The Refuge

The Refuge is a place to heal. Where those who have experienced traumatic events can go to heal. It’s run by seven former military men who’ve seen more than their fair share of the ugliness in the world.

Friend-zoned since childhood by the most amazing man she’s ever known, that doesn’t stop Alaska Stein from doing whatever’s necessary—including lying to the military—to be by his side when Drake ends up in a German hospital after a mission gone wrong. The broken man in the bed is not the boy she once knew. Despite that, and despite years apart, when Drake turns his gaze to Alaska, he sees her. Looks beyond the plain-Jane exterior to his childhood friend beneath. He may never be anything more than a friend, but putting her needs aside to see him whole is a sacrifice she’s willing to make.

Drake “Brick” Vandine walks away from the SEALs after his recovery, building a life around helping others struggling with PTSD. But he can’t walk away from Alaska. She was there for him in his darkest moment and her spine of steel saw him through one of the biggest challenges of his career. And now, although she lives half a world away, she’s still his anchor, his daily dose of support as he and several friends build The Refuge. A place of peace, a place of healing. But, for Drake, also a place of loneliness.

When the unthinkable befalls Alaska during a trip to Russia, it’s Drake’s turn to drop everything and race to her aid. Safely back at The Refuge, he just as quickly realizes what he’s failed to see for two decades—his oldest, dearest friend is the love of his life.

A revelation that may be too little, too late. Because Drake’s brought the enemy right to their door.

**Deserving Alaska is the 1st book in The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

*

Read what others are saying about New York Times bestselling author, Susan Stoker:

"Susan Stoker is the master of military romantic suspense. She's my go-to author for sexy alpha hero and strong, sassy heroines." Riley Edwards, USAT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker never disappoints. She delivers alpha males with heart and heroines with moxie.” Jana Aston, NYT Bestselling Author

No one does military romance like Susan Stoker!” Corinne Michaels, NYT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker knows what women want. A hot hero who needs to save a damsel in distress…even if she can save herself!” CD Reiss, NYT Bestselling Author

“When you pick up a Susan Stoker book you know exactly what you’re going to get…a hot alpha hero and a smart, sassy heroine. I can’t get enough!” Jessica Hawkins, USAT Bestselling Author

“I love reading about men in uniform and Susan always delivers…the full package!” Kayti McGee

“Susan writes the perfect blend of tough, alpha heroes and strong yet vulnerable heroines. I always feel emotionally satisfied at the end of one of her stories!” Meghan March, NYT Bestselling Author

 “One thing I love about Susan Stoker’s books is that she knows how to deliver a perfect HEA while still making sure the villain gets what he/she deserves!” T.M. Frazier, NYT Bestselling Author

---

Read the entire The Refuge series, starting with the USA Today bestselling start!

Defending Alaska

Defending Henley

Defending Reese

Defending Cora

Defending Lara

Defending Maisy

Defending Ryleigh

Topics: contemporary romance, military romance, series, romantic suspense series, mystery, bbw romance, funny romance, modern romance, urban romance, Texas romance, wealthy, USA today, USA today bestseller, homeless romance, city romance, smart romance, wall street journal bestseller, mystery, dogs in romance, lighthearted romance, hot romance, susan stoker, susan stoker romance, proposal, proposal romance, engagement, engagement romance, new york times bestseller romance, NYT romance, new york times romance, sexy, heartwarming, heart-warming, family, love, love books, kissing books, emotional journey, contemporary, contemporary romance, romance series, long series, long romance series, army, army series, former military, sassy, strong heroine, captivating romance, hot, hot romance, forbidden love, sparks, loyalty, swoon, contemporary, rescue, kidnap, handicap, justice,, shelter, claiming, defending, securing, finding, protect, government contractor, secret, damsel in distress, Navy, Navy SEAL, workplace, drama, action and adventure, thriller, action romance, Delta Force, veteran, disabled veteran, serial killer, PTSD, forgiveness, former soldier, soldier, romantic, rescue, HEA, seasoned romance, silver fox, older characters, Rangers, special forces, insta-love, thriller, second chance, teenage love, sex trafficking

Other readers of Stoker's books enjoyed books by: Riley Edwards, Caitlyn O'Leary, Maryann Jordan, Dale Mayer, Lynn Raye Harris, Cat Johnson, Alexis Abbott, Meli Raine, Nicole Elliot, Lori Ryan, Meghan March, Kristin Ashley, Kris Michaels, Brittney Sahin, Sharon Hamilton, Catherine Cowles, Lexi Blake, Piper Davenport, Abbie Zanders, Lani Lynn Vale, and Kristen Proby.

Years of adversity have molded Henley McClure into the attentive, conscientious psychologist she is today. She lives for her daughter, Jasna, and her work at The Refuge, an exclusive retreat for victims of PTSD. Her life is fulfilling…if a little lonely. But the only man who’s captured her interest, the most standoffish of the mountain retreat’s seven owners, lives in self-imposed isolation. It will take a little vulnerability on her own part, a dead car battery, and the surprising help of her daughter to break through Finn’s defenses.

His Coast Guard career ended in a tragedy that ground Finn “Tonka” Matlick’s life to a halt. For years, his only solace has been the animals he tends to at The Refuge…and admiring Henley from afar. He had no plans to risk potential heartache ever again, until an incident at the retreat had him clinging to Henley like the broken man he is. The kind, patient therapist and her sweet, thoughtful daughter may be the only ones capable of putting him back together.

As Finn slowly heals, and he and Henley grow ever closer, someone is watching. Waiting. Planning. Evil in the making who ultimately wants to watch the world burn, one victim at a time. And they’ll start by targeting one of the people Finn loves most.

**Deserving Henley is the 2nd book in The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

*

Read what others are saying about New York Times bestselling author, Susan Stoker:

"Susan Stoker is the master of military romantic suspense. She's my go-to author for sexy alpha hero and strong, sassy heroines." Riley Edwards, USAT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker never disappoints. She delivers alpha males with heart and heroines with moxie.” Jana Aston, NYT Bestselling Author

No one does military romance like Susan Stoker!” Corinne Michaels, NYT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker knows what women want. A hot hero who needs to save a damsel in distress…even if she can save herself!” CD Reiss, NYT Bestselling Author

“When you pick up a Susan Stoker book you know exactly what you’re going to get…a hot alpha hero and a smart, sassy heroine. I can’t get enough!” Jessica Hawkins, USAT Bestselling Author

“I love reading about men in uniform and Susan always delivers…the full package!” Kayti McGee

“Susan writes the perfect blend of tough, alpha heroes and strong yet vulnerable heroines. I always feel emotionally satisfied at the end of one of her stories!” Meghan March, NYT Bestselling Author

 “One thing I love about Susan Stoker’s books is that she knows how to deliver a perfect HEA while still making sure the villain gets what he/she deserves!” T.M. Frazier, NYT Bestselling Author

---

Read the entire The Refuge series, starting with the USA Today bestselling start!

Defending Alaska

Defending Henley

Defending Reese

Defending Cora

Defending Lara

Defending Maisy

Defending Ryleigh

Topics: contemporary romance, military romance, series, romantic suspense series, mystery, bbw romance, funny romance, modern romance, urban romance, Texas romance, wealthy, USA today, USA today bestseller, homeless romance, city romance, smart romance, wall street journal bestseller, mystery, dogs in romance, lighthearted romance, hot romance, susan stoker, susan stoker romance, proposal, proposal romance, engagement, engagement romance, new york times bestseller romance, NYT romance, new york times romance, sexy, heartwarming, heart-warming, family, love, love books, kissing books, emotional journey, contemporary, contemporary romance, romance series, long series, long romance series, army, army series, former military, sassy, strong heroine, captivating romance, hot, hot romance, forbidden love, sparks, loyalty, swoon, contemporary, rescue, kidnap, handicap, justice,, shelter, claiming, defending, securing, finding, protect, government contractor, secret, damsel in distress, Navy, Navy SEAL, workplace, drama, action and adventure, thriller, action romance, Delta Force, veteran, disabled veteran, serial killer, PTSD, forgiveness, former soldier, soldier, romantic, rescue, HEA, seasoned romance, silver fox, older characters, Rangers, special forces, insta-love, thriller, second chance, teenage love, serial killer, nature versus nurture,

Other readers of Stoker's books enjoyed books by: Riley Edwards, Caitlyn O'Leary, Maryann Jordan, Dale Mayer, Lynn Raye Harris, Cat Johnson, Alexis Abbott, Meli Raine, Nicole Elliot, Lori Ryan, Meghan March, Kristin Ashley, Kris Michaels, Brittney Sahin, Sharon Hamilton, Catherine Cowles, Lexi Blake, Piper Davenport, Abbie Zanders, Lani Lynn Vale, and Kristen Proby.

Having a crush on one of your brother’s friends is so cliché. But Reese Woodall isn’t too worried…it’s not as if she’d ever have a chance with the former Delta Force Operative. For one thing, he lives in New Mexico, and she’s in Missouri. For another, since Woody and his team chaptered out of the Army several years ago, she hasn’t seen Gus even once. She’s free to lust after him from afar…but with her brother currently missing, Reese has far more important things to worry about.

Gus “Spike” Fowler doesn’t think twice before heading to South America when he learns his old Army buddy has disappeared—and his younger sister has gone to Colombia to find him. Though he hasn’t thought much about Reese in the last five years, he certainly remembers her. The curvy, sexy, stubborn engineer is hard to forget. He liked what he saw years ago. And now? After she surprises him in the best way during a high-stakes bid to rescue Woody from a drug cartel? He likes her even more.

Safely back at The Refuge, the sparks Reese and Spike experienced in Colombia quickly ignite, and they both find everything they’ve ever wanted in a partner. But they might lose it just as quickly…when the trouble they escaped in South America crosses the border.

**Deserving Reese is the 3rd book in The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

*

Read what others are saying about New York Times bestselling author, Susan Stoker:

"Susan Stoker is the master of military romantic suspense. She's my go-to author for sexy alpha hero and strong, sassy heroines." Riley Edwards, USAT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker never disappoints. She delivers alpha males with heart and heroines with moxie.” Jana Aston, NYT Bestselling Author

No one does military romance like Susan Stoker!” Corinne Michaels, NYT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker knows what women want. A hot hero who needs to save a damsel in distress…even if she can save herself!” CD Reiss, NYT Bestselling Author

“When you pick up a Susan Stoker book you know exactly what you’re going to get…a hot alpha hero and a smart, sassy heroine. I can’t get enough!” Jessica Hawkins, USAT Bestselling Author

“I love reading about men in uniform and Susan always delivers…the full package!” Kayti McGee

“Susan writes the perfect blend of tough, alpha heroes and strong yet vulnerable heroines. I always feel emotionally satisfied at the end of one of her stories!” Meghan March, NYT Bestselling Author

 “One thing I love about Susan Stoker’s books is that she knows how to deliver a perfect HEA while still making sure the villain gets what he/she deserves!” T.M. Frazier, NYT Bestselling Author

---

Read the entire The Refuge series, starting with the USA Today bestselling start!

Defending Alaska

Defending Henley

Defending Reese

Defending Cora

Defending Lara

Defending Maisy

Defending Ryleigh

Topics: contemporary romance, military romance, series, romantic suspense series, mystery, bbw romance, funny romance, modern romance, urban romance, Texas romance, wealthy, USA today, USA today bestseller, homeless romance, city romance, smart romance, wall street journal bestseller, mystery, dogs in romance, lighthearted romance, hot romance, susan stoker, susan stoker romance, proposal, proposal romance, engagement, engagement romance, new york times bestseller romance, NYT romance, new york times romance, sexy, heartwarming, heart-warming, family, love, love books, kissing books, emotional journey, contemporary, contemporary romance, romance series, long series, long romance series, army, army series, former military, sassy, strong heroine, captivating romance, hot, hot romance, forbidden love, sparks, loyalty, swoon, contemporary, rescue, kidnap, handicap, justice,, shelter, claiming, defending, securing, finding, protect, government contractor, secret, damsel in distress, Navy, Navy SEAL, workplace, drama, action and adventure, thriller, action romance, Delta Force, veteran, disabled veteran, serial killer, PTSD, forgiveness, former soldier, soldier, romantic, rescue, HEA, seasoned romance, silver fox, older characters, Rangers, special forces, insta-love, thriller, second chance. drug cartel, best friend's sister,

Other readers of Stoker's books enjoyed books by: Riley Edwards, Caitlyn O'Leary, Maryann Jordan, Dale Mayer, Lynn Raye Harris, Cat Johnson, Alexis Abbott, Meli Raine, Nicole Elliot, Lori Ryan, Meghan March, Kristin Ashley, Kris Michaels, Brittney Sahin, Sharon Hamilton, Catherine Cowles, Lexi Blake, Piper Davenport, Abbie Zanders, Lani Lynn Vale, and Kristen Proby.

Cora Rooney desperately needs to win the representative from The Refuge at the veterans’ charity auction…it’s literally a matter of life or death. Of course, as is so often the case for the ex-orphan, nothing goes according to plan, and Cora loses her bid. Yet, she still finds herself in a diner with Bryson Clark, telling him about her best friend, who she suspects has been kidnapped and held against her will. After exhausting all other options, Cora’s convinced Pipe and his former military friends are her last chance to rescue Lara.

Bryson “Pipe” Clark had no desire to participate in a bachelor auction. Hell, most women run in the other direction when they see him coming. Why in the world would anyone spend good money for a night in his company? Still, he lets himself be talked into supporting a good cause, and as it turns out, the auction is the start of a mystery he’s now determined to unravel. Mostly because of the woman he’s strangely attracted to from her very first bid.

Finding Lara Osler is the easy part. Determining if she fled DC with her boyfriend of her own free will—and breaking her out of his estate if she didn’t—isn’t quite so cut and dried. Along the way, Pipe finds there’s much more to Cora than meets the eye…kind of like him.

Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan, but Pipe’s not going to let anyone or anything get in his way of making Cora his own and rescuing her friend…not even a serial killer hiding in the wings, waiting to strike.

**Deserving Cora is the 4th book in The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

**

Read what others are saying about New York Times bestselling author, Susan Stoker:

"Susan Stoker is the master of military romantic suspense. She's my go-to author for sexy alpha hero and strong, sassy heroines." Riley Edwards, USAT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker never disappoints. She delivers alpha males with heart and heroines with moxie.” Jana Aston, NYT Bestselling Author

No one does military romance like Susan Stoker!” Corinne Michaels, NYT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker knows what women want. A hot hero who needs to save a damsel in distress…even if she can save herself!” CD Reiss, NYT Bestselling Author

“When you pick up a Susan Stoker book you know exactly what you’re going to get…a hot alpha hero and a smart, sassy heroine. I can’t get enough!” Jessica Hawkins, USAT Bestselling Author

“I love reading about men in uniform and Susan always delivers…the full package!” Kayti McGee

“Susan writes the perfect blend of tough, alpha heroes and strong yet vulnerable heroines. I always feel emotionally satisfied at the end of one of her stories!” Meghan March, NYT Bestselling Author

 “One thing I love about Susan Stoker’s books is that she knows how to deliver a perfect HEA while still making sure the villain gets what he/she deserves!” T.M. Frazier, NYT Bestselling Author

---

Read the entire The Refuge series, starting with the USA Today bestselling start!

Defending Alaska

Defending Henley

Defending Reese

Defending Cora

Defending Lara

Defending Maisy

Defending Ryleigh

Topics: contemporary romance, military romance, series, romantic suspense series, mystery, bbw romance, funny romance, modern romance, urban romance, Texas romance, wealthy, USA today, USA today bestseller, homeless romance, city romance, smart romance, wall street journal bestseller, mystery, dogs in romance, lighthearted romance, hot romance, susan stoker, susan stoker romance, proposal, proposal romance, engagement, engagement romance, new york times bestseller romance, NYT romance, new york times romance, sexy, heartwarming, heart-warming, family, love, love books, kissing books, emotional journey, contemporary, contemporary romance, romance series, long series, long romance series, army, army series, former military, sassy, strong heroine, captivating romance, hot, hot romance, forbidden love, sparks, loyalty, swoon, contemporary, rescue, kidnap, handicap, justice,, shelter, claiming, defending, securing, finding, protect, secret, damsel in distress, Navy, Navy SEAL, workplace, drama, action and adventure, thriller, action romance, Delta Force, veteran, disabled veteran, serial killer, PTSD, forgiveness, former soldier, soldier, romantic, rescue, HEA, seasoned romance, silver fox, older characters, special forces, insta-love, thriller, second chance, serial killer, nature versus nurture, best friends, PTSD, small town

Other readers of Stoker's books enjoyed books by: Riley Edwards, Caitlyn O'Leary, Maryann Jordan, Dale Mayer, Lynn Raye Harris, Cat Johnson, Alexis Abbott, Meli Raine, Nicole Elliot, Lori Ryan, Meghan March, Kristin Ashley, Kris Michaels, Brittney Sahin, Sharon Hamilton, Catherine Cowles, Lexi Blake, Piper Davenport, Abbie Zanders, Lani Lynn Vale, and Kristen Proby.

As a former Night Stalker Army pilot, Callen “Owl” Kaufman has been in his share of dicey situations. Long-since retired from the military, he thought dangerous missions were a thing of his past, but rescuing Lara Osler from a serial killer was definitely one of the most harrowing yet. Now safe at The Refuge, Lara is struggling to heal months later…and Owl is struggling just as hard to hide his growing feelings. But he’ll do anything to help the vulnerable woman recover—even if that means letting her go.

Kidnapped by a boyfriend? Check. Held against her will by a serial killer? Check. Falling in love with her rescuer? Triple check. Lara thought her life was over, until her best friend showed up to save her with one of the most intriguing men she’d ever met. Owl is gentle, considerate, and he makes her feel safe. As time passes, Lara slowly begins to reclaim her life, thanks to the man who opened his heart and his home to a broken woman. But Owl doesn’t see her as damaged. He sees someone who’s gone through hell…and come out stronger on the other side.

But strong enough to face a serial killer? Owl and Lara both know the man who terrorized her is still out there, biding his time. Waiting for his chance to steal back what he views as his…

**Deserving Lara is the 5th book in The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

**

Read what others are saying about New York Times bestselling author, Susan Stoker:

"Susan Stoker is the master of military romantic suspense. She's my go-to author for sexy alpha hero and strong, sassy heroines." Riley Edwards, USAT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker never disappoints. She delivers alpha males with heart and heroines with moxie.” Jana Aston, NYT Bestselling Author

No one does military romance like Susan Stoker!” Corinne Michaels, NYT Bestselling Author

“Susan Stoker knows what women want. A hot hero who needs to save a damsel in distress…even if she can save herself!” CD Reiss, NYT Bestselling Author

“When you pick up a Susan Stoker book you know exactly what you’re going to get…a hot alpha hero and a smart, sassy heroine. I can’t get enough!” Jessica Hawkins, USAT Bestselling Author

“I love reading about men in uniform and Susan always delivers…the full package!” Kayti McGee

“Susan writes the perfect blend of tough, alpha heroes and strong yet vulnerable heroines. I always feel emotionally satisfied at the end of one of her stories!” Meghan March, NYT Bestselling Author

 “One thing I love about Susan Stoker’s books is that she knows how to deliver a perfect HEA while still making sure the villain gets what he/she deserves!” T.M. Frazier, NYT Bestselling Author

---

Read the entire The Refuge series, starting with the USA Today bestselling start!

Defending Alaska

Defending Henley

Defending Reese

Defending Cora

Defending Lara

Defending Maisy

Defending Ryleigh

Topics: contemporary romance, military romance, series, romantic suspense series, mystery, bbw romance, funny romance, modern romance, urban romance, Texas romance, wealthy, USA today, USA today bestseller, homeless romance, city romance, smart romance, wall street journal bestseller, mystery, dogs in romance, lighthearted romance, hot romance, susan stoker, susan stoker romance, proposal, proposal romance, engagement, engagement romance, new york times bestseller romance, NYT romance, new york times romance, sexy, heartwarming, heart-warming, family, love, love books, kissing books, emotional journey, contemporary, contemporary romance, romance series, long series, long romance series, army, army series, former military, sassy, strong heroine, captivating romance, hot, hot romance, forbidden love, sparks, loyalty, swoon, contemporary, rescue, kidnap, handicap, justice,, shelter, claiming, defending, securing, finding, protect, government contractor, secret, damsel in distress, Navy, Navy SEAL, workplace, drama, action and adventure, thriller, action romance, Delta Force, veteran, disabled veteran, serial killer, PTSD, forgiveness, former soldier, soldier, romantic, rescue, HEA, seasoned romance, silver fox, older characters, Rangers, special forces, insta-love, thriller, second chance, serial killer, nature versus nurture, helicopter pilot, Night Stalker, Army, simulation

Other readers of Stoker's books enjoyed books by: Riley Edwards, Caitlyn O'Leary, Maryann Jordan, Dale Mayer, Lynn Raye Harris, Cat Johnson, Alexis Abbott, Meli Raine, Nicole Elliot, Lori Ryan, Meghan March, Kristin Ashley, Kris Michaels, Brittney Sahin, Sharon Hamilton, Catherine Cowles, Lexi Blake, Piper Davenport, Abbie Zanders, Lani Lynn Vale, and Kristen Proby.