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Rescue Angels #3

Keeping Zita

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She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but had to hold out hope he could find her in time.

Obadiah “Obi-Wan” Engle lives for his career as a Night Stalker pilot…but even the most harrowing job can become routine. So he’s thrilled when he’s hired as a military advisor on a Hollywood director’s latest blockbuster. But day one on the Norfolk set and he feels like a fish out of water—then he’s knocked further off-kilter when he meets female lead Carmen St. James. She takes one look at Obi-Wan and decides he’s going to be her bed warmer while she’s in town…whether he’s interested or not.

The spoiled actress will have to get used to disappointment. Because someone else on set has already caught his eye…

Paramedic Zita Darlington has worked on countless film shoots, and never once has she felt tempted to mix business with pleasure. Sure, she and Obadiah have a lot in common. And yes, the kind man brings her coffee every day. And okay, fine, he’s the most gorgeous guy she’s ever laid eyes on…but she’s in town for a limited time and they live on opposite sides of the country. How can they make a relationship work? As the shoot progresses, and Zita and Obi-Wan spend more and more time together, they both decide they want to find out.

But hell hath no fury like a starlet scorned. Especially one with a lot of money, resources, and people more than willing to do her bidding.

**Keeping Zita is the 3rd book in the Rescue Angels Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 10, 2026

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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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5 stars
700 (63%)
4 stars
287 (26%)
3 stars
92 (8%)
2 stars
13 (1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Dar.
4,684 reviews96 followers
February 5, 2026
Two more very likable characters find love together! Of course, it is not without some drama, provided by others, and danger, again by those others, but Zita and Sage make it through it all. It is a slow burn, they get to know each other, and their intentions. A little misunderstanding, easily taken care of with mature conversations. A visit to FALLPORT, which was a pleasant and wonderful surprise, and a sneak peek at what is coming next, and possibly new characters we will see more of <3
Profile Image for J.A. Smith.
Author 4 books33 followers
February 4, 2026
"I'm not saying we'll fall in love, elope, and have 14 babies. But I'm open to the possibilities." Me too Obi-Wan. Me to!

I absolutely LOVED that we got to take a trip to Fallport and see all the changes The Cellar went through.
Profile Image for June Guymon.
320 reviews19 followers
April 29, 2026
What Love Truly Is

I had never read anything from this author, but I really enjoyed this book. The MMC is absolutely amazing making us women celebrate what can be possible. If you want adventure mixed with some sex and deep feelings, then pick this novel up and just ENJOY!
Profile Image for Lauren Maus.
4 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2026
As always Susan has you on the edge of your seat. And adds a new character that we have to wait for her story. lol
Profile Image for DJ.
839 reviews
February 15, 2026
A Slower burn but Still Pure Susan Stoker Heart!

One of the many things I love about Susan Stoker’s military suspense romances is how authentically she captures the mindset and daily reality of special operators. Having served on active duty and later lived the life of a military spouse, ( a life I share with Susan), I recognize the small details—the quiet loyalty, the unspoken sacrifices, the adrenaline rush of a new mission—and her stories touch me in a soul-deep way because they feel so true. When I pick up one of her books, I’m transported back to a time in my life when living on the edge was simply part of the job. Her Rescue Angels series, featuring the Army’s elite Night Stalker helicopter teams, has been one thrill ride after another.

Keeping Zita leaned more toward a 4.5-star read for me, but I was still completely captivated and couldn’t put it down. This story focuses more on emotional depth, with two beautifully matched characters who clearly belong together. I did find myself waiting for the action to ramp up, and there’s a little less of the team brotherhood and found-family warmth I usually love. But once the final rescue began, it delivered the breath-holding, race-against-time adrenaline rush I count on from Stoker’s books. Keeping Zita was a quieter, more emotional entry in the series—but one that stayed with me long after the last page.

Because her stories honor the life I once lived and the people I still hold dear, I’ll remain a devoted reader of Susan Stoker for many books to come. In fact, I pre- ordered the entire series as soon as Susan made the offer! I would encourage you to do the same!
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
2,070 reviews28 followers
February 22, 2026
I loved Sage and Zita’s story

I loved, loved this military romance. Once again Susan Stoker created a heartwarming and suspenseful storyline and real, relatable characters that had me completely engrossed from the first sentence. The story had the perfect balance of humor, love, real life issues, danger, big feels, and spice. All shown through the eyes of two strong, intense, and passionate main characters. Obi-Wan/Sage is a Night Stalker pilot who is who is acting as a military advisor for a movie about a helicopter pilot. Zita is a medic who works on movie sets including the one Sage is helping with. There is immediate chemistry and attraction between Sage and Zita and they begin to build a relationship as the filming progresses. Unfortunately, the female star of the film has decided Sage is hers and is not happy about Sage ignoring her. To get to their HEA Sage and Zita just need to deal with unexpected danger along with their very real fast feelings. Expect to feel all the things with Sage and Zita’s love story - fear, love, anger, tears, joy, and so much all encompassing, nurturing, protective love. Susan Stoker is a master at balancing a story of romance, danger, and personal growth. And while most of us will never be in the dangerous situations the main characters are a part of, the author nevertheless makes who they are as people so relatable and real that it is easy to fall in love with them. I cannot wait to hear what happens next for the pilots in this series.
1,312 reviews6 followers
February 15, 2026
I love Zita and how strong she is and doesn't think someone like Obi-Wan would be interested in her when the beautiful female star of the movie is obviously interested in getting him into bed. But that is not what he is looking for. He wants someone who is true and wants something long term. As they get to know each other better, Carmen is more and more determined. When Zita and Obi-Wan are having lunch in the break area and someone is chocking, Carmen is doing the Heimlich wrong, so Zita pushes her away to help person the right way (since she is the medic for the movie). Carmen is pissed and her bodyguard steps up but Obi-Wan is right there to stop him. Later after Carmen has gone back to LA, her bodyguard stays behind and threatens Zita to stay away from Obi-Wan "or else". Zita has decided to move to Virginia to be closer to Obi-Wan and see where things go between them. But then she disappears right after he dropped her back at her hotel. Who took her and what was the reasoning? He suspects the bodyguard and when he is picked up, he has scratch marks all over his face and eye. When Carmen suddenly shows up, she is put on the suspect list also. Will they find Zita in time? How badly was she hurt when she was kidnapped?
Profile Image for Joanne.
258 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2026
Great Story!
This was an interesting story, as we get to see Obi-Wan away from the base and his other Night Stalker friends for a good part of the story. He is acting as an advisor on a movie set and that’s where he meets Zita. I loved their first interaction with each other and how Zita just blurted out something so embarrassing, but they were able to laugh about it and move forward from there. These two just seemed to click right away and I chuckled when Obi-Wan asked Zita to not leave him along with female star of the movie. From here the story really takes off and I found myself really enjoying watching Zita and Obi-Wan get to know each other and learn more about what each other does. Their story is more of a slow burn romance, but I loved every minute of it. When the danger happens, it was so different and unique. It’s great to see how the team pulls together to have each other’s back and of course Tex is there to lend them support. The introduction of Jennifer and her K-9 search and rescue dog, Fred was interesting to read about and I hope, hope, hope that we see her again in Edge’s story. I just can’t say enough good things about this story. If you’re a Susan Stoker fan, trust me when I say that you’ll love it.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,467 reviews10 followers
February 13, 2026
No distance to far

Obi-Wan and Zita. Picking up from the news of being a consultant on a movie we see Obi-Wan and learn more about his character and meet Zita a medic for the movie set. They have immediate attraction, but move slowly as they get to know each other as they both have reservations about relationships, distance, etc. Danger is there, but different from most SS books as this is a domestic danger from someone who doesn’t believe the word no applies to them. The rest of the team is not very present in this book, until the rescue. The location of the rescue is creepy and vividly described to where I got the shivers! The addition of Fred, the search K9, waa fun and I can’t wait to hopefully see him again with his handler and maybe Edge?!?! The cliffhanger was a doozy and I am so excited to see what is in store for Pyro, who was a sweetheart to Zita during recovery, and the two special people he was helping save in the final pages!
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,288 reviews36 followers
February 15, 2026
Susan Stoker wades into the world of filmmaking with Keeping Zita. She strips out the glitz and glamor and instead focuses on the tedium, repetitiveness, inflated egos and yes, some of the excitement in action sequences. Obi-Wan is picked for a plum assignment as military advisor on a new movie about a helicopter pilot. Zita is an old hand on movie sets. She's the paramedic on many film. Although neither of them are looking for a relationship, the attraction is there and it evolves naturally as times passes. I found both of these characters to be genuinely likeable and interesting. The dark spot though, is a self possessed, inflated ego film star who thinks she can and will have whatever or whomever she wants. And, she's willing to do anything it takes to make that happen. Too bad her target is completely uninterested. Great end of thestory suspense, action and intense drama. Add a visit to Fallport and having Tex work his compter magic....it just doesn't get any better than that.
Profile Image for Marked by Romance.
13 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2026
I am a huge fan of Susan Stoker, but this is the second book of hers new releases that I have not enjoyed.

I was pretty excited about this book after reading the preview in the last book. However after only a few chapters, I knew exactly how it was going to go and was bored most of the time. Obi-Wan, a night stalker pilot, is going to be a military advisor on a Hollywood blockbuster. Obi-Wan falls for the paramedic on set, Zita, instead of the famous actress which the actress does not take well.

The reader knows from the beginning who the "bad guy" is, but then nothing actually happens until the very end. Everyone knows who did it immediately, but then it ended up being just another waiting game for Tex to save the day once again. I love Tex but his superpowers are getting slower with each book (even though he keeps picking up more computer geniuses).

This was a very slow read for me and I would have honestly DNF'd if it was any other author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,725 reviews36 followers
February 11, 2026
Zita & Obi-Wan

Omh!!! Love love love Obi-Wan & Zita! They have immediate chemistry, and I love that they use that spark to immediately build their friendship. When they move from friendship to more - 🌶🔥💥🌶🔥💥🌶🔥! Happily (for me) there aren't a lot of spicy scenes, but the ones you get are 🔥! 😁

Sage & Zita have to be brave emotionally & they do an excellent job of communicating.

Part of the story takes place in Fallport & we get to explore the town again through Zita & Sage's eyes. Plus, we get to catch up with some Fallportians & enjoy a little friendship building with the members of those cameos. 💚💚💚

The suspense is 😯 & scary. I really enjoyed how the rescue was done & the introduction of a couple new characters we'll be seeing in one of the guy's HEA. 🩷 AND THE TEASE!!! The last chapter tease for the next book is brilliant!

😍😍😍
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,066 reviews54 followers
February 16, 2026
Keeping Zita is a quieter addition to the series in the way that it is more emotionally weighted than action intense but still an excellent read. I loved Obi-Wan and Zita together, and their slow burn romance was perfect for the two of them. The danger is still present, but it’s local versus international and there’s not a lot of interaction with the rest of the team until the rescue towards the end. And the rescue is a creepy-shivers kind of rescue and excellently done in details and emotions. I also really enjoyed the quick visit to Fallport and catching up with some characters there. The pop-in addition of Jennifer and her K9 search dog, Fred, was fun and hopefully we’ll see them again in a future book (maybe Edge’s?!). The sneak peek into Pyro’s book was exciting and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him. Overall a great read!
Profile Image for JanFromNJ.
801 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 9, 2026
Obadiah "Obi-Wan" Engle, Night Stalker pilot and Zita Darlington, Paramedic meet on a movie set. I loved this couple. Their slow, romantic coupling. The danger looming from a spoiled, selfish actress. Zita’s strength to survive. Obi-Wan’s determination to save her. It’s a fun, page turner and these two make quite the loved-up couple.

Narrators Teddy Hamilton and Maxine Mitchell are excellent and bring the story to life beautifully.

Of course all the Night Stalkers and their women are back plus Tex, our favorite former SEAL too! And the epilogue gives us a glimpse into the most emotionally charged story yet to come I think. Can’t wait!

Keeping Zita is the 3rd book in the Rescue Angels Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
325 reviews
February 17, 2026
I love all of Susan Stoker’s books, and Keeping Zita is no exception.
It’s a fast-paced, thrilling (and steamy), standalone, romantic-suspense adventure. No cliffhangers, no drama llamas, just a fun, heartwarming tale of Zita and Obi-Wan’s happily ever after.
Zita is the medic, and Obi-Wan is the military advisor on a movie being filmed in Maine. There’s lots of familiar characters and some new ones too. Anyway, it’s insta-attraction for Zita and Obi-Wan, but a spoiled actress wants Obi-Wan for her own. So, you know this is a Susan Stoker book, right? It’s not a spoiler to say there may be a kidnapping. But I promise, it all works out happily in the end. I loved every second of Keeping Zita!
368 reviews
February 27, 2026
Two heroes find love

Zita and Obi-wan met on a movie set focused on doing a job. For Site it was her regular gig as a set medic. For Obi-wan, he was working as a military advisor which was different from his job as a Night Stalker. Both were immediately attracted but brother and a rushed to act on their interest. Seeing each other interacting with others as well as sharing tips on bow things worked led to more. What Obi-wan didn't know was the lead actress had set her eyes on him also. She would not be denied. Read this to find out how far she would go to get what she wants. So good.
1,081 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2026
Loved this book!

I love this story of Obi-Wan and Zita! They met on a film set. She was the medic on the set. He was hired To consult about the story. There was an instant attraction. But Sage wasn't looking for a relationship,and they lived across the country from each other. The attraction was too much and they couldn't resist. I love these two together. They really are perfect for each other. I love this book and series. I highly recommend! I can't wait for Pyro and Penny's story.
1,175 reviews2 followers
February 27, 2026
Crazy good

Zita is a paramedic.. She works on the movie set that Obi-Wan will be consulting on. He sees her right away and she impresses him with her straight talk and observations. The trouble begins when he meets the star actress Carmen. She refuses to believe that someone does not want her. Obi-Wan and Zita become close during the filming. Carmen is very pushy and rude. As Obi-Wan and Zita become closer and we get to return to Fallport. Loved that series by the way. Loved this one.
Profile Image for Melanie Milburn.
1,262 reviews6 followers
February 17, 2026
Won’t Take No for an Answer

Obadiah “Obi-Wan” Sage Engle is a Night Stalker pilot who is hired as a consultant on a film. While there he meets the set medic, Zita Darlington, and a spark ignites. He brings he coffee every day and seeks her out to talk. Unfortunately, he happens to cat h the eye of the leading lady, Carmen St. James. She wants him to be the latest notch on her bedpost and she’s not above some nasty tricks and using her creepy bodyguard to get what she wants.
632 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2026
I did not like the book. I found it to be boring. I read the first 5 chapters then skipped to the last 4. I skimmed them. There was no action until toward the end.

Susan Stoker is a very popular author. But, I just can't seem to get into her books. I have read 8 of them with an average rating of 2 stars. I have decided not to buy anymore. I do own several books by her that I have not read. I will probably at some time read them, but I won't buy anymore.
Profile Image for Joyce.
1,098 reviews48 followers
February 28, 2026
Great plot!
Susan Stoker takes us out of the jungle and onto a film set! I love the setting for this one!
Zita is a medic on a film set, and Sage is a military consultant. Zita and Sage share an immediate connection, but all heck breaks loose when the film’s star sets her sights on Sage and will not be shaken.
I adored this book! Teddy Hamilton and Maxine Mitchell give perfect performances in the audiobook!
2,795 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2026
Damn!! I can't believe that shit!! Sum people think that they r entitled 2 anything any x they want it. News flash think again!! That was was screwed up how zita was put in a bad position. But she wasn't expecting it cause she wasn't expecting 2 find a real person that she could b friends with and talk 2. Can zita b found in x b4 everything goes 2 hell? It was intense toward the end but really good!!
425 reviews
March 8, 2026
Zika and Sage

They meet while both working on a movie being filmed. Obi-Wan or Sage is consulting and Zita is a paramedic there to assist if someone gets injured. Their chemistry clicks immediately and goes on from there. The main actress sets her sites on Sage and tries every trick to get him to her bed. The plot thickens when the actress uses her bodyguard to get Zita away from Sage. Great read.
Profile Image for Marie.
1,464 reviews
March 14, 2026
5 stars for Keeping Zita by Susan Stoker

Another amazing read for this amazing series. What a wonderful storyline of two people falling in lust and love until the end of the book. Always love reading about a strong women who has to fight to get free. Love that Obi Wan let his teammates help in looking and finding Zita. They are truly a team. Love that Tex again comes to the rescue of the women of these Night Stalkers. Can't wait for the next installment of Rescue Angels.
Profile Image for Whiskers & Waffles.
2,595 reviews20 followers
February 11, 2026
Obi-Wan & Zita

I knew it would be amazing! I did initially question what kind of trouble could happen on a movie set. I should have known better!!

Obi-Wan and Zita’s first meeting? Hilarious! The trouble that came up for them? Not at all what I expected. So good. Love them. Love Obi-Wan’s team. I definitely can’t wait for the next book in this series!
307 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2026
You won’t want to miss this!

Awesome! Susan Stoker is an excellent storyteller! This series does not disappoint! And, for all of us that have read all of her series, there are some heroes and heroines from other stories in here, but it is a surprise that you have to find out for yourself!
Profile Image for Carol.
879 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2026
Keeping Zita

An interesting look behind the scenes of movie making, the good, the bad and the ugly. Do not think of ugly as physical but as intention and ego. The good is two people who really hit it off and enjoy getting to know one another planning for things to go long term - until bad and ugly creep in trying to end what is good.
1,398 reviews
February 17, 2026
Another good story in Susan Stoker’s The Rescue Angels series. I enjoyed seeing the team again and Obi-Wan finding love with Zita. Theirs was a slower burn romance compared to the previous couples and it took me a bit longer to get into their story. Once I did, I could not put it down. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
253 reviews
March 30, 2026
I love Sudan Stoker and her books. This one was not for me not because of the book but the Hollywood plot line just never works for me. Having worked in the entertainment industry for a long time, I can never get into Hollywood stories. Feels like being at work. But for anyone else, I’m sure this is a big hit.
Profile Image for Natasha Pressley.
18 reviews
April 14, 2026
It’s nice to have a series where our short kings are celebrated as stud muffins too. It’s a nice change from the many series that have their men being 6’5. Like, my neck could never. obi-Wan and Zita are a cute couple and the usual Stoker thrills and spills keep you entertained throughout. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews