Lima

by Jessica Ashley

Her life is in danger, and this heartbroken Sheriff is her only hope.

Dr. Lani Hunt has dedicated her life to healing others, but when she’s abducted, survival becomes her greatest challenge.

Sheriff Gibson Lawson has lived with regret, but when Lani—his childhood best friend and secret love—is abducted from home, leaving a blood-stained carpet and a trail of broken glass, he vows to find her.

With time running out, each clue draws him closer to the truth and his worst fear: losing her forever.

Genres: Christian Fiction

ebook

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Jessica is an Army veteran who lives in Texas with the love of her life and their three children.

After spending nearly a decade writing spicy paranormal and fantasy romance as a USA Today bestselling author, she felt the desire to do something completely different.

She will still tell heartbreakingly beautiful stories with strong women and protective men, but this time they will also feature the joy of faith, and the importance of following God in whatever journey He sets you on.

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

When evil closed in, God’s Word rose stronger… living, active, unstoppable.

When Dr. Lani Hunt is abducted, the story becomes a testimony of faith that refuses to break. Sheriff Gibson Lawson carries years of regret, but when the woman he’s secretly loved all his life vanishes, he runs straight into danger with a prayer on his lips.

Jessica Ashley writes with pulse-pounding intensity and the tenderness of authentic belief. Lima reminds us that courage and conviction are an incredible pair. Even in the grip of fear, absolute truth speaks louder. When Lani whispers Scripture in the dark: “O Lord, how long will You forget me? … Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.”… her prayer becomes the heartbeat of the novel: faith breathing in the suffocating, evil places.

This story shines with perseverance … love and loyalty walking beside fear and faith until the last evil shadow fades. Hope endures and is anchored in the one true God!

Lima also shines a powerful reminder of how vital it is to hide God’s Word in our hearts. When fear silences everything else, Scripture still speaks. Memorizing and meditating on His Word prepares us to stand firm, to pray with authority, and to recall His promises in every circumstance and situation.

Lima is perfect for readers who love Christian romantic suspense where danger deepens devotion and Scripture becomes survival. This finale blazes with emotion, courage, and the unwavering truth that God’s Word never hides; it conquers.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on superb writing and story’s excellent content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast, easy read that was a nice finale to a wonderful series. I enjoyed the romance elements and the mystery as really good. The villain was a surprise to me and the end was perfect. A very enjoyable read for me!

I received a copy of this book from the Author. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read "Lima" by author Jessica Ashley, I was seriously caught up in the story -- completely. "Lima" truly filled me with lots of emotions: fear, longing, love, isolation, and yet there was an ever increasing faith brewed!! Lani Hunt, a doctor in both the clinic and hospital of their small town, realized someone was after her and her peace of mind as well. Lani's closeness with the town sheriff is changing and tying them closer together.

Gibson, the elected town sheriff, is head over heels for Lani Hunt -- and a lon. Time has slipped by and mistakes in Gibson's past has kept him closed off from the one woman that he could see forever with. Now, with Lani's life on the line, and too few clues to be found, this story kept me guessing until the very end!! I loved the mystery this tale had spun by Ashley. This book was non-stop action, and mystery. This was an emotional rollercoaster that I would give 5 out of 5 stars on any day of the week!!

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow—this one may have been on the shorter side, but it packed a punch! I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down.

Her life is in danger. His heart is on the line.
Dr. Lani Hunt is abducted, and Sheriff Gibson Lawson—her childhood best friend and secret love—will stop at nothing to save her. What follows is a gripping, faith-filled romantic suspense that’s equal parts tender and thrilling.

I’ve loved the Hunt Brothers Search and Rescue series, and it was such a treat to finally get Lani’s story. The romance had just the right mix of tension and heart, the suspense kept me on edge, and the ending was both surprising and deeply satisfying.

Jessica Ashley continues to be my go-to for Christian romantic suspense. This finale was bingeable, fast-paced, and filled with faith, hope, and love. Truly a perfect sendoff to the series.

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC—all thoughts are my own.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a Christian romantic suspense book and part of the series the Hunt Brothers Search and Rescue. The main characters are Sheriff Gibson Lawson and Dr. Lani Hunt. Gibson and Lani are best friends. They both have feelings for each other but have never admitted it. When Lani is abducted what will happen? Will Gibson find Lani before it’s too late? Who took Lani and why? I was waiting for this book from the moment I met Gibson and Lani in previous books. I love a friends to more book and this one was great. I love Gibson and Lani together. They make an amazing couple. Lani is such a strong woman and leaned heavily on her faith in God when she was taken. I could not put this book down. It had a great amount of suspense and romance. As mentioned in all of my post on this series I love the Hunt family. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

[Tonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing finale to this series!
Lani is the beloved little sister of the Hunt brothers, and beloved doctor in their little town. She also had the unspoken love of her long time friend, Gibson, the sheriff in town. She also had unspoken feelings for him. After their first date, let's just say their worlds get turned upside down, fast. Lani is such a survivor! What an insane twist! Her isolation, resilience and will to survive had me so proud of her and on edge at the same time. I was screaming "the garden, the garden" When you read the scene you'll understand. Such an emotional roller-coaster! Wow! An amazing finale and beautiful ending. She gets her own K9 as well! I will forever love this series!

[Natalie Harp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love ALL the Hunt siblings but Lani is the best little sister. She has been in love with Gibson since as long as she can remember. Just when something might finally be happening between them she is kidnapped. Once rescued they still can't figure out the who and why of her abduction.
Refusing to back down and ready to get on with the possibility of their budding love,
will they catch the person behind it or will she meet her end before her life can truly begin?

NON stop action with alot of Jesus! You can't go wrong with Lima. :)

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action-packed from the very beginning! Definitely a page-turner, both for the suspense and the romance. Gibson and Lani have waited so long for each other and now someone is trying to separate them permanently. The question is…who? So many clues and so many dead ends. All of Lani Hunt’s brothers make appearances in the plot and it is go time! I really enjoyed the story; kept me up late to finish it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok inspirational and drama packed.

Lani Hunt a doctor is kidnapped and Sherrif Gibson Lawson and her Brothers are looking to find her.

Gibson and Lani are so right for each other. Knowing each other since childhood, that history speeds the romance along. But the trauma is devastating for them both and that unites them.

But oh wow their chemistry is so strong. And that's a beautiful draw point for the book.

Well written, amazing team spirit and a plot that keeps you involved from start to finish. Fantastic book!!

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lima by Jessica Ashley captured my attention as it focuses on Lani, the youngest Hunt sibling, who has been kidnapped and the harrowing experience as she fights to survive. I certainly didn't guess who the kidnapper was until their identity was revealed. I enjoyed this best friends (and secret crushes) to more story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, unrequited love. Or, is it? Gibson and Lani have been circling around wanting more than friendship for years, but neither makes a move for a decade as they let life get busy around them. After a not so gentle nudge from both mothers, Gibson finally asks Lani on a date. Then, just as they are discovering it may be worth risking their friendship, tragedy strikes and they have to trust in God and claw their way to happiness together.

[Ifeoluwa Shobande · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never disappoint me, Jessica Ashley, I always love you and love your work so much.


Lima is so beautiful in and out, so beautiful, and yet she felt unworthy or unloved or that she is needed for something, if she is not pulling her weight around her she is not worth it of love.



Deputy of the law breaking the law, wow.


Thank you, Jessica Ashley 💖 ❤️ 😘

[Jess McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book she's written to date. I had been dying for a Lani/Gibson book. The slow build through the brother's books was sooooo good. The twists & turns in this book had me gasping out loud multiple times.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lima was the perfect ending to this series as we couldn't forget about Lani the sister. Again, kidnapped, escaped, caught again and harrowing situations are the hallmark of this author. Didn't guess who the baddie was, and was shocked 😳. This is a novella but it seemed about the right length because I needed their HEA badly!
I'm gonna need a breather after this series with suspense books...

[Carina Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet! Love this ending to the Hunt family!

[Lettie Loo · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK - I've been excited to read this one ever since the first hint of Lani having a thing for Gibson was mentioned in the earlier books.
It started out pretty good - both of them realizing they need to either shit or get off the pot when it comes to their relationship. They went on a date! It was awesome and the sweetest and most adorable thing ever. Gibson gets a call, drops Lani off at her apartment, and she's kidnapped.
He realizes she's gone the next morning when he drops by with coffee...and her door is unlocked, place trashed, blood on the floor, and no Lani. Her brothers just so happen to be out of the country on a case, so it's up to Gibson and his police force to locate her. Lani meanwhile is waking up, hooked up to an IV with drugs keeping her as sedated as possible, only seeing a masked person come in and out of the tiny room she's being kept in. After 2.5 days, she manages to free herself, and Gibson manages to find her in a ditch on the side of the road, barely clinging to life.
The story doesn't end there, though, oh no. Gibson and the Hunt Brothers are on the case, trying to find out who took her.
Being a book in this series, we all know that Gibson saves Lani, and they end up together, all happily ever after. I figured it out pretty early on who it was that kidnapped Lani, so the reveal wasn't surprising. But this one just didn't do it for me like the others in the series.

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely adore Gibson & Lanis sweet, caring, heartbreaking, intense, terrifying, loving, swoony happily ever after!!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lima was originally part only a Anthology and there is where I read it from, but now is its own separate book. I have a complete paperback collection of this whole series now to always go back to.

Lima was the book that I was not expecting and not aware I needed. This is Lani’s story and I hope I’m not spoiling anything but as you can tell, there will be a therapy dog. As with all of Jessica’s books, you get suspense, tension and lots of sizzling, no spice romance. As not to spoil of the story for those who haven’t read it. Luna is a fast-paced story of where is Lani is kidnapped by an unknown person and the family and Sheriff Gibson are in a race for time to find her. Gibson is Lani’s best friend and he’s been in love with her for a while now, but too afraid to change the course of their relationship. When she goes missing, Gibson realizes he’ll do anything to find her and bring the woman he loves back. Even with this being a smaller book, there is a lot of suspense and drama. Namely, whodunit!!! I was surprised.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.