Let me begin by saying, I was not asked to give a review and am not a friend of the author. This is my honest opinion.
I'd say I'm speechless but I've got plenty to say. Defense was undeniably executed with such finesse to exceed all of ones expectations. Just magnificent.
I loved both the hero (Luca) and heroine (Ariana). Luca Russo, a brilliant Defense (criminal) attorney, residing and practicing in New York City, partner with the majority shares at his law firm. Alpha male, handsome, sexy, controlling in every way imaginable until he encounters Ariana Williams, a beyond brilliant heroine, genius one could say, beautiful, sexy, feisty, extremely driven and focused, law student anticipating the bar exam, originally from Boston now residing in New York City. Both are exceptionally and equally sharp, precise, strong, resilient individuals in all areas of their lives, controlled and extremely stubborn for dominance. Their coupling is exhilarating, powerful and sexy; together they're a force to be reckoned with. Spoilers, you won't find any here, read the book, like yesterday, it's that special. Honestly, spectacular and magnificent.
The romance and suspense are equally thrilling, literally this is a book one will not want to put down. This book left nothing unturned, every single question, problem, prediction or promise made was answered to ones satisfaction by the end of the book and then some. The setting is in New York City, which most of Sandi Lynn's books are either in New York or someone is tied to it somehow. I could be wrong but I believe Sandi herself is from Texas, with that said, I'm a New Yorker and can tell you her details are mostly accurate, those that aren't are pretty close and honestly who cares really? Romance thrillers are supposed to be of the imagination, a fairy tale, readers want to get absorbed in, lost really, removing themselves for a short time from their every day busy, hectic and stressful lives, the "make believe".
Cliffhanger, no. Story... blown away, incredible, brilliant, just spectacular, all of it, the twists and turns, all of the secrets. Hero and heroine, amazing. Cheating, no. HEA, yes! It's sexy, steamy and hot too. Cursing, yes. Some secondary characters are just as important as the hero and heroine. Typos, errors, few that I can think of and grammar critics please refrain from judgment, this book should not be looked at through a microscope. It's undeserving to this talented author's book, the work she put into it excels beyond all expectations. There's no room for that here. The ending is not rushed and has a beautiful, fulfilling epilogue.
I have read most books by Sandi Lynn, not all, and I will admit it was her Forever Series that introduced me to her work. That will always remain my favorite, personally, well, now Defense is definitely second and she's had some others released that were very good. Too bad the rating is only 5 stars, this goes way beyond the 5 allowed.
One of my favorite lines "She can shove her fifty years up her c*%t" What happens around that line, the incidents surrounding it, makes the one statement have you laughing and shocked out of nowhere.
If my review entices you, please download this book now. Do it with time on your hands because I promise you will not want to put this down.
Enjoy!