Every Secret Thing

Acts of Valor #2

by Rebecca Hartt

-- Present Day, Virginia Beach, Virginia --

Lt. Kirk Larsson isn't about to let his platoon leader go to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. All Kirk has to do is prove their commanding officer is illegally stockpiling weapons. He teams up with the only NCIS Special Investigator who believes him, Charlotte Patterson, an exasperating and irresistible redhead with no regard for rules or personal safety.

Following her supervisor's sudden and violent death, Special Investigator Charlotte Patterson joins with the ever rigid and outrageously tall junior SEAL, Kirk Larsson, in a shared quest for justice. Unfazed by danger, the only thing that unnerves Charlotte is the SEAL who claims she is loved by God.

While dodging attempts on their life, the SEAL shares his faith in God with the agnostic investigator. But with a ruthless enemy closing in and time running out, neither may live to witness her change of heart or nurture new found love.

Genres: Suspense, Christian Fiction

307 pages, ebook

First published June 16, 2020

About the author

Rebecca Hartt is the nom de plume for Marliss Melton, an award-winning, best-selling author who, following her conversion, decided to spin suspenseful military romance in which God plays a key role in both character motivation and plot.

As a child, Rebecca lived in countries all over the world. She has been a military dependent for most of her life and knows first-hand the dedication and sacrifice required by those who serve.

Living near the military community of Virginia Beach, Rebecca is constantly reminded of the peril and uncertainty faced by US. Navy SEALs, many of whom testify to a personal and profound connection with their Creator.

Reviews

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

NCIS agent Charlotte Patterson has vital information that she needs to get to her godfather, the DIA chief, to exonerate Jonah Mills. Pushed off the road by assailants and then kidnapped, she realizes that even though the evidence she has been carrying would have incriminated the responsible persons, it is actually her powers of observation and photographic memory that carry a bigger threat to those that would hold the nation to ransom. Charged with her safety, troop leader Lucas Strong and his Chief Saul Wade set out to rescue Charlotte, only belatedly realizing that she's not above helping herself. A fast-paced suspenseful military novel, the reader is drawn in from the opening page right through to the end. Being under pressure Charlotte and Lucas begin to bond with one another, although Charlotte quickly comes to the understanding that with her ambitions, she would never be the life partner that Lucas is looking for. There is a strong Christian element in this story, where the characters rely on the power of prayer and belief in scripture to pull them through the situations that they face, especially as it becomes patently clear that they do not know who they can trust. Lucas and Saul are military men, but even they are not immune when attacked. However, the one thing Charlotte can count on is their sense of honour, both to her and to the nation. Charlotte herself may need the men to protect her, but she is not without her own skillset and knows when to take action. This novel is fast-paced and exciting. It is well written and although part of a series and characters from previous books appear in this one too, it is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a successful conclusion. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Patterson is an intern for NCIS and she has been kidnapped for information that she only has. It does not help that she has a photographic memory and she can remember what she saw for 3 weeks. Charlotte is a smart woman who had been on track to go to the CIA like her father but then her parents died and she stayed behind for her brother. Once he graduates college she will then go train for the CIA.
Lucas Strong is a Lieutenant in the Navy Seals who is trying to get another squad member and friend out of a court martial for something that was not his fault. Lucas and Saul (another Navy seal) are tasked with rescuing Charlotte from her kidnappers in the Bahamas and keeping her safe until “The Entity” was brought down. “The Entity” is a group who has people everywhere that are stealing weapons from the Navy They are shocked to find that she was trying to escape herself so they did a part of the job for them. After this they go on many adventures to try to help Lt Mills out of trouble while letting the FBI bring down “The Entity” without them knowing that someone was on to them.
It was action packed and full of surprises along with the romance. Most of the main characters were likeable. Of course there were a few villains who you just want to get mad at. I will definitely be looking into more books in this series. It was a nice clean romance book to read. There was some blood involved but nothing to gory.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own.

[Tracey Cramer-Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story about hanging on to dreams, and knowing when to let them go to allow a new dream to enter. Lucas has a dream of marrying a specific kind of woman (which Charlotte doesn’t fit). Charlotte has a dream of a career in DIA (which is not compatible with Lucas’ dream). Nevertheless, as they work to try and clear Lucas’ teammate’s name and take down The Entity, they fall in love. The building of their feelings was believably done other than a couple things I found odd (like them having to pretend they’re married and him giving her a ‘ring’). I LOVED the scenes when Lucas was injured and the immediate aftermath. The story lost steam in a few places (including the courtroom scenes) and I was annoyed when Lucas talked her through landing a plane (just because he’s a SEAL doesn’t mean he has the ability to do that, it’s a skill all its own). I’m also not a fan of a single, random chapter from a minor character’s point of view (in this case, the FBI agent). Though Lucas is willing to try to make their relationship work within Charlotte’s career aspirations, she refuses to hold him to that… but in the end, they both discover a new dream. Note: at time of writing, the Goodreads description has a different description and even a different name for the main character (Kirk). The Amazon description emphasizes Charlotte’s ‘photographic’ memory which actually doesn’t factor heavily in the story. Both could use a little updating!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Patterson works at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. This kind of work was her dream job, since she was a young girl. Charlotte is a strong-headed woman, feisty, and speaks her mind with a sharp-tongued cool composure about her. She is abducted by the enemy because of her photographic memory. She is being held on a secluded island in the Bahamas.

Lucas Strong, U.S.Navy Seal, irresistibly handsome, captivating gray eyes, and a muscular physique that makes a commanding presence in a room. Lucas and his close team partner, Saul are sent on a top-secret rescue mission by the FBI. They must protect Charlotte and bring her back safely stateside.

Government evidence that's highly confidential, is needed to clear charges for another Navy Seal team member who was wrongfully accused.
The sparks are flying between Lucas and Charlotte, as soon as they meet.

This is Book 2, Acts of Valor series, it can be read also a stand alone. A well-written story that's cleverly plotted with twists and turns. This story will keep you riveted till you turn the last page. The author's writing makes her characters come alive on the page.
I received this book for free from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it, and this is my honest review.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlotte Patterson has a photographic memory, but after 3 weeks the details will dim. Charlotte has been kidnapped to prevent her remembering the detailed evidence that can exonerate their troop leader Lt. Jonah Mills. First Lucas and the rest of the SEALs in the troop need to rescue Charlotte, keep her safe, and then acquire the evidence to acquit Jonah. As danger threatens them, Charlotte and Lucas draw closer together. I received a free copy of this ebook from eBook Discovery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. This is a terrific read in my favorite genre Christian Romantic military suspense. This is a very suspenseful book which kept me glued to my seat. I love this book that gives a message of faith with a very well written story and characters that we can root for.

[Toyenlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved and enjoyed reading this book, so engrossing and captivating. Charlotte was abducted by a group called 'Entity' which specialises in confiscating weapons ahead of the military (SEALs). She was abducted because of her photographic memory and having information that can exonerate LT. Jonah Mills. Lucas and Saul were tasked with rescuing her. Along the line, they were faced with many issues and difficulties but were able to pull through with Lucas's faith in God which he shared with Charlotte. It's a Christian romantic novel as well as a suspense/military novel. It's highly interesting and captivating. "I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".

[Margaret Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! It has Every Secret Thing!

This isn’t about a Seal rescuing a damsel in distress. It could have been, but the heroine is a smart, capable woman, and her Seal is more than a tough, good-looking hunk. It starts with a rescue, but after that this story doesn’t follow the formula. It’s about loyalty, teamwork, faith, growth, mystery, adventure, suspense, romance, good versus evil—It’s amazing that Hartt packed all that in one engrossing read. The characters are people I would like to know better. This is Book 2 in the series. I read Book 3 first, so I know they are each fine on their own, but the series is great.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed Every Secret Thing ~ Acts of Valor ~ Book 2 from the Kindle Unlimited Program.

In Every Secret Thing the plot by high ranking military and government officials is full of secrets where two Navy SEALs rescue Charlotte Patterson and are tasked with protecting her. They are shot at, in high car chases and the action and deceptions are constant to keep the plot moving quickly.

Lucas and Charlotte slowly find their attraction hard to resist in a sweet love secondary plot. I just love those. I liked the action, the secrets and not know the good guys from the bad guys and the happy ending too.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Secret Thing (Acts of Valor, Book 2): Christian Romantic Suspense, my second outstanding read from author Rebecca Hartt, an author I first heard of in an email from another author. I'd received a free Audible copy and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. As good or better than her first book. with characters from that book playing an integral part in this book you can’t help but want to read the next book in the series as well, fans of Dee Henderson Marliss Melton, and Colleen Coble, will enjoy this book as well. I'll be reading more from this author and in this series just as soon as I get them! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series by Rebecca Hartt is fabulous. They’re well thought out. Great plots and story lines. The characters are strong and interact really well together. I like how she brings in characters from previous novels but not so much that you get lost and wish you had read that book first.
I am reading them in order and suggest that.
I love These because they are interesting, there is romance and intelligence and information about navy seals I never knew and great interactions.
Action and intrigue. What could be better than that?

[Andrea Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Secret Thing

Oh, SNAP! When I first started this book I wanted to find the author and stomp her big toe! I TOTALLY did not see that coming!! Now that I finished it, I want to find her and give her a high five!!! So amazing!!

I laughed. I cried. I laughed while I cried and I cried while Iaughed!! I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It's totally clean.

Thank each and every one of you for your service and sacrifice!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUS SERIES

This is such a fabulous series! There’s nothing better than characters that steal into your heart, and then you get to enjoy them throughout an entire series. And OH MY GOODNESS! Hang onto your hat, because the action, adventure, suspense and mystery continue into book 2. I can’t wait to read book 3.

[Kay Pealstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, book 2 is as good as book 1

OK, after work I started book 2. Awesome book!!

You will not be disappointed. Lucas is really a deep thinker. Charlotte is beyond Bada**.She thinks. She cares. She strategies. She is deep. She is Wonder Woman without the whip.

Read this one, people! You will not be disappointed.

[Dorothey Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Secret Thing

This was another amazing story, filled with espionage, more danger shootings, and friends not being who you think they are. This is an exciting story, with love thrown in for good measure.Enjoy the excitement.

[Sandy Evanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Acts

Here we go again!! Another wonderful story to keep one entertained from start to finish!!
I like the fact that I don’t have to skip over trash talk and foul language to read and understand what the book is about!

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

intrigue abounds

So many twists, turns, and betrayal in this one. I was happy to see God played up a lot more in this one. I even posted one of the Isaiah quotes this morning. Devotions work better with two by the way.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series

I have enjoyed this series even though I’m not much for romantic anything books but I’m going with WAY over the top with a SEAL crying constantly and with no poker face…. Just no!

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

As with the first book, this book kept me wanting to see what would happen next. I am also glad I read the prequel, Men of Courage. I am looking forward to the third book, Cry In the Wilderness.

[Terri Voth(TV) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman's career!

This story had my interest from page 1, and continued to the end of the book! It was an easy read and had a lot of twists and turns. Plenty of action added to the story. Definitely a book to read.

[Sharon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast moving

Outstanding read. Strong characters. Lots. Of action. Characters hiding things. The two people you think are in charge are very different. Lucas and Charlotte are denying their connection

[Venae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was chosen to be a Beta-reader for this pre-published book. I loved the story and the characters! I wish that the story hadn't ended and can't wait until the next. I could not put the book down as I was totally engrossed in the content. Loved love love this book!

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful clean romantic suspense book. I truly enjoyed this book. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

a book that's part of a series about a navy seal team and how they get involved with some people

[Denise Troutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

What a great read! Seldom do I read anything that is so captivating and hard to put down. This is a great story by a wonderful author!

[Robert A. Sugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Interesting from the first page to the last.Lots of action.twists and turns. For those who read for entertainment.I recommend it

[Ophelia Sellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Secret Thing

If you like danger and suspense with a large dose of romance, you’ll love this action packed story. I recommend this book.

[Darlene Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the whole series. Great characters and a gripping story!

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this second book in the Acts of Valor Series. A good mystery with unexpected twists and turns, yet not so deep as to keep me up at night. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm hooked

This book had me staying up far too late! I simply couldn't stop turning the pages to see what happened next. Can't wait to read the next one!

[melvina stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucas and Charlotte's story.

I liked it .kept me guessing until the end .it continued from the first story. You really need to read it first.This is a faith filled book