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HORNET #2
Honor Reclaimed
Former Marine sniper Seth Harlan is determined to prove that he can still do his job despite his ongoing battle with PTSD. When an old friend contacts HORNET to rescue a black ops soldier, Seth's stability is strained. He knows all too well what it's like to rot inside an enemy camp, praying for rescue and waiting for death. And he's not about to leave a man behind.
Photojournalist Phoebe Leighton just stumbled into the middle of an arms deal. Teaming up with a ragtag team of mercenaries is the last thing she wants to do--especially when she realizes Seth Harlan is assigned to the mission. He may ignite a passion in her she thought long dead, but Phoebe's hiding a secret that could destroy him.
With a bomb in the mix, HORNET's mission is suddenly about a lot more than an abandoned soldier. Racing against the clock, Seth, Phoebe, and the rest of the team struggle to stop a ruthless warlord bent on power, revenge...and death.
Photojournalist Phoebe Leighton just stumbled into the middle of an arms deal. Teaming up with a ragtag team of mercenaries is the last thing she wants to do--especially when she realizes Seth Harlan is assigned to the mission. He may ignite a passion in her she thought long dead, but Phoebe's hiding a secret that could destroy him.
With a bomb in the mix, HORNET's mission is suddenly about a lot more than an abandoned soldier. Racing against the clock, Seth, Phoebe, and the rest of the team struggle to stop a ruthless warlord bent on power, revenge...and death.
350 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2014
132 people are currently reading
1804 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Burrows
47 books1,147 followersTonya Burrows wrote her first romance at age thirteen and hasn't put down her pen since. Originally from a small town in Western New York, she suffers from a bad case of wanderlust and is still searching for a place to call home. She shares her adventures with her husband, two adorable doodles, and Scribble the Writer Cat.
When she's not writing about hunky military heroes and their courageous K9s, Tonya can be found watching either true crime or baking shows while snuggled up on the couch with her furbabies. She also enjoys traveling—especially long road trips to see the National Parks.
To learn more about Tonya and her books, please visit her website. She's also on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @authortonyaburrows.
When she's not writing about hunky military heroes and their courageous K9s, Tonya can be found watching either true crime or baking shows while snuggled up on the couch with her furbabies. She also enjoys traveling—especially long road trips to see the National Parks.
To learn more about Tonya and her books, please visit her website. She's also on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @authortonyaburrows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
January 3, 2016
4.5 Stars
Honor Reclaimed is romantic suspense at its best: thrilling, sexy and fast paced. Seth Harlen’s story was emotional, moving and heartbreaking at times.
Seth is suffering from PTSD after being held captive and tortured as a POW for fifteen months. Nightmares and terrifying memories haunt him and Seth no longer feels human even two years after his ordeal.
“Are you…okay?”
He laughed, but it was a nasty sound.
“I’ll never be okay again.”
He’s discharged from the Marines but has signed on with the private security team, HORNET, as a sniper. The rest of his team members don’t think he’s ready for a live mission, but the XO continues to support him when Seth isn’t even sure himself. When Greer Wilde comes to HORNET for help extracting a friend and soldier, Sergeant Zak Hendricks, taken in Afghanistan, Seth must go back to the very place he was captured sending him spiraling into panic. Can he hold it together and not endanger the mission? He hopes so, because no one should be left to suffer the atrocities he did.
Phoebe Leighton used to be a cutthroat photojournalist going for whatever sensational story would up her ratings until her story dragged a Marine’s name through the mud. A man who never deserved the accusations and innuendo she inadvertently brought upon him. After that Phoebe quit her job, changed her name and went about trying to redeem herself by using her photos and stories to advocate for women’s rights or other worthy stories. Little does she know that her current project will lead her directly to the very man she wronged, Seth Harlan.
Seth’s experience was seriously heartbreaking and I have no idea how someone could cope with those memories weighing on them. My heart went out to this brave survivor! Seth screws up test missions for HORNET, and is so fragile I was worried he’d freeze up in Afghanistan, and it was a huge test for him. It turns out Seth was tougher than he even imagined, and his experience was an invaluable aid to HORNET’s mission to save Zak. Phoebe’s care and compassion went a long way in calming him. Plus, her presence awakened desires and emotions he thought he’d never have again.
Nothing could break her, and with that knowledge came a strange sense of peace. There was no way he could damage this woman or corrupt her with his darkness. And maybe…Was it possible the unbreakable had the ability to fix the broken? Christ with the way a simple touch from her lit him up, he almost believed it.
I immediately felt for Phoebe because who hasn’t made mistakes they regret? She didn’t realize the damage her article would cause until it was too late. Working with Seth and seeing the emotional turmoil he goes through on a daily basis guts Phoebe and she can help but admire his honor and strength. Seth is completely gorgeous (Tonya’s casting pick), all male, hard body with intense blue eyes, so that combined with his beautiful soul makes it impossible for Phoebe not to fall head over heels for him. She knows that once Seth finds out exactly who she is her heart is destined for one gigantic break. Still, she can’t help the powerful feelings Seth inspires.
The romance was absolutely lovely, a slow burn with a little ache thrown in, and oodles of chemistry, leading to steamy and intense sexy times! But the romance aside, this story was a complete thrill ride, filled with action and nail biting tension! I was on the edge of my seat and stayed up much later than I planned just to finish. The pages flew by and I read this in one sitting. If you enjoy romantic suspense Tonya Burrows is a total recommend!
A copy was provided by Entangled in exchange for an honest review.
Honor Reclaimed is romantic suspense at its best: thrilling, sexy and fast paced. Seth Harlen’s story was emotional, moving and heartbreaking at times.
Seth is suffering from PTSD after being held captive and tortured as a POW for fifteen months. Nightmares and terrifying memories haunt him and Seth no longer feels human even two years after his ordeal.
“Are you…okay?”
He laughed, but it was a nasty sound.
“I’ll never be okay again.”
He’s discharged from the Marines but has signed on with the private security team, HORNET, as a sniper. The rest of his team members don’t think he’s ready for a live mission, but the XO continues to support him when Seth isn’t even sure himself. When Greer Wilde comes to HORNET for help extracting a friend and soldier, Sergeant Zak Hendricks, taken in Afghanistan, Seth must go back to the very place he was captured sending him spiraling into panic. Can he hold it together and not endanger the mission? He hopes so, because no one should be left to suffer the atrocities he did.
Phoebe Leighton used to be a cutthroat photojournalist going for whatever sensational story would up her ratings until her story dragged a Marine’s name through the mud. A man who never deserved the accusations and innuendo she inadvertently brought upon him. After that Phoebe quit her job, changed her name and went about trying to redeem herself by using her photos and stories to advocate for women’s rights or other worthy stories. Little does she know that her current project will lead her directly to the very man she wronged, Seth Harlan.
Seth’s experience was seriously heartbreaking and I have no idea how someone could cope with those memories weighing on them. My heart went out to this brave survivor! Seth screws up test missions for HORNET, and is so fragile I was worried he’d freeze up in Afghanistan, and it was a huge test for him. It turns out Seth was tougher than he even imagined, and his experience was an invaluable aid to HORNET’s mission to save Zak. Phoebe’s care and compassion went a long way in calming him. Plus, her presence awakened desires and emotions he thought he’d never have again.
Nothing could break her, and with that knowledge came a strange sense of peace. There was no way he could damage this woman or corrupt her with his darkness. And maybe…Was it possible the unbreakable had the ability to fix the broken? Christ with the way a simple touch from her lit him up, he almost believed it.
I immediately felt for Phoebe because who hasn’t made mistakes they regret? She didn’t realize the damage her article would cause until it was too late. Working with Seth and seeing the emotional turmoil he goes through on a daily basis guts Phoebe and she can help but admire his honor and strength. Seth is completely gorgeous (Tonya’s casting pick), all male, hard body with intense blue eyes, so that combined with his beautiful soul makes it impossible for Phoebe not to fall head over heels for him. She knows that once Seth finds out exactly who she is her heart is destined for one gigantic break. Still, she can’t help the powerful feelings Seth inspires.
The romance was absolutely lovely, a slow burn with a little ache thrown in, and oodles of chemistry, leading to steamy and intense sexy times! But the romance aside, this story was a complete thrill ride, filled with action and nail biting tension! I was on the edge of my seat and stayed up much later than I planned just to finish. The pages flew by and I read this in one sitting. If you enjoy romantic suspense Tonya Burrows is a total recommend!
A copy was provided by Entangled in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2014
4.5 - "Here lies Seth. Survived the war only to be sexed to death. Stars!
The only thing that remains of the man that Seth Harlan was prior to his capture is his beating heart. Tortured beyond what any normal person could imagine, the man that was rescued and returned to the US, is broken, scarred, traumatised and living in a constant state of paranoia. Suffering from PTSD in the extreme, flash-backs and black-outs Seth is as scarred on the inside as is visible on the outside.
The only survivor from his team after a mission gone wrong, Seth’s story was firmly in the public eye on his return.
Seth Harlan, the Hero Sniper. The only POW ever rescued from Afghanistan.
Pictures could make people change their minds. Make them laugh. Cry. And yes even care when they normally wouldn’t.
Phoebe Leighton is a vibrant, opinionated, confidant Photojournalist, active in women’s rights; she travels the globe highlighting issues for women in the hope that she can make their world a better place. Seth has been burned by the press in the past though, and his initial instinct is distrust Phoebe, but her persistence and lack of judgement makes it difficult for him to stay aloof.
”I’m being an asshole again, aren’t I?”... “I’m sorry you make me... feel things I haven’t felt in a long time. That scares the fuck outta me and I’ve had enough shrinks to know I have a tendency to lash out at things that scare me. So, uh... yeah, it was unnecessary. I don’t want to hurt you... I like you.”
The developing relationship between Seth and Phoebe in Honor Reclaimed got me all kinds of emotional. Tonya really doesn't hold back when it comes to the extent of the damage internally and externally that we discover about Seth as the story progresses.
”You’re very paranoid.”
“Paranoia keeps you alive.”
“And alone.”
“I’m good with alone.”
“You shouldn’t be.”
Have no doubt, this is a sexy read, but this story is so much more than just two people ‘getting it on’. Seth doesn't believe he has any worth, he is fighting to stay in HORNET, the team have little trust in his abilities or his capacity to react in stressful situations. The mission to rescue a captured US Soldier has pulled him back into his worst nightmare, Afghanistan and coupled with the stress and the triggers the country and the situation causes his already fragile mental state, he is struggling to keep himself in the present. Phoebe doesn't treat him like the others; she makes him feel... something he hasn’t done for a while.
She didn’t handle him like he’d break. She acknowledged his issues and let him deal, but she treated him like... like a human being. It was such a refreshing change from everyone else in his life these past two years, he could kiss her for it.
”I don't care that you have scars. I don't care what was done to you in the past or what you had to do to survive. It doesn't change anything for me. I still want you, the man lying beside me, right here, right now, in this moment. Can you live in the moment for me, just this once?”
”Phoebe, you’re ... I don't have the words. Gonna, kill me probably.”
Seth first grabbed my interest in the Wilde Brothers series, we were given a glimpse of just how dark and incomprehensible his life had become after his return to the US. I was hooked from the first chapter of Honor Reclaimed, not just with Seth and Phoebe’s story, but the continuation of everyone else’s story as well.
If you are looking for sweet romance this probably isn’t the book for you. It’s dark, gritty, break-your-heart -brutal at points. There are several twists to the plot, that I didn’t see coming, I love becoming emotionally involved in a story, the characters and this story do that and I cried a lot during the second half of this book, because of it.
”You can’t save everyone Phoebe.”
“I can try.”
“You can’t save me.”
I cannot wait for future books in this series; my only hope is that a certain Tucker Quentin also gets his story told at some point in the future too!
ARC Generously provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
The only thing that remains of the man that Seth Harlan was prior to his capture is his beating heart. Tortured beyond what any normal person could imagine, the man that was rescued and returned to the US, is broken, scarred, traumatised and living in a constant state of paranoia. Suffering from PTSD in the extreme, flash-backs and black-outs Seth is as scarred on the inside as is visible on the outside.
The only survivor from his team after a mission gone wrong, Seth’s story was firmly in the public eye on his return.
Seth Harlan, the Hero Sniper. The only POW ever rescued from Afghanistan.
Pictures could make people change their minds. Make them laugh. Cry. And yes even care when they normally wouldn’t.
Phoebe Leighton is a vibrant, opinionated, confidant Photojournalist, active in women’s rights; she travels the globe highlighting issues for women in the hope that she can make their world a better place. Seth has been burned by the press in the past though, and his initial instinct is distrust Phoebe, but her persistence and lack of judgement makes it difficult for him to stay aloof.
”I’m being an asshole again, aren’t I?”... “I’m sorry you make me... feel things I haven’t felt in a long time. That scares the fuck outta me and I’ve had enough shrinks to know I have a tendency to lash out at things that scare me. So, uh... yeah, it was unnecessary. I don’t want to hurt you... I like you.”
The developing relationship between Seth and Phoebe in Honor Reclaimed got me all kinds of emotional. Tonya really doesn't hold back when it comes to the extent of the damage internally and externally that we discover about Seth as the story progresses.
”You’re very paranoid.”
“Paranoia keeps you alive.”
“And alone.”
“I’m good with alone.”
“You shouldn’t be.”
Have no doubt, this is a sexy read, but this story is so much more than just two people ‘getting it on’. Seth doesn't believe he has any worth, he is fighting to stay in HORNET, the team have little trust in his abilities or his capacity to react in stressful situations. The mission to rescue a captured US Soldier has pulled him back into his worst nightmare, Afghanistan and coupled with the stress and the triggers the country and the situation causes his already fragile mental state, he is struggling to keep himself in the present. Phoebe doesn't treat him like the others; she makes him feel... something he hasn’t done for a while.
She didn’t handle him like he’d break. She acknowledged his issues and let him deal, but she treated him like... like a human being. It was such a refreshing change from everyone else in his life these past two years, he could kiss her for it.
”I don't care that you have scars. I don't care what was done to you in the past or what you had to do to survive. It doesn't change anything for me. I still want you, the man lying beside me, right here, right now, in this moment. Can you live in the moment for me, just this once?”
”Phoebe, you’re ... I don't have the words. Gonna, kill me probably.”
Seth first grabbed my interest in the Wilde Brothers series, we were given a glimpse of just how dark and incomprehensible his life had become after his return to the US. I was hooked from the first chapter of Honor Reclaimed, not just with Seth and Phoebe’s story, but the continuation of everyone else’s story as well.
If you are looking for sweet romance this probably isn’t the book for you. It’s dark, gritty, break-your-heart -brutal at points. There are several twists to the plot, that I didn’t see coming, I love becoming emotionally involved in a story, the characters and this story do that and I cried a lot during the second half of this book, because of it.
”You can’t save everyone Phoebe.”
“I can try.”
“You can’t save me.”
I cannot wait for future books in this series; my only hope is that a certain Tucker Quentin also gets his story told at some point in the future too!
ARC Generously provided by Entangled, and it was my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
April 24, 2022
Another wondeful read. I am liking Miss Burrows' HORNET series. In Honor Reclaimed, Miss Burrows gives us Seth. Oh how sweet is this man.
The perfect combination of macho, strong, and yet very vulnerable hero is my weakness. He is clueless when it comes to love and feeling. Miss Burrows putting all her spotlight for Seth. And it is wort to read.
I can not wait for the next book in this series.
4 stars
The perfect combination of macho, strong, and yet very vulnerable hero is my weakness. He is clueless when it comes to love and feeling. Miss Burrows putting all her spotlight for Seth. And it is wort to read.
I can not wait for the next book in this series.
4 stars
March 7, 2019
AMEEEEE!!!
Este libro me devolvió a la VIDA.
Me habían dicho que este libro era mejor que el anterior y lo pude corroborar desde la primera página y ya no lo pude soltar.
Tiene más acción, la historia es mucho mejor, al igual que la del protagonista como su problema de trasfondo y su desarrollo.
Seth me ENCANTÓ, en serio lo amé, es de esos protagonistas que me gustan, torturados, hurañas, rotos pero que son un amor.
Él es un ex marine francotirador que fue secuestrado en Afganistán por un grupo terrorista musulmán durante 15 meses y en todo ese tiempo fue torturado casándole múltiples heridas por lo que tiene todo el cuerpo cicatrizado pero el daño más grande que le quedó fue su Trastorno estrés postraumático.
Ahora que se ha unido a los HORNEST tiene como misión recatar a un militar encubierto que fue capturado por el mismo grupo terrorista. Seth tiene que volver y enfrentar sus demoños aparte de lidiar con el PTSD y poner en riesgo su vida y la de sus compañeros.
Por otra parte tenemos a Phoebe una periodista y fotógrafa que quiere está ayudando a las mujeres en Afganistán y tiene un pasado con Seth y sin que él sepa ella le ocasionó un daño.
Ella también me gustó mucho no tanto como Audrey.
Su relación con Seth fue muy linda, me encantó como lo ayudo y lo comprendía.
Estos libros son como las películas de acción que tanto me gustan por lo que la serie me está encantando.
4.5 STARS…
Este libro me devolvió a la VIDA.
Me habían dicho que este libro era mejor que el anterior y lo pude corroborar desde la primera página y ya no lo pude soltar.
Tiene más acción, la historia es mucho mejor, al igual que la del protagonista como su problema de trasfondo y su desarrollo.
Seth me ENCANTÓ, en serio lo amé, es de esos protagonistas que me gustan, torturados, hurañas, rotos pero que son un amor.
Él es un ex marine francotirador que fue secuestrado en Afganistán por un grupo terrorista musulmán durante 15 meses y en todo ese tiempo fue torturado casándole múltiples heridas por lo que tiene todo el cuerpo cicatrizado pero el daño más grande que le quedó fue su Trastorno estrés postraumático.
Ahora que se ha unido a los HORNEST tiene como misión recatar a un militar encubierto que fue capturado por el mismo grupo terrorista. Seth tiene que volver y enfrentar sus demoños aparte de lidiar con el PTSD y poner en riesgo su vida y la de sus compañeros.
Por otra parte tenemos a Phoebe una periodista y fotógrafa que quiere está ayudando a las mujeres en Afganistán y tiene un pasado con Seth y sin que él sepa ella le ocasionó un daño.
Ella también me gustó mucho no tanto como Audrey.
Su relación con Seth fue muy linda, me encantó como lo ayudo y lo comprendía.
Estos libros son como las películas de acción que tanto me gustan por lo que la serie me está encantando.
4.5 STARS…
June 15, 2018
Quick summary
Marine sniper Seth Harlan was a POW in Afghanistan for many months before he was rescued, almost near death after being severely tortured. No longer suitable for military duty, HORNET is his only chance to continue doing what he was trained to do but he's hanging on by a thread. His teammates don't trust his readiness but he's determined to somehow persevere. Photojournalist Phoebe Leighton is on assignment in Afghanistan doing a documentary on the plight of young girls in the country when she stumbles upon an arms deal. When HORNET arrives with Seth on the team to rescue a black ops soldier, Phoebe's drawn to the man with whom she's got a special but secret connection.
The suspense
Seth is dealing not only with the rigor of the operation to rescue the soldier, but also his flashbacks and his team's lack of confidence in him. The situation is treacherous and even Seth isn't sure if he can do his job. The target is evil and Phoebe is also at risk for her role in bringing attention to the arms deal and her documentary subject. The tension is enormous, especially as it's almost impossible to gauge who's friend or foe.
The romance
While the suspense was compelling the relationship between Phoebe and Seth was just magical. It wasn't just about lust and physical attraction. She was Seth's lifeline as he found in her someone that knew what he needed to regain his sense of self and honestly deal with what happened while he was imprisoned. It's one of the highlights of the story, even though Phoebe was harboring a serious secret.
The bottom line
I initially thought this was definitely more pitched to the suspense side of things until I realized how integral the romance was to the heart of the operation. Burrows does a brilliant job of weaving the threads of both into an outstanding story. Loved the first book and it's now two for two. The supporting characters are lushly designed, so much so that I'm attracted to all of them. I hope this is at least a 10-book series because I want more of all of them. Seth's story certainly far exceeded my expectations and they were pretty high.
(I received an ARC from the publisher)
Marine sniper Seth Harlan was a POW in Afghanistan for many months before he was rescued, almost near death after being severely tortured. No longer suitable for military duty, HORNET is his only chance to continue doing what he was trained to do but he's hanging on by a thread. His teammates don't trust his readiness but he's determined to somehow persevere. Photojournalist Phoebe Leighton is on assignment in Afghanistan doing a documentary on the plight of young girls in the country when she stumbles upon an arms deal. When HORNET arrives with Seth on the team to rescue a black ops soldier, Phoebe's drawn to the man with whom she's got a special but secret connection.
The suspense
Seth is dealing not only with the rigor of the operation to rescue the soldier, but also his flashbacks and his team's lack of confidence in him. The situation is treacherous and even Seth isn't sure if he can do his job. The target is evil and Phoebe is also at risk for her role in bringing attention to the arms deal and her documentary subject. The tension is enormous, especially as it's almost impossible to gauge who's friend or foe.
The romance
While the suspense was compelling the relationship between Phoebe and Seth was just magical. It wasn't just about lust and physical attraction. She was Seth's lifeline as he found in her someone that knew what he needed to regain his sense of self and honestly deal with what happened while he was imprisoned. It's one of the highlights of the story, even though Phoebe was harboring a serious secret.
The bottom line
I initially thought this was definitely more pitched to the suspense side of things until I realized how integral the romance was to the heart of the operation. Burrows does a brilliant job of weaving the threads of both into an outstanding story. Loved the first book and it's now two for two. The supporting characters are lushly designed, so much so that I'm attracted to all of them. I hope this is at least a 10-book series because I want more of all of them. Seth's story certainly far exceeded my expectations and they were pretty high.
(I received an ARC from the publisher)
May 15, 2014
Honor Reclaimed deserves 5 heart-stopping stars. Once again Tonya Burrows has brought us a perfect blend of romance, action, suspense, drama, angst and passion. I was put through the ringer with this book and all because of one man, Seth Harlan.
Why? Seth is an ex-marine who shouldn't be alive. Kidnapped, held & tortured as a PoW in Afghanistan, he has been left scarred - physically and mentally. As Hornet’s newbie, he’s the outsider and the very men who should understand what he has gone through are about as supportive as a broken bra. When the guys go to Afghanistan to rescue a black-ops soldier, Seth relives his nightmare. He is broken, but broken can be fixed and his glue comes in the form of Phoebe Leighton, a photo-journalist who finds herself in spot of bother whilst on assignment. It's no bed of roses, but the mutual attraction is undeniable.
“You make me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time. That scares the f*** outta me and I’ve had enough shrinks to know I have a tendency to lash out at things that scare me. I don’t want to hurt you. I…like you.”
I adored Seth. His lack of self-esteem and the way he sees himself is heart-breaking, but Phoebe is perfect for him and she’s exactly the type of woman you would want as your best-friend. She's strong, kind, patient and with a stubborn determination she will fight for what and who she believes in and she slowly begins to help Seth see that underneath the scars is a man who can feel again. It’s touching, heartfelt and intimate, filled with frustration and passion.
“If we do this, I can’t go easy. Not this time. I’m too wound up, and I’m going to bend you over that bed and f*** you until you’re screaming.”
Sir, yes Sir!
But whilst romance plays a huge part, there is so much more with the action/suspense side of the story. It's edge of your seat reading; it's fast paced, flows perfectly and is gripping with twists I didn't see coming. And it's all this that made a roller-coaster of a read that may have broken my heart and caused my eyes to leak, but also made me laugh, smile, growl in frustration, swoon and sigh. I felt not only Seth's & Phoebe's joy and pain, but all the guys as they each play an important part; we start to dig a little deeper into their pasts, they bring the banter, frustration and intrigue and whoever is next I am sure Tonya will do them proud. (Although between us, I'm still hoping for Ian).
This is a book/series I seriously recommend.
(It is worth mentioning that the Hornet series is loosely linked Tonya's Wilde Security series and, whilst it's not vital to have read the latter, the characters do crossover a little and Seth was introduced to us in Wilde Nights in Paradise. But if you haven't had the pleasure of reading SEAL of Honor, which is the first Hornet outing, go do so now as it will introduce you to many of the lovely sexy frustrating men that form the team.)
I received a copy of this courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest & unbiased opinion
Why? Seth is an ex-marine who shouldn't be alive. Kidnapped, held & tortured as a PoW in Afghanistan, he has been left scarred - physically and mentally. As Hornet’s newbie, he’s the outsider and the very men who should understand what he has gone through are about as supportive as a broken bra. When the guys go to Afghanistan to rescue a black-ops soldier, Seth relives his nightmare. He is broken, but broken can be fixed and his glue comes in the form of Phoebe Leighton, a photo-journalist who finds herself in spot of bother whilst on assignment. It's no bed of roses, but the mutual attraction is undeniable.
“You make me feel things I haven’t felt in a long time. That scares the f*** outta me and I’ve had enough shrinks to know I have a tendency to lash out at things that scare me. I don’t want to hurt you. I…like you.”
I adored Seth. His lack of self-esteem and the way he sees himself is heart-breaking, but Phoebe is perfect for him and she’s exactly the type of woman you would want as your best-friend. She's strong, kind, patient and with a stubborn determination she will fight for what and who she believes in and she slowly begins to help Seth see that underneath the scars is a man who can feel again. It’s touching, heartfelt and intimate, filled with frustration and passion.
“If we do this, I can’t go easy. Not this time. I’m too wound up, and I’m going to bend you over that bed and f*** you until you’re screaming.”
Sir, yes Sir!
But whilst romance plays a huge part, there is so much more with the action/suspense side of the story. It's edge of your seat reading; it's fast paced, flows perfectly and is gripping with twists I didn't see coming. And it's all this that made a roller-coaster of a read that may have broken my heart and caused my eyes to leak, but also made me laugh, smile, growl in frustration, swoon and sigh. I felt not only Seth's & Phoebe's joy and pain, but all the guys as they each play an important part; we start to dig a little deeper into their pasts, they bring the banter, frustration and intrigue and whoever is next I am sure Tonya will do them proud. (Although between us, I'm still hoping for Ian).
This is a book/series I seriously recommend.
(It is worth mentioning that the Hornet series is loosely linked Tonya's Wilde Security series and, whilst it's not vital to have read the latter, the characters do crossover a little and Seth was introduced to us in Wilde Nights in Paradise. But if you haven't had the pleasure of reading SEAL of Honor, which is the first Hornet outing, go do so now as it will introduce you to many of the lovely sexy frustrating men that form the team.)
I received a copy of this courtesy of Entangled Publishing for an honest & unbiased opinion
Read
April 14, 2021Seems realistic enuf, just not in the mood to read on and pay $$
May 29, 2014
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Action Rating ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 5 Stars
This book had an excellent story line and was action packed, there was always something going on which kept me totally interested and the pages turning.
The hero, Seth Harlan, is a former marine sniper who had been held prisoner by the enemy and was severely tortured. Now he is suffering from PTSD, but when called by a friend to join a team to go in and rescue a black-ops soldier who is being held in Afghanistan, he joins in knowing all too well what this soldier is enduring.
The heroine, Phoebe Leighton, is in Afghanistan; she is a photojournalist and is working on a story about how badly women are treated there. Lately, married women who are unwanted by their husbands have bombs strapped to them, and are sent to blow themselves up along with their husband's enemies.
When Seth and another team member are sent to meet a connection, Phoebe recognizes Seth. She starts to follow them, but Seth is already being followed by a few other men who happen to be the enemy. This is where the action really starts kicking in and does not stop.
I LOVED Seth and despite all his scars and faults, when push came to shove, he came through. He was an excellent character and he tugged on my heartstrings throughout this read.
Phoebe was also a fantastic character. I really loved that she was not some sexy bomb shell. I’m not saying she was ugly; she was just an average smart woman with frizzy read hair, fair complexion and freckles. I found this and her character really refreshing.
There were also a lot of really good secondary characters throughout this book that added more layers to the overall story line.
There was plenty of sexual tension between Seth and Phoebe. Some of the scenes were they just kissed, had me heating up. A few times Seth actually backed out before they went all the way. These scenes had me all upset for Phoebe and I did get emotional right along with her. It’s a long wait before Seth is finally ready to go all the way. Let me tell you, it was well worth it. These two sizzled on the pages and gave me the heat I always crave in my books.
There was a surprise in the end that caught me off guard and added even more to the story. Of course, the bad guy is finally dealt with and we got a very happy epilogue to end this book in a very good way.
This was my second read by Tonya Burrows and I can HONESTLY say that it will NOT be my last. I highly recommend readers who like their romances with excellent characters, a fast paced and action packed read with some good steam added, not to miss out on Honor Reclaimed.
Honor Reclaimed is book #2 in The Hornet series, but can be read easily as a standalone.
Warning: this book has a lot of violence.
*A copy of the book was provided by Entangled Select in exchange for an honest review*
Story Rating ~ 5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Action Rating ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 5 Stars
This book had an excellent story line and was action packed, there was always something going on which kept me totally interested and the pages turning.
The hero, Seth Harlan, is a former marine sniper who had been held prisoner by the enemy and was severely tortured. Now he is suffering from PTSD, but when called by a friend to join a team to go in and rescue a black-ops soldier who is being held in Afghanistan, he joins in knowing all too well what this soldier is enduring.
The heroine, Phoebe Leighton, is in Afghanistan; she is a photojournalist and is working on a story about how badly women are treated there. Lately, married women who are unwanted by their husbands have bombs strapped to them, and are sent to blow themselves up along with their husband's enemies.
When Seth and another team member are sent to meet a connection, Phoebe recognizes Seth. She starts to follow them, but Seth is already being followed by a few other men who happen to be the enemy. This is where the action really starts kicking in and does not stop.
I LOVED Seth and despite all his scars and faults, when push came to shove, he came through. He was an excellent character and he tugged on my heartstrings throughout this read.
Phoebe was also a fantastic character. I really loved that she was not some sexy bomb shell. I’m not saying she was ugly; she was just an average smart woman with frizzy read hair, fair complexion and freckles. I found this and her character really refreshing.
There were also a lot of really good secondary characters throughout this book that added more layers to the overall story line.
There was plenty of sexual tension between Seth and Phoebe. Some of the scenes were they just kissed, had me heating up. A few times Seth actually backed out before they went all the way. These scenes had me all upset for Phoebe and I did get emotional right along with her. It’s a long wait before Seth is finally ready to go all the way. Let me tell you, it was well worth it. These two sizzled on the pages and gave me the heat I always crave in my books.
There was a surprise in the end that caught me off guard and added even more to the story. Of course, the bad guy is finally dealt with and we got a very happy epilogue to end this book in a very good way.
This was my second read by Tonya Burrows and I can HONESTLY say that it will NOT be my last. I highly recommend readers who like their romances with excellent characters, a fast paced and action packed read with some good steam added, not to miss out on Honor Reclaimed.
Honor Reclaimed is book #2 in The Hornet series, but can be read easily as a standalone.
Warning: this book has a lot of violence.
*A copy of the book was provided by Entangled Select in exchange for an honest review*
May 27, 2018
Honor Reclaimed es el segundo libro de la saga Hornet de Tonya Burrows y tiene como protagonistas a Seth y Phoebe.
Estaba un poco insegura al empezar la lectura, ya que al no conocer a los nuevos protagonistas no sabria si me gustaria o se convertirian en una decepcion despues de que me gustara tanto el primer libro.
Siempre ( o casi siempre ) que leo historias que combinan suspence y romance espero que todo gire alrededor de la atraccion entre los protagonistas, no porque me guste, sino porque hasta que conoci esta serie era algo MUY comun en estas lecturas. En cambio Tonya Burrows tiene una forma diferente de desarrollar estas historias o quizas es solo la forma increible que tiene de meterse en las escenas de accion, de cualquier forma, esta saga ha conseguido engancharme muchisimo. Hacia bastante tiempo que no cogia una saga con tantas ganas.
Aunque sus libros no son cortos, el ritmo es tan fluido que los lees en muy poco tiempo y si a eso le sumamos que las tramas son muy entretenidas, tienes la lectura perfecta para cualquier momento.
Algo que me gusto mucho en este libro fue que la autora nos da pistas para que sepamos quienes seran los protagonistas del siguiente libro.
Parecia imposible pero esta segunda historia me gusto aun mas que Seal Of Honor, me muero de ganas de leer el libro de Travis.
4.5 Estrellas!!
January 13, 2018
Me gustó bastante el primer libro de esta saga y esta segunda entrega, incluso un poco más. Y eso que vuelve a haber una historia de amor sucediendo en poquísimo tiempo, algo que no me suelo creer mucho, pero que en situaciones tan extremas como las que narra la autora, veo factible. La historia de Seth es durísima, por eso me ha gustado tanto su relación con Phoebe, y Tonya Burrows vuelve a demostrar lo buena que es con las escenas de acción. Deseando continuar con Quinn.
February 2, 2019
Pensé que no me iba a gustar porque no conocía a los protagonistas pero me ENCANTÓ
Review en emojis:
😭😍😍😍🔪🔥💣🚑😭🤣😭💕🥰👏🏻🙌🏻
4.5
Review en emojis:
😭😍😍😍🔪🔥💣🚑😭🤣😭💕🥰👏🏻🙌🏻
4.5
August 14, 2014
In Book 2 of HORNET, we have the Seth Harlan, the ex-marine sniper who is severely scarred and suffered from PTSD and Phoebe Anderson, the photojournalist heroine who wrote a nasty piece for the tabloid to tarnish Seth's reputation.
Despite all odds against him, Seth was accepted into the HORNET team and under probation. Well, everyone is not reception of him, worried that he might blow up at any second. Gabe was not really buying the idea either, but Quinn was insisting Seth needs a chance to prove himself. This time they got a mission to rescue a missing sergeant in Afghanistan, a place where Seth endured fifteen months of living hell.
Phoebe had since left the tabloid and working as a freelance photojournalist after she felt remorse for ruining a man's life. She's currently in Afghanistan working on her piece about child bride where she came across Seth Harlan.
At the first sight, Phoebe felt compel to step up and apologize to him, but what goods does that bring? Nevertheless, she felt drawn to this man who was so alone and suffering in silence.
I prefer the romance this time compare to Book 1 because it is more slow burn and happened gradually. Seth was an emotionally and physically scarred hero who didn't think that he will ever find love again. The flashback to his capture days were limited, but enough to give me a nasty idea of what happened to him. Now seeing him all alone, fighting his paranoia and getting so much shit from his team just break me heart. I find Phoebe to be the perfect heroine who not only stood up for him and also help him to crawl out from his shell and realize that his future is not as bleak as he think it is.
I still face a similar problem as with the previous book is that I don't feel invested with their mission. The side plot with Quinn issue is rather distracting too. I felt that there were too many different POVs that distract from the main thing.
Seriously, I read the rest of the team for Jean-Luc. That guy was a riot.
"See, that's what's wrong with the world today. Everyone's so... repressed. Politically, religiously, emotionally, sexually."
"You ever see a horror movie? The pretty one always dies first when they split up and I'm too young to bite it."
And then there is this one scene where I kept playing out in my head.
Quinn about-faced so fast on his toes, he put ballerinas to shame.
I think the cantankerous Ian Reinhardt is growing on me too. Can't wait to read about his side of the story.
Despite all odds against him, Seth was accepted into the HORNET team and under probation. Well, everyone is not reception of him, worried that he might blow up at any second. Gabe was not really buying the idea either, but Quinn was insisting Seth needs a chance to prove himself. This time they got a mission to rescue a missing sergeant in Afghanistan, a place where Seth endured fifteen months of living hell.
Phoebe had since left the tabloid and working as a freelance photojournalist after she felt remorse for ruining a man's life. She's currently in Afghanistan working on her piece about child bride where she came across Seth Harlan.
At the first sight, Phoebe felt compel to step up and apologize to him, but what goods does that bring? Nevertheless, she felt drawn to this man who was so alone and suffering in silence.
I prefer the romance this time compare to Book 1 because it is more slow burn and happened gradually. Seth was an emotionally and physically scarred hero who didn't think that he will ever find love again. The flashback to his capture days were limited, but enough to give me a nasty idea of what happened to him. Now seeing him all alone, fighting his paranoia and getting so much shit from his team just break me heart. I find Phoebe to be the perfect heroine who not only stood up for him and also help him to crawl out from his shell and realize that his future is not as bleak as he think it is.
I still face a similar problem as with the previous book is that I don't feel invested with their mission. The side plot with Quinn issue is rather distracting too. I felt that there were too many different POVs that distract from the main thing.
Seriously, I read the rest of the team for Jean-Luc. That guy was a riot.
"See, that's what's wrong with the world today. Everyone's so... repressed. Politically, religiously, emotionally, sexually."
"You ever see a horror movie? The pretty one always dies first when they split up and I'm too young to bite it."
And then there is this one scene where I kept playing out in my head.
Quinn about-faced so fast on his toes, he put ballerinas to shame.
I think the cantankerous Ian Reinhardt is growing on me too. Can't wait to read about his side of the story.
April 15, 2014
This is Seth Harlan's story and it's fantastic. I admit to having a bit of a crush on Seth since I first read about him in Wilde Nights in Paradise. When I started this book I was beyond excited to read this wounded warriors story and it did not disappoint. Seth is a deeply hurt and scared soul who I wanted to hug and never let go of. By the end I was totally in love with him and I now have a new book boyfriend.
But I can't go past the heroine in Phoebe, I loved her. She was the perfect match for Seth. She had spunk, was feisty, dared to go where others wouldn't, was fighting for a good cause and was loyal to the people she was helping to a fault. Plus I absolutely loved the way she didn't back down from Seth and the rest of Hornet or Tuc the billionaire financing this group. Or didn't care that Seth was scared and afraid, she saw him for him.
Together they are now a favourite couple of mine. The chemistry is hot between them. Even when they were fighting the attraction that was there, it just kept getting stronger and when Phoebe would push Seth past his comfort zone she was there with him all the way. To see how she brings him out of his shell and helps to quiet his demons is heart warming.
" Why didn't he get it ? She didn't care what he looked like. It didn't matter because she wanted him. All of him. Scars and all"
This books picks up not long after Seal of Honor and the team is still adjusting and bugging the crap out of each other. It's truly fun to read. The interaction between the team members is at times hilarious. Especially when Seth finally cracks a joke. Their reaction is priceless. We also get to see parts of the storyline from Seal move forward and I can't wait to see how these will play out. Think Quinn.
This series does intertwine a bit with the Wilde Security series, but can be read as a stand alone, but if you are like me and love lots of alpha men, then do yourself a favour and read both series. You will not be sorry.
I was lucky to read this book early and now I start the interminable wait for the next book. Good thing I like to re-read, because I hear Gabe and the Wilde brothers calling me. Tonya Burrows you have me hooked and proud to be a HORNET's Wilde Honey
But I can't go past the heroine in Phoebe, I loved her. She was the perfect match for Seth. She had spunk, was feisty, dared to go where others wouldn't, was fighting for a good cause and was loyal to the people she was helping to a fault. Plus I absolutely loved the way she didn't back down from Seth and the rest of Hornet or Tuc the billionaire financing this group. Or didn't care that Seth was scared and afraid, she saw him for him.
Together they are now a favourite couple of mine. The chemistry is hot between them. Even when they were fighting the attraction that was there, it just kept getting stronger and when Phoebe would push Seth past his comfort zone she was there with him all the way. To see how she brings him out of his shell and helps to quiet his demons is heart warming.
" Why didn't he get it ? She didn't care what he looked like. It didn't matter because she wanted him. All of him. Scars and all"
This books picks up not long after Seal of Honor and the team is still adjusting and bugging the crap out of each other. It's truly fun to read. The interaction between the team members is at times hilarious. Especially when Seth finally cracks a joke. Their reaction is priceless. We also get to see parts of the storyline from Seal move forward and I can't wait to see how these will play out. Think Quinn.
This series does intertwine a bit with the Wilde Security series, but can be read as a stand alone, but if you are like me and love lots of alpha men, then do yourself a favour and read both series. You will not be sorry.
I was lucky to read this book early and now I start the interminable wait for the next book. Good thing I like to re-read, because I hear Gabe and the Wilde brothers calling me. Tonya Burrows you have me hooked and proud to be a HORNET's Wilde Honey
July 18, 2014
Ok, so what I liked: the HORNET guys. I loved the team, especially Ian. Yes, he's a bit of an asshole, but he does have that bad boy charm.
The plot was also fun and action-packed.
Now what I didn't like: the so-called heroine, Phoebe. I'm sorry, but deceit and lies do not a good heroine make. I don't care how hot she was for our hero Seth, hormones are no excuse for that kind of bullshit.
Also, the author's shoddy portrayal of PTSD pissed me off. Our hero goes from experiencing severe symptoms of traumatic stress disorder to being magically mostly cured by the awesome powers of the pussy within a few weeks. Again, I call bullshit. For one thing, the chick's pussy didn't seem all that magical to me, and for another, it was just disrespectful to those of us who suffer from this disorder. Or maybe I'm just jealous that no magical genitalia has cured me yet. Dammit.
Anyway, let's hope that in future books in the series, we get heroines who are more worthy of these guys. And please, no more magical pussy cures.
The plot was also fun and action-packed.
Now what I didn't like: the so-called heroine, Phoebe. I'm sorry, but deceit and lies do not a good heroine make. I don't care how hot she was for our hero Seth, hormones are no excuse for that kind of bullshit.
Also, the author's shoddy portrayal of PTSD pissed me off. Our hero goes from experiencing severe symptoms of traumatic stress disorder to being magically mostly cured by the awesome powers of the pussy within a few weeks. Again, I call bullshit. For one thing, the chick's pussy didn't seem all that magical to me, and for another, it was just disrespectful to those of us who suffer from this disorder. Or maybe I'm just jealous that no magical genitalia has cured me yet. Dammit.
Anyway, let's hope that in future books in the series, we get heroines who are more worthy of these guys. And please, no more magical pussy cures.
March 16, 2015
3,5 stars
May 26, 2014
I've become a huge fan of Tonya Burrows since I read SEAL of Honor last year and I love both her HORNET and Wilde Security series. I've been dying to find out more about Seth since he was first introduced in Wilde Nights in Paradise so to say I had high hopes for Honor Reclaimed is an understatement and I'm very happy to say that it's now my favourite book by this author. If you're new to this series I'd highly recommend reading SEAL of Honor first because there is a lot going on within the team that you'll only know about if you've read their entire history. The HORNET books do have a slight crossover of characters with the Wilde Security series and there is a suggested reading order on the author's website but both series can be read entirely separately if you prefer.
Seth is an ex-marine and the newest member of the HORNET team, he spent 15 months as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan and the torture he endured has left him both physically and mentally scarred. He's suffering from extreme PTSD and the rest of the team don't trust him not to fall apart in a difficult situation so he hasn't exactly been made to feel welcome. When Greer Wilde asks for their help rescuing a fellow soldier who was captured in a very similar situation to Seth the team pull out all the stops to get to Afghanistan to rescue him. It means Seth facing his worst nightmares but there is no way he can leave someone in enemy hands when he knows exactly the kind of torture he will be subjected to.
Phoebe is a photojournalist who travels to some of the world's most dangerous places investigating women's rights and she is in Afghanistan helping her friend with a shelter she has set up for women and girls whose lives are at risk. The newest resident at the shelter, a young girl who was forced to marry a terrorist and who nearly ended up as an unwilling suicide bomber, gives Phoebe information about an attack her husband is planning. Phoebe knows she can't stop the attack on her own and she turns to Seth and the rest of the HORNET team for their help.
I love a damaged hero and Seth is about as damaged as they come. He may have recovered physically from his injuries (apart from the scarring anyway) but he is an emotional wreck. He has no self esteem, doesn't feel connected to the rest of his team and most of the time he feels completely worthless and subhuman. My heart absolutely broke for him and the more we found out about what he had suffered the more amazed I was that he'd even survived. There are some quite distressing scenes of torture - not just flashbacks from Seth but also of the newly captured hostage Zak who the team are out there hoping to rescue - but none of it is gratuitous and it didn't overshadow the rest of the story. Just knowing that there are soldiers who have probable been in (or are currently in) that kind of terrifying situation is horrifying though and it gives you a new appreciation for the risks our armed forces take with their lives.
Phoebe is a great heroine for Seth, he pushes away the people he cares about because he's scared to let anyone close but Phoebe sees through that and calls him out when he acts like an idiot. She refuses to let him get away with anything and he needs someone who is going to be forceful with him and not put up with his crap. I loved that she saw through his scars and saw the man he really is, she wanted to give him more self confidence but she loved him in spite of his prickly personality and the way he constantly pushed her away. They are well matched personality wise and I loved how brave and feisty she was, it doesn't hurt that they have fantastic chemistry too.
I was so annoyed with how unsupportive the rest of the team was of Seth in the beginning. It's a difficult situation because they need to be able to trust that he's not going to break down when they need him the most and end up putting all of their lives at risk so I could understand why they were wary of him but at the same time I desperately wanted them to give him a chance and start treating him better. Ian in particular was really annoying me and I enjoyed seeing him get taken to task by Phoebe. The team is still fairly new and they're all getting used to working together which leads to some interesting situations but I enjoyed the banter and watching them all bond more by the end of the book. This series definitely has more focus on the action so while the romance never takes a back seat there is a lot more going on alongside it. The team are risking their lives in the hope of saving Zak and there are some nail biting sections when I was really worried that not everyone was going to make it out alive. Honor Reclaimed brought me to tears on more than one occasion and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to see the rest of the team all get their own happy endings and I'm excited that we still have so many books to look forward to.
Seth is an ex-marine and the newest member of the HORNET team, he spent 15 months as a prisoner of war in Afghanistan and the torture he endured has left him both physically and mentally scarred. He's suffering from extreme PTSD and the rest of the team don't trust him not to fall apart in a difficult situation so he hasn't exactly been made to feel welcome. When Greer Wilde asks for their help rescuing a fellow soldier who was captured in a very similar situation to Seth the team pull out all the stops to get to Afghanistan to rescue him. It means Seth facing his worst nightmares but there is no way he can leave someone in enemy hands when he knows exactly the kind of torture he will be subjected to.
Phoebe is a photojournalist who travels to some of the world's most dangerous places investigating women's rights and she is in Afghanistan helping her friend with a shelter she has set up for women and girls whose lives are at risk. The newest resident at the shelter, a young girl who was forced to marry a terrorist and who nearly ended up as an unwilling suicide bomber, gives Phoebe information about an attack her husband is planning. Phoebe knows she can't stop the attack on her own and she turns to Seth and the rest of the HORNET team for their help.
I love a damaged hero and Seth is about as damaged as they come. He may have recovered physically from his injuries (apart from the scarring anyway) but he is an emotional wreck. He has no self esteem, doesn't feel connected to the rest of his team and most of the time he feels completely worthless and subhuman. My heart absolutely broke for him and the more we found out about what he had suffered the more amazed I was that he'd even survived. There are some quite distressing scenes of torture - not just flashbacks from Seth but also of the newly captured hostage Zak who the team are out there hoping to rescue - but none of it is gratuitous and it didn't overshadow the rest of the story. Just knowing that there are soldiers who have probable been in (or are currently in) that kind of terrifying situation is horrifying though and it gives you a new appreciation for the risks our armed forces take with their lives.
Phoebe is a great heroine for Seth, he pushes away the people he cares about because he's scared to let anyone close but Phoebe sees through that and calls him out when he acts like an idiot. She refuses to let him get away with anything and he needs someone who is going to be forceful with him and not put up with his crap. I loved that she saw through his scars and saw the man he really is, she wanted to give him more self confidence but she loved him in spite of his prickly personality and the way he constantly pushed her away. They are well matched personality wise and I loved how brave and feisty she was, it doesn't hurt that they have fantastic chemistry too.
I was so annoyed with how unsupportive the rest of the team was of Seth in the beginning. It's a difficult situation because they need to be able to trust that he's not going to break down when they need him the most and end up putting all of their lives at risk so I could understand why they were wary of him but at the same time I desperately wanted them to give him a chance and start treating him better. Ian in particular was really annoying me and I enjoyed seeing him get taken to task by Phoebe. The team is still fairly new and they're all getting used to working together which leads to some interesting situations but I enjoyed the banter and watching them all bond more by the end of the book. This series definitely has more focus on the action so while the romance never takes a back seat there is a lot more going on alongside it. The team are risking their lives in the hope of saving Zak and there are some nail biting sections when I was really worried that not everyone was going to make it out alive. Honor Reclaimed brought me to tears on more than one occasion and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to see the rest of the team all get their own happy endings and I'm excited that we still have so many books to look forward to.
May 27, 2014
*ARC Courtesy of Entangled Publishing*
From the first mention of Seth in the Wilde Series, I was completely intrigued and wanted to read his story.... You just knew his was going to be a doozy and worth the wait, and it certainly did not disappoint....
Seth is a former marine scout sniper who not only had to witness his entire team die in Afghanistan but was also captured and tortured for months, and when I say tortured, I mean severely....His body is now full of scars, but the worst of the worst are the ones you cant see and live inside his soul.
He is now working for HORNET, and when they are contacted by one of the Wilde brothers to inform them that one of their best friends and team mates have been captured, it immediately brings up lots of nasty demons for our poor Seth. The HORNET guys go off to Afghanistan to help rescue the missing solider, where they encounter Phoebe Leighton. She is a photographer who is there taking photos of the women and children of Afghanistan. She has information that will help them and goes along with them on their rescue mission.
She and Seth are also very attracted to one another, although with his severe case of PTSD he is not in the market for a relationship not to mention that Phoebe is hiding a secret about Seth and what she has done to him in the past, that if he finds out will not only destroy what they are building, but will ensure he never forgives her.
This book will take you on a intriguing journey with the HORNET guys as they go deep into the desert to redeem their missing captive and will allow you to get to know and fall in love with our scarred and emotional hero Seth as he and Phoebe discover that sometimes betrayal and heartbreak can lead to love....
Another gripping and emotional read that is a 5 star and more read from the ridiculously talented Tonya Burrows
From the first mention of Seth in the Wilde Series, I was completely intrigued and wanted to read his story.... You just knew his was going to be a doozy and worth the wait, and it certainly did not disappoint....
Seth is a former marine scout sniper who not only had to witness his entire team die in Afghanistan but was also captured and tortured for months, and when I say tortured, I mean severely....His body is now full of scars, but the worst of the worst are the ones you cant see and live inside his soul.
He is now working for HORNET, and when they are contacted by one of the Wilde brothers to inform them that one of their best friends and team mates have been captured, it immediately brings up lots of nasty demons for our poor Seth. The HORNET guys go off to Afghanistan to help rescue the missing solider, where they encounter Phoebe Leighton. She is a photographer who is there taking photos of the women and children of Afghanistan. She has information that will help them and goes along with them on their rescue mission.
She and Seth are also very attracted to one another, although with his severe case of PTSD he is not in the market for a relationship not to mention that Phoebe is hiding a secret about Seth and what she has done to him in the past, that if he finds out will not only destroy what they are building, but will ensure he never forgives her.
This book will take you on a intriguing journey with the HORNET guys as they go deep into the desert to redeem their missing captive and will allow you to get to know and fall in love with our scarred and emotional hero Seth as he and Phoebe discover that sometimes betrayal and heartbreak can lead to love....
Another gripping and emotional read that is a 5 star and more read from the ridiculously talented Tonya Burrows
May 30, 2014
*L**O**V**E**D** **I**T**
Fast, . Paced, Hard Core Action with a Sprinkling of ROMANCE!!
LOVE those Guys from HORNETS...and Seth's story was dangerously GOOD!!
Fast, . Paced, Hard Core Action with a Sprinkling of ROMANCE!!
LOVE those Guys from HORNETS...and Seth's story was dangerously GOOD!!
May 31, 2014
After reading the first book in the HORNET series, I thought Burrows was off to a very good start in her creation of this rag-tag group of men from different military and law enforcement backgrounds who have joined the HORNETs unit, a group of private military contractors who specialize in hostage rescue missions. Now, after reading this second installment, Honor Reclaimed, I can say with certainty that this a series that readers of romantic suspense should consider because of the wonderfully flawed cast of characters and the well-balanced mix of action-oriented suspense and tension-fueled romance.
The title itself and opening quote for Honor Reclaimed are fitting to describe the hero’s story, former POW marine, Seth Harlan, who is the newest probationary member of the HORNET team. In the preface, Burrows quotes Khalil Gibran: “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” This statement sums up Seth’s character so well, his struggles with PTSD and survivor’s guilt, and most of all, his deep yearning to belong again.
Seth was invited to join HORNETs at the end of the first book because of his exemplary sniper skills, but readers don’t actually meet his character until now. The other team members are wary of Seth. They see him as a wild card, unpredictable and unstable because of his PTSD. At the start of the book, Seth is an outcast who hasn’t been fully accepted into the unit, and the frequent mistakes he keeps making during training exercises only exacerbates the existing tension between him and the rest of the team. His teammates don’t trust him, and Seth knows it. Until he can prove that he is an asset to the unit, his future with the HORNETs is questionable.
When the HORNET unit accepts a case to rescue a soldier who has been captured by an Afghani terrorist, Jahangir Siddiqui, while on a black ops mission, the team must travel to Afghanistan, and Seth is horrified and panicked at the thought of having to return to the place where his worst nightmares occurred. His PTST stems from his last mission in Afghanistan where he lost his entire team in an attack, and he was taken prisoner and tortured for 15 months before being rescued. Seth is deeply physically and emotionally scarred from his ordeal and is weighed down by survivor’s guilt. In many ways, he has emotionally shut down, but he knows this latest mission will put him to the ultimate test. If he can’t pull himself together and perform successfully, his career with the HORNETs is over.
Once back in Afghanistan, Seth’s memories of his time there become sharper and, at times, threaten to overwhelm him and make it difficult to do his job. It’s hard to read Seth’s story without being affected by his heart-breaking experience. Burrows has done a good job in bringing to light the pain and struggles of a man fighting to hold on to his humanity and to find peace despite all the horror he has endured. Seth is stronger and more courageous than he thinks. He is a survivor, and his perseverance and determination are admirable and inspiring.
The heroine of the story is Phoebe Leighton, a photojournalist working in Afghanistan who writes stories about the plight of women and young girls. Her most recent story about child brides puts her in danger after she begins asking too many dangerous questions that threaten the political future of Siddiqui, the same man the HORNETs are trying to find. Their dangerous circumstances bring Phoebe and Seth together, and she begins helping with the team’s mission.
Phoebe finds Seth intriguing, and the harder she works to get to know him better, the more she finds herself caring deeply about this stoic man who keeps others at a distance. Phoebe sees the beauty of the man behind his scars and she wants so much to help Seth. Surprisingly, Seth discovers that being around Phoebe calms him. He is more relaxed and less jumpy. Even the rest of the team notice that Phoebe has a stabilizing effect on Seth, and they hope that will help him keep his head in the game. Seth is drawn to Phoebe and is surprised at how much he enjoys her company. Their romance evolves slowly but the passion between them sizzles in the love scenes, which are explicit.
However, Phoebe is far from perfect. She’s made mistakes in her past, one in particular that she’s can’t bring herself to share with Seth. Her shame and guilt over what she’s done have led her to try to make a fresh start, and she hopes to make atonement by using her writing and photography skills to bring awareness of the problems of others to the public’s attention. Phoebe’s character is flawed but real, and one lesson she must learn is that no matter how hard we try, we can never escape from our past. The aftereffects of the mistakes we’ve made often linger, and until we face the repercussions head on, we can never really leave the past behind and move forward. This is what Phoebe has to do, but she risks losing Seth for good.
In this second installment, I see the supporting characters developing and becoming more rounded. For example, Quinn’s brain injury from a previous accident continues to affect his work, and he worries he won’t be able to stay on the team. Ian finally makes a friend, and readers get a glimpse of the real man behind the sneering, indifferent, and cold-hearted veneer that Ian wears so well. The HORNETs are still far from the cohesive group they need to be. Their different personalities, experiences, and emotional wounds have molded some of the team members into men who don’t always play well with others. Their endeavors to learn how to work together add another layer of richness to the plot so the story never stagnates. Just as in real life, change isn’t always immediate, and it will take time for the team to build trust.
The plot is more complex that I originally anticipated and full of conflict. The first half of the book focuses on rescuing the imprisoned soldier from Siddiqui’s compound, and in the second part, the stakes become higher as the HORNET team try to keep Siddiqui from possessing a suitcase-sized nuclear weapon. The pacing is effective and the action and suspense intensify as the story progresses. The importance of forgiveness, redemption, and trust are three key themes running throughout the story. To sum up, this was a great read!
Source: Received an ARC of the book from the publisher for an honest review.
Rating 4 1/2 shining stars
May 31, 2014
Honor Reclaimed is a gut-clenching, heart-pounding, and emotion-packed adventure about love and healing that I could not put down!
Seth Harlan is a man on the edge. A former Marine sniper and POW for fifteen long, torturous months. Seth never understood, 'why him?' Why did he make it out when so many of his friends didn't? And why did he survive hell when he wasn't sure whether he wanted to or not? Joining HORNET though has given him a second chance. A second chance at being part of a team. And a second chance at life, if only his head doesn't screw it up for him. Being sent back to Afghanistan to rescue another POW might be the final breaking point for him though. That is until he crosses paths with photojournalist Phoebe Leighton. Right away Seth knows that Phoebe is hiding something from him but she also grounds him and makes him feel things he hasn't felt in a long time. Things he didn't even know he was still capable of feeling after his imprisonment. Will the secret she hides destroy the fragile relationship they have built in the Sand? As danger surrounds them and terrorists conspire to make a deadly arms deal, love should be the last thing on either of their minds. But you can't help where the heart leads you...
Honor Reclaimed picks up soon after the first book, Seal of Honor. The story arc does intertwine slightly with the Wilde Security series as well but still makes a good stand-alone. Though if you love military romance like I do and enjoy an author who can weave a captivating story then I recommend you adding all four books to your to-be-read list. You won't be disappointed.
We've heard of and seen Seth in previous novels as a very paranoid and withdrawn character. In Honor Reclaimed he goes through hell and back and literally steals your heart to take along for the ride. The highs and lows that this man has to go through, the ridicule from some of his teammates that you would think men in their position would be more understanding about, is absolutely heart breaking. And the saddest part about this story is that it could be true. A hundred times over. Tonya Borrows writes with such confidence and heart that you can easily mistake the fact that this is a fictional story while reading.
Phoebe herself was a majestic character with spunk. She had past mistakes to atone for and I really think did the best she could to do just that. She found a passion in being a women's rights advocate and often put her life on the line to show the world just what was happening it's far reaches. And she was just perfect for Seth. She was his rock when he needed it most and despite being in a room full of intimidating military men, she wasn't afraid to put the men of HORNET in their places when it came to their treatment of Seth. Phoebe and Seth's relationship was a slow burning one, but once that fire lit their was no putting it out! She brings out a side of him that no one on his team has ever seen. A person that he hasn't seen himself in years. And with her help his future doesn't seem so bleak and lonely. I couldn't love this pair more.
The plot was thrilling, sexy, and fast-paced with the perfect balance of passion and intrigue. The characters were easily relateable and the story completely swept me away. Honor Reclaimed is one of the best books I have read this year and Tonya Burrows should be on ever romance readers radar as an author to watch! If you're a fan of Catherine Mann, Cindy Gerard, Maya Banks or Lori Foster's romantic suspense's then you must pick up Honor Reclaimed today!
Seth Harlan is a man on the edge. A former Marine sniper and POW for fifteen long, torturous months. Seth never understood, 'why him?' Why did he make it out when so many of his friends didn't? And why did he survive hell when he wasn't sure whether he wanted to or not? Joining HORNET though has given him a second chance. A second chance at being part of a team. And a second chance at life, if only his head doesn't screw it up for him. Being sent back to Afghanistan to rescue another POW might be the final breaking point for him though. That is until he crosses paths with photojournalist Phoebe Leighton. Right away Seth knows that Phoebe is hiding something from him but she also grounds him and makes him feel things he hasn't felt in a long time. Things he didn't even know he was still capable of feeling after his imprisonment. Will the secret she hides destroy the fragile relationship they have built in the Sand? As danger surrounds them and terrorists conspire to make a deadly arms deal, love should be the last thing on either of their minds. But you can't help where the heart leads you...
Honor Reclaimed picks up soon after the first book, Seal of Honor. The story arc does intertwine slightly with the Wilde Security series as well but still makes a good stand-alone. Though if you love military romance like I do and enjoy an author who can weave a captivating story then I recommend you adding all four books to your to-be-read list. You won't be disappointed.
We've heard of and seen Seth in previous novels as a very paranoid and withdrawn character. In Honor Reclaimed he goes through hell and back and literally steals your heart to take along for the ride. The highs and lows that this man has to go through, the ridicule from some of his teammates that you would think men in their position would be more understanding about, is absolutely heart breaking. And the saddest part about this story is that it could be true. A hundred times over. Tonya Borrows writes with such confidence and heart that you can easily mistake the fact that this is a fictional story while reading.
Phoebe herself was a majestic character with spunk. She had past mistakes to atone for and I really think did the best she could to do just that. She found a passion in being a women's rights advocate and often put her life on the line to show the world just what was happening it's far reaches. And she was just perfect for Seth. She was his rock when he needed it most and despite being in a room full of intimidating military men, she wasn't afraid to put the men of HORNET in their places when it came to their treatment of Seth. Phoebe and Seth's relationship was a slow burning one, but once that fire lit their was no putting it out! She brings out a side of him that no one on his team has ever seen. A person that he hasn't seen himself in years. And with her help his future doesn't seem so bleak and lonely. I couldn't love this pair more.
The plot was thrilling, sexy, and fast-paced with the perfect balance of passion and intrigue. The characters were easily relateable and the story completely swept me away. Honor Reclaimed is one of the best books I have read this year and Tonya Burrows should be on ever romance readers radar as an author to watch! If you're a fan of Catherine Mann, Cindy Gerard, Maya Banks or Lori Foster's romantic suspense's then you must pick up Honor Reclaimed today!
March 6, 2016
4.5
I loved finally going back to the HORNET series and this time getting to know the newest HORNET member: Seth.
Honestly, I was not happy when I knew it'd be his book because I've fallen in love with the other HORNET men and I wanted to know more about them. But then I got to know a little more of Seth in Tonya's other series (Wilde Security) and I couldn't wait to know this man. You guys… I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
Seth's been through really tough times. He was tortured for months and now he's suffering from PTSD. Thanks to Quinn (one of HORNET's men) he gets a second chance at working and getting his life together.
*I loved seeing how he changed from guarded-Seth to opened-humoruous-protective Seth. I loved watching his road to recovery with himself, with the guys at HORNET and with Phoebe, a photographer who has a past with him and whom Seth had no idea would change his life for the better (and man did I love them so much! *heart melts*)
*I loved that we got to see more of the HORNET men's POVs. It was something I asked for in 'Seal of Honor' (book 1) and thank you Tonya for including them here. I love these guys and getting to know bits of them throughout this book only made me love them more. I cannot wait for their books (especially Quinn's, now that I've listened to his book's teaser).
*I loved that the guys are so much closer, although I do wish there could've been more chapters with just them hanging out or bothering each other. It was one of my favorite moments of SOH.
Also, I wish there could've been more of Gabe and Audrey than just a phone call or the cute moment before Gabe and the team are sent to battle.
OVERALL:
'Honor Reclaimed' was a winning sequel to SOH and a great addition to the HORNET series. It does have suspense but it was not filled with much tension as I remember SOH was. The problem was also resolved faster and easier, but I didn't mind it because I think HR is more about Seth's struggles than the mission.
One thing I do find troubling with the book is that it didn't feel as a stand alone and if you haven't read book 1, you might be confused with who is who. I had to go into Tonya's blog to read each character's biography which you can do too, but I do encourage you to start with SOH before HR. Tonya Burrows, her characters and stories don't disappoint.
You get action, suspense, hot and troubled men, friendship, camaraderie, love and sexy times. What more could you ask for?
(That these men were real and you could have one? I know, I know. I feel the same)
HORNET series
1. Seal of Honor (Gabe Bristow & Audrey Van Amee)
2. Honor Reclaimed (Seth Harlan & Phoebe Leighton)
I loved finally going back to the HORNET series and this time getting to know the newest HORNET member: Seth.
Honestly, I was not happy when I knew it'd be his book because I've fallen in love with the other HORNET men and I wanted to know more about them. But then I got to know a little more of Seth in Tonya's other series (Wilde Security) and I couldn't wait to know this man. You guys… I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
Seth's been through really tough times. He was tortured for months and now he's suffering from PTSD. Thanks to Quinn (one of HORNET's men) he gets a second chance at working and getting his life together.
*I loved seeing how he changed from guarded-Seth to opened-humoruous-protective Seth. I loved watching his road to recovery with himself, with the guys at HORNET and with Phoebe, a photographer who has a past with him and whom Seth had no idea would change his life for the better (and man did I love them so much! *heart melts*)
*I loved that we got to see more of the HORNET men's POVs. It was something I asked for in 'Seal of Honor' (book 1) and thank you Tonya for including them here. I love these guys and getting to know bits of them throughout this book only made me love them more. I cannot wait for their books (especially Quinn's, now that I've listened to his book's teaser).
*I loved that the guys are so much closer, although I do wish there could've been more chapters with just them hanging out or bothering each other. It was one of my favorite moments of SOH.
Also, I wish there could've been more of Gabe and Audrey than just a phone call or the cute moment before Gabe and the team are sent to battle.
OVERALL:
'Honor Reclaimed' was a winning sequel to SOH and a great addition to the HORNET series. It does have suspense but it was not filled with much tension as I remember SOH was. The problem was also resolved faster and easier, but I didn't mind it because I think HR is more about Seth's struggles than the mission.
One thing I do find troubling with the book is that it didn't feel as a stand alone and if you haven't read book 1, you might be confused with who is who. I had to go into Tonya's blog to read each character's biography which you can do too, but I do encourage you to start with SOH before HR. Tonya Burrows, her characters and stories don't disappoint.
You get action, suspense, hot and troubled men, friendship, camaraderie, love and sexy times. What more could you ask for?
(That these men were real and you could have one? I know, I know. I feel the same)
HORNET series
1. Seal of Honor (Gabe Bristow & Audrey Van Amee)
2. Honor Reclaimed (Seth Harlan & Phoebe Leighton)
May 27, 2014
My Review:
Oh my wow...this book was so good. I wasn't sure where it was going to go when the first scene didn't even have the main characters in it...but I worried for nothing because this book was amazing!
Seth...I challenge anyone to read this book and not feel for what Seth has gone through. Horrific doesn't even begin to cover it and he's so alone. I, like Phoebe, just wanted to hold and comfort him and definitely fell in love with his character. His struggles to simply move throughout his life every day are front and center in this book. He's working (or trying to, anyway) at a new job as a military contractor. The guys don't trust him. I thought that was an interesting twist to the story. Normally, in these military books, the brotherhood in arms are the strongest thing in the story. Not this one where none of these guys really stands beside Seth at all. They all fully believe that he's a danger to them and the mission. The circumstances of their jobs are constantly messing with his PTSD. It's painful to read. After being tortured and held captive for 15 months, he has so much self-doubt. He honestly doesn't think that he will ever be or function as a sane individual again.
But when he meets Phoebe, something about her calms him...which he so needs, because they meet when he's back in Afghanistan again. Just the sights, smells, and sounds of the country are constantly sending him into flashback mode. And that made their story that much harder to read because as a reader, I knew that it was all about to implode when he found out who she really was. That was my one tiny little beef with this story...Phoebe's past with her tabloid photography. The explanation just didn't seem quite right or enough especially when confronted with it all by Seth. I thought there just needed to be a little more to that story than the brush-off it basically received in the end. BUT that didn't affect how much I enjoyed the book at all. It was still an absolutely great read.
This is my first HORNET book, although I do own a print copy of the first book, it's still sitting in my print TBR. The HORNET group is a new team and they definitely haven't gelled yet. None of these guys appear to be without their war-wounds. Some are just more mental than others. I'm already so fascinated with several of the characters. I can't wait to read more of their stories and watching them come together more and more as a team. The characters that have already been developed are amazing and fascinating. I can't wait...
Oh my wow...this book was so good. I wasn't sure where it was going to go when the first scene didn't even have the main characters in it...but I worried for nothing because this book was amazing!
Seth...I challenge anyone to read this book and not feel for what Seth has gone through. Horrific doesn't even begin to cover it and he's so alone. I, like Phoebe, just wanted to hold and comfort him and definitely fell in love with his character. His struggles to simply move throughout his life every day are front and center in this book. He's working (or trying to, anyway) at a new job as a military contractor. The guys don't trust him. I thought that was an interesting twist to the story. Normally, in these military books, the brotherhood in arms are the strongest thing in the story. Not this one where none of these guys really stands beside Seth at all. They all fully believe that he's a danger to them and the mission. The circumstances of their jobs are constantly messing with his PTSD. It's painful to read. After being tortured and held captive for 15 months, he has so much self-doubt. He honestly doesn't think that he will ever be or function as a sane individual again.
But when he meets Phoebe, something about her calms him...which he so needs, because they meet when he's back in Afghanistan again. Just the sights, smells, and sounds of the country are constantly sending him into flashback mode. And that made their story that much harder to read because as a reader, I knew that it was all about to implode when he found out who she really was. That was my one tiny little beef with this story...Phoebe's past with her tabloid photography. The explanation just didn't seem quite right or enough especially when confronted with it all by Seth. I thought there just needed to be a little more to that story than the brush-off it basically received in the end. BUT that didn't affect how much I enjoyed the book at all. It was still an absolutely great read.
This is my first HORNET book, although I do own a print copy of the first book, it's still sitting in my print TBR. The HORNET group is a new team and they definitely haven't gelled yet. None of these guys appear to be without their war-wounds. Some are just more mental than others. I'm already so fascinated with several of the characters. I can't wait to read more of their stories and watching them come together more and more as a team. The characters that have already been developed are amazing and fascinating. I can't wait...
June 13, 2014
Five reasons to grab a cup of coffee and curl up with Honor Reclaimed
1. You love military men and OPS teams from the banter to the dangerous missions. What a dynamic team! They are flawed, fearless and funny, but they have each other’s six. I adored going on missions with these sexy alpha males. Burrows fleshes out her characters from their training to their fears and we get it all! She made them feel authentic, and I cared for this special black ops team and want to spend more time with them.
2. You love fleshed out, flawed, heroes and want to experience the “feels” Seth Harlan, stole my heart. I cried tears for this man. I wanted to hold him and felt such pride for him. He has been through hell and back and endured the unthinkable. Burrows brought his past to life and shared his struggle with PTSD and the aftermath. She then gave us hope, and allowed him to grow and heal.
3. You love intense romances that develops during war, and high action suspense. Phoebe Leighton is a photojournalist, who ends up involved in the Hornet’s secret ops mission. She is hiding something from her past that might destroy Seth. There is no denying the attraction these two share as they fight to save a fellow solider and stop a serious threat. I loved the interaction between Seth and Phoebe. Burrows wrote some tender scenes, added some angst and a little drama to make my gut flip-flop as I searched for my happy.
4. You appreciate facts, and love when an author has researched procedure, places, traditions and customs. Burrows did an incredible job with the world building and allowing us to see and understand PTSD, oppression, war and life overseas. She brought the landscape to life and gave the story and intense tone that felt realistic.
5. Mystery, Suspense, and chocolate rock your world. The action is non-stop, and Burrows will have you biting your nails and reaching for your stash of chocolate. Your heart races as you wipe away tears and completely lose track of time. Dinner? Oops! Hello, Dominos?
Honor Reclaimed was an intense, heartfelt read, and I cannot wait to spend more time with the Hornets. Fans of Lori Foster, Maya Banks and Laura Kaye, will want to own this series.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
1. You love military men and OPS teams from the banter to the dangerous missions. What a dynamic team! They are flawed, fearless and funny, but they have each other’s six. I adored going on missions with these sexy alpha males. Burrows fleshes out her characters from their training to their fears and we get it all! She made them feel authentic, and I cared for this special black ops team and want to spend more time with them.
2. You love fleshed out, flawed, heroes and want to experience the “feels” Seth Harlan, stole my heart. I cried tears for this man. I wanted to hold him and felt such pride for him. He has been through hell and back and endured the unthinkable. Burrows brought his past to life and shared his struggle with PTSD and the aftermath. She then gave us hope, and allowed him to grow and heal.
3. You love intense romances that develops during war, and high action suspense. Phoebe Leighton is a photojournalist, who ends up involved in the Hornet’s secret ops mission. She is hiding something from her past that might destroy Seth. There is no denying the attraction these two share as they fight to save a fellow solider and stop a serious threat. I loved the interaction between Seth and Phoebe. Burrows wrote some tender scenes, added some angst and a little drama to make my gut flip-flop as I searched for my happy.
4. You appreciate facts, and love when an author has researched procedure, places, traditions and customs. Burrows did an incredible job with the world building and allowing us to see and understand PTSD, oppression, war and life overseas. She brought the landscape to life and gave the story and intense tone that felt realistic.
5. Mystery, Suspense, and chocolate rock your world. The action is non-stop, and Burrows will have you biting your nails and reaching for your stash of chocolate. Your heart races as you wipe away tears and completely lose track of time. Dinner? Oops! Hello, Dominos?
Honor Reclaimed was an intense, heartfelt read, and I cannot wait to spend more time with the Hornets. Fans of Lori Foster, Maya Banks and Laura Kaye, will want to own this series.
Copy received from publisher in exchange for unbiased review that originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer
May 30, 2014
"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars."
I was lucky enough to get to read this great story before it's release and I'm freaking out over here...I LOVED it so much.
This is book 2 in the HORNET series, and it can be considered a stand alone, but I wouldn't recommend it to be read out of order - you NEED to read Seal of Honor first to get a better understanding of all the characters - believe me it's totally worth it.
This is Seth Harlan 's story, a PTSD victim, a former marine sniper and a war prisoner survivor, who currently is just an empty shell of his former self - while before his 15 month captivity, he was a funny, 'good looking jock', with a beautiful fiancee, now he's a paranoid, 'hard around the edges' man, with no friends, who barely survives day by day.
Seth has to go back on another mission in Afghanistan ( this time as a paid mercenary with HORNET),and there he meets Phoebe Leighton , a photographer who's there on a mission to atone for her own 'sins' - she's one of the journalists who made Seth's life after being rescued a living hell.
The attraction between the two is visible right from the start, and the impact Phoebe's presence has on Seth's behavior is welcomed by everyone around them, but more importantly by Seth himself:
"He felt alive and whole when he was with her and he wouldn't give her up.She was his CONNECTION to HUMANITY, to LIFE. The GOOD to soothe the DECAYED pieces of his SOUL."
Apart from Seth and Phoebe's POVs, we get some insight into the other team members' lives ( we get to see more of Gabe and Audrey, Quinn, and Harvard)and I LOVED that. I'm excited to get to read more about these heroes, each with their own set of problems, who through love might just find their salvation.
If you love suspense romance stories with a 'real' feel, then I totally recommend the HORNET series!!!
I was lucky enough to get to read this great story before it's release and I'm freaking out over here...I LOVED it so much.
This is book 2 in the HORNET series, and it can be considered a stand alone, but I wouldn't recommend it to be read out of order - you NEED to read Seal of Honor first to get a better understanding of all the characters - believe me it's totally worth it.
This is Seth Harlan 's story, a PTSD victim, a former marine sniper and a war prisoner survivor, who currently is just an empty shell of his former self - while before his 15 month captivity, he was a funny, 'good looking jock', with a beautiful fiancee, now he's a paranoid, 'hard around the edges' man, with no friends, who barely survives day by day.
Seth has to go back on another mission in Afghanistan ( this time as a paid mercenary with HORNET),and there he meets Phoebe Leighton , a photographer who's there on a mission to atone for her own 'sins' - she's one of the journalists who made Seth's life after being rescued a living hell.
The attraction between the two is visible right from the start, and the impact Phoebe's presence has on Seth's behavior is welcomed by everyone around them, but more importantly by Seth himself:
"He felt alive and whole when he was with her and he wouldn't give her up.She was his CONNECTION to HUMANITY, to LIFE. The GOOD to soothe the DECAYED pieces of his SOUL."
Apart from Seth and Phoebe's POVs, we get some insight into the other team members' lives ( we get to see more of Gabe and Audrey, Quinn, and Harvard)and I LOVED that. I'm excited to get to read more about these heroes, each with their own set of problems, who through love might just find their salvation.
If you love suspense romance stories with a 'real' feel, then I totally recommend the HORNET series!!!
June 1, 2014
The Hostage, Rescue, and Negotiation Team aka Hornet team is on the move. The mission is to save a fellow soldier from captivity. Seth, a former captive of the very same camp is called upon to join the rescue and it will take all he has to complete this mission. With his PTSD coming to the surface…the question is not Will he survive? But how will he survive? I’ll tell you how; with the help of his team, Phoebe and with pure determination. Revenge my play a part as well.
The biggest trial for this team is trust. Being that they are all ex seals with “issues,” I can’t say that I blame them. Each member has a background that can jeopardize their mission or worse, their lives. But with this new task, they were able to work together and prove their worth to each other. They have plenty to work on, no doubt, but after this book, there’s certainly more I-trust-you-with-my-life outlook toward each other. It was great to see them get there. The jokes, banters and even their male drama were entertaining.
The romance was not as strong as the last book, but I actually enjoyed their romance more than Gabe and Audrey’s story. It was simple. It had a little angst but not too complicated. And sometimes, that’s what I look for.
I also just found out that this series crosses over the Wilde Security series. But I don’t think it is necessary to follow both. I certainly did not feel lost or felt that I was missing any information as I read this book. In fact I fully enjoyed Honor Reclaimed as it is though this is the second installment, I don’t think it is necessary to read book one. If you’re up to reading a quick military romance, I recommend giving this book a try.
Similar to this series that I have enjoyed are Pamela Clare’s I team series, and Laura Kaye’s Hard Ink series.
*ARC provided by publisher
April 10, 2014
I swear I was beyond excited to get an ARC of Honor Reclaimed because I've been waiting for months to read this book and my goodness I can say I wasn't disappointed for the wait. I literally couldn't put it down until I finished the very last page.
I laugh and cried while reading. Seth has always had a piece of my heart since I read about him in Wilde Nights in Paradise. This tortured soul deserved to fine happiness after all the tragedy he endured.
There was so much mystery and suspense while reading that I just couldn't put it down until I read the very last page.
Seth spent the last 2 years struggling with PTSD he has after spending 15 months in captured and tortured in Afghanistan. Yet with all that he is so strong to overcome so many of his fears over and over again by going to the one place no person should ever return to after all the horrors done to him. Phoebe is a woman who carries so much guilt for making this man's life hell during a time he was just rescued from literal hell. She is consumed by the guilt and feels the need to apologize to him because of mistakes she made before actually getting to know the man.
If you like suspense, passion, mystery, heartache, and love this is the book for you.
Tonya did it again with this book. I absolutely loved it. I loved Seth just as much as I knew I would.
Now I can't wait to read about not only the rest of the HORNET team but the Wilde brothers also. I highly recommend you read the other books before reading this one so your as invested in all the guys as I am.
I laugh and cried while reading. Seth has always had a piece of my heart since I read about him in Wilde Nights in Paradise. This tortured soul deserved to fine happiness after all the tragedy he endured.
There was so much mystery and suspense while reading that I just couldn't put it down until I read the very last page.
Seth spent the last 2 years struggling with PTSD he has after spending 15 months in captured and tortured in Afghanistan. Yet with all that he is so strong to overcome so many of his fears over and over again by going to the one place no person should ever return to after all the horrors done to him. Phoebe is a woman who carries so much guilt for making this man's life hell during a time he was just rescued from literal hell. She is consumed by the guilt and feels the need to apologize to him because of mistakes she made before actually getting to know the man.
If you like suspense, passion, mystery, heartache, and love this is the book for you.
Tonya did it again with this book. I absolutely loved it. I loved Seth just as much as I knew I would.
Now I can't wait to read about not only the rest of the HORNET team but the Wilde brothers also. I highly recommend you read the other books before reading this one so your as invested in all the guys as I am.
January 28, 2016
This is an emotionally tough book. Seth has been dealt a raw deal. Not only was he a tortured POW in Afghanistan but when he came home he was skewered in the press. Now he is trying to get some sense of normalcy working as a recruit for HORNET and dealing with his PTSD. The guys from HORNET get a case that hits home for Seth. An American black op has gone wrong and a soldier has been left captive. Seth will have to dig deep to focus on the now. Helping with that is a contact in the form of photojournalist Phoebe Leighton but she has secrets in her past too.
This book tore me up. I hurt so bad for Seth, Tehani, Zak and Quinn. Watching Seth heal made it all worth while. My only real complaint is that though I read the first HORNET book SEAL of Honor I still felt like I was missing something as Ms. Burrows refers to characters from her Wilde Security series which I have not read. It isn’t distracting enough to ruin the read but it does make me want to go back and find out what I’ve missed and who these people are and why I should care.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
This book tore me up. I hurt so bad for Seth, Tehani, Zak and Quinn. Watching Seth heal made it all worth while. My only real complaint is that though I read the first HORNET book SEAL of Honor I still felt like I was missing something as Ms. Burrows refers to characters from her Wilde Security series which I have not read. It isn’t distracting enough to ruin the read but it does make me want to go back and find out what I’ve missed and who these people are and why I should care.
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
May 18, 2014
Fantastic story about Seth Harlan from the ex-military group, Hornet. Two years later and Seth still suffers from PTSD. He was held captive and tortured for over a year in Afghanistan. Going back there on a rescue mission for a black ops soldier might be more than he can handle. Watching him go through his PTSD was heartbreaking. I wanted to gather him in my arms and hold him.
Phoebe is fantastic even though she sometimes pulls some stunts that make things harder for everyone. She is strong-willed and stubborn. When she's passionate about something, she's all in. Not only is she passionate about women's mistreatment around the world but she very passionate about helping Seth deal with his problems. In some of their more intimate moments, you almost feel like you're intruding. Those moments are so personal, private, and beautiful.
Tonya Burrows has written a wonderful story of romance, suspense, fantastic action, and real-life issues. I am definitely a fan! I can't wait to read more!
*free copy gifted for honest review
**originally reviewed for welovekink(dot)com
Phoebe is fantastic even though she sometimes pulls some stunts that make things harder for everyone. She is strong-willed and stubborn. When she's passionate about something, she's all in. Not only is she passionate about women's mistreatment around the world but she very passionate about helping Seth deal with his problems. In some of their more intimate moments, you almost feel like you're intruding. Those moments are so personal, private, and beautiful.
Tonya Burrows has written a wonderful story of romance, suspense, fantastic action, and real-life issues. I am definitely a fan! I can't wait to read more!
*free copy gifted for honest review
**originally reviewed for welovekink(dot)com
October 3, 2014
For some inexplicable reason, Seth's story resonated with me enough for me to type up a review of it here. I've not read the Wilde Security series yet but I've been told that he pops up there as a damaged guy who is badly in need of his own happy ending.
I couldn't be more thrilled to read it in Honor Reclaimed; in fact, I devoured every single line that transformed Seth's existence - and redemption - into a thing of beauty, eating up all of Ms Burrows's life-breathing descriptions of landscapes, fight scenes and characters as the hours went by.
Above all, it was a hoot to read about the antics of the Hornet team (they were still getting off their feet in Seal of Honor) and I hadn't realised just how much I've missed those yahoos until I read about Quinn, Ian, Jesse and Marcus. After Seal of Honor, I had hoped to read Quinn's story (there's also a hint that Ms. Burrows might do something with Zak Hendricks, Ian and Jesse in later books) but I'm more than contented to have Seth finally getting what he needs and deserves.
I couldn't be more thrilled to read it in Honor Reclaimed; in fact, I devoured every single line that transformed Seth's existence - and redemption - into a thing of beauty, eating up all of Ms Burrows's life-breathing descriptions of landscapes, fight scenes and characters as the hours went by.
Above all, it was a hoot to read about the antics of the Hornet team (they were still getting off their feet in Seal of Honor) and I hadn't realised just how much I've missed those yahoos until I read about Quinn, Ian, Jesse and Marcus. After Seal of Honor, I had hoped to read Quinn's story (there's also a hint that Ms. Burrows might do something with Zak Hendricks, Ian and Jesse in later books) but I'm more than contented to have Seth finally getting what he needs and deserves.
April 11, 2014
I was so happy to receive an ARC, I wanted to read about the mysterious Seth since he was mentioned in her Wilde Series...i adored this book. i read it all night, it did not disappoint!!! Great Job...
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