What a great third book in the Love and Honor Series! If you have read the first two, you must read Honor's Refuge! If you haven't, get a copy of the first two books. You can read this alone, but you will understand what the other characters have gone through and how they all connect if you start with book 1.

This story is about Phil Osbourne. He used to be an army medic. But since he lost a leg, he also lost his sense of self and purpose. He has been meeting a great gal for lunch once a week, but neither of them have defined what their relationship is. Phil likes Melissa very much, but is holding back out of fear that he is not enough. Melissa is tired of waiting for him to make the first move but isn't sure how to proceed.

Melissa runs a domestic abuse shelter after experiencing the horrible tragedy of seeing her dad kill her mom. Afterwards, Melissa and her sister were separated and never saw each other again. Phil decides to call in his buddies and track down the lost sister. What he finds is shocking and heartbreaking. The rest of the story is centered around Melissa and Phil trying to protect Melissa's little family and stay safe in a dangerous hurricane.

Powerful! But I expected nothing less from this series. This story follows the life of a member of the Special Operations A-Team who has to leave the service due to injury. While deciding how to put his life back together, he has to use the skills he learned in the military to protect the woman he loves from a drug cartel. You will hold your breath as the story unfolds. Once again Hallee Bridgeman will have you fully engaged in the story. Don’t miss this clean, inspirational romance that is filled with action and suspense!

4.5*

I was so looking forward to Phil’s story, and this book did not disappoint. Phil has struggled with addiction since med school which resulted in a complete change in his life. As a special forces operator, he lost his leg which drew him back to his struggle with addiction. He is leaning to adjust to his prosthetic and his new career as an EMT. He meets Melissa at church and they begin a beautiful friendship. They both had deeper feelings, but Phil fears letting the relationship grow because he feels unworthy.

The story gets complicated when Phil searches and finds Melissa’s sister. They were separated as young children and were lost to each other. Unfortunately, Melissa’s sister is an abused wife to a very dangerous man.

I don’t want to spoil anything, so let’s just say the rest of the story is a roller coaster of emotion in a very good way. Phil was absolutely my favorite character of this whole series. He has struggled mightily with his failings, and with the strength of God he has become more than a conqueror. I loved seeing his vulnerability and weakness, but, also, his strength and conviction. It was a powerful combination.

I had a few issues with some details in the book, but they didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman is the third book in the Love and Honor series, but it can easily be read as standalone. That being said, book one, Honor Bound, was really good and in that story we get to meet Phil and it also tells the story of his injury, so I think it would add to this story if you read that one first!

I really enjoyed this story. The action was nicely paced and there were some twists and turns and shocking events that I never saw coming - like jaw dropping events! I really liked Melissa and what she decided to do with her life after her traumatic childhood. She was a great pairing for Phil who could be pretty grumpy and kinda negative. She was always upbeat and positive and when he was too grumpy she had no problem speaking her mind or standing up to him. I thought their personalities played nicely off of each other.

I did feel like both Phil and Melissa were a bit too casual about safety after two major things happen in the story and that was a bit frustrating to me. I also felt like the ending, while I see why it had to happen the way it did, was not fitting with our villain and how he would’ve acted based on his previous actions.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. The faith thread is medium. 4 stars.

What a great series!

Phil and Melissa have been dancing around each other since he got back in town. They meet at least once a week for breakfast but that’s as far as Phil will let it go. He doesn’t think he’s good enough for her since he’s a recovering addict and lost a leg while serving with a Special Ops team. Can Melissa and God change his mind?

Melissa is an abuse counselor for a good reason. She was there the night her father killed her mother and unborn brother. Since that night she’s been searching for her younger sister. When Phil tells her that he’s found her sister, she’s overjoyed. Until he tells her who her husband is and that he’s been abusing her. Now they need to try and rescue her while staying alive.

Honor’s Refuge was a fast paced suspense read that delivered plenty of action and some truly shocking moments! This book ticked all the boxes of what makes a suspense read good for me! Phil was a grumpy hero working through a lot of issues related to his injury and Melissa was the perfect compliment to his gruff persona. I absolutely loved how Melissa spoke her mind, never treated Phil like he was too fragile for the truth, and gave him the space to work through issues. Phil took a very long time to break down barriers, however I loved how he was still helping others and finding purpose even while healing. Hallee Bridgeman does not shy away from showing a villain to be truly depraved and evil and I feel like this gives her writing a genuine quality that I really enjoy. These characters were vocal about their faith which was also really great. I really enjoyed this book and this series as a whole and look forward to seeing more from this author.

This is an exciting book. The author really knows how to build suspense then let you down easily. It's kind of like a roller coaster ride. You get in the seat expecting a fun time. You reach the first crest and know you're going to scream like crazy when you go down. Then you take a breath and relax before the next big plunge comes along.. After another steep decent, you race around the track wondering where the next big thing will come at you. Finally, as the ride ends it slows down and you catch your breath. It was quite a ride, and you can't wait to go again. That is how this book affected me. I knew the dangers that were coming, but I didn't know how they would be resolved or to what extent they would be. But like the roller coaster rider, I can't wait to read her next adventure.

This book can stand alone, but if you've read the previous ones, you get a deeper understanding of the characters. It is also about cartels and the violence they exact on people. I was hesitant at first to read this because I don't like graphic novels. But the author gives just enough detail to let your imagination run with it without all the gory details.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was my first by this author but I am interested in going back and reading the first in the series, to get to know a little more about the main character. I had no trouble following the storyline, even though I had not read the first 2 in the series. One of my favourite parts of the story were the flawed characters. I found Phil's grouchiness endearing. He has gone through some hard stuff and sometimes authors create perfect character who are hard to relate to. Phil is a tough cookie who has hard a bad hand dealt to him, it was encouraging watching as he grew as a character. I would definitely read more from this author!

Hallee Bridgeman is a new one to watch out for in romantic suspense! I was so impressed with Honor's Refuge; it kept me turning pages late at night. I absolutely loved these characters. They fell in love and supported each other in all the right ways, while they were also human and struggled with their issues. Phil is such a good guy with realistic struggles, and I loved the way Melissa supported him through thick and thin. The plot and mystery behind it was fascinating and kept me guessing. I thought I had an idea of how things were going to play out but there were quite a few plot twists still ahead for me! I loved the themes of domestic violence that while heavy, were very eye-opening and well handled. Highly recommend this if you love clean romantic suspense!

4.5 stars, this is book three in the Love and honor series, however it is a stand alone book. You will miss some history of Phil Osbourne, yet you will not have any problem following along. Hallee Bridgeman does a great job at developing her characters and her story line. I love how we get both perspectives of this story, the male and female side.
Melissa Braxton and Phil Osbourne have a unique friendship that may lead to more. While Phil must accept his life as it is now, will he be enough to help Melissa when trouble comes calling. There is drama, suspense, friendship and of course romance in this book. If you enjoy books about special forces/FBI type books you will love this one.
I was given a copy of this book for. my honest opinion

Bridgeman’s Love and Honor series is the perfect blend of action and romance. Often, Christian fiction comes across as cheesy, but Bridgeman has found the magic formula to write realistic, CLEAN novels that honor her faith without sacrificing plot. Every book in the series had this reader on the edge of her seat throughout and wanting more as soon as the last page was devoured. Bridgeman’s military knowledge is evident but she accommodates well her readers who may not understand the life and lingo. This is a truly a job well done!

Halle Bridgeman again holds the reader's attention in her third book in the Love & Honor series.

While each book can be read as a standalone, I would urge you to read all of them. I am the type of person who leans toward Historical Romance. But this author has convinced me to read more romantic suspense.

I am astounded by her ability to create not only a compelling narrative but characters that are genuinely real. They accurately portray human strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities. I will miss them.

A word of warning for those who have experienced abuse of any kind, this book might be a trigger for you. The opening scene had my heart in my throat. But as the book progresses, we get to see how our main character, Melissa Braxton, uses her experience of abuse to help women escape abusive situations. And it doesn't hurt that she has Phil Osburne (who returns from the first book) to help her when things get dangerous.

The story is compelling, and the pace is brisk and vividly rendered. I guarantee you will not be able to put this one down. I highly recommend it!

I received a review copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down until I finished it!

*Trigger warnings - off page abuse and addiction

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Once I turned the first page on this read I was hooked, what a great book! The full gamut of emotions are offered, and you might want to have the tissues handy!

From beginning to end you won't know whom is going to be left when the last page is turned. So many bad people, with no value to human life, and then on the other side we have those that will give everything, including their lives, for the benefit of others. Yes, this is a true Christian read, and I loved it!

There is love and there is loss, and the fighting of evil! How it all turns out? Well, you will be page turning for answers, which do come!

I received this book through the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review!

Honors Refuge was absolutely intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat! It was full of intense suspense along with a story of love, faith, and family. A healing a redemptive story that much reflects life in that everything is still not perfect. Definitely had some great life lessons.

Fantastic romanctic suspense! I am loving this highly addictive series. In Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman, we get to read Phil "Doctor Oz" Osbourne, Ozzy's story. We last saw him not adjusting well to losing his leg on a previous mission. And Melissa Braxton, who at five years old, after witnessing her father kill her mother, has been separated from her younger sister ever since. Melissa has a heart for helping those stuck in abusive relationships, and she and her business partner are therapists who own and operate a domestic abuse shelter at a hidden location.

Wow! So much action and suspense, I could not put it down! Strong characters, searching for Melissa's sister, drug lords, murder, getting help for abuse victims, who is trustworthy and who is not, family, and loss are some of the things you will encounter in this page-turner! The big issue for Phil is not seeing himself as "whole". Melissa is perfect for him, even in his grumpy moods.

Melissa and Phil share a meal every week. "How are you?" 'How was she? She didn't think "desperately in love with you and wishing you'd notice me" was the answer he sought.'

Readers of romantic suspense will love this story. You can totally read it as a standalone story, but I loved binge-reading this series and seeing familiar friends in each book. Hang on to your hats, you will love this ride.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

Honor's Refuge is the third in the Love and Honor series, and the third book in the series I couldn't put down. Hallee Bridgeman probably owes me a tube of concealer for the nights I've stayed up way late reading.

Unlike the first two books that largely feature military action, this story takes place in the civilian world, but with imported skills. Phil Osborne lost a leg during a rescue mission (in book one). A qualified doctor and combat medic, he's now splitting his time between working as an EMT and volunteering at his church, where he met Melissa, who runs a shelter for victims of domestic abuse. Melissa knows Phil is the one for her, but their friendship shows no signs of moving into anything more.

The beauty of this book is the deep dive into self worth and where that should come from. Phil cannot see himself as whole after his amputation. Melissa sees him as nothing but complete. The two work together to protect Melissa's sister and finally, love blossoms.

But this is a Hallee Bridgeman book and so there's a LOT of trouble in the background. Really, it's a masterclass in how to keep tension going all through a story. Phil and Melissa's relationship is fought and ultimately won amid the hardest of circumstances and it is beautiful to read. Highly recommended.

I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley. The opinions are my own.

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman was much better than the previous two books in this series. The plot still had a lot of down time, but there were moments thrown in where the readers were actually paying close attention to Melissa and Phil’s story as they tried to help one abused victim. The climactic moment near the end of the novel was a struggle for the characters, but it was nice to see Phil in action even though he has one less leg. Melissa is a brave woman who puts herself in the line of danger to help abused women to escape their abuse partners and learn how to move forward. Bridgeman does a good job at showing the guilt some of these women feel from their abusers. Of course, what romantic suspense novel would be without a touch of romance to the story. It was not overwhelming, but the happily-ever-after moment at the end of the novel was predictable and unoriginal. I wish romantic suspense novels would stop ending like that. Overall, Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman had more suspense with a touch of romance.

I received a complimentary copy of Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Honor's Refuge may be my favorite of the Love and Honor Series. I absolutely adored Phil and Melissa. This book had so much action. Phil was a kick but hero. I couldn't put this book down. I was surprised with twists and heartbroken over what I can't say because of spoiling the book, but let me just say the book was amazing. I enjoyed the fact that two of his buddies from the other books made appearances in this story.

The romance was so sweet and precious and it made for a sweet happily ever after. I sure hope there are more books to come. Needless to say Hallee Bridgeman is a favorite of mine.

This was an enjoyable read and I think a lot of readers will enjoy this one.

It's well written and fast paced. It was one that kept me intrigued to keep reading throughout.