Honor Bound

Author: Hallee Bridgeman
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Love and Honor #1
Release Date: September 6, 2022

You can't override the heart

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 doesn't want to like anything about Rick and his team--but an unexpected 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 that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

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Reviewer: Kristina Hall

Characters: Honor Bound followed Captain Rick Norton, a Green Beret, and Dr. Cynthia Myers, an obstetrician. Although both characters had interesting moments and reactions, I had trouble connecting with them. Rick was a little too flawless, and Cynthia frustrated me with her pacifist beliefs. I was also disappointed that Cynthia was the only one who had to change in the end.

Language: Clean.

Moral/theme: This novel contained themes of sacrifice and courage. Both Rick and Cynthia were believers.

Plot: Suspense and high stakes filled the first half, and Rick and Cynthia's relationship developed more during the second half. Both parts kept my attention.

Romance: Clean. Just kissing.

Writing: Hallee Bridgeman's clear writing style worked great for this novel. Everything flowed well, and I could easily picture what was happening.

Overall: Honor Bound was an entertaining read that I'd recommend to those who enjoy Christian fiction, romantic suspense, and military stories.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. My opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

I usually read historical fiction. But, I decided to branch out and try something different on a whim. Am I glad I did! Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman had me hooked from the first page.

The story is unique, the characters well-developed and the settings so vividly rendered that this book plays out like a movie. The characters were natural in their interactions with each other and with their environment. The romance was not forced and felt completely natural. So much so that I cannot wait until the next book. 

The faith element throughout the book made this author one of my new favourites. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"You'd think I would have the freedom to go where I want to go in the world. "

"Ma'am, I don't kowtow. But I did raise my hand and swear an oath to protect and defend. Now that your cover is blown, so to speak, this is the protect part."

Well, when he put it that way, medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers knew that Army Ranger Captain Rick Norton had every intention of extracting her from the African village that had become more like home to her than her upscale Washington, D. C. lifestyle. Of course, a warlord's son had died in her arms. The Captain's team had two injured members who needed her attention. It was only a matter of time before enemy soldiers descended upon the isolated village, bent on death and destruction. Especially now that they knew her father was the vice-president of the United States. Even so, what was it about Captain Norton that made her want to argue with the man all the time?

If Cynthia thought her curious relationship with the handsome soldier was complicated before they left a jungle war zone, it certainly didn't get any easier to navigate going forward. Fortunately, they shared a faith in God, but their perspectives on war and peace were fundamentally different. Or were their views simply two sides of the same coin? Love is a powerful emotion, and this couple's story has strength popping off just about every page.

As if I didn't already have high respect for the men and women of our military, this book elevated my admiration. It sharpened my perspective about so many everyday challenges. The tactical elements were fascinating, and the emotional elements had me holding my breath in several places. Then there were the scenes that granted a smile . . . like "Rick, promise me something . . . Never admit to my father's event coordinator that we ate this (a chocolate tart with a cream and raspberry topping) directly out of the box while drinking hotel coffee out of paper cups".

Highly recommended for fans of romantic suspense with strong military elements!

I received a copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

This is my first book by Hallee Bridgeman, and it surely will not be the last. The author has an intense and incredible way of fusing military action and adrenaline with tender romance to create a fast-paced, cannot-put-down story. I have not read romantic suspense before that front-loads the action at the beginning of the book and then moves on to character and romance development in the second half of the book, but it works really well for this particular book.
 
I loved Rick, the captain of the special op unit. He's a soldier, protector, and guardian through and through. His big heart and bigger loyalty to his team and Cynthia made him a fantastic hero. Cynthia was a bit harder to get to know, but once she opened up to Rick, her tender, compassionate, but often stubborn heart was easy to see and admire. Rick and Cynthia's unwavering faith, even in the midst of physical and emotional turmoil, was inspirational.
 
I can't wait to read the next books in the series to find out more about Bill and Ozzy, two of the team members who have prominent roles in this book. 

I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

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