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Love Is Love #3

My Only Defense

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Garrison
Love sucks! There I said it. I've never looked for it, nor do I want it. All it seems to do is cause open wounds. I already suffer from the guilt of a horrific accident. I won't let love suck me down the rabbit hole. But Murphy's Law is a diva out to destroy my life. Someone sees me for more than just a one and done and though I've pushed men away for years, he's refreshing. But remember that diva I told you about, she's sort of a b**** too. Yeah, love more than sucks but since I can't use the words I want, I'll just stick to that because the man I want has a connection with me, no one knows about.

Lawson
I met a man. Sure he's a little detached and cynical. Though, try telling my heart he's all wrong for me. I've been over it with this particular traitorous part of my body. And, I do the one thing I never do with my hook-ups. I give him a way to reach me. But it's more—I almost beg him to call me after my next deployment. Oh, yeah, forgot to mention, I'm in the military and am shipping out. I want him to be my welcoming party, when I come home, yet, when I unravel every complicated part of Garrison Fisher, I find more and more I should run from. But I can't. He's broken, but after my time in the military, I'm broken too. Can we fix one another and heal the wounds that may very well tear us apart?

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2021

66 people are currently reading
324 people want to read

About the author

Leigh Lennon

65 books1,831 followers
Leigh Lennon is mother, veteran and a wife of a cancer survivor. Originally with a degree in education, she started writing as an outlet that has led to a deep passion. She lugs her computer with her as she crafts her next story. One could say she loves pretty nails, big earrings and spiky hair. She can be found drinking coffee or wine, depending on the time of the day.

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5 stars
223 (44%)
4 stars
168 (33%)
3 stars
85 (16%)
2 stars
21 (4%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,194 reviews221 followers
August 16, 2021
4 star review My Only Defense (Love is Love #3) by Leigh Lennon

This is a MM story that was well written and put my emotions through the ringer. There were so many emotions evoked whilst reading My Only Defense that I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster.
Garrison (Gary aka Gare) Fisher doesn’t do relationships, he has hook ups. Lawson Solaritez might just be the man to change his mind; however things are about to become complicated.
They parted ways with no further plans, but fate has a way of playing tricks on you and this is what happens to Garrison and Lawson. I was fully invested in their story which was emotional, heartwarming and steamy.
These two have such a rocky road to travel but oh how it was worth it in the end. The growth that both these characters go through to get their happily ever after was intense.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
81 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2021
I loved Lawson and garrison !
I have been waiting for garrison story and it did not disappoint Lawson was the perfect love interest for our gar ! They are both tortured and healing , in a cruel way garrison blames himself for the suffering of Lawson. But Lawson is strong and his unwavering belief in garrison is so amazing ! This was so not the history of garrison I was expecting but it was so worth it . Leigh lennon did not disappoint. With another profound loving story of 2 people who fall in love 😍
Profile Image for Billie.
119 reviews
September 1, 2021
Lackluster at best...

The first two books in the series were amazing, this one did not reach that level. I couldn't get past how whiny Lawson sounded, especially for a Dom. He was like no other Dom I've ever read. Very disappointing, lackluster, and there really was more fluff than story. I hope the next one is more like the first two.
Profile Image for Steph W.
267 reviews
August 25, 2021
My Only Defense is book 3 of the Love is Love series, and the first one I've read. While it is a standalone, I think you'd have a better appreciation for the characters reading books 1 and 2 first.

The story was very compelling and I was drawn in from the start. Leigh writes characters that have real world problems and issues, and you feel and experience those right along with them. I loved Lawson and his devotion to Garrison, even when he couldn't understand the connection himself. He saw the good and the potential that Garrison couldn't see in himself, and he worked to show him that he was worthy of love and happiness. There are some great side characters in the book as well.

This author writes a perfect balance of plot and drama, some laughter and sadness, alongside a healthy dose of steam. I'm looking forward to book 4 in the Love is Love series soon!
Profile Image for R.
2,114 reviews
August 17, 2021
Garrison and Lawson had fate in the crosshairs. Garrison, a sports commentator and Lawson a military man on active duty, meet by chance but are meant to be together forever. Definitely not smooth sailing.

I liked the story but I didn’t love it. At times it was repetitive. The characters just didn’t mesh well together for me. I felt like I was reading the story, not immersed in it.

This book was very angsty and full of emotional minefields with a happy ever after.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Profile Image for Jenny B.
1,295 reviews29 followers
September 21, 2021
What a great MM read with Lawson the Navy Seal who finds a future with a least likely option who was supposed to be a non committed relationship, garrison. Their story has quite the build up while garrison works through all his mental blocks and then throw in the suspense that Lawson goes through which had my heart stopping. The build up, the feels, the steamy time it is all in here
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,681 reviews51 followers
August 19, 2021
My Only Defense is the third book in the Love is Love series by Leigh Lennon. This story is about Garrison and Lawson. I loved Garrison and Lawson. Their story was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
260 reviews
January 15, 2022
I'm really not feeling this story.... it's doesn't flow, I can't get attached to the main couple.***spoilers ahead*** And blaming his brother as the "sole responsible" for his wife and baby's death? How about "it was an accident" and nobody's fault. What kind of brother is that? I just can't connect with any of those characters.
251 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2021
Garrison and Lawson had been hooking up for several months before Lawson left for a long deployment with the Navy. But right from the start, Law had felt a stronger pull to the man he knew as Gary, and at their last hookup before he deployed he left his card, hoping Gary would be there when he got back.

The card, and Lawson's last name, led to Garrison, a sports reporter, discovering a connection to Lawson that he could barely believe. A few years earlier, an article Garrison had written about Law's twin brother, an NHL hockey player, exposed the fact that he had been using drugs and cheating on his wife. After the story broke, his wife, Aly, who was pregnant, left him, and while she was driving away, was in a car accident that killed both her and her unborn baby.

Garrison felt responsible for her death, believing, wrongly, that had he not written that article, the woman and her child wouldn't have been in that car accident. He had been carrying enormous guilt around with him since it happened, and just when he started getting over it, he discovers the connection between the regular hookup he was feeling more and more drawn to, and the two people he believes he had a hand in killing.

Garrison's struggle to accept love, ESPECIALLY from Lawson, was sometimes painful to watch, but it was satisfying to see him overcome it. I loved Lawson's innate confidence and his unwavering belief that Garrison's article was in no way responsible for the accident. Law and Garrison's story is a great addition. We get to catch up with the couples from the earlier books, which I love, especially Ryder and Crush, and the two epilogues to Lawson and Garrison's story are the perfect ending.
Profile Image for MJ's Book Blog and Reviews.
3,048 reviews65 followers
August 23, 2021
Review by: Jennifer
(4 stars)

For those of you that have not read the previous two books, you should. Not only do we have both couples butting their cute noses in this story, but Garrison was a bit (tiny really) of an issue in both of their stories. I will say that I was not a huge fan of Garrison before this story, now, I am team Garrison all the way. Garrison met a man, had a great time, felt a spark but neither man is interested in anything more than the one nights that they have. The time comes and the man, Lawson, makes it clear to Garrison that he is ready for more and puts the ball in Garrison's court. What Lawson doesn't realize is just who Garrison is, and when he does figure it out he will want nothing to do with him. So, Garrison ghosts for six long months. Lawson has not forgotten Garrison or "Gary", and has looked for him, he just wants a chance to prove that they could be something more. With the thanks to a fairy godfather the two end up connecting one more time, will Garrison's fears prove true and Lawson will hate him once the truth comes out? Will Lawson be able to prove to Garrison that he is in this for the long haul?

This was a really good addition to the series! I really enjoyed every bit of it, the drama, the danger, the super hot naughty bits. Add the funny cast of characters and this was a read that I inhaled in one sitting. I give this 4 stars.

Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,277 reviews20 followers
August 14, 2021
The “Love Is Love” series is a great MM romance series and I was excited to start book #3. I loved Garrison in the second book and was happy to find out his story was next. And he found himself a winner for sure. Lawson is absolutely delicious and amazing.

Garrison is in a dark place personally after an article he wrote led to the death of a mother and her unborn child. He is ridden with guilt and his guilt is magnified when he realizes the man he’s attracted to is the brother-in-law to the woman from his article. Lawson is a Navy Seal and absolutely taken with Garrison. When he’s on leave, he comes back to Nashville to look for Garrison. He doesn’t blame Garrison for the death of his sister-in-law and wants to pursue a relationship with him.

Garrison and Lawson have a super hot chemistry together. I loved them from the very first moment they were in the same room together. Garrison is battling with the guilt that he is putting on his own shoulders and I felt so bad for him. Lawson was a pleasant surprise. I loved the little extra tidbit we got on him and his personality. It fits him so well and added to the storyline and what Garrison needed. This story is about battling addiction so it could have some sensitive matters to others. It is written so beautifully and written with respect to those going through it or have been through it.
443 reviews6 followers
August 19, 2021
Same issues different book. I think it's a case of its me...

Once again a book I had high hopes for fell flat. I've really liked Garrison in the previous books and was looking forward to his HEA but it fell flat for me.

My main issues were:

- Garrisons sudden/unexpected submissive and bottom-y behaviour. I'm pretty sure he was vers but all of a sudden he meets Lawson and he's a straight bottom? I'm fine with the dynamics of those types of relationships but I wasn't expecting it so it threw me. Straight away I felt like I was reading a different character to one I've read about previously.

- Didn't really feel the connection/chemistry between the two. I've read both books in the series but a while ago. The author wrote this as if it was expected the reader recently read book 2. I think more scenes with Garrison and Lawson before Law kept trying to hunt down "Gary" would have helped.

- I've always liked Ryder but he annoyed me a bit in this book.

So, a bit disappointing for me but that tracks with this never ending book slump. But, if you're a fan of the author and series I'd still recommend. And I did like the slight twist that it was Garrison unnecessarily blaming himself about the story he wrote rather than Lawson, as usually that's how these type of books create the conflict so that was a nice change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pam Kniess.
216 reviews
September 25, 2021
It was just OK.

Ryder and Crush's story I liked.
Dallas and Bank's story I liked.
This one, not so much. I had high expectations and they fell a bit short.
The BDSM mentioned? Non-existant.
The dominating side of Lawson?
Needed to be more than a laundry list of "rules" for Garrison to follow.
The submissive that Garrison claimed he was?
Just made him seem like a grown man that cried a lot and was filled with tons of self-doubt.

My brain felt like it was a ping pong ball in my head with all the back and forth between these two.
I wanted to love these guys, but couldn't. I kept thinking their relationship would gather more depth, but it didn't.
What should have been a slow burn was just confusing. What should have been angst, was just a jumbled mess.
I feel like this book was written in a hurry, without any character build up.
I almost didn't finish it and skipped a bunch just to get to the end, because there was so much happening that was unrealistic, it hurt my head.
The military aspect of the storyline needed more research for sure.
While I like this author, this is not one of her best attempts at writing.
I hate leaving bad reviews, but I needed to get it out there.
111 reviews15 followers
August 19, 2021
I couldn’t get enough of Lawson and Garrison. Their chemistry from the beginning is off the charts. Between hooking up when they run into each other in Nashville to Garrison moving in to an an apartment above The Male Box Lawson’s friends owns, there is no denying these two won’t keep running into each other. Lawson is in the Navy and has a brother who is out of control. Garrison is a reporter who ousted Lawson’s brother. Edward (Lawson’s brother) looses his girl and unborn baby in a tragic accident. Lawson continuously tries to get Garrison to stop blaming himself. As their relationship goes on, they really bond. Every time Lawson has to go on another mission, it tears Garrison up. #SweetPotatoes-you have got to read to understand, but I absolutely loved the meaning behind it. It’s so amazing watching the bond these two men form. Definitely a page turner, not knowing what would happen next. Could these two be together forever or would Garrison keep blaming himself forever for something that wasn’t his fault.
Profile Image for Jackie Wright.
6,512 reviews129 followers
August 20, 2021
4,5 Stars for My Only Defense ( Love is Love #3)
This is Garrison ( Gare or Gary) Fisher and Lawson Solaritez love story, Garrison isn’t into relationships, he is only interested in hooks ups, one night is all he needs until he meets Lawson, is his world about to be turned upside down by the this man who was meant to be for just one night…..
Fate works in mysterious ways and it seems fate is determined to push these two together because after parting ways with no further plans, they find themselves together again. Garrison is determined to run but Lawson is determined to make him stay so who will win, will this couple have a future or will Garrison’s fear of relationships ruin whatever happiness they could have together.
This is a well written, emotional, steamy, heartfelt read, it’s a journey that’s rocky at times, it has characters you will fall in love with and it’s a book I highly recommend to all MM romance lovers.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
August 24, 2021
Garrison is not a fan of love whatsoever, so he's all about the hookups going through life. However, fate has a different plan for him, so buckle up for a wild ride. He meets Lawson, and neither had plans to see the other again, but fate is super wily & they come face to face again. There are bigger complications like Lawson being in the military so his life is not his own. My Only Defense was a story that kept me turning the pages, however, I didn't quite feel a powerful connection between these two like I prefer in my stories making it a bit harder to imprint on them but that could just be a me thing because I don't tend to read MM romance. I'm branching out because I know there's a whole world of talented authors like Leigh Lennon writing MM romance so I'm going out on a limb which is why I'm sure this is a me thing. So, please decide for yourselves by hitting those one click buttons as I do HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
Profile Image for Terra Drynan-Werder.
1,066 reviews
August 16, 2021
I have been patiently waiting for this book since finishing My Only Regret (Love is Love #2) I had a feeling Garrison & Lawson's book was going to be an emotional roller coaster and Leigh Lennon did not disappoint with this book. I love how strong and independent both Garrison and Lawson are, however they both have a sweet and nurturing side that they share with each other and around those they love. This book tackles a number of difficult situations, addiction, fear of lose, relationship with a military man and does so with so much care and realism. I cannot wait for the next book in this series and to also revisit those I have come to see as a family of sorts just like we did in this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book provided by the author for my honest review.
Profile Image for Stephanie S.
679 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2021
I have loved each of these stories in the Love is Love series a different way. Lawson and Harrison are your typical guys whom had had past relationships but had not found the one until their paths crossed. Then circumstances happened and they were separated by life but ones revelations could have derailed this couple with his hang-ups on things that happened in the past.

I love how once they finally reconnected the communication was slow but it was there and they were able to move forward. Communication is key for all relationships whether it is between your partner and yourself or your best of friends.

Harrison and Lawson fought for each other when it was most needed for them both and that is what was important and what I loved about their story.

So if you are looking for a good MM romance you should check out this authors books.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews163 followers
August 15, 2021
This moving romance is sure to give your heart a workout as the skillfully crafted storyline unfolds. Lawson and Garrison's story is as emotional as it is powerful. The blend of feels and reality that this author delivers is, in my opinion, spot-on. You somehow always manage to get everything you want, while also getting that little bit more that makes it into something special. So expect to swoon but be prepared to maybe shed a tear or two along the way. With characters that are easy to care about and a story that engages and entertains, this book is a winner. I am posting an impartial review of my own volition.
1,149 reviews7 followers
August 18, 2021
Lawson and Garrison have a history of hookups before Lawson's last deployment. Then Garrison learned Lawson's last name. He carries some heavy guilt about an article he released a few years ago and can never face Lawson again. Will fate or friends bring them together again to find love?

Loved that we got Garrison's story. Lawson is alpha and amazing! So happy we got to spend time with all the other guys too. My Only Defense gives us some suspense, a bit of heartbreak and some sweet. Love the way this author will make you feel like you know her characters they are so real. Always looking forward to Leigh's next book.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
953 reviews
August 19, 2021
My Only Defense by Leigh Lennon is the next book in the Love Is Love series, bringing Garrison and Lawson's story to life. These two men were not looking for anything serious but their continuous hookups made wanting others non-existent. The emotions with this story were all over the place with their relationship, their family, their friends, and their work. So much going on to keep us flipping the pages to find out what happened next. Plus these two have a very sexy hot chemistry that comes out not just in the bedroom. I also loved getting to see our favorite couples from the previous books and now cannot wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Amy  Crull.
2,439 reviews39 followers
September 13, 2021
This book was a tad frustrating at times and that was because mostly due to Garrison. This man carried a lot of guilt and needed to heal from it. When things got tough, he would run instead of dealing with. Lawson was patient, probably more patient then I'd be but he did it. He had to prove to Garrison that it wasn't his fault and that love was staring him in the face. It did have some sweet and steamy moments. The author did a fantastic job of showing how each of them was able to deal with the issue and make their relationship work. It did end on a happy note with a great way to end a book! I liked the book and both characters were great in their own ways!
Profile Image for Ray.
1,067 reviews
October 2, 2022
3 stars because I wanted to read Garrett’s story. However, this story needed a good editor. Paragraphs with a lot of repetition or disjointed sentences. Things that flat-out don’t make sense (he fit vertically on a couch?). And if an author is going to write about a navy seal they should base some of it in reality. It feels like a job that people think is cool so the author used it as a plot device that felt a little disjointed. Though so was the drama around the brother. It all felt like decent build up then the last 25% of the book lots of stuff was just thrown at the page. So many different things but nothing felt like it was fleshed out.
Profile Image for Dynesha Dixon.
78 reviews
October 3, 2024
The first 2 books in this series were great second chance love stories I could feel the love and desire between the couple and the families they made. This one was just so BLAH! Even the sex was boring. And I’ve never read about sex from someone claiming to be a Dom that was boring! The main conflict for me”why they can’t be together” is resolved in the first quarter of the book and then there was just boring chit chat. I was too irritated to finish. I just searched the book for the one other thing I wanted to know and then returned to KU. Wish I could get a refund from Audible for it but oh well.
Profile Image for Colleen (boo_boos_books) Hewitt.
307 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2021
“Love is love” has to be one of my favourite series, an this book is just as good as the previous two if not better. Leigh did it again, I lost myself in this book. Having met Garrison I already liked him but man did I fall for the guy while reading his book. The hurt and guilt he carried for so long that wasn’t his to bare made me want to give him the biggest hug. Lawson is so perfect for him, I didn’t want their story to end. While they have a few bumps in the road along their way. It was warming seeing them fall in love and Garrison getting the love that he deserves.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,290 reviews28 followers
August 27, 2021
4 Stars

My Only Defense is book 3 in the series, and while it can be read as a standalone (which I did), I suspect you'll enjoy it more if you read it in order.

I liked Gare and Lawson, but I found it difficult to fully connect with them. Same as with the secondary characters, which were introduced in the previous books, which is totally my fault I know. 

Still, the story was intriguing and entertaining and I'm sure fans of the series will love it. 

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Angie.
761 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2022
Wanna get out of here ?

Gare & Law … WOW… this story is so compassionate on multiple levels. The relationships between the friends, the family dynamics (although I wish we would have met Garrison’s family) the way professional ties and comradery are portrayed,no arch rivals or backstabbing co worker here. 2 guys who compliment each other, granted they need to work through some deep shit - from commitment phobia, military deployments, guilt over family pain, long distance, it’s part of the journey and it’s awesome ❤️‍🔥🏈🥅🪂🎖💋
Profile Image for Margaret Neal.
286 reviews
August 20, 2021
My Only Defense is book three in Leigh Lennon's Love Is Love series and let me tell you I fell hard and fast for Lawson and Garrison.
Two commitment phobes hell bent on keeping it strictly sexual, no relationships to get in the way of their sexy sheet times....Until they both catch feelings.
Then Gare learns something about Lawson and stops all contact with him, but fate (and friends) has other ideas.
This book has it all. Love, guilt, addiction and bbqs, lots and LOTS of bbqs.
Profile Image for Heather Navarre.
766 reviews3 followers
August 22, 2021
Love is love!

Another great read from Leigh Lennon.

Lawson and Garrison are a couple fated to be together but not without some issues.

I’m not going to delve into the book because you have to read it and discover everything for yourself.

I loved this couple though and I loved reading about Ryder and Crush and Dallas and Banks again.

Love is important and you can’t control who you fall in love with.
656 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2021
My Only Defense is a hot MM read with a hot, dominant navy SEAL and a sexy, broody reporter. I loved Garrison in the previous book! I loved getting to truly know him and his struggles. Law was wow! He had his needs but was nothing but loving and affectionate towards Gare even when their relationship was tested. These two are perfect for each other. Their story the perfect mix of hot, sweet, fun and angst.
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