Susan Stoker is one of those authors that I will read anything she has written. She is not my normal go to author but sometimes you just need a big strong protective man in your life and that's exactly what Susan Stoker offers every single time! I swear by the end of the books EVERY SINGLE TIME I am asking the world where a man like him is. The Protector is no exception. Now I read this at the end of March 2023 but this book lives rent free in my head. I really need to set aside time to read the rest of the series because I really need to see what happened in the lives of the rest of the characters. The review I posted on Goodreads just says "I absolutely loved this book and wish the whole series was out.
The only thing I didn't like very much was their names." Off to read the rest of the series now!

***5 Stars***

It’s been a minute since I read one of this author's books and as I dove into this one, it gave me all the feels as to why I always enjoyed her books. The characters are all well written, and it’s hard not to at least like them, if not end up loving them and the storyline is one that grabs my attention from the start and keeps me turning the pages until the very end.

So, to say that I loved Riggs and Carlise is an understatement. I adored them! Riggs is a good man, who has been through hell and yet found a way to live a life that makes him happy. Carlisle is sweet and genuine. She hasn’t had it easy, but is attempting to live life on her terms. Their journey to their HEA is definitely a unique one, and one that happens quickly, but because of the circumstances they find themselves in ~ it worked for me. They actually talked to each other and didn’t play head games and I just really liked how they got to know each other and found that they could be each others safe places to land if they just took that leap of faith.

This was a great read. Low on the angst, but with just enough drama ~ yeah, I didn’t figure out who the baddie was for a while ~ to keep things interesting. I loved Riggs’ band of brothers and Baxter was kind of everything. So, now it’s on to The Royal and to see just how that all plays out.

Loved this fast paced suspense filled romance and super excited that I have found a great new author to me. This book has a ton of heart.

ARC received for review

Great start to a new Susan Stoker series. Chappy and his friends are amazing. Carlise was pretty cool too. I can't wait to read the rest of his friends stories.

Another good read
Perfect book to curl up with and to get lost in
Will have you hooked from the first page
Thanks NetGalley

It has been a few years since I had read my first Susan Stoker stories. After the Trusting..- series, I have now found another quartet of men with their HEA stories. This series starts of with a heavy chapter. It gives you a very clear picture of why the men choose to leave the army and how they decide to stick together. JJ, Chappy, Bob and Cal are totally badass alpha males, so they fit in just fine in my to read pile. The Protector is mostly about Chappy, who gets sick on his two week retreat in his far-away-from-everything-and- everyone-cabin. When a stray dog leads him to a stranded woman, he brings her to his cabin on his last fumes. And then crashes down on his sofa.

Carlise is in trouble and she knows it. Being stalked and abused by her ex, has made her leave town, to get some rest. But now, with the snow storm raging around her and her car in shambles after hitting a tree, she realizes she is in trouble. Out of nowhere, a cute dog urges her forward and tries to get her to follow. When a stranger shows up and takes her home, Carlise realizes she is lucky to be alive.

Her rescuer doesn’t seem that lucky: he has a fever and is burning up. Thankful for his help and for the roof over her head Carlise decides to take care of the mysterious man. The story is cute, funny and warms your heart. After that first chapter, you can’t help but wish that these four men get the HEA they deserve. So, definitely five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

And of course, I will be looking out for the next parts in the series about JJ, Cal and Bob!

This is a good book. The two main characters are Carlisle and Chappy. Carlisle translates books from French to English. Chappy co-owns a tree service company. Carlisle had been in an abusive relationship.. she left her house after getting threatening phone calls and e-mails. She landed up in Maine at Chappy’s cabin. He found her out in the snow after a dog lead him to her. There was an instant attraction. They each had issues but together they worked it out and fell in love.

"The Protector: Game of Chance" by Susan Stoker is a thrilling and action-packed romantic suspense that'll have you rooting for the brave heroes and their fiery romance.

What a fun, suspenseful romance! This was a binge-worthy, page turner that you can get lost in. It's a bit unrealistic and a little bit to 'insta-love" but if you're looking for something mindless and light then it's perfect.

Curl up fireside with a book this fall and get lost in the their love! ;)

The Protector by Susan Stoker is your basic romantic suspense but with more lusting and insta love than build up. All the women are hot and all the men are broken. Nothing really set it apart from all the other RS series that Susan Stokes has written.
Thank you for a chance to review the book.

*2.5 This was alright.
The beginning was pretty good. TERRIBLY unrealistic, but a fascinating idea.
The middle was basically insta-love, which was mildly nauseating at times, though parts were cute I guess. I mean there is a dog so brownie points for that.
The end was mildly predictable but also very drastic. I am not sure if I liked it or not. I was entertained.
All in all, the main guy is way too sappy for me, and the main girl does not have the depth I usually like in protagonists.

Definitely a binge worthy, page turner book. I wish they author gave a description of what Carlise looked liked in the beginning, knowing what she looked like would’ve made the read more interesting right away. I thought the connection between the female and male main characters developed perfectly.

Riggs is looking forward to being by himself when he is interrupted by a woman who was trying to get away herself. Carlisle is running from an ex-boyfriend turned stalker, now she is lost, stuck in the middle of nowhere Maine with a snowstorm coming at her, yet out of nowhere a dog shows up and helps. It is then Riggs comes to her aid first getting her out of the snow and then protecting her from her ex. There is more to this story but you get the jest. A good book with good characters.

Really enjoyed it. I found both the MCs entertaining, and their wit and constant banter was chefs kiss amazing.

I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for an honest review. This is my first read or Susan Stoker. The book is quite good and the suspense and romance are well balanced. It is a gentle romantic suspense with a reasonable part of hot scenes. It’s just a little bit too cheesy at some times. I am heading for the next book of the series.

The Protector, the first installment in Susan Stoker's thrilling Game of Chance series, introduces us to a fresh cast of characters. Held as prisoners of war, JJ and his team decide to leave the military behind once they're rescued, seeking a new purpose in life. Through a playful game of rock, paper, scissors, they choose their new home and profession, settling in Maine as lumberjacks at Jack's Lumber.

Riggs, also known as "Chappy," seeks solace in his remote cabin on the mountainside. With no electricity and no cell service, it's the perfect retreat for him to unwind and immerse himself in a good book. Little did he know that his peaceful getaway would take an unexpected turn when he falls ill and encounters a lost woman in the midst of a snowstorm, guided by a mysterious dog.

Carlise, seeking respite from a troubled relationship and the presence of a potential stalker, embarks on a journey without disclosing her destination to anyone. When she finds herself stranded after a car accident, she follows the dog and is led to Riggs' cabin, where she decides to nurse him back to health. As they spend time together, Riggs realizes that Carlise carries emotional scars, and he resolves to protect her with everything he's got.

Susan Stoker masterfully weaves a tale filled with suspense and intrigue, dropping hints that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Her use of the dog as a pivotal character adds another layer of depth to the story, showcasing the remarkable bond between humans and animals. Every moment of this book was thoroughly enjoyable, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Susan for delivering such an exceptional reading experience.

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing this ARC of The Protector.

Surprisingly, this book had more suspense than I initially expected! The thriller piece was refreshing because I found the romance aspect to be more predictable, which I wasn't a huge fan of. Chappy/Riggs, the main character, fits the typical mold of an ex-military, ultra-masculine, "alpha" male who has a strong desire to protect what he considers his. Charlise enters his life when she seeks refuge in his cabin, escaping a stalker who might also be her abusive ex-partner.

It may be the cynic in me, but I am not a huge fan of the instant love/instant trust that was given between the two characters. Chappy's friends and other people broke it up a bit, which was nice and better than just two people in a cabin the whole time. To the surprise of no one, I absolutely adored Baxter, the MMC's pit mix stole the show for me!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book!

I am the biggest sucker for books like this. I could not put this book down. Riggs is such a loving man & the plot was phenomenal.

Thank you so much for the opportunity.

I love the style of this, it moved at a good pace, and the language was easy to enjoy. The characters were interesting, and the set up was great.

My one issue was the survivalist/ hiking nature, but only because I do live with an expert in that aspect. I have a much higher understanding of the AT than a normal reader.

The suspense was crazy in the best way and I really enjoyed the story. I am very interested in continuing on.

I was surprised when the story started from Chappy's POV after the prologue was told from JJ's perspective. Stocker has established a good setup for a series to follow the five friends. I'm not partial to military romances, but fortunately for me the MMCs leave the military before the story even starts.
The title is apt: Chappy protects the FMC from a stalker ex, but I was happy to see that he does so in a way that doesn't make her feel small. I did have to wonder if the author is a Twilight fan from the name 'Clarise Renee Edwards'!