Searching for Bristol by Susan Stoker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Getting lost in the woods isn’t on Bristol Wingham’s agenda. Neither is being abandoned by her friends or getting injured. Luckily for her, she’s found by one of Fallport’s search and rescue members. She hadn’t planned on staying in the small town, but when her rescuer offers her a place to recuperate…she can’t resist.

Cohen “Rocky” Watson has rescued his fair share of lost hikers, but there’s something about Bristol that makes him sit up and take notice. The world-renowned artist could definitely afford to go back home to Tennessee and pay someone to look after her until her broken leg heals, but the more time he spends around her, the more he wants her to stay.

Slowly but surely, as Bristol heals, the former Navy SEAL and the artist find themselves falling in love. But someone is less than happy with the budding relationship. When Bristol disappears, it’ll take Rocky, his entire team, and every colorful, gossip-loving Fallport local to find her—and the clock is ticking.

When Survival Meets Soulmate

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💜💚❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋😀😍☺️🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

🎧 Audiobook Review: Searching for Bristol (Eagle Point Search & Rescue, #3)

Author: Susan Stoker
Genre: Military Romance / Romantic Suspense
Narrators: Victoria Mei and Teddy Hamilton

🦸🏼‍♀️ The Heroine: Bristol Wingham

Bristol is a stained-glass artist whose quiet, solitary life is shattered when a simple hike turns into a fight for survival. Her insistence on keeping boundaries with Mike — a so-called friend who quickly revealed his manipulative, predatory side — underscores her strength and self-respect. When she breaks away from his pressure and ends up stranded after a devastating fall, Bristol’s resilience shines. Alone, injured, and uncertain if rescue will ever come, she embodies grit and determination, dragging herself through pain and fear in a bid to survive.

🦸🏻‍♂️ The Hero: Cohen “Rocky” Watson

Rocky is the kind of hero who doesn’t wear his past like a badge but lets it shape his quiet integrity. A former Navy SEAL turned contractor, he channels his skills into Eagle Point Search & Rescue. When Sandra at the diner voices concern over Bristol’s disappearance, Rocky doesn’t hesitate. His instincts sharpen as he follows faint signs of her struggle — footprints, drag marks, the haunting evidence of someone refusing to give up. His respect for Bristol grows with every clue, and when he finally finds her, admiration blossoms into something deeper.

📚 The Plot

This story blends survival suspense with tender romance. Bristol’s ordeal is harrowing, but it’s also a testament to her inner fire. Rocky’s search is both professional and personal, driven by a need to protect but also to connect. Their meeting is not a neat rescue but a collision of two strong-willed souls who recognize each other’s courage. The tension builds naturally, with danger lurking in the background and emotional stakes rising in the foreground.

🌟 What Worked

• The romantic suspense was richer than expected, balancing danger with intimacy.
• The search-and-rescue framework gave the story urgency and authenticity.
• Bristol and Rocky’s relationship unfolded organically, never forced, always believable.
• Supporting characters added warmth and depth, making Fallport feel like a living, breathing community.

💔 What Fell Short

• The villain’s reveal felt delayed; the town’s slow realization stretched the suspense a bit too long.

🎙️ Narration

Dual POV narration elevated the audiobook. Victoria Mei’s soft, natural delivery captured Bristol’s vulnerability and quiet strength, while Teddy Hamilton’s gravelly timbre embodied Rocky’s steadiness and quiet magnetism. Together, they created a listening experience that felt immersive and emotionally true.

💬 Final Thoughts

This audiobook is a compelling blend of survival drama and heartfelt romance. Bristol’s resilience and Rocky’s unwavering determination make them a pair worth rooting for, while the narration adds an extra layer of intimacy. If you enjoy romantic suspense with authentic emotional stakes and a strong sense of place, this installment in the series is well worth your time.

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