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The Soldier
In this steamy contemporary romance about family, unforeseen circumstances, and unexpected love, an ex-military man and a down-on-her-luck woman find more than they bargained for when they find each other.
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.
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.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
2794 people are currently reading
6398 people want to read
About the author
Susan Stoker
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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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http://www.stokeraces.com/contact-1.html
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.
Follow SUSAN:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsstoker
www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsusanstoker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/susan_stoker
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/238Jw8c
For all upcoming books click here: http://www.stokeraces.com/coming-soon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
November 9, 2025
Lobster Everything
Britt moved to Maine with her worthless boyfriend who took all her money then abandoned her. She had been sleeping in her broken down car when the owner of the parking lot rudely tried to run her off.
Chad Young had come back to Lobster Cove along with his brothers after their father died. His mother needed help with the multifaceted business and they were all there for her. Before he realized what he was doing, Chad asked Britt to come back to their place to help his mother.
It doesn’t take long for Britt to blend into the family, and Chad wondered at the occasional sadness he saw in her eyes.
This story had a little of everything like action and family, but the romance and location were excellent. Four stars for The Soldier.
Britt moved to Maine with her worthless boyfriend who took all her money then abandoned her. She had been sleeping in her broken down car when the owner of the parking lot rudely tried to run her off.
Chad Young had come back to Lobster Cove along with his brothers after their father died. His mother needed help with the multifaceted business and they were all there for her. Before he realized what he was doing, Chad asked Britt to come back to their place to help his mother.
It doesn’t take long for Britt to blend into the family, and Chad wondered at the occasional sadness he saw in her eyes.
This story had a little of everything like action and family, but the romance and location were excellent. Four stars for The Soldier.
June 17, 2025
I'm excited for this new series! I love that it's based off four brothers and the location sounds amazing based off the author's descriptions. I also loved how Chad and Britt met. She's down on her luck and he comes right in and saves the day. But even better... she ends up saving the family. I really enjoyed getting to know this family and I'm excited for the next book.
June 22, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book! Releasing August 2025
So I have been a big Susan Stoker fan for years - her Seal of Protection series I loved. She always has such green flag MMCs and a little bit of innocent, traumatized but strong FMC - or as my mom would say, a little bit damsel in distress. But if you want a good comfortable easy read with spice and some insta attraction and love - this author is for you. Add in some twists of action and voila!
Chad (horrible name, I know) has just back to his hometown after his father unexpectedly passed away. Deciding to move back and help his mother run lobster cove and all its business and to help her grieve and care for her. Chad being a former military man, is happy to take up the challenge. He even convinced his 3 other brothers to also move back home - all handsome, all with military history - I see a series and I love it. One day, Chad runs into a woman down on her luck and in a tough spot. Britt has had a tough month. Moving to a new town, struggling to find a job, her ex up and left her stranded and stole her money. But she is still determined to make her way and figure it out. When she gets an offer to take a job with lodging and help Chads mother run the cove and be a companion for her - it seems too good to be true. But with others having nefarious schemes in place and lobster cove and the family in danger - can the growing spark between Chad and Britt survive? Or will they be extinguished before they even start.
So I have been a big Susan Stoker fan for years - her Seal of Protection series I loved. She always has such green flag MMCs and a little bit of innocent, traumatized but strong FMC - or as my mom would say, a little bit damsel in distress. But if you want a good comfortable easy read with spice and some insta attraction and love - this author is for you. Add in some twists of action and voila!
Chad (horrible name, I know) has just back to his hometown after his father unexpectedly passed away. Deciding to move back and help his mother run lobster cove and all its business and to help her grieve and care for her. Chad being a former military man, is happy to take up the challenge. He even convinced his 3 other brothers to also move back home - all handsome, all with military history - I see a series and I love it. One day, Chad runs into a woman down on her luck and in a tough spot. Britt has had a tough month. Moving to a new town, struggling to find a job, her ex up and left her stranded and stole her money. But she is still determined to make her way and figure it out. When she gets an offer to take a job with lodging and help Chads mother run the cove and be a companion for her - it seems too good to be true. But with others having nefarious schemes in place and lobster cove and the family in danger - can the growing spark between Chad and Britt survive? Or will they be extinguished before they even start.
July 3, 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?
I absolutely devoured this book. I'm a huge fan of Susan's writing. it's captivating and bingeworthy always with heartfelt characters. Family, friendship and new beginnings, you feel drawn into their world.
This beautiful story is like pulling on a sweater on a chilly evening.
Britt has a deep character stemming from childhood neglect which she has overcome.
Highly recommend
Kerry Kennedy Author
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?
I absolutely devoured this book. I'm a huge fan of Susan's writing. it's captivating and bingeworthy always with heartfelt characters. Family, friendship and new beginnings, you feel drawn into their world.
This beautiful story is like pulling on a sweater on a chilly evening.
Britt has a deep character stemming from childhood neglect which she has overcome.
Highly recommend
Kerry Kennedy Author
August 13, 2025
This is my first book by Susan Stoker, and I enjoyed it! It gives me quite a few moments of thriller/suspense vibes. I enjoyed the twists! Chad made me swoon with how much he was a mommy's boy and how helpful he was to Britt. I took a star off, and it wasn't a believable connection between the two MCs. I'm not sure why, but how it was written just never seemed to fully mesh into me, thinking it was a couple I'd ship together. But otherwise I loved the storyline and the characters separately especially Chad's mom!!
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and Brilliance Audio to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
I received this audiobook from NetGalley and Brilliance Audio to listen/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully listening to this audiobook.
August 23, 2025
DNF at 30%. This was booooring. The dialogue was clunky and lacked any flow. It also felt very dated. The way Chad referred to Britt was misogynistic - as were his comments about women in general. This was so predictable. Otis was the bad guy and I didn’t need to read anymore to know. Whomp whomp.
July 24, 2025
This book was the perfect mix of romance, suspense, small town life, and a little comedy! I loved the tight knit family and four sons having military backgrounds. They were all raised right and are all getting ready to finally settle. Chad is the first one to trip and fall face first in love with a very strong and determined woman who has had a rough life. I absolutely adored this story and can’t wait for the second one! I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2025
I've had a few books by Susan Stoker on my TBR list for a while and figured The Soldier would be a good starting point since it's the first book in a new series. Chad has returned to his childhood home to help his family and Britt recently moved to the area and is in need of a job and a place to stay. After getting hired to help out with Chad's family business, Britt realizes something is going on that impacts her building relationship with Chad and the future of his family's businesses.
This book is the start of a series, but the story is fully resolved and as there is the standard HEA ending since it is a romance novel. It was pretty much instant love/lust which I prefer over a slow-burn with lots of angst and there was no third act breakup. The MMC was protective and caring, the FMC was resilient, kind, and didn't seem TSTL even though she put herself in danger at one point, and I enjoyed the found family aspect of the story.
I'll probably read this again when the next book in the series comes out so that puts it at 4/5 stars for me. The book seemed a good mix of plot to spice with open door scenes that didn't seem overly graphic, so I'd put it at 3/5 on the spicy scale.
Thank you, Montlake, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All thoughts and options are my own.
Date Finished
07/03/2025
This book is the start of a series, but the story is fully resolved and as there is the standard HEA ending since it is a romance novel. It was pretty much instant love/lust which I prefer over a slow-burn with lots of angst and there was no third act breakup. The MMC was protective and caring, the FMC was resilient, kind, and didn't seem TSTL even though she put herself in danger at one point, and I enjoyed the found family aspect of the story.
I'll probably read this again when the next book in the series comes out so that puts it at 4/5 stars for me. The book seemed a good mix of plot to spice with open door scenes that didn't seem overly graphic, so I'd put it at 3/5 on the spicy scale.
Thank you, Montlake, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All thoughts and options are my own.
Date Finished
07/03/2025
June 25, 2025
~ARC Review, thank you NetGalley & Montlake~
3.75 stars; rounding up to 4.
Within the first 50 pages, I was enamoured with Lobster Cove just like Britt.
‘The Soldier’ follows Chad (an ex Army Sniper) and his brothers (also ex military/coastguard) as they all come home to support their mother in the running of Lobster Cove following the death of their father.
Chad comes across Britt while running errands for his mother, who had moved to Maine with her (now) ex boyfriend and is living out of her car. Chad helps Britt with her car, and we go from here.
This is a cute small town romance, set in a picturesque seaside town which was easy to visualise.
Some parts of the story felt a little bit predictable, and I would have loved to have seen the military aspect of these characters explored a little more.
The lobster swing scene has my heart, seeing this family come together even after trauma and just have FUN, even Evelyn, warms my heart. I love that they initiated Britt here, and they treat her as one of their own.
I would have loved to have seen more from Kash and seen his story wrapped up after this. I’m very curious about his Mom and the past history with Lincoln and wish this was explored more, however appreciate this may come in further books- perhaps Lincoln’s book? Second chance love/old friends to lovers perhaps?
This is the first in a series, and it looks as though the next book will follow Zach and Marit, excited to see where this series goes!
Side note: I would like to experience Evelyn’s cooking.
Tropes:
~ Small town romance
~ Return to hometown
~ Slow burn
~ Found family
3.75 stars; rounding up to 4.
Within the first 50 pages, I was enamoured with Lobster Cove just like Britt.
‘The Soldier’ follows Chad (an ex Army Sniper) and his brothers (also ex military/coastguard) as they all come home to support their mother in the running of Lobster Cove following the death of their father.
Chad comes across Britt while running errands for his mother, who had moved to Maine with her (now) ex boyfriend and is living out of her car. Chad helps Britt with her car, and we go from here.
This is a cute small town romance, set in a picturesque seaside town which was easy to visualise.
Some parts of the story felt a little bit predictable, and I would have loved to have seen the military aspect of these characters explored a little more.
The lobster swing scene has my heart, seeing this family come together even after trauma and just have FUN, even Evelyn, warms my heart. I love that they initiated Britt here, and they treat her as one of their own.
I would have loved to have seen more from Kash and seen his story wrapped up after this. I’m very curious about his Mom and the past history with Lincoln and wish this was explored more, however appreciate this may come in further books- perhaps Lincoln’s book? Second chance love/old friends to lovers perhaps?
This is the first in a series, and it looks as though the next book will follow Zach and Marit, excited to see where this series goes!
Side note: I would like to experience Evelyn’s cooking.
Tropes:
~ Small town romance
~ Return to hometown
~ Slow burn
~ Found family
August 16, 2025
I was really looking forward to this new series and I enjoyed it enough overall. I loved the setting and Lobster Cove but what really bugged me towards the end was how annoying his mom was about wanting grandkids. Good fucking lord it was mentioned in the beginning but towards the end it's all she was bringing up. Give it a fucking rest. That killed the enjoyment of the ending for me. Nothing wrong with having a close knit family and this series will definitely be very family-oriented but it's too much. The remaining stories will be the other brothers and it's likely going to have Evelyn continue bugging them to settle down and have children.
August 6, 2025
*3.5 stars.
This was a lot of fun and had a great pace. Both main characters were well developed and likeable and while the plot was fairly predictable early on, it was still a fun read. Not going to lie though, my favourite character was definitely his mom Evelyn.
I have one big complaint and it is that it felt very insta-lovey, which I am not a fan of. It was a bit unclear how much time passed in the book and it could have been enough that it actually wasn’t an instalove, but if that is the case then there was a lot of early stage relationship-building that happened off-page.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook for this and can honestly say it really added to my enjoyment of this particular read. It reaffirms that I LOVE Teddy Hamilton, he always does such a good job with the male mains in romances and this was no exception. Lucy Rivers also did a good job with her part so I would definitely recommend.
Looking forward to more from Lobster Cove!
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Audio, and Susan Stoker for providing a copy of this audiobook. This review is voluntary.
This was a lot of fun and had a great pace. Both main characters were well developed and likeable and while the plot was fairly predictable early on, it was still a fun read. Not going to lie though, my favourite character was definitely his mom Evelyn.
I have one big complaint and it is that it felt very insta-lovey, which I am not a fan of. It was a bit unclear how much time passed in the book and it could have been enough that it actually wasn’t an instalove, but if that is the case then there was a lot of early stage relationship-building that happened off-page.
I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook for this and can honestly say it really added to my enjoyment of this particular read. It reaffirms that I LOVE Teddy Hamilton, he always does such a good job with the male mains in romances and this was no exception. Lucy Rivers also did a good job with her part so I would definitely recommend.
Looking forward to more from Lobster Cove!
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Audio, and Susan Stoker for providing a copy of this audiobook. This review is voluntary.
August 27, 2025
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Alpha Cove series. I think this is a great start to a new series. I loved the characters, and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I loved this book so much.
July 20, 2025
The Soldier kicks off Susan Stoker’s new Alpha Cove series with everything I love about her books: a protective hero with a heart of gold, a resilient heroine who refuses to stay down, and a simmering suspense plot rooted in small-town dynamics.
Britt and Chad's connection sparks from the beginning, but what I appreciated most was how grounded it felt. Britt might be down on her luck, but she never gives up, and she proves more than once that she can fight her own battles. That said, Chad is the kind of partner who shows up fully, without hesitation, when she needs him. Their dynamic hit all the right emotional notes for me. Their connection feels real from the start, and the stakes only grow as secrets in Lobster Cove come to light.
The small-town Maine setting adds a cozy, lived-in vibe, and I loved the dynamic within the Young family—especially Evelyn. I’m already invested in the rest of the brothers, and I can’t wait for Zach’s story.
While I guessed the plot twist early, the suspense still held strong and kept me turning pages. This story leans more into community and quiet strength than military action, and it works perfectly. Fans of the Game of Chance series will feel right at home here.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Britt and Chad's connection sparks from the beginning, but what I appreciated most was how grounded it felt. Britt might be down on her luck, but she never gives up, and she proves more than once that she can fight her own battles. That said, Chad is the kind of partner who shows up fully, without hesitation, when she needs him. Their dynamic hit all the right emotional notes for me. Their connection feels real from the start, and the stakes only grow as secrets in Lobster Cove come to light.
The small-town Maine setting adds a cozy, lived-in vibe, and I loved the dynamic within the Young family—especially Evelyn. I’m already invested in the rest of the brothers, and I can’t wait for Zach’s story.
While I guessed the plot twist early, the suspense still held strong and kept me turning pages. This story leans more into community and quiet strength than military action, and it works perfectly. Fans of the Game of Chance series will feel right at home here.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
Release Date: August 12, 2025
July 8, 2025
If you're in the mood for a quick, low-angst romance sprinkled with a bit of suspense, this book might be right up your alley.
Given the title, The Soldier, I anticipated a deeper exploration of Chad's military background, but the story focuses more on the romance.
While romantic suspense is one of my favourite genres, this book offers only a hint of it, and the twists are somewhat predictable.
However, the love story is well-crafted, and I really appreciated the Young family’s dynamic, especially how they embraced Britt and supported one another.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Given the title, The Soldier, I anticipated a deeper exploration of Chad's military background, but the story focuses more on the romance.
While romantic suspense is one of my favourite genres, this book offers only a hint of it, and the twists are somewhat predictable.
However, the love story is well-crafted, and I really appreciated the Young family’s dynamic, especially how they embraced Britt and supported one another.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
June 17, 2025
I really enjoyed *The Soldier." It’s the first book in a new series, and now I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
The story takes place in a small town in Maine. Chad Young comes back home after his dad dies. He and his brothers are all in the military, and their family owns several businesses. Chad was a sniper in the Army, but now he’s trying to help his family and adjust to life at home.
Britt Starkweather moves to Maine with her boyfriend, but then he steals all her money and leaves her behind. She ends up living in her car with no job or home. That’s when Chad fixes her car and brings her home, and his mom offers her a job and a place to stay. I loved how they took her in and made her feel like part of the family.
The romance between Chad and Britt is slow and sweet. There’s a bit of suspense, too. Britt discovers someone is stealing from the family business, and it leads to a dangerous situation.
I loved Chad's family. The brothers are great, and they adore their mom.
The romance wasn’t too fast or too cheesy, and there was just enough action to keep things exciting. I liked that Britt had a tough past but stayed strong and kind. Chad was loyal and protective without being over the top.
If you like small-town stories with sweet romance, family love, and a little mystery, you’ll probably like this one too.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake Publishing, and Amazon for an ARC read in exchange for my honest review.
The story takes place in a small town in Maine. Chad Young comes back home after his dad dies. He and his brothers are all in the military, and their family owns several businesses. Chad was a sniper in the Army, but now he’s trying to help his family and adjust to life at home.
Britt Starkweather moves to Maine with her boyfriend, but then he steals all her money and leaves her behind. She ends up living in her car with no job or home. That’s when Chad fixes her car and brings her home, and his mom offers her a job and a place to stay. I loved how they took her in and made her feel like part of the family.
The romance between Chad and Britt is slow and sweet. There’s a bit of suspense, too. Britt discovers someone is stealing from the family business, and it leads to a dangerous situation.
I loved Chad's family. The brothers are great, and they adore their mom.
The romance wasn’t too fast or too cheesy, and there was just enough action to keep things exciting. I liked that Britt had a tough past but stayed strong and kind. Chad was loyal and protective without being over the top.
If you like small-town stories with sweet romance, family love, and a little mystery, you’ll probably like this one too.
Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake Publishing, and Amazon for an ARC read in exchange for my honest review.
September 20, 2025
Chad and Britt
*Contains SPOILERS* For the SAFE readers…
This is my first book by this author. And it’s an okay-ish book to me. Let me explain first what I totally disliked and then what I loved about the book.
At 30% in the book, I had to look for a different book to get rid of my discomfort and annoyance of what I was reading in this book. It starts as a slow burn, a push and pull between both of the MC, especially him. I started to feel bored by it. And also (the most important reason to me), it is mentioned so many times that they were intimate with their ex-partners, it was just soooo uncomfortable. I get it, they are not virgins. But why do I have to read it so many times during the book? Mentions like the fact that even as a teenager he almost lost his V in the fort (where he was taking Britt at that moment); that his past relationships consisted of movies, eating, and having S. She even compared his size to her previous partners!!! Ugh. It was too much for me. I’m a safe reader, and even when I don’t care if they have had previous intimate partners, I really, really don’t want to be reminded about it constantly during the read. Just say they had boyfriends/girlfriends before at the beginning of the book (if you want us to know) and move on!! Sorry, but this is something that really makes me uncomfortable and makes me stop reading a book.
Something that never makes sense to me is when an author paints a beautiful love relationship between the parents, and the kids don’t want to settle for less because they want what their parents have, but then go from one relationship to the other (and that includes being intimate - which is something too special to share with anyone but the one you love. He didn’t love the previous partners, btw.) If you want what your parents have, you search until you find the one.
It confused me when Chad spoke/fought with someone because the way he spoke sometimes did not sound like a 37 y.o. More like a teenager than an older guy. And some texts were repeated throughout the book too, which confused me too as of why.
What made me come back and finish the book? I liked the relationship Britt was developing with Evelyn (Chad’s mom) and how she was finding her place, even finding someone that resembled a mom in her. The call with her own biological mom was tough and made me proud of her, of how strong she really is besides her upbringing. I also wanted to continue reading the dynamics between those two girls and the brothers too. I loved how much the brothers loved and protected each other. Their banter but also how much they helped and cared for each brother. They had an awesome childhood together. And her mom was an awesome woman.
Erasing all the stuff that irritated me, the book was beautiful. Britt and Evelyn ended having a mother daughter relationship and they loved and protected each other fiercely. It was beautiful to read. The brothers worked as one in everything; any project and even when rescuing the girls, they were a team and moved like one. And from the moment Chad decided to date Britt, he didn’t hide her. He treated her with respect, and a lot of love. He knew he wanted to marry her pretty fast. He loved her to the point that he couldn’t live without her.
So, yeah… erasing all those comparisons to the past, I enjoyed the book and could finish it.
I don’t know if I’ll continue the series, which is sad because I liked the world that was created here. Why? Because of just one comment Zach said when he arrived at Lobster Cove. Seems like he has experience too, if you know what I mean. Let’s see.
SAFE-ish
- no virgins
- ow/om: no
- separation/breakups: no
- cheating/sharing: no
- possible triggers: kidnapping, violence
- HEA: yes
*Contains SPOILERS* For the SAFE readers…
This is my first book by this author. And it’s an okay-ish book to me. Let me explain first what I totally disliked and then what I loved about the book.
At 30% in the book, I had to look for a different book to get rid of my discomfort and annoyance of what I was reading in this book. It starts as a slow burn, a push and pull between both of the MC, especially him. I started to feel bored by it. And also (the most important reason to me), it is mentioned so many times that they were intimate with their ex-partners, it was just soooo uncomfortable. I get it, they are not virgins. But why do I have to read it so many times during the book? Mentions like the fact that even as a teenager he almost lost his V in the fort (where he was taking Britt at that moment); that his past relationships consisted of movies, eating, and having S. She even compared his size to her previous partners!!! Ugh. It was too much for me. I’m a safe reader, and even when I don’t care if they have had previous intimate partners, I really, really don’t want to be reminded about it constantly during the read. Just say they had boyfriends/girlfriends before at the beginning of the book (if you want us to know) and move on!! Sorry, but this is something that really makes me uncomfortable and makes me stop reading a book.
Something that never makes sense to me is when an author paints a beautiful love relationship between the parents, and the kids don’t want to settle for less because they want what their parents have, but then go from one relationship to the other (and that includes being intimate - which is something too special to share with anyone but the one you love. He didn’t love the previous partners, btw.) If you want what your parents have, you search until you find the one.
It confused me when Chad spoke/fought with someone because the way he spoke sometimes did not sound like a 37 y.o. More like a teenager than an older guy. And some texts were repeated throughout the book too, which confused me too as of why.
What made me come back and finish the book? I liked the relationship Britt was developing with Evelyn (Chad’s mom) and how she was finding her place, even finding someone that resembled a mom in her. The call with her own biological mom was tough and made me proud of her, of how strong she really is besides her upbringing. I also wanted to continue reading the dynamics between those two girls and the brothers too. I loved how much the brothers loved and protected each other. Their banter but also how much they helped and cared for each brother. They had an awesome childhood together. And her mom was an awesome woman.
Erasing all the stuff that irritated me, the book was beautiful. Britt and Evelyn ended having a mother daughter relationship and they loved and protected each other fiercely. It was beautiful to read. The brothers worked as one in everything; any project and even when rescuing the girls, they were a team and moved like one. And from the moment Chad decided to date Britt, he didn’t hide her. He treated her with respect, and a lot of love. He knew he wanted to marry her pretty fast. He loved her to the point that he couldn’t live without her.
So, yeah… erasing all those comparisons to the past, I enjoyed the book and could finish it.
I don’t know if I’ll continue the series, which is sad because I liked the world that was created here. Why? Because of just one comment Zach said when he arrived at Lobster Cove. Seems like he has experience too, if you know what I mean. Let’s see.
SAFE-ish
- no virgins
- ow/om: no
- separation/breakups: no
- cheating/sharing: no
- possible triggers: kidnapping, violence
- HEA: yes
August 5, 2025
ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was total family values all around— I was so in love w/ Lobster Cove!! Mama Young def put in that work raising all her boys. She was literally the ideal Mother & definitely reminded me of my Mom 🤍
Which is why when everything started to happen I started having panic attacks like pls, if anything happens to any of them I’m gonna crash tf out fr.
Oh gosh, this story started out so cute. Kinda predictable, but in the best way possible. It just makes you want to be apart of the Young’s 🥹🤍 I love a small town romance & this was the right amount of spice, but also just the care each character exudes was just heartwarming— Their found family vibes w/ Cash was UGH. I loved, I wanted to reassure that baby so bad like, I hope they expand more on his family ‘cause I know that mf is gonna call in his lil favor lmfao.
Victor? I think his name was is def someone you hate to love, but thank God for nosey neighbors in this case…
Overall, I’m in love w/ this series. I would def read the next book they hinted at in the epilogue 😉
But also, I just want to revisit Lobster Cove LOL. It’s just such good vibes and what you expect home to feel like fr. Teddy Hamilton did amazing per usual & the female narrator as well!! They didn’t include her name, but she’s soooo familiar.
Can’t wait for the sequel!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was total family values all around— I was so in love w/ Lobster Cove!! Mama Young def put in that work raising all her boys. She was literally the ideal Mother & definitely reminded me of my Mom 🤍
Which is why when everything started to happen I started having panic attacks like pls, if anything happens to any of them I’m gonna crash tf out fr.
Oh gosh, this story started out so cute. Kinda predictable, but in the best way possible. It just makes you want to be apart of the Young’s 🥹🤍 I love a small town romance & this was the right amount of spice, but also just the care each character exudes was just heartwarming— Their found family vibes w/ Cash was UGH. I loved, I wanted to reassure that baby so bad like, I hope they expand more on his family ‘cause I know that mf is gonna call in his lil favor lmfao.
Victor? I think his name was is def someone you hate to love, but thank God for nosey neighbors in this case…
Overall, I’m in love w/ this series. I would def read the next book they hinted at in the epilogue 😉
But also, I just want to revisit Lobster Cove LOL. It’s just such good vibes and what you expect home to feel like fr. Teddy Hamilton did amazing per usual & the female narrator as well!! They didn’t include her name, but she’s soooo familiar.
Can’t wait for the sequel!!
July 11, 2025
I acquired this book from Net galley for review.
The soldier. This was my first book by Susan Stoker and I would definitely read more from her in the future when I need a nice palette cleanser.
Insta-love ✅
Damsel in distress rescued by emotionally intelligent alpha man ✅
Found family ✅
Wholesome family vibes ✅
Light action and suspense ✅
HEA ✅
I typically read stories with more of a slow burn, but I’m sure there are readers that prefer insta-love and I did with this book. Chad is swoon-worthy and Britt isn’t completely helpless and clueless, which I appreciated. The characters had depth and I was their concern for each other was really sweet. Now I want to know what happened with the rest of the Young brothers 👀🥰
The soldier. This was my first book by Susan Stoker and I would definitely read more from her in the future when I need a nice palette cleanser.
Insta-love ✅
Damsel in distress rescued by emotionally intelligent alpha man ✅
Found family ✅
Wholesome family vibes ✅
Light action and suspense ✅
HEA ✅
I typically read stories with more of a slow burn, but I’m sure there are readers that prefer insta-love and I did with this book. Chad is swoon-worthy and Britt isn’t completely helpless and clueless, which I appreciated. The characters had depth and I was their concern for each other was really sweet. Now I want to know what happened with the rest of the Young brothers 👀🥰
August 18, 2025
I fell in love with the Young family. Evelyn (the mom) was fierce even though she was up in age. Her and her late husband Austin raised some great kids. All of their boys ended up joining different branches of the military. Now coming home to help out their mother run the family business. This book was about the romance between Chad and Brit there wasn’t a lot of spice but the plot was so good I didn’t even care about their relationship. I feel like there is something up with that kid that popped up. Could Cash possibly be one of the brother’s son???
This book makes you want to be apart of this family, the business and the action. Loved it.
This book makes you want to be apart of this family, the business and the action. Loved it.
August 11, 2025
Pub Date: Aug 12 2025
Genre: Contemporary Military Romance / Romantic Suspense
Advanced Reader 🎧Audiobook copy received in exchange for an honest review
Can I just gush for a second? I settled into this listen knowing Susan Stoker would deliver that perfect mix of tension, suspense, and heat, and she absolutely did. This is my 8th book that I've read by her and it's another hit. Four stars from me, because this story had all the feels without a single dragged-out moment.
Picture Chad Young coming home to Maine after losing his dad, rejoining his brothers to breathe life back into Lobster Cove’s marina, mechanic shop, and rental cabins. He’s the kind of guy who weighs every decision like he did in the military so when he offers Britt a job and a room, you know it’s not just pity.
Britt shows up brokenhearted and abandoned, trusting no one. But in Chad’s calm she discovers a place to finally exhale. And when his mom wraps Britt in the kind of motherly love she never got, I actually had to blink back tears. That moment of chosen family/found family hit me right in the heart. You guys know the found family trope will get me every single time!
I also need to give props to Chad’s mom she’s grieving her husband's death and gets blindsided by a so-called friend’s betrayal, yet refuses to stay down. When danger strikes, she literally takes the wheel and rescues herself and Britt. Britt is no shrinking flower either. She jumps into the melee with no hesitation.
Minor Gripes💔- I really want to know what made the best friend do what he did! We can tell it's envy but I feel like we should have delved more into that topic. I also want to know why Brits mother treated her badly. This is probably me not wanting this book to end 🤣 but, what can I say? I thoroughly enjoyed it!
By the end, I was already counting the days until the next Alpha Cove book. The sneek peek at the next brothers meet cute had me smiling so hard! I can't wait 😍!
Genre: Contemporary Military Romance / Romantic Suspense
Advanced Reader 🎧Audiobook copy received in exchange for an honest review
Can I just gush for a second? I settled into this listen knowing Susan Stoker would deliver that perfect mix of tension, suspense, and heat, and she absolutely did. This is my 8th book that I've read by her and it's another hit. Four stars from me, because this story had all the feels without a single dragged-out moment.
Picture Chad Young coming home to Maine after losing his dad, rejoining his brothers to breathe life back into Lobster Cove’s marina, mechanic shop, and rental cabins. He’s the kind of guy who weighs every decision like he did in the military so when he offers Britt a job and a room, you know it’s not just pity.
Britt shows up brokenhearted and abandoned, trusting no one. But in Chad’s calm she discovers a place to finally exhale. And when his mom wraps Britt in the kind of motherly love she never got, I actually had to blink back tears. That moment of chosen family/found family hit me right in the heart. You guys know the found family trope will get me every single time!
I also need to give props to Chad’s mom she’s grieving her husband's death and gets blindsided by a so-called friend’s betrayal, yet refuses to stay down. When danger strikes, she literally takes the wheel and rescues herself and Britt. Britt is no shrinking flower either. She jumps into the melee with no hesitation.
Minor Gripes💔- I really want to know what made the best friend do what he did! We can tell it's envy but I feel like we should have delved more into that topic. I also want to know why Brits mother treated her badly. This is probably me not wanting this book to end 🤣 but, what can I say? I thoroughly enjoyed it!
By the end, I was already counting the days until the next Alpha Cove book. The sneek peek at the next brothers meet cute had me smiling so hard! I can't wait 😍!
August 24, 2025
Audiobook Review
Trope: Insta-love. I’m not a fan of insta-love stories. If it wasn’t insta-love (after a couple weeks of knowing each other) I’d like the story more and give it a higher rating. The author is doing a decent job of making Chad a respectable man (green flag), but that breakfast scene where he puts Brit on the spot was annoying. I also find it annoying in books when the author uses words or phrases that just aren’t a part of everyday language, making it look like they used a thesaurus to find a different word.
A few things I did like about the book were the character’s ages, Britt is 34 and Chad is 37, so it’s nice to consume a book where the characters a grown adults. Another thing I liked was Britt’s height. She was described as being 5’9” or so, which is a nice change from the stories where the FMC is like 5’2” and the MMC is over 6’.
The nickname Chad gives Britt is so cringy!
Spice: there wasn’t a lot of spice, like, not a lot of sex scenes, but the few there were, were done well, other than the author calling the FMC’s labia, “folds.” Can we please stop using that word to describe women’s anatomy, it’s gross.
Male narrator: I don’t particularly like this narrator, he has a tendency to really enunciate his Bs, Ds, Ps, Ts and other letter, is distracting and annoying. Internal he doesn’t a decent job of getting the tone right for what the character is saying. Sometimes the narrator doesn’t use the right tone and it completely changes everything. One thing I don’t like about this narrator’s voice is that I don’t think the voice matches the character. If the picture for the book is going to have a very alpha looking man, then I think the voice also needs to sound very alpha, and this narrator while he can hit some of those deep words, I don’t think he sounds very alpha.
Female narrator: I absolutely hate this narrator! Her voice sounds so robotic and AI and she’s using the wrong tone and the way she’s talking like it sounds like she’s reading a child’s book not a book for adults. She’s horrible. I will never listen to a book again with this narrator.
Trope: Insta-love. I’m not a fan of insta-love stories. If it wasn’t insta-love (after a couple weeks of knowing each other) I’d like the story more and give it a higher rating. The author is doing a decent job of making Chad a respectable man (green flag), but that breakfast scene where he puts Brit on the spot was annoying. I also find it annoying in books when the author uses words or phrases that just aren’t a part of everyday language, making it look like they used a thesaurus to find a different word.
A few things I did like about the book were the character’s ages, Britt is 34 and Chad is 37, so it’s nice to consume a book where the characters a grown adults. Another thing I liked was Britt’s height. She was described as being 5’9” or so, which is a nice change from the stories where the FMC is like 5’2” and the MMC is over 6’.
The nickname Chad gives Britt is so cringy!
Spice: there wasn’t a lot of spice, like, not a lot of sex scenes, but the few there were, were done well, other than the author calling the FMC’s labia, “folds.” Can we please stop using that word to describe women’s anatomy, it’s gross.
Male narrator: I don’t particularly like this narrator, he has a tendency to really enunciate his Bs, Ds, Ps, Ts and other letter, is distracting and annoying. Internal he doesn’t a decent job of getting the tone right for what the character is saying. Sometimes the narrator doesn’t use the right tone and it completely changes everything. One thing I don’t like about this narrator’s voice is that I don’t think the voice matches the character. If the picture for the book is going to have a very alpha looking man, then I think the voice also needs to sound very alpha, and this narrator while he can hit some of those deep words, I don’t think he sounds very alpha.
Female narrator: I absolutely hate this narrator! Her voice sounds so robotic and AI and she’s using the wrong tone and the way she’s talking like it sounds like she’s reading a child’s book not a book for adults. She’s horrible. I will never listen to a book again with this narrator.
August 22, 2025
2⭐️
DNF at 39%.
Pardon my typos, I am talk to texting my thoughts…
- The third person narration was a little clunky. The narrator told of experiences rather than letting the reader see them unravel.
- The main male character, Chad, his inner dialogue about how he saw the FMC was super creepy. He kept talking about how he liked that she didn’t overreact, was really competitive when playing card games, was super sexy, for some reason it felt like this was the point of view of some toxic masculine author. That or else, a woman who’s been oppressed her whole life. I felt like they were describing the FMC as a fembot instead of someone with thoughts or feelings.
- Well, the first almost 200 pages felt like there was absolutely no plot, when you realize what the plot is going to be, you already know how the book is going to end. Otis is going to be stealing money from the family and the FMC is going to come in and figure it out and save the day. Otis is going to try to blame her most likely and a fight will ensue.
- This book, and apparently the entire series, is supposed to be about four brothers who were all in the military, including Chad, who is an ex army Ranger and sniper. Well, again the narrator mentioned this in the book, but Chad’s character did not show any direct correlation with being in the military, nor was it ever truly discussed after that. It felt like a gimmick to try to get people to read this book who like heroes who are in the armed forces, but honestly if that sentence was taken out, this just would’ve been a vanilla romance, if you can even call it that.
DNF at 39%.
Pardon my typos, I am talk to texting my thoughts…
- The third person narration was a little clunky. The narrator told of experiences rather than letting the reader see them unravel.
- The main male character, Chad, his inner dialogue about how he saw the FMC was super creepy. He kept talking about how he liked that she didn’t overreact, was really competitive when playing card games, was super sexy, for some reason it felt like this was the point of view of some toxic masculine author. That or else, a woman who’s been oppressed her whole life. I felt like they were describing the FMC as a fembot instead of someone with thoughts or feelings.
- Well, the first almost 200 pages felt like there was absolutely no plot, when you realize what the plot is going to be, you already know how the book is going to end. Otis is going to be stealing money from the family and the FMC is going to come in and figure it out and save the day. Otis is going to try to blame her most likely and a fight will ensue.
- This book, and apparently the entire series, is supposed to be about four brothers who were all in the military, including Chad, who is an ex army Ranger and sniper. Well, again the narrator mentioned this in the book, but Chad’s character did not show any direct correlation with being in the military, nor was it ever truly discussed after that. It felt like a gimmick to try to get people to read this book who like heroes who are in the armed forces, but honestly if that sentence was taken out, this just would’ve been a vanilla romance, if you can even call it that.
November 17, 2025
After his father's passing, Chad Young realizes how much his mother will need help running their family business and convinces his three brothers to move back to Lobster Cove, Maine. At thirty-seven, he's given up on love and family, but a chance encounter with a homeless woman might be enough to change his mind.
Britt followed her boyfriend to Maine hoping for a new life only to be left abandoned and penniless by him after two weeks. When a stranger steps in to protect her during an argument, Britt has no choice but to accept his offer of a job and refuge. It scares her a bit to put such trust in a strange man, but Chad makes her feel safer than she's felt in a long time.
This is a small town romance, the first in a series about four military brothers and their beautiful resort property. It's spicy romance with a bit of suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
Britt followed her boyfriend to Maine hoping for a new life only to be left abandoned and penniless by him after two weeks. When a stranger steps in to protect her during an argument, Britt has no choice but to accept his offer of a job and refuge. It scares her a bit to put such trust in a strange man, but Chad makes her feel safer than she's felt in a long time.
This is a small town romance, the first in a series about four military brothers and their beautiful resort property. It's spicy romance with a bit of suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
August 6, 2025
The Soldier is the first book in Susan Stoker’s new Alpha Cove series. It is a steamy romantic suspense novel filled with intense passion, fantastic characters and an interesting storyline. This story is written in third person from the point of view of the hero, heroine and several other key characters.
Britt Starkweather meets Chad Young when she’s hit rock bottom-abandoned by her boyfriend in a new town with a car that won’t start, while Chad has just returned home after the death of father. Chad and his family offer her a chance at a new start in the cove she has grown to love, but something is wrong at Lobster Cove…will they believe her and keep her safe? Read it and find out!
I loved Chad and Britt together, their connection and trust in each other was evident from the start. I loved the dynamics of the Young family and how they worked and cared for each other and their father’s legacy, Lobster Cove. Their open acceptance and faith in Britt was also heartwarming. This is an amazing start to what will be a fantastic series. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series!!
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Britt Starkweather meets Chad Young when she’s hit rock bottom-abandoned by her boyfriend in a new town with a car that won’t start, while Chad has just returned home after the death of father. Chad and his family offer her a chance at a new start in the cove she has grown to love, but something is wrong at Lobster Cove…will they believe her and keep her safe? Read it and find out!
I loved Chad and Britt together, their connection and trust in each other was evident from the start. I loved the dynamics of the Young family and how they worked and cared for each other and their father’s legacy, Lobster Cove. Their open acceptance and faith in Britt was also heartwarming. This is an amazing start to what will be a fantastic series. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series!!
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2025
A feel-good, small town romance. We follow Chad, an ex army sniper who moved back to Lobster Cove together with his brothers to help his mother after their father’s death. He meets Britt, who was abandoned by her ex and now lives in her car. Chad takes her to his mother’s home and she welcomes her and even offers her a job she desperately needs.
My thoughts: Chad and Britt are very endearing characters and Lobster Cove sounds very lovely. I think this story would be better for me if it was written in first person POV. Sometimes I also had the feeling that I was reading a romance story between mother and sons, which at times made it feel a little bit cringy to read.
Would recommend it if you want a cozy, feel-good romance story.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC!
My thoughts: Chad and Britt are very endearing characters and Lobster Cove sounds very lovely. I think this story would be better for me if it was written in first person POV. Sometimes I also had the feeling that I was reading a romance story between mother and sons, which at times made it feel a little bit cringy to read.
Would recommend it if you want a cozy, feel-good romance story.
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC!
December 9, 2025
Much like Britt I found myself charmed by this small Maine town and the Young family. I was glad that she bumped into Chad and he did a nice thing for her. Britt fit in well out at Lobster Cove, the bonus was the romance with Chad. I loved how Mama Young encouraged the romance once she got a whiff of it, in subtle and not so subtle ways.
The drama at the end was crazy! Not only what had been going on, but how these jokers thought they could fix what they had been doing for years. It was nice to see how things were resolved and the new direction things will be taking at Lobster Cove going forward.
The drama at the end was crazy! Not only what had been going on, but how these jokers thought they could fix what they had been doing for years. It was nice to see how things were resolved and the new direction things will be taking at Lobster Cove going forward.
September 13, 2025
Audio-great start to a new small town romance focused on the Young brothers of Lobsters Cove. The narration is terrific with Teddy Hamilton & Lucy Rivers bringing the cast to life. A lot is going on with the brothers all deciding to move back to their small town to help their recently widowed mother run their family businesses. By the way, mom is a firecracker. Chad and Brit have an instant attraction and Brit has had a rough go in life but she has a heart of gold. I highly recommend this read. I can’t wait for the next brother’s book, I think it’s going to be Zack the chef and Navy veteran.
June 29, 2025
As the first book in Susan Stoker’s new series, Alpha Cove, The Soldier hits a bit different. Chad and his brothers grew up in Maine on their family’s property, Lobster Cove. Each of them went into different branches of the military and decided to return home to help their mom after their dad’s passing. Chad is the first one to return and soon after, he comes across Britt who is living in her car after her boyfriend left her high and dry. Chad convinces Britt to follow him home and his mother offers her a job working at Lobster Cove helping to manage the family’s businesses. While most of the author’s books have focused largely on a military connection with one or more characters, instead of the intense pace of danger and missions, this series starts out with more of a sweet love story. There are moments of danger and action, but the reader is immersed in the chemistry and instant connection of Chad and Britt. The family’s closeness and bond makes you wish they were real people you could hang out with. The author is brilliant at setting a scene and this story is no different with a town/place that I wish I could move to tomorrow. I loved the vulnerability shown with the FMC and MMC. The story seemed so real and sucks you in from page one! This book was a delightful change of pace while still keeping with all of the elements of Susan’s books that I’ve come to love! I can’t wait for the remaining brothers’ stories! *Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
August 10, 2025
The Soldier is the first book in the Alpha Cove series that follows a family of brothers who move back to their childhood town to help their mother after their father dies. I was interested in the story because Teddy Hamilton narrates 🥵. It starts slowly, but the characters are all cinnamon rolls with giant hearts. You can tell as the story unravels how each of the brothers' stories will start to shape.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.
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October 31, 2025Lately, Susan Stoker has been a very hit-or-miss author for me. Her most recent series have felt boring, slow, and far more focused on romance than on suspense or mystery and unfortunately, they all follow the same repetitive formula. The Soldier was no exception.
Honestly, I couldn't get into the story. The romance didn't feel believable or engaging, and at times it almost seemed like the real emotional connection was between Chad and his mother... NOT what I signed up for. No, thank you!
Honestly, I couldn't get into the story. The romance didn't feel believable or engaging, and at times it almost seemed like the real emotional connection was between Chad and his mother... NOT what I signed up for. No, thank you!
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