Defiance

The Protectors, Book 9

By: Sloane Kennedy

Narrated by: Michael Dean

*New cover 11/2019, no new content*

All I ever wanted was to serve and protect my country. It ended up costing me everything....

At 49, Vincent St. James has learned to live with the choices he's made, even if he isn't always proud of them. After the military he was practically born into decided his sexuality was more important than his impeccable service record, Vincent lost everything, including the man he'd planned to spend the rest of his life with.

And a man with nothing to live for has nothing to lose.

With a bone deep hatred of all things government, Vincent found another way to serve his country, but it too came at a steep cost that he never could have foreseen. Dealing in secrets and death means there's always someone waiting around the next corner trying to either take his place or bury their secrets along with his body. Even if he wanted out, it's far too late for that.

When he's given the chance to help out a friend who once had his back when others didn't, he jumps at the chance to repay the favor. Even if it means protecting the kind of man he despises most...a power-hungry politician looking to push his own agenda on an unsuspecting public.

I made a terrible choice three years ago and it cost me the only person who ever really mattered to me. But maybe there's another way I can make things right....

30-year-old Nathan Wilder can't take back the moment he betrayed his twin brother, but he can try to make sure that the legacy of hate that drove him to turn on Brody never has a chance to rear its ugly head again. And if that means going against his powerful father's right-wing political constituency in a down and dirty race for a seat in the US Senate, then so be it. But when the threats that had been limited to harmless emails start taking an uglier turn, culminating in a violent attack that leaves no doubt as to the assailant's intent, Nathan is thrown into the direct path of a mysterious and dangerous man who may end up forcing Nathan to confront truths he just isn't ready to face yet.

Protecting him was supposed to be a favor for a friend and nothing more. Once he's safe, I'll let him go. I have to....

Protecting Nathan was supposed to be a walk in the park for a guy like Vincent. But nothing about the younger man is what he'd been expecting, especially the long-dead feelings Nathan stirs in him.

The feelings that aren't just about protection.

Which is a problem, because while the threat against Nathan is temporary, the danger that's become a way of life for Vincent is just waiting for the next thing it can take from him. Caring about someone means painting a target on their back and Vincent is done losing people he loves.

But letting Nathan go may not be as easy at seems...especially when Nathan decides to finally stand up and fight for what...and who he truly wants.

Can be listened to as a stand-alone novel.

The Protectors series crosses over with some of my other series, so for the most enjoyment, they should be read in order, but it is not required. You can find the correct listening order at the beginning of each book.

©2017 Sloane Kennedy (P)2022 Sloane Kennedy

Perfect!

This is one of my favorites in the Protectors’ series. The storyline, relationships amongst all, and the evenness of Michael Dean’s performance.

One of my favs

Nate and Vincent is one of my favorite couples of the Protector series. Sloane Kennedy manages to make every couples story unique even though they are intertwined with other characters and couples. Nathan's coming to terms with who he is and how he hurt his brother in the process was heartbreaking but he and Vincent managed to heal each other. Michael Dean's narration makes all these characters come to life in the audible books. Bring on the rest of the series.

Love it

Sloane and Micheal

This duo has made it again. Love this book and all the protectors series

That Healing Touch

Both Vincent and Nathan are hurting and grieving for their own losses, and the aggression and passion that comes when they’re forced together works as a balm for both men. I loved watching as these two opened themselves to a potential future that seems impossible but still manages to plant hope for each of them. Beautifully voiced by Michael Dean!

l listened to this book without stopping

I love the protectors series and how her books interchange with other series. The narration was spot on as always. The story grabbed and kept my attention throughout. Touching base with all the other characters from the other series is always my favorite. Please keep them comming.

Read this book

Read the is book but missed so much by skimming so glad I got the audio it’s was like a totally different book from what I read. Wanting Everett book now

Love Sloane's books....but..

I love Sloane Kennedy's books and The Protectors is one of my favorites, but, to be honest, it's getting so very repetitive.

The same exact story, different characters.

This book, though, I only gave 3 stars. Why? Because it's just sex!

For nearly the entire book, up until there were just two hours left to the audiobook, absolutely nothing happened except Vincent and Nathan getting it on all around Vincent's house. That's it!

Michael's narration was perfect as usual, though.

I'm disappointed, but it won't keep me from looking forward to the rest of the series. I just hope there's more of a story in the next book.