Searching for Heather by Susan Stoker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

She’d lost everything once, and now that she’s found herself, and a man she trusts to be by her side, she refuses to let it all be taken from her a second time.

Ever since hearing about the mysterious woman in the woods who’d rescued his friends, Talon Ross has been intrigued. Who is she? Why is she there? Is she cold? Hungry? Scared? He can’t rest until he’s found her, made sure she’s all right. But when he finally manages to track her down, that difficult task turns out to be the easy part—now he has to earn her trust. The more he gets to know her, the more he wants to know, and the more vital that trust becomes. And there’s an even bigger mystery surrounding the wary redhead, one he wants to solve so she can reclaim her life…possibly with Talon by her side.

Sunset Meadowblossom had known nothing but degradation and fear her entire life, until the fateful day she mustered the strength to escape the only family she’s ever known. Living on her own in the forest is a dream in comparison, until a man she’d previously spied in her woods finds her makeshift home. Talon treats her with care and kindness, which is surprising—and confusing. Sunset’s always been warned away from Fallport and its citizens, but this man is making her want things she never considered…and giving her the courage to claim them.

Sunset soon learns Fallport has secrets—including the fact her name isn’t Sunset at all. It’s Heather…and she’d been stolen from her real life years ago. As a whole new world opens up around her, as Talon and her new friends help her to learn and trust and grow, Heather has no idea someone from her past is lurking, outraged by her disobedience. Waiting to take back what he considers rightfully his. And when he strikes, it’s up to Heather to save herself yet again…and to fight not only for her life, but the love she’s found with Talon.

A Warrior’s Heart Meets a Wild Woman’s Spirit

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 Heather (Eagle Point Search and Rescue, #6)

Author: Susan Stoker
Genre: Military romance / romantic suspense
Narrators: Samantha Brentmoor and John Hartley

🦸🏼‍♀️ The Heroine: Heather Brown (a.k.a. Sunset Meadowblossom)

Kidnapped at eight and raised inside a rigid, abusive cult, Sunset Meadowblossom has spent her entire life believing men bring nothing but pain. That belief shatters the day she witnesses a woman being held at knifepoint in the forest. Fueled by instinctive fury, Sunset hurls dirt in the attacker’s face and helps the woman escape. When she follows the large man who carries the woman away, expecting the worst, she’s stunned to see him comforting and protecting her instead. It’s the first time Sunset has ever seen a man behave with gentleness.

Since the cult’s relocation to Florida, Sunset has been living alone in the Appalachian wilderness, hiding from the only world she’s ever known. She’s aware someone has been leaving supplies for her, but she refuses to be found. Still, she can’t deny her joy when a pair of pants and a sweatshirt appear—luxuries she was never allowed. Under Cypress’s rule, women couldn’t wear pants or boots, speak freely, or even learn to read. Sunset secretly taught herself, but hid that knowledge to avoid punishment. The forest may be harsh, but it’s the first place she’s ever been free.

🦸🏻‍♂️ The Hero: Talon Ross

Talon, a member of Eagle Point Search and Rescue and formerly part of the British equivalent of the Navy SEALs, hasn’t been able to forget the mysterious “wild woman” who saved Finley. The thought of her surviving alone in the mountains—especially in late December—haunts him. He’s been quietly leaving her supplies, hoping to ease her isolation.

Still battling the nightmares that pushed him out of the service, Talon throws himself into one mission: finding her, helping her, and making sure she’s safe.

📚 The Plot

With a massive storm approaching, Talon heads deep into the forest near the cult’s former settlement, determined to locate the woman before the weather turns deadly. He promises Ethan he’ll make it back in time for Rocky and Bristol’s wedding, but he packs enough gear for two weeks—plus extra provisions for her.

When he discovers the small cave she’s been living in, complete with footprints and a thin trail of smoke, he hesitates. The last thing he wants is to frighten her into running. But he also knows time is running out.

🌟 Strengths

• Talon’s traditional, protective nature felt refreshing—he wants a partner to cherish, not control.
• Sunset’s freedom in the forest is beautifully contrasted with the suffocating life she escaped.
• Her fragmented memories and the headaches that follow add emotional depth to her trauma and recovery.

💔 Limitations

• Very little to complain about here. A few sections felt a bit long, but the ending more than made up for it.

🎙️ Narration

Told through dual POV, the audiobook features Samantha Brentmoor and John Hartley—both excellent choices. Brentmoor brings raw emotion to Sunset’s journey, while Hartley’s gravelly British voice fits Talon perfectly. His ability to switch seamlessly between accents is impressive; I genuinely couldn’t tell whether he was American or British.

💬 Final Assessment

This story blends suspense, trauma healing, and slow‑building trust in a way that feels both tender and gripping. Sunset’s journey from survival to self‑discovery is powerful, and Talon’s steady, protective presence makes their connection feel earned rather than rushed. The pacing occasionally lingers, but the emotional payoff—and the way the narrative honors both characters’ wounds and strengths—makes the experience deeply satisfying. Paired with excellent dual narration, this audiobook delivers a heartfelt, atmospheric romance with just the right touch of danger and hope.

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