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Rescue Angels #3

Keeping Zita: Rescue Angels, Book 3

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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.

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Published February 3, 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
398 (67%)
4 stars
144 (24%)
3 stars
42 (7%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Dar.
4,590 reviews94 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 Lauren Maus.
3 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 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 DJ.
815 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.
2,015 reviews27 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.
1,281 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?
237 reviews1 follower
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.
3,449 reviews8 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.
4,249 reviews34 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.
9 reviews
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.
3,680 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.
1,058 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.
773 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.
315 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!
1,051 reviews8 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.
Profile Image for Melanie Milburn.
1,254 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.
591 reviews3 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 Robin.
2,566 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!
284 reviews
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.
851 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.
1,375 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.
Profile Image for Chandra Woolson.
438 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 7, 2026
I loved this book. There was an excellent sense of urgency throughout the book and I sat down and read the whole book right away—straight through. There is a reason Susan Stoker is my favorite author… I can count on a fun read every time. And the HEA makes sense.
2 reviews
February 12, 2026
Keeping Zita

It's 4:20 am & I just finished this book. I couldn't put it down. I had to finished it. I cried a little and got mad a little. The love between Zita and Sage shows in just about every page. Of course I knew it would because it's by Susan Stoker
269 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2026
Love it!!!!

Fantastic story. You made sure to point out the bad guys. Didn't expect how bad they really were. When the boss calls you have to go. Cool to go back to Fallsport. How things have changed. People need to be rescued....go.
Profile Image for Michelle Houghton.
66 reviews
February 16, 2026
Perfection

Another amazing story by Susan Stoker. I love how the two leads ease into their relationship and then fall fast. Beautifully written, amazing dialogue that lets you live the adventure and the suspense right along with them. As always five stars to Stoker!
74 reviews
February 18, 2026
Loved It.

Ms. Stoker you're an excellent storyteller. Zita and Obi-Wan were made for each other. People like Silas are just ate up with it. How can you ruin your life following someone else's jealousy? Can't wait until the next book is published.
Profile Image for Patti.
1,476 reviews10 followers
February 25, 2026
A beautiful love story with lots of drama!! I could not put this book down!! Susan Stoker is a brilliant writer that can capture your attention from page 1 till the end!! I highly recommend you grab this book and this series!!
87 reviews
February 12, 2026
Zita

Love this new series, it was great going back to fall port for a visit. Zita is a warrior her and Obiwan make a beautiful couple.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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