Ever Hopeful by Lori Ryan

Fate and second chances…

Laura Kensington knows it’s now or never. If she doesn’t leave her abusive husband, not only is her life in danger but the life of her unborn child is as well. But even after the monster she married dies suddenly, Laura realizes she can never escape his family, the ruthless and dangerous Kensington clan, who consider the baby she’s carrying to be their own. Desperate and determined, she flees to Evers, Texas, with a new identity, taking refuge on the ranch of Cade Bishop, a man who firmly believes in second chances.

Drawn to the handsome, strong, but gentle man who has dedicated his life to the rescue of neglected animals, Laura finds comfort in his passion and his love, yet she fears he sees her as merely another needy case. But she will need more from Cade than his tender touch and understanding heart when her past resurfaces, bringing grave peril into her world once more. For relentless enemies, both anticipated and unexpected, are drawing closer by the day, ensnaring her in a deadly web of deception, betrayal, and murder. And her only hope of breaking free lies in Cade’s powerful, loving heart.

---

Review by Brittany

I really enjoyed this book. I completed it within twenty-four hours, which has to say something, right? Laura Kensington just found out she’s pregnant and that just finalizes her plan to run. To run far, far away from her abusive husband, Patrick.

“For better or worse, it was time to run.”

Laura is saved by Dr. Joshua Samuels when she is confronted by Martha Kensington, Patrick’s mother. Martha wants Laura’s baby, it is a Kensington after all, and a Kensington should be raised by a Kensington. Dr. Samuels sends Laura somewhere safe, somewhere she will not be found.

Laura is sent to the Bishop’s ranch located in Evers, Texas. May Bishop is mother to two boys, Shane and Cade Bishop. Shane works in town as a lawyer, while Cade works on the ranch rehabilitating animals. After a few weeks, Laura finally feels safe enough to stay with these strangers.

Laura and Cade begin a hesitant relationship, with Laura afraid to fully commit to anything. She breaks it off, not wanting to lean on anyone. Once Laura finally feels one hundred percent safe in the town of Evers, they find her. Can Laura escape the clutches of the people intent on harming her and also start and hold a relationship with a man she truly loves?

This book was very good; I really loved it. Sadly, though, it wasn’t one that stood out to me.

I give Lori Ryan four stars for her tale of romance and suspense. The story flowed really well. I loved watching Laura open up and trust in Cade, finally realizing that he would never physically harm her.

“So, believe in that. Believe in my charmed life. Believe that I always get whatever I want. Because I want you in my life, Laura. For as long as you want to stay. When you’re too scared to believe in anything else, believe in that.”

I loved the overall idea and plot of the book. I loved that Laura was running from an abusive husband, trying to protect her baby. I loved how Lori didn’t write one of those “lovey-dovey, everything’s-perfect” romance novels. It’s nice reading something completely different for a change.

There were very little grammar mistakes, which is a huge plus for me. I love reading a book that has been thoroughly scoped out by an editor.

As I said, this book was really good. There just wasn’t anything substantial that stood out to me to make it five stars. I do want to read the next one when it comes out. I really like Lori’s writing style. Romance mixed with suspense. I love being kept on my toes.

Overall, a great book, Lori. I really enjoyed reading it and can’t wait to read the next one!

The risk of hoping, of dreaming of a love and a life like this one she’d been given… It was all worth it in the end. To have a gift of love like this, the gift of family and friends who loved her…was a gift and a blessing for which she would always be grateful.

---

Amazon US

Button Text