REVIEW: The Lumberjack by Susan Stoker

The Lumberjack by Susan Stoker is the fourth book in the Game of Chance series. I recommend reading them in order, to get a better understanding of JJ and April’s relationship prior to her accident. The accident itself happens at the end of the previous book. There are also some references to things that have happened to the other couples in the previous books as well. So, while it may be able to work as a standalone, I feel you’d enjoy it more if you have read the previous books.

Throughout the series, JJ Justice has been fighting his feelings for his receptionist, April Hoffman, and she has been fighting hers. When an accident leaves her with temporary amnesia, JJ decides he’s done fighting his feelings and lays it all on the line. While April can’t remember who he and his friends are, she knows she feels safe with him. Deciding they’ve wasted enough time, they start a romantic relationship.

But someone is out to get revenge on JJ and his friends. And it just might put not only April’s, but the lives of his friends’ women, on the line.

I’ve read most of this author’s series, and I enjoy them. She writes strong women who hold themselves up in the face of danger. This book is no different. Even with her amnesia, April stands up to her ex-husband and works to get her memory back. When it returns, she stands up for her friends and does her best to keep them all safe. April is strong, feisty, and determined.

Out of the four heroes of the series, JJ is the most intense. He’s very protective of all his friends, which is understandable due to what they went through as POWs. He’s also protective of their women, and, most of all, of April. But he still respects April and gives her the space to do what she needs to do.

For those who have read this author’s other series, you’re in for a treat. There are appearances from the guys from The Mountain Mercenaries, Ace Security, and Silverstone series. And of course, what book would it be if it didn’t have an appearance by the famous Tex? For those who don’t know, Tex is a tech-guru, former SEAL, who appears in almost every book to help save the day.

The epilogue gives readers a glimpse of how life turned out for each of the couples featured in the Game of Chance series. It was a sweet way to wrap up the series, and a good way to catch up with the characters.

If you enjoy romantic suspense with strong heroes and even stronger heroines, then this would be a book for you.

Book Info:

Publication: July 30, 2024 | Montlake | Game of Chance #4

A game of chance during a horrific POW experience decided the future for Jackson “JJ” Justice and his teammates. Years later, they’re well settled into their lumberjack business in small-town Maine. And for nearly as long, JJ’s been pining for April, the woman largely responsible for growing their business, but insecurities keep him at arm’s length from the sexy receptionist.

April Hoffman loves her job…and her boss. She’s unsure where JJ’s head is at, but for her part, she knows exactly why she’s not revealed her feelings. Not only does she have one failed relationship under her belt, she’s also several years older than JJ. Why would a man so brutally hot settle for someone almost past her prime?

After a car accident nearly takes April’s life, leaving her with temporary amnesia, they both understand what they almost lost. The floodgates are open, their feelings exposed…but it may be too little, too late.

An enemy from JJ’s past has come calling, putting not only his future happiness on the line, but the lives of several people he holds dear—starting with April.