Kudos to Susan Stoker

The characters in this story are well developed generating a desire to learn more about them. The plot is intense revealing some of the awful underbelly of society. Things I liked about this book included the heroine Allye, a strong female character who demonstrates what true life courage is about. Her life from birth has been full of challenges but she perseveres despite belief that she karma is against her. The hero, Gray is ex-military, his past includes trauma and disillusionment. He is straightforward and appreciates a strong woman. The story line is intense dealing with subjects (abuse, kidnapping, sex trafficking) which may act as triggers for some readers. If so, please do not hesitate to seek support.

Overall this book. is about two strong people who have dealt with some of life’s worst experiences and managed to find each other. They deserve their HEA.

I was provided with a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This one is great start for a new series.
I started reading and couldn't stop until I finished it in almost one sitting. I was that much hooked to it!
It is a fast paced complicated and suspenseful storyline and I have to confess that I am weak for the men in uniform and ex-military, so this book was a very enjoyable reading material. It is even more greater that is about men who are getting into action to be there for the people that needs their help.
I can't even say how much impatient I am for the next books in this instalment.

3.75 stars--DEFENDING ALLEY is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult MOUNTAIN MERCENARIES erotic, romantic, military, suspense series focusing on a group of six former soldiers and Navy SEALS who call themselves Mountain Mercenaries, headed by the mysterious ‘Rex’. This is thirty-six year old, former Navy SEAL Grayson Rogers, and twenty-nine year old, dancer Allye Martin’s story line. The Mountain Mercenaries is a spin off from the author’s Ace Security series but you do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current timeline. The Mountain Mercenaries were first introduced in CLAIMING FELICITY (Ace Security 4).

NOTE: DEFENDING ALLYE contains scenes of abuse, torture and threats of a sexual nature, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Allye and Gray DEFENDING ALLYE focuses on the hunt for a kidnapper in the San Francisco area, and the person responsible for a suspected human trafficking ring. Grayson Rogers and his fellow Mountain Mercenaries have been handpicked for their current roles by the mysterious, and as yet unidentified, team leader ‘Rex’. Hoping to intercept the hand-off of money, Grayson discovers more than he had bargained for when he finds Allye Martin instead. A quick take-down of the kidnappers, a struggle out at sea, and the rescue of our story line heroine, finds Allye falling for Grayson but not before she reveals she has information that may be important to the team’s investigation. What ensues is the quick building romance between Allye and Gray, and the potential fall-out as a number of women are kidnapped and killed in an effort to draw Allye out into the light.

Grayson Rogers knows lost first hand when his entire team of Navy SEALs was killed leaving our hero the only one to survive. Memories, of the horrific ordeal including the murder of his friends, have forced Gray into an over protective male where it concerns the woman with whom he is falling love. Never again wanting to lose anyone close, or witness the death of someone he loves, Gray struggles with Allye’s demands and need to place herself in harm’s way.

The relationship between Allye and Grayson is quick to develop. From hours alone at sea, to finding herself ‘living’ with the man that calls to her heart, Allye knows that Grayson will protect her against the odds, but Grayson battles between memories of the past, and his ability to stop the woman he loves from becoming a willing target in an effort to catch the bad guy. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Grayson’s fellow Mountain Mercenaries: Ronan ‘Ro’ Cross, Lowell ‘Black’ Lockard, Meat, Arrow, and Ball. Ronan and Chloe Harris’ story is next in Defending Chloe.

DEFENDING ALLYE is a story of action, suspense, romance and love. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the romance is passionate and intense; the characters are colorful, dynamic and animated but the heroine’s need to place herself in danger to ‘save’ a friend and other potential victims screams TSTL (too stupid to live), incredibly destructive and ill-fated. DEFENDING ALLYE is a sexy, intriguing and fated introductory story line in Susan Stoker’s new Mountain Mercenaries series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

THE READING CAFÉ: http://www.thereadingcafe.com/defending-allye-mountain-mercenaries-1-by-susan-stoker-review-guest-post-giveaway/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2478809031


AMAZON.COM: https://www.amazon.com/review/R20QUJMQZUXT2N/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B078JDQ9BH


BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/80543286


B&N (Sandy_thereadingcafe) posted

CHAPTERS/INDIGO (Sandy_At_the_Reading_Cafe) posted

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Defending Allye is the first in the new Mountain Mercenaries series by Susan Stoker.

We meet ex Navy Seal Grayson as he undertakes a fact finding mission to discover the identity of a human trafficking ring leader. This becomes a rescue mission when he finds Allye being transported to her new owner.

Allye ‘Mystic’ Martin “like alley but with the y and e in the wrong place“ is a dancer with unusual looks who has captured the attention of TB - a collector of rare humans.

Grayson rescues Allye and is surprised at the strength and lack of dramatics that she displays after having gone through such an ordeal.

TB will not give up until he has his latest collection piece. The story follows the blossoming romance between Gray and Allye, the mission to take down a sex trafficker and the intrigue and mystery behind Rex - the boss of the Mountain Mercenaries whom none of them have met (personally I think Rex could be a female).

This book has a great alpha male; a strong, brave, competent female; interesting supporting characters who im sure will be the focus of future books and a great Navy Seal falls in love story.

There are some graphic descriptions of torture which made my stomach churn slightly however this adds to the plot.

I enjoyed this book and will be adding the next book in the series to my to be read list.

#DefendingAllye #NetGalley

This is the first book I’ve read by Susan Stoker and I was very impressed I was gripped from the first chapter. It was adventurous from start to finish, I loved Gray and Allye as characters both were deep and interesting, I found the plot touching dark topics but not to dark that I felt uncomfortable, still light enough that I could cheer in most places. I look forward to following on in the series of mountain mercenaries.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I like that after Ryder joined his brothers at Ace Security, we pick up a new series of books with the Mountain Mercenaries where Ryder started.

Gray was responsible for rescuing Allye when his latest mission doesn't go according to plan. He and Allye have a connection but Gray leaves but good thing there is a second chance for him!

I love the mystery of who Rex is and it kind of reminds me of Charlie's Angels and their mysterious boss that they only ever heard on the phone.

There is non-stop action and drama as the man who wants to own Allye keeps trying to get her back. The budding romance between Gray and Allye is so sweet yet hot, that when Gray refuses to help the latest woman captured, it breaks Allye's heart and it is just so sad.

I loved the addition of Gray's mom and how that worked out but I really wish we would have seen Gray check into where Allye's mom went and I guess I have a vindictive streak - seen that she got paid back for leaving Alllye in some way.

Really enjoyed reading the book and so looking forward to the next book in the series. Ro sounds like an interesting guy and wonder what is going on with Chloe's situation.

5 Dangerous, Twisted Stars!!!

I was given this book in turn for an honest review.

Gray can’t seem to forget the incredible woman he saved. When Allye walks back into his life, he knows this is his only chance to see if they share a connection, in turn he has to protect her life. Someone wants her, and they won’t stop until they have her.

What a great start to a new series from the awesome Susan Stoker; this author is on fire with her storylines. Defending Allye begins straight into the thick of the action, kick starting the readers adrenaline. This story is quite dark and twisted in places, and I loved this different edge to one of Susan Stokers stories. With this said, she doesn’t write in too graphic detail, she just writes enough for the readers mind to see the picture being painted with her words.

Gray and Allye were both great characters, they didn’t beat about the bush with their feelings, although at times they would refrain from telling each other exactly what was on their mind. The one thing they were unresolved on was how they felt towards each other, which is refreshing from a reader’s perspective. Throughout their story they always managed to find humour about their situations and were able to connect without allowing demons to come between them.

I love Gray’s team, they each have an aura of intrigue about them, each clearly with their own story to tell and I can’t wait to find out more about each of them throughout this series. I’m looking forward to seeing what other delightful and suspenseful stories Susan Stoker will knock out the park with the Mountain Mercenaries series.

If you enjoy Military, Suspense, Romance stories, this series is for you.

Just Loved this first book in Susan Stokers New extending series. The new series is actually a sequel to the Ace Security series. Allye and Grayson were so special I fell in love with both of them immediately. I have read many of Susan Stoker books and have never been disappointed. I received this book as a ARC from NetGalley and hope to receive the rest of the series to review as they become available.

Another fantastic five star read. I loved it. A great start for a new series. Can't wait to get my hands on Ro and Chloe's story

Defending Allye is the first romantic suspense book in the Mountain Mercenaries series written by author Susan Stoker. Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the advance copy.

Really entertaining,edge of your seat suspense,mixed with romance and twists you have a really good book.I loved how strong Gray and Allye was.Very exciting book!This is one of my favorite genres,military/security and mercenaries,can’t wait for the next book!

First in a new series and this does not disappoint. I always love a good rescue story. Especially one that keeps me guessing as to what will happen next. The unexpected is what Allye trains for, but when she is thrust into a situation beyond her control, she shows courage and bravery. Will the man who rescues her have any chance at equaling her attitude? Will the hot alpha SEAL take her heart prisoner?

I think I can never make a mistake picking a Susan Stoker book. I have read them almost all and I can say I love her characters, some more than others, and in this case, I loved Allye more than Gray.

Allye is a professional dancer than finds herself the target of a very dangerous and obsessive fan without even know it. Because of this she's kidnapped, rescued and has to be watching her back 24/7. She's strong, resilient and capable of keeping up with the badass ex-SEAL that comes to her rescue.

Gray left the Navy SEAL's because of various reasons but mostly because he felt betrayed. He found a new job thanks to Rex and now he helps save peoples lives again. He and his crew are trying to take down a sex trafficking ring but can't get enough evidence to kill the head honcho. When a mission of getting information turns into a rescue, things change for Gray in a personal way that he was not expecting.

Like I said before in this review, I love Susan Stoker's characters, especially her female ones. There is not one that is incapable of saving herself, mentally or sometimes physically. Allye is not the exception, this girl has a mind of still. Her body may be fragile and her heart too big but she's not going to be taken down so easily. Gray was a good compliment for her but I felt like he was a little whinier than her and I did not like that from him. I get he had his past to deal with but still, it's my personal preference intervening here.

The writing was great, the plot, the characters, it was a fantastic first book for the Mountain Mercenaries Series. I would absolutely recommend this book to those that love strong females that get in trouble and the strong man that save them, finding love along the way.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

WOW! This first book in Susan Stoker’s new Romantic suspense series is intense, gritty, sexy and HOT!
DEFENDING ALLYE (Mountain Mercenaries #1) by Susan Stoker has everything I am looking for in a Romantic suspense. The excitement takes off from page one with the alpha hero rescuing the heroine, but she is no ordinary, shrinking violet heroine. The villain of the book is pure evil and sadistic. (WARNING for those who have problems with extreme sexual and physical violence against women, the villain’s crimes are graphic and this series is about a group of ex-military men who fight outside the law against human trafficking.)
Gray Rogers is a former Navy SEAL now working for the mysterious Rex as one of his Mountain Mercenaries in Colorado Springs. The Mountain Mercenaries are all former military with regular jobs, but one call from Rex and they are dispatched around the world to fight human trafficking and/or rescue victims.
Gray cannot stop thinking about his most recent rescue, Allye Martin. He has never had trouble separating his feelings from his job and rescued subjects before, but something about Allye will not let go. Of course she is unique with her one blue eye and one brown and her streak of white hair in her auburn curls, but it was her calmness and fortitude during the rescue that set her apart.
When Allye comes to Colorado Springs from San Francisco to deliver a USB drive that could contain the information needed to catch the head of the human trafficking ring in San Francisco, she remains with Gray in his home and in his bed. But her fellow dancers begin to disappear and turn up dead with a message for her to return to the city.
She refuses to hide as much as Gray fights her return and possible capture. The Mountain Mercenaries have their backs as Allye returns to face her possible capture. Will they be able to stop the human collector who wants to add Allye to his collection permanently?
I loved everything about this story. Allye is a great heroine that has defeated hard luck her whole life and still has an endearing personality, strength and love. Gray is alpha in all ways and is extremely caring and tender with Allye and his family. The sex scenes are smokin’ hot and I feel written perfectly for these two. The plot moves at a fast pace and ramps up the suspense throughout. The head of the traffickers is sadist and his acts are written about graphically and I feel realistically. You cannot sugarcoat the type of evil that is involved in these types of crimes. This is an amazing start to this new series and I am looking forward to the other Mountain Mercenaries’ stories!
Thanks very much to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review. It is a great start to a new series!

Gray previously rescued Allye and never expected to see her again, but low and behold, she has evidence that will put her life in danger once again.
I loved this new series, but the graphic details were hard to read at times. Otherwise, I loved the character dynamic and am looking forward to the next book!

This is a fantastic action packed romantic suspense that kicks off a new series from this author. Amazing characters, a fast pace to the story and superb writing make this a book not to be missed.

The men of Mountain Mercenaries are highly skilled and determined to protect the innocent from danger. When a prominent San Francisco dancer, Allye Martin, becomes the obsession of a very powerful and dangerous man he has her kidnapped to be delivered to him. That's when Gray Rogers and Mountain Mercenaries get involved. Gray rescues Allye and he knows immediately there is something different about this woman. He can't get her out of his head or his heart. When it becomes clear that the threat of danger is not over Gray knows that protecting Allye has now taken on a whole new meaning.

I definitely recommend this one.

Gray is an ex-Navy SEAL who is now an accountant and part time Mountain Mercenary. The team’s latest mission has been boarding a boat to disrupt a human trafficking scheme, but he wasn’t prepared to find Allye on board.

Allye is a dancer who has not had an easy life but despite what life has thrown at her she is following her dream of dancing. When she is abducted she is no victim and her feisty spirit will be the reason she fares so well during her captivity.

After the experience Gray and Allye go their separate ways but when Allye manages to confiscate some information about her captors before she is rescued it leads her right back into Gray’s world. Gray knows that her captors will be more resolved than ever to get her back, but will he and his team be able to keep her safe?

These two are perfect for each other as they are both strong with a willingness to help others despite the consequences to them personally. This is a wonderful start to a new series and I anxiously await the other team members stories. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

This author knows how to write a story that’s filled with suspense, steam, some humour that had me laughing out loud, perfect banter between the characters w/o missing a beat, a hot alpha man and a strong woman, that’s the perfect match for the man. This is one of those reads where I couldn’t decide who I loved more, the hero, Gray, or the heroine, Allye. Both were equal in courage, strength, attitude, emotions....wow wow wowza !!
An emotionally intense read at times and the water scene right at the beginning felt like I was floating right alongside with them as the images and feelings described were spot on. The story flowed beautifully, the main characters were one of a kind, the secondary characters were yummy, the plot was perfect as was the ending.
This is one of those reads I don’t want to give anything away as it is a story that needs to be read going in blind to get the full effect. If you love suspense, action, steam, strong vulnerable characters, and a story that will be very very very hard to put....I highly recommend this read !!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

Susan Stoker delivers yet another thrilling romantic suspense with the first book in a new series, Mountain Mercenaries.

Defending Allye is the story of Grayson Rogers and Allye Martin. Allye is a professional dancer with a dance troupe in San Francisco and finds herself being kidnapped and nearly sold into human trafficking. Gray who is a member of the Mountain Mercenaries, stumbles upon Allye while he's on a mission to intercept a transfer for a known human trafficker. He didn't expect to find her but now that he has he doesn't want to let her go.

The story is a thrilling but semi-dark telling, switching point of views between Gray, Allye and even the human trafficker himself. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I can't wait to read Ro's story next!!

Defending Allye is part of the series of Mountain Mercenaries, which is not a series that I was familiar with, along with being the first book by Susan Stoker for me to read. I liked romantic suspense, so this looked like a great read. It is intensely suspenseful with danger starting at the very beginning. In fact, it has what I think of as the Bourne beginning, where the mission or fight has already started with the reader jumps into the action. For Gray and Allye’s story, it is very effective.

The romance builds along with the danger. Gray seems to be too good to be true at times, but he is just what Allye needs n her life. The secondary characters that are part of the team are wonderful with me finding favorites that I would like to read more about including the elusive boss. The villain s a scary psychopath with the money to get what he wants. He reminded me of the villains in the James Bond movies. Definitely Defending Allye is the book for romance suspense lovers.