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Ryker Falls #2

From This Moment

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To keep himself safe, he trusted no one

Sixteen years after leaving, FBI Profiler Dylan Howard is returning to Ryker Falls to see his sick father. He doesn’t do emotion or friendship, this is about duty and nothing more. He didn’t need to connect with the two sisters who were strangers to him or catch up with his old school buddy. The only problem with that is one sexy brunette called Piper Trainer. From the start, she’s determined to make him feel, determined to make him see how empty his life is. He can feel himself changing, but then someone from his past surfaces, and suddenly those he cares for are in danger. He must keep them safe, but to do that he needs to push them away and Dylan fears he’s not strong enough to do that for a second time.

Trust was the only thing that kept her safe

Piper didn’t need or want a hot, sexy man in her life. Especially not when her best friend died and she takes custody of her one-year-old daughter Grace. But Dylan Howard is like a burr under her saddle, and everywhere she turns there he is. She watches him try and remain emotionless when faced with his family and friends but the cracks are starting to appear, and the good guy surfaces. Just when she thinks that maybe there could be a chance for them, he pushes her away. Piper takes refuge in her family, but too late, she realizes that she’s given Dylan her heart. Now she must fight for her happiness with the only weapon she has: love.

BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Somebody To Love
From This Moment
Love Me Tender
Only Just Begun
Hold Me Close

391 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2018

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About the author

Wendy Vella

86 books841 followers

Wendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.

Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.


Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.

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5 stars
281 (51%)
4 stars
172 (31%)
3 stars
78 (14%)
2 stars
13 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews140 followers
Want to Read
October 8, 2024
🎁 Part of Ryker Falls Series #1-3 which is FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (6/24/2023)! 🎁
1,756 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2024
Absolutely brilliant

Brilliant book well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it I couldn't put it down superb
Profile Image for Sabrina.
1,570 reviews122 followers
January 8, 2024
We are back in Ryker Falls and like the last one, this small town has quite the mystery and action going on. This book focuses on Piper Trainer, who had appeared in the first book and Dylan Howard, the son of the famous and very mean Mary Howard. Dylan has returned after 16 years and he isn't prepared for the affect Ryker Falls will have on him. For someone who keeps his emotions intact (a survival skill when living as Mary Howard's son), he slowly but surely learns to let go and get to know his sisters and those who call him friend in Ryker Falls. Then there is Piper, who does something to his heart and though the tries to stay away from one another, their connection is much too strong. While Dylan and Piper try to avoid their connection, there is a lot more going on. Dylan's family is having a lot of problems and accidents, and it is one to many to be a coincidence. Meanwhile, Piper learns that her friend has died and that she is now the guardian of a one year old. And with the chaos going on, Dylan and Piper find it hard to truly fight one another. But how can they have a future, if Dylan plans to leave and Piper is going to be a mother?

A beautiful love story between Dylan and Piper. We watch as they find themselves and fall in love. Action and a bit of mystery that keeps you on your toes as you read. AND! If you are a fan of the Lake Howling series, we get a special visitor, that has me hoping more than ever that a crossover will occur!! This was a nice start, but hey how about the two gangs come together for one big story? That would be awesome! :D


I received an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marissa Chavez.
1,423 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2022
Oh my goodness! I loved going back to Ryker Falls! I was rooting for Dylan and Piper as soon as they met! I knew these two were going to be fun! I love how Piper helped Dylan bring out more of his emotions and that he was there for her when she needed someone. I'm so happy that they got their happy ending! The ending was perfect! 💙
Profile Image for Feija.
1,201 reviews
July 30, 2023
5:5 ⭐️ I loved this book!!
214 reviews
December 14, 2023
Love this series.

Love this series. Can read all that this author has written. Keeps your attention from b the beginning to the end.
Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,396 reviews19 followers
October 12, 2024
Piper Trainer was not fit for man or beast. She had visited a friend who did not look well and could help someone who didn't want it. However, Joanie had asked her if anything happened to her if she would be willing to take custody of her daughter Gracie, a one-year-old. She certainly said, yes. Yet, her drive back home would be a long tedious minefield of emotions. She stopped for coffee, and it seemed the coffee house was busy, so a man asked her to sit at her table. Even though she was not feeling it, she decided to be the daughter her mother raised her to be a cordial and welcoming daughter.

However, the stranger was not giving the same vibes which was pissing her off. Her thing was, Dude I am sharing my table with you at least you can be, is halfway decent. So, being a Trainer is what she was through and through, and holding her tongue was not in her nature. So, out of her mouth, the words came. Right between the eyes, and he thought it was hot. After the initial shock of being pissed off. Then, made her grand exit. However, breaking down on the side of the road kinda ruined the impact of the dramatics.

Yet, it did glean some good intel. He was heading to her hometown and could drop her off. That was the longest hour known to mankind. Being a sexy alpha hole got him no brownie points whatsoever. Later that night, when she finds out at her cousin's bar that said alpha hole used to be good friends with him, she is pissed. But it's when she finds out the public enemy number one, and I do mean this for sure, Mary Howard, he is her son. The Dylan Howard an FBI agent profiler, the one she threw in all the Trainor’s faces but said cousin, Joe, and his old friend.

The one she publicly shames still sixteen years later for something her son Dylan did in fact do. Dylan knew she was pissed he could feel it radiating off her. Joe told her to leave it alone but she laid in on Joe's behalf because of his cousin. Then, she was done. Her anger was over so she was leaving. Dylan found that sexy and wanted a piece of it. But does she want him? This turns out to be a really good story. Not what I was expecting at all. Highly recommend.
2,636 reviews
June 27, 2023
i read the first of the series and really liked it, now i got a 3 box set so this is the second book

she is sitting in the diner and he asks to join her table as there is no where to sit. she is in a bad mood but tries to make small talk, he doesnt. she gets mad and storms out. her car breaks down and he wants to give her a ride but she doesnt know him. he shows her his card, he is fbi profiler. he even calls his office to verify so she gets in his car but they dont talk

he lets her off, he goes to his parents house. he sees his sisters he hasnt seen in 16 yrs since he left and his mom. his dad is in the hospital after car accident.

then he goes to the bar, the owner is a friend of his when they were kids getting in trouble together. she is there too, the owner is one of her cousins. when she finds out who his parents are she tells them his mom has been so mean to all of them, blaming her cousin for him leaving town

then things are happening to his family, his dad in car accident, his mom food poisoning , his sister fired due to charges of theft she didnt do and other sister od'. then the girl he likes gets bucked off the horse who was cut

her friend od and she is now guardian of the 2 yr old. she is learning to be a mom

she put a offer on a fixer upper house, he liked the house. he loves to work with wood, he is on leave from fbi to watch over his family, someone is out to get him. the fbi friend is supposed to come help him

the sister on drugs boyfriend was the son of the murderer the fbi guy put away, he was getting even. he kidnapped them both, but fell off the cliff and died when they rescued the girl

he told her sorry he thought she poisoned his mom, and they got married and raised the little girl as their own. he stayed in town and did wood projects
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
504 reviews
June 15, 2018
When offered a chance to review this book I jumped at it! Having already read the 1st book in the Ryker Falls series I knew this was going to be great but what I really loved was the way that Wendy Vella pulls you in, gives you a desire to keep reading, more and more, just to uncover the truths!
Dylan arrives home broken and detached just to check on his ill father. He has no desire to connect with his family but a threat to them makes him realise the love he holds for them. On his way home he meets Piper, a warm, loving woman who is going through her own battles. Piper is part of the Trainer family who we met in the 1st book, this family are lovely, so much fun and really care about each other so it was great to hear more about them and see them try to drag Dylan into their warmth!
The attraction between Dylan and Piper is instant and even though they fight it was fun to read about. I loved the addition of Grace and the way the whole family absorbed her into their fold. The book had highs and lows, streamy times, tender moments, a bit of drama and intingue and lots of laughs, what more could you ask?!

I was given an ARC for this amazing book. All my views are honest and personal and I would recommend reading this book!
Author 4 books9 followers
June 11, 2018
Dylan Howard left Ryker Falls 16 years ago and since has avoided feeling... feelings for his family, feelings for friends (old and new), and any feelings for a woman that went farther than the here and now.

He returns home to an injured father, two sisters more like strangers and a mother whose expectations are still outrageous to say the least. But he finds more than he ever expected - an old friend, changed and forgiving, a family he wants to reconnect with and a woman who makes him feel!

Piper Trainer is physically tuff as nails but wears her heart on her sleeve more times than not. Piper isn't looking for love or romance when she runs into Dylan but that's what she eventually finds. He becomes a calm in the storm of her life.

Wendy Vella wrote to life a beautiful story filled with suspense, friendship, family, forgiveness and love. As a reader I couldn't ask for more! I cannot wait to read more about the people of Ryker Falls!

*I received an ARC of From This Moment in exchange for an honest review. I honestly love it and cannot recommend this series and author enough.
Profile Image for SynergyQuest.
2,055 reviews8 followers
December 30, 2018
Initially, when I read the blurb for this one, I wasn’t sure that I was going to enjoy it. So, I didn’t read it. What was I thinking!?! From This Moment is amazing and as soon as I finally made time to read it, I devoured it in one seating (just like all the other Vella romances I’ve had the pleasure to read).

It’s a romance about complex characters with complicated pasts. Some of them are on the other side of their big struggles. For these folks, they embrace family, emotional connectedness and the benefits that come along with living in a small community. Others of them are on shaky ground, maybe successful professionally, but so used to burying and icing over emotion that friendships are nonexistent and the support a small town can offer is the last thing they want.

This is the story of how two families reunite and how opening yourself up to others can be your saving grace. It’s pretty darn perfect!

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review
1,701 reviews16 followers
May 15, 2024
I purchased this as part of a bundle called RYKER FALLS - SERIES BOOKS 1-3. This is a standalone story with strong characters for MC and secondary characters. I own books 1 and 3 and only purchased the bundle because I wanted book 2.

This couple ran hot and cold with each other. Their romance was a slow burn and lovemaking outside of marriage heat level 4 out of 5 and described several times. Protection used only once and no mention of her being PG.

Story has an unknown villain that you will think you know, but do you? Story is suspenseful, has violence, twists, intrigue, miscommunication, sadness and joy. Drug use and suicide off page.

The H has a reaction to something concerning the h and I found it out of character. He knew what was going on with his family. How did the villain get into a building and cause harm? No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic, Lords name and crude words used. I did enjoy the epilogue. (ljb)
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews65 followers
June 27, 2018
I really hate it when I get to the end of a book I really loved but I can’t find the right words to explain what I’ve just experienced. This wasn’t quite the same kind of emotional roller-coaster that the fist book was, but it still took me for a ride full of loops, twists, turns, and unexpected switchbacks. Piper was a fun character however I spent a lot of time wanting to smack her for her cranky attitude. Dylan, I completely adored. We learn early on that his life has travelled a rough road and he hasn’t recovered from it yet. I just wanted to hug him and tell him everything would be alright. These aren’t two people I would expect to hit it off, but they are so freaking cute together it’s irresistible. I can’t wait to see what happens next, and who’s the next to fall, in Ryker Falls.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
3,554 reviews15 followers
June 12, 2018
From This Moment by Wendy Vella is a captivating contemporary romance. Ms. Vella has delivered a well-written book. The characters are amazing, lovable, the best part of the book. Dylan grew up with a mother that ruled the roost, became an FBI profiler and never went back to Ryker Falls. Piper was a troubled child until she moved to Ryker Falls. Dylan and Piper's story is packed with drama, humor, action, sexy bits and a little suspense. I really enjoyed the first book of this series but I think I like this one even better. From This Moment is book 2 of the Ryker Falls Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Laura.
191 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2025
This book was the perfect mix of romance, drama and suspense.

I did know this was book 2 in the series but I decided to give it a try. I wasn’t completely lost which is always good hahah.
I do think I will be going back to book 1 and starting the series about I really like the writing style also thankfully it didn’t seem like I got any spoilers from this book.


I loved the romance of the story the way both of them had reasons to stay away from each other but in the end they couldn’t.

My only complaint is that the pair of them in the end knew each other for maybe 2 months at the most and he was already proposing being together for literal seconds at that but I guess after such a dramatic life and death situation that could happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3 reviews
June 18, 2018
I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have read all of Ms. Vella’s previous contemporary romances and this book is a great addition to her collection. Wendy has once again built a beautiful town and filled it with lots of loveable characters. Dylan and Piper were an engaging couple, once Dylan thawed his icy exterior. The addition of danger in the story added to the suspense and made it a real page-turner. I felt the ending was rushed and a little lacking in details, but maybe that was just me wanting the story to not end! I enjoyed this latest episode very much and look forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Tammy.
987 reviews9 followers
January 6, 2021
I'm so loving this little town of Ryker Falls, the people (most of them) are really caring folk, everybody know everybody and their business, no secrets there!

This story was about Piper Trainer and Dylan Howard - much to Dylan's mom's dismay - the awful Mary Howard, who doesn't like ANY of the Trainer's - lots of history there and an unwarranted hate of Piper's family. Dylan isn't looking for a relationship, but he's now met Piper and thinks they can scratch each other's itch (so to speak) and then carry on with a friendship - but, things go awry and she gets under his skin - when danger comes to town, he can't help but think of her first....

Profile Image for Madenna U.
2,200 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2021
The 2nd book in this series can be read as a stand alone but the author is building a small town with interesting characters. This story is mostly from the male lead perspective. Dylan also caused trouble to rebel against his mom, left town and never came back. Years later he returns to visit his dad in the hospital and meets Piper. However, he lives his life with no emotion, no baggage so he is surprised when he finds that he can't stay away from her. Piper is amazing but she has some guilt from the past as well. While solving the mystery of why his family keeps getting hurt, they both learn that if you just let yourself love, it can be an amazing thing.
89 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2022
Wow! This one is even better than the first one.
The love story was a little bit like Romeo and Juliet, but with adults and (slightly) more understanding family.

There was once again a mystery that had me guessing.
At first I thought „no mystery, okay“ then „oh, that’s a lot of bad luck… hmmm… there might be a mystery after all“ and once it was established „could this be the baddy? Nah“ and a few lines later „hmmm that could be the bad guy!“ and then I went back and forth (usually with the same people).
920 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2024
One of my biggest pet peeves is authors who write about things they do not know. Lani Blake, a New Zealander, set this book in the USA, but uses NZ vocabulary and names: food comes in packets and sachets, babies need their nappies changed, and everyone wears trainers. If this book were set in New Zealand fine; but it is set in an undefined rural America. I cannot get lost in a book when I am dizzy from being pushed by language between NZ and USA at the speed of light by an author too cheap to hire an American editor to adjust her word choice.
22 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2024
From This Moment

I have just finished reading my second book. The first was "From This Moment". It was really hard to put it down and then I read "Love Me Tender". This was another one thatwas really hard to stop reading til I finished it. I have so enjoyed these two books and I can't wait to read them all. Thank you Lani Blake for becoming an author. I just loved reading these romance, mysteries and look forward to reading more.
9 reviews
June 12, 2018
Another great book by Wendy Vella. It has suspense, mystery and love. A fast read. A handsome FBI agent goes home and fines intrigue in the town he left years before. Family drama along with your neighbors being everywhere. Your best friends still there to cover your back and more.another great new series. If you love her other books you’ll love this series
Profile Image for Mary Lynn.
32 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2018
This book was such a fun read! While I didn’t read the first book in the series it wasn’t an issue but I do plan on reading it as this book made me want to know more about the other characters and I enjoyed the way it set up what I imagine are the rest of the series. Anyone looking for a fun read with romance and a dash a mystery will absolutely enjoy this.
Profile Image for Marsha Mims-Word.
260 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2024
What a sweet romantic/ thriller reading journey. Boy meets girl, small town, family drama, unexpected events all thrown in to make this story special. Dylan returns home after many years due to father’s accident. He meets Piper, sparks fly, is there a connection or isn’t there a connection; and just when you think the path is clear, the unexpected occurs. Lots of twists, turns and bumps in this one. A quick and interesting read. I do recommend.
Profile Image for Kim F.
2,873 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2018
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want to read more from this author. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for fiona.
66 reviews
August 23, 2020
Love story with a twist

Love this author and have really enjoyed her other series set in Lake Howling. This is book 2 in the series and I am loving the characters in this series so far and look forward too reading more from this talented author.
Profile Image for Gale Albright.
3,026 reviews19 followers
October 18, 2024
It’s a really good book in the Ryker Falls series. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and seeing some of the characters from the previous book that I read. Looking forward to the next book in the series and what is going to happen with this town.
Profile Image for Jess.
57 reviews4 followers
November 6, 2024
Definitely glad I read this one! I love a good enemies to loves book and this Definitely delivered. You get both MFC MMC points of view and no cliffhanger. I have read many of the authors books and they are always so good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews