What do you think?
Rate this book
Stealing Home
Jason Denali hadn't planned the trip to Hope Falls. It was thrust on him, but he couldn't argue that the change was needed. He'd turned into someone even he couldn't like anymore. Unfortunately, he didn't know how to fix it. He was truly lost, and it wasn't the first time he'd felt that way. He'd been lost since he was ten-years-old. Since the day his sister died.
Laken Sky didn't need the distraction of the bad boy baseball player staying in the next room over at her B and B. She'd come to Hope Falls to search for her past, to find a link to family she desperately needed in her life.
Somehow, though, that bad boy next door finds his way into her heart, and she's not sure what she'll do when she has to give him up.
Laken Sky didn't need the distraction of the bad boy baseball player staying in the next room over at her B and B. She'd come to Hope Falls to search for her past, to find a link to family she desperately needed in her life.
Somehow, though, that bad boy next door finds his way into her heart, and she's not sure what she'll do when she has to give him up.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2016
20 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 30, 2016
This was a short sweet and very cute read. I have read others by this author that I just loved and thought they were outstanding. For me this was missing the excitement that I have come to love with this author. I did think it was a good read and totally enjoyed it. The story does have a wonderful plot and for a short read it’s very good. I would have loved to have read all about her meeting her father from the start not just as a small short memory. This story has a lot of pain from Jason who has never felt love not even from his parents along with Laken looking for a father that her mother never talked about.
Jason is just down on life he does too much drinking and has way too many women. I think he uses this as an escape to deal with the pain of not feeling he was good enough and the loss of his sister. He is a very likable man who has many women that throw themselves at him. He just isn’t sure he is happy playing ball anymore it just isn’t giving him what he needs. One wise women who he loves dearly points him in the right direction in hopes of bring him around to have what he truly wants out of life. Thus sending him to Hope Falls to work with young boys.
Laken is a very sweet and caring lady who just wants to find her father. She has one clue and is on the hunt. Not wanting to hurt anyone she is very careful. She meets Jason which doesn’t go so well. Once they start talking they find they might have something in common. Jason being a player just might not be what she is looking for.
Helping each other might just be what the doctor ordered but it might not be enough for a HEA. This was a very well written story just missing a few things I would have like to have read. I hope you will give it a try I think you will enjoy it.
Jason is just down on life he does too much drinking and has way too many women. I think he uses this as an escape to deal with the pain of not feeling he was good enough and the loss of his sister. He is a very likable man who has many women that throw themselves at him. He just isn’t sure he is happy playing ball anymore it just isn’t giving him what he needs. One wise women who he loves dearly points him in the right direction in hopes of bring him around to have what he truly wants out of life. Thus sending him to Hope Falls to work with young boys.
Laken is a very sweet and caring lady who just wants to find her father. She has one clue and is on the hunt. Not wanting to hurt anyone she is very careful. She meets Jason which doesn’t go so well. Once they start talking they find they might have something in common. Jason being a player just might not be what she is looking for.
Helping each other might just be what the doctor ordered but it might not be enough for a HEA. This was a very well written story just missing a few things I would have like to have read. I hope you will give it a try I think you will enjoy it.
January 28, 2016
Jason, a famous baseball player gets caught up in the glamour of his life partying with booze and faceless woman until he is shamed into doing a favour for Gabe’s mom. Off he travels to, in his mind the middle of no where, to try and redeem himself in Momma’s eyes. While waiting to do the one thing that truly terrifies him because of an event that forever changed his life, Jason tries to find himself. Since he is by himself his demons are hard to ignore, then one day he meets his next door neighbour at the bed and breakfast they are both staying at. Larsen and Jason immediately feel the sexual chemistry between them but desperately try to fight it as each of them of come to Hope Falls for very different reasons. Through new friends they meet in Hope Falls, Jason helps Laken find her long lost father while Larken and the sudden appearance of a few of his team mates help Jason finally face his past. It takes Aiden to make Jason understand what is really important in life and that sometimes love is worth the risk of truly living. I would recommend this book, it is a great novella, makes for a fun and easy read. It fits in with the Triple Curse Series however can be read as a stand alone. I really enjoyed Lori Ryan’s Capital Sutton Series so it is a nice departure into the world of baseball and star athletes.
January 28, 2016
Sweet, sexy, small town story of discovery
Jason Denali, baseball star for the San Francisco Strikers, is out of control with women and booze – so “team mom” sends him to Hope Falls to repay a debt, “fix himself” and coach high school kids. While he might have felt embarrassed to be treated like a child, instead he felt loved, wanted and cared for – so he goes. Jason starts out totally uncomfortable coaching the kids, but quickly finds his stride.
Laken Sky is looking for her father after the death of her mother. All she has to go on is a picture with three men on it. When she discovers where one of those men lives, she heads to Hope Falls to get some answers. Jason and Skye end up neighbors in the town B&B and run into each other repeatedly. Sparks fly and eventually Jason pries the reason for Laken being in town out of her.
Will Laken find her father, and will he want anything to do with her? Will Jason stay on his bad boy path and leave Laken once his gig is over? Two people hurt by life find solace and heat with each other; can they also find their happily ever after?
*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review*
Jason Denali, baseball star for the San Francisco Strikers, is out of control with women and booze – so “team mom” sends him to Hope Falls to repay a debt, “fix himself” and coach high school kids. While he might have felt embarrassed to be treated like a child, instead he felt loved, wanted and cared for – so he goes. Jason starts out totally uncomfortable coaching the kids, but quickly finds his stride.
Laken Sky is looking for her father after the death of her mother. All she has to go on is a picture with three men on it. When she discovers where one of those men lives, she heads to Hope Falls to get some answers. Jason and Skye end up neighbors in the town B&B and run into each other repeatedly. Sparks fly and eventually Jason pries the reason for Laken being in town out of her.
Will Laken find her father, and will he want anything to do with her? Will Jason stay on his bad boy path and leave Laken once his gig is over? Two people hurt by life find solace and heat with each other; can they also find their happily ever after?
*A complimentary copy was given in exchange for an honest review*
January 28, 2016
Jason and Laken: "are enough" to make you cry while smiling.
This book had me laughing from the get go. I had gotten used to suspense, danger, and twists and turns from Lori Ryan. I didn't know she had a Rom-Com in her bag of tricks. And a great one at that. I'm still holding my breath "(hard!)". I will never be able to ask anyone "can you move it for me" with a straight face ever again ;) Couldn't even type it with one! Come on girls (and guys?): buy a copy and let that hussy part of you (that you might not know exists) out to play for a little while before she tries to beat your good girl down. "We need this!" I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but no worries about "stranger danger" here. This book "was a dream". Just sit back relax and enjoy the show. Lori Ryan is like an old friend you know you can rely on--just like Laken and Jason in the end. Definitely going to be checking out The Triple Play Curse novellas and the Melanie Shawn Hope Falls series asap-can't believe I haven't already.
This book had me laughing from the get go. I had gotten used to suspense, danger, and twists and turns from Lori Ryan. I didn't know she had a Rom-Com in her bag of tricks. And a great one at that. I'm still holding my breath "(hard!)". I will never be able to ask anyone "can you move it for me" with a straight face ever again ;) Couldn't even type it with one! Come on girls (and guys?): buy a copy and let that hussy part of you (that you might not know exists) out to play for a little while before she tries to beat your good girl down. "We need this!" I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, but no worries about "stranger danger" here. This book "was a dream". Just sit back relax and enjoy the show. Lori Ryan is like an old friend you know you can rely on--just like Laken and Jason in the end. Definitely going to be checking out The Triple Play Curse novellas and the Melanie Shawn Hope Falls series asap-can't believe I haven't already.
February 5, 2016
Complimentary copy provided by author for an honest review.
This was an amazing sweet short story from Lori.
Who would have thought that the famous bad boy baseball star Jason Denali would fall in Love? Yeah right nobody till he meets the lovely shy owner of a Jewelry Laken Sky but she's on a mission to find her father.
Laken is having a panic attack and suddenly the most handsome player Jason is shouting at you, but then your eyes drift lower and the first thing you see is only a sheet around his waist.
So you see from the first minute you start reading you will laugh, so if you want to have a story that will light up your day start reading this own you won't be disappointed!!
This was an amazing sweet short story from Lori.
Who would have thought that the famous bad boy baseball star Jason Denali would fall in Love? Yeah right nobody till he meets the lovely shy owner of a Jewelry Laken Sky but she's on a mission to find her father.
Laken is having a panic attack and suddenly the most handsome player Jason is shouting at you, but then your eyes drift lower and the first thing you see is only a sheet around his waist.
So you see from the first minute you start reading you will laugh, so if you want to have a story that will light up your day start reading this own you won't be disappointed!!
March 19, 2016
Short, sweet, fun read...
Jason and Laken are a great addition to the Hope Falls community.
Jason and Laken are a great addition to the Hope Falls community.
June 18, 2016
3.5 stars.
Mama gave Jason a dose of Tough Love! He needs it because since he was a teen and tragedy befell his family, he has had no love or support except when playing baseball. His heart is not in it and he has been using sex and alcohol to numb his pain.
“I love you, Jason Denali. I love you with all my heart, baby. But I have to tell you, I don’t much like you lately.” If the words hadn’t gotten his attention, the expression on her face would have. She looked fierce. A woman on a mission. He had to admit, hearing her say she didn’t like him, having the feeling he’d lost her respect—well, hell. That hurt. A lot.
As Jason tossed clothes and his shaving kit into a duffle, he was surprised to find himself grinning like an idiot. He shouldn’t be. He should feel like a fool for being ordered around by Mama, and for running to do her bidding while she cleaned up his mess. He should resent being treated like a child. But for reasons he couldn’t name, he didn’t feel that way at all. He felt … loved? Yeah. Loved and wanted and cared for. All of that and more. He’d take it.
While helping out kids at the high school in Hope Falls, he meets Laken who is staying at the same B&B. They do have a "romance" but the story is more about each of them findings some answers about who they are and want they want in the future. They actually only kiss a few times and do not even date in this short novella.
Her smile was rueful and she shook her head at him, but snuggled closer. It felt incredible having her so close. Natural, as though they’d known each other much longer than they had. It was intimate without being overtly sexual. That’s not to say there wasn’t plenty of sexual tension racing between them, but that’s not all it was about. There was a connection with her that reached him on a different level. It felt good. Different, but good.
Jason looked down to see tears pooling in her eyes and he wanted to fix it all for her. To make everything better. “Do you want me to go with you to talk to Ryan and Sue Ann? It can’t hurt to ask them.” She didn’t answer, but he could see she was trying to work up to something. “What is it?” Laken tilted her head up to glance at him before looking back to the fire. “What if I find him and he doesn’t want anything to do with me? When I got here and saw Ryan and Sue Ann, it occurred to me that wherever my father is, he has a life of his own. A wife and kids. He might not want me messing that up for him.” Jason wrapped both arms around her, squeezing as he lowered his mouth to her forehead and nuzzled softly. “Not possible. He’ll want to get to know you. You’re kind and talented and beautiful. Why in the world wouldn’t he want you in his life?” She shrugged again and Jason was at a loss. He sucked at this talking thing. When you grew up in a family that didn’t hug or kiss or talk or connect in any meaningful way, it was hard to do those things as an adult.
He felt … well, he wasn’t sure how to describe it. Want, maybe. Need? He wasn’t sure. But he felt a pang, like he might want that simple life. A life of guiding kids. Of being there for them. Of teaching and coaching and supporting them. He didn’t know where that longing had come from, but ever since that conversation, there’d been a tiny sprout of something deep in his chest that he was savagely trying to shove down, to bury. Listening to Laken was undoing all his efforts to ignore the need.
His teammates come to help him see the light.
“I’d rather have you be happy, you flipping idiot, than have you back out on that field because you thought I needed you there. I’d rather have you be happy any day of the week, Denali, than take you back out there with me because you thought you owed us anything. You owe yourself more. You owe yourself more than you’ll ever owe me, man.” - Aiden
“This time next year, we’ll come back and visit and find you knee-deep in kids and coaching duties,” Gage kicked in.
“And a certain leggy blonde.” Rafe’s grin was wide and easy with the teasing of guys who had been a team for years.
It was Aiden’s turn next. “Yeah, I don’t know who she is, but I’ve seen how he looks at her.” Jason was surprised to find the guys all nodding. “He’ll make her his by the end of the week if he’s got an ounce of brains left to him, and I believe he’s got a tiny bit of brainpower left up there somewhere. I’ll stick money on him.”
Great. All Jason needed. An audience to watch him crash and burn as he tried to find the words to tell Laken how he felt. Freaking fabulous.
Jason smiled ruefully, and took her hands in his. “I really, really suck at this. Did I mention that? But here’s the thing. I like you a lot. I love the way you make me laugh, the way I feel like a better person when I’m with you. The way you make me want to be better. I feel like a somebody when I’m with you, and I’ve never felt like a somebody before.”
Laken’s brow knitted. “Jason, of course you’re a somebody.”
He shrugged a shoulder at her. “Never felt it before I met you. I’ve always felt like I needed to prove myself, like I have to make up for being what and who I am. With you, I’ve almost felt like enough.”
She raised her hand to his cheek and brushed her fingers over his tanned skin. “You are enough. You always have been.”
Mama gave Jason a dose of Tough Love! He needs it because since he was a teen and tragedy befell his family, he has had no love or support except when playing baseball. His heart is not in it and he has been using sex and alcohol to numb his pain.
“I love you, Jason Denali. I love you with all my heart, baby. But I have to tell you, I don’t much like you lately.” If the words hadn’t gotten his attention, the expression on her face would have. She looked fierce. A woman on a mission. He had to admit, hearing her say she didn’t like him, having the feeling he’d lost her respect—well, hell. That hurt. A lot.
As Jason tossed clothes and his shaving kit into a duffle, he was surprised to find himself grinning like an idiot. He shouldn’t be. He should feel like a fool for being ordered around by Mama, and for running to do her bidding while she cleaned up his mess. He should resent being treated like a child. But for reasons he couldn’t name, he didn’t feel that way at all. He felt … loved? Yeah. Loved and wanted and cared for. All of that and more. He’d take it.
While helping out kids at the high school in Hope Falls, he meets Laken who is staying at the same B&B. They do have a "romance" but the story is more about each of them findings some answers about who they are and want they want in the future. They actually only kiss a few times and do not even date in this short novella.
Her smile was rueful and she shook her head at him, but snuggled closer. It felt incredible having her so close. Natural, as though they’d known each other much longer than they had. It was intimate without being overtly sexual. That’s not to say there wasn’t plenty of sexual tension racing between them, but that’s not all it was about. There was a connection with her that reached him on a different level. It felt good. Different, but good.
Jason looked down to see tears pooling in her eyes and he wanted to fix it all for her. To make everything better. “Do you want me to go with you to talk to Ryan and Sue Ann? It can’t hurt to ask them.” She didn’t answer, but he could see she was trying to work up to something. “What is it?” Laken tilted her head up to glance at him before looking back to the fire. “What if I find him and he doesn’t want anything to do with me? When I got here and saw Ryan and Sue Ann, it occurred to me that wherever my father is, he has a life of his own. A wife and kids. He might not want me messing that up for him.” Jason wrapped both arms around her, squeezing as he lowered his mouth to her forehead and nuzzled softly. “Not possible. He’ll want to get to know you. You’re kind and talented and beautiful. Why in the world wouldn’t he want you in his life?” She shrugged again and Jason was at a loss. He sucked at this talking thing. When you grew up in a family that didn’t hug or kiss or talk or connect in any meaningful way, it was hard to do those things as an adult.
He felt … well, he wasn’t sure how to describe it. Want, maybe. Need? He wasn’t sure. But he felt a pang, like he might want that simple life. A life of guiding kids. Of being there for them. Of teaching and coaching and supporting them. He didn’t know where that longing had come from, but ever since that conversation, there’d been a tiny sprout of something deep in his chest that he was savagely trying to shove down, to bury. Listening to Laken was undoing all his efforts to ignore the need.
His teammates come to help him see the light.
“I’d rather have you be happy, you flipping idiot, than have you back out on that field because you thought I needed you there. I’d rather have you be happy any day of the week, Denali, than take you back out there with me because you thought you owed us anything. You owe yourself more. You owe yourself more than you’ll ever owe me, man.” - Aiden
“This time next year, we’ll come back and visit and find you knee-deep in kids and coaching duties,” Gage kicked in.
“And a certain leggy blonde.” Rafe’s grin was wide and easy with the teasing of guys who had been a team for years.
It was Aiden’s turn next. “Yeah, I don’t know who she is, but I’ve seen how he looks at her.” Jason was surprised to find the guys all nodding. “He’ll make her his by the end of the week if he’s got an ounce of brains left to him, and I believe he’s got a tiny bit of brainpower left up there somewhere. I’ll stick money on him.”
Great. All Jason needed. An audience to watch him crash and burn as he tried to find the words to tell Laken how he felt. Freaking fabulous.
Jason smiled ruefully, and took her hands in his. “I really, really suck at this. Did I mention that? But here’s the thing. I like you a lot. I love the way you make me laugh, the way I feel like a better person when I’m with you. The way you make me want to be better. I feel like a somebody when I’m with you, and I’ve never felt like a somebody before.”
Laken’s brow knitted. “Jason, of course you’re a somebody.”
He shrugged a shoulder at her. “Never felt it before I met you. I’ve always felt like I needed to prove myself, like I have to make up for being what and who I am. With you, I’ve almost felt like enough.”
She raised her hand to his cheek and brushed her fingers over his tanned skin. “You are enough. You always have been.”
May 17, 2017
I have binging on the Hope Falls Kindle World. This one is a favorite. The characters were amazing and the story kept building until I got not one big Happily Ever After, but a couple of small HEA's as well.
April 12, 2018
A very sweet and moving story in Hope Falls! I just wanted MORE. More of Jason and Laken, more of Laken's history, more of Jason's history, and more of the reunion of father and daughter. Great storyline and a quick read.
January 29, 2016
Jason has no idea who he is anymore. Pretty drastic realization for a man who's got the world at his feet and women in his pockets. But his discontentment is obvious in how he's living and how much he's drinking. That bad boy attitude is nothing more than a clever mask for the emptiness he feels inside. Fed up with his antics as of late, his team's Mama drags him to Hope Falls to repay a debt. It's there he meets Laken.
Laken, on the other hand, knows who she is but wants to know more. Her mother is gone, taking with her the name of the father Laken never knew. Sorting through her mother's things uncovered an old picture that led her to Hope Falls. She hopes he's there, hopes he'll want her, hopes even when doubt seeps in and she questions her decision to come.
Meeting and falling into attraction with one another wasn't in either of their plans. They were in Hope Falls for different reasons, which brought them together and put their lives in perspective. Laken was willing to put down roots in Hope Falls after meeting and getting to know her father. Jason found purpose in mentoring kids at the high school and discovered he was at his happiest now when he wasn't on the field in front of hundreds of thousands of fans.
I haven't read any of the books in this series, and I love that this was an introduction of sorts to the small town of Hope Falls. This is a lovely romance that is short, quick, somewhat predictable, but completely fulfilling. Ms. Ryan's balanced the shadows in Jason and Laken's lives with humor, quick wit, and escalating attraction and desire. And isn't just a romance. It's also about finding yourself and your place in this world, accepting that some things are not your fault, learning to move on, and letting yourself be happy.
Received from author for an honest review
Laken, on the other hand, knows who she is but wants to know more. Her mother is gone, taking with her the name of the father Laken never knew. Sorting through her mother's things uncovered an old picture that led her to Hope Falls. She hopes he's there, hopes he'll want her, hopes even when doubt seeps in and she questions her decision to come.
Meeting and falling into attraction with one another wasn't in either of their plans. They were in Hope Falls for different reasons, which brought them together and put their lives in perspective. Laken was willing to put down roots in Hope Falls after meeting and getting to know her father. Jason found purpose in mentoring kids at the high school and discovered he was at his happiest now when he wasn't on the field in front of hundreds of thousands of fans.
I haven't read any of the books in this series, and I love that this was an introduction of sorts to the small town of Hope Falls. This is a lovely romance that is short, quick, somewhat predictable, but completely fulfilling. Ms. Ryan's balanced the shadows in Jason and Laken's lives with humor, quick wit, and escalating attraction and desire. And isn't just a romance. It's also about finding yourself and your place in this world, accepting that some things are not your fault, learning to move on, and letting yourself be happy.
Received from author for an honest review
February 11, 2016
I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jason and Laken are PERFECT. This book was funny and sweet. Jason and Laken from the very first encounter will lighten your hearts and make the day so much brighter ....the first encounter was priceless and so funny I had tears in my eyes. Laken's expression would have been a hallmark moment....of course Jason got the shock of his life when he seen Laken and what he felt for her right off the bat.
Going to Hopefalls was just what Jason needed to sort through his feelings for everything and find what was missing in his life that had him confused to why he wasn't happy. Jason and Laken where just what each other needed and they way they helped each other from the beginning and the comfort they had with each other shows just how strong their feelings where. Jason being a pro baseball player and the unhappiness his life had become shows us that we shouldn't let money and status rule our lives...it will consume you and eat you alive. I am so touched that I was able to read this story and see not only one man's life change before his very own eyes by just simply taking a step away from his norm of a life but also a women's too not only did she find love but she found a long lost loved one. Definitely a must read novella. Great job Lori.
Jason and Laken are PERFECT. This book was funny and sweet. Jason and Laken from the very first encounter will lighten your hearts and make the day so much brighter ....the first encounter was priceless and so funny I had tears in my eyes. Laken's expression would have been a hallmark moment....of course Jason got the shock of his life when he seen Laken and what he felt for her right off the bat.
Going to Hopefalls was just what Jason needed to sort through his feelings for everything and find what was missing in his life that had him confused to why he wasn't happy. Jason and Laken where just what each other needed and they way they helped each other from the beginning and the comfort they had with each other shows just how strong their feelings where. Jason being a pro baseball player and the unhappiness his life had become shows us that we shouldn't let money and status rule our lives...it will consume you and eat you alive. I am so touched that I was able to read this story and see not only one man's life change before his very own eyes by just simply taking a step away from his norm of a life but also a women's too not only did she find love but she found a long lost loved one. Definitely a must read novella. Great job Lori.
February 6, 2016
This is Jason Denali's, player for the San Francisco strikers baseball team, and Laken Sky's story. Jason was in Hope Falls as a sort of intervention by a teammates mother. He needs to get his life together and deal with a past tragedy that is eating him alive. Laken is in Hope Falls to try and find her father, who she never knew. While these two try and work through their past, their intense attraction keeps putting them in each other's path. What's keeping them from staying there? He doesn't know what he wants. He's just trying to deal with his sisters death that happened when he was a child. Laken knows what she wants but realizes that his career as a baseball player will not let that happen.
The only issue I have with this book is that I wish it were longer so I could learn in more detail how they got where they are in their lives. Great story! The more I read about Hope Falls, the more I want to go back and visit.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was not compensated for my review.
I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinion expressed is my own.
The only issue I have with this book is that I wish it were longer so I could learn in more detail how they got where they are in their lives. Great story! The more I read about Hope Falls, the more I want to go back and visit.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was not compensated for my review.
I was not required to write a positive review.
The opinion expressed is my own.
Read
January 28, 2016Ballplayer, Jason Denali was living the high life with a lot of booze and women thrown in. He didn’t realize that he needed an intervention until “Mama” sent him to Hope Falls to help some teenagers. Once there he meets Laken Sky. He now realizes that his life of fame and fortune may not be enough.
Laken Sky comes to Hope Falls looking for answers but is not sure where to begin or who to trust. When she meets Jason Denali she is blown away by her attraction to him. When he steps in and helps her find the answers she is looking for, their attraction for each other causes both of them to look at happy ever after as an option in their lives.
Lori Ryan writes happy ever after stories that make you want to smile really big when things finally come together. She always has a little mystery with the characters that add “meat” to the story line. Stealing Home is a great novella read that doesn’t disappoint.
Also check out her regular length novels for some really great reads!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Laken Sky comes to Hope Falls looking for answers but is not sure where to begin or who to trust. When she meets Jason Denali she is blown away by her attraction to him. When he steps in and helps her find the answers she is looking for, their attraction for each other causes both of them to look at happy ever after as an option in their lives.
Lori Ryan writes happy ever after stories that make you want to smile really big when things finally come together. She always has a little mystery with the characters that add “meat” to the story line. Stealing Home is a great novella read that doesn’t disappoint.
Also check out her regular length novels for some really great reads!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
This is a Hope Falls novella about baseball player Jason and artist Laken. Jason has hit rock bottom with the drinking and womanizing. He has begun to hate himself but does not realize how far he is gone until the team’s “mother” points this out to him. She also has a plan to help him by sending him to Hope Falls during the off season with a specific job in mind. Laken was raised by her mother and they started a jewelry company together. A year after her mother passes, Laken decides to follow the clues that take her to Hope Falls to find her father.
Both are looking for more in their lives but not expecting to meet each other. Jason does not know what he wants from life, besides to play baseball and to stop during to booze and random women. Laken wants to continue her business and find a father and some acceptance. A wonderful read!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Both are looking for more in their lives but not expecting to meet each other. Jason does not know what he wants from life, besides to play baseball and to stop during to booze and random women. Laken wants to continue her business and find a father and some acceptance. A wonderful read!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
ARC copy for honest review with no compensation
Have read Lori's other books and they were awesome...this wasn't as good but I still enjoyed it.
Jason, a professional baseball player was in a downward spiral with booze and women and as an intervention he was sent to Hope Falls to try to turn his life around while helping high school students learn the ethics of teamwork, training and nutrition. As he was trying to figures his life out he meets Laken Sky who came to Hope Falls in search of family.
They both have some misconceptions - Jason (never feeling loved by anyone including this parents) and Laken (having the love of her mother who had some secrets and to find out she had a father who didn't know she existed). Together they help each other clear up these misconceptions but is it enough to find love and a HEA??
Short novella but overall was well written. Hope to read more of Hope Falls and Lori Ryan.
Have read Lori's other books and they were awesome...this wasn't as good but I still enjoyed it.
Jason, a professional baseball player was in a downward spiral with booze and women and as an intervention he was sent to Hope Falls to try to turn his life around while helping high school students learn the ethics of teamwork, training and nutrition. As he was trying to figures his life out he meets Laken Sky who came to Hope Falls in search of family.
They both have some misconceptions - Jason (never feeling loved by anyone including this parents) and Laken (having the love of her mother who had some secrets and to find out she had a father who didn't know she existed). Together they help each other clear up these misconceptions but is it enough to find love and a HEA??
Short novella but overall was well written. Hope to read more of Hope Falls and Lori Ryan.
January 29, 2016
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
I have to be honest. I haven't had the honor of reading a Lori Ryan novel, but was pleasantly surprised! I absolutely loved the story between Laken and Jason. They were both searching, not for love, but for something to fill the "emptiness" in their lives.
Jason was sent to Hope Falls as a favor for the team "mom". In reality, she was trying to help him find his way. Jason tackles many of his fears while in Hope Falls ( teaching kids, drinking too much to drown out the pain of past losses, listening to others--Laken, and career decisions).
Laken has come to Hope Falls after suffering a loss as well. She hopes to become inspired by the mountains and landscape. She ends up confiding in Jason and leaning more on him every day.
This was an inspiring book about real-life decisions and losses that many of us face daily. This is a MUST READ! Way to go Lori and thank you for such a great novella.
I have to be honest. I haven't had the honor of reading a Lori Ryan novel, but was pleasantly surprised! I absolutely loved the story between Laken and Jason. They were both searching, not for love, but for something to fill the "emptiness" in their lives.
Jason was sent to Hope Falls as a favor for the team "mom". In reality, she was trying to help him find his way. Jason tackles many of his fears while in Hope Falls ( teaching kids, drinking too much to drown out the pain of past losses, listening to others--Laken, and career decisions).
Laken has come to Hope Falls after suffering a loss as well. She hopes to become inspired by the mountains and landscape. She ends up confiding in Jason and leaning more on him every day.
This was an inspiring book about real-life decisions and losses that many of us face daily. This is a MUST READ! Way to go Lori and thank you for such a great novella.
January 28, 2016
For a short novella, I really felt I got to know each character fairly well. Jason is a ball player coming off a World Series win but still feels his life is still not much to write home about. When Mama-friend sends him to Hope Falls to coach teens he is scared out of his mind. He is has no idea what to say to them. He meets Laken under pretty funny circumstances and is quite taken by her. Laken is in Hope Falls looking for her father whom she isn't quite sure who he is. When Jason offers to help her figure it out they begin to talk. Neither are really ready for a relationship when their own livies are up in the air and both plan on returning to their own homes away from Hope Falls. I have not read the other books in the Hope Fall series and still didn't feel lost. I receive this book as a gift for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
I received an Arc for an honest review.
As I live the UK I'm unable to read the other authors books as it is in Kindle worlds so I have no point of reference when reviewing this book. That said the minute I started reading I felt drawn in to this town and its characters. I was able to identify and empathise with the people and immediately felt at home. Ms Ryan's given us an engaging read full of real lol moments and also some heartfelt emotional issues that make u fall in luv with both Jason and Laken.
How this author maintains both the plot and the hilarity whilst giving us a true romantic read is inspiring. She was a new author for me until recently and having read three of her latest books I'm definitely a fan now. I highly recommend this book and I Wld have Luved to have read more abt Hope Falls as I can see it must have been a special series. Way to go Ms Ryan.
As I live the UK I'm unable to read the other authors books as it is in Kindle worlds so I have no point of reference when reviewing this book. That said the minute I started reading I felt drawn in to this town and its characters. I was able to identify and empathise with the people and immediately felt at home. Ms Ryan's given us an engaging read full of real lol moments and also some heartfelt emotional issues that make u fall in luv with both Jason and Laken.
How this author maintains both the plot and the hilarity whilst giving us a true romantic read is inspiring. She was a new author for me until recently and having read three of her latest books I'm definitely a fan now. I highly recommend this book and I Wld have Luved to have read more abt Hope Falls as I can see it must have been a special series. Way to go Ms Ryan.
February 5, 2016
A short but sweet novella! I love a good novella, but I am fairly picky about them. I need to feel like I am reading a full story, and I definitely got that with STEALING HOME. Jason and Laken were both interesting characters, and I did mostly feel that I connected with them and understood their motivations. I did like how Jason's past was revealed, and it helped me to connect with him when I may not have otherwise.
However, I feel that the author chose to have key scenes appear "off screen." In particular, I would have liked to see Laken meet her father. I also wanted another scene before the epilogue.
I haven't read the other stories in this series, but it doesn't seem that it is critical. I am intrigued enough to continue on, and Hope Falls seems like a great location.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story when you are looking for a quick read!
However, I feel that the author chose to have key scenes appear "off screen." In particular, I would have liked to see Laken meet her father. I also wanted another scene before the epilogue.
I haven't read the other stories in this series, but it doesn't seem that it is critical. I am intrigued enough to continue on, and Hope Falls seems like a great location.
Overall, this was an enjoyable story when you are looking for a quick read!
January 28, 2016
Jason is a professional baseball player who is self destructing. The mother of one of his teammates recognizes this and makes arrangements for him to get out of town. She's sent him to Hope Falls to work with children. Unfortunately, Jason has anxiety around kids due to something that happened in his past.
Laken Sky owns a jewelry business. She's come to Hope Falls to get some inspiration from nature for her jewelry designs. But she also has another reason for being there.
Jason and Laken are staying at the same B & B, where they run into each other a few times. They strike up a friendship and when Jason finds out Laken's secret, he offers to help her.
This is a sweet romance and a quick read.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Laken Sky owns a jewelry business. She's come to Hope Falls to get some inspiration from nature for her jewelry designs. But she also has another reason for being there.
Jason and Laken are staying at the same B & B, where they run into each other a few times. They strike up a friendship and when Jason finds out Laken's secret, he offers to help her.
This is a sweet romance and a quick read.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
This was the first time I read a Kindle Worlds book. For those of you who didn't know what that is, its a sort of fan fiction written in the original author's world but with different characters by the new author. This one is from Melanie Shawn's Hope Falls world and is written by Lori Ryan.
Jason Denali is sent to Hope Falls to recover from his hedonistic lifestyle by his team mate's mother. Laken Sky is there to try and find her father and whatever family she never knew she had. The two of them have off the walls attraction bouncing between them. Fun read. Felt it was too short, I know I know Its a novella, but I could have gone for a longer story!
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
Jason Denali is sent to Hope Falls to recover from his hedonistic lifestyle by his team mate's mother. Laken Sky is there to try and find her father and whatever family she never knew she had. The two of them have off the walls attraction bouncing between them. Fun read. Felt it was too short, I know I know Its a novella, but I could have gone for a longer story!
I received an ARC in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
This was a really enjoyable novella. There is a lot of story packed into a short book. I really enjoyed Jason and Laken’s story. They have great chemistry and I really enjoyed watching them fall in love. I also enjoyed their back stories and how they finally learned to deal with their baggage. This story is part of the Hope Falls Kindle World, but also ties into the Triple Play Curse novellas which are part of the Game for Love Kindle World even with all those connections this story is easily read as a stand alone (though I for one will be going an looking for some of the related stories). I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, a positive review was not enquirer and all views expressed are my own.
January 28, 2016
This was a fun romantic story about two unlikely people finding love while they were searching for a purpose to their lives. Jason was a professional baseball player who was truly unhappy with his life when he was not on the ball field. He needed to find something to give his life purpose and he ended up finding it in the little town of Hope Falls and with the love of a jewelry artist Laken Sky and mentoring youn baseball players. She was there searching for a father she did not know existed until after her mother died. After meeting Jason in a towel on their balconies he gave her the strength to meet her dad. Their love story was very touching and uplifting to read and I highly recommend it. I was given an arc of it and I am so glad I could express my opinion of this wonderful story.
January 29, 2016
I love Lori Ryan books and this one will not disappoint.
I was cracking up reading stealing games. It's full of great one liners I was seriously laughing at a lot of the book.
The relationship between Larken and Jason is very easy, maybe a bit to easy. Right from the first meeting they are falling into each other. It's hard to feel a connection in a short story, but you could feel the start here.
Some of the transitions are a bit choppy but i'm thinking maybe i need to read the other Hope Falls books to understand them?
Overall I enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review
I was cracking up reading stealing games. It's full of great one liners I was seriously laughing at a lot of the book.
The relationship between Larken and Jason is very easy, maybe a bit to easy. Right from the first meeting they are falling into each other. It's hard to feel a connection in a short story, but you could feel the start here.
Some of the transitions are a bit choppy but i'm thinking maybe i need to read the other Hope Falls books to understand them?
Overall I enjoyed the book and had a hard time putting it down.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review
January 28, 2016
I was given an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
Great read!! Awesome chemistry between the main characters. Hard to put down the book.
Jason Denali is a pro baseball player who is playboy and loves to drink
a lot. He was sent to Hope Falls to assist the baseball team to have a better understanding
of the sport. He meets Laken Sky at the B&B where they both reside in. Laken came to Hope Falls
seeking info of the identity of her father.
I don't wish to give the story away but would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves
a novella.
Great read!! Awesome chemistry between the main characters. Hard to put down the book.
Jason Denali is a pro baseball player who is playboy and loves to drink
a lot. He was sent to Hope Falls to assist the baseball team to have a better understanding
of the sport. He meets Laken Sky at the B&B where they both reside in. Laken came to Hope Falls
seeking info of the identity of her father.
I don't wish to give the story away but would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves
a novella.
January 29, 2016
I love Lori Ryan's books, so I was excited to see that she had a novella in the Hope Falls Kindle World. Stealing Home is a quick and fun read. Jason is struggling to figure out his future path in life, while still dealing with the loss of his sister from when he was a child. Laken is in Hope Falls trying to search for her past and is staying at the same B&B as Jason. I look forward to reading more of the books set in this small town.
**I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.**
**I was given a copy in exchange for an honest review.**
February 24, 2016
Jason and Laken had me laughing from their first interaction. Jason isn't happy were has life has landed him. It's a life of booze and women. His "mama" has sent him to Hope Falls on a project. In the process he starts to realize that what he wants is a family right there in Hope Falls.
Laken is in Hope Falls on a mission to find her past. She doesn't have time for Jason. Can love heal these two?
This book isn't your typical Lori Ryan book, but I believe you will enjoy it. I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Laken is in Hope Falls on a mission to find her past. She doesn't have time for Jason. Can love heal these two?
This book isn't your typical Lori Ryan book, but I believe you will enjoy it. I was given an ARC for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
Jason Denali and Laken Sky are each looking for something when they show up in Hope Falls. What they find is community support, true well-wishers, and family. They also find each other. Lori Ryan does a good job bringing new characters into Melanie Shawn’s Hope Falls Kindle World. This is a novella, and a very fast read. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, and here it is: I wish the story had been longer! Definitely worth the read!
February 1, 2016
Jason a professional baseball player has hit rock bottom, the " momma" of the team has sent him to Hope Falls to help kids with baseball. Laken, an artist has come to Hope Falls after her mother died to find her father that she never knew. There is an immediate attraction between them, that they try to deny. They will help each other heal emotionally.
I really enjoyed this fun, touching romance between Jason and Laken. They will have you laughing out loud. I highly recommend this book!
I really enjoyed this fun, touching romance between Jason and Laken. They will have you laughing out loud. I highly recommend this book!
January 28, 2016
I love Lori Ryan's books, and this one didn't disappoint. It is a novella, but it tells a whole story. It has a great romance, fun characters, and just enough heat. Jason and Laken come to Hope Falls for different reasons, but they find unexpected love. Even though this is a Kindle World book from the Hope Falls series, it is not necessary to read the series to enjoy this book.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews