A Book Review of Range by Ronie Kendig, Book Three in the Metcalfes Series - A Redemptive Human Trafficking Romantic Suspense Novel
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary e-copy of this book from the author and publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links. You can view my affiliate disclaimer here.
ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Another compelling release from beloved favorite, author Ronie Kendig! An unputdownable, heart-pounding, high-stakes suspense with a driven hero, strong heroine, romance and more!
With each main character fighting darkness from their past and for their own survival, this gritty narrative takes readers into the dark, hidden underworld of human trafficking which Kendig delivers in a tactful, delicate way while preserving hope, leaving readers with a sense of fulfillment and redemption.
Scroll down for my full review…
He's back and he's out for blood.
Fed up with living in the shadow of his brothers, Range Metcalfe struck out to carve a name for himself—one written in the blood of many a terrorist. Now, he’s targeting the notorious Madam of Kandahar, who has trafficked children and women. Finally given the green light, he captures her and quickly finds himself entrenched up in a deadly encounter that forces him into the Afghan wilderness—with the madam.
Ten years trapped in human trafficking and five of those spent overseeing a compound, Kasra Jazani has little left of her soul. No longer able to live with herself, she takes matters into her own hands and coordinates an escape, a massive coup against the man who has kept her and so many others captive. They flee into the night—right into the fierce and capable hands of American operators, who ruin everything and put lives at risk. Livid, she knows death is coming for them, because she also holds a very dangerous, very powerful secret: the name of the man at the top of the trafficking ring. Now that monster wants her—and her American protector—dead.
MY REVIEW: ★★★★★/5
In true-to-herself fashion, Ronie Kendig has once again delivered another heart-pounding, high-stakes story with a driven hero and strong heroine, each fighting darkness from their pasts. When they find themselves thrown together in a fight for their lives, it becomes a team effort of mutual survival. This gritty, compelling narrative takes readers into the dark, hidden underworld of human trafficking which Kendig delivers in a tactful, delicate way while preserving hope, leaving readers with a sense of fulfillment and redemption.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Fierce, angry, determined hero · Courageous, strong heroine with a dark past · On the run for their lives · Forced marriage · Redemptive, beauty from the ashes story · Sizzling chemistry · Unputdownable · Family Forever
WHAT I LIKED:
This was easily my favorite story (so far!) in the Metcalfes series. For readers who enjoyed Kendig’s Wolfsbane (Book 3 in the Discarded Heroes story) about Canyon Metcalfe, they know the history between Canyon and his younger brother, Range, whom this novel is about. Years have gone by and Range is still harboring a deep anger and hurt over his brother’s actions. Throwing himself into his work, he’s teamed up with OMEN, a black ops group working against human trafficking.
This story begins with high-stakes and that level of intensity carries throughout the novel, keeping the suspense high and me, full engrossed. Kendig masterfully creates relatable main characters that are raw and authentic. She allows readers glimpses into their hearts and through those glimpses, she weaves threads of compassion, romance, mystery and redemption.
Related Post: Enjoy Intense Human Trafficking Stories? Try Dangerous Beauty by Melissa Koslin!
I can’t even begin to express how much I loved this story! I simply couldn’t put it down. From the suspense, to the teamwork of OMEN, to Range’s hotheaded temper and Kasra’s cunning mind, to the forced proximity (er, marriage) and running for their lives, to the obvious chemistry between them, to the appearances of other beloved Kendig characters, this story had every beloved hallmark of a Ronie Kendig release.
I personally love the dark, foreboding and broody hero who ultimately has a soft heart (which is typically one that comes with baggage from being broken in the past) and Range was exactly that. Kendig allowed me to see right through his character to his true self and hidden insecurities. As for Kasra, I wondered about her true background from the very beginning and found that as her story unfolded, it too was a broken, sad past that led her to becoming the woman Range loathed so very much… that is until he finds himself falling in love with her. Oh, the tension between these two! The higher the tension, they harder they fall… in love, giving this story a rich romance and such a beautiful, redemptive story.
SUMMARY:
A definite, hands-down recommendation from me! This is a clean read that appeals to both Christian and secular readers with a subject that is dark and foreboding but must be addressed, delivered in a truly inspirational way with courageous, heroic characters who are relatable and are just (somewhat) ordinary people who set out to overcome extraordinary obstacles. I recommend this series be read in order to fully grasp the overarching content and themes. If you truly want to understand the character of Range, I do recommend reading Wolfsbane first.
Content Note: Trauma/Trigger Warnings - Sexual and physical assault is mentioned multiple times, including rape and the rape of young children. Due the human trafficking theme, there is mention of abuse, rape and being sold into slavery. Some mentions of curses (nothing spelled out or a clean/alternate version used).
Lastly, I highly recommend ALL of Ronie Kendig’s novels and series, including but not limited to the Tox Files, Discarded Heroes or the Quiet Professionals.
Stone: Book 1 of The Metcalfes
Gritty and inspiring… A powerful, deeply-emotional story that completely captivated me. Stone is simply fantastic!
Willow: Book 2 of the Metcalfes
Heart-pounding intensity, thrilling heroics, a raw and gritty narrative… Absolutely convicting with a powerful impact!
My Reviews on the Book of wars series By Ronie Kendig
“Fast-paced action, secret missions, hidden agendas and so much more!”
STORM RISING TAKES THE TERM PAGE TURNER TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL.
In this series from best-selling, award winning author, Ronie Kendig, is sure to grab readers’ attention from the very first words. When former Navy SEAL, Leif Metcalfe, is recruited to lead a team of highly trained professionals in recovering the lost Book of Wars, he finds himself up against secrets, a highly trained assassin and throngs of storms each with their own intent to kill. Readers will find themselves hungry for the next page as revelations are made and the heart-pounding hunt for the elusive Book of Wars begins…
“Heart-pounding missions to stop the activation of a super army with deadly intent.”
KINGS FALLING DEMANDS YOUR ATTENTION AND WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO PUT IT DOWN.
As the search for the Book of Wars continues, Leif Metcalfe and his team, Reaper, will stop at nothing to keep the Neiothen from activating and destroying the world! Award-winning, best-selling author, Ronie Kendig, is back with another heart-stopping novel that will keep you simultaneously on the edge of your seat and turning the pages as fast as you can.
“Intense scenes and gripping battles… A story of loyalty, friendship and romance.”
SOUL RAGING IS A BOOK ON FIRE! READERS WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EPIC CONCLUSION.
Join Iskra and the Reaper team, as they walk through the shadows and stumble along the now-blurred line of loyalty when Leif separates from the team to battle his own demons before the final war prophesied begins. Without fail, Ronie Kendig once again delivers a story that is soul-riveting, deeply satisfying and wildly exciting with a plot that twists, turns, bends and captivates readers to the very last page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Author Image Courtesy of www.roniekendig.com
Ronie Kendig is an Army brat who grew up in the classic military family, with her father often TDY and her mother holding down the proverbial fort. Their family moved often, which left Ronie attending six schools by the time she’d entered fourth grade. Her only respite and “friends” during this time were the characters she created.
It was no surprise when she married a military veteran—her real-life hero—in June 1990. Married more than twenty-five years, Ronie and her husband have homeschooled for the last eighteen years. Despite the craziness of life, Ronie finds balance and peace with her faith, family, and retired military working dog in Northern Virginia.
Ronie has a deep love and passion for people, especially hurting people, which is why she pursued and obtained a B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University. Ronie speaks and teaches across the country and mentors other writers.
CONNECT WITH RONIE: website | facebook | twitter | pinterest | instagram
