Scan barcode
erikajay's review against another edition
2.0
I really enjoyed the first part of this book, Fiona’s tragic circumstances and her rescue by Hunter. But the rest of the book fell flat for me. I think that some insistence on professional medical help for both her physical and mental state was needed. The other events in the book could’ve been avoided if those had been properly addressed.
I loved Stoker’s SEAL of Protection Legacy series, but this series isn’t working for me. I’m continuing because I bought a box set of four books. After I finish the next one, I think I’ll switch to a different series by Stoker and hope that it’s up to the Legacy standard!
I loved Stoker’s SEAL of Protection Legacy series, but this series isn’t working for me. I’m continuing because I bought a box set of four books. After I finish the next one, I think I’ll switch to a different series by Stoker and hope that it’s up to the Legacy standard!
chelseaj91's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This started decent but midway through, it took a turn to the frustrating.
The beginning was interesting and I did like that once Cookie realized Fiona was in the room as well, he didn't want to leave her behind. Julie's whole thing was annoying and someone needed to pop her in the mouth honestly. Yes, the situation was stressful but the fact that she flat out refused to acknowledge Fiona and seemed to actively hope they'd leave her behind was insane. That being said, I feel like that part of the storyline did need to be expanded on just a bit because aside from being the driving force behind Cookie meeting Fiona, and being a total brat, Julie was useless to the plot. It would have been almost easier to have a storyline where the guys were just taking out the drug runners and stumbled on Fiona that way. I also want to know more about what happened that made them have to detour to the back up site...the only thing that ever really happens with that is that Cookie goes "oh crap, I can't reach anybody, okay we're moving!" and then they're spending longer in the jungle. There were a couple references towards the end of the book about Mozart focusing on someone but even if something happened with that, you'd think Cookie still would have been able to contact the others.
Overall, Fiona was decent but her "I'm strong because I have to be" act got old really fast. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for strong characters but it almost felt like all of Fiona's character was wrapped up in how strong she was and outside of that she was kind of bland. I did think that overall, her experience was handled well but extremely compressed. There needed to be a lot of suspension of disbelief for her to only really have one "freak-out" after a few weeks. Said freak-out also felt slightly random...I do understand that trauma can have random triggers but it almost seemed like the author was just trying to insert some drama for the heck of it.
Cookie was pretty decent too. I wished he'd called Julie out a couple of times. Aside from her general attitude, the fact that he clearly realized she was being a b*tch to Fiona and just gritted his teeth and said they were fine was frustrating because it didn't quite feel like it fit his character. Not saying he had to lay into her but he should have told her to knock it off a couple of times. More so when he realized that Julie was content not to say anything about Fiona in the first place. There was a bunch of insta-lust/love here but considering the overall length of the book and the fact that it's a romance, it's to be expected.
I also absolutely hate Caroline's whole "oh right, I have to introduce you because the guys don't use each other's real names!" schtick. The nicknames are their names! They might not be their birth names, but nicknames are just as real as their birth names. And they mean something. I don't care if you think they're juvenile or whatever, you don't go around bad mouthing them. It's one thing to say "here let me tell you who goes with what nickname" but the way that Caroline phrases it/has phrased it pisses me off.
This edition had some editing and grammatical errors that made it difficult to get through as well. Instances of dropped and wrong words, spots where the punctuation was missing or didn't make sense. Overall, this series so far is definitely not the one I'd recommend starting with if you're just getting into Susan Stoker's books.
The beginning was interesting and I did like that once Cookie realized Fiona was in the room as well, he didn't want to leave her behind. Julie's whole thing was annoying and someone needed to pop her in the mouth honestly. Yes, the situation was stressful but the fact that she flat out refused to acknowledge Fiona and seemed to actively hope they'd leave her behind was insane. That being said, I feel like that part of the storyline did need to be expanded on just a bit because aside from being the driving force behind Cookie meeting Fiona, and being a total brat, Julie was useless to the plot. It would have been almost easier to have a storyline where the guys were just taking out the drug runners and stumbled on Fiona that way. I also want to know more about what happened that made them have to detour to the back up site...the only thing that ever really happens with that is that Cookie goes "oh crap, I can't reach anybody, okay we're moving!" and then they're spending longer in the jungle. There were a couple references towards the end of the book about Mozart focusing on someone but even if something happened with that, you'd think Cookie still would have been able to contact the others.
Overall, Fiona was decent but her "I'm strong because I have to be" act got old really fast. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for strong characters but it almost felt like all of Fiona's character was wrapped up in how strong she was and outside of that she was kind of bland. I did think that overall, her experience was handled well but extremely compressed. There needed to be a lot of suspension of disbelief for her to only really have one "freak-out" after a few weeks. Said freak-out also felt slightly random...I do understand that trauma can have random triggers but it almost seemed like the author was just trying to insert some drama for the heck of it.
Cookie was pretty decent too. I wished he'd called Julie out a couple of times. Aside from her general attitude, the fact that he clearly realized she was being a b*tch to Fiona and just gritted his teeth and said they were fine was frustrating because it didn't quite feel like it fit his character. Not saying he had to lay into her but he should have told her to knock it off a couple of times. More so when he realized that Julie was content not to say anything about Fiona in the first place. There was a bunch of insta-lust/love here but considering the overall length of the book and the fact that it's a romance, it's to be expected.
I also absolutely hate Caroline's whole "oh right, I have to introduce you because the guys don't use each other's real names!" schtick. The nicknames are their names! They might not be their birth names, but nicknames are just as real as their birth names. And they mean something. I don't care if you think they're juvenile or whatever, you don't go around bad mouthing them. It's one thing to say "here let me tell you who goes with what nickname" but the way that Caroline phrases it/has phrased it pisses me off.
This edition had some editing and grammatical errors that made it difficult to get through as well. Instances of dropped and wrong words, spots where the punctuation was missing or didn't make sense. Overall, this series so far is definitely not the one I'd recommend starting with if you're just getting into Susan Stoker's books.
ceta_cea's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book, because while Fiona was strong, it also showed that going through what she did get through, can seriously mess with our head.
literatureandleaves's review against another edition
4.0
Susan Stoker novels rarely disappoint.
They’re action packed, and bring serious subjects to light including the aftermath the victims can go through.
The horrors of Human trafficking weighed heavy in this one. Diving deeply to show that recovery isn’t just some hug and kiss then roll credits. I appreciate Hunter, his patience and gentleness.
I’ve always viewed Stoker novels as different episodes of the same show. Bring on the next.
They’re action packed, and bring serious subjects to light including the aftermath the victims can go through.
The horrors of Human trafficking weighed heavy in this one. Diving deeply to show that recovery isn’t just some hug and kiss then roll credits. I appreciate Hunter, his patience and gentleness.
I’ve always viewed Stoker novels as different episodes of the same show. Bring on the next.
rowdyroo762's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series. I don't agree with the criticism these books are receiving. They are well written, exciting, believable, and great romantic suspense. I do believe there are just some people we immediately connect with and feel comfortable around even in the worst of circumstances. Susan Stoker writes strong female leads who have an inner strength to defy adversity and still can be vulnerable and feminine. Read this series.
mlcreads's review against another edition
3.0
Cookie and Fiona"s story is not a soft romance. Cookie finds Fiona when he is sent on a mission to rescue another girl who has been kidnapped, but he can't leave her behind. Fiona has been held captive, starved, beaten, drugged and more but she is a fighter and not willing to give in easily. Cookie falls for her from the moment they meet his is rocked by her strength and quiet determination. I am not sure the guys do the right thing by not taking Fiona to a Dr to get treatment for her withdrawal and trauma, but Cookie's love does help.
teresajluvs2read's review against another edition
5.0
I just loved Fiona and Hunter's story
This was story that needed to be told and Susan Stoker did it in such a way that was gentle and heartfelt. Everyday some woman/girl is sold as a sex slave yet no one wants to talk about it. But Fiona's story needed to be told and Ms. Stoker did a beautiful job. I do have to say that there were times that I would have loved to slap Julie and its not all about you. Yes, originally the SEALs came to rescue her but it's the fact that Cookie wouldn't leave her behind and she chose to save him when they were being extracted that showed how strong and brave she was. I'm so glad Fee was able to get the help she needed. Love is the strongest strength there is and both Cookie and Fiona healed each other. I can't wait til the next book!
This was story that needed to be told and Susan Stoker did it in such a way that was gentle and heartfelt. Everyday some woman/girl is sold as a sex slave yet no one wants to talk about it. But Fiona's story needed to be told and Ms. Stoker did a beautiful job. I do have to say that there were times that I would have loved to slap Julie and its not all about you. Yes, originally the SEALs came to rescue her but it's the fact that Cookie wouldn't leave her behind and she chose to save him when they were being extracted that showed how strong and brave she was. I'm so glad Fee was able to get the help she needed. Love is the strongest strength there is and both Cookie and Fiona healed each other. I can't wait til the next book!
mickiilewis's review against another edition
5.0
If you have ever wanted to throat punch a fictional character, Julie is it! Ugh, she was going to let Cookie and the team leave poor "Fi Fi" my nickname I gave Fiona cause I kept thinking about Shrek. Any who, once they make it state side and Cookie, Benny, and Dude stay with Fi Fi to make sure she's okay...and I'll leave it at that. Go ahead and buy the book!