"Defending Allye" by Susan Stoker is a romantic suspense novel with an intriguing premise. The story follows a strong heroine in need of protection, and a skilled hero ready to defend her. While the book delivers on action and suspense, the characters feel somewhat one-dimensional, and the romantic development lacks depth. Despite its potential, "Defending Allye" falls into the average territory, offering a decent option for fans of romantic suspense seeking a quick read.

A great thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you are looking for action and something that will keep your attention, Defending Allye is you read!

This is another classic Susan Stoker tale of strong women and the military men that love them. This book had some hard content but you always know there will be justice at the end of the Susan Stoker book! Another great read in the series!

4,5 stars!

This is a book that had basically everything I could've wish for when it comes to romantic suspense with military elements. A truly gripping story from beginning till end and I couldn't get enough of it.

The MC's were such awesome characters and I loved their dialogues and developing romance. The writing was engaging and had me hooked right from the start. There's a truly addictive story-line present that has you wanting to flip page after page. It was unputdownable for me and if you like reading romantic suspense with military elements, I hiiiighly recommend picking up this book.

I cannot wait to read more by this author and to read the next book in the series! Romantic suspense at its best!

While this was a good book, it was also deeply disturbing and not for the faint of heart. Expect some horrifying scenes, a merciless villain, and the possibility of triggers for abuse victims.

When mercenary Grayson Rogers boarded the white slavers’ boat, he didn’t anticipate finding the victim handcuffed to the bed. After killing the men aboard, he freed the girl, Allye Martin, and ended up in the ocean. During the hours they spent in the water waiting for his friend to come to their aid, he came to respect her and admire her spirit. When they parted, he didn’t expect to see her again.

But Allye hadn’t escaped empty handed-she brought with her, the flash drive she took from the room at the last minute. When she contacted Gray’s mercenary group and turned over the drive to be hacked and reviewed, Gray took her under his wing. Knowing she was still in danger, he insisted she take a leave of absence from her dancing job and hide in another state with him. But the person who tried to buy her is a vicious, merciless egomaniac who isn’t going to let her get away. Can Gray and Allye bring this monster to justice without endangering her life?

I really liked Allye. She didn’t shrink from doing what needed to be done, and she handled some scary situations with grace and humor. Gray was a little more problematic because he wasn’t willing to let Allye make her own decisions.

This book would have been improved with less detail about the monster’s actions and treatment of his captives, but it was a fascinating read.

Whoohoooo!!! First review of the year! I'm so excited - and it's about a book that moved me to the core with its story! I suspect this will be a nice reading year indeed!

Allye Martin is a victim in every sense of the word. She's kidnapped with the intention of being sold to a guy who collects HUMANS of all things. In his own personal 'zoo'. Yeah, I know, it doesn't get creepier than that. Enter Gray Rogers, one of the Mountain Mercenaries - the one who's tasked with rescuing her. After the mission supposedly goes well, the two hit it off and Allye follows Gray home - but bad guys are never that easy to evade, and Allye's would-have-been buyer will stop at nothing to get his hands on her.

I honestly had a hard time putting this one down. Not only was it fast-paced, it gets right in the action from the very start. Moreover, it manages to get a few words on the team in, so we're not completely in the dark concerning Gray's team mates. I like it when that happens - it gives me a heads up for most of the cast, and tags me along immediately to get things going.
(also, calling dibs on Ro, oh my God, I'm in love!)

Speaking of the cast, I loved Allye! And I usually find it tough to like the female lead. But this one was amazing! She was so smart and self-dependent. Sure, there were many times when she needed help and she knew it, but she wasn't acting all stubborn about it, neither was she sitting on her thumbs doing nothing - instead, she tried to help her rescuers so that the job would get done faster!

Gray, on the other hand, was a bit difficult to like. I mean, yeah, he was hot and caring and all we ever expect a male hero to be. But he kept assuming she'd leave her life behind just for him, without even asking. OK, he can't live without her - but there are other ways to compromise, don't just take over the whole thing, dude! You should be ready to make sacrifices, too! Also, I think even the writer herself understood that there was some work to be done with this character, and that's why she gave us that scene with the "little kid whose dad is in the army", to make him see his errors. In my opinion, it was a bit too convenient and kinda forced...

Finally, let it be said, Nightingale is sick - SICK, I TELL YA!

I can't wait to start reading the rest of the series. The team sounds fantastic, and I'm sure they'll find themselves in even more dangerous situations than before!

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

Title: Defending Allye
Series: Mountain Mercenaries Book #1
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: Susan Stoker
Genre: Romance, Romantic Suspense
Blurb: Ever since his rescue op off the Pacific Coast, Mountain Mercenary Gray Rogers hasn’t been able to forget his latest “job”—Allye Martin. Any other woman would have panicked during a rescue, but the wily dancer kept her cool—even after being kidnapped by an elusive human trafficker. And Gray couldn’t be happier when a grateful Allye follows him home to Colorado Springs…
For Allye, finding sanctuary in the arms—and bed—of the former Navy SEAL is only temporary. People are disappearing off the streets of San Francisco, victims of the same underground trade that targeted her, and Allye could be the key to dismantling the entire operation. She’s willing to do anything to bring them down. Gray isn’t—for good reason. But you don’t say no to a tough girl like Allye who refuses to play it safe.
Now Gray is risking more than ever before. The Mountain Mercenaries have his back. But is it enough to keep the woman he loves out of harm’s way?
Favorite quote(s): “Crying doesn’t make me uncomfortable,” he told her.
She rolled her eyes. “Of course it doesn’t.”
“Crying is a good way to release emotion. If I’m around a kid, and he or she is crying, it tells me that they’re hurting, physically or mentally.”
“And if a woman cries?” Allye asked.
“Then I have to figure out who I need to beat the s&*@ out of or kill.”
Thoughts: Susan Stoker has increasingly become one of my favorite authors. I’ve read a few reviews where people have issue with the realism she brings to her writing – but, honestly, it is the thing I love most about it. I love when an author can use words to bring something to life so well that you feel like you are a part of the story. Even if it’s a tough topic that brings tears to my eyes, I love that the writer can wrench those emotions from me. That intensity makes me love the book and the author even more. Although I understand the escape some people are looking for, and they don’t want the harsh reality intruding on what should be a relaxing thing. I totally get that. That’s just what makes readers so different…
I really loved the characters of Allye and Ghost, and I can’t wait to read more from this series.
Awesome book by Ms. Stoker!
Rating: A

Susan Stoker has written very suspenseful read that had me on the very edge of my seat. The way this author is able to write such an addictive storyline that has me feeling connected to the story is amazing. This was avery enjoyable story that had characters that I loved reading.

Omg. I love Susan Stokers books and this one did not disappoint!!!
These Alpha Males fall hard and love hard.
I loved the development of the characters and the plot kept me engaged and intrigued till the end!!

Allye, a dancer with two different color eyes was kidnapped and being transported to somewhere when Gray from "Mountain Mercenary" rescues her. Allye never knew who wanted to kidnap her yet she was thankful she was being rescued by handsome Gray. He kept her calm during the whole ordeal.
Gray wanted to track down who has rescued her so he offered her to come to his home in Colorado. Everything seems to going well. Allye found a small dance studio and keeps dancing. Another life seems to go on until they found another person from her ballet company was kidnapped and some are being killed. Alley felt she was responsible for their death and kidnap and she is determined to go back to her life.
Gray wanted to protect and keep Allye safe but she can't hide from her life forever so both agreed to get back to her life. Everything was in place incase of her being kidnapped again. Until she is kidnapped again and she can't be tracked right away.
Gray will risk everything to rescue her. She became more than just person he rescued and he will find the person who is responsible for everything.

Story moves quickly and it kept me on my toes. Suspense kept me until the end and I did love both characters. I can't wait to read about his other buddies from Mountain Mercenary.
Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake Romance for ARC in exchange for honest review.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. Defending Allye is the first book in the new Mountain Mercenaries series and it was so good. I loved getting to enter this new world and meet these new characters. I just fell in love with this story and these characters and I am so excited to see what this author writes next.

Defending Allye is the first book in a brand new series by Susan Stoker. The series is focused on a group of men who call themselves Mountain Mercenaries and they dedicate their lives to saving women and children. The MMs were introduced in another novel, so if you read Susan Stoker's books you might be already familiar with them. If you have not, don't worry because this series is not actually connected at a deep level with another one. You will find all you need to know when you read this book.

Once again the author gave us what I have come to expect from her. The book has action, suspense, and romance. What more can I ask? The main characters were likable and the other men in the group were very interesting. I am looking forward to reading their books when they come out.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Unfortunately, this was one I chose not to finish. My apologies for the late notice. As I don't want my low rating to appear on the site and potentially impact the choices of other readers, I wait until after a title has been published/no longer able to be downloaded.

Inadvertently, I waited much longer than intended to give feedback for this title.

I look forward to the next title through your company!

Thanks,
Laura

Love is a life-and-death risk for the Mountain Mercenaries in New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s explosive series of alpha heroes, hot action, and hard passion…

Ever since his rescue op off the Pacific Coast, Mountain Mercenary Gray Rogers hasn’t been able to forget his latest “job”—Allye Martin. Any other woman would have panicked during a rescue, but the wily dancer kept her cool—even after being kidnapped by an elusive human trafficker. And Gray couldn’t be happier when a grateful Allye follows him home to Colorado Springs…

For Allye, finding sanctuary in the arms—and bed—of the former Navy SEAL is only temporary. People are disappearing off the streets of San Francisco, victims of the same underground trade that targeted her, and Allye could be the key to dismantling the entire operation. She’s willing to do anything to bring them down. Gray isn’t—for good reason. But you don’t say no to a tough girl like Allye who refuses to play it safe.

Now Gray is risking more than ever before. The Mountain Mercenaries have his back. But is it enough to keep the woman he loves out of harm’s way?

My thoughts
rating : 5
I have no idea why it took me this long to read and review this book, I knew as soon as I read the synopsis it was something I would pick up and I'm so glad I did , its everything I love in a romance , the characters are amazing, the romance is there and is hot but it doesn't take away from the story line at all , it has the right mount of suspense that pulls you into the story and you never fell like you want to put it down , can't wait to see more of this author or this series . With that said I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read and review as while as helping me to find a romance series to start in change for my honest opinion

No one writes SEAL romances like Susan Stoker. While on a mission, former Navy SEAL Grayson Rogers finds himself faced with a kidnapped woman victim of human trafficking. Determined to save her, he stops at nothing to complete his mission and brings her home. Still, he knows that the psycho that wanted her will go after her again. When she shows up at his usual bar out of the blue, Grey sees that as the opportunity to rectify a wrong. He should have never left San Francisco without her contact information. Allye was different and he knew it. She was beautiful, unusual, and intriguing. She was resilient, brave, and had gotten under his skin in just a few hours they spent together over a week before. Now that they were together again, Grey was going to do whatever it took to keep her safe. But when other dancers, friends of Allye's, start to disappear, he knows he will need to up his game or he'll risk losing her to a madman. The first installment of the Mountain Mercenaries series is full of testosterone, sassiness, and madness. It also has plenty of loyal men, crazy characters and a dose of kissass to keep it all interesting. A great read for sure!

Allye believed she had the worse luck. Everything in her life made her believe she wouldn’t survive her latest predicament. Meeting Gray was a miracle. She finally felt safe in his arms and knowing he would do anything to protect her. Life is finally slowing down and with Gray beside her side she will do what she can to protect her friends. Great story and strong characters.

This new series takes off from Claiming Felicity with Ryder Sinclair's team, the Mountain Mercenaries. Here in book 1, we have Gray and Allye's story and I have to say it truly is a winner and readers are going to be hooked! We have all the elements of a Suspenseful, intriguing and hot love story. The suspense will keep you alert throughout! There are definitely very hot scenes that are great as well.

We get to meet the whole Mountain Mercenaries team and we realize what their goals are for having formed this team in the first place.

This author does a wonderful job of bringing the reader into the story and keeping up your intrigue.

Since I picked up my first Susan Stoker book I have been hooked. She does a great job of creating strong alpha males who love fiercely and are loyal to their teams. Defending Allye is no exception. From their first meeting to their happily-ever-after, Gray and Allye's topsy turvy story will keep you enthralled. It's definitely a must read and I'm looking forward to more stories in this series.

I really liked this beginning to this new series by Susan Stoker. I really love this new team of alpha military men who ban together to protect and save their women. Maybe it's anti-feminist of me, but I love that shit. So, this series is right up my alley.

I read through this book in just over one day, so it was a quick and easy read. I'm looking forward to reading more.

What a fantastic start to the new series I just love Susan's books and this one did not disappoint. Allye was a great character I just loved how strong and yet really sweet she was she was also really sarcastic and I really liked that then we have Grayson he was so hot and tough and they were so good together I enjoyed this book and can't wait for more.