I read a lot of books each year because I’m a book blogger. But because I read so much, sometimes I find myself in a true book slump and nothing seems to grab my attention and keep it. When that happens, I usually turn to one of Susan Stoker’s books because somehow along the way, hers have become something like a palate cleanser for me. I’ve been a long-time fan of her romantic suspense and military romance books. I can’t claim to be a super fan since I haven’t read them all (yet), but I’ve read many of them. Gearing up for the holidays, I found myself in one of my book slumps so Defending Everly came along just in time to snap me out of it.

Defending Everly is the 5th book in Susan Stoker’s Mountain Mercenaries series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone book. I always recommend reading all the books in a series (at least if I love them like I do Susan Stoker’s books) because you tend to be more connected with all of the characters and can appreciate their backstories and how they all contribute to the current book you’re reading. But it’s not necessary to read all of them in this series (even though I highly recommend them!).

Kannon “Ball” Black came across as kind of a jerk at the end of book 4. Thankfully, we learn so much more about his history in Defending Everly and can understand where he was coming from. And eventually, so does Everly Adams. Tough as nails and a kickass SWAT officer, Everly is nowhere near the type of woman either of his exes were. Working together to find her missing sister, he finally realizes that she’s someone he can trust (and more)…and she figures out the same in him.

NICUnurse’s Rating: As a longtime lover of Susan Stoker’s books, I can’t think of any of them I wouldn’t recommend to those people out there that love romantic suspense and military romance books. Defending Everly is no exception. It’s a quick read, too, which is perfect for this time of year. With all kinds of sexy alpha males who are not afraid to let their women shine but would still go to the ends of the Earth to keep them safe, Susan Stoker’s Mountain Mercenaries series is one of my go-to options any time.

I give Defending Everly 4 out of 5 stars!

This is the 5th book on the Mountain Mercenaries series. Everly Adams is a swat officer. Her younger sister disappears and she is desperate to find her. Ball Black is sent in to help find her but the last thing he wants to do is work with Everly. He’s had a bad experience with a female partner in the past and does not want a repeat performance. Even after they find Elise the man who took her is still stalking her. Susan Stoker always delivers a great love story enough action and suspense to keep you coming back for more. Plus a super creepy villain. It ends in a cliffhanger presumably leading into the next book. Now we have to wait until next year to find out what’s going on.

I've really been loving this fast-paced, exciting romantic suspense series! Only 2 books left after this, and I can't believe it!

Everly Adams is a cop, and SWAT officer, in Colorado Springs. But, she's originally from L.A., where her 15-year-old half sister, Elise, still lives with their grandparents. But, Elise went missing, and Everly KNOWS she didn't just disappear on her own. Somebody has her, and she needs expert help. She contacts the Mountain Mercenaries to help her recover her sister. She had no idea the situation she'd be walking into with Ball, or how upset she'd be by his initial reaction to her.

Kannon "Ball" Black is former Coast Guard, and is currently a web developer. He's also found a home, and a purpose, with his brothers at the Mountain Mercenaries. Though he's never met their boss in person, he knows Rex is trustworthy, and on top of his game. So when Rex orders that the sister of their missing target is to be involved in their op, he's not happy. He's had terrible experiences with women in the past, both romantically, and in the military. One such experience left him so injured he was medically discharged from the Coast Guard, and he's still bitter about it. He doesn't think there's any way he'll change his mind, but he has no idea how much Everly, and Elise, will change his life forever.

Ball and Everly were like oil and water at first, and they bickered constantly. It was a bit of a slow build into them even truly liking and caring about each other, much less falling in love. It was fun watching Ball realize what a total idiot he'd been about his views on things, and how that changed his feelings about Everly rather quickly. Everly was very forgiving, once she realized that Ball's apologies were sincere. I loved watching their banter turn more fun and flirty, as they got to know each other more deeply.

Elise's kidnapping and rescue was the major suspense plot here, and that was exciting. Things were still ambiguous after her rescue, since they didn't find the perpetrators immediately, and that kept me waiting for what would happen next. The villain was SUPER crazy and creepy too! Elise's deafness was such an integral part of her character, and I loved watching her interact with Everly, and especially with Ball, as he attempted to learn sign language to communicate with her. He was adorable, and both ladies really appreciated him, and his efforts. Everly and Ball really found kindred spirits in each other, and I loved their connection, and how they opened up to keep Elise in their circle of love as well. She wasn't ever forgotten or left feeling lonely.

I love all of the guys! All of Ball's teammates are awesome, and I loved catching up with them, and their ladies. It's always fun to see prior books' couples living out their HEAs! They are constantly giving each other a hard time, and the ladies are always fun when they get together to chat. They really opened their arms to Everly, and to Elise, and I loved watching the sisters dig deeper into Ball's world.

This was such a great story, and that epilogue, whew!! It really puts you in suspense for Meat's story next! I can't wait to read it!!

Defending Everly by Susan Stoker is book 5 in the Mountain Mercenaries Series. This is the story of Everly Adams and Kannon 'Ball' Black. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Everly is a Colorado Springs SWAT officer who knows how to kick but if needed, but the one thing that can bring her down is her litter sister Elise, who is also deaf.
So when Elise goes missing and it is believed that she has been taking by human trafficking group she ends up getting help from Ball who is a Mountain Mercenaries. Ball is a jaded person who doesn't trust easily but there is something about Everly that starts to crack his harden heart.
Enjoyed this mystery drama romance.

Defending Everly by Susan Stoker
Mountain Mercenaries #5

Starting out a new partnership on the wrong foot is NOT the best idea. Nope, the words that Kannon”Ball” Black used in the hearing of Everly Adams were definitely not the ones that would endear her to them as they set off to find her teenage half sister missing in Los Angeles. But, as time passed the two began to have a grudging admiration for one another and their first impressions changed. Yes, by the end of the book they had changed so significantly that they ended up with their very own happily ever after. BUT before that could happen they had to find Elise and free her from the kidnapper, keep Elise safe since the kidnapper was not found and get on with their burgeoning romance.

This book was a fairly straightforward romance for that part of the story but the kidnapping, finding of Elise and that part of the story was educational and also fraught with some very tense moments. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have to say that coming in on book five was no problem at all as I followed easily. That said, I enjoyed this book so much that I would love to find and read the previous books whenever I can.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

This is book 5 in the Mountain Mercenaries series but it can be read as a standalone. Everly and Kannon are looking for her sister after she went missing. They need to hurry because the time to find her is running out. Is she a runaway or is it something more serious? The characters were so real and the storyline was well done. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won’t want to put it down.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.

Defending Everly continues the Mountain Mercenaries series and this time, none of the main characters are in danger! Everly is a member of the CSPD SWAT team and very capable of taking care of herself in times of crisis. However, she needs the Mountain Mercenaries to help find her missing 15 year old sister, Elise. Ball is assigned to the task and he couldn't be more upset about it.

Ball has issues with women. First, his partner ruined his career in the Coast Guard. Then his fiancee left him when he needed her the most. Now, Ball has a bad opinion of all women. This is ridiculous of course, and thankfully, he does eventually see the error in his assumptions. Everly has some issues to overcome as well-guilt, inability to ask for help, etc. These two build a very slow relationship which was perfect for the story. Everly is trying to get setting into her new life and balance everything she has going on. Ball is still trying to learn to trust that not every woman is like his ex partner and his ex fiancee.

The danger is sporadic throughout Defending Everly as well. There is a lot of action in the beginning as they hunt for Everly, then a period where everything seems normal again, then BAM-danger. The story tackles the real issue of human trafficking and stalking. Stoker does a good job of addressing the dangers of online communication! Overall, fans of real life issues, romantic suspense, and mature characters will appreciate Defending Everly!

One of the best books in the series. Everly’s 15 year old sister is missing and she hires Mountain Mercenaries to help find her. Things get off to a rocky start with Ball over his attitude towards working with women.

After a couple of bad experiences with an ex-parter and ex-girlfriend, Ball has let his bad experiences get the best of him. It doesn’t take long working with Everly to realize his attitude is all wrong.

Elise moves to Colorado to live with Everly after her rescue. The second half of the book focuses on the developing relationship between Everly and Ball, as well as his with Elise. When danger finds Elise again Ball is there to back them both up.

Defending Everly is the fifth book in the Mountain Mercenaries series, and while this story can certainly be read as a standalone, I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning as the characters (the Mountain Mercenaries) have overlapping relationships and there are references to happenings from previous books.

So, on to this exciting tale. Don’t be swayed by the title, as there is nothing remotely weak and defenceless about Everly Adams. A kick**s, SWAT officer, Everly is on a mission to find her missing sister and just happens to need the assistance of the Mountain Mercenaries; more specifically, Kannon “Ball” Black. As they delve into the sordid world of Human Trafficking, Ball’s resistance to working with Everly is blatantly obvious, and he’s forced to self-diagnose his reasons for his opposition to working with a woman.

Stoker opened a gaping wound and exposed Ball’s issues with women in frontline positions, while showcasing the strength and steadfastness of Everly not only in her job but sheltering the people she loves. Prejudice and defiance have no place in this relationship, and Ball soon learns that an undeniable attraction can’t be ignored. Action, suspense, and thrills by the bucket load, combined with a hot and heavy romance, provide readers with another exciting story in this fabulous series.

4.25⭐

Defending Everly was an entertaining and engaging story. That had real moments of action and suspense. Not to mention it features two characters Everly and Ball who both have hang ups and issues, and I enjoyed how those issues were both explored and settled. Plus, I really liked how Ball and Everly's relationship developed, and the connection Ball and his teammates forged with Elise was super cute. Furthermore, I found the storyline very interesting, especially with Elise being deaf and the adversary being particularly twisted.

Nevertheless, I did find this story slow to start and at times the pace of it seemed to drop off, especially after the initial rescue. But it's fair to say, I was engrossed throughout, and I would happily recommend this story to others.

Wow!

An amazing story of love that is full of suspense and action, sweetness and humor, intrigue and emotion.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Another fantastic story of the Mountain Mercenaries and the women they love. The story mixes the right amount of suspense and sex appeal. I love how Ms. Stoker sometimes brings elements into her stories that we do not deal with in every day life. It makes the stories more endearing. Ball and Everly work well together and I like that Everly was every bit as kick ass as Ball. Mountain Mercenaries…go out and purchase!

I can't believe that I did not know Ms. Stoker or her writing until early this year. A chance invitation to read a free book on Kindle opened up a series of worlds with the different characters that Ms. Stoker writes about. Everly, a SWAT officer in Colorado has conquered a difficult childhood to make herself into a person to be proud of. When her mute sister disappears she refuses to believe the LAPD's dismissal of her as a runaway and goes to LA along with mountain mercenary member Kannon Black.
The two start off cordially disliking each other but gain a wary respect and then a liking for each other. The chemistry had never been a problem only the two were determined to resist. This is an interesting story of one man's obsession and Everly's determination to keep her sister safe while she herself finds love.
It's nice to catch up with the various couples in the series as this story unfolds.

Everly and her sister Elise did not have an easy childhood, but they always had their grandparents, Me-Maw and Pop, to help along the way. Everly has built a successful career in law enforcement when she gets the call that her sister is missing, and they fear she has been abducted. The search is further complicated by the fact that Elise is deaf so Everly heads to LA along with Ball, a member of the Mercenaries team.

Ball is less than enthused about working with Everly mainly because she is a woman. He has had painful experiences both personally and professionally with women, but he is about to realize that Everly is like no other woman he has ever met. The search is on, but will they be able to find her sister in time?

Not only is Everly a feisty and fiery woman but Ball is the perfect combination of sweet, sexy and strong. There is also a great ensemble of secondary characters from her grandparents, to her sister and the rest of the team. Full of suspense and twists the storyline will keep you captivated until the last page.

Powerful romantic suspense story!

Police sergeant Everly enlists the Mountain Mercenaries to help find her kidnapped sister. Ball, a retired Coast Guardsman with a chip on his shoulder about working with women, is assigned to take point on this case and accompany Everly to Los Angeles, where her sister lives with her grandparents.

This story takes an expected route with the blossoming romance, but it's offset by the unorthodox plotting of the kidnapping storyline. I was impressed that the case continued as it did after the initial rescue, and it was resolved in a wholly satisfying yet completely unexpected manner.

This story is a wonderful addition to the series, proving the skills and integrity of the Mountain Mercenaries team and of their families. I enjoyed the emotional growth shown by all three central characters, and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Evelyn needs help. Her little sister in California has gone missing. Recruiting the Mountain mercenaries seems like her best option. Until she hears what Ball thinks of her. Making things even more uncomfortable is the fact she can't get away from him. Or figure our why she us starting to like him. Her sister needs her. She is deaf and alone, with no clues or leads she is at her wits end. A lucky break could change everything for all of them. Or it could just be the calm before the storm.
Two strong female characters, a protective and caring ex coast guard and enough suspense and emotion to make it real and a very enjoyable read. Loved as always the supporting characters and what they bring to the story as well as the bonds that tie them all together.

When Everly's sister Elise goes missing she has to work with Ball to find her as quickly as possible but there first meeting is awful as Ball has had complications working with females and Everly heard what he said and as she is a police women she gives as good back. Will they be able to work together to find Elise before anything happens to her. I love this book so much and really enjoyed reading it, I also love the chemistry between them as it is so hot that you can feel it coming of the page's of this book. I have read many of Susan's books and I have enjoyed every single one as she is an amazing author and talented writer. I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.

Susan Stoker's strong characters and haunting conflict will keep readers turning the pages until the very end.

Everly Adams, Colorado Springs SWAT officer needs the help of the Mountain Mercenaries. Her fifteen-year-old, deaf half sister Elise disappeared on her way home from school. Elise lives with Everly's grandparents in Los Angeles. Unfortunately when Elise's disappearance is reported to the LA police department they assume she is just another runaway so not a lot of attention is being paid to finding her. Everly doesn't believe Elise is a runaway and that's why she has gone to the Mountain Mercenaries for help finding her sister. Kannon "Ball" Black is assigned the job of accompanying Everly to Los Angeles to search for clues to Elise's disappearance. Everly and Ball start off on the wrong foot when Everly overhears Ball complaining about having to work with a woman on this case. Not smart, Ball! As it turns out since Elise is deaf Everly is essential to their search. The action encompasses Los Angeles and Colorado Springs berfore culminating in a satisfying conclusion.

Defending Everly by Susan Stoker is the fifth book in her Mountain Mercenaries series. The premise of the series in that a mysterious boss, Rex hires former military to be available for search and rescue of women and children. In this story since Everly's sister was kidnapped and it is feared that the kidnapping is part of a sex trafficking ring the Mountain Mercenaries is the best group to find Elise. Both Everly and Ball need to rethink some of their past decisions, Ball especially. I liked how the author had Everly being strong enough and tolerant enough to convince Ball that his misconceptions about women needed to be fixed. As usual the heroine is a very strong, brave character. In this story Everly's sister Elise is also strong and brave. I love Susan Stoker's writing style and, as usual, the suspense makes this book a can't-put-down page-turner.

I absolutely love Susan Stoker books and The Mountain Mercenaries have fast become a favourite of mine and this like all the rest flows well has enough suspense to keep you engaged and has a hero that will melt you.

Kannon “Ball” Black as been the mercenary lurking in the back ground throughout most of the series he is the quite one that works in the background but now we get his story and what a story it is. He has history with SWAT officer Everly Adams this isn't helped by the fact that he mouthed off about her when she was stood nearby at the end of the previous story She is hunting for her sister and to make matters worse her sister is deaf so they don;t know how she will react if and when she is rescued. Can these two hard headed individuals work together Can Ball admit he made assumptions that where wrong and will he admit that Once they rescue Elise we finally see the sweet side of Ball her is perfect with her Now can he admit that he wants both of the Adams woman in his life.

This book was a stand alone but I definitely felt like I should have read the other books in the series to get the full view of all the characters. I really enjoyed it but will need to reread in order. Love all books by Susan stroker and this was no exception.