His to Defend by Rhenna Morgan

His world. His rules. Her love.

Though his methods may be rough, when it comes to protecting what’s his, Russian vor Sergei Petrovyh’s heart is always in the right place. That’s never been more true than when the gorgeous Evette Labadie asks him for a job. He knows enough to keep his hands off someone as beloved by the locals as Evie, but there’s something about her that calls to him—no matter how badly he burns to make her his.

Don’t think Evie hasn’t noticed the powerful Russian mafia boss who makes her favorite diner a regular stop. How can she not? He’s as hot as his reputation is dangerous. But everyone in her struggling New Orleans neighborhood knows he’s the man to turn to. And right now she needs money to get her son out of trouble.

Her other needs—needs she knows damn well Sergei can more than satisfy—will have to wait.

Evie soon finds herself playing Cinderella to a man who, despite what people believe, is definitely more prince than villain. She can’t help falling deeper in love with each passing day. But when a turf war between Sergei and a rival brings violence to her doorstep, Evie must come to grips with loving a man who will do anything to defend her… or walk away from her best chance at a happily-ever-after of her very own.

Book one of NOLA Knights, the heart-stoppingly sexy spinoff series by Men of Haven author Rhenna Morgan.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Book 1
Buy Links

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Carina Press – Harlequin

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of dark and passionate romance

This is the first in a new series, but ties in beautifully with the Men of Haven. If you have read them, then you will enjoy catching up with some of the men and their loves as they support the events of this novel. You could read it fresh without any trouble at all, but when you meet the Haven men, I think you will be curious and go find out more!

Sergei is a man deep in a dark world, and making his adopted home of New Orleans more his own. This obviously brings him in conflict with those who previously ruled the area. He is surrounded by his team and they have all done much which is illegal and dangerous to claim their place.

Evie is a single mum doing her best for her 7-year-old son and working low-wage jobs to survive. Having just been sacked, she takes a risk and asks Sergei to help her find a job. On seeing her for the very first time he was enchanted, and now she is offering him an opportunity to get to know her better – so he jumps at giving her a role in his household, and a home for her and son Emerson.

I really enjoyed the setup, the values that both of them hold, and Evie's acceptance of his lifestyle. She sees the good side, and yet acknowledges the dark and does not run away from it. His actions toward Emerson do much to confirm that she can trust Sergei, and she shocks him when she does. I love that she can surprise him, even if he considers that he is world weary and cynical.

The equality between them, when they are so different, is beautifully expressed and is consistent throughout the book. Their passion for each other is deliciously described and their private time together is spent in very erotic pursuits. For all the darkness, there are wonderful moments of fun and lightness too – which enable even the reader to deal with the darker elements and completely understand how they really are perfect for each other.

Cannot wait for the next installment. Thank you, Rhenna Morgan, for starting us on another exciting and very romantic series.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Mafia romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Sergei is a Russian who has come to New Orleans to make his own way in the world. His "family" is loyal and fierce. When he wants something, he sets out to achieve it, no matter the cost. He likes doing business in the public eye because it allows people of New Orleans to both fear and revere him. When he sets his sights on Evie, he knows that he should only watch her – he should keep his distance. But when she approaches him with an issue, he'll stop at nothing to remove all obstacles in both of their way.

Evie is a single mom who is trying to create a better life for her son. While she is unsure of how she will achieve this, especially after being fired, she knows she has to make it work. When she sees Sergei sitting in the local diner, she knows what she has to do. Evie has no idea that her attempt to find a new job will change her life forever.

Sergei is exactly what you look for in an alpha male. He's protective, possessive, patient, tender, and fierce all wrapped into a yummy package. I loved watching him woo Evie into a sense of security. I also loved how he protected her and her son with everything he had. He loved them from the beginning and just had to get Evie to see that they were great together.

I can't wait to see more of these characters.

Rhenna Morgan is a happily-ever-after addict—hot men, smart women and scorching chemistry required. A triple-A personality with a thing for lists and an almost frightening iPhone cover collection, Rhenna’s a mom to two beautiful little girls and married to an extremely patient husband who’s mastered the art of hiding the exasperated eye roll.

When she’s not neck deep in writing, she’s probably driving with the windows down and the music up loud, plotting her next hero and heroine’s adventure. (Though trolling online for man-candy inspiration on Pinterest comes in a close second.)

She’d love to share her antics and bizarre since of humor with you and get to know you a little better in the process. You can sign up for her newsletter and gain access to exclusive snippets, upcoming releases, fun giveaways and social media outlets on her website.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of His to Defend (NOLA Knights #1) by Rhenna Morgan to read and review.