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Stanford Creek #2
Love & Hope
Falling in love can be easy if you want it badly enough.
Danny Hudson has finally found a place to stop. With his daughter Hope in his arms, and his place in the music group Hudson Hart gone, he has a future to plan and a family to raise. Staying at his friend Cody’s house is hard enough, but finding a home of his own is impossible. A place to stay over the coffee shop in town is a godsend, but it comes with one proviso—he must work the cost of the room off in redecorating and rebuilding.
Rachel has secrets that she doesn’t even want to admit to herself, let alone her close-knit family. Dating the wrong guys is one way to protect her heart, but meeting Danny could change all that.
Can Danny and Hope show Rachel that love is the only thing that actually matters??
Danny Hudson has finally found a place to stop. With his daughter Hope in his arms, and his place in the music group Hudson Hart gone, he has a future to plan and a family to raise. Staying at his friend Cody’s house is hard enough, but finding a home of his own is impossible. A place to stay over the coffee shop in town is a godsend, but it comes with one proviso—he must work the cost of the room off in redecorating and rebuilding.
Rachel has secrets that she doesn’t even want to admit to herself, let alone her close-knit family. Dating the wrong guys is one way to protect her heart, but meeting Danny could change all that.
Can Danny and Hope show Rachel that love is the only thing that actually matters??
200 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2016
About the author
Rozenn Scott
6 books13 followersThe MF romance alter ego of bestselling MM author, R.J. Scott
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 14, 2021
This is the second book in Stanford Creek series. While each couple’s relationship is covered within the book - there’s events & people from the previous book that make these best read in order. Also, this review may contain spoilers to book 1, Notes & Roses.
Whew - Scott really brought out the emotions for this one. Single dad Danny’s life is beyond complicated and Rachel has some big secrets she’s keeping yet they can’t help the attraction between them. Adding into the mix sweet baby Hope.
The tone for this one was much more serious than the last one. While considerably more angsty - it wasn’t unnecessary and I like the way significant topics were handled. Danny & Rachel work hard both on themselves and with each other to get their HEA. There were still a few laughs and I just love how Scott gives these characters such great family relationships.
Because it’s a small town and close knit family - we get some updates on Megan & Cody including a sweet epilogue with a big surprise…plus a tease on the mysterious Garrett.
CW (contains spoilers):
Whew - Scott really brought out the emotions for this one. Single dad Danny’s life is beyond complicated and Rachel has some big secrets she’s keeping yet they can’t help the attraction between them. Adding into the mix sweet baby Hope.
The tone for this one was much more serious than the last one. While considerably more angsty - it wasn’t unnecessary and I like the way significant topics were handled. Danny & Rachel work hard both on themselves and with each other to get their HEA. There were still a few laughs and I just love how Scott gives these characters such great family relationships.
Because it’s a small town and close knit family - we get some updates on Megan & Cody including a sweet epilogue with a big surprise…plus a tease on the mysterious Garrett.
CW (contains spoilers):
September 9, 2016
Love & Hope, book 2 in the Stanford Creek series by RJ Scott. Ms. Scott continues Megan and Cody’s story while exposing Danny and Rachel’s past and how they come together as a couple.
Danny Hudson is at a low point in his life and trying to work out how to start over. He is a single father of a beautiful daughter, Hope. She is the love of his life, but he worries because of her health problems. His marriage to a gold digger ruins his relationship with his best friend, Cody, another member of his band.
Rachel Carter is Megan’s cousin and business partner. She worries her family because she picks losers to dates. This is a mystery to her relatives. They encourage her to look for a serious person but her past keeps her from looking for a serious relationship. The more time Rachel and Danny spend in each other’s company, the more the attraction.
From the moment I started this series with Notes & Roses, I found myself hooked on these characters. The stories are small town gems, and the characters are enchanting. Love & Hope is experienced through the eyes of Danny and Megan. We feel their loss, fears, and love as they do.
Both characters have a lot of baggage that they need to process to get their life in order. I love how Danny takes everything slow with Rachel so she can get her head in the right place to understand what he has to offer.
I am invested in the ancillary characters too and can’t wait to read Justin’s and Garrett’s story. Garrett is so mysterious at this point. It feels like he is living on the edge and has some major secrets. The close family relationship is very special.
So far, both books in the series have a satisfying ending while leaving unanswered questions to hold the readers’ interest until the next book is available. The books move at a decent pace to keep your attention.
am invested in the ancillary characters too and can’t wait to read Justin’s and Garrett’s story. Garrett is so mysterious at this point. It feels like he is living on the edge and has some major secrets. The close family relationship is very special.
This series is the perfect end of summer romance tale. The stories move at a decent pace to keep the reader involved and the characters are fun and adorable. I recommend the first two books in Ms. Scott's Stanford Creek series and I'm looking forward to the next one.
ARC received for an honest review.
Danny Hudson is at a low point in his life and trying to work out how to start over. He is a single father of a beautiful daughter, Hope. She is the love of his life, but he worries because of her health problems. His marriage to a gold digger ruins his relationship with his best friend, Cody, another member of his band.
Rachel Carter is Megan’s cousin and business partner. She worries her family because she picks losers to dates. This is a mystery to her relatives. They encourage her to look for a serious person but her past keeps her from looking for a serious relationship. The more time Rachel and Danny spend in each other’s company, the more the attraction.
From the moment I started this series with Notes & Roses, I found myself hooked on these characters. The stories are small town gems, and the characters are enchanting. Love & Hope is experienced through the eyes of Danny and Megan. We feel their loss, fears, and love as they do.
Both characters have a lot of baggage that they need to process to get their life in order. I love how Danny takes everything slow with Rachel so she can get her head in the right place to understand what he has to offer.
I am invested in the ancillary characters too and can’t wait to read Justin’s and Garrett’s story. Garrett is so mysterious at this point. It feels like he is living on the edge and has some major secrets. The close family relationship is very special.
So far, both books in the series have a satisfying ending while leaving unanswered questions to hold the readers’ interest until the next book is available. The books move at a decent pace to keep your attention.
am invested in the ancillary characters too and can’t wait to read Justin’s and Garrett’s story. Garrett is so mysterious at this point. It feels like he is living on the edge and has some major secrets. The close family relationship is very special.
This series is the perfect end of summer romance tale. The stories move at a decent pace to keep the reader involved and the characters are fun and adorable. I recommend the first two books in Ms. Scott's Stanford Creek series and I'm looking forward to the next one.
ARC received for an honest review.
August 12, 2016
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I much preferred the second book in this series to the first. While Danny is as intriguing as Cody in the first book, Rachel feels much more real to me than Megan did. The combination of the nearly bankrupt former star, his tiny baby and the damaged, defensive ice queen he finds himself attracted to makes for beautiful chemistry and a thoroughly engaging story.
The town of Stanford is just as charming as it was in book 1. Rachel and Megan’s warm extended family continues to be sweet and overprotective but the darker, deeper problems that face Rachel and Danny in this second story add a much needed edge to the story.
This is still a little bit too traditional and wholesome for me. Insta families, engagements, pregnancies... I’m definitely going back to RJ Scott’s m/m romances after this venture into m/f land. I love RJ Scott’s men but these sweet family values romances just aren’t my thing.
Once again, I’m keeping the 4 star rating because this is a well written book. The characters and storyline have a little more depth than the first book and the hesitant, slow build romance works really well here. I think this series will appeal to a whole new audience of traditional romance readers looking for traditional charm and small town sweetness.
I much preferred the second book in this series to the first. While Danny is as intriguing as Cody in the first book, Rachel feels much more real to me than Megan did. The combination of the nearly bankrupt former star, his tiny baby and the damaged, defensive ice queen he finds himself attracted to makes for beautiful chemistry and a thoroughly engaging story.
The town of Stanford is just as charming as it was in book 1. Rachel and Megan’s warm extended family continues to be sweet and overprotective but the darker, deeper problems that face Rachel and Danny in this second story add a much needed edge to the story.
This is still a little bit too traditional and wholesome for me. Insta families, engagements, pregnancies... I’m definitely going back to RJ Scott’s m/m romances after this venture into m/f land. I love RJ Scott’s men but these sweet family values romances just aren’t my thing.
Once again, I’m keeping the 4 star rating because this is a well written book. The characters and storyline have a little more depth than the first book and the hesitant, slow build romance works really well here. I think this series will appeal to a whole new audience of traditional romance readers looking for traditional charm and small town sweetness.
September 8, 2016
Tell the choice you would make. Money or family. This young rock star (former) has chosen to honor thy family. Danny has more going for him than the good decisions he makes. He was a stand up kind of guy. He did what was right for his daughter. He works to make things work for them both and in the process meets a strong, independent, no nonsense woman that makes him give life a slight pause.
Rachel had depth. Rachel has secrets. Rachel had more to her than first appeared on the surface. With these thing said. Book two of the series brings on more edge. There was a serious undertone of darkness surrounding Rachel’s secret. There were things that she just wasn’t able to face or share, but that had all come crumbling down. All of it was revealed.
I did not find that you had to read book one to connect to book two. I found little to make them essential to each other. This was a great standalone that gave you just that a standalone of Danny and Rachel (and Hope).
**This eBook was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
Rachel had depth. Rachel has secrets. Rachel had more to her than first appeared on the surface. With these thing said. Book two of the series brings on more edge. There was a serious undertone of darkness surrounding Rachel’s secret. There were things that she just wasn’t able to face or share, but that had all come crumbling down. All of it was revealed.
I did not find that you had to read book one to connect to book two. I found little to make them essential to each other. This was a great standalone that gave you just that a standalone of Danny and Rachel (and Hope).
**This eBook was provided via Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.**
February 17, 2017
Another M/F story, originally published under the Rozenn Scott pen name, this one focuses on Danny Hudson, former band-mate of CJ (Cody) Taylor, and Rachel Mercer cousin to Megan Campbell.
Danny has given up everything to secure his custody of his baby girl, Hope. He’s already nearly penniless and then he finds out that he’s been dropped from Hudson Hart. He has to find a way to make a life for himself and Hope.
Rachel seems to always date the wrong kind of guy and only she knows why. She has a horrible secret that she’s never shared with anyone except her therapist.
Neither Rachel or Danny is looking for a long-term relationship but their hearts are telling them something different if only Danny can get Rachel to listen.
I loved this story so much. I’m a sucker for a man who wants to love and protect his child from all the bad stuff in the world and there is no doubt that Danny will do anything to protect Hope. I’m also a sucker for a woman who has a secret she hasn’t even told her best friend, who also happens to be her cousin, co-owner of a business and house-mate.
Rachel fights her feelings for Danny just about every step of the way. When she finally decides to give in she tells him:
“You can come in for coffee, and I’m happy to have sex, but that’s it, you don’t stay, and we’re done, okay, because I don’t do overnight stays, or relationships.”
That just won’t work for Danny – he wants more – so he refuses her offer. Now I just had to trust that RJ would figure out a way for Rachel and Danny to get their HEA and, of course, she did.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Danny has given up everything to secure his custody of his baby girl, Hope. He’s already nearly penniless and then he finds out that he’s been dropped from Hudson Hart. He has to find a way to make a life for himself and Hope.
Rachel seems to always date the wrong kind of guy and only she knows why. She has a horrible secret that she’s never shared with anyone except her therapist.
Neither Rachel or Danny is looking for a long-term relationship but their hearts are telling them something different if only Danny can get Rachel to listen.
I loved this story so much. I’m a sucker for a man who wants to love and protect his child from all the bad stuff in the world and there is no doubt that Danny will do anything to protect Hope. I’m also a sucker for a woman who has a secret she hasn’t even told her best friend, who also happens to be her cousin, co-owner of a business and house-mate.
Rachel fights her feelings for Danny just about every step of the way. When she finally decides to give in she tells him:
“You can come in for coffee, and I’m happy to have sex, but that’s it, you don’t stay, and we’re done, okay, because I don’t do overnight stays, or relationships.”
That just won’t work for Danny – he wants more – so he refuses her offer. Now I just had to trust that RJ would figure out a way for Rachel and Danny to get their HEA and, of course, she did.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
September 8, 2016
Love and Hope is the second book in the Stanford Creek series, and tells the story of Rachel and Danny. Rachel is Megan's cousin and Danny is Cody's best friend. With a connection through friends and family, it isn't long before these two are at the same party. They both have issues to deal with, and Rachel has secrets in her past that she hasn't dealt with properly yet. However, these two give 'hope' to all. With a continuing storyline involving the whole family (families), this is certainly a book to enjoy.
Rozenn Scott's Stanford Creek books are certainly more wholesome than some of her R.J. Scott books that I have read. However, the one thing that stands out clearly is the depth of emotions that she shows in her writing, with subjects that may make some feel uncomfortable. After all, you don't usually get rape, miscarriage, and baby heart defects in just one book. You DO get it in here though, and it is sensitively yet powerfully written.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I could see, plus a fast-paced yet smooth flow to the story, I have no hesitation in recommending this.
* I received this book from Signal Boost Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Rozenn Scott's Stanford Creek books are certainly more wholesome than some of her R.J. Scott books that I have read. However, the one thing that stands out clearly is the depth of emotions that she shows in her writing, with subjects that may make some feel uncomfortable. After all, you don't usually get rape, miscarriage, and baby heart defects in just one book. You DO get it in here though, and it is sensitively yet powerfully written.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I could see, plus a fast-paced yet smooth flow to the story, I have no hesitation in recommending this.
* I received this book from Signal Boost Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
September 5, 2016
After meeting Danny and his baby Hope near the end of Notes & Roses, I was looking forward to seeing what happened with the hot rocker that had a baby in his arms. Rachel was also more of a favourite to me then Megan, she had more spark to her, felt more real.
This is a lovely story or romance, family and friendships. I loved this one more then Notes & Roses. This book has more to it and I liked the slow build romance between Rachel and Danny. Loved Rachel's instant love of his daughter Hope and the fact that she accepted they were a package deal from the word go.
Getting fast addicted to this series as I want to read more about the other characters in the story, Garrett, Justin, Kyle. I even what to read more of the Hudson Hart boys, especially Danny's brother Sam.
⭐️I was extremely lucky to receive an ARC copy of this book from the Author and Signal Boost Promotions⭐️
https://m.facebook.com/Bookloversreview
This is a lovely story or romance, family and friendships. I loved this one more then Notes & Roses. This book has more to it and I liked the slow build romance between Rachel and Danny. Loved Rachel's instant love of his daughter Hope and the fact that she accepted they were a package deal from the word go.
Getting fast addicted to this series as I want to read more about the other characters in the story, Garrett, Justin, Kyle. I even what to read more of the Hudson Hart boys, especially Danny's brother Sam.
⭐️I was extremely lucky to receive an ARC copy of this book from the Author and Signal Boost Promotions⭐️
https://m.facebook.com/Bookloversreview
September 3, 2016
I loved this book. While it is the 2nd book in this series it stands alone as a story of how the heartbreak of betrayal can be healed by the right person with the right kind of love. I adore the characters and am completely smitten with them!
I knew in the first book that there was more to Rachel and I was hoping to get her story. I was completely blown away and Know I love her even more.
I absolutely love Danny. I mean really a single dad who gives up everything he has just to keep his daughter, just go ahead and take my ovaries because they have exploded anyway.
You don't really have to read the first book in the series to understand this one but I do recommend you read them both, as they are amazing and you shouldn't miss out on it!
I knew in the first book that there was more to Rachel and I was hoping to get her story. I was completely blown away and Know I love her even more.
I absolutely love Danny. I mean really a single dad who gives up everything he has just to keep his daughter, just go ahead and take my ovaries because they have exploded anyway.
You don't really have to read the first book in the series to understand this one but I do recommend you read them both, as they are amazing and you shouldn't miss out on it!
September 9, 2016
This was a beautiful story of second chances when hope is lost and of love when you need it most. What an uplifting and gut wrenching story all in one. Scott has a great group of characters and they live in what looks like a picture perfect little town. One I would love to come across. Danny and Rachel are the kind of characters that get under your skin and become part of your very soul.
Although this is book one I did not feel left out. I will, however go back and read book 1 in order to get a better understanding of some of the characters. I hope there will be more of these books because they are the kind of characters that I want to revisit for a long time to come.
I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND Love & Hope.
Although this is book one I did not feel left out. I will, however go back and read book 1 in order to get a better understanding of some of the characters. I hope there will be more of these books because they are the kind of characters that I want to revisit for a long time to come.
I can HIGHLY RECOMMEND Love & Hope.
September 9, 2016
This book is one the pulls at your heart. A lot of happy tears fell when reading this one. Rachel has kept a secret from everyone and keeps a happy facade when it comes to others, but inside she's a hurricane of emotions. You couldn't have asked for anyone better to come into her life then Danny and his little girl Hope. They are the catalyst that Rachel needs to find the most important step in her healing. It's a beautiful book that ended the best way possible.
September 1, 2016
I thought the book was really great even for a MF book. Normally I read all of RJ Scott's MM books and I thought I would give this a try.
I was not disappointed! The story builds a great plotline that pulls the reader in and keeps you there until the very end!.
I was not disappointed! The story builds a great plotline that pulls the reader in and keeps you there until the very end!.
September 9, 2016
I am hooked on this series. I love the town, the Carters, and Danny is a very loving hero. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Full Review on Badass Bloggettes. http://badassbloggettes.blogspot.com/...
ARC received for an honest review.
Full Review on Badass Bloggettes. http://badassbloggettes.blogspot.com/...
ARC received for an honest review.
August 3, 2016
This series is getting better and better, loved it, can't wait for the next one!
February 11, 2019
Danny and Rachel
This is part two but just a bit more. Danny is struggling with life as a new father. Rachel is struggling with what life has handed her so far. They just need to get their ⏰in sync. I highly recommend this book to all who want an HEA.
This is part two but just a bit more. Danny is struggling with life as a new father. Rachel is struggling with what life has handed her so far. They just need to get their ⏰in sync. I highly recommend this book to all who want an HEA.
December 9, 2021
Very good!
And sweet. I’m enjoying this well written series…. usually I avoid het fiction because after a horrible marriage and divorce, true love between a man and a woman seems less possible than a pregnant omega werewolf. These are good, and I’m glad this one had less blood and physical damage than the first Stanford creek story. The story and plot are great in both, I just always worry about long term effects on the characters. Danny went through 2 horrendous automobile wrecks and I’m glad no one got run over and shot in this one
And sweet. I’m enjoying this well written series…. usually I avoid het fiction because after a horrible marriage and divorce, true love between a man and a woman seems less possible than a pregnant omega werewolf. These are good, and I’m glad this one had less blood and physical damage than the first Stanford creek story. The story and plot are great in both, I just always worry about long term effects on the characters. Danny went through 2 horrendous automobile wrecks and I’m glad no one got run over and shot in this one
March 18, 2017
Love & Hope is a great story. It is part of a series that each book can be read alone but this reviewer prefers to read them in order. Sadly, I have yet to read the others in the Standford Creek Series but I am working on that! Background characters and backstories are what help move this story along without feeling lost. Danny and Rachel’s journey is both sad and heartwarming; going through bad in order to get to the prize is what life is all about.
Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
Matilda
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Official Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
October 17, 2016
I recently read Notes & Roses, the first book in the Stanford Creek series and as soon as I finished it I knew I needed to read the subsequent titles too. Love & Hope proved how I right I was. This book is at least as entertaining and gripping as the first title was. Both books are extremely well written, have a fabulous cast of characters and story-lines that hook the reader from the start. And yet, I wouldn’t call these similar stories. Where Notes & Roses had a suspenseful undercurrent, in Love & Hope it is the emotional tension that captured me.
Danny’s life doesn’t resemble what he imagined he would be. Gone are the days of touring with the boy band he was a member off, gone is the woman who was supposed to love him, and gone is most of his money. He’s left with his fragile baby daughter and no clear idea what the future might hold for him.
Rachel appears to be a fun and confident young woman, but underneath the disguise she wears like armor, hides a broken woman who doesn’t believe she deserves the sort of happy ever after her cousin and business partner Megan has found. Not that she’ll tell anybody about her insecurities, never mind the reasons she has them. No, she hides behind a happy façade while making sure to only date no hopers.
Danny and Rachel are attracted to each other from the start. But between Danny’s concerns about his daughter and Rachel’s determination not to have feelings for any man, a future for them appears impossible.
This is a very touching story. To the observant reader it is clear, almost from the start, what Rachel’s secret has to be even if she only admits to it later on in the story. And while her issue is serious and heartbreaking, this story is remarkably angst free. Sure, Danny and Rachel have more than their fair share of problems to face and overcome, but they do it with a refreshing lack of belly-aching. Those who know me and my reading preferences won’t be surprised when I say I greatly appreciated that fact.
I loved that Rachel, despite the hurt she carries, was portrayed as a strong and self-reliant young woman almost as much as I appreciated that Danny came across as a sensible yet sensitive young man. The lack of stereotypes (as in a fragile girl being ‘rescued’ by the alpha male) was refreshing. And Rozenn Scott’s writing is flawless and smooth, resulting in a delightful reading experience.
I had one minor issue with this story. For me Rachel’s transition from closed off and distant to relaxed and willing to embrace life and love, happened a bit too fast. While it made sense for her change after she made her breakthrough, the complete turnaround almost in the blink of an eye felt a bit too good to be true. Having said that, in what was otherwise a wonderful and intriguing story, this really was a minor hiccup and even I can’t deny that after everything the girl had been and put herself through she more than deserved that happiness.
Over all Love & Hope was a great and hard to put down story. I can’t wait to spend more time with these characters and am very much looking forward to others finding their own happily ever afters. Bring on book 3; I’m ready.
Danny’s life doesn’t resemble what he imagined he would be. Gone are the days of touring with the boy band he was a member off, gone is the woman who was supposed to love him, and gone is most of his money. He’s left with his fragile baby daughter and no clear idea what the future might hold for him.
Rachel appears to be a fun and confident young woman, but underneath the disguise she wears like armor, hides a broken woman who doesn’t believe she deserves the sort of happy ever after her cousin and business partner Megan has found. Not that she’ll tell anybody about her insecurities, never mind the reasons she has them. No, she hides behind a happy façade while making sure to only date no hopers.
Danny and Rachel are attracted to each other from the start. But between Danny’s concerns about his daughter and Rachel’s determination not to have feelings for any man, a future for them appears impossible.
This is a very touching story. To the observant reader it is clear, almost from the start, what Rachel’s secret has to be even if she only admits to it later on in the story. And while her issue is serious and heartbreaking, this story is remarkably angst free. Sure, Danny and Rachel have more than their fair share of problems to face and overcome, but they do it with a refreshing lack of belly-aching. Those who know me and my reading preferences won’t be surprised when I say I greatly appreciated that fact.
I loved that Rachel, despite the hurt she carries, was portrayed as a strong and self-reliant young woman almost as much as I appreciated that Danny came across as a sensible yet sensitive young man. The lack of stereotypes (as in a fragile girl being ‘rescued’ by the alpha male) was refreshing. And Rozenn Scott’s writing is flawless and smooth, resulting in a delightful reading experience.
I had one minor issue with this story. For me Rachel’s transition from closed off and distant to relaxed and willing to embrace life and love, happened a bit too fast. While it made sense for her change after she made her breakthrough, the complete turnaround almost in the blink of an eye felt a bit too good to be true. Having said that, in what was otherwise a wonderful and intriguing story, this really was a minor hiccup and even I can’t deny that after everything the girl had been and put herself through she more than deserved that happiness.
Over all Love & Hope was a great and hard to put down story. I can’t wait to spend more time with these characters and am very much looking forward to others finding their own happily ever afters. Bring on book 3; I’m ready.
September 16, 2016
I'm impressed that Rachel has been able to keep up appearances as long as she has. She loves her family and is very supportive of every one of them but when it comes to men, she seems to be the easy party girl ... except she's hiding something.
We know that there is more to Rachel than she's letting on, but that gal is holding on to a whole lot of stuff. I'm thrilled that Scott has her getting professional help for it because it is definitely not something she's able to work through on her own. However, I'm not sure that she's quite ready to start a serious relationship. But if anyone can handle her issues it is Danny.
He may have made a few mistakes but he's trying to get his life in order and he's got an awfully cute reason to do it. Hope may only be a few months old but she's adorable enough, and Danny loves her so completely, that she makes a big impact. Regardless of what he was like before, now he's patient, kind and intuitive. All characteristics that he needs as a new single dad ... but also what he needs to be able to handle Rachel.
But he needs her support too. He needs someone to believe in him and see him for the good guy he is. His ex is an absolute terror and she helped do a bit of a number on his life. He may not know where he's going next, and just needs time to think and regroup, but he may have found a new place. And a new extended family to be there for him. He's been under a lot of stress and he needs someplace that he can recover.
I love this story for finding Danny a home for him and Hope. For giving him a group of people who are there for him and who will help him figure out what he wants to do going forward. But there is so much more depth there with Rachel overcoming her history and addressing some long held, but not really addressed, issues. Her's is not an easy story but it is one that she needs to confront in order to move on. And Danny is definitely a guy worth doing it for.
Scott is a new author for me, but based on these two stories she's going to be one that I'm keeping my eye on. Complex characters, fun interactions interspersed with heart touching moments, and an interesting storyline had me turning the pages ... and just like with the first book I was done before I knew it, looking for more :)
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
We know that there is more to Rachel than she's letting on, but that gal is holding on to a whole lot of stuff. I'm thrilled that Scott has her getting professional help for it because it is definitely not something she's able to work through on her own. However, I'm not sure that she's quite ready to start a serious relationship. But if anyone can handle her issues it is Danny.
He may have made a few mistakes but he's trying to get his life in order and he's got an awfully cute reason to do it. Hope may only be a few months old but she's adorable enough, and Danny loves her so completely, that she makes a big impact. Regardless of what he was like before, now he's patient, kind and intuitive. All characteristics that he needs as a new single dad ... but also what he needs to be able to handle Rachel.
But he needs her support too. He needs someone to believe in him and see him for the good guy he is. His ex is an absolute terror and she helped do a bit of a number on his life. He may not know where he's going next, and just needs time to think and regroup, but he may have found a new place. And a new extended family to be there for him. He's been under a lot of stress and he needs someplace that he can recover.
I love this story for finding Danny a home for him and Hope. For giving him a group of people who are there for him and who will help him figure out what he wants to do going forward. But there is so much more depth there with Rachel overcoming her history and addressing some long held, but not really addressed, issues. Her's is not an easy story but it is one that she needs to confront in order to move on. And Danny is definitely a guy worth doing it for.
Scott is a new author for me, but based on these two stories she's going to be one that I'm keeping my eye on. Complex characters, fun interactions interspersed with heart touching moments, and an interesting storyline had me turning the pages ... and just like with the first book I was done before I knew it, looking for more :)
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
December 14, 2016
4.25 stars
“Love & Hope” by Rozenn (RJ) Scott is the second story in the ‘Stanford Creek’ series and centers around Danny Hudson, who has come to town to get help from his best friend in rebuilding his life so that he can take care of his beloved baby daughter, Hope. He doesn’t anticipate becoming involved with Rachel Mercer, who has her own issues that have shaped her life, but it turns out that some things just can’t be planned for, no matter how hard one tries.
This adult contemporary romance is a touching tale of a man determined to do what’s best for his baby daughter, no matter the cost to him. My heartstrings were constantly tugged by Danny’s exquisite care and sacrifice for little Hope, and it was heartwarming to watch Rachel get drawn into their orbit, despite her past history and reluctance. I enjoyed seeing the camaraderie and caring displayed by the family and the rebuilding of bridges between Cody and Danny even as I ached at the trauma experienced by everyone that brings them to this point. I think this author has a deft touch with creating compelling characters even though I was surprised Rachel has kept her secret so long, and I was anxious to read the first book in the series since I started with this one. There was no problem reading this as a stand-alone story, but once I started, it was like eating potato chips, and I couldn’t wait to read the rest in the series. One has to wonder about the band, though, since it would seem that all of the members are going to end up in this little town!
A copy of this title was provided to me for review, a version of which has been submitted to Night Owl Reviews
“Love & Hope” by Rozenn (RJ) Scott is the second story in the ‘Stanford Creek’ series and centers around Danny Hudson, who has come to town to get help from his best friend in rebuilding his life so that he can take care of his beloved baby daughter, Hope. He doesn’t anticipate becoming involved with Rachel Mercer, who has her own issues that have shaped her life, but it turns out that some things just can’t be planned for, no matter how hard one tries.
This adult contemporary romance is a touching tale of a man determined to do what’s best for his baby daughter, no matter the cost to him. My heartstrings were constantly tugged by Danny’s exquisite care and sacrifice for little Hope, and it was heartwarming to watch Rachel get drawn into their orbit, despite her past history and reluctance. I enjoyed seeing the camaraderie and caring displayed by the family and the rebuilding of bridges between Cody and Danny even as I ached at the trauma experienced by everyone that brings them to this point. I think this author has a deft touch with creating compelling characters even though I was surprised Rachel has kept her secret so long, and I was anxious to read the first book in the series since I started with this one. There was no problem reading this as a stand-alone story, but once I started, it was like eating potato chips, and I couldn’t wait to read the rest in the series. One has to wonder about the band, though, since it would seem that all of the members are going to end up in this little town!
A copy of this title was provided to me for review, a version of which has been submitted to Night Owl Reviews
January 26, 2017
Love and Hope – (Book 2) Stanford Creek Series M/F
Love and Hope is the story of Danny and Rachael, who meet each other because of their connections to Cody and Megan.
Both have had troubled previous relationships leaving battle scars, so will they love again? With the help from their friends and with ‘a little Hope’ could it possible?
Rj Scott, once again hits as she did in Book 1- Notes and Roses. Both books are HEA but could be read as a Standalone book too although I do highly recommend the entire series! Rj Scott captures the essence of her characters and brings them to life before your eyes. At times I felt I was there at Stanford Creek with the rest of the characters, watching the world go by.
Definitely a 5* read for me and highly recommended.
Love and Hope is the story of Danny and Rachael, who meet each other because of their connections to Cody and Megan.
Both have had troubled previous relationships leaving battle scars, so will they love again? With the help from their friends and with ‘a little Hope’ could it possible?
Rj Scott, once again hits as she did in Book 1- Notes and Roses. Both books are HEA but could be read as a Standalone book too although I do highly recommend the entire series! Rj Scott captures the essence of her characters and brings them to life before your eyes. At times I felt I was there at Stanford Creek with the rest of the characters, watching the world go by.
Definitely a 5* read for me and highly recommended.
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