As with most Susan Stoker books, Claiming Sarah kept me on the edge of my seat with Cole and Sarah's story. Sarah has an interesting past and has lost the only family she has ever known, now she is in a situation that just doesn't feel right. When Sarah walks into Cole Johnson's gym to learn self defense she has no idea she will find love and a whole new extended family.

In romantic thrillers, the villain is usually a true bad guy. But what if the villain is truly as innocent as he looks? In “Claiming Sarah,” Susan Stoker poses that question to the readers and then also provides an answer.

Sarah Butler is arguably the nicest person you can meet. A nurse by profession, she really wants to help people and stays true to her Hippocratic Oath. So, it is hard for her to accept that someone is after her. But she has to because the anonymous gifts she had been receiving are proofs that she has a stalker.

Enter Cole Johnson, gym owner and trainer. He is willing to train Sarah in self-defense and more. The attraction between them is off the charts. To use a famous line from a famous movie, Sarah and Cole had each other at hello.

But, they are far from their happily ever after. Sarah’s stalker was still at large, and they don’t have any clues if he is dangerous or not.

Having read several books by Susan Stoker, I know that there is an element of surprise in the story, something that is truly unexpected. Yet, once you finished the book, you realized that she had been giving readers clues.

“Claiming Sarah” is not an exception. The villain had been known from the beginning but there were enough twists that with it was time for the conflict part of the story, I was surprised. It was so subtle that I missed the twist and found myself in the middle without warning.

If you’re confused by my statement, I’ll explain.

Because I’m a reviewer, I have become anticipatory. I finish an average of two books a week - one I actually read and the other one, I listen to. At any point in time, I have at least 4 books figuratively open.

Through the years, I have become very good at following the plot and have gotten very good in predicting when the big dramatic moment will be. In “Claiming Sarah,” because the villain was unexpectedly an innocent, I was taken unawares.

So, I’m so happy to say that “Claiming Sarah” and Susan Stroker made me humble and forced me to pay attention. Ha! Ha! It’s good to be reminded that life is full surprises.

That said, “Claiming Sarah” is a good read. It’s subtle yet powerful and most important of all, it teaches us that nice always win in the end.

“Claiming Sarah” is Rated T for Teens. Parental guidance strongly advised for some sexual content and some violence.

Can’t recall if this is my first Susan Stoker book or not. At any rate, this book was just ok. The quote above sums up Sarah...but then, she’s too nice! Francesca correctly pointed it out that’s she’s too nice to say if there’s anything wrong. Sarah’s saving grace is she decided to take self defense lessons. Cole is typical, not one of the Ace boys but within their periphery.

This book might not be the best of the author’s so...just 3 stars.

Thank you Montlake Romance for the copy of this book.

✦Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: CLAIMING SARAH by Susan Stoker https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bgm
Publication Date: September 10, 2019
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars

I enjoyed this installment in the Ace Security series, though not as much as the others. Sarah was a little too self-depreciating for me…needing assurances all the time. It didn’t really match her upbringing for me. That being said…she was sweet, caring, and a perfect match for Cole. The antagonist in this story had a nice twist as well. A bit different than the usual fare, so adding a nice dimension to show Sarah’s caring nature. They had a nice spicy romance that developed rather quickly into love. It was a quick read that I could not put down and made me anxious for the next installment.

*Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

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Having grown up just up the highway from Castle Rock it's fun to read a series set there. Stoker's books are always entertaining. I'll admit I haven't read the other books in this series, but the great news is that I didn't have to to enjoy this one. While there was obviously a lot to the other couple's stories that I wasn't up to speed on, I didn't need to be.

The opening scene sets up what a good guy Cole is. As soon as he realizes he unwittingly upset Sarah, he chases her down and talks her into returning. He's just not the kind of of person who can leave her to her own devices when there's obviously a solid reason she sought out his help.

Cole is so kind, strong and committed. Sarah is sweet and in need of someone who can appreciate her and fill her life. They're perfect for each other. I really liked the one Stoker developed them both. I also liked that the Ace Security guys are 100% behind her even when the threats against her don't seem very scary on the surface.

This is maybe the first story I've read where the bad guy doesn't mean to be a bad guy. It was fascinating to see Sarah's compassion and her abductor's misguided reasons.

A well developed, nicely paced story that kept me involved.

3.5 Stars. I didn't enjoy this one so much. All of the alpha goodness was there but the h killed most of my enjoyment. She was just too Mary Sue and too "perfect". She struggles working long hours, she takes care of her elderly neighbor, she volunteers in the LGBTQ+ community. All of these things are great but it is overkill and it doesn't help that Cole just keeps calling her perfect. I thought Cole was kinda crappy at their first meeting BUT Sarah actually stood up for herself and removed herself from the situation pronto (or at least she tried to) but after that she lost all of any fight she had. It's still Susan Stoker goodness - this one just has some flaws.

Claiming Sarah by Susan Stoker is book 5 in the Ace Security Series. This is the story of Cole Johnson and Sarah Butler. I have yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book. Sarah is a nursing assistant who has a admire that is sending her intimate gifts. There is not threat in the gifts but it makes Sarah feel uncomfortable and worried that this person can turn ugly. So she goes to Ace Security where they tell her that she should take self-defense classes to help with her safety. Ace Security sends her to Rock Hard Gym to train with Cole. Of course there is some wrong missteps at first with them but both feel a strong attraction. Cole sees the soft caring women that Sarah is which brings out the protective alpha male in him.

Sarah and Cole's tale bring the end of the Ace Security series. Just find a comfortable seat and enjoy.

Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

To my shame, it's the first book that I've read by the author but won't be the last now that I've discovered her.
I loved the story and the characters are so great together, with flaws and reliable. Their inner thoughts and feelings were very well transcripted into the book and i just couldn't put my kindle down because i wanted to see how everything will unfold and what they have to go through to find that happy place and recognise their true feelings for each other.
Looking forward to more stories by the author

Claiming Sarah had me from the first page! Susan Stoker is the best at suspenseful, military romance and this is my new favorite in the Ace Security series. Each one can be read as a stand-alone, but definitely more enjoyable when read in order since previous characters tend to make cameos. My heart went out to Sarah Butler, as she tries to remain strong and not dwell on the overwhelming gifts and presence of a man who's become more than enamored with her. She turns to Cole Johnson for self defense lessons, but they quickly finds themselves falling hard for each other. When the unthinkable happens, you won't be able to stop reading until the very end. The fifth and BEST book in the Ace Security series!

Claiming Sarah came about because readers begged. See-begging works!!! Readers really wanted Cole's story. Stoker really wanted to write Cole's story. Thankfully, Montlake gave us all what we wanted!

Sarah's story is a bit different than the other high drama issues of the previous stories. Her admirer is a man with a low IQ who doesn't fully understand his actions are unwanted. I think readers will connect with Sarah because she was nice to someone and it was misconstrued. Sarah is a very sweet woman-she enjoys being kind and welcoming to everyone she encounters. You can see how someone with a low IQ might misunderstand this. However, Sarah is worried and she seeks help. The police tell her there is nothing to do, so she decided to take self defense class. Her meet cute with Cole is not cute at all though!

Cole feels a pull to Sarah almost instantly and wants to help her. He doesn't dismiss the possible danger to her just because her stalker has a low IQ. Their relationship builds quickly and within a short time they are talking about the future. All this happens though with the threat looming over them. There were a few times when I struggled with believing their relationship, but they were fleeting in the grand scheme of the story. I thought the conflict at the height of Claiming Sarah was believable and Sarah's response was EXACTLY what I expected.

If you want a genuinely nice heroine and a hunky hero, Claiming Sarah is a great pick. You can't help but be glad there are people like Sarah in the world-who only want to be kind and don't even seek revenge! Claiming Sarah was a good conclusion to this series!

I'm relatively new to Susan Stoker's books, having read (and loved) only the first four books in her Mountain Mercenaries series. When I agreed to review Claiming Sarah, I didn't realize it was the fifth book in a different series. It didn't matter. Though earlier couples pop up here and there in this book, it didn't confuse me or detract from Sarah and Cole's story in any way. Claiming Sarah stands on its own.

This book is fast-paced, intense, and suspenseful, with chemistry between Cole and Sarah that is not only sizzling but also tender and sweet. Cole is alpha-extra (a little much for me at times) and he pursues Sarah with intensity once they connect but he's also caring and protective. Sarah is one of the kindest heroines I've read in ages. In fact, it's that kindness that lands her in the dangerous situation which leads her to Cole for self defense lessons. I enjoyed seeing her evolve throughout the story and watching her hold her own with Cole. They really do balance each other well. I was also glad that when Sarah has every reason to unleash fury during an encounter fraught with danger, her innate kindness guides her actions once again. I don't want to divulge too much for fear of venturing into spoiler territory so I'll just say that I applaud Stoker for the way she handles a situation that could have - and in real life, frequently does - end in tragedy.

*Advance review copy received from publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F Thriller, Romance

Sarah is a nurse who loves what she does. She loves helping her patients and their families. But when strange gifts start showing up at work and her house, she knows that she should probably learn how to defend herself.

Cole is a gym owner, but also a close friend of Logan Anderson. When Logan asks him to help someone who needs self-defense training, Cole agrees without question. But Cole's first impression to Sarah is less than ideal.

I like that this story was less go-go-go and more learning about the characters and watching their relationship grow and change. It still has action and the romance isn't in your face. There is less trauma in this story, but the message is similar. I liked how Sarah's character wanted to see the best in everyone.

Overall, I'm sad to see this series end. I'll miss these guys. But it was a gentle story to end on and it was very well done.

Possible Triggers: Stalking, Kidnapping, death, mental illness


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series and is a very welcome addition, as although it is not involving a member of Ace Security, it is Cole, one of their closest friends.

Cole runs a gym and self defence trainer, who after a rather embarrassing start, helps Sarah feel safer from her stalker. As they get to know each other, it is clear that these two people who have experienced a lot of abandonment in their lives, may just have found someone who they care more for than their fear. It is lovely watching them come to that realisation – even if it is done through a time of deep fear and worry.

Sarah's role in the hospital and her honesty about what is important to her reminded me of Abby in ER when she explained how different patient relationships are between doctors and nurses. It was a lovely memory which for me, made this an even richer read.

Thankfully there is less traumatic drama in this story than the others, but it is another great addition to the series. Thank you for giving Cole his happily ever after.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
I have loved this series from the beginning and am sad to see it end. Sarah has a stalker, a creepy, scary one and she needs to learn how to protect herself. And Cole is the man to show her how to do that. But when she goes to the gym, Cole says some things that Sarah overhears. He rushes after her to apologies and makes arrangements to get her back in the gym.

They hit it off almost instantly, the connection is there, the pull between them is there, neither one has had these feelings before. Do they ignore them or continue and see what happens? Can Cole help her learn to protect herself? Will ACE Securities be able to find her stalker? Will Cole and Sarah have a future together?

I love that Cole got his happily ever after and that this one was a slower-paced, less trauma-filled story than the others. I think it was the perfect way to end the series. I hate to see it end because I will miss these alpha males and the women they love.

CLAIMING SARAH is the fifth (and final?) instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult ACE SECURITY romantic suspense series. This is gym owner Cole Johnson, and nurse’s aide Sarah Butler’s storyline. CLAIMING SARAH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cole and Sarah) CLAIMING SARAH follows the quick building relationship between thirty year old, nurse’s aide Sarah Butler, and thirty-one year old, gym owner Cole Johnson. Sarah Butler has a stalker; a mentally handicapped man who believes Sarah is his to own but Sarah struggles with the increase in letters and gifts that are beginning to take on a threatening tone. Desperate to protect herself Sarah enrols in a self-defence class, a class that brings her up close and personal with her future. Enter Cole Johnson, the man with whom Sarah will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cole and Sarah, and the potential fall-out as Sarah’s stalker demands more from our story line heroine.

Cole Johnson’s attraction to Sarah is immediate and intense, and like all of Susan Stoker’s heroes Cole knows Sarah is his happily ever after. But Cole, along with the Ace Security Team believe Sarah’s stalker is a potential danger, and they begin a search to determine the extent of the threats against our heroine’s life. Sarah Butler is a bit of a Pollyanna who sees the good in everyone she meets but battles between head and heart as it pertains to the man who is currently making her life miserable. Hoping to protect the woman he loves, Cole and Sarah make plans for the future including moving our heroine closer to Cole.

The relationship between Cole and Sarah is one of immediate attraction; an instantaneous match that rapidly turns into something more. Cole wants a future with Sarah Butler, a future that is threatened by a man whose disability doesn’t allow for right and wrong. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary characters including Logan and Grace (Claiming Grace #1), Blake and Alexis (Claiming Alexis), Bailey and Nathan (Claiming Bailey #3) Bailey’s ten year old brother Joel, Ryder and Felicity (Claiming Felicity #4), as well as Sarah’s stalker Owen Montrone.

CLAIMING SARAH is a fast paced story of insta-love; a sensitive tale of obsession and misunderstanding; romance and love. The premise is inviting and realistic; the romance is tender and intense; the characters are sassy, sexy and sensual. CLAIMING SARAH is a heart warming and revealing addition to Susan Stoker’s ACE SECURITY series.

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GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2965265605


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Claiming Sarah is Book 5 in the Ace Security series. While I've read numerous other stories by this author, this is the first one in this series. I was a bit worried going in that I was going to be confused but I truly was not and while I do plan to go back and catch up on the other 4, I had no issues jumping in on the final book.

The initial meet between Sarah and Cole had me not liking Cole's character much at all. He did slowly start to redeem himself and I loved the connection between the two. There was certainly some suspense elements and while it was pretty clear who the culprit was, there were definitely some moments that kept me on the edge of my seat wondering how it would all play out.

Overall, this was a great story that I couldn't put down and I look forward to catching up on the other books in this series.

Sarah Stoker never disappoints when it comes to writing romantic suspense -- this is another winner in my opinion! As with all her series, you can read each one as a standalone, but reading the entire series in order is obviously more enjoyable. Cole and Sarah's story in this book is quite unique. As with all of Ms. Stoker's books, there's suspense and mystery, sexy alpha heroes and strong female leads, but this one brings mental illness to the forefront--very thought provoking. And I loved the epilogue! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

She’s been getting intimate gifts from a man she barely knows and while there’s nothing threatening, there is a weird vibe that Sarah Butler can’t ignore. Her only recourse is the self-defense lessons at Rock Hard Gym with a personal, hands-on instructor. He is definitely the man for the job, Cole Johnson is not only eager to train her, he’s eager to get closer. He knows she’s not imagining things and he’s not imagining their intense attraction. When she disappears, Cole enlists the help of Ace Security and he will stop at nothing to find the love of his life… before she vanishes forever.

This engaging suspense has the sweetest couple that makes readers smile and sigh in delight. The characters are strong and easily draw readers into their story and their chemistry is awesome which makes readers believe that anything is possible when comes to falling in love. Sarah and Cole are made for each other and while the relationship has all the emotional angst once would expect from the situation, the romance is sweet and one readers can really enjoy.

The plot is steady paced and the suspense builds throughout, keeping readers glued to the pages. Some unexpected and surprising twists keeps readers on their toes as the story unfolds and readers begin to wonder just what this bad guy has in mind. The conclusion of this story is a bit unbelievable in how sweet the heroine is but it also speaks of her humanity and readers have no problem fitting it with her characters which makes it quite fitting for this thrilling romance.

Susan Stoker has written another excellent romantic suspense book. Good solid characters and a wonderful plot. Loved it

I loved this, a great read, great chemistry and characters, lots of interest and drama to keep you turning the pages. A great addition to the series.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Probably more like a 3.5/5.0 rating.
There were so many things I enjoyed in this book. It had multiple points that were extremely creative and refreshing!

First, Sarah's character! How rare and unique is it to find a genuinely sweet, quiet girl who doesn't stand up and kick-a#$ every time someone crosses her in today's contemporary offerings?! Sarah's background in foster care taught her to keep quiet in a conflict. Then, her lovely dads instilled in her the belief that kindness is always better. She lives these two qualities to the tee. In fact, so much so that it is almost frustrating at times. She isn't truly a doormat character but she doesn't really stand up for herself. She just doesn't say anything and proceeds to do what she wants!

Cole's character is awesome! He sees the rare beauty that is Sarah's nature and immediately wants to protect and care for it. I did question the insta-love thing between them. It never did burrow into my believability brain like I wanted it to. I know why he was attracted to her but what made him actually fall in love with her? And visa-versa.. was she just looking for someone to take care of her? I would love to have had more depth in understanding that relationship.

The "suspense" part was also a mixed bag. It was AWESOME in that is was not at all like other books of this genre. Creative and intriguing at the same time. LOVED that! And, I loved the aspect that no one really took Sarah seriously because nothing really menacing was happening. On the surface people just saw someone pursuing her and leaving her gifts. Yet, she knew her instincts and they screamed, "CREEPY!"

I think the biggest drawback for me in the story was that I haven't read the previous books in this series. Although one can read this as a stand-alone, I REALLY wouldn't suggest it. Because I didn't know the backstories to many of the characters, I was never able to get anything but a surface/top layer understanding and that was extremely frustrating. So much involves the friendships and people surrounding Cole and Sarah that without having read previous books, one is left in the dark and without the depth to truly enjoy the story.