Full Force

Declan's Defenders #3

by Elle James

She saw something she shouldn’t have…Now they want her dead.

Ever since she left the foreign embassy where she was working, translator Emily Chastain has been targeted by someone who wants to silence her permanently. Fearing for her life, Emily contacts Declan’s Defenders and is placed under former marine Mustang Ford’s protection. If only she could figure out why someone is trying to kill her—and how to contain her unlikely attraction to Mustang…

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance

251 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 8, 2019

About the author

Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!

Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Force by Elle James

Harlequin Intrigue, Declan’s Defenders #3. Part of an overall Arc. So not a cliffhanger for this couple, but strings left hanging.

Emily is running for her life when Mustang jumps in to save her. Literally. He tackles her. I’m wondering why he didn’t say who he was before taking her to the ground but she probably wasn’t in a listening mode. She’d just be run off the road, chased and then shot at.
Mustang is an ex military marine and one of Declan’s security team. He’s the closest when Emily made her frantic call for help. Together they work to figure out why Emily is being threatened.

I like reading about women who can stand on their own. Emily is certainly that. Independent, and willing to fight her own battles. Or seduce a marine. Whatever it takes!
Medium on the heat range.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great action and hot romance. This one was a little slow in the beginning, but then the plot took off and it was a wonderful romantic-suspense.

Emily Chasain is a Russian teacher at the university. She moonlights as a translator and that is what got her into trouble. She knows something that has gotten her targeted for elimination. Lucky for Emily her good friend, Grace, works with Declan's Defenders and they are not going to let anyone harm her. Former marine Mustang Ford is first on the scene to save Emily and he has taken a very protective attitude toward her. Now, they just need to figure out why she is in danger and Mustang will need to protect his heart too.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read from beginning to end! An exciting storyline that leaves you breathless wanting more! Sexy steam filled chemistry! Emotionally heartfelt, enjoyable and fun! One heck of a twisted, intense rollercoaster ride! An amazing must read!

[Carol Storm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific read! I usually avoid Harlequin Intrigue, because I prefer the sensuality and glamor of Harlequin Presents. But I really enjoyed the story of Emily and Mustang. There was so much sexual tension once she was under his protection! The world building and the secondary characters were excellent too. Declan's Defenders, the seasoned Marine veterans who protect the innocent, are a great collection of heroes and I hope to read more books in this series. Even the very minor characters, Sachi and Tyler Blunt, are used in a way that is romantic and exciting. Elle James is a great author and I'm really glad I discovered her books at the public library!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book so much. Mustang is a courageous marine whose task is to keep a russian interpreter safe from an unknown threat. Emily is in danger but her stubbornness will give her the opportunity to unravel a crime. Two strong characters that complete each other. A romantic suspense story that will leave the reader breathless until the final epilogue.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily is so headstrong and courageous. Mustang is a big strong protector. When they come together, Mustang has a hard time keeping Emily out of trouble. When trouble finds her, she calls her friend who calls Declan's Defenders. Someone keeps trying to kill her and they have to figure it out fast. Emily and Mustang realize that they want a relationship after all this is over. Will they be able to stay alive so they can have that reationship?

[Irene Langston-Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great story that pulled from the start and kept me turning the pages. It is filled with action, suspense, intrigue and mystery. The characters and plot was good, well written and developed. Loved Emily and Mustang and the supporting characters. Enjoying this series and recommend it to those who enjoy a good suspense with some romance thrown in the mix. Recieved and ARC copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that sucked me in from the very beginning. Emily is a professor of Russian language at a local university. She also works as an interpreter. As the story opens, she is just finishing a translating job at the Russian embassy. It doesn't go well, with the ambassador storming out. Emily is escorted out of the embassy in a hurry, while the man she translated for is detained. On her way out, she sees another man who looks familiar being escorted in. Confused and uneasy, she rushes to her car. Her uneasiness is justified when she is nearly run off the road twice in a short time and spots a car following her. When that car also tries to run her off the road, she calls her friend Grace to tell her what is happening. Grace immediately asks Declan to help her friend.

Former Marine Mustang is one of the men of Declan's Defenders. He is the closest to Emily's location when Declan calls on him for help. He arrives on the scene just in time to keep Emily from being kidnapped or killed and whisks her off to the Defenders' headquarters on Charlie Halvorsen's estate. As the team tries to figure out why Emily is being targeted, Mustang plans to stick close to Emily to keep her safe.

I was glued to the pages of this book as it's nearly nonstop action to keep Emily alive. Emily initially has no idea why someone is out to kill her, while the team believes that she saw something she doesn't realize the importance of. Things become both a little clearer and more complicated when Emily receives a visit from the ambassador's daughter, Sachi. The tension increases when the PI that Emily interpreted for is a victim of a hit-and-run attack, and the attacker then goes after Emily and Mustang, who are saved by the timely arrival of the other team members. A suspicious photograph provided by the PI before his accident gives a hint of the issue, which is confirmed by information from an unexpected source. When Emily and Sachi are taken, it's a race against time to save them. The final confrontation had me on the edge of my seat (and up WAY past my bedtime) as Mustang and the rest of the team raced to the rescue. I loved that Emily didn't just wait around for Mustang to show up but took an active role in her own rescue. What she uncovered along the way was horrifying, and she didn't back down from doing what she thought was right. The ending was a nail-biter and a close call for all of them. There's an interesting twist in the epilogue that connects this story to the earlier two in the series. It will be interesting to follow it to the end and see what it all means.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Emily and Mustang. Mustang was impressed and intrigued by Emily from the first time he met her. The sparks flew between them immediately. Mustang doesn't want anything to distract him from protecting Emily, and he's afraid that giving in will do so. Emily has been so focused on her career that she doesn't have much in the way of experience but is ready to explore what is happening in spite of the danger. Mustang can't deny the need to make sure she is safe, and "sticking like glue" to her side increases the intensity of his attraction and makes it harder to resist. I liked the back-and-forth between them as Mustang has to balance her safety with her stubbornness in certain situations. Though the word "love" comes up quickly, I got the feeling they will still take the time to develop their relationship. I look forward to seeing them in future books.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily is an interpreter and her last meeting ends up be a dangerous one. Luckily, she called for help from the Declan Defenders, she is run of the road but Mustang shows up in time to save her. He takes her someplace safe and soon sparks are flying between them. Will they discover who wants her dead and will Mustang and Emily give into their feelings for each other. Plenty of drama and suspense. Steamy chemistry. I liked it.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC for honest review with no compensation received from Prolific Works

Full Force is book 3 in the Declan Defenders series by Elle James and while a standalone reading the prior books gives you a better understanding of the series.

Emily Chastain, a professor at the local college and a Russian translator who is on her way home from the Russian embassy after doing a translationis nearly killed— thinking it is just a fluke she continues on her way but... it happens to more times... certainly not a coincidence so she calls her friend at Declan Defenders for help...

Frank “Mustang” Ford, former military and a member of Declan Defenders he is on his way to a team meeting when he receives a call to check out the situation and what he finds is not to his liking at all...determined to rescue Emily and keep her safe but he needs to find out why she is being targeted.

What happens next will keep you turning the pages!! Lots of action, suspense, Sparks, major chemistry plus a whole lot more!!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I couldn't put this book down. I was so enthralled right from the beginning. Emily Chastain is a professor at a local university as well as a Russian translator. On her way home from the Russian embassy after doing a translating assignment, she is nearly killed three times. The third attempt was thwarted by Frank (Mustang) Ford, one of the Declan's Defenders. Time is running out to figure out who wants Emily dead and why. The following days are full of intrigue and mystery. As time goes by, these two realize that there a great connection between them that both want to explore. Mustang doesn't want to cross the line as he is afraid it will detract him from protecting Emily to the fullest of his ability. Emily has been focused on her career over the last several years and with the attempts on her life, she wants to explore a relationship now. I laughed at the reversal in roles in that!

The journey in solving the mystery as to who is behind the attempts is one that kept me guessing. I was guessing it was one of two people and I was ultimately wrong. I so enjoyed this wonderful addition to this series.

This book is written in a dual POV format. That is my favorite kind. Getting a glimpse at their thoughts really helps me to connect with the characters. I can see the connection between the characters as well.

This is a book that I would recommend for anyone over 18 as there is a "bedroom" scene that just may offend some. It really isn't overly graphic in nature nor was it drawn out over multiple pages. I thought it was tastefully done.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-stop action from start to finish!

Full Force is the third book in the Declan's Defenders series but you can read it as a standalone with no problem. I highly recommend the first two books, though because they really are great reads. They also give you a lot of background information that will enhance your enjoyment of this book.

The story revolves around Emily Chastain who is a Russian translator and teacher, and Frank 'Mustang' Ford who is part of the Declan's Defenders team. After a translation session at the Russian embassy, Emily has too many near misses with another car to be considered a coincidence. Mustang is assigned to protect her until Declan's Defenders can figure out who is trying to hurt her.

Like the other books in this series, this one is full of action and suspense. We are kept guessing, until late in the story, as to who the bad guys are. There are several twists and turns to lead us in the wrong direction. 😊

Emily and Mustang get their HFN in this story but the ongoing mystery for this series is not yet solved. I'm looking forward to reading the next book very much!

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Di · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts out with action that kept going throughout the read making it hard to put down. Emily is in danger and calls her friend who happens to be with Declan and sends out Mustang to assist. What he finds is not good and goes right to the action while Emily is hauled away by a man in a ski mask. Mustang thwarts the kidnapping and gets Emily to safety only to be given the assignment of protecting her. Mustang is up for it and so is Emily having Mustang protect her but the close proximity with the two of them only brings the attraction higher especially when several more attempts are made on her life....can he protect her and will there be a HEA for them.
A great read with steam, sparks, suspense and action that had me flipping the pages. These two were great together even though Emily’s stubbornness was too much at times, but it worked. I liked the action and how the two didn’t hide or run away from their feelings. I would have liked a bit more information on if the Russian ambassador had anything to do with what was happening, as well as how the daughter and Tyler fared and what happened to the P.I....left it unanswered and the only reason I gave it four stars because of the questions left.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Paula Legate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. You can read the books out of order and not be lost. This book was action packed, mixed with romance. Emily Chastain is a translator. After leaving the foreign embassy she realized someone was following. She called up her friend, and asked for help right before she wrecked her car. Her friend sends Mustang to help her. He is part of the Declan’s Defenders. Mustang shows up just in time to save her. From that moment on, Mustang became her personal bodyguard. Whoever was targeting her, would go to any length to silence her forever. Emily wants to find out why. She worked with the Declan’s Defender to get to the bottom of it. The suspense was really good. I loved the bond that grew between Emily, and Mustang. I also loved Charlie Halverson. She lost her husband a while back. After he died, she was almost kidnapped. One of the guys from the Declan Defenders was in the right place at the right time to save her life. She hired him, and his team to keep her safe. She didn’t hesitate to let Emily stay in her mansion surrounded by people that only wanted to protect her. Charlie enjoyed the company while Emily was there. I loved this book, and look forward to reading the other books.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another action packed, page turner from Elle James. Emily Chastain is a Russian Professor, who also hires out as a translator in the DC area. But when the ambassador walks out of a meeting boiling mad, she is hustled out of the embassy and narrowly escapes a hit and run. But when two more cars seem to be trying to crash hers, she calls on her friend Grace for help. Grace works for DeClan's Defenders, and is DeClan's girlfriend (wife?). Mustang is the closest one of the team to the scene and gets to Emily as a mask man is about to shoot her. The rest of the book, is how the team tries to find out why there seems to be a hit out on Emily. And she does not make it easy on Mustang, by putting herself in danger and by the chemistry between them, which he is trying to fight so he can stay focused on keeping her alive. Fascinating characters and an intriguing plot.

While I always recommend to read a series from the beginning, thanks to Harlequin's Cast of Characters page, there is a quick reminder of who is who, if you are reading this as a stand alone.

I received a free ARC from the author as part of a review team. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Cindy Reifel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily is a Russian interpreter in the Russian Embassy, believing the meeting she has been part of is finished. She suddenly realizes that she is being hustled out of the embassy, while other people are being detained! As she starts driving home, she has to fight for her life when 3 motor vehicles try to run her off the road. The third time is a charm as, a van pushes her into a ditch and, starts shooting at her. Thankfully, she has called a friend and, Mustang, a member of Declan's Defenders, makes it to the site soon enough to save her.
She's taken to the home of the group's benefactor and, told that Mustang will be her shadow until they find out what's going on and, who is trying to kill her!
Emily and Mustang have a big problem in that, they both have an immediate, intense attraction to each other that, neither wants to admit to.
This book is a non stop, action packed, melt your heart, roller-coaster ride that you will not want to end!!!!

[Stacy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heart stopping from the first page to the last. It kept you on the edge of your seat.

Emily is a college professor who is also an interpreter. After one scary meeting, her life is in danger. Luckily she has a friend in high places who puts her in contact with the Declan Defenders namely Mustang Ford. She is scared and alone and running for her life. Luckily for her, Mustang runs faster. Once they meet in this whirlwind, feelings develop as they are dodging bullets and cars.

Mustang is a man who is just driving to work when his boss calls and put him in the path of Emily. He is enamored with this strong, independent woman right from the beginning. His protective instincts kick in right away and he wants her safe.

The whole book is centered on why someone wants Emily dead and staying ahead of the bad guy. If you are looking for a suspenseful, edge of your seat book, you must one click this book.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Full Force is book three in the Declan's Defenders Harlequin Intrigue series by Elle James. The story centers around a translator and the former Marine turned Declan's Defenders teammate who is sent to protect her in a bit of an opposites attract story.

Emily quickly became an intriguing character because the job she was leaving at the embassy seemed to be the catalyst to the danger she suddenly found herself in. Luckily she was friends with Grace who soon had her covered by the guys.

Frank (AKA Mustang) is a loyal guy who is all in to settling into this new venture he and the guys are branching out into. He jumps at the chance to help a friend of a friend and quickly has Emily's back.

I recommend this book and this entire series to anyone who enjoys lots of intrigue with blasts of romance, and overall a top-notch group of characters who are as close as close can be and out to aid in making life right. Looking forward to more to come in the series!

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan's Defenders to the rescue again! This time it is Frank "Mustang" Ford's turn to save the girl. Emily Chastain is a professor of the Russian language and part-time translator of Russian. After she finished a translation job for the Russian ambassador in Washington D.C. she is almost killed a couple times on her way home. She calls for help to her good friend Grace who works for Charlie Halverson, the benefactor of Declan's Defenders. Emily is routed to Charlie's mansion where Declan's Defenders have their headquaters. Mustang is tasked with the job of protecting Emily.

Full Force by Elle James is the third book in her Declan's Defenders series. So far all the books in this series have been great reads. This one is filled with lots of action and mystery. Emily doesn't know at first who is trying to kill her or why. The Defenders are really put to the test on this job. I really enjoyed that this was such a fast-paced story with very likeable characters.

[Candy Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily is a Russian translator. That wouldn't seem like anything dangerous, but when someone is trying to kill her, she has no idea what to do to survive. Luckily Declan’s Defenders are available to rescue her. When Frank gets to Emily just in time to protect her from being killed, she is grateful.
Now they just need to figure out what's going on! Three attempts on her life later, they manage to trace a connection back to the Russian embassy, but will they figure out who the bad guy is in time to save her life?

[Linda Ketter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What the heck is going on with all of these Russians? Utter craziness. What was in the report that was translated that sent the ambassador into a tizzy? So much Russian/American chaos. And Declan's Defenders are caught up in the middle of it. Will they figure it out before it's too late?

This adventure was a fun ride. We didn't see any of the political ramifications, but the mystery and intrigue kept me reading. And of course the love story.

[Cheryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Declan’s Defenders series and it features Mustang and Emily. These two were creating sparks from the moment they met. After a translation job at the Russian embassy, Emily fears for her life. Her friend Grace puts her in touch with Declan‘s Defenders and in turn Mustang.

The action and suspense are magnificent! The story line is fantastic, as are the characters. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about a neat storyline. We have Emily Chastin who had work at the Russian Embassy. Enter Mustang Ford who is sent to protect her. This is a great blend of mystery and action going on here. For the question is did she see something she shouldn't have? Or does she know something? Its a great one to read thru for Elle keeps you wondering thru the unique problems that keep cropping up. Its a great story and well written. Its worth a read. J

[Vicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can't see it, but my eyebrows are scrunched up in confusion. I... I think that the men in this series may really be TSTL. I'm not even going to comment on the women. The so-called 'Defenders'? Good grief... I'm not even sure that they could defend a tub of butter in a fridge in the depths of a secret cavern below the earth's surface... which has no way to get to it.

But, once again, I didn't hate it.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving the Interpreter

Great pace on Mustang and Emily's story. It was action packed. Mustang is in search of Grace's friend because she is in trouble. When he spots two cars and one is in a ditch, he knows he must hurry to help her. Emily can't believe all that has happened to her on this day. Now she is running for her life. Charlie will have Mustang keep her safe while all of Declan's Defenders figure things out.

[karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, never stop action, danger, mystery, greed, anger, and much more. Mustang is assigned to protect Emily when her life is in danger and people are trying to kill her. A Russian Ambassador goes ballistic after finding out his daughter is dating someone he does not approve of. The assistant ambassador has gone rogue. A human trafficking ordeal is going on. Explosions, death. Declan’s Defenders are bysy. Can the y save Emily?

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable read. The book is filled with danger, suspense, action and romance. Mustang and Emily are really good characters and I thought they had great chemistry. This is a very exciting book that will keep you guessing about what will happen next and rooting for this couple to get a HEA. I am posting a candid review of my own accord.

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great action packed story full of suspense and sexual attraction. Terrific characters with strong interactions and determination come together to solve the mystery and save innocent people. Fast read and hard to put down. Loved this book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book; all opinions expressed are my own.

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book and I chose to review it. I am a fan of Elle James and have been reading her for a long time. I know when I get one of her books I am going to get a great story. This is a winner. It is well written and the characters are wonderful. I couldn't put this one down. It is worth your time and effort. I don't do spoilers but I can tell you this one is awesome!!!

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read, it grabbed me from the beginning. What seemed an innocent job for a translator turned into a whole lot more. There is plenty of action as this woman flees for her life. Her knight in shining armour saves the day a few times. Will they both get to the end of the book alive. I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting story.