The Protector

Written by Susan Stoker

Narrated by Ava Erickson and Ryan West

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Stoker comes a sizzling suspense about the romance that blossoms between two strangers during a snowstorm and the stalker who threatens them both.

Riggs “Chappy” Chapman didn’t expect to be disrupted at his remote cabin in the woods. But when a stray dog arrives on his porch, he winds up finding a stray woman, too, trudging through the snowstorm in search of shelter. His military days may be behind him, but Chappy is hardwired to protect her from the storm and whatever it is she’s running from.

Carlise Edwards didn’t expect her car to break down in the Maine wilderness. All she wants is to escape whoever is stalking her back home. There’s no way anyone’s going to find her and Chappy deep in the forest, especially not in dangerous weather. But she finds it hard to mind the circumstances when the company is this stimulating.

As the snowstorm rages, Chappy and Carlise find that, despite the cold, they can generate plenty of heat of their own…but there’s more than just natural dangers lurking in the woods.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Mar 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798400105432

Susan Stoker

Susan Stoker is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose series include Mountain Mercenaries, Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes, SEAL of Protection, Ace Security, and Delta Force Heroes. Married to a retired Army noncommissioned officer, Stoker has lived all over the country—from Missouri and California to Colorado and Texas—and currently lives under the big skies of Tennessee. A true believer in happily ever after, Stoker enjoys writing novels in which romance turns to love. To learn more about the author and her work, visit her website, www.stokeraces.com.

Reviews for The Protector

[cassie.peters1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This one was just ok. The end left me feeling like, "Well, Ok." I was confused that the lady was described as an undercover DEA agent but it never said anything about it in the actual story were she worked for the newspaper.

[sheila1957 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While part of a series, this can be read as a standalone. Minette has always loved Hayes but he has always hated her and she did not know why. When he is shot she takes him in to recover. I liked these two characters. Minette is on the older side for an ingénue but Hayes is older than her. Hayes is also not like Diana Palmer's usual male characters. He is not taciturn but lets us know his feelings. Minette is stronger than she believes. She has many surprises in her future but I got my HEA.

[rhonda1111 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4 STARSIt has been awhile since I have read a story about Jacobsville, Texas. A lot of tough guys live and work there. The description of the book is misleading for me. Or maybe it went over my head and I missed that part. It has happened to me before. There are a few love scenes towards the end of the book. Lots of drama and some action. Some interesting characters. Some good, some bad and some really bad guys. And one big iguana.Sheriff is home on his ranch when he is shot. He never saw the shooter, but he had his phone and was able to call 911. When he woke up the doctor told him it would be awhile for him to heal from this bullet injury. He could not stay home alone and they could not get anyone to stay with him because of Andy. His six foot iguana that hated females. Hayes has no relatives, his housekeeper is out of town nursing his sick sister. He has one choice and he is not going to like it.Minette Raynor is raising her little brother and sister. She also lives with her Aunt. Minette runs a newspaper and Hayes hates her. Hayes blames her for his brother dying of drugs during high school. She has never touched drugs or partied. She never gave drugs to his brother.She offered to let Hayes stay with her family and recuperate on her ranch.Hayes knows a secret about Minette that he promised his father that he would not tell anyone about it. It was not anything that Minette did but it is why he blames her for his younger brothers death. Now that secret would be coming out and would be dangerous for Minette and her family it could also save her family.Minette and her Aunt are good cooks and Hayes loves to eat there cooking and it softens his attitude towards Minette. He also realizes that it was not her fault for his brother's death, She is a good mother to her younger sister and brother. Who are cute and like to be with Hayes.There is a new drug lord from Mexico that is moving into Jacobsville. He is not wanted in the U.S. any of his illegal businesses are done in Mexico. He has lots of enemies and brings danger with him.If you are a fan of Diana Palmer's you will enjoy reading Protector. I look forward to seeing what happens next in Jacobsville it is getting interesting there.I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it when finished reading by Netgalley.06/25/2013 PUB Harlequin HQN ISBN9780373777716Description below taken off of Netgalley.New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer takes readers back to Jacobsville, Texas, where Hayes Carson is a lawman on a search for justice. His brother had been the only family he had left in the world. Hayes, a long, tall and serious Texan, has long been suspicious of the blonde-haired, bright-eyed Minette Raynor, who is both mysterious and beautiful. And now he's convinced that Minette was involved in giving his brother the drugs that killed him. As far as Hayes is concerned, neither her looks nor anything else will stand in the way of him righting what is so very wrong. Minette can't get Hayes off her mind, or off her back. His investigation of her is a nuisance, but as an undercover DEA agent, that's the least of her worries. Until she finds herself in great danger, and he's the only one who can save her. Can she count on Hayes believing the truth-and saving her life?