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Heroes of Evers, Texas #7
Treasure and Protect
She's finished waiting.
Cora Walker is tired of waiting for Justin Kensington to open his eyes and see that they could be great together. No worries. She's got a Man Plan, More specifically, a Get-Over-The-Man Plan. Or maybe she'll call it the Move-on Method. Whatever. It involves online dating and sorting through the losers to find her winner. He has to be out there somewhere, doesn't he?
Justin Kensington knows he blew it with Cora, but what can he do about it? If he was anyone other than the man he is, he would be chasing her hard. He would make sure he got a ring on her finger before anyone else had a chance to steal her away.
But he's the son of a monster, and the brother of a man who kept his wife--now one of Justin's best friends--captive in a hell no person should have to live through.
Cora deserves more than he can give her. But when things heat up and Cora uncovers the truth about a water poisoning scandal hitting the town and its workers hard, he'll end up battling for her life and her heart.
Treasure and Protect is book seven in the Heroes of Evers, TX Series, but it can be read as a stand alone book in any order.
Cora Walker is tired of waiting for Justin Kensington to open his eyes and see that they could be great together. No worries. She's got a Man Plan, More specifically, a Get-Over-The-Man Plan. Or maybe she'll call it the Move-on Method. Whatever. It involves online dating and sorting through the losers to find her winner. He has to be out there somewhere, doesn't he?
Justin Kensington knows he blew it with Cora, but what can he do about it? If he was anyone other than the man he is, he would be chasing her hard. He would make sure he got a ring on her finger before anyone else had a chance to steal her away.
But he's the son of a monster, and the brother of a man who kept his wife--now one of Justin's best friends--captive in a hell no person should have to live through.
Cora deserves more than he can give her. But when things heat up and Cora uncovers the truth about a water poisoning scandal hitting the town and its workers hard, he'll end up battling for her life and her heart.
Treasure and Protect is book seven in the Heroes of Evers, TX Series, but it can be read as a stand alone book in any order.
162 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2018
439 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 8, 2018
Justin feels guilty about not being around long enough to spot the abuse that his mother and sister in law have been going through in their marriages. He feels that he should have been able to help them and failed. So now he's put his heart and soul into the organization that they have set up to help other domestic abuse victims. The trouble is, he feels that he may be cut from the same cloth as his father and brother. This means he can't risk falling in love and having a relationship.
Cora is one of the kids the Walkers have fostered. She was left alone in a park, abandoned by her birth mother. Her scars are more emotional than physical. She's been more cautious in love than most expected. Then she fell hard for Justin, but how long is a girl supposed to hold a candle for a guy when he doesn't seem inclined to respond? When Cora decides to let her old feelings for Justin go and begin dating, it catches Justin by surprise.
Not to mention the jealously that surfaces. He's trying to be a good guy and let her experiment with her online dates, but he's just too protective of her. Can they find their way to each other before things get totally out of hand? That's what this story's about!
Cora is one of the kids the Walkers have fostered. She was left alone in a park, abandoned by her birth mother. Her scars are more emotional than physical. She's been more cautious in love than most expected. Then she fell hard for Justin, but how long is a girl supposed to hold a candle for a guy when he doesn't seem inclined to respond? When Cora decides to let her old feelings for Justin go and begin dating, it catches Justin by surprise.
Not to mention the jealously that surfaces. He's trying to be a good guy and let her experiment with her online dates, but he's just too protective of her. Can they find their way to each other before things get totally out of hand? That's what this story's about!
March 23, 2020
Just finished the series
I started by reading the third book and liked it so much I had to read more. Then I read the first book and then the rest of the series. I was enthralled by the people and the town and each individual story. Excellent reading because of excellent writing. Thank you.
I started by reading the third book and liked it so much I had to read more. Then I read the first book and then the rest of the series. I was enthralled by the people and the town and each individual story. Excellent reading because of excellent writing. Thank you.
October 19, 2020
It’s finally Justin and Cora time. In this book the suspense part plays a lesser role.
My favorite in this book is the wonderful Epilogue. 3.25 Stars
My favorite in this book is the wonderful Epilogue. 3.25 Stars
May 6, 2018
Treasure and Protect
This was a fitting conclusion to the Heroes of Evers, Texas series, with Cora Walker finally getting her long time crush, Justin who actually felt the same way about her too. He was hiding his feelings for her because he did not think he deserved her after what happened with his family and Laura years ago. The charitable organization that he ran with Laura helped his healing process and Laura's forgiveness too. Right as Cora was giving up waiting for him to make his move his mother explained nothing was his fault and he deserved to be happy. Hiring a deputy director at the Raise the Vail freed up some of his time so that he could have a life and pursue Cora. Cora also realized she would not be happy unless she gave Justin a chance to win her over. It was so romantic as these two got their happily ever after and suspenseful as Justin saved her life because he promised he would always protect her. He would never leave her like her mother did when she was four because he loved her forever. This was a very romantic and action packed story with a twist I never expected. Everyone got their happy ever after and the town of Evers was expanding with all the new babies being born. I highly recommend this fantastic series.
This was a fitting conclusion to the Heroes of Evers, Texas series, with Cora Walker finally getting her long time crush, Justin who actually felt the same way about her too. He was hiding his feelings for her because he did not think he deserved her after what happened with his family and Laura years ago. The charitable organization that he ran with Laura helped his healing process and Laura's forgiveness too. Right as Cora was giving up waiting for him to make his move his mother explained nothing was his fault and he deserved to be happy. Hiring a deputy director at the Raise the Vail freed up some of his time so that he could have a life and pursue Cora. Cora also realized she would not be happy unless she gave Justin a chance to win her over. It was so romantic as these two got their happily ever after and suspenseful as Justin saved her life because he promised he would always protect her. He would never leave her like her mother did when she was four because he loved her forever. This was a very romantic and action packed story with a twist I never expected. Everyone got their happy ever after and the town of Evers was expanding with all the new babies being born. I highly recommend this fantastic series.
May 1, 2018
I love going back to the town of Evers, Texas to see what the characters from previous books are up to as well as meeting and getting to know new people who are added to the story. This one is no different, it was fun going back to revisit old friends from previous books. Justin Kensington is Laura’s brother-in-law from the first book so I knew who he was but he is the hero in this story and I loved his character this time around. He has a lot of issues from not being able to protect his mother and Laura from their abusive husbands so he is having a hard time with his attraction to Cora Walker. Everyone in town knows that Cora is crazy for Justin but he just doesn’t seem to feel the same. When Cora finally decides its time to move on, Justin isn’t sure he’s okay with that plan. As with all of this author’s stories there are some pretty mean bad guys added to the mix to make things really scary and nail biting. I loved how everything comes together in a very nice package in the end. This one is a great addition to an already really good series.
May 3, 2018
Ms Ryan takes us back to Evers, TX, where everybody knows everyone and their stories, and where good, honorable men, find their special ladies.
This time , we have Cora Walker and Justin Kesington. Cora has had a crush with Justin , since she met him 3 years ago, but he just sees her as a friend , or so she thinks. Especially, since he has never made a move. She has decided to move on and start dating. Justin, who has been attracted to her as well, but has not made a move because he fears he isn’t good enough for her, is not happy with this move.
The main story and sub-plot are engaging and the characters complex. Aside from the main plot, we are reminded that the experiences in our childhood, do in fact affect us as adults. In this case, one of them fears the abandonment they experienced as a child and the other one, fears that the abuse their father and brother expressed against their spouses, is an inherited trait.
Once again, Ms Ryan gives us a thought provoking story.
I voluntarily read this advance copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
This time , we have Cora Walker and Justin Kesington. Cora has had a crush with Justin , since she met him 3 years ago, but he just sees her as a friend , or so she thinks. Especially, since he has never made a move. She has decided to move on and start dating. Justin, who has been attracted to her as well, but has not made a move because he fears he isn’t good enough for her, is not happy with this move.
The main story and sub-plot are engaging and the characters complex. Aside from the main plot, we are reminded that the experiences in our childhood, do in fact affect us as adults. In this case, one of them fears the abandonment they experienced as a child and the other one, fears that the abuse their father and brother expressed against their spouses, is an inherited trait.
Once again, Ms Ryan gives us a thought provoking story.
I voluntarily read this advance copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 3, 2018
I have really enjoyed this series and was excited to finally get Cora and Justin's story! It took me a touch longer than normal to warm up to them, but I really ended up adoring their romance. They really complement each other well. Cora has been attracted to Justin since the beginning, but Justin has to overcome his past before he can really have a relationship. It was interesting to watch them both go through their different journeys and eventually end up together. There was a little bit of action and intrigue here, but I wouldn't have complained if there was just a little more :) Overall it was very enjoyable! It looks like this may be the last of the series :( but at least it ended with a great couple!
May 26, 2021
5 Stars
I purchased a copy of the full length steamy romantic suspense novel Treasure and Protect: A Small Town, High Stakes Romance (Heroes of Evers, TX Book 7) Justin and Cora by Lori Ryan and this review was given freely.
A predominantly clean complex romance with some violence but not as vivid violence as the prior books, which I appreciated. The themes of healing and finding love after abuse and abandonment is combined with the effects of illegal toxic waste dumping on Evers residents.
Just when 5th grade school teacher Cora Walker decides to try to move past her crush on wealthy former playboy/ now workaholic nonprofit director Justin Kensington , advice from Justin’s family has him regretting her unavailability.
18+ for a touch of steam. Contains some violence.
I purchased a copy of the full length steamy romantic suspense novel Treasure and Protect: A Small Town, High Stakes Romance (Heroes of Evers, TX Book 7) Justin and Cora by Lori Ryan and this review was given freely.
A predominantly clean complex romance with some violence but not as vivid violence as the prior books, which I appreciated. The themes of healing and finding love after abuse and abandonment is combined with the effects of illegal toxic waste dumping on Evers residents.
Just when 5th grade school teacher Cora Walker decides to try to move past her crush on wealthy former playboy/ now workaholic nonprofit director Justin Kensington , advice from Justin’s family has him regretting her unavailability.
18+ for a touch of steam. Contains some violence.
October 1, 2021
Contrary to casual observances, Cora Walker isn’t the only one lusting, Justin Kensington wants her just as much but he’s convinced he has the same abusive gene his father and brother shared and used liberally. Frustrated with pining for Justin since he’s so evidently friend-zoned her and she’s been waiting for three years, she tries online dating. Justin doesn’t like it.
Trying to be at least in Cora’s orbit, Justin offers her a summer job working with him and offers to help her find a date when she decides to go on a date with the town bad boy that has just returned. That doesn’t really work because Cora and Justin want Cora and Justin but when Cora over hears a conversation she shouldn’t, she stands to lose Justin and everything else.
Rating: 4stars
Trying to be at least in Cora’s orbit, Justin offers her a summer job working with him and offers to help her find a date when she decides to go on a date with the town bad boy that has just returned. That doesn’t really work because Cora and Justin want Cora and Justin but when Cora over hears a conversation she shouldn’t, she stands to lose Justin and everything else.
Rating: 4stars
January 1, 2025
the book i have been waiting for the most !!!!
i’ve wanted justin’s story since the first book after getting to know him from laura’s story. and to get his book at the very end is injustice !!!!!
cora and justin is that friends to lovers that was going wrong but then became right. and im happy it went wrong first because cora deserves genuine love from justin and justin did give that after he sorted himself out. i have mad respect for justin who prioritized cora’s happiness instead of going all caveman, esp when he doesn’t have the right !!!
the suspense here is very shortlived. so i would recommend this book more to those looking for a friends to lovers trope with mature characters.
4 stars
i’ve wanted justin’s story since the first book after getting to know him from laura’s story. and to get his book at the very end is injustice !!!!!
cora and justin is that friends to lovers that was going wrong but then became right. and im happy it went wrong first because cora deserves genuine love from justin and justin did give that after he sorted himself out. i have mad respect for justin who prioritized cora’s happiness instead of going all caveman, esp when he doesn’t have the right !!!
the suspense here is very shortlived. so i would recommend this book more to those looking for a friends to lovers trope with mature characters.
4 stars
May 3, 2018
I loved this book! It is a touching story.
Cora has had a good life. Because
of her abandonment issues, from when
she was six, she picks to wrong guys,
& will not commit to anybody.
Until Justin came to town, it was
love for Cora.
Justin had a lot of family problems,
& personal baggage to deal with,
when he moved to Ever's. The minute
he saw Cora, his heart was lost.
But he feel's he isn't good enough for her.
His family & friends encourage him
to admit how he feels to Cora.
It grabbed me by the heartstrings, & never let go. I liked that it wrapped up some of loose ends, from Laura & Cade's story.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
Cora has had a good life. Because
of her abandonment issues, from when
she was six, she picks to wrong guys,
& will not commit to anybody.
Until Justin came to town, it was
love for Cora.
Justin had a lot of family problems,
& personal baggage to deal with,
when he moved to Ever's. The minute
he saw Cora, his heart was lost.
But he feel's he isn't good enough for her.
His family & friends encourage him
to admit how he feels to Cora.
It grabbed me by the heartstrings, & never let go. I liked that it wrapped up some of loose ends, from Laura & Cade's story.
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
May 4, 2020
I have enjoyed this series and it's strong yet quirky characters. This is the last in the series and I can only hope that someday there will be more.
Cora Walker has crushed on Justin Kensington for 3 years and she has had enough. He is keeping her in the friend zone and well that isn't what either wants. Justin has his reasons for keeping her there and Cora decides to date others. In so doing she accidentally stumbles upon a town scandal involving the town's furniture factory.
This story has romance, mystery, villains, and a happy ending. I couldn't ask for more. Ever, Texas is the place to be with a few quirky but loveable characters.
Cora Walker has crushed on Justin Kensington for 3 years and she has had enough. He is keeping her in the friend zone and well that isn't what either wants. Justin has his reasons for keeping her there and Cora decides to date others. In so doing she accidentally stumbles upon a town scandal involving the town's furniture factory.
This story has romance, mystery, villains, and a happy ending. I couldn't ask for more. Ever, Texas is the place to be with a few quirky but loveable characters.
November 25, 2021
A great series
They say there’s one perfect person for everyone. The character's immediate chemistry was apparent from the start. This is a very romantic and action-packed story with a twist. The series talks about tough topics, like domestic violence and PTSD. Important things, that need to be brought into the light. I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I hope she will write future stories.
Cora is Ashley’s sister. She is a first grade teacher. She has a huge crush on Justin, but it’s one sided. So she has decided to try online dating. Her first few dates were a disaster. Then Ethan came along, but she just saw him as a good friend.
Justin is Laura’s former brother in law. He likes Cora, but has vowed to stay away from her. She can do so much better than him. But now she’s dating and his jealousy is coming through. But is he too late?
They say there’s one perfect person for everyone. The character's immediate chemistry was apparent from the start. This is a very romantic and action-packed story with a twist. The series talks about tough topics, like domestic violence and PTSD. Important things, that need to be brought into the light. I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I hope she will write future stories.
Cora is Ashley’s sister. She is a first grade teacher. She has a huge crush on Justin, but it’s one sided. So she has decided to try online dating. Her first few dates were a disaster. Then Ethan came along, but she just saw him as a good friend.
Justin is Laura’s former brother in law. He likes Cora, but has vowed to stay away from her. She can do so much better than him. But now she’s dating and his jealousy is coming through. But is he too late?
May 2, 2018
Cora has been in love with Justin Kensington since he moved to town to be near his brother's widow. He really does love Cora but doesn't feel he's in a position to be with her. His dad and his brother were abusers he fears he will become one also. But when Cora is in trouble he's the first to her rescue. Another intriguing Romantic suspense from Lori Ryan. An adventure into small-town life where bad people do bad things. Lori's writing will grab you from the beginning and hang on to you until the end. A great read to bite your nails by.
May 7, 2018
I wasn't sure how I felt about this book at the beginning. Cora seemed kind of desperate, and Justin seemed standoffish.
Reading further, their backgrounds were detailed and you began to understand their characters and actions better.
At this point, the book really took off. You started to have suspicions about the poisoned water and the people behind it. You start to think things are going way too smoothly. Then it hits you. The action and suspense start and carry you through to a resolution and the inevitable HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy.
Reading further, their backgrounds were detailed and you began to understand their characters and actions better.
At this point, the book really took off. You started to have suspicions about the poisoned water and the people behind it. You start to think things are going way too smoothly. Then it hits you. The action and suspense start and carry you through to a resolution and the inevitable HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy.
July 27, 2020
LOVELY STORY 😁
Cora and Justin finally get together in a sweet and suspenseful story!! This was a very satisfying book to end this wonderfully entertaining series with..... All of the characters from the previous books made an appearance with little up to date tidbits about their lives which was nice. As with all her books I have read so far Lori Ryan makes you feel like her characters are real live people whom you experience every up and down with as if you were there!
I enjoyed this book and all the books in this series immensely and highly recommend them all!! 😇
Cora and Justin finally get together in a sweet and suspenseful story!! This was a very satisfying book to end this wonderfully entertaining series with..... All of the characters from the previous books made an appearance with little up to date tidbits about their lives which was nice. As with all her books I have read so far Lori Ryan makes you feel like her characters are real live people whom you experience every up and down with as if you were there!
I enjoyed this book and all the books in this series immensely and highly recommend them all!! 😇
February 21, 2020
Don't Let It End
Wow, this whole series was so very good. I loved them all. Justin and Coras story touches on abandonment and abuse. I personally can relate to both. Beautifully written with some lifelike characters and some serious issues. A bit of sexual content but not much. Love the town. Wish I lived there. I personally would like to see more stories there. How about Justin's mother? Excellent story.
Wow, this whole series was so very good. I loved them all. Justin and Coras story touches on abandonment and abuse. I personally can relate to both. Beautifully written with some lifelike characters and some serious issues. A bit of sexual content but not much. Love the town. Wish I lived there. I personally would like to see more stories there. How about Justin's mother? Excellent story.
June 20, 2020
Bucket list
I don't want to leave Evers! Every romance, every adventure, every heartache and every forever has been written with so much creativity I've felt I've been wandering around enjoying friends and family. Cora and Justin had a rough beginning and I truly hoped their happily ever after would be special. Still, there are a lot more stories in Evers, TX and maybe Lori Ryan will take us there again!
I don't want to leave Evers! Every romance, every adventure, every heartache and every forever has been written with so much creativity I've felt I've been wandering around enjoying friends and family. Cora and Justin had a rough beginning and I truly hoped their happily ever after would be special. Still, there are a lot more stories in Evers, TX and maybe Lori Ryan will take us there again!
July 26, 2020
How many years do you want someone before you finally get it? He doesn't want you back. It took over three years for Cora Walker to figure out Justin Kensington had her firmly in his friend zone. Justin's greatest fear is the he's a monster just like his father and brother. Keeping Cora at arm's length keeps her safe. Watching her date other men just about does Justin in. Justin finally figures out what he wants but is it too late?
January 1, 2022
Sparks!
Treasure and Protect: WOW! Excellent story, amazing characters and a great ending to the series. Justin and Cora had always been friends and there had always been sparks between them but Justin felt he could not date Cora. He was afraid that he would be just like his father and brother. Cora just could not stay away any long she loved him to much and she needed to prove it to him that he loves her too. Great story!
Treasure and Protect: WOW! Excellent story, amazing characters and a great ending to the series. Justin and Cora had always been friends and there had always been sparks between them but Justin felt he could not date Cora. He was afraid that he would be just like his father and brother. Cora just could not stay away any long she loved him to much and she needed to prove it to him that he loves her too. Great story!
August 2, 2018
Sweet romantic suspense. These two have known each other for years but were firmly in the friend zone until Cora's Get-Over-the-Man plan leads to a number of complications. Luckily, Cora and Justin have the support of their friends and family to help them see what has been there all along. Throw in a little danger and the fun really begins! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
August 1, 2020
Loved this Series!
This series was great! I enjoyed every book and each couple thoroughly. One thing that j loved is how she used her secondary characters and kept them so active in each book. This series was like coming home to a big family each time you opened the pages of a new book.
This series was great! I enjoyed every book and each couple thoroughly. One thing that j loved is how she used her secondary characters and kept them so active in each book. This series was like coming home to a big family each time you opened the pages of a new book.
September 20, 2020
Series
This is an excellent series. I haven’t written a review till now but every book is a five star adventure. From the first book to the last each story is woven together to keep you captivated Fromm start to finish. Layer upon layer you get to know everyone and ride with them thru their story. Wonderful wonderful enjoy.
This is an excellent series. I haven’t written a review till now but every book is a five star adventure. From the first book to the last each story is woven together to keep you captivated Fromm start to finish. Layer upon layer you get to know everyone and ride with them thru their story. Wonderful wonderful enjoy.
July 13, 2021
Treasure and Protect
Treasure and Protect was a good story with Cora and James as the leading characters. I enjoyed this series and the characters. I hope the author would consider doing second generation series or at least a Holiday special book with all the couples. Happy Reading!!
Treasure and Protect was a good story with Cora and James as the leading characters. I enjoyed this series and the characters. I hope the author would consider doing second generation series or at least a Holiday special book with all the couples. Happy Reading!!
December 3, 2021
Justin and Cora
A very enjoyable read. Justin and Cora have been dancing around each other for 3 years. He wants to be friends and she wants more. We’ll, Cora decides to start dating and see if she can find someone else. Justin is not happy. Maybe this can force him to make some changes.
A very enjoyable read. Justin and Cora have been dancing around each other for 3 years. He wants to be friends and she wants more. We’ll, Cora decides to start dating and see if she can find someone else. Justin is not happy. Maybe this can force him to make some changes.
March 25, 2022
great ending to a great series
This was a fantastic end to this series. It’s been a while since I read book 6, but all the characters came back to me as I read this one. The characters who live in Evers had already stolen my heart in the other books, but this just tied everything up so well and made me love them even more. This author didn’t disappoint.
This was a fantastic end to this series. It’s been a while since I read book 6, but all the characters came back to me as I read this one. The characters who live in Evers had already stolen my heart in the other books, but this just tied everything up so well and made me love them even more. This author didn’t disappoint.
August 10, 2022
Awesome!
I read every book in the series and fact was fantastic. The storylines and characters just drew me in. So well-written and easy to read. If you haven't read this series you're missing out something really great. I do hope she comes backs to write about the people of Evers, their a wild bunch!
I read every book in the series and fact was fantastic. The storylines and characters just drew me in. So well-written and easy to read. If you haven't read this series you're missing out something really great. I do hope she comes backs to write about the people of Evers, their a wild bunch!
September 19, 2022
Amazing
I read every book in the series and they all were wonderful. I loved the fact fast friends came together to support each other a d to help. They gave back to the community , like everyone should. Can't wait to read the next series. Thank you so much for these feel good books.
I read every book in the series and they all were wonderful. I loved the fact fast friends came together to support each other a d to help. They gave back to the community , like everyone should. Can't wait to read the next series. Thank you so much for these feel good books.
May 8, 2018
Cora and Justin secretly have feelings for each other but don't let on to each other. It takes almost the whole book before they finally do. With a bit of suspense thrown in this romance story was good and a quick read as well.
May 11, 2018
A romantic suspense storyline that is well written. Cora and Justin's story is touching and a wonderful read. The journey these characters go through was great to read. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews