What do you think?
Rate this book
Defense & Defend
Roxy St. Clair isn’t your run-of-the-mill sweet romance heroine. She’s fierce, feisty, and more likely to throw a punch than bat an eyelash.
Callum MacDonald, her rival at Quantico, is a brooding Scotsman—and according to Roxy, excruciatingly insufferable.
When the two are unexpectedly paired to crack a diamond smuggling case, sparks fly in all the wrong (and right) directions. Because putting these two together? It’s like mixing fire with fire.
Filled with banter, suspense, and slow-burn chemistry, this cozy suspense romance is perfect for fans of NCIS and Clue.
Closed-door but sizzling, witty yet heartfelt—Defense & Defend delivers the perfect blend of danger, laughter, and swoon.
Callum MacDonald, her rival at Quantico, is a brooding Scotsman—and according to Roxy, excruciatingly insufferable.
When the two are unexpectedly paired to crack a diamond smuggling case, sparks fly in all the wrong (and right) directions. Because putting these two together? It’s like mixing fire with fire.
Filled with banter, suspense, and slow-burn chemistry, this cozy suspense romance is perfect for fans of NCIS and Clue.
Closed-door but sizzling, witty yet heartfelt—Defense & Defend delivers the perfect blend of danger, laughter, and swoon.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 6, 2025
ARC REVIEW: 4.5 ⭐ and 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ (look my rating system up on my insta for reference)
🩵 This was a really fun read!! The dynamic between Caleigh and Roxy was rso entertaining and I loved seeing how it developed throughout the book.
✨The Christmas vibes were immaculate✨ A ski trip in snowy mountains with Christmas music playing, a fake/undercover relationship, and an FBI investigation into a criminal enterprise?? LOVE. Honestly, the fake dating/forced proximity is one of my fav tropes and Christmas is my alltime fav holiday so it worked out PERFECTLY.
🎄Was the story perfect? No, but the vibes were and the characters were fleshed out and I was totally rooting for them. There were times were the inner monologue felt redundant or repetitive, but that didn't effect how I enjoyed the story!
🩵 This book was just fun, light-hearted, festive, with in depth characters and an ending that left some loose ends. Loser ends aren't always a bad thing, and these ones simply have me curious for more!!
🩵 This was a really fun read!! The dynamic between Caleigh and Roxy was rso entertaining and I loved seeing how it developed throughout the book.
✨The Christmas vibes were immaculate✨ A ski trip in snowy mountains with Christmas music playing, a fake/undercover relationship, and an FBI investigation into a criminal enterprise?? LOVE. Honestly, the fake dating/forced proximity is one of my fav tropes and Christmas is my alltime fav holiday so it worked out PERFECTLY.
🎄Was the story perfect? No, but the vibes were and the characters were fleshed out and I was totally rooting for them. There were times were the inner monologue felt redundant or repetitive, but that didn't effect how I enjoyed the story!
🩵 This book was just fun, light-hearted, festive, with in depth characters and an ending that left some loose ends. Loser ends aren't always a bad thing, and these ones simply have me curious for more!!
November 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Roxy and Callum team up to go undercover as romantic partners to find out who is the mastermind behind the diamond smuggling operation. Only there's one small problem...they can't stand each other! This book is super fun and will have you giggling often!
Things I loved most:
🙊 "Did they hurt you?" moment
🥸 Undercover FBI agents
💍 Fake dating
🤌🏼 Banter, banter, banter
🎄 Christmas vibes
❔️ Cozy mystery
❄️ Holiday suspense romance
Content guide:
Language - p*ss x3, heck x22, shoot, darned x3, gee whiz, geez, dang x5, golly, badass, crivvens x2(Scottish slang), crap x5, crud, holy, gosh x2, unfinished arse, unspoken curse
Sexual content - mention of dirty jokes, mention about a girl possibly being a lesbian in school(she isn't)
- not detailed kisses, barely detailed kisses, forehead head kisses, 2x lightly detailed kisses
Other content - drinking alcohol
- minor gun violence
Roxy and Callum team up to go undercover as romantic partners to find out who is the mastermind behind the diamond smuggling operation. Only there's one small problem...they can't stand each other! This book is super fun and will have you giggling often!
Things I loved most:
🙊 "Did they hurt you?" moment
🥸 Undercover FBI agents
💍 Fake dating
🤌🏼 Banter, banter, banter
🎄 Christmas vibes
❔️ Cozy mystery
❄️ Holiday suspense romance
Content guide:
Language - p*ss x3, heck x22, shoot, darned x3, gee whiz, geez, dang x5, golly, badass, crivvens x2(Scottish slang), crap x5, crud, holy, gosh x2, unfinished arse, unspoken curse
Sexual content - mention of dirty jokes, mention about a girl possibly being a lesbian in school(she isn't)
- not detailed kisses, barely detailed kisses, forehead head kisses, 2x lightly detailed kisses
Other content - drinking alcohol
- minor gun violence
December 31, 2025
Fire and Ice. Strong-willed against strong-willed. Cal and Roxy, two rivals in the most competitive ways of their careers. They basically hate each other but the question is, do they really? Sometimes the person you think you’re against is the one who will change it all. Oh my goodness!! I absolutely loved Cal & Roxy’s chemistry and dynamics. She’s a spitfire and he can dish out just as much. When these two are paired as partners to take down a diamond smuggling ring, they butt heads more than they put their heads together to solve the crimes.
Sparks fly.
This book is filled with witty banter, suspense, and a slow-burn chemistry that is sure to make you blush but not spicy, this cozy suspense romance is perfect for fans of NCIS and Clue.
Note from the author:
Closed-door but sizzling, witty yet heartfelt—Defense & Defend delivers the perfect blend of danger, laughter, and swoon.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Sparks fly.
This book is filled with witty banter, suspense, and a slow-burn chemistry that is sure to make you blush but not spicy, this cozy suspense romance is perfect for fans of NCIS and Clue.
Note from the author:
Closed-door but sizzling, witty yet heartfelt—Defense & Defend delivers the perfect blend of danger, laughter, and swoon.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 2, 2025
Rivals to lovers
It’s rivals to lovers, undercover style in Defense & Defend.
Roxy is good at her job. No, actually, she’s amazing. Working as a forensic accountant for the FBI, she’s tracking down diamonds used in money laundering and is being sent undercover to try and crack the case.
There’s just one problem. Her partner on this job? Her biggest rival from Quantico, Callum. As if that wasn’t bad enough, they have to pose as a couple at a ski lodge getaway with the suspected smugglers. Not only that, they have to get involved in a whole bunch of “bonding” experiences. So with danger and professional rivalry in the mix, there’s no way there’s room for romance…right?
This was a nice quick read with lots of humour and some deeper, introspective moments. Roxy comes across as strong, confident and independent, but she keeps her emotional walls strong to avoid getting hurt. Callum is determined to get past her walls to form a friendship - if not more. They also discuss their shared faith and how it impacts their choices.
With plenty of familiar tropes (only one bed, forced proximity, fake dating with a twist), this is easy to recommend to fans of Christian rom coms. It is a spice-free story with nothing more than kisses and minimal triggers. It is the second in a series, but I read it as a stand alone. It will link to a future spin-off series that picks up on the events in this book.
It’s rivals to lovers, undercover style in Defense & Defend.
Roxy is good at her job. No, actually, she’s amazing. Working as a forensic accountant for the FBI, she’s tracking down diamonds used in money laundering and is being sent undercover to try and crack the case.
There’s just one problem. Her partner on this job? Her biggest rival from Quantico, Callum. As if that wasn’t bad enough, they have to pose as a couple at a ski lodge getaway with the suspected smugglers. Not only that, they have to get involved in a whole bunch of “bonding” experiences. So with danger and professional rivalry in the mix, there’s no way there’s room for romance…right?
This was a nice quick read with lots of humour and some deeper, introspective moments. Roxy comes across as strong, confident and independent, but she keeps her emotional walls strong to avoid getting hurt. Callum is determined to get past her walls to form a friendship - if not more. They also discuss their shared faith and how it impacts their choices.
With plenty of familiar tropes (only one bed, forced proximity, fake dating with a twist), this is easy to recommend to fans of Christian rom coms. It is a spice-free story with nothing more than kisses and minimal triggers. It is the second in a series, but I read it as a stand alone. It will link to a future spin-off series that picks up on the events in this book.
November 19, 2025
Hattie Wade is an author that has been on my list to check out for quite some time, but I'd not yet gotten around to it just yet. When I saw this one, I knew it was time to give her a shot. Undercover FBI agents + romcom + Christmas vibes? What could be more fun than that? Right from the start, I found myself enjoying the dynamic between Roxy and Cal... they definitely had a bit of a rivalry going on and when you combine that with them being undercover as a couple... well, they definitely delivered on the banter and laughs! And the chemistry too! I really couldn't get enough of these two together! We were also introduced to a unique cast of characters and possible suspects to keep you guessing. This had just the right amount of suspense and danger, balanced perfectly with the laughs and a slow burn romance I couldn't help but root for... and a hint of faith too! This may have been my first book by Hattie Wade, but it certainly has me looking forward to more!
Defense and Defend is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minor language. It is the second book in the Beyond the Buzzer series. I had not personally read the first book and found I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Defense and Defend is a closed-door romance with kisses only and minor language. It is the second book in the Beyond the Buzzer series. I had not personally read the first book and found I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book for my honest review. Thank you to the author Hattie Wade
This was a new to me author, so I went in with no expectations. The story follows two rival FBI agents, Roxy and Callum, who are sent undercover on a ski trip with a family to figure out who the bad guys are. At first, they can’t stand working together, and Roxy takes every chance she gets to mess with Cal. But over time, they realize being partners isn’t so bad and those feelings start to shift. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that perfectly sets up the next one in the series.
The story itself was interesting, and I did enjoy it overall, but it took me a while to get into. I really struggled with Roxy’s character in the beginning she came across a little tacky in the way she handled things, at least in my opinion. Later on, though, I started to understand her better and warm up to her. Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, just a slower start for me and a little hard to get through in the beginning.
This was a new to me author, so I went in with no expectations. The story follows two rival FBI agents, Roxy and Callum, who are sent undercover on a ski trip with a family to figure out who the bad guys are. At first, they can’t stand working together, and Roxy takes every chance she gets to mess with Cal. But over time, they realize being partners isn’t so bad and those feelings start to shift. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger that perfectly sets up the next one in the series.
The story itself was interesting, and I did enjoy it overall, but it took me a while to get into. I really struggled with Roxy’s character in the beginning she came across a little tacky in the way she handled things, at least in my opinion. Later on, though, I started to understand her better and warm up to her. Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, just a slower start for me and a little hard to get through in the beginning.
December 1, 2025
ARC Review - Defense and Defend by Hattie Wade
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Release day: December 1, 2025
This was such a FUN read! Defense and Defend is just like stepping into an episode of your favorite crime/investigative drama; but for a whole book instead of only 45 minutes to an hour 😋
I'm a huge sucker for the undercover fake relationship trope so I knew this was a story I had to read! Callum and Roxy being adversaries forced to work together for a common goal was just a bonus 😉
One of the main reasons I only gave this book 4.5 stars was the fact that, personally, I had a hard time picturing Cal as a Scottish FBI agent. Usually when I read, my brain has no problem playing the story for me like a movie but for some reason he just wasn't coming together. ( I blame postpartum brain fog🥴) This is definitely NOT a reflection on the author's ability to create characters, but more about my brain's current ability to bring them to life.
Roxy's development throughout the story is perfect. Watching her start as a trying too hard tough girl, to realizing she doesn't HAVE to do it all on her own is wonderfully refreshing. Don't get me wrong, she's still one tough girl (think Jane Rizzoli vibes); but watching her remember her softer side was a nice touch.
Hattie keeps it 100% clean while absolutely delivering all the romantic tension and edge of your seat action. Go check out this thrillingly cozy read today!
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Release day: December 1, 2025
This was such a FUN read! Defense and Defend is just like stepping into an episode of your favorite crime/investigative drama; but for a whole book instead of only 45 minutes to an hour 😋
I'm a huge sucker for the undercover fake relationship trope so I knew this was a story I had to read! Callum and Roxy being adversaries forced to work together for a common goal was just a bonus 😉
One of the main reasons I only gave this book 4.5 stars was the fact that, personally, I had a hard time picturing Cal as a Scottish FBI agent. Usually when I read, my brain has no problem playing the story for me like a movie but for some reason he just wasn't coming together. ( I blame postpartum brain fog🥴) This is definitely NOT a reflection on the author's ability to create characters, but more about my brain's current ability to bring them to life.
Roxy's development throughout the story is perfect. Watching her start as a trying too hard tough girl, to realizing she doesn't HAVE to do it all on her own is wonderfully refreshing. Don't get me wrong, she's still one tough girl (think Jane Rizzoli vibes); but watching her remember her softer side was a nice touch.
Hattie keeps it 100% clean while absolutely delivering all the romantic tension and edge of your seat action. Go check out this thrillingly cozy read today!
November 30, 2025
Rating: 3–3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Defense & Defend! As a fan of enemies-to-lovers stories, this book hit a lot of the right notes for me. Roxy St. Clair is fierce, witty, and completely unafraid to stand her ground, while Callum MacDonald is brooding, intense, and just the right amount of insufferable to make their banter hilarious and addictive. Watching these two rivals, who first met at Quantico, being forced together on a high-stakes diamond smuggling case was pure entertainment.
The chemistry between them is slow-burning but sizzling, and their playful yet tense interactions kept me turning pages. I loved the mix of suspense, danger, and humor. It felt like a cozy romance with just enough edge. Bonus points: even though it’s the second book in a series, it works beautifully as a standalone.
If you’re looking for a witty, flirty romance with suspense and a touch of danger, this is definitely worth picking up!
I really enjoyed Defense & Defend! As a fan of enemies-to-lovers stories, this book hit a lot of the right notes for me. Roxy St. Clair is fierce, witty, and completely unafraid to stand her ground, while Callum MacDonald is brooding, intense, and just the right amount of insufferable to make their banter hilarious and addictive. Watching these two rivals, who first met at Quantico, being forced together on a high-stakes diamond smuggling case was pure entertainment.
The chemistry between them is slow-burning but sizzling, and their playful yet tense interactions kept me turning pages. I loved the mix of suspense, danger, and humor. It felt like a cozy romance with just enough edge. Bonus points: even though it’s the second book in a series, it works beautifully as a standalone.
If you’re looking for a witty, flirty romance with suspense and a touch of danger, this is definitely worth picking up!
December 1, 2025
I was introduced to Roxy as the little sister of Rose from the first book in this series. She was spunky in the first book, but man that spunk never went away. I loved the first book, but this book is amazing and I want a continuation of Cal and Roxy.
I love that as I was reading it felt like Roxy and Cal were telling me their story. The interactions between Cal and Roxy are so great. They crack me up. Roxy is a kick butt FMC. She can do anything any man can do and probably better. Cal is dreamy with his Scottish accent. He pushes Roxy to do her best and has no problem competing with her. This story is for the people who feel like they always have to do their best and are not sure that people truly see them for who they are. Roxy, with all of her strength, is very vulnerable because of people's assumptions.
I love that as I was reading it felt like Roxy and Cal were telling me their story. The interactions between Cal and Roxy are so great. They crack me up. Roxy is a kick butt FMC. She can do anything any man can do and probably better. Cal is dreamy with his Scottish accent. He pushes Roxy to do her best and has no problem competing with her. This story is for the people who feel like they always have to do their best and are not sure that people truly see them for who they are. Roxy, with all of her strength, is very vulnerable because of people's assumptions.
November 15, 2025
I absolutely loved the cozy winter Christmas atmosphere in this book — the snow and all the festive vibes pulled me right in. The mix of enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and an undercover FBI twist made the storyline fun, engaging, and full of tension in all the right ways. Watching the characters warm up to each other against the holiday backdrop was such a treat.
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the way Callum’s accent was written. His dialogue felt a bit overdone and sometimes distracting, pulling me out of the moment instead of adding to his character.
Overall, though, it was a fun holiday romance with a great mix of mystery, chemistry, and Christmas magic! 🎄✨
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the way Callum’s accent was written. His dialogue felt a bit overdone and sometimes distracting, pulling me out of the moment instead of adding to his character.
Overall, though, it was a fun holiday romance with a great mix of mystery, chemistry, and Christmas magic! 🎄✨
November 25, 2025
✨Arc review ✨
Looking for your next then look no further because Defense and Defend will have you laughing from the banter between the hot Scottish MMC and the gorgeous baddie in heals.
Two undercover FBI agents
One winter wonderland with a crime family
Cozy suspense
Forces proximity
Major pranks
One bed only with a little bit of steam
Once again I became addicted to this book as soon as it went to my kindle. Love the characters and all the fun as they take on an undercover job and get snowed in with secrets. While playing the part was on the job description, falling in love was not.
Looking for your next then look no further because Defense and Defend will have you laughing from the banter between the hot Scottish MMC and the gorgeous baddie in heals.
Two undercover FBI agents
One winter wonderland with a crime family
Cozy suspense
Forces proximity
Major pranks
One bed only with a little bit of steam
Once again I became addicted to this book as soon as it went to my kindle. Love the characters and all the fun as they take on an undercover job and get snowed in with secrets. While playing the part was on the job description, falling in love was not.
December 1, 2025
I had the huge honor of being an ARC reader for Defense and Defend which I absolutely loved! Cal, the Scottish FBI agent, and his undercover partner, Roxy, who practically hates him, were so well known written. The first chapter started off a little slow, kind of like a summary, but very quickly I fell in love with Cal and Roxy! Their wit, banter, and tension made the book hard to put down. Then there’s the actual plot of the book where they’re undercover as a couple on a work ski retreat which kept me intrigued the entire time, wondering if they’d be able to catch Mr Big Bad. Plus the plot twist!! I need Hattie to release more with Cal and Roxy pronto!!
November 9, 2025
Roxy and Cal are paired to take down a smuggling ring and they butt heads but it’s boiling beneath the surface in their chemistry.
I loved this book I’ve been into mysteries and romance lately and this has both . I highly recommend this book , this is the first time reading Hattie but this isn’t the last time I will be reading her books it was so good !
This is a clean book but it holds your attention and it has so much depth and chemistry with Roxy and Cal you can’t put the book down
Thank you for my arc and all my opinions are my own .
I loved this book I’ve been into mysteries and romance lately and this has both . I highly recommend this book , this is the first time reading Hattie but this isn’t the last time I will be reading her books it was so good !
This is a clean book but it holds your attention and it has so much depth and chemistry with Roxy and Cal you can’t put the book down
Thank you for my arc and all my opinions are my own .
November 13, 2025
If you love spice free books full of insanely good banter, tension and mystery then this book is for you!
NCIS and Clue meet fake dating at a couples retreat with rival agents on a mission to take down the bad guy.
Obsessed with this story for not only keeping me on edge trying to figure out who the bad guy is, but for the off the chart banter and slow burn tension between Roxy and Cal. The ending had me literally holding my breath while reading, it was THAT good! Loved this ARC, so much, can't wait for book #2!
NCIS and Clue meet fake dating at a couples retreat with rival agents on a mission to take down the bad guy.
Obsessed with this story for not only keeping me on edge trying to figure out who the bad guy is, but for the off the chart banter and slow burn tension between Roxy and Cal. The ending had me literally holding my breath while reading, it was THAT good! Loved this ARC, so much, can't wait for book #2!
November 21, 2025
ARC REVIEW
This is a new to me author, so I went in with no expectations.
The story follows two rival FBI agents, Roxy and Callum, who hate each other and are forced to work undercover together to solve a case. But lines begin to blur when he makes it his mission to get to the core of his partner.
I honestly enjoyed this read. It was fun and fast paced. The mfc was definitely a little head strong but once her walls came down, she became a more love able character.
This is a new to me author, so I went in with no expectations.
The story follows two rival FBI agents, Roxy and Callum, who hate each other and are forced to work undercover together to solve a case. But lines begin to blur when he makes it his mission to get to the core of his partner.
I honestly enjoyed this read. It was fun and fast paced. The mfc was definitely a little head strong but once her walls came down, she became a more love able character.
November 28, 2025
This was a decent closed door romance read. I love a workplace rivals romance, and I really loved the Christian themes in this one. I do feel like overall, because there was both action and romance to cover in this book, that everything felt a little rushed and surface level with the romance aspect.
November 23, 2025
The first book I've read by Hattie and I loved every minute of it. I cannot wait for the next book that brings us more of Roxy and Cal! This book seems to have everything, some suspense, crime and romance. It also offers some great laughs. Highly recommend.
November 10, 2025
ARC review: this was a quick, fun FBI romance. the banter was great and i was surprised a couple times in the end. great read!
November 22, 2025
This book was cute! Like a cute FBI hallmark book. I couldn’t put it down! Roxy and Cal’s banter is the best and I was rooting for them the whole time! Such a good read!
December 15, 2025
This book was so fun. It was full of cute little jokes that had me giggling so many times. The chemistry between the MCs sizzles, and the storyline is exciting. Another great one from Hattie Wade!
December 25, 2025
- First Person, Dual POV (Roxy & Callum)
- Rom-Com / action /Mystery
- kisses only romance
(Here's to all my "Die Hard is a Christmas Movie" people out there... ✋ Me.....I'm talking about me...this has all the fun and action, none of the language or over the top violence)
I recently finished Defense & Defend and have since decided that I needed the next book yesterday.....
First of all, Hattie, you had me at Scottish accent! Love me a good Scottish accent. Sometimes when authors try to make the writing show the accent, it's just too much. However, this one worked into the writing very nicely and had my brain hearing it every time Cal spoke.
This was also just a really good read, full of humor, action, mystery, and intrigue. Cal was my favorite character, and honestly, a contender for my favorite MMC in any book. Roxy was a bit "insufferable" (Cal's words, not mine....and in a good way for the story) at the start but she grew on me and I ended up really enjoying the awesomeness her character brought. But okay, here's the question I really want to know..... What kind of weirdo eats pizza with a fork?! (IYKYK)
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
- Rom-Com / action /Mystery
- kisses only romance
(Here's to all my "Die Hard is a Christmas Movie" people out there... ✋ Me.....I'm talking about me...this has all the fun and action, none of the language or over the top violence)
I recently finished Defense & Defend and have since decided that I needed the next book yesterday.....
First of all, Hattie, you had me at Scottish accent! Love me a good Scottish accent. Sometimes when authors try to make the writing show the accent, it's just too much. However, this one worked into the writing very nicely and had my brain hearing it every time Cal spoke.
This was also just a really good read, full of humor, action, mystery, and intrigue. Cal was my favorite character, and honestly, a contender for my favorite MMC in any book. Roxy was a bit "insufferable" (Cal's words, not mine....and in a good way for the story) at the start but she grew on me and I ended up really enjoying the awesomeness her character brought. But okay, here's the question I really want to know..... What kind of weirdo eats pizza with a fork?! (IYKYK)
I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews