Man of Honor

Misty (Reds Romance Reviews)

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

~~If you have triggers about childhood abuse, this book might not be for you.~~

No one truly knows that goes on in the heart and souls of others. Drake Sullivan is one of those men who learned to hide things at an early age. Never one to wear his heart on his sleeve, he nonetheless is blown away to learn that his alcoholic mother has died. Going back home, brings back a lot of memories - memories that he in turn tries to drown out in a bottle of whisky.

Mea Jones also has demons that she hides away. Learning from an early age that trust is a fragile thing, she doesn't give it lightly - or often. She has her group of besties, whom she adores, but even so, she can't tell them the truth about her upbringing.

Mea also has rules about dating -- she doesn't. She'll have a one night stand and then walk away. Its the way that has kept her heart from being shattered. However, Drake didn't seem to get the memo. Their one night together was explosive but that's all it can ever be. She's taken great pains to avoid him, until their BFF's get engaged and now they are all up in each others business.

Drake doesn't "get" Mea. They had a great night of hot sex but now, she's determined to avoid him like the plague. Not understanding what, if anything, he did wrong, he extends a sincere offer of friendship and surprisingly, Mea accepts.

This book is not for the faint of heart. Both Drake and Mea lived gritty lives and their past has a way of coming up to bite them in the butt when they least expect it.

wicked

Jesey ~ Schmexy GIrl~

404 reviews752 followers

September 24, 2016

This book has been on my TBR for months…when Diana first messaged me about it I was SO excited. I kept watching my list dwindle and saw Man of Honor moving on up waiting for me! I haven’t read the first two books in this series of standalone but they are now on my TBR as well!

Right off the bat I loved Drake and Mea. Both individually and together. Mea is this spit fire of a tiny girl. She comes across as strong and in control. Mea is smart and sassy and would be the perfect real life BFF! Drake is this sexy ex-army ranger. He has a heart of gold and only wants to help people.

“Drake Sullivan just became more than a past mistake.”

I wasn’t sure how it would work out for them, they are both battling demons…some pretty severe ones too and I was nervous that this just wasn’t in the cards for them. Yet, they have this familiarity with one another. Not only from the one night they spent with each other, or the fact that they are in the same circle of fiends…it runs deeper than that for sure.

“She tastes like mint chocolate with the barest hint of forever.”

Them coming back together and becoming more than just a one night stand was amazing! They are just so good for one another, helping each other heal and move on and start a new life. I laughed, cried and swooned throughout this whole book and look forward to seeing them again in the future…maybe Diana?? More please??

“They seem to know everything about one another, and get each other on a level no one else does. It’s enlightening and intimidating.”

Kelly

Author 21 books1,359 followers

July 13, 2016

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this puppy, and Diana Gardin has once again blown me away. Drake is everything I want in a hero. Strong. Sexy. Caring. Devoted. And Mea's struggles with her past are heartbreaking yet empowering. The pace is relentless. It kept me up into the wee hours of the morning. A fantastic read!

Mary Mooney

2,462 reviews56 followers

July 29, 2016

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.

Drake Sullivan is in a bad place, his mother (if you can call her that) has died and he is at the funeral. He doesn't want to be there, she was never there for him growing up but most of the town is there to support him as they were when he was a kid. He left the small Georgia town as soon as he could, joined the Army and never looked back. But his demons followed him everywhere and even though he sent money home for his mother, he felt it was never enough. But he just couldn't go home.
Mea Jones is a tough, strong independent woman. She met Drake a few years ago and thought a one night with him would be good and that would be it, she would never see him again. She didn't know that her BFF was going to marry his best friend. Now she sees him every where and they are even in the wedding party.
While Drake is fighting his own demons, he can tell that Mea has her own to fight. He wants more with her and he never wanted more with a woman. She acts as if she doesn't want more from him but her body language says otherwise. So as they get closer and she finally tells him about her past, it will crush him for the hurt and pain she went through, but it will also make him want to protect her more.
Can Mea and Drake help each other get over and survive the past and move toward a future together? What will happen when her tormentor from her past gets out of jail?
This story is a heart-breaker but will leave you smiling in the end because Drake and Mea are perfect together.
This is the second book in this series that I have read, yes I need to go back and read the first one, Last True Hero. I hope there will be more from this series because I love an alpha male and strong independent heroine both with broken past and it takes each of them to heal the other, makes great stories to me.

Tracy Reads

717 reviews41 followers

August 4, 2016

I have been a fan of Diana's books since the beginning and this one i think is her best book yet ! i refused to put it down, the story really gripped me and the heat and passion was packed with a punch, i actually burned my brekfast reading it because i refused to stop reading, Drake is every kind of swoon you want in a bad boy and i found myself gasping at times at some of the things he said, There may be some triggers in this one for some people so perhaps be a little cautious of that but the storyline itself is fantastic and hopeless romantics you are going to want to live inside it, Mea is very strong i actually admired her for that, i loved this book i cannot wait for more !

Would Drake Be My Book Boyfriend ? He'll yes this bad boy is my book husband as with all Diana's Men MINE i saw them first ! #Claimed

Louise

320 reviews1 follower

July 20, 2016

Wow! The story behind Mea's and Drake's past had my heart. All the things they both went through killed me. Reading this, I was in complete awe.
Mea has her walls built high and so strong, but when she is with Drake she is different. Drake has his walls built high too, and like with Mea, he is different when she is around. He was a Ranger in the military, he has the vibe, but with Mea it's like he can't think straight. Drake vows to protect Mea with everything he can whether she wants it or not. There are so many obstacles for Drake throughout this book. Both Mea and Drake keep you on the edge just to find out just what happens in this amazing book.

Jennifer

41 reviews

July 17, 2016

This is the first book from Diana that I've read and I loved it! I can't wait to read the others!

Tiffani

4 reviews

May 20, 2017

Drake and Mea are truly soulmates. This story is a modern day fairytale mixed with real and raw emotions and situations shoved in the deepest darkest places of unfortunately so many people's memories.

The best way to paint a picture of this beautiful relationship between two gorgeous people both inside and out is to simply state that each alone are somewhat like pieces of a puzzle missing it's match. Together their "puzzle pieces" fit perfectly creating the most naturally stunning breathtaking picture imaginable.

From Drake's first visit to See Food in the story until the very last scene in Savannah, Diana had me on edge making myself wonder when it would all come tumbling down.

This is just simply a story of true deep passionate love. By the end I felt like I was actually one of the other women in the story. I felt as if I was actually witnessing this lust of two terribly scarred individuals come together as one laying an unbreakable foundation for 2 people destined to live eternity together complimenting one another.

This was the first book that I have read by Diana Gardin but it surely will not be the last. Thanks Diana for sharing such a heartwarming yet steamy romance with us your audience. Your talents are on display throughout this entire book!

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

3,166 reviews6 followers

Mea Jones has made it just fine through life up and until now by sticking to her own set of cardinal rules, and barricading her heart behind impenetrable walls. When it comes to men she only does one night only, and she most definitely doesn't do relationships. She has a past that she likes to keep hidden and letting someone into her world for more than a night, might give them the opportunity to catch a glimpse of it and she has no intention of ever letting that happen. Her haunting past has shaped every facet of the life she's created for herself, and people learning what she went through in the past might cause her carefully planned to crumble, so the minute Drake Sullivan starts to get too close she is ready to send him packing... problem is the man has no intentions of following her rules!

Everything in Drake Sullivan's life was going according to plan until he had to return home to bury the woman who gave birth to him, she may have been his mother on paper, but the woman was so lost in the bottle that she never gave him the time or care that he needed growing up. So, residents of his hometown stepped up and nurtured him and helped him become the man he is now. The minute he was old enough, he enlisted in the military and never looked back, closed that chapter on his life, and hoped he'd never have to revisit it, but things didn't quite pan out that way. Now he's back in his hometown, burying a woman he never really knew, and it hits him hard, and stirs up demons he had left behind...

Once again Ms. Gardin has provided readers with a exceptional literary escape that is destined to tug on their heartstrings, awaken their emotions, and lift their spirits. The minute I opened this book I knew I was about to embark on something truly special, something that would hit me deep, and keep me completely captivated right up and until the last page was swiped... and possibly linger days after. Mea and Drake's story spoke to me on many levels, each and every word brimming with heated intensity, raw passion, and gut wrenching feeling, it grabbed me by the heart and impacted my soul. I knew after reading previous installments that this would to be a powerful story, but I was truly surprised at how much it effected me, it was truly a awakening and profound read. Ms. Gardin is truly a master at her craft and I implore you to give this book a chance, it is sure to stir your emotions and leave you dying for the opportunity to read more of her work!

ARC given by the publisher in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.

Judy

1,730 reviews

July 31, 2016

Man of Honor is book number 3 in the Battle Scars series and it was just as amazing as books 1 and 2! READ THEM ALL!!!

Our book begins with Drake being at his mother's funeral. He's only there because she was his mother, although she didn't act like one. She's was too into her alcohol while the town took care of her son, Drake. He got the heck out of there as soon as he could by joining the army. Since he left the army, he has his own auto repair shop and mostly hires vets (what a great man)! He leaves the funeral to go to See Food where Lenny hooks him up with alcohol. Just because he has a few drinks doesn't mean he is like his mother, right? His is under control.

Mea works at See Food and is shocked to see Drake in there drinking. Him and her shared a night together a while back and she bolted as soon as they had done the deed. They see each other occasionally because her best friend is marrying Drake's best friend. He has no idea why she bolted afterwards and she avoids him like the plague. Will she ever tell him why she bolted?

Mea takes him home and still feels chemistry between them but, she has rules and will not let herself feel anything for him. You see, Mea was sexually abused by her father growing up and he's now in jail for hopefully a long time (or is he). She is so messed up because of what he did to her. Drake is messed up because of his alcoholic mother. Together, these two messed up souls are just trying to find their way in life and cope with what they were dealt. Can they find the comfort in each other? Will Mea ever have the courage to let Drake in and tell him what happen to her when she was a child?

Make sure you have time on your hands when starting this book! It's a book that'll suck you right in and you won't want to put it down! I loved Mea...she overcame so much from her childhood but yet had so much more to work on. Drake, even though I got upset with him and his drinking, he was such a good guy and was so protective over Mea...it was hard to stay upset at him!! Everything about this book was awesome! I look forward to reading more by Diana Gardin!

Copy received in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha

Marie-Elizabeth Dohar

47 reviews1 follower

July 31, 2016

Disclaimer: ARC received in exchange for an honest review

The third installment in Diana Gardin's Battle Scars series pairs two secondary characters from her previous books, Drake and Mia, who are both desperately in need of and deserving of a happy ending. Man of Honor is darker and grittier than its predecessors, addressing subjects and issues that are sensitive.

Drake and Mia have a connection that predates their mutual friends' couplings, but the perceived rift between them is no match for their attraction to each other. Life seems to continuously throw them together, forcing them to acknowledge their similarities. Eventually, they act upon their feelings, trusting each other with their tragic childhood experiences, their damaged hearts, their fears and insecurities. Despite situations and individuals that threaten to separate them, they triumph together, forming a new family, together overcoming anything that challenges their happily ever after.

This is an excellent installment in the Battle Scars series. It tugs at readers' heartstrings. The relationship between Drake and Mia is intense and passionate; the love and loyalty these two have for each other is illustrated over and over and the way they protect each other and sacrifice for each other bonds them so deeply and makes them absolutely unforgettable to the reader. Furthermore, their happily ever after is so earned and is made sweeter by the trials and tribulations they endured to reach it.

Gardin is a gifted and brilliant author. She expertly crafts strong, fierce females, and treats her military men with care and dignity, portraying their civilian life struggles realistically and respectfully. I highly recommend Man of Honor and the whole Battle Scars series -- the lovely and talented Gardin never disappoints.

Jessica

22 reviews1 follower

I recently had the privilege of reading Diana Gardin's upcoming release Man of Honor.
Drake Sullivan is a former army ranger who is now a mechanic with his own auto shop.
He is still trying to cope with the circumstances of his childhood.
With an abusive mother and an absent father he was taken care of by the people in his hometown.
Mea Jones is a very strong woman who is trying to keep her life on the course she has mapped out.
She is saving money to open her own yoga studio in the city of Lone Sands, North Carolina.
Mea, however has secrets of her own.
She is a supremely strong character, having overcome the terrors of her past and is trying to move forward and not let it ruin her.
When Mea and Drake come together it is explosive! It's sweet! It gives hope.
Mea doesn't know how to handle Drake, she isn’t used to men affecting her the way he does.

"Awareness sizzles along my skin, tracing the path that my nerve endings draw, and there's nothing I can do about the effect he's having on me. Not a damn thing."

Drake doesn’t see himself as a person who is worthy of love so he doesn't know what to do about his feelings for Mea.

"The sight of Mea Jones standing behind the bar earlier stopped my breathing just as fast as a chokehold would have."

The way Mrs. Gardin writes her characters so strongly just makes you want the book to go on forever and ever! You want there to just be one more chapter and then one more after that!
I can say this: when a book makes me laugh, cry, look on with horror, and keeps me thinking about it days after finishing it then I feel I found a winner.
Man of honor is definitely a WINNER!

Review by Jessica Shapaka

Laura

2,421 reviews115 followers

***ARC Provided by the Publisher and Be My Book Boyfriend PR***

This book wasn't excellent, but it wasn't bad. I find myself oddly neutral about it as parts of it felt over the top and parts of it left me a bit underwhelmed. I think there were situations that were not developed enough, and oddly her past felt like it wasn't fully explored, like it was glossed over and yet like it was the focus of how she was and why she was that way.

For me, I was never able to fully engage with either character, as I thought they reacted to things in ways that were not quite the way a normal person would act...they became alcoholics overnight, and they stopped immediately, they lived by rules and judged others for not following them even though they were never told the rules.

I wanted to like this, and I think that is part of my frustration is I think the characters, the story, and the storyline had the potential to be a lot more engaging than they actually were. I think part of it, for me, was the writing style of the author. It is breezy and light, and this can really work...but in this case it seemed out of place in the more serious areas of the book.

I can't really say that I don't recommend this, as there were parts that were very engaging. But there were also parts where I felt the story, the characters and the writing style left the narrative feeling unbalanced.

***This and other reviews also featured on “I’m A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore” http://www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com***

Denise

4,123 reviews12 followers

A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog

The cover of this one grabbed my eye with the blurb having me intrigued enough to jump right in. This is the first time for me in reading this author's novels even though I have seen her name and books here and there. On the cover he looks to be at war with himself screaming rescue me so when I entered in and he has a night that he does need rescuing in steps a former girl whom had been on his mind since the first time they met a while ago. Drake needs a ride home with Mea providing it but this is how the beginning of the end of these two being apart begins. They both have their nightmares but only the one with the right key can unlock the door to the heart. As her story comes to light out of the dark it will tug at your heart with admiration for this woman who has goals and dreams. It is also it would seem their second chance after one night long ago with him puzzled but still she filled his mind. They also are in their friends wedding that is closing in on time so running away from each other would be hard to do. He will show himself many times over being steady with a bump or two but it will be enough to be that key. As he learns more about her his will also drop out of the dark a past he thought was finished. The drama will keep you riveted with the lovin's scorching scaring them to where no one else will do. The climax in this also will have you twisted ,nose burn from not leaving the pages until you get the answers on where exactly do this two end up.

arc-given-for-review

Daphne

405 reviews31 followers

July 15, 2016

I've said this in previous reviews of Diana's books but Diana is one of the kindest and amazing authors I've had the pleasure to meet. To be honest there haven't been that many, but she went up and beyond for me to get to read this book and I can't thank her enough for that! <3

First things first, I was beyond happy when I realised the next book would be about Drake and Mea. After Saved by the Seal I couldn't wait to find out more about both of them, why were they acting the way they were and what was going on.

Drake and Mea both haven't had the best start in life, and both are pretty haunted by their pasts but for some reason that works together. Drake realises that Mea is more to him than just the best friend of his best friend's fiancée after a hook up three years previous and even Mea isn't unamoured by the tattooed ex- Army Ranger gone Car Garage owner.

I was so happy that besides the occasional thing and a return from ghosts from the past there wasn't too much drama in their relationship because I think both have dealt with enough to last them the rest of their lives. Mea and Drake work, and I think that's a beautiful thing. That ending though... Honestly I want more of their relationship, to get to know their family and to get to know what is going to happen now that everything is 'okay' again after the blow out.

Wild

2,072 reviews2 followers

July 24, 2016

Drake has his life together. His own home, his own business. He's the man who helps others. Offering work to other ex-military types til they get on their feet, Drake is the man to come to in a crisis. Until now. Now Drake is at a crossroads and has no idea what to do.

Mea has Rules. With a capital R. Rules that decide whether she will sleep with a guy, or whether he'll only get to admire her ass as she walks away. Sobriety, protection, and one other rule. The dealbreaker. Mea has to go on top. Setting the rules puts her in charge and that's where she intends to stay.

Mea's biggest nightmare has come back to haunt her. The trauma of her youth is still with her. Can she lean on Drake? More importantly, does she want to?

But Drake is fighting his own demons. Having to return to the town and the life he had joined the military to escape. Can he be there for Mea?

Diana Gardin's heroes and heroines are so real you find yourself up at night, wanting to call them on the phone or just slap some sense into them. You just know, if you can get them in a room it'll all be ok. But you can't so all you can do is keep turning the pages until you know how it all turns out.
Although this is a full length novel, I read it in one day. Diana, you are the reason my hubby and sons ate takeaway pizza instead of a home-cooked meal. Satisfying 4 people with one book!

2,814 reviews165 followers

WOW! Great book! Man of Honor is my first read by Diana Gardin and won’t be my last! I loved the story line, it flowed perfectly. I love that there was drama in this book; it kept me intrigued as to what was going to happen next. This book had my attention from beginning to end.

When Drakes mother passed away, Drake Sullivan wants to hide his sorrows in whiskey. Until he runs into Mea Jones, then all he wanted was her. Neither one of them could hide the sparks and passion they were feeling when around each other. A few years before that, Mea hurt Drake by not filling him in on her “rules” (Only one night and no dating) and snuck out after a wild night of the hottest sex of their lives.

Mea has a deep secret from her childhood that she is trying to hide from and does not want anyone to know since she thinks it will change people’s opinions of her..And Drake wants to know this secret and vows to protect her. While Drake deals with his sordid past of his mother he ..will he be able to protect her from her past? Will they be able to get through their past and look forward to their future?

This is Book 3 in the Battle Scars series. But can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book. I have not read books 1 and 2, but I will definitely be reading them.

This book does have explicit details that may trigger some emotions.

Erica

1,311 reviews30 followers

Man of Honor is my first Diana Gardin book and boy have I been missing out!
I love finding new to me authors that blow me away and that's what happened with this book. I now have to go back and read this entire series as well as anything else by the author I can get my hands on.

Drake & Mea. A one night, hotter than hell hookup and then nothing.
Their best friends are getting married so their bound to run into each other regularly but Mea's made a life out of never going back for seconds. Even if it was the best night of her life.
Drake doesn't know what he did to send Mea packing right after the deed was done but he's never gotten her out of his head. Three years later and coming face to face with her takes him right back to that night.

Mea has reasons for her behavior, reasons she's never shared with anyone other than her brother. It'll take a strong man to help her work through and eventually get over her past. Drake wants to be that man. Thing is he has some issues of his own to work out.
When the past comes back to slap Mea in the face, with the life she's built and the strength of her friends be enough or will she crack under the pressure?

Loved this book, the characters will steal your heart.

alpha sexy standalone

Tina

824 reviews22 followers

This book had blown me away and sent Drake to the top of my book boyfriend list. He is one seriously swoon worthy, hot, tempting, Man of Honor. When the first book you read by an author blows you away, you just can't help.wanting to drop everything and read the rest of their books.

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars, and I will definitely admit to it being a very emotional read from the start. I find that I am very much enjoying more emotional books lately. Don't get me wrong, this book is sizzling hot in addition to being meaningful.

Both characters are broken in a way and completely heal with each other. It may have some emotional triggers for some. Honestly, it makes the book mean that much more.

Now to Mea. She is one seriously tough chick. She has to be to cover up her past. No one except for her brother knows what happened to her as a child. Holding so much sorrow in is never good for the soul.

Diana you are one talented woman, and I look forward to many more amazing stories of yours that I will meet. I have never written a review this long that wad just my emotional feelings about a book. Even now I have tears in my eyes writing this. Thank you for such an amazing piece of work.

Sparkymom

1,112 reviews8 followers

July 24, 2016

Several years ago, Drake and Mea hooked up. They had one amazing night, then Mea fled and has spent the last few years avoiding Drake like the plague. He has no idea what caused her shift in attitude and has never stopped wanting her. When his mother's death leads him down a dark road, surprisingly, it's Mea who comes to his rescue. As she begins to soften toward him, he works hard to find out what causes her to keep herself so closed off. Mea has some pretty big secrets she keeps. She believes her secrets would change everyone's opinion of her, so she suffers in silence. Though Mea begins to let Drake in physically, she sees he is struggling with his own demons. His problems make her unwilling to trust him until her situation becomes dangerous. Can he straighten up in time to help her?

This novel deals with some pretty dark issues that might be triggers for some. While description was necessary to the storyline, the author didn't glorify the issues or dwell there unnecessarily. This was my first experience with this author, but I definitely will be checking out more of her work.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for review.

Katie Conley

89 reviews16 followers

August 13, 2016

I loved this book and am so glad to have gotten to read it as an ARC!
If you have read the first 2 of this series (which I highly recommend) this book answers the nagging questions of what in the world is Mia & Drakes problem?! If you have not read the first 2 in the series (you should, you really really should because they are sooo good) this book is written so that it can be a stand alone book. The background of both Mia & Drake are not uncommon in this world, despite how heartbreaking they are. The characters are very relatable and you start cheering them on as they finally face their pasts so they can have the future they want. I would have liked to see a little more of Drake's story play out but am glad that the epilogue did properly end his past as Mia & Drake began there future.

4 stars, because I would have liked to see a little more of Drake's story play out but am glad that the epilogue did properly end his past as Mia & Drake began there future.

reviewed

Katie

113 reviews

July 19, 2016

Man of Honor certainly brought drama! From the opening scene with Drake at his mother's funeral to the epilogue with his father and daughter, the entire plot had a series of twists and turns that were always unexpected.

Drake and his heroine Mea were fully fleshed characters that had charm, vulnerability, and an edge. Drake was a strong, military man who showed vulnerability with regards to his family, while Mea was a strong-willed, independent heroine, who had battled some horrific abuse.

The storyline flowed at a great pace with both action and romance. My only criticism was the ending felt so rushed with a lot of unanswered questions with regards to both Mia's family and Drake's father. It would have been nice to have some gaps filled in from the book's final chapter to the epilogue.

Wendy Livingstone

17.1k reviews208 followers

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
Wow, this book blew me away! Drake is the sexy as hell, protective, strong, ex military man, who just wants to forget the past. Mea has her own cross to bear, and demons to fight. When Drake begins to break through Mea’s barriers things get interesting. Both have heartbreaking pasts, but can love win? You really need to read this for yourself, you will not be disappointed.
Diana has written a beautifully written love story, and I was enthralled from the very beginning. I cannot recommend her work enough, and can’t wait for the next amazing story from her.

She Hearts Books

2,115 reviews75 followers

Mea just broke my heart with all she had been through as a child. The man she should have been able to trust shattered her and she carried that with her until Drake came into her life. What she thought was a one night stand with a stranger was actually a prelude to falling in love with Drake. I loved these two together. Drake was the man to show her was trust and love was all about and helped her to face those demons that held her back for so long. I really enjoyed their story.

I give Man of Honor 4 hearts!

Sassy

422 reviews40 followers

WOW!!! What a hot, spicy story in "Man of Honor" by Diana Gardin.

This was a first read for me by this author and I was definitely not disappointed. After one night of hot passion together, Mea fled and Drake has no idea why. Will their paths meet again so Drake can find out what made Mea run off after their hook up??

This was a fast paced book that I thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Gardin.

**A copy was given to me by the author for an honest review **
.

arc to-be-reviewed

Michelle Bishop

81 reviews3 followers