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Sons of Vigilance #4
Dereliction of the Heart
She's running from her past. He's avoiding his future.Claire Bryant hasn’t set foot in North Carolina since the day she ran from the darkness that stole her innocence and buried her dreams. Now on the verge of embracing the career she’s spent the past eight years building, she receives a telephone call that sends her racing back to her hometown with her precocious young daughter, wishing she’d come sooner and hoping she’s not too late.
Even with the family watchword of vigilance, Declan Flynn knows his career as an Air Force Pararescue Jumper carries a high likelihood that someday he won’t return home. But he begins to rethink his confirmed bachelorhood when he meets a stranded and stressed mother-daughter duo at the Charlotte airport. Ever ready to be the hero, Declan finds Claire highly resistant to his charms but in great need of a friend.
Back in Brevard, old enemies, lost love, and shadowed memories haunt Claire at every turn. As long-buried secrets come to light, her self-reliance and resilience are no longer enough to protect her family. Faced with unthinkable losses, can she trust the handsome young medic to be there when she needs him most? Can she face the life she threw away to embrace the life she’s always wanted?
Even with the family watchword of vigilance, Declan Flynn knows his career as an Air Force Pararescue Jumper carries a high likelihood that someday he won’t return home. But he begins to rethink his confirmed bachelorhood when he meets a stranded and stressed mother-daughter duo at the Charlotte airport. Ever ready to be the hero, Declan finds Claire highly resistant to his charms but in great need of a friend.
Back in Brevard, old enemies, lost love, and shadowed memories haunt Claire at every turn. As long-buried secrets come to light, her self-reliance and resilience are no longer enough to protect her family. Faced with unthinkable losses, can she trust the handsome young medic to be there when she needs him most? Can she face the life she threw away to embrace the life she’s always wanted?
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About the author
Hannah Hood Lucero
10 books98 followersHANNAH HOOD LUCERO is a wife, mom of three, Army veteran, and self-proclaimed word-slinger. While it is the brackish waters of the Mississippi Sound that flow through her veins, western North Carolina holds her heart. Her love for storytelling is the fruit of a lifetime of cultivation in the vibrant cultures of the Gulf Coast and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She currently resides in South Mississippi with her husband and three children on their ten-acre homestead. They have one dog, thirteen chickens, and at least fifty species of mosquitos, depending on the month of the year. When she isn’t in the garden, at the stove, or homeschooling, she can be found at her computer—just follow the sound of frenetic typing. Her motto is, “Draft, edit, read, repeat.”
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 7, 2024
Dereliction of the Heart is a powerful conclusion to the Sons of Vigilance series. As a standalone story, it completely engaged me, but it also tied together all of the other books perfectly with glimpses of many other characters as well as the cast from Lucero’s debut novel Cathey’s Creek Road.
Both the suspense and the romance in this book showcase Lucero at her finest. I wasn’t sure I would like Declan after seeing him as a side character in previous books, but boy, was I wrong. He really came through with sacrificial love over and over! Claire was courageous and an overcomer. Highly recommend!
Both the suspense and the romance in this book showcase Lucero at her finest. I wasn’t sure I would like Declan after seeing him as a side character in previous books, but boy, was I wrong. He really came through with sacrificial love over and over! Claire was courageous and an overcomer. Highly recommend!
March 28, 2024
Hannah Hood Lucero gets better with every book. I eagerly dived into this book and then experienced extreme disappointment for reading so fast. #readerlife But that's where the disappointment ended.
Dereliction is definitely my favorite of the Sons of Vigilance series and Declan is now my favorite Flynn. I loved this book from the meeting of Declan and Claire until the very end. The thing about Ms. Lucero's writing is that she deals with tough subjects but shines the light of Jesus so that the book is not heavy but hooks you from page one until the end.
I can't wait to see what books she comes up with in the future.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher but my review was not required nor influenced. I happily wrote a review because the book is that good.
Dereliction is definitely my favorite of the Sons of Vigilance series and Declan is now my favorite Flynn. I loved this book from the meeting of Declan and Claire until the very end. The thing about Ms. Lucero's writing is that she deals with tough subjects but shines the light of Jesus so that the book is not heavy but hooks you from page one until the end.
I can't wait to see what books she comes up with in the future.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher but my review was not required nor influenced. I happily wrote a review because the book is that good.
January 22, 2025
I received a ARC copy of this book. What an epic ending to an amazing series. I loved how Claire and Declan found each other and work through their struggles together. Phoenix will steal your heart and make you laugh. She’s such an awesome little character. I highly recommend this book. Hannah always writes such amazing books with deep insight
June 16, 2024
What a wonderful story to end the series! I think this was my favorite one of the four, and they were all excellent reads. After being the obnoxious flirt in previous books, it was great to see Declan really step up to protect and love Claire and her daughter. I also loved all the tie-ins to Cathey’s Creek Road and Already in the Kudzu. So fun to see many familiar faces return.
April 7, 2024
Dereliction of the Heart is the last book of the Sons of Vigilance series—and wow, what an epic conclusion!! Declan has always been my favorite Flynn, so it's been a real treat finally getting to read his story.
As per usual with Lucero's books, I was hooked from the start and found myself rooting for the characters till the end. I loved the way Declan worked his way past Claire's tough façade with his charm, yet was so attentive and protective when the demons of her past came knocking. And oh, wise little Phoenix stole my heart completely. What a ray of sunshine.
Dereliction is a beautiful story about unexpected love, grief and loss, and finding redemption and healing in Jesus. I can't recommend this book (and the entire series) enough!!
As per usual with Lucero's books, I was hooked from the start and found myself rooting for the characters till the end. I loved the way Declan worked his way past Claire's tough façade with his charm, yet was so attentive and protective when the demons of her past came knocking. And oh, wise little Phoenix stole my heart completely. What a ray of sunshine.
Dereliction is a beautiful story about unexpected love, grief and loss, and finding redemption and healing in Jesus. I can't recommend this book (and the entire series) enough!!
May 7, 2024
"You wouldn't want to be derelict in your duty, would you?" She snickered, and his eyes glinted in the sunlight that filtered through the trees.
"You play dirty, Claire. You'll make a great lawyer."
Claire left town abruptly, feeling like she has no choice due to circumstances out of her control. She never planned on coming back. But when her mom needs her, she drops everything and heads back to North Carolina. Little does she know that the past is going to catch up to her in an intense and unexpected way.
Declan has only a little bit of a break before he is required to return to the field. As an active-duty soldier, he barely has time for his family, much less relationships. But then he meets Phee, and her mother, Claire. He cannot help to be drawn to them, and he can't abandon them either when they clearly need his help.
How Claire and Declan meet is unexpected. How they almost repel and definitely attract each other is enjoyable. But Phee might be the star of the show with comments and actions that show wisdom beyond her young age. All of the side characters are equally as enjoyable or infuriating as there are definitely some rotten ones that impact the story.
This novel is part suspense, part military, part romance with lots of faith and family thrown in for good measure. Claire isn't so sure about God, and the process she follows to find faith again is not exactly easy. Redemption and forgiveness and fresh starts are woven into the fabric of the beautiful book.
I highly recommend reading the other "Sons of Vigilance" books to fully connect with the characters in this title as well as the author's first book, Cathey's Creek. The Flinn Family is first rate. I think this book provides the perfect ending to a wonderful series. Although I certainly would not be disappointed if the author figured out a way to write more books ...
I loved this book and would give it ten stars if I could. I did read an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
"You play dirty, Claire. You'll make a great lawyer."
Claire left town abruptly, feeling like she has no choice due to circumstances out of her control. She never planned on coming back. But when her mom needs her, she drops everything and heads back to North Carolina. Little does she know that the past is going to catch up to her in an intense and unexpected way.
Declan has only a little bit of a break before he is required to return to the field. As an active-duty soldier, he barely has time for his family, much less relationships. But then he meets Phee, and her mother, Claire. He cannot help to be drawn to them, and he can't abandon them either when they clearly need his help.
How Claire and Declan meet is unexpected. How they almost repel and definitely attract each other is enjoyable. But Phee might be the star of the show with comments and actions that show wisdom beyond her young age. All of the side characters are equally as enjoyable or infuriating as there are definitely some rotten ones that impact the story.
This novel is part suspense, part military, part romance with lots of faith and family thrown in for good measure. Claire isn't so sure about God, and the process she follows to find faith again is not exactly easy. Redemption and forgiveness and fresh starts are woven into the fabric of the beautiful book.
I highly recommend reading the other "Sons of Vigilance" books to fully connect with the characters in this title as well as the author's first book, Cathey's Creek. The Flinn Family is first rate. I think this book provides the perfect ending to a wonderful series. Although I certainly would not be disappointed if the author figured out a way to write more books ...
I loved this book and would give it ten stars if I could. I did read an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.
May 9, 2024
ALL my bookish friends should read the entire Sons of Vigilance series!! Such a great Christian romantic suspense series!!! Military family of 5 brothers, coming together to help others in need of protection.
This is Declan’s story, the 4th in the series. He’s the self proclaimed bachelor and biggest flirt. We see him in the other books, but this story is his time to shine 😊
The author doesn’t shy away from serious topics like rape, human trafficking, abortion, addiction etc. Faith, humor, family, strong women, and lovable characters make this series one of my all time favorites!
This is Declan’s story, the 4th in the series. He’s the self proclaimed bachelor and biggest flirt. We see him in the other books, but this story is his time to shine 😊
The author doesn’t shy away from serious topics like rape, human trafficking, abortion, addiction etc. Faith, humor, family, strong women, and lovable characters make this series one of my all time favorites!
May 9, 2024
Dereliction of the Heart by Hannah Hope Lucero is filled with mystery, suspense, faith, and loads of clean swoon worthy romance.
Claire Bryant has endured so much more than a young woman in her twenties should ever go through. Now as a young mother to the adorable Phee, she heads back to the home she fled right after high school.
Declan Flynn is a cocky Air Force pararescuer who loves to flirt but has no intention of committing.
This unlikely pair end up thrown together, then working to solve mysteries from both Claire’s past and present.
Dereliction tugged my heart in so many directions in a good way. There was tension almost until the very end, but it’s never too much. There were bad guys, guns, talk of murders, and a number of other illegal activities, but Hannah handled it in such a way that even someone as squeamish as me was never overwhelmed by it. The sweet moments with family and the romance carried me between the hard things.
This is a long book, but it never seemed long. Very quickly I was pulled in and needed to find out how Hannah brought all of the pieces together.
The faith in this book felt very natural and real and gave a beautiful perspective to the very hard realities that the characters faced. Hannah does not disappoint with Dereliction.
This book is the 4th and final of the Sons of Vigilance series and can be read as a standalone. I have only read the book before, Crossfire at the Precipice, and that added some fun insight into some of the side characters. I will be going back to read the other two.
Claire Bryant has endured so much more than a young woman in her twenties should ever go through. Now as a young mother to the adorable Phee, she heads back to the home she fled right after high school.
Declan Flynn is a cocky Air Force pararescuer who loves to flirt but has no intention of committing.
This unlikely pair end up thrown together, then working to solve mysteries from both Claire’s past and present.
Dereliction tugged my heart in so many directions in a good way. There was tension almost until the very end, but it’s never too much. There were bad guys, guns, talk of murders, and a number of other illegal activities, but Hannah handled it in such a way that even someone as squeamish as me was never overwhelmed by it. The sweet moments with family and the romance carried me between the hard things.
This is a long book, but it never seemed long. Very quickly I was pulled in and needed to find out how Hannah brought all of the pieces together.
The faith in this book felt very natural and real and gave a beautiful perspective to the very hard realities that the characters faced. Hannah does not disappoint with Dereliction.
This book is the 4th and final of the Sons of Vigilance series and can be read as a standalone. I have only read the book before, Crossfire at the Precipice, and that added some fun insight into some of the side characters. I will be going back to read the other two.
January 8, 2026
Bravo Hannah Hood Lucero!! 5 stars!!!
Lucero delivers the perfect finale to the Sons of Vigilance in Dereliction of the Heart. I really didn’t have any idea what kind of girl would rein in notorious flirt and bachelor Declan Flynn, and certainly didn’t expect a woman like Claire, but it all just works.
We see a softer side of Dec from the very beginning in his interaction with Claire and her very smart daughter Phee. Claire’s complex past leads to a hint of mystery in this novel that I wasn’t expecting, but thoroughly enjoyed. It kept me turning the pages late into the night… or more like early morning.
Of course, I’m glad Lucero brought back so many of our beloved Flynn family. How the family has grown over the course of the series makes my heart happy. The new characters didn’t detract from the story, but only added layers of faith, loyalty, love, and restoration. Give me all the LeeCee redemption and sass. She was my favorite.
Seriously, this novel ripped my heart out at one point and then pieced it back together. I am going to miss the Flynn family something terrible, but I’m ecstatic to learn that Lucero is writing a series with the next generation of Flynns. I can hardly wait!
As a side note: can we get a novella with Conor??? I want more of his backstory!!
Lucero delivers the perfect finale to the Sons of Vigilance in Dereliction of the Heart. I really didn’t have any idea what kind of girl would rein in notorious flirt and bachelor Declan Flynn, and certainly didn’t expect a woman like Claire, but it all just works.
We see a softer side of Dec from the very beginning in his interaction with Claire and her very smart daughter Phee. Claire’s complex past leads to a hint of mystery in this novel that I wasn’t expecting, but thoroughly enjoyed. It kept me turning the pages late into the night… or more like early morning.
Of course, I’m glad Lucero brought back so many of our beloved Flynn family. How the family has grown over the course of the series makes my heart happy. The new characters didn’t detract from the story, but only added layers of faith, loyalty, love, and restoration. Give me all the LeeCee redemption and sass. She was my favorite.
Seriously, this novel ripped my heart out at one point and then pieced it back together. I am going to miss the Flynn family something terrible, but I’m ecstatic to learn that Lucero is writing a series with the next generation of Flynns. I can hardly wait!
As a side note: can we get a novella with Conor??? I want more of his backstory!!
May 8, 2024
I have loved every book in the Sons of Vigilance series, but ‘Dereliction of the Heart’ is definitely my favorite. I still think Laurelin and Rian are my favorite couple though.
I just loved everything about this story. Good vs evil, God’s redeeming love, the romance, Claire’s found family, the Flynn brothers.
The suspense was really good. Obviously everything that was happening to Claire was awful, but it taught her to trust God and to rely on her friends and family. It showed her that she wasn’t alone.
Claire and Declan stole my heart. They were so great together. I loved all their flirting. Mr. I’m Never Getting Married or Having Kids changed his mind real fast when he met Claire and Phoenix. I loved watching his transformation from bachelor to family man. Declan did a fantastic job of showing Claire what true unconditional love was. I’m so sad this series is ending, but I’m excited to see what Hannah has next for us.
I just loved everything about this story. Good vs evil, God’s redeeming love, the romance, Claire’s found family, the Flynn brothers.
The suspense was really good. Obviously everything that was happening to Claire was awful, but it taught her to trust God and to rely on her friends and family. It showed her that she wasn’t alone.
Claire and Declan stole my heart. They were so great together. I loved all their flirting. Mr. I’m Never Getting Married or Having Kids changed his mind real fast when he met Claire and Phoenix. I loved watching his transformation from bachelor to family man. Declan did a fantastic job of showing Claire what true unconditional love was. I’m so sad this series is ending, but I’m excited to see what Hannah has next for us.
April 2, 2024
Although this novel can stand alone, Lucero continues to weave a winding hairpin curve twists in plot novel that incorporates her characters from Cathey’s Creek Road through the first three Sons of Vigilance novels in this final installment of the Flynn Brother’s saga.
It was an amazing ride, I mean read…
A now grown-up Claire Bryant returns to North Carolina after running away after graduating from high school to face eight years of repressed memories and an uncertain future.
Declan Flynn, notorious flirt and confirmed bachelor of the Flynn family, meets his match in a woman apparently immune to his charms.
Chemistry bubbles and boils amidst family drama, grief, and danger from more angles than an octagon….
I give this book a definite 5 stars.
I was given an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It was an amazing ride, I mean read…
A now grown-up Claire Bryant returns to North Carolina after running away after graduating from high school to face eight years of repressed memories and an uncertain future.
Declan Flynn, notorious flirt and confirmed bachelor of the Flynn family, meets his match in a woman apparently immune to his charms.
Chemistry bubbles and boils amidst family drama, grief, and danger from more angles than an octagon….
I give this book a definite 5 stars.
I was given an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 26, 2024
Awesome conclusion to this series. This is one of the best series I have read for a while. This author is amazing. Seriously.
There are 4 books in this series, and they are all so different plot-wise.
This book didn't have all of the brothers in it, just Connor, Kael, and of course Declan, the main character in the book along with Claire.
This one did start out a bit slow, and had more of a slow build with the suspense and drama, but turned out to be such a great read. Declan was awesome, as was Claire. And this book had more than its share of bad guys, some more visible than others.
And the solution Declan had at one point.....I so did not see that coming.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
There are 4 books in this series, and they are all so different plot-wise.
This book didn't have all of the brothers in it, just Connor, Kael, and of course Declan, the main character in the book along with Claire.
This one did start out a bit slow, and had more of a slow build with the suspense and drama, but turned out to be such a great read. Declan was awesome, as was Claire. And this book had more than its share of bad guys, some more visible than others.
And the solution Declan had at one point.....I so did not see that coming.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 8, 2024
Every time Hannah Hood Lucero releases a Sons of Vigilance book, I'm sure it's my all-time favorite and that nothing she does with the next brother can top it. And every time I read the next book, she proves me wrong.
That's what happened with Dereliction of the Heart, which includes all the things I've come to expect from this series: action, suspense, supportive family, fun-to-read heroines, Flynn brothers being generally amazing (and learning lessons), community vibes, and touching faith arcs.
If you like military romance, Christian romance/fiction, a bit of action, realistic and sometimes gritty (but not dark) storytelling, this whole series is a must-add to your TBR. But since you can also read each as a standalone without being confused, you can also start with this one.
That's what happened with Dereliction of the Heart, which includes all the things I've come to expect from this series: action, suspense, supportive family, fun-to-read heroines, Flynn brothers being generally amazing (and learning lessons), community vibes, and touching faith arcs.
If you like military romance, Christian romance/fiction, a bit of action, realistic and sometimes gritty (but not dark) storytelling, this whole series is a must-add to your TBR. But since you can also read each as a standalone without being confused, you can also start with this one.
April 12, 2025
This one is the new top of this series for me. I adore Declan, Claire, and Phee’s story. I loved coming back to the Flynn family with each new book. The writing is vibrant, the story brought all the emotions, the descriptions of scenery, the rawness of life in these pages… I only wish I’d had more time to read it. As it was I was reading before bed and struggling with keeping my eyes open, not because the story lacked anything but because sleep refused to be put off. I’m so glad I read this series and would highly recommend to anyone that enjoys Christian fiction. Especially if that includes some suspense with swoony romance, strong characters, and stories of strength, second chances, restoration, and hope.
May 21, 2024
I love Claire and Declan's story!!!! Oh my goodness this one made me feel all of the feels. Phew was an amazing character. I am going to miss the Flynn men, and I hope Hannah writes a Connor book!!! Now I must read Cathey's Creek Road. This book has many characters from that one as well as characters mainly from Already in the Kudzu with a couple of characters from Crossfire at the Precipice. It was so nice seeing everyone again in this book.
To be totally honest, I was given an ARC but didn't realize it so I preordered the book. All of the opinions are my own.
To be totally honest, I was given an ARC but didn't realize it so I preordered the book. All of the opinions are my own.
September 1, 2024
I put off reading this book for months… only because I knew I was going to be sad when this series was over. I am sad but it was so good, it was worth it. Highly recommend if you enjoy stories with suspense and sweet love stories. This was a perfect conclusion and I cried over the beautiful full circle moments with some favorite characters. Read the rest of the series first so you know the characters, but also read the YA novel Cathey’s Creek Road before this one!
May 20, 2025
Dereliction is definitely my favorite in the Sons of Vigilance series!! I was captivated from the first page and so enjoyed watching the characters' growth throughout the book. I also appreciate that Ms. Lucero handled certain tropes with a unique spin, which we need more of in Christian fiction. The faith is strong, the banter is so much fun, the suspense kept me on my toes, and the romance was deliciously sweet. I'm a forever fan of this author!
April 28, 2024
Hannah Hood Lucero did it yet again, she’s written a book that’s dang near impossible to put down. Claire and Declan will have you laughing and crying, and occasionally feeling complete rage. We get to see some of the other Flynn brothers too, which is always a treat, and If you’ve read Hannah’s debut novel, Cathy’s Creek Road, you’ll see some other familiar faces. Hannah also hits some current hot topics with class and clarity. As always she points us to Jesus in her writing. This book is a reminder to never put limits on what God can do in our lives.
I had the privilege of reading an ARC, all opinions are my own
I had the privilege of reading an ARC, all opinions are my own
August 24, 2024
Loved this one. Great mix of romance and action. Both Claire and Declan were great characters and I loved their honesty and humor. Felicia was also terrific. Lots of great banter. I thought the concepts of trauma and corruption and they all faced, as well as difficult decisions were well done also. Well written and hard to put down.
February 3, 2025
so much happiness! NEW FAVORITE SERIES!
such an amazing book with a swoony, faithful, protective man and a fierce woman trying to face her demons. There are clean yet amazing romantic scenes and well written fights and realistic expectations and believable emotions/motivations. I love this book!!
such an amazing book with a swoony, faithful, protective man and a fierce woman trying to face her demons. There are clean yet amazing romantic scenes and well written fights and realistic expectations and believable emotions/motivations. I love this book!!
October 22, 2025
I am beginning to realize I love Hannah Hood Lucero’s style! A romance with up front conversations, no games, with hard life situations, some suspense and tonnes of on page time with the couple. I love the balance of suspense and romance. Also loved:
- “he looks after her”
- fun text conversations
- Declan with Phee! (Claire’s daughter)
- a military romance
- amazing faith elements
- “he looks after her”
- fun text conversations
- Declan with Phee! (Claire’s daughter)
- a military romance
- amazing faith elements
September 17, 2025
Loved this book!
After seeing glimpses of Declan throughout the series it was fitting that he should be the Flynn brother to round out the story! An excellent finale to a gripping series!! Hannah Hood Lucero is now an auto buy author for me!! Loved these books
After seeing glimpses of Declan throughout the series it was fitting that he should be the Flynn brother to round out the story! An excellent finale to a gripping series!! Hannah Hood Lucero is now an auto buy author for me!! Loved these books
December 20, 2025
What a perfect, emotional, complex conclusion to the Flynn brothers. I’ve been WAITING to get to Dec’s book, and it was everything I could have asked for plus some. Lucero is a masterful storyteller; she brings the reader completely into the narrative. This series is a MUST READ.
May 11, 2024
I have loved this series!! I hope she writes a prequel about about the parents story!!
June 23, 2024
I loved this series. Wishing there were more brothers, so the Flynn family stories never end!
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