To Trust a Hero

by Alexis Morgan

I enjoy Harlequin Heartwarming novels because they are predictably clean romances. To Trust a Hero fits that role, but it also has characters you will love and a mystery that you may figure out the whodunit of the plot before it is revealed, but not the why. I loved watching it play out. The main characters Max, a freelance writer, and Rikki, a single mom and the owner of a B&B, both have difficult backgrounds that they have not shared with others. Their pasts make trusting difficult for each of them, but when Max rents out the turret room for an extended period, he finds that he is not “just a guest anymore.” It is hard to tell who he falls in love with more, Rikki or her adorable 5 year old son Carter. Carter and Max bond over Legos.

This is Max’s return to the town of Dunbar. He has been invited to see the Trillium Nugget in the Dunbar Historical Museum. His presence and the Nugget caused quite an uproar in a previous book, but was worked out satisfactorily. On his return, the townspeople gradually warm up to him. Now he wants to write a book about his great-grandfather using resources at the town’s museum to research his ancestor’s story.

When someone breaks into Rikki’s B&B and vandalizes two rooms, Max flies into protective mode. At that point we learn more about Cade. the Chief of Police, and Titus, an excellent cook with a gruff exterior. 

Interesting characters, gentle romance, a mystery without a murder, and a cute kid—I couldn’t ask for more. If you want to escape from all the craziness infused into this world, take a trip to Dunbar. I think you’ll find it an engaging and pleasant relief.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rating:  5/5

Category: Romance

Notes: # 2 in the Heroes of Dunbar Mountain series. Although To Trust a Hero is great as a standalone, now I want to read about Max’s first involvement with the town in The Lawman’s Promise. My interest has also been piqued by hints that the next book in this series, Second Chance Deputy  focuses on Titus.

Publication:  August 22, 2023—Harlequin Heartwarming

Memorable Lines:

Max knew firsthand what it was like when a kid couldn’t depend on anyone, and he devoutly hoped that Carter never experienced how much that kind of betrayal hurt or the scars it left behind.

“It must be something in the water supply here that makes men act stupid around strong women.”

The cruise had been fun, but it was Carter’s infectious joy that had made the day special. Every time a new whale appeared, the little guy had cheered and then run from one side of the boat to the other to get the best view.