This third book in the Love and Honor series takes a turn from the first two. No longer in the military and facing combat, danger still confronts Phil Osbourne, who now works as a paramedic in Miami. The story focuses on the life of Melissa Braxton, who runs a shelter for abused women. The two are Thursday breakfast buddies, but Melissa wants a deeper relationship. When threats from a Colombian drug cartel endanger them and their families, the two must stand up against these murderous bullies and try to protect the ones they care for. This makes for an exciting tale you won’t want to set aside until the end. I liked seeing the growth of the realistic characters as they struggled with their trials. It would make a great book club discussion. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own. # HonorsRefuge #NetGalley

I've loved all the books in the series but this is absolutely my favorite. Phil Osbourne snagged my attention in the first book when his world fell apart and his story was so worth the wait. His tremendous faith and strength to overcome his darkest days and fears make him an incredible hero. Despite his insecurity and grumpiness, Melissa loves Phil anyway and slowly draws him out of his cave with her persistent, bold, yet tender affection. There are some sensitive scenes in the book since Phil works in the medical field and Melissa works as a safehouse coordinator and counselor, but these add to the stark reality of how people suffer on a daily basis because of others' cruelty.

The action and suspense in this book is different from the overseas combat in the first book and governmental work tracking down terrorists in the second book. Powerful drug cartels, women needing help and shelter, and two people's passion to protect those who are powerless make for some pretty intense suspense and action.

I would recommend reading the series in order so that you can get the full flavor of who Phil is and how far he's come. I'm hoping for more books in the series!

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

Not to be outdone by the first two books in the series, Hallee Bridgeman continues her Love & Honor series with a book all about taking shelter in the storm. We met medic Phil Osbourne in the introductory book, Honor Bound, and I don’t know about you, but I really hoped we hadn’t heard the last of him. Bridgeman brings us Phil’s story, picking up two years after he lost his leg as the result of a firefight with an African warlord and still in the midst of trying to figure out what a broken man has to offer offer the girl he loves too much to love her. The storm raging within our tortured warrior threatens to tear him apart, even as his efforts to keep her at a distance rage against her heart.

Melissa Braxton knows all about storms. The one that was her father, beating her mother to death when Missy was five. A tempest that ripped her apart from her little sister, Lola, for whom she has never stopped searching. The storm that pushed her to pursue a career in counseling and open a shelter for battered spouses, seeking refuge from their abusers. And Melissa is all caught up in the storm of loving Phil, in every bit of his grumpy glory. But as a surprise hurricane bears down on Miami in the midst of Thanksgiving preparations, Melissa and Phil have to find refuge from one storm while standing firm against a whole different kind of threat.

For some reason, I liked Phil from the moment I started hoping for his survival in the jungles of Africa in Honor Bound and am glad Bridgeman chose to give us more to his story. I’ve cheered for Doc Oz as a supporting character and now as a main character. Bridgeman really did him justice by pairing him with the character of Melissa; both are written with a depth that really brings them both off the pages and tugs on the heartstrings. Honor’s Refuge is a must read within the series, but it packs the punch that makes it worthy of picking up as a stand alone.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

No one should have seen what Melissa Braxton had seen as a child. It shaped her future and now as an adult, she helps to run a domestic abuse shelter. She has helped many people, but the one thing she hasn't been able to do is find her sister who she was separated from as a child. Phil Osbourne loves her, but feels she deserves more than he can give her. In place of a commitment, he finds her sister and all their lives are forever changed.
Melissa is an endearing character in that she is kind, caring and sympathetic. She is well liked. Phil, on the other hand, can be grumpy and moody. Skilled and capable, he carries a great burden. When faced with a terrifying situation, can they do what is needed?
The author brings to readers a well plotted and fast-moving narrative. Difficult issues are handled with compassion and sensitivity. Faith plays an important role in this immersive story. I found this to be an engrossing and moving story. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I found Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman to be an intensely powerful novel which was not afraid to portray the ugliness of the world while showing the promises of hope-filled futures. Main characters Melissa and Phil have wounds that would break many. Melissa is a survivor of extreme family abuse and Phil continues to face the challenges of his injuries during wartime. The author did a great job of developing their characters — they felt real and relatable to me. They could have easily become stereotypes, but the author added vulnerability to their strengths, courage in their challenges, and a faith that continued throughout the darkest times. With a romance that progressed naturally, the suspense builds to a breaking point. A cartel leader bent on revenge, a Cat-5 hurricane bearing down, and compromised federal agents couldn’t help but contribute to the page-turning, octane-laced action. I let out a few gasps along the way — there were a lot of things I didn’t see coming. This was such a good story!

While Honor’s Refuge is the third book in Bridgeman’s Love And Honor series, I never felt lost. But . . . I do have plans to go back and read the first two books. Book 1, Honor Bound, is my book club’s first selection of 2023. Can’t wait to dive into another great book by a new must-read author.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Hallee Bridgeman is a new-to-me author, so my first experience reading her books was the final book of a series and would seem to create an issue with really getting to know this author. Not so! Ms. Bridgeman captured me on the first pages and carried me through to the end—in one day.

The characters Phil and Melissa have pasts filled with both trauma and suffering. While Melissa uses those past hurts for good, Phil retreats like a turtle especially with matters of the heart. Still, he wants to help Melissa in some way—but not get involved—with her shelter for abused. He decides to find Melissa’s long-lost sister. The problem is this sister is wife to a high-ranking member of the drug cartel. Then of course, there’s the hurricane!

Get the picture?

However, this is a story that is more than action and suspense. This is a story with heart and faith and compassion.

Highly recommend this book and will look forward to reading more of Hallee’s novels. Suspense and thriller fans, this is a must read.

I received a complementary eBook ARC from the publisher, Revell through #NetGalley for my honest review.

Title: Honor’s Refuge
Author: Hallee Bridgeman

Pg: 352

Series: Love and Honor book 3

Genre: Christian Suspense with a hint of romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell



Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman is the third book in the Love and Honor series. And even though the books are their own story it’s best to read them in order otherwise you miss parts of the overall story. As we as being spoiled for things.


I have to admit I was more excited for the hero’s story as we first meet Phil Osbourne in boon one and by the end of it, he wasn’t in a good place. So, I’ve been waiting for his story. And I’m glad to see how it ends. And I liked the heroine as well.


This was one interesting I’ve never read a book set during a hurricane. But I don’t think the story could have happened without the hurricane it was part of the story.

This was a good ending to the overall series as well.









I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Honor's Refuge
by Hallee Bridgeman
Pub Date: November 1, 2022
Fleming H. Revell
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This is the third book of this series. I read it as a stand-alone but I think it would be better if it was read in the intended order.
This was a new author for me, but it came from a trusted publisher so I was eager to read it. 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 redemptive story that reflects life in that everything is still not perfect. Definitely had some great life lessons.
3 stars

Just from reading the opening line, it was clear that this book would be emotional and intense.

Warning: this book deals with physical abuse, so might be a sensitive subject for some readers.

Phil and Melissa were characters with so much individual history, baggage, and insecurities to work through. Especially Phil who had to find his worth after losing his leg and had to learn how to still be the strong soldier he is. I loved the scene where God answered Melissa's prayer in an obvious and physical way.

I also appreciated how the author balanced the intensity and emotions, with the physical action and danger, and more lighter scenes.

I enjoyed this series and would recommend it to fans of military and romantic suspense.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

If you are looking for an action driven, edge of your seat thriller this is the book for you. It does contain sensitive issues that could be a trigger for some readers. I liked the main female character Melissa. Coming from an abusive childhood, she now runs a shelter that houses people who need to find a safe place. She and her friend carefully bring men, women and children there and help them escape their abusive relationship. I admire all the hard work Melissa and her friend have taken to make others feel safe. They give them a chance to start a new life.

Phil has seen his share of trauma from being in the service. Losing a leg at times makes him feel like he is less than a man which holds him back from relationships. I liked how he wanted to do something meaningful for Melissa and was able to find her sister that she lost touch with when they were separated as children. What he didn’t know was the danger Melissa’s sister was in. There is a good faith element in the story which illustrates how we can call out to Jesus in our time of need.

The story takes on a dangerous man who is involved in the drug cartel. He also happens to be married to Melissa’s sister. With determination Phil and Mellisa team up to help her sister that brings trouble to everyone at the shelter. There is a leak somewhere in the government that puts lives in danger. A tragedy shakes the operation to its core. I liked how the author keeps readers guessing as the story has twists that kept you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss this intense story of faith, danger, secrets and healing from your past.

I received a copy of this book from The Librarything Early Reader Program. The review is my own opinion.

A compelling read, emotionally gripping and with captivating characters.

Phil Osbourne is determined to help his friend Melissa regain what she lost so many years ago when she was separated from her sister Lola. Phil and Melissa have become good friends over the years, and he wants to help her in any way that he can. I liked that Phil is an honorable guy, who is honest about his faults and puts others before himself.

An action packed read, this book felt different from the other books in the series in that we didn't have the camaraderie of the whole team working together like in previous books, but still an excellent read. One of my favorite series that I have read this year!

Overall, a inspiring read, filled with suspense, and faith in this high stakes adventure! Highly recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Honor's Refuge is the third book in the Love and Honor series. While I think this probably could be read as a standalone, I do think it would be better read in order to best understand Phil's character and all that he had gone through before this book.

When I first started reading the first book in this series, I must admit I wasn't immediately a fan and thought the military content might just be a bit too much in the way of mission details and such for me personally. I decided to push on and finish the first book, which I really enjoyed... so much so I had to continue to read the rest of the series too. I am so glad that I did, because truly this one might be my favorite of the three! It's filled with action and adventure just as the previous books did, this time sharing Phil's story.

This book takes on the rather difficult topic of domestic violence, as well as addiction. While it's still not an easy read by any means, I do feel like he author did a good job of balancing the reality of the situation without going into too graphic of details. It was a story filled with faith with both characters really relying on God throughout the book in a very clear way.

Overall, I thought this was a great book and a fantastic addition to the series. Fans of romantic suspense are sure to enjoy.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

When she was just five years old, Melissa Braxton watched her father take her mother's life. Separated from her sister, Lola, at that time, Melissa grew up with a strong desire to help those stuck in abusive relationships. It's why she became a family therapist and opened a domestic abuse shelter.

After losing a leg to a gunshot wound in the line of duty, Phil Osbourne has felt like a man without a purpose--until he hears Melissa's story and decides to use his Special Forces contacts to track down her missing sister. He knows what he discovers will break Melissa's heart. What he doesn't realize is that helping the women reunite will bring the cartel down on them like the Category 5 hurricane striking Miami.

My review: This is the third book in the Love and Honor series. It's not necessary to read the first two to read and understand this book. Phil's story is quite complicated. He is a former medic and Navy Seal with a background. He lost a leg in a mission in the jungle. He doesn't feel like he worth much without a leg. Not a complete man. No one would want him. He is a dr. but working as an EMT. Melissas runs a domestic abuse shelter and calls on Phil to help with her clients when they are afraid to go to the hospital. This is a fast-paced story. This is the second book I've read by Hallee Bridgeman. I recommend her to everyone.

I was given this book by Revell Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Honor’s Refuge
Hallee Bridgeman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At the age of five, Melissa Braxton witnessed her mother's death at the hands of her father. The horror she experienced as a child left her with a need to help those trapped in abusive relationships by becoming a family therapist and opening a domestic abuse shelter.

Phil Osbourne lost his leg because of a gunshot wound while serving in the military. Since returning home, he has felt like a man without a purpose. When he hears Melissa's story, Phil decides to rally his former Special Forces teammates to track down her sister. He knows what they discover will break Melissa's heart, but he isn't aware that reuniting the sisters will bring them all face to face with a cartel.

This third book in Bridgeman’s Love and Honor series took a life-altering event from the first novel and delved into an unexpected future for a wounded soldier. Phil deals with demons from his past and finds it difficult to reconcile who he once was with how he sees himself now. He thinks he is not a whole man and refuses to believe he could ever be enough for the woman who holds his heart. In spite of Phil's insecurities, Melissa holds out hope she can help Phil learn to see himself as she sees him. This book was a journey of emotional healing for Phil through the joyful, giving spirit of Melissa. She was a beautiful story character who showed a painful past does not have to mar the present or the future. Fans of the first two books in this series will not be disappointed with Honor's Refuge.

We received an advance copy from the publisher. This is our honest review.

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman – Likable relatable characters, suspense, intrigue



Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman is the third book in the Love and Honor series. It’s the second book I’ve read by this author. I wanted to read it because the author makes the characters come to life.

Honor’s Refuge continues the story of Phil Osbourne, who was introduced in the first book of the series Honor Bound. In that book, Phil had lost his leg due to an injury he sustained on a mission with the special forces team. Phil’s been home for two years and developed a friendship Melissa Braxton who runs a shelter for women who suffer from physical abuse. Truth be told, Phil and Melissa have fallen in love. But Phil doesn’t feel like a man who is whole, or that he can’t be the man Melissa deserves.

Phil and some of his former teammates researched and found Melissa’s long-lost sister Lola. They were separated when they were very young following their mother’s death. Phil would do anything, including putting himself at risk, to reunite this family.

I appreciate how Hallee Bridgeman develops the characters in her book. The main characters are very likeable, as well as Phil and Melissa’s friends, family, and co-workers. There is a depth to the characters that makes them seem real. Honor’s Refuge is suspenseful. Mysteries are unveiled as the characters work through their weaknesses, understand their feelings and try to strengthen their faith.

Faith is part of the character’s lives. I appreciated that Phil and Melissa prayed and talked about the Lord. I would like to have seen the Gospel more accurately presented. Melissa’s sister Lola is comforted by the community that has taken her in, she is curious about their faith. It was explained to her that “It’s less about religion and more about community.” Repentance of sin and belief in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin was not explained.

Phil was one of my favorite characters. He used his experience and training to help protect Melissa, Lola, and her children. His personal mission was to protect them threats from very evil people entrenched in drug trafficking.

I had some problems with the ending of the book. Phil’s background and training was special forces, and since he was dealing with men who were downright evil. I’m not sure it was realistic that he would respond to the bad guys by subduing them and using zip ties and sheets to restrain them. I didn’t understand why Phil struggled with remorse over the violence he employed to protect innocent women and children from a drug lord and his minions who intended to harm them.

I liked Honor’s Refuge because of the characters. It’s an interesting story with suspense, intrigue, bravery, good vs. evil, and developing relationships. I did struggle some with the ending. Even so, I recommend Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman. I would give this book a 3.5-star rating.

I thank Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

This book is the third in the series, and follows Phil Osborne who lost his leg in the first book. I enjoyed finding out more about his story and how he was recovering from the injury after he was featured in the first book. You can definitely read this book as a stand alone without reading the rest of the series though. In this book, Melissa was separated from her sister Lola after her mother is brutally beaten and killed by her father. Phil uses his contacts from his military team days to help find her. I appreciated the relationship growth between Phil and Melissa. I liked that the book was NOT filled with lustful thoughts. which can be common in "Christian" romantic suspense books. The faith elements were relatable, especially the conversation of how negative elements of Phil's life lead to great parts of Phil's life. If you enjoy clean romantic suspense, I highly recommend this book as well as the rest in the series. Content warning: domestic abuse is a topic addressed in this book.

I have loved the entire Love and Honor series, but Honor’s Refuge is my favorite! Phil is a true hero! Like others in the series, this book has action and suspense, strong faith, and tender romance. Couple that with great characters and a strong storyline, and you get a great read!

The Love and Honor series introduced me to Hallee Bridgeman’s work. I’m definitely looking to read more from her.

Many thanks to Revel and Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book. The opinions are my own.

"Well, this will be an adventure."

Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman is book three in the Love and Honor series but can stand alone just fine; however, with the total knockout punch that Honor’s Refuge delivers, you should probably carve out a coveted space on your to-read pile for this entire series.

Honor’s Refuge is an interesting mix of danger, both from bad people and bad weather; romance, Christian beliefs and prayer; and excellent prose and characterization. Nothing like the Colombian cartel and a massive hurricane bearing down on Miami, Florida, to get the blood pumping and the anger and fear spiking. Phil Osbourne is struggling to find a reason to keep moving forward in life after losing a leg in the line of military duty, and Melissa Braxton is struggling to find her younger sister, Lola, after being separated when they were small children, following the death of their mother at the hands of their abusive father. The two girls were sent to different sides of the family, with opportunities and love on one side, and secrets running deep and dangerous on the other.

Phil and Melissa have been meeting for breakfast each week for at least a year, skirting around their obvious feelings for each other for way too long. Melissa, who runs a domestic abuse shelter in a highly hidden location in Miami, often calls on Phil, with his medical background and EMS skills, to help out when a battered new resident at the shelter is too afraid to seek medical care at a busy hospital. Phil knows Melissa has been looking for her sister ever since they were separated so many years ago, and when he finally locates Lola, he essentially kicks a veritable hornet’s nest of evil, corruption, and deadly consequences. You don’t disrupt the Colombian cartel without repercussions and retaliation, as Phil and Melissa soon discover. Will these two lovebirds finally take their relationship to the next level? Will Melissa and her sister, Lola, finally be reunited? Will a late-season category 5 hurricane heading straight for Miami ruin everyone’s Thanksgiving? With love, war, and weather, anything and everything are possible.

Family and the domestic realm are definitely major themes in Honor’s Refuge, and the author presents the shifting balance between the good and the bad with outstanding talent. Hallee Bridgeman has created a fireball of a story in Honor’s Refuge, keeping the readers clamoring for more at the turn of every page. Tears, prayers, fear, and a fierce determination to protect the broken and the defenseless run rampant across the chapters, culminating in a high-tension ending that will surely entertain just about any reader looking for a thrilling, chilling, and high-action adventure romance. The two main characters are flawed and believable, with just enough skills, valor, and vulnerability to elevate them to a remarkable protagonist level.

As an added bonus, the author includes recipes at the end of the story, enjoyed by Melissa and Phil at his parent’s dinner table, for grilled grouper, mango salad, and seasoned rice, which sound absolutely delicious.

Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman was a resounding third installment to her Love and Honor Series. In fact, I think this one is the best so far! I quickly fell in love not only with our hero and heroine - Phil and Melissa - but also with the plot centering on domestic abuse victims and the insidious evil of a drug cartel. With a foreboding sense of doom, fast paced action, and ever increasing depth of character, Bridgeman delivers a punch of a story. I am very much looking forward to book four!

I received this book from Netgalley. all opinions are my own.

A good book from a new author. Each book in the series has been well done. I would recommend this book to others.