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The love of family meant the world to him, and he’d found his forever girl. She was his everything. He’d never love another like he loved her. Marriage, a house, children. He wanted the whole fairy tale—with her. He dropped to one knee and held out a ring that symbolized all his hopes for a future with her, all his love. In horror, she turned and ran. He tried to go after her but wound up the victim of a drunk driver. It was over a week before he came out of the coma and then the surgeries began.

Ten years passed before he saw her again.

Dreams

She yearned to see the world, to escape the city that stifled her, that strangled her spirit. She ached to see more, to be more, but there was this boy… She loved him so much. His sudden proposal frightened her. How could she give up her dreams and stay? She panicked and ran. Hours after she’d fled from him, she realized her dreadful mistake. She loved him with all her heart. He was the other half of her soul. All she needed to be happy in life was him Yes…she would marry him. She called until his voice mail was full. She searched for him in all their places—but he wasn’t there. His mother turned her away. Her son deserved better, she said. Weeks later, full of bitter regret, she faced the truth. She’d lost him.

Ten years passed before she saw him again.

Forgiveness

Brody King, part of Hope City’s elite JDET team eyed their new DEA liaison, Amber Swanson with locked-down rage. Anyone but her, God, anyone but her. She strode toward him, nervous, but determined. She should be nervous. If he unleashed half of the hurt and anger he felt, she’d be a sniveling wreck in seconds. Why him, why now? This hurt. He still loved her. Had dreams about her. Still, Amber had brutally rejected him, so play nice with her? Hell, no. The less he saw of that woman the better.

Oh, he looked forbidding. Cold. Angry. Amber knew all that was on her. She accepted responsibility as the sight of his handsome face broke her heart all over again. She loved him, still, and he loathed her. It radiated off him. It didn’t matter. There were things she needed to say to him. She could do this. She had to do this. She had to tell him. It wasn’t fair, family meant everything to Brody King. He needed to know he had a ten year old son.n!

292 pages, ebook

First published July 26, 2020

598 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Kris Michaels

81 books1,115 followers
USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Kris Michaels is the alter ego of a happily married wife and mother. She writes romance, usually with characters from military and law enforcement backgrounds.

Kris was born and raised in South Dakota. She graduated many years ago from a high school class consisting of 13 students (yes that is thirteen, eleven girls and two boys...lucky boys). She joined the military, met her husband, and traveled the world. Today she lives on the Gulf Coast and writes full time.

Kris is an avid people watcher and dreamer. The stories she writes are crafted around the hopes and dreams of a true romantic. She believes love is essential, people are beautiful, and everyone deserves a happy ending.

When she isn't writing Kris enjoys a full life revolving around family, friends, laughing, whiskey, and cold red wine. (Yes cold...don't judge.)

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5 stars
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216 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
420 reviews46 followers
nope-nope-nope
July 30, 2020
And another one, hero found sexual satisfaction and contentment while the heroine had neither. Its 2020, and still with this same sexist double standard. Why an author will give pages of prose about the sex life of the hero, how good it was, in a romance book is beyond me..and of course the heroines sex life is murky because if she happened to be happy in the seperation that would mean she didnt love the hero, but for him it's fine. I dont know whether to blame sexist authors or the readers who willingly accept it.
Profile Image for KaylaJane.
145 reviews
July 30, 2020
SPOILER WARNING!


This could have easily been a 3 star read if not for author using the old & VERY tiresome trope that guarantees to ruin a story for me right of the bat when we have Hero's thoughts & history with OW.


This is why I hate 2nd chance romances. WHY was it necessary for author to tell us what a "demi-god" he was in bed with the OW? How the sex was awesome & how they were in a long time relationship, or how nice, sweet, gorgeous, loving, etc she was, how he MISSED her and how he was tempted to hook up with her again after heroine came back into the picture and he was still in love with her?

This portion was so unnecessary because it brought nothing in terms of conflict or story arc other then to tell me that he didn't really give a shit about heroine. He was in a relationship for many years with this OW. When he called her to ask for her help on a case, he made a date to take her to dinner instead of just asking for her help on the phone and told her how he missed her!

The night is still early. If we don't linger over drinks, we could have dessert back at my place."

"Normally I'd say yes, but there have been some developments in my life I need to work through."

"Is it serious, this development you need to work through?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, and I don't know if I'm being stupid for turning you down..."

"Oh, believe me, you're being stupid for turning me down." Deb smiled impishly at him.

"Okay, true, I am, but I need to make sure I'm not hurting anyone."

"Especially yourself. Regardless if we have sex or not, you're my friend. If you find someone to take the sadness inside of you away, go for it. Even if it means leaving our friendship in the dust." Deb slid her hand back on top of his. "Nice guys are hard to find. Good looking nice guys, who are demi-gods in bed? They're almost non-existent. Everyone has heard about them, but no one has ever caught one. I was fortunate enough to have one on the line for a short time, but you never belonged to me."

Why in the hell couldn't they have fallen in love? An image of Amber flashed through his thoughts. Yeah, that was why. He was a complete idiot for denying Deb, but damn it, he wanted Amber.


To top it of, author was a bit confused. In the beginning of the story, he tells heroine that he "dated" on & off making reader believe that he either had ONS or that he was not serious about anyone. But later on, we learn that he dated this OW for many years and that they were still hooking up even after they broke things off! That to me didn't sound like he was missing heroine or still in love with her - especially since author went out of her way to tell us how great the sex was with the OW!

Then we have the heroine who in the beginning says she didn't date because she was busy with raising her kid & her career, but a few chapters later, there is a reference about some dude she dated who didn't want to raise someone else's kid. Was she celibate or not, we never found out.

Now as for the rest of the story, I just skimmed because there was a lot of crime solving whatnot that bored me to death and the romance took a back seat for a while. Right before he finds out he has a kid, he hated her & wanted nothing to do with her. Then he finds out about his kid and all of a sudden, he is back in love with her & saying ILY. Umm...What? How did we get from 0-1000?

Another pet peeve of mine was the fact that neither Hero nor heroine were likable characters to route for and lacked any chemistry. I didn't FEEL like they loved each other - even up to the end!

While Heroine seemed slightly remorseful about her part in the breakup, she came across as not really caring whether they made up or not. Ditto for Hero. He seemed more "human" and affectionate with OW then he ever was with heroine.

So no, I do not recommend…..
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,947 reviews63 followers
July 28, 2020
Brody confronts his past😱

Brody has never forgotten the woman he proposed to, who ran out on him straight after😢 Now she’s in Hope City and has been permanently assigned to his JDET team as a DEA liaison. Both are shocked to see each other, the first time in a decade, when they are called into a meeting😳

Amber has never forgotten the man she loved and left because of her past insecurities. Now she has a secret to divulge to Brody, but he won’t give her the time of day to tell him what it is❣️

I loved this next instalment in the Hope City series and I want more ASAP😍 I also love that we get to visit with some Guardians too❤️
Profile Image for Khurram.
2,369 reviews6,691 followers
February 23, 2021
Second chances

Another good book from Hope City. I have to say though the Kings in Guardian handle the bigger international issues. It is great to see the more domestic police force handle business. I did actually enjoy see the guys that have to worry about money and resources, but still get results.

The book starts out with a bang, then slows down in the middle as,which is needed as it is more emotional than some of the other books, but has an action packed finale.

My only complaint of this book is there was a lot of repetition as Amber's story/reason had to be repeated to almost every family member. In fairness this was done less in the later chapters.

A couple of mentions and a cameos from a character Kings of Guardian series. The side characters of the Mcbrides are also used well.

The city of Hope is in good hands, and a sneak peak at who is next.
Profile Image for Island Girl Romance Reads.
507 reviews55 followers
August 6, 2020
Love this book. It’s a book of second chances.
Amber and Brody were young and in love. But when Brody proposed Amber she ran away.
After 10 years they meet again and they have to work together and Amber.
Amber has a secret to tell Brody but he doesn’t want to talk to her.
Amber made mistakes that she is willing now to rectify.
At first, I admit, that I couldn’t understand Amber. But as the story continues I understood her. She did make a mistake, but she did also try to rectify it.
This is a book about second chances. A book about forgiveness. Kris Michaels’ writing is one of my favorites. When I finish her books I always have a big smile and wanting to read the next book ASAP because she always tease her readers with a little of what’s coming next.
Can’t wait for Ryker.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Diane (Books and Tequila Blog).
1,519 reviews72 followers
August 18, 2020
I loved this second chance romantic suspense story. It really had a great blend of angst, drama, suspense and romance that kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

"The way we ended was ugly and difficult for both of us. A myriad of miscommunication and boiling emotions."

I love the family dynamics, the sibling banter, Brody’s parents are awesome characters. I’m really enjoying getting to know the characters in this new series and can’t wait for more of these stories.

"Funny thing about the past. The further away from it we get, the easier it is to look at."
-5 Stars!-
Profile Image for CJ.
532 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2020
So much wrong with this book.

Have really enjoyed ready these books to this one. Was looking forward to reading Brody, liked him so far in the other books. But Brody was a chomp in this book, seriously how do you not get mad at someone who has hidden your kid for 10yrs, then invites her to your families house the second time you meet your son. Amber was horrible, never took responsibility for keeping her son away from Brody, somehow it was Brody and his families fault. Amber didnt seem to care she hurt Brody at all. She was a horrible b@#$h. Dawn was the only one in this story (what I could read of it) that found all that had happened in the past was Ambers fault, and she was her sister. Also how Brody looked down on his family when they said dont get back with her at the start. Of course his family would care considering how close they are and he nearly died. There was no chemistry between Brody and Amber, there was just Amber thinking she deserved everything and Brody being a pussy. So disappointed and I have re-ordered the next two hoping they are like the first ones.
Profile Image for Cindy Montgomery.
176 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2020
Healing the Heart in Hope City

Brody was a man seemingly rejected by the woman he loved. That night changed him forever. Amber became afraid when Brody proposed and she ran. Brody was severely injured and it took time to heal and repair. During this time Amber made attempts to talk to Brody but he was protected by his family....
Amber made decisions based on the circumstances she was faced with. She focused on making a life for herself and her son.
As time passed the fates stepped in and Brody will be working with Amber. She decides to try and tell Brody about their son. Amber is rebuffed as Brody doesn’t want to bring up the past. Amber finally demands a few minutes of his time because the son wants to meet him.
Kris Michaels brilliantly takes us through the healing that has to happen between everyone involved. Truly it is a beautiful thing to see adults come together for the benefit of the child. All of this happening while there is a serious case going on.
I enjoyed the conversation between Amber and Brody’s mom. They overcame feelings to resolve any issues and wow it is such a dramatic change in both women.
I cannot wait to read more about these amazing characters in this exciting world.
This is one of those stories that touches your heart. There is truly hope in the world of Hope City.
Profile Image for Lisa Gibbs.
802 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2020
Brody King and Amber Swanson have not seen each other in 10 years and well it's didn't end well then and now 10 years later she is a DEA agent now assigned to JDET where Brody is a sergeant. He is cold towards her with good reason but she is determined to right a wrong from 10 years ago. It would have been easy to dislike Amber when we find out what she has been keeping from him but in all honesty the way that Ms. Michaels told the story it was easy to see why we should not dislike her. Amber made the best decision she could at the time and well there were quite a few misunderstandings back then. Amber has grown and we can see that as the story unfolds. Ms. Michaels writes a second chance story that is a page turner because she also fills it with intrigue and a story that is continuing throughout the series. The characters are so real and interesting and fun to watch. Ms. Michaels captures the spirit of family with the Kings and their road to finding love. I can't wait for the next story as I am sure it will be a bit more explosive than this one and that is saying something.
Profile Image for reader_dreamer_4life.
931 reviews30 followers
July 30, 2020
Consuming, Heartwarming, and Suspenseful. When the woman who broke his heart 10 years ago resurfaces as the DEA agent assigned to his JDET team secrets are revealed, lives are forever changed, and hearts are healed as a second chance at love prevails. 10 years ago, fear, pride, and misunderstandings tore them apart however while being made to work closely on a drug case, the issues between them; their past, her decisions, her fears, their son, his anger, are resolved and put to rest so they can finally live for the future as a family. I adored their son Gage in this story. His questions, nerves, and fears were justifiable and endearing. His interactions with Brody, and the King and McBride family members were heartwarming. Brody’s caring, loving, intrusive, supportive family and friends add something truly special to this story and series. I can’t wait to devour more characters in this exciting world that Kris and Maryann have created.
722 reviews5 followers
August 10, 2020
SOOOO GOOD 👍👍👍👍👍

This series is so good! I really enjoy each and every member of the King and McBride family!!!! This story about Brody and Amber was excellent! It was so heartwarming that they met up with each other again and Brody got to meet Gage. The relationship between Brody and Amber was sweet, sexy and very satisfying to read about. Brody and his family's interactions, acceptance and affection for Gage was wonderful. I was so glad that there wasn't huge amounts of chapters of angst that would have ruined a really feel good tale of two people who were meant to be together. The twists and turns of all of them working together to bring down a drug kingpin was exciting, mysterious and extremely riveting!!! The whole investigative storyline was unique and held your attention completely. I highly recommend this book and the whole series...... It is reading treat!!!😇
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2023
Brody and Amber

Wow! This is a great one! Brody is captain with the JDET in Hope City. Amber is the DEA Agent attached to their task force. Brody and Amber haven’t seen each other in ten years when she said no to his marriage proposal. Brody is not happy. When Amber finally get Brody to listen to her he finds out he is a father to a ten year old son. Brody gets to know his son and he and Amber work well together. They’re on the trail of a cartel making a deadly drug. The two go undercover as an engaged couple and have a chance to know each other as grownups. Both of them had made mistakes and they hope to learn from then. There is danger all around as they get closer to the people responsible. I have to say in the beginning I did not like Amber. I had three brothers is my only defense. But I will add to that I ended up loving her. This book has lots of family, friends, fun, cops, a “hover -copter” mom, a cute son, steam and love renewed.
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,221 reviews34 followers
July 30, 2020
Kris Michaels has written another another stellar book with Brody. It has an incredibly interesting storyline about an investigation into the manufacture and distribution of drug so deadly that just touching it will kill you. It's also about forgiveness, letting go of the past and looking to the future with someone you never stopped loving.

There are lots of deep emotions running between Brody King and Amber Swanson. Their history is not a happy one. She devastated him 10 years ago when she uttered one word...no. Now here she is on his JDET team and he has to work with her. There's a lot of push/pull and he's not the least bit amenable to listening to what she has to say but she a has a ten year secret that is long past time to be revealed. A few minutes conversation completely alters both of their lives
Profile Image for Lisa.
381 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2020
Brody & Amber - second chances

After reading the blurb about this book, not gonna lie, I was excited but a bit apprehensive. I’m so glad I stuck to excited and read it because Kris Michaels is brilliant. I thought I would hate Amber because she broken Brody’s heart, instead I was heartbroken for both of them, and the story she wove that brought them face-to-face and for Brody to meet his son, along with some other moments, had me tearing up. I couldn’t wait to see them get their HEA, not to mention close the case they were working. It was fun to see mention of beloved cousins and Guardian, and of course loved interactions between the King & McBride families. I absolutely adore Kris Michaels and her books.
Profile Image for Sharon A..
181 reviews3 followers
August 1, 2020
So good!

Brody King and Amber Swanson has a history. He proposed and she ran. While chasing after her, he was hit by a drunk driver and seriously injured.

Ten years later, they end up on the same team, trying to locate the source and stop the sell of a deadly new drug on the streets.

The problem is that Amber has a secret and Brody won’t talk to her unless it’s about the case. How can she let him know that he’s the father of a ten year old boy if he won’t talk to her.

Now Brody and Amber are undercover as an engaged couple in their new house in a bedroom community with a private airfield that might have drugs being flown in.

The suspense and the romance put together make an amazing book!

5 stars for this book and for the Hope City series!
Profile Image for Dawn Herrera.
704 reviews11 followers
September 29, 2020
I enjoyed Brody this was a story that had some drama, danger and maybe a second chance. This was my first book by this author and found it to be good. The writing was good and the character were likable. The story did touch on my heart a bit. Brody King is a man who believes that family means everything so when he asks his forever girl to get married things do not go the way he thinks they will. Amber Swanson is taken back when Brody pops the question, because he knew that she wanted to see the world and is not ready for this. Then ten years later they come face to face and you can feel the hurt and the longing. There are some ups and downs with some interesting twists and some secrets. I highly recommend this book and I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Merle.
2,400 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2020
Can there be a second chance when she ran away from his romantic proposal? Can they find their way when she tells him he has a ten-year-old son she has kept from him? Most importantly, can they share space on the JDET Task Force, trying to solve the pervasive drug problem in Hope City? As it turns out, Brody and Amber can do all of the above. They discover a new route for delivering the latest deadly drug and are able to find the real conduit. There's a visit from a Guardian who helps along the way, as well as a family gathering or two. Overall, not a super-deep story but still a satisfying one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,125 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2020
Brody

OMG! Another FANTASTIC story by Kris! This is a second chance love story with a twist. Brody was a father but had not known until ten years later. Amber tried to tell Brody about her son but his family basically told her he would call when he was ready to talk to her. It was a shock to say the least. Now Amber and Brody work together plus they have rekindled their relationship. Gage is a spitfire and Brody's family are great with getting to know them. When Brody almost died, it pretty much sealed their love for each other. They got married and worked on their happily ever after with Gage. FANTASTIC job Kris! I would recommend this book!
Profile Image for karen.
1,627 reviews
February 2, 2021
I started out to give this story a 4, but changed my mind. I love the McBride and King families. They are so devoted, protective, good humans.
I was angry thatAmber did not persist in getting Brody to Talk to her with her new found information.
But young love, miscommunication, a horrible accident, a surprise arrival cost these two 10 years of hurt, bitterness, broken hearts and a child with out a father.

Amber’s new job as a DEA AGENT on the JETD squad. Unbeknownst to Amber, her live who she ran from because of being afraid is on the same squad. It opens up a whole new dynamic and fear.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,378 reviews7 followers
September 27, 2022
2nd Chance goodness

Brody and Amber fell in love in college but then things went south..fast forward 10 years and they find themselves working together and Amber has a secret. They try to get past their history and the rest of the story is a great mix of the case, their growth and their family. There were some scenes I wish were more developed, such as the police action on the supervising officer harassing women and the office politics, but the interagency work, relationship building and family fun with all the siblings and parents were a delight to read! Then, as usual, the ending was an intro to another siblings romance…though with a familiar law enforcement face!
Profile Image for Alison.
411 reviews10 followers
July 30, 2020
A great blend of action and romance

This was an exquisite read by kris Michael's. Brody and Amber's relationship was strained and complicated but I do love a second chance romance.

These books are the perfect balance of romance, crime and action. If I have anything negative it would be that the transition was perhaps alittle too smooth from estranged lover finding out he has a kid to all loved up and happy families. But even saying that the writing was flawless, the story captivating and the characters dynamic.
Profile Image for Patty.
254 reviews
August 4, 2020
I just can't get enough!

Kris keeps us always coming back for more and Brody does not disappoint. Even though they are all related with a strong moral compass and family ties, each tale is unique in its own way. Kris is brilliant in the way she weaves her crossovers. Couple in the fact that she is now weaving this with alternating books with her buddy author, Mary Jordan, and I am enthralled! Her next one can't come soon enough. It's Mary's turn and am looking forward to Kyle as Much as Ryker!
229 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2021
Didn’t like the Heroine

I like the stories in this series except for this one. The excuses the Heroine gave the Hero were lousy. 10 years she had a chance to tell him. He has missed out of the ? Life and its ok? He just accepts it because he always loved her. This story is like some of the romance stories where the Hero treats the female bad throughout the story and then at the very end the Hero tells the.Heroine he loves her and she just accepts him back. I DID NOT LIKE THIS STORY!
787 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2020
Great story

Another great read and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Brody and Amber and how their lives came full circle after ten years. It was to realize the reason for Amber running, but very glad to see her back and the awesome gift that she brought with her. Really enjoyed seeing her and Brody work things out. I especially love how Kris is able to bring in some of the characters from Guardians.Happy reading.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
February 28, 2024
A decade ago, Det. Brody King asked DEA liaison Amber Swanson a question important to their future. She literally ran away, after a series of misfortune and miscommunication she walks into his office as a new team member. One look and they each know the love didn’t die, neither did the hurt and pain. Brody believed Amber moved away she didn’t, but in hindsight, Amber though she shoulda/woulda/coulda contacted him because he was on her mind daily.
Rating: 4.25stars
Profile Image for Donna Ferriola.
405 reviews1 follower
October 15, 2024
Brody Hope City book 4

This was an exciting story from start to finish with Amber reconnecting with the father to her son. Brody never stopped loving her and she loved him. Now that they found out what broke them apart and he got to meet his son everything just fell into place for them to be together. It was a case that sealed the deal as they had to portray a married couple to take down a deadly drug ring. They got their happily everafter and captured the bad guys
660 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2020
Brody and Amber's story

The last time he. saw her was 10 years ago. He had just proposed and she ran away from him. She was DEA permit joining his team.
She knew she had to talk to him about that day. They would be working together. How was this going to. work out.
Great Love story, a close family, and drug take down

Profile Image for Suzanne Clemons.
401 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2020
I Love Hope City and this branch of the King Family

This installment of the Hope City series follows Brody King as he is reunited with his first love and finds the son he never knew he had. Fast paced and a page turner, this one is a Must read. Bonus appearance by my favorite twin from the Guardian Series was an nice surprise.
Profile Image for Celeste.
122 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2020
Sweet second chances

This book was really great. I loved the way the two were reunited and had to get to know exactly what happened so long ago. Finding out that they really did love each other for so long even with all the issues that happened. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone
Profile Image for Jan.
30 reviews
August 7, 2020
Lovers Reunited

It's a hopeful story of two people in love but torn apart by fear and then tragedy!! Separated for years, Amber has a secret that has to be revealed. The story brings together the police and the DEA and reunites two lovers. A great addition to the Hope City series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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