Honoring Lena

Stryker Security Force #7

by Sara Blackard

She wants her fiancé’s betrayers found. He yearns to fix a horrible mistake. When tensions explode, will they find an ally in each other or an enemy?

Lena Rebel’s heart bled out when her military mission went south and her fiancé never made it home alive.

Two years later, she still struggles between her drive to gain justice for his death and the potential for healing she’s found in the Stryker Security Force. When her next protection assignment has her acting as nanny, her patience and resolve is tested.

Marshall Rand’s entire existence revolves around redeeming the one decision that cost him everything.

After finding out his wife was used and murdered to manipulate his vote in Congress, Marshall spends his energy doing everything he can to support the military that he failed. When his son’s life is threatened and he needs covert help, he calls the best security team he knows.

With threats escalating to attacks, will Lena and Marshall’s escape into the Alaskan wilderness provide the safety they need or more danger than they can handle?

If you like page-turning adventure, fascinating characters, and engaging stories of triumph, you'll love Sara Blackard's riveting inspirational security romance series.

Genres: Romance, Military Romance, Clean Romance

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2021

About the author

Sara Blackard writes stories that thrill the imagination and strum heartstrings. When she’s not crafting wild adventures and sweet romances that curl your toes, she’s homeschooling her five children, keeping their off-grid house running, or enjoying the Alaskan lifestyle she and her husband love. Visit her website at www.sarablackard.com.

Reviews

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final book in the series brings Lena and Marshall's story. The author does a great job pulling you in with all the action and danger as well as the romance. She paints her scenes perfectly as she takes them and his adorable son ,Carter on a dangerous journey. I loved this book/series and would highly recommend reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven in The Stryker Security Force Series and it is Lena and Marshall's story and omg it is a must read. Marshall is a single dad to Carter after his wife was killed and while in a restaurant completing a business deal he received a note warning him what will happen to his son if he doesn't cooperate with what they want so all Marshall wants to do is get to his son to make sure that he is safe. Lena works for Stryker Security and she was working undercover as a nanny for Carter who was cracking her heart open a little bit every day which was no good as she was a tough person especially after her fiance Ethan was killed while they were both on assignment in the military so she couldn't afford to be weak or vulnerable but that seemed to be happening while she is with Carter. When danger threatens get again they need to disappear but will she be able to keep them safe and what is going on with her feelings for Marshall which shouldn't be happening at all. There are many twists and turns along the way that you don't see coming and that is what makes this book a real page turner and totally addictive. I have to say that I absolutely love this series and each book just gets better and better and i couldn't put this one down as I wanted to see what would happen next. Sara Blackard is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book, series and other books by her and you will definitely not be disappointed as she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and on the edge of their seats.

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this Amazing Book.

[Beverly McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honoring Lena is the final installment in Sara Blackard’s Stryker Security Forces series. It concludes this series and hints at the next by introducing Lena Rebel’s brothers and the rest of the family in Alaska. Readers met Lena as a secondary character in other installments. Now they following the suspenseful romantic journey of Lena Rebel and Maxwell Rand. She assumes a role as a nanny to Marshall’s young son, Carter. Her military service and body guard skills are kept secret, She is there to keep Carter and Marshall safe as they face down a criminal organization determined to infiltrate his company and use his contact to open a path for their criminal activities. Both Lena and Maxwell are haunted by the death of their partners. She lost her fiancé, Ethan Stryker, and he lost his wife, Amara. Both losses were part of the collateral damage from the goals of the criminal organization. Can Lena keep Carter and Maxwell safe? Will the criminal organization be finally destroyed? Will Lena and Maxwell’s emotional wounds heal? Can they find an HEA? To discover what unfolds, you must read this book
Ms. Blackard Summers does a great job garnering her readers’ attention. She masterfully incorporated literary devices like dialog, dual POV, and descriptive language to move her plot line along at a well-paced speed. The dual POV allows readers to get a better understanding of the characters. I enjoyed this installment and am looking forward to reading her next series on the Rebel family.

[Linda Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena’s heart had been ripped from her body as she watched the blood flow from Ethan Stryker’s wound after a failed mission. They did not have the necessary protective equipment they needed and someone was going to pay for that. Marshall Rand might be that someone.
Lena, after leaving the service became a part of Stryker Security group and was latter assigned as a “nanny” (bodyguard) for the three-year-old son of Marshall Rand. Marshall was working to supply troops with the best equipment possible and because of this, his son’s life was threatened by a group determined to our government under their control. A desperate trip to the Alaskan wilderness provided safety, but would that be enough and for how long?
This book is a part of the Stryker series, but a little different from the preceding ones. This one concentrates on Lena and her family rather than the entire Stryker force. Each book highlights the difficulties of service men and women as they attempt to return to civilian life while burdened with the terrors of warfare. They each contain some mystery and the overcoming of strong emotional issues to lead normal lives with happy endings. I have read seven books in this series and I cannot wait for the next one. Keep up the great work, Sara!

[Gena E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviews and reasons for enjoying a particular book are subjective as for myself, I thoroughly enjoyed Honoring Lena. Blackard seamlessly accomplishes tying up the series and introducing characters that will be featured in a future series all within the confines of Lena and Marshall's story. She does it well and with feeling. The author takes preconceived notions, misunderstood circumstances and personal baggage then proceeds to blend them into understanding, changes in perspective, and a shift in priorities in a return to leaning upon God and following His Will with a healthy dose of intrigue, action and introspection. The interplay between Lena and Marshall, how two people can have the same goal, but totally different grasps on the situation was interesting to see and as the reader we got a front row seat to both sides of the same coin and how that worked into both their working and personal relationship. Meeting Lena's large family added another layer to her character. All of this could easy bog down the story but each sentence both moved the story along and fleshed out these newly introduced characters. I have enjoyed all seven books of the Stryker Series and look forward to this next one!

I received an advance copy of this book. The review is my own.

[Barbara DeNamur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the thrilling Stryker Security series and it does not disappoint. Lena Rebel lost her fiancé in the disastrous Mission Out of Control due in part by a vote in Congress that defunded a military program for more security equipment. Marshall Rand was one of the congressmen who voted against that bill. Lena is assigned, under cover as a nanny, to security detail for Marshall and his son, Carter. The intrigue and suspense coupled with sabotage make this an edge of your seat read. Just when you think you have it figured out, wham! Another wrinkle pops up making the characters rethink who they are and what they want out of life. We also meet the rest of the Rebel Family when Lena takes Marshall and Carter away to an unknown cabin in the wilderness. Seems nowhere is safe and only Lena’s keen sense of survival and proven skills of defense will save them. Then, Zap! Everything unravels and you’re left spinning, “What the heck just happened?” If you like suspense, drama, and learning how to survive in the wild plus a bit of sweet romance, you will love this book. Thank you, Sara for giving your readers another exciting Stryker story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited this entire series before reviewing!

Why, because I simply could not start with Zeke and Sam's story, and not go through 6 more novels straight!
(Ouch,my cc) Nevertheless, money well spent!
This was an amazing series, while there exists a central theme throughout, each novel is its own unique story! Kudos, Ms. Blackard!
I adored all seven novels, but what about Cooper,and Davis...surely you wouldn't leave us without their stories!
Well written, amazing settings words make you see, and best of all, nope not the number of Alpha darn good looking men, but the women in these novels are all kick axx!
Completely enjoyable!
Small note, ironically, lol, did not realize, all were "clean" novels. Noted this, when reading synopsis bio of author.
There exists so much intimacy, and love, you simply do not realize, what you do understand, age helps for those that are younger, intimacy is so much more than scenes including sex. Ms. Blackard writes it very well!

Seven excellent reads!
Sooooooooo ...
NEXT ... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karen

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in this wonderful series all set in the world of Stryker Security a security firm named after Ethan Stryker the team member that was lost by the guys on their last mission and their newest member Lena Rebel was his fiancée and the medic that tried to save him on that faithful mission. Lena has closed off her heart and has no intention of ever loving again until she is contracted to be the nanny/bodyguard of Carter Rand the son of Marshall Rand the man who cast the deciding vote that withdrew the equipment that would have kept Ethan safe. Is there more to the reason he voted the way he did and what dark secret is he keeping and why is danger threatening him and his son as that danger escalates Lena will get some answers and start to question what she has always believed We also get a wonderful introduction to the Rebel family of Alaska who I am sure are all going to get their individual stories

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena has been a favorite character through this series so I was excited to read her story. She’s a broken hearted warrior, after her love was killed during a mission. She’s super intense and can hold her own in a fight. She’s assigned as protection for the son of a politician. Marshall is a widower struggling with the choices from his career. One of those choices lead to the death of Lena’s fiancée.

Their story is one of forgiveness, finding love again, and protecting those we care about. When the people out to blackmail Marshall are uncovered, you will be surprised to find out who it is!! Actually multiple surprises! While working to protect Marshall and his son, Lena finds her heart again and a reason to live for more than just revenge and justice.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Fugate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wife and a fiance´ both murdered could be too much to overcome when fate intervenes

Marshall knows his wife was murdered after begging him to vote for a bill in Congress. Lena's fiance is killed during an military op that goes wrong. Marshall hires Stryker Security to protect his young son Carters's when life is threatened. Lena, being the only woman on the Stryker team, poses as Carter's nanny. She silently blames Marshall for Ethan's death. When the enemy is closer then Marshall knows, Lena takes them to her family home in Alaska. As they each slowly n gin to let go of the past, the enemy strikes again. Will Lena be able to protect them and her heart? Will Marshall act on feelings he thought were buried with his wife? A sweet, clean story with lots of action and romance. This is the 7th book in this series.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Blackard has done it again! Giving us a book that you just have to keep reading!! Lena has had a chip on her shoulder since Ethan was killed during a mission. She has swore to not let her defences down, she won't let anyone get close to her again. It hurts too much when you allow people in your life. Lena doesn't realise how much her next assignment is going to cost her! With lots of suspense and action, you don't know what will happen next or who is going be found guilty. There is also a love story in this book but it isn't what you expect! You must read this book in the continuing Stryker Security Forces series.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes pushing through fear was the only way to get to the goal.

Marshall Rand, CEO of Moving Forward, lost his wife to murder, leaving him with a young son, Carter. When a threat is received against Carter’s life, Lena Rebel, his ‘nanny’ bodyguard leaps into action.
This fast paced story will keep you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who really is behind this.

Lena needs to forgive, to let God heal her or she will never find peace. All she will have left is ghosts. Marshall must give up something in order to keep his son safe. Can they both learn to forgive and let God take control?

This ARC of Stryker Security Force #7 was received through BookFunnel. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena and Marshall certainly had the spark despite all the issues. Lena was hired as a bodyguard nanny for Marshall's son.
This was a non stop roller coaster ride of a book that really didn't stop going from the very start. I loved the pace of the book and made me not want to put it down. Very well written, with great characters that were at odds with each other from the beginning, but had to learn to depend on each other. Working through the problems, a friendly rivalry occurred.
I liked the team spirit and the connection between them all. Really fantastic book and exactly what I've been used to getting from a Sarah Blackard book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eunice Marsala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Action

Lena & her family are like super heroes as each is so capable. Although each is unique, they are so physically fit & so knowledgeable about wilderness survival skills, weapons & so many other skills. The H is clearly not on Lena's happy list as she blames him for the death of her fiance. As a legislator, he voted against the body protection that would have saved Stryker. She is protecting the H's son from the bad guys from the prior books.
Multiple family members of the h are introduced along with their many survival & other skills. What I didn't care for are that bad guys keep popping up that had seemed ok prior. Goes to show many can change with the desires of wealth, power, etc.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honoring Lena is a fantastic finish to a thrilling series! The action starts quickly and continues throughout the book. Marshall and Lena both have had losses that make it hard for them to move on. Sara Blackard writes them in such a way that the reader feels right along with them in their sorrow, regret, forgiveness, pain, joy, and new love. The plot is filled with twists and turns. I highly recommend this book and this author, whose writing style makes the characters and scenes come alive.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written, enthralling romantic suspense.

[Barbara Labbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the Stryker Series and what an ending! This book is a page turner with surprises throughout the book. Marshall is being threatened and has hire Lena from Stryker Force to be his son, Carter’s nanny/bodyguard, the only problem is Lena blames Marshall for her fiancé’s death. When the Marshall is threatened by someone within is own security, Lena takes Marshall and Carter to a place where no one will find them…to Alaska where Lena grew up. I absolutely loved this story, the characters are real and living in Alaska the places are breathtaking! I received a free copy of the book for my honest and voluntary review.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena's story

I saw after I'd started this book that it was seventh in the series. I missed a lot, obviously, and the epilogue brought in a whole new cast of characters that I didnt know. This was a good book, and I recommend it, but only if you've read the previous six in the series. Otherwise, you'll be as lost as I was. The dialogue for Carter, the three year old, was aggravating. My three year old great-grandson doesn't talk like that ("me this" "me that". ) Additionally Carter couldn't pronounce Lena but handily was able to say other "er" words. Nevertheless, the plot plays out nicely.

[Kathy Zeigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman strong and determined, a man of integrity and purpose.
Someone is targeting Marshall Rand because of what his company manufactures, so he hires Lena Rebel from the Stryker Security Force to pose as a nanny to protect his young son, Carter. Lena doesn’t like Marshall because she thinks his vote on a critical bill affected needed equipment not being available in combat that resulted in the death of her fiancé, Ethan. Lena grows fond of Carter and bonds with him. She will protect him and his father at all costs. There is constant action in this book, including time in the wilderness of Alaska. I found this conclusion to the series very satisfying.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena is starting to find some peace at Stryker Security, which was named after her dead fiance, but she still wants to find out who was responsible for pulling much needed equipment that could have saved Stryker life. Then she is assigned to play nanny to Marshall Rands son, after he received death threats. Rand has found out that his wife was murdered, and the bill he helped pass has cost military lives. As he digs deeper, the threats escalate and Lena works to protect them. Can she get over the fact that Rand is indirectly responsible for Strykers death. Can she help find out who is behind this and allow her heart to heal.

[Patience · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous final story for the Stryker Series. While Sara always writes about strong women, I felt that Lena took it to a whole new level without making Marshall seem weak. She had a certain wildness to her that matched her Alaskan wilderness, tempered by a kind heart and down-to-earth sensibility. The intrigue around Marshall was full of surprises and heartache, with an amazing little boy helping him to keep fighting. I cried, I laughed, and I rejoiced through each chapter. I can't wait for the new Rebels of Alaska Series!

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honoring Lena is a fitting final installment of the Stryker Security Force series which sets the stage for Ms. Blackard’s Alaskan Rebels series. Lena Rebel is a strong yet vulnerable heroine. Her suspenseful adventure as bodyguard for ex-Congressman Marshall Rand under the guise of nanny for his son Carter kept my attention from beginning to end. Well-developed, believable characters; a fast-moving plot that twists and turns toward a satisfying ending, and sweet romance combine to make a compelling, entertaining read. I recommend this book and series especially for lovers of clean romantic suspense.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will keep you enthralled from the first to the last page. Lots of twists and turns lead to a completely surprising finale. The attraction Lena and Marschall feel for each other is tested and both have to let go of the loves in their past in order to move on with life and each other. It is the last of the series but introduces characters for the next - Lena's siblings. I look forward to their stories!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 7 and the final one of the Stryker Security Force series brings unforgiveness, and the ramifications, front and center. Lena is still grieving Ethan’s death and seeks to avenge it. Marshall was a congressman and voted on the bill that was in part responsible for Ethan’s death. Zeke gives Lena the job of protecting Marshall’s son, Carter, as a nanny. Thrown together in protecting Carter the confront the need to forgive.

In a way I’m sorry the series has ended. However, Lena’s family has been introduced and will be the focus in the next series.

[Jacqui Van Deventer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lena is a rough and tumble, tough bodyguard who takes no nonsense from any one.....except a cute little boy. A cute little boy whose father caused the death of Lena's fiance and the person after whom the Stryker force is named.
When trouble finds them, they head to the wilderness to try and outrun their pursuers.....

If you enjoyed the previous books, then you will love this too.

I received this as an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put this book down. This was a page turner for sure. Loved the descriptions of Alaska. Strong main characters, but Carter stole my heart. Marshall is being threatened, they say they will kidnap his son. Marshall has hired Lena to be Carter’s bodyguard/nanny. They wind up going on the run to keep Carter safe. I loved this book!!!

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honoring Lena

Lena and Marshall and Carter have a wonderful story to end the Stryker Force books and a wonderful introduction to the Rebel clan as well. Lena feels Marshall is the one responsible for her fiancé’s death during their last mission. Marshall has lost his wife to an unknown enemy and could also lose his son. Can Lena and Marshall put their differences aside long enough to rescue Carter before it is too late? Will they be able to find forgiveness and love?

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh book in the Stryker Security Force series a well written story with a very good storyline the story flowed smoothly across the pages. A second chance at love for both Lena Rebel, Marshall Rand, and his son Carter. There is suspense, drama, twists, turns, danger, kidnapping, a villain closer than they know, and romance. I would recommend this book. I received a ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

YIKES! Another favorite!

Lena and Marshall’s HEA is one of the most satisfying. They have both been through so much heartache, and, my goodness! What it takes to get to the other side of… NO SPOILERS! all of the… SUSPENSE… Yikes! No wonder that Honoring Lena is another favorite! And we get to meet some of her family which leads perfectly into the Rebel siblings quite suspenseful romances 😁

[Marie House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series! Lena perfectly describes the women of today, strong, vulnerable and loving. Every woman will identify with her journey in life and spiritually. Even though it is part of a series, it could be a standalone read. Of course, then you will want to read them all! I read it so fast the first time I had to read it again! Ok, I am ready for the next one. There will be a next one, right?

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read each book of the Stryker Force Series. Everyone of them is good!
Lena's story hits on the grief of losing her fiance, the unforgiveness she holds toward the man she's helping protect, and the love she has growing for this man's three year old son.
There is danger and surprises along the way.
Really good book!