Scan barcode
caseroo7's review against another edition
4.0
Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick
Defenseless is the newest book in the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels. While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the previous books in order to get full enjoyment as the focus of this story centers around discovering who is responsible for problems that Mark and the guys have been having throughout this series. Fans of the series will be relieved to know that this book does not contain a cliffhanger.
As Jackson Cole's security company continues to be plagued with missing shipments and sabotage, Mark Dixon is more determined than ever to figure out who is behind it. Knowing he needs outside help, he goes to CIA agent Charlie Erickson for help. Having been removed from the case that has become her life, Charlie decides to continue working on it outside the agency. Though she doesn't fully trust him, she knows that Mark could help her find the man responsible for killing her father and sabotaging Mark's guys. But as the two try to get to the bottom of what is happening, the attraction between them threatens everything they are trying to accomplish. Both know that they should stay away from one another to avoid putting themselves in more danger, but they find it impossible to fight the chemistry between them.
I really liked Mark in the previous books, and I really loved him here. I have to say that sometimes Mark's over the top personality got to be a little much, and it was easy to see how Charlie could find him so exasperating. I love the guy, but he did have a problem being serious at times. I actually really loved it when he was serious though. As much as I enjoyed his charm and his joking around, I loved seeing how deep his feelings for Charlie went and just how much he cared about those in his life. Charlie was one of the strongest heroines I have ever read about. I definitely loved her ability to do what most consider a man's job and the fact that she was as good at it as she was. She was also able to still be feminine and I really liked seeing that side of her as well. While she was also a bit frustrating at times, I did understand her reluctance to want to start any type of relationship due to her career. The reason it was frustrating for me at times was because it was so clear how perfect these two were for one another and I wanted her to wake up earlier! But I really enjoyed their connection and chemistry, and these two were so hot together! The steam between them was off the charts, and I loved their sexy scenes.
Overall, this was another great book in this series. I will say that those who have read the previous books should expect a completely different feel here than what they are used to from Corinne Michaels. Defenseless was more focused on find out what was going on with the guys and there was a lot more suspense here than we have previously seen from Corinne. I did feel like this book was missing a bit of the emotion and angst that we are used to from her, but it was good to get some answers to some of the questions that we have had for awhile now. I was glad that we got a little more emotion toward the end of this book, as I had been missing that throughout the first 75% of the story. While I liked Mark and Charlie, I was wanting a bit more of them rather than just the constant search for answers and push and pull they had going on. Still a great book, and I think fans of the series will really enjoy this one. Natalie and Liam are still my favorites, and I was so glad we got more of them and the rest of the gang here. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, and I can't wait to see what happens next for all these characters!
**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**
Defenseless is the newest book in the Salvation Series by Corinne Michaels. While this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the previous books in order to get full enjoyment as the focus of this story centers around discovering who is responsible for problems that Mark and the guys have been having throughout this series. Fans of the series will be relieved to know that this book does not contain a cliffhanger.
As Jackson Cole's security company continues to be plagued with missing shipments and sabotage, Mark Dixon is more determined than ever to figure out who is behind it. Knowing he needs outside help, he goes to CIA agent Charlie Erickson for help. Having been removed from the case that has become her life, Charlie decides to continue working on it outside the agency. Though she doesn't fully trust him, she knows that Mark could help her find the man responsible for killing her father and sabotaging Mark's guys. But as the two try to get to the bottom of what is happening, the attraction between them threatens everything they are trying to accomplish. Both know that they should stay away from one another to avoid putting themselves in more danger, but they find it impossible to fight the chemistry between them.
I really liked Mark in the previous books, and I really loved him here. I have to say that sometimes Mark's over the top personality got to be a little much, and it was easy to see how Charlie could find him so exasperating. I love the guy, but he did have a problem being serious at times. I actually really loved it when he was serious though. As much as I enjoyed his charm and his joking around, I loved seeing how deep his feelings for Charlie went and just how much he cared about those in his life. Charlie was one of the strongest heroines I have ever read about. I definitely loved her ability to do what most consider a man's job and the fact that she was as good at it as she was. She was also able to still be feminine and I really liked seeing that side of her as well. While she was also a bit frustrating at times, I did understand her reluctance to want to start any type of relationship due to her career. The reason it was frustrating for me at times was because it was so clear how perfect these two were for one another and I wanted her to wake up earlier! But I really enjoyed their connection and chemistry, and these two were so hot together! The steam between them was off the charts, and I loved their sexy scenes.
Overall, this was another great book in this series. I will say that those who have read the previous books should expect a completely different feel here than what they are used to from Corinne Michaels. Defenseless was more focused on find out what was going on with the guys and there was a lot more suspense here than we have previously seen from Corinne. I did feel like this book was missing a bit of the emotion and angst that we are used to from her, but it was good to get some answers to some of the questions that we have had for awhile now. I was glad that we got a little more emotion toward the end of this book, as I had been missing that throughout the first 75% of the story. While I liked Mark and Charlie, I was wanting a bit more of them rather than just the constant search for answers and push and pull they had going on. Still a great book, and I think fans of the series will really enjoy this one. Natalie and Liam are still my favorites, and I was so glad we got more of them and the rest of the gang here. I am looking forward to the next book in this series, and I can't wait to see what happens next for all these characters!
**ARC Provided by TRSOR Promotions**
harrisse1's review against another edition
3.0
This definitely wasn’t my favorite in this series. Mark and Charlie are too stubborn and it was hard to read. Although, I did like the last 25% of the book with all the CIA action.
bre_louise's review against another edition
5.0
The PERFECT ending to the Salvation series! I love Mark's wit and compassion. He was one of my favorite supporting characters throughout the other books in this series. But I did not really love him until I read this book. I am quickly learning that as I continue to read Corinne's books that I will continue to collect book boyfriends. If you are new to the romance genre, like I was before starting this series, this is an amazing place to start!
readfrenzy's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a good military romance. Defenseless reminded me how much I enjoy the sub-genre.
Mark, a former SEAL turned independent contractor, and Charlie, a CIA undercover operative, meet during a mission. Mark is a cocky, irritating but loveable smartass, and Charlie is stubborn, secretive, and feisty. There’s instant attraction on Mark’s part, but definitely no Insta-love between the two. Together they are oil and water, which makes for some delectable chemistry. Charlie and Mark bicker constantly, and he’s quick to call her out on her crap, but it’s highly endearing and flat-out funny. There’s a lack of unnecessary relationship drama—which I really appreciated—and just the right amount of sexiness.
The first couple chapters seem bogged down by the number of characters and how each player relates to each other. Further confusing matters, Mark’s friends are sometimes referred to by their given names and nicknames interchangeably in the same scene. Natalie, Lee, Sparkles—I thought they were three separate characters, but no. It’s one lady. Once I got over that initial hump, it was fairly smooth sailing.
The intricacies of their dual mission were sometimes lost on me, and I confess I wasn’t overly interested in the investigation. However, the plot is primarily character-driven, and we’re given a fun cast of characters to enjoy.
This book has a little bit of everything: intrigue, action, bad guys, suspense, humor, and romance. Corrine Michaels cleverly ends each chapter on a mini-cliffhanger, daring the reader to put the book down. Defenseless is a delightful standalone novel.
Recommended for fans of:
Cindy Gerard
Military romance
Badass heroines
Sarcastic heroes
** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. **
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a good military romance. Defenseless reminded me how much I enjoy the sub-genre.
Mark, a former SEAL turned independent contractor, and Charlie, a CIA undercover operative, meet during a mission. Mark is a cocky, irritating but loveable smartass, and Charlie is stubborn, secretive, and feisty. There’s instant attraction on Mark’s part, but definitely no Insta-love between the two. Together they are oil and water, which makes for some delectable chemistry. Charlie and Mark bicker constantly, and he’s quick to call her out on her crap, but it’s highly endearing and flat-out funny. There’s a lack of unnecessary relationship drama—which I really appreciated—and just the right amount of sexiness.
The first couple chapters seem bogged down by the number of characters and how each player relates to each other. Further confusing matters, Mark’s friends are sometimes referred to by their given names and nicknames interchangeably in the same scene. Natalie, Lee, Sparkles—I thought they were three separate characters, but no. It’s one lady. Once I got over that initial hump, it was fairly smooth sailing.
The intricacies of their dual mission were sometimes lost on me, and I confess I wasn’t overly interested in the investigation. However, the plot is primarily character-driven, and we’re given a fun cast of characters to enjoy.
This book has a little bit of everything: intrigue, action, bad guys, suspense, humor, and romance. Corrine Michaels cleverly ends each chapter on a mini-cliffhanger, daring the reader to put the book down. Defenseless is a delightful standalone novel.
Recommended for fans of:
Cindy Gerard
Military romance
Badass heroines
Sarcastic heroes
** ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. **
d_endresen's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book!! It certainly could have been ready as a stand-alone since it’s not a duet, but it does help if you’ve the first 4 books of the series to really understand the backstory of the characters and how all of their storylines intertwine.
But Mark and Charlie together are fire! They are both smart mouthed, cunning and witty. And the banter back and forth between them is so funny. They just live to rile each other up. Both determined and trying to fight this new burning love forming between them. A tug and pull story that leaves you wanting to tag along for their next mission!
But Mark and Charlie together are fire! They are both smart mouthed, cunning and witty. And the banter back and forth between them is so funny. They just live to rile each other up. Both determined and trying to fight this new burning love forming between them. A tug and pull story that leaves you wanting to tag along for their next mission!
harrisse1's review against another edition
3.0
This definitely wasn’t my favorite in this series. Mark and Charlie are too stubborn and it was hard to read. Although, I did like the last 25% of the book with all the CIA action.
kelley157's review against another edition
4.0
4.25⭐️
CIA/Military thriller/suspense romance. Feisty, sexy MCs. intense. More review to come.
Mark
CIA/Military thriller/suspense romance. Feisty, sexy MCs. intense. More review to come.
Mark
hayleysnextpage's review against another edition
4.25
- Private security x CIA agent
- Romantic suspense
- He falls first
- Book 5 in the Salvation series
- Dual POV
This series is CRACK! I was so excited about Mark's book because he had such a memorable personality in the other books in the series. Thankfully, Defenseless didn't disappoint, and he certainly met his match in Charlie—a CIA agent his security firm is working with to uncover who's after them.
Defenseless was a lot more suspenseful (and spicier) than the other books in the series, which is my kryptonite! I loved trying to understand what was happening, as both Mark and Charlie had secrets. Trust me, the last 40% or so will suck you in, and you won't be able to put the book down.
Mark and Charlie were both stubborn MMCs and had a pull on each other that she vehemently tried to deny. But well, it was love at first sight for Mark 😅. He was perfect for her, though. He understood her and what she needed and wasn't letting her go without a fight (literally).
The banter and tension were also AMAZING! Top tier!
Favourite quotes:
- "You and I, we're fire, baby. And I'm about to burn you to the ground."
- "When I'm with Mark, I'm not in the shadows. It's as though he sees nothing but me. He brings me into the sun to stand beside him."
- "You're so beautiful. Every time I look at you, it literally takes my breath away. I see you, Charlie. I see it all."
- "I will never leave you behind, Charlie. I'll bash through walls, take beatings, and give my life for you. That's love. That's how much you mean to me. Don't you get it? Without you in my life... it's worthless. You though," he pauses. "You're everything to me."
- Romantic suspense
- He falls first
- Book 5 in the Salvation series
- Dual POV
This series is CRACK! I was so excited about Mark's book because he had such a memorable personality in the other books in the series. Thankfully, Defenseless didn't disappoint, and he certainly met his match in Charlie—a CIA agent his security firm is working with to uncover who's after them.
Defenseless was a lot more suspenseful (and spicier) than the other books in the series, which is my kryptonite! I loved trying to understand what was happening, as both Mark and Charlie had secrets. Trust me, the last 40% or so will suck you in, and you won't be able to put the book down.
Mark and Charlie were both stubborn MMCs and had a pull on each other that she vehemently tried to deny. But well, it was love at first sight for Mark 😅. He was perfect for her, though. He understood her and what she needed and wasn't letting her go without a fight (literally).
The banter and tension were also AMAZING! Top tier!
Favourite quotes:
- "You and I, we're fire, baby. And I'm about to burn you to the ground."
- "When I'm with Mark, I'm not in the shadows. It's as though he sees nothing but me. He brings me into the sun to stand beside him."
- "You're so beautiful. Every time I look at you, it literally takes my breath away. I see you, Charlie. I see it all."
- "I will never leave you behind, Charlie. I'll bash through walls, take beatings, and give my life for you. That's love. That's how much you mean to me. Don't you get it? Without you in my life... it's worthless. You though," he pauses. "You're everything to me."
stacey_fabulous's review against another edition
5.0
Hands down the best book of the Salvation series so far.
I’ve read the first 5 books back to back and can honestly say it has made the experience so much more enjoyable. With all the character crossovers and intertwining storylines.
Until these books, I’d never come across Corinne Michaels before. They came up as suggested books on Audible and I’m so glad I chose to read them. I have to say, I am now a big fan and look forward to reading the last 2 books in the salvation series, and then sinking my teeth into her other works.
I’ve read the first 5 books back to back and can honestly say it has made the experience so much more enjoyable. With all the character crossovers and intertwining storylines.
Until these books, I’d never come across Corinne Michaels before. They came up as suggested books on Audible and I’m so glad I chose to read them. I have to say, I am now a big fan and look forward to reading the last 2 books in the salvation series, and then sinking my teeth into her other works.