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For a Mountain Mercenary and a desperate woman, love becomes a dangerous refuge in New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker’s novel of heart-gripping suspense.

Mountain Mercenary Hunter “Meat” Snow has a mission: eliminate the human traffickers scouring the barrios of Lima for vulnerable prey. But it’s Meat who’s taken down. Separated from his team and beaten within an inch of his life, he’s left for dead. When he wakes, it’s to the intimate care of a beautiful stranger who knows all about survival.

Zara Layne was a child when a brutal murder left her orphaned and abandoned in Peru. Ever since, she’s fended for herself on the streets, outrunning its predators. Trusting men is not in Zara’s blood…until it warms to the exhilarating touch of the wounded hero who promises deliverance. As each other’s rescuers, they return to Colorado for a new normal.

But when Meat disappears, Zara discovers how ruthless the past can be. With the help of the loyal Mercenaries, she’s drawing on her own skills of endurance to find him. And for Zara, there’s no danger great enough to come between her and the man she loves.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 3, 2020

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About the author

Susan Stoker

271 books7,461 followers
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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

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5 stars
4,713 (63%)
4 stars
1,980 (26%)
3 stars
601 (8%)
2 stars
61 (<1%)
1 star
20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews
Profile Image for Syndi.
3,887 reviews1,060 followers
July 1, 2021
Hmmm.... I have to say, lately when I picked up Miss Stoker's book, I am bit weary. I do remember I like Miss Stoker's book. I like her idea to have many series involving these magnificent alpha male military heroes.

But I have to confess, after so many, I am bit bored. Cause the story seems recycle over and over again. Defending Zara is a story about Hunter who take Zara to USA and brain wash her about the idea of freedom.

Well I can not say I really like 100% of the story. The romance is predictable. I have to admit I fall asleep in the middle of the story due to boredom. I guess I am expecting much more.

Anyway...

3 stars
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,057 reviews814 followers
March 10, 2020
I just love these Mountain Mercenaries. This series has been pretty exciting with the way the author has these courageous men meeting their woman and how they save and protect them. I had planned on just listening to this audiobook on my drive to and from work, and yet I just couldn't stop listening when I arrived home and it was time to stop the audiobook. I'm sad and excited that there is only one book left. Sad to see the series end, but very excited about the final couple. Also, I highly recommend listening to the audiobooks. The author has used the same narrator for each book and she is just fantastic.
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
3,239 reviews2,759 followers
June 11, 2026
A Protective Hero and a Courageous Survivor



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🩷❤️💚💙
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😀😍🤓😮
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Solo Narration

Main Characters and Plot Overview

Hunter “Meat” Snow has always been the steady, dependable member of the Mountain Mercenaries team. Known for his imposing size and quiet strength, Meat is protective without being overbearing and observant enough to notice the things others miss. Beneath his intimidating exterior is a patient man who values loyalty and family above all else.

Zara Layne’s story is one of the most heartbreaking in the series. As a child living in Peru, she witnessed a brutal murder that left her orphaned and abandoned. The trauma shaped the person she became. Zara built a life around caution and self-reliance, refusing to depend on anyone because experience taught her that safety could disappear in an instant. Despite that painful history, she remains compassionate, intelligent, and remarkably resilient.

Their paths collide when Zara’s past resurfaces in a terrifying way. What she thought was long buried suddenly becomes a present danger, forcing the Mountain Mercenaries into action. Meat steps into the role of protector, but Susan Stoker wisely avoids making Zara a passive character waiting to be rescued. Zara contributes information, makes difficult choices, and confronts memories she has spent years trying to suppress.

The suspense builds around uncovering the truth behind the crime that shattered Zara’s childhood and determining who still wants to silence her. The investigation takes several unexpected turns while Meat and Zara slowly develop trust and affection. Their relationship evolves through quiet moments of reassurance, shared vulnerability, and unwavering support rather than instant passion alone.

Highlights and Limitations

One of the strongest aspects of Defending Zara is Zara herself. Her childhood trauma influences her decisions without becoming her entire personality. She struggles with nightmares, distrust, and fear, yet she also demonstrates courage when faced with impossible situations. Her willingness to revisit painful memories in order to stop dangerous people from hurting others made her easy to admire.

Meat is equally compelling because of the contrast between appearance and temperament. Although his nickname suggests brute force, he often shows patience and emotional intelligence. He never pressures Zara to move faster than she is ready for emotionally. Instead, he gives her space while making it clear that she is not alone.

The mystery surrounding Zara’s past adds emotional weight to the romantic storyline. The revelations regarding what happened in Peru create genuine tension and provide higher stakes than simple romantic obstacles.

The main limitation is that some readers may find the instant certainty of Meat’s devotion a little idealized. Like many books in the Mountain Mercenaries series, the hero quickly identifies Zara as the woman he wants to protect forever. While this unwavering commitment is part of Susan Stoker’s signature style, readers who prefer slower emotional transitions may wish for additional internal conflict before the relationship reaches complete certainty.

A few supporting characters also receive limited development due to the focus on Zara’s backstory and the unfolding danger.

Narration

Stella Bloom once again delivers a polished performance that captures both the suspense and emotional intimacy of the story. She gives Zara a vulnerability that reflects years of buried trauma without making her sound fragile or helpless. Zara’s fear during moments of danger feels authentic, as does her growing confidence as she learns to trust Meat and the team.
Bloom also handles Meat’s dialogue well. She emphasizes his calm, protective nature rather than relying solely on a deeper voice to distinguish him. The quieter scenes between the two leads are especially effective because Bloom allows the tenderness and reassurance in their conversations to shine through.

Her pacing during suspenseful scenes maintains tension while ensuring the emotional beats still have room to resonate. Listeners familiar with the series will likely appreciate the consistency she brings to returning characters.

Final Thoughts

Defending Zara combines emotional healing, romantic devotion, and high-stakes suspense into one of the more memorable installments in the Mountain Mercenaries series. Zara’s tragic childhood history provides a powerful emotional foundation, while Meat proves that strength and gentleness are not mutually exclusive traits.

The romance succeeds because it is built on trust, patience, and acceptance. Meat never tries to erase Zara’s past. Instead, he stands beside her as she confronts it. Combined with Stella Bloom’s engaging narration, this audiobook offers both excitement and heart.

Fans of protective heroes, resilient heroines, and suspense-driven romance will find a lot to enjoy in this installment. Defending Zara is ultimately a story about surviving unimaginable loss and discovering that love, family, and safety can still be possible after tragedy.

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Profile Image for Filippa.
6 reviews
March 5, 2020
I JUST WANT TO SAY I KNEW IT!!! and I’m so excited for the next book omg, it was also super interesting knowing more of the backgrounds of the people around Zara in Peru!

I also think this plot was very thought out and well planned and something you can’t find in another book! Very smart and it definitely has had me counting down the days until I could begin reading this book. WOW.

Sad to say I feel this serie wrapping up way too quickly as in always eager to fall in love with a new team of yours and learn everything about them. I’m crossing my fingers for delta team 2 and hope time flies for June 30th.

I’m so happy I found Susan Stoker and that review I read in the beginning of the book is true: there should be a warning for not being able to stop once you start reading her fantastic books they’re shamelessly addictive and I regret nothing. :)
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,284 reviews151 followers
December 31, 2023
Ormai tutti i mercenari di montagna sono accoppiati, l'unico ancora single è Hunter "Meat" Snow, l'esperto di computer. La squadra viene inviata in Perù per salvare donne e bambini da un traffico di esseri umani, destinati al mercato del sesso. Ma molti esponenti peruviani sono corrotti e la squadra cade vittima di un'imboscata. Meat e Black, dopo essere stati selvaggiamente picchiati, vengono notati da un gruppo di donne del quartiere che si mobilita per soccorrerli. Ma solo Meat viene portato via.
Zara era solo una bambina quando, durante una vacanza in Perù, assiste all'omicidio dei genitori e viene abbandonata per le strade della città. Sola e spaventata Zara farà di tutto per salvarsi e sopravvivere, facendosi passare per un ragazzino attirando così di meno le attenzioni degli uomini.
Dopo 15 anni, Zara vive con altre donne vittime di soprusi, rapimenti o schiavitù che si sono salvate.
Quando Zara scopre che Meat è un ex militare americano con importanti agganci, decide di rischiare e di raccontargli la sua storia. Così Zara torna negli Usa, scoprendo però che i nonni e lo zio non l'hanno cercata abbastanza e che sono interessati solo ai soldi ereditati dai genitori.
Zara troverà in Meat, nei mercenari e nelle loro fidanzate e mogli, una nuova famiglia.
Ma quei soldi fanno gola a molti...

Stesso copione dei libri della Stoker. Qui abbiamo una ragazza sopravvissuta per le strade di una città corrotta dopo aver assistito al brutale assassinio dei genitori. Zara ha cercato sopravvivere, sola in un paese straniero come meglio ha potuto. Ma quando incontra Meat capisce che c'è altro, che ci sono persone buone che la possono aiutare e decide di fidarsi.
La storia d'amore è abbastanza simile a tutte le altre con Meat che farebbe qualsiasi cosa per Zara e le altre ragazze che la accolgono a braccia aperte.
Per quando riguarda il cattivo di turno si capisce abbastanza in fretta chi sia, anche se avrei puntato su un complice diverso.
Il libro finale con un colpo di scena un po' a metà, perchè l'identità del misterioso Rex era abbastanza palese, ma quella della moglie no. Vedremo cosa farà la Stoker per riunire tutti e dare un happy ending a tutta la squadra.
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,545 reviews73 followers
June 9, 2021
I love this book and series. When these Mountain Mercenaries find their women they fall hard and fast. Zara is a strong heroine who just had to learn to trust her strength. And I loved the teaser for the next story in this series! I can’t wait to return to Peru and find Raven!

“Closing her eyes, Zara lost herself in the gentle touch of another human being. It had been so long since she’d felt this way. Safe. Content.”

-5 Stars-
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,188 reviews27 followers
March 1, 2020
Such a beautiful, tremendous personal journey!

This story hits the ground running with Zara and her friends in Lima, Peru rescuing a badly-beaten Meat and risking everything to nurse him back to health. As Meat is healing, he discovers that Zara was abandoned there in Lima when she was ten years old after the murder of her parents. Now fifteen years later, he knows that once he gets back to his team, their new mission will be to get Zara back home.

The first part of the book gives us a no-holds-barred look at the life of the very poor barrio residents, then transitions to the cutthroat media frenzy surrounding Zara's return and the vast inheritance she finds waiting for her. There are plenty of vultures hoping to separate her from her money, and the Mountain Mercenaries have to keep one step ahead of those who mean her harm.

Throughout all this, we get to see Zara adjust to a life of comfort and plenty after so many years of living in abject poverty. Her relationship with Meat is so pure, so sweet, regardless of the circumstances that brought them together. He's her partner and champion, and provides the perfect emotional safety that she needs as she blossoms into the person she was always meant to be.

This is a well-written, exciting story with a strong emotional foundation and a heartwarming romance. The surprising twist at the end hints at a long-awaited break for one of their team, and I can't wait to read about that in the next book in this thrilling series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,514 reviews87 followers
March 8, 2020
Another great book in this series. I'm sad it's almost over.

Zara saves Meat and then he saves her. Lots of help from all the previous couples. And then the epilogue....mouth open, jaw dropped, did not see that coming.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
3,084 reviews69 followers
March 3, 2020
Awe, stun, shock 😮

Defending Zara is the next book in the amazing series Mountain Mercenaries and let me tell you, you don’t want to miss this one❣️On the one hand, I want to do this review justice by telling you all a little about Zara and Meat but on the other, which is probably where I’m leaning towards, I’m going to not say a thing🤐

The only thing I will say is that the awe, stun and shock factors are big....and I guessed one of them a while ago😍 Happy reading and I can’t wait for Rex’s story next❤️
3 reviews
March 5, 2020
Meat and Zara's story was wonderful. Zara is an amazing woman and perfect for Meat.The story of her child hood and how she came into Meat 's life was incredible. I love the Mountain Mercenaries and their women! They are always there for one another. The story of Zara learning how to be part of the mercenary family and adjusting to her new life, I didn't want to put the book out down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Author 3 books6 followers
March 3, 2020
THIS WAS SO GOOD AND NOW I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT WAIT FOR REX'S BOOK. Caps because I can't stop flailing over the ending.
Profile Image for Kenny Danewitz raveh.
627 reviews34 followers
Read
April 13, 2020
DNF at 22%, sorry but just couldn't feel this one, way too depressing, felt like a Dystopia and I hate Dystopias. will not rate since it is clearly just not for me.
Profile Image for Megan.
670 reviews61 followers
March 3, 2020
OMGeeeee! It was so good! And, HA! I knew it!! I CANNOT WAIT for the final book!! Rex to the rescue!
Profile Image for Linda Quick.
1,347 reviews30 followers
December 27, 2019
Wow! Another winner in the Mountain Mercenaries series.. Zara was kidnapped and abandoned in the barrios of Peru as a young child and has struggled to survive every day for fifteen years when she encounters Meat. Meat is there, working with the Peruvians, when he is brutally attacked and left for dead. Zara rescues him, then trusts him with her story.

While all of this author's books tug on the heart strings, this one was especially poignant as it shines a light on the plight of children and the very poor in some countries. Despite the horrific circumstances, Zara somehow manages to maintain a sense of right and wrong.

This is an engaging novel that had me hooked from the very first page and kept me flipping pages until the very end. I couldn't put this one down and stayed up way too late reading it.

This one is a must read as if you enjoy the genre, you will love this book. Put it at the top of your TBR list, or, better yet, pre-order it so you don't have to wait a moment longer than necessary to read it. The author is on my must read authors' list.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,755 reviews35 followers
February 26, 2020
Meat & Zara's story is quite the ride! She rescues him, he rescues her, they have some ups & downs - but the ups faaaar outweigh the downs! I love their conversations & the way they interact with each other. I also really enjoyed the way Zara handles herself considering the circumstances life has thrown her into.

And that ENDING!!!! Highly recommend this series, story, and really all of this author's work, because every story sucks you in. Each series/story/team highlights the importance of strong friendships as well as strong romantic relationships, and I LOVE that particular theme!!

I'm always anxiously anticipating the next story to come! : )
Profile Image for Julie Miller.
Author 293 books373 followers
March 21, 2022
I have loved Meat (Hunter) from the get-go of this series. What a roller-coaster ride this has been for him. I was happy he found a worthy heroine in Zara (and she truly is heroic! although, I think I would have caught on to the threat against her sooner, perhaps, with her background, it was believable for her to not see the enemy on the homefront). I'm so glad he had a hard head, too. ;) I love me a brainy hero!
Profile Image for Wishy Reads.
380 reviews21 followers
June 15, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Military
Spice: Yes 🥵
Series: Mountain Mercenaries, book 6

Thoughts - wow, just wow! I can’t not even imagine the trials Zara might have faced living in the barrio. I absolutely loved that her learned medical knowledge was helpful and that Meat never gave up on the time she needed to heal.

Six books!!! Six books and my theory about Dave is finally revealed and I can not freakin wait!!! Bring on book 7

Plot - Zara has been in the Barrio of Peru for the past 15years. She’s struggled, survived and overcome so much, so when the chance comes to help some American strangers she doesn’t hesitate. In the course of helping them however the truth of her past comes to light, suddenly the Americans are helping her and her past becomes reality.

* ⚠️ trigger warnings
* Twists and turns
* Strong MFC
* Forced proximity
* One bed

“Fuck, Zara . . . you’re so tight. That’s it, let go. Come all over my cock, let me feel it.”
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.8k reviews546 followers
March 23, 2020
Oh man...my heart broke for Zara, her past, how she lived and the hope that Meat brought. I was glad that he belived her right away, that he did what he could to get her home and help her find her new normal. Sure there were bumps along the way, but for the most part these two worked through them easily, they just had to trust each other.

Things got dicey towards the end, but by that time Zara new she could trust the guys and their women. I'm glad that they figured things out and the friend got caught.

Now...let's talk about the bit at the end. I feel like we talked about how Dan the bartender was Rex, as soon as things came out I was like, I knew it. This last book should be all sorts of good!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for A.
119 reviews25 followers
March 5, 2020
I think this is my first review for a book wrote by Susan. Here goes nothing (it's been awhile since i wrote one so be kind with me).
I read all the books in the series, and i've been connected with this series more then other of her books.
The story continues from the epilogue of the previous book, and let me tell you Susan delivers a great epilogue, and at the begining of the story you get to meet Zara, our lead in this book and i was impressed by all means by how strong, smart and wise she is...and of course Meat, the computer guy in the team, which we all know.
I was captivated by the flow of the story, the characters developing relationship, also not just Zara and Meat, but also Zara and the rest of the crew.
Thank you Susan for this amazing book!!

PS: THE EPILOGUE...omg...i was right from page one of this book of who is who in Lima and also from the start of the series as well....guess i am smart!! Hahahaha....i can't wait for June ❤
Profile Image for Deborah .
839 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2020
Wow! I can't believe I survived this book. I can't imagine a child of ten surviving Zara's experience. Now I have to wait to get closure due to the cliffhanger. Mag's story will be compelling for sure! I'm curious about the angle the author will take to explain why Mags was still in Peru during the time Zara was there. How long do I have to wait for the next installment?
169 reviews
March 5, 2020
This book is totally mind blowing. If you have been reading the rest of the series, many things add up if you are getting those hints. So many things have you on the edge of your seat during this read. I do have to say Susan Stoker really did blow this one out of the water, so to speak. Loved it! So looking forward to the next and last book in the series.
Profile Image for Nicole Collins.
1,450 reviews14 followers
March 5, 2020
Darn! I knew this book would be intense with how the previous book went, but Susan did not disappoint! The things Zara endured were off the charts. The set up for the next book has me itching for information on Rex. I could not put this story as I was up til 5am to finish reading because I had to know more. I highly recommend this story to others
669 reviews
March 4, 2020
This book is certainly the cliff hanger of all cliff hangers

1st this book is full of action and adrenaline . 2nd how zara and meat actually make it together isn't rushed and it's a lovely tale. 3rd I had a sneaky feeling rex was who I thought he would be .4th cannot wait for ravens story it's already in my diary as a must get on the date it's due to be released . YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK !!!
Profile Image for Sarah's Book Den.
242 reviews14 followers
March 4, 2020
I love this entire series so much and this one was SO good! The twist at the end!!!! O.M.G.... I cannot wait for the next book! Please release it like now... Tomorrow... Soon! I don't want to wait till June!
Profile Image for amy hartley.
240 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2020
They went to Peru on a mission. The soldiers with them are corrupt, aiding sex traffickers of children. A motley crew of women are working in the dark to save children and women. They risk their very existence to do their work. When they rescue a beaten up American. One found a way home from 15 years of being lost. But is she safe once state side, and what happens to the women left behind.
Another amazing romantic adventure story.
76 reviews
May 28, 2024
Fantastic read.

Susan has done it again. She never let's me down with her books. I own all of them. Such a amazing writer. It has it all. A must read.
Profile Image for Julia.
24 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2026
Best yet in the series! Absolutely amazing and the best ending ever! Can’t wait for the next one! Can’t even wrap my head around that ending! Soooo amazing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 501 reviews