Keeping Penny

Rescue Angels #4

by Susan Stoker

They taught him what family means…now he’ll risk everything to protect it.

Raised in the foster system, Kylo “Pyro” Mullins knows what it’s like to have nothing to call his own. Parents, siblings, friends, possessions…growing up, he had none of these. Now an elite Night Stalker pilot, Pyro considers his teammates family—but he doesn’t truly understand mine until he meets Penny and Bowie Burns. The widow and her blind daughter show Pyro a kind of bravery he’s never seen on any mission, and for the first time in his life, he wants the family he’s never had.

One day they’re living in Africa, destitute and in danger thanks to her deceased husband. The next, Penny and her six-year-old daughter find themselves being airlifted away from devastating riots by one of the Army’s finest. Despite having no family in the States, Penny’s happy to be returning…and even happier for Pyro’s attention. The handsome pilot is kind, generous, beyond amazing with her daughter, and seemingly determined to spend even more time with Penny and Bowie when they reach Norfolk.

But if there’s one thing two adults raised in the system know well…happiness and stability can be ripped away at a moment’s notice. And the sins of her dead husband are about to come back to haunt Penny, Pyro…and especially little Bowie.

**Keeping Penny is the 4th book in the Rescue Angels Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

Genres: Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Romance, Military Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2026

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

[Dar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have the tissues ready because the last third of this book will strain all your emotions! The build-up to that moment, it was beautiful and hopeful. The instant connections between our characters, cautious and careful. The happiness and joy in their moments, contagious and infectious. These three, because we have a single mom and her wonderful daughter, as well as our pilot, were amazing to watch as they grew, together and individually, and were brave in their own ways. They expressed their emotions, they learned to rely on others, and they made the most loving family by the end <3

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah! Emotion overload!

I don't know where to start with this book, every page is awesome, Pyro completely stole my heart and I fell deeper with every page I read, every interaction with him and Penny, but it's his bond with Bowie that really blew me away....so cute, powerful, sweet, awesome....not enough words!
Penny is strong and has faced more than many ever do, but Bowie is by far her greatest achievement and the love, encouragement and strength she shows her girl has made her the most amazing child ever. Bowie is by far the hero of the book in so many ways and she brought me to tears more than once, sometimes with sweet, innocent comments, sometimes with laughter and sometimes with fear and pain, but you cannot help but love her.
If these moments didn't pack enough emotion then we also have the terrifying blood bath of a fight scene, a fantastic romantic proposal and a heart pounding introduction to the next book too.
A great read and part of a fantastic series.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kylo-Pyro & Penny

If you're a fan of Susan's & have been following her updates about this book, you know all about the amazing little girl named Bowie. She's the first to capture Pyro's heart with her bravery. And then he meets her mom & realizes - this is his family.

I love the connection he & Penny share & how their pasts make them the perfect parents for Bowie. From the chopper rescue to time spent on the ship taking them back to Norfolk, Pyro, Penny, & Bowie form this incredible bond. His Might Stalker family embraces them right away, as well.

And the danger that follows them to Norfolk is soooo well written!! The direction it goes in was unique & so very interesting. 😁

Bowie is truly a delight!

And I adore Penny & Pyro together. They're so sweet! And!! The tease for book 5 is AMAZING! Edge of my seat!

😍😍😍

[Teresa Christianson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Pyro, Penny, and Bowie. I love how brave and fearless Bowie is.

Pyro and his team rescue Penny and Bowie along with a lot of other women and the rooftop in Gabon. He takes a special interest in Penny and Bowie. He is so impressed with how well Bowie gets around even though she is blind. She becomes fast friends with his teammates and they all fall in love with Bowie. As they travel back to the States on the ship and get to know each other better, they make arrangements as to where she will live. Penny soon learns that they guy who was extorting her after her husband died, is in the states. Can Pyro and Tex find him before he finds Penny and Bowie? What happens when Pyro and Bowie are kidnapped and they are told they will are being trafficked? Will Bowie make it to safety and get help for an injured Pyro? Will his team find him before the kidnappers kill him or ship him out?

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and better!
Susan Stoker just keeps gets better and better! I think this is my favorite book of hers so far.
Kylo is a Night Stalker helicopter pilot, and his team is tasked with rescuing refugees from a rooftop in Gabon. Imagine his shock when the first person brave enough to board his helicopter in a dangerous situation is a blind 6-year-old girl. She moves toward the sound of his voice confidently, and Kylo (Pyro) is smitten. When he meets Bowie’s mom, Penny, he knows he’s a goner.
I LOVED this book! Bowie’s bravery and spirit made me tear up so many times, and Penny’s resilience made me cheer. Kylo and Penny are my new favorite Susan Stoker couple!
Robert Hatchet and Mackenzie Cartwright perform this audiobook fabulously! I love them!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love! Must read!!

Love love love.

Love the author
Love the books
Love the characters

Susan? You’ve done it again. This series is one of my favs and, Bowie, absolutely deserves her own little spin off like Anne, please!!! I love how all the past characters get incorporated into the books seamlessly and with purpose but also in a way that, if you hadn’t read her previous series you’re not missing anything too major (my husband looked at me and said “did you say Buck and Tex was in this book? You love them. lol!)

Next major holiday (Christmas) this series will be added to my Stoker shelf!!

Can’t wait for book 5 & 6!!!

[Donna Goretski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Penny is a powerful continuation of the Night Stalkers series, blending danger, heart, and resilience. The MMC brings steady strength and unwavering loyalty, perfectly matched by an MFC who’s smart, capable, and emotionally grounded. But the standout is Bowie — a blind six‑year‑old whose courage, intuition, and fierce spirit elevate every scene she’s in. Together, this trio turns a high‑stakes rescue into a story about trust, found family, and the kind of love that refuses to break. A gripping, heartfelt installment that deepens the series beautifully.

[Cobblos8 Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar love stofy

I love a story that makes me smile, laugh out loud, tear up, put my hand over my mouth in horror and put my hand over my heart when feeling warm all over. Pro and Penny's (and Bowie) story is that kind of book. There are multiple moments of horror and many "awww" moments in this one. You will enjoy this one and wish for more. Love and friendship is soaked into every page.

[Valeria Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the found family trope. The blind child Bowie was a wonderful character and her viewpoint very well done indeed. That gets all the stars. The otherwise perfect H and h and their perfect bond, blah, blah, blah. So cookie cutter and one dimensional.
The story with the very bad guys when it finally happens is well written and Bowie’s role well done.
It’s the perfect couple story that I find to be so boring.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story! While I enjoyed the two MC I have to say that Bowie stole the show! I absolutely loved every scene she was in and looked forward to the next. That being said she does interact very well with Kyro and his “brothers” so they really add to her charm. I did love the relationship between Penny/Kyro which also includes Bowie. Narration is well done!

[Cassie T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan did it again!

The 4th book in her Rescue Angels series, Susan Stoked once again makes us fall in love with her characters. Penny and Pyro draw you in with their innate goodness and strength. And 6 year old Bowie proves that amazing can come in small packages. And that if you keep moving forward, even we are scared, that you can do incredibly hard things!

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, Susan pulls together a super story with just the right amount of danger, drama and romance. Several former characters make appearances in this story, add in a precocious 6 year old and you’ve got a winning read.

[DanielleGN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny and Pyro

This was an excellent book! It was action packed and I could not put it down! I loved the connection between Penny and Pyro, the bonds they built between each other and along with Penny's amazing daughter Bowie.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

You have done it again. This is an awesome book was so hard to put down during lunch breaks and such. I absolutely adore Bowie. Amazing job

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bowie Bear

Two former foster children find their way to each other. Penny’s daughter Bowie keeps us fully entertained with her antics. Loved seeing glimpses of old characters in Susan’s books. I enjoyed getting to know Penny and Kylo Pyro.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favourite.

I absolutely loved this book. Gripping suspense. Awesome emotional connection between both Penny, Bowie, Pyro and his crew. My absolute favourite.

[Kimberly Eames · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Susan Stoker’s books. I have read every single one. I have absolute favorites in each series. Keeping Penny in this series was wonderful.

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intrigue and Danger Blended Perfectly With Hot Romance Captivates…

...Resilience, Courage, and the Fierce Power of Family Are the True Magic.

Prepare to lose sleep because Susan Stoker’s newest Rescue Angels novel, Keeping Penny, will absolutely pull you in.

The story opens with Kylo “Pyro” Mullins and his co-pilot and team leader, Casper, attempting a daring rooftop rescue in Gabon. The scene unfolds with cinematic intensity. You can almost hear the terrified cries of the women and children trapped above the chaos, feel the panic as bullets fly through the streets below, and see freedom sitting only yards away.

And through it all, Kylo stands steady.

Then, from the corner where the women huddle, a tiny heroine emerges.

Bowie, Penny Burns’ young daughter, has been blind since birth. But thanks to her mother’s love and determination, Bowie doesn’t see herself as limited. She sees her blindness as a different kind of strength — almost a superpower. Her courage, fierce independence, and fearless spirit give this story its emotional heartbeat.

Little Bowie steals every scene she’s in.

She definitely stole my heart.

Kylo — or “Kylo-Pyro,” as Bowie calls him — is another classic Susan Stoker protector hero: brave, capable, and fiercely loyal. But beneath the warrior exterior is a man who has spent most of his life without a family of his own. The brotherhood of the Night Stalkers gave him purpose. Penny and Bowie give him something even deeper — a glimpse of the home and unconditional love he never realized he was missing.

And Penny?

Life has tested her at every turn. Years of abuse have taught her how quickly safety and stability can disappear. Yet instead of breaking her, those experiences sharpened her resilience, instincts, and determination to protect her daughter at all costs.

What makes Susan Stoker’s writing stand out to me is that beneath the suspense, danger, and romance, there is an understanding of what it actually means to love these men — the uncertainty, sacrifice, fear, and fierce loyalty that become part of the life surrounding Special Operations.

That emotional truth gives her stories weight.

Penny and Kylo’s relationship is filled with heat, tenderness, fear, and healing. Their love story never feels perfect or effortless. It feels earned.

And that makes the happily ever after matter even more.

Stoker also captures the unique brotherhood that forms inside Special Operations teams and the families built around them.

Watching Penny and Bowie be folded into that circle almost immediately after the rescue felt deeply authentic. Later, when everything goes sideways yet again, the willingness of both the men and their wives to risk everything for Kylo and his family hit especially hard.

Pass the tissues.

Susan Stoker remains a one-click author for me because she understands that strength is not just found on the battlefield. Sometimes the greatest courage belongs to the people waiting, loving, worrying, and holding the family together when the mission is over.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and found family

I loved, loved Kylo and Penny’s 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. Penny is a single mom to 6 yo Bowie who has been blind since birth. Penny is living in Gabon where she’s been stuck since the death of her husband. She has been being extorted for two years because of her deceased husband’s debts. Kylo-Pyro is a Night Stalker pilot who has been tasked with evacuating citizens from Gabon when hostilities break out. Kylo is the pilot who picks up Penny and Bowie. They are instantly drawn to each other and when the refugees are taken to Norfolk, Kylo’s home base, it’s only natural to keep seeing each other. Unfortunately, because this book is set in the Stoker universe, all is not rainbows and unicorns because the bad guy is not left behind in Gabon. Despite knowing the bad thing is definitely coming, it does not detract from the suspenseful buildup and how captivating the story was including the wondering how the bad thing was going to happen. Expect to feel all the things with Kylo, Penny and Bowie’s love story - fear, love, anger, tears, joy, and so much all encompassing, nurturing, protective love. And ooofff Bowie’s character was so good. I loved her so much. The story would not have been as rich and well rounded without the full development and inclusion of her character. 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.

[Valerie Charron · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐
This one hit me right in the heart.

Two people with similar broken pasts finding each other during one of the bad moments of her lives? Yeah… this got emotional fast.

What I loved most is how deeply this story revolves around the idea of family—not the one you’re born into, but the one you choose and build for yourself. Pyro growing up without ever truly having that connection made every moment with Penny and Bowie feel so much more meaningful.

And Pyro? Absolutely adored him. Tough elite pilot on the outside, but so gentle, patient, and caring where it matters most. The way he immediately connects with Bowie and quietly steps into that protective role without expecting anything in return? My heart melted.

Penny’s strength also stood out so much to me. She’s exhausted but still trying to protect her daughter while rebuilding a life from nothing—and yet there’s still so much resilience in her.

But honestly, Bowie stole pieces of my heart too. Every scene with her added so much emotion and softness to the story. She's so funny.

The romance itself develops beautifully because it’s not just attraction—it’s two people who understand each other. They both know what it’s like to grow up without stability, without safety, and watching them slowly realize they might finally have found a home in each other was incredibly touching.

And of course, the suspense keeps the tension high the entire time. Just when things start feeling safe, the danger comes crashing back in. Thanks to Tex !!

Emotional, protective, heartwarming, and painful in all the right ways. I loved this one.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Story!
This truly was an amazing story. The way that Kylo and Penny and Bowie meet is certainly not ideal, but the bravery that Bowie showed in the beginning of the story was incredible. I can really see how she stole Kylo’s heart. This little blind girl was so funny and sweet and thoughtful that you just want to grab her and hug her and never let her go. I loved the nickname that she gave to Kylo and also the one that he gave Bowie as well. Too cute! Kylo and Penny were made for each other. The way that Penny explains everything to Bowie so she can “see” things really showed how much she cared about her daughter. These three were made to be a family and the way that Kylo loved that little girl along with Penny was beautiful to read about. Penny and Kylo were really destined to be together and how he fought for Bowie was incredible. I loved every moment of this book and was sad to see if come to an end.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Stoker has once again penned fabulous, emotion filled romance that will have you laughing on one page and teary eyed on the next. From the moment Kyoe "Pyro" Mullins, Night Stalker pilot, sets his helo down on the rooftop in Gabon and watches a brave young girl confidently stride toward him, he's hooked. But watching the woman who ends up being the girl's mother herd the rest of the roof's occupant's to the chopper seals the deal for him. Bowie and Penny Burns manage not only to charm him and worm their way into his heart but they do the same with his teammates. Bowie will tug at your heartstrings and you'll root for her every step of the way. Penny and Pyro have common bonds that tie them together too. He'll stop at nothing to protect these two because they are his present and his future.

[Marian Chawner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again a thoroughly enjoyable story about finding love in the most extreme of circumstances. Bravery courage, overcoming vast inabilities are all described beautifully in this book. The main characters are all battling against their own demons, but one character a 6 year old blind girl called Bowie, is so strong , both in will, and character that it is heart endearing to read. Trust for all concerned especially in Penny and Kyro’s coming together. A united front and family doesn’t have to be of blood is also highlighted. There are dark moments, and totally despicable villains, but they are dealt with. Adventure, drama abound as do very tender moments, and when eventually the chemistry is recognised it’s downright explosive. Great to catch up with previous characters in this series and old acquaintances from other series. A totally enjoyable and absorbing book.

[JanFromNJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Penny is the 4th book in the Rescue Angels Series. Each book is a stand-alone but I recommend starting with book 1 to meet all the Night Stalker helicopter pilots.

In this book, it’s Pyro who meets his future love, Penny, and her blind, 6 year old daughter, Bowie. They are rescued by the Night Stalkers and Pyro falls hard for both Penny and little Bowie.

Bowie will steal your whole heart. Full stop. Pyro is amazing of course, a true hero to both Penny and Bowie especially when danger strikes. This may be my new favorite Susan Stoker Rescue Angels book. It’s truly a heart melting five-star suspense tale.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!

I loved this story of Kylo, Penny and Bowie! Kylo and the team rescued Bowie and Penny off of a roof in Gabon. There was an instant attraction between Kylo and Penny. And he simply adored her daughter Bowie. Especially when he realized that she was blind and could get around so well and was whip smart. He couldn't fight the urge to be closer to both of them. He became their champion on the ship. He arranged for them to come to Norfolk and live with Zita. They became even closer. They knew danger may be lurking and were vigilant in keeping an eye out. But one afternoon he was taken by surprise while out with Bowie. That amazing girl saved the day. I love the three of them together. I love this book and series!! I highly recommend! I can't wait for Chaos and Kara's story!!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for Keeping Penny by Susan Stoker

Another excellent read for this amazing series, the Rescue Angels. Phew, what a storyline. There is so much suspense you have to remember to breathe. We need more Bowies in life to teach us about gratitude, attitude and the spirit of a 6 year old. Pyro will be a sucker for that little girl. Both Penny and Pyro had a rough upbringing but they were open enough to finding their forever loves. Can't wait for the next installment of Rescue Angels.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Loved this book so very much! I absolutely loved Penny and Pyro and little Bowie. This book was fantastic. Their chemistry from the beginning was phenomenal.
Loved seeing more of tex and hearing a bit about Annie! I really love when the author gives us little tidbits!
I'm really excited for the next book after that epilogue. Phew!
I loved the tidbits we got about Jen and Edge!!

[Whiskers & Waffles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pyro, Penny & Bowie

I fell head over heels with Pyro, Penny and Bowie right along with them. What’s not to love? Pyro and Penny both had really rough starts in life. Pyro made it out and became quite successful with the Nightstalkers. Penny and Bowie are just making their way out now. Thanks to Pyro and his team. So good! Love the chemistry between Pyro and Penny - very steamy. Bowie is the strongest and bravest little girl ever. I love this group of people! So excited for more!

[SoManyBooksGal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from Susan Stoker. Penny and her daughter, Bowie, are rescued from the foreign city they live in by the Night Stalkers. Pyro is immediately drawn to both and becomes determined to help them get settled in their new life in Norfolk. Penny and Bowie have been through a lot, and both have an instant connection with Pyro. I loved watching the relationships between each develop. Bowie is the most adorable kid, and the way she navigates the world without sight is inspiring.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Penny is a fast-paced, steamy, standalone, romantic suspense novel.
Penny and Kylo “Pyro” are perfect (supportive and positive) for each other, and Penny’s 6yr old daughter, Bowie… OMG! Cuteness and positivity overload. Add in the amazingly supportive friend group, and the justice served out to absolute villains… yes, this is a new personal favorite. I could not love this book more!