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The Specialists: Heroes Next Door #3
To Honor and To Protect
A former solider must protect his ex-fiancée and his secret son in the next installment of The Specialists: Heroes Next Door
Before he could say "I do" on his wedding day eight years ago, former special ops soldier Drew Bryant was hustled away for a top secret mission. Everyone—including the bride he left behind—believes he's long dead. But now his former fiancée is on the run from a vengeful fugitive, and Drew is handpicked to bring her to safety. When he finds Addi Collins deep in the swamplands of Louisiana—with the son he never knew existed—he has to earn her trust to protect her from a vindictive desperado. And prove he won't break her heart a second time.
Before he could say "I do" on his wedding day eight years ago, former special ops soldier Drew Bryant was hustled away for a top secret mission. Everyone—including the bride he left behind—believes he's long dead. But now his former fiancée is on the run from a vengeful fugitive, and Drew is handpicked to bring her to safety. When he finds Addi Collins deep in the swamplands of Louisiana—with the son he never knew existed—he has to earn her trust to protect her from a vindictive desperado. And prove he won't break her heart a second time.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 15, 2015
About the author
Debra Webb
558 books2,503 followersDEBRA WEBB is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 180 novels, including reader favorites the Finley O'Sullivan and Devlin & Falco series. She is the recipient of the prestigious Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense as well as numerous Reviewers Choice Awards. In 2012 Debra was honored as the first recipient of the esteemed L. A. Banks Warrior Woman Award for her courage, strength, and grace in the face of adversity. Recently Debra was awarded the distinguished Centennial Award for having achieved publication of her 100th novel.
With more than ten million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
With more than ten million books in print in numerous languages and countries, Debra’s love of storytelling goes back to her childhood when her mother bought her an old typewriter in a tag sale. Born in Alabama, Debra grew up on a farm. She spent every available hour exploring the world around her and creating her stories. She wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until she spent three years working for the Commanding General of the US Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and a five-year stint in NASA’s Shuttle Program that she realized her true calling. A collision course between suspense and romance was set. Since then she has expanded her work into some of the darkest places the human psyche dares to go. Visit Debra at www.debrawebb.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 23, 2017
Addison Collins spirits herself and her son Andy away to the swamplands of Louisiana to hide out from her ex-fiance, Craig Everett, after she blew the whistle on his activities as a traitor to the country. For some reason, Thomas Colby wants to protect them, and sends out somebody to find Addison and bring her into safety. That person is Addison's first love, Drew Bryant, who was called away on their wedding day eight years go for a special army mission. He wound up a prisoner of war, but Addison was informed he was dead. As it happens, Andy just happens to be Drew's son. He vows to protect his family so he can have a second chance with them.
Slow, boring and repetitive! I have no idea why it took two writers to come up with this snorefest. There's zero intrigue to the plot. It's just Addison and Drew going through their feelings while waiting for Craig's operatives to find them. There isn't even any action until page 142 of this 218 page book. It's so freaking dull!
The book also made me curse out loud at the inanity of Drew's feelings, which is a rarity! I got so fed up with his whinging that Addison didn't tell him STRAIGHT AWAY that Andy was his son. Dude, you knew she was fearful and in hiding, she thinks you're DEAD, you rock up in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT - is that really going to be the first thing on her mind?!? Get over yourself! On top of this, Drew himself has been back in the US for two years and never bothered to tell Addison! Whose actions are worse here? Really???
Drew being a dickhead and the plot being a complete snoozer (despite two authors!) ensures that this one deserves just 1 star. Unless you require a nice nap, protect your brain cells from this crap!
Slow, boring and repetitive! I have no idea why it took two writers to come up with this snorefest. There's zero intrigue to the plot. It's just Addison and Drew going through their feelings while waiting for Craig's operatives to find them. There isn't even any action until page 142 of this 218 page book. It's so freaking dull!
The book also made me curse out loud at the inanity of Drew's feelings, which is a rarity! I got so fed up with his whinging that Addison didn't tell him STRAIGHT AWAY that Andy was his son. Dude, you knew she was fearful and in hiding, she thinks you're DEAD, you rock up in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT - is that really going to be the first thing on her mind?!? Get over yourself! On top of this, Drew himself has been back in the US for two years and never bothered to tell Addison! Whose actions are worse here? Really???
Drew being a dickhead and the plot being a complete snoozer (despite two authors!) ensures that this one deserves just 1 star. Unless you require a nice nap, protect your brain cells from this crap!
May 3, 2015
Very good book. Addi was horrified to discover her fiance was involved in something illegal. She sent the information to the authorities, then took her son and went on the run, looking for a safe place to hide out. She had never told him about her childhood in the deep south, so she headed for the bayous, hoping she'd be safe there until Craig was caught. She was stunned when Drew showed up, alive and well, and determined to keep them safe.
Drew had fallen in love with Addi when he first met her. On their wedding day he was called away on a special operation that was supposed to be of short duration. Instead, he was captured and held for six years before escaping, then months more in the hospital. By the time he was well enough, Addi was engaged to another man, so he didn't tell her he was alive and back. When the head of the Specialists unit came to him for help finding Addi, he couldn't say no.
I loved Addi's strength and resourcefulness. I loved the way she had Drew at gunpoint before she knew who he was. Though she trusts Drew himself, she is reluctant to go along with his plans to evacuate them, since she isn't sure if his government connections could be trusted. The danger has a slow buildup, as things were pretty calm for awhile. When the bad guys started to make their appearance, I loved seeing the way that Drew and Addi worked so well together to make their evasion happen. The chase through the swamp was intense, and got more so when they were caught. The final confrontation was great and their natural teamwork was fantastic. I do wish there had been a little more detail on just what the bad guys had been involved in.
I loved the way that Drew and Addi came back together. Their love was still there, but their lives had created so many changes that they had to get to know each other again. Addi had to learn to trust that Drew wasn't going to just up and disappear again, leaving her and Andy behind. Drew was really floored by all the changes in Addi's life, the biggest of which being Andy. He was stunned to discover that he was a father, and had to get over the anger that he had missed so much, even though it wasn't Addi's fault he didn't know. He was also fighting the fear that he might fail in protecting them because of what he had been through before. It took a lot for him to open up to Addi about his fear that he's too broken to be with them. Both of them were wary of risking their hearts again but the thought of being apart again was strong enough to overcome those fears.
I loved the little boy, Andy. He was so much fun with his Captain America watch and his curiosity. I really liked seeing how quickly he bonded with Drew and how much alike they were. He did great with all the danger they were in, and I loved his part in the final confrontation.
Drew had fallen in love with Addi when he first met her. On their wedding day he was called away on a special operation that was supposed to be of short duration. Instead, he was captured and held for six years before escaping, then months more in the hospital. By the time he was well enough, Addi was engaged to another man, so he didn't tell her he was alive and back. When the head of the Specialists unit came to him for help finding Addi, he couldn't say no.
I loved Addi's strength and resourcefulness. I loved the way she had Drew at gunpoint before she knew who he was. Though she trusts Drew himself, she is reluctant to go along with his plans to evacuate them, since she isn't sure if his government connections could be trusted. The danger has a slow buildup, as things were pretty calm for awhile. When the bad guys started to make their appearance, I loved seeing the way that Drew and Addi worked so well together to make their evasion happen. The chase through the swamp was intense, and got more so when they were caught. The final confrontation was great and their natural teamwork was fantastic. I do wish there had been a little more detail on just what the bad guys had been involved in.
I loved the way that Drew and Addi came back together. Their love was still there, but their lives had created so many changes that they had to get to know each other again. Addi had to learn to trust that Drew wasn't going to just up and disappear again, leaving her and Andy behind. Drew was really floored by all the changes in Addi's life, the biggest of which being Andy. He was stunned to discover that he was a father, and had to get over the anger that he had missed so much, even though it wasn't Addi's fault he didn't know. He was also fighting the fear that he might fail in protecting them because of what he had been through before. It took a lot for him to open up to Addi about his fear that he's too broken to be with them. Both of them were wary of risking their hearts again but the thought of being apart again was strong enough to overcome those fears.
I loved the little boy, Andy. He was so much fun with his Captain America watch and his curiosity. I really liked seeing how quickly he bonded with Drew and how much alike they were. He did great with all the danger they were in, and I loved his part in the final confrontation.
January 9, 2016
I loved this book. At the end of the story, the emotions were so strong, that I cried happy tears. I'm a sucker for a Happy ending.
When Drew first met Addi, it was love at first sight. The two didn't date long. They both knew they wanted to get married. On their wedding day, Drew was called away for a mission. When the government calls, you can't say no. Even if it is your wedding day. The mission was suppose to be a short one. Something went wrong, and Drew was captured as a POW for 6 years. He was tortured, living in unbearable conditions during that time. The whole time, his thoughts of Addi is the only thing that kept him going. After he managed to escape he spent 2 years in and out of the hospital. After he got out he went to visit Addi. He turned away and left when he saw that she was playing in the park with a small boy, and a man, that he thought was her husband. It had been 8 years. She has moved on.
Addi was in love with Drew, but when he never came back after her wedding day her heart broke. She was giving his dog tags and was told he died. Knowing she was pregnant with Drew's son is what kept her going. Years later Addi was horrified to find out her fiancé was involved in illegal activities. He was a good man, seemed good around her son. She was baffled, but knew she wouldn't stand for it. She sent all the information that she had found, and sent it to the authorities. Afterwards she and her son Andrew went on the run. Andrew was a cute kid. He was excited looking forward to the summer adventure that he and his mom was on.
Addi had spent time as a kid in the bayous. Craig knew nothing of her time spent there, so it was a safe place to hide out. She was shocked when Drew showed up. She thought she was seeing a ghost. Instead he was real, and intended on keeping both her, and her son safe. Some branch of the government had contacted him when Addi went missing. They asked if he would help find her.
I admired Addi in this story. She was a strong heroine, that didn't pass out, or wilt under pressure. She was a moma bear. She would do anything to keep her son safe.
This was a really good book. It has suspense, action, romance, a cute kid, and bad guys. I can't think of anything, that could make this a better book!
When Drew first met Addi, it was love at first sight. The two didn't date long. They both knew they wanted to get married. On their wedding day, Drew was called away for a mission. When the government calls, you can't say no. Even if it is your wedding day. The mission was suppose to be a short one. Something went wrong, and Drew was captured as a POW for 6 years. He was tortured, living in unbearable conditions during that time. The whole time, his thoughts of Addi is the only thing that kept him going. After he managed to escape he spent 2 years in and out of the hospital. After he got out he went to visit Addi. He turned away and left when he saw that she was playing in the park with a small boy, and a man, that he thought was her husband. It had been 8 years. She has moved on.
Addi was in love with Drew, but when he never came back after her wedding day her heart broke. She was giving his dog tags and was told he died. Knowing she was pregnant with Drew's son is what kept her going. Years later Addi was horrified to find out her fiancé was involved in illegal activities. He was a good man, seemed good around her son. She was baffled, but knew she wouldn't stand for it. She sent all the information that she had found, and sent it to the authorities. Afterwards she and her son Andrew went on the run. Andrew was a cute kid. He was excited looking forward to the summer adventure that he and his mom was on.
Addi had spent time as a kid in the bayous. Craig knew nothing of her time spent there, so it was a safe place to hide out. She was shocked when Drew showed up. She thought she was seeing a ghost. Instead he was real, and intended on keeping both her, and her son safe. Some branch of the government had contacted him when Addi went missing. They asked if he would help find her.
I admired Addi in this story. She was a strong heroine, that didn't pass out, or wilt under pressure. She was a moma bear. She would do anything to keep her son safe.
This was a really good book. It has suspense, action, romance, a cute kid, and bad guys. I can't think of anything, that could make this a better book!
May 8, 2019
To Honor and Protect is a mix of second chance romance and on the run story. Addison thinks her almost husband died in combat. She didn't even get to tell him she was pregnant. Years have passed and she is engaged to someone else....until she finds out that her fiancee is not a good guy.
Addi ends up on the run after turning in her fiancee for his shady deals. She takes her son and heads back to the deep south and her roots. She has a plan to hide in the swamps of Louisiana with the help of an old family friend. Addi worries that she can't trust anyone so imagine her utter shock when her ex, Drew shows up to help her. Drew thought Addi was happy and he never told her he was alive because he thought her life was good. God save us from men who think they know whats best for us. The danger and action of the story was interesting and it was unique in many ways. Addison is no wimp. She is totally badass and doesn't need Drew to save her. She fully participates in keeping herself and her son safe. Its so wonderful to have a heroine who is capable and tough. Drew was a bit frustrating at times because he is mad at Addi for things HE did or caused and I wanted to smack him.
To Honor and Protect is great for a weekend quickie read if you like romantic suspense that isn't sexually explicit. The romance between Drew and Addison is there, but the sex is off page. I read a lot of romantic suspense and I still found this plot to be unique and interesting! To Honor and Protect is book 3 in a series, but I would have never known that if goodreads didn't tell me! I never felt like I was missing information while reading.
POV: 3rd
Tears: no
Trope: single mom, on the run, second chance
Triggers: none
Series/Standalone: stand alone
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
other Harlequin Intrigue authors like Janie Crouch, Elle James, Barb Han, Lena Diaz ...then you will probably like To Honor and Protect!
To Honor and Protect
See full review on The Book Disciple
September 27, 2017
A suspense thriller that takes you from San Francisco to New Orleans to the Bayou were Addi Collins and her son are hiding out from her ex who wants to make sure she is silent so his secrets are safe from the Government; what she didn't know was that the man who would have been her husband 8 years ago now is back and he will do every thing he can to keep her safe and the son he didn't know he had. With 5 plus stars to Debra Webb and Regan Black pick up a copy of To Honor and To Protect book3 of • THE SPECIALIST: Heroes Next Door • to find out what happens next.
July 12, 2017
Enjoyed reading this story. Love the suspense and storyline and recommend this book!
October 25, 2018
What a good mom. Wanting a father for her son she made a big mistake with Craig. Now fleeing for her life, Addison goes where no man should go.
July 31, 2015
I just Love this series. I will read them as long as these wonderful two ladies write them. I have always loved a thriller, and the fast pace, the storyline always makes me hold my breath and go for the ride.
This story was hard to read, because we first learn of Andrew Bryant, falling in love for the first time, and in a whirlwind, knew it was forever. His love felt the same way and they quickly set a wedding date. The day before the wedding, Andrew gets a call from his commanding officer, sending he and his group out for a small op, piece of cake…..The operation fell apart and Drew was a prisoner of war for many, many horrible, mind torturing years. Dial ahead the clock eight years later and our story begins.
Addison Collins is engaged to someone she has learned is not the man she thought. He is unethical and possibly dangerous. She takes all the info she has and sends it to the local FBI and grabs her son and runs for their safety. She goes back to a place her ex would know nothing about, the swamps of Louisiana, making it a great adventure for her eight year old little boy.
Enter Thomas Casey, the Director of the Specialists. He hopes this broken man, struggling to come back into the world again, can find inner strength again and save the woman he left at the alter eight years ago.
As always with these authors the threat is real, the story is fast paced and the romance in this one is knocked out of the ballpark. The reader is rooting for the game ending home run because the players are very shaky during the game.
Thanks to Ms Webb and Ms Black they weave a web that is plausible, frightening and believable. Game over and I am a winner…Do not miss it.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Review Team
This story was hard to read, because we first learn of Andrew Bryant, falling in love for the first time, and in a whirlwind, knew it was forever. His love felt the same way and they quickly set a wedding date. The day before the wedding, Andrew gets a call from his commanding officer, sending he and his group out for a small op, piece of cake…..The operation fell apart and Drew was a prisoner of war for many, many horrible, mind torturing years. Dial ahead the clock eight years later and our story begins.
Addison Collins is engaged to someone she has learned is not the man she thought. He is unethical and possibly dangerous. She takes all the info she has and sends it to the local FBI and grabs her son and runs for their safety. She goes back to a place her ex would know nothing about, the swamps of Louisiana, making it a great adventure for her eight year old little boy.
Enter Thomas Casey, the Director of the Specialists. He hopes this broken man, struggling to come back into the world again, can find inner strength again and save the woman he left at the alter eight years ago.
As always with these authors the threat is real, the story is fast paced and the romance in this one is knocked out of the ballpark. The reader is rooting for the game ending home run because the players are very shaky during the game.
Thanks to Ms Webb and Ms Black they weave a web that is plausible, frightening and believable. Game over and I am a winner…Do not miss it.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Review Team
May 26, 2015
To Honor and Protect is the third installment of Webb and Black’s great The Specialists: Heroes Next Door series. Addi and her son Andy are on the run from her former fiancée. The Specialist sent to help protect them is the man that left on a mission the night before her wedding and had been presumed dead for the past eight years. This reunion story with a twist is fast paced and well-written. There are enough twists and turns to keep even the die-hard romantic suspense readers happy. It is fun to revisit the Specialists world. Another stellar installment by Webb and Black. We can only hope they keep this partnership, and series, going. I highly recommend this book for any fans of romantic suspense and good storytelling.
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January 12, 2016"The Specialists: Heroes Next Door continues with a reunion tale that combines some hair-raising close calls with a heartwarming romance. It’s an interesting take having the son be central to the action and not just a background fixture" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
Miniseries: The Specialists: Heroes Next Door
Miniseries: The Specialists: Heroes Next Door
April 16, 2015
Great book.
June 8, 2015
This was action base and full of suspense!
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January 12, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: The Specialists: Heroes Next Door
Miniseries: The Specialists: Heroes Next Door
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews