Terrific book that sucked me in from the beginning and kept me glued to the pages until the end. Jane woke in a small, cell-like room in Syria, beaten severely, and with no memory of who she is or why she is being tortured. An explosion enables her escape from the building. She believes she is an American, and using abilities she doesn't know the source of, makes her way back to the States. A tattoo on her wrist gives her hope that someone knows who she is.

Gus is one of Declan's Defenders, detailed to guard their benefactress at a charity gala. He is suspicious of a beautiful woman who then tries to take Charlotte "Charlie" Halverson away from her protectors. Though Jane gets away, she shows up again a short time later, this time lending a hand in saving Charlie from an attempted abduction. Grateful for the assistance, Charlie is intrigued by Jane's story and determined to help her. Gus isn't so sure and is determined to keep an eye on Jane.

I loved the blend of suspense and romance. There are sparks between Gus and Jane from the start. Gus isn't happy about it, as his suspicions war with his attraction. As the team looks into Jane's past, it becomes clear that someone is hunting her, and Gus finds his protective instincts kicking into high gear. Jane may be quite capable of taking care of herself, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to keep her safe. I liked seeing Gus's feelings about Jane change as he spent more time with her and got to know the woman beneath the kick-ass surface. I ached for Jane as her story unfolded, and for her horror at what she learned. I loved seeing how Gus and the others showed her that she was more than her past. I liked the twist at the end that allowed Gus and Jane to hope for a future together.

The suspense of the story was outstanding. There are two layers to the book. The first is discovering who Jane is, who is hunting her and why, and stopping them. The tattoo that sent her looking for Charlie showed that there was some connection with Charlie's late husband. There were some exciting twists and turns as more of John Halverson's secrets come to light. The intensity goes through the roof as the team learns of a planned attack on a preliminary hearing and races to stop it. I was on the edge of my seat as they faced off against the attackers. Jane and Gus had a final hurdle to overcome as they confronted a man whose voice she knew all too well. They got some unexpected help, and the revelation of the bad guy's identity answered a couple of questions. It also showed that there are more things to be discovered.

I loved Charlie's determination to continue John's work, and that Declan's Defenders will be right there with her. I can't wait to see what is next. ( )

Driving Force by Elle James

4th book in the Declan’s Defender series by Harlequin Intrigue.
Jane Doe has escaped from torture in Syria and is hoping that Charlotte knows who she is. Gus doesn’t trust Jane but can’t resist the dark eyed beauty. As Declan’s Defenders work to figure out Jane’s history, the mystery of Charlotte’s husbands murder is slowly revealed.

Ongoing arc for the series, this story moves fast with non stop action. Jane is enterprising and creative in getting to Charlotte. Did I miss how she got the black dress to attend the party? Regardless, I certainly wouldn’t want to get in Jane’s way! But I sure would love to learn to fight like her.
Wouldn’t you like to be a fighting ninja? ( )