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Second Hope #5
Only Ever You
I should have known better than to fall for Raylan Bradbury. There are too many marks against us for it to ever work. He’s older, works for my family, and is my brother’s best friend.
Unfortunately, he checks every one of my boxes. He’s gorgeous, funny, and hides a kind, sweet center beneath a surly outer shell—and I have a huge thing for surly guys.
It had been impossible not to grow feelings. When I found the courage to tell the man I’d grown up with how I felt, he shot me down, leaving me to pick up the pieces of my tattered heart and try to move on, just like he suggested.
The problem is, when I try putting myself out there, the same man who crushed my heart to smithereens finds a problem with every guy I so much as smile at and sends them running for the hills before I can even get a second date.
But when someone starts leaving threatening messages and letters, Raylan is determined to be my protector, whether I want him around or not. The feelings I’ve been trying to ignore are bubbling back to the surface, and Raylan isn’t making it any easier when he starts looking at me as more than his best friend’s loud little sister.
I’ve always known it was only ever him for me, and I think he may be starting to realize the same, but with danger lurking in the shadows, I worry it might be too late.
Unfortunately, he checks every one of my boxes. He’s gorgeous, funny, and hides a kind, sweet center beneath a surly outer shell—and I have a huge thing for surly guys.
It had been impossible not to grow feelings. When I found the courage to tell the man I’d grown up with how I felt, he shot me down, leaving me to pick up the pieces of my tattered heart and try to move on, just like he suggested.
The problem is, when I try putting myself out there, the same man who crushed my heart to smithereens finds a problem with every guy I so much as smile at and sends them running for the hills before I can even get a second date.
But when someone starts leaving threatening messages and letters, Raylan is determined to be my protector, whether I want him around or not. The feelings I’ve been trying to ignore are bubbling back to the surface, and Raylan isn’t making it any easier when he starts looking at me as more than his best friend’s loud little sister.
I’ve always known it was only ever him for me, and I think he may be starting to realize the same, but with danger lurking in the shadows, I worry it might be too late.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2025
181 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Prince
106 books2,546 followersBorn and raised around Houston, Jessica is a self proclaimed caffeine addict, connoisseur of inexpensive wine, and the worst driver in the state of Texas. In addition to being all of these things, she’s first and foremost a wife and mom.
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
Growing up, she shared her mom and grandmother’s love of reading. But where they leaned toward murder mysteries, Jessica was obsessed with all things romance.
When she’s not nose deep in her next manuscript, you can usually find her with her kindle in hand.
To be in-the-know before anyone else, follow along on my website, or join my newsletter.
www.authorjessicaprince.com
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/_KJ0n
Connect with me everywhere else:
Facebook: authorjessicaprince
Instagram: @jessprince_writes
Twitter: @JessPrince2013
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 29, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
Raylan & Lennix are here!
We were teased these two for far too long in the prior books 🤣 and they were 🔥
The age gap.
She’s his best friends little sister.
Very much off limits, protective older brother
He’s the outdoorsy ranch guide.
She’s the local bar owner.
Sneaking around.
Small town.
She’s got a whole hoard of rescue animals.
The man wore a baby carrier…
Thinks he’s not good enough.
There’s groveling.
A little mystery/suspense subplot action.
Raylan & Lennix are here!
We were teased these two for far too long in the prior books 🤣 and they were 🔥
The age gap.
She’s his best friends little sister.
Very much off limits, protective older brother
He’s the outdoorsy ranch guide.
She’s the local bar owner.
Sneaking around.
Small town.
She’s got a whole hoard of rescue animals.
The man wore a baby carrier…
Thinks he’s not good enough.
There’s groveling.
A little mystery/suspense subplot action.
Read
December 26, 2025Okay so first of all this is absolutely not my favourite genre, best friend's sister so I admit my review may be coloured by that.
The positives.
JP writes hilarious sparky banter, she has a fab girl posse and if you are an animal lover there are lots of cute scenes with various animals as the heroine homes unwanted animals.
Big family dynamic. References and scenes with previous characters from other books.
Dual POV.
They have known each other their whole lives having grown up together.
He's older than her.
She makes a pass at him, declaring her feelings and he shuts her down, saying he doesn't see her like that.
First of all they are at a wedding and he has brought a date who he was feeling up a bit on the dance floor moments before. That said the heroine tells the reader that none of his dates last very long but still he is with someone else but the heroine still tries her luck.
A few months later he is struggling as he actually feels the same way but can't go there because of the brother.
The heroine has moved on or is trying to and has dated.
The Hero also has huge commitment hang ups due to his family background.
I felt he gives mixed signals here, he is confused himself, fighting the attraction and the heroine does lay into him expressing how hurtful his actions are.
She calls him a manwhore at one point which he seems offended about but then says something along the lines of fun until sunrise but no expectations so I was a bit confused by that as his friend's also joke he has a commitment phobia.
Tbh I found it frustrating and predictable.
There is a threat to the heroine and a 75% near break up of the relationship.
I sadly ended up skimming reading.
HEA.
The positives.
JP writes hilarious sparky banter, she has a fab girl posse and if you are an animal lover there are lots of cute scenes with various animals as the heroine homes unwanted animals.
Big family dynamic. References and scenes with previous characters from other books.
Dual POV.
They have known each other their whole lives having grown up together.
He's older than her.
She makes a pass at him, declaring her feelings and he shuts her down, saying he doesn't see her like that.
First of all they are at a wedding and he has brought a date who he was feeling up a bit on the dance floor moments before. That said the heroine tells the reader that none of his dates last very long but still he is with someone else but the heroine still tries her luck.
A few months later he is struggling as he actually feels the same way but can't go there because of the brother.
The heroine has moved on or is trying to and has dated.
The Hero also has huge commitment hang ups due to his family background.
I felt he gives mixed signals here, he is confused himself, fighting the attraction and the heroine does lay into him expressing how hurtful his actions are.
She calls him a manwhore at one point which he seems offended about but then says something along the lines of fun until sunrise but no expectations so I was a bit confused by that as his friend's also joke he has a commitment phobia.
Tbh I found it frustrating and predictable.
There is a threat to the heroine and a 75% near break up of the relationship.
I sadly ended up skimming reading.
HEA.
December 27, 2025
Best friend’s little sister in a small town is never my fav trope but I wanted to read the story
All this author’s heroes are manwh… there’s no OW drama but this is something it’s said a little too much
She had a crush on him since forever but got rejected clearly
Later he explained that he doesn’t deserve her 🙄🙄🙄
She had sex with OM trying to move on from him after got rejected. To me is not a problem, I have a big case of reverse double standards!
The book is safe
The sex scenes are sexy and emotional as always
The hero is a little too much of a jerk for me
Maybe this was more a 4 stars book but the author has been struggling and this is her only book in a year
I hope she keeps writing so 5 stars ⭐️
All this author’s heroes are manwh… there’s no OW drama but this is something it’s said a little too much
She had a crush on him since forever but got rejected clearly
Later he explained that he doesn’t deserve her 🙄🙄🙄
She had sex with OM trying to move on from him after got rejected. To me is not a problem, I have a big case of reverse double standards!
The book is safe
The sex scenes are sexy and emotional as always
The hero is a little too much of a jerk for me
Maybe this was more a 4 stars book but the author has been struggling and this is her only book in a year
I hope she keeps writing so 5 stars ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
He knows how to apologize
This is an adventure. Lennix is basically reliving her mother’s stress, but she lives her own life in the meantime. And Raylan has a lot of groveling to do after his words. And his actions. And more words. But he does grovel and explain himself. Then they mess up by going the secret route. It all almost falls apart, but brother drama meets pregnant wife drama and all is okay again.
This isn’t my favorite of the series, but it definitely gives me more time with Gypsy, who I adore. And it also proves that men can have so many emotions and worries swirling in their brains that they need someone to help sort them out at times, too. That is actually the perfect takeaway from this one. Everyone needs to talk things out. We all need someone we can count on. And that need isn’t limited to only women and children.
This is an adventure. Lennix is basically reliving her mother’s stress, but she lives her own life in the meantime. And Raylan has a lot of groveling to do after his words. And his actions. And more words. But he does grovel and explain himself. Then they mess up by going the secret route. It all almost falls apart, but brother drama meets pregnant wife drama and all is okay again.
This isn’t my favorite of the series, but it definitely gives me more time with Gypsy, who I adore. And it also proves that men can have so many emotions and worries swirling in their brains that they need someone to help sort them out at times, too. That is actually the perfect takeaway from this one. Everyone needs to talk things out. We all need someone we can count on. And that need isn’t limited to only women and children.
January 2, 2026
Age gap romance
Lennix is in love with Raylan, her brother’s older best friend. She tells him how she feels only for him to break her heart and let her know he’s not interested. She tries to move on by dating others but her attempts are futile. Raylan lashes out at her because he’s jealous that she’s dating. The tension finally explodes and they start sleeping together. Raylan feels strongly for Lennix but he thinks he’s not worthy of love. When they finally get it together, they have to deal with a stalker targeting Lennix.
I throughly enjoyed this book.
Lennix is in love with Raylan, her brother’s older best friend. She tells him how she feels only for him to break her heart and let her know he’s not interested. She tries to move on by dating others but her attempts are futile. Raylan lashes out at her because he’s jealous that she’s dating. The tension finally explodes and they start sleeping together. Raylan feels strongly for Lennix but he thinks he’s not worthy of love. When they finally get it together, they have to deal with a stalker targeting Lennix.
I throughly enjoyed this book.
January 2, 2026
A Good Story
Man does Jessica Prince know how to tell a good story. This book locks you in from the first chapter. When she has loved her older brothers best friend and gets to tell him one night at a wedding. Let's just say things do not go well.....
Man does Jessica Prince know how to tell a good story. This book locks you in from the first chapter. When she has loved her older brothers best friend and gets to tell him one night at a wedding. Let's just say things do not go well.....
January 11, 2026
Flat, repetitive and boring, skimmed from around 30% and gave up at @75%
December 27, 2025
This second-generation story captures everything I loved about the original series—the unbreakable loyalty, sharp banter, and deep friendships are all here in full force.
The Romance
The story follows Lennix and Raylan in a beautifully executed "best friend’s little sister" dynamic. Raylan has always seen the lines he shouldn't cross, especially with the added layer of an age gap, but Lennix makes it impossible for him to stay away. She is bold, outspoken, and incredibly confident.
What I Loved
Character Consistency: One of my favorite parts of this book is Lennix’s self-assurance. Her "happy with herself no matter what" attitude is a recurring theme that makes her such a refreshing heroine.
The Family Connection: Because I was already familiar with the first generation, I felt like a part of the family. It was rewarding to catch the deeper meanings and "familiar moments" that the author peppered throughout for long-time fans.
The Execution: Written in dual point of view, the story balances romance with a subtle mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Final Verdict
There is no cliffhanger, and while Lennix and Raylan get their resolution, the door is left open for one more story. I’m already theorizing about who will be the focus of the final book! If you love a high-stakes romance with a strong sense of history and family, this is a must-read.
The Romance
The story follows Lennix and Raylan in a beautifully executed "best friend’s little sister" dynamic. Raylan has always seen the lines he shouldn't cross, especially with the added layer of an age gap, but Lennix makes it impossible for him to stay away. She is bold, outspoken, and incredibly confident.
What I Loved
Character Consistency: One of my favorite parts of this book is Lennix’s self-assurance. Her "happy with herself no matter what" attitude is a recurring theme that makes her such a refreshing heroine.
The Family Connection: Because I was already familiar with the first generation, I felt like a part of the family. It was rewarding to catch the deeper meanings and "familiar moments" that the author peppered throughout for long-time fans.
The Execution: Written in dual point of view, the story balances romance with a subtle mystery that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Final Verdict
There is no cliffhanger, and while Lennix and Raylan get their resolution, the door is left open for one more story. I’m already theorizing about who will be the focus of the final book! If you love a high-stakes romance with a strong sense of history and family, this is a must-read.
December 26, 2025
Only Ever You by Jessica Prince – Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Raylan & Lennix will absolutely make you swoon.
This best friend’s little sister / unrequited love romance had me hooked from the start—especially with a whole menagerie of animals woven in to brighten every chapter (animal lovers, this one’s for you 🐾).
I loved the added element of danger layered alongside the emotional push-and-pull between two people who want each other desperately but are terrified to take the leap. Raylan doesn’t believe he’s good enough for Lennix, while Lennix is scared to risk her heart on the one guy she’s always loved… and potentially have it shattered.
Tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony—this story delivers heart, tension, and just the right amount of angst.
Highly recommend for lovers of slow-burn, best friend’s sister romance with all the feels.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Raylan & Lennix will absolutely make you swoon.
This best friend’s little sister / unrequited love romance had me hooked from the start—especially with a whole menagerie of animals woven in to brighten every chapter (animal lovers, this one’s for you 🐾).
I loved the added element of danger layered alongside the emotional push-and-pull between two people who want each other desperately but are terrified to take the leap. Raylan doesn’t believe he’s good enough for Lennix, while Lennix is scared to risk her heart on the one guy she’s always loved… and potentially have it shattered.
Tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony—this story delivers heart, tension, and just the right amount of angst.
Highly recommend for lovers of slow-burn, best friend’s sister romance with all the feels.
January 6, 2026
The best I can say is that I've read worse. But I've read some real drivel, so...
This was a paint-by-numbers romance with nothing original or interesting in it. If you fed 100 formulaic romances into an AI engine and asked for a 'new' one, you'd get this. An FMC with a long-term crush on her brother's best friend. An MMC who's sworn off relationships because - wait for it, this will blow your mind - his parents had a crappy marriage. Some patriarchal bullshit about little sisters. YAWWWWWWN.
Fast-food romance for people who come on here and give everything they've ever picked up 5 stars.
This was a paint-by-numbers romance with nothing original or interesting in it. If you fed 100 formulaic romances into an AI engine and asked for a 'new' one, you'd get this. An FMC with a long-term crush on her brother's best friend. An MMC who's sworn off relationships because - wait for it, this will blow your mind - his parents had a crappy marriage. Some patriarchal bullshit about little sisters. YAWWWWWWN.
Fast-food romance for people who come on here and give everything they've ever picked up 5 stars.
January 14, 2026
Dragged on too long
The back and forth between the main characters took way too long. The MMC was hot and cold toward FMC for most of the book. Says or does something hurtful, then beats himself up for doing it. Lather, rinse, repeat, repeat, repeat. Boring. Throw in that he’s her brother’s best friend and “won’t approve” just stretches it out even longer. Throw in that his dad is a worthless POS and thinks because he’s his son, that he too is a worthless POS, yep, even longer. I ended up skim reading most of the book because I started to not care anymore. Throw in a bit of drama with a secret admirer and that’s basically the whole book.
The back and forth between the main characters took way too long. The MMC was hot and cold toward FMC for most of the book. Says or does something hurtful, then beats himself up for doing it. Lather, rinse, repeat, repeat, repeat. Boring. Throw in that he’s her brother’s best friend and “won’t approve” just stretches it out even longer. Throw in that his dad is a worthless POS and thinks because he’s his son, that he too is a worthless POS, yep, even longer. I ended up skim reading most of the book because I started to not care anymore. Throw in a bit of drama with a secret admirer and that’s basically the whole book.
December 29, 2025
Loved this!
I loved this story of Lennix and Raylan! He is her brothers best friend and her longtime crush. Lennix gets brave one night and kisses him, only to be rejected. Raylan pushes her away because he doesn't feel worthy. They now fight like cats and dogs. Their chemistry is fire. Raylan gives in and kisses her. But there is still a lot of battles to fight. Their road definitely isn't easy but they make it together. I love these two together. I love this book and series. I highly recommend. I can't wait for the next book!
I loved this story of Lennix and Raylan! He is her brothers best friend and her longtime crush. Lennix gets brave one night and kisses him, only to be rejected. Raylan pushes her away because he doesn't feel worthy. They now fight like cats and dogs. Their chemistry is fire. Raylan gives in and kisses her. But there is still a lot of battles to fight. Their road definitely isn't easy but they make it together. I love these two together. I love this book and series. I highly recommend. I can't wait for the next book!
January 2, 2026
Such a beautiful, entertaining story. Raylan was brass, cocky and oh so charming when he needed to be. Lennix is sassy and stubborn, but her strength is something amazing. I really love these two together and their relationship is full of so much heart. The banter and chemistry was so well written. Raylan was so protective of Lennix, it was beautiful to see. The way he wanted to protect her and make her life better was just amazing. I really loved this story and getting more snippets of their families.
I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
I recommend this book. Told in dual POV.
January 12, 2026
Lennix has had a crush on Raylan for years. Everything implodes when she tries to make a move to show him how she feels. Raylan is hesitant to get in any relationship with Lennix due to his friendship with her brother, Zach, and the age difference. Fast forward, when Lennix is in trouble, Raylan becomes her protector and much more. It was enjoyable watching these two come to terms with their relationship. It was nice to see Lennix stand up to her family and for these two to get their happily ever after.
January 14, 2026
Tropes: best friend’s brother, childhood friends to lovers
This book was a 4.5⭐️ for me. The FMC Lennix is that girl! Literally didn’t put up with the MMC Raylan’s crap. She literally stood her ground and I absolutely loved that about her. There was a bit of suspense in the storyline but I definitely feel like the author could have built more on that. It kinda went from 0 to 100 really quick towards the end. Still recommend this series though! Can’t wait until the last one comes out!
This book was a 4.5⭐️ for me. The FMC Lennix is that girl! Literally didn’t put up with the MMC Raylan’s crap. She literally stood her ground and I absolutely loved that about her. There was a bit of suspense in the storyline but I definitely feel like the author could have built more on that. It kinda went from 0 to 100 really quick towards the end. Still recommend this series though! Can’t wait until the last one comes out!
December 27, 2025
So happy that this story is here! I love the Second Hope series and seeing how all these characters are grown but there are still some references to the original series. Raylan and Lennix are definitely the typical best friends sister trope but they definitely have to work through a lot to get there HEA! So worth it though!
January 4, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
I liked the small town vibe in and the added suspense element which gave the story some tension. However, the romance didn’t fully work for me - Lennix’s long-term crush felt repetitive and Raylan’s hot-and-cold behaviour dragged on without enough payoff. Their chemistry never quite clicked and the miscommunication became more frustrating than angsty.
I liked the small town vibe in and the added suspense element which gave the story some tension. However, the romance didn’t fully work for me - Lennix’s long-term crush felt repetitive and Raylan’s hot-and-cold behaviour dragged on without enough payoff. Their chemistry never quite clicked and the miscommunication became more frustrating than angsty.
January 7, 2026
DNF. Gave up after about 150 pages. There are standard romance tropes - brother's best friend, age gap, emotionally wounded hero who doesn't think he's good enough for her - but nothing elevated the book above the cliche. I didn't find the characters engaging enough to care about their bickering or the potential threat to the heroine. It just felt kind of boring.
January 2, 2026
Beautiful!
I adore this book! This was absolutely worth the wait. I loved Lennix and Raylan. They had undeniable chemistry from the start.
Beautiful story about love and family.
I loved how they both helped each other to become the best versions of each other.
5 stars!
I adore this book! This was absolutely worth the wait. I loved Lennix and Raylan. They had undeniable chemistry from the start.
Beautiful story about love and family.
I loved how they both helped each other to become the best versions of each other.
5 stars!
January 7, 2026
love this family
I loved Lennix! She did what she wanted and was confident in herself. She took no crap from anyone. Raylan fought his feelings for a long time but love always prevails. This couple will crack you up with their banter.
I loved Lennix! She did what she wanted and was confident in herself. She took no crap from anyone. Raylan fought his feelings for a long time but love always prevails. This couple will crack you up with their banter.
January 17, 2026
Loved the spice and over all feel of the story but it was highly predictable in the whole dating brothers best friend and hiding it. The stalker plot twist was a nice surprise. Over all great story and it was fun to see old characters from other books.
December 26, 2025
worth the wait!
This book was amazing! One of the best from Jessica!
The story line was so good and Raylan and Lennix got their happy ending!
This book was amazing! One of the best from Jessica!
The story line was so good and Raylan and Lennix got their happy ending!
January 3, 2026
Good Storyline
Good storyline and the characters were likable. Could use better editing. It wasn’t super suspenseful, but had some good twists.
Good storyline and the characters were likable. Could use better editing. It wasn’t super suspenseful, but had some good twists.
January 14, 2026
love love love
Been waiting on this book & it didn’t disappoint!
These 2 are fire! What a sweet story
Definitely download this book!
Well done Jessica you’ve done it again ❤️
Been waiting on this book & it didn’t disappoint!
These 2 are fire! What a sweet story
Definitely download this book!
Well done Jessica you’ve done it again ❤️
January 14, 2026
3.5 rounded up
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews