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Sons of Vigilance #1

Already in the Kudzu

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A suspenseful story of love, loss, and redemption.

A series of bad choices culminated in the worst day of Jamie Moreno’s life. Although she narrowly escaped her abusive boyfriend, he left her drowning in guilt over unspeakable secrets. Now, seven years later, she’s rebuilt a meaningful but lonely existence—and then one telephone call shatters her peace as her past threatens to destroy everyone she loves.

Staff Sergeant Kael Flynn is no stranger to standing between innocence and the evil men who seek to destroy it. On the cusp of trading in his combat boots for a quiet life, his final mission leaves him with a debt he can never repay. When he uncovers his fallen friend’s plan to keep a young woman safe, he sees a chance to do right by his fellow Marine. The last thing he anticipated was falling in love with the mysterious J. Moreno.

Will Jamie’s tormentor prove to be the one Kael can’t defeat before it’s too late?

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2023

24 people are currently reading
210 people want to read

About the author

Hannah Hood Lucero

10 books98 followers
HANNAH HOOD LUCERO is a wife, mom of three, Army veteran, and self-proclaimed word-slinger. While it is the brackish waters of the Mississippi Sound that flow through her veins, western North Carolina holds her heart. Her love for storytelling is the fruit of a lifetime of cultivation in the vibrant cultures of the Gulf Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She currently resides in South Mississippi with her husband and three children on their ten-acre homestead. They have one dog, thirteen chickens, and at least fifty species of mosquitos, depending on the month of the year. When she isn’t in the garden, at the stove, or homeschooling, she can be found at her computer—just follow the sound of frenetic typing. Her motto is, “Draft, edit, read, repeat.”

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Kaytlin Phillips.
Author 17 books250 followers
October 9, 2025
A pretty enjoyable read, another one with too much physically attractive romance for my liking.

Characters:
Jamie was sweet, rather flirty for someone who had been through she'd experienced in my opinion...I also don't understand not going to her dad for help because that would have been the first thing I did when I realized what I'd landed in.
Kael was a good character...I didn't feel like he got the conclusion he deserved. There wasn't a whole lot of healing.
Kim was so sweet! and her husband David was so nice...except I may or may not have been unable to get Kara Swanson's husband David out of my head because they had similar personalities so that's who he looked like the whole time. (Kara's David is better though...lol...)

Romance:
Too much lust and kissing and talking about lines, but there was never a line... how could there be when they flirted non-stop. I mean, based on Jamie's backstory, you would think this relationship was moving too fast for her, but she's the one instigating it.
Bleh....just not my thing.

Language:
N/A

Violence/Gore:
Stalker, break ins, dog bite, bruised ribs, choking, flashbacks of the aftermath of battle that were a bit much for me...and the details of a character we kind of knew dying and how he was brought home...
also, mention of abortion and murder.

Overall:
This book is pretty heavy, and to me, it didn't feel like there was enough resolve to the events that happened. Like Jamie tells everyone about her secret, and now she's okay? Too simple...
Kael's issues never got resolved other than that kissing Jamie distracts him... really? Tangent ended before I put spoilers in... but just know the ending was too fast, in my opinion...like on all levels.

Recommend ages 18+
Profile Image for Jennifer Hunt.
Author 11 books195 followers
November 10, 2023
Excited about this new series from Hannah Lucero! This first book starts with quite a bit of action which immediately drew me into the story, and I never lost interest at any point. The characters were so real and likable and the action was intense but not too much so. The faith arc was well done and as sweet as the romance. I’m not usually a romantic suspense reader, but Lucero is winning me over with a well-developed cast of characters who love deeply, fight the bad guys bravely, and showcase God’s love and forgiveness powerfully.
Profile Image for Toni Shiloh.
Author 56 books1,896 followers
November 21, 2023
This is my first read by Hannah Hood Lucero. I had no expectations for the book, just saw the book on IG and heard it had good faith message.
The things that stood out to me were the swoony romance and the faith. There was suspense as well but my heart was more engaged with the other two. This is book one in the series and the author definitely set it up well enough that I want to read book 2. I also stayed up way too late because I just had to get to the end.
Also, loved the military vet angle.
Profile Image for Carrie Cotten.
Author 9 books399 followers
October 26, 2023
Lucero’s contemporary romance is the perfect blend of lighthearted banter and real, raw emotions. Delicately dealing with deep seated traumas, she guides the reader gently towards healing through a look into the minds and hearts of her characters. Already in the Kudzu is a read that is both entertaining and insightful.
135 reviews4 followers
September 24, 2023
Hannah Lucero has done it again. In her second novel, the first in the adult genre, she continues to delight with her ability to develop believable characters. This, the first in the Sons of Vigilance series, grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. It was a fast read for me because I couldn’t put it down.

Lucero addresses hard topics in realistic situations. Her writing flows from scene to scene in a fluid way that never seems choppy or back and forth. Suspense is around every corner throughout the book but not in a way that will terrify or keep you up all night.

The main characters are flawed human beings struggling to live productive lives in a manner that is pleasing to God even when feeling abandoned by Him. The streaming factor is that life is hard, but God’s timing is perfect for each of us. Sometimes we must experience hard things to appreciate the good things life brings us.

I was given an advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for B.D. Lawrence.
Author 11 books116 followers
March 30, 2025
This is a good example of a Christian romantic suspense story. The two main characters, Jamie and Kael are both emotionally messed up individuals, so of course they are perfect as a romantic couple.

Being that this is a romance, I assume the only thing that bothered me is what avid readers of romances want. All the feelings stuff. The constant thoughts of attraction and desire. The ooey gooey stuff, as I call it. A little is okay, but I read, I wanted the confrontation with the bad guys to happen.

This is an overtly Christian novel. (A good thing as far as I’m concerned) Though both characters struggle with their faith. Both characters are surrounded by Christians. It’s a good example of how even believers can fall away, but God always finds a way to bring them back.

Readers of Christian romance will love this well-written book. The suspense added in gives it an element that kept me reading.
Profile Image for Jeanine Reed.
607 reviews26 followers
November 13, 2023
“Jesus Christ knows the worst about you. Nonetheless, He is the one who loves you the most.” ~ A W Tozer

Saw this quote today and thought it fit this new book perfectly! Nothing makes me happier than finding a new-to-me author and finding that their book is everything you needed it to be. While scrolling Friday evening, this cover and title immediately caught my eye. Read the blurb and knew I had to read it. I am drawn to books that have anything to do with Appalachia; add in faith, romance, suspense, and a military veteran…you’ve got me hook, line, and sinker.

Jamie has had a very trouble past, a past she left behind in Colorado. Or at least that is what she thought. Starting over in North Carolina, she has made a new life and new friends. Her best friend, Trip, is the only person she has ever confided the truth to. He has been her lifeline, her saving grace (even though she believes she isn’t worthy of saving and she has done too much bad for God’s grace). When tragedy comes, Jamie is left devastated. And to make matters worse her past has come back to haunt her. But God has a plan, even when she can’t see it. He provides the comfort and safety she needs…in the arms of Kael Flynn.

I don’t want to give away too much about this book, just know it deals with sensitive issues, i.e. abusive/controlling relationships, war and death, self harm, and abortion. While it seems extra dark and suspenseful, and at times is very intense and emotional, it does have moments of lightheartedness and a sweet romance. Faith, forgiveness, and redemption are greatly referenced and explored.

I thought this book was outstanding! It was deep and meaningful, heartbreaking and healing. This is the first book in the series and I am definitely looking forward to the next. I am totally invested in the Flynn brothers and hope to see a lot more of them all.

#hannahhoodlucero #alreadyinthekudzu #christiansuspense #christianromance #fivestarreads #bookstagram
Profile Image for Sarah Hanks.
Author 53 books166 followers
September 25, 2024
Swoony and suspenseful

I'm not really into suspense, yet I loved this book. The author is excellent at banter and the swoon factor was off the charts. Beautiful redemption arc. Excellent Christian fiction.
442 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2024
This one will keep your heart pumping with each page! I can’t wait to finish the rest of the series
Profile Image for Kristen Gwen.
Author 5 books13 followers
October 21, 2023
Already in the Kudzu is one of those books that hit home. Even if you haven’t been through exactly what these characters have endured, we can all relate to regret, shame, and the desire to hide aspects of our past.

Jamie Moreno is in a tough spot. She’s fallen in with the wrong crowd, and now she’s fearful for her life and the lives of her family. She’s got to get out of Denver and quick before the wrath of a vindictive boyfriend catches up to her. Seven years later, she’s living with her sister in North Carolina, helping to run a food truck and starting another business.

Kael is a marine whose life was saved when Jamie’s best friend, Trip, sacrificed himself by jumping on a grenade. When Kael finds the last letter Trip wrote to a J. Moreno, he knows he has to personally deliver it. He is immediately entranced by Jamie.

Battling their mutual attraction, they slowly reveal their painful histories. When Jamie’s past comes knocking at her door, will she and Kael be torn apart, or will they stay together and fight for their future?

I absolutely fell in love with Jamie and Kael. Their relationship is the sweetest. I wanted to hug Jamie and tell her it’s all right, that her past does not define her future, and all she has to do is step into God’s love and forgiveness. Hannah’s writing style draws you along with the story, and there were parts I was on the edge of my seat, scrolling pages as fast as I could. Fantastic book and one that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Hannah.
51 reviews8 followers
April 25, 2024
4.5 stars… only complaint is that it felt a little too tidy in some ways for such an intense plot. Some very hard subject matter but handled with care and (most importantly) hope. All the good banter and tension of a clean contemporary romance but with a lot of depth and action. Looking forward to reading more in this series!
Profile Image for Jenni Moeller.
358 reviews
January 26, 2024
Couldn't put it down! It was the perfect Christian Romantic Suspense for me! Loved the characters, their backstories, and the humor. Can't wait to read the next one! Although, I don't know how I'll love it as much as this story :)
Profile Image for Hannah Foster.
Author 10 books144 followers
July 23, 2024
I probably picked a really bad season in life to read a book like this, but it did keep my interest while doing a ton of flying recently, so I kept reading.

The story was well written, the plot kept me interested. It's the kind of book where I'm just waiting till the very end for something really bad to happen.

The author did a great job of weaving Christian themes and faith into the story of which I was really happy to see and found encouraging.

The romance was sweet, though at times I got tired of the "you're so beautiful" comments to the MFC and there seemed to be an excessive amount of kissing, not overly detailed mostly, but just a lot. And I'm probably the only reader out there who actually found that tedious.

Overall, I liked the characters, and most of the family members.

I was so mad when Jamie did that really stupid thing at the end. But I was also proud of the author and how she handled it afterward making it clear that it was totally stupid of her, and the father-in-law-to-be gave her some really good words, so it was handled well, but I do get tired of that particular trope.

Overall, a great read! Great for those who love romantic suspense with marines represented.

P.S. Being a southern girl myself, I did appreciate the kudzu representation.
Profile Image for Ashley .
32 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2024
Already In The Kudzu by Hannah Hood Lucero brought back memories of my Christian romance suspense reading days, with authors like Dee Henderson, Colleen Coble, and Kristen Heitzmann. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I wished the action had a slower build-up. I think getting to know the characters more in their environment rather than just through internal dialogue would have made the beginning less rushed. However! I found the book to be a great read. Hannah Hood Lucero's writing is really impressive, and I found many lines and paragraphs that I loved and highlighted.

The characters, Jamie and Kael, were adorable. Their interactions and teasing banter made me smile, and I appreciated getting a glimpse into their happily ever after through their interactions. It was a fun and emotional read. Learning that the author is a veteran made the vivid portrayal of war and emotional struggles, like PTSD, make more sense. Both main characters have intense pasts, and they help each other with patience, love, and understanding.

The story of Jamie Moreno emphasizes the truth that our salvation and redemption are not based on what we think we deserve, but on what we are freely given.

I'm already looking forward to the next book, which I've already purchased!
Profile Image for Courtney Dawn.
752 reviews11 followers
January 5, 2025
A Story of Love, Loss, and Redemption

Jamie Moreno has spent seven years rebuilding her life after escaping an abusive past, but a single phone call threatens to unravel everything she’s fought for. Meanwhile, Staff Sergeant Kael Flynn, ready to leave his combat days behind, takes on a final mission that leads him straight to Jamie. As Kael uncovers the secrets of Jamie’s torment and his fallen friend’s promise to protect her, their paths intertwine in a story filled with suspense, healing, and a tender love they never expected.

I’ll admit, I almost had to stop reading within the first few chapters when a significant, heartbreaking event occurred—it was so emotionally intense. But I’m so glad I pushed through, because this story turned out to be a stunning journey of resilience, faith, and redemption. Jamie’s struggles felt raw and real, while Kael’s steadfast support and unwavering kindness brought so much light to the story.

With its mix of suspense, tender romance, and heartfelt exploration of forgiveness and healing, Already in the Kudzu completely captivated me. This book broke my heart but also pieced it back together in the most beautiful way. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the Flynn brothers!
Profile Image for Laken.
47 reviews
May 6, 2024
I started this series a little differently. I got through the first few chapters, then something happened to Trip, and then hormones made me stop reading because I didn't want to cry my eyes out in the dentist's office over this book. I then read books 2 and 3, and because I loved them so much I decided it was time to read book 1 again.

I am so glad I came back to Already in the Kudzu! Jamie and Kael's story is perfection! It kept me up at night when feeding a baby while I was sleep deprived. I had to keep reading to find out what happened next, and I kept finding excuses to go sit with my baby and my book to keep reading.

So if you, like me, thought this book started off heart wrenching, just keep going. You will be encouraged and reminded of how much God loves you. Hannah Hood Lucero makes you feel all of the feelings, and it's such a fun ride!

(Full transparency: I read books 2 and 3 as arcs. Book 1 was a gift from a friend for Christmas. I pre-ordered book 4 because I NEED more of these Flynn men's stories in my life.)
Author 2 books12 followers
January 27, 2024
The story caught me up from the first chapter, and I loved the character growth throughout. The romance was so sweet and felt authentic, and I really liked and rooted for both main characters. The surrounding side characters and family dynamics were super fun, and there was enough danger and thriller element to keep me turning pages without the book becoming dark.

One of the things I especially enjoyed is that the female main character was young, dealing with some trauma, and had some personal growth to do. At the same time, she wasn't completely immature to the point I wanted to reach into the book and shake her to her senses—she was strong, capable, and realistic.

Other reasons I enjoyed reading Already in the Kudzu included great banter between various characters, a strong and realistic faith arc for both characters, and both found family and strong family vibes.

I've already started the next book in this series and can't wait for books 3 and 4 to drop.
1,254 reviews
June 16, 2024
Already in The Kudzu is a romantic suspense novel by new-to-me author Heather Hood Lucero. The book focuses on two characters who desperately need a do-over from past mistakes and trauma. Set primarily in a charming North Carolina mountain town, Jamie and Kael find themselves facing danger together. Edge-of-the-seat suspense combines with a strong faith message to make a book that fans of inspirational fiction will love. The characters are likable and relatable, and have lots of chemistry. This book is the first in the author’s Sons of Vigilance series, so if you enjoy this book you will have more fun reading ahead.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Profile Image for Whitney.
382 reviews50 followers
January 5, 2025
This is my first book by this author but it won't be my last! Every single character was so well written and seemed so real. I loved Jamie's character, she had been dealing with so much pain but God brought her through it with the help of friends and family. The romance between her and Kael was so sweet. This story has everything I love about a novel all in one- both suspense and romance, while being rooted in faith in Christ. This book deals with some heavy stuff and my heart ached for the characters. I laughed and cried along with them. The suspense was really tense and I stayed up way too late trying to finish to see what happened. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Hannah Lucero!
Profile Image for Heidi Gorecki.
952 reviews49 followers
July 8, 2024
Great characters and storyline. I liked the dialogue and cheesy-in-a-good-way banter - it made it light and fun even thought the book dealt with heavy topics like domestic abuse, PTSD, shame from past mistakes, and a violent stalker. I really loved the peripheral characters in Kael and Jamie’s family and marine brothers as well.

It was also fun to know a lot of the locations and references in the book like places in Asheville and Newnan.

Some of the transitions felt a little abrupt in the writing - going from super emotional in one sentence to fine or completely moved on in the next without any detail to help you move from one concept to the next, but overall I enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for MileHighSunshine.
369 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2024
Jamie suffered tragically in the past and sees herself as totally unlovable. Through new hard circumstances, she has the chance to meet Karl, a Marine who is also dealing with a dark past.

When a part of her past rises with deadly, you’ll be pulled into there struggles as they and some others work to try to keep her safe!

This book is fast paced and will have you laughing out loud, crying, on the edge of your seat while reminding you that God never forsakes us. Beautifully written!

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I just downloaded the second book of the series. I’m sure I’ll be reading all of her books!!
Profile Image for Konrie Angel.
247 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2024
wow! wow wow! the characters are so real and likable!

I highlighted so many snarky and witty and flirty comments and moments in this book. It was so much fun to read and there were so many amazing characters. I felt so much admiration for Marines and what they go through. The ptsd was handled in very real and tasteful ways. I felt like it did an amazing job of bringing its characters on a realistically gradual path to God that didn’t feel preachy but made me want to be a better Christian. I cannot sing this books praises enough. It is a slightly different type of book than i normally read but i LOVED it.
Profile Image for Latisha Sexton.
Author 11 books423 followers
September 24, 2023
I was privileged to read an early copy of this book and OH.MY.GOSH did it deliver in everything!

My heart was pounding like crazy only a few paragraphs in...and then I was crying just a chapter later. This author makes you feel EVERYTHING and I love it. The banter between Jamie and Kael is perfection. And I love Kael's relationship with his family!

This book has the perfect blend of sweet and clean romance, action and suspense, and a strong faith that is woven throughout each and every page.

Profile Image for JJ Samie Myles.
Author 7 books29 followers
February 5, 2024
How is this only the second book by Hannah Hood Lucero? She writes like a seasoned author! The characters—main and side—are really well fleshed out, which makes them super realistic. I loved how Kael and Jamie supported each other whenever their traumas caught up with them, their oh-so-sweet romance, the banter, and most of all, the powerful and relatable faith arc.

Lucero perfectly managed to balance hard topics with light-hearted moments. With her strong yet graceful writing she's an author to watch!
Profile Image for Mark.
2,504 reviews52 followers
April 23, 2024
I never heard of this author until yesterday. Her books sounded really good, so I decided to give them a try. And I totally loved this first book. The author is not afraid to tackle tough subjects, and has created some awesome likable characters. In my opinion, she skates a bit toward the edge with talk about Kael's abs when he is shirtless, and his reactions to Jamie in a swimsuit...seems a bit much for a Christian book, but still is not too bad.
The book had a great plot, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
9 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2023
I had the privilege and honor of reading an advance copy of Already in the Kudzu. Hannah came through again with a story that grips you from start to finish, has you crying tears of sorrow and joy. Hannah has a gift for sharing the truth of the gospel in ways that anyone and everyone can grasp. I didn’t want to take breaks from reading at all, and I cannot wait to purchase a hard copy once it come out. I will absolutely be reading it again.
Profile Image for Megan Soja.
Author 3 books160 followers
June 1, 2024
This was my first book by Hannah Hood Lucero but definitely not my last! The story is fast paced and kept me turning pages, but there's also a beautiful depth to the characters and their growth, both as individuals and as a couple. I loved the way she portrayed the camaraderie between the Marines and the bonds of family. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
1,409 reviews16 followers
June 8, 2024
jamie has run from an abusive Ex boyfriend and has built a new life, kael was in the service with a good friend of jamie and has come to her town to bring her friend home a finial time. he stays to help her and then she gets a message from the ex. this is a good suspense story and a story about healing and forgiving ourselves and others and letting God take control.
3 reviews
September 26, 2023
Such a great book. I love how the author doesn’t leave you guessing their future. The last chapter was definitely my favorite. I actually cried at the very beginning of the book and the ending had me in happy tears. I love their love story. Can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for Patrice Braxton.
18 reviews
January 9, 2024
Took me a while to get into the book. The first few chapters felt choppy and stilted, like a bad Hallmark movie. Once the story got going though, I got hooked and couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the characters, love story, redemption, and faith portrayed in the book. Overall, a pretty decent read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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