After her capture by rebels in the mountains of Timor-Leste, Kalee Solberg doesn’t think she’ll live to see her father, friends, or hometown again. What started as an adventure with the Peace Corp until she figured out what to do with her life has turned into a waking nightmare, every day a struggle to survive. Beaten into submission, Kalee guesses she’s been presumed dead by now. And she has been…by everyone but one man.
A childhood filled with abuse and neglect has turned Forest “Phantom” Dalton into the kind of man who finishes what he starts. The failed mission to rescue Kalee Solberg is no exception. After discovering she’s still alive, that he and his SEAL team left her to a fate worse than death, Phantom will stop at nothing to bring her home, with or without permission…no matter the cost to his career.
Neither Phantom nor Kalee could ever guess another, equally grave threat awaits them back home.
** Securing Kalee is the 6th and final book in the SEAL of Protection: Legacy Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
Securing Kalee is the sixth and last book in the SEAL of Protection: Legacy series by Susan Stoker. It can be read as a standalone, since each book is about a different couple. Phantom and his team were sent in to rescue Kalee, but things went sideways and the SEAL team has to leave without her. Now Phantom found out she's alive and has been taken by the rebels. He swore to his team and country that he will not fail a mission so he's going to go and get her. Alone. He won't risk his team's lives or careers. He's hoping it's an easy in and out mission. What he doesn't expect is his feelings for Kalee. They go way beyond just finding her and bringing her home. Kalee thought she was going to die in the jungle. Then Phantom, living up to his name, saves her and brings her home. She isn't prepared to just jump back into her old life. She needs to deal with what she's been through first and Phantom is going to help her. Not only did he put his career on the line to save her, his team isn't easily going to forgive his actions. Now Phantom and Kalee have to make the decision to be more than friends while she's learning to live again, he's waiting to find out his fate and something else is trying to tear them apart. It's a action filled, sexy romance with some laughs, lots of feels, friendship and loyalty. And we get to meet the SEAL Team Hawaii guys! Looking forward to their stories!
OMG!!! What did I just read/listen to? Well, it was honestly THE BEST Susan Stoker story to date!! Holy Hells Bells!!! This was an outstanding way to end the series!!!
This is NOT your typical Susan Stomer story. Kalee is not the typical heroine. She obviously gets rescued, and then the story is about not only Kalee healing, but also Phantom healing. There is a little drama along with the healing, in the form of a crazy lunatic (bwahahahahahaha). You see so many characters from other series and stories. Some you ha ent even met yet (a mailroom lady- who’s story is coming soon to a book near you). The part I loved the most though, were when A LOT of people showed up to more or less chastise and berate a rear admiral. Bwahahahahahaha!!! That was the beat ever!!!! The beat lime though was something like “if you let him go you’re insane, and I know insane because I am technically insane bwahahahahahaha!!!
You need to get this book!!! This is the most epic story this woman has ever written!!!
Securing Kalee was a great read it has brought out emotions, relationships trust and a code of honor, brotherhood,and ethics of the special op community.
Phantom rescued Kalee from Timor-Leslie and once back in the U S They dealt with trust, relationship issues as well as a stalker issue.
Is it possible to gush about an author, book, series too much? Or does it just let the reader know how good the author, book series is? I’m not sure of the answer but I am sure that Susan Stoker has yet again given us a masterpiece. If you’ve read previous reviews by me about this author, one of her books or series, then you are aware that I am a fan. Let me say that again. I. AM. A. FAN. So with that in mind, let me get on with my review for Securing Kalee.
This is the last book in the Seal of Protection: Legacy series. Yep, you read that right, the LAST BOOK. So that means it’s Phantom’s book. And I don’t know about you all but I’ve been WAITING for this book. So first let's get some things out of the way…last book. No more Rocco, Ace, Gumby, Rex, Bubba, or Phantom. No more Caite, Avery, Sidney, Piper, Zoey, or Kalee. Kinda… Maybe… Ms. Stoker DOES have a habit of having some of our favorite characters pop back up in other books/series, so you really shouldn’t despair.
Finally, my review:
Securing Kalee brings the SOP: Legacy series to a close. Not with a bang but with a soft sigh. Learning about Phantom’s past and why he is the man he is and how that affects his actions is heartwarming and a bit sad. Seeing Kalee overcome the horrors and trauma of her time with her captors is uplifting and empowering. But these are traits of Ms. Stoker’s characters: integrity, honor, loyalty. Not only in her heroes but also in her heroines. She wants the reader to remember that everyone should be treated with kindness. That cruelty and abuse should not be an everyday occurrence and that we each hold the capability to love and forgive. This is something we should all strive for.
With a fantastic storyline and wonderful characters, Ms. Stoker gives the reader another gem in her already large cache of beauty. Be aware that the feels are here but softened. The pain and sadness are balanced with the joy of Kalee’s rescue and Phantom realizing the people he has touched are true friends and family. As always, I will finish with if you have NOT read a Susan Stoker book, I ask WHY? Dive into her goodness. Dive into her world. Dive into just pure LOVE. I promise you won’t be sorry.
Small PSA: While this may be the last FULL book in this series, that doesn’t mean that someone else we have come to know and love throughout won’t get his HEA...
Great "conclusion" (there is going to be another book with their Commander) to this series. I loved Phantom and Kalee. He never gave up and brought her home no matter what might happen to his career. Psycho "ex" pops up when they get home. I loved all the previous (too many to list) and future (SEAL team Hawaii) peeps that show up. It ends with my favorite kind of epilogue several years in the future.
Phantom has been obsessed with Kalee for nearly the entire series. This has been the brilliantly plotted storyline over the whole series. Kalee was their original mission in Securing Piper, and he's had this shadow in the back of his head ever since. In Securing Avery, while helping Rex & Avery, he had a flash of what's been bothering him. And he started plotting how to fix it as soon as he could.
My heart just broke for Phantom's back story, and the way it was still affecting him now even through all the years of brotherhood & having that closeness with his team. Kalee's core of steel and the sweet spirit she never lost during her time of adversity were exactly what he needed to finally begin to heal. And his complete protectiveness and SAFETY were exactly what Kalee needed to do the same.
I love the way their story plays out - the way he sets things up to give her time to decompress. I love their affection, trust, and connection. Their story is appropriately steamy, adventurous, and all around a page-turner! And the end chapters/epilogue - SO BEAUTIFUL!
10+++ stars & two thumbs up for this new favorite!!
Okay I have to say I always love the last book in a series from Susan Stoker, because the anticipation that builds slowly through all the previous stories just makes this last story even more special. So Phantom and Kalee... omg talk about an ending and a half for one thing that rescue was amazeaballs!!! Then the stop over in Hawaii which sets up the next series so even though this one is ending this world of hot military men just keeps growing so lastly when they get back home and the psycho laying in wait there was not what I expected but you know what in the end Kalee had it handled in her own badass way...
Phantom and Kalee’s story has been highly anticipated since we read what happened to her in Securing Piper and the wait has been totally worth it. I loved Phantom’s determination in rescuing Kalee despite the consequences of his action to his career for disobeying orders. I admired Kalee for her courage, strength and determination to not let what she’s been through to define her in the future. Phantom and Kalee were perfect for each other as they helped each other heal. This story was more about healing than action or drama even though there was just a tad. Seeing a few characters from previous series make a special appearance was such a treat and I loved the epilogue so much.
I feel like I've been waiting forever for this book. We are introduced to Kalee's character in book 3 which features her BFF. At the time her BFF is rescued by a team of Navy Seals sent by Kalee's father. Only Kalee is mistaken for dead and left behind. Thus she ends up spending an unbearable year with a band of insane rebels in Timor Leste. Kalee is horribly abused but doesn't lose her spirit. Given the hell she's been through and the mental hell Phantom put himself through after leaving her there, their story is pretty sedate. Phantom disobeys orders and goes rogue to rescue Kalee. He does everything he can to help her adjust to life and learn who the new her is after escaping captivity. There's a lot of healing on both their parts. Aside from a crazy stalker obsessed with Phantom the two spend much of the book getting to know one another and do something crazy... like fall in love. The epilogue was a nice wrap-up of all the characters in the series and while I enjoyed it, it's been so long since I read some of them, I guess I didn't really care as much and really just wanted more of Phantom and Kalee's HEA. Wish there was a bit more action but otherwise it was a really good read and end to the series.
What a great continuation to the series. Phantom is my new favorite and his friends came through to help him and Kalee. As for batshi*t crazy Mona, she got what she deserved. This is definitely worth a re-read/listen.
It seems like we have been waiting for this book for a while. I wondered how Kalee would be. And quite frankly I thought her rescue would be more, lots of shooting, maybe an explosion or two, instead it was stealthy thing, done by one guy, which was perfect.
I also really liked how Phantom took Kalee to Hawaii and let her decompress, made her do some hard things there to sort of get back into the land of the living. Yet all the while Kalee was doing these hard things Phantom was right there to help her and let her know it was ok if he failed.
I really worried about things for them once they were back in CA, worried that Kalee would be swept up in a media blitz, but that wasn't even mentioned. Instead the big issue was Phantom going against orders to rescue Kalee. I'm torn with that because did Phantom go against orders, yes, but it was done in the best way and no one knew he was there, including the people he rescued Kalee from.
I really hated how rescuing Kalee divided the SEAL team, how they all were pissed at Phantom and let him isolate himself, instead of having his back. At the end they finally stepped up and gave Phantom their support, but it irritated me that it even had to be asked. I did love how Phantom learned just how much support he had, it was something he needed to know.
The thing with Mona was odd and I could have done with out that. All that drama for nothing.
I liked the epilogue liked that we got to see the whole team happy a few years from now.
What can I say that will make everyone want to read this book. Susan Stoker I was totally afraid to read this book, Phantom grew on me, well heck I liked the grumpy Seal. So as a woman who stalks you and reads every book 5+ times, I awaited the release of Phantom and Kalee story. Well the wait is over, the story has been read and again, dang it for a gown woman my vocabulary is limited WOW WOW. Kalee is still stuck in on Timor-Leste and subjugated to see and feel that no woman much less a person should have to in their life time. Forest Dalton sorry but to me he will always be Phantom, a bad childhood made him the man he is today, one that has to finish everything he has started and that includes rescuing Kalee Soldberg. He does rescue her but their story is not over yet, Phantom disobeyed direct orders not to go, thank god he did not, but sacrificed a lot for her. Now he has to face an Admiral's Mast and as bad as that is, the devil herself came from hell to attempted to put a wedge between the two of them. To find out what happens and does Kalee and Phantom get their happily after, read the story its a great one, it will make you laugh, cry, sit on the edge of the seat to see that happens. Thank you Susan for writting such a great story.
The trial scene was worth the whole series. ;) And the series was so good! I've been waiting a long time for Phantom's story, and it did not disappoint. Truly wonderful, sensitive, protective alpha heroes--and heroines who are strong enough to truly be their match. A great ending to a great series!
As a Susan Stoker fan I can honestly say I haven’t read one of her books that I haven’t loved. However, this is a book I will cherish in a way I haven’t a lot of books in the thousands I’ve read over the past few years (yes I read that much over 1000 books a year!). This book has all the usual things you’d expect: strong men, sassy women, a love story and a happy ending. What’s different is the genuine depth of friendship, loyalty and honor that this story shares. While every book of Susan Stoker’s have these elements for this one it’s the relationships that take center stage. The book is more than a romance in that it reminds us all that life is all about people. whether we’re quiet, more on the grumpy side, eternally optimistic, or simply a middle of the road person, we all leave a mark on those who surround us daily. Friendship, loyalty and honor aren’t just the hallmark of the military men we read about, or are lucky enough to know. If we open our eyes we can all be like Phantom and realize we belong, bone deep, in the ‘family’ we create in our worlds daily. We can be angry with others and be on the receiving end of other people’s disappointment and still belong. All these things pass and this book beautifully takes the reader on the rollercoaster of emotions that real life brings, questioning our own self worth, our own sense of belonging, our fears and the fun that is life. It’s an awesome read!
Although I read over 1000 books a year I rarely post reviews, not because I don’t love the books but mainly because I feel a book is something different to every reader and my opinion should never influence how someone else experiences it. But truly, I can’t recommend this book enough and suggest that if you haven’t read the rest of the Stoker world get on that right a way!
Securing Kalee: SEAL of Protection: Legacy Book 6 is by Susan Stoker. Susan has outdone herself with this final book in the series. Although it doesn’t have quite the action as her other books, it abounds with emotion. The characters are well-developed and the plot is straightforward with a few twists. Kalee Solberg had traveled to Timor-Leste with the Peace Core and was there with her friend Piper when the rebels overtook the orphanage they were visiting. Kalee told Piper and three girls where to hide and to stay there while she went to try to save others. Piper and the girls were rescued by a SEAL team who was there to get Kalee out. Forest “Phantom” Dalton found Kalee lying in the pit with the other dead bodies. She was obviously dead and they could not get her out and save the other girls too. Phantom felt the mission was a failure because they didn’t get her body out. He felt he was missing something. On another mission, he was shot and Avery told him to think of something else. He thought of Kalee and realized that she had been alive because her foot has moved positions. A year later, Phantom saw the file on Kalee that Tex had done. He had tracked Kalee down and found she was in the clutches of the rebels and was forced to join them. He knew he had to go back to Timor-Leste and bring her out whether she wanted to come or not. He had been expressly forbidden to go back to Timor-Leste; but he knowingly disobeyed his orders. He took a leave and headed for Hawaii to “rest and relax”. A couple of days later, he was on a plane for Timor=Leste. Could he find Kalee and get her out? What about her passport? Where would he take her if he got her out- to Piper, her Father, or to the hospital? This is just the beginning of his and Kalee’s adventures.
Securing Kalee was another highly anticipated book that exceeded all my expectations. Similar to Defending Raven (my other all time favorite), it is the last book in a series. It is like saving the best for last. I wanted this one so badly that I ordered a signed copy from the author’s website just so I could read it early.
We first hear about Kalee Solberg in book 3, Securing Piper, and I remember gasping when I read the end of that book and learned that Kalee is actually still alive. I wanted her story right then and there. My need for this book grew when in the subsequent books the Seal Team also learned that she was alive. Phantom is the one that took it the hardest, he knew something was off but he just couldn’t grasp what it was, until he did and then he made it his mission to do whatever he had to to save her from the hell she was most likely enduring. It has been ingrained in him to never fail and he saw leaving Kalee behind as the ultimate failure. So without his teammates and going against orders, he sets off and saves Kalee. Knowing exactly what Kalee needs, he strongly advises her to try to decompress for a few weeks before jumping back into her former life. She needs to heal without interference from the outside. What was fantastic was how much Phantom was also able to heal along with her.
Both Kalee and Phantom were definitely damaged people. Kalee, for what she had gone through in those months in captivity and Phantom, from his past and how it is still affecting him to this day. What they found in each other was a kindred spirit and it was absolutely beautiful.
I absolutely loved everything about Kalee and Phantom’s story. Towards the end when Phantom had to face the consequences of his actions, it was nerve wracking, but again it was beautifully done. Securing Kalee was definitely another 5-star read and I highly recommend it.
Phantom and Kalee's story has been going on since Piper was rescued by the team and Kalee was presumed dead. Their story was told a little bit at a time in the previous books in this series and as it unfolded I had to know what happened to Kalee. Ms. Stoker in my opinion, usually leaves the best story for last, the best being the one I am most involved in emotionally. That is really saying something since all of her books are well written.
Anyway, Kalee is a remarkable character and she is strong. She is about to give up when Phantom rescues her. She gives "fight like a girl" a new meaning. I kept thinking that Kalee needed to meet up with Fiona as they survived similar things. Phantom is just as amazing as she is and he has overcome a lot and because of this, he is able to help her. They both taught each other things and tore down each other walls. It was an amazing story to read. Ms. Stoker brings out such emotion in her books that it's hard not to admire the characters. She draws you in and makes you feel like you have a ringside seat to the story unfolding in from of your eyes. There are a few surprises in store for the reader at the Admiral's Mast near the end of the story. It does not disappoint!
Securing Kalee is the final installment in the SEAL of Protection: Legacy series (which itself was spun off from the SEAL of Protection series. This book has to finish up the Legacy series, wrap up the Timor-Leste rescue story line started in Securing Piper, connect back to the original SEAL of Protection series (and Stoker's other series) and also introduce the characters from the upcoming SEAL Team Hawaii series. That's a lot to expect out of one book, and for the most part, it accomplishes its goals. The action is largely lacking, and that's not necessarily a bad thing, but the stalker plot line seems like it was recycles from a previous Stoker novel because she needed a conflict. I liked the character development aspect, and appreciated that the author was trying to do something different, but it didn't always work. Still, it's a very good book. It's just not as good as other Stoker series enders (like the amazing Defending Raven).
for the audio- Securing Kalee starts opens on an emotional edge and stays there for most of the story. This is definitely the book that you need to be in the mood to listen to. For the first several chapters we are immersed in the world of Kaylee. Where she is such a strong woman, but one that has a long way to fight her way back into the everyday world. And her champion, Phantom, he does the best that he can for her. Having been in similar situations, he is aware of her at all times. I did wonder at times how someone that suffered such trauma could be helped by just one person without seeing a professional. However, there are times to set aside reality and then there are times when the reality is that people often are strong enough that they never do seek professionals for their issues. This makes for a tough listen.
Phantom and Savannah both have their hurts and baggage. We get to see them both resolve issues and face the future. The ending as well as the epilogue was a very nice touch and a catch up with everyone. Savannah Peachwood was wonderful in narrating both Kalee and Phantom. She was able to enhance the story and keep the voices on an even keel even through the difficult emotions.
Kalee Solberg was in the Peace Corp when she was taken by rebels and forced to join them. There for months and praying to be rescued, Kalee just waits for death. Forest ( Phantom ) Dalton was abused as a child and always told he was worthless. Now Phantom is a SEAL and doesn’t like to fail but he thinks he did in one mission. The team was there to rescue Kalee and Piper but they think Kalee is dead and the rebels come and they have to leave her body for now. Phantom knows he’s missing something until he remembers he saw her foot move. He disobeys orders and heads back to Timor-Leste, by himself, and looks for Kalee. He rescues Kalee and he takes her back to Hawaii to decompress and heal a little. Once they return to California, Phantom has to face the disciplinary board and find out what his punishment will be. But when the past rears back up, Phantom will do anything to protect Kalee.
This is the last book in this series and I freaking loved it. It seems like I’ve been waiting forever for it. Action, forgiveness, and suspense. Kalee doesn’t let what happened to her stop her from living. Some steamy sex scenes. I couldn’t put it down.
I have been impatiently waiting for Phantom's story since we first met him. He has been through so much in life especially his early years were he was abused and neglected. His childhood made it hard for him to accept failure. So when they went on a mission to bring Kalee home and came back without her thinking she was dead. He was determined to complete his mission and bring Kalee home. He finds out information that she may be alive and captured by the rebels of Timor-Leste he knows what he must do. No matter the consequences to his career he will do whatever he can to bring her home.
Kalee worked for the Peace Corps until she was captured and beaten into working with the rebels. She figures no one is looking for her after all this time they all must think shes dead.
However its not as simple as all that because even back home there is a threat to there happiness. Can they make it back home and survice whatever awaits them? Read to find out.
I absolutely loved this story it was so full of emotion and real people. I highly reccomend this book and series and really every Susan Stoker book is amazing I have yet to come across one I did not like.
I always love a new series by Susan Stoker, but I'm coming to anticipate and enjoy the final book in each series just as much. Although its sad when the series is over, the wrap up she writes of all the characters in the series has me smiling long after I've finished the final book.
Kalee's story started in Securing Piper as the SEAL team was sent into Timor-Leste to rescue her from an unstable environment. Believing she was dead, the team left, only to realize several books later she was still alive. Phantom, who felt the most responsible for her, directly disobeyed an order to stand down and goes to Timor-Leste to bring her home. Kalee has suffered through unspeakable brutality at the hands of her captors but is determined to have the best life she can. Much of the story follows her fight back to her new normal, and the repercussions of Phantom's actions. It is a slow burn romance with a hint of danger.
I'm sorry to see this series come to a close, but I know Susan Stoker has many more books to come, and I'm looking forward to each one of them.
You will enjoy Phantom and Kalee's story, I did!!!
So I am a huge fan of Susan Stoker and have read all of her books. They are always written beautifully. This story was an exceptional representation of friendship, Loyalty, family, love. Seeing such a strong, courageous, confident, fierce warrior not see his worth and how much he means to those around him was heartbreaking. It made me want to go have words with his mother about how she treated him. He is a man to is loyal to his core, takes his oath to protect seriously but does not see how much he has to offer those around him. He knew just how to help Kaylee process what happened to her and he was so gentle and caring as he helped her it was so touching. At his navy mast hearing I cried at how everyone spoke up for him...even s few laughs too. That part of the story proved that family can be more than blood...a family of your choosing can be the best thing in the world.... this is a story that I highly recommend
Oh my goodness!! I am exhausted... that was one hell of read. Loved Phantom, loved Kalee.
I have been so anticipate-y for Phantom's story since reading Piper's last August. It really was the one that I was waiting for.
Kalee was great... with everything that she was going through she still hung onto who she was. Phantom was exactly who he was... the man that we had come to know throughout all of the Legacy series.
And then... all those fantastic cameos... very reminiscent of 'A Matter of Life and Death' ( the courtroom hearing )... loved it!!
I always feel a little poignant when a series ends. But this had a wonderful epilogue and left a smile on my face. And I am really looking forward to Storm North's story. And of course, the Hawaii SEALs too!!!
What a great book. Susan hits out of the park again,
Wow. Susan always writes great books, but I wasn’t sure this would be in one of my top 5 Susan Stoker books. Yet it is! Kalee and Phantom mostly in this book have more of an adventure of feelings and emotions. There is some action, but the highly emotional content overshadows the action. The book is super moving, and some tissues may be required. Lots of old favorite characters make some appearances and some new ones we can look forward to learning more about. Susan is one of the few authors that can keep me captivated with her series. They are never dull, full of surprises. I love that even a favorite hamburger place of mine is mentioned in this book. Please get this book and enjoy the journey.
I've been waiting for the team to go get Kalee, when that didn't happen right away I was disappointed in the leaders of this seal team for not taking the opportunity to right what the members of the team and especially Phantom believed to be a horrible mistake. Can you imagine being loved enough that he/she would actually step up and defend you with everything they could. To have someone give up everything just for you. Imagine how you would feel to be left behind and not know if anyone knew you were alive. Every one of Susan's book is my favorite but this one is very special seems we've been waiting along time for this.
Susan Stoker does not disappoint and she certainly does not here. There is a lot going on but it is handled with grace and dignity. Given we already know what happened to Kalee from a previous book (there are enough details if you haven't read Securing Piper), Susan Stoker chose to make her story about both Kalee and Phantom's recovery, physical and mental. The story is well written, involving and yes, you will take sides! Absolutely loved it. It is cetainly on my read again list.
OMG, I’m soooooo excited to finally be reading this book as it has been on my TBR list for a year now and it was worth its weight in gold❣️
Phantom finally remembers the one detail about their trip to Timor-Leste, that’s been bugging him for months - Kalee Solberg is ALIVE🤭Phantom makes the decision to get Kalee out of the country and promptly goes about setting everything up😳 However, getting her out is one thing, returning home is quite another, especially when it appears there is danger closer than anyone expects😢
I loved this story, finding out more about Phantom but also seeing another side to him was wonderful😁 Also loved the introduction to the new Hawaii SEAL team and can’t wait for more😍