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True Hero
Will he be the hero that saves us from my mistake?
Ally
On the run, with no one to turn to.
I’m doing all I can to stay alive, protect myself, and my little boy.
I left everything behind, determined to start over and give my child a normal life.
I have rules. Rules I have to follow. Rules that keep me alive.
1. Keep my head down.
2. Keep life simple.
3. Trust no one.
That definitely includes retired ex-military, Navy Seal Jonah Bradford. He’s completely off limits.
It doesn’t matter if he wakes up the woman inside of me.
I can’t be that woman anymore. No matter how much he makes me wish I could.
Jonah
Giving up my career to run the family business wasn’t an easy decision. Once a SEAL, always an SEAL.
Yet, I’ve adjusted. I like my life, but something is missing.
One look at the freckle-faced beauty working at the local diner and I know exactly what it is.
But, I’m alive today by following my instincts and everything about Ally is setting off alarm bells that scream she’s in trouble.
I don’t care. I want her.
The problem is she won’t give me the time of day.
That’s okay. I like a challenge.
I just have to uncover all of her secrets and end the fear that keeps shining in her eyes.
Operation Ally is underway.
True Hero is a standalone romantic suspense novel and part of the True Hearts Series with no cliffhanger and no cheating. It features a sexy ex-military alpha male Hero, a realistic fiery heroine who over comes an abusive past, who just might stumble their way into a happily ever after.
Ally
On the run, with no one to turn to.
I’m doing all I can to stay alive, protect myself, and my little boy.
I left everything behind, determined to start over and give my child a normal life.
I have rules. Rules I have to follow. Rules that keep me alive.
1. Keep my head down.
2. Keep life simple.
3. Trust no one.
That definitely includes retired ex-military, Navy Seal Jonah Bradford. He’s completely off limits.
It doesn’t matter if he wakes up the woman inside of me.
I can’t be that woman anymore. No matter how much he makes me wish I could.
Jonah
Giving up my career to run the family business wasn’t an easy decision. Once a SEAL, always an SEAL.
Yet, I’ve adjusted. I like my life, but something is missing.
One look at the freckle-faced beauty working at the local diner and I know exactly what it is.
But, I’m alive today by following my instincts and everything about Ally is setting off alarm bells that scream she’s in trouble.
I don’t care. I want her.
The problem is she won’t give me the time of day.
That’s okay. I like a challenge.
I just have to uncover all of her secrets and end the fear that keeps shining in her eyes.
Operation Ally is underway.
True Hero is a standalone romantic suspense novel and part of the True Hearts Series with no cliffhanger and no cheating. It features a sexy ex-military alpha male Hero, a realistic fiery heroine who over comes an abusive past, who just might stumble their way into a happily ever after.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2017
62 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
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May 19, 2017I'm not rating this book since it was a DNF for me and this is why.
I liked the cover, the blurb and the reviews so I went ahead and requested this.
It's a story that's been done time and time again but then how many books are truly original so it all comes down to the characters and how the story is told.
Ally is a klutz, unfortunately that's not something I'm particularly fond of for example the first time she meets Jonah....
"Hi! Welcome… my name is Ally. Can I have you forever?” ..........
It’s my karma. Karma hates me! I cleared my throat and tried one of my, I totally said that on purpose smiles and said, “May I take your order?”
For the love of God, he was still laughing! Talk about humiliated, I swore he was laughing so hard he snorted. Yes, actually snorted. ........
Just about then one of the other waitresses came up to me and whispered loudly to me, “Your skirt is sticking out of your undies, hon. This is a family place so go put your tushy back where it belongs.”
I was mortified. I just stood there in shock. No, no, no, no, that couldn’t be happening, but it was.......
I backed right into a waitress carrying one of those huge trays full of food and drinks. I was bathed in scrambled eggs, hash browns, and several cups of milk. The entire diner was staring at the commotion ......
I just found it embarrassing and I started cringing, now I know not everyone will feel the same way about this but it's not for me, unfortunately that wasn't my main problem.
My main issue.
The conversations, any time any of the characters interacted with each other it felt stilted and false to the point where I started skimming the conversations to try and get through the book. Which I realised was just crazy, so I tried again and hit the same problem and decided I just had to quit.
The reviews are fabulous so I'm assuming this is a case of its me not the book.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
I liked the cover, the blurb and the reviews so I went ahead and requested this.
It's a story that's been done time and time again but then how many books are truly original so it all comes down to the characters and how the story is told.
Ally is a klutz, unfortunately that's not something I'm particularly fond of for example the first time she meets Jonah....
"Hi! Welcome… my name is Ally. Can I have you forever?” ..........
It’s my karma. Karma hates me! I cleared my throat and tried one of my, I totally said that on purpose smiles and said, “May I take your order?”
For the love of God, he was still laughing! Talk about humiliated, I swore he was laughing so hard he snorted. Yes, actually snorted. ........
Just about then one of the other waitresses came up to me and whispered loudly to me, “Your skirt is sticking out of your undies, hon. This is a family place so go put your tushy back where it belongs.”
I was mortified. I just stood there in shock. No, no, no, no, that couldn’t be happening, but it was.......
I backed right into a waitress carrying one of those huge trays full of food and drinks. I was bathed in scrambled eggs, hash browns, and several cups of milk. The entire diner was staring at the commotion ......
I just found it embarrassing and I started cringing, now I know not everyone will feel the same way about this but it's not for me, unfortunately that wasn't my main problem.
My main issue.
The conversations, any time any of the characters interacted with each other it felt stilted and false to the point where I started skimming the conversations to try and get through the book. Which I realised was just crazy, so I tried again and hit the same problem and decided I just had to quit.
The reviews are fabulous so I'm assuming this is a case of its me not the book.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.
April 7, 2018
Actual rating:
2.5 out of 5 stars
Ally, on the run from his abusive husband, was able to settle and have a quiet life in a small town where she was able to find comfort from Frank and Frannie, someone she considered a family. But even after three years of getting help from an organization that acquire new identities for her and her son, paranoia was her constant companion. She felt that wherever she went, there was a cop car sitting, always watching them.
She thought ex-Navy SEAL, Jonah Bradford, could be the perfect man who would protect her and her son; "a true hero". He was running their family business, Bradford Securities and what could possibly go wrong? But what held her back was her role of being a mother first and foremost, and the impending danger that will surely happen if she wouldn't let her guards up. While Jonah, having the SEAL instincts knew that there was something off with Ally. He always thought that she was nothing but scared and he was eager to find out what was she hiding.
I couldn't say that I love the story. When I read the prologue, I thought, “Hey! This must be good.” but the moment I started reading the first few chapters, I couldn't help but cringe with what looked like insta-love. When someone said “Can I keep you forever?” and fell in love instantly which is very unlikely and unrealistic, how would you feel? Okay, I get it and maybe the author just want to sound funny but I didn't get why Ally and Jonah have to call each other “Freckles” and “Mr. Dreamy Eyes”?
I also felt distracted because the dialogue between the main characters were uncomfortable and a little forced. The story never flowed smoothly for me. The only thing that kept me reading this was the built up suspense that was there even before the awkward paces.
To be honest, my favorite character was Tom, the villainous husband that showed so much energy that creeps through the cracks within the slow-burn moments. Though I know that he will comes back eventually, I waited because his character was what made the story engaging.
I also like Ally as a mother. She's brave enough to stand for what she knew was right and putting her son above all else. Even she have gone through a lot, her character showed that being a mother, you will do everything for your own child no matter what.
Though I've read something like this before, overall, the story was okay.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours and Susan Owensby for providing me an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!
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Ally, on the run from his abusive husband, was able to settle and have a quiet life in a small town where she was able to find comfort from Frank and Frannie, someone she considered a family. But even after three years of getting help from an organization that acquire new identities for her and her son, paranoia was her constant companion. She felt that wherever she went, there was a cop car sitting, always watching them.
She thought ex-Navy SEAL, Jonah Bradford, could be the perfect man who would protect her and her son; "a true hero". He was running their family business, Bradford Securities and what could possibly go wrong? But what held her back was her role of being a mother first and foremost, and the impending danger that will surely happen if she wouldn't let her guards up. While Jonah, having the SEAL instincts knew that there was something off with Ally. He always thought that she was nothing but scared and he was eager to find out what was she hiding.
I couldn't say that I love the story. When I read the prologue, I thought, “Hey! This must be good.” but the moment I started reading the first few chapters, I couldn't help but cringe with what looked like insta-love. When someone said “Can I keep you forever?” and fell in love instantly which is very unlikely and unrealistic, how would you feel? Okay, I get it and maybe the author just want to sound funny but I didn't get why Ally and Jonah have to call each other “Freckles” and “Mr. Dreamy Eyes”?
I also felt distracted because the dialogue between the main characters were uncomfortable and a little forced. The story never flowed smoothly for me. The only thing that kept me reading this was the built up suspense that was there even before the awkward paces.
To be honest, my favorite character was Tom, the villainous husband that showed so much energy that creeps through the cracks within the slow-burn moments. Though I know that he will comes back eventually, I waited because his character was what made the story engaging.
I also like Ally as a mother. She's brave enough to stand for what she knew was right and putting her son above all else. Even she have gone through a lot, her character showed that being a mother, you will do everything for your own child no matter what.
Though I've read something like this before, overall, the story was okay.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours and Susan Owensby for providing me an eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review!
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May 30, 2017
An interesting debut from Susan Owensby that held lots of potential. This was a tale of abusive husband and a woman, Ally on the run thanks to an organisation that provided new identities. Most of this book takes place 3 years later where Ally is settled in a town but remains vigilant and isolated with her son.
EX-SEAL Jonah has been trying to catch Ally's attention for a few years but she isn't open to this. Jonah was a very likable character and I did enjoy the chemistry between these two. Sometimes the narrative felt simplistic and there was an element of things being a bit too insta-love for my liking. Nevertheless, I did feel gripped by this tale of suspense until about 75% when it all became a bit too brutal. The narrative is utterly graphic and felt almost too much for what had passed in the previous 75%. Because of the very graphic nature of the description, I feel I have to mention that this book will be a trigger for some readers. The wrapping up of events was too convenient in the end for me.
I really liked the first half of the book, but the second half wasn't as strong and turned me off the characters and story somewhat.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in return for a honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
EX-SEAL Jonah has been trying to catch Ally's attention for a few years but she isn't open to this. Jonah was a very likable character and I did enjoy the chemistry between these two. Sometimes the narrative felt simplistic and there was an element of things being a bit too insta-love for my liking. Nevertheless, I did feel gripped by this tale of suspense until about 75% when it all became a bit too brutal. The narrative is utterly graphic and felt almost too much for what had passed in the previous 75%. Because of the very graphic nature of the description, I feel I have to mention that this book will be a trigger for some readers. The wrapping up of events was too convenient in the end for me.
I really liked the first half of the book, but the second half wasn't as strong and turned me off the characters and story somewhat.
A copy of this book was provided by the author in return for a honest review.
Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.
May 28, 2017
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ally “Freckles” Black has had a hard life. Her now ex-husband was violent and got arrested for drugs and guns possession. But since he used to be a policeman and kept lots of contacts in the police department, she changed her and her son’s identities and ran.
Years later, Ally works as a waitress in a dinner and that’s where she met Jonah “Mr Dreamy Eyes” Bradford.
Indeed, she looked at him, dropped some stuff and told him “Can I keep you forever?” and the dude fell for him immediately.
Yep. Immediately.
After that humiliating moment, she avoids him for three years whenever he shows up the dinner but he still think of her as his and is very sure they’re meant to be. (I’m gonna go puke and I’ll be right back.)
So, Mr Dreamy Eyes is an ex Navy Seal and now works in a security firm and after he has two conversations with Ally, when she stops avoiding him, he is very sure she is hiding something and starts investigating behind her back. Cause that’s healthy…
So the book is mainly about how the men protect Ally without her knowledge and how the women take care of her son, Samuel.
I didn’t like the writing at all. Beside the fact that the book was filled with so many clichés I couldn’t even list them and that it seemed deeply unrealistic, fake and annoyed me to no end, the writing itself felt childish to me. It drove me insane. I also feel like it was filled with sexism.
They were lots of things like “my woman” or “I would not let you push me away.” Do I need to explain why it’s not ok?
Their first kiss also happened while she was unconscious, on the side of the road, with a concussion, a sprained ankle, very close to hypothermia and a huge cut in her hand. Kissing people while they’re unconscious shouldn't be romanticized, there’s this thing called consent and this thing called assault……….
I’m just gonna add a couple quotes that infuriated me :
“A boy needed his father.”
“Damn, she colored her hair? Why? Red hair on her would look fucking amazing. I mentally shrugged thinking of how often my baby sister had changed her hair color over the years. It had to be just a woman thing.”
I was just mad through it all.
Ally “Freckles” Black has had a hard life. Her now ex-husband was violent and got arrested for drugs and guns possession. But since he used to be a policeman and kept lots of contacts in the police department, she changed her and her son’s identities and ran.
Years later, Ally works as a waitress in a dinner and that’s where she met Jonah “Mr Dreamy Eyes” Bradford.
Indeed, she looked at him, dropped some stuff and told him “Can I keep you forever?” and the dude fell for him immediately.
Yep. Immediately.
After that humiliating moment, she avoids him for three years whenever he shows up the dinner but he still think of her as his and is very sure they’re meant to be. (I’m gonna go puke and I’ll be right back.)
So, Mr Dreamy Eyes is an ex Navy Seal and now works in a security firm and after he has two conversations with Ally, when she stops avoiding him, he is very sure she is hiding something and starts investigating behind her back. Cause that’s healthy…
So the book is mainly about how the men protect Ally without her knowledge and how the women take care of her son, Samuel.
I didn’t like the writing at all. Beside the fact that the book was filled with so many clichés I couldn’t even list them and that it seemed deeply unrealistic, fake and annoyed me to no end, the writing itself felt childish to me. It drove me insane. I also feel like it was filled with sexism.
They were lots of things like “my woman” or “I would not let you push me away.” Do I need to explain why it’s not ok?
Their first kiss also happened while she was unconscious, on the side of the road, with a concussion, a sprained ankle, very close to hypothermia and a huge cut in her hand. Kissing people while they’re unconscious shouldn't be romanticized, there’s this thing called consent and this thing called assault……….
I’m just gonna add a couple quotes that infuriated me :
“A boy needed his father.”
“Damn, she colored her hair? Why? Red hair on her would look fucking amazing. I mentally shrugged thinking of how often my baby sister had changed her hair color over the years. It had to be just a woman thing.”
I was just mad through it all.
May 19, 2017
**I received a copy of True Hero from Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**
True Hero by Susan Owensby is the authors first novel and I think she could become an excellent author as time goes on so for her first book she did really well. Just some minor proof reading, less exclamation points and spelling errors but all and all I'd give it 4.6 stars.
Ally Black aka Sarah Lane is on the run from a very abusive husband who could literally outdo Satan for being mean and sadistic to both her and almost five years old son Sam/Jacob. But since he used to be a cop she doesn't trust anyone as he has friends all over. But her first problem is she ran to what I think would be the first place I'd check which is where she grew up in. Flash forward 3 years and she's working as a server in a diner run by a ex-Army Ranger, Frank, and her friend, Frannie both are loyal and of the charts completely badass. I loved both of them as they helped protect her and Sam. They very protective and loyal to both her and Sam but she's getting that feeling of perhaps she's stayed to long in one place. Little does she know that the town has a running bet of when the ex-Navy SEAL, Jonah Bradford, will ask her out. Which townsfolk will win?
Jonah Bradford traded his 20 years as a SEAL in to run his family's security business after his father's near fatal heart attack. He's turned the business into a profitable company with the help of his little brother Shane. But he knows that there is a little bit more to the story as to why Ally won't go on a date with him. But finally she agrees but things have a way of going bad so throw in a tornado and scuzzy minons of her ex husband who's out of jail due to a technical error and in town. She willingly to with him due to threats against everything she holds dear and again he's severely abusing her. When her friends gather together to rescue her from her ex will they be in time? The most touching moment of the book is when Sam tells his mom that Frank, Frannie, Jonah, Shane, Michelle and even Brent have been sent to them as their heroes and they'll do anything to protect Ally and Sam.
True Hero by Susan Owensby is the authors first novel and I think she could become an excellent author as time goes on so for her first book she did really well. Just some minor proof reading, less exclamation points and spelling errors but all and all I'd give it 4.6 stars.
Ally Black aka Sarah Lane is on the run from a very abusive husband who could literally outdo Satan for being mean and sadistic to both her and almost five years old son Sam/Jacob. But since he used to be a cop she doesn't trust anyone as he has friends all over. But her first problem is she ran to what I think would be the first place I'd check which is where she grew up in. Flash forward 3 years and she's working as a server in a diner run by a ex-Army Ranger, Frank, and her friend, Frannie both are loyal and of the charts completely badass. I loved both of them as they helped protect her and Sam. They very protective and loyal to both her and Sam but she's getting that feeling of perhaps she's stayed to long in one place. Little does she know that the town has a running bet of when the ex-Navy SEAL, Jonah Bradford, will ask her out. Which townsfolk will win?
Jonah Bradford traded his 20 years as a SEAL in to run his family's security business after his father's near fatal heart attack. He's turned the business into a profitable company with the help of his little brother Shane. But he knows that there is a little bit more to the story as to why Ally won't go on a date with him. But finally she agrees but things have a way of going bad so throw in a tornado and scuzzy minons of her ex husband who's out of jail due to a technical error and in town. She willingly to with him due to threats against everything she holds dear and again he's severely abusing her. When her friends gather together to rescue her from her ex will they be in time? The most touching moment of the book is when Sam tells his mom that Frank, Frannie, Jonah, Shane, Michelle and even Brent have been sent to them as their heroes and they'll do anything to protect Ally and Sam.
May 17, 2017
True Hero is a beautiful, emotional story. Ally has had a shitty life up to this point. She married young, to an older man, who ended up abusing her so badly that she finally went on the run, fearing for her and her son, Sam's life. 3 years later, she's settled in Wordly, a small town that she has come to call home. She and her son have made themselves a family with Frannie, Frank, Bella, and soon, Jonah and his family and friends involved with his security company.
Jonah is a retired Navy SEAL who has had his eye on Ally for 3 years, since she moved to Wordly. But, ever since an embarrassing incident when they first met at the diner she works at, she won't give him the time of day. Jonah is determined to get to know Ally, though. He knows she's scared of something, and he's bound and determined to figure out what it is, and protect her and Sam. As they ease into a relationship, Ally finally opens up to him and allows him to be the hero she and Sam have been praying for.
But, what I love is that while Jonah may truly be a hero, he is a SEAL after all, Ally is the true hero. She saved herself and wouldn't give up, even when she felt as if she couldn't go on. She knew she had a whole family of people waiting on her who loved her and would be absolutely devastated if she gave up on herself. She showed strength that not many people would have.
Kudos to Susan Owensby on her debut novel. I am looking forward to more from her, perhaps Shane (Jonah's brother) and Michelle? Now that would be a match!
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Jonah is a retired Navy SEAL who has had his eye on Ally for 3 years, since she moved to Wordly. But, ever since an embarrassing incident when they first met at the diner she works at, she won't give him the time of day. Jonah is determined to get to know Ally, though. He knows she's scared of something, and he's bound and determined to figure out what it is, and protect her and Sam. As they ease into a relationship, Ally finally opens up to him and allows him to be the hero she and Sam have been praying for.
But, what I love is that while Jonah may truly be a hero, he is a SEAL after all, Ally is the true hero. She saved herself and wouldn't give up, even when she felt as if she couldn't go on. She knew she had a whole family of people waiting on her who loved her and would be absolutely devastated if she gave up on herself. She showed strength that not many people would have.
Kudos to Susan Owensby on her debut novel. I am looking forward to more from her, perhaps Shane (Jonah's brother) and Michelle? Now that would be a match!
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
June 19, 2017
True Hero by Susan Owensby a fantastic five-star read and a great debut book. True Hero the first book in the True Hearts series, but it is a standalone novel, as well as her debut novel, and what a debut, it’s fantastic and shows a talent for writing like she has been doing it forever and this is her one hundredth book not the first. This author writes a subject that not many will like, as it does cover the issue of domestic violence but it’s done in a very mature and honest manner. The writing is caring and beautiful, I am always a little uncomfortable with domestic violence as it hits to close to home, but this book, made me realise how strong women who come out the other side are including myself.
Ally Black is a woman who would give anything to save her son any more pain, she would do anything to protect him and herself from her ex-husband. After getting some help to get away she got a job in a diner and started to enjoy little aspects about her life. Everything has changed from her old life, but she can’t let anyone get close to them in case they find out what she’s hiding. As some secrets are too big to share, and to share a secret means you have to trust someone, and trusting people is against her rules. Rules that she lives by.
Jonah Bradford is a Navy Seal, he is retired now but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still live to serve, he works for his family’s security business and feels like there is something missing in his life, until one day he walks into a diner and sees her, then he knows in the pit of his stomach he has found the missing piece. All he has to do now is convince her of that, as Ally isn’t interested in giving her trust or story away it is going to take some convincing.
This is a great story, you can’t help but want the best for everyone involved. The only problem is once bitten twice shy, and Ally is definitely shy.
Ally Black is a woman who would give anything to save her son any more pain, she would do anything to protect him and herself from her ex-husband. After getting some help to get away she got a job in a diner and started to enjoy little aspects about her life. Everything has changed from her old life, but she can’t let anyone get close to them in case they find out what she’s hiding. As some secrets are too big to share, and to share a secret means you have to trust someone, and trusting people is against her rules. Rules that she lives by.
Jonah Bradford is a Navy Seal, he is retired now but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still live to serve, he works for his family’s security business and feels like there is something missing in his life, until one day he walks into a diner and sees her, then he knows in the pit of his stomach he has found the missing piece. All he has to do now is convince her of that, as Ally isn’t interested in giving her trust or story away it is going to take some convincing.
This is a great story, you can’t help but want the best for everyone involved. The only problem is once bitten twice shy, and Ally is definitely shy.
May 16, 2017
Susan Owensby has given us an emotional page turner and I couldn't read this book fast enough. This debut has everything I love to read about: love, laughter, family, suspense, and a small town. I fell in love with Jonah Bradford and I understand Ally's reluctance, but I don't know how she held out as long as she did. Ally had a horrific marriage and had to endure a lot of pain and suffering to protect Sam. When she picks Wordly, Illinois as their new home, it's the best decision she made. This is where her Grams grew up, so it's the perfect choice. Frank her boss at Dine With US and Frannie, her neighbor and co-worker, are like parents to her and grandparents to Sam. I'm not going to leave any spoilers because I want everyone to read this fantastic book. True Hero may be Susan Owensby's first book, but I hope she has plans to write more. No pressure, but I would love to read Shane and Michelle's story.
May 19, 2017
True Hero by Susan Owensby.
A new author for me,
And a terrific book,I could not put this one down.
Ally the true hero in this story,is a strong,woman determined to
do right for herself and her son and his future.
I love a strong woman,but fell hard for the other hero in this
book.everyone deserves a jonah in his or hers life.
Arc wash provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review
A new author for me,
And a terrific book,I could not put this one down.
Ally the true hero in this story,is a strong,woman determined to
do right for herself and her son and his future.
I love a strong woman,but fell hard for the other hero in this
book.everyone deserves a jonah in his or hers life.
Arc wash provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 10, 2017
FIrst novel from this Author. Great start to what I can see being a great series of books to read.
People go through life with secrets. Some secrets kept because of life and death.
Ally and her son have ran, created a new life for themselves and settled in a small town but something's coming to ruin everything.
Jonah ex SEAL has come home to his family and has his eye on this vibrant beautiful woman can he break through the barriers Ally holds. What's she hiding ?
Delve into the book to read about these two gorgeous people. The story has wit, sass. Sex appeal, angst and excitement .
Look forward to the next
People go through life with secrets. Some secrets kept because of life and death.
Ally and her son have ran, created a new life for themselves and settled in a small town but something's coming to ruin everything.
Jonah ex SEAL has come home to his family and has his eye on this vibrant beautiful woman can he break through the barriers Ally holds. What's she hiding ?
Delve into the book to read about these two gorgeous people. The story has wit, sass. Sex appeal, angst and excitement .
Look forward to the next
May 2, 2017
A debut novel by Susan Owensby…….
Scars, we all have them in some form or another. A physical scar or maybe even mental scars. Scars can run deep, they can be ugly. They can define a person or they won’t. Sometime scars make us better because they remind us of what we were, maybe what was and will never be again.
Two people, both scarred in many ways, wanting to find love wanting to be loved and wanting happiness. Can two people who are scarred find this? Can they look past all the physical and emotional trauma?
Well, in this truly amazing love story you will find that these two people who are deeply scarred physically and emotionally can find a piece of that heaven they so desperately wanted with each other. Let me introduce you to Jonah and Ally. Jonah is an amazing character in this thrilling story. A man of his word, a serious man who wants love and a family an ex-Seal who came home to help run the family business. *Sigh ladies……(your next bbf right here)
Ally, sadly has not had it easy in her young life. She keeps going for her son. The light of her life, the one she focuses on keeping safe from the abusive past she is desperately trying to out run. Moving away, changing identities, it's been a long road and it’s a road that sadly right now has no exit. This character is funny, cautious and a lot like the real everyday women working in the real world supporting a child on her own. Her son Sam is absolutely the most adorable character!! You will love him!
From laughing out loud to my heart in my throat several times, holding my breath and crying for Ally while cheering her on……..the emotions I felt reading this were at times tense and I LOVED it!
There are so many great characters that you get to meet in this amazing thriller, From Fran and Frankie to Shane and Michelle. And many more in between. I felt like I knew this little town. In the end I had not one question, well maybe about Shane and Michelle *wink lol. For a first time book, hands down PERFECT Susan Owensby. PERFECT! Looking forward to many more reads from you!!!!
Scars, we all have them in some form or another. A physical scar or maybe even mental scars. Scars can run deep, they can be ugly. They can define a person or they won’t. Sometime scars make us better because they remind us of what we were, maybe what was and will never be again.
Two people, both scarred in many ways, wanting to find love wanting to be loved and wanting happiness. Can two people who are scarred find this? Can they look past all the physical and emotional trauma?
Well, in this truly amazing love story you will find that these two people who are deeply scarred physically and emotionally can find a piece of that heaven they so desperately wanted with each other. Let me introduce you to Jonah and Ally. Jonah is an amazing character in this thrilling story. A man of his word, a serious man who wants love and a family an ex-Seal who came home to help run the family business. *Sigh ladies……(your next bbf right here)
Ally, sadly has not had it easy in her young life. She keeps going for her son. The light of her life, the one she focuses on keeping safe from the abusive past she is desperately trying to out run. Moving away, changing identities, it's been a long road and it’s a road that sadly right now has no exit. This character is funny, cautious and a lot like the real everyday women working in the real world supporting a child on her own. Her son Sam is absolutely the most adorable character!! You will love him!
From laughing out loud to my heart in my throat several times, holding my breath and crying for Ally while cheering her on……..the emotions I felt reading this were at times tense and I LOVED it!
There are so many great characters that you get to meet in this amazing thriller, From Fran and Frankie to Shane and Michelle. And many more in between. I felt like I knew this little town. In the end I had not one question, well maybe about Shane and Michelle *wink lol. For a first time book, hands down PERFECT Susan Owensby. PERFECT! Looking forward to many more reads from you!!!!
April 28, 2017
True Hero is a gem that hopefully will not remain hidden. This story has it all – laughter and love, tragedy and triumph, lightheartedness and ratcheting tension. It is the perfect mix, and the steam factor is just right. The author builds a slow burn that has readers yearning for that first kiss nearly as much as the characters themselves. And the author has the readers not only rooting for the love affair destined to develop, but also longing for justice for Ally. I loved the characters. They were so colorful and realistic, from the Hero and Heroine (and Ally is no small h Heroine, she is the real deal), to the villain, to the secondary cast.
I am an avid reader and I love when I have the opportunity to find a new author to fall in love with. I have been savoring the book True Hero by debut author, Susan Owensby. The indie author world often surprises me with good stories and sometimes it even surprises me with great stories. True Hero is truly a great story. It is a realistic love story, filled with humor and suspense, featuring beautifully flawed characters that endear themselves to you with their believable personalities. I rooted for this couple. I laughed, I cried, I sighed and I shouted at the characters. My heart was broken and healed within the covers of this book. This may be Susan’s first book, but it shouldn’t be her last. She has a gift that I am confident will get better with each published book. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
I am an avid reader and I love when I have the opportunity to find a new author to fall in love with. I have been savoring the book True Hero by debut author, Susan Owensby. The indie author world often surprises me with good stories and sometimes it even surprises me with great stories. True Hero is truly a great story. It is a realistic love story, filled with humor and suspense, featuring beautifully flawed characters that endear themselves to you with their believable personalities. I rooted for this couple. I laughed, I cried, I sighed and I shouted at the characters. My heart was broken and healed within the covers of this book. This may be Susan’s first book, but it shouldn’t be her last. She has a gift that I am confident will get better with each published book. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
May 3, 2017
True Hero is an emotional, contemporary romance about domestic abuse survivor Ally, her son Sam and Jonah, the man who wants her heart. This is an amazingly insightful story on what it takes to rise up from the pit of an abusive marriage and start over. Starting over isn't easy for Ally and Sam but she's trying her best to make a life for them. Jonah is a big, handsome, former SEAL and has wanted Ally for a long time. I loved how awkward he is during the Operation Ally phase; I found it endearing. The side characters are as important as the main ones which I have to say pleases me. I can't wait to see more of these characters. This is a wonderful story and an awesome debut.
I read an arc to review.
I read an arc to review.
April 27, 2017
All I can say is WOW! I started this book yesterday afternoon and could not put it down until I was finished! The characters were relatable and fun causing me to laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. I couldn’t help rooting for Jonah and his journey to get Ally to talk to him let alone trust him and my heart ached for everything Ally had to go through. The secondary characters in the story were also likable and I hope that we see their stories in the future! Susan Owensby is a new author and one that I will be eagerly awaiting her next book! Please don’t wait, read this book today – you won’t be disappointed!!
April 26, 2017
This is a new author for me but one I will continue to read. True Hero is a romance story where the heroine(Ally) is hiding from an past abusive marriage and is fighting her desire for a hot hero.( Jonah). There story is makes you laugh and cry.
June 5, 2017
True Hero:True Hearts, Book 1
By Susan Owensby
⅘ Stars
True Hero is the first book in the True Hearts series by Susan Owensby. This is my first time reading a book by Susan , but won't be my last either! This is a very suspenseful, sitting on the edge of your seat, compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read!! You seriously, will NOT be able to put it down. I know I couldn't… it was that good!!
True Hero is a romantic standalone novel. It features sexy ex-military alpha male hero, with a realistic fiery heroine. It does have a very touchy subject matter, talked about throughout the book. It may difficult for some readers. Read at your own risk!
Ally Black is an incredibly simple woman. Living by three very simple rules: 1.) Keep Your head down 2.) Keep life simple and 3.) Trust NO One.
She is running from her dark and painful past. She will do whatever she can,to keep herself and her young son safe. She doesn't let many people in her life. But once she does, she truly loves and trusts you with all her heart.
Retired Navy Seal, Jonah Bradford is taking over his ailing father’s business. He isn't too thrilled about it. But it's family, it must be done! He's been going to the same diner now, for three years. Ally caught his attention from the start. He was instantly drawn to her. He is good about reading people's character, by their actions. All alarms go off with Ally. Something seems off with her. He is determined to find out what or who, hurt her.
Will she finally let him in? Or will the fear of the past hurt her future?? He has such a strong desire and need to protect her. Will she let him?? Will she allow him to get close to her son ?
You must read this book! You have to see what happens with Ally and Jonah’s story. You will not be disappointed!!
By Susan Owensby
⅘ Stars
True Hero is the first book in the True Hearts series by Susan Owensby. This is my first time reading a book by Susan , but won't be my last either! This is a very suspenseful, sitting on the edge of your seat, compelling and thoroughly enjoyable read!! You seriously, will NOT be able to put it down. I know I couldn't… it was that good!!
True Hero is a romantic standalone novel. It features sexy ex-military alpha male hero, with a realistic fiery heroine. It does have a very touchy subject matter, talked about throughout the book. It may difficult for some readers. Read at your own risk!
Ally Black is an incredibly simple woman. Living by three very simple rules: 1.) Keep Your head down 2.) Keep life simple and 3.) Trust NO One.
She is running from her dark and painful past. She will do whatever she can,to keep herself and her young son safe. She doesn't let many people in her life. But once she does, she truly loves and trusts you with all her heart.
Retired Navy Seal, Jonah Bradford is taking over his ailing father’s business. He isn't too thrilled about it. But it's family, it must be done! He's been going to the same diner now, for three years. Ally caught his attention from the start. He was instantly drawn to her. He is good about reading people's character, by their actions. All alarms go off with Ally. Something seems off with her. He is determined to find out what or who, hurt her.
Will she finally let him in? Or will the fear of the past hurt her future?? He has such a strong desire and need to protect her. Will she let him?? Will she allow him to get close to her son ?
You must read this book! You have to see what happens with Ally and Jonah’s story. You will not be disappointed!!
May 26, 2017
Ally
On the run, with no one to turn to,
I’m doing all I can to stay alive, protect myself, and my little boy.
I left everything behind, determined to start over and give my child a normal life.
I have rules. Rules I have to follow. Rules that keep me alive.
1. Keep my head down.
2. Keep life simple.
3. Trust no one.
That definitely includes retired Navy Seal Jonah Bradford. He’s completely off limits.
It doesn’t matter if he wakes up the woman inside of me.
I can’t be that woman anymore. No matter how much he makes me wish I could.
Jonah
Giving up my career to run the family business wasn’t an easy decision. Once a SEAL, always a SEAL.
Yet, I’ve adjusted. I like my life, but something is missing.
One look at the freckle-faced beauty working at the local diner and I know exactly what it is.
But, I’m alive today by following my instincts and everything about Ally is setting off alarm bells that scream she’s trouble.
I don’t care. I want her.
The problem is she won’t give me the time of day.
That’s okay. I like a challenge.
I just have to uncover all of her secrets and end the fear that keeps shining in her eyes.
Operation Ally is underway.
This one is hard to rate, well for me at least. I am torn. This book was slow and took forever for me to finish. I just didnt get that sucked in feeling where i must finish before sleeping. This is the first I have read of this author. While the story was good, the flow was slow and stilted. I think the dialogue between the characters felt forced, and awkward. I think I just didn't connect well with them. You may connect with them much better than I, so dont let that deter you. There are some situations that i think are supposed to be humorous, but just made me wince. You know, everyone finds different situations funny, so you may just like it. I however just think this one was a ok to good read. Not the best, definitely not the worst.
On the run, with no one to turn to,
I’m doing all I can to stay alive, protect myself, and my little boy.
I left everything behind, determined to start over and give my child a normal life.
I have rules. Rules I have to follow. Rules that keep me alive.
1. Keep my head down.
2. Keep life simple.
3. Trust no one.
That definitely includes retired Navy Seal Jonah Bradford. He’s completely off limits.
It doesn’t matter if he wakes up the woman inside of me.
I can’t be that woman anymore. No matter how much he makes me wish I could.
Jonah
Giving up my career to run the family business wasn’t an easy decision. Once a SEAL, always a SEAL.
Yet, I’ve adjusted. I like my life, but something is missing.
One look at the freckle-faced beauty working at the local diner and I know exactly what it is.
But, I’m alive today by following my instincts and everything about Ally is setting off alarm bells that scream she’s trouble.
I don’t care. I want her.
The problem is she won’t give me the time of day.
That’s okay. I like a challenge.
I just have to uncover all of her secrets and end the fear that keeps shining in her eyes.
Operation Ally is underway.
This one is hard to rate, well for me at least. I am torn. This book was slow and took forever for me to finish. I just didnt get that sucked in feeling where i must finish before sleeping. This is the first I have read of this author. While the story was good, the flow was slow and stilted. I think the dialogue between the characters felt forced, and awkward. I think I just didn't connect well with them. You may connect with them much better than I, so dont let that deter you. There are some situations that i think are supposed to be humorous, but just made me wince. You know, everyone finds different situations funny, so you may just like it. I however just think this one was a ok to good read. Not the best, definitely not the worst.
May 22, 2017
This novel involves the familiar plot device of an abused wife fleeing her former spouse, accompanied by an adorable kid, to try and rebuild her life in a small town somewhere. IN this case, the heroine, Ally Black, ends up in a small Illinois town where she attracts the attention of sexy retired Navy Seal Jonah Bradford who habituates the diner where she’s found a job as a waitress. He’s been attracted to her from the very beginning, but senses that she is afraid of something.
Eventually, Ally agrees to go out with Jonah and starts to wonder if he’s the “true hero” that she’s been telling her son will one day come to help them. She’s encouraged by her new friends, stand-in grandparents figures: Frannie, her neighbor and co-worker and surprise shooting ace, and Frank, the former Army Ranger Frank who owns the diner. They both love Ally and would do anything to help her.
So with these three protectors in her corner, Ally will have to face the inevitable return of her evil ex-husband. How he finds her when she’s been hiding out without using anything to tip off anyone to her prior identity is just assumed. I’d have liked some explanation of that.
This is a familiar plot, but I still enjoyed it. Besides having made bad choices in her life to marry this guy and then stay with him when he abused her and threatened their son, Ally has found inner reserves of courage and love. By the end of the book, we find out who the “true hero” really is.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Eventually, Ally agrees to go out with Jonah and starts to wonder if he’s the “true hero” that she’s been telling her son will one day come to help them. She’s encouraged by her new friends, stand-in grandparents figures: Frannie, her neighbor and co-worker and surprise shooting ace, and Frank, the former Army Ranger Frank who owns the diner. They both love Ally and would do anything to help her.
So with these three protectors in her corner, Ally will have to face the inevitable return of her evil ex-husband. How he finds her when she’s been hiding out without using anything to tip off anyone to her prior identity is just assumed. I’d have liked some explanation of that.
This is a familiar plot, but I still enjoyed it. Besides having made bad choices in her life to marry this guy and then stay with him when he abused her and threatened their son, Ally has found inner reserves of courage and love. By the end of the book, we find out who the “true hero” really is.
I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2017
True Hero by Susan Owensby
4 Stars
True Hero was the first book that I've had the pleasure of reading by Susan Owensby, but it won't be my last. She drew me right into the story of Ally and her son and how she made a new life for them far far away from harm. What she doesn't expect is to be attracted to Jonah and make a complete fool of herself. After avoiding him for 3 years, he finally puts an stop to her avoidance, but he has no idea what secrets she's hiding.
Ally started her life as Sarah but through some help of strangers she is able to make a new life for herself far away from her ex husband. Taking all precautions necessary to keep herself hidden in plain sight, she doesn't expect to find people who love her and her son. Ally works as a waitress and then first time ever meeting sexy Navy Seal Jonah, she makes one embarrassing slip of the tongue and it all goes downhill from there, so she avoids him at all costs. When she stats to feel as she's being watched, she must make the second toughest decision of her life. Stay or run.
Jonah has had his eye on Ally for 3 years and he finally has a reason to step into her path. Vowing to protect her, he does all he can to find out her past at her pace, but life makes the decision for her to spill her secrets. When Allys past comes back with a vengeance, can he be the Hero she needs?
In really enjoyed this story and all the characters in it. They felt real and relatable. I couldn't put this down until I saw how it played out and despite the low parts they helped make the high parts so much better. Can't wait to read more and maybe see Jonahs brother get a book!!
4 Stars
True Hero was the first book that I've had the pleasure of reading by Susan Owensby, but it won't be my last. She drew me right into the story of Ally and her son and how she made a new life for them far far away from harm. What she doesn't expect is to be attracted to Jonah and make a complete fool of herself. After avoiding him for 3 years, he finally puts an stop to her avoidance, but he has no idea what secrets she's hiding.
Ally started her life as Sarah but through some help of strangers she is able to make a new life for herself far away from her ex husband. Taking all precautions necessary to keep herself hidden in plain sight, she doesn't expect to find people who love her and her son. Ally works as a waitress and then first time ever meeting sexy Navy Seal Jonah, she makes one embarrassing slip of the tongue and it all goes downhill from there, so she avoids him at all costs. When she stats to feel as she's being watched, she must make the second toughest decision of her life. Stay or run.
Jonah has had his eye on Ally for 3 years and he finally has a reason to step into her path. Vowing to protect her, he does all he can to find out her past at her pace, but life makes the decision for her to spill her secrets. When Allys past comes back with a vengeance, can he be the Hero she needs?
In really enjoyed this story and all the characters in it. They felt real and relatable. I couldn't put this down until I saw how it played out and despite the low parts they helped make the high parts so much better. Can't wait to read more and maybe see Jonahs brother get a book!!
June 7, 2017
Ally is on the run doing whatever is necessary to stay alive and one step ahead of the monster. Starting over is never easy especially when you have to start from scratch. To protect herself and her little guy she will do whatever it takes; including making the vow to never trust anyone.
Retired Navy Seal Jonah walks into the diner where Ally is working and their very first encounter was hilarious even if she was embarrassed. Jonah was immediately attracted to Ally only she will not give him the time of day. Day after day he continues to ask her out but she shuts him down every single time. He can not figure it out, he is good looking and does not have a problem finding a date; but Ally she is different. A plan forms and he names it Operation Ally and he is determined to Ally to open up to him.
Jonah is very handsome and Ally is definitely attracted but she can not take the risk. The consequences are too great to give in to her attraction to this man. Ally struggles with her thoughts, she try to rationale all possible scenarios. Maybe she should live a little; it has been a while since she has been out on a date. What if he finds all her dark secrets it could destroy herself, her son and those whom she has come to lean on. When she has no choice but to lean on others for help we wonder if Ally’s past will indeed come back to get her.
I like how Susan describes Ally as abused but she also helped her find a way out. This is an emotional story about a Survivor. I will be looking for more of Susan’s work.
Retired Navy Seal Jonah walks into the diner where Ally is working and their very first encounter was hilarious even if she was embarrassed. Jonah was immediately attracted to Ally only she will not give him the time of day. Day after day he continues to ask her out but she shuts him down every single time. He can not figure it out, he is good looking and does not have a problem finding a date; but Ally she is different. A plan forms and he names it Operation Ally and he is determined to Ally to open up to him.
Jonah is very handsome and Ally is definitely attracted but she can not take the risk. The consequences are too great to give in to her attraction to this man. Ally struggles with her thoughts, she try to rationale all possible scenarios. Maybe she should live a little; it has been a while since she has been out on a date. What if he finds all her dark secrets it could destroy herself, her son and those whom she has come to lean on. When she has no choice but to lean on others for help we wonder if Ally’s past will indeed come back to get her.
I like how Susan describes Ally as abused but she also helped her find a way out. This is an emotional story about a Survivor. I will be looking for more of Susan’s work.
May 23, 2017
True Hero by Susan Owensby : 4 star read
When you’re a Mother, you will do whatever it takes to protect your child and put their health and happiness before all else. This is something that Ally had to address head on when the man she married turned out to be her worst nightmare. In order to protect her son she decides to choose a life on the run with a new identity paying for things on in cash, never settling down and above all else never getting close to anyone. Ally is able to surround herself with a select few people in this small town that she runs away to but even they don’t know the true depth of the pain in her past or how much danger she could potentially be in.
In this small town lives a man named Jonah. He is a previous military hero whose hand was forced to not reenlist and instead to take over his family’s security company. Jonah is rugged and handsome but still has not found the right person to settle down with, or more importantly the woman that he wants more than anything refuses to give him the time of day. Jonah will sit at the diner daily just to try to get a minute of Ally’s time but instead of any meaningful conversations she seems to run away screaming from him and is always afraid. Always trusting his instinct, along with the help of his ex-cop brother, he starts to slowly put together that Ally may not be exactly who she says she is and may be in more danger than she could possibly know.
Will Jonah be able to convince Ally to trust him and that is a legitimate good guy and will help her? Or will Ally lose the battle of the ticking clock and come face to face with the demons of her past.
Holy smokes.. this book. This is one of my first trips into a romantic thriller and I could not get enough. If I could find myself a Jonah, my life would be complete forever. Owensby stays true to the emotional roller coaster of what Ally is going through and I feel she portrays her battle so raw and true to what happens in real life. I felt every single emotion possible in this novel and OF COURSE it is a series! This is a gripping novel that you will not want to put down and I promise you will not be disappointed!
When you’re a Mother, you will do whatever it takes to protect your child and put their health and happiness before all else. This is something that Ally had to address head on when the man she married turned out to be her worst nightmare. In order to protect her son she decides to choose a life on the run with a new identity paying for things on in cash, never settling down and above all else never getting close to anyone. Ally is able to surround herself with a select few people in this small town that she runs away to but even they don’t know the true depth of the pain in her past or how much danger she could potentially be in.
In this small town lives a man named Jonah. He is a previous military hero whose hand was forced to not reenlist and instead to take over his family’s security company. Jonah is rugged and handsome but still has not found the right person to settle down with, or more importantly the woman that he wants more than anything refuses to give him the time of day. Jonah will sit at the diner daily just to try to get a minute of Ally’s time but instead of any meaningful conversations she seems to run away screaming from him and is always afraid. Always trusting his instinct, along with the help of his ex-cop brother, he starts to slowly put together that Ally may not be exactly who she says she is and may be in more danger than she could possibly know.
Will Jonah be able to convince Ally to trust him and that is a legitimate good guy and will help her? Or will Ally lose the battle of the ticking clock and come face to face with the demons of her past.
Holy smokes.. this book. This is one of my first trips into a romantic thriller and I could not get enough. If I could find myself a Jonah, my life would be complete forever. Owensby stays true to the emotional roller coaster of what Ally is going through and I feel she portrays her battle so raw and true to what happens in real life. I felt every single emotion possible in this novel and OF COURSE it is a series! This is a gripping novel that you will not want to put down and I promise you will not be disappointed!
May 23, 2017
What would you be willing to do to escape a bad situation and protect yourself and your child? This is the question that Ally Black asks herself in the debut novel True Hero by Susan Owensby.
Three years ago Ally Black took her son, Sam, and ran from her abusive husband after helping to send him to prison. Leaving was the only way to protect themselves from the people her husband was involved with, so with the help of an underground group, the mother and son became new people and began their new life in Wordly, Illinois.
All is finally well in Ally’s world after so many years of abuse and loneliness she has found a place where both she and her son can belong. As a waitress Ally has met many different people but nobody quite like “Mr. Dreamy Eyes” Jonah Bradford, a retired Navy SEAL, whom she sees and hides from every time he comes into the diner she works at since she embarrassed herself during their first encounter.
Jonah is taken by Ally right from the first time he lays eyes on her. During their first interaction he found her refreshingly beautiful and wanted to learn more about her, unfortunately he could never tie her down since every time he walked into the diner she would disappear. After three years of the cat-and-mouse game they’ve been playing Jonah finally puts his foot down and asks her on a date.
In an effort to not give anything away I am going to stop here with my review and just say that if you like a book with angst, suspense, action and a little good loving pick up this book. I can’t honestly say that I would recommend this book to anyone under the age of 18 since there may be some material that could be hard for sensitive readers. This is a very good book though especially if you can appreciate an extremely tough heroine along with your alpha male hero!
I am looking forward to more stories from this author in the future (Shane and Michelle maybe?), seeing how well she did with her debut I can only imagine her stories getting better and better with time.
Three years ago Ally Black took her son, Sam, and ran from her abusive husband after helping to send him to prison. Leaving was the only way to protect themselves from the people her husband was involved with, so with the help of an underground group, the mother and son became new people and began their new life in Wordly, Illinois.
All is finally well in Ally’s world after so many years of abuse and loneliness she has found a place where both she and her son can belong. As a waitress Ally has met many different people but nobody quite like “Mr. Dreamy Eyes” Jonah Bradford, a retired Navy SEAL, whom she sees and hides from every time he comes into the diner she works at since she embarrassed herself during their first encounter.
Jonah is taken by Ally right from the first time he lays eyes on her. During their first interaction he found her refreshingly beautiful and wanted to learn more about her, unfortunately he could never tie her down since every time he walked into the diner she would disappear. After three years of the cat-and-mouse game they’ve been playing Jonah finally puts his foot down and asks her on a date.
In an effort to not give anything away I am going to stop here with my review and just say that if you like a book with angst, suspense, action and a little good loving pick up this book. I can’t honestly say that I would recommend this book to anyone under the age of 18 since there may be some material that could be hard for sensitive readers. This is a very good book though especially if you can appreciate an extremely tough heroine along with your alpha male hero!
I am looking forward to more stories from this author in the future (Shane and Michelle maybe?), seeing how well she did with her debut I can only imagine her stories getting better and better with time.
May 23, 2017
True Hero (True Heart Series Book 1) by Susan Owensby Rated 5 stars
I loved this book! Ally is super cautious as she gets to town, gets a waitress job and this hotter than hot guy come and sits in her section. She is flabbergasted! The first meeting between Jonah and Ally is super funny! "Can I have you forever?" is what she says instead of Can I take your order? If that's not embarrassing enough how about finding out your skirt is stuck in your underwear and then backing into another waitress who was holding a tray! Talk about first impressions!
Another of my favorite scenes was where Jonah, Shane and his mother are talking about the business (Bradford Security) and the boys start bickering about who would be in charge....mom pulls out a newspaper and smacks them to get them to stop. Hahahaha! I love this!
On the more serious side there is the heartwarming romance that is going on between Mr Dreamy Eyes (Jonah) and Freckles ( Ally) and the heart wrenching story of what made Ally be in this town, under an alias, in the first place. This book has multiple levels and they are all awesome! As you can see from what I have written about there is humor here but True Hero also has a serious side to it. I really felt a wide range of emotions while reading this story.
Shane has a brotherly sense of humor in regards to anything Jonah but especially Ally. Jonah and Shane have the typical brother relationship, you know, where they smack or punch each other to show affection. Though they do have a strong bond and have each other's back. Frannie and Frank, who work at the diner, are also funny supporting characters but can protect Ally and Sam with the best of them.
It's very hard to write about the ending of this book. But I will say that Jonah is an amazing guy, Shane is the best brother and Ally is one of the strongest gals I have read about in a while. I completely understand the title now, it's perfect. I almost wish I could give this more than 5 stars.
Great writing!
I loved this book! Ally is super cautious as she gets to town, gets a waitress job and this hotter than hot guy come and sits in her section. She is flabbergasted! The first meeting between Jonah and Ally is super funny! "Can I have you forever?" is what she says instead of Can I take your order? If that's not embarrassing enough how about finding out your skirt is stuck in your underwear and then backing into another waitress who was holding a tray! Talk about first impressions!
Another of my favorite scenes was where Jonah, Shane and his mother are talking about the business (Bradford Security) and the boys start bickering about who would be in charge....mom pulls out a newspaper and smacks them to get them to stop. Hahahaha! I love this!
On the more serious side there is the heartwarming romance that is going on between Mr Dreamy Eyes (Jonah) and Freckles ( Ally) and the heart wrenching story of what made Ally be in this town, under an alias, in the first place. This book has multiple levels and they are all awesome! As you can see from what I have written about there is humor here but True Hero also has a serious side to it. I really felt a wide range of emotions while reading this story.
Shane has a brotherly sense of humor in regards to anything Jonah but especially Ally. Jonah and Shane have the typical brother relationship, you know, where they smack or punch each other to show affection. Though they do have a strong bond and have each other's back. Frannie and Frank, who work at the diner, are also funny supporting characters but can protect Ally and Sam with the best of them.
It's very hard to write about the ending of this book. But I will say that Jonah is an amazing guy, Shane is the best brother and Ally is one of the strongest gals I have read about in a while. I completely understand the title now, it's perfect. I almost wish I could give this more than 5 stars.
Great writing!
May 2, 2017
Oh my gosh! I loved this story. I read it over the course of two days and I didn't want to put it down. It was filled with love, tenderness, passion, suspense and a great sense of humor. It created so many emotions and I found myself cheering on the "hero" and hoping for the demise of the villain. And by the end of the book you realize there might be more than one hero in this epic story. I was on the edge of my seat at the end, one minute thinking it was too late, and the next minute jumping up and down cheering, tears running down my cheeks. It was that good. I can't wait to see what Susan Owensby will release in the future. Count me in!
May 23, 2017
Breathtaking! Amazing! Heart Tugging!
Susan Owensby is a new author. She is amazing. I read the blurb for this book and thought I have to read this book. I was excited that I was able to receive an ARC. If this is one of the books that you decide to read this year you will be glad that you did. I was intrigued from the beginning. The story-line and characters are incredibly written. The passionate, dark, breathtaking story is hard to put down.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. It will take you on an amazing ride that will tug at your heart strings and leave on smile on your face at the end. Grab your copy, found your comfortable reading place, and enjoy the ride. You will fall in love with this book just like I did!
Complimentary copy for an honest review
Susan Owensby is a new author. She is amazing. I read the blurb for this book and thought I have to read this book. I was excited that I was able to receive an ARC. If this is one of the books that you decide to read this year you will be glad that you did. I was intrigued from the beginning. The story-line and characters are incredibly written. The passionate, dark, breathtaking story is hard to put down.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. It will take you on an amazing ride that will tug at your heart strings and leave on smile on your face at the end. Grab your copy, found your comfortable reading place, and enjoy the ride. You will fall in love with this book just like I did!
Complimentary copy for an honest review
May 23, 2017
True Hero (True Heart Series Book One)
written by Susan Owensby
5+ stars
First off can I just say how ecstatic I was when I saw this is a series and realized I can be greedy and have more!!! Secondly, I knew it was going to be a late night by the 2% page marker. This book was a heart wrenching, emotional, hopeful, beautiful read. My emotions were up and down throughout this entire book.
This book touches on a subject that unfortunately many women and children have suffered through and more will continue to endure. This story focus on how broken down Ally aka Freckles had become before she used all her strength and love for her son to drive her determination of overcoming her circumstances. She knows she will always be looking over her shoulder and will never truly be free, but atleast she will be alive and be giving Jacob aka Sam a chance.
Retired Navy Seal Jonah Bradford aka Mr. Dreamy Eyes runs Bradford Security with his brother. He has lived many years by his instincts and something about Ally tells him she has secrets and the alpha in him wants to protect her from the guarded eyes she always is looking at everyone with. Jonah knows it's going to be a lot of work trying to get Freckles to open up, but it's a challenge he has determined he's going to accomplish.
Ally and her son Sam make the mistake of getting close to and relying on a few people in her town. She starts to think of them as family and the small town as her home. She knows better than to get attached, because at any moment she may be back on the run. She wishes she could let Sam stay and make friends, but her gut is telling her that her past has caught up to her.
Is Ally paranoid? Is she being followed? Should she take precautions and move on or would she be making a huge mistake and leaving the best thing she's had her whole life? Is she stays will she be putting her new family in danger, too? Does she have the strength to start over and leave her new life behind?
written by Susan Owensby
5+ stars
First off can I just say how ecstatic I was when I saw this is a series and realized I can be greedy and have more!!! Secondly, I knew it was going to be a late night by the 2% page marker. This book was a heart wrenching, emotional, hopeful, beautiful read. My emotions were up and down throughout this entire book.
This book touches on a subject that unfortunately many women and children have suffered through and more will continue to endure. This story focus on how broken down Ally aka Freckles had become before she used all her strength and love for her son to drive her determination of overcoming her circumstances. She knows she will always be looking over her shoulder and will never truly be free, but atleast she will be alive and be giving Jacob aka Sam a chance.
Retired Navy Seal Jonah Bradford aka Mr. Dreamy Eyes runs Bradford Security with his brother. He has lived many years by his instincts and something about Ally tells him she has secrets and the alpha in him wants to protect her from the guarded eyes she always is looking at everyone with. Jonah knows it's going to be a lot of work trying to get Freckles to open up, but it's a challenge he has determined he's going to accomplish.
Ally and her son Sam make the mistake of getting close to and relying on a few people in her town. She starts to think of them as family and the small town as her home. She knows better than to get attached, because at any moment she may be back on the run. She wishes she could let Sam stay and make friends, but her gut is telling her that her past has caught up to her.
Is Ally paranoid? Is she being followed? Should she take precautions and move on or would she be making a huge mistake and leaving the best thing she's had her whole life? Is she stays will she be putting her new family in danger, too? Does she have the strength to start over and leave her new life behind?
May 23, 2017
4 stars
True Hero is a romantic suspense story and the first in the True Hearts series by Susan Owensby. This is a new author to me and I really enjoyed the book. This is the author’s debut novel. I will admit it was maybe slightly predictable but I still really enjoyed it. It was a nice easy read with some great characters. They developed well over the story and were likeable.
The story is about Ally who is trying to escape her past with her son. She wants to keep her head down and try and carry on her life as normally as she possibly can. At all costs she is trying to avoid Jonah, the hot guy who often frequents the diner where she works! Ally knows she doesn’t need the complications of a relationship if she needs to move on quickly. Jonah isn’t giving up quite so easily though! As soon as he saw Ally he wanted to make her his – and he has been waiting 3 long years!
I really liked Jonah! I thought he was a really kind and caring person! He was pretty sure after observing Ally that there was more to her than meets the eye. He was gentle and considerate to her. He was happy to spend time getting to know her and her son.
I just wanted to give Ally a hug! She had been through an awful time. I can imagine someone like Jonah was unbelievable for her and that’s one of the reasons why she resisted him for so long. I loved the relationship she had with her some and can only imagine how she felt about the life she had to live in order to keep them both safe. Jonah really was her true hero!
Ally and Jonah were also backed up by some great secondary characters! I particularly liked Frannie! I was cheering along when she went all bad a** Granny!! I loved that part!!
I think for a debut novel the author did a great job. She created characters that you just wanted the best for. There was a nice twist at the end of the story. If you are looking for a story with romance and suspense all mixed together with lovely characters then I definitely recommend True Hero!
True Hero is a romantic suspense story and the first in the True Hearts series by Susan Owensby. This is a new author to me and I really enjoyed the book. This is the author’s debut novel. I will admit it was maybe slightly predictable but I still really enjoyed it. It was a nice easy read with some great characters. They developed well over the story and were likeable.
The story is about Ally who is trying to escape her past with her son. She wants to keep her head down and try and carry on her life as normally as she possibly can. At all costs she is trying to avoid Jonah, the hot guy who often frequents the diner where she works! Ally knows she doesn’t need the complications of a relationship if she needs to move on quickly. Jonah isn’t giving up quite so easily though! As soon as he saw Ally he wanted to make her his – and he has been waiting 3 long years!
I really liked Jonah! I thought he was a really kind and caring person! He was pretty sure after observing Ally that there was more to her than meets the eye. He was gentle and considerate to her. He was happy to spend time getting to know her and her son.
I just wanted to give Ally a hug! She had been through an awful time. I can imagine someone like Jonah was unbelievable for her and that’s one of the reasons why she resisted him for so long. I loved the relationship she had with her some and can only imagine how she felt about the life she had to live in order to keep them both safe. Jonah really was her true hero!
Ally and Jonah were also backed up by some great secondary characters! I particularly liked Frannie! I was cheering along when she went all bad a** Granny!! I loved that part!!
I think for a debut novel the author did a great job. She created characters that you just wanted the best for. There was a nice twist at the end of the story. If you are looking for a story with romance and suspense all mixed together with lovely characters then I definitely recommend True Hero!
May 26, 2017
Ally has a awful past that she had to run from with her son Sam but she constantly has to look over her shoulder and be on guard for when her demons follow her. Ally always put her son needs first so when Jonah comes into her life and try to get her attention she keeps pushing him away, afraid that he will hurt her or Sam and they have been through enough. Jonah is very persistent though he feel things towards Ally hes never felt before, when he looks at her it leaves him breathless but he can also see when he looks into her eye's she's hiding something and there sadness there it gives him this urge to protect Ally and her son and to find out everything about her. Will Ally let him in and share her deepest secrets with him? What happens when the demons come back full force will Jonah be able to protect them? Wow what a story it's such a emotional read it had me grabbing at the tissues that's for sure. Ally and Jonah's story is filled with love, sadness , suspense and drama it will captivate you right from the start I was unable to put my kindle down once I started reading there story so be prepared for a book hangover but I'll tell you now it was totally worth it , it was such a beautiful read it made me smile, laugh and cry it really pulls on your heartstrings. You will fall in love with the characters especially the hero and heroine, Ally is amazing ,strong, a wonderful mother and has a huge heart and Jonah well he's sweet, alpha, a protector and to top it off hot ladies he is definitely a worthy book boyfriend. I would absolutely recommend this novel its wonderful and I was not left disappointed I cant wait to read more from this author. Happy reading!!
July 22, 2017
Received an ARC for my fair review for netgalley. This was truly a depressing story, I was so sad after I read it, and I hate that. The book was well written, I do not take that away from the author, actually I think she did a great job in making us feel as readers, it was just so heartbreaking. No one, no one should have to suffer to what Ally went thru, it just gutted me, and even Sam, that poor little boy, to have to live life scared it truly gut wrenching. The sad part of it all, is that it happens in real life, maybe not to the degree, as last part of torture, but pretty the rest of it. I was happy that she finally got a break.
May 24, 2017
True Hero, True heart series book 1 by Susan Owensby is an amazing 5 star read.
Parts of this book deal with domestic abuse.
Ally Black isn't her real name she's a young woman on the run, her life hasn't been easy, her parents died in a car accident when she was 3 years old and she went to live with her grandmother who showed her all the love she needed but when she past away Ally was left alone and vulnerable. At 18 she met a policeman who showered her with gifts and attention but after they married her life changed, her new husband had one rule for her and another for himself and when she didn't do as he said she was very badly beaten, when he lost his job and was then arrested Ally was made to testify against him, when he was sent to prison she went on the run with her young son heading to a place that held good memories from when she was a child. It's here in this new place where she finally starts to heal and finds the family she hasn't had for a while.
Jonah Bradford is an ex-navy seal he was injured doing the job he loved for 20 years and now has a scar from his temple to his chin on the right side of his face but after his father had a heart attack Jonah left the military to help run the family security business alongside his brother. When he first catches sight of Ally working in the town diner he's smitten especially after she asks to keep him forever, it takes 3 long years for Jonah to finally pluck up the courage to ask her out ending a bet that most of the town was part of. Jonah knows Ally is hiding something and she brings out every protective instinct that he has, he just needs to get her to trust him.
This was an amazing story, I laughed, I cried and my heart broke for Ally, the author really knows how to play on all your emotions.
Parts of this book deal with domestic abuse.
Ally Black isn't her real name she's a young woman on the run, her life hasn't been easy, her parents died in a car accident when she was 3 years old and she went to live with her grandmother who showed her all the love she needed but when she past away Ally was left alone and vulnerable. At 18 she met a policeman who showered her with gifts and attention but after they married her life changed, her new husband had one rule for her and another for himself and when she didn't do as he said she was very badly beaten, when he lost his job and was then arrested Ally was made to testify against him, when he was sent to prison she went on the run with her young son heading to a place that held good memories from when she was a child. It's here in this new place where she finally starts to heal and finds the family she hasn't had for a while.
Jonah Bradford is an ex-navy seal he was injured doing the job he loved for 20 years and now has a scar from his temple to his chin on the right side of his face but after his father had a heart attack Jonah left the military to help run the family security business alongside his brother. When he first catches sight of Ally working in the town diner he's smitten especially after she asks to keep him forever, it takes 3 long years for Jonah to finally pluck up the courage to ask her out ending a bet that most of the town was part of. Jonah knows Ally is hiding something and she brings out every protective instinct that he has, he just needs to get her to trust him.
This was an amazing story, I laughed, I cried and my heart broke for Ally, the author really knows how to play on all your emotions.
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