Earning the Veteran's Trust: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

K-9 Companions #32

by Lisa Jordan

A second chance at love

Could be what she needs to finally heal.

After leaving the navy, Mallory Stone plans to buy her best friend’s fruit farm, a safe place to raise her son and adopt senior dogs like her dear Rosie. Until her ex-husband, Jonah Hayes, drops a he wants the same farm…and they’re still legally married. A trial partnership running the farm means the former marine can get to know the son he just met—and prove to Mallory he’s changed. As old feelings resurface, can Mallory open her heart for a chance at the future she’s always wanted?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

K-9 Companions

Book 1: Their Unbreakable Bond by Deb Kastner
Book 2: Finding Her Way Back by Lisa Carter
Book 3: The Veteran's Vow by Jill Lynn
Book 4: Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 5: Earning Her Trust by Brenda Minton
Book 6: Guarding His Secret by Jill Kemerer
Book 7: An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh
Book 9: A Reason to Stay by Deb Kastner
Book 10: The Veteran's Holiday Home by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 11: An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Belle Calhoune
Book 12: A Steadfast Companion by Myra Johnson
Book 14: A Friend to Trust by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 15: Her Alaskan Companion by Heidi McCahan
Book 16: A Companion for Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 17: Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 18: Finding Their Way Back by Jenna Mindel
Book 19: Their Inseparable Bond by Jill Weatherholt
Book 20: Bonding with the Babies by Deb Kastner
Book 21: Her Son's Faithful Companion by Jill Weatherholt
Book 22: Training the K-9 Companion by Jill Kemerer
Book 23: A Companion for His Son by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 24: Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main
Book 25: A K-9 Christmas Reunion by Lisa Carter
Book 26: His Christmas Salvation by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 27: Guarding Her Christmas Secret by Jill Weatherholt
Book 28: A Faithful Guardian by Louise M. Gouge
Book 29: The Veteran's Valentine Helper by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 30: Rescue on the Farm by Allie Pleiter
Book 31: An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 32: Earning the Veteran's Trust by Lisa Jordan
Book 33: Holding Onto Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 34: His New Companion by Jill Kemerer
Book 35: The Soldier's K-9 Companion by Belle Calhoune
Book 36: Her Surprise Neighbor by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 37: Healing the Veteran by Ciara Knight
Book 38: An Unexpected Christmas Helper by Lee Tobin McClain

Genres: Harlequin

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book where the mother does not tell the father he is a dad an then is shocked when he wants to part of his kids life.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Clean Romance, and this is the 32nd book in the K-9 Companions series. I have read several other books for this series before picking up this book, but I feel all the books in this series can be read as standalone without any problems. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I really enjoyed the narrator for this book. I wish the dogs played a more important part in this story. I felt the dogs could not be a part of this book, and it would not change this story. I really wanted more of them. The cover of this book fits this story so well, and I love it. I loved getting to know the characters, and I love the challenges that they had to overcome to find themselves again. I was pulled into this story for the first page, and I really enjoyed reading this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Kristi Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and unique story about two military veterans and love rescued. Author @LisaJordan gives readers a strong story w/loveable characters. I’d recommend this novel over and over.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earning the Veteran's Trust by Lisa Jordan
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance (K-9 Companions Book 32)
A second chance at love
Could be what she needs to finally heal
After leaving the navy, Mallory Stone plans to buy her best friend’s fruit farm, a safe place to raise her son and adopt senior dogs like her dear Rosie. Until her ex-husband, Jonah Hayes, drops a bombshell: he wants the same farm…and they’re still legally married. A trial partnership running the farm means the former marine can get to know the son he just met—and prove to Mallory he’s changed. As old feelings resurface, can Mallory open her heart for a chance at the future she’s always wanted?
This is Mallory Stone and son's story.
This is Jonah Hayes and son's story.
Mallory Stone hadn’t expected to spend her birthday looking for a new place to live.
It was time to move off her family’s cattle ranch in Aspen Ridge, Colorado, and find a home where she could raise her seven-year-old son.
Her online search for housing had been disappointing, and it would need to wait for now.
Her best friend needed her.
Mallory drove down the winding tree-lined drive that led to the Wallen Fruit Farm adjacent to her family’s ranch and parked her silver Subaru behind her friend’s Jeep.
“Bri! Baby! Pack your bags. I found the solution to our problems. Jonah offered to buy the farm.” Cameron Jewell—or Cam, as his family and friends called him—sauntered into the house. His dark blond hair was tousled by the midmorning breeze and his bright blue eyes shone.
But Mallory’s focus gravitated from her best friend’s husband to the man who followed him inside.
The same man who had been tiptoeing in and out of her dreams for the past eight years.
Jonah Hayes.
I recommend this book.
Earning the Veteran's Trust by Lisa Jordan is a 4 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lisa Jordan.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally Gripping!!

Mallory is an ex-veteran. She has a little boy, Tanner. She's a single Mom, as her ex-husband walked out on her before even finding out that she was pregnant... and later sent a request for a divorce! =0

She is looking into purchasing her friend's farm/land... and hopes to use a portion of it as a place for older rescue dogs! (OK... so I'm already sold on this one!!!)

HOWEVER, what she does NOT expect is to ever see or hear from her ex again. Yet here he is. Interested in acquiring this same farmland!!!

And to put it bluntly, this is only the very tip of the iceberg!!!

This is a Christian based story with some bible quotes interspersed, as well as voicing requests for help from God at times. This in no way hindered my enjoyment of the book. I actually SO appreciated the references. But, it may not be for all, so consider yourself warned.

That being said, this was a mostly sweet story about two ex-veterans trying to come to terms with their new realities, post service. (And trying to accept help from family and friends, even where sometimes, it maynot be wanted.) LOL!

3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 4!!

#EarningTheVeteransTrust by #LisaJordan and narrated by #AlyxMorgan.

*** RELEASE DATE IS IN ABOUT A WEEK ON 4/29/25 !!! So, look 👀 for it then!! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and & #HarlequinAudio for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible love story full of all kinds of second chances. Not only in the romance, but for the farm, the dogs and embracing new life after the chaos and trauma of military service. Such an impactful story on so many levels.

Yes, ‘Earning the Veteran’s Trust’ features one of my least favourite tropes – secret baby – but Jordan handles it well, making me sympathetic for both Mallory and Jonah and I appreciate the way they handle the situation going forward. And I do enjoy a redemptive love story!

Jonah is very much like the prodigal son. He approaches his fractured marriage with an air of humility and repentance which immediately softened my heart. Not so Mallory. She is so prickly at the beginning that I wanted to shake some sense into her a time or two, but really she has her reasons. Loved watching the way their relationship slowly rekindled as she embraced the power of forgiveness and learned to trust all over again.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition, narrated by Alyx Morgan. She brings life to the story with a variety of voices that match each character and made my listening experience a delight.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/04/15/e...

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earning the Veteran’s Trust, by Lisa Jordan, is the story of single mother Mallory Stone and her son Tanner as her ex-husband Jonah Hayes returns to her hometown. Both Mallory and Jonah are veterans.

A month after the couple was married, after marine Jonah, is deployed, he files for divorce feeling he is unworthy of a woman like Mallory and she will be much better off without him. When she is served she has just learned she is expecting. She signs the papers with the advice of her attorney and sends them back. However, Jonah doesn’t receive them before he is critically injured by a roadside bomb and they are never filed. It takes years for Jonah to complete treatment including many surgeries and physical therapy allowing him to walk again.

When both Mallory and Jonah want to purchase the farm next door to her parent’s ranch, they work through a plan where Mallory can begin her senior dog rescue and Jonah can establish his veteran run community garden and get to know his seven year old son. Through successes and setbacks, Mallory and Jonah weave their way to a new future.

This is a sweet story of second chances and new beginnings. I did enjoy this book and do recommend it.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and want to read others by this author. This book is about second chances and forgiveness and earning trust . Forgiveness is a choice you can choose to forgive the person or choose to hold on to the burden and constantly let it eat you up inside .
Mallory wants to buy her best friends farm for her and her son to have a stable place but last person she expects to hear from is her ex husband Jonah .
He is surprisingly her best friends husbands cousin , small world for sure .
He had served her with divorce papers shortly after they were married but surprise they are still married
They must both work together to get what they both want out of the farm.
There are emotional support animals as Mallory has a dog for her ptsd for incidents that happened while Jonah was in the military. Jonah has his own problems as his mother left when he was a child and has abandonment issues because of it

The story touches on mental health issues in a good way and uses a faith element weaved throughout the story .
Thought was well written . Great job .

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of forgiveness, hope and second chances! This book reeled me in from the very first pages with Mallory and Jonah getting reacquainted after so many years. Mallory had anxiety and trust issues due to events in her past and was greatly helped by her service dog, Rosie. Jonah had also been dealing with scars from his past and had come back to Colorado looking for a do-over. Reading how these two would journey together to see if they could make things work was like savoring a favorite dessert, one emotionally and spiritually uplifting layer at a time. I also liked the connection between Jonah and members of the Holland family and their Pennsylvania farm for disabled veterans (from another series by this author). The supportive circle of family and friends added a richness to the story, along with the dogs Rosie, Hope and Lucy. If you enjoy second-chance romances with heart, hope, and inspiration, get yourself a copy of this book!

I received a complimentary copy through a giveaway. A review was not required and these are my own and unsolicited opinions.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This clean, Christian romance belongs to two individuals who served our country and suffered grave losses. They are Mallory Stone, former Navy and Jonah Hayes, former Marine . A man who suffered severe injuries that kept him in hospitals for a year.
Mallory thought they were divorced and as a single mom, is ready to purchase a farm so she can adopt elderly dogs.
Imagine their surprise when Jonah is wanting to purchase the same farm and finds out that he has a son. He also lets lets Mallory know they are still married.
As they navigate a truce and try to work together on the farm, their greatest challenge is trust. Can they trust each other? Can they learn to forgive? Will they open their hearts and ask God for help?
This was a touching , at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming story.
The audiobook was brought to life by the narrator Alyx Morgan.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio.
The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good continuation of 2 series K-9 Companions and Stone River Ranch.

Mallory has been living her life with her son Tanner. Then Jonah shows up telling her that the divorce was never finalized. They both want the same ranch for different reasons and agree to work together on it to try and get both ideas going. Mallory wants to adopt senior dogs and give them a final loving home. Jonah wants to make adaptive gardening beds for veterans and others struggling with disabilities. But can Mallory trust Jonah to stick around this time or will she be the one to push him away this time?

The pace is leisurely and the tone is uncertain with a character centered storyline that has no steam but a few gentle kisses. The characters are engaging. The Christian ideals are a major part of the story, focusing on forgiveness and trusting in God. This is part of the Stone River Ranch series after books 1 through 3. I am anxious to see when we get the last sister's story.

[Linda Stringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory Stone and her cocker spaniel Rosie arrive at Wallen Fruit Farm to comfort Mallory's best friend Brianna Wallen-Jewell. After much discussion, Mallory agrees to take over the fruit farm. In the middle of Mallory's preparing to leave, Cameron Jewell–Bri's husband–bursts into the house with the news that his cousin Jonah Hayes will buy the farm.

Mallory is shocked to see Jonah, someone she had hoped never to see again, and is even more shocked when he drops the bombshell news that they are still married. Mallory wanted the farm to be a stable home for Tanner, the son Jonah is unaware he has.

Eventually, they agree to introduce Jonah to Tanner and also to take on the fruit farm as partners. Will they be able to make a success of the farm?

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming story of second chances and forgiveness. Mallory Stone wants to buy her best friend’s fruit farm. She wants to raise her 7yr old son there, as well as build a sanctuary for senior dogs. Jonah Hayes wants to buy his cousin’s farm to build an adaptive garden for military veterans. What do you do when the farm is the same farm and the owner’s cousin turns out to be your ex- husband??! However, the next surprise is to find out that they are still married! Mallory has trust issues as Jonah wants to come back into her life. Jonah himself has to learn that forgiveness is more than saying,”Sorry.”
“I’ve had to learn forgiveness is a choice, and I need to do it for my own peace of mind. Otherwise, it feeds the pain and resentment I’ve been carrying around…”

[Ruth Schmeckpeper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earning the Veteran’s Trust by Lisa Jordan is a tender story of second chances. When Mallory learns her divorce from Jonah was never finalized, they’re forced to face the past while working toward new dreams—hers, a haven for senior dogs; his, adaptive gardens for veterans. I appreciated the heart behind both missions. I listened to the audiobook but suspect I’d have connected more deeply with the written version.

[Nadine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second chance troupe but was it really? Never really divorced? This is a Christian Fiction and really hits you with the quotes often- too much for me. Former Navy and Marine elope before being shipped out lots of miscommunication and lack of trust. Lots of old fashion thinking when it comes to relationship. I thought the premise was cute but just didn’t sit with me. Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. If you enjoy Christian fiction this is a cute story.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very sweet romance with great characters. I loved how their relationship developed as they got to know each other again and learn to trust each other. The story kept my interest all the way through.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when she's ready to step out on her own the last person she expected or wanted to see is the father of her son. Not only is he back in town, but he's wanting back in her life. Will they be able to work through the past and forgive?

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earning the Veteran’s Trust is a wonderful story full of truths about relationships and faith. Mallory and Jonah have flaws but they are striving to follow God’s leading. This is a sweet romance story with plenty of heart.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #32)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #32)

[Brenda Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great and very emotional story

The characters are so well written and the storyline is outstanding with emotions and real life experiences. Thank for a great story

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance with solid characters. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Jessica Harden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic love story. Good to read once.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Earning the Veteran’s Trust by Lisa Jordan, narrated by Alyx Morgan. I have to say that the narration of Jonah was horrible but you could deficient distinguish between the characters. That aside, I enjoyed the story, probably would have liked it more if I would have just read it. I don’t feel like the title matches the story when it’s the Veteran that is trying to earn back her trust. Second chances, learning to trust again and possibly buying a farm together while raining their son together. Can they lean on their Faith to guide them? Thank you to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Audio for this Arc. Release date is April 29, 2025 This is my honest review.