True Hero

North Brothers #5

by Amy Knupp

A one-night fling won't change anything, right?

After suffering a terrible loss, fighter pilot Zane North walks away from his military career and returns home to start a new life -- one he's determined to control. Instead, he's confronted by his sister-in-law's unpredictable best friend, the one woman he can't ignore.

Hayden Henry, an up-and-coming designer, has devoted herself to her job. She's had her heart crushed before and isn't looking to give love another try. Still, she's always been intrigued by quiet, sexy Zane. So when he rescues her at her best friend's wedding, she succumbs to one night with the irresistible pilot. But afterward, she realizes her heart isn't her own anymore. Worse, their impulsive fling has life-altering consequences.

Following Hayden's baby bombshell, Zane proves steadfast and dependable, so she cautiously lets him into her heart. But she soon realizes his is locked up tight. As she's contemplating a life without him, a reminder from his past crushes Zane's hard-won control. Will he keep his feelings safely in lockdown or will he dare to embrace his unexpected love for Hayden?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Military Romance, Military Fiction, Audiobook

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2021

About the author

Amy Knupp is a USA Today Best-Selling author of contemporary romance and a freelance copy editor. She loves words and grammar and meaty, engrossing stories with complex characters.

Amy lives in Wisconsin with her husband, and has two sons, four cats, and a box turtle. She graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in French and journalism. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, breaking up cat fights, watching college hoops, and annoying her family by correcting their grammar.

Reviews

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Amy Knupp so far, but I was a little apprehensive about reading this one. I’ve never been a fan of one night stands. I guess that’s my age showing. I’m also not a fan of the accidental pregnancy, so I wasn’t too sure if I would enjoy this or not. It just goes to show that Ms Knupp is a talented writer. She pulled me into the story and involved me in the emotions of the two main leads. Both characters had to deal with live-changing experiences and they dealt with them maturely and in a realistic manner. Hayden was willing to make changes to her life to accommodate her changed circumstances. Poor Zane was a different story. He was lost and drifting – not knowing what he wanted to do with his life. He felt that he always needed to be in control of himself. He was a good guy and there was no question he would do anything that Hayden needed from him. Seeing him come to terms with his past and emerge a more balanced man was heartwarming. There was some angst, but it wasn’t dragged out and it was resolved fairly quickly. There was an nice epilogue and we were able to catch up on some of the other couples, too.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Zane, a Navy fighter pilot, is the last of the unmarried North brothers. Unlike his brothers, who all work for the family sporting goods business, Zane followed his dreams of flying and became a Navy fighter pilot. But when a personal tragedy destroyed his love of flying, he returned home to rebuild his life. He plans to go to work in the family business. Zane arrived in time for his brother Cole's wedding to Sierra.

Hayden is Sierra's best friend and has an insanely busy life. She owns two businesses - a furniture store and her design business, plus she helps out at her family's restaurant. After being burned in several relationships, she wrote off men and now devotes her time to her businesses.

Though they've met before, Hayden's beauty and sweetness make a big impression on Zane at the wedding. But until he feels that he has his life under control, the last thing he needs is to get involved with Hayden. At the same time, Hayden can't keep her eyes off Zane. In addition to his sinfully good looks, a quiet air of mystery surrounds him. The sparks between them are intense, and they cope by avoiding each other as much as possible. Which works until Hayden's car won't start, and Zane is the only one left to drive her home. When their attraction burns out of control, Zane and Hayden decide that a one-night fling is just what they need. No muss, no fuss, and no commitments. However, fate has other plans. Neither has forgotten that night and now there is a permanent reminder. Hayden is pregnant, and she and Zane must figure out how to handle the situation.

I enjoyed watching the development of the relationship between Zane and Hayden. After recovering from the shock, both realize that they need to get to know each other before making any long-lasting decisions. Zane, who prides himself on his cool-headed control, does everything he can to make Hayden's life easier. While there are many sweet moments of the things he does to take care of her, there are times when he carries things a little too far. Hayden cherishes her independence, and Zane's involvement in every aspect of her life gets a bit frustrating at times. However, she knows she needs to make changes before the baby arrives, and Zane's pushing may be just what she needs.

The more time they spend together, the closer Zane and Hayden grow. Both have issues that hold them back from opening up to each other. Hayden has trust issues that frequently cause her to second guess Zane's actions. Zane's past haunts him, and he has spent so long locking down his emotions that he can't admit his feelings for her. When Zane receives a message that rips through his walls, he runs instead of leaning on Hayden, making her wonder if she's been left again. The pain each suffered brought me to tears, and all I could do was keep reading and hoping. The ending was fantastic, with an incredibly emotional scene as Zane faces Hayden. The epilogue was terrific with a fun twist.

#ARC

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a standalone but includes all the members of the North family from their series. It was like going home
as I have read all the North books, what a blast that has been.
This is Zane North story and it's a winner of course. Zane had taken the path of a Military Career. He loves flying so become a fighter pilot for the Navy. A horrible event changes him. He's lost his joy of flying and leaves the service to come home. He has a Hugh family, four brothers with new sister in laws and his mother. The family owns a large sporting goods store where he hopes to work too.
Arriving just in time for his brother Coles wedding to Sierra. Sierra's best friend is Hayden an up-and-coming designer. She owns her own company and is married to her job. She is always working. Either in her store or helping one of her three brothers with his restaurant. After having her heart broke a couple times, she decided she doesn't need a man in her life. She now has big trust problems. Sierra has tried to get Hayden to date Zane but she never had the time.
At the wedding she can't stop looking at him or for him. She may be off men but she isn't blind !! Zane is not only handsome as sin, but quite and mysterious too. Zane has met Hayden before thru Cole, he didn't remember her being so beautiful, and sweet. Last thing he needs is to get involved with someone till he figures out what he is going to do.
Well fate see it different, when Hayden's car will not start and Zane is the only one still at the lodge. What can he do but take her home. With the attraction between them heating up the car, both decide what can happen in one night.
They are adults and both would enjoy a one-night affair. Both have not been with anyone in a long time.
Famous last words, as their one night of over-the-top sexy romp will change not only their lives forever but also both of their families too.
This is a wonderful love story filled with lots of family. Plenty of secrets and past to overcome. It's heartwarming watching two middle age independent people dealing with a life changing event.
This is not a book to miss, it will have you laughing out loud, crying too and them just sighing is so wonderful.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her, this is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with the North brothers in which finally, Zane North, former Navy fighter pilot, gets his story.
Zane is back home and to everyone’s surprise, he’s left the Navy. No one really knows why but after the loss of a good friend, his heart is no longer in it.
Hayden Henry is a up and coming designer and best friends with Sierra, the bride who’s just married Cole North .
When Hayden and Zane meet at the wedding , the attraction is evident, but Zane clearly steps back. That is , until he finds Hayden stranded when her car doesn’t start.
What started out as a one night stand becomes much more. An unexpected pregnancy, both individuals not interested in committing to anyone, and Hayden’s lack of trust, leaves these two in the friend zone.
But what happens when the line is crossed? What happens when the past comes back to turn Zane’s life upside down? Will they just remain cordial as they co-parent or will each be willing to take a leap of faith?
This was another touching, at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming story. A wonderful addition to an already favorite series.
It was nice to get a chance to “visit” with the other North siblings and as well their mother.
I was entruste a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[janelle beaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are back with the North family and Zane has returned home after being a pilot in the Navy for his brothers wedding. He meets Hayden at the wedding and there is an instant attraction which leads to a unexpected pregnancy. Hayden has a problem with trust and there's something that happened to Zane in the Navy that causes him to leave that he hasn't told anyone. This is a quick read with a heartwarming story and with some heartache. It was nice seeing all the North family plus Hayden's father and brothers.

[BookLover23 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent book but I wanted more grovelling from Zane at the end and more of the pregnancy journey.

[Sugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting to see how Knupp would write Zane's story. The other stories in the North Brothers series were so well done. Each brother had a different personality so of course each found love in a unique way. Zane has been in the military flying planes off aircraft carriers so he wasn't around much in the other stories. What little we did know didn't give away how Knupp would write his story. As I read "True Hero", I thought that Knupp hit the nail on the head. His story was perfect for him.
I found this to be a bit of a "backwards" story. Hayden (h) and Zane (H) spend the night together after the wedding of his brother and her best friend. Hayden soon realizes she is pregnant. There were so many well written scenes about two people who gave in to the urge to have sex but who now had to face the consequences of their actions. "She moved closer to him, thinking they barley knew each other at all, and now they were supposedly going to go through one of the most intimate events two people could go through. Weird. As. Anything." I loved that line. Sex wan't the most intimate thing they could do - raising a child was. Zane was also spot on when he said, "We need to get to know each other better, figure out how well we get along. Without sex muddying things up." Many romance books write about a one night stand and a surprise pregnancy but I l love the way Knupp had her characters acknowledge the difficulties that can follow.
If you have read the other North Brother books or read any of the books in the Hale Street series, then you will enjoy the appearance of so many of the characters from those stories. These stories are all so well done that you will want to go to Nashville to look them up! It 's like reading about friends you haven't talked to in a while. Whenever a new book comes out, you can't wait to find out what has been happening in everyone's lives.
This is a great story and I would highly recommend reading it.

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hayden Henry wasn’t one to get caught up in romantic or fanciful thoughts, but watching her best friend dance with her groom forced her to admit true love was possible. For other people. Just not for her. She had given it the old college try as they used to say, not once but twice, but love and relationships were just not in her wheelhouse. She didn’t have a good picker. It didn’t stop her from being over-the-moon happy for Sierra and Cole. Hayden made her way over to two of her fellow bridesmaids, Mackenzie and Kennedy, whose eyes were also locked on the newlyweds.

“They make it look easy,” Hayden said. “I’m so happy for my little sister,” Kennedy said, and Hayden did a double take when she noticed tears welling in Kennedy’s eyes. “Pregnant tears. Dammit, I’m ready for this baby to be here!” She laughed as a single drop cascaded down her cheek. “You’re getting close but still too early,” Mackenzie said warmly, her eyes lit up. “Less than two months?” “March eleventh. Eternity.” Kennedy wiped her eyes, then settled her hands on her belly. Hayden checked the urge to touch Kennedy’s belly at the same time she checked the envy that surged through her. Foolish girl. Babies are for other people too.

Her hormones had been playing tricks on her lately making her think she wanted a baby, ignoring logic. Logic said it took two people to make a baby for a reason, mainly because babies and children were a lot of work, and it was best to share that with someone else. Hayden snapped to attention and scanned the room for her dance partner for the upcoming bridal party dance. Her heart rate kicked up at the mere thought of Zane North, and then she spotted him across the way and sucked in a breath.

Gasped. Everything in her that was female stood at attention because he was that handsome. Pasting a laid-back smile on her face, she started toward the dance floor to meet him halfway, never losing eye contact, fighting to tamp down her shakiness. This wasn’t like her at all. She wasn’t shy around men, didn’t hesitate to flirt with the hottest one in a room, and did not physically react like this—ever. Except, Zane. She’d had the same reaction when she’d first laid eyes on him at Mackenzie and Drake’s wedding last fall in Malta. This evening, during the meal, she’d spent time at Zane’s side, every one of her senses tuned into him, but the wedding party was rowdy.

It had kept the whole group entertained, and one-on-one conversations hadn’t been necessary or possible. So far, she’d spoken to him a handful of times, exchanged pleasantries and small talk, and found him to be quiet, with such a serious outlook that she’d worked to make him smile…and then basked in the reward when she’d succeeded. He held out his hand to her, he formally said, “At your service.” Only the twitch of one corner of his lips gave any hint of lightheartedness. “My hero,” she said flirtatiously as she took his hand, ran her other one up the lapel of his tux, and moved her body inches from his.

“I hope you require a guy to do more than just show up to be your hero,” Zane said. A sparkle in his eye that could make a girl swoon—even a modern, liberated girl who didn’t believe in swooning. “I’m easy,” she said as his large hands settled at her waist, his warmth penetrating the fine fabric of her silver gown. “Wait. That didn’t come out right.” “You’re easy to be with.” The teasing tone was gone from his voice, as if his words were sincere. “You don’t seem like a guy who gets nervous about dancing with a girl.” “Only the pretty ones.” “Are you flirting, Lieutenant North?”

“Just Zane.” “I heard you’re no longer in the Navy.” “You heard right. I almost didn’t make it back to town in time for rehearsal last night.” “How long were you in?” “I went to the Naval Academy out of high school.” “And now you’re…?” “Thirty.” He was Drake’s twin. It seemed the two men had nothing in common, especially not their age. Zane was so serious, almost restrained. Drake, who she’d gotten to know well over the past few months, was…not. Zane seemed older than he was. Drake seemed determined to never fully grow up.

“What do you plan to do?” “Did I hear you own a store or something?” he persisted. “I do. Henry Interiors on Hale Street. I’m an interior designer too, so I’m forever trying to balance between running the store and building my design clientele.” “Ambitious,” he said. “I like keeping busy, and I love what I do.” “Thank you for the dance, kind sir.” I loved the heat these two brought to this story. Neither did they have the emotional capacity nor the personal time to get caught up in an oopsie pregnancy. However, they figure out that it may not be love at first but sexual magnetism is off the charts. And the more they're together the more attracted they are to each other.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like I’ve waited forever for the last North brother’s story, and it was so worth the wait! In her best work yet, this talented storyteller raises the bar even higher for contemporary romance. She gives us an emotionally charged, heartfelt story that has forever secured these amazing characters a special place in my heart.

Finally, we get to know the elusive North brother, Zane, who has left his military career and returned to the North family fold. In many ways, it's not a happy homecoming. Zane has the need to control things, and his life is completely out of control. He has no idea what kind of career to pursue, he feels obligated to work for the family business, and he carries a load of guilt from a personal tragedy that happened shortly before he separated from the military.

Hayden Henry isn’t looking for a relationship any more than Zane is. It's already complicated enough with her being good friends with the North brothers and their ladies. But fate often has a sense of humor and destiny won’t be denied, so one memorable night becomes nine months of anticipation.

There's so much I love about this story! Knupp takes this one a lot deeper emotionally, and my heart was in my throat as I read as quickly as possible to find out how things would work out. Zane managed to break my heart a bit and I loved seeing both his and Hayden's personal growth. It was also great to catch up with favorite characters and get introduced to some new ones. (Psst, Hayden has some yummy alpha brothers I think we'll see more of!) With all the elements we love in an exceptional romance, this steamy, heartfelt, emotional read is sure to make your romantic heart truly happy, so make sure you don’t miss it.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally we get to meet Zane North, who hasn't been around much do to his being a pilot in the Navy. That is, until he quit - for reasons unknown. Now he has shown up for his brother Cole's marriage to Sierra. And although he says he doesn't want a relationship, his brothers can't help but notice how Zane has been zeroed in on Hayden all night long.

Hayden has a busy life running two businesses - her furniture store and her design business - and she doesn't have time for a relationship. But she is definitely attracted to Zane, the sexy and quiet brother. So when the opportunity for a one night stand with him presents itself, she jumps at the chance. But then they have a whoops moment and big changes are in store for both of them.

Hayden has had her trust broken in the past so it's hard for her to let someone in. Zane is used to keeping his emotions locked up due to the high demands of his job as a Navy pilot. There are definite challenges as the two of them work through how their lives will change with the pregnancy. They both find that their defenses are coming down until a big challenge presents itself. Their journey will make you laugh and cry.

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this series but I had trouble with this book, particularly the whole birth control thing when Zane and Hayden decide to have a one night fling. The mood dies instantly when they realize the condom broke. So now what do they do?

In a nutshell...

Hayden: I'm not ready for kids.

Zane: I'm not either.

Hayden: Well, I guess we'll see if I get pregnant.

Zane: What about the morning after pill?

Hayden: I'll think about it.

Zane: You can take it up to 72 hours after. 

Hayden: Nah. Let's just take the 50/50 chance and see if I get pregnant even though I'm knee-deep in my career and oh, it's my most fertile time of the month. But we'll figure things out if we need to. 

Spoiler, but not really: She gets pregnant.

This irresponsibility bugged me lots because they weren't in a relationship to begin with. I get it... it created the crux of the story and brought the characters together as a result. I just wasn't a fan of that scenario. Had she taken the morning after pill but still gotten pregnant, I feel like I would have been a lot more receptive to the scenario and likely enjoyed the story more.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

I received a free copy of the steamy post-military Nashville set novel True Hero (North Brothers book 5) by Amy Knupp and this review was given freely.

A wonderful conclusion to the series covering a year in the life of the North family. The ending is so sweet and heartwarming that it brought tears to my eyes.

Realistic characters, a nice review of the Hale Street characters, and an instant attraction romance with an unplanned pregnancy are seamlessly blended with Zane’s struggles to assimilate into post-Navy life, allow himself to grieve for those he has lost, and find his place in North Brother Sports.

A friend’s sudden death, stress, and his mother’s recent health scare result in 30-year-old Navy fighter pilot Lieutenant Zane North resigning from the Navy, uncertain in his place in both the family and the family business, and trying to ignore his attraction to the relationship challenged, workaholic Interior Designer and store owner, Hayden Henry.

[Anne Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me fall absolutely and totally in love with Zane North. He’s been on the periphery, but he’s now out of the Navy and determined to take what he perceives as his required place in the company. Haunted by one of the reasons he left the Navy, he’s not looking for a relationship – and neither is Hayden, Sierra’s best friend. When her car breaks down after Sierra and Cole’s wedding, Zane comes to the rescue and they have a one-night stand – an unforgettable one in every way since that night leaves Hayden pregnant. Every time you kind of expect what’s going to happen, it doesn’t happen quite as you expect, and that’s the joy of Amy Knupp’s writing. Is there an HEA? Yes for sure. Is it predictable? Definitely not. This book is emotional, the readers’ emotions, the characters’ emotions; no one is left unscathed. There’s a reason I fell in love with Zane, and I can do no more than recommend this book wholeheartedly.

[Irene S · Rating 5 out of 5]

For both Hayden and Zane, it's not a good time to start a relationship. With two businesses to run, Hayden is too busy for anything else. Zane planned a career in the Navy as a fighter pilot, but now he has left the Navy and is starting over. After spending a night together, their lives will have to change. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher. This is m honest and voluntarily given review. I have loved every book that I have read and some reread by Amy Knupp. Her books just pull me in. I love how sweet and supportive Zane is and how Hayden is ready to deal with any possibility. They are stronger together. This book definitely has some steam, but not gratuitous. I love seeing their relationship grow and deal with bumps along the way. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, but the series is great and compliments the Hale Street Series.

[Lukaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given the opportunity to read True Hero early for an honest review. I have loved the North brothers series. Zane is the strong silent type. I mean he is ex-military. He meets Hayden at a family wedding. They have lots of chemistry. But he’s still adjusting to civilian life and living this close to family again. She doesn’t have time for a relationship. She’s busy with two jobs involving her one true love, interior design. When her car won’t start after the wedding reception. Guess who just happens to be around to give her a lift home. After a no strings hook up and some malfunctioning contraception. There is an unexpected baby on the way. Will Zane and Hayden figure out how to parent together. Or is our sweet bundle destined to spend weekends with only one parent at a time? You’ll have to read True Hero and see. It’s a good read you won’t want to miss.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic wrap to a great series!

Hayden and Zane really struck it off after his brother's wedding, as the only unattached members of the party. But the one night fling they agreed to when he taxied her home from the reception altered both their lives forever.

The growth both these characters had to undergo in order to become a couple and a family allowed both to have much better balanced lives and to become better versions of themselves. There was a lot of support for both of them to grow and change from each of their families. You can see how the various businesses will thrive, but that family will alway have top priority in their lives.

It may be the end of this series of books, but the life-stories are only just beginning, all with HEA in store.

I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

I ADORED this book. Two wonderful characters that really touched me. I loved seeing prior characters (the North brothers along with the characters from Hale Street). While this is a part of a series, you don't have to read the prior stories to fully understand and enjoy this one.

The plot was engaging and kept me glued to my e-reader. The only downside, it ended. It is a little depressing when a wonderful story like this one ends. It is like saying good-bye to a long-time BBF when it ended. I could have kept reading about them forever.

This story is written in my favorite dual POV format. Seeing the characters' thoughts really help me to fully understand them so I can completely identify with them. This is a little risqué.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last of the North brothers goes down…Zane has just returned to Nashville after leaving the Navy early. He thought he was a lifer, but turns out he was wrong. He’s going through a tough time and is definitely not looking to complicate his life with a relationship. Hayden is solely focused on her two businesses and doesn’t have time for a relationship. Plus, she has an alarmingly bad track record and trust issues. Yet neither Zane nor Hayden can deny their attraction to one another. So, what happens after they get caught up in the vibes surrounding Cole and Sierra’s wedding? Pick up True Hero and find out!

The North clan is expanding. Rapidly. This family is so much fun! I’m really sad that Zane is the last one of the brothers. Maybe there will be a next-generation type spinoff? Hmm….

[Janeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I could love a book more than Gabe & Lexie's story (True Blue), but boy was I wrong.

I wasn't sure what to expect with Zane's story since we only caught glimpses of him in the previous books since he was away as a Navy fighter pilot.

The chemistry between Zane & Hayden is off the charts from the very first dance at Sierra & Cole's wedding. But life throws out some curveballs and things get complicated. As they try to work through their situation, Zane has to figure out how to finally deal with the grief he's been burying for years without completely alienating Hayden.

Such a wonderful story of how sometimes things do truly happen for a reason and what truly being there for each other really means.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane’s story!

Hayden Henry is burning the candle at both ends trying to run a store and her interior design business at the same time when she ends up pregnant after a one-night stand with Zane North. Zane intended to work for the family sports company after leaving the Navy but finding out he was going to be a father made him finally realize what he really wanted in his life.

If you want to read a really good romance series, you should read the North Brothers Series because the entire series make you want a North Brother.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rina's Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I called it at the end of the last book but I hadn't expected all the extra little presents that this book gifted us with.

Mrs. Knupp has penned a beautiful addition to the North brothers series. Attraction, lust, and trust all play a part in Zane landing his lady.

This book had me hooked before I knew it. Having had very little of Zane throughout this series (because of his job) only heightened my curiosity.

“Hurricane Hayden, you turn my world upside down.”
Hayden was a strong, fiercely independent character. Zane, with his quiet nature and nurturing soul was the perfect calm to her storm.

A fantastically heartwarming story to end the series.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Sometimes we can’t appreciate what we have until it is gone. Holy heck, Hayden is one strong, independent woman, she had to be growing up with 3 older brothers. She meets Zane the younger brother to her best friends husband at their wedding. They are both in the wedding party. They are paired together. There are 5 North brothers and Zane is the last single one. He has been in the Navy since he was 18 and now he is back home. He and Hayden just seemed to click, each was drawn to the other like a Manet. We they got together….fireworks went off. They get their HED but only after a few bumps along the way. I highly recommend this read.

[Lorie - Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty intense

What do you get when you mix a Henry with a North? ...one big happy family! And it keeps growing.

But a long with that came anguish and joy. When the condom broke, those very words sank in and sucked out all of the joy and contentment in all of thirty seconds. Now that's unprotected sex. It took just one time to change Hayden and Zane's life forever.

I am so hooked on the Henry/North series. I just wish Amy would add to them. But then again, I haven't finished reading all of Island Fire, all those firefighters.

Enjoy reading everyone because it will take you on all kinds of adventures where ever you are.

[Delaine Mclafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Zane and Hayden is a modern-day romance that shows you that life happens in its own time whether you are ready or not. Life can throw you curve balls, life puts things in your way, causes a hurt that won’t quit, gives love that never ends and brings family along for the ride. When you have a strong, loving, controlling family, you eventually find your way into the fold. Live is a mystery that is ever changing, so grab hold and join Zane and Hayden on their journey.

I received and arc for an honest review.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hayden is a strong, intelligent woman in a typically man's profession and doing well. She is super busy and over extends herself with work. Zane is one of the North brothers clan. He has just left the military. He is a good guy dealing with private personal issues and slowly working through them in his own way. One night truly changes the direction of both their lives. Their situation has both Hayden and Zane trying to find their way and re-thinking what they each saw for their future. The gatherings with their two families seem very real to me. Love all the North boys :)

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane North has retired from the Navy as a fighter pilot but is not saying why. Hayden Henry meets Zane at the wedding of Zane’s brother Cole and her best friend Sierra. When her car won’t start after the wedding, he gives her a ride back to her place and even though they both know they shouldn’t, they got carried away and an unexpected pregnancy occurs. They both have trust issues and have no interest in a commitment but Zane says he will be there for her no matter what. I enjoyed watching them learning to compromise with their choices. A story that leaves you feeling good

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

In True Hero the reader finally learns Zane North's story - and what a story it is. Featuring all the Norths, their significant others and characters from the Hale Street series, this well written book can be read as a stand alone, but it is great to catch up on characters you have already met. Both Zane and Hayden have issues they must deal with if they are to reach their HEA. Ms. Knupp creates characters that seem like old friends. I get totally wrapped up in her stories. They are about commitment, love and family. I am never disappointed.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Hero
By Amy Knupp
Main Characters: Zane and Hayden
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
I loved this whole series so far. Hayden is a designer and Zane was a former Navy pilot. When these two meet, neither one is ready for a relationship. Zane turns out to be a really nice guy and when he finds out Hayden is pregnant, he of course wants to do the right thing and be there for her. This is a contemporary romance with a HEA ending and I loved it as I do all books by Amy Knupp.

[Barbara Murrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The youngest North brother gets his day

Hayden and Zane's hot connection soared and crashed in a matter of hours, leaving them full of anxiety over a dramatic "what if?" and wondering what on earth they were going to do. Zane's inability to deal with death and Hayden's valid gun-shy "no-relationship stance makes for riveting reading.

Naturally, Hale Street characters and the rest of the North brothers made up the bulk of the cast. (Can't go wrong there!)

I was given an advance reader copy of this book and also purchased it.

[Lisa Guertin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Workaholic Hayden has been burned by men in the past so she’s focused on building her design company. Zane is feeling lost since leaving his fighter pilot job. He’s trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life and how to fit in at North Brothers. When he rescues Hayden after a wedding, a one night stand leads to so much more than either of them planned.
I really felt Hayden’s struggle to cut back on her work hours and learn to delegate to her staff. I’ve been excited to read Zane’s book and was not disappointed.