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Uncommon Heroes #1

True Devotion

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Kelly Jacobs has already paid the ultimate price of loving a warrior; she has the folded flag and the grateful thanks of a nation to prove it. Navy SEAL Joe “Bear” Baker can't ask her to accept that risk again—even though he loves her. But the man responsible for her husband's death is back; closer than either of them realize. Kelly is in danger, and Joe may not get there in time.

Uncommon Heroes: Welcome to a world where friendships go deep, loyalties stand strong, and uncommon heroes perform the toughest jobs in the world. Dee Henderson's military romance series provides a detailed passage into the world of the military and homeland heroes, and those they love.

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

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About the author

Dee Henderson

71 books4,167 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Dee Henderson is the author of 27 non-fiction and fiction titles, including Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Truth and the Life, The Good News Project, Taken and the acclaimed O’MALLEY series. Several titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller list; Full Disclosure has also appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. For details visit: DeeHenderson.com

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5 stars
7,385 (51%)
4 stars
4,343 (30%)
3 stars
2,005 (14%)
2 stars
382 (2%)
1 star
194 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,648 reviews64 followers
January 7, 2013
I guess I was a little naive when I started this book but I am certainly glad that I was. I had not read anything from this author before and was unaware that she wrote Christian books. Not that I have anything against them, I just did not know.

Having lost my own husband just recently this book struck a cord with me and I am the better for it. I did not realize that I needed it but I needed this book desperately! I too was angry for my loss and had turned my anger towards God. NOT ANY MORE!

Kelly Jacobs has lost her husband, SEALS Nick Jacobs. Nick gave up his life to save his best friend Joe and at the end asked Joe to take care of Kelly. Joe took his commitment seriously and in doing so fell hopelessly in love with her.

Along came Charles and Ryan, Kelly being a lifeguard had saved Ryan after a surfing mishap. Unknown to Joe and Kelly, Charles was using Kelly! In the end, well you will have to read this book to find out.

The author made this book real with the way that she brought God into play as we do in real life. Only with this book it really answered alot of questions for me personally, thank you Dee.

I highly recommend this book, it is a page turner and will capture you right from the beginning.

5/28/12
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,823 reviews1,437 followers
February 4, 2020
This one got off to a rapid start with the MC lost in an open sea after her rescue gets sidelined by a riptide. Her best friend, Joe, searches for her frantically. I had a hard time getting through this because this scene literally lasts the first 20% of the book: there are such heavy flashbacks that the action becomes lethargic; it’s too spread apart. I can only imagine how hard it would be to get through if one didn’t have much time to read.

Then we have the ultra-cliché “mad at God” trope. I’m sorry, but where does God say the universe is supposed to revolve around this life and how well we enjoy things on earth? I’m getting really tired of this overworked plot device, and this one wasn’t one of the better done versions of that. A little church attendance, a few prayers, and a bit of panic when facing death is supposed to fully fix deep theological issues with one’s faith? Hm.

Added to that the author tries to sidetrack us with a forced love triangle. I found Charles super creepy and saw through him from the start. I though Kelly was really a jerk to string him along and that a woman worth her salt would have been honest to him up-front and sent back his gifts firmly. Definitely wouldn’t have let him show up on her doorstep unannounced and come in alone. But of course it was a plot device to force a relationship at the end between the leads and that just left it feeling even cheaper.

Though it was moderately entertaining, and the ending was really sweet, the plot was very surface and 100% predictable.
Profile Image for Allison.
58 reviews
March 21, 2012
Seriously suprised at all the four and five star reviews. Being a military wife I find this story a little silly. For one thing, and yes I know the author addresses this in the forward, but its crazy that the main character and her dead husband both grew up right outside of San Diego, then get stationed in San Diego, then continue to stay stationed there until she is 29! Oh, and it is crazy that as a life guard she manages to hold onto her house after her husband dies (In CA of all places). How is she paying the bills???

Also, I find it funny how the media portrays military spouses (like Army Wives), where all the spouses are just the bestest friends, always there for each other...no. Girls are girls, and though there is some good support in the military, people are still people and the wives will dislike each other and judge each other and fight or just plain old have nothing in common with each other a decent amount of the time.

Third, there is just no way that Joe had a dog as a single sailor. He himself talks about how much he deploys and how late he works all the time. No sorry, that dog really bothered me.

Maybe I am being too hard on the book, but it wasn't just those things that made me not like this book. The romance was also silly, I love you, no I can't do this right now, no I do love you, no wait I don't. Shoot me.
Profile Image for Holly .
127 reviews
February 15, 2012
Chapter 1- I love you
Chapter 2- Nevermind no I dont
Chapter 3- No, actually i do
Chapter 4- My bad i really dont
Chapter 5- Totally kidding i do
Chapter 6- Seriously, no. No i dont
Chapter 7- Will you marry me
Chapter 8- Yes
Chapter 9- The end

Congratulations, you just read the whole book.
Profile Image for Wendy.
526 reviews280 followers
July 28, 2012
Men in uniform and Navy SEALs to boot, I couldn't help myself. This was an enjoyable read, and a surprise to find out, by friends that Dee Henderson is a Christian romance writer. Which explained the bible references and prayers throughout the book. That being said, for anyone who enjoys heat in their books, you will not find any in this. It's clean in all ways in regards to language and intimate relations between the H/h.

The story is not as faced pace as most of the romantic suspense in this genre, I have read. But it has me intrigued to want to continue with this series.
Profile Image for Jesseca Wheaton.
Author 13 books193 followers
March 30, 2016
3.5 stars
This is the 2nd book I have read by Dee Henderson, and I have to say I didn't enjoy it near as much as "The Negotiator". For one, the romance aspect seemed a little much. The one thing I appreciated about "The Negotiator" was the fact that the romance was light, where in this one is was exactly the opposite. Some of it made me uncomfortable, and there were more then a few parts where I would just skim the page and not even read it.
However, I did enjoy the story and all the mystery. I never could quite decide how it would turn out until I got the the end. ;) And learning about the SEAL's was really interesting!
I'll probably read the 2nd book in the series, but I'm hoping it has a little less of the romance aspect.
Profile Image for Mikayla.
1,193 reviews
April 19, 2022
This was awesome. I was in need of some Dee Henderson. This book was a bit more romance filled then the O'Malley series, but I still loved it. <3

2022>> Just as good the second time. I love Kelly.
Profile Image for Chloe Field.
Author 1 book9 followers
November 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5-star read.

➡️ Read within 24 hours.
➡️ Kept me up too late (like, 12:30am kinda late. XD)
➡️ Broke my heart + mended it in the best way possible. 🥰
➡️ Had me instantly wanting to read the next books in the series.
➡️ Romance done right:
✔️ self-sacrificing
✔️ thinking of the other's needs above their own
✔️ doing what's right even when it hurts/they don't want to
Profile Image for Maria.
247 reviews
January 28, 2024
I LOVED IT! This was my fourth time re-reading it and it was just as good as the first time I read it. I immediately fell in love with Kelly and Joe. They are perfect for each other. Joe especially is really swoon worthy! The plot developed really well and Henderson wove in the faith elements realistically and beautifully.
My favourite part of the book was the Navy SEALs. The way the author brought the characters to life was superbly done, and I found myself anxiously awaiting the missions with the characters. The missions were action-packed and nerve-wracking, and I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation. Navy SEALs and other special op teams have always fascinated me and it was really interesting to see some of the story from the perspective of the person waiting for a SEAL to come home. I cried alongside Kelly and cried happy tears for her and Joe.
I have re-read the whole series multiple times (that's how much I enjoyed it!), and I have to admit that Joe and Kelly's story is my favourite!
I would highly recommend this novel!!
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,503 reviews654 followers
July 28, 2015
Dee Henderson introduced me to Romantic Suspense, which became my favourite genre to read and this book did not disappoint.

There was a good balance between the suspense and romance between Kelly and Joe. The bad guy was introduced in the beginning, which is not the norm for suspense books, but made for an interesting read, as you the reader knows something the main characters don't and adds to the suspense of what will happen.

The struggles Kelly and Joe faced, felt true and real. Kelly being a military widow had to learn to trust God with Joe's safety and Joe had to learn that he should also trust God and Kelly and not make decisions for someone else.

Great plot, loved the characters especially Kelly and her love for teddy bears and loved Micha's adventurers as well :-)

Recommended for Romantic suspense lovers.
Profile Image for Grace.
10 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2020
I honestly don't understand the bad reviews...
Yes the H and h battled over whether they loved each other, but isn't that like, you know, EVERY RELATIONSHIP EVER??
Every relationship is fraught with doubts, and considering everything that Kelly and Joe went through, I think it's very reasonable that they would've struggled with their feelings.
I found so many parts of it relatable, like the drifting away from the faith. It really challenged me to look at my own prayer life and connection with God. It's so easy to slip into routine and familiarity, but this novel helped me to reflect.
The SEAL moments were great. Not that I know that much, but I found it really interesting to read.
Simply put, a novel worth reading if you want something of substance.
Profile Image for Kristi.
737 reviews
July 21, 2024
I enjoyed getting to know Joe and Kelly. I liked their relationship from the very beginning. I thought the author explained the action and military side of things well. It felt like it was a little rushed and short at the end though with both the conclusion of the story and the way their relationship went. The respect they showed each other was refreshing.

I get the reason for Charles (and his son Ryan) and the way he came to be part of Kelly's life, but how quickly they seemed to always be there felt strange. The amount of gifts he showed, the attention to Ryan.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the communication between Joe and Kelly. They actually spoke about what they were feeling. There were no games, no, "I wonder what he's feeling, what she wants?" The conversation they had on his sailboat was straightforward. Straight honesty.

Joe: "his character, his absolute honesty, his tact, his self-discipline, his leadership."

This book reminded me of the TV series, SEAL Team.

Rating: PG -some violence
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes
Profile Image for Amanda Tero.
Author 28 books542 followers
December 2, 2021
This series has me intrigued with book one. I appreciate the spiritual messages Dee Henderson weaves into her stories, and this one is no exception. The characters grew as they faced challenges. The romance was a core thread in the story and the suspense wasn’t too intense from my perspective.
Profile Image for megan.
374 reviews29 followers
dnf
August 26, 2025
dnf @ 18%. the ick is unreal. i think this is the end of the road for me and dee henderson.
Profile Image for Lexi.
140 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2024
This was really good!! I love Dee Henderson!
Kelly is the widow of a Navy SEAL. As she searches for the truth about how her husband really died, Kelly not only finds answers but finds love again.
I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series.
Very clean and wholesome.
Profile Image for Olivia.
699 reviews137 followers
March 30, 2016
They were going to drown.

3.5 stars. From the first sentence I was drawn in by yet another read by Dee Henderson. Navy SEAL Joe Baker job isn't easy, especially after having his good friend, Nick, die during a mission. Now Nick's wife, Kelly, is out in the ocean saving a boy from drowning and may not live long in the cold water.

I really liked how Dee Henderson put Christian truths into her story. Kelly struggles with understanding Nick's death, and Joe wants to bring the notorious terrorist, Raider, to justice for causing the death of his friend. The story is a LITTLE cliche.

At first I very much disliked Charles, but at the end I changed my mind. He and Ryan are a great asset to the story. Kelly's love of teddy bears made her an endearing character.

It bothered me a bit how much little touches there were at the beginning of the book. I kept wanting to tell Bear to keep his hands off her! The main reason why I lowered my rating is because there were two detailed kisses that I did not feel comfortable reading. Also, nothing is ever said about Kelly's family which I thought a bit strange.

I considered not writing a full review of this book, but I couldn't help it. I like the mix of suspense and normal life.
Profile Image for Penelope.
1,460 reviews15 followers
August 22, 2019
I read True Devotion for the first time soon after it’s publication, many years ago. I vaguely remembered liking it at that time but as I now read it again, I discovered that it had held up very well with the passing of time - it was a real joy to read. :)
True Devotion is about a platoon of navy SEALS training and working out of Coronado, CA but in particular one man, Nick, his good friend & SEAL buddy, Joe, and Nick’s wife, Kelly. Tragedy hits early during a mission and due to military secrecy Kelly must deal with many unknowns, work through her grief, and somehow regain perspective. Joe simultaneously is dealing with his own questions about what happened on that mission, especially as history seems to be repeating itself.
This is a contemporary suspense novel with a sweet and clean romance. The author writes from a Christian perspective treating her material with a gentle hand. I found True Devotion a wonderful military suspense novel and will be marking it in my library as a novel I will want to read again. I was happily surprised with True Devotion, which is very suitable for YA as well as adults.


Profile Image for Holly.
463 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2021
I don’t know how I missed reading this series early on. I really enjoy Dee Henderson’s books. This book dealt with a SEAL team widow and the emotions she dealt with after her husband didn’t come back from a mission and her plight to learn how to navigate the day to day again. I have high respect for military and family members of those in the military and I think she held their jobs in the highest regard.
Profile Image for Victoria Bylin.
Author 48 books494 followers
February 27, 2024
I enjoyed this one quite a bit and will probably read / listen to the next in the series at some point. The romance is different from the usual set-up. These two start off in love and have a major obstacles to overcome. Good story, but I wasn't a fan of the narration. Sometimes a male narrator doing a female voice strikes me as just . . . off. That was the case here. But it didn't stop me from enjoying the story.
Profile Image for Tessa :).
79 reviews
January 13, 2023
Dee Henderson never disappoints. The way she writes her characters are just *chefs kiss* I love them all so much. She combines romance and God and it is so perfect. Also I am in LOVE how she ends her books they are always so good and action packed and fulfilling just I love them so much
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,443 reviews
April 6, 2025
Dee Henderson is a go to author for me when it comes to military fiction. Her research is impeccable and her story lines are wonderful. This particular book is set at the Naval Air Station on Coronado Island just off San Diego Califoria. I really enjoyed it as my husband was based at this station when he was in the Navy. This book focuses on the SEAL unit that is always stationed there, and I found it very interesting to learn more about the SEALS. Definitely a can't put it down read, I look forward to reading the others in this series.
2 reviews
July 14, 2024
Always love a Dee Henderson novel! I love that these books are so Christ centred and God honouring too.
Profile Image for Lauren Beardslee.
46 reviews
April 13, 2025
the narrator’s voice was not it😅😂
I love Dee’s O’Malley series but haven’t really connected with some of her other books I’ve read as much. This one was okay, but felt a little dull in places.
Profile Image for Karissa.
120 reviews
June 23, 2025
I tried to start this series again but these books are going so slow for me, too many details and not enough plot…. the main character cannot make up her mind, half the book has her sitting around dog sitting/complaining while the SEAL is at work
Profile Image for Deb Brammer.
Author 15 books30 followers
March 15, 2023
This book helped me understand some of the physical and emotional cost entailed in serving as a SEAL in the US Navy. SEAL spouses also pay a high emotional cost. The book is well written and suspenseful. The first few chapters are exceptionally well written.
113 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2012
Kelly is a SEAL widow, struggling to hold her life together in the years since her husband's death. She finds comfort in her friendship with Joe, another SEAL who knew her husband well. After a near-fatal accident, Joe and Kelly finally begin to grow as a couple, but fate has something else in store. Can their growing romance survive Joe's job and Kelly's fear?
Joe and Kelly are both hurting, and trying to overcome a shared grief in the death of Joe's friend and Kelly's husband. The overwhelming feelings, especially the guilt and anger and loss, are so vivid it's chilling. Joe and Kelly aren't perfect. They struggle with their choices and feelings, trying to do what's best but not always succeeding. How the bad guy is portrayed in a book says a lot about an author. Although I quickly realized who the bad guy was going to be, I found his humanity to be refreshing. He's more than just the stereotypical bad guy, there's more depth to his character. He was also a well planned, well written character, and that made for a refreshing read.
It is a Christian romance, but it's not in-your-face. The characters act on their faith, rather than just proselytizing. While their is some character struggle with the idea of faith and trusting in the Lord throughout hardship, it isn't the main focus of the story. It was almost incidental, and felt completely natural to the story.

A completely enjoyable diversion... I can't wait to read some more!
1,247 reviews23 followers
April 16, 2013
Love this authors writing style. It's clean, classic romance, mystery and suspense tied in a package with chocolate on the side.

Kelly has already given her heart to one navySEAL and lost it when he didn't return after a mission three years ago. She turned to her husband's best friend and commander, joe or "bear" during those hard times. When her lifeguard career puts her out to rescue a teen in the ocean and she can't make it back to shore , she makes some pretty big decisions. 1 that she loves joe more than a friend and has come to depend on him in her life and 2. She has been doing all her her devotion to god with lip service and she wants a change.
Joe comes and rescues her from the sea. When she says the three words, "I love u," it gets emotions rolling. They decide to start dating. Concerns with the future arise, starting a family, joe's job. Then there is the reappearance of traitor the thief responsible for nick's death. Traitor ends up being Charles, the rescued teen boy, ryan's father. The web is made and when traitor is blackmailed into stealing a nuclear weapon for Taiwan at the risk of his son, he does it. Kelly becomes an unknowing piece in his communication of the SEALs movements. In the end father sacrifices for his son, kelly gets to be a mother and joe proposes. Great read.
Profile Image for Trinity Rose.
434 reviews17 followers
June 30, 2014
I’ve decided to read some of my own books that I have just sitting around waiting for me to read them. True Devotion is book one in the Uncommon Heroes stories. Dee Henderson has always been a favorite author of mine and True Devotion is another fine example of her great writing.
Kelly is a widow. Her loving husband was a Navy SEAL and she was told he got killed in a practice exercise, but she knew better. Joe was her husbands best friend in the SEALs. So he now is her great protector and they are best friends.
The book starts off making your sit on the edge of your seat. A rescue right off has to happen. The whole book is full of action and adventure with lots of very good romance involved.
The characters are so life like it seems like you are reading an actual account and Dee describes the places and setting so well you can believe you are there. Really a fantastic book that you will love to read. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Johnson.
Author 3 books14 followers
May 19, 2025
Dee Henderson never disappoints! I've read this book 3-4 times now, and still love it. The whole series is fantastic with great character depth, realistic storylines, intriguing suspense, and just enough romance to keep the plot moving forward (but not too much for someone who generally avoids the romance genre). The spiritual content is superbly done and incredibly relevant to the real world. If you enjoy suspense with some military intrigue and strong friendship based relationships, give this series a try!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews

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