Easy to let go. Frank (Hop) Hopkins thought it was just a fun night to catch up with an old friend.
Spending days on rescue missions when his Tennessee hometown flooded, he was stunned to meet up with an old friend, Lori Baker. But dinner, drinks, talking, and laughing turned into a night he’d definitely remember fondly. But they’d promised one night only. Especially since they were both returning to their lives the next day.
Hard to let go. He discovered she invaded his thoughts during the days and dreams at night.
But she’s got a secret. And when she needs rescuing while on another mission, he’s just the man to do it. Once reunited, he discovers it’s now impossible to let her go again. And that’s fine by him. Now to convince her that going their separate ways is the last thing they should do.
Lighthouse Security Investigations The security and investigation company is filled with handpicked men and women from the SEALs, Rangers, Special Forces, Deltas, and Air Force Special Ops. All trained in CIA Special Operations, the Keepers were the best of the best and ready to take on any mission.
As an Award Winning and International Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. I joke that I "cut my romance teeth" on the old historical romance books. I’ve written as a hobby for over 30 years. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma's Home was created.
My first novel, Emma's Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love's Series. From there I have continued with the romantic suspense Alvarez Security Series and now the Saints Protection & Investigation Series.
My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with. I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I recently retired and now can spend more time devoted to my writing.
I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!
What a wonderful addition to the Lighthouse Security West Coast series!! I absolutely loved this second chance - friends to lovers story. Hop is sweet, swoony protective without going over the top. Lori is a strong heroine who knows her mind but doesn’t get stubborn just to be stubborn.
“Unexpected doesn’t mean unwanted.”
This story reminded me why I love Maryann Jordan books. I really love that MJ books are populated with “good, honest, decent folks.” There was romance, suspense, danger, amazing characters, but in the end all of that took a back seat to the emotion for me… All the feels!!
“Sitting at the table, he was once again struck with the notion that he came from good, honest, decent folks. His parents and grandparents always offered a helping hand, never knew a stranger, and wouldn’t rest until everyone was taken care of.”
Of course there were the touches of humor and banter. I think I know what my next craft project will be…
“Shut that shit down. Words to live by. Sounds like a good message to embroider on a throw pillow for my sofa.” -5 Stars-
This is Hop and Lori's story. Hop and Lori met in High School when Lori became Hop's tutor. Hop was an athlete who was struggling in chemistry and his teacher suggested a tutor; enter Lori. Hop was very popular with the ladies in high school and Lori was no different in having a crush on Hop. Hop had a crush on Lori as well, but didn't want to ruin their close friendship by adding in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. They became each other's best friend. After high both went off to college and tried to stay in touch for a while but eventually lost touch. It took a disaster back home to bring them back together. Hop grew up in a family of people who were involved in rescue organizations in town. Lori works for the Red Cross as an MD. Hop goes home to help with flooding in their small Tennessee home town and Lori gets sent in by the Red Cross. Eventually they meet up and reacquaint themselves with each other. Before they both return to their homes they exchange phone numbers and promise to keep in touch. They call and text and continue to grow their relationship. They plan to get together and as it usually happens, Lori gets called out to a disaster in Equador. While Lori is in Equador she discovers some questionable activity and confides in Hop as well as some personal information. Hop is beside himself with worry about Lori and eventually takes off for Equador with a couple other Keepers from Lighthouse Security West Coast in tow. Adventure and danger ensues as they arrive in Equador. The book is full of wonderful adventure and romance. Maryann Jordan never disappoints I highly recommend Hop and Lori's story.
What a brilliant addition to Maryann Jordan’s Lighthouse Security Investigations West Coast series.
I absolutely adore Hop. He’s not only breathtaking to look at, he’s also a genuinely stunning character. I love that the West Coast have the same tight camaraderie’s and familial type bond that is strong and sure.
It doesn’t matter how often it happens, it never ceases to fill me with joy and happiness when two people look at each other and the world settles, their subconscious instantly recognising the other half of their soul. I am in awe of how Maryann portrays this time and time again, whilst also making it seem like it’s the first time.
Lori is such a strong woman. I love her dedication to helping those most in need. Seeing how she takes it one step further and puts her own safety aside to treat those in countries that have experienced tragedy.
Watching Hop and Lori follow their hearts, their individual paths blending together perfectly. Hop shows that while he is a total badass alpha male where protecting someone he loves is written into his DNA, he’s also not afraid to show his soft side which, is what makes most of us melt at his feet.
Maryann Jordan never fails to deliver everything you could possibly hope for in a book. The depth and emotions jump from the page and pull you in. Her stories are, without a doubt, the best type of rollercoaster ride to experience.
Can’t recommend highly enough. There aren’t enough stars in the sky to fully portray how wonderful and addictive this read is.
It begins with the back story of two teenagers forging a real friendship to a chance meeting years later..
Lori faced challenges and tragedy but true to her determination and quiet strength and courage she was able see to fruition her goals snd aspirations. She was the real hero in this story.
I loved that they were dedicated to their jobs but kept in contact and developed a true relationship through this. It was heartfelt, endearing and realistic to what long distance relationships require…. But so worth the effort.
Hop though he wanted to be the true protecter realised early on that Lori could and needed to hold her own. But Lori was also able to acknowledge when she needed support and care!
Maryann describes the landmarks and places of interest in such a way it brings it all to life in your mind…building up the story to reach its climax through unexpected events and twist and turns!
We get a glimpse of the other keepers who’s story we haven’t seen. They are such wonderful rounded characters whom I really can’t wait to see how their stories play out!
Thank you Maryann once again for an amazing well written book filled with adventure, humor, angst, surprises and some mystery. A journey that leads to forever love
I have never met a Maryann Jordan character that I didn't love. She creates such remarkably likeable, multilayered and down-to-earth men and women who I can envision as friends and colleagues. A major weather event brings high school friends, Lori Baker and Frank "Hop" Hopkins, back in contact after sixteen years. She was his only female friend and his tutor. He was the high school jock who she secretly crushed on. Turns out he had similar feelings. Finally, they can act on their feelings after all these years....boy did they act!! Both have convinced themselves that they are not relationship material because of their jobs and the travel requirements. But, there's something there. They both recognize it but are loathe to admit it. Now Lori is in another country saving lives in yet another natural disaster. Only this time she, herself, maybe in peril and given a recent revelation Hop wastes no time in going to be by her side.
We are back with another wonderful story from this talented author’s series, Lighthouse Security Investigations. This time the story belongs to Frank/Hop Hopkins. Hop takes time off to help his family and friends in Tennessee where flooding is putting many in danger. Whom he never expected to see again was Lori Baker. The girl who tutored him in school and one that had became a friend. He always wondered about her, and seeing her now as an accomplished doctor working with the Red Cross, reignites his attraction. Lori too never forgot Hop. Spending a day and night together brought sparks but each had commitments though they still had plans of getting together again. A flooding emergency in Ecuador has the Red Cross sending Lori away and Hop worried. The danger intensifies not only with nature but at the clinic she’s helping. Add to that an unexpected surprise, and when Hop hears from Lori all bests are off. This was a wonderful addition to the series. Another story filled with romance, suspense and characters you’ll come to love. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
I really enjoyed reading Hop . It's wonderfully written and the characters are fantastic . Frank (Hop) Hopkins works for Lighthouse Security Investigation West Coast . After severe rainfall and flooding in his hometown in Tennessee he heads back home to lend a hand . While he's transporting people he comes across the beautiful Dr. Lori Baker who is a Red Cross Doctor they to haven't seen each other since the graduated . They connected for one night but both have long remembered feelings for each other . Upon returning to their homes they stay in touch . Lori is sent To Ecuador with the Red Cross . When things get dangerous Hop and the Keepers head to the rescue . This story is spectacular and Suspenseful and so action packed . I absolutely love it . I highly recommend taking the time to read .
Hop fell for Lori in highschool but respected her and their friendship too much to ruin it with sex. Fast forward to the moment he sees her again and the punch to his gut tells him she is still special, still his. He is old enough to know that love like theirs is rare, experienced enough to know you never know what tomorrow brings and wise enough to hold her tight as he jumps in....all in. I love that he doesn't hesitate, doesn't doubt his feelings, nor minimise her feelings or her work. He is Lori's hero and mine, a Keeper through to his soul Hop doesn't disappoint as he sweeps you off your feet.
I couldn't wait for Hop and Lori's story! Each time I read about a Lighthouse member I get to escape into a world with good, honest hard working people who are passionate about what they do and who would do anything for the people they love.
Hop is the pilot for LSI West Coast and Lori is a Doctor for Red Cross. These two were so independent and career focused that it left me curious to see how they would make it work.
As expected there is romance blooming but not without danger and life events happening along the way. A great 5 star read from Maryann Jordan.
As an LSI- WC keeper Frank "Hop" Hopkins is always prepared for the unexpected. Until he sees Lori Baker again. He’s so unprepared for the intense feelings his high school best friend stirs inside. After a special night together sparks fly. A long distance relationship is gonna be tough. But they are both up for the challenge. A plan to reunite is all set until Lori, a Red Cross OB/GYN travel Doctor is called to a disaster to work in Equador. This disaster goes from bad to worse. Can Hop and the LSI team get to her in time? Danger, suspense, a big double surprise and heartwarming characters make this a wonderful story! “I voluntarily received this arc book for an honest review”
Red Cross Rescue!! Wow ........... yet another awesome book in the LSI WC series. Told from the POV of both characters this is pilot HOP and OB/GYN Lori's thrilling story. Having a shared past as friends from high school, these two meet again whilst helping with a rescue mission in their home town 14 years later. Having never forgotten the kind blue eyed girl who tutored him so he could pass his grades, when HOP sees her at the cemetery on his last day home before returning to LSI he makes himself known to her. Absolutely brilliant storyline, fantastic characters and loved the HEA. I received an ARC copy of this book via the author and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly? A great addition to the LSI WC series! Hop and Lori, high school friends, reconnect years after they lost touch. Their easy former friendship is just as easy now, but so much more!
This installment of the Keepers has the danger, passion and HEA we’ve come to expect from Maryann Jordan’s Lighthouse Security Investigations.
Hop is a feel good read by Ms. Jordan. Love these Lighthouse characters, you read their daily interactions, normal, and then, wham, you get into the intensity and heart throbbing experience that the characters are living and I can't turn the pages fast enough. Loads of special moments, e.g., unexpected vs unwanted, "just for you", whiskey, rope and an axe, 48 days, and a great surprise in the end. Loved, loved it.
Annnd Maryann does it again! This next instalment of the Lighthouse series is a real heartwarming story. Hop and Lori have know each other since their school day. She’s the quiet, smart tutor and he’s the girl magnet football star. When disaster strikes their home town and they both return to help out the sparks start to fly. Hop realizes he wants so much more from Lori then just friendship. How they build on their new found relationship makes for one incredible read!
Well I'd been anticipating this for a while and it certainly didn't disappoint! Maryann had a real skill in moving the plot along seamlessly. Hop and Lori, are likeable relateable and human.. Throw in jeopardy, believable villains, danger and the Lighthouse Security Investigations West coast team ready and able to do whatever it takes to save the day and this doesn't disappoint!
This is another page turner by Maryann Jordan. A hometown disaster and chance meetings bring back memories and possibilities. Part playful, part serious, with beloved characters and determination. More please and an invitation to reread past books in the series (because I love the characters). Bravo!
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A real emotional, action packed book. Inspiring in that it highlights real life actions of real life heroes... could not put it down.
Hop... Lori... well done. A well written combination of fact and fiction. A love story going back to childhood.. all .. true heroes.. Lori's compassion and dedication, Hop's dedication.. a great combination and a fantastic addition to LSI...
A really great story I don’t know how Maryann does it, but yet a different story (unexpected) and yet so good. Old friends meets again after so many year. Interested in each other then but neither wanted to destroy their friendship by acting out their feelings. Now many years late they meet each other again. A lot of shit happens but love conquers all.
This is an awesome book. The characters and storyline were great. Kept me hooked all the way through. Really suspenseful. So good when high school friends meet again and fall in love. Another winner by Maryann Jordan. Highly recommend this book.
This is my favorite keeper story yet. Friends, love a future? Read to find out in this amazing book which not only talks about our two main characters. But unfolds the story while showing the work of red cross doctors and not so well equipped countries. I just love it and trust me this story comes with a surprise but you got to read it to find out.
Hop & Lori's story is a little bit of a struggle for me from a couple standpoint. They aren't together for 90% of the story. They're emotionally together and communicating through texts & calls, but even those aren't a large portion.
The suspense storyline is great, well done, and engaging, and when they DO have time on the page together, I felt their connection. I just would have liked more couple time!
I loved both characters individually & enjoyed the story, so I still considered it a win.
Another couple that unite & futher their bond when danger strikes. Their back story so sweet and their passion so fierce. Awesome team mates that have HOP's back even without asking. You can't help but adore Lori & HOP. Another fabulous addition to the series!
Hop is a member of Lighthouse security west coast. When he hears that his hometown needs his assistance, he rushes to help. Meeting up with Lori, who he hasn't seen since high school, they take time to re-kindle their friendship. I loved following their story as Lori finds herself in need of help from the Lighthouse security team. Another excellent read from Maryann Jordan.
Another wonderful book by Maryann Jordan. The story of Hop and Lori has the perfect combination of romance and mystery. Each time I thought I knew the direction the story was going I was mistaken. A beautiful love story worth reading.
"Unexpected doesn't mean unwanted.". This is my favorite line from this book. Hop and Lori are great as high school friends who find one another many years later. I was afraid that Lori was going to be a TSTL (too stupid to live) heroine for a couple of paragraphs, but Maryann Jordan cleverly saved her from that fate. These West Coast Keepers are as awesome as their brothers in Maine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Well, Maryann has certainly done it again! This story is full of emotion, it is heartbreaking, exciting, full of suspense and romantic. Hop shows how he has grown up when he returns home to help out in an emergency in his hometown. He unexpectedly meets his old friend Lori who coached him in chemistry at high school. Sparks fly and they decide to make the most of the short time they have together before returning to their normal lives. They manage to stay in touch from a distance until natural disasters tear them apart. I loved this story and as a former midwife I especially enjoyed the maternity bits. I was fortunate enough to receive this as an ARC but highly recommend it!
Another great story from Maryann Jordan! Hop is LSI-WC's pilot who heads off to his hometown to assist during flooding storms. Lori is his high school friend doing the same as a Red Cross OB/GYN. Old friends, new feelings and of course, trouble can't be far behind! But with the help of the Keepers and a heroine that is as strong they are, flying off into the sunset is a given!!