Last Hope

This was a love story at its core, but not the kinds that was all steam and no substance. But a book that took a topic like physical abuse head-on to show courage and strength that we women have. 
Abuse was a tough subject, and I loved the fact the emotional aspect of it was treated sensitively in the book. Emotions galore were packed in the book, each page had evoked something from me.
The strength of the writing was in choosing words that showed the connection between two souls. That formed a direct bridge to my heart. Though it was difficult to read such about abuse, I liked that the story did not trigger me as the author filled the pages with vibes of hope.
The characters. They stole my heart. Devon by the courage of her heart and Riley by his sensitivity, caring, and the honest way that we helped Devon find herself.
Being a romance, the book had its slow burn romance. But it was so much more than that. It foretold a story that we needed to read with our hearts.

"Devon. I'm in love with ya. This is real. And we're real."

Riley and Devon have one of the most scorching meet-cutes I have ever read. It wasn't lust at first sight or love at first sight....it is freaking catch the room on fire from the sparks igniting between them at first sight! Literally it only takes one look for each of them and they are goners for each other. Just when they settle into nice conversation the evening abruptly changes.

Devon just wants one night of fun without having to look over her shoulder. Her life has been anything but pleasant and she is basically in survival mode at this point to protect the few people she holds close to her heart. Having always relied on the one constant in her life, her step-brother, for feeling safe it is too late when she realizes he is no longer her safe person. Her one of fun comes halt when she is forced to leave and the last time she sees Riley is with pleading in her eyes.

Riley knows she was real yet cannot find any traces of her being at the party. He searches and searches for her with no luck. Whiskey becomes his new best friend. He wants nothing more than to find Devon and then one night she is there needing his help. He will stop at nothing to protect Devon....she is his world.

Devon always dreamed of being rescued by her knight in shining armor. Riley is for certain her knight in shining armor, soul mate, whatever you want to label it...they are definitely made for each other. Riley is so tender and patient with Devon, her safety and healing is of the utmost importance to him. He even goes as far as to adopt a puppy and makes it look like it is just for him but in all reality....it is for both of them. He wants her by his side....always.

These two just screamed match made in Heaven to me the entire time I was reading the book. The extreme slow burn that surrounds these two....yup makes the story that much better (I love slow burns). Then the spice level really turns up!!! Emmanuelle Snow has yet again given her readers a story that will stick with them for days to come. Now, I say bring on more Carter Hills band stories!!!

Devon and Riley’s story is a beautiful one with a lot of emotions. The subject matter is intense but it is handled very gently. Devon meets Riley at a party and once they make eye contact it’s attraction at first sight. See Devon hasn’t had an easy childhood having to stand in the shadows while her mother was treated so horribly and now she wants to be strong, she wants her freedom, but someone doesn’t allow her to have it. She finds herself trapped in this vicious cycle that her mother was with no hope of ever being free so her one night and one connection with Riley leaves such an intense impression on her she carries it with her for over a year. Riley is no stranger to the world of the famous as an agent for country talent, yet he seems to feel constantly alone until Devon. When Devon left the night they met he knew she was in some sort of trouble and never stopped looking for her to no avail. He knows deep down it was love at first sight, but will he ever see her again? When Devon comes around a year later she is unrecognizable because her stepbrother is such a villainous guy he hurts her relentlessly. Will Devon ever truly be free from her stepbrother or she will continuously fall to his ways? Can Riley help save her? What does the future look like when their present seems so drear? This book handles a sensitive subject as I said yet it also shows us Devon healing, learning to be brave again, and how the right people at our side can make a world of difference. I really enjoyed their story because although it was fast paced it was beautiful. The only thing was a few times when flashbacks to the past occurred I got slightly confused until I kept reading to the next chapter. Overall a great read about finding love, healing, and moving forward.