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Defending Love
I’m Elijah Rhodes top-tier Guardian Security agent. We protect the world’s power heads of state, royalty, A-listers. The elite.
I didn’t grow up with much, and nothing came easy. My time in Special Ops hardened me, gave me purpose, and left me with a black heart. I took the missions no one else would. Still do.
My rules are:
No long-term assignments.
No repeats.
No attachments.
Keep it professional.
Keep it distant.
It’s how I’ve survived. Until her.
Dr. Danielle Sinclair is brilliant, beautiful, off-limits. I protected her, then did what I always do. I walked away.
Now, a year later, tragedy strikes. Dani’s life is in danger, and every instinct in me demands I break my own rules to keep her safe.
Some lines shouldn’t be crossed. Some rules were made to be broken.
I’ll protect Dani with my life, but I can’t give her a heart I don’t have.
Have you been Aleatha’d?
DEFENDING LOVE is a steamy, high-stakes, standalone romantic suspense with bodyguard vibes, second chances, and all the feels—set in the same world as the Sinclair Duet.
I didn’t grow up with much, and nothing came easy. My time in Special Ops hardened me, gave me purpose, and left me with a black heart. I took the missions no one else would. Still do.
My rules are:
No long-term assignments.
No repeats.
No attachments.
Keep it professional.
Keep it distant.
It’s how I’ve survived. Until her.
Dr. Danielle Sinclair is brilliant, beautiful, off-limits. I protected her, then did what I always do. I walked away.
Now, a year later, tragedy strikes. Dani’s life is in danger, and every instinct in me demands I break my own rules to keep her safe.
Some lines shouldn’t be crossed. Some rules were made to be broken.
I’ll protect Dani with my life, but I can’t give her a heart I don’t have.
Have you been Aleatha’d?
DEFENDING LOVE is a steamy, high-stakes, standalone romantic suspense with bodyguard vibes, second chances, and all the feels—set in the same world as the Sinclair Duet.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2025
67 people are currently reading
9781 people want to read
About the author
Aleatha Romig
122 books13k followersAleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis, USA. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her friends and family, including her beloved grandchildren.
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than a million e-readers. Her next series, INFIDELITY (not about cheating) hit New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. Aleatha has since released over fifty novels in multiple genres: dark romance, romantic suspense, thriller, and romantic comedy. She went back to her edge of your seat romantic suspense thrillers with her WEB SERIES trilogies, Devil’s Duet, Kingdom Come, and most recently with her suspense series, the Sin series, ready to binge.
The titles keep coming. Be sure to check out her website to stay up to date.
Aleatha is represented by Danielle Sanchez of SBR Media and PR with Wildfire Marketing.
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than a million e-readers. Her next series, INFIDELITY (not about cheating) hit New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. Aleatha has since released over fifty novels in multiple genres: dark romance, romantic suspense, thriller, and romantic comedy. She went back to her edge of your seat romantic suspense thrillers with her WEB SERIES trilogies, Devil’s Duet, Kingdom Come, and most recently with her suspense series, the Sin series, ready to binge.
The titles keep coming. Be sure to check out her website to stay up to date.
Aleatha is represented by Danielle Sanchez of SBR Media and PR with Wildfire Marketing.
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June 25, 2025I'm baffled with all these 4 & 5 star reviews. What are people smoking these days?
For all those that claim it is a "great 2nd chance", "captivating", "emotional depth", "awesome suspense" and all the other nonsense adjectives everyone is using, what a bunch of BS!
First of, 2nd chance? All we got is a quick scene of them meeting for the first time the year prior and him having a slight attraction to her. Then Boom! we are in the present and all we get about it is that they shared a kiss the year prior before he did a runner.
Secondly, captivating? What is so "captivating" about this? I really want to know. All I got is a bunch of stupid MCs who are constantly screwing, FMC trying to play detective and acting like a brat, an MMC who is horny & needy and can't seem to put clues together to catch the bad dudes, and one who gives up his career to work for FMC as a security Guard at the end. Lol.
Thirdly, "emotional depth"? Really? I must have read a different story then these folks because let's recap - We are told they met a year prior, shared a kiss and MMC left because he can't do commitments & love because he loved OW in the past but she died so he has a frozen heart. A dead ex that he is still mourning and whom he promises in the present to never stop loving or forget. And since this is a romance of some sort, you would expect at some point for him to tell FMC about said OW, right? Nope. We only get a quick line in the end that he supposedly told FMC about the dead ex and that he tells FMC she is not second best. Yeah, right!
Other then sex, where was the "emotional" bonding here? Where was any character development where they knew each other outside of sex?
So yeah, we can rule that out too folks.
"Awesome Suspense"? Where was it? I must have blinked and missed that part because all you have here are 2 very stupid MCs trying to play detective & a plot that made no lick of sense with a bunch of words about pharmaceutical drugs added in and a crime & resolution left open ended and unresolved.
For instance, readers pretty much know from the start who the antagonist is and when he is confronted at the end by FMC where she only asks a few questions of him of why he killed her Dad, etc., he deflates her questions, places a nut in her drink where she gets an allergy attack and then we skip to Epilogue with a proposal and The End. Huh?
What happened with the bad dude? Was he caught? Arrested? Put in prison? What about all the other bad dudes that story centered on? What happened to them? Who were they working for? WHY was FMC's Dad killed? Who actually killed him? Did the Dad steal the drug or something? Why did FMC need protection when we never at any point in the story have any scenes or anyone trying to harm her except in the end when she confronts the antagonist. Why wasn't there some attempt on her life to convince me this was a suspense story? What happened to the neighbor? Why was she holding a grudge and helping the bad dudes? Was she arrested?
What was up with that envelope in the safe? What did the words on it mean and what was the purpose for it suppose to say to the MCs? Why would the antagonist write it and leave his finger prints on it? Why were the journals stolen? What purpose did it serve for the neighbor to tell MCs that men stole boxes (aka journals) from the house and then report back to antagonist that MCs took the letter? What exactly were they trying to steal and cover up? Why did all those men get killed? What secrets was the antagonist trying to steal by infiltrating their electronic devices and what would he do with it?
See? None of this plot makes a lick of sense. Author seemed to have some kind of diarrhea of words & scenes that made no sense at all. And outside of all this, I'm supposed to believe that the so-called bad-ass security expert MMC could not solve the case on his own so FMC had to do it for him?
Yeah, give me a break. I can see how people loved this. Not.
For all those that claim it is a "great 2nd chance", "captivating", "emotional depth", "awesome suspense" and all the other nonsense adjectives everyone is using, what a bunch of BS!
First of, 2nd chance? All we got is a quick scene of them meeting for the first time the year prior and him having a slight attraction to her. Then Boom! we are in the present and all we get about it is that they shared a kiss the year prior before he did a runner.
Secondly, captivating? What is so "captivating" about this? I really want to know. All I got is a bunch of stupid MCs who are constantly screwing, FMC trying to play detective and acting like a brat, an MMC who is horny & needy and can't seem to put clues together to catch the bad dudes, and one who gives up his career to work for FMC as a security Guard at the end. Lol.
Thirdly, "emotional depth"? Really? I must have read a different story then these folks because let's recap - We are told they met a year prior, shared a kiss and MMC left because he can't do commitments & love because he loved OW in the past but she died so he has a frozen heart. A dead ex that he is still mourning and whom he promises in the present to never stop loving or forget. And since this is a romance of some sort, you would expect at some point for him to tell FMC about said OW, right? Nope. We only get a quick line in the end that he supposedly told FMC about the dead ex and that he tells FMC she is not second best. Yeah, right!
Other then sex, where was the "emotional" bonding here? Where was any character development where they knew each other outside of sex?
So yeah, we can rule that out too folks.
"Awesome Suspense"? Where was it? I must have blinked and missed that part because all you have here are 2 very stupid MCs trying to play detective & a plot that made no lick of sense with a bunch of words about pharmaceutical drugs added in and a crime & resolution left open ended and unresolved.
For instance, readers pretty much know from the start who the antagonist is and when he is confronted at the end by FMC where she only asks a few questions of him of why he killed her Dad, etc., he deflates her questions, places a nut in her drink where she gets an allergy attack and then we skip to Epilogue with a proposal and The End. Huh?
What happened with the bad dude? Was he caught? Arrested? Put in prison? What about all the other bad dudes that story centered on? What happened to them? Who were they working for? WHY was FMC's Dad killed? Who actually killed him? Did the Dad steal the drug or something? Why did FMC need protection when we never at any point in the story have any scenes or anyone trying to harm her except in the end when she confronts the antagonist. Why wasn't there some attempt on her life to convince me this was a suspense story? What happened to the neighbor? Why was she holding a grudge and helping the bad dudes? Was she arrested?
What was up with that envelope in the safe? What did the words on it mean and what was the purpose for it suppose to say to the MCs? Why would the antagonist write it and leave his finger prints on it? Why were the journals stolen? What purpose did it serve for the neighbor to tell MCs that men stole boxes (aka journals) from the house and then report back to antagonist that MCs took the letter? What exactly were they trying to steal and cover up? Why did all those men get killed? What secrets was the antagonist trying to steal by infiltrating their electronic devices and what would he do with it?
See? None of this plot makes a lick of sense. Author seemed to have some kind of diarrhea of words & scenes that made no sense at all. And outside of all this, I'm supposed to believe that the so-called bad-ass security expert MMC could not solve the case on his own so FMC had to do it for him?
Yeah, give me a break. I can see how people loved this. Not.
June 24, 2025
“𝘿𝙧. 𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧…”
This was another really great romantic suspense from Aleatha Romig. I’m not always a huge fan of romantic suspense, but Aleatha knows how to write it in such a way that sucks you in and keeps you at the edge of your seat. This is a relatively short read. Perfect for when you’re out by the pool or need a quick pick me up for your reading slump.
In this book we meet Dr Danielle Sinclair, a research scientist whose family has been a target for many years. She has a bodyguard assigned to her, Eli…he works for her dutifully until one day when he ups and disappears…he’s feelings that he sees developing her breaking his rules.
A year later, after some tragic events, Eli is breaking another one of his rules, guarding a past client for a second time. But when Dr Dani is in trouble, there’s no way he can say no. The minute he sees her, all of his rules go out the window and all of his feelings come rushing back.
They both try to deny the feelings that have been burning between them since they first met. Once the door opens, there’s no turning back. The stakes have never been higher as Eli goes from guarding a client to protecting the woman he loved and helping her find out who shot her parents.
Edge of your seat suspense with steamy romance…perfect book to get your heart racing 🩷
Thank you to Aleatha Romig and Wildfire Marketing for the chance to ARC read this book 🩷
⛓️Romantic Suspense
🧪Second Chance
⛓️Bodyguard MMC
🧪Research Scientist FMC
⛓️Slow Burn
🧪Touch Her and 💀
⛓️Dark Suspense
🧪Contemporary
⛓️Dual POV
🧪HEA
This was another really great romantic suspense from Aleatha Romig. I’m not always a huge fan of romantic suspense, but Aleatha knows how to write it in such a way that sucks you in and keeps you at the edge of your seat. This is a relatively short read. Perfect for when you’re out by the pool or need a quick pick me up for your reading slump.
In this book we meet Dr Danielle Sinclair, a research scientist whose family has been a target for many years. She has a bodyguard assigned to her, Eli…he works for her dutifully until one day when he ups and disappears…he’s feelings that he sees developing her breaking his rules.
A year later, after some tragic events, Eli is breaking another one of his rules, guarding a past client for a second time. But when Dr Dani is in trouble, there’s no way he can say no. The minute he sees her, all of his rules go out the window and all of his feelings come rushing back.
They both try to deny the feelings that have been burning between them since they first met. Once the door opens, there’s no turning back. The stakes have never been higher as Eli goes from guarding a client to protecting the woman he loved and helping her find out who shot her parents.
Edge of your seat suspense with steamy romance…perfect book to get your heart racing 🩷
Thank you to Aleatha Romig and Wildfire Marketing for the chance to ARC read this book 🩷
⛓️Romantic Suspense
🧪Second Chance
⛓️Bodyguard MMC
🧪Research Scientist FMC
⛓️Slow Burn
🧪Touch Her and 💀
⛓️Dark Suspense
🧪Contemporary
⛓️Dual POV
🧪HEA
June 22, 2025
I enjoyed this story, and when it comes to suspense and mystery, this author didn't disappoint. Defending Love is so engaging that it generates a sense of tension and anticipation, making you feel invested and reluctant to put the book down. Eli and Dani's story will keep you guessing what will happen next. The author's skill in crafting the plot, characters and their fates. And lastly, pacing contributes to this gripping experience. Highly recommended!
June 23, 2025
Ms. Romig is, in my opinion, the QUEEN of emotionally engaging romantic suspense storytelling. Every word has purpose, every action taken by a character is intentional, and every scene is written to perfection to capture, hold, and engage the reader mind, body, and heart/emotionally.
Dani and Eli are reunited in this gripping, action-packed romance with steamy scenes, and suspenseful mystery that is unraveled layer by layer until we reach the ultimate HEA for these two beautiful characters.
If you haven't been Aleatha'd yet then THIS is the book you NEED! One-click now to feel all the feels.
Dani and Eli are reunited in this gripping, action-packed romance with steamy scenes, and suspenseful mystery that is unraveled layer by layer until we reach the ultimate HEA for these two beautiful characters.
If you haven't been Aleatha'd yet then THIS is the book you NEED! One-click now to feel all the feels.
June 20, 2025
Great story!!
A second chance at a somewhat forbidden romance.
His job was to protect her did and left after a brief encounter that they shouldn't have had.
Years later he is back to protect but neither forgot and all the feelings are still there.
I loved watching them fight the attraction until they couldn't.
I loved seeing them gather the info to solve the mystery.
This book was addicting and so hard to put down. Between the love story the suspense story I read wide-eyed from the edge of my seat.
I have been Aleatha'd again!
A second chance at a somewhat forbidden romance.
His job was to protect her did and left after a brief encounter that they shouldn't have had.
Years later he is back to protect but neither forgot and all the feelings are still there.
I loved watching them fight the attraction until they couldn't.
I loved seeing them gather the info to solve the mystery.
This book was addicting and so hard to put down. Between the love story the suspense story I read wide-eyed from the edge of my seat.
I have been Aleatha'd again!
June 23, 2025
A forbidden/second chance storyline that captivates you from the beginning. The suspense element will make intrigue you until the end. Definitely worth the read.
June 23, 2025
If you're a fan of steamy romantic suspense with a high-octane mix of danger, second chances, and emotional depth, Defending Love delivers all that—and then some.
Told from the guarded perspective of Elijah Rhodes, a top-tier Guardian Security agent, this story drops you headfirst into a world where power, danger, and desire collide. Elijah lives by strict rules: no long-term assignments, no repeats, no attachments. It’s how he’s survived both his brutal past and the emotional cost of his job. That is, until Dr. Danielle Sinclair—brilliant, beautiful, and completely off-limits—shatters those rules.
What starts as a professional protection detail becomes something more, something deeper, until Elijah does what he always does: walks away. But fate—and danger—has other plans. When Dani’s life is threatened a year later, Elijah returns, torn between duty and a desire he can't deny.
Aleatha Romig masterfully blends fast-paced action with emotionally charged romance, creating a story that keeps your pulse racing in more ways than one. Elijah and Dani’s chemistry is explosive, their backstory is heart-wrenching.
What I loved:
Elijah’s emotional journey from stoic protector to vulnerable man is written with nuance and authenticity.
Dani is more than a damsel in distress—she’s smart, self-aware, and carries her own emotional scars.
The suspense is genuinely gripping, with enough twists to keep you flipping pages late into the night.
A perfect read if you enjoy:
Alpha protectors with tortured pasts
Second-chance romance
High-stakes action mixed with emotional healing
The sizzling push-pull between desire and duty
Final thoughts:
Aleatha Romig knows how to tug on the heartstrings while turning up the heat. If you’ve read the Sinclair Duet, you’ll love revisiting this world. If not, Defending Love stands strong on its own.
Told from the guarded perspective of Elijah Rhodes, a top-tier Guardian Security agent, this story drops you headfirst into a world where power, danger, and desire collide. Elijah lives by strict rules: no long-term assignments, no repeats, no attachments. It’s how he’s survived both his brutal past and the emotional cost of his job. That is, until Dr. Danielle Sinclair—brilliant, beautiful, and completely off-limits—shatters those rules.
What starts as a professional protection detail becomes something more, something deeper, until Elijah does what he always does: walks away. But fate—and danger—has other plans. When Dani’s life is threatened a year later, Elijah returns, torn between duty and a desire he can't deny.
Aleatha Romig masterfully blends fast-paced action with emotionally charged romance, creating a story that keeps your pulse racing in more ways than one. Elijah and Dani’s chemistry is explosive, their backstory is heart-wrenching.
What I loved:
Elijah’s emotional journey from stoic protector to vulnerable man is written with nuance and authenticity.
Dani is more than a damsel in distress—she’s smart, self-aware, and carries her own emotional scars.
The suspense is genuinely gripping, with enough twists to keep you flipping pages late into the night.
A perfect read if you enjoy:
Alpha protectors with tortured pasts
Second-chance romance
High-stakes action mixed with emotional healing
The sizzling push-pull between desire and duty
Final thoughts:
Aleatha Romig knows how to tug on the heartstrings while turning up the heat. If you’ve read the Sinclair Duet, you’ll love revisiting this world. If not, Defending Love stands strong on its own.
June 15, 2025
Another phenomenal standalone read from my go-to author of romantic suspense stories, Aleatha Romig! I wait patiently for this author's new offerings and I'm NEVER disappointed. The only thing I could complain about is that they are all so good I could read them in one sitting! I struggle to read just a bit a day to try to make them last. I don't ever want her stories to end!
This one is everything you want it to be, great characters, fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful, steamy and ultimately satisfying! What can I say about Eli? The sexy bodyguard has finally met the woman he'll ignore all his rules for: Dr. Danielle Sinclair, the research scientist he was assigned to protect a year ago and who's never left his heart and mind. When he learns she's in danger again, he's unable to ignore his rules and feelings. That's okay because Dr. Dani hasn't forgotten him either! The smoldering between these two is not to be denied!
Defending Love is a fast, easy-to-read, gripping romantic suspense tale that will have you turning the pages quickly. You'll be caught up in all the action and relationship challenges these two face. The no-cliffhanger ending makes for a very satisfying conclusion. I LOVED this one! Don't miss it!
This one is everything you want it to be, great characters, fast-paced, action-packed, suspenseful, steamy and ultimately satisfying! What can I say about Eli? The sexy bodyguard has finally met the woman he'll ignore all his rules for: Dr. Danielle Sinclair, the research scientist he was assigned to protect a year ago and who's never left his heart and mind. When he learns she's in danger again, he's unable to ignore his rules and feelings. That's okay because Dr. Dani hasn't forgotten him either! The smoldering between these two is not to be denied!
Defending Love is a fast, easy-to-read, gripping romantic suspense tale that will have you turning the pages quickly. You'll be caught up in all the action and relationship challenges these two face. The no-cliffhanger ending makes for a very satisfying conclusion. I LOVED this one! Don't miss it!
June 23, 2025
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
Defending Love is a fabulous romantic suspense about a bodyguard and his client. This second-chance romance is written from both lead characters’ points of view and shares valuable insights into each.
Elijah Rhodes is a top-tier Guardian Security agent of the elite—the powerhouse people of the world. His rule of never protecting the same client twice is broken when he returns to guard Dani for the second time.
Dr Danielle Sinclair is a research scientist at her family’s pharmaceutical company. Having her world shaken drastically and making it an unstable environment means she once again needs protection.
Enter Eli, who can’t stand the fact that he feels something for Dani. They both feel the tingling chemistry between them—and I’m not talking about science!
Alongside the romance is the threat to the family, and the reason Eli is protecting Dani. Some action-packed scenes are nail-biting. The mystery of who the perpetrator is had me considering practically everyone. But the twists and turns make this very exciting.
June 20, 2025
I absolutely love being in the world of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals, and will never tire of spending time with the Sinclair family. There is never a dull moment, and of course Damien has my heart.
Defending Love is Danielle Sinclair's story and I found it to be unputdownable. I didn't want this narrative to end although discovering if my suspicions were correct or not took the sting away. I must admit, the twists and turns have kept me guessing at every corner. I believe I have suspected almost everyone at some point throughout the narrative, and I love this because I thoroughly enjoy a story that has my mind considering all the possibilities.
I loved witnessing every interaction between Eli and Dani. I absolutely adore bodyguard romance reads so this story was right up my street. This, along with Defending Love being an Aleatha Romig novel, brought high expectations before I even opened the book. I can confirm each and every one were exceeded.
I highly recommend Defending Love to you to read.
5 stars
Defending Love is Danielle Sinclair's story and I found it to be unputdownable. I didn't want this narrative to end although discovering if my suspicions were correct or not took the sting away. I must admit, the twists and turns have kept me guessing at every corner. I believe I have suspected almost everyone at some point throughout the narrative, and I love this because I thoroughly enjoy a story that has my mind considering all the possibilities.
I loved witnessing every interaction between Eli and Dani. I absolutely adore bodyguard romance reads so this story was right up my street. This, along with Defending Love being an Aleatha Romig novel, brought high expectations before I even opened the book. I can confirm each and every one were exceeded.
I highly recommend Defending Love to you to read.
5 stars
June 10, 2025
“Defending Love” is a steamy, suspenseful story that pulled me in right from the very start. It’s a quick, delightful summer read that transports readers back into the Sinclair world where Dani and Eli’s burgeoning romance takes center stage and beloved book friends are revisited.
That said, this romantic suspense is 100% a standalone, despite this story’s ties to the previously released Sinclair Duet. However, reading the duet will only prove to enhance your overall enjoyment of this couple’s saga, as they rekindle romantic feelings and attempt to forge a forever relationship amidst a life-threatening battle to unearth hidden truths.
Whether you are already a dedicated fan of Aleatha's books or are discovering her for the very first time, I recommend adding "Defending Love" to the top of your summer TBR list.
That said, this romantic suspense is 100% a standalone, despite this story’s ties to the previously released Sinclair Duet. However, reading the duet will only prove to enhance your overall enjoyment of this couple’s saga, as they rekindle romantic feelings and attempt to forge a forever relationship amidst a life-threatening battle to unearth hidden truths.
Whether you are already a dedicated fan of Aleatha's books or are discovering her for the very first time, I recommend adding "Defending Love" to the top of your summer TBR list.
June 23, 2025
This is another really good romance with lots of suspense that had me engrossed. Eli and Dani are just meant to be as long as Eli can set aside his own strictures about what he can and can't do and whether he can act upon his feelings. As a dedicated protector, he is going to do everything to keep Dani safe under the awful circumstances she and her family, find themselves in. I loved their sleuthing and their drive to uncover the truth.
Their attraction to each other has not diminished, but has stayed front and centre I their minds. Can they act on this now?
Another good read from Aleatha Romig, though I did feel the end was somewhat abrupt and did not give us a description of the fallout/ results/ penalties faced by the 'baddies'. I felt a bit discombobulated tbh. This did not spoil my overall enjoyment of the book. 💖💖💖💖
Their attraction to each other has not diminished, but has stayed front and centre I their minds. Can they act on this now?
Another good read from Aleatha Romig, though I did feel the end was somewhat abrupt and did not give us a description of the fallout/ results/ penalties faced by the 'baddies'. I felt a bit discombobulated tbh. This did not spoil my overall enjoyment of the book. 💖💖💖💖
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
💙bodyguard
💙he bends his rules for her
💙second chance romance
💙suspense
Wow! Another five star read from Aleatha Romig! Defending Love is a bodyguard, suspense, standalone romance.
I absolutely loved the whole idea of this book. The bodyguard who breaks his rules for the women he protects? Sign me up! Dani and Eli worked together a year ago, but a tragedy brings them together again. I loved Eli protectiveness, and that he didn’t shy away from his feelings for Dani. Dani was a great FMC who has been through a lot recently but Eli helps her so much. The two of them together was perfection.
The suspense in this book was amazing! I literally didn’t know who to trust and I was caught so off guard by the end! Loved it!!
Thank you to Aleatha Romig and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the ARC of this book.
💙bodyguard
💙he bends his rules for her
💙second chance romance
💙suspense
Wow! Another five star read from Aleatha Romig! Defending Love is a bodyguard, suspense, standalone romance.
I absolutely loved the whole idea of this book. The bodyguard who breaks his rules for the women he protects? Sign me up! Dani and Eli worked together a year ago, but a tragedy brings them together again. I loved Eli protectiveness, and that he didn’t shy away from his feelings for Dani. Dani was a great FMC who has been through a lot recently but Eli helps her so much. The two of them together was perfection.
The suspense in this book was amazing! I literally didn’t know who to trust and I was caught so off guard by the end! Loved it!!
Thank you to Aleatha Romig and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the ARC of this book.
June 23, 2025
Elijah is top tier Guardian Security agent, who takes on the cases no one else wants, and he is tasked as security for Dr Dani Sinclair when tragedy puts her in danger. Dani goes against all the rules Eli has lived his life adhering to, and they work hard to make their relationship work.
This is a well written easy to read, fast paced, action packed story, with family drama, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, trust, touch her and die vibes, second chances, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, captivating page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written easy to read, fast paced, action packed story, with family drama, emotions, danger, suspense, intrigue, grumpy / sunshine, opposites attract, trust, touch her and die vibes, second chances, revelations, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, captivating page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
June 14, 2025
This was a quick read that sent you right back Into the Sinclair Pharmaceutical world. It can be read as a standalone but having the rest of the information from the Sinclair duet just enhances the read.
Eli was Dr Sinclair’s bodyguard who has a strict set of rules in place to help him protect his heart. Dr Dani Sinclair was temptation that had him running from his feelings. A year later after some tragic life events he was hired again because she needed him - Could he protect her without bending the rules or did he want to break all of the rules for her?
Cute story of 2nd chance love with a bit of spice. Loved it.
Eli was Dr Sinclair’s bodyguard who has a strict set of rules in place to help him protect his heart. Dr Dani Sinclair was temptation that had him running from his feelings. A year later after some tragic life events he was hired again because she needed him - Could he protect her without bending the rules or did he want to break all of the rules for her?
Cute story of 2nd chance love with a bit of spice. Loved it.
June 13, 2025
A second chance whether he wants it or not for Eli Rhodes the hot bodyguard when he gets reassigned to Dr. Dani Sinclair.
"Dr. Danielle Sinclair was even more beautiful than I remembered."
Dani has a lot to worry about, but she doesn't want to be just an assignment.
"In the short time he was assigned to me, he wore down some of my insecurities about having him around. And also, that when he abruptly left with no further contact, I was affected more than I want to admit."
This story has all the ingredients of a romantic thriller. Suspense, intrigue, danger and spice. The characters were very well developed and the banter between Dani and Eli was exquisite.
Yes, I have been Aleatha’d yet again.
"Dr. Danielle Sinclair was even more beautiful than I remembered."
Dani has a lot to worry about, but she doesn't want to be just an assignment.
"In the short time he was assigned to me, he wore down some of my insecurities about having him around. And also, that when he abruptly left with no further contact, I was affected more than I want to admit."
This story has all the ingredients of a romantic thriller. Suspense, intrigue, danger and spice. The characters were very well developed and the banter between Dani and Eli was exquisite.
Yes, I have been Aleatha’d yet again.
June 23, 2025
Trust Ms. Romig to treat us to an intense suspense.
Add to that amazing characters who have chemistry.
BUT, it's against company policy and Eli's own policy, to NOT get involved with a client!
Well…
When Dani's life may be in danger, Eli has to break his other rule!
Will the rules get thrown out the window?
Will Eli decide Dani's worth it?
Will they explore MORE?
I loved every emotional minute!
I enjoyed the story!
Exceptional! I couldn't put it down!
Add to that amazing characters who have chemistry.
BUT, it's against company policy and Eli's own policy, to NOT get involved with a client!
Well…
When Dani's life may be in danger, Eli has to break his other rule!
Will the rules get thrown out the window?
Will Eli decide Dani's worth it?
Will they explore MORE?
I loved every emotional minute!
I enjoyed the story!
Exceptional! I couldn't put it down!
June 21, 2025
What a great book this was. It caught my attention from the start and I couldn't read fast enough to find out what happened between Elijah and Danielle. The story was fast paced and steamy with great characters. There were quite a few things that happened that had me gasping in shock and I LOVE that in a book. Looking forward to the next book by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
June 19, 2025
Defending Love is Elijah and Dani’s story. He’s charged with protecting her when her life is threatened. This story was fast paced and steamy. Ms. Romig always gives you characters you want to root for and I loved these two. I loved that they fought hard to make their relationship work and that there was no third act break up. Fun, fast, summer read.
June 28, 2025
After walking away a year earlier, Eli and Dani are forced back together when Dani needs security. Eli has rules, but for Dani he is willing to break them. They are trying to solve a mystery while fighting their attraction to each other. There are plenty of twists and turns. We don’t know who can be trusted. Have you been Aleatha’d?
June 18, 2025
Elijah Came back to protect Dani. But neither of their hearts would regive up on the other. Aleatha does a great job bringing them to life. They both will do everything to defend their love and each other.
June 26, 2025
Defending Love
This story is about two people who find themselves attracted to each other, although he is her bodyguard. The intensity of this story is full on, the drama, unknown of who murdered her father. Everyone is needing protection from an unknown person or persons, until the security company finds who is behind this. Expect the unexpected, awesome story.
This story is about two people who find themselves attracted to each other, although he is her bodyguard. The intensity of this story is full on, the drama, unknown of who murdered her father. Everyone is needing protection from an unknown person or persons, until the security company finds who is behind this. Expect the unexpected, awesome story.
June 19, 2025
Suspenseful!
Twists, turns, emotion, and heart make up this beautiful story. I loved seeing Eli find his way to true happiness with Dani.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
Twists, turns, emotion, and heart make up this beautiful story. I loved seeing Eli find his way to true happiness with Dani.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy.
June 14, 2025
Welcome back to Sinclair Pharmaceuticals. With glimpses of our previous Sinclair couple, Damien and Ella, Aleatha ramps up the stakes with death and mystery for Danielle and Elijah’s story.
Want to read
June 7, 2025Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook
July 2, 2025
This one brings you back into Damien Sinclair's world. When there is a tragedy in their world, Damien hires Guardian Security to help protect his family. Eli Rhodes is there to protect Danielle, Damien's sister and part of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals.
Dani and Eli have a chemistry that is too hard to ignore. Protecting her is his main focus but the sparks are becoming more. Can he protect her and his heart and do the job he was hired to do?
I started this one this morning when it hit my Kindle and I could not put it down. Besides the chemistry between Eli and Dani, there is intrigue, suspense, and a who-done-it vibe that takes Eli and Dani to Florida and back to Indianapolis with the threat of being chased.
I love this author and love it when she has a new story, you will be drawn into this story that you will not want to put it down.
Have you been Aleatha’d? You should!!!!!
Dani and Eli have a chemistry that is too hard to ignore. Protecting her is his main focus but the sparks are becoming more. Can he protect her and his heart and do the job he was hired to do?
I started this one this morning when it hit my Kindle and I could not put it down. Besides the chemistry between Eli and Dani, there is intrigue, suspense, and a who-done-it vibe that takes Eli and Dani to Florida and back to Indianapolis with the threat of being chased.
I love this author and love it when she has a new story, you will be drawn into this story that you will not want to put it down.
Have you been Aleatha’d? You should!!!!!
June 27, 2025
4.25stars-DEFENDING LOVE is the third instalment in Aleatha Romig’s contemporary, adult, erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the Sinclair Family. This is Former US Marine, Special Ops Guardian Security Agent Elijah Rhode, and pharmaceutical researcher Dr. Danielle Sinclair’s story line. DEFENDING LOVE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from three first person perspectives (Elijah, Dani, Marsha) DEFENDING LOVE follows in the wake of a Sinclair family tragedy, and the need for extended private security. Approximately one year earlier, several members of the Guardian Security Agency were hired by the Sinclair family in the wake of perceived threats, and the head of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals struggle with his health. Fast forward to present day, the Sinclair family find themselves at a crossroads, and Guardian Security is once again on the job but Dani is battling between head and heart in the wake of a stolen kiss one year earlier, that eventually push Eli out of her life. Eli’s return gives our couple a second chance but as Eli, Dani and the Guardian Security Agency begin an investigation of their own, betrayal takes aim for sins of the past.
The world building follows Dani and Eli as they search for the truth. Missing journals, papers, embattled friendships and unimaginable betrayal find our couple suspecting the people closest to the family.
There is another large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Dani’s brothers Damien and Ella, Darius, and their mother Marsha Sinclair. Several attorneys , investors, researchers and questionable law enforcement who may or may not be who they claim to be.
DEFENDING LOVE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, inviting and climactic; the romance is fated and passionate; the characters are determined , animated and spirited.
copy supplied for review
Told from three first person perspectives (Elijah, Dani, Marsha) DEFENDING LOVE follows in the wake of a Sinclair family tragedy, and the need for extended private security. Approximately one year earlier, several members of the Guardian Security Agency were hired by the Sinclair family in the wake of perceived threats, and the head of Sinclair Pharmaceuticals struggle with his health. Fast forward to present day, the Sinclair family find themselves at a crossroads, and Guardian Security is once again on the job but Dani is battling between head and heart in the wake of a stolen kiss one year earlier, that eventually push Eli out of her life. Eli’s return gives our couple a second chance but as Eli, Dani and the Guardian Security Agency begin an investigation of their own, betrayal takes aim for sins of the past.
The world building follows Dani and Eli as they search for the truth. Missing journals, papers, embattled friendships and unimaginable betrayal find our couple suspecting the people closest to the family.
There is another large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including Dani’s brothers Damien and Ella, Darius, and their mother Marsha Sinclair. Several attorneys , investors, researchers and questionable law enforcement who may or may not be who they claim to be.
DEFENDING LOVE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and obsession, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, inviting and climactic; the romance is fated and passionate; the characters are determined , animated and spirited.
copy supplied for review
June 11, 2025
Defending Love: A steamy, bodyguard,
high-stakes, standalone romantic suspense
by Aleatha Romig
Ask for something and you may get it! In this case I wondered in my review for Rekindling Desire if Dr. Dani Sinclair would get an HEA….and what a story she and Elijah Rhodes, her bodyguard received.
The action begins early and honestly the pages turned and suspense grew and Defending Love met every expectation that I had.
Eli walked away from Dani the last time he was her bodyguard, but when tragedy struck, Damian Sinclair made sure that his entire family had bodyguards and the man who never takes a second job from a previous client breaks his rule and is there for Dani. Not only did he break that rule….his rule wall fell like bricks..one by one. He was going to keep Dani safe and hopefully win her heart!
The last thing the Sinclair’s expected was to lose their father to what could only be a planned event! Dani is a strong woman, but losing a father and a mother who is still in hospital can sidetrack a person, Dani however needed to play some kind of role in finding out who was behing the shooting. Not sure if she can spend so much time with Eli, when things start to take an unusual turn and when it seems like there are eyes on them, Eli and Dani have no choice but to open up to each other.
These two were made for each other, Dani had to work on trusting Eli again and Eli needed to admit that he was attracted to Dani. In fact he had plans for his future and Dani plays a big part in those plans.
As the suspense climbs and it’s beginning to look like there is more than one person involved in the tragic loss of the head of the Sinclair family and they must come together share the things they know but only with themselves, Eli and Guardian Security.
I very much enjoyed reading this book, revisiting many of the characters and watching how this couple was challanged and yet believed in each other.
Five Gold stars for Defending Love!
high-stakes, standalone romantic suspense
by Aleatha Romig
Ask for something and you may get it! In this case I wondered in my review for Rekindling Desire if Dr. Dani Sinclair would get an HEA….and what a story she and Elijah Rhodes, her bodyguard received.
The action begins early and honestly the pages turned and suspense grew and Defending Love met every expectation that I had.
Eli walked away from Dani the last time he was her bodyguard, but when tragedy struck, Damian Sinclair made sure that his entire family had bodyguards and the man who never takes a second job from a previous client breaks his rule and is there for Dani. Not only did he break that rule….his rule wall fell like bricks..one by one. He was going to keep Dani safe and hopefully win her heart!
The last thing the Sinclair’s expected was to lose their father to what could only be a planned event! Dani is a strong woman, but losing a father and a mother who is still in hospital can sidetrack a person, Dani however needed to play some kind of role in finding out who was behing the shooting. Not sure if she can spend so much time with Eli, when things start to take an unusual turn and when it seems like there are eyes on them, Eli and Dani have no choice but to open up to each other.
These two were made for each other, Dani had to work on trusting Eli again and Eli needed to admit that he was attracted to Dani. In fact he had plans for his future and Dani plays a big part in those plans.
As the suspense climbs and it’s beginning to look like there is more than one person involved in the tragic loss of the head of the Sinclair family and they must come together share the things they know but only with themselves, Eli and Guardian Security.
I very much enjoyed reading this book, revisiting many of the characters and watching how this couple was challanged and yet believed in each other.
Five Gold stars for Defending Love!
June 23, 2025
Defending Love may be the title, but I think we all do this daily…or should. Add that Aleatha Romig is the writer and I can say, there is way more to the title than just those two words. If you have NOT been Aleatha’d yet, you are in for a ride that definitely will grab you.
Elijah (Eli) is that alpha that knows his worth and knows his skillset like the back of his hand. Trusted, respected, some may even say deadly, he carries that big stick of protection very well. But below the surface, a fire and battle rage on. What others see also hides all the scars he possesses. Much of that pain may be too hard to ever reveal.
Danielle (Dani) is the kind of beauty that is all encompassing. Kind, beautiful, smart (very smart), giving and dedicated, she is the daughter everyone wants to know. Let me correct that, she is the woman that everyone wants to know. But as in most lives, tragedy has a way of bringing all the good things we see to a very slow grind.
What these two will endure while addressing all the clues and issues, is exciting. Watching them discover each other, even more so. Watching them pick the pieces apart and solving the case is perfect. Watching them share and fall and lift each other up…swoon-worthy!
If you have never read an Aleatha Romig story, this is a great one to start with. While these characters may be new to you, their supporting cast goes back through many volumes. Eli and Dani may be the latest great love story, but when it comes to this author, all of her stories are loved. Aleatha, great job with Defending Love and well worth the five stars plus.
Sometimes the phrase “Have you been Aleatha’d yet?” is all about the allure that pulls you in, other times it is about the grip that keeps you once you’re captured. Yes, she is just that good!
Elijah (Eli) is that alpha that knows his worth and knows his skillset like the back of his hand. Trusted, respected, some may even say deadly, he carries that big stick of protection very well. But below the surface, a fire and battle rage on. What others see also hides all the scars he possesses. Much of that pain may be too hard to ever reveal.
Danielle (Dani) is the kind of beauty that is all encompassing. Kind, beautiful, smart (very smart), giving and dedicated, she is the daughter everyone wants to know. Let me correct that, she is the woman that everyone wants to know. But as in most lives, tragedy has a way of bringing all the good things we see to a very slow grind.
What these two will endure while addressing all the clues and issues, is exciting. Watching them discover each other, even more so. Watching them pick the pieces apart and solving the case is perfect. Watching them share and fall and lift each other up…swoon-worthy!
If you have never read an Aleatha Romig story, this is a great one to start with. While these characters may be new to you, their supporting cast goes back through many volumes. Eli and Dani may be the latest great love story, but when it comes to this author, all of her stories are loved. Aleatha, great job with Defending Love and well worth the five stars plus.
Sometimes the phrase “Have you been Aleatha’d yet?” is all about the allure that pulls you in, other times it is about the grip that keeps you once you’re captured. Yes, she is just that good!
July 2, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Eljah and Danielle. He is and agent with Guardian Security. He is really good at his job and takes it seriously. He doesn't really have time in his life for attachments. He is one to step up and take the missions that no one else will take. And he doesn't do repeats. Danielle is actually Dr. Danielle Sinclair. She develops medications for her families business and is the younger sister of Damien who we all met in a previous book. If you have not read his story you really should. That book is Remember Passion and Rekindling Desire. So I was loving getting to see Ella and Damien again. Damien is super protective of his family and he has hired Eli to help protect his sister who really thinks it is silly and doesn't want the protection but reluctantly agreed. The first time was because of their half brother. But Eli leaves after a week and we don't see him again until the book time jumps and we are back with Ella and her father has just been attacked. The whole family is in danger and there is the mystery of who is doing this and why. Ella is not one to sit back and let things play out without her input and she really isn't to happy to see Eli. What happens when a security guy and a scientist team up to solve a mystery while trying not to break all his rules? You have to read to find out. This is a novella size book but I did feel like I got the entire story. I really loved Ella and Eli. They were so perfect for each other and I loved getting to know them. Their story has a bit of a mystery, some steamy moments and I thought that story at the heart of it was really sweet. I loved the way he let her flourish while trying to keep her safe. She is one tough cookie that's for sure.
This is the story of Eljah and Danielle. He is and agent with Guardian Security. He is really good at his job and takes it seriously. He doesn't really have time in his life for attachments. He is one to step up and take the missions that no one else will take. And he doesn't do repeats. Danielle is actually Dr. Danielle Sinclair. She develops medications for her families business and is the younger sister of Damien who we all met in a previous book. If you have not read his story you really should. That book is Remember Passion and Rekindling Desire. So I was loving getting to see Ella and Damien again. Damien is super protective of his family and he has hired Eli to help protect his sister who really thinks it is silly and doesn't want the protection but reluctantly agreed. The first time was because of their half brother. But Eli leaves after a week and we don't see him again until the book time jumps and we are back with Ella and her father has just been attacked. The whole family is in danger and there is the mystery of who is doing this and why. Ella is not one to sit back and let things play out without her input and she really isn't to happy to see Eli. What happens when a security guy and a scientist team up to solve a mystery while trying not to break all his rules? You have to read to find out. This is a novella size book but I did feel like I got the entire story. I really loved Ella and Eli. They were so perfect for each other and I loved getting to know them. Their story has a bit of a mystery, some steamy moments and I thought that story at the heart of it was really sweet. I loved the way he let her flourish while trying to keep her safe. She is one tough cookie that's for sure.
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