First off I want to thank @netgalley & @montlake for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyable beginning to a new series. I really enjoyed the concept, the plot and twist. The writing was great, just some aspects for me unfortunately made me not love it entirely while I did enjoy it.

I found their love story to be a bit unbelievable, at times I didn't truly feel their love for eachother I felt they were more friends. They were very cute together, and Riggs is an amazing man don't get me wrong. But the I love you's came very fast and I believe it through me off. Also I believe I would've felt their love more if their story was told in multiple POV's which make you see inside each person and relate more. I had discovered the twist early on but it was a good one.

In my opinion Carlisle's behavior was a bit unbelievable as she was coming out of an abusive relationship, I would've liked to see more of her damaged self and growth to trust Riggs. Just some things missing for me to make it a great read.

If you want an insta love, one bed, forced proximity romance give this series a try!

I love that we are getting new team to fall in love with! The first chapter was hard to read but necessary to see why these guys decide it's time to get out of the military. One of my favorite things happened in this book and that is some good quality time with the couple together. They are isolated through most of this book and still there was drama they had to work together to battle. It's my favorite kind of romance. I just prefer the couple working together against the world instead of against each other. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!

This was my first book I'd read by Susan Stoker and I wasn't disappointed. (My cousin has loved reading Susan Stoker books for quite some time and has been telling me how great they are.)

The way that Carlise and Chappy met was really cute. (#forcedproximitytrope) I liked that Chappy and his friends all decided to move to Maine together and built a business from a rock, paper, scissors game that they had while they were held captive. I also loved that Baxter, the dog, was the one who led Carlise and Chappy together and then they rescued him.

The perspective of the stalker was creepy and well written and I definitely liked that there was an intentional misdirect by the author. I wouldn't have guessed who it was at all!

I would've liked to have seen a bit more of Chappy's friends, but I'm glad that they were there for checking in on Chappy after he was sick and after the avalanche that happened.

Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for giving me a copy; all views are my own.

Lost and on foot in a snowstorm, Carlise is rescued, first by a dog, and then by Riggs, a former soldier staying in his remote cabin. From there, the relationship develops quickly, with Carlise's stalker eventually finding her.

I am a fan of this author's early work, but I find her latest stories to be the re-telling of old storylines that are predictable and unbelievable at the same time. I knew who the stalker was almost immediately, I would rather re-read her earlier stories.

2.5 stars.

I really enjoyed this book up until the 60-65% mark. It was cute, sweet and fun and included some of my favourite tropes such as forced proximity and the FMC looking after her sick love interest. After this, I struggled to enjoy the rest of the book, I couldn’t keep my attention on it and it just wasn’t for me. This book is written well, I found the writing style really accesible and I liked the FMC but I just think this book wasn’t my cup of tea.

I received this as an ARC on NetGalley.

The Protector is the first book in the Game of Chance series. It follows four friends who were in the military together. After a few games of "rock paper scissors" they decide that they need to move to Maine and start a tree and guide service near the Appalachian Trail. This time around military action takes a backseat and more romance insta-love.

The plot was a bit over the top and predictable. Very light on suspense which I have come to crave from SS books. The book had great potential but for me it was slow. I was looking (hoping) for the SS edge of the seat action to kick in. Solid writing if you are in the mood for romance without the "edge".

On a side note ... Baxter! Totally swoon-worthy!

I loved it! The chemistry between them was great, the plot twist was something I did not see coming and the story in general was absolutely great! I look forward to read about the other boys!

This was a really good book, except for the slow build up in the beginning. Carlise was running from her ex boyfriend and ended up on Chappy's doorstep with the help of an abused pitbull who came out of nowhere. These two get to know one another, but while he's gone her stalker shows up. That's when things get interesting. HEA.

A band of soldiers with a new lease on life decide to start it in the mountains of Maine, Riggs found not only an abandoned dog but a woman lost in the snow storm. What happened next is what i come to expect from Ms. Stoker. She wrote of a person who is caring and protective of Carlise and vice versa, finding good in human and animal. A beautiful story of love and finding your soul mate protecting them at all costs.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and as the first release in Susan’s new series, Game of Chance, I know this will be a hit series!

Love!! Reading Rigg’s and Carlise’s story felt like being wrapped in one of Rigg’s fluffy blankets. Everything about the characters had me rooting for them and I want my own Baxter!

It was a quick read but with enough of a plot to keep you entertained. The story wasn’t dragged out, which I was grateful for.

I can’t wait to read about the other guys too and see them get a HEA.

(4.5) The prologue is gut wrenching, heart wrenching. I am member of Soldiers Angels supporting our deployed it did a number. Then we have a stray dog(Baxter) in a blizzard, a women(Carlise) on the run from her stalker and our alpha, (Chappy). There was so many strings being pulled it was a one sitting read. There was steam for those who enjoy that portion. I liked the way Chappy and Carlise got to know each other. Yes it was forced proximity, but it wasn't instantaneous. Each scene with Baxter stretched my heart a little more. I do agree that Chappy was a little heavy on explaining he was a protector, but I can see it being used as a tool for reassurance. I loved when the rest of his team was together and the support they provide each other. Apparently I am one of the slow people because I was surprised with who the perp turned out to be. Love a book that throws a surprise or two my way, and I am so on board with the rest of the series!! Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #theprotector #gameofchance #susanstoker #montlakepublishing #netgalley

This is the 1st book of Game of Chance series, it can be read as stand alone. My first in this series and this book is good. The first book about Riggs “Chappy” Chapman.

After traumatize event in their military career, Jackson “JJ” Justice, Riggs “Chappy” Chapman,Kendric “Bob” Evans, Callum “Cal” Redmon decide to retired and move to Maine. They open Lumberjacks business calls Jack’s Lumber. Still sufer from mental ramifications of what they’d been through, Chappy choose to live in small cabin in the wood. There he meet Carlise. Carlise try to hide from her stalker ex-boyfriend, she got lose and a dog lead her to find Chappy.

I enjoy the story for me both of them falls to fast. Chappy friendship with his friends so strong, bound through their time in military and they have each other back. I love Baxter why oh why there is people abandon animal loke that *crying*

Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.

#TheProtector #GameofChance #SusanStoker #Montlake #NetGalley #ARC

Thank you Montlake for the advanced copy.

Trope:
Forced proximity
Insta love
Honest no miscommunication

I personally haven’t gotten used to insta-love but this was pretty good.

Carlise left her home to escape her stalker when she got lost in the middle of a snow storm. Luckily, ex-military Riggs
—or “Chappy” as his closest friends call him—was in his cabin and found her.
Instantly drawn to each other, Riggs vows to protect Carlise; But when her stalker finds her alone in the cabin, shot and led into an avalanche, their future becomes uncertain. This is book 1 of Game of Chance.

First of all, I love how the story demonstrates the difference between an unhealthy and healthy relationship. I think it is very important to depict the two kinds properly especially with some books romanticizing abuse.

Although the writing uses an easy language and they’ve been saying everything that I would want to hear, it was only by chapter 10 did I begin to actually feel any emotions between the characters and become invested in the story. The dialogue flowed better and felt more genuine, more realistic and not too scripted.

I like that it’s detailed, every thought and actions by the characters had rationale. For example, he explained he’s not trying to be “overbearing or possessive” but just wanted to make sure she’s got everything she needed, when he wanted to get back to Carlise right away.

Riggs/“Chappy” definitely needs to be known by many and this book needs to be read by all because—if only for this hunk of man—everyone needs to learn from him how to treat women! Did I also mention that Riggs is a book lover? His character is so mature, he’s respectful and protective in all the right ways.

A great start to a new series.
There were four former special forces friends held captive. This series is about their lives after they eventually get home.
This first book focusses on Riggs (AKA Chappy) and Carlise. Do to circumstances in each of their lives, they are forced to live together in a remote cabin during a dangerous blizzard. Of course the question is, what happens when the storm has ended?
I really enjoyed the characters and how well developed they were. I felt the author did a great job of letting us get to know them. Especially loved their adopted guard dog, Baxter. The plot was good and it flowed smoothly, I just wanted a bit more in the middle. The beginning and end captivated me, the middle got a little drawn out.
But, I do recommend the book and am looking forward to the next in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Protector
By Susan Stoker

Perfect start to the Game of Chance series!

Four men who were captured and tortured by the enemy during their time in the military have decided through games of chance they will be “lumberjacks” in Maine when they get out of the service. The first book in the series follows Riggs “Chappy” Chapman as he takes a two-week retreat to his remote cabin in the woods. He needs solitude and quiet even though a blizzard is on the way. He’s ready and doesn’t mind being snowed in alone. When he answers his door to a starving dog and realizes the dog needs him to follow, he finds Charlise Edwards wandering and nearly frozen to death not far from his cabin. Charlise has escaped Cleveland and a stalker only to get lost in the Maine wilderness and fears she’s near freezing to death when a dog appears, and she follows it down a snowy path. As Riggs and Charlise become acquainted through the blizzard they realize they have a once in a lifetime opportunity to have discovered ‘the one’. Carlise feels safe with Riggs and Baxter, the dog, so far away from her troubles back home but knows it’s only a matter of time before her past catches up.

Ms. Stoker has a talent for writing strong, capable, and brave women who may not be perfect, but are kind, smart, and tough when they need to be. Carlise is capable of handling the worst on her own, but Chappy wants to protect her not because she needs it, but because she’s special to him. It’s a smooth and effortless read, with enough suspense, danger, and emotion to make the pages turn quickly. I love the fact that these men didn’t want an after-military career in security or as bodyguards, but wanted a peaceful life away from the craziness, something where they could still help people. Ms. Stoker excels at the military tropes and proves here she has the gift of bringing these characters to life after the military and into civilian life, even with the actions of the dregs of society following them on an emotional level. The Protector is the first book in the new Game of Chance series, and it’s going to be a great series! I am invested in all four men already excited to read each story in this series to find out how they all get their HEA. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Susan Stoker has the unique ability to create relatable characters while putting them in some improbable situations. She is a one click author for me. I was very excited to find out about this new series and it does not disappoint.

The Protector is book one in the Game of Chance series. This series follows four friends who were in the military together. They have moved to Maine to start a tree and guide service near the Appalachian Trail. The book opens with how they come to this career changing decision and it is one of my favorite scenes. The brotherhood between these men is strong and plays out throughout this story.

Riggs "Chappy" Chapman has retreated to his cabin in the woods for a much needed break after trail season. A snow storm hits just as he's settling in and realizing that he is coming down with something. Carlise Edwards is running from and unknown danger and finds herself on the backroads of Maine during this storm. She gets lost and has to leave her car. Riggs finds her not far from his cabin with a little canine help. Carlise then has to care for Riggs while he is sick and out of it with a fever.

This story has some of my favorite elements: snowed in, forced proximity, one bed, and instant attraction. These create the perfect environment for these two characters to connect on a deeply emotional and physical level in a short amount of time.

Danger eventually finds Carlise and the story is action packed from that point on. The suspense element was well done. I love how Susan's characters always find ways to save themselves even if they need a little help at the end.

Susan Stoker has created another series that I can't wait to read more of. I am very excited for book two.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC.

I loved this book!

I thought that it was well written with a brilliant storyline that had me well and truly hooked!

There was mystery, suspense and romance – the book had it all!

It is 5 stars from me – very highly recommended and a sexy story to read too!

Susan Stoker is one of the authors who never disappoints me. When I read her books I know exactly what to expect and that is the most important thing to me. This book is part of a new series and follows the life circumstances of Riggs and Carlise The book is interesting, it's a quick read, it has some chemistry and for me that's enough to fill my free time and relax me...

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this opportunity .

Another great read from the very talented Susan Stoker and she has given us a whole new group of alpha males to fall in love with These guys suffered at the hands of insurgents and have decided that it is time to leave the military and find a new livelihood hopefully somewhere where they can find peace and that is as guides and carers of of walking trails and tree loppers. But they still need their alone time and that is what Riggs (Chappy) Chapman is looking forward to when he heads to his cabin even though a blizzard is forecast No one has any idea what is heading his way first a stray starving dog that leads him to a lost woman who then has to care for him as he succumbs to the flu. But there is far more going on than anyone realises and Riggs protective instincts will flare as he has to keep Carlisle safe as he fall for her. Can't wait for more books in this wonderful, new series

I saw the cover and immediately knew it was going to be spicy. And indeed it delivered spice.

This story is insta love done right.

Carlise Edwards gets stuck in a storm basically in the middle of nowhere. Hot military guy, Riggs aka Chappy, finds her wandering in the storm and lets her stay at his cabin until things get sorted out. At first he was skeptical of her since she was stranger, but then he slowly developed a soft spot for Carlise. He would protect her from all the harm in the world if he could. Chappy is so down bad for her. The more Carlise is around Chappy, the stronger her feelings are for him.

This story has so many cute tropes…one bed, bad dream but she's there moment, force proximity & small town.

Susan Stoker’s writing was so easy to follow. The back and forth between Riggs and Carlise’s pov was done so smoothly. It felt natural and paced well for a story told in third pov.

This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. Definitely gonna explore more books from this author in the future.

Thanks for the arc, netgalley!