Honor’s Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman was another thrilling and satisfying read. You can read this book as a stand alone but for those of us that have been reading the series we could not be more excited to read Phil’s story after he lost his leg in book one. This story is not set to a military background. The main story is about domestic abuse. Melissa was a child of domestic abuse and grows up to help women and families escape and deal with it. She and Phil have been friends for a year; meeting for breakfast. I loved how Melissa was such a strong character. Yes she would get hurt but she didn’t play games. She was straight forward and dealt with the issues head on.

Phil had a lot of baggage dealing. He didn’t feel like a whole person and saw his limitations more than his gifts. The story also had a lot of action. Phil finds Melissa’s missing sister and she is in a lot of trouble.

The author created a great balance of romance, emotions and action. She did go just a little too far in killing one of the characters! I hate when that happens. I had to tell myself it is fiction more than one time.

Triggers, domestic abuse, grief, loss of limb

I highly recommend the book. This was my first series by Hallee and I am going back to find previous books that she has written. She is a go to author for me now.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

I have enjoyed this series, even if I didn't always agree with the characters and their life choices. This one was different from the rest of the series, but still enjoyable!

he first line drew me in, “Missy huddled with three-year-old, Lola, between the nightstand and the bed, praying her little sister would stay asleep.”

The prologue sets the tone for the rest of this incredible novel, allowing readers to get to know these young ones and their gritty, family situation. Missy and Lola are hiding, as they watched their father yell and kick their mother, hoping he won’t do the same to them.

The scene is intense but not super graphic. This author tackles some tough topics (respectively) like domestic violence, recovery from drug abuse, redemption, second chances, forgiveness, mixed with family drama and a natural spiritual thread, even showing a day in the life of first responders. This author has a heart-felt dedication in the front of the book to first responders that touched my heart.

Phil, a retired military vet whose lost his leg in battle, helps, Melissa with safety issues at the shelter she owns. He’d like to do more, and be more to her, but he’s stuck. He felt that Melissa should be with a “whole man”, not one like him. This story does not have as much military action out in the field like previous books, but have no fear, Phil’s pals make an appearance, which was fun. Readers are caught up with Phil’s backstory through his friends, but it doesn’t make up for reading the other novels.

There is plenty of action and drama as the abused leave their situations and get help. Phil is an EMT who sees his share of street battles. The intricate details of these complex characters make for a compelling and explosive story that had me on the edge of my chair as the plot thickens and reaches its climatic ending, with lots of twists and turns.
I loved the wholesome romance between this unlikely pair, of a military man, and a women’s shelter owner. Phil and Melissa, along with their families, will stay in your hearts and minds long after you close the book.

I was blown away by this climatic, heart-racing ending to a powerful series. The author did a brilliant, nail-biting novel I couldn’t put down. This works for a perfect book club pick. The author has included discussion questions and bonus recipes to help create a lively, fun book club meeting.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher.. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
The Book Club Network blog

A sweet romance with moments of high octane pressure. Readers who love romance with layers of suspense will enjoy this novel.

"When life gives you lemons, squirt lemon juice in your opponent's eyes with it, right?" (location 3712). Fighting battles against a drug cartel or abusive spouses can feel as difficult or lop-sided as taking lemon juice to a gun fight. Yet Melissa is committed to doing all she can so battered women don't end up like her own mother. Thankfully she has some help in Phil, a former member of Special Forces who is battling his own demons after losing his leg.

Phil and Melissa had an interesting friendship. I liked how they met for meals every week and I could understand Melissa's desire for more as well as her frustration over Phil's attitude at times. Thankfully they both have supportive friends who can help them see things for what they are.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman brings to a close an outstanding collection of heartwarming, faith-filled, and action-packed stories in her Love and Honor Series. Honor's Refuge brings another member of the special forces team led by Captain Rick Norton to the forefront as Phil Osbourne learns to live with his wounds and scars from his time in the military. Although this book could be read on its own, it would be best to read Honor Bound and Word of Honor (Ms. Bridgeman's first two books in the series) to gain a better understanding of the context and characters. Phil Osbourne is a familiar character from Honor Bound as the group's medic, even though he was nearly finished with his medical training to become an oral surgeon. Without giving away too many spoilers, Phil was gravely injured in combat and ended up losing a limb. Although he enjoys his work as a EMT, Phil is unsure of where his next steps in life should lead him. He struggles to define himself apart from his injury as well as his past addiction. Phil doesn't see himself as a whole man or deserving of any woman's attention, particularly that of Melissa Braxton.

Melissa Braxton has personally experienced domestic violence at the hands of her father as a young girl, but now as an adult Melissa is a champion for those who are abused as she runs a domestic abuse shelter in Miami. Melissa is a trained counselor and provides excellent care to the many forgotten and overlooked members of society. She has a passion for helping others and particularly desires to help Phil Osbourne realize his true worth and skill. Melissa treasures her friendship with Phil, but wants it to develop into more, even though Phil seems adamantly opposed. As Phil and Melissa tread the choppy waters of a complicated friendship, they also discover a much more complicated factor in their journey: Lola, Melissa's long lost younger sister, is alive, but is the locked-away abused wife of a dangerous cartel leader. Can Phil use his special forces connections to rescue Melissa's sister? Can Melissa and her sister be reunited? Will the cartel come after them if they do break her free? Will Phil discover that he can learn to cope with and overcome his physical, emotional, and mental scars? Can Melissa and Phil overcome their own issues to have a chance at a real relationship? Read Honor 's Refuge to find out!

If you think the difficulties and trauma associated with abusive relationships, domestic violence, and overcoming a physical disability isn't enough for an action-packed plot, Ms. Bridgeman also throws in a category five hurricane, a dangerously violent drug cartel, a mole in the FBI, and a complicated romance for good measure! If that doesn't convince you that you need to read Honor's Refuge than I highly doubt that anything else could! ;) The only thing I am disappointed by with this book is the fact that this outstanding series is over. I could definitely enjoy another three-part series or related series...wink....wink.... ;).

I greatly enjoyed Honor's Refuge because of all Ms. Bridgeman's excellent writing traits; however, I particularly appreciated the very real and difficult situations and struggles that Ms. Bridgeman gave her protagonists to work through. There is something raw and honest about Phil's struggles with his identity, injury, and addiction. The characters each dealt with their griefs and failings in different ways, yet displayed great development and growth in character. I particularly enjoyed the loyalty and protectiveness that Phil displayed to Melissa even when they were not seeing eye to eye. I appreciated the character depth as well as their faith, love, compassion, and strength. Overall, an excellent book full of wholesome adventures, life lessons, and faith, family, and overcoming life's many obstacles. I highly recommend Honor's Refuge and sincerely hope that you have the opportunity to read it and enjoy it as much as I have. Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Revell graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Melissa Braxton knows what it's like to have an abusive father. Now as an adult she spends her life trying to help others escape their abusive families. Phil Osbourne, former Special Forces Doc Oz, lost his leg in the line of duty. Now he’s battling to not lose himself entirely on the path of discovering just who he is.

Together Phil and Melissa find themselves battling devastation as they encounter spec ops, abuse, cartel, hurricanes, and mysteries.

Bridgeman does a great job of building the characters and drawing the readers in to the intrigue. The battles these characters face feels very plausible. The author gives a glimpse in to the life of an operator and the struggles they likely face when they return home and try to be normal again.

This was my favorite of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed Phil and Melissa's story. The entire series is very well done. Thank you Revell and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this title. All opinions are my own.

The final book in the Love and Honor series will give fans a satisfying end to a series that surprised me from the beginning.

Melissa Braxton was just a young child when she saw her father kill her mother. She was then taken and placed away from her sister, Lola, and grew up trying to help others dealing with abusive relationships by becoming a family therapist with her own domestic abuse shelter. Phil Osbourne has had a hard time finding a purpose for his life since losing his leg in the line of duty. He learns of Melissa trying to find her sister she lost contact with when she was little and finally feels a purpose for his life again. Making it his mission to help her ends up putting them all in danger with a cartel coming after them.

The Love and Honor series took me by surprise! This was the first series I had read by Hallee Bridgeman and wasn’t sure what to expect. I will say that I was pleased with how well the series played out. The characters in each book meshed well and had me glued to the edge of my seat to see what would happen. Of the three in the series, this was probably my favorite. There were a few moments that slowed the pace of the story but overall, it read quick and kept me engaged. There was something about Melissa that grabbed me from the very beginning, and I really wanted to see her happy and successful. The chemistry between her and Phil was right on point and not too over the top. With romantic suspense stories, I love the dynamic between romance and suspense and how it can move the story along. This is the type of series that I would recommend being read in order to get the most out of each book and the series as a whole. Fans of romantic suspense will really enjoy this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Melissa witnessed her mother's death at the hands of her father as a child. Her younger sister was sent to her father's family to raise and she was sent to her mother's family. she is looking for her younger sister now. Phil is a Special Service soldier who lost a let and is now struggling with rehab. When he hears about Melissa's search he gets involved and they both find themselves hunted by members of a cartel that do not want Melissa's sister rescued.

There is a lot of action and suspense and good people doing good things in this story.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

Honor's Refuge by Hallee Bridgeman
Honors Refuge is a must read! The whole series is great! I love reading a series in order, but "Honors Refuge can also be a stand alone.

Synopsis - The story is about Phil who was in military special forces till he lost his leg. He thought that he had nothing in his life. Then there's Melissa. Melissa when she was young saw her father kill her mother and her younger sister taken away. Melissa always knew she wanted to open a home for abuse women and men and to find her sister. Phil and Melissa came together to help each other

My thoughts - This book was a page-turner and a cute romance between two people. They had their struggles. The characters were well written and the storyline pulls you in from the very first page.

Recommendations - I will highly recommend this book to other including family and friends.

Rating - I give this book a 5 out of 5

I received this complimentary book from publisher through netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine and my alone.

Hallee Bridgeman what an incredible ride you have taken us on with this book!! I could not read fast enough to see what happens next!! Phil and Melissa had all the suspense and more that they could handle! The seesaw of emotions were just the right mix to keep the hope going!! But still more awesome were the little nuggets of wisdom and truth that stirred my heart! Wow!! Just wow!! Phil couldn't have asked for a better conclusion to his story!

Honor's Refuge is my favorite of this series - each book just keeps getting better! I love that this book includes a couple of Phil's military buddies, but there is a different spin on the suspense as Phil is now serving in his hometown as a paramedic. His past still haunts him as he doesn't believe he can be the "whole man" he wants to be for Melissa. She is the perfect match for him, loving him and believing in him when he doubts himself. His strength and determination make him just the steady force she needs in her life.

The suspense is top-notch as they race to rescue Melissa's sister from the cartel - I had to stay up late to find out what would happen! While I loved the fast-paced plot, my favorite part was how real Phil and Melissa's faith is to them, evident through their prayers and their actions. I highly recommend this series and am eagerly awaiting whatever Hallee Bridgeman writes next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Our past shapes our future: good or bad. Melissa came from a violent household. She decided to give back by opening a domestic violence shelter. Phil experienced a loss while serving his country. He questioned his worth and value.

Melissa is determined to help her community in any way she can. She is strong and focused on her goals. Phil is not sure what direction he is headed. Is there any possibility of them being a couple?

I really liked Melissa. She has a heart of gold. Phil is stronger than he thinks but it takes time for him to realize his potential.

A good story. Highly recommend it!

Honor's Refuge is book three of the Love and Honor Series by Hallee Bridgeman. While it seems impossible this story is even more intense than the first two books. A couple of times I thought if this had been a move I would have closed my eyes. Phil Osbourne needed all of his Green Berets Special Forces training in this book. Having lost a leg while in military service, read first book, this handicap did nothing to slow hm down or imped him from protecting those in his care.

Just as strong is Melissa Braxton the perfect partner in life for Phil. Together they face a foe that can only be stopped with God’s help. In this Christian suspenseful romance, they both look to the Lord then give Hm the love and honor only He is worthy to receive.

Wonderfully written with characters I loved though I might have wanted to bop Phil over the head one or twice when he doubted his relationship ability. I highly recommend Honor's Refuge and the entire Love and Honor Series to all readers of faith-based fiction and especially romantic suspense.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

Honor's Refuge is book three in this series. The focus here is on Phil, a former Green Beret who lost a leg in combat. While much of it is explained here, the full story, along with the rest of his team, can be found in Honor Bound. It isn't necessary to read the other books in the series to understand this story, but they are worth the time.

Phil struggles with self-worth. He is a former addict, and added with having lost a leg, he doesn't feel he has anything to offer. While most people don't have the same doubts as Phil, they have something in their lives that makes them feel the same way. Melissa has a tough past and a passion for helping others in similar situations. She also knows what she wants (hint: Phil) and she isn't afraid to tell him.

Their issues are realistic and relatable. Phil, Melissa, and the supporting cast of characters are likeable, and the plot is interesting. My only quibble with the story is the circumstances surrounding Lola and her children. The lack of caution strained believability, and leaving Melissa unprotected from Hector's dad seemed foolish. But overall, I enjoyed the story.

This is Christian fiction so it contains prayer and discussions about God. However, it does not come across as preachy. Rather, the conversations are typical of discussions Christians would have.

Family friendly, with the exception of the violence expected in a thriller. Also, note that domestic violence plays a large part in the plot.

I really enjoyed this battered women romantic suspense. I love how each of these books is so different from the last. It was cool seeing some different parts of the legal system and a couple cute kiddos. I can’t wait for the next book!

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Missy has been hunting for her long-lost sister Lola for years, without success. As Phil finds himself falling for her - despite knowing that he can never be with her, as an amputee - he contacts his old army friends to help him find Lola. But when Lola turns out to be the wife of an important cartel lieutenant, things get rather more complicated. Missy is thrilled to have her sister finally with her again, but danger is not far away. And when she tries to take the next step in her relationship with Phil, his insecurities knock her back on her behind - one step forward, two steps back. Can they stay safe when an angry killer is out for revenge on his runaway wife and those who aided her? And can Missy convince Phil of his worth before they lose all hope of a future?

An exciting and enthralling read, this fast-paced story is painfully difficult to put down, but is so much more than just action. Phil in particular has a lot to work through in his life, and Missy's attempts to begin a relationship aren't always well received. However, this leads beautifully into an inspiring message of what matters in life, and what decides our worth. We see a little bit of other characters from previous books, but this is completely a standalone story. With a perfect mix of romance, action, suspense and inspiration, this is a great story and well worth the read. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I have honestly never read a book that kept me as engaged as this one did. Melissa Braxton, the heroine of the story, has turned her life around after her abusive father killed her mother. Now, she works with a friend to house those who are fleeing from abuse. Phil Osbourne, an intrepid and skilled member of the Alpha team is trying to discover where he fits in since his leg was amputated during a field operation. Melissa falls in love with Phil, but he keeps rebuffing her feelings because he doesn’t feel that he can take care of her since he is not a whole man. The plot is so fast-paced that it kept me reading and mesmerized by the sub-plots of Melissa looking for her sister who went to a different foster home and Phil’s relationship with his brother Winston, a D.A. in Miami. The closeness and support of family is an important theme in this clean read, as is the sense of finding your own identity and self-worth. I enjoyed how Melissa and Phil supported each other and the way their relationship developed in spite of Phil’s best efforts to distance himself. There were several real gut-wrenching tragedies in the plot that had me crying, but they just made the entire story more realistic and compelling. The drug lords who are the enemies are like Satan himself on steroids, destroying everything in their path and not caring about the lives of women or children. I especially enjoyed the almost cameo-like visit from “Pot Pie,” a member of Phil’s former army team and the humor he lent to a very serious storyline. I could have kept reading this book for hundred of more pages and never gotten bored because I was totally invested in the stories of the credible characters and the challenges that they faced. In fact, I was sad to see the story end but happy that there is another book in the series coming. This book is part of a series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone although I would recommend savoring each book and the characters that are presented. There are possible triggers in the novel, most importantly the abuse and violent drug kingpins. But the topics are treated sensitively and there are no graphic details. This is my favorite of the series because Phil is one of the characters from the series who planted himself firmly in my heart and his being the focus of this book was a bonus for me. This is a must read book for those who enjoy romantic suspense with a military flair and realistic details!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books via Netgalley. I also received a complimentary copy recently from the author and cherish having a hard copy to treasure. Nevertheless, all opinions expressed 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, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

I really enjoyed this book! It caught me from the first page, and I couldn't wait to find out how it was going to end! This book follows one of the characters in the previous book, but you don't have to read the first two books in the series. This can be read independently, but it was nice to see a reappearance of some of the previous characters. This book has mystery, action and some romance thrown in. I highly recommend this book. I don't think you will be disappointed!

I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

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.