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Declan's Defenders #4
Driving Force
With no identity, memory or past…
She must trust a stranger in order to survive.
When a woman is caught shadowing the team leader of Declan’s Defenders, she slams right into the man’s protection detail—and a former elite Force Recon marine. Gus Walsh’s instincts tell him she is dangerous in more ways than one. Yet when he discovers that she is a Jane Doe with no memory of who she is or why someone is hunting her, the pair must team up to find answers. But there’s no guarantee they will survive the truth once the dust settles…
She must trust a stranger in order to survive.
When a woman is caught shadowing the team leader of Declan’s Defenders, she slams right into the man’s protection detail—and a former elite Force Recon marine. Gus Walsh’s instincts tell him she is dangerous in more ways than one. Yet when he discovers that she is a Jane Doe with no memory of who she is or why someone is hunting her, the pair must team up to find answers. But there’s no guarantee they will survive the truth once the dust settles…
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
183 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Elle James
498 books1,214 followersAward-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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 15, 2019
Driving Force by Elle James
4th book in the Declan’s Defender series by Harlequin Intrigue.
Jane Doe has escaped from torture in Syria and is hoping that Charlotte knows who she is. Gus doesn’t trust Jane but can’t resist the dark eyed beauty. As Declan’s Defenders work to figure out Jane’s history, the mystery of Charlotte’s husbands murder is slowly revealed.
Ongoing arc for the series, this story moves fast with non stop action. Jane is enterprising and creative in getting to Charlotte. Did I miss how she got the black dress to attend the party? Regardless, I certainly wouldn’t want to get in Jane’s way! But I sure would love to learn to fight like her.
Wouldn’t you like to be a fighting ninja?
4th book in the Declan’s Defender series by Harlequin Intrigue.
Jane Doe has escaped from torture in Syria and is hoping that Charlotte knows who she is. Gus doesn’t trust Jane but can’t resist the dark eyed beauty. As Declan’s Defenders work to figure out Jane’s history, the mystery of Charlotte’s husbands murder is slowly revealed.
Ongoing arc for the series, this story moves fast with non stop action. Jane is enterprising and creative in getting to Charlotte. Did I miss how she got the black dress to attend the party? Regardless, I certainly wouldn’t want to get in Jane’s way! But I sure would love to learn to fight like her.
Wouldn’t you like to be a fighting ninja?
November 1, 2024
I love Elle James and the formula she writes suits me just fine. These books are shorter than a normal romantic-suspense and that just means that they are non-stop action from the first page to the last. The Declan's Defenders Series has an over arching plot, but each book has it's own mystery/suspense/love story.
Jane Doe awakes, after being beaten, on the dirt floor in a cell in Syria with no idea who she is or how she got there. All she knows is she has to get out and fast. Jane is a very resourceful woman and she has no idea how she knows what she does and can do what she can do. She makes her way to the US and the mysterious Hebrew numbers tattooed on her wrist lead her to Charlie Halverson, and Declan's Defenders. They are highly suspicious of her, but soon realize that someone is out to kill her.
Gus Walsh, a dishonorably discharged Force Recon Marine, is grateful to Charlie to have a job and is willing to do anything to protect her, especially when a dark haired, dark eyed beauty approaches her at a gala. He knows better than to get involved with a woman who claims she doesn't know who she it, but his body isn't taking orders from his brain.
Jane Doe awakes, after being beaten, on the dirt floor in a cell in Syria with no idea who she is or how she got there. All she knows is she has to get out and fast. Jane is a very resourceful woman and she has no idea how she knows what she does and can do what she can do. She makes her way to the US and the mysterious Hebrew numbers tattooed on her wrist lead her to Charlie Halverson, and Declan's Defenders. They are highly suspicious of her, but soon realize that someone is out to kill her.
Gus Walsh, a dishonorably discharged Force Recon Marine, is grateful to Charlie to have a job and is willing to do anything to protect her, especially when a dark haired, dark eyed beauty approaches her at a gala. He knows better than to get involved with a woman who claims she doesn't know who she it, but his body isn't taking orders from his brain.
February 4, 2020
Terrific book that sucked me in from the beginning and kept me glued to the pages until the end. Jane woke in a small, cell-like room in Syria, beaten severely, and with no memory of who she is or why she is being tortured. An explosion enables her escape from the building. She believes she is an American, and using abilities she doesn't know the source of, makes her way back to the States. A tattoo on her wrist gives her hope that someone knows who she is.
Gus is one of Declan's Defenders, detailed to guard their benefactress at a charity gala. He is suspicious of a beautiful woman who then tries to take Charlotte "Charlie" Halverson away from her protectors. Though Jane gets away, she shows up again a short time later, this time lending a hand in saving Charlie from an attempted abduction. Grateful for the assistance, Charlie is intrigued by Jane's story and determined to help her. Gus isn't so sure and is determined to keep an eye on Jane.
I loved the blend of suspense and romance. There are sparks between Gus and Jane from the start. Gus isn't happy about it, as his suspicions war with his attraction. As the team looks into Jane's past, it becomes clear that someone is hunting her, and Gus finds his protective instincts kicking into high gear. Jane may be quite capable of taking care of herself, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to keep her safe. I liked seeing Gus's feelings about Jane change as he spent more time with her and got to know the woman beneath the kick-ass surface. I ached for Jane as her story unfolded, and for her horror at what she learned. I loved seeing how Gus and the others showed her that she was more than her past. I liked the twist at the end that allowed Gus and Jane to hope for a future together.
The suspense of the story was outstanding. There are two layers to the book. The first is discovering who Jane is, who is hunting her and why, and stopping them. The tattoo that sent her looking for Charlie showed that there was some connection with Charlie's late husband. There were some exciting twists and turns as more of John Halverson's secrets come to light. The intensity goes through the roof as the team learns of a planned attack on a preliminary hearing and races to stop it. I was on the edge of my seat as they faced off against the attackers. Jane and Gus had a final hurdle to overcome as they confronted a man whose voice she knew all too well. They got some unexpected help, and the revelation of the bad guy's identity answered a couple of questions. It also showed that there are more things to be discovered.
I loved Charlie's determination to continue John's work, and that Declan's Defenders will be right there with her. I can't wait to see what is next.
Gus is one of Declan's Defenders, detailed to guard their benefactress at a charity gala. He is suspicious of a beautiful woman who then tries to take Charlotte "Charlie" Halverson away from her protectors. Though Jane gets away, she shows up again a short time later, this time lending a hand in saving Charlie from an attempted abduction. Grateful for the assistance, Charlie is intrigued by Jane's story and determined to help her. Gus isn't so sure and is determined to keep an eye on Jane.
I loved the blend of suspense and romance. There are sparks between Gus and Jane from the start. Gus isn't happy about it, as his suspicions war with his attraction. As the team looks into Jane's past, it becomes clear that someone is hunting her, and Gus finds his protective instincts kicking into high gear. Jane may be quite capable of taking care of herself, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to keep her safe. I liked seeing Gus's feelings about Jane change as he spent more time with her and got to know the woman beneath the kick-ass surface. I ached for Jane as her story unfolded, and for her horror at what she learned. I loved seeing how Gus and the others showed her that she was more than her past. I liked the twist at the end that allowed Gus and Jane to hope for a future together.
The suspense of the story was outstanding. There are two layers to the book. The first is discovering who Jane is, who is hunting her and why, and stopping them. The tattoo that sent her looking for Charlie showed that there was some connection with Charlie's late husband. There were some exciting twists and turns as more of John Halverson's secrets come to light. The intensity goes through the roof as the team learns of a planned attack on a preliminary hearing and races to stop it. I was on the edge of my seat as they faced off against the attackers. Jane and Gus had a final hurdle to overcome as they confronted a man whose voice she knew all too well. They got some unexpected help, and the revelation of the bad guy's identity answered a couple of questions. It also showed that there are more things to be discovered.
I loved Charlie's determination to continue John's work, and that Declan's Defenders will be right there with her. I can't wait to see what is next.
June 14, 2023
A sexy little intrigue! And I do mean sexy. I was not prepared for that scene between Jane and Augustus.
This book was good but it had to build momentum. It wasn’t until the half way mark did I really become invested in the two characters. I liked the The DC setting and the fact that the heroine is an assassin.
The hero so protective of her, which I always love, but she is a trained killer I think she can handle herself.
Definitely would check out more from the author. So far this book is the only real spice I’ve seen from an intrigue.
This book was good but it had to build momentum. It wasn’t until the half way mark did I really become invested in the two characters. I liked the The DC setting and the fact that the heroine is an assassin.
The hero so protective of her, which I always love, but she is a trained killer I think she can handle herself.
Definitely would check out more from the author. So far this book is the only real spice I’ve seen from an intrigue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Wow, this book just opened with a bang. She wakes up in a smelly cell. She can't remember anything but she has been badly beaten. She manages to escape and make her way back to the US by hiding in a cargo ship. The symbol on her wrist gives her a clue as to her identity. She needs to speak with Charlotte (Charlie) Halverson. Yep, this is how the story just grabbed me in and wouldn't let go until I finished.
Charlie gives the woman the name of Jane Doe. Gus is tasked with protecting her (he doesn't trust her and is trying to protect the others by staying close to her.) Jane and Gus grow closer as the danger closes in. Can Gus and the Declan Defenders protect Jane? Who is Jane really? That and more questions seem to arise. Then the Trinity symbol tattooed on Jane's wrist matches the other Trinity symbols that have been appearing throughout the series. Will we finely find out what John Halverson (Charlie's deceased husband) was involved with?
This book was written in my favorite dual POV format. It was wonderful to see inside the characters' mind as they were going through and trying to unravel the tangled mess that they had fallen into. When Jane's identity was finally revealed, we see Jane struggle with the true as to who she really is. Gus also has some really great internal struggle when it happens as well.
This is slightly steamy but nothing in great detail. Still that may offend some so on that note I highly recommend to anyone over the age of 18. If you love romance with mystery and intrigue then this one is for you. I would also suggest to start at the beginning of the series to get a more thoroughly understanding of the plot in the series. This book can be read as a stand-alone but the other are great books as well.
Wow, this book just opened with a bang. She wakes up in a smelly cell. She can't remember anything but she has been badly beaten. She manages to escape and make her way back to the US by hiding in a cargo ship. The symbol on her wrist gives her a clue as to her identity. She needs to speak with Charlotte (Charlie) Halverson. Yep, this is how the story just grabbed me in and wouldn't let go until I finished.
Charlie gives the woman the name of Jane Doe. Gus is tasked with protecting her (he doesn't trust her and is trying to protect the others by staying close to her.) Jane and Gus grow closer as the danger closes in. Can Gus and the Declan Defenders protect Jane? Who is Jane really? That and more questions seem to arise. Then the Trinity symbol tattooed on Jane's wrist matches the other Trinity symbols that have been appearing throughout the series. Will we finely find out what John Halverson (Charlie's deceased husband) was involved with?
This book was written in my favorite dual POV format. It was wonderful to see inside the characters' mind as they were going through and trying to unravel the tangled mess that they had fallen into. When Jane's identity was finally revealed, we see Jane struggle with the true as to who she really is. Gus also has some really great internal struggle when it happens as well.
This is slightly steamy but nothing in great detail. Still that may offend some so on that note I highly recommend to anyone over the age of 18. If you love romance with mystery and intrigue then this one is for you. I would also suggest to start at the beginning of the series to get a more thoroughly understanding of the plot in the series. This book can be read as a stand-alone but the other are great books as well.
September 14, 2019
ARC for honest review with no compensation received from Prolific Works
Driving Force is book 4 in Declan’s Defenders series by Elle James, a standalone but reading the prior books gives you a better understanding of the series!
Augustus “Gus” Walsh, former elite Force Recon marine and part of Declan’s Defenders are attending a gala with Charlotte “Charlie” Halverson, their boss when he sees a beautiful, sexy woman in a black dress watching Charlie. Something tells him she is trouble and when she approaches Charlie and tries to usher Charlie out of the gala Gus is determined that is not going to happen...
A woman wakes up with no memory, been severely beaten, locked in a cell and in Syria but not knowing how or why...after an explosion takes down a wall in her cell she escapes and makes her way back to the US with her wits and a tattoo on her wrist leading her to Charlotte Halverson...name...Jane Doe...
What happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat, humorous, drama, action, suspense and will Gus and the team get to the bottom of who Jane really is??
Driving Force is book 4 in Declan’s Defenders series by Elle James, a standalone but reading the prior books gives you a better understanding of the series!
Augustus “Gus” Walsh, former elite Force Recon marine and part of Declan’s Defenders are attending a gala with Charlotte “Charlie” Halverson, their boss when he sees a beautiful, sexy woman in a black dress watching Charlie. Something tells him she is trouble and when she approaches Charlie and tries to usher Charlie out of the gala Gus is determined that is not going to happen...
A woman wakes up with no memory, been severely beaten, locked in a cell and in Syria but not knowing how or why...after an explosion takes down a wall in her cell she escapes and makes her way back to the US with her wits and a tattoo on her wrist leading her to Charlotte Halverson...name...Jane Doe...
What happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat, humorous, drama, action, suspense and will Gus and the team get to the bottom of who Jane really is??
December 7, 2019
This the 4th book in the Declan’s Defender series but I read it as a standalone. If the other books are as good as this one, I may have to read them too.
Jane doe woke up with no memories being held hostage in Syria. She knew she wasn’t from there. She thought she was from America. She was able to escape and make her way to the states. When she had too, she could kick some butt. This book was excellent with suspense, action and romance. I loved the Declan Defenders team in this book. They were good at what they did, and always had each other’s backs. I also loved Charlotte. She had hired Declan Defenders for personal security after her husband was murdered. She had no problem putting people in their place. She also had a heart of gold. I loved this book!
Jane doe woke up with no memories being held hostage in Syria. She knew she wasn’t from there. She thought she was from America. She was able to escape and make her way to the states. When she had too, she could kick some butt. This book was excellent with suspense, action and romance. I loved the Declan Defenders team in this book. They were good at what they did, and always had each other’s backs. I also loved Charlotte. She had hired Declan Defenders for personal security after her husband was murdered. She had no problem putting people in their place. She also had a heart of gold. I loved this book!
September 14, 2019
I thought this was a terrific read . The story is very suspenseful and really keeps you guessing. There are so many unanswered questions surrounding Jane and getting those answers takes the reader one epic thrill ride! I loved the cat and mouse feel to Gus and Jane's romance. I felt that their slowly simmering attraction that eventually exploded into sizzling chemistry added a wonderful feeling of tension and anticipation to the book. A cleverly crafted tale of mystery, action, drama, danger, twists, adventure, intrigue, excitement, surprises and romance. Of my own accord I am posting an impartial review.
November 11, 2023
Getting interesting, intriguing, mysterious. Jane has been through a lot with the death if her parents, being kidnapped as a child and trained for devious means. Gus was raised in foster care honestly and had a undesirable childhood. Declan’s Defender’s and husband Recon brother saved themselves as well as those in need. But, the trinity symbol is a menace and after Jane who had amnesia is marked for death. The mystery and John’s secret mission involving Jane continues. Read on. Lot of non stop action .
September 23, 2019
Interesting story, good series with solid characters. A few surprises you didn't see coming. One very minor irritating thing though.
In almost every chapter, it's "Declan's Defenders", this, "Declan's Defenders" that, I get he's the group's leader, but mentioning them as "Declan's Defenders" is like a cross between a bunch of twelve year olds in a treehouse club, and a washed up has been British rock star, who refers to himself in the third person.
In almost every chapter, it's "Declan's Defenders", this, "Declan's Defenders" that, I get he's the group's leader, but mentioning them as "Declan's Defenders" is like a cross between a bunch of twelve year olds in a treehouse club, and a washed up has been British rock star, who refers to himself in the third person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2023
Searching for Answers
Gus has a great story! We learn so much more of his life. While escorting Charlie, he defends her from a black haired beauty. He does not trust her at all! She has lost her long term memory and of her short term memory she only knows she was held captive and beaten in Syria. This woman Charlie, she hopes can give her the answers she seeks. So much is revealed.
Gus has a great story! We learn so much more of his life. While escorting Charlie, he defends her from a black haired beauty. He does not trust her at all! She has lost her long term memory and of her short term memory she only knows she was held captive and beaten in Syria. This woman Charlie, she hopes can give her the answers she seeks. So much is revealed.
September 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this story! It was well written and I really enjoyed the intrigue of figuring out who Jane was. This story is smooth and keeps you reading with the twists and turns as we try and figure out who Jane is and what her connection is to the Halversons. This is the fourth book in the series and while it can be a stand alone for full enjoyment, I would recommend reading the previous books. There is some action in this story as people keep attacking though Declan's defenders don't know why. I enjoyed the characters a lot and loved getting to see ones from the previous stories again. Overall, this was an entertaining read for me that I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 3, 2019
I loved reading this one
This series from Elle James is awesome. With a great story and strong characters both hero and heroine you just have to read it yourself. I love books where the story feels real and that I imagine this could happen in the real world.
This series from Elle James is awesome. With a great story and strong characters both hero and heroine you just have to read it yourself. I love books where the story feels real and that I imagine this could happen in the real world.
October 5, 2019
This was a fantastic book. Elle James really knows how to make an interesting story. Seeing what Jane Doe went through and how Gus doubted her and protected Charlie from her was wonderful reading. Can't get enough of this series!
October 8, 2019
Exciting story
I’m really enjoying these books in the Declan’s Defenders series. This one was chock full of action and intrigue! The romance was sweet and hot. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
I’m really enjoying these books in the Declan’s Defenders series. This one was chock full of action and intrigue! The romance was sweet and hot. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
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October 1, 2019Categories
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Declan’s Defenders (Book #4)
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Declan’s Defenders (Book #4)
December 23, 2019
Love romantic suspense!
Kept me interested. I really like the way Elle James writes and have found all of her books that I have read to be most entertaining.
Kept me interested. I really like the way Elle James writes and have found all of her books that I have read to be most entertaining.
January 18, 2023
Loved the book and am going to look on line for the rest of theseries.
March 20, 2023
great story
Like how the characters interacted with each each other. Story flowed well. No slow areas. I enjoyed the action very much
Like how the characters interacted with each each other. Story flowed well. No slow areas. I enjoyed the action very much
August 12, 2023
I think that this is a good summer read. Nothing too crazy happened in this book, but it was a quick read.
October 2, 2019
Jane wakes up on the dirt floor of a hut. Not knowing where she is, how she got there, or even her name Jane vows to escape. When an explosion rocks the hut, Jane is able to pick her beaten body up off the ground and run. While on the run, Jane notices a tattoo on her wrist that appears to be coordinates. Jane stows away on a boat, makes it stateside, and heads to her destination-Charlie Halverson’s house hoping to finally find out who she is. Realizing she’ll never make it by security (Declan’s Defenders), she devises another plan...
Gus, a former Recon Force Marine, has joined his former teammates as a Declan’s Defender. Tasked with guarding Charlie during a benefit ball, Gus spies a possible threat to Charlie. Charlie is almost “kidnapped” by Jane. With the attempt thwarted, Gus makes it out the back door with Charlie when they are attacked again. This time, Jane comes to Charlie’s aid. Although Charlie trusts Jane and vows to help her, Gus doesn’t trust her. In order to keep Charlie safe, Gus has been assigned to “guard” Jane while the Defenders figure out who she really is and why someone is trying to kill her.
This is book 4 in the Declan’s Defenders series. Although each novel can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading this series in order. The overall theme focuses on the Trinity Syndicate and the extent of Mr. Halverson’s involvement. I think this is by far the best novel in the series-so far! It’s suspenseful, realistic, mysterious, romantic, and funny. I LOVE that Jane is strong, not a pushover. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Gus, a former Recon Force Marine, has joined his former teammates as a Declan’s Defender. Tasked with guarding Charlie during a benefit ball, Gus spies a possible threat to Charlie. Charlie is almost “kidnapped” by Jane. With the attempt thwarted, Gus makes it out the back door with Charlie when they are attacked again. This time, Jane comes to Charlie’s aid. Although Charlie trusts Jane and vows to help her, Gus doesn’t trust her. In order to keep Charlie safe, Gus has been assigned to “guard” Jane while the Defenders figure out who she really is and why someone is trying to kill her.
This is book 4 in the Declan’s Defenders series. Although each novel can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading this series in order. The overall theme focuses on the Trinity Syndicate and the extent of Mr. Halverson’s involvement. I think this is by far the best novel in the series-so far! It’s suspenseful, realistic, mysterious, romantic, and funny. I LOVE that Jane is strong, not a pushover. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
September 15, 2019
Book 4 of the Declan's Defenders series is another action packed, can't put it down, page turning romance. Jane Doe finds herself beaten up in a Syrian jail. She has total amnesia about herself, but realizes that she understands Russian, Arabic and speaks with an American accent. On her wrist, she finds a peculiar tattoo of a trident, below which are Hebrew letters that she deducts are being used as numbers to give longitude and latitude. She doesn't know why, but she has kickass skills and when an explosion knocks down a wall, escapes from the jail and manages to make her way to a port city, stowaway on a container ship back to America, and get to a library to use a computer to figure out the location shown on the tattoo. The location is the home of Charlotte Halverson, who is protected by Declan's Defenders. So Jane then figures out a way to get into a gala that Charlotte is attending, and tries to find out some answers, but is stopped by Gus Walsh, who had had his eyes on her from the minute he saw her. But Charlotte believes her and takes her into her home to help her find out the truth. Another attack, but is it Charlotte or Jane that is the target?
I read a free ARC. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I read a free ARC. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
September 21, 2019
Another edge-of-your-seat book in this series!
Driving Force is the fourth book in the Declan's Defenders series but you can read it as a standalone with no problem. For best enjoyment of this book, though, I recommend reading the series in order.
"Jane Doe" is captured by Declan's Defenders after she is caught stalking the group's wealthy benefactor, Charlie Halverson. Jane has no memory of who she is and it's up to the DD's to help find out who she is and until they do, they are not going to trust her.
Gus is assigned to Jane to make sure she doesn't bolt and run away from them. The more time they spend together the more he begins to trust her and, of course, fall for her.
Like the other books in this series, it starts off full of action and doesn't stop until the end. The ongoing mystery that's been woven throughout this series is revealed more and more in this book. While the romantic arc for Gus and Jane has an HFN, there are still unanswered questions concerning the mystery.
Driving Force kept me engaged from start to finish. I'm not sure how many others are planned for the series but I hope this one is not the last.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Driving Force is the fourth book in the Declan's Defenders series but you can read it as a standalone with no problem. For best enjoyment of this book, though, I recommend reading the series in order.
"Jane Doe" is captured by Declan's Defenders after she is caught stalking the group's wealthy benefactor, Charlie Halverson. Jane has no memory of who she is and it's up to the DD's to help find out who she is and until they do, they are not going to trust her.
Gus is assigned to Jane to make sure she doesn't bolt and run away from them. The more time they spend together the more he begins to trust her and, of course, fall for her.
Like the other books in this series, it starts off full of action and doesn't stop until the end. The ongoing mystery that's been woven throughout this series is revealed more and more in this book. While the romantic arc for Gus and Jane has an HFN, there are still unanswered questions concerning the mystery.
Driving Force kept me engaged from start to finish. I'm not sure how many others are planned for the series but I hope this one is not the last.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
September 11, 2019
I found this book to be very interesting. It had all the elements of a great story but most of all the book just made you feel. It made you feel what the characters were feeling and also how you would feel if you were in the situation that Jane was in.
Jane is a woman who can't remember anything about her life. She wakes up in a cage, not knowing how she got there or who she is. All she knows is she has to survive. Reading about the things that she does and how she starts to put pieces together about who she is was amazing to read. It was like watching a puzzle come together.
Gus has very strong feelings towards Jane when he first meets her and its not all the good kind. He doesn't trust her at all and goes out of his way to show this. While I understood his reasoning, this made my heart hurt. However once they start to learn about each other and begin to trust each other, Gus's feelings change.
The suspense was on point!! The twists and turns were amazing. I hope there will be more in this series!!
Jane is a woman who can't remember anything about her life. She wakes up in a cage, not knowing how she got there or who she is. All she knows is she has to survive. Reading about the things that she does and how she starts to put pieces together about who she is was amazing to read. It was like watching a puzzle come together.
Gus has very strong feelings towards Jane when he first meets her and its not all the good kind. He doesn't trust her at all and goes out of his way to show this. While I understood his reasoning, this made my heart hurt. However once they start to learn about each other and begin to trust each other, Gus's feelings change.
The suspense was on point!! The twists and turns were amazing. I hope there will be more in this series!!
September 19, 2019
I have loved this entire series and this fourth book is no different each story is self contained but to get the full impact I would recommend that you read them, all in order You won't be sorry that you did
Charlie Halverston is the benefactor of Declan's Defenders she is the one that pays their bills allowing them to do there work so when she has to attend a gala you can bet at least one of them attends as a bodyguard and this time it is Augustus “Gus” Walsh to do the honours. So when he sees a stunning woman in a black dress watching Charlie he is instantly alert and when that woman tries to get Charlie away from the gala yes well that isn't happening. When they discover that the woman has escaped from a Syria and has no memory of who she is but may know something about the death of Charlie husband they will endeavour to get to the truth Meanwhile Gus is fighting an attraction to the Jane Doe even if he thinks she can't be trusted Will they get answers will they find out who she is and will her an Gus get a HEA You will need to read to see
Charlie Halverston is the benefactor of Declan's Defenders she is the one that pays their bills allowing them to do there work so when she has to attend a gala you can bet at least one of them attends as a bodyguard and this time it is Augustus “Gus” Walsh to do the honours. So when he sees a stunning woman in a black dress watching Charlie he is instantly alert and when that woman tries to get Charlie away from the gala yes well that isn't happening. When they discover that the woman has escaped from a Syria and has no memory of who she is but may know something about the death of Charlie husband they will endeavour to get to the truth Meanwhile Gus is fighting an attraction to the Jane Doe even if he thinks she can't be trusted Will they get answers will they find out who she is and will her an Gus get a HEA You will need to read to see
October 1, 2019
Once again Elle James has kept me anchored to my seat, held hostage by one of her books. Driving Force is a phenomenal romantic suspense. I love the characters in this well-written book. Jane can't remember why she's being beaten or how she knows different languages, she just knows she has to find her way back to the United States. When Jane approaches Charlotte, Declan's Defenders move in to protect Charlotte. Gus appoints himself Janes guard until they know she doesn't plan to harm Charlie. Gus and Jane's story is fast-paced and loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Driving Force is book 4 of the Declan's Defenders Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Prolific Works. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Prolific Works. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 14, 2019
I really like this series. Gus is watching over Charlie at a party when he spies a beautiful woman watching Charlie. He knows she is up to something. Jane wakes up in a cell in Syria and knows she can't endure any more torture. She doesn't remember who she is, but she knows she has to escape before they kill her. She does escape, but she doesn't know where to go. Who is she and where did she come from? As she makes her way to the US, she has an idea that there is one person who can help her. Maybe they will know who she is. When Jane tries to talk to Charlie, her bodyguard try to stop her. She is a force to be reckoned with. How did she learn that? When Charlie decides to help Jane find her identity, Gus is to look out for her. Gus is trying to keep Charlie safe from Jane and Jane just feels safe for a change. Who is she really? Is she a danger to everyone? Or is she a victim?
September 13, 2019
Jane is one kickass, sexy & scarily capable female! I wanna be her when I grow up.
All Jane can remember is the torture she was subjected too. She has a ream of "talents", all of the spy type. She makes it back to the US and seeks out the one person she thinks can help her. Charlie. Yes, out Charlie is about to find out a whole lot more about her husbands off-book adventures.
Gus has a hard time accepting Jane's story. Anyone can pretend to have manesia and Jane is a deadly weapon, even without any weapons. He is not about to trust Charlie's safety around her. Pity Charlie didn't get the same memo!
I loved finding out more about Charlie and John's life before he passed away. Secret units, secret missions, a cabal looking for world domination. There is plenty here to keep you occupied. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Jane and Gus, even when they are denying it to themselves!
All Jane can remember is the torture she was subjected too. She has a ream of "talents", all of the spy type. She makes it back to the US and seeks out the one person she thinks can help her. Charlie. Yes, out Charlie is about to find out a whole lot more about her husbands off-book adventures.
Gus has a hard time accepting Jane's story. Anyone can pretend to have manesia and Jane is a deadly weapon, even without any weapons. He is not about to trust Charlie's safety around her. Pity Charlie didn't get the same memo!
I loved finding out more about Charlie and John's life before he passed away. Secret units, secret missions, a cabal looking for world domination. There is plenty here to keep you occupied. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Jane and Gus, even when they are denying it to themselves!
September 15, 2019
Once more the DeClan Defenders are on a mission. But it is when a young woman doesn't remember who is she after she is beaten and put in a cell to die. But she gets out and steals food and get aboard a ship. When she finds the tattoo mean and leads her to DeClan Defenders and Mrs. Halverson. She is hiding in the shadows of a gala and just wants to talk to Mrs. Halverson Gus gets her chased off. There is an emergency alarm pulled and they go out the back door and trouble starts. She helps to save Mrs. Halverson ( Charlie ) . Charlie tells her where to go and there pick her up to talk. They put zip ties on her and Gus to keep and eye on her. It gets really intriguing and from here to the end. I love Driving Force it was a book I couldn't put down. It will keep you rolling along with the action. I highly reccomend Elle James books if you like intriguing suspense with a little romance in it.
September 18, 2019
This is book 4 in the Declan’s Defenders series and it features Gus and Jane. The team is trying to dig deeper into what Charlie’s husband was involved in. There’s a new player on the board but she has amnesia. They named her Jane Doe and Gus is assigned to watch her. Friend or foe, nobody knows...yet. Jane is pretty bad a&& and has a heart of gold. Their attraction is slow burning until they can’t resist any longer. Charlie seems to be the one person in each book that knows deep in her heart who is good and who isn’t.
The Trinity Syndicate is now the main focus of Charlie and Declan‘s Defenders. The story line is fantastic and the characters are amazing! This book is full of action, adventure, romance and intrigue. The twists and turns are shocking and totally unexpected. The plot twists just keep outdoing the previous ones. The series gets better and more exciting as each book is completed. BRAVO!
The Trinity Syndicate is now the main focus of Charlie and Declan‘s Defenders. The story line is fantastic and the characters are amazing! This book is full of action, adventure, romance and intrigue. The twists and turns are shocking and totally unexpected. The plot twists just keep outdoing the previous ones. The series gets better and more exciting as each book is completed. BRAVO!
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