Protecting Fiona by Susan Stoker

 

3 Star

Hunter “Cookie” Knox’s team was sent into the jungle to rescue a woman from a well-respected family.  When they get to her they find another American.  They can’t leave her, so they get her out but now have someone who has been trafficked 3 months ago and has been passed around and drugged.  Fiona was not expecting to get out of Mexico.  When her captors brought in another woman, she just thought it as another day until some men came to rescue her.  She almost didn’t say anything and would have been left behind.  With everything she had been through she didn’t want to slow them down while dealing with drug withdrawal.  When they all are states side again, she’s not sure what she’s going to do as she lost her job, her apartments, and her life.  Cookie is determined to help her get back on her feet.  When the SEALs are sent on a mission, she’s left alone for the first time and doesn’t handle it well.  Will the team be able to get to her in time? 

This book started out really good.  I was loving it but like I’ve said for other books Susan Stoker has written about rape she doesn’t handle after the rescue well.  With this book you need to suspend your expectation of help and care.  Instead of going directly back to base and sorting everything out half the team goes to a safe house with Fiona.  They patch her up and help her with the withdrawal she’s going through but it doesn’t sound like any medical personnel actually looked at her.  They also didn’t have anyone talk to her about what she went through until she had a mental break and ran away.  I don’t think starting a relationship with someone who was sex trafficked is someone you should start dating without extensive therapy.  I really liked Cookie and Fiona I just wish her mental health was handled better.  It’s not a horrible book but isn’t one of my favorites.

Book 3 SEAL of Protection

Protecting Alabama by Susan Stoker

 

5 Star

Alabama has struggled her entire life.  When she met Christopher “Abe” Powers she wasn’t sure what to make of him.  He was making all sorts of promises but everyone else has let her down so why should he be any different.  Christopher got his nickname because he won’t tolerate lies.  When their paths cross he thinks he’s found the one but Alabama is hesitant to rely on anyone.  When she’s accused of stealing from her work will he believe her and stand by her or will he let her down like so many people before him have?

I absolutely loved this book.  Alabama’s story is so sad, and she definitely deserved some happy.  I loved seeing Alabama and Abe together.  They have a very intense and quick relationship, and I was definitely hoping for the best for them.  The big conflict in the story was an interesting conflict.  There were actually moments reading parts of it that made me cry and made me hate Abe.  One of the things I loved best is the fact that Alabama didn’t just forgive Abe for being a massive ass.  He had to earn her trust back and even though all of the SEAL team were friends with Abe first they all stepped up to help Alabama to make sure she wasn’t alone.  This was an awesome addition to the series.

Book 2 SEAL of Protection

Protecting Caroline by Susan Stoker

 

5 Star

Matthew “Wolf” Steel and his SEAL teammates are heading to Virginia for some R&R.  When the woman sitting next to him offers him the aisle seat so he will be more comfortable he jumps at it.  He forgets all about her until she stops him from drinking his beverage.  Caroline works with chemicals everyday and something smells off with the drinks.  With Caroline’s help the SEALs are able to prevent the plane from being hijacked.  After they are all safe, they continue to talk until she goes missing.  Wolf will need to do everything he can to find her and keep her safe.

This book was amazing.  I really enjoyed seeing Caroline come out of her shell and protect the guys who are supposed to be taking care of her.  The relationship between Caroline and Wolf was awesome to read progress from seatmates to soulmates.  Caroline goes through hell and she still has a positive outlook on life and people.  I liked seeing the hints of where the series is going.

Book 1 SEAL of Protection