Review: Always Hope by RJ Scott (Guardian Hall #2)


Note: An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the author.

I've been looking forward to reading the next book in the Guardian Hall series ever since I finished the series starter, Always You. Well, Always Hope did not disappoint, with RJ Scott delivering that delicious sort of angst that I can never resist while ensuring that it never goes overboard, with the romance of it all still leading the way. This can be read as a standalone, but I do highly recommend that you read the books in order because there are spoilers for the first book, plus hey, both novels are good reads so win-win!

Being the co-founder of Guardian Hall and its resident doctor, Marcus Stirling has made it his mission to be there for those who need him. He's a recovering alcoholic and addict and knows firsthand a support system can be. But when it comes to twenty-four-year-old Tyler Mason, a corporal in the army with physical, mental, and emotional scars after becoming the lone survivor of a mission gone wrong, Marcus's protective instincts go beyond the norm. Falling for a resident and their ten-year age gap will complicate things, but resistance proves futile, especially when the feelings are mutual.

There was a lot about Always Hope that made it a strong read for me. I appreciated the author's effort in not skimming over the reality of war and post-traumatic stress, as well as emphasizing that addiction is an ongoing struggle. While Tyler's back story was heartrending, inspiration can be found in his desire to get better, as was Marcus's journey in managing his addicitons, and their romance made for a great overall four-starred novel.

Release Date: 21 August 2025

Date Read: 12 August 2025

Learn more about RJ Scott.

Pre-order Always Hope on Amazon.

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