The Soldier by Susan Stoker

Protective heroes, resilient heroines, and the start of something special.

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.

Release Date: August 12, 2025

Pre-Order The Soldier here. Available in Kindle Unlimited on release day!