Her husband’s death should have freed her. Instead, she’s on the run from an unrelenting past, seeking refuge for her and her unborn child on a Texas animal rescue ranch with the one man who offers more than a new life: hope she’ll someday leave the past behind her.Laura Kensington is desperate to give her unborn child a fresh start. On the run from her late husband’s ruthless family, she takes … family, she takes refuge on a Texas ranch. As her twisted mother-in-law hunts her down, she has one reason to be hopeful: a loving man who believes in second chances.
Cade Bishop has dedicated his life to protecting injured and neglected animals. He didn’t hesitate to protect the strong, beautiful Laura when she showed up on his doorstep, but he never expected the passion he feels for her. As the truth comes out, Cade dedicates himself to guarding the woman he’s falling for.
When sinister forces from her past draw near, Laura and Cade will need more than a refuge to preserve their love and their lives.
“The tension and anticipation kick in with the very first sentence of Lori Ryan’s Love and Protect … a stunning series of curve balls … Well played, Lori Ryan. Well played.” USA Today
Love and Protect is the first standalone book in the Heroes of Evers, TX romantic suspense series.
If you like determined heroines, strong heroes, and small-town intrigue, you’ll love New York Times bestselling author Lori Ryan’s compelling thriller. Scroll up and one click to escape to a romantic refuge today!
more
IF ITS TOO HOT TO HANDLE, GET OUT!!!
I have to tell ya straight up, I loved this story. I was captivated from the start and did not put it down until the very last word. Talk about a hop, skip and a jump. This one gets your blood pumping and your instincts turned to high. Lori really did a remarkable job showing how strong a community can be when everyone pulled together. Her characters were well developed and realistic. The scenes detailed descriptions were totally spot on engrossing and believable. It was fascinating watching the scenes unfold and the characters personalities transform. Not to mention the chemistry between the main two characters. WOW! If you want a great read that keeps your attention on the pages and frozen to your seat, you’ve found it. I highly recommend this read. Thanks Lori for sharing such a phenomenal read.
I was glued to this story from the first page. Laura’s life has been one abuse after the other. When she left her father’s home she thought the abuse was over only to have something so much more in her marriage. Now that her husband has died her mother-in-law is taking the place of her dead husband place with her craziness. Now she is on the run and hiding out in Texas with Cade Bishop. He is a nurturer and vows to protect her but will it be enough against her husband’s family?
Laura Kensington lived in a nightmare of cruelty and abuse until suddenly her nightmare was over. Her husband’s sudden death freed her unfortunately the family wants her baby. She escapes to Evers TX and Bishop Ranch. A place to heal, regroup and maybe find some peace. Cade Bishop recognizes abuse whether it be in an animal or human. Earning Laura’s trust is paramount. Although falling for isn’t ideal, she captivated him immediately. Keeping her and her baby safe is his first priority. Having her fall in love with him? Priceless!
What’s not to like? An abused widow and her alpha hero, the perfect couple for a little action and romance. Good book.
Wonderful
Laura was getting out. Her pregnancy made her mind up. But before she could run her husband dies. The great ER doctor who has seen her abuse and he helps her. She is in TX and is finally finding peace. Cade see her pain but when he hears it he is in disbelief.
great read
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the romantic suspense novel Love and Protect: A Small Town, High Stakes Romance (Heroes of Evers, TX Book 1): Laura and Cade by Lori Ryan and this review was given freely.
Suspenseful with just a hint of steam. This tension filled story contains the heavy sinister themes of embezzling, murder and spousal abuse which are offset by hope inspired by the caring and nurturing natures of Dr. Josh Samuels and the Bishop family; the protective close-knit residents of Evers; and a heartwarming ending.
Just as pregnant twenty five year old Windsor, Connecticut housewife Laura Kensington is days from leaving her abusive wealthy real estate developer husband and his controlling mother, Patrick is found dead in his office, a suspicious USB drive is found in her kitchen, and Laura finds herself on the run with the help of the friendly ER Dr. Josh Samuels to May Bishop’s Ranch in Evers, Texas.
Sweet roman
A very intense book d/t the issue of abuse & murder. However, I enjoyed how the Hero stepped in a provided acceptance to empower the heroine to grow & Become strong. Well written!
Great book read this book once I started it I couldn’t stop until I finished it can’t wait until the next one I read Great Author
This is my 1st time reading Lori Ryan and I am hooked. I’m definitely going to have to read the rest of the Heroes of Evers, Tx. I adored how Cade “handled” her. Pure romance!
4 stars
Laura was abused by her husband and is now running from his family. She’s pregnant and alone when she runs into a nice doctor at the hospital. The doctor helps her escape and sends her to his friends ranch. Cade owns a ranch and takes in injured animals. When Laura shows up on his doorstep, Cade wonders what she’s hiding from him. But as the danger gets closer, will Laura lower her walls and fall in love?
Good story. Action, suspense, and sexual tension. A couple of times the dialogue ran together without separating the characters.
Really liked the story. Glad that asshat got what was coming to him for being a monster. Granted it was due to working with another monster but whatever. That fact that people exist like Patrick Kensington is sad. Beat, rape and abuse your wife is deplorable. She is amazing for surviving and then to try and fight for her baby. Cade is amazing and love how he is with her and animals. Hope we get to see Justin again.
I loved this 1st book’s story line. I loved the action in this story. I loved the hot & steamy scenes. I loved Laura’s character. I loved Laura’s strength in this story. My heart broke for Laura for the abuse she suffered. I loved Justin’s character. My heart broke for Justin. I loved all the Bishops. I loved the ending. Awesome job Ms. Ryan.
Lori Ryan did a realistic job incorporating a women’s defense mechanism against physical and verbal abuse. Set in Texas, this story is a romantic suspense with well written characters. Cade’s understanding of abused creatures is touching.
I liked both Laura and Cade’s characters. His family immediately stepped in to protect her and her unborn child from her late husband’s family and helped her heal from what happened in her marriage.
I really enjoyed reading this book. There were more twists, turns, romance, family, and a happy ending!
wonderful book
Wonderful! Am on my third book in the series and plan on reading then all
Tough subject, spousal abuse. I have read the entire series on Kindle unlimited. A series that can be read as stand alone but I read in order and feel I got to know the characters better. I would recommend.