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Heroes of Freedom Ridge #1
Rescued by the Hero
The hardest part about this fake relationship is hiding it from her brother. Especially when it doesn't feel fake.
Joanna Drake can’t wait to escape to Freedom Ridge for the holidays. She needs to put hundreds of miles between her and her creepy coworker who won’t seem to take no for an answer. When she runs into her brother’s best friend at the ski resort, every relationship gets complicated.
Aiden Clark is shocked to find out that his best friend brought his little sister along on vacation, especially when he finds himself interested in getting to know her. When she asks him to play along as her boyfriend to ward off an unwanted pursuer, he wholeheartedly agrees despite his friend’s warnings to stay away from her.
Between hiding their fake relationship from her brother and flaunting it in front of her pursuer, Aiden and Joanna find themselves wishing the relationship was as real as it seems under the mistletoe. When their ruse is exposed and Joanna is in danger, Aiden will have to put it all on the line to bring her home.
Visit Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.
Joanna Drake can’t wait to escape to Freedom Ridge for the holidays. She needs to put hundreds of miles between her and her creepy coworker who won’t seem to take no for an answer. When she runs into her brother’s best friend at the ski resort, every relationship gets complicated.
Aiden Clark is shocked to find out that his best friend brought his little sister along on vacation, especially when he finds himself interested in getting to know her. When she asks him to play along as her boyfriend to ward off an unwanted pursuer, he wholeheartedly agrees despite his friend’s warnings to stay away from her.
Between hiding their fake relationship from her brother and flaunting it in front of her pursuer, Aiden and Joanna find themselves wishing the relationship was as real as it seems under the mistletoe. When their ruse is exposed and Joanna is in danger, Aiden will have to put it all on the line to bring her home.
Visit Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2020
804 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
About the author
Mandi Blake
43 books836 followersMandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
November 6, 2024
Rescued by the Hero - Mandi Blake
4 Stars
Book 1 in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series
BLOG POST WITH REVIEW GRAPHIC: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Super cute and quick Christian Christmas read! Really enjoyed buddy reading with my friend Melissa this one.
Read if you like:
-Clean Christian Romance
-Brother's Best Friend Trope
-Fake Dating
-A Touch of Suspense
-A Mountain Resort Vacation Setting
-Dual POV
While its hard to measure up to her newest Christmas book, Healing the Cowboy, this one was still super cute and brings all the hallmark, Christmas cheese vibes you want during the holiday season. Our main couple is Aiden Clark and Joanna Drake. Joanna escapes to Freedom Ridge for the Holidays in Colorado. She runs into her brother's best friend at the ski resort and they instantly hit it off. Trouble arrives though in Freedom Ridge when Joanna's crazy, stalker co-worker - Keith - follows her to town. He has been interested in her for a while and she's been denying his advances. Because of all of the unwanted attention from Keith, Joanna asks Aiden to pretend to be her boyfriend and the fake dating turns into real feelings really fast. :) Unfortunately, Joanna's brother Zach isn't too keen on a real relationship between Aiden and her so they have to keep their feelings under wraps until the time is right.....The story kicks off here.
This was super cute like I said - just what you want in a cute Christian Christmas cheese-y romance book for this time of year. Even though it's a quick romance, I was still here for it! The only things I wasn't crazy about was how Joanna's brother was so against them together but he didn't take the issues with Keith as serious as I hoped he would have, but other than that, it was a solid 4 star read for me! Highly recommend!
4 Stars
Book 1 in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series
BLOG POST WITH REVIEW GRAPHIC: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Super cute and quick Christian Christmas read! Really enjoyed buddy reading with my friend Melissa this one.
Read if you like:
-Clean Christian Romance
-Brother's Best Friend Trope
-Fake Dating
-A Touch of Suspense
-A Mountain Resort Vacation Setting
-Dual POV
While its hard to measure up to her newest Christmas book, Healing the Cowboy, this one was still super cute and brings all the hallmark, Christmas cheese vibes you want during the holiday season. Our main couple is Aiden Clark and Joanna Drake. Joanna escapes to Freedom Ridge for the Holidays in Colorado. She runs into her brother's best friend at the ski resort and they instantly hit it off. Trouble arrives though in Freedom Ridge when Joanna's crazy, stalker co-worker - Keith - follows her to town. He has been interested in her for a while and she's been denying his advances. Because of all of the unwanted attention from Keith, Joanna asks Aiden to pretend to be her boyfriend and the fake dating turns into real feelings really fast. :) Unfortunately, Joanna's brother Zach isn't too keen on a real relationship between Aiden and her so they have to keep their feelings under wraps until the time is right.....The story kicks off here.
This was super cute like I said - just what you want in a cute Christian Christmas cheese-y romance book for this time of year. Even though it's a quick romance, I was still here for it! The only things I wasn't crazy about was how Joanna's brother was so against them together but he didn't take the issues with Keith as serious as I hoped he would have, but other than that, it was a solid 4 star read for me! Highly recommend!
December 2, 2022
This one is for all of those Hallmark lovers.
Rescued by the Hero is a Hallmark movie in book form, but better!
This was my second, maybe even third, time reading Rescued by the Hero and I really enjoyed it.
It was light hearted, had a good plot line, and even a bit of suspense woven in with the sweet romance. There were some sad points… It deals with a past character’s death and a time of drifting away from faith but Mandi Blake wrote a wonderful novel of returning to your faith, a new start, and opened the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series with a lovely little town.
Warning: there is a slight plot line dealing with a stalker but it’s pretty clean and nothing truly violent.
*Read on Kindle Unlimited*
Rescued by the Hero is a Hallmark movie in book form, but better!
This was my second, maybe even third, time reading Rescued by the Hero and I really enjoyed it.
It was light hearted, had a good plot line, and even a bit of suspense woven in with the sweet romance. There were some sad points… It deals with a past character’s death and a time of drifting away from faith but Mandi Blake wrote a wonderful novel of returning to your faith, a new start, and opened the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series with a lovely little town.
Warning: there is a slight plot line dealing with a stalker but it’s pretty clean and nothing truly violent.
*Read on Kindle Unlimited*
October 7, 2020
This book, while it is a sweet and clean christian romance, felt like so much more than that. It keeps you in suspense, while still allowing you to relax and enjoy Freedom. The setting of Freedom, Colorado felt like a town straight out of a Hallmark movie. The descriptions of the mountains and the Christmas decorations painted a beautiful picture and set the setting for an amazing story. I was emotionally invest in the characters and I was left unsure of how their story was actually going to play out. They got their Happily Ever After, but I'm still left wanting more. This book introduced me to a lovely world that I know is filled with many more amazing stories. I can't wait to read the other books in the series. I'm desperate for more!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2021
My favorite trope is brother's best friend. Rescued by the Hero is a fake relationship, brother's best friend story and I enjoyed it. Joanna Drake and her brother Zach are spending the weeks leading up to Christmas at Freedom Ridge in Colorado. Zach's best friend, Aiden Clark works at the ski resort. When Joanna discovers that her pushy co-worker, Keith Sanders, who won't take no for an answer is also staying at the resort, she hatches a plan to keep him at bay. Aiden happily pretends to be her boyfriend. Unfortunately things don't quite work out as they'd hoped. This book is a clean read with Christian messages, which I like. I plan to read other books by Mandi Blake in the future.
October 6, 2020
Rescued by the Hero is a charming, swoon worthy clean romance that sets up the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series perfectly. The setting is idyllic, the romance is sweet and starts out as one of my all time favorite tropes (fake dating), and I loved the glimpses of other characters that may show up in later books in the series.
I appreciated how while the romance is definitely the main focus of the book, the reader also gets to witness Aiden coming back to his faith, and how God chooses to use Joanna to have him do so. There's nothing I love more than novels that have God as a big part of the story, and Mandi Blake is one of the very best there is at this.
I also have to add that I loved how the title comes into play in the story, as I thought it added another depth to an already amazing Christmas themed romance. If you're in the mood for a faith based holiday read with a beautiful romance and an added touch of mystery, then this is one novel you are definitely going to want to go ahead and pick up.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to advance read this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
I appreciated how while the romance is definitely the main focus of the book, the reader also gets to witness Aiden coming back to his faith, and how God chooses to use Joanna to have him do so. There's nothing I love more than novels that have God as a big part of the story, and Mandi Blake is one of the very best there is at this.
I also have to add that I loved how the title comes into play in the story, as I thought it added another depth to an already amazing Christmas themed romance. If you're in the mood for a faith based holiday read with a beautiful romance and an added touch of mystery, then this is one novel you are definitely going to want to go ahead and pick up.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to advance read this!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
December 9, 2020
Overall, this was an enjoyable book. I had a bit of a hard time connecting with how fast Aiden and Joanna seemed to fall for each other. But hey, everyone's different. The little bit of intensity with Joanna's creepy coworker towards the end helped keep this book at 4 stars for me because I couldn't put the book down at that point. I definitely liked it enough to keep reading on to book 2 in the series, which is actually written by a different author.
October 17, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book, as I have many of Mandi Blake's other books. Her characters are real and easily be your friends. The stories always draw you in and you feel that you become a part of the story.
Joanna Barker had traveled from Phoenix to Freedom Ridge, Colorado for a month long Christmas holiday getaway with her brother, Zach. Zach's best friend, Aiden works at the resort they are staying at and Zach warns Aiden that his sister is off-limits. He also tells Joanna that Aiden wouldn't be good for her. This is before they even really meet each other. Once they do meet up, though, there are sparks and lightning bolts that they couldn't stop. There is a connection that is undeniable. Joanna shares with Aiden that she has a coworker that seems to be stalking her, although that seems crazy, even to her own ears, but Aiden takes the threat seriously and vows to protect her.
There is a Christian element to the story, too. Aiden has turned away from God after his father's death and is having a hard time returning to his once held beliefs. Joanna encourages him to work through those feelings without feeling preachy or condescending. There are lots of wonderful characters in the story and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading it. There is a happy ending that will make you feel good.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Joanna Barker had traveled from Phoenix to Freedom Ridge, Colorado for a month long Christmas holiday getaway with her brother, Zach. Zach's best friend, Aiden works at the resort they are staying at and Zach warns Aiden that his sister is off-limits. He also tells Joanna that Aiden wouldn't be good for her. This is before they even really meet each other. Once they do meet up, though, there are sparks and lightning bolts that they couldn't stop. There is a connection that is undeniable. Joanna shares with Aiden that she has a coworker that seems to be stalking her, although that seems crazy, even to her own ears, but Aiden takes the threat seriously and vows to protect her.
There is a Christian element to the story, too. Aiden has turned away from God after his father's death and is having a hard time returning to his once held beliefs. Joanna encourages him to work through those feelings without feeling preachy or condescending. There are lots of wonderful characters in the story and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading it. There is a happy ending that will make you feel good.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
July 10, 2021
Rescued by the Hero was a sweet, clean read. My favorite moments in the book were when the characters relationships with God strengthened and weaved into their choices and actions in their daily lives as they chose to surrender to His will. A few things I did not like were: sections of the story where the dialogue felt forced or ingenuine, the rushed pace of the romance, the brother's whining, and the villain who was more annoying than creepy. But, as the story neared it's conclusion, I found myself liking it more. Although I probably would not read this book again, I never became bored while reading and plan to check out this next book in the series. This book can easily be completed in one setting. 4/5
October 9, 2020
Mandi Blake always makes me smile, not because her characters never have problems or danger, but just because of how she makes them real and someone I want to know. Zach portrays the best and worst parts of having a big brother, both protective and annoying. I really don’t know how he missed the sparks between Aiden and Joanna. This story also highlights the importance of being aware when friendly goes into stalking. Keith showed signs long before he breaks. We’ve made new friends in Freedom and I can’t wait for Haven’s story.
October 13, 2020
This book was absolutely charming and is the perfect book to give you all the winter vibes! I enjoyed the romance between Aiden and Joanna, it seemed effortless! I absolutely loved this fictional mountain town of Freedom Ridge! I want to vacation there and shop and get coffee at the coffee shop! The charm of this little town absolutely adds the perfect cozy element to this romance story. It creates a picturesque setting for this romance to play out! I’m totally hooked for this series and cannot wait to get back to this little getaway town in the next book!
December 11, 2024
If you’re not a fan of Insta-love then this wouldn’t work for you, but I am a sucker for that trope especially when it’s built up around a beautiful setting.
I loved the progress of relationship the main characters had, especially the faith elements. I enjoyed reading how the characters prayed and the peace they felt come over them, it made me feel warm for them and a love for the characters…so when the drama HITS it really hits because you’ve come to love the characters so much 🥹 (FYI no third act breakup, the drama is more danger level)
I docked a star because of her brother, he was intolerable to me! I understand he was going through his own stuff but to bypass his sister’s concerns about her coworker…yuck…The whole moping around and being unpleasant did not sit well but thankfully his part isn’t too long in the overall story, at least the grumbling part
I loved the progress of relationship the main characters had, especially the faith elements. I enjoyed reading how the characters prayed and the peace they felt come over them, it made me feel warm for them and a love for the characters…so when the drama HITS it really hits because you’ve come to love the characters so much 🥹 (FYI no third act breakup, the drama is more danger level)
I docked a star because of her brother, he was intolerable to me! I understand he was going through his own stuff but to bypass his sister’s concerns about her coworker…yuck…The whole moping around and being unpleasant did not sit well but thankfully his part isn’t too long in the overall story, at least the grumbling part
September 30, 2020
I LOVED this book!! Aiden is a really great guy and just what Joanna needs. Her brother, Zach, on the other hand, is a self absorbed jerk who really needed an attitude adjustment. Too bad it took something bad happening to Joanna to wake him up, but thankfully Aiden was there to save the day!! Along with Max, who we get to spend more time with later on!! I can't wait for the next book in the series!! We need more guys like Aiden ready to step up to the plate!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
October 2, 2020
Jo and her brother Zach spend their Christmas vacation in Freedom Ridge Colorado. Her brothers friend Aiden works at their resort. Jo and Aiden have quite the attraction. Jo's brother Zach does not want them to get involved with one another. Many surprises in store in this story. Lots of fun and personal growth. Love th relationship between Aiden and Jo.
October 3, 2020
This book was so good! It's a sweet Christian suspense romance that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author brings the story to life with her words. You can see the beautiful scenery and feel all the emotions. This is a story you don't want to miss.
October 11, 2020
A really good book!
As much as I loved this book, I had a hard time understanding why Keith acted as he did. Would have been nice to get a explanation since she wasn't the only one he was creeping out. I loved the ending!
As much as I loved this book, I had a hard time understanding why Keith acted as he did. Would have been nice to get a explanation since she wasn't the only one he was creeping out. I loved the ending!
January 6, 2024
Cute, wholesome read. I wish parts of the story were developed more for me to really be invested in the characters. It was pretty much a hallmark movie, which isn’t a bad thing ☺️
October 10, 2020
Delightful
This is a beautifully told Christmas love story set in an amazing location. Add in a grumpy brother, a stalker, injuries, friends, family and faith, you have a delightful story.
This is a beautifully told Christmas love story set in an amazing location. Add in a grumpy brother, a stalker, injuries, friends, family and faith, you have a delightful story.
April 19, 2021
This is a clean, heartwarming, faith-based story. The romance is sweet but there is also action and suspense. It's a perfect blend and kept me interested through the entire book.
Joanna and Aiden were so good together. They're both caring, supportive, and protective. They're the perfect match. I loved how protective Aiden is without being overbearing (like her brother). I also loved that they didn't have any real emotional baggage or issues. The one relationship obstacle they had to overcome was that they lived so far apart. Easy obstacle if you're in love, somebody moves. The author had them spend a good amount of time together and go on multiple dates. That meant it didn't feel like an insta-love where most of the romance happens in their own heads.
They did have another obstacle to overcome and that was Joanna's co-worker. I had some issues with that whole scenario. This book was written in 2020 and corporations take harassment and stalking seriously now. The way Keith flipped a switch so suddenly in the end, after working with Joanna for years was freaky. Keith served his role well in adding tension and drama to the relationship.
Her brother Zach though was a whole other issue for me. He's a jerk, a flat out jerk, I could not stand him. Aiden wasn't good enough for his sister but a guy who wouldn't take no for an answer was? Seriously? UGH. I won't be reading any book that he's the MC, he was pathetic.
Mandi Blake did an amazing job with the world building. It's unfortunate that she didn't write all the books in this series. Rarely do multiple author series work for me. I would have loved to see her continue this series so we can keep seeing glimpses of Aiden and Jo in future books.
The books are out of order, by the way, book 2 should have come before book 1. Since in book 1, the characters in book 2 are already married!!
Joanna and Aiden were so good together. They're both caring, supportive, and protective. They're the perfect match. I loved how protective Aiden is without being overbearing (like her brother). I also loved that they didn't have any real emotional baggage or issues. The one relationship obstacle they had to overcome was that they lived so far apart. Easy obstacle if you're in love, somebody moves. The author had them spend a good amount of time together and go on multiple dates. That meant it didn't feel like an insta-love where most of the romance happens in their own heads.
They did have another obstacle to overcome and that was Joanna's co-worker. I had some issues with that whole scenario. This book was written in 2020 and corporations take harassment and stalking seriously now. The way Keith flipped a switch so suddenly in the end, after working with Joanna for years was freaky. Keith served his role well in adding tension and drama to the relationship.
Her brother Zach though was a whole other issue for me. He's a jerk, a flat out jerk, I could not stand him. Aiden wasn't good enough for his sister but a guy who wouldn't take no for an answer was? Seriously? UGH. I won't be reading any book that he's the MC, he was pathetic.
Mandi Blake did an amazing job with the world building. It's unfortunate that she didn't write all the books in this series. Rarely do multiple author series work for me. I would have loved to see her continue this series so we can keep seeing glimpses of Aiden and Jo in future books.
The books are out of order, by the way, book 2 should have come before book 1. Since in book 1, the characters in book 2 are already married!!
June 8, 2022
Read if you like:
- clean Christian romances
- forbidden romance
- brother's best friend romance
- dual pov
My thoughts: Super cute book! I loved the fact that it was a clean book that was based on the Bible and maintained Christian principles. Probably my favorite romance trope is "brother's best friend," and this book absolutely delivered on that! The ending felt a bit rushed, but other than that, I enjoyed this story. Being that it is such a short and entertaining read, this is sure to keep you captivated.
- clean Christian romances
- forbidden romance
- brother's best friend romance
- dual pov
My thoughts: Super cute book! I loved the fact that it was a clean book that was based on the Bible and maintained Christian principles. Probably my favorite romance trope is "brother's best friend," and this book absolutely delivered on that! The ending felt a bit rushed, but other than that, I enjoyed this story. Being that it is such a short and entertaining read, this is sure to keep you captivated.
September 30, 2020
So, I love the best friend’s sister / brother’s best friend trope, plus I love protectors! So stoked to read this book! The fake romance bit is a little different than I expected, but good, i just wish there was more to it. The characters and setting was amazing.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 7, 2020
I really enjoyed the book. I received this book from the author. This is my honest review.
The story is set in the most idyllic little town which everyone would love to visit. Freedom, CO. The storyline has enough suspense to keep you totally engrossed in the tale with details which paint pictures of every scene as you watch the story unfold. The faith of Joanna and Aiden grow as their story unravels. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope you give it a try.
The story is set in the most idyllic little town which everyone would love to visit. Freedom, CO. The storyline has enough suspense to keep you totally engrossed in the tale with details which paint pictures of every scene as you watch the story unfold. The faith of Joanna and Aiden grow as their story unravels. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope you give it a try.
October 9, 2020
Sweet clean brothers friend romance with Joanna and Aiden who have known each others for years through her brother. This is set in the snow covered mountains of Freedom Ridge which sounds like a beautiful town with wonderful characters. It is a must read if you enjoy clean romances.
December 30, 2020
There's nothing better than a Christmas town and hunky heroes! I love Mandi's books! Joanna & Aiden's relationship is anything but fake, even though they have to convince her brother that nothing has sparked between the two. This first book in the series will hook you to Freedom Ridge, leaving you wanting more.
September 30, 2020
A winter resort in Colorado at Christmas. The perfect backdrop for a story about family and friends with a stalker thrown in! This beautiful story building on friendship and faith will keep you engrossed to the end. The vivid scene descriptions and character building will have you thinking about this book for a long time.
September 30, 2020
This is a Christian romance so there are many references to the character’s faith, which may be a turn-off for some people. But, if you are looking for a feel-good book in these troubled times and like HEA endings, then try one of Mandi Blake’s romance novels!
October 7, 2020
This is a really great story. Very clean. I love Mandi Blake's writing. She hit the mark with this one too. The relationships between siblings and friend are realistic and fantastic. The coworker is realistic as well and adds the suspense. This is worth the read! I love these characters.
I received an advanced copy of this book, but I leave this review by my choice.
I received an advanced copy of this book, but I leave this review by my choice.
September 30, 2020
I love a good romance with a little suspense. This was a really great story with good chemistry.. THis is a super sweet, clean romance.
October 8, 2020
Great story
Good Christian romance. Can picture winter in the scenic Rocky Mountains. Some suspense and action. Well worth reading the book!
Good Christian romance. Can picture winter in the scenic Rocky Mountains. Some suspense and action. Well worth reading the book!
December 11, 2020
This was an enjoyable read. I liked the sweet romance with a dash of suspense. Mandi Blake writes the sweetest couples and the setting of Freedom was just the perfect winter wonderland escape.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews