Sweet Refuge

SEAL Team Blackout #8

by Em Petrova

SEAL Team Blackout needs every man--and woman--to be at the top of their game. Lena's been distracted, but she isn't about to admit why. Guess she's not being honest with her team, herself...or a certain man on Blackout Charlie team

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Military Romance, Military Fiction

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2023

About the author

Visit me at http://empetrova.com

Reviews

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Parker and MJ?

Lena and Slade's Spiderman references are cute and heartwarming, unlike their battle of wills and stubborn independence. They are both convinced they were right and cannot begin to imagine the others point of view, it is frustrating because you can feel the love pouring from the page each time they are together, but they are too alike and neither is willing to meet the other halfway.
It may be a critical, life or death incident that finally opens their eyes but I am glad they finally see that proving their point is not the most important thing....the love is.
An explosive and feisty addition to the series, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena is the female member of her team, like that isn't bad enough to prove herself, her ex is on another team. They still have strong feelings and chemistry but she feels he overrides all her decisions. The reality is, he is a protector and he cannot just switch that off....Will they be able to have a second chance? Some action packed moments in this story and plenty of sizzle. I love this series.

[Lil Ms Reads A LOT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Refuge is the final book in the Seal Team Blackout series focusing on the Blackout Alpha Team. Heading into this book, I was sad that this was going to be the final book in the series. Lena is not only the sole female on the team, but she's also the only team member currently still single. Being the only woman in a male dominated field has forced Lena to have to work harder and be at the top of her game in every field in order to be taken seriously. During her quest to make this team, she had been constantly tested and doubted because she's a woman. There is nothing she despises more than not being treated as an equal and her brother-in-arms being overly protective of her and feeling like she needs saving during a mission. One such infuriating brother -in-arm is Overstreet. In Bosnia, when she was more than capable of taking out the primary target herself, he rushed in and took the target out himself, feeling that it was his job to keep Lena safe.

When it comes to Lena, Overstreet can't help but always want to protect her. Probably because she is his ex-wife and he still loves her, hoping to spend the rest of his life with her. Overstreet is actually a member of Blackout Team Charlie. When he got kidnapped while in Mexico on vacation, three people from Alpha Team were sent in to help locate him. When Lena finds out her ex-husband has been kidnapped, she immediately volunteers. Despite their no longer being together, she would do anything to ensure he made it home safely even if it required her to put herself into a hostile, extremely dangerous situation. It turned out that without her, they wouldn't have had the inside information necessary to be able to track him down.

Now that Lena and Overstreet are within forced proximity, will they give into their love and desire for each other that has never diminished since the day they first met? Lena is withholding a secret from her ex-husband. What will happen once he discovers the truth?

In my opinion, Overstreet is seriously hot, in the most "Alpha, protective of my woman and what's mine" kind of way. If only we could all be so lucky to have an Overstreet in our life looking after us. He is one determined man who is never going to give up on one day having a future with the woman he loves. It was an easy choice for me-- Overstreet has been added to my list of book boyfriends. Goodness that man is SERIOUSLY HOT!

As I mentioned before, I was sad when I realized that to date everyone in Blackout Alpha has been paired up and this would be the end of the series. Then, to my happy surprise, Em Petrova announced at the end of the book to stay tuned for Blackout Charlie's Series. I seriously can't wait! In the meantime, I think I'm going to binge read all of Blackout Alphas stories again. They are all that good!

[Linda Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Warrior must always be better
Lena Graham is on the deep-op Blackout Alpha Team. She fits in with and loves her team members but being the only woman on any Blackout team is a constant pressure. She must excel in everything to compensate for where she may be lacking, like size. Lena has a secret. She has an ex-husband. It’s a secret until he gets kidnapped! Slade Overstreet is a member of the Deep-op Blackout Charlie Team. Large with muscles for miles, Slade is awesome at his job but he never got over losing his wife. He is so in love with Lena but he screwed up on a joint mission. He made her feel like she was weaker and needed protection so she divorced him. Still, whenever they bump into each other they can’t keep their hands off the other but sadly as soon as the sex is over Lena runs.
Lena’s team has been assigned a new mission, a Blackout Team member has been kidnapped in Mexico. When Lena finds out it was Slade she’s in on the rescue. It seems the cartel the two teams recently took out wants revenge…on Blackout members and Slade is just the first. With guns blazing Lena rescues Slade… and their quick passionate night celebrating a successful mission…leads to a future special delivery.
Lena has a lot to face; enormous changes are coming in her life, but most of all in her job. Slade is on board with anything that will mean he and Lena will be together. Where there’s a will there’s a way and these two very smart warriors will make it work. I received a free advanced copy of this story from Booksprout and these are my thoughts. Linda

[Christina Rodrigues · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Refuge is the eighth book in Em Petrova’s new Seal Team Blackout Series. This is an alpha military adventure, second chance romance that is suspenseful, action packed, and filled with intense passion and fantastic characters.

The intense chemistry and connection between Lena Graham and Slade Overstreet is evident for all to see but as the sole female on the Blackout teams, Lena will do anything to hide her feelings. However, when Slade goes missing Lena will do anything to save him, even if it means outing their previous relationship and coming to grips with her unexpected discovery. Decisions must be made, mistakes must be forgiven and understandings must be had in order for Lena and Slade to finally get their happily ever after, but will past enemies let them? Read it and find out!

Wow! Another fantastic addition to this amazing military suspense series! I loved Slade. His deep devotion to Lena was unwavering despite her stubborn nature, which at time I found myself wanting to shake out of her. Lol.

All the books in the Seal Team Blackout series contain a happily ever after and can be read as a standalone. However, reading it in order will give you a better appreciation for the characters and the overall series storyline. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena Graham of Blackout Alpha has one major weakness in life, and he happens to be Slade Overton of Blackout Charlie. No one on either team knew the two of them used to be married years ago, but Lena could not take his over protectiveness in trying to do her job so they divorced, but Slade could not forget his love for her. At the annual Military Ball, he thought he would make one more play for her. Lena did her best to exnore him, but she ended up in his hotel room as her mind said no and her body said yes. Weeks later Slade trying to get past Lena went to Mexico where they went on their honeymoon for his vacation only to be kidnapped in connection to a previous op associated to Charlie team. They called in Alpha to send rescue for him, so Lena, Mustang, and Frost were sent to find and extract him. They soon discovered that hits had all been put out on all of Charlie team due to that op. Mustang and Frost wanted to know how Lena knew so much about Slade leaving her no choice but to tell them. They were once married. Finally, they located Slade and were able to return home. Only Slade was not through trying to win Lena back. Especially, when he figured out she was pregnant with his baby. Would those two ever get their happily ever after figured out? A beautifully written romantic suspense with plenty of action and angst.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received ARC for honest review

3.5 stars

It was hard to rate this one because while I did enjoy reading it, I felt that there were still a few things that didn’t quite do it for me. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love military romance and still thought this was a good choice. Lena Graham and Slade Overstreet have some history, but given their careers (Special Ops) in the military, they choose to keep it hidden. Lena has earned her place in her team and being a woman, she knows that a single mistake can cost her everything. Slade, on the other hand, is as alpha as any man can be. And this is where the conflict draws in. While Slade wants to protect the woman he loves, Lena sees it otherwise. Her perspective is that Slade does not believe that she can hold her own. With the difference in perspective, this ultimately causes the drift between them but Slade is not giving up on Lena. Their chemistry is off the chart and sparks fly everywhere. They make a great couple and I love it when the female lead gives the male lead a run for his money BUT I did find myself so much more frustrated with Lena than Slade. Believe it or not, Slade seemed to be more levelheaded at times compared to Lean. At least in my opinion. And he knew exactly what he wanted. There’s no hesitation in that and that made him all the more charming. It’s no lie that Lena still loves Slade but it took so long to get there. She was undecisive and in denial for sooo long. The main conflict I would say would be for these two to come to a common understanding of each other and as they tried to find their ground, their love for each other was put to the test endlessly. I personally enjoyed reading this but those few things about Lena and her insistence of running away (forever) is ultimately what became the decision maker in rating this 3.5 stars. Technically, it might be more like 3.8 but overall, despite the character developments, everything was quite great.

[Maggie Brundage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner that kept you on the edge of your seat. This is the story of Slade Overstreet and Lena Graham, both operatives and formally married to each other - but not now. When they see each other after several years they cannot keep their hands off each other but still cannot get along or forgive past mistakes. Throw in an unexpected pregnancy and these two ignite. So many things seem to keep them apart. This book is a really good read with lots of drama, suspense and romance that are thrown in. Slade wants Lena back in his life and sets out to win her again. There are secrets and lots of serious things that play out that keep this book a great read and the hope they will survive to meet their happy ever after again. The whole team of operatives get involved to try to outsmart the drug cartel who they are trying to eliminate. This was a captivating, emotional and sizzling hot read that was very satisfying to read with lots of twists and turns. This book has heart, body and soul that is complex and super sexy. Well worth the read and can't wait for the next book in the series. I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spicy and tension-filled read. Lena Graham has a secret past with Slade Overstreet of Blackout’s Charlie Team. They have sizzling chemistry, but she is frustrated y his protective instincts since she feels he doesn’t see her as an equal. Slade just wants to protect the woman he loves who is his entire world.

An unexpected steamy hookup with her ex-husband at the gala results in unintended consequences that put Lena’s career and future in question. When Slade goes missing in Mexico while on leave, Lena volunteers to go on the rescue mission.

I loved the tension between these two stubborn characters who both have to learn to give a little to get what they want. Their attraction and love for each other is clear as day, but compromise and understanding don’t come easy to either of these warriors

I lived the guys supporting Slade with his Operation: Win Lena Back. Their suggestions and input are sweet and funny because they are offering what’s worked for them and their ladies. I live the camaraderie between the Alpha team members and getting to continue to see them in each Blackout book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Goodness me, what a story these two had; they had so much chemistry and connection, it was their communication skills that let them down at times - I have enjoyed seeing both of them finally getting the other's point of view. I thought it was interesting to see the divide between both teams at times and I liked seeing a person's strength and skills being recognised and celebrated regardless of thier gender.

I think they should just develop headquarters into a secret community or a compound if you like so they all can continue living life to the fullest even though they don't exist anymore...I mean it's heading that way as it is! I really liked the support they both recieved and the commitment to their future that was shown, it was nice to see them work through everything and finally get the HEA they had always wanted. I am looking forward to seeing more of them both in the next series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathaleen Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this one down!

Loved the chemistry between these two from start to finish. Hot, steamy, with just the right angst. Yum! Slade and Lena have a long hard history that no one knows about. Lena has been running from Slade for a long time. Every time he starts to get close, she takes off again. Will they be able to get it right this time.

I loved the change with this story. This time it’s Lena who is always on the run and hiding from her feelings while Slade is steady and trying to find a way around her wall. It’s great to see that women get squirrely too and struggle with life and their feelings. The back and forth with these two is hilarious and kept me guessing. I love this couple and it was a great end to this series. I am so excited for Blackout Charlie. We’ve gotten glimpses over the series here they come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena is good at what she does, a strong woman and seal. When Slade a fellow seal and Blackout member from another team is missing she volunteers to join for.the search. What no one knows is Lena and Slade used to be married but they divorced because Slade made a decision for her in a battle. She never forgave him because she sees that he won't let her be the woman she wants to be and always trying to protect her. Slade wants Lena back but knows she has shut him out of her life, yeah sometimes she lets him get close but mostly she keeps him at a distance. After they were together after a gala he decides to take a break and goes on vacation to where they spent their honeymoon. Only to be taken by a gang. No one knows he's taken he can only hope to get out by himself or that someone on the team will realize his missing. I loved reading this story good plot great characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rescue . . .

Lena Graham and Slade Overstreet are both alpha-dominant, strong, tough, and amazing members of their separate Blackout SEAL teams. But Lena feels she has to work extra hard to earn the respect of the guys on her team since she is the only female. That sensitivity to wanting to be even more than the guys is what ruined her marriage to her protective husband, Slade Overstreet. So when Slade is taken captive, Lena will not rest until she rescues him and shows him she can take care of herself – and him! Will they finally realize that they are better together than apart, now more than ever?

This author’s stories are always action-packed and intriguing. The characters are awesome and the way they manage to deal with everything, even with the odds against them, will have the reader on the edge of the seat, then standing up cheering! Grab your copy to find out how the rescue goes, and if the two of them can get back together.

[Ms. Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena Graham is the only female on the SEAL Blackout Alpha team. Slade Overstreet is a SEAL on the Blackout Charlie team. At a military gala, they hook up in Slade’s room. It’s not the first time they have been together.

8 weeks later, Slade is on vacation and goes to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. It holds a special piece of his heart because he and his wife honeymooned there. Slade goes to a hole in the wall bar and is kidnapped.

Since Charlie team is on an op, Alpha team is in charge of finding Slade. Sparrow is sending three members of the team. He is sending Frost and Mustang and Lena volunteers to be the third team member.

Can Alpha team find Overstreet? Why did Lena volunteer to be part of the rescue? What secret is Lena hiding from her team and Overstreet? Will it compromise the mission and her career?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena and Slade were both on Blackout teams, with Slade on Blackout Charlie and Lena as part of Blackout Alpha...which wasn't normally a problem since the teams generally didn't go on the same missions, with the most recent being a combined operation in Bosnia...then Slade took over when Lena extracting information from terrorist...making her angry at him all over again...since she had little contact with the man since their divorce approximately six years before...but when he is on leave in Mexico and kidnapped, she leads a three person team to rescue him...if the stubborn fool will let her...but you will need to read this story to see the chemistry between the two that jumps off the pages and compels the reader to find out what is going on with the pair...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you get romantic sparks between two Navy SEAL? Well, in the case of Lena Graham and her ex-husband, Slade Overstreet the explosion is definitely something to see. For Lena, while she sees Slade as a youthful mistake, she can't seem to ignore the sexual attraction she still feels for him. Slade is fully engaged in "win back Lena Graham" and when her Alpha Team "brothers" find out, they are anxious to get on board and help him win her back. I really loved this story and while they have all been exceptional, this one just seemed to hit the spot for me. I hate that this seems to be the end of this series at least for the "time being", I hope the author will come up with more spinoffs VERY SOON!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in the SEAL Team Blackout series. You can read it as a standalone but it is connected to the other books in the series and connects Alpha team with Charlie team. Lena and Overstreet's story is everything I expected it to be, steamy, plenty of action, and the perfect play on your emotions you'd expect with a second chance romance. Lena is as tough as nails and Overstreet's protectiveness drives her crazy. She's a SEAL, she doesn't need protecting she does the protecting. Overstreet is a SEAL too so those same instincts are ingrained in him too, especially when it comes to the woman he loves. Could not put it down, fast paced and steamy. Really looking forward to reading Charlie teams book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ragu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book nine of SEAL Team Blackout Lena and Slade’s story. As with the other eight book in the series you start right out barely into chapter one and you are like “life leave me be - I’m not putting this book down”! Such a good story gave me all kinds of emotions throughout. Ms. Petrova does an amazing job of keeping her stories flowing and interesting, immersing us into the lives of Lena and Slade, the action, drama, tensions, fears, anxiety and the back and forth banter keeps it and us close to real. Their chemistry is unbelievably hot. Can they get over their stubbornness and realize whether they can make it as a couple? Can they put their past angers and angst aside? This is a must read. I would actually re-read this story, which I never do. Such a good story! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout most of the SEAL Team Blackout series litlle information has been given about the only female member of Alpha Team, Lena Graham. Make no mistake, this woman is as good as if not better than her male counterparts. But, she's had to work for that every step of the way. Slade Overstreet is on Charlie Team. He's 100% Alpha and caregiver. He and Lena have a past and now because of a hookup they have some big decisios to make about a future. But first, he's in big trouble. It's up to Lena, Frost and Mustang to extricate him. As a result now they all have targets on their backs thanks to a Mexican cartel. Slade and Lena struggle to mend their estranged relationship. It takes some sage advice from friends and a few dicey moments for them to both see that they're better together than apart.

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena and Slade's love story would be one for the ages - if only they got along outside of the bedroom as in it. It's undeniable that their sexual chemistry is explosive every time they are together. But as a female operative, she works hard to be "one of the boys" and keep their respect. As such, she may be a little over sensitive when Slade goes into protection mode with her. Her current teammates don't know about her past relationship with Slade until she is part of a rescue mission to save Slade.

These two made me want to lock them in a room until they worked out their differences. But then, as the story progressed, circumstances happened that helped them see things from the other's point of view. There was also plenty of humor, team camaraderie, and danger.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Sweet Refuge . This story is sensational . It's action packed and Suspenseful and really steamy . Lena Graham is one of Black ops Alpha team . She's been trying to avoid Slade Overstreet but their chemistry is off the charts and they have history . Slade is Black Ops Charlie team he wants Lena in his life . After a hookup at the Military Gala both their lives will never be the same . Slade and Lena struggle to find their way through a relationship. Lena puts up one heck of a fight but Slade launches mission Win back Lena . It maybe harder when there's targets on both their backs . But together they are a heck of a team .I highly recommend taking the time to read .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena Graham is used to faces obstacles after all as the the only female member of the SEAL Team Blackout she is always having to prover herself well in her own eyes anyway and that is what led to her divorcing her husband after all he tried to protect her and made her feel weak. The only problem is she has kaput her marriage and divorce quite from her team and the main reason why is that her ex is non other than Slade Overstreet a member of Charlie Team. But things come out when Slade is kidnapped by the very drug cartels that the two teams have recently decimated. Can she help in his rescue What will happen when they are thrown together again and how will they handle the consequences of their night of passion You will have to read to see

[Shannon Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena and Overstreet!!!
“Sweet Refuge,” Book 9 of Em Petrova’s SEAL Team: Blackout of military-themed contemporary romances, is AHHHHH-mazing! Love Lena. Love Overstreet. Know them both as a fan of the series. Should be a good one, right? Well, Petrova amps it up by adding backstory that made me second-guess what I thought I knew and drew me in from the first page. I was really excited to see the beautiful Lena—the strong, smart operative who holds her own with the men on her team—get her story, and the twists of it only make it that much better. I wasn’t sure what would come next now that the terrorism plot was resolved in Book 8, but the cartel angle brought the action and gave this one a different feel. Love love love this, Em Petrova!!!

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Refuge is the 8th book in the SEAL Team Blackout and a bridge between the teams as Lena is the final member of Alpha to find her HEA - with a member of team Charlie. Both are very much alike - take-charge, strong-willed, protective to a fault. Their chemistry is explosive, their feelings intense - but neither can stand by and watch the other one fight alone. Then life throws them some unexpected loops and they realize that while they're good on their own, they're so much better together. I loved seeing these shadow warriors find their personal light and look forward to team Charlie's stories next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne (Izzie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you have some time to read this, as after you start you won’t be able to put it down until you’ve finished it. Lena and Slade are both SEAL’s on top secret Blackout teams, though one is on Alpha team whilst the other is on Charlie team. They were a married couple a few years ago, but are no longer and have not seen each other for some time- their colleagues are unaware of their history. When Slade is kidnapped Lena and her team race into action, Lena having knowledge of things which help to find him which no one else knew about. The chemistry between them is out of this world, and Slade wants Lena back. However, nothing is straightforward and their story will keep you turning the pages.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 9th book in the SEAL Team Blackout series featuring the steamy action-packed drama between Slade and Lena. Slade and Lena are both strong alpha warriors so they're a perfect match for each other in more ways than one it also doesn't hurt that the chemistry between them is explosive. There are quite a few surprises in store that are going to shake-up the dynamics of the Blackout team forever and will keep you turning the pages to see what other surprises are in store for us. You definitely need to read this steamy,action-packed,drama full of adventure, emotion and heat to see what happens. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great SEAL Team Blackout Story!!

Lena Graham has to be “better” than the men to gain and keep respect of her fellow team members as the only woman on the team. Lena works on Team Alpha, and dreads working with Team Charlie where Slade Overstreet is on the team. They had a relationship, but she felt his protectiveness challenged her abilities, so she ended things. Overstreet is still working to get her back.

The reader slowly learns about their past relationship, and gets viewpoints from both sides. Then Overstreet “disappearing” in Mexico has Lena on the rescue team.

Exciting, action-packed, emotional and romantic. I enjoyed this one a lot!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Em Petrova can certainly tantalise her audience with her exciting plots and wonderfully sexy characters and even though I didn't read many others in this series of hers, I definitely know I will be searching them out sooner rather than later to read. The characters of Lena and Slade were quite delicious and great to see Lena written as an equal in skills to her male co workers. Plot nicely balanced out with dramas, action, tensions and romance but deep down its all about escapism and enjoying the power of the creative thinking writers provide their audience with. Thanks for a moment of romantic escapism!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This story gives new meaning to action packed, especially when it relates to Slade and Lena’s work and personal relationships. The author has created two main characters that are both Alphas, working in high security military ops and this creates it own set of issues. Due to the very nature of their jobs, danger is an ever present possibility. They are not your average H/h found in most books and they butt heads with each other a lot. I loved both Slade and Lena and how they compromised to create their own HEA. It’s an excellent story and one that is definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe that this is the last book of the SEAL Team Blackout series for Alpha Team. This book is about Lena Graham (from Alpha Team) and Slade Overstreet (from Charlie Team) and the obsession they seem to have for each other throughout the series. Turn on your air conditioner or have a fan running because the chemistry between Lena and Slade is so HOT and the book is is full of surprises, secrets, and suspense. Wish I could rate more than 5 stars because this book definitely deserves more. Excellent job Ms. Petrova for not just this book but for the complete ALPHA Team series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.