Years of adversity have molded Henley McClure into the attentive, conscientious psychologist she is today. She lives for her daughter, Jasna, and her work at The Refuge, an exclusive retreat for victims of PTSD. Her life is fulfilling…if a little lonely. But the only man who’s captured her interest, the most standoffish of the mountain retreat’s seven owners, lives in self-imposed isolation. It will take a little vulnerability on her own part, a dead car battery, and the surprising help of her daughter to break through Finn’s defenses.
His Coast Guard career ended in a tragedy that ground Finn “Tonka” Matlick’s life to a halt. For years, his only solace has been the animals he tends to at The Refuge…and admiring Henley from afar. He had no plans to risk potential heartache ever again, until an incident at the retreat had him clinging to Henley like the broken man he is. The kind, patient therapist and her sweet, thoughtful daughter may be the only ones capable of putting him back together.
As Finn slowly heals, and he and Henley grow ever closer, someone is watching. Waiting. Planning. Evil in the making who ultimately wants to watch the world burn, one victim at a time. And they’ll start by targeting one of the people Finn loves most.
**Deserving Henley is the 2nd book in The Refuge Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
Maybe it was because I was in an emotional mood this week, but this had me in 😢 at several instances. It could be that reading about loss, especially of a beloved friend (human or animal) is just hard. Despite this, I loved this story. Although it focuses on Finn and Henley here, The Refuge is really a tight group so you get hints of the personality of the other guys as well.
I was really dreading what the antagonist was planning on doing, and actually got angry at the reasoning of why Stoker decided to make that person the target. I usually don't get so bothered, but fortunately, it worked out in a way that didn't bother me too much in the end.
The thing I love about this series it that it doesn’t shy away from the fragility of life. It also doesn’t hide the joy and wonder that life can bring, and this book brought that tenfold. Tonka is the most damaged of the owners at The Refuge, which means he has the most to feel and give. After opening up a very small amount, he found he could a little bit more, each time he tried. Henley and Jasna allow him the time and space he needs, while being with him when he needs it. Loved the crossover to the Eagle Point Search and Rescue series, and that bit of insight into a character there.
We all know when you have kids and animals, they steal the show. But we also know when kids or animals are threatened, it squeezes your heart. Be prepared for some tension, but also know there is relief. Once again, the authour has woven a tale that captures your heart and soul, and leaves you happy and satisfied. Loved all the characters, old and new, and cannot wait for more in this world <3
e siamo al secondo volume di questa serie che già si era configurata in modo molto bello e particolare al primo volume qui già dalla trama e da quanto intravisto nel primo volume si era capito che la storia sia di finn che di henley sarebbe stata straziante e commovente al tempo stesso, e fin da subito il libro è così di finn veniamo a conoscenza del suo dolore, della sua anima malinconica e di come si sia volontariamente chiuso a tutto e tutti; ma anche henley è un personaggio che ha alle spalle una vita di perdite violente (bellissima la parte sui native indians)e il suo scegliere di essere madre due personaggi che decidono di meritarsi quella possibilità, che lentissimamente si avvicinano l'uno all'altra con grande rispetto paura e al tempo stesso speranza anche la parte "hot" è praticamente molto lenta e prosegue poi in linea con due adulti che hanno deciso da tempo che il s@@@ è lontano dalle loro vite per le prime cento pagine mi sono commossa di continuo........e brava dunque la stoker, che con questa serie conferma una maturità e profondità diversa, e che sicuramente in italiano viene sottolineata da una traduzione ed editing assolutamente perfetti e privi di sbavature cinque stelle meritate
This one was so good from the start to the finish. I like how Tonka has come out of his shell, how he realizes it too. He and Henley are so stinking cute together, but better was how Tonka was respectful of Jasna and her place in Henley's life. At every step of the way, Tonka thought about Jasna and how she would feel, such a great thing! It helped foster a good relationship between the 2 of them, so that she could ask the hard questions of Tonka.
I hated the drama at the end, hated that evil threatened one of the people I've come to love. I liked how things were resolved, but it does make a person wonder...who would do that and have all the secret locations. That will be interesting to find out.
I absolutely loved Deserving Henley by Susan Stoker and devoured it all in one sitting. This story was beautifully written and it will give you all the feels. Finn and Henley were perfect for each other and I totally adored Henley’s daughter, Jasna who captured Finn’s heart as well as mine. Finn and Jasna’s interactions just melted my heart. I loved that both Henley and Jasna were able to help Finn start living again after what he endured in the past. All three narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story and characters to life. This was an emotional story with some heart pounding moments that luckily ended quickly. I’m so looking forward to the next book in the Refuge series.
He lives like a hermit and prefers animals to people....
...but once he lets someone in he is loyal, considerate, protective, gentle and gorgeous, no wonder Henley cannot resist him! Tonka is by far the quietest and most withdrawn of the guys at The Refuge, but that doesn't stop him falling hard and fast for Henley and Jasna. They make him feel again and they bring colour to his very grey and predictable life. This is an emotional but heartwarming journey for the trio, a journey that makes them stronger than any of them could have imagined.
Y'all! I cried in this house, ugly cried even. The things Finn and Henley went through, the animals, Jasna, . . just read the damn book, and have plenty of Kleenex!
Henley is a therapist both in town and at the Refuge. Having faced deep trauma as a child, she is able to connect with the guests on a deeper level. She loves her job there and her bosses are the best, most especially Finn. Always quiet, he loves animals more than people and spends most of his time with the animals. She knows that he hides a deep pain within him but doesn’t push him.
Henley has a daughter, Jasna, that she raises alone. It is not always easy to juggle her job and her daughter, and today is one of those days : her neighbor who usually watches after Jasna after school is not reachable. Fin steps in and tells her to bring her to the refuge, he will keep an eye on her while Henley works.
With each day that passes Finn and Henley gets closer, but danger is lurking in the shadows.
I had a hard time getting into the story, it lacked the action and tension I usually find in Susan’s book and I didn’t get attached to Henley and Finn as I hoped I would.
Henley and Tonga are perfect. These are two imperfect people that have tortured pasts. Each have dealt with them differently, and have formed new lives because of these pasts. Henley is a therapist and single mom to Jasna, who is the best addition to this story. She works at the Refuge with Tonka and the other owners. The two of them have been attracted to each other since they met, but haven’t moved forward with anything. Tonka is still essentially hiding and not dealing with some of the events that have caused his decline of life. This story is one of healing, and one of how there are some people in life that are inherently bad. We get to know the baddie early on in the book and see things from his perspective through the story, and what his goals in life are. Stoker uses this tactic every once in a while, and I always enjoy it. This time the baddie is given a name and a “purpose” for the bad in him. The addition of Jasna in this story works extremely well, she is on page just the right amount but doesn’t overtake the story. Even with the way the story plays out she still has just the right amount of page time. The relationship between Jasna and Tonka is heartwarming and so sweet.
The men of the Refuge, as well as the women, are dynamic and a mix of personalities that blend together perfectly. And as usual with Stoker’s stories the epilogue gives us a sneak into the next story.
As much as I love her work, I couldn't get into this one and had to force myself to finish this. Didn't care for Henley AT ALL. Didn't care for any of the females in this thing (even more crass than the men). The relationship between Tonka and Henley feels so....meh. The man has issues and didn't come across as the alpha most of this author's characters turn out to be and then when he figures himself out, he turns into a horndog. Too wishy washy for me to find believable. The only saving grace is her daughter. Only character I couldn't turn off if I tried. Not sure I want to continue this saga which is incredibly sad.
I like the characters and most of the story. The first sex scene went on waaaay too long and felt like a porn bit. Had to page past it and all the subsequent sex scenes.
Not a fan of the mystery person being the rescuer at the end. Felt like a deus ex machina since it came out of nowhere and was left unexplained. I predict it will turn out to be a heroine in a future book, but that doesn’t explain how they knew about the bunkers. I’m speculating that it was Ryan at this point.
From heartbreaking to heartwarming to everything in between – this was an awesome book. I absolutely love this new series. I started it last night and could not put it down until I finished it a few hours later. I was so invested in Henley and Finn (Tonka) I just had to know the outcome of their story.
Henley being a psychologist is the absolute perfect match for Finn. Aside from suffering her own trauma when she was younger, she has the perfect temperament and understanding to navigate his feelings and emotional state – to know when to offer her input (rather personal or professional) and when to leave him be and let him come to her when he’s ready. She’s a survivor; strong, brave, and sure in her profession yet vulnerable, shy, and unsure in her personal love life. She’s a single mother who raised her child on her own and I love the relationship the two of them have. Jasna is an awesome kid with great insight beyond her young years. And as for Jasna, I loved seeing her wrap the big guy around her finger and the bond they developed through his work with the animals. It was really endearing to see them together.
As for Finn (Tonka), I felt so absolutely heartbroken for the man. The torment and anguish and guilt he felt for a horrible situation completely out of his control was hard to read. The details explained throughout the book were devastating. For everything he had to endure on his last mission in the Coast Guard, it was completely understandable why he was the way he was. It would be a hard situation to recover from. I loved that he finally started to see and understand his own worth and wanted to get better, to be who he used to be for himself as well as for Hadley and Jasna, and his other friends at The Refuge. He wanted to feel whole again and be who Hadley and Jasna needed. It was wonderful to see his transformation.
For other aspects of this book – I loved all the animal mentions, and the character growth of Finn, Hadley, and even Jasna throughout the story, and the brief crossover mention with Raiden from The Eagle Point Search and Rescue series. The bad guy was seriously evil and demented and reading his sections absolutely gave me chills. I love the mystery surrounding the rescue (though I’m pretty sure I know who was involved and can’t wait to learn more). And of course, I’m not revealing it here – you have to read the book to get all the goods! The friendships formed, the romance and steam, and even the more somber moments all made for a fabulous read!
Susan Stoker can’t write a bad book, but I can’t say this was one of my favorites.
📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Military romance, friends-to-lovers
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Tonka and Henley have been friends ever since she came to work at his recovery center as a psychologist. But he’s spent years building up wants and isolating himself. When he finally decides he wants more for himself and Henley, deconstructing those walls takes time.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I am serious when I say I have never put down one of Stoker’s books and regretted taking the time to read it, but this isn’t one of my favorites.
Stoker is great at military and life after the military romance. She’s actually one of the authors who got me back into reading the genre a few years ago. This new series focuses on vets from a few different branches who opened up a ranch called The Refuge, where people can come when they’re struggling with PTSD or other issues.
Tonka and Henley were a great couple. His trauma was hard to read - fair warning - and made me tear up. And his relationship with Henley’s daughter was beautiful to see. As always, the spice-to-story ratio was perfect. There were some definite swoon worthy moments.
But what Stoker usually does well - writing alpha males who are in control but balancing it with great female leads - was a little off in this one. There were a few cringe moments (can’t go into detail without spoilers) that turned me off, albeit momentarily.
Being honest, I’m clearly going to keep reading her. I just have likes some of her other books and series better.
Fin is the quiet one of the guys, reserved and happier to spend his time with the animals, but he is also attracted to Henley. Henley loves her work at the refuge and helping the guests, between two jobs and her daughter she keeps busy, but she really wants a chance to get to know Fin a lot better. I love this couple and Jasna, both have suffered trauma that haunts them but Henley has learnt to deal with hers to a certain point, Fin hasn't, but honestly I get where he was coming from, I'd have been exactly the same. Fabulous mystery left in this book, which is awesome and leaves readers wondering, I hope not for too long. Twists were awesome. I really enjoyed that Fin is brought more into the group and they all become closer as a result. Jasna is special and her love of learning new things and the excitement of being at The Refuge bounced off the pages, it was contagious and I found myself smiling at some of the images it brought to my mind. Powerful and traumatic subject matter is covered and no wonder the characters had PTSD issues, I'd love to think of places like The Refuge being real, somewhere for people to go and find calm, peace and help, because they are needed. It isn't just veteran's that suffer as is outlined in this story. A story I loved and thoroughly emersed myself in from beginning to end.
Another trip back to The Refuge offers the next great book in the series. Deserving Henley hits all the marks. It's spicy, romantic, emotional filled and suspenseful with elements of danger. Susan Stoker created a bad guy character that may give you the willies. She's also introduced mysterious character who is quite intriguing and hopefully will be identified in a future book
If somone had asked Finn Matlick if he thought his self isolation would end and his heart would be melted by a 12 year old dynamo and her beautiful caring mother, he would have scoffed. Henley and Jasna McClure may be just what the doctor ordered. Jasna's insatiable curiosity and pureness of heart coupled with Henley's giving, caring personality and deep understanding of emtional, mental and physical trauma made Finn want to start living again. His are not tied literally or figuratively when danger comes calling this time. He'll keep his girls safe or die trying.
Book two in this amazing series is finally here and focuses on Henley, the Refuge’s very own psychologist and Finn aka Tonka, one of the owners❣️Both have been attracted to each other for years but neither had acted on their attraction…when Henley brings her daughter around for the first time, to spend time with Finn in the barn and with “his” animals, he soon realises he wants to be more…more involved with everything related to the Refuge but also dig himself out of his head and be present for Henley and Jasna😁
Another great story and with the little mystery question that was posed, I think I know who it might be😉 Suffice to say, I can’t wait for more of these characters and I’m equally excited to get Spike’s story next❤️
Finn, aka Tonka, and Henley have had a quiet crush on each other for awhile. When they finally start dating, their relationship is 🔥🔥🔥!
I love the way Jasna is incorporated into the story. She's not an "off the page" kid, and I adore the separate relationship she & Finn form. They bond right away & it's so fun to see the way she helps his healing.
The suspense is shivery goodness & of course creepy and well done!! And looking forward to the next book, of course, plus the mystery introduced here...
I loved this story of Henley and Finn!! Finn was so stand offish in the series so far, because of his trauma in the service. Both he and Henley were attracted to each other, but it didn't seem like either would do anything about it. In comes Jasna, Henley's daughter. Jasna and Henley bring Finn back to life. Jasna's curiosity about everything reminds Finn of Steel, his former canine partner. I love this book and this series! Can't wait for Spike's story!
I enjoyed Henley and Finn's story. Jansa and all the barn animals are adorable and a hoot to read about. I loved getting to see Raid having read Eagle Point series first. They support each other and know what the other one needs. I'm excited to keep reading this series.
Henley is a single mother and the therapist at the Refuge. She has her own very traumatic history. She’s drawn to Tonka, who is still scarred from losing his canine partner from the Coast Guard in a horrible way. Love the book and series in general, but in this one I read the ebook. 3.5/5
Finn “Tonka” Matlick and Henley McClure have been attracted to each other for years. Finn is one of the owners of The Refuge and primarily concerns himself with the animals because of past trauma during his time in the Coast Guard. Henley is a psychologist who helps out part time with the guests. She is a single mom who has overcome past traumas of her own. These two are absolutely perfect for each other.
Henley and her daughter, Jasna, help Finn start to heal and let people back into his life. His friendship with Jasna is so sweet. His relationship with Henley is emotional and steamy. Finn is not at all what I expected and I was pleasantly surprised.
Danger is lurking throughout the story and eventually finds its way to the characters. The resolution ends in an HEA, some questions, and an epilogue teaser into the next book.
I am so gone for all of the characters in this series and I can’t wait for more.
Tonka grabbed me from the first with his working with animals. Henley is a strong female whose story made me bawl in book one. We see there story now and meet Henleys daughter Jasna. The story is full of emotion and bravery as they and other characters work through their trauma and past harms. The relationship is steamy and well developed with emotions and love. Jasna is a precious character and great addition to their story. As a small dog owner I Love the ending and the addition of Beauty. Great epilogue with a teaser for the next book, though I wish there was more about the mysterious Angel who Tex couldn’t find!
The first book was really good and this one just seemed to drag along. Once it was known who would be kidnapped, I kept waiting for it to happen. It seemed to take forever; I kept thinking maybe he would toy with Henley, create some tension. But that wasn’t the case. The rescue was too perfect and using “unknown” for the rescue was a cop-out…no pun intended. 😊
Not sure what’s up with me this year but this is the 2nd book that I have given up on. Maybe there was a plot twist that I missed out on by giving up so soon but it felt very predictable. Maybe its because I am from a health and social care work background but I didn’t like how Tonga as an owner of the refuge was sat in so many of the group sessions but not participating, it felt uncomfortable. The only pull I felt was towards Jasna and the animals, I was disappointed to not hear more about their exploits as they made me smile.
What a great way to start the year! I read Deserving Henley this morning and I loved it. The main characters’ flaws and vulnerabilities made me yearn for their HEA. (And someone better than Tex? I can’t wait to find out!)
Tonka and Henley had that intense chemistry that neither was ready to act on. But one night of vulnerability changed everything between them.
Henley is a single mom who works as a psychologist at The Refuge. She’s happy with her life, but still feels lonely. The one man she has an interest in seems to be closed off and standoffish. Working at the retreat for victims of PTSD puts her in Tonka’s path, one of the seven owners of the retreat. Henley was having a bad day. She needed help with her car, getting to her sick daughter and figuring out childcare. Tonka stepped up to help. After his career as a Coast Guard ended, he isolated himself from everyone. He was content to admire Henley from afar. Spending time with both mother and daughter made Tonka appreciate the joys of life again. Slowly he started opening up to his friends and Henley couldn’t help but fall in love with the strong man he was.
But happiness could have an expiration date, especially when someone is watching, waiting for the right moment to snatch their happiness.
This is the second book in The Refuge series. As both characters have traumatic pasts, this romance is suspenseful and will leave you in tears. This story shows how one can get up after life knocks them down. It serves as a reminder of how love and compassion can help in the darkest of times, and that no matter the challenges life throws your way, you can always find a way to pick yourself back up. Henley is a single mother and Tonka is antisocial. It also has elements of boss/employee romance as Henley works as a psychologist and Tonka owns the Refuge with his friends.
I was surprised by how different Tonka was with Henley. He gave off grumpy standoffish vibes before, but he turned out to be protective, intense, and affectionate. He was always watching out for her, ready to jump at any sign of danger. It was amazing to see how his protective nature kicked in whenever Jesna was around, too. His story is heartbreaking, and Henley understands him because she’s been through hell herself. I loved every minute reading this book and getting to know each character more.
The ending of the book left me with more questions. However, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series to find out what's in store for the other characters. I also loved how characters from Susan Stoker's series were mentioned in this book. I always get excited when one of them does. It's safe to say that I'm eager to read every other book Susan Stoker puts out.
A Steamy Romance ,adorable kid and a single Mom who understands stress and trauma; a perfect match!
Deserving Henley, book two of The Refuge series by Susan Stoker is a perfect follow-up to book 1, Deserving Alaska. The book is a perfect balance between steamy romance, the healing power of love and friendship and adventure and suspense Susan Stoker is famous for.
I love the setting Susan has created for this series! The refuge, a retreat created by seven ex- military veterans, all with their own issues post military service, is a wonderful example of what traumatized veterans deserve! I only wish I had thought of it! If I could create the perfect setting and perfect post-nursing career,for my retirement, it would be someplace like The Refuge. Though my retreat would include ocean, pine trees and mild weather- Not New Mexico! Susan Stoker's imagination has created a world I enjoy being a part of even for short interludes!
The main characters for Deserving Henley are also a great follow-up to Alaska and Brick in book one. Tonka, or Finn, is the quietest of the seven owners of The Refuge. Susan once demonstrates her sensitivity and understanding of the plight of our post war special forces operatives. Tonka embodies the severe PTSD veteran who prefers animals to people. He is not inclined to share his troubles with others, so pairing him with the retreat's therapist is a stroke of brilliance on Susan Stoker's part. The attraction between these two is so unlikely that it stirred my interest immediately. By adding, Henley's adorable little daughter Jasna, and a host of quirky rescued animals to the mix; Susan has developed an entertaining story that hooked me from the first page.
The slow burn romance that eventually lights up to a burning inferno between Henley and Tonka, had me tingling all over. The way Susan can make a simple kiss burn the pages it's written on is something only a few writers I know can do. The struggle Tonka and Henley have to find time alone for the more intimate aspects of their relationship as well as the ins and outs of dating a single mom of a percousis ten year old is something many readers can see relate to. It makes the characters story so much more believable.
But Deserving Henley has so much more to offer than just romance. In true Susan Stoker style, there is an whole spine-tingling adventure associated with it. The character development of the villain in this story was so well done he chilled me to the bone. The fact that a person could be born evil, a psychopath from birth, is scary to contemplate. I almost cried for his parents!
Deserving Henley packs an emotional wallop. I am so hooked on this series, I threw caution to the wind and purchased the entire series, pre-orders and all. I can't wait to read every one of these books this winter. Susan Stoker's novels are a perfect way to warm my blood this winter!