The Returning Hero-Soraya Lane

The Returning Hero Soraya Lane Harlequin Romance, Mar 4 2014, $5.99 ISBN: 9780373742806 Australian SAS soldier Sam Matheson died due to an explosive device; his BFFs Brett Palmer and Logan Murdoch (male lead of next month’s Her Soldier Protector) made it home but suffer from injuries including PTSD after the death of their comrade in arms. Six months since her husband’s death, in Sydney Sam’s widow Jamie struggles with her spouse’s retired detection dog Bear whom she believes her late mate loved more than he did her. Meanwhile Brett knows he used his severe leg burn as an excuse not to see Jamie as he struggles with his unrequited love he has for her. Finally using courage like he never thought he had, Brett visits Jamie to offer her any support she needs. Happy to see him, Jamie asks Brett to stay in her home and help her with Bear’s adaption to civilian life without his beloved handler. As she falls in love with Brett, both feel guilt for betraying Sam. The Returning Hero is a warm Australian military romance that focuses on the lead couple, the ghost of a man they both cherish and the K9. Although the premise is not new, readers will enjoy Soraya Lane’s well written fine tribute to the soldiers and their family members who sacrifice so much. Harriet Klausner