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Sons of Texas #4
The Defender
Their love knows no borders.
A loner who exudes danger, Lev Ivanski has spent his life in service to one man, someone he loves and respects. But things are changing. Rapidly. Lev and his boss have allies and friends and a new mission more important their than business, all because of the Saints. This clandestine organization needs to be taken down, and Lev has the skills to help. What he doesn’t expect is to be at the mercy of a woman who makes him crave more than he ever thought to want.
Determined and dedicated, Reyna Harris is used to danger and living on the edge. An ex-CIA operative, she’s been embedded with the Saints for years, trying to take them down from the inside. When her cover is blown, she is forced to trust a man she just met, fighting their way out of one battle after another. But there’s something about Lev that Reyna knows she can trust. And love. She needs Lev – and not just to take a swipe at the Saints. Together they’re an unstoppable force. And with their friends, they just might succeed in their mission.
A loner who exudes danger, Lev Ivanski has spent his life in service to one man, someone he loves and respects. But things are changing. Rapidly. Lev and his boss have allies and friends and a new mission more important their than business, all because of the Saints. This clandestine organization needs to be taken down, and Lev has the skills to help. What he doesn’t expect is to be at the mercy of a woman who makes him crave more than he ever thought to want.
Determined and dedicated, Reyna Harris is used to danger and living on the edge. An ex-CIA operative, she’s been embedded with the Saints for years, trying to take them down from the inside. When her cover is blown, she is forced to trust a man she just met, fighting their way out of one battle after another. But there’s something about Lev that Reyna knows she can trust. And love. She needs Lev – and not just to take a swipe at the Saints. Together they’re an unstoppable force. And with their friends, they just might succeed in their mission.
ebook
First published June 11, 2019
About the author
Donna Grant
271 books4,459 followersDonna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
You an find her at www.DonnaGrant.com
as well as her website devoted entirely to the Dragon Kings and all series that encompass the Dark World at www.MotherOfDragonsBooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 30, 2023
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5
First Impressions
The Defender is the fourth installment in the "Sons of Texas" series and this is where we get Lev Ivanski's book. Now while he isn't one of the "sons" of the family, he is a friend to them and an ally in the fight against the Saints corporation and determined to bring them down just as much as his adopted father "Sergei.". But what we have is a thrilling installment and I can't believe how much this book kept me on the edge of my seat here. I absolutely adored everything about it. This one is very different as some of the previous books as most of it is set in other countries than the States but we are also seeing a progression of the series in such a exciting way and I can't believe that we only have one book left.
First Line
The click of the hammer on the pistol behind him was piercing in the silence of the corridor.
Summary
The Defender begins when Lev Ivanski is on a mission when he is betrayed and he is left for dead with an assassin with one who works with the Saints. But what he doesn't realize at the time is that she is just as determined to bring down the Saints as he is. Reyna Harrias, an Ex CIA operative, has been working undercover with the Saints for years, but she gives it all up when sees something more in the eyes of Lev, something that indicates to her that he is worth saving even at the risk of her cover being blow. So Lev and Reyna work together as a team to try to get out of Europe and back to the States. But their lives are on the line, and when the worst happens to someone close to Lev, it might put everything at risk even their own lives.
What I Loved
There were so many aspects to this story that were so engaging and fun to read. Donna Grant is a true delight to read and this is one of my favorite series that I have ever read from her. I just can't seem to get enough of these boys who are fighting against something so large but never wanting to give up no matter the cost to themselves. Lev has always been such a fascination to me, for a while, I wasn't sure exactly where his loyalties lie, only that he was determined to fight against the Saints. I do love this Russian man that and he definitely is a survivor. Reyna is a tough cookie. I really had a blast with her character though. She is tough as all get out, but we also see her vulnerabilities in the few quiet moments that she and Lev have. In this story we basically see them on the run together, trying to survive with their enemies closing in around them. And we definitely see the extent of the Saints reach which is just about everywhere. But their determination and drive to survive in something so powerful as fighting for life and liberty was brilliant and really drives home some inspirational moments. And in the finale of the third act, is where the story really brings together multiple parties: Reyna/Lev, Lev's men on the docs and the Loughman family and what a EPIC battle. It totally gave me Mission Impossible vibes haha
What I Struggled With
There wasn't too much I struggled with, I would have liked to see more relationship building moments between Reyna and Lev. I know its a suspense, but sometimes you still need those quiet moments to build that intimate connection.
Narration
Carly Robins always does such a superb job with her stories and she knocks this one out of the park! I can't believe how well she has narrated these books. Some of my favorite that she has ever worked on. She really captures the intense moments and instills the intimacy between the couple when it really matters
Overall View
The Defender is such a spirited and thrilling in its action packed moments and is guaranteed to deliver a story of spice, of danger and fighting for love!
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense
Character Types: Russian Hero, Law Enforcement
Themes: Crime, Danger, Family Bonds, MC on the Run, Secret Identity
Tropes: Forced Proximity
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict and minimal relationship conflict
Song This Book Inspires
Die Another Day by Madonna
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes, you must read these books in order.
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Carly Robins
December 31, 2019
Yes! I loved the way this one started and the whole dynamic of the entire story! I loved that it was a slow burn and not so much insta-lust. But, surely this is NOT the last book in the series right? I mean, I was expecting the last one to be the dads story, however, now I’m also thinking Max needs to get his own book too so I think there needs to be at least two more books in the works. Fingers crossed.
Read
June 16, 2019What a great story it was packed with action and adventure and suspense right from the very first pages.The story had a great cast of character's that were clever,intelligent,resourceful and while running from the bad guys found love and friendship along the way.We absolutely loved it !
The story was packed with a ton romance right from the beginning to end.Lev and Reyna had this amazing connection and chemistry from the onset of their meeting each other.The Saint organization have the hands in a lot of pies and and now that they have infiltrated the government its hard to know who to trust anymore.Reyna is a spy trying to take them down and Lev has been sent by his boss to do the same thing but, one thing Lev has that Reyna doesn't is powerful friends.
Overall we loved the story from beginning to end and we loved the characters good and bad.We enjoyed being on this couples journey while they were on the run to save their lives and how they had to outsmart and outwit and entire organization to keep from getting killed and Reyna and Lev took everything the learned over the years to do just that and although Lev has powerful friends Reyna had the edge as she worked for the Saints and new just how they operated.
For us this was the perfect romantic suspense story to pass the time and we really loved Donna Grant and her stories and we can't wait to continue the rest this series.
The story was packed with a ton romance right from the beginning to end.Lev and Reyna had this amazing connection and chemistry from the onset of their meeting each other.The Saint organization have the hands in a lot of pies and and now that they have infiltrated the government its hard to know who to trust anymore.Reyna is a spy trying to take them down and Lev has been sent by his boss to do the same thing but, one thing Lev has that Reyna doesn't is powerful friends.
Overall we loved the story from beginning to end and we loved the characters good and bad.We enjoyed being on this couples journey while they were on the run to save their lives and how they had to outsmart and outwit and entire organization to keep from getting killed and Reyna and Lev took everything the learned over the years to do just that and although Lev has powerful friends Reyna had the edge as she worked for the Saints and new just how they operated.
For us this was the perfect romantic suspense story to pass the time and we really loved Donna Grant and her stories and we can't wait to continue the rest this series.
June 13, 2019
I jumped right into this series without reading the prior ones. But no problem at all. It left enough info to catch on easily and since this was focused on a different character it was fine. In fact makes me look forward to backtracking the others. Lev Ivanski was an interesting character, in that he was not army or CIA etc that he was trained in the mafia. Still he possesses a lot of skills and smarts.
He went on a mission that went sideways where he met double agent Reyna Harris. I was hooked after that seeing as they weren't expecting the other. Now on the run together, dodging danger and escaping a huge underground operative. The Saints is a shady organization that made this stort full of secrets and who is who. I liked that the whole conspiracy aspect makes you keep guessing.
The characters are well planned out and their motivations, backgrounds. As they went all across Europe to escape to the US. Lev and Reyna are a great team, works well and respects the other. Which made them stronger, think on their feet and smart. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Seeing if they made it through all the obstacles. The secondary characters which were established already added some levity to this and added something more to spice it up.
I can't wait to see what's next in this battle and where it will end and of course getting to know the others. Donna Grant made for a very entertaining and exciting book, throughly engaging too. I enjoyed this one a lot, has action, suspense, romance all in one.
He went on a mission that went sideways where he met double agent Reyna Harris. I was hooked after that seeing as they weren't expecting the other. Now on the run together, dodging danger and escaping a huge underground operative. The Saints is a shady organization that made this stort full of secrets and who is who. I liked that the whole conspiracy aspect makes you keep guessing.
The characters are well planned out and their motivations, backgrounds. As they went all across Europe to escape to the US. Lev and Reyna are a great team, works well and respects the other. Which made them stronger, think on their feet and smart. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Seeing if they made it through all the obstacles. The secondary characters which were established already added some levity to this and added something more to spice it up.
I can't wait to see what's next in this battle and where it will end and of course getting to know the others. Donna Grant made for a very entertaining and exciting book, throughly engaging too. I enjoyed this one a lot, has action, suspense, romance all in one.
September 22, 2022
The couple: Lev and Reyna
Romance genre: romantic suspense
Series: Sons of Texas
Length: 302 pages
Plot: Lev, a high-ranking Bratva member, and Reyna, a former CIA agent, are both after the same thing: revenge against the Saints, an international terrorist group that aims to make the world over. Reyna has infiltrated their ranks and is close to...something. Lev has shown up to stop an assassination and is intercepted by Reyna. Together, they have a chance at stopping the Saints and making it out of there alive.
Commentary: I enjoyed the action in this one. Both characters were equally matched, and I also liked seeing Lev's conflicting ideas about whether to let Reyna participate or not. He knew it shouldn't even be a question of letting her; after all, she was as good of a fighter as he (maybe better - she did capture him in the beginning after all). But he still wanted to keep her as safe as possible because it must be hard to let the person you love go into danger.
Previous book in the series: The Legend
Next book in the series: The Guardian
Romance genre: romantic suspense
Series: Sons of Texas
Length: 302 pages
Plot: Lev, a high-ranking Bratva member, and Reyna, a former CIA agent, are both after the same thing: revenge against the Saints, an international terrorist group that aims to make the world over. Reyna has infiltrated their ranks and is close to...something. Lev has shown up to stop an assassination and is intercepted by Reyna. Together, they have a chance at stopping the Saints and making it out of there alive.
Commentary: I enjoyed the action in this one. Both characters were equally matched, and I also liked seeing Lev's conflicting ideas about whether to let Reyna participate or not. He knew it shouldn't even be a question of letting her; after all, she was as good of a fighter as he (maybe better - she did capture him in the beginning after all). But he still wanted to keep her as safe as possible because it must be hard to let the person you love go into danger.
Previous book in the series: The Legend
Next book in the series: The Guardian
August 27, 2021
Definitivamente não acredito que terminei... The End... Não posso acreditar... Mas para minha plena alegria tem mais quatros ebooks.. 🤣🤣
Sério Donna Grant me ganhou de paixão com essa Sons of Texas Serie 🥰🥰 Me encontro plenamente encantada com o livro, me falta elogios... Do começo ao fim ele foi impressionante... Não teve um momento si quer que me fez querer largar o ebook.. Wonderful, perfect, lovely... 🥰🥰
Meu coração não aguenta...
Livro 5 Stars... 😍😍😍
Boa Leitura.. Good Reading!!
June 12, 2019
4.25 stars—
RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2019.
Their love knows no borders.
A loner who exudes danger, Lev Ivanski has spent his life in service to one man, someone he loves and respects. But things are changing. Rapidly. Lev and his boss have allies and friends and a new mission more important their than business, all because of the Saints. This clandestine organization needs to be taken down, and Lev has the skills to help. What he doesn’t expect is to be at the mercy of a woman who makes him crave more than he ever thought to want.
Determined and dedicated, Reyna Harris is used to danger and living on the edge. An ex-CIA operative, she’s been embedded with the Saints for years, trying to take them down from the inside. When her cover is blown, she is forced to trust a man she just met, fighting their way out of one battle after another. But there’s something about Lev that Reyna knows she can trust. And love. She needs Lev – and not just to take a swipe at the Saints. Together they’re an unstoppable force. And with their friends, they just might succeed in their mission
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars—THE DEFENDER is the fourth instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SONS OF TEXAS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the Loughman group of ex-military specialists. This is Russian Bratva captain Lev Ivanski, and former CIA operative Reyna Harris’ story line. THE DEFENDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.
SOME BACKGROUND: While on assignment overseas, all three Loughman brothers are called home to Texas to discover that their beloved Aunt and Uncle have been murdered, and their Navy SEAL father Orrin is missing. The US government (or someone claiming to be) has tasked the brothers in locating their Black Ops agent father; and the retrieval of a biological weapon known as Ragnarok. Now that Ragnarok had been destroyed, the Loughman family will face another threat from a rogue group of former military operatives, many of whom have already infiltrated high levels of government and other organizations.
Told from several third person perspectives including Lev and Reyna THE DEFENDER follows Lev Ivanski as he goes undercover to prevent the assassination of one of Ukraine’s top political figures, an undercover operation that fails miserably when the group known as the Saints succeeds in their endeavor to take the politician down. Finding himself trapped, our hero becomes the willing prisoner of former CIA operative Reyna Harris, a woman working deep undercover within the Saints organization. What ensues is Reyna and Lev’s dangerous journey through Europe to America as our couple goes underground in their attempts to stay one-step ahead of the Saints.
Reyna Harris had been working with the Saints for close to five years but was unable to take down the organization from her current position. On the run Lev and Reyna would find themselves the target of the very people they had hoped to destroy themselves.
The relationship between Reyna and Lev is an enemies to lovers wherein Lev, for a short time, becomes our heroine’s prisoner. Working closely together Lev and Reyna would become one another’s guardians and protectors while on the run, a closeness that turned into something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including patriarch Orrin Loughman, Owen and Natalie (The Hero), and Cullen and Mia (The Protector), Wyatt and Callie (The Legend), as well as the mysterious Maks, Lorraine, Anatoli Kozel, and several members of the group known as the Saints.
THE DEFENDER is a story of betrayal and vengeance; of secrets and lies; of power and the fight for control. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are energetic, colorful and strong; the romance is seductive. THE DEFENDER is a fascinating and captivating addition to the SONS OF TEXAS series.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
RELEASE DATE: June 11, 2019.
Their love knows no borders.
A loner who exudes danger, Lev Ivanski has spent his life in service to one man, someone he loves and respects. But things are changing. Rapidly. Lev and his boss have allies and friends and a new mission more important their than business, all because of the Saints. This clandestine organization needs to be taken down, and Lev has the skills to help. What he doesn’t expect is to be at the mercy of a woman who makes him crave more than he ever thought to want.
Determined and dedicated, Reyna Harris is used to danger and living on the edge. An ex-CIA operative, she’s been embedded with the Saints for years, trying to take them down from the inside. When her cover is blown, she is forced to trust a man she just met, fighting their way out of one battle after another. But there’s something about Lev that Reyna knows she can trust. And love. She needs Lev – and not just to take a swipe at the Saints. Together they’re an unstoppable force. And with their friends, they just might succeed in their mission
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: 4.25 stars—THE DEFENDER is the fourth instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SONS OF TEXAS erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the Loughman group of ex-military specialists. This is Russian Bratva captain Lev Ivanski, and former CIA operative Reyna Harris’ story line. THE DEFENDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion.
SOME BACKGROUND: While on assignment overseas, all three Loughman brothers are called home to Texas to discover that their beloved Aunt and Uncle have been murdered, and their Navy SEAL father Orrin is missing. The US government (or someone claiming to be) has tasked the brothers in locating their Black Ops agent father; and the retrieval of a biological weapon known as Ragnarok. Now that Ragnarok had been destroyed, the Loughman family will face another threat from a rogue group of former military operatives, many of whom have already infiltrated high levels of government and other organizations.
Told from several third person perspectives including Lev and Reyna THE DEFENDER follows Lev Ivanski as he goes undercover to prevent the assassination of one of Ukraine’s top political figures, an undercover operation that fails miserably when the group known as the Saints succeeds in their endeavor to take the politician down. Finding himself trapped, our hero becomes the willing prisoner of former CIA operative Reyna Harris, a woman working deep undercover within the Saints organization. What ensues is Reyna and Lev’s dangerous journey through Europe to America as our couple goes underground in their attempts to stay one-step ahead of the Saints.
Reyna Harris had been working with the Saints for close to five years but was unable to take down the organization from her current position. On the run Lev and Reyna would find themselves the target of the very people they had hoped to destroy themselves.
The relationship between Reyna and Lev is an enemies to lovers wherein Lev, for a short time, becomes our heroine’s prisoner. Working closely together Lev and Reyna would become one another’s guardians and protectors while on the run, a closeness that turned into something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including patriarch Orrin Loughman, Owen and Natalie (The Hero), and Cullen and Mia (The Protector), Wyatt and Callie (The Legend), as well as the mysterious Maks, Lorraine, Anatoli Kozel, and several members of the group known as the Saints.
THE DEFENDER is a story of betrayal and vengeance; of secrets and lies; of power and the fight for control. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are energetic, colorful and strong; the romance is seductive. THE DEFENDER is a fascinating and captivating addition to the SONS OF TEXAS series.
Copy supplied for review
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 14, 2019
An Intriguing and grave adventure across the lands and oceans. A life-threatening fight against the evil powers, to save the world from the Saint, even if the price is your life.
I actually thought I had read the previous books in the series, but soon came into a realization that I had not. Yet I didn't feel like that was a problem to be able to follow what was going on in The Defender, how they came out to be in the current situation was well outlined.
And the situation is rather different from the norm I am used to reading, when the person I should consider the hero, Lev Ivanski, is a Russian mob captain, second to the leader. At any point, while running for their lives, is Lev's criminal lifestyle discussed. His boss, the mobster himself, is referred to as a good-hearted man, though, and that itself sounded like an oxymoron.
Reyna Harris is a smart, talented lady who studied linguistics and had worked years as a CIA operative. She immediately connected with Lev, and their team effort to escape within their lives was seamless, even harmonious, as despite their lifestyles and history, nearly immediately trusted one other.
I liked the chemistry between Lev and Reyna, it seemed genuine and true. It definitely was the highlight of the tale for me, how they opened up to each other like peeling off layers of their souls.
The passion between them was ardent, the love scenes detailed yet tastefully done. Both Reyna and Lev seemed ageless, looking at their history and what they had accomplished in their lives putting them much further up in an age in my mind that they seemed to be in the story.
The escape through mainland Europe to Sweden and across Norway had me going back and forth several times, cause the timeline didn't seem to match what a native to this area knows to be true. I tried to let that go, as well as some cultural differences that were overlooked, but then there was the fact that everything seems to point out that the attempted escape is happening during summertime, yet there are mentions of nighttime darkness, and dawn, and - no. Basic knowledge of the Nordic: it does not get dark at all during the summer, the white nights are real.
When reading an eARC you never know if the plot holes and mistakes are later on fixed before the book reaches the stores, thus I try not to let that kind of things get to me, and I try to set the focus on the main storyline, not nitpick the details, unless they scream at you. And I think the overall story of The Defender is a good one, it was engaging, I wanted to know what happens, who will survive, how will their survive, and how do they continue to live from here, if they are still alive.
The action is brutal, lethal, and savage. The characters, many of whom get their own spotlight in the story, a chance to tell their point of view of the events (in the third person) are an engrossing group of people.
The story underlines that no person is ultimately all bad or all good, there are several sides to each of them, shadows and secrets following all the characters, yet not overpowering them.
I was immersed in the tale, it got my emotions engaged, and even though at times I was yelling at the book (!) there never was a moment that thought I DNF it, I needed to know, I was hooked, all the way to the explosive end.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
I actually thought I had read the previous books in the series, but soon came into a realization that I had not. Yet I didn't feel like that was a problem to be able to follow what was going on in The Defender, how they came out to be in the current situation was well outlined.
And the situation is rather different from the norm I am used to reading, when the person I should consider the hero, Lev Ivanski, is a Russian mob captain, second to the leader. At any point, while running for their lives, is Lev's criminal lifestyle discussed. His boss, the mobster himself, is referred to as a good-hearted man, though, and that itself sounded like an oxymoron.
Reyna Harris is a smart, talented lady who studied linguistics and had worked years as a CIA operative. She immediately connected with Lev, and their team effort to escape within their lives was seamless, even harmonious, as despite their lifestyles and history, nearly immediately trusted one other.
I liked the chemistry between Lev and Reyna, it seemed genuine and true. It definitely was the highlight of the tale for me, how they opened up to each other like peeling off layers of their souls.
The passion between them was ardent, the love scenes detailed yet tastefully done. Both Reyna and Lev seemed ageless, looking at their history and what they had accomplished in their lives putting them much further up in an age in my mind that they seemed to be in the story.
The escape through mainland Europe to Sweden and across Norway had me going back and forth several times, cause the timeline didn't seem to match what a native to this area knows to be true. I tried to let that go, as well as some cultural differences that were overlooked, but then there was the fact that everything seems to point out that the attempted escape is happening during summertime, yet there are mentions of nighttime darkness, and dawn, and - no. Basic knowledge of the Nordic: it does not get dark at all during the summer, the white nights are real.
When reading an eARC you never know if the plot holes and mistakes are later on fixed before the book reaches the stores, thus I try not to let that kind of things get to me, and I try to set the focus on the main storyline, not nitpick the details, unless they scream at you. And I think the overall story of The Defender is a good one, it was engaging, I wanted to know what happens, who will survive, how will their survive, and how do they continue to live from here, if they are still alive.
The action is brutal, lethal, and savage. The characters, many of whom get their own spotlight in the story, a chance to tell their point of view of the events (in the third person) are an engrossing group of people.
The story underlines that no person is ultimately all bad or all good, there are several sides to each of them, shadows and secrets following all the characters, yet not overpowering them.
I was immersed in the tale, it got my emotions engaged, and even though at times I was yelling at the book (!) there never was a moment that thought I DNF it, I needed to know, I was hooked, all the way to the explosive end.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
June 8, 2019
The Defender by Donna Grant
Sons of Texas #4
The three Loughman brothers have eatheir romantic suspense novel and found their life partners but the story of the group wanting to rule the world, The Saints, is far from over. In this book we hear how Reyna Harris and Lev Ivanski meet in the Ukraine at the ballet, one is taken hostage, both end up threatened and a cat and mouse race for their lives ensues. Countries are crossed, Saints are dealt with, higher up Saints become part of the story and big and small battles are fought against The Saints. By the end of the book a good number of The Saints aredead but they are far from gone. As I sit here I am eager to find out what will happen to Anatoli, Maks and a few others and REALLY wonder how many books it will take to cut the head off the serpent that is The Saints.
What I liked:
* Lev – oh my!
* Reyna – what a strong, focused, wonderful book heroine she is!
* Team Lev-Reyna – definitely not to be messed with!
* Seeing the Loughamans again
* All of the action scenes and how they play out
* The romance
* The scene in which one baddie meets a bitter end
* The setup for the next book
What I did not like:
* The Saints – all of them!
* Not knowing what will happen next
* And those two things mentioned...that is what I am supposed to dislike so all’s well that ends well
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Will I read t he next book in the series? Definitely
Thank you to the author and InkSlinger PR for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Sons of Texas #4
The three Loughman brothers have eatheir romantic suspense novel and found their life partners but the story of the group wanting to rule the world, The Saints, is far from over. In this book we hear how Reyna Harris and Lev Ivanski meet in the Ukraine at the ballet, one is taken hostage, both end up threatened and a cat and mouse race for their lives ensues. Countries are crossed, Saints are dealt with, higher up Saints become part of the story and big and small battles are fought against The Saints. By the end of the book a good number of The Saints aredead but they are far from gone. As I sit here I am eager to find out what will happen to Anatoli, Maks and a few others and REALLY wonder how many books it will take to cut the head off the serpent that is The Saints.
What I liked:
* Lev – oh my!
* Reyna – what a strong, focused, wonderful book heroine she is!
* Team Lev-Reyna – definitely not to be messed with!
* Seeing the Loughamans again
* All of the action scenes and how they play out
* The romance
* The scene in which one baddie meets a bitter end
* The setup for the next book
What I did not like:
* The Saints – all of them!
* Not knowing what will happen next
* And those two things mentioned...that is what I am supposed to dislike so all’s well that ends well
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Will I read t he next book in the series? Definitely
Thank you to the author and InkSlinger PR for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
June 11, 2019
This is the first book I have read in the series and I have to I was completely blown away. I love a good story that has suspense, romance, and running from the bad to take them down. I was reading and sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen and I was not disappointed. Now I am going to go back and read the series from the beginning so I can get more of the sons of Texas!
The Saints is a bad group that does bad things and does not care who they hurt. The take what they want and have no regrets what so ever. Reyna is inside trying to take them down when her cover is blown and the Saints want her blood. She finds help in the least likely of places but Lev comes to rescue her and they go on the run from Europe to the United States.
Lev is a lethal agent but he is not an ordinary agent he is more like a missionary and he is determined to save Reyna no matter what he has to do. As they are on the run they are left guessing who to trust. They don't know who the bad guy is or who the good guy is.
Will they survive or will the bad guy get them???????
The Saints is a bad group that does bad things and does not care who they hurt. The take what they want and have no regrets what so ever. Reyna is inside trying to take them down when her cover is blown and the Saints want her blood. She finds help in the least likely of places but Lev comes to rescue her and they go on the run from Europe to the United States.
Lev is a lethal agent but he is not an ordinary agent he is more like a missionary and he is determined to save Reyna no matter what he has to do. As they are on the run they are left guessing who to trust. They don't know who the bad guy is or who the good guy is.
Will they survive or will the bad guy get them???????
June 12, 2019
Lev Ivanski works for a mob boss and is hired to take down a group called The Saints. He goes under cover and meets up with one of The Saints, Reyna Harris. she is an Ex-CIA operative but is working on the inside of The Saints to take them down. Now that her cover is blown she is on the run with Lev and we get to know them as they are trying to get back home. They have to steal cars, cell phones and boats just to get away and hide from The Saints. This book was filled with a lot of action and I have read other Donna Grant books but this felt different than her other ones and now I want to read the whole series. As Lev continues to contact his people back home we find out more about him and why is ruthless and trustworthy to his friends. Reyna just wants to get them safe and to destroy The Saints. Thinking one of them is on the inside of the mob that Lev works for.
June 15, 2019
Terrific action and adventure in this 4th installment in this wonderful series. The drama continues with the evil Saints wreaking havoc in the Ukraine. Instead of a Loughman this story featuring a sexy Russian mafia Brigadier, Lev, whose joined the fight along with his boss, Sergei, to stop the Saints. When Lev takes the mission he runs into sexy double agent, Reyna. She’s a terrific heroine that’s on a mission to avenge her former partner. Things get interesting when these two join forces and go on a global run to safety. Needless to say it doesn’t take long for this super hot couple to make a connection and hit the sheets. All the hunky Loughmans and their fabulous women are including in the story and help our couple stay alive to fight another day. Fantastic storytelling from one of my favorite authors. Can’t wait for the next story! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
Shelved as 'in-collection-boxset'
February 3, 202102/03/21 currently free in Love and Danger: TEN Book Boxed Set
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
July 9, 2019
Two alone against conspirator forces…
This is the fourth book in the Sons of Texas series.
Brigadier to a Russian mob boss living in the United States, Lev Ivanski, at the request of his Pakhan is sent to Kiev, Ukraine to foil an assassination attempt of the Saints, a secret global organization that has infected governmental agencies worldwide and that needs to be destroyed. He’s unsuccessful when he runs into a beautiful woman with the skills to thwart and kidnap him, not an easy feat, she’s also someone who can provide intelligence on the Saints and so his plans change.
A former CIA operative, one who’d gone rogue, Reyna Harris has been working for the Saints with one specific objective, retribution for the loss of her partner at their hands. It’s been five years undercover and she finally has information worth sharing but she blows her cover when she captures an unknown operative trying to stop a planned assassination that will be blamed on terrorists. There’s something about this man that made her change her plans and by doing so she placed a target on herself.
Can these two deadly strangers trust each other? An unsteady truce has them racing across European countries seeking an exit strategy that will allow them to return to the United States while they barely remain ahead of their hunters. Previously the Saints suffered the loss of Ragnarok, a nasty bioweapon, by the Loughman family and their allies, a small group of capable, connected, determined individuals that Lev is associated with. During the arduous journey these two basically loners make an emotional connection they never expected possible for themselves considering their personal histories.
This book was an exciting story, fast-paced with constant action and lots of suspense to rivet one’s attention. There were multiple points of view and a fascinating underlying storyline with a myriad of moving parts and some nasty twists are thrown in. The main protagonists were interesting and likable, intelligent and resourceful, the heightened danger helped build trust and let them get to know each other under the unique circumstances of fighting for their very survival, actions do speak louder than words. This was an enemies to lovers’ romance with in-depth characters having palpable chemistry.
I was happy to finally see another book in this series and I hope for one more for the character Maks, he’s an intriguing wildcard plotting future mayhem. The Saints remain in existence causing havoc for humanity under the guise of saving the species when they’re just out for an ultimate power base. The individuals at the head of this hydra-like conspiracy are as yet unidentified. With external and internal forces now working against them, will those who rebel against this mammoth organization finally succeed is the question and the needed resolution to this series.
This is the fourth book in the Sons of Texas series.
Brigadier to a Russian mob boss living in the United States, Lev Ivanski, at the request of his Pakhan is sent to Kiev, Ukraine to foil an assassination attempt of the Saints, a secret global organization that has infected governmental agencies worldwide and that needs to be destroyed. He’s unsuccessful when he runs into a beautiful woman with the skills to thwart and kidnap him, not an easy feat, she’s also someone who can provide intelligence on the Saints and so his plans change.
A former CIA operative, one who’d gone rogue, Reyna Harris has been working for the Saints with one specific objective, retribution for the loss of her partner at their hands. It’s been five years undercover and she finally has information worth sharing but she blows her cover when she captures an unknown operative trying to stop a planned assassination that will be blamed on terrorists. There’s something about this man that made her change her plans and by doing so she placed a target on herself.
Can these two deadly strangers trust each other? An unsteady truce has them racing across European countries seeking an exit strategy that will allow them to return to the United States while they barely remain ahead of their hunters. Previously the Saints suffered the loss of Ragnarok, a nasty bioweapon, by the Loughman family and their allies, a small group of capable, connected, determined individuals that Lev is associated with. During the arduous journey these two basically loners make an emotional connection they never expected possible for themselves considering their personal histories.
This book was an exciting story, fast-paced with constant action and lots of suspense to rivet one’s attention. There were multiple points of view and a fascinating underlying storyline with a myriad of moving parts and some nasty twists are thrown in. The main protagonists were interesting and likable, intelligent and resourceful, the heightened danger helped build trust and let them get to know each other under the unique circumstances of fighting for their very survival, actions do speak louder than words. This was an enemies to lovers’ romance with in-depth characters having palpable chemistry.
I was happy to finally see another book in this series and I hope for one more for the character Maks, he’s an intriguing wildcard plotting future mayhem. The Saints remain in existence causing havoc for humanity under the guise of saving the species when they’re just out for an ultimate power base. The individuals at the head of this hydra-like conspiracy are as yet unidentified. With external and internal forces now working against them, will those who rebel against this mammoth organization finally succeed is the question and the needed resolution to this series.
June 16, 2019
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 6/15/19/.
Intense!
Though I do wish I had read the first books in the series already–-more so that I’d know their stories, not because I feel like I had to; Grant does a good job of telling us what we need to know about the series without hitting us over the head about it–-I really didn’t feel too lost starting at book 4. This book's couple are really the main focus here--other books' couples definitely have a more supporting role--so you honestly don't have to have read their stories to "get" this one. Understanding the group that is the main villain would have been helpful as well, but again, it's not 100% necessary--either way, you want them gone.
You’d better believe I’m going back for #s 1-3, though, as soon as I get the chance!
For now, I really enjoyed Lev and Reyna’s story. It’s crazy intense, with all kinds of twists and turns and bullet flying everywhere. The two of them are not an obvious couple–at first, they’re clearly antagonists, but circumstances require them to work together sooner rather than later. They each quickly come to appreciate the strengths of the other, which leads to appreciation of other talents… ;)
Honestly, with all that is going on in this book, I'm amazed they had the time they did to even think about romance. I definitely appreciated that they knew when they actually had a bit of time to (briefly!) indulge and when they had to stick to business--it's a fine balance, and not every romantic suspense couple manages it with even a degree of realism...it's done pretty well here.
The epilogue leaves readers with one heck of an intro into what might happen in book 5 (or at least, who's going to play a major role)–can’t wait!
Rating: 4 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Intense!
Though I do wish I had read the first books in the series already–-more so that I’d know their stories, not because I feel like I had to; Grant does a good job of telling us what we need to know about the series without hitting us over the head about it–-I really didn’t feel too lost starting at book 4. This book's couple are really the main focus here--other books' couples definitely have a more supporting role--so you honestly don't have to have read their stories to "get" this one. Understanding the group that is the main villain would have been helpful as well, but again, it's not 100% necessary--either way, you want them gone.
You’d better believe I’m going back for #s 1-3, though, as soon as I get the chance!
For now, I really enjoyed Lev and Reyna’s story. It’s crazy intense, with all kinds of twists and turns and bullet flying everywhere. The two of them are not an obvious couple–at first, they’re clearly antagonists, but circumstances require them to work together sooner rather than later. They each quickly come to appreciate the strengths of the other, which leads to appreciation of other talents… ;)
Honestly, with all that is going on in this book, I'm amazed they had the time they did to even think about romance. I definitely appreciated that they knew when they actually had a bit of time to (briefly!) indulge and when they had to stick to business--it's a fine balance, and not every romantic suspense couple manages it with even a degree of realism...it's done pretty well here.
The epilogue leaves readers with one heck of an intro into what might happen in book 5 (or at least, who's going to play a major role)–can’t wait!
Rating: 4 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 15, 2019
The Defender is the fourth book in the Sons of Texas series by Donna Grant. The main characters are Lev, whom we have met in the previous books, and Reyna a brand new character. The story is not entirely told from their point of view and we get to see some of the story through the eyes of some old and some new characters.
I started reading the book hoping that it would be the last in the series. Why? Because I want to see the Saints going down. Hard. The last part of the epilogue though got me hyped about what's to come and I want two more books in the series. I skipped book 3 and I regretted it, so I would recommend reading the previous books in the series because some things will make a lot more sense if you do.
Now that all the brothers have gotten their ladies, it's time for Lev to find his. And he does in the face of Reyna who works for the Saints. So you can call the book enemies to lovers romance. Of course, Reyna is not working with the bad guys because they have the same beliefs, but because she wants to bring them down. Instead of killing Lev, she kidnaps him and for the rest of the book, the Saints are after them. Sometime during their running the managed to fall in love even though the romance is not the main plot. They are mostly running away from the enemy who seems to be everywhere. It's going to be hard to bring that organization down, but the main characters have more allies than they thought.
Overall, the book was a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to the next book, which I hope that it won't be released too far in the future. I want to know what Sergei was hiding about Lev and how that could impact his life. We didn't get that answer unfortunately in this book. I would recommend the series and suggest to not read the book as stand-alone.
I started reading the book hoping that it would be the last in the series. Why? Because I want to see the Saints going down. Hard. The last part of the epilogue though got me hyped about what's to come and I want two more books in the series. I skipped book 3 and I regretted it, so I would recommend reading the previous books in the series because some things will make a lot more sense if you do.
Now that all the brothers have gotten their ladies, it's time for Lev to find his. And he does in the face of Reyna who works for the Saints. So you can call the book enemies to lovers romance. Of course, Reyna is not working with the bad guys because they have the same beliefs, but because she wants to bring them down. Instead of killing Lev, she kidnaps him and for the rest of the book, the Saints are after them. Sometime during their running the managed to fall in love even though the romance is not the main plot. They are mostly running away from the enemy who seems to be everywhere. It's going to be hard to bring that organization down, but the main characters have more allies than they thought.
Overall, the book was a great addition to the series and I am looking forward to the next book, which I hope that it won't be released too far in the future. I want to know what Sergei was hiding about Lev and how that could impact his life. We didn't get that answer unfortunately in this book. I would recommend the series and suggest to not read the book as stand-alone.
June 12, 2019
4.5 stars
If you’re into Jason Bourne type stories, The Defender might just be your next great stand alone read and/or your next great series. The author does a fantastic job giving life to Lev and Reyna’s love story in an intriguing and exhilarating addition to the Sons of Texas series.
When this dropped onto my kindle, I couldn’t wait to read it. However, I had to take an extra couple days out of my reading schedule for a precocious 9 year old sprite. That said, once I started this fast paced drama Lev and Reyna embarked on, I was not putting my phone down. The relationship between Lev and Sergei was touching. I can’t express how sad this part of the story made me. Sergei literally saved Lev in so many ways. Sent by Sergei on mission he really didn’t want to be on, Lev needed to be quick so he could return to his pahkan. Yet, this mission is unlike any he’d been on before. Reyna literally barreled over him all the while pointing a gun at him. Their chemistry was undeniable from first contact. Who was this handsome and formidable man? And why was she not killing him and moving on with her own mission?
Talk about feeling breathless! Every page I turned I wanted both Lev and Reyna to come out on the other side,together.
I also loved how effortlessly the author includes characters from the previous three books as she builds Lev and Reyna’s story. They deliver a sense of authenticity and longevity to the Whitehorse group. Most importantly though, the group became a family. This book also made me want to dust off my passport and go on a European adventure. All in all, I loved this book and I realized I missed Cullen’s book. So I guess I have more good reads to look forward to from one of my favorites. Looking forward to Max’s story.
4.5 Stars
B2B Mila
If you’re into Jason Bourne type stories, The Defender might just be your next great stand alone read and/or your next great series. The author does a fantastic job giving life to Lev and Reyna’s love story in an intriguing and exhilarating addition to the Sons of Texas series.
When this dropped onto my kindle, I couldn’t wait to read it. However, I had to take an extra couple days out of my reading schedule for a precocious 9 year old sprite. That said, once I started this fast paced drama Lev and Reyna embarked on, I was not putting my phone down. The relationship between Lev and Sergei was touching. I can’t express how sad this part of the story made me. Sergei literally saved Lev in so many ways. Sent by Sergei on mission he really didn’t want to be on, Lev needed to be quick so he could return to his pahkan. Yet, this mission is unlike any he’d been on before. Reyna literally barreled over him all the while pointing a gun at him. Their chemistry was undeniable from first contact. Who was this handsome and formidable man? And why was she not killing him and moving on with her own mission?
Talk about feeling breathless! Every page I turned I wanted both Lev and Reyna to come out on the other side,together.
I also loved how effortlessly the author includes characters from the previous three books as she builds Lev and Reyna’s story. They deliver a sense of authenticity and longevity to the Whitehorse group. Most importantly though, the group became a family. This book also made me want to dust off my passport and go on a European adventure. All in all, I loved this book and I realized I missed Cullen’s book. So I guess I have more good reads to look forward to from one of my favorites. Looking forward to Max’s story.
4.5 Stars
B2B Mila
June 11, 2019
*** ARC kindly provided by Inkslinger PR in exchange for an honest review ***
Donna Grant’s Sons of Texas is a thrilling series, in which readers are immersed into a fast paced adventure, started with brothers who returned back home to fight against a criminal organization.
As the Loughman clan growing, this next step to stop The Saints was to tell Lev and Reyna’s story. Meeting at a time when it’s war, might working in different teams firsthand and becoming allies and more until the end.
Once again I’ve been captivated, following Reyna in her mission to destroy the Saints from the inside and Lev to help the Loughmans to shut them down no matter what. On desperate times, you’d understand with these two that their training would be more than needed. To stay calm, to operate under pressure and to be ready to fight back under any circumstances.
I adored this duet, who might have been fighting for different causes but reunited to destroy this dangerous organization. Gathered with a common goal and finding love in the way, the kind of one that knows no borders. Every moment strengthened their relationship, showing that against two and with the Loughmans’ help, there’re still hope.
The author managed to deliver a suspenseful and thrilling story, that brought two people together with this common goal. A real page turner, that kept me interested until the end.
October 24, 2023
This is the 4th book in the Sons of Texas series. They should be read in order so you know what’s going on. This is Lev’s story. Lev is the Brigadier for Sergi, a Russian mob boss, who runs the docks in Dover, Maryland. In this story, we find out how Lev came to work for Sergi and get a glimpse of his childhood and back story. So far, he has been extremely loyal, quiet, a bad a$$, and would prefer to only be protecting Sergi.
Sergi wants to help the Loughmans eliminate the Saints so he volunteers Lev for a mission in Kiev. On this mission Lev is comprised. Reyna works for the Saints in order to get information and avenge her CIA partner. She and Lev have instant attraction and their story starts when she doesn’t kill him. They end up working together and trusting each other on their journey back to the states. This story is full of them trying to escape the Saints and figuring out what to do next. They fall in love, get shot at, steal cars, break into houses, sail ships, and fight bad guys. The Loughmans are in this story helping out but they are not under attack at all, just Lev. They do make it back and there is a happy ending. The ending leaves you wondering about Maks tho!!
Sergi wants to help the Loughmans eliminate the Saints so he volunteers Lev for a mission in Kiev. On this mission Lev is comprised. Reyna works for the Saints in order to get information and avenge her CIA partner. She and Lev have instant attraction and their story starts when she doesn’t kill him. They end up working together and trusting each other on their journey back to the states. This story is full of them trying to escape the Saints and figuring out what to do next. They fall in love, get shot at, steal cars, break into houses, sail ships, and fight bad guys. The Loughmans are in this story helping out but they are not under attack at all, just Lev. They do make it back and there is a happy ending. The ending leaves you wondering about Maks tho!!
August 28, 2021
The Defender takes off running and never stops. There is an organisation who seeks to rule the world by taking ruthless measures.
Lev is sent on a mission to prevent an assassination. He works for the man he considers as a father.
Reyna is sent by the organisation on the same mission. Being an ex CIA agent, she doesn't miss anything. Hence when she spots Lev, she goes after him.
Lev finds himself taken as a prisoner. Once Reyna realises that he is no threat to her, they start working together. They are being hunted, but their teamwork saves them more than once. As they work together, they realise that they both have honourable intentions. They devise some clever strategies to evade their pursuers, and soon develops feelings for each other. The further they get from the enemies, the more dangerous their predicament. Will they come out unscathed?
The slow burn romance is realistic. The support they get from their allies comes from honour and loyalty. Lev and Reyna don't give up even when they face a disheartening loss. The Defender contains everything needed for a great thriller romance.
Lev is sent on a mission to prevent an assassination. He works for the man he considers as a father.
Reyna is sent by the organisation on the same mission. Being an ex CIA agent, she doesn't miss anything. Hence when she spots Lev, she goes after him.
Lev finds himself taken as a prisoner. Once Reyna realises that he is no threat to her, they start working together. They are being hunted, but their teamwork saves them more than once. As they work together, they realise that they both have honourable intentions. They devise some clever strategies to evade their pursuers, and soon develops feelings for each other. The further they get from the enemies, the more dangerous their predicament. Will they come out unscathed?
The slow burn romance is realistic. The support they get from their allies comes from honour and loyalty. Lev and Reyna don't give up even when they face a disheartening loss. The Defender contains everything needed for a great thriller romance.
February 29, 2020
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Finally, Lev's story. This enigmatic man has held my interest since he first appeared on the pages of the Sons of Texas series. Coming up from the dark side of the streets he's always appeared as a hard stiff exact man handing out judgement even death. In this book the reader will see the hidden sides to his character and fall more in love with him as a person.
The Defender storyline is complicated, complex and intermingled with two independent people needing to depend on each other to survive the Saints. Reyna is the perfect female main character... tough, strong, smart, able to defend herself and make quick decisions. She feels real.
In each book the Saints and all their associates get more aggressive to dominate the world. They are chasing Lev and Reyna to capture and torture them for information. The reader will be sitting on the edge of their chair quickly turning pages with the intensity of the drama enveloped within the pages.
I give it 5 STARS for the complicated plot and the the sexual tension between Lev and Reyna.
Finally, Lev's story. This enigmatic man has held my interest since he first appeared on the pages of the Sons of Texas series. Coming up from the dark side of the streets he's always appeared as a hard stiff exact man handing out judgement even death. In this book the reader will see the hidden sides to his character and fall more in love with him as a person.
The Defender storyline is complicated, complex and intermingled with two independent people needing to depend on each other to survive the Saints. Reyna is the perfect female main character... tough, strong, smart, able to defend herself and make quick decisions. She feels real.
In each book the Saints and all their associates get more aggressive to dominate the world. They are chasing Lev and Reyna to capture and torture them for information. The reader will be sitting on the edge of their chair quickly turning pages with the intensity of the drama enveloped within the pages.
I give it 5 STARS for the complicated plot and the the sexual tension between Lev and Reyna.
June 12, 2019
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
I don't think it matters what genre Donna Grant writes. She's very eloquent and her descriptions are vivid. The Defender focuses on Lev and Reyna...both spies trying to take down an organization called the Saints. Though Saint describes no one in that organization.
As you'll tell from the book description Lev and Reyna start out on opposite sides of the fence. He the good guys she the bad. There's something that initially tells her she can trust Lev though and instead of ending his life she takes him with her.
They know the Saints will come after them. They just have to get to America. Boy what a trip that is. There's a whole lot going on in this book. These two characters must be quick on their feet. Meanwhile their admiration, attraction and respect toward one another grows.
You'll have to check this out. I think you'd want a Lev for your defender too!
I don't think it matters what genre Donna Grant writes. She's very eloquent and her descriptions are vivid. The Defender focuses on Lev and Reyna...both spies trying to take down an organization called the Saints. Though Saint describes no one in that organization.
As you'll tell from the book description Lev and Reyna start out on opposite sides of the fence. He the good guys she the bad. There's something that initially tells her she can trust Lev though and instead of ending his life she takes him with her.
They know the Saints will come after them. They just have to get to America. Boy what a trip that is. There's a whole lot going on in this book. These two characters must be quick on their feet. Meanwhile their admiration, attraction and respect toward one another grows.
You'll have to check this out. I think you'd want a Lev for your defender too!
June 12, 2019
ARC REVIEW
Book four of the series and I jump right in, smart move on my part but it was okay it gave enough information and the happening up until this book that I felt caught up even if I still wish I had read the previous books prior to this one. Donna Grant does an excellent job blending together the excitement of running for your life and two people falling in love. It was an exciting read, Lev and Reyna running from the Saints, fighting for their lives, falling in love, and realizing they both now have one more reason to take down the Saints.
I love Donna Grant's writing she's engaging and hooks you in right from the start. I know that when I find the other books in the series in the store I will be buying them and reading them. Overall, another great read from Donna Grant.
Book four of the series and I jump right in, smart move on my part but it was okay it gave enough information and the happening up until this book that I felt caught up even if I still wish I had read the previous books prior to this one. Donna Grant does an excellent job blending together the excitement of running for your life and two people falling in love. It was an exciting read, Lev and Reyna running from the Saints, fighting for their lives, falling in love, and realizing they both now have one more reason to take down the Saints.
I love Donna Grant's writing she's engaging and hooks you in right from the start. I know that when I find the other books in the series in the store I will be buying them and reading them. Overall, another great read from Donna Grant.
June 14, 2019
Once again I start a series in the middle not at the beginning.
Lev traveled to Kiev on a mission to thwart an assassination planned by the group known as 'The Saints'. Now Saints is not what I would call this group that has infiltrated governments and corporations to coerce people to do their bidding.
The Saints reach is long and dangerous to anyone who opposes them. Rayna managed to infiltrate them after they killed her partner. She has been looking for a way to take them down internally.
What we have are two very strong personalities with a common goal, yet one appears to be on the wrong side.
It's Lev who figures out they need to leave and Rayna is the one with an escape plan. Although it is an arduous journey and one fraught with danger from the Saints.
This is a fast-paced, suspenseful, intense and satisfying read. With lots of action and some sizzling heat.
I now have to go back to the beginning to learn about all the other characters I met in this book.
Lev traveled to Kiev on a mission to thwart an assassination planned by the group known as 'The Saints'. Now Saints is not what I would call this group that has infiltrated governments and corporations to coerce people to do their bidding.
The Saints reach is long and dangerous to anyone who opposes them. Rayna managed to infiltrate them after they killed her partner. She has been looking for a way to take them down internally.
What we have are two very strong personalities with a common goal, yet one appears to be on the wrong side.
It's Lev who figures out they need to leave and Rayna is the one with an escape plan. Although it is an arduous journey and one fraught with danger from the Saints.
This is a fast-paced, suspenseful, intense and satisfying read. With lots of action and some sizzling heat.
I now have to go back to the beginning to learn about all the other characters I met in this book.
July 16, 2019
This is the fourth installment of the Sons of Texas series. Although it can be read as a standalone I recommend reading all of the books in order.
I have been waiting for Lev’s story since he was first introduced in book 2. And I was not disappointed. Lev has always been a very intriguing mysterious character to me and Reyna was the perfect match for him. The chemistry between them never felt forced. Through the events of the book their relationship moved from enemies to companions to lovers.
It was also great to catch up with all of the other characters as well. It was nice to see their relationships continue to grow. One thing I love about these books is how each story pushes the plot forward. None of the time feels wasted.
Carly Robins does a good job with the narration. She might not be my favorite, however she is no where near the bottom of the list either. I can not wait until the next book.
I have been waiting for Lev’s story since he was first introduced in book 2. And I was not disappointed. Lev has always been a very intriguing mysterious character to me and Reyna was the perfect match for him. The chemistry between them never felt forced. Through the events of the book their relationship moved from enemies to companions to lovers.
It was also great to catch up with all of the other characters as well. It was nice to see their relationships continue to grow. One thing I love about these books is how each story pushes the plot forward. None of the time feels wasted.
Carly Robins does a good job with the narration. She might not be my favorite, however she is no where near the bottom of the list either. I can not wait until the next book.
June 13, 2019
The latest in the Sons of Texas series by Donna Grant takes us to Russia into an action packed romance. We have Lev, doing everything he can to make things right for the man who has taken him in like a son, yet fighting a past that still haunts him. Then we have Reyna, spy extraordinaire realizing her life is not all sunshine like she thought. All in all Donna Grant doesn't disappoint in taking us across the country in this action pack suspense. I loved that even though they are wanted by this terrorist group, Saints it doesn't stop them from fighting for their lives. Not only we see these two but the Loughmans are back and Sergei. Loved it and hope we see more of Maks next.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
June 18, 2019
Love this series. Sons of Texas combines hot Texas military men, hot Russians, intelligent strong women and a secret organization called the Saints that they are all trying to bring down.
This is book 4 in the series has Lev sent to Kiev in an attempt to foil a plot by the Saints. Instead he is captured by Reyna a member of the Saints.
Reyna lost her partner to the Saints and has been working within the organization to bring them down. But when she doesn't turn in Lev, she knows her time with the Saints is up. Together she and Lev must get out of Kiev and find their way back to the US.
Easier said than done when the Saints are everywhere.
Donna Grant once again takes us on a wild ride of conspiracy, action, adventure, danger, and love. The characters she has created are well thought out and endearing. Can't wait for this series to continue!!
This is book 4 in the series has Lev sent to Kiev in an attempt to foil a plot by the Saints. Instead he is captured by Reyna a member of the Saints.
Reyna lost her partner to the Saints and has been working within the organization to bring them down. But when she doesn't turn in Lev, she knows her time with the Saints is up. Together she and Lev must get out of Kiev and find their way back to the US.
Easier said than done when the Saints are everywhere.
Donna Grant once again takes us on a wild ride of conspiracy, action, adventure, danger, and love. The characters she has created are well thought out and endearing. Can't wait for this series to continue!!
April 25, 2021
The Defender (Sons of Texas, #4) by Donna Grant
I am enjoying the SONS OF TEXAS series and this book kept me guessing the whole way. Lev Ivanski and Reyna Harris are working to end THE SAINTS. The find each other and almost end each other before they join forces. We catch up with old friends..lose some friends and discover some new allies. This book has all the angst, evil, terror, intrigue, laughter, tears, loyalty, deception, laughter, tears, love and steam to get us to their HEA. I can't wait to read the next book in this series The Guardian
Book 5 of 5: Sons of Texas.
The Defender (Sons of Texas, #4) by Donna Grant
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed Easy-to-read Entertaining Funny Great world building Happily Ever After Page-turner Romantic Scary Steamy Tear-jerker Tragic Unpredictable Wonderful characters
I am enjoying the SONS OF TEXAS series and this book kept me guessing the whole way. Lev Ivanski and Reyna Harris are working to end THE SAINTS. The find each other and almost end each other before they join forces. We catch up with old friends..lose some friends and discover some new allies. This book has all the angst, evil, terror, intrigue, laughter, tears, loyalty, deception, laughter, tears, love and steam to get us to their HEA. I can't wait to read the next book in this series The Guardian
Book 5 of 5: Sons of Texas.
The Defender (Sons of Texas, #4) by Donna Grant
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed Easy-to-read Entertaining Funny Great world building Happily Ever After Page-turner Romantic Scary Steamy Tear-jerker Tragic Unpredictable Wonderful characters
January 18, 2022
The Defender is a nail-biting romantic suspense by Donna Grant. Ms. Grant has provided readers with a well-written book populated with a spectacular cast of characters. Lev travels to Kiev for his boss to protect a politician from the Saints. Reyna, working with the Saints, captures Lev. Lev and Reyna's story is packed with drama, bits of humor, spice, action and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to my next book by Donna Grant. The Defender is book 4 of the Sons of Texas Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger...but it does hook you to want to read the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2022
I was on the edge of my seat and turning the pages and staying up way to late to find out what happens. Lev and Reyna sure had their work cut out for them and the Loughman's and Mak's also. Not sure what Mak's was up to but he came thru for Lev and Reyna. I was shocked what the Author had in store for the Mob Boss and honestly I totally got choked up. Yeah he was a Russian Mob Boss, but he was so likeable so when the Author did what she did (can't tell you) I seriously choked up. Tears and everything. Wow!! so now off to the last read. Wonder if this finishes up this series. Oh and Anitoli OMG that was not expected holy crap. This is a great series. Next read "The Guardian" wonder if that's Mak's or Anitoli. LOL
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