Ranger's Last Call

Eagle River Rangers #1

by Susie McIver

Wyatt “Wolf” Maddox & Nora Bennett
Former Army Ranger Wyatt Maddox didn’t come to Eagle River to make friends. He came because he had nowhere else to go. The Last Stand Tavern is falling apart, his team is barely holding together, and the quiet librarian who keeps marching into his bar? She’s the last distraction he needs.
Nora Bennett has spent her whole life blending in—until a break-in at the library puts her in real danger. The only person she trusts to help is the silent, intimidating Ranger who watches her like he sees straight into her soul.
He’s gruff. She’s gentle.
He hides everything. She hides too much.
When the threat closes in, Wolf will burn the whole town down to protect her.
But letting her into his heart?
That may be the one battle he can’t walk away from.
Former Army Rangers
Romantic Suspense
Small Town Romance
Protector Romance

Genres: Amazon, Military Fiction, Contemporary, Ebooks

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

About the author

Susie McIver is a native Californian and lifelong lover of great books. Born into a family of ten children, there were plenty of stories to tell and share. It’s only fitting she now writes books of her own.
When she’s not writing or plotting her next book, she enjoys walking in nature, fishing in a lake near her home, reading, and spending as much time as she can with her three amazing children, five beautiful grandchildren, and her husband, whom she proudly says is her best friend in the world.
For more information about Susie and her books, visit her website here: https://www.susiemciver.com

Reviews

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

New beginnings

Wolf/Wyatt and Nora. A ranger team no longer in active service left a tavern in a small town by a former commander. Nora the town librarian and an immediate fascination to Wolf the team leader. Great description of the team and a few townspeople. I had trouble with the story in terms of the timing of events and emotions, how many people were part of the team, the verbs since sometimes it was 1st and sometimes 3rd. The premise was interesting, but very vague as details were not really shared on the program or impact it had on Nora or the other two women if she was the only one who didn’t break. Loved the three older women and I do want to read the next book.

[Bev H. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh - if I hadn't read this book it would have been no great loss. Somehow, I felt like I kept missing vital information even after having finished the story. The attraction between Wolf and Nora was immediate, but aside from superficial physical features there's no other reasonable explanation. The reader finds out Nora is being targeted, but I am not fully satisfied with the explanation as to why, and having to fill in my own blanks.

[Will · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the story was really good and kept me entertained. In the second half, I began skimming due to a lot of vagueness in the details. Plus, I didn't find the action scenes very believable and the spice was watered down vanilla. The 'hero' kept claiming repeatedly that no one was ever going to get to the MFC (his love interest), but he started sounding like a broken record and it got old fast.

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Stand Tavern, in Eagle River, is falling apart, but soon there will be new tenants and a remodel. The Tavern was willed to several former military members who are planning to bring the Tavern back to life. Former Army Ranger Wyatt “Wolf” Maddox leads his group of men, his friends Trigger, Havoc, and Saint to begin restoring the building. Before they begin, they are visited by three elderly town women, bringing food and plans to look after the men (too funny!). When Wolf meets Nora, the local librarian, he feels as if he has met someone who could become an important part of his life. Nora is surprised at her reaction to Wolf, an attraction that she didn’t expect. When Wolf believes that someone is following her on her way home, he steps in to make sure that she arrives safely. Later, other attempts for someone to get near her keeps Wolf on high alert, moving her into the living area of the tavern. Slowly, Nora begins to remember memories from her past, including her time in foster care. Will she remember why she is being hunted? As Wolf and his team constantly evaluate and counter the threats against her and them, will he finally be able to give her the safety, security and love that she deserves? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Kathy Brinkley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ranger’s Last Call is Susie Mciver’s first book in her new series, Eagle River Rangers. A group of former military men has moved into Eagle River to fix up an old tavern left to them by their commander. Wyatt “Wolf” Maddox meets librarian Nora Bennett and is instantly attracted to her. A seemingly quiet person, Nora’s life is jeopardized when strange men begin following her and trying to kidnap her for unknown reasons. Of course, Wolf becomes protective and makes sure that Nora is safe by moving her in with them. The story is a bit mysterious, but readers do learn the reasons for the attack at the end—reasons that occurred in Nora’s childhood, which she has long since forgotten. The main characters are well-developed; there are interfering busybodies, a good and helpful sheriff, and Wolf’s military brothers, who are potential sources of future stories. I received a free copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie McIver, again, delivers a terrific new series!

Well, I thought this author had me hooked, and honestly while I enjoy all the books I have read thus far,...
This new series is awesome!
The author has added humor to a small (nosy) town, along with seven Rangers, and her particular mayhem. The suspense is fresh, the characters are real, and the setting terrific.
I love more than anything, the snark! The sarcasm and the teenage humor just make it so much more real!
But when seriousness is needed, the Rangers are all at attention and get the job done.
Add romance that adds to the novel, but doesn't distract, it's a crooked road, but it gets to happily ever after.

Loved! Bring on the next 6!

Karen

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of Rangers fulfilling an unstated mission when their former commander leaves them a rundown property. Together they rebuild and strengthen the building and open The Last Stand Tavern, right across the street from the library.
What happens next is almost a horror story as Nora Bennett, librarian, is being stalked, and turns to Wyatt “Wolf” Maddox for help. Seven Rangers, bonded together in years of trust step in to remove the threat.
Wonderful characters who operate as a well oiled machine against the unknown. The lovely librarian who feels safe in Wolf's protection, is at the core of whatever is going on. Now the Rangers have to do what they have trained for...
Exciting story with surprises and a HEA-for now...

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf was a Ranger new to town and Nora was the town librarian who was being Stalked.

I really enjoyed this book. Funny, smart with loads of team spirit and nice protectors. The characters in this book were so funny especially Trigger and the Magnolia ladies. Gave me more than enough laughs. So funny!

But it was the connection Nora and Wolf had developed that really stuck with me.

So well done. I loved all these characters and a fantastic plot chock full of suspense and danger. Just wonderful can't wait for more!

[Meep · Rating 1 out of 5]

Barely got past the sample.

The SEVEN man Rangers team - Wolf, Trigger, Havoc, Saint. The other three are both invisible and unnamed, maybe they turn up when useful.

The cute librarian whose either shy or bold but owns more cardigans than the elderly pastry yeilding bossy lady squad combined.

It feels too basic and insta-insta.
The characters types are as set as a boy band. For a group around 35yr who've done 3tours they're paper thin. When Saint tells Trigger he'll be book two the author's wink at the reader was blatant and for me off-putting.

[Wendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Needs an editor and proofreader

Wrong use of words such as Whose instead of Who's for who is. Could use some commas, looks like it was written by a poor AI program. At first sight, he sees her standing on the library steps and they lock eyes. She says she is looking at him through a window not standing outside. He says he's done his research and knows her name, then says he knows her name because he found it out ahead of time???? Redundant much??? Argh. This nonsense was in the first few paragraphs. I couldn't read any further. The audio is terrible too.

[Joycelynn Brady · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was too simplistic for me after reading so much C. G. Cooper. The same phrases were repeated ad nauseam between Wolf and Nora. If he cupped her head one more time or told her she would be safe, he was never going to leave her, he was never going to let anything happen to her, etc., I thought I might not finish the book, but I’m not a quitter. I thought that the Rangers would be more Ranger-like. No real camaraderie between them. This was more of a love story although I experience more passion kissing and hugging my dogs.

[Cynthia L. Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf and Nora

WOW! This novel is action packed! Wolf and Nora hit it off immediately but an unknown threat to Nora short circuits their budding romance and to top it all off Nora has no reason to know what and why the threat exists. Read this fast paced novel to understand the reasons for the threat and to find out just who and what the team of Rangers, Wolf, and Nora are facing.

[Kathy Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wolf and Nora

This is the first read for me of this with this author, and I'm hooked! Wolf and some of the Rangers he served with inherited a bar from their former commander. Nora is the town's librarian, and she catches Wolf's eye. As they get to know each other, strange incidents start to happen to Nora. The story draws you in, and I didn't want to put it down! It was well worth the time to read. Now I'm on to the next in the series!

[Donna Goretski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast, fun, danger‑laced opener to the Eagle River Rangers series. The MMC is every inch the protective Alpha, the MFC is strong without losing heart, and group banter brings genuine laugh‑out‑loud charm. And I cannot say enough about the Magnolia Ladies! They are hysterical (a colander for a weapon?!? Really???) Romance, tension, and action weave together effortlessly—a great first installment with tons of promise for the series.

[Kara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible, choppy, writing that doesn't make much sense with details forgotten almost immediately. Apparently there's a team of seven Rangers but only five are mentioned/named, they act like preteen boys, and the time jumps are sporadic. Also I don't read steamy scenes so as soon as she asked him to "stay" with her for the night I was done.

[Stephanie McDonough]

Good plot idea but missing details

I really like that idea of the story but its missing details that follow the plot. The characters talk about knowing each for a few days. Takes place in a week but then says its been months since it started. Also mentions a break in that didn't happen. I think this copy of the book is missing pages.

[Karen J Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rangers Last Call

Wow! What a great start to this series! Loved the two main characters, as well as the others in the book. Wolf and Nora are perfect t for each other. The surprise twist that the author included made the storyline exceptional.

[Fiction Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Reads fast and easy. Action packed.
•No cheating.
•No virgins
•No ow/om drama.
•No separations
•Epilogue-not very far
•HFN-Together and has said I love yous.
Continues i to the next story.

[K G Wakeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading…

It was a good story with some great characters who we will all enjoy reading in other books of this series. Lots of suspense and lots of interaction which made fun reading and wanting more.

[Kayleigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like I was missing 3/4 of the book. Nothing made sense, the plot changed directions about 6 times and everything was all over the place. This could have been a phenomenal book, with better plotting and better execution.

[Barbara Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This story has a lot of suspence and twist and danger,keeping you turning the pages to read what happens next until the very last page, looking forward to reading more books from this author

[Vernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evolving From Trauma

Love how the main characters evolve
into a couple who are complete in themselves even though targeted. Strong group of men working in teamwork. Old Women group a hoot.

[Aubrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the idea of it and I liked parts of it, but I was also bored at some parts and the wording made it hard to want to read. Not the worst but not the best and I don’t think I’ll read the next one

[Elree Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Beth

Yep, another great book!

Susie McIver you did an awesome job, I'm hooked!

The characters are great. Wolf and Nora were great but Trigger had me giggling the 3 ladies had me laughing out loud.

[Jill Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thor enjoyed this book but sigh ( big one ) now I have to wait for the rest of the series

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Eagle River Rangers series. It’s Wolf and Nora‘s story. It’s fast paced and entertaining. A great series beginning.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long and drawn out. Automated narration was bad

[Deidre · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I won't leave you."
< leaves >
"I won't leave you."
< leaves >

Ad infinitum.

[Dawn H. Bethea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

A book worth reading and hard to put down. I read it late into the night because I constantly wanted to see what happened.

[Lem-ne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This elite ranger couldn't catch a cold in December. Story was all over the place.