Two people who have been (not so) secretly longing for each other finally realize the intensity and depth of their connection when a potential fatal event happens, in the “The Lumberjack”, by Susan Stoker.
Jack and April are great characters; the super protective and possessive hero who is so certain of his unending love for the older heroine is surely a magnet. Add pragmatic, respectful, thoughtful and tender dimensions to the former soldier personality and who could resist?
Besides, it’s always cool having a hero pinning so deeply for the heroine and showing vulnerability and insecurity when he’s not yet sure of her feelings. JJ’s devotion is total.
I liked the process of April’s memory returning; it seemed realistic and well written.
Watching the leads coming to terms with their mutual feelings, and admitting they’d been trying to avoid and ignore them, was sweet, too.
I also appreciated the before and after with JJ and April and how the indecision becomes certainty when a near tragedy occurs. The fact there was a strong mutual feeling before and neither acted on it was interesting, too.
Stoker’s universe of deep fraternal bonds, fiercely loyal friendships and romantic relationships is attractive.
I liked how the average woman is attractive and how the heroine has a range of attributes and skills that go beyond the usual external beauty.
Some dialogue seemed stilted and they sometimes talked as fictional characters (calling the others who came to help “badass men”…), or maintained puerile conversations during high danger situations.
The proclamations about “our women” and “our men” seemed repetitive, and the same with the dialogue about feelings and emotions.

I loved the characters of this book. I was drawn in immediately. As someone who has not read the series I didn't feel lost coming in at book 4 I felt like Susan did a great job of explaining who the characters were and where the story was going.

There were parts of this book that I enjoyed, and parts that I didn't. I want to preface this to say that I hadn't read the prior 3 books in this series, and I think that affected my perception of these characters and their love story. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of the story and whatever backstory these two characters may have had in previous books. The instalove was very strong with these two, and there was a mutual unspoken attraction that kept them separate up until the heroine was hurt. Once that happens, in chapter 1, the hero becomes over-the-to0 protective. I did enjoy the bit of suspense that came with the story (who is after her/him, and why?) but it took a while to get to that. I would try another romance by this author, unless over-the-top instalove is her writing style.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a review.

This was a kismet gift from NetGalley. I just finished books one and two and was trying to decide if I wanted to keep going. I liked these books, although these alphas are pretty intense. These characters are interesting, but felt a little bit 2 dimensional. This is the last book in this series and this might be the one time you need to read all the others books in the series. I felt like this was leans heavily on the plots of the other books that you will definitely get more enjoyment out of this book if you know what the deal is going into it.

This book was a cross between a cheesy action movie and a love at first sight romance thriller, and it was a trip but it's definitely not my favorite type of story. The characters can be unbelievable or the total plot can be unbelievable but I don't do well when both of those things are so out there.

I've been waiting for the JJ/April book since the series first began, and I enjoyed their story. Like all of this author's books, this one doesn't hold back on the frightening situations and nail-biting suspense. We also get to see some heroes from some other series make an appearance to help get the bad guy. The book brings a nice conclusion to the series, with an epilogue that focuses on each of the couple 10 years into the future.

Despite the unrealistic depiction of men - I'd love to meet a man like hers for sure - I love these stories. April and Jack didn't disappoint. I've been waiting for their story since I read the first book. Lots of action and drama.

Oh how I wished this book did it for me, but unfortunately it did nothing. I ended up skimming through several pages at a time.
I couldn’t completely be convinced that based on a feeling she had while having amnesia she decides to get discharged and lives with him to recover. I’ve never had amnesia before so what the heck do I know. Maybe I would feel that way with my husband.
Half the book was more tip toeing around their feelings and I don’t hate consent but when he asks every other encounter, I got pulled out of the story and got frustrated. Almost every conversation was the exact same. I would skim several paragraphs and they were rehashing the same conversation.

The book definitely picked up on the suspense about 60% in for me. The villain wasn’t completely believable for me but he was fine. Misplaced hatred fueled his story line. I wish there was more of that suspense in the book because that was the most satisfying part of the book for me. Then it ended too quickly for me.

Reading the 4/5 star reviews I can see why they found the appeal, and I really wished I could have had the same experience but it just wasn’t it for me.

Thrilling story which feels like an awesome conclusion to the series. Brought all the characters to life in the present and future and was very heartfelt.

A mesmerizing romance that seamlessly blends passion and tenderness. The drama kept me engaged, and the characters felt incredibly real. An absolute gem!

I really enjoy Susan Stoker's writing, so I think this was a miss for me in part because I had not read the prior books in this series. There was a significant backstory that I felt I was missing, and since the heroine had amnesia, I felt very sympathetic to her. I, too, felt like I was suffering from amnesia, because I had no idea who anyone was or what their relationships were to each other.

That being said, I decided to still try reading and reviewing, because I think the weirdest part for me had nothing to do with whether or not I had read the previous book. The FMC just had a terrible car accident and has no recollection of anything within the last five years. The MMC has been in love with her for a while, but he's never had the courage to say anything, even though he believes she feels the same way. He takes her back to his home to recover, and they are on each other so fast, I got whiplash. It really made very little sense when you take into consideration that she is still injured and has no clue who this guy is. But it's passed off as fine, because she feels safe around him.

I don't know about you all, but if I got amnesia and a guy took me back to his place, I don't think I would fall so easily into his bed. I might *want* to, but I don't think I would given the circumstances. I think the author was banking on the relationship set up in the prior books to make it seem natural to readers, but I don't think it was written in a natural way at all.

I would still recommend her books, but this may just be an author who writes series in a way where you absolutely need to read them in order. So bear that in mind.

Jackson “JJ” Justice is an ex-soldier who now owns a successful lumberjack business with his teammates. April Hoffman is the receptionist at Jack’s Lumber but is also a huge part of why the business is so successful. The story begins after April is in a near fatal car accident and now has amnesia from a head injury. This prompts Jack to finally admit his feelings for her. But an enemy from JJ’s past may put all of that in jeopardy.

The Lumberjack is the fourth book in the Game of Chance series. It is a romantic suspense that’ll give you all the feels and keep you on the edge of your seat. It could be read as a stand alone but is best read as part of the series. And if you’ve read other books by Susan Stoker, you may get a glimpse of some of your favorite hero’s from other series.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this ARC copy of The Lumberjack in exchange for my honest review.

Finally, JJ and April's story- we have been watching them love each other from afar over the series so it's nice to finally get a HEA. I love the fact that there was such a mix of love and suspense and the last third of the story made it really difficult for me to put the book down. That said, the initial part of the story, as April regained her memory and JJ tried to help her, was a little too sweet and a little bit slow. It all paid off because the set up led to a fantastic end of the story where all the characters from over the series (and others) really showed their strength and how the persevere over evil. A great story that did a great job finishing up the series!

I've enjoyed The Game of Chance series and was glad for April and Jackson to have their time. I suppose it could be read as a standalone but feel the reader would lose the depth of the relationships and how the couple and group of friends have grown together. The drama and suspense was intriguing. I especially appreciated the epilogue and was left feeling heart warmed and hopeful.

Omg, I'm a huge fan of this author and I absolutely loved this book! Thanks Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC

After an accident, April is put in the position where she is relying on those in her life she doesn’t fully remember.

Jack’s life has been plagued by loss and hardship. April moved to Newtown in the hopes of starting a new life after being in an unfulfilling marriage. Forced proximity stirs up feelings between April and Jack, both afraid of making a move at the risk of losing the other. With April and Jack constantly denying their attraction and feelings for each other makes their tension even stronger and more satisfying.

After Jack almost loses April (what he fears most), he shows how much he can’t live without her and gives her the attention and affection she deserves.

“Not seeing you every day would slowly kill me.”

I’m an absolute sucker for a protective mmc, and Jack is so caring and so obsessed with April, it makes me giddy.

“I’d do anything to make the woman I loved happy.”

Seeing Jack and April slowly develop their relationship was sweet, and Jack was so respectful of April and her memories returning. The suspense was great, making eager to read more! I liked that April was older than Jack, it’s definitely not something we see often, but Susan wrote this age gap brilliantly!

There's nothing sexier than a lumberjack and nothing braver than a veteran and Susan Stoker showcases both-in-one in the beautiful story of The Lumberjack. A man who has been burned by loss and a woman who only wants to warm his heart leads to a forced proximity, workplace romance filled with emotional poignancy, colorful characters, and vivid storytelling. A romance is brought to the ground against the backdrop of a luscious setting and I felt immediately transported to this little town when immersed in the chapters of this book. Look forward to more releases from this author in the future!

Jack and April have always been attracted to each other, but when April is hurt, they finally act on their attraction. When trouble comes to the the families of Jack's Lumber, they will do everything necessary to save those they love. This was an amazing wrap up of this series. I loved how Susan Stoker brought in characters from her other beloved series.

No he leído los libros anteriores y no es necesario para entender The lumberjack.



Cuando se conocieron ella estaba recién divorciada, él había regresado del ejército y no estaba en un buen lugar; trabajaban juntos y se sintieron atraídos, sin embargo, a ella le daba miedo la diferencia de edad (es mayor que él) y él no se atrevió a cruzar la línea por miedo a alejarla. Durante años escondieron sus sentimientos y cuando April tiene un accidente y pierde la memoria de los últimos años y no recuerda a Jack, él se da cuenta que la vida es muy corta y que cuando recupere la memoria le declarará sus sentimientos.

El villano estaba bien loco, se quería vengar por algo que su hermano hizo. El hermano cometió un crimen y terminó recibiendo sus castigo, pero para el loco eso nunca debió pasar. ¿?




Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Lumberjack, written by Susan Stoker, is the fourth and final title in the Game of Chance series.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance

Jack “J.J.” (MMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Former military, current lumberjack 😉

April (FMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Office manager of lumberjack company

These two characters have been circling each other for the past few years and have finally made their ways to each other. I loved how honest they both were with each from the very beginning, they both admitted to loving each other due to their shared past few years.

This book was a great way to end this series! The epilogue was perfect!! ❤️

Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title!

This is a fitting conclusion to an action packed series! There’s no slow down in the drama for our last couple, Jack and April. I loved watching them navigate her memory loss and how respectful Jack always was of April’s choices. If you’ve read the other books in this series, you’ll love those couples’ time on the pages of this book. In fact, not only do we get to see the men go scorched earth, the ladies have their own parts to play in the final showdown. But the epilogue may be my favorite part! Such a wonderful peek into the future of each couple.