Susan Stoker kicks off a brand-new small-town romance series with The Soldier, and she absolutely nails it. This book blends family, steam, suspense, and heartfelt emotion into a story that grabs you from page one.
Chad Young returns home to Lobster Cove, Maine, after years of serving in the Army. He doesn’t come back lightly—his father’s death leaves both his family and their business shaken. Chad steps in with that classic protective alpha energy we expect from a Susan Stoker hero, but what makes him stand out is his unwavering love for his family and his determination to do right by them.
Britt Starkweather stole my heart immediately. She arrives in Maine with a boyfriend who promptly abandons her, leaving her stranded with no money and no plan. When Chad finds her sleeping in her car, he doesn’t hesitate—he offers her safety, kindness, and a chance to start over. Britt accepts a job and housing from the Young family, and from there her journey of resilience and growth takes off.
The instant connection between Chad and Britt sparks a romance that feels both swoony and believable. Chad makes Britt feel safe in ways she’s never experienced, and Britt brings out a softer, more hopeful side of Chad. Their chemistry is undeniable—protective, steamy, and grounded in mutual respect.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Susan Stoker romance without a layer of danger. As Chad and Britt fall harder for each other, shadows start to form around the Young family’s business. That suspense thread kept me hooked and added intensity to Chad’s role as protector.
One of my favorite parts? The introduction of the Young brothers. Their bond, banter, and loyalty add depth to the story and set the stage for an incredible series. If you love family-centered romance with protective heroes, strong heroines, and just the right mix of small-town charm and suspense, The Soldier is a must-read.
Susan Stoker never disappoints. The Soldier delivers a protective ex-military hero, a down-on-her-luck heroine who refuses to quit, and a romance that feels like both passion and home. This is the kind of story that makes you believe in second chances and forever love.

After the death of his father, veteran Chad and his brothers return home to Maine to help their mother with the businesses. While running errands in town, Chad meets now-homeless Britt and offers her to come home for lunch where he knew his mom would want to take her in. We see Chad and Britt get to know each other and begin to fall. Britt discovers some suspicious activity and they work together to find answers. Some drama/suspense happens (don’t want to say any spoilers). Overall it was a decent read. I loved Chad’s positive relationship with his mom and how he was with Britt. A true man. The added mystery/suspense was good for the storyline as I was worried about getting in a slump. The spicy scenes were a great bonus!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Susan Stoker delivers another heartfelt, steamy romance in The Soldier, blending family bonds, small-town charm, and a love story that feels both tender and unshakable.

Chad is everything you want in a hero—steady, protective, and deeply loyal—while Britt is a heroine you can’t help but root for, brave enough to start over after heartbreak and abandonment. Their chemistry is immediate, but what makes this book shine is how safe, healing, and genuine their connection feels. Add in the warmth of the Young family, the backdrop of Lobster Cove, and a thread of mystery that keeps the pages turning, and this story becomes impossible to put down.

Romantic, emotional, and filled with Stoker’s signature heart, The Soldier is a beautiful reminder that love can find you when you least expect it—and when you need it most.

This was such a great start to the series! I loved seeing a family come together after going through something tough—it felt really real and heartwarming. Meeting the four brothers was a highlight for me. I can tell they will each bring something special to the series.

Chad’s relationship with his mom was so sweet, and I really liked how their whole family welcomed Britt with open arms. The slow burn romance was done so well, and when the spice finally kicked in… whew—it did not disappoint!

Can’t wait to dive into the next book and see where things go from here.

This is book 1 in the new Alpha Cove series. When Chad Young moves home, it’s not a decision he makes lightly. A former military man, he doesn’t make any decision lightly. But his father’s passing has left the family—and their business—reeling. Now more than ever, they need to stick together. Britt Starkweather moved to Maine with her boyfriend, never imagining he’d abandon her there. With no money and nowhere to go, she accepts the Youngs’ offer of a job and room on their property. What more does she have to lose? Although they just met, Chad makes Britt feel safe in a way no one has before. And she makes him feel things he’d given up on finding. But even as they grow closer, Britt realizes that something is amiss at Lobster Cove…and Chad will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

So, I love this author's books-but I was slightly iffy about this one just because of the blurb for it. I am so glad that I was proved wrong and it totally didn't disappoint! Chad and his family are going going through a major change with the death of his father-and changing their entire lives by coming home seemed like a drastic decision to me. But the more I read, the more it seemed like it was the right decision. At least for him. I love that they showed Britt that not everyone is out for themselves and there are still good people out there. That there are people out there willing to help others. And that their help isn't contingent on anything in return, including her dating Chad. Their romance was truly a slow burn. They became friends and grew to know each other before anything really happened, and I loved that for them. It was the perfect way to start of the series. The only reason I knocked this down from 5 stars is that I was expecting a lot more suspense than what it was. It seemed to be light on the suspense, and that's not a bad thing! But usually when I think of this author, I think a lot of suspense. This one was lighter, but still a great read!

When Chad Young's father passes away, he decides to move back home along with his other brothers to run the family business. He meets Britt one morning and offers her a job and a place to stay because he just senses that she needs some help, and she does. Chad and his brothers are all ex-military and they have character and charisma for everyone, and it doesn't take long for Britt to understand that Chad is just a good, decent man. Unfortunately, not everyone holds the same standards in Lobster Cove, which causes a good deal of drama and peril for Britt and Chad's mom.

I was really looking forward to digging into this story. This author has a good reputation for writing romantic suspense and I was ready for that sort of story. What I got was something closer to romance than romantic suspense. I don't want to say more because it might spoil it for you, but I thought with all that military background in the family, that it would come into play, but that wasn't the case here.

Overall, this is a pleasant romance with some insta-attraction between two good-hearted people. It's hard not to get behind Chad and Britt's romance. The drama and suspense is light-weight and quickly resolved without too much trouble, which I why I found this to be more romance than romantic suspense. A sweet romantic tale starts this Alpha Cove series.

The Soldier is a great start to a new series. It’s the perfect mix of small-town vibes, humor, romance, and family with a dash of suspense. I really enjoyed this story and Chad and Britt together. They had an instant connection that grew quickly but it was solid and she blended well with his family. It’s an engaging story with intriguing characters and all the homey feels and emotions and I’m looking forward to learning more about Chad’s brothers.

This isn't my normal type of reas but I was hooked from the start. The way the book is written keeps you wanting more. Don't walk run to get this book! Chad and Britt's story is romantic with just enough spice and longing to keep you reading. All the characters are amazing and ad more to the story as a whole.

I love Susan Stoker. I have been listening to her for years and this was a great start to Alpha Cove series. As always there are terrific characters, wonderful location setting and fantastic story. I am always so invested in all of her book. Definitely recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC

When Chad steps in to help Britt after she’s harassed in a parking lot, he has no idea how much she’s been struggling. Living out of her car after her boyfriend ran off with the money they’d saved to move, Britt has nowhere to go. Chad offers her a job at his family’s rental cabins and some companionship for his mom, who’s still grieving the loss of his dad.

From there, things unfold into a heartfelt story. Chad, the protective alpha type, falls hard, and the Young family welcomes Britt with the love and support she’s never had before. The romance is a slow burn with some spicy moments, and there’s even a touch of suspense woven in.

This was a solid start to the series, and I’m definitely looking forward to Zach’s story next—one of the other four Young brothers who have returned home.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

I generally like this author, but the basic premise of this book did not work for me. The MMC moved back home to help his mother, soon after followed by his brothers. This felt far too family oriented for me, I think I prefer more action and found family, rather than real family. I also felt like I was constantly waiting for something bad to happen, I made it about 40% through and ended up DNFing. It’s not a bad book, it’s just not for me.

Susan Stoker has a gift for writing stories that draw you in emotionally while keeping you fully invested in the characters’ journeys, and The Soldier is a perfect example of that talent. From the very beginning, this book feels both unique and deeply personal. The storyline stands out not only because of the romance, but also because of the strong sense of family, loyalty, and connection that flows through every chapter.

One of the most powerful aspects of the book is the way Stoker captures the bonds between the characters. The love they have for one another is so clear and genuine, and it makes you want to step right into their world and be part of that family. Each relationship, whether romantic or familial, feels authentic and layered, giving the story emotional weight beyond just the central romance.

The romance itself is beautifully paced. Stoker doesn’t rush into the steamy moments—instead, she lets the tension build, allowing the reader to experience the anticipation and emotional intensity right alongside the characters. By the time those intimate scenes arrive, they feel completely earned and deeply satisfying, with the perfect balance of heat and heart.

Overall, The Soldier is more than just a romance—it’s a story about connection, trust, and finding love that feels real and lasting. Susan Stoker has crafted a book that will tug at your heart, make you smile, and remind you of the power of love and family. Readers who enjoy romance with genuine emotion, strong character development, and a touch of steam will not want to miss this one.

This is Chad and Britt's story. Chad is former military and has recently moved back home to Maine after his dad's passing. Britt moved to Maine with her boyfriend who ended up abandoning her. Now she must make a new life for herself alone. She finds a job working for Chad's family's, and has a place to stay. I really liked Chad's character. He's a little guarded, and has a heart of gold. I loved how strong and independent Britt was. And the spicy scenes are fireworks. I will definitely read more from this author.

Chad Young, a former Army sniper, returns to his hometown of Lobster Cove after his father’s passing, seeking to support his family and discover a new sense of purpose. Britt Starkweather, left abandoned and impoverished, is living out of her car until Chad intervenes to lend a hand. Chad's family offers Britt a job and a place to stay, and she starts to rebuild her life, finding herself attracted to Chad’s quiet strength and compassion.

As their bond grows, Britt begins to suspect that something isn’t right in Lobster Cove, and Chad becomes determined to protect both her and his family. This heartwarming story combines romance, family ties, and a hint of suspense in a charming small-town setting. Britt is a resilient and brave character, while Chad is a steady and protective presence, making their relationship feel authentic and warm.

I enjoy reading susan stoker's novels, and this was no different.
I read the book in 2 sittings, and enjoyed it. If you like her books, you'll love this one!

Former Army sniper Chad Young has returned to Rockville and his home at Lobster Cove. His father had passed away and it is time to return and help his mother, Evelyn, with the family business. Britt Starkweather has no idea what she is going to do as her car won’t start and with no money she has been sleeping in her car. When Chad notices that she needs help, he fixes her car and eventually offers her a job at Lobster Cove. Spending time with his mother shows Britt just how much she missed with her own mother who never really cared for her. Chad’s brothers, Lincoln, Zach and Knox are also moving home to be with their mother. Britt has made life easier for Evelyn, helping with the cabins and inputting daily invoices. She never wanted a hand out, just a chance to survive. As she and Chad spend time together, she is attracted to him, but she has just survived a terrible relationship; can she trust another man? Chad soon finds himself thinking about her more than he should. Will they finally admit the feelings that soon flare between them? Britt soon senses that all is not right with their finances, but should she mention this to Chad? A beautiful love story, hot romance and suspense as Chad and his brothers try to unravel the deceit at Lobster Cove. Loved it! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

This was such a good Susan Stoker story. A father's death had brought all 4 sons home to help their mother run the businessess. They all had joined different branches of the military but it was time to come home and start over. Lobster Cove seems like such a great place to live. Brit had come to town with her boyfriend who had run off with all of her money and deserted her. Chad brought her home and she started working for his mother, cleaning the cabins, and helping wherever she could. She was really instrumental in finding problems where the family had not seen them. There was drama, betrayals, romance, kidnapping and the 4 boys working together to start their lives over again.
It truly was a wonderful story. I highly recomment

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

This book....yes. You have to read this book. I loved everything about this book the mmc is so my type of MMC. I can't wait to tell others about this book. If you pick this book up, you won't put it down. I have to read the other 3 books to the series.

5⭐️ 3🌶️ 5🎧 Lobster Cove and the Young brothers are dreamy! This found family, forced proximity, workplace romance with the added element of suspense made for one very good story!

Chad and Britt were so cute together and had chemistry since their first meeting in a parking lot. Britt found herself quickly in a pickle and thanks to the Young family found her way out just as quickly. I loved how Chad and his family took her and treater her like family from the very beginning.

Teddy Hamilton and Lucy Rivers narrate this audiobook, and they did a fantastic job! I’ve listened to Lucy a couple times now and I enjoy listening to her. Teddy is one of my favorites, I will listen to him read literally anything! I loved how they still had two narrators even though the story is written in 3rd person POV.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I listened to the audio on Audible.

The soldier, Chad, is a good man who loves his family and misses them and his childhood home and the way it makes him feel. This is a great story about family and the realities we all face at times. We lose people, people disappoint us and let us down and tear down others. Chad and Britt show us how life can be full of goodness and kindness. I love that Chad and all his brothers are open, kind, loving and take such great care of their mom and each other. I love that they are good men who know how to treat others and be respectful and hardworking and overcome the obstacles that thrown into our everyday life. I want to be friends with this family and visit Lobster Cove. I love that Britt and Chad fall for each other. The mystery and suspense makes sense and adds background to their story. The writing is smooth and easy. I can't wait for Zach and his story. 4.5 Stars