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Badge of Courage #1
The Secret She Kept
To face down a tragic past
She must first confront the long-withheld truth…
A disturbed fellow student made Kate McKendrick’s high school a hunting ground. Now, as Briar Ridge High’s new principal, she’s struggling to help the divided town—and herself—heal. But a vengeful individual won’t stop until Kate is dead. As Kate and former bad boy Riggs Benford uncover the secrets of that day, their irresistible attraction could turn their future to ashes…
From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
She must first confront the long-withheld truth…
A disturbed fellow student made Kate McKendrick’s high school a hunting ground. Now, as Briar Ridge High’s new principal, she’s struggling to help the divided town—and herself—heal. But a vengeful individual won’t stop until Kate is dead. As Kate and former bad boy Riggs Benford uncover the secrets of that day, their irresistible attraction could turn their future to ashes…
From Harlequin Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.
Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2021
About the author
Rita Herron
324 books957 followersUSA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 31, 2022
Good story though a painful one to read given recent events. The book opens fifteen years before the main story as a fellow student opened fire in the halls of the high school. Several students died, others were injured, and one teacher also died. That teacher was our heroine's mother, and it had a profound impact on her. The author did an excellent job of showing the pain, fear, and confusion experienced by everyone there.
Fifteen years later, Kate became a teacher like her mother and is now the principal of Briar Ridge High. Determined to help the town heal, she pushed for building a new high school. Not everyone favors the idea, and the latest town meeting quickly gets out of control. I ached for Kate, who wants the best for her students, but I could also understand the mixed feelings of some others. Kate is on edge because that day, she'd received a note blaming her for the shooting, and the shooter's brother accosts her. She's rescued by Riggs, another classmate who was one of the injured and is now a firefighter.
Riggs is impressed by Kate's efforts to help the town overcome the tragedy. As he's gotten older, he's outgrown the bad-boy antics of his high school days though some rumors persist from those days. The anger present at the town meeting rouses his protective instincts toward Kate, even though she claims she doesn't need his help. He's glad he ignored those claims when following her home and witnessing her car on fire. Though Kate tries to put a brave face on it, she's grateful when Riggs insists on sleeping on her couch that night.
The suspense kept me turning the pages as it became increasingly evident that someone wasn't happy about the hype surrounding the new school and the planned reunion. There's threatening graffiti at the old school, a fire in the woods behind her house, and a pipe bomb was thrown into her home. Kate and Riggs work with the sheriff to figure out who is behind the attacks. There is any number of possibilities, and though I had my suspicions, I wasn't sure until near the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Kate faced her attacker. I liked how it turned out and watching Kate and Riggs use what they learned to create a better resolution.
I liked watching the development of the relationship between Riggs and Kate. Riggs has a hard time living down his high school reputation even though he's changed a lot. He's drawn to Kate and wants to get to know her, but his reputation keeps getting in the way. I loved his protectiveness. I also loved his sensitivity and respect for her feelings, even when they went against his interests. I could see how his feelings for her grew and how it hurt when she wouldn't trust him. Kate is a very independent woman who refuses to rely on other people. Because of her past, she doesn't trust men, and those feelings spill over onto Riggs. She was more judgmental than I cared to see and wished she'd let go of her pride long enough to talk to him about that one sticking point. It took nearly losing each other for them to leave the past behind and look to a future together.
I liked how the book tackled the effects of the shooting on various people. Everyone handled it differently, with survivor's guilt, PTSD, and other ways it affected their lives. There was an unexpected twist with one character that was a pleasant surprise. I loved how Kate found a way to honor everyone at the new school.
Fifteen years later, Kate became a teacher like her mother and is now the principal of Briar Ridge High. Determined to help the town heal, she pushed for building a new high school. Not everyone favors the idea, and the latest town meeting quickly gets out of control. I ached for Kate, who wants the best for her students, but I could also understand the mixed feelings of some others. Kate is on edge because that day, she'd received a note blaming her for the shooting, and the shooter's brother accosts her. She's rescued by Riggs, another classmate who was one of the injured and is now a firefighter.
Riggs is impressed by Kate's efforts to help the town overcome the tragedy. As he's gotten older, he's outgrown the bad-boy antics of his high school days though some rumors persist from those days. The anger present at the town meeting rouses his protective instincts toward Kate, even though she claims she doesn't need his help. He's glad he ignored those claims when following her home and witnessing her car on fire. Though Kate tries to put a brave face on it, she's grateful when Riggs insists on sleeping on her couch that night.
The suspense kept me turning the pages as it became increasingly evident that someone wasn't happy about the hype surrounding the new school and the planned reunion. There's threatening graffiti at the old school, a fire in the woods behind her house, and a pipe bomb was thrown into her home. Kate and Riggs work with the sheriff to figure out who is behind the attacks. There is any number of possibilities, and though I had my suspicions, I wasn't sure until near the end. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as Kate faced her attacker. I liked how it turned out and watching Kate and Riggs use what they learned to create a better resolution.
I liked watching the development of the relationship between Riggs and Kate. Riggs has a hard time living down his high school reputation even though he's changed a lot. He's drawn to Kate and wants to get to know her, but his reputation keeps getting in the way. I loved his protectiveness. I also loved his sensitivity and respect for her feelings, even when they went against his interests. I could see how his feelings for her grew and how it hurt when she wouldn't trust him. Kate is a very independent woman who refuses to rely on other people. Because of her past, she doesn't trust men, and those feelings spill over onto Riggs. She was more judgmental than I cared to see and wished she'd let go of her pride long enough to talk to him about that one sticking point. It took nearly losing each other for them to leave the past behind and look to a future together.
I liked how the book tackled the effects of the shooting on various people. Everyone handled it differently, with survivor's guilt, PTSD, and other ways it affected their lives. There was an unexpected twist with one character that was a pleasant surprise. I loved how Kate found a way to honor everyone at the new school.
September 19, 2025
dnf at 50%
How am I 50% of the way through and it still feels a little slow. Things are happening...it just doesn't feel like there's any real urgency behind it? like the danger doesn't feel real.
How am I 50% of the way through and it still feels a little slow. Things are happening...it just doesn't feel like there's any real urgency behind it? like the danger doesn't feel real.
March 9, 2023
This was a sad but sweet story. This story takes place in a place called Briar Mountain. At Briar Ridge High there was a school shooting committed by a student.
Students as well as a teacher was killed and others injured.
There is a woman in the story named Kate McKendrick who is a principal at the school. She wants to open up a new school and a memorial for those who died. Other people are not happy about it. Someone is threatening her life. You also meet a guy in the story named Riggs Benford. He is a former bad boy. He is now a fireman who also works arson investigation. Someone sent Kate a threatening note and messed with her car that went up in flames 🔥. Riggs and Kate work to uncover secrets of the tragedy that occurred at the school. Riggs and Kate discover secrets about themselves with each other and develop feelings for each other. The mystery kept me guessing and the relationship between Riggs and Kate was a wonderful part of the story.
Students as well as a teacher was killed and others injured.
There is a woman in the story named Kate McKendrick who is a principal at the school. She wants to open up a new school and a memorial for those who died. Other people are not happy about it. Someone is threatening her life. You also meet a guy in the story named Riggs Benford. He is a former bad boy. He is now a fireman who also works arson investigation. Someone sent Kate a threatening note and messed with her car that went up in flames 🔥. Riggs and Kate work to uncover secrets of the tragedy that occurred at the school. Riggs and Kate discover secrets about themselves with each other and develop feelings for each other. The mystery kept me guessing and the relationship between Riggs and Kate was a wonderful part of the story.
July 3, 2021
Book 1 in this mini series by Rita Herron focuses on Kate. Fifteen years prior a shooter killed classmates and wounded others in a school shooting. Also among the dead was Kate's Mother a teacher at the high school. Kate spearheads a move to tear down the old high school and build a new one to help promote healing for the town but someone doesn't want the past stirred up...Doesn't want his secrets found out and he is willing to do anything including kill Kate to keep it from happening.
March 19, 2026
Title: The Secret She Kept by Rita Heron
Genre: Mystery — Romance
Rating: 4/5
Warnings: Spoilers ahead!
What was your initial takeaway after finishing the book?
I actually enjoyed this little short novel, but my goodness it felt really rushed and it was hard to connect with the Riggs because of how rushed it was. We get the sense they are old high school crushes that are now adults but it was hard to understand why they never talked before in their adulthood? Like, if they live in the same small little town, why are they talking now that she is building something new away from the trauma that happened? Either way, I actually enjoyed Kate being a hard empath and wanting something good for her students.
I also appreciated the ending. No blame or anger, just kindness and forgiveness. I read this as a break from a dark romance I was reading and it was a nice little break. Something quick and easy.
Did it meet, exceed, or fall short of what you expected?
I would say it met my expectations walking into this book. I loved the predictability of the book as it wasn’t much to guess on. I knew who it was right from the rip but it made it kind of embarrassing when this principal is being threatened and it seems the only one who cares is the local firefighter. Even the ones who don’t have a very good record seemed to care about her safety more.
What parts of the book stood out most?
The characters. This is a very character heavy book, not a plot. It’s simple and quick writing and only at around 200 pages, this is a single day of reading. The characters are the main focus. We have crushes rekindling their love, traumatized victims that either fall to the deep end or heal from their experience, old childhood friends becoming friends again, and overall found family. I really enjoyed Kate the most as she really took a traumatizing experience and found a way to heal from it. Not only for herself, but for her mom as well.
Was there anything that didn’t quite land for you?
The romance aspect of the book. It felt a little rushed between Kate and Riggs, but it made sense at the same time because they had crushes on each other in high school. So they were exploring that now as adults.
Another side comment, the cover is such a misrepresentation of Kate in the book. Kate is said to be a curvy women with big hips and books and then on the cover none of those features are shown. I wish the represented Kate as more of what is described.
Would you recommend this book to others?
For a quick and simple carefree read, yes. Absolutely. This was a nice break in between reads.
How would you describe the flow of the story?
Extremely fast paced. This was a super quick read.
Did the plot hook you in, or take a while to build?
You know the plot from page one. It’s a mystery where someone is seeking revenge on Kate because she is trying to build something new for the school that has a bad reputation from a past school shooting. Nothing is really hidden. Kate and Riggs have a sense of connection and it goes from there.
How did the story wrap up — satisfying, rushed, or open-minded?
I wouldn’t say satisfying, but it was a close. It was fast paced, just like the rest of the book. I appreciated it though as there was no guessing of the ending or open questions.
Who stood out to you the most, and why?
Kate stood out to me the most for her forgiveness and empathy. She really could have been cold and heartless from watching her mom die and instead she took her mom’s words to heart and tried to make something good out of it.
Were the characters believable or relatable?
I would say yes to both. I think all the characters were believable and relatable. There are people I am sure who are just like the characters.
Did any of them evolve meaningfully throughout the book?
Maybe the antagonist as they go from being vengeful to actually wanting to change for the better. And being dealt a crappy hand, it was nice to see.
Genre: Mystery — Romance
Rating: 4/5
Warnings: Spoilers ahead!
What was your initial takeaway after finishing the book?
I actually enjoyed this little short novel, but my goodness it felt really rushed and it was hard to connect with the Riggs because of how rushed it was. We get the sense they are old high school crushes that are now adults but it was hard to understand why they never talked before in their adulthood? Like, if they live in the same small little town, why are they talking now that she is building something new away from the trauma that happened? Either way, I actually enjoyed Kate being a hard empath and wanting something good for her students.
I also appreciated the ending. No blame or anger, just kindness and forgiveness. I read this as a break from a dark romance I was reading and it was a nice little break. Something quick and easy.
Did it meet, exceed, or fall short of what you expected?
I would say it met my expectations walking into this book. I loved the predictability of the book as it wasn’t much to guess on. I knew who it was right from the rip but it made it kind of embarrassing when this principal is being threatened and it seems the only one who cares is the local firefighter. Even the ones who don’t have a very good record seemed to care about her safety more.
What parts of the book stood out most?
The characters. This is a very character heavy book, not a plot. It’s simple and quick writing and only at around 200 pages, this is a single day of reading. The characters are the main focus. We have crushes rekindling their love, traumatized victims that either fall to the deep end or heal from their experience, old childhood friends becoming friends again, and overall found family. I really enjoyed Kate the most as she really took a traumatizing experience and found a way to heal from it. Not only for herself, but for her mom as well.
Was there anything that didn’t quite land for you?
The romance aspect of the book. It felt a little rushed between Kate and Riggs, but it made sense at the same time because they had crushes on each other in high school. So they were exploring that now as adults.
Another side comment, the cover is such a misrepresentation of Kate in the book. Kate is said to be a curvy women with big hips and books and then on the cover none of those features are shown. I wish the represented Kate as more of what is described.
Would you recommend this book to others?
For a quick and simple carefree read, yes. Absolutely. This was a nice break in between reads.
How would you describe the flow of the story?
Extremely fast paced. This was a super quick read.
Did the plot hook you in, or take a while to build?
You know the plot from page one. It’s a mystery where someone is seeking revenge on Kate because she is trying to build something new for the school that has a bad reputation from a past school shooting. Nothing is really hidden. Kate and Riggs have a sense of connection and it goes from there.
How did the story wrap up — satisfying, rushed, or open-minded?
I wouldn’t say satisfying, but it was a close. It was fast paced, just like the rest of the book. I appreciated it though as there was no guessing of the ending or open questions.
Who stood out to you the most, and why?
Kate stood out to me the most for her forgiveness and empathy. She really could have been cold and heartless from watching her mom die and instead she took her mom’s words to heart and tried to make something good out of it.
Were the characters believable or relatable?
I would say yes to both. I think all the characters were believable and relatable. There are people I am sure who are just like the characters.
Did any of them evolve meaningfully throughout the book?
Maybe the antagonist as they go from being vengeful to actually wanting to change for the better. And being dealt a crappy hand, it was nice to see.
September 2, 2025
Title: The Secret She Kept
Author: Rita Herron
Series: Bridge of Courage #1
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Vivienne Leheny
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Suspense, Romance
Audiobook Release Date: September 30, 2025
My Rating: 3.3 stars
Fifteen years ago there was a school shooting in Briar Mountain, at Briar Ridge High School. The shooter was a student at the school and he killed classmates and wounded many others.
Kate was a student and her mother was the English Lit teacher. When the attack happened Kate’s mother jumped in front of Hate and her friend and safe them but she got shot and died.
Now fifteen years later Kate is Principal of the same school. She followed her mother’s footsteps and became a teacher and is now Principal.
Kate has spearheaded a move to tear down the school and build a new one to help promote much needed healing for the town.
However many don’t want the school torn down, in fact, someone is doing their best to see that it doesn’t happen - doesn't want the past stirred up with secrets revealed.... including killing Kate to keep it from happening.
Secrets are revealed! I Perhaps HEA
Quick read. Perfect on a hot, lazy day!
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this early Audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 30, 2025.
Author: Rita Herron
Series: Bridge of Courage #1
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Vivienne Leheny
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Suspense, Romance
Audiobook Release Date: September 30, 2025
My Rating: 3.3 stars
Fifteen years ago there was a school shooting in Briar Mountain, at Briar Ridge High School. The shooter was a student at the school and he killed classmates and wounded many others.
Kate was a student and her mother was the English Lit teacher. When the attack happened Kate’s mother jumped in front of Hate and her friend and safe them but she got shot and died.
Now fifteen years later Kate is Principal of the same school. She followed her mother’s footsteps and became a teacher and is now Principal.
Kate has spearheaded a move to tear down the school and build a new one to help promote much needed healing for the town.
However many don’t want the school torn down, in fact, someone is doing their best to see that it doesn’t happen - doesn't want the past stirred up with secrets revealed.... including killing Kate to keep it from happening.
Secrets are revealed! I Perhaps HEA
Quick read. Perfect on a hot, lazy day!
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this early Audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 30, 2025.
May 18, 2021
This book discusses a issue that is painful but prevalent in the States and Canada has had it in a smaller scale. I like the way Rita describes what happened on the back for sadly it touches many lives. The character in this story Kate and Riggs were touched by it personally. But Rita shows how you can be made stronger from the incident. It's well written and will draw you into the story. She gives you insight into a issue that has positive and negative effects on people. She shows how people are made stronger but have hidden fears. I love Kate for she has hidden insecurities but she tries to move the town forward with her plans. Riggs was also affected by what happened and he has his own problems but he is trying to move beyond the incendent. Rita brings that out and what they have to build on. I look forward to the rest of the series to see what happens. J
October 11, 2021
The plot of this book touches on a very sensitive subject, school shootings. I thought the author did a good job on expressing the feelings survivors might feel after having experiencing something so horrific. The story is fifteen after the shootings, and revolves around the school principal hoping she can unite the community through the building of a new school and a new memorial. In typical romantic suspense fashion, there is someone out there who wants to stop her and will go to extreme lengths to do so.
Overall an enjoyable read. A little heavy on the flashbacks, but the story was fast paced and kept you guessing. It says book 1, but no book 2 yet. But I'm curious what the author might have in store for the town next, assuming it takes place in the same town, and will give it a read if it does.
Overall an enjoyable read. A little heavy on the flashbacks, but the story was fast paced and kept you guessing. It says book 1, but no book 2 yet. But I'm curious what the author might have in store for the town next, assuming it takes place in the same town, and will give it a read if it does.
June 13, 2021
This story is about heartbreak and moving on from a tragedy that affected the whole town of Briar Ridge. A subject that happens all too often in schools.
After losing her mother in a school shooting, Kate McKendrick wants to make things better for her hometown. Building a new school seems to be the way to do just that. However, someone doesn't want a new school. They want the past to stay buried forever. With the help of Riggs Benford, Kate may be able to survive long enough to see her dream become reality.
An amazing story by a very talented author. I loved everything about this book!
After losing her mother in a school shooting, Kate McKendrick wants to make things better for her hometown. Building a new school seems to be the way to do just that. However, someone doesn't want a new school. They want the past to stay buried forever. With the help of Riggs Benford, Kate may be able to survive long enough to see her dream become reality.
An amazing story by a very talented author. I loved everything about this book!
July 31, 2022
So the plot was decent, but oh my God that characters so annoying. Kind of whiny, typical man in these types of books who feels like he has to "save" her. They both go through the book wanting each other. But neither of them helps themselves out. That is a common theme with these romances, the characters never "relax with their thoughts" just wait helplessly. In real life women aren't just waiting around to be saved by muscle bound hunks. Not sure why I read this thing, but not again.
May 12, 2026
Not for me. Too many times I rolled my eyes. Dialogue was cheesy, aspects of the plot were not believable, and the spicy scene felt weird and out of place.
Sometimes you read a book and think the author has potential, I didn't like it, but I can see why others do and I'll try something else they wrote. And other times you think nope, the writing isn't going to improve, the books won't get better, I'm done. For me, this is the latter.
Sometimes you read a book and think the author has potential, I didn't like it, but I can see why others do and I'll try something else they wrote. And other times you think nope, the writing isn't going to improve, the books won't get better, I'm done. For me, this is the latter.
February 18, 2022
This was a decent book the transitions need some work I got tripped up when they moved between characters or from present to memory. Also it took me like 5 minutes to figure out who was behind everything so that was a little frustrating but I like how the author presented things and highlighted the effects of being bullied
May 28, 2021
Such a good topic for a story
At times I think back to school days and wonder if I was a bully at all. This book made newcomer again. I know things were said to be that at the time I just laughed and once slugged an offending person so this book made me stop and think.
At times I think back to school days and wonder if I was a bully at all. This book made newcomer again. I know things were said to be that at the time I just laughed and once slugged an offending person so this book made me stop and think.
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September 2, 2025Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Crime Thriller, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
A Badge of Courage Novel (Book #1)
I love the new cover. It reminds me of a place nearby. ~ Kim
Miniseries
A Badge of Courage Novel (Book #1)
I love the new cover. It reminds me of a place nearby. ~ Kim
Read
March 1, 2021Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Badge of Courage Novel (Book #1)
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Badge of Courage Novel (Book #1)
Read
March 1, 2021Categories
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Badge of Courage Novel (Book #1)
Romantic Suspense, Crime Thriller, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
A Badge of Courage Novel (Book #1)
September 6, 2021
This book is a must read for book lovers. Engaging from beginning to the end. Unexpected ending which keeps reader on the suspense. I actually felt like I was watching a movie. I give it a 5 star
February 7, 2026
Àwesome book!
April 10, 2026
I only finished this one to check if my theory on the ending was correct. It was.
April 20, 2026
audiobook 🎧
New-to-me author and it didn't disappoint!
New-to-me author and it didn't disappoint!
April 8, 2021
Well written story of a school shooting several years before. Question lingers on whether or not there was another shooter. Lives of students/grown up and the stories behind how the shooting affected their lives.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews