Driving Force: A Romantic Suspense Novel

Jane wakes up on the dirt floor of a hut. Not knowing where she is, how she got there, or even her name Jane vows to escape. When an explosion rocks the hut, Jane is able to pick her beaten body up off the ground and run. While on the run, Jane notices a tattoo on her wrist that appears to be coordinates. Jane stows away on a boat, makes it stateside, and heads to her destination-Charlie Halverson’s house hoping to finally find out who she is. Realizing she’ll never make it by security (Declan’s Defenders), she devises another plan... Gus, a former Recon Force Marine, has joined his former teammates as a Declan’s Defender. Tasked with guarding Charlie during a benefit ball, Gus spies a possible threat to Charlie. Charlie is almost “kidnapped” by Jane. With the attempt thwarted, Gus makes it out the back door with Charlie when they are attacked again. This time, Jane comes to Charlie’s aid. Although Charlie trusts Jane and vows to help her, Gus doesn’t trust her. In order to keep Charlie safe, Gus has been assigned to “guard” Jane while the Defenders figure out who she really is and why someone is trying to kill her. This is book 4 in the Declan’s Defenders series. Although each novel can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading this series in order. The overall theme focuses on the Trinity Syndicate and the extent of Mr. Halverson’s involvement. I think this is by far the best novel in the series-so far! It’s suspenseful, realistic, mysterious, romantic, and funny. I LOVE that Jane is strong, not a pushover. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

Another edge-of-your-seat book in this series! Driving Force is the fourth book in the Declan's Defenders series but you can read it as a standalone with no problem. For best enjoyment of this book, though, I recommend reading the series in order. "Jane Doe" is captured by Declan's Defenders after she is caught stalking the group's wealthy benefactor, Charlie Halverson. Jane has no memory of who she is and it's up to the DD's to help find out who she is and until they do, they are not going to trust her. Gus is assigned to Jane to make sure she doesn't bolt and run away from them. The more time they spend together the more he begins to trust her and, of course, fall for her. Like the other books in this series, it starts off full of action and doesn't stop until the end. The ongoing mystery that's been woven throughout this series is revealed more and more in this book. While the romantic arc for Gus and Jane has an HFN, there are still unanswered questions concerning the mystery. Driving Force kept me engaged from start to finish. I'm not sure how many others are planned for the series but I hope this one is not the last. An advanced copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

Once again Elle James has kept me anchored to my seat, held hostage by one of her books. Driving Force is a phenomenal romantic suspense. I love the characters in this well-written book. Jane can't remember why she's being beaten or how she knows different languages, she just knows she has to find her way back to the United States. When Jane approaches Charlotte, Declan's Defenders move in to protect Charlotte. Gus appoints himself Janes guard until they know she doesn't plan to harm Charlie. Gus and Jane's story is fast-paced and loaded with drama, humor, spice, action and suspense. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Driving Force is book 4 of the Declan's Defenders Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Prolific Works. All thoughts and opinions are my own.