Kendric "Bob" Evans might have settled with his three friends in Maine but isn't quite ready to give up the thrill and excitement of dangerous missions. Unbeknownst to his friends he's been going on volunteer missions around the world. His current assignment is to rescue an archeologist accused of stealing artifacts and running drugs imprisoned in one of the worst prisons in Thailand. 
Marlowe has lost most of her fire and has almost given up hope when a surprise visit from a so-called lawyer warns her to be ready for action and escape.  As the two of them take off with the police on the hunt for them, they have to traverse the country to get into a neighboring country before they can take flight to the USA. 
When they are forced to marry to share a bed at one of the safe houses it seems to turn the tide as far as their relationship is concerned.  Bob is wounded as they barely escape with their lives, luckily Marlowe has the contact information for Bob's friends in Maine and they come through. 
While they may have escaped from Thailand and the prison guards the person responsible for originally framing Marlowe isn't done yet. He finds his way to Maine for a final confrontation between the police, Marlowe and Bob and his friends. 
What a thrill ride, with unexpected curves, a fair bit of spice and a photo finish.

The Hero by Susan Stoker
Game of Change #3

Adrenaline rushes are his thing so what would work better to provide one than working for the government in solo rescue missions to save others?

What I liked:
* Kendric “Bob” Evans: retired Delta Force, survivor of brutal torture, one of four-man team that were rescued from enemy lines, in business with those men, good friend, nightmares-PTSD, looking for “something”, might have found it on his last mission to Thailand
* Marlowe Kennedy: archaeologist, innocent prisoner in Thailand, raised by her older brother when her parents died, pragmatic, positive, tiny but mighty, bright, strong, survivor, loving, kind, supportive, a person I would love to call friend
* Watching the relationship develop between Kendric and Marlowe
* The solution found for eventually getting two wonderful people out of Thailand
* Getting to see the characters from previous books in the series and finding out how they are doing
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The positive conclusion with the hook for what will probably be the conclusion of the series – although – do want to know more about Tex…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about greedy people willing to do anything AND corrupt people in power willing to incarcerate the innocent

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

3.75 ⭐️ If I could get rescued and then stop working I’d be about this life too. I was annoyed at the nickname Punky and Bob, but seeing Punky so many times was just cringe. I never read the previous two books so it can be a standalone book. I do want to read the next book though with that ending. All the extra sappy stuff after the rescue was bleh to me. I also want to point out how Kendrick made two separate comments during my xxx that was just weird like why would you think of / bring it up during that time. Anyway that is all. I received this as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.

Fake marriage? - Yes, please! Badass heroine? - Yes, please! Dominant hero? - YES YES YES!

It was my first book by Susan Stoker and I'm sure will read more in furute. First of all I really liked both heroes. Bob aka Kendric was so protective and tender and easy to fall in love with. Marlowe is a great example of a strong heroine, I loved how she managed to cope with every situation. I also loved the writing style and plot as book was full of events and from very beginning you are drowned into action.
But please note that book is written from third person POV so this cam feel a bit uncomfortable.

The Hero is the 3rd book in the Game Of Chance series by Susan Stoker, in my opinion this can be read as a stand alone since I had not read any of the previous books. I really enjoyed Marlowe and Kendric story line, I found this to be a entertaining read. Fast paced and action packed I most definitely would recommend to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, I am leaving my review voluntarily.

After his career as a marine ended Bob settled into civilian life however the need to help others remains. It is for this reason that he helps out the FBI on clandestine missions with the latest one sending him to Thailand where he must rescue a woman who has been arrested for something she didn’t do.

Marlowe’s trip to Thailand takes a dangerous turn when she finds herself imprisoned. When she is rescued from the prison, she realizes the danger is far from over as they must find a way to get out of the country and that begins with pretending to be married however that is only the beginning as she is about to realize that the threat will also follow her home.

Romance and suspense combine as Bob and Marlowe take us on quite the adventure and they will need to rely on each other as well as Bob’s friends if they are going to escape with their lives.

Four men in captivity decide their post-Army futures with a game of rock, paper, scissors, settling in Newton, Maine, to open a Lumberjack and trail guide business. Kendric "Bob" Evans has secretly continued rescue missions worldwide, including one to save anthropologist Marlow Kennedy wrongfully imprisoned in Thailand. Their fast-paced escape and instant connection lead to a marriage of convenience, but danger follows them back to Maine. The story, with its familiar warmth and suspense, feels like coming home to a good book. The series promises more excitement, with anticipation for the final book focusing on JJ.

I loved, loved Kendric and Marlowe’s forced proximity, one “bed”, romantic suspense tale. This book had the perfect balance of sweet moments, spice, chuckles, past pain, evil actors, danger, excitement, coincidences, healing, big feels, and love. And while it is unlikely that I will ever be in a situation like Kendric and Marlowe were, they are portrayed as such real, relatable, and likable people who have flaws, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans, it was easy to connect to them. Kendric co-owns a tree service company in a small town in Maine with his three best friends. He is a former special forces soldier and was a POW. Unbeknownst to his friends, he has been going on secret rescue missions to other countries for the last two years. Marlowe is an archeologist who was set up and thrown in prison in Thailand for selling drugs. Kendric is sent in to rescue her. To get to their HEA, they’ll have to sneak out of a country trying to track down all the escaped prisoners, deal with their pasts, and embrace what could be. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. The suspense was well balanced with the romance creating a wonderful contrast. I am looking forward to the final book in the series

Susan Stoker is a one-click author for me. I don't need a title, a blurb, or any details. If you tell me a new book is in the works I know I want it. As is always my experience, this book grabbed my attention from the first chapter and kept it until the end. I finished it in 2 days and could have finished it in one sitting if I didn't have work and family responsibilities.

This is another great read from Susan Stoker. I enjoy all of her books, and this one is no exception. This book follows Marlowe, who is an archaeologist who was accused of wrongdoing and imprisoned in a foreign country. “Bob” is sent in to rescue her, on an undercover government mission, and bring her back to the United States. Marlowe is certain of who framed her, so with Bob’s help, they work to clear her name.
Another fantastic read and can’t wait for book four!

Susan Stoker did it again. This is a must read (as well as all her other series). No matter what I read by her, it's always AMAZING! I was so excited that she decided to keep adding to the Game of Chance Series. I always fall in love with her military men whether they're active or ex-military.

Kendric and Marlowe are amazing together. Kendric has gone into business with his military buddies, but hides that he continues to take on rescue missions to bring Americans home. Marlowe was wrongfully imprisoned in Thailand and is hanging on by a thread in the worst conditions possible. She was given a life sentence when drugs were found on her that were planted there by someone else. The marriage of convenience just solidified that this pair was meant to be and would be together until the end of time after the quickest jail break I've ever read about. Once they make it back to Maine danger comes a knocking and once again Susan Stoker doesn't disappoint, keeping me on my toes through each page. I definitely can't wait for the next book in this series so I can devour it in either a day or two.

The Hero (Game of Chance #3) by Susan Stoker
Publisher: Montlake
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance
Expected Publication Date: March 5, 2024

The Hero is the third book in the Game of Chance series by Susan Stoker and I am here for it! I thought this book was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to see what's to come!!!

This book grabbed me on page one and did not let go! I found the characters to be captivating and the story to be absolutely fascinating!

With all of Susan Stoker's books, there was such intensity running throughout the story. I was on the edge of my seat through the whole book! AMAZING!

I can't wait to see what's to come in the next books! I want all of the guys to get their "happily ever afters". I highly recommend this book!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First thoughts: The Hero was jam-packed with non-stop action from cover to cover.

This novel was sweet and spicy, just the right amount of both for how long the book was - which was surprisingly on the shorter side. It was longer than a novella but I was disappointed when it came to the end.

The main characters were fleshed out. They had relatable characterisitics and stories that pulled at your heartstrings.

The setting of the first half or so of the novel was Thailand and Cambodia, and while I've never personally travelled to either of these countries the author did a fantastic job of describing the setting. Lots of details that made sense about the setting. Especially around the setting of the prison in Thailand and all that Marlowe had endured.

I can say that the character's relationship wasn't insta-love but it also wasn't a slow burn. Marlowe and Kendric's story and their situation forced two complete strangers to place their trust and faith in each other for no other reason than their survival. Their relationship was formed as a result of that. It needed to because their survival demanded that. And so the pace of their relationship fit and felt natural without that icky feeling to it.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed this book, it was a fantastic read to curl up and crush in an afternoon.

Readers will enjoy this novel if they enjoy a little action in their spicy romance novels.

THE HERO (Game of Chance Book 3) by Susan Stoker
This story grabs you from the start and keeps you reading. This excellent action filled romantic suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat as you devour it. Marlowe is a archeologist working in Thailand and was set up and arrested for drugs and she was thrown into a prison. Kendric (Bob) Evans is a former soldier who goes on rescue missions for the FBI. Marlowe is under his protection and he is working to get her back home. This is a definite 5 star read.

A thrilling story by Ms. Stoker. The story was a good blend of romance and action. Enjoyed reading it.

I love Susan Stoker but for the love of me, I couldn't get over all of the over-the-top stuff. From the insta-lust to the whole marriage thing to their life after they cross the border. There were too many stuff that were hard to believe. If it were one or two I would have been 100% fine with everything. I know SS's writing and in this book, it was a little disappointing. I didn't have much trouble reading it though and I ended the book thinking mainly good thoughts. The thoughts after were the problem. Despite all that, I know I will be reading JJ and April's book because the amnesia trope is one of my favorite ones and I look forward to seeing these two work things out.

OMG, I loved Bob and Marlowe's story. I devoured the book in one night and I'm sorry it was over so quickly.
I loved that it had so much action, I loved Bob's personality and that he was a teddy bear underneath all his grumpy facade.

I loved that Bob (by the way, why Bob?) will help Marlowe, for a moment I thought she would be the typical weak and helpless female protagonist, but I loved that she had character.

Thank you Susan, for a gripping read from start to finish, I loved your writing style.

The love they have for each other is beautiful. They protect each other through various scenarios, which is great to see. Marlowe doesn't think of herself as strong or brave, but she absolutely is, and proves that throughout the story. I love her life goal & how perfect she & Kendrick are for each other!
I still loved him and how he treated Marlow. He's got the cinnamon roll type feel to him. I had a hard time connecting to Marlow in this book. I wanted to know more of her personality but I felt like he hid a lot of her personality through the book. Not sure if it's because she trained herself while in prison to keep it hidden to stay safe or if it's something else in her past. I loved the two characters together and felt like I could see their relationship develop as they were trying to get out of the country. I also love how they switched places and Marlow became the hero in parts of the book. The storyline in this book is great and it follows a lot of the other military romance books that I have read.

The Hero is about a very capable, alpha hero who singlehandedly flies in to save a wrongfully incarcerated heroine from a foreign prison. Even though the tropes in this particular story usually appeal to me, for some reason, I struggled to connect with the main characters and ended up stopping reading this story at 28%. While I understand the importance of starting a story in the middle of the action, I had a hard time getting a good feel for either character prior to the inciting incident of the hero breaking the heroine out of the prison with essentially a hope and a prayer and what felt like half a plan. This wasn't the case however, as they seem to have a very planned out route to escape, but because I didn't feel I got enough of a feel for them as individuals, I found it hard to be vested in their story of escape and having a marriage of convenience. For me, the chemistry between the two characters didn't pop and sizzle as I'd hoped, and perhaps this story unfolds slower than I'm used to. I just found myself wishing for more twists and turns, and revelations, and a stronger draw between the characters given the very high stakes present in the story. Ultimately, the slower pace just didn't grab me enough, but this story would be a good read for those who prefer to have a slower burn love story.

Another awesome and heartfelt love story to keep you loving what you read. This book has all the fast paced action with heart thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended!!