Reviewed by Kat

TITLE: Ranger Hank

SERIES: The Lonely Heroes Series (book #1)

AUTHOR: Sam E. Kraemer

PUBLISHER: Kaye Klub Publishing

LENGTH: 438 pages

RELEASE DATE: Re release March 2021

BLURB:

Hank Schatz

One of my toughest decisions was to join the Army after graduating high school. My second toughest was to decide it was time to get out. I wanted more than that life had to offer—namely the return of my humanity and a life beyond the pain that had leached into my soul during my deployments. Without a hint at what to do next, I said goodbye to my Army life and headed home to Missouri.

There were things I’d been hiding from my family for too many years—a secret that had nothing to do with my career as an Army Ranger. It was time I began to live my truth, but how to start, I didn’t know. I was aware of one thing for sure—I didn’t want to be lonely anymore.

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Reed Bayless

I had a job I loved as a Special Education teacher at Carver Middle School in central Missouri. The kids were amazing, and their parents were supportive, unlike my last school where the parents believed their expensive tuition relieved them of their obligations to actually participate in their children’s education. Sadly, I was still alone, and I was getting a little long in the tooth to play the one-night game.

Unexpectedly, my diamond brought her brother to the Christmas Eve service at the local Lutheran church, and I found myself off-balance by the gorgeous man. I felt there was a sadness about him that made me want to hold him in my arms until his hurts healed. Of course, he was an Army Ranger, the toughest of the tough and the straightest of the straight.

Between Ranger Hank, and his dog, Cosmo, I wanted things I couldn’t imagine were possible. Or were they?

This work of fiction is approximately 142,000 words in length and doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. It is the first book in the series entitled, “The Lonely Heroes Series

REVIEW:

WOW! What a rollercoaster ride! Hold on to your seat because this is a wild ride!

When First Sargent Henry “Hank” Schatz decides 15 years of service to the Rangers, and the loss of his Squad Leader/confidante/close friend that was killed right in front of him, was enough he puts in for discharge and takes his earned leave to spend with his family in Missouri. Being a Ranger for 15 years is a dangerous job that puts them in horrible situations. He needs to get out and try to get his nightmares under control. Little did he realize that going to church with his parents  and little sister would open his eyes to “his one”!

I really loved these two. Although they had my stomach in knots more than once. I would look to see if I was at the 80% mark because that’s usually when something happens in a lot of books that would cause strife or conflict between the main characters. That happened many times in this book. Just when I would think “Okay that’s done and now they can get on with their lives”…Bam! something new would happen and I eventually asked myself “What else can the author possibly do to try to break up these guys?”  Don’t make that mistake because they did more!!!

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to say how much I loved Reed and his dedication to his students. I have worked in Special Education many years in  self-contained classrooms. I understand his need to keep this students safe. I also have worked with staff that quickly reminded me of his predecessor, Mrs. Hamish. There is a point when it is time to go. If you are not raising the bar so your students continue to strive in their education it’s time to retire. Those kids got lucky with someone as dedicated to their education and safety as Reed. I know I asked just this week if it was a good choice to mainstream my grandson for the very same reasons Hank questioned his sister’s move.

This book was great because I really felt like I not only got to really know not only the main characters but felt like I got a connection with a lot of their friends and family. The author built a strong book with vivid details to get to know each of the main and supporting characters.

There was one part that I’m confused with though. Zeus was “the only guy in uniform who knew I was gay and told me he didn’t give a shit.” But then, when they take the letter Hank had been carrying to Zeus’ parents it states that Zeus is gay and was in a committed relationship with Scout. I would have thought that Zeus would have first,  given the letter to Scout, his mate. And two, told Bull that he was gay when Hank told him his orientation. Having that letter to deliver might have saved Scout’s life.

I will say this is a very long book and had numerous twists and turns I never saw coming. Most authors would have dragged this story out into several books. But it  is also, besides Hank and Reed’s story, is an introduction to the members of Hank’s unit and his family. I know that several of the books in this series star those “Lonely Heroes”. Great read that I highly recommend. I will caution that there are some parts that are a bit brutal but such is the life of the men and women who serve to protect our freedom at person cost to themselves.

RATING:

BUY LINK: 

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