Courting Hope

by A.R. Kaufer

Rafe and Ana’s story continues. After torture, war, death, and other unspeakable horrors, Ana tries to adjust to her life, while overcoming her past. Rafe blames himself for some of her suffering, and together, they work to battle her inner demons.

Some things won’t stay buried, and the past and future blend in ways that even Ana is unsure she can face. Will Rafe, Kara, and Evren’s love and support be enough to help her overcome her trauma while trying to protect the kingdom? Or will it all fall down around them?

Rafe encourages Ana to look for a brighter future, to have hope, even in the darkest night...

Content warning: This is a dark fantasy, some topics included are violence, SA, death, blood, torture, and more.

391 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2024

About the author

A.R. Kaufer has dreamed of becoming a published author for as long as she can remember. She is a DV and SA survivor, and champions for mental health services for those in need. She lives in Indiana with her wonderful husband and furbabies. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and going for walks in the woods around her home.

She is currently working on an eight book fantasy series, The Courtship Saga, with the first six books available now.

She also has a Beauty and the Beast retelling, Kingdom of Forgotten Curses. And she released her first novella, The Sword in the Roses, which released at #8 on Amazon's best-seller list!

Court of Lies & Cinder, a dark Cinderella retelling with wolf shifters, is available now!

Her latest release is a Rapunzel retelling. Tower of the Lost Princess, available now!

Reviews

[Jessica James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to say this book keeps getting better and better with each one!!!! Ana is dealing with being tortured, dealing with her past that keeps getting in between her and Rafe but don't let that fool you Ana is strong and willful. She is finally accepting her wings and what she can do. She can be very unsure of herself but then rafe reminds her how much she has over come. There are surprises at every turn some good, some amazing and some unexpected. This author puts her heart and soul into these books and I'm here for it. Will Ana let past hurts and trauma get in her way? I guess you will just have to read it and find out!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and love getting to come back to each book and revisit Ana and Rafe and their friends Kara and Evren. In COURTING HOPE, there is conflict with other kingdoms and forces who wish to hurt Ana, and this presents a constant underlying threat to her safety. I liked the way this created tension between her and Rafe. There’s a constant push and pull between these two, so much drama and delicious angst as they love each other so much and have so much pain in their pasts that it’s often one step forward two steps back as they try to navigate being together and trusting the other. Rafe’s devotion to Ana continues to be my favorite part of the book. Favorite moments! Making pizza with Kara! Swirly gowns! Rafe’s fierce protectiveness! Special brunch with Rafe! Loved this! 5/5 stars.