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She disappeared on their wedding day. Now she’s back, and someone wants her dead.

Zane Knox is a man who doesn’t exist. The former Navy SEAL has spent years buried in the shadows, forced into off-books missions for a government agency that doesn’t technically exist. He doesn’t do it because he wants to…he does it because if he refuses, the secrets he carries will send him to prison.

He’s made peace with living as a ghost. Until the woman who left him at the altar shows up on his boat, battered and begging for medical supplies.

Tessa Lane doesn’t know who is after her or why, only that nowhere is safe. She no longer believes in God, in love, or the vows she nearly made to Zane. But when the past collides with a deadly present, she has no choice but to trust the one man she swore she’d never face again.

Protecting her may be Zane’s mission, but restoring Tessa’s faith—and rekindling the love he never gave up on—is a fight he refuses to lose.

Even if it costs him everything.

Explosive action. Unfinished business. And a second chance worth dying for.

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2026

30 people are currently reading
294 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Ashley

20 books387 followers
Jessica is an Army veteran who lives in Texas with the love of her life and their three children.

After spending nearly a decade writing spicy paranormal and fantasy romance as a USA Today bestselling author, she felt the desire to do something completely different.

She will still tell heartbreakingly beautiful stories with strong women and protective men, but this time they will also feature the joy of faith, and the importance of following God in whatever journey He sets you on.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Hallie (Hallie Reads).
1,522 reviews155 followers
Read
March 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (between “liked it” and “loved it!”) 

“she disappeared on their wedding day. now she’s back, and someone wants her dead.” 

an exciting start to the iron tide brotherhood series! 

tessa’s on the run and has nowhere to turn... except to the man she left at the altar years ago. zane’s not exactly the same man she knew though... but he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. 

the past still haunts both tessa and zane, and amidst the present danger, they have a second chance to overcome the challenges that have been before them for far too long. their story is oh so sweet, but action-packed. fast-paced, heartwarming, faith-filled... it’s a good blend that makes it an addicting read. 


✨ considerations: 
—language: none   
—spice: kisses only 
—faith: consistent christian themes and mentions 
—content: violence, death, abduction, mentions of abuse 


(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)
Profile Image for Lisa Ehrman.
13 reviews20 followers
February 28, 2026
Do you love a good Christian Romance? When it also is suspenseful, then I am hooked! This book features Zane Knox and Tessa Lane, who had almost married before Tessa became a runaway bride.

Feeling unworthy of love, because her father was a brutal man who beat her regularly, she disappeared. She didn't want to be found. But when killers begin chasing her, she's stabbed and runs back to her hometown. She finds Zane, needing help, but she has no intention of staying.

Zane has his own problems. He's a formal Navy Seal, blackmailed into working for a vicious woman. His team of former soldiers hate having to hurt or kill those that she plans for them. Zane is especially torn up because he's a Christian. He doesn't want to do these things.

The book goes on as the team risk everything to keep Tessa safe. Bullets are flying and knives are out, and the suspense is powerful. I could not wait to see what the next page in this book had for me. It's the best book I've read in a long while. There is a wonderful emphasis on Christ and how he can forgive and make a new life.

I highly recommend this book and look forward to No. 2 in the Iron Tide Brotherhood Series.
Profile Image for Christy.
1,328 reviews70 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
February 25, 2026
SEAL of Honor, the first book in the new Irontide Brotherhood series by Jessica Ashley, starts the series with a bang! I loved it and couldn’t put it down! I read this until way past my bedtime, and it was worth it!

Ashley creates realistic characters who seem very real, and these characters are no exception. Zane is a man who knows and lives like God has him in His perfect plan. He’s had dreams shattered, but he still lives as a man of faith. I admired Zane so much! Beside the fact that he’s gorgeous, he’s a good son and brother, a good friend, trusts in God, and is loyal to the point that he’d give his life in exchange for those he’s close to. And that is why Tessa left him at the altar.

Tessa suffered abuse from her father her entire life, but the morning of her wedding, he almost killed her. Knowing Zane, she feared what he’d do. She’s been on the run since that day. I felt so much hurt for Tessa. Thankfully, I grew up in a loving home and can’t imagine growing up in an abusive home. The way she grew up gave Tessa a very low view of herself. She gave up on God the day she left. In His way, God brought Tessa to Zane right when she needed him.

The other characters in the book are well-written, and we get a glimpse at the personalities of the members of Zane’s team. I am excited to read each of their stories!

This book has the perfect balance between suspense, romance, and action. I love how Ashley weaves a thread of faith throughout the entire story. Even when Tessa couldn’t see it, God was working in her life. That was a good reminder for me. God’s always at work in our lives and wants us to draw near to him. I love books that can entertain you while strengthening your faith, and SEAL of Honor does just that! I highly recommend it! 5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Profile Image for Parkland Mom.
814 reviews20 followers
March 22, 2026
4.5 stars, rounded up for this platform
Completed: Mar. 08/26
Series: Iron Tide Brotherhood, #1
Format: audiobook borrow (Everand)
Narrators: Jarman Day, Savannah Rivers - very good!

Challenge Prompt: not applicable

Book #22 of 2026: I was looking forward to the start of this new series and the author didn’t disappoint. This is one of my favourites and I have read all of the books in the two prior Christian fiction series.

Zane is a godly handsome, masculine man who planned to be a doctor but ended up becoming a Seal. Tessa grew up with a very abusive father yet still became a caring, very independent, and wise woman. She selflessly left everyone and everything eighteen years ago to protect Zane and his family from harm. When they meet again, the connection is still there but she is still fearful that her presence will only bring danger. And it does. But not in the way she thinks.

This is a great military and romantic suspense novel. Even amidst all the intrigue and tension, there are many tender moments and talks about struggles and faith.

It’s got a little of everything and I am excited for the remainder of this new series!
Profile Image for Wendy Andrus.
436 reviews42 followers
February 26, 2026
Jessica Ashley is a new-to-me author, and, wow! what an explosive introduction! I must admit to losing a few hours of sleep while reading, eagerly waiting to see what would happen next.

Seal of Honor is full of hurt and pain, healing and forgiveness...and plenty of suspense. I can relate, to some degree, Tessa's feelings of not being good enough. Zane's tenderness toward Tessa is sweet, and his faith is strong.

If you enjoy Christian romantic suspense, with a heavy dose of suspense, I certainly recommend this one for your TBR list.
Profile Image for Lily.
Author 5 books20 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 27, 2026
sometimes God pulls people apart so that when they come back together they will have everything they need to support each other. Seal of Honor is a story that pulls no punches and yet honors God in His redemption of us all. such a well done story.
Profile Image for Lili.
16 reviews
February 23, 2026
5/5 ⭐️

SYNOPSIS
Tessa Lane disappeared on her wedding night to Zane Knox. But after years apart from him, she shows up again when her life is in danger, and the only one who can help her is the guy whom she swore she would no longer see again. She lost her faith in God. She see’s no worth in her life, but Zane Knox will do everything in his power to make her feel worthy again.
THOUGHTS
I love the confidence Zane has on his teammates and on God. That nothing can bring him down if its not in God’s will. Really enjoy the lightheartedness in the tough situations they face. Tessa is clearly haunted by her past and on going situation she’s facing after someone wants her dead. She puts up a defensive wall so she won’t hurt anymore, but with that defensive wall she won’t even let the man she loves in. I’m glad we got to see a bit of the past on why Tessa ran away early on in the book and wasn’t dragged on like a huge secret. With all that she’s gone through we can see why she gave up on God thinking there’s no escape or future for her. Ugh I wanted to cry that he would celebrate her birthday every year despite thinking he lost her forever. At times i wanted to be annoyed at her for always wanting to leave and throwing pity parties, but I can’t blame her. She’s been abused and tore down by her own father, so it makes her not feel good enough. She tried so hard to deal with her father because that was her only family member she had left. She wanted to have a family on her own even if the one she had would abuse her. Oh, how I would have liked if she was honest to Zane about how she was struggling, then she wouldn’t have had to suffer. But nothing is easy in life.(Even fictional life)
I enjoyed how Zane wasn’t forcing her to believe in God or the religion but was slowly meeting her at where’s she comfortable but also taking a leap and exposing her to who God is and how much she is worth in God’s eyes. Zane’s character spoke a thousand words. The way he was angry at Tessa for leaving but never once disrespecting her or taking his anger out on her. The way he has never given up on her, or how forgiving he was. I love Zane. Sawyer is absolutely my favorite character. He stole the show every time he showed up on scene. Can’t wait for his book to come. He’s so funny, he definitely knows when to break the tension with his un-seriousness. He stole the show every time he showed up on scene. This book is a 5/5 ⭐️ for me. I immediately got hooked to the story read it in one day. This is by far my favorite book out of all of Jessica Ashley’s books.
QUOTES
“I was hers, and she was mine. Always and forever—that’s what had been before us.”
“Who knows what that poor girl has been through?” Woman now, I want to correct her. The girl Tessa had been is long gone, just like the boy I’d been has left, too. Life changed us. Molded us into two strangers.”
“ It’s a reminder that, no matter how stormy things get, Jesus is always there.”
I received a digital ARC of Seal of Honor from the author. I was not required to write a positive review but an honest one. All thoughts and opinions are my own unbiased opinions.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
181 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 24, 2026
This story has just enough suspense, romance, and thrills to make it an exciting and difficult to put down read. I loved Tessa and Zane's story. Faith based without going overboard, it definitely speaks to the reader's heart and spirit. Perfect beginning to a new series. Tough subjects ( childhood trauma and abuse) are handled with as much delicately as possible.
Though I was given an early reader ebook version, this is one I want to purchase for myself and as a gift. All opinions are definitely my own.
Profile Image for Izzy.
31 reviews
January 12, 2026
I absolutely loved Seal of Honor. This book had everything I look for — suspense, romance, and so much heart. I was hooked from the start and didn’t want to put it down. Watching Zane work through forgiving Tessa while Tessa learned to trust God again was so beautifully done and really made this story special.

The team was one of my favorite parts. I loved their brother-like relationship and how much they have each other’s backs. And getting to see characters from the other series, especially the Hunt family, made me so happy — I’ve loved their books and characters, so it was so fun to see them again.

Jessica Ashley will always be a must-read author for me, and I’m so thankful to be an ARC reader. I can’t wait for the rest of this series because if they’re anything like this one, they’re going to be amazing 💕
Profile Image for Jennifer.
226 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 24, 2026
What a great start to a new series! Seal of Honor is a story of pain and betrayal, yet also hope and redemption. Add in a very healthy dash of suspense and an unexpected ending and the book is the perfect mix of everything! This was my first book by this author , but it definitely will not be my last! It was sooo good!! Definitely 5 stars!

I was given a copy by the author - all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Kalynn Grow.
1 review1 follower
January 11, 2026
Jessica Ashley’s books are always so captivating. I can never put them down!

This was such a great read, it has all the swoon worthy romance, great character building, and such awesome suspense moments!

I definitely recommend grabbing a copy of this(and all) of her books! You will not be disappointed, but be warned you may lose sleep staying up late reading them😉

I loved Zane and Tessa’s story and look forward to seeing the rest of the team’s stories unfold as well.
1,034 reviews9 followers
February 23, 2026
SEAL of Honor is the first book in the new Iron Tide Brotherhood by Jessica Ashley. This exciting Christian suspense romance has Zane Knox returning home with his past returning too. Tessa Lane, the woman who disappeared on their wedding day shows up hurt, scared and in need of help. No way can Zane stop himself from helping her, trying to find the source of her danger and neutralizing it. All this and more in this faith-based story with God, family, team support, forgiveness, and love. A smart, suspenseful, emotionally intense, and second chance romance that kept me reading until the closing page. 4.5 Stars
2 reviews
February 9, 2026
Jessica Ashley wrote yet another amazing story. Zane’s faith in God and his commitment to not only protecting Tessa but making sure she knows God is always with her and she is worthy of His love is inspiring. I will read anything Jessica Ashley writes anytime. I’m looking forward to the next adventure she blesses her readers with.
30 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2026
My expectations for Jessica Ashley's books are so high, and this book did not remotely disappoint. Zane is just the sweetest ever and I loved watching Zane and Tessa reconnect. I appreciated the faith elements and seeing how God was a central part of Zane's life, as well as Tessa. The side characters were wonderful, as always. I did figure out the bad guy a little early, but the action kept me so hooked I couldn't care less. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting romantic suspense filled with characters overcoming their pasts by the grace of God. 5 stars
1 review
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 15, 2026
I have always enjoyed Jessica Ashley's books. This was indeed no exception. Zane and Tessa are remarkable, well-developed characters. The emotions from them and the other characters in this book are real and tangible to the reader. Often I struggle to read books about couples with a history. The author did a tremendous service to their painful pasts but also made a way forward for both of them. The only complaint I had is I wanted to keep reading about them! (Book did NOT end on a cliffhanger. I just wanted to keep reading. Lol.) I can't wait to keep hearing about these characters in the books to come in this series.
Profile Image for Rhonda Cooper.
295 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 9, 2026
Well, this story had enough suspense to keep me turning pages and it pulls on the emotions. “How do you tell the man you loved more than anything….That the pain was more familiar than the love so you chose the former? “Losing her the first time nearly killed me. I don’t know that I’ll survive the second time around.” I so appreciated the thread of God’s hope woven through the story and all the twists and turns to get to the end. I have a new author on my favorite list.
Profile Image for Tina Lowery.
277 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 23, 2026
This action-packed book, Seal of Honor, was penned by author Jessica Ashley. It had me frantically turning pages to find out what happened next to Zane and Tessa -- until the very end. This book was filled from the first page, until the very end with: hope, faith, and love. Forgiveness and redemption were also revealed. There was a succession of horribly timed events that spanned 18 years, which just masterfully painted the vast destruction of an innocence onto a newly acquired faith in our Savior.
This novel portrayed how such evil can waltz into a person's life and destroy whatever groundwork had been laid for faith. Seal of Honor planted truth that any amount of evil could blow apart shaky walls. It could also crumble whatever trust, faith, emotions, or family bonding had just begun to occur between people, a team, or a family. The one fact that resonated with me throughout the book was this: THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE.
I adored how Jessica Ashley cobbled together this tale of truth, Justice, and trust without fear. This novel is a tapestry, gripped by fear all the while standing tall in TRUTH, LOVE and LOVE. These characters, and this story, have wormed their way into my heart. I give this 5 out of 5 stars for a thrilling rollercoaster ride of fear, love, and hope.
Profile Image for Stephanie Evans.
3 reviews
January 10, 2026
I was blessed with an ARC of this book and I am so glad I got to read it early! I loved it! I was hooked in the first chapter! It really pulled me in and made my heart hurt for what Zane and Tessa went through. It was great story of forgiveness and faith!
Profile Image for Allegra.
190 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2026
Pulse Pounding Second Chances

Wowza... This book is a pulse-pounding adventure that reminds us of God's gracious, redemptive grace and love.  This is a suspenseful, dual POV, second-chances, swoony kisses-only book with a former SEAL trapped by his past and an abused woman running from her past.  This book had so many twists and turns that my brain had a hard time keeping them straight, but it was an amazing ride. How the author wove God's love and the reminders of how valuable we are made the story even more impactful.  I have loved Jessica's books from the very first and will always recommend them. I cannot wait for the next in this new series.
Profile Image for Nicole T.
12 reviews
Review of advance copy
February 23, 2026
Oh the excitement of reading the first book in a new serires!!! Getting to meet and fall in love with Knox and Tessa has been so wonderful, and I cannot wait for more😊 the flow of this story is not slow by any means, it's completely captivating right from the start, AND getting scripture for real life feelings, real life scenarios, plus getting just the right amount of heat without it being to much. I'm only sad I don't have a constant window into their lives, and I'm so ready for the next book😊😊
Profile Image for Jacquie.
189 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 24, 2026
This was such a good book! You don’t want to miss this story. I have loved everything I have read from this author so when I was selected for my very first ARC by one of my favorite authors, I was thrilled. This book did not disappoint and might be my new favorite of hers.

High school sweethearts Zane and Tessa were supposed to get married until his bride never showed. 18 years later she shows up after an attack on her life. Zane is a former Navy Seal who now works with his team for a secret part of the government. Both are living with secrets and such pain that you can feel it in the story. Zane has made many mistakes and found his way back to God, Tessa is lost and no longer believes. This story is about their journey to finding who wants them dead as well as learning how to forgive, learning who you are and whose you are. It was an incredible story that deals with the weight of sin and guilt and struggling to accept the grace that God offers. I can’t wait to get to know each of the other guys a little more in the Iron Tide Brotherhood series in their own books.

A few of my favorite quotes:

“Even dirtied and bloodied, there’s no other group of men I would count on to have my back.”

“Being out on the water has a way of putting things into perspective. Especially when I think of Peter and the apostles as they were out on that storm-tossed lake. It’s a reminder that, no matter how stormy things get, Jesus is always there.”

“And as I sit here staring at it, I reach into my pocket and withdraw the five tiny doves he’d given me. Who would have thought so much beauty could come out of something broken?”

I knew this would be a good book even the way the authors note was written. I love her story of God giving her boldness to step away from being a secular author to a Christian author. It was so inspiring to read about her heart for kingdom work.

Trigger warning: kidnapping, violence, childhood abuse, assault, death of parent

I received a digital ARC of Seal of Honor from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, but an honest one. All of these opinions and reviews are my own.
Profile Image for Holly (IG: what.hollys.reading).
42 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2026
🫑: kisses only (does talk of past intimacy out of wedlock, but is recognized as a sin by the MCs)
🤬: clean language

Seal of Honor is a great start to this new series by Jessica! I read her Hunt Brothers Search and Rescue series and fell in love with her writing, then was so excited to learn she was starting a new series! In true Jessica fashion there was lots of action, suspense, and romantic tension between the MCs in this book.

Zane and Tessa are high school sweethearts who love each other deeply, but circumstances separate them for 18 LONG years. My heart broke for these two and all that they’d been through. It made me so sad to see all the years they lost together, but sometimes you have to go through the darkness before you get to the good things. I love that Jessica reminds us of this in her book, and shows us that even though we go through tough things, God is always with us no matter what. Sometimes he allows things to happen in order for us to grow closer to him and surrender everything.

The plot in this book was interesting and kept me guessing the whole time as to who the bad guy was, though I did have my suspicions! I also loved getting to know Zane’s military brothers who will each be getting their own book in this series. I am very much looking forward to each of their stories!

Though this book does take you through emotional ups and downs, in the end we get a happy ending and are reminded of God’s love and faithfulness all throughout the journey. I was a bit sad that the ending was so sudden, I wanted a little more insight into Zane and Tessa’s life once the case wrapped up and they returned to their new life together. I’m not sure if there is an epilogue, in the purchased copy, but the ARC did not have one. I 100% do recommend this book though, especially if you love Christian romantic suspense!

*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review
2,073 reviews
February 27, 2026
This was really an engrossing and tightly woven plot of two people whose love withstands time and danger. Zane and Tessa were due to get married, yet Tessa runs away with a new identity on their wedding day. Which leaves poor Zane stood up at the altar and changing his life plans of becoming a doctor and joining the Navy SEALs. Not only did she run away, but Zane and his family actually feared she was dead, and though they searched they could not find any evidence.

Well, Tessa has survived some major abuse from the one person she should have been safe with, her father. But she chose to run away from everyone and not to bring Zane's family into anymore of her conflict at home. Now eighteen years later danger has found her once again. Still, she is hiding in the shadows till Zane finds her. Imagine his surprise that she is still alive. He saves her again, but wants answers, answers she is not willing to give.

This was a great romantic suspense filled with two very flawed characters who are leaning on their faith. I also really appreciated that no matter how much time has passed or what has transpired, when two people are really in love, none of those things matter. Especially when forgiveness and redemption cover betrayal and abandonment. This story keeps you invested as all the layers of these two lives are pulled back and the connections are revealed.

This was my first author Ashley novel, and I enjoyed this fresh voice in romantic suspense and look forward to more in this series

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for DevotedToHope.
708 reviews102 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
This story begins with erasure. A man written out of the world’s records. A woman who vanished on the morning her future was supposed to take shape. And the one true God who does not retreat. Who does not forget. Who does not loosen His grip when belief collapses and fear tightens its hold.

Zane Knox’s life has been reduced to classified shadows and borrowed identities, yet his faith remains startlingly clear and compelling. One of the most arresting moments comes when prayer rises calmly in the presence of death: “Lord, please be with us here in this room. If it is Your will, please let us walk out of this. Amen. As I pray, peace washes over me. Death doesn’t scare me … Maybe that’s why I’m as good at this as I am? Because I know that, no matter what happens to me here, I’m going somewhere better.”

That prayer arrives without theatrics. No bargaining. No urgency. Just trust spoken plainly in a room where death is possible and heaven presses near.

Tessa Lane’s body survives, yet her sense of worth has been stripped away piece by piece. The danger chasing her feels relentless, but the deeper wound lies in what was spoken over her long ago. Watching her move through fear, guardedness, and exhaustion felt achingly real. When Zane prays for her, the love is quiet and reverent: “Lord, please wrap Tessa in Your arms. Please help her focus on You.”

When truth is spoken aloud, it carries authority and tenderness: “You’re Tessa Lane, an imperfect daughter of the King …. Jesus died for every sin you committed and every sin you will commit. All you have to do is repent and believe in Him.” That moment matters. Identity is restored through Jesus Christ.

What surrounds Zane is a brotherhood formed under pressure and sustained by their shared faith in their Savior. These men protect because they love, stand firm when choices are costly, and remain because walking away has never been an option.

Jessica Ashley writes with precision and heart. The pacing is relentless. The suspense is sharp. The faith content is treasured and clear. Every prayer feels personal, tender, and true. Every risk is carried in the body and the soul. Every step toward redemption is grounded in grace and mercy.

Seal of Honor earns an easy five stars from me. Jessica Ashley’s stories reach places that greatly matter to me, and as always, the Author’s Note spoke straight to my heart. Ashley remains a must-read author whose stories consistently remind me what it looks like to live faith out loud and pour it outward into real relationships.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the author. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on superb writing and story’s excellent content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Profile Image for Christi.
1,199 reviews36 followers
February 25, 2026
Seal of Honor is the first book in a new series, and wow, what a start!

Zane has been searching for years for Tessa, the girl that left him at the altar, and eighteen years later, she shows up on his doorstep, bringing an unknown threat with her and none of the answers that Zane craves. Zane is firm in his faith and lives what he believes, but Tessa is clearly faltering, and once you hear her backstory, it’s clear why, and honestly, I can’t blame her for it. This girl has been through it, and the narrative does describe some of the horrors that she endured at the hands of her abusive father.

There is a magnetism to this story. While there are tropes and scenarios that I’ve read in other stories, there’s an underlying tenderness that comes from somewhere I can’t describe. Just a few chapters in, I felt drawn to these characters and truly cared about their fate, and this feeling continued to grow the deeper I read. Not knowing Tessa’s situation kept a level of suspense, which helped with the pace, but even more than that, I felt connected to this world. These characters felt real, and Zane, in particular, sounds like a person I would love to have in my life.

This was such a strong start to this series that it makes me excited for the rest of the series! I am all in! This novel is everything I love in a good romantic suspense as it has the perfect balance of faith, intrigue, and love and was exciting and practically impossible to put down.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,167 reviews20 followers
March 1, 2026
I love a good suspense novel. Give me something that will have me on the edge of my seat, and I’m hooked! This is one of those novels. Grab your copy, a cup of something to drink, maybe a cozy blanket, and curl up for a ride. You won’t be able to put this down, so maybe actually forget the drink because nobody wants to have to get up to the bathroom mid-suspenseful bit.

This is the first book in a series a new series for this author.

Tessa and Zane are just meant to be. So why does Tessa run off on their wedding day? And why does she show up on his boat in need of help and protection years later? Zane has his own secrets, too. He’s technically not alive or doesn’t exist, or however you want to put his off-book living.

There are a few hard topics within the book, like childhood abuse and trauma. And of course, there is some violence; it’s a suspense novel after all. But it’s also a Christian novel. And when Tessa ran away from Zane, she also turned her back on God, so throughout the book, you get to watch her struggle with whether she should believe or if she can, etc.

The author herself is an Army veteran, and I think you can tell that from the story. Her experience has let her write in a way that is very realistic, and I think that’s because she may have actually been there, done that.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Nicole | Nicole's Bookstagram.
148 reviews10 followers
March 9, 2026
Seal of Honor is a riveting, emotional, faith-based romantic suspense that will have you turning pages late into the night to see what happens next. This is the perfect launch to Jessica Ashley’s new series - Iron Tide Brotherhood.

Zane and Tessa’s story was as heart-wrenching as it was beautiful. My heart broke over what happened eighteen years ago and how it altered the course of both their lives. Watching them wrestle through pain and regret and slowly move toward healing and hope was incredibly rewarding. I especially loved how Zane gently pointed Tessa back to Jesus, determined to remind her of her value and worth. The glimpses into the past added so much depth and helped me understand the choice she made all those years ago. I would love a bonus epilogue just to get a little more of their story going forward.

I love Zane. He is kind, honorable, and fiercely protective — just as much as he is lethal. He doesn’t take the responsibility of ending a life lightly, but he will do what’s necessary to protect his team, the innocent, and the people he loves. Even though Tessa hurt him deeply, he didn’t lash out in anger. The way he clung to his faith and trusted God completely was powerful and inspiring.

I also loved meeting the other members of Zane’s team. Their loyalty and brotherhood were unmistakable. The banter, the trust, the way they had each other’s backs — it added so much to the story. I’m especially looking forward to Sawyer’s book.

Jessica is a gifted writer who brings truth and depth to her stories without making them feel overwhelming. She handles sensitive topics with intention and care, and the faith elements are seamlessly woven throughout in a way that feels natural and genuine.

If you enjoy fast-paced, action-packed suspense paired with tender, swoony romance that tugs at your heartstrings, Seal of Honor is one you’ll want on your list.

✨Includes✨
Former Navy Seal
Second Chance
Bruised And Battered FMC On The Run
Protective MMC
Touch Her And Suffer
She Disappeared On Their Wedding Day
He Never Stopped Thinking About Her
Small Town Romance
Abusive, Alcoholic Father
No Swearing
Moderate Violence
Kisses Only
Dual POV


Thank you Jessica Ashley for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Profile Image for Amanda.
108 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 16, 2026
Every time one of Jessica Ashley's series ends I wonder how I could possibly love her next series just as much.
And then she continues to blow me away and I fall in love all over again with her new characters!
One thing I love about Zane is his clear love for the Lord and how comfortable he is sharing his faith with Tessa and encouraging her. A man who loves the Lord? *swoon*
The fact that he never gives up on Tessa, no matter how many times she tries to push him away, amazes me. I continually wanted to reach through the book to give Tessa a hug. How does a child go through more than I will probably ever have to go through in my own life? I could feel her desperation and the fact that she continued to give up on life.
I love that there were so many twists and turns, that every time I thought I knew why Tessa did the many things you learn about, Ashley throws another twist in! But my favorite twists are when we start to hear about characters from her previous series. I might have actually gave a slight scream when I heard "Hunt"...
I loved getting to know the other members of Zane's team. The fact that we got so much time with them that I'm excited for their individual books, while not taking away from Zane and Tessa's story, blows me away. I'm anxiously waiting for the next book-and to hopefully see more of Zane and Tessa's relationship. ;)
74 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 29, 2026
What a great start to another awesome series, "Iron Tide Brotherhood" by Jessica Ashley!!!! This books starts off with immediate suspense, first Zane Knox and his brotherhood are fighting there way out of an op they are on! Then we have Tessa Lane back in Stormwatch Landing, South Carolina running for her life!! I love a book that catches you from the first page and all of Jessica Ashleys book have that immediate impact that pulls you right in!!! I was definitely hooked from the start! It touched my heart watching Zane struggling to forgive Tessa for running away on there wedding day as Tessa struggles with her faith and learning to trust the Lord again. I loved all the characters that came to life in this book and the brotherhood between them. They had each others back through everything. They all will make a great new series! She also brought in characters from her other series which was great too. I think this book had it all a great romance and very suspenseful throughout the book! I also enjoy her books because I learn something about God and my faith in each one. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I thought the Hunt Brothers were my favorite but wow this is an awesome read!! Definitely 5 stars! I'm so glad that I found Jessica Ashley, she is at the top of my the pile! I want to thank her for my Arc digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Natalie Harp.
50 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 9, 2026
I was blessed with the ARC of Seal of Honor. I have been a huge follower and reader of all of Jessica Ashely's books and by far this one I think is her best work.

Tessa grew up with an extremely abusive father, she dreamed of getting away from him and living the dream she and Zane always talked about. Then the unthinkable happens. She leaves Zane at the alter. For 9 years he never stopped loving her, not knowing where she went, if she was ok or even alive. He felt in his soul she was still alive. Imagine the shock when she stumbles on to his boat after he has returned from a mission. She is scared, running and has been stabbed. She stays in his safety while she heals and him and his team get to the bottom of who is after her and why.

This book is written so well, it touches on such a difficult topic. Showing the affects of severe abuse on not only the victim but the others who love and care for the victim.
I love how JA includes bible verses and examples throughout the entire book. I wont lie I write some of them down to go and highlight in my own bible.

I am so excited for this new series, I am a HUGE Hunt Brothers fan and love how she intertwines the series.

Chapter 15. That is all I am going to say. By far my favorite chapter in the entire book.
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