Call of Honor

by Alexa Verde

A mistaken identity, a kidnapping, and two broken hearts in need of healing… Can a small-town PI and her impromptu bodyguard, mistaken for a thief, solve a dangerous case upon the warm seas?

Bryson Hamilton is still reeling from his girlfriend’s betrayal, so trusting in love again isn’t on his cruise itinerary. But celebrating his brother’s wedding has to be. When one of the bridesmaids goes missing, he and the mysterious stranger who last saw the vanished lady team up to search for her. However, the cruise ship’s beautiful singer appears to have an agenda that puts her in danger. Bryson will do all he can to protect her. But can he win her heart and surrender his?

Freda Michaels goes undercover as a singer on a cruise to catch a thief rumored to be among the passengers. But the guy who looks exactly like the perp turns out to be anything but. Then strange things start happening on the ship. Now, they must solve this before people get hurt.

Including themselves.

Honor and Danger Team
Get swept away into a world of love and danger in these sweet shorter reads filled with romance and mystery as a group of very different men and women join forces to solve crimes and mysteries in their small town!
Prequel : Love and Honor
Book 1 : Code of Honor
Book 2 : Badge of Honor
Book 3 : To Honor and Protect
Book 4 : Way of Honor
Book 5: Call of Honor
Book 6: Word of Honor

Genres: Romance

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

Alexa Verde writes feel-good small-town romances with a smile. She'd love it if you subscribed to her newsletter https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gitieu15ex. Every subscriber gets a free Christian romance after confirming the subscription as a thank-you gift.
She penned her first literary "masterpiece" (a rhymed poem) at the ripe age of eight, and since has had over forty books and 200 short stories, articles, and poems published in the five languages that she speaks. Over 60 million pages of her books have been read worldwide. She has bachelor's degrees in English and Spanish, a master's in Russian, and enjoys writing about characters from diverse cultures. She's worn the hats of reporter, teacher, translator, assistant, model (even one day counts!), and caretaker, but thinks that the writer's hat suits her the best. She hopes and prays that her stories will bring joy to her readers. Heartfelt thanks for your interest in her books!

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romantic suspense has a cast of great characters. The cruise was a fun location and gave opportunities for many twists and turns in the plot.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 1/2 Stars!

I want to start by saying I received a copy of this book. This is a Christian romantic suspense book and part of Honor and Danger Team series. The main characters are Bryson and Freda. Bryson and Freda are on the same cruise ship together but for different reasons. Bryson is there for his brother’s wedding while Freda is undercover as a singer. Before the wedding can happen one of the bridesmaids gets kidnapped. Can Bryson and Freda find out who took her? Freda is suspicious of Bryson so can she learn to trust him? Can Bryson keep Freda safe when danger comes and will Freda let him? They have both been hurt in the past. Can they let go of the past to have a chance with each other? I loved Bryson and Freda together. I loved watching them grow. They made such a great team and couple. I loved that this was based on a cruise ship as I went on my first one last year and loved it. The faith based parts of this book was great. I loved seeing previous characters from the books before as the books before were awesome. This has been a great series so far. If you love Christian romantic suspense with two heartbroken people learning to let go then you may love this book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and I loved the cruise details which brought back good memories of my past cruise trips. This story picks up where the last one ended as Bryson Hamilton is on this cruise for the wedding of his older brother Hudson and his fiance Hailey. Each story in this series has been the perfect size to read in a few hours. What you can expect is great characters and lots of mystery and suspense.

Before the wedding ceremony can even happen one of the bridesmaids is kidnapped having all of the members of the Honor and Danger Team searching all over the ship for her. Bryson unexpectedly gets help from a beautiful woman who is a guest singer on the cruise. The singer Freda MIchaels is actually an undercover PI looking for a thief on the cruise ship. When she sees Bryson, she believes she has finally found the thief.

After finding the missing woman, Freda starts getting attacked as someone seems to want to kill her. She should suspect Bryson but he is the one that keeps saving her life. She may have to change her mind about him being her thief. Can Freda and Bryson discover who is behind the attacks? Can Bryson move beyond the betrayal of a past girlfriend to embrace a new relationship?

I like the little foreshadows for the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Freda and Bryson’s story is heartwarming, suspenseful and inspiring. He is on board a cruise ship for his brother’s wedding, while she is working undercover as a singer while conducting an investigation. When strange and unsettling incidents begin to occur, Freda and Bryson find themselves working together and facing dangerous situations. Bryson is determined to protect the woman who has him willing to open his heart to love again, even if she set on pushing him away. Guilt and pain from past trauma has driven Freda to place herself in some dicey situations while she seeks answers and justice. Her deepening feelings for Bryson leave her feeling uncertain, scared, and set on keeping Bryson at a distance. As they continue their investigation, will they find a way to lower all their guards and build a future together?

I enjoyed reading this captivating book and I am happy to recommend it.

[Oruare Ojimadu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexa Verde has written another action packed story filled with suspense and intrigue. From book 4, you meet Bryson when his brother Hudson was experiencing his love journey. In Call of Honor as Hudson gets to tie the knot, Bryson still nursing his broken heart is thrown unexpectedly into his own love story. Freda is dealing with her pain while pushing to find the criminal at large. In the midst of everything, Freda learns to let go of her pain, open her heart to see her true potential and not remain shrouded in the past. Bryson was supportive and understanding as well as being a supportive brother. Mistaken identity, a beautiful cruise filled with twists, the intrigue made Call of Honor a beautiful read. The way the author links all the characters from book 1 in every subsequent book is really beautiful as the growth of each character is seen.
The support and friendship between all characters shows a close knit bond. An enjoyable read.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Bryson and Freda's story!! Bryson and Freda meet while on a cruise. Bryson is on the cruise for his brother Hudson's wedding. Freda is there hoping to catch a thief, who she mistakenly thinks is Bryson, and her cover story is as Jazlene, a singer for the cruise. The more time they spend together, the more Freda is doubting herself, as she's drawn to Bryson even though she thinks he's not who he says he is. Bryson is trying to help Freda see that she's not living for herself, and she needs to start living her own life. When trouble comes, will Bryson be able to save Freda, and will Freda decide that Bryson is truly who she wants, or will she keep living in the past and lose him for good?

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christan story with only kisses. I really didn't feel a connection to this couple. The h is hiding her purpose on the ship and thinks the H is a thief. All the characters weren't flushed out enough for me to care. I don't feel it is a standalone story because the backstory is not given on most of the characters. How did the h's sister die, what did the H's last girlfriend do, etc.

The one part that was interesting is someone is kidnapped and her being found etc., is off page. The H discovers something about his life and doesn't share it with his brother. The h needs saving by the H so many times it was funny.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, not romantic, clean, some suspense and violence. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you extra tidbits to decide whether to purchase. (ljb)

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

The only reason Bryson Hamilton is on this wedding cruise is to be there for his brother. He has no illusions about love since his girlfriend shredded his heart. That was before he saw the ship’s beautiful singer. When someone tries to kill her, Bryson protects her.

Freda Michaels is undercover to catch a thief. Usually, he is in disguise, but not this time. He is a member of a wedding party. When one of the bridesmaids is missing, Freda joins the search to get close to him. He is not what she was expecting. Is he a skilled actor, or the wrong guy?

This is an exciting, danger-filled mystery romance. What a series! I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryson Hamilton is a firefighter with a broken heart and is on a cruise to celebrate his brother's wedding. Jazlene, the jazz singer performing on the ship, is more than she appears to be. Both main characters are well-developed, likable, and interesting. I was immediately pulled into the story and happily stayed there through the end. The twisty plot has mystery and suspense, as well as humor and a gentle faith message. There's a great HEA, and the mystery is tied up well. I have enjoyed all of the books in the Honor and Danger Team series, and Call of Honor is an excellent addition to it. I would definitely read more of this series and more from author Alexa Verde.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written book.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryson Hamilton is on a cruise for his brother's wedding. It sounds like a relaxing read with sun-filled days of fun. You can forget all of that because if you know anything about this author, you know it will not be long before the excitement begins. A bridesmaid is missing, so the search begins. Bryson is about to get help from an unexpected place.

Freda Michaels is private investigator on an undercover assignment to hopefully catch a thief. She joins the search.

This exciting, action-packed romance on the high seas was full of mystery, two broken hearts who needed healing and excitement on every page. You can never go wrong with any book in this series.

Thank you to the author for ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call of Honor

This is an absolutely wonderful story. The author has taken the reader on a cruise with her and the stories characters. Bryson Hamilton is aboard to attend his brother’s wedding and celebrate with the wedding party. When a bridesmaid goes missing, the Honor Team and other attendees search for her. Freda Michael’s is undercover as a singer on the ship but is actually a P. I. hired to find a thief who is possibly a murderer. She suspects Bryson is the thief and puts him in her sites. Will they be able to discover the true culprit before it is too late? I highly recommend you read their story.

[Debra Shutters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this Taken But Not Forsaken Love Held Hostage and loved it so much that I went and bought the whole series to read in the future. This is book 5 in the Honor and Danger series and it starts with Bryson on a cruise ship for his brother's wedding and that is were he meets Freda and so much is happening that drew me had to keep reading to find out what is happening who everyone is and how they deal with it. Love the ending and it ends with a epilogue with Bryson talking with Liam on the phone about his relationship or lack of it with Emberly and Liam hangs up then the phone rings and it is Emberly and she is asking for his help because someone is following her.

[Katherine Tricker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so much fun to revisit The Honor Team for Bryson and Freda's story.

This couple are one of my favourites of the series now. Both so strong and independent in their own right, but together they can face anything life throws at them.

The twists and turns in this one were completely unexpected and I definitely didn't figure out the real villain of the story.

The epilogue nearly had me in tears it was just so bittersweet.

Alexa Verde does a fantastic job at fitting in so much heart in such quick stories.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story. Alexa Verde is such a talented writer. Love the Honor Team and how they stand by each other. Bryson isn’t technically a member of the team, but it makes no difference. There is just the right amount of danger and suspense. Freda is a very interesting character. Love how she grows in her self realization and acceptance of herself. Great ending. The culprit was a complete surprise.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[AugustRose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa does a wonderful job writing romantic suspense without giving me sleepless nights. This story follows Bryson and Freda—neither of whom is looking for love. Bryson and the Honor team are aboard a cruise ship for his brother’s wedding, while Freda is part of the ship’s entertainment staff. Their paths cross in unexpected ways, making for a compelling and engaging story. I absolutely loved this addition to the Honor series and can’t wait for the next book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!

How can you get any more perfect than the wedding of favorite characters, with all of the other awesome characters from the series on a cruise? Add in a case of mistaken identity, a dash of crime, and a generous sprinkling of romance to bake up a romantic suspense that is absolutely perfect! I say this with every Alexa Verde book, but it’s always true: another not-to-be-missed book in a not-to-be-missed series!

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryson Hamilton, a firefighter is best man for his brother on a cruise ship, but the bride is abducted the day of the wedding. He is attracted to the singer on ship, Jazlene who is actually a private investigator and thinks he’s an elusive thief but comes to realize he isn’t the man she’s looking for. There are several threats on her life and Bryson protects her. An engaging story with unexpected twists and turns.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

Like other books in this series, this one is full of action and excitement without inducing anxiety, and the romance is slow-growing and sweet.

Both main characters are distrustful of relationships, and it was fun to see them deny their attraction and then deny the affection between them.

I love this series.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book you will read about Freda who is trying to catch a criminal. Bryson has sworn to never get involved with a lady again. When these two keep running into each other on the cruise ship their lives will change. Freda is still struggling with not getting on with her life after her sister died. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

It was so good to catch up with the Honor Team again. I loved Bryson and Freda‘s story! Neither of them was looking for love or thought they deserved it but they couldn't deny it. Their story is full of danger and suspense as well as love. A captivating read that I read straight through.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Call of Honor is a page turning read filled with mystery, suspense and romance - a mistaken identity, a kidnapping, and two broken hearts. Can small-town PI Bryson Hamilton and impromptu bodyguard, mistaken for a thief, solve Freda Michaels dangerous case upon the warm seas? A page turning read in the Honor and Danger Team series.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call of Honor is the fifth book in the Honor Team series by Alexa Verde featuring Freda and Bryson. This is a sweet, clean, Christian-based romantic suspense novel. And it was SO good!!! With a wedding, a cruise, a case of mistaken identity, a pinch of suspense, and an HEA, Alexa has created a delightful afternoon escapism read. Skip the chores and enjoy this wonderful guilty pleasure.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite the mystery story. Why is someone out to kill a singer on a cruise ship? How is Bryson going to protect her? Only with the help of his brother and friends. This is the first book I've read in this series but it is excellent. I read it in the Taken But Not Forsaken anthology that an author gave me. This is my voluntary opinion freely given.

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series. Plenty of danger and suspense in this book. I suspected Noah from the first time he arrived on the scene. After all, things are definitely not as they seem. Everyone seems to be hiding something. Just when you think you have everything figured out, there's

[Nancy Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! What a ride.

Thus is one fantastic read of Bryson and Freda's journey to their happy ever after. It had some twists and turns in it along some intrigue. The storyline is created beautifully along with amazing and heartfelt characters and along with God's help. Loved it.

[Grumpy74rwgmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story from author Alexa Verde. The characters were very well written and including members of the Honor Team made you feel like a part of the story. The mystery, danger and excitement made for a very special book.

[Barb Chegash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confusing

I liked the story but there were so many gaps in the timeline. I’d gladly read a few extra pages to not jump from missing spouses to being found with no real explanation. Several examples like this made the story confusing.

[Noell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not read any of the other books in this series before reading this, and I think that would have made a world of a difference. I struggled to know who was who and who was married/dating/widowed.

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow wow wow

This story had highs and lots of emotions. But it is a wonderful wonderful story. You need to read it as soon as you can. Enjoy Enjoy!!!

[Norma D. Ninfadore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific as usual.

Enjoyed all stories in this series. Fell in love with all the characters, felt their pain, enjoyed their happiness. Can't wait for Liam's story so on I go.