Four men in captivity decide their post-Army futures with a game of rock, paper, scissors, settling in Newton, Maine, to open a Lumberjack and trail guide business. Kendric "Bob" Evans has secretly continued rescue missions worldwide, including one to save anthropologist Marlow Kennedy wrongfully imprisoned in Thailand. Their fast-paced escape and instant connection lead to a marriage of convenience, but danger follows them back to Maine. The story, with its familiar warmth and suspense, feels like coming home to a good book. The series promises more excitement, with anticipation for the final book focusing on JJ.

I loved, loved Kendric and Marlowe’s forced proximity, one “bed”, romantic suspense tale. This book had the perfect balance of sweet moments, spice, chuckles, past pain, evil actors, danger, excitement, coincidences, healing, big feels, and love. And while it is unlikely that I will ever be in a situation like Kendric and Marlowe were, they are portrayed as such real, relatable, and likable people who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans, it was easy to connect to them. Kendric co-owns a tree service company in a small town in Maine with his three best friends. He is a former special forces soldier and was a POW. Unbeknownst to his friends, he has been going on secret rescue missions to other countries for the last two years. Marlowe is an archeologist who was set up and thrown in prison in Thailand for selling drugs. Kendric is sent in to rescue her. To get to their HEA, they’ll have to sneak out of a country trying to track down all the escaped prisoners, deal with their pasts, and embrace what could be. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. The suspense was well balanced with the romance creating a wonderful contrast. I am looking forward to the final book in the series

Susan Stoker is a one-click author for me. I don't need a title, a blurb, or any details. If you tell me a new book is in the works I know I want it. As is always my experience, this book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and kept it until the end. I finished it in 2 days and could have finished it in one sitting if I didn't have work and family responsibilities.

This is another great read from Susan Stoker. I enjoy all of her books, and this one is no exception. This book follows Marlowe, who is an archaeologist who was accused of wrongdoing and imprisoned in a foreign country. “Bob” is sent in to rescue her, on an undercover government mission, and bring her back to the United States. Marlowe is certain of who framed her, so with Bob’s help, they work to clear her name.
Another fantastic read and can’t wait for book four!

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 🥰