UNDER FIRE - Brenda Jackson
The Defenders (#1)
Madaris Publishing Company
BUY
Brenda Larnell (A)
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE
REVIEW: Brenda Jackson launches The Defenders Series with UNDER FIRE, a romantic suspense novel built around power, passion, protection and the pursuit of Justice. The story introduces Locke Dangerfield, one of the attorneys at the law firm of Dangerfield, Duke, and Wasilla, and pairs him with former Special FBI Agent Hollis Calloway as they investigate a murder case that appears to reach into corrupt corners of government power. Locke Dangerfield, Shogun Duke, and Macayle Wasilla are not strangers to the Brenda Jackson Universe. IYKYK.
Locke Dangerfield is the kind of hero readers expect from Ms. Jackson: principled, protective, driven, and emotionally guarded just enough to make his connection with Hollis compelling, his determination to prove his client’s (Carl Halifax) innocence gives the novel its legal-suspense foundation, but his growing feelings for Hollis add warmth and tension to the investigation. Hollis Calloway is an excellent match for Locke. She is a partner in the search for truth, and the danger surrounding her raises both the stakes of the mystery and the emotional urgency of Locke’s choices.
As Book #1 in The Defenders Series, UNDER FIRE also lays the groundwork for future stories featuring Shogun Duke and Macayle Wasilla. One of the most intriguing supporting connections is Sheppard Granger, whose relationship to Locke, Shogun and Macayle adds emotional history and found-family depth to the series. Described as a father-like figure to the trio, Sheppard’s influence helps explain the loyalty, discipline, and sense of Justice that shapes the law firm. (I recommend rereading/reading CAPTIVATED BY LOVE as a precursor to this novel.) Likewise, because Locke’s client, Carl Halifax, is also tied to the network of relationships surrounding the case, it just adds another layer of intrigue as the reader uncovers how deeply conspiracy and corruption may run.
The strength of UNDER FIRE lies in its balance of suspense and romance. Ms. Jackson gives the reader a capable heroine, a determined hero, and a case that becomes more dangerous as the truth comes into focus. Fans of Ms. Jackson’s romantic suspense will enjoy this opening installment. It highlights justice, loyalty, family bonds, and love forged under pressure. I recommend it for your reading pleasure.
27th October 2026 | romcol1962@gmail.com
Locke Dangerfield is the kind of hero readers expect from Ms. Jackson: principled, protective, driven, and emotionally guarded just enough to make his connection with Hollis compelling, his determination to prove his client’s (Carl Halifax) innocence gives the novel its legal-suspense foundation, but his growing feelings for Hollis add warmth and tension to the investigation. Hollis Calloway is an excellent match for Locke. She is a partner in the search for truth, and the danger surrounding her raises both the stakes of the mystery and the emotional urgency of Locke’s choices.
As Book #1 in The Defenders Series, UNDER FIRE also lays the groundwork for future stories featuring Shogun Duke and Macayle Wasilla. One of the most intriguing supporting connections is Sheppard Granger, whose relationship to Locke, Shogun and Macayle adds emotional history and found-family depth to the series. Described as a father-like figure to the trio, Sheppard’s influence helps explain the loyalty, discipline, and sense of Justice that shapes the law firm. (I recommend rereading/reading CAPTIVATED BY LOVE as a precursor to this novel.) Likewise, because Locke’s client, Carl Halifax, is also tied to the network of relationships surrounding the case, it just adds another layer of intrigue as the reader uncovers how deeply conspiracy and corruption may run.
The strength of UNDER FIRE lies in its balance of suspense and romance. Ms. Jackson gives the reader a capable heroine, a determined hero, and a case that becomes more dangerous as the truth comes into focus. Fans of Ms. Jackson’s romantic suspense will enjoy this opening installment. It highlights justice, loyalty, family bonds, and love forged under pressure. I recommend it for your reading pleasure.
27th October 2026 | romcol1962@gmail.com
