The Perfect Hope

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out—with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except apparently Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro…

As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the joys of small-town living. She’s where she wants to be—except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them…a spark that ignited with a New Year’s Eve kiss.

While the Inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome—and embarrassing—appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him…

The Perfect Hope is the perfect title for this book because that’s exactly what it was. I have been eagerly waiting Hope and Ryder’s story since reading the first book in this trilogy The Next Always. I knew this was going to be my favorite and I was right, (although I loved all of the books) Hope and Ryder just captivated me from the moment they met.

Ryder was standoffish towards Hope from the first time they met even though you can feel the attraction simmering in the air between them. I was pleasantly surprised with how Nora chose to get these two together, I thought it was going to be predictable and not at all like the characters. I should never have underestimated her though, she knows these characters and their relationship takes off exactly how it should have.

I love that Nora can show the evolution of a relationship without using the clichés of the genre. When Hope’s ex comes calling with a proposition, the story could have taken the long, tedious road of miscommunication and distrust but Hope and Ryder’s story overcomes these clichés.

I was enthralled with Lizzie’s story since book one and I loved seeing the conclusion to her story. It added a nice air of mystery and love-lost love - found to the mix and never took away from the main story but complimented each of the characters and the re-habbing of the Inn.

My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more of Hope and Ryder as a couple. I always love seeing beloved characters from previous novels and how their love is flourishing, but not at the cost of the current couple. There were a lot of situations that were family oriented and while I did enjoy, I would have liked to see Hope and Ryder one on one.

I’m simultaneously thrilled with the last book and disappointed the trilogy is over. This trilogy has been Nora at her best and I can definitely say one of my all-time favorites. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us devoted readers next.