Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

SEAL Team Hawaii #5

Die Suche nach Carly (Die SEALs von Hawaii)

Rate this book
Carly doesn’t want a boyfriend. Not after the last one tried to kill her. But Jagger “Jag” Bennett somehow gets under her skin, and soon she can’t imagine a life without him.

Jag hadn’t planned on a girlfriend…even though his SEAL teammates are all very happy with their women. But sometimes the best things in life aren’t planned…and Carly is definitely the best thing that had ever happened to him.

But someone isn’t happy Carly has moved on with her life. It’ll take everything Jag’s taught her to stay alive to have her happily ever after.

**Finding Carly is the 5th book in the SEAL Team Hawaii Series. Each book is a stand-alone, with no cliffhanger endings.

398 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2022

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Susan Stoker

258 books7,490 followers
Sign up for my newsletter here:
http://www.stokeraces.com/contact-1.html

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

Follow SUSAN:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsstoker
www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsusanstoker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/susan_stoker
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/238Jw8c

For all upcoming books click here: http://www.stokeraces.com/coming-soon...

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,836 (59%)
4 stars
867 (28%)
3 stars
301 (9%)
2 stars
48 (1%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
3,314 reviews2,775 followers
August 19, 2026
Jag’s Patience Finally Pays Off



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: ❤️💙💚💜
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 😋😉😎🤯
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

Characters and Plot Summary

I have been waiting for Carly and Jag’s story for several books, so finally getting to see these two become a couple was a big draw for me. Their attraction had been obvious, but what I really liked was that Jag had already become Carly’s friend and had patiently stayed in her life instead of pushing her before she was ready. After the nightmare involving her ex, Shawn Keyes, Carly is barely functioning. She is hiding in her apartment, jumping at noises, suffering panic attacks, and afraid that Shawn’s accomplice, who has still not been identified, will come after her. The opening scene, with Carly hiding under her bed after hearing a noise in the hallway, immediately shows just how badly the previous events have affected her.

Jag is determined to help her reclaim the life she lost. I especially appreciated the little details showing how consistently he has been there for her, including the hundreds of texts checking whether she has eaten, needs anything, or wants him to come over. He understands that Carly needs to regain control herself, and their relationship develops from that foundation of friendship and trust. At the same time, the threat from Shawn’s accomplice keeps the suspense moving, because Carly is not simply battling her own fear. Someone really is watching and waiting for an opportunity to finish what Shawn started.

Highlights and Limitations

For me, the strongest part of the story was Carly’s emotional journey. I liked that Stoker did not magically make her fearless just because she had a protective SEAL beside her. Jag helps, but Carly still has to work through the terror herself. Seeing that first spark of anger return beneath all her fear was particularly satisfying because it felt like the beginning of Carly taking herself back.

Jag was also exactly the kind of hero I hoped he would be. His patience with Carly made his feelings more believable, especially because he had already spent months supporting her without demanding a relationship in return. I found that much more meaningful than having him suddenly swoop in and “fix” everything.

The suspense worked well for me too. The unresolved accomplice from Shawn’s storyline gives the romance a genuine sense of danger rather than making the external conflict feel tacked on. My one limitation was that I occasionally wanted more time spent on Carly’s recovery and the emotional consequences of what happened to her. Some developments move fairly quickly considering how severely traumatized she is. I would have happily traded a little of the faster pacing for additional moments showing Carly rebuilding her independence.

The one part that I was a bit disappointed in was how quickly Jag got over his childhood trauma after it finally came out. I definitely didn’t really want his therapy to be stretched out a lot, but I would think it could have mentioned that more than a week went by before he was over it enough to be with Carly.

Narration

The audiobook is narrated by Emma Wilder, John Lane, and Chris Kipiniak, with a running time of about 9 hours and 36 minutes. I thought the narration suited this story particularly well because there is such a contrast between Carly’s fear and Jag’s steadier presence.

Emma Wilder did a good job capturing Carly’s vulnerability without making her sound weak. The early scenes involving her panic and isolation needed emotional nuance, and I could hear the difference as Carly gradually started finding her backbone again. John Lane brought the confidence and protectiveness I wanted from Jag, while Chris Kipiniak added another layer to the suspense-driven portions of the story. The three narrators helped keep the audiobook engaging and made the different perspectives easy to follow.

Final Thoughts

I really enjoyed finally getting Carly and Jag’s book. After watching their attraction develop through the previous stories, I was invested in seeing whether Carly could move beyond what Shawn had done to her and whether Jag would finally get the woman he had been patiently waiting for.

What surprised me most was how much I cared about Carly’s recovery rather than simply the romance. Her fear felt like a genuine obstacle, and watching her slowly begin to reclaim pieces of herself made the relationship with Jag more rewarding. I also loved that Jag’s role was not just to protect her from an outside threat. He was there to remind her that she was still capable of living her own life.

For me, Finding Carly is a strong combination of romantic suspense, emotional healing, and the kind of steadfast hero I expect from Susan Stoker. If you’ve been following the SEAL Team Hawaii series and waiting for Carly and Jag, I definitely think this is a story worth listening to.

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Pinterest|BookBub
116 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2022
As usual, Susan Stoker has outdone herself. This book ran every emotion possible through my synapses. Empathy, fear, love, sadness, jubilation, anger, and more. I couldn’t put it down. I especially loved the ending. Well done, Ms. Stoker.
Profile Image for Trudy Walker.
76 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2022
It’s probably just me. But I absolutely hated this book. It was boring, cheesy and repetitive. I struggled and mean struggled to finish. To where I began skimming. This whole series hasn’t been overly likeable for me. I am really starting miss the old books/series this author wrote. I used to be excited to delve into a Susan Stoker book cuz they were so amazing with fabulous and hooked storylines. Now they feel like the same thing over and over with a small plot change.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,949 reviews23 followers
October 6, 2022
Enjoyable story! It really brought out another side of a issue that is usually seen on the female side. This one really got to me because of the way that subject was written. I enjoyed learning about Cary and Jag story. Usually the female is the one I identify with and their story gets to me. Carly’s is good and I understood her fear and issues plus her kindness to Baker was a delight. In this story though Jag threw me for a loop. His attitude and thoughts surprised because I became shocked when certain problems came to the surface. I did love their time at The Ranch that they visited! Made me wonder if it is real? I think am going to google it.

I did love all the action, drama and suspense that come with a SEAL’s story. Fun and serious times with Jag’s SEAL brothers as well as the women's tribe. I do look forward to more from this author and in this series.

I did listen to this on audio. Three wonderful narrators helped bring this book to life. Emma Wilder is always a joy and she does an impeccable job! John Lane and Chris Kipiniak are both newer to me but did an excellent job portraying the males in the story. I particularly loved the voice of Baker.
Profile Image for Valerie Charron.
318 reviews
October 14, 2022
Jag and Carly was made for each other. despite their past traumas, neither would change anything because it brings them together. I also love the brave side of Carly who decided enough was enough. as usual we are not mistaken with the books of susan stoker
Profile Image for Julie Miller.
Author 301 books374 followers
September 16, 2024
Another good entry in the SEAL Team Hawaii series. Despite the suspense element being what brought Carly and Jag together, this one read more like a romance with some suspense elements vs. a true romantic suspense. Possibly because the hero didn't rescue the heroine at the end. But...

One of the things I loved best about this story was that the hero didn't always have to save the day, even though as a SEAL with some serious connections (love Baker!), he could have. Instead, he gave the heroine the tools, the support, the training, and the confidence, so that she could hang in there and save herself when the bad guy did finally get his hands on her. I think it was a valuable lesson for Carly to realize that, after having all sense of security and self-esteem stripped away by a previous toxic relationship, she was strong enough to stand on her own two feet. With Jag's support playing in her head, she could fight back and stay alive until she could be reunited with the hero.

While some readers may find Jag's background to be a trigger, I also found the way that backstory was handled to be hopeful. Just as he was the rock Carly needed, she was there for him, too, simply listening, supporting, and giving him what he needed to move on to their HEA.

Loved the update with Pid (still a Stu-Pid nickname, imo) and Mo. Always good to see the team supporting each other.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,883 reviews56 followers
October 11, 2022
'I saw you'

...And Jag is not lying, he sees Carly...all of her. He sees her fear, her frustrations, her anger, her need for social interactions despite her fear, he also sees just how much hiding out is slowly killing her spirit.
Jag and Carly both have more emotional baggage than any one person should and any future together is a minefield to be crossed slowly and carefully...but they are so strong together, the unconditional support they offer and the chemistry that sparks between them will have you cheering them on from page one. They may be slightly dinted and damaged but in no way are they broken beyond repair!
Profile Image for Melanie.
4,332 reviews34 followers
November 3, 2022
What a great love story. Susan Stoker just knows how to convey deep emotions through her characters. Carly is living her life in fear and waiting for the other shoe to drop ever since he ex attacked Kenna instead of her. Jag is determined to help Carly learn how to enjoy life again despite what could be lurking danger. Yet, there is a menace out there. MeNwhile love slowly blooms between Carly and Jag although his devastating past may rise up and put a stop to what these two could really became...an us.
Profile Image for Toria.
153 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2022
Another 5-star book from Susan Stoker. I absolutely LOVE her books! Jag and Carly's story doesn't disappoint. Lots of feels in this one. Both Carly and Jag have to overcome past trauma to find their HEA. Their bond helps them both deal with their pasts, and makes for an even tighter bond between them. Susan Stoker never disappoints me with her books. I cannot wait for the next in this series!
41 reviews
October 12, 2022
love it!

Been waiting for this book since the start of the series. Jag has been a favorite and I wasn’t sure about Carly but she surprised me. Jag’s story about broke my heart, and I loved that these two were friends first and then fell for each other. Great story with lots of feels.
353 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2022
Love all her stuff!!!!

I've read all of Susan Stoker's series and enjoy them all. The characters are strong, and overcome their issues, and are able to find their happy. I always love a great sries!
Profile Image for Chandra Woolson.
440 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2022
Oh my! Per usual Susan Stoker addresses delicate subjects with delicacy and compassion… all while giving us a beautiful romance. What an awesome book!
827 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2022
satisfying

This story is an emotional roller coaster for both Carly and Jag. In many ways they each rescue the other from past traumas and Carly proves that sometimes you have to reach deep inside and rescue yourself too. It was great to see Baker again and see him receive and give help. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Becca.
225 reviews34 followers
March 1, 2024
Absolutely adore this series. It rolls from some fun to danger. You fall in love with the characters and the things that make each unique.
If you like romance danger and heros. This is for you!
25 reviews
October 14, 2022
Another wonderful book from Susan Stoker. I always look forward to her books and this one does not disappoint. I loved it!
Profile Image for Avidchic reader.
713 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2022
just when you think susan is settling her writing to military type suspense in thus series, she goes and changes it up...I mean totally changes it up.
This story has not only the h's angsty ordeal but addresses the H's trauma parallel to Susan's earlier books. 'Badge of honour series' and Seal of protection series'.
it's such a real modern day problem with the same sentiments and attitudes that compare to today. it's a brave topic to address and I applaude susan for it, although she has never avoided pieces like this before.
So before Jags situation came to light I had decided that this alpha man is the biggest gentleman of all the men that I can recall susan writing. however, now I understand the reasoning behind it.
it was wonderful to see the h emerge from the end of kennas story through to this story. she has moved from strength to strength and ended up supporting as good as she got. I mean chapter 19..phew!
the feel goods that emerged with the other team members and their gals were heart warming and I was so happy to hear Baker emerging...(he's another Tex!)
this suspense rolls on from Kenna's story so we have some insight but are still kept guessing... its wonderful trying to guess.!!
now the narrator's...oh lordy lordy, lordy...just loooove John Lane..his voice is so deep, perfect for the alpha voices especially Bakers. I always beeline for his narration in other books. Emma is fantastic as usual, her male voices are admirable and I just love her tempered voice for Carly.
all of the stories in this series has been unique and how susan comes up with these plotlines is a testament to her amazing mind. I mean Monica's story was suspense plus and even though all of them are individual stories susan finds a way to loosely connect them...
just love the topics of family, Respect, Loyalty, love and trust that susan always depicts in her novels.
Profile Image for Whiskers & Waffles.
2,654 reviews19 followers
October 9, 2022
I love this seal team and their women. There are always surprises in Susan Stoker’s books. There were so many things that kept you guessing in this one. I was literally on the edge of my seat until the very end! What happened to Jag in his past? Who was Shawn’s accomplice? There were hints but the answers were not obvious. So freaking good!!! And try listening to the audible version. OMG. The story and the people come alive even more. Susan Stoker is a one-click preorder for me always - her books and the audible versions!
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.9k reviews551 followers
October 18, 2022
It feels like this one has been a long time coming. Carly and Jag have been dancing around each other for a while. I loved that Jag was there pushing Carly to not be afraid after what happened to her. He showed how he would support her, but also pushing while providing a safe space. Once Carly started to live her life again, she realized how much she missed it and kept making strides to keep taking back what was lost.

I loved how the whole team, guys and girls were so supportive, not only of Carly, but of other members, especially when things were thrown at them.

Thing got a bit dicey towards the end, the bad guy was back to do bad things, but Carly kept her cool head, used what she had learned and waited for Jag to find her and that is what happened. While Jag didn't personally find her, he set in motion those that did.

The ending to this one was great! Loved all the happy things going on at once, but most especially the "favor" Baker did for Carly and Jag. A wrong that needed righting for a long time!
Profile Image for Lyndsay Durbin.
890 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2022
I enjoyed this!

I guessed what Jag’s demons were kinda early on and was intrigued with how Stoker would handle the issue since it’s one I don’t think we’ve seen in her other stories (I think, I might be forgetting someone though).

I thought everything was handled spectacularly well though and it was done with care.

Baker’s POV was a nice insight into his mind and is really setting up his future story that I’m super excited for. His role in this story tied with his role in Finding Monica is setting up a great attitude that I think we’ll see in Ashlyn’s book and then later with Jodelle!

I ultimately really enjoyed the story but in some ways regarding Jag and Carly’s relationship, some things just fell a bit flat for me. It might have been that since we’ve seen bits and pieces of their friendship throughout, there wasn’t as big of a need for the individual characterization?
Profile Image for Shelley C.
3,113 reviews71 followers
October 18, 2022
Carly and Jag❤️

Carly and Jag are the next couple to lose their hearts🥰 Carly we met previously when she was working at Duke’s with Kenna, her bestie. Unfortunately, she is involved with a guy who appears to be verbally abusive and Carly finally gets the courage to leave him and even goes so far as to get a restraining order taken out. Jag meets Carly when the rest of the guys go to meet Kenna and he’s immediately taken with her. Knowing she’s in a tough spot, Jag befriends Carly and becomes her “lifeline” when she essentially withdraws from her life and friends😢

Jag helps Carly push her limits again to live her life but also takes steps to empower her. Both their backgrounds are heartbreaking but together they are like two puzzle pieces that fit😍 A great story with fabulous characters and a small glimpse into the next couple, Slate and Ashlyn and some insight into Baker❣️
Profile Image for BRANDY M.
297 reviews
October 12, 2022
Deliciously good

Growly alpha men, Sassy sexy women, a bit of angst, and a whole Lotta steam.

This truly is perfection. This book leaves you wanting for nothing except more pages...
Such a wonderful story that sucks you into the world of Susan stoker. This has all the things we have come to love from Susan and yet it still manages to have you on the edge of your seat.
Hurry, READ THIS BOOK!
Profile Image for Carrie.
3,782 reviews35 followers
October 12, 2022
Carly & Jag

Omh!! Loved this one a lot!! Great suspense thru the whole story, and Jag's back story, 😭💔😭💔!!!

Carly's journey to healing isn't the only one - she helps Jag heal, as well, and her interactions with Baker gave me all the warm fuzzies. I love the friendships that are highlighted!! And the path Carly & Jag's relationship takes is emotional and wonderful!

Thumbs way up!!!

😍😍😍😍
Profile Image for Katrina.
271 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2022
My favourite part about Susan Stoker is that she always ensures her characters are interesting, original and decent human beings. In this story I enjoyed how both of our main characters were flawed, Carly hiding away from the world and Jag from intimacy. I liked that the issue was seen from another side, sexual violence isn't only against women.

Overall the story was satisfying, sweet and a little saucy. The perfect combination!
33 reviews
October 12, 2022
Well worth the wait

I truly love all of Susan's books they are Wonderful I always find myself caught up in the characters lives wondering what will happen next with each one and have never been disappointed.
I cannot wait for the next two in this series but have plenty in others from Susan to fill the time between.
Thank you for a Great Read .
22 reviews
October 13, 2022
This Series Just Keeps Getting Better And Better!

Finding Carly was great! So many twists and turns. I never guessed “who did it”. I was so far off base it was pathetic. And Jag. You have to read his story. This book is kinda two books in one…Carly’s story and Jag’s story. And then there’s Baker. Enough said!
Profile Image for Maya.
1,818 reviews
October 15, 2022
Wow. This hits all the feels. I appreciated the different take where the Alpha male is vulnerable. Don’t see too much of that but like how it came across “not sappy or weak”. To see him build his strength of character at the same time she does was refreshing. Down to earth people with real time issues that aren’t just brushed aside. Made the HEA even more worthwhile. Wish I could read again for the first time.
Profile Image for Patti.
1,550 reviews9 followers
October 16, 2022
Finding Carly was a heart beating suspense that you could not put down!! I was totally looking forward to Carly's book and was not disappointed!! Finding out Jag's secret and the way that Carly and Jag healed each other with their love...I totally feel in love with this couple!! Go grab your copy today and enjoy this series and this fabulous book!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Thompson.
245 reviews15 followers
October 16, 2022
Amazing

I love each book of this series more than the last. I adore Jag and Carly. Their individual strengths mesh together so perfectly to create a super strong unit. They both overcame huge obstacles only to come out stronger and better in the end. I can't wait to read the next story.
Profile Image for Renee Johnson.
278 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2022
Great read

Absolutely loved Jag and Carly's story. Loved the twists to the story and how both needed each other to heal. Great storyline, friendships and all the characters. The story had twists and turns, steamy. Couldn't put it down and can't wait for Slate and Ashlyn's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews