Securing Avery by Susan Stoker Pages: 352
Series: SEAL of Protection: Legacy #5
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Setting: Afghanistan, USA
Source: Library
Also in this series: Securing Caite, Securing Piper, Securing Zoey
Also by this author: Protecting Cheyenne (SEAL of Protection #5), 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, Shielding Kinley, Trusting Skylar, Trusting Molly
Goodreads
Navy Nurse Avery Nelson never dreamed she’d be taken hostage during her deployment in Afghanistan. She’s assisting local women with healthcare, not fighting in a war. But digging her way out of her would-be grave turns out to be the battle of her life. She’s not the type to simply lay down and die, or sit around crying, waiting for someone to save her…though Avery can’t deny it’s a massive relief when the very SEAL she’s been flirting with for months comes to her rescue.
Cole “Rex” Kingston has saved his fair share of women over his time as a SEAL, but no mission has ever seemed as important as the one to find Avery Nelson. Digging the woman out of the rubble of a mountainside in Afghanistan hammers home to them both just how short life is, and they waste no time acting on their attraction, getting closer as Cole helps Avery deal with the aftermath of her ordeal.
But someone isn’t happy that Avery didn’t die in the mountains…and they’ll do anything to make sure she doesn’t live long enough to talk about what she might’ve heard and seen while deployed.
Securing Avery continues the Legacy series with the story of Rex and Avery. Both of them are in the Navy, which was an interesting twist for the story. Actually, Avery outranks the SEALs!
The first 1/3 of the book focuses on the rescue. Its exciting and danger filled and really keeps you flipping pages. Then, the book slows WAY down. Back in Riverton, CA, Avery returns to normal life-but now with PTSD. She struggles with nightmares and an intense fear of the dark. As a nurse, she knew all the signs, but she kept it all to herself and it nearly killed her. Rex is a great support for her, and she eventually opens up to him. There is a bit of danger still lurking-she saw the traitor and can identify him if she sees him, and he knows this. So, you keep waiting for this inevitable event.
The romance is super slow burn. I had some issues with it to be honest. They had great chemistry in Afghanistan, but once they got back home, it got weird. It felt like a savior complex for sure. They were really into each other in Afghanistan because he rescued her and she rescued him. Back in normal life, everything felt stilted. He gave her this weird rule that he wouldn’t kiss her again until she was “all in”. While I understood the need to protect himself from heartbreak, here is a woman clearly dealing with some trauma and to have someone say something like that was awkward.
All issues aside, I did still enjoy Securing Avery overall! The action and excitement is high in parts, you get peeks back at previous couples, and the plot is entertaining. You can absolutely read this as a stand alone; while previous stories are referenced, this book’s plot is not connected in any way other than the SEAL team.
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: no
- Trope: military
- Triggers: View Spoiler »
- Series/Standalone: standalone
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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authors like Kaylea Cross, Janie Crouch, Maryann Jordan…then you will probably like Securing Avery!
Securing Avery
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