Spice Level: 🌶
Trigger Warning;
Very Mild on page violence
Child neglect(in a conversation of the past)
Car accident

The Soldier is a sweet strangers to lovers romance with a little spice thrown in. Britt has been through so much by the time she meets the family, I love how they just adopted her so quickly. Chad is such a sweet man, and the heaps of respect and love those boys have for their mama is just lovely! Evelyn has to be my favorite, sweet and sassy old woman that she is, shes so fun! I'm usually weary about stories where the MMC and FMC fall fast, but reading about Austen and Evelyn's love definitely showed why Chad was so quick to fall. The spice was minimal, but it felt just right for this story.

I think the only real thing I didn't like was the conflict with the villain. That part did feel like it could have been fleshed out a bit more, I think that would have given more impact to the situation.

Over all the plot was great, it was well written, and I will definitely be looking out for the next books to read more about the other Young men!

Thanks so much to Montlake for providing this book for review via NetGalley!

*All opinions are my own*

First, thank you to author Susan Stoker and NetGalley for providing this ARC for my honest review below:

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, I was a tad worried based on the book cover that this novel could fall more towards the Harlequin romance genre than would be to my liking, but I was more than surprised by this gem of a story. I felt from the very beginning it was filled with heart and family, including found family. I quite literally could not put this down!

I was a touch worried with how quickly the two main characters love story seemed to move thinking eventually the story would have nowhere to go, but I was not let down in the least. For the briefest of moments I worried I was going to find myself frustrated by the miscommunication trope but instead found myself reading a story where the two adults did their best to be open and honest with one another. It was refreshing and really helped me want to root for the two main characters love story. If I were to have any constructive criticism it would be that I needed a little bit more physical descriptions of each of the characters. I loved the imagery the author created of Maine and the beauty of Lobster Cove and literally could imagine the entire setting, but the lack of physical descriptions of the characters made it difficult for me to imagine the entirety of the world and people within it. Regardless, I quite literally could not put this book down. The story line moved seamlessly with a perfect balance of romantic love, love of family, and adventure tinged with the slightest touch of mystery. I also thought the author did a great job setting us up to continue reading the series - How is Kash connected to the Youngs? Is there more to Lincoln and Harper's story? I am eagerly awaiting the alpha cove series to continue! Overall 5 star read from me!

I’m dnfing 20% in. The chapters are really long and I can’t get on with the writing because of it being 3rd person.

Thank you though for the arc

I was excited to see a new book by Susan Stoker posted on Netgally! I have read several of previous mercenary/ military books in the past and loved them all! The Soldier was both similar and different from those. Chad was ex military but it wasn’t his entire persona for this book and Britt both needed help but was also capable of taking care of herself! Lobsters cove sounds like a magical place to visit! I liked that she fell in love with the place BEFORE she fell for the man! Also the communication in this book was great!! It bothers me when a character sees something but doesn’t say anything because they think no one will believe them! Britt is not that girl!! She’s up front and open! Over all this was a sweet and quick read!

Four brothers returning to their small town in Maine to help out their mother after their father’s passing. That starts us off, and we begin with Chad. Britt is in a bad way, left behind when her boyfriend decided to return home, and took all their money. A chance meeting in a parking lot, and these two start their journey to be together. Things develop naturally, as they do spend a lot of time together. Problems are not with each other, but external matters. They grow closer and closer, until their HEA is all but guaranteed <3

I have been reading Susan Stoker books for years now at this point. A really great start to a new series!

Fantastic start to a new series! I loved this book! The characters are endearing and seemed to come to life on the page - from Britt with her hard start in life, to Chad, a genuinely good guy who changes his path in life for his family. Additionally, I'd love to adopt Chad's mom as a member of my family.

When a crisis occurs, shaking Chad and his brothers to their very foundation, the former military brothers rise to the occasion and act must faster than any police department could.

If you enjoy romantic suspense, you will love this book. The author is a master at her craft and on my must read authors' list.

Such a good story!! Highly recommend This contemporary romance centers on Chad Young, a former military man who returns to his family's business in Maine after his father's passing, and Britt Starkweather, a woman abandoned by her boyfriend and left stranded in Lobster Cove. Seeking refuge, Britt accepts the Young family's offer of a job and a place to stay.
steamy romance, small-town charm, and suspense. It has it all. I can't wait for more in the series!!

ARC Review: The Soldier
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

The Solider is a warm, feel-good kickoff to Susan Stoker’s latest series. The small-town atmosphere, the strong sense of family, and the slow-burn between Chad and Britt was great! It’s a story rooted in healing, second chances, and unexpected love.

Chad is the kind of steady, loyal hero you can count on—returning home to support his family after his father’s death—and Britt brings just the right mix of vulnerability and quiet strength. Their connection felt natural and believable, with just enough steam to keep things interesting without overpowering the heart of the story.

Chad’s mom and brothers, add depth and charm. There’s also a light mystery thread that adds a bit of tension without taking over the romance.

Overall, this is a solid start with a lot of heart, a touch of danger, and plenty of emotional payoff. I’m looking forward to seeing where book 2 goes!

Thank you to @authorsusanstoker and @amazonpublishing for sending me an ARC to review!