Hesitate

NOLA Defiance MC #3

by K.E. Osborn

Family is a bond.

One that can’t be broken.
But what if I want to bend the rules?

I wasn’t supposed to look at her that way. I’d practically grown up beside her. You shouldn’t ignite inside when you stare at your stepsister.


Now she’s caught the eye of someone else.

Someone more sinister than me.

The problem is—he’s dangerous.

But is there more to him than even we are aware of?

Sharing our secret with our family should be easy. But just when we think the dust has settled, trouble comes searching, far more ferocious than before.
When all seems lost, I stand firm and fight.
Because a world without her in it, is a world I will burn to the ground

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Dark Romance, Contemporary, Family, Forbidden Love, Forced Proximity

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2022

About the author

With a flair for all things creative, USA Today Bestselling Author K E Osborn, is drawn to the written word. Exciting worlds and characters flow through her veins, coming to life on the page as she laughs, cries, and becomes enveloped in the storyline right along with you. She's entirely at home when writing sassy heroines and alpha males that rise from the ashes of their pasts.

K E Osborn comforts herself with tea and Netflix, after all, who doesn't love a good binge?

Explosive. Addictive. Romance. www.keosbornauthor.com

Reviews

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The NOLA Defiance MC Series is a spin-off from the Houston Defiance MC Series. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous series, you won’t be lost in any way that I can think of at the moment. That doesn’t mean that any of the books within each series can be read as a standalone, because they cannot, because that is the way of MC romance series.

I #bingeread this entire series (all 6 books) between July and August (2023) and it was one of the best reading experiences of my life! I love MC romances and KE knows how to bring it in this genre so it was time well spent for this reader!

Hesitate is the third book in the series and it is a stepsiblings romance focusing on Bayou and Novah. Their story packed a lot of drama and suspense mostly due to Novah’s circumstance, which for me, saved the day with this story. The idea of stepsiblings being taboo is tricky for me. The majority of people would immediately jump on the taboo bandwagon but I’m not one of those people. The two people in question are not connected by blood so to me, there’s nothing forbidden about it, but it is never written as such and sometimes I get twitchy about it. *shrug* Bayou’s repeated rejection of Novah didn’t win him any points but if I take my own prejudice out of the equation and just focus on the story, there was enough drama surrounding them to win the story over for me.

Hesitate is a solid 3.5 Star read for me but since half stars are not a thing I'm rounding to 4 because it's not a 3 *shrug* (ratings are soooooo arbitrary, ugh!)

[Emma (emjbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hesitate is the fourth book in this series and I have to say that KE has produced another well written MC story. Bayou and Nova have grown up as step siblings but for years now they have been fighting their attraction to each other. Will they succumb to their feelings and live their HEA that they both deserve.

I am not a fan of crossover books and this book had scenes from KE's previous release Hostile Hearts. I think the author made a mistake by crossing these books as we already knew the future of Bayou & Nova before we even started reading this book.

[Laura Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review

⚠️May contain spoilers from previous books in the series.⚠️


I've been looking forward to reading Bayou & Novah since Gravitate and I can't believe K.E. Osborn has given me EVERYTHING I wanted from their love story!! Besides that I loved the little twist that she gave to the MC plot compared to the previous books, and especially The Houston Defiance MC Series, who make a small appearance, and along with the secondary characters, new enemies and the glimpse into Grit's history made Hesitate not only my favorite book in the series, but also the author's!

At this point Novah has my heart already, so I loved getting to know much more about her: she's a happy, positive girl who loves to make Nash, Hurricane & Bayou suffer a little as the good younger sister/step-sister, she is, a social worker that is really looking to help people who are going through difficult times and has some insecurities due to her father, however, I doesn't expected the extent of her trauma to be the same as what I was able to read in Nash, which really broke my heart for her, but I loved being able to see this new side and knowing that she has always had the love and support from his mom and the boys.

Bayou was my favorite from the start of the series, so I was dying to read from his perspective, and it was so much better than I expected! He is the simplest of the Ladet twins, a man who loves his family and is willing to do anything to protect them, with a rather peculiar bloodthirsty side that I did not expect and a totally adorable, tender and loving side that I wished he had. One of the things I liked the most about his character was being able to learn more about his relationship with Hurricane, how different they are and how well they work together, as well as the unexpected bond of trust that emerged between him & Grey, which I hope to continue reading about, and how beautiful her relationship is with Ingrid, her stepmother and Novah's mother.

Bayou & Novah have a story that is quite complicated at times, especially because of the forbidden aspect of their love, but I really liked reading the path that K.E. wrote for their relationship: I loved that both of them were aware of their own feelings since the beginning of the book, that they have doubts, make mistakes, but most importantly: that they manage to communicate to the other what they want, feel, and look forward for their relationship once they decide to let themselves be carried away by their love, I love how protective Bayou is of Novah, how he supports her when she needs it most and ALWAYS tries to give her the treatment she deserves, and how together they are one of the most beautiful couples this author has written.

🍎Novah: 5/5
🍎Bayou: 5/5
🍎Plot: 5/5
🍎Love story: 5/5
🍎Secondary character: 5/5
🍎Universe: 5/5
🍎Cover: 5/5 - It's my favorite! 😍😍😍
🌶️: 3/5


🇪🇸
ARC amablemente proporcionada a cambio de una reseña honesta

⚠️Puede contener spoilers de los libros anteriores de la serie.⚠️


He estado esperando leer a Bayou & Novah desde Gravitate y no puedo creer que K.E. Osborn me haya dado TODO lo que yo quería de su historia de amor!! Además de que me encantó el pequeño giro que le dio a la trama del MC en comparación con los libros anteriores, y especialmente con The Houston Defiance MC Series, quienes hacen una pequeña aparición, y junto con los personajes secundarios, nuevos enemigos y el vistazo a la historia de Grit hicieron de Hesitate no solo mi libro favorito de la serie, si no también de la autora!

A estas alturas Novah mi corazón ya es de Novah, así que amé poder conocer mucho más de ella: es una chica alegre, positiva y que ama hacer sufrir un poco a Nash, Hurricane & Bayou como la buena hermana/hermanastra menor, es trabajadora social y realmente busca ayudar a las personas que están pasando por momentos complicados y tiene algunas inseguridades debido al abandono de su padre, sin embargo, no me esperaba que el alcance de su trauma fuera el mismo que pude leer en Nash, lo cual rompió mucho mi corazón por ella, pero me encantó poder ver este nuevo lado y saber que ella siempre ha tenido el amor y apoyo de su mamá y los chicos.

Bayou fue mi favorito desde el inicio de la serie, así que me moría por leer desde su perspectiva, y fue mucho mejor de lo que esperaba! Él es el más sencillo de los gemelos Ladet, un hombre que ama a su familia y esta dispuesto a todo para protegerlos, con un lado sanguinario bastante peculiar que no me esperaba y otro totalmente adorable, tierno y amoroso que deseaba que tuviera. Una de las cosas que más me gustó de su personaje fue poder conocer más de la relación que tiene con Hurricane, lo diferentes que son y lo bien que funcionan juntos, además del inesperado vinculo de confianza que surgió entre Bayou & Grey, del cual espero seguir leyendo y lo linda que es su relación con Ingrid, su madrastra y mamá de Novah.

Bayou & Novah tienen una historia que es bastante complicada por momentos, especialmente por el aspecto prohibido de su amor, pero me gusto mucho leer el camino por el que K.E llevo su relación: me encantó que ambos estuvieran consientes de sus propios sentimientos desde que comienza el libro, que tengan dudas, cometan errores, pero lo más importante: que logren comunicarle al otro lo que quieren, sienten, y esperan de su relación una vez que deciden dejarse llevar por su amor, amo lo protector que Bayou es con Novah, como la apoya cuando ella más lo necesita y SIEMPRE intenta darle el trato que se merece, y como juntos son una de las parejas más lindas que esta autora ha escrito.

🍎Novah: 5/5
🍎Bayou: 5/5
🍎Trama: 5/5
🍎Historia de amor: 5/5
🍎Personajes secundarios: 5/5
🍎Universo: 5/5
🍎Portada: 5/5 - Es mi favorita! 😍😍😍
🌶️: 3/5

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic MC Book


This is another installment of the Defiance MC NOLA Chapter and its just as hot and intriguing as the others. Bayou and Novah may be step siblings but that didn’t make their love any less real. The questions was how will Bayou’s twin and club Prez, Hurricane, feel about this or Novah’s blood brother Nash handle this. This was a close family and when times got hard, they bonded together as we saw when the unthinkable happened with Novah.

This was an intense book that I couldn’t put down because there were so many twists and turns that I couldn’t wait to find out where this author was taking me next. Oh, and let’s talk the chemistry and steam that burned up the pages because it was sizzling.

This has definitely become an author I follow and I love the way I’m drawn into her books and I always look forward to the next book she releases.

[Kylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hesitate is the third book in the NOLA Defiance MC and this finally gives us Bayou and Novah's story. Step siblings that have been fighting against an attraction since they were teenagers. When Novah's life is in danger, Bayou can no longer deny the connection and chemistry that radiates between them. Their story is action packed, has you on the edge of your seat, a few twists and turns to keep you guessing and the heat factor will have your skin on fire. Their story starts off a little slow and does take a little time to fully captivate you but once it does you are in for one hell of a ride. The ending is amazing and has you invested and eagerly awaiting the next book.

[KitKat821 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good and quick read! I love the semi-taboo nature of the romantic relationship developing between step siblings and the angst that accompanies it. I wasn’t as into reading about a 27 year old virgin that’s basically been waiting around for this one guy for forever (even subconsciously). I find I like Novah’s friend Xanthe a lot more….she seems more intriguing. Bayou and Novah certainly have a ton of chemistry between them….and I loved that part. Things get a little too sickeningly sweet with how long it takes for them to have sex, it’s sweet and all - but most of my five star reads are darker. We do get a fun plot twist, some very creepy time in the swamp, and we see the Baroness (can we please have a book about her?). This was a really well written and fast-paced book, I’m looking forward to Grit’s story!!

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5stars-HESITATE is the third instalment in KE Osborn’s contemporary, adult NOLA Defiance MC erotic, MC romance series-a spin off from the author’s HOUSTON DEFIANCE MC. This is Sargent at Arms Blaise ‘Bayou’ Ladet, and twenty-seven-year old social worker Novah Harrington’s story line. HESITATE can be read as a stand-alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary but I recommend reading the series in order, for back story and history.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

NOTE: Some of the events of HESITATE cross over with, and run parallel to, the events of HOSTILE HEARTS (Revel Rose Billionaires). Novah is the sister of billionaire Nash Harrington.

Told from dual first-person perspectives (Novah and Bayou) HESITATE follows the ‘forbidden’ relationship between Sargent at Arms Blaise ‘Bayou’ Ladet, and twenty-seven year old social worker Novah Harrington. Blaise Ladet and Novah Harrington are step siblings. Novah’s mother Ingrid was once married to Blaise’s father, and alone with club President Hurricane, and Novah’s brother Nash, all four grew up together, each walking towards a different path in life. Novah and Bayou have secretly lusted after one another for as long as they can remember but Novah’s brother Nash, and Bayou’s brother Hurricane are over-protective of our story line heroine. When a client’s abusive husband takes aim at the woman he loves, Bayou becomes guardian and protector of our story line heroine but all does not go according to plan when not one, not two, but three possible predators have set their sights on Novah Harrington. What ensues is the building but secrets relationship between Novah and Bayou, and the potential fall-out as Novah finds herself at the mercy of a mad man, a killer who wants Novah as his next prize.

Novah and Bayou have danced around one another since the first time they met but Bayou refuses to cross the line of forbidden fruit, a line demarcated by responsibility and blood. Novah believes she is not worthy having been rejected by Bayou on numerous occasions, but Novah knows that family is everything to our story line hero.

The relationship between Novah and Bayou has been building throughout the series but Bayhou knows that to make Novah his own means to betray the family he now calls his own but the heart wants what the head refuses to accept, and Bayou’s need to protect Novah places our couple together for the foreseeable future. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including most of the members of the NOLA Defiance MC, as well as the arrival of Nash Harrington and his girlfriend Brianne; The Baroness (Houston Defiance MC; Novikov Bratva head Anton Novikov; and MC prospect Grey soon to be Grit, and the woman he loves Lani. The requisite evil has many faces.

HESITATE is a story of betrayal and vengeance; family and relationships; power and control; madness and murder. The premise is dark, gritty and raw; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are energetic, charismatic, determined and protective.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bayou and Novah sizzle

It's finally here!!! HESITATE, the NOLA Defiance MC story I've been patiently waiting for ... or not so patiently. KE Osborn completely blew my mind, a forbidden love story like no other. I always knew that Bayou and Novah's story was going to be intense, emotional, and suspenseful, in fact it was a chronic page turner that I couldn't put down. Theirs is a story of family, relationships, betrayal, power, and vengeance. So, strap in and prepare for another mindblowing ride from KE.

Blaise 'Bayou' Ladet and Novah Harrington were raised as step brother and sister, as Bayou's father was once married to Novah's mother. They have always felt there was a special connection between them, but because of their situation have never acted upon it. They can't help who they love, irrespective of what their family and others will think, they feel the need to follow their hearts. As I've learnt from reading KE's books nothing ever runs smoothly for her couples, and for Bayou and Novah that is definitely true.

Danger is never far away, and this time it has its sight set on Novah. Bayou has become her bodyguard, can he keep her safe, or will his emotions get the better of him? I loved Bayou and Novah together. I always knew that they would be hot, but these two were like a volcano erupting, explosive and steamy, however it is their sweet and tender moments that totally endeared them to me.

With numerous twists and turns woven throughout I was once again addicted to every one of KE's words. She just writes in a style that calls to me. HESITATE is one of her best books ever, and I can't wait for Grit's story, Incinerate, especially after the events that occurred at the end of the epilogue.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE SUPERB STARS ✨✨✨✨✨

[Hanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I didn’t read the previous two books but I had absolutely no problems in understanding all the players involved.
Ms. Osborn gives enough details about all the characters so readers like me know who everyone is and how they are involved or related.
I loved Bayou and Novah’s story.
It was fact paced, action packed, sexy and intense.
The NOLA Defiance MC are one percenters.
So they have many enemies and deal with them cruelly and without mercy.
Bayou and Novah have deep feelings for each other but are worried to act on them for fear of judgment and the sense of taboo.
But they are hot together and the undeniable connection they have is plain and clear for everyone to see. There is no hiding that kind of bond because it just naturally shows.
I loved how Bayou was with her. Considerate, caring, selfless and wanting everything to be perfect for her. This dangerous man is so different when he with Novah.
She brings out his softer more tender side.
The side that brings romance, wines and dines.
Novah is tougher and stronger than what those that knew her think.
She’s gone through a lot and sometimes questions herself but the girl is solid.
With Bayou she sees her strength and determination.
He brings out the strong part of her that is there but hidden.
Their story takes a turn that had me heart thumping wildly and biting my nails.
Holy hell I did not see that coming and I was reading as fast as I could because it was that consuming and that gripping.
I loved this couple and the whole MC family and will definitely read the two previous books!
**4.5 gripping stars**

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Move over Houston, Defiance NOLA is now my favorite club. They have already had several unusual circumstances, but this one might be the most taboo. Step-siblings!

Hesitate is Bayou's story. Twins with Hurricane, he's the more level-headed of the two. If only his family knew about his deep dark secret. It would blow their mind. The only woman that Bayou has ever wanted is his stepsister, Novah. It was easy to chase men away from her with his overzealous big brother act. When unexplained dangerous situations start happening around Novah, Bayou is the first one to step-up as her personal protection. It's a great excuse to be around her without drawing any one's suspicion. Their story and chemistry is really front and center as they fight their attraction to each other. Their relationship doesn't have any taboo elements, which was a little disappointing.

I think my biggest issue with this book is that it runs concurrent with Hostile Hearts. If you've read one, you can pretty much figure out the other. Each book has scenes that are parallel to each other. For example: There's a dinner scene that is shown twice from different perspectives. However, it's the same scene. It almost feels repetitive because you're seeing it multiple time. The only new parts are the scenes that surround each couple. However, the timeline is the same so it's pretty obvious what's going to happen.

I enjoyed both books, but I think they rely too much on each other. I would have preferred if all the material would have been standalone.

[Kali Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 ⭐
4/5 🌶️

I've been unaliving for Bayou and Novah's story since we first met them in Gravitate, and it was so worth the wait!! The last quarter or so of this book was I N T E N S E. The twist totally caught me by absolute surprise. I couldn't put this one down, it was fantastic.

I adore Bayou and Novah. I love the step-sibling trope and have been rooting for them for awhile now. They're just so cute together, trying to hide away from the chemistry they share. Bayou is a great protector, he takes such good care of her. I love Novah's praise kíñk, the "good girl"s were hot, hot, hot. The steam was great in this book, the vírgíñítý trope was really well done.

I enjoyed how Hesitate and Hostile Hearts had overlapping timelines and that we got to see Novah's perspective of meeting Bri and then them attending the gala. I love Nash and Bri, so getting them in this book was great.

I loved the action in this book, it felt like there was more than in Gravitate and Isolate. I was frantically reading, trying to figure out how it was going to play out for Novah in the end. We had more than one bad guy and it kept me on my toes for sure.

We not only get a little preview of where the next book is going, but we get quite a few little moments with Grey and Lani in this one that are the perfect tease. I can't wait for what's next.

[One Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novah & Bayou love story is a very forribean romance step sibling and it's set in my fav world MC that have a very interesting pet 🐊 La Fin

"We're dangerous around each other.
We both know it.
There's definitely something that can't be ignited.
No matter what."

What I love that we see the tension straight away and I thought Bayou will last awhile before he claimed the women he love...like they can't keep a man or women away from something they love. HOWEVER there is a moment in the book were I just want hit Bayou over the head, men are idiots !! 🙄

I do love them together Bayou & Novah and I can't lie I love getting updates from the previous couple 🥰 what can I say they have a place in my heart

I love the bro & sis bound of Nash & Novah and that it is represented in Sunshine 🦄 that just show that her bro just wants to bring sunshine in life. Now it Bayou turn to bring some HOT sunshine in her life 😉🔥

Get ready for suspense action and of a love story that been slowly boiling up. Now we just have to avoid a man that obsess with finding out what animals & people's insides look like...no spoilers. What I love Novah job helps families to find new starts but like every job there is darkness...Devil's eye

☆MUST READ & FAV☆

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bayou grew up in the same household as his stepsister Novah but when he looked at her she was not his sister which felt wrong but he couldn't help it. Then someone else is after her and they appear to be far more dangerous plus there is more to him than they realise. Sharing their love in the family should be easy (even if some might react badly) but they thought the dust had settled when even more ferocious trouble came calling - he must stand firm and fight because his world without her in it is worth nothing.

Wow - a story of love, passion and danger all mixed into the love story between Bayou and Novah. I enjoyed the analysis of feelings and whether they were forbidden and the torture of the trouble that came calling. Both Bayou and Novah had to show immense strength of character as a result but thankfully they came out better as people in the end. An explosive conclusion to the trouble is followed by great tenderness (something you might not associate with an MC book). Easy to read and understand, I could feel and empathise with all of the thoughts and emotions of the characters. Contains mature content.

[Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hesitate is the third book in the NOLA Defiance MC series, and I think this is my favorite. We knew of the budding romance between Bayou and Novah, but they were resisting because of being step-siblings. Riding along on the base storyline, the NOLA Defiance MC club, we see quite a few interactions with Hurricane and the rest of the gang. KE Osborn has created an interesting dynamic that is exciting and fun to read. These guys are not "good" guys; they are violent, deal in narcotics, battle with rival gangs, and will retaliate in a second. The twins Hurricane and Bayou are second-generation Defiance and grew up with Nash, Novah, and their mother, Ingrid, when their father married her. There has always been a special connection between Novah and Bayou, and it's time for the story. It is such a good story, a slow burn that gradually heats up to a really sweet romantic and HOT spicy scene. Yowza! Then we get an unexpected suspenseful twist that was exciting and riveting. It was another thrilling adventure with the NOLA Defiance; Grey's story is coming, and y'all don't want to miss that! I suggest you read Gravitate and Isolate before Hesitate and get your motor running!

[Theresa Natole · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. I could not put it down. Bayou and Novah have always shared a special bond. They never acted on it because they were stepsiblings. Not related by blood at all, but they never admitted to their feelings because of this After all, how would everyone react if they got together. But the heart wants what the heart wants. The only two people this should effect is Novah and Bayou.
Now with him playing bodyguard to her these feelings make their way to the surface. Once unleashed they are explosive. They choose to keep their relationship quiet for now. What will happen when Nash and Hurricane find out is anyone’s guess. But Bayou loves Novah with all his heart. She is his forever. He will take what they give him because in the end she is worth everything.
I recently discovered K E Osborn from a friend’s recommendation, and I am hooked with her writing. Her books are incredible. Once you start reading you never want to stop. Once you read the final word, you are anxious to see what will come out next.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say about this book is that it was so, so good. Novah and Bayou flipped my expectations upside down. I knew what I was getting into when I started this book but as I kept reading I just found myself being caught up in Novah and Bayou’s journey. I have been fortunate enough to read a few of Ms Osborn’s books but this would have to be my favourite. The detail and description of scenes was beyond imagination and it certainly cemented my belief that this was going to be one hell of an emotion roller coaster ride and I was definitely not mistaken. So many twists and turns that had me gasping on several occasions and although Novah and Bayou are stepsiblings who embark on a relationship I felt that was a minor issue in their relationship as their road to happiness was tainted with drama and danger. Loved this so much and I am eagerly awaiting book four in this series.

I received an arc copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just said my girlfriend “Why am I having trouble writing this review ?” It is because it was that GOOD !! I don’t want to give anything away because .. yes we know Bayou and Novak have a magical connection but the feelings and desire for each other is off the charts !!

NOLA Defiance we know is not just a motorcycle club it is in all true words .. definitely in this installment .. a TRUE FAMILY and would do anything for each other. So when Novah and Bayou give into there feelings for each other and finally agree to tell there brothers the bottom falls out of there whole world. Bayou and the club will do anything and everything to make sure the family stays together and the woman are safe.

The twist and turns in this installment will make you yell, scream and just stare at wall say .. omg did that just really happen ?? K.E. Gives you all the feels right here !! LOVED IT !! Nash and Hurricane and the bomb too !!

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is Novah and where is she? What does she do for a living? Who are Morgan and Johnny and how does Novah know or know of each of them? What email does Novah get at work and what happens when she gets home? Getting no help from 911, she goes to the Club. What happens with Bayou and Hurricane when she gets there and tells the about what happened? What does hurricane order Bayou to do? Why is that hard for him? Seeing the inner workings of Bayou's mind as he worked on completing Hurricane's task was done was a blast! Boy, oh boy... Novah is a spitfire! What two things doe Bayou freak out about when it comes to Novah? What happenes at the clubhouse on Christmas Eve? Who is behind the 'gifts' left for Novah? Who are Maddie and Arsen? What is the deal with each of them? Talk about this being a story that keeps you on your toes, this one is it! What a read!

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️ | 3/5 🌶

Oh my! I couldn’t put this book down. Hesitate by K.E. Osborn was even better than Nash’s story, I think mainly because of the dangerous tone of the book. With all the twists and turns, I knew the events that happened at the beginning of the book were just the tip of iceberg in terms of danger.

The chemistry between step-siblings Bayou and Novah was off the charts and the build up had me squirming! When it finally happened, I was cheering! And I was happy to see the development of Novah by the end, Bayou is also just a giant cinnamon roll, I loved him.

I am now completely invested in all the side characters, I need all their stories… STAT, please and thank you!

Thank you to Grey’s Promotion for the ARC!

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the previous books in the series but manged to follow the storyline and characters with no problem. We do get some background on the club and the dynamics of all the players involved. There is a slight forbidden element to this book as the two main characters are step siblings. The story is one of love and passion with a side serving of danger. Bayou and Novah were fun to read about and I enjoyed getting to know them more as the book progressed. I liked both sides of Bayou the violent MC member who has a unique way of disposing of his enemies and the tender loving man who will do anything to protect the woman he loves. Novah goes through a lot and shows just how strong she is. I love them together the relationship is caring loving and passionate. The pace of the writing was perfect and as it builds to the explosive ending you can feel the tension and fear.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in this phenomenal series, and this is Bayou and Novah’s story. These two are step siblings, and they have fought the attraction between them since they were teenagers. Nova is now a social worker who will do anything to protect the innocent, and when she become the target and is in danger, Bayou is assigned to become her bodyguard, and he will do whatever he must to protect and keep her safe. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable. This is a well written action-packed story, with family, secrets, danger, suspense, intrigue, twists, and love, which leads to a thrilling and addictive page turner which had me on tenterhooks throughout.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Ann L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one book I have been waiting for. Bayou and Novah have been skating around their attraction for years. They both are hung up on the fact that they are step siblings and think it's wrong to be together but there's
Ingrid, Hurricane and Nash to think about and the latter two would probably beat on Bayou, they think no-one will be good enough for Novah. When she is threatened he's her protection detail and when things get heated and they can't hide it any longer, they throw caution to the wind and get together secretly from the MC and Nash.

I absolutely loved this, I couldn't put it down and think it's the best one yet.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 3 in the NOLA Defiance MC Series and my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It is an off limits romance between stepsiblings, Bayou and Novah. Their sizzling chemistry and strong connection are undeniable as they navigate the bumpy road to their forever after. It is a sweet love story with drama and steam, humor and charm, sexual tension and chemistry, and engaging secondary characters to keep the reader interested. A seriously entertaining read. It can be read as a standalone.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Grey's Promotions and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting to get my hands on Bayou’s story and I was not disappointed. I loved that he is paired with Novah, especially when they have been in each other’s lives since the start though no blood is shared between them. Like with all Defiance stories, there are intense moments, sizzling passion and crazy intrigue that will keep you on your toes the whole time. I love the twisty goodness that Osborn gives us every time and this one delivered just the same. There is depth between the characters, a brotherhood that has been built and so much more. Another great addition to the Defiance world!

[Amy Mccann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Hesitate by K.E Osborn I loved the family feel of it. The NOLA Defiance Team are one big family who have each others backs through anything.

Bayou and Novah grew up together and are considered step siblings but chemistry has always burned between the two and years down the line and when Novah is in true danger do they both give into there feelings.

Bayou is a fierce protector of Novah and it was amazing he always puts Novah above himself and she definitely needed that in the end.

A book full of love, loyally, death and redemption! K.E Osborn gave us such a powerful book!

This is book 3 in the series and I'd definitely read them all over again they are that good 🖤

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot was packed into this quick read. Novah and Bayou were raised as Siblings but their feelings for each other is so much stronger. When Novah finds herself in danger, Bayou will do everything and anything to protect her. The motorcycle club has their backs no mater what. What will their brothers think of this new development? Will they be supportive? This was action packed quick read with amazing characters and a great story. I have read several books in this series and I really enjoy this club and family. The books are always great page turners with amazing characters.

[Pattip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow build book (for me, at least). I didn't get "into" the storyline until around the 34% mark. But once I did, it held my interest until the very end. I found the characters interesting and the storyline filled with suspense and unexpected outcomes. I enjoyed both Bayou and Novah and the peripheral characters as well. I was sent a complimentary copy and I am choosing to leave my honest review.

[Phyllis Wolford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and it keeps getting better with each new book. The characters are all so likable, but so unsure of themselves.
Bayou and Novah are step-brother and sister. They have had deeper feeling for each other since they were teenagers. They are both unsure of how the family, both blood and loyal, will take them being together. They decide to keep it quiet for a little bit longer, but when Novah is targeted by a serial killer, who happens to be the brother to one of her families that she helps, it brings all the feelings to the light.
The Definace take care of the killer and learn to be tolerant of Bayou and Novah’s love for each other.
A lot of old friends and enemies make an appearance , but seems to work out for the better.

[Gail Lacroix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up with Novah and Nash as stepsiblings I always felt protective and close to Novah. Here we are grown and my feelings have evolved and I shouldn't feel this way. Novah's life is in danger and I will do what ever it takes to protect her.
I know Bayou is my stepbrother but I can't help feel what I feel for him right or wrong he is my best friend and the man I want ,that's if I survive who ever is after me.

[Megan Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bayou & Novah has been fighting/denying their attraction to one another for years... but when Novah's life is endangered everything changes. Tasked as her bodyguard-- it becomes harder and harder to deny their connection. But danger is just around the corner; and their road to happily ever after is definitely not smooth sailing. Loads of drama! ALL the twisty goodness, Steam, Brotherhood & Family. I am so in love with The NOLA Defiance Series and I cannot wait for more!