I read Defended by Bama by April D Berry back at the end of August and I still swoon over our MMC, Bama. As per usual with April’s books our MMC will never do anything to hurt our FMC, but this book is significantly darker than most of her other books. Let’s dive in.
Defended by Bama by April D Berry
Defended by Bama by April D Berry is the first book of the Royal Bastards MC series. It is a motorcycle club romance that falls more into the romantic suspense genre. It was published on August 18th, 2025 and is 260 pages long. It can be found on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, and the author’s website here.
Premise
For Brooklyn, saving herself and her daughter from the abusive relationship she’s in is top priority, and when she finally gets an out, she takes it. She just wasn’t expecting her escape to be with a man from a motorcycle club. That club offers protection and a completely new identity for her daughter and herself, one she desperately needs to hide from her police officer ex.
Except, it takes a bit of time to get her their new identities and Bama is making her feel like she could stay right where she is, with him. The idea of leaving for some far off city has lost it’s appeal, but with danger and her ex lurking around the corner, she may not have a choice.
Triggers
Triggers found in Defended by Bama by April D Berry include:
- Domestic Abuse (physical/financial/emotional)
- Stalking
- On page SA
- Kidnapping
- Violence Against Women
- Murder, On Page Violence/Fighting, and Torture
- On Page Intimate Scenes
- Adult Language
- Drinking/Alcohol, Drug Use
- Gun/Knife Use/Gun/Knife Violence and Blood
- Emesis
- Unprotected Sex and use of Plan B
My Thoughts
Defended by Bama by April D. Berry is significantly darker than most of her other books, but not because the romance itself is dark. In fact the romance is spicy and our MMC is wrapped completely around the fingers of our FMC and her daughter.
Brooklyn and Sadie needed to escape and Bama was there to help them do exactly that. But it doesn’t stop with getting them away from the dangerous situation their in. No, he is buying clothes, bedding, mattresses, and anything else he thinks the two need and setting up his own home as a comfortable place for them.
For Brooklyn she sees Bama as a bit of a hero, but she’s still extremely cautious due to her past trauma. Still it doesn’t take too long for her to start feeling like everything is going to be ok, and for her to realize that she has a tribe with the motorcycle club Bama’s with. Something she’s never had and wants to hold on to.
Defended by Bama is a slow burn romance, but the tension and chemistry between these two hits pretty early. Except Bama isn’t willing to push Brooklyn into anything. The way he cares for her, mental health and physical well being, is kick you legs and giggle adorable.
“Fuck it,” he finally said and before I could respond, he’d backed me against the house, pressing himself to me as his strong lips crushed mine. – Defended by Bama by April D Berry
Brooklyn had spent most of her life not being completely true to herself, but with Bama she was free to do that, and what she realizes is just how capable and strong she actually is.
I also loved the way Bama, this hard, kinda broody, man, absolutely melted for Brooklyn and Sadie. He fell hard for both of them and wanted them to stick around but respected Brooklyn enough to let her decide what was best for the two of them too.
“I’m asking the questions here,” she said, finally looking up at me with wide, serious eyes. “But I told her I wanted to stay if you must know. Now your turn.” – Defended by Bama by April D Berry
As per usual, April added some amazing side characters to this story and you may even see a couple of characters from her Destiny’s Enforcers MC series as well. Brooklyn, who doesn’t have a lot of family, quickly finds out what a found family is and just how far they are willing to go to protect each other.
“You’re not jealous. But possessive. And I love it. Because I’m a little possessive, too.” – Defended by Bama by April D Berry
If you want a romantic suspense story where the romance is hot but never dark while darkness surrounds the characters, this would be a fantastic read for you.
Who Would Like This Book?
Tropes found in Defended by Bama by April D Berry include:
- Single Mom
- Motorcycle Club
- Trauma and Healing
- Found Family
If you like motorcycle club romances with plenty of suspense, but don’t want any darkness in the romance, you’ll want to read Defended by Bama by April D. Berry.
Have you read Defended by Bama by April D Berry, or have you added it to your TBR? Let me know in the comments below, I love interacting with other readers over books I loved.