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.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first read from this author, and though I enjoyed the trope, plot and cast of characters, the execution was a little off. I wasn't a fan of some of the forces dialogues, since they didn't seem natural (more scripted than a natural conversation). I still enjoyed reading this and progressing through the story.

The chemistry between Kendric aka Bob and Marlowe is magnificent. This story is the very definition of forced proximity, yet the attraction is there from the start. A good portion of this story is Kendric and Marlowe on the run, trying to get out of Thailand undetected as Marlowe is a fugitive. They are dirty, hungry, and tired. It shouldn’t be sexy when they kiss, yet it is.

I love the journey these two take together as they have a lot of time to get to know each other, but I did find myself missing his buddies from the previous books. Once Bob’s friends needed to show up and help out, those are some of the best scenes between the main characters. Their protectiveness for one another and deep connection were beautiful to watch and gave me all the warm fuzzies I could ask for.

The first book in this series was my first book by this author. This sent me on a path to read some of her immense back library. Unfortunately, many of those older books don’t hold up to her current writing. Before diving into this one, I was a bit apprehensive that the first two books in this series were a fluke. I’m happy to say they were not. I greatly enjoyed this book. I guess the lesson is that I have to read this author’s more recent stuff instead of trying to dig too deep into the back library. I’ve found her more current stories to be a lot of fun and full of tons of emotions.

Kendric “Bob” Evans has been restless since his rescue after being tortured while in captivity. So unknowingly to his brothers he has been going on covert rescue missions. This latest rescue will change everything for him.

Marlowe Kennedy is on an archaeology dig in Thailand when she’s arrested for drug trafficking. She is imprisoned with little hope of getting out when a visitor shows up giving her hope.

The best way to escape enemy territory will be by traveling as husband and wife. What a journey this will be.

Once again this author doesn’t disappoint with a read that will hook you from page one. Kendric aka Bob and Marlowe are in the race for their lives once Bob breaks Marlowe out of a prison in Thailand. Moving at night between safe houses, they end up married due to unforeseen circumstances and neither of them are freaked about it, they want it to be real and if they make it out of the country alive, they want to make a go of it….but first they have to survive and bring the guilty party who put Marlowe in the situation pay.
A great read with steam, suspense, danger, twists and turns, surprises and amazing characters. I loved these two, no drama, no games, open honesty and both strong individuals that fit together.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Marlowe was sent to a Thailand prison for a crime she did not commit. Kendric makes the trip to Thailand to find a way to get Marlowe out. While they are on the run things steam up between the two but there are a lot of obstacles still ahead.

Great read and I can’t wait to read about April and Justice!

*4.5 stars*

Tension-filled romance…

This story did not miss a beat from the harrowing first pages to the end of Marlowe and Kendric’s action and tension-filled courtship. Even as I typed ‘courtship’ I laughed as their road to romance was paved in anything but hearts and flowers. This author is at the top of her writing game as Kendric (aka Bob) and Marlowe slowly, harrowingly, make their way home… Wrongfully imprisoned, Marlowe is losing hope and yet her friends moved the world to help her escape. Each moment was surrounded by danger as even those they were to trust, came under suspicion. The chemistry between the main characters sizzled in the background even as the trust in each other grew, every minute and mile they spent together.

Another great read from a favourite author – this was steamy, emotional, romantic suspense not to be missed.

Susan Stoker gives you a real-life view of what can happen after things go wrong in another country when an archeologist is found with drugs and sent to prison. This is a fast paced romance novel. Don’t blink or you may miss something.

We are back in Maine and this time the story belongs to former Special Ops and POW, Kendric/Bob Evans.
Instead of joining his military buddies in their new venture, Bob is still not sure what exactly he wants to do with the rest of his life. The perfect solution for the moment, is working on rescue missions for the FBI.
Marlowe Kennedy is an archeologist in Thailand. Upon her false arrest as a drug dealer, she needs help getting out of prison. In comes Bob to rescue her but the danger will persist until they can leave the country .
From the moment they meet , even through the danger, feelings develop.
As engaging as the story was, it was more than just the plot.
It’s a story about overcoming adversity, trusting another with their heart, and it’s a story about second chances in life and love.
A great addition to the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Simply put, I loved this book. It drew me in from the beginning and I didn’t want to stop until I turned the last page. That Marlowe suffered what she did in a foreign prison was devastating, and the hero of our book, Kendric, couldn’t fail rescuing her out of Thailand. But it doesn’t stop there. Their journey home had been difficult and as I read, I had to hold my breath a couple of times. Their falling in love brought some sighs from this reader and smiles as we are reunited with old friends. A definite read for fans of Susan’s Game of Chance series.

*4.5

Obsessed with this series. I love how fast paced it is, it just soothes something in my brain. There was never any doubt that they really fell in love that fast. I'm happy that they were able to get out. I'm very excited for the next book.

I received an arc through netgalley.

ISusan Stocker is the creator of the perfect men! The Hero made my heart swoon. Kendric “Bob” Evans is bored with his quiet life in Maine, so he uses his special ops training to sneak away and rescue people. This time his target is an innocent American girl who got caught with drugs in Thailand? The Thai government has a no mercy policy if you are cuaght with drugs, so Marlowe is thrown in prison. Bob is hired to get her out and sneak her back to the states. But, just like his POW team, being forced to sleep with a woman means they are soul mates. Could,this be the same for Bonn since he and Marlowe have to sleep in a h hole under the floorboards? Their romantic suspense is a follow up to Chappy and Cal’s love stories. These guys…have my heart strings!

This is book 3 in the Game of Chance series and while it absolutely can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the previous books first so you understand some of the character connections and events that are spoken of previously. 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.

I absolutely loved this story. Right from the start I was sucked into the story and I couldn't put this book down. Marlowe has been through a lot but it doesn't change who she is or how she reacts to people and situations. It never changed the core of who she is. Bob is a man who went through something horrific, and while it changed some things about him-it didn't change his core personality. I absolutely loved them together. They not only compliment each other but they also just fit. The suspense was great and kept me interested. I absolutely enjoyed how they got through everything and then having the previous characters involved as well. Another hit in my book! I can't wait to read The Lumberjack and see how everything there turns out!!

I love this series. Love these boys

An excellently written thriller, with enough spice to keep the reader enthralled.

A real page turner

Looking forward to JJ’s story next

An operative rescued a wrongly accused archeologist from a Thai prison but danger persists. He's big, burly, a touch bossy with a soft side while she's tough and courageous, and determined to seek her justice. Forced proximity and fake marriage leads to insta-love (which I didn't mind much) as they make their escape from Thailand. The connection they built in that time is solid, and gives strength to their romance.

He's very protective from start and is very sweet to her. I liked their strong bond of trust, and they also generate plenty of heat. Lots of engrossing action on the side, although things were a little out there at times. This is #3 in a series but works by itself (didn't read the first two but plan to). Pretty solid read. BUT...why nicknamed him Bob? It made me think of Sideshow Bob.

Rating the book 4¼ stars!

I love all of the characters in this series, but Kendric and Marlowe are my favorite couple. Loved their action-packed story! I can't wait to read April and JJ's story next.

👓 love at first sight
🇺🇸 former military mmc
🏃🏻‍♀️ on the run from dangerous people
3️⃣ in a series

I loved getting Kendric’s story, and Marlowe is his perfect match! I got all the feels as these two ran from danger while falling in love. Susan Stoker draws you in from the start and you care about Marlowe and root for her. If you’ve read the first two books in the series (which were also exciting and heart tugging) then you’ve wanted Kendrick to find his match for a while.