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Hard Hit #8
Defend
Loyalty demands he stay away. Lust challenges Nathan’s integrity. Love demolishes all boundaries.
Nathan can’t recall the precise moment he fell for Derringer, but he knows exactly why he has to stay away. Derringer is dating Nathan’s brother. When Derringer is dumped in the worst of ways, Nathan comes to the rescue. His motives are pure. His intentions above par. Then he kisses Derringer, and nothing is black or white any longer.
Derringer has spent the past two years getting cheated on and manipulated by Nathan’s younger brother, Andrew. He’s done being weak. The moment Nathan’s lips touch his, Derringer feels more powerful than ever before. Nathan has been a thousand things for Derringer—his savior, listening ear, rock, and friend. Now, Derringer is determined to make Nathan one more thing—his.
But Andrew isn’t finished with Derringer, and he won’t stop until he wins Derringer back or destroys him. Nathan has to make a choice—the younger brother he’s always supported or the man he can’t live without.
Nathan can’t recall the precise moment he fell for Derringer, but he knows exactly why he has to stay away. Derringer is dating Nathan’s brother. When Derringer is dumped in the worst of ways, Nathan comes to the rescue. His motives are pure. His intentions above par. Then he kisses Derringer, and nothing is black or white any longer.
Derringer has spent the past two years getting cheated on and manipulated by Nathan’s younger brother, Andrew. He’s done being weak. The moment Nathan’s lips touch his, Derringer feels more powerful than ever before. Nathan has been a thousand things for Derringer—his savior, listening ear, rock, and friend. Now, Derringer is determined to make Nathan one more thing—his.
But Andrew isn’t finished with Derringer, and he won’t stop until he wins Derringer back or destroys him. Nathan has to make a choice—the younger brother he’s always supported or the man he can’t live without.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2016
38 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Charity Parkerson
315 books1,426 followersCharity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with several companies. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.
*Eight-time winner of Readers' Favorite Awards
*2014 Golden Ankh nominee
*2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner
*2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner
*2012 ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance
*Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath
**Connect with her online:
Website: charityparkerson.com
Facebook: facebook.com/authorCharityParkerson
facebook.com/TheMenofSin
Twitter: twitter.com/CharityParkerso
*Eight-time winner of Readers' Favorite Awards
*2014 Golden Ankh nominee
*2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner
*2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner
*2012 ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance
*Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath
**Connect with her online:
Website: charityparkerson.com
Facebook: facebook.com/authorCharityParkerson
facebook.com/TheMenofSin
Twitter: twitter.com/CharityParkerso
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 25, 2016
Parkerson is another one of those authors whose faults I can overlook in favor of devouring her fluffy reads like they're the LSD-laced pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner.
August 3, 2025
3.5 stars
Like I've said, Charity Parkerson is inventive and that's why I can't put her books down. Each story is a surprise.
Nathan and Derringer were brought together in pain but discovered they were always meant to be.
A beautiful story that I wanted to love more. My niggling brain caught a few messy spots and things I'd have wished be handled differently (which means nothing, as always it's author's choice). Derringer and Nate are who they are and handled things as they did. To tell the truth for me, the make up scene ruined it. It felt all over the place, too many ideas that didn't land.(for me)
But still a fantastic story of loving your brother's ex and all the guilt that goes with it.
Sidenote: Charity Parkerson is also very inventive in the use of first names for her MCs. Sometimes they're a mouthful distracting from the story. Some are downright unsexy and some I have never heard before. But I guess kudos to the people who have the names, it's their time to shine☺️☺️☺️☺️🌈✨
Like I've said, Charity Parkerson is inventive and that's why I can't put her books down. Each story is a surprise.
Nathan and Derringer were brought together in pain but discovered they were always meant to be.
A beautiful story that I wanted to love more. My niggling brain caught a few messy spots and things I'd have wished be handled differently (which means nothing, as always it's author's choice). Derringer and Nate are who they are and handled things as they did. To tell the truth for me, the make up scene ruined it. It felt all over the place, too many ideas that didn't land.(for me)
But still a fantastic story of loving your brother's ex and all the guilt that goes with it.
Sidenote: Charity Parkerson is also very inventive in the use of first names for her MCs. Sometimes they're a mouthful distracting from the story. Some are downright unsexy and some I have never heard before. But I guess kudos to the people who have the names, it's their time to shine☺️☺️☺️☺️🌈✨
August 19, 2016
The only reason that I gave it two stars is because I liked it up until seventy-some percent when it completely derailed for me. If Ms Parkerson hadn't taken the easy, clichéd way from that point it could have been a 3-4 star. Sadly, as this series goes on I've come to the conclusion that the most important thing to her is to get a book out quickly whether or not it's written as well as it could be.
January 1, 2019
Omg Nathan and Derringer were so hurt and broken! and they took forever to set their relationship on track... loved it ❤
June 1, 2017
Fantastic!! I loved Derringer and Nathan. Nathan's brother was a total asshole but their friends were pretty amazing. Plus seeing Jamie and Hawks was enjoyable.
June 5, 2018
Brilliant!!
This is the first book I've read from this author and I absolutely loved it. Great writing, the story flows really clearly. Lots going on with the characters and the plot is the main focus, not filled with unnecessary sex scenes. I love jealousy in a book, it cause angst amongst the characters, which I love.
I will definitely be reading more in this series. Kindle unlimited is great for taking chances on author's you've never read before.
This is the first book I've read from this author and I absolutely loved it. Great writing, the story flows really clearly. Lots going on with the characters and the plot is the main focus, not filled with unnecessary sex scenes. I love jealousy in a book, it cause angst amongst the characters, which I love.
I will definitely be reading more in this series. Kindle unlimited is great for taking chances on author's you've never read before.
November 5, 2018
Wow!!
This one packs quite the emotional punch. These guys are so strong. Both battered and bruised almost to the point of breaking and then come together standing beside each other.
This one packs quite the emotional punch. These guys are so strong. Both battered and bruised almost to the point of breaking and then come together standing beside each other.
February 6, 2019
Good Read
I didn’t find this book as enjoyable, I think it was partly due to the narrator change. I didn’t really like the voice changes.
The storyline was pretty good. It didn’t draw out my emotions like the previous books, but still a good read / audio.
I didn’t find this book as enjoyable, I think it was partly due to the narrator change. I didn’t really like the voice changes.
The storyline was pretty good. It didn’t draw out my emotions like the previous books, but still a good read / audio.
April 16, 2020
Nathan and Derringer. Good story, not a gripping as the others in the series.
Changed narrators to Michelle Henderson. (Was Hollie Jackson. I really love her narration.)
Bought as part of audible escape package.
Changed narrators to Michelle Henderson. (Was Hollie Jackson. I really love her narration.)
Bought as part of audible escape package.
May 10, 2017
I really liked the couple in this book until the author threw in a really improbable reason for breaking them up at the 70% point. It just destroyed the story.
June 28, 2024
Another lovely story in this series. There were a few plot points that bugged me a wee bit, though.
August 17, 2024
Defend is book eight in the Hard hit series
This was a good read. I love a good forbidden trope, brothers ex. Especially when the brother is a giant douche like Andrew
This was a good read. I love a good forbidden trope, brothers ex. Especially when the brother is a giant douche like Andrew
September 16, 2024
S. Might be my favorite with this series
May 18, 2025
Loved this
March 5, 2017
Another great story in this series. My favorite couple I think. Lots of drama. HEA. Looking forward to the next one.
August 8, 2017
I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down, "just one more page before i go to bed"
It was the perfect amount of everything. Sweet, Cute, Funny and Angsty
"Your kisses fix everything. They're like magic."
Nathan & Derringer were wonderful, you could feel the deep love they had for each other.
Charity Parkerson you are my weakness!!
It was the perfect amount of everything. Sweet, Cute, Funny and Angsty
"Your kisses fix everything. They're like magic."
Nathan & Derringer were wonderful, you could feel the deep love they had for each other.
Charity Parkerson you are my weakness!!
October 11, 2016
Title: Defend
Author: Charity Parkerson
Series: Hard Hit
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Plot Summary:
Derringer has been in an emotionally manipulative relationship with Andrew for years and is finally free. He is set to take off across the country on a tattoo artist tour, the perfect opportunity to forget his heartache. But before he goes, he runs into Andrew’s brother, Nathan. Nathan had always been attracted to Derringer, but he was off limits as his brother’s boyfriend. Now that Derringer is alone, Nathan doesn’t want to pounce on him, but their undeniable attraction makes it difficult. The two get to know each other from afar as Nathan is traveling with his pro hockey team, and Derringer is doing the same with his own career. The two learn that there is more than just chemistry between them, but can it survive Andrew’s manipulation and deceit?
Character Descriptions/Development: 3 stars
Derringer has been trodden on by Andrew for years, so his emotional are all over the place. He is naturally giving and sweet, but it seems that he only ends up with people who take advantage of that.
Nathan’s money in pro-hockey has made him the go-to guy for his family and friends when they need something, but that seems to be the only time he sees them. Whereas Derringer is emotionally giving, Nathan is financially giving, and people take advantage of him just as often.
The two have mostly miscommunications and the guilt over lying to Andrew about their relationship to deal with.
Storyline/Conflict: 3 stars
Nathan feels guilty for dating Derringer when Andrew had him first. He is insecure that he is really Derringer’s first choice. Meanwhile, Andrew finds out about the relationship anyway, and uses Derringer’s kind heart to wreak havoc in Nathan’s life anyway.
Writing Style:4 stars
Well edited, good dialogue, but overuse of miscommunication and incorrect assumptions as a plot device.
Heat: 4 stars
These two are off the charts hot, and their passion is over the top.
Author: Charity Parkerson
Series: Hard Hit
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Plot Summary:
Derringer has been in an emotionally manipulative relationship with Andrew for years and is finally free. He is set to take off across the country on a tattoo artist tour, the perfect opportunity to forget his heartache. But before he goes, he runs into Andrew’s brother, Nathan. Nathan had always been attracted to Derringer, but he was off limits as his brother’s boyfriend. Now that Derringer is alone, Nathan doesn’t want to pounce on him, but their undeniable attraction makes it difficult. The two get to know each other from afar as Nathan is traveling with his pro hockey team, and Derringer is doing the same with his own career. The two learn that there is more than just chemistry between them, but can it survive Andrew’s manipulation and deceit?
Character Descriptions/Development: 3 stars
Derringer has been trodden on by Andrew for years, so his emotional are all over the place. He is naturally giving and sweet, but it seems that he only ends up with people who take advantage of that.
Nathan’s money in pro-hockey has made him the go-to guy for his family and friends when they need something, but that seems to be the only time he sees them. Whereas Derringer is emotionally giving, Nathan is financially giving, and people take advantage of him just as often.
The two have mostly miscommunications and the guilt over lying to Andrew about their relationship to deal with.
Storyline/Conflict: 3 stars
Nathan feels guilty for dating Derringer when Andrew had him first. He is insecure that he is really Derringer’s first choice. Meanwhile, Andrew finds out about the relationship anyway, and uses Derringer’s kind heart to wreak havoc in Nathan’s life anyway.
Writing Style:4 stars
Well edited, good dialogue, but overuse of miscommunication and incorrect assumptions as a plot device.
Heat: 4 stars
These two are off the charts hot, and their passion is over the top.
September 6, 2016
“You’re the only person who makes me feel whole. I know you don’t need me, but I need you. Even if you’re furious and hate me a little, I’d rather marry your anger than anyone else’s love.”
Defend is the 8th book in Charity Parkerson’s Hard Hit series. I cannot stress enough the need to read these books in order! Each story builds on the next, and a reader could be lost or a bit confused if starting the series out of order.
Nathan has made it to the big show in hockey. His need to care for everyone around him has left him lonely and desperately wanting the love of a man he’s been friends with forever—tattoo artist, Derringer. The catch is, his love interest is involved with Nathan’s younger brother, Andrew. Derringer catches Andrew cheating on him, and goes to his longtime friend, Nathan. The love triangle twists and turns, and Nathan is left with a choice to either defend his need to support his family or move forward and offer his heart to the one person who loves him unconditionally.
This series is addictive!! Highly recommend!!
Defend is the 8th book in Charity Parkerson’s Hard Hit series. I cannot stress enough the need to read these books in order! Each story builds on the next, and a reader could be lost or a bit confused if starting the series out of order.
Nathan has made it to the big show in hockey. His need to care for everyone around him has left him lonely and desperately wanting the love of a man he’s been friends with forever—tattoo artist, Derringer. The catch is, his love interest is involved with Nathan’s younger brother, Andrew. Derringer catches Andrew cheating on him, and goes to his longtime friend, Nathan. The love triangle twists and turns, and Nathan is left with a choice to either defend his need to support his family or move forward and offer his heart to the one person who loves him unconditionally.
This series is addictive!! Highly recommend!!
December 11, 2016
Another hot and angst novella in this series
As with the others in this series, this is an angsty and smoking hot romance between two men with complications.
This one's happening around the same time as Chip and Jai's story and there's a small amount of overlap towards the end but not enough to prevent it from standing on its own two feet.
Nathan is a sweetie whose been in love with his brother's ex since the first time he saw him but didn't have the courage to do anything about it. He then had to watch his brother destroy Derringer with his behaviour before they finally broke up.
Eventually, as you'd expect, they get together and things work out just fine.
Again, as with the other books, there are annoying little editing and grammatically mistakes which should really have been caught before publication, but not enough to make them not worth reading.
These are a real guilty pleasure for me.
As with the others in this series, this is an angsty and smoking hot romance between two men with complications.
This one's happening around the same time as Chip and Jai's story and there's a small amount of overlap towards the end but not enough to prevent it from standing on its own two feet.
Nathan is a sweetie whose been in love with his brother's ex since the first time he saw him but didn't have the courage to do anything about it. He then had to watch his brother destroy Derringer with his behaviour before they finally broke up.
Eventually, as you'd expect, they get together and things work out just fine.
Again, as with the other books, there are annoying little editing and grammatically mistakes which should really have been caught before publication, but not enough to make them not worth reading.
These are a real guilty pleasure for me.
August 21, 2016
These are good stories in a series.
I have read all the stories in this series so far. I have enjoyed everyone of them. Nathan is trying to take care of his family by given them everything they want. Andrew his brother is taking and taking and just being an asshole. Andrew is seeing Derringer and at the beginning of the book he has threw him aside. Nathan finds him sitting outside by the pool. Derringer tells him that Andrew broke up with him and kicked him out. They have a conversation about why and Nathan is passed. Derringer is a tattoo artist and he won a competition that will.put him out traveling a lot. Nathan and Derringer start texting and seeing each other and genuinely getting close to each other. They are really falling for each other and things are going so well. Enters Andrew again. Grab this book and see if this couple can stay a couple or if Andrew will ruin everything.
I have read all the stories in this series so far. I have enjoyed everyone of them. Nathan is trying to take care of his family by given them everything they want. Andrew his brother is taking and taking and just being an asshole. Andrew is seeing Derringer and at the beginning of the book he has threw him aside. Nathan finds him sitting outside by the pool. Derringer tells him that Andrew broke up with him and kicked him out. They have a conversation about why and Nathan is passed. Derringer is a tattoo artist and he won a competition that will.put him out traveling a lot. Nathan and Derringer start texting and seeing each other and genuinely getting close to each other. They are really falling for each other and things are going so well. Enters Andrew again. Grab this book and see if this couple can stay a couple or if Andrew will ruin everything.
August 16, 2016
I really enjoyed the story of Nathan & Derringer. I liked who they both are as people. Nathan struggles with crushing on this brother's ex & Derringer doesn't believe Nathan is serious about wanting him. I loved watching their relationship evolve. I did find one or two mistakes & had to re read a sentence or two to understand that it was a mistake & not me reading it wrong but it didn't take me out of the story too much. Overall, I would happily recommend this book & look forward to the next one (already pre ordered).
August 15, 2016
WOW. Another great story
I love this series and was anxiously waiting for Nathan's story after the last book. As always, this was another wonderfully written and emotionally engaging story. There were a few places were the main character's names were misplaced which could make the scene confusing, but all in all this was another great read by Parkerson. I read it as soon as it was released and already have the next one on order.
I love this series and was anxiously waiting for Nathan's story after the last book. As always, this was another wonderfully written and emotionally engaging story. There were a few places were the main character's names were misplaced which could make the scene confusing, but all in all this was another great read by Parkerson. I read it as soon as it was released and already have the next one on order.
August 18, 2016
Meh
I didn't connect with either character in this book. Nothing was specifically bad, but Derringer was boring and Nathan was fickle. I also didn't understand a lot of their fears and decisions throughout the story; instead out felt like some fear/concern would be introduced to drag out the drama, and then extra time would be wasted afterward to try and explain how this random, new issue was a huge concern the whole time.
I didn't connect with either character in this book. Nothing was specifically bad, but Derringer was boring and Nathan was fickle. I also didn't understand a lot of their fears and decisions throughout the story; instead out felt like some fear/concern would be introduced to drag out the drama, and then extra time would be wasted afterward to try and explain how this random, new issue was a huge concern the whole time.
August 24, 2016
My reviews for this series sound pretty similar. I love the characters, and am always surprised (I know, I shouldn't be by the 8th book!) at the depth of the characters in these short books.
I admit that the characters in this story do sound very similar to others in the series, but to be honest, I really don't care. I still enjoy the angsty, hot stories anyway.
I admit that the characters in this story do sound very similar to others in the series, but to be honest, I really don't care. I still enjoy the angsty, hot stories anyway.
November 5, 2016
Two hearts dream as one
Does anyone ever listen...Two hearts want the same exact thing from the other yet they each can't see it. They both fantasize the other and move heaven and earth to see each other but don't believe their loved. Every action from Nathan, every work from Nathan was pure love...how can Derrenger not know it! A really good story and great main characters.
Does anyone ever listen...Two hearts want the same exact thing from the other yet they each can't see it. They both fantasize the other and move heaven and earth to see each other but don't believe their loved. Every action from Nathan, every work from Nathan was pure love...how can Derrenger not know it! A really good story and great main characters.
August 16, 2016
Would recommend
I would recommend this book to others to read . I enjoyed reading and can not wait to see if these characters make any cameo appearances in future books in the series
I would recommend this book to others to read . I enjoyed reading and can not wait to see if these characters make any cameo appearances in future books in the series
August 19, 2016
4.25 Stars
I really enjoyed this continuation of this series, you meet Nathan in the previous book, as well as Derringer briefly. The sex scenes were hot. Had to fan myself occasionally lol.
I really enjoyed this continuation of this series, you meet Nathan in the previous book, as well as Derringer briefly. The sex scenes were hot. Had to fan myself occasionally lol.
October 5, 2016
Loved this book!
Have read every book in this series! Loved each one. This book was so good. Loved the chemistry between Nathan and Derringer. Off the charts HOT!!! Reading book 9 right now!
Have read every book in this series! Loved each one. This book was so good. Loved the chemistry between Nathan and Derringer. Off the charts HOT!!! Reading book 9 right now!
July 22, 2017
I really hate when people allow familial relations to be the reason for denying themselves love.
That said, I'm glad to push through my aggravation and enjoy this story. I didn't relish it, but I did enjoy it.
That said, I'm glad to push through my aggravation and enjoy this story. I didn't relish it, but I did enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews