Review ~ Honor Bound (Love and Honor #1) by Hallee Bridgeman

Paperback, 384 pages

Published September 6th 2022 by Fleming H. Revell Company

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.
As part of the Army Special Forces "A-Team" on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia tries to hold on to her anger--but an unwanted attraction is taking hold.
With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think they just might overcome their differences and be able to make a life together.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

My Review 3 STARS

This is the first book in a new series by this author but I still felt like I was missing some ties to earlier characters. The military aspect of this story was fast-paced and seemed realistic. Captain Norton's team is one that I can imagine being filled with real life heroes. I liked how strong and outspoken of a Christian Norton is and would like to read more about him beyond his relationship with Cynthia. She is a character that I didn't connect with and was often irritated with because of her pacifist views being vocalized to an elite member of the military.

 It's a common trope in military fiction now, saving a 'damsel in distress' in a foreign country. I'm sure this is a story that many will enjoy even though I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

2022 is Gonna Start Out with a BANG—Action, Romance, and Suspense—in a NEW Series from Author Ronie Kendig!!!

COMING JANUARY 2022!!!

ABOUT THE BOOK

She cost him everything. Now, he’s forced to protect her.

Stone Metcalfe embodies the Metcalfe legacy—blue eyes, an unfair amount of good looks, and hardcore patriot-laced character. But a foolish lapse in judgment dismantles his name and career. Humiliated and furious, he retreats to his mountain lodge to hide from media hounds and eke out a new life. However, one phone call from an old Army buddy upends Stone’s best-laid plans.

Supermodel Brighton Buchanan had designers and men eating out of her hand until a terrible mistake trapped her in the soul-eating world of human trafficking. Years later, she is used by her captors to take down the best man she’s ever known. The man she loves. Hope lost, she’s unexpectedly freed—and thrown back into Stone’s life. Being forgiven is out of the question considering how much he hates her.

Believing danger and her are one wrong move away, Brighton will do anything to keep him from being ruined again—even if it means going back to that life. As everything is falling apart and threats mount against Brighton, Stone realizes forgiveness is the easy part. Protecting her—and his heart—is another story.

Check out the authors website for more information on STONE and other awesome books:
http://roniekendig.com

I pre-ordered my copy back in October but I also made the launch team! Hooray!!! Y'all know she is one of my favorite CF authors. Her talent is bar-none; amazing stories with unforgettable characters and intense storylines. I look forward to sharing my review in a few days!!! 

PRE-ORDER 

Amazon

I'm not affiliated with any retailers so I don't make any money if you use the link(s). They are provided as a courtesy only. 

Review ~ Hours to Kill (Homeland Heroes 3) by Susan Sleeman

Just as Homeland Security Agent Addison Leigh reaches the pinnacle of her cyber investigation into a firearms smuggling ring, she's attacked and left for dead. Her estranged husband, ICE Agent Mack Jordan, is notified that she's at the hospital in a coma. He may have let his past military trauma ruin their short marriage, but she never gave up on their relationship, and he remains her next of kin.

Mack rushes to her bedside, where he promises to hunt down the man who attacked her. Mack failed her once when he bailed on their marriage, and he's not about to let her down again. But when she wakes up in the hospital, she remembers neither the attack nor ever being married to Mack. And when a second attempt to take her life is made, it's clear something very sinister is going on, and Mack and Addison are in for the ride of their lives. 

My Review ~ 5 STARS

If you are looking for an exciting and suspense-filled book, look no further than Hours to Kill! Sleeman knows how to draw readers into a story and keep us honed in on the suspense. I loved how the mysterious case Addison is having trouble remembering is pieced together with the help of the RED team. My mind was pretty blown away by the possibility (or maybe it’s actually real) of the technology that Cam works on. It’s kind of scary but completely realistic in this day and age.

There is so much tension between Addison and Mack it fairly leaps off the page. Addy can't remember Mack and their marriage but her heart hasn’t forgotten. The romance of it is sigh-worthy.

“He beamed a smile at her and she almost gasped at the sharp jolt of awareness that plunged through her. He was a fine-looking man—she’d figured that out already—but when he smiled? Oh, man. Wow. Just wow. She was putty in his hands.”

This has been a great series for any fan of romantic suspense. Sleeman isn’t afraid to grapple with authentic struggles in her characters lives. I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher. No review required. No compensation received.

HaPpY Release Day, Ronie Kendig & Soul Raging (The Book of the Wars 3)

Talk about an adrenaline fueled finale, Soul Raging is filled with non-stop action and wondering just who in the world is the bad guy?! Is it gonna be Leif? Oh, please, I hope not!!!

But, you know....

Then there's Mercy. And Cell. Oh no! Is Cell gonna be okay? 

I sure hope so because he needs a novella. hint hint ;-)

 

But back to Leif because you know...he is the one on the cover. ;-)  He's in love with Iskra and desperately hopes to be a family one day with her and Taissia, her daughter. And yet...

**I'm really not very good at trying to do something creative for a book release but I tried. haha**

My Review

4.5 STARS

As always, Kendig has created a masterful plot line that kept me on the edge of my seat. There were times I was sure a beloved character was a traitor and times I thought a traitor might turn out to be a decent sort. In the end, Soul Raging is a satisfying conclusion to The Book of the Wars series.

I recommend Soul Raging to Ronie Kendig fans, and those who enjoy military fiction with a slice of romance. This is the third and final book in the series though so in order to fully grasp the dynamics of plot, characters, and setting, you should read these books in order.

An electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley was used for review purposes. No compensation has been received. 

Sometimes, the only hope is the enemy.

Leif Metcalfe is done waiting for answers and seizes control, a move that comes with a high price and a deadly risk: teaming up with the enemy. He can only hope that what he uncovers will heal the wounds he's inflicted on those he loves.

Iskra Todorova believes Leif is on a collision course with death and knows firsthand the irrevocable cost of that path to the soul. While trying to protect her daughter and intervene with Leif, Iskra is forced to set her sights on the man behind the evil organization ArC--Ciro Veratti.

Torn apart by injuries and opposing views on how to handle Leif's act of treachery, team Reaper hunts one of their own. The only thing they agree on is not stopping but starting the final battle prophesied in the Book of the Wars.

Available NOW:

Amazon

~Happy Reading, Y'all~

Minutes to Die: Homeland Heroes | Book Two by Susan Sleeman

Are you a fan of action-packed suspense?

I am.

Susan Sleeman's Homeland Heroes series got off to a great start with Seconds to Live. 
You can read my review here.

When cybercriminals hack into the U.S. Marshal's Witness Protection database and auction off personal details to the highest bidder, FBI Agent Sean Nichols begins a high-stakes chase to find the hacker. Trouble is, he has to work with U.S. Marshal Taylor Mills, who knows the secrets of his past, and the seconds are ticking down before someone dies. (Source: Goodreads)

Purchase:

CBD 

(Christian Book Distributors)

If you haven't read it, grab a copy now and you'll be ready in August for book two, Minutes to Die.    

 

It's the intel every agent fears--terrorists have been smuggled into the country, intent on unleashing the most deadly attack since 9/11. With the threat imminent, FBI Agent Kiley Dawson and ICE Agent Evan Bowers are charged with taking down this terrorist cell. The only problem is Kiley blames Evan for the death of her former partner, and she can barely be in a room with him. But with millions of lives on the line, she has no choice.

If it wasn't for a bad call Evan made, Kiley's former partner would still be alive, and Evan has to live with that guilt for the rest of his life. When he starts falling for her, the agent's death seems an impossible obstacle--but it's also the last thing he needs to think about. As the terrorist plot targets Kiley's family, the two are pushed to the breaking point in a race to save countless lives. (Source: Goodreads)

Pre-order:
*CBD  (Christian Book Distributors)

*I'm not affiliated with any vendors. Links are provided as a courtesy only.

What are you reading this summer? Any good suspense recommendations?

Review ~ Collateral Damage (Danger Never Sleeps #1) by Lynette Eason

Paperback, 320 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Fleming H. Revell Company

About the Book

Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

Bestselling author Lynette Eason is back with a new series that spans the globe and will have your heart working overtime.

Learn more about the author ~ Lynette Eason website

Purchase Link
CBD

My Review

4 STARS!!!

Collateral Damage is an intense start to Eason’s new Danger Never Sleeps series. Numerous twists and turns kept me glued to the page. Brooke and Asher are strong characters both reeling from trauma sustained in Afghanistan while serving in the US Army.

I enjoyed getting to know the backstory of each and watching how they navigated murky waters when dealing with PTSD. I felt like I gained a bit of perspective and compassion for our current and past military members.

Eason delves into a deep and dark stratum of society that completely took me by surprise. I was saddened and disturbed that some of the ‘enemies’ would be among those we normally think of as heroes. That left me slightly disheartened (as it should) but I did find the story mesmerizing.

I recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense because watching Brooke and Asher’s relationship develop was endearing, and Eason’s criminals are chilling.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Review ~ Ruby Jane (Montana Marshalls 5) by Susan May Warren

She loved...and lost.

Ruby Jane never thought she'd meet the man of her dreams while running from the police in Russia. That he'd steal her heart on a train to Siberia. But loving a former CIA officer comes with a price...a life of danger. A life of high stakes.

A life where he simply disappears...

He has no memory of the man he was.

Mack Jones has no memory of his past...just the dark sense that he is hiding. And, he wants to stay that way. Mack likes the life he's built in a small tourist town, tucked away beyond the mountains, and has no desire to dig around in the gray areas of his memory.

When his place of business catches fire and Mack rescues the owner, he makes the news, which of course alerts the past he's hoping to outrun.

The only person who can help him is a mysterious woman he doesn't remember.

But a woman he desperately needs.

The surprising, thrilling conclusion to the Montana Marshall series. 

Purchase:

Amazon (Kindle)

My Review

4.5 STARS!!!

“The fire is supposed to burn away everything but our faith and character.”

Every now and then I read a book that when I close the last page, I just sit there. In silence. Contemplating. Ruby Jane was that kind of book for me. A smashing conclusion to the Montana Marshalls series, Warren brings it on with plenty of action, intrigue, romance, and a theme of regeneration that had me in tears. Her ability to show how a person who is utterly tarnished by their actions, words, and thoughts, and yet through the power of the Holy Spirit can be reconciled to God left me praising Him for his mercy and grace toward me!

“You have to believe that no matter what happens, you’re going to be okay. That God’s grace is enough.”

Without any doubt, SMW is the best builder of a fictional family I have read. Each and every character is pivotal to the storyline and I didn’t want to miss a single moment with any of them. I didn’t connect with Ruby Jane in the way I expected but I think it’s because I was acutely focused on York. He is an amazing character and completely stole my heart.

The Montana Marshalls must be read in order to get the full effect and enjoyment. Literally each book picks up where the other leaves off. It’s an excellent binge read!!

I received an early copy from the author. My opinion is my own. No compensation has been received.

Rebecca Reviews ~ Storm Rising (The Book of the Wars 1) by Ronie Kendig

Paperback, 382 pages

Published July 2nd 2019 by Bethany House Publishers 

Once lost to history, the Book of the Wars has resurfaced, and its pages hold ancient secrets and dangers. Former Navy SEAL Leif Metcalfe has been tasked with capturing the ancient text, but a Bulgarian operative snatches it, determined to secure her freedom. When a series of strange storms erupt, they must form an alliance to thwart impending disaster.

Rebecca's Review

5 STARS!!!

"She has picked you -whether for trust or target, we don't know. Until we do, stick close and see if you can turn her."

There's a lot he doesn't know . . . . when Special Warfare Operator Leif "Runt" Metcalfe unexpectedly meets his match, in the form of a highly trained Bulgarian operative. At the end of a tunnel; she bests him by hang gliding off a cliff, deftly absconding with an historic scroll; the famed Book of Wars. Simply put, Iskra "Viorica" Tonorova is known worldwide as an assassin. . . . . and yet, she just took (without mortally wounding him) something that Lief wants; not wants exactly, but has been commanded to retrieve. And in order to accomplish that mission, Lief's intentions have become inextricably tangled with hers. He can be just as determined as she is, he just never expected to care. 

"There. . . . . . There was the thing that wouldn't let him walk away when common sense said it was the smartest thing to do. Sometimes smart wasn't right. It was thinking with the head, not with the heart."

Filled to the brim with accelerated scene sequences, high octane military engagements, enemies with surreal weaponry and indescribable brutality,"Storm Rising" rushes to thwart the beginning of the end of all nations, as its characters set an elaborate stage with an impressive cast of heroes. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

Senior Reviewer, Rebecca Maney

Rebecca is a graduate of Bryan College with a degree in Christian Education, and is currently serving at the First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Gastonia, North Carolina as the Director of Children's Ministry. With over 30 years of experience in her field, she has had many opportunities to use her love of reading and writing in creative ways across the generations. A wife, mother of four "nearly" grown children, and grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren, Rebecca has been able to return to her love of reading and more recently reviewing, with a renewed passion for the "beauty of story".

Review ~ Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig (The Tox Files, #3)

 Available Now!!!

Paperback, 384 pages

Published July 31st 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Dismantled centuries ago, the sword of Goliath is still rumored to thirst for its enemies' blood. Cole "Tox" Russell only wants to begin his life with Haven Cortes, but he must first complete a final mission: retrieve that sword and destroy the deadly Arrow & Flame Order.

The AFO, however, is determined to claim the sword. Wielding their father's life over Tzivia and Ram Khalon, they threaten to expose Ram's long-held and dangerous secret while demanding Tzivia locate the sword. With the Wraith team slowly being torn apart, things only worsen when Mercy Maddux, a new operative, emerges with the stunning news that the sword is tied to both Ram's secret and a string of unsolved serial murders.

Tox, Ram, and the others are forced to set aside fear and anger to focus only on the enemy. No matter the cost, Wraith must stop or take the enemy down with them.

 

About the Author

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married her own hunky hero, who’s an Army veteran. After twenty-plus years of marriage, she and her husband have a full life with four children and a retired military working dog. Ronie’s degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of raw, broken characters. Since launching onto the publishing scene, Ronie’s Rapid-Fire Fiction has hit the CBA Bestseller List, won the prestigious Christy Award, the RT Reviewer's Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion, IRCA, FamilyFiction’s Readers’ Choice Awards, as well as being named an RT Book of the Year Nominee. Ronie loves people and helping other writers through speaking, workshops, and/or mentoring. Find Ronie at www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction) , Twitter (@roniekendig), GoodReads, and Instagram.

My Review 

5 STARS!!!

I was gutted at the end of Thirst of Steel, the astounding conclusion to The Tox Files. It's a good thing no one was here. Seriously, my husband would have thought I was crazy, crying over a fictional character like I did but I was totally stunned and almost sick to my stomach—the emotional tension in the final chapters was off the charts! Yes. I know that sounds unbelievable. We are talking about fiction, after all. But I think that is the sign of an unquestionably good book, when the author can draw the reader so far into story that you connect with the characters, feel invested in their lives and the choices they make or don’t make. Every book I choose to read, I hope this is the way I am going to feel. 

The Tox Files has been one of the best series I have read and certainly Kendig’s finest! There are many memorable characters that deserve mention. No doubt about it. But the two that impacted me most are Tox and Ram and their relationship. They are not only brothers-in-arms but brothers-in-Christ. The trust between them is unwavering. At a critical moment, they quote the Special Forces Creed to each other. As the parent of an active military member, I know firsthand the bond and allegiance that forms between compatriots and my tears flowed.

Incredible amounts of energy and emotion are prevalent in Thirst of Steel. It resonates with the purest and most perfect example of well-written characters, dialogue, mystery, and sacrifice. No quarter is taken in the pacing, action or intensity of this story. Be prepared for the ride of a lifetime as Tox, Ram, and the Wraith team slake the  
Thirst of Steel!

I was provided an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through Netgalley. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.

~Happy Reading~

Coming Summer 2018 ~ Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig

Pre-order Now!!! 
www.RonieKendig.com

Sneak Peek >>>>> Here.

Other Books in "The Tox Files"

  Prequel Novella

FREE EBOOK

Paperback@CBD- $7.99

Paperback@CBD - $9.99

 This series is AMAZING!!!!

~Happy Reading, Y'all~

Review ~ Operation Zulu Redemption: Act of Treason - Part 4 by Ronie Kendig

Operation Zulu Redemption: Act of Treason - Part 4 by Ronie Kendig

Synopsis - The Explosive Ending to a Brand-new 5-part Serial Novel!  

It’s Zero hour for Zulu.  They’ve been targeted, hunted, deceived, and betrayed. Zulu is crumbling in their pursuit of justice. Even rifts within the team are tearing them apart.  Téya can’t seem to unravel her bizarre connection with deadly assassin The Turk—and it’s causing her team to question her loyalty.  Annie is unable to focus and sort out her strong feelings for Trace and Sam—and she fears she’ll end up losing them both.  Nuala vows to support Boone, but a devastating tragedy pushes her limits.  And Trace hates sending the team on dangerous missions alone, but there are some secrets he can’t reveal.  In the shocking, explosive finale of Operation Zulu: Redemption, Trace has one last plan to draw the enemy out and take them down—for good. But will it work? Who can they really trust? Ultimately, what price will justice demand? 

: : :

My Review

Shock and awe doesn’t begin to describe the inner workings of Team ZULU and their betrayer. With expert writing skill and some surprising plot twists, Kendig brings full circle this amazingly fast-paced military thriller. Reading this serialization has been like watching a season of 24. I was totally blind-sided by the traitor in the midst. I did not see that one coming. 

I’m fond of all the characters, especially Trace and Annie (love the interaction between them) but another stands out to me. It seems crazy to be enchanted by a character who is supposed to be an enemy, but I am. ‘The Turk’ is one beguiling assassin. We don’t know much about him except he and Téya have been in several violent altercations with each other and now he is a potential love interest! I’m intrigued J

I highly recommend this series to fans of intense contemporary military fiction. I’m anxiously awaiting Season Two, the new missions that ZULU will be sent on, and thinking this really should be made into a TV series. It’s that good.

I was provided a copy from the publisher for review purposes. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, just my honest opinion of the book. No compensation has been received.

: : :

Start the mission with Operation Zulu Redemption: The Beginning and then don't miss any of these extended length 200 page episodes...

Available Now -- Operation Zulu Redemption: Collateral Damage -- Part 1

Available Now -- Operation Zulu Redemption: Out of Nowhere -- Part 2

Available Now -- Operation Zulu Redemption: Hazardous Duty -- Part 3

Available Now -- Operation Zulu Redemption: Act of Treason -- Part 4

Operation Zulu Redemption: Overkill - The Beginning by Ronie Kendig

Now Available!!!

(from Amazon)

Brand-new 5-part Serial Novel!  Starts July 4th!

They never should’ve existed.  Now they don’t.  In the aftermath of their first highly successful op, the first all-female special ops team, known as Zulu, discovered that innocent civilians—women and children—died at their hands. Zulu was set up to take the devastating fall.  Fearing for their lives, the Zulu team vanished. With new identities and spread across the globe, they live in relative but isolated peace—yet still haunted by the past. Terrified of being discovered.   Five years after that horrific night, they’ve begun to hope they might be safe and the tragedy forgotten.  Until two of them are murdered.

Start the mission on July 4th with Operation Zulu Redemption: Overkill--The Beginning.  This FREE episode drops you into the rapid-fire action where the women of Zulu are trying to figure out who is targeting them.   Who really set Zulu up to take the fall years ago?  Are they one and the same? Now the remaining members of Zulu have no choice but to regroup and stop their enemy--before it's too late. And Overkill is just the beginning...     

Don't miss any of these extended length episodes....
July 18 -- Operation Zulu Redemption: Collateral Damage -- Part 1
July 25 -- Operation Zulu Redemption: Out of Nowhere -- Part 2
August 1 -- Operation Zulu Redemption: Hazardous Duty -- Part 3
August 8 -- Operation Zulu Redemption: Act of Treason -- Part 4

Ronie Kendig will leave you needing the next!

: : :

The first part of this mind-blowing suspense is FREE on Kindle.

Why not hop on over there and get started today?

Guest Review ~ Trinity: Military War Dog by Ronie Kendig

A year ago in Afghanistan, Green Beret Heath Daniel’s career was destroyed. Along with his faith. Now he and his military war dog, Trinity, train other dogs and their handlers. Though his passion is to be back in action, the medical discharge has forced Heath—and Trinity—to the sidelines. Military intelligence officer Darci Kintz is captured while secretly tracking the Taliban. Only one dog can handle the extreme conditions to save her. Trinity. Only one man can handle Trinity. Time is running out on the greatest—and most dangerous—mission of their lives.

Trinity: Military War Dog

Reviewed by Sharonne Payne

If you like books that are “on the edge of your seat” exciting and full of suspense right through the last chapter, then TRINITY Military War Dog is the one to read.

Ronie Kendig has written a book that will keep your attention from the first chapter to the last. You will not want to stop to do mundane things like laundry, cooking dinner or cleaning house.

The bond between Heath and Trinity is amazing and inspiring. And then of course, there is the budding romance of Heath and Darci that may or may not happen. Between dodging bullets, climbing treacherous mountains, snowstorms, traitors, and spies there isn’t a lot of time for anything but trying to get out alive. Heath and Darci’s faith or lack of faith is tested and tried many times over. And when you think nothing else will happen, there is a little surprise at the end. Sometimes I will figure out all the characters before the end of the book, but this time I didn’t.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Just waiting for a chance to read the next book Talon: Combat Tracking Team. 

Ronie Kendig grew up an Army brat, married a veteran, and they now have four children and a Golden Retriever. She has a BS in Psychology, speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers.

Read more here.