REVIEW: Defenseless by Elizabeth Dyer

In Defenseless (Somerton Security #1) by Elizabeth Dyer, Georgia Bennett left the military and is now working high-end security, if only to get answers to what happened to her brother when a mission he was on went awry. However, when she’s assigned to guard Department of Defense Contractor Parker Livingston, she discovers him to be her most difficult assignment yet. But when things become more and more dangerous for the pair, Georgia is determined to do everything she can to protect Parker. Will she be able to keep him safe, so they have a shot at happy ever after; or will her fear of letting Parker in keep them apart?

”No wonder Ethan saddled you with me.” Georgia tilted her head, staring at him with interest. He could practically hear the cogs turning.
“Question is, why did he saddle me with you?” Georgia asked.
“Is this Groundhog Day? I just explained—”
“Yeah, yeah. Done f***ed up, I got it. What I meant was, why you? I mean, sure, you’ve got a rep for being difficult – there’s usually a rock-paper-scissors war in the office when your name comes up – but so do a lot of other clients.”

What a wild ride Ms. Dyer takes readers on in this first book of her Somerton Security series, which sees Parker and his team on the run from those that are using his technology for their own personal gain. Really, there’s a wonderful combination of action, suspense and romance that makes this story a fast-paced, exciting and enthralling read from start to finish. The way this story started had me holding back laughter at the heroine’s predicament, as Georgia seems like a bit of a disaster with her co-ordination, and yet, she’s not. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that I absolutely loved and had me reading quickly, determined to discover why Georgia’s boss believes Parker is in need of protecting.

The dialogue was very entertaining due to the main characters back stories, especially how Parker became so tight with a bunch of military men in Ethan and his team, because of what he does for the Defense Department. I also liked how the hero and heroine bantered playfully at times, especially the moment when they first met and wanting to know why Parker needed a bodyguard and why Georgia is the one assigned to be guarding him, which is a little amusing because of what happened during the heroine’s last bodyguard assignment. Moreover, the heroine is strong and brave with everything she’s been through in her past, which hasn’t been easy growing up the way she did. I also liked her determination to discover the truth about what happened to her brother, and I couldn’t help but empathize with her when she learns the truth, because what she learns isn’t easy to accept.

While the hero, his bond with Ethan is understandable once I discovered what Parker did for Ethan to make certain he came home alive from a tough mission. Also, Parker is resilient and courageous with everything he’s been through in his past and what he goes through in this story, as he and Georgia try to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Furthermore, he’s hard-working, honorable, loyal, protective and I liked how determined he was to win Georgia’s heart. Will he be able to convince the heroine to give him a chance?

He shrugged. “I’m not Special Forces. I’m glorified tech support.”
“You’re a damn drama queen is what you are.”
He glanced up, surprise sitting him up straighter – and nearly depositing her on the floor. “What?”
“Come on, Parker. Surely you’ve thought this through.”
“Let’s assume I haven’t.”
“You make it sound like what makes someone special is their physical ability. That’s crap.”

Overall, Ms. Dyer has delivered a fantastic read in this book where the chemistry between the main characters was strong; the romance hot and proved that love is worth fighting for; and the ending kept me on the edge-of-my-seat because of what happens to one of the main characters that had me worried for them. Will they come out on top against the bad guys? Yet, it was what Parker did to get Georgia to realize that they deserve a chance at happy ever after that I liked the most about the ending. Who knew involving someone from Georgia’s past could be so rewarding? However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as it sets up the next book of the series with what one of the secondary characters wants to do. I would recommend Defenseless by Elizabeth Dyer, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the opposites attract trope or books by authors Laura Griffin, Piper J. Drake, Elizabeth Naughton and Katie Ruggle.

Book Info:

Publication: December 1st, 2017 | Montlake Romance | Somerton Security #1

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.