I finished this the other day but just didn't know how to rate it, so ive given myself some time to think about it.

First, i love the idea of the story. Four ex military men become assassins to get rid of the worst people in the world, all whilst protecting the women they love.

What that doesn't mention, is that there is only one woman, that one of them loves 😂😂 i imagine that the other books in the series will be about the other 3 guys.

So i loved Carson BUT i didn't like the fact that he was just too perfect. I mean, he could literally do no wrong! Skylar was very interesting. I really liked all the scenes with her as a teacher and seeing that side of her, but i didn't like how she was portrayed as... Well... Blonde!

The side story was the BEST bit and as soon as it was introduced, i didnt care about the rest of it. I just wanted to know how it would all play out. For that alone, 100% recommend this book!

It wasn't amazing but it was good enough for me to want to read the next one in the series!

I was definitely looking for a bit of escapism this week, so I thought a bit of romance would do the trick. I was looking for a lot of chemistry, a few hiccups along the way and something that I just didn’t want to put down.

After a pretty interesting start where Carson and Skylar meet I have to say I was a little disappointed that nothing very interesting happened until around the halfway point of the book. Sure the characters were getting to know each other but I didn’t feel like we got past a surface level with the characters, so I found it a little slow, not as captivating as I had hoped and found it hard to really feel the chemistry at the level that I would have liked because of this.

I also noticed that there was a lot of repetition of telling the reader certain things about the characters; like that Skylar is naive, innocent and too trusting but accepting of all races and backgrounds, and Bull is caring and generous but struggles with how his work will affect a relationship; when it would have been in my opinion more palatable to try and show us it instead. Having these points repeated in such a way without them coming from a relevant situation just made me feel like it was forced and put me off a little because I didn’t get to know the characters in a more natural way.

As I said things started to pick up a little around the halfway mark but then for me kind of fell away again, I think because I wasn’t as invested in the characters by this point I wasn’t really very interested by the more pedestrian goings-on in the story. Luckily it was redeemed around the three-quarter point as things start to kick up a notch and there is a bit more tension in the story.

Despite it being a little slower through the first half of the book and there being a few annoyances, I still enjoyed it and whilst I didn’t quite get that can’t put it down feeling I was looking for I was still interested in what was going to happen. I did like both Skylar and Carson, I felt like I was seeing more of their characters towards the end, Skylar definitely showed her courage and selflessness through her actions and I liked seeing Bull’s determination especially when it came to Skylar.

I have to say that I was especially intrigued by the snippet of the next book in the series, it already sounds very interesting.

Great start to the series. I love Skylar and Carson. Her innocence was just what that man needed. His vocation was just what she needed. Another winner.

I received an advanced reader's copy of Trusting Skylar (Silverstone, Book 1) by Susan Stoker from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book by Susan Stoker that I had read and I was pleasantly surprised to find an enjoyable new author to follow.

The Good: The storyline was interesting and the characters were well written. I quite liked the dynamic between our protagonists Skylar Reid and Carson “Bull” Rhodes and their interactions with each other and with secondary characters. Plus, the steamy scenes were hot.

The Not-So-Good: The pacing was a bit uneven. At times the dialogue was lengthier than it needed to be when the plot could have moved forward. Just needed to be tightened up in editing, I think.

Overall, I though this novel was fun to read and I look forward to the next in the series.

Trusting Skylar (Silverstone #1)
by Susan Stoker (Goodreads Author)
F 50x66
Donna Repsher's reviewNov 24, 2020 · edit
it was amazing

It's been a while since I've had the chance to get my hands on an advanced reader copy of a Susan Stoker novel, so long in fact that I'd forgotten just how fabulous her novels are, and this first book in her new Silverstone series, was a gem, and was it ever worth waiting for. I was hooked from the start and loved every minute of it--it's a 5-star read.

Carson "Bull" Rhodes and his Delta Force teammates, Eagle, Gramps and Smoke, have formed a close bond/brotherhood over their many missions, and while taking down one terrorist leader, thanks to Eagle's ability to never forget a face, they manage to not only take down their target, but one one slightly lower on the list at the same time. Instead of being lauded, their superiors are livid and it's been decided that the team will be separated, and when their enlistments are up, will not be allowed to re-enlist. The guys are devastated, and while they're drinking at a local bar, are approached by a stranger, who just may have the solution to their separation from each other and the military, and, after some discussion and surprising news, Silverstone Towing is born in Indianapolis--a legitimate business that's a cover for these men to continue doing what they are best at--killing terrorists, serial killers, child sex-traffickers and drug lords. Five years later, it's a successful venture and doing well.

One night, when Bull goes out to pick up a stranded driver and her car, he meets Skylar Reid, who is unlike anyone he's ever met--she's a 32-year-old kindergarten teacher with a heart of gold, and when Bull gets on her case about pulling off the road near a copse of trees, the fact that she never asked him to prove who he was, was standing outside her car when he arrived, she's both put off by his domineering attitude but attracted to his protectiveness, his good looks, and soon, his charm--and so their relationship begins, and I absolutely loved these two characters and the way their relationship developed. Big, tough, dominant Bull has a truly sweet and sensitive side that drew Skyler and this reader like a bee to a rose garden. As a former teacher, Skylar's love, commitment and dedication to her giving her young, disadvantaged students the best start in life she possibly could, impressed the heck out of Bull, as well as it impressed me. And when the relationship between these two really heats up--wow!

This is far more than a simple romance novel--there are stumbling blocks ahead, some you will see coming and some you won't. If you think that wondering how Skylar will handle the truth about what Bull and his friends really do when they aren't towing cars, is the only one, are you ever going to be surprised--especially considering the fact that there is another mission ahead soon, time is short in this new relationship, and if that isn't enough, there's a plot twist I certainly didn't see coming.

This was, quite simply, an excellent, emotional, tender, steamy, well-paced, well written, well plotted novel with wonderful characters and I cannot recommend it highly enough, and, finally, I cannot wait to read the rest of the novels in this series!

As stated at the outset, I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this novel. The opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 stars
I’m embarrassed to say that this is my first novel by the author although i have actually a few of her earlier works in my kindle library but never had the time to actually sit down and start reading one of them.

I enjoyed this book much more than i thought. Give me a hounded hero and a sassy heroine any day at any time. It’s so much more than a love story, it’s heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

It’s fast-paced action with great flawed characters that have to grow and overcome their past and feelings and they do it in big style here, with side characters that make me want to read their own stories so much because they are really wonderful friends and comrades, constantly there for their friends and with savvy conversation at all times.

It’s a marvelous love story that many lovers of the genre will enjoy imenselly.

Haven’t read any books by Susan Stoker but I am hooked.
Absolutely brilliant from the very first page to the last one. Just could not put it down.
Great story line with great characters and a beautiful love story.
Can’t wait for the next in the series

A VERY solid start to a new series! I always seek out Stoker's books when I'm in the mood for some suspense, but this one brings the romance to the forefront and made me love the couple - before any action kicked in. The focus is definitely on our couple and the guilt our hero feels about not only lying about his job, but also not being a good enough man for this kind, somewhat naive heroine. While there are touches of suspense, it stays in the background for much of the story. So I was able to truly connect to this couple's relationship before things escalated, and that made for a much more satisfying read.

The story follows Carson "Bull," a former military operative whose team was sidelined after they took out an unapproved target. Though this group of four friends truly believe they were in the right by taking out a terrorist, the government doesn't see it that way. Fast forward five years later, and this group of friends has started up their own team, running a successful towing business as a front while taking out targets in secret with the assistance, if not approval, of the government. When Carson meets kindergarten teacher Skylar, he's immediately smitten and taken aback by her genuine kindness and positive outlook. It's something he craves in his own life, but no longer feels worthy of - he does kill people for a living, after all. As the two get closer, Carson has to figure out the right time to tell the woman he's falling for that there's more to the man she's given her heart to.

I love the concept behind this series - it's romance first, suspense second. There's definite potential with future storylines, and each of these men seems to truly want love in their lives, whether they feel like they can keep it or not. While there's one pretty dark storyline (involving children) that ramps up the action, the focus is on the complexities of falling for someone when you're keeping a secret. I loved Carson - he's caring and protective, a true gentleman in a lot of ways while also being an alpha. Skylar felt too sheltered at times, but that's also part of the story. She's no damsel in distress, but she's certainly too trusting. I liked a lot of the concepts here, and the actual relationship is a great slow burn with plenty of sweetness. I do have to mention that a few of the references to race sat wrong for me, but it's also clear that the author is making a concerted effort to include a more diverse group of characters in her stories, which I appreciate. I'm definitely intrigued by the other guys we met, and am looking forward to more from the series. I received an early copy via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review of this suspenseful romance.

Received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book by Susan and it was an enjoyable read.
Starts of with 4 Delta Force men on a job to take out a known terrorist. These 4 men are extremely good at what they do and work perfectly in unison each with their own skill set completing the team. While on a mission they take out another known terrorist but the government aren’t happy and want to disband the team. The guys are devastated but they get an offer they can’t refuse that allows them to remain as a team but off the books doing what they do best and taking out the worlds worst of the worst.
Fast forward 5 years and the men have set up a successful tow company as their day job. Bull (short for Bullseye given he never misses) is feeling like life is missing something and that something appears as Skylar a kindergarten teacher that called in with car trouble needing a tow. They hit it off almost instantly and this is their story. Their relationship moves quickly but can Bull trust Skylar with telling her what he does on the side? You will need to read to find out.
I liked this story but something was missing as I didn’t love it. I think mostly it was their chemistry together. There is some dark subject matter in this book but these lead characters are too nice and I didn’t feel their love or passion for each other as much as I would have liked. It feels like with all the dark they are still too light.
To be honest that is just my opinion and I know others will really love this. There is action particularly at the end and who doesn’t like a HEA. My score is a fair 4 out of 5.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book for review consideration. Unfortunately it was not for me.

Susan Stoker always manages to to write fascinating characters. The former Delta team members who make up Silverstone are all quite appealing characters. Silverstone is the towing company that is the front for the guys' job of taking out terrorists and other such evil-doers. In this story Carson "Bull" Rhodes meets kindergarten teacher Skylar Reid when her car stops working properly on her way home from school and she calls Silverstone to tow her car. Bull is attracted to her when they meet. Skylar trusts Bull right away and agrees to a date. There's plenty of action and suspense to keep readers turning the pages before Bull and Skylar get their HEA. I enjoyed this first book in this series.

An enjoyable romance with some explicit sex. Unfortunately I misread the splurge and thought it was an action story and spent 80% of the book waiting for the story to get going before I realised it was classed as a romance.

3.5 stars

This was fun! I think this is my first book from this author and i liked it! I like the mcs a lot. I find Sky very endearing though sometimes her "naivety" was too much. I really liked Bull, he has one of those personalities that you either love him or hate him and I really like him. He was not my favourite from the group (I liked Eagle a bit more) but still badass hero. The writing was in times very repetitive but overall I'm going to be anxiously waiting for the rest of this series because im hooked!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my gosh, I am in love! But then my husband says I say that every time I read one of this authors books! Bull is big handsome and handy with a gun. When he meets Sky he can’t believe anyone that sweet is possible. She’s a schoolteacher and loves her job. Is there more to Silverstone Towing then what meets the eye?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Trusting Skylar is a fantastic start to a new series! Right from the first meet, Bull’s protective instinct towards Skylar is triggered and never fully goes away. And right from the very beginning, Skylar knew she could trust Bull, she felt safe with him. I absolutely love how their relationship develops, they give each other the peace and safety net they didn’t know they needed. However, there was a major secret that Bull was keeping from Skylar and that definitely had me nervous throughout, but with the help of some friends, understanding and acceptance is fully reached.

This was such a great read, we have the great hero and heroine, a wonderful set of secondary characters to look forward to their stories, a storyline that keeps you engaged, danger and suspense that keeps you at the edge of your seat and the ultimate love story that makes it all worthwhile. A must read!

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake Romance for the complimentary copy of Trusting Skylar. All opinions are my own.

This is going to be a great series. Susan Stoker always writes great books with special meaning behind them. In this new series, it's a team of guys who were done wrong in my opinion in the Delta Forces on a job they were sent to do. So they got an offer from a stranger they couldn't refuse. Carson (Bull) met Skylar on the side of the rode when she called for a tow truck. They clicked right off. But when she becomes kidnapped and in danger, he and his team are there to help. HEA.

I loved this book. This story was so engaging it was hard to put down. I was hooked at the first page. Bull and Skylar’s story is amazing. I was completely captivated by these two. The storyline was intense, wonderful, and highly enjoyable. This book is part of a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

I would recommend this book. I received this book as an ARC from NetGallery for my honest opinion.

Carson “Bull” Rhodes led a Delta team that successfully completed a mission but became a political scapegoat in the aftermath. In lieu of getting split up, the team (Bull, Eagle, Smoke, and Gramps) goes freelance and establishes Silverstone. On the public front, it's a legitimate tow truck company. Behind the scenes—and with some resources from FBI and Homeland Security—they use their skills to rid the world of the evilest forms of humanity.

Bull meets Skylar Reid during an evening tow call. From the moment they meet, Bull is drawn to the kindergarten teacher's innocence and kind-hearted nature while Skylar enjoys the cloak of safety she feels when he's near. I loved the way the author showed us how Skylar cared for her students and the little things she did to help them. She was a textbook example of a teacher we often remember decades later as influential. Bull is the super protective alpha with the heart of gold. He's surprisingly sweet and as the romance moves swiftly between them, he's incredibly open and vocal about his feelings. Some dialog seemed a bit over the top and the relationship progression was lightning speed, but their chemistry worked for me and their interaction was sweet and had me smiling at times.

Overall, the romance and suspense were well balanced and kept me vested in the characters and excitedly turning the page. The team's camaraderie was fluid and natural during their mission at the start of the story and in their friendship throughout the book. I can't wait to read more about them.

/I received an early edition of this book from NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion of the story or content of my review./

I liked this spin-off to Mountain Mercenaries. Though no longer in the Army, the men of Silverstone are still out there fighting for the freedom and safety of Americans. Seeing the worst of humanity is wearing on Bull until he meets Skyler a naive and innocent Kindergarten teacher.

Bull is all Skyler could want in a man. She falls for him fast and hard. Little does she know he is more than just the owner of a local Tow truck company. Bull is the kind of man she needs when she finds herself in danger.

If there is one thing that bothered me about the story it is that Skyler was awfully naive given she works in a low socio-economic school in a not-so-good neighborhood and lived in an apartment building that was well known in an even worse neighborhood.

Trusting Skylar is the first in a new series for this author. Overall, the character development was great. The men of Silverstone towing are unique and likeable and I look forward to reading their stories in the future.

Skylar is a little too perfect, and somewhat annoying at times, but overall, this was a good read.