Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
He was nobody's hero until he landed in the wrong bed…

Armed with a golden retriever and a concealed weapons permit, Lena Clark is fighting for normal. She served her country, but the experience left her emotionally numb and estranged from her career-military family. Staying in Independence Falls seems like the first step to reclaiming her life until the town playboy stumbles into her bed…

Chad Summers is living his dream—helicopter logging by day and slipping between the sheets with Mrs. Right Now by night. Until his wild nights threaten his day job, leaving Chad with a choice: prove he can settle down or kiss his dream goodbye. But when he ends up in the wrong bed, the one woman in Independence Falls he can't touch offers a tempting proposition. Chad is ready and willing to give in to the primal desire to make Lena his at night—on one condition. By day, they pretend their relationship is real.

But their connection extends beyond the bedroom, threatening to turn their sham into reality if Chad can prove he's the hero Lena needs night and day… forever.

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 20, 2015

25 people are currently reading
695 people want to read

About the author

Sara Jane Stone

23 books577 followers
Sara Jane Stone lives near New York's Hudson River with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children, a lazy Burmese cat, and a very active dog. When she is not finger painting with the kids, she loves writing sexy stories, staying up past her bedtime reading red-hot romance, and chatting with her readers on Facebook.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
101 (36%)
4 stars
95 (34%)
3 stars
66 (23%)
2 stars
12 (4%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Claire.
2,324 reviews739 followers
May 24, 2015
5 - "I never gave up and I never will." Stars!

Hero by Night is the third book in Sara Jane Stone’s Independence Falls series, I was expecting good, and I got great with this one. We were introduced briefly to Lena Clark at the back end of the second book, and it was plain to see that this is a woman, that although a fighter, is struggling with a whole wealth of personal demons.

”I guess I made one helluva first impression.”

Chad Summers, is your typical commitments free, one night, no-strings kind of guy, so reading of the lengths he went too in order to give Lena back some of the control she feels she has lost from her life, made this a book hard to put down, in fact I didn’t put it down, the player became the protector, but he also became so much more, and it made for an extremely emotional and engrossing read…



I like that in this series Sara is focusing on the strengths (and in some ways the weaknesses) of women, and not in a bad way, each of these books has offered up a positive message in its themes, and although the journeys of each of the couples are not without their drama and angst, everything is so beautifully written and un-glamorized, that it is easy to fall in love with the down-to-earthness of it all.

”Just wait until I touch you…
I want to find your sweet spots.
I’m going to explore every wet and wanting inch of you.
Taste you.
Make you scream.
I’ll make sure you’re with me.
Every. Step. Of. The. Way.”


Chad exceeded my expectations, stepping back from his natural dominant tendencies to allow Lena to take things at the pace and in a way that was comfortable for her; there aren’t many guys who would stick around after their initial meeting goes south extremely quickly.

”You’re the first woman who has pulled a gun on me in the sack.”

The whole building of their relationship, and connection between them was sexy and sensual and offered so much more than initially expected. This author has ticked every box with this series so far, and for me has added herself to my auto-buy author list.

”For the record, you never disappointed me or let me down… Not once.”

I highly recommend this series if you are looking for your romance with a little difference, with strong leads, dealing with very real issues, and lots of originally written sexy times.
Profile Image for Valerie.
927 reviews437 followers
January 14, 2015
There was a moment when I was reading this book that I realized I loved this author and wanted to read more from her...everything from her. This is my first book from this author. I read this book out of order in the series, not that that mattered one bit. But I'm down to go back and read the first two and I so want to read the fourth.

Why? This story works. It's a great balance between sexy and story.

There's is some HOT and SEXY Chad moments in this book. He loves his dirty talking and he finds very creative ways to satisfy Lena as she struggles with her boundary issues. I found Chad charming, protective and determined. The relationship may have begun as pretending but once the feelings were real, he was completely ready to be hers.

Then there's the very real problem that Lena faces. Sometimes a book minimizes a serious problem for the sake of the story. Not so here. Lena's PTS is clearly real and given the respect it deserves. I felt her pain and respected her service. I was even more impressed with Chad's patience with it. Together they were better.

I loved Lena's service dog, Hero. He's devoted to Lena and a big fur ball too. I enjoyed his calming presence and how he formed a team with Chad.

The story unfolded in a way that felt real. I didn't see the conclusion coming and was frankly sad when the story ended. I didn't want their story to be finished because I so enjoyed being with them.

I needed a good sexy story that was really a story and this one delivered. Check it out.

Profile Image for Mandy.
1,073 reviews93 followers
January 20, 2015
4.5 stars
Best book of the series so far.  I knew when we were introduced to Lena that her book was going to be something special. As for Chad, he was such a great character.  Despite his well earned reputation with the ladies, he was a perfect match for Lena.  He needed someone he could date/have a fake relationship with and she needed someone to lead her back to the physical aspects of a relationship.  She struggled on a daily basis to just exist in the real world, much less be touched or approached by others.  Her therapy dog, Hero, was a huge help in helping her cope but she wanted more.  Chad was more than willing to help out with that, he found Lena beautiful and had a such a gentle way with her.  I loved they way he treated her.  He went at her speed but also pushed her, commanded her and let her express her own needs.
Sometimes beauty knocked a man on his ass, leaving him damn near desperate for a taste, a touch, and hopefully a round or two between the sheets-or tied up in them.  The knockout blonde with the large golden retriever at her feet took the word "beautiful" to a new level.

During the day, they went out on dates and spent time together and at night, they spent MORE time together getting to know each other in the most intimate way possible.  Chad...is a dirty bird and Lena totally kept up with him.  He tells her exactly what he wants from her and how and Lena- she totally returns the sentiment and holds her own with him.  He completely empowered her to ask and even demand what she wanted from him.

Sometimes, a "manwhore" character can be hard to take.  That same character magically changing his ways can also be hard to swallow.  Ms. Stone wrote a character that I truly enjoyed.  I understood his reasons for not wanting to commit to anyone but let's face it, all it takes is the right woman...right?  Lena needs Chad to give her space to and encouragement to be who she is now.  Not who she used to be. And he does!  So many veterans come home to families expecting them to be exactly who they were before and that's an impossible expectation.  How could they not be different?  Lena needed her family to understand who she was after her deployment and how it changed her...for good.  You'll have to forgive me, I'm afraid I'm babbling about this book.

Chad needed to understand that he was worthy of love and a relationship.  He had never experienced feeling possessive and protective of a woman until Lena.  He stepped up for Lena when he sensed she needed a buffer between her and someone or a situation and he did it without making her feel bad about herself.

True story- this past weekend, my husband and I went out to dinner and a movie and he had participated in a gun/shooting competition.  He proceeded to tell me about a competitor who was a former Delta member and he had a therapy dog there with him.  He explained to B that the dog was there to help him when he felt anxious.  I almost jumped up on the table because I was reading a book with a character with a therapy dog! Anyway, we had a very interesting conversation about the man and his dog and PTSD.

In a nutshell- this series improves with each book and Hero by Night is such a GREAT book. I cannot wait for big brother Brody's book!  (April 14!!) Add to your TBR

 Independence Falls series: 

Indseries
Purchase:
Book 1: Full Exposure
Book 2: Caught in the Act
Book 3: Hero By Night
WIN:
Because I love this series so much, I'm going to give away 2 sets of digital copies of books 1 and 2.  Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

email300 This review was originally posted on Straight Shootin' Book Reviews

Profile Image for The Brunette Bookworm.
89 reviews
March 19, 2015
I LOVED THIS BOOK! While I liked and very much enjoyed the first two books in the Independence Falls series, Hero By Night is my favorite by far. It was absolute reading perfection—beautiful, sexy and heartwarming. It gave me all the feels and I DID NOT WANT IT TO END. These characters, Lena and Chad, just completely stole my heart. I loved both so very much.

Lena, our strong warrior and former US Army Soldier battling PTSD, was such an admirable and lovable character who didn’t recognize her own strength. I adored her and her dog, Hero, right from the moment we met them. She wanted so much to go back to being “normal”, to not be afraid all the time, and in an effort to get there, she made a deal with Chad to be what he needs during the day in exchange for him being what she needs at night.

And Chad—where do I even start? He was a player, a charmer, who went through women like other men go through underwear. He didn’t “do” love or relationships and was only interested in a good time. He was also a helicopter pilot who’d been grounded by his boss until he settled down and stopped his player ways with the ladies. He and Lena made a deal—Lena would act the part of his girlfriend during the day to appease his boss and at night he would help Lena get over her fear of intimacy.

As much as Chad appeared to be nothing but a fun-loving lady’s man, there was so much more to him. He stood by Lena; he was her rock and biggest supporter. He believed in her, was so proud of her and never tried to pressure her to “get better”. He just supported and encouraged her unconditionally. He let her fight her own battles despite wanting to do it for her. And let’s not forget what he did for her between the sheets. Holy Hell was he hot! Chad’s a dirty talker and not afraid to let Lena take the reins in the bedroom. I needed a fan while reading some of those scenes. Yummo. Chad was just the whole delicious package and my new Book Boyfriend :).

"Look, I know you’re searching for normal, to be who you were before. But Lena, I don’t think there is anything wrong with who you are now."

Chad and Lena shared an immediate connection and their relationship built naturally on that connection over time. Lena was the first woman who made Chad question his wants, needs and plans for the future. In the end, it turned out their ‘fake’ relationship was anything but.

Hero by Night was a wonderful book, one of my favorites so far this year. I cannot recommend it enough! Chad’s brother, Brody’s book, Wild With You, is coming in April 2015 and I cannot wait to get my hands on him!!
Profile Image for Defying Tradition Allisia Wysong .
108 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2015
Hero By Night by Sara Jane Stone
Sara Jane Stone is one of those writers that takes you by surprise in a great way. I have only just this year discovered her books and have been transported to the Town of Independence Falls, Oregon. With every book, she lets us know more and more about this great town and the people that live there. At the beginning, we meet only a select few, in her second books, we meet a completely new awesome family, and in this newest instalment, we meet a great deal more of the townsfolk. It is nice to get a taste instead of a heaping load of people. I find we can grow to know them better this way. Thank you Sara for knowing this about your readers and sharing these friends of yours with us ;-)
Now, Hero by Night is the third book in Sara’s Independence Falls series and in my opinion the best yet. I know this may chance when Brody’s story comes out next because I fell for him at first read. For now, thought Chad gave me new qualities to add to a great guy. He is a playboy that swears he will never date, he doesn’t do relationships and most women in town know this. He likes to have a good time and this has never been a problem until now… Chad’s new boss/new owner of his families company has put his foot down. Chad is carefree; one night stand attitude has caused a problem with his dream of flying helicopters for the lumber company. If he doesn’t settle down, or find a way to take himself off the market he won’t be flying anything anytime soon!
Lena served her country but came home with the wounds you cannot see, PTSD, with massive anxiety. She is determined to get back to normal. She has a service dog named Hero that has helped her be among people more but wants to be able to leave him home someday. To her surprise she finds herself being drawn to Chad, he is funny, charismatic, and doesn’t push her to “fix” herself right away. When she hears of his dilemma, she comes up with a plan. A fake relationship, it will help repair Chad’s reputation and at night, help Lena regain her self.
Chad is all for the hot sexy nights with Lena part of the plan but doesn’t count on the conversation. Getting to know her might threaten his long-term plan of staying single. As the two start to spend more time together and Lena begins to trust someone, again her world comes to a crashing halt that threatens to mess up all her hard work. What happens to Chad and Lena will thrill and worry you. This is a book you will love from start to finish. Sara Jane Stone has written a nail biter with some major suspense and surprises even I didn’t see coming….

Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
February 4, 2015
This was a recommended book to me since they knew I went for books that have military in them. It opens with Lena the lead female character and her story is the basis for this one. As in that I mean what happened to her and make-up of personality with the road she is on now. Now that she is no longer a active member in the military her adjustment is still on going. She also has a constant companion who is gorgeous and the only one at this time she can tolerate at her side-Hero, the four legged kind. Thanks to her friend she is now in Independence Falls trying to get back what was stolen from her in her own time, in a way that works for her. This is also a turn around for me to read because I am usually reading about this as in the guy's viewpoint or that the guy is the one usually presented that this happens to. When my cousin was going through this in the early 80's it was still hush hush but now more and more being revealed and more help so they are not lost or forgotten. Lena suffers from PTSD severely but thanks to how the author has formed this character will not let it be the victor in this battle she is in now. Here she is offered a place for as long as she needs but thanks to a mix-up while sleeping she is awaken by the town's charmer-Chad. Having met him earlier they are not exactly strangers though. This will be the door opened into the start of some unconventional paths of healing for her and a challenge of a different kind for him. Once I got caught up in the scheme of things and the interaction between these two I was pretty much a goner being lassoed along as the pages turned. Chad is exposed for being a better man than most really see being with Lena who makes great strides herself. They bring out the best in each other by simply loving and being with each other. Love heals all things as demonstrated in here quite clearly. She will find more and more of the pieces she was searching for while he gives more than he has ever given before and when faced with a hair raising situation near the end (mine still kinda sticking up) things will never be the same again. When I finally reached the end of this journey I slumped back in my chair with satisfactory grin. Refreshing perspective filled with heat doesn't get much better than this. Received a copy for a honest review.
Profile Image for Becca Moree.
Author 4 books42 followers
January 15, 2015
I have been and always will be a HUGE Sara Jane Stone fan. There is just something so addictive and real about the way that she writes. Her books come alive as the story grows with each word read and every page turned.

That being said, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about Chad’s story. He has always come across as a bit of a player and well if I’m being honest a pompous ass! Boy am I glad that I looked past that and stuck with it! This story may have been one of my favorites! Okay…who am I kidding?!? I can’t choose which of the Independence Falls books is my fave! Each time I read one I say that this one is it…this is my favorite book in this series…but then the next one makes me second guess that statement.

Chad is definitely sexy as sin and his damn dirty talking absolutely leaves me panting and begging for more sexy scenes! The sweet and creative ways that he comes up with to satisfy help Lena burst through her issues with intimacy are epic. With that being said, I can honestly say that I think the most memorable part of this book for me was the first hand hold…that moment just really stands out for some reason.

Lena is a gorgeous girl that is dealing with some serious issues. Her PTS is strong and holds her back from a ‘normal’ lifestyle. Lena’s character is so very real. Her struggle is believable and left me filled with respect, pain and a confidence that she will pull through it. Let me just add in here that Hero, the service dog, may just be my favorite character ever! His protecting Lena often leads to some interesting scenes!

So, I know what you’re thinking…what about the romance?

While it may start out as a pretend relationship in some ways, it is definitely not pretend in the end. The love between Chad and Lena grows and flows in a natural manner. Watching their relationship grow from friendship to so much more had me giggling and tearing up. Hero By Night was definitely one hot and heavy, steamy read! This is one couple that absolutely represents our MFEO stamp of approval! Heck I’m pretty sure Chad and Lena created the title!!


If you are looking for a realistic, amazingly accurate, and breath takingly sexy book then this is definitely the series for you!
Profile Image for Booked  Every Night.
484 reviews25 followers
February 2, 2015
“No, I’m the guy who will move heaven and earth to make damn sure she is not afraid.”
~ Chad

This is the third book in the Independence Falls Series. I have not read the other two books before reading this one. It is a standalone but the characters from the other books are in this book. You do not need to really know what happened in the other books to be able to read this book.

I enjoyed this book but I also felt like it could have been more. I really liked Chad and Lena but I didn’t feel completely connected to them. There were times I was wondering why they would think or do something they did without ever getting an understanding of it. I feel like I needed more background and information on the characters. Also, for someone who was so scared of intimate touch the instant connection with Chad was a little off for me.

Lena is a very strong character and has been through so much in her life. I really respected her character and what she had done with herself. She has so much to be proud. Her anxiety and fear have already cost her so much that she is fighting to take back her life and move forward. There isn’t a time table to this type of recovery and she is learning that each day is a step in the right direction. Lena's relationship with her service dog Hero is amazing. Lena and the dog have such a bond that he knows when she is even starting to feel the least bit anxious. The way he responds to her and her to him is such a unique thing.

Chad is someone who carries a hurt from a long time ago. It has shaped him and the way he approached relationships. When his personal life interferes with his dream then something needs to be fixed. He isn’t someone who is used to being the attentive “boyfriend” but he will take his position seriously.

I liked all the characters that surrounded Chad and Lena and am interested in Brody’s story.
Profile Image for Chu.
1,459 reviews72 followers
February 3, 2015
Lena is a war hero. But after what happened to her, she could no longer go back to service, or her own kind of normal. She has a dog that stays with her, a revolver on her hand bag and triggers that causes her hyperviligance, panic attacks and not to mention - nightmares. Yes, just like some heroes who came back from the battlefield, Lena might be out of it, but still fighting her own battles everyday. Staying at Independence falls is her first step in trying to get back into her normal life, until she came across Chad Summers.

All Chad wanted to do was to fly helicopters. It was his dream since then. But when his wild nights threaten his day job: he was left with a choice between settling down or saying goodbye to his job. When he ended up in the wrong bed with the only woman he couldn't touch, she offered him a proposition that was too hard to resist. Lena offers him to be his fake girlfriend during the day, but at night, Lena would be his.

You will like Chad - he didn't push, he gave it to her on her own time, when she was ready. He has dirty notes to make her smile when she feels that her world is engulfing her. He saw her for what she really is - a strong, capable woman who deserves to be love. I love that he waited for her pacing - not that she asked for it, but he still gave it to her. He's a great guy.

I think this might be my favorite among the three books in the series! I fell in love with both characters - their imperfections, their baggage, and how they try to overcome it. Chemistry is no question, the first time they met is pretty epic, and it went on from their.

Hero by Night is a story about second chances in both love and life. It's a story about an amazing woman who was brave enough to find cure to fight her demons and not give up on her life. It's a story about a man who cares deeply for her, enough to fight with her.

*ARC Copy received in exchanged of an honest review*
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 2 books713 followers
January 19, 2015
This just wasn't the book for me. From the start I found the pace to be too rushed. The description says the book is 384 pages, but it read so quickly it felt like a much shorter story. It made me wonder if my eARC was missing significant parts of the story.

I found that there wasn't any real character development that would have allowed me to become invested in the characters or their love story. There were a few situations that felt very unbelievable, right from the start, and I just wasn't able to suspend disbelief in order to enjoy it. The level of damage Lena was suffering only appeared to be at the forefront when convenient. Her progression toward recovery felt very at odds with her immediate comfort level of sexual situations with a man she barely knew. And the predicament Chad found himself in that prompted the bargain that Lena and he struck and the bargain itself just didn't ring true.

The idea of the sexy player who needs to be reformed and the damaged but potentially strong female main who needs to be saved sounded like a story that could really sizzle and bring on the swoon, but while there were a few scenes that did have heat, the romance itself fell flat.

It felt as if the story jumped around a bit, and points in the story where filler, background, emotion are typically included to round things out, were instead missing altogether. The entire timeline of the story went against the reality of the time it would have taken for the bargain to feel believable, for Lena's recovery to have progressed to the level it did, and for them to truly develop the kinds of feelings they claimed to have for one another.

This story had a sexy cover, and sounded like it would be incredibly hot with interesting characters and a satisfying romance. Unfortunately it didn't meet my expectations.
Profile Image for Cocktails and Books.
4,146 reviews323 followers
February 27, 2015
HERO BY NIGHT was one of those books that took me totally by surprise. The storyline was one that grabbed you right away and then there was the hero. Sweet, charming, dirty talking Chad. I <3'd Chad.

Lena Clark was struggling to find her "normal" as she adjusts to civilian life and how to manage her PTSD. After walking away from her old life, she and her trusty service dog, Hero, start building their life Independence Falls. She never expected the town playboy to be the one that helps her put her life back together. But when he offers her a deal she couldn't refuse, she finds there is much more to Chad and herself...all they needed was someone to believe in them.

It was hard not to love both of these characters from the moment you met them. After their somewhat memorable introduction to one another, you couldn't help but like them together. Lena needed someone to see her as normal and know that when she has an attack so doesn't want someone to fuss over her or make her feel like she's broken. Chad does that for her. He shows her that she's a beautiful woman who has a lot to offer, despite having trouble dealing with what she went through during her deployment. It's Chad's faith in her, his understanding of what she needs when she needs it, that helps Lena move forward.

Lena helps Chad too. Without realizing it, she helps him understand that loving someone doesn't make you weak. That you'd do just about anything to make that person happy. Chad was gun shy about love and led a serial playboy lifestyle as he vowed not to be like his father. But all it took was the right woman for Chad to willingly give all that up.

This was my first Sara Jane Stone book and it definitely won't be my last. She had the perfect mix of humor, emotion and smexiness and introduced me to a set of characters I can't wait to read more of.
Profile Image for Catherine Crook.
586 reviews12 followers
February 15, 2015
My favorite so far!!!

Sara Jane Stone hit gold with Chad and Lena. Chad is the playboy of Independence Falls and it is affecting his place at Moore Timber. As a favor to his boss he agrees to lay low and possibly look at settling down. Chad knows this won't happen, so what better than a "fake girlfriend" to get some heat off his back.
Enter Lena Clark. Military brat and vet, she moved to Independence Falls to try to get back on her feet after her attempt at civilian life failed in her hometown of Portland. Lena and Georgia met in group therapy. Two unlikely people partnering together to achieve two separate goals.
"I don't like crowds. Or people touching me. Except you, I guess." She let out a mirthless laugh. "It must be your charm."
Neither are looking for anything more than getting in the air and getting back to normal. Enter the feels.
"I'd like to help you - "
"Why?" she demanded.
"Because you're pretty."
The look in her blue eyes called bullshit.
Sara takes such a unique twist on a friends to lovers story. Chad and Lena have this connection that is undeniable - but, will it ever progress pass a friendship with benefits? The intensity of their relationship kept me on pins and needles. Lena's struggles are sincere and the emotion behind her PTSD is so real. Chad's need to fulfill his father's dream and his struggles with his own reservations about happiness and his future. A reader can't help but feel at home in Independence Falls with friends like Katie, Georgia and Lena. The bond between the men is a great addition to the cast of strong women. With the previous two books in this series being strong FOUR's... Sara hit the FIVE mark with 'Hero by Night.' I cannot wait to read more of this series when it is released.
Profile Image for Sharrice.
1,215 reviews64 followers
May 16, 2017
Hero By Night was a fabulous read. I really enjoyed the characters and the whole story, and will definitely be adding Sara Stone to my list of need to read authors.

Lena Clark has served two terms in the army and was ready to start her life as a civilian when she discovered she was suffering from PTSD. Moving away from her family, friends, and ex-husband Lena tries to start a new life. Living in her friends’ apartment over a barn she thought she would never be able to allow someone to touch her again, until Chad Summers lands in her bed thinking she’s someone else. Chad’s been the only person to touch her in over a year and when Chad needs help she offers to help him on the condition that at night he’s her lover. Lena didn’t expect to get feelings but Chad the town playboy is more of a hero than she could have ever thought.

Chad is known as the town playboy. He promises only one night because he doesn’t want a commitment. When the accidental night with Lena ends up with him almost losing his job he needs a girl to be his girlfriend during the day. He doesn’t expect Lena to offer girlfriend by day lover by night, but he’d do anything to be able to fly and spend time with the lovely Lena.

I enjoyed Chad and Lena’s characters. Lena is a super strong woman who is always trying to find her new normal and doesn’t ever give up on her dream. Chad is the super sweetest guy ever. He’s completely supportive of Lena and her boundaries and I just love how sweet he is.

Hero By Night by Sara Stone was fabulous and a complete must read!!!
3,423 reviews20 followers
February 1, 2015
If only there were six stars--this one would rate it. I became a huge fan of Ms Stone's work with her first Independence Falls story. We all hear about PTSD with returning soldiers. Usually men. Ms Stone gives us the female side of this debilitating affliction.

Lena is fighting her way back with the help of her service dog hero (who is a hero and impossible not to adore) and by distancing herself from family and friends whose pressure for a heal-date makes it worse. In Independence Falls she has support and friends who understand and suffer as well.

Chad is the epitome of the words to a country song, "I may be a bad boy but I'm a real good man." In this case bad boy has been bad with too many of the small town female population and he has to clean up his act or forfeit his dream career. Who would have thought the town one-nighter would be the one man who could give Lena the understanding others could not. He certainly wouldn't have believed it. But a deal to benefit them both brings them more than either planned.

Chad the charmer gives her space, romance, laughter and friendship. Lena shows Chad what real strength is and hero does not have a gender.

There is a shower scene that will amaze you--and it's not what you think. However, there is plenty of steam. I dare you to read this and not fall for both of them. This book has emotion and romance. Don't miss it
9 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2015
I was lucky enough to read one of the first drafts of Hero by Night, and I have three words of advice: Order it immediately .

Hero by Night is my favorite of Sara Jane Stone's books (so far) and that is saying something. I loved Lena from the first time we met her in Full Exposure--she is strong, intense and caring but also incredibly vulnerable due to her PTSD. I also liked Chad, but was always interested to see how he would become someone's love interest; while he seemed like a fun-loving, super attractive guy, I wasn't sure how Ms. Stone could believably show him committing and falling in love. My concern was entirely unwarranted. Chad and Lena's relationship starts out as a fake relationship to help boost Chad's reputation in town, but very quickly it becomes clear that their affection for one other is anything but fake. While many people view Lena as fragile, Chad always recognizes her for what she really is: incredibly strong and beautiful, but wounded and struggling. Instead of pitying her, Chad finds a way to give her exactly what she needs to find her strength (as well as quite a few orgasms along the way!). Chad might not be the typical alpha male hero, but that is what makes him Lena's perfect hero.
Profile Image for Anna.
509 reviews132 followers
January 23, 2015

Hero By Night is the 3rd book of the Independence Falls series, but it can be read as a stand alone novel because I surely did just read it without going through books 1 and 2. And now I have a good reason to do so because I enjoyed this story greatly I'm pretty I will like both too.

I have read about PTSD and emotional instability and liked reading about characters dealing with them, but I have never read about a woman experiencing the effect. In the 3rd book of the series our heroine Lena has served 2 years and was a war veteran but has decided to stop due to her resulting to constant trauma that triggers whenever something threatening looms her way. She has a golden retriever that serves as her bodyguard/bestfriend that helps her ward off and deal with things that may cause her stiff response.

What I liked about this story, aside from the obvious romance part, was how she dealt with her condition slowly and deliberately. I love the way she think things through before going further, relying on other even with her hard exterior, and how she knows what she wants and she's determined with it. I'm loving the fact that she could bring the playboy to his knees. Pun intended.
Profile Image for Erica.
1,311 reviews32 followers
February 5, 2015
5 sexy stars

Hero by Night is my first from the author, but now that I've read it I want to read every word she's ever written.

I love, love, loved this book!
Lena is strong yet just vulnerable enough, not a weak heroine in need of constant rescuing. She's ex military suffering from PTSD and fighting her way through it trying to get back to a relatively normal life. She's one tough cookie, but Chad could be just what she needs even though she won't let him touch her.

Chad is a love em an leave em kinda guy, a different girl every night. One night is enough, no call backs and on to the next conquest.
And then his nightly habits begin causing problems at work. Now Chad has to man up an give up his whorish ways if he wants to keep his job.

Chad and Lena come to an agreement that will help both Lena with her PTSD and Chad with his job issues.
Good deal for all involved, right?
It is until one of them wants more an the other fights it every step of the way.

Lord I love Chad. Regardless of his whoring ways, the man has a way with dirty talk!! He could have me kneeling at his feet in no time with the words that come out of his mouth!

I am absolutely hooked on Sara Jane Stone and intend to read the first two books in this series asap.
Profile Image for Shanoff Reads.
431 reviews25 followers
January 25, 2015
Loved this story

I really enjoyed this story! I loved the characters right from the beginning. They were all well written and easy to connect with. I especially loved the ladies man that was Chad Summers and his ability to make Lena fall for his charm.

I liked that this book was about a veteran woman who didn't know her own strength because the lack of support from her family. I liked that she was determined to find herself again and start her life over with her own expectations instead of the ones the people of her past had for her.

Chad Summers character is such a fun loving and sweet one. I loved how much he changed on his own because of his growing feelings for Lena. I really liked that he recognized them and didn't fight for them instead he fought for what he wanted. Same with Lena. She may have fought against her feelings but when she realized them she made it count.

Chad and Lena became each other's Hero's both at night and all the time. I loved this sweet and sexy story.

5,411 reviews
January 25, 2021
First read - 20 January, 2015
5 stars
The only thing I would change about this book is that it wasn't longer! I loved every word of Chad and Lena's story and I desperately wanted more time with them. Hero By Night was fantastic; it was emotional, funny, and super sexy. Seeing how fighting in the war impacted Lena was really interesting. I haven't read a heroine like her before, and I thought Sara Jane Stone did a great job of portraying an aspect of PTSD that was different to Georgia's. I also loved the inclusion of the other couples from the previous books; perfect use of secondary characters. Really looking forward to Brody's book next. And I hope Josh gets his own book too!

Second read - 22 to 23 January, 2020
2 stars
This didn't really hold up for me on a second read. I felt like there was not enough relationship development and too much other stuff going on. I did keep reading it, but I won't revisit this one.
Profile Image for Cindy.
1,885 reviews13 followers
February 3, 2015
Contemporary romance with protected sex. This is the 3rd in the Independence Fall series. Once again, a winner.

Lena is a Vet who came back home from Afghanistan with PTSD. She can't stand loud noises, is suspicious of large groups & can't stand for any touching. She believes she's getting better when she can hold a new acquaintance's hand in a stressful situation. She's staying with Georgia, another vet with PTSD issues.

Chad is one of the Summers brothers. The middle man whore one. He's attracted to Lena, but has never had a relationship last past one night. He talks Lena into a fake relationship to keep his job, which of course doesn't stay fake.

This is a good story. Pretty realistic. Well written. I like that SJS has male AND female vets with issues. I really like this series!
Profile Image for Kelley Schmidt.
332 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2015
I can't wait to read this book! Love the Independence Falls Series! An actual review of this book to follow.

**REVIEW**
Excellent story! Love the characters and Ms. Stone's writing style. She is a great story teller! Her depiction of veterans with PTSD is very well thought out and well written. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading them in order. You will not be disappointed. And, once you read one, you will want to read them all. My only complaint...I wish Lena would have tried to fight her fear more when faced with a fear inducing situation instead of giving up right away.

I would like to see Lena's brother get his own story.

ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for D.
511 reviews25 followers
March 16, 2015
Sara Jane Stone, the author, has created much more than the usual romance novel. This is an engaging story of Lena, a combat war veteran, and her long struggle to overcome PTSD and get her life back in order. Helping her along this path are a golden retriever service dog, Hero, and an unexpected love interest, Chad. The novel is well-written and the author does an excellent job with character development. Did not want the erotic bedroom sessions to end:)

Disclosure: This review is based on a paperback copy of HERO BY NIGHT received through goodreads.com.
5 reviews
January 26, 2015
Wow!! Each book I read become my new favorite!! Chad and Lena have broken pasts, an unexpected meeting, and decisions to make about their futures...but how can one plan a future when the past is still present??? This is a great story about courage, hope, and trust...things sometimes taught best by someone who sees you as you are right at this very moment, who has no expectations for tomorrow. Can't wait for book 4!!!
Profile Image for NancyK.
115 reviews9 followers
February 12, 2015
Four stars means probable keeper.

I don't remember where I ran across this book but I am glad I did. I am going to go back and read the others in this series. I liked the heroine with PTSD. I liked the hero who was strong enough to back off when she needed that. The supporting cast is fun and personable. I want more.
Profile Image for Kristina Farmer.
106 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2015
Love the book. It has a great story line. Sara really has a talent when it comes to writing and explaining the obstacles of love and life ( in this case using war and army). I recommend this book to all my friends.
2 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2015
Loved this book! Once again Sara Jane Stone is so great at writing strong female characters. And like all Sara Jane Stone's male leads Chad is super steamy! I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a sexy yet sweet love story!!
Profile Image for Kristin ~ Book Lovers Obsession.
994 reviews15 followers
March 15, 2015
I just finished Hero by Night!! ☆☆☆☆☆+!! Amazing! ! I definitely think Chad has quickly become my favorite so far! I loved Lena too!! Absolutely amazing!!!

ARC given by author.
Profile Image for Crystal Holloway.
157 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2015
perfect

Love a strong heroine and this one is so beautifully written. Her strength her fears and her love for the hero make you want her to succeed! Well done
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.