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Duty Series
Heart of Duty
DONE WITH THIS THING CALLED LOVE?
Once a rising star journalist, Lia Kennedy built a reputation for excellence on the frontlines of the Middle East. Even so, three years on the sidelines caring for her ailing father have left her exhausted, single, without a career. Eager for a fresh start, Lia takes on a job as a Police reporter on the West Coast. All she wants is to work hard and avoid complications.
Ex-Army officer, Quinn Wesley, also knows the meaning of sacrifice. She lost teammates in Iraq and barely made it back alive. Her life now only includes her job as a cop, CrossFit training, and the odd one-night stand. She likes her life just the way it is.
For different reasons, neither woman wants a relationship. Love? Even less! But sometimes, when you think you’re done, Life will laugh and say…
NOT YET!
Once a rising star journalist, Lia Kennedy built a reputation for excellence on the frontlines of the Middle East. Even so, three years on the sidelines caring for her ailing father have left her exhausted, single, without a career. Eager for a fresh start, Lia takes on a job as a Police reporter on the West Coast. All she wants is to work hard and avoid complications.
Ex-Army officer, Quinn Wesley, also knows the meaning of sacrifice. She lost teammates in Iraq and barely made it back alive. Her life now only includes her job as a cop, CrossFit training, and the odd one-night stand. She likes her life just the way it is.
For different reasons, neither woman wants a relationship. Love? Even less! But sometimes, when you think you’re done, Life will laugh and say…
NOT YET!
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2023
223 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Debrabandere
41 books239 followersMy novels are about strong, grounded women who live, love, and thrive in adventurous worlds.
As Natalie Debrabandere, I write lesbian fiction with a romantic twist.
As N.D. Shar, I dive into edgy sci-fi with kick-ass female leads and non-stop action.
If this is your first experience with my books, I hope you’ll find as much pleasure in reading them as I do in writing them.
The best way to support me? Read, review, and share—share—share!
My books are available worldwide in Kindle and paperback formats on your local Amazon site.
You can contact me through my website: nataliedebrabandere.com
As Natalie Debrabandere, I write lesbian fiction with a romantic twist.
As N.D. Shar, I dive into edgy sci-fi with kick-ass female leads and non-stop action.
If this is your first experience with my books, I hope you’ll find as much pleasure in reading them as I do in writing them.
The best way to support me? Read, review, and share—share—share!
My books are available worldwide in Kindle and paperback formats on your local Amazon site.
You can contact me through my website: nataliedebrabandere.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
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April 26, 2023I feel like I can’t rate this book. I have enjoyed aspects of it; PTSD, the action, work, some character traits. However, the writing style is not to my liking, something about his just not for me. Oh, and the lusting from the first look? I just don’t like that in a romance. All that instalove/ instalust/ instaconnection shit isn’t for me, at least not with characters who have as much “baggage” as these two.
August 28, 2023
Must be the most dangerous precinct in the world! Shootings, serious crime, Police permanently in danger, but a good romance with believable characters. Recommended.
April 25, 2023
3,5 ⭐️
February 16, 2023
Overwhelming
You stories take me to heights I've not felt often. I ride up and down with your characters. I feel every nuance you script. I buy your books sight unseen. If you write it, I know it will be good. Please don't stop because a ride with you never fails.
You stories take me to heights I've not felt often. I ride up and down with your characters. I feel every nuance you script. I buy your books sight unseen. If you write it, I know it will be good. Please don't stop because a ride with you never fails.
March 11, 2023
Excellent read. Action, romance… for what more can you ask?
I totally enjoyed this. I’m a sucker for action and romance, and this book has both. Strong, flawed, heroic women drive this story. This story resonates with me, because it makes me want to be my best and to love as best I can.
In this book we get to know Police Officer, Quinn Wesley, and reporter, Lia Kennedy, who has recently joined the precinct to chronicle the force’s efforts. Both Quinn and Lia are career driven women, and both have endured hard tours of duty in the past resulting in a few emotional scars. Neither of them were looking for a relationship, and despite their intentions to remain solo and self-sufficient, they are unable to resist the fettering chemistry that draws them closer to one another.
Now, if you think this basic description could be used for any other “romance novel”, well… for sure… you might be right; however, this one is different. Now, I clearly remember writing a review for some other book by some other author… my words, if I recall correctly were… “this book makes me want to fall in love again”. I still stand behind that review. However, this book offers a stronger, different feel. This book makes me want to connect with someone in ways that move me on a deeper level, it makes me want to want another from the basest reaches of need and vulnerability. This book makes me want to love the best way I know how. I love the challenge/inspiration that I’ve received from these characters. That’s why you should read this book.
Oh, and don’t forget, this book has some great action sequences, too. Action. Yes!
Bonus: As far as side characters go… Dr. Janet, surgeon. Well, this lady has me actually wanting to go to the ER… I’m sure I need to be seen for something, especially her sense of humor. I might have heart palpitations caused by… well… you gotta read the book to see for yourself. If you’ll excuse me… “Calling Dr. Janet, I’m in the ER, and you’re needed stat…”
I totally enjoyed this. I’m a sucker for action and romance, and this book has both. Strong, flawed, heroic women drive this story. This story resonates with me, because it makes me want to be my best and to love as best I can.
In this book we get to know Police Officer, Quinn Wesley, and reporter, Lia Kennedy, who has recently joined the precinct to chronicle the force’s efforts. Both Quinn and Lia are career driven women, and both have endured hard tours of duty in the past resulting in a few emotional scars. Neither of them were looking for a relationship, and despite their intentions to remain solo and self-sufficient, they are unable to resist the fettering chemistry that draws them closer to one another.
Now, if you think this basic description could be used for any other “romance novel”, well… for sure… you might be right; however, this one is different. Now, I clearly remember writing a review for some other book by some other author… my words, if I recall correctly were… “this book makes me want to fall in love again”. I still stand behind that review. However, this book offers a stronger, different feel. This book makes me want to connect with someone in ways that move me on a deeper level, it makes me want to want another from the basest reaches of need and vulnerability. This book makes me want to love the best way I know how. I love the challenge/inspiration that I’ve received from these characters. That’s why you should read this book.
Oh, and don’t forget, this book has some great action sequences, too. Action. Yes!
Bonus: As far as side characters go… Dr. Janet, surgeon. Well, this lady has me actually wanting to go to the ER… I’m sure I need to be seen for something, especially her sense of humor. I might have heart palpitations caused by… well… you gotta read the book to see for yourself. If you’ll excuse me… “Calling Dr. Janet, I’m in the ER, and you’re needed stat…”
June 21, 2024
Good, but...
The story was really good and engaging. It tackled the difficult subject of PTSD in a way that made someone who might not understand, get it and understand.
So, why three stars?
First: the story takes place in North America, with strong implications of it being in the United States. However, the vernacular was 95% British, and 5% Canadian. I suppose the story could have taken place in British Columbia, but it was strongly implied that it was somewhere on the West Coast United States.
Second: even though it only happened once, the author said that they were watching the sunrise over the ocean. The sun does not rise over the ocean on the west coast. It sets.
These things were enough to take away from the story. At least for me.
The story was really good and engaging. It tackled the difficult subject of PTSD in a way that made someone who might not understand, get it and understand.
So, why three stars?
First: the story takes place in North America, with strong implications of it being in the United States. However, the vernacular was 95% British, and 5% Canadian. I suppose the story could have taken place in British Columbia, but it was strongly implied that it was somewhere on the West Coast United States.
Second: even though it only happened once, the author said that they were watching the sunrise over the ocean. The sun does not rise over the ocean on the west coast. It sets.
These things were enough to take away from the story. At least for me.
August 2, 2025
I liked this book at first but it went downhill from there. The characters and their backstories are captivating but their instant attraction for one another took away from what could have been a stronger foundation built for them. I also think the author needs to do a better job in tailoring their writing to the region where the story takes place. If it’s set on the west coast of the US, words like ‘trainers’ or ‘jumper’ or ‘arsehole’ aren’t going to be used by people because those don’t fit the regional dialogue and it constantly pulled me out of the story. I also felt the intimate scenes were a little cringey to read with how they spoke to one another during them and the obsession everyone women had Quinn’s abs was…weird. In terms of the positives, as I said I did like the two main characters and I also enjoyed the supporting ones as well but too many things took me out of this story unfortunately. It is also my first read of work by this author so I’m open to giving another book a chance!
March 19, 2024
Very much enjoyed this book. I’m always into cop/medical shows with a little romance. Lia and Quinn were perfect for each other because of their similar stories of Iraq, even though Quinn has a little more ptsd. But I don’t know how Lia moved on so quickly after her dad’s passing. 6 weeks? That’s really fast but I get it. The boundaries that they both had made it hard for them to be together but in the end they figured it out but something tragic had to happen. The only thing I didn’t like was the flirting between Janet and Quinn while she was trying with Lia made me angry. Janet needs boundaries. That was the only downfall though. I can’t wait for the second book.
March 5, 2023
Loved It!
A Natalie Debrabandere book always takes you on an adventure. When said adventure gives you a hero type character that is lovable despite the armor put in place, that’s a book your going to love. Quinn was just that leading lady. With said armor in place somehow, Lia broke through that armor. With both of them having a no relationship rule in place to protect them, protecting themselves from each other was overlooked. A great storyline, great characters and I could see more of this story in the future. Just saying!
A Natalie Debrabandere book always takes you on an adventure. When said adventure gives you a hero type character that is lovable despite the armor put in place, that’s a book your going to love. Quinn was just that leading lady. With said armor in place somehow, Lia broke through that armor. With both of them having a no relationship rule in place to protect them, protecting themselves from each other was overlooked. A great storyline, great characters and I could see more of this story in the future. Just saying!
March 29, 2023
Extra Fine Writing
This book was an awesome read. The characters Lia and Quinn were so well described in appearance as well as feelings. Sometimes a book hits close to home and this one did with descriptions of the military and then the police force. I hope people realize how well you addressed both Quinn and Lias’ past life before getting together.
I would love to and will gladly recommend not only this book but, the author to be read to anyone I can.
Thank you for a wonderful experience.
This book was an awesome read. The characters Lia and Quinn were so well described in appearance as well as feelings. Sometimes a book hits close to home and this one did with descriptions of the military and then the police force. I hope people realize how well you addressed both Quinn and Lias’ past life before getting together.
I would love to and will gladly recommend not only this book but, the author to be read to anyone I can.
Thank you for a wonderful experience.
August 27, 2025
3/5
Disappointed, this is how I feel everytime there's the insta love/lust trope.I hate it.No it doesn't exist such thing as touching her cheek out of nowhere the second time you meet or whatever. And if it does exist it's weird.
Why are we looking at eachothers lips without knowing our age first???Like if it was the one night stand trope,yeah okay,that's understandable,but it's not.
It's two strangers that don't have that much moments as emotions.
The Book would had been so much better if they weren't acting as if they were mates in a werewolf romance book.(my opinion)
Disappointed, this is how I feel everytime there's the insta love/lust trope.I hate it.No it doesn't exist such thing as touching her cheek out of nowhere the second time you meet or whatever. And if it does exist it's weird.
Why are we looking at eachothers lips without knowing our age first???Like if it was the one night stand trope,yeah okay,that's understandable,but it's not.
It's two strangers that don't have that much moments as emotions.
The Book would had been so much better if they weren't acting as if they were mates in a werewolf romance book.(my opinion)
February 21, 2023
Most satisfying!
These two characters, Quinn and Lia, are both independent and accomplished women on their own. But, when they get together, it really is passion at its best. With dangerous and exciting jobs, and a loving and supportive group of friends, this story is riveting. And, again, Natalie Debra bankers fulfills her goal in writing an input down able novel.
Thank you again!
These two characters, Quinn and Lia, are both independent and accomplished women on their own. But, when they get together, it really is passion at its best. With dangerous and exciting jobs, and a loving and supportive group of friends, this story is riveting. And, again, Natalie Debra bankers fulfills her goal in writing an input down able novel.
Thank you again!
March 13, 2023
Soldier On
Wesley Quinn, former Army Captain, now police officer is a respected member of the Lewiston Police Department. When Lia Kennedy joins the department’s media division, she’s overwhelmed with unexpected feelings and attraction. Amidst tension and uncertainty they are finding themselves drawn into a passionate relationship. A great police procedural with reporting and medical care thrown into the mix. Love it.
Wesley Quinn, former Army Captain, now police officer is a respected member of the Lewiston Police Department. When Lia Kennedy joins the department’s media division, she’s overwhelmed with unexpected feelings and attraction. Amidst tension and uncertainty they are finding themselves drawn into a passionate relationship. A great police procedural with reporting and medical care thrown into the mix. Love it.
February 16, 2023
Great story as always, extremely well written and missing some of the unnecessary drama this genre seems to require. Happy endings do not require anguish though I know that’s a staple. Natalie has again accomplished her objective, read in one sitting, couldn’t put it down and didn’t want to. Outstanding story, even if a tiny bit of American idiom is off, it doesn’t detract from the compelling pace of the story. Thoroughly entertaining as always and highly recommended to all readers.
February 24, 2023
decent
It was a decent enough story overall. Knocked a star off for cloying ‘cops are all just misunderstood’ lines that were tossed out.
The main characters were reasonably well thought out, well rounded. Both recovering from different kinds of emotional trauma, and then doing it together.
Decent read, and worth checking out.
It was a decent enough story overall. Knocked a star off for cloying ‘cops are all just misunderstood’ lines that were tossed out.
The main characters were reasonably well thought out, well rounded. Both recovering from different kinds of emotional trauma, and then doing it together.
Decent read, and worth checking out.
February 28, 2023
Exceptional
I was so happy to see a new release by this author. I have never been disappointed and this one lived up to expectations, great characters and plot line a bit similar to previous titles but still very involving. Quinn vulnerable and sexy, who could resist. I couldn't and would recommend others to do the same. Enjoy.
I was so happy to see a new release by this author. I have never been disappointed and this one lived up to expectations, great characters and plot line a bit similar to previous titles but still very involving. Quinn vulnerable and sexy, who could resist. I couldn't and would recommend others to do the same. Enjoy.
March 1, 2023
So good!
Another one knocked out of the park! I have enjoyed every one of the books I've read of Natalie Debrabandere, and "Heart of Duty" was no exception, I loved it.
To find a bond so instant and so sure it can't be ignored is wonderful ✨️
I am especially fond of stories with Veterans in them like this one, being a retired AF veteran myself.
Another one knocked out of the park! I have enjoyed every one of the books I've read of Natalie Debrabandere, and "Heart of Duty" was no exception, I loved it.
To find a bond so instant and so sure it can't be ignored is wonderful ✨️
I am especially fond of stories with Veterans in them like this one, being a retired AF veteran myself.
March 2, 2023
Engaging
This author continues to impress with engaging storylines and well developed characters. It was easy to relate to the main characters; the connection between them was believable and HOT! I also enjoyed tension between the main characters without the typical break up drama. I can't wait to read more from this author.
This author continues to impress with engaging storylines and well developed characters. It was easy to relate to the main characters; the connection between them was believable and HOT! I also enjoyed tension between the main characters without the typical break up drama. I can't wait to read more from this author.
March 22, 2024
Excellent-Great Main Characters
I fell in love with both Lia and Quinn. Two strong women who thought they didn’t need a forever relationship until they met. Quinn is a veteran who served in Afghanistan and Lia is a reporter assigned to the police station where Quinn works. Their attraction simmers and then flames. I didn’t want the book to end. Kudos to Ms. Debrabandere!
I fell in love with both Lia and Quinn. Two strong women who thought they didn’t need a forever relationship until they met. Quinn is a veteran who served in Afghanistan and Lia is a reporter assigned to the police station where Quinn works. Their attraction simmers and then flames. I didn’t want the book to end. Kudos to Ms. Debrabandere!
May 2, 2024
Wonderful Read
Natalie Debrabandere has begun her Duty Series with the wonderful couple, Lia and Quinn. Neither woman was looking for a relationship, but their hearts didn’t listen. The character development was spot on,and the secondary characters were great. I look forward to reading more of this series.
Natalie Debrabandere has begun her Duty Series with the wonderful couple, Lia and Quinn. Neither woman was looking for a relationship, but their hearts didn’t listen. The character development was spot on,and the secondary characters were great. I look forward to reading more of this series.
February 21, 2023
Excellent.
I loved Heart of Duty. There’s nothing like a female former military officer turned Police Officer to keep you turning the pages. Loved the book. Police action combined with great bedroom scenes.
I loved Heart of Duty. There’s nothing like a female former military officer turned Police Officer to keep you turning the pages. Loved the book. Police action combined with great bedroom scenes.
February 28, 2023
Really fun interesting unexpected romance
Well written , what happens when you meet someone who does dangerous work and put their life on the line. You have preconceptions about the but you just fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Lots of action and romsnce
Well written , what happens when you meet someone who does dangerous work and put their life on the line. You have preconceptions about the but you just fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. Lots of action and romsnce
March 3, 2023
Sexy, smart, fast-paced excellent read!
A story of strong women who are courageous and kind who fall in love. How can you not love Quinn and Lia? Lots of action and heat. A very good read!
A story of strong women who are courageous and kind who fall in love. How can you not love Quinn and Lia? Lots of action and heat. A very good read!
March 21, 2023
Loved it
I love th way this story unfolds. The twists and turns, the unexpected shift was beautiful. Love between two beautiful strong women is always a wonderful read for me. I enjoyed it.
I love th way this story unfolds. The twists and turns, the unexpected shift was beautiful. Love between two beautiful strong women is always a wonderful read for me. I enjoyed it.
March 22, 2023
Good story, good characters
Both main characters served in war zones, one as a soldier and one as a reporter. PTSD is a theme of the story, so possible trigger warning there. I would love to see a story about these two ten or so years down the road.
Both main characters served in war zones, one as a soldier and one as a reporter. PTSD is a theme of the story, so possible trigger warning there. I would love to see a story about these two ten or so years down the road.
April 16, 2023
Brill read
As always, this was a great read, fast paced with plenty of action and a tender love story. When things are meant to be,they are meant to be. This had me tearing up in a few places. I pretty much got through it in a single sitting.
As always, this was a great read, fast paced with plenty of action and a tender love story. When things are meant to be,they are meant to be. This had me tearing up in a few places. I pretty much got through it in a single sitting.
May 23, 2023
Great book
Love this author! Another great book with nice balance of romance, angst and action. Soldier turned cop, Quinn, falls for reporter, Lia, but both of wary of commitment and dance around their attraction. Throw in some police action and it's a fun, romantic read.
Love this author! Another great book with nice balance of romance, angst and action. Soldier turned cop, Quinn, falls for reporter, Lia, but both of wary of commitment and dance around their attraction. Throw in some police action and it's a fun, romantic read.
May 25, 2023
One of her best!
I've read quite a few Natalie Debrabandere books over the years. This one is one of her absolute best stories. Her main characters are well-rounded, intense, and real! No games, no artifice, no bull crap. Read it!
I've read quite a few Natalie Debrabandere books over the years. This one is one of her absolute best stories. Her main characters are well-rounded, intense, and real! No games, no artifice, no bull crap. Read it!
June 1, 2023
Wow, what a gripping storyline
Wow, what a gripping storyline. I loved the main characters their connection shined through with so much depth, their chemistry was hot its a gripping beautiful story definitely must read congratulations
Wow, what a gripping storyline. I loved the main characters their connection shined through with so much depth, their chemistry was hot its a gripping beautiful story definitely must read congratulations
July 31, 2023
More Like This, Plesse
This was a wonderfully written, not so slow burn (weeks instead of months). Two women who didn’t think they deserved love falling for each other without even realizing it. Or did they?
This was a wonderfully written, not so slow burn (weeks instead of months). Two women who didn’t think they deserved love falling for each other without even realizing it. Or did they?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews