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A past that can’t be changed. A future as uncertain as their relationship....

Willow Foster has been a single mother for most of her young daughter’s life, ever since the girl’s father—a man Willow thought she’d be with forever—inexplicably disappeared. Now, just as mysteriously, he’s back, living in Cradle Mountain, Idaho. Blake has always been her weakness, and while she’s no longer willing to risk her heart, Willow relocates so her daughter can build a relationship with the father she barely knows.

She can only pray she doesn’t lose part of herself in the process.

Blake Cross’s life changed for the better when he learned he was having a daughter. Then, two years later, it changed for the worse when he was kidnapped and separated from his family. Finally free, his priority is his family. Blake may no longer own his wife's heart, but he still cares deeply for Willow. He can’t change their past, but he can promise a better future.

Or can he? When Willow’s life is threatened on more than one occasion, both their futures are a lot less certain, forcing Blake to risk everything to protect the mother of his child—and the woman he never stopped loving.

7 pages, Audible Audio

First published June 21, 2022

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About the author

Nyssa Kathryn

41 books878 followers
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Australian Romantic Suspense Author, Nyssa Kathryn, is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance. Living in South Australia with her hubby and daughter, when she's not spending time with the family, she's either plotting her next story or got her head stuck in a book.

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5 stars
1,717 (56%)
4 stars
921 (30%)
3 stars
334 (11%)
2 stars
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1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Profile Image for Twinkle {semi-hiatus}.
97 reviews68 followers
January 24, 2023
3.25 stars

GR reallyyyy needs to update its rating system to allow half star ratings too. My poor, overworked brain can't handle the pressure of deciding between 3 and 4 stars just because GR can't be bothered to change things that reviewers actually want, unlike the new UI of the website 👀 Seriously, who even asked for it?

I hate second chances because of the unnecessary angst, other partners during the separation (which is a personal pet peeve), and the very common stupid reason behind the breakup. So, when Blake and Willow fell in love with each other at 15 and 13 respectively, and only had eyes for each other from then on, it was like a soothing balm to this cynically romantic heart. I can't express how happy it made me that Willow was Blake's one and only.Reformed manwhores have their own appeal but a committed hero from start to finish is a class apart.

Kids are an adorable addition to any story and a personal kryptonite as far as tropes go. Mila was a really sweet kid and I liked watching her and Blake interact. They deserved all that time after losing those 2 years when Blake was missing. That cuteness, the fact that Willow was equally as protective of Blake (and actually defended him instead of just pretending to care like a lot of leads) and them being loyal to one another almost made me round this off to 4 stars.

But objectively, it isn't fair to the many books I've found worthy of 4/5 stars that I give a moderately enjoyable book that high a rating. There was a lot of repetition in Blake's monologue: How he wished he had been more present when Willow was dealing with Post partum depression, how his heart sank thinking about the 2 years Willow and Mila had survived without him. There's only so much of that I can take.

The bad guys were also very predictable, almost like the author didn't even want their identity hidden. I agree Mila was a smart kid, but it's way too convenient, even for me, that she just happens to find 3 big, badass ex-Delta guys in the middle of nowhere, having beers and just waiting to be found, to help save her mom.

Though this is supposed to be a standalone, the two previous books have Blake and Willow crumbs, nothing major but they've had some scenes that add a tiny bit of angst. I almost didn't read this but gave it a try since it was on KU. It was low on the angst, low on the suspense but still adorable with all that domestic stuff.

Honourable mention: When Willow spent the entire day making an Olaf cake from scratch for Mila's birthday, only for it slip and fall (icing and all) from her hands as she fell to the floor.
The frustration and tears of despair, I felt that😩
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
2,911 reviews2,655 followers
December 30, 2024
Fear and loathing on Cradle Mountain!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💜
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: ☹️😮😋😄
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration

The Hero: Blake - when his daughter Mila was two years old and he was a Navy Seal, he was taken from a hotel room and held for over two years by Project Arma. It was a government sponsored project designed to create super soldiers through DNA manipulation. He was given drugs and animal DNA to alter his own DNA and trained along with his team. He and his team have heightened hearing, vision, healing abilities, they are faster and stronger than normal men. Now they are free and living in Cradle Mountain, Idaho and they own Blue Halo Security together. They still go on missions for the government, the kind of missions that normal soldiers can’t and won’t take on.

The heroine: Willow - she is married to Blake, and she had been suffering from severe post-partum depression when Blake disappeared. She got help and now is a great mother to their daughter, she is also attending college to become a teacher. She is in her last year of college. Since Blake was freed and returned, she has been resistant to get back together with him because things were not great in their marriage to begin with, since he had been gone so much, and she had undiagnosed depression. Though they have been co-parenting Mila.

The Story: Blake and Willow had been together since they first met when she was thirteen and he was fifteen. Blake knows there is nobody else for him but her and wants nothing more than to get back together. Willow loves Blake but is afraid more than anything. I usually don’t like second chance romances, and this one wasn’t my favorite in the series so far, but it wasn’t bad. The storylines were good and there was a failed mission to get a terrorist involved as well as some crazy judgmental christian’s who think the guys aren’t natural.

This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Joe Arden and Callie Dalton. Both of these are good narrators. I love Joe Arden’s gravelly voice and Callie Dalton is very expressive and her voice is soft and feminine. Overall, I liked this book, though not quite as much as the first few. I do plan to listen to the rest of the series as well. The books in this series have some terrific narrators.

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Profile Image for Elle Golden.
Author 5 books61 followers
June 15, 2022
This story was marvelous!

I love second chance romance, and this book was so beautifully written.
Blake and Willow's love might be battered due to so many circumstances out of their control, yet it was still alive and fighting for a chance to blossom again.

It was heartwarming and endearing how flawed they were. They both made mistakes, experienced fear and grief, and knew how important their family was and how devastating it could be to live apart. They were afraid to fall into the same unhealthy pattern, but they craved the fulfillment only their love could bring.

After living both love and despair, after making mistakes and making amends, Blake and Willow were mature enough to understand the gravity of their feelings and that love alone wasn't enough.
Nurturing a relationship, seeking help, listening to, and supporting one's partner are also mandatory to build a healthy commitment of equals.

The way Nyssa portrayed their issues was sensitive and heartbreaking all at the same time.

I also couldn't not talk about Mila. She was absolutely adorable. She was undoubtedly their daughter. There were moments you could totally see she was his daddy's girl.
Despite her tender age, she was perceptive, incredibly smart, and oh so sweet.

And to top it all, without giving any spoilers, the additions we get to see in this book left me completely crazy. There are so many great books coming our way.

So keep them coming, Mrs. Kathryn. We're ready!
Profile Image for Kami Dodson-Perry.
721 reviews24 followers
June 28, 2022
Willow and Blake have loved each other since they were teenagers. There daughter Mila is the center of their world. After Mila was born Willow ran into some emotional problems with postpartum depression. Blake was busy saving the world and not sure what to do so they have been separated for 2 years going into this this part of the series.

Willow and Blake are finding their way back to each other. Willow realizes she would rather be together than apart for fear of losing Blake.

After some crazy church goers go a little PURIFY THE BLOOD LINES and try to harm the family they run into another problem from the middle East and Blake's last mission .

Now we get some new guys introduced and maybe there will be a another spinoff series.

Blake, Willow, and Mila need the guys help to get them out of a deadly situation.

And thankfully the new guys come through for the Blue Halo team.

Rating: 4 stars
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews151 followers
June 11, 2022
✨ Blake 🧨
Blue Halo Book 3
✒️ Nyssa Kathryn
https://m.facebook.com/nyssakathrynau...
Release Date 06/17/2022
➪ re: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KCHP9Y4/...

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Willow Foster has been a single mother for most of her young daughter’s life, ever since the girl’s father—a man Willow thought she’d be with forever—inexplicably disappeared. Now, just as mysteriously, he’s back, living in Cradle Mountain, Idaho. Blake has always been her weakness, and while she’s no longer willing to risk her heart, Willow relocates so her daughter can build a relationship with the father she barely knows.

She can only pray she doesn’t lose part of herself in the process.

Blake Cross’s life changed for the better when he learned he was having a daughter. Then, two years later, it changed for the worse when he was kidnapped and separated from his family. Finally free, his priority is his child…and her mother. Blake may no longer own her heart, but he still cares deeply for Willow. He can’t change their past, but he can promise a better future.

Or can he? When Willow’s life is threatened on more than one occasion, both their futures are a lot less certain, forcing Blake to risk everything to protect the mother of his child—and the woman he never stopped loving.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Can he show her he is willing to be the shoulder she can rest on …

In the mother’s series, it was implied Blake was in a damaged relationship, the first two books let us glimpse bouts of it, two persons who struggle to reconcile what they had.
Blake followed his goal to enter the navy seals, all the while loving Willow, her unexpected pregnancy derailed everything they were only trying to construct as they did not understand at that time Willow’s mind was spiraling down.
Then Blake went missing and now they are no more who they were before.
Willow had finally to step up and fight alone, facing her problems and accepting it was more complicated than a simple problem of adjustment to parenthood.

Yet he is insistent to not give up, while Willow keeps him at arm-length, he refuses to be a shadow in his daughter’s life, nor to renounce to the woman who has always been the light of his existence. He might have been robbed of two years with them, if he can’t change the past, he can try to repair what have been broken even before his disappearance.
There is no doubt those two love one another but they have wounds that have festered when they were apart, to them to heal them and renew what was there before and give a second wind to their story.

Yet when they are targeted, can their fragile bond stands the assault…
4.5 stars

By the end of the book, I was curious about a new group of men introduced later in the story, so it was with pleasure I discovered they are to be featured in a new series coming out this summer.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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211 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2022
Wow. Blake. Where's my fan, I need to cool down. Sweet. Intense. Hot. Protective. And oh so delicious. Him with Mila is so adorable and his patience with Willow and his absolutely dedication to making things right. Phew. Mila is so smart, and adorable and the real hero in this story if we're honest. Such a good story, so many who, what and Where's. Nyssa can do no wrong. Plus we got to meet new group of heros, very exciting. And added treat, look into Flynn's hinted forever girl was so intriguing and she has such an ammmaazzziinnng name (aka mine), so cannot wait for that.
1,887 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2022
This is Blake and Willow's story. They are giving it another go and Mila is loving it. Poor Willow can't catch a break and Jackson saves the day. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,022 reviews23 followers
June 17, 2022
We finally get Willow and Blake’s story!!

Project Arma was the final straw that broke there marriage apart. He was gone for two years and by the time he got back for her it was over.

Willow is to afraid to try again even though she still loves him. He wasn’t there when she needed him.

The dream of Blake. Of his hands against her skin. His mouth moving against her lips. “Mama! Wake…up!” Argh. Okay, the little sleep thief officially cut her dream short.

Blake is going to win her back. Failure is not a option. For now they co parent daughter and live apart.

“Kissing you is like fire and ice fusing inside me.”

This was the best in this series so far. Between the emotional connection and heartbreak of the couple. There adorable 5 year old daughter. The whacked out crazy and evil bad guys. This story had me on edge. The beautiful second chance love story brought tears to my eyes.

We also meet a whole new set of soldiers that I’m already in love with.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
June 18, 2022
I loved Blake and Willow and everything about there story!!! When Blake resurfaces and everything he went through gets brought to air he realizes even though what he endured was horrible but Willow went through her own struggle with their child. Absolutely loved it!!
Profile Image for Abbey (abbs).
152 reviews3 followers
July 30, 2023
I’m not usually one for a 3rd person POV book but the way that Nyssa Kathryn this and the audiobook was performed by Joe Arden and Callie Dalton, it kept my interest and I had to know what happened!

I’m all for a second chance romance! I love Blake, Willow and Mila’s story and the ending kept me on the edge of my seat! Now I need to go read/listen to the rest of the Project Arma series
Profile Image for Denise H.
1,047 reviews55 followers
June 3, 2022
I have thoroughly enjoyed every book I’ve read of Nyssa’s, but this book surpasses them all (in my opinion). Blake is the best yet! This book touches on postpartum depression, which Willow suffered from – unbeknownst to either her or Blake in the beginning and highlights her heartbreaking struggles while Blake was missing due to Project Arma, as well as Blake's determination to win back his family.

Willow was amazing, trying to understand what was going on with herself, find help, and take care of her newborn baby, while trying to keep her head above water while Blake was on missions with his SEAL team, then later missing. Her entire world crashed around her and she fought hard to recover and rebuild her life and take care of their daughter. However, her feelings never changed for her husband, Blake was entwined with her soul and nothing would stop her love for him. When Blake resurfaces two years later and the truth of his kidnapping and alterations are exposed, it creates a whole new set of hurdles for the estranged couple. She thought she’d moved on, hardened her heart. She and Mila moved to Blake’s town so her daughter could know her father, but Willow made it clear there would be no second chance for the two of them…even though she’s yet to sign the papers and even though her heart has yet to get on board with her plan.

Blake had his own regrets about his and Willow’s rocky past. From meeting her when they were fifteen and thirteen, he fell hard, knew she would be the one. Fast forward a few years to a young couple deeply in love, married with an unplanned pregnancy, and Blake’s acceptance on a SEAL team. He was gone a lot, on mission after mission and though he loved Willow deeply was unable to help her the way she needed. Between lack of communication, understanding, love of what he did, and loyalty to his team the cards seemed to be stacked against them. Then he was taken for two long years and his world ended, but his love for Willow and Mila and determination to get back to his family kept him going. When Project Arma was destroyed and he finally was free, he was not going to waste the opportunity to win Willow back, get to know his daughter, and be a family again. Nothing and no one was going to stand in his way this time around, and he’d do whatever it took to get Willow to forgive him and to understand he was back for good. This time he was not letting go, no matter what.

This book tugs on the emotions. From sadness, longing, regret, hopelessness, and desperation, to hope, faith, encouragement, happiness, trust, and love. Nyssa’s writing pulls the reader into the story and it feels like you’re experiencing it all right alongside these amazing characters. Along with a couple of unexpected twists, a shocking betrayal, and more than one close call for this couple, this book was impossible to put down. It was non-stop danger and excitement from start to finish. We also get an introduction to new friends/allies who help Blake and his team and I can’t wait to learn more about them.
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,277 reviews31 followers
June 17, 2022
An amazing third book in the Blue Halo series!!

Annnnnnnd, with the intensity of this third book, Author Nyssa Kathryn has equalled the impact of her earlier Project ARMA series books.

I love Military and second-chance romances and in BLAKE, Author Nyssa Kathryn has put together a book that I was most certainly looking forward to. While each of these books can be read as stand-a-lones, if you’ve read the first two books you’ll know that this Blue Halo series is about a group of super-soldiers who were kidnapped, drugged, then rescued in her earlier Project ARMA series.

Blake was one of those soldiers. Missing for two years, his wife Willow had grieved the loss of her husband and father of her daughter, dealt with her own personal crisis alone, and learned to live without him, so when he returned out of the blue, no way was she risking her heart and family life again. Through no fault of their own, their marriage had floundered and their lives torn apart. My heart was broken for them both 💔

Mila, their vivacious four year old daughter was marvellously co-parented by both Willow and Blake, and the poignant yet intense chemistry between them was beautifully written by Ms Kathryn. This is what makes a second-chance romance stand out for me. The heartbreak and longing between them both, and Willow’s abject fear of being abandoned once again by the love of her life was palpable. These two had been high school sweethearts, and it shone through.

I loved Blake, a survivor of the Project ARMA experiment enforced upon him and isolating him from his family. Like all of the other men, he was gorgeously hot, super muscled and passionately alpha. I’d climb him like a tree if given half the chance! Since coming home, everything he did was about proving to Willow, and to his daughter that he was someone who could, and would be there for them.
On Willow’s side, however, what remained to the forefront of her head and heart were memories and feelings of when he’d left to go on that mission when she’d needed him most.

Whoa, this was an amazing read, and very much more in vein of Ms Kathryn’s earlier books. Full on action, feelings and romance. This is my favourite read in the Blue Halo series so far and deserves every one of it’s 5-Stars 🖤💙✦
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,688 reviews48 followers
May 16, 2024
Blake is the third book in the Blue Halo Series.

For two years, Blake and the rest of his Blue Halo colleagues were kidnapped and injected with drugs that altered their DNA. They were held in a prison-like location and threatened that harm would come to their family members if they tried to escape. Although they had obviously gone rogue, their captures were still members of the government so the men knew they would follow through on their threats. The guys from the Project Arma series are the ones who finally found them and helped them escape.

Willow knows this. She knows Blake had been taken and that’s the reason for his disappearance. So I was a bit annoyed that it took her so long to finally realize that Blake loved her and deserved the second chance he basically begged for. Yes, they has issues for about a year before he was taken and after their daughter was born. I realize Willow had postpartum depression and didn’t recognize it until after he was taken and she finally sought treatment. However it takes Willow talking to the other women, mainly Grace, to realize that Blake has changed. That he was also having issues being a new dad, a new Seal and he was under pressure too before he left, so he would not repeat that pattern the second time around. Willow was all about Willow so it took me a little bit of time to like the woman.

Blake is great! He loves Willow and he loves his daughter and he wants his family back. He’s patient, he’s understanding and he gives Willow the space she asks for. He's an excellent dad and everything he did showed how much they meant to him. I do give Willow credit though. When others started talking about Blake, she was quick to clap back and take up for him.

Mila is adorable. You have to stretch your imagination to believe a rescue scene, but this book is fiction with enhanced super men so you already know anything can happen. Wonder if the secondary Delta Force characters will get a book??

Overall, I’ve enjoyed this series (and the Project Arma as well). I like the escape these stories provide and plan on continuing with the series.
Profile Image for Onceupona.spine.
456 reviews14 followers
June 19, 2022
Action Packed Romance

|| 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖 📝    
    
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Blake 
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Nyssa Kathryn  
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense Romance    
    
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:    
I've come to the conclusion that this author is incapable of writing a bad book. 

I knew going in that Blake and Willows books was going to bring all the emotions but 𝘔𝘠 𝘎𝘖𝘋!!!   

Blake is a perfect candidate for book boyfriend of the year. 
He's protective, a little possessive (𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵!) And beyond passionate But most of all the love this man has for his family and the lengths he'll go to protect them was just beautiful. 

Willow is probably the strongest female character I've read in a long time. The author absolutely blew me away creating this amazing woman and the struggles she faced were written with care, compassion and the upmost respect for the delicate subjects contained in this story. She is a character you fall in love with, root for and find yourself proud of even though she's a fictional character.  

Now to possibly my favourite character of all. 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐀!  
Kids are always a little hit and miss for me. Sometimes they annoy me in stories and being a mother of 4 I often find them unrealistic in romance stories. But not Mila. . . She is 𝘈𝘞𝘌𝘚𝘖𝘔𝘌!!!  
If I could guarantee baby number 5 turned out like this cheeky little lady I'd totally jump on my husband. 

All in all the author did an incredible job (𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨).  
The storyline was adrenaline fueled, exciting and had me guessing where it would go next and the chemistry and passion between the characters was incredible, swoon worthy magic. 

𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐎𝐟:   
• Contemporary Romance  
• Action Packed Love Stories  
• Suspense Romance  
• Steamy Reads  
• Second Chance Romance  
• Emotional Reads  
    
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:     
𝘌𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘖𝘧 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️   
𝘘𝘶���𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘖𝘧 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
𝘗𝘭𝘰𝘵: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️  
𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
...................................................................................    
𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
   
Profile Image for Elise Larson.
Author 8 books55 followers
December 21, 2023
Blake is the first book I've read by this author, and I'm hooked! I devoured this exciting, emotional page-turner in just a few hours, and I'll definitely be reading other books in the Blue Halo series.

I loved everything about Blake Cross, a former Navy SEAL whose team was kidnapped and held hostage in a compound for two years. Now he and his teammates are part of Blue Halo, a private security firm. Blake will do anything to protect those in danger--especially his wife and their little girl.

Blake's estranged wife (Willow) can't forgive him for leaving on a SEAL mission when she was suffering from severe post-partum depression and needed his support. As someone who's also struggled with PPD, I could empathize with her pain. But it was hardly Blake's fault that he was held hostage for two years. And I couldn't understand Willow's stubborn refusal to trust that Blake will never leave her alone again.

Blake and Willow are co-parenting Mila, their precocious five-year-old daughter, who spends three nights a week with her dad and the rest with her mom in a small town in Idaho. This smart, resourceful little girl becomes a real hero in this story, using skills she learned from her father.

Our main villain is Saleh Ahmad, a Saudi Arabian terrorist who's on the FBI's Most Wanted list for planning attacks on U.S. soil. He escapes from a mission led by Blue Halo Security and seeks revenge against those who dared to attack him. This guy will stop at nothing to achieve his nefarious goals. And he's not the only villain in this story, as a crazy group of religious fanatics decide to "save" Mila from her parents.

It's a gripping tale, filled with plenty of danger and suspense. Above all, it's the story of a powerful love between a man and a woman who finally realize they are meant to be together forever. (And their sex scenes are hot!) Blake easily earns five glowing stars from me.
Profile Image for T Nelson.
1,879 reviews27 followers
August 22, 2023
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Blue Halo Book 3
*over 18 readers only*

3rd person PoV, Sci-fi Romance

Trigger warning
Kidnapping
Torture
DNA altering drugs
Murder
Postpartum depression
Depression
Attempted murder

Blake is one of the 8 men who make up Blue Halo Security. A company run by men who had been captured and held, drugged and trained as super soldiers. He had Willow and a baby girl back home, and now he is working toward regaining Willow's trust. Willow is working hard to support their daughter while going to school to become a teacher. She shares custody with Blake, but she refuses to let him support them. It's only one of their issues. The fact that he still works a dangerous job is another. But her study group may be an issue, as well, if they can't keep their opinions about Blake to themselves. Will it be his job that brings danger to them? Or is there another force out there with bad intentions for her?

I'm typically not a fan of second chance marriage stories, but this one was different. It wasn't one partner consciously leaving the other, he had been kidnapped.
The study group with religion was starting to feel cult-like around the 52% mark. Something was really off about Rob, too. Mila was about one of the cutest child characters I've read lately. The frank discussion about PPD should be written about in more books. It's a very hard thing to go through, especially with no help. Not everyone gets a good therapist. These books are more about the drama and the building or fixing of the relationship, and not so much about the sex. There is sex in the book, but it's not a focal point.


Men of Project Arma (not in order of books)
Logan
Jason
Blake
Flynn
Aidan
Callum
Tyler
Liam
1,061 reviews
September 29, 2023
Swoon……..

Oh my actual goodness, I actually wish I could forget about this book so I can read it again for the first time.

Blake is just “sigh” I love his devotion to not only Mila, who he adores with such a full heart, but to Willow who despite all their challenges and her reluctance he refuses to give up on. This determination was performed to perfection by the unmatched Joe Arden, who just brought the angst to life!
His acceptance of his part in what went wrong, long before Arma were involved, shows such emotional maturity. I really liked how their relationship wasn’t all flowers and hearts. Their story, even though it was one that was so clearly full of love, had emotional trauma which they didn’t navigate well and this left scars that each acknowledged but didn’t really know how to heal, despite having such deep love for each other.
Blake’s confidence that they were meant only for each other and that they could make it through, only to face Willows (understandable) mistrust was such an honest read.

I loved how PPD was discussed openly and honestly and not sugar coated, with each party acknowledging their mistakes and how they needed to be better in the future. Willow was performed wonderfully by Callie Dalton, who really gave an fab portrayal of a woman scared to take what she wants. All this is without the suspense, drama and tension of Blake’s recent past actions coming back to haunt him and his family. I think this is my favourite book so far of this series and I HIGHLY recommend it. But can I just say…JACKSON!!!!! Wow, where did HE come from *shock* I’m loving this little segue into a new series ( I saw what you did there Ms Kathryn! Subtle you are not 🤣) and am as excited for this as I am for Mr Flynn “someone should wife me” Talbot
2,288 reviews18 followers
June 17, 2022
Holy smokes!!! This read gives you all the feels along with not just one surprise but two that keeps the suspense right up there. Blake and Willow, a couple since high school who are going through a rough patch but their love never died. Then there’s Mila, their young daughter, mature beyond her five years and a beautiful addition to this family.
We have read about these three and have gotten a glimpse in their family and now we get the full story, how they met, fell in love, their struggles, what drove them apart and Blake not giving up on Willow and becoming the father he was meant to be to Mila. This story will pull at your heartstrings and address an issue that many mothers go through…grab those tissues as it will be needed to get through this read.
This author once again proves why they are a one click in romantic suspense with each read topping the previous one…which in it self is a huge feat and many many KUDOS to the author.
A read that will have you heart pounding, weeping and rejoicing, a roller coaster of a ride that I didn’t want to get off of. The story flowed beautifully without skipping a beat, descriptions that were spot on, characters that were so easily to fall in love with and the suspense…WOW WOW WOW…can’t write not enough WOW’s to give it justice…nor is 5 stars enough….a book worth reading over and over and over again!!!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Leah.
696 reviews34 followers
July 14, 2022
Blake and Willow were everything to each other. But life took turns they weren’t expecting, and it tore them apart. They were already spiraling, but then Blake was taken hostage for years and unable to get back to Willow and their daughter Mila. Once back, Willow makes sure to move with Blake so that Mila never misses another moment with her dad. I love the fact that while these two are on the outs, they still care a great deal about each other and the well-being of Mila comes first and foremost!

Willow is scared to allow Blake fully back into her life, and as you see as their story unfolds why she has hesitations, and you can understand it. Blake realizes that he messed up before with Willow and is willing to do anything to try and create a better reality this time around. He keeps showing up and allowing himself to be vulnerable to her in a way he hadn’t been before. I really enjoy their story because a lot of times with a second chance romance, you have one or both main characters try to move on, but these two never attempted to make that step. I feel as though if they had, then their reconciliation would haven’t have rang true. I am loving this spin-off series, and we actually meet another group of guys that are getting their own series. These stories can be read as standalones, but you are doing yourself a disservice by not reading them all!

PoP: 44%
Type of Series: Series of Standalones

Profile Image for Jenny Jackson.
1,241 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2022
Blake and Willow

This was the perfect second chance, romantic suspense story. There was so much going on throughout the book and it touched on a variety of subjects, postpartum depression, religious zealots, and terrorism. It had a lot of action and even introduced a new group of men.

After escaping Project Arma, Blake expected to come home to his wife and child, he didn’t expect to have to fight to prove himself to his wife. Willow had suffered in the two years Blake had been gone, but it was the two years she suffered before he left that had her holding herself back from the man she loved. Her fear almost cost her the only man she’d ever love, but when she realized Blake was different now, not just physically but emotionally, she knew she had to give them a chance to be a family again.

Blake and Willow got caught up with a group of religious zealots who wanted to rid the earth of the DNA altered super soldiers and just when they were feeling safe, they realized there was another threat. Blake has to fight to save his family after he just got them back.

Mila is awesome. Her relationship with Blake is precious and he’s done more that keep her safe and happy, he’s taught her valuable skills to save herself if the worst should happen.

I loved this book. I loved how strong Blake, Willow and Mila were. I loved that even when they weren’t together, Willow and Blake loved each other. The romance was spot on and the suspense and action was fantastic.
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,164 reviews69 followers
June 4, 2022
Is it really a second chance when neither of them have moved on? When the papers were never filed? When the love is still right there, sitting next to fear in one heart and longing in the other? Or is it just a love that was put on hold for a while so Blake and Willow could sort some things out?

This series has been fabulous so far, and this story is no exception. Blake and Willow have a lot to work through, but Blake is fine with putting in the time and effort. He’s not fine with letting any more days or weeks pass without Willow understanding just how much he still loves her. So whenever he has a chance to step in and make Willow’s life less stressful, he does it. And he proves that he’s not going anywhere this time. This time, they communicate. This time, they get it right. This time, maybe it’ll be different. As long as they both survive the danger neither of them expected.

I was on the edge of my seat for much of this book. Someone hates Blake and his crew. Someone wants Willow and Mila out of the picture, or maybe it’s Blake they want gone. Either way, when everything comes to a head, it all blows up in a big way and brings us a few new faces that I can’t wait to see more of in the future. And now I also can’t wait to see how Flynn’s story works out. Where shall I head next? I guess wherever this author takes me!
Profile Image for Eylin.
64 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2022
Beautiful love story!!! Blake and Willow have the kind of love that last forever. They had been in love and together since they were practically kids. Two people destined to be always in love even when their marriage was not perfect.

This was an amazing story of two imperfect people that loved each other but made mistakes. They both had issues. At the beginning, everything was perfect on their relationship, but once Willow had their daughter, she dealt with Post Partum Depression for two years, which is a subject that unfortunately, no many people talk about, afraid of being judged as a mom. Blake being busy and prioritizing his duty to his country missed the signs and did not truly paid attention to her needs. Trapped between his love for his wife and daughter against his duty to his country.

Both of them had regrets, knew they could have done things better. Willow had to learn to trust Blake again. Have trust that this time he was going to make her his priority.

Even though they were separated (not divorced), there was not one else for them. I loved how Blake owned his mistakes and never gave up. His wife and daughter were everything to him even if she did not want to give him another chance.

Their daughter was probably my favorite character. She was so smart and saved the day.

I recommend this book. Don't miss it.
324 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2022
Blake is the only married man abducted by Project ARMA and held in captivity for 2 years. He left behind his 2-year-old daughter Mila and wife Willow who is struggling with a lot of health issues. This story discusses migraine and postpartum depression, the physical and mental illness that can disable a person and destroy family relationship. When Blake got out of Project ARMA, Willow insists that they stay separated. She wants Blake in Mila’s life, but keeps up a wall around her own heart. She still loves Blake, but he has let her down in her darkest days. Blake’s love for Willow has never wavered. His captivity just makes him more determined to get his family back. Anyone can see how he loves his wife and daughter. When Willow finally caves in to her love for Blake, they are under attack. There are narrow minded people in the community, who use God’s name to attack people they can’t accept. Blake’s latest failed mission catches up with him. Willow and Mila are in the cross fire. Luckily Blake’s team and their ladies are there to support them. It also ushers in the former Delta force men who help to stop the terrorist attack and save Willow. They will have their own series. Mila is so cute and smart. She catches my heart. The story is packed with emotional struggle and actions. Even though I know they will prevail, I can’t put it down until the end. Great story!
Profile Image for Patty.
5,075 reviews54 followers
September 5, 2023
Blake
Blue Halo, Book 3
By: Nyssa Kathryn
Narrated by: Joe Arden, Callie Dalton

Blake and Willow! There have been hints and sightings of these two in the other books, but they are just parenting Milah, their daughter together. Married at a young age, these two have loved each other forever, but with Blake's missions and Willow home alone, she no longer wanted to deal with it. At that time, there was more going on than was said, and their relationship dwindled. But now things are getting back on track. Slowly but surely, they are rebuilding, just in time for danger to come for Willow and Milah. Will Blake be able to keep them safe? Talk about escaping into a story! I was completely enveloped into this plot, Meeting Jackson is a huge plus and I can't wait to know more about him. The resiliency of Milah is beyond measure and the way this team pulls together is incredible. I am forever a fan of Nyssa Kathryn!

Then, Kathryn has Joe Arden and Callie Dalton reading me this book! How can it get better? This team is beyond compare. Arden is phenomenal as Blake. Very alpha, yet holds his feelings just close enough for me to feel them. Dalton shows a strength in Milah and Willow that is amazing. The suspense is high and the emotions too and these two made it real. Get this series!!
Profile Image for CourtneyS.
637 reviews35 followers
June 5, 2022
New book boyfriend.... Blake.

~He’d always been hers. Two souls meant to find each other. Never to forget~

Oh my, hello!!!! We have a new hero in town who is totally swoon worthy!!! Blake is a fantastic character his patients, determination, and devotion he has for Willow is ah inspiring and sweet as candy!! I loved, loved, loved Blake. He is pretty much the whole package deal! Willow, geez that girl is one tough cookie, I love how her and Blake's relationship is friendly. Obviously still love there!! Duh! She knows how good of a person Blake is, protects him and even though she has the push pull feelings with Blake she sets them aside and they co parent together.
I do enjoy when couples are already familiar with each other. 2nd chance love stories always have that special uniqueness to them.  The characters realize what they had and lost, they learn from their past, the glances and longing the characters share make them magnetic to one another. And let's talk about Mila!! That little girl is adorable!!! 
Seriously this entire story was great!!  I just loved it!! I can't stress this enough, if you have not read a Nyssa Kathryn novel, please do yourself a favor and start reading her books.
Profile Image for Jennifer Davis.
427 reviews14 followers
June 7, 2022
Holy cheese on crackers!!! This book is a whirlwind in all the good ways! Just when I think Ms. Kathryn can't top her previous leading men she goes and gives us Blake!! I mean, ladies...Blake is ALL the good things about a leading man! And Willow is such a wonderful balance of strength and vulnerability that made her absolutely perfect for Blake. I love that even though we had already gotten snippets of their story in the previous books, we get the whole back story and history in this one. And to see how both our Hero and heroine grew emotionally, and mentally in their struggles was such an amazing aspect of this story. There is nothing more attractive than a growly, protective, strong, alpha male recognizing where he failed in the past, and willing to do everything he can to be better for the future. And then our leading lady showing her willingness to overcome her fears and take a leap of faith. Just perfection in my humble opinion.
And the action and story...so much excitement and suspense. It literally kept me with my jaw hanging open, and a permanent, "What?!" expression on my face. And the introduction of some new characters had me squealing like a teenager! This series just keeps getting better and better, and I cannot wait for Flynn!
Profile Image for Lisa.
374 reviews7 followers
June 10, 2022
Blake is a former Navy SEAL. He and his teammates had been kidnapped and held hostage forcing them to be a part of experiment to create the perfect super soldier with enhanced abilities. They opened Blue Halo, an independent security company in the small town of Cradle Mountain, Idaho. When Blake was taken he was married with a two year old little girl. He left for a mission and never returned. Willow is Blake's wife. They have been together since their early teens. Before Blake left, Willow was struggling as a young mom and wife to a SEAL. She is happy to have him home and safe so he can be a father to their child. However, she is not sure she can give him her heart again. When trouble comes her way, Blake is the only one who can keep her safe.

This is the third book in the Blue Halo series and is just as good if not better, a beautiful second chances love story with lots of action and twists. An alpha protector story with an added twist. A story that grabs your attention and keeps you wanting more. I read this book in one day. I love Blake and Willow. I also enjoyed the added interest with their daughter Mila, she is precious.

I received a review copy of this book from the author. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mrs R.
1,408 reviews18 followers
June 18, 2022
I'm loving the Blue Halo series so far.
Blake and Willow are childhood sweethearts, but struggled when Mila came along. Willow suffered from PPD and Blake had recently qualified as a Seal. Neither could really see that the other needed support....then Blake was kidnapped for 2 years.
Willow is reluctant to let Blake back in as she's worried about losing him again, but he's become an everyday part of her life wit co-parenting Mila. Blake is determined to do everything he can to show he's here to stay.
I loved the storyline of this book, it was an emotional roller coaster for sure. So many things going on and intertwined, from their relationship, to the other teammates, to outside relationships and workplace headaches.
I wanted to have a stern word with Willow about pushing Blake away, but it was so sweet to watch her rediscover why they were so perfect for each other.

This next bit is personal opinion only.
So the only reason this isn't a 5 star for me, and this is the only reason, is that I'm not a fan of young children in books. They rarely act like they do in real life, and unfortunately its the same in this book. Mila is a star character and totally intricate to the story, but she was 4, and managed to do things I think some adults would struggle with.
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