Susan Stoker's Blog, page 18
May 18, 2019
Ready for ALL the Sidney feels!
Are you guys ready for Securing Sidney? I AM! Ha!
Coming up on Tuesday you'll get to read all about Gumby and Sidney (and Hannah the dog)!
You can find the first chapter (if you missed it from last week) on my website, HERE.
There is also time to enter the giveaway on Goodreads for one of three signed paperbacks! (Because of Goodreads' rules, it's only open in Canada and the US. SORRY!)
If you can't wait for Tuesday to read the book, you can always download the audiobook, as it's currently LIVE!
This weekend I'm headed to Niagara Falls, Canada for the Romancing the Falls book signing event. I can't wait to take a little break and spend time with amazing readers.
I'm frantically trying to wrap up some loose ends before I go.
So just because I have a release coming up and Niagara Falls time doesn't mean I'm relaxing. #amwriting
I'm finishing up the final book in the Mountain Mercenaries series (SO emotional!), The GERMAN version of Rescuing Rayne and Rescuing Emily will be available soon!
AND I've put up the preorder for the first book in the new Delta Team Two series, Shielding Gillian! You met the team in Rescuing Kassie, Rescuing Mary, and Rescuing Macie and this will be Trigger's story. I LOVE the cover and can't wait to reveal the rest of the covers in the series! But in the meantime, do and preorder Shielding Gillian at your vendor of choice!
The weather is warming up here in Tennessee and the days are lengthening, and the leaves are green. I love this time of year. Remember to stop and enjoy the things you love around you: pets, humans, beautiful views, and pictures.
And of course, be kind!
~ Susan
Coming up on Tuesday you'll get to read all about Gumby and Sidney (and Hannah the dog)!
You can find the first chapter (if you missed it from last week) on my website, HERE.
There is also time to enter the giveaway on Goodreads for one of three signed paperbacks! (Because of Goodreads' rules, it's only open in Canada and the US. SORRY!)
If you can't wait for Tuesday to read the book, you can always download the audiobook, as it's currently LIVE!
This weekend I'm headed to Niagara Falls, Canada for the Romancing the Falls book signing event. I can't wait to take a little break and spend time with amazing readers.
I'm frantically trying to wrap up some loose ends before I go.
So just because I have a release coming up and Niagara Falls time doesn't mean I'm relaxing. #amwriting
I'm finishing up the final book in the Mountain Mercenaries series (SO emotional!), The GERMAN version of Rescuing Rayne and Rescuing Emily will be available soon!
AND I've put up the preorder for the first book in the new Delta Team Two series, Shielding Gillian! You met the team in Rescuing Kassie, Rescuing Mary, and Rescuing Macie and this will be Trigger's story. I LOVE the cover and can't wait to reveal the rest of the covers in the series! But in the meantime, do and preorder Shielding Gillian at your vendor of choice!
The weather is warming up here in Tennessee and the days are lengthening, and the leaves are green. I love this time of year. Remember to stop and enjoy the things you love around you: pets, humans, beautiful views, and pictures.
And of course, be kind!
~ Susan
May 8, 2019
Meet the Inspiration for Hannah!
It's Securing Sidney time!
First...if you're an audio listener... the AUDIO IS LIVE! You can go right NOW to Audible and download the book to listen to!
Second, for you ebook readers, I've put the first chapter on my website, so if you didn't read it in Securing Brenae, you can check it out now!
Third... I posted this in my reader group on Facebook (click HERE for your chance to win. (Because of Goodreads rules, the giveaway is only open to US & Canadian residents. SORRY!)
Fifth... thank you to every single one of you for being amazing. For getting out of bed this morning when you didn't really want to. For just being you.
~ Susan
Meet Hannah
Hannah right after first being seen by the vet.
Hannah a few months after being rescued.
Hannah today...happy and healthy.
First...if you're an audio listener... the AUDIO IS LIVE! You can go right NOW to Audible and download the book to listen to!
Second, for you ebook readers, I've put the first chapter on my website, so if you didn't read it in Securing Brenae, you can check it out now!
Third... I posted this in my reader group on Facebook (click HERE for your chance to win. (Because of Goodreads rules, the giveaway is only open to US & Canadian residents. SORRY!)
Fifth... thank you to every single one of you for being amazing. For getting out of bed this morning when you didn't really want to. For just being you.
~ Susan
Meet Hannah
Hannah right after first being seen by the vet.
Hannah a few months after being rescued.
Hannah today...happy and healthy.
April 25, 2019
2 New Books Are Here!
This week I've got not one, but TWO new stories for you! Both featuring a "commander" of a special forces team!
Securing Brenae was a story I wrote for the Read Me Romance podcast, but I extended it and added TWO new chapters for the ebook version! Brenae is married to the SEAL team's commander and this story starts where Securing Caite finishes. It's a typical Stoker Story in that you've got an "older" couple who have to deal with some baaaaad things. (and you'll also see Caite and Rocco in this one!)
Rescuing Macie is also LIVE this week! Macie is Truck's sister (from the Delta Force Heroes series). It starts out with a bang where Colt, the commander of both Delta Force teams (the old one, and the "new" one that will start next year!) has to coach Macie through hiding from intruders.
And the good news is that the AUDIO for Rescuing Macie is ALSO live! Remember, if you get the ebook, the audio is Whispersynced and half off!
I love both these stories and I hope all will too!
Rescuing Macie will be exclusive to Amazon for 90 days, but will then be published on all the platforms.
Enjoy and happy April!
~ Susan
Securing Brenae was a story I wrote for the Read Me Romance podcast, but I extended it and added TWO new chapters for the ebook version! Brenae is married to the SEAL team's commander and this story starts where Securing Caite finishes. It's a typical Stoker Story in that you've got an "older" couple who have to deal with some baaaaad things. (and you'll also see Caite and Rocco in this one!)
Rescuing Macie is also LIVE this week! Macie is Truck's sister (from the Delta Force Heroes series). It starts out with a bang where Colt, the commander of both Delta Force teams (the old one, and the "new" one that will start next year!) has to coach Macie through hiding from intruders.
And the good news is that the AUDIO for Rescuing Macie is ALSO live! Remember, if you get the ebook, the audio is Whispersynced and half off!
I love both these stories and I hope all will too!
Rescuing Macie will be exclusive to Amazon for 90 days, but will then be published on all the platforms.
Enjoy and happy April!
~ Susan
April 19, 2019
It's almost Macie time!
Last week I teased you about Securing Brenae which comes out next week, well, this week it's Rescuing Macie teaser time!
I hadn't planned on writing Truck's sister's story, but when the opportunity arose, I was really excited. This is sort of a "bridge" book between the "old" Delta series and the "new" Delta series (Which will be starting next year!!). You'll see all the guys from both teams in this book.
But more importantly, you'll get to know the Commander and Macie. At the end of Rescuing Mary, the commander helped Macie overcome an anxiety attack at Truck and Mary's wedding and because of a miscommunication, they hadn't connected since. But baaaaaad things happen to poor Macie and suddenly all that's standing between herself and possible death...is Colonel Colt Robinson.
This story is for everyone who has anxiety, or who knows someone who has anxiety. I can't promise I got all the details exactly right, but I did my best to portray how hard it can be to do even the simplest things for people who suffer from this affliction.
Enjoy the short excerpt below and pre-order for next week! (This book is being published by 1001 Dark Nights and they have a "deal" with Amazon that it will be exclusive for 90 days. But after 3 months it'll be available on ALL platforms and I'll be sure to let you know via newsletter when it is. Also, the audio is in the works and hopefully that will be out sooner rather than later!)
Enjoy!
~ Susan
Rescuing Macie Sneak Peek
Macie stayed on her hands and knees and hurriedly crawled to the thick hedge. She pushed her way between the leaves, thankful it wasn’t winter and there were actually leaves to hide behind. The branches scratched at her arms, but again, she didn’t feel the slight sting. At five-seven, she wasn’t exactly small, but she brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped an arm around them. She brought the phone to her ear and ducked her head into her knees, trying to make herself as small as possible.
“I crawled into a bunch of bushes,” she said in a toneless whisper. “Colt?”
“Yeah, Mace? I’m here. Are you hidden? Are you safe? Are the men still looking for you?”
“I can’t breathe.”
“Yes you can. You’re doing amazing. In and out. Remember how you breathed with me that night? Close your eyes. Imagine we’re back in my bed. I’m behind you, and my hand is on your chest. In…and out. Slow down your breaths, Mace. That’s it. They’re gonna walk right by you. They can’t see you. In…and out. That’s good. You’re doing great.”
Amazingly, his voice in her ear, along with the way she was pinching her thigh to try to force her attention away from her situation, was working. She breathed with him, not making a sound. Macie could feel her lungs loosening up a bit.
“You start on that side, I’ll start over here. If she’s not under the cars, I’m guessing she ran into the trees. We can catch up with her and make sure she hasn’t found the shit and blabbed about it to the pigs.”
“Then I can have my fun?” the other man asked.
“Jesus, you have a one-track mind. Yes, once she spills her guts, you can do whatever you want with her.”
Their voices were loud enough that Colt heard them.
“Don’t listen to them, Mace. Concentrate only on me. You’re good. We’re almost there. You just have to hang on for another couple minutes. You can do that. Piece of cake.”
Colt’s voice was almost as good as the drugs she used to control her anxiety and panic attacks. Almost.
Macie heard the men getting closer and closer to her hiding spot, and she felt her breathing speed up once more. She couldn’t help it. They were going to find her and torture her until she gave them information. She had no idea what they were looking for when they’d broken in, but she’d tell them whatever they wanted as long as they didn’t hurt her.
“Eaaaaasy, honey. You’ve got this.”
That was the thing. She didn’t have this. But by some miracle, Colt thought she did. His voice was still even and controlled.
I hadn't planned on writing Truck's sister's story, but when the opportunity arose, I was really excited. This is sort of a "bridge" book between the "old" Delta series and the "new" Delta series (Which will be starting next year!!). You'll see all the guys from both teams in this book.
But more importantly, you'll get to know the Commander and Macie. At the end of Rescuing Mary, the commander helped Macie overcome an anxiety attack at Truck and Mary's wedding and because of a miscommunication, they hadn't connected since. But baaaaaad things happen to poor Macie and suddenly all that's standing between herself and possible death...is Colonel Colt Robinson.
This story is for everyone who has anxiety, or who knows someone who has anxiety. I can't promise I got all the details exactly right, but I did my best to portray how hard it can be to do even the simplest things for people who suffer from this affliction.
Enjoy the short excerpt below and pre-order for next week! (This book is being published by 1001 Dark Nights and they have a "deal" with Amazon that it will be exclusive for 90 days. But after 3 months it'll be available on ALL platforms and I'll be sure to let you know via newsletter when it is. Also, the audio is in the works and hopefully that will be out sooner rather than later!)
Enjoy!
~ Susan
Rescuing Macie Sneak Peek
Macie stayed on her hands and knees and hurriedly crawled to the thick hedge. She pushed her way between the leaves, thankful it wasn’t winter and there were actually leaves to hide behind. The branches scratched at her arms, but again, she didn’t feel the slight sting. At five-seven, she wasn’t exactly small, but she brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped an arm around them. She brought the phone to her ear and ducked her head into her knees, trying to make herself as small as possible.
“I crawled into a bunch of bushes,” she said in a toneless whisper. “Colt?”
“Yeah, Mace? I’m here. Are you hidden? Are you safe? Are the men still looking for you?”
“I can’t breathe.”
“Yes you can. You’re doing amazing. In and out. Remember how you breathed with me that night? Close your eyes. Imagine we’re back in my bed. I’m behind you, and my hand is on your chest. In…and out. Slow down your breaths, Mace. That’s it. They’re gonna walk right by you. They can’t see you. In…and out. That’s good. You’re doing great.”
Amazingly, his voice in her ear, along with the way she was pinching her thigh to try to force her attention away from her situation, was working. She breathed with him, not making a sound. Macie could feel her lungs loosening up a bit.
“You start on that side, I’ll start over here. If she’s not under the cars, I’m guessing she ran into the trees. We can catch up with her and make sure she hasn’t found the shit and blabbed about it to the pigs.”
“Then I can have my fun?” the other man asked.
“Jesus, you have a one-track mind. Yes, once she spills her guts, you can do whatever you want with her.”
Their voices were loud enough that Colt heard them.
“Don’t listen to them, Mace. Concentrate only on me. You’re good. We’re almost there. You just have to hang on for another couple minutes. You can do that. Piece of cake.”
Colt’s voice was almost as good as the drugs she used to control her anxiety and panic attacks. Almost.
Macie heard the men getting closer and closer to her hiding spot, and she felt her breathing speed up once more. She couldn’t help it. They were going to find her and torture her until she gave them information. She had no idea what they were looking for when they’d broken in, but she’d tell them whatever they wanted as long as they didn’t hurt her.
“Eaaaaasy, honey. You’ve got this.”
That was the thing. She didn’t have this. But by some miracle, Colt thought she did. His voice was still even and controlled.
April 10, 2019
Brenae Teaser
Release day is getting closer!
Back in the end of January I participated in a podcast called Read Me Romance. I wrote a story based on my new SEAL series to be shared via audio for FREE. A lot of you said you listened to it and enjoyed it.
Well, now you can get that story in EBOOK! AND...I added a new prologue AND epilogue for the story that was on the podcast! This story is a "seasoned" romance about the SEAL team's commander and his wife. In the new chapters you'll see both how they meet 30 years before the story takes place AND you'll find out if their new house ever gets finished. :)
You'll also see more of Caite and Rocco in this story (they were in Securing Caite). I hope you'll check this one out! (And I LOVE writing characters who are ALREADY in love!! lol) It's a typical "Stoker story" in that baaaad things happen and Brenae needs to be tough and strong and the Hero needs to save the day.
Check out the teaser below and be sure to pre-order so you'll have this one ready to read on the 23rd!
Securing Brenae
Remember to always be kind!
~Susan
Back in the end of January I participated in a podcast called Read Me Romance. I wrote a story based on my new SEAL series to be shared via audio for FREE. A lot of you said you listened to it and enjoyed it.
Well, now you can get that story in EBOOK! AND...I added a new prologue AND epilogue for the story that was on the podcast! This story is a "seasoned" romance about the SEAL team's commander and his wife. In the new chapters you'll see both how they meet 30 years before the story takes place AND you'll find out if their new house ever gets finished. :)
You'll also see more of Caite and Rocco in this story (they were in Securing Caite). I hope you'll check this one out! (And I LOVE writing characters who are ALREADY in love!! lol) It's a typical "Stoker story" in that baaaad things happen and Brenae needs to be tough and strong and the Hero needs to save the day.
Check out the teaser below and be sure to pre-order so you'll have this one ready to read on the 23rd!
Securing Brenae
Remember to always be kind!
~Susan
April 4, 2019
Throwback to Caroline
Happy April!
And no, no jokes because I'm terrible at them! lol
I wanted to do another throwback post this week... Protecting Caroline!
This story had been sitting on my computer for a decade before I actually published it. There's a lot of Caroline in me, and I think a lot of us. I'm not the most beautiful woman out there. My hair isn't that remarkable. I'm not skinny, I'm not overweight. I'm an introvert who likes to hang out at home more often than not. And I've definitely felt invisible sometimes. But of course I dream about doing BIG things, being a hero. And thus Caroline was born! :)
I love the story. About a woman who doesn't think much of herself, but in reality she's bad ass. As we all know now, Caroline turns out to be the glue that holds the SEAL wives together. She's always there when someone needs a shoulder to lean on. And she's tough as nails. Meaning...she's a LOT like you and me.
We don't have to be beautiful. We don't have to stand out in a crowd. We just have to be who we are because we're liked and loved exactly how we are. Remember that!
In celebration of this first book, I've put a HARDBACK copy of The Protecting Caroline Saga. It includes Protecting Caroline, Marrying Caroline, and The Boardwalk. You can get it in all the usual places online, or autographed from my online store: https://shop.stokeraces.com.
Enjoy your week. Tell your friends and family how much you love them, and remember to always be kind!
~Susan
PS...Next week the teasing starts for Securing Brenae and Rescuing Macie (Truck's sister!). Get ready!
And no, no jokes because I'm terrible at them! lol
I wanted to do another throwback post this week... Protecting Caroline!
This story had been sitting on my computer for a decade before I actually published it. There's a lot of Caroline in me, and I think a lot of us. I'm not the most beautiful woman out there. My hair isn't that remarkable. I'm not skinny, I'm not overweight. I'm an introvert who likes to hang out at home more often than not. And I've definitely felt invisible sometimes. But of course I dream about doing BIG things, being a hero. And thus Caroline was born! :)
I love the story. About a woman who doesn't think much of herself, but in reality she's bad ass. As we all know now, Caroline turns out to be the glue that holds the SEAL wives together. She's always there when someone needs a shoulder to lean on. And she's tough as nails. Meaning...she's a LOT like you and me.
We don't have to be beautiful. We don't have to stand out in a crowd. We just have to be who we are because we're liked and loved exactly how we are. Remember that!
In celebration of this first book, I've put a HARDBACK copy of The Protecting Caroline Saga. It includes Protecting Caroline, Marrying Caroline, and The Boardwalk. You can get it in all the usual places online, or autographed from my online store: https://shop.stokeraces.com.
Enjoy your week. Tell your friends and family how much you love them, and remember to always be kind!
~Susan
PS...Next week the teasing starts for Securing Brenae and Rescuing Macie (Truck's sister!). Get ready!
March 30, 2019
Throwback to Rayne...
While we have another few weeks before the next release, I wanted to throw things back to Rescuing Rayne.
This is the first book in the Delta Force Heroes series (and it's FREE!). The funny thing about this book is that the first part, where Rayne meets Ghost and spends time with him in London, was originally supposed to be a separate novella. I was supposed to be participating in a boxset with other authors, and I wrote this as a kind of "prequel" to Rescuing Rayne.
But then that boxset fell through and I had to decide what to do with that novella. Do I put it out on its own as a prequel? Do I charge for it? Make it free? Send it out to my newsletter subscribers as a freebie? As you all know, I decided just to make it Rescuing Rayne. At the time, that made that book my longest book I'd published.
I'm really glad that I did that because I think it made the book more cohesive. I think readers wouldn't have felt that connection between Rayne and Ghost if they somehow missed that prequel and started the book with Rayne going to Egypt.
Anyway, so that's the story of Rescuing Rayne. I hope if you haven't read it, you'll give it a try and hopefully be interested in reading the entire team's story!
I hope you're all having a wonderful week. Remember to always be kind to others!
~Susan
PS. This week I wrote a blog post for Kobo's blog, KoboLife. It's aimed at authors, BUT I think it's applicable to everyone. It's about social media and the dangers of comparisonitis. You can find it here: http://bit.ly/2FCMHAu
PPS. Here's a Rescuing Rayne Throwback Excerpt:
This is the first book in the Delta Force Heroes series (and it's FREE!). The funny thing about this book is that the first part, where Rayne meets Ghost and spends time with him in London, was originally supposed to be a separate novella. I was supposed to be participating in a boxset with other authors, and I wrote this as a kind of "prequel" to Rescuing Rayne.
But then that boxset fell through and I had to decide what to do with that novella. Do I put it out on its own as a prequel? Do I charge for it? Make it free? Send it out to my newsletter subscribers as a freebie? As you all know, I decided just to make it Rescuing Rayne. At the time, that made that book my longest book I'd published.
I'm really glad that I did that because I think it made the book more cohesive. I think readers wouldn't have felt that connection between Rayne and Ghost if they somehow missed that prequel and started the book with Rayne going to Egypt.
Anyway, so that's the story of Rescuing Rayne. I hope if you haven't read it, you'll give it a try and hopefully be interested in reading the entire team's story!
I hope you're all having a wonderful week. Remember to always be kind to others!
~Susan
PS. This week I wrote a blog post for Kobo's blog, KoboLife. It's aimed at authors, BUT I think it's applicable to everyone. It's about social media and the dangers of comparisonitis. You can find it here: http://bit.ly/2FCMHAu
PPS. Here's a Rescuing Rayne Throwback Excerpt:
“God, your lips were made for kissing. They’re full and pink…and I can just imagine how soft they’ll be against my own.” He put a bit of pressure against her neck but didn’t pull her all the way to himself. It was obvious he was waiting for her to make the decision on whether or not to kiss him.
Wanting this man’s lips on her own more than she wanted to breathe, Rayne leaned forward the inch it took to close the gap between them, as if his lips were magnets and she couldn’t resist the pull.
Their lips met and Rayne swore she felt something click between them the second they touched. She didn’t have time to analyze the odd feeling because his tongue swiped across her lips and she immediately opened to him, letting him take whatever he wanted.
March 14, 2019
How did that happen?
How in the world have we gotten to the middle of March already? That's crazy!
Three months, three releases down (Securing Caite, Shelter for Quinn & Defending Morgan), with many more to go!
I know I've got lots of audio listeners out there, and I wanted to make sure you all knew of a very special "deal" you can get right now on my audio books. I've got THREE box sets in audio right now, which means you can get 4 books in each one and listen back to back to back!
My Delta Force Heroes box set includes, Rescuing Rayne, Rescuing Aimee, Rescuing Emily, & Rescuing Harley.
My SEAL of Protection box set includes, Protecting Caroline, Protecting Alabama, Protecting Fiona, & Marrying Caroline.
And my Badge of Honor box set includes, Justice for Mackenzie, Justice for Mickie, Justice for Corrie, & Justice for Laine.
If you're on audible and are a member of their monthly program, you can get 4 books for only one credit!
I know audio isn't for everyone, and that's ok! I know I can only listen to audio in the car, otherwise I miss half of what's going on. lol
As to what I'm currently working on, it's Shelter for Penelope! This one is turning out to be super emotional Poor Penelope has been waiting for her HEA ever since Protecting the Future came out. And if you've been keeping up with the Badge of Honor series you know that she's been spiraling downward and not dealing with being a POW. But don't worry...Moose will be there for her...as is the rest of the gang!
I hope everyone has been staying warm (or cool if you're in the other part of the world than me! HA) Stay safe out there and remember to be kind!
~Susan
Three months, three releases down (Securing Caite, Shelter for Quinn & Defending Morgan), with many more to go!
I know I've got lots of audio listeners out there, and I wanted to make sure you all knew of a very special "deal" you can get right now on my audio books. I've got THREE box sets in audio right now, which means you can get 4 books in each one and listen back to back to back!
My Delta Force Heroes box set includes, Rescuing Rayne, Rescuing Aimee, Rescuing Emily, & Rescuing Harley.
My SEAL of Protection box set includes, Protecting Caroline, Protecting Alabama, Protecting Fiona, & Marrying Caroline.
And my Badge of Honor box set includes, Justice for Mackenzie, Justice for Mickie, Justice for Corrie, & Justice for Laine.
If you're on audible and are a member of their monthly program, you can get 4 books for only one credit!
I know audio isn't for everyone, and that's ok! I know I can only listen to audio in the car, otherwise I miss half of what's going on. lol
As to what I'm currently working on, it's Shelter for Penelope! This one is turning out to be super emotional Poor Penelope has been waiting for her HEA ever since Protecting the Future came out. And if you've been keeping up with the Badge of Honor series you know that she's been spiraling downward and not dealing with being a POW. But don't worry...Moose will be there for her...as is the rest of the gang!
I hope everyone has been staying warm (or cool if you're in the other part of the world than me! HA) Stay safe out there and remember to be kind!
~Susan
March 5, 2019
Defending Morgan is Live!
It's finally time for Defending Morgan!
I thought up the story line for this book when I was on a cruise with Mr. Stoker. We were in Santo Domingo and I think I was reading something written by Elizabeth Smart and I got to thinking...what if someone disappeared and was brought to a different country and someone "found" upon her when they least expected it? And thus this story was born!
On average there are 90,000 missing people in the United States at any one point in time. While many are found, dead or alive, thousands simply disappear without a trace. It's a scary thing, and of course I had to write this scenario into one of my books (with a happily ever after though!)
I hope you all enjoy the third book in the Mountain Mercenaries series and no...I'm not going to tell you who Rex is yet (but Rex will definitely get a book in this series! lol)
Read on and remember to always be kind!
~Susan
I thought up the story line for this book when I was on a cruise with Mr. Stoker. We were in Santo Domingo and I think I was reading something written by Elizabeth Smart and I got to thinking...what if someone disappeared and was brought to a different country and someone "found" upon her when they least expected it? And thus this story was born!
On average there are 90,000 missing people in the United States at any one point in time. While many are found, dead or alive, thousands simply disappear without a trace. It's a scary thing, and of course I had to write this scenario into one of my books (with a happily ever after though!)
I hope you all enjoy the third book in the Mountain Mercenaries series and no...I'm not going to tell you who Rex is yet (but Rex will definitely get a book in this series! lol)
Read on and remember to always be kind!
~Susan
