The Soldier (Alpha Cove 1) by Susan Stoker-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 12, 2025

When Chad Young moves home, it’s not a decision he makes lightly. A former military man, he doesn’t make any decision lightly. But his father’s passing has left the family—and their business—reeling. Now more than ever, they need to stick together.

Britt Starkweather moved to Maine with her boyfriend, never imagining he’d abandon her there. With no money and nowhere to go, she accepts the Youngs’ offer of a job and room on their property. What more does she have to lose?

Although they just met, Chad makes Britt feel safe in a way no one has before. And she makes him feel things he’d given up on finding. But even as they grow closer, Britt realizes that something is amiss at Lobster Cove…and Chad will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

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REVIEW: THE SOLDIER is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult ALPHA COVE romantic suspense series focusing on the Young brothers: Chad, Lincoln, Zach and Knox. This is thirty-seven year old, former US soldier Chad Young, and Britt Starkweather’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Chad and Britt) THE SOLDIER follows in the wake of the arrival of Britt Starkweather in Rockville Maine. Having been abandoned by the man whom she thought she loved, Britt was jobless, penniless and homeless, until the kindness of Chad Young who was home in the aftermath of his father’s death. Offering Britt a job working at the family owned vacation cabins, Britt found herself wondering for the first time when her luck would run out but the off chance of working the books at the Young’s Lobster Cove garage, our heroine will discover some discrepancies that had been affecting the bottom line. Having placed a target on herself, Britt is determined to protect the people with whom she was falling in love.

The world building follows several pathways including the history of Lobster Cove, the family owned businesses, and the people who they employed. A dispute with a neighbor threatens any semblance of peace but a betrayal from within, and an abuse of friendship, jeopardizes the entire family.

The relationship between Britt and Chad begins as a rescue, of a sorts. Britt is desperate and accepts Chad’s help, and in return she becomes a part of the family. As Britt and Chad begin their dance around one another, there are those who still question Britt’s quick acceptance into the family. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Chad’s brothers: Lincoln, Knox and Zach, as well as their mother Evelyn Young; several employees and questionable neighbors. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE SOLDIER is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by. Sandy