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A perilous homecoming…

It’s been years since Katelyn Bowden last set foot in Evers, Texas. Sent away at age four by her father, the town sheriff, after her mother was murdered, Katelyn thrived under the loving care of her aunt in Austin. Now that Alan Bowden is suffering from dementia and dying, it’s time for his daughter to finally come home. But that means having to face the new sheriff, John Davies, the handsome ex-New York cop whom her father has always loved as a son, a fact that Katelyn has long resented.

When John Davies realizes his mentor’s daughter may be hiding the key to a decades-old mystery, he fears that her repressed memories of her mother’s death could make her the target of a killer who’s still at large. He’s also finding it more and more difficult to resist his powerful attraction to the beautiful, talented artist. Then, as shocking revelations about local murders, past and present, slowly come to light, the threats against Katelyn’s life become all-too real—and only John Davies can protect the lady his heart commands him passionately to love from the peril that surrounds them both.

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2014

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556 people want to read

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Lori Ryan

75 books626 followers

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5 stars
1,019 (51%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
January 26, 2016
After being banished by her father shortly after her mothers death Katelyn returns to Evers, TX to care for her ailing father. To make matters worse, she must deal with John Davies, the man she resents for taking her father's affections. Too bad she is wildly attracted to the town sheriff and must come to terms with the hurts suffered over the years. This is a very emotional story as Katelyn deals with the loss of her father as well as uncovering the events that lead to her mother's death. During all this John stands by her, providing much needed support. But can she let go of the past and accept John. A wonderfully written story that is a great addition to the Heroes of Evers series. Highly recommend this one to everyone.
Profile Image for Zita.
874 reviews
January 25, 2016
Romance blooms as a decades old mystery comes back to life…

This is the second book in the Heroes of Evers, Texas series that can be read as a stand-alone.

At the age of four Katelyn Bowden’s mother was murdered, the case is still unsolved. Her father, the then town sheriff of Evers, Texas sent her away to be raised by her aunt in Austin. Though her father kept in contact and visited she was made to feel that he didn’t want her to ever come home. She grew to resent the man who took her father’s job when he retired for the man spent more time than she did with her father. Informed her father is dying, with no ties to stay in Austin and with reasons to leave she’s finally returned home planning to stay. Dealing with the new sheriff is harder than expected for he’s gorgeous and sexy and supportive even when she doesn’t want him to be. Her return to town is the catalyst for a chain of events.

Former New York City detective John Davies, the new sheriff, owes much to the man who has been his mentor and friend and who is now dying. When his daughter returns to town he’s supportive though sensing her dislike of him. He’s heard her father praise her often and is more than attracted to her. When his mentor, upset that his daughter is home, lets slip she was sent away for her own protection John realizes she has knowledge of the night her mother died, her repressed memories could help him solve the case that has tormented his friend, a final gift before he dies. But there’s someone else who remembers what happened that night and is watching.

Watching a parent die is not easy but it’s something Katelyn needs to do. Spending time with John also shows her that resentment is unwarranted. There’s a story to the man that she hadn’t known, why her father believed in him. As nasty things start to happen to Katelyn John is torn with becoming involved with her and keeping his focus to keep her safe. Is his history repeating itself? Are the memories of a four year old to be trusted? Katelyn and John are likable interesting characters with flaws who find a connection that’s healing and supportive.

This book has a suspenseful storyline underlying the romance to keep the reader guessing. Twenty+ years have passed and there’s been no justice for a murdered woman who left behind a husband and a child. Things in life tend to come full circle and the pieces are in place for answers to be found. Someone is worried and they’ll do anything to protect their secret but the town sheriff will do anything to protect the woman he’s come to care for. Will he figure out the mystery in time?

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
2,419 reviews43 followers
August 19, 2014
The second book in the Evers, Texas series is great. I liked the extended interaction with more characters in Ever Hopeful, but the great people from the first book are still around and contributing to the warmth that is Evers. I loved John in the first book and love him even more in this one as we get to see where his pain comes from and watch his strength and heart win over Katelyn. Katelyn's dad has kept her away from Evers for over 20 years since her mother was murdered. Katelyn doesn't understand and is hurt by her dad decision and is jealous of his relationship with John. Once Katelyn's learns that her dad doesn't have long to live she determines to move to Evers, and we see her love of the town and its people, especially John, grow.

John believes that her dad kept "Kate" away because she witnessed the murder whether she remembers it or not. Apparently he isn't the only one who believes that since someone seems determined to drive her away and bodies start showing up.

I look forward to the release of the next Evers, Texas book. I think it will be Shane's turn, but it could be Justin's. Only time and Lori Ryan can tell.
Profile Image for Opinionated and Brutally Honest Reviews.
361 reviews8 followers
September 26, 2016
How can they be so blind? Seriously, I don't know if it is possible. Katelyn and John (I have such a hard time remembering the names) kind of bugged me. Their relationship was off a bit like things progressed way to fast. It is annoying how these women turn into goo with just a look or a touch. Still a good read but I don't think I'll re read anytime soon.
Also her back story about the boyfriend and her friends seemed pointless.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
Want to read
July 27, 2023
🎁 Part of Heroes of Evers, Texas, Books 1 - 4 which is FREE on Amazon today (11/27/2022)! 🎁
Profile Image for Angel Graham.
Author 1 book33 followers
March 18, 2024
This book felt like dejavue. It was okay, for the most part.


It's obvious from the beginning who the killer was, that Katelyn's father knew, or suspected. She lost her mother, her childhood, her family because everyone was protecting the rich asshole criminal.

Shrugs. You may enjoy it more than I did.
Profile Image for Sue .
735 reviews34 followers
June 2, 2014
In Everlasting (Evers, Texas #2) by Lori Ryan, Katelyn is back in Evers, Texas. With her father Alan ill and her personal life in Austin in humiliating tatters, this time Katelyn is staying in Evers. The place she hasn't lived in since her mother was killed and her father sent her to live with her aunt when Katelyn was 4 years old. "Katelyn had learned at an early age: she wasn't ever going to be allowed to come home." She didn't understand why, she just knows her father doesn't want her there in his world. Now, despite the hurt of knowing he doesn't want her there, Katelyn is not going anywhere.

John is the Sheriff of Evers. He is also like a son to Alan after Alan saved John. He "brought him back to life". Katelyn has always resented this about John, and that grudge and resentment has never allowed her to warm up to John. Even if she does take notice of everything about him. John is a big part of Alan's life though and he's not going to be pushed away by Katelyn. As they spend more time together, Katelyn's walls slowly start to crumble. There is an attraction on both sides, even if they are slow to admit it.

As things start to heat up between Alan and Katelyn, there is another type of heat swirling. Katelyn is unknowingly stirring up the dust from the past, a past she doesn't even remember. A past no one really has answers to. And someone is getting nervous. As the threats towards Katelyn become more serious and dangerous, so does the passion between Katelyn and Alan. Can they finally put the past to rest, or is it too late for them to have a future together?

Lori gives us some great characters, a lot of emotion, and a well blended mix of suspense, love, and loss in Everlasting. Her descriptive of the town of Evers was realistic and I felt like I could be walking through the center of town with Katelyn. Katelyn starts off giving off a bit of a lost feeling, with a chip on her shoulder. As Lori delves deeper into her character, it is easy to understand and relate to Katelyn's feelings. Katelyn's character goes through great growth, and the maturity and character development are a great part of Everlasting. I loved how Lori brought John and Katelyn together. The sparks were definitely there, but the relationship required some work on both their sides. I also liked the way Lori took the time in Everlasting to explore the relationship between Katelyn and her father. After all this time, and as ill as Alan is, this was one relationship that was very heartwarming to see grow.

The mystery in Everlasting will keep you intrigued, and Lori writes the suspense with great flow, and it's easy to get swept up in Katelyn and John's world.

Everylasting is a small town romantic suspense. In Evers, everyone thinks they know everyone elses's business, but there are unexpected secrets and dangers lurking. The small town feel was perfect, and made the mystery all the more consuming!

Everylasting is book #2 in the Evers, Texas series by Lori Ryan, but it can certainly be read as a stand alone. I'd recommend this to romance readers who particularly enjoy small town romantic suspense.







Author 18 books167 followers
May 26, 2014
I thought this was a perfect mix of romance and mystery/thriller!

Lori Ryan's Everlasting was an easy and captivating read! I read this book in one sitting; it is that well-written and captivating. I felt like I was in the world with Katelyn and John. She is a great main character (easy to relate to and one that can elicit emotions from the reader), and he is made of all of the qualities one wants in a book boyfriend - hot and sexy, sweet, thoughtful, and heroic.

My favorite genre is mystery/thriller, and it is really hard for me to be surprised by the ending. This one was completely unexpected!

Overall, I recommend the Evers series, and Everlasting in particular, if you want a mysterious plot with a romantic pairing that is sweet, believable, and will evoke emotions from you at every twist and turn.
Profile Image for Jane.
Author 6 books89 followers
November 22, 2015
John Davies and Katelyn Maxwell join together when her father is dying and she returns to Evers, Texas and decides to stay. When she was four her mother was murdered and her father sent her to live with her Aunt in Austin, Texas to keep her safe. When she returns, she becomes a threat to the men that murdered her mother.

She is run off the road while out jogging, attacked from behind when she left her new studio, which was under construction and became target practice while out in the country for a picnic. John is the Sheriff and works to protect her and thinks the case is solved with the death of one of the murders but the suspense builds to another attack.

In the end John and Katelyn find their personal Everlasting the hero and his strong lady deserve living in Evers, Texas.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,231 reviews44 followers
August 17, 2016
Katelyn and John murder, family and a town rocked to its core Evers, Texas may never be the same again.
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
February 15, 2018
You have a mystery that goes back 20 some years all around a little girl who was sent away by her father in hopes to protect her. A father giving up years missed to keep his little girl safe for reason that surprised most. This was a very emotional touching read so many people lost so much that can’t be given back. One little girl not understanding why her father didn’t want her, wasn’t she good enough or maybe he just wanted a son. All she knows is the day her mother was killed she lost everything her family, her home and the love she thought she had. So many years she can’t get back nor could she forgive. The jealousy she holds for one man who took her place in her father’s heart. Things are never as we see them sometimes a much deeper look must be taken as Katelyn will come to find as she comes home to make her father’s last day the best she can.

Katelyn is a wonderful character with so much pain and misunderstanding. So much she doesn’t understand. Someone is out to get her but who and why, why did her father send her away all those years. Why doesn’t he love her, can she make things right before he dies? So many questions with so few answers that no one is willing to give up. You could feel her pain as the author takes you though her life and brings her home to a father who is dying. She is confused why would someone be out to hurt her when she has never been around town.

John is running from a past he has tried to put behind him, only one man believed in him all those years ago. Katelyn’s father was like his own father he grown to love and respect him. There is so much he doesn’t understand, he will find the answers to help his friend, mentor and father as he tries to bring them close again before her father dies. Maybe some answers can be given to put some peace into an old man’s last breath. I thought he was a wonderful outstanding character he had such compassion and is so giving. With things turning from bad to worse he is falling for Kate and must keep her safe.

The author gives you a wonderful small town with great characters who are so loving and giving. The story is full of mystery, suspense, love, pain and sorrow. This was a very touching read as the author gives you a story that will touch your heart. I did listen to this on audio and found the narrator to be very good as I lost myself in her smooth easy flowing voice. The plot was outstanding as the author takes you on a fast pace read of who, what and why. Two people brought together who need to heal from a past that holds them. Can they get over their past, and help each other work out the mystery of a town going crazy. You might be surprise at the outcome, you will change your mind on the killer as the author gives you a few twist to keep you guessing. I totally loved this story from a very talented author.
2,365 reviews12 followers
May 23, 2021
5 stars
I purchased a copy of the romantic suspense novel Promise and Protect: A Small Town, High Stakes Romance (Heroes of Evers, TX Book 2) John and Katelyn by Lori Ryan and this review was given freely.
This is a bittersweet and predominantly dark slow burn romance with a touch of steam which contains some vivid descriptions and a twenty four year old unsolved murder with violence that reaches into the present day. The dark and sad themes of dementia, dying from end stage alcoholic cirrhosis, spousal cheating, life as an undercover cop, and of a murder conspiracy are brightened by moments with Katelyn’s new Evers’ friends and the unfiltered personality of librarian Ashley.
With her only living relative dying and disillusioned by her latest relationship and life in Austin, twenty eight year old sculptor Katelyn Bowden returns to the small town of Evers, where she never felt welcomed, only to have her life complicated by her jealousy of and attraction to her father’s protégé Sheriff John Davies as well as becoming the killers next target.
18+ for violence
10 reviews
February 15, 2018
Promise and Protect is book two in the Hero's of Evers, Texas. Katelyn Bowden is back in Evers because her father, who sent her away when she was four, is dying. Katelyn never knew why her dad sent her to live with her aunt and is pretty sure she never will. The local Sheriff John Davies is Katelyn's dad's confident much to the dismay of Katelyn. She has vowed to dislike John forever, thinking her father replaced him for her. While John and Katelyn's dad have been trying to catch whoever killed Katelyn's mom when Katelyn was just a little girl, he apparently had left out a few choice bits of information. While a series of seemingly innocent accidents don't particularly interest Katelyn, John seems to feel differently. I love Lori's stories. She brings the action to life. This rewrite of "Everlasting" is so much better, even knowing what was going to happen I found myself holding my breath and shaking! Can't wait for "To Serve and Protect"
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2020
Katelyn Bowden is back in Evers Texas to see to her ailing father, the former sheriff. He shipped her off to live with her aunt in Austin when she was just 4 years old. Her mother was murdered just before she was sent away and the murderer is still out there, waiting.

John Davies is the new sheriff now and he owes Katelyn's father for saving him when he was lost. He will do everything he can to help Katelyn solve her mother's murder but will it be before her father passes?

John and Katelyn both have pasts that have made them the people they are today. I liked Katelyn and found her to be snarky, mostly towards John, but kind, generous, and loving. John is patient with her and wonderful with her father. He has a past and so does she but it makes their love that much sweeter. This was a page-turner and I love the characters of this small quirky Texas town.
900 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2021
A great story

This is a very suspenseful romance. It has a lot of twist and turns you won’t see coming. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and reading long into the night.

Katelyn was back in Evers because her father was dying. The first person she ran into was John. Katelyn had always resented John for being there for her dad, when he had sent her away. Being back in town has stirred up some memories she still can’t decipher. She was told all her life that she wasn’t there, but she swears she can hear her mom scream.

John is the local sheriff. Katelyn was his mentor’s only daughter and a woman who had made it clear she didn’t like him. But he would be there for her through this hard time. John wanted to solve Katelyn’s moms murder before her dad past away. But what he finds will ruin their little town.
193 reviews
March 22, 2025
Katelyn was brought up by her Aunt after her mother was murdered. She had no clue why her father sent her to her Aunt. The memory of her mother's death is way, way in the back of her mind. Her father for twenty years tried to figure out who killed his wife. Katelyn comes back to Evers to tend to her father. Her father drank too much and did not take care of himself after his wife died. John, the sheriff of the town and surrounding area. is there to help her. John came to Evers from New York City after being an undercover cop and losing someone dear to him. Katelyn's father took John under his wing and mentored him. John and Katelyn start to have feelings for each other, but before they can admit it, they need to know who is trying to kill Katelyn and why. The story was good and I recommend reading it.
206 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2020
An unsolved long ago murder, a dying man with secrets, a murderer watching, a blossoming romance, all go to make this an enjoyable suspenseful read.
Katelyn doesn't know why her father kept her from returning home, but now he's dying she's hoping to find the reason.
Katelyn resents John Davies who took over the Sheriff's job when her father retired. Her father was a mentor to John and she resents that John got spend time with her father whilst she was sent away.
Regardless of her obvious dislike of him, John supports Katelyn and helps her come to terms with her father illness and imminent death.
Katelyn's return has the murderer worried and he tries to scare her away with several 'accidents '.
John has to protect Katelyn whilst trying to solve a old case that has remained unsolved for years.
John and Katelyn are great characters as are Ashley and Cora. The plot is good, and although I guessed the murderer early on, they were a few red herrings thrown in there to make me wonder if I was correct or not.
A very enjoyable book and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
September 2, 2021
Sheriff John Davies didn’t know he was stepping on a familial landmine when he told his predecessor’s daughter, artist Katelyn Bowden her dad, Alan, was terminally ill. Actually, Alan had foisted Kate onto her aunt in Austin and never seemed to want her home but it made her resent John since Alan doted on John and seemed to prefer John’s company to hers. But they do clear the air between them.

Alan’s semi-lucid ramblings suggest Kate had been sent away for her protection and that she may have seen her mother’s murderer who’d never been caught. Though the case is twenty-four years old, Kate’s return to Evers stirs a hornet’s nest. Kate’s nearly run off the road and assaulted, John investigates putting them both in danger then he opens the original case.
Rating: 4.5stars
428 reviews1 follower
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August 27, 2023
Reviews

Katelyn Bowden was exiled by her father which was the sheriff when she was just a child after her mother was killed . The murderer was never found and now she is back in Everlasting when John Davies that is the now sheriff calls and tells her that her father is dieing. John was ext cop in New York that moved there years ago. Kaitlyn hated him because her father was so close to John and wasn't close to her. She was jealous. Even though sparks were flying between them. She had a life as a great artist and John help her realizes that her father was proud of her. She started having some accidents and John investigating it wondering if she as a child had seem her mother murder and nobody knew it
Profile Image for Chanel.
1,833 reviews
February 14, 2020
This is a well balanced romantic suspense book. Katelyn returns to her hometown after her father takes ill. Someone doesn’t want Katelyn in town. Sheriff John Davis thinks the reason why must resolve around her mother’s unsolved murder from years ago. John is determined to protect her and keep her safe.
Even though John and Katelyn start out on rocky ground, these two have mutual respect and trust for each other. What starts out as protection, leads to a sexual chemistry between them that is hard to ignore. John is such a stand-up guy, Katelyn would be a fool not to fall for him. And Katelyn is no fool.
Profile Image for Kellie.
294 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2019
Katelyn has come home to be with her dying father,the father that sent her away years ago with no explanation. What her father doesn’t know is she plans on staying in Evers. John is the Sheriff who took over when her father retire and the one person in town she resents the most. She resents him because he is the one who got to spend all those years with her dad. Now that she is back and there to stay someone doesn’t want her there. Can she learn to trust John and get over her resentment. This is the second book in the series and worth reading.
1,449 reviews12 followers
November 28, 2019
This book became a must-read after I read Book 1. The characters are interesting, the story-line of this series holds interest and you want to keep reading until the mystery is solved and you see The End. The books are stand-alone but I love the series. Katelyn returns to Evers to care for her father; old memories surface from the death of her mother; and, new friends are made. More than anything, Sheriff John Davies is a man everyone wants to know and that includes me. As there are sensual scenes, I recommend this book for adults.
738 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2020
I knew before they did- Ha!

You knew right from the beginning that Katelyn and John had a thing for each other, despite Katelyn's rude comments because of her jealousy. John always treated her with respect, protection, and caring no matter what. I'd like to think that her father did approve of the two of them, too. I love that Lori Ryan has her female characters giving their guys loyalty and trust in bad-looking circumstances. I kind of guessed at the bad guy from the start but the suspense was great all the way through. Good author, good writing- will definitely read more.
1,859 reviews9 followers
December 23, 2021
Eye's for One Women!

Promise to Protect: Jogn always cared about one women, he knew that she was going to he a challenge to prove to her that he cared so much for her but she didn't want to have anything to do with him because she felt he wrong to her father evwn though her father aent her away when her mother was murder and all John wanted to was solve the cold case because he knew something wasn't right. He wanted to solve it before her dad died and so Katelyn could find peace. Fantastic writing and story. I loved this small town.
755 reviews1 follower
September 18, 2022
Loved this book!

Even though I figured out the bad guys pretty early in the book and a few details didn’t work for me, this was a really good story.

Katelyn grew up with her aunt after her mother was murdered and her father did not want her at risk with him. It’s a long road to finding out all the answers. But John was the Sheriff that Katelyn’s dad loved and he and Katelyn had some major chemistry. Together they travel a tough road to get answers and of course, fall in love.

Looking forward the next story!
9 reviews
March 23, 2024
Promise and Protect


I liked the plot. You have a twenty four old murder mystery. You have a child that saw it but locked it in her mind. Even though her father was the sheriff and he should have at least talked to her about it just sent her to live with his sister in the big city. Now she comes back home because dad is dying and things start happing to her. And the new sheriff who she resented at first because he was close to her dad, starts helping you out and reopens your mom's murdercase. So you have all that that gets fixed and the love story too.
Profile Image for Andrea Akers.
1,030 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2018
Heroes of Evers 2

Katelyn's father is terminally ill but the 24 year old unsolved murder of her mother bring Katelyn bank to Evers. When she arrives, she meets her father's protege John Davies. Together they both try to solve her mother's death before time runs out. Will these two be able to solve the murder the murder in time? Will they fall in love as well? This is a great story that I enjoyed very much.
Profile Image for Vickey Mcgee.
748 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2020
Wow, Just Wow

Extremely well written story. The characters are amazing. Very little sexual content but a lot of action. You've got drama, romance, murder, action. It's all here. I love this series. I'm a slow reader and I can't read too much anymore without taking a break. I'm going blind but I love to read. I don't waste my time with full or boring books. This is not like that. To the reader, you're in for an amazing ride.
723 reviews5 followers
July 24, 2020
EXCELLENT STORY!😊

I really enjoyed this story! John and Katylyn were a great couple. The mystery and suspense was good... It kept me turning those pages quickly to see what was going to happen next. There were a lot of twists and turns that made it a very interesting story. I liked that there was a low amount of angst.... It was a sweet and sexy romance with a really good storyline and I highly recommend this excellent story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

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