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Once upon a time, Elsie Ireland thought she’d found the man of her dreams, only to learn her fairytale romance was just another cautionary tale. Beyond a perfect family image, her husband had little interest in Elsie, and even less in their son. Years later, she and nine-year-old Tony have landed in Fallport, Virginia. She’s working two jobs and living in a motel, but Tony has a roof over his head and plenty of love. For Elsie, however, love isn’t in the cards. She doesn’t have the time to spare…or the trust.

After serving his country as a Green Beret, Zeke Calhoun was happy to get out of the military and settle into small-town life as a bar owner. His position with Eagle Point Search and Rescue fulfills his need to serve and provides some of the best friends he’s ever known. He didn’t realize anything was missing until it was right under his nose every day—his sweet, shy waitress, Elsie.

It isn’t easy to convince the independent, gun-shy single mom to let him in, and with memories of his own disastrous marriage still plaguing him, Zeke isn’t fully certain he’s the best bet for a healthy relationship. But one stolen kiss in a heightened moment, and he’s a goner. Vowing that Elsie and Tony’s lives are about to change for the better, Zeke is up for the challenge of proving not all men are like her ex.

A task made significantly more difficult when a complication throws the couple’s fledgling relationship off course—then quickly spirals into a life-or-death situation no one saw coming.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2022

1,160 people are currently reading
817 people want to read

About the author

Susan Stoker

223 books7,120 followers
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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
Profile Image for Susan Stoker.
Author 223 books7,120 followers
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June 26, 2022
Friends-to-lovers, struggling, shy, humble single mom, co-worker romance, an adorable little boy who loves his mama more than anything, a protective former military hero, strong friendships, small town shenanigans, a nefarious ex, a kidnapping (of course!), and a happily ever after. :)




Searching for Elsie
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Profile Image for Leah.
684 reviews29 followers
June 28, 2022
I was so excited when we found out that Elsie and Zeke were going to be the next coupling. Because sometimes we are teased with a couple but have to wait until later in the series. One thing about this book was the treatment of Elsie being a single mom. I love the fact that Tony is such a huge part of the story and the way in which the dilemma of the story plays out works perfectly. Zeke has had a thing for Elsie since she moved to down, but has be hesitant to move forward. One because of the fact that he has bad blood from his ex-wife. And another, Elsie has been a little closed off because of her past. That past comes back full force and with a vengeance. That's all I will say to that other than you need to read this series!!!

POV: 3rd Person
PoP: 53%
Type of Series: Series of Standalone
Profile Image for Vicky.
2,143 reviews29 followers
June 30, 2022
Oh... I am feeling a little short-changed with this one. I like my 'romance-suspense' reads to be filled with a little more jeopardy... virtually nothing happened until we hit, roughly, the 50% mark. I didn't feel particularly invested. I liked Zeke and Elsie well enough... but didn't feel an overwhelming pull to finish the story. Tony was fine too. I did like that Zeke had some self-esteem issues and didn't think that he was necessarily all that.

I found it a bit odd that Elsie corrected him from saying that she was 'his girl' to 'woman'... ( which I heartily approved of, btw! ) to a chapter or so later stating that she wasn't a 'camping girl'... consistency in how you identify yourself please!!

Once more... SS is teasing with the tale that I feel that I will be most invested in... Raid and Khloe... and that isn't going to be out for years!!! Just like the teasing and waiting for 'Securing Kalee'!!!

Think I best go re-read some earlier SS just to reaffirm my love for her words...
Profile Image for Tay.
34 reviews1 follower
April 2, 2024
Okay here we go! I’ve needed time on the best way to handle this review. I liked the book, let’s start there. I liked the characters. Zeke and Elsie were cute (albeit a bit cheesy at times) and Tony reminded me so much of Annie.

That aside, the reason I can’t give this more stars is something I believe the whole series will have going forward. This series lacks a sense of urgency and there was more romance than suspense or action. This book specifically definitely missed the SAR aspect AND the team aspect. When Zeke first had a SAR mission at the beginning of the book I feel like we should’ve seen that. It would’ve given us a chance to see how the team functions and get us to know them as a team. So far we really see them as individuals and only get the team in glimpses. I feel that disconnect and I don’t like that because I love SS teams so much but this series is missing that dearly.

Also, I hate to gripe on Elsie because she did amazing as a single mother but I think she gave Tony way to much of a decision when it came to his father. She knew something was wrong. And as a nine year old he definitely should have had some say but a 2 week trip alone with a virtual stranger was simply stupid. She should have put her foot down more and she put the entire choice in Tony’s hands. She saw Tony was enamored with the gifts and he equated that to care and love which as a kid is absolutely to be expected. I’m sorry but this could’ve been handled differently while also still playing into Doug’s need to fulfill the insurance policy. Elsie could’ve postponed it to the end of the summer like she obviously wanted regardless of what Doug said. If he was “busy” then oh well that’s on him. And once she denied him the “right then and there” trip he could’ve spiraled and maybe kidnapped Tony and/or her. That could have led into their SAR moment.

Lastly, that leads me to the actual Searching for Elsie part of the story. That was more like Ran into Elsie. I would’ve liked to have seen that drawn out way more! Not a mile and a half and yelling her name. Once again; the loss of urgency in this book. I wanted to see Zeke that former Green Beret. Not the implied that he “absolutely is that man.” I wanted to see his switch from laidback bar owner to dangerous Green Beret.

Overall, I wanna like this series desperately. I absolutely wanna see Khloe and Raiden! But I feel like this will be very much an individualistic series and that is probably going to make me rate this series as one of my least favorite of all the ones she’s written.
Profile Image for Darcy.
13.8k reviews523 followers
July 8, 2022
I really liked this one. I liked how Zeke took things slow with Elsie and how Tony was included in many things at first. That Zeke knew that they were a packaged deal and how he viewed Tony just as important as Elsie. Everything Zeke did was to build both of them up.

The ex was such a POS! I couldn't believe the scam that he was running at the end. I'm glad that they found out about it and did what they could to make sure he paid.
Profile Image for Julie Miller.
Author 280 books357 followers
July 24, 2024
I enjoyed this Search & Rescue story a lot more than the first one. It felt deeper in terms of emotions and conflict. Maybe the first one (Searching for Lilly) spent too much time setting up the series that we didn't get to know Ethan and Lilly that well.

But Zeke Calhoun was a great hero! Lucky, lucky Elsie that she picked the right man to work for. Both Zeke and Elsie were terribly scarred by their previous marriages, but they needed each other--especially when you throw Elsie's son, Tony, into the mix. Zeke was so good with him (as were all the Fallport S&R team). You knew who the villain was going to be, but his motives were an extra evil surprise. I'm glad they spent more time in the actual wilderness, too, to emphasize the search & rescue skills of these heroes.

As always, it was a treat to revisit and get better acquainted with the citizens of Fallport. I could envision stories for each and every one of them. ;) Plus, I loved the hints as to what might be in store for Raiden, Drew and the other heroes.

A nice escape!
Profile Image for Marie.
4,346 reviews43 followers
June 28, 2022
'I just found you....

.....I can't lose you now'
Ah, Elsie and Tony destroy me! They have had such a hard nine years but dispite this they are loving, caring, compassionate people who frequently put others before themselves. True to form to gives back to Zeke just as much as he gives to her, and what she gives him is priceless.....her time, her support and her love...all the things he was missing.
I love that whilst Zeke is growly and protective, he is also aware enough, and cares enough, about Elsie's pride and determination to stand beside her. Not infront of her, but beside her or behind her, supporting her and loving her.
The Eagle Point team are all awesome guys and, yes, they all have their shadows, the demons they fight. But they are also all protectors and brothers, Tony is the hero of the book though and I can only imagine the man he will grow into with these guys as an example.
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,699 reviews114 followers
May 6, 2023
3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐🎧
I had to jump and buy this book because I loved book 1 so much. But this one sadly didn’t hit the way the last one did. I had high hopes because I really liked Elsie from book 1. You knew she was hiding something but she was making it work for her son.

Zeke is a great guy and a fun character. I like them together, don't get me wrong. I think how he falls for both Elsie and her son is sweet.

The parts that really got to me was how they both were so hung up on their ex’s and yes that can and does affect how you open up. But it was kind of overkill.

The narration was perfect though very enjoyable.
This hasn’t put me off the series in any way, I will probably give book 3 a chance.
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,512 reviews34 followers
June 28, 2022
I love Zeke & Elsie! From the first chapter, Zeke's care for Elsie & Tony is apparent, and he goes above & beyond to make sure they are cared for & feel safe. Zeke & Elsie have both experienced horrible first marriages for similar reasons, and while I'm sad they both had to go through that, it does make for great bonding and knowing they can trust each other. (Although there may be a slight hiccup, it's resolved quickly.)

Zeke's relationship with Elsie's son, Tony, gets some good page time, and I absolutely fell in love with him as a father figure. He has ZERO experience, but he handles out-of-the-blue questions with honesty, and he puts in the work to make sure Tony learns some possibly unconventional things that will serve him well in the future.

Excellent story!!

: )
Profile Image for Dar.
4,234 reviews86 followers
June 24, 2022
This was another great story of overcoming obstacles, staying strong, and letting the universe bring you good things! Zeke was amazing, I seriously think he is one of my top 10 romance heroes; his sole focus was on Elsie and her son Tony, and all he wanted was what was best for them. He doesn’t push, or trick, or cajole, he is emotionally logical, though he is very passionate, and empowers Elsie, doesn’t take over for her. The bad guy, well, let’s say the authours ability to make them so bad is a little scary, but it works to show how much our family has grown to love each other! Rocky is up next, and I cannot wait <3
664 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2022
I enjoyed this story. It was nice that it was not insta-love as such and that Zeke and Elsie developed their relationship before anything happened. Elsie is a woman who was emotionally abused and the way she has worked through that to where she and her son had such a strong loving relationship made the story. Zeke has his own hangups regarding his previous marriage. Both try hard not to bring the baggage of bad relationships into their budding romance, however they are human and it does appear when Elsies ex appears.
I am happily waiting now for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,521 reviews19 followers
June 22, 2022
Okay in this one we are moving along in the story. I felt it was pretty basic romance (wonderful characters and lovely romance) but then out of nowhere…BAM! I had all these strong feelings rise up in me! I was like..WAIT…what did I just HEAR?! *rewind and relisten*. I could not believe what I just heard! I was literally shocked and angered at the same time. NO, I am not going to say what it is but WOW does it pack a punch!

So the storyline is surprising and shocking. The characters are kind and man did this bring out my love for Zeke! This is the guy every woman who has a child wants! He is kind, protective, ruggedly handsome, self sufficient and caring. These qualities made me love him. He really overshadows Elsie (don’t get me wrong she is great but Zeke pulls ahead). Him getting her a caramel macchiato all the time…so sweet!

I did listen to this on audio. CJ Bloom and William Peters do an amazing job portraying these characters. I am giving a shout out to Mr Peters as he sounded perfectly as I expected of Zeke.
Profile Image for Faith Husband.
14 reviews
June 29, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. Susan has done it again. A fantastic new series and I'm only gutted that the next book isn't out until November. Definitely worth 5 stars
Profile Image for Laurie Gyd.
1,907 reviews8 followers
June 29, 2022
cute, funny and a HEA

“Did you lock the tent?” Tony asked. Zeke winced. He’d walked right into that one. “We’re zipped in tight,” he hedged. “Okay. This has been an awesome night. I can’t wait to go to school and tell Bridger all about it.”
503 reviews4 followers
June 29, 2022
Amazing

I'm loving this series! It's very much the typical Susan Stoker series. I love the small town it's based in, the characters! It's absolutely phenomenal. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
2,060 reviews347 followers
July 3, 2022
I enjoyed this! It gave me some Rescuing Emily vibes-struggling single mom. I really enjoyed the characters and did not expect that climax at all. Overall, solidly enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Katrina.
267 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2022
Susan Stoker is one of the few authors on my auto-buy list and she hasn't let me down so far! This series is definitely a change of pace from her other work, focusing on ex-military civilians instead of active service personnel. I don't hate the change as the core of the novels remains the same; respectful and sexy Alpha men romancing independent and kind women. If you love her other work please give this series a go, it's just as good!

I really like Elsie and her dedication to her son. She did everything she could to raise her son to be respectful and did the hard thing by trying to let his rubbish dad be a part of his life. I really loved her. Zeke was great with her son, and after a few mistakes does seem to be a supportive partner.

5 stars!
Profile Image for KAREN SAUNDERS.
51 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2022
Just shy of 3.5

I want to say this is a well written story because I love all of Ms. Stoker's books. The truth is that this doesn't read like her other books. All authors should keep their readers on their toes, and I wish that was the case here. The reality is the book was deadly boring. There was no conflict or action until I was 60% into the story.
I understand establishing a relationship but we were introduced to Zeke and Elsie in the previous book. There was very little we learned in that huge amount of real estate the set up occupied in this narrative. If there was a bit more cat and mouse or if another suitor was after Elsie it might have been a bit more interesting.
Once the conflict was established it seemed predictable. The only thing that was a little surprising was the motivation for the conflict.
If the set up for the next book wasn't compelling I might have skipped over the rest of the series.
I love Susan Stoker's books she empowers women with her stories. She inspires writers as a publisher. This book, however, missed the mark.
Profile Image for M Mendes Bookstagram.
722 reviews48 followers
June 30, 2022
Wow…Susan Stoker has once again blown me away with her newest audiobook, Searching For Elsie! Susan Stoker is on my top five of favorite authors and Searching For Elsie is a perfect example of why. Susan always writes heartwarming, original sexy stories that is unbelievable with how much readers can enjoy listening to Searching For Elsie. Susan always releases her audiobook before her ebook and hardcover books. I am so here for it!! I can never get enough of Susan’s stories and will listen to the audiobook as soon as it comes out. Not only is the story always exceptional but the narrators really bring out the story from Susan. The narrators did an excellent job with infection and emotion in their narrations that enhances Susan’s story. I can’t wait for Searching For Bristol which is the next book in the Eagle Point Search and Rescue and Deserving Alaska which is a new series that is the next release from Susan Stoker! I love all of Susan Stoker’s books and I have read all of her books she has written and always look forward to her releases no matter what series or trope. Whether you read or listen to Susan’s books readers/listeners will not be disappointed!! Happing listening and reading!!
Profile Image for Nancy Reads.
875 reviews18 followers
May 22, 2024
SEARCHING FOR ELSIE (Eagle Point & Rescue Book 2) A standalone romance that has a hero that any woman would be a fool to not fall in love with. If he'd had any faults, I didn't read about them in this book. His first wife must have been a bit stupid. But since his love interest was leaving behind a mean, rotten husband and taking her young son with her making her a single mom. Her trust in any man now would be very difficult. She was lucky to have found a very special man that does want to take care of her and her son. It's a very slow-burn romance for the first half of the book, but later there are steamy parts and sweet love. Of course, trouble does come knocking on the door when they are becoming one happy family. Her son is a great kid, and any dad would be proud of him, except for his own biological dad.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,748 reviews54 followers
July 1, 2022
Zeke and Elsie😍

Searching for Elsie is the second book in the Eagle Point Search and Rescue series and I’m REALLY REALLY enjoying this series❣️

Elsie moves to Fallport with her son Tony. She’s doing her best as a waitress to keep a roof over his head and food in his tummy…but when she gets sick and Zeke realises the extent of their situation, he feels guilty for not pursuing her after their kiss but is determined to do so now and show her what it means to be in his life and theirs😁

That is until the unexpected happens and they have to fight for the future they want😳 As I said a really amazing story and series and I love Zeke, Elsie and Tony - they made me feel a part of their story and it was AMAZING🤩 I’m excited about Bristol and Rocky next and kind of wishing November was here already❤️
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,205 reviews38 followers
July 7, 2022
an okay story

Got to say straight off not my favourite Susan Stoker book by far.
Zeke is awesome, he and the guys are all fantastic characters. The town is picturesque and described really well.
Elsie wasn’t a favourite she just didn’t seem to have that special spark a Susan Stoker female lead generally has.
Tony… I normally love the kids but this guys wasn’t what I expected he just didn’t fit right to me, young and old at the same time it just felt off.
The storyline was unfortunately predictable I was hoping for something completely different than her ex trying to take their kid but it is what it is.
The good points are it’s a great town and it’s not the last story in the series.
774 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2022
absorbing

Another excellent book from Susan. I love the eagle point search and rescue team, they’ve all had a tough time in special forces and need the Virginian countryside to find peace again. This story is about Elsie and her son who are living alone after Elsie divorces her disinterested husband, they are struggling but Elsie does her best working as a waitress at Zeke’s bar. Zeke has gradually noticed her and realised she was eyeing him up too. Their relationship develops slowly because of Tony but it is all the stronger for this. Because this is a Susan Stoker book you know it’s not going to be smooth sailing and it isn’t. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Melanie Milburn.
1,206 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2022
Zeke Calhoun has sworn off women ever since his ex-wife betrayed him on so many fronts. And then Elsie Ireland and her adorable son Tony come into town, and he makes himself their protector.
Elsie took her child and left a verbally and emotionally abusive husband with almost nothing. Slowly but surely she’s built a life for them all on her own. And slowly but surely, Zeke takes down the protective walls that she’s built up.
So much more happens that make this a great read!
Profile Image for Chandra Woolson.
435 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2022
I love the fact that not all of Susan Stoker’s heroines are big overachievers, but they are all strong in their own way. Elsie is a prime example of this… she’s not a highly educated person, but she is a strong character, filling the role of mother and father for her young son. And being okay with letting some good, kind men into his life when she sees a need in her son for positive male influence. I really liked Elsie. I think she would make an awesome friend (if she were real, and not a fictional character, lol!).
1,382 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book.
It's an engaging, sexy, moving
& intriguing story.
A second chance at having love
in Elsie & Zeke's life.
Elsie, a single mom to her son, Tony,
finally found a place for
them to call home.
Zeke, is part of the search
& rescue team in Fallport.
They met while working together.
Life was going well for
Zeke, Elsie & Tony. Till her past
came calling.
The suspense will keep wanting
to know what happen next.
Great characters. Can't wait
for Rocky's story!
352 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2022
Another enjoyable read!!

I totally enjoy all of the series from Susan Stoker. Was so excited for this new one. I always enjoy the interaction between the characters and how everyone is in alk the books although the focus is one couple. Zeke and Elsie were awesome, and Tiny was a great kid. So looking forward to the next one...
68 reviews
July 2, 2022
Great Book!!!

Every book Susan Stoker writes feels like the best. This one is definitely on my reread list. Elsie is devoted giving mother in need of help. She and Zeke both need to heal. They make a formidable team and everybody benefits.

It's amazing how how a well written story turns into a sensational book. Thank you again for the great book.
Profile Image for JanFromNJ.
607 reviews9 followers
July 9, 2024
single mom, Elsie, and SAR team member, Zeke, give us a great story.

Single mom Elsie and her struggles plus her bar owner boss and SAR member, Zeke, falling for her and her son are a delightful read. I really enjoyed it all.

This series continues to captivate me. Onto book 3!

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