Ensuing Chances

by H.J. Cartwright

A gripping romantic suspense laced with sizzling tension, tender vulnerability, and a maze of secrets that unravel with every heartbeat.

Malachi
The First Advocate, leader of the new tomorrow. That’s who I am, or at least, that’s what the Cult of Creatio believes. A cult that’s haunted me since childhood. They kidnapped one sister, tormented the other, and faked my brother’s death before holding him captive for eight years. They made me lose the love of my life, Rose.

She’s back now, crashing into my life and wanting a second chance. How can I forgive the girl who left me when I stayed behind to protect my family? I sacrificed my freedom, my future... for them.

I couldn’t let Rose distract me, not now when I finally have a plan to take down the cult. But with each smile, each soft touch, I’m reminded of the hope I thought I lost. Hope for freedom, for love, for a life of my own I’ve been fighting for.

Rose
I fell in love with Malachi James when I was fifteen, but he kept secrets I didn’t understand. We had a plan to leave, to escape the life that trapped us. But Malachi sabotaged it, staying behind while I ran. I moved on, but he... he became trapped in the very world he hated.

I didn’t understand why he had to stay then. Now I do. He had no choice.

I abandoned the love of my life to fight a force I didn’t even know existed. He has every right to hate me, to never want to see me again. But now that I understand the darkness he’s been fighting, I couldn't walk away again.

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

About the author

Did you know anyone can write a book? Well, they can because H.J. Cartwright did. Born and raised in small town Utah, H.J. Cartwright has been a reader her entire life and fell in love with the world of writing. She loves all things romance, 80's themed, music, and suspense. Writing a book was never something she imagined, but something she had always dreamt of.

Reviews

[cheyanne jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 4th and Final book in The Advocates series and I am truly blown away. This series has had me absolutely hooked since the very beginning, never failing to keep me fully invested and this book definitely did NOT disappoint. I think it is apt that the series ends with the sibling who started it all, the first Advocate. Malachi's story was truly so heart wrenching. We won't even talk about how many times I cried. I love how this pulled everything together, explained everything, and made sense of everything that has happened since the beginning. Easily one of my favorite series of all time and this book was a superb finale.

[Melina Yahnahghee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with the James’ siblings from the very first book.

Ensuing Chances did leave me a little “dulled” at some points, but not often. My personal opinion is that Kai doubted himself wayyyyy more than I feel should be humanly possible. His inability to accept that he can be loved broke my heart for him. While he was very … self deprecating, in a sense, it added to his character development.

Rose, while always in love with Kai, should have tried to enjoy herself, to the best of her ability, after year 10. BUT first, last, only. She ended up bringing a balance to Kai that I can appreciate. Without her own struggles, they wouldn’t be where they are.

Creatio, more like psycho. The extent that this cult went to in order to bring about the beginning of the end was outrageous. The anticipation of them showing up kept me on my toes.

Overall, the book itself was great. I enjoyed reading it and do want to add the complete series to my shelves.

AND Rome … can there be love there brewing between a character we see a lot in Nate’s story that had her own struggles?

[Sami Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing finale of the series before the official release date! I loved the series it was a perfect ending to the siblings stories! The fact that everything roped in together and the twists it entailed with the cult I was not expecting. The depth of Kai and Rose’s story after the cliffhanger from book three I enjoyed. Reading along to see the changes and clear understandings and misunderstandings between Kai and Rose were very interesting. To see that it took Rome Kai’s best friend who he didn’t realize himself that was awesome. I cannot wait to read Rome’s story now !!!!

[Alisha (Bemybookhangover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, from the moment we met Rosaline, I knew it was Kai's "Rose" so I was pumped that I got that right. This was a satisfying ending to this crazy story. There were some unexpected twists and I appreciated the growth that Kai went through.
Kai and Rose getting a second chance was lovely.

[Tiffani Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like a quiet ache you’ve carried for years — the kind you don’t talk about, but never really let go of.

Ensuing Chances is a second-chance romance done with patience, restraint, and so much emotional intention. It doesn’t rush forgiveness or rewrite the past to make it easier to swallow. Instead, it sits with the weight of what was lost, what went wrong, and what still lingers when two people were once each other’s whole world.

The high school sweethearts element adds a layer of nostalgia that runs through every page. This isn’t just about falling back in love — it’s about confronting who you were, who you became, and whether the people you are now can still fit together. The history between them is palpable, heavy in the best way, and it makes every interaction feel loaded with meaning.

The grumpy MMC is a standout. He’s closed-off, guarded, and very clearly shaped by heartbreak. His silence speaks louder than words, and watching him navigate forced proximity with the person who knows him better than anyone else is quietly devastating. This is the kind of slow burn where longing lives in glances, pauses, and the things left unsaid.

Forced proximity does exactly what it should here — it removes the ability to hide. There’s no escape from shared memories or unresolved feelings. Every moment together peels back another layer, revealing how much love still exists beneath the hurt.

What makes this story work so beautifully is how realistic the healing feels. Love doesn’t magically fix everything. Trust has to be rebuilt. Pain has to be acknowledged. And choosing each other again feels like exactly that — a choice, made with open eyes and vulnerable hearts.

Ensuing Chances is about timing, growth, and the bravery it takes to try again when you already know how badly it can hurt. It’s tender, emotionally rich, and deeply satisfying in a way that lingers long after the final page.

I finished this book feeling reflective, emotional, and full — reminded that sometimes love doesn’t disappear, it just waits for the right moment to be chosen again.

[Lisa Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

🤐Secret Society/Cult
❤️‍🔥Second Chance
🫨Mystery/Suspense
🪖Ex-Army MMC
❤️‍🩹Tr@matic Past
💪🏻Protective MMC
💞Found Family

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

Kai has been a strong presence in many of the previous books but in a brooding way that hinted at something much deeper. And we got all the amazing Kai layers Unearthed with this final installment. Dare I say the best was saved for last? Because the oldest brother and how much he's secretly sacrificed over the decades to protect his family is beyond heroic. He's so selfless that he never thinks he needs protecting. And I'm so glad that his family and found family come together for him finally here!

A good portion of the first half is done with well paced flash backs of Rose and he's bonding and first love. They come together so sweetly...him being such a warm presence but also a bit shy just like her, so they hit it off immediately. I liked that we got to see more of Kai's family dynamic at that stage too (the parental abus3 and how he fought so hard to keep it to a minimum).

The present throws us back into the tangled web like mystery of the cult Creatio. There's a ticking time bomb of them coming after Kai but we don't know when and what they will do to him. The mending of Kai and Rose's relationship was very believable. Decisions in life separated them but their feelings are so strong that we want them to mend their wounds. Kai desperately needs a lifeline before his last fragile heart string snaps forever.

And in the end we get a rousing finale, hard earned healing, and a cast of characters that I've truly fallen in love with and hate to leave! A highly reccomended series with solid suspense, drama, and well developed romance (tasteful and purposeful spice, not dirty talk for pages!)

Also, I'm so happy we get to see more of Rome! What an honorable and sweet man! Can't wait to see his story!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜 Army Special OPS x Nurse⠀
🔥 Forced Proximity⠀
💔 Second Chance
🕵️‍♀️ Suspense
🤫 Secrets
🪪 Hidden Identities
🕯️ Cult
💞 HEA
🔁 Dual POV
🌶️🌶️🌶️

𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 is the final book in 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 series, and let me tell you—what an 𝙖𝙗𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 conclusion. I’ve been hooked on every single book in this series, but this one? This one 𝙬𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚 in the best, most soul-crushing way.

Malachi’s story hit different. His pain, his desperation, the way he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders—it made my heart 𝙥𝙝𝙮𝙨𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚. And that’s saying something considering how emotional the other books were. He’s one of those characters who burrows deep into your chest and refuses to leave. Even when he’s keeping secrets, he’s 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 doing what he believes is best to protect his siblings, sacrificing any chance at his own happiness along the way. Selfless doesn’t even begin to cover it.

And Rose? Sweet, precious Rose. She’s joy and light wrapped in compassion, and she was 𝙨𝙤 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 for Kai. Their connection is beautiful and raw and real—but even she didn’t have the full picture of what he was enduring. Her choices? Gutting. Necessary. But gutting. The emotional pain in this book is 𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡 y’all.

HJ Cartwright wove this final installment so brilliantly. The way everything tied together—from the terrifying reach of Cult Creatio to the unshakable bond of the James siblings and their partners—was nothing short of masterful. Seeing them all come together, united and strong, was so satisfying. And the HEA? I was grabbing tissues left and right, crying tears of 𝙟𝙤𝙮 after so many tears of 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙬.

This series is phenomenal from start to finish. Powerful, emotional, beautifully written—and Ensuing Chances is the crown jewel of it all. An absolute must-read.

Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 💜

[Ariana Sayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:
•
Ensuing Chances by H.J. Cartwright
•
Thank you to @hjcartwrightauthor for sending me this ARC read! Although I’m bummed that I didn’t get to read the first three books before reading this one, I quickly got over it. To share, some tropes that I loved in this book were forced proximity, second chance, found family, healing. This book is not like anything I’ve read before, but it intrigued me. You get hooked with the characters, learning in more depth of their past and rooting for their future. I can’t wait to go back and read the books prior to this one.
•
Review rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•
Ensuing Chances is a romantic suspense focused on Malachi James and Rosaline Cruz as they fight to finally bring an end to the Cult of Creatio, the cult that had been harassing Malachi’s life since he was only a child.

As a note, this is a sequel to Diluted Truths, Following Fortunes and Fates Demise, and the fourth book of a four part series.

The Advocates is a four part series focusing on each of the James’ siblings. The first of the series, Diluted Truths, follows Jackie James, the youngest of the group, as she uncovers the Cult of Creatio. Following Fortunes, the second book, follows Theo James as she marries her sisters best friend in order to protect her daughter Violet as they are targeted by the Cult. Fates Demise, the third installment, explores Nate’s reintroduction to society after being held in captivity for nearly eight years and presumed dead by the world. Ensuing Chances, the final installment of the series, brings light to the truth of the cult and follow’s Malachi’s journey to finally bring its influence to an end.

[Ann Onimaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4: Kai & Rose
The final book provides a satisfying resolution, focusing on a second-chance romance between Kai and Rose. The narrative dives deeper into their history and the cult’s origin, finally delivering the answers that had been teased throughout the series. The emotional payoff is stronger here, bolstered by action scenes and clearer stakes.
The romance is charged with longing, guilt, and growth, and the grumpy/sunshine trope plays out well. Despite previous pacing issues, this book slows down just enough to give weight to both character and plot, wrapping up the series on a solid note.
Final Thoughts:
The Advocates Series works best as a whole rather than individual standalone mystery romances. While the cult mystery at times feels like a narrative device to support romantic arcs, the emotional undercurrents such as grief, healing, familial wounds, and redemption, are consistent and powerful throughout.
Though pacing stumbles and repetitive tropes dilute some of the suspense, Cartwright’s strength lies in her emotionally charged characters and their relationships. The series begins with promise, loses its footing slightly in the middle, but finishes with enough resolution and heart to leave a lasting impression.
It’s not a flawless series, but it’s an emotionally rich one, with characters that linger long after the final page. I’m glad I followed the James siblings through their trials, their loves, and their legacies. I appreciate Cartwright for the opportunity to read and review prior to release :)

[Gendyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion of The Advocates series is nothing short of outstanding. Very well executed, worded, plotted and timed. After all the mystery and build up from the first three books, the final book didn’t let the readers down and lived up to the expectations of a grand finale!
I am not usually fond of authors writing chapters and chapters about the past. I think the past events should be in the prologue, clipped and precise. However, the author made me feel otherwise. It’s a much needed tale of what had been and shaped the entirety of Malachi’s and Rosaline’s present.
This book will take you back fifteen years ago, fourteen years ago, thirteen years ago, so on and so forth. Each past years are a mixture of heart warming and gut wrenching look back of the MC’s beautiful and ugly moments that molded their entire being. It’s a trip down memory lane that I didn’t mind, necessary and glued everything together.
Kai and Rose’s story made me clutch my chest multiple times. They are perfect for each other. Their love for each other is beyond compare and you’ll want nothing but for them to find each other again. The MCs turned me all mushy and emotional while reading this book.
Ensuing Chances is a 5 star read that will have you looking forward to turn its pages to find out how everything will unfold and how the hero and heroine will get their happily ever after!! What a thrilling and emotional ride this book will give you. It will make you hug the book after reading it because it will touch your heart and soul completely!

[Brandy Huckaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 and the final book of The Advocates Series by H.J. Cartwright. I have been absolutely HOOKED by this series from the very beginning.

The writing is phenomenal and it’s the perfect mix of spicy romance, suspense & mystery, heartbreaking drama, healing love, found family friendships….all of it. And this final installment is no exception. There is so much depth brought to Malachi’s character that you don’t get in the other books. I honestly didn’t care for the guy one way or the other previously…but when I tell you that you will fall in love HARD with this man. Trust me! Boy….he is just such a sweetheart and has been through so much in his life, puts so much on his shoulders, is the most selfless person, and is fine as fuck. Lol. His love story with Rose is incredible & will have you feeling EVERY SINGLE feeling. Even when in “editing mode” she got me emotional and crying, holding my breath, grabbing my seat, jaw dropping…All of it. There’s yummy spice, although it’s definitely a slow burn. And there’s some wonderful twists too. And then beautiful resolutions for all of the James siblings and their partners.

This is a story about redemption, freedom, choosing yourself, saving oneself, romance, true love, friendship, sacrifice, vulnerability, healing, and so much more.

This book is the most PERFECT ending to the series. Seriously. And if you haven’t read the rest of the series yet…what are you still doing here? Go, RUN! Now! Hahaha.

[Longstoryshort.96 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect way to end The Advocate series.

I absolutley love Rose. She is a mix of sweet and sassy. I love how she loved the people around her. She didn't have many people but the ones she did had she loved hard and was loyal to them. I just love her outlook on life and how she just wants to help people in her life and in her career.

Malachi. Man I was looking forward to his story the entire series. I loved this man. He is the definition of selfless. He put everyone else before his own needs and his own safety to keep his brother and sisters safe and their significant others as well. He would do anything for anyone and he really showed that. I loved watching him grow and find himself and figure himself out in this book to be who he wanted to be.

Malachi & Rose. These two were perfect for one another. The way they always loved each other even when they were apart. They made each other better and supported one another. I love how her family love and embraced Malachi. These two together were just perfect and sweet and I loved them together.

This whole series has been so fun and interesting. I've loved each book and all these characters. H.J.'s mind with coming with the idea for this series blows my mind because it was so unique! I'm sad it's over but I can't wait for Rome's book!

I highly highly recommend this series especially for the spooky season!

[Jasmine Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can you imagine fighting your whole life to keep the ones you love safe but it doesn’t seem to be enough? Keeping secrets to shield your siblings but they ended up getting hurt anyway? Having the love of your life walk away because you had been through so much that you couldn’t trust her enough to tell her the whole truth about why you couldn’t leave your home town? That’s where the MMC finds himself. This book is the result of all those choices and pretty much the final stand against the very people who have been putting him and his siblings through the wringer their entire lives. This is an excellently crafted book that does an amazing job of telling you all of the backstory necessary to fully grasp how Rose and Malachi got to this point and what he has sacrificed to keep those he loves safe. Personally I didn’t like Rose. She really wasn’t trying to take accountability for her actions that lead them to where their relationship ended up and I didn’t like it.

Thank you so much to H.J Cartwright for the copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own💜💜

[Gracie Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ensuing Chances, book 4 in the Advocate’s series, is a truly enjoyable second chance romance that showcases just how much Kai and Rose have grown. I loved seeing their journey, especially with the story taking us back to their first meeting and the struggles that shaped them. The connection between them felt so genuine, and their growth throughout the book was satisfying and believable.
What made this read even better was reconnecting with familiar side characters from previous books. Their storylines added warmth and a feeling of community, making the world feel alive and familiar. While the book is angsty, it’s heartfelt, smooth, and flows easily, making it a pleasure to breeze through. I loved how naturally the plot unfolded and how the obstacles were tackled together. If you love romance with growth, heart, and strong side characters, this is definitely a great and easy read to pick up.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
🌟Secret cult
🌟Army MMC
🌟Traumatic childhood
🌟Second chance
🌟Found family
🌟Healing
🌟Forced proximity

Fourth and final book of this amazing series, it was a fabulous ending! I think it was best that she had Kai's life as the final book, especially since he was the one that everything began with. I really liked how Cartwright went into the past and showed the beginning of Kai and Rose's relationship. They got very close really quickly and it was a disaster when Kai had to leave her behind. 20 years later and Kai runs into her again, he was holding back and didn't want anything to do with her. When they had to hide away together in an airstream because of the cult trying to find Kai, it was my favorite part of the book. The ending was so wholesome and all of his siblings coming together to help each other was just so perfect.

[Ali Lam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final book in The Advocates series and WOW—what a ride. I felt every emotion. My heart shattered, healed, and was shattered again. This was such a powerful, emotional, and satisfying close to a series I’ve loved from the beginning.

Malachi has always been the fierce protector, the steady one. He deserved his happily ever after—and this book delivers. I was rooting for him and Rose with everything I had. And the suspense? On point.

Huge thanks to H.J. Cartwright for trusting me with this story—and for humoring my unhinged AHHH messages while I read. 😅

If you’re new to the series, this is your sign to binge books 1–3 before Ensuing Chances releases. Suspense romance fans, you’re in for something special.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malachi.. this sweet, sweet, selfless man. I knew from the very beginning he was a protector, but to get his POV was nothing like I expected. The love he has for his siblings was so beautiful, but also heartbreaking. He always thought of others before himself and sacrificed things so others would succeed. Reading about the struggles he went through and the trauma of events he couldn’t prepare for had me in tears pretty much the entire book my heartaches for him, but to finally see him put himself first was like a breath of fresh air or like taking that first breath after holding it under the water. It truly was magical. I always have a love-hate relationship with the end of a series because I hate to see them go with these for or truly one of a kind ❤️

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The James siblings have found peace and I can breathe again. This is the 4th and final book of The Advocate Series and it was so well done. Malachi and Rose’s story is easily my favorite of the four. (Although if I had to pick one for myself it would 100% be Nate)

I love the way Malachi, the brooding traumatized serious soldier becomes a total goof when he’s with Rose. Ta-da!!!! (IYKYK)

This second-chance romance will have you crying one second and laughing the next.

The ending was a very satisfying conclusion to the mystery of the cult and this series has quickly become an all time favorite.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just got better and better as it went. Gripping, suspenseful, romantic, spicy, emotional. It had it all, and this last book hits the hardest. Maybe it's seeing all of the characters I've come to know and love together, or maybe it's finally seeing ending they deserve - or maybe it's just the long-awaited second chance for Kai and Rose. Whatever it is, Ensuing Chances is going to grab you and not let go.

I love the combination of romance and suspense that is relatively rare in the genre. The situation is completely different from anything I can imagine, but all of the characters are easy to relate to. My only ask is for more please.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
Ensuing Chances by HJ Cartwright

Quick Look-
Format: e ARC
Genre: cult fiction
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Recommend: YES



Full review-
Captivating. Suspenseful. Heartbreaking. Heartwarming. This book gave me ALL the feels and I’m so sad the series is over 😭😭. I absolutely LOVED the James’ siblings and their stories!! They are each so unique yet blend together perfectly. I don’t even know what else to say. Definitely read this series!! Thank you — for writing these amazing books.

(This is the first series I’ve EVER rated all 4.5 ⭐️ or above!)

[bookthingswithsam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me sucked in from the beginning! H.J. Cartwright delivers emotional depth, chemistry, and tension with grace. I would describe this as heartbreakingly raw and emotional. The cult aspect of it was super interesting. We normally don't see those kinds of things tied into a novel with a romantic base! If you've read the earlier books (and you should), this finale will hit you right in the heart! Recommend for anyone who loves emotional romantic suspense and real life stakes!

[Kanati Adebayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Read

This was such a phenomenal book. Getting to see Kai’s perspective on how everything happened in their lives was eye opening.

I wasn’t sure where Kai’s story would go and I was pleasantly surprised. I’m so happy he got his happy ending after all he went through.

I think my favorite part about Kai and Nate was them working through expressing their emotions and working on trusting the people around them with those emotions.

Rosaline and him are SOOO perfect. 🙌

[Rebecca Horist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Was given this as an ARC for review


Romantic, childhood trauma, detective-spy work- all in this action packed book. I flew through this book in just a few hours. Was hard to put down.

There is multiple POV and CW- for those that are not fans.

This book is in a series but could be read as standalone.

[Rose Dinsmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a second chance romance and I was glad to finally have some answers. Our man Kai keeps most things close to the vest and until we are seeing his perspective and hearing his thoughts there is so much that we don’t know. I was glad to have the loose ends tied up, but still have room to learn more…

4 1/2 💜’s.

Closer to 5 than 4.

[Kellie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great conclusion to a series that was seriously a roller coaster. So glad the James siblings and their partners finally have their happily ever after.

Excited to read Rome’s story. That flirt 😉

[Doris · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some repetitions throughout the series, but I loved the individual siblings and their stories. 🩷​🩷​
Considering everything they had to go through, I found the ending a bit too simple and abrupt.
I will definitely read more books by this author!

[Stephanie Dileo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4 in the Advocates series gave everything we needed and more. Suspense, spice, second chance love, family, heartbreak and healing.
You felt all of the emotions with the characters throughout this book, learning more of their past and rooting for them in their future.
H. J. Cartwright ended this series in the most beautiful way for her characters… in peace.