Defending Chloe by Susan Stoker

Love is the best defense in New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s explosive Mountain Mercenaries novel.

Gorgeous women don’t just stumble onto Ronan Cross’s remote property. But this one—vulnerable, victimized, and needing the kind of help only Ronan can offer—tells a story that makes his blood boil almost as hot as his need to protect her.

Since her father’s death, Chloe Harris has become a prisoner. Her own brother, a flesh peddler and low-level player in the Denver Mafia, is forcing her to sell her body for an endgame Chloe never saw coming: control over a vast fortune. Her only way out is to run—straight into the arms of the one hard-bodied man she can trust.

Defending Chloe could rain punishment down on the Mountain Mercenaries. Her brother has Mob connections and the local police in his pocket. But Ronan still has an edge—the unshakable loyalty of his deadly teammates. As well as an unquenchable thirst for retribution… and Chloe.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Thriller, Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

While some might believe it's not necessary to read book one, I think that it would help greatly if you knew what was happening. Book two pretty much starts where book one left off and it gives a lot of backstory.

Chloe is living in a nightmare that just won't end. Her father and mother were loving once upon a time. But now that both have passed on, she's stuck with a brother so full of hate and malice, she doesn't know what to do. She's trying to bide her time, but time is running out and Chloe is becoming more and more desperate. When she happens on Ronan, she is not in any shape to be outside. But Chloe isn't going to shy away – she needs to figure out her situation.

Ronan is not usually one to worry about someone he just met. But because of his job, because of his nature, he can't simply let Chloe leave and not check on her. Ronan figures out that Chloe's brother isn't a great person and that just makes him worry more.

When Ronan seeks Chloe out again to check on her, their connection is just as strong. While I'm not usually one to like insta-love, this was more of an instant attraction. I think that it helped the story immensely.

The mystery behind Chloe's brother's issues, the attraction that just won't quit, and the mystery behind what really happened to Chloe's family is wonderful. I am really looking forward to the next story because while there are some questions that are answered in this book, there are a ton more that are posed too.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series and I would recommend that you read the first book, as it sets up the world of the Mountain Mercenaries – as well as being an excellent story! Here the quiet Brit, Ronan, gets to tell his story and find his intended.

I have to admit to finding mafia stories difficult to read, but the spin taken in this book works really well. I was fascinated by the levels of moral (or immoral) code that are in place, and how Chloe's brother eventually gets all that he deserves. This aspect of the plot plays really well alongside us getting to know Ronan better, and to be reassured about his absolute code of ethics. Thankfully, Chloe breaks down her barriers and gives him the chance that he deserves. It was great to connect with Allye again too – and Chloe certainly needs a female friend and confidante.

Clever plotting, tight timing, and plenty of adventure make this an action-packed romance. Thank you, Susan Stoker.


Veronica – ☆☆☆
Ro is a member of the group Mountain Mercenaries, who rescue women and children who are being abused. At a base level, Defending Chloe is a story about the damsel in distress being rescued by the big strong man and the two of them falling in love. But just because Chloe is being abused by her brother and being forced to work in his strip club, doesn’t make her meek. She is smart and making her own plans to get out of her situation. Nothing wrong with accepting a bit of help from a hot guy.

Ro and Chloe make a sexy couple and are both strong and smart. I like that they didn’t immediately fall into bed with each other, I really enjoyed the build-up. The action in the story is good and kept my interest and had me turning the pages to see what would happen next and see how long it would take Chloe and Ro to figure out what Chloe’s brother was really up to.

Defending Chloe was good, easy reading. A bit predictable but it was just what I needed for holiday reading. It had the right amount of action and romance and I could just sit back and enjoy.

Also Available in the Mountain Mercenaries Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Amazon Audiobook  ~  Audible
~  Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

For reviews & more info, check out our Defending Allye post.

Susan Stoker is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose series include Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes, SEAL of Protection, and Delta Force Heroes. Married to a retired army noncommissioned officer, Stoker has lived all over the country—from Missouri to California to Colorado—and currently lives under the big skies of Texas. A true believer in the happily ever after, Stoker enjoys writing novels in which romance turns to love. To learn more about the author and her work, visit her website or find her on Facebook.

Connect with Susan

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Defending Chloe (Mountain Mercenaries #2) by Susan Stoker to read and review.