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Defying the Odds: Big Easy Brothers Series #4
She’s on the run, her only safe harbor the man she’d loved years ago.
He was out of the protection business,
but he can’t say no to the woman who saved his life.
Law student, Maggie Macrae, has turned state's evidence
to put her crime family background firmly in the past.
But when she’s exposed and followed by her brother’s thugs...
she runs to Kurt Guidry for protection.
Kurt isn’t the man he used to be.
A retired U.S. Deputy Marshal, he's stayed as far away from Maggie as he can.
She deserves more than he can give, even as his need for her still burns hot.
But when she seeks him out and danger closes in...
he will fight for her with all he’s got.
*Defying the Odds, book 4 of the Big Easy Brothers series, is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger ending.
Partial hearing loss.
Second chances
Forced Proximity
Protector
Age Gap
Military/police
Found family
Redemption
He was out of the protection business,
but he can’t say no to the woman who saved his life.
Law student, Maggie Macrae, has turned state's evidence
to put her crime family background firmly in the past.
But when she’s exposed and followed by her brother’s thugs...
she runs to Kurt Guidry for protection.
Kurt isn’t the man he used to be.
A retired U.S. Deputy Marshal, he's stayed as far away from Maggie as he can.
She deserves more than he can give, even as his need for her still burns hot.
But when she seeks him out and danger closes in...
he will fight for her with all he’s got.
*Defying the Odds, book 4 of the Big Easy Brothers series, is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger ending.
Partial hearing loss.
Second chances
Forced Proximity
Protector
Age Gap
Military/police
Found family
Redemption
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
4 people want to read
About the author
Sue Ward Drake
17 books546 followersAward-winning author, Sue Ward Drake, loves using her experiences living in a farmhouse in Greece and her years in the French Quarter as fuel for her stories as often as possible.
For news of the next thrilling Big Easy Brothers romantic suspense and other romances, visit www.SueWardDrake.com
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For news of the next thrilling Big Easy Brothers romantic suspense and other romances, visit www.SueWardDrake.com
or sign up for her newsletter and get a free story: https://suewarddrake.com/sign-up-for-...
Follow me!
Twitter: www.twitter.com/@SueWardDrake
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SueWardDrake
Instagram: www.instagram.com/suedrakeauthor/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sue-w...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3,5 star
Thanks to Hawthorn & Aster for this eARC! Here is my honest review.
When Life Gets Tough…
'Defying the Odds' by Sue Ward Drake is part of a series, and that really shows. While it is possible to read this book on its own, it works far better when the entire series is read in order. As a standalone, important background information and emotional depth are missing, which slightly impacts the connection to the story and its characters.
The story centers around resilience, emotional struggles, and the strength to keep going when life becomes overwhelming. The themes are touching and hopeful, and the writing style is smooth and easy to follow, making this an accessible and engaging read. The emotional journey of the main character feels sincere and shows clear growth over the course of the story.
At the same time, some plot developments are predictable, and the pacing feels uneven in places. Certain emotions are repeated a bit too often, while other moments could have benefited from more depth and exploration. Without the context of the previous books, several side characters remain underdeveloped, which makes it harder to fully invest in their roles.
Overall, 'Defying the Odds' is an emotional and hopeful addition to the series. While it may not fully stand on its own, it fits well within the larger story and will likely be appreciated more by readers who are already familiar with the earlier books.
Second Chances | Overcoming Adversity | Emotional Growth | Small Town / Community Support | Family Drama | Romance | Personal Resilience | Healing from Past Trauma | Hopeful / Inspirational | Character-Driven Story
Thanks to Hawthorn & Aster for this eARC! Here is my honest review.
When Life Gets Tough…
'Defying the Odds' by Sue Ward Drake is part of a series, and that really shows. While it is possible to read this book on its own, it works far better when the entire series is read in order. As a standalone, important background information and emotional depth are missing, which slightly impacts the connection to the story and its characters.
The story centers around resilience, emotional struggles, and the strength to keep going when life becomes overwhelming. The themes are touching and hopeful, and the writing style is smooth and easy to follow, making this an accessible and engaging read. The emotional journey of the main character feels sincere and shows clear growth over the course of the story.
At the same time, some plot developments are predictable, and the pacing feels uneven in places. Certain emotions are repeated a bit too often, while other moments could have benefited from more depth and exploration. Without the context of the previous books, several side characters remain underdeveloped, which makes it harder to fully invest in their roles.
Overall, 'Defying the Odds' is an emotional and hopeful addition to the series. While it may not fully stand on its own, it fits well within the larger story and will likely be appreciated more by readers who are already familiar with the earlier books.
Second Chances | Overcoming Adversity | Emotional Growth | Small Town / Community Support | Family Drama | Romance | Personal Resilience | Healing from Past Trauma | Hopeful / Inspirational | Character-Driven Story
January 29, 2026
3.5⭐️
This was a really good. I loved the plot and the storyline. Everything flowed really well and kept me intrigued the entire time. I could feel the danger and chaos and I loved that this put me on the edge of my seat. The characters were great as well. It was awesome seeing the two of them come together regardless of the situation. She knew where her heart was and it was always with him. This is my first time reading this author and I truly enjoyed her writing style.
This was a really good. I loved the plot and the storyline. Everything flowed really well and kept me intrigued the entire time. I could feel the danger and chaos and I loved that this put me on the edge of my seat. The characters were great as well. It was awesome seeing the two of them come together regardless of the situation. She knew where her heart was and it was always with him. This is my first time reading this author and I truly enjoyed her writing style.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I finished this book and just sat there for a minute, heart still thudding, because Maggie and Kurt pulled me through an emotional gauntlet I didn’t even realize I’d signed up for.
This story hits that perfect sweet spot between adrenaline and aching tenderness. From the moment Maggie tracks Kurt down, you can feel the history humming between them. All the things they said, all the things they didn’t, all the things they ran from. And now she’s in danger, real danger, the kind that makes your stomach drop, and he’s the one she ran towards to protect her.
Reading as Kurt slipped into protector mode even with his reservations was addictive. He’s steady, controlled, quietly furious that she’s at risk. But it’s Maggie who really got me. She’s scared, but she’s not fragile. She’s trying to rebuild her life, trying to outrun the shadows, and suddenly the one man she never stopped loving is the only person standing between her and the threat closing in.
The tension between them is constant, electric. Every time they’re in a room together, you feel that push‑pull of old wounds and unresolved longing. And the danger is woven into every choice they make, every moment they get too close, every time Kurt’s voice drops because he can’t lose her again.
The pacing is fast, the stakes stay high, and the emotional journey is worth the back and forth. This book is a great balance of heart, heat, and plot! If you love second‑chance romances wrapped in danger, devotion, and that irresistible bodyguard intensity, this one delivers from start to finish.
A huge thank you to Sue Ward Drake and Hawthorne & Aster for the early copy!
This story hits that perfect sweet spot between adrenaline and aching tenderness. From the moment Maggie tracks Kurt down, you can feel the history humming between them. All the things they said, all the things they didn’t, all the things they ran from. And now she’s in danger, real danger, the kind that makes your stomach drop, and he’s the one she ran towards to protect her.
Reading as Kurt slipped into protector mode even with his reservations was addictive. He’s steady, controlled, quietly furious that she’s at risk. But it’s Maggie who really got me. She’s scared, but she’s not fragile. She’s trying to rebuild her life, trying to outrun the shadows, and suddenly the one man she never stopped loving is the only person standing between her and the threat closing in.
The tension between them is constant, electric. Every time they’re in a room together, you feel that push‑pull of old wounds and unresolved longing. And the danger is woven into every choice they make, every moment they get too close, every time Kurt’s voice drops because he can’t lose her again.
The pacing is fast, the stakes stay high, and the emotional journey is worth the back and forth. This book is a great balance of heart, heat, and plot! If you love second‑chance romances wrapped in danger, devotion, and that irresistible bodyguard intensity, this one delivers from start to finish.
A huge thank you to Sue Ward Drake and Hawthorne & Aster for the early copy!
February 9, 2026
I really enjoyed Defying the Odds. This is a heartfelt, second-chance romance with characters who feel real and easy to root for. Kurt, a retired U.S. Deputy Marshal, is steady but a little guarded after years of seeing the hardest sides of life. Maggie is trying to build something better for herself by going to law school, even though her family has a long history of being in and out of trouble. I loved how strong and determined she was to rise above the past instead of being defined by it.
The relationship between Kurt and Maggie develops at a believable pace. It isn’t rushed, since this is their second chance, and two people learning they deserve happiness again. The author does a great job showing how both of them carry scars, but also how they help each other heal. Their connection felt genuine, and I found myself cheering for them the whole way.
What stood out most to me was the message that your background doesn’t have to determine your future. Defying the Odds is sweet, hopeful, and emotional without being over the top. If you enjoy clean romance with mature characters, real-life struggles, and a satisfying happily-ever-after, I’d definitely recommend this book.
The relationship between Kurt and Maggie develops at a believable pace. It isn’t rushed, since this is their second chance, and two people learning they deserve happiness again. The author does a great job showing how both of them carry scars, but also how they help each other heal. Their connection felt genuine, and I found myself cheering for them the whole way.
What stood out most to me was the message that your background doesn’t have to determine your future. Defying the Odds is sweet, hopeful, and emotional without being over the top. If you enjoy clean romance with mature characters, real-life struggles, and a satisfying happily-ever-after, I’d definitely recommend this book.
February 1, 2026
Defying the Odds was a solid and engaging romantic suspense that kept me invested throughout.
The pacing worked well for this story. There was a consistent forward momentum, with enough tension to maintain interest without overwhelming the romance. The plot unfolded smoothly, and I appreciated that the suspense elements were integrated naturally rather than feeling like background noise.
The characters were well developed and easy to connect with. The hero stood out as strong, protective, and dependable, while still feeling human and flawed. The relationship between the leads developed alongside the external conflict, which made their connection feel earned rather than rushed.
In terms of plot, the suspense added genuine stakes and urgency, keeping the story engaging until the end. The found-family and brotherhood elements enriched the narrative and gave the world more depth.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and well-balanced romantic suspense. A great pick for readers who enjoy character-driven romance paired with steady tension and action.
The pacing worked well for this story. There was a consistent forward momentum, with enough tension to maintain interest without overwhelming the romance. The plot unfolded smoothly, and I appreciated that the suspense elements were integrated naturally rather than feeling like background noise.
The characters were well developed and easy to connect with. The hero stood out as strong, protective, and dependable, while still feeling human and flawed. The relationship between the leads developed alongside the external conflict, which made their connection feel earned rather than rushed.
In terms of plot, the suspense added genuine stakes and urgency, keeping the story engaging until the end. The found-family and brotherhood elements enriched the narrative and gave the world more depth.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and well-balanced romantic suspense. A great pick for readers who enjoy character-driven romance paired with steady tension and action.
February 6, 2026
Maggie is on the run… on the run from a past she can't escape no matter how hard she tries, so she runs to the one man who gave her peace in a time of need a long time ago.
Kurt is on the run from his feelings… from pain he'd rather not deal with. He has a support system who loves him very much, but he’s afraid to reach out… and then the one woman who can break those walls comes barreling through them…
Can they find solace, peace, and strength in one another while running what hunts them?
Kurt and Maggie have quite a connection and it definitely shows. - I feel it right away. The suspense started right off and kept me on my toes. The family really bands together and makes her feel welcomed and I love that!!
This is a strong suspenseful romance with spice and second chances and sweet scenes too. Very nice indeed.
Kurt is on the run from his feelings… from pain he'd rather not deal with. He has a support system who loves him very much, but he’s afraid to reach out… and then the one woman who can break those walls comes barreling through them…
Can they find solace, peace, and strength in one another while running what hunts them?
Kurt and Maggie have quite a connection and it definitely shows. - I feel it right away. The suspense started right off and kept me on my toes. The family really bands together and makes her feel welcomed and I love that!!
This is a strong suspenseful romance with spice and second chances and sweet scenes too. Very nice indeed.
February 2, 2026
Suspense and love mix in this adventure. Maggie and Kurt met when she was young. Her family is on the wrong side of the law and she helps to catch them. Kurt is one of the Marshalls that helps her. They haven’t seen each other for years. She tracks him down when danger finds her again.
This book is more suspense than romance. Kurt and Maggie try to stay apart and keep things platonic but feelings and families push them together. This wild ride take you from Nashville to New Orleans back to Nashville and its wild every step of the way.
I did not see the ending coming! It was so good. The build up was slow and steady. Nothing felt overly rushed in the story. Look forward to more in this series.
This book is more suspense than romance. Kurt and Maggie try to stay apart and keep things platonic but feelings and families push them together. This wild ride take you from Nashville to New Orleans back to Nashville and its wild every step of the way.
I did not see the ending coming! It was so good. The build up was slow and steady. Nothing felt overly rushed in the story. Look forward to more in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In a world full of chaotic banter and stabby female leads, this was a nice change. Defying the Odds is an age-gap, grumpy protector romance. Sue Ward Drake did an amazing job writing the awkward moments, as well as those scenes that hold all the unspoken feelings.
This was a quick read, and while it didn’t blow me out of the park, I truly enjoyed it. The MMC’s disability was handled really well. I have a close friend who lives with the same condition, and I genuinely appreciated the author’s sensitivity in how it was written.
Overall, if you’re after a sweet romance with a sprinkle of spice and a dash of danger, this could be for you. Solid 3.5 stars
This was a quick read, and while it didn’t blow me out of the park, I truly enjoyed it. The MMC’s disability was handled really well. I have a close friend who lives with the same condition, and I genuinely appreciated the author’s sensitivity in how it was written.
Overall, if you’re after a sweet romance with a sprinkle of spice and a dash of danger, this could be for you. Solid 3.5 stars
Review of advance copy
Kurt delivers emotional whiplash with his constant push and pull toward Maggie. While his reasoning is undeniably frustrating, it still manages to evoke sympathy, adding depth to his internal struggle. Maggie stands out as capable and resourceful—never a damsel in distress—and often feels like she has even more strength and options than she allows herself to use. A steady sense of danger runs throughout the story, handled efficiently without overstaying its welcome. While the chemistry between Kurt and Maggie could have been stronger, it’s still satisfying to see them find their way together. Overall, it’s an engaging, easy-to-read story that leaves you smiling.
January 30, 2026
This felt like a quieter kind of romance, and honestly, I really appreciated that. It wasn’t loud or flashy it leaned more into tension, restraint, and that heavy feeling of two people circling what they want but not quite reaching for it yet. The emotional moments landed because they were subtle, not overdone, and I liked how much was said.
It was an easy, quick read that kept my attention without trying to do too much. The relationship felt grounded, the danger added just enough edge, and there was a lot of care in how certain themes were handled, which stood out to me in a really good way.
It was an easy, quick read that kept my attention without trying to do too much. The relationship felt grounded, the danger added just enough edge, and there was a lot of care in how certain themes were handled, which stood out to me in a really good way.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Maggie and Kurt are definitely attracted to each other. Despite the four years which they spent apart, neither of them could forget the other. Kurt though is held back by what he deems are his shortcomings. And that leads to challenges in their relationship.
The suspense factor definitely kept the pace interesting and there were no boring moments in this book.
The suspense factor definitely kept the pace interesting and there were no boring moments in this book.
January 28, 2026
Kurt and Maggie's story took me on one wilddd ride. A wild and beautiful one!
If you enjoy breathtakingly beautiful redemption stories this one is for you.
I loved just how much his family showed her what love really looks and feels like.
Thank you to the amazing team at Hawthorn and Aster and Sue Ward Drake for the opportunity to receive an Advanced Copy.
If you enjoy breathtakingly beautiful redemption stories this one is for you.
I loved just how much his family showed her what love really looks and feels like.
Thank you to the amazing team at Hawthorn and Aster and Sue Ward Drake for the opportunity to receive an Advanced Copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Disclaimer: was gifted this book to review
Action packed romance from early on. Why is she being targeted?
And Aunt Edi is the best
Sue Ward Drake as a very similar style in all her books so fans will enjoy!
Action packed romance from early on. Why is she being targeted?
And Aunt Edi is the best
Sue Ward Drake as a very similar style in all her books so fans will enjoy!
February 1, 2026
If you love romantic suspense with real emotion, this one is for you. Maggie is strong, brave, and easy to root for, and Kurt is the kind of hero who shows his love through actions, not words. Their history makes every moment between them feel meaningful. I stayed up way too late finishing this.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Didn't love this. The plot had really good potential but the character dialog was lacking for me. It didn't flow very well.
January 29, 2026
I loved Kurt and Maggie's story. They were so good together.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews