Defenseless by Elizabeth Dyer surprised me by how much I enjoyed it. I was fortunate enough to get this ARC from Netgalley and I procrastinated reading it because… Well, I don’t know, actually, because I loved it. I don’t understand why I can read romantic suspense, but thrillers keep throwing me off. Anyway, I’m getting distracted. Let’s dive in!
Goodreads Blurb
How far will she go to protect the sexiest guy in tech?
When ex-marine Georgia Bennett left the military for high-end private security, it was supposed to soften her snarky attitude. Instead, her short fuse just earned her a punishment of an assignment: protect smart-ass tech genius and Department of Defense contractor Parker Livingston. It should have been easy—only no one warned Georgia that Parker was one seriously drop-dead-gorgeous geek.
The last thing Parker needs is a bodyguard, especially not one with killer curves and a sassy mouth who tempts him to do something incredibly stupid. He’s too busy investigating whoever is turning his technology against him and threatening his team of covert operatives. But when an assassin sends Georgia and Parker running for their lives, it might just be the explosive sexual chemistry and the trust that’s building between them that saves their necks. Because the only thing more dangerous than the combination of Parker’s intellect and Georgia’s aim is their steadfast desire to protect each other, no matter the cost.
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed Defenseless. While I had some concerns with Georgia’s characterization and how quickly the romance moved, overall, the plot was so engaging that I was completely sucked in. It also left me especially anxious for the second book in the series. I’ll talk a little more about the characterization and the speed of the romance and then gush a little about the plot.
I think Georgia is a unique heroine we don’t often see on the page (at least I haven’t) in that she was a veteran and bodyguard, a great twist on the bodyguard/client dynamic. However, certain aspects of her characterization bothered me. In the first chapter she’s extremely judgmental of her female clients, high powered socialites in D.C. and she allowed that dislike of her latest client to impact her job. As you all know by now, disliking women for being into shopping and other “shallow” pursuits is something I don’t tolerate well from my heroines. However, as the book moved along, I was able to put that to the side. Largely because there is literally not a single other female character who plays a significant role in the novel. NOT ONE.
This bothered me because it made it feel like Georgia was somehow the only woman in a man’s world. Literally the only one. It’s not that this isn’t a situation that doesn’t happen, but it is frustrating to not have that dispartiy acknowledged on page. I don’t know… Maybe it’s just me. Anyway, let’s move on to the romance.
The romance is both engaging and intensely irritating. At one point, Georgia and Parker are having rigorous sex and one of them has a bullet wound. A RECENTLY ACQUIRED ONE. I just… I can’t. That part really defied my ability to suspend reality. Like… Admittedly, I’ve never had a bullet wound to the abdomen, but I just don’t imagine bending all over the place when I can’t lift my hands over my head seems like an odd activity. If you’re confused by that sentence, just know that I am too.
That said, Parker’s discussion of his anxiety and ADD were really great, in my opinion, and I really enjoyed him as a hero. I actually liked him more than I liked Georgia, which is a bit unusual for me.
The plot: Y’all. This book is WILD. There’s so much happening and it’s so good? The plot moves so quickly and it is definitely suspenseful. I really enjoyed it and am excited to continue this series!
I am really glad I read this book and would recommend it to you if you’re in the mood for more romantic suspense! Let me know if you decide to pick it up!
xx
firewhiskeyreader 