Defy You

Cole Brothers #5

by Diana A. Hicks

Wrong place, right time…

After a long volunteering stint in South Africa, hot shot doctor Zack Cole is ready to move on with his life and get his residency job back. At his brother's engagement party things take an unexpected turn when he finds himself kissing a beautiful guest.

With a bad case of mistaken identity, a passionate kiss he can’t stop thinking about, and a marriage proposal, this gorgeous stranger turns his carefully constructed world upside down.

Former cartel accountant turned spy, Rebecca Smith is desperate to stay in the states; returning to Venezuela would be a death sentence for sure. Her only hope is for the steamy doctor to accept her twelve-month deal.

Rebecca needs a fake husband to get a green card and stay alive. But will pretending to love him for a whole year break her heart for real?

Note: This is a steamy romance with explicit sensual scenes, happily ever after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger. Can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Marriage Of Convenience

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2020

About the author

Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of contemporary romance that's sometimes dark, sometimes suspenseful, but always steamy. Her upcoming release, Empire of Ache & Ruin coming May 6, 2025!

When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.

Available now:
The Crime Society Series
Lost Raven (FREE)
King of Beasts, Book 1
Queen of Beasts, Book 2

Wolf's Lair (FREE)
Big Bad Wolf, Book 1
Big Bad Red, Book 2
Once Upon a Christmas (FREE)

Dark Beauty (FREE)
Wings of Ruin, Book 1
Wings of Silence, Book 2

Wicked Seduction, Book 1
Wicked Temptation, Book 2
Heartless Vow (FREE)

Steal My Heart Series
Entangle You
Unravel You
Ignite You
Release You

Cole Brothers Series
Unleash You
Defy You
Provoke You
Escape You
Escape My Love (FREE)

Cocky Hero Club
Irresistible Bastard


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Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon | Universal

Zack's finally come home. Unfortunately his ex, who's now married to the man she cheated on him with, is at his brother's engagement party, too. He needs a distraction from it all, and it comes in the form of a mistaken identity and a hot kiss.



Rebecca's desperate. She wants (needs) to stay in the US and the man who rescued her is her last hope. Too bad she mistakes his twin brother for Wes, because there's no way Zack will agree to a marriage of convenience, will he?



I'm sad this is that last of the Cole Brothers series, because I've really enjoyed all the suspense and intrigue and the love each brother finally finds. Here in Defy You, Zack finally gets the happiness he deserves, even if it starts with him being mistaken for his twin, who's very much not available thank you very much. Like his brothers, Zack's story is hot and suspenseful and entertaining. The only thing I didn't really like about it is the heroine, Rebecca, irritated me to no end. But Zack is awesome enough to cancel out her annoying personality, so 4 stars is still a fair rating.



ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing story. I was immediately drawn into the tale when the hero Zack - was mistakenly identified as his brother by the stunningly beautifully woman Rebecca. The mystery then begins to unfold, a fake husband is needed, the cartel are on her heels and is Zack up to the challenge? She needs help!
The thrills and danger are fast a coming in this exciting adventure and the romance is hot and spicy.
The story is a an addictive read, pretty hard to put down. The characters are awesome, very different but they complemented each other. And the plot line was very well thought out, it was exciting and kept me invested in the out come.
An excellent read. I highly recommend this book!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/1/2023)! 🎁

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this is the last of the Cole Brothers series, but it was just as steamy and suspenseful as the others. It was nice to finally read about Zack and Rebecca's marriage of convenience and the whole Venezuelan cartel fiasco that was touched on in the other books.

Rebecca is running for her life and she needs a husband fast. If she doesn't get a green card in 30 days, she will be sent back to Venezuela to face a cartel war.  In the meantime, she is staying with the Cole family due to the help she received from Wesley Cole, the marine who saved her life. At her wit's end to find a fake husband, she thought maybe Wesley would help so during his brother's engagement party she tries to seduce him. Little did she know that she wasn't kissing Wesley, but his twin brother, Zack, the heart surgeon. Realizing that she can't put Zack in any more danger, she drugs him and decides to help a friend only to be kidnapped by one of the men she was running from. Will Zack be able to save her in time?

Zack Cole was hiding from his ex-fiancee and her new husband when a beautiful woman steps out of the shadows and starts kissing him. He'd never had a response like that with any woman and he wanted to know more about her.  When he finds she needs a fake husband he convinces her that a marriage of convenience may be beneficial to him as well to get his residency back at the hospital in Atlanta. Her life is in danger and he wants to keep her safe, but at what cost?

Rebecca and Zack have incredible magnetic chemistry which adds a steamy side to a very suspense-filled and fast-paced story.  Zack's calm and collected demeanor is a great compliment to Rebecca's anxiety and fear.  He's actually taking on a lot with her dangerous background and people out to get her, but he takes his commitment seriously and protects her the best that he can. As for the Cole family, they all will go to any lengths to help a brother and sister-in-law in need whether it be planning a wedding in 24 hours or gathering a group of marines to prevent a war in a foreign country.

Again, I'm sorry the Cole Brothers series is ending, but I am looking forward to reading more books from Diana Hicks. If you enjoy big sexy heroes with strong, sassy heroines, please give this book, and the whole series, a try.

Thank you to Ms. Hicks for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Patricia Charlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book

Well this is the last book in the Cole brothers but I have to say you really should read them in order to understand the story. I mistakenly read Wesley & Annabelle before Matt & Tyler so it should be:
Derek & Valentina
Matt & Ela
Tyler & Mia
Wesley & Annabelle
Zack & Rebecca
In the above order it tells the story as it flows from couple to couple.
I have to say I think Zack & Rebecca are my favourite couple as when you read this book you will see just how much pain and suffering Rebecca went through.
However you see a broken heart with Zack we never saw in any of the other books as he was the happy brother back from South Africa and no one knew the heartbreak he went through.
Great back story with the cartel after them and car chases, however there is murder, human trafficking and drugs mentioned throughout this book just in case you have any triggers.
I will say it’s a good story and I love all the brothers and the women who fall for them.
Once we get over the misunderstanding with Lilly from book one you see her as the loving mother to her boys and their Dad is a great character too.
I will say there seemed to be a buildup of Harper doing something bad and Zack was warned from his boss about her but other than her showing up at their wedding party there wasn’t any real drama.
I literally thought she was going to stalk them or cause massive issues but she wasn’t as bad as I thought she might be.
Good series and well worth the read.
I would have liked to see a novella at the end of this book with an update on all of them maybe 5/10 years in to the future with them all getting together at the Cole mansion and Annabelle’s mansion with all their kids and seeing Liam & Lilly happy with their grandkids, just would have been a lovely ending for me.

[Sheila Schoenauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I'm gonna be completely honest here and tell you what I think of Rebecca, the heroine of this book. I had an extremely hard time reading this book because of her. She is probably my least liked heroine this year. She wanted one thing and she could've even keep that promise to herself. She thought that everything was either her responsibility or her fault. Without going into spoilers, I get that this was a life that she grew up in but did she really think that she was strong enough, tough enough to survive everything on her own?? She wasn't and time and time again see proved that. It wasn't until the very end when she finally realized what she wanted, what she needed, that she gained her full strength. Now as for Zack.. that man was so lovable. No, he wasn't perfect. He had his faults. But he at least tried to do the right thing. He was just what Rebecca needed. There were what each other needed.

This book is the last book in the series. While you don't necessarily need to read the other books I would recommend that you do. Especially Unleash Me, as there are events from that book that coincide with this book. Either way you will have a better understanding if you read this series from the beginning. If you like a lot of drama and angst then you may just love this series. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*

[Melissa Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I know that none of this was supposed to be real. But humor me."

5 On the Run Stars!!! What a steamy suspenseful read!!

Rebecca is trying to escape her life from Venezuela and is looking to get married to someone in the next 30 days. She sets her sights on Wesley, but she winds up with Zack. Zack is at his brothers engagement party trying to avoid is his ex-fiancee. These two then embark on a fast-paced, suspenseful ride!

I was hooked the minute I started reading. The twists and turns were so good. You never knew what was going to happen next, which makes it even better!! I dare you not to fall in love with electric read!

[Kacey Doner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zack and Rebecca’s story was so good. From the first kiss, sparks flew. Their chemistry was so hot I could feel it through the pages.
Rebecca has always wanted a different life, a better life for herself and her brother, Jack. She tried so hard to make that happen on her own but it didn’t work out that way. In comes Zack to save the day 😆. They start out with a fake marriage so both of them can get what they want in the end. Little did they know that they both would fall hard for each other. No matter how hard Rebecca pushes Zack away, he does not give up easily. It answered so many questions while also giving me another pov and gave other things I didn’t know had happened at times.
Their story is so hot and steamy with action and suspense to keep you wanting to continue reading. I love Diana A. Hicks and her writing style. I have read some of her other books and they are always so good.

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you kept up with the Cole Brothers series then you know who these men are. Well Defy You is Zack's story. Zack is an amazing doctor. He may have ran to Africa but that helped shape him into he is today. One not afraid or uncapable to face danger. Rebecca is a cartel princess, a survivor and looking to change her life. She's had help along they way by the Cole brothers and you will see sparks fly with one she didn't see coming. I love Zack and Rebecca together. You feel the draw from day one. Zack has such a big heart and you can tell everything he goes through with Rebecca is so much more. I really loved this one. You have to read this one to find out what goes down for Rebecca and Zack.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this book knowing it was the last in the series was a bitter sweet moment but It lasted only for a hot second because this book and its MC's did not disappoint.

I loved Zack and Rebecca together. She has been on the run from bad people some time now and she's ready to do just about anything to stay safe.
Even if it means tying herself up in marriage of convenience. I absolutely loved Zack. Even thought the book was full of suspense and danger lurking on every corner he was a rock and would do anything to help Rebecca and keep her alive. I loved the banter and chemistry between them. From the first kiss i was hooked to the book and couldn't put it down.

***Review copy requited and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca’s need to stay in the US is a matter of life and death but she is running out of options and the only solution seems to be a pretend marriage. She has the perfect man in mind but when she kisses the wrong brother is it a mistake or the best thing to ever happen to her?

Zack has recently returned home and is looking to resume his career as a doctor. From the moment he meets Rebecca he is not only attracted but intrigued as well as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

The interactions between Rebecca and Zane were both humorous and heated which combined with the intrigue part of the storyline will keep you entertained until the last page.

[Sylvie Rochon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally! Zach's story! I just love his calm, loving character. He is a good son, brother, friend and doctor. Which is why he helps Rebecca to obtain her green card by marrying her. It is a fake marriage. The story is, intertwined with the rest of the stories from the Cole brothers. All stories share a timeline, so I would recommend reading in order and back to back to ensure you aren't confused. That means all other characters are featured in each book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is a dangerous game. Especially if the odds are stacked against the players. Defy You is built on chance, but the deck is full of intriguing romance that thrills, danger that chills and temptation that once ignited proves hard to douse. Hicks knows how to steam up the senses with a haunting adventure that packs in more than a little heart. From heartwarming to heartbreaking, Defy You is captivating storytelling.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read that offers an engaging blend of romance, suspense, drama, danger, excitement, emotion and steam. Zack and Rebecca had terrific chemistry, shared some very clever banter and were both cute and sweet together. The story was fun, well written and quite entertaining. All together I thought this was a very good read and another solid entry in this series. I am posting a sincere review of my own accord.

[Ashley Carr, LSoR · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is full of danger and suspense and I really enjoyed it!! Zack and Rebecca have this undeniable chemistry that floats of the pages. Rebecca is in trouble with the cartel and she needs a fake husband stat, that’s where Zack comes in. The banter between the two is hilarious even though they are in dangerous situations. This thrilling story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Will Zack be up for the challenge of faking out the cartel?

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in this awesome series and is Zack and Rebecca’s story. Rebecca has the cartel nipping at her heels and she need a green card to save herself, and Zack agrees to be her fake husband. This is a well written story which is filled with drama, suspense, danger, intrigue, mystery, emotion, explosive chemistry, and is a fun, entertaining and steamy read. I was hooked throughout, and I recommend for all readers.

[Cindy Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defy You the final book in the Cole Brothers series was fantastic! I loved it! Zack and Rebecca were great together! Their attraction was instant and their chemistry was hot! They had some clever banter. This story kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next! With the perfect blend of mystery, action, suspense, danger and drama you get a very enjoyable story! I loved the Cole Brothers series and I’m sad to see it end. I’m eager to see what Diana has in store for us next!

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defy You the final book in the Cole Brothers series was amazing! Rebecca is in trouble with cartel and needs a fake husband ASAP, that’s when Zach comes in. I loved Zack and Rebecca and they were so great together. I loved their banter, attraction, and their chemistry was palpable. This story had suspense, action, danger, drama, and hot chemistry. A fantastic read from start to finish and one I highly recommend

[MRS SHARON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book6 Zack & Rebecca's story

We met Rebecca & Zack in previous books with there own stories as with all the other books all characters are entwined in some way.

I loved all the brothers, I loved their individual love stories & how as a family they beat all the odds. Love conquers all.

Great series
Definitely worth a read if u love a hot, action packed happily ever after storyline😁😊

[Kelly Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zach is a good guy and a heart doctor, he loses his own heart in an instant when Rebecca presses her lips to his and asks him to marry her, only she has the wrong twin.
On the run from the cartel Rebeccas life is chaos and danger and she’s desperate for a green card to avoid retuning to her home country.
Fake marriage, hot chemistry and cartel action another great Cole brothers read.

[natasha fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Zack and Rebecca's story which was absolutely amazing! The instant attraction is palpable and engulfing. Their story has a lot more angst and the tension in this book was off the charts! I loved their story and the hulls and battles they had to fight to be able to be together! I would absolutely recommend these books

[Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is danger and some suspense and mystery that had me intrigued from the beginning here. I was hooked. Zach and Rebecca have undeniable chemistry. Add in their "fake" arrangement and things get tricky quickly and lines definitely get blurred. It was exciting to read.

[Danielle Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defy You is the final book in the series. I really liked it. It had suspense, drama and of course romance. I loved Zack and Rebecca. Their chemistry was undeniable and hot. I really loved them together!

[Michele Del Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in this series. This was a fake romance/marriage between Zack and Rebecca. I really liked this book, what started out as fake became so much more but will they live to see where it goes?

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 7 and final book in this series! I’d read in order that’s listed in the books. They were fabulous! 4.5⭐️ for the series! Entertaining, romance, spice, cartel, marines, dr, loved all the main male character and the female character’s too! Just great great reads!

[bookjunkiejane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uggghhhhh... The prologues make it so interesting, but the books turn out to be such duds.. I am in a spate of misses lately...

[Debra Johnson]

Amz Purch. July 1, 2023

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay

Yes Just okay and I am a Big Diana Hicks fan. Too much mystery to much agony just too much. However I read the entire book. It took me a while but I read it.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zack is back from South Africa for his brother's wedding.. While standing in the gazebo a gorgeous woman comes up to him and kisses him. Holy cow is she for real? When they realize she thought he was his twin brother what more could go wrong?

Rebecca is on the run from the Venezuelan cartel. . She needs to renew her green card to stay in the States. While she knows her bestie is in love with Wes he is her ticket.. When she sees him in the gazebo she goes up and kisses him. The sparks are flying and then she finds out this isn't Wes, it's his twin brother

While Zack is also nursing a broken heart his family is telling him it is time to move on. With them both needing someone to help them , Can this really work?