Why I Skipped the First Book
I’ll admit it—I didn’t start with the first book in the series. I read the premise of all three, liked this one the most (mom of two here, obviously bonding with a fellow mom of two with a third on the way), and dove right in. And ohmygod am I glad I did.
Can also confirm: Will be reading the other two in the series. Who said reading out of order isn’t fun? (Certainly not your toddler).
The Premise of Honor
Xander is a man’s man He’s lived life, knows what he wants, and loves his job as superintendent of a Washington hotshot crew. And did I forget to mention that he’s a perfectly mature 42-year-old? Yum.
Enter the mom next door, Teddy.
Teddy is newly widowed. And not just widowed—pregnant with her late husband’s baby. She also happens to be Xander’s new neighbor.
After delivering her baby during a very unexpected home birth, he’s immediately drawn to her. (Or has she been in his mind since they met years ago?) Hmmmm.
What I Loved About the Book
I could not get enough of the way he worshipped her from the start, like a man who doesn’t hesitate when he knows what he wants. Yes, please.
(I totally pictured Josh Duhamel in his Ransom Canyon era. The silver fox we all want and need—or maybe that’s just me?)
And can we take a moment to appreciate how hot and bothered Teddy (and I) got every time he called her “Mama”?! Just me, taking notes for my husband. Nothing to see here.
What really got me was the inner turmoil he faced when deciding what truly mattered in life. His job was his first love—he was a career hotshot who figured he’d either retire in uniform or not make it out of a fire.
But when Teddy and her kids enter the picture, those plans go up in flames (pun fully intended). Watching him wrestle with that and choose what—and who—he wanted most? Beautiful.
Aspects of the Book I Didn’t Like
It felt a little unlikely that Teddy would be ready to move on so soon after her husband’s death, and that Xander would instantly be all in on fathering her kids. But that’s what suspension of disbelief is for, right? I turned a blind eye and fully enjoyed the ride.
Teddy’s character also wasn’t my favorite FMC. I admired the strong mom she was, but her personality felt a little flat at times. Maybe I just like my female leads with a little more spice. But hey—those spicier characters also aren’t solo parenting three kids. So you know what? I see you, girl.
Who This Book Is For
Calling all mamas!!
If you want to feel seen, heard, respected—and reminded of how incredible and sexy your body still is after birthing tiny humans—this one’s for you. Also for fans of small-town romance, age gaps, healing love stories, and “just neighbors” who eventually become more.
Final Thoughts
This story gave me heart flutters and mom validation in equal measure. Even if you haven’t read the first books, you’ll fall hard for Xander and maybe reconsider reading the first two books. They’re most certainly on my TBR.
My final rating? A very solid 4/5 stars.
Leave a Reply