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Ex Ops #2
Stripping Her Defenses
He can't change the scars on her body... but fate will give him a second chance to mend the scars he put on her heart.
Riley Sullivan and the Ex Ops Team are headed to Miami undercover… as bikers. Following up a lead, the men will perform their investigation acting as members of the Regulators Motorcycle Club with the club’s permission. Surrounded by hardcore bikers and investigating missing strippers, Riley finds the last person he ever expected to see again—his ex-wife.
Kara Sullivan left the man she loved after a tragic accident cost them their unborn son. After years of therapy, she’s come to grips with the loss and has re-emerged from the pain a brand new person. That doesn’t mean she’s ready to face the man who inadvertently broke her heart, and who she’s hurt in return.
Riley has never stopped loving her and he never will. He’s ready to fix their marriage and move on with their lives, however Kara’s reluctance to renew their relationship isn’t their only problem. Danger lurks just around the corner… and there’s a chance she could disappear permanently.
Riley Sullivan and the Ex Ops Team are headed to Miami undercover… as bikers. Following up a lead, the men will perform their investigation acting as members of the Regulators Motorcycle Club with the club’s permission. Surrounded by hardcore bikers and investigating missing strippers, Riley finds the last person he ever expected to see again—his ex-wife.
Kara Sullivan left the man she loved after a tragic accident cost them their unborn son. After years of therapy, she’s come to grips with the loss and has re-emerged from the pain a brand new person. That doesn’t mean she’s ready to face the man who inadvertently broke her heart, and who she’s hurt in return.
Riley has never stopped loving her and he never will. He’s ready to fix their marriage and move on with their lives, however Kara’s reluctance to renew their relationship isn’t their only problem. Danger lurks just around the corner… and there’s a chance she could disappear permanently.
200 pages, ebook
First published October 31, 2014
88 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Lane
43 books1,180 followersAuthor of Paranormal and Contemporary Romance, as well as, Upper YA Paranormal Romance/Fantasy. An often shy, sometimes snarky chick addicted to books, caffeine & hot fictional men. She lives in Kentucky with her two crazy teenage daughters and her over protective alpha husband that she’s pretty sure is a latent grizzly bear shifter. She has a passionate love for reading and writing naughty romance, cliff hanging suspense, and out-of-this-world characters that demand your attention, or threaten to slap you around until you do pay attention to them.
You can follow Jessie at: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, & her Amazon Author Page
You can follow Jessie at: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, & her Amazon Author Page
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 7, 2014
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Quick summary
Kara Sullivan was happy in her marriage to Riley for the first time in quite some time. She was pregnant with their first child and her Navy SEAL was going to be home with her for her school graduation and the baby's birth. Everything changed overnight when he volunteered for an assignment, she got involved in a tragic accident and they lost their son. Kara decided her marriage was over, divorced Riley and disappeared.
The issues
Kara suffered from some serious body issues and while married tried to be the perfect "June Cleaver" wife. Riley's way of handling his obsessive wife was to choose career over home, away for months at a time. Both contributed to the problems in their marriage but he never got over Kara and reluctantly let her go. Eight years later, he runs into her in the most unlikeliest of places...a strip club!
What I loved about this story
My emotions were all over the place! I experienced Kara's pain as she tried so hard to be the perfect wife and lost everything dear to her. I was first angry with Riley but then got his deep-seated guilt for not being there for Kara when she needed him most. When he discovers Kara at the strip club during an undercover operation, I couldn't even imagine the emotional turmoil he felt as he had to watch her perform, helplessly. After all of that, it was inspiring to see how Kara emerged through all this tragedy and find herself, as unconventional as it was. And, Riley and Kara's new romance was sexy and erotic. There are some scenes that are on fire!
The bottom line
This story is quite the emotional ride, punching you again and again with highs and lows, humor and despair. Riley and Kara are a passionate couple and that's never at issue. I enjoyed experiencing their individual transformations that brought them back together. It was a rough ride but one I loved taking.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
Quick summary
Kara Sullivan was happy in her marriage to Riley for the first time in quite some time. She was pregnant with their first child and her Navy SEAL was going to be home with her for her school graduation and the baby's birth. Everything changed overnight when he volunteered for an assignment, she got involved in a tragic accident and they lost their son. Kara decided her marriage was over, divorced Riley and disappeared.
The issues
Kara suffered from some serious body issues and while married tried to be the perfect "June Cleaver" wife. Riley's way of handling his obsessive wife was to choose career over home, away for months at a time. Both contributed to the problems in their marriage but he never got over Kara and reluctantly let her go. Eight years later, he runs into her in the most unlikeliest of places...a strip club!
What I loved about this story
My emotions were all over the place! I experienced Kara's pain as she tried so hard to be the perfect wife and lost everything dear to her. I was first angry with Riley but then got his deep-seated guilt for not being there for Kara when she needed him most. When he discovers Kara at the strip club during an undercover operation, I couldn't even imagine the emotional turmoil he felt as he had to watch her perform, helplessly. After all of that, it was inspiring to see how Kara emerged through all this tragedy and find herself, as unconventional as it was. And, Riley and Kara's new romance was sexy and erotic. There are some scenes that are on fire!
The bottom line
This story is quite the emotional ride, punching you again and again with highs and lows, humor and despair. Riley and Kara are a passionate couple and that's never at issue. I enjoyed experiencing their individual transformations that brought them back together. It was a rough ride but one I loved taking.
(I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review)
November 10, 2014
STRIPPING HER DEFENSES Blew. Me. Away! I liked this one even better then the first book, SECRET MANEUVERS. The characters were engaging, the pacing perfection, and the story-line was dynamic. This is Jessie Lane's best work yet!
Riley Sullivan gave his life to the Navy and inadvertently lost his family because of it. Now, years later, he belongs to the Ex Ops Team and they are in the midst of taking down a notorious sex trade operation. But to do so they must go undercover and work side-by-side with a gang of bikers. The last person he expected to see in the gang's Miami strip club was his long lost ex-wife. But when Riley does, he knows that he's not letting her go again.
Kara Sullivan left a life of loneliness and depression when she fled her husband, but she also left with a pile of guilt, hurt, and her heart in pieces. After years of therapy she has found a way to take charge of her life and control her depression but Kara knows there will never be another man for her. When Riley appears in the club she is working at she is at first shocked, but knows that her time of reckoning has arrived. Will she be able to keep her heart shielded from the only man who has ever laid claim to it? Or will the danger that brought Riley here to begin with steal any possibility of a second chance?
Wow! Stripping Her Defenses was an emotional roller coaster rife with exciting peaks and heart wrenching lows - I never wanted to get off! Kara and Riley were high school sweethearts who despite their deep love for each other, lost their way for a time. It was impossible not to empathize with Kara from the beginning. No one should have to go through the devastation that Kara did, and to experience that alone would break anyone. But Kara was able to forge through and in the end, come out a better person. She was a strong, caring heroine that I loved. Riley was frustratingly male at the beginning of the story but once he see's Kara again that sexy alpha male emerges to the forefront of his character and all I can say is, it is HOT! Neither Kara, nor Riley, are the same people they were when they were first together. But that doesn't change the fact that they still love each other, and always will. As they re-learn each other, not only does sizzling eroticism surround them but so does danger. The author balances the action with the romance wonderfully, so that the plot moves at a stead, fast past that will keep you turning the pages.
Stripping Her Defenses works incredibly well as a stand-alone. Enough back-story is provided that you don't feel lost in the series arc and the book is very well centered on the second-chance romance between Riley and Kara. Stripping Her Defenses also introduces us to some characters that we'll see more of in a brand new spin-off series, Regulators MC. Which from what I've seen of those characters here, sounds incredibly promising!
Fans of Maya Banks and Catherine Mann are sure to enjoy Jessie Lane's latest offering. If you're looking for a story full of passion and action, you won't want to miss Stripping Her Defenses!
Riley Sullivan gave his life to the Navy and inadvertently lost his family because of it. Now, years later, he belongs to the Ex Ops Team and they are in the midst of taking down a notorious sex trade operation. But to do so they must go undercover and work side-by-side with a gang of bikers. The last person he expected to see in the gang's Miami strip club was his long lost ex-wife. But when Riley does, he knows that he's not letting her go again.
Kara Sullivan left a life of loneliness and depression when she fled her husband, but she also left with a pile of guilt, hurt, and her heart in pieces. After years of therapy she has found a way to take charge of her life and control her depression but Kara knows there will never be another man for her. When Riley appears in the club she is working at she is at first shocked, but knows that her time of reckoning has arrived. Will she be able to keep her heart shielded from the only man who has ever laid claim to it? Or will the danger that brought Riley here to begin with steal any possibility of a second chance?
Wow! Stripping Her Defenses was an emotional roller coaster rife with exciting peaks and heart wrenching lows - I never wanted to get off! Kara and Riley were high school sweethearts who despite their deep love for each other, lost their way for a time. It was impossible not to empathize with Kara from the beginning. No one should have to go through the devastation that Kara did, and to experience that alone would break anyone. But Kara was able to forge through and in the end, come out a better person. She was a strong, caring heroine that I loved. Riley was frustratingly male at the beginning of the story but once he see's Kara again that sexy alpha male emerges to the forefront of his character and all I can say is, it is HOT! Neither Kara, nor Riley, are the same people they were when they were first together. But that doesn't change the fact that they still love each other, and always will. As they re-learn each other, not only does sizzling eroticism surround them but so does danger. The author balances the action with the romance wonderfully, so that the plot moves at a stead, fast past that will keep you turning the pages.
Stripping Her Defenses works incredibly well as a stand-alone. Enough back-story is provided that you don't feel lost in the series arc and the book is very well centered on the second-chance romance between Riley and Kara. Stripping Her Defenses also introduces us to some characters that we'll see more of in a brand new spin-off series, Regulators MC. Which from what I've seen of those characters here, sounds incredibly promising!
Fans of Maya Banks and Catherine Mann are sure to enjoy Jessie Lane's latest offering. If you're looking for a story full of passion and action, you won't want to miss Stripping Her Defenses!
November 3, 2014
4.5 Stars
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Stripping Her Defenses is the 2nd book of the Ex Ops series by the always awesome Jessie Lane. I don't even know where to start I loved this book so much! We've all read the story of the couple that marries young only to lose it all and then reunite down the road. It's been done badly and it's been done well. Stripping Her Defenses does it perfectly!
Riley Sullivan was lucky enough to marry the only woman he's ever truly loved. He and Kara were high school sweethearts. They were young enough to believe their love could overcome anything. Riley became a SEAL and was proud to serve his country. He truly felt that he was doing a good thing. At least in his professional career things were going well. At home his beautiful young wife was not acting herself. Kara felt as if her marriage was slipping away. Riley took on more and more volunteer missions leaving her alone. The more time he spent away the more Kara was determined to be the perfect wife, so that Riley would want to be home. Yet, when Riley was home the sight of his wife killing herself to be perfect in every way made him miss the free-spirited Kara that he married. One night it all came to a crashing end and Kara did the only thing she felt she could do she cut all ties with Riley and filed for divorce.
Years have gone by since Riley came home from a mission to find that Kara no longer wanted to be his wife. It doesn't matter how many years has passed Riley will never stop aching for his wife and the life that he lost. If only he could talk to her maybe he could find a way to get his sweet, innocent wife back. As fate would have it Riley finally finds his wife when working an undercover case. Kara is nothing like the woman that Riley once knew. The new Kara is sexier, more confident, and definitely more adventurous. Riley has always loved the sweet girl that he was once married to, but this Kara is so different. None of that matters. Riley knows that the Kara he once had is still there at the core, this outer layer is just a wonderful bonus.
I loved Riley and Kara's story. It was heartbreaking, poignant, sexy and fun. The supporting characters were just as good as Riley and Kara. As you would expect we get to know the members of the ex ops team a little more. I can't wait to read their stories. We get even more, though. Stripping Her Defenses introduces us to a motorcycle club that just happens to be the subject of a spin-off series by Jessie Lane and Chelsea Camaron. Chelsea Camaron writes MC's like no other. The thought of these two awesome authors combining forces is sure to produce amazing results.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Stripping Her Defenses is the 2nd book of the Ex Ops series by the always awesome Jessie Lane. I don't even know where to start I loved this book so much! We've all read the story of the couple that marries young only to lose it all and then reunite down the road. It's been done badly and it's been done well. Stripping Her Defenses does it perfectly!
Riley Sullivan was lucky enough to marry the only woman he's ever truly loved. He and Kara were high school sweethearts. They were young enough to believe their love could overcome anything. Riley became a SEAL and was proud to serve his country. He truly felt that he was doing a good thing. At least in his professional career things were going well. At home his beautiful young wife was not acting herself. Kara felt as if her marriage was slipping away. Riley took on more and more volunteer missions leaving her alone. The more time he spent away the more Kara was determined to be the perfect wife, so that Riley would want to be home. Yet, when Riley was home the sight of his wife killing herself to be perfect in every way made him miss the free-spirited Kara that he married. One night it all came to a crashing end and Kara did the only thing she felt she could do she cut all ties with Riley and filed for divorce.
Years have gone by since Riley came home from a mission to find that Kara no longer wanted to be his wife. It doesn't matter how many years has passed Riley will never stop aching for his wife and the life that he lost. If only he could talk to her maybe he could find a way to get his sweet, innocent wife back. As fate would have it Riley finally finds his wife when working an undercover case. Kara is nothing like the woman that Riley once knew. The new Kara is sexier, more confident, and definitely more adventurous. Riley has always loved the sweet girl that he was once married to, but this Kara is so different. None of that matters. Riley knows that the Kara he once had is still there at the core, this outer layer is just a wonderful bonus.
I loved Riley and Kara's story. It was heartbreaking, poignant, sexy and fun. The supporting characters were just as good as Riley and Kara. As you would expect we get to know the members of the ex ops team a little more. I can't wait to read their stories. We get even more, though. Stripping Her Defenses introduces us to a motorcycle club that just happens to be the subject of a spin-off series by Jessie Lane and Chelsea Camaron. Chelsea Camaron writes MC's like no other. The thought of these two awesome authors combining forces is sure to produce amazing results.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
February 10, 2017
UPDATE: Relido em 10 de fevereiro de 2017.
Os heróis se separam após trágico acidente em que heroína perde o bebê enquanto herói está em uma missão na qual ele se voluntariou.
Enquanto ela enfrenta problemas com depressão, baixa auto estima e a mania de perfeição, nosso herói foge dos problemas e cada vez passa mais tempo fora de casa em missões. Mas desta vez ele exagera e não está lá na hora que ela mais precisava dele.
Quando ele volta para uma casa vazia ele se dá conta da burrada que fez.
Oito anos mais tarde eles se reencontram e posso dizer que o encontro é explosivo.
A história além de muito bem escrita tem aqueles elementos que adoramos: cenas quentes entre o casal, ciúmes, ação, tiroteio, explosões, caras malvados sendo perseguidos, deliciosos motoqueiros, ex militares, machos alfas marcando território deles e uma mulher renascida e cheia de confiança.
Gostei muito e recomendo!
------------------
The heroes break up after tragic accident in which heroine loses her baby while hero is on a mission in which he volunteered.
While she is facing problems with depression, low self esteem and the mania of perfection, our hero hides their problems and spend more time away from home on missions. But this time he exaggerates and he is not there at the time that she needed him most.
When he returns to an empty home he realizes the mistake he made.
Eight years later they meet again and I can say that the meeting is explosive.
The very well written story has those elements that we love: hot scenes between the couple, jealousy, action, shooting, explosions, bad guys being chased, delicious bikers, ex military, alpha males marking their territory and a woman reborn and full of confidence.
I enjoyed and recommend.
English
Portuguese
Os heróis se separam após trágico acidente em que heroína perde o bebê enquanto herói está em uma missão na qual ele se voluntariou.
Enquanto ela enfrenta problemas com depressão, baixa auto estima e a mania de perfeição, nosso herói foge dos problemas e cada vez passa mais tempo fora de casa em missões. Mas desta vez ele exagera e não está lá na hora que ela mais precisava dele.
Quando ele volta para uma casa vazia ele se dá conta da burrada que fez.
Oito anos mais tarde eles se reencontram e posso dizer que o encontro é explosivo.
A história além de muito bem escrita tem aqueles elementos que adoramos: cenas quentes entre o casal, ciúmes, ação, tiroteio, explosões, caras malvados sendo perseguidos, deliciosos motoqueiros, ex militares, machos alfas marcando território deles e uma mulher renascida e cheia de confiança.
Gostei muito e recomendo!
------------------
The heroes break up after tragic accident in which heroine loses her baby while hero is on a mission in which he volunteered.
While she is facing problems with depression, low self esteem and the mania of perfection, our hero hides their problems and spend more time away from home on missions. But this time he exaggerates and he is not there at the time that she needed him most.
When he returns to an empty home he realizes the mistake he made.
Eight years later they meet again and I can say that the meeting is explosive.
The very well written story has those elements that we love: hot scenes between the couple, jealousy, action, shooting, explosions, bad guys being chased, delicious bikers, ex military, alpha males marking their territory and a woman reborn and full of confidence.
I enjoyed and recommend.
English
Portuguese
November 13, 2014
Just check out that steaming HOT cover... if that isn't enough to move you to pick up the book...
WOW! I love this series. Riley is my man (Sorry Chelsea Camaron). I fell in love with him in Secret Maneuvers and am still in love with him. There is not a stronger, safer, sexier man in the entire book world. Not only is he loyal and protective, but he gets Kara. He does not punish her for the way she reacts to their life together. He understands that she acted how she did due to the way he reacted. He doesn’t let her off the hook entirely, but he shoulders enough blame that he is a real man.
Kara breaks my heart. I could feel her pain at not having her husband home often enough. I could feel her frustration at wanting to be the “perfect” seal wife and struggling to do it. Then when she was already struggling, life shook her up even more. When Kara comes to terms with the life that she has been handed, she realizes that she has to own up to her struggles and accept the life that Riley lives.
There is so much more going on in this book that I want to share with you, but to do so would give away all the best parts of the story. I can only suggest that you pick up this book IMMEDIATELY and do not put it down until you have read the last page. I cannot wait for more of these amazing Seals.
WOW! I love this series. Riley is my man (Sorry Chelsea Camaron). I fell in love with him in Secret Maneuvers and am still in love with him. There is not a stronger, safer, sexier man in the entire book world. Not only is he loyal and protective, but he gets Kara. He does not punish her for the way she reacts to their life together. He understands that she acted how she did due to the way he reacted. He doesn’t let her off the hook entirely, but he shoulders enough blame that he is a real man.
Kara breaks my heart. I could feel her pain at not having her husband home often enough. I could feel her frustration at wanting to be the “perfect” seal wife and struggling to do it. Then when she was already struggling, life shook her up even more. When Kara comes to terms with the life that she has been handed, she realizes that she has to own up to her struggles and accept the life that Riley lives.
There is so much more going on in this book that I want to share with you, but to do so would give away all the best parts of the story. I can only suggest that you pick up this book IMMEDIATELY and do not put it down until you have read the last page. I cannot wait for more of these amazing Seals.
April 27, 2015
I recommend you read book one to get a good background of the characters.
The Special Op team are so hot. How could I resist reading this. This is Riley's story. Eight years after his wife, Kara, disappears he comes face to face with her again. He finds out quick that she has changed and for the better. Riley wants to prove to her that they have something worth fighting for. He doesn't want to lose her again.
Really enjoyed this story. Loved the sexy bikers we were introduced to in this story. Great read.
The Special Op team are so hot. How could I resist reading this. This is Riley's story. Eight years after his wife, Kara, disappears he comes face to face with her again. He finds out quick that she has changed and for the better. Riley wants to prove to her that they have something worth fighting for. He doesn't want to lose her again.
Really enjoyed this story. Loved the sexy bikers we were introduced to in this story. Great read.
July 2, 2015
3.5
What I liked:
Quick read.
Fast paced.
Bikers and Navy SEAL men.
Second chance romance.
Made me tear up.
Crime to be solved.
Riley 's SEALs team.
-----------------------------------------
update: 2014? NOOOOOOOOOOO! lol Dang it. :( Sigh..
I just want to know WHEN is this coming out??? It's driving me crazy. I would love to read it soon.
What I liked:
Quick read.
Fast paced.
Bikers and Navy SEAL men.
Second chance romance.
Made me tear up.
Crime to be solved.
Riley 's SEALs team.
-----------------------------------------
update: 2014? NOOOOOOOOOOO! lol Dang it. :( Sigh..
I just want to know WHEN is this coming out??? It's driving me crazy. I would love to read it soon.
July 18, 2015
I read this in one night. I thought it had a compelling story, with some very strong emotional moments. Regret is such a difficult emotion and the author portrayed it to its fullest advantage in this second chance story. I didn't think this book was overly sophisticated, but highly enjoyable.
November 14, 2014
I am amazed with how much story went in this book. Its not a long book but so much happened. Our couple met in high school and fell in love. Even though they both knew it was that special kind of love things went wrong. I have to give the author credit for accurately portraying a woman with depression issue who along with having that also had abandonment issues and self image issues. I’ve have a friend that suffers from depression and its not pretty and I know she has it – in the book her husband was clueless of what she was going through and just knew that she was longer the woman he married and instead of trying to find out what was going on he opted for more mission with his SEAL team so he wouldn’t have to be home. To make things worse she was pregnant which just added more emotions to her already overwhelming ones. When a tragic car accident takes her baby’s life and her husband is nowhere to be found on a mission she walks away from it all and files for divorce and he is left to grieve for everything – his marriage – his soul mate and his son all on his own with no answers as to what happened.
After that heartbreaking mess we jump to present day 8 years later not to long after the first book ended. The Ex Ops team wants to bring down the men responsible for the kidnapping and selling of women which resulted in the heroine of the last book getting kidnapped and the death of another woman she had been in captivity with who had been brutally tortured and raped. They find a new connection of girls being taken with strip clubs and a joint undercover operation is put into play.
Now here is where that “so much happened” comes in to play again. The author Jessie Lane and author Chelsea Camaron have decided to loosely connect their two series into a new one called Regulators MC. So we are introduced to the heads of that MC club as they own some of the strip clubs in Miami where girls have gone missing and this is where the Ex Ops team is headed undercover to try and find the new players in the sex slave ring.
Boy once they get to Miami things heat up. I think I’ve given quite a bit of the story away already so I’m gonna leave what happens in Miami to the reader to find out. All I have to say I was very satisfied with how Riley and Kara dealt with each other when they were brought back together in a surprising way and that the author didn’t sugar coat Kara’s recovery – she let it be known that Kara had to do years of therapy to get her to a comfortable place and that with the type of depression she has there may be times she has an episode that could require her to seek meds to help her through it.
This book did such a great set up for ICE – which will be the first book in the new series by Chelsea and Jessie – which I cannot wait till next month to read. A lot of things happened at the end of this book that also has me wanting the next Ex Ops book too. Love this series and glad a new one is coming that looks just as good!
After that heartbreaking mess we jump to present day 8 years later not to long after the first book ended. The Ex Ops team wants to bring down the men responsible for the kidnapping and selling of women which resulted in the heroine of the last book getting kidnapped and the death of another woman she had been in captivity with who had been brutally tortured and raped. They find a new connection of girls being taken with strip clubs and a joint undercover operation is put into play.
Now here is where that “so much happened” comes in to play again. The author Jessie Lane and author Chelsea Camaron have decided to loosely connect their two series into a new one called Regulators MC. So we are introduced to the heads of that MC club as they own some of the strip clubs in Miami where girls have gone missing and this is where the Ex Ops team is headed undercover to try and find the new players in the sex slave ring.
Boy once they get to Miami things heat up. I think I’ve given quite a bit of the story away already so I’m gonna leave what happens in Miami to the reader to find out. All I have to say I was very satisfied with how Riley and Kara dealt with each other when they were brought back together in a surprising way and that the author didn’t sugar coat Kara’s recovery – she let it be known that Kara had to do years of therapy to get her to a comfortable place and that with the type of depression she has there may be times she has an episode that could require her to seek meds to help her through it.
This book did such a great set up for ICE – which will be the first book in the new series by Chelsea and Jessie – which I cannot wait till next month to read. A lot of things happened at the end of this book that also has me wanting the next Ex Ops book too. Love this series and glad a new one is coming that looks just as good!
November 12, 2014
I don't know, for me this was simply MEH!!!! Was not bad, but not great either....
I have to say I am not a huge fan of the female leads in this series so far. The first book, she keep his son away from him for 14 years, this book she runs away and becomes a stripper and it looks like Lucas's mystery women is gonna be a junkie....not great strong female leads as far as I am concerned. At least the alpha males are good in the series. I really look forward to Declan's story....
I have to say I am not a huge fan of the female leads in this series so far. The first book, she keep his son away from him for 14 years, this book she runs away and becomes a stripper and it looks like Lucas's mystery women is gonna be a junkie....not great strong female leads as far as I am concerned. At least the alpha males are good in the series. I really look forward to Declan's story....
January 7, 2015
Lindsay: So, in preparation for this review, I went back and looked at all the other reviews we've done and realized that we've never written a joint review for a book by Jessie Lane.
Nikki: :-O We haven't?! Wow, that's insane!
Lindsay: I know, right! That's totally unlike us! But I should also point out that you discovered her first and consequently, started her books first. I only recently read Big Bad Bite. But we're not here to talk about that series. Today, we're talking about her newest book, Stripping Her Defenses!
Nikki: Woo! I've been looking forward to this book since I finished the first in the series, Secret Maneuvers!
Lindsay: LOL. OMG. Not me. I've lived in fear of this book since Secret Maneuvers! Don't get me wrong, I was also looking forward to it, but still...I was scared of it!
Nikki: Lol I know you were! Let's start with overall impressions. For me, I really enjoyed the book as a whole. There were some things that I liked better than others, but overall I thought it was a great addition to the series.
Lindsay: LOL. Wow. You really want to go there...Ok. So...Uh...I loved parts of it. *biting nails*
Nikki: Lol. We may as well get it started! ;)
Lindsay: Ok. So...I did love parts of this book (particularly Riley), but true to this series, I had issues. I'm talking wanting to knock some sense into some characters.
Nikki: Lol I can see where this is going... Before you start, I'd like to say that I loved Riley and while Kara made some decisions I didn't quite understand, I could see why she made them. *covering eyes* here we go...
Lindsay: LMAO! or should I say Muahahahahahaha! Before I start my ranting and all that fun stuff (and you know it's fun ;)), I did love Riley. I'm talking adding him to my book boyfriend his, wish he were real type of thing. And I know that he's been claimed by author Chelsea Cameron, but we're seriously gonna have to fight her for him because he firmly belongs with us.
Nikki: I would have to agree that maybe if the two of us team up we can take Chelsea (shhh!) And yes, Riley was a great hero. He was hot, built, alpha and he had that tortured hero edge going on.
Lindsay: Yeah we can! Let's do this!
Nikki: LOL. Ok.
Lindsay: As for Kara....Well...I could be coy and just say we didn't get along too well but there's not much fun in that. Like you said, I didn't agree with her choices. I felt for her and what she went through. It was awful, and due to the nature of his job, she went through it alone. But I didn't agree with her actions after she went through that trauma and especially after she and Riley found each other again. I won't get into lots of details, but I really had issues with the way she treated him and got angry with him when he was still mourning and demanding answers that she legitimately owed him.
Nikki: I agree that she could have handled that situation better. But I can't even imagine what she went through, and yes Riley was going through it too, but Kara was also dealing with depression which is a serious affliction. Like I said, I can't say I'd make the same choices she did if I were in her place, but I can see why she did.
I do agree that Riley was jipped as well. He didn't really get a chance to grieve their loss on top of his wife leaving him. But, he made some poor choices in their marriage as well.
Lindsay: Oh, I don't disagree that Riley was stupid in his choices during his marriage. But I chalked it up to him being a man, and men are idiots. And you're right, she was suffering with depression, but I really hated how she shut him out after he came home from his mission and wouldn't even talk to him, or see him. She chose to make the break from him. She moved on. She got help. She grieved. He never got any of that. And as much as we talk about wanting to torture various fictional characters and joke about Dexter and such, what she did was torture him for 8 years. And I'm not down with that. He was a good man and if she didn't want him and wanted to be done (which was fine) she should have given him closure and let him mourn and move on with his life.
Nikki: I hear what you're saying about Kara. But the way I see it, she wasn't a strong woman in the beginning. She was suffering from several different issues that are all intense on their own, but combined can cripple a person, metaphorically speaking. I agree that had Riley and Kara had better communication before the split, they more than likely wouldn't have split at all. Although, then we wouldn't have this book...
Lindsay: True, but sill, I don't like her SMH. I just realized something. Riley and Kara never talked about why he didn't come home when she was in the accident and how he didn't find out about it until he got home. Even with the way she moved on, she was still angry with him and I'm surprised she didn't throw that in his face, setting the scene for a conversation about that.
Nikki: Now that you mentioned it, you're right. It was said that the Red Cross message never got to Riley while he was away on his mission. But they never brought that up so he could explain why he didn't return sooner.
Lindsay: Exactly. I'm just surprised it wasn't brought up in their whole conversation about how things went wrong and her running from him. I do have to bring up something else...I absolutely loved Bobby and Declan in this book! The way they went after the bad guy....OMG! ♥♥♥♥
Nikki: Oooo Declan ♥♥ and Bobby! Oh yes that was one of my favorite scenes! *happy sigh* I really can't wait for Declan's book! We should go ahead and claim him now before Chelsea tries too ;)
Lindsay: Yes! Did you hear that Jessie Lane!? WE'RE CLAIMING DECLAN!!!! That Declan/Bobby scene was definitely one of my favorite scenes too (probably my absolute favorite since it made made my day)... Hey Nikki, our inner vampire is showing ;)
Nikki: Lol I think you've rubbed off on me Lindsay! ;) I don't recall being this bloodthirsty with books before you came along!
Lindsay: LMAO! Awe! I inspire your blood lust. *wiping tear away* I'm so proud!
Nikki: Lol uhh... are we sure this is something to be proud of?! Either way... as far as Stripping Her Deffenses goes, I really enjoyed this and it's been a while since we've had such a great book to debate about!
Lindsay: ROTFL! Yes, yes it is something to be proud of! And you're right, it's been a long time since we've really debated on a book. Lol. And I know I drove you crazy with all my arguments. So...what's your final rating?
Nikki: I gave it a solid 4 stars. I really love this author and her style and the story was a great addition to the series!
Lindsay: I totally agree with you. I also give it 4 stars!
Nikki: :-O We haven't?! Wow, that's insane!
Lindsay: I know, right! That's totally unlike us! But I should also point out that you discovered her first and consequently, started her books first. I only recently read Big Bad Bite. But we're not here to talk about that series. Today, we're talking about her newest book, Stripping Her Defenses!
Nikki: Woo! I've been looking forward to this book since I finished the first in the series, Secret Maneuvers!
Lindsay: LOL. OMG. Not me. I've lived in fear of this book since Secret Maneuvers! Don't get me wrong, I was also looking forward to it, but still...I was scared of it!
Nikki: Lol I know you were! Let's start with overall impressions. For me, I really enjoyed the book as a whole. There were some things that I liked better than others, but overall I thought it was a great addition to the series.
Lindsay: LOL. Wow. You really want to go there...Ok. So...Uh...I loved parts of it. *biting nails*
Nikki: Lol. We may as well get it started! ;)
Lindsay: Ok. So...I did love parts of this book (particularly Riley), but true to this series, I had issues. I'm talking wanting to knock some sense into some characters.
Nikki: Lol I can see where this is going... Before you start, I'd like to say that I loved Riley and while Kara made some decisions I didn't quite understand, I could see why she made them. *covering eyes* here we go...
Lindsay: LMAO! or should I say Muahahahahahaha! Before I start my ranting and all that fun stuff (and you know it's fun ;)), I did love Riley. I'm talking adding him to my book boyfriend his, wish he were real type of thing. And I know that he's been claimed by author Chelsea Cameron, but we're seriously gonna have to fight her for him because he firmly belongs with us.
Nikki: I would have to agree that maybe if the two of us team up we can take Chelsea (shhh!) And yes, Riley was a great hero. He was hot, built, alpha and he had that tortured hero edge going on.
Lindsay: Yeah we can! Let's do this!
Nikki: LOL. Ok.
Lindsay: As for Kara....Well...I could be coy and just say we didn't get along too well but there's not much fun in that. Like you said, I didn't agree with her choices. I felt for her and what she went through. It was awful, and due to the nature of his job, she went through it alone. But I didn't agree with her actions after she went through that trauma and especially after she and Riley found each other again. I won't get into lots of details, but I really had issues with the way she treated him and got angry with him when he was still mourning and demanding answers that she legitimately owed him.
Nikki: I agree that she could have handled that situation better. But I can't even imagine what she went through, and yes Riley was going through it too, but Kara was also dealing with depression which is a serious affliction. Like I said, I can't say I'd make the same choices she did if I were in her place, but I can see why she did.
I do agree that Riley was jipped as well. He didn't really get a chance to grieve their loss on top of his wife leaving him. But, he made some poor choices in their marriage as well.
Lindsay: Oh, I don't disagree that Riley was stupid in his choices during his marriage. But I chalked it up to him being a man, and men are idiots. And you're right, she was suffering with depression, but I really hated how she shut him out after he came home from his mission and wouldn't even talk to him, or see him. She chose to make the break from him. She moved on. She got help. She grieved. He never got any of that. And as much as we talk about wanting to torture various fictional characters and joke about Dexter and such, what she did was torture him for 8 years. And I'm not down with that. He was a good man and if she didn't want him and wanted to be done (which was fine) she should have given him closure and let him mourn and move on with his life.
Nikki: I hear what you're saying about Kara. But the way I see it, she wasn't a strong woman in the beginning. She was suffering from several different issues that are all intense on their own, but combined can cripple a person, metaphorically speaking. I agree that had Riley and Kara had better communication before the split, they more than likely wouldn't have split at all. Although, then we wouldn't have this book...
Lindsay: True, but sill, I don't like her SMH. I just realized something. Riley and Kara never talked about why he didn't come home when she was in the accident and how he didn't find out about it until he got home. Even with the way she moved on, she was still angry with him and I'm surprised she didn't throw that in his face, setting the scene for a conversation about that.
Nikki: Now that you mentioned it, you're right. It was said that the Red Cross message never got to Riley while he was away on his mission. But they never brought that up so he could explain why he didn't return sooner.
Lindsay: Exactly. I'm just surprised it wasn't brought up in their whole conversation about how things went wrong and her running from him. I do have to bring up something else...I absolutely loved Bobby and Declan in this book! The way they went after the bad guy....OMG! ♥♥♥♥
Nikki: Oooo Declan ♥♥ and Bobby! Oh yes that was one of my favorite scenes! *happy sigh* I really can't wait for Declan's book! We should go ahead and claim him now before Chelsea tries too ;)
Lindsay: Yes! Did you hear that Jessie Lane!? WE'RE CLAIMING DECLAN!!!! That Declan/Bobby scene was definitely one of my favorite scenes too (probably my absolute favorite since it made made my day)... Hey Nikki, our inner vampire is showing ;)
Nikki: Lol I think you've rubbed off on me Lindsay! ;) I don't recall being this bloodthirsty with books before you came along!
Lindsay: LMAO! Awe! I inspire your blood lust. *wiping tear away* I'm so proud!
Nikki: Lol uhh... are we sure this is something to be proud of?! Either way... as far as Stripping Her Deffenses goes, I really enjoyed this and it's been a while since we've had such a great book to debate about!
Lindsay: ROTFL! Yes, yes it is something to be proud of! And you're right, it's been a long time since we've really debated on a book. Lol. And I know I drove you crazy with all my arguments. So...what's your final rating?
Nikki: I gave it a solid 4 stars. I really love this author and her style and the story was a great addition to the series!
Lindsay: I totally agree with you. I also give it 4 stars!
June 6, 2022
I just wish this book had been longer. I feel like the writer could’ve included a more emotional part where Riley and Kara deal with the loss of their child, but I still loved it very much!
April 11, 2017
Another good all round book with great characters.
November 19, 2014
Good action, good steam, and still loving this series.
Kara Sullivan loves her husband, but can’t help but wonder if he loves her as much as his job or even perhaps, their unborn child. When tragedy strikes and their child is lost along with any hope of future children, Kara leaves. She leaves. She leaves everything behind, her life, her past, her future, her husband, and seeks out the Kara she needs to be.
Riley Sullivan is a man of loyalty, respect, and honor. As a Navy S.E.A.L., he allowed his obligation to his team and his job get in the way of his marriage to the only woman he’s ever loved, and it cost him everything. Eight long years of loss, of not knowing where she is, of not being able to tell her how much he loves and misses her, has driven him to go through life on the edge of giving everything over to the darkness. Until one night, when he walks into a strip club on an Ex Ops mission and looks into the eyes of the main attraction, who happens to be his wife – well, ex-wife.
Riley and his team have their hands full with a mission to find the man behind missing women being sold into slavery, the same man responsible for the death of a woman and the severe beating of an FBI agent. (If you read SECRET MANEUVERS, book one in the Ex Ops series then you know the story, if you haven’t – DO!) Finding out his wife is the main attraction on the stage of a strip club run by a biker gang is not what he expected at all, and now he’s trying to keep his mind on the job while trying to figure out how to win his wife back.
Jessie Lane created a wonderful cast of characters and introduced them to us in SECRET MANEUVERS, the first book in the Ex Ops series. STRIPPING HER DEFENSES continues the mission started in the first book as well as gives us a happily ever after second chance romance for Riley and Kara. Giving us the story directly from the main characters' point of views and in first person, we climb into the skins of Riley and Kara experiencing their wishes, their regrets, their angst, and their joy. Meanwhile, we get to know the other members of the Ex Ops team even better with more focus centering on Declan, Riley’s brother and Lucas Young through his connections to the MC, the Regulators. Lucas is carrying a torch for a long lost love too.
With plenty of action, angst, pasts filled with sorrow, and depression playing a secondary role in Riley and Kara’s story, I didn't find STRIPPING HER DEFENSES by Jessie Lane quite as romantically powerful, or action-filled exciting as SECRET MANEUVERS was. I would like to have had more emotional interaction between Riley and Kara. I also felt her studio being trashed was a bit of a misdirection that didn't work. Still, I enjoyed it very much as it kept me turning the pages, expecting all hell to break loose at any moment between Riley and Ice, but in the end proving to be an exceptional read. I highly recommend STRIPPING HER DEFENSES, book two in the Ex Ops series by Jessie Lane to anyone who enjoys a second chance love story with some sexy ex-military men saving the day, and enduring the costs. It works great as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading SECRET MANEUVERS first.
eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
Kara Sullivan loves her husband, but can’t help but wonder if he loves her as much as his job or even perhaps, their unborn child. When tragedy strikes and their child is lost along with any hope of future children, Kara leaves. She leaves. She leaves everything behind, her life, her past, her future, her husband, and seeks out the Kara she needs to be.
Riley Sullivan is a man of loyalty, respect, and honor. As a Navy S.E.A.L., he allowed his obligation to his team and his job get in the way of his marriage to the only woman he’s ever loved, and it cost him everything. Eight long years of loss, of not knowing where she is, of not being able to tell her how much he loves and misses her, has driven him to go through life on the edge of giving everything over to the darkness. Until one night, when he walks into a strip club on an Ex Ops mission and looks into the eyes of the main attraction, who happens to be his wife – well, ex-wife.
Riley and his team have their hands full with a mission to find the man behind missing women being sold into slavery, the same man responsible for the death of a woman and the severe beating of an FBI agent. (If you read SECRET MANEUVERS, book one in the Ex Ops series then you know the story, if you haven’t – DO!) Finding out his wife is the main attraction on the stage of a strip club run by a biker gang is not what he expected at all, and now he’s trying to keep his mind on the job while trying to figure out how to win his wife back.
Jessie Lane created a wonderful cast of characters and introduced them to us in SECRET MANEUVERS, the first book in the Ex Ops series. STRIPPING HER DEFENSES continues the mission started in the first book as well as gives us a happily ever after second chance romance for Riley and Kara. Giving us the story directly from the main characters' point of views and in first person, we climb into the skins of Riley and Kara experiencing their wishes, their regrets, their angst, and their joy. Meanwhile, we get to know the other members of the Ex Ops team even better with more focus centering on Declan, Riley’s brother and Lucas Young through his connections to the MC, the Regulators. Lucas is carrying a torch for a long lost love too.
With plenty of action, angst, pasts filled with sorrow, and depression playing a secondary role in Riley and Kara’s story, I didn't find STRIPPING HER DEFENSES by Jessie Lane quite as romantically powerful, or action-filled exciting as SECRET MANEUVERS was. I would like to have had more emotional interaction between Riley and Kara. I also felt her studio being trashed was a bit of a misdirection that didn't work. Still, I enjoyed it very much as it kept me turning the pages, expecting all hell to break loose at any moment between Riley and Ice, but in the end proving to be an exceptional read. I highly recommend STRIPPING HER DEFENSES, book two in the Ex Ops series by Jessie Lane to anyone who enjoys a second chance love story with some sexy ex-military men saving the day, and enduring the costs. It works great as a stand-alone but I highly recommend reading SECRET MANEUVERS first.
eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
April 23, 2015
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I must make a declaration before I begin this review. I also dont care if Chelsea Camaron chases after me with Kara's baseball bat. I Love. Riley. (blows out breath) There it has been said and it cannot be taken back. PERIOD. EVER.
We met broody and sad Riley in Book 1. We know he is unhappy and divorced but really dont know much. When Riley and Kara's story unfolds, the sadness is EPIC. These two love each other so much but don't know how to help the other so they both hide. He runs to the military and she runs into her mind and becomes depressed. After a final sadness hits the couple, Kara runs and leaves Riley.
8 years af the "What if's" on both sides. The couple find each other AGAIN and the situation is kinda funny...well funny for us the reader. Riley doesnt think it is so much fun. I loved Riley and how he was super alpha but wore his heart on his sleeve. I also loved seeing Ice. I fell for him in Jessie and Chelsea's other MC series. It was kinda cool to see him before he meets his love. I enjoyed seeing him pine for what Riley and Kara have even thought Kara is being taken away from him.
The story is great in that both, Riley ad Kara, have to take chances. Kara has to risk that Riley will keep her heart safe. Riley has to take a chance that Karra will want to make things work out for them both. I just loved the whole trust factors and risks that both these broken people wanted to take to be with the one they loved above all others.
This book made me SIGH numerous times...but my favorite line was when Karra was upset and Riley was comforting her. He says to her "Take a nap, baby. I'll fuck you better later." *Dreamy Sigh* Sweeter words have never been spoken...LOL
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www.Tsu.co/Twinsietalk
www.twitter.com/Twinsietalk
I must make a declaration before I begin this review. I also dont care if Chelsea Camaron chases after me with Kara's baseball bat. I Love. Riley. (blows out breath) There it has been said and it cannot be taken back. PERIOD. EVER.
We met broody and sad Riley in Book 1. We know he is unhappy and divorced but really dont know much. When Riley and Kara's story unfolds, the sadness is EPIC. These two love each other so much but don't know how to help the other so they both hide. He runs to the military and she runs into her mind and becomes depressed. After a final sadness hits the couple, Kara runs and leaves Riley.
8 years af the "What if's" on both sides. The couple find each other AGAIN and the situation is kinda funny...well funny for us the reader. Riley doesnt think it is so much fun. I loved Riley and how he was super alpha but wore his heart on his sleeve. I also loved seeing Ice. I fell for him in Jessie and Chelsea's other MC series. It was kinda cool to see him before he meets his love. I enjoyed seeing him pine for what Riley and Kara have even thought Kara is being taken away from him.
The story is great in that both, Riley ad Kara, have to take chances. Kara has to risk that Riley will keep her heart safe. Riley has to take a chance that Karra will want to make things work out for them both. I just loved the whole trust factors and risks that both these broken people wanted to take to be with the one they loved above all others.
This book made me SIGH numerous times...but my favorite line was when Karra was upset and Riley was comforting her. He says to her "Take a nap, baby. I'll fuck you better later." *Dreamy Sigh* Sweeter words have never been spoken...LOL
November 5, 2014
Riley and Kara are married high school sweethearts. The only problem is that they've drifted apart with him hiding in SEAL assignments that keep him away and she has lost herself in visions of what their life together should be like. Then in an instant their life together is shattered and Kara leaves him while he is away on assignment oblivious to what has happened. She needs to find herself again and try to heal. He on the other hand is stuck in the hell of guilt and regret.
Fast forward 8 years later and Riley is going on assignment with ExOps investigating women disappearing. He ends up at a strip club run by the MC and runs into Kara there. What are the chances? Holy hotness! This alpha male is over the top hot with his soul mate and he is ready to fight for her. Then someone vandalizes her photography studio and does a drive by shooting. So on top of everything else going on with the investigation, Riley and friends have to find out who is trying to kill Kara before they succeed.
I so loved this story. The beginning broke my heart for Kara. I loved the suspense of both investigations happening in the midst of this love story. I was totally rooting for Riley and Kara to get back together. I absolutely have to read Ice's story soon. I am so intrigued.
I give Stripping Her Defenses 5 hearts!
Fast forward 8 years later and Riley is going on assignment with ExOps investigating women disappearing. He ends up at a strip club run by the MC and runs into Kara there. What are the chances? Holy hotness! This alpha male is over the top hot with his soul mate and he is ready to fight for her. Then someone vandalizes her photography studio and does a drive by shooting. So on top of everything else going on with the investigation, Riley and friends have to find out who is trying to kill Kara before they succeed.
I so loved this story. The beginning broke my heart for Kara. I loved the suspense of both investigations happening in the midst of this love story. I was totally rooting for Riley and Kara to get back together. I absolutely have to read Ice's story soon. I am so intrigued.
I give Stripping Her Defenses 5 hearts!
May 11, 2015
4.5 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, betrayal, suspense, naughty fun, secrets, grief and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Secret Maneuvers (Ex Ops #1)
This is Kara and Riley’s story. Kara and Riley were married but tragedy struck and Kara left. Riley now just goes through life missing her. He does his work but the nightmares keep him awake. When he stumbles along Kara at the one place he never would have thought she would be he wonders what happened to lead her there. Kara ran from Riley thinking he loved his job more then he loved her. She is now confident in her body and her life. She misses Riley but was trying to move on. When they run into each other she knows she wants him back. But can she trust him with her heart again? Will they be able to heal each other over the past mistakes? Will they be able to move forward together into a better future?
I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, betrayal, suspense, naughty fun, secrets, grief and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Secret Maneuvers (Ex Ops #1)
This is Kara and Riley’s story. Kara and Riley were married but tragedy struck and Kara left. Riley now just goes through life missing her. He does his work but the nightmares keep him awake. When he stumbles along Kara at the one place he never would have thought she would be he wonders what happened to lead her there. Kara ran from Riley thinking he loved his job more then he loved her. She is now confident in her body and her life. She misses Riley but was trying to move on. When they run into each other she knows she wants him back. But can she trust him with her heart again? Will they be able to heal each other over the past mistakes? Will they be able to move forward together into a better future?
I loved these characters and also the side characters. I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next story from this author.
November 14, 2014
OMG. I loved this series. I was hooked from the beginning. This is a story of childhood sweethearts, second chances and heartbreak. This is the second book in the Ex Ops series. And this is Riley and Kara's story and what a story. This is your warning this story is HOT and will pull at your emotions.
Riley is in the forces and when he's home he volunteers for more work. Kara has low self esteem, and tragic consequences lead to their split. And Riley is never the same.
This book like the special forces these guys come from is action packed, explosive. It will capture your attention from the beginning. I love Riley and Kara's character's. I think Jessie has written their story beautifully.
You know I don't do spoilers and this one is no different. This story is amazing. And I really recommend you not only read this but all the first one Secret Maneuvres.
This book is gripping, exceptionally written. Has a stunning and entralling story behind it. I cant wait for the next one. I read this one in one go.
I give this 5/5 stars an 5/5 for movie moments
Riley is in the forces and when he's home he volunteers for more work. Kara has low self esteem, and tragic consequences lead to their split. And Riley is never the same.
This book like the special forces these guys come from is action packed, explosive. It will capture your attention from the beginning. I love Riley and Kara's character's. I think Jessie has written their story beautifully.
You know I don't do spoilers and this one is no different. This story is amazing. And I really recommend you not only read this but all the first one Secret Maneuvres.
This book is gripping, exceptionally written. Has a stunning and entralling story behind it. I cant wait for the next one. I read this one in one go.
I give this 5/5 stars an 5/5 for movie moments
November 21, 2014
4 Stars
Stripping Her Defense is the 2nd book in the Ex-Ops series that focuses on a black ops team whose career choices have wreaked havoc on their loves lives. In this installment, Lane addresses the serious topics of depression, death, and how to deal with being married to a military spouse. A deep emotional tidal wave ebbs and flows throughout the story as Lane flips back and forth to let us see the reasons behind a failed marriage and the steps one woman takes to reclaim her life and self worth. Steamy sex scenes spice things up the storyline while heart to heart dialogue keeps the story from becoming just another “trope.” Humor injects randomly to offset the somber tones while interesting new characters are introduced to announce a spin off series Lane is creating with fellow writer, Chelsea Cameron.
Stripping Her Defense is the 2nd book in the Ex-Ops series that focuses on a black ops team whose career choices have wreaked havoc on their loves lives. In this installment, Lane addresses the serious topics of depression, death, and how to deal with being married to a military spouse. A deep emotional tidal wave ebbs and flows throughout the story as Lane flips back and forth to let us see the reasons behind a failed marriage and the steps one woman takes to reclaim her life and self worth. Steamy sex scenes spice things up the storyline while heart to heart dialogue keeps the story from becoming just another “trope.” Humor injects randomly to offset the somber tones while interesting new characters are introduced to announce a spin off series Lane is creating with fellow writer, Chelsea Cameron.
March 12, 2016
What an incredible roller coaster ride from Jessie Lane. Yes, Riley Sullivan, is a military man from head to toe. Kara is the love of his life and wants more from Riley. Being a military spouse is one tough job. So many things happen in the first few pages of this read that you want to keep reading to see where it goes. Fast forward a good amount of years and you get a deeper look into the man Riley Sullivan. Jessie Lane took me on a journey of emotions. Jessie breaks it down and builds it up and just when you think that ok the twist and turns will go straight BAM surprise! This is a gorgeous, suspenseful and second chance romance read. Do you ever look back and say "what if" or do you look forward and say "let it ride"?
November 8, 2015
You know those books where you can tell in the first couple chapters it's going to be at least 5 stars? Yep, this is one of them. I loved everything about this book...the characters, the way the author keeps it real and makes you feel the things the characters are going through and even the suspense of the missions.
Can't wait for the next in the series!
Can't wait for the next in the series!
November 15, 2014
Another hit from a top favorite author of mine!
Review to come!
**ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Review to come!
**ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
Want to read
August 24, 2014December 2014 ????
I guess its a good thing I have a long list of TBR to hold me over.......
I guess its a good thing I have a long list of TBR to hold me over.......
March 24, 2016
tragedy,,pride, misunderstanding, mental illness all broke a marriage. but lovers find each other and love blooms once more while a black ops mission goes wrong.
November 26, 2015
Absolutely bloody brilliant!! Well written, fab story! I literally read it in one sitting!!
November 17, 2014
Rating: 3 1/2 stars
Even the greatest love can be torn apart, but it can also be mended if the love is strong enough. This latest novel by Jessie Lane deals with depression, mental health, loss, and reconnection.
Kara and Riley Sullivan were high school sweethearts. After they married, Riley went into the Navy and Kara attended college and worked hard to become the perfect Navy wife. Yet it was Kara’s need to be “perfect” that ultimately destroyed the foundation of their marriage. Kara was determined to be different from her showgirl mother. With diet and exercise, she tried to keep her shapely form from developing. Since Kara’s father abandoned her and her mother, she had underlying abandonment issues and the harder she tried to be perfect, the more she pushes Riley away. Riley knows something is wrong with Kara and their marriage, but instead of confronting her, he avoids her taking on more and more voluntary missions. This cycle continues as the harder Kara tries to be perfect and fails, the more abandoned she feels as her marriage begins the fail.
The final straw is when Kara losses her unborn son in a car accident. She falls into a depression, and she runs away from Riley and their already frayed marriage.
The story takes up eight years later when Riley needs to go undercover to find out who has been abducting women and selling them into sexual slavery. A pattern of missing strippers in the Florida area, have them going undercover as part of a motorcycle club. They infiltrate the MC’s strip club to keep an eye on the patrons. Riley is shocked to find out one of the headliners is the woman who still haunts his dreams. Riley stopped trying to win Kara back and let her go on with her life at the request of Kara and her therapist but he never would have expected to find his shy wife boldly flashing her new curves for a room full of horny men.
Now that he’s found her, he won’t walk away again. Riley is going to make Kara face their past and come home with him where she has always belonged.
THOUGHTS:
The characters in this story are great and I have a definite interest in finding out what happens with Riley’s brother Declan and with Lucas and his missing girl. The beginning of this story is heartbreaking and it shows that sometimes love is not enough to keep a marriage together. These two people are very much in love from the moment they met in chemistry class at teens. Yet, it is our own made up demons that can destroy us. Even years after their divorce, these two are filled with a lot of “If only’s.”
My overall problems with the story included plotlines, or maybe what I thought were the plotlines, which fell short or were rushed over. No question that Riley prefers his curvier and more sexually adventurous wife which begs how he fell for the conservative, too skinny Kara to begin with. I understand that Riley walks away at his wife and her therapist’s request and he is stuck with a big bag of “If Only…”: If only he hadn’t been away when she has the accident. If only he had talked to her about her crazy issues, instead of avoiding her. Young Riley made wrong choices, but was never able to make them right.
It took years of therapy for Kara to get her head on straight, but she had her act together for some time. Her “If Only’s” stemmed from her own psychological issues. She wanted to explain that to Riley. She wanted to apologize to Riley. But in eight years, since she walked away from him, leaving him alone to grieve for his lost wife and child, she never went after him to say she was sorry. Even once he finds her and she knows she wants to explain and apologize, she keeps sneaking away from him because she doesn’t want to deal with him.
As far as plotlines, the beginning goes well, if not depressingly. Riley finds Kara and he is not happy about her stripping, but Ice explains to Riley what happened with Kara that made her want to get on stage. Even understanding that it is something that Kara needed to do, he wants her back and he wants it to stop regardless of whether it is something she needs to do.
As part of the new, more sexual Kara, Riley finds out that his wife is into more kink then when they were together, which would lead you to believe that there will be some erotic sex scenes going to be tossed in, but after their first stimulating encounter, this was not explored again.
There is also the indication that trouble haunts Riley and Kara’s reunion and we do see that someone is making trouble for Kara. I presumed since she was a stripper and since Riley was the club to find out who was abducting strippers, these plot points would coincide. Wrong! Kara’s trouble comes from another front which is unrelated and seemed a little out of left field considering all the other things that were going on in the story. It confused me because there was a big deal made that Kara, who strips masked, would be unmasking to celebrate the club’s anniversary. Since Riley sees her before she strips, the unmasking isn’t to reveal her to Riley, and isn’t to reveal her to a kidnapper so what’s with the mask and who cares if she is taking it off. Don’t bring up a plot point that has no purpose.
After Kara abandoning Riley (yes, for an understandable purpose), never trying to find him and explain and then she tried to avoid talking to him at all, their reunion seemed to happen too fast. Not just the jumping each other for sex, but the determination of we will never split up again. We also leave these characters with the presumption that Kara is “all cured” and she won’t relapse in any way returning to a life with Riley. I don’t think I have ever heard of depression being “cured.” It is more of something that comes in cycles.
I also felt that this was a partial sell for the spin-off series of the Regulators Motorcycle Club. We meet Ice and Hammer who run the club and who will be the featured characters in Book #1 and #2 of the new series. I know that authors do this all the time, but it seems a more natural flow when you have great secondary characters that you decide need their own series, than to twist the storyline so you can introduce your new series in your current series. Personally, I don’t have much interest in any of the Motorcycle Club series that are out there. Both of these characters held some interest and there is obviously more to them than just motorcycle enthusiasts, but I really didn’t like them, not enough to make me want to pick up the Regulators series. Sorry, I usually avoid stories about Vikings, billionaires and bondage, dragon-shifters or fae realms and motorcycle clubs. That’s just me. Not interested.
Overall the story was well written and enjoyable and could have used some more pages so we didn’t feel rushed back into the reunion and the characters could have been allowed to reconnect and figure out their future in spite of their past. You could read this as a stand alone or as an intro to the new series.
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Even the greatest love can be torn apart, but it can also be mended if the love is strong enough. This latest novel by Jessie Lane deals with depression, mental health, loss, and reconnection.
Kara and Riley Sullivan were high school sweethearts. After they married, Riley went into the Navy and Kara attended college and worked hard to become the perfect Navy wife. Yet it was Kara’s need to be “perfect” that ultimately destroyed the foundation of their marriage. Kara was determined to be different from her showgirl mother. With diet and exercise, she tried to keep her shapely form from developing. Since Kara’s father abandoned her and her mother, she had underlying abandonment issues and the harder she tried to be perfect, the more she pushes Riley away. Riley knows something is wrong with Kara and their marriage, but instead of confronting her, he avoids her taking on more and more voluntary missions. This cycle continues as the harder Kara tries to be perfect and fails, the more abandoned she feels as her marriage begins the fail.
The final straw is when Kara losses her unborn son in a car accident. She falls into a depression, and she runs away from Riley and their already frayed marriage.
The story takes up eight years later when Riley needs to go undercover to find out who has been abducting women and selling them into sexual slavery. A pattern of missing strippers in the Florida area, have them going undercover as part of a motorcycle club. They infiltrate the MC’s strip club to keep an eye on the patrons. Riley is shocked to find out one of the headliners is the woman who still haunts his dreams. Riley stopped trying to win Kara back and let her go on with her life at the request of Kara and her therapist but he never would have expected to find his shy wife boldly flashing her new curves for a room full of horny men.
Now that he’s found her, he won’t walk away again. Riley is going to make Kara face their past and come home with him where she has always belonged.
THOUGHTS:
The characters in this story are great and I have a definite interest in finding out what happens with Riley’s brother Declan and with Lucas and his missing girl. The beginning of this story is heartbreaking and it shows that sometimes love is not enough to keep a marriage together. These two people are very much in love from the moment they met in chemistry class at teens. Yet, it is our own made up demons that can destroy us. Even years after their divorce, these two are filled with a lot of “If only’s.”
My overall problems with the story included plotlines, or maybe what I thought were the plotlines, which fell short or were rushed over. No question that Riley prefers his curvier and more sexually adventurous wife which begs how he fell for the conservative, too skinny Kara to begin with. I understand that Riley walks away at his wife and her therapist’s request and he is stuck with a big bag of “If Only…”: If only he hadn’t been away when she has the accident. If only he had talked to her about her crazy issues, instead of avoiding her. Young Riley made wrong choices, but was never able to make them right.
It took years of therapy for Kara to get her head on straight, but she had her act together for some time. Her “If Only’s” stemmed from her own psychological issues. She wanted to explain that to Riley. She wanted to apologize to Riley. But in eight years, since she walked away from him, leaving him alone to grieve for his lost wife and child, she never went after him to say she was sorry. Even once he finds her and she knows she wants to explain and apologize, she keeps sneaking away from him because she doesn’t want to deal with him.
As far as plotlines, the beginning goes well, if not depressingly. Riley finds Kara and he is not happy about her stripping, but Ice explains to Riley what happened with Kara that made her want to get on stage. Even understanding that it is something that Kara needed to do, he wants her back and he wants it to stop regardless of whether it is something she needs to do.
As part of the new, more sexual Kara, Riley finds out that his wife is into more kink then when they were together, which would lead you to believe that there will be some erotic sex scenes going to be tossed in, but after their first stimulating encounter, this was not explored again.
There is also the indication that trouble haunts Riley and Kara’s reunion and we do see that someone is making trouble for Kara. I presumed since she was a stripper and since Riley was the club to find out who was abducting strippers, these plot points would coincide. Wrong! Kara’s trouble comes from another front which is unrelated and seemed a little out of left field considering all the other things that were going on in the story. It confused me because there was a big deal made that Kara, who strips masked, would be unmasking to celebrate the club’s anniversary. Since Riley sees her before she strips, the unmasking isn’t to reveal her to Riley, and isn’t to reveal her to a kidnapper so what’s with the mask and who cares if she is taking it off. Don’t bring up a plot point that has no purpose.
After Kara abandoning Riley (yes, for an understandable purpose), never trying to find him and explain and then she tried to avoid talking to him at all, their reunion seemed to happen too fast. Not just the jumping each other for sex, but the determination of we will never split up again. We also leave these characters with the presumption that Kara is “all cured” and she won’t relapse in any way returning to a life with Riley. I don’t think I have ever heard of depression being “cured.” It is more of something that comes in cycles.
I also felt that this was a partial sell for the spin-off series of the Regulators Motorcycle Club. We meet Ice and Hammer who run the club and who will be the featured characters in Book #1 and #2 of the new series. I know that authors do this all the time, but it seems a more natural flow when you have great secondary characters that you decide need their own series, than to twist the storyline so you can introduce your new series in your current series. Personally, I don’t have much interest in any of the Motorcycle Club series that are out there. Both of these characters held some interest and there is obviously more to them than just motorcycle enthusiasts, but I really didn’t like them, not enough to make me want to pick up the Regulators series. Sorry, I usually avoid stories about Vikings, billionaires and bondage, dragon-shifters or fae realms and motorcycle clubs. That’s just me. Not interested.
Overall the story was well written and enjoyable and could have used some more pages so we didn’t feel rushed back into the reunion and the characters could have been allowed to reconnect and figure out their future in spite of their past. You could read this as a stand alone or as an intro to the new series.
Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2017
I loved it. great writing, great story, great characters. it fit really well with The Regulators which is def one of my fave series.
plenty happening, lots of history between the main characters. i enjoy second chance love stories and this series offers that and more. a good set up for Ice's story (mmm. nearly time for a re-read). have enjoyed everything that i have read by this author
plenty happening, lots of history between the main characters. i enjoy second chance love stories and this series offers that and more. a good set up for Ice's story (mmm. nearly time for a re-read). have enjoyed everything that i have read by this author
October 23, 2017
Love these guys
Don't really know what to say because I have so much running through my mind. I do know that I definitely want to keep reading this series of Jessie Lane's. This is Riley and Kara's story. Also, great for those of us who suffer from depression to know we aren't alone.
Don't really know what to say because I have so much running through my mind. I do know that I definitely want to keep reading this series of Jessie Lane's. This is Riley and Kara's story. Also, great for those of us who suffer from depression to know we aren't alone.
September 27, 2023
This story has a lot of moving parts and will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's heartbreaking, but Kara puts a whole new meaning to sexy. There are times you want to cry, laugh and feel sorrow. Riley comes head to head with Ice. A fantastic book and can't wait to read the next one. HEA.
July 12, 2018
3.5 stars
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