Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: Claiming Grace
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.stokeraces.com/
CITY:
STATE: TX
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Also, runs Stoker Aces Publications.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Susan Stoker is a writer of romance novels. She also runs the publishing company, Stoker Aces.
Rescuing Rayne
In an interview with Joyce Lamb, contributor to the Happy Ever After website, Stoker discussed the inaugural volume in one of her series. She stated: “Rescuing Rayne is the first book in my new “Delta Force Heroes” series. The team of men was introduced in the last book in my SEAL series. They came together to rescue a kidnapped American soldier and get her away from ISIS.”
Stoker continued: “[Rescuing Rayne] starts out with the team leader, Ghost, heading home from that mission, only to have his plane canceled in London. He meets an interesting flight attendant and they have a wonderful day, and night, together. The next morning, he’s in the wind and they’re both left with strong feelings about each other. The story then picks up six months later when Ghost and the rest of the Deltas are sent to Egypt to rescue hostages in an attempted coup.” Other books in the series include Assisting Aimee, Rescuing Harley, and Marrying Emily.
Protecting Caroline
Protecting Caroline is part of the “SEAL of Protection” series, which focuses on a team of six Navy SEALs. This installment finds Matthew “Wolf” Steel, one of the SEALs, looking forward to some time off. He is flying home and is seating next to a chemist named Caroline. Caroline identifies a dangerous chemical in the complimentary drinks on the flight and alerts Wolf. Wolf discovers that someone is trying to hijack the plane. Wolf stops the terrorists’ plan. When they attempt to harm Caroline, Wolf and his comrades come to save her. Though a Publishers Weekly writer praised Stoker’s descriptions of how her characters are feeling, the writer notes that that still did not “redeem the overall low quality of the prose, pacing, and structure.”
Other books in the “SEAL of Protection” series include Marrying Caroline, Protecting Fiona, Protecting the Future, and Protecting Dakota.
Shelter for Elizabeth
In another interview with Lamb, the writer on the Happy Ever After website, Stoker discussed a book in her “Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes” series. She stated: “Shelter for Elizabeth came about when readers asked me last year what happened to a certain character in Protecting Summer (book four in the ‘SEAL of Protection’ Series). I was confused because I didn’t even know who they were talking about first. Then I realized they’d really connected to a ‘throw-away’ character I wrote at the end of the book. So Elizabeth was born in the ‘Badge of Honor’ series! She moved to Texas to try to get away from what happened to her (kidnapped and tortured by a serial killer) and is suffering from agoraphobia.”
In Shelter for Elizabeth, the title character has an immediate attraction to a fireman she meets in her new town. However, her past may put their relationship in jeopardy. Other books in this series include Justice for Mackenzie, Justice for Corrie, and Shelter for Sophie.
Claiming Grace and Claiming Alexis
Claiming Grace is the first book in Stoker’s “Ace Security” series. It tells the story of Grace and Logan, whose relationship is threatened by the actions of Grace’s abusive parents. They insist that she marry a wealthy architect’s son, rather than Logan, who has been serving in the Army. Ultimately, Grace and Logan overcome the things that stand in their way. A Publishers Weekly reviewer suggested: “Grace’s parents are almost cartoonishly evil … but readers will root for Grace and Logan from the first.” Debbie Haupt, critic on the RT Book Reviews website, noted that the book featured “a fast-moving narrative, a compelling plot and two strong and brave stars.” Haupt asserted: “It’s a winner.”
Stoker discussed the plot of the second “Ace Security” series novel, Claiming Alexis, in another interview with Lamb, the contributor to the Happy Ever After website. She stated: “Blake, the second Anderson brother, thinks he’s seen it all. He thinks their new intern is a bother and believes because her family has money, she’s just working at the security firm because she’s bored. Alexis fell hard for Blake the second she met him, but is devastated when he doesn’t seem to even like her in return.” However, Blake ultimately gives in to his attraction to Alexis and begins to have a romantic relationship with her, despite his reservations about dating an employee. Haupt, the writer on the RT Book Reviews website, praised the “super-sexy banter and smoking-hot love story.” Haupt added: “The plot is a good balance of humor and heart-stopping action.” A reviewer on the Harlequin Junkie website suggested: “The romance moved a bit quickly, as it seemed they went right from just being co-workers to telling each other they loved one another.” However, the same reviewer concluded: “If you enjoy romantic suspense, you should consider adding this one to your reading list.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, April 27, 2015, review of Protecting Caroline, p. 59; January 23, 2017, review of Claiming Grace, p. 65.
ONLINE
Harlequin Junkie, http://harlequinjunkie.com/ (September 9, 2017), review of Claiming Alexis.
RT Book Reviews, https://www.rtbookreviews.com/ (October 15, 2017), Debbie Haupt, review of Claiming Grace; (October 31, 2017), Debbie Haupt, review of Claiming Alexis.
Shooting Star, http://shootingstarbookreviews.blogspot.com/ (December 17, 2014), Kristen Bauer, review of Protecting Fiona.*
About Susan
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.
New York Times, USA Today, #1 Amazon Bestseller, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.
Connect with her at www.StokerAces.com ** For text alerts, text STOKER to 24587
Happy Reading!
QUOTED: "Rescuing Rayne is the first book in my new Delta Force Heroes Series. The team of men was introduced in the last book in my SEAL series. They came together to rescue a kidnapped American soldier and get her away from ISIS."
"RR starts out with the team leader, Ghost, heading home from that mission, only to have his plane canceled in London. He meets an interesting flight attendant and they have a wonderful day, and night, together. The next morning, he’s in the wind and they’re both left with strong feelings about each other. The story then picks up six months later when Ghost and the rest of the Deltas are sent to Egypt to rescue hostages in an attempted coup."
Joyce Lamb February 9, 2016
Joyce: Welcome to HEA, Susan! Please tell us a bit about your new release, Rescuing Rayne.
Susan: Rescuing Rayne is the first book in my new Delta Force Heroes Series. The team of men was introduced in the last book in my SEAL series. They came together to rescue a kidnapped American soldier and get her away from ISIS.
RR starts out with the team leader, Ghost, heading home from that mission, only to have his plane canceled in London. He meets an interesting flight attendant and they have a wonderful day, and night, together. The next morning, he’s in the wind and they’re both left with strong feelings about each other. The story then picks up six months later when Ghost and the rest of the Deltas are sent to Egypt to rescue hostages in an attempted coup, and lo and behold the woman he’d spent a wonderful night with all those months ago is one of the Americans they’re sent to rescue.
Joyce: What inspires your book ideas?
Susan: Anything and everything! It might be a silly story I see on social media. It might be a story a friend tells me about something that happened to her when she was young. It could be a show on television that gets my imagination going. Other times it’s just something that pops into my head.
Joyce: What do you do when you get stuck?
Susan: I am a very strange writer. Most of my author friends want to choke me when I tell them how I write. Once I start a story, I need to finish it. It’s a compulsion. I hate having books partly done, so once I get in the “mood” to write, I’ll sit for up to eight hours a day and pound out the story. Then I’ll put it aside for months at a time, then go back to it and tweak it as I re-read through it.
That being said, I do get stuck sometimes. When I’m just not feeling a scene, I’ll skip to something I’ve got in my head (like the drama at the 85% of the book). It’s fun to write, I know what I want to happen, and it helps me keep going. Then once I’ve done that I can go back and fill in the holes and smooth out the story.
Joyce: Do you write by the seat of your pants (pantser), or do you carefully plot your stories (plotter)? Has that changed at any point in your career or maybe it changes depending on the book?
Susan: I am a pantser. Mr. Stoker once offered to buy me a huge wipeboard so I could plot out my stories and list all my characters, but I told him not to bother. I have the basic information in my head (usually how they meet and what the 85% drama is going to be), but other than that I just write and let the characters tell me what they want to happen. I find that I can write much faster this way. This is how I’ve always written, and how I think I will always write.
Joyce: What TV show or other activity interferes with your writing schedule?
Susan: The ID Channel! Seriously, that channel is so addicting. There are so many great (i.e. horrible and amazing) murder shows, it’s a treasure trove of material for my books. I think Mr. Stoker gets concerned when he comes home and sees I’m watching a show about wives killing their husbands.
Joyce: Oh, sure, now we’ll all have to testify if anything ever happens to him. J
Rescuing Rayne by Susan Stoker
What are three romance novels on your to-be-read list?
Susan: I admit to having way too many books on my TBR list. I try to buy books to support my author friends, then they sit there. I do read a lot, though, and can finish a book in a day (if I’m not working or writing).
One that I really want to get to is Rocky Mountain Shelter by Vivian Arend. I’ve loved her other Six Pack Ranch stories, and need to find the time to get to this one.
Another is Suzan Tisdale’s The King’s Courtesan. Suzan is an amazing historical writer and I’ve heard nothing but great things about this book. I don’t read a ton of historical stuff, but I just love Suzan’s stories!
And if I’m only allowed to name three, I’d have to say Cynthia Sax’s new book in her Cyborg Sizzle series, called Crash and Burn. It doesn’t release until the end of the Feb, but the first two were so good. There’s just something about an alpha man … but make that man a cyborg? Oh yeah …
Joyce: What would be your dream vacation?
Susan: There’s a trip through National Geographic that I’m dying to take. It’s gonna happen, though! You fly out to Sweden, then you dog sled for three days across the frozen tundra. Yes, dogs pulling a sled. It’s something like a total of about 17 hours of mushing across the snow and frozen lakes and rivers of Sweden. Then at the end? You get to spend a night in the famous Icehotel. OK, I know this probably isn’t everyone’s idea of a wonderful vacation … snow, cold and ice, but it’s just so interesting to me, and not everyone would be able to say they drove a team of sled dogs across Sweden!
Joyce: Indeed!
What’s coming next?
Susan: I am continuing to write the Delta Force Heroes series, with the second book coming out in July. I am also in the middle of a series about a group of law enforcement officers and firefighters who live and work in San Antonio.
Even though I have two series being published at once, there is a lot of crossover between them (for instance, the woman who was rescued at the end of the SEAL series is a firefighter, and she now knows the Delta Force team). I’m hoping that even though the books are stand-alones, and can be picked up and read in any order, that readers will enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters in my other books make cameo appearances.
Joyce: Thanks, Susan!
About Rescuing Rayne:
As a flight attendant, Rayne Jackson is used to cancellations, but she never dreamed her latest would lead to a whirlwind tour of London with a handsome stranger…or a life-altering night in his bed. One evening is all the enigmatic man can give her, and Rayne greedily takes it, despite suspecting it will never be enough.
Heading home after another extreme mission, Keane “Ghost” Bryson hadn’t planned to seduce someone during his layover, but Rayne is too sweet to resist. Being a Delta Force member means lying to protect his identity, which is unfortunate, considering Rayne seems made for Ghost, right down to the tattoo on her back. For the first time in his life, regret fills him as he slips away the following morning.
Both are shocked when, months later, they meet again—under the worst possible circumstances. Seems fate has given them a second chance…if they can survive the terrorist situation they’re in. If Rayne can forgive Ghost his lies. And if Ghost can trust Rayne to be strong enough to endure the secrets and uncertainty that come with loving a Delta Force soldier.
Find out more about Susan and her books at www.StokerAces.com.
military romance, Navy SEALs, romantic suspense, Author int
QUOTED: "Shelter for Elizabeth came about when readers asked me last year what happened to a certain character in Protecting Summer (book four in the SEAL of Protection Series). I was confused because I didn’t even know who they were talking about first. Then I realized they’d really connected to a “throw-away” character I wrote at the end of the book.
So Elizabeth was born in the Badge of Honor series! She moved to Texas to try to get away from what happened to her (kidnapped and tortured by a serial killer) and is suffering from agoraphobia."
Joyce Lamb
May 17, 2016
Joyce: Welcome to HEA, Susan! Please tell us a bit about your new release, Shelter for Elizabeth.
Susan: Shelter for Elizabeth came about when readers asked me last year what happened to a certain character in Protecting Summer (book four in the SEAL of Protection Series). I was confused because I didn’t even know who they were talking about first. Then I realized they’d really connected to a “throw-away” character I wrote at the end of the book.
So Elizabeth was born in the Badge of Honor series! She moved to Texas to try to get away from what happened to her (kidnapped and tortured by a serial killer) and is suffering from agoraphobia … being scared to be outside. She meets a firefighter and questions how she can ever have a normal relationship with such an outdoorsy man such as him.
It’s a typical Susan Stoker book … Hero and heroine meet, they fall in love, then something BIG happens and the main characters have to fight for their HEA.
Joyce: What distracts you the most when you’re trying to write?
Susan: My dogs! Usually when I’m on a roll one of them decides they have to go outside, or one hears a squirrel fart outside and has to bark, which gets the others going. Or they want pets … and it always happens when I’m writing, never when I’m just sitting around surfing the Web.
Joyce: Who are three romance authors who turn you into a fangirl/fanboy?
Susan: I’ve met so many wonderful women at conferences and I’ve acted completely foolishly in front of so many more. I’ve been a romance reader forever, and I have to say it’s amazing to me that I can now call some of the women whose books I’ve been reading for years, friends.
As for the three women who I totally love and fangirl over, today’s choices would have to be Cherise Sinclair, Lainey Reese, and Cristin Harber.
Joyce: What would be your dream vacation?
Susan: The beach! I love the beach. Hawaii, Florida, Bahamas, North Carolina … it doesn’t matter where, as long as it’s warm and there’s a nice breeze and an ocean to stare at. I don’t care for the sand, but it’s more a matter of being there and feeling relaxed that makes me happy.
Shelter for Elizabeth by Susan StokerJoyce: Have you ever had a really bad date? Care to share?
Susan: I dated a few men I met online before I met my husband. They were … interesting … to say the least. One that stands out was when we met at a popular Italian restaurant. I met the man there and when I walked in, he stood up and said, “You look way different than your picture.” I was scared to ask him what he meant, since he didn’t say different in a good way, so I let it go. We ordered, and he browbeat the poor waitress. It made me uncomfortable. He refused to eat any of the salad, saying he didn’t eat vegetables. He complained about the bread being too hard, and when we got a new basket, said it was too garlicy. He didn’t ask me anything about what I did for a living or anything about me, but told me all about his job and how he liked to play soccer with his friends on the weekends.
When our meals came he asked me, “Are you really going to eat that?” I simply nodded, more than ready to end the date at this point. He ate his lasagna and talked with his mouth full the entire time. He complained about the lack of beer at the restaurant and when the bill came and I offered to pay half, he actually accepted.
I was completely shocked when he asked me out again when we were standing outside the restaurant. I politely turned him down and drove home shaking my head. I swear Mr. Stoker is lucky I even agreed to meet HIM after that date!
Joyce: LOL! Thanks for sharing!
What’s coming next?
Susan: Next up in the Badge of Honor series is Justice for Boone … this one is interesting because the heroine is the character who is in law enforcement. It’s one of the only books I have that has a man’s name is in the title instead of the female’s. Hayden is a very strong and tomboyish woman who acts more like a man when she’s around her fellow cops, but is all woman underneath. She wants someone to see and love her, but doesn’t know how to go about finding it … then she gets called to a ranch for an incident involving a sexy cowboy and the ride of her life starts …
Joyce: Thanks, Susan!
About Shelter for Elizabeth:
Elizabeth Parkins lived through a nightmare come true—getting kidnapped by a serial killer. Seeking a fresh start, she moves to Texas, but escaping her demons proves impossible when she’s too terrified to leave her own apartment. A small, accidental fire sparks a coping method she’d never expected, and brings an amazing man to her door.
Firefighter Cade “Sledge” Turner’s idyllic life ended the day his sister was kidnapped. Now he knows firsthand that tragedy can befall anyone, at any time. Meeting Elizabeth on the job was a gift. Cade can envision spending his life with this woman. He understands what she’s been through, is willing to help her heal…though even Cade is unaware of Beth’s new secret obsession.
As Beth takes steps to help herself heal, and Cade attempts to earn her trust and prove his own, they’re both about to be tested—in a way that could see everything they’ve worked for go up in flames.
Find out more at www.stokeraces.com
QUOTED: "Blake, the second Anderson brother, thinks he’s seen it all. He thinks their new intern is a bother and believes because her family has money, she’s just working at the security firm because she’s bored. Alexis fell hard for Blake the second she met him, but is devastated when he doesn’t seem to even like her in return."
Joyce Lamb July 11, 2017
Susan Stoker, whose romantic suspense Claiming Alexis (Ace Security book two) is new today, joins us to answer some rapid-fire questions.
First, please tell us about your new release.
Susan: Claiming Alexis is the second book in my Ace Security Series. While book one focused more on dealing with physical and mental abuse, the second book changes gears a little bit to focus on an outside threat. And misconceptions. Blake, the second Anderson brother, thinks he’s seen it all. He thinks their new intern is a bother and believes because her family has money, she’s just working at the security firm because she’s bored.
Alexis fell hard for Blake the second she met him, but is devastated when he doesn’t seem to even like her in return. But slowly, she shows him that she’s a hard worker and he realizes he had been unfair of his assessment of her. And when the case they are working on gets dangerous, Blake gets a crash course in what real fear is when Alexis gets sucked into danger.
Let’s get Down & Dirty …
First celebrity crush? Cary Elwes from The Princess Bride. *sigh*
First car? 1976 Toyota Corolla — bought from my neighbor for $200!
Favorite thing a reader has done? Gotten my logo (along with the American flag and an eagle) tattooed on her back!
What’s on your pizza? Pepperoni.
Favorite cookie? Pop-rock Oreo.
Favorite dessert? Pound cake or angel food cake.
Best dish you make? I don’t cook, so this is kinda lame, but one of those taco-seasoned rice packets, cheese, sour cream, green peppers and cheese. Yum!
Biggest pet peeve? People driving slow, then in a passing zone they speed up so you can’t pass them, then as soon as the passing lane is done, they slow down again. Grrrrr.
Favorite ’80s song or artist? Culture Club! Boy George all the way!
Last movie you saw in a movie theater? Wonder Woman.
Last Google search? “Bad LSD Trip”
Last thing you bought online? A stand-up fan (because I’m ALWAYS hot!).
If you were a Disney princess, which one would you be? Cinderella, of course!
I’m really good at … sleeping.
I’m really bad at … cooking.
I don’t know how to use … most cooking gadgets.
I fear I’d act like a total idiot if I ever met … Lynda Carter.
About Claiming Alexis:
Nothing is more important to Blake Anderson than the work he does with his brothers at Ace Security. At least that’s what he thinks until he meets the fiercely independent Alexis Grant. The security firm’s new intern pushes all his buttons—and makes his temperature rise. But giving in to temptation might be risky business.
Alexis can tell that Blake has his doubts about her ability to commit. But while most people look at her and see only a flighty rich girl, she knows he sees much more. Determined to prove herself to Blake, Alexis jumps at the chance to work undercover. And when her case takes a dangerous turn, she puts her trust—and her heart—in his hands.
Now, as Alexis digs into the deadly secrets of a local gang, Blake will lay everything on the line to protect the woman he’s come to love.
About Susan
Susan Stoker is a New York Times, USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose series include Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes, SEAL of Protection, and Delta Force Heroes. Married to a retired Army noncommissioned officer, Stoker has lived all over the country—from Missouri to California to Colorado—and currently lives under the big skies of Texas. A true believer in happily ever after, Stoker enjoys writing novels in which romance turns to love.
Find out more at www.stokeraces.com.
QUOTED: "Grace's parents are almost cartoonishly evil ... but readers will root for Grace and Logan from the first."
Claiming Grace
Publishers Weekly.
264.4 (Jan. 23, 2017): p65.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Claiming Grace
Susan Stoker. Montlake Romance, $12.95 trade paper (308p) ISBN 978-1-5039-4243-1
Stoker (Assisting Aime) combines romantic tenderness with the worst parents to ever walk the earth in the Ace
Security contemporary series launch. High-school sweethearts Grace Mason and Logan Anderson both come from
abusive households--not exactly the best training for happily ever after. Logan joins the Army and writes to Grace, but
her parents hide the letters and the relationship falters. When Logan returns to Castle Rock, Colo., with his brothers
after their mother kills their father and then herself, Grace's controlling, manipulative parents make it clear that they're
not done orches trating her life: they are determined that she'll marry a business rival's son and make theirs the largest
architectural firm in Colorado. How Logan, a knight in slightly dented armor, overcomes their machinations makes for
a heart-pounding tale. Grace's parents are almost cartoonishly evil; kidnapping and psychological torture are but a few
of the tricks in their repertoire, and they have absolutely no redeeming features whatsoever, making it hard to wait until
the end of the tale to make sure they get what's coming to them. But readers will root for Grace and Logan from the
first. (Mar.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Claiming Grace." Publishers Weekly, 23 Jan. 2017, p. 65. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA479714196&it=r&asid=e295dea2a15d2314569fca72f9f0a804.
Accessed 15 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A479714196
QUOTED: "redeem the overall low quality of the prose, pacing, and structure."
10/15/2017 General OneFile - Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1508100723805 2/2
Protecting Caroline
Publishers Weekly.
262.17 (Apr. 27, 2015): p59.
COPYRIGHT 2015 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Protecting Caroline
Susan Stoker. Susan Stoker, $3.99 e-book (232p) ISBN 978-0-9907388-0-0
Stoker's bland, short novel consists of story sequences that never cohere into a satisfactory work. Matthew "Wolf' Steel
and his team of five other Navy SEALs are traveling on a commercial airline on a break from their missions. Wolf's
seatmate, chemist Caroline, detects drugs in the beverages served to the passengers; she warns Wolf, who manages to
foil a plot to hijack the plane, but her actions draw the attention of the terrorists' allies on the ground. When they come
after her, Wolf and his team ride to her rescue, despite their only perfunctory (but intense) previous interactions.
Stoker's writing is at its best when she describes the characters' emotions for one another, but those nuggets are not
enough to redeem the overall low quality of the prose, pacing, and structure. (BookLife)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Protecting Caroline." Publishers Weekly, 27 Apr. 2015, p. 59. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA412556027&it=r&asid=89b5415edbd7d6521bd94f5cbfc84f45.
Accessed 15 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A412556027
QUOTED: "a fast-moving narrative, a compelling plot and two strong and brave stars."
"It’s a winner."
CLAIMING GRACE
Image of Claiming Grace (Ace Security)
Author(s): Susan Stoker
Domestic abuse isn’t an easy subject to tackle, but in her Ace Security series debut, Stoker does it empathically. With a fast-moving narrative, a compelling plot and two strong and brave stars, she delves into multiple types of abuse and isn’t afraid to show readers the ugly scars and broken families left in its wake. Throw in a hot, steamy and healing romance, a stable full of consummate costars and an iconic small-town setting and it’s a winner.
Coming home to Castle Rock, Colo., was difficult for Logan Anderson, but as a tribute to their dad, he and his two brothers did, and they started Ace Security to protect domestic abuse victims. Being back also means facing the girl who betrayed him. Grace Mason never stopped wondering why her BFF in high school never wrote in the 10 years he was gone like he promised. But it's a moot point even though he’s back because her parents didn’t approve of him then, and they wouldn’t now. (MONTLAKE, Mar., 284 pp., $12.95)
Reviewed by:
Debbie Haupt
QUOTED: "super-sexy banter and smoking-hot love story."
"The plot is a good balance of humor and heart-stopping action."
CLAIMING ALEXIS
Image of Claiming Alexis (Ace Security)
Author(s): Susan Stoker
Stoker’s second Ace Security tale stars an imposing alpha protector hero and a spunky, courageous heroine who rule every page with their super-sexy banter and smoking-hot love story. The plot is a good balance of humor and heart-stopping action, including some brutally realistic yet necessary scenes. The author’s ability to keep the drama out of the romance and in the suspense is impressive. Best to read the series in order.
From the moment Alexis Grant set eyes on her boss at Ace Security, she was in love. Maybe if she keeps her nose to the grindstone she won’t notice how gorgeous he is … or maybe work will just be sweet torture. Blake Anderson’s newest employee is curvy and sexy. She wakes up his libido and his protective instincts, which leads him to make an executive decision to definitely mix business with pleasure. Using her as bait for the bad guys probably wasn’t in either of their best interests, however. (MONTLAKE, Jul., 256 pp., $12.95)
Reviewed by:
Debbie Haupt
QUOTED: "The romance moved a bit quickly, as it seemed they went right from just being co-workers to telling each other they loved one another."
"If you enjoy romantic suspense, you should consider adding this one to your reading list."
REVIEW: Claiming Alexis by Susan Stoker
Posted September 9th, 2017 by Sara @HarlequinJunkie in Blog, Review, Romantic Suspense / 6 comments
Claiming Alexis by Susan Stoker is the second book in the Ace Security series. Blake Anderson is attracted to intern Alexis Grant, but he questions her ability to stick around, as she bounces from job to job. Alexis has wanted Blake since the moment she met him. Determined to prove she wants to stick around, she volunteers to go undercover with a local gang to try to bring them down. But when things go wrong, will Blake get there in time to save her?
This is the second book in the series, and I wished I had read the previous book first. Granted, this works as a standalone, but Alexis was first introduced there. There was an incident that happened between the gang, her brother, and Logan’s wife, Grace, that had brought them all together. What happened wasn’t really covered in this book, but the incident was referenced several times, so I felt like I was missing something there.
I felt the romance moved a bit quickly, as it seemed they went right from just being co-workers to telling each other they loved one another. I enjoyed the story overall, but I felt like something was lacking between the pair. Perhaps it was because their romance moved so fast.
This book sets up the story for the final Anderson brother, Nathan, and Bailey, the ex-girlfriend of the gang leader, well. I’m looking forward to reading about how that turns out.
If you enjoy romantic suspense, you should consider adding this one to your reading list.
Book Info:
Publication: July 4, 2017 | Montlake Romance | Ace Security #2
Nothing is more important to Blake Anderson than the work he does with his brothers at Ace Security. At least that’s what he thinks until he meets the fiercely independent Alexis Grant. The security firm’s new intern pushes all his buttons—and makes his temperature rise. But giving in to temptation might be risky business.
Alexis can tell that Blake has his doubts about her ability to commit. But while most people look at her and see only a flighty rich girl, she knows he sees much more. Determined to prove herself to Blake, Alexis jumps at the chance to work undercover. And when her case takes a dangerous turn, she puts her trust—and her heart—in his hands.
Now, as Alexis digs into the deadly secrets of a local gang, Blake will lay everything on the line to protect the woman he’s come to love.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014
Review: Protecting Caroline by Susan Stoker
Protecting Caroline by Susan Stoker
Book 3 in The SEAL of Protection Series
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23563295-protecting-fiona
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Protecting-Fiona-SEAL-Protection-Book-ebook/dp/B00PIAS4GO/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1418871299&sr=1-2&keywords=protecting+caroline
SYNOPSIS
Cookie "Hunter" Knox was good at his job, infiltrating behind enemy lines was one of his specialties. His SEAL team relied on him to do his job, just as he relied on them to do theirs. Ever since two of his teammates found a woman that completed them, their dangerous Ops seemed a bit more intense. Cookie knew if he had a woman who belonged to him, he'd never let her go. Little did he know the SEAL team's latest mission to Mexico would change his life forever.
Fiona Storme resigned herself to the fact that it was highly unlikely she would make it out of the jungle alive. Kidnapped by human traffickers, abused, and without family or friends looking for her, Fiona knew wishing for rescue was as realistic as having a big, juicy hamburger fall from the sky. Unbeknownst to Fiona, the SEAL team, including Cookie, were on the way, but their assignment didn't consist of rescuing her.
**Protecting Fiona is the 3rd book in the SEAL of Protection Series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it's recommended you read the books in order to get maximum enjoyment out of the series.
*5 Stars*
Oh holy whoa. I have no idea where to begin. I guess I should start by saying that Cookie has been on my radar since Protecting Caroline. The way he treated her was so sweet and amazing. And knowing the way Mizz Stoker likes to toy with my heart, I just knew his story was going to gut me. Let me tell you, she did not disappoint.
Protecting Fiona starts off with a rescue mission to Mexico to save a Senator's daughter, Julie, who was kidnapped by human traffickers. Let me just pause for a moment to educate you on all things Julie. She is spoiled, bitchy, selfish, and just plain awful. Fiona was in the same hut as Julie, tried to comfort her even, and when Cookie came to rescue Julie she was going to let him lead her out of the hut without even mentioning that Fiona was there!
"You better not screw this up for me. My daddy sent him for ME, not your sorry ass."
You see what I mean?
Okay, so moving right along...Cookie discovers Fiona (who didn't call out and ask for help because she knew that he was there for Julie and not for her) on the other side of the hut. She is in really bad shape. She hadn't bathed in months, was half-starved, and had a metal collar tightly around her neck. Despite everything she has been through, she is strong and endures their long trek through the jungle without complaint.
Speaking of complaining....Julie bitches the entire time. At one point, Cookie gives the girls granola bars to eat and while Fiona acts like he just handed her a bar of gold, Julie acts like a complete brat.
"That's it? Only granola bars? Do you know how long it's been since I've had any kind of REAL food?"
I don't think I've ever wanted to throat punch a fictional character so bad in my entire life.
As they are trekking through the jungle, it becomes apparent that there is something seriously wrong with Fiona. The men who kidnapped her had been shooting up with a cocktail of drugs (she fought them like hell every time, go girl!) and she was going through withdrawals. This is where we really start to see my favorite parts of Cookie.
At one point, Fiona has to lie down on the ground because she is just so weak and her body is wracked with tremors. Cookie decides that they can break for the night and after he gets Princess Ass Face all settled, he goes over and lays down with Fiona to try and comfort her. He freaking spoons her. SPOONS HER, y'all!!
Fiona does this thing to help her cope in awful situations where she counts backwards from 1000. While Cookie is spooning her (seriously, spooning...I want to be his little spoon!) he whispers in her ear and counts backwards from 2000 and Fiona finally falls asleep to the sound of his voice. You guys...he is just so damn dreamy. For reals.
Alright, let's see if I can actually focus this review on the actual story and not just swoon over Cookie the whole time. LOL
So, they make it to the extraction point and after Julie is rescued (is anyone surprised that she was first? no) Cookie ends up getting shot. Fiona, the girl with the iron will, manages to get him onto the ladder dangling from the helicopter so that he can be pulled to safety. Fear not, she got saved too. ;-)
Back on American soil and after Julie is reunited with her father, Fiona's withdrawal kicks into over drive and Cookie, Benny, and Dude all stay by her side to see her through it. These guys are just amazing. There's one scene where, in a delusional state, Fiona tries to escape the house she is staying at with the guys. Of course they catch her and while they are trying to calm her down and she freaks out, screaming all kinds of things at them that hint at what she endured while she was captured. It was utterly heartbreaking.
I don't want to get carried away and end up posting spoilers. As is the case with Mizz Stoker's books...it's better to go into them not knowing what to expect and just enjoying the ride. I really love the familial dynamic of the team how supportive they are for each other.
Another note, because of all the abuse and horror that Fiona had to endure, the sexy times in this book are limited, sweet, and sort of reserved. They are pretty "handsy" with each other, but there the sexy times in this book are not as explicit like they were in Protecting Alabama. And I'm okay with that. It wouldn't make sense for Fiona to let Cookie in like that after everything she went through. You can tell Cookie is a beast though!
Towards the end, Fiona ends up dealing with some pretty major PTSD while Cookie is out on a mission and Tex has to step in and keep her calm until Cookie can get back to her. Tex...ohhhh man. Tex is going to steal my heart. I thought it was going to be Cookie, but no. Tex is going to end up being my numero uno, I can see it now.
I feel like I just can't do this book justice. I can't accurately express just how much this book made me feel. I've read it three times now and it still gets me all choked up and makes my heart all fluttery. Mizz Stoker's books just keep getting better and better!
Posted by Kristen Bauer at 8:15 PM