Unruly Defender

Cocky Hero Club

by Esther E. Schmidt

A vow of justice.
A breach of silence.
A heart fueled by vengeance.
It all consumes the life of one Unruly Defender.

The first thing Eddie swore when he walked out of prison was that justice would prevail. He didn’t throw the first punch that landed him in prison, but he will make sure this time, he will be the last one to strike.

The twists and turns of Gracelynn’s life ended when she found new friends along with the perfect job. That is until the owner shows up and tips the balance of her life in a frustrating, and eventually dangerous way.

With every heartbeat Eddie gets closer to unraveling a secret that took lives, and in the end will risk the woman who touched his heart. Life is full of surprises and unknowingly crossed paths, but emotions and vengeance are bound to collide into a deadly explosion. Will Eddie be the one coming out on the losing side again or is he willing to give up the one thing he wants more than his next breath? Vengeance or love? Justice or death? In the end, the choice might not be his.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook

327 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2020

About the author

Esther E. Schmidt is an USA Today bestselling author who loves to write MC (biker) series, Mafia Romance series, PNR series, contemporary romance series, and more. She's a graphic designer that also loves to write. She released her first series "Areion Fury MC" in October 2015. Esther lives in The Netherlands with her family, three daughters, and a crazy iguana. She loves to write about bad boy Alphas with a heart for only one woman. To make it a bit interesting, that woman needs to be a badass herself.

Reviews

[nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

Unfortunately I really couldn’t connect with this one and found it a bit of a struggle to get through. I know plenty of other people have loved it already though, so I’m just going to leave it at that and let you all make your own minds up.

[Neringa Neringiukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot of things, I liked. No, loved. Gracy. Eddie. The brothers. Finn.
The story was full of action and put my brain to work. There's a puzzle, that when you think you put it together, another piece appears.
I really hope, it's not the last I hear of this club.

[Sophie Ruthven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new to me author and one I'm definitely going to be reading more of in the future.

I was hooked from cover to cover. Definitely my favourite of the CH books so far.

The characters and plot draw you in and refuse to let you go while action explodes around them. If you were to read one book in this spin off world, I would recommend this one.

The author has taken the concept and run with it. Plus this book was made even better by the addition of 3 legged Finn, couldn't get enough of him, he almost deserves the 5 stars on his own.

Hope to see more of these characters in the future.

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been a while since I've read a book from the cocky hero club series. So I figured it was high time to jump into one - with zero hesitations. Luckily, for me, this ended up working for a ton of challenges that I'm currently in. I just kind of wished that I actually liked the characters while reading this one.

In Unruly Defender you will meet Gracy and Eddie. After first meeting these two, I honestly didn't know what to think. I mean, yes, in some ways I knew that I was going to get those insta-feelings pretty early on. Especially after they two would run into one another and officially meet. But for some reason I just couldn't get invested in them. I liked them but they weren't my favorite couple so far.

Besides romance, this book does offer some sort of club action. Which, yes, definitely made this book a bit better in my eyes since I wasn't really digging the romance. I just feel like this one had so many pieces and clues that it was hard for me to figure out how this was exactly going to end.

I guess in some weird way I'm glad that I dove back into this series. I'm thinking that I probably shouldn't wait too long before I dive into another book either because I just want to get more people within this world. Maybe even re-meet people from books I've already read.

[Siobhan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unruly Defender had the potential to be a great addition to the Cocky Hero Club. Unfortunately, I could not get into this one.

I love a good motorcycle romance, and I was ready for all the goodness that comes with such reads. Sure, there was plenty packed into this one, but I never felt anything towards any of it. I never came to care for the characters, I was indifferent to their relationship, and I expected a lot more from the storyline. Sure, there were a few points that made me smile, but it wasn’t enough to win me over.

I’m sure some will love this addition to the Cocky Hero Club, but it didn’t work for me.

[All Booked Out · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say that if the blurb to this book doesn’t suck you in, the cover should. Both are ridiculous #wins! That is how you blurb kids and it is definitely how you #coverwin!

Let’s talk about this fabulous story for a second. Outstandingly unpredictable. I didn’t even see this story coming. Okay, some I did lol, but mostly I did not. I LOVE THAT. I read a ton and especially in this time in our lives during #covid19 I’ve a lot of time to dedicate to my favorite hobby, reading. So when a story comes a long that truly takes me by surprise I have to sing its praises loudly. I was an addict waiting for my next fix during my time reading this story. This author layered and unfolded this plot in a way that I just couldn’t keep up with. I wanted so badly to just know what was coming because I was on edge I tell ya! GLORIOUS

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Eddie’s story. The Eddie we heard about in passing from Chase . The cellmate who had time to serve after Chase got out . Well Eddie’s story is what I expected from the moment I open the first few pages. A MCer who got mixed up in something that he didn’t know about at the time and is determine to solve the way he know best.

This felt a typical MC romance but Cocky Hero style . It’s was a rich girl wanting something more then the cookie cutter guys from the rich scene. It’s a storyline that I have seen time after time again in the genre and I love how this played to the strengths of the genre.

This was my first in a while from this sub genre and I loved being back in this genre. Eddie was the typical MC with take no prisoner approach . It was an instant love story more on his side and he knew how to make Grace see his side of things.

He told her and whilst I’m not always a fan of this . It worked to an extent for this story given that it was an instant love story and there was so much going on. Grace had her own issues as well coming from the world of rich and waiting to make her own way. They worked well and enjoyed the ride to their HEA.

It was an interesting addition to this world to say the least.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eddie has just been released from prison after serving time from being framed by a brother in his MC he suspects. He is out and ready to figure out the truth. When he heads to the estate he bought his mother to reconnect with her and try to put together a plan, he runs into Gracelynn.

Gracelynn has been staying with Eddie's mom and helping her out with the estate. When her mother died she needed to escape her evil fathers ways. When Eddie needs help with his plan to figure out who the mole is in the MC he turns to Gracelynn. They both knew the sparks were flying front the start, but neither of them were really looking for anything more.

As things progress Eddie realizes that Gracelynn is the one that can keep him grounded. Together the find out the secrets that sent Eddie to jail in the first place. When the secrets from their past get complicated will their chemistry and passion survive?

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review.***

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like it. I wanted this book to change my mind about MC romances. And in a way, it did. I actually enjoyed the dynamics inside the MC. I wasn’t even bothered by the rude ways they address women, it seemed fitting. And I like romantic suspense, and MC romances often are also suspense and/or action stories. But this one didn’t do it for me.

It was the writing. Everything we should have seen through actions was written plainly, often via tedious conversations. There were too many repetitions. And the information needed always came just when we needed it for the next plot point, without much preparation.

There was a story here, and a good one, with interesting characters. But it wasn’t well thought out or plotted, and some things didn’t make sense–you’ve been friends for years and you didn’t know about his mother’s death, really? Too many coincidences too. Deus ex machina should be a one-time-a-book device at most.

So this book didn’t reconciled me with MC romances. Maybe the next one!

Quickie

- Series: standalone (but part of the Cocky Hero Club collection
- Hashtags: #MC romance #romantic suspense #insta-love #ex-convict #female billionaire #mafia #horny dog
- Triggers: violence and murder
- Main couple: Gracelynn Lightners & Eddie Barhamer
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 3/5
- + I enjoyed the relationships inside the MC
- – too much tell, not enough show

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series of cocky hero's. Eddie is out for revenge that is the one thing that consumes his life. He wants revenge for the years wasted in prison. But once he meets Gracelynn things start to change for him and revenge doesn't seem to be the most important thing anymore. Gracelynn is a feisty woman who knocks Eddie on his knees. Not only does his mother love her but his precious dog loves her more than him. Eddie doesn't see her coming but she hits him and doesn't let go. These two are brought together by a very strange situation but that situation only makes these two stronger. This was an enjoyable page turner that will have you gripped from beginning to end.

[Mona williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a really great book! it had lots of action and some humor. he just got out of prison and can taste his freedom. only he wants his revenge for the person who put him there. he meets her and she dont take crap from no man. now danger has come knocking on the door and he will protect her with everything he has. read to find out what happens.

[Amy Malek Concepcion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unruly Defender

This was another entertaining story in the Hero Club world. Eddie was an interesting character fro the original CB book and I enjoyed this story. Gracy didn’t seem like an obvious match for him at first but that’s what I ended up liking, how they came from very different places but still ended up complimenting each other so well. Quick easy read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually super into MC and mafia-type books, but this one is definitely an exception! It is so well done, I absolutely loved it! The overall storyline was excellent. I loved the chemistry between the two main characters, and all the additional characters brought a lot of good depth to the story.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Esther Schmidt book and I enjoyed this story. The story was well-written and had a good flow, I liked the chemistry between Eddie and Gracelynn, there was enough action to keep the story moving forward, the secondary characters brought a good balance to the overall story.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the unruly defender mc
Eddie and Gracy grabbed my heart
Intense emotional broken heart stopping love story
Ready for more
Plz More Clementine

[Donna Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok book

I’m not a big fan of MC books but this one was ok.
I loved the connection Eddie and Gracy had from day one.

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unruly Defender takes us for a fast ride into the Cocky Bastard world as Eddie tries to claim back his rightful title as the President of the Unruly Defender's MC. This story packs a punch with grit, action, drama and heat. A man seeking vengeance has his plans altered when he comes face to face with the one person who might just be his sunset and sunrise all rolled in to one pretty package. Eddie and Gracelynn's story will have you putting on your leathers and ready to ride as these two defend their family to find a future neither of them ever expected.

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I need to feel you wrapped around me. You're the one thing keeping me grounded. The only good that entered my f-d up life. Say yes, Gracelynn."

5 Twist and Turn Stars!!! What a ride this book was... totally worth it!

Eddie is a strong-willed man, who's just been released from prison after serving time for something he didn't do. While in prison his father was murdered. Now out and a free man he has one thing on his mind. Revenge. And nothing will get in his way. That is until Gracelynn steps into his life. She too is a strong-willed woman looking for an escape after her mom died. That escape comes in the form of working for Eddie's mom. The minute these two cross paths, their whole lives explode. What they don't know is that they share a past together...

Wow, I've read a lot of books with twists and turns, but this one took me for a ride. Just when you think you know where it's going, it goes completely left and you are blind-sided! I love a book that will keep me on my toes and guessing and that's exactly what this book did!!!

[Clara Martinez Turco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unruly Defender makes an addictive and page-turning addition to the Cocky Hero Club, based on the world created by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. In this book, Esther E. Schmidt expertly mixes MC and mafia elements when Eddie, the president of Unruly Defenders MC, returns to take back his club and his life after being in prison for a crime he didn't commit.

The Unruly Defenders are not a 1% club, which makes the revenge plot even more interesting. It has all the elements of an MC romance-the brotherhood, the value of family, the grey areas. Eddie is cocky and doesn't trust anyone. He is ready to make for the lost time and to clean his name. He will find in Gracelynn an ally and a friend, someone he can trust in uncertain times. After all, she has become his mom's most important and trusted employee. She is sassy, take no-nonsense, but down to earth. She stands up to the challenge when she has to. Their attraction is instant and explosive. And they are perfect for each other.

The book is fast-paced and the plot thickens as the plan to take the club back is put in motion. The author brings an interesting mix of characters that enriched the story and left me wanting more books. And I hope she does write their stories because the world she created is fantastic. A favorite book for this summer and one of the best in the Cocky Hero Club so far.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Esther Schmidt is one of my favorite go to authors - she has a very unique flair for storylines that grab my heart and keep me immersed in the plot in one way or another. Her characters always seem to come to life as I read along and their actions are very believable as they unfold right before my eyes. Trust me when I say these things are very true in Unruly Defender.

Eddie and Gracelynn are two strong characters with past life events that need righting and futures they want to claim and move toward. Little did they know their worlds would cross paths not only in person but in past events that come to light. Their story is one of revenge, justice and romance. It’s emotional, action packed and full of surprises. Ms. Schmidt kept me on my toes as Eddie and Grace confronted their pasts and grabbed a hold of their futures. Her suspenseful yet heartfelt storyline kept me engrossed from start to finish. She even threw in bouts of humor with one very eccentric dog named Finn -- you just have to read the book to understand Finn :) -- and for those keeping up with the Cocky Hero series there is even a cameo appearance or two of our goat loving friends, Chance and Aubrey.

Kudos Ms. Schmidt for a very well written phenomenal storyline that this reader highly recommends.
2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sunsets and sunrises are there to remind you of time passed and time to come, a solid promise of life and how the world keeps turning. A life shared together and hold strong to embrace a new day".

A really good line in this book that sums up Eddie and Gracy. Both are struggling with injustices in there past; Eddie from being put into prison for a crime he didn't committee just as his father was killed. And Gracy with the sudden death of her mother and the need to get as far away from her father as she could.

When Eddie is released from prison his one goal revenge on the people within his MC club that put him away and potential killed his father, what he wasnt prepared for was Gracy the moment he meets her working for his mom the sparks fly.

Gracy isn't sure about this 'sex-on-heartbreaker-legs man who is the president of a motor cycle club. But the closer they get and the more Eddie unpicks the truth about what happened 3 years ago the more Gracy and Eddie's life is intwined.

I did struggle with the rating of this book and for me it was around the 3.50/3.75 mark.

[Ebook Enthusiast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unruly Defender – Esther E Schmidt – 4.5 stars

Unruly Defender is the first book I’ve read by Esther E Schmidt, and I can’t wait to read more. Esther delivers a hot, quick, easy to read MC romance as part of her addition into the Cocky Hero Book Club. Unruly Defender revolves around ex-convict Eddie and his mother’s receptionist Gracy. The pair meet unexpectedly as he returns home from prison early. Gracy is instantly hyper aware of Eddie and thinks he is a bit of a cocky arsehole, but his mum asks her to be his friend, so she reluctantly agrees. As Eddie tries to adjust to being back outside and trying to gain back control of his MC and legacy, he has trouble trusting people including Gracy. I absolutely adored this book and devoured it in a couple of hours. The main characters had chemistry that was explosive, and the story was fast paced, well developed and a major page turner. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to any romance fan and I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Enjoy Everyday,
Ebook Enthusiast 😊

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Cocky Hero Club. Eddie has just gotten out of prison. He has one thing on his mind. Taking his club back and getting revenge. He never expected Gracelynn though. And she seems to be everywhere. She is working for his mom and taking care of his dog (which she doesn’t want to give back.). She wants to help him and maybe she can. But should he drag her into his mess. She could get hurt. The more time he spends with her the more he can’t stay away. He was leery at first because of her last name but quickly learned she isn’t like he thought. He quickly learns there is more to Gracelynn than he thought and she knew. Her life is turned a bit on its side because of Eddie. Will Eddie be able to save her and get his club back or will he have to choose? I loved this book a lot. Esther always does a fantastic job. The characters are so great. I would love to read more about them in the future. Gracelynn brings out a different side of Eddie. She helps him see things and not just run in head first. I can’t say enough about this book. I was hooked right away.

[Leslee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a unique MC read, I don't think I have read one quite like it before. Eddie has just gotten out of prison after being set up. He heads home with a plan to get justice and his life back. So his first stop is to see his mom and get his dog back. The dog is a little slice of crazy, I cracked up every time the animal was on the page! What he didn't plan on was the smoking hot woman who works for his mom. Even though they are each attracted to the other, they form a friendship pretty quickly. When Gracy offers to help him, it really opens his eyes to what he truly wants out of life. He doesn't just want justice, he wants to truly live. To build a life with this amazing woman that came into his life like it was meant to be. I truly didn't know what was going to happen next, which is a nice change of pace for me. All I could do was strap in and hold on; see where the story was going to take us. I found this to a delightful and surprising read. It was quite entertaining and I can't wait to see what happens next in Unruly Protector!

[Lisa Stinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book about finding love while also getting justice. Eddie was wrongfully imprisoned for crimes an acquaintance did. Turns out this guy committed a lot of wrongs against people and had yet to get the justice he deserved. But Eddie is determined to get to the bottom of everything.

When he gets out of prison, he goes to the estate his mother runs and is met with the beautiful Gracylynn. Gracy has had her fair share of turmoil. She was looking for a new start after losing her mother and she runs into Maggie, who happens to be Eddie’s mother, a few months before Eddie was released.

There is an instant attraction but neither is really ready for anything more. But sometimes life has different ideas of what is needed and when. Gracy is the perfect person for Eddie at just the right time. She is able to handle everything that is thrown at them and handle the guys at the MC. Loved the life these two were able to have together.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by the author and it is one heck of a page turner. Whoever says an MC and Mafia do not mix, has not met Eddie, the president of the Unruly Defenders MC. He was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit and has returned for vengeance and taking back what is rightfully his. Upon coming home, he meets Gracelynn, a young woman working with his mother. Gracy is a smart, sassy woman who gives as good as she gets and does not take Eddie’s guff. She is strong when she needs to be and the wind beneath the sails that Eddie can use. When they first laid eyes on each other there was an immediate spark of attraction and the more time they spend together just fans the flames hotter. The secondary characters heighten the plot and take things to a whole other level that is not to be missed. I am looking forward to reading more and I highly recommend this book. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.

[Mimirureviewbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unruly Defender by Esther E. Schmidt, is a standalone MC romance and part of the Cocky Hero Club collection written by different authors. I loved the way Esther Schmidt write, read almost all of her books. Unruly Defender is the story of Eddie Barhamer & Gracelynn "Gracy" Lightners. He's the president of the Unruly Defenders MC, recently out of prison looking forward to find out who sent him to prison and on his mind, revenge. Gracy, a strong and sassy woman is trying a new beginning after losing her mother, she's working for Maggie (Eddie’s mother). They met and sparks fly, they had great chemistry. The plot is fast pace and has the perfect amount of everything; action, betrayal, secrets, lots of emotions, bit of twist and turns, danger, drama, justice and love. This is a must read for all Esther fans!! I received an ARC from Give Me Books Promotions and I'm leaving an honest review.

[Nathathida Atirekasâra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the MC romance that I would recommend it to anyone. I LOVE IT! I had a smile on my face while I was reading through the book which I finished reading it in the record (just a few hours.) Gracy and Eddie are a match makes from heaven. I really love Gracy's witty and smart mouth. Eddie is also a good guy and after everything he has been through, he deserves a happiness. Eddie's MC opens my eyes that there would to have good MC books out there and I am missing all of them. The story is also well written, the author writes it in a fast pace which I appreciate and I am intrigued by the story as well. I am sure that this is not the last book of the author's I would read because I want to know more about Gracy's brother's story and even Yates's story too!

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

They were a match made in hell with a little bit of heaven . He was re;leased from his living hell, she was running from hers. They are attracted to each other, and both try to fight it, doesn’t work.
He’s looking for revenge on the person or persons, who put him in jail for a crime he didn’t do. She is running from her old life and trying to build a new one, he wasn’t included in.
Together, they fight for each other, they find out secrets that could bring down the people who sent him away and her step-father, who wants all her money.
They bring justice to all and he claims both his birth right and her as his lord lady.
Together that are a forced to be record with, and the love they have for each other transcends the heavens and hell.