A Wall Street Journal bestseller.
From bestselling author Susan Stoker comes a sizzling new series about four former military operatives who rid the world of the worst of humanity while fighting to protect the best part of their lives: the women they love.
Former military operative Carson “Bull” Rhodes hasn’t dated seriously since he and his teammates left the army. Since then he’s opened … the army. Since then he’s opened Silverstone Towing—which is a front for his other job: hired killer. When kindergarten teacher Skylar Reid calls for help while stranded on the side of the interstate, the attraction is instant. The problem is Bull’s career has jaded him. Skylar’s innocent, and he wants to keep her that way.
Cautious by nature, Skylar never expected to fall in love with her tow truck driver. Even so, once Bull reveals what he really does for a living, she’s not sure she can handle it. When Skylar faces threats that have nothing to do with Bull’s job but are just as deadly, the stakes are higher than ever.
With the help of the Silverstone team, Bull will use everything he’s learned over the years to bring the woman he loves home—because the alternative is unthinkable.
more
Great start and set up for this new series for Susan Stoker.
I don’t quite get the whole “hired killer” as if these guys are hit men, They are not. They are a black team. The description is the blurb is misleading. Nevertheless I did enjoy the story. These guys almost remind me a little of Julianne walkers black knights.
I enjoyed this book even though I found the characters somewhat cliché. Bull was the tall, strong hero. Skylar was the softer, slightly naïve heroine of the story. Even the villain was the overweight, slovenly, unsavory character. I found it interesting on how the author incorporated some current social topics. I liked how Bull and Skylar met. While there was some steam, it was not over the top. But Bull’s obsession with safety, while commendable, felt a bit over the top.
I received a free copy from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review.
This is honestly a different kind of Susan Stoker story.
This is Skylar and Carson/Bull’s story. This is the first book of this new series by Susan Stoker.
Bull and his teammates are Delta Force warriors. They all have special traits they’re good at. They get burned for doing their job. Just when things look disastrous and the door is closing, another one, a better one, opens up. It’s the best of both worlds.
Until…
She needs a tow truck.
Next to a clump of trees.
In the dark.
Lives in a baaaaaaad part of town.
She’s a kindergarten teacher. He’s not.
She’s trusting. He’s not.
She’s naive. He’s not.
She wants him. He wants her.
She gets him. He gets her.
Until…
She learns his secret. I
Now she needs him. She probably shouldn’t have made him go…
No one is who they seem…
Never judge a book by its cover…
***4 Stars***
I always look forward to diving into a book by this author because I’m pretty much guaranteed to have a good time while reading it and this time was no different. It was a fun, quick read with just enough drama to keep things interesting and a new group of characters that I want to get know a lot better.
I loved Carson and Skylar. Carson is a straight shooting, protective AF alpha male with a really good heart. He may be jaded, considering all that he’s experienced, but he still looks for the good in the world. Skylar is sweet, sassy and just a bit naive when it comes to how she tends to view people, but she isn’t blind to the good and bad in the world around her. I loved that she truly did see the good in people and that she could hold her own when necessary.
Their journey to their HEA was a lot of fun. They were definitely opposites, but they had the same drive to protect the good in the world ~ even if it was by different means. I loved how they first met and how they got to know each other little by little. The roadblock in their journey wasn’t a surprise, and funny enough I was annoyed with both Carson and Skylar, but I loved how their friends rallied around both of them and was very happy with where things were with them in the end.
This was a great read and a great start to a new series. I loved getting the background on how Silverstone came to be and getting little teases into each of the guys personalities who are a part of it. And while I don’t have an absolute fav, I am totally looking forward to getting to know each on of them better!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/2020/12/13/review-trusting-skylar-by-susan-stoker/
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Contemporary romance, Soldiers: This is the first book I have read written by this author. The first thing I did was checking her list of published books and, judging by the titles, I got stuck in my head the unpleasant idea that Susan had been writing the same book over and over again. I was totally ready to be assaulted by all the annoying cliches of the genre, so it was pretty sweet to discover that my fears were mostly unfounded. In reality, I only have one complaint: Bull’s over-the-top obsession with security. More than awareness towards security (which is not bad) I think he was provoking anxiety… He behaved as if everyplace was a hostile territory on the brink of a battle. Skylar seems OK with that, but that would annoy me for sure.
Hitmen: A big chunk of the romantic drama spins around the fact that Bull and his friends are mercenaries. They only target the worst of the worst and the author works hard (sometimes too hard) to convince Skylar and the readers that what they are doing is building a better world. Here there was a clear risk to make the statement too patriotic, like shooting stars and bars everywhere as if that were enough to justify murders. Thankfully, the writer plays that game in a smart way. It is kind of obvious her personal opinion, but it doesn’t impose it and she creates kind of a debate with the characters involved. It felt fresh, if I’m honest.
Hot: I was afraid of facing the romantic relationship. I was expecting to be an insta-love, crazy sex and overwhelming shows of love in the shape of diamonds by the second kiss (which it is sadly pretty common…), but the main characters take it slow. They even talk about it, like adults! Finally, a Romance books with real adults! There were clear respect and trust between them by the time they decided to get dirty. That fact, made those encounters much more appealing. Big kudos to Skylar for expecting Bull to use protection even though she was using the pill. Those are the kind of dialogs I expectect in this genre, but, sadly, they are a rara avis.
Four Delta’s essentially forced out because of a judgement made on the scene of an assignment, given the opportunity to continue what they’re good at, serving their country. Under the now very profitable guise of a towing company, Silverstone Towing, these men continue to take out the top most wanted.
Now there’s an interesting twist for one of the guys, Carson ‘Bull’ Rhodes meets a woman on a tow call. He immediately goes into protective mode, from helping her select the right place to take her car to seeing she gets home okay.
A kindergarten teacher, Skylar Reid is a little flustered by the situation with her car. She seems a little naïve to Bull and for some reason Bull can’t help but educate her just a bit. There’s a definite attraction between them that puzzles both of them.
He talks her out of taking her car to a place known to cheat people and take it to Stanley’s Automotive instead. That way she’ll have a car while hers is being fixed. On the drive he talks to her about the children in her class and if she has favorites. One in particular he takes notes of asking the father’s name. Before she can’t ask him more about his curiosity they arrive at Stan’s.
This is the beginning of a relationship that Bull is so afraid isn’t going to last once she knows everything about him. After all, he along with his partners are essentially assassins for hire. What woman could possibly put up with that?
I fell in love with all the Silverstone men and the way they interact with Skylar and her students is priceless. Bull’s doubts and hesitation and that simmer to sizzle I love between him and Skylar.
There’s a lot that Susan covers in this book including the lack of funds that cause teachers to buy extra thing to augment their classrooms. While I am familiar with some Susan’s writing tactic’s, the twist in this story surprised me.
I really can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Book 1 in a new series by Stoker. Classic Stoker read. Hot, sexy hero and strong but troubled heroine. Nice read with of course a happy ending.
Love all of Susan’s books. This book had heat, angst, some drama, and a little bit of everything else. Not shocked. She knows how to write a great story that just sucks you in. Carson/‘Bull’ met Skylar on the side of the road after being called for a tow. They had instant attraction and started to see one another. But he had a secret life. Basically continuing his delta force actions and agendas but no longer being in the service. How would she react? I liked how she had to deal with this issue while he was away it gave her perspective about losing him. And her neighbor putting things into perspective as well. How can she judge one person for actions but not another. Great ending. Can’t wait for next book.
Great first book in this new series
This is the first book in the new series, Silverstone, and I loved it!! Any book by Susan Stoker is a winner, but this one was a little different from her other stories and it will keep you on your toes to the very end. I mean this story had a little bit of everything you could want in a story, suspense, romance and a little bit of intrigue. I loved Skylar and how wonderful she is with her kindergarten students and her neighbors. She was certainly the breath of fresh air that Carson “Bull” Rhodes needed in his life. I chuckled when she met Carson’s partners and how she beat them in cards. She was a ray of sunshine that I think all of those guys needed. This is truly a great story and you will be disappointed if you pass this one by.
I love when the good guys win…
And another new series from a favourite author! This author knows military and romance so this first read in Silverstone was just what I hoped for….
Bull and his comrades left special ops abruptly but what they made of Silverstone Towing and their off books missions was what they lived for. Whether saving a stranded motorist or the world (again) they had each other’s backs. When Bull met Skylar he wasn’t looking for a soul mate but that appeared to be what he got… Skylar was making her way in the world by teaching and making a difference in her little corner of it. A bit naïve (okay a lot), she refused to give up on her students, their families or the neighbors who embraced her so warmly.
These would be lovers were opposites in every way – every way – but that didn’t matter when love was on the line. There was angst which was sweet coming from the alpha male that was Bull but Skylar’s warmth was just the antidote…
There are no greys in this good vs evil world so add a few twists and voila, another great read to enjoy over and over until the next one comes along…
*I happily reviewed this story
**Thank you to NetGalley
This is the first book in the Silverstone series – Bull/Carson and Skyler’s story. They meet when Skyler calls a tow truck because her car is making a funny noise and Bull comes to tow her car. There is an instant strong attraction between the two and their love story unfolds from there. Carson and his four friends are former Delta force who now own Silverstone Towing which is also a front for the foursome continuing to hunt down and rid the world of evil terrorists, child slavers and the like. Despite this being a military romance, there are no damsels in distress in this book, while Skylar is a sweet, trusting kindergarten teacher, she is also a force to be reckoned with just as much as Bull is. Despite Skylar’s obvious strength, Carson struggles with telling her about his other job and whether she is too sweet and innocent to accept that he kills people. This book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from a Susan Stoker story – sweet moments, strong friendships, fan your face sexy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous high stress situations, and so much love. With Trusting Skylar, Susan Stoker once again proves she’s a fantastic storyteller. I cannot wait to read what’s next for Silverstone Towing.
TRUSTING SKYLAR is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult SILVERSTONE romantic, military suspense series focusing on an elite group of former military operatives. This is thirty-six year old, Carson ‘Bull’ Rhodes, and thirty-two year old. kindergarten teacher Skylar Reid’s story line. The SILVERSTONE series is a spin off from the author’s Mountain Mercenaries series but you do not have to have read the aforementioned series to understand or follow the current timeline.
Told from third person perspective TRUSTING SKYLAR follows in the aftermath of a successful mission in Pakistan only to face the fall-out from their superiors back home. Forced to separate or expulsion from the military, the only one other option at their disposal, the foursome-Bull, Eagle, Smoke and Gramps – face off with an agent from the FBI who makes them an offer they cannot refuse- Black Ops assignments headquartered in Silverstone, Indiana. Setting up shop, disguised as Tow Truck operation in Silverstone, Bull, Eagle, Smoke and Gramps would take missions overseas when called into action. Believing themselves to be single for life, Bull would become the first to fall in love. Five years would pass before Bull would meet kindergarten teacher Skylar, when her car breaks down on the side of the road. An immediate attractions leads to Bull ensuring our heroine is safe and protected but someone else is determined to take what doesn’t belong. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Bull and Skylar, and the potential fall-out as Skylar becomes collateral damage protecting the children under her care.
The relationship between Bull and Skylar begins when Bull is called to assist a stranded motorist on the side of the road. Battling his need to protect our story line heroine Bull struggles with Skylar’s innocence and naivete but it is her innocence that calls to his heart. The $ex scene are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Bull’s friends and fellow Black Ops agents: Smoke aka Mark, Gramps aka Leonardo, and Eagle aka Kellan; several Silverstone Towing employees; FBI Intelligence Agent Gregory Willis; single father Shawn Archer, and his daughter Sandra., as well as Skylar’s parents Cory and Dayana Reid, and her neighbors Tiana and Maria.
TRUSTING SKYLAR is a story of family and friendships; relationships and love; obsession and a twisted mind. The premise is engaging and intriguing; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are energetic, dynamic and charismatic. TRUSTING SKYLAR is a great start to Susan Stoker’s new SILVERSTONE series.
A great beginning to what looks like another outstanding series by Susan Stoker. I liked that in this book the focus was more on the heroine (Skylar) than the hero (Carson). But, it does have the same team camaraderie that we have come to expect from Susan‘s books. I also enjoyed that I didn’t see the curveball. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Skylar Reid is a dedicated kindergarten teacher in a poor area. She’s good hearted and still a bit naive about what bad there is in the world. This is what strikes Carson “Bull” Rhodes the most, besides her gorgeousness, when he goes on a call to tow her car. He immediately goes into protector mode, telling her about how she needs to be careful, more watchful. There’s more than just a spark between them and Skylar brings a happiness and hope back into his life. His greatest worry is will happen when he has to tell her about his other job, the black ops one that is behind Silverstone Towing. I’m forward to the rest of this series and my only complaint is that the next one won’t be out until March.
Trusting Skylar, the first book in Susan Stoker’s new Silverstone series will grab and h9ld your attention from the opening paragraphs. I have yet to meet one of her main characters I didn’t love. That definitely goes for the Silverstone team. While we only learn tidbits about Eagle, Sm9ke and Gramps I already am anxious to read their individual stories.
Carson “Bull” Rhodes is restless and knows he’s ready for the next phase of his life. Meeting Skylar Reid certainly gives him pause. She’s too innocent and naive for the likes of him. She’s a kindergarten teacher for crying out loud. Yet, he wants to get to know this woman who loves what she does, loves her students and cares about those around her… maybe a little too much. The more he finds out the more he wants her. She can’t believe this gorgeous, sometimes grumpy, man wants anything to do with her. She needs to protect her heart because she’s been hurt before. The closer they get though really has him tied up in knots. He has to tell her the truth even though it may cost him more than he’s willing to pay.
Opposites Attract sometimes.
In this one very soon but very careful. I adored the way the talk to each other. Bull ( Carson ) , former Military is a member of Silverstone tow Company, who has a dark secret.
On the first page the book unfortunatly told me who Rex really is ( Mountain Mercenary Series ) but it’s my fault that I wasn’t able to read the last two books by now :).
Who is in contact with Susan Stokers Books gets to know that each book has a very own theme, a very own disability or problem to explore to the reader.
In this book it’s about Skylar who is a very caring kindergarten teacher. She’s adorable in her job, but fairly underpaid. She meets Bull, and they re attracted to each other very soon. Skylar was raised by rich parents and has no problems on her agenda. Only her naïveté is cute but dangerous , she is always and only seeing the good in the people who surround her. Here Mrs Stoker plays hard with clichés but that’s a good thing. I love on her books that they always show an uncanny reality about a topic. Skylar cares for her kindergarten kids beyond hours or mood. She’s always there for them.
Bull has seen his share of bad in the world, so he’s totally opposite to Skylar. That was a fine and exiting.
I always get tears to my eyes while reading Susans books. She has the talent to let her Protagonists very often say heartwarming overwhelming words of truth. Yes it may be a little over the hood ( no one would act like this in reality, or say such true words to strangers ) but one : It warms the heart of every reader , and second: I’m learning through her books. About truths to be told and how to react with respect. I loved Bull so much for the respect he gave to everyone in this book. And in every book I learn something new. Here about how kindergarten teachers work and in the next one about something I never heard of before:prosopagnosia. The absolute counterpart to Eagle. Oh gosh, I love Susan Stokers books.
A new series that ist very losely tied to the Mountain Mercenaries because Bull’s the one Rex called for a job in South America – and that’s were the story gets really started, namely when the four of them are headed back to Indy after taking care of Del Rio… Anyway, great story, strong characters and only a little bit darker” than the previous books but nevertheless it’s about friendship, sticking together, being there for each other, having each others back and also falling head over heals. Great.
New military romance from Susan Stoker!
This is the first in a new series for this author, and I was very excited by the concept of former military heroes turned private assassins of the world’s worst bad guys!
Carson “Bull” Rhodes left the army after his team took the fall for a mission that was deemed “unsuccessful” by some higher ups. The Army was going to separate his team, and they didn’t want that, so when an unexpected job offer came their way, they grabbed on to it with both hands. They moved to Indianapolis to open Silverstone Towing, and they use it as a front for their less savory secret job, as hired killers.
Skylar Reid is exactly the stereotypical kindergarten teacher: she’s sweet, and innocent, and kind, but naïve. She thinks the best of people, even when she shouldn’t. She’s cautious with her heart romantically, because of prior bad experiences, but she gives her heart and energy fully to her job and her beloved students. When her car breaks down on the side of the road, and she calls for a tow, she never expects to find herself drawn to the tow truck driver who comes to her rescue.
Bull and Skylar had instant chemistry but both of them were quite wary for different reasons. Bull doesn’t want to bring the darkness of his job into sweet Skylar’s life. Skylar knows that she’s a bit naïve, but she tries to protect herself as best she can, especially emotionally, after a couple of relationships went bad. They both proceed with caution, but they each knew pretty quickly that it was pointless. They were meant to be together. But, Bull was so worried that Skylar wouldn’t be able to handle his real job, though he knows he must tell her as things get more serious between them.
I loved Bull’s team so much, and I can’t wait for each of their stories!! They each brought their own unique and awesome personalities to the group, and I’m excited to get to know them better. Each of their skills complemented each other so well, and they really loved each other like brothers. I also loved the camaraderie that Skylar had with her neighbor ladies in her apartment building. They looked out for each other, and it was so lovely.
The suspense plot was scary, and nerve-wracking, especially when we got some glimpses into the bad guy’s messed-up head while he was planning his crime Though the crime wasn’t always what I thought it would be. This plot was super uncomfortable to read in some parts, and I was pretty rattled by some unexpected twists that it took.
Overall I really enjoyed this story of good guys determined to win, by any means necessary, and how their secrets might affect their real lives, and relationships. I loved getting to know this group of heroes! Eagle’s book is next, and his heroine has prosopagnosia (face blindness), which I’m so intrigued by, so I’m very much looking forward to the next story!
Content Warning for a child predator villain.
Holy Freaking Smoke! What a start to a new series!! We had a glimpse of these new characters at the end of the Mountain Mercenary series and we knew that a fab new offering was on our way.
Bull and the Silverstone Towing guys got a bit of a rough deal. They did the right thing, with an added bonus, but the head honchos were not amused and wanted to punish them. But before they made a decision they were offered a more suitable offer. With a quiet inheritance used as seed money, they started up a Towing company. They’ve grown their reputation and they look after their staff well. But all is not as it seems – there is a little known part of the complex only the owners enter – with good reason!
Skylar should be annoying but as usual, she is written with soul. Her naivety can be refreshing but also a bit of a pain, LOL. Her career as a teacher of small kids means she is all about helping others but her gift for seeing the good in people and helping anyone in need may just get her into hot water!
Bull has seen the bad side of the world more times than he cares to admit. But when he fills in on a simple towing job, he meets the wonderously sweet but sexy Skylar. He teaches her a few tricks to keep safe but soon enough the sparks between them take off!
Enter the more serious and darker storyline. I was truly on the edge of my seat and I was rooting for the good guys! I kind of knew the way the story was going to go, there were no punches pulled I’ll say!
A superb storyline, great characters, and I really enjoyed the crew’s banter and how they treated their staff – I’d work for them in a heartbeat.
I cannot wait for the next book!