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Caryn Buckner’s fondest childhood memories are all from Fallport, where she spent every summer with her beloved grandfather. Now she’s back for an extended visit. Long enough to make sure her grandpa is on the mend after a vicious attack…and maybe figure out the next steps in her life. She’s been a New York firefighter for years, but experiencing blatant sexism in a series of all-male fire stations has worn her down. Maybe things will be different in a small town. Maybe she’ll find acceptance with the local fire crew, perhaps even make a few friends. But after a lifetime of rejection, Caryn knows it’s best not to let her hopes get too high.

Drew Koopman is happy with the status quo. He’s a member of the Eagle Point Search and Rescue team and is enjoying a sedate second career as an accountant after years as a state trooper. Search missions aside, his days are mostly safe, quiet, and uneventful, which is just the way he likes them. Until a strong, sassy blonde firefighter from New York City turns his world upside down—in a good way. Now he’s considering a different kind of life…one that includes the true partner he’s always wanted but never found, professionally or personally…if he can convince Caryn to stay.

In small-town Fallport, nothing’s a secret for long. Caryn’s plans for the future could have far-reaching repercussions for more than just her and Drew. Not everyone is happy about her return…and it’ll take more than her sexy ex-cop’s keen observations skills to keep her safe.

** Searching for Caryn is the fourth book in the Eagle Point Search & Rescue Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2023

991 people are currently reading
438 people want to read

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Susan Stoker

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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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for Tay.
38 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2024
I’m going to be upfront and honest and I say I went into this book apprehensive af and was prepared to wholeheartedly dislike Caryn. Main reason being her name is well…Caryn. And quite frankly our introduction of her absolutely fed into that.

Before I continue on to the actual review, I would like to point out that I did not like the dismissiveness of WHY people get called Karen’s. It’s not as simple as “making fun of someone’s name.” So putting that as a reason in the book made me a bit frustrated. It’s so SO much more. Usually resulting in some middle aged privileged white lady harassing a black person or POC for simply existing. Producing their white women tears to terrorize a person who has done nothing to them. So they can deal with one simple “name calling” for their actions. Especially if that’s the worst that can happen to them meanwhile their actions can lead to affecting someone else’s life…permanently.

With all that being said! I love these two together. OMG! I enjoyed that Caryn was self aware enough that she knew she was being rude and unfair to Drew during most of their interactions. Went into self-preservation mode during times when it wasn’t needed. It was understandable WHY but still sometimes I was like girl take a breather and think.

I did feel sad for her because at her age it was a bit disappointing to watch her want to fit in so badly with people who obviously didn’t like her when she had a perfectly good group of people right in front of her. Her found family was right there wanting to include and accept her just as she is. It sucked it took her so long to realize that. I was glad when Drew put it out there truthfully with her and didn’t sugarcoat it.

I do wish we got more of Drew’s backstory about why he left the force. I feel like we got glimpses of it. But I also understand probably not wanting to make a politically charged statement or backstory behind an ex-cop. Especially in todays climate. But I did like that she was able to acknowledge some of the current climate without honing in on it and still giving Drew his identity without him being tied to being just a cop.

Overall, I loved them and think they just have the softest most supportive relationship! He’s so good with her and she absolutely deserves it. So many cute moments they had that will live rent free in my mind!

I absolutely will be seated for Brock and Finley. May he get all the sweets at the end of that rainbow. I truly hope Finley is ready because no more hiding for her! Brock wants in and I’m ready for him to go get his girl.
Profile Image for Julie Miller.
Author 295 books365 followers
January 27, 2025
I loved the "strong" heroine. She truly was a force to be reckoned with when it came to fighting fires and helping others. But Drew could see the truth behind her strength to the vulnerable woman underneath, and he gave her the connections and support she needed to become truly happy. And the mature characters were just as sexy and romantic as a younger couple.

I love any scene when the whole SAR team is together--as during the fire where Caryn saved the day, but wound up making a very dangerous enemy. If I could see that many hunky, protective heroes in one place at one time... ;)

As always, what really speaks to me in this series is the cast of supporting characters. So many of them are as well-developed as the leading characters.
Profile Image for LaTonja .
308 reviews25 followers
April 4, 2023
This book touch home with me so much, because like Caryn I wanted always to be a team.

Drew and Caryn thought they know who the other was about. But they were so wrong. During their interactions they learned that they both were wrong. Drew and Caryn had more in common than they thought. They actually more compatible.

Step in to Fallport. A small town with a close network of people. when it came to the Eagle Point Search & Rescue Men and their women, it was family, loyalty, and safety. Some of the townspeople didn't welcome that. Especially when it came to Caryn.

Caryn visited her Grandfather as a child. Since she was from NY, some of the W VA people thought she thought she was better than her. It never happened.

Now Caryn has the opportunity to have her Grandfather, a Man, Friends and people she can trust. But she is the one who risks her safety, not one time but twice. Welcome to Drew and Caryn. It's really good. I had feelings the whole time when I listened to this book. It had evoked so much anger with the machismo in the book. It's a must read. I loved reading it and was pleased with the outcome. And as always Susan Stoker gives us strong, alpha, loyal men, who love their women.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,030 reviews52 followers
April 4, 2023
'You don't need me, not even close...but I hope you want me'

We all thought Drew was the quiet nerdy one...WOW! We were so wrong! He is quiet and nerdy, but he is so much more, thoughtful, sexy, protective but respectful and fully aware of just how evil people can be. He may not say much, but what he does say is generally deep and well thought out.
Caryn is also a protector, she thrives on helping others, rescuing others and being kind and respectful, unfortunately she rarely gets thanks or respect for the help and over time her self confidence has taken a beating. Seeing her thrive as she finally finds her people and her self confidence grows is awesome and she is a fantastic addition to the Eagle Point Search and Rescue too.
Profile Image for Laura.
799 reviews22 followers
August 5, 2025
I really liked the attraction between Caryn and Drew. She fit in his life perfectly. There were a lot of hairy moments in this book and Caryn was lucky to have good friends to help her. I liked the suspense, action and romance. Perhaps my favorite of the series so far. I 'm looking forward to the next book.
785 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2024
At the beginning of this book, it is very hard for me to like Caryn. She’s repeatedly rude to Drew and jumps to conclusions about him. She quickly has some self-reflection on that, so it improves. The other reason she’s very hard to like is how spineless she is going along with things to fit in at a potential job. Again, this personality flaw is discussed, but she does it more than once. I’d pretty much given up on her. Thankfully for this book, Drew didn’t. Once she got her head out of her a$$, things improved. I read the ebook. 3.5/5.
Profile Image for Debby.
1,901 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2023
story was great!

However, there are just a few things that didn’t add up in this one for me. Caryn and Drew are a great couple and liked how their relationship developed. But, it would be close to impossible to shove a door open when someone has crammed a blanket under the door to keep smoke out. That is one thing that bothers me about the story. Another is that Paul keeps a job where the firemen don’t seem to have any clue how to fight a fire? Not sure any town wouldn’t notice that. Surely there has been a few fires over the years where the ineptness would have been apparent. But, it’s fiction.
Profile Image for DJ.
765 reviews
November 27, 2023
Interesting, intriguing and full of emotions!

Searching for Caryn is book 4 in the Eagle Point Search and Rescue series by Susan Stoker. Having read books 1-4, I more convinced than ever that I need to find Fallport, Va., and never leave. Like people in the real world, the characters in this series continue to develop and transform with each seemingly impossible rescue they perform.
The female protagonists, are so strong emotionally it's
frustrating they can't recognize this trait themselves. I can certainly relate,though, as like most women, I also struggle to see myself as others see me. Funny, how seeing it through the role as an outside observer I find the same behavior maddening but can't see that I live my life the same as these heriones! It is part of Susan Stoker's amazing talent, that she can awaken this awareness in her readers by her storytelling. I especially relate to this story's heroine, Caryn. I have struggled all my life to be accepted, as Caryn did growing up and later as an adult. It wasn't until her experiences in Fallport, that she finally realized she was made to stand out,not blend in. Caryn's transformation was so well-written! My eyes were opened to my own character development through Caryn's struggles. To me, that is what good fiction should do! Susan Stoker writes not just good fiction, she writes excellent, award winning fiction! Searching for Caryn proves her talent!
Her heroes aren't the usual sure of themselves hunky males. While all possess alpha personalities on the job and in the past vocations, they all struggle to see themselves worthy of love. It has been interesting to see how all the men of Eagle Point SAR have developed over time. In Searching for Caryn, yet another team member is bowled over by the power love has to bring about lasting change. I was awestruck by Susan's portrayal of growth and development that falling in love could wrought. At times the love scenes were so emotional it brought tears. At other times, the teasing banter had me grinnîng from ear to ear. Susan Stoker's writing is able to induce such intense emotions in a reader! Reading Searching for Caryn was like being a character in a story you just realized was not a story but true life! Incredible!
The mystery, intrigue, and suspense had me turning blue as I held my breath, determined to not let the villain know I was there! I cried thinking there was no way there could be an happy outcome in the race to find and save Caryn! Yet, I should know by now to never doubt Susan Stoker's imagination and creativity! Susan is the queen of happy endings and always finds away out of any potential disaster. She does not disappoint in Searching for Caryn! I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Megan.
3,588 reviews45 followers
August 4, 2025
Read this as a buddy read so posting my thoughts from here during the read as my review!

Up to Chapter 6


Chapter 6


Up to Chapter 10


Chapter 15


Chapter 18


Finished
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,950 reviews25 followers
April 9, 2023
Drew and Caryn - all the healing romance with some danger mixed in

I really enjoyed Drew and Caryn’s love and healing tale with a side of kidnapping. The story included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. Expect to feel all the things - expect to laugh, to swoon, to hold your breath, grit your teeth, and to cry. The book was slow to start for me but once it did I was sucked in to all its goodness. Drew is a former cop who is now an accountant in the small town of Fallsport. He also is a member of Eagles Point Search and Rescue also based in Fallsport. Caryn spent her childhood summers in Fallsport with her grandfather, Art. When Art is stabbed during an attack, she takes leave from her firefighter job to care for him. Drew and Caryn rub each other wrong during their first few interactions but their connection grows from there. It is beautiful to watch the relationship between them as it grows and deepens organically as they spend time together. To get to their HEA, they’ll each have to learn to trust and Caryn specifically needs to deal with and change her lifelong patterns to find contentment in her skin and in any kind of relationship. This book has a little bit of everything, just like you would expect from a romantic suspense story - sweet moments, strong friendships, sexy times, real life issues, painful pasts, imperfect characters, dangerous situations, quirky townspeople, and so much love. I am excited to read the next SAR team’s love story.
Profile Image for NotTheTea.
824 reviews41 followers
June 6, 2023
🚒🧮I was really surprised seeing a fmc in dangerous profession (cop/detective/firefighter) in Susan stoker's book IYKYK. I just hope she doesn't make it condescending.

🚒🧮Of course she has to be a tomboy. One cannot be feminine and strong at the same time🙄

🚒🧮When people gonna understand female bitterness? Of course they're stuck up bitch because society turn them that way. They have every reason to be insecure. The author is just making her look foolish. Like if you see someone down the road and they greet you good morning your defense shouldn't go up and make you say you don't own this place.

🚒🧮Basically they asked her to come to calm him down? I don't understand.

🚒🧮Seriously? They're inserting a highschool conflict in the story?

🚒🧮That's the stupidest thing I've ever read. Go with some rowdy boys in a shady place without telling anyone and get shitfaced drunk.

🚒🧮"It was high time she stopped acting like a twelve-year-old, hoping to be a popular kid in school" my thoughts through out the whole book. It feels like the author wrote a highschool drama with grown ass adult situations.


🚒🧮Why we're calling Finley shy? She's the definition of insecure. Help her with that, address it head on. She certainly open up about all her insecurities with her friends but everyone still brush it as shyness. Why?

🚒🧮She was beaten black and blue, stabbed and more. Her standing up doesn't make sense forget firefighting at that moment.

🚒🧮I have mixed feelings about this book. It was positively different from the author's every other book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
682 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2023
I fist pumped the air when susan stoker released audible before e-book. and seeing my name is Karen I had a little smile.
this series is a small-town romance with angst and suspense. Susan writes this trope beautifully and eeked out the simplicities of life and love.
at first, I wanted to slap the h sideways for being a 41-year-old doing the most stupid things.
but I had to settle, as there is always a deeper meaning to Susan's stories. Sure enough, the issue at large with Caryn doesn't stop at younger individuals, it happens at all ages, no bias included.
one review said she was a strong sassy heroine and halfway through the book I thought, what is she seeing that i don't?
however, the back half of the novel set me straight. I think Bristol is still my fave so far, and the suspense story was a tad milder.
The topic addressing the h's issues was, in such a way that you are never too old to learn.
loved the mixing of all the previous characters and how cleverly Susan has slipped a new h for our alpha SAR man.
some great sayings and wonderful laughs.
just loved it.
the narration was brilliant. only 2 tiny slip-ups...Emma called Caryn pronouncing her Corinne. only twice however.
lovely romance, steamy scenes, fantastic characters and a good angsty story.
Aiden snow... sigh-worthy.
Ryan West...his tone and different narrator voice just topped it off. love the older characters and I need a Drew in my life ( Don't we all?)
Well some of us. Lol
Profile Image for Nancy Reads.
915 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2024
SEARCHING FOR CARYN by Susan Stoker is Eagle Point Search & Rescue and Book #4 in the Series. All the books have been good so far and have dangerous but exciting parts. This one is a slow burn romance with a steamy ending.

Caryn Buckner is a firefighter in New York, but when she is informed her 91-year-old grandpa had been stabbed in his home and left for dead. She could not put the job on hold fast enough to get to her grandpa's side in the small town of Fallport. It was unbelievable to Caryn that in her grandpa's beloved town of Fallport that there was someone that would hurt him. Even if he was one of the mainstay people there are good and bad people in all towns. As a child Caryn had spent all her summers with her grandpa, and loved her time in Fallport, Virginia.

Drew Koopman was one of the very good people of Fallport. He's an accountant and a member of the Eagle Point Search and Rescue team. She knew he was 45, never thought he was that old by looking at him. From the locals she had learned he was hard working, kind, selfless, and was always the first person to volunteer to help someone in need. Most importantly to Caryn was the fact her grandpa approved of Drew a 100%! She was 41 to his 45, and they seemed perfectly matched. They had started out a little rocky, they had a slow-burn romance, with just sweet kisses but that was just the warmup to a steamy ending. Unfortunately, Caryn does happen to come across some of the bad people in Fallport!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.3k reviews537 followers
May 1, 2023
I wasn't sure about this one at the start, there didn't seem to be any connection between Drew and Caryn. In fact, it sort of looked like there was a little hate there. I'm glad that that didn't last long and also glad that Drew was the one that let Caryn know there was no hate. I don't know that Caryn would have made the first move due to her past and always not measuring up.

I really liked how these two got to know each other, how they talked about their past and the hard stuff with their jobs. It seemed like Drew was there to cheer Caryn on all the time, something she needed, someone having her back.

I loved how Caryn was enfolded into the group at large and with the women. It really helped her see that maybe this town could be her home, if she just found a job.

And boy...that job. So many things to say about the local fire department! I hated how Caryn was drawn in and treated, hated it more that she would have been 100% better than the clowns currently working there, if only given the chance. And when she did see how inept they were, she did something to save her friend, which sadly caused all the drama at the end.

I'm glad things worked out the way they did, glad that Caryn had people that had her back when she needed it and glad that she found a place to fit in and people that saw her for how great she was!
Profile Image for Pam.
834 reviews
May 6, 2023
Searching for Caryn is the fourth book in the Eagle Point Search & Rescue series by Susan Stoker.
Caryn Buckner has fond summer memories of Fallport with her grandfather. Caryn is a New York firefighter; she loves being a firefighter, but she is really missing the comradery she expected as part of a team. Unfortunately, being the only woman in a male dominated job has caused her a lot of heartache with the blatant sexism from her co-workers. When Caryn’s grandfather is attacked and severely injured, Caryn decides it’s time to return to Fallport so she can take care of her grandfather.
Dew Koopman is a member of the Eagle Point Search and Rescue team. He was a state trooper but after everything he saw in his job, he decided he needed a more sedate job for his second career so he is also an accountant. He gets the quiet he craves with the occasional excitement of a search with his team.
All Caryn has ever wanted is a partner to share her life with. Caryn and Drew meet at the hospital and the sparks start to fly. At first they are sparks of anger and misunderstandings but once both take a breath could there be something more? This book has everything danger, confrontation, friendship, chemistry, anger and revenge. I loved this book; the story is original, and the characters are amazing and have great chemistry. This is a must read!
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,100 reviews
July 9, 2023
TBH, I had a really hard time with Caryn's initial attitude. After getting past that, I had a harder time with the stupid move she made when she met up with the firefighters. As a grown woman, not a 20 something, a 40+ woman to still be so desperate to be part of a clique is not only sad, but pitiful. Especially seeing as how it was clear to see what type of people were involved in that group.

Let's not discuss how stupid it is for ANY woman to put herself in that situation. Women should be able to do all kinds of things, but that is not how the world works.

I liked Drew and Caryn together. Thankfully he was ali around to save her. I waa glad that Caryn was ultimately able to move out of that "want to be liked and part of a team" syndrome. Accepting and appreciating herself was a major move on her part.

I thought Drew took a backseat in this book as it seemed his only function was to either support Caryn or save her.

I would have also liked to see Paul and his gang completely humiliated in front of the town, or at least been able to read about the town's reaction to what went on. I am sure it probably happened, but we got none of the details, lol.

I did enjoy the narration with both Aiden Snow and Ryan West, two of my favorite narrators. Emma Wilder did justice to Caryn's character.
366 reviews
October 13, 2024
Eagle Point Search and rescue

Eagle Point Search and rescue Ethan this series you meet Drew Koopman ex Police state officer that has seen his fair share of dangerous situations and plenty of red tape. Stubborn and grumpy not much makes him smile these days he has the best friends and the best search and rescue team with Ethan,Rocky,Brock,Raiden and Takin And Zeke. Their circle is getting wider with Lilly,Elise ,Bristol and as when trouble came to Fallport and the resident gossip Art, and got cross in the cross fires and got hurt . Drew Koopman life as an ex police officer and now accountant as a professional. The new arrival change is life for The better.
Meet Cathy Buckner a professional firefighter loves her job but hates the political drama and diversity which her colleagues give her a hard time for. From New York she came back to Fallport as soon as she heard of her only relative being hurt and crossed paths with Drew as she had plenty of fun in with Police officers as her ex husband was one of them. But she was back in Fallport to look after Art her grandfather who she loves dearly and had many find memories of Fallport when she was younger.
Thoroughly enjoyed highly recommended Absolute dream
Profile Image for Meg.
1,356 reviews9 followers
April 7, 2023
consigliato ma............
e siamo dunque alla storia di caryn, la nipote di art uno dei simpatici vecchietti di fallport, e drew
entrambi vengono da carriere diverse, lui ex poliziotto fa il commercialista, lei pompiere a ny è anche editor nel tempo che le rimane
nel libro precedente c'era stato una sorta di scontro tra loro ma in realtà non più di tanto; sono due adulti con una vita complessa alle spalle quindi qui non abbiamo alcuna hate-to-love da sviluppare
la tematica del libro è sul mobbing che caryn ha sempre subito nel suo lavoro e su come questo ci colleghi alla sua vita
sono over 40 entrambi quindi in questo libro siamo ben oltre il 70% quando tra loro c'è la parte "hot, mentre lo slow burn è ben sviluppato
sempre oltre il 70% la parte della ricerca e soccorso che in qualche passaggio è poco chiara (ma come lei così tosta si fa raggirare per due volte........mha!)
diverse le imprecisioni di lessico, ne ho segnalate solo un paio perchè davvero inizio a stancarmi............cover poco indovinata stavolta perchè lui è un uomo maturo e questo mi pare un fotomodello......vabbè!
tre stelle e mezzo oneste per questi ultimi motivi
1,250 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2023
Caryn is one heck of a strong woman and Drew doesn't know what hits him when the meet

Drew is an ex evil turned accountant who is also on the Eagle Point Search and Rescue. Caryn is a firefighter from New York City who spent her summers here with her grandpa, but now has come to take care of him after he was stabbed. Caryn has always been looking to belong, especially trying to fit in at work in a man's world of firefighters. She was always belittled and told she would never belong just because she was a woman and would never be trusted by her peers. She worked twice as hard but it never mattered. Now that she is with her grandpa, she has second thoughts of going back. But is this small town fire department a continuation of the "good old' boys" club that doesn't allow women in? What happens when her nemesis and his cronies invite her out for drinks to the roughest bar in town? What does the fire captain do when she embarrassed him by rescuing someone from a burning building when he wouldn't send anyone in? Will she realize that she already has a group of friends that accept her for who she is and will they convince her to stay?
Profile Image for Debbie Collins.
801 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2023
"Searching for Caryn" is the fourth book in the Eagle Point Search & Rescue series, and it is another winner. I have never read a book by Susan Stoker that I didn't love and this one is no exception. Caryn Buckner is no stranger to Fallport, she has visited her grandfather every summer for years, but this visit is different. Her beloved grandfather has been attacked and she has to stay for as long as he needs her, even if it means that she may lose her job as a firefighter in New York. Drew Koopman is an ex-cop now part of the Search and Rescue team and he loves it. Life is good for Drew until it is turned upside down by a sassy, strong, independent woman named Caryn.
Caryn wants to be firefighter in the small town, but sometimes men don't want women in their profession, never mind the fact that she can probably do the job better than they can. Some of these people go too far when trying to teach the pretty blonde a lesson, one that even Drew didn't see coming.
Great book, great series but you won't be lost if you don't read them all, but I think once you start reading them, you will not want to stop!
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,046 reviews55 followers
April 29, 2023
I really enjoyed Drew and Caryn’s story. It included a bit of everything for a good romantic suspense - charming characters, laughter, romance, strong friendships, action, danger, suspense, painful pasts, intense situations, and more. I love watching the growth of the two main characters both separately and together as they formed a relationship. I enjoyed the maturity of the characters and the fact they recognized their own flaws and insecurities and discussed them with each other along with their own self-realization in certain instances. I loved the found family vibes and the closeness all the guys and their women had with each other and how welcoming they were to bring a new member into their tight-knit group. The acceptance, loyalty, devotion, and love they have for each other is so perfect and romantic, it just gives you all the feels. And I loved the admiration, confidence, and acceptance Drew had for Caryn. He truly saw her for who she really was and helped her to face herself - her fears and flaws, and gain more confidence in herself to be who he already knew she was. A great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,877 reviews41 followers
June 2, 2023
I honestly don't know where her strength and determination came from, even desperately wanting and loving a certain career to be hit with doubt, teasing, and knockdown after knockdown, I would have long given up. You need satisfaction and a certain amount of happiness in what ever job you do, you spend many years working and I can't imagine anything worse than dealing with prejudice day in day out. Drew was a fabulous support, helping and even training with her to help her stay in shape. I loved the relationship she had with both Art and Clyde, it was great to see a different softer side with Clyde especially. Friendship and acceptance is a big focus in this story, showing that being a man doing a job suited more to a woman or a woman in a field more associated with a man, training is what counts and learning. There is some action and suspense, some violence and abuse as part of the plot but no rape. There is a lot of positivity as a focus of friendship and family and understanding. It's an eye opener for sure because I completely expect this sort of prejudice does happen in these careers just hopefully not to these extremes. Gripping and interesting from start to finish.
Profile Image for JanFromNJ.
724 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2024
Another romantic suspense story in this series that keeps you enthralled until the end.

Drew, the former police officer, now accountant and member of the Fallport, Virginia SAR team meets Caryn, a New York firefighter who has returned to Fallport to care for her injured grandfather and it isn’t love at first site. At all. They immediately get in each other’s nerves.

The 4th book in this series is filled with heart wrenching twists and turns. All 3 narrators were excellent in telling this story and I especially loved the deep voice of Aiden Snow.

We have Caryn as an amazing firefighter who although exceptional at her job, she suffers from wanting to be a real part of a team and have friends she can rely on. She’s never had that in New York and when she meets the Fallport SAR team she finally finds what she was searching for. Real friends and a team of men who treat her as an equal. And then there’s the mutual attraction with Drew. . . they take it slow, but you just know there’s no denying they want each other. Badly.

A very intense, emotional and utterly captivating story, this is a terrific, suspenseful read.
Profile Image for Vicky.
2,144 reviews30 followers
April 4, 2023
I enjoyed much of this. I liked the idea of the two leads... but I found that Caryn was almost TSTL at some points. I liked that she took ownership of her stupid ( and immature ) actions. I mean, she is 41 and still feels like she needs to do something that obviously makes her uncomfortable just to try and fit in... when it is patently obvious that she never will.

I didn't get how Paul et al got away with their incompetence for so long. Didn't anyone ever visit the fire station?

I would've liked the second half of the book to have been longer... it all felt a little rushed for me. I do like this series... and am happily looking forward to the next.

And... it is very frustrating to have someone described as having a 'British' accent. There is no such thing! Four countries make up the UK, all with distinct accents... and within those four countries there are many many dialects. It is a small thing, but so annoying. Like saying someone has a European accent... silly silly. I am pretty sure that I have mentioned this particular Brit-pick in other SS book reviews... ah well!
Profile Image for Mimi.reads.24.7 Karen Deal.
504 reviews21 followers
April 16, 2023
Drew and Caryn didn’t disappoint!

4.5 ⭐️
I don’t know how Susan Stoker does it. She keeps writing these love stories that are unique again and again.
Drew is a former cop turned accountant because he had enough of the attitude toward cops and felt burned out. Caryn is a firefighter from New York who came to Fallpoint VA when her granddad was hurt. Both of them have bad experiences on the job that left them feeling isolated and unable to fit in. Caryn desperately wants to fit in with fellow firefighters and longs for acceptance from her peers, which gets her into trouble with local firefighters who have no scruples.

What I loved about this story is how strong Caryn was, both physically and mentally and how much Drew loved that about her. Their relationship was sweet, steamy and balanced, each bringing out the best in each other and able to call each other out when they strayed too far over the cynical line.

I loved this book and recommend the whole series, although each book is a stand alone.
1,742 reviews12 followers
April 17, 2023
I have read a lot of Stoker's books and they are a fast and entertaining read, following a predictable formula - good guy, good gal, they get together, some suspense/problem ensues, happy resolution and the couple becomes one of the many couples rooting the next couple coming up in the next story. In Searching for Caryn, I really liked Drew. However, Caryn's story was pretty slim so Stoker had to drag it out to fill pages. Caryn is a firefighter who was never accepted at ANY firehouse she worked at - so the story went on and on about how she was always wronged - Stoker made the firefighting world look the most mysoginistic, crappy place to ever have a job. Hey, we have all worked with sexists in our careers, but to have Caryn not find ONE ally in 20+ years of employment? It is 2023! It was overkill and endlessly repetitive. Then the bad guys in the current story were so cookie cutter - I won't say more to avoid giving it away...
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,735 reviews20 followers
March 29, 2023
Loved this one! The story is filled with action and suspense as well as romance. I was completely enthralled in Caryn’s story. Drew was great but center stage was Caryn. She has a lot of baggage and is hoping for a new happier start. She goes from being doubtful to strong and fearless. Once she came into her self and “Owned” it she became a more impressive woman. I liked reading about her struggles, self doubt and kind heart and inner strength. Drew does some amazing things for her and is almost just a support character. Her grandfather just killed me with his thoughts and comments.

Overall this is a wonderful story with a lot of heart. Mrs Stoker hit the nail on the head with this one! I am eagerly looking forward to Finlay and Brock next!

I listened to this on audio. Aiden Snow, Emma Wilder and Joe Arden did a great job with the narration!
Profile Image for Katrina.
270 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2023
Have I mentioned lately how much I love Susan Stoker? Given that she does a bang up job of releasing books regularly throughout the year across her different concurrent series, I swear I have...

Searching for Caryn was top quality. In Susan's novels there is always a point of struggle or tension, and in this story Caryn is struggling with wanting to fit in with others. I feel like this is a very common struggle with a lot of people. Caryn makes choices she regrets in a bid to fit in with people who don't end up treating her very well. The novel is, among other things, her realisation that people she really fits with will appreciate her for who she is.

I also loved how she referenced the jokes about Karen's. I have a family member who has a similar name and she is just the loveliest person you could imagine. Not all Karen's are the stereotype.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,476 reviews23 followers
April 15, 2023
Hero Took The Story

3.5 Stars - I have to start out by saying that Drew is a well worthy hero. He was awesome. The reason I did not rate this story higher was because of Caryn. I disliked her as the female lead for the first 63% of the story. She redeemed herself quite a bit in my eyes after that point, but not sufficient to rate the story higher. It is unfortunate because I have enjoyed the first three stories in this series. I will continue to read the series because I like all of the Eagle Point Search & Rescue heroes. Drew, carried the story for me. We get to understand him finally. Being an ex-cop and currently an accountant was always curious to me. Now that we get to understand him better, he is just as worthy as his team members. Ethan & Lily broke my heart
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