Securing Caite

Securing Caite (SEAL of Protection: Legacy Book 1)- Susan Stoker
Amazon Digital Services
Release Date: January 15, 2019

Rating:
📚📚📚📚

Synopsis: Caite McCallan is a Department of Defense admin working in Bahrain when a glitchy elevator, of all things, leads to an unexpected invitation to dinner by a gorgeous Navy SEAL. When he later stands her up, Caite’s understandably upset…until she overhears a plot that confirms Rocco didn’t blow her off. Instead, he and two fellow SEALs are in danger—and Caite is forced to put her career and her life on the line to save them. 

Blake “Rocco” Wise never expected his routine mission to go sideways, but he was even more surprised to find himself and his teammates rescued by the adorably shy woman he met in a stalled elevator. Caite’s selfless act saved his life, but when attempts on her own make it clear someone wants her gone, it’s Rocco’s turn to protect the brave, sweet, sexy woman. The longer he knows her, the more he wants her…but keeping Caite close could bring her nearer to the enemy than ever before.

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Securing Caite introduces readers to a new SEAL team and a delightful new heroine in Caite McCallan.  An administrative assistant used to being overlooked and invisible, Caite is stunned when getting stuck in an elevator leads to a date with a hot SEAL.  When he doesn't show for the date she's disappointed- and then she overhears a group of men plotting to kill three injured soldiers. With no one to turn to Caite risks her life to save the men herself. Caite might not think of herself as brave  or beautiful, but SEAL leader Blake "Rocco" Wise does- even before she saves him and his teammates from certain death.  When it turns out she overheard more than just a murder plot, it's up to Rocco and his team to protect Caite from an assassin who has everything to lose and blames Caite for it all.

Caite may be my new favorite heroine.  She is completely relatable as an average person: average job, average looks, average life, and the below-average self esteem that comes with all of that.  She has a jerk for a boss who keeps trying to either get her to quit or find a reason to fire her so his friend can have her job. She's smart enough not to go wandering around alone in Bahrain (overseas contract jobs pay better when you're trying to pay off student loans for a French major you loved but have no idea what to do with). She doesn't make waves and tries hard to get along with everyone enough to keep work from being unpleasant.  When she is the only person with information on danger to three soldiers however, she is extraordinary: risking everything to save the men despite being smart enough to be terrified every step of the way.  In short, Caite is who most female readers probably see themselves as, and who we hope we'd be in similar situations.  

Rocco is a sweet guy and it looks like we'll be enjoying some delightful new heroes with his friends.  The plot isn't really a mystery since we see things from the main bad guy's point of view as well, but that allows the suspense to amp up to the exciting finale.  How Stoker (Defending Chloe) is able to get out multiple books in multiple series each year while still maintaining a pretty high standard of characters, plot, and style is beyond me- but I'm glad she does.  While her keyboard probably sets off smoke detectors from all the typing, it means readers never have to wait too long for the next amazing adventure, no matter the series.  And now we are treated to a new addition that has every sign of being just as excellent as the others.

Securing Caite begins a new series but long-time readers will enjoy a few cameos from some of Stoker's earlier books. As always, this can be read as a stand alone, and guarantees a happy and romantic conclusion and a teaser to get you excited for the next book!   

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review