the back burner o deal with the case but will they be able to keep it platonic??

Adam is a professional but he knows how to use hijinks to lessen the tension. Victoria really needs to get out more! She is a great female character but she is tres frosty!!! I loved the way Adam doesn't treat her as inferior or try to undermine her, he is happy she is the boss and only wants her to take his points on board and utilise his skills.

Add in some backroom shenanigans trying to besmirch Safeguards record and a client who isn't telling the whole truth, and there is plenty of subterfuge. Great character driven plot!

Romantic suspense is a difficult trope. There needs to be a balance with the romance, keeping the connection between the hero and the heroine and there needs to be the suspense, the action. if there is too much action, you lose the romance. If there is too much romance, the suspense and action starts to seem out of place.

Adam and Victoria have the connection, the romance, and the passion. They meet initially and have a one night stand, not knowing who the other is...and, then they get a surprise when they meet their new partner at Safeguard.

The story had a lot of potential, and I liked the connection between Adam and Victoria. But, I thought the connection was overshadowed by the action element. It was interesting, and the storyline was compelling...but the connection seemed less important than the suspense story.

I did like this overall, but I wanted more connection and more time spent with the connection between Adam and Victoria. It wasn't a bad story, but there was something lacking for me at the end.

I do recommend this title as I enjoyed it overall.