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The Refuge #7
Deserving Ryleigh
Official Blurb coming soon! But this book features Tiny & Ryleigh!**Deserving Ryleigh is the 7th and final book in the The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
374 pages, Paperback
Published June 11, 2024
327 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Susan Stoker
236 books7,363 followersSign up for my newsletter here:
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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
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For all upcoming books click here: http://www.stokeraces.com/coming-soon...
http://www.stokeraces.com/contact-1.html
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
Follow SUSAN:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsstoker
www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsusanstoker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/susan_stoker
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/238Jw8c
For all upcoming books click here: http://www.stokeraces.com/coming-soon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
January 9, 2025
What a great ending for this group 😍
Ryleigh and Tiny's story was definitely worth the wait. I love when men own up to their mistakes and actually work for forgiveness. Tiny may seem like a hardass but he's actually a teddy bear in disguise. I wanted to wrap Ryleigh in a big hug. She's gone through so much in her life but somehow still turned out to be the sweetest person. The two of them together was perfection.
The epilogues Susan does for the entire series always bring tears to my eyes. I love seeing the whole gang 10+ years later and where all the kids are. 🥹
Ryleigh and Tiny's story was definitely worth the wait. I love when men own up to their mistakes and actually work for forgiveness. Tiny may seem like a hardass but he's actually a teddy bear in disguise. I wanted to wrap Ryleigh in a big hug. She's gone through so much in her life but somehow still turned out to be the sweetest person. The two of them together was perfection.
The epilogues Susan does for the entire series always bring tears to my eyes. I love seeing the whole gang 10+ years later and where all the kids are. 🥹
January 16, 2025
Loved, loved, loved it! One of my favorite Susan Stoker books.
I've really enjoyed this series, THE REFUGE, with slightly older heroes, all former military, with some kind of PTSD. And I hope there really are places like this out there in the world, where people struggling with the stresses of military, law-enforcement, etc. work, and those who've survived violent incidents, can go to relax, get out of their heads for a while, feel safe, and hopefully heal.
Ryleigh has been an intriguing character throughout the series--so kind and super smart, and a hacker who can out-hack Tex (if you know Ms. Stoker's books). In this book we learn all about her background that has shaped her into the woman she is today--a survivor. But she's a survivor who has never had a real family, friends or love. She needs the people of The Refuge as much as any of their customers do. I'm so glad she had those relationships to teach her the values of love and trust. And I'm so glad Tiny (Spencer, the hero) got his act together and accepted her for the treasure she is. The things Ryleigh dealt with were surprisingly scary (didn't know how frightening cybercrimes could be!). And while she could deal with the threat from her past online, she needed Tiny to protect her from the real world things that could harm her both physically and emotionally.
I want to read it again soon!
I've really enjoyed this series, THE REFUGE, with slightly older heroes, all former military, with some kind of PTSD. And I hope there really are places like this out there in the world, where people struggling with the stresses of military, law-enforcement, etc. work, and those who've survived violent incidents, can go to relax, get out of their heads for a while, feel safe, and hopefully heal.
Ryleigh has been an intriguing character throughout the series--so kind and super smart, and a hacker who can out-hack Tex (if you know Ms. Stoker's books). In this book we learn all about her background that has shaped her into the woman she is today--a survivor. But she's a survivor who has never had a real family, friends or love. She needs the people of The Refuge as much as any of their customers do. I'm so glad she had those relationships to teach her the values of love and trust. And I'm so glad Tiny (Spencer, the hero) got his act together and accepted her for the treasure she is. The things Ryleigh dealt with were surprisingly scary (didn't know how frightening cybercrimes could be!). And while she could deal with the threat from her past online, she needed Tiny to protect her from the real world things that could harm her both physically and emotionally.
I want to read it again soon!
January 9, 2025
Tiny & Ryleigh
Susan Stoker has never disappointed me and this book is no exception! I have been anxiously anticipating this one. Ryleigh has been at the Refuge and helping everyone for a while. I’m so happy to get her story and see her own happily ever after come to life. So good! I am so happy now. And I think it may be time for a reread of the Seal of Protection series! So happy to visit with old friends!
Susan Stoker has never disappointed me and this book is no exception! I have been anxiously anticipating this one. Ryleigh has been at the Refuge and helping everyone for a while. I’m so happy to get her story and see her own happily ever after come to life. So good! I am so happy now. And I think it may be time for a reread of the Seal of Protection series! So happy to visit with old friends!
January 10, 2025
I hate that it’s over, but I love that I can go back and reread any time and get lost in this wonderful world. I was really mad at Tiny at the beginning and how he treated Ry but loved how he earned her trust and forgiveness. A great series.
April 10, 2025
I really enjoyed Ryleigh's story, although I thought that, between her father's arrest and his reappearance, it dragged as if to fill pages. The whole "I forgive you" by Tiny felt rushed, considering how they had ended the previous book, but is not enough to take the pleasure of the reading.
January 8, 2025
As always a great book and a perfect ending to a great series ❤️
January 9, 2025
Ok, interesting story
March 27, 2025
A long awaited ending to a magnificent series from a favorite Military Romance and Suspense author.
I love The Refuge series by Susan Stoker and have been long awaiting Deserving Ryleigh, the finale of the series. Susan's world building and character development of the setting and members of Refuge has been an inspiration to me. I have saved and shared passages about the set-up and therapy modalities with veteran groups I have come in contact with around the country. As a former Army Nurse I find it abhorring that years after the Vietnam war and the abominal treatment of returning soldiers in the U.S, veterans today still have to worry about getting the services they need to re-enter the civilian world. What impresses me the most about Susan Stoker is that she is not afraid to address the real world issues that effect many veterans today. Her stories highlight their unique problems and calls attention to thinking outside the box methods of assisting these veterans. Susan's greatest talent is her ability to build real ,believable characters that readers can relate to. You don't just read a Susan Stoker novel, you experience it, you participate in it, and you live it. The Refuge demonstrates the brother/sisterhood that many military members experience, as well as deep love and honor her sexy alpha males and strong , independent women have for each other.
I had almost forgotten I preordered Deserving Ryleigh when it landed in my Kindle Library. I had mixed feeling about starting it when it arrived. While I had looked forward to finally learning Ryleigh's story, it was the final book of the series. I hate saying goodbye to some phenomenal book friends. I put aside my stack of TBR books and decided, crazy as it may sound, to re-read the entire Refuge series. Susan has been building up Ryleigh's character since the beginning of the series. She has been involved with the events that have effected all the couples but Susan has only revealed bits and pieces of her. Ryleigh is fights fiercely for all the people at the Refuge but she has trouble trusting enough to reveal her heart and secrets. Tiny has similiar issues which makes for an explosive relationship. When Ryleigh finally reveals her troubles triggers an explosion of action and suspense. In true Susan Stoker style , all H**L breaks out before the couple can really SEE each other. The romance is as hot as the New Mexico desert in summer time. Have your fans ready!
Susan includes a special epilogue that ties up all the loose ends in the series and reveals a bright and beatiful future for the Refuge, the staff and their clients. I highly recommend that you pick up this series from Susan Stoker and hang on tight until you get to Deserving Ryleigh and the exciting finale of The Refuge.
I love The Refuge series by Susan Stoker and have been long awaiting Deserving Ryleigh, the finale of the series. Susan's world building and character development of the setting and members of Refuge has been an inspiration to me. I have saved and shared passages about the set-up and therapy modalities with veteran groups I have come in contact with around the country. As a former Army Nurse I find it abhorring that years after the Vietnam war and the abominal treatment of returning soldiers in the U.S, veterans today still have to worry about getting the services they need to re-enter the civilian world. What impresses me the most about Susan Stoker is that she is not afraid to address the real world issues that effect many veterans today. Her stories highlight their unique problems and calls attention to thinking outside the box methods of assisting these veterans. Susan's greatest talent is her ability to build real ,believable characters that readers can relate to. You don't just read a Susan Stoker novel, you experience it, you participate in it, and you live it. The Refuge demonstrates the brother/sisterhood that many military members experience, as well as deep love and honor her sexy alpha males and strong , independent women have for each other.
I had almost forgotten I preordered Deserving Ryleigh when it landed in my Kindle Library. I had mixed feeling about starting it when it arrived. While I had looked forward to finally learning Ryleigh's story, it was the final book of the series. I hate saying goodbye to some phenomenal book friends. I put aside my stack of TBR books and decided, crazy as it may sound, to re-read the entire Refuge series. Susan has been building up Ryleigh's character since the beginning of the series. She has been involved with the events that have effected all the couples but Susan has only revealed bits and pieces of her. Ryleigh is fights fiercely for all the people at the Refuge but she has trouble trusting enough to reveal her heart and secrets. Tiny has similiar issues which makes for an explosive relationship. When Ryleigh finally reveals her troubles triggers an explosion of action and suspense. In true Susan Stoker style , all H**L breaks out before the couple can really SEE each other. The romance is as hot as the New Mexico desert in summer time. Have your fans ready!
Susan includes a special epilogue that ties up all the loose ends in the series and reveals a bright and beatiful future for the Refuge, the staff and their clients. I highly recommend that you pick up this series from Susan Stoker and hang on tight until you get to Deserving Ryleigh and the exciting finale of The Refuge.
March 7, 2025
I started reading this book as soon as I had finished the last book! I was really sad to read this book because it’s the final book in the series, but I was excited about who the main characters were going to be because they’ve both been secondary characters in the other books! After reading, I can say that I enjoyed this book! The plot developed at the perfect pace to keep me invested into what was going to happen next! It only took me a few sittings to read as well! There was a lot of romance in the plot and I loved that the characters already knew each other and their relationship developed into a romantic relationship! The romance allowed for some steamy scenes too! There was also some action and suspense and it was maybe the biggest action and suspense scene in the whole series! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Ryleigh was the main female character, and a few books ago we discovered who Ryleigh really was! I think it explained a lot about Ryleigh and I understood her more! I loved Ryleigh and I did feel for her because she had never really been free and she felt like she could be at The Refuge with the people there! Spencer ‘Tiny’ was the main male character and love interest of Ryleigh! Now, Tiny wanted to keep a close eye on Ryleigh in this book because she didn’t trust her after what was revealed a few books back! I felt like Tiny had a lot on his plate and he wanted to protect those around him! I respected him because he had been through a lot! Tiny's feelings for Ryleigh did change and he started to care about her a lot and he wanted her to be safe and to be happy! This book was written from both Ryleigh and Tiny’s point of views! I was obviously expecting it to be because the other books were written this way and the synopsis gives the impression that it’s going to be written this way! I loved that it was because it helped me connect more with both characters and see how much they meant to each other! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, which helped as Ryleigh and Tiny did go through their own situations and they didn’t spend every second to the plot together! I’m really sad that this book is the final book in this series! I’ve really enjoyed all the books and the characters, so I’m sad to say goodbye to them all! I did love the ending to this book and felt like it summed up the series beautifully! I now can’t wait to see what this author’s next series is going to be about and I still have a few of her series’ to read! The cover for this book is also absolutely perfect for it! I love how well it suits the other covers in the series and it would draw me to the book! The cover model is also the perfect Tiny!
January 12, 2025
Finding love and home
I loved, loved Tiny and Ryleigh’s enemies to lovers romantic suspense tale. This story had such a great mix of suspense and big feelings that it was hard to put down. Tiny is a former Seal who has extreme trust issues and PTSD thanks to his ex-fiancée. He now co-owns The Refuge, a retreat for people with PTSD, with his six good friends. Ryleigh began working for the refuge a year ago under an assumed name as a way to continue hiding from her past. Now that some of her lies have been revealed, any budding feelings between them are gone. Tiny is suspicious of her and watches her like she’s the enemy. I have a soft spot for the people who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy, like Ryleigh. So I love when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs. And the way Tiny gently, lovingly, and beautifully owned up to his bad behavior and helped Ryleigh come out of her self-imposed prison and begin to feel comfortable in her life and skin was so heartwarmingly swoony to witness. To get to their HEA, there will need to be baggage unpacking, inner voice finding, forgiveness, grace, and leaps of faith and once Ryleigh’s past comes knocking on the Refuge’s door she’ll need all her skills and her friends to help her thwart the evil. This well written book has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, strong friendships, spice, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous high stress situations, evil actors, and so much love. I am sad to be at the end of this series and will miss the alpha guys who are so kind, considerate and loving to these strong women. 4.5 stars.
I loved, loved Tiny and Ryleigh’s enemies to lovers romantic suspense tale. This story had such a great mix of suspense and big feelings that it was hard to put down. Tiny is a former Seal who has extreme trust issues and PTSD thanks to his ex-fiancée. He now co-owns The Refuge, a retreat for people with PTSD, with his six good friends. Ryleigh began working for the refuge a year ago under an assumed name as a way to continue hiding from her past. Now that some of her lies have been revealed, any budding feelings between them are gone. Tiny is suspicious of her and watches her like she’s the enemy. I have a soft spot for the people who are a bit uncomfortable in their skin because they don’t feel like they fit in or are worthy, like Ryleigh. So I love when they finally see their truth and they get swoon worthy HEAs. And the way Tiny gently, lovingly, and beautifully owned up to his bad behavior and helped Ryleigh come out of her self-imposed prison and begin to feel comfortable in her life and skin was so heartwarmingly swoony to witness. To get to their HEA, there will need to be baggage unpacking, inner voice finding, forgiveness, grace, and leaps of faith and once Ryleigh’s past comes knocking on the Refuge’s door she’ll need all her skills and her friends to help her thwart the evil. This well written book has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, strong friendships, spice, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous high stress situations, evil actors, and so much love. I am sad to be at the end of this series and will miss the alpha guys who are so kind, considerate and loving to these strong women. 4.5 stars.
January 8, 2025
"You stayed..."
Ry's complete shock and surprise that any of the people at The Refuge support her, believe in her and are friends with her is heartbreaking. She is such a good person, so smart, so thoughtful and far stronger than she believes she is, I really like her and love that she has finally found a family worthy of her, who returns her love and dedication. But what I love most is seeing Tiny realise just how wrong he has been and that the woman infront of him, the one who he has tried to bury his feelings for, the one who holds his heart, is truly amazing, totally selfless and maybe just as broken as he is. This realisation brings him to his knees when he finally comes to his senses and is aware of just what he could have lost, but it also makes him doubly determined to correct his mistakes, to be the man Ry deserves and to love her completely without reservation.
We have seen glimpses of Ry's history in previous books, but here we finally get all of Ry's story and it is terrifying, heartbreaking and shocking, but it makes you respect her more. As she battles the demons chasing her The Refuge family pull together and show her just how loved and valued she is. It's an emotional final book in the series, but we also have plenty of happy in there too, with babies, weddings and some great cross-overs with some of Ms Stoker's most loved series and characters. A great, but explosive, finale to the series. I look forward to the next new series.
Ry's complete shock and surprise that any of the people at The Refuge support her, believe in her and are friends with her is heartbreaking. She is such a good person, so smart, so thoughtful and far stronger than she believes she is, I really like her and love that she has finally found a family worthy of her, who returns her love and dedication. But what I love most is seeing Tiny realise just how wrong he has been and that the woman infront of him, the one who he has tried to bury his feelings for, the one who holds his heart, is truly amazing, totally selfless and maybe just as broken as he is. This realisation brings him to his knees when he finally comes to his senses and is aware of just what he could have lost, but it also makes him doubly determined to correct his mistakes, to be the man Ry deserves and to love her completely without reservation.
We have seen glimpses of Ry's history in previous books, but here we finally get all of Ry's story and it is terrifying, heartbreaking and shocking, but it makes you respect her more. As she battles the demons chasing her The Refuge family pull together and show her just how loved and valued she is. It's an emotional final book in the series, but we also have plenty of happy in there too, with babies, weddings and some great cross-overs with some of Ms Stoker's most loved series and characters. A great, but explosive, finale to the series. I look forward to the next new series.
February 5, 2025
I'm sure that the army of SS readers who love every single word this woman writes will hate me. I've read the other books in this series and found them to be pretty good. But this one...
I had a really hard time getting past the 31-year-old-virgin part of this story. Seriously? Is this a new trend/trope because I started reading another book with the exact same trope last week. I DNF that one at 22%.
The plot was fairly interesting. However, in order to really get the FL, you had to have read at least the previous book. I ended up getting pretty frustrated and ended up going back k to the previous book to recall what happened. Also, the villain is a seriously mustache twirling dude who cackles a lot and seems to be a f×
The romance part was kind of meh. I didn't really get any chemistry between the FL and ML. They were basically the last two standing. And again, a virgin? Just no. Also, the $ex scenes were not $exy. They were, however, pretty male centric, which was also a turn-off.
This story had a lengthy epilogue since it's the last in the series. So there was quite the wrap-up.
I struggle with books by SS. They can sometimes be OK. I admit I don't get the shower of 5 star reviews.
I had a really hard time getting past the 31-year-old-virgin part of this story. Seriously? Is this a new trend/trope because I started reading another book with the exact same trope last week. I DNF that one at 22%.
The plot was fairly interesting. However, in order to really get the FL, you had to have read at least the previous book. I ended up getting pretty frustrated and ended up going back k to the previous book to recall what happened. Also, the villain is a seriously mustache twirling dude who cackles a lot and seems to be a f×
The romance part was kind of meh. I didn't really get any chemistry between the FL and ML. They were basically the last two standing. And again, a virgin? Just no. Also, the $ex scenes were not $exy. They were, however, pretty male centric, which was also a turn-off.
This story had a lengthy epilogue since it's the last in the series. So there was quite the wrap-up.
I struggle with books by SS. They can sometimes be OK. I admit I don't get the shower of 5 star reviews.
January 9, 2025
I had been anticipating this book for about 2 months now, and naturally I had to read it the day it came out. The mystery surrounding Ryleigh had a hold on me, and I had to know what she was keeping close to her chest.
I went in knowing bits and pieces, and I knew her dad would obviously play a part. What I wasn't expecting was for the suspense storyline to go so hard. I held my breath a few times, especially in the big "battle".
Tiny and Ryleigh's relationship was an interesting one to watch unfold. You could definitely tell there was a spark there, but both of them had their shields up. So with those shields up, they were pushing each other away. Well that is until Ry slipped with some info, and it had Tiny doing a 180 on his thoughts.
The romance, once it kicked in, was really good. I loved how protective Tiny was, and how he was going to be her buffer in the tough moments.
Definitely read this anticipated read in one sitting, and I have no regrets. The only thing I'm bummed about is that this series has come to an end. Cannot wait to pick up another Susan Stoker series, and start a new fascination with her storytelling and characters.
I went in knowing bits and pieces, and I knew her dad would obviously play a part. What I wasn't expecting was for the suspense storyline to go so hard. I held my breath a few times, especially in the big "battle".
Tiny and Ryleigh's relationship was an interesting one to watch unfold. You could definitely tell there was a spark there, but both of them had their shields up. So with those shields up, they were pushing each other away. Well that is until Ry slipped with some info, and it had Tiny doing a 180 on his thoughts.
The romance, once it kicked in, was really good. I loved how protective Tiny was, and how he was going to be her buffer in the tough moments.
Definitely read this anticipated read in one sitting, and I have no regrets. The only thing I'm bummed about is that this series has come to an end. Cannot wait to pick up another Susan Stoker series, and start a new fascination with her storytelling and characters.
January 16, 2025
Susan Stoker delivers an emotional and gripping conclusion to The Refuge series with "Deserving Ryleigh". This final installment masterfully ties together the intense themes of love, trust, and redemption that have defined the series. Ryleigh and Tiny's story is a heart-pounding mix of vulnerability, action, and romance that keeps you invested from the first page to the last.
Ryleigh’s resilience and courage shine as she faces her haunting past, and Tiny’s transformation from mistrust to steadfast protector is both swoon-worthy and deeply satisfying. The chemistry between them is electric, and their journey together is filled with moments of raw emotion that tug at your heartstrings. Stoker doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy themes, but she balances the tension with the warmth and loyalty of the found family at The Refuge, making it a fitting farewell to this beloved world.
As the last book in the series, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but "Deserving Ryleigh" delivers everything fans could hope for—a thrilling, emotional, and ultimately triumphant conclusion. Highly recommended for readers who love romantic suspense with heart and depth.
Ryleigh’s resilience and courage shine as she faces her haunting past, and Tiny’s transformation from mistrust to steadfast protector is both swoon-worthy and deeply satisfying. The chemistry between them is electric, and their journey together is filled with moments of raw emotion that tug at your heartstrings. Stoker doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy themes, but she balances the tension with the warmth and loyalty of the found family at The Refuge, making it a fitting farewell to this beloved world.
As the last book in the series, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but "Deserving Ryleigh" delivers everything fans could hope for—a thrilling, emotional, and ultimately triumphant conclusion. Highly recommended for readers who love romantic suspense with heart and depth.
January 23, 2025
finale di serie con epilogo lungo
ultimo volume di questa serie ambienta al rifugio, struttura per tutti coloro che soffrono di traumi diversi e dove si è rifugiata anche ryleigh, una donna che nei volumi precedenti abbiamo visto a margine ma che ha aiutato nei momenti più impensabili
con spencer "tiny" ha avuto sempre scontri davvero non schermaglie ma anzi, di lui abbiamo capito l'ostilità aperta verso di lei
in questo volume ci vengono raccontate essenzialmente due persone spezzate ferite, a cui la vita non ha dato nulla: proprio perchè lei aiuta e si preoccupa di quello che può succedere agli altri amici del rifugio farà cambiare tiny nei suoi confronti
bellissima la presenza di wolfe e caroline!!!!
questo ultimo volume si conferma in linea con la serie molto attenta a tematiche particolari e sopratutto con coppie over e quindi più particolare nello sviluppo dei sentimenti-sensualità
l'epilogo è quello di circa dieci anni avanti nel tempo.......magari leggere dei figli!!
ottima la traduzione e editing
preso in unlimited
cinque stelle
ultimo volume di questa serie ambienta al rifugio, struttura per tutti coloro che soffrono di traumi diversi e dove si è rifugiata anche ryleigh, una donna che nei volumi precedenti abbiamo visto a margine ma che ha aiutato nei momenti più impensabili
con spencer "tiny" ha avuto sempre scontri davvero non schermaglie ma anzi, di lui abbiamo capito l'ostilità aperta verso di lei
in questo volume ci vengono raccontate essenzialmente due persone spezzate ferite, a cui la vita non ha dato nulla: proprio perchè lei aiuta e si preoccupa di quello che può succedere agli altri amici del rifugio farà cambiare tiny nei suoi confronti
bellissima la presenza di wolfe e caroline!!!!
questo ultimo volume si conferma in linea con la serie molto attenta a tematiche particolari e sopratutto con coppie over e quindi più particolare nello sviluppo dei sentimenti-sensualità
l'epilogo è quello di circa dieci anni avanti nel tempo.......magari leggere dei figli!!
ottima la traduzione e editing
preso in unlimited
cinque stelle
February 7, 2025
The final Refuge book goes out with a bang—literally! Deserving Ryleigh finally unravels Ry’s secrets, revealing why she’s been running and hiding for so long. Her story is raw and emotional, and I loved how the entire group rallied around her, including how Tiny finally recognizes everything she’s done for them and The Refuge.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5)
🔥 🔥 (2/5)
Seeing past characters like Wolf, Duke, and the Tex was a treat, making this finale feel even more special. My heart ached for Ry and everything she endured, and the twist at the end? Unexpected but fitting. It felt slightly unresolved, but that’s life—not every person gets a neat ending.
“I'm terrified. Every moment I'm here brings more danger to everyone and everything I've come to know and love. But I can't leave, because if I do, there won't be anyone here to protect all of you.”
A perfect mix of suspense, heart, and an HEA that ties everything together beautifully. A strong and satisfying end to an incredible series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5)
🔥 🔥 (2/5)
Seeing past characters like Wolf, Duke, and the Tex was a treat, making this finale feel even more special. My heart ached for Ry and everything she endured, and the twist at the end? Unexpected but fitting. It felt slightly unresolved, but that’s life—not every person gets a neat ending.
“I'm terrified. Every moment I'm here brings more danger to everyone and everything I've come to know and love. But I can't leave, because if I do, there won't be anyone here to protect all of you.”
A perfect mix of suspense, heart, and an HEA that ties everything together beautifully. A strong and satisfying end to an incredible series!
February 8, 2025
This book really brought about this series to a good ending. I was a bit worried at first, because Tiny was a dick to Ry. It was only after hearing awful things in her life that he started to see what she did in a different light and realized once she arrived at The Refuge, she never did anything awful to anyone.
The little pesky things that started to go wrong were so annoying and had the potential of causing big problems for them all. It was great that Ry was able to counter balance them and clue everyone in on what was likely happening. They even had a great plan for stopping things that went off with out a hitch. Things were happy, big celebrations, yet there was still a lot of book to go, so you knew something else was going to happen.
And sure enough that happy celebration turned into a shit show quickly. It took fast acting on everyone's parts to make sure that people were safe and the threat deal with once and for all.
The epilogue was great! Loved seeing everyone still happy and living their lives with the whole clan still together.
The little pesky things that started to go wrong were so annoying and had the potential of causing big problems for them all. It was great that Ry was able to counter balance them and clue everyone in on what was likely happening. They even had a great plan for stopping things that went off with out a hitch. Things were happy, big celebrations, yet there was still a lot of book to go, so you knew something else was going to happen.
And sure enough that happy celebration turned into a shit show quickly. It took fast acting on everyone's parts to make sure that people were safe and the threat deal with once and for all.
The epilogue was great! Loved seeing everyone still happy and living their lives with the whole clan still together.
January 9, 2025
She did it again! Susan Stoker grabbed me by the heart, throat, and tear ducts with the plot and characters of Deserving Ryleigh, the 7th and final book in The Refuge series. What an ending!!!! Does half of the book count as an ending. The book was edge of your seat all the way through, but the tension just kept mounting. I have been dying for Ryleigh to get her happily ever after and for us to find out more about her ever since I figured out that she was the secret benefactor.
Once Tiny got his act together, the only thing that disappointed me was that they didn't call the police before Tiny, Ryleigh and an old, and favorite, friend kicked into action. I kept thinking that if they died (which I knew wouldn't happen), the others would be left to die a terrible death. Even in the military, the right people are kept advised of the sitrep. Considering all the wonderful books and characters she has given me, I can forgive one slip.
Once Tiny got his act together, the only thing that disappointed me was that they didn't call the police before Tiny, Ryleigh and an old, and favorite, friend kicked into action. I kept thinking that if they died (which I knew wouldn't happen), the others would be left to die a terrible death. Even in the military, the right people are kept advised of the sitrep. Considering all the wonderful books and characters she has given me, I can forgive one slip.
January 11, 2025
Deserving Ryleigh is a fitting finale to the Refuge series. It's got all the suspense, drama, emotions and sizzle you've come to expect from Susan Stoker. In addition she ups the adrenaline factor to heart pounding in the last chapters as a deadly cat and mouse game plays out.Plus there's the years later epilogue that gives you a glimpse into the future lives of the Refuge families. Tiny and Ryleigh are are superb. She's on borrowed time at the Refuge and although she's more at home there than any other place she's ever been, Ryleigh knows troubles coming. It takes giving voice to her fears for Tiny to finally pull his head out. His own anxirty and experiences are tainting his interactions with her. His change of attitude has Ry reeling but eventually she accepts his sincerity. Falling in love was easy but accepting her place with Tiny and the Refuge family is everything she wants but is not sure she deserves.
January 18, 2025
A very satisfying ending to the series
I really have a hard time reading the last book in all of Susan Stoker’s series because I never want a series to end! But read it I must and I’m never disappointed with both the story and how the series is wrapped up with all loose ends neatly tied.
Throughout the series, Ryleigh had always been more than she appeared to be. In the last books, The Refuge team learned this the hard way and although the majority of the team was willing to embrace Ryleigh, Tiny would not. And I was left wondering how in the world Susan was going to get Tiny to realize he was already in love with Ry and meant to be with her.
She did it! This was a hugely satisfying series ending with all the adventure, romance, and sweet heat Stoker fans love. I will never grow tired of the thread of kindness and acceptance Susan sews into all of her books. It’s what I love about her books most of all.
I really have a hard time reading the last book in all of Susan Stoker’s series because I never want a series to end! But read it I must and I’m never disappointed with both the story and how the series is wrapped up with all loose ends neatly tied.
Throughout the series, Ryleigh had always been more than she appeared to be. In the last books, The Refuge team learned this the hard way and although the majority of the team was willing to embrace Ryleigh, Tiny would not. And I was left wondering how in the world Susan was going to get Tiny to realize he was already in love with Ry and meant to be with her.
She did it! This was a hugely satisfying series ending with all the adventure, romance, and sweet heat Stoker fans love. I will never grow tired of the thread of kindness and acceptance Susan sews into all of her books. It’s what I love about her books most of all.
April 6, 2025
Pulles the tears
Tiny and Dry journey is on that truly pulls on your heart strings, the pain they endured and the decent they had to endure pull on ever emotional string attached to your hear. Susan Stoked is a Amazon Author who writes with so much heart. Writing about things that does happen in our lives outside of romance books. I though I was only going to have a few tears fall but no Mrs Stoker had to pull out big guns to have you grab the tissues to who the flow tears rolling down your cheeks. The epilogue took the cake letting us know that how things had progressed My heart was so full of emotions like in Seal a of protection series it is a amazing series. Also in this series same thing Some deciding not to have children some have difficulty having children, some had as many bad they wanted, some adopting. But they always made sure the REFUGE was a healing place. Everyone was family taking care of each other. I love Susan Stoker books
Tiny and Dry journey is on that truly pulls on your heart strings, the pain they endured and the decent they had to endure pull on ever emotional string attached to your hear. Susan Stoked is a Amazon Author who writes with so much heart. Writing about things that does happen in our lives outside of romance books. I though I was only going to have a few tears fall but no Mrs Stoker had to pull out big guns to have you grab the tissues to who the flow tears rolling down your cheeks. The epilogue took the cake letting us know that how things had progressed My heart was so full of emotions like in Seal a of protection series it is a amazing series. Also in this series same thing Some deciding not to have children some have difficulty having children, some had as many bad they wanted, some adopting. But they always made sure the REFUGE was a healing place. Everyone was family taking care of each other. I love Susan Stoker books
April 8, 2025
"Deserving Ryleigh" is the seventh and final book in The Refuge series, and while I hate to see it end, Susan Stoker did it the justice it deserved.
Everyone at the refuge knows that Ryleigh has lied to them about a few things, but she really needs to leave before they find out the biggest secret of all, that she has kept from them. The trouble is she has fallen in love with The Refuge, and all the people that live there including Tiny. How can she leave now that she has found a family?
Spencer aka Tiny cannot just forget the fact that Ryleigh has lied to them all, he doesn't trust easily so now he watches every move she makes and everything she says. I understand how he felt but he treated Riley really crappy, until he found out why she had been hiding things. Now it is time for him to man up and work for her forgiveness.
This is a must read for all romantic suspense lovers!
I enjoyed the epilogue so much that I read it twice!!!
Everyone at the refuge knows that Ryleigh has lied to them about a few things, but she really needs to leave before they find out the biggest secret of all, that she has kept from them. The trouble is she has fallen in love with The Refuge, and all the people that live there including Tiny. How can she leave now that she has found a family?
Spencer aka Tiny cannot just forget the fact that Ryleigh has lied to them all, he doesn't trust easily so now he watches every move she makes and everything she says. I understand how he felt but he treated Riley really crappy, until he found out why she had been hiding things. Now it is time for him to man up and work for her forgiveness.
This is a must read for all romantic suspense lovers!
I enjoyed the epilogue so much that I read it twice!!!
January 9, 2025
Couple things... for one: #DangitSusan you had me crying already at chapter 3!!! And for two, I really needed this book and I was so happy that Ryleigh finally got her HEA with Tiny. It was a long hard road to get there, but it was so deserved.
I've known for a while that Ryan and Ryleigh were going to be the same person. I've been putting the hints together since Tonka's book. But that didn't make it any less rewarding to finally get a look at the life of Ryleigh over the last ten years. Wow, what a trooper she is. She is so not like her father, who's a monster by the way.
As much as I hate to see a beloved series come to an end, I'm always happy with a look into their future. And I know I'll see them pop up from time to time again in other books later on. I mean, just look at Wolf and Caroline. Oh and a little cameo phone conversation from Dude.
I've known for a while that Ryan and Ryleigh were going to be the same person. I've been putting the hints together since Tonka's book. But that didn't make it any less rewarding to finally get a look at the life of Ryleigh over the last ten years. Wow, what a trooper she is. She is so not like her father, who's a monster by the way.
As much as I hate to see a beloved series come to an end, I'm always happy with a look into their future. And I know I'll see them pop up from time to time again in other books later on. I mean, just look at Wolf and Caroline. Oh and a little cameo phone conversation from Dude.
January 18, 2025
What a great ending to this series. Love it.
Tiny and Ryleigh have liked each other from the first time they met but neither acted on it. When Ryleigh had to tell them she was behind the clues they got to help find Jasna, and then the others because of her computer skills, Tiny was pissed and made her move into his cabin so he could keep an eye on her. But in truth, it was because she lied to them and that brought back memories of his ex. Now her dad is after her because she stole all his millions of dollars before she finally broke away from him years ago. How far will her dad go to get his money back? Will Ryleigh be able to stop him before anyone gets hurt? Will Tiny ever trust her?
Tiny and Ryleigh have liked each other from the first time they met but neither acted on it. When Ryleigh had to tell them she was behind the clues they got to help find Jasna, and then the others because of her computer skills, Tiny was pissed and made her move into his cabin so he could keep an eye on her. But in truth, it was because she lied to them and that brought back memories of his ex. Now her dad is after her because she stole all his millions of dollars before she finally broke away from him years ago. How far will her dad go to get his money back? Will Ryleigh be able to stop him before anyone gets hurt? Will Tiny ever trust her?
January 24, 2025
OMG!! Ryleigh's dad is a huge pscho asshole!! Ryleigh went through beyond hell growing up cause of that damn pscho. at 1st, Tiny was a total dick cause of his tainted past but he slowly changed his tune 2 find out the truth b4 he jumped 2 many more conclusions when he didn't know what was the truth and what was lies. there was a few surprises toward the end. i wish Tex was in this 1 alot more since he was barely in it. i thought 4 sure him and Ryleigh would have alot 2 talk about and work 2gether. i was bombed out about that. i really loved it!! i hated 2 c the series end. i was kinda hoping that a few others would find the loves of their lives there 2 b4 it ended. it was tense 4 a little while at the end but i was happy that it turned out like it did.
February 6, 2025
Brilliant
The whole series so far action packed full of the badass man and women . The Refuge is a tranquil serene beauty place for people going through trauma and PTSD so the friends Brick, Tonka,Spike,Owl,Stone,Pipe and Tiny created a business and planned the best retreat New Mexico and named the retreat The Refuge.
As we have seen in the past series it was 'Tiny 'Spence Denny turn and what a storyline with Raleigh Lodge a mystery and journey of how and downs and the final journey that they all take up.
Loved the characters the animals the storyline and I didn't want it to finish. I truly hope they're many retreats like the refuge for everyone
Absolutely brilliant highly recommended can't recommended enough
The whole series so far action packed full of the badass man and women . The Refuge is a tranquil serene beauty place for people going through trauma and PTSD so the friends Brick, Tonka,Spike,Owl,Stone,Pipe and Tiny created a business and planned the best retreat New Mexico and named the retreat The Refuge.
As we have seen in the past series it was 'Tiny 'Spence Denny turn and what a storyline with Raleigh Lodge a mystery and journey of how and downs and the final journey that they all take up.
Loved the characters the animals the storyline and I didn't want it to finish. I truly hope they're many retreats like the refuge for everyone
Absolutely brilliant highly recommended can't recommended enough
June 12, 2025
This was one of the best series end books I've ever read. I rarely give a book 5 stars. Most are 4 or 3. This one is about 3/5 spicy too. It's romantic making love, not raunchy crap.
So many things happened.
Ryleigh's father is a very, very bad man. He was a sociopath. He had no remorse no matter who he hurt or maybe even killed. Infants, children, women, the guys, he was happy to kill them to make Ryleigh bend to his will.
My reading journal review is 2 pages long. This book is seriously very good. I put it off for a few days because I didn't want this series to be over. The epilogue was 10 years down the line for them. So many healed and happy people were there.
I recommend this book. I won't tell you more because I'll word vomit everything!!!
So many things happened.
Ryleigh's father is a very, very bad man. He was a sociopath. He had no remorse no matter who he hurt or maybe even killed. Infants, children, women, the guys, he was happy to kill them to make Ryleigh bend to his will.
My reading journal review is 2 pages long. This book is seriously very good. I put it off for a few days because I didn't want this series to be over. The epilogue was 10 years down the line for them. So many healed and happy people were there.
I recommend this book. I won't tell you more because I'll word vomit everything!!!
January 16, 2025
Deserving Ryleigh❤️
Deserving Ryleigh is the final book in the Refuge series and focuses mainly on Tiny and Ryleigh. Such a great story and we finally find out more about Ryleigh and why and who she is hiding from. Unfortunately, the person she is hiding from has found her and is slowly taking it out on the various Refuge owners😢
This one made me feel a little like Tiny did I imagine…in that fighting someone you can’t see, makes you feel a bit helpless. He had to rely on Ryleigh to do what she does best…fight someone using her computer❣️A great ending and I will definitely miss these characters after getting to know them so well in this series🤗
Deserving Ryleigh is the final book in the Refuge series and focuses mainly on Tiny and Ryleigh. Such a great story and we finally find out more about Ryleigh and why and who she is hiding from. Unfortunately, the person she is hiding from has found her and is slowly taking it out on the various Refuge owners😢
This one made me feel a little like Tiny did I imagine…in that fighting someone you can’t see, makes you feel a bit helpless. He had to rely on Ryleigh to do what she does best…fight someone using her computer❣️A great ending and I will definitely miss these characters after getting to know them so well in this series🤗
January 16, 2025
Finale
Ryleigh & Tiny's story is the perfect finale to this series. She's helped every couple since she arrived, and we've gotten to know her in bits & pieces. Learning her whole story, seeing her strength and confidence grow as she finds love & trust & friendship, made for a highly enjoyable read!
I love the way Tiny's attitude changes as he lets himself really SEE Ry. He gets to know her heart & allows her into his. ❤️
These two also do a lot of... exploring. 😄 🔥🌶🌶🌶🔥🌶🔥🌶
We get all of the good Stoker suspense & celebration & cameos, making for a fun story that I loved all around! And the epilogue, a glimpse into The Refuge's future ... 🥳🥰
😍😍😍
Ryleigh & Tiny's story is the perfect finale to this series. She's helped every couple since she arrived, and we've gotten to know her in bits & pieces. Learning her whole story, seeing her strength and confidence grow as she finds love & trust & friendship, made for a highly enjoyable read!
I love the way Tiny's attitude changes as he lets himself really SEE Ry. He gets to know her heart & allows her into his. ❤️
These two also do a lot of... exploring. 😄 🔥🌶🌶🌶🔥🌶🔥🌶
We get all of the good Stoker suspense & celebration & cameos, making for a fun story that I loved all around! And the epilogue, a glimpse into The Refuge's future ... 🥳🥰
😍😍😍
January 20, 2025
Last in this wonderfully written and interesting series. This being Tiny and Ryliegh time to develop, although we have encountered them throughout. Tiny is very wary of Ry and doesn’t trust her at all, until he begins to learn and realise she can be trusted. Ry has a monster of a father and made her childhood hell, although he daughter some wicked skills. The two eventually fall in love and a dramatic story unfolds. Good over evil, love and trust and drama. Great that we follow through on the rest of the refuge characters and their second generation of children. A fabulous HEA to a wonderful series.
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