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Someone wants her dead.
It’s up to him to make sure that doesn’t happen.


The first bullet didn’t kill her. But the next one might. With a target on her back, Battle Mountain reserve officer Isla Vachs has no choice but to trust Adan Sergeant. The soldier turned bodyguard has one final mission: protect his best friend’s widow and her daughter. As each step plunges Adan and Isla deeper into a sniper’s crosshairs, a deadly truth is about to become chillingly clear…

256 pages, ebook

First published April 13, 2023

43 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Nichole Severn

207 books448 followers
"First class romantic suspense!"
- Cynthia Eden, NYT Bestselling Author

Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Nichole Severn writes mind-twisting suspense and bullet-proof romance with strong heroines, heroes who dare challenge them, and cases you won’t be able to forget.

She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Psychology and is working for her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She’s a member of Mystery Writers of America, a founding member of the Addicted to Danger Facebook group, and volunteers for a number of non-profits focused on supporting mothers.

She resides with her very supportive and patient husband, as well as her two demon spawn, in Utah. When she’s not writing, she’s constantly injuring herself training for marathons, accidentally stabbing herself with screwdrivers during her many DIY projects, or playing violin. That’s right. She stabbed herself with a screwdriver.

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5 stars
142 (69%)
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44 (21%)
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11 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
147 reviews2 followers
April 17, 2023
This captivating mystery focuses on ex-soldier Adan and his best friend’s wife, Isla. Adan, a former soldier, has chosen to watch over his best friend’s wife and their child, as he promised he would, as his friend took his last breath. Meanwhile, Isla, a cop, has been in the cross hairs of a sniper, and has escaped, so far. The town of Battle Mountain has suffered so much turmoil in the past year, including serial killers, arsonist burning downtown and people shot. The town is putting pressure on the city council and mayor on their plans to bring the city back to the tourist mecca it used to be. While the mayor works on his plan, the police department has lost some credibility. After another shooting, Aidan and Isla pair up to investigate leading them into a complex web of deceit, secrets, betrayals and murder. This is a great action, dramatic story with plenty of twists and turns. This author sucks you right into the story and gets your heart pounding.There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I really look for in a great book. I received a complimentary ARC, but I am voluntarily offering my personal opinion.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,204 reviews18 followers
April 26, 2023
It was so sad that Isla lost her husband and Adan lost his best fiend while on a mission. Poor Adan blamed himself for his friend’s death which left Isla hating him. He promised his best friend he would take car is Isla and her daughter. Luckily Adan had been around when a sniper shot Isla when she was one of the ambulance attendants in the town close by. Now, a few months later after joining the police force in the next town over, Aden is there again when she is shot again. The big question was why was she being shot at. Adan and Isla started investigating who was after her and why. There were some ups and downs in their search and surprises galore. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Sammy.
198 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2023
2.5 rounded down stars. I don't like when books end in a cliffhanger for another book.
Profile Image for Melissa May.
331 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2023
Over her dead body is another page turner in the Defenders of Battle Mountain series!
Isla lives in Battle mountain with her daughter after her husband’s death. She is a reserve officer with the Battle Mountain PD and the town has had a lot of trouble. The people are scared and the mayor wants to make a lot of changes in the police department.
When shots are fired at Isla, Adan Sergeant who was best friends with Isla’s husband Clint and feels responsible for his death vows to keep her and her daughter safe. Together they try to find out what’s going on and trying to stay alive at the same time! Will they survive and give in to there mutual feelings?
This book is a real page turner! A lot of twists and turns and non stop danger!
I loved it! Although you can read it as a standalone I recommend to read the series in order. You will get to know the people of Battle Mountain.
I received this arc from the author and this review is my honest opinion!
3,546 reviews40 followers
March 30, 2023
This is another wonderful story in the series that will grab your attention from the first page to the last.
Isla Vachs, a former EMT and currently a Battle Mountain reserve officer, is a widow with a sweet young girl. The death of her husband devastated her.
Adan Sergeant, former military sniper, and best friend of her deceased husband, is in town determined to keep her safe since it seems someone has made a target of her.
He’s always loved Isla, but feels responsible for her husband’s death. 
As the danger intensifies and wondering why Isla is being targeted and what her husband was hiding, so do the feelings between Isla and Adan.
This was another wonderful addition to the series. Can’t wait for the next story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews125 followers
September 28, 2023
This emotional, action-packed book kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. Two months earlier, Isla, an EMT, was shot in what appeared to be a random shooting. Since then, she has become a BMPD reserve officer, the better to protect herself and her daughter, Mazi. As this book opens, someone takes another shot at her, and she is tackled simultaneously. The bullet could have been fatal if she hadn't been wearing her vest. Then she is stunned to discover that the person who tackled her is her late husband's best friend, Adan - the man she holds responsible for Clive's death.

Adan feels guilty about being unable to protect Clive on their last mission in the army. Clive's last request was that Adan protects his wife and child, and when he hears rumors that Isla is in danger, he drops everything to watch over her and Mazi.

The twists and turns of this story kept me hooked to the end. The BMPD is in a tough place thanks to the crime that has plagued the town for the last year. The townspeople are scared and questioning the department's capability, and the mayor uses them as a political football. Another shooting has Adan and Ilsa joining forces to investigate. Neither expects the web of lies, secrets, betrayal, and murder that confronts them. I could feel their confusion and horror at what they discovered. The threats against them never let up, and there were times when I wondered how they would resolve the problem. The ending was a nail-biter, and I was glued to the pages as the action unfolded. I loved the resolution and seeing the bad guys get what they deserved.

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Isla and Adan. They had always been friends because of Clint, and Mazi adored her Uncle Adan. But when Clint died, Isla blamed Adan and shut him out of her life. She wasn't happy to have him show up in Battle Mountain, but she couldn't refuse his help when the shooting started. I loved Adan's protectiveness toward both of "his girls." After years of being alone, spending time with Isla and Mazi made him realize what he was missing - and that he'd been in love with Isla for years. The attraction Isla feels for Adan makes her feel guilty, as though she is betraying Clint, and she tries putting distance between them. But in the end, she admits that life and love go on.

The epilogue is a teaser for the next book, which involves the quirky police dispatcher Macie. She appears to have been hiding a big secret, which is about to show up on her doorstep.
Profile Image for Shatarupa  Dhar.
620 reviews84 followers
June 19, 2023
Over Her Dead Body is Adan and Isla's tale that is filled with danger and her glitter-loving eight-year-old daughter Mazi.

In Book Five of Defenders of Battle Mountain, a blast from the past needs to be contained before more people turn up dead.

Warning: This is the fifth book in a series and has spoilers for the first four.

Synopsis:
Isla Vachs is a single mother to eight-year-old Mazi and a new recruit (transferred from fire and rescue) as a Battle Mountain reserve officer. Green Beret Adan Sergeant is her late husband Clint's best friend and whom Isla blames for his death.

Adan's in Battle Mountain to see to it that Isla and Mazi are safe. Twice she's been shot at within two months and he wants to make sure the killer who's after her doesn't get to her this time.

Review:
Every time I pick up a Nichole Severn, it feels like coming home. Her books have become my thrilling comfort.

The Chief of the Battle Mountain Police Department Weston Ford makes a reappearance after his story in Grave Danger.

There is growing clamour among townsfolk regarding the inefficiency of the police, seeing the spate of huge crimes in the vicinity (as detailed in the last books in the series). The Battle Mountain Police Department or BMPD is barely keeping their head above the water when another danger in the form of a mysterious sniper charges in.
It’s not stupid to try to hang on to those we’ve lost, Isla. It’s how we survive the pain.

The story follows Adan and Isla trying to get to the bottom of the mystery and find the person who's targeting her late hubby's military buddies and their relatives.

Simultaneously, seeing Isla with Mazi, Adan starts thinking of happy families with them, while he tries to keep them alive and out of danger. But soon, there's an entire rogue military faction after them, before it ends on a happy ever after.

The epilogue has the final member of BMPD Macie's story. And a mystery that's twenty years in the making.

Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
Profile Image for Miki.
1,026 reviews42 followers
March 28, 2023
Battle Mountain was confronted to alot lately: serial killers, bombing etc and if the police department managed to get the culprits despite being a few members only department , the population is getting angsty, wanting explanation and of course politics get in the way and the Mayor wants some lights on him.

However politics must wait when a sniper strikes again and Isla is saved by Adan, her dead husbanb's best friend. Isla transfered from EMT to teh police to be able to protect herself and her daughter after being hit by a sniper...she was not expecting to have to face more, so much more as some secrets her husband Clint had are revealed.

Adan lost his best friend during his last tour, he could not protect him but still try to fullfil his dying wish to protect his family. He was close to Isla and her daughter but loosing Clint caused a drift....except that he never stopped looking over them, protecting them from the shadows but as the danger grows he must interfere and his feelings are showing...he will do anything to protect them and not only because of Clint.

Oh i loved Adan, he is loyal and i loved how he was able to understand Easton and work with the team as an asset. He is in love with Isla and was already in the past probably but never say a word by respect for his friend.
Isla is a good mother, i was a bit angry with her at time because she can be stubborn and not always in a good way but she is part of the BMPD and she wants to protect it even as the newest member and she can be a fury protecting ehr child.

Really lot of action, sweet romance even more action ,some politics ( mayor did not get enough) it was fantastic and the cliffhanger just promise more BMPD sure has not moment to rest. A must read.
1,251 reviews
April 6, 2023
Another story in Nichole Severn's brilliant "Defenders of Battle Mountain" series, it can be read perfectly well as a standalone but I sincerely urge reading the series in sequence to attain the most enjoyment.
Isla Vachs had felt safe at Battle Mountain, it was her late husbands birthplace, she would bring up her eight year old daughter in this caring town.
Isla had been an EMT in fire and rescue prior to moving but she was now a reserve officer in the Battle Mountain PD.
Battle Mountain had been through a rough time, serial killers, a bomb etc, the small, efficient crew lead by Chief Weston Ford had coped but the general public were scared and they wanted answers, Mayor Wayne Higgins saw this as a good way to bolster his election campaign, he would replace the police force, he would make Battle Mountain safe.
When shots were aimed at Isla it became clear that her life was in danger, the man that she thought had been responsible for her husband Clint's death, Adan Sergeant, was determined to keep her and her daughter safe, sniper Adan and Clint had been best friends in the army and Adan blamed himself when Clint was killed. Isla's daughter, Mazi, adored Adan but could Isla allow him to get close.
This is a story of betrayal, corruption and of two people drawn together by circumstances having deep feeling for one another but both wracked with guilt, could they overcome the guilt ? could Adan fulfill his best friend's dying wish to keep his wife and daughter safe ? Could Adan find Clint's killer ? Would the mayor get his wish to replace the Battle Mountain PD ?
This is a real page turner that had me gripped from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
2,536 reviews21 followers
April 25, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "OVER HER DEAD BODY" OMG!!! Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride full of danger, suspense, intrigue, secrets, corruption, danger, loss, emotional turmoil, mystery, steam, twists you never saw coming your hooked to the end.
Adan Sergeant ex-military his BF Clint's wife Isla & their daughter Mazi were devasted when he was killed & Adam made a promise he'd look after them both forever he's always been in love with her even before Clint was her husband.
Isla Vach is a Reserve Officer for Battle Mountain PD things have been bad in the small town dealing with serial killers, bombings, shootings, Mayor Wayne Higgins wants to make changes on the PD thinks it'll be good for his campaign.
Isla is shot at by sniper putting her in grave danger that's when Adan steps up his protection on her but she's so stubborn not making it easy for him.
I definitely recommend to get this riviting intense story with all corruption going on will they figure out who the snipers is & why their after Isla, will she & Adan get a HEA, its absolutely a must read you can't miss.
I'm so looking forward to "DEAD AGAIN" the next book in this amazing series.
AWESOME MUST HAVE SUSPENSE ROMANCE 🖤 🖤
Profile Image for Heather Wray.
620 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2023
Isla Vachs is fed up, it seems everywhere she turns there’s the man she holds responsible for her husband’s death. Alright he might have saved her life a time or two, but she doesn’t have to like it.
Adan Sergeant had been a part of Isla’s life for years. After all she was married to his best friend. He blames himself for his friend’s death and can’t fault her for blaming him too. However, he knows there’s something more going on, and is determined to keep her safe.
Poor Battle Mountain is slowly recovering from its last two disasters, and certainly doesn’t need anymore. They might not have any faith in their police department, but the department is determined to ensure the safety of the town any way they can.

Again Nichole Severn has created suspense in this small town that starts with a bang, and keeps you hooked to the end. Love Battle Mountain, a small town full of great people, and a kick ass PD.

I received a review reader’s copy of the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Gazelle.
825 reviews10 followers
March 29, 2023
I don’t know how she does it but each book gets my attention and I have to know what is going to happen. I have been drawn into this series since book 1 and I am not sure how each book keeps getting more and more interesting. Officer Isla Vach’s keeps finding herself in these life or death situations but she’s an officer of the law and can fight her own battles. Adan Sergeant served with Isla’s late husband and they were all friends growing up but his only mission now is to keep Isla and her daughter safe. Isla doesn’t want his help or to see him again but Adan isn’t taking no for answer. These two fight their feelings/attraction for each other for noble reasons but as they spend more time together they find out they can offer each other something they never imagined possible. This HEA has action, suspense, intrigue and emotions across the gambit. I couldn’t put it down.
Profile Image for Zoe.
511 reviews10 followers
April 1, 2023
Over Her Dead Body
Defenders of Battle Mountain
A Harlequin Intrigue
Nichole Severn
Isla joined the Battle Mountain PD to protect herself and most importantly her little girl, Mazi. Adan made a promise to a mate before he died, he would protect Isla or die trying.
This series just keeps getting better, I think Adan and Isla are my favourites! The characters all have depth and variation in this series. The suspense and intrigue always catches you by surprise as the twists and turns unfold in a new brutal way.
Law enforcement, former military, emts and evil elements like the cartel all make an appearance in this book.
I really enjoyed this instalment in the Battle Mountain series, Ms Severn you have done it again. This book while part of a series can be read as a stand-alone novel with hea.
5 stars

6,527 reviews27 followers
April 20, 2023
Once again we are in Battle Mountain a small town that seems to have more than it's fair share of dramas. This is the town that Isla Vachs has moved to with her eight year old daughter to try to give her a good life after the death of their husband and father To give her a more stable life Isla has left been a EMT and has become a reserve police officer With all the drama that has happened in town local Mayor Wayne Higgins sees this has an opportunity to further his owns agenda. Now the town has a sniper and Isla is in the firing line Can Adan Sergeant the man tasked by his dying friend to protect his wife and child fulfil his promise and what happens when Isla and Aden start to have feelings for one another Can the town survive yet another crisis You will have to read to see in fact do yourself a favour and read the entire series
Profile Image for Paula.
1,956 reviews6 followers
Read
April 25, 2023
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Over Her Dead Body . Isla Vachs lost her husband over a year ago . She went from a EMT to a Reserve Officer for Battle Mountain so she could protect her self and her daughter . Isla was shot two months ago outside the Fire station they have never found who the shooter was . As Isla leaves the town Hall meeting at the rec center she hears the sound of a fired bullet and being tackled to the parking lot . Adan Sergeant tackled Isla to protect her from the sniper who is gunning for her . He promised Clint his best friend as he died in his arms he would protect her and her daughter Mazi . Together they must work to stop the gang responsible and survive not as easy as it looks . This story is outstanding and Suspenseful full of action and intrigue . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
893 reviews13 followers
March 29, 2023
Over Her Dead Body
Nichole Severn

Once again back in Battle Mountain this time with Isla Vachs and Adan Sergeant. Isla has been shot at and is recovering. Then she’s shot at again. All of a sudden her dead husband’s best friend is there to protect her and her glitter queen daughter, Mazi. But can he? They continue to be shot at putting everyone in danger. Will they be able to figure out who, why, and what do the the attackers want before more people are killed? Another action packed Battle Mountain story that keeps you drawn into the words from the first one to the last. Is there going to be a happy ever after or will this be the end for Battle Mountain? Couldn’t put it down until I could answer that.
Profile Image for Tammy Morse.
419 reviews54 followers
April 18, 2023
Over Her Dead Body
Nichole Severn

Isla Vachs was an EMT when she got shot the first time. Now she is Battle Mountain Police Officer and she got shot again. She had her daughter Mazi to protect and she had lost her husband so she was a single mother trying to protect her daughter.Then she had a protector Adan Sergeant that saved her life and her daughter.
A group from her husband's military crew where going on after her to find the stuff Clint was not turning in. She tore her husband's truck apart to find another bag from the cabin he had hidden another duffle bag. These guys would not give up till the had what they where looking for. Adan was falling in love with Isla and Mazi.
Nichole put characters together and was great at detail and easy to follow description.
Profile Image for Anima.
2,747 reviews52 followers
April 23, 2023
Isla is trying to do the best for her daughter since her husband died a year ago in Morocco. Newly hired as a reserve deputy she spent years as an EMT and fits right in with the small town that’s a magnet for trouble. Her husband’s friend, Adan, promised Clint he’d watch over his girls. Nobody realized there was a reason he feared they’d need his help. Adan and Mazie, Isla’s daughter, get along famously as if it was the most natural thing in the world. The connection between the three of them is amazing and Adan is treated as an equal with the sheriff department. Each book in the series involves new villains, new couples but the same quaint former tourist town. I’ve been lucky to read an early copy and wrote my review voluntarily.
81 reviews
April 24, 2023
Wow! The action never ends in poor beleaguered Battle Mountain. This newest in the series is no exception. Isla wants to raise her daughter in peace where her dead husband has ties. But what hornets nest was stirred up to cause someone to want her dead? Adan just wants to protect his best friend's wife and daughter. What evil plot did he step into? Neither will give up on keeping their loves safe. Will they find their safety and learn to love and trust each other? Will the mayor's stepping in to be the town "saviour" actually prevent the true heroes of the town from stopping this newest evil? Don't miss the chance to find out! I can't wait to read the next in the series.
I recieved an advance copy of the book, but the opinions stated above are my own.
2,027 reviews8 followers
April 14, 2023
What can I say about this story? It is such a great addition to the series, and it is chock full of action, danger, family, secrets, love, healing of grief, a hunky alpha male, and a strong female. Even when Isla tries to push Adan away, he intends to keep his promise to his friend and teammate Clint to keep Isla and her daughter safe. But what neither of them could have anticipated was the danger that was to come their way as they try to determine why a sniper is after Isla. Through it all, a connection starts to develop between the two of them. But what many don't take into full account, is the lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her child.
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,516 reviews43 followers
April 21, 2023
4 1/2 STARS!

Filled with non-stop action and drama! The fifth book in the Defenders of Battle Mountain series by Nichole Severn is bringing us Isla and Adan's story. There is danger lurking throughout the entire story as the intriguing characters race against time and old ghosts to find out who is behind recent killings and attempts. The set us for Macie's book at the end of this one has me excited for the next in the series to arrive.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys high intensity intrigue mixed with hints of romance as they forge through danger to reach their happily ever after.
Profile Image for Lili.
837 reviews48 followers
March 29, 2023
This one really kept me guessing, and it was so fast-paced I felt like I needed to remind myself to breathe.
I like that the characters in Nicole Severn's books are so strong, so steadfast and so determined that they always win in the end. Also, Mazi was aMazing, her mother's strength was mirrored in this little glittering tornado and there are some insightful glimpses of what a soldier's death does to his family.

A good book, well written and loaded with action - and also love and second-chances.
1,267 reviews9 followers
April 17, 2023
Back at Battle Mountain and how much can one town endure. there has been so much turmoil and Isla's life is in danger. She moved here with her daughter to feel close to her late husband, but trouble seems to have followed her. Adan was her husband's best friend and swore to him to protect her and their daughter. What was her husband involved in while in the military to bring danger to them? There is danger, suspense, secrets, twist and turns to keep you guessing and a little girl who will pull at your heartstrings. This is a great series and they just keep getting better.
2,676 reviews32 followers
April 20, 2023
Someone is gunning for Isla, a Mountain Reserve Officer but ex soldier Adan steps up to protect her and her daughter.
I really think this is my favourite in the series. The chemistry and family link really captures the emotion and the edginess of the story and keeps you hooked.
Isla feels guilty about her dead husband and her feelings for Adan, his best friend but the need and attraction overrides that eventually.
Well done, I enjoyed the writing and the dialogue as well as the slow romance in between the action. Great book! Really excellent!!
Profile Image for Belinda .
1,291 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2023
How much can this small town take? Isla has been shot and soon realizes she is being hunted. A widow with a child, she is determined to protect her family. When Adan, her husbands best friend, returns to protect her she doesn't trust him, but soon she realizes if she wants to survive and catch the people responsible for all the violence they will have to work together. Full of twists, action and coming to terms with her feelings, this story takes us on a wonderful intriguing ride. I received this ARC and voluntarily give my review.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,366 reviews12 followers
April 28, 2023
I love the Battle Mountain crew. A lot happens in such a small town. There is suspense, drama, lots of action and ,of course, romance. Isla is being targeted by a killer. but she doesn't know why. Adan, her late husband's best friend, always seems to be around when the shooting starts. The story works well as a standalone, but it is better if you read the series. I liked the ending and the teaser for the next book. I would certainly recommend it to readers who enjoy romantic suspense. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Margaret Yelton.
2,138 reviews44 followers
March 29, 2023
Over Her Dead Body is the fifth book in the Defenders of Battle Mountain series, written hby Nichole Severn. As with the previous books in this series the author was able to pull me in and keep me turning the pages. This was a action packed book full of twists and turns. I most definitely would recommend this book to everyone.

I received an ARC from the author, and I am leaving my review voluntarily the opinion expressed here are my own.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
811 reviews7 followers
March 30, 2023
Isla is still grieving for her dead soldier husband Clint and doing her best for their 4 year old daughter when it becomes clear someone is trying to kill her. Adan, Clint's team mate and best friend promised Clint as he lay dying he would protect his family. Isla wants nothing to do with Adan who she considers responsible for her husband's death. A fast paced action packed romantic suspense book with a complex twisted plot where nothing is as it seems plus a side of glitter!
750 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2023
What a page turner! Adan and Isla’s story is non stop action start to finish. Adan promises Clint, Isla’s dead husband and his best friend to watch over and protect her and their daughter from the trouble that is coming. When it arrives they both try and deal with their feelings for each other, plus try and figure out what Clint has gotten them involved with. How everything works out makes for a really fantastic read!
Profile Image for Anja.
1,257 reviews8 followers
March 26, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Back in Battle Mountain and there‘s another thing coming. They already had it all - serial killers, bombing - you name it, BMPD saw it. A great story about trust. It wouldn’t be a Nichole Severn novel if there wasn’t any body to be found. Great, you get sucked right into the story.
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