The Protector (Game of Chance Book 1)

The Protector is the first book in the Game of Chance series by Susan Stoker. We meet the newest men in Susan's world while they are being held as pow's. Knowing his team needed a distraction JJ decided he was done with the military as soon as they were rescued. He and the guys needed something to live for and used the time to plan for the future. They actually played rock, paper, scissors to choose not only where they would call home but what they would do for a living. That is how they ended up in Maine with a business being "lumberjacks" called Jack's lumber.Riggs "chappy" owns a small cabin on the mountain and decided he needed to get away for a few weeks. His secluded one room hideaway doesn't have electricity unless you use a generator and doesn't have cell service. It is perfect for someone like Riggs who needed to decompress after dealing with the stress of the business. He had big plans of enjoying the solitude while reading a few new books! He was not expecting to feel sick within hours of arriving at his cabin. The next surprise was an even bigger shock. A dog he had never seen before lead him straight to a stranded women in the middle of a blizzard!Carlise had no idea where she was. She just knew she had to get away from her life for awhile. She recently broke up with her boyfriend then started getting threats. She figured time away would calm her stalker down. She thought it had to be her ex but didn't have proof. She let her best friend and mom know she was leaving but didn't tell either one where she was going because she didn't even know where she was headed. Carlise knew she messed up when the weather took a turn for the worst and she ran off the road. Figuring she would die in her car she made the decision to try and find a cabin to ride out the storm. She was shocked to see a dog and decided to follow the poor guy. It was a good thing she did! He led her straight to the only shelter around.As soon as they arrived back at the cabin Riggs passed out from the flu and Carlise made the decision to do everything she could to keep this handsome stranger comfortable. Days later when he was feeling better Riggs was shocked at the lengths the beautiful stranger went to take care of him. Luckily they were stranded in his cabin so they had lots of time to get to know eachother. Carlise was very skittish so Riggs knew she had been hurt. As time went on and the better he got to know her he made the decision to do whatever he could to protect her.I loved how Susan left us clues to what would happen! She let us know just enough to get excited for the climax while still leaving enough to be shocked at the end! I also loved her use of the dog to help Carlise. Susan knows how amazing the creatures are and uses the dog in more ways then one to come to the rescue. I loved every minute of this book! Thank you Susan for this amazing book!

Susan’s new series, Game of Chance is off to a great start with The Protector. As the first book in a new series, all four of the MMCs are introduced but this first story belongs to Riggs (Chappy) Chapman.After suffering a horrible ordeal on their final mission - being captured and tortured by the enemy, all four men decide to retire from duty and start a business together. They’re tired of seeing the worst of humanity along with the blood and death. They’re ready for a change of pace, for peace and quiet; they want a place of safety where they can heal their mind, body, and spirit. Ready to start over, they retire to Newton, Maine and start a tree service business.Riggs is happy in the new life that he and his friends have started and their business is doing well. However, due to the time he spent as a prisoner he has periods where he longs for quiet and solitude. His safe haven is a small one-bedroom cabin he built in the woods off the beaten path where he retreats for a two-week vacation at the end of a busy work season. Weather is coming and he’s ready to be snowed in with a cozy fire, good books, the quiet, and his soft, comfy blankets. (I loved this – such an endearing character trait; he has comfy blankets everywhere!) Never in his wildest dreams could he imagine what would come next or that it (she) would change his life in the best way.Carlisle Edwards is on the run from a stalker. Afraid from the escalation in recent events and calls, she packs her bags and takes off without a word to anyone. Getting stranded in a snowstorm on the outskirts of Maine was not part of the plan. Neither was being isolated in a cabin in the wilderness with a sexy stranger she was having a hard time not being attracted to.The insta-love, strong protector vibe was perfect for Riggs and Carlisle. Their connection was unmistakable, they were drawn to each other like magnets. I loved how gentle and careful Riggs was with Carlisle and didn’t push or overwhelm her to open up before she was ready and also how willing he was to share about his past. They definitely had a strong bond that formed in a short time. The addition of Baxter really added to the story, along with the interactions with his friends. This book has a more contemporary feel with steamy scenes, heart, action, and suspense. Couldn’t put it down once I started and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.*Thank you to the author for the ARC of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Read in June 2023Wow, what a story. Harrowing at times and scary, but this is a true romance of chance. From meeting and how, to getting to know each other, to the climax. Baxter is amazing, so special and deserved his own HEA, which of course he got. I look forward to Cal's book as well I think that could be emotional. This held me entranced, spectacular scenic descriptions and the worry of the risk of conditions really had me concerned but somehow I knew all would be well. I must admit despite the idea of living in this type of place/area I would constantly worry no matter how beautiful, plus I'm not keen on ice unless it's in a cold drink. Interesting plot and absolutely fabulous characters there was nothing not to love about this.

The Protector is book one of the Game of Chance series by Susan Stoker. The series follows four main male characters that went through hell together and survived. The series is set a few years later after their physical injuries are healed, as the guys navigate life with the mental and physical scars that they are left with. Each book focuses on one main character as they find their perfect match. And of course their journey to be together isn't always easy and is filled with suspense and a little bit of action.The Protector focuses on Riggs aka "Chappy" and Carlise's story though the other guys do make a few appearances. Oh and I can't forget Baxter as well. I will admit I was a bit apprehensive going into this book. I read some reviews prior to reading and most of them said it was different from the author's usual style which scared me as I love her previous works. Even though this plot does differ from the author's more action based series from the past it did not disappoint. It was very well written. From the start Susan creates a wonderful story to get lost in with two very strong lead characters that you absolutely fall in love with.Riggs is your typical alpha male who's strong and protective but also has a vulnerability about him, who just wants to get away for a bit when the hustle and bustle of life gets to be to overwhelming.Then you have Carlise who is a strong, steadfast, independent woman running from her own harrowing ordeal.Throw in a huge major snow storm that traps Riggs and Carlise in a secluded cabin and their journey together begins. I also can't forget Baxter the severely abused dog that brought Riggs and Carlise together. He captured my heart from the start and reading his journey of recovery throughout the pages was wonderfully done.The author beautifully showcases both main characters' vulnerability and inner strength by having periods where each is defenseless and needs to depend on the other. I quite enjoyed this as most romantic suspense books typically only have one character vulnerable (usually the female) and the other the protector/alpha (usually the male). Susan Stoker is well known for creating strong female characters but in The Protector she takes it even further and makes the alpha male vulnerable for a time, which I highly commend her for.The relationship between Riggs and Carlise is beautifully and artfully crafted by the author and some of my most favorite moments in the book where when they were together and doing the most mundane things such as cooking or talking. Overall the plot was absolutely amazing, yes it did have less action then most of the author's previous works but it honestly worked. I still got to experience that nail biting suspense along with a dream worthy romance that Susan Stoker is well known for.At the end of the book we get to see a bit more into Callum's aka "Cal" and Juniper's lives. From the start Cal pulled at the heartstrings so I can't wait to see what is in store for him and Juniper in the next installment of the series "The Royal" when it comes out in August.

Love this author. She always takes a fresh approach to each series. A pact & plan made under duress leads this special forces team to their 2nd careers in Maine.

Susan weaves her magic once again bringing together three strangers, who quickly become bonded with each other. At first we witness the rescue of Carlise, then the healing of two (Riggs and Baxter) under the care of Carlise. Love blossom between Riggs and Carlise and they both fall in love with a very skinny uncared for Baxter. Susan introduces the reader to the other characters that we will soon fall in love with. With the hint that a book will be coming between JJ and April. The Riggs finally discovers Carlise secrets and steps in to help solve her problems. As an Australian the thought of three days with just eating peanut butter and “jam” sandwiches is like me asking an American to eat Vegemite Sandwiches very day. Just gross… this little Aussie also dislikes Vegemite as well lol. Thanks Susan for another great read and I can wait to read the rest of the books in the “Game of Chance Series”.

Many twists and turns…love Baxter the sweet pit bull, Chappy (Riggs) is a true protector rescuing Carlisle when Baxter a starving abused pitty leads Riggs to find her in a blizzard. As their friendship begins to change it leads to a very scary revelation…couldn’t put it down!

Susan Stoker books never disappoint. Riggs 'Chappy' Chapman is the perfect match for Carlise. She needs protecting & he was born to protect.This is definitely a case of insta-love, but unlike some stories, theirs works really well. The whole story is helped along by plenty of drama surrounding the mains, plus the supporting cast are so likeable!And although he undoubtedly wouldn't appreciate it, i really want to give Baxter a hug. He sounds pawfect.The only downside is that i don't want to have to wait for book 2!