He’s left the past where it belongs. But then it comes knocking at his door.
The silence following Tyler Reid's last mission has him eager for the next job. So when a woman from his past shows up on his doorstep with a new task—extracting a kidnapped Indian doctor from rival mercenaries—he’s ready to move. It’s dangerous. It’s fast-moving. It’s exactly what he wants. The only problem is Alexandra Romanova is going too—the one person who sees the cracks in his armor he's trying to hide.
Alexandra “Alex” Romanova has returned to Russia, but she’s not ready to step into her father’s legacy. So she seizes the chance to delay that future. Especially when she learns who’s missing—and who’s going after him. But working alongside Tyler again tests more than her training. He’s different. More guarded. And something in him is unraveling.
From Libya to India to Morocco, the team races to find the missing doctor while avoiding the trap the enemy has set. But every step closer to the truth puts more pressure on the cracks already forming. And as the mission begins to spiral, Alex realizes the real danger may not be the enemies chasing them—but the severed ties Tyler leaves behind when he decides the mission is over.
Wow, this has been my FAVORITE book in the series so far! If you’ve been following Tyler and Alex, you know their past has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, and this book takes you right back into it. Packed with page turning suspense and romantic tension, I could not read this fast enough!
Tyler does his missions and then severs ties... that’s how he’s always been, ever since he learned that letting people in means losing them. He hasn’t seen Alex for a while and didn’t plan to, until he finds out his next mission is one she’s on too. The tension between them is raw. He doesn’t want her in harm’s way, he wants her home, safe, and ready to take over her inheritance. She’s feeling displaced and unsure of who she is or what she wants, and she needs to follow the ND1 trail, something that feels tied to her mother’s legacy.
One mission leads to more. From undercover work to forced proximity, Alex and Tyler have to stay alive while fighting the confusing feelings between them. He’s drawn to her but pushes her away. She’s drawn to him too, but his distance hurts her, and has been hurting her for a long time. He seems almost content with death, and she wants to give him a reason to live. Meanwhile, they have to stop ND1/2 from falling into the wrong hands before more people get killed!
Wow to this story, just wow to the romantic tension. My heart broke for Tyler and Alex. You can feel how much they care about each other, even if they struggle to fully say it. I’m excited to see what’s next for all of them! Not just Tyler and Alex, but Ben, Kenna and now Knox... I see another release is coming next year, and I can’t wait!
I gave this 4.5 stars rounded to a 5!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Severed Ties, the third installment in this military thriller series, is an exciting high-stakes read. Tyler, Alex, and the team race across multiple countries to rescue a kidnapped doctor and a missing drug. Severed Ties is fast-paced with plenty of action, adventure, and danger. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely love the tension between Alex and Tyler, it just makes the action feel more authentic because it’s like will they or won’t they ever share their feelings with each other before one of them dies. The author does a great job at stretching them to their limit and having different factions clash. Can’t wait to see what’s next for them, Ben, Von and all the others.
Author Taylor S. Newport quickly alerts her readers to what’s at risk for her main characters, thus pulling us in and engaging us instantly.
I’ve come to love Newport’s series because they are pacey reads, there’s a beautiful flow to her writing, and the tension between her main characters is palpable. We may not be Russian heiresses, hesitant to step into our legacy, but we’ve all had situations thrust upon us that we’d rather not have … and have stepped up to the plate in the name of loyalty. We can identify with the basic quest of recovering something of value, righting wrongs, and the cost of failure. Personally, I love the location hopping, the race against time, and the concept of honor and doing what’s right. The fact that the characters are intriguing is a complete bonus.
There’s no doubt that the severed ties Tyler leaves behind has me wondering what direction Newport will take the next installment in this pulse-pounding series. I can’t wait!
Throughout Severed Ties, Alexandra "Alex" Romanova exhibited a fierce devotion to her Grandfather, as well as an undeniably fierce dislike of the American, Dru Rawlings. After the unthinkable occurred, Rawlings had been forced to set up a team to recover ND-1. In his mind, that team would benefit him, and only him, as it would consist of Alex and the Aussie - Tyler. This book encompassed evil men, deep pockets, intrigue and danger which kept Tyler and Alex on the run. The deeper the danger became, the more determined Alex and Tyler were to uncover the truth. I loved this book, as it was written!! From cover to cover I found intrigue, espionage, truth in emotions and a determination to set wrong things right. This book provided a time to reaffirm faith, hope and love. It also engaged the reality within my mind and heart -- the truth will set you free. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
I love this fast-paced action, suspense thriller. There is a lot of stuff going on that kept me on my toes and edge of my seat. I love all these characters, Alex, Tyler, Von, Ben, and Kenna. Id recommend anyone for this series, even though it’s a series you could read it in any order but I’d recommend reading in order to have the full experience of who you are reading about and why they are the way they are and the characters backstories. I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Newport delivers another wild ride with Severed Ties. In this installment, Tyler and Alex find themselves in a race against the clock to free a kidnapped doctor and secure a missing drug. Beside the original team, we get to meet an intriguing new side character. Tyler opens up more, allowing his relationship with Alex—and their trust—to develop further.
A great read for anyone who likes high-stakes action and subtle romance.
Buckle up, this book is full of almost nonstop action taking place in locations around the world! This book is the third in the Dauntless Defenders series, and while it’s possible to read it without reading the previous books, I highly recommend reading this series in order. There is a lot of background information in the previous books that has a lot of bearing on the relationships between the characters in this story, both the main as well as the side characters. The main characters have a lot of trauma in their past that they deal with throughout the story, and some are grappling with faith in God due to past experiences. While the situation in this book is brought to a conclusion, the lives of the characters are still evolving. Now to wait for book 4 to come out! I read an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my honest expressions.
This is by far my favorite of this series! Newport added a bit more of the romantic tension (sloooow burn) in this military action thriller, which I greatly appreciated. Though the book is lengthy, I was completely engaged for the entirety of it. I loved visiting multiple places around the world (Libya, India, and Morocco to name a few). There are CIA agents - both good and bad - and mercenaries, people in distress, a deadly chemical on the loose, and more. Every time one issue was solved, another popped up. The one thing that I didn't like was that we are still being strung along with the romance. Andra and Tyler clearly care deeply for each other - they'd sacrifice everything including their physical lives for the other - however, we are still kept (again) in the "will they won't they" territory where they are with each other during the book and then take off in the end. The lack of commitment by the end of this book 3 is a little frustrating and disheartening - especially in Christian fiction. I am hoping that things will improve in that regard in book 4 as I am eagerly anticipating reading it! The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Content warnings: there are miltary type ops, many killings with guns and knives, bullet wounds, murder, and some torture
I received an eARC of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I posted a brief review here previously, and while my thoughts are pretty much unchanged, I wanted to update it now that I've officially finished reading this one. (Since the first time I read it was in beta phase.)
I'm loving the chance to see these characters learn to overcome the obstacles they face, and the character growth in this one might have been my favorite thing about it. This series keeps getting better, and I loved seeing the characters again in their latest adventure. In this book, the challenges take a more personal turn, and old enemies are out for vengeance. I loved all the banter and quips throughout. Tyler and Alex carried the bulk of the story in this series, but I felt some of the side characters stepped up and took on some heavy lifting on a couple of tasks from time to time, which I also enjoyed seeing. Ben and Kenna pulled their own weight, but Knox, Henry, and even Patrick each had their chance to step up at one point or another, which was fun to see.
If I had to point out one thing I struggled with in the story, it might be Alex's insecurity. In part, since I have always been a little more like Tyler, and tend to distance myself when faced with uncomfortable challenges, but also maybe (if I'm honest about it) because I can understand her side too, and it hits a little too close to home. I know what it's like to want a community and a family that cares and to feel alone. Nowhere near the level they deal with, but it's still an insecurity that I can understand, and maybe I see a little more of myself in her than is comfortable, too. Regardless, it's also an important part of her character arc, and I'm looking forward to seeing where they end up as their story continues.
Knox is his typically mysterious self, and I'm curious to know what his endgame actually is. Kenna has always been an interesting character, and I enjoyed seeing her attempting to settle into civilian life after her time with S17. I loved seeing the team working together to solve the latest challenge and staying ahead of Rawlings as they go. Severed Ties is a wonderful addition to the Dauntless Defenders series! I'm excited to see what happens next as the series continues.
*I beta read Severed Ties and was also given an early ecopy from the author. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
Severed Ties is all risk, rawness, and racing heartbeats! It was read with breathless attention, unable to look away from the wreckage or the hope.
The danger never lets up. The action is relentless. The suspense is immersive. The writing is so vivid it’s like watching the story unfold on the big screen. Tyler and Alex are hurting, searching souls, carrying old wounds and unfinished stories that echo through every moment. Each chapter feels like a high-stakes mission where loyalty, sacrifice, and the ache for redemption collide.
Tyler’s guarded heart, Alex’s fierce determination … their struggles feel as real as their courage. There’s a hunger for healing that runs underneath all the danger. Here, love is never safe or simple; it’s a choice that demands everything including risks, pain, and loss.
The story stirred the Gospel truth so deeply that I longed for more clarity. Those who know Jesus will understand the hints, but for readers still searching or unfamiliar with these truths, the message did not always fully come into focus. Reading through the lens of faith, I felt moments where clear details about salvation could have been shared, planting seeds with eternal impact. I carry that longing with me, because redemption, transformation, and the hope found in Jesus Christ belong in this fantastic, gripping story.
This is my first read by this very talented author. Even though this is book three in a series, I was never lost. The story stands on its own with heart-pounding suspense, intense action, and unforgettable characters. But you better believe I want to go back for books one and two to keep the adrenaline pumping and my heart racing, because her writing is just that good!
I finished all 570 pages in under three days, proof of just how impossible it was to set this book aside. The suspense, emotional depth, and cinematic detail make it stand out, and it is extremely memorable!
If you’ve ever wished a suspense novel could feel this immersive, cinematic, raw, impossible to walk away from … these pages are for you!
I received a digital ARC from the author. I am not required to write a positive review or to provide one for compensation. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. My review focuses on the writing, story content, and Christian faith content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
“For even a little bit. It seemed like a miracle. And from what she learned, God performed many miracles.”
🕵🏻♀️ 🏙️💉💊🚘💰
I want to thank @taylorsnewport_author for a copy of her amazing book! 💖🥹
Wow! I’m in absolute shock! I love how there was CONSTANT action in this book! These characters truly went through it! 😱 I loved how the author included God and faith in this story, I barely see this often in books and it feels so great to read about Him 🥹
I highly recommend for audiences 15+ who would like a story that involves fast-paced action, investigation, CIA, and assassins but with a tamer writing style! 💖
Really enjoyed this one, overall 4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨! This book will release January 22. The whole Dauntless Defenders series is available on Amazon!
Synopsis: He’s left the past where it belongs. But then it comes knocking at his door.
After too long between missions, Tyler Reid is ready for the next job. When Alexandra Romanova arrives with a task to extract a kidnapped Indian doctor from rival mercenaries, he jumps in. The mission is fast, dangerous—and complicated by the one woman who sees the cracks he’s trying to hide.
From Libya to India to Morocco, every step toward the truth tightens the trap around them. And as the mission spirals, Alex realizes the real danger isn’t the enemies closing in—but what Tyler will sacrifice when it’s over.
This is the third book in this high stakes action-packed thriller series. You will want to read these in order along with the short prequel, Survival Mode. You have Tyler, Alex and Von’s crew altogether again, plus a few more known characters. Someone has kidnapped another doctor, trying to finish what Alex’s Mom started. Will the drug stay safe or wind up in the enemies hands? How will Tyler react when he finds out that Alex will not give up until she knows that her Mom’s work doesn’t end up in the wrong hands? This book may seem longer than other action packed books, but I loved how the story flowed and didn’t feel rushed at the end. This book will take you on an adventure through Russia, Australia, Morocco and Washington,D.C. Get comfortable and settle back for an all night or day adventure across the globe without leaving your house. I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are what I thought of the book.
Severed Ties is the third book in Taylor S. Newport's Dauntless Defenders series. Alexandra “Alex” Romanova is hiding, her life is filled with baggage that finds her trying to decide just how to live out the rest of her life. But when the dangerous drug that her late mother was working on is stolen, she finds that she and Tyler Reid must again work together. But Tyler wants her out of the operation and home safe. But Alex isn't about to let someone recover the work her mother dedicated her life to.
This book is filled with page turning action that will keep reading late into the night. I personally like books that pull me into the story from the get-go. The action doesn't let up and there are some moments that really speak to me. Highly recommend reading this book after reading the first two books in the series - you will appreciate it.
I was provided an early copy with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Severed Ties is the third book in the Dauntless Defenders series and it was amazing. This isn't a standalone, so you definitely have to read the first two books. In this book, we get to see some insane character growth and finally some romance between Alex and Tyler! We also get to see several other Sector 17 friends like Ben, Kenna, Henry and even the mercenary Knox and see them grow as well. This book was definitely a roller coaster of emotions with intense edge-of-your-seat suspense and action, as well as more emotional scenes where I literally teared up. Seriously, my heart broke when I read why Tyler is the way he is and this book just made me love Alex more. Overall, this book was epic and the perfect continuation of the Dauntless Defenders series – I cannot recommend it (and the series) enough! It totally deserves more than 5 stars (but that’s all I can give!)
I was given this ARC by the author in exchange for my opinion – all thoughts are my own!
Newport takes us on another thrilling mission to protect lives and defeat evil men from horrific plans of destruction, showing in the process that God has good people in hard professions. God is working in all things to bring good. Just when we thought Alex and Tyler had finished the job and would be able to move on… Evil strikes again. Both are drawn back into life-or-death struggles with forces that are determined to kill. Can they work together to beat the evil? Will Alex trust God enough to be strong enough to fight her mental demons from her time with the Bravta? Will Tyler ever be able to trust anyone but himself? And will the team be able to work together to accomplish the mission in time?
Taylor's writing style is one I really like. She can make a three work sentence speak volumes! She also knows her subject matter and it's clear she has done a lot of research. Not once did she say the incorrect word "clip" when referring to a semi-automatic handgun's magazine! She also never put an "s" on the word Lego. It's Lego bricks, Lego sets . . . . A small technicality for some, but Taylor again, got it right!
Severed Ties is 120% a page turner. I was often on the edge of my seat anticipating what will happen next. And I was never disappointed! I particularly enjoyed the ending. It was very well done!
Yes, I was given an ARC from the author but I also pre-ordered it on Kindle prior to receiving my copy. Looking forward to reading Dauntless Defenders book #4!!!
This is the third (and in my opinion) the best book in the Dauntless Defenders series thus far. If you enjoy Jason Bourne, Jack Ryan and/or military spy thrillers, you'll love this book. There is non stop adventure, thrills, dangerous situations, and romantic tension. It's faith based without being "preachy" or overboard. There's a list of characters and terms at the beginning of the book that is helpful. While you don't necessarily have to read books one and two first, I reccommend that you do do as to familiarize yourself with the characters and their stories. I'm so looking forward to Book 4.
Severed Ties is fast paced book that will leave you on the edge of your seat! I did not want this book to end! I love every single character, the storyline, and the absolutely amazing writing! This book follows Tyler Reid and Alexandra “Alex” Romanova on a mission that could cost them their lives. With the enemy always ten steps ahead and time not on their side, can they complete the mission and find the doctor? Or will the enemy close in?
Ah! It was so good! This book makes you feel like you right there beside the characters and it's incredible! I love this whole series and I am so excited to see where the rest of the series goes!
If you love a good spy book with CIA and secret agents in the government, this series from Taylor S. Newport is for you. Severed Ties is the third story in her Dauntless Defenders series and you will travel the world in your imagination as the characters fight evil at every turn. Yet hope and faith in God brings Alexandra through the terrible trials she has suffered, bringing healing to her heart. It’s a well-written page-turner.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
Severed Ties is the third book in the Dauntless Defenders series by Taylor S.Newport. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was very suspenseful and action packed. It kept you very invested in the story and the events. I enjoyed revisiting characters and love the interaction between Alex and Tyler. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I was given an advance e-book from the author and was not obligated to write this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Aussie mercenary Tyler Reid returns in what may be his most dangerous assignment. Hired by Alexandra Romanova, Tyler has to free a captive doctor from another mercenary group, one which just happens to be led by Tyler’s arch-nemesis. The dynamics between the characters was nothing short of amazing and I learned a lot about Tyler’s past and his reluctance to be called a hero when all he really wants to do is die. Alex is determined to get under the hard shell he has erected all around him and succeeds at times, giving me a look at what makes Tyler tick and why he is such a daredevil. The action was non-stop in this fast-paced military thriller, with exotic settings and untrustworthy allies. This novel had a dual storyline featuring Kenna and Ben who were working in D.C. and the stories dovetailed perfectly together when Alex calls on the two of them to help out with their mission that takes a turn for the worse when a planned extraction goes very wrong. With gun battles and hand-to-hand combat described in fascinating detail and Tyler and Alex at the center of all of the action, this book is not to be missed. It can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, but I highly recommend that readers enjoy the first two books in the series before getting into the intricacies of the cat and mouse game that Tyler and Alex play with each other as well as with their adversaries. This is a suspense thriller with a strong foundation of faith exhibited by Alex who is not ashamed of sharing what and why she believes. Gripping suspense and the engrossing story along with the crisp writing and twists make this novel an absolute five plus stars for me and one of my favorite books of the year. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
Severed Ties is a thriller masterpiece! The emotional roller coaster ride that this novel took me on was wildly unexpected. You couldn’t cut the romantic tension between Alex and Tyler with a chainsaw, and I’m absolutely here for it. The forced proximity only added fuel to their fire, and that fire was already blazing. The internal struggles, raw emotions, high stakes mission, and faith elements are only a few reasons why this book deserves to have a five star rating.