From Amazon bestselling author SM Stryker comes an emotionally riveting, romantic suspense, about first loves, best friends and second chances.
Never having a family to call his own, Toby Mitchell grew up alone. Given away as a young child, he knew he would never be loved. He was a child caught up in the foster system, always being shuffled from one home to the next he had no family. That is until he was old enough to join the Marines. He finally found his family. While on a mission in Afghanistan, he sustained a job ending injury that forced him out of the only family he knew.
Raven Whitehorse was raised without a mother. She had always felt that there was a conspiracy behind her mother's disappearance. She knew her mother would never leave her. After running away from home at sixteen to try to find her mother, the search for her mother hits a dead end. Raven takes any job available to stay off the streets as she works her way through school. After living on the streets, she knows that love isn’t kind.
After landing a job with a new software company, she meets Toby Mitchell the owner of a security firm that her new boss has hired.
Toby, wanting to put closure to his childhood, sets out to find his mother, the drug-addicted woman that didn't care enough about her own child to seek the help she needed. Toby feels that without this closure, he can't move forward with any type of relationship.
Raven needs to find her mother to see if the rumors were true and what really happened the day she disappeared. Was she the scared teen that couldn’t handle the pressures of new motherhood; was she blackmailed to leave or worse?
What secrets will they find, and how will those secret affect each of them?
***AUTHOR'S NOTE***
The books in this series can be read as a stand-alone book, but each story, each character intertwine between books and continue to grow within each book. I strongly suggest that you read them in order.
THIS BOOK IS A LONGER RE-WRITTEN AND RE-EDITED VERSION OF LOVING REDEMPTION.
For a list of characters in the series as well as other books, please visit SM Stryker’s website.
Due to strong language, sexual content & physical abuse, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18 or have triggers with child abuse or physical abuse.
An Oregon native and Amazon international best-selling author, SM Stryker started writing as a way to explore the aspects of the human condition. Her stories take you on a personal journey in which her characters learn something about themselves, weaving true love stories about people destined to be together.
SM. Stryker is the dirty alter ego of a quietly introverted mortgage broker behind the stories. While she might be a wife (to her biggest cheerleader), mother of four adult daughters and grandmother of four on the outside, there's nothing but hot and steamy fantasies being plotted beneath the surface.
Known for her real-life emotionally charged, unpredictable, suspenseful but heart-warming page-turning romances novels, Stryker's stories touch on normally unspoken subjects. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real. Heroines that fight their demons to become survivors and their sexy but sensitive alpha hero's that will fight beside the women they love in their journey to find their own solace.
Stryker tries to use her platform as an author to raise awareness about sexual abuse of children and adults.
Although quiet by nature, she loves to hear from her readers!
She has shared more of the events of her life in many of her other books.
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I first met Toby Mitchell and Raven Whitehorse in Never Forgotten Love, and I thought they did look great together. Raven was a once-broken soul who emerged a survivor while Toby was once unwanted and became quiet with protective streak. Both of them had issues with their mothers; Raven's mom left her for reasons she could never understand, while Toby was left from one foster home to another when he was a kid. Joining the marines changed him a great deal, and as soon as he was able, he set out to search the truth about her mom.
Their lives got entwined while both were looking for their respective mothers and somehow fixing some of their friends' problems. Like Trent Michaels who was about to kill himself. I had a heavy heart reading about their miseries and gut-wrenching episodes, as well Raven's struggles.
There had been a lot of really heart-breaking scenes in this book, but overall, Toby's soft spot for Raven was an enigma and that really stood out for me. SM Stryker was able to capture the intensity of finding second chances on love and redeeming oneself to be able to move on and move forward to a better relationship. Truly a heartfelt read!
Now the question is, do I believe in angels and unicorns yet? Oh you bet I do!
Loving Redemption can be read as a stand alone, although it is the second book in the series. I loved this book. I read it all in one sitting because I couldn't wait to find out what happened. It was well written and evens tugs at your emotions. The characters are well developed. S.M. Stryker is a wonderful author and I love reading anything by her I can get my hands on.
Wow ladies SM Stryker delivered yet another exceptional story! I highly recommend getting your copy and falling in love with Toby and Raven! This story is an enjoyable read! Looks like a re read is in my future! A Must Read! 5 Stars well deserved!
I really enjoyed Mitchell & Raven's story. Good characters. You can't help but love these two. This was a new author to me & glad I took the chance. Can't wait to read more of this series. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a free copy of the book via booksprout.
I loved this book from start to finish. I couldn't put it down I had to find out what was going to happen. It's a must read just like all of S M Stryker's books. Can't wait for her next book.
I’m reviewing the audio version. This story has so many different emotional events. The main characters both are from difficult backgrounds. I think the one that broke my heart the most was for Toby Mitchell. This guy has looked for love and belonging his whole life. When Toby and Raven come together it is so funny so visualize the big marine tongue tied because of a small woman. There is so much that happens between them. There is heartbreak, heartwarming and I even got a laugh when he thought he could spar with her!! I enjoyed the parts where the previous characters were involved. There are ups and downs with their families and friends. I didn’t think it was possible for an author to put so many different situations in one story and have it flow so seamlessly. I really enjoyed this story and am enjoying the series. I appreciate the Narrator, Nicholas Donald Malcolm who brought the characters to life. A good Narrator can make you see and feel the story. He does that. I was given a free copy and this is an voluntary review.
This is book 2 in the series and although it’s a standalone story it is slightly connected to book 1 and so if you have the chance, I’d suggest starting with the first book in the series. This is Raven and Mitchell’s story, both have a longing and a deep-rooted need to locate their mothers. It’s a well written and interesting story with Raven and Mitchell having a lot in common and great chemistry. The author does a great job of really fleshing these characters out. This is turning out to be a great series and it’s one that leaves me looking forward to the next book to hear about the next two characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you haven’t read Beckett you won’t be to lost... but you will feel as if you’re missing something.
Mitchell and Raven are like the best glass of ice cold lemonade on a hot Texas summer day. With the right lemon and sugar...tart and sweet to make this book just right.
I will never take for granted someone else’s struggles...
Come on Carson and Charlie...
I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review.
I have not read the first book Beckett and this is a stand alone story so I didn't need to because you learn some about Beckett and it makes me want to read that story too. As for this book Mitchell and Raven have been through so much in their lives can they help each other? This story will tell what they went through and how they deal with it and you will find out if the help each other and fall in love. I recommend this book !!!!!
It was so hard to put this book down. I loved it so much! There are several twists to the story that leave you wanting more and more! I can't wait to read 'Anchored to Love' by SM Stryker. SM Stryker really knows how to captivate her readers! I am so excited for her and can't wait for many more books by her!!!! ❤️
Gripping story with strong characters, who are struggling with issues from their childhood. They are both scarred from their past and working to overcome them. I enjoyed reading their story.
I fell in love with Beckett and Harlowe in Never Forgotten Love, so I knew it was only a matter of time before I got to read about Toby and Raven....
I loved Toby's strength, understanding, and openness. I also appreciate and love that he's the one who took time to train Beckett (Never Forgotten Love) in Krav Maga years ago. In this story, he's struggling with PTSD. When he first meets Raven, you could tell that for him, it was like getting hit by a truck--he was instantly smitten with her. Raven, with her little cute self, is absolutely amazing and adorable. I love how direct she is without being "all up in your face." Both of them are searching for that certain family connection. Toby grew up not having a family, and Raven felt abandoned by her mother, but always had a feeling there was more to it than just her mother all of a sudden walking out of her life. Throw in some magical or slight supernatural elements and fate, and you have a sweet, magical love story!
Loving Redemption is book 2 in the Second Chances Series. While it can be read as a stand alone, I strongly recommend you read book 1 first as it will have plenty of spoilers from it.
Toby Mitchell grew up in the foster system moving from family to family never staying with one family for more than a year. At age eighteen he joins the Marines. He now has his military family but after 3 tours he is injured and medically discharged. The only other family he has are two friends he meets while on leave once. They are there for him and convince him to start his own security firm.
Raven Whitehorse was raised by her father and grandparents. She always wondered what happened to her mother and the conspiracy behind the disappearance. At the age of sixteen she runs away from home in search of her. She lives on the street to working in a strip club until she finally gets a job for a new software company.
Toby and Raven meet and unexpectedly know they belong together. Wanting to help Raven put closure to what happened to her mother he sets out to find her as well as what happened to his own mother so that they each can have closure and move on to their next phase.
What secrets will they find and how will this affect each other and their relationship?
I was hooked right from the beginning and found it difficult to put it down until I finished. It was wonderful to reconnect with all the characters from the first book. This book runs more parallel with book one being told from Toby’s point of view. It was great to have Toby’s story told as there is so much more to his story then we know from the first book.
At one point I had to stop and message a friend stating how I did not see this turn of events in the story. It kept me guessing and things I thought were going to happen wasn’t what happened at all.
I highly recommend this book and will be reading the next book in the series.
Fantastic Story & Audible Listen🎧 Captivating & Heartfelt!
Mitchell Second Chance Series, Book 2 By: S.M. Stryker Narrated by: Nicholas Donald Malcolm
I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing book, it is well written and grabbed my attention right from the start and held it to the end. The characters are complex and well developed, I really liked the two leads, Toby Mitchell and Raven Whitehorse. Neither one of them has had an easy life, Toby was placed into foster care shuffled from home to home, Raven’s grew up without a Mom who disappeared under what she deems as suspicious circumstances. She ran away from home to find her, only to land on the streets but the kindness of another, Charlie, she was able to make something of herself and is currently working at a Stonework, that is where she meets Toby, he was on his way to Beckett. When Toby aged out of Foster care he joined the Marines and his comrades became his family but an injury forces him out. Toby is a bit of a loner and is still lost but Beckett convinces him to do his own security work and hires him. Toby reaching out to Raven was out of his comfort zone but he was intrigued by her and he finally does and it is the start of a wonderful friendship and romance. I loved how everything plays out in this book, it is well plotted with a lot going on, Toby helps Raven find her Mom, he is also continues to work for Beckett, providing security for Harlow, then dealing with his inner demons, PTSD and abandonment issues. Raven was so good for him, they were great together and for each other. There is never a dull moment in this book, there is plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns, some thrilling suspense, some heartfelt moments, heartbreaking ones and some hot romance. Thank you S.M. Stryker for terrific story and the emotional rollercoaster ride. Great job presenting and handling the mental health issues and PTSD, it is all real.
I listened to the Audible edition, Nicholas Donald Malcolm is a terrific narrator and voice artist. He brings the characters to life giving each their own voice and personality. He does a great job portraying each of the characters and projecting their emotions into his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for a great listen🎧
when Toby Mitchell gets off the elevator he doesnt expect his life will change forever.When he sees the black haired beauty that stands up all five five of her with gorgeous green eyes it's like the world disappears.She says hi Im Raven and at first he can;t talk then she smiled an says breathe he says hi Im Toby.When his friend and client comes out he homes he didn;t notice how Mitchell as everyone calls him body has reacted to Raven.But no such luck his friend Beckett says you should ask her out.Ive never seen you react to a woman in all the years I;ve know you.Tony says you know I dont date but Neck says yeah but now you do.This story of a Marine whos only family was the guys in his group of Marines the an injury ends his career hes lost until Beckett and Robert tell him he;s good at security open his own company.But Toby suffers from PTSD and has so much guilt because his best friend lost his leg in the explosion. Eat in puts her number in his phone an says call me. When he still hasn;t called an his friend tells him that another guy is showing interest in Raven an he could lose her an regret it for the rest of his life he finally calls He gets a picnic basket with food and wine an sweets.They have a great date an when she packs Every thing up she says take me home Toby thinks he must have blown it an is fighting in his mind how to make it righr.Then she says your home .There are so many twists and turns to this story will keep you riveted until the very last page and leave you begging for more.The action,the danger,suspense and the beauty of healing and love.I Love the way this amazing author brings the characters to life before your eyes and makes you feel their emotions and their pain.I can hardly wait to see what;s next by this multi talented author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Toby Mitchell and Raven Whitehorse had an instant connection yet when the opportunity is presented Toby will try and stay away from Raven little does he knows she is the answers to heal his sad broken soul.
Toby must come to terms with his past and learn how to forgive himself in order to have a bright lovable future with Raven the woman that has captured his heart.
Raven on the other hand knows she needs to learn to trust and give her one hundred percent to Toby and his love in order for their love to work and finally have their happy ending.
This two will heal each other in a loving and so passionate way they will leave you favoring this book. Toby will warm your heart and leave you breathless while Raven will make you smile and making her one of your favorite characters.
You will love this story I encourage you to read it, you will not be disappointed.
Alert: This can be read as a standalone but I highly recommended reading never forgotten love first as they are in that story as well.
Can I just say that this author knows how to hit my emotional weakness! Toby and Raven come together in search of their mothers.
Toby was injured and unable to continue in the military! but the military is really all he knows. he was rasied in the foster care system. Raven was left without a mother not knowing why. (so freaking sad!) Raven and Toby have a connection and come together beautifully!! I love how S.M Stryker builds her charecters. I love feeling like I know the people that Im reading about and wanting to give them a huge hug! I did with these two. Hell, I wanted to be their moms. but love does exists and conquers in this book!! for me it was a nice change and I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend!!
SM Stryker does it again knocking this amazing book out of the park! This story was beautiful, very heartfelt,and emotional to the max. Although I feel this book can be read as a stand alone I highly suggest reading the others first so you get a better feel for the characters. The way this author can capture coming through struggles is inspiring. While reading this I really felt for Toby and Raven as they both could have used some huge hugs. Raven is definitely a survivor, and Toby a shy tormented man who needs to deal with his painful past. They were so good together and who doesn't love a great second chance romance.
This is the third book I've read and LOVED by this author. Her writing is smooth, beautiful, and extremely honest and heartfelt.
S.M. Stryker has written a captivating and heartfelt second chance romance, I was engrossed from the start to the very end. The characters are genuine; you can't help but connect with them. The hero, Mitchell, hasn't had an easy life, my heart broke for the little boy he used to be. Our, heroine Raven had her own shares of misfortune, at a young age, her mom went missing under questionable circumstances. Each bare scars from the past but they rise above it all. I absolutely loved listening to their journey, it was amazing and at times heartwrenching.
The narration by Donald Malcolm is outstanding. He emulates all the intensity and emotions found in the pages; I was thoroughly enthralled by his performance.
This is Toby & Ravens story book 2 of the second chance series
1st i wanna say this can be read as a stand alone but i do recommend to read them in order otherwise you will miss out on getting to know all the great characters in this book with their own stories in the other books in this series
This book covers so many serious subjects & Shelly has wrote about them in a way most people will understand them. It touches your heart
I loved this book on so many levels the main characters were a great couple each with their own issues to deal with. A must read if you love contemporary romance & with a HEA
2.5 rating I'm a sucker for a good second chance/redemption romance. This one had so much potential but didn't deliver for me. I'm not a huge fan of present tense but if done right it works just fine. In this story I found there was too much play-by-play that didn't enhance the story in anyway and left me wishing it was faster paced. Another thing that bugged me was the characters. It was too unrealistic for me to get into the story let alone believe the romance. That left me really disappointed. I'm a sucker for HEA and this is one place the book excelled at. All in all, an okay story that needs some work. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Toby Mitchell, a former Marine, is haunted by guilt. He almost cost his friend's life when the vehicle hit an IED while on tour. Mitchell is a.loner l, keeps to himself. When he meets Raven on the way to see Beckett, he becomes interested in her. Both have abandonment issues. Mitchell, by being in foster care and Raven, by her mother's disappearance. Their friendship blossoms into romance. S M Stryker keeps this story interesting, with suspense, twists and turns, drama , and romance. Nicholas Donald Malcolm is a wonderful narrator. He gives each character their own voice and personality. I was gifted this audio and offered my honest review.
S.M. Stryker delivers again! While I was reading Never Forgotten Love, I kept thinking I need to know more about Mitchell, AKA Toby Mitchell. He was the dark, quiet, protective one. He was also ex military and I have a major thing for Alpha Military men. So I was SO excited to find out that Toby and Raven were book 2. This book can be read as a standalone but really why would you want to do that? This book will draw you in and you will find yourself reading till there are no more pages to read!
Mitchell and Raven have been through so much in there lives and they both desperately need closure. What will they find out along the way and will it give them both what they need. This story takes you on a journey that you feel that you are living through everything with them. I definitely recommend you read this book as it is well written and worth reading. I Voluntarily Reviewed an ARC Copy Of This Book.
Mitchell served overseas and the military is all he thinks he knows. He comes back to the states after being discharged from the service. His friend talks him into starting his own security company. He meets a young lady that he just can't forget so he finally breaks down and calls her.
I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did. It held my interest until the end. Very well written by Ms. Stryker. I think you will enjoy it too, trying not to tell much don't want any spoilers.
Toby and Raven have more in common than falling in love. Both are looking for their Mom's. Raven's Mother took off and was never heard from again but she wants some answers. Toby was left in the foster system not ever having a home, but could finding his Mom leave him broken? Toby and Raven are both on a mission together, but will their troubled past bring them a troubled future?
After reading and enjoying Beckett and Harlow's story which is the first book in the series I could not wait to read Mitchell and Raven's book and I did not disappoint it was another well-written book that once I got into it I just did not want to put it down and ended up reading it late into the night I am really enjoying this series and would recommend it.
This is the second book in the Second Chances series. I haven't read the first book but it can be read as a standalone. I truly enjoyed Mitchell and Raven story. I thought this was a captivating and a page tuner. It was well written and a good storyline. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.