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Shades of Gray #2
Honor Bound
READER ALERT: The expanded version of SHADES OF GRAY is here! Fall in love again with this epic Civil War Serial Trilogy: SHADES OF GRAY (Vol. 2)
Called the “greatest love story ever told” when it was first released in 2008, Shades of Gray has been expanded at the request of readers to include dozens of new chapters in this complete trilogy set.
The original title has more than 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS like this:
Honor and conviction clash with loyalty and love in this poignant Civil War tale that pits brother against brother. Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the lives of two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever. A classic tale of courage, honor, and enduring love that has been praised by both men and women—from professors of history to avid romance readers.
Honor Bound: This volume follows Union Spy Andrea Evans as she finds herself recuperating from an injury in the home of her enemy, Colonel Alexander Hunter. Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the lives of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever.
Author Jessica James uniquely blends elements of romantic and historical fiction in this deeply personal and poignant tale that, according to one reviewer, “transcends the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.” Winner of numerous national awards, James has received critical acclaim for this page-turning story of courage, honor, and enduring love.
Don't miss this page-turning novel!
Called the “greatest love story ever told” when it was first released in 2008, Shades of Gray has been expanded at the request of readers to include dozens of new chapters in this complete trilogy set.
The original title has more than 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS like this:
Honor and conviction clash with loyalty and love in this poignant Civil War tale that pits brother against brother. Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the lives of two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever. A classic tale of courage, honor, and enduring love that has been praised by both men and women—from professors of history to avid romance readers.
Honor Bound: This volume follows Union Spy Andrea Evans as she finds herself recuperating from an injury in the home of her enemy, Colonel Alexander Hunter. Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the lives of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever.
Author Jessica James uniquely blends elements of romantic and historical fiction in this deeply personal and poignant tale that, according to one reviewer, “transcends the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.” Winner of numerous national awards, James has received critical acclaim for this page-turning story of courage, honor, and enduring love.
Don't miss this page-turning novel!
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2021
185 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Jessica James
28 books667 followersJessica James is an award-winning author of suspense, historical fiction, Christian fiction, and military fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day.
She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.
Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.
When not writing, Jessica James can be found on the back roads of the country, finding new historic sites to blog about on www.PastLaneTravels.com.
Her new novel, The Monarch Alliance, is a dual-era mystery that takes place at a real hotel in the Hudson Valley. It releases in April of 2026.
James resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and NINC.
AWARDS:
2020 John Esten Cooke Award
2020 Finalist HOLT Medallion Award
2020 Finalist Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award
2019 Finalist Indie Excellence Award
2019 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2018 Silver Falchion Award Finalist in Suspense
2017 Rone Award for Best Cover (Deadline)
2017 IndieBRAG Medallion Winner
2016 Gold Metal Military Writers Society of America
2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Bronze Winner Romance – Suspense
2016 Finalist for BOOK OF THE YEAR in Foreword Magazine’s IndieFab contest
2015 NJRW Golden Leaf Award
2014 Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila Award Finalist
2014 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2014 Reader’s Crown Award Finalist
2014 Next Generation Indie Award Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2013 USA “Best Books 2013” Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2012 Bronze winner Foreword Magazine Book of the Year in Romance
2011 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2011 USA "Best Books 2011" Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Award for Best Regional Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Romance
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
2010 Military Writers Society Award in Historical Fiction
2009 HOLT Medallion Finalist for Best Southern Theme
2008 Indie Next Generation Award for Best Regional Fiction
2008 Indie Next Generation Finalist for Best Historical Fiction
She is a four-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.
Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.
When not writing, Jessica James can be found on the back roads of the country, finding new historic sites to blog about on www.PastLaneTravels.com.
Her new novel, The Monarch Alliance, is a dual-era mystery that takes place at a real hotel in the Hudson Valley. It releases in April of 2026.
James resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, the Independent Book Publishers Association, and NINC.
AWARDS:
2020 John Esten Cooke Award
2020 Finalist HOLT Medallion Award
2020 Finalist Greater Detroit RWA Booksellers Best Award
2019 Finalist Indie Excellence Award
2019 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2018 Silver Falchion Award Finalist in Suspense
2017 Rone Award for Best Cover (Deadline)
2017 IndieBRAG Medallion Winner
2016 Gold Metal Military Writers Society of America
2016 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Bronze Winner Romance – Suspense
2016 Finalist for BOOK OF THE YEAR in Foreword Magazine’s IndieFab contest
2015 NJRW Golden Leaf Award
2014 Valley Forge Romance Writers Sheila Award Finalist
2014 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2014 Reader’s Crown Award Finalist
2014 Next Generation Indie Award Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2013 USA “Best Books 2013” Finalist in Fiction/Religious
2012 Bronze winner Foreword Magazine Book of the Year in Romance
2011 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction
2011 USA "Best Books 2011" Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Award for Best Regional Fiction
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Romance
2011 Next Generation Indie Finalist in Historical Fiction
2011 NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
2010 Military Writers Society Award in Historical Fiction
2009 HOLT Medallion Finalist for Best Southern Theme
2008 Indie Next Generation Award for Best Regional Fiction
2008 Indie Next Generation Finalist for Best Historical Fiction
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 24, 2021
Absolutely riveting ❣️I can hardly wait for the next book ❣️
I believe that this saga will garner ALL the top awards in its genre, plus become a runaway Best Seller within an astoundingly short time . . .
If I could give an infinite number of stars, I would😏
Definitely one of my all-time favourites❣️❣️❣️
I believe that this saga will garner ALL the top awards in its genre, plus become a runaway Best Seller within an astoundingly short time . . .
If I could give an infinite number of stars, I would😏
Definitely one of my all-time favourites❣️❣️❣️
June 18, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
A spellbinding plot keeps “Honor Bound” above all the rest of epic novels. This emotional rollercoaster toys with the reader’s emotions as they go from the highest to the lowest of feelings.
Read full review in the 2021 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
A spellbinding plot keeps “Honor Bound” above all the rest of epic novels. This emotional rollercoaster toys with the reader’s emotions as they go from the highest to the lowest of feelings.
Read full review in the 2021 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 30, 2021
Honor Bound: Clean and Wholesome Southern Historical Fiction: Shades of Gray Civil War Serial Trilogy Book 2 is by Jessica James. Once more, Jessica throws us deep into the Civil War. This time into Libby prison where Andrea has languished for four months for spying. However, this was not Captain Hunter’s intention. He had no idea she had been there as someone else changed his orders. As soon as he finds out, he heads to the prison to get her out. He finds her near death. He takes her to Hawthorne (his home) where she can recover.
As she recovers, she begins to learn about how the Confederates from Virginia feel about their homes. She starts to tell him about her past; but just can’t do it yet. She learns about Hunter as the man not as the legend. How can she stay here while remembering her pledge to herself.
As she recovers, she begins to learn about how the Confederates from Virginia feel about their homes. She starts to tell him about her past; but just can’t do it yet. She learns about Hunter as the man not as the legend. How can she stay here while remembering her pledge to herself.
July 6, 2021
One of the best books I have read in a long time
I loved everything about this book and the rest of this wonderful series is on my list to order and read.
I loved everything about this book and the rest of this wonderful series is on my list to order and read.
June 8, 2021
Andrea Evans wakes up disorientated, only to discover she’s in the home of her enemy Alex Hunter. Is she a captive in Colonel Hunter’s home? Andrea is not sure. She’s being taken care of while she recovers from her leg injury and treated like a guest by the household staff. She matches wits with Hunter almost daily and sometimes she takes it too far. But when Victoria, a true Virginian lady and supposed soon to be fiancée of Alex, worms her way into staying, lines are drawn in the sand. Does Hunter want a woman who can’t defend herself, like Victoria? Andrea’s not sure but she knows one thing: her conflicted feelings for Alex Hunter are put into focus, thanks to some life-altering events. Will Andrea let down her guard and share her true feelings for Alex or will honor drive a wedge between them?
Honor Bound is an incredible kaleidoscope of tense moments, emotions, confined living quarters, and the human spirit. The tension between Andrea and Alex is at an all-time high. Their combative natures make for an enticing read. What I loved most was reading from Andrea’s perspective. Her spirit and convictions are admirable, especially for a woman in the deep south during the Civil War. The contrast between Andrea and Victoria is startling and very revealing. This is book two in the Shades of Gray trilogy and I’m amazed by Jessica James’ ability to interweave historical facts and events within a breathtaking fictional story. I found myself whisked away to the time period and became a part of the story. A shocking ending only whets my anticipation for the final book, Glory Bound. If you’re a devoted historical fiction reader, pick up Honor Bound. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Honor Bound is an incredible kaleidoscope of tense moments, emotions, confined living quarters, and the human spirit. The tension between Andrea and Alex is at an all-time high. Their combative natures make for an enticing read. What I loved most was reading from Andrea’s perspective. Her spirit and convictions are admirable, especially for a woman in the deep south during the Civil War. The contrast between Andrea and Victoria is startling and very revealing. This is book two in the Shades of Gray trilogy and I’m amazed by Jessica James’ ability to interweave historical facts and events within a breathtaking fictional story. I found myself whisked away to the time period and became a part of the story. A shocking ending only whets my anticipation for the final book, Glory Bound. If you’re a devoted historical fiction reader, pick up Honor Bound. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
June 10, 2021
I totally enjoyed the three books, in this updated Shades of Gray Trilogy ( Duty Bound, Honor Bound & Glory Bound. I have read this story before as well as the story Noble Cause and found the new added parts of this story gave such depth to this wonderful Civil War Epic.
The Main characters in this story are written so well that they are easy to envision. The descriptions of battle scenes are also written in a way that you can feel you are actually there.
The theme of the story is where two strong willed, independent and highly capable enemies on opposing sides are put into a situation where they are forced to come to terms with each other.
Book Two in this Series Honor Bound Picks up where the previous story ended. This part of the story was probably my favorite as these two battled under the same roof. They battled for pride in country and the honor of being on Virginian soil.
Honor Bound picks up with Andrea being in her enemies home almost on the edge of death. She has to fight to come back from a broken body and her anger is one of her weapons she uses to combat her enemy. This book was probably my favorite one of the three. The interaction between Hunter and Andrea as they went from enemies to have mutual respect for each other kept me reading. They actually discovered the importance that honor holds for both of them as they stand on opposite sides of loyalty during this tragic Civil War.
This series was wonderful before but the updated parts that were added to each book have answered some questions and added so much to this wonderful epic story.
I received a copy of this book from StoryOrigin and this is my honest unbiased review.
The Main characters in this story are written so well that they are easy to envision. The descriptions of battle scenes are also written in a way that you can feel you are actually there.
The theme of the story is where two strong willed, independent and highly capable enemies on opposing sides are put into a situation where they are forced to come to terms with each other.
Book Two in this Series Honor Bound Picks up where the previous story ended. This part of the story was probably my favorite as these two battled under the same roof. They battled for pride in country and the honor of being on Virginian soil.
Honor Bound picks up with Andrea being in her enemies home almost on the edge of death. She has to fight to come back from a broken body and her anger is one of her weapons she uses to combat her enemy. This book was probably my favorite one of the three. The interaction between Hunter and Andrea as they went from enemies to have mutual respect for each other kept me reading. They actually discovered the importance that honor holds for both of them as they stand on opposite sides of loyalty during this tragic Civil War.
This series was wonderful before but the updated parts that were added to each book have answered some questions and added so much to this wonderful epic story.
I received a copy of this book from StoryOrigin and this is my honest unbiased review.
June 11, 2021
This is part two of the Shades of Gray series. It is so very well developed. The author did a wonderful job of inserting historical events into a fictional story. It is very entertaining and enjoyable. I’m looking forward to the next and final part of the trilogy. *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review*
December 14, 2024
Jessica James - An Author Extraordinaire!
Jessica James has brought the Civil War conflict in Virginia and the clash between a Confederate hero and a Union heroine into vivid focus. Through the first two books, James has dazzled her readers with battles of words. She has caused one reader to emotionally get tangled in despair, then love, then madness, and finally hope that book three will bring Andrea and Alex together.
Jessica James has brought the Civil War conflict in Virginia and the clash between a Confederate hero and a Union heroine into vivid focus. Through the first two books, James has dazzled her readers with battles of words. She has caused one reader to emotionally get tangled in despair, then love, then madness, and finally hope that book three will bring Andrea and Alex together.
August 30, 2025
Loving this series. The characters are great as well as the story line. James is such a talented author and the details are superb. If you enjoy reading history with love and hostility you can’t miss. Can’t wait to read book 3.
July 30, 2024
I borrowed Honor Bound ~ Shades of Gray Trilogy ~ Book 2, by Jessica James from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
Colonel Alexander Hunter, has taken Union Spy Andrea Evans to his home of Hawthorne Plantation in Virginia after he finds our his orders were changed to let her go free four months earlier and she was sent to Libby Prison instead. She has suffered from beatings, a broken leg, malnutrition and is close to death when he finds her.
As she very slowly gets better, she still has her witty fighting spirit and sharp tongue for many verbal conflicts between the two. Emotions are always high as she slowly becomes part of his household and feelings begin to change between the two. The second book in the trilogy ends with a cliffhanger when a betrayal and then a direct order for Andrea to leave Hawthorne for good. The emotional conflict and back and forth verbal discussions make this part of the trilogy a clear picture of the heart ache caused to families and people during the Civil War.
Colonel Alexander Hunter, has taken Union Spy Andrea Evans to his home of Hawthorne Plantation in Virginia after he finds our his orders were changed to let her go free four months earlier and she was sent to Libby Prison instead. She has suffered from beatings, a broken leg, malnutrition and is close to death when he finds her.
As she very slowly gets better, she still has her witty fighting spirit and sharp tongue for many verbal conflicts between the two. Emotions are always high as she slowly becomes part of his household and feelings begin to change between the two. The second book in the trilogy ends with a cliffhanger when a betrayal and then a direct order for Andrea to leave Hawthorne for good. The emotional conflict and back and forth verbal discussions make this part of the trilogy a clear picture of the heart ache caused to families and people during the Civil War.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews