Show of Force

Elle James

May 2019 · Declan's Defenders Book 2 · Sold by Harlequin

About this ebook

A former marine must help a Russian spy…

But can he trust her?

Force Recon marine Mack Balkman would do anything for Declan’s Defenders and the boss who gave him a second chance. But aiding a rogue Russian spy pushes his loyalty to the limits. Beautiful, cunning Riley Lansing loves her adopted country—and her baby brother, who is being held for ransom. Can they work together to find the young boy before Riley’s handler learns that she has gone rogue?

Declan’s Defenders

Ratings and reviews

Another heart-pounding story in this series. OK, this book didn't have quite as much action as the first one in the series but it did have a lot of intrigue going on and lots of suspense. While Show of Force is the second book in the Declan's Defenders series it stands alone very well. I really encourage you to read book one though, Marine Force Recon, because it is amazing! The blurb describes the story well but there are so many details and nuances that it can't possibly include everything. Riley Lansing will do anything to save her baby brother, or will she? Mack has personal reasons of his own for feeling compelled to help Riley. These two click quickly but I wouldn't exactly call it insta-love. There's a lot that happens before the actually get to the sexy stuff. (Side note: I'm so glad that Harlequin has loosened up a bit and is allowing sexier words to describe the intimate time between the MC's.) The concept of a wealthy benefactor, this time a woman Ms. Charlotte "Charlie" Halverson, isn't a new one for this author but at no time did I feel like this story was just a rehash of any of her other ones. Elle James does a great job of keeping things fresh and exciting. There were a lot of bad guys in this book and Elle James did a excellent job of keeping us guessing about who was doing what and how they were doing it. The story for the two main characters is wrapped up with a HFN so I don't consider this book to have a cliffhanger but there are unanswered questions about who is after Charlie Halverson. The only thing I'm sad about is learning that the next book in this series isn't coming until September 2019. I can't wait! An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

This is book 2 in the Declan’s Defenders series and it features Riley and Mack. I had a hard time connecting with Riley. Maybe because her personality clashed HARD with who she REALLY was. I realize that that was the whole point of being who she was but it just didn’t click for me. Who she was, was a shock to everyone that THOUGHT they knew her. She and Mack worked well together. Their romance started out slow. Hand holding, hugs, kisses here and there and then it was too much to contain. HOT! I love Mack! He’s a great guy, like all Declan‘s Defenders. All these relationships are based on trust. Some more than others. It’s funny to see these proper military men interact with Charlie and she tries to make them call her by her first name instead of Ma’am. This story/series was put together with such amazing planning. Everything falls into place when it should. The web is growing steadily with each book. I am excited for more!

Riley Lansing...aerospace engineer, FBI confidante, and trained Russian spy has been called to duty. In order to rescue her younger brother, Riley must kill a friend and show proof of death. Riley doesn’t want to kill anyone and certainly never thought she’d be called upon to perform the duties of a sleeper Russian spy. But she’d do anything to save her brother, even kill Charlie Halverson-founder of Declan’s Defenders. Mack, former Marine, was dishonorably discharged when he and his team failed to follow orders. When offered a chance to work with his former teammates as a Defender, he jumps at the chance. When assigned to protect Ms. Halverson at a party, he quickly finds himself in a mess. Mack, who is drawn to Riley, can’t believe she’s a sleeper spy. Even though he doesn’t completely trust Riley, they must work together in order to save her brother and right his past “wrongs”. It’s a race against time and the unknown. This novel is the second in the Declan’s Defenders series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading this series in order. Riley is introduced in the first novel and it was an absolute shock to learn she is a spy! I never saw it coming! This novel isn’t as action-packed, but is more intriguing. I was on the edge of my seat. A real page turner! I can’t wait to see how this storyline continues to play out in the remainder of the series. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

About the author

Raised an Air Force brat, Elle James got her work ethic from her dad, creativity from mom and inspiration from her sister. As a member of the reserves, she's traveled, managed a career, and raised three children. She and her husband even raised ostriches and emus. Ask her what it's like to go toe-to-toe with a 350-pound bird! Former manager of computer programmers, Elle is happy to write full time in NW Arkansas.