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Aces #4
The Defender
What’s worse than a rogue agent?
A rogue firm.
Spiker and Vanka. Their names are said together so often, others are unaware that the partners have worked apart. He’s the cocky American. She’s the tart Brit. They are the secret ingredient behind the success of an unknown special forces firm.
Together, they find their targets, stay alive, and drive each other crazy—until a job forces the ultimate question: when have you had enough?
A rogue firm.
Spiker and Vanka. Their names are said together so often, others are unaware that the partners have worked apart. He’s the cocky American. She’s the tart Brit. They are the secret ingredient behind the success of an unknown special forces firm.
Together, they find their targets, stay alive, and drive each other crazy—until a job forces the ultimate question: when have you had enough?
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2021
143 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Cristin Harber
54 books2,356 followersCristin Harber is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author. She writes sexy romantic suspense, military romance, and new adult. Fans voted her onto Amazon's Top Picks for Debut Romance Authors in 2013, and her debut Titan series was both a #1 romantic suspense and #1 military romance bestseller.
The Titan Series:
Winters Heat
Sweet Girl
Garrison's Creed
Westin's Chase
Gambled
Chased
Savage Secrets
Hart Attack
Sweet One
Live Wire
Black Dawn
Bishop’s Queen
Locke and Key
Jax
Deja Vu
The Delta Series:
Delta: Retribution
Delta: Revenge
Delta: Rescue*
Delta: Redemption
Delta: Ricochet
*Delta: Rescue is a novella in Liliana Hart's MacKenzie Family Collection. It can read as a standalone story or in conjunction with either authors' series.
The Only Series:
Only for Him
Only for Her
Only for Us
Only Forever
Each Titan and Delta book can be read as a standalone (except for Sweet Girl), but readers will likely best enjoy the series in order. The Only series must be read in order.
7 Brides for 7 Soldiers:
Ryder (#1) - Barbara Freethy
Adam (#2) - Roxanne St. Claire
Zane (#3) - Christie Ridgway
Wyatt (#4) - Lynn Raye Harris
Jack (#5) - Julia London
Noah (#6) - Cristin Harber
Ford (#7) - Samantha Chase
The Titan Series:
Winters Heat
Sweet Girl
Garrison's Creed
Westin's Chase
Gambled
Chased
Savage Secrets
Hart Attack
Sweet One
Live Wire
Black Dawn
Bishop’s Queen
Locke and Key
Jax
Deja Vu
The Delta Series:
Delta: Retribution
Delta: Revenge
Delta: Rescue*
Delta: Redemption
Delta: Ricochet
*Delta: Rescue is a novella in Liliana Hart's MacKenzie Family Collection. It can read as a standalone story or in conjunction with either authors' series.
The Only Series:
Only for Him
Only for Her
Only for Us
Only Forever
Each Titan and Delta book can be read as a standalone (except for Sweet Girl), but readers will likely best enjoy the series in order. The Only series must be read in order.
7 Brides for 7 Soldiers:
Ryder (#1) - Barbara Freethy
Adam (#2) - Roxanne St. Claire
Zane (#3) - Christie Ridgway
Wyatt (#4) - Lynn Raye Harris
Jack (#5) - Julia London
Noah (#6) - Cristin Harber
Ford (#7) - Samantha Chase
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 22, 2022
At first I found this confusing and a bit difficult to follow, there seemed to be a lot of underlying stuff going on or not being said, once that started to smooth out though the flow picked up nicely. I loved the main two characters, but wasn't keen on their boss or another character, I found both extremely sleezy which I think was intentional. The plot itself was intriguing and interesting, love the thought of rare relics of history that had been stolen and then lost into private collections, being re-stolen and returned to rightful ownership, and hopefully somewhere to be shared for public viewing. The chemistry between the main characters was initially subdued but came more to the forefront as they actually talked and learnt more about each other, things I would have thought partners who work closely together for a long time would have known. All in all this picked up and was a gripping and exciting read.
July 12, 2021
"Oh my god, why are you still wearing clothes"
Oh! Vanka and Spiker may have worked together for years but the crash changed everything....he now notices everything about her...her scent, her body, her beautiful mind, her sass and the sparks that explode between them with each look! But is this new assignment a test? Or is it fake? Or are they working for the highest bidder regardless of morals?
As Vanka and Spiker dance around each other, cranking the heat up, there is tangled web of a puzzle to be solved and many secrets to be revealed, this book may not contain as much action as others in the series but it does contain plenty of mystery and misdirection which I really enjoyed.
Previous reviews have stated that there are numerous typos and errors, I scrutinised as I read and found none...so I can only assume these have been corrected.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
Oh! Vanka and Spiker may have worked together for years but the crash changed everything....he now notices everything about her...her scent, her body, her beautiful mind, her sass and the sparks that explode between them with each look! But is this new assignment a test? Or is it fake? Or are they working for the highest bidder regardless of morals?
As Vanka and Spiker dance around each other, cranking the heat up, there is tangled web of a puzzle to be solved and many secrets to be revealed, this book may not contain as much action as others in the series but it does contain plenty of mystery and misdirection which I really enjoyed.
Previous reviews have stated that there are numerous typos and errors, I scrutinised as I read and found none...so I can only assume these have been corrected.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
July 7, 2021
Predictable
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are numerous editorial and grammatical errors.
The characterisation is okay but not enough to become invested in their story.
Once again it's not about Titan, it's another vehicle for Buck Baer and GSI.
The plotline was slow in places and I swear to god if people in real life had as much of a hard time communicating as the lead characters did the world would be ashes by now. I don't think either of them completed a sentence without the other interrupting. It made for hesitant reading because it was start -stop -start -bicker.
I won't be purchasing any more of the Aces books.
There are some sex scenes and some swearing.
No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There are numerous editorial and grammatical errors.
The characterisation is okay but not enough to become invested in their story.
Once again it's not about Titan, it's another vehicle for Buck Baer and GSI.
The plotline was slow in places and I swear to god if people in real life had as much of a hard time communicating as the lead characters did the world would be ashes by now. I don't think either of them completed a sentence without the other interrupting. It made for hesitant reading because it was start -stop -start -bicker.
I won't be purchasing any more of the Aces books.
There are some sex scenes and some swearing.
July 1, 2025
Good gracious, this was molasses in January slow. Definitely not the Cristin Harber I’ve known and loved the past 10 years.
I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense - especially when we get equal amounts of romance and suspense. Which is usually what this author does, and does really well. But this time there was mostly the hero and heroine, not doing suspense things, but also not really developing their relationship - we’re just supposed to accept where they are based on them being partners for years. Then one day they feel more???
And then the suspense part just wasn’t suspensing…
So this one was pretty much a dud for me. Hopefully the rest of this series (I think there are two more) will be more of the Cristin Harber I know and love. 🤞🏻
I’m a huge fan of romantic suspense - especially when we get equal amounts of romance and suspense. Which is usually what this author does, and does really well. But this time there was mostly the hero and heroine, not doing suspense things, but also not really developing their relationship - we’re just supposed to accept where they are based on them being partners for years. Then one day they feel more???
And then the suspense part just wasn’t suspensing…
So this one was pretty much a dud for me. Hopefully the rest of this series (I think there are two more) will be more of the Cristin Harber I know and love. 🤞🏻
December 7, 2024
The crash didn’t kill GSI assassin’s Spiker and Vanka but it did leave them questioning their life choices. And their employer but only between the two of them. To my taste, these characters had more chemistry and held more interest in their The Guardian cameo. Unfortunately, this outing had this reader questioning if grass growing anywhere on the planet the planet that needed watching.
Rating: 2stars
Rating: 2stars
July 10, 2021
Loved it!
I have read every story in every series and this lived up to its predecessors. Spiker and Vanka aren't part of Aces but they have a connection. I wasn't actually expecting their story but I loved it. The partnership that evolves is a storyline I particularly like. Even when it comes with complications. The characters and crossovers were as well written as I expected and I know the next book will take entirely too long before I can read it.
I have read every story in every series and this lived up to its predecessors. Spiker and Vanka aren't part of Aces but they have a connection. I wasn't actually expecting their story but I loved it. The partnership that evolves is a storyline I particularly like. Even when it comes with complications. The characters and crossovers were as well written as I expected and I know the next book will take entirely too long before I can read it.
July 11, 2021
Good read but...
While I love this series, and I did enjoy this book, the ending felt somewhat rushed. Or possibly it was the random neighbor and where he fit into the whole story...but there was that nebulous "something" that didn't "feel right". Not bad...just like there was something I missed. Overall a good book, and I will be going back to read Aces in series order to see if I can pick up on what I missed.
While I love this series, and I did enjoy this book, the ending felt somewhat rushed. Or possibly it was the random neighbor and where he fit into the whole story...but there was that nebulous "something" that didn't "feel right". Not bad...just like there was something I missed. Overall a good book, and I will be going back to read Aces in series order to see if I can pick up on what I missed.
July 14, 2021
The Defender
WOW! Another FANTASTIC story by Cristin! The story started out slow but got interesting as you go along. Spiked and Banks are a hoot and perfect for each other. Their former boss is something to be desired. Then to find out who the "Robin Hood" is was a bit of a shock but thrilling . It's too bad Jared made his appearance at the very end but his words were still interesting. FANTASTIC job Cristin! I would recommend this book!
WOW! Another FANTASTIC story by Cristin! The story started out slow but got interesting as you go along. Spiked and Banks are a hoot and perfect for each other. Their former boss is something to be desired. Then to find out who the "Robin Hood" is was a bit of a shock but thrilling . It's too bad Jared made his appearance at the very end but his words were still interesting. FANTASTIC job Cristin! I would recommend this book!
July 19, 2021
Interesting Genre Twist
Unassuming Spiker doesn't know what's happening to him when suddenly his feelings for his tactical partner after a decade together suddenly swirl out of control. Vanca see's a different man emerging and her control falters too and although already inseparable as partners this is a hot and steamy type of inseparable. Love the twist at the end which I didn't see coming and meeting an old friend.
Unassuming Spiker doesn't know what's happening to him when suddenly his feelings for his tactical partner after a decade together suddenly swirl out of control. Vanca see's a different man emerging and her control falters too and although already inseparable as partners this is a hot and steamy type of inseparable. Love the twist at the end which I didn't see coming and meeting an old friend.
September 25, 2021
A great story
I really enjoyed this story. Even though this couple was involved with a previous story, I'm not sure why they were included in the ACES series, especially since they're not a part of the group or involved with Titan in anyway. Yes, there was a very brief meeting with the group, but I would think that this would be a story for a different series instead. JMO
I would recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
I really enjoyed this story. Even though this couple was involved with a previous story, I'm not sure why they were included in the ACES series, especially since they're not a part of the group or involved with Titan in anyway. Yes, there was a very brief meeting with the group, but I would think that this would be a story for a different series instead. JMO
I would recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
July 24, 2021
Aces 5
An exciting story tying Buck's loss to ACES. Vanka and Spiker have been partners for years but when they feel thing change, they investigate. What will they find? Will secrets keep them apart or will Spiker and Vanka move beyond a platonic partnership into a happily ever after?
An exciting story tying Buck's loss to ACES. Vanka and Spiker have been partners for years but when they feel thing change, they investigate. What will they find? Will secrets keep them apart or will Spiker and Vanka move beyond a platonic partnership into a happily ever after?
August 5, 2021
Rather disappointing. Slow action
I have read almost veering this author,especially Titan related. Almost quit reading at chapter 6 but plowed thru to the end. Uninteresting story line, slow moving . Hopefully this book was just an anomaly and what ever comes next from this author will be up to her usual 5 star rating
I have read almost veering this author,especially Titan related. Almost quit reading at chapter 6 but plowed thru to the end. Uninteresting story line, slow moving . Hopefully this book was just an anomaly and what ever comes next from this author will be up to her usual 5 star rating
September 5, 2021
The Defender
Robbing from the rich to return stolen items to the people they belong to.. Robin at her best. This book was not what I expected. Usually the good guys are a team but this time the head of the team was a snake. Buck was out for money, it didn't matter whose. But he didn't count on honesty and truth.
Robbing from the rich to return stolen items to the people they belong to.. Robin at her best. This book was not what I expected. Usually the good guys are a team but this time the head of the team was a snake. Buck was out for money, it didn't matter whose. But he didn't count on honesty and truth.
November 2, 2021
Very slow moving and wasn't about Titan. I figured out who Robin Hood from close to the start. There wasn't enough action and it lacked suspense till the end. I found Vanka a little interesting. I liked getting to know her backstory. I found Spiker a bit of a whiner, I didn't like him. I read on Kindle Unlimited.
July 4, 2022
so differently wonderful
God I love this author she truly gifted. Her stories are unique and this one is so different than her others. A special ops duo who have worked together for years but never took their relationship to the next level. Such a different approach to this popular trope.
God I love this author she truly gifted. Her stories are unique and this one is so different than her others. A special ops duo who have worked together for years but never took their relationship to the next level. Such a different approach to this popular trope.
December 2, 2021
Slow, but later good
3.5 Stars - Spiked and Vanka's story was very slow for me. Towards the end it picked up and was good. I just wished it hadn't taken so long for something to finally develop. I wanted more for them.
3.5 Stars - Spiked and Vanka's story was very slow for me. Towards the end it picked up and was good. I just wished it hadn't taken so long for something to finally develop. I wanted more for them.
July 27, 2021
❤️❤️❤️
August 4, 2021
So different from other boos
Was this written by Cristin Harber? Can't be. If I had read this one first, I would have never read anymore.
Was this written by Cristin Harber? Can't be. If I had read this one first, I would have never read anymore.
January 1, 2023
Defender
A good story, thanks for sharing your passion with us.
What a way to start 2023, in the reading frame of mind.
A good story, thanks for sharing your passion with us.
What a way to start 2023, in the reading frame of mind.
October 1, 2024
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
November 7, 2021
Loved it! They are a great couple and the romance felt like a slow build even though they have worked together for a long time. Interesting plot as well. 5 stars!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews