Show of Force

This was an excellent second book of the series. The plot of the series, who is trying to do away with Charlie Halverson? In the first book, a kidnapping plot was thwarted. Here Riley Lansing, who is a sleeper Russian spy, is activated to poison her. Riley was born in the U.S. to Russian spies. Riley loves her birth country. She owes Charlie a great deal but has to kill her as her 6 year old brother was kidnapped to force her into the killing. Fortunately for all Charlie's bodyguard for a charity event is Mack Balkman. Mack is part of Charlie's Declan's Defenders.

The road to find Riley's brother, Toby, and ultimately discover who her handler is, is one that kept me enthralled in the story. There is a lot of action, suspense and mystery that someone who loves that genre will adore. The chemistry between Riley and Mack is one that will satisfy all the romance readers. It has the perfect balance to satisfy all.

I loved the dual POV format. Understanding the characters' thoughts, really helped me to connect with both of them. I absolutely adored them.

This is a book that I would recommend for anyone over 18 as there is a "bedroom" scene that just may offend some. It really isn't overly graphic in nature nor was it drawn out over multiple pages. I thought it was tastefully done.

A team made from adversity, tragedy, being set up and saving a recon team’s future. Mack being second in command starts off being Riley’s body guard after her life is in danger. Who knew Russian sleeper spy, a nanny handler, a kidnapped little boy would all be tied together, in danger, about to die and commit murder. . Can the Declan Defenders save them and continue in the world .

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!