Review and Author Interview: Protecting Cheyenne

Posted June 3, 2015 in review, romance Tags: military

Protecting Cheyenne (SEAL of Protection #5) by Susan Stoker

Series: SEAL of protection #4
Also by this author: Justice for Mackenzie (Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes #1), Protecting the Future, Rescuing Rayne, Justice for Corrie, Shelter for Elizabeth, Rescuing Emily, Justice for Boone, Rescuing Harley, Shelter for Adeline, Marrying Emily, Claiming Grace, Rescuing Kassie, Protecting Kiera, Claiming Alexis, Shelter for Sophie, Rescuing Bryn, Justice for Erin, Claiming Bailey, Rescuing Casey, Claiming Felicity, Justice for Milena, Rescuing Sadie , Rescuing Wendy, Shelter for Blythe, Defending Allye, Defending Chloe, Securing Caite, Defending Morgan, Rescuing Macie, Defending Harlow, Claiming Sarah, Shelter for Koren, Securing Piper, Defending Everly, Securing Zoey, Shielding Gillian, Securing Avery, Shielding Kinley, Trusting Skylar, Trusting Molly
Goodreads

Living in Southern California, Cheyenne was used to seeing hot military men as she went about her daily business. An anonymous encounter at the grocery store cemented her crush on one such man. He was big, built, and incredibly easy on the eyes, but it wasn't as if he would ever really notice her. Always in control of any situation, Faulkner “Dude” Cooper knows explosives. As a bomb expert, he's lived through many high pressure situations. Disfigured by a bomb while on a mission, he's used to being looked at with pity. When he's called to a local supermarket to assist the local PD, the last thing he expects to find is a generous act of kindness performed by a beautiful, amazing woman. Enchanted by her selflessness in the face of danger and intrigued by her actions to save civilians she didn't know, Dude’s hooked. Dude was able to save Cheyenne from the group of thugs trying to take her life, but when the past comes back to haunt them both, sometimes having the knowledge and the desire isn't enough to beat the countdown of the clock. **Protecting Cheyenne is the 5th book in the SEAL of Protection Series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s recommended you read the books in order to get maximum enjoyment out of the series.

I have read all of these books and this one is probably one of my favorites. I really liked Cheyenne as a character. One thing that Susan Stoker does well is write good heroines to match her strong heroes. These women aren’t perfect and often they have had a difficult life, but they aren’t helpless victims either. Cheyenne was no exception. I felt that Cheyenne was very relatable-she was insecure, she felt kind of jaded, but she was so caring and empathetic with others that you couldn’t not love her. I hated her mom and sister so much, I wanted to punch them for Cheyenne!

I felt the plot in the book was great as well. Some of the books had less tension and suspense but this one really brought the suspense up a notch and I loved it! The threat that Cheyenne encounters is very realistic (a sad reflection of the world we live in) and the situation is described in a way that really sucks you into the story.

Also, for anyone who has read books 1-4, its great to see the other characters and see how they interact still. Its one thing I have always loved about series-getting to check in with past characters.

And, finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I love the SEALs themselves. I mean, come on-hot, alpha heroes! What’s not to love?

Faulkner (“Dude”) was not my favorite of the SEALs. I just didn’t really connect with him and I think that is partially because I haven’t felt connected with him even before this book. He isn’t a bad character; he just isn’t my favorite which sucked because Cheyenne was one of my favorite ladies.

Also, I am not a fan of the dom/sub stuff which was a bit evident between Faulkner and Cheyenne. Perhaps this is why I wasn’t big on Faulkner either… Its just not my thing!

If you like…

Abbie Zanders Callaghan Brothers series, Kaylea Cross books

Interview with Author Susan Stoker!

The Book Disciple: Why did you choose to write about Navy SEALs?

Susan Stoker: I have always loved reading about the “damsel in distress and who better to rescue the damsel than a Navy SEAL?

The Book Disciple: Do you ever have a ‘book playlist’ of songs that help you write or songs you think go well with the book/story?

Susan Stoker: I actually don’t. My “office” is in the middle of the house and at the moment I usually write on the weekends, so I have to let the dogs out, make some food, talk to my husband…in other words I’m not able to “get in the zone” with music while I write. That being said, when I wrote Marrying Caroline I KNEW I wanted to use the song by the Goo Goo Dolls in that story. I listened to it over and over in my car (singing at the top of my lungs of course) and knew it’d be perfect as a “wedding song” even if it was non traditional.

The Book Disciple: Of the 5 SEAL’s we have met so far, who is your favorite ? (I know-it’s a loaded question!)

Susan Stoker: Oh jeez, totally loaded!! Lol. It’s hard to say because I like all of the guys for different reasons. Wolf ‘cos he was the first to “fall,” Abe because he knew he messed up and would do anything to make it up to Alabama. Cookie because he saw the strength in Fiona, Mozart ‘cos when push came to shove he chose love over revenge, Dude ‘cos he’s just so…hot. Lol. Benny ‘cos once he saw what was in front of his face…he didn’t hesitate to make her his, and Tex…cos he’s Tex! But if I HAD to choose, I think I’d probably choose Cookie. He’s always been one of my favs.

The Book Disciple: Are you planning to end this series after book 7 or do you think you might do some kind of spin off? I loved the Marrying Caroline Novella-maybe something like that for the others?

Susan Stoker: My plan all along was to have the 7 characters and be done, but I am already halfway through a “reunion” book, tentatively called “Protecting the Future.” It will take place about 2 years from where Tex’s story leaves off. It’s very difficult to write a book with FOURTEEN main characters though! Lol. In this book I am introducing a team of Delta Force guys that will get their own series in the future as well.
Honestly, I COULD drag out the series, but as much as everyone loves the SEALs, I think after a while the stories would get old, and I’d probably get bored.
With that being said…you probably WILL see at LEAST Tex in some of the future books.
OH, and I think I’m going to write a “scene” from the SEALs that will only be available to people that have subscribed to my newsletter, as a thank you.

The Book Disciple: Have you thought of any actors/actresses that would be perfect for playing some of the characters?

Susan Stoker: I’ve thought about it in an abstract way, but honestly, I wouldn’t want to jinx myself in any way! Lol I’d love to see the SEALs on the big screen or even on the little screen! I’d love to see Sandra Bullock play one of the women, I think she’d rock the roll for sure!

The Book Disciple: How did you know you wanted to become a writer? Did you always love it or was it something that you discovered later?

Susan Stoker: Honestly, I’ve always been a huge reader, and I like to read what I like to read…and that naturally lent itself to writing. I have written a ton of “stories” on my computer, and it wasn’t until last year that I decided that maybe others could share my stories as well.

The Book Disciple: What are you currently reading? What are some of your favorite books/authors?

Susan Stoker: I can read really fast, so I have a ton of books in my “unread” folder on my ipad. I buy a ton of books and would be embarrassed to see how many books are on there. Lol. I have a ton of authors that I read and re-read…but with that said, I don’t really look at “names” when I’m looking for a book, but a good story. So I read a lot of “not so famous authors” as well as the big names. Some of my favorites are Kristen Ashley, Cherise Sinclair (who I met at the RT Convention and actually told me “your books are like crack, I started the series and couldn’t put it down.” I about DIED. Right there! Lol), Lolita Lopez, Roni Lauren, Rhyannon Byrd, Elizabeth Lapthorne, Lainey Reese, Linda Aicher, Hannah Howell, and Patricia Edy.

The Book Disciple: How do you choose the covers of your books (they are super HOT!)?

Susan Stoker: I actually have a great graphic designer (AURA Designs), but the funny thing is that he is NOT in the “business” of romance novels. He HAS been in marketing for years and years and he’s able to put that knowledge to work in my covers. I give him a basic idea of what I’m looking for, and he goes to work. So far I haven’t used any “models”, but stock photos, but Chris, my graphic designer, does great things with them so they don’t look so “stock-ie.”
The Book Disciple: What other books do you have coming out soon that we should be on the lookout for?

Susan Stoker: I am SOOOOO excited about my new series, Badge of Honor. The first book, Justice for Mackenzie is out in August and I honestly think it’s one of my favorite books I’ve ever written. The series is about a group of men (and a woman!) in law enforcement in San Antonio. The first book is about a Texas Ranger and the big case he’s on involves a serial killer. He meets the woman meant to be his….
After the law enforcement series will be a group of firefighters…then the Delta Force guys. I hope my readers will take a chance on my new series even though they’ll be sad the SEALs are ending.

EXCERPT:

“You’re hot. I’m assuming you know this.” Cheyenne sounded like she was imparting some deep dark secret to him.

“Shy…” He didn’t disagree, but he didn’t agree either. She was extremely charming all drugged up. Dude shuddered to think about her actually driving in this condition.

“Seriously, you are. I don’t know why you’re here though. Did you lose a bet or something? Are your buddies around somewhere ready to bust out and laugh?”

“What?” Dude was getting pissed. Cheyenne couldn’t mean what it sounded like she meant.

“Yeah, no one who looks like you has ever taken a second look at me before. I’m just me. You’re…well…you’re sex on a stick.”

Dude didn’t even smile at her words. She had to be kidding him. “Hon…”

“No, really. I know I’m not a troll. I’m passable, I actually think I’ve got great calves, and I like my arms…at least I did before I had the hair completely ripped off of them. Let me tell you, I don’t think duct tape is gonna become the new fashion fad anytime soon. But I’m not the kind of woman you probably are with all the time. I bet chicks throw themselves at you. When you go out to the bar I bet you always leave with someone right? Oh shit! I bet you hang out with a gang of hotties don’t you? Jesus, You leave a wake of devastation behind you wherever you go, don’t you?”

Dude raised his right hand and covered Cheyenne’s mouth lightly. He didn’t know whether to be pissed at her assumptions, or to be flattered. When she stayed silent, and simply looked at him with wide eyes, he told her, “Cheyenne, first, there’s no fucking bet and I’m kinda pissed you’d even accuse me of something like that. I think you’re exquisite. Funny. Cute. Interesting. And there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here, right now, with you. Second, yes, I have a group of friends and we hang out, but almost all of them are either married or in a serious relationship. We don’t leave a wake of anything behind us, because we only have eyes for our women.” Dude didn’t even stop to think about what he was saying, that he was suddenly including Cheyenne in his thoughts and words.

“I hope like hell when you wake up in the morning and the pain pills have worn off you’ll remember this conversation and want to hang out with me and my friends. You’re like them more than you know.”

Dude smiled at the look on Cheyenne’s face. She hadn’t picked her head up off the head rest, but watched him with serious eyes.

“But you’re perfect…” She mumbled the words around his hand and would’ve said more, but Dude interrupted her.

“I’m not even close to fucking perfect. I’m kinda a slob, I have a tendency to throw my shit on the floor until it annoys me too badly and I have to put it in the hamper. I have a temper, but I’d never raise my hand to you or any other woman. I’m controlling and like to be in charge. And…” Dude held up his left hand, reminding Cheyenne of his disfigurement. “Enough women have told me this is disgusting, or just plain gross, for me to think I’m anything but perfect.”

Protecting Cheyenne, SEAL of Protection, Book 5
Amazon US: http://bit.ly/ProtectingCheyenne
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/ProtectingCheyenneUK
B&N: http://bit.ly/ProtectingCheyenneBandN
Kobo: http://bit.ly/ProtectingCheyenneKobo
Google Play: http://bit.ly/ProtectingCheyenneGP
itunes: http://apple.co/1H4x9Sw

Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

As Mr. Stoker says, Susan has been training to become a romance author her entire life. She’s been reading romances since middle school and writes what she loves.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.