Honor Bound was intense, gripping, and I didn’t want to put it down! Hallee Bridgeman really knows how to create suspense within her writing. Military suspense isn’t my go to genre, however this story sucked me in right from the beginning. The action was intense, like seriously intense. I loved the team dynamic and enjoyed how well each character enriched this story with personality and expert tactical skill. Captain Norton was absolute perfection for me. Bold, blunt, driven, and intelligent, he was the perfect hero. I loved how he boldly spoke truth, stuck to his convictions, and deeply cared for his men. Cynthia and Rick were a bit like fire and ice. They had differing opinions, weren’t afraid to voice them, and it lead to a lot of discussions between them that ultimately ended up bringing them together. This story was so well crafted that I am an instant fan of this author. The faith elements in this book were bold and genuine. This is going to be one of my top reads this year and definitely going on my favorite suspense reads list!

Honor Bound is my first story by Hallee Bridgeman, but it most certainly won’t be my last! I loved this story. It was full of well paced, believable action, romance, and wonderful characters. I was on the edge of my seat almost the entire time I was reading it. The faith thread was natural and an important part of the characters lives.

I absolutely loved Rick! He was pretty much perfection! I loved his team and their banter, camaraderie, and the handles they gave each other. I did like Cynthia, but if you’ve read any of my reviews in the past, you might know that I do not like main female characters who are snarky - at all. Cynthia, in my opinion, could come across as quite abrupt, but, somehow, Ms. Bridgeman was able to keep me liking her. I think it was because of Rick and his matter of fact way of dealing with her, and her occasional abrasive comment, and the fact that she would admit it when she was wrong. My only minor complaint was that the last 30 or so percent almost felt like a different story. It focused solely on the romance between Rick and Cynthia and I was wanting and expecting more action.

I’m so glad I took a chance on this new to me author. Honor Bound was interesting and well written. I’m excited that books 2 and 3 in this series are coming out in October and November!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is medium. 4.5 stars.

This exciting military adventure will keep the reader up all night turning pages until the very end. Take the beautiful doctor who is the daughter of the U.S. vice- president, add a gallant career soldier who saves her life, an interesting cast of quirky characters, an exotic locale, blend and mix up a quick paced plot and garnish with a touch of Christian faith and you have a delicious smoothie of a read.

The book has a real split personality, but both parts work well. Action-packed and fast-paced gives way to a more sedate story based on relationships.

Doctor Cynthia Myers and Captain Rick Norton don't meet under norma circumstances. A warlord's army is coming to the African village she's serving in and he's tasked to get her out. The journey gets complicated as the team brings along their two wounded battling against limited resources and time. Over time Cynthia learns to trust his judgement and he grows to admire her resilience.

The fast, action packed first half of the book leads to the second half, just as suspenseful as both Rick and Cynthia unwind stateside. They each question whether their thready relationship can grow to something more amidst the challenges of their lives and the blunders they both make. Both come from a heritage of faith and seek to live it out in their lives, even as they reconcile the hurt of their circumstances with what they know is true.

I really enjoyed this novel, a first for me by this author, and look forward to the next ones! Highly recommend for Christian suspense lovers.

*Big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review!

A story that takes you to a turmoil area of Africa, for missionary Doctor Cynthia.
A life with meaning to help others, that was none ending. Until one that ruled
the people out fear and couldn’t be saved. She was now a target by those that followed this man. When special op Captain.Norton hand is forced to save the Doctor by deadly means. Brings anger and thoughts of if only she could have saved this man. A story that shows of how two people dedicated to their jobs endure and do what is necessary. Can they forgive themselves and move on.
Given ARC by Net Galley and Revell for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

n Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer carried the tradition of the Hanger's Horsemen. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed these stories of strong heroes who changed their wild ways into protective and loving husbands. In this story, readers are told the story of Luke, the protector, who uses his strong protective skills to help Damaris and her nephew, Nate as they struggle to live with each other and depend on each other. The plot has some suspense, which was nicely done. I really enjoyed trying to see who was creating troubles on the Grimes land. I love seeing the transformation of Luke throughout the story. I loved learning about his backstory, and how it defined the man that readers are introduced to at the beginning of the story. As for the romance, it was deeply engrained in the plot of the story. Both heroine and hero fell pretty quickly but brought out the best in each other. Just like a good romance should do. The romance was not too gushy but respectable in nature. The writing was serious, yet suspenseful at the same time. Overall, In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer is a delightful story. Even though I do not gravitate toward western stories, Witemeyer is a master of crafting stories that dig at the heart of the issue in her character’s transformation journey. Highly recommend this series.

I received a complimentary copy In Honor’s Defense by Karen Witemeyer from Bethany House Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.