In true-to-herself fashion, Ronie Kendig has again delivered another heart-pounding, high-stakes story with a driven hero and strong heroine, each fighting darkness from their pasts. When they find themselves thrown together in a fight for their lives, it becomes a team effort of mutual survival. This gritty, compelling narrative takes readers into the dark, hidden underworld of human trafficking which Kendig delivers in a tactful, delicate way while preserving hope, leaving readers with a sense of fulfillment and redemption.
HIGHLIGHTS:
FIERCE, ANGRY, DETERMINED HERO · COURAGEOUS, STRONG HEROINE WITH A DARK PAST · ON THE RUN FOR THEIR LIVES · FORCED MARRIAGE · REDEMPTIVE, BEAUTY FROM THE ASHES STORY · SIZZLING CHEMISTRY · UNPUTDOWNABLE · FAMILY FOREVER
This was easily my favorite story (so far!) in the Metcalfes series. For readers who enjoyed Kendig’s Wolfsbane (Book 3 in the Discarded Heroes story) about Canyon Metcalfe, they know the history between Canyon and his younger brother, Range, whom this novel is about. Years have gone by and Range is still harboring a deep anger and hurt over his brother’s actions. Throwing himself into his work, he’s teamed up with OMEN, a black ops group working against human trafficking.
This story begins with high-stakes and that level of intensity carries throughout the novel, keeping the suspense high and me, full engrossed. Kendig masterfully creates relatable main characters that are raw and authentic. She allows readers glimpses into their hearts and through those glimpses, she weaves threads of compassion, romance, mystery and redemption.
I can’t even begin to express how much I loved this story! I simply couldn’t put it down. From the suspense, to the teamwork of OMEN, to Range’s hotheaded temper and Kasra’s cunning mind, to the forced proximity (er, marriage) and running for their lives, to the obvious chemistry between them, to the appearances of other beloved Kendig characters, this story had every beloved hallmark of a Ronie Kendig release.
I personally love the dark, foreboding and broody hero who ultimately has a soft heart (which is typically one that comes with baggage from being broken in the past) and Range was exactly that. Kendig allowed me to see right through his character to his true self and hidden insecurities. As for Kasra, I wondered about her true background from the very beginning and found that as her story unfolded, it too was a broken, sad past that led her to becoming the woman Range loathed so very much… that is until he finds himself falling in love with her. Oh, the tension between these two! The higher the tension, they harder they fall… in love, giving this story a rich romance and such a beautiful, redemptive story.
A definite, hands-down recommendation from me! This is a clean read that appeals to both Christian and secular readers with a subject that is dark and foreboding but must be addressed, delivered in a truly inspirational way with courageous, heroic characters who are relatable and are just (somewhat) ordinary people who set out to overcome extraordinary obstacles. I recommend this series be read in order to fully grasp the overarching content and themes. If you truly want to understand the character of Range, I do recommend reading Wolfsbane first.
Content Note: Trauma/Trigger Warnings - Sexual and physical assault is mentioned multiple times, including rape and the rape of young children. Due the human trafficking theme, there is mention of abuse, rape and being sold into slavery. Some mentions of curses (nothing spelled out or a clean/alternate version used).
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author and publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.