Susan Stoker did it again. This is a must read (as well as all her other series). No matter what I read by her, it's always AMAZING! I was so excited that she decided to keep adding to the Game of Chance Series. I always fall in love with her military men whether they're active or ex-military.

Kendric and Marlowe are amazing together. Kendric has gone into business with his military buddies, but hides that he continues to take on rescue missions to bring Americans home. Marlowe was wrongfully imprisoned in Thailand and is hanging on by a thread in the worst conditions possible. She was given a life sentence when drugs were found on her that were planted there by someone else. The marriage of convenience just solidified that this pair was meant to be and would be together until the end of time after the quickest jail break I've ever read about. Once they make it back to Maine danger comes a knocking and once again Susan Stoker doesn't disappoint, keeping me on my toes through each page. I definitely can't wait for the next book in this series so I can devour it in either a day or two.

The Hero (Game of Chance #3) by Susan Stoker
Publisher: Montlake
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance
Expected Publication Date: March 5, 2024

The Hero is the third book in the Game of Chance series by Susan Stoker and I am here for it! I thought this book was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to see what's to come!!!

This book grabbed me on page one and did not let go! I found the characters to be captivating and the story to be absolutely fascinating!

With all of Susan Stoker's books, there was such intensity running throughout the story. I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book! AMAZING!

I can't wait to see what's to come in the next books! I want all of the guys to get their "happily ever afters". I highly recommend this book!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First thoughts: The Hero was jam-packed with non-stop action from cover to cover.

This novel was sweet and spicy, just the right amount of both for how long the book was - which was surprisingly on the shorter side. It was longer than a novella but I was disappointed when it came to the end.

The main characters were fleshed out. They had relatable characterisitics and stories that pulled at your heartstrings.

The setting of the first half or so of the novel was Thailand and Cambodia, and while I've never personally travelled to either of these countries the author did a fantastic job of describing the setting. Lots of details that made sense about the setting. Especially around the setting of the prison in Thailand and all that Marlowe had endured.

I can say that the character's relationship wasn't insta-love but it also wasn't a slow burn. Marlowe and Kendric's story and their situation forced two complete strangers to place their trust and faith in each other for no other reason than their survival. Their relationship was formed as a result of that. It needed to because their survival demanded that. And so the pace of their relationship fit and felt natural without that icky feeling to it.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this book, it was a fantastic read to curl up and crush in an afternoon.

Readers will enjoy this novel if they enjoy a little action in their spicy romance novels.

THE HERO (Game of Chance Book 3) by Susan Stoker
This story grabs you from the start and keeps you reading. This excellent action filled romantic suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat as you devour it. Marlowe is a archeologist working in Thailand and was set up and arrested for drugs and she was thrown into a prison. Kendric (Bob) Evans is a former soldier who goes on rescue missions for the FBI. Marlowe is under his protection and he is working to get her back home. This is a definite 5 star read.

A thrilling story by Ms. Stoker. The story was a good blend of romance and action. Enjoyed reading it.

I love Susan Stoker but for the love of me, I couldn't get over all of the over-the-top stuff. From the insta-lust to the whole marriage thing to their life after they cross the border. There were too many stuff that were hard to believe. If it were one or two I would have been 100% fine with everything. I know SS's writing and in this book, it was a little disappointing. I didn't have much trouble reading it though and I ended the book thinking mainly good thoughts. The thoughts after were the problem. Despite all that, I know I will be reading JJ and April's book because the amnesia trope is one of my favorite ones and I look forward to seeing these two work things out.

OMG, I loved Bob and Marlowe's story. I devoured the book in one night and I'm sorry it was over so quickly.
I loved that it had so much action, I loved Bob's personality and that he was a teddy bear underneath all his grumpy facade.

I loved that Bob (by the way, why Bob?) will help Marlowe, for a moment I thought she would be the typical weak and helpless female protagonist, but I loved that she had character.

Thank you Susan, for a gripping read from start to finish, I loved your writing style.

The love they have for each other is beautiful. They protect each other through various scenarios, which is great to see. Marlowe doesn't think of herself as strong or brave, but she absolutely is, and proves that throughout the story. I love her life goal & how perfect she & Kendrick are for each other!
I still loved him and how he treated Marlow. He's got the cinnamon roll type feel to him. I had a hard time connecting to Marlow in this book. I wanted to know more of her personality but I felt like he hid a lot of her personality through the book. Not sure if it's because she trained herself while in prison to keep it hidden to stay safe or if it's something else in her past. I loved the two characters together and felt like I could see their relationship develop as they were trying to get out of the country. I also love how they switched places and Marlow became the hero in parts of the book. The storyline in this book is great and it follows a lot of the other military romance books that I have read.

The Hero is about a very capable, alpha hero who singlehandedly flies in to save a wrongfully incarcerated heroine from a foreign prison. Even though the tropes in this particular story usually appeal to me, for some reason, I struggled to connect with the main characters and ended up stopping reading this story at 28%. While I understand the importance of starting a story in the middle of the action, I had a hard time getting a good feel for either character prior to the inciting incident of the hero breaking the heroine out of the prison with essentially a hope and a prayer and what felt like half a plan. This wasn't the case however, as they seem to have a very planned out route to escape, but because I didn't feel I got enough of a feel for them as individuals, I found it hard to be vested in their story of escape and having a marriage of convenience. For me, the chemistry between the two characters didn't pop and sizzle as I'd hoped, and perhaps this story unfolds slower than I'm used to. I just found myself wishing for more twists and turns, and revelations, and a stronger draw between the characters given the very high stakes present in the story. Ultimately, the slower pace just didn't grab me enough, but this story would be a good read for those who prefer to have a slower burn love story.

Another awesome and heartfelt love story to keep you loving what you read. This book has all the fast paced action with heart thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended!!

The Hero is The Best of The Series!

Marlowe is in a foreign prison, convicted of drug possession on her archaeology site. Kendric is there to break her out. From the first pages, the reader is caught in the story, racing along frantically with the two characters as they try to escape through the wilds into Cambodia. The mysterious Mr. Willis set up helpers along the way, but betrayal and injuries could happen at any part of their journey.

The plotting of this novel reminded me of some of the earlier days of Susan Stoker. The events are tightly woven to keep the tension ramped. The insta-love and undying dedication is always a bit much, but it’s a trope that works for Stoker and suits these two characters.

In short, this is one of the best Stoker books I’ve read in a long time. Here’s hoping the next book in the series meets this same level!

Kendric (Bob) and Marlowe's story was so wonderfully intense from page one. From the moment they met, until the very last page, their love was unstoppable. Susan Stoker is a masterful writer, taking us on their journey from Thailand to Maine.

I have read a lot of Susan Stoker's books and The Hero is another solid story to add to her long running list of books. Her writing isn't anything amazing but it is enjoyable. Compare this to a fine piece of European chocolate and a jelly bean. They're both candy but one can be a culinary delight and one is something fun to eat. Her books are jelly beans, enjoyable but also forgettable. The Hero is the third installment in the Game of Chance series. Each story stands alone of the four former military captives and their newly found freedom living in rural Maine. Kendric "Bob" Evans takes a rescue job to try and free a woman who is wrongly imprisoned in Thailand. He doesn't tell his friends where he'll be, just that he is visiting his sick aunt. He misses the thrill of the mission but knows that his friends are more settled than he is and doesn't want to worry them. Marlowe Kennedy had almost lost hope of ever being freed from this prison. When a lawyer arrives that says her brother sent him, she is beyond relieved. When he tells her to be ready, she doesn't understand but will do whatever is needed. This begins the story of Marlowe's escape. She and Kendric have a lot to get through in order to get back to the United States but they won't let each other down. So there's a few twists and turns to get to their HEA and if you're looking for a factual account of a prison break, then this is not the book for you. It was fun and had heat (not just from the jungle temperatures) and if you enjoy this book go look at some of her others because there are about 100 to choose from.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance

Kendric Evans (aka Bob) loves his friends. He loves his life too. However, something is missing. He misses the thrill of the mission. When he realizes that he can have his friends' backs in Maine, but also continue doing missions on his own, he knows this is his calling. While on a mission, Bob has the chance to help Marlowe.

Marlowe is an archeologist. It's not something she ever thought she'd be doing. Instead, she kind of fell into the career. And while she does love finding new things, her real desire is to be more settled. Marlowe now finds herself living in a foreign prison for something she knows she didn't do.

When Bob helps Marlowe escape, they will have to lean on each other much sooner than they thought. Both will need to trust the other and will have to hope that they can make it out alive.

When forces back home threaten their newfound peace, Bob will need to come clean about his missions and his friends will have to step up.

You won't be disappointed in this book. It's fast paced and a great story. I can't wait for more.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in a very enjoyable series about a group of retired military men who have settled down in business together and are finding their ways in the non-combat world, coping with their nightmares and the slower pace of life. But one of them can't quite let go of the excitement and has been doing recovery missions for the FBI on the quiet.

I really liked the idea that at least one of the guys found rural life a little difficult to take, and wanted to actively seek out adventure. It is even more enjoyable that on this occasion, he too would find the very reason he needed to move forward in life. It works on so many levels – him relying on his friends in his time of urgent need, their acceptance of his need for excitement, but also their joy for him as his life takes a new, safer shape.

Marlowe is an interesting person, clearly a competent archeologist, but actually she fell into it by chance and, like many people, craves a more settled life, just as everything goes wrong. Kendric (aka Bob) rescues her just in time, and their escape involves a most unexpected, but fortuitous union. Now to see if they can be honest with each other and make it work!

It was good to catch up with the rest of the guys and see how their relationships are developing – I am already looking forward to the next installment.

Susan Stoker gives another great addition to her Game of Chance series. This series she has moved a different direction that some of her past series in the way that she cultivates the storylines and characters. This instant connection; fake (but not so fake) marriage gives us all the usual Stoker feels while creating a fresh take on the tropes as well.

Bob and Marlowe are enamored from the get go, and you never feel as though their relationship isn't genuine. And once you mix in the rest of the characters you get the found family you love from Stoker. While this isn't my favorite Stoker book... it is still an enjoyable read.

This book had me on the edge of my seat for all the challenges Kendric and Marlowe faced as they got one step closer to freedom ! Insta love is one of my favorite tropes 🥰

Susan Stoker never disappoints. Well written easy to read and full of romance and adventure. What’s not to love?

THE 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 .



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[adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced]

3.75 stars ⭐

Story time- I received an Arc of this book from netgalley and discovered that it was the third part of a series because of which I downloaded the first two and 3 pages into the first one and needless to say that I was hooked.
Anywho, I finally read this and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

Firstly, I loved the fact that the only issue I had in the first two parts is resolved here. This is a dual POV but unlike parts 1 and 2, you can clearly distinguish when the POV switches.

• The plot you ask? AMAZEBALLS!
• The steam? Impressive
• The mush? Awww Lord 🥺

I love the Ex-military/Military/Security/POW tropes way too much but I do admit that they tend to get repetitive and boring if not written well. Being a series, I expected this to get slightly repetitive by book the i.e. The Hero because they all have mostly the exactly same Ex-Military, POW, Insta love tropes. However, I was pleasantly surprised as it not only was NOT REPETITIVE but the plot was really interesting and captivating compared to similar stuff that I've read in the past.
I also love that the FMCs of this entire series are no damsels in distress and everyone has a good head on their shoulders. I do think that their relationship build-up could do better but overall it didn't feel bad or annoying so it's a win.
Now I'm dying to read the last part that I'm most excited about in the very high hopes that it doesn't disappoint.


Content Warnings:

Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Police brutality, Vomit, Violence, and Car accident

I have very mixed feelings about this book, so I'm gonna say three stars.

The MMC is Kendrick (Everyone calls him Bob, and that's not an attractive name IMO. Also, the confusion with using both the names... not my fave.) He worked in the military and after being held captive with his friends, started a business with them, leaving the army. Hiding this from his friends, Kendric helps Americans wrongfully imprisoned to flee jail. His latest mission is to help Marlowe- an archeologist accused of drug dealing.

Now the story from here is an insta/fated love story as the MCs journey across the country towards the border. Not being the biggest fan of this trope, I found it hard to believe at first, though the writing style was quite captivating. There's a lot of tropes involved in the book, including marriage of convenience. I haven't read much of it, definitely not this variation, Again, I have mixed views about it... Didn't love it, didn't hate it. I liked how the MCs sort of bonded over their trauma while held captive, but I think it could've been done better.

Onto the things that really irked me.
Kendrick's emphasis on how strong and resilient Marlowe is. He says it more than 10 times and personally, I'd had enough of it. Like yea, I get it, you can stop. It just felt like an obvious example of 'telling instead of showing.'
I constantly felt that Kendrick was overshadowing Marlow (it's been a week since I read this book and I've read many others between, and this is what stuck with me). To me, it was his perspective that dominated Marlowe's, him being the Alpha, protective male: Marlowe the supposed brave one but we don't see much of her take.
The whole pregnancy talk was plain stupid. Just wanting to have kids at some point in the future doesn't make it ok for someone to not use protection, especially when clearly undernourished.
Kendrick making some irresponsible decisions which compromised on their health and safety. I get that it was crucial for the next part of the plot to shine, but I didn't expect this from him.

As I said before, the writing was one of the strong points of the story and after reading a preview of the next book in the series, I'm definitely gonna read it. The next novel follows JJ and April, using the amnesia trope which I adore, so I'm excited! I can't decide on whether to recommend this book or not, but after reading the review, I hope you can decide for yourselves.

PS- I haven't read the other two books in the series, nor have I read any other works of the author. Also, as it's been a while since I finished the novel, my review may not be very accurate so apologies for that.