Honor

First to Fight #4.5

by Nicole Blanchard

After coming home from deployment missing a leg and a lot of the man I used to be, I don’t need anyone’s pity. Especially not the beautiful woman who kisses me under the mistletoe.

Even though she’s the first good thing to happen to me in I don’t know how long, I push her away. But it’s that kiss that brings me back to life.

A year later, I’m a changed man and I won’t let her go a second time.

All I want for Christmas is her.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Military Fiction, Holiday, Second Chance, Military Romance

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2022

About the author

Nicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the TikTok-viral dark romance Toxic, a wildly addictive bestseller that has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Known for her morally gray antiheroes, off-the-charts heat, and jaw-dropping twists, Nicole’s stories drag readers deep into love’s darkest corners—where no one escapes unscarred.

When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.

You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com/...

Reviews

[Hanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this short, holiday novella a lot. It put a big smile on my face. It can be read as a standalone.

Scott has been badly hurt at war and is home now. He has no family, so his neighbors invite him for their family Christmas dinner. Faith’s family is big, loud and nice. Faith knows of Scott, but she hasn’t seen him yet. When she does see him, she does something very unexpected.

There is a strong connection between Faith and Scott from the start. They like each other and love to kiss each other. Their kisses are hot! Something keeps them apart, but Scott is determined to fight for Faith and will make her his.

-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --

[Katie]

Honor
A First to Fight Novella
by Nicole Blanchard
Publication Date: February 13, 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Holiday

Now Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks |Google Play

A gorgeous woman, a heart pounding kiss.

It should’ve been the start to my new life, but I pushed her away.

She deserved better than a wounded warrior, someone who could barely face getting up in the morning.

A year later I’ve turned my life around, made myself into a man she could be proud of. A man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

And all I want is a second chance with her.

Now Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks |Google Play

I’ll do anything to save her.

A woman I’ve never met, whose name I don’t even know, gambled her own life to protect my child. In return, she was taken by a mad man.

I’ll put my career, my security, and my life on the line to get her back, even if it means facing the truth about my own mistakes.

The only thing she can’t trust me with…is her heart.

 

Now Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks |Google Play

I thought it was just one night with my brother’s best friend.

The boy I had dreamt about since he gave me my first kiss, under the lights of the Ferris wheel.

I knew he was about to leave for a year – no chance for a future.

But our one night together would create memories for a lifetime.

Our paths crossed again, but I had lied, and he was no longer the man he once was. He was warring against demons. Against the silence that was threatening to swallow him. And I had kept a secret from him, one he would never forgive me for.

But my secret was about to be ripped open. Displayed for the world on national news. And I had only one way to repair the damage.

I had to trust the man I lied to.

The man I never got the chance to make a life with.

The only man who could save what we had created together.

Now Available: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play

I knew falling in love with him was bad for us both, but I did it anyway.

For a brief moment, we had it all. Even though he was leaving to join the Marines and I had four years of college ahead of me, he was everything I ever wanted, but didn’t think I deserved.

But real life has a way of dashing dreams—and that happy future we envisioned together? It disappeared at the hands of a monster.

Ten years have passed, and I’m not the same naïve girl who believed in happily-ever-afters. When my mother passes away and I find myself caring for my two teenage brothers, the last thing on my mind should be reconnecting with the hottie-turned-hero who I loved at seventeen.

If I want a second chance at his heart, I’ll have to trust him with the secrets that tore us apart.

Please note there is a graphic scene that may be a trigger for some.

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I thought I put my past behind me.

I lost everything when I testified against my boyfriend for the murders of five women. After the jury delivered a life sentence, I ran. I hoped if I could disappear, maybe the horror he caused would, too.

When I return to Florida for the first time after his conviction, I’m determined to face my fears and get my life back. Then, a woman is murdered and I’m the only one who believes her death features the same signature as those I’m trying so hard to forget.

Instinct tells me to run again, but local cop Logan Blackwell has never let a suspect–or a woman–get away. He’s made it his own personal mission to solve the case and he needs my help to do it.

I have no choice once we learn I’m the next target, but I’m not interested in getting close to another man, especially not a sexy former Marine who has secrets of his own.
About Nicole Blanchard


New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Nicole Blanchard lives in Mississippi with her family and their menagerie of animals. She chooses each day to chase her own fairy tale even if they contain their fair share of dragons. She is married to her best friend and owns her own business.

Nicole survives on a diet of too many books and substantial amounts of root beer and slim jims. When not reading, she’s lavishing attention on her family or inhaling every episode of The Walking Dead and The Big Bang Theory.

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[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a novella “honor” by Nicole Blanchard really has a lot to offer. The writing is incredible and even without a huge background on the character this author manages a deep enough plotline that the reader feels connected to the characters. She even goes further and manages to make this novella a story of second chances.

This could have been a 5 star read if there had just been that little tiny touch of more emotion to the characters. AND the tiny fact that I felt a little out of place reading a Christmas novel at the end of February.

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[Kathleen R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Honor
Author: Nicole Blanchard

4 unexpected stars



A beautiful story set during the Christmas holidays that will inspire even the most of the grinches in us to believe in second chances and that a person can change if they truly wish it. Nicole Blanchard’s latest release, Honor, is sure to leave you with butterflies and believing in happy endings for even the most hardened and broken people. Having met Scott in the first novel of the series, Warrior, he finally get his own story when he meets the feisty Faith. After kissing under a mistletoe and not seeing each other for months, Scott tells himself he’ll be a better man to win her heart.


4 breath taking dreams



Together these two were amazing. Even with their faults,they completed one another. Honor was a thrill to read because I got to meet back up with characters I had thoroughly enjoyed in the previous instalments. Even a short novella, there was never a shortage of everything that you look forward to in any book: action, drama, romance and sexyness. I can’t wait to read the next instalment of the series (I do hope there will be more), and see whose story will be next.

*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books

,

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

FREE today (December 14, 2020) on Amazon.

[Dani Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHORT, SWEET, AND KEPT ME WANTING MORE!

I devoured this novella! I just finished reading Savior when I dove head first into Honor, and I loved it! Scott, and Faith have such amazing chemistry and it shows right from the start! The storyline was funny, and yet deep/emotional. It kept me turning the pages, and wanting more! Now am intrigued to see if Scott's friend Ford will get his own book now! UGH I love all these men, and I recommend the whole First to Fight Series! They are all wonder stories!

**ARC RECEIVED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**

[Melissa Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love!!!!

Scott and Faith have stolen my heart! If you have read this series, we met Scott way back when in Warrior. And now Scott finally gets his story. It's short, it's sweet but it has all the feels. I laughed, I cried and I swooned so hard for Scott!! Their story is one I will hold dear and re-read again and again!! Absolutely loved it!!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/14/2020)! 🎁

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith and Scott....love at Christmas....

I love Nicole Blanchard, and I'm not afraid to say it out loud. Her First To Fight Series is the best. Each story has strong men and equally as strong women and HONOR is no exception. I devoured this one, I simply couldn't leave Scott and Faith alone. This is only ten chapters, but like all her books, it cerainly packs a punch.

Faith is home for Christmas, surrounded by all her wonderful and sometimes eccentric family. but this year there is a new face among the old familiar ones, Scott, a retired soldier who recently los his parents. Sott was previously introduced in WARRIOR and I've been dying for him to get his own story. The attraction between Scott and Faith is instant, but neither knows how to deal with the situation. A hot, steamy kiss is shared and then Faith is asked to leave. It is a heartbreaking moment and one Scott will live to regret.

Fast forward a year and another Christmas has arrived - this time Faith does not want to return home. She doesn't want to face Scott, because of his rejection of her a year ago, and because of the emotions that he arouses within her. But she does return home and to the one man that she cannot forget.

This is a wonderful sweet story of finding love in the most unexpected of places. It is also about being given that second chance at love, that you let slip away between your fingers. It may have you shedding a few tears, but it will also have you laughing at the antics of Faith's grandfather - he is a laugh - hide the eggnog!!!!! There's a beautiful moment when Scott is singing a "lullaby" to Faith's niece - it just warms your heart.

Overall, a wonderful story and an excellent addition to her First To Fight Series. Definitely worth reading more than once.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FIVE STARS

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to put you in the Christmas mood and a smile on your face. You don’t have to wait for the holidays to be wearing a smile I didn’t I got this wonderful read in Feb and smiled just about all the way through it but there are so very sad parts that just about breaks your heart. I haven’t read any of this series so the great part is you can read this as a standalone and not feel lost. It is short, sweet and to the point you can read this at one setting with no problem as the author pulls you with a delightful fun read.

I loved Scott he is a very strong character that really gets your heart beating as he pulls you in with his sexy ways. When he was hurt in the war he came home with no family he was alone for the holidays. His neighbor invites him to celebrate with them and he meets Faith there. On their first meeting the pull is strong, passion is high but things happen and they really do not know how to deal with what they feel for each other, what starts with a hot kiss leads to things not work out to well leaving Faith with a painful heart and Scott with regrets. When next year comes she doesn’t want to go home but she does as she faces the one man she can’t forget.

This is a story with meaning, pain, sorrow and second chances. The author sure knows how to pull on your heartstrings giving you a powerful read that really pulls you in. I loved the characters both are so strong but so unsure. There are some very funny moments as well as some very touching one. Your heart is so full as the author pulls you through one hoop into another making you laugh and wanting to cry. This is a story I plan to read again I really pushed through it and am sure I missed some important parts. It is so worth the read and one you will want to read more than once.
**********************

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE learnt about Scott Green in the second book in this series he was injured in the same fire fight that caused Ben's injury but is was much more severe he lost his leg and has shrapnel scars all over his body. He has finally returned to the small town he grew up in and is invited to attend the Christmas Eve festivities of a retired marine as a token of their caring. Faith who is the daughter of the family is horrified to discover that Aunt Ethel has done her usual stunt and not brought a secret santa present only problem her name that she has to buy for is Scott thinking quickly she gives him a kiss under the mistletoe as his gift. Scott is still in a bad place over the loss of his leg and is a bit of a arsehole to Faith By the time Christmas rolls around again he is in a far better place and this time he has no intention of letting Faith walk away again but will she forgive him for his past behaviour

[Lori Vandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a short and sweet book. Scott gets to tell his story. It's not easy adjusting to civilian life after being in the military. He doesn't expect to meet Faith. The daughter of his dad's good friend. Kissing under the mistletoe is not what anybody had in mind as last minute Secret Santa gift. The attraction is instant, but the timing is all off. It's sometimes hard to accept gifts that are handed to you. Especially, when you don't feel worthy of those gifts. Scott's adjustment to life after the military is not an easy one. He has many demons to overcome. Faith is his bright spot. Faith the college student that has a rather large, noisy family that lives across the street. She has her own obstacles to overcome sees Scott as a great man. It you like military romances then you will like this. It's a quick read. I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Readers Copy.

[Moon Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I received an advanced copy of this manuscript and am voluntarily leaving an honest review."
Why????? Oh why did it need to end????? I want more!!!! So much more of Faith and Scott's story!!!! Like another two books more!!!!
Kate Blanchard stuns me again with "Honor", another wonderful book in her soldier series! Full of emotions, red hot chemistry, and funny crazy family moments you won't be able to put it down or to not fall in love!!!! I read it in one go and am still floating and praying for a sequel... What can i say beside the fact that it is the kind of books that glues you to the pages, it is so well written that it will make you feel every flutter, every touch, every sensation... In brief, highly recommended to all romance lovers!!! But please be warned... that you most certainly will have a massive book hungover!!!!

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday swoons and second chances

I enjoyed Faith and Scott’s second chance holiday novella. This heartwarming romance will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the emotions. Scott is feeling unmoored, angry and unworthy after losing part of his leg, being discharged from the Marines and his parents dying in an accident. Faith is in her junior year of college when she kisses Scott at her family’s holiday party as a secret Santa mistletoe kiss. The results are fireworks but Scott stops anything more. A year later Scott is in a better place and wants a second chance with his Christmas girl but Faith plans to avoid him. Despite being short, the story was well written and included three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline that ends in a HFN. 3.5 stars.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. I love reading Nicole, but this book has got to be one of her best so far. Though a quick read, it doesn't miss one step. In her dedication she mentions why she has written Scott and Faith's story, this alone bought tears to my eyes and I think she's done a brilliant job in honouring those who have served and come home injured. She clearly shows how one must fight to find oneself after a traumatic event and that there is more than what meets the eye. You've done an awesome job Nicole. I also hope to see Ford's story in the near future as well.

[Jimnlori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Honor by Nicole Blanchard!
Scott has returned home from serving our country overseas physically, mentally and emotionally wounded. He isn't really in the celebrating mood, but his neighbors have invited him over to share in their Christmas celebration. He doesn't want special treatment or to be pitied because he didn't come home whole.
Faith is home for the holidays for Christmas break and sees something in Scott that she finds interesting, but Scott turns her down flat. She swears that she will never allow that to happen again even if it means missing the family Christmas celebration.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. I'm a sucker for a broken warrior and a holiday story only made it that much more appealing. After suffer not one but two life-shattering losses, Scott returns to his home town, bitter and angry. Invited to a neighbor's Christmas party he is blindsided by a kiss from Faith. Passion ignites but Scott pushes her away. A year later and another holiday encounter and all bets are off. I love Ms. Blanchard's characters plus a hero from an upcoming book is introduced and I already read and loved Ford. It's not all a lighthearted holiday read but it does make one remember the reason for the season.

[Cyndi Babinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the thought this author puts behind her characters and depicting them realistically. It is one thing that makes it easy to fall into the setting in this holiday short about a Marine.

Wounded in combat Scott is now an amputee struggling to learn how to live again. After he has lost everything he had ever held near and dear to him.

Storyline and plot twist is light and cute for this author. I loved it. It was also just what this main character needed.

Character development was well done as always. Scott's character grew the most during the book. Good thing too, that allowed him to chase his dreams.

[Sharon Ryder Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A surprising light hearted novel, one which comes with all the happy family Christmas traditions. A wounded lost hero is welcomed with open arms into a friends home for the season and finds love... but still un-sure of him self and the hurt he is feeling against the world find it hard to open up and enjoy the festivities... until he receives a kiss under the mistletoe. Liked the characters as well as the plot...even though it happens over several Christmas`s not just the one. I would of loved to of read more though, its too short and needs completion like a marriage and a baby on the way... in the next novel? who knows except the people who have read further series i guess..

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my fav in this series. I really enjoyed reading about Scott & Faith. Scott and Faith have more in common then they realized and one forgotten gift leads them to a kiss that neither of them expected. Scott was t ready for any type of relationship and turned Faith away but a year later he is determined to have Faith by his side. I love these characters and this series, once you start reading you can't stop. I love the interaction of all the characters and at times there are parts that will tug at your heartstrings.

I voluntarily reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful Christmas romance happens between Scott and Faith. The romance starts with Scott being the gentleman and Faith being very unhappy about it. I get why he did and now that he has gotten his head on right will Faith forgive him and give them a chance. A much too short emotional story that is very dear to my heart. I love that in this series we are introduced to vets who have suffered and adjusted (some better than others all understandable under the circumstances) being accepted for who they are.

[Bobo's Book Bank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Nicole Blanchard's 5th book in the First to Fight series but completely stands alone. This is a short and sweet little drama about an injured soldier and the woman (and family) who help him heal. It reads in about an hour or so and is "semi-clean", there's very little profanity or sex (I think just one sex scene!). Scott and Faith are so adorable together! I actually would've liked to read a longer version of their story. Told from dual POVs with a sweet ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Lise Nanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying

Ms. Blanchard gave us glimpses of Scott Green in previous books in this series, but reading his journey to HEA is a sweet and fulfilling in a truly wonderful way. Seeing this hero through the innocent eyes of a four year old girl opens both his eyes and the eyes of the young woman who is falling for him. I think I loved most the idea that these two people could communicate and not play games with each other. They were willing to be vulnerable after the first miscommunication almost ruined the burgeoning relationship. I am satisfied.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

More like real life than just an exceptionally great story

Crazy holiday family antics...check! A young woman with more heart than imaginable...check! A hot warrior who is lost due to a life changing circumstance...check! Faith and Scott bring it all in spades.
This book is a shining example of why Nicole Blanchard is a true gem in her career. Families that will make you snort laugh. And main characters that become so real that what happens in their lives puts you right in the middle and steals your heart.

[Linda Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every short story with a lot of heart

Christmas stories always warm my heart, This 1 is just so much more tender. The soldier is missing a leg but hasn't found his heart yet after his time in Afghanistan. The girl is a college student home for the holidays and I didn't know To this Christmas. He's lonely she's intrigued but It's a ship missing missing in the night. Come in here later things change I like your way the author wrote the characters, him troubled and her warm and accepting heart.

[Susanne M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pound of flesh

My brother, also a retired Marine, told me once that he gave his country a pound of flesh. This story is a hat tip to our veterans who've sacrificed so much for their service. Scott lost his leg in service and pushes the possibilities of something special away from Faith. The following Christmas, he has a second chance to make things right between him and Faith and takes it. This story could have been soooo much more with more of their story before the abrupt ending. This novela has no cheating or cliffhanger and not ends on a happy note. Enjoy 🤓

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former Marine Scott, was in a tragic attack on his last deployment. Now scarred and minus a leg, he has a lot to get through mentally. He meets Faith at his father's ex military friends house. A kiss under the mistletoe changes everything. But he doesn't feel worthy of her and doesn't want pity. So he leaves her for a yr to get his self together. Now he's back can he make it up to her. A voluntary review.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith and Scott are made for each other! Scott has issues with his self thinking Faith needs a WHOLE man. Faith believes Scott is a whole man but needs himself to believe. They enjoy each other and there is a whole lot of kissing. Honor is book 5 in this series and does not disappoint! Sweet and cute quickie! Perfect for this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kiss under the mistletoe..............will it lead to love or not?

Honor is the sixth book in the First to Fight series by Nicole Blanchard. This is the story Scott Green and Faith Thompson. Their story is well written with suspense, danger, action, twists, intrigue, family, friends, passion, romance and love. These two have an interesting journey to getting to their HEA that is a great read.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.

[Lenna Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved each one of these stories in this series including this one. Technically this is a second chance romance. Two people have been broken by different events, surviving a bombing in active service or a tragic car accident, these two will overcome a hardship and work through their troubles to be with each other.



ARC was voluntarily exchanged for a honest review