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5-Stars. "What a great book. The tension is high. The characters are exciting and brave. The plot is a roller coaster adventure." Twitter reviewer. Dancer Becca Stapleton lives to magnify the Lord through dance, but when she becomes involved in a gangland murder, her life becomes anything but the dance she imagined. Tall, handsome Wes Lloyd helped her pull the body from the Gulf of Mexico, but is his interest in her real? And if the police are suspicious of his innocent bystander persona, shouldn’t she be? Luis Ramirez, the gang leader accused of murder, has hardened himself to the role he’s playing. Drugs, gang wars, and robbery are his life. But Becca and the man they call Reece have something he doesn’t have—peace. He’s not sure he wants it, but he can’t seem to get free of them or their caring. Not only are the police after him, but a larger gang is advocating for war, so he might have nothing to lose by investigating this Jesus. If, that is, he lives long enough. Book 2 of the Spiritual Warfare Series.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2019

97 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Linda K. Rodante

26 books242 followers
Linda was born and raised in Florida. She is married with two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. At twenty-six, she discovered the miraculous love of Jesus Christ. God blessed her with a passion for the written word—especially mysteries and romantic suspense novels, from Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie, from Dee Henderson to Kristen Heitzman. She speaks about and works against human trafficking. Her author blog is www.lindarodante.com. Her human trafficking and commitment to God blog is at https://lindarodante.wordpress.com/

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Stella Potts.
516 reviews10 followers
December 3, 2019
Roar is the second book in the Spiritual Warfare series and continues a year later from where book 1 ended. Reese is now the assistant pastor at New Life Church but he is still fighting the demons of his past. As he and the church minister to the North side neighborhood and the gangs there is danger abounding. They have been trying to win Luis the gang leader to the Lord but that is no easy task. This book has it all, suspense, murder, romance and most of all an example of God’s love for those who are unlovable. I recommend this series, you will enjoy it.
Profile Image for Sherry Ledet.
254 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2019
Roar is even better then the first of this series. I could hardly put it down when I was so sleepy I was dropping my kindle.
This story is about gang warfare and the way Christians fight it. It is about people from young adults to the elderly who fight for not only those within the church but the gang members who are twisted by Satan to keep them from being convicted, and the saved from evil.
The suspense was greater in this story then the romance. I recommend this book. It is good to be reminded of how devious Satan is so that we can recognize what he is capable of. Our young people are being fooled into believing this evil is attractive. I applaud Linda K. Rodante for her efforts to make us aware of the Spiritual Warfare around us in a story that is so readable.
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book513 followers
November 27, 2020
Roar picks up a little bit after the events of Warrior (but it can still work as a stand alone if absolutely necessary), and right away I remembered why the congregation of New Life Church has stuck with me for so long. This is a church who believes in the power of prayer, who teaches its members to be aware of the ever-present spiritual warfare going on around them. It looks different in each of them, because each of them is different, but the principle is the same. They are a church unafraid to go into the trenches, to bring the gospel to people who look differently, act differently, talk differently – without asking them to change first. They trust God to do the work of transforming souls while they obey Him in meeting the physical & emotional & spiritual needs of those living in neighborhoods most churches overlook.

Since the consequences & aftereffects of what took place in Warrior are still playing out in Roar, local gang activity takes center stage. Luis, in particular. He is such a complex character, and Rodante does a fabulous job of revealing one layer after another and taking him beyond an easy stereotype to an intriguing and well-developed character. Becca is also a layered character – her heart for God motivates even her career path, and she is sincere in her worship of Him, using the gifts He has given her. And of course, I loved spending time with Reece and Kati and Miss Eleanor (the 87-year-old prayer warrior who isn’t afraid to stand up to a gang leader) again. Because just as much as Becca & Luis might be the main focus of this story, it’s still also very much about what God is doing in Reece & Katie’s lives as well – and how Miss Eleanor consistently stands in the gap for the people of New Life Church.

Bottom Line: Roar is unapologetically Christian, with a light & sweet romance and a big dose of heart-in-your-throat suspense. It will not only entertain you with a great story & wonderful characters; it also challenges your life as a believer, as a fellow warrior, in the spiritual battles we know are going on even when we can’t see them. Through the pages of Roar, Rodante takes readers on a journey into the middle of gang territory & rivalries, drug smuggling, murder… and a church who does battle on its knees. A riveting read from beginning to end.

(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I borrowed via Kindle Unlimited.)

first appeared on Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for Michelle .
1,106 reviews35 followers
March 16, 2020
ROAR is book two in author Linda K Rodante’s spiritual warfare series.

If the reader has read WARRIOR (book 1) they will notice some familiar characters in book 2, along with some new faces. I love how the author intersperses scripture verses throughout the series. It’s best to read the series in order even though they can standalone.

Can a person go too far for God to forgive them? Find out in this captivating novel. I recommend this series to fans of Christian romantic suspense and believe it could make a great witnessing tool.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Profile Image for J. Nemeth.
Author 32 books131 followers
March 15, 2020
Another Top Pick From a Great Author

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series, Warrior, I was eager to read Roar. This author truly pushes her characters to grow as they're challenged throughout the story,. This sequel follows closely the first in the series, bringing those characters into the second book while adding new ones. There was suspense mixed with spiritual warfare and a touch of romance. I highly recommend this book and the series. I hope there will be a third book coming.
Profile Image for Glenda Parker.
Author 14 books21 followers
February 5, 2020
My review today is on the Christian Romantic Suspense, Roar. This is book two in the series Spiritual Warfare. I was thrilled to get this book in the mail. I really enjoy Linda's books and I've waited a long time for this one. This story is well written and full of twists and turns. I know you are going to love it.

Becca Stapleton belongs to the New Life Church. She is living her dream. She's a dancer and teaches interpretative dance and ballet. Her whole life centers around worshiping the Lord through dance. She's running on the beach when she sees a man in the water. She jumps in to try to save him. Now the police think she's involved in the murder.

Reece Jernigan is an ex-gang member that has been saved is now thrown into the office of Assistant Pastor by the death of his best friend, Joshua. Reece doesn't feel qualified as he is fighting his own demons from his past but he must complete his friend's vision and save these people in this neighborhood..

Wes Lloyd is out on the beach when Becca pulls a body out of the gulf. He administers CPR. They are thrown together through the investigation. He seems attracted to her and keeps asking her out.

Luis Ramirez is a gang leader. His nephew shot and killed Reece's best friend. Luis knew Reece was determined to save his soul. Now he is being set up by the murder of the man Becca found. His only way out will be a gang war as the Gordones are trying to steal his turf and take him out. He can't let the rival gang take over his territory.

A journey of good verses evil as gang members are out to destroy each other and anyone who gets in there way. God has a plan for this church and the souls they have been praying for. A plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your world.
Profile Image for Gail Johnson.
Author 1 book25 followers
January 13, 2020
In ROAR, Rodante continues the story of Reece, Kati, Luis, and New Life’s congregation with a plot ripped straight from the headlines. But unlike the headlines’ usual ending, Rodante offers hope to her readers through the transformed lives of her characters.

I purchased ROAR because I wanted to see what happened next with this congregation. I found the story a little grittier than Warrior. The portrayal of life in a gang-controlled neighborhood was so tangible it made me flinch at times, leaving me to thoughtfully pray for those in the trenches. For indeed, witnessing for Christ often leads Christians into a life-threatening situation.

One of my favorite characters was Miss Eleanor, an octogenarian prayer warrior with a rapier tongue and steel backbone. Here’s a couple of quotes from her conversation with the gang leader, Luis.

“Am I supposed to be scared of you?”

” . . . I don’t care if I die, young man. I’ve lived a lot of years. Going to heaven would be an upgrade. Do you know where you’re going?”

See what I mean?

I enjoyed Rodante’s description and plot. I also enjoyed revisiting New Life and its congregation. If you have read Warrior, you will not want to miss ROAR. Luis’s story offers a way out to those who feel unable to free themselves from past decisions. Bravo!
Author 1 book69 followers
January 31, 2020
New Life church in Palm Harbor reaches out to the gangs of the north side neighborhood. Becca Stapleton lives to worship God through dance. Then she becomes involved in a gangland murder who was stabbed. She pushes past the fear and goes straight into danger. Luis Ramirez is accused of murder. Can he find the peace that Becca has?

So many good characters. I mentioned Becca and Luis already. Included in that list is Reece Jernigan, an ex-gang member who's not afraid of running into danger. Brave eight-seven-year-old Miss Eleanor who's not afraid of dying when she has a stand-off with a gang member.

A couple of my favorite lines: "You pull a dead man from the surf, and then later that day you're trying to rescue a person of interest in that murder." Another: "Fire jumped into her eye."

This book was so good I read it in one sitting. The tension reached a high level in several places. I found myself glued to the pages. If there were more churches like Life church, America and the world would be changed. I loved the title and the explanation of it. (You'll have to read the book to get the meaning.)

My pulse is racing even after finishing the book. This by far is Linda's best book. They keep getting better. Bring on the next one. I'm ready.
Profile Image for Linda.
Author 61 books650 followers
March 14, 2020
Linda K. Rodante’s exploration of spiritual warfare is thought-provoking and well-written. Roar is the second in this series is easily read as a standalone novel. Enough information is sprinkled throughout the book to bring readers up to speed about a character’s backstory without being dry or tedious. Roar opens with the main character Becca pulling a body from the ocean, and the action continues to the end, creating a fast-paced, page-turning story. Red herrings mingle with clues leading the reader to wonder who can be trusted. Becca struggles with self-confidence which drives her to make some poor choices that get her into scrapes and situations, yet other times she follows God’s leading the bring about unexpected blessings. The Assistant Pastor Reece Jernigan is unconventional as a gun-toting, former gang member, and his journey to find his place in leadership is realistic and encouraging. Reece’s foil, Luis has his own struggles, and it was interesting to be immersed in the world of gangs. Roar is not a light read and covers hard topics, but should be part of everyone’s TBR pile. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book from the author, and a review was not required, positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Robin Fuson.
Author 30 books58 followers
April 17, 2020
Another gripping novel by Linda K. Rodante where the battle is fought in the spiritual realm. This is the second in this series but is a standalone. Linda sprinkled bits of back story so the reader is caught up if not having read, Warrior. I love the aspects of the defined characters personalities and struggles. Becca, one of the main characters, struggles with self-confidence yet dances before God in worship with onlookers in church because she is obedient to her calling and puts Him first. Reece, an ex-gang member struggles to trust God. I love what he asks himself, "Can he let God be God?" We all struggle with that at times. Luis, the head of the gang, has hard decisions to make for survival but is drawn to the people of God. These characters struggle with real life issues. Yet, they also tread where many dare not go, to minister to the rough neighborhoods where the gangs rule. Suspenseful with red herrings and romance sprinkled in and all tied up with the emphasis on the Lord and what He can do, it doesn’t get much better than that. This page turner will keep you engaged and I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Mara.
200 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2020
Luis was a gang member looking to hold onto his gang. But Pastor Reece was making things hard. He and his church have been holding on prayer walks in the neighborhood and he has been seeing changes in the gang & the neighbors.
But Luis was determined not to let anything change his ways.
Becca followed her dream to open a dance studio. One that magnifies the Lord. She teaches how to dance in worship of Him.
They both seem to have an interest in one another but with Luis being the leader of a gang and seemingly having no interest in what God can do for him, she keeps her distance but continues to pray for him.
When her friends Katie, Pastor Reece's girlfriend, and Isobel, Luis's sister, are kidnapped by a rival gang both Luis and Reece must work together to free them (yes the authorities are helping too). Becca knows what happened to free them and realizes Luis may end up in jail.
But what no one knows except Katie, is that Luis fell in love... with the one who loved him first & best. That and Becca's friendship and that of the church will get him through.
Profile Image for Robin.
Author 3 books29 followers
February 1, 2022
An Excellent Story!

After I got this book, I let it sit in my queue for a week or so. I wish I hadn't waited so long! It turned out to be a really awesome story. I loved the way it ended and was invested in the characters almost immediately. One thing that helped, I think, was that I'm a misfit among misfits and I have a heart for others who fit that category.
Tackling the spiritual warfare angle in a story could be super tricky and come off preachy or cooky. This story skirted the edges but avoided that pitfall. I applaud the author for her poignant scripture references and the courage to write on a topic many modern Christians won't touch with a 10 foot pole. Personally, I've been feeling kicked down. That's another reason I'm glad to have read this. I'm reminded of who I am and Whose I am and encouraged to keep going.
If you enjoy rich, inspirational, suspense romance, then I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Rose.
382 reviews
May 26, 2021
This was a great continuation to Warrior! I love the Christian theme and messag that God loves us and has a plan for us regardless of our past.

While gangs are again portrayed in the story, it seems realistic to me as unfortunately this is a way of life in some areas.

Again, love blooms and love wins over the enemy. It's sweet, clean and keeps you listening to find out what is going to happen next.

The narrative was done very well. Added tones, accents and slang was well done.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Sheila McIntyre.
Author 1 book3 followers
January 3, 2021

I love fiction spiritual warfare books, and this was a new author to me. The writing was excellent, the plot line was engaging, and the characters were dynamic and believable. As I turned page after page, I found myself becoming completely engrossed in the story. Writing about gangs can be a tough topic to address, but the writer does it in, I believe, an authentic yet non-gritty way. Excellent story and would highly recommend!
66 reviews
October 20, 2021
God is good all the time!

Linda did it again showing God's love. Linda shows readers that even when we do not understand what God is doing or we think the He is not moving Linda shows readers that God is moving . That God has His own time line and Jesus is greater than any one Spiritual or a person. Linda also shows that we as Christians need to let God fighting the battles and our part is praise and warship and the word of Jesus Christ
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,168 reviews49 followers
December 4, 2022
Roar is the next book in the Spiritual Warfare series after the events that took place in book 1. Reece, the assistant pastor of New Life Church, is still struggling with what took place in book 1 and as an ex gang member wants to minister to gang members.
Roar includes suspense, danger, spiritual warfare, gang rivalry, and church members combating spiritual warfare with prayer. The characters are great and believable. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
Profile Image for Tazzy.
278 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2024
This series has one big problem - once you've started you will need to finish all the books! So go ahead, buy the whole series and set yourself up for a binge reading session so that you are disappointed having to put one down.

This is a great second book in the series, although it can be read as a stand alone, it will be better read in series order.

There is wonderful suspense, sweet romance and a fair bit of scripture intertwined in this story.
649 reviews
January 25, 2022
Exceptional Christian Mystery

Well written and well done. This Christian Mystery is everything that you want in a Christian book. The right amount of scriptures and the writing of how when you except Jesus your life changes. Not always perfectly but change is present highly recommend if in pursuit of a true Christian Mystery
59 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2022
Spiritual warfare

This novel highlighted the work of faithful believers among dangerous gangs, claiming souls for Christ. I don't know much about gangs and their warfare, so this novel was enlightening. I loved the prayer, scripture and faith lived out in the story. This is a unique novel in my experience.
Profile Image for Diane Dixon.
464 reviews
September 29, 2022
A Very Inspirational Riveting Book!!

I love this series! It was a very thought provoking book about evil verses good and how God can use tragedy for His good. It shows no matter what you done in your past you can be forgiven by God’s grace. A great story line with great characters from through out both books. I definitely recommend it!!
153 reviews
October 2, 2023
Awesome!

Great book! Love the action and suspense! The best part though is that the characters are flawed human beings that recognize their need for God to be in control in all situations and their obedience to His leading.
2 reviews
March 28, 2021
Could not put it down!

Excellent read! It reminded me that we are never alone. There is so much power in prayer! Never forget that.
Profile Image for Beth Westcott.
Author 6 books30 followers
March 29, 2021
A Christian community reaches out to gangs and discovers that prayer is their most powerful weapon against the immorality and violence of the streets, aware that the battle is spiritual.
Profile Image for Christine Dillon.
Author 20 books201 followers
April 21, 2021
Well done. Excellent story with some great characters. Especially loved the 89 year-old with her priorities right.
Moving straight on to book 3.
Profile Image for Olatomi Afilaka.
446 reviews5 followers
May 30, 2021
the storyline and examples.on warfare were good giving one insight and encouragement on how to go about the art of warfare
205 reviews2 followers
November 8, 2022
Great book

This is a super good book. I enjoyed it much more than the first one in the series. I recommend reading it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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