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The Refuge #4
Deserving Cora
She needs to win him at the bachelor auction to save her friend...but didn't plan on falling in love.
Cora needs to win the representative from The Refuge in the bachelor auction…it’s literally a matter of life and death. But nothing goes according to her plan, and yet, she still manages to find herself in a diner with Pipe, telling him about her best friend who she is convinced has been kidnapped and is being held against her will. She needs Pipe and his former military friends from The Refuge to go to Arizona with her and find her friend, and break her out if necessary.
Pipe has no desire to participate in a bachelor auction, but to raise money for Veterans, he lets himself be talked into it. But the auction is the start of a mystery, one he’s determined to figure out. Mostly because of the woman he's attracted to from the moment he sees her from the stage.
But finding her friend is the easy part. Determining if she’s with her boyfriend of her own free will and breaking her out of the house if she’s not…isn’t quite so cut and dried. Along the way Pipe finds there’s much more to Cora than she shows the world…kind of like him.
Falling in love wasn’t in Pipe’s plan, but he’s not going to let anything, or anyone, get in his way of making Cora his…not even a serial killer hiding in the wings waiting to strike.
**Deserving Cora is the 4th book in the The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
Cora needs to win the representative from The Refuge in the bachelor auction…it’s literally a matter of life and death. But nothing goes according to her plan, and yet, she still manages to find herself in a diner with Pipe, telling him about her best friend who she is convinced has been kidnapped and is being held against her will. She needs Pipe and his former military friends from The Refuge to go to Arizona with her and find her friend, and break her out if necessary.
Pipe has no desire to participate in a bachelor auction, but to raise money for Veterans, he lets himself be talked into it. But the auction is the start of a mystery, one he’s determined to figure out. Mostly because of the woman he's attracted to from the moment he sees her from the stage.
But finding her friend is the easy part. Determining if she’s with her boyfriend of her own free will and breaking her out of the house if she’s not…isn’t quite so cut and dried. Along the way Pipe finds there’s much more to Cora than she shows the world…kind of like him.
Falling in love wasn’t in Pipe’s plan, but he’s not going to let anything, or anyone, get in his way of making Cora his…not even a serial killer hiding in the wings waiting to strike.
**Deserving Cora is the 4th book in the The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2023
About the author
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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http://www.stokeraces.com/contact-1.html
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.
Follow SUSAN:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsstoker
www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsusanstoker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/susan_stoker
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/238Jw8c
For all upcoming books click here: http://www.stokeraces.com/coming-soon...
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November 11, 2023She needed to win him at the bachelor auction to save her friend...but she didn't plan on falling in love
Deserving Cora
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Deserving Cora
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3EvJnH5
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BMB3YRXX
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BMB3YRXX
Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BMB3YRXX
Audiobook: https://tinyurl.com/bddpz9zh
Apple Audio: https://apple.co/49rydR6
Paperback: https://amzn.to/42r0yCl
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dese...
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=...
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/deser...
Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/mpvu8x9a
Detusch: www.amazon.de/dp/B0C6TZ6B9B
Italiano: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0C5TP38M9
Francais: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0C5RX8SPN
November 9, 2023
OMGI, what a story.
Everything starts out with a mind for curiosity, and as I got deeper, it turned from intrigue to angst to suspense to worry to fear.
The whole tone was so Susan. She has a wonderful way of lulling me to enjoy the plotline, then bam! Tables turn, and I'm sitting up holding my breath and fidgeting and not wanting to but having to keep listening.
I wanted to yell at the guys to bolt the bad guy in, but I understand why they didn't. Susan needs that nasty piece of work for later.
What a ride. I so enjoy these characters past and present, and I can't wait for more.
I was so thrilled to hear of the "ice on a plane," not to mention another author and the nightstalkers' story.
I was smiling and chuckling at the references.
I wasn't so happy as I learned my hero Tex seemed to be compromised. There is definitely an ongoing mystery person weaving through the refuge series.
Just loved this. Thank you, Susan.
Ryan and CJ did a fantastic job, maintaining pipe's English accent, they both breathed life into a fabulous book.
Everything starts out with a mind for curiosity, and as I got deeper, it turned from intrigue to angst to suspense to worry to fear.
The whole tone was so Susan. She has a wonderful way of lulling me to enjoy the plotline, then bam! Tables turn, and I'm sitting up holding my breath and fidgeting and not wanting to but having to keep listening.
I wanted to yell at the guys to bolt the bad guy in, but I understand why they didn't. Susan needs that nasty piece of work for later.
What a ride. I so enjoy these characters past and present, and I can't wait for more.
I was so thrilled to hear of the "ice on a plane," not to mention another author and the nightstalkers' story.
I was smiling and chuckling at the references.
I wasn't so happy as I learned my hero Tex seemed to be compromised. There is definitely an ongoing mystery person weaving through the refuge series.
Just loved this. Thank you, Susan.
Ryan and CJ did a fantastic job, maintaining pipe's English accent, they both breathed life into a fabulous book.
November 11, 2023
The loyalty of the heroine to her best friend is quite remarkable, and laudable. I enjoyed how who the bad guy is is not completely clear at first. And I enjoyed the “unknown” tech support person getting the information before Tex. Through numerous books Tex has been essential, and having someone “better than Tex” is almost inconceivable! lol. Happy 100th book Susan Stoker!!
November 15, 2023
This story is too overshadowed by Lara... Cora constantly preening on and on about Lara was just too irritating..
November 17, 2023
Deserving Cora😍
Deserving Cora is the next book in The Refuge series and is just as amazing as the other books in this series❣️
Cora is concerned about her best friend, Lara, who up and left DC without a word. Trying to find someone to believe her and help her, she’s constantly shut down by law enforcement and Lara’s parents claiming she’s jealous of Lara’s happiness….but Cora knows deep down something is wrong 😢 She hears one of The Refuge owners will be auctioned off in DC, so she makes preparations to win him for dinner and to convince him to help her.
Pipe does not want to be auctioned off, even if it’s for a good cause. He’s intrigued when he sees Cora, bidding on him and wants to get to know her better. What starts out as a mission to save Lara from her wealthy boyfriend soon turns into a dangerous endeavour….but from that a real relationship and budding family and friends starts to take shape and Cora can’t foresee being without them moving forward.
A great story that had all the feels with an edge of suspense surrounding Lara. I can’t wait for her story next and getting to know Owl better - also excited to find out who our mystery helper is….but I have a feeling I know who it is😁
Deserving Cora is the next book in The Refuge series and is just as amazing as the other books in this series❣️
Cora is concerned about her best friend, Lara, who up and left DC without a word. Trying to find someone to believe her and help her, she’s constantly shut down by law enforcement and Lara’s parents claiming she’s jealous of Lara’s happiness….but Cora knows deep down something is wrong 😢 She hears one of The Refuge owners will be auctioned off in DC, so she makes preparations to win him for dinner and to convince him to help her.
Pipe does not want to be auctioned off, even if it’s for a good cause. He’s intrigued when he sees Cora, bidding on him and wants to get to know her better. What starts out as a mission to save Lara from her wealthy boyfriend soon turns into a dangerous endeavour….but from that a real relationship and budding family and friends starts to take shape and Cora can’t foresee being without them moving forward.
A great story that had all the feels with an edge of suspense surrounding Lara. I can’t wait for her story next and getting to know Owl better - also excited to find out who our mystery helper is….but I have a feeling I know who it is😁
November 17, 2023
I loved the romance between Pipe and Cora! They each needed someone to really see beneath their tattooed/tough exteriors and accept them and embrace them for who they really are. And it was fun to see more of the guys from the Refuge acting as a team to help her rescue her friend, Lara, from a horrible situation. But I did feel a little cheated at the end. This one has an over-arcing storyline that will continue with the next book, DESERVING LARA. Rest assured, Pipe & Cora get their HEA--it's the external conflict with the bad (very bad!) guy that carries over into Lara and Owl's story.
My favorite thing? Getting to know Stone better. He's been kind of a background player in the previous books. But Stone (Jack), a bit of a quiet professor type, has some kick-ass moves in him, just like the other heroes. That's the story I can't wait for.
My favorite thing? Getting to know Stone better. He's been kind of a background player in the previous books. But Stone (Jack), a bit of a quiet professor type, has some kick-ass moves in him, just like the other heroes. That's the story I can't wait for.
November 29, 2023
Loved these two! The tattoo scene 🥹😍
Poor Lara.. I’m so nervous for her story.
Poor Lara.. I’m so nervous for her story.
November 15, 2023
Holy cow! This book definitely does NOT disappoint. As with any SS book, I was pulled in from the beginning and couldn't put it down. Did I get any work done while I was reading? Absolutely not! And I'm not ashamed to admit that.
Cora is desperate to find her friend, Lara. She's basically disappeared without a word. Something that Cora insists isn't like her. They are best friends and have been connected at the hip since they were fifteen. But no one will believe her. Even Lara's family thinks that she's living the life she's always wanted with this Michaels guy in Arizona. Cora seeks help from the men of The Refuge and will do anything to get them to listen to her story. Even buy Pipe at an auction just for a minute of his time.
As you can imagine, Cora didn't win the bid. However, Pipe overhears her having a not-so-civil conversation with the viper that did outbid her. Turns out, she did it just to keep Cora from winning and wasn't even going to pay. Did Cora get her dinner with Pipe? YEP! But they went to a place that they at least knew what the items were don't he menu. I loved that part. Did she finally find someone that believed that her friend might actually be in trouble? OF COURSE SHE DID!
I loved these two together! Pipe would do anything to protect Cora. But is it enough when a serial killer is involved?
The 'Unknown' hacker is back and I still have a theory as to who it might be. But guys... we are supposed to find out in Deserving Lara which comes out in February! I NEED DESERVING LARA NOW!!!!!
Cora is desperate to find her friend, Lara. She's basically disappeared without a word. Something that Cora insists isn't like her. They are best friends and have been connected at the hip since they were fifteen. But no one will believe her. Even Lara's family thinks that she's living the life she's always wanted with this Michaels guy in Arizona. Cora seeks help from the men of The Refuge and will do anything to get them to listen to her story. Even buy Pipe at an auction just for a minute of his time.
As you can imagine, Cora didn't win the bid. However, Pipe overhears her having a not-so-civil conversation with the viper that did outbid her. Turns out, she did it just to keep Cora from winning and wasn't even going to pay. Did Cora get her dinner with Pipe? YEP! But they went to a place that they at least knew what the items were don't he menu. I loved that part. Did she finally find someone that believed that her friend might actually be in trouble? OF COURSE SHE DID!
I loved these two together! Pipe would do anything to protect Cora. But is it enough when a serial killer is involved?
The 'Unknown' hacker is back and I still have a theory as to who it might be. But guys... we are supposed to find out in Deserving Lara which comes out in February! I NEED DESERVING LARA NOW!!!!!
February 25, 2024
I have to give it to Cora, she knew something was wrong with Lara and wouldn't stop until she could hear from Lara herself. We all need a friend like this!
I really admired her plan of winning the auction to get face time with Pipe and lay it all out. I admired her more when we learned she sold all of her belongings to help fund this, despite having access to Lara's money and could have used that. Now that is a really good friend!!
I thought they all did a good job of coming up with a plan, once all the guys were clued in. It made sense. It's just too bad they didn't really know who they were up against, it probably would have changed the plan and made them call others in for help.
In the end, they were able to get Lara and get out, but and it's a big one, the threat is still out there. And until this evil man is dealt with, the threat will keep coming and I think they all realize that. Lara sure does!
Despite the evil hanging over them, I liked how this one ended. Loved seeing the happy event at the barn, also loved seeing Cora and Pipe happy too and planning their future together.
I really admired her plan of winning the auction to get face time with Pipe and lay it all out. I admired her more when we learned she sold all of her belongings to help fund this, despite having access to Lara's money and could have used that. Now that is a really good friend!!
I thought they all did a good job of coming up with a plan, once all the guys were clued in. It made sense. It's just too bad they didn't really know who they were up against, it probably would have changed the plan and made them call others in for help.
In the end, they were able to get Lara and get out, but and it's a big one, the threat is still out there. And until this evil man is dealt with, the threat will keep coming and I think they all realize that. Lara sure does!
Despite the evil hanging over them, I liked how this one ended. Loved seeing the happy event at the barn, also loved seeing Cora and Pipe happy too and planning their future together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2023
I have a love hate relationship with this authors books. Her books suck me in. She has great story ideas and I I love and crave elements of her books, but then while I’m listening or reading I end up getting annoyed. The conversations and inner monologues are sometimes too drawn out (the epilogue in this story is a perfect example of that. It didn’t add anything I just wanted the story to end by that point.) and boring, or maybe just over analyzing. A bit predictable.
Each series has a common theme. This one is the refuge. And the first book I was so tired of the focus being on mental health it was kind of exhausting. Luckily this book didn’t center on that. I loved the mystery behind what happened to Cora’s friend Lara. That kept me interested. But some of the parts that annoyed me was how Cora was this strong woman who lived a hard lonely life. And yet she was almost 40 and still having nightmares about foster families sending her back to social services. And this strong woman had no problem telling everyone who would listen about her sad childhood. This is a common tactic used by this author. The heroine has a sad story and they tell it very easily to everyone. She writes it like they are strong and they don’t want sympathy it’s just a fact of their life. But it comes across as sort of woe is me when it’s the heroine telling their story.
I have found I can only listen or read one or two books by this author at a time otherwise I just get more and more annoyed and find less enjoyment.
I realize now that I’ve barely said anything about this book and the reason is, it was a good story, but everything I just said above is why I had to knock off a couple stars. I’m at my limit for this author for awhile.
Each series has a common theme. This one is the refuge. And the first book I was so tired of the focus being on mental health it was kind of exhausting. Luckily this book didn’t center on that. I loved the mystery behind what happened to Cora’s friend Lara. That kept me interested. But some of the parts that annoyed me was how Cora was this strong woman who lived a hard lonely life. And yet she was almost 40 and still having nightmares about foster families sending her back to social services. And this strong woman had no problem telling everyone who would listen about her sad childhood. This is a common tactic used by this author. The heroine has a sad story and they tell it very easily to everyone. She writes it like they are strong and they don’t want sympathy it’s just a fact of their life. But it comes across as sort of woe is me when it’s the heroine telling their story.
I have found I can only listen or read one or two books by this author at a time otherwise I just get more and more annoyed and find less enjoyment.
I realize now that I’ve barely said anything about this book and the reason is, it was a good story, but everything I just said above is why I had to knock off a couple stars. I’m at my limit for this author for awhile.
November 16, 2023
sempre più bella questa serie
questa serie è molto diversa............al di là del fatto che al rifugio sono ci sono tutti protagonisti affetti da SPTD, sono anche i temi inseriti nella storie
bryson detto "pipe" è quello inglese, il più ferito nell'animo di tutti, al punto che essere così coperto di tatuaggi è stato proprio un passaggio per "sentire" qualcosa: un barbuto alto truce coperto di inchiostro che però rivela una grande ferita (rispetto alla cover è più vecchio)
cora è il suo perfetto alter ego, anche lei rifiutata e sola, trova in lui il bilanciamento perfetto; tra l'altro al rifugio siamo sempre tra protagonisti ampiamente over per cui anche tutto la parte "hot" è ben calibrata
in questo volume poi ci sono temi attualissimi come il bullismo e lo stolking legato a rapimenti e violenza, con un caso che rispecchia i tanti che sentiamo purtroppo ogni giorno: la parte action è diversa, truce e ben in linea con la storia
ottimo il collegamento con i prossimi volumi
cinque stelle
questa serie è molto diversa............al di là del fatto che al rifugio sono ci sono tutti protagonisti affetti da SPTD, sono anche i temi inseriti nella storie
bryson detto "pipe" è quello inglese, il più ferito nell'animo di tutti, al punto che essere così coperto di tatuaggi è stato proprio un passaggio per "sentire" qualcosa: un barbuto alto truce coperto di inchiostro che però rivela una grande ferita (rispetto alla cover è più vecchio)
cora è il suo perfetto alter ego, anche lei rifiutata e sola, trova in lui il bilanciamento perfetto; tra l'altro al rifugio siamo sempre tra protagonisti ampiamente over per cui anche tutto la parte "hot" è ben calibrata
in questo volume poi ci sono temi attualissimi come il bullismo e lo stolking legato a rapimenti e violenza, con un caso che rispecchia i tanti che sentiamo purtroppo ogni giorno: la parte action è diversa, truce e ben in linea con la storia
ottimo il collegamento con i prossimi volumi
cinque stelle
November 20, 2023
The loyalty we all want
Pipe and Cora. Be ready for a ride with this story! Cora embodies loyalty and the friend/family we all should have. Pipe is fascinating and has been all series. I enjoyed how in this book we got his reason for leaving the UK, tattoos and more of his experience, especially with martial arts. Cora’s story and feelings were heartbreaking, but it also demonstrated how strong people can be and are. The refuge sounds more beautiful and special with nature in each book. The bad guy/saving Lara events had a wowza loop that I did not see coming and how it played out was a great segue to the next book with Owl and Lara. I feel as though that is going to be a gut wrenching book because Lara has some major hurdles after this book and Owls story has always been sad/scary even in brief mentions. As always a captivating read full of colorful moments, characters, emotions, and dialogue.
Pipe and Cora. Be ready for a ride with this story! Cora embodies loyalty and the friend/family we all should have. Pipe is fascinating and has been all series. I enjoyed how in this book we got his reason for leaving the UK, tattoos and more of his experience, especially with martial arts. Cora’s story and feelings were heartbreaking, but it also demonstrated how strong people can be and are. The refuge sounds more beautiful and special with nature in each book. The bad guy/saving Lara events had a wowza loop that I did not see coming and how it played out was a great segue to the next book with Owl and Lara. I feel as though that is going to be a gut wrenching book because Lara has some major hurdles after this book and Owls story has always been sad/scary even in brief mentions. As always a captivating read full of colorful moments, characters, emotions, and dialogue.
November 17, 2023
oh wow!
Cora has had a dreadful childhood but has one true friend, when Lara ( the friend) ups and moves across the country and ghosts Cora totally against her character, Cora knows something is terribly wrong. Cora does everything in her power to raise the alarm and is ignored by everyone until she finally manages to get to talk to Pipe and explain the situation. Amazingly he believes her and takes her back to The Refuge to talk and plan with the others. The rest you have to read yourself! This is another exciting, action packed story from Susan Stoker with several tidbits of future books to come. Now just have to be patient 🤪
Cora has had a dreadful childhood but has one true friend, when Lara ( the friend) ups and moves across the country and ghosts Cora totally against her character, Cora knows something is terribly wrong. Cora does everything in her power to raise the alarm and is ignored by everyone until she finally manages to get to talk to Pipe and explain the situation. Amazingly he believes her and takes her back to The Refuge to talk and plan with the others. The rest you have to read yourself! This is another exciting, action packed story from Susan Stoker with several tidbits of future books to come. Now just have to be patient 🤪
November 17, 2023
Pipe and Cora are amazing!
Spoilers!!! So much in this story!!! Pipe and Cora. Wow. First off, Pipe up for auction at a bachelor fundraiser was priceless. I could literally see him in my mind glowering at the audience. And I loved that the heroine wasn’t the one in need of rescue, but actually was pivotal in the rescue attempt. Pipe deserved his person, and Susan has created the perfect person for him! Cora is strong, has walls as high as Pipe, but is mama bear fierce when it comes to those she loves. She refuses to give up because she knows her friend is in trouble. I loved watching this one play out. And the twist at the end?? Perfect! 11/10 recommend.
Spoilers!!! So much in this story!!! Pipe and Cora. Wow. First off, Pipe up for auction at a bachelor fundraiser was priceless. I could literally see him in my mind glowering at the audience. And I loved that the heroine wasn’t the one in need of rescue, but actually was pivotal in the rescue attempt. Pipe deserved his person, and Susan has created the perfect person for him! Cora is strong, has walls as high as Pipe, but is mama bear fierce when it comes to those she loves. She refuses to give up because she knows her friend is in trouble. I loved watching this one play out. And the twist at the end?? Perfect! 11/10 recommend.
November 17, 2023
There were parts of this book that had my heart beating so hard, that had me yelling and gesturing so much, I’m sure anyone who saw me thought I was having an attack of some sort! The story was that good, that engaging, that epic, there really was no other response that was appropriate. On top of that, there were moments that made me tear up and cry. All the emotions and moments that the characters went through, you felt along with them, and the good, the bad, (the squishy, eww) you were there for it all <3
December 12, 2023
I enjoyed this story because it had some real suspense and questions about who was the bad guy which made it much more interesting than some of the other Refuge stories. As usual, the hero and heroine are absolutely perfect and have overcome their terrible pasts quite easily. Everyone at the Refuge is wonderful and perfect and accepting which gets tedious and frankly boring. I also felt that Cora went on and on and on about Lara. I did like the kick ass fight with the bad guy and Cora getting in her own licks. The escape was entertaining too.
The epilogue which introduces the next book about Lara and Owl just made me dislike Lara, a lot.
The epilogue which introduces the next book about Lara and Owl just made me dislike Lara, a lot.
November 14, 2023
Her loyalty would be the greatest reward Pipe would ever earn
Cora is so determined and fierce, I love that no matter how many times she is knocked down and denied, she keeps getting up, keeps looking for another way and will stop at nothing to help Lara.
Pipe knows the moment he sees Cora that she is different and special, but he has no idea just how strong and loyal she is until he sees her apartment...and as the horror hits, he falls completely and utterly. He sees just how beautiful every part of her is and knows he will do everything he can to protect her and to bring Lara back to her.
I really like Pipe's britishisms - being British myself they brought a smile to my face each time one 'slipped out', and Cora claiming them too? Beautiful?
I look forward to Lara's story, to seeing her regain her fight and to seeing Carter go down - hopefully in an agonizingly slow and painful way!
Cora is so determined and fierce, I love that no matter how many times she is knocked down and denied, she keeps getting up, keeps looking for another way and will stop at nothing to help Lara.
Pipe knows the moment he sees Cora that she is different and special, but he has no idea just how strong and loyal she is until he sees her apartment...and as the horror hits, he falls completely and utterly. He sees just how beautiful every part of her is and knows he will do everything he can to protect her and to bring Lara back to her.
I really like Pipe's britishisms - being British myself they brought a smile to my face each time one 'slipped out', and Cora claiming them too? Beautiful?
I look forward to Lara's story, to seeing her regain her fight and to seeing Carter go down - hopefully in an agonizingly slow and painful way!
November 14, 2023
Cora & Pipe
When Cora decided to try to win a date with one of The Refuge guys at a charity auction, she never expected... well, any of what happened! She made friends, found a place to belong, fell in love, and managed to have some dangerous interactions along the way!
I love both Pipe & Cora! Pipe is such a sweetheart with a tough-looking exterior. And Cora is determined & fierce! Their story DOES feel a bit overtaken at times, bc it's all about searching for & rescuing Lara. (Lara's story will be about her healing after the rescue, of course.) We do get to know them, they get to know each other as they help each other heal & find their HEA!
As always, a fun & steamy couple (they get messy, from what I skimmed!), & I love the sneak peek into Owl & Lara's story!
😍😍
When Cora decided to try to win a date with one of The Refuge guys at a charity auction, she never expected... well, any of what happened! She made friends, found a place to belong, fell in love, and managed to have some dangerous interactions along the way!
I love both Pipe & Cora! Pipe is such a sweetheart with a tough-looking exterior. And Cora is determined & fierce! Their story DOES feel a bit overtaken at times, bc it's all about searching for & rescuing Lara. (Lara's story will be about her healing after the rescue, of course.) We do get to know them, they get to know each other as they help each other heal & find their HEA!
As always, a fun & steamy couple (they get messy, from what I skimmed!), & I love the sneak peek into Owl & Lara's story!
😍😍
November 15, 2023
Deserving Cora is such an exciting read.
Cora goes to a bachelor auction, trying to win a date with the representative from the Refuge.
She has been researching them, and needs help rescuing her best friend Lara.
Pipe is not excited to be the one participating in the auction but he will do anything to support The Refuge. He notices Cora in the crowd, disappoint she did not win the date with him and he seeks her out.
Cora and Pipe feel an instant connection and attraction to one another. And Pipe offers to talk to his friends and try to help Cora find her friends.
This was an emotional read, and I could not put it down.
I can't wait for the rest of the series
Cora goes to a bachelor auction, trying to win a date with the representative from the Refuge.
She has been researching them, and needs help rescuing her best friend Lara.
Pipe is not excited to be the one participating in the auction but he will do anything to support The Refuge. He notices Cora in the crowd, disappoint she did not win the date with him and he seeks her out.
Cora and Pipe feel an instant connection and attraction to one another. And Pipe offers to talk to his friends and try to help Cora find her friends.
This was an emotional read, and I could not put it down.
I can't wait for the rest of the series
November 15, 2023
Loved this book!
I loved this story of Cora and Pipe!! Its amazing when you are put in the exact location where you need to be at the right time. Pipe didn't want to go to this charity event in DC, this wasn't his thing. When he goes out on stage, he sees Cora and is instantly intrigued. She came to bid on Pipe to get the men from The Refuge to help her find her friend Lara. The chemistry between these two is fire. They both have their scars, but together they are two halves of a whole. I love this book and whole series! I highly recommend this and absolutely anything by Susan Stoker!
I loved this story of Cora and Pipe!! Its amazing when you are put in the exact location where you need to be at the right time. Pipe didn't want to go to this charity event in DC, this wasn't his thing. When he goes out on stage, he sees Cora and is instantly intrigued. She came to bid on Pipe to get the men from The Refuge to help her find her friend Lara. The chemistry between these two is fire. They both have their scars, but together they are two halves of a whole. I love this book and whole series! I highly recommend this and absolutely anything by Susan Stoker!
November 16, 2023
They deserve each other.
Cora was determined to save her friend, even when everyone was telling her she was fine.
She ends up saving herself and Pipe along the way when he realises that Cora is the one he needs and she realises she doesn't have to do it all on her own anymore.
She is that little tower of strength he never knew he was looking for.
He is the defender she never thought she deserved.
They really do suit each other.
This story has some hard line's to it but seriously good intentions.
Cora was determined to save her friend, even when everyone was telling her she was fine.
She ends up saving herself and Pipe along the way when he realises that Cora is the one he needs and she realises she doesn't have to do it all on her own anymore.
She is that little tower of strength he never knew he was looking for.
He is the defender she never thought she deserved.
They really do suit each other.
This story has some hard line's to it but seriously good intentions.
January 3, 2024
Great read!
Absolutely loved this book, it had me hooked the first page in. I am getting into the audio books and reading along with the Kindle e book version. Loved Pipe and Cora both broken in away, but finding each other and having an HEA. Can't wait for Lara and Owls story, plus to find out who the mystery hacker is. This or any of Susans books are a great read.
Absolutely loved this book, it had me hooked the first page in. I am getting into the audio books and reading along with the Kindle e book version. Loved Pipe and Cora both broken in away, but finding each other and having an HEA. Can't wait for Lara and Owls story, plus to find out who the mystery hacker is. This or any of Susans books are a great read.
November 15, 2023
Loved the story
This story tells of everyday occurrences that touch on our military men and women as they deal with PTSD and the fallout in their lives. From nightmares, family issues, homelessness, etc. It also makes you aware of the PTSD of the kids that live their lives in the system of foster care. The abuse, feelings of rejection, not worthy of love, etc. I would recommend thus series and this book to everyone.
This story tells of everyday occurrences that touch on our military men and women as they deal with PTSD and the fallout in their lives. From nightmares, family issues, homelessness, etc. It also makes you aware of the PTSD of the kids that live their lives in the system of foster care. The abuse, feelings of rejection, not worthy of love, etc. I would recommend thus series and this book to everyone.
November 23, 2023
I like the main and side characters. I did not like that the book ended with the villain still at large and plotting. Why on earth would you end a romance book from the serial rapist/killer’s point of view? Completely trashed any semblance of a happy ending. Sooo disappointed.
November 15, 2023
ok
Interesting story Cora was hard to like but Pipe was great. Maybe it’s just me but she can be such a strong female character who over came so much but there are areas that she is missing something .
Interesting story Cora was hard to like but Pipe was great. Maybe it’s just me but she can be such a strong female character who over came so much but there are areas that she is missing something .
February 13, 2024
So in love with these two
Within a few chapters, I was completely head over heels for Cora. That's right, the woman. Not romantically, although, I'm sure I wouldn't turn her away 😉. No, I love her as a character. I think she's the kindest, most down-to-earth, multi-faceted character I've ever read. Pipe is the perfect man for her. He loves her just as she is and he doesn't try to stifle her fierce nature, but rather embraces it. This book is perfection.
Within a few chapters, I was completely head over heels for Cora. That's right, the woman. Not romantically, although, I'm sure I wouldn't turn her away 😉. No, I love her as a character. I think she's the kindest, most down-to-earth, multi-faceted character I've ever read. Pipe is the perfect man for her. He loves her just as she is and he doesn't try to stifle her fierce nature, but rather embraces it. This book is perfection.
November 25, 2023
Every time I read a book by Susan Stoker, I get mad at myself. That’s because when I finished the last book I've read by this author, I swore I wouldn't read another, no matter what. Then a new one pops up in my feed somewhere, and just enough time has passed that I forget. About a third into any new SS book, I recall why I've sworn off this author's books, and I get mad all over again.
SS has tons of devoted followers, and I respect that. Many people love reading a predictable storyline with a HEA. Me, too. But Susan Stoker does some things that make me want to toss my phone into a hard, hard wall.
Every female lead has a terrible tale of woe. Sure, that's expected in most romances. But these FLs tell their tale over and over and over. And then they tell it some more. And once again for everyone in the very back. In this current story, at 31%, the backstory has been shared 5 times, each time completely written out as if no one has heard it before. There's no reason why SS can't just say something like "as Cora shared her experiences with the others" to stop repeating the same damn dialogue AGAIN. It's like watching a Hallmark movie, and every time there's a commercial break, you see the EXACT SAME COMMERCIALS over and over and over throughout the whole movie. This is the same method used when the FL is talking about Lara's story. Why do different characters keep repeating the same story? It's unbelievably frustrating. Skipping in the right places in an SS book has become a skill set I never wanted to have.
All this ridiculous repetition does nothing to let us learn more about the FL. In the end, she is a somewhat hollow female character because she continues to just be a receptacle of her origin story. She never lets it go and evolves from her experiences beyond childhood. So readers are left with a female character who is incomplete and unfulfilling, who doesn't reflect any of the new experiences she's had. It doesn't even make sense that she's accepted as a partner by Pipe. Sorrow for another person's bad experiences is not the basis of a strong or permanent relationship. The desire to protect someone isn't the only element of a successful or fulfilling relationship. I read these stories and understand the "romance" of having a man who wants to care for you. And the fantasy of that being all it takes to be in love is wonderful. But after a ton of these stories, it's impossible for some of us to suspend our disbelief that completely when we know very little about the FL. By the end of the book, I just wanted it to be over. I can't say I even cared about an HEA.
And because of all the needless repetition, I can only imagine Lara's upcoming book to be even more frustrating. Not only do we read and reread her story in this book, but there'll be another book with even more repeated dialogue.
And hey, just for good measure, there's a cliffhanger. Which leads me to... my extreme dislike for the trope of a villain who can't seem to die and trails through additional books like a lazy slug. An organization that's evil, sure i get that. But one dude? And against a whole pile of super skilled dudes who seem to miss over and over? Nope. I seriously dislike this trope, because it's an easy way to form the next book. And invariably, the villain is a psychopath who's so evil they mostly twirl their two-dimensional mustaches a lot for no apparent reason. It's lazy writing. This kind of villain escapes death more times than a rich guy escapes the IRS, every time more impossible. I thoroughly expect that to be the case with this bad guy, too.
So please forgive me for vomiting all this. Maybe I'll remember it when that next book pops up in my feed.
SS has tons of devoted followers, and I respect that. Many people love reading a predictable storyline with a HEA. Me, too. But Susan Stoker does some things that make me want to toss my phone into a hard, hard wall.
Every female lead has a terrible tale of woe. Sure, that's expected in most romances. But these FLs tell their tale over and over and over. And then they tell it some more. And once again for everyone in the very back. In this current story, at 31%, the backstory has been shared 5 times, each time completely written out as if no one has heard it before. There's no reason why SS can't just say something like "as Cora shared her experiences with the others" to stop repeating the same damn dialogue AGAIN. It's like watching a Hallmark movie, and every time there's a commercial break, you see the EXACT SAME COMMERCIALS over and over and over throughout the whole movie. This is the same method used when the FL is talking about Lara's story. Why do different characters keep repeating the same story? It's unbelievably frustrating. Skipping in the right places in an SS book has become a skill set I never wanted to have.
All this ridiculous repetition does nothing to let us learn more about the FL. In the end, she is a somewhat hollow female character because she continues to just be a receptacle of her origin story. She never lets it go and evolves from her experiences beyond childhood. So readers are left with a female character who is incomplete and unfulfilling, who doesn't reflect any of the new experiences she's had. It doesn't even make sense that she's accepted as a partner by Pipe. Sorrow for another person's bad experiences is not the basis of a strong or permanent relationship. The desire to protect someone isn't the only element of a successful or fulfilling relationship. I read these stories and understand the "romance" of having a man who wants to care for you. And the fantasy of that being all it takes to be in love is wonderful. But after a ton of these stories, it's impossible for some of us to suspend our disbelief that completely when we know very little about the FL. By the end of the book, I just wanted it to be over. I can't say I even cared about an HEA.
And because of all the needless repetition, I can only imagine Lara's upcoming book to be even more frustrating. Not only do we read and reread her story in this book, but there'll be another book with even more repeated dialogue.
And hey, just for good measure, there's a cliffhanger. Which leads me to... my extreme dislike for the trope of a villain who can't seem to die and trails through additional books like a lazy slug. An organization that's evil, sure i get that. But one dude? And against a whole pile of super skilled dudes who seem to miss over and over? Nope. I seriously dislike this trope, because it's an easy way to form the next book. And invariably, the villain is a psychopath who's so evil they mostly twirl their two-dimensional mustaches a lot for no apparent reason. It's lazy writing. This kind of villain escapes death more times than a rich guy escapes the IRS, every time more impossible. I thoroughly expect that to be the case with this bad guy, too.
So please forgive me for vomiting all this. Maybe I'll remember it when that next book pops up in my feed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2024
Lots of thrills, hunky heroes, and the women who love them.
So far, I love this series! Deserving Cora, book four in The Refuge series by Susan Stoker, takes the excitement and action to a whole new level than any of the previous novels in the series. All of the owners of the New Mexico resort , The Refuge, have served their country in some capacity or another and have the physical and mental scars to prove it. Most are veterans of American Special Forces. In Deserving Cora, Susan Stoker gives us an in-depth look at the only British member of The Refuge staff, Bryson "Pipe" Clark. Pipe is not the classic romance hero. Covered in tattoos, a little on the long-hair scruffy side, and definitely rough around the edges; he resembles a homeless veteran,more than decorated hero. Yet, beneath his prickly exterior, he is a caring soul, willing to sacrifice himself to protect the vulnerable and needy. His war experiences have caused him to question his own self-worth. Cora is also a loner whose years in fostercare have taught her to expect rejection and rebuffs from everyone she meets. Meeting Cora, he immediately recognizes a kindred spirit. Together, Cora and Pipe discover that they are broken so much as they have been bent and bruised. While seeking to rescue Cora's best friend, Cora and Pipe learn to embrace their true selves and earn their HEA's.
The story is well-written, full of edge-of-the-seat, death-defying action, and danger. I was so enthralled that I ignored any work I needed to do and growled at my husband and dogs whenever they tried to distract me from my reading. There were more than a few twists in the plot before the main characters could claim victory. I was unable to breathe until I was sure that everyone was safe. The word pictures Susan Stoker created were so real and dramatic that I could have sworn I was present as the scene enfolded!
Deserving Cora had all the right elements of adventure, love, spice, and emotions I have come to expect from a Susan Stoker novel!
Once again, Susan entertained me with a remarkable storyline, three-dimensional characters who developed and transformed as the story progressed. The dialog was fresh, witty with a wonderful touch of humor. The characters were relatable, believable, and filled me with warm and fuzzy feelings. The Refuge series is feel - good fiction at its best. Bravo, Susan Stoker!
So far, I love this series! Deserving Cora, book four in The Refuge series by Susan Stoker, takes the excitement and action to a whole new level than any of the previous novels in the series. All of the owners of the New Mexico resort , The Refuge, have served their country in some capacity or another and have the physical and mental scars to prove it. Most are veterans of American Special Forces. In Deserving Cora, Susan Stoker gives us an in-depth look at the only British member of The Refuge staff, Bryson "Pipe" Clark. Pipe is not the classic romance hero. Covered in tattoos, a little on the long-hair scruffy side, and definitely rough around the edges; he resembles a homeless veteran,more than decorated hero. Yet, beneath his prickly exterior, he is a caring soul, willing to sacrifice himself to protect the vulnerable and needy. His war experiences have caused him to question his own self-worth. Cora is also a loner whose years in fostercare have taught her to expect rejection and rebuffs from everyone she meets. Meeting Cora, he immediately recognizes a kindred spirit. Together, Cora and Pipe discover that they are broken so much as they have been bent and bruised. While seeking to rescue Cora's best friend, Cora and Pipe learn to embrace their true selves and earn their HEA's.
The story is well-written, full of edge-of-the-seat, death-defying action, and danger. I was so enthralled that I ignored any work I needed to do and growled at my husband and dogs whenever they tried to distract me from my reading. There were more than a few twists in the plot before the main characters could claim victory. I was unable to breathe until I was sure that everyone was safe. The word pictures Susan Stoker created were so real and dramatic that I could have sworn I was present as the scene enfolded!
Deserving Cora had all the right elements of adventure, love, spice, and emotions I have come to expect from a Susan Stoker novel!
Once again, Susan entertained me with a remarkable storyline, three-dimensional characters who developed and transformed as the story progressed. The dialog was fresh, witty with a wonderful touch of humor. The characters were relatable, believable, and filled me with warm and fuzzy feelings. The Refuge series is feel - good fiction at its best. Bravo, Susan Stoker!
January 23, 2024
Eeep, the wait was long to get this book from the library. But it was totally worth it to continue reading one of my favorite authors. This book was different then a lot of Susan Stoker's book. Where it doesn't finish and it leaves us with a cliffhanger. Susan....I don't like cliffhangers when the next book hasn't come out yet. Anyways, let's talk about the characters in this book. While you get to see some of the previous characters from the other books in this series they don't have the main part in this book. Yes, you get to hear about Tex in this book as well. Pipe is an introvert who doesn't like being the center of attention and yet he is being shoved on a stage where women try to buy him. Buy him a date. Of course the female lead, Cora tries to bid for him and she doesn't win but she got his attention. Which is a good thing because she needs his help. I thought Cora was really well rounded in this book. I could see how her past which you learn in pieces here and there and also hinted at some of it. But I didn't feel really contacted with Pipe in this book. I needed to know more about this man to be able to see what Cora sees of him. There was a little discontent. I did love the plot in this story though no happy ending for the whole plot. Which I have a feeling will come to end in the next book. I really like how it shows the men planning in this book of their next step on getting Lara out of her situation. I feel like all in all the men at Refuge are developing and opening more in each book in the series. The flow of this book is great and didn't want me to put it down (huge plus). The smut in this book and in a lot of Susan Stoker's books is tame. Which gives me a good breather from other books. Also....the mystery hacker I have a feeling more and more I know who it is...and it's not a male. I can't wait for the men at the Refuge to find that out in the future books. All in all it's a great read and can't wait to read the next one in the series.
September 3, 2024
DESERVING CORA by SUSAN STOKER 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Deserving Cora is the fourth book in Susan Stoker’s ‘THE REFUGE’.
When Cora Rooney’s best friend Lara disappears overnight to live with ‘the love of her life’ Cora suspects that things aren’t as romantic as it seems. When nobody will listen to her concerns she attends a Veterans charity auction in hopes she can win a meal with ‘The Refuge’s’ Bryson ‘Pipe’ Clark. Short on cash Cora sells everything she owns to bid on Pipe, she’s done her research and is convinced that Pipe and his friends at The Refuge are her last chance for help.
Bryson ‘Pipe’ Clark left the British SAS after a disastrous mission left him disillusioned and found his peace at The Refuge. Pipe is a strong, loyal caring man but the tattoos he uses to numb past pain gives off ‘stay away’ vibes and suits him just fine.
Intrigued by the feisty woman who bid but failed to win him at the auction, Pipe is determined to find out more about her. When he finds out the lengths she’s gone to to be able to talk to him Pipe promises to help her. Thus begins their fight to find out what happened to Lara. Can they solve the puzzle and get to her before it’s too late?
——————————————
This is a really good book. Stoker manages to build the tension well and the confrontation scene towards the end is quite adrenaline pumping and uncomfortable. I loved how feisty the main female character was and thought the two main characters were a good fit. I did think that their relationship seemed to go from 0-100 a bit fast. For those who have followed this series, we get the strongest hint yet of the identity of the hacker who’s skills rival Tex’s. Some of the content is quite disturbing and could be triggering. Although this is a standalone book the ending isn’t quite finished and it’s clearly leading into the next book ‘Deserving Lara’.
🧩 Strong, loyal MFC
🧩 Helicopter
🧩 Small town romance
🧩 Vile Villain
🧩 Friendship
🧩 Suspense
Deserving Cora is the fourth book in Susan Stoker’s ‘THE REFUGE’.
When Cora Rooney’s best friend Lara disappears overnight to live with ‘the love of her life’ Cora suspects that things aren’t as romantic as it seems. When nobody will listen to her concerns she attends a Veterans charity auction in hopes she can win a meal with ‘The Refuge’s’ Bryson ‘Pipe’ Clark. Short on cash Cora sells everything she owns to bid on Pipe, she’s done her research and is convinced that Pipe and his friends at The Refuge are her last chance for help.
Bryson ‘Pipe’ Clark left the British SAS after a disastrous mission left him disillusioned and found his peace at The Refuge. Pipe is a strong, loyal caring man but the tattoos he uses to numb past pain gives off ‘stay away’ vibes and suits him just fine.
Intrigued by the feisty woman who bid but failed to win him at the auction, Pipe is determined to find out more about her. When he finds out the lengths she’s gone to to be able to talk to him Pipe promises to help her. Thus begins their fight to find out what happened to Lara. Can they solve the puzzle and get to her before it’s too late?
——————————————
This is a really good book. Stoker manages to build the tension well and the confrontation scene towards the end is quite adrenaline pumping and uncomfortable. I loved how feisty the main female character was and thought the two main characters were a good fit. I did think that their relationship seemed to go from 0-100 a bit fast. For those who have followed this series, we get the strongest hint yet of the identity of the hacker who’s skills rival Tex’s. Some of the content is quite disturbing and could be triggering. Although this is a standalone book the ending isn’t quite finished and it’s clearly leading into the next book ‘Deserving Lara’.
🧩 Strong, loyal MFC
🧩 Helicopter
🧩 Small town romance
🧩 Vile Villain
🧩 Friendship
🧩 Suspense
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