Hiding from her ex is exhausting enough, but for Hope Drayden, putting her seven-year-old son through a life on the run and living on the streets has been mentally torturous. When a kind diner owner offers her a job, Hope begins to claw her way toward a new beginning for herself and Billy, one tip at a time. But since her son’s recent abduction, and with threats from her ex still fresh in her … mind, she’s constantly looking over her shoulder. Then a surprising, and lucky, tip from a diner regular puts yet another target on their backs.
At the request of a friend, medical examiner Calder Stonewall has been looking for Hope and Billy for weeks. When they unexpectedly show up at the scene of a crime, his interest soon becomes personal. He’s amazed by the beautiful, brave woman and her resilient son. He’s also surprised by his growing need to take care of them both, although winning Hope’s trust won’t be easy. But when a tragedy thrusts the couple together, Calder quickly proves he’s a man Hope can rely on.
Which is a good thing…because she’ll need all his support, and love, to get through a threat they never saw coming.
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All badge of honor books are great reads
Susan Stoker is one of my favorite writers
5 Stars
Hope and her son Billy have been through so much together. When we meet them again in JFH they are finally getting on their feet turning things around. Calder has been trying to find them for months so Blythe can stop worrying about her friend and is relieved when he finally comes across them at a crime scene. What follows is a heartwarming, sweet and sexy story of a man who doesn’t always say the right things and a woman who is learning to trust again. Calder is absolutely adorable, a sweet and sexy nerd of you ask me, is an alpha hero I can get behind! I love his patience with both Hope and Billy and how the relationship grows over time, at a pace that works for everyone. Of course we have suspense and action but in the end no worries, they get their happily ever after. Now the snippet we get of Quinn and John is H-O-T HOT! Bring on February so we can get the next amazing couple from this series!
Cara – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
We originally met Hope and her seven year old son Billy in Shelter For Blythe when her son was abducted and he is still feeling the after effects of the trauma. She is on the run from her abusive ex and with no one to turn to she is just grateful to have the job at the diner and be able to put food on their table and have a roof over their head. She is trying to stay under the radar as the last thing she wants is to attract unwanted attention.
Calder is the medical examiner who was asked by his friend Blythe to keep his eyes open for Hope and Billy but the last place he expected to find them was a crime scene. From the moment he sees Hope he knows that she is the one for him but now he has to convince her that not only can she trust him, but he will be there for her.
When Hope receives a tip from a customer it may be a life changer for her and her son but at what cost?
I loved Calder and Hope together and I also loved how Calder was with her son Billy. Hope has been through so much and it is only made her stronger and Calder loves so deeply and is willing to be patient and wait for her to realize that they belong together. This is a great addition to the series and the next book can’t come soon enough.
This was an amazing story about a mothers love and dedication to her child.
It is also a story about finding love.
It was a very sweet romantic story and another great read from Ms Stoker.
Avid readers usually have there ‘go to authors’. The author that EVERY book they put out you love. Although, admittedly there are times when there might be a book that just doesn’t do it for you. It just seems “off”. Thankfully for me, that has NEVER happened with Susan Stoker. EVERY book that I have read has been outstanding. The heroes are ALWAYS kick-a$$. The heroines ALWAYS have substance. And the story ALWAYS flows perfectly. Justice for Hope does not disappoint. If you’ve read the BoH series, then Dr. Calder Stonewall and Hope Drayden are not a mystery. They have been in the background now for a couple of books. Now we finally get their story! And it’s pretty fantastic!
Dr. Stonewall has watched each of his friends find the love of their lives. A little envious, he was coming to think that would never happen for him. Until he’s asked to find a homeless woman and her son by a friend. Intrigued by her description and circumstances, he’s eager to find and help this woman get back on her feet. Little did he know that by doing that, she was going to knock him off of his.
Hope Drayden is finally getting her life back together. After escaping from an abusive ex, having her son kidnapped by a madman, she has picked herself up by her bootstraps and getting her life back on track. That is until she and her son run across a situation that puts her right in Dr. Calder Stonewall’s path. He says he wants to help but she’s learned the hard way that law enforcement doesn’t always hold up the laws. Will Calder be able to earn Hope’s trust and finally have the HEA that his friends have?
The great thing about Justice for Hope is that it’s a slow build. The anticipation rises with each chapter you read. You get to fall in love with the characters and visit with old friends. Ms. Stoker once again shows her wonderful ability to spin a tale that is heartfelt with touches of excitement and enough steam to keep the reader hooked until the last page. I love this book. I love this author. I bet you would too. This book is awesome. The series even better. This is an author you want to have on you 1click list. Add her. You will come to thank me.
I really enjoyed this latest installment of the Badge of Honor series. Hope and Calder were a joy to read and Billy stole my heart.
There was a little of everything mean girls, suspense, sweet romance and a reveal that blew me away. We also get to catch up with some of the previous characters and get a sneak peek at what’s coming up. All in all a must read.
Calder is the best. Knows what he wants and goes for it. Hope never stood a chance. The chemistry between the two was great. Throw in Billy, Joseph and the gang, you’ve got one awesome story.
Side note, go Driftwood.
While all Susan’s female characters are put through a lot of harrowing situations, Hope’s is different in many ways. She was homeless with her son and after the incident in Justice for Milena, she left the area she where once sought shelter. The area she’s moved to has fewer shelters, but she got lucky. The owner of a diner, Joseph hired her, checked her and Billy into a motel and even let Billy stay in his office while she worked her shifts.
Calder has promised Blythe (Shelter for Blythe) to keep his eyes open for Hope and Billy. He’d been unsuccessful until he was called on an investigation. As one of the Coroners he was frequently called to the scene of a crime. When he saw the woman and child who’d made the call huddled together, he knew he’d found her and the reason he hadn’t before. She’d found a job and was off the streets. Now Calder has what I would call perpetual foot in mouth disease. The poor guy just can’t seem to have anything he says come out the way he really means it to.
Calder continues to pursue Hope by having breakfast at the diner where she works. A somewhat stressful environment for Hope, where the waitresses are mostly snippy and a patron leaves lottery tickets as tips.
Things take an interesting turn in many ways when Eli gives Billy the lottery ticket and cash to his waitress. That ticket, a million dollar winner, begins a cycle of events that will have you turning the pages to see what happens next.
I love the way Susan portrays the life changing factors, the slow build of Hope and Calder’s relationship and the twist that brings them closer than ever.
It was great to see all the Badge of Honor crew as they gather to congratulate Hope. I shed more than a few tears over this book. I really can’t wait for the next book in this series!
When I started this series August of last year, I didn’t think I would be so addicted to a series like I am to this one. Twelve books in and I’m anxiously waiting for the next book to come out which isn’t until 2019. Yes, I’m that invested with this series, with heroes we encounter every day, that put their lives on the line for ours.
In Justice For Hope, the sexy medical examiner, Calder Stonewall finds love with Blythe’s friend ( Shelter for Blythe Shelter for Blythe ), Hope, who is running from her abusive ex becomes homeless with her son. But that’s just the back story. Once Calder finds her, everything changes for all those around.
I loved this story for so many reasons. Particularly, I love that Susan Stoker takes every day situations and turns them into magic. I love that while her heroes are out saving the world, the ladies who love these men are heroines to them. You see how they truly save one another.
When you pick up a Stoker novel be ready to meet over protective, loving, alpha males. Be ready to fall in love with the women who slowly form a camaraderie of love and support. I seriously want to be on the end of that calling tree when one of them finds themselves in a bind. So, if you haven’t read Susan Stoker what are you waiting for?
Oh WOW once again for this author who knows how to write a story with a man who is a protector of the woman he falls for. Calder and Hope meet when he finds her in an alley with her son, Billy. He’s been looking for her and Billy when Blythe asked everyone to find her to make sure she is safe. Hope has been living on the streets with her son after running away from her abusive ex, and now has a job as a waitress and lives in a seedy motel, but she is thankful it’s a roof over her head and she’s working to get herself and her son out of the bad situation they are in. As soon as Calder meets her, he knows she’s the one and will not give up until she is his. Calder worms his way into her heart, he’s great with Billy and Billy takes to him right away…she just has to finally let go and go for it…can he convince her ?
An amazing amazing read with steam, sensuality, funny moments, suspense and some intense moments. I LOVED these two but then again I have LOVED all of this author’s characters as they are all genuine and so real that they worm into my heart each time. Calder the handsome alpha man with his quirks and saying things that get taken the wrong way and Hope, a strong, compassionate, giving woman down on her luck, who fights for her son and wants to give him the world. At first I was a bit frustrated with Hope, her stubbornness for accepting help from Calder made me want to shake her at times, but when she finally accepts and accepts Calder, she’s all in…LOVE IT. I love how little to no drama is between them, there is enough all around them to keep the story flowing beautifully and to keep me on the edge of my seat.
I admire and love this author’s style of writing, the depth and heart she gives the characters and how no gimmicks, no over the top drama, no jealousies, no misunderstandings, enter into the story and once the two are in, they are all in to the end. Only thing I have to complain about is only 5 stars are allowed to rate it, wishing I could give more.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
It’s so easy to get totally sucked into this amazing read. A wonderful, emotion packed storyline grabs and holds your interest. The characters are likable and share steamy chemistry. Calder and Hope’s romance is engaging and moving. If you enjoy books with deep storylines and intense emotions you don’t want to miss this book or series. A truly terrific read.
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Justice For Hope . I also purchased a copy for my library .
I really enjoyed this story . It’s the total package . Action packed , very interesting story line , wonderful characters , beautifully written, suspenseful . I could not put it down .
Mrs. Stoker is a true artist she weaves fantastic stories . I’m never disappointed . I highly recommend you take the time to read Hope and Calders story . It’s a beautiful emotional journey . 5 stars all the way
I have been dying to read this book since I read Shelter For Blythe and I have to confess, Susan Stoker just gets more spectacular with each new release! Justice For Hope was one sweet as pie, tender, passionate and utterly dreamy romance with just a smidgen of suspense. Exactly what I adore with a Susan Stoker read!
I really liked Hope. I admired her strength and her will and her independence. And Calder is one of my top favorite heroes! He is handsome, kind, patient, caring and so incredibly romantic. His protective streak made me swoon and how he treats Hope and Billy made me tear up. This story gave me such FEELS! It was SO what I needed to read. Susan Stoker ALWAYS delivers THE PERFECT ROMANCE with some of the BEST heroes imaginable and VERY LIKABLE heroines too. You just can’t get anything more satisfying than a romantic suspense by Miss Susan Stoker. Once you pick up Justice For Hope you will be ALL IN from start to the very finish and still crave MORE.
Justice For Hope gets a ROMANTIC AND SUGARY SWEET FIVE GLORIOUS STARS!
: JUSTICE FOR HOPE is the twelfth instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult BADGE OF HONOR: TEXAS HEROES romantic suspense series. This is forty-year old medical examiner Calder Stonewall, and thirty-two year old diner waitress/single mother Hope Drayden’s story line. JUSTICE FOR HOPE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Hope was first introduced in SHELTER FOR BLYTHE book #11.
Told from dual third person points of view (Calder and Hope) JUSTICE FOR HOPE follows the building relationship and romance between forty-year old medical examiner Calder Stonewall, and thirty-two year old diner waitress/single mother Hope Drayden. Single mother Hope Drayden and her seven-year old Billy are on the run from an abusive ex who isn’t above threatening our story line heroine. With no friends or family to whom to turn, Hope finds herself in the town of San Antonio, Texas where she struggles to earn enough money to support her small family. Several months earlier Billy Drayden was kidnapped by pedophile Jonathan Jones, and in the ensuing time has not spoken a word or communicated verbally. But the recent death of a homeless veteran finds our heroine face to face with her future in the guise of medical examiner Calder Stonewall, a man sent to look for Hope by her friend Blythe Coopman. What ensues is the slow building relationship and romance between Hope and Calder, and the potential fall-out as jealousy and betrayal attempt to destroy Hope’s precarious hold on life.
As a waitress, Hope depends upon the generosity of customers but the jealousy of fellow co-workers threatens Hope’s hard fought need to stay one step ahead of her abusive past. Calder Stonewall has been attracted to Hope from the very start but our heroine is reluctant to trust any man with her heart as well as the safety of her son.
The relationship between Hope and Calder is slow to develop as Calder bides his time with the woman who has stolen his heart. The limited $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, many of whom cross over from the author’s other series. We are introduced to Hope’s boss, and diner owner Joseph Roberts who takes Hope’s son Billy under his wing; as well as fellow co-workers and waitresses Donna, Audrey, Hannah and Tori.
The world building focuses on the building relationship and trust between Hope and Calder, and the struggles of a single mom trying to make it on her own. Most if not all of Susan’s heroes are impossibly perfect, and the women in their lives have physical and emotional issues that have left lasting scars.
JUSTICE FOR HOPE is an engaging, entertaining and romantic storyline. The premise is touching; the romance is intimate; the characters are real and tender.
This is one great story! Only Susan Stoker could take a Medical Examiner and make him such a loveable, wonderful character with so much feeling and depth!
Caulder has been looking for Hope and her son Billy, since they have been living on the streets (to escape a dangerous ex-husband who is a cop). Caulder accidentally finds her at a crime scene and just knows that she is it for him. She is his other half. Buuuuuuuuuuut, he has a badge. A badge, that he shares with her son. We met Billy in Justice for Milena. He has been through a lot, and his troubles aren’t over yet. Thanks to fate, Hope wins the lottery. Now that Hope has a great man, a smart wonderful son, and a winning lottery ticket, and is no longer living on the streets with her son, someone is out to get her. They abduct Billy and hold him for ransom.
Can Hope, Caulder and the rest of their friends save Billy in time?
Will Billy ever start talking again after all of the trauma he’s gone through?
Can Hope and Caulder live happily ever after?
Get this book and enjoy a satisfying story, that keeps you on the edge of your seat!
The baddie/abductor is hidden until the end. I never saw this reveal coming.
Well done Susan Stoker!!
Hope and Billy have been homeless since running from her abusive ex. Calder has been looking for them since Blythe told him about them. When he is called out about a dead body, he finds them.
Calder goes to the diner she works at every morning and has breakfast with Billy. When she finally agrees to a date, it is also the night her life changes.
They have been staying with Calder and has been threatened. Calder and his friends will stop at nothing to make sure they are safe.
I really thought that this book was awesome. It was swoon-worthy, sexy, and suspenseful! I love Calder and Hope’s story. It was so sweet, and they were so lovable. Although, Hope’s little boy, Billy, might have stolen some of their thunder. I love that all of the friends from previous books are brought into the story. Then ending set up a yearning for Quinn’s story. I can’t wait for the next Susan Stoker masterpiece!