Defender

Seattle Sharks #9

by Samantha Whiskey

I’m the Seattle Shark’s Defender.
Lightning on the ice with a dedication to my team no one can shake.
At least, I thought so.
Before her.

Harper Thompson.
Gorgeous. Awkward. Genius.
She’s developing a new helmet that will revolutionize safety standards
And I’ve just volunteered to be her personal guinea pig.
My reasoning lies in my past and who I lost…
And who this helmet could still save.

Her mouth drives me wild and her mind brings me to my knees.
But she’s moving across the country, and I bleed Seattle Shark green.
The ticking time bomb can’t stop the electricity between us, or the fact that my heart wants her more than the jersey on my back.

My contract and her lab are on the line if we’re discovered.
One mistake and we’ll both lose everything we’ve ever worked for.
But success means walking away from the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Harper Thompson’s the one hit I never saw coming.

Genres: Hockey, Sports Romance, Sports, Romance, Hockey Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 17, 2019

About the author

Samantha Whiskey is a wife, mom, lover of her dogs and romance novels. No stranger to hockey, hot alpha males, and a high dose of awkwardness, she tucks herself away to write books her PTA will never know about.

To keep up to date with her latest sexy little reads, join her mailing list!
http://eepurl.com/bSQRWr

Reviews

[Katerina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Implied that neither of them have been with anyone post meeting.

She has had good sex, hurray, no repressed virgins here. Never had a boyfriend. Socially awkward and brilliantly smart. I love those H/h’s. They’re refreshingly blunt in their honesty. He on the other hand is also incredibly career focussed like her, and hasn’t been with anyone in a while.

She has a once in a lifetime job opportunity waiting for her in May on the opposite side of the country if she completes an experimental testing of protective gear and impact damages caused in sports. However, she hasn’t been given the green light yet so she and the H make an agreement that she put sensors in his helmet alone to gather data. It’s illegal, dangerous considering it alters the equipment, and can ruin his contract. The hero has his reasons for agreeing. During that time they fall in love.

What really annoyed me was her disregard for his safety. At the beginning it was fine, smaller tests. Then it came to the insert and whilst the insert was actually safer — even geniuses make mistakes and she left herself liable.

[Diana R. Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok wait...

I just had an epiphany that I should have read this series before I tried to read the other! This was my favorite of the nine and I can’t wait to learn about the others!!

[Dela · Rating 3 out of 5]

And so it comes to an end.. kinda?

I gotta be honest I might have to reread this one. I didn't enjoy this book as much as all the other books in this series. Thats why I might have to reread it later because for 1: I really want to read Axel and 2: I knew this book was setting up for Axel and I wanted to read this not to finish the series but so I could start the other one... in short I didn't really give this book a fair chance.

Don't get me wrong I liked the couple but I wasn't invested... well at least not not in them.

Harper grew a lot in this book and that was awesome which is why I wanted to punch Nobels brother but you have to read to know why because spoilers.

Nobel was all right I guess, he was funny in the beginning but I felt like we didn't see his personality after getting with Harper. I felt like the guy we saw in the last 2 books wasn't the same guy In this one. I can tell you all about Harper as an individual but Nobel was really just all about Harper after the 40% mark.

It was good. Not bad. Not great.

I definitely have to do a reread, later though lol

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defender is the 9th Book in the Seattle Sharks series and this book is like winning the Stanley Cup of Hockey romances. Nathan and Harper have a chemistry so electric that you will continue to get zapped from the static electricity these two produce at every turn of the page. Their story is emotional, overflowing with heart, soul and passion. This book will have you jumping out of your seat, like you do with a game winning goal as you feel every sensation that Nathan and Harper experience as the countdown begins. This book will make you smile, shed a tear and will heat you up so much that you should not be anywhere near an ice rink for fear of melting the ice. If there was a couple from this series that totally stole my heart, it was definitely these two.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋

Brilliant!
just Brilliant!

[Melissa Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Nathan and Harper together. They fit perfectly together. On to the next!

[Michal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnf 43%

All the above

[Lea Bookjoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

French & English reviews

Le dernier livre de nos très chers Sharks =D

Une romance comme d'habitude légère (le voyage en Suède =D) et sexy (Nathan <3) mais avec un côté peut-être un peu plus sérieux ici (notamment avec le sujet de la sécurité des joueurs de hockey et des risques de trauma crânien ...).
Les deux personnages étaient adorables ensemble (la scène près du lac de ses parents <3) mais aussi plein de dramas (MAIS C'EST QUOI CE FRÈRE SÉRIEUX ??!!)
Je dois avouer que ça m'a fait bizarre de lire la fin parce que ça fait vraiment fin d'une époque (notamment avec le départ de certains mais aussi de réaliser que Gage et les autres ont vieilli !!) mais j'ai aimé avoir cette fin finalement très réaliste sur le monde du sport !

Bref, un dernier tome qui conclue une série à dévorer sans modération, surtout pour les fans de romance mignonne et avec des sportifs (même si je n'ai pas lu tous les tomes, ceux que j'ai lu, je les ai dévoré !)

PS : Ohhh la Suède <3 Tome d'Axel à lire immédiatement après ça vu qu'il y a beaucoup trop de références, notamment la fin mais aussi le début =D (je pense que je vais le relire du coup ><)
PS2 : je veux un tome avec Silas =D


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The last book of our dearest Sharks =D

A romance as usual light (the trip to Sweden =D) and sexy (Nathan <3) but with a side perhaps a little more serious here (especially with the subject of the safety of hockey players and the risks of head trauma ...).
The two characters were adorable together (the scene near the lake of his parents <3) but also full of dramas (SERIOUSLY HIS BROTHER ??!!)
I must admit that it was weird to read the end because it really marks the end of an era (especially with the departure of some but also when I realize that Gage and the others have aged !!) but I liked to have this ending finally very realistic on the world of sport !

In short, a last book which concludes a series to devour without moderation, especially for sport and cute romances fans (even if I have not read all the books, I devoured them those I have read !)

PS: Ohhh Sweden <3 Axel book to read immediately after that since there are too many references, especially the end but also the beginning =D (I think I'll reread it soon ><)
PS2: I want a book with Silas =D

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is the book that connects the Sharks to the Reapers (which I had already read), so I knew who was going to be moving over, but man...it was painful seeing the players go through that stress. It didn't help that the owner is a huge douche and anyone would want to get away from him.

Nathan and Harper were so cute together. I liked that both seemed smitten with each other from the start and developed a crush while they were in Sweden. Harper's work on the helmets really fit with something that Nathan cared about as well. I'm glad that I already read Nixon's book, because him in this one, well to say he's an ass is putting it mildly. I really wanted to throat punch him at the end with how he treated Harper.

I really liked the last bit with Gage and Bailey, it was a great transition between the two books.

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defender by Samantha Whisky is a hockey sports romance that follows the story of Nathan and Harper. This is the ninth and currently final book in the Seattle Sharks series.

Nathan and Harper have both had a painful past, but they are both working towards helping others. With Harper’s work in creating a new helmet and Nathan’s willingness to be her crash test dummy, they are collectively working to help others in the future.

This story starts off with a fake relationship that blossoms into real love.

Really love that this story is the connector to the other series - Caroline Reapers and Raleigh Raptors, cause I really wasn’t ready to finish off this world.

This story ticks the sports romance box and adds in opposites attraction and fake relationship.

[Laurel Nilsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defender is book 9 in The Seattle Shark series and is swoon worthy. This book will leave you with a smile and a sigh. Nathan and Harper light the pages on fire and will leave you hanging by a thread to see if everything will work out in the end. Definitely a 5 star read, this series by Samantha Whiskey just get better and better.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like hockey romance books. This one was interesting because of equipment development and the R&D was done by a female scientist.
My criticism would be the number of characters that didn't seem to need to be in the book. They must carry into a series?? for future but seems awkward in this book.

I love Charleston 😍 look forward to more.

[Crazychriss889 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book boyfriend.
Great female lead.

Miss Whiskey just knows how to write great stories...

Super in love with her series and this installment.

This is one of the books in which two series of her connect: the Sharks in Seattle and Silas' new team in Charleston. Loved to see glimpses of Harper's big bro.

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved Nathan and Harper. They were such a great couple. But I think what I love about this series is that the secondary relationships and dynamics are also so much fun. Ending the series with this couple, I'm so tempted to dive into the NFL romance series that starts with Nixon.

[Solara! · Rating 5 out of 5]

im gonna miss them sm☹️

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hot hockey player + a sexy, brainy nerd + thru the roof chemistry = can’t get much better than this

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s fun watching these hockey player characters come together. Good read.

[Kathleen Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

Hi BookLovers,

I know. I know! Please don't be mad at me. I know most of the books I've read I either give them 4 stars or 5 but seldom below 3. I really have types of books that I know will get 3 and below from me but for the books that I like or love to read I make sure to give it MORE credit and my stars are also for the Author's hard work and for their amazing job!

So can't blame for being......ME!

I might have a weird way of reading this series but I really like Nathan Noble and Harper Thomson's story. They know they have chemistry from the beginning and Harper's straight forward is refreshing and I like her beauty with brain character. And, Nathan? Good Lord Help me Hockey Player is just to hot for me to ignore.

Btw, overall this book is amazing and I love it!

Highly Recommended! :)

[Black Ink Riot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished a re-read of this after going back through most of this series before I re-read the Reapers.

I absolutely loved Harper and Nathan’s story. This is an example of the genius nerd girl trope done right. Probably the best in all I’ve read. Harper was legit bc you could tell that the science and tech innovation behind this story was well researched and explained when necessary, BUT wasn’t overused in that I aM sO SmArT way that so many other recent romance books about science / innovation / labs have.

And Harper was made real in that her genius was grounded in passionate curiosity and the reality of living more in her head than in this world. And she wasn’t obnoxiously QUIRKY, throwing around the stereotypical STEM and Sci-Fi lingo and topical memes that so many authors do now. She ACTUALLY was authentic as an individual and “not like the other girls” because she wasn’t written like a caricature of a genius, but was actually shown as one.

Now - on to my one complaint. And hear me out because after how amazing this book was and all that it was building up to —> the ending was just phoned in and it killed the whole book.

The problem with all of Whiskey’s books, is that there is never any discussion of the third act drama / conflict between the MMCs. There are only a few sentences that wrap it up as if the problem has magically disappeared and then the man usually just waxes poetic about how much he loves her and bam, end of story.

There needs to be more discussion between the two. Particularly in this story. Nixon confessed to Nathan, but none of this was explained to Harper. But then Nathan and Harper have about a paragraph discussing this with nothing explained between the two, and bam - 1.5 pages later, the book is over.

Seriously - hold the fuck up. Give the MMCs space on the page to work through the problem, the subsequent emotions, don’t wrap up every problem with these magical solutions and please, give them a few scenes of reconnecting and settling back into each other before you just end the book.

And this book doesn’t need groveling per se, but so many of the other ones do. Like Connor and Ivy’s story.

Every single one of her books would be so much better if all wasn’t solved with a non-discussion and then having more space before the book abruptly ends.

[READ ME ROMANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defender is book 9 in a series about a professional hockey team, the Seattle Sharks, but can be read as a standalone. I personally love revisiting the other players and their wives or significant others and where they are at this point in their lives and can proudly say I’ve read and recommend every book.

This book features Nathan, who plays the position of defender on the team. After years of practicing and being 100% committed to the sport, he is finally called up to play in the pros. I love his appreciation of this gift and the fact that he isn’t a cocky player, both on or off the ice. He is a wonderful, considerate, vulnerable, and sweet man who also happens to be built like a brick house and is super sexy!

Our heroine, Harper, was featured in the previous book, and is not only super sweet as well, but a true genius! Already rocking a doctorial degree, she is working on earning her second one, and is dedicating her life to helping others by creating a better helmet for all athletes. This is personal for her as her niece suffers from a concussion, and it’s personal for Nathan as well. You will cry and just want to hug Nathan when he talks about the death of his younger brother due to a head injury that was caused by an accident on the ice.

When these two join forces, I love the character development, their energy and drive. They slowly get to know one another and I like the fact that the author makes this a priority. After spending time together, they’re not strangers, they know each other better than their own families know them, but her moving across the country in the near future to put her research into practice is holding them back. They both want to support each other’s career goals, but it’s hard when you are falling in love…

They are naturally drawn to each other, can’t resist, and their sexy times are super explosive! I love how smitten they are with each other, and how awkward it is for her at times. There are several really funny moments too!

This book has several twists and turns as they try and navigate gaining the information she needs to proceed with her research, knowing that it can get him fired. I love how supportive Nathan is, and his interactions with his own parents and brother, a professional football player, and how they all need to heal, too, from their devastating loss.

The end is a nice surprise with all the feels and these two finally get their HEA, even after a major misunderstanding and life takes them into a direction that they didn’t expect.
The Epilogue is perfect and is told from Gage McPherson’s point of view (his story is the first one in the Shark series). He recently retired from the Sharks and is now the head coach of a new hockey team in Charleston, SC! Oh no, what is to come Samantha?

Even though this book is about professional athletes, it doesn’t overpower the book or the others in this series. Each book is about following your dreams, friendships, balancing work and family, and finding your one true love.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read all 9 books in two days, and my brain is so consumed with Seattle Sharks hockey that I don't know how to function normally anymore. Some of the books were truly rough for me because I didn't enjoy the love story aspect, but I've loved the hockey parts in every single book. The Seattle Sharks have become family and reading about all of them together up until the bittersweet conclusion has been like a cozy hug. I have my favorites, and while I'm sad about what has happened with the Sharks, I can say I'm glad for how everything turned out going into the Reapers series. Samantha Whiskey writes like a hockey fan who decided to write romance books and they are like drugs.

Personal rankings of the series:
1. Bruiser
2. Wheeler
3. Defender
4. Rookie
5. Skater
6. Blocker
7. Grinder
8. Enforcer
9. Winger

Personal rankings of the MMCs:
1. Lukas (Wheeler)
2. Porter (Bruiser)
3. Gage (Grinder)
4. Noble (Defender)
5. Bentley (Rookie)
6. Connor (Skater)
7. Eric (Blocker)
8. Warren (Winger)
9. Rook (Enforcer)

My favorite FMC was Shea from Bruiser by far.

[The Weekly Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to conclude a series what can I say. This series previously included Grinder, Enforcer, Winger, Rookie, Blocker, Skater, Bruiser and Wheeler. Okay so I accidentally read Axel first and let me tell you how upset I am that I did that because the book makes so much more sense now and I wish I had waited until I had read the rest of the series though it is technically a stand alone. Anyway, Nathan and Harper were so cute and this was a perfect couple to end the series with. Which is honestly crazy though that I'm discussing the fact that the series is over, I feel like I just met Gage and Bailey. Oh well though all good things must come to an end and let me just say that this series has really been incredible and so thought out and planned and just amazing so I bow down to Samantha Whiskey on this one. The point of this book too was so timely and I'm so glad that the idea of head injuries was really brought to light it's so important in modern day sports. It was also just handled so well here and I really liked how full circle the book was because it really concluded the series on a strong note. I think the only reason that this book isn't a 5 for me is because personally I really hate change and unfortunately change was looming over this entire book. From the fact that they were discussing the expansion draft to the definitive end date on their relationship. It was just honestly very bitter sweet in that I'm excited for Harper and Nathan and I thought they had a great story and I'm excited for the Carolina Reapers stories but it was sad to see most of the old team go and I know this is a completely personal thing for me but it still hurt just a little. Anyway still a great book and I give it 4 cups of tea! Now I'm off to reread Axel now that it will make more sense lol. - Hannah

Check out our blog!: https://theweeklyromance.home.blog/

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment they met Nathan Noble knew there was something special about Harper Thompson. She is slightly awkward, always has her nose in a book, has a heart of gold, and a body made for sin... even if she doesn't know it. On paper they have nothing in common, but that doesn't stop him from checking her out every chance he gets, or creating reasons to spend more time with her. When he learns of a new project she is working on, and that she could use his expertise, he wants to jump at the chance to help her out... but doing so could cost him everything he loves. And hockey will always be his first love, or will it?

Between the pages of Defender readers will find a steamy little opposites attract tale that will have their toes curling and their swoon meter on high alert! These two are about as different as two love birds could be, but the chemistry they share proves that love knows no bounds. As soon as I met them I knew I was in for a treat, they had be smiling in a matter of minutes and it just continued to get better from there. Nobody does hockey romance quite like Ms. Whiskey, her stories are one of a kind, and her characters are unforgettable. Once again she has created a gem of a story that has left my heart happy, and anxious for more! Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it's captivating, emotional, and good on the heart!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Whitney Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seattle Sharks #9

I have read all of the Seattle Sharks books and I swear they just get better every time. This book is the story of Nathan Noble and Harper Thompson. Nathan is the defenseman for the Sharks and Harper is a genius. Harper is developing a new insert for helmets to protect against concussions and Nathan chooses to be her test subject. Both characters have personal reasons for wanting these protective inserts. In a lot of ways these two characters are complete opposites. I loved how they balanced each other out. I think Nathan has been one of my favorite Sharks. He's not the cocky playboy like so many of the others were. He's sweet and down to earth. Romantic. Harper is hilarious in how clinical and methodical she is. She approaches everything with scientific reasoning. She doesn't believe in love or marriage, that it's only a chemical reaction. I love how the author changed Harper, but made it a slow transition, instead of a BAM! moment. This story was definitely one of my favorites. The chemistry between the two leads was palpable. I could feel this book.

If you haven't read this book (yes you can read it as a standalone) I highly recommend starting this series from the beginning. It's a really great series. I'm hoping the next book is Langley and Axel's!! Even better, bring on the Carolina Reapers series! Asher Silas, Nathan's brother Nixon. I would definitely read their books too.

[Pauline Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think Samantha Whiskey and her Seattle Sharks series can't get any better, Defender appears!

Harper a sometimes socially awkward genius, has the job of a lifetime waiting. All she has to do is finish her most recent research. Research that allows the manufacture of state of the art sport's safety equipment.

Nathan Noble has a very personal reason for helping Harper Thompson with her research and is ultimately prepared to put his career, and his life, on the line.

What originally begins as friends hanging out together, develops into 'lab partners' that spend a huge amount of time together.

The chemistry between them is explosive, but knowing that, in a matter of months Harper will be leaving Seattle, stops things from becoming more intimate.

However, there is one way to collect the necessary research without alerting anyone's suspicion to their research and they enter into a suitable 'arrangment' as their cover.

The road to this couple's HEA is at times sweet, sexy and tortured, knowing what is ahead of them.

The final chapters bringing this emotional story to a conclusion cannot be read without the availability of tissues BUT the ensuing tears are So worth it!

Another must from the pen of Samantha Whiskey.

[Joanna Banana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy fucking shit, yes. All the yes. So much fucking yes.

Yes! I am so happy that I stuck with this series. I'm not going to go into the plot as much as I am about my love for Harper Thompson! To say that this is the greatest female protagonist in this ENTIRE series, may not be enough. She's one of the best I've read in a very long time. Wicked smart, awkward, owns her sexuality, and never loses who she is JUST to make a man happy. (Though to be honest, Samantha Whiskey doesn't write damsels in distress.)

I'm torn. I've had my love, Axel, in the last two books of this series and I am not sure if I should re-read Axel or if I should go straight to Sawyer hmmm....I may need to revisit that Viking. He was too good to not want to read about again.

Oh, shit, about Defender yeah, this was incredible. I'm not giving out 5* until something truly deserves it, but this would be an 4* for me.

[Jenny Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper and Nathan

This was the perfect end to the Seattle Sharks series. And because I’ve read Axel already, I know it was also the perfect bridge into the Carolina Reapers series. There was a lot going on in this book outside of Harper and Nathan’s relationship, and instead of taking away from it, it added a level of nostalgia for the entire series as well as a glimpse of what’s to come for the Reapers.

Harper and Nathan seemed so different on the surface, but this book really showed what one commonality can bring to a relationship. They connected because of their own experiences with TBIs and because of that started a relationship that blossomed into more than either were prepared for.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the way Harper and Nathan understand each other. They rarely have to communicate surface level feelings because they already can see what the other is thinking or needing. I also loved their “rules”. They were so simple, but also spoke volumes about how they felt about the developing relationship.

I loved the nerdy genius falling for the driven athlete theme. Harper and Nathan brought all the feels and I just loved them both. And I loved the way everything wrapped up, the epilogue was perfect.

[Jasmine | Filthylittlereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Shark series! If Samantha Whiskey wanted to write book after book about the Sharks, I’m for it! The sexy hockey players, the sassy heroines that bring them unexpectedly to their knees, that team camaraderie that’s turned them from players to more like family. Her stories also provide a picture of a sport that isn’t always heavily written about like basketball, football, and baseball. Defender is the story of Noble also known as Nathan and genius Harper who we met in Wheeler. Harper is in the process of creating revolutionary safety equipment but she’s missing one thing, a tester to get data from. In comes Nathan who has great reason to be a tester for Harper. But, it comes at a risk of losing everything. Defender was full of laughs, sadness, twists love, and unexpected goodbyes between the Shark players leaving them severed in a way that’ll never be the same. This book left me feeling bittersweet because it felt final like a goodbye but I sincerely hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of the Sharks. I received a copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.

[Mary Keiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Butterfly

This is the first book I've read by this author and since it took me a while to connect with the characters and storyline, I probably should have read a few of the previous books in this series. I'll be honest, there are characters mentioned that I had zero idea what their role was, finally found out at the end that Langley is the Sharks publicist, so there were times I was a bit lost, again probably should've read previous books in this series. Based on this book alone, once I finally did get into the story, I was really invested and couldn't wait to see how everything played out. I was fascinated by the project Harper was working on and really taken with the science and technology involved in her testing but I especially enjoyed the reason this was her life's work. I found Noble's backstory just as interesting, but really connected with his brother's injury and why Noble was so invested with Harper's research. Even though it took me a while to really get into the story (I'm partly to blame) I'm giving this book a solid 4 stars because when everything finally clicked into place, I was invested and involved and enjoyed the journey.

[Madame Smarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noble & Harper
+ Super sweet and I just loved Noble. His family vibe was endearing and I loved his twin brother. Couldn’t stand Harper initially, thought she was an idiot.
HOWEVER... It was a sweet turnaround by about 80% when she started acting more human. The story had such a satisfying ending... I LOVED how all of the Sharks family were intertwined and the way it opened up for the new Carolina Reapers series 🔥🔥🔥.

- Seriously, the use of the word “hissed” and “hissing” what the hell? I hissed, she hissed, he hissed... SUCH an ugly word and really overused in this series 😑. I’ve been continually adding edits for spelling or missing words, but this one wasn’t too bad.

❤️SO sad to finish this series, all of these books are HOT with loads of flirting, hot bedroom action and delicious Alphas. Wish there were more detailed descriptions of the characters and a little less angst, but overall I’m loving the community & camaraderie between all of the players & spouses. All of the covers are damn HOT. HAVE loved the ice hockey world and the Seattle Sharks and will definitely read again. Looking forward to seeing Axel and the other hotties in Samantha Whiskey’s next series 💋💋💋!