Securing Avery
By Susan Stoker
Release Date: May 19, 2020
Ebook Available from WV Reads!
3 stars - This story is filled with danger and drama, plus just enough down time to get to know the main characters. Fans of the author or series won't be disappointed. But it makes a good standalone as well with a capable heroine and a caring hero anyone can like. The suspense was layered on thick, and my only hang up really was a few too many far-fetched moments.
The book starts off with a bang. Avery and Cole have a loosely established romantic connection, and she's been kidnapped and left to die. Avery shows a backbone of steel with her level of determination and survival skills. I enjoyed her spirit. I think some of the physical exertion went beyond reality, but then she's not the only one who apparently can manage to overcome nasty wounds in the worst of circumstances. She has a surprisingly good attitude with her rescuers and a willingness to help. Cole was sweet and protective, devoted to Avery from the start. There's little angst here, no lies or secrets or failures to communicate. He takes care of Avery and sticks with her in spite of her stubborn streak and recent trauma.
The set up Stoker used is not entirely original. Avery's a nurse trying to help some women in the Middle East with female medical advice which naturally the men nearby resent and retaliate against her for. But it does start a compelling adventure. This author definitely has a way with words that keeps many of us readers coming back to her, despite a bit of repetiveness. I don't think I could read more than two of her books in a row. But I know I can grab of hers for a enjoyable read. One of my pet peeves is the nicknames, which are beloved by a lot of her devoted readers. I dislike reading about someone called "Phantom" in regular fiction but the nicknames are a trademark of hers. More background story was his than Avery's or Cole's for much of the book. Things get better when we get a big bad villian finally in the picture halfway. Despite a lot of name-dropping this can be read as a fast paced standalone with a cute couple to root for easily.
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