Tag Archives: Susan Stoker

The Sailor (Alpha Cove 2) by Susan Stoker-review

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The Sailor (Alpha Cove 2) by Susan Stoker-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 3, 2026

Like his brothers, Zach Young has recently moved home to Maine after the untimely death of his father. In addition to helping his mom maintain Lobster Cove, the family’s beloved property, the Navy cook has big dreams of opening his own restaurant…but, for now, has reluctantly settled for a lobster shack. Not exactly what he had in mind, though a new lobsterwoman in town has made his daily trips to the docks worthwhile.

Having been literally bullied out of her last port city a little farther down the coast, Marit Phillips isn’t in Rockville long before the familiar grumblings begin…hardened lobstermen thinking a petite woman can’t possibly do the job, no matter how experienced. Fortunately, her new boss judges her based on work ethic…and the handsome cook who visits their boat every day? He seems to see things in Marit that even she doesn’t.

But as much as Zach builds her up, there’s another man in town, his polar opposite, trying to tear her down. And he proves more determined than the couple thought possible…

••••••

REVIEW:THE SAILOR is the second instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult ALPHA COVE erotic, romance series focusing on the Young brothers: Linc, Zach, Chad and Knox (all former members of the US armed forces) in Lobster Cover, Maine. This is thirty year old, former Navy chef turned cook Zach Young, and lobster woman Marit Phillips’ story line. THE SAILOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Zach and Marit) THE SAILOR focuses on the building romance and relationship in the wake of the return of Marit Phillips to Rockville, Maine. Having spent most of her adult life working on the lobster boats, Marit’s return is met with misogyny and discrimination by her fellow lobstermen, so much so that Marit’s life is often threatened just for working the boats. Meeting and falling in love with former US Navy chef Zach Young, finds Marit looking forward to her own happily ever after but all is not well when our heroine is targeted for sins of the past.

The world building focuses on discrimination and misogyny in the lobster trapping industry so much so that our heroine will be targeted on more than one occasion. From sexism to bad luck, to blame and hatred. Marit faces down those who believe women should not be allowed on the boats, men who are determined to take her down.

The relationship between Marit and Zach is a lust to love romance in which Zach knows immediately Marit is the woman he forever wants. Marit has spend most of her defending herself against cruelty and intolerance, and in this, our heroine is hoping to find some semblance of peace with our story line hero. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

WE are reintroduced to Zach’s brothers, all former members of the US armed forces; Chad and Britt (The Soldier) #1, Linc, Knox, and their mother Evelyn; Marit’s fellow lobstermen Jonah and Eliot; boat owner and lobsterman Lucas Pearson. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE SAILOR is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control discrimination and bigotry, acceptance, family and love. The character driven premise is edgy and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Healing Hannah (Serenity Securities: Hawk 4) by Cassie Colton

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Healing Hannah (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Serenity Securities, Team Hawk Book 4) by Cassie Colton

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 16, 2026

Military veteran Hannah Bailey has retreated into herself after serving time in combat. Never a strong proponent for battle, she only wanted to appease her father–a man who only wanted sons. Now, after years of quiet solitude, Hannah refuses to leave her room at the Winters Foundation, nor will she open up to anyone about her trauma.

Former K-9 handler Cole Martin trains dogs for Team Hawk at the Winters Foundation. The new reserved, silent woman intrigues Cole, but she denies anyone access to her thoughts and emotions. The only way he can truly get through to her is with the help of his most reliable colleague, Brody, a rascally German Shepherd who gets himself into trouble on a daily basis. Hannah’s reluctant nature is no match for Brady’s charm. As the dog draws her out of her shell, Cole searches for a way in. Can the shepherd and Cole heal Hannah’s heart to make room for both of them?

••••

REVIEW: HEALING HANNAH is the fourth instalment in Cassie Colton’s contemporary, adult SERENITY SECURITIES : TEAM HAWKE military romance series, a part of the multi-authored SPECIAL FORCES: OPERATION ALPHA focusing on characters first introduced by author Susan Stoker. This is military veteran Hannah Bailey, and former US Airforce and K-9 handler Cole Martin’s story line. HEALING HANNAH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from third person perspective HEALING HANNAH focuses on healing and recovery for our story line heroine. Having been tortured while on assignment with her team in Afghanistan, Hannah came home a shell of her former self, retreating into her mind, unable to speak or ask for help with her recovery. Fast forward two years, Serenity Securities new hire and K-9 trainer Cole Martin sees something in our heroine that draws him like a moth to a flame. With the help of former military dog Brody, Cole is able to draw Hannah out of her head, the first of many steps on the road to recovery.

The world building focuses on recovery as Hannah Bailey finds the balance and motivation to move beyond the past. Cole Martin’s introduction to Serenity Securities is far from positive but our hero find his place beside a woman who is growing stronger with his help.

The relationship between Cassie and Cole is slow to build as Cassie struggles between the present and the past. Suffering with extreme PTSD and traumatic mutism, Cassie Bailey finds solace and hope with a man who has seen betrayal first hand. The lone $ex scene is intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic former and current US military members, all of whom work for or with Serenity Securities: Team Hawke. We are introduced to Hannah’s questionable yet concerned parents Brenda and Conrad Bailey.

HEALING HANNAH is a story of torture and recovery, power and control, family and relationships, friendships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, emotional and heart breaking; the slow building romance Is impassioned; the characters are broken but healing and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Soldier (Alpha Cove 1) by Susan Stoker-review

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The Soldier (Alpha Cove 1) by Susan Stoker-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 12, 2025

When Chad Young moves home, it’s not a decision he makes lightly. A former military man, he doesn’t make any decision lightly. But his father’s passing has left the family—and their business—reeling. Now more than ever, they need to stick together.

Britt Starkweather moved to Maine with her boyfriend, never imagining he’d abandon her there. With no money and nowhere to go, she accepts the Youngs’ offer of a job and room on their property. What more does she have to lose?

Although they just met, Chad makes Britt feel safe in a way no one has before. And she makes him feel things he’d given up on finding. But even as they grow closer, Britt realizes that something is amiss at Lobster Cove…and Chad will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

•••••

REVIEW: THE SOLDIER is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult ALPHA COVE romantic suspense series focusing on the Young brothers: Chad, Lincoln, Zach and Knox. This is thirty-seven year old, former US soldier Chad Young, and Britt Starkweather’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Chad and Britt) THE SOLDIER follows in the wake of the arrival of Britt Starkweather in Rockville Maine. Having been abandoned by the man whom she thought she loved, Britt was jobless, penniless and homeless, until the kindness of Chad Young who was home in the aftermath of his father’s death. Offering Britt a job working at the family owned vacation cabins, Britt found herself wondering for the first time when her luck would run out but the off chance of working the books at the Young’s Lobster Cove garage, our heroine will discover some discrepancies that had been affecting the bottom line. Having placed a target on herself, Britt is determined to protect the people with whom she was falling in love.

The world building follows several pathways including the history of Lobster Cove, the family owned businesses, and the people who they employed. A dispute with a neighbor threatens any semblance of peace but a betrayal from within, and an abuse of friendship, jeopardizes the entire family.

The relationship between Britt and Chad begins as a rescue, of a sorts. Britt is desperate and accepts Chad’s help, and in return she becomes a part of the family. As Britt and Chad begin their dance around one another, there are those who still question Britt’s quick acceptance into the family. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Chad’s brothers: Lincoln, Knox and Zach, as well as their mother Evelyn Young; several employees and questionable neighbors. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE SOLDIER is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by. Sandy

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FROM FRIENDS TO FOREVER by Darynda Jones, J. Kenner, Susan Stoker

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FROM FRIENDS TO FOREVER (1001 Dark Nights) by Darynda Jones, J. Kenner, Shayla Black, Susan Stoker-review tour

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The sweetest love stories often bloom from friendship. From Friends to Forever is filled with heartwarming romances where bonds of friendship evolve into something deeper. Whether they’ve always known each other, or their friendship stood the test of time, these characters will find that the best love grows from the most unexpected places.

Release Date February 11, 2025

•••••••

THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON by Darynda Jones

For more information about Darynda Jones, visit:

https://darynda.com/

REVIEW: THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is instalment 13.6 and novella in Darynda Jones’ contemporary, adult CHARLEY DAVIDSON paranormal, UF series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is twenty-seven year old demon tracker Quentin Rutherford, and psychic/traveller Amber Kowalski’s story line. For fans of the series, Amber and Quentin were first introduced in the earlier instalments of the Charley Davidson series. Amber is the daughter of Charley’s assistant Cookie.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Amber and Quentin) THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON focuses on two of the secondary characters in the author’s Charley Davidson series. Approximately ten to twelve years have past since we were last up close and personal with our story line couple, teens who have been in love for one another for a very long time but Quentin Rutherford disappeared from Amber’s life, a disappearance that ripped out her heart, and destroyed her soul but both Quentin and Amber have psychic abilities, abilities that grew stronger, through their teen years into adulthood.

Amber Kowalski hadn’t seen Quentin for close to ten years but investigating the possible murder of a recently deceased brings Amber up close and personal with Quentin Rutherford, the boy turned man, who is much more than she could ever have imagined.

THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is a quick read; a fast paced, action packed story of vengeance and betrayal; friendship and love; second chances and hope. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are familiar and energetic. THE GRAVEDIGGER’S SON is a welcome return to the Charley Davidson’s series, a return of which there will be so much more. Here’s hoping the author has plans for a spin-off series focusing on Amber and Quentin.

•••••••••••

MEMORIES OF YOU by J. Kenner

For more information about J. Kenner, visit:

https://www.juliekenner.com/

MEMORIES OF YOU is instalment 5.5 and novella in J. Kenner’s contemporary, adult STARK SECURITY erotic, romance series-a spin off from the author’s numerous Stark Series . This is former US Navy SEAL turned security specialist Renly Cooper, and Nikki Fairchild-Stark’s business partner Abby Jones’ story line. MEMORIES OF YOU can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person (Abby) and third person (Renly) points of view MEMORIES OF YOU follows the rekindling friendship and relationship between Renly Cooper and Abby Jones. Renly and Abby were childhood best friends and neighbors but a Renly’s parents’ divorce pulled Renly out of Abby’s life. A few letters here and there ended any chance of staying in touch, and our couple eventually lost contact with one another. Fast forward to present day wherein Renly Cooper, tired of working security for the Hollywood elite, finds himself contracted with Stark Security where he will reconnect with his childhood friend but all is not well in Abby’s life-a potential stalker has laid claimed to our heroine, and targets Renly in his attempts to take what doesn’t belong. What ensues is the quick rebuilding romance and relationship between Renly and Abby, and the potential fall-out as Abby finds herself facing a man whose obsession is quickly spiralling out of control.

Renly Cooper doesn’t do relationships but a one-night stand with Abby is all he is willing to offer the woman he cannot forget. Abby Jones knows that one night with Renly will never be enough but the heart wants something Renly isn’t willing to give. Pressure to prove she is worthy of Renly’s love finds Abby accepting his terms to keep him in her life but Renly has a secret, that if revealed, may affect his future going forward. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense with a single scene of voyeurism at a local $ex club.

MEMORIES OF YOU is a story of second chances; a rekindling friendship that leads to romance for one couple whose lives were torn apart years before. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and dynamic including the cameo appearances of Damien and Nikki, and the introduction of Renly’s brother Red whose story is next in RAVAGED WITH YOU.

••••••••

MORE THAN POSSESS YOU by Shayla Black

For more information about Shayla Black, visit:

https://shaylablack.com/

MORE THAN POSSESS YOU by Shayla Black is a contemporary adult, story line found in her MORE THAN WORDS erotic romance series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 DARK NIGHTS series. This is businessman Hayes Elliott, and twenty-two year old, college grad Echo Hope’s story line. MORE THAN POSSESS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person perspective (Hayes) with two final chapters from Echo MORE THAN POSSESS YOU follows the graduation celebration of Echo Hope in Maui Hawaii. As a gift, Hayes Elliott gave his best friend Echo Hope a trip to Hawaii, a business trip for Hayes but a trip wherein Echo hopes to lose her ‘V-card’ to their mutual friend Xavian Costa but Hayes sees red as he struggles with his best friend going elsewhere, a best friend he refuses to accept as anything more. Friends for eighteen years, Hayes and Echo, along with Xavian Costa have done everything together but Hayes never expected to watch from the sidelines as his bestie lost her virginity to someone else. As Hayes does his best to foil all of Echo’s plans, our heroine must comes to terms that the man that she loves, doesn’t love her in return.

The relationship between Echo and Hayes is a friends to lovers relationship, one in which Echo has been in love with her best friend for close to eight years. Hayes Elliott never saw Echo as a woman, as a sexual being but a few days in Hawaii proves that Echo has been hiding behind baggy clothes for far too long. The $ex scenes are intimate, enthusiastic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous instalments of the More Than Words series. We are introduced to Hayes’ Gramma Liddy, as well as Xavian’s large but well established extended family.

MORE THAN POSSESS YOU is a story of family, relationships, friendships and love. A story of conflict, acceptance, revelations and realizations. The fast paced premise is captivating and exciting; the romance is passionate and fated; the characters are energetic and animated.

•••••••

SECURING JANE by Susan Stoker

For more information about Susan Stoker, visit:

https://www.stokeraces.com/

SECURING JANE is the last instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult SEAL of Protection: Legacy romantic suspense series, and the latest addition in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is SEAL Admiral Storm North, and fifty-one year old, mail room civilian contractor Jane Hamilton’s story line. SECURING JANE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Jane and Storm) SECURING JANE follows the building romance and relationship between SEAL Admiral Storm North, and fifty one year old, mail room civilian contractor Jane Hamilton. Jane Hamilton has had a ‘crush’ on Commander Storm North for as long as she can remember but one morning Storm North took an interest in our story line heroine, an interest that would find Storm up close and personal when a mail bomb, intended for Rear Admiral Creasy, blows up and injures Jane Hamilton in the process. Hoping to get closer to our story line heroine, Storm North, begins a slow seduction of the woman that is calling to his heart. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Storm and Jane, and the potential fall-out as Jane and Storm become collateral damage in the vendetta against Rear Admiral Creasy.

Jane Hamilton never expected to find love again, least of all at the age of fifty-one. Her first marriage had been failure, and the one positive, her daughter, struggled in the aftermath of her parent’s divorce. Storm North had been married to the job. As the commander to several teams of Navy SEALs, Storm never had time for love or marriage but now that he was no longer going on overseas missions, Storm watched from the sidelines as his men found love. Lonely, looking for his own happily ever after, Storm goes after our story line hero but almost loses her before their relationship truly begins. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Several of the previous story line male characters play secondary and supporting characters. As Storm introduces his fellow SEAL team members to our story line heroine, Jane slowly overcomes some of her issues of low self esteem, including the negative body image and ageism.

SECURING JANE is a story of vengeance and retaliation; mystery and suspense; romance and love. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are mature, energetic, and enjoyable-there was never any conflict between our leading couple.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE LUMBERJACK (Game of Chance 4) by Susan Stoker-review

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THE LUMBERJACK (Game of Chance 4) by Susan Stoker-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 30, 2024

A game of chance during a horrific POW experience decided the future for Jackson “JJ” Justice and his teammates. Years later, they’re well settled into their lumberjack business in small-town Maine. And for nearly as long, JJ’s been pining for April, the woman largely responsible for growing their business, but insecurities keep him at arm’s length from the sexy receptionist.

April Hoffman loves her job…and her boss. She’s unsure where JJ’s head is at, but for her part, she knows exactly why she’s not revealed her feelings. Not only does she have one failed relationship under her belt, she’s also several years older than JJ. Why would a man so brutally hot settle for someone almost past her prime?

After a car accident nearly takes April’s life, leaving her with temporary amnesia, they both understand what they almost lost. The floodgates are open, their feelings exposed…but it may be too little, too late.

An enemy from JJ’s past has come calling, putting not only his future happiness on the line, but the lives of several people he holds dear—starting with April.

••••••

REVIEW: THE LUMBERJACK is the fourth and final instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult GAME OF CHANCE romantic suspense series focusing on a group of former US Special Forces soldiers and former POWs (Callum ‘Cal’ Redman, Kendrick ‘Bob’ Evans, Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman) who own and operate a tree service, search and rescue, Appalachian Trail maintenance company called Jack’s Lumber. This is thirty-nine year old Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, and forty-six year old, office manager April Hoffman’s story line. THE LUMBERJACK can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. There is a slight cross-over using a number of characters from several of Susan Stoker’s interconnected series.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Jack and April) THE LUMBERJACK follows in the aftermath of a car accident that sent our heroine to the hospital. Struggling with severe headaches and the after affects of the accident, April temporarily moves in with her boss Jackson Justice, the man with whom April will fall in love but someone is taking aim at the close knit group of former US Special Forces soldiers, and the women they love will pay the price. What ensues is the building relationship between Jack and April, and the potential fall-out as the women fall victim to a man demanding revenge for sins of the past.

The world building follows several paths including the building relationship between our story line couple. Jackson Justice has lusted after April Hoffman for as long as he can remember but Jack’s attitude often left April confused, and in this, April is willing to walk away to allow Jack to reconsider his choices going forward but the past is about to take aim at the women involved with Jackson and his friends, threatening the lives of everyone, a threat meant to kill them all.

The relationship between Jack and April is a friends to lovers in which Jack declares himself guardian and protector of our story line heroine. An accident that may have been anything but finds Jack declaring his love for the woman in his life, a woman who will pay the price for another man’s sins. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of fantastic and familiar secondary and supporting characters including all of the previous story line couples, as well as several search and rescue members, former soldiers, and assassins from the author’s interconnected series.

THE LUMBERJACK is a story of obsession, vengeance and madness, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is dramatic, edgy and emotional; the romance is seductive; the characters are desperate, dynamic and professional.

 

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Protector
The Royal Game
The Hero

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Hero (Game of Chance 3) by Susan Stoker-review

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The Hero (Game of Chance 3) by Susan Stoker-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 5, 2024

Any soldier who gets out of the service with his life should be happy to leave danger behind. Though his army brothers are content running their new business in Maine, Kendric “Bob” Evans isn’t ready to give up the fight. He’s been supplementing his hours with covert rescue missions organized by the FBI. But his latest charge may be more than he bargained for.

Marlowe Kennedy is on a routine archaeology dig in Thailand when she’s arrested for drug trafficking. She has suspicions about the true culprit, but even when she’s rescued from prison, there’s nothing she can do about it without proof. Her protective bodyguard’s only objective is to keep her safe until they cross the border into friendly territory.

The best way to do that? Travel as man and wife.

After returning to Maine, as Bob and Marlowe navigate this treacherous terrain with the help of their friends, they face vengeful authorities, a vindictive frame job, and perhaps most important of all—turning their fake marriage into something real

••••

REVIEWTHE HERO is the third instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult GAME OF CHANCE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of former US Special Forces soldiers (Callum ‘Cal’ Redman, Kendrick ‘Bob’ Evans, Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman) who own and operate a tree service, search and rescue, Appalachian Trail maintenance company called Jack’s Lumber. This is thirty-five year olds, Kendric ‘Bob’ Evans, and archaeologist Marlowe Kennedy’s story line. THE HERO can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. An important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Kendrick and Marlowe) THE HERO follows the rescue of our story line heroine from a Thai prison. While on an archaeological assignment in Thailand, Marlowe Kennedy would find herself framed and imprisoned for drug possession and trafficking. Without benefit of defense or help, Marlowe has given up hope until a visit from an American stranger telling her to be prepared. Enter former US Special Forces soldier Kendrick Evans, and the man with whom Marlowe will fall in love. Upon her explosive rescue, Marlowe and Kendrick find themselves on a cross continent run, wherein Marlowe will become the woman to save our hero’s life. What ensues is the quick and forced relationship between Marlowe and Kendrick, and the potential fall-out as their journey and struggles through Asia, continue back home.

The world building focuses on the betrayal of our story line heroine. Framed for a crime she did not commit, Kendrick Evans is ‘hired’ to rescue the woman with whom he would fall in love but their escape gets more dangerous, the closer to their final destination.

The relationship between Kendrick and Marlowe begins as a rescue but a potential safe haven finds our couple forced into a marriage to protect their lives. On the run now as a married couple, they will quickly discover their mutual attraction adds a further hurdle as Kendrick battles not only the elements but a fight to survive. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and impassioned secondary and supporting characters including Kendrick’s friends and former teammates, most of whom we have met in the previous instalments. April and JJ’s story line is next.

THE HERO is a story of betrayal and vengeance, greed and retribution, friendships and relationships, acceptance and love. The suspense filled premise is intriguing and captivating but I struggled a little bit with the sting operation meant to reveal the truth, an operation that left our heroine vulnerable. The characters are determined and dynamic; the romance is seductive .

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Protector
The Royal Game

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Royal (Game of Chance 2) by Susan Stoker-a review

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The Royal (Game of Chance 2) by Susan Stoker-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N PAPER /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 8, 2023

Former military man and member of a royal family Callum Redmon can’t deny his sense of responsibility. So when his cousin’s latest love interest claims to have a stalker, Cal reluctantly meets with the young woman and her mother. He wants to write off the situation as a complete farce—if only his feelings for another member of the household could be as easily dismissed.

Since her father’s death seventeen years ago, Juniper Rose has been at the cruel beck and call of her stepmother and stepsister. Her fantasies of escape mean leaving behind her father’s beloved home, but enough is enough: when Cal offers her a way out sooner rather than later, June takes the leap.

Cal’s home in Maine with his military brothers seems like the safest place to start fresh. But as Cal and June’s fairy-tale romance blossoms into something real, they find that the dangers stalking them may have been real all along.

••••••

REVIEW:THE ROYAL is the second instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult GAME OF CHANCE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of former US Special Forces soldiers (Callum ‘Cal’ Redman, Kendrick ‘Bob’ Evans, Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman) who own and operate a tree service, search and rescue, Appalachian Trail maintenance company called Jack’s Lumber. This is thirty seven year old, Callum Redmon, and thirty-two year old, Juniper Rose’s story line. THE ROYAL can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Cal and June, THE ROYAL follows the building romance and relationship between thirty seven year old, Callum Redmon, and thirty-two year old, Juniper Rose. Callum Redmon is royalty; a prince who has chosen to live and work in America alongside his military brothers in the aftermath of his recovery from imprisonment and torture in the Middle East. At the request of his second cousin Carl, Cal has reluctantly agreed to work security for a young woman who claims to have a stalker but Cal begins to suspect this assignment is nothing but a ruse. Meeting house servant Juniper ‘June’ Rose gave Cal pause when he discovered June was a virtual slave of her step-mother and step-sisters, and within hours of arrival, Cal devises an exit plan for both him and the woman with whom he would fall in love. All is not well in the Rose household, and June is about to discover that ‘running’ away only places an even large target on her back. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cal and June, and the potential fall-out as June comes face to face with her own stalker, and Cal struggles with the demons from the past.

The world building focuses on the imprisonment, torture and recovery for our story line hero. Callum Redmon, a prince by birth, was made to suffer by his captors for who he was, and what he represented. Scarred and slow to reintegrate into society, Cal struggles with his attraction and need for our story line heroine, battling between head and heart knowing he is no longer the man he had once been. As Cal and June dance around one another, June must prove Cal is worthy of both happiness and love, and a future together.

The relationship between Cal and June is one of immediate attraction but June struggles with issues of low self-esteem and poor body image; and Cal’s scars are a reminder of what was and what will never be. Saving June means taking out heroine away from the only family she has left but it also means protecting our heroine from the same people meant to do harm. The $ex scenes are passionate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include Cal’s former military teammates and co-workers, as well as their significant others. We are introduced to June’s step-mother Elaine, and her step-sister Carla Green, and several members of a seniors home who become a second family, and protector for our story line heroine.

THE ROYAL is a Cinderella-esque story of betrayal and jealousy, power and control, abuse and neglect, freedom, acceptance and forgiveness, healing and love. The character driven premise is heart breaking and emotional; the romance is provocative and steamy; the characters are broken but struggling to heal.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE PROTECTOR

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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THE PROTECTOR (Game of Chance 1) by Susan Stoker -a review

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THE PROTECTOR (Game of Chance 1) by Susan Stoker-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 14, 2023

Riggs “Chappy” Chapman didn’t expect to be disrupted at his remote cabin in the woods. But when a stray dog arrives on his porch, he winds up finding a stray woman, too, trudging through the snowstorm in search of shelter. His military days may be behind him, but Chappy is hardwired to protect her from the storm and whatever it is she’s running from.

Carlise Edwards didn’t expect her car to break down in the Maine wilderness. All she wants is to escape whoever is stalking her back home. There’s no way anyone’s going to find her and Chappy deep in the forest, especially not in dangerous weather. But she finds it hard to mind the circumstances when the company is this stimulating.

As the snowstorm rages, Chappy and Carlise find that, despite the cold, they can generate plenty of heat of their own…but there’s more than just natural dangers lurking in the woods.

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REVIEW: THE PROTECTOR is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult GAME OF CHANCE erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on a group of former US Special Forces soldiers (Callum ‘Cal’ Redman, Kendrick ‘Bob’ Evans, Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman) who own and operate a tree service, search and rescue, Appalachian Trail maintenance company called Jack’s Lumber. This is thirty-four year old Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, and thirty year old book translator Carlise Edwards’ story line.

Told from third person perspective THE PROTECTOR follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-four year old Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, and thirty year old book translator Carlise Edwards. Three years earlier, Riggs, Callum, Kenrick and Jackson found themselves imprisoned by a group of terrorists. In between their torture and waiting for a rescue, the foursome made a pack to quit the army, and start a company of their own. Fast forward to present day, Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman is looking forward to some lone time, having ventured off towards his own cabin in the backwoods of Maine, where he will encounter his future in the guise of Carlise Edwards. A snow storm has his this particular area of Maine, and Carlise, on the run from an abusive ex, had to abandon her car when an accident left her stranded and alone.Wandering in the ice and the snow, Carlise will be found by a mangey dog, and what appears to be a very sick man. Enter Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, the man with whom Carlise will fall in love. Riggs is sick; the winter flu has taken hold, and three days will pass before Riggs realizes he has probably survived with the help of the woman he found. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Riggs and Carlise, and the potential fall-out as Carlise past returns to finish the job.

Carlise Edwards has a stalker, a stalker she believes to be her abusive ex-boyfriend but with no wifi or cell service, Carlise finds herself worried for the people she left behind. Without the help of Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, Carlise probably would not have survived but their mutual attraction finds our couple professing their love within days of arrival. Riggs Chapman never expected to come face to face with another lost and wandering soul but Riggs suspected Carlise was hiding a secret, a secret that is about to threaten the life of the woman with whom Riggs is falling in love.

The relationship between Carlise and Riggs begins as a rescue but quickly turns into something more. Carlise spent three days nursing Riggs back to health, three days in which Carlise battle her attraction to a man she knew nothing about. Riggs knew immediately that Carlise is the woman that calls to his heart, and our hero is determined to claim Carlise as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Riggs fellow, formers US Special Forces teammates: Callum ‘Cal’ Redman, Kendrick ‘Bob’ Evans, Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, as well as Carlise mother; her friend Suzie, and Riggs and Carlise foundling dog ‘Baxter’. Callum Redmon’s story line is next in THE ROYAL.

THE PROTECTOR is a story of betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and madness, family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are energetic, charismatic and charming.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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