THE PROTECTOR (Game of Chance 1) by Susan Stoker-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 14, 2023

Riggs “Chappy” Chapman didn’t expect to be disrupted at his remote cabin in the woods. But when a stray dog arrives on his porch, he winds up finding a stray woman, too, trudging through the snowstorm in search of shelter. His military days may be behind him, but Chappy is hardwired to protect her from the storm and whatever it is she’s running from.

Carlise Edwards didn’t expect her car to break down in the Maine wilderness. All she wants is to escape whoever is stalking her back home. There’s no way anyone’s going to find her and Chappy deep in the forest, especially not in dangerous weather. But she finds it hard to mind the circumstances when the company is this stimulating.

As the snowstorm rages, Chappy and Carlise find that, despite the cold, they can generate plenty of heat of their own…but there’s more than just natural dangers lurking in the woods.

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REVIEW: THE PROTECTOR is the first 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-four year old Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, and thirty year old book translator Carlise Edwards’ story line.

Told from third person perspective THE PROTECTOR follows the building romance and relationship between thirty-four year old Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, and thirty year old book translator Carlise Edwards. Three years earlier, Riggs, Callum, Kenrick and Jackson found themselves imprisoned by a group of terrorists. In between their torture and waiting for a rescue, the foursome made a pack to quit the army, and start a company of their own. Fast forward to present day, Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman is looking forward to some lone time, having ventured off towards his own cabin in the backwoods of Maine, where he will encounter his future in the guise of Carlise Edwards. A snow storm has his this particular area of Maine, and Carlise, on the run from an abusive ex, had to abandon her car when an accident left her stranded and alone.Wandering in the ice and the snow, Carlise will be found by a mangey dog, and what appears to be a very sick man. Enter Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, the man with whom Carlise will fall in love. Riggs is sick; the winter flu has taken hold, and three days will pass before Riggs realizes he has probably survived with the help of the woman he found. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Riggs and Carlise, and the potential fall-out as Carlise past returns to finish the job.

Carlise Edwards has a stalker, a stalker she believes to be her abusive ex-boyfriend but with no wifi or cell service, Carlise finds herself worried for the people she left behind. Without the help of Riggs ‘Chappy’ Chapman, Carlise probably would not have survived but their mutual attraction finds our couple professing their love within days of arrival. Riggs Chapman never expected to come face to face with another lost and wandering soul but Riggs suspected Carlise was hiding a secret, a secret that is about to threaten the life of the woman with whom Riggs is falling in love.

The relationship between Carlise and Riggs begins as a rescue but quickly turns into something more. Carlise spent three days nursing Riggs back to health, three days in which Carlise battle her attraction to a man she knew nothing about. Riggs knew immediately that Carlise is the woman that calls to his heart, and our hero is determined to claim Carlise as his own. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Riggs fellow, formers US Special Forces teammates: Callum ‘Cal’ Redman, Kendrick ‘Bob’ Evans, Jackson ‘JJ’ Justice, as well as Carlise mother; her friend Suzie, and Riggs and Carlise foundling dog ‘Baxter’. Callum Redmon’s story line is next in THE ROYAL.

THE PROTECTOR is a story of betrayal and vengeance, jealousy and madness, family, friendships, relationships and love. The fast paced premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are energetic, charismatic and charming.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy