This is book 2 in the Declan’s Defenders series and it features Riley and Mack. I had a hard time connecting with Riley. Maybe because her personality clashed HARD with who she REALLY was. I realize that that was the whole point of being who she was but it just didn’t click for me. Who she was, was a shock to everyone that THOUGHT they knew her. She and Mack worked well together. Their romance started out slow. Hand holding, hugs, kisses here and there and then it was too much to contain. HOT! I love Mack! He’s a great guy, like all Declan‘s Defenders. All these relationships are based on trust. Some more than others. It’s funny to see these proper military men interact with Charlie and she tries to make them call her by her first name instead of Ma’am. This story/series was put together with such amazing planning. Everything falls into place when it should. The web is growing steadily with each book. I am excited for more!

This was an excellent second book of the series. The plot of the series, who is trying to do away with Charlie Halverson? In the first book, a kidnapping plot was thwarted. Here Riley Lansing, who is a sleeper Russian spy, is activated to poison her. Riley was born in the U.S. to Russian spies. Riley loves her birth country. She owes Charlie a great deal but has to kill her as her 6 year old brother was kidnapped to force her into the killing. Fortunately for all Charlie's bodyguard for a charity event is Mack Balkman. Mack is part of Charlie's Declan's Defenders. The road to find Riley's brother, Toby, and ultimately discover who her handler is, is one that kept me enthralled in the story. There is a lot of action, suspense and mystery that someone who loves that genre will adore. The chemistry between Riley and Mack is one that will satisfy all the romance readers. It has the perfect balance to satisfy all. I loved the dual POV format. Understanding the characters' thoughts, really helped me to connect with both of them. I absolutely adored them. This is a book that I would recommend for anyone over 18 as there is a "bedroom" scene that just may offend some. It really isn't overly graphic in nature nor was it drawn out over multiple pages. I thought it was tastefully done.

Show of Force (Declan’s Defenders Book 2) From the start to the end a story that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end. Mack and Rylie must work together with trust to find Toby, Rylie’s little brother, who has been kidnapped. Can a Russian sleeper spy be trusted? Mack is going to find out. Another late night read.

Riley Lansing...aerospace engineer, FBI confidante, and trained Russian spy has been called to duty. In order to rescue her younger brother, Riley must kill a friend and show proof of death. Riley doesn’t want to kill anyone and certainly never thought she’d be called upon to perform the duties of a sleeper Russian spy. But she’d do anything to save her brother, even kill Charlie Halverson-founder of Declan’s Defenders. Mack, former Marine, was dishonorably discharged when he and his team failed to follow orders. When offered a chance to work with his former teammates as a Defender, he jumps at the chance. When assigned to protect Ms. Halverson at a party, he quickly finds himself in a mess. Mack, who is drawn to Riley, can’t believe she’s a sleeper spy. Even though he doesn’t completely trust Riley, they must work together in order to save her brother and right his past “wrongs”. It’s a race against time and the unknown. This novel is the second in the Declan’s Defenders series. Although it can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading this series in order. Riley is introduced in the first novel and it was an absolute shock to learn she is a spy! I never saw it coming! This novel isn’t as action-packed, but is more intriguing. I was on the edge of my seat. A real page turner! I can’t wait to see how this storyline continues to play out in the remainder of the series. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

OK, this book didn't have quite as much action as the first one in the series but it did have a lot of intrigue going on and lots of suspense. While Show of Force is the second book in the Declan's Defenders series it stands alone very well. I really encourage you to read book one though, Marine Force Recon, because it is amazing! The blurb describes the story well but there are so many details and nuances that it can't possibly include everything. Riley Lansing will do anything to save her baby brother, or will she? Mack has personal reasons of his own for feeling compelled to help Riley. These two click quickly but I wouldn't exactly call it insta-love. There's a lot that happens before the actually get to the sexy stuff. (Side note: I'm so glad that Harlequin has loosened up a bit and is allowing sexier words to describe the intimate time between the MC's.) The concept of a wealthy benefactor, this time a woman Ms. Charlotte "Charlie" Halverson, isn't a new one for this author but at no time did I feel like this story was just a rehash of any of her other ones. Elle James does a great job of keeping things fresh and exciting. There were a lot of bad guys in this book and Elle James did a excellent job of keeping us guessing about who was doing what and how they were doing it. The story for the two main characters is wrapped up with a HFN so I don't consider this book to have a cliffhanger but there are unanswered questions about who is after Charlie Halverson. The only thing I'm sad about is learning that the next book in this series isn't coming until September 2019. I can't wait! An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

I’m always intrigued his Elle James brings her characters to life. So again she has two wonderful characters in Riley and Mack. Then true to form she takes them down an adventurous path of risk, hardship, heartache, passion and survival. These stories and series are so easy to get hooked on.