Un paradis pour Jodelle

SEAL Team Hawaii #7

by Susan Stoker, Suzanne Voogd (Translator)

A volte, il posto più sicuro è con la persona giusta

Baker Rawlins non è più tanto giovane e ha i suoi modi di fare; ormai non sperava più in un rapporto sentimentale, figurarsi l’amore. Specialmente dopo anni di servizio in Marina e il lavoro per il governo, che lo tiene a contatto con malfattori di tutto il mondo. Per questo motivo, resiste più che può all’arrivo di Jodelle: una donna bella, gentile ma abbattuta che lui non riesce a togliersi dalla mente. Quando però tutti gli amici, uno dopo l’altro, si innamorano, Baker capirà che per proteggere Jodelle non deve tenerla a distanza, ma avvicinarla. Farla entrare nella propria vita, tra le braccia, nel letto…

Jodelle Spencer ha sopportato una delle peggiori tragedie che possano capitare a una donna, e adesso passa gran parte delle giornate a osservare gli adolescenti che fanno surf vicino alle coste delle Hawaii, a volte pericolose. È là che incontra Baker, un ex SEAL della marina alquanto misterioso che non sembra interessato ad altro, se non a una cordiale amicizia: finché poi la situazione cambia. Quando lui si fa avanti, lei accetta e lui si fa deciso all’improvviso. Ciò che costruiranno insieme richiede fiducia… una fiducia che, dopo anni di sofferenze, lei non è sicura di poter dare…

La fiducia che sarà messa a dura prova quando uno dei ragazzi che lei protegge si trova in pericolo, un pericolo che si riflette su Jodelle… e sull’unico uomo a cui lei può affidarsi, proprio quello che lei teme di amare.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Suspense, Contemporary

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2023

About the author

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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

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Reviews

[Susan Stoker]

Baker’s story! Silver fox, single mother, surfing, Hawaii, and an extremely protective Hero who is ALL IN when it comes to his Jodelle!



Finding Jodelle
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[LaTonja]

Let me first say, Finding Jodelle was worth the wait!! When Baker & Jodelle were introduced in earlier books in the series, I knew their story would be amazing. Finding Jodelle DID NOT disappoint.

If you are looking for a more mature couple that are learning how to love, trust, and grow for a second shot of a soul mate, look no further. A book full of suspense, friendship, unconditional love, loyalty, and twists and turns. I highly recommend Finding Jodelle, as well as EVERY SINGLE BOOK in this series. Definitely five stars. Well done Susan Stoker.

[Kait]

I was not expecting this to hit me in my feelings 😭

This is a later in life romance (52 & 48) which I absolutely loved! It is never too late to find love or joy in life and these two were such an amazing example of that.

I’ve been dying for Baker’s story and it did not disappoint! He’s everything I expected and more. Jodelle couldn’t be more perfect for him and vice versa.

Fair warning that this does speak on child loss. I am honestly speechless on how the topic was executed. Hell, even the way Baker responded to it.. my god. I have no words.

[Amanda Grace]

ALL THE STARS

Baker Rawlins was worth the wait.

This was my most anticipated book of 2023 and Susan Stoker did not disappoint.

Baker was everything I wanted and more. He goes ALL IN when he decides to pursue Jodelle. They are open and honest with each other from the start and I loved the communication. I felt their connection deeply and was completely caught up in the beauty of their relationship.

The story was refreshing and showed a deeper level to Baker’s character that made me fall for him even more. The danger doesn’t specifically revolve around him, but he handles it in a surprising way for the people he loves.

Typically in Susan Stoker's books, the hero has a nickname from the military. Baker is too cool for nicknames, so he gives Jody one in this book and I adore it. He calls her Tink and it is the perfect nickname for her. She is kind, compassionate, strong and everything that Baker needs. She has been through so much in her life that you can't help but root for her. My heart melted watching Baker help her find the joy in life again while honoring her past.

I could go on forever about how much I loved this book and the emotions it evoked in me. There were so many meaningful instances: soulmates, the picnic table, dancing in the rain, the name change, the SMUDGE!

I always enjoy the extended epilogues when Susan Stoker wraps up a series. The look ahead into Baker and Jody's life years from now as well as the rest of the SEAL Team made my heart happy. This has been one of my favorite series and I am sad to see it come to an end. I hope we see more of these characters in Susan's forthcoming books.

I highly recommend this entire series and especially this book.

[Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️]

Baker Finally Gets His Story, and He Was Worth the Wait



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💚🖤
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😉😎😮😍
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

Characters and Plot Summary

I went into this one excited because Baker Rawlins has been lurking around the edges of this series for six books, always the quiet, watchful one while everyone else got their happy ending. Turns out the wait was worth it. Baker is 52, a former Navy SEAL who still does information gathering work for the government, and he has spent years convincing himself that a relationship just isn’t in the cards for a man with his kind of past and his kind of enemies. Jodelle Spencer is 48, a graphic designer who has been through more than her share of grief, including a cheating ex-husband and the death of her son, and she pours her energy into mentoring the teenage surfers who ride the sometimes dangerous waves off the Hawaiian coast. That’s actually how she and Baker cross paths in the first place, since he’s often around the water and she’s the one keeping an eye on the kids.

What got me was that Baker doesn’t chase her right away. He’s polite, a little distant, and it takes watching every one of his SEAL brothers fall for someone before he finally admits he wants Jodelle too. Once he decides, though, he goes all in, and that shift in him is a big part of the fun. The suspense thread kicks in when one of the teen surfers she looks after, a boy named Ben, gets pulled into real danger, and that danger doesn’t stay contained to him. It spills over onto Jodelle, and suddenly Baker is the only person she can lean on, which is a problem for a woman who has already decided trusting men is a losing bet.

Highlights and Limitations

The highlight for me was Baker himself. There’s a scene where he’s giving Jodelle one of his blunt little speeches about protection meaning staying close instead of pushing her away, and I actually paused the audio for a second because it landed harder than I expected from a guy who spends most of the book being gruff. Stoker gave him wisdom and steadiness underneath the tough exterior, and that combination is what makes the romance work.

I do have a complaint, though, and I’ll be honest about it. The opening stretch bugged me. Baker goes from barely speaking to Jodelle to suddenly making decisions for her and acting like their relationship is a done deal, and for a minute I found myself thinking she should have pushed back harder instead of going along with it so easily. I wanted a beat where Jodelle called him out more directly for jumping ahead of her, and it never quite came. It didn’t ruin the book for me, but it’s the one place where I wished the pacing between his intensity and her healing had matched up a little better.

The Ben storyline was a nice surprise too. Watching Baker and Jodelle essentially co-parent a scared teenager in the middle of a suspense plot added a warmth I wasn’t expecting from a military romance, and it gave their relationship a test that had nothing to do with bullets or bad guys.

Narration

Emma Wilder and Aiden Snow split the narration, and it works exactly the way you want dual narration to work in this genre. Snow gives Baker a low, controlled voice that only cracks open in the tender moments, which makes those moments hit harder because you’ve heard him hold back for so long. Wilder brings a softness to Jodelle that never tips into fragile, and you can hear the exhaustion of a woman who has grieved a child even in scenes where she’s just talking about her day. When the suspense ramps up around Ben, both narrators tighten their pace just enough that I found myself listening a little faster too, which is exactly what you want from a good audio performance.

Final Thoughts

This was a satisfying send off for the SEAL Team Hawaii series. Baker earned his book, Jodelle’s grief felt real instead of used as a prop, and the Ben subplot gave the story heart on top of the romance. My one wish is that Jodelle had pushed back on Baker’s early bulldozing a little harder before falling into step with him, but once the story found its footing I was fully invested in these two. If you have followed this series from the start, this is a strong way to close it out, and if you are new to it, Stoker keeps it standalone enough that you will not feel lost.

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[Chandra Woolson]

Baker and Jodelle’s story was definitely worth the wait! I loved the main characters. And of course the snapshots at the end of what was happening with the SEALs we have gotten to know in the series was very welcome. I loved this book!

[Jennifer F]

I am sorry, but I hated this book. I loved the series and have read many of the author's books, but this one just missed the mark. I had been waiting for Baker's story and this was such a disappointment. I felt certain themes kept getting repeated again, and again as if the reader could not pick up on them. The constant talk of trust and how Baker has connections just got old. I was extremely disappointed when *spoiler* at the end Jodelle literally sat on the bed and did nothing to help herself because she was so sure Baker would come save her. I know this was all part of the "trust" lesson, but it really made her seem like a weak character who was dependent on her man. Overall, this book really let me down.

[Wendy Hodges]

Wowser! I'm an emotional wreck after reading this, both Baker and Jodelle were so amazing. She was so caring, protective and giving to her 'kids' food, love, advice, whatever they needed. With Ben it went further, despite her pain from her own loss she reached out to him, determined to help in anyway she could, Baker right alongside of her. Together the three of them overcame evil and found a strong bond made of trust and love. Two people that had been alone, found family and each other. Romantic, steamy, full of inspiration and even a bit spiritual. Read it yourself to understand that. I cried, yup more than once, especially with the epilogues. I freakin loved this story, the author gave these characters exactly what they deserved, Happiness and Love. Plus a multitude of friends. Perfection

[BOOKLOVER_81]

Though good, about average storyline. Felt like a solid 3.5 rating... couldn't connect with these two characters like the rest. Her teenage son died, and their both older in age.

Audible listen

[CourtneyS]

I skipped through the majority of this book once I hit 15% and still had the general idea. There were a few very heartfelt moments that I read, especially when Baker was talking to Jodelle about her son. Other than that. I feel like I am reading the same material over and over. The over the top politeness that has been a reoccurring conversation with her male characters in the last 10 books is getting old. I was just disappointed overall.

[Kim]

"Finding Jodelle" is my absolute favorite!!

This is my 76th book of yours I have read and OMG what a tear jerker. I was in tears 3 times just in the epilogue alone. Of course the book has intrigue and action like all your books, but the story was so heartfelt. The love between Baker and Jodelle was incredible. Jodelle is still trying to heal from losing her son Mana and when Ben enters the story and becomes family, that love is so touching. The things the three of them will do for one another!! And all of the supporting cast from Seal Team Hawaii is there as well dishing it out. You have to read this book. It's Susan's best yet, I believe.

[Valerie]

Finally!!!!!

Thank you Susan for giving us Baker & Jodelle! This book was an awesome end to the SEAL Team Hawaii series and I adored it…as will any other reader smart enough to pick up your books!
People…if you’ve never read Susan Stoker…START!!!!!!

[Julie Miller]

I loved Baker and Jodelle's story so much, I read it twice. I've been waiting for Baker's story, and it did not disappoint. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but I think the surprise of it made me love it all the more.

[Darcy]

I feel like we have been waiting for this book for most of the series. You've seen glimpses of these 2, seen the attraction and wondered if anything would come of it. I'm glad that Baker finally made the move and asked Jody out. These 2 were super cute and I liked how they talked about things, liked also that Baker didn't rush them to bed, but wanted both of them to be sure that what they had was real and going to last before taking that last step. I think this was important for this couple because of their past, Jody loosing her son and Baker always on duty and not really home much to build a relationship.

I thought it interesting that as they were building their relationship, they became defacto parents to Ben, a teen who was in trouble and desperately needed good adults in his life. Ben soaked up what he saw from Baker and Jody and you could see how he started to incorporate those traits in his life and you cheered as he did so.

Things got dicey at the end. I loved how Jody just knew Baker would be there to save them, how she kept repeating it to Ben and how he kept asking her if she was sure, she was 100% sure and told him every time he asked.

The last chapters at the end had me reading through tears. Loved getting the updates at different years in the future, loved seeing everyone so happy living their lives and still all around.

On a side note, I really loved how Mana was kept alive in the book. This new group of people weren't afraid to bring him up, with let Jody talk about how great he was. I loved Baker's view of people being in our lives and how we keep finding the same ones over and over again. But the best was Theo and his drawings, that smudge really did me in.

[Carolyn]

Baker and Jody

I’ve been waiting on Baker’s story since book one and it is amazing. I loved how Jody is able to handle Baker’s brisk attitude and he knows just what she needs too. These two aren’t spring chickens and they’re intimacy is handled perfectly. Ben is one of her surfer kids whose life has been turned upside down and Jody and Baker get the experience of parenting a teen. This one has lots of action, suspense, danger and love. The Epilogue is epic and I loved the way this series was wrapped up.

[Rachel]

The first bit of the book was very annoying to me. While I expected Baker to be an intense man, he was so suddenly intense with Jodelle in terms of presuming their relationship and also in making decisions for her that I think she should have run the other way. But, of course, it’s a romance novel in a series of them and we know the way this is going to end, so that part of the book is only tolerable if you’re already totally on team Baker. Once we got past that part, I absolutely loved the book mostly because of the relationship between Ben and Jody. Jody is consumed by her grief for her son and mothering Ben (who desperately needs someone to mother him) is a beautiful way for her to come to terms with Mana’s death. And Baker steps up in great ways to be Jodelle’s partner and a father figure to Mana. I also really appreciate the epilogues that the author provides to this last book in the series. I read the ebook and look forward to many more series by Stoker. I rip through the series once I start them, so I’ll wait for an entire one to be released before I begin the books. It is so difficult to wait! 4/5

[Amber L]

I love Susan Stoker's books.... I lost count on how many I read of hers and I still have so many to go. This series was one of the best. I felt like I was in Hawaii!!!! The team the side characters and the plots were just absolutely great. Baker and Jodelle were of course amazing. Jodelle lost her son and as a mother I can't imagine how that might have felt but it was seeing her go from being alone to having so much more. Baker being all alone as well from being a bad ass retired seal to just an amazing husband. I can't wait to read the next set of books...

[Heather]

Baker was worth the wait

Oh what a book this was. Baker was absolutely worth the wait. This was so incredible. I just can't get over these characters. Baker and Jodelle were both so heartbroken but they were both able to find what they truly needed, love and trust. Such an incredible book absolutely worth the wait!

[bookjunkiejane]

Holy shit!!!! Baker & Jodelle were so perfect for each other!!!! 🔥💥👩‍❤️‍👨

[Paige Norman]

So happy to read Baker's story, FINALLY! And what a fantastic series final! Silver Fox, intrigue, heartbreak, a lasting love story without a lot of sex, and enough epilogues to tie up all the loose ends. Seriously considering reading them all again 1-7. Standalone but part of a series (the last of this one), and man is there an HEA!

[Holly Noelle]

I really wanted to love this. I feel like there was such a build up and kind of a let down with the ending. This was fairly boring and tame.

I like Jodelle and I love Baker, but I thought this was going to be explosive as an ending. The final showdown was extremely slow.

Just expected more from this one.

[Kristin]

I've got a few critiques about this author's writing. This is, approximately, the 50th book by this author that I have read.

First of all, her stories feel a bit too repetitive and formulaic. It's like they all follow the same pattern, which can get a little boring.

Another thing is that I don't find her writing particularly strong or creative. It could definitely use some more spark and originality.

Now, let's talk about the problems the characters face. Honestly, some of them just seem dumb and unrealistic. It's hard to get invested in the story when you can't take the challenges seriously.

And here's what really gets on my nerves – the way these problems are dragged out. Take this one story where the hero, who's supposed to be an information broker, takes a whole week just to look up basic info about someone his heroine is worried about. I mean, come on! These characters are supposed to be highly trained, but they keep dropping the ball when it comes to doing what they say they will.

It's even more frustrating because the threats in the story are supposedly urgent, but they take forever to take action. It's like they're in no rush to resolve the issues they're facing.

Honestly, if the author were a better writer, she could make things more engaging by having one big problem and then smaller issues that come up as they work towards solving the main one. But instead, it's always the same pattern – neglecting the problem until it becomes a huge disaster, and then resolving it super quickly at the end. It just feels unsatisfying.

Don't even get me started on the controlling, toxic masculinity that so many of the heroes display. A hero can be an alpha male without being a controlling jackass.

****Baker reached for his wallet and pulled out a credit card and held it out to her. “Um…what’s that for?” she asked him. “For food.” “Oh, I’m good. Thanks though.” Baker didn’t drop his hand. He motioned to the card with his chin. “Take it, Jodelle.” “Really, it’s not necessary.” In response, Baker stepped toward her. He didn’t touch her, but he definitely had her attention. “You’re not paying for food you’re gonna cook for me,” he said.****

Um, she’s eating the food too! 🤦🏻‍♀️ They have this back and forth about it and, of course, she gives in and takes his credit card.

All of these issues have been problems since book 1 and she’s never improved as a writer.

I really wish the author could step up her game and give us more compelling and timely storylines. It would make such a difference!

[francine la lacasse]

Wow wow wow

J'ai ADORÉ , un livre plein d'émotion et de passion,j'ai beaucoup aimé la série,mais Jodelle est vraiment extraordinaire. Merci Susan de me faire vivre par vos livres tout ce bonheur

[Valérie]

Et voilà, cette série est terminée et en beauté. C’est mon tome préféré, certainement parce que les personnages sont matures et que Susan Stolker y a insufflé beaucoup d’émotion tout en conservant ce côté fratrie.

[Valeria Spencer]

The final story in the SEAL Team Hawaii series. The series started off like gangbusters but by the end, as often happens, it sort of ran out of steam. I loved Baker in the other stories and was glad he got his own book, but it was pretty boring for the first 2/3s. Lots and lots and lots of repetitious dialogue between Baker and Joelle. We get it: they are soul mates.
The epilogues were good - a little about each couple from the series. And the ending was very sweet.

[La Passionnée]

Suivez-moi sur La Passionnée, sur Facebook: @LaPassionDesLivres

Hawaï, Soldats d’Élite, Un paradis pour Jodelle – Susan Stoker

Un dernier tome doux, tendre, plein d’affection et d’amour… mais un rien décevant. Je m’attendais à beaucoup plus avec Baker. Toutefois, il reste un MAGNIFIQUE entre-deux, d’une infini douceur. Une série qui vaut le détour. Une romance sensuelle et savoureuse.

« … Le meilleur moyen de la protéger… c’était de la garder auprès de lui. »

Baker, âgé de cinquante-deux ans, a décidé de prendre les choses en mains. Après l’accident d’Ashlyn qui a failli la tuer, Baker s’est rendu compte que la vie est courte. Sa vision des relations a bien changé. Pourquoi perdre autant de temps, tandis qu’il pourrait L’avoir près de lui?! Alors, il se jette dans le vide et commence sa conquête de la femme qu’il aime depuis plusieurs années déjà : Jodelle. Il croyait qu’en l’éloignant de lui, elle serait en sécurité. Toutefois, il sait maintenant qu’il peut l’avoir dans sa vie ET la maintenir en sécurité.

« -Ne te dénigre pas. Tu es parfaite exactement telle que tu es.
Jodelle rit, mais sans humour.
-Baker, j’ai quarante-huit ans. À ce point de ma vie, je sais ce que je suis et ce que je ne suis pas, et je ne suis pas parfaite…
-Crois-moi quand je te dis que j’aime ton apparence. »

Jodelle est sous le charme de Baker depuis des années. Toutefois, il gardait une distance respectable avec elle, s’en tenant à leur amitié. Elle est donc surprise lorsqu’un jour, il décide de l’amener chez lui afin de lui préparer à manger et d’avoir une discussion sérieuse sur leur relation… Peut-elle le faire rentrer dans sa vie maintenant, après tout ce qu’elle a vécu?
Tout comme Baker, elle est prête à avancer et lui laisser une chance.

« -… Je suis un con paranoïaque. Je ne peux pas être autre chose après toutes les merdes que j’ai vues et faites. Je connais le mal qui existe, Jodelle… Mais je ne peux pas te rejoindre, te protéger, si tu ne me parles pas et si tu ne me dis pas quels sont tes plans. »

Ce tome est totalement différent des autres… Je l’attendais IMPATIEMMENT. Malheureusement, avec tout ce qu’on a appris de Baker (son mystère, sa force, sa rudesse, sa passion, sa solitude, mais également ses contacts)… Je m’attendais à beaucoup plus. Plus de vigueur, de passion, de… violence. Je vous confirme donc que TOUS les tomes sont différents les uns des autres. Ils se lisent facilement individuellement. Mais ce roman est tout simplement une fin TRÈS douce de cette série. Certes, il y a une touche de suspense, d’action, mais leur amour est un slowburn.
Par ailleurs, j’ai bien aimé l’âge de nos personnages. Il est rare d’avoir des personnages qui sont dans la fin quarantaine et début cinquantaine. Ce qui ajoute un élément supplémentaire que j’ai bien aimé. À cet âge, ils ont beaucoup de vécus et… l’histoire de Jodelle m’a fait beaucoup de peine. J’ai adoré la force de caractère de Jodelle et la tendresse de Baker. Ils forment un superbe duo.

« -… La vie est dure, Clochette. Elle nous tabasse, puis elle adore nous envoyer un nouveau coup dur quand on est déjà à terre. Être faible, ce serait laisser tomber. Devenir aigrie. Il y a une maxime chez les Seals, le seul jour facile était hier… et c’est tellement vrai. Et pourtant en toi, je vois la même chose que j’ai vue chez mes coéquipiers. Un refus d’abandonner…
Je te vois Jodelle Spencer. Et j’aime ce que je vois. »

Je vais me répéter dans les prochains mots, mais Susan Stoker nous entraîne dans son univers de soldats avec ADDICTION; son écriture est entraînante et fluide. Je passe toujours un excellent moment avec ces hommes protecteurs et ces héroïnes attentionnées. Je vais me répéter, mais la plume de l’auteure est littéralement passionnante et terriblement érotique.

Je passe toujours un excellent moment avec cette série. Certes, je m’attendais à plus avec Baker, MAIS il s’agit d’un superbe et doux entre-deux. De la tendresse, de l’amour et une touche de passion. Une série qui vaut le détour, à lire absolument! 8/10

#UnParadisPourJodelle #Hawaï #série #romance #suspense #danger #sécurité #fuite #confiance #Seal #attirance #érotisme #amour #famille #amitié #équipe #mission #secrets #paradis #slowburn #suggestiondelecture #lecturedumoment #lecturedusoir #chronique

Résumé :
Parfois, c'est ensemble qu'on est le plus en sécurité.

Maintenant plus âgé et bien habitué à sa routine, Baker Rawlins n’aurait jamais cru pouvoir vivre une relation, et encore moins rencontrer l’amour. Surtout quand des années dans l’armée et un travail acharné pour le gouvernement en font la cible de personnes dangereuses dans le monde entier. Pour cette raison, il résiste aussi longtemps que possible aux charmes de Jodelle ‒ la femme belle, attentionnée et un peu blessée qu’il n’arrive pas à se sortir de la tête. Baker doit attendre que tous ses amis tombent amoureux les uns après les autres pour prendre conscience qu’il peut protéger Jodelle sans la repousser… et même, en la gardant tout près de lui. Dans sa vie, dans ses bras, dans son lit…

Jodelle Spencer a enduré l’une des pires tragédies que l’on puisse vivre, et maintenant, elle passe la majeure partie du temps à protéger les adolescents qui surfent sur les côtes parfois dangereuses de Hawaï. C’est là qu’elle a fait la connaissance de Baker, l’ancien soldat Navy SEAL si sexy et mystérieux qui ne semble pas chercher plus qu’une simple relation amicale… jusqu’à ce que tout change. Quand cet homme veut quelque chose, il fonce, et soudain, il a décidé que ce qu’il voulait, c’était Jodelle. Mais ce qu’ils construisent ensemble exige de la confiance… une confiance qu’après des années de souffrance, elle n’est pas sûre de pouvoir offrir.

Une confiance mise à rude épreuve quand l’un des jeunes qu’elle protège se retrouve en danger, entraînant Jodelle dans les ennuis… et quand le seul homme sur lequel elle puisse compter est celui dont elle craint de tomber amoureuse.

* Un paradis pour Jodelle est le septième tome de la série Hawaï : Soldats d’élite. Chaque livre peut se lire indépendamment des autres et ne se termine pas sur un suspense.

[RB]

Great finish, except for the ageism

This book is a good wrap-up to this series. I love the forward looks into the future and the HEAs all around.

As a more mature reader, Baker's story was of great interest. He's long been a favorite character and the glue of this series.

Unfortunately, I was really disappointed in how Jodelle and Baker were often portrayed. There was a good bit of fairly negative talk about their respective ages. For some reason, the author seemed to feel the need to perpetuate that cultural message that late 40s/early 50s indicates that hot sex is off the table and age is the bigger topic of most conversations. These two awesome characters who otherwise were having busy, fulfilling lives didn't get it on for most of the book. And no, this didn't build the anticipation. Instead, readers got treated to lots of conversations about the need to "slow down," and "give it some time," and "wait until the time is right." Even worse, at one point, Jodelle states all the reasons why she and Baker aren't really going to have smokin' hot sex, and are instead just going to have a milder sort of relationship. She says, "That passion ship has sailed." WTH? And for a series that's banked heavily on sex, there's a terrible shortage of it in this book. That's just totally wrong! And Baker, a character written repeatedly as so gorgeous and capable...the author left him hanging out in the wind, instead portrayed him as hesitant and uncertain about a sexual relationship for some flimsy reasons. The overarching reason for his hesitation had everything to do with his age, as well as Jodelle's. Just totally wrong and disappointing.

Talking about your leads, who are in their 40s/50s as if they're incapable of passion, is just straight up ageist!!! I thought this author was a bit beyond her 20s/30s, but now I'm not so sure. People! It's not over in your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, or beyond if you don't want it to be. To speak and behave as if your sexual life dies because society expects it to is so, so very wrong. And to perpetuate that notion, especially in romance, is a cardinal sin of the highest order. TMI coming right up...my neighbors have seen and heard a good bit more than they expected after moving in last year, I'm sure! And we're in our 60s. It makes me sad when I read a mature romance only to see characters treated as if they're too old to be passionate. And in their 40s and 50s, no less. These decades, in particular, are intensely satisfying. This is the time in your life when children are leaving and you're alone again. It's the time when you have enough time on the planet to learn from your past and look forward to the future. It's when you know who you are, what you want, and you say it out loud. It's fricking glorious. Don't believe all that ageist crap you see or read. It's wonderful.

The ageism in this book is why I couldn't give it more stars despite the HEAs. Please, romance authors, stop endorsing the cultural nonsense that tells people it's over in your 40s or 50s. We are just getting started then.

[DJ]

Another series to say goodbye to! How I hate to say goodbye!

It's always hard to say goodbye to new book friends, especially if they are characters in a Susan Stoker series! But the great thing about Susan Stoker is that she is such a creative, prolific writer; there is always a whole new set of military or ex-military operatives waiting to appear. So as sad as it is to finish Finding Jodelle, the final book in the SEAL Team Hawaii series, I look forward to seeing what new characters and adventures Susan Stoker imagines!

Finding Jodelle was the most emotional book in this series thus far. The hero, Baker Rawlins, has been a part of this SEAL Team's family forever. A former SEAL himself, he has always been a bit of an enigma, yet a seriously respected member of the top-secret government community. He was the one man the teams went to when they needed to get out of a jam. So, to end the series with Baker finally finding his soulmate in Jodelle, a woman whose own life hasn't been easy, was brilliant! The couple unpacked so much baggage along the way, though, that I spent a good portion of this book with tears in my eyes. Some of my tears were happy, but just as many were due to heartbreaking moments. I don't know what triggered the waterworks more, Jodelle's memories of her son, or Baker's monologue about his thoughts about the afterlife and finding your soulmate, your destiny! Both those scenes were like a dagger to my heart. It is a true testament to Susan Stoker's writing talent that she creates memorable characters that inspire such empathetic responses from readers. It is indeed as though the characters are a part of the real world. You don't read Finding Jodelle, Susan Stoker ensures you live the book!

I have traveled the world through Susan Stoker's writings, but Hawaii remains my favorite setting. It was in Hawaii as a young Army student nurse that I experienced my first interactions with men from many different branches of the military. I will always have special memories of romantic walks along the beach, holding hands with handsome Coasties, Air Force cadets, and yes, even a Navy man (or two). I believe there is no more romantic place in the world than Hawaii. Thank you, Susan, for taking me back there through this fantastic series!

[Anika]

"Finding Jodelle" by Susan Stoker, the seventh and final book in the SEAL Team Hawaii Series, is a powerful story of love, trust, and healing. Baker Rawlins, a seasoned military and government operative, never thought love was possible, especially with his dangerous career. But when he meets Jodelle, a beautiful, resilient woman who has faced unimaginable tragedy, everything changes.

The narrative explores Baker's journey from resistance to realizing that protecting Jodelle means keeping her close. Their budding relationship is a slow burn, and as Baker's friends find love, he recognizes that he wants more with Jodelle.

Jodelle spends her days safeguarding local teens as they surf off Hawaii's coast, and Baker's entrance into her life is both mysterious and alluring. Their connection takes time to solidify, requiring a level of trust that Jodelle isn't sure she can offer after years of heartache.

Their bond is further tested when one of the teens she protects lands in danger, drawing Baker and Jodelle into a perilous situation. Trust becomes the cornerstone of their relationship as they navigate a tumultuous path.

Susan Stoker skillfully weaves a story that touches on profound themes of love, healing, and trust. "Finding Jodelle" is a heartwarming and suspenseful romance, demonstrating Stoker's talent for creating multifaceted characters and compelling narratives. As the final book in the SEAL Team Hawaii Series, it brings the series to a fulfilling conclusion while offering a story that stands on its own. I needed a lot of tissues while reading the book.

If you're a fan of romance that explores the depths of love and trust in the face of adversity, "Finding Jodelle" is a captivating and satisfying read. Susan Stoker continues to shine in the world of military romantic suspense.

[Tammy Moldovan]

All the big swoony feelings with a side of dangerous suspense

I have been waiting for Baker and Jodelle’s story and this swoony romance full of all the things did not disappoint. This story will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the emotions. Expect to feel all the things - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, and cheering. It was such a rollercoaster of big feelings and deep connection that it was hard to put down. Baker is a 52 year old former SEAL who continues to perform information gathering for the government. Jodelle is a 48 year old graphic designer who has dealt with some painful things in her lifetime including a cheating husband and the death of her son. Jodelle spends part of her days helping to “mother” teenage surfers including Ben. Baker and Jodelle’s slow burn romance largely takes place off page (but we saw it in other books in this series where they were both secondary characters). Once Baker decides he is done ignoring the pull, their relationship goes from casual acquaintance to serious at lightning speed. And then Ben needs help and the ratcheting up of the suspense while waiting for the bad thing to happen was delicious perfection. This book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from a romantic suspense - sweet moments, strong connections, steamy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous high stress situations, evil actors, community, and so much love. I am sorry to see this series end but this book was a perfect way to do it.