Keeping a Warrior by Melanie Hansen

Sometimes the only hope for the walking wounded is in each other’s arms.

Devon Lowe is a survivor.

A survivor of war. Of combat. And of a betrayal by men she considered her brothers-in-arms. But her trailblazing work as a Cultural Support Team member working alongside the navy SEALs is too important for her to back down now.

Fresh off a painful breakup, air force pararescueman Rhys Halloran recognizes Devon’s trauma for what it is—something that’s left her isolated but far from irreparably damaged.

With Devon’s trust still lying shattered back in Afghanistan, putting her faith in a man who’s nursing a broken heart isn’t easy. But she’s tired of people making her feel weak, and Rhys makes her feel anything but, sparking a heated attraction that was never part of the plan.

With all eyes on Devon to prove herself in a brutal man’s world, having it all will mean putting her heart on the line like never before. But when it comes to Rhys, it’s an uphill battle she’s ready to fight.

Publisher’s Note: Keeping a Warrior deals with topics some readers may find difficult, including past sexual assault.

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press – Harlequin

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Military Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This is the second book in the series, but I don't believe that it's necessary to read book one in order to understand what's going on in book two.

Devon is one tough lady. I absolutely loved her character. She's complex and tough, but also has a tender side and wants to feel confident in showing it. But in the military, she knows that she's odd man out. I love that she can keep up with the SEALs and really enjoyed watching her put other men in their place. When she comes up against a trauma that she knows she has to work through, she puts on her brave face and does what she can to overcome the tragedy.

Rhys is a great soldier, but he is also one who needed a break from it. When he first meets Devon, not only is he impressed, he never forgets her. When they meet again, Rhys can tell that she's been through something bad, but doesn't want to pry. Instead, he does everything he can think of to earn her trust. What ends up happening is that they form an unbreakable friendship.

These two burn up the sheets, but both aren't sure if they will ever want a full-on relationship. Since they both understand their jobs, both know that to live in the moment is the best for them. But when the future is fast approaching, can they both leave their romance on the battlefield?

I really enjoyed this book and loved Devon's character. I do wish more had been done with her trauma, as it felt unresolved. However, I understand that sometimes, that's what happens – things remain unresolved. I can't wait to see who gets their story next.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
Triggers: sexual assault

This book is one of the best books I've read all year. It explores all elements of the trauma that both men and women face daily, including those that serve our country.

Devon's strength in continuing her military career in spite of the trauma she's been through is a huge testament to her character. Rhys' patience and understanding makes this friends-to-lovers story that much more remarkable.

Also Available in the Loving a Warrior Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Carina Press – Harlequin

For reviews & more info, check out our Loving a Warrior post.

Melanie Hansen has spent time in Texas and Florida prisons… for work. She’s been in a room with a 17-year-old mass murderer who was also one of the most soft-spoken and polite teenagers she’s ever met. After a 13-year career as a court reporter, she can tell many stories both hilarious and heartbreaking.

She grew up with an Air Force dad, and ended up marrying a Navy man. After living and working all over the country, she hopes to bring these rich and varied life experiences to her stories about people finding love amidst real-life struggles.

Melanie left the stressful world of the courtroom behind and now enjoys a rewarding career transcribing for a deaf student. She currently lives in Arizona with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Melanie

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Keeping a Warrior (Loving a Warrior #2) by Melanie Hansen to read and review.