Hank Schatz~One of my toughest decisions was to join the Army after graduating high school. My second toughest was to decide it was time to get out. I wanted more than that life had to offer—namely the return of my humanity and a life beyond the pain that had leached into my soul during my deployments. Without a hint at what to do next, I said goodbye to my Army life and headed home to Missouri.… Missouri.
There were things I’d been hiding from my family for too many years—a secret that had nothing to do with my career as an Army Ranger. It was time I began to live my truth, but how to start, I didn’t know. I was aware of one thing for sure—I didn’t want to be lonely anymore.
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Reed Bayless~
I had a job I loved as a Special Education teacher at Carver Middle School in central Missouri. The kids were amazing, and their parents were supportive, unlike my last school where the parents believed their expensive tuition relieved them of their obligations to actually participate in their children’s education. Sadly, I was still alone, and I was getting a little long in the tooth to play the one-night game.
Unexpectedly, my diamond brought her brother to the Christmas Eve service at the local Lutheran church, and I found myself off-balance by the gorgeous man. I felt there was a sadness about him that made me want to hold him in my arms until his hurts healed. Of course, he was an Army Ranger, the toughest of the tough and the straightest of the straight. Between Ranger Hank, and his dog, Cosmo, I wanted things I couldn’t imagine were possible. Or were they?
This work of fiction is approximately 142,000 words in length and doesn’t end in a cliffhanger. It is the first book in the series entitled, “The Lonely Heroes Series.”
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My first story by Sam but won’t be my last, well written, had drama, bullying and politics. This was about brothers in combat and CIA operatives, humour with complex loveable characters and a few who were offensive, loved how the children with special needs continued to grow. Adorable comfort dogs and Hank and Reed had instant chemistry, slow and sweet, some angst and sexy hot scenes. I cried and laughed so heartwarming.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
Wow! Where to start?
This book is a rollercoaster of Murphy’s Law. If it can go wrong, it will!
Having said that, the emotional wringer this book takes the reader through is worth every second of reading time.
Reed and Hank make a great couple, Hank’s initial problems acclimatising to civilian life could have been much worse without Reed who is quite honestly the perfect foil for him.
The stars of the show are definitely Jewel and her classmates and Cosmo the wonder dog.
I had a smile through much of this book, but… there are portions that I could barely see to read because of the tears!
All in all a truly lovely read.
I read this book a while ago, but I decided to reread before the release of Guardian Gabe, book 2 in this incredible series. Hank and Reed story is managed by the author in a very interesting way. Ms Kraemer uses different timelines in the narration, creating the sensation of many situations happening at the same time, giving a 360° effect to the story ensuring a complex plot presented in a very agile and fluid way. Brilliant! If you added to the mix the chemistry between MCs,the sweet hot scenes and the interesting backstory full of action and danger you’ll agree with me that the book is perfect. I want to finish my comment mentioning the respectful and knowledgeable way, the author managed Jewel and her schoolmates interactions in the story sometimes raw, sometimes sweet and endearing but always ensuring they stated their point of view in life and that their reactions were authentic and as close a reality as possible, without cliches and posed attitudes. A wonderful reading!
I think I’m going a bit against the other reviews I have read for this book and this series but this is what I thought.
Hank and Reed, connection that works but on paper looks like it shouldnt. I loved Jewel and the family and the dynamic.
BUT
I felt this story had finished at 50% and then it kept going, I was aware it was a longer read but not necessarily sure it needed to be. To me it felt like we’d get to the end and another twist, plot point or trope was added.
I havent read any of this author before so maybe this is how they write. I will be reading book 2 so will see if is a pattern.
Also for a second revision there was still a few typos and errors.
Ranger Hank by Sam E Kraemer is the first book inThe Lonely Heroes Series. I absolutely adored this story and tge wonderful characters in it. Sweet, sexy, suspenseful, emotional and fun. I got lost in Hank and Reed’s lovestory and never wanted it to end. I think I am going to love this series.
What a book! I absolutely loved this book! It made me laugh, cry, and get angry. A book the evokes emotion on my end is engaging and my favorite to read. This was a new author to me, but I will definitely read more!!
This was a very enjoyable read! This is a new author for me so I didn’t know what to expect but I was definitely not disappointed! A very well written story that brings out so many emotions! I liked that it went in depth to explain things. The characters were amazing! Loved how caring and protective they all were! The family dynamics were great! Jewel was such a sweetheart…absolutely adored her! A very touching story that I highly recommend! Received arc and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
Ranger Hank is the first book in the Lonely Heroes series by author Sam E. Kraemer. This story is written in dual POV. This story has a ton of emotions in it. I found the characters to be well done and I really felt for them. I also liked the side characters they are vibrant and make me want them to have a story too.
Hank: great big brother. His coming home is very bittersweet. He adores his baby sister. He loves his family, but he has not come out to them yet. He isn’t sure how. He might be a soldier, but he crumbles into a pile of goo for his family.
Reed is a special Ed teacher. He is empathic and sweet. He is just the person to help Hank come fully back from all he has seen as a ranger.
I loved these two together. They each have what the other needs. This is a great start to a wonderful series; I cannot wait for more in the future.
Five Shooting stars
Hank had served for fifteen years, since he left high school and he’s decided not to re-enlist. He finally feels that now’s the time to tell his family the truth about himself. Reed is a highly qualified special education teacher that has been teaching Hanks much younger sister Jewel and it’s through her that they meet. They face many challenges from the start. Fantastic characters, story very emotional in places but heartwarming.
MM romance, angst, heat, pageturner, triggers violent death and suicide (discussed by mc) homaphobia, discrimination. PTSD.
This book touches on a lot of different issues
Special needs students
PTSD
Homophobia
Prejudice
Bullies
Military life
Insecurities
Love
Acceptance
Communication
Commitment
A book I recommend everyone read
This novel is just a bit much. A really, REALLY long story with a lot of REALLY complicated twists and turns, before First Sargeant Henry “Hank” Schatz and Dr. Reed Bayless end up at their HEA contentedly. It was just overwhelming to me…the misunderstandings, the misadventures, both for Hank and for Reed, the side stories — so MANY of them! — everything was just more than I wanted to invest in. This could easily have been a two-parter for Hank and Reed, instead of this one, LONG, exhausting story. They’re nice enough men, and Hank’s family is sweet and all, but I just got really too tired to care after a while.
Steamy and poignant M/M romance between two buff guys, but so much more…
Hank aka Henry Schatz is getting out of the military after 15 years. He’s seen too much, endured too much and wants to sleep through the night again. For over a decade Hank has been with the elite Army Rangers but his unit has dwindled because of death from his closest six buddies to three: Gabby, Hawk and himself. He wants to go home, get to know his family again and enjoy normal for a change. His baby sister Jewel who is 20 years younger than him is turning 14yo and he’s missed most of that time with her. When he meets her Special Ed teacher, Reed, he’s entranced. After a few false starts, they become an item, but will his need to protect over-shadow his relationship with Reed or even his family?
Beautifully written book with some memorable moments. I love how his sister and her friends in the Special Ed class were depicted. Takes place in Missouri which is staunchly conservative territory. Will a gay teacher be accepted? Several stirring moments which I would enjoy seeing on a made-for-TV movie like the Vice Principal’s speech to the School Board or reading the last letter from Zeus to his parents. Get your tissues! This was a heartwarming gay romance with intrigue. Just when I thought the worst thing they would have to overcome was prejudice, BAM, there is something much worse. Great story. Enlightening book. I loved it. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and highly recommend it.
I was hooked from the beginning of the story. The character’s were phenomenally written! From their background struggles to the daily struggles of live!
Having missed such a huge part of his families live for the past fifteen years, Hank is not only dealing with demons of his past but with insecurities of the here and now. However, he does want to live his true self and after meeting his sister teacher, he only hopes that first impressions won’t be his downfall.
Reed loves his job at the middle school working with his bright, amazing, special kids. Although, there are some aspects of his job that have him concerned, his students give him motivation everyday. Reed loves the open communication that he has with each students family until he meets one hot headed military brother. One very sexy stubborn military brother. When their world’s collide it’s powerful, beautiful, uplifting, heartbreaking, and the most loveable story.
I enjoyed taking the journey with Hank and Reed and look forward to see what is next in this series!
Loved Hank and Reed and their relationship. Everything happened at a realistic pace and while there was instant attraction between the two, it was not an insta love story where all their problems immediately disappear when they find each other. The handling of Hank’s PTSD was sensitive and realistic and Reed is that caring teacher you wish every student could have. His experience with special needs kids translated well into understanding some of the things Hank was going through and made them a good match for each other. I loved the way the book started and then came back and closed the circle at the end. Great characters, realistic relationship between sensible, caring adults and a great story structure.
Pleasantly surprised! Hank and Reed! Wow! This author was new to me and I was blown away by the depth of the characters and the storyline. It’s a long book and a there are a few things that could have been polished more but overall I would recommend this book. I read an advanced copy of this book and I would recommend it!
This was a lot. You’ve got the love story between Hank and Reed but you also have their backstories and their separate lives too. Then you add Hank’s military stuff going on. This means you’ve got a lot of danger, drama, excitement, and a ton of other emotions going on. You want to take your time with this so you don’t miss anything.
This was really good. I felt like it had a realistic feel to it in regard to Hank not coming out while in the military. I loved Hank and Reed’s story, it was beautiful and moving. I loved Jewel! I loved the story line and cannot wait for the next in the series! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy I received.
3.5 stars…I enjoyed this first book in the series but it definitely could have used a much better editor. The book is too long and could really be two different books as the two storylines don’t really meld well at all. There were several extraneous things that could have been eliminated. It appears the author was attempting to develop the characters but a lot of information is repetitive. It’s almost like there was a stream of consciousness thing going on and the author just went wherever the mood struck.
We never really got a lot of depth about Reed. I certainly question his ability to see people’s character and his choice in friends. That did not jive with his intuition and innate sense of knowing what his students and Hank needed. Some serious contradictions there.
There were a lot of inaccuracies or completely unbelievable elements which detracted from the story. Some of the incidents involving the school were so completely in violation of federal education law there would have been lawsuits galore. The description of Senator Brown is ridiculous as no one like him has a shot in hell of getting elected in NY. There was no need to have him be from NY, especially as the story takes place in the south, so why not make the choice more realistic. Others are spoilers so I can’t mention them here.
I enjoyed the credit given to service dogs as that’s not something you see often. Likewise I enjoyed reading about Reed’s students and their struggles and successes. The overall message is wonderful and the ending leaves you feeling hopeful.
Hank’s PTSD was handled sensitively (it seemed to me given my lack of knowledge) and I very much enjoyed the portrayal of his psychiatrist. Hank’s supportive family was a joy to read about and Jewel was a bright spot throughout the book.
This is the first book in a series and some of the secondary characters are clearly going to be the subjects of future books. I will likely read those books because even though there are serious shortcomings here I did enjoy the story.
**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
This book is phenomenal and I loved it! Full of love, laughter, heartache and a bit of danger, the story of Hank and Reed is a definite must read! Hank is an Army Ranger, trying to get out of the Army for good and Reed teaches special needs children, including Hank’s younger sister Jewel, at the local middle school. It is a bumpy ride for these two as both will need to deal with problems brought upon by their jobs. A fight over a birthday dinner will push them apart until Hank realizes he overreacted. One last trip for Hank will end up being a little more than he bargained for and it will leave his loved ones at home worried when he’s late for a very important rehearsal. Along the way, Hank will learn new things about his best friends and his brother but in the end, he will end up right where he wants to be – in the arms of the man he loves.
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Ranger Hank was a sweet romance between ex-military Ranger, Hank (obviously), and the nerdy teacher of special needs children, Reed. Hank and Reed had an instant chemical connection, and it was almost insta-love, especially since both were thinking long-term/permanent in their heads not long after meeting. That said, the relationship didn’t feel forced, but flowed well, it just got serious very quickly.
I liked the portrayal of Hank as the veteran who just wants to escape from the terrors of a war zone. Reed complemented him as his naturally soft personality offered Hank the kindness and care that his weary soul needed.
Overall, this was a lovely easy-to-read story, it was low angst with only a few miscommunications that are fixed quite quickly. A nice escapist book, and a perfect read for a refresher between more serious/intense books.