I have read several other Susan Stoker books and have like them all. The Solider is no different.

The Solider kicks off a new series, Alpha Cove. The series will follow the 4 Young brothers as they return to Maine after the death of their father. This story is Chad's story. Chad was a sniper in the military and comes back to help his mother with their family businesses. On a chance encounter, he meets Britt when she is have some really rough luck.

Britt folds so easily into the Young family when she begins to live at the main house and work for them. Soon enough Chad and Britt fall in love while working side by side.

This story also introduces us to not only the brothers, but so many other characters that are a part of Lobster Cove.

There was one thing that I had a hard time with, it was Zach. When he arrived back home, I really didn't like him. Honestly, I am still not sure.

Overall, I enjoyed this story as I have others by Susan.

Spice: 3/5
Fun: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake - Ballantine for providing an eARC for an honest review.

Chad Young is home in Lobster Cove after many years in the Military. Running an errand for his mother in town, he rescues a down on her luck young woman and brings her home to his mother.  Love at first sight? certainly not but it's definitely a start of something.
Soon Britt is working for Chad's mother helping with the summer rentals on the property and living in their home.  The bookkeeper Otis gives her the creeps as does Otis's son Camden but the other folks at the various businesses in Lobster Cove are welcoming. Next Britt has to face the gauntlet from Chad's brothers who have all also returned home to be closer to their mom and each other. 
It is inevitable that Chad's protective instincts soon turn into love, the chemistry of course has been there from the moment he saw the man yelling at Britt in town.  Otis and his son however are not happy since the return of the brothers and Britt's knowledge of the accounting and inventory is set to upset their applecart. There's danger, excitement, warm family fun and the mother is a kick ass character who's a feisty lady. 
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing how the other three brothers succumb to love and their mother's desire for grandbabies.

The Soldier by Susan Stoker is an emotional romance set in a small coastal town in Maine. Chad and Britt meet when Chad comes home to help his family, and Britt ends up working for Chad’s family. The connection between Chad and Britt grows quickly, built on trust and kindness. The small-town setting and family bonds add warmth to the story. There is a bit less action compared to Susan's other stories, but the romance is strong and heartfelt. This is a great start to the new Alpha Cove series.

Unfortunately I didn’t love this book. I found it too slow with too much dialogue where there didn’t need to be. The story wasn’t bad, the slow pace and repetitiveness throughout just wasn’t for me.

A woman at the end of her rope meets a man returning to his roots.

Left homeless and penniless by her ex, Britt's lost hope until Chad comes bursting into her life. Something in her draws him in, and he finds himself taking her home for a hot meal with his mother. From then on, her life changes dramatically, and for the better. The pair grow closer as they work together to make Lobster Cove, the place where they live and work, thrive. But when Britt uncovers a decades-long betrayal, will they survive the blowout?

This slow burn, first in series book will draw you in from the first page and make you wish all of the brother's books could be published at the same time. The way Chad falls for Britt is swoon-worthy. And the care and love all the brothers give to each other and their mother show what it means to be family. Another great one by Susan Stoker that makes you anxious for the rest of the series books to be released.

The Soldier by Susan Stoker is a small town romance where a damsel in distress meets her ex military hero.
This is the first book in a new series and the characters, both main and secondary are well developed. The setting, a small town in Maine, is such wonderfully described that it feels like a character by it self and makes me want to move there immediately.
Chad and Britt story is cute and emotional with just the bit of suspense that made me turn the pages till late at night.
A very good start for a new series.

The Solider is a charming quick easy read that deals with parental loss the strong bond between a mother and her children a spicy new romance unexpected betrayals and what's a Susan Stoker book without a little danger and action.
I received an advance reader's copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving a review

The Soldier by Susan Stoker is an emotional romance set in a small coastal town in Maine. Chad, a former soldier, comes home to help his family after his father’s death. Britt is left with nowhere to go after her boyfriend abandons her, and she ends up working for Chad’s family. The connection between Chad and Britt grows quickly, built on trust and kindness. The small-town setting and family bonds add warmth to the story. Some parts move a little slowly, but the romance is strong and heartfelt. This is a solid start to the new Alpha Cove series.

This novel presents a skillful interplay of romance, suspense, and elements of small-town life, enriched with subtle comedic undertones. Central to the narrative is a family of four brothers, each shaped by their military service and a shared upbringing grounded in discipline, loyalty, and moral integrity. The story follows Chad, the first of the brothers to confront the complexities of love, as he becomes emotionally entangled with a strong-willed and resilient woman whose life has been marked by significant adversity.

The author’s portrayal of character dynamics is particularly noteworthy. Through Chad and his romantic interest, the narrative explores themes of vulnerability, emotional growth, and the redemptive potential of love. The setting of a small town operates not merely as a backdrop but as a living community that reinforces the themes of connection, belonging, and healing.

With its well-paced plot, multidimensional characters, and an engaging emotional arc, this work offers readers a compelling blend of warmth and tension. It serves as a promising start to what appears to be a character-driven series with considerable thematic depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

I loved the family dynamic of the boys and their mother, especially since their father passed away. Slow reading for me until towards the end, involving Britt and their mother. Would love to know more about Kash. HEA.

This was my first Susan Stoker book and my first ARC review for the Amazon Publishing Creator Program! I rated it a 3.75 but I rounded to a 4. However, this was not too bad to read knowing its not usually my preferred genre. I love a good series and this one called to me knowing that it would follow 4 brothers who are all in the Military.

If you love protective heroes, emotional healing, and small-town charm, this one’s worth checking out. 💕

I would TOTALLY visit Lobster Cove. The setting took place in the state of Maine which was cozy and atmospheric. I could practically smell the ocean breeze and hear the seagulls.
Chad (late 30's) is the kind of hero who makes you feel safe just by being on the page. He’s quiet, strong, and fiercely loyal. Definitely gave me late bloomer in life with relationships, as he focused on his career and life.
Britt is easy to root for—she’s been through a lot, horrible upbringing, sh*t ex-boyfriend who took advantage of her and left her stranded, and yet still- she’s kind, capable, and never gives up. Her connection with Chad’s niece and nephew was so sweet. 🥹
The found family theme really pulled at my heart. It’s not just about romance—it’s about healing, finding true belonging, a fresh start and building something new.

Tropes:
Protector Hero 🛡️
Found Family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Small Town Romance 🏡
Grumpy/Sunshine ☁️☀️
Rescue Romance 🚨
Insta-Love 💘

If you’re new to Susan Stoker like I was, this is a great place to start. It’s heartfelt, hopeful, and full of characters you’ll want to root for. 💖

eArc Review for NetGalley

If you're looking for small-town charm, brotherly chaos, and a cinnamon roll hero with sniper skills, this book delivers with a slow burn spice but slap in the face sweetness that practically smells like pie cooling on a windowsill.

We meet Chad (yes, that's really his name, don't let it fool you), an ex-military sniper who returns to Lobster Cove after his father's death, bringing along his three brothers and a protective streak so wide it might qualify as a full-time job. Britt: resourceful, stubborn, and recently scammed by her ex, now living out of her car but refusing to give up on her dream of settling in this cosy coastal town.

This is where the 'family' vibes kick in hard. The story is heartfelt and full of warmth with the town, the brothers, and their shared grief slowly pulling Britt in like a cozy quilt. The writing is clean, the characters are well developed, and the world building had me googling if Lobster Cove was real (it's not, but l'd still move there tomorrow).

That said, I did find myself wishing for a little more suspense and a little less fluff. There are a couple of moments around 65% and 85% where the plot tightens and you get a glimpse of something darker or more intense, but it's fleeting then resolved.

Britt's backstory is explored thoroughly and with care, while Chad's military past felt more like background seasoning mentioned in passing but not deeply unpacked.

And while I love a feel-good romance, a few scenes leaned a bit too far into the Hallmark zone and left me craving just a touch more grit. Still, I found myself enjoying the journey and rooting for both Britt's healing and Chad's soft but strong hero arc.

The best part? The foreshadowing of the brothers' stories to come. I have opinions about Kash and a very strong feeling we're only scratching the surface of his family dynamic with the brothers and Evelyn.

Tropes I'd say it falls under
✨Found family
✨Close proximity
✨Small Town
✨Slow Spice
✨Insta Love

LOVED IT. Susan Stoker has done it again with this magnificent novel. The Soldier is the first book in the Alpha Cove series, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting lost in within the pages of Maine, exploring the family connections, friendship, and love woven throughout the story. I can’t wait to get to know the rest of the Younge brothers and the cheeky, strong, family matriarch.
I would like to thank the author, Montlake and Netgalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheSoldier #NetGalley.

This book was the perfect mix of romance, suspense, small town life, and a little comedy! I loved the tight knit family and four sons having military backgrounds. They were all raised right and are all getting ready to finally settle. Chad is the first one to trip and fall face first in love with a very strong and determined woman who has had a rough life. I absolutely adored this story and can’t wait for the second one! I was given an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: 3 stars! The Soldier is the first romance novel out of the Alpha Cove Series. This introduces us to Chad Young and his 3 brothers … Lincoln, Knox and Zach. Then there is the mother, Evelyn! Each of the 4 boys were in different branches of the military and chose to leave the service and come home to Rockville, Maine to be with their mother after the passing of their dad/husband. We are then introduced to Britt Starkweather. Britt was down on her luck and on her last dollar when her boyfriend dumped her in rural Maine to go back to Georgia.

My take on the book: This novel is a nice, sweet, predictable read! Chad is bad assed, swoon worthy, loyal, honorable, protective, noisy, strong … mamma’s boy! He was a sniper in the Army and was proud of his service to his country … but with the passing of his beloved father, he felt that his calling was back in his childhood town with his mother. He managed to talk his brothers to also leave their respective services and help attend the family struggling businesses. Britt, on the other hand came from a totally different background, where she was raised by a single mother who resented her only daughter. Chad finds Britt down on her luck, living out of her car and down to her last dollar. He takes her home to meet his mother, Evelyn. Evelyn is a lovely 71 year old, bad assed, take no nonsense, wise, proper lady! I loved reading about Evelyn and some of the snappy one liners that came out made me chuckle out loud! I found Britt a younger version to Evelyn … they just meld and jelled together like two old soles joined at the hip!

The book ... (and I think) the series will be totally different departure from Susan Stoker’s other military/romance series. Yes, the 4 brothers are all in different branches of the military, but that does not get played out in this book. Nor, does the author really go into their military backgrounds. We are just told that each boys have their own demons to slay. The action part of the book was downplayed … in comparison to the military/romance novels. The book is filled with family love, commitment and devotion. It is a family coming together after the death of the father/husband and coming to terms with their grief … only for one son to find romance and love! I am not usually a fan of insta love, but it seemed to work in this novel!

My final thoughts: this is the first book in a series and they always tend to struggle … yet it was still an enjoyable, but predictable read. Can Ms. Stoker make something of the rest of the series will be determined in future books. Is it up to par with her military/romance novels? No! But, Ms. Stoker has a loyal and devoted fan base and people will keep coming to her … until they don’t! I would read further books of this series if they were on Kindle Unlimited … would I pay for another read?? The book would have to really tweak my interest!

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Susan Stoker for providing me with an eARC for review ✨

Publication Date: August 12, 2025

This one took me on a WILD ride. Our story follows Chad Young and Britt Starkweather as they navigate the ups and downs of the management of Chad’s family property, Lobster Cove. With his brothers returning to town, the whole family grieving the loss of their patriarch, there’s a lot of change happening, and Britt comes in to shake it up even further. But she and Chad might both end up with more than they ever expected.

I feel like I went on a bit of a rollercoaster ride. The pacing felt just the slightest bit inconsistent—I know that there is obviously plot and backstory to build up, but the first 35% or so of this dragged for me. Once we hit about 40%, we got into the real meat of the story and the pace started nipping RIGHT along, which almost felt TOO fast. I’m not typically nitpicky, but it did have an element of whiplash.

But in terms of vibes? Susan Stoker, I apologize, I was not familiar with your game. The spice in this? HOOOOO boy. So unexpected, to be honest, and SO good. I also really enjoyed the family and found family elements of this—I’m always a sucker for found family, but it was nice to see the familial bonds formed out of blood be just as wholesome and heartwarming as the found family dynamics. And boy howdy, those boys love their mother. How can you turn that down?

Happy I got to pick this one up! If you like golden retriever MMCs, golden retriever FMCs, strong female characters, found family dynamics, quick and easy love stories, and family business elements set in coastal, rural Maine, this one’s for you!

This one had everything I want in a small town romantic suspense!! There’s a pull between Chad & Britt from the start and they both feel it, but Chad’s determined to help her get on her feet and feel secure to push anything more than friendship. Their feelings are unavoidable as they spend more time together though, and I love that they had built such a friendship first! I loved Chad and his relationship with his brothers and his mom, and I loved some of the other people around Lobster Cove. The suspense absolutely kept me on my toes, and I think my jaw was on the ground as all the secrets came out. I really enjoyed this one, and cannot wait for the next book!!

The Soldier kicks off Susan Stoker’s new Alpha Cove series with everything I love about her books: a protective hero with a heart of gold, a resilient heroine who refuses to stay down, and a simmering suspense plot rooted in small-town dynamics.

Britt and Chad's connection sparks from the beginning, but what I appreciated most was how grounded it felt. Britt might be down on her luck, but she never gives up, and she proves more than once that she can fight her own battles. That said, Chad is the kind of partner who shows up fully, without hesitation, when she needs him. Their dynamic hit all the right emotional notes for me. Their connection feels real from the start, and the stakes only grow as secrets in Lobster Cove come to light.

The small-town Maine setting adds a cozy, lived-in vibe, and I loved the dynamic within the Young family—especially Evelyn. I’m already invested in the rest of the brothers, and I can’t wait for Zach’s story.

While I guessed the plot twist early, the suspense still held strong and kept me turning pages. This story leans more into community and quiet strength than military action, and it works perfectly. Fans of the Game of Chance series will feel right at home here.

"The Soldier" kicks off Susan Stoker's new Alpha Cove series with all the elements her fans love: a protective military hero, a woman in need of a safe haven, and a simmering romance. It's a solid and engaging read that sets a great tone for what's to come.

Chad Young is exactly the kind of hero you expect from Stoker honorable, quietly strong, and fiercely protective. His dedication to his family, especially his mother, is really endearing, and his transition back to civilian life while still embodying that "soldier" mentality is well-handled. Britt's initial vulnerability, left stranded and alone, quickly earns your sympathy, and it's wonderful to see her find her feet and her voice with the Young family's support. The immediate spark between her and Chad feels natural, and their journey together is both sweet and steamy.

The small town Maine setting of Lobster Cove adds a charming backdrop, and the introduction of the Young brothers promises exciting future books. I also appreciated the hint of an underlying mystery; it added a nice layer of intrigue beyond the romance, keeping things from feeling too predictable.

My only reason for a four star rating rather than five is that, at times, the protective instincts of the hero felt a little overwhelming, and the resolution of some plot points felt a touch too straightforward. However, this is a minor personal preference in an otherwise very satisfying romance.

If you're looking for a heartfelt contemporary romance with a military hero, a strong sense of family, and a dash of suspense, "The Soldier" is a fantastic read that will leave you eager for the next book in the Alpha Cove series!

Another fantastic piece by Susan Stoker. I already fell in Love with Lobster Cove. The character's, the town and its people, especially this family. Chad & Britts story is an amazing start and I can’t wait for more to come. Zach’s epilogue made sure of that.