Three new stories by Susan Stoker, including Guarding His Angel, Tex’s Payback, & Love Storms In.
Revisit Fallport,Virginia, the small town from the Eagle Point Search & Rescue series and check in with two characters who NEEDED their stories told. And see the iconic Tex get his payback against one of the former Navy SEALs who participated in his kidnapping.
Guarding His Angel-
The Cellar’s the seediest bar in Fallport, dark, dangerous and violent…just like its owner. And Whip Johansen doesn’t give a damn what the locals think of him or his business. He likes making money, rescuing cats, and exactly zero people—until an Angel walks into his bar. Literally. Angelica Martin is spoken for, which should mean she’s off limits. But her husband doesn’t deserve her, a fact made clear when the man abuses Angel in full view of everyone at The Cellar. In that moment, Whip’s life changes forever. He offers the woman safe shelter and protection…which she’s going to need, because her soon-to-be ex has decided if he can’t have her, no one can.
Tex’s Payback-
Four short months ago, John “Tex” Keegan survived a brutal kidnapping. And while the architect of that event paid with his life…one of his goons didn’t. Now the man will get what he deserves, and not just for what he did to Tex. But for what he’s also done to others. And for betraying the same elite spec ops force that Tex and his friends revere with such pride.
Love Storms In-
When a snowpocalypse leaves Police Chief Simon Hill stuck in the traffic jam from hell two days before Christmas, freezing to death is a real possibility. Until he finds his secret crush, the woman who warms his heart, stranded just a few cars away. They make a connection he’d only dreamed of, but just as they return home to Fallport and things between them are as good as he ever could’ve dreamed, danger rears its ugly head...threatening the woman he loves.
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.
In these short stories, we reconnect with people we read about in previous books. Whip was almost a passing in reference in the Fallport series, so knowing more about him was very good. The only thing I didn't like about him was him putting the foot down in having kids without really asking her how she felt. But they had enough cats to keep them entertained, so...
The second story was shorter than the first, and since I didn't read the book in which Tex gets kidnapped, I kept going through the motions. Tex being Tex, didn't disappoint.
The third story was more linear, less exciting, and it seemed to lack the enthusiasm of the previous ones.
These three breathtaking, soul-shattering stories by Susan Stoker will rip your heart out and flood it with an unquenchable fire of passion and gut-wrenching emotion!
In *Guarding His Angel—the Cellar’s*, Whip Johansen is a force of darkness and defiance! He doesn’t care one single damn what the shallow, petty locals whisper about him or his business. His world is simple—money, rescuing helpless cats, and a merciless indifference toward people—until an Angelic soul crashes into his bar, literally. Angelica “Angel” Martin. She’s pure, she’s luminous, and she’s stolen his cold, hardened heart—yet her own nightmare lurks right there in the shadows. Her husband, a wicked beast, doesn’t deserve her grace, and the brutal truth is ripped wide open when he dares to abuse her right in *The Cellar* itself. That ignites a fire within Whip—an unyielding fury that changes everything forever. It’s a battle of redemption, protection, and fierce love that will leave you breathless.
In *Tex’s Payback*, the indomitable Tex emerges from the horrors of a savage kidnapping—scarred, battered, but unbroken. Yet, when a fallen hero who once served as a Seal faces down his past, Baker steps in—a relentless, unforgiving force—calling in a marker, to that the man who betrayed the brotherhood can’t taint the Seal’s honor ever again. This is vengeance fueled by pain, honor, and a desperate longing for justice that will grip your soul and refuse to let go!
And in *Love Storms In*, Police Chief Simon Hill finds himself trapped in a traffic nightmare just days before Christmas—a frustration that feels unbearable—until his gaze locks with Atlee Carrington, his secret desire, mere cars apart but worlds away in longing. In that fleeting moment, a spark ignites—a connection so powerful it threatens to ignite the very heavens themselves. But evil lurks in Fallport, darkening the festive air, and tragedy strikes—Atlee becomes a victim, plunging them both into a storm of heartbreak and fierce determination. Their love, forged in chaos, will set your heart ablaze with hope and unstoppable passion!
And I must say, I was utterly captivated by Whip and Angel’s story—their lives shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. Everyone in Fallport whispers that Whip is Nefarious, a shadow, But beneath that fierce exterior beats a heart yearning for connection—a soul craving love in its purest form. This story will punch you in the gut and lift you to euphoric heights—an unforgettable testament to the power of love, redemption, and standing tall amidst darkness!
2 novellas and a short story featuring some of my favorite Susan Stoker characters. (I do recommend reading the books they're spun off from to get maximum enjoyment of these stories.)
Guarding His Angel Whip Johansen is foul-mouthed, occasionally violent--and absolutely the kind of man I'd want on my side if I needed protection. A long-time supporting character from Ms. Stoker's Fallport Search & Rescue series, Whip runs the local dive bar. He's his own bouncer--he's big and tough and doesn't need help keeping the peace. He's not popular with the people of Fallport, and likes it that way. But he has a couple of rules--cats are precious, and no woman is going to be abused on his watch. When he steps up to protect Angelica Martin, it's sweet to discover what he cares about. And his growing love for the woman who needs him in no way diminishes his tough guy status. Loved it!
Tex's Payback A follow-up short story to PROTECTING TEX, where one of my favorite Stoker heroes gets kidnapped. This is a story about getting justice for the crimes a former SEAL has committed against a lot of people, including Tex. Other than a brief scene with his wife, Melody, there's no romance here. But it's a satisfying resolution to one of the loose ends that bothered me after finishing PROTECTING TEX. And seriously, dude--once Tex and Baker Rawlins get together, did the bad guy really think he could get away with anything? Like I said. Satisfying.
Love Storms In Another one of my all-time favorite Stoker characters is Police Chief Simon Hill from her Fallport Search & Rescue series. I've waited for his story for a long time, and this mature romance doesn't disappoint. I won't give too much away, but it starts with Simon and the woman he's been crushing on (and vice versa) get snowbound on the highway and end up finding the love of their lives. It was originally a short story, but it has been expanded to include a more involved suspense element and a thoroughly satisfying resolution. Simon needed a strong woman to take care of him the way he takes care of the people of Fallport, a woman who sees the man, not the cop. Loved it!
Love these short stories. Either getting updates on couples or couples getting their HEA.
Whip is not a nice person most of the time and doesn't like anyone, but he will not tolerate someone hurting women, kids, and animals. So, when he sees Angelica come in the bar with her husband looking uncomfortable, he keeps his eye on her all night. When he sees her husband grab her and yell because one of his friends starts grabbing her inappropriately, Whip steps in. Then when he takes her home to get a few thing and her cats, they find her husband trying to drown them in the bathtub. He decides at that point that he will do anything to help her get away from her husband and start over where ever she wants. Will he be able to keep her safe? Tex has found the last of the guys who kidnapped and beat him months ago. During his research, he also found that the guy has been beating his wife and daughter, so he helps them to leave town and start over somewhere else and promises that the will never be hurt again. With help from Baker, the both call in a couple markers to be mafia and they will take car of the guy the same way he treated Tex. Will they guy know that Tex was behind it? Simon and Atlee have had a crush on each other for years. It takes being stuck in a snowstorm on the highway together to be able to let each other know how the feel. Once they get back home, they start dating. But with a thief breaking into houses and getting braver each time, Simon is working long hours and frustrated because they can't catch a break on this case. When she gets to Simon's house and the thief is there, will Simon be able to get to her before she is seriously hurt?
loved these three short stories. all different. every one leaves you smiling.
Whip. The Fallport town grump. He owns a seedy bar and hates most people. But. He has a heart of gold. And he loves cats! I absolutely loved his story. Angelica Martin walks into his bar with her abusive husband and changes his life. His angel. His light. Yea, absolutely loved how he was drawn to her and protected her from that beast of a husband. And her babies. Her cats. His story needed to be told. You can meet him in the Eagle Point Search & Rescue books. Read. These. Books. They are amazing.
Tex. Yes THAT Tex from the SEALS of Protection series and many more. Tex is everywhere. Helping so many. But then he is kidnapped and tortured and now he’s seeking vengeance in this short story. And boy does he achieve it. And in doing so, our Tex saves a mother and child from an abusive home life. But of course he does.
Finally, we have Fallport Police Chief Simon Hill who gets stuck in a snowstorm with the woman he’s been crushing on for years. He’s 54 and never married but is blown away by Atlee Carrington who runs the Fallport food bank. She’s been crushing on him for years too! These two are adorable. Talk about earning that HEA. They certainly did.
Thank you Susan for giving us these delightful short stories with characters we’ve loved from other books. Again, read the Eagle Point Search & Rescue books. You won’t be sorry.
Guarding His Angel Whip Johansen is gruff, morally gray, owns the sketchiest bar in town, rescues cats (yes, that matters), and absolutely loses his mind the second Angel needs protection. Abusive husbands don’t last long in Fallport, and I was very okay with that. Protective to the extreme, zero patience for nonsense, and all-in once he claims her. Exactly how this trope should be done.
Tex’s Payback Short, brutal, and pure vengeance. Tex has unfinished business and this is less “romance” and more “sir, please blink if you’re okay.” Justice is served cold, bloody, and extremely satisfying. No notes.
Love Storms In Snowed in. Christmas vibes. Pining police chief finally gets his moment—then danger shows up like of course it does. Softer than the others but still delivers on the protective alpha energy Fallport men apparently breathe in instead of oxygen.
Overall: interconnected, fast-paced, protective men who do not hesitate when it comes to their women. Some stories hit harder than others, but as a whole? Solid, addictive, and exactly what I expected from this world.
Fallport remains unsafe for villains and abusive men—and I love that for them. 💅
Three amazing stories with characters that are in different phases of life, but that all will grab your attention and emotions. Whip, Tex, and Simon. All are featured in other series and well Tex is a legend in many books, series, and worlds, but here all three go to the wall for their loved one and make an impact on those around them. Whip and his view of people and cats was fitting and a perfect connection for Angel. Tex is my favorite SS character of all time and seeing him find closure and help others after his abduction and abuse was healing. Simon has been a solid and kind law enforcement officer for all the women in the search and rescue series and now he finds his HEA. I was surprised that the women didn’t have more of a role until after her harm, but it was a beautiful story told for the couple and a sweet ending for the town! Love these novellas that capture the worlds of some of our favorite characters!
#1- omg!! I would never had a thought that he would ever soften ever!! Lol but can 1 unexpected female with baggage turn this gruff man around and soften him a little bit at least? This is shocking!! Can he save her when it's needed by his soft heart between her and cats lol #2- the one man that hates 2 b thanked everrrrrr 4 helping and saving lives wants 2 b ok with being thanked by the most unexpected person. He deserves 2 get payback 4 the people that hurt him but can he get it? With a little unexpected help he might b able2 find answers and do what he must. #3- the unexpected snow storm stranded people on the highway, but it helped him decide what 2 do with his crush he had 4 yrs now. But when the unexpected happened what will he do? Can he safe what he loves in x? I loved all 3 of those!!
Whip & Angel have some traumas to overcome, but the transformation as he helps her escape her abusive relationship is fantastic. He never loses his grumpiness, but falling for his Angel makes him happy & happy ppl are less grumpy. 😄 Basically, he's still Whip, just happier!
Tex getting his revenge was very healing. And the bonus is that he gets to help a mother & child escape hell while doing it. Excellent!!
Simon & Atlee have crushed on each other for years, and when they get snowed in together on the highway, they're finally able to put those feelings into action! They're sweet & steamy & we get a bonus HEA along with them.
I loved the format of two romances & a Tex check-in, and enjoyed all the stories a lot!!
Angelica was in a bad situation when she met Whip. He may have been the bad guy in town, but she only ever saw his protective side. Including when it came to dealing with her ex and keeping her safe. Those two connected instantly. Tex finally gets his own personal justice. At the same time he's manages to save the lives of two innocents and give them a new start. It's just what he does. I was glad to finally read about Simon's HEA. He was always in the background and now he has his soul mate. Showing it can happen at any age. When she gets hurt, it just makes them stronger.
A Fourth Moment in Time was such a fun read. Tex's Payback, the much deserved reckoning for kidnapping and torturing our beloved Tex, was satisfyingly excellent. Love Storms In, the full novella of Simon and Atlee's HEA tale where they're stranded all night on a road in a blizzard due to multiple car crashes... haven't we all been there? Their full tale is fulfilling and happy. And, Guarding His Angel, Whip and Angel's HEA... so freaking swoonworthy!!! I loved every minute!!! How can you not love these two cat lovers? Also, the super soft sweatshirt,… I recognized it immediately, as I have one IRL. Such happiness! 💖💖💖
I loved reading these three stories in this collection that we’ve been wanting to read. Glad Whip got his own story and he showed another side of himself with Angelica. Loved these two together and I devoured their story. We can never get enough of Tex and it was great to see Tex get payback for what happened to him in the short story. Lastly, Fallport’s sheriff Simon gets his own story which I’ve been hoping for since we’ve seen him throughout the Eagle Point Search & Rescue series.. I loved him and Atlee together and enjoyed seeing them get to know each other better and the love and support between them. This collection is such a fun read for Susan Stoker fans.
Whip and Angel. I love that Whip was still grumpy even after he found his Angel. He is who he is, just a smidge softer now. Tex. I love that he made sure the bad guy knew who was coming after him, but that Tex didn’t actually do the deed. He did what he did best and protected the woman and child. Simon and Atlee. This continuation of their story was perfect. I love the fact that they were honest with each other about their lives and knew their age limits. Loved them all.
This is the first time I have read a Susan Stoker short story collection! I am so glad I saw this one and thought I'd give it a try because I don't usually read short stories! Each story was different and really very good! The romances were just right, so sweet and heartwarming!! The suspense was well done. They were interesting and even though these were short stories the mysteries were fully developed. I highly recommend this collection. It is a quick read but one that will leave you feeling uplifted and with a smile on your face! 😇
This is a book with three amazing short stories. Guarding His Angel is a story about Whip Johansen and Angelica Martin. Whip is the owner of The Cellar and he is the man most people avoid. Tex’s Payback is a story about how Tex gets back at the man who helped kidnap him so he could be beaten and tortured. Love Storms In is a story about Police Chief Simon Hill and the woman he has been attracted to for years and how they finally start a relationship. Il oved these stories', this is a wonderful book.
Susan Stoker made me anxious, fearful, surprised, tearful and gratified when reading these three stories. Whip's story was surprisingly satisfying knowing that Angel was the one to help Whip open up more and let his good be more visible. Tex's story made me sad and relieved. All is finally over after his kidnapping and he and his family can breathe easier. Lastly, Simon and Atlee have a chance to experience the kind of love and lives they have yearned. This is a good collection.
Thank you Susan for giving us the side stories of a couple people that we met briefly at Fallport, it was great to see the town's anti social bad boy really isn't such a bad guy after all and the Police who has everyone's back now has a love all his own. But best of all, thank you for letting us be a part of Tex's revenge.... no one messes with Tex and gets away.
5 stars for A Fourth Moment in Time by Susan Stoker
Amazing. What an amazing idea to put little stories or an epilogue about our favourite characters. Loved reading about new characters in this book. Loved seeing characters from previous books. Both Whip's and Simon's storylines were amazing, a little intrigue and both beautiful love stories of adult men who knew what they wanted. Can't wait for the Fifth intallment.
A nice set of stories that ties up some others. The characters are very real, and make you think about all of the unusual people we meet in small towns. The first and third stories really belong in the town with some great people. However, I don’t really see how the second one fits in. That’s why I gave it a three, because Tex’s story just doesn’t fit in. Well, as they say, two out of three ain’t bad.
Every story in this book is amazing. Susan Stoker brought back characters from her previous books and gave them their own stories, including three happily ever afters that I thoroughly enjoyed! Susan Stoker never fails to give her readers total enjoyment from every book she writes.
Susan Stoker is a master at telling stories that involve whole communities of people and I love that she circled back around to a town we already love to give two MORE happily ever after to characters we already know and care for! And a little more Tex is ALWAYS welcome! Thank you Susan for another brilliant and heartwarming book!
A fabulous collection of three suspenseful love stories!! Return to Fallport and you will fall in love with all the love connections that are made!! Also a conclusion to Tex's kidnapping and the one person involved that finally finds his fate!! I could not put these books down!! Gripping stories that have no cliffhangers!!
I loved this collection of short stories from Susan Stoker. I love that we got two stories from Fallsport. Whip's story was surprising, but I loved him and that he found Angelina. Simon and Atlee are perfect for each other. Both take care of the people in town. And Tex, getting his revenge, so powerful. This was a great book and I highly recommend!
Another amazing collection of stories. Susan never disappoints. Whip is redeemed in my eyes when he saves his lady from the jerk. Tex gets his revenge. What he went through before with his kidnapping, this guy deserves everything he gets. Simon is one of my favorites from Fallport. He deserves his happy ever after.
I love that we get little glimpses into the lives of characters we like; characters we don't know we like yet; and those that we love, but will never get enough of no matter how many glimpses we get. This fourth moment in time just proves that more is always better when it comes to Susan's literary world.
The Fallsport wrap.up.stories make me want more.Fallsport stories!
Darn it, Susan Stoker! These extra Fallsport stories make me want even more Fallsport stories! This series is like the Ace series. I just want more and more of these characters and the town is definitely a character!!!
I love all the Moment in time books. But these 3 stories were some of the best. I am glad you went to Fallport and gave Whip and Simon their love stories. It brought joy, love and closure to this wonderful time. And what can I say about Tex and his putting closure to his kidnapping. Can never not get enough of Tex. I love all of your characters
The Protecting Tex story wasn't really what I expected in length and felt a little lame. Whip and Angel's story was interesting compared to the others but I still was never really into Whip himself and his growth. I liked Simon & Atlee's story but I really couldn't distinguish what was new (maybe just the sex scene at the hotel?) and so I was a little disappointed with that side of it
I love Susan Stoker and her storytelling! She is magnificent in getting to the heart of everything! Angst, drama, suspense, but mixed in is laughter, love, romance, friendships and community!
I completely enjoyed all three shore stories especially Tex . That bully got exactly what he deserved. All actions have a consequence. These stories removed all the questions I had about who else was involved.