Zero Hour

by Cara C. Putman, Lily Hann, Sami A. Abrams

Three exciting stories of military-themed Christian Romantic Suspense!

Breaking Protocol - Cara Putman
When rule-bending investigator Todd Westmont discovers an unconscious thirteen-year-old girl, his spontaneous methods clash with strictly by-the-book caseworker Paige Newman. Exhausted by burnout and caring for her veteran brother, Paige uses rigid protocols to guard her fragile heart against Todd’s charm.
But the Jane Doe has leukemia and desperately needs a bone marrow donor—prompting reporter Dani Richards to agonizingly hope the girl is her long-lost daughter. Forced into an uneasy partnership, Todd and Paige trace a military challenge coin to a wounded veteran. To orchestrate a medical miracle, they must risk their own guarded hearts before time runs out.

Alaskan Hero's Return - Lily Hann
FBI agent and cyber expert Taylor Ertz has sworn off love. Three years ago, her fiancé vanished during a covert mission, presumed dead—but Taylor’s heart refuses to believe it. Now, she’s thrust undercover in Senator Schulz’s PR team, posing as a web designer to unmask a mole feeding secrets to the Russians.
Kambre “Kam” King should have died three years ago. The CIA declared him dead, along with the rest of his team. Now, as Spartak’s deadly network resurfaces, Kam is sent deep undercover to stop them—only to discover that Taylor is in their crosshairs.

Charlie ONE - Sami A. Abrams
Jade “Raven” Mitchell never steps into the field. She fights from behind a screen. Until someone decides her mind is the weapon they need.
After uncovering proof that experimental military tech was hijacked to expose elite U.S. soldiers, her reports vanish. Six months later, she’s abducted from a Mexican resort.
BlackKnight Security owner and leader Liam “Charlie One” McKnight has trusted Raven’s voice on his comms for years. So, when he’s hired to find a missing contractor’s daughter and discovers Raven bruised and bound in a jungle hut, the mission turns personal.
But rescuing her is only the beginning.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Mystery Thriller

501 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2026

About the author

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She is a clinical associate professor in law and ethics at Purdue University's School of Business. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and legal romantic suspense to life.

An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 46th book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.

Reviews

[Lyn Herbohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting reading!

There was lots of excitement and action. There was betrayal. The characters had things they struggled with which made them relatable. The blurb about the first story was a bit inaccurate, but otherwise the stories were enjoyable and I’m looking forward to seeing more of some of the characters.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an anthology with the theme being an action hero-type thriller and it was certainly thrilling to read it, heart-pounding, in fact. The first novella is Breaking Protocol by Cara Putman In this story, Bridget is a children’s social worker when she gets the call that a child was found near a dumpster and was going to the hospital. As the child’s advocate, Bridget needs to sign off on her medical care and try to find a guardian for her. The investigation pairs her with police detective Todd who follows the clues and finds out about her missing family and her biological father. There are multiple red herrings and a great deal of realistic details in this gut-wrenching story of a young girl who doesn’t know who she is or where she belongs. The system seems to work for her this time due to the dogged determination of Todd, his partner and Bridget. Great characterization and a fast-moving plot kept me engaged, but I also must confess that I cried a few tears over the treatment of an innocent child. Realistic and heart-tugging details. The second novella, Alaskan Hero’s Return by Lily J. Hann, really needs readers like me to have read the first book in the series (Alaskan Hero) before tackling the intricate details in this one. The story was fast-paced and intriguing with a mysterious and dangerous setting in Alaska and a lot of primary and secondary characters. I enjoyed the story but I kept feeling as though there were parts I didn’t really grasp completely because I did not read the first book in the series and this was like the second book that continued it. The characters seemed to be recurring characters and although they were well-developed, I had trouble discerning the relationships between the characters and their positions, either FBI, CIA or another secret group. Although I was confused during much of the story, I kept reading and liked the satisfying conclusion which is actually a cliff hanger for the next story. The team is trying to stop a group from making a weapon and selling it to the highest bidder, and the foes are as numerous as the good guys. Good read and don’t avoid it because it confused me. I just highly recommend the first book in this series before you read this novella. Finally, the third book which happened to be my favorite, was written by Sami A. Abrams and entitled Charlie One. It appealed to the patriotic military wife in me because it was all about covert ops and defeating the bad guys. I was so absorbed in the story of Jade Mitchell, computer genius, that it was hard for me to move on to other books until I read the whole story. Jade works for covert operations as their computer guide. She is an invaluable resource to the Charlie Team and actually doesn’t meet any of the guys in person until she gets in trouble, or I should say danger. Without spoilers, all I can say is that this novella is intense and totally riveting, so much so that I wanted a happy ending, but I didn’t want the story to end. The heroes are flawed but perfect and the heroine has some issues that make her life challenging, mental issues from her past that she is working to overcome. Great characterization, a bullet-fast plot and non-stop action made this novella an instant winner for me. I am hoping for more similar stories about the other characters from the author in the future. In summary, this anthology is well worth reading and I highly recommend the novellas it includes. Absorbing, realistic and clean fiction…can’t beat it!
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from one of the authors. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

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

Three hotshot stories under one cover is enough to keep you up late night while also feeling like you ran a marathon. These were the types of story that get your blood pumping and your heart racing as you read.

Breaking Protocol by Cara Putman was a heart-wrenching story of a young girl who needed someone in her corner. A police officer who saved this poor girl from definite death and a child advocate who had to make some tough decisions take their jobs very seriously as they try to find how this child got into the alley she was found in and why. This mystery was deep, twisty and sad. The author uses a lot of misdirection, which made me think I had it all figured out. That is a true test for a mystery reader like myself. I enjoy being challenged.

In Alaskan Hero's Return by Lily Hann, a new to me author, I was a taken on wild ride of past meets present, ghosts from the past, dangerous journeys and those who do not mind putting their life on the line for the safety of others around them. This was a complex mystery with many moving parts and a lot of characters, which kept the suspense and intrigue fresh.

Charlie One by Sami Abrams was about covert ops and secrets. Jade Mitchell is the star of this story, as she is just a voice to the operators of Charlie One, until she isn't anymore. I do not want to share too much about this story and ruin the surprising hits that kept coming in this live wire action, thrilling mystery where danger, betrayal, secrets and questions abound. The Charlie One group stole my heart. Here's hoping I will see more from this group.

All of the stories had heroes and a lesson to be learned. Everything was fast paced which made these stories easy to read. Actually I could not get the pages of my Kindle to turn fast enough as I raced through all three of them.

Thank you to the author and Three Dog Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero Hour: A Christian Romantic Suspense Collection (Honor Bound Hearts Book 1) by Cara Putman, Lily Hann, and Sami A. Abrams is an exciting and thrilling set of three stories that emphasize the need for the Lord fighting evil in this world. An anthology is always a great way to read shorter work in this case, two novellas and one short novel by authors new to you. All three were newer authors for me to read.

Breaking Protocol by Cara Putman is the longest of the three with a police detective and social worker joining forces to save a witness, young teenager girl, from those who wish to kill her. This is a reminder that there are many who put their lives in danger to help others. I especially liked the court scene at the conclusion of this story. 4 Stars

Alaskan Hero’s Return by Lily Hann has a FBI agent being framed for a serious crime. The one who joins up to help clear her is a CIA agent she thought had died. Many agencies and people come along side of these two to insure success. 4.5 Stars

Charlie ONE by Sami A. Abrams is my favorite of the three. A support computer genius for Charlie One, Jade “Raven” Mitchell never meets the team, but she is the voice that they depended on, until she’s gone. This is one riveting read with danger, betrayal, many twists and action packed. Loved these characters and hope to read more of their missions. 5 Stars

The publisher/author gave me a complimentary digital ARC of the book which I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Zero Hour, a military Christian anthology by 3 authors.
Breaking Protocol by Cara Putman was a gripping romantic suspense as it involves Todd, a detective, and Bridget, a case worker, working together when Todd brings an injured teenage girl to the hospital one night. From multiple attacks to investigating the girl's identity to secrets, this romantic suspense story will have you flipping through the pages to unravel the truth. Bridget has to make some tough choices as a case worker on behalf of the injured teenage girl.
Alaskan Hero's Return by Lily Hann was a fast-paced, end-of-your-seat read with second chances, suspense, and danger as Taylor discovers Kam, her dead fiancé, is alive. Together they, along with the Seward Office team, work together to clear Taylor's name and find who has been framing her. What a wonderful read with twists and turns.
Charlie ONE by Sami A. Abrams grabbed my attention from start to finish as Liam and his teammates rescue and protect Jade, who had been abducted. This fast-paced, gripping read has banter, team camaraderie, danger, and twists and turns. Who is after Jade and why was she kidnapped? The characters were well-written with pasts that shaped them, and the plot was engaging.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Laura Bowman]

I just love these collection books as you often find new authors. Zero Hour is the first Honor Bound Hearts collection with Cara Putman, Lily Hann and Sami A. Abram’s. Lily Hann is the new author to me in this book.

The books in collections are often part of a series by the authors which sends me scrambling to find each of the series. Cara Putmans Breaking Protocol is book three of Hometown Hero’s which I’ve read the first two and loved and this brings back some of the character stories.

Lily Hanns Alaskan Hero’s Return is book two of Seward Field Office. Since she is a new to me author I had at read the first book which meant I did t know the back story. I highly advise reading the first book to really grasp the story, I will be reading the book. It is a continuing story of international intrigue.

Charlie One by Sami A. Abram’s looks like possibly the beginning of a series. BlackKnight Security, lead by Liam known as Charlie One, is a team of five men. Raven is computer geek who assists teams rescues and other investigations.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author/publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Joy Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I love about anthologies is that you have different authors and are able to sample their writing. Though I have read books from each of the authors in this collection. The first story will have you on the edge of your seat trying to solve the mystery of a young girl who has been find in an alley. And I was rooting for the two people who by choice gives their all to try and help keep her safe. The second story will take you undercover with a ghost who appears a few years after being declared dead. Whom will risk everything for the woman he loves. Last but not least is a story that left me hoping that there will be future stories about the other characters in the story that I couldn't help but want to know more about. Each of the stories kept me turning pages and guessing who was behind the evil wrong doings. I received a complimentary copy from one of the authors , but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are what I thought of each story in the collection.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Breaking Protocol by author Cara Putman, an unconscious teen brings together a detective and a caseworker. Add in a veteran brother, a challenge coin mystery, and a need for a medical miracle.
In Alaskan Hero's Return by Lily Hann, a federal agent cyber expert is in the crosshairs of a dangerous arms dealer. Add in a presumed-dead operative and a plethora of twists and turns.
In Charlie ONE by Sami A. Abrams, a covert ops computer expert - the voice behind the mission - is abducted and in danger. The team she supports vows to have her six. (I NEED each member of the team to have their own story...hint hint.)
Each story in this military-themed anthology will have your eyes glued to the page (or screen, if e-reading). I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! Surprises abound everywhere. You'll find exhilarating suspense, thrilling action, crazy twists, comforting faith, and heartwarming romance throughout.
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Protocol
What a riveting story of persistence, resilience and determination as Detective Westmount joins forces with Bridget Ellis in the search for clues, answers and a solution to securing safety for an unexpected protege they suddenly found themselves responsible for. An “keep you on your toes” read!

Alaskan Hero’s Return
So many facets to this story yet each piece of the puzzle fits perfectly, completing a picture of daring escapades, past meets present meets future and last but not least, second chances. Entertaining, well written suspense!

Charlie One
Suspense? Intense! Betrayal? Ultimate! What a journey…..death threats, friends gone rogue, danger to the hilt seemingly around every corner. But Raven knew Who to turn to for safety and rescue. And was that love in the air? Or would her anxieties deter any chance of romance? The author outdid herself on this story, one that can’t easily, if at all, be forgotten!

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful anthology with three action packed, suspenseful stories! All three stories are also have romance and Christian faith woven into the stories as well. The characters are well written and have depth, yet each one is different from the others. I love anthologies because they give a sample of each author’s writing, giving you a chance to get to know them before reading a full length novel. This was my first Lily Hann book, but it definitely won’t be my last! I have already read and enjoyed books from Cara Putnam and Sami Abrams and I’m so glad I got the chance to read these two as well! I read an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own. Definitely recommend this as a great summer read!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read one great book by an author, you feel lucky, but when you get 3 gripping suspense stories in one book - by three awesome authors - you grab it as quickly as possible!! The trio of Putnam, Hann, and Abrams truly deliver stories filled with complex characters, action, suspense, and enough suspects to keep you guessing until the end of each story. Police investigators, Private Security/former Military Team and FBI/CIA agents - different agencies that must solve mysteries and protect the public. If you like suspense stories that grab you from the first chapter and keeps your heart-pounding the entire time you are reading, grab this Christian Military Romantic Suspense Collection. I received an advance copy from the author(s) but all opinions are my own.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I am a bit disappointed in this book.
All three stories were really good, and it was hard to put the book down while reading any of them.

But the book says military suspense. I was expecting stories about soldiers...but....
The first story had a police detective that was former military. And a guy at the very end of the story that was military.

Second story: again, a guy who was former military and a few others that had been.

Third story: security team that were former military, but more what I expected from the book. And that was my favorite of all three stories. I loved the team and Raven. Awesome plot and a lot of action.

Again, all three stories were really good, but not really what I would call military stories :)

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zero Hour contains three captivating novellas by Sami A. Abrams, Cara Putman, and Lily Hann, and I truly enjoyed every one of them. Charlie ONE by Sami A. Abrams especially held my attention from beginning to end with its fast-paced plot, suspense, action, well-developed characters, and plenty of twists and turns. Alaskan’s Hero by Lily Hann and Breaking Protocol by Cara Putman were equally engaging, filled with danger, suspense, and nonstop momentum. Cara Putman’s story is a real page-turner, while Lily Hann’s novella surprised me with unexpected twists. This collection was an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the first in the Honor Bound Hearts collection. Three stories by three different authors that each have a hero and a lesson to be learned. The all have a military theme to them.

Lots of suspense, twists and of course some romance thrown in.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from one of the authors. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of books written by multiple authors. Each book could be read as a standalone but may have characters that overlap with other books by the author. They are not interconnected with each other.
Second chance
Forced proximity
Undercover
Opposites attract

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories from all three authors in this collection. Each one wove suspense and ribbons of romance through the whole thing.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read of Christian Suspense Romance books. Good story lines and great characters. Highly recommend reading this collection.

I received an advance ebook and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of stories by some talented authors.

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Protocal by Cara Putman
Suspense and romance collide in this book. Set in Nebraska, two acquaintances become embroiled in a mystery with lives on the line. Definitely worth the read.

Alskans Hero's Return by Lily Hann
Fast paced suspense story set in Alaska featuring multiple agency operatives. Romance sprinkled within the story.

Charlie One by Sami A. Abrams

"Thank you, God, for this life you've given me." A beautiful quote found in this intense suspense story. Join this elite team of professionals for an edge of your seat novel. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by the publisher, Two Dogs Publishing, and one of the authors, Sami A. Abrams, for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero Hour, written by three captivating authors, had my attention from the get go. Cara Putman, Lily Hann and Sami A. Abrams created stories that made my heart sing! The danger, injuries and aches and pains were prevalent in each situation. The reasons for everything that occurred kept me turning pages, well past my bedtime. I enjoyed how each story grew, building on the concepts of who they were. As the characters grew to trust one another, the stakes were higher. Collectively, these stories had me on the edge of my seat, from beginning to end and I give Zero Hour 5 out of 5 stars.

[Michelle Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love action packed Christian Romantic Suspense? How about three in one? Zero Hour delivers! Three action packed stories all quick reads full of what I want, edge of my seat action and intrigue, wonderful romance and Christian faith as the foundation. All three authors knocked it out of the park!

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breaking Protocol - Cara Putman
Sometimes the law needs a little help, when a child’s life is in the balance. Between Detective Todd Westmont and
Bridget Ellis, Nebraska Children and Family Services who go far beyond their required help, a young teen finds a new life.

Alaskan Hero’s Return - Lily Hann
God has a bigger plan than we can understand. Trusting God is always the first step to any successful plan. But is he really still alive and will he stay that way?

Charlie One - Sami A. Abrams
This one will keep you guessing, chewing those nails and hoping that the author will not let them die! A story full of intrigue, mystery, suspense and danger.

Three incredible stories rescieved through Two Dogs Publishing and BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
Wow. Full of action and plot twists. Awesome Characters.
Definitely recommend.