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Declan's Defenders #2
Show of Force
A former marine must help a Russian spy…But can he trust her?Force Recon marine Mack Balkman would do anything for Declan’s Defenders and the boss who gave him a second chance. But aiding a rogue Russian spy pushes his loyalty to the limits. Beautiful, cunning Riley Lansing loves her adopted country—and her baby brother, who is being held for ransom. Can they work together to find the young boy before Riley’s handler learns that she has gone rogue?Declan’s Defenders
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2019
About the author
Elle James
625 books1,246 followersAward-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 14, 2019
Show of Force (Declan’s Defenders #2) by Elle James
Harlequin Intrigue series romance.
Riley is a sleeper Russian agent, not necessarily by choice, but because her parents were. She’s been tasked with killing the benefactor of Declan’s Defenders. While she would have liked to refuse, her little brother has been kidnapped to ensure her cooperation.
Charlie’s belief and dedication to the wounded is phenomenal as is her support to charity. That she steps up so selflessly is admirable. I want to be like her. I look forward to reading who else she takes under her wings.
Action, adventure and romance. A winning combination. A bit of a cliffhanger because of an overall arc.
Harlequin Intrigue series romance.
Riley is a sleeper Russian agent, not necessarily by choice, but because her parents were. She’s been tasked with killing the benefactor of Declan’s Defenders. While she would have liked to refuse, her little brother has been kidnapped to ensure her cooperation.
Charlie’s belief and dedication to the wounded is phenomenal as is her support to charity. That she steps up so selflessly is admirable. I want to be like her. I look forward to reading who else she takes under her wings.
Action, adventure and romance. A winning combination. A bit of a cliffhanger because of an overall arc.
May 27, 2019
Good book with an excellent mix of action, suspense, and romance, with a couple of surprises thrown in for good measure. Riley and Mack were both introduced in the first book, Marine Force Recon. This book can stand alone, but it's better if you read the first book, too.
Mack is grateful to be reunited with his team members as they work for the new Declan's Defenders. Mack is tasked with protecting their boss and benefactor, Charlie, at a charity event. It isn't easy because Charlie is very independent and resistant to anything that hinders her activities. It's a pretty funny scene when she heads for the ladies room, but also one where Mack's presence plays a crucial role. Neither he nor Charlie expected her good friend, Riley, to attempt to kill her.
Riley played a big part in the resolution of the mystery in the first book. She is an aerospace engineer who also helped the FBI uncover corruption in her workplace. What no one knows is that she is also a Russian sleeper agent, thanks to the training of her Russian spy parents. Riley was raised as an American and loves her country. After the deaths of her parents, she believed she had been forgotten about until she was called on to assassinate Charlie. She doesn't want to do it, but her little brother was kidnapped and is held hostage to her following orders.
The tension was high from the very beginning. Mack had been introduced to Riley before this event, and though something about her didn't sit right with him, he didn't expect her to be an assassin. It took some hard convincing from Charlie for Mack to agree to help Riley find her brother while the rest of the team protected Charlie as she pretended to be at death's door. The suspense and action were almost nonstop as Mack and Riley raced against time to find Toby. Each lead got them closer, but they were constantly under attack from those who wanted to keep their secrets. There were multiple twists and turns that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. The final confrontation at the end was intense and exciting. I loved seeing Mack's determination to save her and adored his reaction to her pretty much saving herself. Though this issue was resolved, another mystery has surfaced that may lead to answers in the overarching question of who killed Charlie's husband and why. I can't wait for the next book!
I liked the development of the relationship between Mack and Riley. The attraction is there from the beginning, but both of them have issues that cause them to resist. Mack still suffers from the events that happened in Afghanistan and ended his military career and other things that cause him to question his worth. He feels a deep need to prove himself. Riley is horrified by what she was forced to do and terrified for the safety of her brother. As they worked through the leads to finding her brother, Riley and Mack learned to trust each other, and with that trust, different feelings began to grow. I liked seeing them come together at the end after all the excitement is over, and want to spend more time together and get to know each other (like actually go on a date), instead of immediately declaring themselves in love. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in future books.
Mack is grateful to be reunited with his team members as they work for the new Declan's Defenders. Mack is tasked with protecting their boss and benefactor, Charlie, at a charity event. It isn't easy because Charlie is very independent and resistant to anything that hinders her activities. It's a pretty funny scene when she heads for the ladies room, but also one where Mack's presence plays a crucial role. Neither he nor Charlie expected her good friend, Riley, to attempt to kill her.
Riley played a big part in the resolution of the mystery in the first book. She is an aerospace engineer who also helped the FBI uncover corruption in her workplace. What no one knows is that she is also a Russian sleeper agent, thanks to the training of her Russian spy parents. Riley was raised as an American and loves her country. After the deaths of her parents, she believed she had been forgotten about until she was called on to assassinate Charlie. She doesn't want to do it, but her little brother was kidnapped and is held hostage to her following orders.
The tension was high from the very beginning. Mack had been introduced to Riley before this event, and though something about her didn't sit right with him, he didn't expect her to be an assassin. It took some hard convincing from Charlie for Mack to agree to help Riley find her brother while the rest of the team protected Charlie as she pretended to be at death's door. The suspense and action were almost nonstop as Mack and Riley raced against time to find Toby. Each lead got them closer, but they were constantly under attack from those who wanted to keep their secrets. There were multiple twists and turns that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. The final confrontation at the end was intense and exciting. I loved seeing Mack's determination to save her and adored his reaction to her pretty much saving herself. Though this issue was resolved, another mystery has surfaced that may lead to answers in the overarching question of who killed Charlie's husband and why. I can't wait for the next book!
I liked the development of the relationship between Mack and Riley. The attraction is there from the beginning, but both of them have issues that cause them to resist. Mack still suffers from the events that happened in Afghanistan and ended his military career and other things that cause him to question his worth. He feels a deep need to prove himself. Riley is horrified by what she was forced to do and terrified for the safety of her brother. As they worked through the leads to finding her brother, Riley and Mack learned to trust each other, and with that trust, different feelings began to grow. I liked seeing them come together at the end after all the excitement is over, and want to spend more time together and get to know each other (like actually go on a date), instead of immediately declaring themselves in love. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in future books.
May 24, 2019
Sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's a miss. This on is a miss. I expect from any romantic suspense book three basic elements: A good plot, characters I can care about and a hot romance. "Show of Force" misses on all three. I love Elle James and am really disappointed. What we got was a predictable plot, characters who just weren't empathic and an insta lust romance that played like a one night stand, maybe because it was. There is a over-arching plot to this series with the murder of Charlie's husband and why. We get another piece of the puzzle in this book.
Mack Balkman is now part of billionaire philanthropist Charlie's Declan's Defenders team. As a wrongly dishonorably discharged Force Recon Marine he still loves his country and wants to help people. When Charlie tells him to help a gorgeous Russian sleeper agent, he had his hands full and not just of her. Riley Lansing's young brother has been kidnapped and she is being forced to become the Russian agent she had hoped Russia had forgotten about.
Mack Balkman is now part of billionaire philanthropist Charlie's Declan's Defenders team. As a wrongly dishonorably discharged Force Recon Marine he still loves his country and wants to help people. When Charlie tells him to help a gorgeous Russian sleeper agent, he had his hands full and not just of her. Riley Lansing's young brother has been kidnapped and she is being forced to become the Russian agent she had hoped Russia had forgotten about.
April 7, 2019
Firstly I would like to point out that I really didn’t get the chance to read the previous book in which it seems that some of these characters have been properly introduced but even if I missed it I can undoubtedly admit that this one left me quite speechless. The story is very engaging, the female heroine is a courageous Russian spy who has grown up as an american citizen. The male character instead is a former marine who is part of a bodyguard team at the service of a philanthropic woman. So having said this, it is indeed clear that this book isn’t annoying. The story is fast paced and all the characters have their own room for action without restraining the other. The right dose of thrill with a little bit of spice makes this book a definite read.
May 4, 2019
WOW WOW WOW ; I can't get enough of this series because it is fast paced and will have you holding your breath to the next page and chapter. I really can't wait for book 3 in the series to come out.
June 21, 2019
⇡
2 stars
⇣I suppose this book wasn’t for me. The writing wasn’t bad but the plot was too 𝓅𝓇𝑒𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 for my taste. It was like at every turn the story took there was a convenient clue or witness. It was really convenient the owner of the only store there has photographic memory and remembered the plate of the guy they think kidnapped Riley’s brother. Then when they found him he’s dying so they ask a man there, who just happens to have a military tattoo and so Mark can relate to, if someone came to that guy’s aparment…again
how convenient.
𝔸𝕟𝕕 things continue that way throughout the rest of the book.About the “relationship” between Mark & Riley, I didn’t feel the chemistry, ｓｏｒｒｙ.
February 28, 2021
DNF. Couldn't get into this. I can suspend my disbelief as well as anybody... but this was just silly. At the end of the first entry in the series Mack was supposed to be with Riley whilst whatever was going on with her was resolved. Now, two weeks later... he is with Charlie and is surprised to see Riley at the Gala. Doesn't make sense. And the whole thing with Riley's work-place was never resolved. And by the tone of this one... it is a completely different problem. I wasn't engaged and really could be bothered to continue even tho it is a quick read. Stopped at about 26%.
April 17, 2019
Another heart-pounding story in this series.
OK, this book didn't have quite as much action as the first one in the series but it did have a lot of intrigue going on and lots of suspense. While Show of Force is the second book in the Declan's Defenders series it stands alone very well. I really encourage you to read book one though, Marine Force Recon, because it is amazing!
The blurb describes the story well but there are so many details and nuances that it can't possibly include everything. Riley Lansing will do anything to save her baby brother, or will she? Mack has personal reasons of his own for feeling compelled to help Riley.
These two click quickly but I wouldn't exactly call it insta-love. There's a lot that happens before the actually get to the sexy stuff. (Side note: I'm so glad that Harlequin has loosened up a bit and is allowing sexier words to describe the intimate time between the MC's.)
The concept of a wealthy benefactor, this time a woman Ms. Charlotte "Charlie" Halverson, isn't a new one for this author but at no time did I feel like this story was just a rehash of any of her other ones. Elle James does a great job of keeping things fresh and exciting.
There were a lot of bad guys in this book and Elle James did a excellent job of keeping us guessing about who was doing what and how they were doing it. The story for the two main characters is wrapped up with a HFN so I don't consider this book to have a cliffhanger but there are unanswered questions about who is after Charlie Halverson.
The only thing I'm sad about is learning that the next book in this series isn't coming until September 2019. I can't wait!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
OK, this book didn't have quite as much action as the first one in the series but it did have a lot of intrigue going on and lots of suspense. While Show of Force is the second book in the Declan's Defenders series it stands alone very well. I really encourage you to read book one though, Marine Force Recon, because it is amazing!
The blurb describes the story well but there are so many details and nuances that it can't possibly include everything. Riley Lansing will do anything to save her baby brother, or will she? Mack has personal reasons of his own for feeling compelled to help Riley.
These two click quickly but I wouldn't exactly call it insta-love. There's a lot that happens before the actually get to the sexy stuff. (Side note: I'm so glad that Harlequin has loosened up a bit and is allowing sexier words to describe the intimate time between the MC's.)
The concept of a wealthy benefactor, this time a woman Ms. Charlotte "Charlie" Halverson, isn't a new one for this author but at no time did I feel like this story was just a rehash of any of her other ones. Elle James does a great job of keeping things fresh and exciting.
There were a lot of bad guys in this book and Elle James did a excellent job of keeping us guessing about who was doing what and how they were doing it. The story for the two main characters is wrapped up with a HFN so I don't consider this book to have a cliffhanger but there are unanswered questions about who is after Charlie Halverson.
The only thing I'm sad about is learning that the next book in this series isn't coming until September 2019. I can't wait!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
May 2, 2019
Riley Lansing...aerospace engineer, FBI confidante, and trained Russian spy has been called to duty. In order to rescue her younger brother, Riley must kill a friend and show proof of death. Riley doesn’t want to kill anyone and certainly never thought she’d be called upon to perform the duties of a sleeper Russian spy. But she’d do anything to save her brother, even kill Charlie Halverson-founder of Declan’s Defenders.
Mack, former Marine, was dishonorably discharged when he and his team failed to follow orders. When offered a chance to work with his former teammates as a Defender, he jumps at the chance. When assigned to protect Ms. Halverson at a party, he quickly finds himself in a mess. Mack, who is drawn to Riley, can’t believe she’s a sleeper spy. Even though he doesn’t completely trust Riley, they must work together in order to save her brother and right his past “wrongs”. It’s a race against time and the unknown.
This novel is the second in the Declan’s Defenders series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading this series in order. Riley is introduced in the first novel and it was an absolute shock to learn she is a spy! I never saw it coming! This novel isn’t as action-packed, but is more intriguing. I was on the edge of my seat. A real page turner! I can’t wait to see how this storyline continues to play out in the remainder of the series. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Mack, former Marine, was dishonorably discharged when he and his team failed to follow orders. When offered a chance to work with his former teammates as a Defender, he jumps at the chance. When assigned to protect Ms. Halverson at a party, he quickly finds himself in a mess. Mack, who is drawn to Riley, can’t believe she’s a sleeper spy. Even though he doesn’t completely trust Riley, they must work together in order to save her brother and right his past “wrongs”. It’s a race against time and the unknown.
This novel is the second in the Declan’s Defenders series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading this series in order. Riley is introduced in the first novel and it was an absolute shock to learn she is a spy! I never saw it coming! This novel isn’t as action-packed, but is more intriguing. I was on the edge of my seat. A real page turner! I can’t wait to see how this storyline continues to play out in the remainder of the series. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
October 9, 2019
Riley is the best friend and room-mate of Grace from book 1. Now it's time for her little secret to come to light. Well not so little really, she is a Russian sleeper agent! Mind you it's not like she chose this career. She was born into it - literally. But when her parents passed away she hoped that the Motherland would forget her existence. But no such luck and to ensure her "cooperation" they kidnapped her baby brother.
Mack's glad to be back working after the teams undeserved dishonourable discharge. It's his turn in the monkey suit to escort Charlie to a charity function. But as usual Charlie isn't making it easy for him. She keeds wandering off. But when a visit to the loo leads to unforeseen danger, Mack isn't exactly thrilled to then have to start working with Riley. It's not easy to trust a Russian spy after all.
Poor Riley feels as American as the others. She doesn't want to do what her handlers are asking her to do but if it comes down to her life or Toby's...Toby wins hands down.
Charlie is the epitome of turning the other cheek! I'm not sure I could be that forgiving no matter how extenuating the circumstances were! But the action is thick and fast and the chemistry between Mack and Riley is palpable. Poor Mack wants a damsel in distress to save and he gets a super secret agent who can kick butt all on her own! I loved trying to figure out who the handler was... nailed it, well 50% LOL!
Mack's glad to be back working after the teams undeserved dishonourable discharge. It's his turn in the monkey suit to escort Charlie to a charity function. But as usual Charlie isn't making it easy for him. She keeds wandering off. But when a visit to the loo leads to unforeseen danger, Mack isn't exactly thrilled to then have to start working with Riley. It's not easy to trust a Russian spy after all.
Poor Riley feels as American as the others. She doesn't want to do what her handlers are asking her to do but if it comes down to her life or Toby's...Toby wins hands down.
Charlie is the epitome of turning the other cheek! I'm not sure I could be that forgiving no matter how extenuating the circumstances were! But the action is thick and fast and the chemistry between Mack and Riley is palpable. Poor Mack wants a damsel in distress to save and he gets a super secret agent who can kick butt all on her own! I loved trying to figure out who the handler was... nailed it, well 50% LOL!
August 26, 2019
This was an excellent second book of the series. The plot of the series, who is trying to do away with Charlie Halverson? In the first book, a kidnapping plot was thwarted. Here Riley Lansing, who is a sleeper Russian spy, is activated to poison her. Riley was born in the U.S. to Russian spies. Riley loves her birth country. She owes Charlie a great deal but has to kill her as her 6 year old brother was kidnapped to force her into the killing. Fortunately for all Charlie's bodyguard for a charity event is Mack Balkman. Mack is part of Charlie's Declan's Defenders.
The road to find Riley's brother, Toby, and ultimately discover who her handler is, is one that kept me enthralled in the story. There is a lot of action, suspense and mystery that someone who loves that genre will adore. The chemistry between Riley and Mack is one that will satisfy all the romance readers. It has the perfect balance to satisfy all.
I loved the dual POV format. Understanding the characters' thoughts, really helped me to connect with both of them. I absolutely adored them.
This is a book that I would recommend for anyone over 18 as there is a "bedroom" scene that just may offend some. It really isn't overly graphic in nature nor was it drawn out over multiple pages. I thought it was tastefully done.
The road to find Riley's brother, Toby, and ultimately discover who her handler is, is one that kept me enthralled in the story. There is a lot of action, suspense and mystery that someone who loves that genre will adore. The chemistry between Riley and Mack is one that will satisfy all the romance readers. It has the perfect balance to satisfy all.
I loved the dual POV format. Understanding the characters' thoughts, really helped me to connect with both of them. I absolutely adored them.
This is a book that I would recommend for anyone over 18 as there is a "bedroom" scene that just may offend some. It really isn't overly graphic in nature nor was it drawn out over multiple pages. I thought it was tastefully done.
April 8, 2019
Mack and Riley have met in the previous book but this story takes them places I don't think Mack thought possible. Riley was raised to be a sleeper agent and when she is called to action, she doesn't want to do it. However, her brothers life hangs in the balance.
Mack is a man who knew right away that something was unsettling with Riley but he couldn't put his finger on it. Moments later he finds out exactly who Riley is. He is tasked to help her find her brother. Even though he doesn't trust her, she gives him reason to make him want to help her.
I really liked this book. It was very intense and it was fun trying to figure out the clues along with these two. There were so many twists and turns. My only issues was just how fast Mack started to trust Riley. I know we needed him to, to move the story along but a man who has fought on the front lines I think would be more skeptical of a woman who is trained to be an assassin.
Mack is a man who knew right away that something was unsettling with Riley but he couldn't put his finger on it. Moments later he finds out exactly who Riley is. He is tasked to help her find her brother. Even though he doesn't trust her, she gives him reason to make him want to help her.
I really liked this book. It was very intense and it was fun trying to figure out the clues along with these two. There were so many twists and turns. My only issues was just how fast Mack started to trust Riley. I know we needed him to, to move the story along but a man who has fought on the front lines I think would be more skeptical of a woman who is trained to be an assassin.
April 16, 2019
4 1/2 STARS!
Action packed adventure! With the second book in the Declan's Defenders series, we get Mack's story. He's tasked with helping someone he's not totally sure is on the up and up, but it doesn't stop him from falling for her quickly. The action starts very quickly and held my attention throughout. Really enjoying this series!
Former Marine Mack Balkman is grateful to have another job with his former teammates now that they are all out of the military. He never expects a night of protecting their benefactor Charlie will lead to him meeting a Russian spy that catches his eye.
Aerospace engineer Riley Lansing just got through with the turmoil of helping the FBI with an investigation of corruption at her workplace and now her little brother has been kidnapped and she's been ordered to do things she has no interest in doing to get him back. Mack isn't sure he can trust her, but the temptation is too great not to take the risk.
Action packed adventure! With the second book in the Declan's Defenders series, we get Mack's story. He's tasked with helping someone he's not totally sure is on the up and up, but it doesn't stop him from falling for her quickly. The action starts very quickly and held my attention throughout. Really enjoying this series!
Former Marine Mack Balkman is grateful to have another job with his former teammates now that they are all out of the military. He never expects a night of protecting their benefactor Charlie will lead to him meeting a Russian spy that catches his eye.
Aerospace engineer Riley Lansing just got through with the turmoil of helping the FBI with an investigation of corruption at her workplace and now her little brother has been kidnapped and she's been ordered to do things she has no interest in doing to get him back. Mack isn't sure he can trust her, but the temptation is too great not to take the risk.
April 17, 2019
This is the second book in this series and I do think that you need to read book in the Declan's Defender series (Marine Force Recon) to get the full scope of this book as the heroine makes her appearance in that book and you get the back story of the defenders and the case they are working at the behest of Charli.
In this book we get further details about Riley Lansing and why she is doing what she is she will do what she needs to save her younger brother. Mack Balkman is still suffering from what went down with his marine recon force in Afghanistan and is determined to prove himself The build up between these two is slow and steady but the attraction is there from the start. This is a A class romantic suspense there are plenty of twists and turns and enough bad guys to sink a battle ship and we are left with questions from the entire series as we wait for the next book in this wonderful series.
In this book we get further details about Riley Lansing and why she is doing what she is she will do what she needs to save her younger brother. Mack Balkman is still suffering from what went down with his marine recon force in Afghanistan and is determined to prove himself The build up between these two is slow and steady but the attraction is there from the start. This is a A class romantic suspense there are plenty of twists and turns and enough bad guys to sink a battle ship and we are left with questions from the entire series as we wait for the next book in this wonderful series.
September 19, 2019
This is book 2 in the Declan’s Defenders series and it features Riley and Mack. I had a hard time connecting with Riley. Maybe because her personality clashed HARD with who she REALLY was. I realize that that was the whole point of being who she was but it just didn’t click for me. Who she was, was a shock to everyone that THOUGHT they knew her. She and Mack worked well together. Their romance started out slow. Hand holding, hugs, kisses here and there and then it was too much to contain. HOT! I love Mack! He’s a great guy, like all Declan‘s Defenders. All these relationships are based on trust. Some more than others.
It’s funny to see these proper military men interact with Charlie and she tries to make them call her by her first name instead of Ma’am. This story/series was put together with such amazing planning. Everything falls into place when it should. The web is growing steadily with each book. I am excited for more!
It’s funny to see these proper military men interact with Charlie and she tries to make them call her by her first name instead of Ma’am. This story/series was put together with such amazing planning. Everything falls into place when it should. The web is growing steadily with each book. I am excited for more!
April 5, 2019
I love when a good story continues into another story. For you have had a chance to get to know some of the characters. In this one we get to know more about Riley Ransling and Declan team member Mack Balkman. In this story we learn more about Riley and her history. We find her being forced into things because of love of family. Mack steps up to the plate to help Riley in the memory of someone he lost. You need to read the book to find out. I like the mixture of action and suspense in this story. Its just the right mix that you find yourself turning the page to see what is happening next. What I really liked was how she ended it. She put a bit of a mystery at the end for the Defenders to solve. This should be interesting for it draws in people that are gone and people that may still be living. I can't wait for the next one. Elle please don't make us wait to long for it!
May 2, 2019
Riley Lansing is between a rock and a hard place. A trained Russian spy, she's never imagined she'd be in the position to choose between people she cares about in her adopted country. Can she believe that her new & reluctant support - a former Marine - will truly help her?
Mack Balkman is wary of helping Riley, but orders are orders. As they race against time to rescue her baby brother, they find more than they bargained for, as well as an attraction that they never saw coming.
I liked the plot and pace of the novel. I found myself excited to see what would happen in the next book, given the ending here. I didn't read the first in the series, and though there are references to events that would have occurred in the past, this book stands very well on its own.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Mack Balkman is wary of helping Riley, but orders are orders. As they race against time to rescue her baby brother, they find more than they bargained for, as well as an attraction that they never saw coming.
I liked the plot and pace of the novel. I found myself excited to see what would happen in the next book, given the ending here. I didn't read the first in the series, and though there are references to events that would have occurred in the past, this book stands very well on its own.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 15, 2020
I have really enjoyed this series. You can read the books, out of order, (like I did) and not feel lost. Each book is a standalone. Riley Lansing grew up in America, and loves being an American. She was also trained growing up to be a Russian sleeper spy. She thought that part of her past was over when her parents died. Now she works and takes care of her little brother. She would do anything for him. She was asked to do something awful, for the safe return of her brother, when he was kidnapped. She started working with Force Recon Marine Mack Balkman to find out who is behind her brother’s kidnapping. This book has action, suspense, and romance. I’m looking forward to reading the other books.
April 12, 2019
For a book 2, this wasn't too bad. It kept my interest with all of the intrigue. I'm still not sure what is really going on with Riley and what her tie in is to Charlie. Hopefully, the next book will shed more light on this.
This is definitely a series where anything can happen and does. What will happen next, nobody knows (well, except maybe Ms James). I'm curious to see what will happen next.
This is definitely a series where anything can happen and does. What will happen next, nobody knows (well, except maybe Ms James). I'm curious to see what will happen next.
April 13, 2019
Another great story in this new series. We get to find out more about Riley from the first book. She is a Russian Sleeper Spy who is told to kill someone if she wants to see her brother again. She can't do it and is paired with Mack a member of Declan's Defenders to find him. This an action pack story with plenty of drama, suspense, mystery. Looking forward to the rest of team stories. Recieved an ARC and voluntarily leaving this review.
September 29, 2023
Saving Toby
Riley was raised as daughter of a former KGB officer. Her parents were a part of a sleeper cell. She was born here. She felt no loyalty towards Russia. After her parents death she hoped it was over. Then she got a call. They had her brother. She was to kill Charlie or she would never see 6yr old Toby again. Charlie had done so much for her. But they had Toby what was she to do.
A great story told by a great storyteller.
Don't miss it
Riley was raised as daughter of a former KGB officer. Her parents were a part of a sleeper cell. She was born here. She felt no loyalty towards Russia. After her parents death she hoped it was over. Then she got a call. They had her brother. She was to kill Charlie or she would never see 6yr old Toby again. Charlie had done so much for her. But they had Toby what was she to do.
A great story told by a great storyteller.
Don't miss it
April 13, 2019
Action-packed, suspenseful, filled with mystery and sexual chemistry. Great story line with intense characters that have engaging connections. Couldn't put this book down. Looking forward to much more in this intriguing series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.
April 18, 2019
James brings readers the next in the Declan's Defenders series, Show of Force.
Declan's Defenders are a force to be reckoned with when the boss is in trouble. The characters are well rounded and the story is engaging and will keep readers turning the pages. The recurring characters lend depth to the series.
I highly recommend this book to fans of the contemporary romantic suspense genre.
Declan's Defenders are a force to be reckoned with when the boss is in trouble. The characters are well rounded and the story is engaging and will keep readers turning the pages. The recurring characters lend depth to the series.
I highly recommend this book to fans of the contemporary romantic suspense genre.
May 8, 2019
I was given an ARC copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to review it. For me this was a quick easy read. I enjoyed it. It does have some suspense in it but I don't do spoilers so get the book and find out what I am talking about. A well written story with great characters. I encourage you to get this book. This one is worth your time. Give it a chance.
May 9, 2019
Show of Force
(Declan’s Defenders Book 2)
From the start to the end a story that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end. Mack and Rylie must work together with trust to find Toby, Rylie’s little brother, who has been kidnapped. Can a Russian sleeper spy be trusted? Mack is going to find out.
Another late night read.
(Declan’s Defenders Book 2)
From the start to the end a story that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end. Mack and Rylie must work together with trust to find Toby, Rylie’s little brother, who has been kidnapped. Can a Russian sleeper spy be trusted? Mack is going to find out.
Another late night read.
November 2, 2023
A team made from adversity, tragedy, being set up and saving a recon team’s future. Mack being second in command starts off being Riley’s body guard after her life is in danger. Who knew Russian sleeper spy, a nanny handler, a kidnapped little boy would all be tied together, in danger, about to die and commit murder. . Can the Declan Defenders save them and continue in the world .
April 7, 2019
It has been a while since I have read one of Elle's books. It has made me want to go back and read the others. Lots of action and intrigue in this one. I didn't figure out the bad guys until the very end.
April 7, 2019
This book started where the first book left off. These were characters introduced in Marine Force Recon which is book one. Elle James really knows how to make us fall in love with the characters and adds intrigue, romance and action throughout. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
April 15, 2019
I’m always intrigued his Elle James brings her characters to life. So again she has two wonderful characters in Riley and Mack. Then true to form she takes them down an adventurous path of risk, hardship, heartache, passion and survival. These stories and series are so easy to get hooked on.
April 17, 2019
Show of Force is another action packed romantic read in the Declan's Defenders series. Riley and Mack's story is full of adventure, mystery, and romance and we learn a big secret about Riley. Enjoyed the story and looking forward to the next book in the series!
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