Honor

by Jo-Anne Joseph

Wyatt

I left home and the only girl I ever loved to serve my country,
But what I got was not what I expected.
Losing a friend on the battlefield made me see the world differently.
And what I'm left with, is a choice,
Honor, or follow my heart,
In my quest to do what's right,
I knew she'd be my only casualty.
And I'd be left broken because of it.

Hayley

I knew I shouldn't have fallen in love with my best friend,
But I did it anyway,
Despite knowing it could lead to heartache.
He left me with a promise,
And returned only to break it.
Wyatt is a changed man, and I am no longer the naive girl he left behind.

ebook

First published November 27, 2018

About the author

Jo-Anne Joseph is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and psychological fiction. Along with a passion for writing, she is an avid reader, wine lover and foodie. Her lifelong love affair with words started at a young age. She’s a business professional, and lives in Johannesburg, South Africa with her husband, their son and fur babies.

Reviews

[✮ rach ✮ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This didn’t work for me. The whole back and forth in time thing got frustrating...so much so that I ended up skimming the ‘past’ chapters to get to the current timeline. But in order to really enjoy a book, I need to like the 2 main characters. And in this one, I just couldn’t. They were both selfish and stupid and I felt sorry for the kid. And the ending with Logan seemed like such a cop out. poor guy got shafted big time and that’s what happens to his character?? Didn’t make any sense!

[Arceli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this is not at all a bad novel. The characters were good and there was tons of chemistry. However, the part that fell flat was the romance. I really did not buy into the second chance romance for the couple. I felt that the reason Hayley and Wyatt broke up was pretty childish. In addition, the way OM/OW was treated was not very correct. I felt that they weren't bad people and were kind of put down for not reason. The chemistry and stuff were hot. The bedroom scenes between the couple were pretty good, however, I felt that I was lacking the emotion. I felt that there couple did not come clean on their baggage before getting together, and that bothered me.

Otherwise, I do recommend this novel for second chance lovers. It is sweet and has a HEA. It was more of a me, than the book problem.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don’t want a heartfelt romance that will overwhelm your emotions and take your heart on a thrilling, intriguing ride, then this book is not for you. If that’s the kind of book you like, then grab the tissues and hold on to your heart. This is the story of two best friends, Haley and Wyatt, who grew up next door to each other. They've had feelings for each other practically all of their lives, but for one reason or another they either don’t speak up or life gets in the way. Their paths cross occasionally, over a twelve or more year period, but each time something intrudes, keeping them apart. Just when Wyatt thinks he’s finally free to reunite with Haley, circumstances again interfere, making Wyatt choose between honoring a promise he made to his army brother or being with the only girl he's ever loved.

Every time I pick up this author's book, I know that she'll put my heart through the wringer while making me forever grateful to have spent time in her amazing book world. Although I don’t know how it's even possible, she has outdone herself with Wyatt and Hayley’s book. With beautiful imagery, poetic prose and stunning insight, the reader can’t help but be drawn in as these star-crossed lovers cast a spell with their story. It flows effortlessly, sweeping the reader along as she follows Wyatt and Hayley on their journey to forever. And these two characters? My, oh my, they're so achingly, beautifully broken with a fragile vulnerability that they've permanently secured a place in my heart. They're also incredibly strong, facing any challenge thrown in their way, even when facing these challenges alone.

I love everything about this book. The plot and storyline are brilliant and skillfully executed, keeping my attention with every word. There are a few tropes in this one, but it's the second chance romance that gets to me every time. The secondary characters are colorful and memorable, but it’s Wyatt and Hayley that owned me. In no time at all I was completely invested in seeing their story through to the end. They had their share of mistakes, regrets and missed opportunities, but when the crisis arose, they handled it together, supporting each other. In my opinion, Honor is Ms. Joseph's best work to date, and I urge you to start reading it today. It's evocative, mesmerizing, profound and full of heart, and you definitely won’t be disappointed in this phenomenal book!

*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a emotionally, beautifully charged book of love and second chances. The story of Wyatt and Hayley will pull at your heartstrings in the hopes the two of them end up together. They were friends from when they were children but as time goes on they develop feelings for each other, but neither lets the other know. Wyatt goes off to the Army and their relationship becomes distant and strained. Over time many changes happen in their lives. I hoped throughout this book that love would find them again. But does it? Both of them have secrets and are afraid of the repercussions when they come to light. This story will hold you captive from beginning to end. And you may need a tissue or two, but that’s just the sign of a great book that gets you so emotionally invested in the story. Please do yourself a favor and read this amazing story.

[Leigh Roos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo-Anne Joseph has once again used her amazing talent to write and share a story of love, loss and passion and also added in some suspense to captivate the reader.
This is a story of two best friends, Hayley and Wyatt, and their undeniable love and attraction for each other. But can Hayley forgive Wyatt for deserting her? Will Wyatt choose to Honor or will he follow his heart?
Thank you Jo-Anne Joseph for sharing this amazing story. I was unable to put it down! I had to keep reading to find out whether they would eventually get their 'happily ever after' or whether they would be destined to wonder 'what if'. You kept me captivated, you made me cry!
As George RR Martin so aptly put it "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads only lives one."
Thank you for sharing your stories! Thank you for making my life more interesting!

[Ida Jolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor

Wow what an amazing book by this author. My first read by her and it was great. Very suspenseful, a great love story, drama, characters were awesome and so was the storyline. The thing a mother does for her children. Two men fighting over the same women. One a soldier who couldn’t believe in himself to do right by his friend and just be there, and one who wanted to take control over everything in her life, when he started to show his true colors. But the heart wants what the heart wants. And in the end things worked out. I really enjoyed this book. Kept me tested till the very end. ❤️❤️

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story about second chances, and is an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. Hayley and Wyatt have been best friends forever as they grew up together. Life has a habit of separating them, but will their secrets bring them together, or finally tear them apart all together? No spoilers; this is an absolute must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written flawless story, which is filled with secrets, hope, despair, heartbreak, and love. I was totally captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more form this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this novel from BMBB!

[Lofty · Rating 4 out of 5]

4*
Wyatt & Hayley were best friends who later expressed their love for each other. Unfortunately him leaving for the army he made the decision that he couldn’t make her wait for him. Mixed signals has her forming relationships with Logan, but are things real ?
Guilt has a way of affecting your decisions and secrets with miscommunications don’t help.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Great story

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Wyatt and Hayley. Who grew up being best friends, next door neighbors and head over heels in love with each other !
This story is told from both of their points of view and is told of current days and past days filled with love and promises made but never quite getting the timing right.
This is such an amazing story of love , sacrifice and trying year after year to get it right!
I am a huge fan of this author and this book had me laughing, crying and screaming at these two amazing characters with so much love between them !

[Julie Workman|Bookaholic Sisters Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, love has a way of making it no matter the circumstances.

Love and heartbreak, this book had me gripped, a definate must read❤

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, emotional read. I did not like the back and forth time jumping in it. I would recommend it.

[Brandy Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional rollercoaster!

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, emotional and brilliant must read! Hayley and Wyatt's story is one of hope, despair, heartache, forgiveness and love. They both have secrets they need to share but will it bring them together or tear them apart? Their journey takes many twists and turns and I was surprised at how things played out. I won't give any spoilers so I highly recommend reading this book to see how it ends. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex by your side and a little free time as once you start to read, you'll be swept away into their lives and their story.

[Gina Burkart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very emotional ride that takes you up and down through out this book. This is a amazing read that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

[Nancy George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotions that Jo-Anne Joseph puts into her writing will make your heart hurt, cry and then be pieced back together. This book is no different. I cried with Haley and with Wyatt. And laughed at London. But the beauty of the book is the lesson that is learned. Love is forever you just have to hold on.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading this author and it started out so strong and so emotional..but I felt half way it started feeling rushed and the strong emotion dulled a little..good read with good characters

[Nicole Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honor has it all and then some. I love to read Jo-Anne Joseph and her books just capture your heart right down through your soul. She will give you ugly cry, sweet love, friends, romance, and will do it with a unique twist every time. Honor is no different than the other books I read from her. I am addicted from the first word and inhale in one sitting. In honor you will get first love with complicated love but a beautiful story. Tragically beautiful and twist the knife through my heart gut wrenching sobs that make me only want more of the sweet torture that this book evoked from me. It is not a sweet story it will make you mad, angry, and even a bit colorful at times with it but trust me it is so worth the emotional rollercoaster journey that you will be glad you took in the end. Get this book and be as addicted as I am to this wonderful author.

[Tracie Simister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Gave This Book an Overall Rating Of 5 ✩’S
Title: Honor
Series: Standalone
Genre: Second Chance Romance
Author: Jo-Anne Joseph
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on: November 26, 2018
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I voluntarily received a Courtesy Copy of this book from Be My Book Boyfriend and am choosing to leave a review.
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What I liked/Didn’t Like: First off, I LOVE second chance romances and this one did not disappoint me at all in fact I fell more in love with them. Very well written characters with lots of depth and an awesome storyline made this a must-read book for me. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! An amazing read that was full of love and second chances. The emotions the characters shared were written so well I felt like I knew them personally and understood and felt what they were all going through. Haley and Wyatt have been friends forever, and each one has a crush on the other but doesn't let it be known. Wyatt leaves for the army and they lose touch. Much conflict in this story with secrets and tons of emotional drama. This book grabbed me from page one and never let me go. I LOVED this book.

[anuelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC of this book for BMBB.

I wanted to like this story more than I actually liked. In some ways both characters felt childish. There were good moments in this book. I liked how the story went back and fort with the past and presence. The ending was kind of different than the whole other book. Like it was meant for some other book, but added later on this one.

Fast read with HAE

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one time where the background was lost on me. I was so tired of the back and forth in time that I skipped it. Got tired of all the sex and then their treatment of the other people in their lives. This was just one of those books that didn't work for me but that doesn't make it a bad book it just means I couldn't get out of my head long enough to enjoy it. I loved the other books I have read from this author this one not so much.

[Rhiyel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missed the mark.

I like the story, I like the characters. But the constant jumping between different points in the past and present was really irritating. Some of the chapters weren’t even long enough to be called a chapter then it’d switch to another year. Makes it hard to follow and I ended up skimming the last third of the book.

[Michelle Howard-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayley and Wyatt's story was a non stop read, ripping apart all my feels as they struggled through their lives apart and together. I absolutely love the flow of past and present giving you revelations when needed and keeping you completely engrossed. I can't wait to see what this author has next in store for us. A definite must read

[Denise Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

The realness of the characters grabbed me from the start and I simply had to know what would happen. The story did not disappoint.
From the start you want Hayley and Wyatt to get their acts together, but would he get his act together?
He who shall not be named (or I will give away too much) turned out to be a super duper dork.

[Lizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great second chance story that has all the feels. I love this story. Wyatt and Hayley have everything, then he walks away. Just when you think you know where this story is going the author throws you a curve ball!! Loved it, highly recommend!

[ScarletFix · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the writing and the premise of the story were good, I had a very hard time reaching the end of the book. There was just something that felt off in the chemistry and relationship of Hayley and Wyatt. This book just didn't do it for me personally.

[evieo17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

These two took a really difficult path to get to their HEA. I felt some of their decisions making were due to them being immature but as they got older, things just happened to always be thrown in their way. At least they found each other again.

[LaGina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new to me author that I wanted to give a try and I was really into the story but the characters I feel was lacking something. There were some heartfelt moments that really got to me but I think it the romance I wasnt feeling with them.

[I Dont Get Sundays · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a second chance. I enjoyed this one and hope to read more from this author. We get a little bit of everything in this story and the characters were heart felt in their actions.

[Kelly Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

What a roller coaster of a book. It really pulls on your heart strings. Second chances at first loves. Brilliant