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My Last Hope

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A love story that proves that sometimes, the most broken people make the strongest bonds.
When vows to love and to cherish, shatter.

Abby’s no stranger to the pain secrets, and lies can inflict on the person trying to hold it all together. She hides behind a forced smile and the hope that one day she’ll be able to find happiness again. After suffering from domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, Abby makes a split decision that alters the trajectory of her life forever. That decision leads her to cross paths with Dawson, a devastatingly handsome but troubled physical therapist who’ll do everything he can to save her. He’ll stop at nothing to ensure Abby’s life doesn’t end in the same fate his sister’s did.

Desperate to leave her husband before his violence turns fatal but too stubborn to accept the help of another man, will Abby be able to get out in time to save her own life?
With hearts tangled and lives at stake, can Dawson keep the beautiful art teacher from ripping off the cage he’s surrounded his heart with? Or will they allow their unmistakable chemistry to ignite, giving in to the forbidden relationship?

In the darkest moments, hope can be found in the most unlikely places.

352 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2023

17 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Katie Richard

7 books52 followers
Hi my name is Katie, I’m an indie author who lives in the sunny state of Florida. When I’m not working or spending time with my family, I enjoy getting lost in a good book. My favorite hobby is gardening, whether it is edible or decorative. In my opinion one can never have too many flowers! I may have a slight addiction to creating things in Procreate and Canva.

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5 stars
77 (56%)
4 stars
44 (32%)
3 stars
11 (8%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
1,005 reviews57 followers
July 23, 2023
Read TWs first. This was such an emotional read. But I loved it. I couldn't put it down. The chemistry was great. It was well written and characters were well developed
Profile Image for Kristina Gehrls.
278 reviews
July 30, 2023
Heartbreaking but definitely worth it. Recommend for anyone needing a reminder that you are never alone. This story definitely had my emotions going on a rollercoaster. I admired the the FMC for the strength she had, considering the trauma she went through. The MMC was equally a good fit for the story and I enjoyed the connections the author made throughout the story!

This book was not what I expected, the domestic abuse was strong, so you felt Abby’s pain. I really loved how Dawson honored his sister by opening Bella’s Safe Haven and continued to advocate for domestic abuse survivors by opening Sunshine House. This story is told in a way that is relatable, with characters you will love. You can’t help but admire both Abby and Dawson for how they view life, even after all they’ve been through.

I recommend this book, however please check content/trigger warnings. It is well written and ends in an HEA.
Profile Image for Lindsay Veling.
30 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2024
I loved reading this story. It was the perfect romantic, suspenseful, page turner. Triggers involve: domestic abuse. Frank and Abby have a challenging and tumultuous relationship. While Abby wants to please her husband, nothing she does suffices and almost everything she does results in a horrible form of emotional or worse - physical abuse. All Frank wants is a baby, but Abby cannot get pregnant. After a terrible accident - Abby’s horrendous and unimaginable injury leads her to Dawson, her new physical therapist. Dawson has a lot of experience with domestic violence- after all he opened a shelter in his late sister’s name - whose physical abuse she endured was ultimately her demise. As soon as Frank realizes that Dawson is getting close to Abby - nothing good can come out of it.
Profile Image for Alix Neyer.
44 reviews3 followers
June 2, 2023
Alright Review time, I really liked this book, it’s a solid 4/5⭐️ for me, with a 3/5 suspense/tension scale, and a 3/5 🌶️ slow burn range.

It’s a great story with good main characters that I am rooting for, Abby and Dawson are just perfect for each other and the slow burn of their romance is exactly what this story needed. With the subject matter center around domestic abuse I think it would have done a disservice if Katie would have had them fall into bed right away, the slow burn was needed. Frank, Abby’s husband was also well written and a perfect foe/bad guy that i hated.

Katie has some great twists that help move the story forward, and I am a sucker for a good multi POV situation any day of the week.

I definitely recommend that you read the trigger warnings, Katie doesn’t shy away from the details regarding abuse, and some scenes are intense.

If you have read any of my reviews a tight and focused story is a key factor for me. I don’t like getting lost in plots that don’t go anywhere, repetitive descriptions, or adding things that don’t added to the story. That being said I really like this book up to a point. In my humble opinion, as someone who will probably never publish a book in her life and is in awe of anyone that does. This book didn’t need the last twist starting at chapter 21 and could have eliminated it. Push everything else that was in the remaining 6 chapters up and adding a time jump if needed.

Did I hate reading the twist, no it was well written and again it move the story along; but in opinion it wasn’t necessary.

I would recommend this book, I would suggest reading the synopsis and trigger warnings before picking it up.

Trigger Warnings:
This book may not be suitable for all readers. Mature themes within have a recommended audience of 18 years old and above. You can read at your own discretion.
Scenes in this book may include but are not limited to:
~ physical and emotional abuse

What does this book also have:
~ Forbidden Romance
~ One Bed
~ He Falls First
~ Alpha Hero
~ Emotional Scars
~ Slow Burn
~ Touch her and I’ll unalive you!
~ Dual POV
Profile Image for Shia.
1,152 reviews22 followers
May 28, 2023
Heartbreaking but so worth it. Recommend for anyone needing a reminder that you are never alone.
1,393 reviews14 followers
July 25, 2023
She has been abused and she is recovering from it. She meets her physical therapist and he is so handsome and easy on the eyes. He seems to actually care. He and her has a strong connection but he and her can not be anything more than patient therapist. They are so perfect for each other too love the ending
Profile Image for Tabatha Slagle.
405 reviews15 followers
February 4, 2024
This book pulled at my heartstrings more than once. It was so raw and emotional. The trauma Abby endures is horrific, and even though she's just a fictional character, I wanted to reach out and comfort her. Dawson was also damaged, just in a very different way.
They definitely didn't meet under ideal circumstances, but something certainly made sure they found each other.
Profile Image for Demi.
148 reviews
May 16, 2023
TW: Domestic Violence, Verbal/Physical Abuse, Death, Kidnapping, Substance Abuse, Sex Scenes (consensual)
Also can we talk about how amazing it is for authors to put in their own TWs.
Thank you so much rrbooktours and Katie Richard for this amazing ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book! This book! This book! To be released on May 30th a day I hold near and dear to my heart. This heartbreaking, beautiful, tear jerking book. Is so amazing in every way. Domestic abuse is something that is not talked about enough. Not shown in such a light that shows all of the things people go through when their partner is abusive. The struggle they go through to find themselves. The ridiculous amount of fear they are put through every day. This book touches on all of these super intense hard feelings without it being so overwhelming. There were a couple times I paused to catch my breath because the pure intensity was just so amazing. I felt like I was there living through Abby. Plus the heart warming feelings I got reading about these safe havens that were created. There needs to be more of those in this world. I can not share enough praise for this book and encourage everyone to pick up a copy and truly enjoy every heartbreaking and joyful moment that is within its pages. This will forever live on my bookshelf as one of my favorite books.
96 reviews7 followers
January 30, 2024
This book had me hooked right from the start! Slow burn, emotional, and beautifully written.
TW: DV, violence, difficulty conceiving/fertility treatments, past death of a sibling.
Katie Richard writes beautifully about the cycle and escalation of abuse, the strength and resilience of the FMC, and healing from loss.
Abby is a victim of domestic violence, with her husband Frank at the helm. I find that many books with domestic violence don’t capture the headspace of the victims… not this book! It showcases Abby’s thought processes beautifully, and the reader can see and feel what Abby is thinking and feeling. And the way it’s written gives the reader insight from the victim’s perspective into the cycle of abuse that is often missed in many books with this subject.
Dawson is a military vet who is broken from both his time in the service and the tragic loss of his sister. He is a fierce protector.
I don’t cry often while reading books. I just don’t. I can count on one hand the number of books that have made me cry while reading. This book made that list in the first quarter of the book. I could feel what Abby and Dawson were feeling. I felt like I was right there with them every step of the way.
There are a few things that I would have liked to have been different. Please take this with a grain of salt… I’m not an author, and even if I was, this book is not my art. This is purely my opinion. I would have liked to have seen Chloe more often. Also, I appreciate the twist for the insight it gave the readers into Frank’s behavior, but I would have liked to see it expanded… see Abby working through the feelings that the new information gave, instead of being glossed over.
I could go on and on about my feelings about this book if I wanted to give spoilers. This book is heavier on the emotional side, but not so heavy that it causes devastation. Definitely book hangover material. And definitely one of my new favorites. Katie Richard is a new author to me, but I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of her work!
Profile Image for Neshaisabookworm’s Book Review.
851 reviews62 followers
July 15, 2023
*heed the trigger warnings for sure if you have any triggers!*

Wow!

Just wow!

This is a slooooow burn but it has to be with the things these two have been through and will go through together.

Dawson and Abby have been through some fucked up shit. They’ve been through more than anyone should and yet, it doesn’t destroy them. They’re broken but the good thing about that is they’re capable of being mended and put back together.

This is a love story of overcoming, mending, and thriving. So fucking beautiful!!!

You’ll fall for Dawson immediately and you’ll fall even harder when you get a taste of his filthy fucking mouth.

Abby steals your heart from the beginning and seeing her be able to be her true self will bring tears to your eyes.

You’ll laugh, cry, rage, and get hot under the collar while reading this book. The burn is slow but so worth it! Honestly, I can’t believe I’m saying this but I would’ve read this if it were a sweet romance, not even fade to black but straight up nothing, that’s how much I loved their love story and their journey.

The twists and turns keep on twisting and turning in this book. You think you know the direction the author is going but then she does something different. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending but I loved it. It didn’t feel like a “magic fix” or a problematic take; trying not to spoil anything. The author makes it known that regardless, their love story would be perfect for them and I love that.

I would 100% read any book of this author’s in the future. She won me over with this book!
Profile Image for Dusty Shirley.
948 reviews11 followers
July 17, 2023
Mind blown

I almost didn't read this book. I only picked it because of the hype of some people I know. I was expecting, based on the cover, some sweet book. Oh, she was in a bad relationship,
but look, I am here, and everything is perfect. When they say you can't judge a book by it's cover, they were talking about this book.

Hoo boy, nope, not at all what you get.

This book immerses you into the experience of their lives. You live it with them. All of it, the good, the bad, and the very ugly. When I say run to grab this book as fast as you can. I mean it with my soul.

Please heed the trigger warnings. I have none but those of you that do. Read them!
1,594 reviews21 followers
July 21, 2023
Such a good story

Abby has had a rough relationship and needs to escape. Dawson wants to save her, his sister had the same type of relationship and wasn't able to get away. He'll help her no matter what and keep her safe.

This is a good book about abuse and overcoming going through something horrible. I really liked reading their story and glad they got a happy ending.
Profile Image for Nayyab Mushtaq.
74 reviews
May 30, 2023
My Last Hope is the story of Abbigail Miller who is facing domestic abuse. She wants to leave her husband but she is always giving him second chances expecting that he'd finally stop losing his temper and hurting her. On the other side, we have Dawson Connelley whose sister was killed by her abusive husband and now he is suffering from PTSD. He has made a safe home for women who want to get rid of abusive marriages. When unexpected happens, Abbigail has to decide if she wants to die everyday at the hands of her husband or wants to free herself of this misery but leaving the person she has loved isn't that easy.

This book focuses on following things which I loved:
- How mind of a domestic abuse victim works (blaming yourself, thinking it was your mistake they lost their temper, giving them chances after watching red flags)
- how habit of seeing good in people isn't always best for you.
- how hard it is to get out of a toxic relationship
- writer portrayed successfully what are the effects of domestic abuse not only on victim but also those around them by mentioning PTSD of Dawson
- how grief works (I resonated so much with this)

However, I found Dawson's character shallow like his actions were contradictory at many points. For instance, in start his monologues state a dozen times in a chapter how he should keep work and private life separate and how Abby is his patient but at the same time he is calling her Sunshine like????? his attraction to her was so rapid. He didn't act like a 35 years old man! Description of how they found each other attractive and what they wished they could do were unnecessarily long and repetitive. I felt writer was inspired by It Ends With Us of Colleen Hoover but it is a personal opinion.

I liked the overall message of the book and how Abigail at last stood for herself even after that tragedy. Despite my initial reaction of Dawson, he was very considerate and loving. Writer has potential to write good stories and I hope her writing will improve more in her future books.
Profile Image for The ReaderBee 1609.
86 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2023
My Last Hope by Katie Richard is a gripping domestic thriller that digs into the painful secrets, lies, and devastating consequences of an abusive relationship. Abby, the resilient girl, is no stranger to the torment inflicted by her husband. With a forced smile masking her pain, she desperately yearns for happiness. When she makes a life-altering decision to escape her husband's violence, her path collides with Dawson, a troubled yet incredible physical therapist. Dawson, haunted by the tragedy his sister endured, is determined to save Abby from a similar fate.

The author has skillfully portrayed the raw emotions of the characters. The dual points of view provide valuable insight into the devastating effects of domestic violence, not only from Abby's perspective but also from an outsider who has experienced or witnessed such horrors before. The story is a stressful and emotional rollercoaster. 🤧
The book feels very realistic sometimes but the unnecessary plot twists are what made it a bit too much for me.
Plus i love love tye concept of Bella's Safe Haven.
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❌TRIGGER WARNING
Mention of
Domestic violence
Depression
PTSD
Kidnapping
Infidelity
Infertility.
.
.
Profile Image for Fizza  Khan.
25 reviews
May 30, 2023
Review:
It is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged book that takes readers on a profound journey of resilience, courage, and the power of hope.

Abby finds herself in a relentless battle as her husband's aggressive nature plunges her into a world of torment and violence. Miraculously, she manages to survive a catastrophic accident, narrowly escaping death's clutches. In the aftermath, destiny guides her to encounter Dawson, a compassionate physical therapist whose unwavering determination drives him to liberate Abby from her harrowing existence. Dawson becomes her beacon of hope, striving to rescue her from the clutches of her tormentor.

The author's words resonate deeply with readers, offering a captivating and heartfelt exploration of the human spirit.
Through the protagonist's experiences, the author portrays the struggles, triumphs, and personal growth that can arise from challenging circumstances.
The characters in the book are richly developed and relatable, evoking a range of emotions within the reader.
The writing style of the book is captivating, with vivid descriptions that bring the settings and characters to life. The author skillfully crafts scenes that immerse readers in the narrative, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the story.
Profile Image for Fatima Akram (wandering_reads_byfati).
28 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2023
My last hope by Katie Richard is a domestic thriller. It's about a women named Amy who's in a painful abusive relationship, she still want it to work but her husband Frank is making it difficult for her. And when she finally make a decision to leave her husband her path collided with Dawson who is a physical therapist who is determined to help Abby to get out of this relationship.

Domestic abuse is something that is not openly talked about, specially women's they don't easily tell about the abuse that they go through every day, also struggle to put happy face in front of everyone. Authors displayed emotions of every character very well. I like the plot of story how the author has discussed the issues of domestic violence.

The story just doesn't focus on Abby, but also includes Dawson's experience as a family member who also suffered abuse. The story is stressful and emotional rollercoaster. The dual POV provides the different point of view on domestic violence.

Overall the story is interesting and fast paced I like it .
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Profile Image for Khadeejah E..
49 reviews
May 30, 2023
My Last Hope is a novel that discusses themes of domestic violence and contemporary romance.

The story follows Abby, a young woman who is happily married to her husband Frank Miller of five years. Their marriage is on the brinks because of Frank's changed composure over the past few years, while Abby is struggling both mentally and physically because of unforeseen infertility and her husband. She continues to give her toxic marriage a chance, despite the violence and trauma Frank imposes on her, hoping a child would fill in the cracks that seem to be deepening and widening as time passes by.
Once a blissful bond turns into a relation that vows to haunt her for the entirety of life.

After surviving an extremely fatal accident and dodging death by a lucky chance, Abby ends up meeting a bachelor physical therapist, Dawson, who sweeps her off her feet in the first meeting. Abby is now caught up in the dilemma of making a choice to either walk away from the relationship she has dedicated everything to prevent from breaking apart and consider the possibility of allowing someone else to help her heal from the trauma she hasn't been able to escape from. Or forfeit to this dreadful life and accept her melancholic destiny.
4 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2023
In this book, Abby goes through literal hell. Katie Richard touches upon the ups and downs of life in a domestic abuse relationship between a wife and husband. Abby tries to escape her husband one day while they’re driving home, only to have her end up in the hospital due to the accident. While there, she meets a physical therapist named Dawson, that’s caring, sweet and loving. He treats her right and respects her, while also watching out for her. They fall for each other hard. The way that Katie Richard describes what Abby and Dawson go through to be together, while also acknowledging the struggles that exist within a domestic abuse relationship. She later on finds out that her husband Frank has a big secret of his own that’s he’s been hiding for years. This book had my emotions going up and down, between anger and rage to being sad and depressed for this woman. This book will grab you till the end. I myself have been through abusive relationships and Katie has nailed it on the head with her awe inspiring details. I cried MANY times while I was reading this book! Abuse is never the answer, no matter what the situation. Whether you’re a woman or man going through this, there is help out there for you! I recommend this book to everyone! I absolutely loved this book!!
32 reviews2 followers
May 26, 2023
First of all, let me say this! “Katie has done an excellent job in writing the characters”. The way she has written Abby’s character feels so real & emotional and painful that you’ll literally feel empathy for her, on contrary her husband’s character is just as evil that the reader can’t help but hate him, and then comes the character of Dawson who is THE BEST!! Who made sure to make Abby feel safe, and tried to not only make her smile but truly happy.
The story revolves around these characters where Abby who is the victim of severe domestic abuse tries to break the painful cycle and navigate her way through life. The novel focus not only this major issue faced by many many women around world but it’s after effects on mental and physical health on survivors. This novel is such an emotional ride, Definitely an enlighten read for everyone out there.

Ratings: 4/5 ⭐️


Profile Image for Country Mama.
1,442 reviews66 followers
May 18, 2023
I LOVED THE STORY OF ABBY AND DAWSON! YES THIS IS AN EMOTIONAL READ FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO READ ABOUT ABUSE BUT WOW, ONCE I STARTED THIS BOOK I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I WAS ROOTING FOR ABBY AND DAWSON THE ENTIRE TIME!
THE SLOW BURN ROMANCE IS SO GOOD BETWEEN THESE TWO. THEY ARE SO PERFECT FOR EACHOTHER AND I AM SO GLAD THESE CHARACTERS EXIST!
ALSO KATIE IS A RELATEABLE CHARACTER TO THE READER EVEN THOSE WHO HAVEN'T EVER SUFFERED ANY KIND OF PHYSICAL, MENTAL , OR ANY KIND OF ABUSE. I REALLY LIKED HER AND RELATED TO HER AS A READER.
ALSO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A TRULY GREAT BOOK WITH AN EMOTIONAL READ THAT WILL MAKE YOU CRY, TEAR YOUR HAIR OUT, OR JUST WANT TO THROW THE BOOK; THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!
Profile Image for Jennys_library.
420 reviews19 followers
May 22, 2023
My Last Hope by Katie Richard is a domestic thriller. It's about a woman who is in an abusive relationship and having to come to terms with the idea of leaving her husband. In comes a complicated relationship that just might be exactly what she needs.

I enjoyed this story and its characters. The author displayed the characters' emotions well. You felt the struggle that the fmc was going through regarding her husband and the future. You also get the to see perspective of an outsider regarding the DV. He's also someone who has previously been involved or a witness to it. The story was stressful and emotional. It has dual POVs. It's a slow burn mixed with forbidden romance.

This book releases May 30th. Check trigger warnings: includes DV, abuse
Profile Image for A. tjyard.
23 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2023

The story follows Abby, a victim of domestic violence who meets a doctor Dawson as he is dealing her case of amputation.
Dawson helps her get back to life by getting rid of her toxic relationship with Frank.I love how the author brought to light this issue since it's not discussed much in books.I have only read 1 book besides this one that touches upon this grave issue.
Frank's character is downright evil, there are no shades to him which is both easy and disappointing; easy to hate but disappointing to see that there is no redemption for him.Love isn't love if it turns into violence and a woman beater always remains one.
I only wish they had shown Dawson fall for Abby after her discharge, it made me a little comfortable to see them casually flirt in a doctor patient relationship.
Dawson's history with thr Belly haven was really heartwrenching and I'm so glad he actually saved a life and got rid of his guilt.
4/5 ✨✨✨✨
Profile Image for Faqiha Shafique.
24 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2023
'My Last Hope' by Katie Richard is beautifully written book.
Abbie is in a marriage which has become painful and abusive. She still wants it to work however her husband is making it difficult for her.
The emotions in this story are portrayed very beautifully. It describes how taking a step towards your new life can be scary and difficult. The journey of getting out of a toxic relationship isn't easy. The storyline makes the reader emerged in the story.
Overall the story is fast paced and keeps you well entertained until the end.
The author has done an amazing job in discussing these topics. This is definitely a well written and enlightening read.
Profile Image for Can Dragons Read?.
1,043 reviews14 followers
April 23, 2023
As someone who grew up seeing domestic abuse and being verbally abused, this had me in shambles. Part of me was screaming for Abby to run for the hills and the other part me felt conflicted with her. Dawson was a god send, and I'm thankful Abby got out of that situation. The ending had twists I wasn't expecting and I'm super grateful for the triggers provided by Katie at the beginning. It was nice for this topic to be discussed with empathy and not used as entertainment (cough, CoHo, cough.)
Profile Image for Heidi.
289 reviews9 followers
April 25, 2023
So…..I may have stayed up til 2am finishing this one #noshame it was really amazing. I love a good "guy saves girl" book and this didn't disappoint! Also isn't this cover gorgeous? I'm automatically drawn to covers with flowers on them. I enjoyed the small chapters which y'all already know. Small chapters are my fav. I can't say too much without giving stuff away, but you should definitely pick this one up.
1,867 reviews24 followers
May 20, 2023
Abby is in a marriage that has become more painful than happy. She does not want to give up on her vows but Frank her husband is making it very difficult. A saviour- Dawson gives Abby the opportunity she wouldn't take for herself. Is Abby brave enough to take that leap and get a second chance at life? There are other's out there waiting in the wings, wanting to snatch away the happiness of others. Just because they can. Loved it. A great read.
70 reviews4 followers
June 1, 2023
This was a slow yet great read. It gave ‘It Ends With Us’ vibes and there’s slow burn that’s kinda my fav trope. Abby character was very well developed. She was trapped in a relationship and couldn’t free herself because he was unable to help herself. I’ve read 2 other books by Katie and I’ve loved them to bits and this one was equally amazing! I’d definitely like to more by Katie and highly recommend this!
Profile Image for Laurie Murray.
487 reviews7 followers
March 8, 2023
I read Katie’s other two books and loved them. I had no doubt I would love this one too. I knew it was a different type of story but Katie knows how to pull at the heart strings and tell a great story. She addressed hard topics in this book but made it so that people can realize that there are ways to have your happy ever after.
Profile Image for Leigh's Little Library.
468 reviews10 followers
May 15, 2023
This is a story about strength, hope and survival.

I hate that women (and men) have to go through something like this and that there aren't enough resources available to keep them safe.

Abby's story may be fictional, but it highlights that just because someone is smiling, it doesn't mean they're happy or safe. Until they feel strong enough to voice what's going on, whether that be on their own or with a friend, you can never know someone's situation.

The story doesn't just focus on Abby, but also includes Dawson's experience as a family member of someone who suffered from abuse, although unfortunately it didn't result in a happy ending. It highlights that a lot of people are affected by one horrible human being.

The story I felt was written with empathy and compassion and I loved both Abby and Dawson. This was hard to read at some points but this was a heartwarming read that I couldn't put down.
Profile Image for Lois Garrett.
363 reviews11 followers
May 18, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down. Abbie and Dawson are amazing! But they are not without their issues. They must deal with things that no one should really have to, and they come out stronger because of it. The twist with Abby’s ex was the perfect touch. I loved the ending of this book; the HEA was just what I needed.
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