A feel-good, small town romance. We follow Chad, an ex army sniper who moved back to Lobster Cove together with his brothers to help his mother after their father’s death. He meets Britt, who was abandoned by her ex and now lives in her car. Chad takes her to his mother’s home and she welcomes her and even offers her a job she desperately needs.

My thoughts: Chad and Britt are very endearing characters and Lobster Cove sounds very lovely. I think this story would be better for me if it was written in first person POV. Sometimes I also had the feeling that I was reading a romance story between mother and sons, which at times made it feel a little bit cringy to read.
Would recommend it if you want a cozy, feel-good romance story.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC!

Excellent start to a new series.

When Chad Young first lays eyes on Britt Starkweather, I loved the immediate connection that he senses. That soul-deep, instant understanding, you’ve found the one. Chad’s willingness to ‘save’ Britt and have her be a part of his life is what we all love about romance, and Susan Stoker is a master of captivating you into the story with her characters’ instant sense of home when they meet their other half. She writes wonderful heroines who have the inner strength to overcome adversity. I know that’s how I want to be, and I enjoy watching a strong woman know she can save herself, but still wants the love and support of a good and devoted man. Chad is that man and more. He’s protective and loves his family (blood related or not) and will not give up. He has a soft spot for his woman and will die to save her.

This is the first book in the new Alpha Cove series, and I’m excited to begin another journey with Ms. Stoker’s characters. As I immersed myself in this story, it was less about who the bad guy was and more about the build-up in suspense; more about the relationship between Chad and Britt, and with his brothers; and more about reaching the climax of another well-written story. Almost Hitchcockian, where you know something is going to happen, and yet, you wait for the proverbial ball to drop. I’m so excited to read the rest of this series. I can’t wait for Chad’s three brothers to fall for their perfect women. Great start to a new series!

The Soldier is the first book in a new Susan Stoker series. It is set in Maine around four brothers who all return home from different branches of the military upon the death of their father to support their mother and their family businesses.

Chad is the second oldest and was a sniper in the Army, and whilst out running errands for the family business he encounters Britt, who is down on her luck and even living in her car. Chad brings her home to “Lobster Cove” the family homestead, as he feels he can help Britt and in return Britt can help his grieving mother.

Chad and Britt’s romance is a slow burn and particularly at the beginning more sweet than spicy, but this is as we get to know the characters, the locations and background for this story and the other three to come. The mystery and intrigue also grow slowly and so you have a bit of suspense without jumping straight into the stereotypical damsel in distress. Especially as Britt is more than happy to take care of herself and doesn’t want to be rescued.

This is a wonderful new series, the family are great and I love Lobster Cove and eagerly anticipate the remaining stories. I highly recommend if you enjoy small-town romance, a fabulously strong family bond with romance and mystery sprinkled all over.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.

This is an Insta love/forced proximity. He an former army sniper, she is abandoned by her ex in his small town. He helps her by bringing her home and she helps him by helping his mother and other odd jobs around lobster Cove. This had me kicking my feet and giggling, and I’m very glad that I was alone when I read the lobster swing part that would have me cackling out loud.

This was a fairly straightforward romance with some suspense and spice. The relationship between Chad and Britt felt like it progressed very quickly but the characters were charming enough to make it believable. There’s a found family element for Britt that feels cozy. It tries to incorporate a bit of suspense with Britt’s involvement in uncovering embezzlement from the Lobster Cove mechanic shop, which amps the tension up. The family camaraderie gives it some depth, and all in all this would be a good “starter” romantic suspense for those wanting to try the genre.

A brief disparaging mention about the homeless keeps this at a lower rating for me. The FMC talks about how she assumed they’re all addicts and mentally ill until her circumstances suddenly forced her into the same position. It was odd and seemed unnecessary and was all I could think about for a bit.

Thank you to Susan Stoker and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for review.

The Soldier is the first book in the Alpha Cove series. This book is about Chad and Britt and is told from both of their points of view. After Chad's father's passing he moves back home with his brothers to help their mom run their family business.

He meets Britt when she is having some trouble getting her car to start and she's in a rough situation. He invites her to his home to meet his mom and have a meal. His mom falls in love with her and offers her a job and some place to live.

Chad and Britt start to have feelings for each other, but some factors are trying to rip apart Chad's family's business. Can Britt and Chad figure out who is behind all the stuff that keeps happening? Can Chad and Britt come out on top? Will they get their happy ending?

This is my first book I've read by this author and I loved it, and am ready for the next book in the series!

Lobster Cove and the town in general are places I would happily venture to in real life. Kitsch to the max, beautiful scenery and friendly locals.

Chad (I'm afraid I skwicked every time I read that name! Sorry to the Chad's out there) and his brothers are in mourning for their father and worried about their mother. They all decide to leave their military careers and return home to look after the family businesses or start ventures nearby.

Britt is in dire straits when she meets Chad. She has car travel, has been abandoned by her odious ex, and currently living in her car. She is rightly suspicious of the helping hand that he offers but all she sees is green flags and takes a chance on this stranger, that's how desperate she is.

Over the next few weeks Britt becomes invaluable to the family and a great companion for their mother. However there are some financial shenanigans afoot and the storyline weaves the romance of Britt and Chad through the mystery of uncovering who the thief is.

There are twists and turns to the story and I did guess the big bad straight away but I still enjoyed unravelling the story with the MMC's.

I'm really looking forward to seeing which brother falls next and how!

I’ve always been a big fan of Susan’s writing but this new series is already my favorite. It's definitely slower than some of her other series, but I am loving the small town romance vibes and I will never complain about a book set in Maine.

Chad Young found himself moving back in his small home town in Maine after his father passed. His mother is all alone and the family business is hanging on by a thread. He was expecting a lot of work around the property, but he never expected to find a woman who would sweep him off his feet.

Britt had moved to Maine with her boyfriend in hopes of starting over but those dreams are quickly crushed when he steals her money and leaves her abandoned. Britt finds her way to working at the Young’s family business and lands in a bit more trouble than she ever expected.

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read almost every book from The Seals to Badge of Honor series. This book was different and I loved Lobster Cove. All brothers returning home and each prior military and has a story to tell. The story draws you in and it makes you visualize the town and want to visit. Can’t wait to read the books about the other brothers.

The Soldier
By Susan Stoker
Book one in Alpha Cove

Britt Starkweather has made some poor choices in her life, moving to Maine is looking like the biggest. Yet there is still good in people and things turn around with the help of the Young family and their wonderful home in Lobster Cove. She's determined to prove she's capable and not defeated by circumstances.

Chad Young is reeling from the death of his father. Moving back to Maine wasn't on his radar, but with his retirement from the Military he had nothing holding him back. Now is his opportunity to return to the place he loves, help his mother and find peace. With his brothers help making the family businesses a priority is his first step. He didn't expect to find the perfect missing piece in Britt. She's able to provide a helping hand for his mother and drive him crazy with their chemistry. And with her being new to the dynamics she's able to see things more clearly and see things everyone else have missed.

The Soldier is the first book in the Alpha Cove series by Susan Stoker. Susan Stoker’s books was my introduction to romantic suspense books, when I got back into reading after I graduated college. So I was excited to revisit her book. I really enjoyed the small town vibes of the book. It made me want to get on a plane to go to Maine , It felt like I was reading a Hallmark movie with a pinch of spice . The Soldier as the first book in the series did a good job of introducing the characters and the setting of Lobster Cove. I would be interested in reading all the brothers stories!! Thanks NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

it was a 3rd person narrative. I appreciate that the epilogue is from the pov of the next brother. Cute story, well definitely read the next book.

THE SOLDIER is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult ALPHA COVE romantic suspense series focusing on the Young brothers: Chad, Lincoln, Zach and Knox. This is thirty-seven year old, former US soldier Chad Young, and Britt Starkweather’s story line.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Chad and Britt) THE SOLDIER follows in the wake of the arrival of Britt Starkweather in Rockville Maine. Having been abandoned by the man whom she thought she loved, Britt was jobless, penniless and homeless, until the kindness of Chad Young who was home in the aftermath of his father’s death. Offering Britt a job working at the family owned vacation cabins, Britt found herself wondering for the first time when her luck would run out but the off chance of working the books at the Young’s Lobster Cove garage, our heroine will discover some discrepancies that had been affecting the bottom line. Having placed a target on herself, Britt is determined to protect the people with whom she was falling in love.

The world building follows several pathways including the history of Lobster Cove, the family owned businesses, and the people who they employed. A dispute with a neighbor threatens any semblance of peace but a betrayal from within, and an abuse of friendship, jeopardizes the entire family.

The relationship between Britt and Chad begins as a rescue, of a sorts. Britt is desperate and accepts Chad’s help, and in return she becomes a part of the family. As Britt and Chad begin their dance around one another, there are those who still question Britt’s quick acceptance into the family. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Chad’s brothers: Lincoln, Knox and Zach, as well as their mother Evelyn Young; several employees and questionable neighbors. The requisite evil has many faces.

THE SOLDIER is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is intriguing and dramatic; the romance is seductive; the characters are determined and charismatic.

The Soldier is the first book in Susan Stokers awesome new Alpha Cover Series.
This is a well written, small town, slow burn, romantic suspense.
I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the rest of the series.

The Soldier by Susan Stoker has everything I love in small town romance. A beautiful town set in pretty nature. A big loving family with their special bonding. The peace, calm and sweetness of small town life. And an amazing love story budding in middle of it.

Chad and his brothers ( all are engaged in the different military services) decide to move back to Lobster Cove to help their mother in their family businesses after their father's death. He finds Britt stranded and helpless, living in her car, after she was left by her a&&hole ex just after moving to Rockerville He takes her to their home and his mother immediately embraces her. Britt gets a job she desperately needed and she is so grateful for the support. But they have coming close beyond the professional capacity. Is she ready for it?

I love my military heroes and Chad is a great hero. He is definitely an alpha but not over the top. He is caring and protective. He feels deeply responsible and worried for Britt but he also didn't want to jeopardize her job and the way she is helping her grieving mother. Britt is sweet and sincere. She doesn't want to take any advantage of their generosity and that's why she works extra hard. But she fell in love with the family and Lobster Cove and that's why she goes above and beyond for them. Falling for Chad was so easy but she tried to play safe until their feelings got too strong. I loved the bromance and I loved Evelyn extra! She is the greatest mother with her big heart and big attitude. There is a thread of suspense regarding the old family friend betraying them and Britt catching it and the consequences. And it keeps the story even more interesting. Britt never had true unconditional love in her life. Chad and Lobster Cove filled that emptiness. She is unlike any woman Chad ever met and she is exactly the kind of woman he wanted as life partner.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily

🪖 Family, small-town charm, and a whirlwind romance 💕

Title: The Soldier (Alpha Cove #1)
Author: Susan Stoker
Format: eARC 📖
Tropes: Protector Hero, Small Town, Found Family, Instant Connection, Second Chances

Trophy Worthy: 🏆 (heartfelt family bonds, light suspense)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶 (moderate, but not the focus)

Quote: “Sometimes the safest place isn’t a fortress—it’s a family.”

Author Review
Susan Stoker is a new-to-me author, and this first book in the Alpha Cove series introduced me to her signature blend of protective heroes, loyal families, and small-town warmth. It’s a gentler romance than I expected from the title, with lighter suspense and more focus on relationships than action.

Book Review
The Soldier introduces the Young family of Lobster Cove, Maine—four military brothers who have each left their respective branches of service to come home after the loss of their father. In this first installment, Chad, a former Army sniper, crosses paths with Britt, a woman down on her luck after being stranded in town by an ex.

From there, the story unfolds with an insta-love romance, cozy small-town vibes, and a strong focus on found family. Evelyn, the Young family matriarch, is an absolute highlight—wise, witty, and quietly formidable. The relationship between Britt and Evelyn was almost as heartwarming as the romance itself.

That said, the plot is more predictable than suspenseful, and the pacing—especially early on—is slow. The villains are fairly obvious, and while there are a few tense moments, the stakes never fully reach the level I was expecting. The romance moves quickly, which worked at times but left me wishing for more emotional build-up.

Overall Thoughts
🪖 Protective, loyal MMC
🏡 Warm, found-family small-town setting
💓 Insta-love romance
⏳ Slow start and light suspense

This is a softer, more domestic romance than the military-heavy plot I was anticipating, but it’s still an enjoyable start to the Alpha Cove series. I’m curious to see if future books lean more into the action side of things.

Thank you Susan Stoker, NetGalley, and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The Soldier is the 1st book in the Alpha Cove series, introducing the Young family and their family home, Lobster Cove. It's something of a 'quieter' read with very little suspense and pretty obvious villains, focusing instead on the insta-love romance between Chad and Britt complete with a few steamy sexy times. From the title, I was expecting more of the 'alpha', but all in all it's an entertaining read with a lovely cast of characters.

The Soldier tells the tale of Chad Young former Army sniper who returns home to Lobster Cove to help his widowed mother run her varied businesses. But it is also so much more.
It also features a down on her luck FMC, a spunky widow, and some slimy bad guys.
Come along and watch as Chad falls for our down on her luck FMC and keeps the bad guys from bilking the widow out of the last of her savings.
I really enjoyed meeting Chad and his brothers (and look forward to their stories as well) and fell for Britt alongside Chad. I absolutely loved Evelyn and am looking forward to seeing how she sets up the rest of her boys. I fell for Lobster Cove and can’t wait to return.

Lately, Susan Stoker has been a very hit-or-miss author for me. Her most recent series have felt boring, slow, and far more focused on romance than on suspense or mystery and unfortunately, they all follow the same repetitive formula. The Soldier was no exception.

Honestly, I couldn't get into the story. The romance didn't feel believable or engaging, and at times it almost seemed like the real emotional connection was between Chad and his mother... NOT what I signed up for. No, thank you!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

This book had a lovely family dynamic and one that embraced those in need. I loved that aspect and the suspense behind the storyline. I adored the two main characters and their romance but I felt it was a little rushed and developed too quickly.

Overall a great read and storyline!